The Nation Newspaper

Category: Education

  • Oyebanji names Prof. Omojola new BOUESTI VC

    Oyebanji names Prof. Omojola new BOUESTI VC

    Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, has approved the appointment of Professor Andrew Babatunde Omojola as the new Vice Chancellor of Bamidele Olumilua University of Education, Science and Technology, Ikere-Ekiti (BOUESTI).

    Omojola, a Professor of Animal Science with specialization in Animal Products and Processing/ Food Safety, is until the appointment, the Dean, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Ibadan, Ibadan.

    The appointment was contained in a statement issued on Monday by Olayinka Oyebode, Special Adviser (Media) to the Governor

    Prof Omojola’s appointment as Vice Chancellor takes immediate effect.

    He takes over from Prof Olufemi Victor Adeoluwa, whose tenure as Vice Chancellor of the University ends on January 6, 2026.

    Prof Andrew Babatunde Omojola was born in Usi-Ekiti, Ido/Osi Local Government Area of Ekiti State on August 14, 1962. He attended Notre Dame College, Usi-Ekiti for his secondary school education between 1976 and 1980.

    He later proceeded to the University of Ibadan in 1984 where he graduated with a Second Class (Upper division) in Animal Science in 1988. He bagged a Master of Science degree in Animal Science from the University of Ibadan in 1991 and a Doctor of Philosophy in Animal Science from the same University in 1997.

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    Prof Omojola started his lecturing career as a Lecturer II at the University of Ibadan in 1997, and rose through the ranks to the position of a Professor in 2011.

    He has served as Visiting Professor at Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Ghana between 2013-2019; External Examiner at the University of Calabar between 2012 and 2016; and at Osun State University, Osogbo between 2015 and 2018.

    Prof Omojola also served as Head, Animal Products and Processing Unit, Animal Science Department, University of Ibadan (2000-2023); Director, UI Teaching and Research Farm (2016-2018), Member University of Ibadan Senate (2011-date) and Dean, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Ibadan, (2023-date). He has also served as Chairman, Committee of Dean, Heads of Departments and Directors.

    Governor Oyebanji, who is the Visitor to the University, urges the new Vice Chancellor to bring his wealth of experience as an academic and a seasoned administrator to bear in the bid to further reposition the University as a world class institution of learning, even as he wishes him a successful tenure.

    The Governor thanks the outgoing BOUESTI Vice Chancellor, Prof Olufemi Adeoluwa, for his meritorious service to the University and wishes him success in his future endeavors.

  • Academy tackles maths phobia among Lagos students

    Academy tackles maths phobia among Lagos students

    When it comes to learning math, not every student is a fan, not even in Lagos State.

    But a coaching initiative to assist students at all levels to find mathematics fun, easy, and helping them love the learning journey has commenced.

    Led by a resident mathematics specialist, the OLUREIGN ACADEMY, located at 66, Arowolo Street, Abule-Egba, Lagos State, is offering a special tutoring programme aimed at helping students build confidence and master Mathematics at all levels.

    Oluwanbe Moses, the Proprietor of the academy, said that the plan was to teach all science subjects, but there was emphasis on English and Mathematics.

    Moses noted that the Mathematics Association of Nigeria has also identified Mathematics phobia as a major drawback for the interest of students in the subject.

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    It specifically expressed concern over the continuous poor performance of candidates in Mathematics in Senior Secondary School Examinations.

    According to Moses, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution for engaging mathematics class because it’s a process that looks different for every student, thus the academy has put in place different patterns to help every student love maths.

    Parents are enjoined to enroll their children for the special tutoring at the OLUREIGN ACADEMY.

    Contact for more details are: 08028320826, 08067033483.

  • Renaissance takes energy security advocacy to Ibadan varsity

    Renaissance takes energy security advocacy to Ibadan varsity

    Renaissance Africa Energy Company Limited has reaffirmed its commitment to education, youth empowerment, and community development while advocating for energy security and industrialisation.

    Speaking at the University of Ibadan’s alumni homecoming over the weekend, Managing Director and CEO of Renaissance, Tony Attah, emphasised that Nigeria’s economic growth hinges on addressing energy poverty and effectively leveraging the country’s oil and gas resources.

