The Nation Newspaper

Category: Education

  • DLHS chief advises education minister on quality, standardisation

    DLHS chief advises education minister on quality, standardisation

    The Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman, has been urged to give attention to repositioning the education sector by sticking to quality and standardisation of the educational service in the country.

    The administrator of the Deeper Life High School, Mr. Emmanuel Eze, Lagos Campus, made the call on Monday in Mowe, Ogun State while reviewing the sector.

    Though Eze noted that the nation’s education sector was not doing badly, he said raising the quality of the services within the sector cannot be overemphasised.

    Read Also; ‘Education minister’ll not disappoint Nigerians’

    According to him, like every other sector, Nigeria’s education sector was facing a myriad of challenges.

    But he expressed confidence that the situation was not beyond redemption, provided the nation’s leaders have the political will to correct the ills.

    This came a few days after Mammam and the Minister of State for Education, Dr. Yusuf Sununu, were inaugurated by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

    Upon their assumption of office, Mammam solicited support from Nigerians in order to bring about the “desired change in the education sector.”

    He said: “If the education sector is fixed, every other thing will work perfectly in the country since the ministry is the foundation of all.”

     While saying the expectations are huge for the sector, he noted that President Tinubu was committed to turning the tide around.

     But during a media parley on Monday in its Lagos Campus, Mowe, Eze, who spoke on the feat DLHS had achieved in 2022-2023 academic session, said excellence was a culture in DLHS.

     “Excellence is our culture in this school. By the grace of God, we have been able to attain this feat through rigorous  work, discipline and God-factor.”

    “We have a structured and unstructured way of ensuring our students read and studied  regularly.

    “Apart from Miss Umeh Kamsiyochukwu Nkechinyere, who was the top scorer in Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), in 2023, some of our students got eight As in their West African Examination Council exams.

    “We can confidently say in this school, we have zero tolerance for malpractice. That means that all our students wrote their examinations without any aid, a common practice in many schools today.

    “I am happy to also inform you that 136 students participated in our valedictory service that was held earlier this month.”

    Setting an agenda for the new education minister, Eze said they should look into upgrading the standard of education at all levels, and instill discipline and moral values in our students.

     He said: “Government should give attention to quality education and standardisation.  Many of our leaders were exposed to quality education when they were in schools. And they cannot afford to fail the coming generation.”

    “Many of our leaders enjoyed these qualities and standards when they went to school.  So, they know what the quality and standardization should be.”

     “Let us go back to where we have missed it, pick it from there and fix what all that should be fixed. Our government has the political will to do the needful and put things in order.”

     Eze also urged school owners and administrators to uphold righteousness and courage in the face of mounting challenges.

     Said he: “Let school owners and educators have the determination and courage to maintain the standard.

     “I believe that everybody knows the standard, but what is lacking is the courage to do the right thing when it matters most.

     “Some fail to keep the standard because of pressure from parents; pressure to keep the business going; pressure to keep the students; some fail due to greed.

     “Let them have the courage to maintain the standard.  No school will say he or she does not know what the standard should be.  Let them have the courage not to compromise.”

     On what is expected of today’s parents, Eze urged them to avoid the common temptation of lowering the standard of moral and virtues as far as education was concerned.

     “Parents should cooperate with educators.  They should partner with the educators and ensure they do not lower the standard of quality education, morals, virtues and godliness.”

  • NUT seeks extension of resumption date

    NUT seeks extension of resumption date

    By Victoria Adewunmi-Oni

    The National Union of Teachers (NUT), Lagos Wing, has urged the Ministry of Basic Education to extend resumption date for public primary and secondary school teachers from September 4, to September 18.

    The union claimed that their teachers are depleted owing to the supervision of National Examination Council (NECO), auditing and other school activities.

    In a statement from  the union, it also emphasised that the change in date of resumption is to enable better productivity, adding that resumption of public schools has always been in the third week of September.

    Read Also; ‘Education minister’ll not disappoint Nigerians’

    It read: “The leadership of Nigeria Union of Teachers, Lagos State Wing, writes to request for the review of resumption date for public primary and secondary schools in Lagos State from Monday  September 4, 2023 to Monday, September 18, 2023.

