The Nation Newspaper

Category: Education

No teacher will be allowed to teach without TRCN certificate, FG warns

The federal government has said no teacher will be allowed to stand before a classroom without proper registration and licensing by the Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria (TRCN).

Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, said this in a statement by the Director, Press and Public Relations of the Federal Ministry of Education, Boriowo Folasade, on Sunday.

“This ensures that every child is taught by competent, professional teachers who meet the highest standards,” Dr. Alausa stated.

The minister explained that both the TRCN and the National Teachers’ Institute (NTI) now have new operational guidelines to enhance governance, oversight, and accountability.

“Key provisions for TRCN include mandatory teacher registration and licensing, digital integration with the national Education Management Information System, and strict enforcement of ethics and discipline within the profession. The NTI, on its part, will serve as the national implementing body for distance-based teacher training programmes, while ensuring its courses align with approved standards and frameworks,” the statement said.

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Dr. Alausa described the reform as “a big day for the Nigerian child,” emphasising that the restructuring will sustain ongoing progress in teacher quality and educational outcomes.

He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to embedding professionalism in teaching, expanding access to continuous professional development, and enforcing compliance across all levels of education.

“This reform is about results and sustainability. It is about building a future where Nigerian children are taught by the best, prepared for the best, and supported by the best. We are consolidating progress to ensure sustainability, capability, and accountability in our teaching workforce. It is Renewed Hope in action,” the minister said.

“The Federal Ministry of Education assured Nigerians that it will continue to monitor implementation closely while working with states, private proprietors, and other stakeholders to deliver on this mandate. This is Renewed Hope in Action in the education sector,” the statement added.

September 14, 2025
Global academic winner Nafisa Aminu visits Pantami

Nafisa Abdullah Aminu has paid a visit to her mentor, ex-Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Professor Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami, following her extraordinary academic attainment.

Nafisa, a student of Nigerian Tulip International College (NTIC), was crowned the world’s top performer in English Language skills at the prestigious 2025 TeenEagle Global Finals in London, United Kingdom.

The 17-year-old prodigy from Yobe State triumphed over approximately 20,000 participants from 69 countries, including native English-speaking nations, to clinch the coveted title.

During the visit, Nafisa presented her award to Pantami as a gesture of gratitude for his pivotal role in her success, expressing deep appreciation for his consistent mentorship and advocacy.

In a moving display of modesty, Nafisa humbly requested the continuation of the former minister’s guidance, both in her religious and academic pursuits.

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In response, Pantami displayed his excitement about Nafisa’s excellence and commended the parents, guardians, and teachers for their foundational role in nurturing her talent.

The professor, who promised his perpetual support, presented Nafisa with a brand-new high-performance HP laptop and additional books for her studies.

Pantami further encouraged the young scholar to aspire to the highest echelons of academia, urging her to pursue first degree, a Master’s, and a Ph.D.

“We are all proud of Nafisa’s accomplishment. The Nigerian society is in dire need of excellence in female education now more than ever,” he emphasized.

Nafisa Abdullah Aminu’s story transcends individual achievement; it affirms that with the right opportunities, dedicated mentorship, and unwavering support, Nigerian students can compete and excel globally.

September 13, 2025
Southern-Atlantic University set to honour A’Ibom leaders

Southern-Atlantic University, the first private university in Ibibioland, is set to honour past leaders for their contributions to the development of Akwa Ibom state particularly in the education subsector.

Among leaders to be honoured as former governors Victor Attach(1999-2007), Senator Godswill Akpabio (2007-2015) and Udom Emmanuel (2015-2023).

The founder thanked stakeholders and academicians for accepting to serve as members of the University’s Governor Council. They include Senator Ita Enang(Chairman), Professor Akpan H. Ekpo, former Vice Chancellor, University of Uyo and Professor Etete Peters, former medical director University of Uyo Teaching Hospital.

Founder of the university, Pastor Bassey James, made the disclosure at the weekend on the sidelines of the visit of the immediate past governor Udom Emmanuel to the university.

He also commended President Bola Tinubu for approving the establishment of the university and creating the enabling environment for the growth and sustenance of private tertiary institutions in the country.

Pastor James described the recent visit of former Akwa Ibom State Governor, Mr. Udom Emmanuel, to the institution as a strong testament to the growing acceptance and recognition of the University.

He noted that the visit signals the beginning of good things and urged Akwa Ibom to visit and patronize the university.

He expressed delight at hosting the former Governor and his entourage, describing the occasion as a morale booster for the young institution.

