The Nation Newspaper

Category: Education

  • LASUSTECH Mass Comm head named among Nigeria’s top 500 scholars

    LASUSTECH Mass Comm head named among Nigeria’s top 500 scholars

    Head of the Department of Mass Communication at Lagos State University of Science and Technology (LASUSTECH), Dr Prosper Zannu, has been recognised among the top 500 communication scholars in Nigeria by Elsevier Scopus SciVal.

    The annual listing, released by Elsevier Scopus SciVal, is based on metrics from the Scopus dataset and highlights the research output of academics.

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    The platform also contributes to university rankings used globally, including in the Times Higher Education index.

    Vice Chancellor of LASUSTECH, Prof. Olumuyiwa Odusanya, congratulated Dr Zannu on the recognition.

    He described the achievement as proof of his profound scholarship and commitment to research that adds value.

    “This remarkable feat is a testament to Dr Zannu’s dedication, and it reflects the University’s sustained efforts to support its faculty in producing solution-driven research outcomes and publications,” Professor Odusanya said.

    Reacting to the recognition, Dr Zannu expressed delight, noting that the achievement was a product of consistent dedication to rigorous academic research.

    “I am not taking this listing for granted, but as a strong motivation to spur me into more productive academic research output.”

  • Edutech brand launches unified school management platform for African educational institutions

    Edutech brand launches unified school management platform for African educational institutions

    ExcelMind, a Nigerian education technology company known for building Africa-focused digital solutions, has launched a unified school management platform to streamline operations for schools across the continent.

    According to an official statement by the management, the platform was built to tackle payment delays, weak communication, and connectivity issues by integrating admissions, fee management, assessments, and parent engagement into one solution.

    “School technology should be simple, safe, and measurable. If it doesn’t cut errors, cut time, or cut losses, it doesn’t belong in your operational strategy,” said Tolulope Michael, Chief Visionary Officer and founding executive of ExcelMind.

    Further mentioned in the statement, the platform’s effectiveness is already being demonstrated through Heritage Academy, a Lagos-based school with 450 students.

    After adopting ExcelMind, the school reduced its fee reconciliation time from six to eight weeks to just two to three days, cut teacher administrative hours by 60 percent, and achieved a 45 percent open rate for parent messages.

    Read Also: UBEC to host Edutech conference to revitalise education system

    Platform-wide data also shows that digital billing has reduced reconciliation errors by 50 to 60 percent, while automated attendance and results processing save teachers three to five hours weekly.

    With an Africa-first design approach, the platform enables schools to work effectively despite connectivity challenges.

     Its offline-first architecture allows teachers to record attendance and grades locally, syncing automatically when internet access returns.

    During outages, parents continue to receive SMS updates, ensuring consistent communication.

    To meet the needs of schools across different regions, ExcelMind offers three deployment models: full online functionality for urban schools, a hybrid model with weekly synchronization for peri-urban schools, and offline-first tools with periodic bulk syncing for rural institutions.

    Security measures include role-based access controls, multi-factor authentication, end-to-end encryption, and NDPR compliance, with complete data ownership through EMIS-compatible exports.

    The company emphasizes in the statement that its platform is designed to help schools cut operational inefficiencies rather than just digitize traditional systems.

    This focus, according to the leadership, reflects a deep understanding of the realities African educators face, where intermittent power and poor connectivity are still major barriers.

    ExcelMind’s approach demonstrates a strategic focus on accessibility, ensuring schools in rural and peri-urban areas are not excluded from technology-driven solutions.

    Founded in 2023 under Thelix Holdings, ExcelMind currently serves schools across Lagos and Ibadan, with plans for nationwide expansion.

    The company showcased its solutions at the Oyo State School Leaders Summit in August 2025, positioning the platform as a full school operating system that manages everything from student enrollment to graduation through a single interface designed for African schools.

    As ExcelMind expands its reach, it continues to focus on delivering practical, measurable solutions that address the unique challenges of African educational institutions.

