The Nation Newspaper

Category: Education

  • Poly Ibadan SUG president begs Makinde to intervene in ongoing strike

    Poly Ibadan SUG president begs Makinde to intervene in ongoing strike

    The Students’ Union Government (SUG) President of The Polytechnic, Ibadan, Comrade Oladipupo Olamide Daniel, has made an urgent appeal to Governor Seyi Makinde, expressing deep concern over the indefinite strike declared by the Joint Action Committee (JAC) of Oyo State-Owned Tertiary Institutions.

    In a letter written on behalf of the student body, the SUG President lamented the disruption of the academic calendar, the suspension of examinations, and the growing uncertainty faced by thousands of students.

    “Your Excellency, we are frustrated and deeply worried about the situation. We acknowledge the right of our lecturers and school workers to demand for their requests to be attained, but we, the students, are the ones suffering the most from this impasse,” the letter read.

    The letter further emphasized the repeated disruptions in the institution’s academic activities, which have prolonged students’ time in school far beyond the expected duration.

    At the time the strike was declared, The Polytechnic, Ibadan, was in the middle of conducting examinations, making the situation even more devastating for students.

    “There is no joy in spending all of our youthful years being just students; situations like these prevent us from growing in other areas of our lives. Education is the foundation of progress, and a disruption like this only sets us back,” the letter continued.

    Read Also: Poly Ibadan Mass Comm alumni body unveils 20th-anniversary activities

    The students urged Governor Makinde to urgently intervene and engage with the staff unions to find a lasting resolution to the crisis, ensuring that students can return to their classrooms and continue their examinations without further delay.

    “Our education, our dreams, and our future must not be sacrificed in this dispute. Please let us return to our classrooms to continue our exams,” the letter pleaded.

    The Polytechnic Ibadan is among the institutions affected by the strike action, which was called due to unresolved demands by the JAC.

    As students await the government’s response, many hope that Governor Makinde will take swift action to restore academic activities and ensure that their educational journey continues without further setbacks.

  • Rugby School Nigeria announces England as pioneer Principal

    Rugby School Nigeria announces England as pioneer Principal

    Rugby School Nigeria located at Eko Atlantic City in Lagos has announced Dr Adam England as its pioneer Principal.

    The institution is expected to take off in September. 

    The institution,one of United Kingdom leading independent schools, renowned for its tradition of academic excellence, is expected  to welcome its first A Level students  in six months and fully open its senior school for girls and boys from the age of 11+ in September 2026, is already attracting aspiring students from across Nigeria and West Africa.

    A statement from the management of the prestigious institution, explained England “brings to Nigeria, twenty years of leadership experience in both the United Kingdom and Africa, most recently serving as Director General of École Internationale Ruban Vert in Libreville, Gabon.”

    England holds degrees in English and French from Warwick and Swansea University, along with a doctorate in English Literature.  

    His connection to Nigeria runs deep, having previously worked in Lagos and developed a profound appreciation for the country’s culture and people. 

    His leadership experience includes serving as Chairman of the Independent Schools Council of Wales, and he is also a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts. 

    The statement further disclosed that England is delighted about the appointment and eager to build a thriving and dynamic school community in Nigeria.

    He said: “I am unbelievably excited at the thought of returning to Lagos as Principal of Rugby School Nigeria. Anybody who knows me understands how much I enjoyed my time working in Nigeria.

    Read Also: We’re working to meet September takeoff date, Rugby School Global assures Nigerians

    “To return as Principal of such a prestigious school, working on a purpose-built campus with some of the best colleagues in the industry, is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

    He added: “Before then I shall be spending some time at Rugby School England, absorbing its ‘Whole Person Whole Point’ philosophy and its global approach to teaching and learning.”

    England whose grown up children reside in London, will be joined in Lagos by his partner Tricia, who works in primary education.

    Gareth Parker-Jones, Head Master of Rugby School (UK), also expressed excitement over the September date for the Rugby School Nigeria.

    “We have long connections with Nigeria and some fantastic students have studied here.  They have really embodied the character, the values of Rugby School.  So to be able to offer that to more Nigerian students, now in Lagos, is something which I’m really excited for and I can’t wait for the opening this September.”

