Category: Education

A member of the House of Representatives representing Pankshin, Kanam and Kanke Federal Constituency of Plateau State, Yusuf Adamu Gagdi, has presented a cheque of N160 million to settle the WASSCE,NECO SSCE and UTME registration bills of Secondary School pupils in his constituency.

Speaking at the presentation of the cheque in Pankshin, Gagdi also announced that he produced 3.5million exercise books for distribution.

Gagdi, who is the Chairman House Committee on Navy, expressed joy that he successfully sponsored the bill that brought about the upgrade of the Federal College of Education to the University of Education, Pankshin.

“I stand here with the gazette of the Federal University Education and the governor of Plateau with the Federal Government are working hard to get who will be the pioneer vice chancellor of the the university,” he said.

The APC lawmaker said he was inspired to give back as a true mark of leadership.

He said: “I have passed through poverty. I could not finish Senior Secondary 3 when I was supposed because I didn’t have money to pay school fees.

“If today God has blessed me and I cannot think back to remember what I used to be and the trouble I passed through, then I am not human.

“If I fail to think that the people that pushed me to the position I am required me to touch their lives and do the needful for them, it means I am not a nice person.

“As a leader, you are a servant and the people should not serve leaders but leaders should serve people.

“To me, that is the real definition of leadership in practical terms.”

In a goodwill message, the Speaker, Plateau House of Assembly, Yakubu Sanda, said that Gagdi was a good example of what the All Progressives Congress stands for.

Sanda urged the people of the constituency to live peacefully to enjoy the dividend of democracy.

Also speaking, party stalwart from Pankshin LGA, Maichibi Vwarji said Gagdi was a true representative and grassroots politician that had impacted positively on the lives of his constituents and beyond.

The Vice Chancellor, First Technical University (TECH-U), Ibadan, Oyo State, Prof. Ayobami Salami, has said First Class graduates of the institution, including one full fee-paying student with the highest Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) in the Second Class Upper division who are interested in academics, would be offered automatic employment after their National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) programme.

He spoke at the maiden convocation of the institution held last weekend on the TECH-U campus.

“As part of our strategic efforts to build home-grown capacity, all the First Class graduands who are interested in academic pursuits are hereby offered automatic employment after their National Youth Service,” he said.

Salami said graduates who accept the offer would get Master’s and Ph.D scholarships to the United States of America and Brazil.

A total of 63 students graduated across five academic programmes.  The university produced 12 First Class graduates, while 25 students were in Second Class Upper division. The Second Class Lower division had 24 students, while two students had Third Class.

The VC noted that most of the software used in the institution were developed in-house. He added the latest development, the TECH-U Examination Solution (TEES), would be commercialised soon after securing the patent.

He said the school had awarded three certificates to the graduates.

“These graduates, like others who would come after them, are stepping out with three certificates. The B.Sc. in his or her course, a diploma in vocational/entrepreneurship studies and a diploma in French Language,” he said.

Salami, who said the institution had established a Radio station (TECH-U Radio), explained that under his leadership, the institution’s asset base had increased tremendously through internally generated revenue (IGR).

Oyo State Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde, who was represented by Mrs. Olubanwo Adeosun, Secretary to the State Government, said government could no longer fund public tertiary institutions. Thus, he urged management of tertiary institutions to search for grants, research collaboration and sponsorship as well as other developmental needs.

The Best graduating student, Afonja Mariam Ajewunmi, who had a Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of 4.91, underscored the importance of hard work, commitment and diligence.

The Microbiology graduate lauded the leadership of the institution for empowering and creating an enabling environment for students to succeed.

Delta State University Vice Chancellor Prof, Andy Egwunyenga is no doubt, one of the most prepared Nigerians for such high office. Even as a child, he was outstanding and as he grew in different parts of the country, he imbibed the cultural traits of different peoples, thus giving him a broad national outlook which discourages ethnocentrism. He developed himself by partaking in various aspects of administration.  He was director, Institute of Science Laboratory Technology (ISLT), Chairman of ASUU DELSU and later, Rector, Delta State Polytechnic Ogwashi-Uku, which he turned around within a short period.

His background has been a great asset as he respects people based on their intrinsic qualities, rather than where they come from. Besides, having worked in DELSU for about 30 years makes him quite familiar with members of staff, the campus and its problems. He was therefore able to articulate workable solutions to the issues that ‘plague’ the institution and its host communities.

As soon as he became Vice-Chancellor two years ago (December 1, 2019), he hit the ground running. His six-point programme of building an effective and motivated work force, pursuit of innovation using ICT, strengthening faculties departments and units, emphasis on welfare of students, improvement of revenue base and applying a new approach to university administration and governance has provided a compass for his administration.

His belief in the committee system is well founded as an effective way of university administration. A university by definition, is universal, and houses the highest level manpower possible.

