The Nation Newspaper

Category: Education

  • The Nation Journalism Foundation takes campaign against bullying to Lagos school

    The Nation Journalism Foundation takes campaign against bullying to Lagos school

    Oduduwa Secondary School on Ladipo Road, Mushin, Lagos, became the epicentre of a transformative initiative recently, as The Nation Journalism Foundation, led by its Programme Officer, Mr. Ademola Oyeledun, launched an event titled: “United against bullying: Creating a safe and supportive school community.”

    The event, which aligned with the foundation’s 16 days of activism against gender-based violence, aimed to tackle the pervasive issue of bullying head-on.

    In his opening remarks at the event, Oyeledun welcomed attendees, emphasising the significance of the day within the broader context of the campaign against gender-based violence, which runs from November 25 to December 10 – Human Rights Day.

    He underscored the school’s commitment to fostering a safe, respectful and inclusive learning environment.

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    The day’s proceedings were enriched by insights from three seasoned journalists from The Nation Newspaper, each bringing a unique perspective to the issue.

    Miss Evelyn Osagie, a multi-talented and award-winning journalist and performing poet, addressed the secondary school 2 students.

    Passionate about women, children and young adults, Osagie touched on the severe implications of bullying and its connection to gender-based violence.

    The interactive approach captured the students’ attention and also empowered them to take a stand against bullying.

    Also, a journalist with over a decade of experience in community development advocacy, Mr. Adeola Ogunlade, spoke to the SS3 students.

    Beyond his journalistic endeavours, Mr. Ogunlade founded Youth Advocate for Change, focusing on sustainable livelihood for children and youth in vulnerable communities around Lagos for the past nine years.

    His session was hands-on, involving a role-play where students discussed and presented their collective understanding of bullying, its effects and prevention strategies, fostering a deeper commitment to creating a bully-free environment.

    The school’s guidance counselor, Mrs. T.A. Adebimpe, expressed gratitude to the foundation for their innovative approach to presenting the topic.

    She highlighted the tragic case of Sylvester Oromoni, a Dowen College pupil, whose death due to bullying led to his mother’s demise from trauma. “What you say to your classmates can go a long way in affecting both the student and the parents.

    “Shutting a child up or passing negative comments can result in psychological bullying,” she emphasised.

    In her closing remarks, Mrs. Precious Igbonwelundu, an award-winning journalist and advocate who heads the Crime and City Desk at The Nation Newspaper, provided legal insights into bullying.

    “If bullying results in an injury, it becomes an assault and may result in a two-year jail term. If it results in death, it becomes a murder case, which may lead to life imprisonment,” she cautioned, underlining the serious legal implications of bullying.

    The initiative received overwhelming support from the school’s leadership. The Principal, Mrs. G.B. Omotola, expressed gratitude to the foundation for their engaging approach, noting the visible enthusiasm from the students.

    “Our students were very happy. They engaged actively and asked and answered a lot of questions,” she remarked.

    The vice principal, Mrs. M.O. Oyekan, shared her hope that the programme would significantly reduce bullying incidents, stating: “Bullying is very rampant here, and this programme has created a lot of awareness to help curb bullying and give a voice to victims.”

    However, Oyeledun announced plans to establish an anti-bullying club at Oduduwa Secondary School to create a legacy of a safe and supportive community.

    The initiative was met with enthusiasm from the student leadership, with Tomiwa Ajetunmobi and Eniola Ishola, the Head Boy and Head Girl, expressing eagerness to collaborate with the foundation in setting up the club.

    The event highlighted the urgent need to address bullying and also marked a significant step towards building a school culture where every student can thrive without fear, aligning with the broader goals of the 16 days of activism campaign.

  • Geospatial solution key to national growth, says don

    Geospatial solution key to national growth, says don

    In a world increasingly driven by data and technology, the success of any nation rests on how well it understands and manages its resources, infrastructure and challenges, an Emeritus professor, Francis Fajemirokun, has said.

    This was the thrust of a keynote address delivered at the 50th anniversary celebration of the department of Surveying and Geoinformatics, Faculty of Engineering, University of Lagos (UNILAG).

    According to Fajemirokun, the profession of Surveying itself is a necessity for governance, development and security, hence the need for a call of action if Nigeria must unlock its potential through geospatial solution.

