The Nation Newspaper

Category: Education

  • Yusuf sponsors varsity education of top UTME scorer in UI

    Yusuf sponsors varsity education of top UTME scorer in UI

    For Master Sodiq Anuoluwapo Shoyode, 17, his dream of attaining a university education is indeed a welcome reality now, all thanks to the benevolence of Alhaji Kamorudeen Yusuf, the Personal Assistant on Special Duties to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

    Shoyode, who hails from Ado-Odo Ota Local Government Area in Ogun state, first came into the limelight following his brilliant performance at the last Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination, UTME, where he emerged one of the topmost scorers nationwide with an aggregate 360 score, namely 98 in Mathematics, 96 in Physics, 94 in Chemistry, and 72 in English Language respectively.

    Like the golden fish, Sodiq, the last of four siblings who attended African Church Community Secondary School, Ewupe, Sango Ota, Ogun State, it wasn’t hard for him to be singled out for recognition, as Alhaji Yusuf was so impressed by his excellent academic records that he promised to sponsor his varsity education upon his admission.

    However, during the period preceding his admission to study Mechanical Engineering at the University of Ibadan, the young lad was enrolled in a six-month ICT programme, including Software Development at GOMYCODE, Ikeja, Lagos, armed with a laptop, accommodation, and stipends for his daily upkeep, all provided courtesy of Alhaji Yusuf.

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    Following his successful admission to pursue his course of study at his university of choice, an overwhelmed Sodiq, in our chat with our correspondent, confirmed that his scholarship for a five-year duration has been fully paid.

    An elated Sodiq, who was effusive with praises for his benefactor, said he is more than grateful for the kind gestures of Alhaji Kamorudeen Yusuf, who has made his university education a dream come true.

    “I’m thoroughly motivated by the kind support of Alhaji Kamorudeen Yusuf, and I promise to make him proud. I’ll ensure that I apply myself to studies fully and ensure that I come out in flying colours,” Shoyode said with joyous ecstasy.

    Also commenting, the eldest Shoyode disclosed that their son’s good fortune has equally rubbed off on the rest of the family as Alhaji Yusuf extended his benevolence to them.

    Specifically, Alhaji Yusuf refurbished and equipped his wife’s tailoring shop, where they not only eke out a living but are now able to assist the rest of Sodiq’s siblings.

    From available information, Alhaji Kamorudeen Yusuf and his associates have been involved in some empowerment programmes, reaching out to the less privileged across the board, lending a helping hand in their areas of need.

  • Group hails Namadi’s ₦779m investment in UBE

    Group hails Namadi’s ₦779m investment in UBE

    The Jigawa Education Accountability Forum (JEAF) has hailed the State Government for approving over ₦779 million to boost the quality of Universal Basic Education (UBE) through the provision of essential materials and logistics.

    This was contained in a statement in Dutse, the state capital by the Co-Chair of the forum, Malam Tasi’u Abubakar. 

    He said the present administration broader education transformation actions is a testimony of Governor Umar Namadi’s concern and commitment for achieving universal basic education policy and literate future leaders.

    The Co-chair explained that the funding approval followed months of sustained engagement and advocacy targeted at improving the availability of teaching and learning materials, as well as strengthening support for School Support Officers (SSOs).

    According to him: “The technical backing of the Partnership for Learning for All in Nigeria (PLANE), JEAF had earlier carried out a spot check on the use and adequacy of instructional materials in schools across the state.

    READ ALSO; Nigeria @65: Abuja Command of NSCDC deploys 4,500 personnel

    “Breakdown of the Intervention the State Executive Council recently approved the sum of ₦779,269,895.00 for the education sector. 

    “The funds will cover, 68,850 textbooks, 700 whiteboards 3,000 cartons of erasable markers 295 Hunter-model motorcycles for School Support Officers across the 27 LGAs Government officials say the move aligns with Governor Umar A. Namadi’s broader education transformation agenda”.

    Malam Tasi’u Abubakar added the intervention would improve learning outcomes, equipping classrooms with essential tools strengthening supervision and accountability at school level.

    The statement further emphasised that the motorcycles will enhance the mobility of SSOs, boosting classroom monitoring, mentoring, and support in both rural and urban areas Forum Assures Continuous Collaboration.

    “JEAF and other education partners happily commend the Jigawa State Government under the leadership of Governor Malam Umar Namadi for his effort to transform the education sector and ensure quality basic education for all children,” the statement reads.

    The forum pledged continued cooperation with the government to realise the target of providing quality basic education to every child in the state.

    JEAF serves as an accountability platform supporting education reforms in Jigawa State, working in collaboration with civil society organisations and development partners.

