The Nation Newspaper

Category: Education

  • MacArthur Foundation backs learning, research in ABU with $15m

    MacArthur Foundation backs learning, research in ABU with $15m

    Macarthur Foundation Africa has revealed that it had supported Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria with over $15,538,896 to enhance learning and research.

    Its director, Dr. Kole Shettima, made this known while presenting ABU’s Diamond Jubilee Public Lecture, titled, “The Challenges of Quality Higher Education in Africa”.

    Shettima said the foundation was very excited about its interventions at ABU Zaria, adding that part of its support to the institution include installation of fibre optics.

    He added that it also included linking of the ABU Teaching Hospital, Shika to the University’s Samaru and Kongo campuses.

    “The foundation also supported 67 Ph.d and 87 masters’ students among other interventions.

    “I appeal to the government and other key stakeholders to increase funding and transparency in the higher education sector in Nigeria.

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    “The transparency and accountability component of our support is to ensure efficiency in service delivery in the sector, and stem the ‘Japa Syndrome’,” he said.

    Shettima urged the alumni of ABU to support their alma-mater to augment government efforts to salvage the institution from its numerous challenges.

    Prof. Kabiru Bala, the Vice-Chancellor of ABU, acknowledged the long-term relationship between the Foundation and ABU.

    Bala stressed that beside TETFund, no individual, local or international organisation had supported the University like MacArthur Foundation.

    “The university community remains indebted to the director of the foundation for its support in Information and Communication Technology (ICT) infrastructure, digitisation and automation of libraries and establishment of some centres.

    “The centres established include the Centre for Development Communication; Rural Finance; Veterinary Public Health and Reproductive Health among others,” the vice-chancellor said.

    He noted that ABU was established in 1962 and the Diamond Jubilee Celebration ought to have been celebrated in Oct/Nov. 2022, but the industrial action by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) made it impossible until now.

    In his remarks, the Chairman of the occasion, Alhaji Munnir Ja’afaru, urged government to prioritise funding of tertiary education in Nigeria, adding that education was the bedrock of the nation’s development.

    He said it was a collective responsibility to ensure that these tertiary institutions had the necessary resources to flourish.

    Ja’afaru urged the alumni of ABU to rally together and aid the institution as ABU had become a national asset that must be protected from potential collapse.

  • Varsity sets up factory for tablets production

    Varsity sets up factory for tablets production

    Igbinedion University, Okada in Edo State, said it has set up a tablets manufacturing factory to meet the local needs of its teaching hospital and the host community.

    Prof. Lawrence Ezemonye, vice-chancellor of the university, disclosed this yesterday during the 13th oath- taking/induction ceremony for 101 pharmacy graduates of the 2022/2023 session.

    He explained that the facility was domiciled in the Department of Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical technology in the university.

    “It was designed for undergraduate and postgraduate teaching, research, extemporaneous compounding as well as production of tablets.

    “The institution has also built an automated line for the production of antiseptics, disinfectants and reagents.

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    “This will further strengthen our teaching and research, and to meet the immediate aseptic needs of the University Teaching Hospital and other health institutions in the state,” he said.

    The vice-chancellor, thereafter, urged the inductees to cultivate a sense of purpose in their profession.

    Rather than be just dispensers of medicine, Ezemonye advised the new pharmacists to be advocates for premium health and well-being.

    Performing the oath-taking on the inductees, Mr. Ibrahim Ahmed, Registrar, Pharmacists Council of Nigeria (PCN), urged them to maintain ethical standards of the profession.

    The council, he said, frowned seriously at professional misconduct of any sort and would not hesitate to sanction any erring member.

    The registrar urged the inductees to take their internship programme seriously and specialise while building their careers.

    Meanwhile, in his induction lecture, Chief Paul Enebeli described the role of pharmacy in healthcare delivery as pivotal that needed to be optimised.

    In the lecture titled, he said the role of a pharmacist as the most accessible healthcare provider had expanded to include a wide range of services for individual and community health.

    These functions of pharmacists, he noted, were presently underutilised, and the potential roles in patient care could be seen as a missed opportunity to improve the health system of Nigeria.

    Enebeli, however, called on the Federal Government to immediately remove all obstacles to the implementation of the Pharmacist Consultant Cadre Circular as approved by the government in 2020.

