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  • AFYMP nominates LASUSTECH student Journalism Fellow

    AFYMP nominates LASUSTECH student Journalism Fellow

    By Habeeb Ibrahim

    The African Foundation for Young Media Professionals (AFYMP) has nominated Miss Olaoluwa Esther, a 200-Level Journalism Sequence student of the Department of Mass Communication, Lagos State University of Science and Technology (LASUSTECH), as one of its Campus Journalism Fellows for 2024.

    This was contained in a statement by the AFYMP’s social media handle @africamediafdn which congratulated all the 19 nominees from campuses within Nigeria and other African countries as Kenya, Zambia, Mali and the Gambia.

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    Olaoluwa’s nomination was facilitated by AFYMP, a non-governmental organisation(NGO) aimed at assisting young media professionals to hone their skills as good media professionals and writers. However, as part of her fellowship, Olaoluwa who is the Deputy Advert Manager of the Union of Campus Journalist (LASUSTECH chapter), will start her fellowship with a two-day intensive workshop at University of Ibadan Hotels, between the 15th and 16th of May, 2024.

    Lasustech chapter of the Union of Campus Journalists wishes her the best of luck in her new role as an ambassador of both the Union, the Department and LASUSTECH in general.

    The initiative is under the auspices of Africa Young Media Professionals with the support from Wole Soyinka Centre for Investigative Journalism and McArthur Foundation.

  • How 24-year-old Ilorin indigene became UDUS best ever student

    How 24-year-old Ilorin indigene became UDUS best ever student

    By Abdulrasheed Akere

    Right from secondary school days, Abdulganiyu Abdulrahman Akanbi has been a determined student poised for  excellence. The determination made him to be among the top students of his class in a public school — Government Secondary School, Adewole in Ilorin, Kwara State.

    This made him plan to graduate with First Class when he gained admission to study Islamic Studies in 2018 at the Usman Danfodiyo University Sokoto(UDUS). Thus, at the just-concluded convocation, he broke the school’s 49-year record by becoming the best graduating student ever with a Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of 4.96.

    The highest CGPA a student  got at the 49-year-old  university  was 4.95 produced by the Mathematics Department in 2015. No student had ever achieved that in the history of the institution. Interestingly, Akanbi has set a new record.

    “Before I was given admission to study Islamic Studies, I  already had a strong determination to graduate with First Class honours in any course I’m given to study. That’s why I put all the efforts required for  such a challenging feat,” he said.

    When Akanbi arrived in Sokoto, he realised that there was no place like home but had no choice but to adapt with the new home. He didn’t allow the weather conditions in the seat of Caliphate to affect his determination. As a result, he transitioned from 100-Level with Grade Points (GP) of 4.89 out of 5.0. It was because he had C in a two-unit course among the courses he offered.

    Moreso, he had B in a 2-unit course while in 200-Level, which made him come out with 4.92 Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA).He had a perfect GP of 5.0 in 300-Level and 400-Level which cumulatively formed 4.96 CGPA.

    “It is notable that I had the best results in my 300 and 400 levels respectively while I built my academic excellence right from my first year,” he said.

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    Findings showed that UDUS is one of the hardest universities to study in Nigeria and it produces very few First Class graduates. Evidently, at the just-concluded 2024 combined convocation for 38th, 39th, 40th, and 41st sets, only 167 graduates bagged First Class honours out of more than 13,000 graduates.

    The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Lawal Suleiman Bilbis, said: “In terms of academic achievements for all the four sets, 167 students graduated with First Class; 3,486 with second-class upper division, 9,573 with second-class lower division, and 15 with pass degrees.”

     “Adeyi Mercy Enyo-Ojo (B.Agric) is the best-graduating student of the 38th set — 2018/2019 session with 4.78 CGPA; Ismail Abdullateef (B.Forestry) topped the 39th set — 2019/2020 session with 4.72 CGPA; while Salahudeen Sodiq (B.Sc Accounting) is best of the  40th set — 2020/2021 session with 4.73; and Abdulganiyu Abdulrahman Akanbi (B.A Islamic Studies) stood out of the 41st set — 2022/2023 with 4.96 CGPA.”

    Excellence with no incentive

    Many students of the university were shocked that Akanbi was not given any special recognition or prize for attaining such a great academic feat. He was not even called onto the stage for proper recognition in the presence of several dignitaries who graced the event.

