The Nation Newspaper

Category: Education

  • Nigerian student Ajasa bags U.S. Graduate School Premier Award

    Nigerian student Ajasa bags U.S. Graduate School Premier Award

    The University of Alabama, United States, has awarded Solomon Sesesie Ajasa, a doctoral student in Civil, Construction, and Environmental Engineering, its prestigious Graduate School Premier Award.

    The Premier Award is the university’s highest honor for graduate students who excel in research, teaching, and service — the three pillars of the University of Alabama’s mission.

    Ajasa, 28, from Badagry, Lagos State, Nigeria, and a member of the Class of 2025, was recognized for his outstanding contributions that embody the university’s core values.

    Reflecting on his journey, Ajasa credited his mother for instilling in him from a young age the belief that education has the power not just to transform individuals, but entire communities.

    Currently, Ajasa is committed to developing future industry leaders through experiential learning, emphasizing that teaching remains the most rewarding aspect of his academic career.

    His research efforts and expertise have led him to collaborate with local and national entities to develop safety standards for all those touched by disaster, from homeowners to first responders and everyone in between.

    As president of the Graduate Student Association, Ajasa has set goals for the graduate class, including advocating for improvements in quality of life, harnessing skills through workshops and expanding mental and physical health resources.

    His leadership roles include being an inaugural member of the Graduate Ambassador Influencer Network, a Tide Together mentor and a leader within the International Peer Advisory Council.

    The award, presented at the Premier Awards Ceremony on March 31, 2025, celebrates Ajasa’s outstanding academic and professional contributions, cementing his legacy as an exceptional scholar, dedicated teacher, and impactful leader within The University of Alabama and beyond.

    Ajasa’s research at The University of Alabama is transforming the field of construction safety engineering.

    His work focuses on preventing occupational accidents in high-risk environments, specifically in post-disaster reconstruction, extreme weather conditions, the construction industry’s four fatal hazards, and the integration of safety technology.

    Safety engineering has been a cornerstone of Ajasa’s academic journey. After witnessing two tragic construction accidents as a field officer, he has concentrated his research on addressing safety challenges in the construction sector, particularly OSHA’s “Fatal Four” hazards—Falls, Struck-By, Caught-In/Between, and Electrocutions—which account for 65% of fatalities in construction workplaces.

    His research integrates machine learning algorithms and real-time data collection tools, such as sensor logger applications, to identify indirect causal factors and develop predictive models to prevent accidents before they happen.

    His recent study, “Exploring the Impact of Weather Conditions on Construction Workers’ Safety: A Focus on Fall Accidents,” combines OSHA accident data with meteorological information from OpenWeather using logistic regression models to assess risks from conditions like high winds and extreme temperatures.

    Presented at the 2024 International Conference on Computing in Civil Engineering (i3CE), this research highlights the need for adaptive safety measures and weather-based protocols to enhance worker protection on construction sites.

    Beyond construction site safety, Ajasa’s work extends into post-disaster reconstruction, where he focuses on integrating objective weather data and subjective worker experiences to develop targeted safety strategies.

    His collaboration with UA SafeState and the Alabama Center for Insurance Information and Research aims to create a safety-specific hazard mitigation framework to aid FEMA and state agencies in post-disaster phases, improving safety for first responders and reconstruction workers through data-driven approaches.

    Through these initiatives, Ajasa contributes to The University of Alabama’s R1 research status, advancing high-impact research that addresses pressing industry challenges and protects vulnerable communities.

    Beyond his research, Ajasa is shaping the future of engineering through teaching. He is the Instructor of Record for two major courses in his department—Introduction to Construction Engineering and Safety Engineering & Management—where he teaches students at the junior, senior, and master’s levels.

    His teaching philosophy is built on experiential learning, integrating cutting-edge technologies such as Building Information Modeling (BIM), Microsoft Project, and Visio for Gantt Chart and PERT scheduling.

    His approach prepares students for industry leadership by bridging theoretical knowledge with real-world applications.

