The Nation Newspaper

Category: Education

  • Group celebrates excellence in education

    Group celebrates excellence in education

    A Group, Prestige Nigerian Educational Teacher Award, has honoured outstanding teachers who made significant impacts in the lives of their students.

    The event which was held at the University of Lagos (UNILAG) main auditorium to mark this year’s Children’s Day celebration, was in celebration of excellence in education, and the introduction of the Raising Star Challenge, an innovative programme designed to empower children to express themselves and showcase their talents.

    The award served as a reminder that education is the key to unlocking the potential of the children and building a brighter future for Nigeria.

    Chief Executive Officer of Prestige, Adebowale Olowu, in his speech, shared his vision for the Raising Star Challenge.

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     “We want to provide a platform for children to shine, whether it’s through music, dance, drama, comedy, or special talents. Every child has a unique voice, and we want to help them find it,” he said.

    A dedicated teacher from Lagos British Senior College, Gbajabiaimle Rahamat, was one of the awardees who beamed with pride as she accepted her award.

    “I’m thrilled to be recognised as one of the best educators in Nigeria. It’s a testament to the hard work and dedication of teachers like me who strive to make a difference in the lives of our students,” she expressed.

    Dean of the Faculty of Education at the University of Lagos, Prof. Bayo Oladipo, emphasised the crucial role teachers’ play in shaping the future of Nigeria.

    “We must teach our children the values of discipline, respect and excellence from a young age,” he urged. “They are our future leaders, and it’s our responsibility to equip them with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed.”

     The Raising Star Challenge, a platform for students to showcase their talents, was also held discover hidden prowess of the students.

  • Pupil of Science Primary School Kuje wins spelling bee competition

    Pupil of Science Primary School Kuje wins spelling bee competition

    Ten-year-old pupil of Science Primary School, Kuje, a suburb in the Federal Capital Territory, Nainat Aliyu-Aynil, has emerged winner of the spelling bee competition organised by a non-governmental organisation, Yspot.

    Nainat, who is in grade five, beat 16 contestants to emerge winner.

    Also, nine-year-old Peculiar Victor of Model Primary School Kuje was the first runner- up while 15-year-old Hafast Umar of LEA primary school Dafara, was the second runner-up.

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    The three pupils were awarded scholarships for the remaining term(s) in primary school; medals and certificates.

    For the art creativity competition, 12-year-old Praise Bala of LEA primary school Kayarda, Kuje, emerged winner.

    Nafiu Ibrahim, 13-year-old in grade six from LEA primary school Kiyi, Kuje emerged first runner-up while David Daniel, nine-year-old in grade six from Science Primary School, Kuje was the second runner – up in the competition.

    Eight contestants participated in the art creativity competition.

  • Global recognitions for UNILAG’s academic luminary

    Global recognitions for UNILAG’s academic luminary

    In the world of academia, there are those whose achievements stand as beacons of inspiration, illuminating the path for future generations. Prof. Abigail Ogwezzy-Ndisika, the current Director of the Institute of Continuing Education (ICE) at the University of Lagos (UNILAG), embodies such brilliance and dedication. As accolades cascade upon her, she emerges as a paragon of excellence, a luminary whose contributions transcend borders and boundaries.

    The announcement of Prof. Ogwezzy-Ndisika’s selection for not just one, but two prestigious international programmes, heralds a new chapter in her illustrious career. The Trust, Accountability and Inclusion (TAI) Collaborative Programme takes her to Mexico, where from May 27 to May 31, 2024, she will immerse herself in discussions on crucial issues of our time: collaborative journalism, democracy, accountability and social justice. The two prestigious international programmes: the Trust, Accountability and Inclusion (TAI) Collaborative Programme in Mexico and the Study of the U.S. Institute (SUSI) for Scholars on Journalism and Media programme in the United States of America mean the world to every academic. Her colleagues at the university say her selection is a testament to her scholarly prowess and unwavering commitment to effecting positive change that she has been chosen as a participant in this esteemed gathering.

