The Nation Newspaper

Category: Education

  • Lagos Education District II presents promotion letters to 1,205 teachers

    Lagos Education District II presents promotion letters to 1,205 teachers

    • Permanent Secretary Adekanye retires

    Tutor-General and Permanent Secretary of Education District II in Lagos State, Mrs. Anike Adekanye, has presented promotion letters to about 1,205 Level 9 to 17 teachers in the district.

    Mrs. Adekanye appealed to the teachers to be dedicated to their work, while ensuring sustainability of peace in their individual homes.

    “On behalf of Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, we are giving you promotion letters. What it means is that it’s only in Lagos State that we are not owed salary.

    “I want to appeal to you all to do your work well. Teach your students and pupils well. Many of them will become great. When you get home, please take good care of your husbands and wives. We need peace in our homes. If there’s peace in our homes, we would be able to teach our children very well. Please ensure that in Education District 2, we are known for excellence,” she appealed.

    In another development, the tutor general also announced her retirement from years of public service in education.

    She noted that she started her administration well and would be ending it on a good note.

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    “I started well, and I am ending very strong, just by the power of God. It wasn’t that easy because different kind of things happened. But I was not discouraged. When God wants you to excel, all your enemies will become your friends. This is just by His grace. “This is a kick-start for a serious and wonderful celebration for my exit from public services of Lagos State, as a tutor -general and Permanent Secretary, Education District II,” she said.

    To mark her retirement, she hosted activities such as testimonial football match, which was held at Kemi Balogun Junior and Secondary School Sports Ground.

    Mrs. Adekanye further expressed gratitude to the state governor,Babajide Sanwo -Olu, the deputy governor, Dr. Kadiri Hamzat, the Commissioner of Basic and Secondary Education, Jamiu Ali-Balogun and the staff for being instrumantal to her success in the district during her years of service.

    General Secretary, Lagos State Chemistry Teachers Association of Nigeria, described the TG as an energetic and result-oriented woman.

    “If you work with her, you will know that she is a goal-getter. What she wants from you is a positive result, and when you give her that, she would appreciate you.”

  • Why Fed Govt should establish education database, others

    Why Fed Govt should establish education database, others

    • School holds inter-house sports

    The Proprietress/Director of School, Epitome Primary School, Isolo, Lagos, Mrs. Bunmi Salami, has stressed the significance of establishing a national education database, saying it would help the government to track students’ progress, identify areas of improvement and boost policy-making.

    She also said it was imperative to prioritise teacher training and capacity development to enhance learning outcomes and overall quality of education.

    Mrs. Salami spoke on the sidelines of the school’s 2nd inter house sports competition, which was held at Ejigbo Mini Stadium in Ejigbo, Lagos.

    The event featured different contests ranging from track and field events to general march pass, colour parade, among others. No fewer than 12 schools from that axis were invited.

    Stressing the importance of sport, the proprietress noted that it plays a vital role in youth development and personal growth, adding that they can develop essential life skills, which will improve their physical and mental health, help build positive relationships between other schools, peers and adults.

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    Mrs. Salami said: “Sport builds confidence, self-esteem and leadership skills. It also helps to improve discipline and time management. It enhances cognitive function, which improves concentration and academic performance. It also promotes school spirit and unity, aiding endurance and perseverance.”

    She urged the government to also prioritise infrastructural development, technology and modern equipment, noting that amini standard stadium in each community will enhance the physical activities of schools.

    Head of School, Mrs. Abosede Odeyemi, stressed the importance of sport to the physical and mental wellbeing of pupils. She noted that the school has a range of beneficial activities to boost learning outcomes. She said the school is into STEM, Coding and Robotics, among others.

  • ‘How sports add value to pupils’ lives’

    ‘How sports add value to pupils’ lives’

    • Mind Builders holds Inter-House Sports

    Sports competitions are not only for discovering physical strength, but character through discipline, patience, determination, and the value of both victory and loss, the Managing Partner of Gbenga Badejo & Co.(Chartered Accountants), Sir Gbenga Badejo (FCA), has said.