    Not only Akanbi, many best graduating students of various faculties who deemed it fit to attend the convocation despite all odds were disappointed. 

    Regardless, Akanbi expressed delight at the feat

    “I believe every winner is always happy. And as such, I’m very excited to have graduated with a First Class and top of my class. Not only that, as the best graduating student in my faculty and the whole university during the 2022/2023 academic session.

    “When I gathered that my CGPA was the highest so far since the establishment of the university, my happiness increased while I remained grateful to the Almighty Allah for His blessings and grace, and my lecturers, mentors, and all those who made the journey possible,” he said.

    Challenges

    When he was asked about his academic challenges, he said: “Definitely, there is a price  for any good thing achieved. In my case, though I easily adapted to the environment, I faced some challenges ranging from unstable weather causing differing health issues, and minimally, paucity of funds. I could remember how I became a monthly-visitor to  the clinic.”

    In his 200-Level, he couldn’t afford some of the recommended materials to enhance his studies which left him in deep worries. He was able to overcome it through connection with friends, lecturers, mentors and more.

    Akanbi’s source of motivation

    Akanbi loves reading, writing (especially in Arabic Language) and exploring productive opportunities. He enjoys playing at leisure time. He  communicates in Yoruba, English, Arabic and Hausa properly.

    He was motivated by  his parents, especially his mother who he promised to always make proud and his lecturers.

    Akanbi said: “Aside from my lecturers who have been instrumental in shaping my intellectual prowess, successful individuals in the profession such as Prof. Isiaq Oloyede, the JAMB  registrar, also motivated me.

    “My constant motivation is deeply rooted in some  inspiring, mind-soothing and enticing religious texts of the Glorious Qur’an and Prophetic traditions,” he added.

    First Class  is the best

    He advised all undergraduates to be determined and know the class of degree they want to graduate with.

    “My advice to undergraduates is that  they should  aim for First Class and work for it because that is the best class of degree. They should research what it requires to bag it, be focused on it and have adequate planning,” he said.

    He encouraged extracurricular activities such as campus journalism which would help them to develop good writing and communication skills. Akanbi said prayers will also help, urging students to be fervent in prayers and to always seek elderly advice.

    “I do not know what life after campus has for me, but my plan is to explore more opportunities and go for postgraduate studies immediately. This is because I don’t want to relent at all,” he added.

  • Developers  battling multiple charges, inflation

    Developers  battling multiple charges, inflation

    Developers in Lagos State have urged the state government to reverse its charges in the real estate sector. JOSEPH ESHANOKPE reports that they also urged the government to curb inflation by introducing measures similar to those unveiled in other sectors

    •Seek government’s intervention

    Chief Ahmod Sani is a real estate developer based in Mushin Lagos. He asserts never to have had it so bad. With over 10 years of experience, he said business has been good until lately when he said some horrid factors combined to create a lull in the real estate business. The factors that made business so taxing, he said, are excessive charges by the state government and hyperinflation.

    Sani, who is the General Secretary of the Association of Real Estate Developers (AREDOLS) Lagos State chapter, said in the past five years, the business had been dreary, no thanks to the Lagos State Government and its agencies, who, he claimed, are breathing down his and his colleagues’ necks with new and increased charges, using revenue generation drive as subterfuge.

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    On behalf of the association, Sani lamented: “A major concern for AREDOLS is the recent increase in the cost of building plans by the Lagos State Government. Also, the ministries of Physical Planning, environment, and Land Bureau have slammed an over 125 per cent increase in the erection of buildings. Before now, the charge per metre was N120. It has been increased to N400. With this increment, developers have already incurred several millions of naira before the commencement of any building.

    “Apart from the high cost of building materials, there’s the likelihood that houses on rent and properties for lease would witness sharp increases soon. The association is desirous to support the development of quality and comfortable accommodation as part of its contributions to nation-building and commitment to residents of Lagos.

    “We urge the legislators to put the executive and the civil service in check by reviewing the recent increase in the building approval processes and other levies that are usually collected by the ministries of physical planning, housing and the environment, lands and special duties and the Lagos State Material Testing Laboratory (LSMTL) as well as the Special Adviser to the Governor on Central Business District (CBD).’’

