The Nation Newspaper

Category: Education

  • Anambra, stakeholders affirm commitment to sustainable waste management

    Anambra, stakeholders affirm commitment to sustainable waste management

    The Anambra State Government, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), the Coca-Cola Foundation and TechnoServe have reaffirmed their commitment to recycling plastic waste, securing more environmentally friendly solutions through strategic partnerships and innovative solutions.

    Speaking while declaring open a stakeholders’ sensitisation meeting on Plastic Waste Recycling, at Hilton Leisure Hotel, Awka, Anambra State, the Commissioner for Environment, Dr. Felix Odimegwu, said: “Plastic waste becomes a menace to the environment when not separated and channelled for recycling.”

    He highlighted the alignment of the Nigeria Plastic Solutions Activity with Anambra’s strategic vision for sustainable development. Under the leadership of Governor Charles Soludo, Anambra has been actively pursuing initiatives to reduce waste, promote recycling, and foster a culture of sustainability.

    Dr. Odimegwu also announced the second season of the “All Anambra Communities Plastic Waste Recovery Challenge,” aiming to reduce waste, promote recycling, and create employment for the residents, reinforcing the state’s commitment to a cleaner and greener future.

    Odimegwu said partnering on projects like this is one of several ways through which the state government is creating awareness on the importance of waste separation for recycling and generating economic prosperity through the circular economy.

    The Country Director of Technoserve Nigeria, Mrs. Adesuwa Akinboro, who was represented by the Senior Programme Manager, Mr. Benneth Obasiohia, emphasised the importance of collaboration in combating plastic pollution.

    Read Also: ECOWAS Parliament committee calls for action on plastic waste management

    She noted that the project sought to boost local economies and also create sustainable livelihoods, not forgetting Nigeria’s significant contributions to global plastic waste, of which only 12 percent is being recycled in the country.

    Obasiohia urged stakeholders to work together, stressing that the success of the initiative depends on collective action for a cleaner and greener future in Anambra State.

    The event featured presentations, including one by Professor Emma Ezenwaji, Chairman of the ASWAMA board of directors, on strategic partnerships for improved waste management service delivery in Anambra State, also Franklin Nwaribe, Senior Business Advisor, provided an overview of the Nigeria Plastic Solutions Activity.

    Fr. Dr. Jude Ezeanokwasi, a Reader from the Faculty of Law at Nnamdi Azikiwe University, emphasised the growing importance of waste management policy and regulations in Anambra State.

    He noted that these policies have become not just necessary but sacrosanct, reflecting the urgent need for structured and effective waste management practices to safeguard the environment.

    Private sector stakeholders, including the Waste Pickers Association of Nigeria (WAPAN), Anambra State Waste Recyclers Association (ASWRA), and plastic aggregators, were also given the opportunity to present the challenges they faced in the plastic recycling sector.

  • Think before you act, Mind Builders School graduating class 2024 advised

    Think before you act, Mind Builders School graduating class 2024 advised

    The members of Mind Builders School graduating Class of 2024 have been urged not lose all they  and their parents worked for in a vulnerable moment. Therefore, they must always think before they act.

     “You have achieved something remarkable, and now you stand on the precipice of a world full of opportunities and challenges. As you step into this new chapter of your lives, I want to remind you of a profound truth: Freedom without boundaries is bondage.

      “In the coming years, you will have more freedom than ever before. Cherish it, but also be mindful.

    “Do not lose all you have worked for, and what your parents have worked for, in a vulnerable moment. The Internet does not forget, so always think before you act,” the keynote speaker at the event, Mrs. Anuoluwa Akinola, told the graduands.

    The ceremony was held recently in the school ultra-modern hall with the theme: “Breaking Limits”.

    Mrs. Akinola congratulated the graduates for the significant milestone in their lives, admonishing them to always reflect on the incredible efforts, hardwork, dedication and resilience put together before achieving the great success.

    Urging the graduands to make the best of every moment, he counseled them to embrace the mind-set of a life-long learner.

    “Keep learning, because failure is not the end, but a part of your learning curve. It’s an opportunity to grow. Step out of your comfort zones and build your strengths. Volunteer, serve others, serve your parents and the less privileged. Have a plan for the next six months and strive towards it with determination “.

    “Believe in your dreams. Every one of you can achieve greatness. Your dreams are valid, and within you lays a seed of greatness. Do not let it die by neglecting to nurture it.

    Read Also: Mind Builders School gives scholarship worth N9m

    “I have lived in a village, failed many exams, yet today, I have awards from all over the world. I once competed with first-class students and came out on top. Maintain a positive perspective and believe in the power of your mind-set”.

