The Nation Newspaper

Category: Education

  • States not complementing Fed Govt to address hardship

    States not complementing Fed Govt to address hardship

    The Senior Staff Association of Nigeria Polytechnics (SSANIP) has lamented that many state governments are not complementing the efforts of the Federal government to address the current hardship.

    This is contained in a Communiqué issued at the end of SSANIP’s 129th General Executive Council (GEC) in Abuja and signed by the National President, Comrade Adebanjo Ogunsipe, and National Secretary, Comrade Nura Gaya.

    The union said it noted the growing situation of food insecurity and general economic hardship in the land, occasioned by unchecked galloping inflation which has resulted in the daily rising cost of commodities.

    It stated that these issues are a fallout of the removal of fuel subsidy and the floating of the national currency.

    It also highlighted that the Council equally noted the Federal Government’s commitment to addressing these challenges through the deployment of various interventionist policies such as wage awards and distribution of food material to the vulnerable.

    However, SSANIP stated that these efforts were not only slow in implementation but are also grossly inadequate to meet the resultant mounting pressures on labor to react.

    The communique reads: “In the same vein, the Council noted the poor complimentary role played by many State Governments in assuaging the pains of the people in their domain; while some were offering far less than the Federal workers were offered, many were not offering anything at all.

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    “It thus resolved to chide the Federal Government to be more proactive under the current circumstance. It also strongly advised the government at the state levels to justify the reported huge increase in allocation to them through responsive and commensurate palliative gestures to their subjects.”

    On insecurity, SSANIP observed that the pervading insecurity in the land remained largely unabated.

    It also noted that the consequential effects of this had been partly attributed to the current food scarcity in the country.

    “The Council reiterated that there can never be any meaningful development in an atmosphere of insecurity. While commending the resilience and the combatant resolve of the Nigerian Armed Forces and other security agencies in dealing squarely with this menace, it resolved to strongly appeal to the Federal Government to up their game and ensure that all unrepentant criminal elements are neutralized forthwith, so that all its economic policies are not unduly frustrated,” it added.

  • First Lady Tinubu donates books to Lagos public schools

    First Lady Tinubu donates books to Lagos public schools

    Wife of the President Mrs. Oluremi Tinubu has donated 100,000 exercise books to pupils of public primary and junior secondary schools in Lagos State as part of her Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) Education Support Programme.

    The books were presented yesterday by wife of the governor, Mrs. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, on behalf of the First Lady.

    She said: “This gesture is well appreciated and will further support our students in their academic pursuit, enhancing learning outcomes. These books will be distributed to public primary and junior secondary school students through the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education and State Universal Basic Education Board (LASUBEB), ensuring they reach those who need them most.

    “Therefore, I encourage our younger generation that you can become whatever you desire to be in life. Whatever you can conceive, you can achieve provided you are truly determined to pay the price. I implore you to have the right attitude, in all you do, strive to reflect nothing but excellence in academics and your day-to-day affair.

    “The Renewed Hope Initiative is driven by the Office of the First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to complement efforts of the administration of President Bola Tinubu. Its scope spans across education, health, economic empowerment, social investment, and agriculture.”

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    Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education Jamiu Alli-Balogun said the gesture will enable beneficiaries get learning properly.

    “This initiative portrays the passion and love Her Excellency is noted for since her days as the First Lady of Lagos State. The Renewed Hope Education Program is set to positively affect the learning process with this gesture to pupils in our public schools. It will go a long way to support the pupils in receiving adequate learning with the required tools. It will also be a classroom support for teachers who will ensure the learning process is complete and impactful,” he added.

    Representative of the RHI in Lagos, Wahab Alawiye-King, said the RHI is determined to support education as a tool to develop the country.

  • ‘Prioritise  knowledge, skill acquisition’

    ‘Prioritise  knowledge, skill acquisition’

    Chairman of  Topfaith University, a privately-owned university in Mkpatak, Akwa Ibom State, Dr Emmanuel Abraham has stressed the need for students to prioritise knowledge and skill acquisitio. He said it was imperative to unlearn and relearn towards boosting personal and national development.

