The Nation Newspaper

Category: Education

  • Emulate Olukoya, Tinubu, Aiyedatiwa, VC urge youths, students

    Emulate Olukoya, Tinubu, Aiyedatiwa, VC urge youths, students

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Ondo Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa and Professor Adenike Oladiji Vice Chancellor, Federal University of Technology, Akure, have called on youths and students to emulate the General Overseer of Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries, Dr Daniel Kolawole Olukoya, for his giant strides in academic excellence and the positive marks he has made.

    Tinubu, Aiyedatiwa and Oladiji made this known after the conferment of Honorary Doctorate  of Management Science Award  on Olukoya during the combined 34th and 35th Convocation ceremony of Federal University of Technology (FUTA).

    Tinubu, who was represented by Professor Wahab Egbewole, Vice Chancellor, University of Ilorin, commended Olukoya for his huge investment in education and uplift of society, especially the area of putting smiles on faces of the downtrodden. 

    He stressed that the award conferred on Olukoya is well deserved, having served as a mentor and role model.

    According to him: ” Professor Olukoya’s investment in education and upliftment of the society is highly commendable, hence people should emulate him. He serves as a mentor and role model .His passion for lifting the downtrodden is great”

    Aiyedatiwa said  many lives have been transformed through constant support support Olukoya is giving to humanity as an individual and through MFM.

    Ayedawati said the construction of Microbiology Laboratory in FUTA by Olukoya,  giving  Scholarship to students and monetary rewards to First Class  students from different Tertiary institutions accross the world will motivate the youths to aspire to reach the peak of their careers and become useful to the society.

    His words: “People should look at Olukoya as example in terms of academics and other aspects of life.The award conferred on the General Overseer of Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries by FUTA is well deserved because of all that he is doing to transform lives positively as an individual and through his Ministries.  Olukoya renders selfless services to humanities in place of prayers, mentoring and in other aspects of life. “

    Speaking on why Olukoya was given  Honourary Doctorate of Management Science, the Vice Chancellor FUTA Professor Oladiji said the institution has noted Olukoya’s contributions to humanity as well as his contributions to FUTA through schorlarships and building of a Microbiology Laboratory to improve quality of graduates from the institution. 

    Oladiji, stressed that Olukoya’s life is committed to ensuring others are happy.

    She commended Olukoya’s human and capital development. She commended the General Overseer for his support to Science and Technology in different universities. 

    Olukoya thanked  FUTA for the honour. He said touching  lives  positively physically and spiritually gives him joy.

    He added that the purpose for existence is to add positive values to others.

    Olukoya was best graduating student from Methodist Boys’s High School before bagging a First Class in Microbiology  from University of Lagos. 

    In 2024, Olukoya gave monetary rewards to 492  First class students apart from his constant full schorlarships to students.

  • Alumni association to build centre for reproductive medicine for ABU

    Alumni association to build centre for reproductive medicine for ABU

    The Ahmadu Bello University Alumni Association has unveiled plans to build a centre for reproductive medicine for the institution.

    President, ABU Alumni Association, Adamu Kontagora, disclosed this during the alumni lecture, dinner and awards in Abuja.

    Kontagora said the project, when completed, would improve healthcare delivery in the country.

    He said: “Closely related to this is the Public Presentation and Unveiling of the Proposed Ahmadu Bello University Center for Reproductive Medicine, first of its kind in Northern Nigeria. This novel project was carefully selected as it will undoubtedly improve the health delivery system in Nigeria among other laudable objectives.”

    Kontagora emphasised the need for the Federal Government to make education a priority and highlighted the crucial role alumni associations play in supporting the government’s efforts.

    He said: “Every government has their own priority. And what we kept on telling the government anywhere in the country is that education is supposed to be topmost priority.

    “That is why you see alumni are coming up to complement what the government might not be able to provide.”

    Read Also: Varsity alumni chief tells graduates to drive change

    The Vice – Chancellor, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Prof. Kabiru Bala said the proposed centre for reproductive medicine would contribute to the delivery of healthcare to people of the state.

    He lamented that the teaching hospital, which presently serves the Zaria community, was overwhelmed.

