Author: The Nation

From Emma Elekwa, Onitsha

A Professor of Mathematics from the Obafemi Awolowo University, OAU, Ile Ife, Samuel Segun Okoya, has hinged attainment of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) 4, which is ‘Quality Education’ by 2030 in Nigeria on effective passage of knowledge and its correct application by the society.

Okoya stated this in his paper titled, “Implications of helping students understand lectures in Advanced Mathematical Physics” at the 30th Annual Colloquium and Congress of Nigeria Association of Mathematical Physics, NAMP, held at the Igbinedion University, Okada.

Okoya, who is the Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Nigerian Mathematics Society (NMS), described impartation of knowledge as an essential act of service to the nation at this time that the country is approaching 60 years of Independence.

“As a child in elementary school, you recite the multiplication table and it stucks in the memory with the force of a magnet.

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“We can reliably turn to this, many years later in times of questions/tests in multiplication. We simply recall the multiplication table from our subconscious without hesitation and follow up with other mathematical signs of addition, division, square, square root etc.

“This re-establishes the old age truth, ‘practice makes perfection and perfection involves the investment of time’. But this preferred attitude to studying mathematics is being threatened in today’s world filled with TV, social media, and the likes.

He therefore emphasised the need for improved teaching strategies among university and college teachers, and more attention to students learning processes, in order to ensure effective impartation of knowledge.

“Teachers/lecturers, as well as students, have a part to play to ensure that the rigour of continuous practice is sustained, so that students can respond to mathematical physics’ questions with instinct.”

Okoya further recommended the internalisation and standardisation of school curriculums, to accommodate the purpose of exchange programs with other universities.

“These are specific and deliberate steps to achieve especially goal 4 of the SDGs, Quality Education,” he said.

Secretary to the Imo State government, Uche Onyeaguocha has underscored the importance of Science Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) in secondary schools to the state’s quest for technological advancement.

He said this at the maiden Education of Imo State Science festival competition grand finale at Government Secondary School, Owerri, organised by Ministry of Education.

Onyeaguocha, who was represented by his special Assistant, Tobechi Chigbu, advised Imo youths to shun vices that could make them lose focus in their education.

Commissioner of Education Prof. Viola Onwuliri, represented by Mrs. Patricia Eleberi, a Director in the ministry, said the world was becoming a global village through science and technology, adding that every state was making frantic efforts to cue into the emerging trends and that Imo could not be left behind in the scheme of scientific challenges as she is blessed with young and talented youths who are eager to specialise in science or science-related fields.

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At the end of the competition Chukwuocha Chukwunaza of Bethel College, Ezinihitte Mbaise came first in the science quiz competition, Ozuzu Adaeze of Logos International Secondary School, Awo-Omamma came second and Chikameto Ebiringa of Living Word Academy, Nkwerre came third.

In the Debate, Enyosiobi Mary Jane of Girls’ Secondary School, Akwakuma came first; Ahaneku Michaiah of Nguru Secondary Commercial School, Aboh Mbaise came second; and Nwanyanwu Malvin of Holy Ghost College, Owerri came third.

For the science exhibition, first position went to two pupils, Inaku David  of CRM International College, Migbirichi and Emmanuel Victoria, Ajaero Natachi of Handmaids Holy child, Amumara; while second position went to Bede Utochukwu of CRM International College, Migbirichi, prizes and gifts  presented to the winners include Laptops, Tablets and other prizes.

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By Adegunle Olugbamila

Nigerian Association for Young Adults (NAYA), a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) has urged the youths not to be so obsessed with seeking greener pastures outside the country’s shores, but be determined to contribute to the development of their fatherland.

The organisation, which is based in Canada, also admonished the young ones to embrace the culture of giving despite the country’s socio-economic challenges.

NAYA President, Mr. Shola Agboola, spoke to CAMPUSLIFE ahead of the the organisation’s donations of medical equipment valued at N784 million across some hospitals in Niger State.

Agboola said aside its various humanitarian efforts, NAYA established 18 years ago, has been at the vanguard of championing a new leadership which will have more representation from the youth segment.

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Balogun, who is serving his second term, notes that NAYA believes in the value of giving. He said membership of NAYA comprises mostly youths and young adults in Canada who understand the socio-economic challenges back at home, and have therefore been making selfless donations of items ranging from laptop computers, books on STEM, hospital equipment as well as instructional materials for pupils.