    At present, majority of our teachers are already depleted due to the supervision of National Examination Council (NECO), auditing and other various school activities even in the primary schools.

    “The extension will enable the teachers to be well-refreshed for resumption and to ensure better productivity, effectiveness and efficiency in their duties. The union is aware of the calendar year but the new development in this instance has made the extension necessary.

    “Resumption of public schools in Lagos State has always been in the third week of September and this year should not be an exemption.”

  • NBTE okays 9 HND courses at RECTEM

    NBTE okays 9 HND courses at RECTEM

    The National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) has accredited the Redeemer’s College of Technology and Management (RECTEM), Mowe, Ogun State for commencement of nine programmes for the Higher National Diploma (HND).

     The approval by the board is effective from next academic session, according to the rector of the college, Dr. Stella Mofunanya.

     The courses approved for HND include Accounting, Computer Science, Science Laboratory Technology with four options (Chemistry, Microbiology, Environmental Biology and Biochemistry), Estate Management and Valuation, Quantity Survey and Architectural Technology.

    Read Also; ‘Education minister’ll not disappoint Nigerians’

     Speaking to the media, Dr. Mofunanya stated that the college ensured that it adhered strictly to the curriculum and regulations of the board while mounting the HND programmes for accreditation.

     She said that following the unflinching support of the founder, Pastor E.A Adeboye, the college was able to break the jinx of getting NBTE approval to run the HND programmes barely five years of its existence. She noted that it took the college a record time to get the approval for the nine courses, ascribing the success to the grace of God and the effective board members and staff’s contributions.

     “It was tough preparing for the accreditation. We did not leave any stone untouched. In fact, we followed NBTE’s curriculum and regulations to the letters.We started with licence and followed with the commencement of the National Diploma prgrammes. We ensured there is adequate staff; facility upgraded and modern equipment are in place before the visit of the NBTE team. When the Board team came, they met all on ground- the space, facility and equipment,” she said.

     Dr. Mofunanya disclosed that the college will seek the board’s accreditation for the other programmes-(Electrical and Electronics, Computer Engineering, Civil Engineering and Business Administration) as soon as it is ready but that the HND courses are open to all qualified students, irrespective of religion or tribe and the polytechnic they got their National Diploma (ND).

     As part of efforts to support Redeem family members, Redeem pastors’ children and indigent students in the college are granted some forms of scholarship.

     On the secret of the successes so far recorded, the Rector recalled: “The College is a child of prophesy by Pastor Adeboye. He had the vision long ago, but we are running with the vision today.  We are working as one strong family. During the accreditation, our spiritual mother Pastor Mrs. Adeboye was on ground supporting us with prayers.”

     RECTEM, which was founded in September 2018, has as philosophy to attain the ultimate height in providing middle level technical and vocational training of the highest standard in order to create a pool of highly trained technicians and technologists that will support the nation’s engineering infrastructural development.

  • FUT, Minna matriculates 4,944

    FUT, Minna matriculates 4,944

    From Justina Asishana, Minna

    The Federal University of Technology, Minna has matriculated 4,944 students with a caution to them to always dress decently in line with the university dress code to avoid embarrassment by the security.

     Its Vice-Chancellor, Pro. Faruk Adamu Kuta, who gave the charge during the 35th matriculation ceremony of the institution, assured the new students of having a worthwhile experience during the period of their study in the university.

     According to him, 16,556 candidates applied for admission to the university through Direct Entry/Post-UTME, out of which 6,877 sat for post-UTME and 6,053 candidates were offered admission.

     He added that only 5,165 accepted the admission offer and 4,944 were duly registered as at the time of the matriculation.

    Read Also; ‘Education minister’ll not disappoint Nigerians’

     Kuta urged the students to register and use the University Health Services on both of its campuses and avoid going on self-medication or consulting quack doctors.

     He also said that the university is alive with academics, socials, sports, students’ politics and religious activities for the overall development of the students, urging the new students to make adequate use of the facilities at their disposal such as libraries, laboratories workshops and Information Technology Services (ITS) to enhance learning and research.

