The Nation Newspaper

Category: Education

  • Education minister: we’ll tackle ‘miracle centres’ menace, boost technical, vocational education

    Education minister: we’ll tackle ‘miracle centres’ menace, boost technical, vocational education

    The Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, has declared the Federal Government’s resolve to sanitise the nation’s educational system.

    Alausa, who was a guest on Channels Television Programme on Tuesday, said the Federal Government is ready to enhance Technical and Vocational Education and Trainings (TVET).

    Miracle Examination Centres (MECs) are private secondary schools in Nigeria that facilitate exam fraud. They are known for promising students success in their final exams, regardless of their actual merit.

    “We have problem with examination malpractice which we are addressing frontally as a government,” he said.

    Alausa argued that allowing students to cheat during exams is a disservice to others who work genuinely hard to earn good grades.

    According to the minister, the quality of the nation’s tertiary system is better as the government has worked on a plan to train five universities that would also training the other public institutions nationwide.

    “This is not acceptable because if you let people cheat, you will disincentivise the hardworking people.

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    “We will tackle this issue of miracle centre, this pervasive exam cheating decisively. We would bring a complete end to this menace that has really invaded our educational system,” he added.

    On the technical and vocational skills, Alausa said: “You go to the UK, or the U.S. today, a plumber earns more than a doctor. If an electrician in England earns more than a doctor, so what are you talking about here?” the minister quizzed when he was featured on the programme.

    “So, we want to now bring this pool of workers back. So what we’re doing with technical and vocational education is that we’ve laid out a four-step approach here.

    “We would pay students to go to those schools. We’ve modeled how much we’re going to pay them when we roll the programme out. We’ll be announcing that. We’ll pay them to go to school. That’s step one.”

  • Alumni to launch N250m fundraising for Ekiti school’s ICT centre

    Alumni to launch N250m fundraising for Ekiti school’s ICT centre

    The Alumni Association of Moba Grammar School, Otun Ekiti, has announced a N250 million fundraising campaign to establish an Information and Communications Technology (ICT) centre.

    Its National President, Samuel Bankole, announced the fundraising campaign while addressing journalists in Ado-Ekiti, the state capital, where he outlined the activities lined up for the alumni’s four-day celebration.

    According to Bankole, the ICT centre will improve digital literacy, enhance learning experience and bolster problem-solving skills among the students.

    He noted that the school, which was founded in 1965, has produced many accomplished individuals, who have excelled in their respective careers.

    Read Also: Alumni key to development of education, says Ekiti commissioner

    “The school has produced many change-makers, who have excelled tremendously in their chosen careers,” Bankole said.

    The fundraising campaign will be launched on Saturday, with the Governor of Ekiti State, Biodun Oyebanji, expected to attend.

    Bankole also used the opportunity to advise parents and teachers to shun illegal methods of assisting students in achieving academic excellence. He stressed that this is crucial for restoring quality and functional education.

    “The problem of Nigeria is not the leaders, but the followers. Parents and teachers should stop encouraging students to pass through corners to excel so that when future challenges come, they would know how to navigate,” he said.

    In his goodwill message, the Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Ekiti State Council, Comrade Kayode Babatuyi, prayed for the success of the anniversary and pledged to disseminate the activities of the school on various media platforms.

    Other notable individuals present at the briefing included the Chairman of the Working Committee, Olufemi Adewunmi; the Secretary of the Committee, eminent scholar Prof. Williams Adebayo and the Principal of Moba Grammar School, Jolasanmi Oluwagbenga.

  • Experts call for integration of AI into medical education

    Experts call for integration of AI into medical education

    • By Emmanuel Chidi-maha

    During the 8th Memorial Lecture at the College of Medicine, University of Lagos (CMUL), a wide range of pressing issues and recommendations were discussed, with a focus on the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into medical education. The lecture aimed to highlight how the rapid evolution of technology is shaping the future of healthcare and the crucial role of education in preparing medical professionals for this transformation.

    A central point of the discussion was the necessity of incorporating AI into the medical curriculum. Dr. Emi Membere-Otaji, the guest speaker and CEO of Elshcon Group, emphasised that AI is not a future possibility, but an essential part of the present and future of healthcare. The medical landscape is evolving at a rapid pace, and healthcare professionals must be equipped with the knowledge and tools to navigate technological advancements. Introducing AI into medical education is no longer optional, but a vital requirement to ensure that the next generation of doctors can adapt and excel in a technology-driven environment. The integration of AI will enable future healthcare providers to better understand and utilise technological innovations, helping them stay at the forefront of medical care and improving patient outcomes.

