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Category: Education

  • Addressing contentious issues in Student Loan Act

    Addressing contentious issues in Student Loan Act

    The Students’ Loan Act, aimed at providing interest-free loans to students, has generated controversy. While some have applauded the move, others see it as a booby trap capable of creating crisis in the education sector. Many, however, are calling for a review of the law before its final implementation. TONY AKOWE reports.

    Students’ loan was first introduced into the country by former Head of State General Yakubu Gowon with a repayment period of 20 years.  The enactment of Decree 25 of 1972 established the Students’ Loans Board. The law gave students loans to take care of their tuition as well as other sundry charges while in school. Between 1972 and 1991, the board was reported to have given out loans valued at N46 million, and by 1992, it had an outstanding loan debt of about N40 million.

    In view of the huge debt left behind, the government created the Nigeria Education Bank through Decree 50 of 1993 to take over the responsibilities of the board. But the bank could carry out the function assigned to it as the government failed to fund it.

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

    Over the years, there has been clamour for the revival of the bank and the loan scheme as the education system continues to nosedive.

    This prompted Femi Gbajabiamila, then House Leader, to introduce a bill aimed at creating the students’ loan. The bill was first introduced in 2016, but failed to sail through. As Speaker of the House of Representatives, Gbajabiamila reintroduced the bill and ensured that it was passed into law and as Chief of Staff to the President, ensured that it was signed into law.

     The law is part of measures towards addressing the funding gaps in the tertiary education subsector, especially for the students as it provides interest-free loans to them.

    However, the issue of student loan and access to quality higher education are part of the Renewed Hope Agenda document of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

    The President, while campaigning for the 2023 presidential election, promised to pursue the establishment of Education Bank to enhance access to quality education at the tertiary level.

    He said: “We will institute a pilot student loan regime… This will expand access to education for all Nigerians, regardless of their backgrounds. At the same time, this will give institutions the ability to charge more cost-reflective tuition fees. Because of the current employment rates and other conditions, the loan programme will have a maximum limit any student may borrow and must have flexible repayment provisions.”

    There is no doubt that the Students Loan (access to higher education) Act is to provide students easy access to funding for higher education with the aim of ensuring education for all Nigerians.

    The law repealed the Nigerian Education Bank Act Cap. N104, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004 and enact the Students’ Loans (Access to Higher Education) Act, 2023 to provide easy access to higher education for indigent Nigerians through interest-free loans from the Nigerian Education Loan Fund to be established under the law.

    Omissions and bottlenecks in the Act

     However, the word indigent in the law conflicts with the provisions of the Constitution as it discriminates against certain categories of students, whose right to the loan would be impeded. But in another breadth, the law states “subject to the provisions of any other enactment, all students seeking higher education in any public institution of higher learning in Nigeria shall have equal right to access the loans under this Act without any discrimination arising from gender, religion, tribe, position or disability of any kind”.

    The “all students” in the law tends to conflict with the earlier provisions of indigent students as contained in its explanatory notes. Amendment to the Act would need to deal with this controversy.

    The law also states that: “Notwithstanding the provisions of any Act, enactment or law, this Act shall apply to all matters pertaining to the application and grant of loans to Nigerians seeking higher education into institutions of higher learning in Nigeria through the Nigerian Education Loan Fund.”

    Even though the law seeks to provide for all students seeking higher education, it is evident that the law as it is presently, cannot address the needs of Nigerian students. For example, the law says that “the loans referred to in this Act shall be granted to students only for the payment of tuition fees”. However, the government has consistently told the nation that all federal higher institutions in the country are not allowed to collect tuition fees. The implications of this is that as presently composed, no student in these federal institutions can benefit from the loan to be granted since they are not allowed to collect tuition fees from students. But the institutions are, however, allowed to collect money in the name of charges ranging from data, examination, energy, sanitation, library, laboratory, identity card, caution etc., which are not covered by the students’ loan. In addition, the law states that the student to be eligible for the loan, the parent or guardian must have an annual salary package of a maximum of N500,000. Even though the law is supposed to apply to all Nigerians, the condition practically strips many students of the opportunity to benefit from the loan. The law says that “the aims and objectives of the Fund shall be to — (a) facilitate the mobilisation of funds to provide interest-free loans to students of institutions of higher learning in Nigeria for the payment of tuition fees; and (b) ensure constant supply of loans to qualified students applicants for the purpose of providing education to all Nigerians” .

     In the early days of his administration when he signed the Students’ Loan bill into law, the then presidential spokesman, now Minister for Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, described it as a promise kept. He said: “We’re very happy to announce to you that today the President, His Excellency, Bola Tinubu, signed into law the Student Loans Bill. This is a promise made during the presidential campaign by the then candidate, His Excellency Bola Tinubu, that he will bring back the students loans issue onto the front-burner. Today, that promise he made has been kept. He has just signed that bill into law, which henceforth would allow or enable our indigent students to access Federal Government’s loans to fund the educational pursuit or career. This is how it’s done in other developed climes. So, this is a boost to our youths and students nationwide. Of course, there are prescribed qualification parameters. And that is the proof of indigeneship of whoever is to be a beneficiary. Of course, there are committees to be set up. The members of committees will be drawn from various bodies to superintend over the efficient and proficient disbursement of this facility”.

     However, in his broadcast to the nation, President Tinubu said Nigerian students will no longer abandon their studies because of lack of money. He said: “We shall fulfill our promise to make education more affordable to all and provide loans to higher education students who may need them. No Nigerian student will have to abandon his or her education because of lack of money.” The President promised to remove all obstacles to the successful implementation of the scheme.

