The Nation Newspaper

Category: Education

  • Be models of excellence, UNIJOS urges inducted 955 teachers

    Be models of excellence, UNIJOS urges inducted 955 teachers

    Vice Chancellor of the University of Jos, Prof. Tanko Ishaya, has conducted oath and induction ceremony on 955 professional teachers, urging them to function as a model of excellence in the teaching profession.

    The teachers were trained and deemed qualified by the university’s faculty of education.

    In his remarks during the oath induction ceremony held at the multipurpose auditorium main campus Jos, the VC said: “I am confident that the graduating students are of high quality with requisite capacity to fit into the profession globally in the 21st century teaching profession.”

    Prof. Ishaya, who was represented by Prof. Emmanuel Oki of the Entrepreneurship Department, added: “The graduating students have undergone rigorous training in theories and practices by a crop of qualify and dedicated lecturers.”

    He said the theme of the induction, “The role of Nigerian teachers in value re-orientation in the 21st century”, was very apt in view of the fact that values in the Nigerian teaching profession seemed to have undergone degeneration in the last century.

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    “For any society to experience a sustainable growth, positive value must be upheld and encouraged. Where values have decayed, underdevelopment set in”.

    Earlier in his welcome address, the Dean, Faculty of Education, Prof. Joseph Maina, who was represented by deputy, Grace Chollom, said: “The faculty will keep partnering with the Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria (TRCN), which is the authorised body saddled with the responsibility of validating teachers making the profession desirable and meeting contemporary challenges.”

    In his remarks, the TRCN Registrar and chief executive, Prof. Josiah Olusegun, confirmed that the inductees have been trained as professional teachers and qualified to be released to go and make impact anywhere in the world.

  • Kano invests N3b in classroom infrastructure

    Kano invests N3b in classroom infrastructure

    Kano State Government said yesterday it has invested N3 billion on classroom infrastructure development across the 44 Local Government Areas.

    Governor Abba Yusuf stated this on Tuesday at a stakeholders meeting in Government House, Kano.

    He said the project is aimed at  creating a conducive environment for effective teaching and learning for citizens of the state.

    Yusuf explained that 17,000 security personnel will be employed across the state to ensure the safety of primary school facilities, with 400 personnel per local government.

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    “The local security personnel will be employed from the locality where the primary schools are located to ensure effective service delivery,” he said.

    He said that each of the local government councils will receive N25 million for renovation, with the Universal Basic Education board supervising the project to ensure quality work.

    “This investment demonstrates the government’s commitment to improving education infrastructure and providing a better learning experience for students,” he said.

  • Rotary spends $7,000 to fix Lagos primary school toilets

    Rotary spends $7,000 to fix Lagos primary school toilets

    Rotary Club of Onigbongbo has spent a $7,000 (about N10.5 million) to rehabilitate the dilapidated toilets at Oshodi Model Primary School, Lagos State. It also built a water system for it.

    Inaugurating the facility last Friday, the outgoing President of the club, Razaq Babatunde Salau, said while its partner on the project, the Rotary Club of Pleasanton, California, United States, provided $5,800, his colleagues contributed the balance.

    He explained that when they came for a needs assessment, the toilets were in a state of squalor and the club rebuilt the seven toilets for boys, eight for the girls and two for their teachers with a record time of one year.

    He thanked Pleasanton Club for living up to its pledge to partner them on the reconstruction of the toilets under the Rotary International (RI) Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) Programme, focal areas of Rotary International (RI), when they met at the West African Project Fair.

    He said the teachers and pupils had been trained to maintain the facility, urging them to not relent on their promise. To help them, the club bought cleaning materials for them.

    A representative of the Rl  District 9110 Governor, Yinka Adeosun, an Assistant Governor, who described the project as a ‘’landmark’’, said what the two clubs had done was worthy of emulation and that the DG was proud of them.

    Executive Secretary, Local Government Education Authority (LGEA), Mr. Mayowa Alakija, thanked Rotary for the gesture. Describing the step as something that would make an impact on the pupils, he said it is even more so as many people do not have access to good toilets and clean water, adding that such or similar projects are welcome as the government could not do it alone.

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    Both the Head of Section of the LGEA, Mrs. Titilayo Aderemi, and her counterpart, Mrs. Risikat Omotuyi, also praised Rotary, adding that the club should extend their hand to more schools.

