The Nation Newspaper

Category: Education

  • ABUAD, United Nigeria Airlines sign MoU on students’ industrial training

    ABUAD, United Nigeria Airlines sign MoU on students’ industrial training

    Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the United Nigeria Airlines (UNA) to provide structured industrial training for engineering students of the institution.

    Speaking at the signing ceremony of the MoU, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Smaranda Olarinde, said the partnership will bring the university and airline together to provide practical, hands-on, and globally competitive education.

    Olarinde noted that under the agreement, about 20 final-year students of ABUAD’s College of Engineering would annually undergo robust and hands-on training in aeronautical and aerospace engineering through the Student Industrial Work Experience Scheme at the airline.

    She said that the collaboration, designed to run for a renewable period of 10 years at no financial cost to the university, fosters a long-term investment in human capital development, skills transfer, and the grooming of a new generation of Nigerian aerospace professionals.

    He added that the airline’s decision to commence flight operations into Ado-Ekiti in December 2025 had fulfilled an age-long aspiration of the university’s Founder, Afe Babalola (SAN), for air connectivity to the town, describing the development as a demonstration of faith in ABUAD students.

    In his remarks, the Chief Executive Officer of the United Nigeria Airlines, Professor Obiora Okonkwo, said that the airline was honoured to partner ABUAD, stressing that merit, excellence, and shared values informed the collaboration.

    He noted that strong nations thrive on close ties between political leadership and intellectual institutions, urging Nigerian leaders to leverage universities for solutions to national challenges.

    Read Also: Temitope Adeoye calls for carbon credit awareness across Nigeria

    Okonkwo said that the airline regarded the partnership as part of its broader social responsibility and commitment to practical education that delivers value beyond certificates.

    He added that graduates of ABUAD had continued to distinguish themselves, describing the university as an institution that had exceeded expectations.

    The Founder of ABUAD, Chief Babalola, who described education as the bedrock of national development, thanked United Nigeria Airlines for formalising the partnership with the university.

    Babalola said the MoU would contribute significantly to manpower development in Nigeria’s aviation and engineering sectors and commended Okonkwo for his professional achievements and support for educational advancement.

  • Commissioner lauds impact of Eko learners support programme 

    Commissioner lauds impact of Eko learners support programme 

    The Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Lagos State, Mr. Jamiu Tolani Alli-Balogun, has commended the impact of Eko Learners Support Programme one year after its introduction. 

    The commissioner said the programme has recorded notable gains in students’ academic performance across public secondary schools in the State, reinforcing Lagos state’s position as a pacesetter in education reform.

    Launched as a strategic intervention to support candidates preparing for the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) and the National Examination Council (NECO) examinations, the programme has strengthened learning outcomes by delivering structured, curriculum-based lessons through television broadcast and digital platforms.

    Alli-Balogun said the initiative was designed to close learning gaps, improve examination readiness and give every Lagos learner a fair and equal chance to succeed.

    “This programme was conceived as an investment in the future of our children and the development of Lagos State. One year on, we are encouraged by the improvements we are seeing in students’ engagement, confidence and performance across schools,” the commissioner said.

    He explained that the Eko Learners’ Support Programme delivers hundreds of lessons across ten subjects, including five core subjects – Mathematics, English Language, Physics, Chemistry and Biology, alongside five additional subjects, all carefully aligned with the Lagos State-approved Scheme of Work as well as WASSCE and NECO syllabuses.

    “Our objective has always been to improve the performance of Lagos State candidates in external examinations. By deploying skilled teachers and leveraging technology, we are creating a supportive learning ecosystem that promotes academic excellence, creativity and critical thinking,” Alli-Balogun added.

    According to the commissioner, the programme also complements the State Government’s free education policy under the administration of Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, which has eased the financial burden on parents while expanding access to quality education.

    Also speaking, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, Mrs. Abisola Dokunmu-Adegbite, described the initiative as a transformative step in public education delivery, particularly in extending quality instruction beyond the traditional classroom setting.

    “The Eko Learners’ Support Programme has expanded access to quality instruction for students across Lagos State. The structured lessons, delivered by carefully selected teachers, have helped learners revise effectively and strengthen their understanding of core subjects,” the Permanent Secretary said.

    She noted that feedback from schools indicated an improved revision culture among students and stronger preparedness for examinations, attributing these gains to the programme’s consistency, accessibility and strict alignment with examination requirements.

    The lessons are broadcast on Lagos Television (LTV) via DSTV Channel 256 and are also accessible on digital platforms. Parents and guardians are encouraged to ensure that wards sitting for WASSCE or NECO watch the full lessons on LTV/DSTV 256 or download the Eko Learners’ Support App on Android and iPhone devices, enabling students to learn at their own pace and revisit lessons as needed.

    Archived lessons on digital platforms also allow learners to ask questions, engage with teachers and interact with peers – an approach that has proven effective in supporting independent learning and deeper understanding of subjects.