     While not setting out concrete loan recovery steps, the law empowes the special committee, which will be headed by the governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, to “monitor academic records of grantees of the loans to obtain information on their year of graduation, national service, employment and to ensure that grantees of the loans commence repayment of the loans as and when due”. It is also empowered to “liaise with the employers of the grantees and conclude documentation with employers to ensure that the required sum to be deducted is deducted from the grantees salary and remitted to the Fund or account as directed by the committee”. In addition, it states that “any beneficiary of the loan to which this Act refers shall commence repayment two years after completion of the National Youth Service Corps programme. (2) Repayment shall be by direct deduction of 10% of the beneficiaries’ salary at source by the employer and credited to the Fund. (3) Any change of job shall be communicated to the chairman of the committee within 30 days of resuming with his new employer with details of the new job. (4) Where the beneficiary is self-employed, he shall remit 10% of his total profit monthly to the Fund. (5) For the purpose of subsection 4, a self-employed person shall within 60 days of assuming that status submit all information such as name of business, address and location, registration documents, if registered, name of bankers, names of partners, name of directors and shareholders to the company. (6) Any one in default of the provisions of subsection 5, or found to be aiding the default of subsection 5, commits an offence and is liable on conviction to a fine of N500,000 or imprisonment for a term of two years or both”.

     But, it failed to take into account the current unemployment situation in the country, which has left thousands of graduates roaming the streets without jobs for several years. Many others are left to do menial jobs to survive. The question is: what happened to such graduates who may not be able to pay back the loan as a result of lack of job? There is also the question of how much each student is entitled to and how many times a student can apply for the loan? Also, will the loan be enough to take care of other charges in the school?

     One aspect of the law that requires immediate attention before the commencement of its implementation is Section 8 of the law which  provides for the tenure of office for members of the Special Committee, stating that the members shall hold office for the term for which they hold their substantive offices and shall be replaced automatically by their successor. However, it added a proviso for the appointment of the Secretary, conferring sweeping powers on the Chairman of the Special Committee. It states: “Provided that the appointment of the Secretary shall be at the pleasure of the chairman of the fund. In addition, Section 10 gives the President other sweeping powers to the extent that his decision can override the laws of the land as it relates to the fund. It says: “The President shall have power to alter the decision of the committee or give such directive to the committee as he deems fit if he is satisfied that it is in the interest of the committee or the public.” These powers are subject to abuse.

     Another area of interest in the bill is the source or funds and who should benefit from the fund. Section 12 states that the sources of the Fund shall consist of (a) education bonds;  (b) education endowment fund schemes; (c) 1% of all taxes, levels and duties accruing to the Government of the Federation from Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Nigerian Immigration Service and Nigerian Customs Service; (d) 1% of all profits accruing to the Government of the Federation arising from oil and other minerals; (e) all sums accruing to the Fund by way of donations, gifts, grant, endowment or otherwise; and (f) other revenue accruing to the Fund from any other source”.

     Questions on students from state-owned higher institutions

    There are already questions as to whether students from state-owned higher institutions as well as those from private owned institutions can benefit from the loan since the funds are solely being provided by the Federal Government as contained in the current law. But Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) Mohammed Nami believes that funding the scheme should not be left for the Federal Government alone. He believes that states and local governments should also be made to contribute to the fund to enable students in state institutions of higher learning benefit from the scheme. Nami said the parliament should amend the law to allow the 1 percent revenue to be drawn from funds belonging to the three tiers of government instead of the Federal Government account only. He expressed concern about the one per cent Federal Government revenue meant for the funding and suggested that instead of Federal Allocation, only the parliament should seek amendments that will allow the funding to be drawn from a Federation Account, where all states can contribute too.

     While the Committee of Vice Chancellor of Federal Universities welcomes the bill, the Academic Staff Union of Universities described the law as discriminatory between the children of the rich and the poor. They appeared not to be in support of the law. Immediately after the signing of the bill, ASUU President, Prof. Emmanuel Osedeke, was quoted as saying: “The union will react soon but everyone knows our position on student loans because you will end up encumbering the children of the poor with loans and debt after graduating. This is discriminatory. If what I read online is correct, it said it is only for children whose parents earn less than N500,000 per annum. That means if your father earns more, you won’t benefit.” similarly, National President, Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics, Mr. Anderson Ezeibe, was quoted as saying that there are aspects of the law that will not be practicable. He said: “It says that students should refund the money two years after NYSC. But what is the provision for someone who is not working after NYSC?  And will they all get jobs immediately after NYSC?”

     Govt’s plan for implementation

     Director, Legal Services of the Central Bank or Nigeria, who is currently leading the Central Bank team working on the technicality of the loan and proposing amendment to the law, Kofo Salami Alada, said the students’ loan was being designed to be technology-driven.

    According to him, the loan was being designed in such a way that will eliminate physical contact and movement of papers, while the students will be expected to apply for the loan from the comfort of their homes. While saying the technical team was ready for the takeoff of the scheme in September as directed by the President, he disclosed that they would work with the various tertiary institutions, who will be assigned unique code and the Joint Admission and Matriculation Board and other bodies involved in tertiary education in the country to make the process much easier. While dismissing belief that the CBN will fund the scheme, he said the responsibility of the apex bank will be the bankers to the fund as the funds will be provided solely by the government. On funding for the scheme, he said that the technical committee was working on how to avoid a constitutional crisis later when states will go to court to challenge funds being drawn from the Federation Account to implement the scheme. He said while the current law provide for 1 percent of internally generated revenue, they are working on having an acceptable source either from the Federation Account or from the Consolidated Revenue Fund.

     The legislature to the rescue?

     But, Speaker of the House, Tajudeen Abbas assured that the House will address all issues that tends to hamper the smooth implementation of the scheme, which he said is aimed at promoting more equitable access to quality higher education for our children. The Speaker described education as an integral part of the development of any nation, adding that no country can afford to toy with the future of its young people.

