The Nation Newspaper

Tag: pupils

  • Ex-CAMPUSLIFE man gives scholarship to pupils

    Ex-CAMPUSLIFE man gives scholarship to pupils

    A former CAMPUSLIFE reporter at the University of Calabar (UNICAL), Reuben Agu, has given scholarship to pupils of UNICAL Staff School during the 31st graduation. The beneficiaries, who also won various categories of awards and prizes, were the best among the pupils graduating from the school.

    The beneficiaries were presented with the prizes at the event held in the school hall. They include pupils in nursery, kindergarten and Grade 1 to 4.

    Reuben, who gave out the scholarship through his foundation, said he was motivated by the performance of the pupils when he observed his National Youth Service with the school.

    Reuben, who is now a lecturer at the Department of Genetics and Biotechnology in UNICAL, said he was using the scholarship to recognise the effort of the pupils and to encourage them to work hard for excellent results.

    He encouraged the beneficiaries to focus on what they are taught in the class, telling them not to hesitate to ask their teachers whenever they face challenges in their studies. He praised the school authorities for giving him the opportunity to give back to the society.

    The Headmistress, Mrs Florence Eleng, was full of praise for the donor, describing the scholarship as a kind gesture. She said the prizes would encourage the pupils to work harder and sustain moral standard in the school.

    Mrs Eleng said: “This is not the first time Reuben will be donating to the school. When he was a Corps member here, he purchased and donated 14 white magic boards to the school. The magic boards have made the school to teach effectively.”

    A beneficiary, Ejiro Olose, said the scholarship would boost her zeal to strive for excellence. Another pupil, Essien Okon, promised to study hard to achieve his dream of studying Medicine and Surgery.

    Dignitaries at the event included the UNICAL Vice-Chancellor, Prof James Epoke, and Prof Simeon Utsalo.

  • From Corps member, pupils get entrepreneurship tips

    From Corps member, pupils get entrepreneurship tips

    A National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member, Miss Yetunde Sanni, of the 2014 Batch C, has trained 56 pupils from various public secondary schools in Lagos on some entrepreneurship skills.

    The Microbiology graduate of the University of Lagos (UNILAG), with the help of some others, took the pupils through make-up and head-gear tying, catering and event decoration, ankara craft, photography and bead making.

    Speaking to The Nation at the Isolo Local Government Development Area (LCDA), venue of the training, Sanni said since she would be signing out of the NYSC programme in October, she decided to do the training as a project and to contribute to the society.

    “As a young entrepreneur, my passion made me think about giving opportunities to other young people and I also saw it as giving back to the society while I am still doing my youth service,” she said.

    She said trainee pupils were drawn from seven school in Isolo LCDA, which she selected after visiting the schools as a means of catching the pupils young.  Asked how she got funds to carry out the project, she said the programme was funded by some corporate bodies, and some kind-hearted individuals.

    According to her, she raised over N350 000 for the project. As a professional make-up artist, Sanni said she taught the make-up class but got other professionals to teach the pupils other vocations.

    She called on the Federal Government to consolidate on its achievements on entrepreneurship.

    She recounted that her greatest challenge was funding. “It wasn’t easy for people to assist because it is not everybody that believes in your dream. You have to keep going to offices, writing letters and doing follow-up. If that is out of it, I think we will have a lot of things going on in our society.

    “We actually planned on empowering secondary school pupils only but adults came in to join us. I was surprised on the first day,” she added.

    She advised the students to continue from where she stopped.

    “It doesn’t stop here. This is just a starting point for you,’’ she said.

    On her part, HOD Education, Isolo LCDA, Mrs Olajumoke Akinyemi praised Sanni for her effort.

     

  • Lagos: Proprietor charged with rape of two pupils

    Lagos: Proprietor charged with rape of two pupils

    A primary school proprietor, Joseph Ogunleye, was on Thursday charged before a Yaba Chief Magistrates’ Court in Lagos over alleged defilement of two pupils in his school.

    Ogunleye, 56, whose address is unknown, is standing trial on a charge of defilement.

    According to the prosecutor, Insp. Rita Momah, the accused committed the offence on June 27 at Ijegun, Ikotun, Lagos.

    She alleged that the accused unlawfully defiled an eight-year-old girl and a 10-year-old girl who were pupils in his school.

