The Nation Newspaper

Category: Education

  • Rotary Club lifts school

    Rotary Club lifts school

    Pupils of Estate Primary School, Oluwole Estate, Ogba, Ikeja, Lagos were in joyous mood recently when the leadership of Rotary Club of Onigbongbo handed over to them a set of renovated toilets.

    During the ceremony, the club’s outgoing President, Razak Babatunde Salau, said the toilets were initially six and in a terrible condition but the club increased them to 10 and added physically-challenged facilities. In all, it spent $8,000 on the project.

    He thanked the Rotary Club of Pleasanton, California, United States, for its counterpart funding of the project. Specifically, he expressed his gratitude to the club’s President, Gary Schwaegerle, for being a man of his words.

    He equally thanked members of his club for standing by him to ensure that the project was completed and handed over to the school before leaving office after two terms.

    He said the school management and pupils would maintain the facility, having been trained by the club to do so.

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    He noted that the project was delayed due to some logistic problems.

    He lamented that no government official was on ground to acknowledge the club’s gesture, saying such behaviour could deter them from doing more for society.

    School Board Management Chairman, Ogbelakun Olatunde, appreciated the club for the gesture. He said he was particularly happy because he was a pupil of the 44-year-old school. “May God bless Rotary Club,’’ he added.

    On the government’s attitude towards the project, he said it had to do with some specifications recommended by the government in tandem with its standards, adding that the matter would be resolved. On maintenance, he said a cleaner had been engaged by the board to handle it.

  • JA Nigeria appoints Ugonna as new ED

    JA Nigeria appoints Ugonna as new ED

    The Board of Directors of Junior Achievement (JA) Nigeria has announced the appointment of Ugonna Achebe as the new Executive Director of JA Nigeria, effective July 1, 2024.

    In a statement, it said: “As JAN celebrates its 25th anniversary, Ugonna’s appointment marks a historic moment as he becomes the first alumnus to lead the organization.

    “His return to JAN signals the start of an exciting new chapter, where his experience across various developmental sectors will be pivotal in enhancing JAN’s impact.

    “Ugonna began his journey with Junior Achievement Nigeria as a participant in the flagship Company Program during his secondary school years in 2007 and later in the Venture in Management Program (ViMP) in 2017.

    “Prior to ViMP, Ugonna served as a JAN’s Volunteer since 2016; his demonstration of leadership qualities swiftly became evident, leading to his full-time engagement as the National Company Program Manager from 2018 to 2020.

    “As we commemorate our Silver Jubilee, Ugonna’s appointment as the Executive Director aligns with our strategic vision for the future. In his new role, he will provide the strategic direction and leadership needed to drive developmental growth and build on existing successes to further JAN’s mission and vision. He will lead the execution of JAN’s transformational programs, maintain existing partnerships, and explore new opportunities to further amplify the impact that JAN offers Nigerian Youths.

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    “I am thrilled to step into my new role at JAN, where I aim to build upon the impressive foundations laid by Simi Nwogugu and Foluso Gbadamosi. Their remarkable efforts have positioned JAN as a leader in cultivating financially savvy and entrepreneurial thinkers.

    “Drawing from my extensive experience within the JAN community and beyond, I plan to expand our reach and impact through strategic initiatives that utilize nationwide philanthropic support, grant management, and robust organizational leadership. With a focus on advocacy, strategic partnerships, and stakeholder engagement, my primary goal is to push JAN beyond its current limits,” shared Ugonna Achebe.

    With a focus on leveraging technology, my objective is to build upon our current achievements by introducing targeted programs that address the challenges encountered by young individuals in Nigeria.

    Aligned with JAN’s objective to impact one million students in the coming year, I am dedicated to devising innovative approaches and collaborations that empower youth with practical skills essential for the evolving landscape of work and entrepreneurship.

    JA Nigeria’s Board Chairman, Niyi Yusuf, stated, “After a thorough selection process, Ugonna’s appointment as the Executive Director of Junior Achievement Nigeria is well-deserved.

    “His remarkable experience in the development sector, along with his history as an alumnus, volunteer, and former National Program Manager of JA Nigeria, makes him exceptionally qualified. Ugonna’s deep familiarity with JAN and his embodiment of our mission to inspire and prepare young people to succeed in a global economy are invaluable assets for the growth of our organization and the development of our youths.”

    Simi Nwogugu, CEO of JA Africa, and founding Executive Director for JA Nigeria, added, “I am delighted to welcome Ugonna back to JAN. We have celebrated many of our alumni leading several high-impact NGOs in Nigeria and finally have the opportunity to celebrate this full circle moment as Ugonna becomes the first alumni to hold the position of Executive Director at JAN.