    Badejo, who spoke about the old-age values of sports as the chairman of the 10th Biennial Inter-House Sports Competition of Mind Builders School, said the competition was about uncovering the strength, resilience, courage and team spirit within each of the young champions.

    “Every jump, every sprint and every cheer from the stands help reveal the potential that is waiting to be shaped into greatness,” he said.

    He appreciated the school leadership, teachers and organising committee for their tireless efforts in putting the event together, adding that the theme for this year’s event, “Discovering sports Titans,” could not be more apt.

    “You have not only created a space for healthy competition but also a stage for dreams to take flight,” Badejo said.

    He went on: “In sports, we discover not only physical strength, but character. We learn discipline, patience, determination, and the value of both victory and loss. These are not just sports values – they are life values. And as we cheer these young ones on, let us remember that we are also watching future leaders, innovators, and nation-builders in action,” he said.

    The accountant noted that the school’s motto, “Building your child for tomorrow’s challenges”, was vividly brought to life in the gathering since through sports, “our children are being equipped not just to compete on the track but to stand strong in life’s arena – ready to face the challenges of tomorrow with confidence, courage and character.

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    “To all the students: today is your day. Compete with passion, respect your fellow athletes, and give it your very best. Whether you take home a medal or not, know that by showing up, striving, and playing fair, you are already a titan in the making.”

    The school is known for the awards they have won in school competitions and inter-house sports.

    They recently attended four inter- house sports and they won 24 gold medals and four silver medals.

    Yesterday’s competition brought together four houses— Citrine, Diamond, Lapis, and Peridot.

    Citrine House was the overall winner, securing 17 gold, nine silver, and 16 bronze medals in a thrilling display of athletic excellence.

  • Tinubu’s aide proposes rural power projects by lecturers, students

    Tinubu’s aide proposes rural power projects by lecturers, students

    The Special Advisor to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Economic Affairs, Dr. Tope Fasua, has unveiled a groundbreaking initiative aimed at addressing Nigeria’s energy crisis by empowering university students and polytechnic lecturers to spearhead rural electrification using solar, wind and mini-hydro power systems.

    Speaking in a television interview, Dr. Fasua presented a plan designed to enhance local skills while offering a sustainable, decentralised energy solution for rural communities that remain disconnected from the national grid.

    “Past attempts at large-scale power projects, involving global companies like Siemens and General Electric, have often faced long-term failure,” Fasua remarked.

    “It’s time to shift our focus. After World War II, German engineers used innovative methods to power their homes and neighbourhoods. From there, it expanded into a nationwide energy network. We can do the same here by involving our students and young engineers in hands-on projects that directly impact their communities.”

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    Dr. Fasua’s proposal emphasises moving away from isolated academic projects, which often end up unused, toward group-driven initiatives that provide students with practical experience.

    “Instead of theoretical exercises, let’s challenge our students to electrify nearby villages with solar or wind systems. We’ll pay them a token stipend and have companies mentor them throughout the process,” he suggested.

    The goal is to build a generation of engineers and technicians who can maintain and scale these systems in the future.

    He highlighted the importance of practical skills, such as machinery operation and land grading, which are critical to the success of these renewable energy projects.

    “Our students need to understand how to manage these technologies—not just in the classroom, but in the real world,” he emphasised.

    Dr. Fasua said he had already engaged in talks with the managing director of the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), who has expressed strong support for the idea.

    The initiative is seen as a solution to Nigeria’s chronic power shortages, especially in rural regions, where electricity supply remains unreliable.

    According to 2024 Power Ministry data, Nigeria produces only about 4,000 megawatts of electricity for a population of over 210 million people, with vast areas of the country remaining off the grid.

