The Nation Newspaper

Tag: pupils

  • Ogun trains Fine Art pupils

    A total of 50 pupils  – all budding fine artists – males and females, converged on the Ogun State’s Gallery of Arts Hall, June 12 Cultural Centre, Abeokuta, for a five-day training in practical artwork.

    The participants, drawn from selected public secondary schools in the state, were tutored by professionals on how they could hone their talent to make them excel in any of the branches of art – painting, ceramic, textile design, and sculpture among others.

    The workshop tagged: ‘Ogun Arts Heritage’, which also featured career talk, among others, was organised by the state’s Ministry of Culture and Tourism and sponsored by the GTBank, Custodian, Sovereign Trust Insurance and First Marina Trust Ltd.

    The Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Mrs Yewande Amusan, said the programme, which would be continuous, seeks to develop and strengthen the children’s interest, skills and talents in art.

    Mrs Amusan noted that in this modern age, art goes beyond “drawing,” adding that  the state is bent on  exposing the kids to possibilities in art, that they can create wealth from waste via art and create employment for themselves and others in future using art.

    She said: “We want to encourage our children to express themselves and develop their skills in arts. The essence is to expose them to professionals in the field, who would teach them the techniques they need to acquire to become career person in arts, create wealth from waste and also create employment.

    “Art is not just about drawing it is also about communication, making those kids to see prospect in art and to fall in love with it.”

    Mr Lekan Onobanjor, Head resource person from Harmattan Workshop, advised the pupils on the need to dream big about art work, define what they hope to become in future and to set goals as well as vehicles for attaining them.

    He said: “You should benchmark and dream to be a better fine artist, aspire to have great people look at your art work. You also dream of representing Nigeria in the global art competition.

    “Feel free to dream what you want to be in life. Without dream, you can’t go far and you don’t just stop at dreaming, you have to make it happen. People who want to be great mathematicians always practice mathematics; you see them  solving maths problems always.

    “So, if you want to excel in art, you must practice it regularly. You can’t just fold your hands and believe God will help you out. No. It doesn’t work that way. Do practice to be perfect.

    Define yourself.  Do you want to be a great painter, ceramic, sculptor, fashion designer?

    “Make your vision clear to make it easier for you to execute. If you want to be a painter, set goals for yourself and don’t think you are too young to dream, set long term and short term goals and also define how to reach your goals.

    “And know that gossiping and idling about will not take you to your goal. So be focused and committed to be becoming successful career person in any field of arts.”

     

  • Be studious, pupils urged

    Principal, Lead Forte Gate College, Ogudu, Lagos, Ben Greyling, has urged pupils to be more devoted to their studies and other school activities to become enviable persons in the society.

    He gave the advice at the 13th graduation for Primary Six and SS3 graduands at the Ogudu branch of the school.

    Grayling said they can only achieve greatness in life if they are committed to their studies.

    “I implore you all to give your education special attention and do all what is expected of you academically to be an enviable person in future and especially to your immediate family,” he said.

    In his sermon, Publisher of Our Daily Mana, Pastor Chris Kwakpovwe,  charged the graduands to appreciate God by celebrating little things.

    He said they should be grateful for God’s protection throughout their education but reminded them not to be complacent with their present achievement.

    “You have just begun the journey of life and should live up to your parents’ expectation and to the glory of God because if a 16-year old son could become president of a country, I think nothing stops you graduating students from being a president, engineering star, medical star, etc,” he said.

     

  • Council lifts indigent pupils

    Council lifts indigent pupils

    To rescue indigent youths and improve the standard education in his domain, the Chairman, Apapa Local Government, Hon. Ayodeji Joseph, has donated 100 General Certificate of Education (GCE) forms to beneficiaries in the area.

    At the presentation, Joseph, who distributed the forms to beneficiaries from the five wards in the council area, urged them to make use of the opportunity.

    He also admonished the pupils to concentrate on their academic pursuits, stressing that “the only anti-dote to poverty is education.”

    The council boss added: “A good name is better than silver and gold. Nothing can be achieved without education. Illegal acts such as cultism, absenteeism, truancy and lack of concentration are factors hampering the educational development in our nation.”

    Urging the beneficiaries to attend the tutorial classes organised by the council, Joseph expressed optimism that the effort would yield good results in their academic endeavours.

    The council chairman also warned them to eschew acts that are inimical to their personal living and the advancement of a sane society, noting that they have roles to play in ensuring a healthy environment.

  • Vacation course for Lagos pupils

    Vacation course for Lagos pupils

    The Lagos State government has organised a five-week science vacation course for secondary school pupils.

    Commissioner for Education Mrs. Olayinka Oladunjoye said the course, which will be held in 217 centres across the six education districts, begins today and ends on September 5.

    Pupils will be tutored in Agricultural Science, Chemistry, Computer Studies, Biology, English Language, Further Mathematics, Mathematics and Physics.

    Junior Secondary School pupils will be taught Agricultural Science, Basic Science, Basic Technology, Computer Studies/ICT, English Language and Mathematics.