    Giving a breakdown of the charges, Sani said the earlier assessment was N100 per metre. There was none on fencing, application form, Local Purchase Order (LPO) and the one by the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA). He said the Babajide Sanwo-Olu-led administration introduced the fees and LASEMA with its “specifications for payment on an advertisement with the size of a sign board. Now, five per cent of the total money is calculated as an assessment of a building.”

    The first-stage approval payable to the Lagos State Physical Planning Permit Authority (LASPPPA) also known as the Planning Permit Authority and Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA) is calculated on each floor of the house as follows: fencing floor, layout fee, application, N50, 000, LPO 50 per cent, 100 per cent Special Enhancement fee, 35 per cent Stage Certification fee, five per cent LASEMA and a charge by the Safety Commission. Also, there is a charge by the Lagos State Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) for refuse disposal.

    To obtain approval for a building permit in Lagos is akin to the proverbial camel passing through a needle-very taxing. Many ministries and agencies such as the Office of the Surveyor-General, the LASPPA under the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development, the Ministry of Environment and LABSCA are involved in permit approval.

    Just to let you know, last year, the government rolled out 27 requirements to be met before one obtains building permits in Lagos. The state Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Oluyinka Olumide, advised property owners and developers to get planning permits before building.

    The documents are five original copies of architectural drawings duly stamped and sealed with a stamp endorsed by the Architects Registration Council of Nigeria (ARCON); five original copies of structural drawings duly signed, sealed and dated together with a letter of supervision from an engineer registered with the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN), confirming that the building is constructed according to good standards and under the supervision of the engineer who will be responsible for any failures or defects on the project; calculation sheet for the materials to be used for the project,  okayed by a COREN engineer; payment of assessment fees due on the application; five original copies of the mechanical and electrical drawings (if needed), certified true copy of title documents (that is certificate of occupancy, registered conveyance, governor’s consent or letter of allocation).

    Others are confirmation/clearance letter from the Land Bureau if title documents are being processed by the Bureau; clearance letter from the Land Use Allocation Committee (LUAC); fire safety clearance letter from the state Fire Service (if applicable), metro-line corridor clearance letter from the Ministry of Transportation; traffic impact assessment report from the Lagos State Ministry of Transportation, drainage clearance letter from the Office of Drainage Services, Ministry of Environment; copy of a confirmation letter from New Towns Development Authority.

    A developer or a prospective house builder also needs oil test report, environmental impact assessment report from the Office of Environmental Services, Lagos State Ministry of Environment (if applicable), letter of structural stability/integrity report duly signed by a COREN engineer (in case of a construction/renovation of a building), Physical Planning Technical Report from LASPPPA; clearance letter from the Nigerian Air and Civil Aviation (if applicable), clearance letter from  the Lagos State Urban Renewal Agency (LASURA).

    A developer is also required to provide an original sun-print survey plan, tenement rate or receipt of land use charge, or affidavit as to payment instead of receipts, two passport photographs of the applicant, a copy of tax clearance certificate or evidence of updated personal income tax payment of the applicant(s) or tax clearance certificate of two directors if the applicant is a company. Evidence of Pay As You Earn (PAYE) returns (where the applicant is a company), a copy of the certificate of incorporation (where the applicant is a company), a receipt for development levy and the site photograph.

    These requirements cost a huge sum of money; sometimes up to N5 million. This stance, according to the government, could be why many developers cut corners, albeit to their peril, as doing so attracts heavy sanctions, including the pulling down of a building and loss of the land in the long run.

    However, the Association is not leaving things to chance. It argued that the government had to listen to the yearnings of the people, which they partly represent, especially at this time that the economy is unfavourable to the masses; and for the over 25 per cent deficit in the housing sector to be reduced drastically.

    On his part, the Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the Association, Otunba Quadri also urged the government to review the Tenancy Law which, he claimed, is in favour of the tenants to their and landlords’ detriment. He noted that most tenants, either because of the economic downturn or deliberate act, refuse to pay their rents when they are due, especially after the first bulk payment, which the law frowns at. He added that when tenants pay promptly; they do not have any problems.

    Sani said the government should see developers as partners in progress. Also, he said developers, specifically the association, supported Sanwo-Olu and his team during his first outing and campaigns for the second term. As a result, the administration should not see them as outsiders. It rather should look at the issues which they have been raising over the years with senior government officials who promised to look into the matter but did not.