    But the accolades do not end there. The Study of the U.S. Institute (SUSI) for Scholars on Journalism and Media programme also extends its invitation to Prof .Ogwezzy-Ndisika, inviting her to the United States of America. This recognition speaks volumes about her expertise and influence in the realm of journalism and media, underscoring her as a leading authority in her field. Her journey to these international platforms is not merely a personal triumph; it is a testament to the University of Lagos’ commitment to nurturing academic excellence and global citizenship. Her accomplishments reflect the university’s dedication to fostering leaders who are not only proficient in their disciplines but also poised to make meaningful contributions to society at large.

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    Prof. Ogwezzy-Ndisika’s invitation to the TAI Collaborative programme, scheduled for Monday, May 27 to Friday, May 31, 2024, is hinged on her scholarly works and community service activities in the areas of collaborative journalism, democracy, accountability, social justice, and sundry related issues. This significant event, funded by the Trust, Accountability and Inclusion (TAI) Collaborative—a U.S.-based network of funders committed to good governance—and the Ford Foundation (Mexico and Central America office), will bring together experts and advocates to address some of the most pressing challenges facing the world today.

    The Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) of the U.S. Department of State has also selected Prof Ogwezzy-Ndisika to participate as an expert in the SUSI for Scholars on Journalism and Media programme, scheduled for Sunday, June 2 to Saturday, July 13, 2024. This short-term study programme, hosted by Arizona State University (ASU), includes an academic residency, leadership development, community service activities, an integrated study tour, and interaction with American peers. It is an opportunity for distinguished scholars from around the world to deepen their understanding of U.S. society, culture, and institutions while sharing their own expertise.

    Prof. Ogwezzy-Ndisika’s extensive experience and leadership are evident in her tenure as a two-term acting and one-term substantive Head of the Department of Mass Communication at UNILAG. A specialist in Development Communication and Public Relations & Advertising (PRAD), she also serves as a Technical Adviser for the Collaborative Media Engagement for Development Inclusivity and Accountability (CMEDIA), an initiative of the Wole Soyinka Centre for Investigative Journalism (WSCIJ).

  • PressPayNg sponsors I Beg to Differ debate on FM radio

    PressPayNg sponsors I Beg to Differ debate on FM radio

    PressPayNg has announced its sponsorship of the popular debate series “I Beg to Differ” on Nigeria Info FM Abuja.

    In a statement yesterday, it stated that this season’s first debate topic, “Does social media negatively impact mental health in teenagers?”, promises to ignite thought-provoking discussions and provide insightful perspectives over 16 compelling debate sessions.

    The statement by its Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Abiola Metilelu, reads: “As a leading advocate for education and community engagement, PressPayNg recognises the importance of fostering critical thinking and informed dialogue on issues that affect our daily lives. The chosen debate topic addresses a timely and relevant concern in today’s digital age, where social media’s influence on mental health has become a subject of global discourse.

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    “The debate series will feature participants from diverse backgrounds, including students, professionals, and mental health experts. Each session will allow debaters to present their arguments, backed by research and personal experiences, creating a dynamic platform for exploring the multifaceted relationship between social media and mental well-being.

    “Our sponsorship of ‘I Beg to Differ’ aligns with our commitment to supporting initiatives that promote intellectual growth and societal well-being. By enabling these discussions, we hope to contribute to a deeper understanding of how social media can both positively and negatively impact mental health and to encourage responsible usage and digital literacy.”

    Listeners can tune in to Nigeria Info FM Abuja to follow the debates, which promise to be engaging and educational. The 16-round format will ensure a comprehensive exploration of the topic, providing listeners with various viewpoints and fostering a balanced perspective on the issue.  

  • 1000 Osun pupils get piggy bank, school materials to mark Children’s Day

    1000 Osun pupils get piggy bank, school materials to mark Children’s Day

    No fewer than 1,000 pupils of public schools in Ayedaade Local Government Areas of Osun State have been given piggy banks and books freely by an aide of Governor Ademola Adeleke.

    The Special Assistant to the Governor, Olaniyi Akinloye, commemorating the celebration of 2024 Children’s Day, also organised training for secondary school pupils in technology and crafts at an event held in Gbogban.

    He explained: “We tagged the programme of today ‘Importance of Financial Intelligence for Children’, we did a quick analysis some time ago and we discovered that the economic crisis was a result of low savings from people and that is why we are trying to instill the habit of savings into the children.”

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    Akinloye noted that “if we can control consumption to have good savings, you will agree with me that the economy is going to be robust and unnecessary frivolities are going to be cut off.

