The Nation Newspaper

Category: Education

  • Sokoto varsity gets full accreditation for 18 programmes

    Sokoto varsity gets full accreditation for 18 programmes

    The Sokoto state University has secured full accreditation for all 18 under graduate degree programmes run by the institution.

    The development is sequel to National Universities Commission’s (NYC) approval conveyed to the university as contained in a letter to the Vice Chancellor, Professor Bashir Garba.

    The accredited programmes according to a release by the University Information Officer, Zayyanu Shehu include Computer Science, Biochemistry, Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Microbiology.

    Others are Economics, Political Science, Sociology, Arabic, Hausa, History, and Islamic Studies, Education Computer Science, Education Mathematics, Education Physics, Education Biology, and Education Chemistry, respectively.                                             

    Professor Garba expressed the institution’s warm appreciation for the outcomes of the exercise by NUC.

    He said the university remain committed in attaining academic standard for excellence towards attaining all NUC requirements for global ranking.

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    This, he explained “is indeed, an achievement that underscores the University’s commitment to academic excellence and its dedication to meeting the highest standards set by the NUC. 

    He further stressed that scoring full accreditation status for all the programmes presented to the NUC required commitment and dedication.

    The Vice Chancellor said the institution was ready to invest more time, energy, and resources in the accredited programmes and the 60 other undergraduate and postgraduate courses that would be due for accreditation soon.

    “We have really come a long way and determined towards providing quality education, and producing graduates who can compete globally,” Garba vowed.

    The Vice Chancellor profoundly recognised and appreciated Governor Ahmed Aliyu Sokoto and the founder of the university, Senator Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko for his foresight, visionary mind and committed support to the growth of the institution while acknowledging the contributions of development partners, particularly, the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), in transforming the educational landscape in Nigeria.

    It would be recall that the NUC accreditation teams visited the University between October and November 2023 to assess the quality and content of 18 out of the 78 undergraduate and postgraduate programmes offered by the institution which informed the University’s current accreditation status.

  • 500 vulnerable pupils receive educational materials in Niger

    500 vulnerable pupils receive educational materials in Niger

    No fewer than five hundred vulnerable pupils from three schools in Niger state have benefited from the educational outreach of a support group of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu under the aegis of the BOS/BAT Movement.

    The pupils, who were selected from the IBB Central Primary School, Minna, Wushishi Central Primary School and Dusten Kura Gwari primary school received a bag, socks, sandals and writing materials.

    The coordinator of the BOS/BAT movement, Medemakun Samuel, said that the intervention was to complement the renewed hope agenda in education of President Bola Tinubu.

    He said that the president is working to ensure that no child is left behind in the area of education stating that the impact of the president’s policy would soon be felt.

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    “There are a lot of people complaining that things are difficult but our president have a plan for the nation and soon we will start feeling the breeze of the renewed hope”, he said.

    Samuel said that the initiative is meant to encourage the children to be in school as the government cannot do it alone adding that no child should be out of school as education is a right.

    The headteacher of IBB Central School Minna, Comrade Husseini Ibrahim said that the gesture would go a long way in keeping the children in school as majority of the pupils who benefitted were selected from the most vulnerable households as they often attend school without wearing shoes or having writing materials.

    He applauded the President Bola Tinubu support group for the initiative saying that it is coming at the right time when the pupils need it most as the promotion examinations are close by and pupils need to remain in school.

    The registrar of the National Examinations Council (NECO), Professor Ibrahim Dantani Wushishi said that NECO has keyed into the renewed hope agenda of the President which is the reason why they are supporting the initiative by the BOS/BAT Movement.

    The registrar, who was represented by the Director of General Services, Abdullahi Kuta said that NECO through its corporate social responsibility has done it’s part in ensuring that no child is left behind in education.

