The Nation Newspaper

Category: Education

  • Professional or licence certification not compulsory for entry into civil, public service — HoS

    Professional or licence certification not compulsory for entry into civil, public service — HoS

    The Federal government has announced that professional or license certifications are no longer compulsory for entry into the civil and public service.

    The circular dated April 12, 2021 was written after a meeting of the National Council on Establishment in Lagos. 

    The circular personally  by Yemi-Esan during her leadership, reads in part:  “The National Council on Establishment (NCE) at its 42nd meeting held from 30th November – 4th December 2020 in Ikeja, Lagos state resolved that professional certificates shall no longer serve as entry qualifications into any cadre in the Civil/Public Service. Consequently, only academic qualifications such as Junior and Senior Secondary School Certificates (WASC/SSCE), NECO, GCE, ND, NCE, HND, University degrees and postgraduate degrees shall apply”. 

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    This is in response to insistence by professional bodies that certification is compulsory for entry into civil/public service. 

    Last month, the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) warned professional bodies to operate within existing memorandum of understanding signed with the Board, saying that overstepping their bounds will attract severe consequences. 

    “I must emphasise that some professional bodies are overstepping their bounds. 

    “Some even go to NYSC to stop the mobilization of graduates. This has now been resolved and NYSC has stopped aiding this illegality,” the Executive Secretary of NBTE said in a memo dated September 11, 2024.

  • Professional or licence certification not compulsory for entry into civil, public service — HoS

    Professional or licence certification not compulsory for entry into civil, public service — HoS

    The Federal government has announced that professional or license certifications are no longer compulsory for entry into the civil and public service.

    The circular dated April 12, 2021 was written after a meeting of the National Council on Establishment in Lagos. 

    The circular personally  by Yemi-Esan during her leadership, reads in part:  “The National Council on Establishment (NCE) at its 42nd meeting held from 30th November – 4th December 2020 in Ikeja, Lagos state resolved that professional certificates shall no longer serve as entry qualifications into any cadre in the Civil/Public Service. Consequently, only academic qualifications such as Junior and Senior Secondary School Certificates (WASC/SSCE), NECO, GCE, ND, NCE, HND, University degrees and postgraduate degrees shall apply”. 

    This is in response to insistence by professional bodies that certification is compulsory for entry into civil/public service. 

    Last month, the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) warned professional bodies to operate within existing memorandum of understanding signed with the Board, saying that overstepping their bounds will attract severe consequences.

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    “I must emphasise that some professional bodies are overstepping their bounds. 

    “Some even go to NYSC to stop the mobilization of graduates. This has now been resolved and NYSC has stopped aiding this illegality,” the Executive Secretary of NBTE said in a memo dated September 11, 2024.

  • 59 bags First Class as 2,145 graduate from UNIOSUN

    59 bags First Class as 2,145 graduate from UNIOSUN

    …Uniosun, Alakija to commission N34 billion teaching hospital soon – VC

    A total of 59 students from Osun State University (Uniosun) bagged First Class degrees as part of the 2,145 graduates for the 2023/2024 academic session.

    During the 14th pre-convocation ceremony held on Friday, September 13, at the university campus in Osogbo, Vice-Chancellor Professor Clement Adebooye also announced that the N32 billion teaching hospital will be commissioned soon.

    Professor Adebooye informed the press that the convocation ceremonies began on Friday, September 13, and will conclude on September 21, 2024.

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    He said, “It is my pleasure to inform you that a total of 2,409 Degrees and Diplomas will be awarded at the ceremony this year. This comprises First Degrees; 2,145, Postgraduate Diploma, 10; Master Degrees, 214 and Doctoral Degrees, 40.”

    He highlighted that 59 bagged first class, 673 got Second Class (Upper Division), 1,109 graduated with Lower division and 304 finished with Third Class. 