    “It is fitting for Ugonna to be the person achieving this milestone because he has occupied all other stakeholder roles at JAN including teacher, volunteer, and staff, which gives him a unique perspective on what the organizations need to serve all stakeholders effectively. A remarkable way for us to celebrate 25 years of inspiring young people to achieve their dreams.”

    JA Africa Board Chairman, Charles Muyiwa Moyela stated, “On behalf of the JA Africa Board, I am thrilled to congratulate Ugonna Achebe on his appointment as the Executive Director of JA Nigeria.

    “We are at a pivotal point in the growth of JA across Africa, and Nigeria’s significant population means it will play a crucial role in our continental expansion. His deep understanding of the local context, coupled with his strategic insights, will help us amplify our efforts and scale our programs to benefit even more youth across the continent.

    “We are confident that under his leadership, JA Nigeria will continue to be a cornerstone of our mission, fostering entrepreneurship, financial literacy, and work readiness among young people in Nigeria and beyond.”

    Ugonna holds a BSc. Industrial Chemistry from Covenant University, and a Master’s degree in Education Leadership, Organization, and Entrepreneurship from Harvard University, with a focus on Entrepreneurship and Artificial Intelligence in the Education Marketplace.

  • Govt to pay 36-month arrears of Unity School teachers

    Govt to pay 36-month arrears of Unity School teachers

    The Federal Government has pledged to pay the 36-month salary arrears owed some teachers of Unity Colleges.

    Minister of Education Prof. Tahir Mamman made the pledge yesterday on the sidelines of a three-day EdTech Conference organised by Mastercard Foundation in Abuja.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls no fewer than 1,800 teachers of unity colleges are owed salary and other allowances for three years.

    Prof. Mamman said files of the affected teachers are already with the Ministry of Finance.

    “The issue of teachers’ salary is already with the Budget Office and Ministry of Finance. So hopefully, they will be paid.

    “I can’t tell exactly when their money will be paid. We don’t pay in the Ministry of Education. But we have done the paper work. It is already in finance. Hopefully, very soon, they will get their money,” he said.

    NAN recalls the category of teachers were recruited by the Federal Ministry of Education in 2018, 2019, and 2020 as education officers and posted to schools across the country.

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    They were, however, not paid due to logistic challenges encountered at the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS)’ desk of the ministry.

    Other reasons given for the non-payment was the failure of the ministry to transmit their files to the Budget Office for vetting and onward transfer to the Accountant-General’s office for approval.

  • Old students hold AGM

    Old students hold AGM

    Old students of Esie-Iludun Grammar School (EIGS) in Irepodun Local Government of Kwara State are to hold their Annual General Meeting (AGM) on July 20.

     A statement jointly signed by EIGS’ National President, Prof. Kunle Olawepo, and National Publicity Secretary/Social Secretary, Mr. Julius Dada, said “a major feature of this year’s AGM is the election of officers.

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    Venue of the meeting is Treden Hotel on University Road, Tanke, Ilorin. Time is 10am.”

    Old students are enjoined to attend the meeting.

  • NUC reiterates commitment to quality university education

    NUC reiterates commitment to quality university education

    The Nigerian Universities Commission (NUC) has reiterated its commitment to the international benchmark in providing 21st century knowledge-driven education and fostering intellectual growth across the country.

    The NUC deputy director, Mrs Anthonia Bawa, spoke in Ikere-Ekiti, Ikere Council Area of Ekiti state on Tuesday, July 9, during the opening ceremony of the accreditation excercise of 45 academic programmes at the Bamidele Olumilua University of Education, Science and Technology. 

    Bawa said that NUC, as the regulatory agency for universities in Nigeria  was irrevocably commited to ensuring proper development of university education and implementation of minimum academic standards. 

    She expressed joy the commission is achieving its goals and objectives going by distinguished quality of graduates being produced by Nigerian universities who she said can favourably compete with their counterparts in other climes. 

    She said that the accreditation excercise was not to witch hunt anyone but rather to verify the quality of physical facilities and human resources available for the commencement of new programmes.

    The director added that the accreditation was necessary to holistically evaluate proposed programmes to ensuring the university meet the global benchmark for quality academic standard.

    She commended BOUESTI management for its enthusiastic reception of the  NUC team,assuring that the delegation would carried out the exercise with high sense of professionalism. 

    In his remarks, BOUESTI Vice Chancellor, Professor Olufemi Adeoluwa assured the NUC members of the NUC delegation of the university’s cooperation and support to ensure a smooth exercise during its stay in the institution. 

    Adeoluwa said expressed optimism that the maiden accreditation exercise for the institution’s 45 academic programmes would be accredited after completion of the excercise because the management has best its meet the requirements set by the NUC. 