  • Imam’s one year stewardship at Islamic institute

    Imam’s one year stewardship at Islamic institute

    By Mohammed Dauda Eibo

    Since he assumed office on May 20, 2023, as the Registrar/Chief Executive Officer of the National Board for Arabic and Islamic Studies (NBAIS), Prof. Yahuza Sulaiman Imam, has been recording remarkable achievements in the turnaround of the agency towards delivering its primary mandate of conducting Senior Arabic and Islamic Secondary School Certificate Examination (SAISSCE) in Nigeria.

    In fact, Prof. Imam is working assiduously to ensure that NBAIS is well-positioned for smooth and effective conduct and supervision of SAISSCE in 28 states and the Federal Capital Territory, FCT. The Board is undoubtedly a key player in the promotion and preservation of Islamic and Arabic studies in Nigeria.

    Notable achievements under Imam’s leadership of NBAIS in the last one year include: Successful conduct of June/July 2023 Senior Arabic and Islamic Secondary School Certificate Examination (SAISSCE) across 28 states and FCT; successful conduct of Nov/December 2023 Senior Arabic and Islamic Secondary School Certificate Examination (SAISSCE); review of the existing curricular and syllabi;

    Others include digitalisation of SAISSCE: Online Registration and Electronic Album of SAISSCE candidates; online Checking of Results & Certifications; Advocacy and Public Awareness; Courtesy visits to some state governors, state Ministries of Education and other stakeholders across the country.

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    Other achievements are: design and implementation of public communication programmes on NBAIS operations;  conferences for both National and International media (FRCN, VOA, BBC etc); design, development and utilisation of Social Media Handles e.g. Facebook, Telegram, Instagram, etc; NUC circular conveying the decision taken at the 59th meeting of the National Council on Education (NCE), Abuja in June 2013, directing tertiary institutions to accept SAISSCE as O’ level requirement for admission (February, 2024); Interactive meetings with various stakeholders across some North-eastern states (Yobe, Borno and Gombe) as a form of advocacy and public enlightenment on NBAIS-SAISSCE and Tsangaya matters, September (2023).

    There were also interactive meetings with various stakeholders of Nigerian universities on NCE decision on NBAIS-SAISSCE; MoU between NBAIS and Nigerian Arabic Language Village Ngala, Borno State on inter-related Arabic/SAISSCE activities [September 2023]; MoU between NBAIS and Fountain University, Osun State on inter-related Arabic/SAISSCE activities; Mou between NBAIS and Jigawa State Ministry of Education; the directive of Community Health Practitioners and Registration Board of Nigeria (CHPRBN) to its affiliate institutions to accept SAISSCE as O’ level requirement for admission, among others.

    NBAIS also collaborated with the National Commission for Almajiri and Out-of-School Education and Nigeria Arabic Language Village Ngala on Out-of-School Children Education; construction and furnishing of Zaria Main Operation Centre; rehabilitation of Administrative Building at Headquarters, Kaduna; construction of Operation Centre, Ibadan, Oyo State – 95 percent as at May 2024; renovation and rehabilitation of Multi-Purpose Auditorium Complex; construction of Access Road to Centre for Tsangaya and General Stuadies; construction of Access Road at NBAIS Zonal Office Kano; construction of Estate and Physical Planning Building; ongoing Construction of NBAIS Niger Zonal Office at Minna; 3-Day Workshop/Training for Tsangaya Teachers; and successful completion of Professional Diploma in Education (PDE) Programme for 2nd Batch of the board’s staff totalling 1,413.

    Also included are completion of the 1st Batch of three-day Sensitisation Workshop on the Role of ACTU in MDAs with a total number of 250 participants; a three-day workshop for 200 Arabic and Islamic School Teachers on Modern Method of Teaching Arabic and Islamic Studies; observance of International Arabic Language Day through International Conference in collaboration with Islamic School Women Teachers Association of Nigeria, Kaduna Chapter, Kaduna; Arabic Language Day (International Conference) held at NBAIS Zonal Office, Katsina, Katsina State; Capacity building workshop organised by NBAIS in collaboration with Foundation of Integrated Arabic Schools Islamic Enlightenment (FIASIE), December 2023; Workshop for Subject Officers in the Examination Development Department as part of the Capacity Building/Training on modern techniques of Item Generation for Exam Questions in the various subjects (2023) and two-day training for Senior Arabic and Islamic school certificate SAISSCE supervisors (2023).

