The Nation Newspaper

Category: Education

  • Ekiti gets new tutor-general

    Ekiti gets new tutor-general

    Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji has approved the appointment of Mr. Victor Amele as the new Tutor-General in Ekiti State Teaching Service Commission.

    This is contained in a statement issued by the Chief Information Officer, Mrs. Adejoke Ajayi, of the Teaching Service Commission (TESCOM) in Ado-Ekiti.

    Ajayi said the appointment of Amele as Tutor-General in charge of the Ekiti Central Education District was sequel to the retirement of Mr. Martins Ilori, who bowed out of service after attaining the mandatory retirement age of 60 years of age.

    She said until his appointment, Amele was the Principal of Doherty Memorial Grammar School, in Ijero-Ekiti, and President of the All-Nigeria Confederation of Principals of Secondary Schools (ANCOPSS), Ekiti State branch.

    In his remarks, the Permanent Secretary of TESCOM, Mr. Michael Omolayo, enjoined the new appointee to justify the confidence reposed in him by putting in his best in the new assignment.

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    Omolayo charged the new Tutor-General to key into the Educational Reform Development Agenda and Values Orientation of the present administration.

    He emphasised that the elevation was in line with the principle of merit-based appointment enshrined in the civil service transformation strategy, previous achievements, performance in the qualifying examination and interview as well as recognition of seniority in service.

    He congratulated Mr. Martins Ilori, the retired Tutor-General for his meritorious service and wished him success and the best in his future endeavours.

    The new Tutor-General expressed gratitude to the state governor for giving him the opportunity to serve the State in the new capacity and pledged to do his best to achieve the desired goals.

    He noted that the new appointment will enable him to further contribute to actualizing human capital development which is one of the six-point developmental agenda of the present administration.

  • Indigent UNILAG undergraduate gets help from Fewchore Finance

    Indigent UNILAG undergraduate gets help from Fewchore Finance

    After a media report on a University of Lagos (UNILAG) student, Oluwakemi Emmanuel, begging alms for tuition fees in Gbagada area of Lagos State, a financial service firm, Fewchore Finance, has paid up the fees and given her funds for upkeep.

    Instead of the N225,000 tuition fee mentioned in the report, the firm presented a dummy cheque of N300,000 and an undisclosed amount for upkeep in the presence of her guardians.

    The Head, Corporate Communications of the firm, Aniekan Equere, said they were amazed with the way the young lady went about sourcing for the funds particularly carrying placard despite her gender. 

    While noting that a lot of things have changed in the country, Aniekan admired her approach, noting that their intervention is a testimony of a caring organisation. 

    According to him, “we paid up her tuition because she is a final year student and also give her something to hold on to at least to ease up the pain of transportation so that she will be focused and not distracted.”

    Equere, who acknowledged the changing nature of the society, expressed the importance of the organisation to identify with people in need and do their bit of  corporate social responsibility.

    “What struck us about this case was as a lady based on the way and manner the world is structured she has other options but she chose to go this route by carrying a placard. 

    “So, it was admirable and at the same time to show that there are organisations out there that care. And like she said, care without condition. 

    “A lot have changed within the Nigerian space. It is very important for us as an organisation to identify with people in need and do our little bit corporate social responsibility.

    “So, we paid up her tuition because she is a final year student and also give her something to hold on to at least to ease up the pain of transportation so that she will be focused and not distracted,” Equere said. 

    While expressing gratitude to the organisation, the beneficiary said she has realised there are people with genuine intentions to help, saying she would have still been on the road if not for fewchore.

    Kemisola, who having received the cheque, noted she would be able to focus on her studies and other things, revealing that there are no conditions attached with what was given to her. 

    “I feel good. I feel my hope is restored. I feel that there are people out there that actually genuinely want to help regardless of who you are. It makes me happy. I will be able to focus on my studies more and other things. I would have still been on the road looking for who to help me if not for Fewchore.

