The Nation Newspaper

Category: Education

  • W.TEC, Oracle Academy empower 150 girls in tech

    W.TEC, Oracle Academy empower 150 girls in tech

    The Women’s Technology Empowerment Centre (W.TEC), in collaboration with Oracle Academy, has empowered 150 Secondary school girls in problem solving, innovation and technology.

    The event, which took place consecutively in Lagos, Kwara State and Abuja, provided a platform for the girls to create solutions to real-world challenges in areas such as education, health, climate change and security.

    The programme, with the theme: “She Solves for Change”, was part of the organisation’s way of marking this year’s International Day of the Girl-Child.

    Read Also: Women advocate boosts girls’ confidence through empowerment

    Participants took part in hands-on-digital skills such as: Website design, Mobile App Development, Robotics and Artificial Intelligence (AI).

    In her keynote speech, a software engineer, Ms. Arafat Ogunfemi, urged the girls to keep positive relationships, make positive impacts to the world and self and to build themselves to become better professionals.

    The Advisory Board Member, W.TEC, Mr. Tobi Durojaye, urged the government to look into policies around programmes for the girls.

    He commended WTEC for putting up such a programme that empowers the girl child.

    “What I saw the girls display today was very captivating. It’s interesting to see that we have the next generation of innovators, creators and problem solvers.

  • Dons, researchers, others for IARSA confab

    Dons, researchers, others for IARSA confab

    Dons, researchers, policy-makers, scientists, among others are billed to attend the International Association of Research Scholars & Administrators (IARSA), Nigeria, Ghana and the United States  10th Annual International Conference on “Artificial Intelligence for a Green Future (ICAIGF25): Leveraging Education Research, Science, Technology and Innovation in the New Economy for Sustainable Development”.

    A statement  by the Lead Facilitator and President General of IARSA Consortium, Prof. Akin Ogunsakin, noted that the event would take place  at the Nigerian National Merit Award House, 22, Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Abuja, Nigeria, from November 26-27.

    He described the conference as  a platform for sharing innovative research, exploring new methodologies, and discussing the practical applications of cutting-edge technologies.

    The don said participants can expect a wide range of topics, including AI-driven solutions, advancements in communication technologies, breakthroughs in engineering practices, and innovations in industrial technology.

    “This event will gather leading academics, researchers and professionals from various fields. It will serve as a platform for discussing advancements in AI for Green Future – leveraging education research, science, technology and innovation in the new economy for sustainable development. Attendees will have the chance to exchange ideas and explore solutions to the challenges in these areas.

    Read Also: Women advocate boosts girls’ confidence through empowerment

    “ICAIGF25 will feature keynote speeches from internationally recognised experts in AI for Green Future. Participants can attend oral presentations showcasing cutting-edge research. Interactive poster sessions will also be organised to facilitate discussions. These activities aim to foster collaboration and knowledge exchange among participants.

    “The event will cover a broad spectrum of topics, including but not limited to AI for energy efficiency, climate change mitigation, smart cities, healthcare, and education, all aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

    “The event will typically feature keynote speeches, technical sessions, workshops, and panel discussions, providing attendees with opportunities to network, collaborate, and gain insights into the future directions of these dynamic fields.

  • Federal Varsity Iragbiji begins first admission exercise, sets 150 UTME cut-off mark

    Federal Varsity Iragbiji begins first admission exercise, sets 150 UTME cut-off mark

    The Federal University of Agriculture and Development Studies, Iragbiji (FUADSI), Osun State, has been profiled on the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB)’s Central Admission Processing System (CAPS). 

    The University also announced that it is set to commence admission for the 2025/2026 academic session, welcoming its first batch of undergraduates across various faculties and disciplines.

    According to a statement by the Registrar, Afolabi Muritala, all prospective candidates who wish to study at the University are advised to visit any JAMB-accredited Computer-Based Test (CBT) Centre to change their first-choice institution to FUADSI immediately.