    Education Director (ED) of Mind Builders School, Mrs. Bola Falore, in her remarks, said “the most befitting way to begin the event was to thank the Almighty God for His faithfulness and numerous blessings upon the school, for His protection over our children, His provision for our parents, His strength for our teachers, and His wisdom for the management are especially cherished during these challenging times marked by economic uncertainty, inflation, and the dread of the unknown.

    “Despite these challenges, we are still standing strong.”

    The ED congratulated the graduates, whom she attested to their tireless works on assignments, homework, and projects, overcome challenges and had persevered to reach the moment as well as by their hard work, determination and resilience.

    She enjoined them to be proud of their achievements. “Congratulations, you have made it”! She exclaimed.

    The graduates were urged to remember that education did not end at the occasion, but just the beginning.

    The guest minister of the occasion was Rev. (Canon) Bode Daramola, Vicar, Bishop Irunsewe Kale Memorial Church, Olowora, Lagos and the Chairman of the day was Dr. Olukayode Taiwo, Managing Partner, Golden Palace Consulting.

    Rev. Daramola urged the graduands to embrace challenges with a mindset of doing the impossible. “While success and failure are inevitable parts of life, they do not define us. Instead, let us discover our true identity in Christ and embrace the strength He provides to persevere through every trial.

    “Use technology and every available resource to develop your talents and skills. Just as an eagle soars high above the storms, aspire to elevate yourself beyond limitations. Learn to say “No” to distractions and carefully consider the consequences of every action.”

  • Stakeholders seek more action on inclusive education in Lagos, Sokoto

    Stakeholders seek more action on inclusive education in Lagos, Sokoto

    Stakeholders in the education sector in Lagos and Sokoto have called on governments at all levels to scale up investment in education to provide covering for special needs children.

    In Lagos, the Civil Society Action Coalition on Education for All (CSACEFA), during its 2024 Education Summit, themed: ‘Inclusive Education: Leave No Child Behind’, advocated for greater action, especially funding, to engender education for every child, irrespective of race, creed, religion and social status.

    Lagos State Coordinator of CSACEFA Mrs. Olubunmi Francis, noted that the coalition is focused on ensuring that every child in Lagos gets quality education.

    She said: “We understand that every child has different abilities and disabilities. So, it is important that all children are included in government’s programmes and policies.

    “Our special focus for this summit is to address the issues of inclusive education, especially bearing in mind that the mantra of the Lagos State Universal Basic Education Board (LASUBEB) says ‘Leave no child behind’. We wanted to address the marginalisation of some children. We also want to address the challenges of financing inclusive education.

    “A lot still needs to be done with respect to the inclusive schools in Lagos, teacher-development, especially in the area of special needs, as well as infrastructure, considering children with mobility issues. “The schools should have ramps, teaching resources that address children with disabilities and, most importantly, there is need for the girl-child to be included in the school system.

    “We are hoping that after this summit, the Lagos State government will pay more robust attention to its policies on inclusive education, and ensure a more conducive environment for every child to thrive and to get quality education. No child should by any means be excluded for any reason whatsoever.”

    Project Director of the Iyaniwura Children Care Foundation Mrs. Mathilda Otitoju, particularly urged government to liaise with external examination bodies to develop a template that would help children with intellectual disabilities write such exams.

    According to her, the pupils might be unable to hold a pen, but they have the ability to listen and read out their answers. “While they do this, an official can help to write out their answers. Digital technology can also be used like JAMB did in the last exam, which we are so grateful for,” she said.

    Another stakeholder, Bankole Adekeye stressed the need for the social aspect of inclusive education. According him, special needs children should to be trained in social treatment and acceptance to prepare them for the education they need.

    Chairman of LASUBEB, Hakeem Babatunde-Shittu, who was represented by Director of Teacher Establishment, Mrs. Eniola Olatunde, said government is involving stakeholders in its policies because it cannot do it alone.

    Read Also: 10 reasons education is not a scam

    He also restated the government’s commitment to ensuring that no child is denied quality education.

    “Our Project Zero is to ensure that no child of school age is out of school. When such kids are brought to school, we kit them free (uniform, school bag, water bottle, writing materials). We also pay a stipend to our marshalls who bring in these kids. We pay per child so they are encouraged to bring in as many as possible.

    “The project has admitted about 30,000 children in the last four years since coming into existence after COVID-19 pandemic.”

    In Sokoto, the Education for All Cluster, a USAID funded educational project and implemented by Palladium, said stakeholders are key to achieving inclusive education system in Sokoto State.