     The vice chancellor also advised the students to keep away from any acts contrary to the rules and regulations of the university and avoid associating with people of questionable character and integrity.

     He then called on the students to be security conscious at all times, urging them to report any suspicious movement and objects to relevant authorities.

  • ‘Embrace education with character training’

    ‘Embrace education with character training’

    Former Ekiti State Commissioner for Local Government, Prof. Adio Folayan, has urged the youths of Efon-Alaaye to embrace education with character training.

     He described education as a foundation of development, noting that youths can be catapulted to the horizon of progress through the channels of formal, informal and non-formal education.

     The eminent scholar delivered this year’s ‘Efon Day Lecture’ titled: Efon yesterday, today and tomorrow: The role of youth as change agent.

     At the lecture, which held at Efon Centre, Ita-Odo, were the Ajiroba of Efon-Alaaye, Chief Patrick Ojo, former Efon Council Chairmen Prince Ade Agbaje, Elder Odunayo Ategbero and Chief Joel Omoniyi; Dr. Gilbert Ojo and members of Efon Youth League, who were targets of the lecture.

    Read Also; ‘Education minister’ll not disappoint Nigerians’

     The don urged the younger generation to seek role models among older beneficiaries of technical and higher education who are making waves in their respective fields of endeavour.

     Folayan, also a former Agriculture commissioner, said education is only meaningful when the beneficiary has a goal in mind.

     He said: “Those of you who have pursued or are still pursuing formal education, it is important for you to have a clear goal of what you want to achieve in life through that education, determine in your mind that you want to achieve that goal and then, make deliberate effort to get to that goal.”

     Highlighting the benefits of education, the lecturer said “by receiving a systematic education, people gain knowledge and develop skills and character traits that are crucial for a certain standard of life”

     He said only genuine education can be beneficial to an individual and society, adding it can be acquired through a determined intention to gain knowledge and rigorous self-application for self-development.

     Folayan urged the youth to run away from education that involves mercenaries writing examinations for candidates, procurement of fake certificates and settlement of lecturers to pass examinations.

     He pointed out that “people who have that background are usually without value and do not have much to offer to others”.

     Folayan, who had served as Efon Council chairman, also advised the older generation not to abdicate the responsibility of inculcating moral values in the youth.

     Quoting the renowned businessman, Chief Gabriel Igbinedion, he said: “Success without a successor is failure.”

     He stressed: “Every successful person must try to impact the lives of others positively. He must try to bequeath the content of his success to other people who can end up being his successor. Education makes a person to be of value to himself and the society at large.”

     Turning to graduates who were among the audience, Folayan said the time was ripe for them to plough back into the community intellectually.

     He queried: “Those of you who are in tertiary institutions or have graduated, what value are you adding to Efon as a person? Do you see yourself as someone who must exploit the community all the time or do you think of yourself as someone who can give back to the community?”

     Folayan added: “Here in Efon in the eighties, myself and several of my contemporaries having acquired education, took it upon ourselves to use that education to contribute to community development by organising free coaching classes for the younger generation of that time.

     “My question to you is that at your level, are you using the knowledge you have, the education you have to benefit the generation behind you?

     “I will want us to borrow from the words of our late sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, that whoever wants to be great in life must be ready to develop himself/herself in all ramifications of human endeavour psychologically, socially, spiritually, emotionally, economically, physically, educationally and financially with God’s factor as the cornerstone.

     “Our youths are advised to, therefore, key into the sage’s advice to be able to make meaningful life.”

  • Minister pledges to complete 17-year-old abandoned National Library building

    Minister pledges to complete 17-year-old abandoned National Library building

    Minister of Education Prof. Tahir Mamman has pledged that the 17-year-old abandoned National Library would be completed and inaugurated by President Bola Tinubu administration.

    The minister made the pledge during a tour of the edifice in company of the National Librarian, Prof. Chinwe Anunobi, and some senior directors of the Federal Ministry of Education.

    The contract of the library, which lies fallow on Plot 35, Cadastral Business District, in the Federal Capital Territory, was awarded to Reynolds Construction Company in 2006 under the administration of former President Olusegun Obasanjo, for N8.9 billion with an initial completion period of four years.