    Delivering a speech entitled:  “21st Century Education Skills and Career Choices,” at the Transition to University Education Summit (TTUES 2024), he emphasised the significance of creativity, collaboration and communication skills in today’s educational ecosystem.

    TopFaith University, in partnership with Standard Mandate International (SMI) and Thomas Abraham Foundation, hosted the summit to expose final year SS3 students to necessary tools and knowledge for a seamless transition to university life. It held last week at the University of Lagos (UNILAG) Akoka, Lagos.

    He said  the summit was a platform to guide  graduating students towards the right universities and empower them to build successful careers.

    The one-day summit with the theme: “Getting it Right,” was aimed at  preparing , and motivating students on various aspects of university education, including admission procedures, mental and psychological preparation for challenges, exposure to the university learning system, and career counseling.

    Proffering solutions to challenges within the Nigerian education system, Abraham called for a shift in mindset while valuing and contributing to the existing educational infrastructure.

    He called for consistent and sustainable policies from the Ministry of Education to boost the standard of education  nationwide.

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    Managing Consultant of Standard Mandate International (SMI), Dr Nelson Ayodele stressed the significance of proper and  effective preparation and goal-setting towards moving to university education.

    According to him, building a positive mindset has a significant impact on the mental and physical well-being of students, noting that  those with a positive mindset are more likely to succeed academically and enjoy the learning process.

    Ayodele, who listed common transition problems such as psychological hurdles, self-doubt, insecurity, and adjusting to new social environments, enjoined the  students to acquire essential skills such as self-regulated learning, personal development, social and emotional learning, and financial management to tackle the problems effectively.

  • Covenant University  to run distance E-learning programme

    Covenant University  to run distance E-learning programme

    Covenant University, Ota, Ogun State, has got licence  to operate an e-learning platform, known as the ‘Covenant Centre for Open and Distance e-learning (CCODeL).’

    The operating licence was granted to the university recently by the National Universities Commission (NUC), as it is scheduled to begin with Computer Science programme.

    Vice Chancellor, Prof. Abiodun Adebayo, expressed regrets that four out of every five admission seekers into tertiary institutions do not often get admission into the university.

    According to him,  the university’s newly accredited distance e-learning platform would help address  admission deficit in Nigeria  and foster educational development in Africa.

    He said the platform would enable learners enroll and learn at their own pace without the barrier of distance or the rigour associated with classroom settings.

    Adebayo said this open and distance e-learning platform had marked a significant milestone in expanding access to quality education beyond the traditional classroom setting as it underscores the  school’s commitment to innovation, excellence and inclusivity in higher education.

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     “We have only been able to admit one out of every five persons into our computer science programme at Covenant University, and this is because of the post-COVID pandemic that has led to the high demand for ICT-related education and certifications. For us, we welcome this and it implies that every applicant who meets our admission requirements, but was not admitted, can still key into our open and distance e-learning programme,” he said.

    While stressing that the institution had secured licence for only the Computer Science programme for the open and distance e-learning education, the vice chancellor said more programmes would be opened in the second year.

    The VC  thanked  the Board of Regents of the university led  by the Chancellor and Chair, Dr David O. Oyedepo, for the huge investments in setting up this platform and spearheading a new revolution in education.

  • Olashore School: Celebrating the legacy of a visionary founder

    Olashore School: Celebrating the legacy of a visionary founder

    Olashore International School (OIS) recently celebrated its 30th Founder’s Day anniversary on its campus in Osun State serving as a timely reminder of the legacies and vision of the deceased founder, an undying zeal for transformational education. DAMOLA KOLA-DARE reports.

    When Olashore International School (OIS) Iloko,Ijesha, Osun State, rolled out the drums to celebrate her 30th Founder’s Day anniversary, it was an avenue to show gratitude to  God for coming thus far, for sterling achievements through the years  and for extolling the virtues of the visionary founder, the late Oba Oladele Olashore.