    The statement further disclosed that the minimum UTME score required for admission into any programme at the new institution is 150 marks.

    For the maiden admission exercise, FUADSI has secured approval for a wide range of degree programmes under three faculties, which are Agriculture and Renewable Natural Resources; Social and Management Studies and Natural and Applied Sciences.

    Under the Faculty of Agriculture and Renewable Natural Resource, candidates can apply for programmes such as Food Science and Technology, Agricultural Economics, Crop Science, Animal Science, Fisheries and Aquaculture, Forestry and Wildlife Management, and a 5-year Bachelor of Agriculture (B.Agric) degree with options in Crop Science, Soil Science, Agricultural Economics, Extension, and Animal Science, among others.

    The Faculty of Social and Management Studies offers courses including Accounting, Economics, Business Administration, Entrepreneurship, and Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution, while the Faculty of Natural and Applied Sciences houses programmes such as Computer Science, Microbiology, Biochemistry, Industrial Chemistry, Physics with Electronics, Mathematics, and Meteorology.

    The university is envisioned to be a centre of excellence in agricultural research, technology-driven education and sustainable development studies, which aligns with the Federal Government’s agenda for economic diversification and youth empowerment through agriculture and innovation.

  • Child Rights and the new world

    Child Rights and the new world

    By Tasiu Mohammed 

    The new world presents a mix of opportunities and challenges for children across the globe. On one hand, technological advancement, improved healthcare, enhanced security systems, and longer life expectancy have made life easier and more accessible. These developments offer children better chances to learn, communicate, and thrive in ways previous generations could only dream of. However, on the other hand, the same new world has exposed children to serious threats that demand urgent attention.

    In many parts of the world today, children face numerous challenges such as poor parental care, early exposure to social media, child abuse, wars, child labor, and even kidnapping. These problems are not limited to conflict zones alone; they also exist in homes and societies where values and responsibilities are eroding. The result is a generation of children struggling with emotional distress, lack of guidance, and the dangers of premature exposure to adult realities.

    In the developing world, the situation is even more alarming. Millions of children are trapped in the cycle of poverty, lacking access to quality healthcare, good education, clean water, and proper hygiene. Many are forced to work at a young age to support their families instead of being in school, where their minds and futures should be nurtured. These hardships violate the fundamental rights of children to protection, education, and a decent standard of living.

    The true defense and foundation of a child’s well-being lie in responsible parenting. When both father and mother understand and accept their duty to provide love, care, education, and guidance, the child gains the most important right in life—the right to proper upbringing. Parental involvement in a child’s early development shapes character, values, and future success far more than any external influence.

    Furthermore, when parents are educated, children gain an additional advantage. Education empowers parents to make informed decisions, provide moral and emotional support, and protect their children from the dangers of ignorance and exploitation. Religious teachings, particularly in Islam, emphasize this responsibility strongly. The Qur’an and the teachings of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) make it clear that parents are custodians of their children. They are entrusted by Almighty Allah to care for, guide, and protect them in every aspect of life—spiritually, emotionally, and physically.

    As the world continues to evolve, so must our approach to child rights. Governments, communities, and parents must work together to ensure that every child is protected, educated, and nurtured to become a responsible and productive member of society. The new world will only be truly progressive when it guarantees a safe and supportive environment for every child to grow and reach their full potential.

    Tasiu Mohammed is the Director Election Management of the All Progressives Congress (APC)

  • Ogwashi-Uku Poly Strike: Governing Council accuses ASUP of shielding management, disrupting investigation

    Ogwashi-Uku Poly Strike: Governing Council accuses ASUP of shielding management, disrupting investigation

    The Governing Council, Delta State Polytechnic, Ogwashi-Uku, has faulted the decision of the Academic Staff Union of the Polytechnics (ASUP), on its two-week warning strike, describing the decision as  calculated plan to shield and frustrate ongoing investigations into allegations of certificate racketeering, recklessness and misappropriation of funds against some principal officers.

