The Nation Newspaper

Category: Education

  • Why Nigeria must embrace French education in AI era – Prof. Bariki

    Why Nigeria must embrace French education in AI era – Prof. Bariki

    At a time when Nigeria is seeking stronger regional influence, the role of French education has never been more critical. 

    This is the firm position of Professor Isaiah Bariki, a respected scholar who has dedicated his career to promoting French as a foreign language in Nigeria.

    “Nigeria is a giant hemmed in by Francophone nations,” he said. “Without French, our students, diplomats, and business leaders are handicapped in regional and global engagements.”

    Bariki emphasised that Nigeria’s geographical and political realities make French indispensable. With 14 of Nigeria’s 15 neighbors in ECOWAS being Francophone, he argued, the inability of Nigerian officials to communicate in French undermines the country’s potential to lead.

    Economically, too, the stakes are high. From cross-border trade in Cotonou to oil and gas negotiations in Libreville, French is often the lingua franca. “We lose opportunities when our professionals cannot function in French,” he said.

    What sets Bariki’s vision apart is his optimism about technology. He points to AI as a revolution in language learning. “Virtual reality can now place a Nigerian student in a Paris café or an Abidjan market, practicing authentic interactions,” he explained. “Adaptive learning platforms adjust in real time to a student’s strengths and weaknesses, providing a tailor-made experience.”

    He also highlighted AI translation and interpretation tools like Google Translate and DeepL. While these cannot replace human competence, they can supplement it. 

    “AI should not make us lazy,” he warned. “It should inspire us to reach higher levels of fluency while giving us practical support in the meantime.”

    Read Also: French firm gets final regulatory nod to acquire MultiChoice

    To fully leverage these opportunities, Bariki advocates for national investment in French education. He envisions AI-enabled language centers in Nigerian universities, partnerships with Francophone embassies, and exchange programs supported by government funding.

    “French is not just about linguistics,” he concluded. “It is about Nigeria’s future in diplomacy, commerce, and cultural leadership. In the age of AI, those who combine language with technology will lead Africa forward. Nigeria cannot afford to lag behind.”

  • Oyebanji receive EKSU alumni, donates bus, pledges support

    Oyebanji receive EKSU alumni, donates bus, pledges support

    Governor Abiodun Oyebanji has received the newly inaugurated Global President of the Ekiti State University (EKSU), Alumni Association, Amb. Seyi Idowu with his team during a courtesy visit at his office.

    The Governor expressed gratitude for the alumni association’s unwavering support throughout his election campaign and commended Engr. Dipo Bamisaye for his contributions.

    He reaffirmed confidence in the leadership abilities of the new Global President and pledged his full support for all the outlined initiatives. 

    He assured the association of his commitment to the professorial visits and mentorship program and even expressed his personal readiness to participate in mentoring the undergraduates.

    Oyebanji in response to the request for a new bus by EKSU alumni pledged to personally procure the vehicle immediately to facilitate the smooth running of the alumni association. 

    He also assured his full backing for the proposed construction of an Alumni Centre, reinforcing his dedication to the advancement of the university and its alumni network.

    Oyebanji further emphasised that Ekiti State University currently boasts of a strong management team, a competent council, an excellent Vice Chancellor, and a vibrant alumni body, a combination that has earned EKSU the title of the Best State University in Nigeria.

    He also revealed that an anonymous alumnus is financing the construction of a faculty building while the Ekiti State Government has finalised plans to construct the Faculty of Pharmacy in the university.

    Idowu expressed gratitude to God for the privilege to serve in this capacity, thanking Oyebanji for his unwavering commitment to good governance in Ekiti State and lauded Asiwaju Adetuberu for his exemplary leadership within the alumni association over the years.

    The Global President also recognised contributions of his predecessor, Engineer Dipo Bamisaye, for his dedication and the milestones achieved during his tenure as the immediate past Global President.