    As the Ministry marks one year of the programme’s implementation, the Commissioner encouraged students to continue taking full advantage of the initiative, describing education as a lifelong journey built on opportunity, discipline and commitment.

    With its growing impact on student performance and learning outcomes, the Eko Learners’ Support Programme stands as a clear testament to the Lagos State Government’s resolve to build a resilient, inclusive and high-performing education system.

  • Opportunity has no mother tongue: How President Tinubu’s NELFUND provides equal access

    Opportunity has no mother tongue: How President Tinubu’s NELFUND provides equal access

    By Dare Ojepe

    In a country where identity often arrives before ability, it is no small thing when a public policy chooses to listen differently. Nigeria, with its many tongues and temperaments, has long struggled with the burden of translation of names into networks, of accents into access, of origins into opportunity. Too often, the gates of progress have opened not to merit but to familiarity. Yet, quietly and without fanfare, the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) is attempting something both simple and radical: it refuses to ask which village you come from before asking what future you seek.

    This is not a poetic exaggeration. It is a structural statement. For decades, the Nigerian youth has learned sometimes painfully that education support often comes with invisible footnotes. Who you know matters. Where you are from matters. How well you can navigate informal corridors matters. In this landscape, talent without connection becomes stranded, ambition without exposure becomes muted, and potential waits endlessly for interpretation. NELFUND enters this fraught terrain not as a miracle worker but as a system designed to remove unnecessary filters between effort and opportunity.

    The most striking thing about NELFUND is not the money; it is the method. It does not speak Hausa, Yoruba, Igbo, or any of our proud dialects. It speaks something rarer in our public life: equal access. The application process does not pause to admire surnames or interrogate ethnic origin. It does not ask who sent you or who can vouch for you behind closed doors. It asks one central, democratic question: are you a Nigerian youth seeking education and willing to take responsibility for your future?

    That question alone is a quiet revolution.

    In a nation where public intervention is often confused with charity, NELFUND insists on dignity. This is not a handout dressed in benevolence; it is a loan anchored in trust. It assumes that young Nigerians, when given a fair starting point, will rise not as dependents but as partners in national development. It replaces the politics of pity with the economics of possibility. And in doing so, it subtly reshapes the psychology of education, from entitlement to investment.

    Critics, of course, will ask whether equal opportunity truly exists in a deeply unequal society. It is a fair question. Equal opportunity does not mean equal outcome, and NELFUND makes no such promise. What it offers instead is something more honest: the same starting gate. It does not guarantee arrival; it clears the road. The race remains demanding, but at least the rules are visible, and the whistle is blown for all at the same time.

    There is also something profoundly national about the design. A student in Jalingo fills the same form as one in Surulere. A young woman in Aba submits the same details as a young man in Ogbomosho. No middlemen hover. No informal toll gates appear. The digital window does not recognise accents or skin tone; it responds only to data. In a country accustomed to whispered processes and selective hearing, this plainness feels almost radical.

    Yet, the deeper significance of NELFUND lies beyond administration. It sends a message, subtle but firm; that belonging is not conditional. That you do not need to sound like power to access support. That your background is not a disqualification. In a polity where identity has often been weaponised, this policy offers a counter-narrative: you are Nigerian enough to be considered, full stop.

    This matters for the youth, not just materially but psychologically. When systems are perceived as fair, effort increases. When rules are clear, cynicism weakens. When access is not mediated by tribe or proximity to influence, ambition begins to look inward rather than sideways. The question shifts from “who can help me?” to “how can I prepare myself?” That shift, multiplied across millions, is how nations quietly change course.

    Of course, no policy should be shielded from scrutiny. Transparency must remain non-negotiable. Loan recovery mechanisms must be humane but firm. Financial literacy must accompany access, lest opportunity becomes burden. NELFUND must continually prove that its promise of neutrality is not just aspirational but operational. Vigilance, not applause, is the civic duty of citizens.

    Still, it is important to acknowledge progress when it appears, especially in modest clothing. In a country of many languages, it is refreshing to encounter a policy that speaks fairness fluently. NELFUND may not solve all the structural problems of Nigerian education, but it addresses a foundational one: the exclusion that begins before learning even starts.

    When support no dey ask which village you been come from, hope becomes less complicated. And sometimes, that is exactly where national renewal begins.

    – Ojepe is the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Youth Engagement

  • Stakeholders urge youths to take advantage of student loan, other govt programmes

    Stakeholders urge youths to take advantage of student loan, other govt programmes

    Stakeholders have urged Nigerian youths and small business owners to actively utilise government programmes aimed at promoting entrepreneurship, education, and national development.

    The call was made during the People’s Roundtable (TPR) Dialogue in Abuja, which brought together representatives from government agencies, private sector leaders, and youth development platforms.

    Participants highlighted the need to bridge the gap between policymakers and citizens, particularly young Nigerians seeking opportunities for personal and professional growth.

