The Nation Newspaper

Tag: schools

  • Ayade’s wife fights malaria in schools

    Wife of Governor Ben Ayade of Cross River State, Dr Linda, has pledged to eradicate malaria from the state.

    She took the fight against the disease to public schools in the northern senatorial district of the state.

    Inaugurating the Etisalat Fight Malaria Initiative in partnership with her pet project, Mediatrix Development Foundation, in Ogoja, Mrs Ayade said as an ambassador against malaria, they had a duty to ensure that primary, secondary and tertiary institutions in the state are equipped to fight malaria.

    “Until we can tell the world that no one is dying of malaria anymore in Cross River State, I will not relent as a fight malaria ambassador,” she said.

    According to her, intervention had started in the southern part of the state where the foundation had created school club system to not only fight malaria, but address other health issues that affect young ones.

    “I strongly believe that if the students in schools can be equipped with the right information to fight malaria, they would take same message to their families and communities. I am confident that when the young ambassadors inaugurated in the various schools in all the local government areas in northern Cross River State go back to their communities, they will work to ensure no child or pregnant woman dies of malaria,” she said.

    Dr Ayade charged the students to take advantage of the Etisalat Initiative to improve their knowledge on malaria prevention by joining the Hunt Malaria Club being established.

    She noted that the Etisalat partnership will not only help fight malaria, but has also provided computers to expose more children to computer based learning.

    She emphasised testing before treatment, as not all fevers are malaria, and warned against self-medication and patronizing fake and substandard anti-malaria drugs.

    Commissioner for Health, Dr Inyang Asibong, said malaria kills more than any other disease in the world and lauded Mrs Ayade for attracting Etisalat to partner with the state to fight the disease.

  • Heritage Bank promotes reading culture in schools

    Heritage Bank promotes reading culture in schools

    Heritage Bank Plc joined in celebrating the “World Book Day” by means of implementing one of its literacy initiatives and donation of books to schools.

    The bank has decided to lend its support to the biggest celebration of its kind, designated by UNESCO as a worldwide celebration of books and reading in its 20th year, and marked in over 100 countries all over the world for children of all ages to come together to appreciate reading.

    However, as part of effort to inculcate the culture of reading books amongst children, Heritage Bank donated a total of 16,340 comic books, dispatched to 84 schools via Experience Centers, while investing in exciting edutainment activities for school communities.

    The bank recently launched, “The protector’s” a comic series book to commemorate Children’s day. The super-heroes of the series, HK-1 and HK-2 will be touring schools this year to win allies to fight against the evil Gus D Ville.

    Also, other activities involve the first inter school quiz commenced in last year December, with 20 winners emerging from various schools.

    The Financial Literacy Holiday Workshop, as the highlights of the workshop to mark the maiden edition, which include financial literacy coaching presentation skills, creative writing, practical sessions, movie outing and other exciting treats.

  • Schools to get free uniforms, others

    Despite Educational Support, (RES), a non-governmental organisation, will today give free school uniforms to Diamond Mines Primary School and the Ijaye High Land College, both in Ifako Ijaye area of Lagos State.

    Additionally, Ijaye High Land College would receive sanitary pads for young adult female students.

    Programme Director of the group, Shobitan Pat, said the gesture was part of its contribution to the educational needs of school age children, adding that the group is committed to uplifting Nigerian education.

    She expressed concern that many children are out of school due to lack or inadequate support by their parents or guardians.

    “But this is just the beginning,” Shobitan noted.

    “Help is coming to the less privileged; many more schools would benefit from this endeavour. School age children who are out of school will soon be re-enrolled,” she assured, adding that RES is determined to look out for those children wherever they are and integrate them back into the school system.

    The group, she said, was set up to assist in paying tuition for the less privileged, and  meet other essentials including educating them.

    According to her, the vision was borne out of the desire to see the country meet the education needs of poor parents who she observed lacked the financial power to pay their children/wards’ tuition, buy books/stationeries, and uniforms.

    “Such indigent parents often watch helplessly as their children are sent out of school due to their inability to meet their financial obligations for their children.”

