As part of activities marking the 2024 World Teachers’ Day, businessman, philanthropist and politician, Chief Emuoboh Gbagi has honoured teachers of Blue Delta Schools, Warri, Delta State.
Speaking during a surprise visit to the school, Chief Gbagi applauded the school for its kind gesture towards the academic development of the pupils.
Chief Gbagi commended teachers in the country for the significant role they play in educational growth and advancement of Nigeria, even as he handed monetary gifts and other items to them.
He noted that teachers were not just educators, but key stakeholders in the development of society.
“Teachers are the foundation upon which any nation’s future is built. They shape young minds, impart knowledge and instill values that shape the character of a nation. The truth is that in Nigeria, teachers are very crucial in promoting national integration, social cohesion and economic development. A keen eye must be put into our educational sector,” he said.
Nigeria currently has a teacher shortage crisis, with a 2024 survey by the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), revealing that Nigeria’s public primary schools have a shortage of about 200,000 teachers.
Chief Gbagi underscored the need for a multi-faceted approach to tackle the challenge.
His words: “To address the shortage, we must prioritize teacher training and development. In addition we must also offer competitive compensation and benefits.
“Also, we must create conducive learning environments not just for our children but the teachers that impart the knowledge we hope for our children to learn. Promoting teaching as a noble profession that it always was addresses some of the shortages in specific subjects we presently lack.
“We must also leverage technology to support teacher education and training.
“I believe that by implementing these strategies, we can elevate the teaching profession, attract top talent, and strengthen Nigeria’s education system”.
Some of the teachers who spoke on the development including the school administrator, Eruemu Emuobofeyan Olive and prenursery teacher, Ruona lauded the donor for the kind gesture.
• President congratulates Shinkafi-Bagudu on historic UICC presidency
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has eulogised the Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), Prof. Is-haq Oloyede, on today’s celebration of his 70th birthday.
The President also congratulated a renowned paediatrician and wife of former Kebbi State governor, Dr. Zainab Shinkafi-Bagudu, on her election as President of the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC).
The Geneva-based UICC was founded in 1933 and has more than 1,100 member organisations in over 170 countries and territories.
In separate statements yesterday in Abuja by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President praised the two eminent Nigerians for their achievements in their fields of specialisation.
“As Professor Is-haq Oloyede turns 70, I pay a special tribute to this astute administrator, educator, author, and scholar, currently the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) Registrar.
“As the former Vice Chancellor of the University of Ilorin (Unilorin), Prof. Oloyede’s invaluable contributions to the nation through academia and public-sector administration have significantly impacted the academic community.
“His impactful tenure at the University of Ilorin, during which he introduced landmark ideas and innovations that helped the institution attain enviable heights, is on record.
“Through patriotic dedication and commitment to his craft, Prof. Oloyede imparted knowledge and character to thousands of students who underwent his teaching during his glorious and impactful academic career.
“Indeed, the bedrock of development lies in education. Developing nations, including Nigeria, are in dire need of more scholars like Prof. Oloyede. His selfless sacrifices and innovative approaches to learning and leadership give hope for a brighter future.
“Perhaps more remarkable is Prof. Oloyede’s transformative leadership at JAMB. He pioneered and sustained a series of reforms and technological innovations that have made the admission process in Nigeria transparent and credible.
“In his eight years of stewardship at the board, thus far, Prof. Oloyede has demonstrated an uncommon commitment to financial integrity and accountability in public service. He has also raised the bar in administration and management.
“I am proud of Prof. Oloyede’s accomplishments.”
Also, President Tinubu praised Dr. Shinkafi-Bagudu’s invaluable services to Kebbi State and Nigeria, highlighting her stewardship as Chairperson of the First Ladies Cancer Initiative and contributions to establishing the Kebbi State Strategic Plan for Cancer Control.
“The President underscores the historic significance of Dr. Shinkafi-Bagudu’s election on October 8 as the first African and the fifth woman to lead the global cancer control organisation.
“The President notes that her election attests to her competence and character and affirms the enormous talents that abound in Nigeria.
“President Tinubu describes Shinkafi-Bagudu’s ascension in the organisation as a landmark achievement and a testament to Nigeria’s growing influence in global health leadership.
“President Tinubu recalls Dr. Shinkafi-Bagudu’s invaluable services to Kebbi State and the country, for which Nigeria is deeply grateful…
“Zainab Shinkafi-Bagudu founded the Medicaid Cancer Foundation. She is also a Senior Advisor to the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare and Vice Chair of Nigeria’s National Taskforce on Cervical Cancer Elimination.
“Through the Federal Ministry of Health and international partnerships, Nigeria has successfully vaccinated 12 million girls against the Human Papillomavirus (HPV), a leading cause of cervical cancer…
“President Tinubu expresses confidence in Dr. Shinkafi-Bagudu’s ability to use her new office and leadership to improve cancer control and global health,” the statement said.
Following the alarm raised by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) that many universities are at the risk of shutting down over high electricity bills, DAMOLA KOLA-DARE reports that is high time the Federal Government implement the 50 percent electricity subsidy for universities.