Egwunyenga believes every staff is useful and by working together, a lot could be achieved in an atmosphere of healthy competition.

His use of seniority and competence in the appointment of staff to various positions is being widely applauded, as staff contentment has improved considerably. In the same vein, he has reactivated the committee of Deans which is doing a great job in advising the university senate on crucial matters.

No doubt, the most challenging period for the Egwunyenga-led management was the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic which shook the world. Most institutions of learning were jolted to the point of closing for a long time. Some even lost an academic year. But Egwunyenga saw it as a challenge.

Tapping from his digital ‘arsenal’, he summoned the enterprising ICT directorate of the university and challenged them to come up with a digital platform to meaningfully interact with the students during the lockdown and even beyond.

Such challenge produced the DELSU Learning and Management Systems (DLMS) which facilitated distance learning at the period. The university survived without disrupting its academic calendar for 2019/2020.

• Prof. Nwanne is Director, Ceremonials, Information and Public Relations at DELSU

The Human Development Initiative (HDI), a non-governmental organisation intervening in the basic education sector, has exposed administrators in the Lagos State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) to training on workers’ management.

The programme, which held last Thursday at the Rockview Hotel, Apapa, had in attendance 52 administrators from SUBEB, basic education services department of the Lagos State Ministry of Education and the Teaching Service Commission (TESCOM).

Executive Director, HDI, Mrs. Olufunso Owasanoye said the essence of the training was to help the administrators be better leaders and get more out of their workers.

“We want to build the capacity especially in terms of the psychology aspect of working in the office – in terms of how they can attend to workers who may have issues but not written on their faces; what skills they need to learn in terms of leadership and in terms of also mentoring to make sure at least these members of staff put in their best,” she said.

Chief facilitator, Prof. Bolade Mokuolu took two sessions on “mentoring and leadership”; and “becoming an effective administrator through psychological wellbeing and self-management.”

She urged the participants to pay attention to their mental health.

“The society is changing by the day and there are pressures here and there so there are so many things that can affect the mental health of an Individual.

“It is not a matter of ‘I am a super person’; ‘I am strong’; No. It is not a function of being strong.  It is a function of checking yourself.

“If you are using a car, you know you have to service the car; you have to change the oil; you have to check the battery.  It is the same for your own mental health.  You keep checking on it. Are you healthy? Are you becoming withdrawn? What is my mood like? You know those issues back at home; you know it is affecting your job; do a kind of self-examination,” she said.

The Vice-Chancellor, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State, Prof. Charles Esimone, has restated his administration’s resolve not to give up until project 200 of making the university among the 10 best in Nigeria and among the best 200 in the world was actualised.

He said the institution has been achieving the core mandate of teaching, research and community/Public service, and more since assumption of office.

Addressing the congress of Nigeria Union of Journalists  (NUJ) in the state, Esimone disclosed that his administration’s efforts have placed the institution among the 12 in the country selected and classified as Centres of Excellence for Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) for specialised courses.

He said the university, as a result, would be entitled to receive N1billion in the next five years.

He said: “On assumption into office in 2019, I articulated a five-pronged strategy predicated on the drive for academic excellence, productive public/community service, administrative reforms, discipline and advancements, the ACADA strategy, together with its antecedent vision. These he sums up as ‘Project 200′.

“In addition, the university got the approval of a research grant  of N14.937 million under the COVID-19 special intervention research grant scheme, apart from other approvals for other staff and research programmes.

“This has skyrocketed the university’s impact in virtually all spares of academics.

“Also between 2019 and now, the national and international profile of the university has risen through memoranda of understanding signed with national and international institutions.

“With the rising profile, the university has also introduced new courses and established new community and public services while embarking on administrative reforms. For instance,  the 572 capacity students’ hostel by an investor under Build-Operate-and Transfer partnership is a case in point.”

On infrastructure, Esimone said he completed the ones he met on assumption of office and commenced fresh ones many of which are at various stages of completion.

“As the profile of the university soared, it has got a lot of projects endowed by public-spirited individuals. It has also made efforts to embark on many projects with its internally generated revenue,” he added.

The VC listed other achievements to include construction of fully equipped ultra-modern surge centre, within the precincts of the University Medical Centre, Awka, and setting up of research centre for Aging and Psychological Health, Awka campus.

Expressing satisfaction over the cordial work relationship the university had enjoyed with the NUJ in the state over the years, the VC looked forward to a more robust partnership with the new executive.

Nigerian students wishing to remain in Romania have been offered accommodation.

According to a statement by Nigeria Embassy in Bucharest, Romania, hostel accommodation has been made available for those interested to stay back in Romania.

The embassy said that the hostel accommodations are available at Cluj-Napoca and Bucharest.