    The firm was said to have requested an upward review because of the decision of the Federal Government to incorporate new technology into the building.

    Read Also; ‘Education minister’ll not disappoint Nigerians’

     The administration of the late President Umaru Yar’Adua then approved an upward review to the tune of N18b.

    Seventeen years after the contract was first awarded, however, the building has yet to be completed.

     Former education minister, Adamu Adamu handed the project to the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETfund) for completion.

     The Federal Capital Territory Administration had at a time, raised the alarm that criminals were turning uncompleted buildings in the capital city into hideouts.

     Addressing reporters after the tour of the Library, the minister said: “This project is too important for Nigerians and we have this project uncompleted for close to 20 years. We know the importance of a library not to talk about a national library.

     “So, the decision is that we have a president who does not tolerate uncompleted projects anywhere. He is determined to deliver on what will bring progress and development and the national library is one of the major edifices anywhere in the world.

     ”So, the decision is that everyone involved must come back to the site.”

     Asked about the cost required to complete the project, the minister said though there were issues surrounding the project but that it was being worked out as everyone involved would come together to review the cost.

     “There are some issues here and there but the project will be completed in about 21 months.

     ”But we are urging them (Construction company) to deliver the project earlier because we’ve dragged it for too long and the project is too important for it to be dragged any further.

     ”So whatever obstacles in the project, we are determined to go over it and attend to it so it doesn’t become an obstacle,” he said.

  • Principal harps on morals for character development of pupils

    Principal harps on morals for character development of pupils

    Principal of Starfield College, Iju, Lagos, Mrs. Sara Oyinloye, has stressed the need for pupils’ character development through the teaching of moral values.

    At the school’s 23rd valedictory service, last week, she noted that it was an avenue to give thanks to God for taking the college thus far.

    “In this school, our students are nurtured under what we call a character development programme that is based on six pillars of character, citizenship, respect, responsibility, fairness and trustworthiness,” she said.

    The principal expressed delight at the brilliant performance of its pupils in this year’s West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE,  noting that many have secured admissions into tertiary institutions while others had concluded plans to travel abroad for further studies.

    Read Also; ‘Education minister’ll not disappoint Nigerians’

    Director of Studies Mr. Christopher Eigbe said the school was thanking God for his mercies. He prayed for the 82 graduating pupils, saying they would excel wherever they go.

     “We are glad that none of the students we are celebrating died, no staff died and the college has continued to excel with great results. These are wonderful children. Anywhere they go, surely they will excel, they will succeed,” he said.

    In his exhortation, Pastor Lawrence Obi of the Christ Elect Assemblies, Lagos, urged the pupils to involve God in all their endeavours and never relent in the pursuit of academic excellence.

    “We thank God you all came out in flying colours. Today, we are celebrating your success. We are here celebrating God’s faithfulness. It is not because you are skilled that you excel, but it is God’s mercy and grace. As you go further, don’t relax and relent. In all things as you move on, rely on Jesus Christ. There is nothing you can do without Him. The school has given you a sound foundation that will take you higher,” he said.

     He advised them to be focused and associate with people who will help them actualise dreams.

     Remain focused and be prepared to get to enviable heights. Pay attention to your studies. Associate with people that will add value to your life. There are people you associate with that ruin your life, and there are those who add value to your life, move with Godly people,” he added.

  • Group gives scholarships, cash to Anambra debate winners

    Group gives scholarships, cash to Anambra debate winners

    The IG Aguowo Health and Academic Foundation has awarded full scholarships   to the four students of the Anambra Debate Team, who won the just-concluded  International Debate Championship, held in Malaysia.

    Speaking during the award presentation in Awka, Anambra State, the founder, Dr. Ignatius Aguowo, said the scholarships would cover their tuition fees and healthcare services, from their current educational level to their university level.

    The philanthropist appreciated state government for giving the team the necessary support that saw them through the competition.

    Read Also; ‘Education minister’ll not disappoint Nigerians’

    He said: “I saw the news of how students from Anambra State defeated their international counterparts to emerge the champion in the global competition on the social media.