    Speaking on the theme of the event, “Geospatial solution: A sine qua non to national development”, the former national president of the Nigerian Union of Planetary and Radio Sciences, noted that geospatial solution has become not just an option but a necessity in a country like Nigeria that is blessed with vast natural resources and growing population, “both numerically and demographically”.

    “To build a prosperous, secure and sustainable Nigeria, we must embrace geospatial solution as the foundation of our national development. Let us make geospatial solution the compass that guides our journey towards the actualisation of the SDGs,” he said.

    Dean of Faculty of Engineering, UNILAG, Prof. Samson Adeosun, stated that the aspect of Surveying and Geoinformatics has to do with a lot of area mapping, getting to know the population of people and knowing how to allocate resources with different regions of the nation.

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    “There is need to know the population in an area for you to know the projection of what to provide for the survival of the standard of living. This is what geospatial solution covers. This is a very lucrative programme,” Adeosun said.

    Head of Department, Surveying and Geoinformatics and an associate professor, Dr. Emeka Epuh, noted that the event was held to celebrate the beauty and impact of the department.

    “We are celebrating the Golden Jubilee of Surveying and Geoinformatics in engineering. This past year, we passed through a lot and we produced so many students who have also traversed life and have achieved greatness. So, we are celebrating the beauty of the department and our success in terms of bringing up prominent men who have also passed through this department in the likes of the Governor of Lagos State, Sanwo-Olu. We are celebrating our growth and success in terms of academics, growth and human development.”

    Over 44 dignitaries were honoured for their impacts and progress of the department.

  • TETFUND boss to varsities: synergise for growth

    TETFUND boss to varsities: synergise for growth

    To engender development, universities have been urged to foster collaborations by seeking international and local partnerships to support research, innovation, academic exchange and student internships.

     This call was made by the Executive Secretary of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund, Sonny Echono, an architect, while delivering the 36h Convocation Lecture of the Federal University of Technology (FUTO), Oweri, Imo State.

    The lecture was titled: “Impact of leadership selection on governance in public universities in Nigeria”.

    Echono advised that the universities “should also explore avenues to engage with alumni and communities to create awareness, mobilise support and build a strong network of advocates for public universities.”

     The TETFUND helmsman advocated tor transparency and accountability in leadership and public governance: “Leaders must ensure that decisions are made openly and that there is clear communication about how and why decisions are made.

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    “Transparency fosters trust between the leaders and those they govern. It also means creating a culture of inclusivity and fairness. A leader must understand that governance is not about serving a select few, but about ensuring that all voices are heard, especially the marginalised and vulnerable.”

     True governance, according to Echono, “requires the active engagement of stakeholders, and leaders must work to create opportunities for participation and dialogue. It is through inclusivity that governance becomes truly democratic.

    “Governance, at its best, reflects leadership that is not only focused on managing the present but also on anticipating and preparing for the future. Leaders in governance must be forward-thinking, adaptable, and constantly working to improve the system for future generations.”

    He posited that “Leadership and governance are two sides of the same coin: Leadership gives governance its direction, its moral compass, and its dynamism. Governance, on the other hand, ensures that leadership remains accountable, transparent and committed to the well-being of those it serves.

    “Effective leadership fosters strong governance, and good governance enhances the ability of leaders to serve their communities and organisations.

    “As leaders, we must recognise the weight of our responsibilities and to embody the qualities that inspire others to follow. As we reflect on the leaders in our lives, let us remember that true leadership is grounded in responsibility, nurtured by qualities of character, and defined by its ability to guide and serve others through effective governance.

    “The work we do in leadership and governance shapes the world we live in. Let us strive to lead with purpose, integrity and vision, and let us govern in a way that reflects the values of justice, fairness and service.”

  • Tinubu to graduands: harness your potentials in agricultural, vocational, infotech skills

    Tinubu to graduands: harness your potentials in agricultural, vocational, infotech skills

    •First Lady, Uzodimma, Zulum bag FUTO’s honorary doctorate degrees

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has urged the graduands of Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO) at the institution’s 36th Convocation to harness the potentials in the agricultural, vocational and information technology skills to add value to themselves and the nation at large.

    The President reminded them that they were ambassadors of FUTO and should exhibit creativity, integrity, honesty and innovations as they go into the larger society.

    In his message, the visitor to the university congratulated the graduands and the awardees at the event for their meritorious successes and service to the society that merited their honours.

    The President, who was represented by the Vice Chancellor, University of Calabar, Prof. Florence Obi, underscored the Federal Government’s commitment towards tertiary education that necessitated the establishment of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) dedicated to granting student’s fees and personal upkeep loans.