    Ajasa teaching introduction to construction engineering and management in the fall semester of 2024A student in his course remarked: “One of the best professors I’ve had thus far (I am a senior). He genuinely cares about his students, their grades, their participation, and it shows. He was always extremely prepared for class and is clearly very knowledgeable in the material he is teaching. Gave MANY opportunities for extra credit, clearly communicated exam expectations, and homework deadlines. 

    “I wish he could teach me more classes because I learned so much from this course, and ended up loving the class because of his excellent teaching ability. With all this said, the material is not super complex and is heavily conceptual, so it was an easy class to succeed in overall if you showed up, paid attention, and asked questions when needed.”

    Additionally, Ajasa has mentored undergraduate researchers in the Safety Automation and Visualization Environment (SAVE) Lab, guiding them through data analysis, national conference presentations, and real-world safety applications.

    His mentorship has led students to secure research opportunities, publish work, and obtain competitive industry internships.

    Ajasa’s influence extends far beyond research and teaching, he is an active advocate for graduate students and the university community. As the first international student to serve as President of the Graduate Student Association (GSA), he represents over 6,000 graduate students and advocates for academic, professional, and campus improvements.

    Under his leadership, the GSA has: Secured summer transportation services for graduate students: Organized technical writing workshops and internship seminars: Expanded physical and mental health resources and professional development opportunities.

    Beyond the GSA, to mention but a few, Ajasa is a:Graduate Student Representative on several University committees and a voting member on the Graduate Council.Graduate Ambassador, engaging with prospective students to enhance graduate recruitment.Tide Together Mentor, supporting first-generation and underrepresented students.Leader in the International Peer Advisory Council (IPAC), fostering intercultural exchange and mentorship for international students.

    STEM Mentor for the Ohio Academy of Science’s ProjectBoard, guiding high school students in research and innovation.Ajasa’s academic trajectory at The University of Alabama is a testament to resilience and excellence. After completing his Master of Science in Civil Engineering in just 10 months, he earned a fully funded graduate assistantship for his PhD.

    This remarkable achievement set the stage for his research, teaching, and service leadership cting on his journey, Ajasa credits The University of Alabama for providing him the platform to thrive: “The Goldfish theory says that if a goldfish is put in a small bowl, its growth will be limited. But given an enabling environment, it will flourish. That theory perfectly captures my journey at UA. This institution has provided me with the opportunity to grow and make a tangible impact in research, teaching, and service.”

    As a recipient of The University of Alabama’s highest graduate honor, Ajasa remains committed to driving meaningful change in safety research, inspiring students, and fostering leadership within the academic and professional community.His story is a testament to the power of hard work, academic excellence, and a commitment to service, proving that great leaders not only excel but also uplift those around them.

  • U.S.-Affiliated education centers adopt Amos Ogunola’s project-based book on financial literacy

    U.S.-Affiliated education centers adopt Amos Ogunola’s project-based book on financial literacy

    In a significant stride toward advancing youth-centered financial education, A Teen’s Guide to Smart Finance, authored by Amos Ogunola, has been formally adopted by U.S.-affiliated institutions in Nigeria, including the American Corner in Ibadan and the Initiative for Information, Arts and Culture Development (IACD).

    The book was recently presented to the leadership of both organizations in a formal event spotlighted by The Nation, Nigeria’s most widely circulated newspaper. The presentation marked a key milestone in integrating the resource into community libraries, financial empowerment programs, and innovation hubs aligned with U.S. diplomatic education and development priorities.

    Speaking on the adoption, Karamat Ajala, Director of both the American Corner and IACD, noted: “This is one of the foremost financial literacy resources we’ve seen tailored specifically for teenagers. It stands out not just for its clarity, but for its relevance to real-life decisions young people are making today.

    “We’re excited to feature it in our educational programs and capacity-building projects, especially those focused on financial literacy for young adults and project-oriented learning.”

    READ ALSO: FULL STEPS: How to generate e-affidavit for change of name, loss of SIM, others

    Ogunola’s book is structured around interactive activities, real-life scenarios, and reflection prompts designed to help students apply core financial principles, such as budgeting, saving, and goal setting, in practical terms. Since its release, the book has gained traction across Nigerian secondary schools, youth programs, and international platforms like ResearchGate, where educators globally have requested adaptation rights.

