The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Education

  • 40 American varsities participate at education fair

    40 American varsities participate at education fair

    Education USA in Nigeria has held its 22nd annual College fair for graduates and prospective international students to learn directly from admission officers from 40 universities in the United States of America.

    Students from over 30 schools were put through application requirements, scholarship opportunities, research options for graduate schools, financing of graduate school, how to apply for student Visa, among others.

    The fair was held last week at Ecobank Pan African Centre Victoria Island and at Pistis Hub, Ikeja, Lagos.

    The event recorded high turnout of students, parents, teachers, guardians and admission officers from American colleges and universities.

    Consul General of the U.S. Consulate General in Lagos, Will Stevens, in his address, noted that nearly 15,000 Nigerian students are currently in U.S., adding that Nigeria is one of the top 10 countries in the world that sends students to the U.S..

    According to Stevens, Nigerians studying in the U.S., are open to world-class connections, research organisations and companies and liable to become founders of top-class  companies.

    “We are here today from all over the United States to recruit Nigerian students and help them come and study both in undergraduate and graduate programmes.

    “U.S. obviously presents some of the best opportunities for education and economic growth. It gives students from Nigeria the chance to come learn, work and make connections. If they want to innovate in agriculture, health, technology, whatever it may be that they’ve studied in the U.S, they bring that back home to Nigeria, and it helps grow the economy here, and we see it over and over again,” he said.

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    Stevens also reiterated that there is provision for scholarships opportunities for students and graduates, who could not completely pay for their tuition.

    “One of the great things about U.S. universities, particularly private universities, is they have funds to support international studies. They help bring students in, who maybe cannot pay the full fees. They offer discounts and fees. They offer scholarships and grants. They offer work-study programmes for people who can’t cover the full cost for tuition, but have a 20-hour-a-week job to pay for housing. They have a lot of opportunities. That’s one of the great things about international studies.

    “We have scholarships that we offer here through the consulate to provide education funds to people to take tests, like the SATs or provide counseling here, right in the  American Centre, at our Consulate General, here in Lagos. People can come in and get additional counseling support to try to find the right programme.

    We have experts who really know all about the different universities,” he added.

    Guidance Counselor of Lagoon School, Mrs. Angela Ekwem, said students of the school have benefited tremendously from the fair over the years.

    Her words: “We have a very large percentage of our students studying in America, some are done schooling. We have recorded tremendous results having gone through EducationUSA. Some are returning first class, some are getting awards, some are being recognized internationally for their academic performances.”

    A pupil at Grace High School Lagos, Oluchi Adeghi, told The Nation that the fair was explicit, adding: “I have been able to learn more.”

  • Govt urged to increase budgetary allocation for education

    Govt urged to increase budgetary allocation for education

    The Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA), a non-governmental organisation (NGO), has appealed to the Federal Government to increase its budgetary allocations for the education sector rather than increasing school fees.

     Its Executive Director, Mr. Akinbode Oluwafemi, made the appeal in a statement yesterday by Zikora Ibeh, Policy and Research Officer of the organization.

     Oluwafemi said the recent hike in school fees across public universities in Nigeria is outrageous, unconscionable and condemnable.

    According to him, CAPPA expresses dismay that the increase persists in spite of the directives by President Bola Tinubu and the Ministry of Education urging public tertiary institutions to refrain from imposing additional financial strains on students.

    “These fee increments have devastating consequences already, with countless students being pushed out of the system or forced to watch their dreams crumble.

    “We decry the commercialisation of tertiary education, evidenced by the fee increments. It contends that the steep hikes have failed to translate into tangible improvements in the educational milieu.

      “Students continue to navigate decayed lecture halls and living quarters and lack adequate academic infrastructure, consequently facing a steady decline in the quality of their academic experiences,” he said.

    Oluwafemi noted that while university authorities offer flimsy excuses, alleging that the fee hikes are inevitable due to current economic realities, CAPPA categorically rejects the narrative.

