The Nation Newspaper

Category: Campus Life

  • Mother tongue aids students’performance, says expert

    Mother tongue aids students’performance, says expert

    It is imperative to adopt the mother tongue or indigenous languages for teaching from the lower cadre to tertiary institutions to make students perform better.

    This was the submission of an author, Mr. Mr Solomon Olubunmi Atala, during the unveiling of his new book entitled: “The First Language Our Hope: Ideas towards a great Africa” in Lagos. The book has  English and Yoruba editions.

    The Federal Government announced in  December 2022,  that first languages would be used  for instruction in primary schools.

    Atala noted that students would do better when taught  in their mother tongues or indigenous languages, adding that his books are geared towards popularising and advocating the use of mother tongue as medium of instruction in schools.

    “If all children or everyone in Africa is educated in the first languages, it means that there will no longer be an illiterate person in Africa, and this will in turn impact governance and communities positively,” he said.

    He decried Africa’s underdeveloped status  in comparison with the rest of the world  because education is done in foreign languages.He urged  Africans to place premium on their languages to boost all round development.

    “Precisely in 1884/ 1885, at the realisation of the Second Industrial Revolution, seven European nations sat in Berlin, Germany to impose their languages and cultures on Africa. Their languages have locked up education from the majority of our people. That singular act sent Africa back to the Dark Ages which ended in the 15th century.

    “Educate everybody in Africa in the first languages, that means there will no longer be an illiterate person in Africa. And that will impact governance in the communities positively.

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     “Africa is not modern because the continent has not used its first languages in the education of its people as done by others since the renaissance. Other people dropped foreign Latin for their vernaculars since the 14th century. As I continued to research earlier efforts to validate my advocacy, I read about the experiment that Prof. Babs Fafunwa did from 1970 to 1978, with some students in now Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife.  His experiment affirmed that students will do better when educated in the mother tongues,” he said.

    The reviewer, Prof.Tayo Ogunlewe of the University of Lagos described the book as timely and  significant towards the  advocacy for mother tongue as a medium of instruction in education.

    He said  it is for a re-appraisal of the value and the need for better recognition and valuation of indigenous African knowledge systems. He said it will be most useful for mother-tongue or first  language activists, indigenous knowledge systems advocates, linguists scholars, educational policy planners and the public.

  • APU VC: Learning a life-long activity

    APU VC: Learning a life-long activity

    • By Kola Alhassan

    Vice Chancellor of the Ahman Pategi University(APU) Patigi, Kwara State, Prof. Mahfouz Adedimeji has charged students to see learning as a life-long endeavour that is not limited to what is offered in the classroom.

    He spoke  at the second  graduation ceremony of  the Ahman Pategi College of Advanced Studies (APCAS) on the university campus, where 36 students were presented their diploma certificates.  

    Speaking on the theme: “Living is Learning, Learning is Leading”,  Adedimeji noted that there were many scholars and intellectuals who had died centuries and years ago but were still living with  their works in the hearts of people.

    The VC urged  the graduates not to see education or learning as what can be completed, adding that only schooling can be completed.

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    The don who likened life to a university that one graduates from only at death,  charged them to be excellent  to distinguish themselves in the society, stressing that those who know lead the rest.

    The erstwhile Director Centre for Peace and Strategic Studies, University of Illorin, said  there are many people walking today but are dead in reality because they are of not useful to themselves and the society,  as they are not missed when absent and not felt when present.

    Adedimeji stressed that readers are leaders and the graduates should take their studies seriously to provide guidance to their peers and society.

    He added that with their graduation from the college, they were poised for higher educational and career opportunities in their  various disciplines.

     Adedimeji lauded the vision of the founder, Hon. Aliyu Ahman-Pategi, which gave rise to the success of the graduates. He also thanked the Board of Trustees of the institution under Sen. Isa Muhammed and the Governing Council under the chairmanship of Amb. Nimota Akanbi.

  • Gov Eno’s aide bags PhD in Communication Studies

    Gov Eno’s aide bags PhD in Communication Studies

    Special Assistant on Media to Governor Umo Eno, Dr Eneh John, was on Saturday conferred with the Doctor of Philosophy Degree in Communication Studies at the University of Port Harcourt.

    Speaking at the University’s new Convocation Arena, John poured encomiums on Governor Umo Eno, for the support so far and finding him fit to serve as his Special Assistant.