    “I was greatly impressed by the feat and decided to appreciate and encourage the team for making the state and the country proud.

    “I thank the state government for giving the team every necessary support that saw them through the competition.

    “For the students, I urge you to keep developing yourselves and your God given talents. Also keep doing well in your studies without allowing any distractions. Above all, always put God first in everything you do.”

    Aguowo, who also recently awarded full scholarships to 92 indigent students from different tertiary institutions across the country, also gave N100,000 each to the students.

    He also donated N1 million to the Anambra State Debate Coordinator, Mrs. Amaka Anaekwe, and  another N1 million to the two coaches of the team, Mr. Chiagozie Udorji and Mr. John Onuigbo (N500,000 each).

    Earlier, Mrs. Anaekwe said the yearly contest usually holds first at the national level, after which the group that emerged champion at their national level would represent their country in the international championship.

     She said: “Team Anambra State has had track records of emerging the champion at the national level and representing Nigeria in the international championship of the debate competition for years, including  2015, when they represented the country in Singapore; 2016, when they represented the country in Indonesia, among others; and during which they also came back with trophies.

    “This year’s Debate Championship also  saw Team Anambra defeating other states in Nigeria to emerge champion at the national level, which qualified them to represent Nigeria (as Team Nigeria) in the International Championship in Malaysia.

    “In Malaysia, the Team Anambra (also known as Team Nigeria or Team Solution) first defeated Team Malaysia 1, represented by Pin Hwa High School, by 3-0 at the semi-finals before advancing to the final stage, where they also defeated their counterparts from the Hin Hua High School in the grand finale, beating them 2-1 to emerge the overall winner and champion of the competition.”

    Appreciating Governor Chukwuma Soludo, Education Commissioner, Prof. Ngozi Chuma-Udeh as well as heads of schools and education commissions for their support, Anaekwe said the support was instrumental to the victories, both at the national and international levels.

    Responding, Commissioner for Education, Prof. Chuma-Udeh, whose joy knew no bound, described the feat as wholesome achievement that did not only attract pride to the State and the entire country, but stood as evidence of the huge investment and good works of the Soludo-led Government in education sector.

    “Coming home with the trophy has brought a lot of smiles to our faces. It is also a demonstration of how the state governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, who sponsored the trip, is passionate about education in Anambra State.

    “The governor has brought total transformation in every facet of education in the state. Indeed, this trophy won by the Solution Team stands as another mark of his achievement in the educational sector. We are glad the Team has made the state and the country proud again,” she said.

    Appreciating the benefactor for his benevolence and encouragement to the Team, Chuma-Udeh described him as silent achiever and philanthropist with a difference.

    “Your acts of selfless philanthropy is bettering the society; be rest assured that Anambra State education sector will not relent in making the state proud in the global sphere,” she said.

    Others who spoke at the event include the legal counsel to the IG Aguowo Health and Academic Foundation, Dilibe Anene; and the State President of the All Nigeria Confederation of Principals of Secondary Schools (ANCOPSS), Anambra State Branch, Mr. Jovita Arazu, who both commended the state’s Ministry of Education and the IG Aguowo Foundation for their good works and expressed optimism for a much closer and sustained partnership between the two entities.

     The beneficiaries: Okey Okonkwo John and Emmanuel Ezechukwu of the All Hallows Seminary, Onitsha; Okafor Obioma Blessing of the Mater Amabilis Secondary School, Umuoji; and Mbachu Promise Chukwuemeka of St. Michaels Model Comprehensive Secondary School, Nimo also appreciated Aguowo for his rewards and encouragement.

     They promised to continue doing better in their studies towards greater heights and exploits.

  • ‘UAT will expand digitisation to enhance research’

    ‘UAT will expand digitisation to enhance research’

    The Management of the University of Africa Toru-Orua, (UAT), Bayelsa State said it will continue to expand and explore windows for the digitisation of the institution to further enhance research and academic excellence.

     It said the utilisation of Information and Communication Technology, ICT, tools has been key in the preference of the University of Africa Toru-Orua, UAT, by training institutions and partners within and outside Bayelsa State.