    Speaking at the closeout meeting of a project is tagged: ”USAID-Strengthening Civic Advocacy and Local Engagement (SCALE)” anchored by six nongovernmental organisations in the state, one of the Cluster leaders, Mr. Edayi Edison, described stakeholders’ role as critical toward actualising the inclusive education system where both normal and disable children will study under one roof.

    Edison solicited the support and cooperation of civic society organisations, government agencies and individuals to ensure right implementation of inclusive system and gender policy in the state.

    According to him, the state government has signed the gender policy and disability discrimination laws in the state which serve as bedrock to the implementation of inclusive education.

    Edison, from Young and Useful Generation Initiative (YUGI) explained that the law became significant milestone in the improving the lives of persons living with disabilities in the state.

    Another Cluster member, Mallam Suleiman Musa, from Albarka Initiative, said 36 advocacy visits to relevant government and non-governmental agencies were conducted.

    Musa said about 772 participants comprising 599 males, 173 females and 26 physically challenged persons were reached within the four months of cluster activities adding that 24 media personnel and stakeholders engagements were also conducted.

  • Educationists make case for practical-based teaching for primary school pupils

    Educationists make case for practical-based teaching for primary school pupils

    Researchers in the field of primary education have recommended a switch from theory to practical-based in the teaching of primary school pupils in Nigeria.

    This was the finding in a recent study conducted by Mr. Francis Yakubu of the Department of Curriculum and Instruction, University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, United States supported by Dr. Kayode Obafemi, Department of Early Childhood and Primary Education, Kwara State University (KWASU) and Mrs. Taiye Obafemi, Department of Adult and Primary Education, University of Ilorin (UNILORIN)

    The researchers provided compelling evidence that practical-based teaching methods, like demonstrations, significantly enhance academic achievements in primary school pupils.

    “This shift is expected to prepare Nigerian students more effectively for the demands of the modern world, making education not only more interactive and enjoyable, but also more useful in real-life scenarios,” the study has revealed.

    The study is entitled, “Effect of demonstration method on primary school pupils’ academic achievement in physical and health education.”

    The researchers explored the impacts of these teaching strategies on pupils in Kwara State.

    Yakubu said that the research was conducted on 79 pupils from two public primary schools, utilising a quasi-experimental research design.

    A synopsis of the study stumbled upon by our correspondent said that “the use of the physical and health education achievement test (PHEAT) proved that demonstration methods not only improve academic performance but do so irrespective of the pupils’ gender.

    Read Also: UNICEF, KADSUBEB enroll 1,000 out-of-school pupils, donate free uniforms, books

    “The finding underscores the potential benefits of adopting more interactive and practical approaches to education across Nigeria.

    “The work aligns with other research in the field, including a study by Dr. Ngozi Adeola in Lagos State that found similar improvements in mathematics when teachers employed hands-on learning activities.

    “In response to these findings, Minister of state for Education, Dr. Uchechukwu Okorie, has expressed strong support for integrating more practical-based learning approaches in schools.

  • Advancing early childhood education a global concern, says expert

    Advancing early childhood education a global concern, says expert

    An expert in educational evaluation, Oluyemisi Ajoke Oloniyo, has stressed the need to advance early childhood education, noting that it is a global concern.

    She delivered a lecture:  “Evaluating Early Childhood Education Programmes: A Systematic Literature Review,” at the American Evaluation Association (AEA) annual conference, in Indianapolis, Indiana, United States. The conference had as theme: “The Power of Story.”

    The experienced educational psychologist and programme evaluator, highlighted  the critical need for high-quality evaluations in early childhood education programmes.

    She said these evaluations guide programme improvements and assess their impact on young learners.

    Her review of evaluation approaches in early childhood education is the first comprehensive review in several years. Her findings confirmed her initial suspicions that more research is needed in this area, and she is now developing a comprehensive roadmap for evaluating these programmes.

    Read Also: Prioritise equal early childhood education, ECAN tells govts

    Oloniyo is poised to address global and national issues in early childhood education with her  work serving as a crucial resource for identifying gaps and areas for improvement.

    Her research investigates significant issues such as parental educational levels and poverty. She highlights the challenges 30% of children living in poor households’ face, as reported by The Annie E. Casey Foundation’s Kids Count Data Book 2023. Her work emphasizes the critical link between housing stability and a child’s holistic development, urging society to address these issues urgently and precisely.

