The Nation Newspaper

Category: Education

  • Be of good conduct, Bingham varsity tells new intakes

    Be of good conduct, Bingham varsity tells new intakes

    Vice – Chancellor, Bingham University, Karu, Nasarawa State, Prof. William Qurix, has admonished newly admitted students into the institution to be of good conduct.

    Prof. Qurix reminded the students that the university had zero-tolerance for social vices.

    The vice – chancellor gave the advice at the 19th matriculation ceremony of the university yesterday in Karu, Nasarawa State.  “Bingham University is a faith-based institution, we maintain a steadfast commitment to a zero-tolerance policy against social vices, including cultism, sexual misconduct, drug abuse, bullying, and similar behaviours. Any individual found in violation of these principles will face appropriate sanctions.

    “It is imperative for every student to acquaint themselves with the university’s rules and regulations outlined in the student handbook, and to adhere diligently to them. Your cooperation in upholding the values of our academic community is vital for a positive and respectful learning environment.

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    “It may interest you to know that over 7,000 candidates applied to the University this year, out of this number, a total of 1,500 were granted admission to study various courses and are, therefore, being matriculated today.”

    The vice-chancellor said the school has secured full accreditation for its programmes with exception of those who are not due for assessment.

    He said: “Bingham University has obtained full accreditation for nearly all our programmess with exceptions for those not yet due for assessment. Over the past four weeks, we have hosted accreditation teams from the National Universities Commission (NUC), and the process has been highly successful. “In a recent milestone, 46 pioneer pharmacy graduates were officially inducted by the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria and the first set of 11 graduate nurses underwent induction into the nursing profession by the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN), marking a momentous achievement for our institution.”

    A population development expert and former Dean, Department of Geography, University of Abuja, Prof. Rhoda Mundi, urged the students to see the school as an opportunity to build on their existing skills.

    Prof. Mundi, who was the guest speaker, urged parents to allow their children to choose their career path.

  • ‘Why we can’t offer First Class students automatic job’

    ‘Why we can’t offer First Class students automatic job’

    • 158 bag First Class

    Vice Chancellor of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State Prof. Adebayo Bamire has explained why the institution’s management can not offer automatic employment to students who bagged First Class.

    Bamire during news conference to mark the commencement of 47th convocation ceremony of the institution also highlighted that 158 students bagged First class, 1,970 others made Second class Upper, 2,906 got Second Class Lower, 942 finished with Third Class and 65 (Pass category).

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    The VC, while responding to questions from reporters, noted that the school is willing and ready to retain students who bagged first class but due to Federal Government employment policy, it is impossible.

    He explained: “We will actually be ready to retain first class students, but then, with the policies of government in respect to recruitment in the university, we can’t do this on our own. Before you can actually recruit any one into any department in this university now, your paper has to go through seven agencies of government. It is not like you just pick anybody on the street and just say this is who you want bring in.

    “For us, we don’t want to throw away our first class students, but because of the limitations that we have, it appears very difficult for us to retain them. But if we have any opportunity at all, they will be the first set of people for us to take in.”

    He disclosed that the 47th convocation ceremony has been fixed for today and Saturda

  • 1,251 graduate as Nile varsity holds 11th convocation

    1,251 graduate as Nile varsity holds 11th convocation

    Nile University of Nigeria has held its 11th convocation ceremony at the institution’s campus in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.

    About 1,251 undergraduate and postgraduate students across seven faculties, including Health Sciences, Law, Engineering, Computing, Science, Arts & Social Sciences and Management Sciences, received their degrees at the event.

    Eighty-four of them were awarded first-class degrees and 45 of the 632 Post-Graduate students were awarded Doctor of Philosophy. The varsity’s vice-chancellor, Prof. Dilli Dogo, reiterated the university’s commitment to support the government to raise and maintain a high standard of education in the country.

    He said: “We graduated the first set of medical students this year and the Federal Government has requested for an increase in the number of medical students to cater for the migration of doctors due to the “Japa Syndrome. To that effect, we are admitting 195 students into our medical programme, representing an increase of 100% over that of last year”.

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    “In our pursuit to ensure sound educational competence for our students, Nile University has invested heavily in infrastructure. In addition to the existing academic infrastructure commissioned last year, we will be commissioning new facilities, including a STEM Laboratory Complex. This will be the only state-of-the-art, purpose-built STEM Laboratory in the country.