    Ms. Adeola Ademokoya, speaking on behalf of the convener, Emmanuel Ayantayo, said the workshop was designed to foster stronger collaboration between government institutions and the public, while increasing awareness of available empowerment initiatives.

    She also commended the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN), led by Charles Odey, for its proactive role in providing training, business support services, and strategic partnerships to strengthen small and medium-scale enterprises.

    According to Ademokoya, many entrepreneurs remain unaware of the numerous government portals, grants, scholarships, and funding opportunities available to support business expansion and innovation.

    “If you are a small business owner, take advantage of available platforms and visit relevant offices to ask questions. There are opportunities for scholarships, grants, and funding support,” she said.

    She further explained that while some government agencies may not directly sponsor businesses, they often facilitate partnerships with organizations capable of providing financial support and technical assistance.

    Ademokoya stressed that the People’s Roundtable initiative seeks to go beyond discussions by facilitating direct engagement between policymakers, business leaders, and citizens, adding that an upcoming web application would centralize information on government opportunities and empowerment programmes.

    She urged Nigerian youths to become more proactive in seeking information and participating in development initiatives rather than remaining passive observers.

    “You cannot remain at home and complain without making efforts to explore available opportunities. Hard work and informed participation remain critical to personal and national progress,” she stated.

    Also speaking, the Director of Administration, Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), Zino Ugboma, encouraged students and young Nigerians to access the Federal Government’s student loan scheme, noting that the programme has been expanded to accommodate more beneficiaries.

    Ugboma, who represented the Managing Director of NELFUND, Mr. Akintunde Sawyerr, assured participants of government readiness to support students through accessible education financing and urged eligible youths to apply.

    Entrepreneur and entertainment executive, Ubi Franklin emphasised the importance of youth involvement in governance and policymaking, describing political participation as a critical foundation for sustainable national development.

    Franklin noted that national policies and development programmes are more impactful when young people actively contribute to shaping them.

  • Tinubu’s newly established varsity in Ogoni admits 1,004 pioneer students 

    Tinubu’s newly established varsity in Ogoni admits 1,004 pioneer students 

    • …launches N500m research fund 

    The Federal University of Environment and Technology (FUET) recently established in Ogoniland by President Bola Tinubu has conducted its first matriculation admitting 1,004 pioneer students.

    Tinubu had on February 3,2025 signed into law the bill establishing FUET in Tai as part of his efforts to address years of environmental degradation and injustices in the area.

    It was gathered that right from its inception, the first university in Ogoniland had made continuous progress especially with the appointment of Prof. Chinedu Mmoh as its pioneer Vice-Chancellor.

    The matriculation, which held at the university’s campus in Tai Local Government Area, was reportedly designed to coincide with the first anniversary of FUET’s establishment by President Tinubu.

    During the ceremony, N500m Research and Development Endowment Fund was established for thr university.

    FUET located in Koromo/Saakpenwa warned against any form of students’ exploitation such as extortion and sex-for-grades.

    The Pro-Chancellor, Prof. Don Baridam, who issued the warning said any lecturers or non-teaching staff engaged in acts capable of bringing the name of FUET into disrepute would face expulsion.

    He urged the lecturers to see the undergraduates as their children and  give them required guidance to enable them attain excellence.

    He said: “To the lecturers and non-teaching staff: I advise you to take these pioneer students as your own children and guide them to succeed in their career choices. You must refrain from extortion, the sale of handouts, and demanding sexual gratification.

    “Lecturers who are not visible on Google Scholar, ResearchGate, and those local scholars who do not publish indexed articles will not be tolerated in this University, certainly not under my watch as Chairman of Council. The ball is now in your court”.

    The Pro-Chancellor said that the matriculation marked the beginning of a new chapter in the students’ academic and personal development congratulating them for scaling the hurdles to be admitted as pioneer students of FUET.

    Addressing the students, he said: “You are not only here to acquire knowledge, but also to build your character, identity, and prepare yourselves to play responsible leadership roles in a society that will expect so much from you. I welcome you to this new academic family of students and lecturers united in their quest for specialised knowledge that would transform society for good.”

    In his address, the pioneer Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Chinedu Mmom said 1, 246 students matriculated and completed registration formalities.

    Mmom said academic activities had started in the six faculties of Agriculture, Allied Health Sciences, Engineering, Technology, Environmental Sciences, Natural and Applied Sciences and Management Technology.

    He said: “I am certain that the pioneer students we are matriculating today will share the University’s goals and aspirations and intentionally strive to contribute to its continued institutional growth and well-being.

    “As students at the University of Environment and Technology, you are uniquely positioned to tackle some of the most pressing challenges of our time – such as climate change, resource depletion, and sustainable development.

    “This auspicious event marks a defining moment in the life of each matriculant, and for this University, which occupies a special place in the educational, social, and development history of Ogoni land, Rivers State, and indeed the Federal Republic of Nigeria and beyond.”

    Mmom appealed to the students to shun all forms of social vices such as cultism, exammination malpractices and indecent dressing, which he said had been carefully outlined in the students handbook.

