The Nation Newspaper

Category: Education

  • Governors plan conference for Abuja on girl child education

    Governors plan conference for Abuja on girl child education

    The Nigerian Governors’ Forum (NGF) has announced plans for an international conference where governors and other stakeholders will deliberate and strategise on how to address issues affecting girl child education in the country.

    According to the NGF, the conference, with the theme: “Girl child empowerment through quality education,” aligns with the United Nations General Assembly’s resolution 66/170, adopted on December 19, 2011, which established the International Day of the Girl Child.

    The Head of the Education Department at the NGF, Dr. Ebenezer Leo said the conference scheduled for October 10 and 11 at

    Banquet Hall Presidential Villa, Abuja, represents a pivotal moment for advancing the cause of girl child education in the country.

    Leo added: “By bringing together key stakeholders, experts, and advocates, the conference seeks to devise actionable strategies to ensure that every girl child in Nigeria receives a quality education.

    “In the field of education, the NGF has identified three primary areas of focus aimed at enhancing resource management, improving educational outcomes, and fostering collaboration among stakeholders on key education policies.

    “These initiatives are essential to aligning state governments’ urgent educational needs with the challenges of governance, funding, inadequate infrastructure, low enrollment rates, and a lack of qualified teachers.

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    “These issues have significantly hampered educational attainment and limited opportunities for youth, especially for girls in Nigeria.

    “The International Conference will launch the Girl Child Education Volunteers’ Advocates (GICEVA) initiative, a platform designed to engage volunteers in advocating for girl child education across Nigeria.

    “The conference will also unveil the Face of the Girl Child Ambassadors, who will represent the commitment to girl child education among corp members (NYSC) in Nigeria’s 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT),” he said.

    Leo added that the event will feature the official launch of GICEVA, which aims to mobilize volunteers through the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) and Community Development Service (CDS) Groups to promote girl child enrollment in local governments across Nigeria.

    “Additionally, the unveiling of the Face of the Girl Child Ambassadors will celebrate the academic successes of top graduates, empowering them to advocate for girls’ education in their states, with coordination provided by an overall ambassador for a one-year term.

    “Another important aspect of the conference is the signing of a Declaration by the state Commissioners of Education, affirming their commitment to support and fund girl child education in Nigeria up to the Senior Secondary School level.

    “This declaration will be developed in collaboration with organizations dedicated to promoting girls’ education globally.

    “The conference agenda includes presentations from development partners and donor agencies, who will discuss the current landscape of girl child education in Nigeria, highlighting trends, challenges, and potential solutions.

    “Engaging panel discussions featuring experts, educators, and activists will explore the barriers to girl child education and the strategies needed to overcome them. Workshops and training sessions will also be conducted for GICEVA members, equipping them with essential advocacy skills,” he said.

  • Organisation hosts inaugural Teacher’s Day Summit

    Organisation hosts inaugural Teacher’s Day Summit

    In an effort to engage key stakeholders in addressing critical issues in the education sector, Train The Trainer (TTT), an organization dedicated to transforming African education, is set to host the inaugural edition of The Teacher’s Day Summit on October 5.

    The virtual summit aims to empower, recognise, and equip educators committed to raising the standard of African education to global levels, while also preparing students with the skills needed to thrive in the 21st century and beyond.

    The event will feature a dynamic lineup, including keynote speeches from renowned education experts, interactive workshops, and panel discussions with industry leaders and education professionals.

    Dr. Onyekachi Onwudike-Jumbo, founder of TTT and convener of the Summit, expressed that this event will become an annual tradition aimed at shaping the future of teaching.

    She emphasised that the Summit is for anyone driven by the shared goal of elevating the quality of education in Africa to its highest potential.

    “We’re calling all teachers, from early career educators to seasoned professionals, school owners, administrators, policymakers, government bodies, education innovators, and the media to join us.

    “Parents, too, have a crucial role to play. If you believe in the power of education to transform lives and societies, this summit is for you. We’re creating a diverse ecosystem of stakeholders, all bound by the goal of elevating African education to world-class standards,” she said.

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    According to Onwudike-Jumbo, the Summit will ensure that students are prepared to take advantage of key opportunities while reminding educators about the essence of their profession.