Uninterrupted electricity is pivotal to the operations of universities and other institutions. In citadel of learning globally, daily activities, including research, laboratory tests and experiments, are carried out effectively when power supply is stable. Computers, smart boards, projectors and other devices used in these institutions require electricity. Top ranked universities in the world like Harvard, Oxford, Yale, and Columbia have solid power base.
Universities or institutions with epileptic power or unavailable electricity do not qualify to be a knowledge centre; else their operations will be seriously hampered.
Varsities feel heat of high tariffs
Therefore, not a few eyebrows were raised when President of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) Prof. Emmanuel Osodeke, last week, said most universities were on the verge of shutting down over exorbitant cost of electricity. He spoke at the opening of a two-day national conference convened by ASUU in Abuja with the theme: Nigeria in a State of General Crisis: The Search for a New Path to Development.
Underscoring the need to address the extremely high cost of electricity in universities, he said while public universities get about N15 million monthly as running costs from the Federal Government, the electricity bills of some universities run between N200 million to N300 million monthly on the average.
The ASUU president said the classification of electricity consumers into bands has led to increase in cost for most universities, stressing that with the rise in electricity cost, administering and managing most public universities had become a tough task.
He noted that universities have now resorted to utilising their internally generated revenue (IGR) to pay for electricity.
He said: “We are so challenged. But let me give you a quick example, What the University of Lagos; the University of Ibadan; the Ahmadu Bello University, and the University of Nigeria, Nsuka get from the government account for the overhead running of the university in a month is N15 million. Meanwhile, the University of Lagos needs about N200 million to pay the electricity bill. It is this IGR that you talk about that is used to pay for the electricity.
“One of the universities today is closing down because they have been given an electricity bill of N300 million. What the government gives you to run the system is N15 million, and you get a bill of N300 million for electricity alone. Where is that money coming from? You have to run the laboratories. You have to run the diesel. You have to run the fuel for vehicles.
“That is where the IGR is going today. Not being able to run the system, to buy books in the library, to run your library, to earn those things. They are all part of their so-called IGR, and that is what they talk about. But you know what? A government that will give just N15 million for UNILAG to run, will in turn, give one senator N21 million a month. The government gives a system N15 million, but an individual gets N21 million. That’s where our priority is.”
On the Band A classification for the universities, he said: “Electricity tariffs are a nationwide concern and not limited to universities alone. The idea of categorising consumers into bands such as Band A or Band B is flawed. Billing should be based on actual consumption, with a consistent per-unit rate for all users.
“If someone receives 14 hours of electricity, they naturally pay more because they use more, but automatically charging them more simply because they fall under Band A is illogical. This new system is terrible and unfair.”
UNILAG’s battle with EKEDC
It is not out of place to say universities are already feeling the heat of hike in tariffs. University of Lagos (UNILAG) had its supply disconnected by the Eko Electricity Distribution Company recently over unpaid electricity bills.
The university is battling the challenge of hike in electricity costs following the introduction of classification, whereby the EKEDC upgraded the university’s tariff category from “Band B” to “Band A,” resulting in a hike in its electricity bills.
Before the upgrade, it was gathered that UNILAG paid between N150 million and N180 million monthly. But with the new “Band A”, the school’s tariff increased to nearly N300 million. The university noted that it was given a bill of N472 million for July, further exacerbating its electricity debt.
Checks by The Nation revealed that universities spend over 200 million on electricity in a month. Babcock University noted that its monthly electricity bill is between N175 million and N321 million. Last year, it was between N94 million and N118 million. At University of Benin (UNIBEN), the bill, which was N80 million, is now about N300 million monthly.
Key solutions to address hike challenge
A leading expert and scholar in Oil & Gas, Energy and Electricity Law in Africa and a lecturer at the University of Lagos (UNILAG), Prof. Yemi Oke, noted that creation of mini grids, solar and others would reduce the burden on universities.
In an interview with The Nation, the don stressed the need for electricity utility companies, government and universities to sit down and harmonise, and agree on a concession tariff model or structure that enables Federal Government to partly subsidise and the DisCos as it were, to also give a bit of concessioned tariff as against regular tariff, while universities should also slightly restructure their usage and impose a minimal fee on maybe students service charges.
He said: “I agree with the fact that universities should start to generate their own electricity for internal use. Most universities abroad generate electricity internally through captive structures. Most private universities in Nigeria are already or about to generate their electricity internally through IPP models. Those are the forms of generating models they could adopt for public universities. Public universities have been constrained by lack of funds essentially, as well as internal and external progresses.
“No public university of its own can self-generate or be self-sufficient or self-dependent. In terms of electricity, they have to depend on the Federal Government or the states that own those universities.
“In the case of state universities, not only public universities, we also talk of public institutions like teaching hospitals and others like research institutes, they face the same challenge or challenges. They need to generate through either captive mini grid or IPP model through gas and other means. Just as the Minister of Aviation and aerospace recently declared that Lagos and Abuja would soon go on extensive solarisation, because Federal Government has been paying an average of N1 billion each for Lagos and Abuja airports for electricity. And that’s not sustainable. Universities will continue to incur high electricity tariffs because of the population and usage, and the students are not able to pay for those services, and the students or parents are not willing to have an increase in tuition and other components. Education, essentially at higher levels, is seriously subsidised in Nigeria.