    He said: “Let me state this in unequivocal terms: The Federal University of Environment and Technology will not tolerate the distasteful practice of students’ involvement in cult-related activities, examination malpractice, sexual harassment, drug abuse, offering grades for money, sale of handouts and unapproved books or manuals, especially through the so-called Faculty or Departmental Representatives.

    “Indecent dressing, and all other forms of misconduct that are listed in our rules book. I wish to assure you that the first student to plant the evil seeds of cultism in this University will be uprooted with the force of energy and legal backing.

    “Remember that you can only be allowed to participate in semester examinations conducted in this University if you attain no less than 75 percent class attendance and Continuous Assessment. This standard practice will be non-negotiable.”

    Part of the highlights of the event was the unveiling of a statue of late environmentalist and playwright, Ken Saro-Wiwa in front of the university auditorium by the Oba of Ogba Land, His Eminence, Nwachukwu Nnam-Obi. 

  • Aggrieved Ondo varsity workers demand full budget implementation, begs Aiyedatiwa over unpaid salary 

    Aggrieved Ondo varsity workers demand full budget implementation, begs Aiyedatiwa over unpaid salary 

    • …threaten action over arrears
    • …Ondo poly workers still earn N18,000 as minimum wage – Union cries out 

    The Joint Action Committee of Ondo State-Owned Tertiary Institutions (JAC-ODSTI) has called on Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa to fully implement the 2025 and 2026 budgetary allocations to tertiary institutions in the state, warning that continued delays could worsen the crisis rocking the tertiary institutions sector of the state. 

    The committee made the appeal in a communiqué issued after its first-quarter congress held at the Olusegun Agagu University of Science and Technology (OAUSTECH) in Okitipupa, on Friday. 

    The communiqué was jointly signed by the Committee’s Chairman, Comrade Tayo Ogungbeni, and Secretary, Kunle Akinwonmi.

    JAC-ODSTI comprises the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SANU) Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Polytechnics (SSANP), Non-Academic Staff Union (NASU), and the National Association of Academic Technologists (NAAT). 

    The affected institutions include OAUSTECH, Okitipupa; Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko (AAUA), University of Medical Sciences, Ondo, (UNIMED) and Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, Owo (RUGIPO). 

    The committee said the congress reviewed critical issues affecting staff welfare and the sustainability of tertiary education in the state, noting that unresolved financial and administrative challenges were undermining the effective running of the institutions.

    The unions, however, commended the governor for paying the last tranche of the wage award and releasing the outstanding January 2017 subventions to state-owned institutions, describing the steps as encouraging.

    Read Also: Ondo at 50: River Basin chief lauds Aiyedatiwa’s dedication to state

    They, nonetheless, demanded the immediate and full implementation of the 2026 approved budget for all tertiary institutions to enable them meet their financial obligations to both staff and students.

    The committee also lamented that the 2025 budgetary allocations earlier acknowledged by the state government were not fully implemented, urging the governor to take swift corrective action to avert what it described as further institutional decline.

    The workers specifically called for the release of three months’ salary arrears owed to staff of Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, saying the payment was earlier promised during the institution’s 2025 convocation ceremony.

    They also demanded the immediate implementation of the new N70,000 minimum wage for RUGIPO workers, alleging that staff were still earning N18,000.

    The unions further expressed concern over the delay in releasing the report of the staff verification and audit exercise conducted across the institutions in 2025, urging the government to make the findings public without further delay.

    They noted that the eight-year tenure of the governing councils of the state-owned institutions would expire in March and called for their urgent reconstitution.

    The committee warned that failure to constitute new councils within the stipulated time might compel it to withdraw recognition of the affected councils.

    “We demand the full implementation of the 2026 approved budget for all state-owned tertiary institutions to enable them to meet their financial obligations to both staff and students. Congress recalled that the governor’s earlier acknowledgement over the 2025 budgetary allocations was not fully implemented and urged immediate corrective action to avert further institutional decline.

    “Congress calls on the state government to urgently release the three months’ staff salary arrears to the staff of RUGIPO, earlier pronounced during the 2025 convocation ceremony of the institution. Congress also demands the immediate implementation of the N70,000 minimum wage for staff of RUGIPO, as against the current N18,000 being paid.

    “Congress also expressed deep concern over the continued delay in the release of the report of the staff verification and audit exercise conducted across the various tertiary institutions in 2025; we urge the state government to make the report public without further delay,” the communique read.

    “Congress calls on the state government to urgently release the three months’ staff salary arrears to the staff of RUGIPO earlier pronounced during the 2025 convocation ceremony of the institution,” the communiqué read.

    Despite the grievances, the aggrieved workers reaffirmed their commitment to the stability and development of tertiary education in the state and congratulated the government and residents on the successful celebration of Ondo State’s golden jubilee.