    Attah, who delivered the university’s Distinguished Alumni Lecture titled “Energy, Security and Economic Sustainability: The Role of Nigeria’s Oil and Gas Sector in National Development,” described energy and economic growth as inseparable.

    He highlighted that energy security would create economic opportunities capable of transforming millions of lives.

    According to Attah, Renaissance emerged as a company born out of necessity, aiming to lead the way in positioning Nigeria at the forefront of African industrialisation and development.

    He said, “With Renaissance, it’s a new beginning in Nigeria and we are focused on just what we need to do to rally the necessary support from private and government stakeholders to frontally address energy poverty that has plagued us for decades”.

    Attah was earlier received at the Faculty of Technology by the Dean, Prof. Isaac Bamgboye, and other principal officers of the faculty.

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    The homecoming event witnessed the inauguration of a state-of-the-art synthetic mini football pitch donated by Renaissance and its joint venture partners – NNPC Limited, TotalEnergies, and Agip Energy and Natural Resources.

    Attah described the pitch, named ‘Renaissance JV Arena’, as a lasting “symbol of excellence, vision, and commitment to youth and community development within the university,” by the joint venture partners.

    On a personal level, Attah sponsored the renovation of the university’s Independence Hall reading rooms, where he had spent some time as a young undergraduate. He also teamed up to support the ‘Light Up U.I. Project’, a solar-powered streetlights scheme donated by the Renaissance U.I. Alumni.

    One of the highlights of the Friday event was the conferment of an Award of Excellence on Attah, in recognition of his outstanding contributions to the oil and gas industry, leadership in sustainable energy development, and commitment to education and community empowerment.

  • FULL LIST: Top 10 Institutions with highest NELFUND loan applications as of October 2025

    FULL LIST: Top 10 Institutions with highest NELFUND loan applications as of October 2025

    Nigeria’s new student loan programme has emerged as one of the country’s most closely watched education support initiatives, drawing a surge of interest since its rollout.

    In October 2025 alone, the portal recorded 451,535 successful interest-free loan applications—underscoring how quickly students are embracing the opportunity to fund tuition and upkeep costs.

    The rise in applications comes at a time when many households are struggling with higher living expenses, increased fees across public universities, and broader economic pressures. For a growing number of students, the loan scheme has become an essential lifeline for staying in school and covering daily costs.

    Less than two years after its launch on May 24, 2024, the programme has disbursed more than N116 billion in both tuition payments and upkeep allowances. The figures highlight just how extensively students now rely on government-backed financing to continue their studies.

    This report examines the institutions with the highest volume of applications, offering insight into where demand for educational support is strongest.

    Below is a breakdown of the top 10 institutions by total applications from May 2024 to October 2025.

    1. University of Maiduguri (Borno): 85,050 applications

    Established in 1975, the University of Maiduguri is one of the largest federal institutions in northern Nigeria. With a student population of 83,980, the university operates 37 faculties and centres, 103 departments, and boasts 112 professors.

    The school recorded 33,673 undergraduate loan applications, reflecting one of the strongest adoption rates of the NELFUND scheme nationwide. As the loans are available only to undergraduates, the high turnout demonstrates significant student reliance on government-backed financial support.

    UNIMAID offers extensive programmes in agriculture, medicine, engineering, law, and humanities, serving more than 50,000 students across various levels.

    2. Bayero University, Kano (Kano): 54,419 applications

    Founded in 1977, Bayero University, Kano (BUK) has grown into a major academic hub in northern Nigeria. It runs 97 departments offering 163 undergraduate and 524 postgraduate programmes to its 38,829 students.

    The institution recorded 54,419 total applications, with 26,595 students approved for upkeep support—one of the highest nationwide.

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    BUK ranks 3rd in Nigeria and 1001–1200 globally in the Times Higher Education 2026 World University Rankings.

    3. Federal University, Dutsin-Ma (Katsina): 50,737 applications

    Established in 2011, Federal University, Dutsin-Ma (FUDMA) was part of the federal initiative to expand access to higher education. It operates nine faculties, 73 departments and serves 29,447 students, including 26,819 undergraduates.