    This development reinforces the growing demand for quality financial education materials that bridge traditional classroom content with real-world skill-building. With support from both grassroots organizations and diplomatic cultural centers, A Teen’s Guide to Smart Finance is poised to become a foundational text for shaping financially literate youth in Africa and beyond.

  • Yoruba community in Enugu awards scholarships to 30 southwest indigenes

    Yoruba community in Enugu awards scholarships to 30 southwest indigenes

    The Yoruba Community in Enugu State has awarded scholarships to 30 indigenes from the South West geo-political zone in the Southeast.

    The announcement was made during the formal presentation of the cabinet members of the newly crowned Oba of the Yoruba Community in Enugu State, Engr. Isiaka Salmon, in Enugu, over the weekend.

    Speaking at the event, Isiaka Salmon explained that the scholarship initiative was part of the community’s efforts to contribute to the educational development of the country.

    He shared his journey, recalling that he first came to Enugu as a youth corps member in 2007, and now, by the grace of God, the community can support students.

    “We are targeting more than 30 students, and today we presented admission letters to some of them. They are going to the polytechnic in Kwara State and the Gateway College of Education in Osun State. Others are still coming, and it will be a continuous exercise,” Salmon said.

    Salmon, a computer engineer and lecturer specialising in system/cybersecurity and information technology, was unanimously chosen as the leader of the Yoruba community in Enugu following a rigorous selection process. He described his ascension to the role as a divine event.

    “When the selection process started, the people from different states in Yoruba land living in Enugu State made nominations, and six persons were nominated, and fortunately, my name was among the youngest of the six persons. They inaugurated a committee and asked it to do the job. At the end of the day, two people were recommended out of the six.

    “Fortunately, again, I was among the last two persons who were recommended. The first person is an elder from Oyo State, while I was the second person recommended. He is a retired police officer, and he said he was relocating to his home state, which is why I was left unopposed. My people said a leader emerges naturally”, he stated.

    A member of several professional bodies, including the Nigerian Society of Engineers, COREN, Nigerian Computer Society, and the Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria, Salmon vowed to leverage his expertise and experience to serve the Yoruba community in Enugu in his new capacity.

    He called for the continued peaceful co-existence between the Yoruba community and the host state, stressing that Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State is doing a marvellous job, especially in the development of infrastructure, security, and education.

    A leader of the Hausa Community in Enugu State, Lajanu Suleiman, who came to witness the inauguration of Oba Salmon’s cabinet, also commended Governor Mbah for providing an enabling environment for business to thrive in the state.

    “An Igbo is always a businessman. An Igbo man will not come fighting because of religion, he will not come fighting because of tribe, and he will only come and fight for his business. If you know them, you will like them. We are living peacefully here in Enugu State”, he added.

  • Alumni of UI’s Independence Hall launch association

    Alumni of UI’s Independence Hall launch association

    • Seeks alumni, public support

    The Great Independence Hall Alumni Association (GIHAA) has officially been inaugurated, with a call to all alumni and the broader public to join efforts in fostering community development and strengthening alumni ties.

    The newly established association, founded by graduates of Great Independence Hall at the University of Ibadan (UI), aims to uphold the distinguished values and traditions of the hall while supporting educational initiatives and community outreach programs.

    Making the announcement in a statement made available to journalists on Saturday, President of GIHAA, Omotola Ifafore, emphasized the group’s vision of creating lasting impact through collaboration and mutual commitment among its members.

    Read Also: Pope Francis: The reformist who divided opinion

    “Our mission is rooted in the belief that through collective endeavor and mutual commitment, we can achieve a substantial and lasting impact,” Ifafore said.

    As part of its objectives, GIHAA plans to organize networking events to promote professional and personal interaction among alumni, launch community outreach projects to foster social responsibility, and support scholarships and educational programs to enhance learning opportunities for current students.

    The association’s first philanthropic initiative will see the procurement and donation of a public address system to the current student body of Great Independence Hall.

