The Executive Secretary, Tertiary Education Trust Fund, TETFund, Mr Sonny Echono, has listed the expectations of the agency from heads of beneficiary institutions, saying such will help transform the institutions to be globally competitive.
Echono, who spoke yesterday in Lagos at the retreat held for members of the Board of Trustees, BOT, of the Fund, said despite added responsibilities, it was up to the task of making positive changes and contributions to the education sector.
He mentioned the expectations from heads of higher institutions to include high quality of projects, prompt delivery of the projects among others.
“We have set a high standard for our universities and other higher institutions benefiting from our intervention projects. They must manage the resources given to them well. They must be efficient in their planning, accessing and managing the funds given them. They must be prompt in dealing with contractors. We don’t want any wasting of time that would let our projects be caught up in the web of inflation.
“ They must also up their supervision mechanisms. We are also introducing more efficient supervision mechanisms. The projects must be of optimal quality. They should also take advantage of the opportunities we are giving them in the area of research, innovation, entrepreneurship among others. We are also encouraging them to be able to improve on the revenue generation so that they won’t be too dependent regarding funding,” he said.
On the added responsibilities given to the agency such as being part of the source of revenue for the Student Loan Scheme, Echono noted that there was no cause for alarm.
“ All the added responsibilities bestowed on us, we can cope. First, our revenue has been increased as the Education Tax is now three per cent. We are also more prudent and efficient in the management of our resources and are following up on the collection of the revenue that should accrue to us. We are grateful to President Bola Tinubu for his support and magnanimity. We will surely not disappoint in the discharge of our mandate,” he said.
The Chairman of the Board of Trustees of TETFUND, Rt Hon. Aminu Masari, former governor of Katsina State, said under his leadership, the fund would do its utmost to advance higher education in the country.
He urged board members to leverage their wealth of experience to contribute significantly to the development of education in Nigeria.
He paid tribute to the founding fathers of the fund and the Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU, for their efforts in establishing TETFUND.
He urged board members to recognise the privilege of contributing to the development of higher education and to rededicate themselves to the service of the nation.
He also called on TETFUND management to collaborate closely with the board to maximise the fund’s impact. He assured staff members that the board would ensure their expectations are met and encourage full cooperation to leave a lasting legacy in the development of education in the country.
In his paper presented at the retreat, the immediate past Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission, NUC, Prof. Abubakar Rasheed, said the future of Nigeria lies largely in the quality of tertiary education.
He spoke on “The role of the Board of Trustees in transforming the future of higher education in Nigeria.”
Rasheed called for synergy between the board members and the management of the fund.
“Without TEFFund, many public tertiary education institutions would find it difficult to function effectively or would not have survived. That shows how important the fund is to the sector. Every hand must be on deck to support it and make it do better,” he said.
Stakeholders have underscored the the advantages of sports in African universities, stressing that it can promote unity, healthy competition, and global excellence.
This was the consensus at the 11th edition of Federation of All Africa University Sports (FASU) Games Scientific Conference, 2024, held at the Lagos State University(LASU) main campus in Ojo.
The FASU games commenced last weekend with an opening ceremony that marked the beginning of a week filled with competitive spirit and camaraderie.
The University of Lagos(UNILAG) and Lagos State University(LASU), are joint hosts with eleven countries including Angola, Egypt, Ghana, Zambia, Botswana, Tanzania, Zimbabwe, Nigeria, Kenya, Mauritius, Uganda, and Guinea participating. Several of these nations have multiple universities competing in the games.
The theme of the conference: “Fostering Unity, Healthy Competition, and Global Excellence through University Sports,” esonated throughout the event as speakers emphasized the pivotal role of FASU sports in harnessing the athletic potential of African youth within tertiary institutions.
Vice Chancellor of LASU,Prof. Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello extended a warm welcome to all attendees, highlighting how FASU competitions have united athletes from across Africa, showcasing exceptional talent and academic prowess.
Olatunji-Bello underscored the competition’s potential to inspire innovation and best practices in sports among African universities.
She envisioned FASU as a platform for cultivating a more cohesive and collaborative cross-cultural environment that transcends regional and national boundaries, emphasizing how university sports can bridge divides and promote unity in Africa by eradicating divisive tendencies.
Vice Chancellor of UNILAG, Prof. Folasade Ogunsola, said the competition would change the landscape of sports in the African universities and nations growth.