    He said: “The legislature, as you know, plays a crucial role in providing access to quality education in the country. Our role in this regard is multifaceted. It involves enacting laws and policies that govern education, allocating resources, and overseeing the implementation of these policies and laws as well as the utilisation of appropriated funds. Through these actions, the legislature contributes significantly to creating an enabling environment for quality education and ensuring that the right to education is upheld for all Nigerians. In this respect, the Students Loan Act is a transformational piece of legislation. This is quite critical given that education is considered a fundamental right in Nigeria. The legislature as custodians and defenders of citizens’ rights, play an essential role in safeguarding this right. This informed the initiation and passage of the Student Loan Act by the 9th House of Representatives. The purpose was to create seamless access to credit facilities for quality higher education. The legislation finds its relevance in the recognition that one of the key barriers to accessing higher education is the high cost associated with tuition fees, accommodation, textbooks, and other educational expenses. Many talented and deserving students are unable to afford these costs, leading to a significant disparity in educational opportunities. As a result, we are witnessing a situation where only a privileged few can access quality higher education while the majority struggle to make ends meet. Contrarily, we cannot afford to have majority of our citizens uneducated.

     “The Students Loan Act is a legislative framework designed to address the financial challenges faced by young Nigerians to accessing higher quality education. By accessing credit facilities, the Act aims to ensure that deserving students are not denied educational opportunities due to financial constraints. It is feared that these conditions might hamper the good intentions of the legislature, which is to create access for as many Nigerians as possible who desire quality higher education. It is due to this fact that a summit was convened to harness the opinions of stakeholders and experts on the improvement of the Act”.

     NANS speaks

     President, National Association of Nigerian Students, Usman Barambu, argued that for the scheme to be implemented successfully, there was the need to amend the Act to allow all Nigerian students, who desire loan to have access to it. The students’ body is also asking to be represented in the composition of the special committee in addition to representatives of regulatory bodies for Polytechnics and Colleges of Education as only the National Universities Commission is currently recognised by the law. They are also faulting criteria for accessing the loan in the current act as too stringent, adding that the method of payment of two years was too short but should be reviewed to at least four to five years.

     He said “student loan is for us and on the board, no student representation.  The board only captured NUC, sidelining the polytechnics and colleges of education. They should all be inclusive for fairness and equity. Also the method of payment should be looked into as most students are not able to find their ground financially two years after graduation. It should be revised to four to five years . The act also gives no room for forgiveness in cases of death, especially for security officers, that should also be looked into”.

     On his part, JAMB Registrar, Professor Is-haq Oloyede said the students’ loans represent a turning-point in the history of higher education in Nigeria in the 21st century. He stressed the need to review the Act to cover cost of other things beyond school fees, as students now pay more  for accommodation, feeding and transportation. Oloyede also canvassed the development of a conducive environment for the repayment of the loan even as he noted that the Act should be calibrated to factor in market instability, inflation pandemics and force majeure. He said the parliament must develop an accountability framework for the loan and called for measures that would guarantee its sustenance.

     Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, David Adejo, said the scheme is scheduled to commence in the 2023/2024 academic session. Adejo confirm that Nigeria institutions of higher learning does not collect tuition fees, neither did the introduction of the scheme spur increase in fees across Nigerian universities.

     Necessary works underway to implement Act Sept

     He told the House of Representatives ad hoc committee investigating the scheme that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed that all necessary works be completed on the modalities for the implementation of the students loan to enable it commence by next month. He also disclosed that a Coordinating Committee has been set up by the President with the Chief of Staff as chairman, made up of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Budget Office of the Federal, the Ministry of Education, Ministry of Finance and others.

     The committee, he said, has also set up a technical committee that is working to put in place a proper structure for the take-off of the scheme as well as remove all impediments in the law that may deny Nigerians access to the loan. According to him, the technical committee is expected to report back to the main committee on possible areas of amendment to the law.

     In a resolution that birthed an investigative committee, the House of Representatives warned authorities of institutions of higher learning in the country not to capitalise on the signing into law of the Students Loan Act to increase tuition and other fees. According to the House, doing so will defeat the essence of the legislation.

     Hon. Terseer Ugbor (APC, Benue), who moved the motion, said while financial support from family members and relatives is often considered a traditional source for funding higher education globally, recent trends in the past 60 years indicate that governments in both developed and developing countries have in place various Students Loans and Educational Credit Schemes to enable students to borrow towards the funding of higher education. The lawmaker said the use of Students Loans and Educational Credit Schemes in most countries of the world is often justified on the grounds that it guarantees greater access to higher education for the less-privileged citizens and is further predicated on the notion that education is an investment in human capital which in turn promote individual development, economic growth and national productivity. According to him, after several years of unsuccessful attempts by successive administrations to introduce students’ loans, scholarships and other educational credit schemes, the 9th National Assembly passed the Students Loans (Access to Higher Education) Bill, 2023.

     He argued that while the objectives and intendment of the Students Loans (Access to Higher Education) Act, 2023 are patriotic and would impact positively on higher education in Nigeria, especially among the underprivileged citizens, there are several critical omissions and identifiable bottlenecks that can frustrate the successful implementation of the Act if immediate further legislative action is not taken to ensure its efficient implementation. He expressed concerned that while the intendment of the Students Loans (Access to Higher Education) Act, 2023 is highly commendable and its enactment has been well received by a large segment of the general public, particularly the Nigerian youths, the identified and observable lapses have the potential to frustrate its smooth implementation for the overall benefit of students.

     Ugbor, who also headed the committee looking into the issues in the law, said the students’ loan was part of the palliatives by the Federal Government to alleviate the suffering of Nigerians and ensure access to higher education by interested Nigerians. He is concerned about the disbursement process, the recovery of the funds from beneficiaries as well as the possibility of some students not been able to access the loan.