He further disclosed that the University’s decision to name its library after Mr. Emmanuel was in appreciation of his contributions to the development of Akwa Ibom during his eight-year administration.

“As Akwa Ibom prepares to mark 38 years of statehood on September 23, it is only fitting that we recognize the roles of respected Akwa Ibom leaders in shaping the Akwa Ibom story,” Pastor James stated.

The proprietor also announced that the University will name facilities after other notable leaders, including former Governor Obong Victor Attah and Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, who also served as Governor of the State.

He also hinted that Plans are underway to honour the incumbent Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, for his ongoing development strides, with some structures in the University campus to be named after him.

The University Proprietor also appreciated a former Governor of Abia State, Senator Dr. Orji uzor kalu who is currently representing Abia North Senatorial District in the National Assembly, saying he owes him a debt of gratitude, adding that a facility in the institution will also be named after him.

He maintained that the University’s decision to honour these personalities who have distinguished themselves in their various fields of endeavour would inspire students of the University to aim at excellence in leadership.

He urged members of the public to take advantage of the 15 academic programmes already approved for the University, noting that admissions are ongoing, with the academic session commencing this September.

September 13, 2025
Presidential aide charges student leaders on nation-building

The Senior Special Adviser to the President on Students Engagement, Sunday Asefon, has urged student union leaders to be responsible partners in nation-building.

It said that President Bola Tinubu believes in the power, resilience, and creativity of Nigerian students to contribute to nation-building.

He spoke on Friday at the Renewed Hope Student Leaders Engagement in Kebbi State.

At the event, Asefon reaffirmed the commitment of President Tinubu to the welfare of students and improvement in the quality of education in the country.

The meeting brought together student leaders across the seven states of the North West, namely Jigawa State, Kaduna State, Kano State, Katsina State, Kebbi State, Sokoto State, and Zamfara State.

Asefon noted that the gathering was not just another meeting but a platform carefully designed to bring the government closer to the students and youths of Nigeria.

He noted that the present administration remains committed to ensuring that the programmes and policies in the education and youth sector are not only created in Abuja, but are well disseminated and brought directly to the grassroots, where they matter most, the campuses, lecture halls, and communities where Nigerian students live and thrive.

One of such bold and transformative initiatives rolled out by the Tinubu administration is the launch of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) to make education accessible and affordable to all Nigerians, irrespective of background.

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He said, “Mr. President believes in the power, resilience, and creativity of the Nigerian students, and it is our duty to justify that confidence by being responsible partners in nation-building.

“This engagement provides us the rare opportunity to sit with the heads of Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), as well as representatives of the Federal Ministry of Education and the Federal Ministry of Youth, who will share firsthand the various initiatives of government, the opportunities within their industries, and the pathways available for students to benefit from the Renewed Hope Agenda.

“By bringing together student leaders across the seven states of the North West, we are not only amplifying the vision of Mr. President but also ensuring that Nigerian students have a seat at the table of national development.

“This is a step towards bridging the gap between policy and impact, between government and the governed, and between aspiration and opportunity.”

The presidential aide lauded the Governor of Kebbi State, Nasir Idris, for his unwavering commitment to education, youth development, and access to host the programme in his state.

He applauded the State Government for massive investment in education, saying this “continues to serve as a model for others across the federation.”

September 12, 2025
Fed Govt inaugurates four varsities’ governing councils

The Federal Government yesterday inaugurated the governing councils and principal officers of four newly established federal universities.

Education Minister Tunji Alausa, who inaugurated the governing councils, reaffirmed the commitment of the government to expanding access to quality higher education.

The universities are: Federal University of Agriculture and Technology, Okeho, Oyo State, and Federal University of Health Sciences and Technology, Tsafe, Zamfara State.

Others are: Yusuf Maitama Sule Federal University of Education, Kano, and Federal University of Education, Zaria, Kaduna State.

Alausa described the establishment of the universities as a strategic intervention by President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

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The minister explained that the move was aimed at addressing pressing national challenges, such as food security, public health, climate change, renewable energy, and technological innovation.

He said: “This is not just an expansion of Nigeria’s tertiary education landscape. It is a deliberate, strategic response to the urgent and interconnected challenges confronting our nation and the world.”

Alausa stressed that the siting of the universities in Okeho, Oyo State was deliberate for the area’s vast agricultural potential.

He added: “Tsafe (Zamfara State), in the Northwest, lies in a region with abundant natural and human resources but in need of strengthened health and educational infrastructure to unlock its full potential.”