Agboola recalled that in January, NAYA donated some instructional materials and hospital equipment to some hospital and schools in Abia, adding that the organisatiion had just taken consignment of another set of items that would be distributed at a another yet-to-be announced state.

Emma Elekwa, Onitsha

Inmates at the Custodial Centre, Nigerian Correctional Service in Awka, Anambra State have been urged to take advantage of their stay in the centres to improve their educational qualifications through increased reading.

Chief Executive Officer, National Library of Nigeria, Prof. Lenrie Aina, gave the charge in Awka during the Nigeria National Readership Promotion Campaign with the theme, Reading: A tool for empowering the vulnerable.

He regretted the dimension reading culture has assumed in Nigeria, saying it could impede development, if not urgently addressed.

Aina, who spoke through the Assistant Chief librarian, Gloria Okeagu, said the campaign was an effort with other stakeholders to proffer solutions that would checkmate the trend.

He said: “The extension of the exercise to the correctional services across the country is in line with the present administration’s policy of reaching out to the vulnerable and the poor.

“I urge the inmates to take advantage of the provision of reading opportunities in the centre to read instead of wasting their time with idle talks.”

Assuring of the provision of carefully-selected books to meet the inmates’ information needs, Aina promised to ensure that the Nigerian Correctional Service policy would not allow restricted books at the centres to be abused.

Earlier, the Comptroller of Nigerian Correctional Service, Custodial Centre, Awka, Nwakaeze Emmanuel, said he was optimistic that the visit would further rejuvenate the reading culture among the inmates.

He said: “I receive our guests with every spirit of nostalgia because when we’re in secondary schools and universities, we boasted of the number of literature books we’ve read.

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“But all of a sudden, the whole thing went down like candle light. Instead of reading, people now spend their time on whatsapp, instagram, facebook and other social media platforms.

“The culture is even affecting me because it’s contagious. As a lawyer, when I see voluminous books, I’m excited, but it’s no longer the same today.”

While commending the National library of Nigeria for donating books to the centre, the comptroller pledged that the inmates would make good use of them.

The head of branch, National library of Nigeria, Enugu, Mrs. Rachel Eboh urged the inmates to embrace  reading, describing it as a ladder to the pinnacle of their chosen careers.

The event featured presentations of books and food items to the inmates.

 Damola Kola-Dare

Notable professionals from various fields of endeavour came together to counsel pupils of Home Science Association Secondary School, Alakuko, Lagos State, during their 2019 Career Day last Wednesday.

The session featured professionals from the media, aviation, medicine, agriculture and guidance and counselling.

Principal of the school, John Kenny Olokose, said unlike in the past, when parents limited their wards’ career choices, there were many more fields now in which they could excel.

Olokose  said the decision on which direction to head after secondary school solely rested on the pupils.

He said opportunities now abound in several fields, with pupils having the freedom to decide where to go.

He said: “Many of you have dreams. You can now contextualise the dreams. In the next 10 years, you can be a big achiever. If you do not have a dream, start having one now. Dream your dreams. But note that it takes sacrifice to actualise your dream.”

Speaking on journalism, Editor of The Nation, Mr. Adeniyi Adesina, told the pupils there were two ways to become a journalist – by studying Mass Communication, or acquiring a degree in any course of study and then getting on-the-job training.

He said other professionals, including doctors, architects and lawyers, are journalists. He identified the ability to write as a crucial skill for journalism.

Beyond acquiring a certificate, Adesina said being a journalist required hard work. He said a journalist does not sit in the office but goes to the beat to gather information and then returns to his desk to write stories or feature articles.

He stated that the profession has a constitutional role and as such helps in making leaders accountable to the nation.

He said: “This is the only profession recognised by the constitution.

“You must hold the government of the day accountable as a journalist because your role is to serve the people.”

He also educated the students on the different aspects of journalism: print, broadcast and online.

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When asked if it is safe to practise journalism considering the fact that ace journalist, Dele Giwa died as a result of parcel bomb, he said the attack on journalists in the past was largely carried out during military rule.

He said with the return to democracy, things are stabilising and the government now observes the rule of law.

Doyin Kukoyi, presenter of the popular programme, Gbajumo Osere, on DStv Channel 157, told the students they would need to excel in English and Mathematics to study journalism.

She said studying Mass Communication could also take them into different aspects of journalism as well as public relations and advertising.