    “It’s an opportunity to ensure that students are not taught to fit into a box but that they are prepared for the wider work environment and aligned with the future of work expectations and recommendations. It’s an opportunity to remind teachers of the nobility in this profession and encourage them to look beyond the now and passionately follow through the teaching profession,” said Onwudike-Jumbo.

    She strongly believes the Teacher’s Day Summit will result in a paradigm shift amongst educators and critical stakeholders in the African education system that could birth significant changes.

    “Attendees will leave with a significant mindset shift. They will leave with actionable strategies to implement in their classrooms and institutions. They’ll gain insights into innovative teaching methods and practices, tools for professional development, opportunities to use the current traditional tools to meet global education standards and competencies, and a network of like-minded educators committed to change. Most importantly, they’ll regain a renewed sense of purpose and dignity in their profession.”

    She added that initiatives like the Teacher’s Day Summit tend to leave a significant knock-on effect on society, by ensuring that teachers are well empowered to shape minds and inspire dreams.

    “When we empower teachers, we empower students. These students become the innovators, leaders, and skilled workforce that drive economic growth. Focusing on 21st-century skills and global competencies, we’re preparing Africa’s students to compete on the world stage. This isn’t just about education but national development, economic growth, and positioning Africa as a global leader,” she said.

    Onwudike-Jumbo hopes the inaugural edition will lay the foundations for a pan-African movement that will revolutionise education, with teachers at the epicentre: “The future of the summit is to build a team of well-trained teachers equipped with current trends in education, leading to students who can compete with their peers anywhere in the world.”

    “We envision the Teacher’s Day Summit becoming the premier event for educational innovation in Africa. We are expanding our reach and looking for avenues to foster international collaborations. We’ll create year-round programmes stemming from the summit, ensuring continuous support for teachers,”

    Onwudike-Jumbo is an Artificial Intelligence Consultant, the founder of JASHConnect, where she is building a community of passionate Africans thriving and excelling abroad, and the Director of JPAWS, where she continues to train individuals and organisations on professional and academic writing and research practices.

  • American Open University of Technology to host workshop in Ibadan

    American Open University of Technology to host workshop in Ibadan

    The American Open University of Technology (ATECH) is set to host the EDGE Higher Education Workshop on October 18 at its global campus in New Bodija, Ibadan.

    ATECH said the complimentary one-day event aims to empower educators in effective deployment of Learning Management Systems (LMS) to enhance online learning experiences.

    A statement jointly signed by the Director of Programmes at ATech, Dr. Seyi Akanbi and the Edge Program Coordinator, Ms. Mofoyeke Omole, said the workshop, promises hands-on training that will equip participants with the skills necessary to create and deliver engaging online courses.

    According to the duo, attendees will have the opportunity to delve into the intricacies of enterprise LMS deployment and develop high-quality eLearning content.

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    “This interactive workshop is designed to provide educators with practical strategies for successful online course delivery.

    “We aim to foster an environment where they can learn and implementative approaches to online teaching that truly captivates students.

    “Virtual option will be available to ensure that educators from various locations can benefit from this vital training session.”

  • Dr. Elekofehinti Olusola makes Stanford’s top two percent scientists list for third time

    Dr. Elekofehinti Olusola makes Stanford’s top two percent scientists list for third time

    Dr. Elekofehinti Olusola, a distinguished biochemist and molecular biologist at the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA), has been named to Stanford University’s prestigious top two pecent scientists list for the third consecutive time.

    This recognition emphasises his notable contributions to scientific research and his growing impact in the fields of biochemistry and molecular biology.

    Stanford’s top two percent Scientists list is compiled annually and identifies the world’s most influential scientists based on their citation metrics, research productivity and the overall impact of their work across various disciplines.

    Olusola’s inclusion highlights his extensive work on molecular pathways, cellular responses to oxidative stress, and the exploration of natural compounds for disease prevention and treatment.

    His research at FUTA has focused primarily on antioxidant properties of natural products, investigating their potential in combating conditions such as cardiovascular diseases, diabetes and cancer.

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    He has published extensively in reputable international journals and has presented his findings at global conferences. His work not only addresses key health challenges but also opens new possibilities for the use of natural compounds in therapeutic interventions.