    “A nearby shop owner heard the two girls telling their friends about how their school proprietor touched their private parts and that they cannot tell their parents.

    “The 10-year-old explained how the accused had canal knowledge of her, while the 8-year-old also admitted that he did the same thing to her.

    Ogunleye, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge.

    The Magistrate, Mrs O.A. Erinle, granted bail to the accused in the sum of N500,000, with two sureties in like sum.

    The case was adjourned till Oct. 26 for trial.

  • Principal advises outgoing pupils

    The Principal Ansarudeen Grammar School, Randle Avenue, Surulere Lagos, Mr Habeeb Badru left the 2015 Tgraduating pupils with three pieces of advice: “never forget your roots; find inspiration in everything you encounter in life; and live your life to the fullest.”

    He said this while giving a farewell speech to the outgoing Senior Secondary School (SSS) 3 pupils.

    He said: “Some will look back with great fondness and will celebrate with great pride and joy, others will have mixed feelings about what has taken place over this time. In case, remembering where you come from, building on the positives; learning from mistakes made or misfortunes had is the key for future success and happiness.”

    Badru said the graduands should not play a second fiddle.

    The Chairman, Board of Governors of the school, Mr Nosiru Kekere Ekun, told the pupils that they were transiting from one point in their lives to another.

    “It is a point of transition of decision, action and movement, you cannot afford to tarry too long as you might constitute a nuisance to yourself or others and even expose yourself to some inconveniences or worse”, he said.

    Mr Kekere Ekun, whose speech is titled: ‘On the threshold of manhood’, said they are now about to cross that entry point to manhood to signal a new beginning, and a new life full of dreams and possibilities.

    The lecturer of the day Dr Saheed Olurotimi Timehin’s talk was titled: “No leader for all time – The change we truly need.”

    Timehin said the graduands’ parents want them to become winners, noting that they are the only ones who can work for it.

    “They (parents) can pay your fees, buy you good books, send you to a good school like this, but they cannot read your books for you and neither can they write your exams in your stead. Therefore the main task of becoming a winner is yours and yours alone,” he counselled.

  • Lagos Council donates 100 GCE forms to indigent pupils

    The Executive Secretary of Apapa Iganmu, local council development Area, Mrs Oluwafunmilayo Akande-Muhammed,  has given out 100 forms for the West African School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) examinations to indigent students in the area.

    Presenting the forms at the council secretariat, Muhammed said her administration is aware of the fact that education remains a veritable tool for the social, economic and political development of the nation.

    She implored youths to ‘focus on future gains in education,’ noting that “an educated person has the key to the future.”

    She said: “At a point in the history of educational in this community, more students began to show disinterest in education just because they could not concentrate due to the bad orientation which was inculcated into their minds by some youth that had no future ambition.”

    “On the other hand, some youths decided to work in order to support their struggling parents but this should not be as education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world”, she added.

    She said education is not preparation for life but life itself, saying her administration is offering the youths one of the life tickets through provision of the forms.

    The executive secretary urged the beneficiaries to reciprocate the gesture by embracing hard work and passing their examination in flying colours.

    She said since her administration came into existence, “we have been able to make some impact in the educational sector like procurement of new desks and benches to some public schools under the lcda jurisdiction, rehabilitation of the roofing at Sari Iganmu primary school and construction of the school fence at Orile primary school to mention a few.”

    She said to show the seriousness of the council officials to lift the educational standards of the youths in the area and see the beneficiaries pass the G.C.E, free coaching classes is being held for the youths.

    She said the youth should desist from any examination related vices that could tarnish their image in the society and that of the council.

     

  • Graduate donates books to pupils, pay others’ fees

    Graduate donates books to pupils, pay others’ fees

    A fresh graduate of the Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK) in Awka, Anambra State, Tochi Okoroafor, has paid a surprised visit to Lamb of God Nursery and Primary School in Ifite to celebrate “charity day” with pupils.

    Tochi, a graduate of English Language and Literature, is the Coordinator of Total Child Foundation, an Awka-based non-governmental organisation (NGO). She donated textbooks and writing materials to the children after playing with them.

    The textbooks include 50 copies each of English, Mathematics, Hand Writing and Basic Science for the nursery and primary school children. The writing materials include pens, pencils and exercise books.

