The Nation Newspaper

Category: Education

  • UniAbuja ‘ll soon commence Chinese language learning, culture programme – VC

    UniAbuja ‘ll soon commence Chinese language learning, culture programme – VC

    The Vice-Chancellor (VC) of the University of Abuja (UniAbuja), Prof. Aisha Maikudi, has said that the university will soon commence a Confucius Institute, that is, Chinese language learning and culture programme.

    Maikudi disclosed this while welcoming students from China’s Tsinghua University’s School of Journalism and Communications to the institution.

    She said that the University of Abuja is a close partner of China, based on its long-standing relationship with the country, adding that her students were already studying some Mandarin courses.

    The VC expressed her delight at the visit, and assured the delegation of the University’s full cooperation.

    “I believe our Faculty of Communication and Media Studies, and the Department of Political Science, will be able to establish stronger academic relationships with Chinese institutions,” she said.

    Earlier, Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Yu Dunhai, who led the delegation, described the University of Abuja as one of the best in Africa and expressed hope for greater collaboration.

    “We have had extensive cooperation between universities in Nigeria and China to promote cultural integration.

    “The University of Abuja is one of the best in this continent.

    “Tsinghua University is also one of the best universities in China.

    “So, we look forward to having a productive working relationship with the two,” Dunhai said.

    Also speaking, Dr Sheriff Ibrahim, Head of the Department of Political Science and an expert on China-Africa relations, said the exchange programme between the two universities would enhance mutual cultural understanding.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the delegation comprised of the Dean and Deputy Dean of the Faculty of Media Communication of the Tsinghua University, two faculty members and 17 PhD students.

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    They also participated in a seminar on “Mutual Learning between Chinese and Nigeria’s Civilizations” at the university’s Faculty of Communications and Media Studies.

    China’s Confucius Institutes are public educational and cultural promotion programs, which aim to promote Chinese language and culture, support local Chinese language (Mandarin) teaching internationally, and facilitate cultural exchanges.

    It would be recalled that President Xi of China, once described the programme as the beacon of a peaceful international system for people to maintain mutual learning among civilisations and develop a spirit of tolerance to make the world a better place.

    NAN also reports that the visit was part of moves to strengthen the student exchange programme between the two universities.

    (NAN)

  • Kwara to employ 1,800 new senior class teachers

    Kwara to employ 1,800 new senior class teachers

    Kwara Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq has approved the request of the Teaching Service Commission (TESCOM) to hire 1,800 teachers, 100 non-teaching staff, and 200 security guards to promote safer school environment. 

    The hires are for the senior secondary schools across the state, with emphasis on the rural areas where teachers are lacking. 

    TESCOM Chairman Mallam Bello Tauheed Abubakar said in a statement that application links will soon be released. 

    “All applicants will have to apply online. Applicants must have a university bachelor degree in education or a university degree in relevant subjects with a teaching certificate. These are B.Ed, BSc. Ed, B.A. Ed, BSc plus PGDE or NCE. Applicants without the listed qualifications will not be invited for the test,” he said.

    “The recruitment exercise is essentially to bridge the human resource gap in the schools in the hinterlands. Therefore, applications will be screened along that line. 

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    “Teachers of STEM subjects will also be prioritised in the exercise. Required subject areas in Art and Commercial will also be indicated on the application portal. We plead that persons whose subject areas are not indicated should not apply. 

    “Applicants will be required to upload the certificate of their local government of origin, indicate their local government of residence, and show evidence of same at different stages of the exercise.  

    “Further requirements may be announced in the course of the exercise. The cutoff mark will be decided after the CBT. Only applicants who meet the requirements will be invited for the CBT. 

    “After the CBT, shortlisted applicants will be invited for interviews and peer teaching (practicum) at venues to be announced. 

    “All shortlisted applicants shall undergo drug tests in line with the focus of the government to fight drug abuse and protect school children from the menace of drug abuse. 

    “Applicants should not be above 35 years of age as of January 31, 2025.

    “Applicants who exhibit behaviours unexpected of a teacher and role model will be disqualified at any stage of the exercise.

    “TESCOM sincerely commends the unrivalled commitment of the Governor to a better public sector education. This is reflected in the clear policy direction and investment of the administration since 2019.”

  • ASUU: Why NELFUND cannot replace TETFUND

    ASUU: Why NELFUND cannot replace TETFUND

    The Lagos zone of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has stressed importance of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFUND) to tertiary institutions.

    Speaking at a press conference on Friday at the University of Lagos (UNILAG), Chairman of ASUU Lagos Zone, Prof.Adelaja Odukoya, said to contemplate abrogating TETFUND and replace it with National Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) under the Tax Bill 2024 is “unpatriotic.”

