The Nation Newspaper

Category: Education

  • Fed Govt won’t allow polytechnics derail from skills, others, says NBTE

    Fed Govt won’t allow polytechnics derail from skills, others, says NBTE

    Agency inspects new institution for accreditation

    The National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) has promised that the Federal Government won’t allow Polytechnics operating in the country to derail from fulfilling their mandates as skills, research and innovative platforms for Nigerian experts.

    The regulatory agency reiterated the preparedness of the agency to ensure that Polytechnics churn out quality graduates with relevant skills, research orientation and innovative thinking that can reset the nation on the path of growth.

    The NBTE’s Executive Secretary, Prof Idris Bugaje, said this in Ikere Ekiti during a facility tour of a private tertiary institution, Montgomery Polytechnic, for accreditation process prior to commencement of operations in 2025.

    The NBTE’s delegation, led by a director, Hadjia Bilikisu Daku, were at the permanent site of the new polytechnic, located along Ikere-Iju Highway to inspect facilities for accreditation of some courses before kicking off proper academic activities.

    Inspecting the facilities, Bugaje said quality assurance of Polytechnic education will boost its importance for global reckoning.

    He commended the management of Montgomery Polytechnic for providing state- of- the- art facilities to earn accreditation, encouraging the management to maintain the good standard as soon as academic activities take off in the institution.

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    Describing polytechnic education as a vital tool for economic growth, Bugaje advised the institution to place high premium on research and skill acquisition, stating that no country can develop or make headway in innovation without adequate research, skill acquisition and exploration.

    “The Federal Government under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Federal Ministry of Education will continue to ensure that all our polytechnics put in place measures to achieve its focus of producing skilled and innovative graduates, who are also research-driven.

    “It is our vision to ensure that every polytechnic should meet the set standards before proper accreditation and we shall pursue this with vigour and strength,” Bugaje said.

    In his submission, the founder of the polytechnic, Femi Bamisile, said he established the institution to fulfill his passion and love for the development of education in the country.

    Bamisile, who represents Gbonyin/Emure/Ekiti East Federal Constituency at the lower legislative chamber, solicited the support of the agency as well as other good Samaritans in developing the institution.

    “I need the support of all Nigerians to bring my vision to fruition. Polytechnic education is pivotal to the survival and success of our nation. We are now seeing the reality of having graduates that are skilled and innovative. This is a fact we can’t run away from,” Bamisile said.

    The Rector of the Polytechnic, Dr. Francis Olowe, said the institution has put all machinery in motion to begin academic activities as soon as the NBTE accredits some of the courses in the institution.

  • YABATECH appoints new bursar, registrar

    YABATECH appoints new bursar, registrar

    The authorities of Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH) have announced the appointment of Mr. John Olusola Dada as the new substantive bursar and Mrs. Henrietta Adebola Gbemisola Badejo as the new substantive registrar.

    According to a statement issued by the Acting Registrar, Dr. E. J. A. Akinwale, on December 10, 2024, the appointments were approved by the institution’s Governing Council. Both officials are set to serve a five-year tenure starting January 2, 2025.

    Mr. Dada, the incoming bursar, hails from Efon Alaaye in Ekiti State and is an alumnus of CAC Grammar School, Efon Alaaye, and The Federal Polytechnic, Ado Ekiti, among other institutions.

    Olusola 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); Associate Member, Chartered Institute of Management Accountant of Nigeria (ACIMA)

    With a combination of 30 years of working experience across the Polytechnic,  University and the Private Sectors, Olusola Dada has received several commendations on the job, in professional and community services, inclusive of five different times from Yabatech Management ( 5 times) 2008, 2009, 2020, 2022, 2023 & 2024)

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    The Commendations received by the new YCT Bursar among others are on: Proper Accounting Records on TETFund Activities; Computerization and Digitalization of the Bursary Department;

    Proper Accounting Returns;

    Member of team that won grants into Yabatech 2ce. (200,000 USD Ford Foundation Grant for the establishment of Art museum and production of Sexual Harassment Policy for the College in 2019. & 1,000,000 USD FCDO/UNICEF GESP grants for training of 5,750 Girls on TVET related skills.

