The Nation Newspaper

Category: Education

  • New City University to deliver quality, affordable education

    New City University to deliver quality, affordable education

    • Ready to begin operations
    • By Tunde Adeniyi

    The promoter of the New City University, a  proposed private university in Aiyetoro, Ogun State, Mr. Akin Akingbesote has said the university is poised to deliver quality and affordable education. He expressed readiness for the commencement of operations.

    Speaking on Tuesday during the second visitation tour  of the National Universities Commission(NUC) on its campus, Akingbesote noted that between June and now when NUC officials made the first visitation,there has been 80 per cent transformation.

    He said: “The environment is now well furnished; we now have proper landscaping,we have constructed a sports centre, we have brought in equipment for the faculty of nursing, so we have transformed the campus. If we get approval,we are ready and prepared to commence operations because we have a solid and robust system in place. We are going to deliver quality, affordable and accessible education. It is going to be a great institution for students.”

    Chairman Implementation Committee for the proposed university, Prof. Ralph Akinfeleye, expressed optimism at getting approval. He said the university will be an iconic learning centre that will make significant contributions to education in the country.

    “We are so excited about the second NUC visitation. They have come for assessment. We are very optimistic because we have done the needful. Nigeria has 274 universities,we hope to be number 275 because we have done our best. This a major departure from the first visit, but today everything is fine. The NUC officials are very thorough. We hope we have done what we need to do and our university will be a university of relevance, an iconic institution, a university that will help make significant contributions to the pedagogical purity of education in Nigeria. So we are awaiting the results and we hope will pass. Once we get our licence, we will hit the ground running,” he said.

    Read Also: EFCC arrests 11 suspected currency racketeers in Rivers

    Prof. Yemi Akinseye-George, SAN, a fellow of Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies, and a member of the Board of Trustees Implementation Committee for New City University, said the team from NUC confirmed that the university  scored over 70 per cent in terms of development, acquisition of educational materials, transformation.

     He praised Akinfeleye for his efforts and brilliant contributions to the university. He also hailed the founder who, he said, is driven by excellence and integrity.

    “ In every respect, they scored the university high. We congratulate students who would be the first beneficiaries of this great achievement by the founder, a man of excellence,who has succeeded in business and his career. He wants to impart that success on another generation. He wants to give back to posterity, so I congratulate the students, because they will not just learn,but acquire character, entrepreneurial capacity so that they can become better citizens.

    Our founder has given us a platform to show the world what we have to offer. On behalf of BoT, we thank you all”

    Alhaji Rasheed Mustapha, an NUC official, commended the university for the massive improvement. He lauded the promoter for  doing substantial work on observations raised during the first accreditation.

    “The promoter has done substantial work on the observations raised during the first visit.I rate him above 70 per cent because there is massive improvement,” he added.

    The NUC team also called for support for the promoter from the support staff to ensure robust service delivery.

  • FactCheck Africa develops Fact-Checking Curriculum for varsities

    FactCheck Africa develops Fact-Checking Curriculum for varsities

    To address the growing challenges of misinformation and hate speech, FactCheck Africa has developed a comprehensive fact-checking curriculum tailored for journalism, media, and communication programmes in Nigeria’s higher institutions of learning.

    The convener of FactCheck Africa, Abideen Olasupo, in a statement, said the curriculum was designed to equip students with the necessary tools, including the use of artificial intelligence to fight the spread of fake news, misinformation, disinformation, and hate speech across various platforms.

    According to him, the rise of digital media has brought about challenges like fake news, misinformation, disinformation and hate speeches, which he said undermines public trust and pose threats to democratic process and social harmony.

    The curriculum, which was developed by a team of researchers, communication experts, lecturers and professional factcheckers, contains courses like Critical Information Literacy, Critical Digital Literacy, Critical Data Literacy, Critical Media Literacy and Moral and Civic Sensibility.

    He added that the curriculum also contains teaching of AI for Media, usage of Open-source intelligence (OSINT), with examination of relevant case studies. 

    Olasupo noted that these courses were designed to build skills in media literacy, critical thinking, digital literacy, and information literacy, emphasising the evaluation and analysis of information.

