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Tag: schools

  • Rotary provides water, bags for Lagos schools

    Rotary provides water, bags for Lagos schools

    The District Governor of the Rotary International District 9110, Rotarian Patrick Ikheloa has praised the Rotary Club of Omole Golden for presenting school bags and providing access to potable water for four public schools in Ifako Ijaiye Local Government Area of Lagos State.

    Ikheloa spoke when he led other district leaders to inaugurate the water project at the African Church Primary School, Idi-Agbon area of the local government. Other schools that benefited from the water scheme were Karaole Primary School, Coker Primary School and Ayanleye

    Primary School.

    He said for the club to embark on the water project shows that it remained committed to promoting healthy environment that is conducive to teaching and learning.

    He also distributed 1,000 school bags to primary four and five pupils of the four schools on behalf of the club.

    Ikheloa also praised the club for deeming it fit to not only provide safe water for the pupils, but also in giving them befitting school bags in which to carry their books to school.

    He said more of such projects would be extended to many other schools and communities within the district before the end of the year.

    Reeling off some of the achievements of the club in recent time, the President of the Club, Rotarian Titilayo Sunmonu said the club resolved to unveil the water project and distribution of school bags to coincide with the new session which opened on September 19, even as she revealed that the gesture was to commemorate the World Humanitarian Day, which was celebrated on August 19.

    In his remark, the Education Secretary, Ifako-Ijaiye, Mr Adeyemi Jongbo expressed his satisfaction with the club’s gesture. He called on other well-meaning groups and individuals to render life-changing services to people, especially the downtrodden.

    Earlier at a breakfast fellowship, the club inducted new members, just as it honoured, among others, Rotarian Michael Oshinibosi as a Paul Harris Fellow, and a major donor in recognition of his contributions to the club.

  • Oyo: no automatic promotion in schools

    Oyo State has said it will not renege on its decision to stop automatic promotions in public secondary schools.

    It stressed that its decision to reform the education sector will be pursued rigorously until it yields positive results.

    Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism Toye Arulogun said this at the weekend while featuring on Saturday Special, a weekend magazine programme of the Broadcasting Corporation of Oyo State (BCOS).

    Arulogun said it was unacceptable for Oyo State to occupy the rung of the ladder positions in the National Examinations Council (NECO) and Senior School Certificate examinations (SSCE), when it should be setting the pace.

    He said the state was known for many firsts and its education sector should be the benchmark for others.

    The government spokesman said the reforms in the education sector were inevitable and that no amount of protests would deter the state from changing its stand on the “no automatic promotion policy  in public secondary schools”.

  • Anti-malaria campaign hits schools

    The fight to eradicate malaria received a boost in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) as ExxonMobil took the campaign to secondary schools.

    Working alongside its partners, National Basketball Association (NBA) and Africare, students for days were fought on how disease burden in the country could be drastically reduced through effective engagement of needed resources, habits and personnel.

    The groups use sports (basketball) and other learning skills to train students across the nation’s capital on how various strategies could be used not only to sensitise, but defeat ailments that have snuffed lives out of many citizens, and currently constitute threats to the lives of others.

    Malaria was highlighted at the event as one of the ailments receiving attention for elimination. The project is being funded by ExxonMobil, while NBA offers the sports component.

    Africare, a partner that works on health component of the project, has contributed through distribution of “thousands” of mosquito nets and conducted malaria tests for many people across the country, said Country Director, Africare Nigeria Dr. Orode Doherty.

    Doherty said the project was yielding desired results third year after it was launched, and that it would be expanded to all parts of the country.

    “Africare is working in 15 states in Nigeria. So, as an organization, scalability is not an issue for us. We are already working in multi-million dollar opportunities. So, scaling is not an issue. We are ready to go. We are working with the ministry. We’ve shown them what we are doing. this is an opportunity for them to come in and see what we do with this children so that we can expand it to other schools in the country, target children who are out-of-school, targeting children who are in IDP camps, children who do not have opportunity to be educated among others,” she stated.

    Director of malaria project, Africare, Dr Patrick Adah, said the organization implements different malaria projects in the country and helps to coordinate those projects in various locations in the country.

    “Malaria is endemic. What that means is that the disease is with us here. Over the years, the disease has been ravaging, killing so many children, and even adults in a very large proportion. The Federal Ministry of Health under the auspices of the National Malaria Programme, with all the malaria partners in the country are putting efforts together to ensure that we burden of malaria, and even to eliminate malaria in the country. But, because the disease is endemic, it takes a long time and serious efforts to ensure that malaria is completely eliminated. But, over the years, efforts are being made to control malaria, and we are making progress,” he said.

    The event featured former NBA player, KelennaAzubuike and other notable figures in basketball in the country.