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    “I would really like to say thank you. This goes a long way not just for me but every other person that would need this kind of help. 

    “There are no conditions attached to this kind gesture from the organisation. I did not sign anything.” she said.

    Her Guardian, Mrs Victoria Emmanuel, expressed heartfelt gratitude to the organisation, noting that the gesture was unbelievable considering the current harsh economic conditions being felt by all. 

    Mrs Victoria prayed the almighty God continue to bless them in all their endeavours.

  • Sanwo-Olu opens Ogombo high school

    Sanwo-Olu opens Ogombo high school

    Lagos Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu yesterday opened the Ogombo Senior High School, Ajah, with a promise to remain committed to promoting quality education in the State.

    The school was built from the scratch by the Committee of Wives of Lagos State Officials (COWLSO), chaired by wife of the Governor, Mrs. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu.

    Sanwo-Olu noted that COWLSO, since its resuscitation by the First Lady, Mrs. Oluremi Tinubu, when she was wife of the Governor, has continued to play a vital and complementary role to the government’s efforts, especially in achieving it’s THEMES+ Agenda in Education and Technology.

    He said: “These have been especially evident through its several initiatives that directly impact the lives of children, women, the elderly, youth, physically-challenged and the less-privileged. These initiatives, which cut across various sectors, have contributed to the growth and development of Lagos State in the last two decades.

    “The commissioning of this purpose-built 15-classroom block is another success story in the efforts of our administration to provide educational infrastructure for effective learning and teaching in a conducive  environment. It is important to note that this block of classrooms, comprising three floors, was designed with adequate provision for the needs of physically-challenged pupils. This is in compliance with global standards and our T.H.E.M.E.S+ policy thrust of not leaving anyone behind.”

    Mrs. Sanwo-Olu said the project was done in partnership with Lagos State Committee on Rehabilitation of Public Schools (SCRPS).

    She said: “This journey started in December 2021, when COWLSO realised that Ogombo community was in dire need of a secondary school. Students had to trek for over an hour to neighbouring communities to access secondary education. 

    “This led to the swift intervention of COWLSO in embarking on this building project which is in line with the founding objectives of the committee, to impact lives positively and contribute immensely to the political and socio-economic development of Lagos State.

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    “Standing before us today is a fully equipped three-floor educational structure, comprising 15 ultra-modern classrooms, 30 toilets, libraries, laboratories, ICT Center, offices for teaching and management staff, as well as a well-equipped sick bay. 

    “There are also staircases and a ramp to ease movement for physically-challenged persons. To the Glory of God Almighty, this magnificent edifice was completed in November 2022.”

    Mrs. Sanwo-Olu, who praised the stakeholders for their cooperation and dedication throughout the project timeline, added: “Lagos State runs an all-inclusive government, and no community is left behind, Ogombo is not left behind. My sincere advice is that you take ownership of this facility. It is a veritable access to the educational development of the children in this community. So, I urge you to use and protect it jealously.”

  • Weldios University confers honorary doctorate degree on Amb. Victor Okon

    Weldios University confers honorary doctorate degree on Amb. Victor Okon

    Weldios University in Benin Republic has conferred its prestigious Honorary Doctorate Degree (PhD Honoraris Causa) in Business Administration and Human Investment on the Chairman/CEO Wrightlinks Group of Nigeria, Amb. Victor Ita Okon.

    The award was bestowed on him at a the second edition of the All-Africa Students Union (AASU) and Weldios University annual Symposium at the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre Abuja last Wednesday where the awardee was also a special guest of honour.

    The Akwa Ibom-born entrepreneur is the Chairman/CEO of Wrightlinks Group, a company which proudly has a number of subsidiaries with interests in Oil and Gas, Maritime, Construction, Finance, Logistics and real estate.

    The billionaire philanthropist was at the event represented by his wife, Chioma Victor, who thanked the management of Weldios University for finding her husband worthy of the honour, even as she reassured that Amb. Okon will continue to make visible contributions to the development of education in West Africa and beyond. 