    This, he said, was to enable the Nigerian people to benefit from the services of consultant pharmacists.

    “There is an urgent need for pharmacists to take their rightful place in the health care sector in Nigeria, and to make maximum use of our training, knowledge, skills and competencies at our disposal.

    The guest speaker concluded by calling on the government to open the headship of tertiary health institutions to all the groups of professionals in the healthcare system.

  • UNILAG graduates 340 first class students

    UNILAG graduates 340 first class students

    The University of Lagos (UNILAG) will graduate  340  first class students at its 54th convocation.

    Speaking at a news conference to announce activities lined up for the ceremony in Akoka, Lagos, its Vice Chancellor, Prof. Folasade Ogunsola, noted that on January 16, and 17, the university would be graduating 17,464 students of which 10,578 would receive first degrees, while 6,886 others would be honoured with the postgraduate degrees.

    She said David Akanmu of  the Faculty of Engineering had emerged the overall best graduating student, with a perfect score of 5.00 CGPA, while Ibrahim Quadri of the Faculty of Management Sciences, with a CGPA of 4.94, is the best graduating student in Humanities.

    Ogunsola said of  the total number of graduating students, a total of 3,374, would be conferred with the Second Class Upper degrees, while 4,547 others would be  in the Second Class lower division.

    “We have 1,832 others graduating in the 3rd Class division, 188 with Pass and 250 others with unclassified degrees from the Faculties of Pharmacy, Basic and Clinical Sciences,” she said.

    Speaking further, the VC explained that of the 6,886 postgraduate degrees, a total of 465 would be awarded postgraduate diplomas, 6,266 are graduating with Master’s, out of which 377 bagged distinctions.

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    “Most exciting is that 31 of the Master’s degree graduates are international students, all with MSc degrees, who were supported by World Bank grant through the African Centre of Excellence for Drug Research, Herbal Medicine Development and Regulatory Science (ACEDHERS).

    “The centre Director, Dr Bola Ademilua, together with her team, worked extremely hard, to achieve this.

    “This is the first time we will have such a harvest of international students at one convocation in the history of this university and this further reiterates and validates the aggressive internationalisation drive of this administration and previous administrations.

    “This year too, 155 graduands will be awarded the Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D) degree in various disciplines. The overall best Ph.D. Thesis award for this year, which is also the best PhD in the Sciences, goes to Aminat Olawunmi Ige, with a Ph.D. in Mathematics.

    “The best Ph.D in the Humanities goes to Issa Akanji Afedokun, with a Ph.D. in Private and Property Law,” she said.

    Ogunsola said the University of Lagos Business School would be graduating its first set of students as an autonomous school for the first time this year.

    She said in repositioning the business school to be more globally competitive, management unbundled it from the School of Postgraduate Studies.

    “So, it now has its own recognised certificate. A total of 62 students will be graduating from the Business School this year and the overall best graduating student is Abiola Oluyemisi Itakpe, with a CGPA of 4.84. She obtained the Master’s of Business Administration,” she said.

    Ogunsola said no fewer than four visually challenged students would graduate.

    Speaking further on the activities lined up for the ceremony, Ogunsola stated that there would be a special Jumat service on Friday, January 12 at the institution’s Central Mosque.

  • Foundation to engage education stakeholders on inclusive environment

    Foundation to engage education stakeholders on inclusive environment

    A Lagos-based non-profit organisation, the Regalo Hope Foundation (RHF), said it has concluded arrangements to host the 2024 Edition of the EduStake Conference in Lagos on Jan. 24.

    The founder, RHF, Mrs. Chineye Onuorah, told the News Agency of Nigeria in Lagos that the conference was deliberately being held on the same day as the International Day of Education.

    She stressed that the event signified the collective commitment of stakeholders to education as a fundamental human right and global citizenship.

    Onuorah said the one-day conference, which had the theme, “Uniting for Inclusive Education’’ would take place at the Lagos Theatre, Igando, Lagos.

    According to her, the event aims at inspiring education stakeholders on the need to create more inclusive educational environments.

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    “The primary focus of the EduStake Conference 2024 is to equip educational stakeholders with invaluable insights on critical topics such as inclusion, emotional intelligence, relationship management and revenue generation in education.