    Sani contended that rents on houses built by developers are cheaper because his colleagues always feel for the people for whom they reduce their leases. He cited a client who charged N650,000 yearly on his four-year-old two-bedroom flat on the Mainland, whereas he (Sani) charges a mere N250,000 on such a facility.

    Worse still, Sani said he gathered that the government has turned the sector into an ‘’oil well,” even as he added that most officials claimed the government gave them targets to meet. So, they go out many times taking undue advantage of the government’s policies to milk the people dry through a collection of bribes.

    Also, many authorised agents have emerged who claim to be working for the government and are either collecting money that is hardly receipted or where they are, it is found later that they are fake receipts.

    To Dr. Tayo Popoola, a Mass Communication teacher at the University of Lagos, the government should be sympathetic.

    Popoola, an Associate Professor and a researcher in urban development, said charges, no matter how well-intentioned by the government, do have spiral effects on the people, in the long run.

    He said: “Once the tax is increased, rent will also increase and once the rent is increased, it will burden residents of Lagos who will have to look for additional money to make up for the rent. What we have been appealing to the government at all levels in this country in recent times is that it should consider the hardship the people are going through and ameliorate them, rather than aggravate the suffering.

    “There is no money and we are battling with palliatives. The palliatives the government has introduced are yet to go around. Where will the people get the extra money that they are required to pay or augment the increase? It is unfair.

    “The implication is that it will add to the people’s woes and increase the hardship on the people.”

    Curb inflation

    In addition to the aforementioned,  the developers also urged the government to intervene in the industry by bringing down prices of building materials and tackling the menace of land owners who do not stop at land sale but also hold on to the short end of the stick until the house is completed and even thereafter. The developers said the price of a bag of nails has jumped by almost 100 per cent from N22,000 to N40,000; binding wire from N10,500 to about N20,000; a 50-kg bag of cement, from N5,500 to N13,000, until it crashed to N9,500 last week. Also affected are woods, whose prices have risen sharply.

    A 30-ton truck of sharp sand has also moved rapidly from N120,000 in January to the current price of N300,000. Filling sand has followed the same trend. Rods were N470,000 per ton, now it is N1.4 million; trailer load now costs N40 million.

    “The problems in the industry are too many. We pay for security to omo lile (land owners). Before you remove the roofing sheets, assuming you are renovating, you must settle them. If you report them to the police, they won’t do anything,’’ Quadri lamented.

    Continuing, he said: “We appeal to the government for help. Our interface with the government’s officials in the past has been fruitless.” In Ghana, a 50-kg bag of Dangote Cement is N7,000. It is so because it is highly subsidised by the government. Why can’t the government do the same here?”

    AREDOLS wants the state government to introduce measures similar to the ones the Federal Government implemented in the airline sector where interest loans were given to airlines. Also, they said the government could intervene by reducing the charges akin to its Sunday Markets where it heavily subsidised food. It insisted that land matters should not be treated like activities in the petroleum sector.

    Reacting to the issues raised by the developers, the Director of Public Relations of LASBCA, Segun Olaoye said the agency does not charge developers arbitrarily-that is, above what the government asked them to pay.

    On the complaints that the charges were too exorbitant, he said: “I don’t know.”

    He, however, urged developers to go through government officials instead of middlemen.

  • Declining soil fertility threat to food security

    Declining soil fertility threat to food security

    The challenges posed by declining soil fertility present substantial issues for many African countries, including Nigeria, especially in the light of the continent’s anticipated population growth. With an estimated 2.5 billion people expected to inhabit Africa by 2050, there will be a substantial increase in food consumption, placing further strain on the continent’s already burdened agricultural systems. In response to these pressing challenges, campaigns and initiatives geared towards enhancing soil fertility, advocating for sustainable agricultural practices and mitigating the impacts of environmental factors are gaining momentum. DANIEL ESSIET reports

    At the launch and commemoration of the 14th Africa Day for Food and Nutrition Security (ADFNS) Commemoration and 19th Comprehensive Africa Agricultural Development Programme (CAADP) Partnership Platform held in Zambia last year, Mrs Estherine Lisinge-Fotabong, the Director of Agriculture, Food Security and Environmental Sustainability at the African Union Development Agency-NEPAD (AUDA-NEPAD), underscored the imperative to accelerate intra-regional food trade, enhance food security, and stimulate economic growth across the continent.