  • Skills potent key to unlock Nigeria’s growth, says Poly Rector

    Skills potent key to unlock Nigeria’s growth, says Poly Rector

    In the heart of Oyo State, an institution, the Federal Polytechnic, Ayede, is making impressive waves in the technical education sector. The polytechnic, established in 2021, has become a model for innovation and excellence. Its pioneer rector, Dr. Taofeek Abdul-Hameed, speaks with RASAQ IBRAHIM, about the institution’s achievements and vision for the future.

    From the scratch into a citadel of learning

    The Federal Polytechnic, Ayede, Oyo State is one of the six polytechnics established by former President Muhammadu Buhari in 2021 to address demand for technical education and meeting the needs of the society in terms of entrepreneurship and skills development.

    Since its establishment, the young ivory tower has grown in leaps and bounds as a citadel of learning and excellence. When the institution made its debut into the Nigeria’s education space with the aim of transforming Nigeria’s technical education, only very few people saw hope in its horizon.

    But, the polytechnic within four years has proved the pessimists wrong and has courageously trodden on an uncharted path through its exploits in academic excellence, innovation, scholarships and researches.

    From humble beginnings, the polytechnic has made significant strides in research, capacity building, and entrepreneurship development. Despite facing numerous hydra-headed challenges, including lack of infrastructure, offices and salaries for months, the polytechnic persevered and is now beacon of hope for students seeking skills acquisition and vocational training.

    With a focus on entrepreneurship development and skills acquisition as well as artificial intelligence, its pioneer rector, Dr. Taofeek Abdul-Hameed, said the institution is poised to produce innovative graduates, who will make positive impact in the country. The polytechnic’s emphasis on practical skill and hands-on training, he said, is a departure from the traditional theoretical approach to education.

    Dr. Abdul-Hameed described the journey as challenging. But he thanked God for the progress made so far. He said despite being a newly established institution, the polytechnic has made significant strides in manpower, infrastructure development and student admission, surpassing its contemporaries.

    How it survived numerous challenges

    The rector explained that the institution faced numerous challenges.

    “The early days were eventful and challenging. We started with nothing, no infrastructure, no offices, and no salaries for months. But through dedication and hard work, we overcame these obstacles and secured temporary campus site as well as administrative building, and recruited staff,” Abdul-hammed recalled.

    The breaking of barriers in several areas

    The polytechnic has broken barriers in several areas. It commenced academic activities in July 2022 with four approved programmes, despite being a new ivory tower. The rector expressed confidence that the other courses will be accredited soon.

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    He said: “We invited the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), which is our supervisory and monitoring agency and we were bold enough to say we wanted to commence about 12 programmes at the same time, despite all the challenges. But the NBTE, after considering everything, including the challenges, gave us four to start with.

    “They approved Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Statistics and Science Laboratory Technology. This encouraged us the more because our peers – the other five – were given only two courses to start with. One was even given only one course. “Eventually, we commenced academic activities in July 2022. From there, we started making progress and we have been telling our staff that the polytechnic is not an institution where you just acquire a certificate. We know that there are no jobs out there and so, we don’t want our students to be seeking for employment after graduation.

    “The institution gives premium to entrepreneurship development and we are making tremendous progress in that regard to the extent that one of our students, even before graduation, was offered employment because of what he learnt here,” he added.

    The rector noted that the polytechnic is committed to excellence in all its endeavours, saying it has made significant strides in research and capacity building.

    He said: “We are just three years old – when we count from when we actually took-off in 2022 – and we already have 32 beneficiaries, who are into various fields of research.

    “Even some institutions which are older than Ayede do not have this number. That shows that we are encouraging our staff to embark on research; research that would lead to the development of the society. When it comes to hands-on skills, we are ready.

    “Currently, we have 21 who are beneficiaries of TETFund sponsorship for international conferences; and we also have 90 on local conferences. The management encourages the staff on conferences to cross-fertilise ideas for development.”