“So, is it that the students need to pay for the legislative bills through imposed service charges at the level of the universities? If the Federal Government will intervene, as declared recently that universities will be under special tariffs, and they will work it out to ensure that businesses and residents on campus will pay normal tariff, while academic units will be paying subsidised electricity, but the universities will also try to generate their own electricity for internal use.
“Most universities are willing already, but I guess the political will on the part of government is not there. The former administration declared that the number of investors will start to generate electricity internally through IPPs that government was embarking upon them. We haven’t seen the manifestation of that policy since Mr. Babatunde Raji Fashola left as a Minister of Power years ago. So, policy inconsistencies and others have been hindering the realisation of that objective of self-generation for universities. But that’s the way to go. The cost of electricity in those universities is not sustainable.
“Is the government willing to put the money down? I don’t think so. Government is even constrained. I’ve advocated that the electricity utility companies, government and universities should sit down and harmonise, agree and harmonise concession tariff model or structure that enables Federal Government to partly subsidise and the DisCos, as it were, to also give a bit of concessioned tariff as against regular tariff, while universities should also slightly restructure their usage and impose a minimal fee on maybe students service charges.
“I know there’s this kind of levy on students for some services, aside from tuition, you may need to review that, that at the end of the day, you have a pool to continue to meet the electricity needs. They should also try to attract serious-minded investors who invest in small scale generating structures, through captive, wind, solar, biomass and other means in the university, in collaboration with appropriate units or engineering department in those universities or other university based experts to sit together and work it out like other investors abroad.
“Funding for such product may be sourced externally, in Nigeria through investors or social intervention or through grant from other interventions abroad from agencies that fund developmental projects in universities. If it’s for academic groups, also companies may assist universities as part of their corporate social responsibilities and they net it off from their tax obligation. So, there are so many ways universities could deploy strategies to ensure that they are self-sufficient in a necessity, unlike the current structure that we have. So, the university needs to demonstrate appropriate political will, while government and other stakeholders will also collaborate or assist universities and other public institutions to really meet their electricity needs.”
REA to provide succour
The Rural Electrification Agency (REA) recently reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring the long-term success and sustainability of the Energising Education Programme (EEP) at the 2024 EEP Stakeholders’ Engagement Forum (SEF) organised by the Nigeria Electrification Programme (NEP).
The three-day event which held last month brought together key stakeholders including Vice Chancellors, Chief Medical Directors, Directors of Physical Planning/Works, and Legal Officers from EEP beneficiary institutions, along with representatives from the World Bank (WB), the African Development Bank (AfDB) and other partners.
With the theme: “Empowering Education through Sustainable Energy: Collaborative Pathways for the Long-term Success of the Energising Education Programme (EEP),” the forum harped on strategies for ensuring that solar hybrid power plants deployed across the EEP beneficiary universities remain sustainable, fostering educational advancement and institutional growth.
Launched by the Federal Government in 2018, the EEP was designed to provide reliable power supply to 37 federal universities and seven affiliated teaching hospitals across the nation under the three phases of the EEP. Twenty-four federal universities and four teaching hospitals have already been included.
This initiative is tasked with developing off-grid, dedicated and independent power plants, as well as rehabilitating existing distribution infrastructure, to supply clean and reliable power to the 37 universities and seven affiliated university teaching hospitals.
Aligned with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritises the expansion of alternative energy access to underserved and unserved rural communities, the REA’s focus, is on advancing sustainable solutions that will provide reliable energy to educational institutions across Nigeria.
This effort is crucial to fulfilling the national vision of enhancing energy access and driving economic and social development.
Fed Govt 50 percent subsidy
In a bid to give respite to the institutions, the Federal Government announced a 50 percent electricity subsidy for educational institutions and other parastatals to ease their financial burden. Nevertheless, the subsidy, which is part of the President’s efforts to support the education sector, and others, requires speedy implementation.
The process of implementation is said to be developed by the Minister of Power. Stakeholders believe it will reduce energy tariffs for public universities, polytechnics and colleges of education for quality and effective service delivery. According to them, this underscores the commitment of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to important sectors like education and others.
Enabling environment crucial to varsities’ innovation
Amid the crippling debts, Vice Chancellor, African School of Economics (the Pan-African University of Excellence), Abuja, Prof. Mahfouz Adedimeji, believes if universities have an enabling environment, they can generate their own power.
He said: “Well, the issue of electricity is a contentious one and the tariffs are now suffocating our institutions of higher learning. This shouldn’t be so. I think the best approach to this matter isn’t about universities disconnecting themselves from the national grid. The national grid belongs to the nation and universities are part of Nigeria. We won’t say those who are not satisfied with Nigeria should get out of the country because the country belongs to all of us, even if those who want to leave are free to do so.
“You know challenges bring the best out of us and necessity is the mother of invention. I know some universities are now working seriously on having alternative energy sources. Even individuals are investing in alternative power sources.