    Okon is an honorary member of reputable organisation and has bagged several awards of recognition.

    His company, Wrightlinks Group is one of the leading brands in marine logistics, marine security, Shiping agency civil engineering and construction, marine tax consultancy and more. 

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    The company has also concluded arrangements to open a shipping line in Canada to fast track shipment from North America to aid fast deliveries of shipment to the west Africa region.

    Amb. Okon is also the Chairman of 36 Pals Development Initiative, a popular social club based in Abuja. 

    Deputy spokesperson of the House of Representatives, Hon. Philip Agbese, also bagged the prestigious Weldios University Honorary Doctorate Degree (PhD Honoraris Causa) in political leadership.

    The lawmaker said that the award will spur him to do more for the society and for the young people of Nigeria.

    He described the award as an opportunity to rededicate himself to the service of God humanity.

  • UNILAG Postgraduate School to speed up admission

    UNILAG Postgraduate School to speed up admission

    Admission into University of Lagos School of Postgraduate Studies, would no longer take more than two months, the Dean of SPGS, Prof. Abraham Adewale Osinubi, has said.

    He stated this at the inauguration of the SPGS  new Governing Board comprising 156 members.

     Osinubi, in his address entitled: ‘Repositioning the Lagoon Lighthouse as a postgraduate school of the future: our strategies and tactics’, said he was poised to  transform the school to College of Postgraduate Studies, enhance research enterprise, make it Africa’s largest producer of high quality doctorate degree, digitalise its programmes, among others.

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    The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Folasade Ogunsola,     who was represented by the Director, Quality Assurance and Servicom, Prof. Olufemi Saibu, urged members of the faculty to welcome collaborative knowledge with other stakeholders.

    “As one who ensures quality assurance, particularly in tracking and resolving deficiencies, we can improve our service delivery in the 4P’s which are hinged on people, process, propeller and product,” she said.

     Personalities at the event included, the Executive Director, UNILAG Business School, Prof. Mike Adebamowo, Director, Central Research Laboratory, Prof. Wellington Oyibo, former Director Quality Assurance and Servicom, Prof. Grace Otinwa and former Director, Academic Planning, Prof. Mopelola Olusakin.

  • Tuition hike: Fed Govt appeals to students, parents as varsities resume

    Tuition hike: Fed Govt appeals to students, parents as varsities resume

    The Minister of State for Education, Dr. Tanko Sununu, has appealed to students, parents and lecturers in public tertiary institutions to shun acts capable of disrupting the academic session as schools get set for resumption.

    Sununu made the appeal in Abuja yesterday when the leadership of the Congress of University Academics (CONUA) visited him.

     Speaking ahead of the resumption of academic activities in tertiary institutions, the minister said the show of restraint would be in the best interest of all stakeholders as well as the stability of the system.

    He noted that his ministry is having constructive dialogue and consultation with stakeholders over the welfare of students, staff as well as the provision of infrastructure in the nation’s tertiary institutions.

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    Acknowledging that strikes and non-use of facilities could lead to rapid decay, Sununu promised President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to avoid any situation that could lead to further industrial actions.

    President of CONUA, Niyi Sunmonu, said there could be likelihood of unrest occasioned by the new increase in school fees, which he said had the potential of disrupting academic activities and the school calendar.

    Sunmonu also appealed to government to look into ways of improving the condition of service of academic and non-academic staff of universities, which he said had deteriorated due to the petroleum subsidy removal.

    He added that there was need to revisit the issue of the 8-month salary arrears that arose from the last strike by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), arguing that members of CONUA did not go on strike.

  • TFN appoints new chairman, board members

    TFN appoints new chairman, board members

    Teach For Nigeria (TFN) has announced the appointment of Mr. Kunle Elebute as its new Board Chairman and Mrs. Dudun Peterside and Abdulrahman Mijinyawa, an engineer, as new Board of Directors.