    He said: “This is a special time in the prestigious bamidele Olumilua University of Education, Science and Technology being the maiden accreditation of the 45 programmes we started with. We now have 78 programmes. The first 45 are to be accredited this week and today is the starting point. 

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    “We are ready for the exercise. I must tell you that there’s no university in Nigeria that is perfect especially when it has to do with staffing because the brain drain has affected university education in Nigeria. But even then we have done our best to be able to have requisite number and quality of staff we are supposed to  have in some of the programmes. We they get there, they we see what we have presented and they would be able to  assess us. 

    “Our hope is to have full accreditation for every of those 45 programmes. We have done our best. Like I told them, we don’t do window dressing here. Whatever they have seen is what we have because we believe we our programmes is strong that the students will be able to benefit and the nation itself will be able to have well grounded graduates. So, we expect positive results from NUC”, he added. 

  • NUC gives full accreditation to McPherson varsity’s seven programmes

    NUC gives full accreditation to McPherson varsity’s seven programmes

    The National Universities Commission (NUC) has given full accreditation to seven of McPherson University’s programmes. 

    The accreditation is the outcome of the October/November 2023 Accreditation of Academic Programmes in Nigerian universities.

    According to the result of the NUC Executive Secretary, Mr. Chris Jibreel Maiyaki, which was communicated to the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Francis Igbasan, the seven additional programmes granted full accreditation are: Medical Laboratory Science, Computer Science, Cyber Security, Software Engineering, Biochemistry, Microbiology and Mass Communication.

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    Speaking on the accreditation, Prof. Igbasan, said it underscored the proven net worth of the university located at Seriki Sotayo in Ogun State as a choice destination and one of the fastest growing citadels of learning in the country.

    The elated Igbasan, who made the disclosure at a parley held recently with the university community, attributed the success recorded to the grace of God, dedication of faculty members, staff, availability of cutting-edge resources and facilities for learning, teaching and research at all levels. 

    He urged that the university should not rest on its oars as the institution still has more grounds to cover. 

    He called on all staff members to brace for the task ahead in repositioning the institution for greatness. 

    Each programme maturity date subsists till 2028.

  • Opeyemi bags CONNYSA 2024 security icon ambassador award

    Opeyemi bags CONNYSA 2024 security icon ambassador award

    The Coalition of Nigeria Youth on Security and Safety Affairs (CONYSSA) has honoured Bello Oluwasina Opeyemi, CEO/Director of Toppy De Autos, with the title of Icon of Security Ambassador 2024.

    This recognition was awarded to Opeyemi for his unwavering advocacy and active participation in enhancing security and safety within his community.

    The announcement of Opeyemi’s recognition was made in a statement jointly signed by him and CONYSSA’s Director General, Amb Ade Mario Emmanuel.

    The statement highlighted Opeyemi’s collaborations with various security organizations and his leadership in implementing strategic measures to combat insecurity in his area.

    “Through his humanitarian services, he has supported numerous youths in their careers and provided scholarships to some”, the statement said.

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    The award will be presented to Opeyemi at the forthcoming CONYSSA Multi-Stakeholders Summit on Crime Reduction and Prevention in Lagos State.

    Opeyemi expressed the belief that insecurity affects not only the victims but also has devastating consequences for every citizen and society as a whole.

    He re-emphasized his commitment to improving security consciousness and promoting lasting peace and a serene society for all.

    This recognition highlights Opeyemi’s significant contributions to tackling security challenges head-on, making him a shining example for others to follow.

    “His selfless services and dedication to security and safety have made a positive impact on his community, and this award is a well-deserved recognition of his efforts”, the statement concluded.

  • Group announces new advisory board members

    Group announces new advisory board members

    A non-profit focused on child’s rights, The Child Solidarity Group has announced new advisory board members to steer the organisation’s affairs for the next few years.

    A statement by the organisation disclosed that the 9-man board would provide leadership for effective country-level coordination, as well as a strategy for amplifying the work of the organisation for children in Africa.

    It said: “These appointments are effective from the 7th of July with Dr Halimah Nuhu-Sanda as the Chair, as announced by the CEO and co-founder, Emediong Akpabio.

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    “Emediong had previously served in the organization as a member of the Youth Reference Group to UNICEF in the African Union, before taking over from his Eswatinian colleague as CEO. He has since contributed to the work on the rights of children in Africa and still has a few more years to lead in this capacity.