    Beyond his academic achievements, Dr. Elekofehinti is committed to mentoring young scientists, fostering a new generation of researchers at FUTA and across Nigeria. His dedication to capacity building and knowledge transfer has helped to enhance research standards within the institution and contributed to its reputation as a hub for innovative scientific research.

    This achievement reflects not only Dr. Elekofehinti’s personal excellence but also the growing visibility of Nigerian researchers on the global stage. His work continues to elevate FUTA’s profile in the international scientific community, inspiring fellow scientists and driving progress in biochemistry and molecular biology.

  • Nigerian PhD Researcher selected for MeV Summer School at Argonne National Laboratory

    Nigerian PhD Researcher selected for MeV Summer School at Argonne National Laboratory

    Ms. Funke Dacosta-Salu, a PhD researcher at Coventry University, has been selected to attend the highly competitive Modeling, Experimentation, and Validation (MeV) Summer School at Argonne National Laboratory in the United States from July 29 to August 9, 2024.

    A member of the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN) and the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), Ms. Dacosta-Salu is conducting groundbreaking research in the nuclear industry, specifically focusing on “Characterizing Thermal Fatigue and Mixing Point in Industrial Pipework.”

    This research is poised to make a significant impact on the nuclear sector by improving the safety, efficiency, and longevity of critical infrastructure.

    The MeV Summer School is one of the most prestigious programs in the nuclear energy field, offering a rigorous and multifaceted curriculum that brings together top experts from leading institutions such as Argonne National Laboratory (ANL), Idaho National Laboratory (INL), Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), and Idaho State University.

    The program provides advanced studies in integrated modeling, experimentation, and validation for engineers and applied scientists, with an emphasis on tackling the challenges facing the future of nuclear energy. With only a select few chosen worldwide, being selected for the MeV Summer School is a testament to Ms. Dacosta-Salu’s exceptional potential and dedication to advancing the nuclear energy industry.

    Ms. Dacosta-Salu’s PhD research on thermal fatigue and mixing points in industrial pipework addresses critical issues in nuclear energy infrastructure. By improving the understanding of thermal stresses and optimizing the mixing process in industrial piping, her work aims to enhance the durability and operational efficiency of nuclear reactors.

    This will have direct benefits in preventing costly failures and extending the service life of piping systems, thus contributing to the overall safety and sustainability of nuclear power generation. Her innovative research is set to have far-reaching effects on the nuclear industry, helping to ensure more reliable and cost-effective energy solutions for the future.

    “I am incredibly honored to be selected for this opportunity,” said Ms. Dacosta-Salu. “The MeV Summer School will allow me to build on my research, connect with leading experts, and expand my knowledge in areas that are crucial for the advancement of nuclear energy.”

    Her selection to the MeV Summer School marks a significant milestone in her career and reflects the growing global recognition of Nigerian researchers in cutting-edge nuclear technology. The program promises to equip Ms. Dacosta-Salu with the skills and global connections needed to drive innovations that will benefit the nuclear energy sector in Nigeria and worldwide.

  • Fed Govt BAT-STEM initiative lifts over 5,000 indigent pupils in Oyo

    Fed Govt BAT-STEM initiative lifts over 5,000 indigent pupils in Oyo

    Over 5,000 indigent pupils spread across some hard-to-reach communities in Oyo State have benefitted from the Federal Government BAT-STEM initiative during the official unveiling of the programme.

    The three-day education outreach programme organised by the Presidential Community Engagement Office (South-West), is part of the Federal Government’s BAT-STEM (Scholarship, Training, Education, Mentorship) project, aimed at providing critical school supplies and scholarships to students across various communities.

    Led by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Community Engagement (Southwest), Moremi Ojudu, the initiative aligns with the Federal Government Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which seeks to uplift grassroots communities through education and other critical interventions.

    The first day of the outreach took the team to several schools, including Nomadic School, Owode, Lanlate; St. Michael Cherubim & Seraphim Primary School, Eruwa; Anwar-ul-Islam Primary School, Eruwa; and Baptist Primary School, Maya, Lanlate, where over 50,000 exercise books, 1,000 school bags, 100 white marker boards, sandals, socks, math sets, and other materials were distributed.

