The Nation Newspaper

Category: Education

  • Lagos presents approval letters to 78 new private school owners

    Lagos presents approval letters to 78 new private school owners

    No fewer than 78 new private school owners have received provisional approval letters from the Lagos State government.

    The approved letters were handed out by the Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Mr. Jamiu Tolani Alli-Balogun, at the Education Resource Centre in Ojodu, Ikeja, last Wednesday.

    The event, organized by the Office of Education Quality Assurance (OEQA), highlighted the government’s commitment to supporting educational development.

    Alli-Balogun praised the Governor for his unwavering dedication to providing quality education, which is a key component of the T.H.E.M.E.S. plus Agenda in the ongoing second-term administration.

    The initiative aims to ensure the future success of students in basic and secondary schools across the State.

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    “It is another milestone in the achievements of the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education. We have made a promise to the good people of Lagos that we want to change education for a better future for our children in Lagos State as embedded in our T. H. E. M. E. S. PLUS Agenda is being piloted by our own Governor, Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu. He is so passionate about education, and he sees education and technology as a driving force to change our society for the better”, said the Commissioner.

    He emphasized that quality education was a social investment and only the sacrifice would empower students and youths to achieve a better future, and since the State Government cannot do it alone, he appreciated the role of private school owners in the advancement of education in the State. 

    “We are aware that education is a social investment, but you are also paying your contribution to the development of Lagos State and Nigeria in general,” he said.

    However, he warned all proprietors and proprietors who had gone through the processes of provisional approval letters of the State Government to maintain the integrity of the letter because the State Government would not shy away from its responsibility to enforce the rules and regulations guiding quality education in the State.

    Earlier, Director, of Planning, Research and Statistics, Mr. Remi Abdul in his welcome address commended the private school owners for their ability to scale through the processes of provisional approval letters for private schools and urged them to continue the partnership to deliver qualitative education to all children in the State.

     Abdul said: “It is for this reason that the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education through OEQA conducted inspections prior to granting approval as well as organized a series of seminars and stakeholders meetings for school owners in order to keep them abreast of State government education policies and aspirations for basic and secondary schools.”

    The latest approval, which is the third this year, brings the number of new private schools approved so far this year to three hundred and sixty-two (362).

  • Develop sources of IGR for self-funding, Reps committee tells Nigerian universities

    Develop sources of IGR for self-funding, Reps committee tells Nigerian universities

    The House of Representatives Committee on University Education has urged Nigerian universities to develop internal revenue sources to become self-sufficient and depend less on government funding.

    During an oversight visit to several universities, the committee’s chairman, Hon. Hassan Abubakar Fulata, emphasised the need for university management to create products and initiatives for patenting.

    The committee visited the Federal University of Technology Akure (FUTA), Federal University Oye Ekiti (FUOYE), and Adeyemi Federal University of Education Ondo.

    He said various universities in the country can generate revenue through research and can come up with patents for inventions.

    He said there should be synergy between the universities and industrialists as well as relevant stakeholders for invention and development.

    According to the lawmakers, while the government must fund the universities, the management of the universities must properly utilise different sources of internally generated revenue for proper funding.

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    According to him, the desired result will not be achieved if the burden of funding universities and other tertiary institutions is left in the hands of the government alone.

    Speaking during the visit, the Vice Chancellor of the Federal University of Technology Akure sought the intervention of the National Assembly and relevant stakeholders to generate its own electricity for the school and its environs.

    Also speaking, Vice Chancellor of the Federal University of Technology, Akure, Prof. Adenike Temidayo Oladiji, said power supply has become one of the major problems in recent times.

    She commended the Fulata-led Committee for the advocacy resulting in the approval of a 50% electricity subsidy for tertiary institutions and hospitals. She commended President Bola Tinubu for yielding to the call and giving approval for the subsidy.

    She said the university can build a power plant that cannot only supply electricity to the FUTÀ campuses but can also supply power to different communities. She said the intervention of government is seriously needed in terms of funding as it is capital intensive.

