The Nation Newspaper

Category: Education

  • British Deputy High Commissioner visits Rugby School Nigeria

    British Deputy High Commissioner visits Rugby School Nigeria

    British Deputy High Commissioner to Nigeria, Mr Johnny Baxter, has led a delegation  from the British Deputy High Commission in Lagos to the construction site of Rugby School Nigeria, situated at Eko Atlantic City  

    During the visit, Baxter who was warmly received by directors of Eko Atlantic City and project managers from ITB Nigeria Limited,  expressed enthusiasm for the project’s progress and its significance in the educational landscape of Nigeria.

    Baxter, said: “It has been a real pleasure to visit the impressive site of Rugby School Nigeria here at Eko Atlantic City. This project is another outstanding example of UK-Nigeria collaboration, bringing the heritage and academic excellence of one of Britain’s leading schools to the heart of Lagos.”

    “Education is the cornerstone of a prosperous future, and initiatives like this offer choice in high-quality education, as well as empower young Nigerians with the skills, confidence, and global perspective needed to lead and innovate. “I look forward to the opening of Rugby School Nigeria this September, and to its role in positioning Nigeria as a hub for high-quality international education across West Africa.”

    Rugby School Nigeria, a sister to the esteemed Rugby School established in 1567, is set to open its doors to its inaugural cohort of Year 7 (age 11) and Year 12 (age 16, A Level) students in September 2025.

    The project, currently ahead of schedule, boasts over 1,000 construction experts on-site, with ITB Nigeria leading the development.

    When completed, the  state-of-the-art campus will offer a rigorous academic curriculum complemented by a broad range of co-curricular activities, aligning with Rugby School’s “Whole Person, Whole Point” ethos.

    Dr Adam England, Principal of Rugby School Nigeria, also shared his excitement about the visit and the school’s future.

    He said: “We were honoured to welcome Mr Baxter and the British Deputy High Commission team to our site at Eko Atlantic.”

    “This visit reaffirms the importance of the work we are doing to bring a world-class educational experience to Nigeria. We are proud to be creating a school that will empower young Nigerians to make their mark on the global stage,” England said. 

  • Land Republic backs top Nigerian students in medicine, engineering, science

    Land Republic backs top Nigerian students in medicine, engineering, science

    In a bold move to support Nigeria’s knowledge economy and stem the loss of skilled talent to foreign countries, Land Republic—an emerging leader in Africa’s real estate and infrastructure space—has launched a targeted education sponsorship program for undergraduates across Nigerian universities.

    The programme, initiated in partnership with the Funmike Empowerment Foundation, covers full tuition for select high-performing students studying Medicine, Engineering, and Sciences, particularly those at risk of dropping out due to financial constraints.

    Speaking on the initiative, Dr. Victor Adegbile, Chief Executive Officer of Land Republic, emphasized the urgency of investing in local talent:

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    “The future of Africa must be nurtured today. We are witnessing a wave of medical professionals leaving the country. Nigeria urgently needs a new generation of doctors who are committed to nation-building.”

    The company’s Chief Operating Officer, Ayodeji Ajuwon, underscored the relevance of civil engineering in tackling Nigeria’s infrastructure challenges.

    “The increase in building collapses is alarming. We believe supporting the training of ethical, well-equipped engineers is part of our responsibility to the real estate sector—and to the country.”

    Land Republic says this initiative is part of its broader vision to redefine real estate as a platform for national transformation—not just property ownership.

  • FG threatens to prosecute parents, guardian aiding exam malpractices

    FG threatens to prosecute parents, guardian aiding exam malpractices

    The federal government has vowed to prosecute parents and guardians found complicit in examination malpractices.

    This came as the government directed all schools to immediately report any threats or breaches of exam conduct to law enforcement and the relevant educational authorities.

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

    Alausa also condemned the assault on the Vice Principal of Complete Child Development College, Akure, Ondo State, by thugs allegedly hired by the parents of a student caught cheating during an exam.

    Dr. Alausa stated that any student found engaging in malpractice would be sanctioned by national examination guidelines.

    The minister reaffirmed the Ministry’s zero-tolerance stance on examination malpractice, intimidation of school personnel, and all unethical conduct by students, parents, or guardians.