    She continued: “This scenario is like a vicious circle as such parents were also sent out of school during their school days, and ended up living in poverty and lack.

    “With their great potential, all they require is the financial support to enable them aqcuire sound education, so they can make a positive impact on our nation and the world at large,” she added.

  • Industrialist promises schools classrooms

    THE Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of EVOMEC Global Services Limited, High Chief Peter Esievo has assured the management of Ekpan Secondary School, Ekpan-Ovu of a block of six classrooms and renovation of two other blocks and toilets at the Urhodo Secondary School, Urhodo-Ovu.

    Esievo made the pledge while donating books to pupils of primary and secondary schools across Ethiope East Local Government Area of Delta State, promising to mobilize his team of engineers to site to a few days later.

    Esiovo who had earlier donated mattresses to corps members and renovated their lodge in Ovu Grammar School, also promise to provide toilets for two the schools.

    Speaking at Ovu Grammar School, Esievo said his gesture was not political with the interest to contest but with the zeal to contribute to the society because of his indigent background.

    He said: “During my time, l was not privileged to have books donated to us. In my own case l was rejected, so, l was into hunting for animals and collecting palm nuts to survive. But today, my story has changed, so, this kind gesture is dedicated to God Almighty and all these have no political undertone.

    “I appeal to other spirited individuals to also assist in the development of education in the local government since government alone cannot do it.  I urge all primary and secondary schools in the local government to make judicious use of the books given to them.”

    Earlier, the principal of Ovu Grammar School, Mr Alexander Oniovosa, thanked Esievo for continuing the gesture he started years back.

    He assured him, on behalf of all the recipients, that the books would be well utilized for the purpose they were bought.

  • Foundation takes career talk to schools

    Members of Helpmate Foundation (THF), a non-governmental organisation, have hosted some secondary school pupils in Lagos to a career talk on how to achieve their dreams.

    Director of the foundation and Biology Education student of the University of Lagos (UNILAG) Rasheedah Opera said the career talk with the theme: Unveiling the potential of the youth for a better community, was informed by the need to build a better community of innovative youths.

    She said the foundation was committed to helping youngsters discover their potential from secondary schools. The principal of Zumuratul Islamiyah Senior School, Mr Fatai Lawal, led the teachers and pupils to receive the visiting THF team.

    A facilitator and Editor of African Economic magazine, Mr Oluwaseun Shoperu, told the pupils to learn skills and shun vices that could derail their dreams. He advised them to be optimistic about the future and take their education as priority.

    He said: “Believe in yourself and ability to make your life better. What anyone thinks about himself he will become. Failure is not the end of life. It is only the lazy people who don’t want to experience failure in anything they do. When you have a setback, think of other ways to go and move on.”

    Shoperu advised the pupils against procrastination, which he described as a “dream killer”. He said procrastination robs people of opportunity to achieve their aims and potential.

    “Learn how to consult people who have same aspirations with you. Meet experienced people and mentor. Praying to God on regular basis and praying on your dreams and aspirations is good. Negative people will only draw you back from achieving your potential,” he said.

    Another speaker, Ibrahim Yusuf, a final year student of Microbiology at UNILAG, counselled the pupils on good attitude. He urged them to always show positive values towards the activities they engage in.

    Yusuf said: “Ensure you know what is important to your dreams and learn from the people who have become successful in order to know how to navigate your ways to your dream land. You must be able to have a great dream and set goals on achieving it.  Self-belief is very essential in achieving your dream.  A realistic dream must be mindful of your environment. Identify good values in the environment you live in.”

    Lawal was optimistic that the programme would help the pupils achieve success in their studies and career.He advised the pupils to show commitment to excellence.

    The principal promised to maintain collaboration with THF to support the programme. The foundation donated materials, including books, school bags, pen and mathematical set, to some of the participants.

     

  • Stakeholders want History back in schools

    Stakeholders want History back in schools

    It was an exciting moment at the Aquinas Catholic Church in Awka, Anambra State, when seven-year-old Chinecherem Umeogu was introduced as the traditional ruler of Aquinas Model Primary School.