“Let the government do its part by making the environment conducive and let universities be innovative in solving challenges that confront them.
“The important issue is the need to price services moderately and not choke the already distressed consumers, including universities. Certainly, as there are millions of Nigerians who are water-sufficient having dug their own boreholes, many Nigerians will be left with no option than to seek energy sufficiency outside the electricity companies.”
Experts believe that universities should play a role in tackling power outages and investing in renewable energy through collaborative efforts, research initiatives, and practical applications. They noted that engineering faculties should be at the forefront of innovations and develop off-grid systems.
Equitable billing imperative
Osodeke also called for equitable for payment for consumers. According to him, people should pay more because they consume more energy, not because of classifications.
“The system should be fair to all Nigerians, charging solely based on the actual electricity units consumed. Whether in universities, towns or villages, everyone should pay the same rate per unit of energy consumed,” he added.
A United States (U.S.)-based Nigerian laboratory scientist, Dr. Mujeeb Shittu, has been recognised in the 2024 edition of Marquis Who’s Who in America for his exceptional contributions to healthcare research and medical laboratory science.
Speaking with The Nation, Dr. Shittu, a Clinical Assistant Professor and Director of the Medical Laboratory Science programme at the Jacobs School of Medicine, State University of New York (SUNY) Buffalo, expressed his gratitude. “I am deeply humbled to be included in Marquis Who’s Who, alongside such distinguished professionals,” he said, noting that the recognition affirms the global impact of his work in medical diagnostics, healthcare research and education.
Dr. Shittu’s journey to international recognition began in Nigeria, where he earned a Bachelor’s degree in Medical Laboratory Science from Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH).
He initially worked at leading healthcare institutions, including the Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital and LAUTECH Teaching Hospital, where he developed his passion for medical science.
He pursued a Master’s degree in Cell Biology and Genetics at the University of Lagos, graduating at the top of his class. Driven by his quest for knowledge, he later moved to the United States, where he completed a Ph.D. in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at Michigan Technological University.
His academic excellence earned him multiple awards, such as the Dean’s Award for Outstanding Scholarship and the Outstanding Graduate Student Teaching Award.
“Every step has been about deepening my understanding of medical science and improving healthcare through accurate diagnostics,” Dr. Shittu stated.”
“For me, it’s not just about gaining knowledge but using it to better lives.”
Currently, as the Director of the Medical Laboratory Science program at SUNY Buffalo, Dr. Shittu is mentoring the next generation of medical professionals.
His commitment to education is reflected in his efforts to equip future scientists with the skills needed to meet the evolving demands of modern healthcare.
“The most rewarding aspect of my career is mentoring young scientists,” he said. “It’s a privilege to help shape the next generation of professionals who will contribute meaningfully to healthcare.”
Dr. Shittu also leads as the President of the Nigerian Medical Laboratory Scientists in Diaspora (NMLSD), where he has established a global network to support Nigerian professionals abroad. Under his leadership, NMLSD hosted its first international conference, promoting collaboration among medical laboratory scientists worldwide.
Despite his international achievements, Dr. Shittu remains closely connected to Nigeria’s healthcare sector, highlighting brain drain as a pressing issue. He noted that many talented professionals leave Nigeria due to limited resources and opportunities.
“Nigeria has immense potential, but without proper infrastructure and investment in education, it’s hard for professionals to reach their full potential at home,” Dr. Shittu explained. “If we invest in these areas, we could retain our brightest minds and become leaders in medical diagnostics and healthcare delivery.”
Dr. Shittu believes that with the right support, Nigeria can develop medical professionals who excel locally and compete globally.
The General Superintendent of the Deeper Christian Life Ministry, Pastor Williams Kumuyi , has urged students to aim beyond success to significance in their academic pursuits and life.
The clergy spoke last week in Ogun State, when he paid an unscheduled visit to the Deeper Life High School, Lagos Campus.
The founder of the Deeper Life Bible Church and the proprietor of the school was at the campus in company of his wife, Esther and Dr. Larry Ross, the founder and CEO of A. Larry Ross Communications, a Dallas-based full-service agency.
Kumuyi, who said any student can become significant, shared how he attained excellence in his career.
According to him, he said each student should aim at success, stand out and work towards significance.
“I will give you three words – success, stand out and significance.
“Many students stop at success. They take exams and they pass the exam. They’ve taken the certificate and they are happy with that. No, success should be the foundation and the springboard from which you launch out and stand out. You succeed right.
“After success, you must work to stand out. There are many who after they have attained success, they do not plan and work to stand out. It takes continuous and serious commitment to stand out in the crowd.
“The third thing is to seek significance. When you are significant, you’re almost indispensable. You’re doing something you know how to do and you have a goal, a purpose for getting it done.”
Giving exposition on his life trajectory, the respected clergy man said: “During my days in school, I focused on success. Later, in my advanced level, I concentrated on Pure and Applied Maths. I brought that to focus. Eventually, I got to the university and I set these three words as benchmarks for myself.
“I got that through the grace of God, prayer, and leaning on the Lord. But, what if I just prayed, but failed to study my modern algebra?