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    Among the highlights was the visit to Eruwa Special Basic School, where pupils with special needs received back-to-school items.

    The outreach also visited Eruwa Special Basic School, where many pupils face challenges due to disabilities.

    “We never expected to be given such attention; it is a most welcome initiative. These supplies will really help our kids learn better and aid our teachers. This is an exceptional gesture, and we hope it continues,” according to the headmistress.

    On the second day, the outreach moved to schools in Oriire and Ogo-Oluwa Local Governments, where students at Tewure Grammar School, Tewure; Ajinapa Community Grammar School, Ajinapa; and Oloya Community Primary School, Oloya, also received back-to-school items and scholarships.

    Additional scholarships were presented at Community High School, Iwo Ate, and Baptist Grammar School, Ajaawa.

    One of scholarship recipients from Baptist Grammar School expressed gratitude, saying, “This scholarship is a blessing. It has given me hope for a brighter future.”

    The programme, which awarded 100 scholarships worth ₦50,000 each to selected students, offered a much-needed financial assistance to help them stay in school and pay for upcoming examinations.

    Another scholarship recipient from Baptist Grammar School, Ajaawa, who was full of praises, recalled that his parents had been worried about the bleak future that awaits him as a result of their inability to fend for his education due to their poor station in life.

    “My parents were worried about how they could afford my education, but with this scholarship, I can focus on my studies without that fear, and proceed to pay for my school certificate examinations.”

    Principals and teachers in the affected schools also expressed deep appreciation. “These supplies and scholarships are a lifeline for many of our students,” said the principal of Tewure Grammar School. “For some of them, this is the difference between staying in school and dropping out.”

    The principal of Ajinapa Community Grammar School, Ajinapa, added, “We are grateful for the instructional materials provided to our teachers, which will greatly enhance our ability to teach more effectively.”

    In addition, food items were distributed to teachers and community members, extending the support of the initiative beyond education.

    The BAT-STEM project aims to close educational gaps in underserved communities while providing teachers with the tools they need to cultivate better learning environments.

    With plans for further engagement in more communities, the BAT-STEM initiative continues to transform the lives of students, teachers, and families across Oyo State and the Southwest region at large.

  • Varsity don canvasses investment in literacy

    Varsity don canvasses investment in literacy

    The President, Sub-Saharan Open University, Dr. Osita Aniemeka, has called for more investment in literacy to ensure peace and growth in Africa.

    He made the call at this year’s African Cultural Promotions Incorporated annual conference to celebrate the United Nations (UN) Day for Literacy.

    Presenting a high-level paper at the virtual event, he emphasised the critical role literacy plays in empowering individuals, ensuring peace and sustaining the planet.

    According to Aniemeka, despite reported improvements in literacy rates globally, Africa still accounts for a staggering 72% of the world’s illiterates. Dr. Aniemeka stressed that this disparity undermines the continent’s development potential and perpetuates cycles of poverty. He emphasised the significance of cultural literacy in understanding African traditions, values, and history.

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    “Literacy is the foundation upon which all development is built. It empowers individuals, improves lives, and expands capacities. Literacy reduces poverty, increases participation in the workforce, and exerts positive effects on health and wellbeing. “African cultural literacy is built around understanding our societal norms, mainstreaming regular activities and history, and engaging with our traditions. “Cultural literacy enables us to interact and communicate effectively within our communities and globally,” Dr. Aniemeka said.

    The ambassador urged governments, organisations, and individuals to invest in literacy programmes, particularly in Africa. “Through literacy, we can break cycles of poverty, foster peace, and promote communal harmony,” Dr. Aniemeka said.

  • Maryam Idris wins Silver Award in 2024 Commonwealth Essay Competition

    Maryam Idris wins Silver Award in 2024 Commonwealth Essay Competition

    A student of Soltab Comprehensive College, Oke-Ata, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Miss Maryam Idris, has emerged the Silver Award Winner of the 2024 edition of Queen’s Commonwealth Essay Competition.

    By this feat, Idris has once again put Ogun State on a global recognition, achieving a greater feat after her sister, Mujeebat Idris, who won Bronze in 2021.

    The Queen’s Commonwealth Essay Competition (QCEC) is the world’s prestigious oldest international schools’ writing contest, established by the society in 1883.

