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Tag: school

  • Fed Govt develops four-year secondary school’s strategic plan

    Fed Govt develops four-year secondary school’s strategic plan

    The Federal Government has developed a four-year strategic plan for senior secondary education in Nigeria (2024 –2027) in line with the ongoing efforts to reposition secondary education in the country.

    The government also owed to ensure strict enforcement of the National Minimum Standards for senior secondary education in Nigeria.

    It said severe sanctions would be applied to both partial and non-implementation by schools.

    Executive Secretary, National Senior Secondary Education Commission (NSSEC), Dr. Iyela Ajayi, said this during the stakeholders’ meeting on validation of the two draft documents, National Minimum Standards for Senior Secondary Education in Nigeria and the draft Strategic Plan for Senior Secondary Education in Nigeria, 2024 – 2027.

    Ajayi stated that the strategic plan, when approved, would provide a clear roadmap for the development of senior secondary education in Nigeria in the next four (4) years.

    The executive secretary added that the preparation of the document has taken into consideration the roadmap for the education sector, prepared by the Federal Ministry of Education, the mandates of the Commission, and other policies and programmes pertaining to senior secondary education in Nigeria.

    On the minimum standards, Ajayi noted that after the validation exercise, the document would be forwarded to the next meetings of the Joint Consultative Committee on Education (JCCE) and finally to the National Council on Education (NCE) for consideration and final approval later this year.

    The draft document specifies the standards/benchmarks in various thematic areas in senior secondary education delivery, namely: Teaching and Learning; Quality Assurance; Planning Research and Statistics, Infrastructural Facilities and Equipment; Special and Support Programmes and Stakeholders’ Responsibilities at the Federal and State levels.

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    He said: “When this is done, it will be mandatory for all the public and private senior secondary schools in Nigeria to implement the National Minimum Standards as it will define a benchmark for all aspects of senior secondary education in the country.

     “The law has also given the Commission the power to enforce the Minimum Standards. This we will do through a robust monitoring system.

    “With time, benchmark performance would also be used as the basis for the ranking of senior secondary schools in Nigeria.”

    Minister of Education, Prof Tahir Mamman, SAN, while declaring the validation meeting open, urged all state governments, private sector, and other relevant stakeholders in education to support the implementation and establishment of these standards.

  • Why I reversed same school uniform policy in Osun, Oyetola reveals

    Why I reversed same school uniform policy in Osun, Oyetola reveals

    The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola has explained why he reversed the education policy introduced by the government of Rauf Aregebsola.

    Oyetola who served as Osun state governor from 2018 to 2022.

    He spoke while receiving award from the alumni association at the 90th anniversary of Ilesa Grammar School, maintaining that he reversed the  education policy introduced by Rauf Aregbesola’s government because of the outcry of Osun people.

    The minister, who was represented by his former Chief of Staff, Charlse Akinola, noted that during his administration as the governor, he believed in the transformative power of education, hence he ensured that education was a strong pillar of his government.

    He added: “Throughout the four years we were in government, we demonstrated our commitment to improving the education system in Osun through the tremendous interventions and reforms we carried out.”

    The ex-governor while addressing the alumni body said: “It is pertinent to note that some of the reforms we initiated were based on the outcry by majority of Osun people and requests made by alumni associations like yours.

    “Specifically, we had to revisit the issue of single uniform, reclassification of schools, and change of schools names among others. We took the decision to do the needful in line with the yearnings and aspirations of Osun citizens as captured in the Citizens Needs Assessment report.

    “Therefore, the reforms we carried out under our administration was never targeted at anyone. If anything, apart from restoring confidence in the Old Students Associations, especially those who dragged us to court, like your body, the decision further helped to boost the Osun local economy as the old men and women selling school uniforms that were hitherto sent out of business bounced back.

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    “If we did not take the courage to take the decision back then, you may not have been able to gather in this large number to celebrate today as you may not have where to call your school.”

    He expressed confidence that efforts made by his government in other sectors would also be acknowledged, whether in the present or in the years to come.