    The polytechnic’s student enrollment has also seen significant growth, with 1,200 students currently enrolled, making it the institution with the highest number of students among the six polytechnics established in 2021.  Abdul-Hammed attributed this growth to the institution’s focus on skill acquisition, vocational training, innovation and entrepreneurship development.

    Call for parity between Bachelor’s degree, Higher National Diploma

    Emphasising the importance of skills acquisition and vocations in advanced countries as examples, Dr. Abdul-Hammed advocated for parity between Bachelor’s degree and Higher National Diploma holders, arguing that paper qualifications should not be the  sole measure of a person’s  worth.

    “In advanced countries, skills acquisition and vocations are encouraged. If you are talking about China today, it is because they give a premium to entrepreneurship development through skill acquisition and vocational development.

    “I attended over three universities to get my degrees, and I have been in the polytechnic sector for over 30 years. So, I can make comparisons. If you look at it, it is because we lay so much emphasis on paper qualifications that is why we are not progressing the way we should as a country. If and only if government can encourage skills and vocations, we will move faster. Our slogan at NBTE is ‘Skills rather than degrees’ because acquiring skills is the in thing. No nation can develop without promoting skills acquisition,” he said.

    Strategic partnerships with stakeholders

    The polytechnic’s presence has positively impacted the host community, with development and economic growth evident in the temporary campus and surrounding areas. The institution has also established strategic partnerships with various stakeholders, including industries and government agencies, to provide students with practical training and job opportunities.

    “Our relationship with the community is quite cordial. Yes, you cannot satisfy everybody, but we are in a very good standing with the community. For instance, in the first and second employment exercises that we did, we were given 150 to employ and 32 per cent of those employed are from Oyo State. Twenty-one percent from Osun State. The House of Representatives Committee on Federal Character mandated us to reflect the federal character principle in the next employment. So, we are looking at the North West, North East, South-South, the South-East and all of that.

    “We are yet to move to our permanent site at Ayede, but at our temporary site, we have a very good rapport with the Iresa Pupa community. I commend the Soun of Ogbomosoland, Oba Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye, for his encouragement and support. The Aresa of Iresa Pupa has been so kind and supportive likewise the Alajaawa of Ajaawa because Ayede has no king yet,” the rector said.

    Abdul-Hammed attributed the institution’s exploits to the support of President Bola Tinubu, Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, and TETFund, saying their efforts in providing necessary resources have been significantly instrumental in the institution’s growth.

  • ‘RECTEM committed to developing well-rounded students’

    ‘RECTEM committed to developing well-rounded students’

    Redeemer’s College of Technology and Management (RECTEM), Mowe in Ogun State, has matriculated no fewer than 214 students for the National Diploma and Higher National Diploma programmes in the School of Engineering Technology, School of Environmental Studies, School of Management Studies, and School of Science and Technology. It is the 7th matriculation ceremony of the college.

    Rector of the College, Dr. (Mrs.) Stella Mofunanya said the institution is committed to providing the students with a holistic education that combines academic excellence with spiritual growth and development.

    She stated that the college recognises that education is not just about acquiring knowledge and skills, but also about cultivating character and integrity. Dr. Mofunanaya assured that RECTEM is committed to helping the students develop into well-rounded individuals who are equipped to make a positive impact in your communities.

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    She, however, warned the students to always bear it in mind that RECTEM has zero-tolerance for cultism, hooliganism, corruption and other forms of social menace.

    “As you begin your academic journey with us, I want to assure you that we are committed to providing you with a world-class education that will equip you with the knowledge, skills and values necessary to succeed in your chosen careers.

    “I encourage you to take advantage of the numerous opportunities available to you. Engage in academic and extra-curricular activities, participate in community service, and build relationships with your peers and mentors.

  • Don proposes policy path for nation-building

    Don proposes policy path for nation-building

    Public Administration scholar at the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), Prof. Ali Bagaji has proposed the adoption of a new framework of policy pillars to move the country forward.

    Bagaji, a senior lecturer in NOUN’s Department of Public Administration, Faculty of Management Science, spoke during the university’s 32nd Inaugural Lecture held at its headquarters in Abuja.