    He added that: “The ultimate goal is to build the critical thinking of students and young people and improve media literacy across different socio-economic and political contexts, and promote ethical practices within the information landscape,”

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    The FactCheck Africa boss explained that the outcomes of his organisation’s research and advocacy efforts across different communities in Nigeria over the last one year informed the need to develop a robust fact-checking education curriculum for higher institutions in the country.

    He said: “In the last one year, with the support of our partners, we have conducted series of workshops across tertiary institutions in Nigeria. We also conducted a study to examine the current landscape of fact-checking education around the globe, identifying best practices and benchmarks from 133 universities across various continents and then compared it with what is currently obtainable in Nigeria.

    “From our research, we observed that Nigeria has several courses related to information disorder but requires a more comprehensive and dedicated curriculum.The study noticed a few challenges, including resource limitations, varying levels of public interest, and the lack of standardised approaches to teaching fact-checking.

    “In addition, technological barriers and the rapid evolution of information pollution tactics were also observed to have posed ongoing challenges. These are coupled with the fact that despite the rise of fact-checking organisations, the methodologies used by fact-checkers often lack consistency resulting in diminishing credibility and effectiveness.”

  • Author explores Japa syndrome in book

    Author explores Japa syndrome in book

    • By Erinjogunola Femmy

    Renowned author, Business Coach and Filmmaker, ‘Wale Adebayo has released a   book, ‘Japa: Should I Stay or Leave?’.

    It is a timely exploration of one of Nigeria’s most critical issues – the decision between staying in Nigeria or emigrating abroad.

    The book delves into the complex realities of the “Japa” trend, providing insights into the motivations, challenges, and rewards that come with either choice.

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    Speaking on the reason for motivation for the Japa book, Adebayo noted that it was written to address a critical question faced by many Nigerians today—whether to remain in the country or seek opportunities abroad.

    “Through this book, I aim to present a balanced view of both the benefits and challenges of emigrating versus staying. My hope is that readers will find clarity and empowerment to make informed decisions that align with their values and aspirations, while also considering the potential impact of their choice on their families and the future of Nigeria,” he said.

    The book is essential for Nigerians contemplating emigration, as well as for families, educators and policy makers focused on the country’s future.

      It is available now on Jumia and in major bookstores nationwide.

  • ASUU decries delay in renegotiation of union’s 2009 agreement with Fed Govt

    ASUU decries delay in renegotiation of union’s 2009 agreement with Fed Govt

    • Union offers Ph.D grants to some members in public varsities

    The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has spoken against the delay in concluding talks on the union’s 2009 agreement with the Federal Government.

    The union said despite several Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) and Memoranda of Actions (MoAs) with the government, the ASUU-FGN 2009 Agreement remained unsigned almost 12 years.

    It also accused the Federal Government of unjustly withholding three and a half months salaries of its members and failing to pay the arrears of wage award, promotions and Earned Academic Allowance (EAA).

    ASUU President, Prof. Emmanuel Osodeke, expressed the union’s position yesterday during this year’s ASUU Heroes’ Day at the union’s national secretariat at the University of Abuja UniAbuja).

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    Osodeke said the situation had been complicated with the enforcement of the Integrated Personnel and Payroll Information System (IPPIS) on public universities, even with the pronouncement of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) to exit the tertiary education institutions.

    Last week, the government directed all tertiary institutions to be exempted from IPPIS but asked them to subject their payroll to IPPIS for vetting before payment.

    The decision did not go down well with the university’s union which insisted that the government should allow universities to control their budgets.

    Osodeke said: “It is rather lamentable that we are still on the struggle to compel the renegotiation of our 2009 Agreement with the Federal Government, 12 years since it should have been concluded and four cycles of renegotiation thereafter.

    “It is most disheartening and egregious that despite the several Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) and Memoranda of Action (MoAs), the ASUU-FGN 2009 Agreement is yet to be renegotiated and signed.

    “The situation has been further complicated with the enforcement and persistence of IPPIS on the public universities even with the pronouncement of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) to exit the tertiary education institutions thereof.

    “Not to be forgotten are our three and a half months salaries, which are still unjustly withheld. The arrears of wage award, promotion arrears, etc, and Earned Academic Allowance (EAA) are also still outstanding.”

    Osodeke announced that the union would offer Ph.D grants to some of its members in various public universities across the country.

    The ASUU president said such members would get N500,000 each, after a rigorous assessment of their proposals by experts in their various disciplines.

    During the event, ASUU honoured those it called “past and living heroes”.