    As the conversation progressed, Dr. Membere-Otaji also addressed the fears many have regarding AI replacing human doctors. This is a common concern as AI continues to advance and increasingly finds its way into medical practice. However, Dr. Membere-Otaji reassured the audience that AI is not intended to replace human expertise but to complement and enhance it. While AI can dramatically improve diagnostic accuracy, speed up data analysis, and assist in procedures such as robotic surgeries, it is designed to amplify human capabilities, not to diminish them. The role of doctors and healthcare professionals will remain critical in providing compassionate, empathetic, and judicious care. AI’s purpose is to be a tool that supports the medical professional, empowering them to offer more precise and timely treatment while maintaining the essential human element of care.

    Ethical considerations were also a significant theme throughout the lecture. While the technological potential of AI is vast, it is crucial to ensure that these advancements do not overshadow the human-centred aspects of healthcare. Dr. Membere-Otaji underscored the importance of balancing the precision and efficiency that AI offers with the need for compassion, empathy and the personal judgment of healthcare providers. The lecture began with a tribute to Prof Felix Oladejo Dosekun, the late Provost and first Vice-Dean of CMUL, whose pioneering efforts played a significant role in establishing CMUL as a leading institution in Nigerian medical education. Prof Ademola Oremosu, CMUL’s current Provost, noted how Professor Dosekun’s legacy continues to inspire future generations of medical professionals. The lecture series, initiated in 2001, has become a vital platform for discussing the future of medical education, reflecting the ongoing influence of Prof Dosekun’s work.

    Read Also: Alleged inducement of House panel to pass varsity budget false, says chairman

     Dr. Membere-Otaji’s lecture, titled “Medical Curriculum and Artificial Intelligence: The Meeting Point Path to Follow,” explored how AI is already being used to improve diagnostics, personalise treatment and assist in surgeries. AI is no longer a distant concept, but a present-day tool with enormous potential to transform healthcare practices. Dr. Membere-Otaji emphasis ed that incorporating AI into medical curricula is critical for developing sustainable healthcare systems capable of adapting to the challenges of the future. He stressed, “Incorporating AI is not just an option; it is a necessity for a future-focused healthcare system.”

    Prof Ayodele Atsenuwa, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, highlighted the role of private sector partnerships, endowments and government initiatives like the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFUND) in supporting universities. Government funding alone, she argued, is insufficient to meet the growing demands of modern education, particularly in the context of technological advancements like AI in healthcare.

  • ‘Allegations of inducement to pass varsities’ budget false’

    ‘Allegations of inducement to pass varsities’ budget false’

    The Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on University Education, Abubakar Hassan Fulata (APC, Jigawa), has dismissed the allegations of demand of inducement to pass the federal budget.

    An online newspaper had reported that the National Assembly joint Committee on Education was demanding money from vice chancellors of Federal universities to pass their 2025 budget.

    Reacting to the allegations, Fulata said he decided to respond to the allegations to avoid misleading the public about the activities of the committee and the 10th House of Representatives.

    He said due to the advocacy of the legislators against inclusion of tertiary institutions of learning in the  Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS), President Bola Ahmed Tinubu agreed to remove universities and other tertiary institutions from IPPIS because the IPPIS is  “anti-intellectual, anti-academics and retrogressive”.

    According to him, as a result of the absence of councils for  universities and other tertiary institutions nearly a year after the inauguration of the present government, the House of Representatives considered and adopted a motion urging the President to constitute the councils, which was done almost immediately.

    He explained that the House Committee on University Education had in 2024 carried out oversight visit to all  federal universities under his committee’s supervision, except Federal University Gusau, Zamfara State, whose vice chancellor did not only block the legislators from accessing the school, but also failed to provide documents regarding budget performance of previous years (2022 to 2024) and 2025 budget proposal. He said the oversight visit was aimed at getting clearer pictures of the progress and challenges of the universities.

    According to him, the management of almost all the universities visited complained seriously against the hike in electricity tariff.

    “Some of the universities were  paying  about N100 million as electricity tariff every month and we thought this cannot help our tertiary institutions. I moved a motion on this issue  and the House came up with the resolution urging for downward review of electricity tariff or removal of these institutions from Band A electricity tariff.

    “Mr. President again listened to our appeal and approved 50 percent subsidy on electricity tariff for universities, polytechnics, colleges of education and all tertiary institutions and hospitals,” Fulata said.

    He said the committee’s budget defence meeting for National Universities Commission and vice chancellors of universities took place on January 15, 2025, immediately after the Armed Forces Remembrance Day celebration.