  • 148 emerge first class at Babcock’s graduation

    148 emerge first class at Babcock’s graduation

    One hundred and forty-eight students recently graduated with first-class honours as Babcock marked its 22nd undergraduate and 13th postgraduate convocation.

    At the event, Elomezino Ifoghale and Glory Michael emerged as the best overall graduates for the full and part-time programmes respectively.

    In his address, President/Vice Chancellor, Prof. Ademola Tayo, called on the Coral Grad Class to embrace life challenges with courage to create a better world.

    He urged the 2,442 undergraduates and 405 postgraduates to celebrate the day, not just as an end, “but a glorious beginning.”

    “As torchbearers of the university’s legacy, we encourage you to carry the values and lessons  learned with you. Be bold, be curious and never stop striving for excellence.”

    “Today is a testament to your resilience, creativity, and passion. As you stand on the threshold of this new chapter, remember that the knowledge, skills and values you have acquired here will serve as a foundation for your future success.

    Similarly, the Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun and his Ekiti state counterpart, Biodun Oyebanji, urged the class to see education as a call to higher responsibilities of adult life and national service.

    Abiodun said he was deeply proud of the university’s role in nurturing great leaders for the country and appealed for dialogue instead of protests in addressing current situation to make Nigeria great.

    Commencement Speaker and Honoris Causa awardee, Dr. Wole Olanipekun, called for caution in picking role models as this would ultimately shape their world view and developmental trajectory.

    “Rejoice at the success of others but never be envious of their better achievements,” counseled Dr. Olanikpekun who is a Senior Advocate of Nigeria and former President of the Nigerian Bar Association.

    Read Also: ASR Africa flags off building of press at Babcock

    The ceremony also witnessed the  celebration of another Honoris Causa awardee, Mrs. Bukola Smith, Managing Director of FSDH Merchant Bank, for her contribution to the banking sector and development of women in Nigeria.

    Mrs. Smith, an accomplished banker with a career spanning over three decades and an honorary fellow of the Chartered Institute of Bankers in Nigeria was honoured in the presence of her spouse, Mr. Smith.

    The ceremony also honoured Mrs. Bukola Smith, Managing Director of FSDH Merchant Bank, with a Honoris Causa award for her contribution to the banking sector and development of women in Nigeria. She urged the graduates to “make accountability and integrity count” and to “keep at it” despite challenges.

    Postgraduate class president, Dr. Ajala, emphasised the importance of being “our brothers’ keeper” and “touching lives” to make a positive impact.

  • Oyo commissioner monitors re-schedule final BECE examination

    Oyo commissioner monitors re-schedule final BECE examination

    Oyo State Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Professor Salihu Adelabu, on Wednesday, August 21, undertook an inspection tour across various schools to oversee the ongoing rescheduled Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) within the state.

    He said the monitoring underscores the commitment of the state government to ensuring quality education and upholding standards in the examination process.

    While addressing the students, the commissioner urged them to remain focused on their studies and emphasized that the BECE exams would reflect their level of preparedness for Senior Secondary Schools.

    He cautioned against engaging in any form of examination malpractice, reminding students that integrity is paramount in achieving academic success.

    Read Also: Ex-Oyo commissioner returns to APC, says party will win next election

    The commissioner reiterated the state government’s commitment to providing a conducive learning environment for students and ensuring that the education sector continues to thrive in Oyo state.

    During the inspection, schools visited by the Commissioner and Directors from the Ministry were Oba Akinbiyi High School, Mokola; Saint Brigid’s Secondary School, Mokola; Community High School, Adamasingba, Ibadan.

  • 10 reasons education is not a scam

    10 reasons education is not a scam

    We are in an era where the value of education is sometimes questioned. Education is far from a scam; it is a vital investment in personal and societal progress. 

    Here’s why education is not a scam:

    Knowledge and skill development: Education provides the foundation for acquiring essential knowledge and skills that are important for both personal development and professional success.

    Career advancement: It opens doors to diverse career opportunities and higher earning potential, as many professions require specific educational qualifications.

    Personal growth: Beyond academics, education fosters critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills, contributing to overall personal development.

    Economic contribution: Educated individuals drive economic growth by enhancing productivity, innovation and contributing to a skilled workforce that fuels various sectors.

    Social mobility: Education helps bridge gaps by offering opportunities to individuals from varied backgrounds, promoting social equity and reducing inequality.

    Civic engagement: It encourages active participation in civic duties, including voting and community service, leading to a more informed and engaged society.

    Health benefits: Education is linked to better health outcomes, as it often leads to better access to healthcare, healthier lifestyle choices, and improved understanding of health issues.