    The vice-chancellor also expressed concern that the institution’s electricity bill for just one session surpassed its total overhead costs for 2024.

    Bala lamented that the university’s electricity bill for one session amounted to over N310 million, exceeding its overhead costs of N240 million for the year.

    He urged the Federal Government to boost funding for universities, cautioning that without increased financial support, many tertiary institutions would collapse in few years.

    The vice-chancellor said: “In this year the overhead that was allocated to ABU was N240 million for one year. And the electricity bill for ABU in full session is N310 million. And N240 million is supposed to be for one year overheads. So that will give us an idea of the underfunding that ASUU (Academic Staff Union of Universities) talked about. Many universities, at this rate, may not survive at the current level of funding.”

    Bala called on the alumni and friends to support the ABU Endowment Foundation, noting that its Board of Trustees chaired by Mahmud Yayale Ahmed, former Head of Service of the Federation has set a minimum amount of N25,000 for all alumni of five years and above.

    The event was attended by former Vice President Namadi Sambo, Chancellor of the university and Obi of Onitsha, Dr. Alfred Achebe and former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha among others.

  • Ibraheem Iyiola bags honorary doctorate degree from American varsity

    Ibraheem Iyiola bags honorary doctorate degree from American varsity

    Hon. Ibraheem Olayole Iyiola has been conferred with an Honorary Doctor of Philosophy in Public Administration.

    The honour is in recognition of Hon. Ibraheem’s outstanding contributions to public and economic development in Nigeria.

    The conferment ceremony took place at the University of Ibadan on Saturday, November 30, 2024.

    Speaking about the honour, Hon. Ibraheem said: “I am deeply humbled to receive this recognition from Prowess University, America. This honorary doctorate reflects not just my personal journey, but also the collective efforts of all those who have worked tirelessly to advance corporate governance and business excellence in Nigeria. 

    “I look forward to continuing to contribute to the development of our business sector, governance, and the education of future leaders”.

    Hon. Ibraheem Iyiola an Entrepreneur and Philanthropist, was born on July 4th in Ibadan, Nigeria, to the family of Alhaji and Alhaja Iyiola. 

    Read Also: Laide Bakare bags honorary doctorate degree from American varsity 

    He completed his secondary education at Loyola College Ibadan, before pursuing a degree in Economics at the University of Ado Ekiti, graduating in 2002.

    Professionally Ibraheem’s career began with a 2-year stint at PepsiCo Houston, TX a Fortune 500 company, after which he ventured into entrepreneurship.

    He established his logistics business in 2006. Seeking to enhance his knowledge, he earned an MBA with a concentration in Global Management from the University of Houston. Leadership and Board Memberships As a seasoned entrepreneur.

    Ibraheem serves as a director on the boards of several companies, spanning real estate, logistics, and oil and gas services. Philanthropy Ibraheem is the founder of the Ibraheem Iyiola Foundation, dedicated to transforming lives through: 1. Healthcare initiatives 2. Educational support 3. Community development programs have over time provide succor to the needy in all of these categories. 

    Ibraheem is a devoted husband to his wife and a proud father of three beautiful daughters: Mahfusah, Maheerah, and Maliha.

  • TLIA opens an inclusive multimedia studio for adult learners

    TLIA opens an inclusive multimedia studio for adult learners

    The Learning Innovation Academy (TLIA) in Lekki has called on educators to recognise and cultivate the unique potential of each learner, emphasizing the importance of tailoring instruction to individual strengths and talents.

    At the Inclusion in Creativity Conference, which gathered parents, educators, artists, neurodiversity advocates, and more, TLIA’s Executive Director, Mrs. Bolanle Adewole, highlighted the institution’s mission.

    Titled “Inclusion and Innovation: Unlocking Opportunities for All,” the conference underscored TLIA’s commitment to fostering creativity, art, science, technology, and innovation, particularly for individuals with strength-based abilities. 

    Adewole explained that TLIA’s goal is to help learners reach their full potential by identifying and nurturing their distinct skills.