    Taking a trip down memory lane, the Global President highlighted the Governor’s significant role in the creation of Ekiti State, noting that Governor Oyebanji, as the youngest and secretary of the committee that worked for the creation of Ekiti State, had now risen to lead the state as its Governor, a testimony of dedication and service.

    The President acknowledged the ongoing reconstruction of the House of Assembly complex, emphasizing the pride in having an alumnus as the Speaker of the House. 

    He also appreciated the Governor for appointing several alumni members to key positions in his administration.

    Read Also: Oyebanji grants state pardon to 31 inmates in Ekiti

    While assuring the Governor of the alumni association’s commitment to partnering with relevant stakeholders in advancing the digitization of the University, Ambassador Idowu commended the Governor for being a worthy ambassador of the institution.

    He reiterated the alumni body’s resolve to support the administration’s development agenda.

    The Global President outlined the strategic initiatives of the new alumni leadership, which include digitization of transcript processing to ensure efficiency and ease of access for graduates, and Professorial visits and mentorship programs for undergraduates to enhance academic excellence and career development.

    Others are: joint award of degrees in Artificial Intelligence through a partnership between a UK-based university and EKSU, expansion of Prize Endowment programs, with an emphasis on increasing capital investment to drive innovation and research within the university.

    The meeting was a testament to the strong ties between the Ekiti State Government and the alumni body, signaling a renewed commitment to the growth and progress of Ekiti State University.

  • ASUU awards scholarships to 10 indigent students

    ASUU awards scholarships to 10 indigent students

    The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Federal University of Technology (FUTO), Owerri, has awarded scholarships to brilliant but indigent students to support their academic pursuits.

    The Chairman of ASUU FUTO, Comrade Chinedu Ihejirika, presented cheques to 10 students at the ASUU Secretariat.

    The national body of ASUU also sponsored two students with ₦200,000 each, while the remaining eight students received ₦100,000 each as part of the ASUU FUTO branch’s annual scholarship scheme.

    Ihejirika emphasized that the union’s goal is to support students excelling in their academic pursuits.

    “This yearly initiative is aimed to encourage youth education and extend assistance to Nigerians nationwide. The selection process considered students from various faculties,” he said.

    Read Also: Kaduna varsity ASUU suspends strike

    He highlighted that ASUU’s efforts go beyond academic advancement, also providing support to the less privileged. “In fact, ASUU national has encouraged its branches to offer scholarships to intelligent indigent students across Nigeria.”

    Ihejirika also noted that ASUU expends significant funds supporting individuals in Internally Displaced Persons camps, particularly those affected by national disasters.

    “ASUU is touching lives, supporting students who cannot afford their education. Lecturers contribute to this humanitarian gesture, helping students succeed.”

  • Yabatech’s GESP partners UK group to equip educators with gender skills 

    Yabatech’s GESP partners UK group to equip educators with gender skills 

    To promote gender equality in education, Yaba College of Technology (Yabatech), through its Girls’ Education and Skills Partnership (GESP) programme, has partnered with the UK-based International Network for Advancing Science and Policy (INASP) to train educators in Gender-Responsive Pedagogy (GRP).

     The partnership, supported by UNICEF Generation Unlimited and the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), aims to equip lecturers and facilitators with the tools to create inclusive learning environments that challenge gender biases and foster equal participation in education and employment.

    The three-day Training of Trainers (ToT) workshop, at Lagos, was designed to enhance the skills of educators and position them as ‘gender champions’ who will advocate for gender equity in teaching methodologies.

    With over 30 trainers participating, the workshop focused on gender-sensitive teaching practices, facilitation techniques, and strategies to dismantle stereotypes in education.

    Mai Skovgaard, Senior Programmes Specialist at INASP, highlighted the importance of gender-responsive pedagogy, stating: “It ensures that both girls and boys will benefit equally from the training or the teaching that they’re participating in, so that ultimately, both girls and boys will be able to enter into employment and succeed in their professional life. 

    The enthusiasm and engagement from the participants have been fantastic, and it is clear that Yabatech has the ambition to become a leader in gender-responsive pedagogy in Nigeria.”