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     “Students and their families should not be made the scapegoats for dismal economic conditions spurred by ineffective government policies and a chronic under-funding of the education sector.

    “It is a glaring indictment on the nation that, in spite of Nigeria’s abundant wealth and potential, our budgetary allocation to education lingers shamefully below global recommendations,” he said.

    He called for unity among stakeholders and pro-education groups in the country, urging them to stand in firm resolution against the fee hikes.

    He also urged the Tinubu administration not to pay lip service in asking universities to halt the increments, but take decisive actions to enforce the directive and ensure the full protection of Nigerian students.

     “Commercialising education and restricting access for many Nigerians is neither the answer nor the way forward. Such measures would only impede our nation’s progress and further pauperise our society, he said.

    The executive director further condemned the actions of the Lagos State Police and the management of the University of Lagos in the ill-treatment of students while protesting peacefully.

  • Governor frowns at N17b spent on basic education

    Governor frowns at N17b spent on basic education

    • Governor threatens to sack erring education secretaries

    Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed has frowned at the whopping N17 billion spent in basic education in the past three years without commensurate results.

    He spoke in Bauchi at a meeting with education stakeholders on how to rejig the sector in the state.

    Mohammed said: “Something must be wrong with the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) and our system. Somebody or some people are there sabotaging us and we have to correct it”.

    He threatened to sack erring Local Education Secretaries who failed to properly enumerate schools for renovation in their areas.

    The governor warned that any education secretary found wanting would be sacked, adding: “You have lost your job and you may not even get pension and gratuity.”

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    Mohammed said the meeting would enable relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), local council chairmen and Commissioner for Local Governments to deliberate on the way forward.

    The governor said: “A situation whereby some schools are left without being enumerated for renovation or for rebuilding is unacceptable.

    “I’m going to investigate to find out what happened before, I’m not just going to sleep and allow things to go like that.

     “Nobody will cheat on the state and I will leave him. Even with the previous procurement, I will look at it.”

    Mohammed also lamented the state of a school with 20 classrooms where pupils were taking lessons on the floor under blown off roofs.

  • Semirat shines with education consult

    Semirat shines with education consult

    Some people stand out as shining examples of invention, tenacity, and transformation in the crowded field of education.

    Semirat Bawa, the renowned CEO of SBI Educational Consult, is undoubtedly an emerging leader in the education sector of the country.

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    Semirat has distinguished herself as one of the top educators in the nation with her unwavering dedication to empowering students and transforming their educational experience.

    Her path in education began with a spark of inspiration and a desire to create a lasting influence by bridging the gap between traditional and the modern demands of students. Her SBI Educational Consult has become a symbol of educational innovation with a holistic awareness of the problems students confront in today’s ever-changing world.

  • Foundation disburses N1.5m for orphans’ education

    Foundation disburses N1.5m for orphans’ education

    A non-governmental organisation, Baytur Rahmah Foundation has donated N1,500,000 to 18 orphans as educational support.

    Its Chief Executive Officer, Hajia Sherifat Yusuf-Ajibade, during the presentation at As-Siddiq Schools in Lagos, said the fund would cover the first term 2023/24 session school fees and other fees.

    Hajia Yusuf-Ajibade said the foundation was established to provide a platform for sourcing and coordinating funds for education of orphans.

    She noted that Baytur Rahmah has been a dream to further the course of rewriting and changing the narratives of Muslim children who have dropped out of schools due to the death of their families’ breadwinners.

    She said: “The journey started about 12 years ago with four orphans. It officially birthed and registered with the CAC in 2021. At the event today, we are providing education relief for 18 orphans. Presently, we have two pre-nursery pupils, two Basic pupils, eight secondary students, one awaiting university admission and five in universities across the country. Meeting educational needs of children in this category was found to be the toughest of challenges facing their mothers or guardians once the fathers pass on. Thus, facilitating financial and educational support for orphans is the way out of the poverty that threatens their access to quality adult life eventually or even their very existence.”

