By Kofoworola Belo-Osagie

 

Poor funding, incessant strikes, poor quality assurance, limited carrying capacity, and cultism are some of the problems plaguing the higher education system in Nigeria.

Distinguished Professor of Science Education, Peter Akinsola Okebukola, said these challenges are not new and have been recurring in the last three decades.

Speaking during a virtual launch in honour of his 70th birthday, Okebukola said the solutions to the challenges had also been documented by him and other academics in a book that policy makers and educational administrators could use to turn the education system around.

The book was compiled by former Vice-Chancellor Osun State University (UNIOSUN), Prof. Sola Akinrinade; Prof. Siyan Oyeweso of UNIOSUN; Dean, School of Transport and Logistics, LASU, Prof. Samuel Odewumi and Prof. Anthony Kola-Olusanya.

Other contributors to the book are, Prof. Kola- Olusanya, former Assistant Director- General, UNESCO, Sir John Daniel and the immediate past Vice Chancellor, LASU, Prof. ‘Lanre Fagbohun.

Okebukola, a pioneer staff of the Lagos State University (LASU), said he would present some copies of the book titled: “Pivotal Issues in Higher Education Development in Nigeria – Essays in honour of Distinguished Professor Peter Okebukola” to the Education Minister, Adamu Adamu and other top government functionaries as a valuable resource in running education sector.

“The book is a book for yesterday, today and the future.  I am going to take my personal copies to the Minister of Education that this is the master key for tackling most of the rot in the education sector,” he said.

The virtual presentation of the book was attended by many academics of note both home and abroad, including former Vice-Cahncellor of the University of Port Harcourt, Prof. Nimi Briggs; Prof. Jama Shabani of the University of Burundi and Pan African Quality Assurance Framework; Acting Vice Chancellor, LASU, Prof. Oyedamola Oke, among others.

The participants spoke glowingly of Prof. Okebukola, who during his career served as the Executive Secretary, National Universities Commission (NUC).

One of them was Fred Awaah, a former Students Union president from Ghana, who shared how Okebukola took him under his wing and inspired his self-development journey.

“What Nigerians are benefiting is just about 10 per cent of his output. I came from a student movement and it is thought we were not very refined.  I did a presentation as a student representative to professors in Senegal and the professors tore into me and criticised me – from my dressing to my grammar.  But Prof. Okebukola stood by me. He said it was not easy to stand before  a professor. He told me to meet him during the lunch break.  He helped me and many others to be where we are today.  I am almost a doctor in public administration and educational management and that wont have been possible without Okebukola. I want to thank him for what he did for me and many others,” he said.

Prof. Jabbani also shared how Okebukola had been instrumental to putting Africa on the map in relations to quality assurance and UNESCO programmes, as well as digital education.

“I have known Prof. Okebukola for almost 40 years.  He has helpd us at the UNESCO Africa region to implement most of the programmes.  We were doing better than all the other regional offices.  He was the first one in 1994 to develop a module on how to teach online,” he said.

Briggs said though he was older than Okebukola, he had learnt a lot from the former NUC Executive Secretary; while Oyeweso said the newly-minted septuagenarian taught him academic discipline.

 

The National Universities Commission (NUC) has approved seven courses for the Augustine University, Ilara, Epe, Lagos State.

In a statement by the Communications Officer, Nicolas Obayi, the approval was contained in a letter sent by NUC Executive Secretary to the Vice-Chancellor of the university.

The seven new courses are Biotechnology, Cybersecurity, Fisheries & Aquaculture, Information Technology, Mass Communication, Political Science and Software Engineering.

“This approval was granted following a verification exercise carried out by the commission to ascertain the readiness of AUI in commencing these programmes. The approval confirms the readiness of the Augustine University to deliver world class higher education services to youths within and outside Nigeria with the State-of-the-Art facilities readily available to aid qualitative learning,” Obayi said.

The courses are in addition to the ones being run by the university, set up by the Catholic Church, Lagos Diocese.

 

By Chris Njoku, Owerri

 

The Old Students’ Association of the Federal Government Girls’ College (FGGC) Owerri, has called on the Federal Government to settle the school in a befitting place.

The alumnae lamented that despite being among the first of the Federal Government Colleges to be established in 1973, the 48-year old school was still operating from a temporary site.

In her remarks during the inauguration of an ultra-modern classroom block for special subjects built by the association, the National President, Dr. Nkiruka Chinwe Nwachukwu, regretted that despite being one of the oldest Unity Schools, it was the only one still in a temporary location.