    Earlier, the former finance commissioner, Wale Bolorunduro, who served under Rauf Aregbesola, while paying courtesy call on Governor Ademola Adeleke, attested that since the reversal of the policy, various alumni class sets are reconstructing and renewing buildings that had been run down due to abandonment and previous relocation of students away from schools.

    Bolorunduro who is the national vice president of Ilesa Grammar School Old Students Association said: “The objectives of the 90th anniversary celebration is to elevate our school, to the national consciousness so as to make it difficult for the repeat of 2017 events, when our school was taken over and our legacy buildings were abandoned.”

  • Ondo records 240,000 out-of-school children

    Ondo records 240,000 out-of-school children

    Ondo State has recorded 240,000 out-of-school children, Chairman of the State Universal Basic Education Board (ODSUBEB) Chief Victor Olabimtan, stated this at a news conference in Akure.

    Olabimtan, who described the out-of-school children as a national problem, called for collaboration by the stakeholders in tackling the menace.

    “The truth is that, it has become a serious socio-economic issue because it has become a breeding ground for social and political miscreants.

    “Empirical statistics have repudiated the initial beliefs that out-of -school is only prevalent in the northern part of the country.

    “Studies have shown it is a growing menace in this part of the world without leaving out our state.

    “This menace is growing every day and needs the efforts of all stakeholders, especially the press, through reportage and continuous advocacy harping on the advantages of a literate society,” Olabimtan stated.

    He said the board has begun the process of awarding the 2023 Action-Plans valued at N2.95 billion for the construction, reconstruction, rehabilitation of schools across the state.

    According to him, the action-plans also covers fencing of schools, construction of boreholes, supplies of pupils furniture, teachers’ chairs and tables and sporting equipment.

    He also said the board had provided over 900 schools with the digital devices for attendance management of pupils in classrooms.

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    Olabimtan, however, identified vandalisation of schools and damaging of government property as one of the major challenges confronting the board.

    “One of the most serious challenges we are battling with in our schools is the unpatriotic activities of vandals who are of the habit of destroying and vandalising school properties especially doors, windows and ceilings put in place with tax players funds.

    “Another major challenge facing our schools is the issue of land encroachment by some communities and land speculators.

    “With the support of relevant agencies of government, we are tackling them through peaceful and official engagements, and we appeal to our people to always protect government properties,” he said.

    He reiterated the commitment of the board at improving infrastructure and making teaching and learning more attractive.

  • School holds 55th founder‘s day

    School holds 55th founder‘s day

    Maryland Comprehensive Secondary School, Lagos State has celebrated 55 years. The programme started with Mass and thanksgiving to God.

    Rev. Alfred Martins, proprietor, also archbishop of Metropolitan See of Lagos, urged guests, old students, parents and others to emulate Christ.

     Administrator, Rev. Agnes Ola, said I welcome you to this celebration of our 55th Foundation‘s Day.

     This is a special occasion where we come together to thank God for His blessings and honour achievements of  students.

     Guest speaker, Dr Chioma G. Okemdinachi, noted the institution of 55 years is serving its purpose as a beacon of education, and making a difference in this generation.

    Prizes were presented to pupils from JSS to SSS level. Owuye  Oluwakemi, overall best female candidate for NECO Basic Education Certificate Examination 2023, received full scholarship to complete her secondary school.

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    Awards were given to teachers for their performances, with groups, showcasing different cultures and dance steps.

    Another highlight of the day was the unveiling and launching of Landers Periscope magazine led by the Chief launcher of the day, Mrs Tokunboh Ajila Jakande, followed by the PTA Chairman, Mr Kola Adepoju, Chairperson of the day, Mrs Mer cy George Igbafe, Mrs Chioma G. Okemdinachi and the Landers association amongst others. Between them, the launch was a success.

    Mrs Idowu Alaba the Assistant PTA chairman said, „Maryland comprehensive secondary school is known for qualitative education, At 55, it is an epoch making event. Aside education, the school is known for discipline and spiritual formation, that is why the students excel.

    Mr Alfred Adekola Adepoju the PTA chairman and also a parent shared his own side that in terms of academics, the school has a good track record.