    TFN is a leading non-profit organisation committed to addressing the complex challenges confronting children in disadvantaged communities by developing leadership in classrooms and communities to ensure all children can reach their full potential.

     Elebute recently retired from KPMG after a career in professional services which spanned a period of 40 years. He obtained a degree in Economics from the University of Manchester, UK in 1982.

    At various times during his career, he served on a number of not-for-profit Boards such as the Society for Family Health in Nigeria, Nigeria Economic Summit Group; American Business Council; Grange School, Ikeja, Lagos, and Igbobi College, Yaba, Lagos.

    Peterside is a psychologist, executive coach and human development adviser with over 40 years’ experience in psychology and education and over 20 years’ experience as an executive coach. As Managing Partner at Narita Learning Centre, she has coached board members, senior executives and private individuals in several multinational and local organisations across diverse industries.

    She is passionate about education and philanthropy and is a trustee and board member of several charitable and educational organisations.

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    Mijinyawa is currently the General Manager, Development and Subsurface Nigeria, Shell Companies in Nigeria (SCiN), responsible for project and asset lifecycle development and subsurface support covering both onshore and deepwater operations.

    With a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, AR joined the Shell Nigeria graduate training program in 2005, shortly before proceeding to the Imperial College, London, for a master’s degree in Petroleum Engineering.

     He is passionate about individual and collective growth, reducing energy and education poverty by enhancing access to energy and quality education and promoting the power of digital technologies to positively transform the way we live. He has been a TFN ambassador since January 2018.

    The new board members will provide strategic guidance and support in expanding educational opportunities and life opportunities to children in underserved schools and low income communities in Nigeria

    Speaking on the appointment, the CEO of Teach for Nigeria, Folawe Omikunle, expressed optimism about the new dispensation’s ability to provide sterling leadership for the organization.

    “I consider Teach for Nigeria to be extremely blessed to benefit from the leadership and perspectives of Mr. Elebute, Mrs. Peterside, and Mr. Mijinyawa, especially as we navigate the current phase of expanding Teach for Nigeria across the nation,” she said.

  • Foundation lifts 50 pupils in ABAT School

    Foundation lifts 50 pupils in ABAT School

    A Non-Governmental Organisation, Ezeigwe Goodwill Foundation, has donated uniforms to 50 pupils of Asiwaji Bola Ahmed Tinubu (ABAT) Nursery and Primary School, Daula Ilo, Ejigbo, Lagos.

    Founder, Pascal Ezeigwe, said he was motivated to do so because of his interest to help the less privileged, adding that he would continue to do so. He urged the government to assist him to enable him reach more people.

    The NGO’s Programme Coordinator, Mr. Olatunji Raji, said no impediment should hinder the pupils from acquiring education. He recalled that former president Goodluck Jonathan attended primary school without shoes. He urged the pupils to, like Jonathan, take their studies seriously by overlooking their problems. “No matter your background, you can make it,’’ he said.

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    Addressing the pupils, the group’s Lead Volunteer, Jide Faturoti, said: “Ours is to help you to study. We have done this over the years. We have donated generators, among others, to schools. Last year, we visited some Oshodi, Mushin and Ilupeju schools, where we paid for the Joint Admissions Matriculation Board (JAMB) forms for some pupils to enable them write the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).’’

    He said only one of the pupils they assisted returned to thank them, quoting the pupil as saying he  passed the UTME but had no money to continue his education because his parents were poor. He said for being grateful and frank, the foundation granted his request.

     Head of Section (HoS), Social Mobilisation, State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB),  Mrs. Florence Titilola Aderemi praised the foundation for the gesture. She noted that the state government was doing its best in providing the enabling environment for  pupils to study.

    Head teacher of the school,  Risikat Hassan also thanked the foundation for the donation, adding that it  was the first time the NGO would come to the school.

     The school’s Parents Forum Chairman, Mr. Ajayi Shamsudeen equally thanked the foundation.