  • Study Now launches ‘Study Now Xperience’ to connect African students with global universities

    Study Now launches ‘Study Now Xperience’ to connect African students with global universities

    Study Now, one of Africa’s fastest-growing international student recruitment agencies, has officially unveiled the Study Now Xperience—a multi-city series of international education expos and fairs aimed at connecting students in West and East Africa with top universities across the UK and other major study destinations.

    The announcement was made in a statement dated Friday, September 5, and signed by Yewande Ajadi, the organisation’s Head of Operations.

    “Don’t just scroll the world, study there,” Ajadi remarked, highlighting the core message of the initiative.

    Set to run between September and October 2025, the Study Now Xperience will be held in Port Harcourt, Abuja, Lagos, Accra, and Nairobi.

    These events will offer aspiring students and their families the opportunity to: Meet directly with international university representatives; explore study options tailored to their goals; receive expert advice on applications, student visas, and funding opportunities.

    Ajadi noted the increasing trend of African students pursuing higher education abroad, which she said is contributing significantly to national development upon their return.

    “Over the past decade, Africa has seen a surge in students studying overseas. Their globally focused education is creating real value across sectors when they return home,” she added.

    The Study Now Xperience is positioned as more than just an education fair—it’s a bridge to global opportunities and a catalyst for transforming the future of young Africans through quality international education.

    “UNESCO said that the number of internationally mobile students has nearly tripled, to 6.9 million in 2023, with Nigeria consistently ranking among the top five contributors to UK enrolments.

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    “While opportunities have increased, so have the challenges, from navigating complex admission requirements to avoiding fraudulent processes and being ahead of accurate information. The Study Now Xperience is designed to address these issues by bringing genuine university representatives and British Council-trained advisors directly to students.”

    The Head of Operations added that instead of spending months searching online and watching short YouTube videos to inquire about studying abroad, attendees can meet real university admissions officers, have their questions answered on the spot, and even start their application process at the event.

    Attendees, she said, are encouraged to bring their academic documents for on-the-spot eligibility checks, ensuring they leave with clear, actionable next steps.

    “One of the defining features of The Study Now Xperience is its emphasis on preparing students not just to study abroad, but to thrive abroad.

    “The expos and fairs will cover practical topics including CAS and pre-CAS interviews, visa applications, budgeting as an international student, and career planning after graduation.

    “With tuition fees rising globally, funding is often the biggest barrier for students. During the events, participating universities will share insights on their tuition discounts and flexible tuition instalment plans for attendees.

    “In past editions of the Study Now events, hundreds of students have walked away with conditional offers and opportunities they may never have found otherwise,” she said.

    It was said further in the statement that “the study abroad sector has seen cases of exploitation by unlicensed agents, with too many students falling into the trap of incomplete or misleading information.”

    She said, “Study Now addresses this concern head-on by ensuring that all participating institutions are genuine and that all advice given is in line with the UK’s official immigration and admission guidelines. With their reputation for integrity, when students and parents attend the events, they can be confident they’re getting the right information from the right people.

    “Study Now encourages parents and guardians to attend alongside their children. Special sessions will address common concerns such as safety, cost management, and the long-term value of an international degree.

    “With the Study Now Xperience spanning five major cities, it is expected to welcome thousands of attendees and facilitate hundreds of successful university applications.”

  • Alumni give back to school, reward pupils with scholarships, cash

    Alumni give back to school, reward pupils with scholarships, cash

    Baptist Academy Old Boys Association (BAOSA) has rewarded outstanding pupils with scholarships and cash prizes.

    It held its 2025 Valedictory Service, Crossing Over, Speech and Awards/ Prize giving ceremony in Obanikoro, Lagos, with the   theme: “A beam of hope: Inspiring excellence, creating change.”

    Speaking at a reception to honour the outgone Class of 2025, BAOSA President, Olumide Ajomale, stressed need for pupils to remember their roots and imbibe the culture of giving back.

    He noted that the alumni body has been a strategic partner of the school, adding in the last 15 years, it has supported the school in many ways.

    “Today, old students, classes, and all students who have shown interest, there are 39 prizes that will be given out, courtesy of BAOSA.

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    We are celebrating accomplishments. Today, we are acknowledging our folk who we are  releasing into the world.

    “Whatever you have gone through in these few years that you’ve been here, six years, is the foundation for what you will be later on in life.