    “I am a PhD holder in Communication Studies today, and the journey has not been a smooth one. It was filled with thorns, but I’m happy God saw me through,” he said.

    He further commended Akwa Ibom Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon Frank Archibong, who was instrumental to his Masters and PhD Degrees.

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    “This degree is a higher responsibility on me, as the society views me on a different light now. It is a call for more dedication to duty as Aide of the Governor, and I will continue to do my best to serve the Governor and Akwa Ibom State,” Eneh stated.

  • ECOWAS youth ambassador Gideon Kosi gives 120 youths JAMB forms in Abuja, Warri

    ECOWAS youth ambassador Gideon Kosi gives 120 youths JAMB forms in Abuja, Warri

    An Ambassador of the ECOWAS Youth, Amb. Gideon Kosisochukwu has empowered no fewer than 120 youths in Abuja, the nation’s capital. 

    The empowerment also benefitted youths of Warri, Delta State. 

    He empowered the young students through scholarship scheme to enable them acquire education as a means of building their capacity and helping them face their future. 

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    Amb. Kosisochukwu who was represented by Amb. Dr. Temisan O. Louis CEO Mayorkings Charity Foundation said the gesture is borne out his passion to touch lives and love for education. 

    He further emphasized that the exercise will be an Annual outreach to give back to the African communities.

    The benefitting students who could not hide their joy expressed gratitude to Amb. Kosisochukwu for his kind gesture, praying God to open doors of favour for him.

  • Peter James Kpolovie receives the name in Science Award

    Peter James Kpolovie receives the name in Science Award

    Peter James Kpolovie (Director, Graduate Research, and the former Director, Academic Planning, Research and Control Unit, University of Port Harcourt) has been bestowed with one of the most prestigious awards, THE NAME IN SCIENCE. The Oxford Awards Agency, Academic Union Oxford, Europe Business Assembly, The Rectors’ Club (The Club of the Rectors of Europe – CRE), the multicultural community of professionals, researchers, practitioners, and inventors, and The Socrates Committee, headquartered in Oxford, The United Kingdom, have honoured PETER JAMES KPOLOVIE with one of the highest awards, THE NAME IN SCIENCE.

    The award, THE NAME IN SCIENCE, is given to scientists, inventors, business innovators and researchers who have made worthy contributions to the intellectual development of the modern world, intercultural communication and partnership, promoting the establishment of social progress and humanization of

    society. The award was established by a joint decision of the Club of Rectors 2010 (Protocol No. 2010.11.10) in Oxford (The United Kingdom).

    The Award Certificate states, in parts, that Peter James Kpolovie, a Nigerian, is the holder of the honorary title: The Name in Science.

    “By decision of the Socrates Committee in accordance with Provision, paragraphs 1, 2, the name of Peter James Kpolovie has been recorded in the EBA (Europe Business Assembly) register of outstanding scientists of the 21st century bestowing upon him an award ‘For contribution to world science’.” The certificate was personally signed on February 8, 2024, by Ivan Savvov, Co-Chair of the Socrates Committee, Oxford, United Kingdom.

    The Name in Science Award bestowed on Prof. Peter James Kpolovie has highlighted him as a unique individual who constantly contributes to the evolution of world science, transforming and solving global issues.

    The award, The Name in Science, was established by the Europe Business Assembly and registered by British authorities as number UK00002563774 (https://trademarks.ipo.gov.uk/ipo-tmcase/page/Results/1/UK00002563774 ).

    A letter by the EBA, dated 20/10/2023 with Reference Number IS29/12/23 that nominated Peter James Kpolovie for the award stated that The Name in Science is a made-in-London bespoke award reserved for individuals who make exceptional personal contributions to the development of regional and global science and technologies.

    “The Name in Science Award is presented to scientists, business innovators and researchers who have made worthy contributions to the intellectual development of modern society through partnerships and intercultural communication.”

    It outlined the criteria that the researchers of the Oxford Award Agency, Academic Union Oxford, Europe Business Assembly, and The Rectors’ Club (The Club of the Rectors of Europe – CRE), which are independent organizations and separate from the University of Oxford, used for the nomination are:

    • “National, regional, and international certificates, licenses, and patents
    • Media press coverage and reviews
    • Participation in national and international forums, ratings, exhibitions, and conferences
    • Speeches on forums as a key speaker
    • State and public awards
    • Cooperation with national and international organizations
    • Urgency of the scientific research for civil society development
    • Personal contribution of a candidate to scientific research.”

