The Nation Newspaper

Category: Education

  • Dons, others for IARSA confab

    Dons, 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).

    It is titled:  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 Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre, Abuja, Federal Capital Territory from November 25-27, 2025.

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

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    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.

     “ICAIGF25 will feature keynote speeches from internationally recognized experts in AI for Green Future. Participants can attend oral presentations showcasing cutting-edge research. Interactive poster sessions will also be organized 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).”

  • 49 bags first class as UNIOSUN graduates 2,505 students

    49 bags first class as UNIOSUN graduates 2,505 students

    No fewer than 49 students of Osun State University (UNIOSUN) have graduated with First Class Degrees as the institution turns out 2,851 graduates for the 2024/2025 academic session.

    Vice Chancellor, Prof. Clement Adebooye, disclosed this on Wednesday during a press conference to flag off activities for the university’s 15th Convocation at the Osogbo campus.

    He revealed that, as part of the week-long celebration, the newly completed multi-billion-naira Senate Building and seven other projects will be commissioned.

    Breaking down the graduation statistics, Adebooye said 2,505 earned First Degrees, 1 Postgraduate Diploma, 283 Master’s Degrees, and 62 Doctoral Degrees.

    Among the First Degree recipients, 49 graduated with First Class honours, 988 with Second Class (Upper Division), 1,279 with Second Class (Lower Division), 178 with Third Class, while one student earned a Pass.

    He added that UNIOSUN is evolving into one of Nigeria’s fastest-growing and most dynamic universities in both learning and infrastructure, noting that the new Senate Building was facilitated by TETFund.

    The VC said, “With the recent surge in student enrolment and our deliberate vision to reposition UNIOSUN as a world-class institution, we have completed seven new signature projects that will be commissioned during this convocation week. These include: The Iconic Senate Building, funded with TETFund’s High Impact Intervention, Faculty of Computing and Information Technology Building with furniture funded with TETFund’s Special Intervention.

    He continued, “A Twin (500-500) Lecture Theatre Complex funded with TETFund’s Special Intervention, a 500-Capacity Lecture Theatre funded through TETFund’s Normal Intervention, Entrepreneurship Equipment funded with Annual Intervention, 500-Capacity Lecture Theatres in Okuku, Ifetedo Campuses.

    He applauded the unwavering support of the Government of Osun State, the institution’s Governing Council, TETFund, and other partners, adding that the achievements are a testament to their hard work and dedication.”

  • UI flags off Jaw War 2025, Africa’s biggest public speaking contest

    UI flags off Jaw War 2025, Africa’s biggest public speaking contest

    The University of Ibadan Literary and Debating Society (TLDS) has kicked off the opening ceremony and first leg of the Inter-Faculty Category of Jaw War 2025, widely regarded as Africa’s biggest public speaking competition.

    The event, held at the New Faculty Lecture Theatre, drew students, alumni, civil society groups, and special guests, setting the stage for a six-week tournament that will climax with the grand finale on October 22, 2025, at the International Conference Centre, University of Ibadan.

    This year’s edition, themed “Africa in the First Century and Beyond: Power, Progress and Possibility,” features rounds built around sub-themes. 

    The opening session, organised in partnership with the Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN), spotlighted food security and nutrition.

    Speaking at the ceremony, TLDS President, Babatimehin Peace, described Jaw War as a defining platform for intellectual engagement in Nigeria and across Africa.

    He said, “This competition spans seven rounds, and for today, we have partnered with GAIN to spotlight food security and nutrition. Our speakers have been preparing since May, and we expect to hear deep insights on how young people can contribute to food security both in Africa and globally,” he said.

    “Jaw War is more than just a competition; it is a classroom of ideas where the brightest minds come together to challenge one another and shape conversations that matter. For us at TLDS, this is about grooming the next generation of leaders who can think, speak, and act for Africa’s progress.”

    Also speaking at the event, the National Coordinator of the Scaling Up Nutrition Business Network (SBN) under GAIN, Tomisin Odunbaku, emphasized why the organization partnered with Jaw War.

    Odunbaku said, “Malnutrition is a huge challenge in Nigeria. Three out of five children are malnourished, while nine out of ten Nigerians consume contaminated food. With the President’s recent declaration of a state of emergency on food security, we know all hands must be on deck. 