    “We are also constructing a medical simulation centre, the first of its kind in sub-Saharan Africa. This will bridge the gap and promote the best medical and clinical practices. When completed, it is going to house nine suites of high-definition mannequins that will provide the necessary skills for training of medical students,” he added. At the convocation, five outstanding students, who achieved a perfect 5.0 Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) received special recognition scholarships and cash gifts from sponsors, including Providus Bank and Zenith Bank.

    They are Oluwabusayo Olawale Ifonjala (LLB Law), Bolaqis Muhammad Sani (B.Sc. Biochemistry), Musa Adesegun Badaru (B.Eng. Electrical & Electronics Engineering), Abundance Abimbola Adejori (LLB Law), and Anas Abubakar (LLB Law).

    Two distinguished individuals received honorary degrees for their invaluable contributions to society.

  • Realising Africa’s growth aspirations through education

    Realising Africa’s growth aspirations through education

    • By Jane Muthumbi and Sweta Saxena

    Africa has ambitious development aspirations. Realising these aspirations – reflected in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and Agenda 2063: the Africa We Want – requires actions that promote inclusive and equal opportunities for all.

    As recent crises have laid bare, growing poverty and rising inequalities pose challenges to an increasingly fragile social contract that could threaten the social fabric and the attainment of peace and security. Indeed, as our future prosperity depends on the extent to which the benefits of development are broadly distributed, member states need to rethink their relationships with their citizens.

    The need for member states to forge a social contract that ensures the benefits of development accrue to all was at the core of the fifth session of the Committee on Social Policy, Poverty and Gender (CSPPG) held on November 2 -3, 2023. Aptly titled, “Building Nes Social Contracts in Africa: Choices to fulfill Development Aspirations through Education,” deliberations focused on the role that education can play in tackling Africa’s development challenges.

    While education can be a lever for achieving sustainable development goals (SDGs), its potential to fulfill Africa’s development aspirations is yet to be realised. Quality education remains largely unaffordable and beyond the reach of the poor and other marginalised groups. At the same time, lack of access to quality education, hampered by infrastructural deficits and poor urban planning, disproportionately affects children from poor and marginalised communities.

    Moreover, with the education obtained having limited applicability, in large part due to the mismatch in skills acquired and those that the labour market demands, the employment prospects of high school and university graduates are often curtailed.

    Member states deliberated on how best to provide high-quality education and promote lifelong learning that can effectively respond to Africa’s development challenges. Among the recommendations made were the need to provide education and training opportunities in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), with concerted efforts aimed at encouraging girls and young women to pursue professions in these fields, along with the need to accelerate digital technical and vocational training for employment and other economic opportunities, and to foster better planning and infrastructural improvements at local levels.

    With climate change, urbanisation, digital transformation and demographic shifts expected to shape the continent’s future, Africa seeks to reap benefits from the four mega trends if they are properly managed.

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    The continent, however, faces demographic headwinds: With more than half of Africa’s population below the age of 25 by 2050, Africa’s youth has the potential to support the ageing population globally. However, the reality is more sobering: with a fifth of Africa’s youth currently not in employment, education or training, the continent is grappling with an urgent challenge to provide quality education and equip its youth with the appropriate knowledge and skills to enable them to take advantage of economic opportunities, and lead productive and fulfilling lives.

    To unlock the potential of education to contribute to the achievement of a sustainable, inclusive and prosperous future, member states need to:

    •Implement targeted policies that reduce underlying economic, social and institutional barriers, particularly for disadvantaged groups, including women, the poor and those who live in rural areas, so that all can benefit from accessible and affordable quality education and skills, and

    •Increase government spending in education and boost investment in skills development in order to provide the relevant labour market skills that promote competitiveness, raise productivity, and foster structural transformation in Africa.

    In addition to supporting member states to accomplish these goals in the next two years, the Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) will also engage with partners, and the African Union in particular, in the ongoing dialogue on ensuring education can play its rightful role in supporting the continent to realise its development aspirations.

    •Muthumbi and Saxena work with the Gender, Poverty and Social Policy Division of Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA).

  • Over 100 youths trained at Abiru’s SAIL Innovation Lab get lucrative jobs

    Over 100 youths trained at Abiru’s SAIL Innovation Lab get lucrative jobs

    No fewer than 100 youths who had undergone Tech Talent and Data Science training at the SAIL Innovation Lab, Ikorodu, Lagos have got artificial intelligence jobs with Awari AI, a fast growing AI/Robotics firm.