  • Ex-student union leader lauds Prof. Onuchukwu for joining UNIPORT VC race

    Ex-student union leader lauds Prof. Onuchukwu for joining UNIPORT VC race

    …says he will make significant impact if he wins

    A former students leader in Rivers State,  Rhino Owhorkire has hailed the acting vice chancellor of Ignatius Ajuru University of Education(IAUE), Prof. Okechukwu Onuchukwu for joining the University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT ) VC race.

    IAUE is a State own University with three large campuses in three local council areas of the State, Obio/Akpor, Port Harcourt City and Emohua.

    Onuchukwu before being appointed  Acting VC of the University by former Governor Nyesom Wike on November 18, 2021 was a Lecturer in UNIPORT and held different positions in the School including, Head of  Economics department, Dean of faculty of Social Sciences and Director of UNIPORT Business School. 

    He has been on the Acting  VC capacity for more than four years without hope of being confirmed a substantive VC. There is apparently feeling of stagnation and uncertainty; moreso with the unending political imbroglio between Wike who appointed him and his successor, Governor Siminialayi Fubara who retained him.

    Following the obvious reality, the Professor of Econometrics reportedly has obtained expression of interest form to contest for the position in UNIPORT, rather than to continue to mark time in Ajuru University,  afterall he is also popular in the School, and better equipped for the position with over four years experience and still counting.

    Reacting to the news, Owhorkire lauded the moves, giving his moral and spiritual supports to the VC, noting that he would serve well with greater impact in the Federal University(UNIPORT), if given the opportunity.

    Speaking in a statement he personally signed and forwarded to the Nation in Port Harcourt, the SUG President noted what he described as impressive and unprecedented transformations Onuchukwu has recorded across the three campuses of Ajuru University, despite serving on Acting capacity.

    According to owhorkire, the VC’s impacts in the School spread across different strata of the University, including improved academic standard and performances, massive accreditation of departments and courses of the institution, infrastructure, security, improved power supplies, welfare of both students and staff members, campus communities/stakeholder/relationships among others, assuring that the University communities and his employer, the State government are proud of the transformations his leadership style has brought.

    “As a former student Union Government (S.U.G) President of Uniport, I consider it a responsibility to publicly commend the wide-ranging academic, infrastructural, welfare, and administrative achievements recorded under the leadership of Professor Okey Onuchukwu as Acting Vice-Chancellor of Ignitus Ajuru University of Education Rumuolumini.

    “From the outset, Prof. Onuchuku adopted a people-first, service-driven leadership approach, translating vision into visible and measurable outcomes. One of the most symbolic achievements of his tenure is the dualization of the university’s main entrance, which improved access, traffic control, safety, and institutional outlook.

    “Under his leadership, there was massive fencing of the campuses of the University begining with the main campus at Rumuolumeni, to Ndele Campus, fencing of female hostels with four gate houses, and the fencing of staff quarters, significantly to strengthen security in the areas.

    “His administration also oversaw the construction of four kitchens for students, the construction and completion of the Faculty of Social Sciences building through TETFund, the construction and completion of English House after needs assessment, and the construction of an additional building for the estate Department, among many others.

    “To sum it up, these achievements define a tenure marked by vision, compassion, accountability, and measurable growth. Prof. Okey Onuchuku’s leadership offers a compelling model of people-centred university administration, one that other Vice-Chancellors across Nigeria would do well to emulate.”

    “His contributions will remain indelible in the history of Ignatius Ajuru University of Education.” he said.

    The unionist believes that Onuchukwu would replicate these achievements and surpass, if he wins the poll to become the next Uniport VC.

  • Alumni cries out over decline in education

    Alumni cries out over decline in education

    Ekiti Baptist High School Old Students Association, Igede-Ekiti, has expressed concern about decline in the quality of education in the country.

    The President of the association, Ifelola Oyebade, raised the concern while addressing reporters at a news conference to herald activities marking the school’s 70th anniversary, with the themed: “70 years of excellence: Honouring the past and nurturing the future.”

    He said examination malpractice and poor oversight were eroding learning outcomes across the country, stressing that the culture of hard work that once characterised secondary schools had disappeared.

    Oyebade said the trend had been replaced by a system in which many students no longer engaged in intensive reading, lacked basic textbooks and notes, and depended on teachers to supply answers during examinations.

    The alumni president added that the growing reliance on objective-based examinations without adequate supervision had further weakened standards, making it easier for students to guess answers without proper understanding of subjects.

    He noted the financial burden on government, saying ‘’state authorities now shoulder responsibilities previously handled by parents, including tuition and student welfare. He called for increased prioritisation of education in national budgeting.

    READ ALSO: The dynamics of Kano governor’s defection

    Oyebade said: “Many students no longer study because they already know that answers will be written on the board for them during examinations.

    “Some teachers are promoted based on pass rates, not on genuine learning, and this has created pressure to inflate results at all costs.

    “This trend is damaging the education of this country. Unless we are ready to change, it will continue to drag us backward as a nation.

    “Education is too important to be underfunded. If the government increases investment in schools, the benefits will reflect not only in student performance, but also in national development.