READ ALSO:VIDEO: Buses arrive to evacuate trapped Nigerian students, others in Sumy

The statement reads: “The Embassy of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in Bucharest, Romania wishes to announce that Nigerian Students from Ukraine wishing to remain in Romania for a while can contact the Embassy for hostel accommodation at either the University of Bucharest or Babes-Bolyai University.

“The hostel accommodations are available at Cluj-Napoca and Bucharest.

“Interested students are advised to contact +40 749 335 927 or +40 786 091 964”.

Providing every child an equal chance at thriving starts in the classroom. This call was made by Bridge Nigeria, a network of nursery and primary schools in Lagos and Osun during the commemoration of the 2022 International Women’s Day celebration, aimed at promoting gender equity across various sectors and celebrating women who have emerged pioneers and trailblazers in their respective fields.

According to a World Bank report, gender equality in Nigeria was reported as 0.3333 percent in 2020, referencing the ratio of the gross enrolment rate of girls to boys in primary and secondary education levels in both public and private schools. Women have an enormous impact on the well-being of their families and societies, but their potential is sometimes not realized because of discriminatory social norms and incentives. Education is one of the most important aspects of human development and eliminating gender disparity at all levels of education would help to increase the status and capabilities of women.

According to Foyinsola Akinjayeju, the Managing Director at Bridge Nigeria stated that “Bridge continues to help elevate the girl child’s prospects through the provision of quality education as a foundation for broader life opportunities in addition to the teaching materials and gender sensitive instruction in our pedagogical approach designed to empower and support girls.”

Read Also: International Women’s Day: Bridge Academy recommits to mentoring girls

Akinjayeju added that “We must honour the potential of girls everywhere. “Every girl has the power to do anything, they just need the opportunity and a strong educational foundation. We must make sure that every child, everywhere, has an equal chance at thriving. Making sure girls have equal opportunities starts in the classroom.” She said.

Every year, the world celebrates International Women’s Day, this year, the theme is gender equality today for a sustainable tomorrow. A key mission this year is to break the bias and challenge discrimination, stereotypes, prejudice as we seek a world of diversity, inclusion and gender equality.

Elizabeth Daudu, a primary 5 teacher at Bridge Daddy Savage Academy in Fagba is a strong supporter of women and girl’s empowerment. During a special lesson organised for the pupils to mark the International Women’s Day, Daudu stated that she is passionate about the improvement and academic success of every child that passes under her tutelage. She noted that her role as a female teacher gives her the opportunity to inspire and have a positive impact on lives through her teaching as well as correct them and help them maximise the potential that God has bestowed in them.

“My advice to children, particularly the girl child, is to believe in themselves, that nothing is difficult with perseverance, hard work, dedication, and that they are their greatest cheerleader. They shouldn’t wait for others to cheer them on, rather they should focus on where they are going and cheer themselves till they get there and achieve whatever they aspire to do.” She said.

Another teacher, Joy Ngwu urged girls to love and believe in themselves, adding that when more girls are empowered with quality education, more independent women are created. According to Ngwu when we empower women, we empower the society because women are the heart of society. Adding that she admires women who bring change to society and if there is one thing she had the power to do, it would be to ensure every single child out there is educated.

A parent, Mrs. Sophie Nosakhare stated that she has witnessed the benefits of gender equality right from her workplace. Women are now able to get equal opportunities without gender discrimination, they are able to voice their opinions without fear of prejudice. She added that when more women take up leadership positions, it motivates young girls to believe they too can thrive as women leaders.

NewGlobe, the parent company of Bridge has supported over 500,000 girls to become confident, empowered young women, as they progress in learning and skills from early childhood education through junior secondary school. In over a decade, the organisation has lived by the UN’s women empowerment principles in their daily work of supporting girls’ education, women’s leadership in the communities they serve, and in ensuring women’s voices and leadership are present throughout the organisation.

A businessman, Hon. Dr. Ugochukwu Igboanugo, has appealed to members of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) to suspend their strike in the interest of the students.

He stated the hardship on the part of the students is unquantifiable as it keeps them idle at home.

While also appealing to the Federal Government to see to the demands of ASUU, he asked everyone to come to the negotiation table to resolve the impasse.

Ugochukwu stated strike is not the best option of sending messages across as it is not helpful in any way.

He said that he will continue to do his best to support students through his philanthropic gestures.

A total of 12 students bagged First Class as the First Technical University, Ibadan(TECH-U) is set to hold its first-ever convocation ceremony on Saturday, March 5, 2022.

This was made known on Thursday at the institution’s pre-convocation briefing on its campus in Ibadan.

The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Ayobami Salami, noted that 63 students were set to be the first set of graduates in the institution.

“We are graduating 63 in all. These comprise 10 students in Computer Science, 20 on Industrial Chemistry,22 in Microbiology,8 in Software Engineering and 3 in Physics. Of the 63, 12 have First Class while 24 have Second Class Upper,” he said.