    He also organised in-house training on the newly introduced procurement, inventory and asset management and payment process using GIFMIS in public finance; upgrading of ICT through Procurement and Installation of ICT Equipment; in-house training organised by all department zonal office, state offices and liaison offices; capacity building workshop on leadership and management in collaboration with the Education Leadership Management Academy Nigeria (ELMAN), among others.

    Going by the above monumental achievements in a space of just one year, it is crystal clear that NBAIS, under the leadership of Prof. Imam is on course in achieving the Renewed Hope agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu government in the education sector, particularly in the area of Arabic and Islamic studies.

    •Dauda, media and communication specialist, writes from Kado, FCT, Abuja

  • Caleb British pupil tops Sociology of Cambridge IGCSE 2023

    Caleb British pupil tops Sociology of Cambridge IGCSE 2023

    Adedigba Michelle Temilola, a pupil of Caleb British International School, a member of the Caleb Group of Schools, has obtained the best result at the 2023 IGCSE in Sociology in the country.

    According to a statement from the British Council Recognition and Outstanding Cambridge Learners Awards (BROCLA) 2024, Adedigba will be presented with her award in Sociology for coming tops at an impressive ceremony slated for the first week of July at the Grand Banquet Hall, Civic Centre, Lagos. 

    The school had earlier achieved a similar feat in 2017 when one of her students, Oresegun Oluwagbemisola, was honoured with the British Council Recognition and Outstanding Cambridge Learner Award for being the Best candidate worldwide in Religious Studies at the 2016 IGCSE ‘O’ Level Examination.

    With this feat, the statement said Caleb British International School has proven that it is a school that prioritises academic excellence made possible by a dedicated and experienced crop of teachers and a total commitment to high moral tone with zero-tolerance for examination malpractices.

    According to the school principal, Mrs. Omoluabi Okechukwu, the success at the IGCSE is as a result of the gallant efforts of the school’s team of dedicated, disciplined and committed teachers. It is also a reflection of the school’s conducive learning environment as well as other factors such as modern and well-equipped classrooms, state-of-the-art science and computer laboratories, a well-stocked library and a curriculum that combines the best of British and Nigerian education systems.

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    Mrs. Okechukwu added: “We recognise that each student is unique, with their own strengths and areas of growth. Our dedicated team of educators is committed to providing individualized support to ensure that every student reaches their full potential.”

    She affirmed that the success recorded by Adedigba is a vindication of the school’s emphasis on providing every student with a well-rounded education, focusing on core subjects while also emphasising the development of essential life skills.

    Mrs. Okechukwu assured that the school will not relent in her commitment to provide each student with the best academic knowledge coupled with sound character and moral training. “This award will only challenge us to go the extra mile and be the best in every area, not just in academics,” she said.

  • Why govt should boost food production, others, by don

    Why govt should boost food production, others, by don

    A Fishery Biologist at the University of Lagos (UNILAG), Akoka, Prof. Aderonke Lawal-Are, has urged the Federal Government to double its efforts to boost food production and increase funding of agriculture.

    She noted that the country was at the risk of food crisis. Hence, government and stakeholders must address it swiftly.

    Prof.  Lawal-Are spoke while delivering the UNILAG 17th Inaugural Lecture entitled: “The carcinologist expedition: Decoding the mysteries of coastal explorers.”

    She said: “Government should help boost food production in the country by increasing funding of agriculture. Government is focusing on plants and lives stock.  We are under threat of food security.”

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    The don said the economy and potentials of the nation’s various oceans were untapped, adding that only few students apply for admission in Fisheries because they don’t know about its potentials. 