    He lauded the management of FUTO for the various initiatives that have repositioned the institution as a choice university in the country.

    He urged FUTO and other public universities across the country to make entrepreneurship and skill development top priority so that graduates will be competitive nationally and globally in emerging technologies and wealth creation.

    The President enjoined the Pro-Chancellor, the Vice Chancellor, members of the Governing Council and Senate, Principal Officers and members of staff of FUTO to serve the university with greater zeal, courage and patriotism and continue to ensure prudent use of resources at their disposal.

    Three eminent Nigerians – the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma and Borno State Governor Babagana Umar Zulum – were awarded honorary degrees the ceremony in recognition of their immense contributions to the development of education, the country and humanity.

    It was on a day 632 students were equally admitted to the university’s post-graduate degrees for fulfilling all the requirements.

    Senator Tinubu and Uzodimma were conferred with the honorary Degree of Doctor of Management, Honoris Causa. Zulum got the honorary degree of the Doctor of Technology, Honoris Causa.

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    In his welcome address, the university’s chancellor, His Royal Highness Alhaji Mohammadu Barkindo Aliyu Musdafa, appreciated the efforts of the institution’s management in dealing with multiple challenges and appealed to the Federal Government to step-up the funding of universities, especially FUTO to enable it cope with the prevailing debilitating and near crippling financial throes.

    The chancellor, whose address was read by the vice chancellor, Prof. Nnenna Oti, called on stakeholders like the alumni, corporate bodies, captains of Industry, multinational agencies and multilateral linkages to assist the university to achieve her mandate in manpower and skills development to drive national economic growth.

    In her welcome address, the vice chancellor called for reawakening of the patriotic zeal to attend the critical mass required to join the league of developed nations.

    She highlighted several achievements of the university under her watch in the areas of accreditation of academic programmes, establishment of Centre of Excellence, and improved ranking of the university among others, noting that “for the first time, FUTO was mentioned in a global university ranking”.

    Other areas of achievements, Oti identified, include physical infrastructure development, power infrastructure, expansion of ICT infrastructure, staff welfare and development, research development awards and many others.

    She identified some challenges which include: lack of staff quarters within the university campus, need for more students hostels, urgent and compelling need for perimeter fencing of the university land, construction of physical infrastructure for the new Teaching Hospital, College of Medicine and Health Sciences and the rehabilitation of internal roads and the major road/broken bridge linking Ihiagwa/other host communities.

    She, however, appreciated President Tinubu and Uzodimma for their enormous support and assistance to the university that has continued to sustain its operations.

    In his address, the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman 13th Governing Council of FUTO, Senator Jack Tilley-Gyado, also singled out and thanked Uzodimma for his personal interest in the university, which he said has led to the protection of the university from encroachment and external attacks.

    He said the governor played more than 80 per cent role in getting the approval for FUTO University Teaching Hospital, in addition to providing a lot in security.

  • UNILAG don Ibraheem to deliver inaugural lecture

    UNILAG don Ibraheem to deliver inaugural lecture

    The University of Lagos (UNILAG) is set to celebrate a momentous occasion on Wednesday, December 18, as Prof. Ismail Adegboyega Ibraheem, a distinguished academic and alumnus of the institution, delivers his inaugural lecture.

    The lecture, titled: Casino Journalism and the End of History, will take place at 4:00 p.m. at the J.F. Ade Ajayi Auditorium, a venue synonymous with the university’s rich history of academic excellence.

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    The lecture will not only be the fifth in the 2024/2025 academic session, but it will also hold special significance for the Department of Mass Communication, as it marks the third inaugural lecture in the department’s 58-year history. Most notably, it will be the first inaugural lecture to be delivered by an alumnus of the department, a testament to the department’s enduring legacy in shaping influential figures in Nigeria’s media and communication landscape.

    Founded in 1966, the Department of Mass Communication at UNILAG has been instrumental in producing some of the country’s leading media professionals, educators and advocates. However, despite its distinguished history, the department has only hosted two previous inaugural lectures, making Prof. Ibraheem’s forthcoming lecture a particularly rare and special event.

  • Oyebanji approves Aladesanmi as Ekiti Central tutor general

    Oyebanji approves Aladesanmi as Ekiti Central tutor general

    Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji has approved the appointment of a new Tutor General to oversee public secondary schools in Ekiti Central senatorial district.