    The Chairman, Parents Forum (PF), John Ugbodaga and the school’s Headmistress, Mrs. Fasiat Abdulwaheed, also expressed happiness with Rotary. Specifically, Ugbodaga recalled that when he sought parents’ assistance for the then unhealthy toilets, they turned him down. Now, his joy was full, he said.

    At the event were the club’s President-elect, Adeyemi Lawal; Past Assistant Governor, Sola Benson; past president, Yinka Adeogun; Secretary, Daniela Udenze; Service Projects Chairman, Terrymore Odugbawa; and Olateju Olutola, among others.

    The pupils entertained the Rotarians and guests with songs.

  • NPC Lagos commissioner seeks collaboration with UNICEF

    NPC Lagos commissioner seeks collaboration with UNICEF

    The Federal Commissioner representing Lagos State on the board of National Population Commission (NPC), Saidat Olayinka Oladunjoye, has called for the collaboration of United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) on the enlightenment campaign on the proposed E-birth registration in the state.

    She made this call during a visit to UNICEF’s Country Representative at the Ikoyi, Lagos office.

    Mrs. Oladunjoye added that this would enable NPC have right data for developmental plans in the state.

    She lauded UNICEF for its assistance towards NPC Lagos and for supporting the establishment of electronic registration of birth and death certificate.

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    “We came this morning on a courtesy call to UNICEF. They have always been a partner to us. But we want to seek more collaboration from them and they have promised to help us ensure that we have outstanding birth certificate that we are printing.

    “They promised to print it for us. They also promised to give us the opportunity to have more spaces at the health centres in the state. They promised to do plenty things for us. They are happy about our visit.

    “UNICEF is about children. So, they are going to help us settle some of the challenges we have, especially getting the children immunised and all that.”

  • Educationist seeks urgent reforms

    Educationist seeks urgent reforms

    A Renowned educationist, Mrs. Yetunde Kamson, has urgently called for a transformative overhaul of the country’s education system.

    In an interview with reporters, Mrs. Kamson discussed the current strength of education and areas needing significant improvement.

    She drew inspiration from successful education reforms in countries like Finland and South Korea, where innovative approaches to teaching, robust teacher training programmes, and equitable resource distribution have led to significant improvements in educational outcomes.

    The Abuja-based educationist highlighted that Nigeria’s education sector is marked by a growing emphasis on its importance, various educational opportunities, and a vibrant community of educators and learners.

    According to her, challenges such as inadequate infrastructure, limited access to quality education in rural areas, inconsistent policies, teacher training and development issues still need to be addressed.

    Speaking on the pressing challenges educators and students face, Mrs. Kamson pointed to inadequate funding, overcrowded classrooms, insufficient resources, and a stark disparity in educational quality between urban and rural areas.

    She also underscored the high number of out-of-school children, teacher recruitment and retention difficulties as critical issues.

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    Kamson emphasised that technology holds immense potential to revolutionise learning across Nigeria, advocating  for better technology integration through access to online resources, digital literacy promotion, personalised learning experiences and improved communication between stakeholders.

    “For technology to be truly transformative, there must be substantial investment in infrastructure, educator training, and digital tool incorporation within the curriculum,” she stated.

    The educationist noted the need for robust initiatives and reforms to address the disparities in educational access across different regions.

    Her words: “These initiatives are not just a local concern, but also aligned with the global commitment to education as outlined in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG4, which aims to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all by 2030.”

  • AISA students get foreign scholarships

    AISA students get foreign scholarships

    Students of American International School of Abuja (AISA) have secured admission in top schools in the United States, Canada, the Netherlands, Spain, Ireland and England.

    The graduating class of 2024 earned notable scholarships to numerous universities, including admissions into Oregon State University, the University of British Columbia, Baylor University, and University College Dublin, among many others.

    A statement by the Head of School Greg Hughes and Chair of the Board of Trustees, Ndubisi Anyanwu, said the achievements underscored the school’s commitment to nurturing academic excellence and facilitating students’ pathways to success.

    “While most of the graduates earned their college admissions based on academic merit, this year one of the school’s student-athletes, Agib Hughes, was admitted to North Carolina A&T University for his sporting prowess, where he will join their NCAA Division 1 golf programme.

    “Agib has won golf tournaments in numerous countries and is currently Nigeria’s top-ranked amateur golfer, according to the World Amateur Golf Rankings.

    “A notable trend at AISA is the increasing enrolment of students in grades 11 and 12, as families recognise the value of early preparation for tertiary education. By leveraging the school’s resources and guidance programmes, families aim to optimise their children’s chances of securing admissions to prestigious institutions worldwide,” the statement said.