    “Our main focus is recognising that there are individuals with unique skills that often go untapped because society has certain expectations of them. When we impose these expectations, they become the focus, and as a result, these individuals never truly thrive. They are stifled and prevented from reaching their full potential because what we want them to do is not aligned with what they are truly passionate about. Once we give them the space to explore their own interests, they are able to flourish. When you’re allowed to pursue what you love, you’re naturally more productive and creative, as opposed to being forced to do something you’re not interested in. That’s our ultimate goal, to create an environment where there are no limits, where individuals aren’t confined to someone else’s box. They create their own, they explore, they experiment, and they learn from their experiences, whether they get it right or wrong. It’s all part of the journey.”

    She explained that the Creative Hub was created for this very reason to provide learners with the freedom to explore their talents.

    “The space includes an art studio, a music studio, an inclusive area, and an animation section. It also features a conference room, as well as a gym and swimming pool, offering learners a place to relax and recharge. You can work on your project, take a break to swim, and then return to your work with renewed energy. It’s all designed to foster creativity and well-being.”

    She continued, “We identify the unique strengths each learner brings and find ways to nurture and develop them. Our goal is to help them reach their full potential, whether that means excelling in a creative field, mastering a skill, or simply becoming as functional and independent as possible. This is a space for anyone who’s willing to innovate. It includes a makerspace, a place where anyone can walk in and explore their ideas freely, becoming whatever they aspire to be.”

    Education consultant and president of the Issa School of Education,

    Dr. Joy Issa,  spoke about the importance of inclusive education for neurodivergent children in Nigeria.

    She called for strength-based learning, teacher training, and vocational education, saying parents should accept their child’s needs early on and seek out support to help their children thrive independently.

     Issa advised the government to invest more in special needs education and create public-private partnerships to fill gaps in resources.  

    Read Also: Novarick Homes launches academy to empower 2m youths with real estate skills

    “There is need for classrooms to adapt to support neurodivergent children, those who may struggle with traditional subjects like maths and English but excel in other areas like art or music. It is important to identify and nurture each child’s strengths to help them thrive.

    “One of the main challenges is that many teachers lack the training to identify and support children with learning disabilities. While many teachers are unaware of how to differentiate their teaching to cater to neurodivergent learners, specialised training programs can bridge this gap.”

    She suggested that children with learning difficulties could thrive in hands-on skills such as carpentry, fashion, or other trades.

    Lead consultant at Green Yorks Education Consultants, Oyinkan Afolabi, reiterated the importance of creating environments that supported neurodivergent individuals, including those with autism, dyslexia, or ADHD, by recognising their unique strengths and fostering their confidence.

    Afolabi said that the new creative hub being launched, which offered a space for individuals to explore talents in areas like painting, music, and cooking, and turn them into profitable skills for future independence was a welcome idea.

    She stressed the need for policies that ensured neurodivergent individuals were included in the workforce, calling for companies to have clear hiring goals for such individuals.

    Afolabi also urged the government to create more inclusive centres and programs, and to support advocacy efforts to celebrate and employ neurodivergent people.

    A child and adolescent psychiatrist at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Dr Yewande Oshodi, explained the creativity potential of neurodivergent children, particularly those on the autism spectrum.

  • Education tool for unlocking individual potential for self actualisation 

    Education tool for unlocking individual potential for self actualisation 

    The Minister of State for Education, Hajia Suwaiba-Said Ahmad, has reaffirmed that education remains the foundation for unlocking individual potential, achieving self-actualization, and driving sustainable national progress.

    Speaking at the 2nd National Education Awards Programme (NEAP), which honored the top-performing students in the 2023 West African Certificate Examination (WACE) and National Examination Certificate (NECO), the Minister emphasized the critical role of education in national development.

    The event, co-organised by the Federal Ministry of Education, was themed “Incentivising Learning and Reading Processes for Optimal Performance.” 

    The Minister highlighted education’s capacity to strengthen social cohesion, cultivate leadership, break poverty cycles, and position Nigeria competitively on the global stage.

    “Congratulations to our outstanding students. Your dedication and excellence have earned you a place in the Ministry’s Hall of Fame. This achievement is a stepping stone to greater heights. Let this recognition inspire you to continue reaching new milestones,” Hajia Ahmad said.