She, therefore, called for the provision of a befitting permanent site with necessary infrastructure to enable a relocation of the school as soon as possible.

She said the old girls’ association whose members are scattered all over the world would promote the welfare and infrastructural development of their alma mater to rekindle its founding mission, vision and ideas.

Mrs. Nwachukwu said the association had handled a long list of projects for the school.

Responding to their appeal, the Minister of State for Education, Emeka Nwajuiba spoke about the Federal Government’s plans to reposition Unity Schools for effective teaching and learning.

The minister said those unity schools still operating from temporary sites would be moved to permanent sites and be equipped with modern teaching and learning facilities.

Nwajuiba, who described women as unique factors in nation building, praised the old girls for the project which he said had reduced the burden of the Federal Government in managing the school.

He called for optimal utilisation of the block by teachers and pupils.

Principal of the college, Mrs. Chinwe Obiagwu said the building designed to improve teaching and learning would go a long way in decongesting overcrowded classrooms in the college.

She, however, pleaded with the Federal Government for urgent intervention in the areas of security, employment of core subject teachers, especially Mathematics and Physics, provision of more laboratories and renovation of existing ones (including home economics laboratory), and provision of an examination hall.

 

By Kolade Adeyemi, Jos

 

The biennial National Delegates Conference of the University of Jos Alumni Association (UJAA), has elected new officials, who will pilot the affairs of the association for the next two years.

Recall that the former Exco’s tenure expired in September 2020, but was extended for more than six months, because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Those elected were Pastor Nuhu Sani (President); Alhaji Almuhammad Ubabu II (Deputy President);  Mr. Benjamin Maina (Vice President, North); Mr. Benson Eze (Vice President, South); Prof. Emeka  Ozoji (General Secretary); Mr. Osasu Osaiyuwa ( Assistant Secretary), Barr Justina Lewa (Legal Adviser).

Others are Mr Collins O. Anana (Financial Secretary); Mrs Suzan Iliya (Internal Auditor); Mr Ayuba Ibrahim (Treasurer); and Dr Onalo Sunday (Public Relations Officer), among others.

In his acceptance speech the Sani, new President, promised to take the association to greater heights.

He said the University of Jos had made a name for itself globally, and the alumni association would keep the flag flying while soliciting for support from all Josites to make it a reality.

Highlight of the occasion was the presentation of awards to two chapters, Rivers State and the United Kingdom as the most innovative, outstanding and active chapters of the alumni association.

 

By Damola Kola-Dare

 

The Achievers University, Owo in Ondo State will continue to provide the necessary infrastructure and equipment to boost academics, its Pro-Chancellor and founder,  Dr. Bode Ayorinde has said.

He said N100 million was spent on nine standard laboratories for its Medical Laboratory Science (MLS) programme.

Ayorinde, who spoke at the Ninth Induction of the 65 new MLS graduates, also announced the automatic employment of the two best graduating students of the department.

The duo, Emmanuel Michael Igwe and Faith Gbemisola Ademulegun, made first class grades.

Ayorinde also announced that the institution would soon begin medical and aviation programmes.

The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Sam Aje, urged the new inductees to utilise their knowledge effectively when they become practitioners.

The Chief Medical Director, Osun State University Teaching Hospital, Prof. Peter Olaitan, in a lecture entitled: Medical Laboratory Practice in COVID-19 Pandemic, advised the students to be conscious of their conducts in the laboratory.

Registrar of Medical Laboratory Science Council of Nigeria, Dr Tosan Erhabor charged the new inductees to be punctual at their duty posts whenever they start practising.

He noted that the council as part of its contributions, gave the sum of N50,000 to the two best graduating students of the programme.

 

By Rasaq Ibrahim, Ado-Ekiti and Damola Kola-Dare

 

Ikere-Ekiti community, the headquarters of Ikere Council Area of Ekiti State, has donated N60 million as grant to the new Bamidele Olumilua University of Education, Science and Technology, Ikere-Ekiti (BOUESTI), for its smooth academic take-off.

The university was upgraded last year from a College of Education established in the ancient town in 1978; the community promised to contribute N500 million towards ensuring the smooth running of the university.

The community, led by the Ogoga of Ikere, Oba Adejimi Adu, presented a N60 million cheque to Governor Kayode Fayemi last week, who was represented by the Commissioner for Education, Olabimpe Aderiye.

Fayemi underscored the importance of adequate funding to quality education, reiterating the administration’s commitment to sound and qualitative education.