    By October, FUDMA had received 50,737 loan applications, with 25,074 approved for upkeep support.

    The university runs 248 undergraduate and over 1,000 postgraduate programmes across fields including Agriculture, Arts, Science, Social Sciences, Education, and Medical Sciences.

    FUDMA is not ranked in THE 2026 World University Rankings.

    4. Ahmadu Bello University (Kaduna): 46,663 applications

    Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria—established in 1962—is one of Nigeria’s oldest and most prestigious federal institutions.

    With about 35,000 students, 18 faculties, and 110 departments, ABU boasts 2,939 academic staff, including 641 professors.

    The university recorded 46,663 total applications, with 23,004 students approved for upkeep.

    ABU ranks 6th best in Nigeria and 1201–1500 globally in the THE 2026 World University Rankings.

    5. University of Ilorin (Kwara): 44,735 applications

    The University of Ilorin (UNILORIN), founded in 1975, is one of Nigeria’s largest universities, enrolling more than 50,000 students. It operates 16 faculties and over 100 academic departments, alongside 29 research centres and institutes.

    UNILORIN received 44,735 NELFUND applications, with 21,506 approved for upkeep.

    The school is not featured in the THE 2026 World University Rankings.

    6. University of Jos (Plateau): 35,913 applications

    The University of Jos (UNIJOS), established in 1975, runs 12 faculties across multiple campuses, covering Agriculture, Engineering, Environmental Sciences, Law, Natural Sciences, Social Sciences, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Health Sciences.

    With a student population of about 40,000, the institution recorded 35,913 applications, including 17,606 upkeep requests.

    UNIJOS is not featured in the THE 2026 World University Rankings.

    Its teaching hospital, JUTH, strengthens its medical and clinical training capacity.

    7. Usmanu Danfodiyo University (Sokoto): 35,714 applications

    Founded in 1975, Usmanu Danfodiyo University (UDUS) serves communities across Nigeria’s northwest, including many from underserved backgrounds.

    UDUS recorded 35,714 total applications, with 17,603 for upkeep support—reflecting strong interest in financial aid.

    The university operates 17 faculties, a postgraduate school, and multiple research centres. It has an estimated 23,491 students, according to THE data.

    UDUS is not featured in the THE 2026 rankings, though it appeared in the 1501+ band in 2025.

    8. Federal University of Kashere (Gombe): 34,208 applications

    Founded in 2010, Federal University of Kashere (FUKashere) has grown steadily as part of efforts to expand higher education access in the North-East.

    The institution runs six faculties and postgraduate programmes. It recorded 34,208 loan applications, with 16,878 for upkeep.

    According to NUC data, the university has 4,694 students (3,591 male and 1,103 female).

    FUKashere is not ranked in the THE 2026 World University Rankings.

    9. Taraba State University, Jalingo (Taraba): 32,030 applications

    Taraba State University (TSU), founded in 2008, has experienced rapid growth from its initial 582 students to matriculating 5,471 students in 2023.

    TSU recorded 32,030 applications, including 15,712 for upkeep support, showing strong demand for financial assistance beyond tuition.

    The university hosts faculties in Agriculture, Science, Arts and Social Sciences, Management, Education, and ICT.

    NUC records show 4,302 registered students (2,617 male and 1,685 female).

    TSU is not featured in THE 2026 World University Rankings.

    10. University of Uyo (Akwa Ibom): 31,826 applications

    Established in 1991, the University of Uyo (UNIUYO) operates across five major campuses and offers more than 90 programmes across 12 faculties. It employs 1,521 academic staff and 4,128 administrative workers.

    UNIUYO recorded 31,826 total applications, with 15,605 for upkeep, indicating strong engagement with the loan scheme.

    The university has 23,873 students (12,435 male and 11,438 female), according to NUC data.

    Its teaching hospital, UUTH, enhances its capabilities in health sciences and medical training.

  • Edo TVET students receive N40,000 stipends

    Edo TVET students receive N40,000 stipends

    The Edo state government has begun payment of N40,000 stipends to students attending the state-owned technical colleges.