    He noted that TETFUND focuses on institutional support by funding infrastructure, research, and staff development in public tertiary institutions, while NELFUND provides direct financial assistance to individual students through loans.

    Adekoya added that TETFUND’s beneficiaries are public tertiary institutions, whereas NELFund targets individual students seeking financial aid for their education.

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    The don however, said an attempt to scrap the agency would amount to violating the TETFUND Act of 2011, which guarantees equal and sustainable funding for public tertiary institutions. 

    He stressed that it  would also violate citizens’ constitutional rights which emphasises the state’s obligation to offer education as a social right, adding that eliminating the TETFUND and substituting it with a loan scheme does not meet this duty. 

    He said: “The common societal benefits of education, including lower crime rates, improved public health, and greater civic involvement, are undermined when the publicly supported model (TETFUND) is replaced with an individualized one NELFUND). 

    “Academic staff would not be able to receive research grants, conference funding, or training without TETFUND, which would lower their morale and professional growth. Inadequate facilities and learning materials would have a detrimental effect on instruction and learning, adding to the workload of faculty and lowering the caliber of graduates.

    “The attempt to disband the TETFUND to fund NELFund is rife with difficulties and self-serving from an educational, political, legal, and socio-cultural standpoint. It could jeopardize Nigeria’s long-term educational and developmental objectives, exacerbate socioeconomic disparities, and weaken the state tertiary institutions.”

    “The TETFUND’s termination would result in deteriorating buildings, out-of-date instructional materials, and a drop in academic standards. The TETFund has played a significant role in providing funding for studies that tackle regional and worldwide issues. Since individual student loans do not give priority to research and development, redirecting funds to the NELFund runs the risk of stifling academic innovation and research output.”

  • Caleb University reappoints Ogunsan as BoT member  

    Caleb University reappoints Ogunsan as BoT member  

    Caleb University, Imota, Lagos, has reaffirmed its confidence in the leadership and contributions of Dr. Ayodele Ogunsan, by renewing his appointment as a member of its Board of Trustees for another three-year term.

     The announcement was conveyed in a letter signed by the Secretary to the Board of Trustees, Mayokun Olumeru, on behalf of the Visitor to the university, Dr. Oladega Adelowo Adebogun.  

    The renewal came as recognition of Ogunsan’s outstanding contributions during his first term on the Board.   

    The letter stated: “In accordance with the laws that set up Caleb University and consequent upon your excellent performance as a member of the Board of Trustees of Caleb University, Imota, Lagos, during your first term, I write to convey the approval for the renewal of your appointment as a Member of the Board for another three years.”   

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    A prominent figure in the education sector, Ogunsan has been instrumental in fostering strategic initiatives and providing invaluable guidance to the growth and development of Caleb University.  

     His expertise spans entrepreneurship, security management, and education, and he is widely acknowledged for his visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to excellence. 

    This reappointment further solidifies his position as a driving force in ensuring the university continues to achieve its vision of academic and institutional excellence. 

    Expressing the university’s trust in Ogunsan’s capabilities, the letter also noted that all terms and conditions stipulated in his initial appointment remain unchanged.  

     Ogunsan’s reappointment has been met with congratulations and well-wishes from stakeholders, as they look forward to another term of impactful service and leadership.

     Caleb University, one of Nigeria’s foremost private institutions, continues to make significant strides in the nation’s education sector under the stewardship of its dedicated Board of Trustees, of which Dr. Ogunsan is a key member.

  • UNILAG Confers Ph.D Degrees on 213 Graduands at 55th convocation

    UNILAG Confers Ph.D Degrees on 213 Graduands at 55th convocation

    The University of Lagos (UNILAG) has awarded Ph.D degrees to 213 graduands from its School of Postgraduate Studies during its 55th convocation ceremonies.

    The hooding ceremony, held at the institution’s Sports Centre, marked a historic achievement for the university, with the highest number of Ph.D recipients in its history.

    Speaking at the event, the Dean of the School of Postgraduate Studies, Professor Abraham Osinubi, expressed delight at the milestone.

    “This year’s convocation sets a record. Last year, we had 155 Ph.D graduates in 2023. This year, we graduated 213 Ph.D holders. This is the highest so far in the history of the university. We are so proud of it,” he said.

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    He also encouraged the graduands to strive for excellence in their respective fields, emphasizing the importance of contributing to societal growth and development.

    “The quality and debt of what we are having now is encouraging. We are very proud of it. I make bold to say that this is the foremost post graduate school in the whole of west Africa. 