    She described crabs as the cheapest of the shellfish resources and a major source of nutritious food and should be eaten by all every other day to boost protein level, particularly for adults who should consume less red meat.

    Lawal-Are urged government to consult researchers, fisherfolks, stakeholders and artisans involved in crabs capture to make policies on the licencing of boats, mesh size regulations, among others.

    She called for huge funding from government, institutions, and funding agencies for the culture of Lagoon Crabs in Nigeria, which is capital intensive primarily because for a complete cycle of crab production, there must be simulation of two environments, sea and estuary.

    The professor of fisheries tasked government to ensure the enforcement of regulations concerning water quality measures, underwater grass restoration, improvement of awareness and capacities of local communities; and developing a co-management model to protect and harvest local natural resources sustainably.

  • NASRDA takes space tech promotion to secondary schools in Southeast

    NASRDA takes space tech promotion to secondary schools in Southeast

    The National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA), through its Southeast – Zonal Advanced Space Technology Applications Laboratory (SE-ZASTAL), has begun space technology applications promotion in secondary schools in the region.

    The coordinator of SE-ZASTAL located at Alex Ekwueme Federal University, Ndufu-Alike, EbonyiMr. Andrew Onwusulu, made this known at the workshop for over 442 students and teachers recently at the main hall of Federal Government College, Okposi, Ohaozara, Ebonyi State.

    He said the significance of the training was knowledge expansion to the grassroots.

    Onwusulu said: “The space applications promotion outreach is part of activities designed for secondary school students to motivate interest in space science and technology innovations.”

    Tagged, “Capacity Building for Young Minds: Benefits of Space Science and Technology Applications,” he said the training would linger in the minds of the students that participated in the hands-on demonstrations and lectures.

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    The principal of the school, Mr. Frank O.A. Omale, in his opening address, thanked the agency’s new DG, Dr. Mathew Adepoju, and the SE-ZASTAL coordinator for the privilege of hosting the event.

    Omale urged the students to be serious about the lecture, describing it as a great opportunity for FGC, Okposi, to be the first school selected for such training in the Southeas.

    The principal observed that no nation can survive the present technology world without adequate involvement in space technology and its innovations.

    He, therefore, urged the science pupils to rededicate their time to deep reading and align with current trends in technology, which remain pivotal to national growth.

    Other instructors included Chinedu Akarugwo, an engineer, who spoke on the topic: “Basic Space Science and Technology,” and a scientific officer, Precious Ugwu, who discussed “Space Careers” and Agu John-Paul Okechukwu presented “Understanding Our Environment through Earth Observation.”

    During the training sessions, the pupils had opportunities to access SE-ZASTAL’s facilities. They were exposed to NASRDA activities in other states, such as the National Centre for Remote Sensing in Jos, the Centre for Basic Space Science in Nsukka, Enugu State, the Centre for Atmospheric Research in Anyigba, Kogi State, and facilities at Ile-Ife and Lagos, among others.

  • How to curb maternal mortality in Nigeria, by don

    How to curb maternal mortality in Nigeria, by don

    By Tunde Adeniyi

    A Professor of  Obstetrics and Gynaecology at Babcock University, Ilishan-Remo,Ogun State,  Prof. John Sotunsa, has said addressing Nigeria’s maternal mortality crisis requires a comprehensive, indigenous approach.

    Sotunsa stated this while speaking at Babcock University’s 49th inaugural lecture entitled:“Beyond superficial success: Holistic approaches to maternal mortality.”

    The don , who also serves as the Provost of the Benjamin Carson Snr College of Health & Medical Sciences of Babcock,   suggested the Ondo State government-driven Abiye Initiative  to stem Nigeria’s maternal mortality.

    He emphasised the effectiveness of the  initiative as a model for nationwide implementation.

    He highlighted how it  successfully addressed critical delays in maternal healthcare.\

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    This initiative integrated efforts between Primary and Tertiary Health Care Centres and employed trained health workers to  provide timely and appropriate care.