    The statement reads, “The Federal Ministry of Education strongly condemns the unfortunate incident that occurred at Complete Child Development College, Aule, Akure, Ondo State, where suspected thugs, allegedly hired by the parents of a student, assaulted the Vice Principal, Mr. Rotifa, for performing his lawful duty of upholding the integrity of the ongoing West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE).”

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    Dr. Alausa commended the swift intervention of Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, and the State Police Command, which led to the arrest of the suspects, including Mrs. Dorcas Asije and four others.

    He called for thorough investigations and the prosecution of all those involved to serve as a deterrent.

    “Any parent or guardian who enables, supports, or participates in such criminal behaviour will be prosecuted. This administration will not tolerate any attempt to undermine the integrity of Nigeria’s education system,” the minister said. 

    The minister urged schools to remain vigilant and collaborate with law enforcement agencies and state education ministries to ensure safe, fair, and credible examination environments.

    “The Federal Ministry of Education stands firmly with the management and staff of Complete Child Development College, and by extension, all education stakeholders nationwide, who continue to uphold the values of discipline, accountability, and academic excellence while resisting examination malpractice,” the statement added.

  • SUBEB chair pays unscheduled visit to Nasarawa schools

    SUBEB chair pays unscheduled visit to Nasarawa schools

    The newly appointed Executive Chairman of the Nasarawa State Universal Basic Education Board (NSUBEB), Dr. Kassim Muh’d Kassim, has expressed satisfaction with the quality of teaching and learning in primary and junior secondary schools across the state.

    Dr. Kassim made the remarks during an unscheduled inspection of five primary schools and three school-based cluster training centres for teachers and headteachers.

    The visit, he said, was aimed at ensuring full compliance with NSUBEB’s teaching and operational guidelines.

    Among the schools visited were St. Williams Primary School, Lafia, Isiaka Islamiya Primary School, Lafia, CMC Trans Nursery and Primary School, Gudi in Akwanga LGA, Akwanga Central Primary School, and Islamiya Transfer Primary School in Nasarawa Eggon.

    Accompanied by board members and senior directors, the SUBEB chairman interacted with teachers and reviewed their lesson plans and notes. He sat in on ongoing classes and commended the dedication and competence of the teachers.

    “The main goal of this visit is to ensure compliance with teaching standards and to monitor the training of our teachers. That is why we are visiting these centres,” Dr. Kassim stated.

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    At the CMC Transfer Nursery and Primary School in Gudi, where a teacher training session was ongoing, the chairman was particularly impressed with one participant, Mrs. Christopher Funhazon Victoria, and rewarded her with a N20,000 cash gift for her outstanding performance.

    He also urged local communities to take ownership of schools within their areas by safeguarding infrastructure for the benefit of future generations.

    While inspecting some damaged school buildings, Dr. Kassim assured that contractors would be mobilised to carry out immediate repairs, especially on structures affected by recent rainstorms.

  • Educationist identifies innovative solution to sectoral challenges

    Educationist identifies innovative solution to sectoral challenges

    An educationist and the Chief Executive Officer/Managing Director of eTutors Nigeria Limited, Adeniyi Ajayi, has stressed the need for innovative online learning platforms to tackle challenges facing Nigeria’s education.

    These challenges include overcrowded classrooms, high transportation costs, rising insecurity and limited access to qualified tutors across the country among others.

    A statement by Ajayi maintained that traditional tutoring methods are insufficient to meet growing demands of students. 

    He said: “We are here to revolutionise how learning happens, offering a secure and affordable alternative to traditional tutoring and reshaping hi knowledge is delivered and consumed in the 21st century.”

    Emphasising the launch will mark a defining moment in the evolution of education in Nigeria, Ajayi argued that the online learning platform provides a vital solution for students who have long faced barriers to quality education as the platform integrates live, interactive learning with real-time engagement, connecting students with qualified tutors from across Nigeria and beyond.

    According to him, the platform is aimed  at addressing key challenges within Nigeria’s education system, including the alarming statistic that over 75% of students scored below 200 in the 2024 UTME.

    “Through the platform, we are not just helping students pass exams; we are fostering critical thinking and problem-solving skills that will serve them for a lifetime.”