  • IDGS Alumni launches N100m school road, gate projects

    IDGS Alumni launches N100m school road, gate projects

    The Old Students of Iseyin District Grammar School, Iseyin (IDGS) over the weekend launched an N100million fund raising campaign to construct the school’s road and redesign its main entrance gate.

    The event, which was part of the 60th Anniversary of the school, also witnessed inauguration of new national executive committee that will pilot affairs of the association for the next three years.

    The chairman of the occasion, who is also an alumnus, Sen. Gbenga Babalola, charged all alumni of IDGS home and abroad to rededicate themselves to the development of the school’s infrastructure, students and members of staff’s welfare.

    He commended efforts of Governor Seyi Makinde on his dedication to change fortune of education sector for better in the State, urging Makinde to do more in physical infrastructure for public schools.

    He said: “We are happy to celebrate IDGS at sixty and we have seen wonderful jobs that have been done by every set among the alumni to give the school its present enviable condition, we are rededicating ourselves to serve the school more as it has served us in the past.

    “While appreciating the executive governor of Oyo State for his efforts to make education affordable and effective through policies and proper funding, we appeal for more, like Oliver Twist, we also call on the old and new sets of alumni at home and in diaspora to continue to support the school, this we shall achieve, God willing.”

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    The event also witnessed the inauguration of the newly-elected national executive officers of the association, which include the National President, Alhaji Ademola Dauda and the Secretary General, Dr. Femi Oyediran.

    Others are Mrs Felicia Shiyanbola, National Vice-President, Com. Wasiu Ademola, Assistant General Secretary, Mr. Alhazan Abiodun, National Publicity Secretary and Mrs Rashidat Gambari as the National Treasurer.

    The list also has Mrs Yetunde Olona as the National Financial Secretary, Mr. Liadi Adeyinka as National Auditor, Mrs Aliu Alice as National Social Secretary, Chief Ademola Bamidele as Ex-officio 1 and Dr. Toyosi Raheem as Ex-officio 2.

  • 45% of West Africa’s out-of-school children in Nigeria, says Fed Govt

    45% of West Africa’s out-of-school children in Nigeria, says Fed Govt

    • Campaign against menace launched in Kwara

    The Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman, has expressed worry over the huge number of out-of-school children in the country.

    The minister said research studies had put Nigeria as having 45 per cent of such children in West Africa, indicating that the country accounts for one out of every five out-of-school children in the world.

    He said such a ranking was disturbing and unacceptable for the country, regarded as Africa’s largest economy.

    Mamman said this in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital, at the official launch of the National Campaign On Out-of-School Children and distribution of school materials to selected out-of-school children (OOSC) in the state.

    Represented by an official of the ministry, Dr. (Mrs.) Olatunji David, Prof. Mamman said the Federal Government was mindful of the danger of the out-of-school children phenomenon.

    The minister urged all key stakeholders, including civil society organisations (CSOs), as well as community and religious leaders, to act fast in checking the trend.

    “Stemming the tide of out-of-school children is a task that this government seeks to accomplish. This is because we are mindful of the spiral effects of having a large number of uneducated population.

    “One of the implications is that Nigeria will constantly produce miscreants who are ready tools in the hands of criminal gangs,” he said.

    Mamman also urged all good-spirited individuals in the state to aid the less privileged in their communities.

    The minister noted that by adopting such children and youths who are of school age and supporting their education, such privileged Nigerians would be helping in building the nation’s future leaders.

    He praised Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq for his administration’s commitment to changing the fortune of education in the state.

    Governor AbdulRazaq said his administration’s investments in the state’s education system were fast yielding positive results.

    The governor said this had continued to improve public school enrolment in the state.

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    He said the government birthed an e-learning system in basic schools to impart digital skills and improve learning outcomes while boosting the capacity of teachers for maximum service delivery.

    “The introduction of the e-learning system by our government to our schools through the establishment of digital literacy centers and KwaraLEARN innovative teaching techniques in education, as well as the school feeding programme have not only reduced the pressure on the parents but also increased enrolment and motivated the pupils/students to be regular in the school,” AbdulRazaq said.

    The governor, who was represented by his Chief of Staff, Prince AbdulKadir Mahe, promised that his administration would double down in pushing policies and programmes that would continue to make the learning environment attractive and ensure that no Kwara child is left out of school.