    Similarly, the Acting Vice Chancellor of Adeyemi Federal University of Education Ondo, Ondo State, Dr Samuel Akintunde, said the school was recently converted from a college of education to a university and needs structures

    He sought the assistance of the legislators to address the challenge of infrastructure and proper funding of the universities.

    Also, Vice Chancellor of Federal University Oye Ekiti, Ekiti State, Prof. Abayomi Sunday Fasina drew the attention of the House Committee on University Education to the numerous challenges of the school and the need to tackle them.

    Fasina said the FUOYE has two campuses but there is difficulty in building structures for faculties and departments due to funds.

    He also said despite the presidential directive that universities and other tertiary institutions be removed from IPPIS, they are still operating under it. He sought the committee’s intervention for full compliance with the directive.

  • NBTE approves NUBIAN America Advanced College

    NBTE approves NUBIAN America Advanced College

    Nubian American Advanced College off Chevron Road, Lekki, Lagos, has received the approval of Minister of Education for the establishment of the institution in line with the provision of ACT CAP E3 LPN 2004 with effect from August 1, 2024. 

    The college also received the approval of the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) for the Interim Accreditation of its academic programmes.

    The NBTE, in the approval letter by its Executive Secretary, Prof. Idris M. Bugaje, to the proprietor of the college, Dr. Azhinoto Ikpah, conveyed the Minister’s approval as well as the Board’s approval of the institution granting it recognition and the interim accreditation for its Business Administration and Management programme for the take-off of the institution.

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    The NBTE further approved the commencement of admission of students by the college into the approved programmes with effect from the 2024/2025 sessions.

    The Board advised the college to ensure strict compliance to the approved programme.

    Dr. Patrick Oyinkari, the Provost of the college, in a statement explained that Nubian American Advanced College is pioneering the offering of associate degree programmes in Nigeria, which are two-year programmes like the national diploma programmes with professional, technical and vocational skills at very reasonable and affordable terms.

    “Our products receive American education while in Nigeria and have the options to transfer credits to four-year colleges and universities in the USA and Nigeria.

     “They also get the opportunities for gainful employment and entrepreneurship,” Prof. Oyinkari said about the nascent college.

  • Edusko announces 2024 summit to revolutionise education in Africa

    Edusko announces 2024 summit to revolutionise education in Africa

    In a bold move to shape the future of work in Africa, Edusko, an indigenous educational technology startup, has announced this year’s edition of its flagship summit, ACTIVATED.

    In a statement on Tuesday, September 3, the Chief Executive Officer of Edusko, Jide Ayegbusi, said the event, scheduled for November 1-2 at the Muson Centre in Onikan, Lagos, aims to bring together key stakeholders in the education sector to explore innovative ways to transform learning and education on the continent.

    ACTIVATED, formerly known as the Business of Education Summit, has evolved into Africa’s premier education summit, drawing education leaders, school administrators, educators, parents, policymakers, and industry influencers from across the continent.

    Over the past seven years, the summit has indirectly impacted more than 5 million students and hosted over 20,000 attendees.

    Ayegbusi said this year’s theme underscores Edusko’s commitment to revolutionizing African education by preparing the next generation of leaders with skills and knowledge beyond traditional classrooms.

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    “Our theme this year, ‘Beyond Classroom,’ encapsulates our commitment to ushering in a new era of teaching and learning that empowers the next generation of African leaders beyond the classroom,” Ayegbusi stated.

    He highlighted the summit’s agenda, noting that participants can expect insightful discussions led by global speakers and experts, as well as networking opportunities with key stakeholders.

    The event will also showcase futuristic educational technologies and services designed to meet the demands of the future workforce.

    Ayegbusi mentioned that the summit will feature a special panel session with top African celebrities and influencers, who will discuss how they can contribute to reshaping the education system and preparing the next generation for future workforce demands.

    He added that a plenary session for teenagers will provide a platform for young people to share their expectations from parents, schools, and other societal influencers as they prepare for their roles in the workforce.