    Speaking about the N34 billion teaching hospital under construction, said: “I wanted to assure you that the hospital built by Business mogul, Dr. (Mrs) Folorunso Alakija is complete and we are soon going to commission it after the outcome.”

  • Job, digital skills: Webinar for youths to hold Sept 21, 22

    Job, digital skills: Webinar for youths to hold Sept 21, 22

    A webinar designed for graduates, National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members, and undergraduate students who are eager to equip themselves with the skills, insights, and strategies necessary to thrive in the job market is set to hold in September.

    The session titled: “Future-Ready: Thriving in a Changing Workforce”, is convened by the host, Amos Ogunola, and will hold on 21st & 22nd September 2024, around 7:00 PM (WAT)

    Participants are required to register via: bit.ly/FutureReadyWebinar24

    According to Amos, the webinar will feature top HR professionals and tech experts who will share their insights on how Nigeria’s youth can adapt to the ever-changing workforce.

    Some of the speakers include: Lucy Bolaji – HR Professional; Dara Olumide – Lifecycle Marketing Manager; Ayooluwa Bamgbade – Project Coordinator, Crystal EV Charging, UK; Ijeoma Nkiruka Onwordi – Head of Corporate Services, Tetarcore Energy Group

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    During the sessions, attendees will learn about CV revamping, Employability skills that help in securing a job, and Digital skills that are essential for navigating the modern workplace.

    Speaking on the idea behind the webinar, he disclosed that it was to commemorate his upcoming birthday. Amos said: “As someone who has walked the path of uncertainty after graduation, I know the challenges Nigeria’s youth face in today’s job market.

    “I created this webinar to help address the skills gap many graduates encounter. It is no longer enough to graduate with good grades—you need to be digitally savvy, have a standout CV, and demonstrate employability skills that make you competitive.”

    Speaking further, he said: “When I left university in 2017, I was excited yet clueless about what lay ahead, even with my good grades. Like many young graduates, I was confident in my academic achievements, but I quickly realized that the working world was changing fast -and I wasn’t fully prepared.

    “I vividly remember attending the Impact Project by the Mandela Washington Fellowship Alumni Association of Nigeria on 17th March 2018. It was a robust training on business, social entrepreneurship, civic leadership, and public management.

    “That experience was the turning point in my journey toward skill development. I learned that to thrive in today’s world, one needs more than academic excellence – one needs skills that align with the evolving workforce.

    “A pivotal moment for me was when I attended a digital skills training by Microsoft at the Ibadan Business School, where I learned the essential tools that shaped my professional path. These experiences laid the foundation for what has now become a mission to equip young Nigerians with the tools to succeed in an evolving workforce.”

    The second phase of this initiative will include the Future-Ready University Tour, a tour of 30 universities across Nigeria, and will involve Bright Rays Care Foundation. This phase will focus on preparing students for future challenges, emphasizing digital skills, employability skills, and financial literacy to help them thrive in the 21st century. For media inquiries or further details, please contact: Abidemi.ogunola@gmail.com

  • Back-to-School: LiRA foundation distributes educational materials to pupils

    Back-to-School: LiRA foundation distributes educational materials to pupils

    A non-governmental organisation (NGO), LiRA Foundation has organised its 5th edition of the ‘Back to school’ programme for school children as the new academic calendar year begins.

    Essential items including school bags, writing materials, sandals, water bottles, mathematical sets, and others were distributed to the students at the event held recently at CMS Primary School Compound, Ilaje, Bariga.

    The theme of the event titled: “Develop a Child, Develop a Nation”, had in attendance dignitaries including the wife of Oworo monarch, Olori Oluwabukola Saliu; SSA to the Lagos State Governor on Technical and Vocational Education Board, Hon. Giwa Moore; APC chieftain, Hon. Dengel Anifowose.

    Others include Teen motivation speaker and author, Hephzibah Oluwafolafemi Atilola; Young model, Nkwocha Princess, representatives of the National Youth Council of Nigeria; Member of the Governing Council, Federal University of Agriculture, Mubi, Adamawa State, Owolabi ‘Ajimomuya’ Oseni.