    The premium set of attributes contained in The Name in Science Award that Peter James Kpolovie was bestowed with includes:

    1. Name in Science Gold Medal with the inscription “PRIMUS INTER PARES”.
    2. Name in Science ribbon.
    3. Certificate that made him a bonafide Member of the Academic Union, Oxford, UK.
    4. Personalized Seal as a Member of the Academic Union, Oxford, UK.
    5. Licence of Europe Business Assembly Corporation of Social Partnership that reads “Licence in accordance with UK Trade Marks Act 1994 and EBA awards regulations, the rights are granted for period of 3 years to use Trade Mark, NAME IN SCIENCE AWARD (The Great Britain and Northern Ireland Patent Office, Reg. #UK00002563774) for marketing purposes to PETER JAMES KPOLOVIE – Director, Graduate Research, University of Port Harcourt, Nigeria. Members of the EBA Licence Committee, The Socrates Committee, and the Registrar International collectively signed the Licence.

    On behalf of the Oxford Awards Agency, Academic Union Oxford, Europe Business Assembly, The Rectors’ Club (The Club of the Rectors of Europe – CRE), the multicultural community of professionals, researchers, practitioners, and inventors, and Socrates Committee; Julia Chambers, the Project Coordinator of Oxford Awards Agency Limited, heartily appreciated and congratulated Peter 4

    James Kpolovie for receiving the highly distinguished Award – The Name in Science.

    Some of the exceptionally valuable and indelible contributions of Peter James Kpolovie to world science are captured in his several Award-Winning books, readily available online at Amazon.com. They include:

    1. Research: Make Impossibility Possible. https://www.amazon.com/RESEARCH-IMPOSSIBILITY-PETER-JAMES-KPOLOVIE/dp/B0BSWC99G6.
    2. Multivariate Analysis of Variance: SPSS Excellent Guide. https://www.amazon.com/MULTIVARIATE-ANALYSIS-VARIANCE-EXCELLENT-GUIDE/dp/B09XSXLNQ3.
    3. Factor Analysis: Excellent Guide with SPSS. https://www.amazon.com/FACTOR-ANALYSIS-EXCELLENT-GUIDE-SPSS/dp/B08ZDV42V7.
    4. Correlation, Multiple Regression, and Three-Way ANOVA. https://www.amazon.com/CORRELATION-MULTIPLE-REGRESSION-THREE-WAY-ANOVA/dp/B092M7WF4M.
    5. IBM SPSS Statistics Excellent Guide. https://www.amazon.com/IBM-SPSS-STATISTICS-EXCELLENT-GUIDE/dp/B08P1H494V.
    6. Statistical Approaches in Excellent Research Methods. https://www.amazon.com/Statistical-Approaches-Excellent-Research-Methods/dp/1482878305.
    7. Excellent Research Methods. https://www.amazon.com/Excellent-Research-Methods-Peter-KPOLOVIE/dp/1482824981.
    8. Handbook of Research on Enhancing Teacher Education with Advanced Instructional Technologies. https://www.amazon.com/Handbook-Enhancing-Education-Instructional-Technologies/dp/1466681624.
    9. Educational Management in Developing Economies. https://www.amazon.com/Educational-Management-Developing-Economies-Effectiveness/dp/3846589314.

    Prof. Peter James Kpolovie, who was full of excitement, immensely thanked the organizers – the Oxford Awards Agency, Academic Union Oxford, Europe Business Assembly, The Rectors’ Club (The Club of the Rectors of Europe – CRE), and the Socrates Committee, which are independent organizations and separate from the University of Oxford, for bestowing the extremely reputable Award, THE NAME IN SCIENCE on him. A person could get virtually no greater scientific honour than The Name in Science.

    Peter James Kpolovie concluded that The Name in Science Award, plus some other awards like The Scientist of the Year 2021, the International Excellence Award 2023, the Best ANOVA Book of All Time, and The Best ANOVA eBook of All Time he has won, have indelibly heroized and immortalized him. He glorified God with praises for enabling him to make indelibly valuable contributions to the world’s scientific and technological advancements.

  • Babcock students Law School feat excites VC

    Babcock students Law School feat excites VC

    By Tofunmi Olaolu

    President/Vice Chancellor of Babcock University Ilishan-Remo, Ogun State, Prof. Ademola Tayo has expressed excitement at the impressive feat of 17 of its graduates who secured First Class honours in the November 2023 Nigerian Law School Bar Final Examinations.