    Prominent speakers confirmed for ACTIVATED 2024 include the Vice-Chancellor of Covenant University, Professor Abiodun Adebayo; Chairperson of Sanctum Startup College, Professor Abiola Awosika; Managing Director of CcHUB, Ojoma Ochai; CEO of EDUTAMS, Dr. Ademola Adenubi; Director of Schools at Chrisland Schools, Ayoola Akinyeye; and CEO of ShopEx TV, Olajumoke Abiodun. The summit will also feature notable figures such as Genoveva Umeh, an award-winning Nigerian-British actor; Idia Aisien, an actor and media entrepreneur; and Pere Egbi, an actor, model, and reality TV star, among others.

    Registration for ACTIVATED 2024 is free and can be completed online at edusko.com/activated.

    Edusko has made a significant impact in the education sector by matching African students with top-rated K-12 private schools and offering affordable education financing.

    The startup has listed over 8,000 top-rated K-12 schools, providing education for more than 2.5 million students in Nigeria.

  • Clare Ezeakacha conferred with Honorary Doctorate

    Clare Ezeakacha conferred with Honorary Doctorate

    Clare Ezeakacha, an esteemed social entrepreneur, filmmaker, and the founder of the Clare Cares Foundation has been awarded an honorary doctorate in peace and conflict resolution by African American University.

    The prestigious ceremony took place on Saturday, August 24, 2024, in Lagos.

    Professor Ikechukwu Benjamin Ezeohagwu, Chairman of the Award and Research Committee, commended Ezeakacha for her “ingeniously outstanding contributions to diverse humanitarian projects.”

    He highlighted her work in filmmaking, child advocacy, radio programs, youth mentorship, and people and events management, recognizing her role in fostering a progressive and socio-economically developed Nigeria.

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    African American University, a globally recognized institution with its international headquarters in Atlanta, Georgia, USA, bestowed this honorary doctorate upon Ezeakacha in recognition of her exceptional contributions to society.

    Expressing her gratitude, Ezeakacha stated: “I am deeply honoured to receive this prestigious award from African American University. It validates my commitment to humanitarian work, child advocacy, and fostering a more peaceful and just society.”

    She further emphasized her dedication to continuing her impactful work, stating, “I am more determined than ever to organize mentorship programs and serve as a true ambassador of peace.”

    This honorary doctorate solidifies Clare Ezeakacha’s reputation as a leading figure in humanitarianism, youth development, and social change. Her unwavering commitment to making a positive impact is an inspiration to other youngsters.

  • Jigawa trains secondary teachers on educational digital transformation

    Jigawa trains secondary teachers on educational digital transformation

    In an effort to revolutionize education through digital transformation, the Office of the Technical Adviser on ICT and Digital Economy in collaboration with the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Technology, hosted a 7-day boot camp from August 20 to August 27, 2024.

    The event took place at the NYSC Orientation Camp and Dutse Model International School, training over 4,000 secondary school teachers.

    The initiative, inaugurated by the Governor of Jigawa State, targeted Education Management Information System (EMIS) officers from 288 secondary schools in Jigawa, as well as staff from ten zonal education offices and the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Technology.

    Addressing the event, Malam Umar Namadi, FCA, the Executive Governor of Jigawa State, highlighted significant milestones achieved under the JIGAWA COMPETE Initiative in the state’s educational digital transformation. Governor Namadi emphasized the successful design and implementation of a comprehensive Educational Management Information System (EMIS) software.

    Over 4,000 secondary school teachers have already enrolled and downloaded the Jigawa EMIS Application from the Google Play Store and web platforms, enabling real-time data collection and management.

    The Governor also acknowledged support from the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) in providing internet services, ensuring free online access for users of the EMIS software. Additionally, the state has recruited and trained EMIS officers for each secondary school to serve as master trainers, facilitating the initiative’s statewide implementation.

    Governor Namadi announced the provision of fifty National Identity Management Enrolment devices to enroll all Senior Secondary School students into the National Identity Management Database, issuing them National Identification Numbers (NIN). This initiative aims to track out-of-school children, combat learning poverty, monitor student progress, and address educational disparities.

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    The “Creating Opportunity for Mastery, Proficiency, and Technology Empowerment (J-COMPETE)” initiative is central to this transformation, focusing on equipping teachers and students with 21st-century educational skills.