  • Don’t clampdown on schools, AFED begs Lagos Govt.

    The Association for Formidable Educational Development (AFED), has reiterated its  remained a formidable partner in economic and educational progress in Lagos State.

    The association spoke through its National President, Mrs Ifejola Dada at the International Literacy Day, which held at the National Stadium  last week. The theme of the event was “Read the past and write the future”.

    At the event, 1800 pupils from 40-member schools were in attendance. A representative from each school was requested to read a chapter of a work of literature aloud.

    Mrs Dada appealed to Lagos State government to refrain from its planned clampdown of 10,000 private schools as released in its statement, saying it portends great damage to government and business owners.

    Dada said: “The education sector is the hub of human capital development and transformation of the entire system. It is feeding the rest with the required human capital which is why it requires enabling policy from state leaders”.

    She continued: “Under AFED, we have 5000 members; in each school we have minimum of nine teachers to 50 pupils. If we multiply that, how many people will lose their jobs and be unemployed peradventure the government carries out its threat? The two million pupils in our different schools that were taken off the streets, return there?  We all know that our public schools are filled up and not enough to cater for these children”.

    While praising Lagos government for its cooperation, Dada recalled that the immediate past administration used more civil ways in handling the matter without closing down the schools.

    She said: “The administration of Mr Babatunde Fashola set up a committee in the Ministry of Education. They created the education stakeholders quarterly meeting, the grading assessment of private schools (GAPS), and the extension of public service provision by the British government”.

    She, however, assured the government that AFED was committed to delivering quality and functional education. She said the association will start to issue yellow cards to member schools that are deficient in one facility or the other, noting that such schools would be given the option of either closing down or merging and joining resources with nearby member schools in order to meet requirements.

    Director-General, Office of Education, Quality Assurance, Mrs Ronke Soyombo, said the Literacy Day was to enable pupils inculcate  the habit of reading, comprehension and not just speaking grammar.

    She said reading culture in children needs to be reawakened so that efforts can be made by schools, parents and other stakeholders to ensure that pupils cultivate that habit flawlessly.

    “We have to give big kudos to AFED for organising such a laudable event. To me, it is a day we are all coming together as stakeholders to promote literacy in Lagos State. We are celebrating the culture of reading as well as encouraging literacy,” she said.

  • Sokoto shuts 20 illegal schools

    No fewer than 20 primary and secondary schools in Sokoto State were last week sealed by the state government.

    The affected schools, the government said, violated regulations guiding their establishment.

    This was contained in a statement signed by the chairman of the committee on the closure of unregistered schools in the state, Alhaji Shehu Lema.

    The statement said the decision was sequel to the recommendations of the committee to the ministry of basic and secondary education.

    It said: “The axed schools were closed as they were operating illegally and in non- conducive environment.

    “They were also operating in rented apartments in contravention of the laid down rules and regulations of establishing such schools.

    “These affected schools had also recruited unqualified teachers, another flagrant violation of the regulations.’’

    The statement further urged parents not to patronise the affected schools. It also called on them to liaise with the ministry in seeking new schools for their children and wards.

     

  • ‘Address multiple taxation in private schools’

    Director, Everest Heights Academy, Gwagwalada Abuja, Dr Olubukola Dosunmu, has called on the Federal Government to address multiple taxation against private schools operators in the country. Dosunmu also called for strict regulations and control of private schools, as well as access to funds from financial institutions.

    She spoke at the inauguration of its Junior Secondary School arm in Abuja.

    According to her, the plan of the school is to have a university in the next few years to address certain needs in the education sector.

    Dosunmu, a pathologist, attributed the success of the school to discipline, trust in God, dedication of staff and the unflinching support of her husband who stood by her when she started operating the school from their living room 12 years ago.

    She said: “At the beginning, we had a lot of challenges, in fact around 2011 and 2013, we almost went bankrupt because of the difficulties and problems associated with running a private school. There is the problem of multiple taxation, overhead costs, teachers’ salaries, water and electricity bills, high interest rates and inability to access funds from financial institutions.

    “Education is capital intensive and people going there need the support of government, institutions and individuals. But here the support is almost zero. A lot of times I was discouraged because of the harsh environment and the fact that some parents when they are angry, use harsh words against you. Most times I would tell myself if I had remained in my Consulting Room at the teaching hospital, maybe I would not be facing this challenge.

    “But I thank God who makes it possible for me to receive support from a lot of people especially the teachers.  I am very passionate about education.

    “It is my prayer that the government would address certain areas that have to do with multiple taxation, and the need for strict regulations and control, access to funds from financial institutions and reductions in levies and taxes imposed on private schools by so many government agencies.”

    He said the institution does not compromise standard to passing exams.