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    She added that the initiative couldn’t have been successful without the support of men and women of goodwill who make regular subscriptions (on monthly, termly, or annual basis) for the education and welfare of the orphans.

    She said the society would suffer for neglecting orphans eventually, thereby calling on all and sundry to join hands with the foundation to ensure that orphans remain in school to get the requisite education for self-actualisation and sustainable development.

    “The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) seek to ensure that no child is left behind. Not capturing the education of orphans would leave a large chunk behind and even the rich will not be able to move freely nor sleep with their two eyes closed,” she noted.

    Hajia Yusuf-Ajibade urged the beneficiaries to shun all forms of distraction and strive for excellence in their studies, saying that sponsors will be encouraged to continue when they are high achievers.

    Guest speaker, Hajia Bilqees Abdullah congratulated the foundation, saying it’s a laudable project.

    “Whoever wishes to meet Allah and be with Prophet Muhammad (SAW) in paradise should take care of orphans,” she said.

    Hajia Abdullah said the roles of parents in building a functional society cannot be over-emphasised.

    “A lot about the society rests on the shoulders of parents. Whatever the society becomes is what the home has become. So, if the parents are performing their duties right, we’ll have a better society. Training the child in the line of faith, to be intellectually sound, to have good characters, among others, are the attributes that mould a great society,” she stated.

    Hajia Abdullah urged single parents not to give up, saying that Allah will not give them burdens too much for their souls to bear.

    A beneficiary, who is a 200-level student of Islamic studies, Abdul Sobur AbdulFattah, thanked the foundation for sponsoring him for twelve years, from primary school to university level.

    “They are still sponsoring me and whenever I call the CEO, she is always attending to my needs. She is a nice woman,” he added.

  • DLHS chief advises education minister on quality, standardisation

    DLHS chief advises education minister on quality, standardisation

    The Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman, has been urged to give attention to repositioning the education sector by sticking to quality and standardisation of the educational service in the country.

    The administrator of the Deeper Life High School, Mr. Emmanuel Eze, Lagos Campus, made the call on Monday in Mowe, Ogun State while reviewing the sector.

    Though Eze noted that the nation’s education sector was not doing badly, he said raising the quality of the services within the sector cannot be overemphasised.

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    According to him, like every other sector, Nigeria’s education sector was facing a myriad of challenges.

    But he expressed confidence that the situation was not beyond redemption, provided the nation’s leaders have the political will to correct the ills.

    This came a few days after Mammam and the Minister of State for Education, Dr. Yusuf Sununu, were inaugurated by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

    Upon their assumption of office, Mammam solicited support from Nigerians in order to bring about the “desired change in the education sector.”

    He said: “If the education sector is fixed, every other thing will work perfectly in the country since the ministry is the foundation of all.”

     While saying the expectations are huge for the sector, he noted that President Tinubu was committed to turning the tide around.

     But during a media parley on Monday in its Lagos Campus, Mowe, Eze, who spoke on the feat DLHS had achieved in 2022-2023 academic session, said excellence was a culture in DLHS.

     “Excellence is our culture in this school. By the grace of God, we have been able to attain this feat through rigorous  work, discipline and God-factor.”

    “We have a structured and unstructured way of ensuring our students read and studied  regularly.

    “Apart from Miss Umeh Kamsiyochukwu Nkechinyere, who was the top scorer in Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), in 2023, some of our students got eight As in their West African Examination Council exams.

    “We can confidently say in this school, we have zero tolerance for malpractice. That means that all our students wrote their examinations without any aid, a common practice in many schools today.

    “I am happy to also inform you that 136 students participated in our valedictory service that was held earlier this month.”

    Setting an agenda for the new education minister, Eze said they should look into upgrading the standard of education at all levels, and instill discipline and moral values in our students.