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    USAID Mission Director, Melissa Jones, said: “This day is a testament to your hard work and resilience, and it is also the unwavering support of your families, friends and educators. Each one of you have completed a rigorous and internationally recognised curriculum, further developed your skills, expanded your knowledge and honed your character.

    “This moment marks a significant milestone, not just in your academic careers, but it has also laid the foundation for your next chapter…”

    She urged the students to be lifelong learners because “the world is constantly changing… Stay curious, seek out new knowledge and experiences, and never stop growing”.

    The school said it remained steadfast in its commitment to empowering students to reach their full potential, both academically and beyond.

  • Dons declare support for KWASU VC

    Dons declare support for KWASU VC

    By Kola Alhassan

    The Association of Ilorin Emirate Professors has declared  support for Prof. Shaykh-Luqman Jimoh, the newly-appointed Vice Chancellor of Kwara State University (KWASU), Malete, Kwara State.

    The association members pledged their support for the VC at meeting  convened by him   to seek their cooperation.

    Chairman of the Association and former Dean of the Faculty of Engineering and Technology, Prof. Abdulganiyu Funsho Alabi, led the members to the meeting and hailed Jimoh for his humility and visionary leadership, adding that his prompt call for the meeting following his appointment was laudable.

    “I thank you most sincerely for your humility and the way and manner you have been piloting the affairs of this institution since you became the Acting Vice Chancellor till the present moment that you have been appointed as the substantive Vice Chancellor. We will all be there for you,” he pledged.

     Alabi  said the association would do everything within it powers  to give the new VC all the support needed to pilot the affairs of the institution to enviable heights.

    “We will work in unison, we will speak with one voice and with good mind for you to achieve your desired success as the third substantive Vice Chancellor of this great university.

    “Inviting us to a meeting, and for the fact that this meeting is your maiden meeting after your appointment as the substantive Vice-Chancellor further demonstrates your humility and large heart.

    It shows that you hold us in high esteem, and we must reciprocate this rare recognition by giving you the unalloyed support for us to collectively move KWASU forward,” he said.

    The don prayed  to God to guide the new Jimoh  in his new assignment.

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    The immediate past Dean of the School of Post Graduate Studies, Prof. Hamza Ishola Abdulraheem, praised  the VC  for his wisdom and courage demonstrated by calling the meeting, noting that the association appreciates his wisdom and large heart.

    Abdulraheem hailed other contestants for the Vice Chancellor’s position from the association for accepting God’s verdict, pointing out that their presence at the meeting showed that they have accepted the new helmsman whole heartedly.

    Jimoh, said he had  convened  the meeting to seek the support and prayers of the association and expressed joy at the large turnout.

    The VC who recalled that he had met with the association when he became the Acting Vice Chancellor to seek their support and to resolve an issue a few months ago, explained that this meeting was to again, seek their support to work collectively and achieve a common goal.

    He noted  that his appointment  was a manifestation of God’s will, adding that the support and cooperation of all was necessary for him to succeed.

    Jimoh was appointed recently after holding the position of Acting Vice Chancellor  following the death of his predecessor, Prof. Mustapha Akanbi in 2022.

    He was Deputy Vice Chancellor  between 2020 and 2022 and hails from Igbaja in Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State.

  • Taming bullying in schools

    Taming bullying in schools

    By Emmanuel Ohore

    The  word bullying might  be new to some of us in our society but it has always been part of our system.We all were bullied one time or the other in school back then.  But in recent times,  bullying in schools has gained significant attention and calls for concern. Bullying is not only peculiar to the educational system, it happens at homes, in  offices, on   streets,in work places and even in government. Bullying ,which entails constant harassment ,intimidation,mistreatment has become a huge challenge  among students  across the globe,  which is affecting their mental health and academic performance.

    Bullying is a global issue and it’s not particular to a country.  In Nigeria , there have been various reported cases of bullying in which some of these cases have resulted in the death of the victim. The recent happening that took place in the Abuja International School is just one out of many happenings in our schools. A national survey of school violence by the National Population Commission in partnership with UNICEF Nigeria reported in 2016,  that physical violence and psychological violence at home were responsible for 85% and 50% of most school children victimisation, respectively. Children don’t just act, , they act by what they see over time.Some children see nothing wrong in such toxic behavior.