She added: “One of the greatest powers you have is the ability to pass on information to every human being.  The power is in passing the message across to a mass audience.”

Kukoyi said every journalist must be distinct in the use of English Language and also have a Unique Selling Point.

Other professionals who spoke included a pilot with Air Peace and a former student of the school, Captain Adebayo Manuwa; a medical doctor, Dr. Macaulay Abimbola; an agriculturist, Nurat Omotayo Atoba; and a counsellor, Oluwatoyin Williams.

By Sampson Unamka

Four secondary school girls, and a boy were the top five at the just-concluded Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) Essay Competition, which featured over 177 schools.

This was made known during the prize-giving day at the Commerce House, Victoria Island. It had as theme: Harnessing the potential of Information Communication Technology (ICT) for economic development.

Seventy-four pupils, 44 girls and 30 boys, took part in the competition.

The contest was inaugurated in 2015. It is geared towards developing the capacity of the average child to understand economic issues, interrogate their intellectual minds, stimulate entrepreneurial instinct inherent in them, and enhance their contribution to national development.

The winners were: Nnachi Grace an SS3 student of Queens College Yaba, Ugoezi Esther an SS3 student of Anastasia Comprehensive College; Obirinanwa Charles, an SS3 pupil of Chrisland High School, Ikeja; Adeniyi Mariam, an SS3 student of Ad-deen Comprehensive High School and Alatise Racheal, an SS3 student of Queens College, Yaba.

Overall winner, 15-year-old Grace, who scored 85 percent, won N250,000, among other consolation gifts. In an interview, she gave credit to her school’s economics department.

She said: “I have to give credit to the economics department of our school, because those teachers sacrificed a lot to make sure our school came out tops. For a week straight, we had to keep on rehearsing and preparing; we were taught the theme as a topic so we the participants in the essay had full knowledge of what we were writing . Our Economics teachers condensed the topic for us, and made sure we had enough knowledge on it.”

Revealing her preparation stages and what she benefited from the competition, she said: “I can remember for a week, I had to keep on going to the course office. I had to keep on reviewing my essay and I had to go through lectures, go to the school media to get points for my essay. It has been fun and I am happy with the results. I also want to thank my parents, friends and well wishers. I feel like this is a starting block  in life, because when I was working on the essay, there were some key points I learnt about the economy and how ICT can improve the economy.’’

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First runner-up, Esther, who scored 82 percent won N200,000 and the remaining three with a tie score of 80 won N70,000 each with consolation prizes as well.

LCCI President, Mr Babatunde Ruwase said ICT has become a tool of efficiency and optimiation of processes and that the ICT industry is playing a transformational role in business growth as well as contributing to better governance.

“It is noteworthy to highlight the pivotal role ICT plays in harnessing potentials for economic development in areas such as poverty alleviation, education, job creation, energy, climate change, solution to developmental challenges, transportation, and the media, just to mention a few. Thus, ICT is a key driver of sustainable economic growth as seen in the Rwandan example, where the country is gradually becoming a pacesetter in Africa,”said Babatunde.

“I hereby use this medium to call on parents/guardians, proprietors, teachers, public and private sector players, and concerned citizens to wake up and  reinvigorate the reading culture in our children. This would act as a catalyst to their personal development and lifelong learning. We all have fundamental roles to play in helping these children to develop and maintain a positive reading habit,”he noted.

By Kofoworola Belo-Osagie

Winner of the 2019 Cowbellpedia TV Quiz, Oghenero Ologe loved Maths so much as a toddler that he wrote from numbers one to four million, his mother, Mrs. Udochika Ologe, has revealed.

Speaking after the 14-year-old won the senior category of the competition which earned him N2 million prize, a study trip, trophy and medal, Mrs. Ologe, who also is the proprietress of the school her son attends, Zion’s Field Academy, Ikorodu, said: “From childhood, he has always loved playing with numbers. In fact, there was a time he asked me to get him an exercise book that he wants to write one to four million; he was about age four or five. He started, and he completed four million and he just showed me from 1,2,3 like that.  I was like wow he is so much interested in numbers; so from then I knew that he is in love with maths.  He has always been the best in his class in all his subjects.”

Oghenero, with 90 points, beat Dabira Akinyemi of Ambassadors School, Ota by a narrow five points.  Hezekiah Olabisi of Biboluwa Academy, Osun State, came third with 85 points.