     Referring to the issue of a possible constitutional crisis raised by the CBN, he said: “There is the possibility that students from state-owned tertiary institutions will not be able to access the loan because if the states will not contribute to the funds, it would mean that students from state universities will not be able to participate in the scheme.” He believed there was the need for dialogue with all stakeholders in the education sector in the country in the process of trying to amend the law to ensure that all Nigerian students interested in the loan benefit from it.

  • Education is greatest tool to fight poverty, says Betta Edu

    Education is greatest tool to fight poverty, says Betta Edu

    The minister for humanitarian affairs and poverty alleviation, Betta Edu has said that educational foundation remains the strongest tool to deploy against poverty.

    Edu hosted the University of Calabar Alumni and some management staff led by the vice chancellor, Prod Florence Banku Obi on a courtesy visit to her office on Friday. 

    The visit was primarily to congratulate Edu who is an alumni of the University of Calabar.

    The minister in her remarks disclosed that over the years, University of Calabar has been  a major hub in producing leaders with excellent records  across the country, saying that she remain most grateful for the institution and its stride.

    According to her, the ministry is working on full detailing of President Bola Tinubu action plan as regards to the humaintarian affairs and poverty alleviation ministry which includes eradicating poverty.

    She said: “Resources will be mobilized across board to enable a robust Humanitarian and poverty alleviation intervention. We will be reaching out to development partners, the private sectors, institutions and well meaning Nigerians. We are also going to verify and review of the Social Register to ensure that truly it’s the poorest of the poor that are on the list, this will commence soon.”

    Read Also: Group hails Tinubu for saddling Betta Edu with poverty alleviation

    She appreciated the vice chancellor and her management team for coming to celebrate with her, while assuring the institution that she will not fail in her latest national assignment.

    The vice chancellor, who was accompanied by top management staff of the University, the Registrar, Gabriel Egbe, Bursar, Joseph Odum and the Alumni Relation Officer, Donklaimz Enahme assured the minister of the Institution willingness to assist in fighting poverty using the classroom and every other means available to them.

    According to her, the University is glad to be associated with all her achievements starting from her early days as Vice President of the Student Union Government in University of calabar to her role as Special Adviser to the Governor, DG and Commissioner For Health and most recently APC National Women Leader.

    Highlights of the visit was the presentation of gifts by the Vice Chancellor and  University Relations Officer, Donklaimz Enahme alongside other management staff.

  • Lagos govt advises stakeholders on improved academic session

    Lagos govt advises stakeholders on improved academic session

    Permanent-Secretary of the Lagos State Ministry of Basic Education Abayomi Abolaji has emphasised the need for increased efforts from parents, teachers, and students in the upcoming academic session.

    In an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos, Abolaji said these efforts would play a vital role in enhancing the development of education in the state.

    According to him, the action aims to foster a collaborative approach among all stakeholders in the education sector.

    With the new harmonised academic school calendar, all schools in Lagos State will resume for the first term in the 2023/2024 academic session on Monday, September 4.

    Abolaji stressed the importance of active participation from parents in supporting their children’s education, employing effective teaching methods by teachers, and fostering dedication and commitment to studies from students.

    Abolaji said, ‘’In September, we will be starting a new academic calendar; 2023/2024 session, and we urge parents, teachers and even the students to continue to contribute their quota.

     “Our parents, we know times are tough, but let’s remember that these students are our future and it is most important that we plan and lay a good foundation for them.

     “I, therefore, urge them to keep on assisting in all the way that these children need to fly, as they need us to provide them with that wing and air to flap the wing in order for them to sower.

     “So, putting all of these together, our parents should realise that what they are doing now is securing the future of these children and ensuring that their future is not truncated.”

    Read Also: ‘I didn’t expect to be minister’

    He noted that collective effort would help the education system in Lagos State to be further strengthened.

    According to him, this will lead to better educational outcomes and a brighter future for all.

    The permanent-secretary applauded teachers for their commitment and described the profession as a noble one, and encouraged them to do more for the students.

    He said that the Lagos State Government (LASG) values, appreciates and recognises contributions of teachers,  noting that they are key stakeholders to development of education in the state.

     “We can attest that the Lagos State Government, under Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, year-in year-out encourages them, supports their aspirations, sending them on workshops, training, retraining.

     “In the  previous year, Governor Sanwo-Olu gave out saloon cars , it was upgraded to 13 SUV’s and this year, we are preparing same even where our teachers will be rewarded’’.

    Similarly, he called on the students to take advantage of efforts put in by the government and parents, while advising them to face their studies, shun truancy and gangsterism as they prepare for the new academic session.

    He noted that the LASG had been living up to the task of ensuring smooth and quality academic activities by giving free education, putting up structures and providing teaching materials.

      given, much is expected, the State Government is pulling efforts and parents are providing, so they must match all these gestures of the government and their parents.

     “They should be ready to come on board to study, listen to their parents and teachers, open their hearts to learning both at home and in school, “ he added.

  • Varsities to begin implementation of new curriculum next month, says NUC

    Varsities to begin implementation of new curriculum next month, says NUC

    The implementation of the Core Curriculum Minimum Academic Standards CCMAS (CCMAS) will begin  next month, the National Universities Commission (NUC) has said.

    The commission said the new CCMAS document would guide institutions in the design of curricula for their programmes while bringing necessary innovation into the content and delivery of their programmes towards achieving the overall goals of education and training.

    It stated that the implementation will help sharpen the future of the education sector.

    Acting Executive Secretary of NUC, Chris Maiyaki, who disclosed this at a Stakeholders’ Colloquium on CCMAS in Abuja on Wednesday, said the document would reposition Nigerian universities to be among the best rated in Africa.

    The NUC chief said the CCMAS would make up 70 per cent of the curriculum while the universities would decide on what to include in the remaining 30 per cent.