    The result was a dramatic drop in maternal mortality rates from the national average of 545 per 100,000 live births to 100 per 100,000 live births within the first year of implementation.

    Addressing the causes of maternal mortality,  Sotunsa identified several key delays that exacerbate the crisis, delays in seeking appropriate care, reaching healthcare facilities, and receiving adequate care and referrals.

    He urged both governmental and private entities to focus on  transforming the maternal health landscape of the country.

    “The statistics are clear. Delays in seeking help for pregnancy and childbirth, reaching specific facilities, and getting necessary care and referrals are major risk factors.

    “Improving the accessibility, availability, affordability, and quality of primary healthcare centres is critical to improving health outcomes, particularly maternal mortality rates,” he said.

    The don  recommended a multi-faceted strategy that include enhancing social support networks, implementing social insurance schemes, and improving mentorship, communication, and documentation within the healthcare system to curb such delays.

     He emphasised that adequate social support can significantly enhance pregnancy experiences, reduce premature deaths by 26 percent, and lower the incidence of depression, anxiety, stroke, heart disease, and dementia among women.

    “We can keep our women alive if we look inward and maximise our opportunities.

    “What we have, know, and do can prevent the majority of maternal deaths in Nigeria if we are available, consistent, ingenious, committed,” he added.

    The don stressed  the importance of community-driven, locally adapted solutions in addressing the maternal mortality crisis.

  • ASR Africa starts construction of lab on FULOKOJA campus

    ASR Africa starts construction of lab on FULOKOJA campus

    By Timothy Odusina

    The Abdul Samad Rabiu Africa Initiative (ASR Africa) has begun the construction of a world-class research laboratory for the Federal University Lokoja(FULOKOJA) Kogi State. This is in continuation of ASR Africa’s various strategic commitments to the nation’s tertiary education interventions. The laboratory is one of its many interventions under its Tertiary Education Grants Scheme (TEGS), drawn from its $100 million Fund for Social Development and Renewal.

    Speaking at the groundbreaking event for the project, the Vice Chancellor Prof. Olayemi Akinwumi, thanked the Chairman of ASR Africa, for his benevolence towards the university. He said the project would address infrastructure deficit, especially in the area of research, and provide a learning platform for discoveries, innovations, and scientific advances in physical and life sciences.

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    Managing Director/ Chief Executive Officer of ASR Africa, Dr Ubon Udoh, thanked the management and students of the university for the warm reception accorded  him and his team. He reiterated the commitment of the chairman to supporting quality education within tertiary institutions in the country. He urged the management and students to ensure proper use and maintenance of the facility.

    The Tertiary Education Grant Scheme of the ASR Africa is a personal commitment of the Chairman of ASR Africa and BUA Group, Abdul Samad Rabiu, to give back to the continent and to make an enduring impact in education as a means of uplifting and restoring the dignity and lives of people.

  • LASU bursar, director, inducted into African Legendary Hall of Fame

    LASU bursar, director, inducted into African Legendary Hall of Fame

    By Tofunmi David

    Lagos State University (LASU) Bursar, Mr. Said Babatunde Olayinka, and the Director of the Directorate of Information and Communication Technology (DICT)  Prof. Oluwatoyin Enikuomehin, were at the weekend inducted into the prestigious African Legendary Hall of Fame (ALHF) by the Afrikanwatch Network.

    This was done  at the Afrikanwatch 13th Lecture, Awards, and Induction Ceremony held at Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH),Yaba, Lagos.

    Olayinka, an accomplished chartered accountant, and Enikuomehin, a professor of computer science, were inducted into the prestigious African Legendary Hall of Fame (ALHF) by the Afrikanwatch Network alongside some other eminent Nigerians.

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    The event also featured  robust intellectual engagement among the attendees, with a  lecture entitled:  Nigerian Politics of Today: The Quest for National Rebirth …. Reclaiming the Identity of a Nation, delivered by Prof. Hope Eghagha, a professor of English and Literary at the University of Lagos(UNILAG).