    In a statement on Tuesday, the Chairman, Governing Council, Delta State Polytechnic, Ogwashi-Uku, Hon. (Pastor) Paul Adingwupu, alleged that the union’s leadership was being sponsored by individuals opposed to transparency and accountability, accusing them of attempting to use industrial action as a tool to blackmail the government into abandoning due process.

    According to Adingwupu, the recent crisis rocking the institution was triggered by allegations of certificate, result racketeering, recklessness and misappropriation of funds involving some principal officers, including the Rector and the Registrar, which are being investigated by the Delta Assembly after preliminary handling by the office of the Deputy Governor for the purpose of fairness and transparency.

    The Council expressed surprise that ASUP, which should focus on issues of staff welfare, had chosen to involve itself in matters already under investigation and unrelated to the union’s core mandate. It described the strike as an attempt to “arm-twist the government into taking sides in a matter that is still under official scrutiny.”

    Read Also: Inside Nigeria’s activist-industrial complex

    “It is unfortunate that the union has allowed itself to be used as a weapon by vested interests who are clearly afraid of the truth coming out. This strike is nothing but an attempt to blackmail the Governor into doing what is ethically and legally wrong,” the statement reads in part.

    The Council further clarified that those suspended in connection with the allegations, including the Registrar, were not members of ASUP but belonged to other staff unions within the institution.

    It  questioned the rationale behind ASUP’s decision to embark on a strike over the suspension of officers who were not even its members.

    “If the suspended officers belong to other unions, why is ASUP taking up their case? Why are the unions directly representing them not speaking? It simply confirms that the union has been hijacked to serve the interest of the management rather than that of workers,” the Council queried.

    On the suspended Registrar, the Council stated that his recall was out of the question, noting that the matter was already before a court of competent jurisdiction.

    “Instead of cooperating with the investigation to clear his name, the Registrar went to court to challenge his suspension. Since the matter is sub judice, there is no moral or legal basis for the union to demand his reinstatement. They should allow the court to decide,” the Council added.

    The Governing Council also took exception to what it described as double standards on the part of the union, noting that in their statements, ASUP leaders acknowledged Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, has been a labour-friendly leader who prioritises the welfare of workers, particularly in tertiary institutions across the state.

    “If the Governor has been that labour-friendly, as they themselves admitted, why are they still embarking on this strike? It makes no sense. Their action contradicts labour laws and undermines the principles of collective bargaining,” the Council stated.

    According to the Council, labour unions exist to defend the rights and welfare of workers, not to fight personal battles on behalf of management officials facing allegations.

    “This strike has nothing to do with staff welfare or working conditions. It is purely an attempt to shield certain individuals from accountability. It is wrong and it will not stand,” the statement emphasised.

    The Governing Council called on the State Government and the general public to disregard what it termed a “misguided and politically motivated action” by the ASUP chapter, insisting that it remained committed to upholding due process and cleansing the institution of “unwholesome practices and financial recklessness.”

    “We reaffirm our resolve to work for the greater good of the Delta State Polytechnic, Ogwashi-Uku. We will not be distracted by those who wish to frustrate reforms. Our duty is to protect the integrity of this institution, and that is exactly what we will continue to do,” the Council concluded

  • NELFUND opens portal for student loan application for 2025/2026 academic session

    NELFUND opens portal for student loan application for 2025/2026 academic session

    The Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) has opened the student loan application portal for the 2025/2026 academic session.

    The portal will be opened from tomorrow till Saturday, January 31, 2026.

    The agency announced this in a statement yesterday in Abuja by its Director of Strategic Communications, Mrs. Oseyemi Oluwatuyi.

    The statement reads: “NELFUND appreciates the continued cooperation of tertiary institutions nationwide and seeks their further collaboration to ensure a smooth and inclusive loan process for all eligible students.

    “Institutions are reminded to update and upload the verified records of both returning and newly admitted students on the NELFUND Student Verification Portal, as this step is essential for students to successfully apply and benefit from the scheme.”