    In order to create a safer environment of learning ,all stakeholders in the educational sector including parents ,communities, youth advocates, religious leaders, and the government must come together to implement various measures and interventions to curb bullying.These aftermath clout chasing on social media by schools and government officials acting anonymous won’t  change anything .

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    One major step that must be taken is the implementation of the anti-bullying policies and campaign across all private and public schools including higher institutions which will educate students on the consequences of their action and also encourage them to speak out by raising awareness, reporting to higher authority and fostering empathy.These policies should clearly outline the consequences for the perpetrators and even the parents of the bully.

    Inclusion  of parents in the campaign to curb bullying in schools will also go a long way .Parents have to be free with their children to enhance  an open communication between both parties.Parents should know that they are the first role model of their children and should ensure that they teach them patience , empathy for others, kindness and respectful behavior and should continue to reinforce the anti-bullying policies to their children.On the other hand, parents are quick to dismiss complaints against their children.These act encourages the child to see nothing wrong in such bad behaviour. Parents should also be liable for their children’s mis-conduct in schools and other public places.

    Also, schools should create a friendly and  safe reporting mechanism. They should make sure that students are  comfortable to speak out and also incorporate social emotional learning programmes into  school curriculum. We must also  acknowledge that bullies also need help because they go on to become a problem in the society.

    In as much as bullying is  a sign of  weakness , not strength ,creating a safe environment for students shouldn’t be left in the hands of the school management alone. Parents, community leaders, youth leader and government agent should be  involved.

    According to Travis Bradberry’ “Bullying is a symptom of an insecure person’s need to control and dominate others’’

    •Ohore is a student at Altinbas University,Turkey

  • Why I built Tinubu Student Square on LASU campus, by ex-LASSESA president

    Why I built Tinubu Student Square on LASU campus, by ex-LASSESA president

    A former student of Lagos State University (LASU), Adetimirin Yusuf Olamilekan, has said he built the Tinubu Student Square on campus to appreciate President Bola Tinubu for his giant strides towards education.

    The square consists of Water Fountain and other beautiful things.

    Adetimirin, who is a former president of the Language, Arts and Social Science Students’ Association(LASSESA) noted that he built the fountain to beautify the university in honour of President Tinubu for two major educational programmes of his administration when he was the governor of the state between 1999 and 2007.

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    According to him, it was the Tinubu administration that introduced free payment of West African Senior School Certificate Examinations (WASSCE) fees for all the SS3 students in the state-owned schools and also a ‘One-Day Governor’ among secondary school students and that both policies are  still on today.

    He noted that the two programmes are really helping children from financially disadvantaged homes in the state.

    Explaining the composition of the water fountain and what each stands for, Adetimirin said:  “The fountain, which is located at the 3- in-1 Lecture Theatre, Faculty of Education, has four lions, which symbolise Tinubu’s courageous pedigree to bring together all the regions of the country.

    “The two eagles signify his (Tinubu) strength and ability to confront and tackle challenges, while his bust having a hand pointed to his head symbolises his visionary thinking capabilities.

    He said though, he had completed the project over  two years ago and awaiting its official inauguration before he goes for his one-year National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) programme, he would have loved that Tinubu personally perform the inauguration in due course.

  • Use social media responsibly, pupils urged

    Use social media responsibly, pupils urged

    Group Managing Director of Alpha Morgan Capital Mr. Ade Buraimo  has admonished pupils of Dowen College, Lekki, Lagos, to hand over their future to God and not to allow the social media wreck their lives.

    He counselled them on the dignity of labour, adding that they should be diligent and work hard as they move to the next level.

    Buraimo was a guest of honour at the school’s graduation and valedictory ceremony for the class of 2024, which took place on the school premises last week.

    He said: “Your future is in your hands, if  you hand it over to God, He will take care of you, but if you hand it over to social media, it will be destroyed.

    “Work now and play later, so that you won’t labour in your old age. Say no to drugs, if you take drugs, it will destroy your life. Avoid unethical practices as you move on.”

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    He also announced a sum of N2 million for outstanding pupils of the school.

    The principal, Dr. Adebisi Layiwola, urged the pupils to have a positive impact on society.

    “Today is a celebration of your achievements, but it is also a beginning. The future is bright, and it is yours to shape. As you stand on the threshold of a new chapter, take a moment to reflect on the years you have spent in this great institution. You have been equipped not only to survive but to thrive and make a positive impact. Do so with empathy, integrity, and grace,” she said.

    The valedictorian, Munachimso Karis Owube, thanked everyone, including teachers who worked diligently to impart knowledge in them.