    “We are so proud of our graduands. They are not going to disappoint us. They’re going to excel in various fields. They have acquired so much over the years and we are so glad to project them to the world. 

    “For the record, we got a donor to build our School of postgraduate Studies. The building is an ultramodern one. This building can do without the national grid. It is efficient energy saving. We have not had building of our own for year,” he noted.

    One of the graduands from the department of Mass communication and the Director of Media and Communication Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Dr. Ademola Olajire, expressed gratitude for scaling through despite the hurdles.

    “It was never easy. It’s a journey of six years. It was challenging but I scaled through. I give gratitude to God Almighty, my bosses in the office and my family. Sometimes I travel from Abuja to Lagos for weeks because of school. At the end of the day, the joy is that it’s a success,” he expressed.

  • UNILAG holds ceremony for ultramodern Fanimokun SPGS building

    UNILAG holds ceremony for ultramodern Fanimokun SPGS building

    As part of the activities marking the University of Lagos (UNILAG) 2024 convocation ceremonies, the School of Postgraduate Studies (SPGS) held a groundbreaking ceremony for the ultramodern Fanimokun SPGS building.

    The new site, located next to the UNILAG Human Resources and Development Centre (HRDC), was donated by Chief Tunde Fanimokun, a renowned administrator and developmental economist.

    In addition to the SPGS building, Chief Fanimokun pledged to donate a Language Laboratory, establish a Professorial Chair in Gerontology, and support infrastructure development for student hostels and staff housing.

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    Speaking at the event, UNILAG Vice-Chancellor, Professor Folasade Ogunsola, commended Chief Fanimokun for his generosity. “We are excited. All these happened late November to December 2024. Everything we had dreamed of happened auspiciously. Thank you, sir, for not forgetting us,” she said.

    Chief Fanimokun, who celebrated his 80th birthday, described the project as a reflection of his lifelong commitment to education and development.

    “I call myself a pensioner.  I learnt a lot about entrepreneurship from Jakande, the pillar for development in Nigeria. What I’m doing now is in celebration of my 80th birthday, thanking God for the little achievements, for launching my foundation, the Divine Stock Exchange foundation. 

    “I want to revive educational standard that is why I did what I did. I am doing five projects for UNILAG,” he said.

    The Dean, School of Postgraduate Studies, Professor Abraham Osinubi, described the project  as the actualization of the vision to reposition postgraduate studies in UNILAG.

    While appreciating the benefactor of the edifice,  Prof. Osinubi noted that the project, when completed, would inspire educators deliver world class postgraduate education, mentor with purpose and lead with vision.

    “The building would stand as a beacon of hope, a temple of knowledge, and a sanctuary where dreams are nurtured and destinies are shaped.

    “Chief Fanimokun, we cannot thank you enough, but we will honour your legacy by ensuring that this building becomes a cradle of innovation, collaboration and excellency,” he said. 

  • Tax Bill on TETFund may cripple tertiary education – ASUU

    Tax Bill on TETFund may cripple tertiary education – ASUU

    The Yola Zone of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has said the Nigeria Tax Bill (NTB) 2024 as it stands will steadily starve the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) of necessary funding. 

    It worried the Fund will die by 2030 when allocation to it will finally cease completely.

    The Yola Zone of ASUU, which comprises Adamawa State University (ADSU) Mubi, Modibbo Adama University (MAU) Yola, Federal University Gashua (FUGA), Taraba State University (TSU) Jalingo, University of Maiduguri (UNIMAID) and Yobe State University (YSU), Damaturu, stated this in Yola, expressing the fear that zero allocation to TETFund by the year 2030 would surely mean the end of it.

    The Yola Zone Coordinator of ASUU, Dani Mamman, addressing a briefing at the MAU campus, said ASUU which played a pivotal role in establishing TETFund is keen to see it survive.

    He said it was unacceptable that the proposed controversial NTB 2024 seeks to dismantle TETFund by allocating only 50 percent of the development levy to it from 2025 to 2026 with the remaining half diverted to National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), and Nigeria Education Loans Fund (NELFUND).

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    “Replacing TETFund’s vital role with NELFUND such that by the year 2030 and beyond, TETFund will receive zero allocation from the development levy is an ill-conceived and unjustifiable move that will cripple public tertiary education,”  Mamman said.

    He added that redirecting funds meant for TETFund to other agencies contradicts the TETFund Act 2011 and a gross mis-allocation of resources.

    “The consequences of this policy are dire. It will inevitably lead to a return to the dark ages of underfunded and crumbling universities,” Mamman said.