    This is in line with Governor Monday Okpebholo’s promise to key into the President Bola Tinubu’s vision for Technical and Vocational Education Training (TVET).

    President Tinubu approved free accommodation, free tuition, free feeding, and payment of N22,500 stipends for students in Federal Technical Colleges across the country.

    The initiative by President Tinubu saw a boost in enrolment figures in Technical Colleges

    Edo Commissioner for Education, Paddy Iyamu, who spoke in an interview at the weekend, said Governor Okpebholo is building a new National College on TVET.

    Dr. Iyamu said investment in education by the administration of Okpebholo led to increased enrolment in public schools from private schools.

    Iyamu said investigations showed over 1,000 students migrated from private schools into four different public schools that were recently reconstructed or renovated.

    He said over 68 schools have either been rebuilt or renovated across the three senatorial districts.

    The Education Commissioner said 25 public schools were recovered from land grabbers, adding that a guest house built inside one of the schools would be demolished.

    Iyamu said 1,000 teachers engaged by communities have been given full employment in the last one year, in addition to the 4000 casual teachers whose employment was regularised.

    He said N3bn out of the N4.6 billion owed to workers of the state-owned College of Education, which was shut down for restructuring by the last administration, has been paid.

    According to him, “The governor has made it clear that we must give the children of the poor a seat at the table of success, and in the last academic session we had over 1000 new students from the private sector, from the private schools enrolling into public schools.

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    “For instance in Army Day Secondary School, we had about 502 students, in Evbareke, we have about 350, you can go there and verify in Uyiosa they call the school oti ku but today we have over 300 students so only these three schools, if I put them together, it is over 1,000 then when you not talk about the other areas, if we accumulate all the figures together it will be much but so that they don’t say we are giving ambiguous figures, I just try to be moderate in my figures. So it goes to show you the commitment of His Excellency.

    “It is the new schools that have attracted these numbers. It is the poor state of our schools that allows some of these private schools to exploit parents.

    On technical education, Iyamu said the equipment bought has been installed in the technical colleges.

    He said, “All schools are now free in line with the United Nations SDG for free education. Then, also free are the technical colleges. We came. It was in a sorry state. You have equipment that people procured. They have been showing on television since 2018. They didn’t install them. What’s the use? The essence is to make sure that the children of Edo State make use of that equipment. So that when you are building something like tiles, you cannot bring people from Togo or bring people from Cotonou.”

  • ’30 million pupils benefit from Jolly Phonics Project in Nigeria’

    ’30 million pupils benefit from Jolly Phonics Project in Nigeria’

    Country Director, Universal Learning Solutions (ULS) Patrick Uzu, said over 30 million pupils have benefitted from the Jolly Phonics Project while 241,227 primary school teachers were trained since the last 19 years when the programme birthed in Nigeria.

    Uzu said the successes of Jolly Phonics in Nigeria was built on solid collaboration between Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) State Universal Basic Education Boards (SUBEB) and Universal Learning Solutions, with support from the Federal Ministry of Education.

    He spoke at an event after the release of the 2025 Phonics Screening Exercise results by Universal Learning Solutions Initiative under the UBEC 2023/2024 TPD programme, which assessed 72,127 pupils across 33 states.

    Uzu stated that findings showed that pupils taught using the Jolly Phonics method consistently outperformed their peers in reading and writing skills, with steady improvements recorded in every round of assessment since 2019.

    According to him, “In a context where many education projects have failed to show measurable impact, Jolly Phonics has delivered consistent, evidence-based results. With greater investment and support, its reach and impact could be even stronger.

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    “UBEC has been a key partner in ensuring this isn’t just another short-term project but a national literacy strategy.

    “SUBEBs across the country have shown real ownership, ensuring teachers are supported and data is collected to sustain impact. Nigeria should be prolud of what it has achieved through this collaboration.

    Chief Executive Officer, ULS, Gary Foxcroft, said it was incredible to think that Jolly Phonics started in a single school in Akwa Ibom State 19 years ago and was now active across every state in the country. 

