The Nation Newspaper

Tag: school

  • School team for U-15 football zonal finals

    Efforts of the management of Greensprings School to lift football at grassroots level have started yielding positive results, with the school team winning the Lagos qualifiers of the maiden Etisalat U-15 National Championship.

    The school, being a private school, competed against five public schools in the state.

    The giant stride made by the school within and outside the country prompted the Lagos State Football Association (LSFA) to pick the school as the flag bearer of Education District III.

    The six districts in the state were represented by a team each while all the six teams were drawn into two groups of three teams in each group.

    Greensprings, inspired by its talisman, Musa Alli, were drawn in same group with Gbaja High School, Surulere and Kuje Junior High School, Ajegunle.

    In their first group match against Gbaja High School, Greensprings were merciless against the Surulere team as they walloped them 11-1 to send warning signal to Kuje boys.

    Just, they did in the first match, they were ruthless in the second group game against Kuje as they pounded them 18-0 to berth in the final.

    In the final match against Yewa High School, Agege, dignitaries from the Lagos State Ministry of Youth, Sports and Social Development led by Permanent Secretary, Oluseyi Whenu, as well as the state director of sports, Kweku Tandoh, were at the Agege Stadium to witness the encounter.

    To the chagrin of the dignitaries, the match turned out to be one-sided as Greensprings dominated proceedings thrashing Yewa boys 10-0 to emerge as the state’s representative at the zonal final scheduled for Ibadan, the Oyo State capital this month.

    In the zonal finals, Greensprings as Lagos’ representative will compete against state champions from Oyo, Ogun, Ondo, Ekiti and Osun to decide the eventual winner from the zone. The winner from the zone will compete in the national finals.

  • NBL donates classroom block to school

    NBL donates classroom block to school

    As partof its corporate social responsibility to its host community and state, Nigerian Breweries Plc has built and  handed over a school block of six classrooms with fully equipped library and toilet facilities to the authorities of Ngwa High School, Abayi in Osisioma Local Government Area of Abia State.

    The handing over and commissioning exercise was attended by the Deputy Governor of Abia State, Sir Emeka Ananaba, Anglican Bishop of Aba North Diocese, His Lordship, Rt. Rev. Nathan Kanu, commissioners, Special Advisers, members of staff of the Nigerian Breweries PLC and some members of the school’s Old Boys Association.

    Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, at Ngwa High School, the Aba Brewery manager, Mr. Udah Ukeje who represented the Managing Director and Chief Executive of NB PLC, Mr. Nicolaas Vervelde said that the project was built through Felix Ohiwerei Trust Fund Foundation with the aim of enhancing the educational standard of Abia State children.

    According to Verdelde “Education remains the most veritable tool to develop and transform the child for a bright future and enhance sustainable development of our country. Nigerian Breweries Plc, being a world class company recognises the importance of education for our youth, hence our resolve to continuously support education all over Nigeria and Abia in particular”.

    “The Nigerian Breweries, Felix Ohiwerei Education Trust Fund was established in 1994 to play an active role in funding Education, research development and encourage academic excellence in Nigeria. Prior to today, Abia State has benefitted already from this foundation with the construction and donation of blocks of six classroom/library in the following schools; Eziama High School, National High School, Ahiaba High School, Ohuru Primary School, Constitution Crescent Primary School and Osokwa Secondary School and today, Ngwa High School has joined the league of beneficiaries of the Nigerian Breweries, Felix Ohiwerei Education Trust Fund. This school block has six classrooms furnished with tables and chairs for all teachers and pupils, a library with workstation, books and conveniences for each class,” NB PLC CEO added.

    Vervelde further lauded Governor T. A Orji’s efforts in revolutionizing and rehabilitating the educational system in the state, adding that they were investing in education in the state because they know that the government would not carry the burden of developing education in the state alone.

    He urged the school authority to make good use of the project for the purpose for which it was built for.