    The occasion which held in the school’s main hall in the serene town of Iloko Ijesha, was as exhilarating as it was soul-lifting. Pupils put up different excellent presentations to thrill the audience.

    Speaking on the occasion, Head of School, Ndudi Abili hailed the ‘audacity’ of Oba Olashore,who she described as a man of dreams.

    She praised the founder for ‘transforming acres of wilderness’ into a world class citadel of learning. The head of school said the founder’s dream was born not only of a deep-seated belief in the transformative power of education, but of resilience and determination towards actualisation.

    “Today as we honour the legacy of Oba  Olashore, we also celebrate the values he instilled in this institution- a commitment to excellence, a reverence for cultural heritage  and a dedication to nurturing each child’s potential. His legacy lives on and guides us as we strive to uphold his vision,” she said.

    Abili reflected on the past 30 years as being  marked by numerous achievements which underlines a commitment to proper preparation and excellence.

    “Our commitment to academic excellence was recognised with the 2018 Africa Outstanding School CEO Award, underscoring the achievements of our alumni on both national and international stages. Accolades to our students speak volumes- in 2008,Rolake Omoya was the overall best in the Southwest region National Mathematics Competition. In 2015, Mofiyinfoluwa Okupe was recognised for achieving the highest score in IGCSE examination in Nigeria. In 2020, Uduak Obioh received the British Council Recognition and Outstanding Cambridge learners Awards for Best student in the world in Cambridge IGCSE Mathematics with a perfect 100 percent score, among others,” she said.

    In his lecture entitled: “Towards raising transformative leaders for national development: The Olashore International School Model,”  former Dean of Faculty of the Social Sciences, Ekiti State University (EKSU), Prof. Femi Omotoso,noted that the school exhibits unique leadership particularly in positioning and preparing  children to assume national leadership.

    He said the institution emphasises the development of responsible and disciplined individuals who possess the ability to think clearly, logically and independently as participating members of a democratic society.

    “The school intentionally involves students in decision making process through the School Council, Upper and Lower Chambers. The students are ‘encouraged to make recommendations on decision concerning the growth and structure of the school. This is a way of inculcating democratic attitude in them. It must be noted that ‘the school places great emphasis on high standard of courtesy, smartness and self- discipline,” he added.

    Omotoso stressed the role of youths as  societal transformative leaders.

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    He said: “It is  apposite to say that, the future of any nation lies more on the expected participatory role of its youths.  In view of this, any nation or school that feels threatened by the mental wealth of its youths cannot grow or develop. A nation that tries to ostracise her youths from the decision-making apparatus so as to perpetuate a given leadership does a lot of damage to her future, growth and development.”

    The don urged youths to be the light that illuminates the darkness that pervades the whole country. He said for them to be world leaders, they should be visionary, selfless, courageous and assertive.

    Chairman Board of Trustees of the school, Prince Abimbola Olashore said the celebration was a time for stock-taking and challenge themselves for renewal and rebirth.

    He said the school is poised to continue to transform it operations in line with the changing dynamics of 21st century education.

    “Education is changing. It is now about skill development and not about certificate.The classroom of the future is in the cloud.We have to make sure  the school is still relevant. We should respond to these,” he said.

  • Educationist seeks more teachers in school

    Educationist seeks more teachers in school

    • School hosts inter house sports

    The Head teacher of China-Nigeria Friendship Model School Igbesa, Mrs. Grace Ayodele, has stressed the need for deployment of more teachers to the school to be able to cater to the academic needs of pupils.

    “One of the major challenges we are facing in the school, is shortage of human resources. Although our State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) chairman came last September and promised to give us some teachers,but  he gave us two. But then, we still need more teachers because of the population of the pupils, in order to achieve effective teaching and learning.

    “We have only 14 teachers teaching about 778 pupils. We really need more teachers,” she said.

    Speaking at the 2nd annual inter house sports competition held by the school, Ayodele stressed the importance of sporting activities as an avenue for pupils to discover their talents.