  • Abdulrazaq restates commitment to strong public education

    Abdulrazaq restates commitment to strong public education

    Kwara Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq inspected the multistorey prototype primary school in Adeta, Ilorin, at the weekend, calling it another step to upgrade public school infrastructure along with the huge investments in the quality of teaching in the schools.

    The administration is committed to investing more in the education sector this fiscal year to bridge the gaps in school infrastructure and digital literacy, he told reporters on the sideline of the inspection at Adeta.

    He said the government’s KwaraLEARN programme is a watershed for teachers and public school pupils in the state as it builds learning processes around technology and best practices. 

    “We are going to focus heavily on education and healthcare this year. Those are the major challenges that we have to overcome. With what we have in the KwaraLEARN programme through which we put digital devices in every classroom, we are intentionally doing what we have to do to make sure we bridge some gaps,” the Governor said.

    “We have seen significant changes. As a result of the progress that we have made, many parents are taking their wards from private establishments to government schools because they have seen the change. This has seen an increase in enrollment. We are also reducing out-of-school children.

    “This is a prototype of KwaraLEARN School. This is called a prototype in the sense that we have to rethink how we design and build our schools and learning environment. It is the way we want to build our schools. This is just the beginning.

    “Parents are taking advantage of KwaraLEARN to enrol their children in public schools. By and large, we have seen an upturn in enrollment in our schools, and the learning outcomes are exceedingly very good. We are glad that we went into the KwaraLEARN programme and we are going to strengthen it.”

  • Ministry calls for establishment of Federal University of Aerospace and Aeronautics

    Ministry calls for establishment of Federal University of Aerospace and Aeronautics

    The Ministry of Innovation, Science, and Technology has urged the government to establish a Federal University of Aerospace and Aeronautics to bridge the gap between industry and academia, with a strong focus on national development.

    Dr. Felix Ale, Director of Media and Corporate Communications at the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA), made this appeal while speaking with journalists. 

    He emphasised that the specialized university would be dedicated to high-quality teaching, research, development, and innovation, positioning Nigeria as a global competitor in space science and engineering.

    Read Also: Ministry to engage union on freight forwarding

    “The establishment of this university will foster an environment that enhances research quality and economic impact. It will create an enabling space for students and staff to acquire vital skills, maximize their potential, and strengthen knowledge transfer between academia and the industrial sector,” Ale stated.

    He called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to prioritize the university’s creation, noting that its launch would mark a significant achievement under the Renewed Hope Agenda. 

    According to him, the university would gain international recognition and serve as a reference point for the global space science community.

    Ale also reaffirmed NASRDA’s commitment to leveraging space-based solutions to address national challenges such as poverty, disease, and socio-economic issues.

    Commending President Tinubu’s strategic appointments, he praised Chief Uche Nnaji as Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology and Dr. Matthew Adepoju as NASRDA’s Director General. 

    He described them as “the right pegs in the right holes,” stating that their leadership has propelled Nigeria’s innovation and technology sector toward a more advanced and prosperous future.

  • Prof. Falola to deliver memorial lecture in honour of late Ayo Olukotun 

    Prof. Falola to deliver memorial lecture in honour of late Ayo Olukotun 

    Globally acclaimed historian and professor at the University of Texas, Austin, Prof. Toyin Falola, is set to deliver a memorial lecture in honour of late renowned scholar and public intellectual, Prof. Ayo Olukotun. 

    The lecture, themed: “Ayo Olukotun and the Nigerian Nation,” will take place at Lead City University, Ibadan.

    Olukotun, an activist, public intellectual, erudite scholar, accomplished journalist, professor of Political Science, and a dedicated columnist for The PUNCH died on January 4, 2023 at age 69.

    The event, scheduled for Tuesday, March 18, 2025, will hold at Adeline Hall within the university’s premises, starting at 10:30am.

    According to Prof. Falola: “Ayo Olukotun was the voice of our nation. He has repeatedly screamed warnings into the ears of Nigerian leaders and citizens through his pen to rouse the nation from its slumber. ” 

    “The symposium aims to reflect on Olukotun’s intellectual prowess and its impact on nation-building.”

    Speaking about the upcoming event, the Vice-Chancellor of Lead City University, Prof. Kabiru Adeyemo, said the lecture was a way to immortalise the legacy of Prof. Olukotun, whose works shaped the discourse around governance, media, and national development in Nigeria.