    The new Tutor General is Mrs Dorcas Arike Aladesanmi, who was until her appointment, the Principal of Aramoko District Commercial Secondary School, ADICO, Aramoko Ekiti.

    A statement from the office of the Chairman, Ekiti State Teaching Service Commission, Mrs. Rhoda Ojo, made available to reporters in Ado Ekiti, said Aladesanmi’s appointment followed the voluntary retirement of the  Tutor General(Central), Mrs. Adekemi Olukuwade, who bowed out of the teaching service on attainment of 60 years mandatory age of retirement.

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    The newly appointed Tutor General, Mrs Aladesanmi is an experienced teacher and seasoned administrator who worked as class teacher, Head of Department, Vice Principal and Principal across the length and breadth of the state.

    Born on 12th June, 1965 at Efon Alaaye, Mrs. Aladesanmi attended St Stephen’s Primary School and C.A.C. Grammar School, both in Efon Alaaye, for her primary and secondary education.

    In pursuit of further studies, Aladesanmi attended the famous Adeyemi College of Education, Ondo, an affiliate of the prestigious Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife, where she bagged her Bachelor of Arts, Education in English in 1989.

  • Yabatech gets new bursar, registrar

    Yabatech gets new bursar, registrar

    The Yaba College of Technology has announced the appointment of a new substantive bursar and registrar, respectively.

    They are Mr. John Olusola Dada and Mrs. Henrietta Adebola Gbemisola Badejo.

    Announcing the two appointments by the Governing Council of YCT, in a statement yesterday, the Acting Registrar,  Dr E. J. A. Akinwale, noted that both appointments for a five-year tenure, will commence with effect from January 2, 2025.

    The new YCT Bursar is a native of Efon Alaaye in Ekiti State and a proud alumnus of both the CAC Grammar School, Efon Alaaye and the Federal Polytechnic, Ado Ekiti among other institutions attended.

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    Dada, a professional accountant, management and financial expert, is a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (FCA); Associate Member, Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria (ACTI); and Associate Member, Chartered Institute of Management Accountant of Nigeria (ACIMA)

    With a combination of 30 years of working experience across polytechnic,  university and the private sectors,  Dada has received several commendations on the job, in professional and community services, inclusive of five different times from Yabatech Management – 2008, 2009, 2020, 2022, 2023 & 2024)

    The commendations received by the new YCT Bursar among others are on: Proper Accounting Records on TETFund Activities; computerization and digitalisation of the Bursary Department; and proper accounting returns;

  • Babcock VC seeks extension of electricity subsidy to private varsities

    Babcock VC seeks extension of electricity subsidy to private varsities

    The Vice Chancellor of Babcock University, Ilisan Remo, Ogun State, Prof. Ademola Tayo, has urged the Federal Government to extend electricity subsidies to private universities, lamenting that despite investing in solar-powered streetlights across the campus, the institution still spends between N250 million and N300 million monthly on electricity.

    He spoke  during the university’s annual end-of-the-year gathering for journalists on campus.

    Tayo dismissed claims that private universities indiscriminately award First Class honours to graduates without merit.

    He emphasised that any graduate with a First Class degree from Babcock University had earned it through hard work and dedication.

    He said:  “God has been so good to Babcock University. We are eagerly awaiting this year’s Law School results.

    “However, of the 100 students we sent to the Law School last year, 22 graduated with First Class honours. Some even left the university with Second Class Upper degrees but achieved First Class at the Law School.

    “This is proof that the public perception of private universities handing out first-class degrees is not true for Babcock University.

    “I know of many Babcock graduates at Oxford, Cambridge, Yale, and Harvard universities excelling with distinctions. Last year, about 12 of our alumni were in one LLM class at a university in Canada. The list of their achievements is endless, and we are determined to maintain these standards, by God’s grace.”

    The VC  stressed the university’s commitment to appreciating the contributions of journalists to society, noting  that their advocacy has positively influenced policies.

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    “During the debate on whether the minimum age for university admission should be 16 or 18, journalists played a crucial role with various reports and editorials, which eventually led to the government reversing its decision.

    “On the issue of staggering electricity bills paid by higher institutions, you were at the forefront of the discourse, pushing the government to provide relief. Similarly, you have been vocal about the Federal Government’s tax reform policies, which impact all sectors. Your efforts are shaping society for good, and we commend you for your dedication to national progress,” he said.