    Read Also: ‘I didn’t expect to be minister’

    Maiyaki said: “The role and development of the CCMAS is to ensure commitment in advancing our education and our great nation. NUC is primarily dedicated to ensuring quality and global competitiveness of Nigerian universities as well as the graduates we produce.

    “The development of the CCMAS went through a painstaking process by bringing experts from our universities comprising professors, regulatory bodies, Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG) and all stakeholders.

    “The CCMAS reflect global initiative that will equip graduates with knowledge and wherewithal that will advance the development of the nation.”

    Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman, encouraged universities to make optimal use of the 30 per cent university senate’s input.

    He advised universities to ensure that learning outcomes, skills as well as soft skills were acquired, irrespective of the core discipline.

    The minister said the skills must be readily applicable to the environment of the university, the country in particular and the global community in general.

    He said: “There is no better place and time than now to develop a strategy that will guide tertiary institutions particularly universities in their mandate to provide appropriate manpower for the country.

    “This is through using a curriculum and applying minimum standards that would guarantee we teach our students in such a way and manner that they would be highly skilled and employable to contribute to national development efforts.

    “Seventy per cent of the total curriculum is captured in the CCMAS while 30 per cent of the curriculum has been ceded to universities Senates to build in the uniqueness of their various universities.

    “This principle allows for a good deal of adaptation that suits not only local peculiarities of the universities but provides universities opportunities to carve a niche for themselves in areas of comparative advantage.”

    Mamman lauded universities which had concluded work on the 30 per cent component and submitted the same for a review.

    He urged those who have not concluded work on their 30 per cent to endeavour to do so in the shortest possible time as the next academic session rolls in.

    The minister e pledged the commitment of the Federal Government in ensuring that the education system remained nationally relevant and globally competitive.

    Former Vice – Chancellor, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Prof. Michael Faborode said the idea of the CCMAS was to promote diversification and differentiation in the system.

    This, he said, was to provide proper conceptual administrative guidelines and a harmonised legal framework for higher education.

    Faborode commended the over 70 per cent universities that had already complied with the uploading of their 30 per cent curriculum inputs into the CCMAS.

    He said this was the way to go so that universities could be globally relevant and competitive and as well provide the educational needs to the students so they could be employable after graduation.

    The CCMAS was developed in 2018 following the review of the Benchmark Minimum Academic Standards (BMAS) -the curriculum guide for Nigerian universities, which had been in use since 2007.

    The CCMAS also expanded BMAS from 12 to 17 disciplines to reposition the system to reflect the realities of the 21st century.

    The 17 disciplines are: Administration and Management, Agriculture, Allied Health Sciences, Architecture, Arts, Basic Medical Sciences, Communication and Media Studies, Computing and Education.

    Others are Engineering and Technology, Environmental Sciences, Law, Medicine and Dentistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sciences , Social Sciences and Veterinary Medicine.

  • Aletheia varsity gets pro-chancellor, inaugurates Governing Council

    Aletheia varsity gets pro-chancellor, inaugurates Governing Council

    Aletheia University, Ago-Iwoye, Ogun State, one of the new private institutions recently approved by the National Universities Commission (NUC), has constituted and inaugurated members of its Governing Council.

    The varsity’s Pro-ChancellorCouncil is Chairman is  the former Minister of Industry, Chief (Mrs.) Onikepo Akand, an accomplished economist.

    Other personalities, who are members of the council, include former Deputy Governor of Ogun State, Senator Adegbenga Kaka; former Head of Service of the Federation, Prof. Oladapo Afolabi; immediate past Vice-Chancellor of Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-Iwoye, Prof. Ganiyu Olatunde; Prof. Mojisola Ogungbe, Prof. Adebayo Ayeni, Olufemi Olukoya, Alhaji Ndababo Mohammed Alfa and Mr. Olanrewaju Adesanya.

     In his remarks at the inauguration of the governing council in Ago-Iwoye, the founder and Chancellor of Aletheia University, Major-General Sansadeen Adebanjo Awosanya (retd), said the appointees were people of high reputation, impeccable character and great social standing.

    Read Also: Senate promises better procurement experience 

     Awosanya, who is also the Baba Oba of Ago-Iwoye, noted that the council members were drawn from the private and public sectors to help grow the university.

     He said the institution was established to train students to become employers and entrepreneurs who will make valuable and impactful contributions to the growth of the country.

    He added: “Wisdom demands that we put men and women of timber and calibre at the helm of affairs so the promoters can achieve the lofty objectives of impacting humanity.

     “Aletheia University will breed and produce candidates different in form and character from other universities, will prepare students for their present and future needs, will challenge its students to arouse their latent talents to create innovative minds.”

     “Aletheia University will teach and train its students to become employers and entrepreneurs rather than employees. It will journey into dreaded areas to bring the fortune for mankind, bearing in mind that all that are precious are hidden and not on the surface for the loafers.”

     Speaking on the occasion, the Vice-Chancellor of the university, Prof. Amos Onasanya, who also unveiled its five-year business plan, said the institution will be positioned to be world-class in line with the vision and mission of its founder.

     The vice-chancellor, who disclosed that the university has 17 academic programmes in accordance with NUC regulation, said plans were already underway to admit the first set of students by October.

     Apart from the Governing Council, the University also unveiled members of its Board of Trustees who included Prof. Saburi Adesanya, Mrs. Adeola Simon, Mr. Abiodun Awosanya, Mr. Ade Oyebanji (SAN) and Mr. Kola Abdul, who will serve as secretary.

  • Innovative plant breeding vital to food security, says don

    Innovative plant breeding vital to food security, says don

    The world of plant breeding is changing rapidly in response to scientific developments and economic forces. The Nigerian plant breeding sector must adopt innovative approaches to plant breeding to ensure food security and sustainability, DAMOLA KOLA-DARE reports from an inaugural lecture.