     “It may not make much sense when you walk out in another three, five, 10 years, the memories, the learnings, the reflections will matter more in your journey in life and as you grow up through the ladder and become successful, it is my plea that you should look back and remember Baptist  Academy.

    There’s nothing as joyful as pointing back to your roots and say, I am happy to give.

    Guest speaker, Tope Adebayo, urged the pupils to set goals and work towards them, stressing excellence is not just academics, but striving for greatness in every aspect.

    “There is a need for you to see a beam of hope, inspiring excellence, creating change, I want you to know you are future leaders, you are innovators, change makers…’’

    Principal, Deacon Gbenga Abodunrin, praised the pupils for their resilience, discipline and outstanding results in the Senior School Certificate Examination, among others.

    He urged the Class of 2025 to go forth with integrity, faith, and  discipline, stressing they should avoid influences that can derail their dreams.

  • School clinches 31 honours at Cambridge Learner awards

    School clinches 31 honours at Cambridge Learner awards

    By Christiana Ohimai

    Lifeforte International High School has won 31 awards at Cambridge Outstanding Learner Awards Night.

    Organised by British Council, the awards celebrates academic excellence, perseverance, and achievement among Cambridge pupils in Nigeria.

    British Council, UK’s international organisation for cultural relations and educational opportunities, hosts the event to highlight achievements of pupils in Cambridge Assessment International Education programmes and encourage a culture of academic excellence.

    The ceremony, at Civic Centre on Victoria Island, Lagos, recognise pupils who, not only excelled academically, but also demonstrate consistency, resilience, and drive.

    Momoreoluwa Afolabi, from Lifeforte, was the highest recipient with nine individual honours: Top in the World in Economics, and Best Across Eight Subjects – first place in Nigeria.

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    Others include Top in Nigeria in Biology and English Language, High Achievement in Business Studies, Sociology, Literature in English, Accounting, and Economics.

    Momoreoluwa lauded her teachers, parents, and God. “This recognition means so much. It’s not just the awards, but the journey, discipline, and support that made it possible,” she said.

    Other outstanding Lifeforte pupils include Israel Sule, Daniel Taiwo, Oluwaseyi Iwayemi, Nathaniel Aibangbee, and Oluwatamilore Oyekan.

    Also recognised are Divine Adeniyi, Temitayo Olukoya, Joel Taiwo, Harmony Kama, Okehoghene Udezi, and Akindayomi Akinola.

    Lifeforte’s performance is a testament to its dedication to academic excellence and building resilient, well-rounded minds. It is a globally recognised Christian school raising future leaders through academics, moral instruction, and development.

  • Education is free in Edo, govt tells parents, warns against keeping children out of school

    Education is free in Edo, govt tells parents, warns against keeping children out of school

    The Edo State government has urged parents and guardians to take advantage of its free education policy by enrolling their children and wards in public schools as the new academic session begins next week.

    Reiterating its resolve to enforce penalties for children kept out of school, the government said its Back To School Campaign is aimed at reducing the number of out-of-school children across the state.

    Speaking during a roadshow sensitisation exercise in Benin City, the Executive Chairman of the Edo State Senior Secondary School Education Board (SSEB), Dr. Maureen Ekhorangbon, reminded residents that education in the state remains free.

    She called on parents to ensure their children are properly educated, stressing that the government has removed all financial barriers to access quality education.

    According to her, the sensitisation campaign was designed to prepare parents and students ahead of school resumption on Monday, September 8, 2025.

    Dr. Ekhorangbon also revealed that several parents had indicated interest in transferring their children from private to public schools, a development she described as a vote of confidence in the state’s education policies.

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    According to her, “Early resumption in a new academic session gives room for improved grades, development of strong work ethic, and set goals for learning and achievements in specific subjects. 

    “Teachers are ready to engage students in activities that will foster positive school environment and grant access to quality education, thereby strengthening the education system.

    “If any child in Edo is seen hacking during school hours, the parents will be arrested and disciplinary action will be taken on them.

    “All we are doing is in line with the governor of the State who is prioritizing education and is revamping School in Edo State.