     An accomplished Chartered Accountant, Auditor and ICAN Fellow, Olusola Dada has also played several pivotal professional roles and leadership services for the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria at the National,  sub national and ICAN Districts Society levels. He is married with children.

  • Bishop Philips Academy old students association elects new executives

    Bishop Philips Academy old students association elects new executives

    The Bishop Phillips Academy Old Students’ Association (BPAOSA) has elected new officials to steer its national body. 

    The election took place on November 9, 2024, within the school premises.

    Those who were elected include National President, Alhaji Kunle Ogunsola; General Secretary, Architect Oladebo Olaide; National Treasurer, Dr. Dayo Akangbe, National Public Relations Officer, Comrade Kehinde Akinyemi; National Social Secretary Ogundairo Babatunde Olasupo; Assistant General Secretary, Oyadinrin Sunday James and Assistant Social Secretary, Oluwaseun Victor Oyedapo.  

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    The elections were keenly contested, and the new executives will officially assume office during an inauguration and swearing-in ceremony scheduled for Friday, December 13, 2024, at 2 PM. 

    The event will take place at the Seyi Makinde School Hall within the school premises.

    According to a statement by Comrade Kehinde Akinyemi, the association’s National Public Relations Officer, the ceremony will bring together prominent dignitaries, including old students, parents, teachers, and current students of the school.

    Akinyemi on the statement issued on Tuesday added that dignitaries expected to grace the are the Executive Governor of Oyo State, Engineer Seyi Makinde, the Chairman, Board of Trustees BPAOSA Engineer Alaba Diji, the Bada Olubadan of Ibadanland, Barrister Olumuyiwa Makinde, the Chairman, ALGON, Oyo State, Hon. Sikiru Sanda and a host of other notable successful old students of the school.

    He maintained that the Chairman, Inauguration Organizing Committee, Dr ‘Niyi Amusat has assured invited dignitaries and attendees of adequate preparation to make the occasion historical and remarkable in the history of the association. 

  • Junior Achievement Nigeria champions digital safety for over 11,000 students

    Junior Achievement Nigeria champions digital safety for over 11,000 students

    The Meta SafeOnline Project implemented by Junior Achievement Nigeria (JAN) has made a significant impact through its first phase. 

    The program reached a total of 11,226 secondary school students across 151 schools in 14 states, equipping them with essential skills in digital safety and cybersecurity. 

    States that benefited from the initiative include Akwa-Ibom, Enugu, Oyo, Plateau, Kaduna, Ogun, Ondo, Kano, Rivers, Osun, Gombe, Lagos, Abuja, and Nasarawa.

    The Meta SafeOnline Project aligns with Junior Achievement Nigeria’s mission to foster digitally savvy and responsible citizens and provide students with vital knowledge about the risks and responsibilities of navigating the digital space. 

    The initiative focused on critical areas such as online privacy, misinformation, cyberbullying, and secure online habits. Through engaging sessions, students learned practical tips like creating strong passwords, recognizing phishing scams, and being cautious about oversharing personal information on social media platforms.

    Speaking on the program’s success, the Executive Director of Junior Achievement Nigeria, Ugonna Achebe, remarked, “The Meta SafeOnline Project is a powerful tool in addressing the challenges of our digital world. As young people increasingly engage with online platforms, it is our responsibility to ensure they have the skills and knowledge to do so safely. 

    This program has touched the lives of over 11,000 students, and we are proud to be part of their journey toward becoming responsible digital citizens.”

    The hands-on approach of the program also ensured that students were not only taught but were able to actively apply the lessons to their daily internet usage.

  • Borno govt approves N730m scholarships for 26,888 indigent students

    Borno govt approves N730m scholarships for 26,888 indigent students

    The Borno State government has approved over N730 million for payment of scholarships to 26,888 indigent students.