     He said: “Government should give attention to quality education and standardisation.  Many of our leaders were exposed to quality education when they were in schools. And they cannot afford to fail the coming generation.”

    “Many of our leaders enjoyed these qualities and standards when they went to school.  So, they know what the quality and standardization should be.”

     “Let us go back to where we have missed it, pick it from there and fix what all that should be fixed. Our government has the political will to do the needful and put things in order.”

     Eze also urged school owners and administrators to uphold righteousness and courage in the face of mounting challenges.

     Said he: “Let school owners and educators have the determination and courage to maintain the standard.

     “I believe that everybody knows the standard, but what is lacking is the courage to do the right thing when it matters most.

     “Some fail to keep the standard because of pressure from parents; pressure to keep the business going; pressure to keep the students; some fail due to greed.

     “Let them have the courage to maintain the standard.  No school will say he or she does not know what the standard should be.  Let them have the courage not to compromise.”

     On what is expected of today’s parents, Eze urged them to avoid the common temptation of lowering the standard of moral and virtues as far as education was concerned.

     “Parents should cooperate with educators.  They should partner with the educators and ensure they do not lower the standard of quality education, morals, virtues and godliness.”

  • ‘Embrace education with character training’

    ‘Embrace education with character training’

    Former Ekiti State Commissioner for Local Government, Prof. Adio Folayan, has urged the youths of Efon-Alaaye to embrace education with character training.

     He described education as a foundation of development, noting that youths can be catapulted to the horizon of progress through the channels of formal, informal and non-formal education.

     The eminent scholar delivered this year’s ‘Efon Day Lecture’ titled: Efon yesterday, today and tomorrow: The role of youth as change agent.

     At the lecture, which held at Efon Centre, Ita-Odo, were the Ajiroba of Efon-Alaaye, Chief Patrick Ojo, former Efon Council Chairmen Prince Ade Agbaje, Elder Odunayo Ategbero and Chief Joel Omoniyi; Dr. Gilbert Ojo and members of Efon Youth League, who were targets of the lecture.

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     The don urged the younger generation to seek role models among older beneficiaries of technical and higher education who are making waves in their respective fields of endeavour.

     Folayan, also a former Agriculture commissioner, said education is only meaningful when the beneficiary has a goal in mind.

     He said: “Those of you who have pursued or are still pursuing formal education, it is important for you to have a clear goal of what you want to achieve in life through that education, determine in your mind that you want to achieve that goal and then, make deliberate effort to get to that goal.”

     Highlighting the benefits of education, the lecturer said “by receiving a systematic education, people gain knowledge and develop skills and character traits that are crucial for a certain standard of life”

     He said only genuine education can be beneficial to an individual and society, adding it can be acquired through a determined intention to gain knowledge and rigorous self-application for self-development.

     Folayan urged the youth to run away from education that involves mercenaries writing examinations for candidates, procurement of fake certificates and settlement of lecturers to pass examinations.

     He pointed out that “people who have that background are usually without value and do not have much to offer to others”.

     Folayan, who had served as Efon Council chairman, also advised the older generation not to abdicate the responsibility of inculcating moral values in the youth.

     Quoting the renowned businessman, Chief Gabriel Igbinedion, he said: “Success without a successor is failure.”

     He stressed: “Every successful person must try to impact the lives of others positively. He must try to bequeath the content of his success to other people who can end up being his successor. Education makes a person to be of value to himself and the society at large.”

     Turning to graduates who were among the audience, Folayan said the time was ripe for them to plough back into the community intellectually.

     He queried: “Those of you who are in tertiary institutions or have graduated, what value are you adding to Efon as a person? Do you see yourself as someone who must exploit the community all the time or do you think of yourself as someone who can give back to the community?”

     Folayan added: “Here in Efon in the eighties, myself and several of my contemporaries having acquired education, took it upon ourselves to use that education to contribute to community development by organising free coaching classes for the younger generation of that time.