The minister urged the newly inaugurated councils and principal officers to provide visionary leadership, uphold merit and accountability, as well as protect their autonomy.

Alausa urged vice chancellors to lay strong institutional foundations that would define their universities’ identities and excellence for generations to come.

The minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment, in partnership with the tertiary education trust fund (TETFund) and development agencies, to provide infrastructure, support research, and strengthen institutional capacity through reforms in quality assurance, autonomy, and performance-based funding.

“We want universities that are not just established but empowered to lead,” he said.

Alausa also urged the workers, students, regulators, and host communities to embrace a shared vision of excellence and work together to build institutions that reflected national pride.

Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of the Federal University of Agriculture and Technology, Okeho, Oyo State, Senator Yakubu Oseni, pledged to work with all stakeholders to transform the institution.

He said his goal is to make it a hub for agricultural innovation, research, and technological advancement.

The pro-chancellor thanked President Tinubu for the appointment and assured him that the council’s work would align with the administration’s vision to strengthen Nigeria’s education system.

September 12, 2025
Fed Govt inaugurates governing councils of four varsities

The federal government on Thursday inaugurated the governing councils and principal officers of four newly established federal universities.

While inaugurating the councils on Thursday, Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, reaffirmed the commitment of the government to expand access to quality higher education.

The universities include: Federal University of Agriculture and Technology, Okeho, Oyo State, and Federal University of Health Sciences and Technology, Tsafe, Zamfara State.

Others are Yusuf Maitama Sule Federal University of Education, Kano, and Federal University of Education, Zaria, Kaduna State.

Alausa described the establishment of the universities as a strategic intervention by the administration of President Bola Tinubu.

He said the move was aimed at addressing pressing national challenges such as food security, public health, climate change, renewable energy, and technological innovation.

The minister said, “This is not just an expansion of Nigeria’s tertiary education landscape.

“It is a deliberate, strategic response to the urgent and interconnected challenges confronting our nation and the world.”

He noted the deliberate siting of the universities in Okeho, Oyo state was chosen for its vast agricultural potential.

Alausa added, “Tsafe (Zamfara State), in the North-West, lies in a region with abundant natural and human resources but in need of strengthened health and educational infrastructure to unlock its full potential.”

The minister urged the newly inaugurated councils and principal officers to provide visionary leadership, uphold merit and accountability, and protect university autonomy.

Alausa charged vice-chancellors to lay strong institutional foundations that would define their universities’ identities and excellence for generations to come.

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He reaffirmed the government’s commitment, in partnership with the tertiary education trust fund (TETFund) and development agencies, to provide infrastructure, support research, and strengthen institutional capacity through reforms in quality assurance, autonomy, and performance-based funding.

“We want universities that are not just established but empowered to lead,” he said.

He called on staff, students, regulators, and host communities to embrace a shared vision of excellence and work together to build institutions that reflected national pride.

Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of the Federal University of Agriculture and Technology, Okeho, Oyo State, Sen. Yakubu Oseni pledged to work with all stakeholders to transform the institution.

He said the goal was to make it a hub for agricultural innovation, research, and technological advancement.

He thanked President Tinubu for the appointment and assured that the Council’s work would align with the administration’s vision to strengthen Nigeria’s education system.

September 11, 2025
FUOYE lecturers begin indefinite strike over unpaid salaries

Lecturers at the Federal University, Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE), under the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), have embarked on an indefinite strike over the non-payment of salaries.

The industrial action was announced in a letter dated September 11, 2025, co-signed by ASUU-FUOYE Chairperson, Comrade O. A. Fagbuagun, and Financial Secretary, Comrade Ngwu Benitho, and addressed to the Acting Vice-Chancellor.

The union said the move complied with a directive from ASUU’s National Executive Council (NEC), which mandates branches to down tools if salaries are not paid by the third day of each month.

Describing the strike as “total, indefinite, and comprehensive,” ASUU-FUOYE vowed it would continue until all outstanding salaries are cleared.

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The union also urged the university management to understand that the action was not a local decision but a national directive aimed at ensuring prompt salary payments across Nigerian universities.

The letter reads in part, “This is to notify FYOYE Administration that the National Executive Council of ASUU has directed that in any case, where Academic Staff salary is not paid by the 3rd of every month, the affected Branch of ASUU should proceed on strike until the salary is paid.

“As a consequence of the above, we are using this medium to inform the Administration that ASUU-FUOYE Branch has proceeded on strike until our salary is paid. This strike is total, indefinite, and comprehensive”, it added.