    “Prof. Ayo Olukotun was a towering intellectual whose writings and contributions consistently challenged leadership and society to do better. 

    Read Also: At Ramadan lecture foundation lifts 3000  Abeokuta women with food items

    “This memorial lecture is not only to honour his memory but also to inspire a new generation of scholars to follow in his footsteps,” Adeyemo stated.

    The Chairman of the occasion, Dr. Olorunnimbe Mamora, a former senator and seasoned public servant, commended Lead City University for hosting the event, describing Olukotun as “a scholar who combined academic brilliance with practical engagement in national discourse.”

    The Registrar of Lead City University, Dr. Ayebola Ayeni, emphasised the university’s commitment to intellectual excellence, noting that: “the choice of Prof. Toyin Falola as guest lecturer reflects the high intellectual standards the university upholds.”

    Chairperson of the Organising Committee, Dr. Igho Fayomi, encouraged both students and the general public to attend physically or join via Zoom, saying, “This lecture is a valuable opportunity to reflect on the life of a man who left an indelible mark on Nigeria’s intellectual and political space.”

  • Group hails Okpebholo over strides in education

    Group hails Okpebholo over strides in education

    The Coalition for Good Governance and Economic Justice in Africa has commended Edo Governor Monday Okpebholo for achieving great milestones in education, particularly at Ambrose Alli University (AAU), Ekpoma.

    A statement by the Country Director of the Coalition, Mr. John Mayaki, said:“We are pleased to hear the news that the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN) in Abuja has granted approval for the long-awaited induction of 810 nursing graduands of Ambrose Alli University, who had been unable to proceed in their careers due to years of stagnation. 

    “This is a monumental breakthrough for the students, their families, and the healthcare sector in Edo State.”

    Besides, the Coalition commended Okpebholo for his decisive intervention, ensuring the approval of the indexing of all nursing students, which came with interim accreditation and the lifting of the ban on nursing admissions. 

    According to Mayaki: “This achievement alone will restore confidence in AAU’s nursing program and position the institution as a leading center for medical education in Nigeria.

    Read Also: Okpebholo berates PDP leaders

     “I wish to express our profound appreciation to His Excellency for his unwavering support and for creating an enabling environment for the progress, growth, and development of AAU. His administration’s commitment to higher education reform is evident, and this breakthrough in the nursing program is just one of many positive transformations to come.”

    The Coalition also praised the Commissioner for Education, Dr. Paddy Iyamu, for his relentless efforts in driving this process to a successful resolution.

    “We call on all the stakeholders in the education and healthcare sectors to continue to support the governor because this induction of these nurses will not only improve the lives of the affected students but also strengthen Edo State’s healthcare workforce at a critical time.

    “No doubt, this upcoming induction will equip these nurses with the necessary certifications to serve their communities and contribute significantly to the improvement of healthcare services across the state and beyond.

    “We are glad that Governor Monday Okpebholo’s administration remains dedicated to driving meaningful reforms in education and healthcare, and also ensuring that Edo State becomes a model for progress and excellence in Nigeria,” he said. 

    It was learnt that the decision to resolve this issue was reached during a high-level meeting between Iyamu Ambrose Alli University Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Olowo and the leadership of the NMCN, led by Registrar Dr. Ndaji Alhassan.

  • Nigerian scholars in Morocco, Hungary, others appeal for payment of stipends

    Nigerian scholars in Morocco, Hungary, others appeal for payment of stipends

    The Union of Nigerian Bilateral Education Agreement Scholars (UNBEAS) has appealed to the Federal Government on payment of its stipends for students studying abroad under the Bilateral Education Agreement (BEA) scholarship. 

    They appealed to Tinubu-led administration to help in the payment of outstanding stipends from September to December 2023, and the full supplementation shortfall from March to August 2023.

    The BEA scholarship is for the purpose of education exchange between Nigeria and the partnering countries.

    The Federal Scholarship Board is supervising the scholarship under the Federal Ministry of Education.

    The scholars are owed for several months with a number of them confirming to our correspondent that they had resorted to taking loans to survive.

    In 2024, the Federal Ministry of Education announced a slash in allowances for foreign scholars, attributing the allowance cut to economic crises.