He said his government would ensure that every Ekiti citizen had access to good education up to university level.

“For sustainable development, no amount can be too much to expend on sound education.

“Schools with more funds clearly have greater ability to provide higher quality, broader and deeper educational opportunities to the students they serve.

“We understand that without proper funding, efficiency and innovations are easily compromised.

“I commend the donors for sharing our vision and passion to make the university world class and one we can all be proud of.

“The development of a nation or state depends on quality education of its citizenry. Education is the foundation of a country which brings wealth, social prosperity and economic stability,” he said.

Presenting the cheque, Oba Adu appealed to Fayemi to tackle those he described as ‘local bandits’ operating under the cover of cultism, robbery and herdsmen to terrorise the community.

Oba Adu said the call became imperative owing to the establishment of the university that would bring an upsurge of people of different characters into the town, saying: “I don’t want the lives of the students and my people to be endangered.

“I have heard complaints from the management about cultism and some herdsmen who were bombarding the institution. This should not be tolerated. The government must deal with these people for us to have peace.

“I commend all my subjects, especially Chief Wole Olanipekun (SAN), the Chancellor of the institution for always standing by us at all times and for being the pillars of our success stories”.

The Chairman, Funding Support to BOUESTI, Assistant Inspector- General of Police (AIG) Tunde Ogunsakin (rtd), represented by Pastor Tope Orolu, said the fund was a partial fulfillment of the pledge of financial support to the governing council of the institution.

Ogunsakin admonished the management to run the university like a truly 21st century institution through “radical curriculum reform, research-oriented education, technology transfer, intellectual exchange programmes and edu-tourism initiative in the institution.

“This community is willing to join the government and other stakeholders to make this university a model. It has to be run in such a way that it can rise to the current global challenges. It has to give the students the needed skills and knowledge to operate under a 21st century economy,” he said

 

By Bolaji Ogundele, Abuja

President Muhammadu Buhari has expressed his condolences to the government and people of Bauchi State on the passing of former Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Hon. Justice Adamu Abdul Kafarati at the age of 67.

In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, the President described the late former Attorney General of Bauchi State as a judge who fully understood the weight of the trust placed upon him in the discharge of his responsibilities.

According to him, “The late Justice Kafarati would be sorely missed by the Judiciary for landmark judgments and contributions to the development and improvements in the country’s judicial system.

Read Also: Air Force Plane Crash: APC mourns

“He became the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court at a time the nation’s judiciary was facing tremendous challenges but made lasting changes notably in the welfare of judges and staff,” the President said.

The President also commiserated with the bench and the bar as they mourn the late Chief Judge, urging them to take solace in the fact that he rose to the pinnacle of his career.

As the late Kafarati is laid to rest, President Buhari prayed that Allah will comfort family and friends and grant his soul eternal rest.

By Oyebola Owolabi

The Non-Academic Staff Union (NASU) and Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) in the Lagos State University (LASU) have suspended their strike.

The unions, under the aegis of Joint Action Committee (JAC), went on strike on February 5 to protest their unpaid minimum wage arrears and other demands.

They also demanded for payment of their earned allowances and rightful position.

NASU Chairman Moruf Sanni said the strike was suspended to honour Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu. “We had a virtual meeting with the government on Wednesday, and we were begged to honour the governor by suspending the strike.

“After the suspension, we can come back to negotiate with the government. We believe that the governor will do whatever he says,” Sanni said.

Public Relations Officer of the Students Union Government (SUG) Zaenab Adams said the students were yet to return to campus.

Adams said the university management would be meeting today to discuss and announce a resumption date so that examinations can be concluded.

By Okwy Iroegbu – ­Chikezie

The Lagos State Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) is seeking support from the Lagos State Judiciary to prosecute offenders.

LAWMA, Managing Director, Ibrahim Odumboni, stated this when he visited the Chief Judge of the State with other stakeholders Thursday.

He said the idea is to seek legal backing to stem the current negative trend in the State where residents illegally and in discriminatorily dispose waste in clear violation of the state laws guiding waste management.

Odumboni s disclosed that Lagos because of its increasing population currently generates over 14,000 metric tons of waste daily, while an individual generates 0.6 kg minimum on a regular basis.

“Our visit is to plead with the Ministry of Justice that existing environmental laws should be implemented, and offenders prosecuted. The Environmental Protection Law of 2017 requires that every house should have a bin, but this is not enforced,” he stated.