    Not only that, the youngest monarch in Nigeria introduced his cabinet which included his Traditional Prime Minister, another seven-year-old Chinemeze Uzoezie and their Lolo (wives).

    Personalities at the event that included members of the Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) and the industrialist, Mr. Godwin Ezeemo were thrilled when the monarch and his cabinet were performing their rituals.

    It was during the visit of Ezeemo and the members of the PTA during the visit of stakeholders to the students.

    The lads seemed well rooted in the customs and traditions of the land as the young monarch, with his staff of office in his hand, blessed Ezeemo, the Catholic Priests and the school teachers.

    Rev. Dr. Anthony Akabogu and the leader of Progressives People’s Alliance (PPA), Mr. Godwin Ezeemo called on parents to give their children solid foundation for the society to be free of crimes.

    In the process, the PPA leader donated a school bus, 85 text books and 320 exercise books to the school.

    While advising the pupils, Ezeemo said: “Be obedient to their parents and elders and be always committed to their academic careers, describing them as the leaders of tomorrow.”

    He said they were the future hopes of Ndigbo, adding that the current leaders have failed the people.

    However, he was not happy that history is no longer part of the curriculum in Nigeria’s school system, adding that without it, the children would not be abreast of the happenings in the society and would not know what happened in the yesteryear in order to correct what might go wrong in the future.

    He, therefore, pleaded with the federal and state governments to reinstate history in the country’s education curriculum to help the present generation who, according to him, were the future leaders.

    For Rev. Father Akabogu, if the children were not given the basic foundation, it would likely spell doom in the society.

    He said without quality education, crime would rise in the society, which he said had been the bane of the country.

    The young monarch, who spoke with Southeast Report, said he learnt the ways of life and customs and tradition of his people from his parents.

    He further said he always liked to listen to traditional rulers in any function, adding that without the elders, the children would not learn anything in terms of tradition.

  • Kwara to renovate 420 schools

    Kwara to renovate 420 schools

    The Kwara State government is to renovate 420 classrooms across the 16 councils, it was learnt yesterday.

    Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed stated this while addressing members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) at the monthly stakeholders meeting held at the Banquet Hall in Ilorin, the state capital.

    According to him, the schools have been selected and will be given a face-lift to make the environment conducive for teaching and learning.

    Ahmed promised to complete all ongoing projects as part of his efforts at providing quality and necessary infrastructure in the state.

    He assured the party stalwarts that the government would continue to pay contractors through the Kwara Infrastructure Fund (IF-K) with a view to completing the projects on schedule.

    State Chairman of the APC, Ishola Balogun-Fulani, lauded Ahmed for sustaining the monthly interactive session, which, according to him, had kept Kwarans informed of development in the state and Nigeria as a whole.

  • Fed Govt re-builds 25 police stations, 25 schools destroyed by Boko Haram 

    Fed Govt re-builds 25 police stations, 25 schools destroyed by Boko Haram 

    The Federal Government has rebuilt and renovated 25 police stations and 25 schools destroyed by the Boko Haram in Adamawa state, Secretary to the Government of the Federation Babachir David Lawal stated yesterday.

    He spoke at the Christmas Carol Service at St. Theresa’s Cathedral, Jimeta, Yola.

    Lawal said one of the cardinal priorities of the present administration was ensuring security of lives and property in order to promote economic development.

    “ So far, the Federal Government has renovated and rebuilt not less than 25 schools destroyed by Boko Haram in seven local government areas of Adamawa.

    “ Similarly, we were able to rebuild the same number of police stations in the affected areas, “ Lawal said.

    On the 2017 budget, the SGF said the core objective of the fiscal proposal was economic and human development.

    He explained that President Muhammadu Buhari had also approved reconstruction of four federal roads in the budget.

    Lawal listed them as Yola-Mubi, Mararaba Mubi-Gwoza, Numan- Cham (Gombe) and Numan- Jalingo.

    Yakubu Dogara, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, advocated a synergy among all arms of government in order to move the country forward.

    Dogara urged Nigerians to support government irrespective of political and regional affiliation.