    In a statement titled: “An Urgent Appeal To The Nigerian Government: BEA Scholars Are Suffering”, they said:  “We are not just students; we are young Nigerians sent abroad as ambassadors of our great nation, with the promise of financial support from the government. Today, that promise has been broken, leaving thousands of us in unbearable conditions. 

    “For years, we have endured the hardship of delayed supposed monthly payments, but the crisis escalated in 2023, when the first major deficit occurred. 

    “Scholars were paid for the period of January to August 2023, but even in that disbursement, there was a shortfall exceeding two months’ worth of stipends due to exchange rate fluctuations. 

    “To date, we have not received the payment for September to December 2023, leaving many struggling to survive. In 2024, the situation worsened. After enduring over a year and two months of financial suffering, scholars finally received another stipend payment in September 2024. 

    “However, rather than receiving full arrears, we were informed, only at the time of payment, that our stipends had been “adjusted” by over 56%, from $500 to $220. 

    “We were told that even top civil servants in Nigeria do not earn that much under the current exchange rate, as though that is our fault. 

    “This ignores the fact that our stipend has always remained the same in foreign countries, which are also experiencing inflation. Some of us are orphans. 

    “Most of us come from struggling families. With the economic realities in Nigeria, our parents—civil servants, teachers, or traders, can no longer support us. 

    “In Morocco, where there is no adequate government-provided accommodation, students depend entirely on stipends to pay rent, even though their accommodation is supposed to have been taken care of. 

    “Many have been evicted from rented apartments, while others went without food for days. Scholars in Russia, Algeria, China, Venezuela, and Hungary face similar conditions. Some have fallen ill due to hunger, but they cannot afford hospital bills. Others battle depression and anxiety, struggling to focus on their education. 

    “The FSB has now informed us that the earliest we can expect any stipend payment is mid-year (around June or July) 2025, with no guarantee that the outstanding stipends from September–December 2023, or even the full entitlements of 2024, will ever be paid. 

    Read Also: UK varsity, Uniosun trains 22 Nigerian scholars on grantsmanship

    “We appeal to His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the National Assembly, and all concerned government agencies to recognize the severity of this crisis. We are not asking for luxury; we are pleading for survival. 

    “We humbly request: 1. Immediate payment of all outstanding stipends from September to December 2023, and the full supplementation shortfall from March to August 2023. 

    “2. Timely payment of all stipends for 2025 to prevent further hardship. 

    “3. Restoration of the full $500 stipend, as $220 is grossly inadequate to cover basic living expenses. We call on the media, civil society organizations, and every compassionate Nigerian to amplify this appeal. 

    “We do not wish to protest; we do not wish to beg. We only ask the government to fulfil its obligation before more lives are lost to hunger, sickness, and despair.”

  • RSSOSA unveils logo for Remo Secondary schools 80th anniversary

    RSSOSA unveils logo for Remo Secondary schools 80th anniversary

    The Remo Secondary School Old Students Association (RSSOSA) has announced the official logo for the school’s 80th anniversary celebration.

    After a transparent and engaging selection process, members of RSSOSA participated in a poll conducted on the general WhatsApp platform to vote for their preferred design.

    Out of the two logos presented, one emerged as the overwhelming favorite, securing the highest number of votes. The selected logo will serve as the official emblem of our 80th-anniversary celebrations, symbolizing the rich history, achievements, and enduring legacy of Remo Secondary School.

    This milestone event is a testament to the collective strength, unity, and dedication of our alumni community.

    Read Also: Agbalagba emerges FUPRE’s new Vice Chancellor

    The selection of the logo is coming on the heels of the appointment of Aare Wemmy Osude as the Director-General of the 80th Founders’ Day anniversary earlier in February.

    President of RSSOSA, Aare Adetola EmmanuelKing described Aare Wemmy Osude, who is also the Chairman of the Ilisan Development Association (IDA), as “a round peg in a round hole.”

    He emphasised that the appointment was the result of careful consideration and consultations, recognising Aare Osude’s exemplary leadership, organisational expertise and unwavering commitment to the advancement of Remo Secondary School.

    In his acceptance speech, Aare Osude expressed gratitude to the President and the RSSOSA executive committee for entrusting him with such a prestigious responsibility.