    “I want to use this opportunity to thank all education ecosystem and other stakeholders that collaborated with SSEB in the clean and shine initiative. Most of them joined as part of their corporate social responsibility, and its quite commendable.”

  • Prevail on FG, state govts to honour agreements, ASUU urges stakeholders

    Prevail on FG, state govts to honour agreements, ASUU urges stakeholders

    The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Benin Zone, has called on all well-meaning Nigerian students, parents, civil society organizations, the press, the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), statesmen, captains of industry, and other stakeholders to prevail on the federal and various state governments in our country to honour their agreements with the ASUU.

    The Coordinator, Benin Zone of ASUU, Prof. Monday Lewis Igbefen, said the call became imperative in order to prevent the nation’s education sector from sliding further into an undesirable level of decay and dysfunction.

    Prof. Igbefen also warned of an imminent crisis if the federal and state governments failed to implement the 2009 with the union.

    The Zonal Coordinator made the call during a recent press conference held at Dennis Osadebay University, Asaba, Delta State.

    Speaking on the theme of the conference, titled, ‘Averting Looming Crisis in Nigerian Universities,” Prof. Igbefen urged the federal government and its agents to avoid crippling academic activities in the nation’s universities.

    He noted that since the suspension of the last strike in October 2022, the federal government had yet to make good its promises to actualize the review of dismal conditions of service.

    Prof. Igbefen said, “The Federal Government and its agents are inexplicably determined to cripple academic activities in the nation’s universities.

    “Since the suspension of our last strike in October 2022, the federal government is yet to make good its promise to actualize the review of our dismal conditions of service.

    “The government has yet to sign the draft renegotiated 2009 FGN/ASUU Agreement, which our union views as a significant milestone in the resolution of the issues at hand.

    “The satisfactory and conclusive renegotiation of the agreement and its successful implementation is the only desirable solution to the worsening living and working conditions of staff, the pandemic problem of underfunding, and other challenges of university governance in Nigeria.

    “The federal government is unwilling to pay up years of arrears of promotion entitlements, still pays lip service to the duty of adequately funding education, and continues to be reluctant to release our withheld three and a half months salaries and third-party deductions.

    “It is unimaginable that, in the face of the daily exponential increases in the cost of basic services and goods in Nigeria, university lecturers have been abandoned to grapple with the harsh realities of an abysmally poor salary structure they have had to endure for sixteen (16) agonising years”. 

    He said the result of the development had been a steady erosion of the humanity and integrity of university lecturers and a corresponding flight by a good number of them to other better organised economies.

    Prof. Igbefen further said, “Whereas it is a known fact that no nation can develop beyond the quality of its education, it is worrisome that the federal government will continue to treat the education of its citizenry with levity.

    “For clarity and the avoidance of doubt, the contending issues in this current agitation are as follows: the re-negotiation of the 2009 FGN/ASUU agreement; sustainable funding of our universities; revitalization of universities; victimization of our colleagues in LASU, KSU (now Prince Abubakar Audu University), and FUTO; outstanding 25/35% salary arrears.

    Read Also: Path to ending ASUU strikes

    “Others include promotion arrears of over four years; withheld three and a half months salaries and other outstanding salaries of staff; withheld third party deductions, ASUU dues, and members’ welfare savings.

    “Our Union is deeply concerned that despite her best patriotic efforts and patience, the agents of the Federal and State Governments have deliberately reneged on all the promises they made to our union, and our members are appalled by this refusal of the Federal Government to deal with the issues that affect their welfare.

    “We are resolved that we will not continue to tolerate this insensitivity of governments at both the state and federal levels and we are convinced that now is the time to get them, once and for all, to comprehensively address all the matters related to the welfare of our members and the continued existence of affordable university education in Nigeria.”

    He equally said the union was determined to take necessary steps to press home those demands, stressing that the government’s failure to address their demands was no doubt a direct invitation to crisis.

    “Nigerians should be aware that this is a critical moment in the history of university education in the country, as it is currently on the precipice,” Prof. Igbefen stated.