    Dr Funmilayo Doherty, Project Coordinator of the GESP Programme at Yabatech, emphasized the institution’s commitment to pioneering gender-inclusive education.

    She said:“We are enhancing the skills of our trainers to ensure that gender-responsive pedagogy is embedded not only in Yabatech but also in other institutions across Nigeria.

     This initiative is a response to gender stereotypes and biases that have long created barriers for women in male-dominated fields, particularly in STEM and ICT.”

    The training addressed unconscious and internalized biases in education and the workplace.

     Participants engaged in interactive sessions, exploring ways to foster inclusive teaching environments. 

    Mrs Rebecca Martins, one of the participants, shared her experience: “This training has been an eye-opener, especially in Africa, where gender stereotypes are deeply rooted. 

    We are learning how to facilitate classrooms where boys and girls are given equal opportunities to thrive in any field, be it engineering, science, or the arts.”

    Mr. Anthony Agu, another participant, expressed his appreciation for the training. He said: “This opportunity has given me a broader perspective on facilitation. I intend to extend my knowledge to other staff members at Yabatech so that more educators can integrate gender-responsive teaching methods into their classrooms.”

    Facilitators of the workshop included Prof. Flora Fabia, INASP Associate and Vice Chancellor of Mwanza University, Tanzania, and Albert Luswata, INASP Associate and Chair, Centre for Ethics, Uganda Martyrs University. 

    They led discussions on gender equity, inclusive facilitation techniques, and strategies to challenge stereotypes that hinder educational progress.

    Yabatech’s Rector, Dr Ibraheem  Abdul   , an engineer, reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to gender equity in education and commended INASP and GESP’s efforts to spearhead the initiative.

     With continued mentorship from INASP, the trained educators will implement these techniques, fostering a culture of inclusivity in Nigeria’s educational system.

    This partnership is a significant step toward dismantling gender biases in education and empowering young girls to break barriers in traditionally male-dominated industries. 

    Through this initiative, Yabatech aims to set a national precedent for integrating gender-responsive pedagogy in tertiary institutions across Nigeria.

  • Five unconventional skills that will make you succeed after university

    Five unconventional skills that will make you succeed after university

    In today’s fast-paced and constantly changing world, relying solely on academic knowledge is no longer enough. To stay ahead, you need to cultivate a unique set of skills that will not only help you thrive in the professional world but also empower you to carve out your own path.

    Here are five unconventional skills to future-proof your career:

    1. Financial Fluency: In today’s economy, mastering the language of money is essential. It’s not just about balancing your budget—it’s about understanding the nuances of personal finance, investing, and wealth creation. By developing financial fluency, you’ll be better equipped to make informed decisions and build a secure financial future.

    2. Storytelling Mastery: In a world where information is abundant, attention is scarce. To stand out, you need to be able to tell compelling stories that capture hearts and minds. Storytelling mastery is about crafting narratives that convey your ideas, values, and passions in a way that resonates with others. By developing this skill, you’ll be able to communicate more effectively, build stronger relationships, and inspire others to take action.

    Read Also: Julius Berger committed to skills transfer

    3. Adaptive Resilience: The ability to adapt to change and bounce back from setbacks is crucial in today’s fast-paced world. Adaptive resilience is about developing a mindset that is open to new experiences, receptive to feedback, and capable of navigating uncertainty. By cultivating this skill, you’ll be better equipped to handle the unexpected twists and turns of your career and personal life.

    4. Network Navigation: Your professional network is one of your most valuable assets. Network navigation is about understanding how to build, maintain, and leverage relationships to achieve your goals. By developing this skill, you’ll be able to identify key influencers, foster meaningful connections, and create opportunities that might otherwise be out of reach.

    5. Curiosity-Driven Learning: The pace of technological change is accelerating exponentially, making it essential to stay curious and committed to lifelong learning. Curiosity-driven learning is about cultivating a mindset that is open to new ideas, eager to explore unfamiliar territories, and passionate about discovering new knowledge. By embracing this skill, you’ll be better equipped to stay ahead of the curve, adapt to new technologies, and create innovative solutions to complex problems.