    Read Also: The home and the missing education

    Cultural awareness: Exposure to diverse cultures and ideas through education enriches individuals’ understanding and appreciation of global diversity.

    Innovation and problem-solving: Education fosters research and innovation, enabling individuals to develop new technologies and solutions to global challenges.

    Adaptability and resilience: It equips people with the tools to adapt to changes and challenges, promoting lifelong learning and resilience in a rapidly evolving world.

    By recognising and embracing the true benefits of education, we can affirm its essential role in promoting growth, innovation, and progress across all aspects  of life.

  • 12 Smart Schools ready for take-off next month, says Fed Govt

    12 Smart Schools ready for take-off next month, says Fed Govt

    The Federal Government is set to unveil 12 Model Smart Schools across the six geo-political zones of the federation, the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) hinted yesterday.

    The Executive Secretary (ES) of the Commission, Dr. Hamid Bobboyi, dropped the hint during an interactive session with stakeholders of the UBEC Smart Schools Programme at the Commission’s Digital Resource Centre (DRC) complex, Kado, Abuja.

    Bobboyi, who was represented by the National Coordinator of the UBEC Digital Resource Center, Prof Bashir Galadanci, said the commission has built 37 UBE Model Smart Schools, one in each state and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

    The UBEC boss noted that 14 of the functional Smart Schools have been rolled out in different parts of the country.

    Read Also; Five Nigerians celebrities who are twins

    According to him, 12 additional Model Smart Schools, expected to commence academic activities in September 2024, will bring the number of operational Smart Schools to 26.

    The ES underscored the significance of the meeting which primarily focused on the proposed take-off of the 12 new smart schools by next month.

    He also noted the enormous advantages that can be accrued from the smart school initiative, while expressing optimism for a fruitful dialogue among stakeholders at all levels.

    The Head of Capacity Development Unit at the Center, Dr. Hafsat Kontagora, restated the commission’s commitment to revolutionising the basic education sector through the utilization of progressive teaching/learning techniques such as the blended learning methodology which is expected to replace the traditional methods in the specialized schools gradually.

    Dr. Kontagora solicited valuable inputs from stakeholders and sought their insights to ascertain the state of preparedness of the smart schools to ensure their successful take-off.

    Other stakeholders at yesterday’s interactive session included directors of State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB); desk officers overseeing smart schools across the states as well as UBEC state co-coordinators and zonal directors.

  • NITDA, UBEB begin digital empowerment for FCT students

    NITDA, UBEB begin digital empowerment for FCT students

    The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) and the Federal Capital Territory Universal Basic Education Board (FCT UBEB) at the weekend began a digital training and competition for FCT schools.

    The partnership would see 24 promising young minds from six FCT schools immerse themselves in a two-week intensive training programme focused on Artificial Intelligence (AI), Coding, and Robotics, said Hajiya Hadiza Umar, Head of Corporate Communications of NITDA.

    The programme is expected to empower students from the FCT in digital skills and open channels of opportunities for participants and their mates.

    According to Hajiya Umar, the Reality House competition, which is designed to stimulate creativity and problem-solving would host a dynamic group of 54 individuals – three students and a teacher from each of the eight schools, and a 12-person support team.

    Read Also: 2025 Budget: Shettima charges agencies on adherence to extant mandates

    Umar explained in a statement that the programme aimed to cultivate a new generation of tech-savvy problem solvers.

     Participants are drawn from JSS Tudun Fulani, JSS Narai Karu, JSS Karu, JSS Kubwa 1, JSS Abaji, JSS Kekeshi, JSS Dutse Alhaji 2, and JSS Pyakasa, She said.

    She added that they would compete in a reality house TV show-style competition, culminating in a head-to-head debate showcasing their newly acquired skills.

    Hajiya Umar said the programme aligned with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda of accelerating diversification through industrialization, digitalisation, creative arts, manufacturing, and innovation.

    She stated that the programme was further captured in NITDA’s pillar of fostering digital literacy and creating a pipeline of tech talent.

    “By equipping these young students with AI, coding, and robotics skills, we are investing in the future of Nigeria,” said NITDA Director-General Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi.

     “This collaboration with FCT UBEB is a significant step towards building a digitally empowered society”, the DG added.

    The programme would not only enhance students’ academic performance but also instill essential life skills, such as critical thinking, problem-solving, and teamwork.

    Winners of the competition would be rewarded with cash prizes and continued mentorship from NITDA and FCT UBEB, Hajiya Umar said.

    Our correspondent learnt that the previous editions of the programme yielded increased school enrollment and a growing interest in ICT among students and educators.