    The agency explained that fresh students may apply using either their Admission Number or JAMB Registration Number (in place of Matric Number).

    READ ALSO: Sowore: When activism becomes complicity

    It advised institutions to show understanding in enforcing registration and fee payment deadlines for students awaiting loan disbursement.

    NELFUND urged institutions that have not started their 2025/2026 academic session to formally write it with their approved academic calendar for scheduling flexibility.

    “NELFUND appeals to all institutions to consider temporary registration measures for students whose loan applications are being processed to ensure that no student loses access to education due to financial constraints,” the statement added.

  • FUOYE denies VC’s involvement in SSANU’s members arrest

    FUOYE denies VC’s involvement in SSANU’s members arrest

    Management of the Federal University Oye-Ekiti, has refuted allegations by the institution’s chapter of the Senior Staff Association of the Nigerian Universities (SSANU) that the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Abayomi Fasina, was behind the arrest and detention of some of its executives.

    The university, in a statement by the Registrar, Mr Ibrahim Muftau, described the claim as a deliberate falsehood and a calculated attempt to malign the reputation of the Vice-Chancellor and the image of the university.

    Muftau said the claim by the SSANU leadership was misleading and entirely baseless, noting that the Vice Chancellor had no authority to  order or influence over police operations.

    He explained that the police invitation that led to the bedlam originated from Office of the Assistant Commissioner of Police, State Intelligence Department, Ekiti State Command. 

    Dismissing the allegations of the VC’s  involvement in the arrest, the Registrar clarified that Professor Fasina was on official engagement at the Nigerian Law School, Bwari, Abuja, when the union officials were invited by the police.

    Read Also: Tinubu okays new auditorium for Nigerian Law School

    Muftau said that it  was “illogical and mischievous” for anyone to associate the Vice-Chancellor with the arrest or detention of the union officials, noting that his intervention actually facilitated their release.

    Quoting a police source, the Registrar stated that the SSANU officials were “unruly” during their engagement with officers, refusing to cooperate or provide written statements. 

    The police, he said, emphasized that the invitation was a routine  administrative exercise and that “no individual is above the law.”

    Muftau, however, dismissed SSANU’s claim of harassment and intimidation of its members by the FUOYE management as unfounded, , saying the university had consistently demonstrated openness to dialogue, reconciliation, and industrial harmony. 

    He explained that the management had on several occasions invited the SSANU leadership to roundtable discussions to address grievances relating to welfare and working conditions, but lamented that the union’s executives had  often shunned such opportunities for peaceful resolution.

    He said, the Chairman of the Governing Council, Senator Victor Ndoma-Egba, had recently sent two members of the council to attend the SSANU congress as part of ongoing peace efforts.

    “It is therefore puzzling that out of the five trade unions operating on campus, only the SSANU has continued to exhibit hostility towards the Vice Chancellor and his administration, despite the university management’s consistent olive branch and open-door policy”, he added.

  • FUOYE VC denies ordering arrest of SSANU leaders

    FUOYE VC denies ordering arrest of SSANU leaders

    The Vice Chancellor of the Federal University Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE), Ekiti State, Professor Abayomi Fasina, has denied ordering the arrest of the leaders of the university’s chapter of the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU).

    Speaking with select reporters on Monday evening, Professor Fasina said since he resumed office last Monday he has been concerned on how to achieve lasting peace on the campus despite alleged provocations from certain quarters.

    He said he was out of Ekiti State when he heard that SSANU leaders were allegedly detained by the police and “I immediately called on the Police Commissioner to seek clarifications and eventually appealed for their release.”

    He said there was no basis for him to call on the police to arrest anyone, insisting that what preoccupies his mind is ensuring peaceful atmosphere on the campus towards achieving smooth operation.

    According to him: “Except they want to be unfair to me. As soon as I resumed office I approved the payment of the relocation allowance for these workers. About N160 million was released for that purpose. In fact, that of the academic staff is yet to be resolved. So how can I be the one responsible for any arrest again.”