    “By the gesture of today, it will encourage them for the future. We are having technological and craft training for them too. We are not just telling them to save, but we are teaching them on what they can do to make money and not spend it all.

    “We have over 1000 students that are benefiting from this project. A lot of things are going on for students in the state. My governor is a talk-and-do person. By September, people will start seeing the plans of the government.”

  • Ex-Unijos VC heads newly reconstituted Tetfund committee

    Ex-Unijos VC heads newly reconstituted Tetfund committee

    In a bid to strengthen Research and improve educational quality in Nigerian universities, the Minister of Education Prof Tahir Mamman has approved the reconstitution of the membership of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETfund) National Research Fund Screening and Monitoring Committee.

    The committee, which is mandated to oversee research initiatives and projects, will now be chaired by former Vice-Chancellor, University of Jos Prof. Hayward Babale Mafuyai.

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    A formal letter, dispatched by the Executive Secretary of TETfund, Sonny Echono, to the committee members indicates that their tenure will span a two-year period from the day of inauguration.

    Among the eminent scholars appointed to the committee which consist of senior Academics and Research experts from various reputable Nigerian Universities, is the current Vice-Chancellor, University of Jos, Professor Tanko Ishaya.

    Two other reputable scholars from the University of Jos, Prof. Etannibi Alemika and Prof. Samuel Odeh, have been included in the reconstituted committee.

  • UI computing teams shine in China, win grand prizes

    UI computing teams shine in China, win grand prizes

    Two teams of computing students from the University of Ibadan (UI) have clinched the grand prizes in Computing and Cloud tracks in the just concluded Huawei ICT Competition global final in Shenzhen, China.

    The team comprising four students, namely Rufus Olusoji Adisa, Tolani Adekunle Adisa, Chibueze Emmanuel Ibekwe, and Lawrence Chukwuemeka, won the grand prize in the Computing Track category.

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    In the Cloud Track category, another UI team won the grand prize. The students include – Lukman Oyeniyi Abdulyekeen, Sodiq Babawale, and Temiloluwa Oloye.

  • Lighthouse University appoints Prof Imianvan as pioneer VC

    Lighthouse University appoints Prof Imianvan as pioneer VC

    The Board of Trustees of the Lighthouse University, Evbuobanosa, Edo State has announced the appointment of Professor Anthony Agboizebeta Imianvan as the pioneer Vice-Chancellor of the University. 

    A Professor of Computer Science with research interest in Artificial Intelligence, Software Engineering, Programming and Bio-Medical Computing at the University of Benin, Prof Imianvan was Head of the Department of Computer Science at the University between 2017 and 2018.

    With over 70 publications in reputable local and foreign journals, Prof. Imianvan is well-regarded in the field of Computer Science across the country with his services highly sought after. 

    He has served as an External Examiner for post-graduate Degree programmes across different Universities. He has been an Assessor to various Universities on the appointment of Professors of Computer Science. He has also served as Chairman or member of Ad-hoc Accreditation Panels set up by the National University Commission (NUC) to evaluate programmes of different universities in the country seeking accreditation.

    He earned his Bachelors and Masters Degrees in Computer Science from the University of Benin, with a PhD from the Federal University of Technology, Akure. He is a member of the Computer Professionals Registration Council of Nigeria; the Nigeria Computer Society; the Association of Computing Machinery, USA; and the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, USA.

    In approving his appointment as the Vice Chancellor of Lighthouse University, the Board of Trustees took into consideration Professor Imianvan’s record of service as an Administrator and Academic of many years, especially his research interest in Artificial intelligence and other aspects of computing that are set to shape the future of humanity in different areas, including healthcare, manufacturing and the idea of work itself. His research interest was found to align with the vision of Lighthouse University “to be the foremost hands-on institution in providing relevant solutions to challenges that confront humanity while upholding the right moral and spiritual values.”

    Speaking on the appointment, the Chancellor and Chairman, Board of Trustees, Lighthouse University, Rev. Dr. Felix Omobude, who is the immediate past National President of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria, welcomed Professor Imianvan into the Lighthouse family, paying tribute to him for his services to the Lighthouse Polytechnic in the past and support in the process that saw to the approval by the Federal Government of the University. 