    According to Ifafore, the project is designed to improve communication and engagement during student activities and events.

  • Fed govt clears allowances of BEA scholars in China, seven other countries

    Fed govt clears allowances of BEA scholars in China, seven other countries

    The Federal Government said it has paid all supplementary allowances due to Nigerian scholars under the Bilateral Education Agreement (BEA) Scholarship Programme up to December 2024.

     The government said this in a statement by the Director, Press and Public Relations of the Federal Ministry of Education, Boriowo Folasade.

     The statement said the BEA scholars are studying in China, Russia, Algeria, Hungary, Morocco, Egypt, and Serbia.

     The statement said the Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa had requested additional funding to cover the differentials caused by recent exchange rate fluctuations which led to shortfall in the disbursement.

     The ministry reaffirmed the government’s commitment to the welfare of Nigerian students studying abroad under the BEA scholarship programme.

    Read Also: Pope Francis: The reformist who divided opinion

     The statement said: “The Ministry is pleased to report that all supplementary allowances due to Nigerian scholars have been paid up to December 2024. This reflects the Honourable Minister of Education’s sustained efforts to prioritise the needs of Nigerian students abroad.

     “However, the Ministry acknowledges that recent exchange rate fluctuations led to shortfalls in fund disbursement. To address this, the Honourable Minister has formally requested additional funding to cover the differentials and ensure the full remittance of entitlements to all affected students.

     “Looking ahead, provisions for the scholarship programme have been captured under the Federal Ministry of Education’s Capital Budget. In line with the extension of the 2024 Capital Budget, disbursement of funds under the 2025 Capital Budget is expected to commence in earnest once implementation begins.

     “The Ministry assures all stakeholders of its unwavering commitment to supporting Nigerian scholars abroad and is working diligently to meet all obligations under the BEA in a timely and effective manner.

     “We sincerely appreciate the patience and understanding of all students and their families and reaffirm our dedication to the continued success of the Bilateral Education Agreement Programme.”

  • JAMB denies posting candidates outside chosen examination towns

    JAMB denies posting candidates outside chosen examination towns

    The Joint Admission and Matriculation Board, JAMB, has denied posting candidates outside chosen examination towns.

    The board described the allegations as  erroneous and  malicious efforts aimed solely at tarnishing its reputation.

    In a statement released by the Public Communication Advisor Fabian Benjamin, the board said: “It is our firm belief that some parents are continually being deceived, misled and duped by their own wards and some secondary school proprietors who continue to propagate the falsehood that JAMB assigns candidates to examination centres outside their chosen examination towns.

    Read Also: Pope Francis: The reformist who divided opinion

    “Let it be unequivocally clear: at the time of registration, candidates have the right to select their preferred examination town. JAMB subsequently assigns them to a centre within that chosen town. The baseless assertion that candidates are placed in towns different from their selections is erroneous, malicious and aimed solely at tarnishing the Board’s reputation. It never happens.”

    JAMB said it acknowledges the importance of convenience for candidates, ensuring they sit for their examinations in locations of their choice among available CBT centres. Every candidate has the prerogative to choose their examination town, while JAMB only assigns the candidate within the chosen town.

    The Board therefore challenges the false but popular narrative by offering a handsome financial reward to any one person who can provide authentic proof of just one candidate who is posted outside the chosen town of the candidate.

    “For transparency and not “being a judge in one’s case.” Such proof should within the next 96 hours be sent to the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) WhatsApp Number; 08056003030 so that the umpire can ensure the reward is delivered or the Board is once and for all exonerated from the recurring campaign of calumny.”

  • Over 500,000 students applied for loan in 11 months – NELFUND

    Over 500,000 students applied for loan in 11 months – NELFUND

    Over 500, 000 students applied for loans in 11 months, the Nigeria Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) has said.

    The agency said that the figure indicates the critical need for accessible student financing in Nigeria.

    The Director of Strategic Communications of the Agency, Mrs Oseyemi Oluwatuyi in a statement yesterday stated that the number of applicants highlights the widespread trust in NELFUND to democratise access to tertiary education.