    “We will be having on ground four key stakeholders in education such as parents, community leaders, teachers/administrators, as well as students even from tertiary institutions.

    “The 2024 EduStake Conference will feature a panel session that will address inclusive education; a current affairs competition among schools aimed at engaging and inspiring the next generation of leaders, and diverse exhibition activities.

    “It also serves as an opportunity to generate revenue for schools, who will win the quiz competition as there will be prizes and cash rewards from our corporate partners,” Onuorah said.

    The RHF founder noted that the previous edition, 2023 EduStake Conference witnessed a turnout of over 600 attendees.

    She said in 2023, schools with participants ranking in the top three of the competition segments received gifts.

  • IEEE Computer Society appoints Iwendi as election committee chair

    IEEE Computer Society appoints Iwendi as election committee chair

    A Nigerian Reader at the School of Creative Technologies, University of Bolton, United Kingdom, Dr. Celestine Iwendi has been appointed as the Election Committee Chair for the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE) Computer Society Worldwide.

    With this prestigious role, Dr. Celestine Iwendi would take on various responsibilities, including the appointment of committee members and the moderation of the Town Hall with presidential candidates.

    His appointment was disclosed in a statement issued by the 2024 IEEE Computer Society President, Jyotika Athavale.

    She said: “It is my great pleasure and honour to appoint you to serve as the IEEE Computer Society Elections Committee Chair. Your term will begin on 1 January 2024 and expire on 31 December 2024.

    “Information about the Elections Committee is described in the IEEE Computer Society Policies and Procedures Manual, attached for reference. Governance Program Specialist Milagros (Millie) Lovos will be your primary staff contact. Anne Marie Kelly is the executive staff member with responsibility for the committee.

    “I look forward to working closely with you in the coming year. I am certain that, thanks to your outstanding and enlightened contributions, 2024 will be a truly successful year for the IEEE Computer Society.”

    Reacting to the appointment through a statement on their website, the University of Bolton said that they take pride in celebrating Dr. Celestine Iwendi’s remarkable achievements in 2024.

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    The University stressed that his commitment and leadership within the academic and professional realms exemplify excellence.

    According to the statement, “As a prominent figure in the academic community, Dr. Iwendi’s expertise would undoubtedly contribute significantly to the operations of IEEE Computer Society.”

    However, the IEEE Computer Society, boasting a membership of over 375,000 professionals from 168 countries, stands as the largest global community of computer scientists and engineers.

    The society actively engages its members through conferences, publications, programs, and meaningful dialogue.

    Dr. Celestine Iwendi takes pride in his three-year inclusion in Elsevier’s publication, featuring the World’s Top 2 percent Influential Scientists.

    He obtained both his Bachelor of Science and Masters of Science in Electrical/Electronic Engineering, from Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Nigeria.

    He has a PhD in Electronics Engineering, Past ACM Distinguished Speaker, a Senior Member of IEEE, a Seasoned Lecturer and a Chartered Engineer.

    He is equally a highly motivated researcher and teacher with an emphasis on communication, hands-on experience, willingness and a 24 years of technical expertise.

    He has developed operational, maintenance, and testing procedures for electronic products, components, equipment, and systems; provided technical support and instruction to staff and customers regarding equipment standards, assisting with specific, difficult in-service engineering; Inspected electronic and communication equipment, instruments, products, and systems to ensure conformance to specifications, safety standards, and regulations.

    As a wireless sensor network chief evangelist, AI, ML, and IoT expert and designer, he is also the IEEE University of Bolton, Student Branch Counselor and former Board Member of IEEE Sweden Section, a Fellow of The Higher Education Academy, United Kingdom and a fellow of Institute of Management Consultants to add to his teaching, managerial and professional experiences.

    Dr. Iwendi is an ambassador in the prestigious Manchester Conference Ambassador Programme, a visiting Professor to five Universities, and an IEEE Humanitarian Philanthropist.

    He has received the prestigious recognition of the Royal Academy of Engineering through the Exceptional Talent Scheme, acknowledging his substantial contributions to Artificial Intelligence and its medical applications.

    In 2023 alone, he had 52 published papers in High Impact Factor Journals, conferences, book chapter publications, five Conference papers, and one Journal paper in Press.