“Our team keeps working on sensitizing the people through the media, radio jingles, and the rest, but the people still violate the laws and so the need for the enforcement of the law,” he said.

The Chief Justice represented by the Chief Registrar, Lagos State Judiciary, Mrs. Bukola Okunuga stated that the inflow of people into the state cannot be curbed, but measures must be put in place to protect the environment.

The Executive Secretary, Judicial Commission, Mrs. Bukola Salami, stated that there should be a synergy of all the stakeholders, LAWMA, Association of Waste Managers of Nigeria (AWMN), the Judiciary and the Judicial Service Commission to re-evaluate these laws as it pertains to the proposed direction of enforcement being discussed and revert to the stakeholders.

The President, Association of Waste Managers of Nigeria, David Oriyomi stated that as the rainy season approaches, and Lagos being a coastal State is subject to flooding. “Unfortunately, our people throw their refuse in to the drainage’s without minding the consequences, we want to ensure that this does not happen this time around,” he said.

No fewer than 15 brilliant but indigent students of Gbongan High School, Gbongan, Osun State were presented scholarship award by Old Students’Association of the school.

The scholarship which was first of its kind in the history of the institution cover students in both junior and senior classes including their school levies, school uniforms, school lunch, textbooks, exercise books and other educational materials that they will use throughout their secondary education.

The old students association also renovated three classrooms in the administrative block, re-roofed a block of 3-classrooms, school hall and 2 offices via approval secured from the planning department of State Basic Education Board.

It further purchased and fixed water pumping machine, constructed water system toilet for the administrative block and employed no fewer than 10 teachers to augment shortage of teaching staff and assist in various subjects.

Speaking on behalf of the association, Femi Ade Olojede hinted that the scholarship was made possible by one of the alumni, in person of Mrs. Bolaji-Thomas (Nee Durosaro) of 92 set who contacted her Italian friend couple Galin and Denise  Gruttaro who also was interested in assisting educationally five of the students of the school but it was discovered that their donation could cater for more pupils and the number of students was increased to 14.

Another old student, Mrs. Iyabo Phelps (Nee Olayinka of 1986 set) also shared intention to sponsor a pupil for the same benefits like the first 14.

Olojede noted that the scholarship and other gesture for the school were planned when the school was reclassified and merged with another junior school during the administration of the immediate past government of Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola stressing that the concerted efforts swiftly made by the old students’ association, traditional ruler of Gbongan, Oba Adetoyese Oyeniyi, the Olufi of Gbongan, Pioneer Principal, Pa Joseph Ojeleye among other stakeholders assisted in reclaiming the school under the current administration of Adegboyega Oyetola.

He therefore reminded the representatives of the State Commissioner for Education in the state of his pledge to build a block of six classrooms in the school should the old students association fulfil its promises to renovate the school.

Representative of the Osun State Commissioner for Education who is also the Tutor General for Osun West Senatorial District, E A Onatola tendered state government’s appreciation to the old students’ association for the gesture in assisting it in renovating some of the school’s buildings adding that their gesture was remarkable.

On her part the principal of the school, Mrs. O I Farotimi praised the pioneer principal of the school,  Pa Dr. J. O. Ojeleye for laying a good foundation for the schools adding that through his singular efforts and hardworking staff, the school had produced professors, doctors, justices and many highly placed people in the society.

Farotimi who expressed gratitude to the donors of the scholarship award noted that the beneficiaries had written a letter to thank the donors.

She spoke of many more pupils in need of the scholarship.

She said: “There are more of the students to be helped because a lot of them are “social orphans”. A lot of them are from broken/separated homes, they are the ones bearing the brunt. Some of them have to do some menial works before they can come to school, we have some that will work and the parents will collect their proceeds from them leaving them to suffer in vain.

The traditional ruler of Gbongan, Oba Adetoyese Oyeniyi who was represented by Oosa of Gbongan, High Chief Adisa Olabimiji applauded the old students association for the scholarship award describing it as unparalleled.

The awardees are Ogundipe Opeyemi SS1, Oyediran Timileleyin SS1, Abioye Roseline SS1, Olaposi Isaiah SS1, Amos Tunmise JS3, Olaniyi Bukola JS3, Adedeji Idowu JS3, Yisa Sasili JS3 and Olatunbosun Emmanuel JS3.

Others are Olawale Aanu JS3,  Aliu Yusuf JS3, Odebiyi Victoria JS2, Olaoye Bose JS2, Ojewale Aanu JS2  and Isakunle Marvelous JS1.