    Osodeke praised the union’s members nationwide for their “courageous comradeship and sacrifices to the cause of our union which forever resonates with the emancipation of the Nigerian public university education and the suffering Nigerian people”.

    The union leader accused the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) of working relentlessly to destroy Nigeria’s public education system.

    He added: “Comrades, like in the past, this year’s celebration of our Heroes’ Day is also taking place as we continue with the struggle to rescue the Nigeria’s public universities from the suffocating clutches of the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) whose determination to destroy and bury our public university system has not abated.”

    Osodeke alleged that at the state level, ASUU members were still “being punished for fighting for the interest of members and the university system”.

    He said: “Let me re-emphasise that we stand with our members in Kogi State University, Lagos State University, Ebonyi State University, and Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, in their persecution for their principled support and solidarity in the struggle for the defence of the soul of public university education in Nigeria…”

  • Council’s ES: 40% of 2024 NECO candidates may not access tertiary institutions

    Council’s ES: 40% of 2024 NECO candidates may not access tertiary institutions

    The Executive Secretary of National Senior Secondary Education Commission (NSSEC), Dr. Iyela Ajayi, has said 40 per cent of this year’s National Examination Council (NECO) candidates may not proceed to tertiary institutions for not having Credits in Mathematics and English Language.

    Ajayi said this yesterday in Calabar, the Cross River State capital, while addressing a five-day capacity building workshop for selected English language and Mathematics teachers in the Southsouth.

    The executive secretary said the 2024 NECO result showed that about 61 per cent of the candidates had five Credits and above, including Mathematics and English Language, while about 40 per cent could not make Credits in both core subjects.

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    According to him, in the 2024 West African Examination Council (WAEC) examination, about 28 per cent also failed to make Credits in English language and Mathematics, meaning they may not access tertiary education.

    The NSSEC boss noted that having a beautiful curriculum, state-of-the-art facilities and infrastructure without trained teachers, who are the curriculum implementers, cannot develop the nation’s educational sector.

    “There is no doubt that there is a teacher problem in Nigeria in terms of quality and quantity. This is why as a commission, we lay emphasis on the training and retraining of teachers, especially in the two core subjects.

    “Teachers are the backbone of any educational system. So, if you neglect the training and motivation of teachers, you have neglected education, and this is counter-productive.

    “In the next five days, we will help to deepen the pedagogical knowledge of teachers, help them develop assessment skills and build a collaborative network,” he said.

    Declaring the event open, Cross River State Education Commissioner Stephen Odey said the training was a rare privilege for the state and a welcome development.

    Represented by the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Mr. Emmanuel Ikade, the commissioner said many teachers had not attended any training since their engagement due to paucity of funds.

    He urged the teachers from the geo-political zone to take the training seriously and step it down to other teachers who were not opportune participate in the exercise.

    One of the resource persons, Prof. Samuel Nneji of the Department of Mathematics and Computer Science Education at the Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT), said the training would empower teachers to impact positively on their students.

    Nneji said the training was meant to build innovative teachers who could improvise even when the teaching condition was not conducive.

    “Teachers need innovative skills. Some of the skills with which we were taught have expired and can’t work in this generation. So, we need innovative and creative teachers with strategies that can help the students learn better,” he said.  

  • BOWEN VC lauds Glo’s innovative services

    BOWEN VC lauds Glo’s innovative services

    The Vice Chancellor of Bowen University at Iwo in Osun State, Professor Jonathan Oyebamiji Babalola, has praised telecommunications giant, Globacom, for its consistent provision of digital services to the university in the past several years.

    Professor Babalola, who hosted the Enterprise Sales team of the company at the university campus in Iwo, expressed pleasure with the company’s commitment to the provision of uninterrupted services to the institution.

    The VC solicited support for Globacom’s corporate social responsibility (CSR) projects that help the university in producing better products.

    The company’s Regional Enterprise Business Lead for the Southwest, Mr. Adeniyi Odejobi, described Globacom as “a digital solutions company and the largest integrated telecommunications service provider in Nigeria, servicing enterprises, SMEs, big-sized corporates, public sector organisations, universities and millions of individuals all over Nigeria”.

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    He said the company had been in the forefront of pioneering revolutionary changes in the telecommunications industry in Nigeria for over 21 years, adding: “Glo is primarily responsible for the massive telephone penetration that the country has witnessed over the decades. Because of Globacom, every Nigerian today can afford a telephone line.”