    “That’s why we are collaborating with the University of Ibadan, to leverage the innovation and fresh ideas of students and youth to transform our food system.”

    Read Also: University of Ibadan students protest months-long power outage at UCH

    He further stressed that the arguments and solutions shared during the debates would not end in the hall but could influence wider conversations around policy-making, youth engagement, and private sector action in nutrition.

    Former TLDS President and immediate past Students’ Union President, Aweda Bolaji, also praised the significance of the platform.

    “Jaw War is always amazing. It gives speakers from different halls of residence and faculties the chance to showcase eloquence while addressing issues that matter to Africa. This year, we continue to promote conversations that can drive positive change across the continent. Every edition of Jaw War shows that the Nigerian youth have the intelligence and the courage to shape Africa’s destiny,” he noted.

    Also speaking, Assistant General Secretary of the UI Students’ Union, Olawoye Taiwo Emmanuel, described Jaw War as one of the most energetic and talent-filled competitions in sub-Saharan Africa.

    He said, “There is an energy Jaw War brings that you can hardly find anywhere else. It is not just about debating, it is about identity, pride, and showcasing the intellectual wealth of UI students to the whole world. Year after year, this platform reveals talents who go on to make meaningful contributions to society.”

    The 2025 edition is expected to feature intense showdowns across halls and faculties, leading up to the highly anticipated finale in October, where a new champion will be crowned in what has become a defining tradition of Nigeria’s premier university.

  • Curriculum review: Senior secondary schools to offer Chinese language, Mandarin

    Curriculum review: Senior secondary schools to offer Chinese language, Mandarin

    • Chinese Embassy inaugurates 14th Corner

    The Chinese language, Mandarin, has become one of the foreign languages to be offered in Senior Secondary Schools (SSS) in Nigeria in the newly reviewed secondary school curriculum.

    The Education Secretary of the Federal Capital Territory Administration, Dr. Danlami Hayyo, announced the development at the inauguration of the Chinese Corner at the Government Secondary School, Tudun Wada, Abuja.

    The project was sponsored by the biggest Chinese construction company in Nigeria, the China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC), as part of its corporate social responsibility (CRS).

    Hayyo stressed the foresight of the FCT Education Board, which had introduced Mandarin in schools in the territory before the latest review of the curriculum.

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    He said: “May I inform you that in the recent review of our curriculum, the Chinese language has been selected as one of the international languages to offer in Senior Secondary Schools.

    “That is to say that the FCT has been very visionary in introducing the subject in our schools through the Chinese Corners early enough. Chinese Mandarin has the largest number of speakers in the world and, today, it has become the language of commerce, education, and tourism.

    “Our decision to delve into Chinese education and culture is a wise move.”

    The FCT Education Secretary also said the inauguration of the new centre yesterday brought to 14 the number of Chinese centres in Abuja.

    The centres, he said, were established in secondary schools across the Federal Capital City.

    “The bilateral relations have led to the establishment of 13 Chinese corners and the inauguration of the 14th Corner in G.S.S. Tudun Wada today.”

    The corners, HAyyo said, “have greatly enhanced education and cultural exchange between Nigeria and China”

    He added: “It has opened a window for better understanding and appreciation of our various cultures, and it has also given our students the opportunity to pursue their further education in China.

    “Today, we are proud to say that it is only the FCT that has Chinese Corners in its schools in the whole federation.”

    On behalf of FCT Minister Nyesom Nwike, the Education Secretary expressed appreciation to the Chinese Government and Embassy for their support and commitment to promoting people-to-people exchange for the good of all.

    “Your friendship has confirmed what the Chinese say as ‘Hai nei Cun zhiji tianya ruo bi lin’ (a bosom friend brings distant lands near),” Hayyo said.

    The Chinese Counselor, Yang Jianxing, stated that the idea of the Chinese Corner was birthed as a result of his country’s appreciation of the mutual relationship between Nigeria and the Asian country.

    He recalled: “Twelve years ago, out of the cherishment for China-Nigeria friendly relations and the expectation for cultural exchanges between the two countries, the Chinese Embassy in Nigeria and the FCT Secondary Education Board of Nigeria joined hands to establish the ‘Chinese Corner’ as a unique platform for cultural and educational exchanges.