    The Founder, Ruth Ayomide Lijirin in her remarks, emphasised that developing children remains very important to laying the foundation for a stronger, more prosperous Nation.

    Lijirin who is also the Senior Special Assistant to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Civil Engagement, thanked her principal for his relentless support for youths.

    She further urged the schoolchildren to remain focused on their studies for them to achieve greater success.

    Lijirin said: “We would like to thank the performing Mr Governor of Lagos State, Mr Babajide Olusola Sanwoolu for his relentless support for the youth of the State. It is our prayer for God to continue to guide you, Sir.

    “Your commitment to the cause of Education and Child Development is truly commendable. You are the embodiment of the values we seek to instil in the younger generation, for them to thrive better and further in life.”

    In his goodwill message, Giwa Moore emphasised the need for youths to look beyond academic qualifications and focus on acquiring skills that will enable them to create jobs, rather than relying on scarce employment opportunities.

    He said: “I was impressed by Ruth Lijrin’s tireless efforts in organizing this initiative and her dedication to making a positive impact. Her commitment to supporting underprivileged students is truly commendable.

    “As an advocate for technical and vocational education, I believe that initiatives like this are crucial for building a skilled and prosperous workforce.”

    The Guest Speaker, Hephzibah Atilola in her speech, inspired her peers at the event.

    According to her, she got inspired by the zeal of a young female who took being courageous to the peak of recognition, by contesting in a competitive election, although lost to a male contestant.

    Afterward, she took it upon herself to write and launch a book back in July, to motivate young females to be focused and strongly determined towards achieving greater goals at a young age.

    In his message, Hon. Dengel described the back-to-school initiative as a step in the right direction that will put smiles on the faces of the school children and their parents who cannot afford the educational materials.

    He said: “The convener is truly doing a great job ensuring the younger generation of children are getting the needed attention through her foundation and I will say that again and again that she’s doing a great job.

    “I wish to encourage the recipients to focus on their education for them to attain their potential when and where necessary.”

  • UK varsity offers scholarship to three Nigerian undergraduate students

    UK varsity offers scholarship to three Nigerian undergraduate students

    A United Kingdom-based institution, Queen’s University Belfast has offered scholarships to three Nigerian undergraduate students.

    The university said the scholarship is part of its four-week Summer School scholarship program package for undergraduates in Nigeria and other African countries.

    The successful recipients, Ahmad Tijjani Attahir, Nile University Abuja (Computer Science); Adedife Aishat Adigun, Osun State University (English & International Business) and Anuoluwapo Diekolomo Olukayode, Bowen University (Computer Science).

    It also noted that the scholarship would cover tuition, course materials, and field trips including transport, social activities, Queen’s Sport Off-Peak membership, Certificate/Transcript, Queens University Hoodie, and a 20 percent tuition discount on first-year future MSc program.

    The university is ranked among the top 200 universities worldwide.

    “The benefits attached to the programme include a tuition fee of £1,400, an accommodation fee of £1,300, a 20 percent Master’s degree study discount, a course certificate and transcript, future academic reference letters from the university, and a UK visa and travel profile,” the university said.

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    According to a statement signed by Dr. Ilesanmi Olade, a Nigerian lecturer at the university, the three students were selected based on their representation of Nigerian tribal, religious, and gender diversity.

    The institution said that the scholarship package, offered as part of its Summer School program, is designed to provide students with the opportunity to immerse themselves in a new academic and cultural environment, ease the financial burden on students, and allow them to pursue their academic interests while expanding their knowledge.

    Dr. Olade said he strongly believed African students ought to have access to education at a “university that supports diversity in access to education.”

    He said: “I teach undergraduate students, and during the summer period, I teach the EEECS Summer School program. I joined QUB in 2021 and volunteered to teach at the Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences (EPS) annual summer school program for the Department of Electronics, Electrical Engineering, and Computer Science (EEECS).