    Note that the future of work demands a new set of skills, skills that go beyond the confines of traditional education.

    By developing financial fluency, storytelling mastery, adaptive resilience, network navigation, and curiosity-driven learning, you’ll be better equipped to thrive in a world that is increasingly complex, interconnected, and rapidly changing.

  • Foundation honours best nursing graduates, supports pregnant women

    Foundation honours best nursing graduates, supports pregnant women

    The Iyalode Theresa Laduntan Oyekanmi Foundation has recognised two outstanding graduates in Community Health Nursing and Public Health Nursing from the Nursing Education Department, University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, for their dedication to academic excellence. 

    The Foundation reaffirmed its commitment to empowering, inspiring, and uplifting women, children, and underprivileged individuals, with a special focus on health and education. 

    Speaking at the award presentation ceremony held at the School of Nursing Hall, UCH, Ibadan, one of the awardees, Praise Toluwalola Matthew, a graduate of Community Health Nursing, expressed gratitude to the Foundation for its generosity, offering prayers for its continued success. 

    Read Also: Daystar holds women conference

    In commemoration of the 2025 International Women’s Day, the Foundation also extended support to pregnant women by distributing essential items during an antenatal clinic at Idi-Ogungun Primary Health Centre, Agodi, Ibadan. 

    Mrs. Sade Adebayo, daughter of Iyalode Laduntan Oyekanmi, emphasized the Foundation’s dedication to maternal health, recognizing the challenges expectant mothers face.

    “That’s why we have put together these care packages, containing essential items to support you and your unborn babies.

    “These donations are more than just material goods; they represent our commitment to supporting the most vulnerable members of our community. We believe that every woman deserves access to quality healthcare, education, and economic opportunities.”

  • YABATECH blazes the trail in GRP train, certification

    YABATECH blazes the trail in GRP train, certification

    • By Sunday Aderin

    Yaba College of Technology has blazed the trail to become the first tertiary institution in the country to train and certified over 40  staff in Gender Responsive Pedagogy (GRP), a groundbreaking initiative of the college Girls’ Education and Skills Partnership (GESP) program.

    This was facilitated by the United Kingdom based International Network for Advancing Science and Policy (INASP) that equipped the participants with the knowledge and tools to integrate GRP into classroom as a collaboration effort sponsored by Unicef Generation Unlimited and Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO).

    The three days training workshop empowered the participants with the skills to challenge gender biases, foster equal participation and create inclusive learning environments where students regardless of gender can reach their full potential.

    The Project coordinator of GESP in the college, Dr. Funmilayo Doherty, in her welcome address, disclosed that the participants are the first cohort of GRP trainers in Nigeria tertiary education system and will be playing pivotal role in shaping the future of education and would be the driving force in expanding GRP knowledge.

    Read Also: YABATECH students get free food

    The rector,  Dr Ibraheem Abdul, commended the INASP team for partnering with YABATECH’s GESP initiative and highlighted the importance of innovation in education, stating that true innovators dedicate themselves fully to setting exemplary standards.

    He urged participants to embrace the GRP initiative and equip themselves with the necessary knowledge to drive meaningful change in the educational sector not minding the herculean task attached to it.

    “Gender-Responsive Pedagogy is an innovative concept that holds great potential for the future. It is imperative that everyone embraces this forward-thinking approach to foster an inclusive and balanced educational environment,” Dr. Abdul declared.

    The rector, however, encouraged participants to commit wholeheartedly to the GRP initiative and to become advocates of innovation as the world awaits the showcasing of their expertise in no too distant future.

    The representative of INASP UK, a Senior Programme Specialist in gender responsiveness programming and pedagogy, Mai Hoff Skovgaard, expressed her delight and satisfaction on the enthusiasm, passion and warm embracement of Nigeria at the workshop.