“What if I fasted and I didn’t study my complex variables? If I’m born again, but lazy and didn’t study very well, then, I would have reaped what I sowed.
“If you don’t sow anything into your head, and you go for exams, what comes out? Nothing! If you sow a little and you go for exams, what comes out will be little. But when you sow much, what do you reap? Much.”
“You have to be studious. You have the books, you have the brain, make your connection between the book and the brain.
“You have the lessons on one hand; you have the lectures on the other hand, bring in the learning ability into play.
Kumuyi, who said he still practices rigorous study, encouraged the students to be teachable.
“You must be teachable. There are students that come to the class with the attitude of I know it all. When I went to the university, before I entered, I asked the head boy of my school who was done with year one for all his notes. I got the admission in June 1964. Between June 1964 and September 1964, I read through all his notes.
“So, I wasn’t coming to the school, I didn’t say I knew it all. I was still teachable.
“I made it a point of duty to follow my teachers in their classes. Sometimes, you discover you’re an A student, but when you get to class you don’t pay attention. Don’t do that. We must be teachable.”
The DLHS proprietor also tasked the students and staff to set themselves for uniqueness, be diligent, seek excellence and be noble.
Expatiating on nobility, he said: “As a student in 1957, I was in class one. I was just in school. 1958, I was just in school.
“Daddy said he was sending me to secondary school, and I went. I went to school because of him. But, I woke up somewhere around 1958 and I said to myself that I’m not here for daddy, but for myself. From that time, things turned around in my life. I became totally new and different.
“By 1959, I wrote my goal in academics and I put it in front of my bed. Other students made mockery of me. But, I didn’t listen to them. I became a new and noble student and the Lord honoured that diligence.”
He called them to be tenacious and not allow anything to suggest to them that they are not capable.
Speaking on Bible characters, who were significant, the pastor urged them to study the life of Samuel, Timothy, Hosea, Daniel, Elisah, Nathaniel, and Titus, who distinguished themselves in their fields.
The Nigerian Breweries/Felix Ohiwerei Education Trust Fund has donated a digital language laboratory to Keke Senior High School, Agege, Lagos, in honour of Adeola Adefemi, the winner of the 2023 Maltina Teacher of the Year Competition.
Speaking during the handing-over ceremony held at the school premises in Agege, Corporate Affairs Director, Nigerian Breweries Plc, Sade Morgan, stated that the infrastructure would enhance the quality of teaching and improve learning outcomes in the school.
Morgan noted that the donation aligns with the corporate philosophy and CSR thrust of the Education Trust Fund through active participation in addressing infrastructural deficit in schools.
Commending the school’s academic strides over the years, Morgan said: “I would like to acknowledge the academic excellence of this great citadel of learning, Keke Senior High School, which emerged the “Best Senior Secondary School” in the 2020 Lagos State Governor’s Quiz Competition and the winner of the 2024 Lagos Reads Inter-Schools Quiz Competition.”
Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Jamiu Alli-Balogun, praised Nigerian Breweries Plc for donating the language laboratory, which would help students and teachers access much-needed digital resources for educational advancement.
Alli-Balogun hailed the 2023 Maltina Teacher of the Year for making both the school and the state proud with her exemplary performance.
Principal of Keke Senior High School, Agege, Mrs. Patience Aina, lauded the education trust fund for uplifting and rewarding excellence in teaching through the Maltina Teacher of the Year competition and also for donating a language laboratory to the school.
She also praised Adefemi for bringing honour to the school and urged her to be relentless in pursuing excellence, as it would inspire confidence among other teachers.
Adefemi thanked the Nigerian Breweries-Felix Ohiwerei Education Trust Fund for contributing its part to supporting education and the teaching profession with various interventions. She noted that the provision of the facilities would undoubtedly promote positive learning outcomes for the school.
As winner of the 2023 Maltina Teacher of the Year, she received N6.5 million and a fully funded capacity development training trip to Tampere, Finland.
For decades, the dining hall at Kings College’s Annex was in total disrepair with a leaking roof, broken windows, doors, tables and chairs and damaged tiles. Worried by the sorry state of affairs, four sets of the school’s old boys united to fix the problem. It cost multiple millions, but last Friday, they opened the doors of the ‘heart of Kings College’ to grateful pupils and school authorities.
Ezekiel Prosper remembers how mealtimes used to be at Kings College Annex, Victoria Island. Since he gained admission to the school three years ago, he and hundreds of his fellow pupils have been having breakfast, lunch, and dinner in the school’s massive, but dilapidated dining hall.
“The tiles were broken. So were the windows. There were no fans and no light; if we wanted to eat at night, everywhere would be dark. We had to be sharing torchlights,” Prosper, a Junior Secondary 3 Alpha student and a House Captain, said.
Over 10 years before Prosper became a “Kingsman”, as Kings College pupils and alumni are known, Daniel Ojukwu’s experience in the hall was similar. Ojukwu, who is of the school’s 2014 set, has fond memories of his schoolboy days but often feels sad at the naughtiness pupils in his time played in the hall’s deterioration.