    “Education is the foundation of any nation. If we fail to fix it now, we risk losing an entire generation.”

    He, however, said the alumni had initiated interventions aimed at restoring excellence at Ekiti Baptist High School, including renovation of classrooms, roofing, windows and landscaping, among others, to complement government efforts.

    He disclosed that the association had established N1billion endowment fund to provide sustainable finance for the school’s long-term operations, noting that the fund, launched about a year ago, had already generated over N100million.

  • Repositioning digital education in response to labour, national needs

    Repositioning digital education in response to labour, national needs

    The Federal Government is shifting education system towards a youth-led and digital skills-driven model as part of ongoing reforms in the sector. But some stakeholders warned that such digital literacy initiatives are not moving in the direction of equipping students with the required digital and country-specific skills. Nigeria’s education system, they said, needs a deliberate shift in focus, prioritising skills that drive national growth, Assistant Editor Bola Olajuwon reports

    Statistics indicate that millions of Nigerian youth lack digital literacy, and only 11% of graduates possess formal digital training in an age where coding, data science, AI, UI/UX design, cloud computing, and digital marketing are in high demand. Experts believe that with half the population under 20, providing these skills is critical for national development and international employability.

     Many stakeholders blamed inadequate infrastructure, limited internet access (only 36% coverage), and outdated curricula as hindering digital training. These and other systemic issues, combined with inadequate digital infrastructure, are leaving millions of Nigerian children without access to quality education and the digital skills needed for the future.

     A stakeholder and National Coordinator, Education Rights Campaign (ERC), Hassan Soweto, in an interview with The Nation, said it was crystal clear that the education system has not yet resolved the crisis of basic infrastructural necessities needed for effective teaching and learning.

     “It is sad that we are still struggling with inability to provide conducive classroom when education has gone beyond this stage. There is hardly any public institution that can boost of a digitalised ICT facility. Many are still struggling to provide blackboards. Therefore, such a system is not moving in the direction of equipping students with digital skills,” Soweto said.

    But, Association for Formidable Educational Development (AFED) President, Mr. Emmanuel Orji, noted that the question of whether Nigeria’s education system equips students with digital skills is complex, given the system’s segmented nature.

     According to him, while some privileged schools offer digital skills training, the majority of students lack access to these opportunities.

     “Honestly, the ratio of those with digital skills to those without is concerning,” Orji said.

    Fed Govt shifting education system towards skills-driven model, says Alausa

    The Federal Government has said it is shifting Nigeria’s education system towards a youth-led and skills-driven model, as part of ongoing reforms in the sector.

    The Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Alausa, said education remains central to national development but acknowledged “persistent global and national challenges such as access gaps, learning poverty, skills mismatches, and gender disparities.”

    He said reforms being implemented by the Ministry of Education aligned with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu, which places education at the centre of economic growth and social development. According to him, funding for the sector has increased through budgetary allocations, non-budgetary financing and partnerships with international development partners.

    The minister listed ongoing interventions under the Education Transformation Roadmap as including curriculum rationalisation, expansion of digital learning platforms, strengthening of teacher capacity in modern pedagogy and artificial intelligence, expansion of technical and vocational education and training, and infrastructure upgrades.

     He said the reforms are aimed at repositioning education to respond to labour market needs, noting that more than half of Nigeria’s population is under 30 years of age.

    According to the minister, the ministry is moving away from traditional top-down education models to a participatory approach that involves learners in shaping education outcomes through innovation hubs, digital tools and feedback mechanisms.

    He said achievements recorded under the current reforms include “the rollout of the Nigerian Education Sector Renewed Initiative; deployment of Technical and Vocational Education and Training learners across accredited centres nationwide; repositioning of TVET as a major driver of employment and entrepreneurship; expanded medical, Science, Technology, Engineering, Math, and Medicine, and nursing education enrolment; refocused and expanded scholarship opportunities; student venture capital and staff support funding; strengthened education data transparency; accelerated digital learning; and targeted interventions for out-of-school and Almajiri children”.

    Read Also: Technical education key to youth devt — Oborevwori 

    “By empowering our youth to co-create education, we are not merely reforming classrooms; we are safeguarding Nigeria’s future, strengthening national unity, and unlocking the full potential of the next generation,” he said.

     Why youths must upscale their skills, by Idris

    Also, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, urged Nigerian youths to use the ongoing national reforms to upscale their skills. The minister described youths as critical pathways for personal growth and nation-building. The minister noted that the country’s future depends mainly on how its young population is educated, skilled and engaged.

    “Nigeria, like the rest of Africa, happens to be a very youthful country, with half of our population under the age of 20, and three-quarters under the age of 35,” he said. “With the right education, skilling, and preparation for the rapidly transforming workspaces of the 21st century, Nigeria will be an unstoppable global force.”

    Idris explained that the reforms introduced under President Tinubu’s administration were deliberate and necessary to reset Nigeria’s economic and governance systems. The minister stated that nation-building cannot happen without reform.