    The program featured presentations by various professional facilitators on critical educational topics throughout the week. Dr. Rislan Kanya, Technical Adviser on ICT and Digital Economy to the Jigawa Governor, discussed “Learning Poverty, School Deprivation, Learning Deprivation, and Progression Deprivation,” emphasizing the role of the Jigawa Educational Management Information System (EMIS) in addressing these issues. Dr. Kanya also presented the “J-COMPETE Philosophy,” outlining the program’s principles and objectives.

    Representative from UNICEF, Michael Banda and  Mustapha Ahmed  from FCDO-Plane provided a global perspective on “The Danger of Learning Poverty,” underscoring the urgency of tackling this issue. Prof. Ahmed Iliyasu Dambatta, Dean of the Faculty of Education at Bayero University, Kano, explored “The New Role of Teachers in 21st Century Education and Techno-Pedagogy Approach for Effective Teaching and Learning,” highlighting the evolving nature of education. Mr. Nazir Halilu, Nigeria’s Country Manager for GRID3, emphasized the importance of Geographic Information System (GIS) in reducing learning poverty and ensuring inclusivity in education.

    Further sessions focused on practical aspects of educational technology and group work breakout sessions. Mr. Babagana Aminu provided insights into utilizing EMIS for real-time monitoring and data analysis, while Mr. Abubakar Isa Kimpa, Director of ICT at the Federal Ministry of Education, discussed “Digital Teaching and Learning” from a federal perspective.

    A panel discussion on the “Role of Teachers in Transforming Education and Data in the Digital Transformation of the Education Sector” brought together experts to explore Jigawa State’s educational goals. The session provided insights into international commitments to addressing learning poverty.

    The program included practical demonstrations of the Jigawa EMIS and discussions on the role of digital learning platforms such as Learning Passport, Inspire, and Ignite in enhancing teacher and learner capacity. Participants received hands-on training on connecting to Airtel Routers provided by the Ministry, accessing free internet via the Nigeria Learning Passport, and utilizing the Jigawa EMIS Web Portal and Mobile App.

    The event concluded with sessions on Online Content, Digital Pedagogy, Student Engagement, and Tech Support, equipping teachers with tools and support for success in the digital education landscape facilitatd by Rislan Kanya. The program wrapped up with a review and evaluation session led by Mr. Murtala Kazaure and Arch Habibu Kani, aimed at gathering feedback to enhance future digital education initiatives.

    The program will continue at 15 digital innovation centers established by NITDA across the state, with each teacher undergoing 42 hours of practical sessions on Digital Literacy and Digital Pedagogy. Successful participants will receive a certificate in digital teaching and learning awarded by Cosmopolitan University Abuja, validated by the Faculty of Education at Bayero University Kano and the Google Certified Education program.

  • Parents, Ondo govt disagree on free basic education

    Parents, Ondo govt disagree on free basic education

    The concept of the Universal Basic Education is to ensure free education for the first nine years of a child. It extended to the Junior Secondary Schools. However, in Ondo state, parents do not agree that basic education is free. Osagie Otabor, reports

    As school is set to resume in Ondo State, it is brisk business for many carpenters operating within vicinities where Secondary schools are located. 

    This is because pupils entering JS one are expected to bring a desk and a locker or the child would be made to sit on the floor to learn. 

    Checks showed that a set of locker and desk cost N16,000. Besides, the money parents are asked to pay to enrol their children into JS1 put to question the concept of free basic education free in Ondo State especially at the Junior Secondary level? To many parents, education is far from free.

    The 2024 budget for the education sector is about N48bn which represented 12.4% of the total budget. 

    However, desks and lockers have not been provided for the pupils. It is, therefore, a common sight to behold within Akure, the state capital, for pupils to be carrying desks and lockers to school.

    A parent said he had to pay over a N100,000 for his son into one of the public secondary schools in Akure. 

    The money, according to him consist of books, desks and lockers, school uniforms, sports wear and other collectibles such as brooms.

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    At the entrance of many secondary schools, many carpenters were seen displaying various lockers and chairs.

    Checks showed that pupils in Ondo Primary school pay N23,000 annually while those in secondary schools pay N43,000 annually. 