    Odejobi noted that the digital solutions provider also pioneered numerous innovations which have contributed to the revolutionary changes witnessed in the Nigerian telecommunications industry, including the construction of its wholly owned international submarine cable, Glo 1.

    The general manager urged the university to improve on its partnership with Globacom in providing digital services, like Glo LMS, toll-free data and mobility services to take the institution to the next level.

  • Teach for Nigeria organises debate for Ogun schools

    Teach for Nigeria organises debate for Ogun schools

    Seven Teach For Nigeria Fellows recently organised a Literary and Debate Day in Ijebu North Local Government to highlight the potential of learners. 

    The event at Obanta Comprehensive High School in Awa Ijebu in Ogun State, had as its theme: ‘Discovering the potential in that one child.”

    Five schools participated in the quiz competition, a lively panel discussion, a dancing competition and a thrilling debate.

    The highlight of the day was the panel discussion, where four inspiring students from different schools shared their stories of growth and encouragement.

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    They spoke passionately about the impact of Teach For Nigeria Fellows on their lives, highlighting the power of education. 

    Airtel Nigeria sponsored the engaging and interesting sessions. The Teach for Nigeria Fellows expressed gratitude to Airtel for the support.

    Teach For Nigeria, a non-governmental organisation, is committed to ensuring every Nigerian child has access to quality education.

    The seven teacher leaders who organised the event are Morenike Owanikin, Rashidat Matilukuro, Olanrewaju Matilukuro, Mausi Bankole, Chinwe Onyekwere, Yemisi Oke and Eno Obong Umoh Monday. 

  • NAU VC pledges N70b investment

    NAU VC pledges N70b investment

    The newly appointed Vice Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University (NAU) in Awka, Anambra State, Prof Benard Odoh, has announced N70 billion investment plan for the institution within his first five years in office.

    Odoh, who resumed on Tuesday, said he would convert the university’s kitchen to his official residence pending the completion of the permanent Vice Chancellor’s residence.

    He said he would not be a VC and live off campus.

    He said N10 billion would be generated through public-private partnerships for co-funding critical infrastructure and Corporate Social Responsibility.

    Read Also: Alumni demand withdrawal, review of requirements for Nnamdi Azikiwe University VC

    Odoh said: “We shall build a 150-room hotel with events and meeting rooms.  

    “We will also embark on the implementation of Coordinated Renewable Energy Solutions by instituting N100million quasi- endowment fund to support research in renewable energy.’’

    Association of Ebonyi State Indigenes, Social Cultural in the Diaspora (AESISCD), has called on ‘detractors’ to give Odoh a chance to achieve his objectives for the institution.

    In a statement by its President (Worldwide), Pascal Oluchukwu, AESISCD described the detractors as “fifth columnists desperately working for some Ebonyi politicians.”

    The group referred to Odoh’s N70 billion investment plan as bold and encouraging.

  • Alumni to partner Kwara govt on school infrastructure upgrade

    Alumni to partner Kwara govt on school infrastructure upgrade

    Old students of Oyelagbanwo Grammar School, Ilala, in Irepodun Local Government of Kwara State have expressed their readiness to partner with the state government in reviving the over 50-year-old school’s moribund infrastructure.

    The ex-students have also lined up plans to launch the alumni association, over 50 years after the establishment of the school.

    The launch of the association is slated for Saturday, Chairman of the old students, Mr. Nasiru Moronfola, has said.

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    Moronfola, a pharmacist, said the former students had plans to embark on aggressive recruitment of teachers, to complement the state government.

    “We want to partner with the state government to improve education standard in the school as well as rebuild the predominantly moribund facilities.

    “We have already met with the Education and Human Capital Development commissioner on the issue.

    “We are not happy with the parlous state of infrastructure in the school. We want to be interested in how the students will fare in NECO and WAEC examinations.

    “Any teacher the old students recruit will be accommodated. This will serve as a form of motivation for the teacher.

    “However, we urge the state government to resuscitate the dilapidated infrastructure in the school,” he said.

    The chairman added that the ex-students would use their contacts to invite private initiatives, to bring back the old glory of the school that groomed and nurtured them.