    Mrs Lisinge-Fotabong stressed the importance of promoting the cultivation and consumption of locally-sourced foods as a means to address hunger and malnutrition in Africa. However, she acknowledged that nutrition and food security remain precarious due to various vulnerabilities in the continent, including climate change-induced shocks, ongoing conflicts, and fluctuations in global food prices, among other factors. Given that a significant portion of Africans rely on agriculture for their livelihoods, agriculture stands as the primary industry on the continent. However, the recent population surge and dwindling arable land availability have exerted significant pressure on soils, highlighting the critical need to maintain soil fertility to mitigate the risk of food insecurity.

    Over time, Africa has witnessed a decline in soil fertility, with notable implications for regions like Nigeria. Communities grappling with degraded soils face heightened vulnerability to the impacts of climate change, including droughts and floods, exacerbating challenges in adaptation and resilience. Recognising the urgency of the situation, the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) of the United Nations, the Nigeria Institute of Soil Science (NISS), and the Soil Science Society of Nigeria have all underscored the imperative of addressing soil degradation within the country. These groups have emphasised the critical need to preserve soil fertility and health, given that soils serve as the foundation of food production and are increasingly stressed by climate change and human activities.

     According to FAO data, approximately 33 per cent of Nigeria’s agricultural areas have already been impacted by soil deterioration, stemming from compaction, acidification, salinisation, erosion, loss of organic carbon and biodiversity, and nutrient imbalances. Analysts warn that the declining fertility of arable fields, particularly in key production regions, poses an imminent threat to the agricultural sector if left unaddressed. In response, ongoing campaigns seek to encourage farmers to adopt best practices for long-term soil enrichment. The dwindling fertility of land, especially in the northern region, poses a severe threat to the country’s food security. To mitigate soil deterioration, organizations such as the Sasakawa Africa Association (SAA) are actively assisting farmers in the North, aiming to bolster soil health and agricultural productivity.

    The remarkable story of Abdulmumini Adamu serves as a testament to the transformative power of Conservation Agriculture (CA) and Integrated Soil Fertility Management (ISFM) among Nigerian smallholder farmers. Through the adoption of limited tillage and other sustainable farming practices, Adamu not only significantly increased his crop yields but also managed to reduce his labour expenses. Under the guidance of the Sasakawa Africa Association’s (SAA) comprehensive training programme, Adamu successfully implemented techniques such as low tillage, mulching, crop rotation, and composting. These practices not only resulted in an astounding 85 per cent reduction in labour costs but also led to a remarkable 50 per cent increase in crop yields. Such remarkable gains can be attributed to the improved soil health and enhanced moisture retention facilitated by the application of ISFM and CA methods.

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    The work of Dr. Shamie Zingore, Director of Research and Development at the Morocco-based African Plant Nutrition Institute (APNI), plays a pivotal role in addressing the challenges confronting smallholder farmers across Africa. With an estimated 33 million smallholder farmers facing obstacles such as low productivity and limited access to modern agricultural techniques, Dr. Zingore’s research assumes paramount importance in enhancing soil health, boosting crop yields, and ultimately, improving human nutrition. Through innovative research initiatives, Dr. Zingore and his team are instrumental in advancing agricultural practices that promote sustainability and prosperity among smallholder farmers across the continent.

    According to him, low fertility in the natural environment and inadequate soil conservation efforts have left sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) with some of the world’s worst soils. He pointed out that the continent’s ability to feed itself is being seriously undermined by the annual loss of soil nutrients valued at over $4 billion. He said to properly solve the problems of food security in Africa, soil and nutrient management technologies need to strike a balance between boosting crop output and improving soil fertility. APNI, where he works is pursing 4R Nutrient Stewardship initiative. The 4R Nutrient Stewardship initiative is a framework for guiding nutrient management practices in agriculture. It emphasizes applying the right source of nutrients, at the right rate, at the right time, and in the right place. For him, addressing growing soil fertility challenges is indeed crucial for sustainable agriculture and food security, especially in Africa s where smallholder farmers rely heavily on the productivity of their land. He noted: “We are at a very important time for African agriculture as the continent faces a myriad of challenges linked to unsustainable agriculture including chronically low agricultural productivity and human malnutrition, which is estimated to be seriously impacting at least 20per cent of the African population.”