    “Over the past more than 10 years, this seemingly simple platform has long become a link connecting Chinese and Nigerian cultures, a bridge narrowing the hearts of young people from the two countries, and one of the most popular cultural check-in spots among teachers and students in Abuja.

    “For students, the ‘Chinese Corner’ is not only an immersive classroom for learning Chinese and experiencing Chinese culture, but also a window to observe the world. Chinese is one of the most widely spoken languages in the world.

     “The Chinese diplomatic missions in Nigeria will also continue to support China-Nigeria cooperation in various fields, such as culture and education, and continuously promote the building of a closer China-Africa and China-Nigeria community with a shared future.

    “Today, the inauguration of the ‘Chinese Corner’ is not an end, but a new starting point for cultural exchanges between China and Nigeria.”

  • 58,820 youths register for data protection training

    58,820 youths register for data protection training

    About 58,820 young Nigerians have signed up for the Youth Data Protection Awareness and Training (YDPAT) Program at the close of registration. 

    The training will be conducted by the Federal Ministry of Youth Development, in partnership with the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) and Globe Takers Foundation.

    A statement by Director, Information and Public Relations, Federal Ministry of Youth Development, Omolara Esan said that in 53 days, a total of 58,820 young Nigerians signed up from all six geopolitical zones, a strong signal of how eager Nigerian youth are to learn about data protection, digital awareness, and personal growth.

    Minister of Youth Development, Comrade Ayodele Olawande, applauded the overwhelming response, describing it as proof of the commitment of young people to nation-building. 

    He assured that every single registrant will benefit from the ministry’s broader youth development initiatives. 

    “While the training will begin with an initial cohort of 5,000 participants carefully selected to ensure fair representation across the country, the remaining registrants will still be engaged through other relevant programs of the Ministry so that no youth is left out.

    “The YDPAT training will run in a hybrid format that combines online and physical sessions, making it accessible to participants regardless of their location. Registration officially closed in the first week of September 2025, and the selection of participants is now underway. 

    “The process will continue throughout September, with the announcement and accreditation of selected individuals scheduled for October. Virtual training is set to begin in November, followed by physical sessions in December 2025.

    “As the program enters this critical phase, the Ministry is calling on development partners, private sector stakeholders, and state governments to support and collaborate on the YDPAT initiative. The Minister stressed that with collective effort, the reach and impact of this program can be significantly expanded, allowing even more young Nigerians to benefit from digital inclusion and data literacy.

    “The Federal Ministry of Youth Development remains committed to raising a digitally aware and empowered generation, one capable of protecting its rights in the digital age while contributing meaningfully to the growth and security of Nigeria’s data-driven economy,” the statement added. 

  • UNILAG Don decries poor funding of research in Nigerian universities

    UNILAG Don decries poor funding of research in Nigerian universities

    A University of Lagos professor, Chris Obisi, has raised concerns over the chronic lack of funding for academic research in Nigeria’s universities.

    Obisi, an expert in Employment Relations and Human Resource Management, voiced his worries during an appearance on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily programme on Tuesday.

    He warned that the shortage of funding is stifling innovation and progress in the nation’s academic institutions.

    The don lamented that many research findings generated by universities remain unused because industry players fail to invest in or support them.

    He expressed dismay that while some companies are quick to sponsor reality TV shows like Big Brother Naija, they are reluctant to fund intellectual research in universities.

     “There should be more synergy between research, research outcomes, industry, and the university so that industry can be funding university and research outcomes, which some companies are not doing.

    “It’s a shame, I don’t want to sound depressed. How can a company be sponsoring Big Brother but cannot fund research? How can a company be playing to the gallery but cannot fund research?

    “This is a sort of misplaced priority, and that is why we are lagging,” he stated.

    Obisi argued that this is a misplaced priority and that companies stand to gain from collaborating with researchers and funding studies that could lead to commercially viable innovations.

    “Most innovations are coming out all over the world as a result of collaborative effort and funding by companies and organisations. You see Big X funding so many researchers.

    “Companies can collaborate with the universities, fund research for their own benefit, and they will make more money,” he said.