  • Gov inaugurates KWSUED Governing Council, names Olupo university’s Chancellor

    Gov inaugurates KWSUED Governing Council, names Olupo university’s Chancellor

    Kwara Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq on Saturday inaugurated the Governing Council of the Kwara State University of Education, clearing the path for official take off of the school. 

    The 11-member Governing Council has Prof. Shuaib Oba Abdulraheem (OFR) as its chairman and pro-chancellor. 

    Other members of the Council include Mrs. Opaleke Bukoĺa Iyabo; Hajia Risikat Lawal; Rotimi Samuel Olujide; Prof. Umar Gunu; Engr. Saad Belgore; Mr. Femi Aina; Omowumi Amuda; Hajia Kubra Kazum; Prof. Ibrahim Abdukadir Abikan; and Pastor Afolayan Joseph Babatunde, who represents the Ministry of Tertiary Education.

    In an address to the council led by Prof. Oba Abdulraheem, Governor Abdulrazaq said the inauguration is another step in the evolution of the KWASUED, an initiative of the administration. 

    “This university is a child of necessity to position Kwara and its people for sustainable future in the sphere of education and related disciplines. This institution is designed to be a successor to the College of Education Ilorin and a test run for how we handle the remaining Colleges in the face of new realities,” he said.

    “With the caliber of the intellectuals, administrators, and statesmen on this Council, I am confident that you will midwife a seamless transition and build a new university of education that will be the envy of all.

    “As the pioneer governing council, I urge you to raise the bar from the beginning and resist the pressures to make the school another centre for unaffordable wage bill through needless jobs. 

    “Employment, if any, must be strictly based on needs and affordability with consideration for competence and inclusion in line with our policy. The school should be run in a way that it does not become another burden on the scarce resources of government. I trust you to make the KWSUED a centre of excellence,

    research, and academic discipline in pursuit of higher ideals.”

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    The Governor, meanwhile, has appointed the Olupo of Ajase-Ipo Oba Ismail Yahya Alebiosu as the Chancellor of the school.

    The inauguration was attended by the State APC Chairman Prince Sunday Fagbemi; Deputy Chief of Staff Princess Bukola Babalola; Commissioner for Tertiary Education Dr Mary Arinde; Senior Adviser and Counsellor Sa’adu Salau; 

    Special Adviser on Special Duties Alhaji Abdulrazhaq Jiddah; Senior Special Assistant on Religion (Islam) Ibrahim DANMAIGORO; and Permanent Secretary Ministry of the Tertiary Education Barrister Sabitiyu Kikelomo Grillo, among others.

    Dr. Arinde commended the Governor for his visionary leadership that birthed the unique institution.

    The occasion marks a significant step in advancing the vision and mission of the university, and in shaping the future of education in the state, she said.

    Dr. Arinde thanked the Governor for his unwavering commitment to the educational development of the state, and for making the right choices in the appointment of the Council members.

    Prof. Oba Abdulraheem, for his part, appreciated the Governor’s vision and commitment to take Kwara to a greater height.

    Describing education as the bedrock of any society, he said the Governor’s passion for qualitative education at all levels is very significant. 

    He said the Governing Council will do its utmost to achieve the Governor’s dream of building a University of Education that would stand tall in Nigeria and beyond.

    “Committing yourself to funding qualitative education is not just a political decision; it is more rewarding and you are discharging it very well,” he said.

    “Your Excellency, I cannot and I must not omit your commitment to education, and the composition of this team is a further emblem on your integrity. We must do everything to make this succeed.

    “You are known for your disposition to gender sensitivity and balance, and that has reflected in the composition of this council. 

    “You also have never at any time given us any redundant person to work with. Once again, on behalf of all us, I’m very proud to be associated with this project and to be one of the lucky Kwarans to be called to serve in this kind of responsibility.”

    The Governor, meanwhile has presented new buses for the use of the students’ umbrella bodies in the state — National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Kwara State axis, and the National

    Association of Kwara State Students (NAKSS). 

    NANS Comrade Issa Abdulgafar Arikewuyo and his NAKSS counterpart Abdulwahab Ridwan, in their separate remarks, appreciated the Governor for the gesture and other student-friendly initiatives.

    “Nigerian students in Kwara State are very happy with the development we are experiencing and for the Governor to have donated these new two buses to the apex students’ bodies in the state. It is a blessing in many folds”, Arikewuyo said.