    Mrs Oladunjoye urged parents and guardians to enrol their children/wards at the designated centres.

  • Pupils train for World Robot Olympiad

    Pupils train for World Robot Olympiad

    Pupils from 24 primary and secondary schools in Rivers State participated in the World Robot Olympiad Pre-tournament workshop in Port Harcourt last week.

    The workshop, which had in attendance 160 pupils and 30 teachers, gave the pupils the opportunity to work on robots for the first time.

    Angela Opubo, Managing Director, SciTech Generation Ltd, owners of the Young Star Genius brand and organisers of the World Robot Olympiad (Southsouth), said the event was in line with her company’s vision to bring about revolution in applied science and technology education among youngsters at the grassroots.

    She said there was need for the corporate organisations to help support disadvantaged children to get into the competition.

    She added that with their support more children particularly from public schools, would benefit from the exposure in science and technology.

    “This exercise is aimed at exposing children to creative applications of science and technology. The pupils should not just cram to pass, they should have hands-on experience.

    “They should be able to build things and solve problems; they should know the solutions to these problems without having to cram. This is what the event is all about.

    “The theme for this year is Robots and space, and teams from each school are expected to design and create robots which will assist humankind in solving different tasks in space and the team that finishes first will be heading to Russia in November,” she said.

    Rivers State Commissioner for Youth Development, Sir Owuwene  Wonodi, who was the special guest at the event, said he was impressed that over 10 public schools participated.

  • Pupils urged to obey traffic laws

    PUPILS of Abina Omololu Primary School, Surulere, have been given a new assignment: to obey and enlighten others about the traffic laws.

    They were enlightened about how to use the road at the 4th Abina Omololu Scout Jamboree held last Wednesday on the school premises.

    Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) Unit Commander, Oshodi, Mr Sulaimon Oseni said the children should learn to observe all regulations that apply to them and other pedestrians when using the road.

    Oseni, who was represented by Mr Ajayi Adebowale, also counseled them to be ambassadors of the FRSC and persuade their parents observe all traffic rules while driving.

    “This lecture is not only for people that are driving but for children also to ensure their safety as road users.  My advice is that children should see themselves as the good ambassadors of the FRSC,” he said.

    Also speaking, Mr Kolade Olademeji of the Vehicle Inspection Office (VIO), urged the pupils to be very careful while using the road.

    A parent, Mrs Ebolg Ike, urged the pupils to be careful when crossing the road.

    The school’s head teacher, Mrs. Elizabeth Obilana, also advised the pupils to obey traffic rules and be conscious when crossing the road.

    She added that the event was to celebrate the Scout jamboree for 2014 and infuse lectures on safety into the programme.  She explained that it informed the presence of the FRSC and VIO officials at the programme.

    Scout Group Leader, Mr. Ojekale Oladipo who also teaches at the school, said the Scout Movement was started in England by Lord Borden Powell in 1907 and came to Nigeria in 1915.

  • We don’t study under trees, say Imo pupils

    Some secondary school pupils in Imo State have debunked reports that they study under the tree because their schools lack furniture.

    The pupils, who attend Comprehensive Secondary School in Atta Njaba in Njaba Local Government Area of the state, said in a statement signed by the Chief Press Secretary (CPS) to deputy governor, Mr Uche Onwuchekwa, that the report, published by an online blog 247ureports blog, was false.

    Speaking when the Deputy Governor, Prince Eze Madumere, visited the school, its senior prefect, Master Samuel Okoro traced the report to the visit of an unnamed politician last year, who gathered the pupils for a group photograph under a tree.

    In his remark, Madumere, who described the news as disheartening said the state government, under Owelle Rochas Okorocha, had constructed a new building for the school to replace the dilapidated one he met at the start of his tenure.  “It may interest one to know that before the inception of this administration, one of these school buildings got dilapidated and on assumption of office of this government an eight-classroom block was erected to replace the dilapidated one.  As such the students were all well accommodated in the new blocks.  It is most disheartening and beats one’s imagination how some disgruntled Imo citizens could concoct lies aimed at deceiving innocent students and citizens of Imo state,” he said.

    The deputy governor reiterated the government’s resolve to give Imo people the best in education. He further said no amount of blackmail or falsehood can make the governor lose focus.

    Madumere was accompanied by the Commissioner for Education (Secondary) Dr Uche Ejiogu and the Njaba Local Government Chairman.

     

  • Pupils relax at resort, zoo

    Pupils of Abbot Day Spring Schools let their hair down during their yearly excursion at the Whispering Palms resort and Q-brat zoos and Garden in Badagry.

    The event was organised in partnership with a tour company, D’groove Entertainment and Communication.

    Tour coordinator Mr Benjamin Awogbayila, enlightened the pupils on the benefits of the exercise to their all-round education.

    At the Whispering Palms owned by Prof Femi Pearls, the pupils visited the mini zoo, slave museum, gym, restaurant, games village, lagoon front, and coconut dispensary.  They also enjoyed paddle boat and bicycle rides.

    After having fun pupils visited Q-brat zoo and Garden in Okoafo, Badagry where they saw various kinds of animals.