He said: “I remember, albeit fondly now, how we contributed to the dining hall’s decline. On days when we were served food that was unpopular amongst students, many of us would engage in food fights, throwing eko or moi moi around the place and at each other.
“On some occasions, we would throw forks at the ceiling to see who could hit a clean shot and get the fork to stick to the ceiling. We were just young boys.
“When meals were delayed, we would bang on our plates and then use those plates to bang the tables. In a bid to dish out food to members of one’s dining table, some boys would go early to the hall and then sleep at the table so when others come to join, they reckon with the fact that these boys got there first, and earned the right to serve.
“Also, at prep time, we would most often use the dining hall to read because it was large, could contain us all, and helped hostel managers monitor our activities. The frequent use of this facility contributed to its decline, and every set after ours also further wore the facility out.”
Old boys step in
That situation was even worse a few months ago when a team of the 2007 set of the Kings College Old Boys Association (KCOBA) visited the school.
“The dining hall was in a state of disrepair with a massive, damaged, leaking roof, damaged dining and kitchen tiles, broken and damaged chairs and tables. Terrible electrical work and shattered windows,” said Kasim Adedipupo, popularly known as Dipo, a member of the 2007 set.
Led by its president, Ugochukwu Oliver, the 2007 set had made it a point to give back to the school annually through several initiatives.
Speaking on behalf of his set, Dipo, an engineer, said: “It all began last year with the refurbishment of the SDG bathroom on the main campus, which was a success and a tremendous motivator.
“This year, we decided to redirect our attention to the Annexe, where we identified the dining hall.”
Kenneth Akalusi, another member of the 2007 set corroborated him. Akalusi, who was director of socials in his school days, said: “Last year, we did a very big project at the main campus. But, this year we decided to do the annexe.
“We came here and looked at different projects that looked viable and decided as a set that this was the project we would take on that would have the most significant impact. The reason being that this is where food is provided and, I mean, especially with the problem of cholera affecting some parts of the world, we wanted to make sure that where our students eat is clean.
“The dining hall is very dear to us. This is a place where we had a lot of experiences over the years. Many times, we did read here when we had to prepare for exams because of space. So, we couldn’t neglect this hall. A lot of us had to really hit our pockets to make sure that this job is done and done successfully.”
Collaboration with other sets
But the cost of renovating the dining hall proved too big a burden for one set to shoulder – it was going to cost about N50 million to N60 million, making a creative solution a necessity. Dipo explained that his set decided to approach other sets for collaboration, in what turned out to be probably the first multi-set partnership in KCOBA history.
He said: “After budgeting, we realised the magnitude of the project we had chosen. We were hesitant to proceed, but we did not give up. Instead, we resolved to seek collaboration with other sets.
“To our amazement, three fantastic sets showed interest: the 1991 set, the 2005 set, and the 2014 set. We walked together to create a powerful mix of four sets to complete this top-notch task.
“However, the cost remained high. So, we decided to divide the project into two sections. Phase one was to renovate the dining hall, phase two was to renovate the dining hall’s internal and external kitchen.”
Kings College: one school, two campuses
Kings College, Lagos, a boys-only secondary school, was established by an Act of the British Parliament on Monday, 20th of September 1909, with 10 pupils. Originally called King’s School, Lagos, its focus was to produce students of profound character and academic distinction – men who would build an independent Nigeria. In 1914, Sir Lord Fredrick Lugard, the Governor-General of Nigeria, described King’s College, Lagos, in a White Paper as “the leading school in the Colony as well as the Premier School”.
The school is not only the oldest college, but also one of 104 unity schools in Nigeria managed by the Federal Government to bring together children from different geographic, ethnic, and socio-economic backgrounds to build Nigeria’s future, especially in the aftermath of the Biafran War.
Presently, King’s College has a senior and a junior school. Due to population constraints at the school’s Tafawa Balewa Square (TBS) location, the school was divided into two campuses. The senior boys retain the school’s original location or “Main Camp” at TBS. The JSS1 to JSS3 boys were moved to the premises of the former Federal School for Arts and Sciences (F.S.A.S) on Victoria Island, now known as the “annex campus”.
Renovation in two phases
However, renovating the hall, required technical expertise and Dipo was chosen as the engineer for the project.
“It took us about a month and two weeks to complete this project,” Dipo said.
“We were able to complete it because of our planning. We planned it properly. We made use of the fact that the children were on break. When they resumed, we found a way to work with the school authorities to be able to complete this project within that time-frame.”
“We still have phase 2 coming up in December when they go on break. Phase 2 is going to be for the kitchen, including kitchen equipment, gas piping and the tiles.
“But by the time we looked at the cost, it was going to be about N50 million to N60 million for everything. So, we had to divide it into two. This Phase 1 took about N40 million. We had to change the entire roof. It’s a very long span. All the doors, everything was in a bad state; we had to re-weld and do a lot of things. Broken windows and glass everywhere. The doors where you now have glass, there was nothing there. Everything was in a very bad shape. In the kitchen also, we did everything. We changed the entire tiles, and we had to paint the ceiling again, we painted the walls and the whole building.”