In the junior category, Michael Enehizena of Scholars Academy, Ota, beat Abdul-Quayum Alli of Ota Total Academy, Ota, Ogun State to the grand prize.

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Michael, who achieved a perfect score of 100 percent in the first stage of the examination, said he practised a lot.

“I tried to calm myself down so that I could answer questions. I practised a lot and I also prayed to God,’ he said.

In third place was David Charles of Graceland International Secondary School, Port Harcourt.

The first and second runners-up of both categories won N1.5 million and N1million each.  Teachers of the top six winners also got between N500,000 and N300,000 each.

Graceland International Secondary School also won the Benson Oweka Memorial Prize for being the most consistent school with top performers in the competition in the past three years.

In his speech, Managing Director of Promasidor, organisers of Cowbellpedia, Mr. Anders Einarsson, said the competition had seen a 34 per cent growth within one year as over 56,000 junior and senior secondary school pupils from over 11,000 schools took the first stage examination.

From Kolade Adeyemi, Kano

Kano State Governor, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, has launched the state’s free feeding programme for pupils in all public primary schools across the state.

The programme is a critical component of the administration’s free and compulsory education policy which targets inclusiveness for vulnerable children, girl-child education and integration of Qur’anic education schools into mainstream formal education.

Speaking at the launch held at Kawaji Jigirya Primary School in Nasarawa local government, Ganduje explained that the school feeding programme was, “aimed at enhancing school enrolment, minimizing absenteeism and generally improving the well-being of the pupils.”

“We are specifically aiming at children from poor families under this programme. We want to improve their nutrition because it is when you do so that you can optimize their capacity to learn and their physical abilities.

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“This programme must be sustained through transparency and accountability in the system, because of its importance. That is why the state Community Promotion Committee must ensure thorough supervision of the food and distribution system in all schools.”

Ganduje said quality assurance committees have been set up by the government to ensure that teaching and learning standards in public schools were not compromised, warning head teachers and teachers to remain alive to their responsibilities.

“You must be up and doing so that we can attain the envisaged 99 percent in quality assurance in our schools,” he said.

 Adamu Suleiman, Sokoto

After recovering about N15 million of the N26 million outstanding debt owed by parents, Blue Crescent Schools, Sokoto, is still grappling with the challenge of recovering over N11 million, its Executive Director, Alhaji Murtala Raji, has said.

He appealed to parents and guardians to pay up to enable the school meet its obligations.

Raji said the debt cut across three sessions: 2009/2010, 2010/2011 and 2011/2012.

Blue Crescent Schools is one of the pioneer private schools in Sokoto, running day care, nursery, primary and secondary schools that enjoy huge patronage.

Raji, who spoke in Sokoto at the inaugural meeting of the newly elected executive committee of the school’s Parent-Teacher Association (PTA), explained that some of the outstanding debts were recoverable, while some were not because the “defaulting parents had withdrawn their children and wards from the school”.

He urged parents who signed undertakings to pay, to endeavour to honour same.

He pledged to sustain the ongoing infrastructural development in the school, to provide the needed conducive atmosphere for effective teaching and learning.

Raji expressed delight about the cordial relationship between the PTA and the school management and pledged to sustain it.

Chairman of the association, Prof. Abdullahi Mainasara, promised  to consolidate on the laudable achievements of the immediate past executive committee infrastructural developments, as well as the welfare of the teachers and the students.

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Mainasara promised that the new robust team would also strive to leave lasting legacies. He averred that each member of the team is equal and important.

According to him, the vision of the new Executive Committee is how to move the school forward to sustain the sterling academic excellence.

The Director of the schools, Dr Mansur Raji, stated that the revolving loans scheme of the Institution would be reinvigorated and sustained to routinely motivate the teaching and non-teaching  staff to be committed and productive.

Also,  the Internal Auditor, Alhaji Maidawa Kajiji,  a member of the Sokoto State House of Assembly,  representing Shagari  Constituency, underscored the need to sustain the laudable achievements of the previous exco.

Others, who spoke at the meeting were Dr Abdukrazaq Olatunji, Second Vice Chairman, Alhaji Isa Kebbe, an ex-officio, Alhaji Mubarak Raji, the Head Teacher and Hajiya Mujidat Lawal, Treasurer.

They corroborated the need to complement the efforts of the management of the School , to take it to greater heights.