  • AAUA lecturers threaten to disrupt resumption, convocation over unpaid salaries

    AAUA lecturers threaten to disrupt resumption, convocation over unpaid salaries

    Lecturers at Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko (AAUA), owned by the Ondo state government, have threatened to disrupt the planned resumption of students and the forthcoming convocation ceremony if their outstanding salaries are not paid.

    The lecturers, under the umbrella of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), embarked on strike last month over the non-payment of their salaries and arrears, a development that has since paralyzed academic and social activities on campus.

    Speaking, the chairman of AAUA ASUU, Dr Boluwaji Oshodi, said the lecturers had exercised enough patience over the alleged refusal of the government to address their plight.

    “We have been patient and tolerant for a long time, but this time, we won’t be again. Our people have been pushed to the wall. We are not seeing any efforts that can signal that the state government is ready to do the right thing,” Oshodi said.

    He stressed that despite several requests, efforts to meet with Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa had been unsuccessful.

    READ ALSO; Nigeria @65: Abuja Command of NSCDC deploys 4,500 personnel

    According to him, lecturers had endured harsh conditions, including conducting examinations, “On an empty stomach,” yet continued to show commitment to their students and the institution.

    Oshodi further lamented the neglect of the university, saying the institution had not received adequate government funding for the past seven years.

    “If you get to AAUA today, you will be disappointed, even though it is a pioneer university of the state. No capital project has been carried out by the state government in the last seven years.

    “The access road is in a deplorable state, lecture rooms, hostels, and offices are in bad condition, and most of the visible structures on campus are TETFUND projects,” he added.

    But in a swift reaction, the Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Prof. Igbekele Ajibefun, dismissed claims that the government had abandoned the institution.

    Ajibefun explained that the state government had been engaging with the striking lecturers to resolve the dispute, assuring that the issues would soon be addressed.

    He noted that Governor Aiyedatiwa’s administration had continued to release monthly subventions to all state-owned tertiary institutions, including AAUA, without delay.

  • Mathema 2.0 challenges students to excel in mathematics, leadership

    Mathema 2.0 challenges students to excel in mathematics, leadership

    Over twenty secondary schools across the Southwest gathered in Lagos for Mathema 2.0, a competition and leadership conference themed “Advancing Leadership & Mathematical Excellence.”

    Held at Combo Hall, Lagos Television, Ikeja, on Friday, the event emphasised the need to empower young leaders and strengthen mathematical skills, particularly among students from public and less-advantaged schools.

    Project Manager, Mojolaoluwa Adegoke, said the theme was chosen to address societal decline and improve the quality of future leaders.

    “This event is specifically aimed at improving the quality of leaders we bring forth into society. It’s also aimed at helping students who don’t have the capacity,” she noted.

    She explained that prizes and support given to participants were designed to help them overcome disadvantages and compete effectively in society.

    Convener, Civil Engineer Osuniyi Segun Emmanuel, said the initiative was conceived to make tough tasks easier for students and to help them thrive. He added that this year’s edition included a leadership conference to encourage participants to grow across all aspects of life.

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    “One of my greatest passions is love for students. I want to see students succeed, and I want to see difficult tasks being simple for them, and that is why this event is happening. Here we are having a mathematics competition and conference, and why we added a conference this time around is because we want to build their leadership skills.

    That is why we have the team Advancing Leadership and Mathematic Excelling, so not just are you excelling in maths, you are also having skill up with your leadership skills,” he said.

    He noted that a major challenge was the unavailability of top educational bodies and sponsorship from the government, urging that events like these help shape the minds of students and prepare them for a greater future.

    He said, “One of the major challenges we had during the journey of this event is sponsorship from the government, pleading to the government to please partner with us to see that we have more schools represented and impact more students positively.

    Ahead of Mathema 3.0, we are seeking partnerships from government, not only the government, private associations like the NAPPS, the MAN, and other educational associations to please partner together for this initiative.”

    Joshua Ajayi, Founder and CEO of Brand Communicator, who had also attended the maiden edition, observed significant growth. “The second one is a lot bigger, better, with more participation from different schools, and, of course, you also have a lot more buying‑in from brands,” he said. “A lot of organizations are throwing their weight behind this … it shows there’s a good level of growth.”

    On how the initiative builds “mathematics sound minds,” Ajayi said competitions like this help to “fish out some of the best brains, discover the brightest minds from this very point, and help to nurture them to even higher heights.”

    Omolola Adetona, a registered civil engineer and project management professional, praised the performance of the students. “They’ve been in competitions, they’ve done reading, they’re doing oral, and they’re actually answering the mathematics question exceedingly well.”