He explained that the budget also included the maintenance of the dining hall and the kitchen for the next two years. Dipo praised the collaboration between the sets, despite the age differences.
He added: “We got three lucky sets, 1991, 2014, and 2005, especially 1991 and 2005; they were wonderful. We played our part, but they were our pillars. If not for them, we wouldn’t have been able to achieve the whole of this. All the sets putting in their efforts, contributed what they could, and we just had to put on our best to make sure that this was a success.”
Old hall like new
Last Friday, several Kingsmen, led by KCOBA President, Dr. Leke Oshunniyi, and other dignitaries gathered on the annex campus grounds to inaugurate the renovated hall.
Oshunniyi, a distinguished member of the American College of Physician Executives and the National Association of Managed Care Physicians in the USA, commended the spirit of collaboration between the sets.
He noted that there was better government funding, in his days at the college which reduced the necessity for old boys’ interventions. The KCOBA president advocated a more sustainable funding system for Kings College and other unity schools.
Oshunniyi said: “When we were in school, there were no interventions by the old boys. What they transmitted to us was the values and culture of Kings College, but we never had wholesale interventions where infrastructure was renovated, rehabilitated or built.
“It is indicative of the diminishing ability of government to fund the 104 unity schools of which Kings and Queens College are members. We think that innovative funding methods should be introduced, otherwise there may be donor fatigue.
“These are very expensive projects and, over the years, the old boys have spent hundreds of millions of naira renovating their old school.”
“Begging for money, or donations is not a sustainable way of funding projects like this. Other innovative funding methods could be deployed such as public-private partnership (PPP) projects etc. That’s what I would recommend, PPP projects that would raise the funding that would run the school in perpetuity at the level that existed when I was here more than 50 years ago.
“Meanwhile, we will try and bridge the gap as old boys and do the critical infrastructure work.”
Mr. Eno Ukpe, who represented the KCOBA 1991 set, said: “This is probably the first collaborative project that we have, so we must give kudos to the 2007 set for coming up with this initiative.
“As a set, the ‘91 set has made some interventions, primarily at the main campus because that’s where we spent all our days in this great school.
“However, we appreciate the fact that there is a need for projects not only on that campus but also at the VI Annex and we are happy that your set is coming up with several interventions.”
Mr. Femi Onakoya, who spoke on behalf of the 2005 set, expressed their delight at the project.
Onakoya, a lawyer, said: “It is a pleasure for us to be here to collaborate with the three other sets, bringing this project to reality while preparing for our 20th anniversary out of college next year. So, this is actually one of the projects we had in mind to embark on. Since there was something going on, we said let’s work together. Efforts were driven heavily by Mr. I.B. Ekure who is one of our committee heads as we plan our upcoming 20th reunion.
“I believe that as my brother Kenneth mentioned, maintenance is key, that is what will encourage the old boys’ association to continue to invest in upgrading facilities in the college, at both campuses, because we know that education is expensive and cannot be run by government alone.”
“I would like to mention that the 2014 set is not represented here today.
They are celebrating 10 years out of school, and it personally gives me great joy that the set has played its part in being actively involved in giving back to the school.
“The set that graduated just 10 years ago, they’re all almost certain to be under 30 years old and at the early stages of their careers, so for them to look back and be motivated to embark on this kind of project in collaboration with the other sets, is a great thing.”
A grateful school
Vice Principal Academic, King’s College Lagos, Mr. Oluseyi Akanni, who represented Kings College Principal Andrew Ali Agada, appreciated the old students “for the renovation of the heart of the college”.
He added: “To me, this is the heart of the college, the dining hall, because without food, nobody can survive.
“Thank you so much for remembering this Annex campus. Most of the time the projects have been on the other campus and for the first time we are feeling the presence here.
“I can assure you that we’re going to maintain this hall. If you come back in the next three years when you return, you’ll still meet it intact. A parent entered this place during the renovation and said this is Eldorado, this place is like Eldorado. I want to appreciate you for that.”
Pupils delight
Looking around the new hall, Prosper, could not hide his joy.
“This is a good change to the school, and we appreciate it,” he said.
Similarly, Empire Christopher of JS 3c was delighted.
Christopher said: “It’s very exciting to see how all the fans and everything is working effectively, how they’re treating us, the whole dining hall is just looking so good.”
Dr. T.F.O. Yakubu-Oyinloye, who represented the School Based Management Committee (SBMC) headed by a Kings College old boy, Alhaji Jani Ibrahim, praised KCOBA for their efforts and admonished the students to protect the property.
She added: “On behalf of the SBMC, I would like to appreciate the Kings College Old Boys for what they have been doing in this school.
“We have recognised that of all the old students’ associations, including that of the girls, the KCOBA seems to stand out. So, I want to say congratulations to you. You have been supporting the school day in and day out, with your substance and with your time. You are alumni to be followed and emulated.”
Others at the event included Kings College Vice Principal (Special Duties) Mr. Y.S. Shittu, Vice Principal Admin Mr. Okunola John and Sports Secretary KCOBA, Simsi Mayaki, among others.