She stressed that FASU would create a platform for university students and athletes from across the continent to engage in healthy competition.
Ogunsola noted that the competition is aiming at excellent team work, integrity and essential qualities that would transcend to the next generation of FASU.
Secretary General of FASU,Prof. Grace Olagunju stressed the critical role of sports in nurturing athletes and the academic community in Africa.
She described the conference as a testament to FASU’s dedication to fostering unity and excellence through sports, recognizing the indispensable contributions of the scientific and educational committees in advancing the games.
President of the National University Games Association (NUGA), Prof. Bawa Mohammed, outlined FASU’s commitment to addressing key challenges facing sports competitions in Africa through a communique aimed at proposing viable solutions.
Lotus Bank Managing Director/CEO, Mrs. Kalifat Araoye, the keynote speaker, emphasized the transformative power of sports in fostering unity and serving as a universal language that connects individuals from diverse backgrounds, cultures, and nationalities. She highlighted the inclusive nature of university sports in promoting unity, healthy competition, and global excellence.
The Directorate of Teaching Practice at the Lagos University of Education (LASUED) Otto-Ijanikin, Lagos, has convened a summit to identify prevalent issues affecting teaching practices among undergraduate teachers in the state and to offer practical solutions.
The summit held on Tuesday at the main campus, with various education stakeholders attending.
Discussions centred on the impact of teaching practices on the quality of education, highlighting education as a crucial tool for empowering children to succeed in life. It was recommended that only adequately trained teachers should be recruited to impart knowledge at both primary and secondary school levels.
Acting Director of the Directorate of Teaching Practices at the university, Dr Foluke Abimbola Akinkuotu stated that the summit aimed to identify the obstacles encountered by student-teachers and explore innovative solutions to enhance their teaching practice.
Akinkuotu outlined three vital areas essential for improving the quality of teaching practices: mentorship and support, practical experience, as well as feedback and enhancement. She emphasised that these factors play a pivotal role in producing competent teachers capable of delivering quality education.
Distinguished speakers at the summit and seasoned educators delved into pertinent issues and advocated for strategies for improvement. They also called for government support in creating a conducive learning environment conducive to growth.
Prof. Femi Fakolade, a lecturer, emphasised the importance of synergy between students and teachers, underscoring the necessity for teachers to have a solid grasp of subject matter knowledge to effectively guide their students in the classroom.
Fakolade also highlighted the significance of modest attire as a cultural norm that teachers should embrace to garner respect and admiration from their students, noting that indecent dressing contributes to instances of female harassment in academic settings.
Acting Deputy Vice Chancellor Administration, Dr Emi Shittu stated that the forum aimed to address teaching practice challenges in primary and secondary schools in the state through increased monitoring by education stakeholders.
He praised Lagos State’s proactive approach in addressing educational challenges through continuous training for professional educators.
President of the All Nigeria Conference of Principals of Secondary Schools (ANCOPSS) Lagos State Chapter, Masheyi Olushola stressed the importance of personal development and a passion for teaching in exuding confidence and achieving excellence as a teacher. He urged teachers to broaden their knowledge beyond their specialised fields, highlighting that continuous learning and staying abreast of global trends enhance a teacher’s quality.
Permanent Secretary in the Lagos State Ministry of Education, Kasali Wahab, called for curriculum updates to align with the evolving needs of the economy, particularly in the realm of information technology. He expressed readiness for collaboration with initiatives such as the summit to address educational challenges, emphasising the importance of practical sessions for students to complement theoretical teaching for quality assurance.
Lucy Emike Omoala, Director of the Lagos State Comprehensive Schools Programme, encouraged teachers to foster creativity and innovation to stay ahead of their students in subject matter knowledge. She emphasised the need for teachers to uphold high standards to instil discipline and order in schools, urging them to take pride in their profession.
Representative of the Teachers’ Registration Council of Nigeria(TRCN), Dr Biliki Sani, advised teachers to register with the council for official recognition and identification by the government.
She emphasised the importance of embracing the teaching profession with pride and confidence.
The summit provided an interactive platform for undergraduate students at the university to voice their perspectives on teaching practices, calling for a comprehensive approach to addressing the challenges faced in the teaching profession.
Teachers were urged to embrace technological advancements to remain relevant in today’s global educational landscape, while students were encouraged to actively engage, explore new avenues, and empower themselves academically.