    He described the step to eradicate out-of-school children in Nigeria as unique and thanked the Federal Ministry of Education for picking Kwara as one of the first states to benefit from the national programme.

    “It is my sincere hope and aspiration that the overall target of this campaign will lead to an improved enrollment of school children and eradicate the menace of out-of-school children in our society,” he said.

    The governor urged parents to key into the initiative.

  • School of the Blind graduates 23 students

    School of the Blind graduates 23 students

    Members of this year’s Class of Federal Nigeria School of the Blind Vocational Training Centre (FNSB-VTC) Oshodi, Lagos have graduated at a ceremony held at the school premises in Oshodi, Lagos.

    The graduates underwent training in Information Communication Technology and Assistive Technology, Braille reading and writing, orientation and mobility, daily living skills, personality development, and vocational classes in bead making, tie and dye, nylon rope craft and soap making.

    Chairman, Board of Governors, FNSB-VTC, Mrs. Ayopeju Njideaka, said the school’s programmes are not just pathways to employment or entrepreneurship, they are gateways to independence, self-reliance, and a future filled with possibilities.

    “Through hands-on training, assistive technologies, and a supportive community, we have striven to nurture not only professional skills but also the resilience and confidence needed to navigate a world that often underestimates the abilities of those without sight,” she said.

    Njideaka noted that the commitment of the vocational centre is beyond impacting skills.

    “It encompasses the spirit of empowerment. It starts with ensuring that the trainees regain their independence and imbibe a mindset that positions them for success despite challenges associated with visual impairment.

    “We are more than an education institution; we are a family.The camaraderie, encouragement and understanding that define our community have been instrumental in the growth and success of each graduate.

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    “Together, we have proven that blindness does not define our capabilities. It’s merely a part of our diverse and resilient identities,” she said.

    Also, the Acting Principal of the school, Joseph Oladokun, said the  ceremony was a celebration of life and excellence, hard work, and honesty.

    “We are proud to have reached this level with dedication and hope. We have hope before, now, and also in the future.

    “Today, we are creating a group of individuals, who have not only embraced special education but have transcended barriers to attain knowledge that will undoubtedly shape their destinies. Your journey here has been one of courage, determination and triumph over challenges,” he said.

    On his part, the Proprietor of the Adam School, Oshodi, Adam Adebola, urged the graduates never to look down on themselves or be laid back as they have lot of potential inherent in them that the world is waiting for.

  • ‘How Govt plans to get 15m out-of-school children back to classroom’

    ‘How Govt plans to get 15m out-of-school children back to classroom’

    The Federal Government has expressed commitment to return 15 million out-of-school children back to the classroom by 2027.

    The Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman, announced this yesterday in Abuja at a one-day retreat on: Quick Wins in the Ministerial Deliverables (2023-2027).

    Mamman explained that the learning crisis had also been a major issue which he said was a bad product of the out-of-school menace, hence the need to take the matter more seriously.

    The minister noted that having robust policies in place was not enough to tackle the challenges but delivering on the policies would go a long way in addressing the problems of out-of-school children.

    “The Federal Ministry of Education has further distilled the implementation of the ministerial deliverables to a more detailed implementation with turn-around strategies that would be measurable and capable of providing results that would be very visible to the Nigerian public.

    “On out-of-school menace, we would be paying particular attention to this unacceptable phenomenon and in line with President Bola Tinubu’s commitment, would work towards returning 15 million Out-of-School Children back to the classrooms by the year 2027,” he said.

    Mamman said President Tinubu had approved the reintroduction and implementation of school feeding across basic educational levels.

    The minister explained that the removal of tertiary institutions from the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS) was necessary to give tertiary institutions the autonomy to operate.

    He added that the ministry would work with the Minister of Finance/Coordinating Minister of the Economy and the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation to ensure a seamless implementation.

    “No Nigerian would be happy with the epileptic delivery of academic activities in our tertiary institutions occasioned by long-unresolved agreements.