    One of the significant challenges that Africa faces is ensuring food security of a growing population. Recognising the critical role fertilizer and soil health has in tackling the problem, the African Union (AU) is launching a 10-year Action Plan demonstrates a long-term commitment to addressing these challenges and investing in sustainable agricultural practices. Under the aegis of its Africa Fertilizer and Soil Health (AFSH) Summit, AU is convening heads of states, ministers, and agricultural development partners in Africa this May 2024, in Nairobi, Kenya to launch a 10-year Action Plan for associated investments. Launching the Action Plan demonstrates Africa’s commitment to finding local solutions to local challenges.

    He noted: “Building on the 10-Year Action Plan, AFSH will identify the key critical areas for investment into policy and market investments but also into the critical technologies for sustainable plant nutrition and soil health management on the continent. These targets will be necessarily underpinned by accelerated support for building research and extension capacity to ensure knowledge generation is both relevant and practical for Africa’s farmers and translated into scalable solutions for sustained improvement of agricultural productivity across Africa.”

    In his role as the Acting Director of Research and Innovation at the Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa (FARA), Dr. Wole Fatunbi plays a pivotal role in driving research and innovation initiatives aimed at addressing the pressing issue of soil fertility decline. His advocacy for soil fertility protection and the promotion of best land use practices are indispensable for fostering sustainable agriculture, particularly in Africa where countless livelihoods hinge on farming. Dr. Fatunbi leads efforts to deepen public understanding of soil health, championing sustainable farming methods that preserve soil fertility and advocating for policy frameworks that prioritize soil conservation projects. His multifaceted responsibilities include conducting pioneering studies to unravel the complexities of soil dynamics, promoting knowledge exchange among stakeholders, and influencing policy decisions to integrate soil health considerations into agricultural strategies.

    Recognising the urgency posed by Africa’s burgeoning population and the mounting pressures on its agricultural systems, Dr. Fatunbi emphasises the imperative of collaborative action. He stresses the importance of forging partnerships between farmers, researchers, policymakers, and other stakeholders to implement effective strategies for sustaining soil health. Through his leadership and advocacy, Dr. Fatunbi is instrumental in shaping a more resilient and productive agricultural landscape across the African continent.

    According to Fatunbi, soil salinization is becoming an increasingly serious issue in Africa. He noted. “This is becoming a reality in Africa where the proportion of soil with high salt content is gradually approaching a critical threshold that requires considerable effort. Africa is reported to possess 60 per cent of the remaining arable land globally. Arable land implies a land lot with complementary properties suitable for crop cultivation and livestock rearing. immobilised in the soil colloids due to the presence of higher concentrations of other nutrients.”

  • St. Jude’s, Osyglad emerge Mathematics Day Quiz winners

    St. Jude’s, Osyglad emerge Mathematics Day Quiz winners

    Ose Brain Quest Foundation recently held an online Mathematics Competition to commemorate this year’s International Day of Mathematics/World Mathematics Day.

    According to the brain behind the foundation, Aiwanose Aidanmwosa, the virtual competition was held to encourage easy mastery of Essential Skills and Formulas for solving problems in Geometry particularly, and other branches of mathematics in general.

    About 300 students registered for both the junior and senior schools from both public and private schools across states.

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    The first stage tagged ‘International Day of Mathematics’ was held on Thursday March 14, 2024, with 29 pupils qualifying in the Senior Category, while 72 qualified for the Junior Category.

    The final stage tagged ‘World Mathematics Day’ was held on Saturday March 23, 2024, where Gabriella Ejimadu of St. Jude’s Private Secondary School, Festac emerged overall winner in the senior category.

    Ogboumah Ohiomokhai-Oghehne of Araromi Ilogbo Senior, Ilogbo and Munachi Ifeanyi Chizubelu of King’s High School, Satellite Town tied in the second position.

    The same scenario played out in the third place, where Chisom Ewuzie of Prince Charles International Secondary School, Apapa and Shanu Abdullah of Iworo Ajido Model College, Iworo, Badagry tied.

    In the Junior Category, Desolaoluwa Sipasi of Osyglad Comprehensive College, Oko Afo, emerged overall winner; he was followed by Chinonso Onwuka of King’s High School Satellite Town; while Adeneye Miracle of Satellite Junior Secondary School and Chigozie Oguejiofor of King’s High School tied in the third position.

