The Nation Newspaper

Category: Education

  • Reviving skills acquisition through fresh initiative

    Reviving skills acquisition through fresh initiative

    The new Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) initiative of the Federal Ministry of Education, as part of administration of President Bola Tinubu’s reforms, is to give opportunities to young people to learn skills that can help them meet the demands of industries as well as to secure jobs outside the borders of Nigeria. The initiative, poised to rejuvenate the technical colleges, would ensure that enrolment figures are also jerked up with incentives for youths who undertake technical training. While part of the plan is to address the  rising youth unemployment and underemployment rates, the Federal Government has been urged to find ways to make the initiative sustainable following the reduction of the monthly stipend from N45,000 to N22,500, DAMOLA KOLA-DARE reports

    THE Federal Government, perhaps, came to terms with the reality that without a robust investment in technical and vocational education, it is wishful thinking to achieve accelerated development in a fast-paced world and be ranked in the comity of advanced nations. Thus, the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led administration launched a robust scheme to revitalise technical and vocational education across the country to equip the youth with practical skills that address unemployment and enhance economic growth. It also approved a N120 billion grant to support the new Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programme.

    Why technical education

    Observers reckoned that developed countries of the world namely, China, United States of America, Germany and France, all prioritised technical and vocational training. Therefore, Nigeria is determined to follow suit.

    Speaking at the monthly dialogue organised by the Education Writers’ Association of Nigeria (EWAN), the Executive Secretary of the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), Prof. Idris Bugaje, emphasised the significance of revitalising the technical colleges.

    He stated that the 129 technical colleges (federal, state and private) as against the over 15,000 senior secondary schools in the country was decimally low, less than one percent.

    “TVET has been very poorly attended to. Now, with this initiative, there is hope that more enrolment will follow, more admissions will be offered, and more young people will opt to go to technical colleges for training. Now, the Federal Colleges, which are 38 in number, have been rebranded. In the past, they used to be Federal Science and Technical Colleges, and when you go to those colleges, you would find 90 percent of the students in science and only 10 percent take technical courses. So, the government said, ‘No, let’s reverts to what it was, let it be Federal Technical Colleges. Those who are already in the system will be allowed to graduate, but from this year, there should be no more intake of the science component, only the technical component, and the 38 colleges will all run technical programmes, examined by the National Business and Technical Examinations Board (NABTEB).

    “For every engineer on a project, you require five technicians and technologists combined on average and for every technologist; you require another five artisans and craftsmen. It is a pyramid. If you go to a building or road construction site, it is only one person who designs it, but while building, it will require about 50 people,” he said.

    He decried how the nation produces more engineers than craftsmen, and has more universities than polytechnics.

     “To add more salt to our injury, they are converting polytechnics to universities, making the system collapse. In 2017, about 600 conventional universities in China were converted to polytechnics because China knows the value of skills. The Chinese economy needs skilled hands as the pyramid is supposed to be maintained, but in Nigeria, the pyramid is upside down. So, we hope this intervention changes the narrative,” he added.

    How TVET will work

    Bugaje highlighted the various components of the initiative.

    “One component is the technical colleges that the government has rebranded into TVET 1, TVET 2 and TVET 3, equivalent to SS1, SS2 and SS3. They are going to give a stipend, free accommodation, free feeding to the students, and pay for their attachments to the industry because skills training cannot be done in classrooms and workshops alone; you must go and practice in real-life situations. So, that is one component.

     “Aside from the 38 federal colleges, we are also picking one technical college from every state. So we are going to have 36, giving a total of 74. So, these are the pilots out of the 129. We hope that by the time technical courses are rejuvenated, there will be an increase in admissions, parents will demand more and probably, states will start converting conventional secondary schools into technical colleges.

    “Technical colleges are meant to feed polytechnics; it is the absence of products of technical colleges that polytechnics are taking inputs from senior secondary schools. In the 60s and early 70s, technical colleges were really feeding the polytechnics. So now, that situation shall be recreated by God’s grace through this intervention. That is one component.