    The professor emphasised that funding research is not solely the responsibility of the government or universities, but rather a collaborative effort that requires the involvement of companies and organisations.

    He urged Nigerian businesses to change their perspective and engage with researchers to support studies that could yield tangible benefits.

    Obisi noted that while universities and governments do provide some research funding, it is often insufficient.

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    He encouraged companies to follow the example of international organisations that fund research and collaborate with universities to drive innovation and progress.

    “Nigerian organisations must also collaborate and listen to researchers. We have written to many companies that want to carry out the research on this, which will benefit companies, but many of them are not interested. Some of them are not interested.”

    The current season of Big Brother Naija, Season 10, is underway, with housemates competing for a grand prize of N150 million and other exciting rewards.

    The show takes place in a lavish, newly designed mansion boasting bold colors, trendy decor, and striking features.

    The program has attracted notable sponsors, including Guinness Nigeria, Bet9ja, Pepsi, TECNO, and Colgate.

  • DBI begins training of 10,000 workers of Nigerian tertiary institutions

    DBI begins training of 10,000 workers of Nigerian tertiary institutions

    No fewer than 10,000 workers of Nigerian universities and polytechnics are currently undergoing intensive capacity building in digital literacy by the Digital Bridge Institute (DBI)

    The training programme began on Monday across major centres in the country, namely, the University of Ilesha, Ilesha, Osun State, the Nigeria Army University, Biu, Borno State, the Rivers State School of Nursing Sciences and Management Technology, Rumueme, Port Harcourt, and the Federal University, Birnin Kebbi, Kebbi State.

    Under its 2025 Advance Digital Empowerment Programme for Tertiary Institutions (ADEPTI), the DBI would train 100 workers each in about 100 tertiary institutions across the country in line with the present administration’s commitment to upskill the digital skills and knowledge of workers.

    Fully sponsored by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and implemented by the DBI, the programme is designed to help the staff of tertiary institutions in Nigeria build capacity in the adoption and implementation of ICT tools in teaching and research.

    The Vice-Chancellor, University of Ilesa, Prof. Taiwo Olufemi Asaolu, who declared the training opened, said the ADEPTI programme, as a collaborative initiative, underscored the commitment of the Federal Government and the schools to enhancing technological proficiency among their workers.

    He stated that in today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape, advanced digital skills are crucial for quality teaching, learning, and research in tertiary institutions.

    According to him, digital visibility and proficiency significantly impact global and national University rankings, reputation, education delivery, and research outputs.

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    Prof. Asaolu said, “I am happy to inform you that, at the University of Ilesa, we have invested in digital technologies, equipping our faculties with modern teaching devices and providing campus-wide WiFi internet services. Additionally, we offer regular IT training and workshops to ensure our staff and students can effectively leverage these tools.

    “It is noteworthy that the Digital Bridge Institute’s ADEPTI workshop aligns with our vision, focusing on critical areas such as Data Analysis and Visualization, Digital Skills, Cybersecurity, and Emerging Technologies.”

    He expressed confidence that the expertise of the resource persons will enhance the participants’ digital skills and inspire innovative approaches to technology integration.

    While commending the NCC and the DBI, he encouraged participants to engage actively and capitalize on the opportunity, adding that the knowledge and skills acquired will have far-reaching impacts on their professional lives and the advancement of our University and Nigerian tertiary education.

    With the training, he believed that the DBI, NCC, and the University communities were together building a digitally empowered academic community capable of meeting 21st-century challenges.

    Also speaking, the Center coordinator, Prince Soji Fagbemi, who represented the President/CEO, DBI, David Daser, said the programme was fully funded and sponsored by the NCC and implemented by the DBI.

    Fagbemi highlighted the objectives and the rules governing the ADEPTI programme, and advised the participants to take full advantage of the programme to improve their academic teaching and research outputs.

    “I want to encourage participants to give this training the attention and commitment it deserves. As we embark on this transformative learning journey, I want to assure you that the Instructors will do their best to deliver the learning content and achieve the expected learning outcomes,” Fagbemi said.

    He commended the NCC for its continued support and sponsorship of the implementation of the ADEPTI programme, and also praised the management of the universities for showing commitment to capacity development initiatives by the present administration.