    In the lecture, titled, “State-building Experiments in Nigeria’s Multi-ethnic Society: Policy Pillars for Achieving Pre-set Triple National Goals?”, he traced the country’s political and administrative evolution, examining the patterns and outcomes of various state-building efforts since independence.

    He examined what he described as Nigeria’s “pre-set triple national goals”—unity, security, and development—and the persistent gap between aspiration and achievement, noting that the country’s multi-ethnic nature, while a potential source of strength, has often presented complex challenges in governance and national cohesion.

    In a statement by the Director of Media and Publicity, NOUN, Ibrahim Sheme, the don analysed the policies, structures, and governance mechanisms that have been adopted over the years to manage ethnic diversity and promote national unity.

    From the Federal Character principle to quota systems and decentralisation efforts, he critically assessed their effectiveness and limitations.

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    Bagaji argued that a new framework of policy pillars must be adopted to move the country forward.

    He proposed the pillars to included: Inclusive and Adaptive Federalism, which is a call for genuine power devolution that respects ethnic identities while reinforcing national integration; Participatory Democracy, which strengthens civic engagement and citizen accountability in policy-making; and Merit-driven Public Service Reform which ensures that institutions are run by competent professionals, not political patronage.

    Others are Civic Education and National Orientation, which is a revival of value-based education to instill patriotism and shared purpose, and Strategic Human Capital Investment, which particularly emphasises on education, youth, and innovation.

    The university don noted that state-building must be a shared responsibility driven by visionary leadership, inclusive policies, and a commitment to national ideals.

    Vice-Chancellor of NOUN, Prof. Olufemi Peters, emphasised the significance of the inaugural lecture series in showcasing the depth of research and intellectual capacity within the university’s academic community.

    He lauded Bagaji’s contributions to the field of public administration and governance, describing his work as timely and very relevant to Nigeria’s contemporary challenges. “This lecture is not only an academic tradition but also a platform for advancing public discourse on issues of national interest,” he said.

    He also highlighted the theme of the lecture as particularly timely and significant, given Nigeria’s current socio-political realities.

  • LASU VC to graduates: drive meaningful change

    LASU VC to graduates: drive meaningful change

    • How my mother, friends, lecturers lifted me, by Overall best

    Vice Chancellor of Lagos State University(LASU), Prof. Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello, has enjoined new graduates of the institution to utilise the knowledge  and skill gained  to drive meaningful change in whatever area of life they find themselves.

    She spoke at the award of diplomas, first degrees, postgraduate diplomas and master’s degrees at the 28th convocation ceremony held on Wednesday at the Buba Marwa Auditorium on the main campus in Ojo.

    The VC said:”Our university has provided you with a solid foundation of knowledge, excellence, and discipline to actualise your God-given unique potential. As you embark on this new chapter, I challenge you to write your own story the way you want it to be told; don’t submit your future to the uncertainties of life, instead chat your own paths with precision.

    “Being world class doesn’t necessarily mean being a finished work but instead, it denotes a strong foundation, immense potential and unrelenting pursuit of excellence.

    “Graduating today doesn’t mean you have arrived; earning a university degree is not an end in itself but rather a means to an end.  As I foresee it, the ultimate goal is to use your knowledge and skill to drive meaningful change wherever you find yourselves.”

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    She urged them to continue to invest in themselves, saying the biggest investment they  can make is not in shares or gold but in themselves.

    Olatunji-Bello thanked faculty and staff for their dedication in nurturing the graduates from the moment of their admission to the time of graduation.

    The overall best graduating student, Nwosu Isioma Sybil, who got a Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of 4.93, noted that the journey was not smooth at all.

    She said she was devastated in 300-Level when her  CGPA dropped from 4.97 to 4.94.

    She said: “My dream was to study Medicine and Surgery at the University of Ibadan, but I fell just two points short of the cut-off mark.