    “The second component is what is called Master 6, a six-month training to be offered in skills centres accredited by NBTE, and we have almost 800 of them that have already been accredited, and the numbers are increasing, but our target is at least 1,000 in the coming few weeks. So, those skills training centres shall be assigned as where young people will be training, and those who have uploaded their data will now be assigned to some of those training centres. Six-month training for one level of skill, one will choose their skill, and if the centre is offering that skill set, they will be assigned by the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) to go to that training centre.”

    Stipend reduced to N22,500 monthly, programme kicks of Sept

    “The period is six months. They will be paid monthly stipend; earlier it was N45,000, but now reduced to N22,500. Tuition fee would be paid up to a maximum amount that hasn’t been decided, but probably around N150,000 to N180,000 for the six months, and they will also be paid for certification. This is because in skills training, you don’t allow the institution to issue the certificate. A third party who comes from a professional body has to assess. For instance, the Nigerian Institute of Builders (NIB) will have to assess the quality of skills exhibited by those trainees. Then, they can award certificates, and then, payment for the industrial attachments will also be paid, and that is for Master’s 6.

    “We are very hopeful that the technical college component will take off in September. The Master’s 6 and 12 will take off in July, by the grace of God. The portal is not closed yet; it will probably close by early July. For an application to be successfully submitted, the applicant’s NIN and BVN must match; otherwise, it will be rejected.

    Read Also: ADC coalition a desperate alliance of failed politicians – Tinubu Media Force

    “So, this TVET is really being recreated, and we are going to see a lot of improvement in skilled labour.

    “At the moment, we import from francophone countries in West Africa. They are the ones doing the tiling, the finishing, the Plaster of Paris (POP) and a lot of other services at construction sites across Nigeria. If you go to Maiduguri, people from Chad Republic are crossing over to provide those services. TVET is better in the francophone countries than in the Anglophone countries over the years. We were at almost the same level at independence, but they are now doing much better than us. That narrative is going to change.

    “So, that is some of the things that we are going to see at the end of this exercise. We will also stop importing labour for different infrastructural projects. Look at the expansion of the railway, gas pipeline, the Dangote refinery, the onshore and offshore services in the oil and gas sector. All of them are being offered by Asians across Nigeria. No other country will allow this kind of scenario, but now the government has realised and we are now trying to correct that through this intervention. It will really give a lot of hope to the young people, and hopefully, the economy of Nigeria will improve,” he said.

    How students can access benefits

    On how students can tap into the benefits of the programme, Bugaje said: “Surely, stipends are going to be given once you start the training, and it will be paid monthly into your account; that is why your BVN is very important. So, your NIN has to match with your BVN to be sure it is you and not anybody else. That is how it is, and it’s going to be monthly. There’s going to be a thumbprint every time you go to the centre for the training; that thumbprint will be transmitted to NELFUND automatically. So, if you do not attend the required minimum number of days, for that month you may not see your stipend.

    “So, one has to be regular in attending the programmes to get the payment of those stipends. Within the coming week, all the STCs that have been accredited shall have thumbprint systems installed to help indicate the name of each student, and resumption time to the centre for training. All these will be used at the end of the day to pay the stipend.”

    Ensuring sustainability

    Bugaje stated that the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, is sourcing funds from the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFUND) for NELFUND to manage the payments.

    He described it as a temporary arrangement, stressing that the long-term solution is an Executive Bill that is being prepared to establish the National Skills Fund (NSF).

    The NBTE boss said the NSF will fund the new TVET initiative, and it will also fund all other skills development initiatives across the Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) and different sectors of the economy.

    He said this will be a sustainable way of funding the programme beyond the tenure of the present government.

    Vice Chancellor, African School of Economics (ASE), Abuja, Prof. Mahfouz Adedimeji, lauded the government for the initiative. He said he doesn’t see any problem in sustaining it, because “head or tail, Nigeria wins”.

    He said: “I commend the initiative of the Federal Government in revamping the TVET sector through the initiative. The encouragement through the monthly stipend will have a multiplier effect in reducing the army of unskilled and unemployed youth in the society.

    “I consider the reforms in technical education the right step in the right direction. The Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, is taking the bull by the horns and is walking the talk. This is commendable.

    “To sustain the initiative, structures should be put in place to institutionalise it. I have no worry about its sustainability because head or tail, Nigeria wins. But I believe the noble idea would not be allowed to be a flash in the pan but a sustained legacy of the current administration.”