    A professor of Plant Breeding and Genetics, Francis Abayomi Showemimo, has stressed the need to adopt innovative approaches to plant breeding to ensure food security and sustainability.

     The don spoke while delivering the 79th inaugural lecture of Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), Ogun State. The lecture was entitled: “Science-Art interface: A plant breeder’s perspective”.

     He noted that the plant breeding sector is of high economic significance with a steadily growing export value. According to him, the Nigeria plant breeding sector holds a very strong position in cereals, tubers, legume and vegetable crops. He said the nation’s plant breeders play leading role in fundamental, strategic and applied research in plant genetics and plant breeding.

     The don noted that plant breeders also known as geneticists or crop improvement specialists were important to a country’s quest for food security.

     He said they involve in  scientific research into plant and crop-based agriculture with the aim of improving plants, using breeding techniques to develop new strains/types of crops.

     Showemimo said plant breeders improve existing plant varieties or create new ones to improve appearance, resistance to disease, yield and other characters of interests.

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     The don  said access to technology as well as genetic material is essential for the development of new plant varieties, adding that competition and profitability of the plant breeding sector play a major role in the sustainability of the food chain.

     He noted that the world of plant breeding is changing rapidly in response both to scientific developments and to economic forces. In particular, there is a growing trend to widespread privatisation of crop breeding.

     “Economic outcomes in the “plant breeding industry” are being driven by interactions between advances in scientific knowledge, changes in the legal framework for intellectual property rights, and competitive forces in the market. While extended property rights have created the foundation for new markets, the opportunities arising from scientific discoveries have provided powerful incentives for firms to enter these markets and invest in plant breeding.

     “Innovative plant breeding plays an important role in a number of public objectives, such as food security, environment, sustainability and a number of transitions in the rural area, e.g. to a ‘bio-based or knowledge-based economy’.

     “The plant breeding sector is of high economic significance with a steadily growing export value and a significant ‘spin off’ of final products.

     “The Nigerian plant breeding sector holds a very strong position in cereals, tubers and legume and vegetable crops. Nigerian plant breeders play leading role in fundamental, strategic and applied research in plant genetics and plant breeding. Innovation in plant breeding is dependent on specific knowledge, the development and application of new technologies, access to genetic resources, and capital to utilise those factors,” the don said.

     The Professor of Plant Breeding and Genetics noted that public breeder restriction, staffing, funding, poorly equipped laboratory, food security and food importation policies are bottlenecks hindering successful plant breeding progammes.

     His words: “As long as the world population is expected to continue to increase, there will continue to be a demand for more food. However, with an increasing population comes an increasing demand for land for residential, commercial, and recreational uses. Sometimes, farm lands are converted to other uses. Increased food production may be achieved by increasing production per unit area or bringing new lands into cultivation.

     “Plant breeding is big time business with several product lines that meets the emerging needs of humanity. Part of the business is advocacy, consultation, short and long time training and impact assessments. Public and private breeders are partnering for better recognition and gains. Thus, services rendered must be adequately compensated.”

     Showemimo urged government to create a special intervention fund dedicated to agriculture, especially to train plant breeders and related discipline.

     He also called for the enforcement of the  Plant Variety Protection and Intellectual Property Right by the Federal Government  and royalty for the public breeders involved in the commercialised varieties.

     The university don called for partnership and networking among public, private plant breeders, national agricultural research institutes, universities and international research organisations. Plant breeders and relayed specialists should freely exchange data and other relevant information to enhance plant breeding activities.

     According to him, there is a need to establish plant breeding institute for administering all that concerns plant breeding activities, plant breeders, and all other related matters for the advancement of Plant Breeding as an established profession.

      “The Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta should establish Seed Unit and registered seed company that will be headed by professionals to key into the business of Plant Breeding and other related agro-commercialisation of property rights.

     “Rapid training and retraining of breeders must be encouraged, particularly in the utilisation of the new biotechnological, molecular and genomic tools to enhance crop improvement aimed at solving food crises. Plan Breeding courses should not be to earn degrees alone, but must be taught from practical point of view to achieve scientific manipulations, artistic impression and business mindset to improve economy and wellbeing of humanity,” he said.

     On the benefits of plant breeding to the economy, he said: “The introduction of the Plant Variety Protection (PVP)  Act would create access to collaboration and access to high-quality new varieties from foreign plant breeders. Hitherto, the absence regulatory framework protecting new plant varieties had discouraged foreign collaboration and partnerships with plant breeders in Nigeria because of the lack of Intellectual Property (IP) protection for plant breeders.

     IP protection granted to plant breeders will result in increased investment in plant breeding and the development of new plant varieties capable of increasing yield and productivity. This is because investors are now assured of a structured IP protection system to underpin the commercialisation of new plant varieties.Given that the PVP Act confers IP rights on registered plant breeders, this would serve as an incentive to plant breeders for the development of new varieties and encourage more farmers to engage in plant breeding, thereby leading to an increase in the availability of more improved crop varieties with better yielding potentials. The signing of the PVP Act will eradicate existing scepticism in investing in plant breeding by private companies and encourage more investment from the private sector.

     It is expected that the proper implementation of the provisions of the PVP will encourage research and development by breeders, thereby leading to higher agricultural productivity, and a boost in the agricultural sector would have a reverberating effect on Nigeria’s economy.”

     The don described plant breeders as “special kind of people that are consumed with zeal to provide solution to the ever increasing agricultural challenges that bedevil humanity”.

     He said: “It’s  unbelievable the stress Plant Breeders go through in this part of the world due to lack of good protective government policies, funding and infrastructure. These are  major problems militating against breeding breakthroughs. Plant breeders must self-motivate themselves for successful plant breeding endeavours. Their joy  is to create, redesign, remodel and produce new crop for commercialisation.