  • Journalist donates uniforms, tables to school

    Journalist donates uniforms, tables to school

    A Broadcast journalist and Founder, of Starlight Talents Foundation, Mr. Ola Awakan, has donated 40 uniforms to 40 students at his primary school, Wowo Nursery and Primary School, Olodi-Apapa, Lagos State.

    He also donated a motivational signpost which was placed at the entrance of the school to motivate the pupils and tables and chairs to the teachers to enable them to discharge their duties comfortably.

    Awakan, who doubles as a Thespian, stated that he graduated from the school in 1994 and this was the second time he had donated items to the school through his foundation, Starlight Talents Foundation.

    This gesture, he said, stems from his deep understanding of the community since he grew up in it.

    “I grew up in Ajegunle and I know the reality of this community. The children are not as easily determined and focused due to their environment.

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    “Getting to the level that I am today, I always feel the urge to come and give back to my to primary school. I recognise that my achievements today were not easily attained, and I am driven to give back to my to primary school.

    “Two years ago, I observed the state of the school, including the substandard teacher tables and this motivated me to promise an upgrade.

    “I placed the motivational signpost at the entrance of the school to remind the children that I grew up in Ajegunle and I attained greatness to this level and I’m still aiming higher, they also regardless of any distractions from family or society can attain it.”

    He added that giving these uniforms to the children would give them hope and help them believe in themselves.

    The Head Teacher of the school, Mrs. Stella Eze appreciated him for his second visit to the school stating that he has added more life to the school.

    All Progressives Congress (APC) Vice Chairman Ajeromi Ifelodun Local Government Area (LGA), Goriola Taofik, described Awakan as one who always lends a helping hand to those in need.

    He appreciated his gesture to the school and urged the government to do more in the area of education in Ajeromi Ifelodun LGA.

    Head of Section, Ajeromi Ifelodun Local Government Education Authority, Mr. Oduntan Olukoya, stated that this gesture by Awakan will surely have an impact on the lives of the students.

  • ‘Benue primary school structures are out of fashion’

    ‘Benue primary school structures are out of fashion’

    Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia has said his administration will build good structures in primary schools across the state because the existing ones are out of fashion.

    Speaking at the inauguration of projects executed by the Executive Chairman, State Universal Basic Education Board ( SUBEB), Dr. Grace Adagba, to mark her 100 days in office, Alia stated that primary school teachers would no longer use chalk board in classes for teaching because he would provide modern instructional materials for teaching.

    The governor said the projects inaugurated were for the enhancement of Basic Education in the state by building teachers’ capacity.

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    He noted that the UBE is a basic nine-year programme that ensured all children of school age have basic education.

    He expressed satisfaction with Dr. Adagba’s performance and called on other appointees to emulate her leadership quality.

    Dr. Adagba, on her part, said the projects were made possible by the governor to revolutionise basic education.

    She urged members of staff to key into the agenda of the present administration and improve standard of basic education.

    “Through the support of the governor, I have been able to set up a Digital Resource Centre, remodel the main gate, build the new office of the executive chairman,” she said.

  • Only 63 % of primary school age children regularly attend school, says UNICEF

    Only 63 % of primary school age children regularly attend school, says UNICEF

    The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has said the education system in Nigeria is facing challenges of retention, transition and completion by pupils, particularly in the Northeast and Northwest regions of the country.

    Speaking during a two-day regional stakeholders meeting on out-of-school children and retention, transition and completion models in Bauchi, Gombe and Adamawa states, UNICEF’s Bauchi Chief of Field Office, Tushar Rane said the situation has worsened over the past decade.

    According to him, with a significant number of primary and junior secondary school-age children out of school, totaling 10.2 million and 8.1 million respectively, Nigeria is at the forefront of global challenges in education.

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    “Only 63 percent of primary school age children regularly attend school. According to the Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey 2021, only 84 percent of children effectively transition to junior secondary education after primary school completion. Less than 50 percent – about 2.4 million – of the 5.9 million children who commence Primary Grade 1 annually in Nigeria persist to the conclusion of Junior Secondary Grade 3,” he said.

    In his address, Yawoji Ahmed Bala, a director from Gombe State Universal Basic Education Board, cited factors like early marriage, peer pressure, and social norms as contributing to the high number of out-of-school children.