    The firm is dedicated to the development and adoption of frontier technology on the African continent, beginning from Nigeria.

    The firm, which has chosen the SAIL Innovation Lab in Ikorodu as a launchpad to several locations in Nigeria and Africa, also partnered with the SAIL Innovation Lab for continuous talent sourcing for the emerging multi-billion dollar AI industry that is expected to shape all spheres of life in a few years from now.

    The co-founder of the SAIL Innovation Lab, the Senator representing Lagos East, Mukhail Adetokunbo Abiru, FCA, in his remarks, said the launch of partnership with Awari AI signalled the beginning of a transformative journey in Ikorodu, and Lagos East Senatorial District as a whole.  

    He said: “The Awarri AI project, which we launch today, stands as a testament to our resolute commitment to embracing technology and innovation.It heralds a new era where industries will be redefined, jobs will be created, and our youth will be empowered.

    “Throughout the annals of history, humanity has been witness to extraordinary revolutions. From the advent of steam power to the electrifying dawn of electricity, and from the proliferation of computers to the connected world of the internet, each era brought profound transformations to our lives.

    “Today, we stand on the precipice of the 4th Industrial Revolution, a realm characterised by artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things, biotechnology, and automation. This revolution promises unprecedented opportunities for Nigeria and Africa, and it is incumbent upon us to seize this moment”.

    Abiru disclosed that he was passionate about tech and digital skills because of the massive job opportunities and economic growth that the sector can facilitate. He recalled that since 2022 when he embarked on the SAIL Innovation Lab project with five pilot programmes, over 150 participants in-class and 1,200 online trainees have been impacted positively.

    “Today, the SAIL Innovation Lab has left an indelible mark on the lives  of over 4,173 participants through a diverse array of programs,  including Tech Talent Development, STEM initiatives tailored for Senior  Secondary School Students, Lagos East Teachers Fellowship, Start-Up  Accelerator, and Data Science for Society.

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    “These programmes have now evolved to offer job prospects through our esteemed partner organisations. Awarri AI has taken the lead by employing nearly 100 of our graduates and pledging to continue its role as a platform for future outstanding participants seeking employment.

    “In an era where digital skills have become an essential currency, the SAIL Innovation Lab serves as a bridge, closing the digital divide. Our  vision is to provide free training to young individuals in high-demand  tech skills and work collaboratively with our partners to secure them  decent job placements”, Senator Abiru said in his remarks.

    The co-founders of Awari AI, Mr. Silas Adekunle and Ms Eniola Edun, said Artificial intelligence is the new wave that should be embraced by Nigeria in its quest to harness opportunities in the current digital and innovation age.

    The Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, said the SAIL Innovation Lab has been achieving its goals in less than seven months after the state of the earth innovation lab was commissioned.

    Dr. Tijani said, “We set out to open up the minds of young people to opportunities that are available globally, and these opportunities are no longer the preserve of the developed world. We live at a time when technology now connects each and every one of us strongly. The technologies have given us the opportunities to overcome barriers and be part of the global economy.

    According to him, Artificial Intelligence due to its foreign origin, “We (Nigerians) have not been able to participate fully and harness its benefits. For the first time in the history of Nigeria and anywhere in Nigeria, Awari AI have decided to start a company that will focus on building that knowledge so that computers will also think like us. For the first time in Nigeria, hundreds of people are being hired from the SAIL Innovation Lab”, the minister said.

    Commissioner for Science, Innovation and Technology, Hon. Tunbosun Alake, disclosed that the state government will be partnering on the project. He thanked Senator Abiru for driving the initiative.

    Dignitaries who attended the occasion include; Former deputy governor of Lagos State, Prince Abiodun Ogunleye, Senator Adeseye Ogunlewe, HRM Oba Engr. Kabir Adewale Shotobi, the Ayangbure of Ikorodu, Oba Bashir Sotonwa, the Sekumade of Ipakodo, Oba Semiudeen Orimadegun Kasali, Adegboruwa of Igbogbo Kingdom, Oba David Raji, Eweye of Isiu, Prince Amid Oduborisha, President Oriwu Club, Local Government council chairmen, Hon. Abidoun Moshood Aro, Hon Gbolahan Ogunleye, Dr. Saheed Oladapo Ibikunle, Hon (Princess) Adebimpe Akinsola, Alhaja Abiodun Ogunniyi, Mr. Deji Abisola, Chief impact consultant on SAIL Innovation Lab who worked on the project till date, among many others.