    While congratulating the  students, the VC noted that their achievements underscore the effectiveness of Babcock University’s teaching and learning approach which showcases the institution’s commitment to moulding minds and shaping society through impactful and high-quality education.

     Tayo thanked the lecturers at the iniversity’s School of Law and Security Studies, while recognising their unwavering commitment to the students’ training.

    In a statement,  Director of Communication and Marketing, Dr Joshua Suleiman said  this success surpasses the university’s previous record set in 2021 when 10 graduates achieved First Class in the Nigerian Law School.

    The statement noted that year, Mayowa Abiru, a Babcock University law graduate, emerged as the overall best student in the Bar Examinations.

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     It also added that Emmanuella Ekwale, another standout student from Babcock University, has been honoured with the 2023 Body of Senior Advocates of Nigeria (BOSAN) Scholar award for her exceptional performance in the examinations conducted by the body.

     Since 2019, apart from 2020, at least a Babcock University graduate has consistently secured the BOSAN Scholar award.

    “This figure is the highest that Babcock University has so far produced at the law school.

    “In 2021, Babcock University produced 10 first-class graduates at the Nigerian Law School.

    “That year, Babcock University law graduate,Mayowa Abiru emerged overall, the best student in the Bar Examinations.

    “Also, one of Babcock University students, Emmanuella Ekwale, has been awarded the 2023 Body of Senior Advocates of Nigeria (BOSAN) Scholar for her outstanding performance in the examinations conducted by the body.

    “Since 2019 till date, except in 2020, at least one Babcock University graduate has won the BOSAN Scholar award,” the statement said.

  • ASUU gives scholarship to students

    ASUU gives scholarship to students

    By Andrew Eburu

    The Academic Staff Union of Universities, Federal University of Technology Akure (FUTA) chapter has given scholarship to indigent students with outstanding academic performance as part of efforts to reward diligence and hard work.

    Speaking at the award presentation last week, Chairman, ASUU FUTA Prof. Pius Mogaji  noted that the national body of ASUU picked November 12 every year to celebrate heroes in the struggle for academic emancipation in Nigeria, hence to commemorate this, scholarship awards were presented to brilliant students across the country.

    “The process entailed application by various candidates. After the application process,two FUTA students were selected but ASUU FUTA decided to key into the gesture and extended same to FUTA students and six of them were selected for the award,” he said.

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    Mogaji explained that the gesture is part of its Corporate Social Responsibility because its core mandate is teaching, research and community service.

    “We believe that it is important for all Nigerian students to have access to quality tertiary education and that is why the union will rather canvass for grants and not loans for students to effectively accomplish their academic careers,” he said.

    The don reiterated the union’s commitment towards educational development in the country .

    Speaking on behalf of the recipients, Ms. Victoria Akinpelu thanked the union for its kind gesture, while pledging that the money would be used  appropriately to finance their education.

  • Provost to students: exhibit discipline, good conduct

    Provost to students: exhibit discipline, good conduct

    By Sunday Aderinoye

    Provost, Federal College of Education (Technical) Akoka, Lagos, Dr Wahab Ademola Azeez has urged fresh students at the institution to exhibit discipline, loyalty, honesty and good character at all times on campus.

    He also advised them to combine both academic and moral excellence and refrain from all acts which are contrary to rules and regulations of the college in order not to jeopardise the realisation of their  life ambitions.

    The provost urged the students to eschew ‘unsavory acts’ which include,  examination misconduct, admission fraud, certificate forgery, cultism, fighting, theft, extortion, rape, illicit drug dealings, membership of unlawful secret cult, among others.

    He spoke at the 2023/2024  Nigeria Certificate in Education (NCE) and Professional Diploma in Education (PDE) matriculation  held on campus last week.

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    Azeez said they were among the lucky few to be offered admission to acquire Nigeria Certicate in Education (NCE) and Professional Diploma in Education (PDE) in the college,hence, they should be shinning models of exemplary behaviour and dedicated to academic excellence and be pride of their parents and the country.

    He said they should utilise  the new learning infrastructure and facilities which include, new Science Laboratories, Technical workshop, Fine and Applied Studios, Agricultural Laboratories, Lecture rooms and Lecture Theatre and renovated Hostels.

    The provost urged the students to ensure they acquire skills at the Centre for Vocational Technical and Entrepreneurship Development (CeVTED) in which they would get extra certificate.