    He maintained that the platform eliminates risks associated with physical tutoring such as, travel hazards, kidnapping, and exposure to negative influences by enabling students to learn safely from the comfort of their own homes.

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    “eTutors offers real-time tutoring for a variety of academic needs, including preparation for UTME, WAEC, and IELTS exams, reinforcing its commitment to improving educational outcomes.

    “Key features of eTutors include live interactive classes, comprehensive academic support, and a mobile app designed for low data usage.

    “Parents can track their children’s performance through session recordings and tutor feedback, ensuring transparency at every step.

    “The launch of eTutors comes as a response to the critical shortage of qualified teachers in Nigeria. Given the pressing need for quality education, eTutors offers a practical solution for students and parents alike.

    Ajayi, however, encouraged parents, students, and educators to visit [eTutors.ng] or download the eTutors app to explore the platform’s diverse offerings, adding that “Together, we can rewrite the story of education in Nigeria.”

  • Principal officers assume roles in NMU

    Principal officers assume roles in NMU

    A palpable sense of renewed optimism filled the air today at the Nigeria Maritime University (NMU), Okerenkoko, as its newly appointed Registrar Paul Bebenimibo, University Librarian, Dr. Abduldayan Fatimah Jibril, and Bursar Gbe Tamaraudebaemi Justin, officially stepped into their respective offices. 

    Their arrival on campus was met with a warm embrace from the university community, including enthusiastic staff, management, and students, all eager to witness this new chapter unfold.

    The trio, whose appointments have been commended for their transparency and merit, as recently highlighted by the Civil Society Alliance for Transparency and expressed profound appreciation for the reception.

    Each spoke with an evident sense of purpose and commitment, conveying their excitement to contribute to NMU’s continued growth and success.

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    “It’s an honor to be here, and the warmth of the welcome has been truly inspiring,” shared one of the new principal officers, encapsulating the collective sentiment. 

    “We are all in high spirits and committed to dedicating our fullest abilities to serving this esteemed institution and its vibrant community,” he stated. 

    Their assumption of duties marks a significant moment for the university, promising a fresh wave of energy and strategic leadership. 

     NMU community looks forward to collaborating closely with the new appointees as they embark on their journey to further elevate the institution’s academic and administrative excellence..

  • Jabi Lakeside Rotary Club donates ICT studio, awards scholarships to 20 students

    Jabi Lakeside Rotary Club donates ICT studio, awards scholarships to 20 students

    The Rotary Club of Abuja, Jabi Lakeside has donated a fully furnished ICT studio with state-of-the-art facility to Junior Secondary School Kuchingoro, along airport road in the Federal Capital Territory as parts of its efforts towards providing service to the communities. 

    It also awarded full scholarship to 20 indigent students of the school, which lasts throughout their period of study. 

    At a ceremony to unveil the project, President of the Rotary Club of Abuja, Jabi Lakeside, Mr. Amaobi Ogum expressed happiness that the project has finally come to fruition, stating that it is unheard that at this time and age, there are schools in the nation’s capital that do not teach computer science as a result of lack of equipment and teachers. 

    According to him, the Club is committed to restoring hope and building brighter future for Nigerian children in order to prepare them for a brighter future. 

    “We have brought a mobile ICT centre and studio, fully equipped everything with internet, one of the best in the world and we are proud of what we have just done. We will keep monitoring it to be sure that it serves the purpose, so that we can replicate it in other schools, I am very excited as you can see I am joyful, I’m just happy that we brought hope to this children, “he said. 

    Ogum further noted that the decision to award scholarship to 12 students is in celebration of the Jabi Lakeside 12th anniversary. 

    In his remarks, the district head of Kuchigoro H.R.H Umar Dim Maikasuwa (Hakimi) said the community is not taking the project for granted, assuring that it will ensure that it is adequately protected to serve the purpose for which it is initiated. 

    The Hakimi while thanking Jabi Lakeside of Rotary Club for its impact in human development volunteered to be made an ambassador of the club, saying he is proud to identify with what it is doing. 

    The Special Guest of Honour and chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), Hon. Prof. Obiageli Orogbu,  acknowledged the efforts and philanthropic gesture of the donors, stressing that the ICT is very important in the life of every student in the society. 