Co-founder of an EdTech platform, Transition School, Mahmood Owolabi, has called on Nigerians to seize emerging career opportunities within the technology sector.
Speaking at a media roundtable organised by his United Kingdom-based firm, Owolabi provided compelling reasons for why tech represents a transformative career path, particularly in Nigeria’s rapidly growing economy.
Owolabi, who has navigated significant challenges in both the Nigerian and UK job markets, shared insights from his extensive experience in the tech industries.
“Tech is not just a growing field; it is a revolutionary force that is reshaping the landscape of industries globally.
“For Nigeria, which is experiencing rapid population growth and a pressing need to educate more people, tech presents a crucial economic and professional advancement opportunity,” he said.
Drawing from his MarTech background and his co-founding Transition School role, Owolabi emphasised how technology can address critical educational gaps.
“In Nigeria, many traditional educational systems struggle to keep up with the demands of a growing student population.
“EdTech provides scalable solutions that can bridge these gaps by offering accessible, efficient and innovative learning methods,” he explained.
He said Transition School, which offers a six-week intensive training programme, is a testament to the potential of EdTech to make a significant impact.
“Our programme is designed to prepare individuals for careers in tech roles globally,” Owolabi noted.
“We have successfully trained over 100 students, equipping them with skills that are highly sought after in the global job market. This approach not only enhances their employability but also contributes to the broader goal of fostering economic growth through education.”
Looking ahead, Owolabi revealed that Transition School will soon announce a new EdTech access model.
This initiative, he said, is aimed at giving access to Nigeria’s teeming youth population as well as other nationals into global players within the Tech space and associated industries.
“We are excited about this upcoming model, which we believe will offer even more opportunities for young professionals to excel on an international scale,” Owolabi stressed.
Owolabi also addressed the broader implications of technology.
“While Nigeria is a focal point, the impact of Tech extends to advanced economies as well, demonstrating its relevance across diverse markets.”
The board members of Place of Liberty Nursery and Primary School have reiterated their commitment to providing quality education for children with special needs, describing them as bundles of talent, who only need proper support to thrive.
Speaking during the school’s third anniversary celebration at Surulere, Mr. Olusoji Oluwole, a board member, explained that the school was established to offer support to children with special needs, many of whom had been hidden at home due to financial and psychological constraints.
“Over half of them used to be hidden at home, and no one knew anything about them. We are thankful to God that their parents are now able to bring them out with pride to show what they can do,” he said.
Oluwole, who is also the president of Association of Senior Staff of Banks, Insurance and Financial Institutions (ASSBIFI), added that the goal was to encourage other individuals and organisations to provide similar support, potentially through corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives.
He also highlighted the importance of vocational training for the children, noting that the school began offering vocational courses earlier this year.
“Some of these children may not be able to take up regular jobs due to their challenges, which is why we started the vocational school to help them learn skills and produce items that can be sold, making them self-sufficient and productive members of society,” Oluwole said..
Mr. Ladipo Oluwole, another board member, explained that the initiative was inspired by the memory of his late parents, who shared a passion for children with special needs.
Mrs. Olufunke Lipede, the school’s administrator, emphasised the importance of inclusive education for children with special needs. She expressed pride in the milestones achieved by the pupils and paid tribute to the late Very Revd. T.A.J. Oluwole and Mrs. Modupe Oluwole, in whose memory the school was founded.
The school boasts state-of-the-art facilities, continuous training for its staff and a clear vision for the future.
“We remain committed to empowering our pupils to reach their full potential,” Mrs. Lipede added.
• UniZik medical lecturers begin strike over exclusion of VC contest
The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has issued a fresh 14-day ultimatum to the Federal Government seeking the resolution of lingering issues affecting university lecturers.
In a statement yesterday, ASUU President, Prof. Emmanuel Osodeke, expressed frustration over the government’s lack of commitment and delay tactics.
The statement reads: “In view of the foregoing, ASUU resolves to give the Nigerian government another 14 days, in addition to the earlier 21 days, beginning from Monday, September 23, 2024, during which all the lingering issues must have been concretely addressed to the satisfaction of the membership of the union.
“The union should not be held responsible for any industrial disharmony that arises from the government’s failure to seize the new opportunity offered by ASUU to nip the looming crisis in the bud.”