    On  the university’s achievements over the past decade, he highlighted milestones such as the establishment of a cutting-edge entrepreneurship training centre in Ekiti State, the Babcock Business School in Lagos, and the launch of the Centre for Open Distance Learning, among others.

  • Kano governor visits Cyprus varsity to secure certificates for students

    Kano governor visits Cyprus varsity to secure certificates for students

    Kano State Governor Abba Yusuf has visited Cyprus to secure certificates of stranded graduates from the state.

    “I am now in Lefkosia, Cyprus, where I met with the management of the Near East University to discuss some important issues.

    “One of those issues is the overdue release of academic certificates to students from Kano State who graduated between 2015 and 2019 and have not been able to obtain their certificates,” Yusuf tweeted on his official X handle.

    The governor lamented that graduates of Medicine, Nursing and other important courses have been stuck in Cyprus due to the non-payment of their tuition fees by the previous administration.

     “This situation has become a setback for our children in their journey towards their dreams and aspirations, and for our state, which is in need of professionals like them,” he lamented.

    He, however, expressed joy that he had a “fruitful discussion” with the university to settle the liabilities.

    “We shall continue to prioritise the education and welfare of our people for sustained growth,” he tweeted.

    The Kano State governor’s spokesman, Sunusi Bature, blamed immediate past administration for the challenges faced by the students in Cyprus.

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    Bature in a statement to The Nation, said: “Governor Yusuf has taken a decisive step to address the prolonged challenges faced by Kano students who were unable to access their academic certificates throughout Ganduje’s administration.

    “Governor Yusuf held a critical meeting with the management of the Near East University in Cyprus to tackle the issue.

     “The discussion focused on the overdue release of certificates for Kano students who graduated between 2015 and 2019.

    “Many of these graduates, particularly from fields such as Medicine and Nursing, have been unable to advance in their careers due to the non-payment of tuition fees by the Ganduje-led immediate past administration.

    “The governor described the situation as a major setback, not only for the affected students but also for the state, which has been deprived of skilled professionals in critical sectors particularly the healthcare service.

    “However, he expressed optimism following what he called fruitful discussions with the university management aimed at settling the liabilities and facilitating the release of the certificates.

    “This situation has been a setback for our children, hindering their dreams and aspirations, and it has also affected our state, which is in dire need of their expertise.”

  • Kwara varsity to graduate 71 first class

    Kwara varsity to graduate 71 first class

    Kwara State University (KWASU), Malete will on Saturday this week produce 71 First Class out of 6,374 first degree students during its 12th convocation ceremonies.

    Speaking with reporters on Tuesday to unveil programmes for the 12th convocation ceremony, the KWASU Vice Chancellor, Prof Shaykh-Luqman Jimoh, said that 1,828 bagged Second Class Upper Division, 3,501 had Second Class Lower Division, and 974 got Third Class in the 2023/2024.

    The vice chancellor also said that a total of 6,891 graduated with postgraduate degrees for 2023/2024 academic session, adding that 49 bagged PhD and 468 had Masters degrees.

    The management of the state- owned institution also said that it planned to tackle transportation challenge among its students by building more hostel facilities inside the university campus, adding that the transportation challenge had remained because students live outside the campus.

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    “We have recently completed a l04-bedspace hostel and the Chairman of KWASU’s Governing Council,

    Professor Abdulganiyu Ambali, will commission the building. KWASU has also partnered with investors to realise the Students’ Smart city hostel project, which will deliver 25,000 bed spaces in the first phase. Currently, work is on-going to deliver at first, 8,700 bed spaces within the next few months.

    “As a university desirous of producing total graduates, one of our goals is to secure more accommodation facilities on-campus for our students. This is one way we can ensure our students have access to all round university culture. The inadequate on-campus hostel facility was another of the challenges listed last year, but we have explored private partnership to solve this. We hope more private organisations will partner with us to drive the research and infrastructure components of this great institution,” he said.

    Prof. Luqman said that the university has been in the news for its strides in the electric vehicle conversion and, lately, the hybrid CNG conversion.

    The VC also lauded the Kwara State Government for committing funds to complete the Osi and Ilesha-Baruba campuses of the university, saying that the campuses have lecture halls, classrooms, laboratories and offices among other amenities that will ensure that the campuses are fully functional.

    He said that the institution would not condone indiscipline and internet frauds among its students, saying that any student found in such untoward behaviour had always been shown the way out of the institution.