September 11, 2025
FUTA partners Learnpally to launch digital education programmes

The Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA) in Ondo State has entered into a strategic partnership with Learnpally Education, a digital transformation company for tertiary institutions.

The development is part of a strategy to boost access to global digital learning opportunities in Nigeria and Africa as a whole.

FUTA’s Vice Chancellor, Prof. Adenike Oladiji, who disclosed this on Wednesday in Akure, stated that the initiative aligns with the university’s vision of expanding technology-driven education.

Oladiji said the collaboration, sealed through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), would see FUTA roll out two pilot short certificate programmes on the Learnpally platform – Data Analysis with Excel and a Professional Certificate in Cybersecurity, Framework, and Governance.

According to her, the cybersecurity programme is structured into three modules covering fundamentals and risk management, frameworks and implementation, and governance, ethics, and compliance.

She said both courses would be certified by FUTA and open to learners across Africa and beyond, with discounts of up to 70 percent for FUTA students and alumni.

“At FUTA, we are dedicated to shaping Africa’s future through technology-driven education. Partnering with Learnpally allows us to extend our knowledge base to a global audience while empowering students and professionals with industry-relevant skills,” she said.

Remarking, Learnpally’s co-founder and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Aboluwarin Olaoluwa David, said the organisation, through its education arm, works with universities to digitise courses for a pan-African and international audience.

He described the MoU as a milestone in Africa’s digital education landscape, noting that it provides postgraduate student financing in Europe and North America through Learnpally Finance, alongside digital workplace tools for faculties and students.

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“So, our mission is to make leading universities in emerging markets globally competitive in the digital age,” he said.

According to him, “This MoU with FUTA is a milestone in that journey, demonstrating how long-standing institutions can export knowledge while preparing young people with skills that match the demands of the future workplace.

“The revenue-sharing agreement ensures FUTA and its faculty earn from the programmes, while Learnpally provides the technology, marketing, and certification framework.”

The partnership is part of a broader vision to make courses from top African universities globally accessible while positioning Nigeria as a key player in the international digital education space.

September 11, 2025
NABTEB releases results of NBC/NTC exams

The Registrar/Chief Executive Officer, National Business and Technical Examinations Board (NABTEB), Dr Mohammed Aminu Mohammed, has announced the release of the results of this year’s in-school National Business Certificate/National Technical Certificate (NBC/NTC) examinations conducted in June/July by the board.

The registrar said the outcome showed an improvement in performance of the candidates during the exams and a 37 per cent increase in the 2025 enrollment figures compared to 2024.

Giving a breakdown of the result at a press conference on Thursday in Abuja, the NABTEB chief said that about 80,000 of over 92,000 candidates that enrolled for the examination had credits in English and Mathematics.

The breakdown, he said, showed that candidates enrolled for 16 Engineering Trades, seven Construction Trades, nine Miscellaneous Trades, four Business Trades, and 16 General Education Subjects.

Mohammed said that 61,104 candidates representing 68.18 per cent of the candidates that sat for the NBC and NTC examinations had five credits and above, including English Language and Mathematics.

According to the NABTEB chief, the 2025 performance surpassed that of the June/July 2024 NBC/NTC examinations results, where 44,000 candidates representing 65.34% scored five credits and above including English Language and Mathematics, and 62,235 candidates, representing 92.42% obtained five credits and above with or without English Language and Mathematics.

He said that out of the total number of candidates graded for the examinations,

57,651, representing 62.07 per cent were males while 35,224, representing 37.93 per cent were females.

He said that the Board also achieved an increase in the number of candidates that enrolled for the examinations this year and number of centres used for the conduct of the exams compared to the enrollment figures and number of centres used last year.

The NABTEB registrar added that there was a significant decrease in the number of cases of examination malpractices in 2025 compared to the immediate past year.

Mohammed said: “The NABTEB examinations were conducted nationwide from Monday, 16th June to Thursday, 17th July 2025.

“A total of 92,875 candidates registered for the examinations in 1,892 centres as against 67,751 in 1,708 centers in 2024, which represents a 37.08% and 10.77% increase in enrollment and number of centres respectively.

“Analyses of the enrollment indicate that candidates enrolled for 16 Engineering Trades, 7 Construction Trades, 9 Miscellaneous Trades, 4 Business Trades, and 16 General Education Subjects.

“A total of 89,621 candidates were graded for the examinations, which represents 96.50% of the total enrolment.