    Bishop Dami Mamza of St Theresa Cathedral, Jimeta, advised clerics to always preach peace and tolerance among the diverse people of the country.

    Among dignitaries at the service were representatives of the governors of Taraba and Plateau, senators and members of the House of Representatives.

     

  • Ebonyi govt disowns illegal fees in schools

    Ebonyi State government has disowned the alleged collection of fees from pupils of primary and secondary schools in the state by the school authorities.

    The Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Emmanuel Onwe, who said this on Monday while briefing Journalists on the outcome of the recent State Executive Council meeting, dissociated the government from the fraud, saying any fee collected without the knowledge of government was illegal.

    “It is government’s policy that no fine should be collected from pupils or students of public schools in the state without prior deliberation of the State Executive Council,” he said.

    Onwe said the free primary and secondary education policy of the state was still in force and that any anybody collecting any kind of fee from school children was indulging in illegal act.

    The Nation gathered that schools forced pupils to pay all kinds of fees causing parents to wonder whether the free education policy of the state government was still in force.

    Onwe also disclosed that the government has handed over three technical schools – Government Technical School Abakaliki, Government Technical School Afikpo and Girls Technical College Agba, to the Catholic Church.

    He said the state had set up a committee which recommended that the three schools be handed over to the Catholic church.

    Onwe added that the government was ready to hand over more schools to interested churches.

     

  • Schools battle for debate trophy in Ayede-Ekiti

    IT was a fierce battle – of wits and oratory – by pupils. In the struggle for supremacy were Ayede Grammar –  School and Government Science College, both in Ayede Ekiti in Oye Local Government Area of Ekiti State.

    It was all at the maiden inter-school debate organised by Micbeth Empowerment Foundation (MEF), a non-governmental organisation.

    The event attracted hundreds of pupils and teachers of both schools as well as dignitaries, such as the Chairman of MicCom Group, Prince Tunde Ponnle and Chairman of International Breweries Plc Otunba Dipo Daramola, who is also the president of the foundation.

    The topic of discourse was: “Polygamy is more relevant to our present socio-economic situation.”

    Ayede Grammar School representatives, Iyanu Aduragbemi and Fadekemi Oladimeji argued for, and Tomide Awomokun and Godson Sunday of Government Science College argued against.

    At the end of the suspense-filled event, the judges declared the Ayede Grammar School team winner with 84 marks – 10 more than their opponents from Government Science College.

    The winning team received medals and cash prize of N25,000. The two teachers who mentored them got N10,000 each. The school got library materials worth N100,000 and a trophy, which was blessed by the Attah of Ayede, Oba Mumuni Adebayo Orisagbemi, before the competition.

    The runners-up were presented with medals of honour for putting up a good fight in the debate.

    MEF Vice President/Chief Executive Officer Mrs Yetunde Daramola said the foundation was fulfilled to organise the debate, which she promised would be an annual event, to promote the use of the English language.

    “We hope to promote hard work, fair play and community service while laying a solid foundation for our children’s future. We at MEF strongly believe that good education will provide a solid foundation that will act as a springboard on which our children can build their future.

    “MEF therefore aims to establish programmes that will raise the value placed on education in our community and also promote community service among our youth. This, we hope, will ensure succession for community leaders of tomorrow.

    “Our target is therefore to ensure a brighter future for students in our local community. MEF today has three students on full scholarship in Government Science College, Ayede Ekiti,” she said.

    Presenting the three scholars, Olajide Okikiola, Oluwapelumi Praise and Adubiaro Deborah, MEF Executive Secretary Mr. Adebayo Ogunlola, said the Foundation seeks to help indigent pupils in public schools realise their dreams.

    Adubiaro said she came first after going through three stages of examination to win the scholarship. She appreciated MEF for the gesture, and promised not to disappoint it.

    Olajide said MEF had given hope to pupils from less privileged homes.  He mentors a primary school pupil to become a scholar in the future.

    Otunba Daramola, who said he was impressed with the performance of the pupils at the debate, promised to extend the competition beyond Ayede, his birth place.