     Development of ideal new varieties combining good yield with resistance to pest, diseases and other stressors is an economic relief to all stakeholders.

     “Plant breeders must partner with each other and other related specialists to access data and resources they need to quickly identify target genes and evaluate new varieties. The exchanges of information or bioinformatics are important in plant breeding as business. Breeders must be involved in all aspects of agro-commercialisation of end product of breeding activities. The IPR and PVP is a very good step towards protecting  plant breeders and the commercialised varieties in their name.

     “The issue of royalty  is an aspect that needs to be pursued vigorously to preserve the art and science of breeding and breeders. The perception that science interface art provides an understanding towards successful plant breeding. By providing access to scientific data, resources and collaborative platform, breeders are able to quickly and efficiently identify the genetic variations that will allow them to develop new varieties with improved traits. In this way, this platform has the potential to contribute to sustainable crop production and help to ensure food security for future generations.

  • ADVAN partners institutions to lift marketing education

    ADVAN partners institutions to lift marketing education

    The Advertisers Association of Nigeria (ADVAN) has embarked on a pioneering partnership with prominent business schools and higher education institutions to reshape marketing education.

     According to ADVAN, this initiative seeks to bridge the gap between perception and reality in the field of marketing, enhance marketing students’ employability and advocate for contemporary and value-driven curricula, aligning academic learning with the dynamic needs of the industry.

     The collaboration also aims at achieving key objectives including enhanced employability by dispelling myths and providing students with real-world insights as well as equipping them with practical skills that boost their employability in the competitive job market; promoting the integration of value-based and relevant curricula in higher education institutions.

     It is also designed to ensure that students receive education aligned with the demands of the ever-evolving marketing industry and cultivating marketing careers that contribute to organisational sustainability and growth, shaping the next generation of marketing leaders.

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     The inaugural edition of this collaborative initiative is scheduled for today, at the University of Lagos (UNILAG), to be hosted at the Tayo Adenirokun Hall within the Faculty of Management Sciences. The event will cater to the postgraduate students of the Department of Business, featuring engaging discussions and insights.

     Notable industry figures and thought leaders are slated to speak at the event as keynote speakers, including Osamede Uwabanmwen, President of ADVAN; Dr. Omotola Bamigbaiye-Elatuyi, Marketing Director, Sub Saharan Africa, Pladis Global; Prof. Bolajoko Nkemdinin Dixon-Ogbechi, distinguished Professor of Marketing & Decision Sciences, as well as the Head of the Department of Business Administration at the University of Lagos.

     ADVAN, being a thought leader in marketing and marketing communications, acknowledges its pivotal role in ensuring the sustainability of the marketing profession and practice within Nigeria.

     It is the only national body for ‘advertisers’ i.e. client side organsations that engage in high level marketing activities to build their brands.

     The association was founded in 1992, to advance the interest of the marketing Industry in Nigeria by spearheading and ensuring global best practices as well as facilitating collaborative partnerships with relevant stakeholders.

     Today, ADVAN is a strong voice of over 100 of the biggest organisations in Nigeria, representing over 300 brands with an annual marketing spend of well over N300 billion.

  • British Council trains teacher mentors in Lagos

    British Council trains teacher mentors in Lagos

    The British Council has launched a two-day training programme aimed at enhancing gender equality and inclusion within the education system. Developed under the Schools Connect Programme, the training is tailored for school inspectors and teacher mentors in Lagos State.

    According to a statement by Regional Senior Marketing Manager, English Programmes and Schools Connect, Sub-Sahara Africa, British Council Nigeria, Nebiyou Worku, the initiative is hinged on gender equality and inclusion, which are not just ideals but fundamental principles that underpin a thriving learning environment.

    He said the school inspectors and teacher mentors, as key players in shaping educational practices and nurturing educators, hold the power to create a more enriching and equitable classroom experience for all students.

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    “The primary objective of the training initiative is to equip school inspectors and teacher mentors with the necessary knowledge and skills to champion gender equality and foster inclusion within the educational framework. By providing participants with essential tools, strategies and insights, this training aims to identify and tackle gender disparities, biases, and discriminatory practices that hinder the academic and personal growth of students,” Worku said.

    He noted that the key learning outcomes of the training programme include integrating gender and inclusion in school observations, promoting inclusive teacher mentoring, addressing gender disparities in teaching and learning, advocating for gender-responsive professional development among others.

     He said the training methodology is designed to be interactive, engaging and practical, adding that participants are expected to delve into real-life scenarios, case studies and group discussions related to school observations and teaching practices.

    This hands-on approach, he added, ensures that participants can seamlessly integrate gender equality and inclusion principles into their everyday roles.

    The integration of gender equality and inclusion principles into school inspections and teacher mentoring promises to catalyse professional growth, elevate teaching practices, and contribute to an education system that empowers every student to thrive.

    This initiative takes a significant step towards shaping a future where education transcends barriers, enabling individuals to harness their potential and positively impact the society.

  • How ‘unapologetic’ proprietress cost Anambra school academic calendar loss

    How ‘unapologetic’ proprietress cost Anambra school academic calendar loss

    I’M sorry, they say, heals wounds. Experience has shown that this short statement can calm some frayed nerves in some sensitve  siuations.  

     But for her refusal to tender an apology, the Proprietress of Blessed Wisdom Model Nursery and Primary School, Onitsha, Anambra State, Mrs. Nkamigbo Ifeyinwa, has kept the school shut and her pupils sent home for one month.

    This was made known by Commissioner for Education Prof. Ngozi Chuma-Udeh, while clarifying controversies surrounding the short closure of the school.