The VC stated that the university which began operations with two buildings now has 16 additional ones through internally generated revenue (IGR).

Salami said apart from adding two new faculties to the existing ones, the university now offers new courses such as Mechatronics, Cyber Security and Forensic Science.

He added that no other tertiary institution offers Forensic Science currently.

READ ALSO: How I bagged First Class, by UDUS graduate

He also said the institution enjoyed uninterrupted academic sessions at the height of the coronavirus pandemic, which prompted the production of ventilators and usable face masks.

Speaking on activities lined up for its maiden convocation, the VC noted that the convocation play entitled: ‘Love’s Unlike Laden’ written by Prof. Femi Osofisan will be staged on March 4.

The convocation lecture entitled:” A skilled and knowledgeable workforce: key to sustainable development in Nigeria”, will be delivered by former Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission, Prof. Julius Okojie.

The VC, who noted that some of the students in the university secured employment during their industrial training, explained that the institution ranks 7th among State Universities and 27th in the country.

He said the Chancellor Dr Tunde Afolabi would be conferred with the Doctor of Science(D.Sc) of Petroleum Engineering, Honoris causa.

Others to be given honorary doctoral degrees include, Chief Adebayo Akande, Chief Amal People, Prof. Toyin Falola and Mr Segun Agbaje.

He also conducted journalists’ rounds to check state-of-the-art facilities in various faculties and departments.

Executive Secretary, Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), Dr. Hamid Bobboyi, was at the Lagos State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) last Friday to discuss ways to sustain the Federal Teachers’ Scheme (FTS) beyond this year when funding will dry up.

Bobboyi said the scheme, which helps to supply SUBEBS nationwide with fresh NCE graduates from the colleges of education to serve as teachers for a two-year period, might not continue if there was no way to fund it.

“This is a programme we are just pushing to ensure it does not collapse.  But, unfortunately, at the end of the day it still has to collapse because the Federal Government through the budget office said after the expiry of this programme in 2022, they said that any organisation that is receiving statutory transfer cannot access any funds from any other source in the budget.  The FTS is not funded directly by UBEC; its funding comes from the SDGs.  funding the next batch will be problematic except we can fund it from other sources.

“We are looking at the internal resources of UBEC and asking what are we doing with the SUBEBS to ensure that we can have a scheme.  It may have a different name,” he said.

Underscoring the importance of the scheme in his interaction with the Chairman, Lagos SUBEB, Mr. Wahab Alawiye-King and other members of the board, some FTS teachers posted to Lagos schools and some head teachers, Bobboyi said it had helped address acute teacher shortages across the country, which he said was so bad that some schools in some states had only one teacher.

He lamented that the scheme which gulped about N1.9 billion for the 2021/2022 set (3,962 teachers) , could not pay the teachers more than N30,000 minimum wage, which he said was equivalent to $50.

Sharing their experiences on the scheme, the FTS participants thanked UBEC for training them to deliver before deploying them to the classroom.

They also thanked the Lagos State government for including them in the Eko EXCEL training and posting them to schools near their homes.

They however called for an upward review and prompt payment of the remuneration as well as full employment on completing the scheme.

Francis Okoroafor, who teaches at Oladipo Primary School I Amukoko, Lagos, said: “We say a deep-rooted thank you from the bottom of our hearts to UBEC and SUBEB.  You selected us and trained us and gave us opportunity to give education to young ones. However, the N30,000 we get is small.

Also, we are  really afraid of going back to the streets without jobs after the scheme.  We hope that at the end of this programme, we will be retained.”

Another FTS teacher, Samule Oluwatobi said the training by UBEC – Strengthening Maths and Science  Education and Jolly Phonics simplified teaching for them.  He added that the Eko EXCEL training by SUBEB brought equity in the quality delivered in the classroom to all the pupils.

Head teachers urged the SUBEB to employ the FTS teachers, describing them as dedicated and well trained.

Director, Teachers Professional Development, UBEC, Mr. Muyiwa Aleshin said he was not surprised that the FTS teachers did so well.  He said it was because the Commission had sanitized the selection process such that the Joint Admissions and Matriculations Board (JAMB) conducts the computer based tests for selected participants and only those who make up to 50 per cent are called up for the scheme.

“I am not surprised that the teachers are doing well.  We went through JAMB to select the participants.  You must have scored at least 50 per cent before you can go on.  The training they got also helped.  I thank the Lagos State government for training them with their teachers,” he said.

On his part, SUBEB Chairman, Alawiye-King said the FTS teachers are on the priority list for recruitment when the Lagos State government seeks to recruit teachers.  He assured that

“In Lagos State we want to make sure every child’s potential is realized.  We want teachers who are not only academically qualified but professionally qualified.

“The last employment we did, we reserved five per cent under special category that includes FTS, N-Power and community teachers,” he said.