    In his speech, the governor of the state represented by his deputy, Sir Emeka Ananaba thanked NB PLC for their support and urged other private organizations in the state to emulate the gestures of the brewing company by taking up any project that would affect the lives of their host community(ies) and the state in general positively.

    The first Senior Prefect of Ngwa High School, Mr. John Ije Obasi in an interview thanked school block donor for choosing his alma mater as one of the beneficiaries of their educational programme and also provided him the opportunity of coming back to a place that molded him into becoming a pharmacist today.

    Principal of the school, Venerable Chikezie Aliche in an interview also thanked the brewing company for their magnanimity and promised that they were going to make sure that the project would be put into good use.

    Highlights of the event was a presentation by the school’s cultural dance troupe to entertain some of the guests that attended the commissioning exercise.

  • Brewery boosts school infrastructure

    A good of illustrious people have passed through it, one of them being the late Justice Daddy Onyeama, the first Nigerian to be appointed a judge at the World Court at the Hague. But its fame has not insulated it against the worm of decay.

    Central Primary School Eke, Udi Local Government of Enugu State was founded in 1910. It started with a class of six pupils. Among them was the grandfather of retired footballer, Nwankwo Kanu’s wife, the late Mazi Joseph Onyeador.

    The school was founded by Catholic missionaries with the approval of the legendary Chief Onyeama n’Eke. Onyeama, whose influence stretched all over Wawa land, being a strong and dreaded ruler, welcomed the idea of establishing the school as the white man convinced that Western education was good. That was why the school was established.

    It metamorphosed from a private missionary school managed by the Catholic Church to a public institution after the takeover by the government in 1970. Before its takeover, it had actually produced men of substance from Eke and environs. The takeover by the government, however, turned to be a curse as the infrastructures in the school started decaying. The buildings became decrepit while pupils studied under trees. The school and the community begged for assistance, but there was none coming.

    But mother luck recently smiled on them. The Nigerian Breweries PLC, which has its factory in the neighbouring community of Amaeke Ngwo heard their cry. The breweries after consultations with leaders of the community, through their community relations programmes, came to the rescue of the old school.

    The NB Plc built an ultra-modern block of six classrooms and a library for the school. The facilities have been commissioned and handed over to the school. Functional conveniences were provided for each of the classes in the block, furnished with tables and chairs for teachers and pupils. The library section has work stations and relevant books stocked.

    The managing director and chief executive of the the Nigerian Breweries PLC, Mr. Nicolaas Vervelde at the handing over of the block, noted that the building took enormous resources and “it is our expectation that the teachers, pupils and the community will assist to protect and maintain it for sustainable use.”

    Verlverde turned to the pupils and admonished: “My dear children, it is our hope that this facility will improve your comfort and enhance your learning ability. As you learn in this complex, and acquire the desired knowledge for growth, you should always think of the right ideals for you to better Nigerians. You must shun violence and other vices  militating our economic development and nation building.

    The MD told the audience it was obvious the government alone cannot carry the entire burden of education, “hence this donation to our good people of Eke.”

    He further expressed appreciation of the “positive effort of the state governor, Barrister Sullivan Chime in the development of education in the state.”

    He said: “Education is the greatest legacy to be bequeathed to any child and remains very paramount to our existence and sustainable development. As a world class company, we have continued to support education in various aspects all over Nigeria in line with our ‘winning with Nigeria’ philosophy.

    The President of Eke Town Union, Nze Anthony Enu commended and thanked the NB PLC for rescuing the one of the oldest primary schools in Udi area. He wished the company “many more fruitful years of  business and mega expansion in their brewery industry and commerce which in a short while will translate into another and bigger dividends to Eke community.”

    Enu said: “ You will agree with me that today is quite unique because a promise made in February 2014, commenced in April 2014, completed and equipped in September 2014, is today in October 2014 being commissioned and handed over in grand style and fashion to Eke community for onward use to further promote education which will confer knowledge and power to our emerging youths.”

    Headmistress of the school, Mrs. Angela Aguji in her remark said the school and the community were “singing praises to the excellent, wonderful and marvelous work of the Nigerian Breweries PLC.”