  • UI Muslim Alumni’s mentorship programme graduates pioneer cohort

    UI Muslim Alumni’s mentorship programme graduates pioneer cohort

    The Forerunner Welfare Foundation (FWF), a group of University of Ibadan Muslim Alumni, has graduated 57 young trainees of its mentorship programme Next Gen-Ideate.

    The graduation ceremony, held at Professor Musa Abdul Civic Centre, University of Ibadan Central Mosque premises, was attended by members of the foundation from far and near, professionals, and scholars from different fields.    

    In his address, Chief Moderator of Forerunners Welfare Foundation (FWF), Engr. Tunde Ganiyu Husein explained that the NextGen-Ideate, NGI, was aimed at bringing young people together and mentoring them on how to survive and excel in the society.

    He encouraged the mentees to actively apply and utilise the knowledge and skills they have learned, as the practical application was crucial for their professional development.

    Earlier in his welcome address, Board of Trustees Chairman of the Forerunners Welfare Foundation, Mr Ibrahim Hammed, said the mentor-mentee relationship precludes a one-off affair, saying it is something to be nurtured to the point that today’s mentees become tomorrow’s mentors.

    He maintained that NGI has the potential to be the desired catalyst to bridge the gap and empower the young ones to contribute meaningfully to national development.

    Mr Ibrahim, whose address was presented by Professor Tawfik Yekinni of the Department of Agricultural Extension, University of Ibadan, noted that: 

    “Mentor-mentee relationship precludes a one-off affair. It is something we will nurture to the point that today’s mentees become tomorrow’s mentors. This is one of the ways to make the project sustainable. 

    “Young ones graduate and get trapped in the brutal labour market with no one to guide them. Their parents wail in frustration. The trapped graduates become restless and angry. Many lose hope. They erroneously think the only option is to “japa” to destinations they perceive to be saner climes. If only they know the grass isn’t as green as it’s perceived to be on the other side.” 

    The Coordinator, Next Gen-Ideate (NGI) Programme Director, Dr Tunji Owoseni, said the scheme was aimed at cultivating a dynamic community of Muslims, where finalist students of higher institutions of learning, fresh graduates, and early career professionals could come together to learn, grow, and create their future and sustainable paths.

    In his keynote address, the CEO, Vanguard Pharmacy, Pharm. Taofik Odukoya, and the Group Head, Retail & SME (South-West), Lotus Bank, Alhaji Saheed Amoo emphasised that career development provides a clearer roadmap to success.

    Odukoya and Amoo explained that mentorship is a great asset to success in life but comes with discipline and perseverance. 

    Pharm Odukoya shared personal experience in growing his business noted that mentorship prevents risks but provides clear roadmap to success.

    “Mentorship is about guidance, wisdom, and support from those ahead of us. Career development is the intentional effort to grow and succeed in your chosen path. Together, they help avoid trial-and-error and give a clearer roadmap to success.”

    Alhaji Saheed Amoo, who underscored resilience and adaptability as good qualities required to succeed, advised the mentees to apply coping and learn from past mistakes. 

    “Learning from failure and setbacks to launch back and apply those lessons to new situations and foster a culture of Innovation, experimentation, continuous learning for development and growth”

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    In his remarks, the Chief Imam, University of Ibadan, Professor Abdul Rahman Oloyede, applauded the members of the FWF for the good job of giving back to their alma mater, urging them to always remember Islam in all their endeavours. 

    The FWF, which evolved from the University of Ibadan Muslim Brotherhood, UIMB, is a not-for-profit body of Muslim graduates of the University of Ibadan who pulled resources together to help the needy and mentor the younger ones. 

    In her valedictory speech, the best mentee of the year, Miss Alimot Otun, expressed gratitude to the foundation, the mentors, and facilitators, adding that the NGI programme had reshaped the minds of the mentees and had ignited an enduring passion to pursue their vision with focus.

    Present at the event were the University of Ibadan Centre for Entrepreneurship, Prof Sherifat Aboaba, Professor Morufat Balogun of the Department of Crop Protection and Environmental Biology, and Dr Abimbola Abdur-Rahmān Lekki and Ass. Director, Lagos State Internal Revenue Service, the Lead Manager, USAID West Africa Trade and Investment Hub, Mrs Ganiat Tijani, as well as the Head, Farming Systems Research Programme at the National Horticultural Research Institute, Dr Muslihah Badmus.