    The stakeholders meeting was aimed at garnering collective commitment towards developing and implementing strategies to reduce the number of out-of-school children and improve retention, transition, and completion rates, particularly for adolescent girls and boys in secondary schools.

    The meeting, attended by commissioners of education and executive secretaries of SUBEB, emphasised the urgent need for concerted efforts to address these challenges in the education landscape.

  • Why UNILAG established a micro finance bank, by VC

    Why UNILAG established a micro finance bank, by VC

    The  Vice Chancellor, University of Lagos (UNILAG), Prof. Folasade Ogunsola, has explained why the institution established a microfinance bank (mfb).

    She said it was to make the institution self-sustaining and discourage youths from migrating abroad, popularly known as the Japa syndrome, by providing jobs for some of the varsity graduates.

    She spoke when the bank hosted its first managing director, Mr. Tunji Jayeola, who retired recently and some directors, including Prof. Solomon Wale Okunuga, Prof. Bola Oboh, and Mr. Segun Odusanya.

    Read Also: UNILAG MFB fetes MD, directors

     Ogunsola sought patronage for the three-year-old bank. “Let us patronise our bank. I am convinced that the future of the bank is bright in view of those we brought in,’’ she said.

    The bank’s Managing Director/CEO, Seun Adekanbi, recalled that the bank, which was established in April 2020, was licensed and commenced operations in April 2021. Among other achievements, it has grown its balance sheet to N500 million and opened a branch outside the campus. While canvassing support for the Mfb, Adekanbi said: “UNILAG Mfb is a bank of the future; an evolving bank. We guarantee you satisfaction, convenience/simplicity and confidentiality.’’

  • Fed Govt seeks legislation to meet challenges of conducting exams

    Fed Govt seeks legislation to meet challenges of conducting exams

    The Federal Government has called for a robust legislation to meet the present challenges of conducting examinations in the country.
    The government said there was an urgent need to review and modernise the country’s legislative frameworks to effectively address challenges of examination malpractice and digital transformation.
    Minister of State for Education, Dr. Tanko Sununu, made the call at a one-day retreat organised by the National Examinations Council (NECO) in Abuja.
    Sununu, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Education, Didi Walson-Jack, said the effectiveness of NECO’s operations was intricately linked to the legislative environment in which it operates.

    Read Also: Opponents of state police are enemies of Nigeria – Gani Adams

    The minister said: “Legislation not only establishes the legal framework for NECO’s activities but also acts as a mechanism for safeguarding the integrity of examinations, protecting students’ rights, and ensuring accountability and transparency in assessment procedures.
    ”Despite the significance of examination legislation, we cannot ignore the challenges we face in this realm. From outdated laws and regulations to emerging issues like examination malpractice and digital transformation, there is an urgent need to review and modernise our legislative frameworks to effectively address these evolving challenges.”
    Also speaking at the event that had its theme as ‘Legislative Functions: The Imperatives of Achieving NECO’s Mandate and the Challenges of Examination Legislation in Nigeria,’ Niger State Governor Mohammed Bago said it was important to look into the existing laws that guide NECO in the conduct of its various examinations to address issues of artificial intelligence and other modern technology.
    Bago, who was chairman of the occasion, said: “This retreat is very timely, and I’m very impressed that the members of the National Assembly are fully represented looking at what the future holds for examination bodies like NECO in terms of innovation, the imperative of changing or amending our laws to be in tandem with technology, time and innovation.
    “For instance, artificial intelligence has come to stay. So, our law must also be able to key into these technological advancements. So, this retreat is timely.
    “I also call on NECO and stakeholders to expand it beyond this hall so that other stakeholders will have input and also be able to come up with robust policies and laws in order to be sent to the national assembly.”
    Registrar/Chief Executive of NECO, Professor Ibrahim Wushishi said the challenges in fulfilling NECO’s mandate highlight the critical need for a robust legislative framework.

    The NECO boss stressed the need for a review of the existing laws of the Council.
    He identified infrastructure constraints, a surge in candidate enrollment, inadequate funding, and examination malpractice, among others, as some of the key hurdles faced by the examination body.
    Majority Leader of the House of Representatives, Prof. Julius Ihonvbere, called for urgent reforms in the examination system to tackle the identified challenges.
    Major stakeholders in the education sector also attended the retreat.