The union is demanding the conclusion of the renegotiation of the 2009 FGN/ASUU Agreement based on the Nimi Briggs Committee’s Draft Agreement of 2021, and the payment of salaries withheld due to the union’s eight-month industrial action in 2022.
ASUU is also demanding, among others, the release of unpaid salaries for its members on sabbatical, part-time, and adjunct appointments affected by the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS), as well as the payment of outstanding third-party deductions, such as check-off dues and cooperative contributions.
Also, clinical lecturers, under the aegis of Medical and Dental Consultants’ Association of Nigeria (MDCAN) at the Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UniZik), Awka, Anambra State, have embarked on an indefinite strike.
The MDCAN members announced the commencement of the strike in a statement yesterday in Awka, the Anambra State capital, by MDCAN-NAUTH Chairman and Secretary, Dr. Victor Modekwe and Dr. Sunday Oriji.
The statement said: “The ongoing industrial action entails the withdrawal of all the medical/clinical lecturers from the Faculties of Medicine, Basic Clinical Sciences and Basic Medical Sciences from all academic functions.”
The lecturers said they strike were protesting alleged deliberate intention to exclude all qualified lecturers of the Faculties of Medicine, Basic Clinical Sciences and Basic Medical Sciences from contesting the position of the Vice Chancellor of UniZik.
They said the advertorial placed in a national daily should factor in the academic pathway of Medical/Clinical lecturers by putting Post-Graduate Medical Fellowship anywhere PhD appears and excluding Master’s degree from requirement, considering their long standing pathway.
The statement added: “Recall our letters to you on August 2 and September 17 on the deliberate intention to exclude our members (clinical lecturers) from contesting for the position of the Vice-Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University.
“Recall that we specifically asked for the withdrawal of the obnoxious advert for the position of the Vice Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University in order to guarantee industrial harmony.
“We observed that up till now, the advert still stands and our members remain excluded from the contest for two weeks now.
“The congress, therefore, resolved to proceed on an indefinite withdrawal of services by all the clinical lecturers of Nnamdi Azikiwe University in the Faculties of Medicine, Basic Medical Sciences, and Basic Clinical Sciences until this advert is withdrawn.”
Whether among students/ pupils or teacher to pupils, s*xual harassment has become a thorny issue that should not be handled with kid-gloves as the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC) recently raised the alarm on rising cases, especially at the primary and secondary levels of education, DAMOLA KOLA-DARE reports
When Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), Musa Aliyu, raised concerns about the rise in cases of sexual harassment in primary and secondary schools, it was discomfiting and worrisome. He spoke during a national stakeholders’ engagement on sexual harassment prevention, which the commission organised in collaboration with the Gender Mobile Initiative (GMI).
The primary and secondary schools are crucial aspects of education which should not be toyed with in the moral and cognitive development of a child. So, when sexual harassment arising from a weak moral compass is prevalent at such levels of learning, swift action must be taken to ensure the hopes and future aspirations of the much-vaunted leaders of tomorrow are not truncated.
The ICPC chairman said a major way to address the situation decisively is through “a consistent, persistent, focused and united campaign. It is sadly interesting to note that sexual harassment, though more notorious in tertiary institutions, is quite rampant in primary and secondary institutions too,” he said.
Going by the Aliyu’s allegation, the story of 14-year-old Keren-Happuch Akpagher, a boarding pupil of a school at Lugbe, Federal Capital Territory (FCT), still comes to mind. She reportedly died on June 22, 2021 following sepsis infection she contracted as a result of condom left inside her by a killer-rapist. The case is still in court.
States refuse to adopt National Sex Offender Register
In 2019, the Federal Government, launched its first National Sex Offender Register to name and shame perpetrators. Checks revealed that only Lagos State has been active in naming and shaming sexual offenders, while only 10 out of 36 states, including the FCT, have adopted the law.
They include Lagos, Ekiti, Akwa Ibom, Ogun, Edo, Kaduna, Abia, Adamawa, Bauchi, and Bayelsa. Only four states—Lagos, Ekiti, Akwa-Ibom, and Edo—have so far published full details of the offenders. Sadly, these registers are not updated regularly, thereby defeating the aim for which it was implemented in the first place.
It is believed that sexual harassment is forcing many Nigerian girls out of secondary schools, contributing to the already alarming figure of out-of-school children, especially among girls.