     The UAT Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Prof Barclays Foubiri Ayakoroma stated this as a keynote speaker at the just concluded 2023 Press Week organised by the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Bayelsa State Council, at the Golden Tulip Hotel, Yenagoa.

    Read Also; ‘Education minister’ll not disappoint Nigerians’

     He said parents and guardians of students at UAT can access and monitor the academic progress of their wards online following the digitisation of its systems just as e-learning is being programmed for the flood season.

     Speaking on the theme: Expanding Media Knowledge for a Better Information Management in the Niger Delta Region, Prof. Ayakoroma advocated participatory media action that will enable citizens to access, critically analyse and interpret media contents as it will help to build confidence and guard against fake news.

     The varsity don noted that the role of the media remains crucial to a credible and successful Governorship Election in Bayelsa State and tasked members of the pen profession to raise the bar on political sensitisation as Bayelsans prepare for the November 11 polls. He applauded journalists for their services and contributions to national development and congratulated the NUJ Bayelsa State Council for a successful Press Week.

  • ‘How to enhance students’ performance in school’

    ‘How to enhance students’ performance in school’

    By Victoria Adewunmi-Oni

    Stakeholders have raised concern over the performances of students, proffering solutions on ways to improve them.

    Their concern is supported by a research, which indicated that in recent years, many children around the world are not learning to read proficiently.

    Even though most children are in school, a large proportion are not acquiring fundamental skills.

    Moreover, 260 million children across the world are not in school. This is the leading edge of a learning crisis that threatens countries’ efforts to build human capital and achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

    Read Also; ‘Education minister’ll not disappoint Nigerians’

    Without foundational learning, students fail to thrive later in school or when they join the workforce.

    In an interview with The Nation, a lecturer with Anchor University, Dr. Anthony Elisha Anowu, emphasised the importance of education as one of the benchmarks for measuring development, in relation to the SDGs.

    He noted that academic performance did not only evaluate students, but also teachers, institutions, the curriculum and systems.

    Anowu said psychological and cognitive factors hindered quality performance of students.

    Addressing teachers, he said: “Teachers must ensure that everything that would aid pupils’ understanding is put in place, such as teaching aids, and varied teaching methods, such as the play way method, depending on the peculiarity of the students.”

    He urged institutions to create a conducive learning environment, while students should be willing and determined to learn by being serious in class, setting goals and avoiding distractions.

    The lecturer advised the government to provide necessary facilities that would enhance learning.

    Also, the proprietress of Big Daddy Nursery and Primary School and Rosaline High School, Mrs. Bosede Ojalatan, highlighted teaching skills and the learning environment as factors that disrupt students’ performance.

    She advised stakeholders that “students should be focused on their education, make use of research engines to solve difficult problems in learning, acquire more knowledge from teachers, peers and parents, as examination malpractice would only give them weak result.”

    “Teachers should teach the students current methodology of learning to facilitate effective learning, the parents and government should make sure there is provision for laptops, iPads and other internet facilities for their learning process in order for the students to acquire 21st century skills, which will also help them to identify and assess things,” she said.

     The Proprietress of Nikland Children School Akesan, Nike Oyetunde, said having been in the teaching profession for over 20 years, she observed that students’ performance is decreasing and that education generally has declined.

     She mentioned broken homes, majorly affected by the country’s economic situation, as one of the causes of poor academic performances.

      Her word: “The entertainment industry is greatly influencing the pupils. Most of them would prefer to watch movies, rather than reading. Imagine children having exams, and they still put on earpiece, listening to music.

     “All these are reducing their concentration and making them to lack focus. To add to it, some parents cannot afford textbooks for their children. There’s corruption everywhere; children don’t want to read, so they buy their results.

     “To ensure a lasting solution, all of us have roles to play. The government should pump money into the education sector. They should also reduce importation rate, so that books will be produced at a cheaper rate, and parents would be able to purchase textbooks for their children.

     “Parents should encourage their children to study. They should stop buying results for them, rather, allow them to read. It is not difficult. Schools must also stop promoting examination malpractice.”