A Professor of Sociology Development and Industrial Relations at the University of Lagos (UNILAG), Ndukaeze Nwabueze, will at 4pm on Wednesday, October 16, 2024 present the 29th inaugural lecture of the institution’s 2023/2024 academic session.
The Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) has honoured Kano State Governor Abba Yusuf with a prestigious award, saying his performance in reforming the state’s education sector has been exceptional.
The event, held at the Eagle Square, Abuja, was officially organised by the NUT, in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Education to mark this year’s World Teachers’ Day.
According to the NUT National Chairman, Comrade Titus Ambe, only six governors were selected for the award, based on their “unwavering commitment in advancing education, particularly through the support of teachers’ welfare and continuous training”.
Yusuf’s counterparts from Borno, Oyo, Benue, Enugu and Kebbi states were among the recipients honoured for their significant contributions by the union, which brought together teachers from across the 36 states.
President Bola Tinubu, who was represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, commended the governors for their dedication.
NUT said Governor Yusuf won the union’s Golden Award because “he has rescued Kano’s education sector from years of decay and neglect.”
Among his achievements in the education sector, according to the Kano Government Media and Publicity Director, Sanusi Bature, the governor allocated 29.97 percent of the state’s annual budget to education and declared state of emergency on the sector in Kano State.
“The governor has convened international conference on education recovery to galvanise the support of local, national and international stakeholders in the education sector including multi-national and bilateral donor agencies.
“He has reviewed the 60 year old state education law and sent 1,001 post graduates with first class and second class upper decrees for foreign post graduate studies.
“He has settled the backlog of NBAIS examination fees 2020,2021,2022 owed by the State to NBAIS and subsequently secured the release of students results which were withheld for three years.
“He has paid N740 million to three examination bodies namely NECO, NBAIS and NBTE for 2023 examination. In response to the increase of tuition fees by the federal government in federal institutions, Governor Yusuf approved and paid N1.3 billion to 15 federal institutions to cushion the effect on Kano students, paid off the backlog of the graduate and postgraduate students in various private universities in Nigeria who were denied their results as the immediate past administration abandoned them.
“He has also approved for the reduction of 50% tuition fee in all Kano state owned tertiary institution as a relief to the students and their parents. He has also refurbished and put back to proper use 73 high capacity buses to shuttle girls to and fro school on daily basis within the municipality local government.
“Governor Yusuf spearheaded the distribution of ATM card for conditional cash transfers (CCT) to 45,850 under AGILE. He has increased by 100% the cost of feeding student in boarding schools across the state,
“He has so far, expended more than N4 billion for food supply to boarding schools. He also bought JAMB forms for 5,000 students.
“Governor Yusuf has paid N2.9 billion to different examination bodies for SSCE Examination 2024 for 109,000 students.
“He approved and released N1.5 billion for the purchase and sewing of students uniforms for primary 1 pupil numbering more than 800,000 this year.
“He has consistently ensured prompt payment of teachers’ salary as from 25th to 26th of every month. He has boldly cleared the backlog of promotion from 2017 to 2022 affecting 39,000 eligible personnels in education sectors mostly teachers. He has approved the payment and implementation of promotion to 20,542 teachers across the 44 Local Government Areas from 2023 to January 2024 with effect from 2nd October 2024.
“Governor Yusuf has approved and released N300 million to be distributed to teachers as soft revolving loan. He recruited 5,643 teachers on permanent and pensionable appointment and recruited additional 4,000 under BESDA programme.
“Few days ago, he distributed essential teaching and learning materials Phase III on each occasion spending more than N2 billion.
“He has so far spent more than N3.5 billion to fabricate more than 80,000 3-seater seats accommodating 240,000 students that were inherited sitting on the bare floor. He has also released N2 billion to the Community Re-orientation Committees (CRC) across the 44 Local Government Areas, renovating and equipping more than 250 classrooms providing seats for 15,000 students.
“The Governor of Kano has approved N5 billion for the construction of 402 new standard class rooms, of which work is in different stages of completion across the 44 local government councils.”
Speaking on behalf of the other awardees, Governor Yusuf reaffirmed his commitment to continue to invest in education.
“We shall continue to invest in education, as it’s the best way to sustain progress and ensure that future generations thrive in our state,” Yusuf said.
A non-governmental organisation (NGO), Africa 2100, has called on the Federal Government and education stakeholders to prioritise a skill-based and entrepreneurship-driven curriculum to prepare students for self-reliance and job creation.
Speaking at the “Foundation Readiness Programme (FRP) Demo Day”, recently held at ECS Professional Centre in Victoria Island, Lagos, Africa 2100’s Founder, Mr. Chudi Obiaya, stressed the urgent need to reduce the country’s dependence on white-collar jobs and government employment.
Obiaya said this has become necessary as Nigeria continues to face significant challenges of unemployment, poverty and economic instability.
The programme featured the pitching of business ideas by three entrepreneurs, whose business revolves around fashion, Information Communication and Technology and masters of ceremony.
They were advised by a team of professionals and supported with small grants.
Obiaya highlighted that the current education system, which has its roots in Nigeria’s colonial past, hampers creativity, innovation and critical-thinking.