  • UNN bans social activities on campus beyond 6pm

    UNN bans social activities on campus beyond 6pm

    The Management of the University of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN) has banned all social activities in the campus that will go beyond 6.pm.

    The directive is contained in a statement signed by Mr Inya Egwu, the Acting Public Relations Officer of the university.

    The directive, the unversity said, became necessary due to the unfortunate incident that happened in UNN on Sept. 12.

    NAN reports that a businessman identified as Chiebonam Nweze, Aka, Power-Autos, was said to have been stabbed to death.

    Nweze was a guest during a burn fire night organised by the students’ association of the Department of Archaeology and Heritage Studies UNN.

    ”Henceforth, the UNN management has directed that all such activities must be held strictly during the daytime and under the supervision of the University Security Unit.

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    ” Social events of any kind will not be permitted on our campuses beyond 6:00 p.m henceforth, ” the management said.

    The management said that it was unfortunate that the burn fire event was hijacked by miscreants from a neighbouring community, who instigated violence.

    The management assured the public that, UNN remains fully committed to ensuring a safe and secure environment for all members of its community and would continue to take every necessary measure to prevent a recurrence of such incident.

    (NAN)

  • Stop change of textbooks on resumption, Ajadi urges govt, private schools

    Stop change of textbooks on resumption, Ajadi urges govt, private schools

    A chieftain of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Amb. Olufemi Ajadi Oguntoyinbo, has urged government and private schools to stop frequent and unnecessary change of textbooks every academic session.

    He expressed concerns over economic strain of change of textbooks on parents, saying many families are already struggling under the weight of economic hardship. 

    A statement by Ajadi said it was common practice for younger siblings to reuse textbooks passed down from older ones, a practice that helped to ease financial burdens on households in the past.

    According to him: “The attitude of both private and government schools in changing text books every term has forced the parents to continuously buy new books every term for different classes.

    “During our time, siblings were using textbooks of their elders. I am urging the government to stop changing textbooks every term or year, parents are groaning in pains.

    “I called on the Minister of Education and the State Governors to stop this habit as parents are going through hell. I also call on the governments both at the state and the Federal level to subside prices of text books to help the parents.

    “I pity parents who are forced to buy different sets of textbooks for their children every term. This should not be happening.”

    He however called on the government to intervene by subsidising textbooks for students as a way of supporting families and promote access to education amid economic difficulties.

  • PAPBEF applauds Otuaro as 140 Niger Delta scholars depart for UK postgraduate studies

    PAPBEF applauds Otuaro as 140 Niger Delta scholars depart for UK postgraduate studies

    The Presidential Amnesty Programme Beneficiaries Forum (PAPBEF) has hailed the deployment of over 140 Niger Delta scholarship beneficiaries to universities in the United Kingdom, lauding it as a landmark achievement and the most significant educational initiative in the programme’s recent history.

    The forum commended Dr. Dennis Otuaro, Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, for what it described as his transformative leadership, which has effectively translated President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda into tangible opportunities for the region.

    In a statement, PAPBEF emphasised the administration’s commitment to ensuring an equitable distribution of opportunities across all ethnic nationalities in the Niger Delta.

    “This initiative represents more than an educational opportunity; it embodies the transformative vision of Dr. Otuaro’s administration to cultivate a new generation of professionals who will drive sustainable development,” Comrade Spencer Senibo, PAPBEF spokesperson said. 

    “We are witnessing a new era where the Niger Delta’s potential is being unlocked through strategic investment. 

    “Dr. Otuaro’s focused and effective approach is facilitating progress at a remarkable pace, achieving significant milestones in a short timeframe,” he added. 

    PAPBEF endorsed this groundbreaking initiative and urged continued investment in human capital development, both onshore and offshore. 

    Given the administration’s demonstrated capacity for achieving rapid results, the forum reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Otuaro’s determination for the Niger Delta region’s growth.

    “We urge Dr. Otuaro to maintain this trajectory and call upon all stakeholders to support the Presidential Amnesty Programme’s critical work in building a prosperous and stable Niger Delta through education and capacity building,” Senibo added.

    This latest deployment follows the administration’s earlier success in placing 1,700 beneficiaries into various Nigerian institutions for the 2024/2025 academic session