    “I am deeply honored by this appointment and the confidence reposed in me. In this capacity, I will represent the vision of the future for RSS. For entrusting me with this crucial role, I pledge not to let the RSSOSA body down, not to let the National Executive led by a capacity-driven President, Aare EmmanuelKing, down, and not to let my family down. I am fully committed to delivering an outstanding and historic 80th Founder’s Day celebration,” he affirmed.

    The Director-General, working with the RSSOSA Exco has started to put machineries in place for a successful anniversary with the composition of various committees saddled with planning and executing the landmark event.

    Founded on February 4, 1946, by Anglican and Methodist Church missionaries, Remo Secondary School is West Africa’s first co-educational secondary school.

    Recently recognised by the Ogun State Government as the Best Secondary School in Ogun State, the institution has a distinguished history of producing captains of industries, world-class professionals, and esteemed leaders.

  • Aare Latosa council boss urges free UTME beneficiaries to pursue dreams with determination

    Aare Latosa council boss urges free UTME beneficiaries to pursue dreams with determination

    Brilliant but indigent students who received free UTME forms from Hon. Ayoade Akeem Adewale have been urged to remain dedicated, committed, and tenacious in their studies to achieve outstanding success in the upcoming examination.

    The Political Head/Administrator of Aare Latosa LCDA, Hon. Ayoade Adewale, gave the charge while presenting the forms to beneficiaries at a special event held within the Council Secretariat. The selected students were drawn from across the Council Area.

    Ayoade emphasized that education remains the foundation of national development, stating that investing in a child’s education equates to building a stronger society.

    Acknowledging the financial challenges that often hinder brilliant but underprivileged students from pursuing higher education, he noted that the initiative aims to ease the burden on parents and provide deserving students with the opportunity to achieve their academic goals.

    Read Also: Pharmacist donates UTME forms to students

    He further stated that the gesture aligns with Governor Seyi Makinde’s commitment to strengthening the education sector and promoting quality learning opportunities for youths at the grassroots level.

    He urged the beneficiaries to see the opportunity as a motivation to drive them to study and prepare very well for their future aspirations’ accomplishment.

    Ayoade congratulated and admonished the beneficiaries to be prepared for what the future holds for them, by been good ambassadors of their parents, the LCDA as well as the State and shun any form of social vices when they eventually get admissions into higher institutions. 

    Earlier in his address, the Head of Local Government Administration, Deacon Ajebisi Olabode eulogized the good gesture of the Political Head and tasked the beneficiaries to make good use of the opportunity hence, their total commitment to passing the exam is expected.

    Speaking on behalf of all the beneficiaries, Mrs Mary Ojo thanked the Management especially the Political Head for counting them worthy of the great privilege and promised to make him proud in the exam and thereafter.

  • Firm donates ICT equipment to Ibadan school

    Firm donates ICT equipment to Ibadan school

    A firm, Edge Tech Solution has donated computers to People’s Girls Grammar School, Molete, Ibadan.

    According to the Director of the firm, Dr. Seyi Akanbi, the donation was to provide ICT literacy opportunities for students to enhance their knowledge.

    Speaking while handling over the equipment to management of the school, Akanbi stated that computer is not just only important at this age but has became key aspect of living that people cannot do with.

    He stated that the earlier students have access to tools that enable them to have a hands-on experience, the better for them.

    He said the computers is not just going to enhance learning of the students but will also prepare them for the future.

    Read Also:MCSN kicks off operation in Ibadan

    According to him: “The future is right here, and if the future is right here, and our students do not have the right resources to optimize the future, I don’t know what can become of such a generation.”

    Speaking on state of education, Akanbi said: “Government needs to pay more attention to where the future is going, the trend and the patterns, and provide resources that will prepare the students for the future, so that by the time they get to the future, their experience will be better than our own.

    “When we graduated from school, we had little resources because we were not fully prepared. So we have to make sure that we intentionally provide resources, training and tools that will make these children to have a better future than what we have currently.”

    Principal, People’s Girls Grammar School, (Senior), Molete, Ibadan, Mrs Veronica Alabi thanked the donor for the gesture, saying the equipment will go along way in enhancing learning experience of the students.

    She assured optimal usage of the equipment, seeking partnership with the firm in future.