    In 2023 also, he had 15 Rejected Papers in journals, two books Published, and 1466 citations of his research work.

  • UI ASUU gives six indigent students scholarship

    UI ASUU gives six indigent students scholarship

    Six indigent but brilliant students of the University of Ibadan (UI) on Tuesday received the 2023 Indigent Students Scholarship Award by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), University of Ibadan chapter.

    The union has been giving yearly scholarships to brilliant but indigent students.

    Beneficiaries of the 2023 award included

     a 200 level student of the Department of Medicine and Surgery, Ilori Ayomide;  Busari Temitayo of the Department of Microbiology and a 400 level student of Department of Aquaculture and Fisheries Management, Osiga Ibrahim.

    Others were Folorunsho Anuoluwa of the Department of Medicine and Surgery; Ekop Uko of Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering and Adesina Adebare, Department of Archeology and Anthropology.

    Speaking after presenting the award to the beneficiaries the Chairman UI chapter of ASUU Prof. Ayo Akinwole said the award has two categories (ASUU National Award and ASUU UI branch Award), adding that two out of the beneficiaries won N200,000 each for National category while the remaining four got N100,000 each for the branch award.

    According to him, the beneficiaries were chosen following approval by the evaluation committee of the union, which comprised ASUU members across faculties in the institution.

    He added that the beneficiaries were chosen based on indigency and brilliance.

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    Going memory lane, Prof. Akinwole informed that the award, which started in 2018, is part of the unions’ contribution to moulding sound minds and ensuring there is no hindrance to the education of brilliant indigent students.

    He stated that despite the challenges facing the union, it will continue to  contribute to the education of indigent students. 

    Answering questions if beneficiaries of this year would continue to benefit, Akinwole said the yearly award is a one-off to give other students opportunity to benefit.

    Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, Busari Temitayo commended the gesture of the union, saying it would go a long way in relieving them of their financial burdens

  • JPTS clarifies misconceptions about institute

    JPTS clarifies misconceptions about institute

    An education firm, Joint Professionals Training and Support International (JPTS), has called on the public to get abreast of what  the institution stands for, saying that it is necessary to make it clear in disregard to the wrong impressions created by few persons.

    In a statement by the school’s Director of Public Affairs, Amb. Emeagi Emeka Williams,  he alleged some individuals have peddled disinformation about the institute which the management deemed necessary to strengthen.

    “The attention of the management of the JPTS Institute had been drawn to the fact that certain individuals have created a wrong impression about the school and its founding essence, thus have also misguided prospective academic pursuits while the need for urgent clarification becomes necessary.

    “It is therefore the wish of the management to clarify that; contrary to what many citizens who do not clearly know the school think, the JPTS Institute is never a university but an institution created for diverse professional trainings in different fields within its coverage space, ” the statement explained. 

    It further clarified that the institution’s Professional Certifications are recognised and accepted for employment offers, credits transfer and evaluation into various higher institutions.

    “That the Healthcare  Management students of the institute, although may not be absorbed for attachment by other government healthcare establishments still enjoy strategic benefits and quality work relationship with other bodies globally.

    “This is because some students from other establishments are unable to adequately and convincingly prove their worth when merged with JPTS graduands. That the management places high premium on practical experiences for students beyond lecture rooms seems to attract beneficiaries of the scholarship scheme

    who after obtaining O’ Level results, automatically enrol at the Institution on scholarship,” it added. 

    The statement went further notified the public that JPTS scholarships are in a different dimensions, stating that some students get Professional Certificate scholarship with JPTS while others get University scholarship which is done abroad.

    “JPTS is an International Organization registered to operate as a Professional Training Organization in the US, UAE, Ghana, Sierra Leone and Nigeria. The institute is registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission and it offers a wide range of professional certificated trainings  from the field of oil and gas, Management, Health & Safety among others.

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    “JPTS is registered with Accreditation Services for International Colleges across the globe and is affiliated with other professional bodies in Nigeria and the globe with trainings done both online and in-person classes.

    “We state clear that JPTS does not offer or award degree, Ordinary National Diploma and Higher National Diploma Program, and do not represent any University in Nigeria.