    He restated his dedication to the actualisation of the vision of the University, pledging his support to the Vice Chancellor in realising the objectives that have been carefully set out to help achieve the vision of the institution’s founders.

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    Lighthouse University, a privately-owned institution, located in the Evbuobanosa community, along the Benin – Agbor Expressway, in Orhionmwon Local Government Area of Edo State, was recently approved as a full-fledged university by the Federal Government.

    Following the approval, the university’s Chancellor, Rev. Dr. Felix Omobude expressed his expectation that “the Lighthouse University will be home where great scholars are born and world changers are created and empowered. I also expect that life-changing innovations will begin to emerge from the university in the foreseeable future.”

    He called on all well-meaning individuals, groups, institutions, and the three tiers of government to partner with the university in its quest to herald “a positive and permanent transformation to the world.”

  • Children’s Day: Kogi reaffirms commitment to quality

    Children’s Day: Kogi reaffirms commitment to quality

    The Kogi state government on Monday, May 27, joined the rest of the world in celebrating Children’s Day.

    Speaking at the Children’s Day celebration held at Muhammad Buhari Square in Lokoja, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Hajia Fatimah Momoh, highlighted the significance of the occasion.

    In her address, she stated: “Children are the heartbeat of our society, destined to be tomorrow’s leaders and innovators. As we celebrate today, we must remember our duty to nurture and protect them. Providing quality education and instilling strong values such as respect, empathy, and integrity are crucial for their development.”

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    In line with this year’s theme, “Enhancing the Total Wellbeing of the Nigerian Child Through Quality Education and Skilled Development”, she stated “it is a day that reminds us of the important role children play in shaping our nation’s future and further stated that Kogi state is leading in providing quality education. We offer free education from primary to secondary school, cover exam fees, and distribute bursaries to students in tertiary institutions. Our state has zero tolerance for children being out of school, and parents must ensure their children attend.”

    She reaffirmed the commitment of the Usman Dodo-led administration to quality education for all children. Together, as parents, educators, and citizens, we can help every child reach their full potential.

    She gave thanks to God for the safe return of 21 of the kidnapped students of Confluence University and prayed that the two remaining students still held in captivity be returned safely to us.  We thank our energetic and tireless governor and do not forget the courageous security agencies who have committed their efforts to their rescue and safe return.

    It is noteworthy that at the commencement of the event, she requested a minute silence in honour of the students killed by abductors and prayed their souls rest in peace and their families be comforted by almighty Allah.

  • Ekiti to launch second chance education for out-of-school girls

    Ekiti to launch second chance education for out-of-school girls

    Ekiti state government has concluded a plan to launch a second chance education programme to assimilate young girls and adolescents between the ages of 10 and 20 who dropped out of the formal school system in the state.

    The commissioner for information, Hon. Taiwi Olatunbosun, disclosed this in Ado Ekiti after an assessment tour of the World Bank-assisted Adolescent Girls Initiative for Learning projects across the state.

    Olatunbosun said that the World Bank-assisted programme tagged ‘Ekiti State Girls’ Finishing School’ would commence in September 2024 to give adolescent girls who dropped out due to financial difficulties, unplanned pregnancies, and GBV another opportunity to complete school.

    He stressed that admission forms are already out free of charge for interested adolescent girls between the ages of 10-20 who for a variety of reasons, never attended or abruptly left schools before completion of the level of education in which they were enrolled.

    He explained that the programme offers the opportunity to assimilate them into the formal education system with the necessary support to complete their education with Vocational and entrepreneurship training to equip them with skills to make them self-reliant and financially independent.

    He added that the programme would provide value-based education in basic numeracy and literacy as well as psycho-social support services such as group and individual counselling, expressive therapy, and sexual reproductive rights education aimed at reducing the vulnerability of girls to GBV and early marriage.

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    Olatunbosun said that the World Bank-assisted AGILE project in Ekiti State has surpassed its primary target of boosting school enrolment, assisting economically disadvantaged students, and reducing the number of out-of-school children in the state.

    He attributed the achievements recorded by the AGILE programme to the commitment of the government, saying the initiative was in tandem with Governor Oyebanji’s resolve to provide qualitative education at all levels.

    Olatunbosun said that the AGILE project had substantially boosted the teaching and learning environment in the state with the overhaul of critical infrastructures in 203 public schools through the School’s Improvement Grants.