  • VC urges Fed Govy to amend TETfund lauw to include private varsities

    VC urges Fed Govy to amend TETfund lauw to include private varsities

    • Al-Hikmah varsity produces 26 first class

    Vice Chancellor of an Islamic faith-based Al-Hikmah University, Prof Noah Yusuf has appealed to the Federal Government to amend the law establishing Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETfund) to enable the fund extend its support to private universities in Nigeria.

    Private varsities in the country have over the years, been clamouring for TETfund support.

    Prof Yusuf added that private varsities in Nigeria would continue to advocate for their inclusion in TETfund, adding that the universities would soon take their case to the National Assembly to lobby the lawmakers.

    “The issue of TETfund support for private universities has been on for awhile. Is it not illogical that private universities which are part of the private sector contributing to TETfund are exempted from benefiting?

    “We urge Federal Government to amend the law establishing TETfund so as to factor in the private universities,” professor of.sociology has said.

    The vice chancellor told reporters in Ilorin, Kwara state capital ahead of this week Saturday 13th convocation ceremonies of the university.

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    He revealed that the university would produce 26 first class graduates at the convocation ceremonies.

    “We are humbled and blessed to present to this gathering 1,207 undergraduates, 345 post graduates and 31 diplomas totalling 1,583. The breakdown is as follows: first class honours 26, second class honours (upper division) 472, second class honours (lower division) 600 and 109 third class. Others are 27 doctoral degress, two masters of philosophy, 211 masters,” he said.

    Reeling out some of his modest achievements Prof Yusuf said that National Universities Commission (NUC) had successfully accredited “48 out 51 percent of our undergraduate academic programmes with full accreditation status.

    “There has also been improved and sustained students enrollment since my assumption of office. For the first time in recent years, the university recorded the highest number of admitted regular and part-time and professional programmes– 1,287 in 2021; 1,450 in 2022 and 2,450 in 2023.”

  • LASU student wins Neurosurgery global essay competition

    LASU student wins Neurosurgery global essay competition

    A sixth-year student of Lagos State University College of Medicine (LASUCOM), Okoye Paul Odyras has emerged as one of the winners of the global essay competition organised by the World Federation of Neurosurgical Societies (WFNS) foundation. EssayPro best paper writer service.

    This year’s competition drew submissions from medical students across the globe, highlighting the growing interest in Neurosurgery as a field of study.

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    The essay competition featured over 300 essay entries submitted from various countries worldwide.

    The other winner, Emmanuel Muchai is from Kenya.

    According to the foundation, this award comes with a full scholarship to travel for the 2023 Neurosurgical World Congress in Cape Town, South Africa, and a $500 cash prize.

    This award was established to increase the awareness and popularity of Neurosurgery as a specialty amongst medical students and this year.

  • Kwara seeks public memoranda on proposed University of Education

    Kwara seeks public memoranda on proposed University of Education

    Kwara State Government has called on stakeholders in the education sector to submit memoranda for the establishment of Kwara State University of Education. 

    Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq  on November 17 inaugurated Prof. Shuaibu Oba Abdulraheem-led committee to midwife the processes leading to the establishment of the institution.

    “As part of the process, the government invites the general public, stakeholders, educational institutions, and interested groups to contribute their insights and recommendations through the submission of memoranda,” the committee said in a statement issued in Ilorin. 

    “This visionary initiative aims to enhance the quality of education and contribute to the development of human resources in the state.” 

    It stated that the memoranda should address relevant issues related to the establishment of the University of Education, including but not limited to:

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      • Preferred strategic location within the State that will ensure inclusivity

      •  Proposed academic programmes and faculties.

       • Infrastructure and facilities requirements

       • Collaboration opportunities with existing institutions.

       • Strategies for community engagement and development.

    The committee advised that all memoranda should be submitted in writing and sent to Council Chamber, KWASU Business School along Ajasse-Ipo Road, Ilorin or Room 33, Ministry of Tertiary Education, State Secretariat, Ilorin.

    “Electronic submissions can also be sent to: pic4kwsued@gmail.com and the deadline for the submission of memoranda is 15th December 2023,” the statement noted. 

    The committee encouraged active participation and engagement from all stakeholders to ensure that the university is established in a manner that best serves the educational needs of the communities.