Addressing the drift
Observers and parents have not only bemoaned the moral decadence in society and faulted the over-exposure of children to too much indecent content on the internet, they also seek swift intervention as well as stringent sanctions on perpetrators, whether teachers or pupils.
Vice Chancellor, African School of Economics, Abuja, Prof. Mahfouz Adedimeji, who described the situation as “heartrending”, believes the society is not ready to address the issue headlong. Reason? The don noted that the continuous promotion and celebration of indecent contents in the entertainment industry will hamper getting solutions.
He sought the overhauling of the entertainment industry and purging of entertainers that glorify casual sex, undue celebration of female body and production of sexual movies. Adedimeji added that music and skits have to be restrained by law. The vice chancellor stated that the lawlessness that pervades the entertainment industry where everything is centred on human genitalia has to be confronted head-on.
He said: “It is heartrending that the situation of sexual harassment and immorality has degenerated to this level in our society. Yet, it is not surprising as we are reaping what we sowed.
“Sexual harassment, misconduct and immorality among pupils can be attributed to various factors that are mainly sociological. These are exposure to explicit contents on the traditional and new media, normalisation of casual sex in the society, peer pressure, zero/poor parenting, changing moral values, socio-economic pressures and access to the new technologies.
“Certainly, this situation portends grave danger to the society. It is already manifesting in single parenthood, ‘baby mamaism’, high rate of divorce, sexual violence as well as unbridled sexual freedom.
“If Nigerians are ready to address this problem, we wouldn’t be busy pursuing shadows and promoting the nonsense in modern entertainment. The entertainment industry has to be overhauled and all these entertainers that glorify casual sex, commodify female body, produce sexual movies, music and skits have to be restrained by law. The lawlessness that pervades the entertainment industry where everything is centred on human genitalia has to be confronted head-on.
“Sexual offences have to be nipped in the bud and those found guilty of sexual crimes should be punished. Culture must be reinvented to make people see females as human beings, not just sex objects that they are portrayed as.
“We have to go back to the basics and return to the values of decency, self-control, modest dressing and abstinence that used to define us, not the fake condom wisdom of today.
“Our cultures are in sync with the positions of Plato and Aristotle. While Plato emphasised self-control and moderate sexual desires, Aristotle considered sexual pleasure as natural but advocated moderation. It is this moderation that has been thrown out of the window and the youngsters are learning fast from the adults.”
Coordinator, Child Protection Network (CPN), Lagos State Chapter, Mrs. Ronke Oyelakin, noted that the root of the problem must be thoroughly addressed through strategic measures. She said though there are policies against sexual offences, implementation and enforcement are weak. Oyelakin advocated more awareness, especially at the grassroots.
“The SDG Goal 17 partnership for the goals is clear and it will help all state and non-state actors to ensure they tackle this menace before it eats down the system. We must be tactical and strategic in doing this. Firstly, the root causes.
“Sexual harassment is a serious problem for students at all educational levels, which includes nursery, primary, secondary, as well as vocational schools, apprenticeship programmes, colleges and universities. It can be described as a gender-based discrimination, victimisation or deprivation that is sufficiently serious. It interferes with or limits students’ ability to participate in or benefit from the institution’s educational programmes.
“It presents itself in power based differentials, which manifest in the creation of a hostile environment that breeds retaliation and victimisation. Sexual harassment can be in three forms, viz: sexual harassment of a student by another student, sexual harassment of a staff member by a student, and sexual harassment of a student by a staff member. It can happen to girls and boys.
“Sexual harassers can be fellow students, teachers, principals, janitors, coaches and other school officials. It can be requests for sexual favours or unwelcome sexual behaviour that is bad enough or happens often enough to make a student feel uncomfortable, scared or confused and that interferes with his or her schoolwork or ability to participate in extracurricular activities or attend classes.”
For Dr. Fisayo Adebimpe, a Clinical Psychologist at Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH), Ogbomoso, there is a need to create awareness among pupils through psycho education classes. She said they should be able to give appraisal and feedback of their experiences, adding that most times, avenues to vent are limited. She urged parents to be up and doing and be responsible to their children, by asking questions and also be emotionally sensitive to their children needs.
She said: “The prevalence of sexual harassment at the primary and secondary levels is quite low compared to the tertiary level. Though, most of these cases are mostly under-reported due to various reasons, such as stigmatisation on the victim involved, some victims prefer to be silent in order to protect themselves against public criticism, which eventually might result into bullying. Some eventually relocate victims to different locations. Parents/guardians also express high emotions when found in such situations.