    “The children are making you a promise to achieve success in their studies and be future hopes of Nigerian breweries workers.”

    The commissioning and cutting of the tape was done by the Enugu state commissioner for education, Prof. Chris Okolo who represented Governor Sullivan Chime.

     

  • Bank hands over renovated school

    Anglican Nursery Primary School, Olorunsola in Ayobo area of Lagos State is wearing a new look thanks to Access Bank Plc.

    The bank handed over the block of six classrooms and the head teacher’s office it renovated to the Ayobo-Ipaja Local Council Development Area last week.

    Assistant General Manger, Mrs Aina Akintonde, who said the structure was inhabitable before the bank’s intervention, explained that the school was chosen because improving education is one of the focuses of the bank’s Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives.

    “Education is one of the four focus areas of our bank’s corporate social responsibility charter. This is because of its vital role on growth, development and positive change in the society. And as an ardent promoter of socio-economic development and wellbeing, we believe that lending support in the area of education will assist greatly in achieving our objective of contributing to relevant skills and knowledge development,” she said.

    The Council Manager of Ayobo-Ipaja LCDA, Mr Akanji Shadare, praised the bank for the quality of work done.

    “Though, CSR is done voluntarily, I must commend the quality of work done on the renovated blocks of classrooms and the head teacher’s office which confirm that you have really added great value to education and it is hoped that other corporate organisations will emulate your gesture by giving back to the society,” he said.

    Shadare added that the council continues to improve the standard of education within its jurisdiction.

    “This is a transition period yet the administration has never shirked in its responsibility in the education sector hence our investment and commitment to it. In this school, we have recently delivered a brand new block of six classrooms with modern facilities for learning pleasure of our greater tomorrow,” he said.

    The school’s head teacher, Mrs Hannah Emaye, thanked the bank and the council for their support to the school.

     

  • Lagos school wins Rotary quiz

    Omole Junior Grammar School, Ikeja, Lagos has emerged winner of the maiden Rotary Club of Omole Golden Quiz competition.

    The school represented by JSS 3 pupils, Master Oluwole Moses and Miss Vivian Emefiele, beat their counterparts from Oke-Ira Junior Grammar School and Ajuwon Junior High School to clinch the coveted prize.

    The competition, held at Excellence Hotel, Ogba, Lagos, was organised by the club to commemorate the World Polio Day.

    The winners were presented with a trophy and a ticket to attend a leadership summit slated for next month in Apapa, Lagos.

    President of the club, Chris Alabi spoke of the event.

    He said: “Basically, today is World Rotary Polio Day and we have been celebrating the day for about 30 years now. We decided to organise the competition to create awareness and sensitise young people on how to prevent or curb the spread of the disease in our society. We believe that young people are change agents and they will definitely tell their parents about how to prevent the disease and government’s effort at encouraging immunisation of children.

    “The winners will have the opportunity to participate in a leadership programme slated for November 29-December 6 at Sea School, Apapa,Lagos. However, next Saturday, we would embark on a walk at Idi Oro, Mushin, to further create awareness about polio. “

    One of the winners, Moses said:“I feel great and elated that we won and for making our teachers proud. The impact of their teaching has not been in vain. However, I pass the message of hope to my mates and encourage them to tell their parents about embracing immunisation programme to curb polio.”

    A Basic Science teacher, Mrs. Toyin Faboya, who led the winning team, also said: “I am very excited that we are not only tackling polio in our society, but eradicating it gradually. I want to thank members of the club for organising this event to educate young people on the devastating effect of polio and its prevention.”

  • NSC boosts School Sports Festival with N25m

    NSC boosts School Sports Festival with N25m

    •As Mark hosts 8,000 students in Otukpo

    The 7th National School Sports Festival slated for Otukpo and Markudi, Benue State on November 6th-16th, 2014 has been boosted with a grant sum of N25 million by the National Sports Commission (NSC).

    The President of the National School Sports Federation, Ibrahim Muhammad disclosed this to SportingLife in Abuja after briefing the press on this year’s edition of the Festival.