    President and Founder of the Chris Igbokwe Foundation,  Chief Christian-Ebubechukwu Igbokwe, who chaired the event, praised the recipients, describing them as exemplary among their peers. 

    Represented by Elder Steve Eboh, the foundation’s Vice President, Igbokwe stressed that the awardees’ hard work, dedication, and academic excellence symbolize hope for the future of Nigerian education.

    “I am convinced that with this caliber of students, Nigeria’s education system will regain its rightful place globally. Success begins with self-belief and determination, captured in the phrase, ‘I CAN,’” he stated.

    Chairman of the NEAP Planning Committee, Mr. Anselm Ijebor,  underscored the importance of partnerships in education, noting that governments cannot solely drive the sector. 

    He said NEAP’s mission is to identify and support academically outstanding students at the Senior Secondary School Examination level through scholarships and partnerships with the private sector.

    “The aim is to mobilise citizens and the organized private sector to celebrate academic excellence and contribute to Nigeria’s educational development,” Ijebor added.

    The event celebrated several top-performing students to include: Miss Orevaoghene Whiskey of Topfaith International Secondary School, Akwa Ibom, who was awarded N500,000 as the overall best student in the 2023 WACE and Chima Christian Okafor of St. Paul Academy, Jos, who received N300,000 as the second-best WACE student and an additional N500,000 for being the overall best in the 2023 NECO SSCE.

    Other are Miss Ifebube Benson of Renaissance Garden Secondary School, Lagos, who won N300,000 as the second-best NECO student, Miss Owuye Faheezah Oluwakemi of Maryland Comprehensive Secondary School, Lagos, who was named the best overall in the 2023 Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE), earning N300,000 and Miss Jegede Oshotame Gabriella of Igbinedion Junior Secondary School, Benin City, was awarded N200,000 as the second-best in the BECE.

  • Academy opens inclusive multimedia studio for adult learners in Lagos

    Academy opens inclusive multimedia studio for adult learners in Lagos

    The Learning Innovation Academy (TLIA) in Lekki has called on educators to recognise and cultivate the unique potential of each learner, emphasizing the importance of tailoring instruction to individual strengths and talents.

    At the Inclusion in Creativity Conference, which gathered parents, educators, artists, neurodiversity advocates, and more, TLIA’s Executive Director, Mrs. Bolanle Adewole, highlighted the institution’s mission.

    Titled “Inclusion and Innovation: Unlocking Opportunities for All,” the conference underscored TLIA’s commitment to fostering creativity, art, science, technology, and innovation, particularly for individuals with strength-based abilities. 

    Adewole explained that TLIA’s goal is to help learners reach their full potential by identifying and nurturing their distinct skills.

    “Our main focus is recognising that there are individuals with unique skills that often go untapped because society has certain expectations of them. When we impose these expectations, they become the focus, and as a result, these individuals never truly thrive. They are stifled and prevented from reaching their full potential because what we want them to do is not aligned with what they are truly passionate about. Once we give them the space to explore their own interests, they are able to flourish. When you’re allowed to pursue what you love, you’re naturally more productive and creative, as opposed to being forced to do something you’re not interested in. That’s our ultimate goal, to create an environment where there are no limits, where individuals aren’t confined to someone else’s box. They create their own, they explore, they experiment, and they learn from their experiences, whether they get it right or wrong. It’s all part of the journey.”

    She explained that the Creative Hub was created for this very reason to provide learners with the freedom to explore their talents.

    “The space includes an art studio, a music studio, an inclusive area, and an animation section. It also features a conference room, as well as a gym and swimming pool, offering learners a place to relax and recharge. You can work on your project, take a break to swim, and then return to your work with renewed energy. It’s all designed to foster creativity and well-being.”

    She continued, “We identify the unique strengths each learner brings and find ways to nurture and develop them. Our goal is to help them reach their full potential, whether that means excelling in a creative field, mastering a skill, or simply becoming as functional and independent as possible. This is a space for anyone who’s willing to innovate. It includes a makerspace, a place where anyone can walk in and explore their ideas freely, becoming whatever they aspire to be.”