    “We are proud of the strong teams — from teachers to state coordinators, SUBEBs, and UBEC — delivering evidence-based literacy interventions that are changing children’s lives. Nigeria is now leading the way in showing how a consistent phonics-based approach can transform reading outcomes.”

    Chairman Kano SUBEB, Alhaji Yusuf Kabir, said the programme has transformed how children learn to read in the state.

    Alhaji Kabir said Kano State has witnessed remarkable improvements in pupils’ reading and writing skills as well as increased teachers’ motivation.

    “Jolly Phonics has laid a strong foundation for literacy in Kano State. Our goal is for every child in Kano State, and across Nigeria, to read confidently by the end of Primary 2. Jolly Phonics gives us the proven tools to make that goal a reality.”

  • No nationwide closure of schools, says Fed Govt

    No nationwide closure of schools, says Fed Govt

    The Federal Ministry of Education has dismissed reports on nationwide closure of schools in the country from Monday. 

    A statement by the Director, Press and Public Relations of the ministry, Folasade Boriowo, on Saturday said the message circulating on social media platforms was false, misleading, and did not originate from the Federal Government or the ministry. 

    The statement reads: “The Federal Ministry of Education hereby informs the general public that a message currently circulating on social media platforms, alleging that schools nationwide have been directed to close from 24th November 2025, is false, misleading, and did not originate from the Federal Government, the Federal Ministry of Education, any State Ministry of Education or any recognised security agency.

    “The public is strongly advised to rely strictly on verified information issued through the following official channels:

    The Federal Government

    The Federal Ministry of Education

    State Governments and State Ministries of Education

    Recognised security agencies

    “Any announcement, advisory, or notice coming from unofficial or unverified sources should be ignored and not shared. Members of the public are urged to always verify the authenticity of information before circulating it in order to curb the spread of misinformation.”

  • ‘No bandit invasion or closure of Tai Solarin Federal University’

    ‘No bandit invasion or closure of Tai Solarin Federal University’

    Tai Solarin Federal University of Education (TASFUED), Ijagun, Ogun State, has refuted reports making the rounds on social media that it has shut down academic and non – academic businesses following purported invasion of its campus by bandits from the north. 

    The Management of TASFUED on Saturday said there was neither invasion of its campus by bandits nor was it closed, urging students, staff, parents, alumni, and the general public to ignore the malicious reports in circulation. 

    The management, in a statement by the Registrar & Secretary to Council, Dapo Oke, said the story was false, misleading and crafted to cause unnecessary panic in the University Community and the State.

    It noted that the purveyors of the malicious and false narrative claimed the purported closure was due to the “recent invasion of Ijebu-Ode by bandits,” and urged all stakeholders to rely solely on the university’s official communication channels for any update. 

    It stated: “We wish to put it on record that at no time did the University Management order the closure of the institution, or issue any  directive to students to vacate their  hostels at Ijagun or Ijebu-Ode as a result of any form of ‘invasion’.

    “We firmly reassure our various stakeholders that the welfare of our students remains top priority and Ijebu-Ode and Ijagun remain peaceful and safe. Academic and Administrative activities on campus are proceeding as scheduled.

    “We urge everyone to disregard the fake report and refrain from sharing unverified information that could cause fear and panicking 

    “Staff and Students are  hereby urged to go about their academic and lawful duties peacefully.”

  • Otunba Adewumi, Ijebu East Chairman, champion NELFUND sensitisation as Ogun records over N785m in disbursements

    Otunba Adewumi, Ijebu East Chairman, champion NELFUND sensitisation as Ogun records over N785m in disbursements

    The Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) has recorded a major milestone in Ogun State following its recent sensitisation programme held at the Crownbirth Event Center, Ijebu-Ife.

    The engagement, facilitated by Otunba Femi Adewumi and hosted by Dr. Oluwadare Kehinde (Hacco), Executive Chairman of Ijebu East Local Government, has led to a significant increase in awareness and uptake of the NELFUND student loan scheme across the region.

    The sensitisation exercise, which brought together parents, guardians, students, community leaders, and educational stakeholders, provided in-depth guidance on how to apply for and access the NELFUND student loan — a Federal Government initiative designed to remove financial barriers to higher education.