    Mechanisms to ensure TVET products secure employment

    The NBTE boss noted that for those who have very good entrepreneurial skills and can draw up very good proposals, there is an arrangement with the Bank of Industry (BoI) to fund the outstanding individuals, adding that BoI has been invited to partner in this programme to fund the trainees.

    “On the employability issue, there is a plan to bring in starter packs, but because of the experience we had with it in the past, we are planning to give the starter packs at the beginning of the training so that they can use them throughout the six-months or one-year training duration and by the time they finish their training, they will be motivated to use their starter packs. Otherwise, if you give starter packs at the end of training, the learners will take and sell them to people who are ready to buy,” he added.

  • Alumni gift water facility to King’s College

    Alumni gift water facility to King’s College

    • Sanwo-Olu hails old students

    Water is often described as essential, a driver of nature and the essence of life.

    This must have informed the decision of members of the Class of 2005 from King’s College, Victoria Island, Lagos State, to donate a 10,000-litre water stanchion and a treatment plant to the school as part of activities to mark their 20th anniversary.

    Speaking at the Dinner and Award Night ceremony held at the Muson Centre, Onikan on Saturday, the Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, described the donation as a mark of leadership.

    Sanwo-Olu, who was represented by the Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Jamiu Ali-Balogun, urged the alumni to collaborate with the state government in fostering development in schools.

    Sanwo-Olu said: “I am particularly delighted by the initiatives many of you are pursuing to support your alma mater and the wider community. That is the true mark of leadership.

    “While we celebrate, let us also remember the challenges we face as a state and a nation. The journey ahead requires collaboration, innovation, and a resilient approach.

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    “As residents of Lagos State, we have the unique opportunity to contribute to its growth and development. I urge everyone to leverage our collective experiences and expertise to make a meaningful impact.”

    Reacting on the donation, the school’s principal, Zachariah Magaji, described it as proof of the brotherhood that exists among the alumni of the school.

    He urged them to continue in the spirit of brotherhood and keep supporting the school.

    “As you reminisce, may you also rekindle the unity that once bound your bright-eyed teenage selves. Let us remember the powerful words from our school song: Though of many nations, we will not forget that we are all brothers with a common debt.

    “That common debt calls us to continue giving, mentoring younger students, supporting school projects and keeping the spirit of King’s College alive in every heart you touch.

    “The donation of a stanchion which provides our annex campus with a 10,000-litre capacity of portable drinking water and treatment plant, the career talk you gave to the students and sharing a sumptuous meal with both staff and students is proof of this spirit,” Magaji said.

  • Fed Govt revives school farming with ‘grow what you eat’ initiative

    Fed Govt revives school farming with ‘grow what you eat’ initiative

    The Federal Government has launched the ‘grow what you eat’ initiative to revitalise farming in senior secondary schools across the country.

    The programme, which was flagged -off by Minister of State for Education Prof. Suwaiba Sa’idu Ahmad in Abuja, was organised by the National Senior Secondary Education Commission (NSSEC).

    Ahmed, who was represented by Deputy Director, Science and Technology Department of the ministry, Kehinde Osinaike, said that the programme is designed to promote practical agricultural education through school farming.

    She said: “Let me begin by commending National Senior Secondary Education Commission (NSSEC) for taking this bold step to align education with national priorities in food security, practical skills development and youth empowerment. I also commend the management and staff of Government Girls Secondary School, Abuja for hosting this important event.

    Read Also: ADC coalition a desperate alliance of failed politicians – Tinubu Media Force

    “The ‘Grow what you eat’ initiative is not just about farming. It is about cultivating a mindset of self – reliance, innovation, and responsibility among our young people. It is about reconnecting our students to the land and showing them that agriculture is not a punishment but a pathway to prosperity.

    “Today’s event marks the beginning of a new era, where school farming is repositioned as a tool for experimental learning, economic empowerment and sustainable development. By integrating classroom knowledge with hands-on practice, we are not only preparing our students for examination but also for life.

    Executive Director of NSSEC Dr. Iyela Ajayi said the pilot phase of the programme targets 20 senior secondary schools across the six geopolitical zones.

    He added that participating schools would be nominated by Commissioners of Education from the select state.

    Dr. Ajayi said: “‘Grow what you eat’ is not just a school project; it is a national intervention. It is a vision of transforming school farms into hubs of agricultural learning, enterprise development and community service. By engaging our students in structured agricultural activities, we aim to cultivate not just crops but also discipline, entrepreneurship, responsibility and resilience.

    “Our pilot phase targets 20 senior secondary schools across the six geopolitical zones of Nigeria. These schools, nominated by the Commissioners for Education from their respective states, will serve as a proof of concept for a national scale – up that we envision in the near future.”

  • Four varsities join forces on research for Niger-Delta’s growth

    Four varsities join forces on research for Niger-Delta’s growth

    Four tertiary institutions in the Southsouth are set for collaborative research work to enhance understanding of the developmental challenges of the Niger-Delta region.

    The quartet of participating institutions are Centre for Research and Development, Ignatius Ajuru University of Education, Rumuolumeni, Rivers state, Institute for Niger-Delta Studies, Niger-Delta University, Wilberforce Island, Amassoma, Bayelsa, Centre for Water and Sanitation, Rivers state University, Port Harcourt, Rivers state and Centre for Niger-Delta Studies, Delta state University, Abraka, Delta State.

    The institutions lamented the lack of research funds and appealed for more support from government at all levels.

    The mandates of the participating institutions include conservation of forest and marine resources, environmental pollution, flooding, erosion, conflict resolution and peace studies, and history, language and culture of the peoples of the oil rich region.

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     According to the institutions, research is fund-intensive, but urged support from government, adding that research can contribute to planning and implementation of appropriate intervention policies and strategies.

    Director, Centre for Niger-Delta Studies, Delta state University Abraka, Professor Peter Ottuh, who spoke with reporters after a strategic meeting at Niger-Delta University, Amassoma, Bayelsa, said a committee is to be set up to formulate areas of collaboration with a view to pooling resources together and presenting a common front on issues.

    Ottuh said the four universities will focus on solving Niger-Delta issues through collaborative research by organising conferences, seminars, colloquium and workshops.

  • UNILAG, Ekiti  varsity  to host  programmes  on  digital transformation, others

    UNILAG, Ekiti  varsity  to host  programmes  on  digital transformation, others

    Two leading Nigerian universities are set to host transformative educational programmes this month as part of an international initiative to bridge the skills gap in the country’s rapidly evolving economy.

    The University of Lagos (UNILAG) will host a five-day intensive programme from July 21-25, followed by Ekiti State University from July 28 to August 1.

    Both programmes, organised by Professors Without Borders in partnership with local faculty, focus on “Leadership, Innovation, and Sustainability: Empowering Digital Transformation.”

     Over 200 students and faculty members across both institutions will gain direct access to  expertise  in  social  entrepreneurship,  African  finance,  research  methodology  and artificial intelligence tools – skills increasingly critical for success in Nigeria’s modern job market.

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    “We’re not just teaching theory,” explained Dr. Bob Eckhart, Lead Professor for Nigeria Programmes  and  a  Fulbright  Scholar,  who  has  worked  across  three  continents  and  is returning to Nigeria for the fourth time.

    “Students will pitch their own social enterprises, develop policy solutions for Nigeria’s economic challenges, and master the digital tools that employers now expect.”

    The  programmes  feature  international  educators,  including  Charlie  Dove-Edwin,  an investment  banking  veteran  who  lectures  at  Richmond  University  London,  and  local talent with Dr. Bonnie Ayodele from Ekiti State University, and Oluseyi Sodiya, a Nigerian technology professional with over 20 years of experience in IT and digital transformation.

    Faculty  development  forms  a  core  component  of both programmes.

  • Society pursues accreditation for blind students’ diplomas

    Society pursues accreditation for blind students’ diplomas

    The Federal Nigeria Society for the Blind (FNSB) has begun the process of securing national accreditation for its Vocational Training Centre (VTC), with the aim of awarding officially recognised diploma certificates to its trainees.

    Chairperson of the society, Mrs. Arit Tunde Imoyo, made this known during FNSB’s 67th Annual General Meeting held at its headquarters in Oshodi, Lagos. She said the process, which started three years ago, is being pursued in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Education.

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    “We are working towards accreditation so that our graduates can receive certificates recognised by employers. The Ministry of Education has outlined key requirements, including the hiring of additional qualified instructors, and we are actively working to meet them,” Imoyo said.

    Describing the VTC as the “heartbeat” of FNSB’s operations, she reiterated the centre’s role in delivering structured rehabilitation and skill acquisition to visually impaired individuals. In 2024, the centre graduated 25 trainees, while 48 are currently enrolled in various vocational programmes, including tailoring, shoemaking and information technology.

    Imoyo also stressed the importance of aligning the centre’s curriculum with modern industry standards to equip students with practical and competitive skills, while also instilling a sense of independence and dignity.

  • How to apply for Lagos TESCOM teaching positions

    How to apply for Lagos TESCOM teaching positions

    Lagos State Teaching Service Commission has reactivated its recruitment portal as a bold step toward improving access to employment opportunities. 

    The job portal will be accessible from Tuesday, July 1 to Monday, July 14, 2025.

    In a statement on Tuesday, the Head of the Public Affairs Unit at TESCOM, Olaoye Olusegun, said the initiative aims to promote equity and fairness in the state’s teaching workforce, aligning with the state’s employment policies and digital transformation agenda.

    Interested members of the public with a Degree in Education and other requisite qualifications to visit the portal https.//tescomjobs.lagosstate.gov.ng are to submit their applications.

    The job portal is intended to provide a centralized platform where individuals can apply for State Teaching jobs at the entry level (GL08) in their relevant fields.

    The available positions for the Lagos state TESCOM recruitment include the following below:

    1. Education Officer II

    2. Higher Instructors, all at Grade Level 08.

    Requirements for Lagos State TESCOM Recruitment

    The following below are the requirements for lagos state TESCOM recruitment:

    1. Applicants must have the original certificates of their O’Level results (WAEC, NECO, or NABTEB), Nigeria Certificate in Education (NCE), and a First Degree.

    2. Applicants must have the acceptable degrees include Bachelor of Education (B.Ed/B.Sc Ed/B.A Ed) in disciplines like Arts, Sciences, Social Sciences, Technology, and Home Economics.

    3. Applicants with other valid academic qualifications are Bachelor of Arts (B.A), Bachelor of Science (B.Sc), Bachelor of Engineering (B.Eng), Bachelor of Technology (B.Tech), Higher National Diploma (HND), and Technical Teachers Certificate (TTC) are also encouraged to apply for lagos state tescom recruitment.

    4. Applicants with Post Graduate Diploma in Education (PGDE) have an added advantage.

    Read Also: Kwara TESCOM opens application portal for teaching jobs

    5. Notification or Statement of Result will not be accepted.

    6. Applicants must also have NYSC discharge, exemption, or exclusion certificates to complete the lagos state tescom recruitment process.

    Steps to Apply:

    Fill all required forms (Register or Login)

    Check for Job Openings on the portal

    Choose your Subject of Choice.

    Upload necessary documents as requested 

    Click Apply Button.

    Print Confirmation Slip.

  • Teesas summer school Ignites young minds, inspires future entrepreneurs

    Teesas summer school Ignites young minds, inspires future entrepreneurs

    Teesas Education, an impact-driven edTech company, is set to light up the summer for children aged 8 to 18 with a transformative learning experience that blends academics with creativity and innovation. 

    Running across two engaging cohorts from 21 July to 8 August and 11 to 28 August, the Teesas Summer School promises more than just an academic boost.

    Participants at the Teesas Summer School will learn foundational tech and vocational skills, including coding, generative AI, and phone and tablet repairs. 

    Creativity will also flourish through aerobics, animation and graphic design classes. Every child will undergo a pre-assessment to identify academic gaps, followed by customised tutoring and continuous computer-based testing for senior secondary school students to get them acquainted with the examination formats of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) and the West African Examinations Council (WAEC).

    Encouraging parents not to let the holidays be another wasted summer of missed opportunities, Mr Osayi Izedonmwen, Chairman and Founder of Teesas Education, said that the “Teesas Summer School is the ultimate summer school experience for children aged 8 to 18,” describing the programme as a “launchpad for tomorrow’s entrepreneurs, innovators, and changemakers.”

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    “What sets our summer school apart is a series of entrepreneurship-focused activities specially designed for teenagers. They will gain skills to develop business ideas, and the summer school will culminate in a real-world pitch to business leaders, including one who has built two billion-dollar companies, for the chance to receive startup capital,” Izedonmwen said.

    Character and leadership development skills, which have been identified as pivotal to the future of work, will also take centre stage with winning lessons from “The 7 Habits of Happy Kids” and “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens.”

    Teesas Education also distinguishes itself with a no-phone policy during classes, giving parents peace of mind that their children will remain attentive. Parents will also benefit from ongoing progress reports, reinforcing Teesas Education’s commitment to accountability and growth.The Teesas Summer School will run from 8 am to 2 pm, from Monday to Friday, at the Teesas Learning Centres in Ikeja and Lekki. 

  • Generals worthy of applause, not denigration, says Oluwatoyin

    Generals worthy of applause, not denigration, says Oluwatoyin

    The Rector, Nigeria-Korean Friendship Institute of Vocational and Advanced Technology, Dr. Toyin Oluwatoyin, has said the military generals should be applauded and encouraged to contain the complex guerilla warfare plaguing the country.

    He made the call following calls for stripping military Generals of their rank and title following their inability to quell the ravaging insurgency in record time.

    Some Nigerians on the X platform had made snide remarks against Generals of the Armed Forces, describing them as businessmen and alleging they were responsible for the lingering terrorism and insurgency.

    The denigration of the generals followed claims by a deserted Lance Corporal of the Nigerian Army who had become a social media sensation following outlandish allegations against Generals and senior officers of the army.

    Several viral videos of the soldier accused some generals, whose names and pictures he mentioned, of aiding/sponsoring terrorism, corruption, sabotage and sympathy towards criminal herders.

    These allegations have been dismissed by the Army which insisted the Lance Corporal was a coward who went AWOL, adding that he would be dealt in line with military disciplinary procedures whenever he was caught.

    Dr. Oluwatoyin while speaking to reporters in Lokoja, the Kogi State capital, urged Nigerians to give maximum support to the Armed Forces to enable them combat insurgency.

    According to him, they possessed all the credentials and training needed for the task, adding that what was needed was the people’s support and political will to enable the military to function optimally.

    Dr. Oluwatoyin condemned the wave of criticism targeted at the generals, frowning at remarks depicting Nigerian generals as people decorated without winning any battle.

    He said the perception of some Nigerians that these Generals did not deserve their ranks because they have not been able to end the insurgency was uncalled for because the war being fought was asymmetric and required all hands on deck.

    According to him, becoming a General in the Nigerian Army is not the product of mere bureaucracy or favouritism.

    “It is a journey defined by strict military codes, rigorous evaluation, field experience, professional courses, and merit-based promotions,” said the Rector.

    He added that no officer is promoted to the rank of General without meeting an array of highly disciplined standards, enforced by the Nigerian Armed Forces. The rank is earned through decades of resilience, operational command, and integrity under pressure,” he said.

    Read Also: We will defeat terrorists, says Army

    Nigerians, Oluwatoyin said, were yet to acknowledge that these generals were battle-hardened veterans who had led missions at home and abroad, such as ECOMOG peace operations in Liberia, Sierra Leone, United Nations peacekeeping missions in Sudan, Congo, Mali, and Somalia, as well as various multinational efforts across the African continent

    He explained that these engagements were full-scale military operations requiring tactical brilliance, courage and emotional endurance, which the soldiers had given account of themselves, receiving applause from across the globe.

    Continuing, Oluwatoyin remarked that asymmetric warfare was different from conventional war, adding that the enemies strike from the shadows using surprise attacks, improvised explosives and other deadly weapons, including suicide bombings.

    “Guerrilla warfare is among the most difficult to combat, especially when it is fueled by ideological extremism, porous borders, and transnational terrorism. Unlike traditional wars with defined front lines, guerrilla warfare demands constant vigilance, adaptability, and an in-depth understanding of civilian dynamics, terrain, and intelligence.

    “Nigeria’s geopolitical position compounds the challenge. Our borders stretch over thousands of kilometres, much of which remains under-patrolled due to logistical and structural limitations.

    “These vulnerable entry points have been exploited by foreign fighters, arms smugglers, and terrorists, escalating the internal security crisis

    “It is in response to this that the Chief of Defence Staff recently proposed fencing and fortifying parts of Nigeria’s borders – a strategic step toward curbing external threats and enhancing national security”, he added.

    Oluwatoyin reminded Nigerians that the country boasts of professional and capable military institutions on the continent, manned by battle-tested men and women who continue to serve under arduous conditions- political constraints, limited resources, and evolving threats to carry the burden of national stability, with dignity and resolve.

    “Let it be stated: Nigeria’s Generals are not generals by accident or convenience. They are the product of sacrifice, international exposure, military excellence, and years of operational command. Instead of casting aspersions, we must recognise and support their role in safeguarding the sovereignty and unity of our nation.

    “Nigeria’s Generals Are Not Made by Accident – They Earned Their Stars. It will not be fair to disparage these Generals in a fiat. The Nigerian military – Army, Navy, and Air Force – is among the best trained in the world.

    “Our officers are subjected to elite drills, command courses, and international combat simulations. They have not just studied war; they have lived it, from the harsh deserts of the Sahel to the dense jungles of the Congo.

    “To reduce their careers to a mere question of whether they have ‘fought a war” is to misunderstand the nature of modern warfare and to insult a generation of men and women who risk their lives for our peace.

    “We must begin to appreciate their sacrifices and not make a caricature of their service. The task before the Nigerian Armed Forces is enormous – from counter-insurgency in the North East to anti-kidnapping operations in the North West, to peacekeeping and civil-military interventions in various parts of the country. Yet they continue to serve with uncommon dedication.

    “Nigeria is safer because of them. They are not perfect – no institution is – but they are not frauds or accidental soldiers. They are professionals, tested in fire, and worthy of our respect. Let us hold them accountable, yes – but let us also honour them. They are the wall between chaos and order,” he concluded.

  • Ex ambassador, alumni, others seek more fund for education sector

    Ex ambassador, alumni, others seek more fund for education sector

    Former Ambassador to Philippines, Dr. Yemi Farounbi; chairman of the 1985 set of Oke’Badan High School, Oluyoro Oke-Offa Ibadan (OHSOSA), Alhaji Wasiu Abiola and an alumnus of the school, Chief Niyi Aborisade have demanded more budget allocation for education sector, particularly secondary education.

    They stated that secondary education is the bedrock of any nation who wants meaningful development.

    Speaking in Ibadan at the 40 years Post Graduation and Old Boys Reunion Day of the 1985 set of the school, Farounbi lamented that poor funding is one of the problems facing education sector in Nigeria.

    He stated that Nigeria needs to improve its level of funding for education across the nation so that it can have meaning impact on it citizens.

    According to him:”Poor funding is also as a result of poor policies, if we accept that education is primary and foundation of everything that we are doing in Nigeria, then, we must budget more fund for it.

    “We ought to spend 25 percent of our budget on education, but Nigeria is now spending 10 percent or less than that, and this will make us to have poor infrastructure in our schools.

    “The solution is for the government to increase level of funding to get the right infrastructure, get adequate teachers, get the books and other things, we must get education correctly.”

    Abiola said for Nigeria to get better in terms of human development, there is need to prioritise primary and secondary school education through adequate funding, adding that Nigerians must come together and ensure improvement in quality of secondary education.

    Read Also: Ibadan Poly students, alumni kick over renaming of school

    He said: “The coming together of this set 40 years after we have left the school was to see how we can support each other and complement effort of government so as to improve the status of our alma mater.

    “Old students must also join hands with government to ensure improvement in our schools. We are the first set of students that benefited from Bola Ige’s UPN free education programme in 1985 and we have now come of age, now, we want to dialogue and brainstorm on issues affecting Nigeria’s education sector particularly secondary education which is the bedrock for education for many people because we are not happy with state of our secondary schools.”

    Aborisade emphasised that secondary school is the bedrock of a nation because some students may not proceed to the University, but if they have had a good secondary education, they are better all and excel wherever they found themselves in future.