    Education consultant and president of the Issa School of Education,

    Dr. Joy Issa,  spoke about the importance of inclusive education for neurodivergent children in Nigeria.

    She called for strength-based learning, teacher training, and vocational education, saying parents should accept their child’s needs early on and seek out support to help their children thrive independently.

     Issa advised the government to invest more in special needs education and create public-private partnerships to fill gaps in resources.  

    “There is need for classrooms to adapt to support neurodivergent children, those who may struggle with traditional subjects like maths and English but excel in other areas like art or music. It is important to identify and nurture each child’s strengths to help them thrive.

    “One of the main challenges is that many teachers lack the training to identify and support children with learning disabilities. While many teachers are unaware of how to differentiate their teaching to cater to neurodivergent learners, specialised training programs can bridge this gap.”

    She suggested that children with learning difficulties could thrive in hands-on skills such as carpentry, fashion, or other trades.

    Lead consultant at Green Yorks Education Consultants, Oyinkan Afolabi, reiterated the importance of creating environments that supported neurodivergent individuals, including those with autism, dyslexia, or ADHD, by recognising their unique strengths and fostering their confidence.

    Read Also: Novarick Homes launches academy to empower 2m youths with real estate skills

    Afolabi said that the new creative hub being launched, which offered a space for individuals to explore talents in areas like painting, music, and cooking, and turn them into profitable skills for future independence was a welcome idea.

    She stressed the need for policies that ensured neurodivergent individuals were included in the workforce, calling for companies to have clear hiring goals for such individuals.

    Afolabi also urged the government to create more inclusive centres and programs, and to support advocacy efforts to celebrate and employ neurodivergent people.

    A child and adolescent psychiatrist at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Dr Yewande Oshodi, explained the creativity potential of neurodivergent children, particularly those on the autism spectrum.

  • UNILORIN wins NOA North-Central campus debate, advances to national final

    UNILORIN wins NOA North-Central campus debate, advances to national final

    University of Ilorin (UNILORIN) has emerged North-Central champion of the 7 for 7 National Values Charter Campus Debate organised by the National Orientation Agency (NOA) to inspire Nigerian youth to embrace national values and civic responsibility.

    UNILORIN clinched the award at an event on Thursday, 28th November at the Admiral Mohammed Lawal Multipurpose Hall in Kwara State Polytechnic.

    In his welcome address delivered by Tolu Meduna, the Director General, NOA, Mallam Lanre Issa Onilu noted that the inter tertiary institution debate is a continuation of efforts by the Agency to engage younger Nigerians towards patriotism and unite hearts and minds toward a shared vision of progress and national pride.

    The Rector of Kwara State Polytechnic Dr Abdul Jimoh Mohammed, represented by the Deputy Rector Academics, Dr Mrs Felicia Awolola also commended NOA for the laudable initiative and promised to promote the ideals of the values charter beyond the programme.

    Representatives from Kwara State Polytechnic and University of Ilorin competed in the debate, dissecting the thought-provoking topic: “7 for 7 National Values Charter: Striking the Balance Between Government Promises and Citizens’ Responsibilities in Nation-Building.”

    Read Also: Unilorin begins 2024/2025 pre-admission screening

    The debate highlighted compelling arguments on the interplay between governance, civic duty and personal responsibilities and it was another. 

    Representing the Kwara State Polytechnic was the duo of Lanre Idris Mustapha  and Bankole Yusuf Williams of Mass Communication Department while University of Ilorin was represented by Alex Olafisoye and Alex Tivlumun of Law and Communication Information Sciences.

    The panel which comprised the NOA Kwara Director Alh Dare Abdulganiyu, Dr Reuben Akano of Kwara State University, Mrs Omokanye, College of Education Oro and Dr. Ogunmodede Busola, Regional Director, StrengthAfrica, after a thorough assessment awarded University of Ilorin the championship title for the North Central zone earning the team a ₦5,000,000 prize and a coveted ticket to the grand finale.