     Orogbu, representing Awka North and South Federal Constituency while thanking the club expressed hope that the ICT centre will enhance education and create opportunity for the students to be exposed to the world of technology before they graduate. 

    Highlight of the event was the presentation of Award of Excellence to the Special Guest of Honour to Orogbo for her disposition to helping the needy.

    Also, Mr. Ebere Uzosie was presented with a Special Award of recognition in Heartfelt Appreciation for his generosity as the highest donor during the 2024-2025 Rotary year, while Rotarian Ken Iwuchukwu was equally presented with an award for his immense contributions to the club.

  • Nigeria’s premier University’s first faculty elects another historian as dean

    Nigeria’s premier University’s first faculty elects another historian as dean

    Professor Rasheed Olaniyi of the Department of History has been elected as the Dean of the Faculty of Arts, University of Ibadan.

    Prof Olaniyi is succeeding Professor Solomon Oyetade of the Department of Linguistics and African Languages whose tenure ends in July.

    Olaniyi is the second faculty member from history to become Dean of Arts, coming after a renowned historian, Professor Obaro Ikime, who held the position from 1979-1983.

    Professor Olaniyi was elected unopposed in an electronic election held recently. 

    At a Congress, presided over by the outgoing Dean, Professor Solomon Oyetade, held shortly after the election at Room 32 of the Faculty of Arts, the Faculty Officer, Mr Okusaga, who doubled as the Returning Officer, announced the election result, declaring Prof Rasheed Olaniyi as the winner.

    Professor Olaniyi is a global expert in African History and migration.

    Addressing the congress, the outgoing Dean, Prof Oyetade, thanked the faculty members for their support to make the election hitch-free.

    Professor Oyetade praised the qualification of the Dean-Elect and enjoined him to take the Faculty of Arts to a greater level.

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    “We are expectant that you will take the faculty to the next level. The Faculty is known for excellence and I believe you will be able to execute the vision and mission to achieve the excellence. “

    In his acceptance Speech, the Dean-Elect, Prof Rasheed Olaniyi, thanked members of Faculty of Arts, assuring them of further development during his tenure

    He, therefore solicited the support of his colleagues to lead the Faculty to success.

    “I am truly honoured by the confidence you have in me, and I am fully aware of the weight of this office—not just as an administrative position, but as a call to service”, said the Dean-Elect

    He thanked his predecessors, promising to build on their legacies.

    “I am particularly thankful to my predecessors whose legacies have laid the foundation for the progress we enjoy today. I stand on their shoulders, and I am inspired by their commitment, resilience, and vision.

    The Dean-Elect assured that he would focus on academic excellence, global partnership, and infrastructure uplift.

    “As we move forward, my focus will be on strengthening academic standards, encouraging interdisciplinary research, expanding global partnerships, and enhancing the welfare of staff and students. I believe in a faculty where every voice matters—where innovation thrives, and where our collective wisdom is harnessed for national development and global impact”, assured Olaniyi.

    The Faculty of Arts was one of the first three Faculties (Arts, Science and Medicine) following the establishment the University of Ibadan in 1948.

  • ‘Why schools should include tech in curriculum’

    ‘Why schools should include tech in curriculum’

    Scholars International Institute of Technology (SIIT) Africa has called on schools to incorporate technology into their curricula, emphasising the need to expose students to career opportunities in the tech space early.

    SIIT spoke during the second tech empowerment workshop by SIIT Africa at Senior State Senior High School in Lagos.

    The workshop aims to bridge the knowledge gap by introducing pupils to the possibilities in technology, including programming, web development, data analysis, digital marketing, and more.

    Senior Frontend Engineer at Quidax, Aremu Oluwagbamila, noted that many traditional careers in Nigeria are becoming stagnant, while tech continues to thrive globally.

    “You could be in Nigeria and be managing a product based in San Francisco. But if students are not made aware of such opportunities early, they may spend four to five years in university unaware of the tech careers available to them,” Oluwagbamila said.

    He stressed that SIIT Africa’s mission is to help individuals, regardless of where they are, to chart a path in technology.