    “The other members of the Board are highly experienced professionals drawn across East, West and Southern Africa; Halima Nuhu-Sanda – Chair – Nigeria; Linda Kavuka – Kenya; Emediong Akpabio – Nigeria; Patricia Ainembabazi – Uganda; David Etido – Nigeria; Brenda Kisaka – Tanzania; Uche Kalu – Nigeria; Sinqobile Simelane – Eswatini; Idara Kalu – Nigeria.

    “CSG has leveraged strategic partnerships over the years, to drive its mission of advancing the social and economic rights of children and believes that the new setup will strengthen the capacity of the organization to continue to engage across borders.

    “It is our honour to welcome our Advisory board members to the Humans of CSG, and we wish the board a successful tenure.”

  • 3,000 fake graduates face prosecution

    3,000 fake graduates face prosecution

    • ‘Probe of degree racketeering in foreign varsities completed’

    The Federal Government yesterday confirmed that the probe of the   3,000 alleged ‘fake’  graduates recently uncovered by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) was ongoing.

    Minister of State for Education  Tanko Sununu,  who made this known to The Nation yesterday, vowed that those indicted would be prosecuted for forgery.

    Tanko, who also explained that the report of  a panel that investigated allegations of degree racketeering in foreign and private varsities was ready, said the ‘fake’’ graduates were part-timers who illegally found their way into regular programmes.

    He said: “Investigation is ongoing and those identified will be prosecuted accordingly.”

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     “The 3,000  are part-time candidates that forged their admission to be regular (students) just for them to participate in the national service (organised by the National Youth Service Corps).

    “The basis of it (their alleged crime) is a forgery and it is a punishable offense. The ministry will ensure that all due processes are followed to prosecute all those that are involved.’’

    The minister added that the recommendations of a seven-member panel on degree racketeering in foreign and private varsities would be presented  to the Federal Executive Council (FEC) soon.

    He said: “The report of the committee has been submitted and there is a lot of recommendations that require the approval of the Federal Executive Council. Very soon, the report will be presented to the FEC for a decision.

    “Most of these degrees are obtained from tertiary institutions in the Benin Republic and Togo which are not recognised by the law of the land.

    ‘’Since this has been identified, many recommendations have been made which will be forwarded to the  FEC and as soon as the FEC decides on the report, it will be implemented immediately.

    “I assure you that something will be done because the only way we can secure our education is to ensure that people genuinely obtain their certificates in recognised institutions; whether locally or internationally. Otherwise, it will portend serious danger to Nigeria.

    “Those who obtain certificates through the back door lack skills and appropriate knowledge and can not add any value to the economic development of any nation. We cannot allow it. It can be a source of damage to any nation.”

      JAMB Registrar Is-haq Oloyede also confirmed that the board was still investigating some of the ‘fake’ graduates.

    “Some of them are being investigated. Any elaborate discussion by me on this will compromise what we are doing,”  he said.

      Oloyede had at a meeting with a delegation of the Committee of Pro-Chancellors of State Universities in Nigeria (COPSUN) said those involved in the  act never set feet on the four walls of a classroom.

    The registrar condemned illegal admissions by some tertiary institutions in the country, saying it remains a source of embarrassment.

  • UNN to host conference Nigeria’s challenges

    UNN to host conference Nigeria’s challenges

    The Development Communication Research Association of Nigeria (DECRAN) has said its forthcoming maiden multi-disciplinary conference/workshop at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) would seek solutions to the numerous challenges facing the nation.

    A statement by its Director, Media/Publicity, Dr. Chekwube Nzomiwu, said the three-day will be held at the Princess Alexandria Auditorium, UNN from November 20.

    DECRAN Convener/President Dr. Blessing Chinweobo-Onuoha said the conference was open to all academics and professionals, irrespective of their discipline.

    According to her, participants would brainstorm on how to use media and communication to empower communities, promote gender equality and inclusivity, tackle health and environmental challenges and improve disaster preparedness, among others.

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    She gave the theme as: “Empowering voices and transforming communities: Harnessing development communication for sustainable change in Nigeria.”

    Mrs. Chinweobo-Onuoha explained that DECRAN, which is flagging off its annual international conference at the UNN, stands as the pioneering force in the realm of communication research in the country.

    She listed the UNN acting Vice Chancellor Prof Romanus Ezeokonkwo as Chief Host; Dean, Faculty of Arts, Prof. Paul Obi-Ani, as Host; Head of Department, Mass Communication, Prof. Joseph Wogu (Co-Host) and former Dean, Faculty of Arts, Prof. Nnanyelugo Okoro (Keynote Speaker).

    Expected to present the lead paper presenters are: Prof. Sunny Udeze of the Department of Mass Communication, Enugu State University of Science and Technology and Prof. Chinwe Uzochukwu of the Department of Mass Communication, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka.