The Nation Newspaper

Category: Education

  • PS to pupils: study well to excel

    PS to pupils: study well to excel

    The Tutor-General/Permanent Secretary, Education District III,   Dr Idowu Oyetola, has advised students to study well so that they would excel in their examinations.

    She gave the advice during a quiz competition held as part of activities marking the 18th Ramadan Lecture organised by Education District 111  at the Dolphin Senior High School Hall, Lagos Island.

    The theme was: “Promoting peaceful and inclusive societies: The Islamic perspective”.

    Oyetola said the outcome of the quiz was a reflection of level of preparedness of the students for the exercise.

    She received the Peace Award at the event.

    Lagos Island zone won the quiz organised for schools within Education District 111, Ikoyi.

    The zone was represented by Molade Muhammed  from Dolphin Senior High School and Sulaimon Abdul Rahman from Lafiaji Senior High School.

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    The second position was won by Epe Zone. It was represented by  Abdulgafar Kamalideen of Army Senior High School,  Epe and Taiwo Abdul-Rasaq of Odomola Senior Secondary School,  Epe while the third position went to  Eti Osa zone, which was represented by Musa Muhammad Haruna from Wahab Folawiyo Senior High School, Ikoyi and Giwa Awwal- Government Senior College, Maroko.

    For the Quran recitation, Halima Ahmad from Akande Dahunsi Junior School representing Eti Osa Zone won the first position while Miss Mayale-Eke Haneesah from Pobuna Junior School representing Epe Zone and Giwa Abdulsalam of Eko Akete  Junior Secondary School, Lagos Island Zone won the second and third  positions.

  • Lawmakers host scholar

    Lawmakers host scholar

    Members of the Missouri State General Assembly in the United States of America have hosted Mr. Muritala Ayinla, a Nigerian-born recipient of the Rotary International Scholarship at the University of Central Missouri.

    This followed the commendation he  received from  the Governor of the State of Missouri, Mike Parson.

    Speaking while playing host to Ayinla at the Missouri State Capitol, located in Jefferson City, Senator Rick Brattin, who represents Missouri’s 31st Senatorial District, expressed his delight in Ayinla’s positive impression of the United States.

    “I feel immensely proud of you and am excited to learn of your positive perceptions of the United States,” he said.

     Brattin stood up from his seat and asked Ayinla to sit on his own chair as a mark of honour.

    He emphasised the commitment of the Missouri State legislature to strengthening democracy through legislative functions.

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    Representative Dan Houx, representing Johnson County District 54 in the Missouri House of Representatives, praised the University of Central Missouri and Rotary International for their efforts in providing scholarships to students whose home is outside the United States of America.

    Chair of the Higher Education Committee in the Missouri House of Representatives,  Brenda Shields, reiterated Missouri State’s dedication to offering the best educational opportunities for all children in the state. She applauded the university  for its advancements in education.

    Representatives Kemp Strickler of District 34 in Jackson County and Kelvin Windham of District 74 in St. Louis County welcomed Ayinla to the Capitol, highlighting the legislature’s efforts to enhance educational opportunities for everyone.

  • Don: use digital spaces to change colonial legacies

    Don: use digital spaces to change colonial legacies

    Scholars all over the globe, particularly of African descent have been urged to take an active role in challenging and changing colonial legacies through the use of digital spaces.

    This was the highpoint of a study by Dr Ayodele Akinola, a leader in the field of digital humanities, who engaged scholars recently during an event:“Global Digital Humanities Symposium 2024”, held in Michigan State University, United States.

    Akinola, a distinguished scholar at  Michigan Technological University,  who was  formerly with Chrisland University, Abeokuta, Nigeria, spearheaded the pioneering research into colonial narratives woven within the online reviews of themed hotels in Las Vegas.

    The study, meticulously analysed around 24,000 reviews from the popular travel website TripAdvisor,showed how modern digital platforms can subtly perpetuate historical power dynamics and cultural stereotypes.

    Focusing on three iconic hotels—Luxor, The Venetian, and Paris Las Vega, Akinola highlighted the potent ways in which  language and themes of online reviews echo and sustain colonial legacies.

    Though led by Akinola, other scholars from various institutions and disciplines that assisted in the research include Frank Onuh, University of Lethbridge, Canada; Sunday Adegbenro, University of Kansas, USA; Olarotimi Ogungbemi, University of Texas, San Antonio, USA; and Tunde Ope-Davies, University of Lagos, Nigeria.

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    They said  time had come for scholars to collaborate and engage the digital spaces to change the long-held colonial narratives.

    The research underscores the urgent need for scholars, digital platform creators, and the public to foster a more nuanced and critical awareness of the historical and cultural implications of digital content. This awareness is crucial for deconstructing the colonial legacies that continue to permeate our digital and physical worlds.

     Akinola, who lamented how colonial narratives continue to shape the views and perspectives of the globe, challenged the participants to reconsider many of the narratives that promote colonianism.

    “Our work transcends academic boundaries, providing a critical lens through which we can evaluate the role of digital platforms in contemporary societal discourse.

    “As scholars and the wider public grapple with the complexities of postcolonial identity and heritage in the 21st century, this study offers a crucial understanding of how colonial narratives continue to shape and influence our modern world.

  • How to finance tertiary education, by Salis

    How to finance tertiary education, by Salis

    A prominent Nigerian politician Owolabi Salis, has advocated the adoption of EDUBONDS  in financing tertiary education.

    He explained  that EDUBONDS retains the educated citizens to develop the nation.

    According to him, it ensures that education reaches everybody.

    He said: “It is a creative design of a highly efficient and effective financial mechanism which draws resources from diverse sources to enhance the educational capacity of the citizens.

    “It is designed for the rich and poor,and focused on three operational key words: ‘Wish,Capacity and Access’(WCA) which entails that a student who wishes to be educated in a particular field, and  possesses the capacity to undergo the desired field of study should have access to funds.”

    He added that the project is based on the fact that the most valuable security in the world is knowledge.

    “This is why most governments,’’ he added, ‘‘take interest in educating their citizens, which has been a great burden on their budgets. EDUBONDS, therefore, provides an arrangement for improving the education economy and the autonomy of self-financing while removing undue strain on the government,the student and parents.’’

    “It is about bringing students under equal financial probabilities. EDUBONDS is designed with problems of lack of education in mind,and the menace it constitutes to man and the larger society,and is therefore actuated by the vision to usher a progressive change for the better.

    “It makes the student approach the financial market to get funds that can only be used for the right purpose – education.

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     The student will use his/her future as security backed up by a life insurance against death or disability.

    It is in this sense that it could be described as a futuristic market.

    It enables children of the poor and the rich,to have quality education.’’

    “EDUBONDS is competitive and democratic in design,and will bring discipline and an end to student unrest and cultism because of the sense of responsibility and higher commitment on the part of the student,arising from non-governmental dependence.It is fair to the government, fair to the student, and fair to the parents. It is an attempt to improve family values and  easy to administer. The  creative and unique design is one of the best ways to improve Nigeria’s education economy.”

    “The scheme which was developed in 1967 during the IBB era, is the most effective means to make education sustainable.Repayment enforcement is easy, especially with the advent of NIN and BIVAS and the attachment of repayment to the issuing and renewing of passport,coupled with employers discretion to make monthly withdrawals.Loan or bonds also bear interest rates in order to encourage repayment.To hedge against inflation,the loan would be in units and units to the value of naira to be determined yearly or monthly by the CBN,” he said.

  • Descendants’ union donates science equipment to public secondary schools in Apomu

    Descendants’ union donates science equipment to public secondary schools in Apomu

    Apomu Descendants Union (ADU) national and diaspora has bought a set of science equipment for some secondary schools in Apomu, headquarters of Isokan local government area of Osun state.

    The equipment are for  Physics, Chemistry and Biology practicals in the schools.

    The schools are Alapomu High School and Muslim Grammar School, Lamole.

    President-General of ADU Chief Gbadebo Abass Soliu, appreciated His Royal Majesty,Oba Kayode Adenekan Afolabi for his  leadership  capacity which has necessitated the developments so far

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    .He said ADU took the decision to provide the equipment to boost education in the community and help the students  perform well in their science exams

    Oba Afolabi expressed happiness on the developmental project by ADU and encouraged them to do more.

  • Ogbara is GEEEEP advisory board chairman

    Ogbara is GEEEEP advisory board chairman

    In a move aimed at advancing gender education, engagement, empowerment and entrepreneurship, the Federal Government has appointed Hon. Judith Ogbara as chairman of the Advisory Board for the Gender Education, Engagement, Empowerment, and Entrepreneurship Program (GEEEEP).

    The appointment was under the leadership of the Senior Special Assistant to President Bola Tinubu on Student Engagement, Comrade Asefon Sunday.

    The appointment of Ogbara as chairman of GEEEEP Advisory Board and Hon. Lugard Okonobo as deputy chairman, reaffirmed government’s commitment to fostering gender equality and creating opportunities for all.

    Ogbara, a notable advocate for gender equality and a girl-child and women’s empowerment, brings extensive experience and dedication to her new role. 

    As chairman of the GEEEEP Advisory Board, she is poised to lead initiatives aimed at fostering gender-inclusive education and creating opportunities for girls and women across the nation. 

    Reacting to her appointment, Ogbara expressed gratitude to the Federal Government and affirmed commitment to advancing the objectives of GEEEEP. 

    She emphasised the importance of empowering women through education, empowerment, engagement and entrepreneurship, highlighting the positive impact it can have on the society. 

    A statement by Asefon said under his leadership, the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Student Engagement will continue to prioritise initiatives that promote inclusivity and empower marginalised groups in the country.

    He said the appointment of Ogbara underscored the government’s commitment to fostering gender equality and creating a conducive environment for women’s participation in various sectors.

    Asefon expressed confidence in her ability to drive positive change through GEEEEP. 

    He reiterated the government’s dedication to supporting initiatives that promote gender equality and empower women in Nigeria.

    “The appointment of Hon. Judith Ogbara as chairman of the GEEEEP Advisory Board marks a significant step towards achieving gender equality and inclusive development in Nigeria,” he stated.

  • ASUU gives Gombe ultimatum on allowances, arrears, others

    ASUU gives Gombe ultimatum on allowances, arrears, others

    The Academic Staff Union of University, (ASUU) Gombe State University yesterday gave two-week ultimatum for Governor Inuwa Yahaya to address salient pending issues between the academic Staff of the university and the state government.

    ASUU, in a resolution after its congress in Gombe, frowned at the failure of the university administration to address the issues affecting the well being of its members which is currently affecting the morale of academic staff in the university.

    “Morale of staff has been on the decline due to failure of the university to address the welfare issues of staff amidst the socio economic challenges in the country,” said the ASUU chairman, Suleiman Salihu Jauro. 

    In the resolution jointly signed by Jauro and his secretary, Muhammad S Muhammad, ASUU said the varsity administration has failed to pay the accumulated Earned Academic Allowance, EAA front 2015/2016 session till date.

    The academic staff is asking the state government and the university administration for the payment of areas of 2020, 2021 and 2022 promotion, allowances to lecturers teaching General Studies courses and staff engaged in teaching part-time programmes.

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    Other demands of the union include non-implementation of 2022 promotion for academic staff on the professorial cadre, non-implementation of 2023 promotion for academic staff, non-implementation of new salary table for academic staff, non-payment of postgraduate allowance for supervision, Internal examination etc and non-implementation/non-payment of arrears of consequential adjustment in minimum wage to 30,000 effective from April 2019.

    Consequently, the Congress unanimously resolved to give the university a time frame of two weeks from yesterday within which to address the above listed issues.

    The union warned: ” if these issues remain unaddressed at the expiration of the time frame, the union will not hesitate to consider other legitimate options available to it to pursue it’s demands.”

  • iSI tasks scholars on academic excellence, maximising opportunities

    iSI tasks scholars on academic excellence, maximising opportunities

    A non-governmental organisation, the i-Scholar Initiative (iSI) has tasked scholars with the need for academic excellence as they take on and utilise international opportunities.

    The scholars were admonished at a recent meet-and-greet event organised by the initiative in Lagos.

    About thirty-three (33) scholars from various universities across Nigeria were in attendance.

    The gathering also had in attendance some members of the Board of Trustees, Management Committee and Partners for the initiative.

    Over 40 of the 2023 cohorts have already secured fully funded graduate programs at various world-class universities.

    Narrating his journey in life, President of the initiative, Victor Ogunmola who is trained as a Geoscientist at the University of Aberdeen, United Kingdom, recalled how as a young student he was able to maximize international opportunities.

    Ogunmola said: “It is important to leverage the available opportunities offered by iSI as a community. In this community, we look after ourselves. We are our brother’s keeper. Please don’t keep to yourself.

    “Powered by the generosities of our partners and teaming volunteers, this is an efficiently run organisation. Please don’t be distracted. In your area of career interest or study, we have people with relevant experience within the iSi community who can provide you with the needed assistance in your admission process and graduate programmes. You need to start orientating yourself. You need to collaborate more with other equally self-driven scholars.

    “We have the vision to have awarded 1000 plus scholarships by the year 2030.

    Since 2019, our focus has primarily been on Nigeria, achieving an impressive 5X growth in sponsorships within the first four years. With an investment of about $160,000, we’ve sponsored over 255 scholars, accessing scholarships totalling over $30 million.  We need to build more capacities to support our continued growth. We will need more mentors, financial donors, and application reviewers. As i-Scholars, you are part of a community that is passionate about your career.

    Speaking on the initiative’s scholarships, he noted that: “Our scholarship provides an end-to-end mentorship, covers the cost of standardised tests that are required by foreign universities to qualify for their funded graduate school admissions. iSI also pays a predetermined amount for graduate school application fees for all scholarship awardees.”

    A board member, Mrs. Titilayo Olujobi, a banker and certified professional coach, admonished the scholars. She said: “Appreciate what I-Scholar Initiative is doing. Also, replicate what the initiative is doing. Many of you never thought you’d have this opportunity.

    “The donors in this initiative are committing their time, finances, and also investing because they believe in you. She urged them to pay it forward. Any assignment you’ve chosen to be part of, do it diligently.”

    Also, Mrs. Iyabode Attah, an engineer and a coach for i-scholars on international opportunities, advised the scholars to be self-motivated, confident and passionate while seeking foreign opportunities to advance their careers.

    Attah, an iSI board member, urged the scholars to be prepared for challenges as they move to the next phase of life.

    The beneficiaries, in their separate remarks, thanked the iSI for access to international opportunities while assuring them to make judicious use of the opportunities.

    A graduate of Economics from Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Chibuzor Obi said: “I-Scholar is a vibrant community of talented young people who are passionate about the success of African students.

    “I see it as a pipeline to build and nurture talents interested in pursuing advanced education in the diaspora. I especially like the fact that the organization doesn’t leave you once you begin graduate school, they’re there every step of the way. I am proud to be part of the movement and am enthusiastic about giving back in ways that will expand the organization’s footprint. I look forward to international opportunities that will help me meet and connect with other young talents like me committed to shaping the future of Education in Africa.”

    Another graduate of Industrial Chemistry from Redeemer’s University, Lese Esther, said: “Isi is a wonderful platform that gave me a crucial boost of confidence during this application process and I look forward to what YPCA has to offer even as I start grad school.”

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    A Lagos State University graduate, Adekola Oluwaseun Oluwafemi who recently got admitted to the University of Illinois, Chicago, USA (fully funded PhD program in Electrical and Computer Engineering) said: “iSI’s level of commitment and dedication to ensuring that Nigerian graduates become successful is indeed incomparable. I’m grateful to God, to the i-Scholar Initiative, to the Board of Trustees (BoT), and to all iSI partners for their financial support and mentorship given to each of us.

    “The all-round support is immense and of great benefit to myself and other selected scholars. Being one of the selected winners of the iSI scholarship award 2023 edition remains one of the best things that have happened to me between 2023 and 2024.

    “From the standardized test fee sponsorship, graduate school application fee sponsorship, and end-to-end mentorship from the iSI family, all these saw me through my admission into my graduate school and program of choice.”

  • Unified Exams: Ban on illegal levies still in force, says Oyo Govt

    Unified Exams: Ban on illegal levies still in force, says Oyo Govt

    The Oyo state government has reaffirmed that the ban on the collection of illegal levies in public schools was still in force, warning that it would deal with anyone contravening the ban.

    This is coming on the heels of reports that some errant teachers compelled pupils to pay for the ongoing second-term unified promotion examination, for public primary schools.

    The chairman of Oyo State Universal Basic Education Board, Nureni Aderemi Adeniran, gave the warning today in Ibadan while monitoring the exams.

    According to him, the present administration in Oyo state, since inception has been responsible for the printing of question and answer sheets for its unified examination exercise.

    Adeniran explained that the government has ensured the examination timetable is adhered to by all schools in the state.

    He said the government cancelled the payment of fees by pupils and students in public, however, it discovered that some errant staff imposed illegal fees in some areas.

    Adeniran advised parents and guardians to report any case of collection of illegal fees to the Board, adding that the government is alive to its responsibilities.

    “Let me begin by apologising to parents and guardians whose pupils were forced to bring money for examinations. This is not from the Board, and I will appeal to such parents to report the teachers to the Board.”

    “The Oyo State Government has ensured that all necessary arrangements are put in place for a hitch-free examination exercise. We paid for the printing and delivery of question and answer sheets.

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    “We are committed to the free and compulsory universal basic education, hence, no school or head teacher found imposing or collecting any levy not approved by the government, will go unpunished.

    “The Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde has been regular in the payment of the Oyo State counterpart fund with the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), hence we access our funds and use them to develop infrastructure and capacity of personnel,’’ he added.

    Adeniran explained that the campaign against examination malpractice and truancy in public schools was yielding the desired result.

    He commended the smooth conduct of examinations in the centres visited.

    He added that teams from the Board are in other zones of the state to monitor the ongoing examination exercise.

  • Benue SUBEB marks 100days, promises more reforms

    Benue SUBEB marks 100days, promises more reforms

    The Benue State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) with the support of the State Governor Dr Hyacinth Iormem Alia  has celebrated 100 days under the  leadership of its  Executive Chairman Dr Grace Adagba.

     A statement by the board’s  Information  Officer, Emmanuella Akese hailed Adagba for revitalising the education sector with a blend of visionary strategies and hands-on initiatives.

    It noted  Adagba’s leadership was  already being felt across the state, with improvement in learning outcomes, increased enrollment rates, and a renewed sense of optimism among educators and students alike.

    According to the statement, since  she  assumed office,  on 15 December, 2023, the Benue SUBEB boss has facilitated projects to improve teachers’ welfare, infrastructure,teaching and learning,among others.

    It reads: “Under Adagba’s stewardship, Benue SUBEB has embarked on a comprehensive agenda of reform, encompassing infrastructure development, teacher capacity building, curriculum enhancement, and community engagement. From the refurbishment of schools to the introduction of innovative teaching methodologies, her leadership has heralded a new era of progress and innovation in the State’s educational system.One of the hallmarks of her  tenure has been her emphasis on inclusiveness and Stakeholders engagement.

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    “Recognising the importance of collaboration in driving sustainable change, she has actively involved teachers, parents, community leaders, and other stakeholders in  decision-making process, fostering a culture of ownership and collective responsibility.

    “Her tenure has been marked by a relentless pursuit of excellence and an unwavering commitment to ensuring that every child in Benue has access to quality basic education.

    “She created a robust information dissemination system on all activities of the Board through the creation of a Benue SUBEB YouTube Channel, Twitter, Instagram, Facebook platforms as well as equipping the Information and Protocol Unit with gadgets to facilitate their work.”

    Speaking on her 100 days in office, she noted that the journey had just begun, adding that together with her team she would continue to strive for excellence and build a better future for the next generation.