    She further called for broader inclusion, “Let’s incorporate more students, let’s also look at the handicapped pupils, as we should encourage all students, regardless of background or ability, to engage them and help them become a better version of themselves, regardless of their physical conditions.”

    Several students present spoke about how the competition exposed gaps in their understanding and motivated them to do more.

    Ojeabulu Shalom of Favour and Mercy College reflected, “It has helped me to make me, when I go back, I will work on myself, and I’ll put more effort in what I’m doing.”

    Faluyi Ayomide of Glorious Scholars Academy, Sango Ota, said, “This is not the end, this is just the beginning, I’ll continue studying harder, and ensure I keep the flag flying.”

    The event concluded with awards recognising schools, students, and partners who have made outstanding contributions to the cause of mathematical excellence and youth leadership.

  • Your village needs solutions, not global hype, Bamigboye tells students

    Your village needs solutions, not global hype, Bamigboye tells students

    The launch of the Bamidele Olumilua University of Education, Science and Technology (BOUESTI) Tech Hub in Ikere-Ekiti on Friday was anything but a routine ribbon-cutting. Instead, it turned into a reality check for Nigerian students, with a keynote address that stripped away the glamour of global tech dreams and redirected attention to the pressing crises in their own backyards.

    Delivering the keynote virtually, guest speaker and innovator Shalom Bamigboye declared, “The internet will not solve your village problems.” The line immediately set the tone for his lecture, “Solving Problems in Your Local Community with Technology,” which drew a mix of murmurs and applause from the attentive audience of students, faculty, and guests.

    “The internet is perhaps one of the greatest inventions ever. It has brought everything closer, turning the world into a global village. Yet your village problems persist, and the internet will not solve them for you. That task remains yours,” Bamigboye warned.

    Bamigboye dismantled the popular notion that technology is about Silicon Valley apps, flashy gadgets, or global recognition.

    Quoting Bill Gates, he reminded the crowd, “The advance of technology is based on making it fit in so that you don’t really even notice it, so it’s part of everyday life.”

    “Technology is not defined by complexity or international acclaim,” he explained. “It is the instinct to recognize a challenge and innovate in response.”

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    Tracing human progress, he noted that every major breakthrough — from fire and stone tools, to the printing press, electricity, and artificial intelligence — began with people addressing their most immediate struggles, not by copying distant models.

    To illustrate, Bamigboye cited the Q-Drum, a simple rolling water container invented in South Africa. Before its introduction, women and children endured long treks balancing heavy buckets of water on their heads.

    “The Q-Drum was not flashy. It was not global. But it was deeply impactful. It changed lives in communities that needed it,” he said.

    He drew parallels with Nigerian success stories: Paystack, born from the inability of Nigerian businesses to process online payments; LifeBank, created to tackle hospitals’ struggles with blood access; and Interswitch, built out of frustration with unreliable card-switching infrastructure.

    “These companies are now giants, but they were born from pain — from problems so ordinary that many of you probably face them every day,” Bamigboye stressed.

    Rather than dwell on Nigeria’s national crises, he challenged students to start small and local.

    “What is the single biggest problem in your immediate community right now?” he asked.

    He listed possible pain points students could transform into solutions: poor water supply, erratic electricity, rising food prices, lack of reliable transportation, or even communication gaps on campus.

    “Every frustration you notice is a potential opportunity for innovation,” he declared.

    The keynote distilled his message into five guiding principles: Connection – Understand people’s pain. If you don’t feel it, you can’t solve it; Choice – Focus on one problem that matters most; Community – Rally others. Innovation is never a solo sport; Collaboration – Seek partners, mentors, and knowledge beyond your walls; Consistency – Test, fail, improve. Solutions are built, not born perfect.

    Above all, he cautioned against elitist or impractical fixes.

    “If your solution does not work for the average person here, it is not innovation. It is misalignment.”

    Closing on a fiery note, Bamigboye urged students to abandon hesitation.

    “Do not wait. Begin now. Solve the problem in your hostel, your classroom, your town. Because when you solve for your community, the world takes notice. The responsibility is yours. The opportunity is yours. And the time is now.”

    Quoting former U.S. President Barack Obama, he reminded them, “Change will not come if we wait for some other person, or if we wait for some other time. We are the ones we’ve been waiting for.”

    The BOUESTI Tech Hub may have opened with computers, cables, and co-working spaces, but its most enduring gift might be the mindset planted in its students that true innovation begins with solving the problems closest to home.