     “My question to you is that at your level, are you using the knowledge you have, the education you have to benefit the generation behind you?

     “I will want us to borrow from the words of our late sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, that whoever wants to be great in life must be ready to develop himself/herself in all ramifications of human endeavour psychologically, socially, spiritually, emotionally, economically, physically, educationally and financially with God’s factor as the cornerstone.

     “Our youths are advised to, therefore, key into the sage’s advice to be able to make meaningful life.”

  • Reimagining education: Beyond student loans

    Reimagining education: Beyond student loans

    • by Akinola Ayobami Steven

    Sir: The recent decision by the federal government to shift from subsidizing education to providing student loans has sparked a vigorous debate on its viability and potential repercussions. While student loans have proven effective in some countries, Nigeria’s unique socio-economic landscape calls for a more comprehensive approach to secure a prosperous future for its youth.

    Nigeria has long grappled with a high number of out-of-school children, which hampers societal advancement. The shift from subsidizing education to student loans raises concerns about exacerbating this challenge. The existing issue of out-of-school children, highlighted by UNESCO, signifies that many Nigerians already struggled with affording education prior to this policy change. It is crucial to acknowledge that developed countries utilizing student loans, such as the United States, possess vastly different educational and economic infrastructures, including robust job markets and comprehensive financial aid systems that facilitate loan repayment post-employment.

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    Countries that have successfully integrated student loans implemented foundational measures beforehand. Scandinavian countries, for instance, fortified social welfare systems, invested significantly in industries, and fostered economic growth prior to relying on student loans. In contrast, Nigeria confronts multifaceted challenges like unemployment, poverty, and underdeveloped industries. It’s important to recognize that Nigeria’s economic structure is not conducive to a seamless transition to a loan-based educational model.

    Given Nigeria’s challenges, an alternative strategy is imperative. Rather than relying solely on student loans, the government should prioritize youth education through a multifaceted approach, including, investing in education infrastructure, implementing comprehensive vocational and technical training programs to equip youth with practical skills, bridging the gap between education and employability, creating an environment conducive to entrepreneurship by offering grants, mentorship, and access to credit will empower young people to generate jobs, partnering with the private sector to establish internships, apprenticeships, and industry-aligned curricula will enhance workforce readiness, and, creating a well-structured financial aid system, distinct from loans, that can provide grants, scholarships, and low-interest loans to deserving students ,thus alleviating the burden of education costs.

    By embracing these measures, Nigeria will take a step closer to realizing its full potential as a beacon of hope for Africa. With the appointment of new ministers of education, youth, and labour, collaboration with the president is imperative to re-evaluate this policy. Collectively, these ministers can initiate a comprehensive review to ensure that the education system aligns with Nigeria’s unique Challenges And Aspirations, Thus Safeguarding The Nation’s Future.

    •Akinola Ayobami Steven,

    akinolaa61@gmail.com>

  • ‘Education minister’ll not disappoint Nigerians’

    ‘Education minister’ll not disappoint Nigerians’

    The Emir of Yauri in Kebbi State, Dr Zayyanu Abdullahi, has assured President Bola Tinubu that the newly appointed Minister of State for Education, Dr Yusuf Sununu, would not disappoint Nigerians.

    He stated this on Saturday at a reception organised in honour of the minister, SSG as well as six other indigenes held at Yauri Town Hall in Yauri Local Government Area of the state.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the reception was organised by the Yauri Emirate Council, in collaboration with Yauri Emirate Development Association, to foster unity and enhance cordial relationships among the people of the area.

    The first class traditional ruler lauded the president for appointing his subject as a minister, adding that people of the emirate lack words to express their happiness.

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    He also appreciated Governor Nasir Idris of Kebbi State for appointing Alhaji Yakubu Bala-Tafida as Secretary to the State Government (SSG) alongside six other illustrious sons of the emirate.