  • Govt urged to increase budgetary allocation for education

    Govt urged to increase budgetary allocation for education

    The Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA), a non-governmental organisation (NGO), has appealed to the Federal Government to increase its budgetary allocations for the education sector rather than increasing school fees.

     Its Executive Director, Mr. Akinbode Oluwafemi, made the appeal in a statement yesterday by Zikora Ibeh, Policy and Research Officer of the organization.

     Oluwafemi said the recent hike in school fees across public universities in Nigeria is outrageous, unconscionable and condemnable.

    According to him, CAPPA expresses dismay that the increase persists in spite of the directives by President Bola Tinubu and the Ministry of Education urging public tertiary institutions to refrain from imposing additional financial strains on students.

    “These fee increments have devastating consequences already, with countless students being pushed out of the system or forced to watch their dreams crumble.

    “We decry the commercialisation of tertiary education, evidenced by the fee increments. It contends that the steep hikes have failed to translate into tangible improvements in the educational milieu.

      “Students continue to navigate decayed lecture halls and living quarters and lack adequate academic infrastructure, consequently facing a steady decline in the quality of their academic experiences,” he said.

    Oluwafemi noted that while university authorities offer flimsy excuses, alleging that the fee hikes are inevitable due to current economic realities, CAPPA categorically rejects the narrative.

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     “Students and their families should not be made the scapegoats for dismal economic conditions spurred by ineffective government policies and a chronic under-funding of the education sector.

    “It is a glaring indictment on the nation that, in spite of Nigeria’s abundant wealth and potential, our budgetary allocation to education lingers shamefully below global recommendations,” he said.

    He called for unity among stakeholders and pro-education groups in the country, urging them to stand in firm resolution against the fee hikes.

    He also urged the Tinubu administration not to pay lip service in asking universities to halt the increments, but take decisive actions to enforce the directive and ensure the full protection of Nigerian students.

     “Commercialising education and restricting access for many Nigerians is neither the answer nor the way forward. Such measures would only impede our nation’s progress and further pauperise our society, he said.

    The executive director further condemned the actions of the Lagos State Police and the management of the University of Lagos in the ill-treatment of students while protesting peacefully.

  • Anambra private school owners lament multiple taxation, others

    Anambra private school owners lament multiple taxation, others

    Owners of Private Schools Association of Nigeria (OPSAN) has urged Anambra State Government to review the multiple taxes and levies demanded by its agencies from private school proprietors.

    National President of OPSAN, Prof. Uzochukwu Nwanonyuo, made the call during the week, at the inauguration of the association’s new state executive led by Chief Ernest Iwuamadi.

    Nwanonyuo said private schools should not be perceived as a business venture but an institution that offered social services for God and humanity.

    He urged Governor Chukwuma Soludo to urgently intervene and bail the private schools from the challenges of multiple taxation, illegal levies and other unwarranted payments.

    “Our major challenge in the state is the exorbitant taxes and levies. We call on the state government to address the matter urgently.

    “Another challenge is the encroachment and harassment by a group called ‘Anambra State Joint Enforcement Unit’. Their activities have been affecting quality education in the state.

    “Government needs to make the regulatory unit understand that schools are not similar to commercial environment. It requires decorum.

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    “Proprietors are not running profit-oriented businesses, rather, we are doing social services for God and humanity. We are helping government address the decadence in educational system,” he said.

    In his remarks, Iwuamadi, the new state president of OPSAN, decried the marginalisation of private schools, saying that government has exempted public schools and mission schools from multiple levies and taxes.

    He said the government demanded levies for business premises, signage for billboard, signboard, school van and others.

    According to him, there should be harmonisation of school levies and taxes into one main tax payment for private schools.

    “The government favours public schools when offering assistance or making appointments, forgetting that every government-approved school is co-owned by government.

    “For instance, government does not post successful Common Entrance students to private secondary schools, ” he said.

    Iwuamadi hailed the past executive and promised to prioritise the objectives of the association as well as carry members along in their operations.