  • MAAUN congratulates alumnus on nomination as Kano Attorney General Designate

    MAAUN congratulates alumnus on nomination as Kano Attorney General Designate

    The Management of Maryam Abacha American University of Niger (MAAUN) has comgratulated to one of its distinguished alumni, Barrister Abdulkareem Maude, on his recent nomination as the Commissioner for Justice and Attorney General of Kano State by Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf.

    This commendation was conveyed in an official statement from the office of the University’s Founder and President, Professor Adamu Abubakar Gwarzo.

    Professor Gwarzo described Barrister Maude as a diligent and accomplished legal practitioner whose career continues to inspire pride within the MAAUN community. He noted that Maude, who is an alumnus of Maryam Abacha American University of Niger has consistently demonstrated excellence and integrity in his professional journey.

    The statement also highlighted that Barrister Maude is set to be formally conferred with the prestigious rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) at a special induction ceremony scheduled to take place at the Supreme Court on Monday. This recognition further cements his status as one of the nation’s leading legal minds.

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    “On behalf of the entire MAAUN family, I extend our warmest congratulations to Barrister Abdulkareem Maude on this well-deserved honor,” Professor Gwarzo stated. “His nomination as Attorney General and his elevation to the rank of SAN are testaments to his hard work, dedication, and commitment to justice and the rule of law. We are confident that he will continue to uphold the values of excellence and service that define our institution.”

    Gwarzo further expressed optimism that Maude’s achievements will serve as an inspiration to current and future students of the university, encouraging them to aim high and contribute meaningfully to society.

    Maryam Abacha American University of Niger takes great pride in celebrating the successes of its alumni, and Barrister Maude’s accomplishments are a shining example of the transformative impact of education.

  • MAAUN congratulates alumnus on nomination as Kano Attorney General Designate

    MAAUN congratulates alumnus on nomination as Kano Attorney General Designate

    The Management of Maryam Abacha American University of Niger (MAAUN) has comgratulated to one of its distinguished alumni, Barrister Abdulkareem Maude, on his recent nomination as the Commissioner for Justice and Attorney General of Kano State by Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf.

    This commendation was conveyed in an official statement from the office of the University’s Founder and President, Professor Adamu Abubakar Gwarzo.

    Professor Gwarzo described Barrister Maude as a diligent and accomplished legal practitioner whose career continues to inspire pride within the MAAUN community. He noted that Maude, who is an alumnus of Maryam Abacha American University of Niger has consistently demonstrated excellence and integrity in his professional journey.

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    The statement also highlighted that Barrister Maude is set to be formally conferred with the prestigious rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) at a special induction ceremony scheduled to take place at the Supreme Court on Monday. This recognition further cements his status as one of the nation’s leading legal minds.

    “On behalf of the entire MAAUN family, I extend our warmest congratulations to Barrister Abdulkareem Maude on this well-deserved honor,” Professor Gwarzo stated. “His nomination as Attorney General and his elevation to the rank of SAN are testaments to his hard work, dedication, and commitment to justice and the rule of law. We are confident that he will continue to uphold the values of excellence and service that define our institution.”

    Gwarzo further expressed optimism that Maude’s achievements will serve as an inspiration to current and future students of the university, encouraging them to aim high and contribute meaningfully to society.

    Maryam Abacha American University of Niger takes great pride in celebrating the successes of its alumni, and Barrister Maude’s accomplishments are a shining example of the transformative impact of education.

  • Senegalese ambassador visits Baze University, explores educational collaboration

    Senegalese ambassador visits Baze University, explores educational collaboration

    Baze University, one of Nigeria’s leading private institutions, has welcomed the Senegalese Ambassador to Nigeria, His Excellency Nicolas Auguste Nyouky, as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen educational ties and foster international collaboration.

    The Ambassador was warmly received by the Founder and Chancellor of Baze University, Senator Datti Yusuf Baba-Ahmed, alongside the Vice Chancellor, Professor Jamila Shu’ara, the Registrar, and other senior members of the university management team.

    Also in attendance were key representatives from Baze University Hospital, who took the Ambassador on a guided tour of the hospital’s cutting-edge medical facilities, which are dedicated to delivering excellent healthcare services to Nigerians and Africans alike.

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    Serving both as a treatment centre and a teaching hospital, Baze University Hospital stands as a flagship model for integrating academic excellence with high-quality healthcare delivery. It continues to distinguish itself as a leader in Nigerian and African healthcare through its focus on innovation, medical education, and patient-centered care.

    The Ambassador’s visit centered on exploring opportunities for educational partnerships and collaboration.

    Ambassador Nyouky expressed keen interest in developing academic ties between Senegal and Baze University.