    The money is not termed school fees but covered school bus maintenance, computer, Parents Teachers Association (PTA) examination fess, digital platforms, administrative charges, security, medicals, utility amongst others.

    Chairman of the State Universal Basic Education Board, Hon Victor Olabimtan, said it was the PTA executives that met with the state and proposed to be paying the money as part of their ways to support educational development.

    Hon Olabimtan insisted that education remained free in the state saying it was the PTA that collects the money and disbursed. He said no pupils are allowed to pay for locker and desk.

    “Any school that collects money from parents for locker and desk or books is doing illegal business. Schools are not supposed to sell books to parents.

    “In the new dispensation, we want to start providing locker and desk for Junior Secondary Schools. We will start supplying furniture in the 2024 action plan of SUBEB. Basic education is totally free in Ondo State.”

    On his part, Ondo State Commissioner for  Education, Science, and Technology, Olaolu Akindolie, said the sum of N3bn has been earmark for renovation of secondary schools across the state. He said parents were not supposed to bring chairs and lockers to schools.

    Akindolie stated that it was not state government policy that parents should pay any fees and vowed sanctions for any school Principal that demanded for money.

    “There is nothing like that. That is not government policy. I have gone round and sensitised parents. Parents are not supposed to bring desks to schools. They should protest to us and we will sanction such Principal.”

    Some parents who spoke after paying the necessary fees declined to mention their names for fear of victimisation.

    They were see at the entrance of some secondary schools in Akure, the state capital, buying desk.

    One of them said, “Education is not free in this state. School fees is N20, 300, uniform is N34, 500, list of books is N39,500. Every thing I paid for my son to enter JS1 is over N150,000. I even bought desk N11,500.

    “Government will say education is free. Education is not free. We buy everything. I am going to the bank to pay the school fees. There is school fees. I do not agree there is free education in Ondo State.”

    Another parent said he had to borrow money to ensure his daughter got enrol into JS1.

  • Ambrose Alli University Outstanding Ph.D. Dissertation Award in Economics Recognizes Moses Oyeyemi Agbede

    Ambrose Alli University Outstanding Ph.D. Dissertation Award in Economics Recognizes Moses Oyeyemi Agbede

    Ambrose Alli University proudly announces that Dr. Moses Oyeyemi Agbede has been awarded the Outstanding Ph.D. Dissertation Award in Economics for his groundbreaking Ph.D. dissertation titled “Foreign Capital Inflows and Real Sector Outputs in Nigeria.” This prestigious honor recognizes his exceptional contributions to economic research and policy development in Nigeria.

    Dr. Agbede’s dissertation provides a comprehensive analysis of how foreign capital inflows, including foreign direct investment, remittances, and official development assistance, impact Nigeria’s real sector productivity. His research reveals critical insights into the nation’s economic dynamics, particularly the disconnect between consistent capital inflows and real sector growth.

    One of the study’s most significant findings highlights how remittances and official development assistance have failed to stimulate substantial growth in the agriculture and manufacturing sectors. Dr. Agbede attributes this to Nigerian households’ propensity for consumption rather than productive investment. His work proposes innovative policy solutions, emphasizing the need for government initiatives that redirect these capital flows toward small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in key real sectors.

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    Faculty leaders at Ambrose Alli University have lauded the dissertation’s academic rigor and practical relevance:

    • Professor Benson Oboh Iganiga, Dean of Faculty of Social Sciences, remarked: “Dr. Agbede’s research provides a blueprint for transforming Nigeria’s economic landscape. His analysis of household investment behavior offers policymakers concrete strategies to enhance capital utilization.”

    • Professor Osagie Iqhodalo, Dean of Postgraduate School, added: “This work exemplifies the highest standards of doctoral research. Dr. Agbede’s findings have already stimulated important discussions about Nigeria’s economic development pathways.”

    The university community celebrates this achievement as a testament to its commitment to producing research that addresses Nigeria’s most pressing economic challenges. Dr. Agbede’s work is expected to influence both academic discourse and national policy formulation in the coming years.