    The sum of N2m was awarded Kwara State Polytechnic as the runner up in the debate 

    Interestingly, the event extended beyond the debate, featuring a robust capacity-building segment led by distinguished facilitators. These sessions equipped participants with valuable skills and insights:

    Oluseye Taiwo Adepoju, a Gallup-Certified Strengths Coach, delivered an inspiring session on leadership and personal development. He urged participants to harness their strengths to drive societal transformation.

    Dr. Adebusola Ogunmodede, also took a session, highlighting the importance of mental resilience and emotional intelligence in achieving both personal and societal goals.

    Tolu Meduna, the programme Coordinator highlighted the initiative’s scope, revealing that similar debates will be held across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones, with a winner selected in a live broadcast at the grand finale.

    The event brought together students, professionals and dignitaries, who applauded the initiative as a pivotal step toward a value-driven and new Nigeria.

  • Ajayi Crowther varsity alumni donate bus to alma mater

    Ajayi Crowther varsity alumni donate bus to alma mater

    Ajayi Crowther University, Oyo State, has received a Sienna bus from its alumni association to support the transportation and activities of the institution’s principal officers.

    The donation was made during the university’s 16th convocation ceremonies and Alumni Lecture at the Folorunsho Alakija Law Faculty.

    Vice-Chancellor of the institution, Prof. Timothy Adebayo, expressed gratitude, stating: “We are grateful to the university’s alumni for purchasing this bus. It is timely and will be greatly appreciated.”

    He also acknowledged the vital role the alumni have played in the university’s progress, highlighting several donations and collaborations with other institutions that have contributed to the university’s academic growth and stability.

    While handing over the bus, President of the alumni association Busoye Ogunlade, emphasised that school authorities alone cannot meet all the institution’s needs and urged all alumni to contribute to the development of their alma mater.

    He pledged that the association would continue to support the university and contribute to various initiatives.

    Read Also: Ajayi Crowther varsity: Oyo Assembly seeks better security architecture in tertiary institutions

    Ogunlade, who also chairs the Oyo State Road Maintenance Agency, underscored the importance of alumni involvement in the university’s growth.

    “To meet the increasing demand for quality education, the university urgently requires the support of its alumni to enhance the infrastructure on its campuses,” Ogunlade stated.

    He further explained that the association had previously donated a set of computers to the university’s Transcripts department to streamline the processing of results and transcripts for alumni, both locally and abroad.

    Looking ahead, Ogunlade announced that the association would launch its website in December 2024, providing a platform for alumni to connect and collaborate on initiatives for the university’s continued development.

  • Olanipekun donates multi-million naira Senate Building to Ekiti varsity

    Olanipekun donates multi-million naira Senate Building to Ekiti varsity

    A legal luminary, Chief Wole Olanipekun SAN has donated a multi-million naira Senate Building to Bamidele Olumumilua University of Education, Science and Technology, Ikere-Ekiti.

    Handing over the Senate building to the institution on Thursday, Olanipekun said that the project was in fulfillment of his dream to add value to the university and the educational sector.

    The former President of the Nigerian Bar Association said that the donation of the building was part of his contributions to the physical development of BOUESTI and the betterment of its students.

    He stated that the building which was constructed within eight months would not only add aesthetic value to the ivory tower but also aid the administrative work of the university.

    Olanipekun appealed to the Ekiti state Governor Oyebanji to urgently look into the affairs of the University by extending necessary wherewithal from the government to it.

    The senior lawyer however emphasized the need for Public Private Partnership in the provision of the desired and expected infrastructure for tertiary institutions, including public or government-owned Universities.

    “Without prejudice to my appeal to Mr. Governor to extend more assistance to the University, the point must be made that, all over the world, the trend now is public-private partnerships and collaborations in the provision of the desired and expected infrastructure for tertiary institutions, including public or government-owned Universities.

    “The people of Ikere in particular, and all men of goodwill, generally, should appreciate the fact that it is incumbent on them to contribute meaningfully, either in cash or kind, to the sustenance of this University.

    The Ekiti state governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji has said that the task of developing the state must not be left to the government alone, urging Ekiti elites to emulate Olanipekun philanthropy by contributing to the development of various communities.