    READ ALSO: President’s spokesman seeks sanction for Kanu’s lawyer over protest participation

    He appealed to the workers and students to prioritise dialogue over violence, saying the university is bigger than anyone.

    SSANU on Monday alerted the public that its leaders were arrested by the Police Command in Ekiti State, calling on stakeholders including the national leadership of the union to intervene.

    According to a statement credited to the Vice Chairman of the union on the campus, Mr Olausi Simeon, five members of the union were arrested by police.

    Those arrested, according to Olausi’ statement are Comrade Faleye Benjamin, who is the chairman of the chapter, and Comrades Ademola Mutiu, Oyelude Yekeen, Aluko Ayomikun, and Nwokeke Barnabas.

    Olausi said the arrest was in response to a petition allegedly authored by the institution’s chief security officer as reportedly ordered by Professor Fasina.

    In the statement with the title: Notice to All SSANU FUOYE Members and the University Community,” Olausi said the development was concerning and unacceptable.

    He said it is a direct attack on “unionism, workers’ rights, and freedom of association as guaranteed by the Nigerian Constitution and Labour Laws.”

    But Ekiti Police Public Relations Officer DSP Sunday Abutu, denied the arrest of the union leaders.

    According to Abutu, the unionists were invited over “certain issues,” and were later released.

    “The police did not arrest them, they were invited over certain developments, and they have been asked to go,” Abutu clarified..

  • NELFUND opens portal for student loan application for 2025/2026 academic session

    NELFUND opens portal for student loan application for 2025/2026 academic session

    The Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) has opened the student loan application portal for the 2025/2026 academic session.

    The portal will open from Thursday, October 23- Saturday, January 31, 2026.

    The agency announced this in a statement by its Director, Strategic Communications, Mrs. Oseyemi Oluwatuyi on Tuesday in Abuja.

    “NELFUND appreciates the continued cooperation of tertiary institutions nationwide and seeks their further collaboration to ensure a smooth and inclusive loan process for all eligible students.

    “Institutions are reminded to update and upload the verified records of both returning and newly admitted students on the NELFUND Student Verification Portal, as this step is essential for students to successfully apply and benefit from the scheme,” the statement reads.

    It noted that fresh students may apply using either their Admission Number or JAMB Registration Number (in place of Matric Number).

    The agency encouraged institutions to show understanding in enforcing registration and fee payment deadlines for students awaiting loan disbursement.

    NELFUND urged institutions that have not yet commenced their 2025/2026 academic session to formally write it with their approved academic calendar for scheduling flexibility.

    “NELFUND appeals to all institutions to consider temporary registration measures for students whose loan applications are being processed to ensure that no student loses access to education due to financial constraints,” the statement added.

  • NUC approves Imo’s varsity of innovation, science & technology

    NUC approves Imo’s varsity of innovation, science & technology

    The National Universities Commission (NUC) has granted approval to the Imo State Government to establish the University of Innovation, Science and Technology.

    With the approval, the State now boasts eight Federal and State-owned universities, bringing the total number of state universities across the country to 70.

    Governor Hope Uzodimma received the letter of approval from the NUC Executive Secretary, Abdullahi Ribadu at the commission’s headquarters in Abuja.

    Ribadu commended the State Government for its vision and urged the university to uphold high academic standards and a vibrant research culture.

    The Executive Secretary said: “The university should be built on standards — with quality research, the expansion of knowledge, and active engagement with industry and society.”

    He stressed the new institution must remain student-focused and offer innovative programmes designed to produce graduates capable of making meaningful contributions to their communities and workplaces.

    According to the NUC, the recognition takes effect immediately, enabling the university to begin full academic activities once its administrative and academic systems are in place.

    Uzodimma described the recognition as a significant stride in his administration’s efforts to widen access to quality education and empower young Nigerians with digital, innovative, and entrepreneurial skills.

    He explained that the university was conceived to serve as a centre for innovation and job creation, with plans for collaboration and mentorship involving the University of California, Berkeley.