    The statement reads: “The Nigeria Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) has reached a remarkable milestone in its first year of operation: over 500,000 Nigerian students have now applied for student loans through the NELFUND portal.

    “This milestone, achieved within just 11 months of operations, underscores the critical need for accessible student financing in Nigeria and highlights the widespread trust in NELFUND’s mission to democratize access to tertiary education.”

    Read Also: Trump, immigration and capitalism’s global crisis

    The Managing Director of NELFUND, Mr. Akintunde Sawyerr in the statement stated: “This is more than just a number, it’s a signal of hope for families across Nigeria. We are witnessing a nationwide demand for opportunity, and NELFUND is proud to be at the heart of this transformation”.

    The agency also revealed that since the launch of the portal, students across the country have actively engaged with the application process for both institutional and upkeep loans, which demonstrate the relevance and urgency of the Fund’s efforts.

    NELFUND, while stating its commitment to ensure transparency, accessibility, and efficiency as the process continues, called on all stakeholders to join in supporting the vision of equitable education for all.

  • JAMB delists four centres, arrests 27 impersonators in ongoing UTME

    JAMB delists four centres, arrests 27 impersonators in ongoing UTME

    The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has delisted four Computer-Based Testing (CBT) Centres and arrested 27 impersonators during the ongoing Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).

    This is contained in a statement issued to newsmen in Abuja yesterday by the Board’s Spokesperson, Dr Fabian Benjamin.

    He explained that the CBT centres were delisted for failing to meet the stringent technical standards required for the ongoing UTME.

    Benjamin said the delisted centres include Adventure Associate, located behind Sheshe Supermarket off Hadejia Road, Kano, Kano State, and Saadatu Rimi College of Education, Zaria Road, Naibawa, Kano, Kano State.

    Also delisted are Penta M & F Technical Services Ltd., Centre 2, 96km Sokoto-Jega Road, Tambuwal, and Penta M & F Technical Services Ltd., Centre 1, 96km Sokoto-Jega Road, Tambuwal.

    “While JAMB commends the 883 centres that have demonstrated exceptional performance, it unequivocally warns that any centre failing to meet ethical or technical standards, regardless of ownership, will be blacklisted,” he stated.

    Read Also: Trump, immigration and capitalism’s global crisis

    Benjamin urged candidates who were previously scheduled to take their exams at the delisted centres to urgently reprint their examination notification slips to access their new centres and rescheduled dates.

    “We regret any inconvenience this may cause, but we will not tolerate excuses from candidates who fail to reprint their slips.

    “As of Friday, April 25, 2025, more than 900,000 candidates had successfully completed the UTME, out of the 2,083,600 registered for the 2025 examination,” he added.

    In a related development, Benjamin reported the arrest of 27 impersonators who were handed over to the Nigeria Police for immediate prosecution.

  • Embrace digital transformation to sustain African libraries, Alonge urges

    Embrace digital transformation to sustain African libraries, Alonge urges

    A University lecturer and researcher, Dr. Ayodele Alonge, has urged librarians across Africa to adopt digital tools and expand their skills to ensure libraries remain vital in an increasingly connected world.  

    Alonge, who teaches at the University of Ibadan Department of Library, Archive and Information Studies, was named Librarian of the Month for March 2025 by Librarian Spotlight Africa. 

    Alonge urged librarians to shift from traditional methods toward digital strategies.

    He said: “Today, people turn to the internet for information instead of walking into libraries. We must transition from simply storing materials to actively sharing knowledge online.”

    Alonge highlighted potential of social media, podcasts and interactive platforms to connect with users.

    “Libraries need to meet people where they are on their phones, computers, and tablets. Creating blogs, virtual exhibits, or online book discussions can make libraries dynamic spaces in the digital age,” he added. 

    He also addressed challenges facing libraries such as inconsistent internet access and high costs, which hinder progress in many regions. 

    While calling for updated program, Alonge stressed that library science curricula must align with global standards. 

    Read Also: How digital payments are changing the business landscape

    Speaking during a virtual ceremony hosted by Librarian Spotlight Africa, the convener of the organisation, Sylvester Ebhonu praised Alonge’s role in integrating technology with library operations. 