    Commissioner for Education, Science, Technology and Innovation, Mr. Lawal Wakilbe, said this during the presentation of cheque to the National Union of Borno State Students (NUBOSS), on Tuesday in Maiduguri.

    He said the state government had allocated over N8 billion in 2024 fiscal year, for bursary payment to local and international students.

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    Wakilbe enjoined the students to submit accurate bank account details to avoid delays in payments, warning that unclaimed funds would be reallocated.

    Urging the students to avail themselves opportunities of the Federal Government’s student loan scheme, Wakilbe advised them to dedicate themselves to studies to achieve academic excellence.

    Also speaking, Abdullahi Umara, National President, NUBOSS, lauded the gesture, adding that it underscored Governor Babagana Zulum’s commitment to youths and education development.

  • Rightpath Arabic School and Academy to host 4th Haflah graduation ceremony in Lagos

    Rightpath Arabic School and Academy to host 4th Haflah graduation ceremony in Lagos

    The Rightpath Arabic School and Academy is set to celebrate a significant milestone as it holds its 4th Haflah graduation ceremony and 7th intermediate level graduation (Ihdaadiy Certificate) on Sunday, December 15, corresponding to the 13th Jumada Al-Akhirah. 

    The event will take place at the Lagos State New Secretariat Central Mosque Multipurpose Hall, Alausa Secretariat, Ikeja.

    Founded and led by Ustadh Yunus Al Imam, the academy has garnered a reputation for excellence in Islamic education, emphasizing the teaching of sound Islamic creed (Aqeedah), Hadith, Quran memorization (Tahfeez), and Arabic sciences, including Nahw (syntax), Sorfu (morphology), Usuul Fiqh, Usuul-Quran, Adab among others.

    The convocation lecture is themed, “Emulating the Messenger: Excellence in Worship and Character.”

    Over the last four years, the Rightpath Arabic School & Academy has made remarkable achievements. It has produced graduates who have memorized the entire Quran and excelled in their understanding of Arabic and Islamic jurisprudence. 

    Many students of Rightpath School have gained admission into prestigious Islamic universities in Africa and Arab nations, furthering their studies and strengthening their knowledge. 

    Under the dedicated leadership of Ustadh Yunus Al Imam, the academy has become a beacon of Islamic learning in Lagos, contributing to the spiritual and intellectual growth of its students. 

    Reflecting on the school’s mission, Ustadh Al Imam emphasised the importance of providing children with sound Islamic knowledge, which he believes serves as a cornerstone for success in this life and the hereafter.  

    The forthcoming ceremony promises to be a joyous occasion for the academy’s board, management, staff, students, parents, and host Muslim communities, who have extended an open invitation to the general public to witness the event.  

    This year’s programme will celebrate not only the academic success of the students but also the collective efforts of the academy to uphold and spread the principles of Islamic education. 

    It serves as a testament to the academy’s commitment to producing well-rounded individuals equipped with the knowledge to positively impact their communities.  

    As the event approaches, Ustadh Al-Imam has called on Muslim parents to prioritize Islamic education for their children, stating, “The knowledge of the Quran and Sunnah provides guidance that transcends generations and prepares our youth for a fulfilling life here and in the hereafter.”  

    The Rightpath Arabic School & Academy continues to pave the way for excellence in Islamic education, inspiring future generations to remain steadfast in their pursuit of knowledge and piety.

  • Schools adopt Akanazu’s ‘Soul and Spirit’ ahead of launch

    Schools adopt Akanazu’s ‘Soul and Spirit’ ahead of launch

    Ahead of the public presentation of ‘Soul and Spirit’, a collection of motivational and educational poems written by Joe-Blaise Nnaemeka Akanazu, a number of secondary schools have adopted some of the poems in the book for use during their morning assembly and devotions as well as for class competitions.

    Some of the schools that currently use the poems, according to Akanazu, include Bethel Seminary, Nekede, Imo State, True Vine International Academy, and St Brigid’s Girls’ Grammar School, Asaba, Delta State.