    Speaking to CAMPUSLIFE, Tochi said the NGO had as its objective the promotion of children development. She said: “The organisation is set up to alleviate the suffering of deprived children by registering them in school and pay their school fees. So far, we have discovered 15 brilliant children from ifite in Awka and we have paid the fees for five of them.

    “We intend to expand the benefit to other communities in the state and beyond. The vision is aimed at registering and enrolling over 50 children in nursery, primary and secondary school in all communities within our reach.”

    On the group’s source of funding, Tochi said the materials were provided through her personal resources and donation from her parents, friends and family members.

    “We hope to secure more funds from other viable links. We are working on our ties with other NGOs and corporate bodies and creating lucrative ways to be independent,” she said.

    Before visiting the school, Tochi had visited a slummy neighbourhood, where she met with out-of-school children. She donated food items and money to the children and their parents.

    Tochi registered registered four pupils at the Lamb of God Nursery and Primary School. They are eight-year-old Blessing Eze, 11-year-old Miracle Ebube, eight-year-old Miracle Obunneme, and five-year old Eberechi Okechukwu.

    Tochi advised the children to be of good conduct, promising to sustain the payment of their fees if they show excellent performance in their studies.

     

  • Ansar-Ud-Deen graduates pupils

    Ansar-Ud-Deen graduates pupils

    Ansar- Ud-Deen Girls’ High School in Itire, Lagos has graduated 23 pupils in the 2014/2015 academic session.

    Speaking during the valedictory/prize-giving day, the Principal Alhaja Risikat Yussuf, congratulated the graduands, praising them for their contributions in the development of the school and their dedication to studies.

    She described them as a set, which laid a good example and demonstrated strong commitment to community service and charity.

    Yussuf urged them to make the school proud and follow the footsteps of the past pupils of the school. She counselled them to be bold, creative, collaborative, ingenious, passionate and treat others honourably and respectfully.

    An alumnus of the school and Justice of Ogun State High Court, Justice Ayooluwa Babawale, urged outgoing pupils to always remember the virtues they were taught. She told them to be hard working and aspire to make their mark in life.

    In a lecture titled: ‘The role of Muslim youths in nation development’, a lecturer in the Department of Languages, Lagos State University (LASU) Dr Kadijah Olaniyan told graduands to take advantage of their youth, health, riches, time and life. She said the youthful stage is the best gift and the best time of life which requires people to be responsible for their actions and inactions.

    “To be a part of the national development process, you have to seek knowledge, preserve your faith, ensure healthy friendship and make a list of what you want to achieve in life,” she said.

    “Learn a craft, be focused and consistent, keep your chastity, honour your Hijab, do not compromise your faith.

    “Create and join a worthy cause in your community, choose good role models, reduce the time you spend on social media and television, abide by the rule of law, be the best in whatever you do  and mentor someone,” she added.

  • Pupils win laptops in quiz competition

    Secondary school students representing Oke-Ogun in Iwajowa Local Government Area of Oyo State were rewarded with laptop computers as prizes for winning quiz competition.

    The competition, held at the Iseyin Local Government Secretariat, was organised by the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) on behalf of Chief Kazeem Owonikoko Foundation, was keenly contested by representatives of four local government areas. The pupils competed in Mathematics, English language, Biology and Current Affairs.

    Pupils for the fifth edition of the competition were drawn from schools in Itesiwaju, Iseyin, Iwajowa and Kajola local government areas.

    The late Owonikoko, a retired police officer, was a lawmaker at the Western Region House of Assembly and was the first council chairman to offer scholarship to 12 Iseyin indigenes.

    Representatives of Iwajowa Local Government Area came first while those of Kajola, Iseyin and Itesiwaju came second, third and fourth asý they scored 85, 70, 65 and 60 points respectively.

    Abdulazeez Ajibola of Hyrank International Laboratory College; Olaniran Stephen of Baptist High School and Adetunji Bernard, all in Igannaý, represented Iwajowa Local Government Area. They went home with a laptop. Representatives of Kajola also went home with a laptop while those that represented Iseyin went home with Samsun phones.

    Other participants also received consolation prizes.

    According to the sponsor and son of the late community leader, Mr. Abduljelil Owonikoko (SAN), the competition was instituted in order to ensure that students take education seriously.

    The Aare Bamofin of Oke-Ogun land, who was represented by Mr. Waheed Shittu, said his father was an ardent believer in formal education, noting that it was during his tenure as chairman of the then Iseyin District Council that the famous Iseyin District Grammar School (IDGS) was established.