    He said: “With over two decades of experience, Dr. Alonge has been central to redefining library services through digital solutions. His efforts have improved access to resources, supported equitable knowledge sharing, and strengthened communities.”

    “Currently a visiting scholar at Kenya’s Karatina University and conducting research at the Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences, Dr. Alonge has focused on modernizing library systems while advocating for sustainable practices.”

    Alonge earned Ph.D. in Communication and Information Studies from the University of Nairobi and recently completed an academic fellowship at the University of Amsterdam and the University of Groningen, where he focused on Digital Curation and Recordkeeping Informatics. 

    His efforts reflect a wider goal: reshaping libraries into dynamic, inclusive spaces that support learning and bring communities together in today’s digital world.

  • Firms empower women and girls with STEM programme

    Firms empower women and girls with STEM programme

    IHS Nigeria and Women’s Technology Empowerment Centre (W.TEC) have emphasised the need to include more females in all-round development through Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM).

    The event was held across three states for 300 girls, with 100 girls each participating from Gbaja Girls High School, Surulere, Lagos; Queens Model Secondary School, Enugu State; and New Girls Science and Technical College, Kano State.

    The events in each state featured insightful STEM career talks, hands-on practical training on the production of rechargeable lights, a creative showcase, and gift presentations to students.

    Addressing the female students at the Lagos event, a Senior Manager, Engineering and Design at IHS Nigeria, Idowu Olugbemi, noted that failure to have more females in STEM would hinder overall national growth.

    She also urged the students to identify problems and proffer solutions  to solve them.

    “If we don’t have women in STEM, we won’t improve our lives. Women were the ones who introduced menstruation pads, bicycle, among others. It is important that we have more females in STEM. This will enable them create innovations that can solve female related problems,” she advised.

    Speaking in Lagos on the theme, ‘Unpacking STEM careers: Her voice in science’, Director, Procurement at IHS Nigeria, Sanet Shepperson, urged them to bring positive change in the society.

    She also reiterated the importance of education in the life of a female child.

    Read Also: On fresh calls for state police

    “Think big. Think different. It is in your hands to succeed. Dream big and keep learning.  “Education gives confidence, and independence. It gives one the opportunity to make self-decision. Without education, others become the architect of your destiny,” she advised.

    Programmes Coordinator, W.TEC, Diamond Oshomoji, reiterated that W.TEC is keen on bridging gender gap in STEM sectors.

    She added that the event created a platform to actualise this vision.

    “We are trying to encourage more young girls and women into STEM. We are trying to recognise women who are in science. It’s a wonderful occasion because we have a large turnout of students. We also used the opportunity to encourage a lot of students to embrace STEM.

    “There is a gender gap in STEM. It is W.TEC’s vision to bridge this gap. If you go to any company, you will notice we have more men than women in the engineering and science units. That gap is what we are trying to bridge. That is why we have different initiatives to combat this challenge,” she explained.  Gbaja Girls High School’s ICT Prefect, Olivia Nkwocha, lauded the programme. She also noted that it has helped encourage her to strive more in her career pursuit.

     “I want to study forensic medicine, which is a male dominated field. This programme was an eye-opener for me. Now, I know that I can be what I decide to be; regardless of if it is a male-dominated field. And I also know that I will have the encouragement of other women in the field,” she said.

    Delivering her address at the event, Zeenatu Yaradua, the Field Site Engineer of IHS Nigeria, gave a brief about her journey as a female engineer from the north to encourage the young girls participating in the event, saying there are a lot of opportunities waiting for them as females in the engineering sector.

    “Don’t accept the wrong notion that medicine is only what the girls can go for. No, engineering is also ours,” she stated.

    The events featured a hands-on training session where the students, grouped in teams of ten, built rechargeable lamps using plates, plastic, wires, and LED lights, followed by a creative showcase in which each of the first-place winners all received wireless headphones, and the second-place winners were awarded with IHS-branded school bags.

    The school management was also presented with Arduino kits and flasks as a token of appreciation from IHS Nigeria and W.TEC.