“A lot of people are suffering one mental health challenge or the other. People are not really paying cognisance to this. So, when we see certain bizarre behaviour among the populace, some of the perpetrators fall in these categories while others have deviant behaviours.
“There is need for collaboration with all relevant sectors in relation to the menace in the society. Students living with disabilities should also be included in the sensitisation and awareness programme. Every child, both male and female, should also be put into consideration without preference. There is now public outcry because a lot of people are becoming aware of sexual harassment and the long-term psychological effect it has in child well-being and development.
Deputy National President, National Parent Teacher Association of Nigeria (NAPTAN), Chief Adeolu Ogunbanjo, said: “It is rather unfortunate to hear about this – sexual harassment becoming prevalent in primary and secondary schools. That is very worrisome and condemnable. But that should now make us think about how, at primary level, we should now embrace Civic Education and examination should be administered on it. That should help. All eyes must be particularly on the schools. For secondary schools, guardians and counselors now have much to do to address the situation.
“By the time morals are also taught by teachers, there will be some restraints. Teachers should also be closely watched. Again, the Teaching Service Commission, through Quality Assurance, should now start doing their jobs.”
A parent, Mrs. Oluwafunmilayo Adefemi, called for strict monitoring of children, particularly censoring what they watch on the television, the Internet and social media. She noted that social media applications contain risqué content and narratives.
Stiffer penalties for perpetrators
Experts and observers reckon that sexual harassment will continue to be a problem in Nigerian schools if perpetrators are let off the hook without severe punishment.
According to them, letting offenders go scot-free without severe sanctions will embolden them to continue in the acts.
Ogunbanjo noted that principals should work hand in hand with heads of department for strict monitoring and ensuring teachers who are caught are duly sanctioned and prosecuted. Offenders must be punished because minors are involved and of course, it is unbecoming of a teacher to get involved in that sort of act.
According to him, perpetrators, no matter their status, should face the wrath of the law.
As part of events lined up to mark the 50th founders’ anniversary of the Government College, Lagos, Surulere, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has inaugurated the GCI STEM Lab equipped and managed by the SAIL Empowerment Foundation, an endowment of Senator Mukhail Adetokunbo Abiru and his wife, Feyisola.
The governor also inaugurated other landmark projects provided by the senator, through the intervention of the office of the Special Assistant to the President on Sustainable Development Goals, SDGs. Abiru graduated from the elite school over 40 years ago.
The projects include: Complete rehabilitation 700-seater capacity auditorium, including the gallery. Twenty four toilets were also provided on the first and ground floor. Five administrative offices at the top floor and two big lecture halls at the ground floor were also reconstructed, including two staff rooms for teachers and two waiting areas.
The senator, who is also the chairman of the 50th founder’s day lecture while delivering his speech, lauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Sanwo-Olu for their contributions towards the provision of quality education.
Abiru assured that this is “just the beginning. Our goal is not confined to Ikorodu or Lagos East. We aim to extend these opportunities to all of Lagos and, eventually, to every corner of Nigeria, ensuring that every child has access to a world-class education that empowers them to dream, innovate and succeed”.
He added: “Growing up in Lagos, I had the privilege of attending this great institution – Government College, Eric Moore, Lagos. It was here that I received the foundation for everything I have achieved, both personally and professionally. Watching my father’s dedication to education and public service deeply influenced my own path as a Lagosian committed to public service and the development of our great city.
“In my time, Government College, Eric Moore, was a place where students from all walks of life came together, bound by the shared pursuit of knowledge and excellence. Our teachers, led by the late Mr. E. A. Banwo, as principal, were committed to not only teaching us but also inspiring us to reach our full potential. The facilities were well-equipped, allowing us to explore and excel academically.
“However, today, we face a different reality. The separation between public and private schools has widened, with the children of elites attending private institutions far removed from the experiences of the average Nigerian child. The decline in public education has further deepened this divide, leaving many without access to the quality education that was once a given.
“So, the question we must ask ourselves is: how can we restore the pride of Government College, Eric Moore, and schools like it? How do we rebuild an education system that brings students from different backgrounds together and prepares them for the future?