    Proprietress of the school, Mrs Ayansiji, advised parents allow their wards to partake in extra curricula activities as it helps to develop the child.

    She also advised educationists not to limit education to classrooms alone.

    In appreciation, the pupils expressed their satisfaction and thanked their parents for the financial support.

  • Astymin to reward graduating pupils

    Astymin to reward graduating pupils

    For graduating pupils who have performed exceptionally in their academics this session, it is reward time.

    Astymin, a nutritional supplement and flagship brand of Fidson Healthcare Plc, plans to present prizes to over 200 of these scholars in the Southwest and Southeast.

    The graduating pupils and their teachers and parents from over 200 public and private schools in the two regions, will be celebrated at an event organised by Fidson under its Astymin Brilliance Rewards (ABR) initiative.

    General Manager, Marketing, Fidson Healthcare Plc., Mr Ola Ijimakin, said this year’s edition scheduled for July 19, at the Grange School, GRA, Lagos, holds promise of being more exciting than the previous three.

    “The first three editions were great but this edition is ground breaking for several reasons: For the first time this year, we will be rewarding pupils from outside our traditional Southwest states.

    In addition to the usual Lagos, Ogun, Oyo and Osun states schools, this year’s event will also reward pupils from Delta, Anambra and Enugu states. Also for the first time, this year’s event will be rewarding the top 10 pupils from public schools in Lagos state. In this event also we will be having an unprecedented number of schools; over 200 in all”, he said.

    Explaining the rationale for the event, Ijimakin noted that ABR is the brand’s biggest and most prestigious event apart from the various programmes it sponsors in schools.

    “We also sponsor debates, inter-house sports, PTA meetings, Christmas parties and more. At the university level, Astymin is the main sponsor of the annual PANS national conference. The main social event the participants look forward to is the ‘AstyminNite’ and the ‘Miss. Astymin’ beauty pageant. Our biggest and probably the most prestigious event however, is the ABR,” he said.

  • Pupils have fun learning

    Pupils have fun learning

    About 1,219 pupils from 104 secondary schools in Lagos State have attended the 18th career counseling and industry awareness programme. The programme was organised by the Youth Empowerment Restoration Initiative of Lonadek Oil and Gas last week.

    The Shell Hall of the MUSON Centre, Onikan was packed full with excited pupils, who listened   to the General Manager Supply, Addax Petroleum Mr Valentine Iwu lamenting that despite exploiting Nigeria’s oil wealth for over five decades, the country is still underdeveloped.

    The pupils learnt about capacity building, competence and capability in the oil and gas industry from experts in the sector. they were also taught the importance of local innovations from the Director-General, National Office for Technology Acquisition and Promotion (NOTAP), Dr Umar Bindir and how to study better from Mrs C.O. Agwu of West African Examination Council (WAEC).

    They equally learnt the importance of good character and attitude from Mr Soji Oyawoye and how to excel in the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) from Mr Chima Akanno of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB).

    Dr Bindir challenged them to be innovative for Nigeria to export her products to other countries. According to him, that is the only way the country can be among the top 20 economies of the world by year 2020.

    “I hope one day the new inventors and producers will make this Vision 2020 a reality, which will make irresponsibility evaporate in the Nigeria system,” he said.

    Mr Biyi Awotiku of Chevron advised the pupils to channel their energy into things that will enlighten them, while Mrs Seyi Afolabi, Executive Director, Mobil Nigeria Limited, told them they could be whoever they want if they are determined, prepared and ready to work hard.

    Speaking on how to prepare for examinations, Mrs Agwu advised the students to discover themselves, set goals, avoid distractions and develop good study skills.

    “It is true that intelligence genes are sometimes inherited, but real intelligence comes from putting extra work to your already stored knowledge. And academic excellence has a price that can only be paid only by those who understand it,” she said.

    On his part, Mr Oyawoye advised the pupils to have positive attitudes.

    “The foundation of success is attitude and without the right attitude, progress will not be forthcoming but with the right attitude, things will change positively,” he said.

    In her goodwill message via the video, initiator of the programme, Dr Ibilola Amao urged the pupils to take whatever they learnt seriously to make the country proud.

    Commenting on the programme, Chidera Agbasiere, an SS2 pupil of Satellite Senior Secondary School, Amuwo Odofin, said she learnt the importance of having the right attitude.

    “The right attitude is one of the key things needed to succeed because attitude keeps you going, but the right character sustains you in your journey,” she said.

    Another pupil, Dehinbo Ebenezer of Bellina College, Akoka, said he learnt to be a change agent.

    “I have learnt to be the change I want to see around me and I have learnt to be more focused,” he said.

    The workshop featured an exhibition of science and technological devices from the schools in attendance.  The Four-way Intruder Detector of the Lagos State Senior Model College, Kankon, Badagry won with 75 per cent;  Laureates College, Mafoluku’s Ariel Surveillance Balloon came second with 70.1; while the  Sound-activated Audio Amplifier invented by the Federal Government College, Ijanikin, was adjudged the third best with 70 per cent.