    “Under the aforementioned, JPTS management is happy to humbly disabuse the minds of those who have been ill-informed  about our institution and that JPTS remains committed to the course of building a better society through strategic educational intervention with a bias for the indigent or less privileged ones, 

    “It is also our obligation to ensure that Africans are given access to education in a more  affordable way owing to the poor financial background of many African homes which have lots of limited young ones seeking to access education,” it added. 

  • Fellowship alumni invest in payment of OAU student fees

    Fellowship alumni invest in payment of OAU student fees

    Some graduate members of the Cherubim and Seraphim Church Unification, Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) Campus Fellowship have committed over 1.6 million naira to the payment of school fees for undergraduate students of the university for the 2022/2023 session.

    Working under the auspices of Trustees of the Isokan Excellence Bursary Scheme (IEBS), the former students supported the payment of school fees for 25 students who are also members of the Fellowship, in what was the fifth consecutive edition in the series.

    22 individuals received 70 per cent of their school fees for the academic session, while three grantees studying Medicine and Dentistry received N100, 000 each.

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    The grantees – 17 females and eight males – were from the faculties of Administration, Arts, Basic Medical Sciences, Dentistry, Education, Pharmacy, Science, Social Sciences, and Technology.

    In previous editions, N553,200 (4th edition), N414,000 (3rd edition), N146,000 (2nd edition), and N101,000 (1st edition) were disbursed. Also, the number of awardees increased from five at inception in 2018, to seven in 2019, 18 in 2020, 22 in 2021 and now 25 in 2022/23.

    The former OAU students expressed their trust in God for the grace to keep the Scheme growing in decades to come.

  • Egukawhore bags honorary doctorate degree from US varsity

    Egukawhore bags honorary doctorate degree from US varsity

    The chairman, De Wayles Group of Companies, High Chief Emonena Victor Wayles Egukawhore has been conferred with an Honourary Doctorate Degree (honoris causa) by Highstone University USA.

    Congratulating him, Michael Arawore in a statement commended Chief Egukawhore for his dedication to the Marine industry.

    He said: “Your unwavering dedication and tireless efforts in the Marine industry have not only set a benchmark for excellence but also inspired many in the industry. 

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    “Your contributions have left an indelible mark, and it is truly an honor to celebrate your achievements.”

    In a similar vein, Arawore greeted Chief Egukawhore on the occasion of his birthday anniversary.

    He prayed: “May this birthday be a reflection of the remarkable journey you’ve undertaken, and may the Honorary Doctorate Degree serve as a testament to the respect and admiration you’ve earned on a global scale.

    “Wishing you continued success, good health, and joy in all your endeavors.”

  • 100 young Nigerians to benefit from iSI scholarship in 2024

    100 young Nigerians to benefit from iSI scholarship in 2024

    No fewer than hundred young Nigerians will benefit from this year’s scholarship offer from a non-governmental organisation, i-Scholar Initiative (iSI). 

    The initiative seeks to mentor and empower young African students in fulfilling their dreams of pursuing graduate studies via access to fully-funded scholarships in world-class foreign universities by leveraging the networks of partners. 

    A statement by the Secretary, Dr. Olufemi Nelson Fajolu confirmed that the position of the initiative’s Board of Trustees.

    Fajolu disclosed that the decision to increase the number of beneficiaries to 100 was made following a joint meeting of the Board of Trustees (BoT) and the Management Committee of the organization. 

    He said: “Since inception, the number of young Nigerian men and women benefiting from the initiatives’ scholarship has consistently increased from the initial 20 in 2019 to 50 in 2020 to 65 in 2022 and 70 in 2023.”

    Fajolu, who acknowledged that offering scholarships to 100 Nigerians might be a challenge, noted that the milestone would not have been reached if not for the mentorship, financial supports and voluntary sacrifices from partners. 

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    He further thanked the partners on behalf of the BoT and the MC for its support over the years.

    iSI scholarships cover the cost of standardized tests that are required by foreign universities to qualify for their funded graduate school admissions. 

    It also pays a predetermined amount for graduate school application fees for all scholarship awardees. 

    According to Fajolu, the application for the 2024 edition of the scholarship will open on January 8 and will be on for one month. 

    Qualified Nigerians are advised to apply on the organization’s website at