    Azeez said the recent enactment of the Federal Colleges of Education (FCEs) establishment Act No. 43 of 2023, is an effort to restructure the colleges of education system to  enable the colleges run both NCE and degree courses in teacher education.

    “The amendment of the Act introduces the need to rejig the academic and administrative operations of the colleges of education.

    A key consideration of the provisions of the new Act is the expansion of the core mandate of the colleges of education (COEs) beyond the award of the Nigeria Certificate in Education (NCE) to include the award of Bachelor degrees in specialised education disciplines. This new innovation is christened the Dual Mode, which depicts the autonomy granted colleges of education to train teachers at both NCE and Degree levels in specialised teacher education programmes,” he said.

    No fewer than 296 students got matriculated that day.

  • Covenant University to run distance E-learning programme

    Covenant University to run distance E-learning programme

    Covenant University, Ota, Ogun State, has got licence  to operate an e-learning platform, known as the ‘Covenant Centre for Open and Distance e-learning (CCODeL).’

    The operating licence was granted to the university recently by the National Universities Commission (NUC), as it is scheduled to begin with Computer Science programme.

    Vice Chancellor, Prof. Abiodun Adebayo, expressed regrets that four out of every five admission seekers into tertiary institutions do not often get admission into the university.

    According to him,  the university’s newly accredited distance e-learning platform would help address  admission deficit in Nigeria  and foster educational development in Africa.

    He said the platform would enable learners enroll and learn at their own pace without the barrier of distance or the rigour associated with classroom settings.

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    Adebayo said this open and distance e-learning platform had marked a significant milestone in expanding access to quality education beyond the traditional classroom setting as it underscores the  school’s commitment to innovation, excellence and inclusivity in higher education.  “We have only been able to admit one out of every five persons into our computer science programme at Covenant University, and this is because of the post-COVID pandemic that has led to the high demand for ICT-related education and certifications. For us, we welcome this and it implies that every applicant who meets our admission requirements, but was not admitted, can still key into our open and distance e-learning programme,” he said.

    While stressing that the institution had secured licence for only the Computer Science programme for the open and distance e-learning education, the vice chancellor said more programmes would be opened in the second year.

    The VC  thanked  the Board of Regents of the university led  by the Chancellor and Chair, Dr David O. Oyedepo, for the huge investments in setting up this platform and spearheading a new revolution in education.

  • New accreditation elevates Utiva to global player level

    New accreditation elevates Utiva to global player level

    Utiva, a leading tech education company, has secured a new accreditation that elevated it to the level of a global player in the industry. 

    The global accreditation according to the firm is part of its commitment to scaling digital talent development. 

    The accreditation from the American Council of Training and Development (ACTD) enables Utiva to offer its courses and training to students in over 90 countries and positions it as a global brand.  

    It further solidifies Utiva’s reputation as a top-tier provider of professional training programs worldwide.

    The ACTD accreditation is highly respected in the industry and is awarded to programs that meet the rigorous standards set by ACTD. When a training program is ACTD-accredited, it signifies that the program meets the highest quality standards in training and development.

    “We are honored to receive this prestigious accreditation from ACTD,” said Damilola Daniel, Head of Projects at Utiva. 

    “At Utiva, we are driven by a commitment to excellence and a dedication to preparing our students for success in the technology industry. This accreditation is a testament to our efforts and will enable us to enhance our practices further and better serve our students.”

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    Utiva’s innovative approach to tech education has made it a standout in the industry. 

    The company offers courses to individuals from diverse backgrounds across more than 19 countries, with over 70,000 alumni in its network. 

    Utiva has also partnered with over 300 large corporations and businesses, assisting them in upskilling their talent and hiring skilled professionals in the technology industry.

    “We believe that this accreditation will not only help us improve our practices but also elevate us to the level of our global partners, allowing us to continue providing best-in-class training and development services,” added Daniel.

    In addition to its training programs, Utiva has been actively involved in apprenticeship programs, talent placement, and global hiring initiatives. 

    Through these programs, Utiva has helped individuals gain practical experience in the tech industry, facilitated job placements, and supported global companies in hiring top tech talent.

    “We are a super ambitious company, and our mandate is to always put our students on a much more global stage where they can compete everywhere,” said Daniel.

    “This accreditation is a testament to our commitment to providing quality training and development services and will enable us to continue expanding our impact globally.”