    “There is no nation-building without reforms,” the minister said. “Reforms protect us from the trap of doing the same thing repeatedly while expecting different results.”

     Key digital literacy initiatives

     The Federal Ministry of Education explained the President Bola Tinubu administration is actively working to address the significant digital skills gap in partnership with United Nations Children Fund (UNICEF), and private partners aiming to train over 20 million youth in digital skills under major initiatives, such as Digital Skills Nigeria (DSN), the 3 Million Technical Talent (3MT) programme, and the Nigeria Learning Passport. The programmes target critical areas like AI, data science, and web development to boost employability and economic growth.

     The DSN is a Microsoft-led initiative focusing on youth aged 16-35, providing training in AI, cloud computing, and digital literacy. The 3MTT is a government programme designed to build a skilled workforce. UNICEF Nigeria and the Federal Ministry of Education (FME) are deploying the Nigeria Learning Passport (NLP), a digital learning platform, to improve learning outcomes for 80% of learners in school, at home, and in non-formal structures.

     This initiative is part of Generation Unlimited Nigeria (GenU 9JA), a public-private-youth partnership platform pioneering a nationwide initiative to connect every school to the internet and over 20 million Nigerian youth to skills, opportunity, and choice. Through the concerted efforts of five partners – Airtel, ATC Nigeria, Federal Ministry of Education, IHS, & UNICEF.

     The GenU 9JA programme has achieved significant results, reaching over 2.7 million young people with connectivity, digital access, and learning opportunities. The Nigeria Learning Passport has seen remarkable growth, with registrations increasing from 117,585 in 2022 to over 750,000 registered users in 2023.

     At the state level, the Lagos State Employment Trust Fund (LSETF) and others offer basic digital literacy and advanced certifications on cyber security and data analysis.  Other programmes include vocational technical skills focusing on industrial production and market-relevant skills.

     The general goal is to transform the workforce, as nearly half of all jobs are expected to require digital skills by 2030, with a potential $11 billion annual loss if the skills gap is not bridged.

     Alausa asserted that the government is driving a nationwide shift toward digital literacy and skill-based education for youth, aiming to transition from theoretical learning to a 21st-century digital economy.

    According to him, key initiatives include integrating technology into schools, establishing, 38 technical colleges, and providing free, specialised training in partnership with Amazon.

     The minister said the ministry is overhauling the education system to emphasise critical thinking, creativity, and technical skills.

     According to him, the “Digital Schools” initiative, launched in Lagos is one of key digitalisation initiatives and involves replacing, traditional, chalkboards with, interactive, smartboards and, distributing, tablets to, schools.

     Another is industry-ready training through partnerships with organisations like Amazon Web Services (AWS), Coursera and Pluralsight, through which the government is providing free training in high-demand fields like cloud computing, data analytics and coding.

     Also is Skill-to-Jobs Focus to bridge skills gaps and increasing employability through the National Skills Qualification Framework (NSQF).

    The National Examinations Council (NECO) and West African Examinations Council (WAEC) are on standby to implement computer-based tests (CBT) with full digitisation targeted by 2027.

    The minister contended that thousands of instructors have already been trained and retrained for the digital initiatives.

     Stakeholders’ stance

     Soweto contended that to correct the digital deficit requires deliberate effort by the Federal Government and governments at all level to reverse this ugly reality that public education is enmeshed in.

     “As a first step, government must begin to adequately fund public education and direct effort towards meeting the infrastructural deficit that years of neglect has caused. Also, it takes a developed education system to equip students with digital skills. For instance, learning digital skills requires not only availability of the knowledge but also the facilities and equipment to aid the learning of these skills. Therefore, what is needed is to uplift public education from its current decrepit state and overhaul the entire system,” the rights activist said.

     Meanwhile, Orji asserted that the issue isn’t just about digital skills; it’s about striking a balance.

    “Digital literacy is crucial, but we shouldn’t overlook essential skills for human survival and economic contributions that don’t require digital capacity. Nigeria’s education system needs a deliberate shift in focus, prioritising skills that drive national growth. We’re chasing global educational trends without considering our unique objectives. For instance, our experience with CBT-based WAEC exams showed we’re not yet ready for such a leap, lacking infrastructure like reliable power and internet.

     “China’s approach is instructive: they developed an education system tailored to their needs, focusing on country-specific solutions. Not all Chinese students have digital skills, yet they’re productive. We should build our system gradually, systematically, and sustainably.

     “The government can bridge the gap by investing in digital infrastructure; training teachers, developing localised digital content, implementing policies that promote inclusivity and equity. It’s a journey, and we must start now. But, let’s be realistic about our pace and priorities.”

    But to National President, National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools (NAPPS) Nigeria, Chief ’Yomi Otubela, the country’s education system has taken commendable steps towards integrating digital skills into teaching and learning. Subjects such as computer studies, basic ICT, and elements of digital literacy are now part of the curriculum at different levels.