    Abdullahi described the appointments as an achievement that would bring rapid growth and development not only to the Yauri emirate but also the state and the nation.

    “The recent appointments have given the emirate and its people a sense of belonging, honour and dignity.

    “Now we have a minister, SSG, permanent secretary, members of the House of Assembly, Special Advisers and Commissioners.

    “So, we have every reason to thank God Almighty. All we pray for is unity among all members of the emirate irrespective of ethnicity, tribe or political leaning.

    “I urge you people to continue to respect your elders most especially the traditional institutions who are the custodians of our culture and tradition, and they are always at your service,” he said.

    The royal father also thanked Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima as well as the Chief of Staff to the president, Mr Femi Gbajabiamila, for considering his son to be part of the cabinet.

    In his remarks, Sununu thanked the emir and the entire people of Yauri emirate for organising the reception in his honour.

    The minister promised never to disappoint the nation and his people, assuring that he will discharge his duties diligently towards bringing positive growth and development to the education sector and the nation at large.

    Also, the SSG appreciated the emir for his efforts towards ensuring unity, peace and development of the emirate.

    Bala-Tafida also commended the efforts of the governor for supporting the people of Yauri emirate in anything that would propel development of the area.

    NAN reports that awards were presented to the eight new appointees, including the Permanent Secretary, state Ministry of Information and Culture, Mr Buhari Wara.

  • Education is not a scam

    Education is not a scam

    I’M trying hard not to be frustrated teaching some courses in Mass Communication departments.

    Last Thursday I was forced to express my frustrations in a tweet in which I wrote ” It can be tough, if not frustrating, teaching or trying to inspire Mass Communication students who are not passionate about the profession, but I won’t give up.”

    The high engagements and comments the tweet got confirmed that my concern is well known to many. Someone wrote that the problem is not peculiar to Mass Communication but across all disciples.

    My experience has been the same for one of the respondents who addressed English students in a university recently.

    I agreed to teach part-time in two instructions for an allowance not up to what I earn for some one- or two-hours lectures for a semester because of my interest in helping to train and mentor the next generation of journalists.

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    Over the years I have worked with a number of brilliant Mass Communication students during their internships who have become accomplished journalists in their own rights. I believe that offering to teach in media departments as some other experienced journalists do would further enhance the quality of practical training student journalists can get.

    Unfortunately, many of the students don’t appreciate the sacrifice many of us are making to give them the benefit of our years of experience. Only few do.

    Why should anyone be studying Mass Communication and he or she does not know about major issues in the country like the swearing in of Ministers a day after the event?

    If you ask which newspaper/website they have read or broadcast stations they listen to or watch, you get facial responses that suggest they are not expecting such questions and should stop bothering them.

    When you ask if there is any question or feedback about what you have excitedly taught, you will hear ” none” in a way to suggest that you are overstaying your welcome. The few who are interested in what is taught and bother to ask questions are regarded as prolonging the lecturers stay instead of being allowed to go so they can get back to whatever they prefer to spend their time on instead of learning.

    Ideally, students should be studying courses they want and have dreams of what they want to make of it after graduating, but that is no longer the case. Many end up studying courses like Mass Communication for various reasons apart from being passionate or interested in it which is one the reasons they behave as if they are being forced to study.

    It can be discouraging for a lecturer to perceive that the students are not interested in what he or she is teaching. Sometimes I have to resort to spending some lecture time stressing the need for the students to pay more attention to their studies.

    Considering how much it cost to pay for school fees these days, one wonders why many students don’t take their studies seriously. They are too distracted by many things that does not allow them to give due attention to their studies.

    Like I always tell the students, there is time for everything. They need to pay more attention to their studies as it will determine the future ahead of them. Contrary to the claim in some quarters, education is not a scam.

    Even if they will end up taking to some other area of interest than what they are studying, it’s important to give studying the priority it deserves.