  • FG commissions N550m TETfund twin hostels in Oko Poly

    FG commissions N550m TETfund twin hostels in Oko Poly

    The federal government has commissioned two hostels in Federal Polytechnic Oko in Orumba North local government area of Anambra State.

    The male and female hostels which are valued at N550, 000,000.00 were sponsored by the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETfund) from its 2020 Special Intervention.

    Inaugurating the facilities, the chairman of the Senate Committee on Petroleum, Downstream, and member of the Committee on Education and TETFund, Ifeanyi Ubah reiterated the National Assembly’s willingness to continue working harmoniously with the Executive towards making the nation’s educational institutions globally competitive for economic and technological development.

    Ubah, representing Anambra South Senatorial district in the National Assembly, also assured that the Senate would continue to provide the necessary support to the Fund through the enactment of legislation that would further advance tertiary education in Nigeria.

    He said: “I wish to use this opportunity to assure you that the 10th Senate under the leadership of the Senate President, Distinguished Senator Godswill Akpabio and indeed, the entire National Assembly will continue to provide necessary support to the Fund through the enactment of legislations that would further advance tertiary education in Nigeria.

    “Aside from support for physical infrastructure and provision of equipment at the institution, TETFund has also sponsored 101 lecturers for Ph.D. from the Polytechnic in both foreign and local institutions totalling N487,527,656.10.

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    “TETFund has also sponsored 60 lecturers for Masters Degrees in both foreign and local institutions totalling N293,102,460.00, while 90 staff have been sponsored for Conference Attendance locally and abroad at a total cost of N111,471,159.50.”

    The lawmaker urged the Polytechnic to take full advantage of the facilities and make good use of them for the educational and vocational development of the students.

    Executive Secretary, TETfund, Arc. Sonny Echono said the projects executed between 2021 and 2023 would go a long way to stem the tide of negative influences on the student youth population and address security concerns in the Polytechnic community.

    Echeno, represented by the Director of the Monitoring and Evaluation Department, Arc Babatunde Olajide said the projects were thoughtfully prioritised by the Polytechnic to address the aforementioned concerns as well as provide requisite infrastructure for the students’ wellbeing.

    “In line with the “Renewed Hope” agenda of President Bola Tinubu’s administration, the Fund is committed to ensuring the sustenance of funding to all public beneficiary institutions to ensure our institutions attain high global ranking in delivery of academic content.”

    While commending the Polytechnic management and project team for ensuring quality delivery and sticking to terms, Echono appealed that the facilities be put to their proper use and maintained to serve generations to come.

    Earlier, Rector of the Polytechnic, Engr. Dr. Francisca Nwafulugo described the hostels’ commissioning as a giant step in the institution’s quest to accommodate more of its students within the polytechnic towards enhancing their security and well-being.

    “These hostel buildings made up of 26 rooms each with the capacity of accommodating 208 students altogether are equipped with modern facilities which are tailored to give our students a decent and conducive accommodation space to achieve peak performance academically.

    “In addition to these hostels, we also have the School of Environmental Design and Technology Building which is a capital-funded project as part of what will be commissioned today,” she added.

    Appreciating Tetfund for making it possible for an increased number of students to have safe and decent accommodation within the Polytechnic, the Rector said Tetfund had added value to the Polytechnic in so many ways and areas.

  • University of Buckingham hosts convocation, matriculation in Nigeria

    University of Buckingham hosts convocation, matriculation in Nigeria

    University of Buckingham International Diploma in Education in Nigeria has held its third graduation and matriculation ceremony.

    The school matriculated 137 students and graduated 124 graduates at the ceremony held at Zaneta Hub, Maryland, Lagos.

    Programme Director for University of Buckingham International Diploma in Education in Nigeria, Mr. Reuben Nyikwagh, harped on the importance of the school in helping to solve the numerous problems teachers face in the classroom while rendering services.

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    Board Director Edify, Mr. Godwin Nyikwagh, urged the matriculated students to be curious, open-minded and be prepared to challenge their advances and birth themselves in theories and practicals,

    “To the matriculating student, your decision to embark on this programme reflects a commitment to learning. It shows you’re driven by quest for knowledge and passion for making a difference…

    Best graduating student of the programme, Damilola Ajayi, attributed his success to the practicality of programme, adding that this has impacted positively on his teaching skills.

    National president, Association for Formidable Educational Development (AFED), Mr. Emmanuel Orji, said, “We need to prioritise teachers. When teachers are prioritized, they do better.”