    “For young people, we create awareness, and once they’re interested, we provide a platform for learning at subsidised rates to make tech education accessible,” he added.

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    SIIT Africa’s Data Science Tutor and Chief Operations Officer, Oluwaseun Atejioye, decried the limited exposure in Nigeria’s education system.

    “Right now, tech-related courses are largely theoretical. Students need real access to computers to put theory into practice. Primary schools should be equipped with computer labs to build interest early,” Atejioye said.

    Atejioye emphasised the importance of tailoring tech education to students’ interests.

    “I always ask students what subject they enjoy most. Whether it’s mathematics, art, or physics, there’s a tech path for everyone.”

    Member of SIIT Africa team, Chinyere Elechi, stressed the need to move beyond traditional career choices like medicine and law.

  • Students support Geneith N1b competition for school

    Students support Geneith N1b competition for school

    In a bold step toward eliminating malaria in Nigeria, students from tertiary institutions nationwide have declared their support for the Geneith Pharmaceuticals ₦1 billion Health Competition, aimed at eradicating malaria through innovation, education, and grassroots advocacy.

    Launched in Abuja and spearheaded by the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Africa in collaboration with Geneith Pharmaceuticals Limited, the competition is emerging as one of Nigeria’s largest youth-driven public health campaigns, engaging students from secondary schools, polytechnics, colleges of education, and universities.

    Speaking at the official unveiling of the initiative in Abuja on Sunday, Chief Emmanuel Umenwa, Chairman of Geneith Pharmaceuticals, described the campaign as a milestone in youth-led health advocacy.

    “This competition empowers students to do more than just speak—it challenges them to innovate, educate, and lead in their communities,” Umenwa said. “It’s a first-of-its-kind platform where every student has the opportunity to shape Nigeria’s health future.”

    Project Lead Prince Cletus Ilobanafor emphasised the competition’s alignment with global health goals, noting that it provides a springboard for student-led innovation in malaria prevention and treatment.

    “Gone are the days when young people waited for change,” Ilobanafor said. “With this competition, Nigerian students are actively changing the narrative.”

    He announced that Geneith Pharmaceuticals has committed ₦1 billion to the initiative—₦400 million in cash prizes and ₦600 million in gifts, scholarships, and incentives—to reward outstanding student projects, campaigns, and policy ideas.

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    The federal government has also endorsed the initiative, partnering with Geneith Pharmaceuticals to officially launch the competition and call on students to propose context-specific malaria interventions through research, outreach, and advocacy.

    At a joint press conference, student leaders from the National Association of Nigeria Colleges of Education Students (NANCES), the National Association of Polytechnic Students (NAPS), and the National Association of University Students (NAUS) voiced their strong support

    “Malaria remains a major threat to students’ well-being and productivity. This competition is more than a contest—it is a platform for real change,” said Amb. Comr. Eegunjobi Samuel Oluwaseun, President of NANCES. He commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for prioritising healthcare reform and applauded the Federal Ministry of Health for sustained malaria control efforts.

    Comr. Oyewumi Festus Ayomide, President of NAPS, highlighted the competition as a critical tool for equipping students with life-saving health knowledge and a problem-solving mindset.

    “We are fostering a generation that values preventive health and scientific thinking,” he stated.

    Meanwhile, Comr. Josiah Peter Oche, National President of NAUS, stressed the urgency of student involvement in national health initiatives.

    “Malaria is still a leading killer, but students can turn the tide. Through this competition, we are not just creating awareness—we are building leaders and innovators,” Oche said.

    The campaign is already gaining traction in institutions across the country through outreach programs, campus awareness drives, and student-led community projects. Organisers are calling on government bodies, development agencies, and private sector partners to help scale and sustain the initiative.

    “This is just the beginning,” Chief Umenwa affirmed. “With collective effort and the energy of our youth, a malaria-free Nigeria is within reach.”

    Registration for the Geneith Health Competition began on June 1, 2025, and the grand competition is scheduled for December 2025. The event is envisioned as a legacy platform—one that will empower generations and contribute meaningfully to the national goal of eradicating malaria.

    Organizers have reiterated their commitment to the long-term success, sustainability, and expansion of the competition, positioning it as a transformative force in Nigeria’s public health landscape.