    Read Also: Alleged N110.4b fraud: Prosecution opens case, calls first witness in Yahaya Bello, others’ trial

    He said the budget defence, which took place at the House temporary chamber was open to the general public and media as there was no executive session or closed door meeting during the meeting, which was brought to a close before another committee, House Committee on Water Resources commenced its budget defence meeting at the same venue by 2pm. He said if Mr. President despite his tight schedule, will appear before the joint session of National Assembly to present Appropriation bill, he sees no reason why heads of MDAs will find it difficult to defend their budget proposal.

    He said if the Ministers of Education, the Executive Secretary of NUC and other parastatals under the ministry as well as over 50 universities could come and defend their budget proposals before the committee, he saw no reason why vice-chancellors of  three universities would refuse to come and defend their budget proposal.

    “Instead, they have resorted to blackmail and smear campaign and sponsorship of public outcry against the committee.

    “The committee has placed the matter before the leadership of House, insisting that the House should not approve the budgets of all institutions whose chief executives refused to come and defend their budgets,” Fulata said.

    He said the House Committee on University Education, the House  Committees on Education and the House of Representatives under the leadership of the Speaker, Abbas Tajudeen, are determined and committed in ensuring uninterrupted academic activities in tertiary institutions as well as improving on the country’s standard of education.

  • Mind Builders High School holds apprenticeship scheme presentation

    Mind Builders High School holds apprenticeship scheme presentation

    •  By Victoria Amadi and Joy Anyanwu

    Mind Builders High School Lagos has held the maiden edition of a presentation ceremony in commemoration of its Professional Apprenticeship Scheme (PAS) programme.

    The ceremony showcased the remarkable achievements of the former Senior Secondary 2 (SS2) students of the school, who are currently in SS3.

    At the ceremony, which was held at the school’s hall, the trained students presented some of the skills and knowledge they gained while on the scheme.

    According to the principal of the school, Prince Adekunle Agbelu, the programme is a testament of innovation, creativity and aspiration of bright future for the students.

    During the apprenticeship, each student was assigned a teacher, who mentored their performance during training.

    The students acquired knowledge on international relations, medicine, civil engineering, accountancy, law, data science, piloting, among other disciplines.This is set to take place every August.

    Some of the organisations visited by the students during the training were Falana and Falana chambers, New Horizons System Solution Limited, Elbuns Engineering Construction Limited, Brooks and Blake, Gbenga Badejo and Co, Reddington Hospital and Odegene Air Shuttle Services (OAS) Limited (Piloting).

    The school’s Education Director, Mrs. Bola Falore, noted that the initiative aligns with the school’s vision of nurturing confident, creative and competent young leaders, who are ready to contribute meaningfully to the society.

    “This initiative is particularly close to our hearts. Today, as our SS3 students present the learning and experiences from the PAS programme that they went on at the end of their SS2, last year, we are witnessing the fruits of this vision come to life.

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    “The PAS is a testament to this commitment, offering our students a platform to explore their future interests, acquire practical skills and gain valuable real world experiences,” she stated.

    Former Commissioner for Education in Lagos State and the chairperson of the event, Mrs. Folashade Adefisayo, stressed that programme like this would transform the strength of secondary education and career choice.

    She added that the value is enormous for the students of the school and the community at large.

    “Secondary school experience should not be about the academics alone. This is because the secondary school is a stage where a child is thinking about his future, that is, the kind of friends they need, what to do, their purpose in life, among others. Experience like this can only expose them to more than what they are yet to uncover,” she said.

    The Managing Director, TVC Entertainment, Mrs. Morayo Afolabi-Brown, noted that the programme enables young ones diversify their thinking and skills.

    “This initiative is very mindful and I believe that a lot of them appreciate this and are thankful for the extra skill aside from the academics that they have already. Each student should have their passion learning a skill,” she noted.

    She also stressed that skill acquisition should be taught at early stage of life.

  • Fed Govt deploys 30 mobile labs, virtual headsets to boost education in NorthEast

    Fed Govt deploys 30 mobile labs, virtual headsets to boost education in NorthEast

    The Federal Government, through the Accelerated Senior Secondary Education Programme (ASSEP), has provided 30 mobile laboratories and virtual reality headsets to enhance educational development in the North East.

    Chairperson of the ASSEP Project Implementation Committee, Mrs. Sa’adatu Shehu, announced this during a Stakeholders’ Engagement Meeting and Programme Assessment on Monday in Yola.

    The ASSEP intervention project was launched on May 20, 2024 by Vice President Kashim Shettima in Bauchi.