    “Under the guidance of President Bola Tinubu, we engaged in informal consultations with the tertiary institutions-based unions and have begun to build trust as exemplified by the resolution of the following issues:

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    “Thirty-five per cent increase in salaries of workers in our tertiary institutions, four months payment of salaries for the eight months they were on strike in 2022.

    “Others are removal from IPPIS and granting autonomy for recruitment,” he said.

    The minister announced that in line with President Tinubu’s directive to stagger the establishment of already approved tertiary institutions, the ministry had taken over the sites for the establishment of some Federal Colleges of Education.

    He listed the colleges as: the Federal College of Education, Ilawe Ekiti, Ekiti State; Federal College of Education, Ididep, Ibiono, Akwa Ibom State; and the Federal College of Education (Technical), Yauri, Kebbi State.

    Mamman said the ministry had concluded administrative processes for their take-off for academic activities by 2024.

    On teacher’s improvement, he said the ministry had revised the National Teacher Education Policy (NTEP) to chart the course for teacher education and development in the country.

  • Oyo school wins big in raw materials competition

    Oyo school wins big in raw materials competition

    Oritamefa Baptist Model School, Oyo State came first in the 6th annual raw materials quiz competition for secondary schools in the country that took place in Abuja.

    The competition organised by the Raw Materials Research and Development council (RMRDC), under the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation is aimed at creating awareness and engender innovation among the country’s teeming youths.

    Apart from Oritamefa Baptist Model School, Oyo State, HillCity College, Ilorin came second while the Federal Government College, Okposi, Ebonyi State came in third. 

    Students competed first in their states, regions and the winners in each region finally competed in Abuja fir the final prize.

    The chairman RMRDC quiz competition, Asabe Mustapha said first to third prize winners would get monetary rewards from the Council while regional winners from different states would go home with different prizes.

    She added: “The quiz competition is to catch them young, let them know what raw materials is all about and know where all the natural resources In Nigeria is found. So if they are interested in being entrepreneurs, they would know the best state to one day invest in.

    “After this we would be introducing the raw materials club which would be in secondary schools as well and partnering with the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), introducing all the production flow chats of different products to educate them on it, so the students are educated and youth Corp members can take it as their Community Development Service of teaching students in schools.”

    Director-General of the National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC), Mr. Joseph Osanipin said the quiz competition is not just about testing the student’s knowledge of the abundance of raw materials in the country but igniting their curiosity, sharpening your critical thinking skills, and fostering a spirit of innovation and entrepreneurship.

    He said: “As you navigate through these challenging questions, remember that each correct answer is a step closer to a future where you, the brilliant minds of tomorrow, harness the potential of Nigeria’s natural resources to create solutions and drive sustainable development.

    “We at NADDC are firm believers in the power of education and knowledge. We are confident that this competition will not only test your existing knowledge but also inspire you to delve deeper, to explore new avenues, and to dream big.

    “May the quiz be not just a test, but a springboard for their future endeavours, passion for science, technology, and environmental stewardship and leave them brimming with ideas and ready to contribute to a brighter future for Nigeria.”

  • Trust Council lifts indigent school

    Trust Council lifts indigent school

    Corona Schools’ Trust Council, an institution focused on the development of world-class schools in terms of curriculum, teaching methodologies and management, has upgraded the Adeife Sodipo-Akindeko Memorial Primary School library.

    According to the Council’s management, the project is part of its commitment to education and community development, under its ‘Out-Of-School Initiative.

    Chief Executive Officer of the Corona Schools’ Trust Council, Mrs. Adeyoyin Adesina, said the initiative, which began last year, is currently sponsoring 50 pupils at the Adeife Sodipo-Akindeko Memorial Primary School.

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    Mrs. Adesina said: “As an educational institution, it would be our joy for every child to have access to education, and in conjunction with the LASUBEB Project Zero team, we will continue to support these children and empower the school to a satisfactory level.”

    The second cohort of 25 Out-of-School Children were also presented with school uniforms, bags, notebooks and water bottles for the school year.

    Education Secretary (ES) of Somolu Local Government Education Authority LGEA, Dare Martins Onakoya, lauded the Council for the initiative, saying he is glad the private sector is collaborating with the government to address the out-of-school menace.