    She outlined that  the participants have acquired knowledge and confidence in understanding GRP and how it transforms education, identifying strategies to eliminate stereotypes from curricula, teaching methods and classrooms interactions, inclusive teaching and assessment techniques with practical approaches to ensure that all student receive equal learning opportunities and also action planning for institutional change on how to integrate GRP principles into teaching practices and institutional policies.

    Other team members of the INASP UK that facilitated the training are Professor Flora Fabian, a founding vice chancellor of Mwanza University, Tanzania and Dr. Albert Lauswata, a senior lecturer and chair, Centre for Ethics, Uganda Martyrs University.

  • Ezekwesili, Bakare, others call for strategic leadership at UNILAG seminar

    Ezekwesili, Bakare, others call for strategic leadership at UNILAG seminar

    The President of Human Capital Africa, Oby Ezekwesili, has reiterated that the ability to articulate and pursue a long term vision that transcends short term political and economic pressures is the key characteristic of strategic leadership.

    She stated this in her keynote address at the University of Lagos Business School’s (ULBS) 2025 maiden quarterly business seminar 1.0, held at Tayo Aderinokun Hall.

    Speaking on the theme: “Strategic Leadership and Wealth of Nations: The Nexus”, she also urged leaders to learn from Singapore’s Lee Yew strategic and visionary leadership that promotes progressive economic growth.

    “A powerful example of this is Lee Kuan Yew’s leadership in Singapore. Under his stewardship, Singapore’s leaders implemented policies that prioritised education, infrastructural development, and the cultivation of a skilled workforce,” she said.

    In his keynote address, Overseer of Citadel Global Community Church, Tunde Bakare, called for a generation of motivators who can inspire and awaken citizens to the continent’s amazing possibilities.

    Read Also: Oby Ezekwesili’s wars without rhyme

    He also advocated for a league of maestros who will build institutions, conduct governance effectively and lead nations skillfully and systematically, as well as a crop of trans-generational leaders and nation-builders who think not of the next election, but of the next generation.

    “The issues afflicting our nation are fundamental in scale and historical in scope. They strike at the core of our socio-political culture, governance structure and institutional architecture.

     “The vision was that of a Nigeria that every Nigerian would be proud of, a nation that would lead the rest of Africa out of colonial bondage into freedom and prosperity.

    “One of the key strategies by which our founding leaders sought to achieve this vision was a governance structure that would ensure that every part of the nation was optimally and competitively productive, with each subnational entity having sufficient incentives to develop competitively,” he noted.

    In his address, ULBS Director, Mike Adebamowo, said the quarterly business seminar series are designed to generate innovative ideas for effective leadership in the private and public sectors of the nation.

    UNILAG immediate past Vice- Chancellor, Prof. Oluwatoyin Ogundipe, reiterated: “We need people that can move this country forward. It’s not about today. It’s about dreaming about the future and I’m sure that this country will move.

    “We need to teach young ones about leadership in schools, churches and mosques. We should teach them that this country belongs to all of us; that’s how we can move this country forward,” he said.

  • Babcock: cybersecurity experts seek collaboration to tackle growing threats

    Babcock: cybersecurity experts seek collaboration to tackle growing threats

    • By Tunde Adeniyi

    Stakeholders in the academia, private sector, and governmental agencies have stressed the need for a collective effort to strengthen Nigeria’s cybersecurity ecosystem in the face of growing global threat expected to cost $10.5 trillion this year.

    They made the call to action at a two-day cybersecurity workshop hosted by the Babcock University Information Technology department in collaboration with GXT International.

    The workshop, with the theme:  “Building a Resilient Cybersecurity Ecosystem: Bridging Academia, Industry, and Organizational Practices,” brought together experts to share knowledge and propose solutions to address critical security challenges.

    In his presentation, the Chairman of the Senate Committee on ICT and Cybersecurity, Hon. Shuaib Afolabi Salisu, highlighted the significance of cybersecurity in Nigeria’s growing digital economy.