    Read Also: Alleged N110.4b fraud: Prosecution opens case, calls first witness in Yahaya Bello, others’ trial

    Shehu explained that the programme, an initiative of the Office of the Vice President and funded by the North East Development Commission (NEDC), aims to address gaps in the quality of secondary education across Adamawa, Bauchi, Borno, Gombe, Taraba and Yobe states.

    She said the provision of instructional materials is designed to equip students with the academic knowledge and practical skills required for the modern workforce.

    “The region has faced persistent challenges due to conflict, limited infrastructure and gaps in teacher quality and educational resources.

    “As part of the Renewed Hope Agenda, ASSEP is transforming education in Northeast Nigeria by focusing on Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, and Agriculture (STEMA).

    “This initiative aims to improve student learning, foster healthy competition, and promote excellence in STEMA subjects,” she said.

  • Federal college teachers complain about lack of promotion

    Federal college teachers complain about lack of promotion

    Globally, teacher promotion is important since it can motivate them to perform better and deliver education more efficiently. Promotion can also improve the status and prestige of teachers, which can lead to better outcomes for students. It can also motivate teachers to perform better, which can lead to better outcomes for their pupils.

    Owing to these facts, many teachers at the Federal Government Colleges are complaining about dwindling prospects of promotion, it was learnt yesterday.

    Teachers have members of the National Assembly to probe the results of the recent promotion interviews.

    They wondered how a large number of teachers would fail the interview woefully.

    Of the 723 teachers who went for the promotion interview from Grade 14 to 15 recently, only 53 were promoted.

    Also, among 1,228 federal unity teachers seeking promotion to Grade 15 and 16, only 14 were successful.

    While 442 went for the positions of Director (Grade 17), only three were promoted.

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    Some of the teachers, who spoke with our correspondent in Lagos, appealed to the Federal Ministry of Education to create vacancies for career progression, adding that it would enhance performance.

    Since the federal ministry has a director of Basic Education, the aggrieved teachers urged the ministry to separate JSS1-3 from SS1-3.

    Lagos State and other states have separated the principals of junior from senior secondary school.

    Last year, teachers on Grade Level 15 and above could not write promotion examinations. The implication is that the number of teachers who will write this year may increase.

    Urging the ministry to consider the plight of deprived teachers, one of them said: “Stagnation in the ministry is contributing to depression, frustration and death of the citizens.

    “They should help the staff to look into this. Separating the schools will create more vacancies. We don’t even know when they will implement the Teachers salary Scale (TSS) introduced by former President Muhammadu Buhari.”

    Following the low number of teachers during the examinations, most teachers The Nation interviewed urged the Federal Government, through the Federal Ministry of Education, to look into the issue.

  • UNIABUJA: morale of lecturers low

    UNIABUJA: morale of lecturers low

    Lecturers at the University of Abuja (UNIABUJA) are believed to be uninspired to work. According to a reliable source in the university, senior professors are hold that the alleged foisting of Prof. Aisha Maikudi (with only two years post-professorial experience) on the institution as  substantive Vice Chancellor is a huge disincentive to hard work, commitment to scholarship and patience in academic career of the university.  

    The Nation reliably gathered that the Senate of University  met yesterday upon notice of regular meeting which was disseminated three days ago to senate members.

    A professor (names withheld) had pointed out that  at the moment, there is an unusual presence of a large number of men of the vigilance force around the Senate Chambers. He said this ugly development is an indication that there is tension in the university.

    According to him the tension is not unconnected to the deep seated disaffection of a good number of senate members on the  selection process that paved the way for  Maikudi to become  substantive Vice Chancellor.

    The source said: “ A professor on the floor of the Senate raised a point of order to draw the attention of the Senate to the need to include an important item on the agenda of the meeting for deliberation, namely, the callous attack on Senate members by men of  a vigilance  group in the month of December, 2024. He also observed that even at the moment, there is an unusual presence of a large number of men of the vigilante force around the Senate Chambers.

    Read Also: Alleged N110.4b fraud: Prosecution opens case, calls first witness in Yahaya Bello, others’ trial

    “He said this ugly development is an indication that there is tension in the University. This tension is not unconnected to the deep seated disaffection of a good number of senate members on the fraudulent selection process that paved the way for Professor Aisha Maikudi to succeed herself as substantive Vice-Chancellor.

    “The professor was shouted down and the microphone taken away from him before he could conclude his point of order. Equally worrisome is the presence of non-academic staff in the Senate Chamber who pretended to be part of the secretariat support in the Senate.