     How it started

     More than two months ago, a two-year-old pupil of the school, Ifechukwu Egbuniwe, reportedly sustained injuries at the school in a process that could not be explained by the authorities. This attracted the attention of the state government and other stakeholders after the incident went viral.

     As a result, the state government, through the commissioner, closed the school, and a committee of inquiry was constituted to investigate the case of ‘grievous bodily harm, catastrophic and devastating injury’ on Egbuniwe.

    Chuma-Udeh, who spoke to reporters in Awka, explained that the school was temporarily shut for failing to explain what happened to the toddler. She said, amid the development, that the state government was dragged to court by the proprietor through the state House of Assembly, demanding the re-opening of the school.

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     According to her, the ministry acted on a petition to the state government, to intercede between the school and the aggrieved parents, but regretted that the school’s management remained recalcitrant.

     She said the matter wouldn’t have dragged on for long, if the proprietress had honoured the first and second invitations.

     She said: “We received petition from a legal chamber about a two-year- old child battered in the school, with a cut tongue and broken femur. We’re here to arbitrate and I simply directed the Director of School to invite the administrator to know what the problem is about.

     “The administrator refused to come, both on the first and second invitations. It was on the third invitation that she called me by 11pm as I was about to sleep, saying she won’t be able to honour the invitation because of an event she has in the school.

    “I told her that if she refuses to honour our invitation the third time, that we will have no option than to put a temporary ban on her school until she explains what happened to the child that got battered.

    “We’re appalled not just by her sheer impunity and adamancy, but her insensitivity to human life. This child could have been any of us and nobody could explain to both parents and government or any other stakeholder about what happened to her.

    “I only did my job as a commissioner. Even when we placed the ban on her school, she refused to shut the school. We had to call Anambra State Joint Enforcement Committee (ANJEC) to effect the closure of the school. It was obvious the owner of the school was above the law.

     “Meanwhile, we set up a committee of inquiry and invited the parents of the child, their lawyer and proprietress. This time around, she came with her husband and retinue of her staff.’’

    The commissioner said if the proprietress had sent two of the school  staff members to represent her, the case would since been settled, adding that rather  ‘’But she refused to tell the state what happened’’.

     “The committee after its investigation agreed that the matter was what apology or a milk of human kindness would have solved. We also discovered that within the four months the child had been in the situation, the school authority did not ask after her or seek to assist in the treatment.

    “The committee came up with three resolutions: One, that the woman should placate the family of the child. Two, both families should get together and ensure the arm heals properly.

    “But for more than five hours, we waited for the woman to say, “I’m sorry”, but she said she would never ever apologise, insisting it was not her fault. Meanwhile, both her lawyer and those who came with the child’s family apologised on her behalf.

    “I believe that the proprietress feels the life of the child is meaningless. I have nothing against the woman, her school or closing down the school. I don’t think I have anything to gain.

    “The incident happened to a little child and as a matter of policy, every child belongs to the state government, be it private or public schools. We’re here to protect the pupils. Our motto is reverence to human life.

    “That you are running a private school doesn’t mean that you are not under the control of the state government and specifically the Ministry of Education.

    “We got an apology letter from the school through the state House of Assembly and another letter from a law firm asking us to reopen the school with immediate effect. Things are not done that way.”

     Chuma further noted that the school would be temporarily closed down until it reconciles with the parents of the child and offset the medical bills of the injured child.

     “So, I want to state categorically that except the woman explains to us what happened to this poor child and gets along with the child’s family to ensure she has a holistic healing and two families assure government that everything is alright, we’ll wait for her in court.

     “She will tell the court how the child went to school and got battered to such an extent,” she added.

     But, while the media briefing was ongoing, the proprietress suddenly walked in, requesting to address the press. Surprisingly, she announced that the matter had been put to rest following her apology to the ministry.

     She, however, denied the purported version of another apology letter by the school’s lawyer mandating the government to open the school with immediate effect.

     She said: “To the glory of God, we’ve accepted to take the responsibility of making sure the child is fully okay and we’ve accepted further responsibility for the child.

     “By the special grace of God, the matter has been resolved amicably. I’ve apologised, which has also been documented.”

  • Centre wraps up STEAM camp

    Centre wraps up STEAM camp

    The Women’s Technology Empowerment Centre (W.TEC), has ended its 16th edition of Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Maths (STEAM) camp—She Creates Camp— with a graduation ceremony on Saturday.

    The residential summer camp,   which held from August 6 to 19, in Lagos, had 24 girls between the ages of 13 and 17 in attendance.

     The camp featured workshops on  Artificial Intelligence, Electronics, Software Innovation, Hands-on Projects, Team building, Career-talk sessions, Excursions, Entrepreneurial Skills, and numerous co-curricula activities such as Financial Literacy, Arts and Crafts, Self-Defence, Public Speaking, Emotional Intelligence, Gender and Leadership, among others.

     The girls also participated in career talk sessions, team-building exercises and excursions to CUMMINS West Africa and Microsoft ADC Lagos. The career sessions included panels on leading women in innovative ICT and business.

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     According to the Executive Director of Wtec, Oreoluwa Lesi, the long-term goal of the camp, is to increase the number of Nigerian women and girls working in STEAM fields, as well as increase the number of girls and women using and creating technology for learning, professional, and leadership activities.

     Prizes were given out to outstanding participants for both group efforts and individual projects. Miss Tamilore Paul Taiwo emerged the overall winner.

     A participant, Adaobi Obi, said “W.Tec is an amazing organisation that has helped millions of girls discover themselves and share their life experience. The She Creates camp is one of the avenues in which W.Tec uses to enrich the young girls to be prepared for the future.”

     Another participant, Nkenna Okoro, who was part of the team that constructed an automated pump with a censor that senses signal, noted that participating in the project exposed her to the benefits of producing germ-free pump.