  • Alia splits education, knowledge management ministry

    Alia splits education, knowledge management ministry

    Benue State Governor Hyacinth  Alia has  divided  the  Ministry of Education and Knowledge Management into two.

    They are the  Ministry of Basic Education and Ministry of Secondary and Tertiary Education.

    The governor announced this during  a meeting at his instance  with principals of secondary schools at Government College, Makurdi, saying a new commissioner will be announced at a later date.

    Governor Alia disclosed that government is not registering national examinations for citizens like it was done last year, as according to him, it was an attempt to cushion the effects of fuel subsidy withdrawal.

    On  the reason for summoning the meeting, the governor stated that “the state government has observed with sadness developments in schools across the state that are not acceptable”, saying principals are the problem.

    The governor, therefore, read a riot act to the principals, saying his government cannot tolerate such unwholesome practices going forward. He banned collection of cash, saying they should embrace automated system.

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    He directed them to submit a comprehensive report to the commissioner for onward transmission to him within 96 hours to include: total number of teachers and what they teach, non-teaching staff and condition of the school.

    The Commissioner for Education, in a welcome address, said the governor has demonstrated enough political will to reposition education in the state and he summoned the meeting to drive home his agenda.

    Responding, President, All Nigerian Confederation of Principals of Secondary schools (ANCOPSS), Benue State chapter, Mr. Robert Apir, thanked the governor for the initiative.

    Apir assured the governor on behalf of the principals that they have heard him clearly and will advise themselves.

  • Babcock honours don with book, award

    Babcock honours don with book, award

    By Tunde Adeniyi

    Authorities at  Babcock University, Ilishan-Remo,Ogun State, has celebrated the  legacy of the late Prof. Yinka Olomojobi, an esteemed academic who died  April last year.

    The event, held at the Zach Olomojobi Auditorium, featured a book presentation and a posthumous award ceremony, showcasing Olomojobi’s commitment to human rights and social justice.

    The University Bursar, Dr Folorunsho Akande, chaired the ceremony which served as a tribute to the deceased’s immense contributions to academia and society.

    A highlight of the event was the unveiling of a 17-chapter book titled: “Human Rights, Intellectual Property, the Environment, and Arbitration: From Nigeria to Global.”

    The book, a compilation of his unpublished inaugural lecture notes and scholarly contributions of  colleagues, was reviewed by Dr Christopher Onu, Dean of the School of Law at Adeleke University.

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    The publication  examines  critical human rights issues, including racial discrimination in Africa with Tunisia as a case study, domestic violence in Nigeria, labour stigmatisation in Eastern Nigeria, and the rights of the elderly and disabled.

    It also explores intellectual property rights concerning traditional medicine, AI arbitration in China, and municipal waste management in Nigeria, reflecting Prof. Olomojobi’s multidisciplinary approach to addressing global challenges.

    Colleagues, friends, and family members  reflected on the values and principles that defined Olomojobi’s life and time.

    Olomojobi was  killed on April 19, 2024, by unknown gunmen, reportedly after resisting abduction.

    He was awarded the Faculty of the Year Award posthumously.

    The President/Vice Chancellor, Prof. Ademola Tayo, praised him as a champion of human rights.

    “We celebrate the life and legacy of Prof. Yinka Olomojobi and honour his commitment to promoting human rights and social justice,” he said.

  • LASU VC meets student leaders, allays fears of fee hike

    LASU VC meets student leaders, allays fears of fee hike

    By Abike Sanusi, LASU

    The Vice Chancellor of Lagos State University (LASU), Prof. Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello, has assured students of the institution that her administration has no immediate plans to increase tuition fees.

    She urged them to support the university by ensuring timely payment of their fees.

    The VC spoke at a meeting with the Acting Dean of the Students Affairs Division, Dr Abiodun Fatai-Abatan, and the leadership of the 35th Lagos State University Students’ Union (LASUSU) Executive Council.

    Held at the VC’s Conference Room on the sixth floor of the Babatunde Raji Fashola Senate Building, the meeting marked the first official engagement between the university  and the student leaders since their inauguration last  December.

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    The student leaders thanked the VC  for her responsive leadership and presented several requests on behalf of the student body.

    Olatunji-Bello addressed  their concerns and urged them to take full advantage of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND).

    She noted that all students whose applications had been approved should proceed with registration for the new academic session, as the university has already received their payments. She also encouraged students who had not applied  for the scheme to do so, saying it is their right as Nigerians.

    The VC also called on the student leaders to remain steadfast in resisting any external influence that could disrupt the peace in the university.