    They all enjoyed the younger ones to explore opportunities at home and expressed their continued support for the NGI in training the Muslim youth to be useful for the society.

  • Why Nigerians must support Tinubu’s education reform – Agoro

    Why Nigerians must support Tinubu’s education reform – Agoro

    The Managing Director, Protogy Global Services Limited, and founder, Ademola Isaac Agoro Engineering Empowerment, Engr. Ademola Agoro, has asked Nigerians to support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s education reform across the nation.

    Agoro stated that education remains the bedrock of all forms of development in any nation, asking Nigerians to pay more priority to improved standard of education across the country.

    Speaking at the foundation laying ceremony for Joshua Agoro College, Erinmo Ijesha, Agoro noted that education is not the sole responsibility of government, but joint collaboration between stakeholders and government.

    He said his foundation will build and commission a standard world-class College, at Erinmo Next Year to support effort of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu towards upliftment of education in Nigeria.

    According to him, siting of the College at Erinmo Ijesha was to ensure speedy development and growth and assist children in the area to attain their full potential.

    He added that the school, which is sitting on a 3.1 acres of land at Erinmo will be properly guided and nurtured to be one of the best in Nigeria with modern day facilities and technological equipments so as to update technogical skills of the students.

    The 2027 House of Reps aspirant said that even though the school will be 100 percent free for the students, quality and high standard of the school will never be compromised. 

    He assured the students not to be perturbed or bothered about their current locality or background, adding that they can always attain their full potential if they are committed and work towards it.

    Osun Commissioner for Education, Dipo Eluwole, thanked Agoro for the passion and love for his people.

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    He assured that Osun state will also partner and support the college in order to meet the expectations of his students and the people of the people.

    The Elerinmo of Erinmo eulogised the commitment and dedication of Agoro, describing him as the pride of Erinmo Ijesha and Osun state as a whole. 

    He said the town will support construction of the college with assurance that the work will continue without obstruction, while effective supervision and monitoring will also be put in place.

    A former member of the House of Representatives, High Chief Nathaniel Agunbiade, expressed joy for the gesture of the aspirant, saying it will bring development to the town.

  • Lagos wins Southwest LGNA public primary schools debate

    Lagos wins Southwest LGNA public primary schools debate

    Lagos State has emerged the winner of Southwest LGNA Public Primary Schools Debate Competition.

    The competition, which was held at Fish Farm, Ogudu, Lagos, brought together debate teams from Ogun, Oyo, Ekiti and Lagos states.

    The pupils debated on the topic: Unregulated social media access can cause more harm than good to the society.

    At the end of the competition, winners of the event, were awarded two million naira.

    READ ALSO: Tinubu seeks NASS backing to fast-track State Police

    According to the Chief Executive Officer of LGNA International, Mr. Tunde Jakande, the pupils participation in the event, would help to enhance their critical thinking and problem-solving skills, foster public speaking confidence, encourage teamwork, and showcase hidden talents.

    Jakande said his involvement in the project had revealed the exceptional prowess of students in public schools. 

    “These kids are the future. Since I got involved in this project, I realise that we have exceptional students in public schools. We try to motivate them and try to place them at the same level with their colleagues in private schools.

    “My involvement in this project is one of my proudest achievements. It costs money but I’m fulfilled. I’m doing it because I’m passionate about it. I also thank our partners too. I am very glad I did this,” Jakande said.

    The Deputy National President, Forum of Heads of Administration of Local Governments in Nigeria, Dr. Olujobi Adegbola, noted that such competition is a testament that teachers’ performance in primary schools can be sustained.

    Speaking on the debate topic, Adegbola stressed that there should be moderation on the use of social media to maintain a sane society.

    Executive Chairman, Ekiti State Universal Basic Education Board, Ado-Ekiti, Prof. Femi Akinwumi, said: “We value everything in education. It’s a way of developing the intellect of our children. I appreciate the organser of this event. This is a wonderful programme. I want this type of programme to continue and for the government to support it.”