    “The National Sports Commission under the Chairmanship of the Sports Minister, Dr. Tammy Danagogo and ably assisted by the Director-General of the National Sports Commission, Hon. Gbenga Elegbeleye has been very supportive to the cause of the National School Sports Federation and has given us the sum of N25million to start planning for this year’s edition of the the Festival billed to take place in Otukpo and Markudi.

    “Although we need the sum of N100 million for the Festival we have been supported by the NSC with the sum of N25 million, so we still need the sum of N75 million to ensure we organise a good Festival,” Muhammad disclosed.

    Muhammad also revealed that the Senate President David Mark will be the chief host and Special Guest of Honour of the Festival, and that is the reason for staging the Festival in the Senate President’s home town. The National School Spoprts Federation boss also disclosed that about 8,000 students between the ages of 17 and below are being expected in Otukpo and Markudi for the Festival.

    “There are 19 scoring sporting events while three are non-scoring events at this year’s Festival. Athletics events will take place at the Markudi Stadium while the 36 states of the Federation and Federal Capital Territory will participate in the National School Sports Festival”, Muhammad disclosed.

  • Fellowships prepare students for after school

    To prepare students to be self-reliant and well-sustained after school, the University of Lagos (UNILAG) chapters of the Christ Apostolic Church Youths Fellowship (CACYOF) and Education Students Campus Fellowship (ESCF) have organised an empowerment programme tagged: Life After Campus Empowerment (LACE) 2014.

    The event was held at Glass Hall of the Faculty of Education and had in attendance industry captains and human resource personnel, among which are Segun Zack, Joke Aderibigbe and Tonia Smart, among others.

    Zack, who is a manager at KPMG, spoke on the pros and cons of starting a business as a fresh graduate. He said entrepreneurship remained the solution to unemployment, urging the students to dream big. He said: “You must challenge the status quo and develop new ideas that will change the world.”

    Ms Aderibigbe, who is the Chief Executive Officer of Beamaz Consulting, told the participants to identify their passion before dabbling into any career. She stressed the need for students to acquire experience through internship programmes to have an edge over their peers in the job market.

    Ms Smart, a former Managing Director of Lagos State Pension Commission, charged the youngsters to be ICT-compliant and endowed with administrative skills.

    Olamide Babalola, a participant, described the event as inspiring, saying it would prepare and assist students to discover their purpose beyond the university walls.

  • Fresh initiative in public school management

    Fresh initiative in public school management

    The difficulties experienced in accessing and authenticating principals, teachers, students, school records and activities in online admissions may  soon be over as the Federal Capital Territory Universal Basic Education Board (FCT-UBEB) has begun integrating junior secondary schools in the Federal Capital Territory into its newly-developed Central Portal System called the Electronic School System (ESS).

    The initial data collection of students has been completed in the first phase of the initiative in the public school system.

    To kick-start this project, FCT-UBEB is running the admission process for the 2014/2015 academic year on its newly developed portal on http://www.fctubeb.gov.ng

    The ESS by the board will engender effective and efficient management and supervision of about 150 junior secondary schools in the Federal Capital Territory with a student population of over 100,000.

    The ESS is a revolutionary, web-based school management platform that was developed by Plovtech Solutions, a major player in electronic school management system, with offices in Nigeria, Ireland and the United Kingdom.

    According to the Managing Director of Plovtech Solution, Mr. Jones Ajayi, ESS will assist the school board to “securely” manage, query, report, archive all student records and all general schools’ activities for effective and efficient operations and service provision.

    ESS will enable schools to, among other benefits, electronically store and manage records and documents, including students’ admission records, all internal examination results and grades, teachers’ remarks and any other relevant information at present and in the future. In the process, it will provide secure access for document owners and management team.

    The system comes with an international standard web platform for each school on the project with their own personalised domain name which enables the school to publish all its information online, such as its history, school activities, sporting achievements, students’ projects, videos and photographs.