    “We are here today to discover talents among our pupils. Activities like this, is very important because from there, you get to discover hidden talents embedded in these kids. Recently, one of our students represented us in a sports competition in Ogun state and she won,” she added.

    Guangdong house, at the end of the competition, came first, Taobest house came second, Oba Akinde house took third position and Adeoye house, 4th position.

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    Present at the event, the Oloja Ekun of Igbesa land, Oba Abdul Azeez Akinde, lauded China’s investment in the community, adding that land and education are major components of development in any country.

    His words: “Anywhere in the world, land and education are major ingredients of development.  Having China invest in our community is remarkable.

    “This is a good model school in terms of infrastructure, financial support. I can say it’s one of the best schools in Igbesa land as we speak.The inter house sports in remarkable and well organised.”

    Deputy General Manager of Ogun-Guangdong Free Trade Zone, Kevin Liu, noted that the school was built by China Embassy to help Nigerian children get good education, while adding that the management will continue supporting all-round development of the community.

  • Nigeria to host spelling bee competition

    Nigeria to host spelling bee competition

    Nigeria is to host the 2024 Edition of the African Spelling Bee Competition expected to take place before the end of year.

    The competition will involve students of Secondary Schools from 27 African member nations of the group who become national champions.

    Spellers from the various countries are expected to converge to show case their spelling prowess at the continental event. The winner will get  $10,000 in scholarships to study in any uniiversity in the world.

    As a run-up to the event, country spelling bee organisations expected to arrange competition for their students and eventual winners will represent their countries at the annual African meet.

    In Nigeria, the Nigeria Spelling Bee is organised yearly by Bee Spelling Competition Initiative (BSCI), a registered NGO endorsed by the Federal Ministry of Education in collaboration with the National Senior Secondary Schools Commission.

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    The competition is run at state and national level from which winners  represent the country.

    Nigeria has won in the African Championships since its inception in 2016 with Esere Minabowa of Deeper Life High School, Port Harcourt emerging the winner of the 2023 edition which took place in Kampala, Uganda.

    National Coordinator of Nigeria Spelling Bee, Abdulsalam Ibrahim said one of the major challenges of the organisation was lack of adequate support from government, corporate organisations and individuals toward the competition.

    He wondered why government has not been doing enough for the education sector, adding that the children involved in the competition are the future leaders of the nation.

    According to him, no amount invested in this category of Nigerians could be too much.

  • ‘Promote cultural values to stem immorality’

    ‘Promote cultural values to stem immorality’

    Government at all levels should promote cultural values to  address moral decadence among youths.

    This was the position of Proprietress of Forcen Schools in Asese area of Ogun State, Mrs. Ngozi Ejenavi and parents at the  school’s  Cultural Day celebration.

    The Proprietress noted that culture is gradually losing its values as young people no longer care about cultural heritage of the  country. She urged youths to stop indecent dressing.

    “We are losing our cultural values already. Young people no longer respect their elders. They behaves just the way they like. They dictate dress sense to their parents and elders in the name of modern civilisation. They want to imbibe the culture of Western countries where young people are given rights to do whatever they like.

    “The government can actually communicate the Nigerian cultural values to our children more. Parents cannot do it alone because they won’t follow their children out all the time. From local to the federal government, something should be done,” she  said.

    One of the parents in attendance,  Mrs. Blessing Ator Daniel noted that culture upholds moral standard of  people, adding that it has helped to  shape the society in the past.

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    “Going by the ways and manners of young generation today, our culture can help control decadence if parents and particularly the government continue to  emphasise the importance of culture as the bedrock of education.

     The government should checkmate how schools teach culture because no one can teach culture better than the owners. This way, younger people will understand and appreciate the way of life of our society as well as cohabit with one another,” she said.

    Another parent, Mrs. Gbadamosi Adebukola said  cultural values bind people together which makes them strong and united to pave way for  social harmony and  economic development.

  • Prioritise education for nation building, NewGlobe Boss tells policymakers

    Prioritise education for nation building, NewGlobe Boss tells policymakers

    The Group Managing Director, NewGlobe Nigeria, Dr Olusoji Akinyele has urged policymakers in Nigeria to re-prioritise education and reskilling of the workforce through investments and quality partnerships.