    The school which was established in 2004 with four pioneering pupils, now has over 500 pupils across its day care, nursery, primary and secondary arms.

     

  • Corps member provides libraries for Calabar schools

    Corps member provides libraries for Calabar schools

    Staff and students of Government College and Estate Secondary School in Ikot Ansa in Calabar, the Cross River State capital, have expressed appreciation to a National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member serving in the state for completely renovating their libraries, which were in decrepit conditions.

    The corps member, Miss Obianuju Anene, serving with General Electric, FZE in Calabar said she was moved to embark on the project in a bid to improve the educational system in her own way.

    She said: “A library is central to learning and plays a key role as a place for encouraging innovation, curiosity and problem solving. A library is a catalyst for literacy, and reading for teaching. A school library will make a difference to students’ understanding, achievement and also provide support for teaching learning throughout the schools. The library is a centre for engagement with all kinds of reading, access to information, knowledge building, deep thinking and even lively discussion. This project is my opportunity to reach out to over 500 students enabling them to study, become more knowledgeable and achieve their dreams.”

    Anene, who lamented a dearth of science book, called on public-spirited individuals and organisations to help donate more books to the schools.

    “There is always need for books. Reading is one of the ways to move this country forward. Students should adopt the reading culture, not just watching television or being on smartphones all the time. People may disrespect you but when they hear what comes out of you when you speak, they will respect you. Reading gives you in-depth knowledge, which you cannot get from watching the television,” she said.

    The project cost her approximately N700, 000, she said. For Government College, she provided eight shelves, 36 chairs, two librarian seats and tables, eight burglary proofs (window), three tables, one ceiling board and a paint job. For Estate Secondary School, she provided six shelves, 36 chairs, nines tables and a paint job.

    At the inauguration of the projects, the principals of Government College and Estate Secondary School, Mrs Regina Agaba and Mrs Felicia Atsu, expressed gratitude to the corps member for going out of her way to provide facilities for the school.

    Thy promised to manage the libraries and make sure they are effectively used.

    Commissioner for Education, Mr Godwin Etta, who was represented by the Director of Schools, Mrs Charity Ottoho, thanked Anene for her selflessness and prayed God to sustain your efforts. She urged that her efforts should be emulated by others.

    The State Coordinator of NYSC, Mrs Ifeoma Anidobi represented by the Head, Reward and Discipline, Mr Effa Columbus said corps member who leaves positive footprints would have good continue to follow him or her.

    ”Libraries are very important to the achievement of the set goals of the country. Urged the principals of the schools for proper management of the libraries. It is an important project and we should do all to encourage her,” he said.

    The NYSC Zonal Inspector, Calabar Zone, Mr Peter Aghantti, urged corps members to besides their main areas of primary responsilibity also look for ways to impact positively on the community they are staying in their service year.

    The Senior Project Manager, General Electric, FZE, Calabar, David Eichie, urged the students to use the libraries effectively, and the schools’ authorities to properly manage the libraries.

    He said: “If the students effectively use the libraries today, they will be grateful for it in the future. Empathy is one of the greatest attributes of a leader. Being able to feel what people around you are going through and impacting positively on them is what makes a good leader. I urge corps members to use the one year of service to add value to the lives of the people, wherever they find themselves.”

     

  • Large turnout as schools resume

    Large turnout as schools resume

    Except in a handful of states, schools nationwide resumed for a new academic session on Monday following the usual long vacation.

    Our reporters, who went round schools in Ikorodu, Agege and Ojo areas of Lagos, witnessed a large turnout of pupils, many who were seen engaging in environmental sanitation of the school premises.

    Virtually in most places visited, pupils came out enmasse. While some pupils laughed and hugged their schoolmates for not having seen them for a long period of time, others simply gathered in the assembly hall singing praises and praying.

    At about 9am on Monday, our reporter saw a young woman around Cassidy Ojo area of Lagos State, dragging her boy  who repeatedly yelled as he struggled to free his hand off her mother  to avoid going to school.

    “You are proving too stubborn Jude, you must come with me to school today,” said the angry mother as she spanked the pupil, who cried the more as each spank landed on his buttocks.

    At King of Kings Private School in Okokomaiko, pupils were happy to be back in school. Cleaners were also seen tidying up the premises.

    In Ikorodu, there was large turn out by pupils, who flocked their respective schools.

    At the Omolaiye Primary school, Transformer Agbede in Ikorodu, the pupils were seen praying as they gathered on the assembly ground early morning.

    One of the teachers, who declined to mention her name, told our reporter that though the students were yet to enter the class for proper attendance to be taken, she was sure that each class would have almost all its students in attendance.

    One of the pupils who introduced himself simply as Ayomide said she was very delighted to return to school after the long break.