    “Initially, assuming a supporting role, but over the past three years, I have advanced to the position of Summer Teaching Lead within the EPS, where I instruct Microcontroller Programming to summer school students.

    “Upon observing that a high majority of the yearly attendees were Chinese students, with no record of African students attending QUB Summer School in recent years, I raised this matter at various meetings.

    “I explained that African students are unable to afford the high cost of the summer school program and since the university supports diversity in access to education, there should be a sort of scholarship to allow African students to attend the summer school program.

    “Subsequently, support was received from Dr. Wasif Naeem, Director of Internationalisation, who provided tuition scholarships valued at £1,400 to each of the three African attendees. Further support was provided by Professor David Rooney and Dr. Thai Son Mai.

    “We invited an accomplished IT Guru and CEO of Ziphii Limited, Mr Nweike Onwuyali from Cambridge, England, to give a technology lecture. We also invited senior Nigerian Pastors (Pastor Phillips Oluwaleye and Pastor Chris Ifonlaja) from the Belfast community to visit and congratulate the attendees.”

    Dr. Olade commended other young students, such as Ifeoluwa Shoaga, Tolulope Olade, and Nifemi Adeleye, who audited the summer school program as they pursued their passion for Information Technology at an early age. 

    “Further appreciation to Mrs Eyitayo Oluwaleye, Kabirat Olayemi, Luke Maguire, and other teaching associates who supported and assisted students during the 4-week Summer school program.

    According to Olade, the 2024 summer school scholarship was provided as a “test run,” saying he hopes Queen’s University will further support a larger number of African Summer school scholarships in 2025 and beyond.

    “Dr. Ilesanmi Olade’s goal is to create academic opportunities for the growing African IT sector and also provide stronger visibility for Queen’s University Belfast, so this great university will become a common choice for future African students and academics,” the statement added.

  • Stipend: August payment being processed – NELFUND

    Stipend: August payment being processed – NELFUND

    The Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) has said the N20,000 stipend for beneficiaries of the student loan for August is being processed.

    The agency said it was “conducting necessary security checks to protect public funds and ensure that they are allocated to the right beneficiaries.”

    The director of Corporate Communications Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), Mrs. Oseyemi Oluwatuyi said this in a statement on Thursday, September 12.

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    While acknowledging that the process may cause some inconvenience, the agency said it was an “essential part of its commitment to maintaining transparency, accountability, and to continue to uphold the integrity of the student loan program.”

    The statement said: “The Fund is conducting necessary security checks to protect public funds and ensure that they are properly allocated to the right beneficiaries.

    “While we acknowledge that this process may cause some inconvenience, it is an essential part of our commitment to maintaining transparency, and accountability, and to continue to uphold the integrity of the student loan programme.

    “We therefore ask for your patience and understanding during this period, as we strive to finalise the disbursement with the same level of diligence that has defined our operations thus far.

    “We remain steadfast in our mission to empower students and enhance access to higher education across Nigeria.

    “The fund is working diligently to complete the disbursements as soon as possible.

    “We appreciate the feedback from students and are pleased to see the level of engagement and attentiveness in monitoring the progress of the upkeep disbursements.

    “This level of involvement reinforces the significance of the student loan program, and we remain dedicated to supporting your educational pursuits, just as we have with previous disbursements.”

  • 50 U.S. varsities to attend 2024 EducationUSA fair in Abuja, Lagos

    50 U.S. varsities to attend 2024 EducationUSA fair in Abuja, Lagos

    EducationUSA Nigeria, the U.S. government’s official source of information on U.S. higher education, will host its 23rd annual EducationUSA College Fair from September 17 to 19 in Abuja and Lagos.

    A statement by the organisers said: “The EducationUSA Fair will facilitate direct interactions for prospective students with international admissions officers from 50 leading U.S. colleges and universities including Harvard University, Columbia University, The George Washington University, Tulane University, and Spelman College.