“This is where my commitment lies. Through the SAIL Empowerment Foundation, which my wife and I founded, we’ve established the SAIL Innovation Lab in partnership with Co-Creation Hub, the foremost innovation lab in Africa. Together, we are providing a state-of-the-art innovation centre that is free for graduates and students, while equipping thousands of teachers with modern teaching methodologies. This partnership brings global expertise and a future-focused approach to the heart of Lagos, ensuring that we are not just restoring, but reimagining, the public education system for the 21st century.”
Sanwo-Olu, who was represented by the Commissioner of Basic Education, Jimoh Alli-Balogun, praised Senator Abiru for his legacies in human capital development and other areas.
The Global President of Government College Lagos Old Boys Association, Rear Admiral Leye Jaiyeola (retd), also lauded the gesture of Senator Abiru, and other illustrious personalities, particularly Princess (Mrs.) Adejoke Orelope-Adefulure, who contributed immensely to the development of the school.
Renowned professor of intellectual property, Professor Bankole Shodipo, SAN, who is also an alumnus of GCI, delivered the keynote lecture at the well-attended programme.
The Anwar-Ul Islam College Agege Old Students’ Association (ACAOSA) has disbursed N5,419,400 to the school’s outstanding students.
The scholarships, awarded by the United States (U.S.) and Nigerian Chapters of ACAOSA, were announced during the 23rd Valedictory Service held at the school’s premises last week.
The U.S. Chapter awarded N3,802,400 to 11 students, who performed excellently during the qualifying examination into JSS1.
Also, the association’s 1968/74 set awarded N1,386,600 to six outstanding students. The 1969/73 set gave N231,000 to Adedokun Adefolarin to cover his tuition fee for 2023/24 session.
Babalola Mubarak, the best graduating student, was rewarded with N100,000 by ACAOSA’s Global President General, Alhaji Abdulfattah Afolabi.
Presenting the award and unveiling the school’s website , Afolabi urged the students to emulate the ex-students of the college, who have excelled in human endeavours and also join them in contributing to the country’s growth.
“It may interest you to note that our alumni are all over the world in all fields of human endeavours, where they have distinguished themselves and made remarkable feats. I urge you all to join these eminent alumni in no distant time to contribute to the growth of our great nation.”
He also urged the students to imbibe discipline, hardwork and honesty as they progress in their educational career.
The Post-Graduate Coordinator of Sociology at Lagos State University (LASU), Prof. Elias Wahab, who was represented by the institution’s Head of Quality Assurance, Mrs. Blessing Ndukwu, delivered the valedictory lecture, themed: “Combining knowledge with creativity to think outside the box”.
Elias said thinking outside the box involves identifying existing problems in the society with the sole aim of solving it creatively from a new perspective.
He urged the students to study what they’re passionate about and not acquire degrees to satisfy their parents and later delve into something else.
He urged parents to allow their kids to acquire vocational skills pending when they would gain admission into the university.
The school principal, Abdulwaheed Soyebo, urged the graduands to always remember that life is made up of pleasant and unpleasant situations.
He urged them to always reflect on the late sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo’s saying that “Life is full of comedy and tragedy. Although one might have tragic periods, such periods are usually mere interludes”.
Outgoing Head Boy, Sanni Ibrahim, thanked ACAOSA members for their efforts in promoting teaching and learning in the school.
He also appreciated the management, teachers and their parents for their efforts in reshaping their lives and building them for future endeavours.
The 2023/24 valedictory session featured 43 and 38 graduands for SS3 and JS3 students respectively.
There has been widespread condemnation of a viral video from Osun State Polytechnic, Iree, showing students taking a pre-examination test in an overcrowded classroom.
The video, which surfaced on Wednesday, September 25, depicts students in a congested classroom struggling to be supervised against cheating.
The video shows other students sitting outside the classroom on a culvert, copying from their textbooks and notes.
The convener of Dialogue 365, Comrade Waheed Saka, said: “That kind of arrangement can never produce quality students. The environment is unethical and I admonished the National Board of Technical Education (NBTE) to look into the courses they are offering.”
Meanwhile, the Rector of the institution, Mr Kehinde Alabi, condemned the unethical environment and how a Continuous Assessment Test was conducted for the students in the Institution.
He said the conduct is not in conformity with the academic standard of the Institution and he would not compromise any act that would lower the academic standard of the polytechnic.
“I will not compromise any force that would abort the vision of quality education. We are going to investigate the matter and bring those involved in the act to book”, he said.