    “I am very glad to be back to school. I know I cannot progress if I do not continue my education,’ Ayomide said.

    The scenario was the same at Agbede Community Junior/Senior Secondary School, Agbede, as pupils trooped out.  Most of them were seen scurrying hurriedly into the school premises to avoid lateness.

    Meanwhile,  Ansarudeen Primary School, Ajegunle did not open for resumption. The Nation observed there were neither pupils nor teachers sighted in the premises.  One of the residents, who simply identified herself as Zainab, said it was because the school was located within Ogun State territory which is yet to join other states for resumption.

    Zainab said:” My brother attends this school. They are not going to be opened today because this side is Ogun State territory and I heard that schools in this region would not be resuming this week.”

    Meanwhile, The Nation learned that owing to the present economic recession, most parents were unable to pay their wards’ school fees ahead of resumption. Some parents even visited their children’s schools to plead for extension of time while others paid half their children’s fees.

    Further investigation also shows that some schools have already concluded upping the school fees in order to meet up with the current economic challenges.

  • Enugu power firm donates books to schools

    As stakeholders await government to increase funding to the education sector and ensure that schools are better equipped to compete fairly with the private institutions, kind-hearted companies are doing their best to strengthen the institutions.

    The donation of books and computers to schools in Oraifite, Anambra State by Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC) and Sir Emeka Offor Foundation (SEOF), a non-governmental organisation, is one of the many gestures that needed to promote sound learning environment and strengthen public schools.     Both institutions donated books and computers worth millions of dollars to 15 tertiary institutions and 30 secondary schools spread across five South Eastern states of Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu and Imo. Each of the five states had three tertiary institutions and six secondary schools that benefited from the scheme.

    Some of the benefiting institutions are Enugu State University of Technology (ESUT), Ebonyi State University, Abia College of Education Technical, Arochukwu, among others. The benefiting institutions were nominated by their states.

    The intervention of the EEDC and SEOF in the education sector is expected to help create more qualified graduates in the country. It will also help to ameliorate some of the challenges faced by the education sector in the country.

    Speaking at the event held in Oraifite, Anambra State, Coordinator, SEOF, Hon. Tony Obi, praised the effort of EEDC in partnering the foundation to develop the education sector. He urged the beneficiary institutions to ensure that the books and other educational materials that were donated should be used for the purpose it is meant for.

    Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, EEDC, Robert Dickerman said the gesture is in line with EEDC’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) strategy of contributing towards the development of its host community.

    “We know the importance of education, we have an obligation and responsibility to our communities, our business is not just to provide electricity, our job is to help and support the communities which we are a part of”.

    For him, “education is a part of the core of the development of any society; we are very honoured to be part of this donation and we committed to take active role in the education development of the 5 states in which we are community member”.

    Dickerman said that besides lighting up homes, companies and industries, can also light up minds. “We believe that the things we are trying to do and the thoughts we have towards supporting social programmes under our Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives will be best served by partnering with such a foundation,” he said.

    Executive Governor of Anambra State, Chief Willie Obiano, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education, Dr. Mrs. Beatrice Okonkwo applauded EEDC and SEOF for this gesture which is a shining example of a CSR act, and welcomed by the state government.

    He said, “Government alone cannot accomplish all that is needed in the education sector, and it is usually a great relief when corporate establishments like EEDC come out to boil up the effort of the state government”.

    The governor said that the use of books cannot be over emphasized and that the donation would go a long way in educating the students. He said that the books will form the stock in the different libraries of the different beneficiary institutions; and will encourage them to maintain functional libraries.

  • Cleric underscores need for History in schools

    The Chairman, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Southsouth Zone, and President of Niger Delta Bishops Forum, Archbishop Goddowell Avwomakpa, has called for the reintroduction of history in secondary and tertiary education.

    The Archbishop made the call during Delta State’s 25th anniversary celebration in Asaba.

    History is taught as part of the Civic Education Curriculum at primary level, and offered as an elective subject at secondary school level.  At tertiary level, History is not taught generally.

    Avwomakpa, said if the Buhari administration with its change mantra cannot use its political will to introduce history into school curriculum, then the government should stop marking the army remembrance day as well as other historical events in our nation’s national calendar.

    He said: “Why has the nation named some institutions, streets and buildings after some prominent Nigerians who have contributed to nation building? History teachers are going into extinction in Nigeria while the rest of the world is teaching school children history about their country and leaders.”

    The cleric warned that denying the young generation any written records of past events is tantamount to allowing foreigners who keep such records to write it, a situation he described as dangerous.

    He called Christians to continue to pray for Nigeria and her leaders, adding that if people who are faithful and righteous stand in the gap to pray for Nigeria, the country will rise again, but if those who should stand in the gap fold their hands in lamentation, worse things will happen.