    Her essay topic was: “You’re on a school exchange in a Commonwealth country different to your own. How do you make friends with people your age? (Consider similarities and differences in culture that may unite you).   She won Silver Award in the competition for which over 30,000 students entered around the world.

    Congratulating Idris, the organisers wrote: “Thank you for participating in The Queen’s Commonwealth Essay Competition 2024 and for sharing your wonderful creativity and ideas with the Commonwealth family.

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    “We are delighted to inform you that your entry was given a Silver Award and I am pleased to attach your printable award certificate.”

    The certificate was jointly signed by the Executive Chair, Royal Commonwealth Society, Dr. Linda Yueh and two other lead judges, Femi Elufowoju and Caroline Haines.

    An omnivorous reader and voracious writer, Idris has represented her school in several competitions and has led her competitive class in four out of six terms she has been in the school.

    Asked about her interest and expectations from Commonwealth Award, Idris, who wishes to study Engineering after her college, seeks a full scholarship from her secondary up to the university level.

  • Foundation trains 50 youths in CBT exam techniques

    Foundation trains 50 youths in CBT exam techniques

    Youths have been advised to embrace technology to improve their mental capacity towards providing solutions to some of the problems confronting the socio- economic development of Nigeria.

    Chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos State Senator Olugbenga Ashafa gave the admonition during the graduation of 50 youths who were trained on Computer Based Test (CBT) proficiency and general computer appreciation, through his foundation, Total Nucleus Foundation.

    Ashafa, represented by the Director-General of the Foundation, Kayode Eleshin, urged the graduates to use the knowledge acquired during the training to benefit others and the society at large

    The former lawmaker explained that the world is technological driven, hence the need for youths to get trained on computer appreciation to enable them participate successful in CBT-based examinations, and compete favourably with their counterparts across the world.

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    Chairman of Ikosi-Isheri LCDA, Mayoress Abolanle Bada, who hailed the students for their commitment to the nine-week training, described the initiative as “apt and in line with the THEMES Plus agenda of the Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu led administration.

    President of the foundation, Lukman Owolabi, said the foundation’s objective is to bridge the gap between the government and the governed as a way to improve the quality of lives of the poor and vulnerable.

    According to him, the foundation began the training to acquaint students with CBT exams following the decision of the West African Examination Council (WAEC) to make its exams computer-based.

    Owolabi explained that beneficiaries were drawn from across the three senatorial districts of Lagos, and urged the graduates to put the skills learnt to good use and desist from cybercrimes.

  • Alumni celebrate reunion, hail school impact

    Alumni celebrate reunion, hail school impact

    Hope Waddell Old Student Association class of 1989 has celebrated its 30th post-graduation anniversary and mega reunion.

    The school, established in 1895, is one of Nigeria’s oldest secondary schools and has produced very important leaders.

    Speaking at the reunion, chairman of the occasion, Ntufam Eyo Nsa, called on other alumni of the institution to emulate the exemplary gesture of the Class of ’89 and pledged continuous support.

    Similarly, Bassey Usang Bassey, who described the institution as “the first secondary school east of Niger and one of the oldest secondary schools in Nigeria”, hailed the impact of the age-long institution.

    He appreciated the efforts of the class of ’89, who painstakingly put together the memorable event, while lauding other class sets that have made similar contributions for the good of their alma mater.

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    National President of the association, Efio-ita Ephraim, lauded the alumni for projecting the school in good light by executing projects for the benefit of pupils and teachers.

    He  described the class of ’89  as one of the best class sets among the alumni due to the execution of several projects in the institution which include-donation of generator to the institution’s chapel, commissioning of toilet facility in the institution’s assembly hall, donation of  N1 million to renovate the dilapidated junior secondary school roof, among others.

    The former global co-coordinator, Mr. David Ekpenyong disclosed that the thirty years post mega reunion will usher in a new set of leaders who will pilot the affairs of the class and stay on course for the next three years.

    Archibong Edem was elected the global co-coordinator of Class of 1989 for the next three years. In the leadership of other zones, Samuel Ekanem was elected as Calabar zonal co-coordinator while Mr. Emmanuel Archibong will serve as alternate zonal co-coordinator.