    “Nigeria may have missed out on the first and second industrial revolutions, but we have an opportunity to make a significant impact in the digital age,” he said.

    Salisu emphasised the need for a tripartite collaboration involving the academia, industry, and government agencies to develop a robust cybersecurity ecosystem.

    He proposed that professors acquire industrial experience during their sabbatical, while students focus on solving real-life problems using Fin-Tech in their final research work.

    CEO of Sycom, Abdulraman Akanbi noted  that employers value hands-on experience over theoretical knowledge. “Cybersecurity is not just a profession; it’s a mission to save the digital world,” he said.

    Executive Director Momo PSB,Oluwafemi Aminu  emphasised that cyber resilience is a shared responsibility requiring coordinated action from all stakeholders. “We cannot afford to operate in silos; a unified, ecosystem-driven approach is the only way forward in today’s threat landscape,” he said.

    Cyber resilience goes beyond traditional cybersecurity. While cybersecurity focuses on protecting systems, networks, and data from attacks, cyber resilience ensures an organization can continue operations during and after an attack.” he added.

    Lagos State Commissioner for Innovation, Science, and Technology,  Tunbosun Alake said the state is doing all to ensure Nigeria takes its place in the committee of nations in terms of technology.

    Read Also: Babcock Pharmacy School to solve health problems

    “Your focus becomes your reality. If you see Nigeria as a jungle, you only see a jungle, but if you see it with its various potentials, so it becomes. We need to work together to achieve the Nigeria of our dreams,” he said.

    Babcock University’s President/Vice Chancellor, Prof. Ademola Tayo, hailed the timeliness and relevance of the programme.

     “I commend you for coming up with this program at a time like this. With the risks posed by cybercrime, this program could not have come at a better time to address this very germane issue to our national growth and development.”

    Beyond recommendations, the workshop provided platform for presentation of the Excellence Cybersecurity Leadership Award to the Ogun State governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, Alake and others in recognition of their contribution to building the digital infrastructure in Nigeria.

  • LASUCOM gets Sanwo-Olu’s nod for infrastructure upgrade

    LASUCOM gets Sanwo-Olu’s nod for infrastructure upgrade

    • By Abike Sanusi

    The Lagos State University College of Medicine (LASUCOM) is poised for significant infrastructural development as Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has approved a series of expansion and renovation projects for the Institution.

    These projects, awarded to contractors under the supervision of the Lagos State Infrastructure Asset Management Agency (LASIAMA), are Phase 1 plans of the College’s long-term development that will enhance medical education and healthcare delivery in Lagos State.

    The approved projects include the renovation of LASUCOM Histology/Anatomy Laboratories in Ikeja and the conversion of the CACOVID Centre, Mainland Hospital, Yaba, and Cardo-Renal Center, Gbagada into Annexes of the College.

    The Honourable Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi alongside the Commissioner for Tertiary Education – Mr Tolani Sule were present at the sites on Wednesday, 26th and Thursday, 27th March 2025 to explore the facilities with the College Executives and other relevant stakeholders, to meet with the contractors and also discuss commencement of the project.

    Read Also: Lagos govt okays LASUCOM’s upgrade to medical varsity

    Speaking on the significance of the project, the Commissioner for Health described the exercise as a “crucial step in expanding the college and addressing the shortage of human resources in the health sector.”

    He emphasised that Phase 1 of the expansion is expected to be completed within four months, paving the way for new annexes for LASUCOM.

    The Commissioner for Tertiary Education, Mr Tolani Sule, echoed this sentiment, stating, “This project is about a greater Lagos rising. By expanding the workforce in the health sector, we are securing the future of healthcare delivery in our state.”

    The Vice Chancellor Prof. Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello, visibly elated by the progress, stated, “I am the happiest person right now. The National Universities Commission (NUC), Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN), Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN), and other accrediting bodies have promised to visit and commence their accreditation processes within a year.”

    The Provost of the College, Prof. Olufemi Idowu has expressed gratitude to Governor Sanwo-Olu for his continued investment in medical education and healthcare infrastructure.