    He noted that Senegalese students would be encouraged to pursue higher education at Baze, as part of broader bilateral cooperation in the education sector.

    In a show of goodwill, the Ambassador also confirmed his attendance at the university’s upcoming convocation ceremony, where he will be joined by his counterpart from Mali.

  • Stakeholders confirm Ifako-Ijaiye becoming most educated LG in Lagos

    Stakeholders confirm Ifako-Ijaiye becoming most educated LG in Lagos

    …as lawmaker distributes educational materials to students

    Ifako-Ijaiye has been named one of the most educated local government area of Lagos state by stakeholders in the education sector of Lagos state.

    This was as the lawmaker representing Ifako-Ijaiye Constituency I at the State House of Assembly, Hon. Adewale Temitope Adedeji, distributed thousands of school materials to students of the local government as part of his ‘Back To School Support Initiative’.

    The event, which took place at Fagba Junior Grammar School, Ifako-Ijaiye, attracted hundreds of schoolchildren, parents, teachers, community leaders, and stakeholders.

    Items distributed by the lawmaker included 500 school bags, 6,000 exercise books, 10,000 writing materials, 500 mathematical sets, 1,000 pairs of socks, and 500 water bottles.

    Speaking at the event, Hon. Adewale said the gesture, which is the 5th, was aimed at easing the financial burden of parents while motivating pupils to excel in their studies.

    Adewale, who distributed GCE and JAMB forms to candidates earlier in the year, said his effort was to complement the unwavering commitment of President Bola Tinubu in the education sector.

    “Many people do not understand that service and leadership start from the grassroots. This is one thing that has kept Asiwaju Tinubu formidable over the years. His passion to bring education to children while as governor of Lagos state remains the most effective education strategy in recent times.

    “Today, we recognize him as the best President Nigeria has had. This is why I also encourage people to do the little that they can. The education of our children cannot be left to the government and parents alone,” he said.

    Adewale said education remains one of his top priorities as a legislator, describing it as the “bedrock of human and societal development.”

    Read Also: Back-To-School: Lawmaker donates learning materials to Ifako-Ijaiye pupils

    He assured the students that as they excel, they would benefit from the free GCE and JAMB forms initiative as well as the scholarship scheme of the Adewale Temitope Adedeji Educational Initiative (ATA-EI).

    In his remarks, the Lagos Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Mr. Jamiu Tolani Ali-Balogun, said Ifako-Ijaiye has been projected to become one of the most educated local government area in the state.

    Commending the lawmaker for his investment in education and support for the government, in he urged the beneficiaries to be focused on their studies as a way to encourage the lawmaker to do more.

    On his part, Dr. Afolabi Abiodun Tajudeen, Special Adviser on Political, Legislative and Civic Engagement to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, tasked the students to focus on their studies so they could enjoy a brighter future.

    The Tutor-General and Permanent Secretary, Education District 1, Dr Oyetola Olufunke Idowu, further confirmed that the lawmaker’s support for the government’s education stride saying this had started yielding results in the area looking at examination results of 2023 and 2024.

    Some of the beneficiaries promised to use the materials judiciously.

  • Back-To-School: Lawmaker donates learning materials to Ifako-Ijaiye pupils

    Back-To-School: Lawmaker donates learning materials to Ifako-Ijaiye pupils

    Hundreds of pupils in Ifako-Ijaiye, Lagos, on Thursday benefitted from free educational materials distributed by Adewale Temitope Adedeji, the member representing Ifako-Ijaiye Constituency 01 in the Lagos State House of Assembly.

    The gesture, part of his Back-to-School Support Initiative now in its 5th edition, was held at Fagba Junior Grammar School and witnessed by parents, teachers, community leaders, and other stakeholders.

    Items distributed included 500 school bags, 6,000 exercise books, 1,000 writing materials, 500 mathematical sets, 1,000 pairs of socks, and 500 water bottles.

    The lawmaker said the initiative was designed to ease parents’ financial burden while motivating children to excel academically.

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    “Education remains one of my top priorities because it is the bedrock of human and societal development,” Adewale said, adding that outstanding students will continue to benefit from his free GCE and JAMB forms initiative as well as scholarships under the Adewale Temitope Adedeji Educational Initiative (ATA-EI).

    He pledged to sustain and expand the programme annually, while cautioning pupils against cultism, thuggery, and other vices that could derail their future.

    Through ATA-EI, the lawmaker has awarded over 120 scholarships, distributed more than 5,000 JAMB forms and 1,300 GCE forms, alongside other educational interventions in Ifako-Ijaiye Constituency 01.