    The author, a Germany-based international development expert, writer and insurance guru, disclosed this in a chat with journalists at the weekend, saying more secondary schools are also indicating interest to adopt the book.

    He expressed hope that the book will contribute significantly to reviving the reading culture among secondary school students in the country.

    Soul and Spirit is billed to be unveiled to the reading public on January 8, 2025 at Jubilee Hall, Maria Assumpta Cathedral, Owerri, the Imo State capital.

    The public presentation will be attended by the Imo State Commissioner for Education, Professor Johncliff Nwadike, as the special guest of honour, while renowned artist Paddy Obinna will be the book reviewer.

    Also, United States-based pharmacist and philanthropist, Dr Uche Perry Ekwunazu, will chair the event, while a former Director of Police Affairs Abuja, Prof. Mazi Ojiaku, will be the special guest.

    The event will be moderated by the Director of Entrepreneurial Skills Development Centre and the former registrar, Gregory University Uturu, Dr Okey Onukah, assisted by Dr Chisimdi Udoka Ihentuge.

    Soul and Spirit is a collection of 120 poems from over 500 poems written over a number of years, Akanazu said.

    He further said his brand of poems has the ability to strike the reader with emotions that take one away from one’s immediate environment to an abstract world of new thinking, reflections and discoveries.

  • UNIZIK shines at Solution Innovation Competition

    UNIZIK shines at Solution Innovation Competition

    Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State, has won the first prize of the innovative tertiary institution category at the Solution Innovation District (SID) competition organised by the state government.

    The institution defeated University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University (COOU), Anambra State Polytechnic Mgbakwu and others at the exercise held at International Convention Center (ICC), Awka.

    Congratulating the winning team on Friday, Acting Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Joseph Ikechebelu, described the feat as dominance and testament that the university was blessed with skills, innovations and creativity.

    He said: “UNIZIK has been in the news, especially in recent times for various reasons, including leadership changes.

    “But today, we’re presenting to the world that UNIZIK is also a research institution where academics are still showcasing what they are here for. 

    “We contested with several other institutions at the competition organised by Anambra State government, and took the first and second positions in the research category.

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    “Apart from our staff, our students are also into research. The students took the first, second and third positions. 

    “This is dominance, a testament that the university is blessed with skills, innovation and creativity.”

    Appreciating state government and the institution’s researchers for the various innovations, Ikechebelu restated his university’s readiness to partner captains of industries to bring innovative designs capable of bringing solutions to societal problems.

    He also applauded the research team for their outstanding performance, promising continued support for them to keep advancing in their research. 

    “May I reiterate that UNIZIK remains a university to reckon with and making waves in innovations. 

    “Besides, our agricultural department is coming up with a farmers’ market which will be fully operational soon. 

    “We’re ready to partner with industries in the state to ensure these products which will remain research designs will also be commercially viable,” he added.

    Leader of the team, Prof Nkiru Meludu, listed the products behind the victory to include Tripple power supply IOT based smart home automation system as well as herbal tea, orange flowered potatoes used as flour and semovita.

    At the press briefing were Director, Research and Innovation Directorate, Prof. Azubike Ekpunobi; Director, UNIZIK FM, Prof Ifeoma Dunu, Engr Chukwuka Ogbonnaya; Manager UNIZIK FM, Dr Ify Obi; Acting Public Relations Officer, Njelita Louis, among others.

  • Shettima seeks education system capable of addressing modern challenges

    Shettima seeks education system capable of addressing modern challenges

    Vice President Kashim Shettima has called for an education system capable of addressing modern challenges.

    Shettima made the call on Tuesday during the opening plenary of the Africa Student Leaders General Assembly and Ordinary Congress in Abuja organised by Pastor Dipo Fisho, the Zonal Pastor, Christ Embassy Zone 1, Abuja.

    The event had “Pro-Africa Education System: A Key to Unlocking Africa’s Potentials,” As its theme.