  • Reconsider 18 years minimum age to write WASCE, Ajadi urges FG

    Reconsider 18 years minimum age to write WASCE, Ajadi urges FG

    A chieftain of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), Amb. Olufemi Ajadi Oguntoyinbo, has urged the Federal Government to review its policy of pegging minimum age for candidates to write West Africa School Certificate Examinations (WASCE) at 18.

    He said the policy may delay progress of millions of children already at Senior Secondary School, (SSS1) and (SSS2) going to be at SSS 3 below 18.

    Minister of Education Prof. Tahir Mamman recently announced a policy setting the minimum age for writing the Senior Secondary School Certificate Examinations (SSCE) at 18 from 2025. 

    But a statement by Ajadi said until recently, the age requirement for participating in the Joint Admission and Matriculation  Board,(JAMB) Tertiary Entrance Examination was 16 years, wondering why the federal government just comes up to alter the age requirements for the School Certificate Examinations.

    He said he agreed with many stakeholders in the education sector who view the decision as a regressive step that fails to consider the realities of modern education.

    He said government should maintain minimum age for SSCE at 16 years, as has been the practice, saying this is a more balanced and sustainable approach. 

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    “It allows academically ready students to progress to tertiary education without delay while ensuring those who need more time can take their steps gradually.

    “Setting the minimum age for SSCE at 18 years is out of step with the global trend towards encouraging early academic achievements. 

    “Nigeria’s 6-3-3-4 educational system, which anticipates students finishing secondary school by age 18, does not account for the diverse academic paths students might take. 

    “Many students, particularly those who are gifted or started school early, complete secondary education well before turning 18.

    “Imposing an age limit would unfairly penalised these students, forcing them to wait unnecessarily, which is both a waste of time and an impediment to their academic and professional growth.

    “Policy changes should not be hurriedly carried out. Moreso education is not on Exclusive List. It is on Concurrent List. Federal Government needs to contact and meet with the state governors before arriving at a policy changes on education.

    “We have state secondary schools aside the federal government schools. Moreso, the School Certificate Examinations being conducted by the West Africa Examinations Council, (WAEC) is not only for Nigerian students but for other west African countries. While must we peg the age at 18 years while other countries write at a lower age,” he stared. 

  • Kwara SUBEB announces 1,611 teaching, non-teaching vacancies in public basic schools

    Kwara SUBEB announces 1,611 teaching, non-teaching vacancies in public basic schools

    Kwara State Universal Basic Education Board (KwSUBEB) Ilorin is set to engage a total of 1,611 teaching and non-teaching staff from across the sixteen (16) local government areas of the state, the Board’s Chairman, Prof Shehu Raheem Adaramaja said on Tuesday.

    A total of 695 B.Ed degree holders, 605 NCE holders, 200 security guards, and 111 other categories of Non-teaching staff were approved for engagement into the service of Kwara State Universal Basic Education Board, Adaramaja said.

    He added that the exercise will be carried out based on the needs assessment recently conducted across the 16 LGEAs.

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    In a statement released by the Press Secretary of the Board, Atere Abiola Ameenat, Prof. Adaramaja said the recruitment exercise follows the approval of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq (CON) to fill the vacancies created due to retirements, deaths, or transfer of service to other states.

    On the procedure for the recruitment, the statement emphasised that a community-based job recruitment approach will be adopted without compromising competence and qualifications. 

    Recruitment is going to take place at the local government level or at the nearest communities/villages where their services are greatly needed, it added.

    Successful candidates will sign a bond of non-movement or transfer from their new place of work for the first 5 years — a condition that is based on the experience of teachers not staying in the hinterlands.

    The Board Chairman said the exercise aligns with the Governor’s commitment to strengthening the educational sector, especially at the local levels, adding that all local government areas will be adequately represented in the process.

    “The recruitment drive is part of the Governor’s commitment to strengthening the educational sector in Kwara State, ensuring that each community within the 16 LGEAs receives adequate educational resources and support,” Chairman said.

    The SUBEB Chair added that the exercise will last for 3 weeks from the date of commencement. 

    This is because the 2024/2025 resumption date is coming up soon in September, 2024, it added.

    Schedule of recruitment exercise across the state will be released soon, according to the statement.