“Furthermore, 57,651 (62.07%) males and 35,224 (37.93%) females enrolled for the examinations.

“In English language, 85,476 were graded with an overall pass of 79,575 (93.10%) and 5,901 (6.90%) fail. However, in comparison with the 2024 results, 63,866 (95.87%) pass and 2,753 (4.13%) fail.

“In Mathematics, 85,805 were graded, the overall pass is 81,172 (94.60%), and the fail is 4,633 (5.40%), but in comparison to 2024 results, 60,849 (91.39%) pass and 5,738 (8.61%) fail.”

The NABTEB chief added, “This infers that more candidates passed Mathematics while fewer candidates passed English Language this year when compared to last year’s examination results.

“The analyses further revealed that 61,104 candidates representing 68.18% of the candidates that sat for the NBC/NTC examinations scored five credits and above including English Language and Mathematics.

“A total of 74,633 candidates obtained 5 credits and above with or without English Language and Mathematics, which represents 83.28% of the candidates who sat for the same examinations.

“Comparatively, this performance is better when compared to the previous year’s June/July 2024 NBC/NTC examinations results, where 44,000 candidates representing 65.34% scored five credits and above including English Language and Mathematics, and 62,235 candidates, representing 92.42% obtained five credits and above with or without English Language and Mathematics.

“It was observed that 435 (0.47%) candidates out of the 92,875 who enrolled were involved in 516 incidences of examination malpractices, as against the 2024 record of 349 (0.52%) candidates’ involvement in 524 incidences.

“This is a decrease in the incidence of examination malpractices as recorded in this year 2025 June/July NBC/NTC examinations.”

The NABTEB boss noted in today’s 21st-century world, driven by innovation and knowledge economy, the need for comprehensive Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) which exposes candidates to needed technical and vocational skills was highly crucial.

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He also disclosed that the NABTEB has commenced registration of candidates for the 2025 November/December NBC/NTC and ANBC/ANTC examinations.

He said, “Prospective candidates can access the NABTEB portal

@novdec.nabteb.gov.ng or visit any State or Zonal Office to obtain guidelines for registration.”

He thanked the Ministers of Education for their “unwavering support, especially in the launch of the new TVET initiatives on Friday, 30th May 2025, which has given TVET the needed boost to translate Mr. President’s Renewed Hope Agenda in empowering Nigerian youths with 21st-century skills necessary for closing the skills gap in our industries.”

He also lauded his colleagues from the Federal Ministry of Education, NABTEB management, and staff for their roles in achieving the milestone of releasing the results in record time.

September 11, 2025
Foundation ends 2025 summer lessons, awards scholarships in Kwara

The Prof. Adaramaja Education Foundation has concluded its 2025 Summer Lessons programme at L.G.E.A. Primary School, Otte Oja, Asa Local Government Area of Kwara State.

The initiative, spearheaded by the Executive Chairman of the Kwara State Universal Basic Education Board (KWSUBEB), Prof. Shehu Raheem Adaramaja, brought together pupils across different levels of basic education for academic engagement during the long vacation.

At the closing ceremony, scholarships were awarded to the best-performing pupils in each class category. The Foundation also paid the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) and Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) fees for outstanding students identified in this year’s edition of the programme.

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The scheme is the 5th edition, and is part of Prof. Adaramaja’s ongoing efforts to promote access to quality education and to support parents in meeting the educational needs of their children.

Prof. Adaramaja, widely regarded for his contributions to the development of basic education in Kwara State, has over the years championed several interventions, including school rehabilitation, teacher training, and scholarship support for indigent pupils.

Community leaders, parents and beneficiaries present at the event commended the Foundation for sustaining the annual summer lessons and for providing direct incentives to encourage academic excellence.

The occasion also offered an opportunity for commendation of the broader leadership in the state. Speakers at the event did not fail to appreciate the enabling environment provided by Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, whom they hailed as a leader who empowers his lieutenants to deliver. Prof. Adaramaja, they observed, is a reflection of the Governor’s vision for a knowledge-driven, inclusive Kwara.

In a society where many children risk being left behind due to economic challenges, the Prof. Adaramaja Education Foundation stands as a reminder that targeted, community-driven interventions can change destinies. Year after year, it demonstrates that education is not merely a classroom experience, but a shared responsibility — one that requires the combined will of government, leaders, and communities.

As the sun set on the 2025 edition of the Summer Lessons, one message rang clear from Otte-Oja: education remains the surest path to empowerment, and when leaders rise to the occasion, communities flourish.

September 11, 2025