    On how to sustain the competition, the Abuja-based lawyer said:  ”By next year, we would extend the ýgesture to all the 10 local government areas in Oke-Ogun zone. Also the prizes would be increased. We are happy that most of the past winners of this competition have gained admission to various higher institutions of learning and are doing well.”

    Earlier in his welcome address, the local government inspector of NYSC in Iseyin Local Government Area, Mr. Adepeju David, said he was happy that the competition was a success. He pointed out that through the competition, “many stars have been made. We enjoin other wealthy Nigerians to sponsor such programmes in order to discover more talents.”

    Fourteen-year old Abdulazeez Ajibolaý, who spoke on behalf of the Iwajowa team, said they would continue to cherish the feat.

    “We never knew we could win the contest until the 2nd round. But we thank God. We will continue to train for future contests. It is good that we won, even though it was keenly contested. We thank the organisers, sponsor and our teachers for this,” he said.

    The Iwajowa team coach and corps member, Ameh Martin praised his students, stressing that the award will motivate them to do more.

  • Be problem solvers, pupils told

    Be problem solvers, pupils told

    It was not just a day of fun for the graduating pupils of MICTEC International School. They were told to be problem solvers.

    Speaking on the theme: “Blossom to impact,” Chairman of occasion, Banji Ayoola,  warned the pupils not to misuse their stay in the university, rather equip themselves with the right knowledge and skills to arrest issues in the country.

    He said: “As you are going into the world have your aim right. At this stage you have gotten some liberty, of what use will you put it?’

    ‘’Always be good ambassadors. There are problems to solve in Nigeria, the world are looking up to you to solve them. Use your time wisely.

    “Have great plans for yourself; know where you want to be in the next few years. Remember, when you blossom, let it affect lives; let it spread out to your generation. It is only when people can feel your impact that your long uneasy journey in life would count”.

    The guest speaker, Mr George Emebuche, taught the pupils the principles of success. He urged them to always be responsible and steadfast in their pursuit to succeed. He explained that distinction is a quality they must imbibe.

    “What you are going to achieve is a function of what you know. In order to overcome your environment you must quip yourself positively. You must distinguish yourself by your performance; you must cross your t’s and dot your I’s,” He warned.

    Principal of the school, Mrs Roseline Awoniyi, said mentoring is one activity done in the school in which the pupils have not only been watered in academics but also in exhibiting good conduct.

    She advised them to be courageous and face challenges with the right mind. She also urged the parents not to relent in their duties as the task has just begun.

  • Pupils get old students’ scholarship

    Pupils get old students’ scholarship

    Six pupils of Opi High School in Nsukka Local Government Area of Enugu State have been offered scholarship by old students of Opi High School.

    The old students were in the school to meet the management on the areas they could support their alma mater. Mr Victor Ezea, a Mathematics and Business Studies teacher, told them that the pupils have a phobia for Mathematics and lacked necessary textbooks.

    The old boys moved round the classrooms to sensitise the pupils on the need to focus on their studies. They held mock examination for the pupils in Mathematics and English Language to select those to benefit from the scholarship. The old students said they chose the two subjects, because they are core subjects required for admission into higher institution.

    After the examination, six pupils, who scored highest marks, were offered scholarship. Others, who had higher scores, were presented with dictionary and textbooks. The school principal, Mr Ofor Ogbonna, described the beneficiaries as “lucky ones”. He hailed the old students for the gesture, saying they were making the school to be proud of them.

    Kingsley Isiani, Students’ Union Government (SUG) president of Institute of Management Technology (IMT) in Enugu, who attended the school 10 years ago, advised the pupils to be of good conduct. He said: “It is only through hard work that you can achieve your dreams.”

    Some of the winners in junior school who received books include Harrison Ezia, Aboy Odinaka, Uchenna Ona, Chibuike Ugwuneze, Chiwendu Isiwu, Chukwuemeka Ezenwa and Chidinma Ocheni.

    In senior school, the winners were awarded with one year scholarship in addition to books gifts. They are Eberechukwu Asadu, Onyedikachi Nnadi, Uchenna Idogu, Nnenna Asogwu, Kingsley Duhu and Chidinma Ugwuanyi.

    Mrs G.C. Eleje, a teacher, described the old students as worthy ambassadors. She prayed for more blessings upon them and their careers.