    The vice president, who was represented by Personal Assistant to President Bola Tinubu on Domestic North – East, (Vice President’s Office), Mahmud Muhammad urged African students to embrace the realities of the continent while striving for global excellence.

    He said: “Our education system must be rooted in African realities while reaching out for global excellence. It must address our challenges while celebrating our strengths.

    “We must ensure that our education becomes holistic, addressing not just academic knowledge, but also practical skills and critical thinking as well as solutions to real-world problems. We need an education that builds bridges between learning and doing, between tradition and innovation, and between wisdom and global knowledge.

    “A pro-Africa education system must integrate indigenous knowledge to address modern challenges. To do this, embracing technology and innovation is essential, which will prepare our youth to be creators rather than just mere consumers. Additionally, community engagement is crucial to link education to local development and address real-world challenges. Distinguished delegates from the African continent, the time for action is now.”

    The keynote speaker, Prof David Namwandi, a former Namibian Minister of Education and Founder of the International University of Management, who commended the President of All African Students Union (AASU), Comrade Osisiogu Osikenyi for hosting the continental event echoed the Vice President’s sentiments.

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    He emphasised the need for a robust, practical approach to education to unlock Africa’s vast potential.

    He said: “For education to unlock Africa’s full potential, we must address some critical issues. First, the curriculum: We must adopt a pro-African curriculum that prioritises African history, culture, and innovation while embracing global advancements. This approach will cultivate pride in our heritage and inspire solutions to our continent’s challenges.

    “Second, technology integration: As the world becomes increasingly digitalized, Africa must leverage technology to expand access to education through e-learning platforms and digital resources.

    “Third, richer research and innovation: African universities must prioritize research that drives industrialization and economic growth. By investing in research and development, we can create homegrown solutions to African civic problems.”

    In his keynote address, Founder of Christ Embassy World Wide, Pastor Chris Oyakhilome who was represented by the Zonal Pastor, Abuja Zone 1, Pastor Dipo Fisho emphasised the need for textbooks and other educational materials to be produced in African languages just like the ‘Rapsody of Realities ‘ that is produced in over eight thousand languages of the world.

    On his part, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Student Engagement, Comrade Asefon Sunday said the event was a “clarion call to ignite a transformative renaissance in Africa’s education system.”

    He said: “This gathering of young intellectuals and visionary leaders across Africa is a testament to the strength of our collective resolve to chart a brighter future for education and youth development across the continent.”

    Ashefon expressed the commitment of President Tinubu to massively develop the nation’s education reform by widening access under the Renewed Hope Agenda.

    President of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Comrade Lucky Emonefe urged participants to use the assembly as a platform for fostering unity and driving progress across Africa.

    “This assembly offers an unparalleled platform to deliberate, innovate, and proffer solutions to the multifaceted challenges impeding the educational and socio-economic emancipation of our people,” Emonefe, represented by NANS Senate President Akinteye Afeez, said.

    Delegates from several African nations attended the event, which was organised by the All African Students Union (AASU) in collaboration with Reachout World Day, NNPC, and other partners.

  • Bullying: Stakeholders urge PTA-school collaboration

    Bullying: Stakeholders urge PTA-school collaboration

    Stakeholders in the education sector have called for collaboration between school managements and Parent-Teacher Associations (PTAs) to address the menace of bullying in schools.

    The stakeholders made this call in separate interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja.

    They were reacting to reports of bullying in secondary schools nationwide, particularly a recent incident at the Federal Government College, Enugu.

    Dr. Olubukola Dosunmu, former President of the National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools (NAPPS), FCT Chapter, emphasised the need for schools to develop stringent measures to address bullying.

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    “Bullying is a social problem; it’s something that goes beyond the schools. I think schools and parent associations should work together to adopt more stringent measures that will deter students from doing it.“And remember, a lot of things start from home, with the economic issues and challenges facing people in society, which weren’t as severe when things were better economically.

    “What children do at home is what they do outside. They see violence between their parents; they witness verbal and physical abuse.

    “The way children see parents treat them, treat each other, and treat others at home is how they behave in school,” she said.