    “The poor attendance at today’s meeting also

     points to the unabating trepidation of a good number of professors about their security at the Senate Chambers. Many members of Senate eventually staged a walk out. It is therefore no longer in doubt that the University of Abuja is progressively degenerating into anything other than what a University system should be. The consequences of the deteriorating situation at the university if left unaddressed are better imagined. Already, morale of academic staff is on record low level.

     “Senior professors considered that the foisting of Professor Aisha Maikudi (with only two years post-professorial experience) as substantive Vice Chancellor is a huge disincentive to hard work, commitment to scholarship and patience in academic career of the university.” 

  • LASUED matriculates 4,667, gets accreditation for programmes

    LASUED matriculates 4,667, gets accreditation for programmes

    • By  Abike Sanusi

    The Lagos State University of Education (LASUED) has matriculated 4,667 students for the 2024/2025 academic session.

    This was just as it also secured the National Universities Commission (NUC) accreditation for its seven colleges.

    Speaking at  the matriculation ceremony which held on the university’s main campus at Oto/Ijanikin,Lagos, Vice Chancellor, Prof. Bidemi Lafiaji-Okuneye, urged the students to be serious with their studies, adding that they should take advantage of resources in the e-library.

    She said: “Shortly after we started operations, the Lagos State University of Education undertook and passed the National Universities Commission (NUC) Resource Verification Exercise for all its programmes — a major landmark for any newly established university. “This accomplishment was a testament to the quality of our faculty, the standard of our facilities, the top-notch academic and registry personnel, as well as the robust administrative framework we have put in place.

    It will interest you to note that barely a month ago, we undertook the first NUC Accreditation exercise for our academic programmes and facilities. Ladies and gentlemen, the feedback we have received so far has been overwhelmingly positive, signalling yet another success story in our journey.

    “You are stepping into a university that is not only young but also dynamic and forward-looking. You are part of an evolving legacy — a legacy built on excellence, innovation, and service to humanity.

    “As you embark on this exciting journey, I urge you to approach your time here with purpose and determination. The path to success is rarely straightforward, but it is always rewarding for those who persevere.

    “Strive for excellence in all that you do. Whether it is in your studies, extracurricular activities, or personal endeavours, always aim to be the best version of yourself. Remember, mediocrity has no place in a world that demands innovation and creativity.

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    “Although challenges are inevitable, they are also opportunities for growth. Therefore, do not fear failure; instead, learn from it and use it as a stepping stone to greater heights. Significantly, as members of this university, you have a responsibility to uphold its values and contribute positively to its community.

    “The matriculation oath you have just signed will guide your conduct and comportment throughout your stay here. Take full advantage of the resources available to you.

    “Our e-library is a treasure trove of knowledge, providing access to a wealth of academic materials to support your studies and research. Our ICT facilities are equipped with the latest technology to enhance your learning experience and ensure you stay connected in today’s digital age. Engage in sports and recreational activities to maintain a healthy balance between academics and physical well-being.

     These facilities are here to support your holistic development and help you achieve your goals.As you settle into this new chapter of your lives, remember that the road ahead requires hard work, discipline, and resilience. However, be sure that you are not alone. You have the support of your lecturers, mentors, course advisers, counsellors, and indeed, all of us.”

  • Babcock Pharmacy School to solve health problems

    Babcock Pharmacy School to solve health problems

    President/Vice Chancellor of Babcock University, Ilishan-Remo,Ogun State, Prof. Ademola Tayo, has said the Kessington Adebukunola Adebutu School of Pharmacy project will boost research aimed at solving various health problems in society.

    He spoke at the  ground-breaking ceremony for the Kessington Adebukunola Adebutu School of Pharmacy on campus.

    Tayo said the event marks a significant milestone in Nigeria’s health sector, given the prevalence of fake drugs in the market.

    Read Also: Alleged N110.4b fraud: Prosecution opens case, calls first witness in Yahaya Bello, others’ trial

    “Also, we hope that this project will boost research aimed at solving various health problems in society,” he said. He emphasised the importance of maintaining high standards in the project’s execution; a six-floor, three-block building. The donor-sponsored project, gifted by Nigerian philanthropist Chief Kessington Adebutu, in memory of his late wife, Mrs Rosemary Adebutu, is expected to be completed  October this year.  Associate Vice President, Works and Physical Planning, Prof. Ezekiel Adeniran noted that the project was designed with integrity in mind and that the team would not compromise on quality. The Chief Executive Officer of CadTech, Jide Idowu, also pledged to deliver the project on time and to the required standards.

    This initiative aligns with Babcock University’s mission to provide high-quality education and training in healthcare, ultimately contributing to the improvement of Nigeria’s health sector.