    Akinyele made the remark while delivering the keynote address at the Seplat JV Education Summit and Seplat Teachers Empowerment Programme (STEP) graduation ceremony held in Benin City, Edo State recently.

    “Transforming the education workforce is not a luxury, it is a necessity for our country and a necessity for now. We must collectively address the issue of teacher shortages, inadequate training, and low morale of teachers and educators, among challenges that paint a concerning picture of the future of our education workforce in Nigeria,” he noted

    Speaking on transforming the education workforce, Dr Akinyele called for the prioritization of teacher welfare, noting that, “If it takes a village to raise a child, then that village must empower the village teacher to educate that child. Empowered teachers nurture creative and ethical leaders in society. They cultivate the culture and innovation that births new technologies and solutions for national challenges”.

    Akinyele pointed out that strategic partnerships also play a vital role in reforming the education workforce through strategic training and empowerment programmes similar to what NewGlobe is doing in partnership with the Edo state government through the EdoBEST programme.

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    “We are all witnesses to the globally acclaimed EdoBEST programme as supported by NewGlobe through which His Excellency Governor Obaseki has radically transformed the state public education system by empowering over 15,000 teachers in Edo state with digital teaching devices, modern-day lesson delivery, residential induction training, continuous teacher mentoring, employment retention and performance-based incentives as well as a robust monitoring and evaluation system.

    “We are achieving transformational learning outcomes and building the future workforce both for the state and our country Nigeria. A few other states; Lagos, Kwara, Bayelsa, have now taken a cue from what is happening in Edo state and are now implementing similar reforms also supported by NewGlobe, focused on empowering teachers and the education workforce”, Dr Akinyele said.

    He called on all stakeholders present to focus on an intersection between education, technological innovation and partnerships that work towards the transformation of any society, sustaining the progress made and improving access to education through teacher empowerment.

    He noted: “Transforming the education workforce requires a holistic and collaborative approach. It is a complex and multifaceted process that involves various stakeholders, and strategic planning but above all, it involves sustained efforts.

    “The Seplat example and the EdoBEST example are replicable and scalable models of private sector and public sector interventions. To achieve them at a national scale requires comprehensive needs assessment to identify the strengths, weaknesses, and gaps in the current education workforce. This involves analysing teacher skills, professional development opportunities, and the alignment of the workforce with the evolving needs of learners and society,” he said.

  • EDE launches indigenous language Spelling Bee

    EDE launches indigenous language Spelling Bee

    The EDE Prize for Language has announced the launch of its inaugural Spelling Bee to encourage literacy and academic excellence among students in Lagos and Ogun states.

    The initiative, according to the organisers, is aimed at celebrating and preserving the Yoruba language, fostering a stronger sense of cultural heritage and linguistic diversity.

    The EDE Prize is in collaboration with Teammasters, a reputable organization that organizes nationwide spelling bees

    The prize’s creator, Bobo Omotayo said: “We hope to empower young people by giving them a platform to demonstrate their language skills and celebrate the diversity of indigenous cultures.

    “The EDE Prize for Language represents our commitment to promoting indigenous literacy and preserving cultural heritage.

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    “Through our partnership with Teammasters, the Prize’s goal for this event is to inspire the next generation to be proud of their language and culture.”

    Schools and students from Lagos and Ogun states are invited to participate in the culturally rich educational experience.

    “The EDE Prize for Language is not just a competition; it’s a celebration of Indigenous languages and traditions,” said Rotimi Eyitayo, Teammasters National Spelling Bee’s founder.

    It will feature several rounds of competition, culminating in a grand finale in which finalists will compete for prestigious awards and recognition.

    The competition is divided into two categories: (i) Lower Category for children aged 8 to 11, and (ii) Higher Category for students aged 13 to 17.

    Schools interested in taking part in this inaugural edition can register their students for free. Registration will open on Monday, March 4, 2024, and close on Friday, March 29.