    I eventually registered for JAMB again.

    “This time, I chose Lagos State University (LASU) as my first choice, again aiming for Medicine and Surgery, However, when the admission list came out, I was offered Biochemistry a course I had never even heard of.My heart broke a second time.

    Even in my 100-Level, I struggled to accept it, every time I saw Medical students, I pictured myself among them.”

    But one of her lecturers made her accept the situation. Then,she determined to be the best overall graduating student.

    The lecturer said: “Some of you weren’t given your preferred course. But instead of lamenting, why not prove to the university that you deserve something even greater?”

    That statement had a great effect on her,and today she achieved her aim.

  • FUOYE governing council exonerates VC over alleged sexual harassment

    FUOYE governing council exonerates VC over alleged sexual harassment

    The Governing Council of the Federal University, Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE) has cleared its Vice Chancellor, Prof. Abayomi Fasina, of allegations of sexual harassment of  a worker of the institution.

    The university in the last few months had been embroiled in a series of controversies over the reported allegations of sexual harassment against the VC by a member of staff, Folasade Adebayo, an engineer, who was the director of Physical Planning and Director of Works and Services.

    Also, the leadership of the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU), FUOYE branch, was at loggerheads with the university management over some issues relating to the suspension of their leadership. The governing council under the leadership of the chairman, Senator Victor Ndoma-Egba, SAN in January set up an investigative panel with a view of resolving the imbroglio in the interest of the parties and the institution.

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    The Registrar and Secretary to Council, Mufutau Ibrahim, in a statement yesterday, said the council during its extraordinary meeting on April 8, considered the report of the investigative Committees constituted on the issues.

    Exonerating the VC of the allegations, the statement added that the report indicated Adebayo never made official complaints of sexual harassment against Prof. Fasina, which confirming the earlier investigation by the Nigeria Police.

    The council also condemned the audio recordings of the VC by Mrs. Adebayo without his consent, saying that it was against established laws and regulations of the university.

    She was directed to write an apology letter to the council within the next seven days and further warned from bringing the name of the university into disrepute.

  • HRDC-UNILAG, CIPSMN renew partnerships on training

    HRDC-UNILAG, CIPSMN renew partnerships on training

    • By  Tosin Ajayi

    The Directorate of the Human Resources Development Centre, University of Lagos (HRDC-UNILAG) and the Chartered Institute Of Purchasing and Supply Management of Nigeria (CIPSMN) have renewed their partnerships in the provision of quality manpower training and capacity development for different individuals, groups and bodies in the public and private sectors of the economy.

    This  was when the Director/ Head of HRDC,  Dr Lateef Odekunle led university team to engage the management of CIPSMN at the Lagos Office of the Institute.

    He said: “In a bid to revitalise the long lost partnership, we wrote to the institute, and we were invited to discuss the way forward. I’m happy that we were able to discuss the suspended collaborative arrangements. The likely issues that led to the fall or collapse of that collaboration were discussed, and then we agreed that henceforth, we should come back together to revitalise what appeared lost and create a kind of a robust strong strategy for future and thriving collaboration that will stand the intended purpose.”

    He said such collaboration will expand the frontier of the manpower training provided by both organisations, stressing it will expand the share of the market in quality manpower training and capacity development for both organisations and the country in general.

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     Odekunle explained that the collaboration between the two organisations has become necessary to engage in the provision of requisite manpower professional training for the nation and her organisations.

    “As you know, we are a capacity-building centre for the University of Lagos. The institute is also established by an Act of Parliament as a professional body to provide human capacity-building as well. The Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply Management of Nigeria and the HRDC University of Lagos used to have collaboration, however, somewhere along the line; the collaboration broke down for reasons beyond our control.

    “We saw in the record as we came on board that there was an existing collaboration,” he said.

    On what the public should expect in the forms of training for professionals from diverse backgrounds, the HRDC-UNILAG Director said the manpower training that will be provided by both organisations is beyond procurement alone.