    To highlight the importance of the initiative, Adewumi noted: “Our goal was simple — to ensure that no student in our communities is left behind because of financial barriers. I am proud of the impact this sensitization has achieved, and I commend NELFUND for delivering real opportunities to our young people.”

    NELFUND confirmed the following disbursements for the 2024/2025 academic session, with the institutions below acknowledging receipt of funds:

    1. Sikiru Adetona College of Education, Science & Technology, Omu-Ajose

     Batch 1: 264 students — N33,575,000

    Batch 2: 59 students — N6,997,500

    Total: N40,572,500

    2. Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU)

    3,473 students — N718,585,000

    3. Abraham Adesanya Polytechnic

    Batch 1: 87 students — N12,164,500

    Batch 2: 18 students — N14,779,500

    Speaking on the impact of the sensitisation programme, NELFUND’s Managing Director/CE, Mr. Akintunde Sawyerr, applauded the collaborative effort.

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    Sawyerr said: “Our mission is to democratize access to higher education for every Nigerian student, regardless of financial background. The support from community leaders such as Otunba Femi Adewumi and Dr. Oluwadare Kehinde shows what is possible when government institutions and local stakeholders work together.”

    He added that NELFUND remains committed to expanding such engagements across all six geopolitical zones to ensure broad awareness and seamless access to the loan scheme.

    NELFUND acknowledges and appreciates the contributions of Otunba Femi Adewumi, whose facilitation of the Ijebu-Ife sensitization programme played a critical role in the successful uptake recorded in Ogun State.

    The Fund reiterates its dedication to ensuring that every eligible student in Nigeria is informed, supported, and empowered to access the NELFUND student loan.

    It noted that more sensitisation exercises and institutional visits are scheduled across the country as part of ongoing nationwide outreach.

  • FG bans award of honorary doctorate degrees to serving officials

    FG bans award of honorary doctorate degrees to serving officials

    The Federal Government, through the National Universities Commission (NUC), has placed a ban on the award of honorary doctoral degrees to serving public officials.

    The commission said the decision followed the alleged misuse of such degrees.

    The Executive Secretary of NUC, Prof. Abdullahi Ribadu, announced the ban yesterday while receiving a report from a committee investigating award and public use/misuse of honorary doctoral degrees by recipients in Nigeria.

    Ribadu said the Commission was compelled to act following alarming findings from a nationwide investigation into how honorary degrees are awarded and used.

    “These degrees are meant to recognise outstanding service or achievements, but unfortunately, they have increasingly been misused,” he said.

    According to Ribadu, the trend has been worsened by the rise of unaccredited and illegal institutions, both local and foreign, operating as honorary degree mills.

    Prof. Ribadu explained that NUC’s investigation uncovered widespread violations, particularly of the Keffi Declaration of 2012, an agreement by Vice-Chancellors of Nigerian universities to regulate the award of honorary degrees.

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    The declaration expressly forbids universities from awarding honorary doctorates to serving public officials and caution recipients against using the title “Dr” without proper disclosure.

    “This is not just a matter of ethics; it is a matter of law. Using the title ‘Dr’ based on an honorary degree without clarification amounts to false representation, which is punishable under various fraud-related laws in Nigeria,” Ribadu stated.

    He warned that misuse of honorary titles undermines the integrity of universities and diminishes public trust in genuine academic qualifications.

    According to him, the report identified 32 institutions to be operating as honorary degree mills in Nigeria.

    These, he said, include 10 unaccredited foreign universities, 4 unlicensed local universities, 15 professional bodies with no degree-awarding powers, and three other non-degree-awarding institutions.

    Some of these entities, the NUC revealed, even go as far as awarding fake professorships.

    Ribadu added: “Let us be clear. Awarding honorary degrees is a legal responsibility of Nigerian universities. The law empowers the NUC to regulate both the award and the use of honorary doctorate degrees in Nigeria.”

    He reiterated that only approved public or private universities are eligible to award honorary doctoral degrees.

    “Even then, recipients must use appropriate nomenclature such as Doctor of Literature (Honoris Causa) rather than adopting the title “Dr”, which is reserved for holders of earned doctorates and medical professionals,” he added.