     “However, the reality is that the system is yet to fully and consistently equip students with the practical digital competencies required for today’s rapidly evolving job market,” Otubela told The Nation.

     According to him, the challenge lies less in policy direction and more in implementation.

     “Many schools, particularly in the public sector and in rural communities, face constraints such as limited access to functional computers, unstable electricity, inadequate internet connectivity, and insufficiently trained teachers to deliver hands-on digital instruction. This often results in students being exposed to digital concepts largely in theory, with limited practical application, thereby widening the gap between classroom learning and workplace expectations,” he said.

     To sustainably bridge this gap, Odubela asserted that the Federal Government needs to adopt deliberate, inclusive, and well-coordinated strategies.

     “First, digital skills should be recognised as essential life and employability skills rather than optional subjects. Competencies such as coding, data literacy, digital creativity, basic robotics, and the responsible use of artificial intelligence should be progressively embedded from basic education through secondary schooling.

     “Second, greater investment is required in educational infrastructure, particularly in power supply, broadband connectivity, and modern learning tools. Special attention must be given to rural schools and underserved communities to ensure that no child is left behind in the digital transition.

     “Third, continuous teacher training and retraining must be prioritised. Digitally skilled students can only emerge from classrooms led by digitally empowered teachers. While some well-resourced private schools have demonstrated innovation by investing in digital facilities, many private schools in rural and semi-urban areas also face significant capacity challenges. Government can therefore leverage structured public-private partnerships to support both public schools and low-capacity private schools, especially in underserved locations.

     “Finally, stronger collaboration between the education sector and industry is essential to ensure that curricula reflect labour market realities and future workforce needs. When education is aligned with employability, productivity, and national growth are naturally strengthened.

     “If Nigeria is truly committed to global competitiveness and youth employment, closing the education and digital skills gap must be treated as an urgent national priority, driven by inclusive policies and collective action from government, private schools, and other key stakeholders,” he said.

  • New varsity to tackle climate change, pollution in Niger Delta, says Fed Govt

    New varsity to tackle climate change, pollution in Niger Delta, says Fed Govt

    The Federal Government has said that Nigeria will soon produce additional expertise needed to address climate change and environmental degradation, particularly in the Niger Delta region.

    Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, stated this  yesterday at the maiden matriculation ceremony of the newly established Federal University of Environment and Technology (FUET), Koroma/Saakpenwa, Tai area of Rivers.

    Alausa, who was represented by a director in the ministry, Mr. Sunday Ajide, said climate change and environmental pollution had increasingly become serious global concerns.

    According to him, the establishment of FUET is a clear demonstration of the Federal Government’s unwavering commitment to expanding access to quality higher education and providing solutions to environmental challenges.

    “FUET will promote environmental sustainability and address the unique ecological and developmental challenges of the Niger Delta region,” he said.

    He added that the choice of environment and technology as the institution’s core mandate was both timely and strategic.

    “In an era in which climate change, environmental degradation, renewable energy and sustainable development dominate global discourse, FUET is well positioned to become a centre of excellence in research, innovation and solutions-driven scholarship.

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    “The university will play a critical role in producing skilled professionals, researchers and leaders who will contribute meaningfully to national development and global environmental stewardship,” Alausa said.

    The minister assured the institution of the full support of the Ministry of Education in the areas of policy guidance, infrastructural development, staff capacity building, programme accreditation and funding.

    Alausa also urged industry stakeholders, research institutions and developmental partners to collaborate with the university to enhance its relevance, innovation and sustainability.

     He commended the vice-chancellor, members of the governing council, management and staff for their efforts in bringing FUET into operations following its establishment on Feb. 3, 2025.

     Speaking at the event, the pioneer Vice-Chancellor of FUET, Prof. Prince Mmom, said the university had admitted more than 1,000 students across six faculties, including Agriculture and Applied Health Sciences.

    The other faculties are Engineering Technology, Environmental Sciences, Natural and Applied Sciences, and Management Technology.

    According to him, within the next five years the institution would produce some of Nigeria’s best minds to drive environmental solutions across the Niger Delta and the country at large.

    “This will be achieved through strict adherence to university rules and regulations and by exhibiting a high sense of personal responsibility in upholding and maintaining these standards at all times,” he said.

    Mmom said that within its first year, the university had recorded notable milestones, including ongoing infrastructural development, commencement of academic activities and the admission of students.

    He described FUET as a specialised institution designed to become a world-class centre of excellence in environmental restoration, sustainable development and technological innovation.

    “The university will promote translational research with direct impact on communities, Ogoniland and the wider Niger Delta region.

    “FUET will focus on ecosystem regeneration, environmental justice partnerships and the production of skilled graduates capable of addressing contemporary environmental challenges,” he added.

    The vice chancellor said the institution would not tolerate cultism, examination malpractice, sexual harassment, drug abuse, the exchange of grades for money, or the sale of handouts and unapproved books or manuals.