    The two LASU staff  stole the spotlight as they mounted the rostrum to receive their induction medals and plaques, flanked by colleagues and well-wishers who celebrated what is yet another accolade for the Prof. Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello-led administration. Also honoured  were another LASU staff, the chairperson of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Lagos Chapter, Comrade Agnes Sessi, as well as a business tycoon who is the chief executive officer of Sedav Construction Company, Mr.. Bayo Akinwunmi, an engineer and contractor with the university.

  • Global literacy decline: How Nigeria can rise to the challenge

    Global literacy decline: How Nigeria can rise to the challenge

    By Olusegun Oruame

    In the 21st century, the world is witnessing a paradox: while access to information is at an all-time high, literacy levels are declining globally. This unsettling trend presents significant obstacles to socioeconomic progress, especially in developing nations, Nigeria being no exception. The causes of falling literacy standards are multifaceted, and addressing them requires a comprehensive approach, which includes innovative educational strategies. One promising solution lies in the realm of co-curricular activities, with spelling competitions serving as a influential tool to foster literacy from a young age.

    The Global Literacy Decline and Nigeria’s struggles

    Despite advancements in technology and education, literacy rates are stagnating or falling in many parts of the world. Key among the factors contributing to this decline include, inadequate educational infrastructure such as the shortage of qualified teachers and learning materials, socioeconomic inequality where poverty and gender discrimination hinder access to education, and digital distractions presenting the allure of digital media often overshadowing traditional literacy activities.

    Nigeria, with its rapidly growing population, is significantly affected by these challenges. According to UNESCO, approximately 35 percent of Nigerian adults are illiterate, and many children remain out of school. To combat this, we must explore every possible avenue to improve literacy, including the enhancement of co-curricular activities.

    Co-curricular Activities: A holistic approach to education

    Co-curricular activities such as sports, arts, debate clubs, and academic competitions are essential components of a well-rounded education. They can significantly improve literacy by fostering teamwork, building confidence and motivation.

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    Spelling Bees: A pillar of literacy

    Among these activities, spelling bees stand out as particularly effective in promoting literacy. A good and effective spelling programme should offer to the student

    vocabulary expansion, improved comprehension,

    discipline and dedication.

    Mastering spelling is foundational to effective communication. Misspellings can lead to significant misunderstandings. For instance, confusing “affect” and “effect” can completely change the meaning of a sentence, leading to miscommunication in both written and verbal exchanges.

     Learning from the Scripps National Spelling Bee

    The Scripps National Spelling Bee a prestigious competition held annually in the USA, targeted at students no older than 13 years, is a global example of promoting literacy through competition. Entering its centenary in 2025, the Scripps Spelling Bee has been a benchmark for excellence in spelling. Notably, Ghana has been participating for the past 18 years, and in the 2024 edition, Ghanaian students made it to the semi-finals, bringing pride to the continent.

    This achievement begs the question: What would it take for Nigerian students to participate in such a global and prestigious competition? The benefits would be manifold; participation would enhance Nigerian students’ literacy, boost the nation’s image, and celebrate its rich cultural heritage on a global stage.

    A clarion call for collaboration

    Addressing the literacy crisis requires a collaborative effort. The private sector must complement government initiatives by investing in education and literacy programmes. Initiatives like the Cowbellpedia Mathematics Competition demonstrate the impact of private sector involvement in education. A similar focus on literacy through spelling bees and reading programmes could yield significant improvements. By supporting co-curricular activities, particularly spelling bees, we can lay a strong foundation for literacy, ensuring that future generations are well-equipped to thrive in a rapidly changing world.

    In conclusion, literacy is a fundamental human right and a cornerstone of sustainable development. Nigeria has the potential to turn the tide on declining literacy rates by embracing innovative educational strategies and fostering a culture of learning. Let us collectively strive to nurture the minds of our young learners, ensuring they have the tools and opportunities to succeed.