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    “The higher education institutions participating in the fair represent the United States’ geographic diversity and offer a range of academic programs at the undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral levels. 

    “Fair attendees will have the opportunity to speak with international admissions officers, EducationUSA advisers, and U.S. Embassy representatives about educational opportunities, the student visa application process, financial aid as well as the cultural aspects of studying and living in the United States.

    “The United States has renowned higher education programs and remains the destination of choice for international students,” U.S. Mission Public Diplomacy Counselor Lee McManis noted.

    “The upcoming EducationUSA College fair is a great way to explore the amazing educational opportunities that the United States has to offer.”

    The College Fair will commence in Abuja on September 17 at the NAF Conference Centre and Suites.

    “The fair will continue in Lagos on September 18 at the Ecobank Pan African Center, Victoria Island, and end on September 19 at Pistis Hub, Maryland. There is no participation fee, but registration is required.”

  • Gombe partners UNICEF to address education deficit

    Gombe partners UNICEF to address education deficit

    The Gombe State Government, in collaboration with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), has launched a project aimed at tackling foundational literacy challenge and poor numeracy skills in primary schools.

    The initiative is in response to alarming findings from a recent Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey (MICS).

    The survey revealed that only 25 per cent of Nigerian children, particularly in the North, in primary grades four, five, and six, can read a basic text or solve simple arithmetic, particularly in the North, the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports.

    Speaking on Tuesday at the stakeholders’ engagement on Foundational Literacy and Numeracy (FLN), organised by the partners, Dr. Aishatu Maigari, Commissioner of Education, decried the grim reality, which indicates that one in every three children, are out of school.

    The report further states that out of those attending school, three, out of four, are not receiving quality education

    Maigari referred to the situation as a “learning crisis,” pointing out that while many children were enrolled in school, they lacked the ability to read or do basic calculations.

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    The commissioner emphasised that children from rural and economically disadvantaged backgrounds were disproportionately affected, but reaffirmed the state’s commitment to delivering quality and equitable education for all children.

    Malam Abdulrahman Ado, UNICEF Education Specialist, Bauchi Field Office, stressed the importance of a multi-sectoral approach to addressing the issue.

    He identified several key barriers to learning which included poor teacher performance, ineffective school management, and lack of adequate teaching materials.

  • Momoh seeks collaboration between varsity, private sector

    Momoh seeks collaboration between varsity, private sector

    Chairman of Channels Media Group, John Momoh, has called for collaboration, between institutions offering postgraduate education and the private sector.

    He said that for sustainable growth, the collaboration is one that could be more relevant to the challenges and opportunities facing the nation.

    Speaking at the 2023/2024 annual lecture of the School of Postgraduate Studies (SPGS), University of Lagos (UNILAG), with the theme:Innovative Synergy: Harnessing the Power of Collaboration Between Postgraduate Education and the Private Sector for Sustainable Economic Growth, Momoh said the role of education, particularly postgraduate education, cannot be underestimated.

    “The private sector as the engine of economic growth, innovation and job creation is a critical partner in this endeavour. However, for businesses in Nigeria to thrive and remain competitive in a rapidly changing global market, they must continuously innovate and adapt. And this is where the collaboration with our universities and other research institutions becomes invaluable. In Nigeria, a great country, the challenges we face are unique,” he said.

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    He explained that the collaboration between postgraduate education and the private sector must be intentional and strategic.

    He said: “The partnership between postgraduate education and the private sector isn’t just an option. It is a necessity for the sustainable development of Nigeria. I am confident that the discussions we’ll have today will spark new ideas. They will forge new partnerships and set us on a path towards a more prosperous and sustainable future for Nigeria.”

    Vice Chancellor of UNILAG, Prof. Folashade Ogunshola, said higher institutions have to be more intentional in meeting the developmental needs of the country and the postgraduate school is central to this mission.