    It also provides the school with an online document authentication system that allows for storage of examination records, certificates, testimonials and other security documents online, verification on the school website or FCT-UBEB. The portal will enable the school authorities to efficiently administer the school as well as teach and stimulate interests of students in computer and information technology.

    A critical value of ESS is the leverage it gives the school to regularly interface with old students who will be able to register on the school portal and thus have a platform to interact and provide direct assistance when the school is in need of such assistance.

    The FCT-UBEB considers the ESS a very important tool to manage schools in the Federal Capital Territory in the current globalised environment of the 21st Africa, if the schools are not to be left behind. The FCT-UBEB, which controls about 150 junior secondary schools with over 100,000 students, is fully committed to the project.

    Plovtech Solutions, as the service provider, is well equipped with manpower and technical resources to provide training and technical support for the systems. After the conclusion of the project, FCT-UBEB will have under its control, a central Web Portal Platform and 150 unique web domains for each public school.

    The solution and the platform were presented to all the principals of junior secondary schools on September 23, this year at Abuja.

    The principals praised the effort of the school board which aimed at reducing the work load and burden involved in manually managing schools’ records.

    The Chairman of the Board, Alhaji Umaru Barau Ningi, was represented by Mr Benjamin S. Ogbara, Board Member 1 of FCT-UBEB, who urged all the principals to join the IT revolution, even as he urged them to make good use of the tool in order to run their schools effectively. He also advised them to use the internal integrated messaging system in the solution for direct communication with the board.

  • Back to School

    Hello children, Holliday is over.

    It is now time to resume the new session. I know for many of you, this holiday is  long, no thanks to the Ebola Virus that led to the extension of your resumption date. It is for your good. Don’t worry about Ebola virus, I am sure that your school would have prepared  adequately to make the school environment suitable for you.

    As you resume the new session, the routine of waking up very early, washing you school uniform, waiting for school bus and possibly trekking a distance to school  has began. To help you ease back to schools, there are tips you need to take into consideration for you to a successful new academic session:

    1)            Start to practice the act of waking up early and getting dressed at the same time every morning

    2)            Prepare your books, uniforms, bags, socks, shoes intact as you resume

    3)            If you can, tell your parents or guardian to buy you a wristwatch for you to be able to manage your time

    4)            Write down the need-to-know info to help you remember details such as your locker combination, what time classes and lunch start and end, teachers’ and/or bus drivers’ names.

    5)            tudy your school environment and be security conscious.

  • Group donates to community school in Anambra

    Anambra Women in Washington DC in the United States of America (USA) have given a boost to Governor Willie Obiano’s Education Sector Development Initiative with a donation of library furniture and other equipment worth over N5 million.

    The items were presented to Nimo to Girls’ Secondary School by the representatives of the group led by Mr. Ikechukwu Agbim.

    The donation of the library accessories also included book shelves, printer and scanners, reading and administrative disks and seats, among others.

    He said the project was part of the association’s contributions towards achieving a functional system of education that drives excellence, self-sustainability and innovation in the community.

    Furthermore, he urged the school’s management to ensure that the equipment were put to proper use in keeping the students abreast of 21st Century educational advancements.

    The donation, which Agbim said was the first phase of what the group intended to do for the community school, would usher in the second phase of the project which, according to him, would be the procurement of over 5,000 books and multi-media materials for ICT research for the students.

    The Principal of the school, Mrs. Philomena Okoye and the Chairman, Parent-Teacher Association (PTA), Mr. Jude Ajagu praised the donors, even as she expressed her hope that the project would be completed.

    They said what the group had done was to complement the efforts of Governor Obiano who, according to them, was doing everything possible to ensure that schools in the state attain world standard.

    However, the representative of the traditional ruler of the community, Prince Chike Okafor Aguilo and the President-General, Nimo Town Union (NTU), Chief Chris Obiefuna commended the women for their gesture and vision.

    Also, the Senior Prefect of the school, Miss Juliet Okpala who spoke on behalf of colleagues of her, said the project, when completed would help them in research. She thanked the group for its initiative.