    Oyebanji in his remarks praised the outstanding philanthropic gesture of Olanipekun and Afe Babalola SAN, saying that there is no other Ekiti indigenes that could measure up to them in terms of their commitment to give back to humanity.

    Read Also: Olanipekun: Greatness won with honest toil

    The governor who said that government alone can’t provide everything for the people, urged wealthy Ekiti citizens to look at the needs of their various communities and do a project for the people.

    “Today’s event marks a significant milestone in the development of the university, when Chief Olanipekun said the building would be completed by November I doubted it, but I thank God that we are here today.

    “Olanipekun is a very passionate community man who is in his class when it comes to giving back to his community. I am yet to find a man who finds satisfaction in giving back to his birthplace.”

    The BOUESTI Vice Chancellor, Professor Olufemi Adeoluwa lauded the donor for his efforts towards human development while giving the assurance that the facility will be well managed and maintained.

    He described Olanipekun as a patriot and exceptional Nigerian who remained committed to the development of the country.

  • Experts discuss tech-based solution to Street-to- School menace in Nigeria

    Experts discuss tech-based solution to Street-to- School menace in Nigeria

    Education and technology Experts have discussed a technology based solution to Street-to- School menace in Nigeria at the out-of-school children’s summit organised by a Non-Governmental Organisation, the IA Foundation in Lagos.

    The Director-General, DAWN Commission, Seye Oyeleye said education is not just a sector and the backbone of the sector is what is given to citizenry. 

    Oyeleye lamented that education is grossly underfunded, stating the sector needs to be funded properly while noting that the problem of out-of-school children would continue if the issue of finance not addressed.

    Former Lagos Commissioner for Education, Adefisayo Folashade said the country is good at writing policies but deficient in implementation.

    She suggested a multidimensional approach accommodating all stakeholders. 

    According to her, facilities are actually underutilized in Nigeria and that it is not enough to take children out of school but giving them quality education. 

    Dr. Aderonke Kujore emphasised the need to make sure that a good number of students have digital skills. 

    While noting that the urgency is due to Artificial Intelligence, Dr. Aderonke said there will be a problem if the children cannot tell a difference between AI and actual human.

    The Chief Executive Officer, Edmark Consult, Mrs Yinka Ogunde, noted that there are many issues responsible for out-of-school children; Hence, the need for a correct strategy.

    Ogunde explained that some policies that policy makers make need to be recreated, saying that policy makers need to have same face with the stakeholders 

    Speaking on the Unintended Consequences of technology, A Cybersecurity Expert, Wale Sangosanya emphasised the need to protect young learners.

    He said there is need to identify the risks when putting technologies before the learners, saying inappropriate content should be looked at and protection of sensitive data. 

    The Chairman of IA-Foundation’s Board of Trustees, Mr. Oladiran Famakinwa said no child should have to choose between survival and education.

    Oladiran reminded Nigerians of the transformative power of education, sharing how timely intervention can completely change a child’s trajectory, just like it did for his own father. 

    The Founder, Mrs Ronke Adeagbo said the problem of high rate of out-of-school children has stayed too long in Nigeria and the consequences are beginning to surface. 

    According to her, the neglected, uneducated children of yesterday have become today’s prostitutes, rapists, armed robbers, kidnappers, fraudsters, cultists, murderers and bandits.

    She stated that the price for neglecting these children on the street is more costly than we can imagine.

    The Founder, therefore, noted that the foundation remain committed to reducing the number of out-of-school children in Nigeria.

    The Chief Executive Officer of the Foundation, Laura Ede urged everyone to become part of the solution by sponsoring a child’s education, contribute to the programs or partner to reach more communities. 

    She concluded that collaboration can turn the stories of those left behind into stories of hope, achievement and success.

    The First Lady of Lagos State, Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, who was represented at the event, lent her support for the organisation in catering for out-of-school children in the country. 

    The Executive Secretary, National Commission for Almajiri and Out-of-school children Education, Dr. Idris Sani, who attended via zoom, also lauded the activities of the NGO in reducing out-of-school children in the country.