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  • Lawal: Why we introduced political education in secondary schools

    Lawal: Why we introduced political education in secondary schools

    Kunle Lawal is a prominent Nigerian political figure and Executive Director of Electoral College Nigeria, where he leads the charge for political literacy, civic engagement, and democratic accountability. A tireless advocate for informed democracy, and former National Publicity Secretary of Kowa Party, Lawal spoke with Assistant Editor, Gbenga Bada, he opened up on his passion for educating and enlightening youths and adults on elections, voting and democracy.

    hat necessitated the need to start the Electoral College in Nigeria?

    We started the Electoral College Nigeria because of a glaring gap in our democracy was running on autopilot, and young people were mostly spectators. There was plenty of political noise but very little real political literacy. We realized that if we wanted a generation of transformational leaders, we had to build them from scratch. Electoral College Nigeria was born to be that training ground where patriotism meets governance, and capacity meets clarity.

    With the name “Electoral College,” many might mistake it for the U.S. Electoral College. Do they play the same role?

    That’s a common misunderstanding. The U.S. Electoral College is an institution for electing the president. Our Electoral College is about educating, enlightening, and empowering young Nigerians on governance, politics, and public service. We’re building a generation that will not just run for office but run it with competence and conscience and understand politics and governance

    “Young leaders are exposed to mechanics of budgeting, lawmaking, conflict resolution, and public service ethics…” Can you shed more light?

    Absolutely. Through our SUG Politeracy Cohorts, we simulate real-life governance situations. We show young leaders what a budget means not just on paper, but how it affects lives. They learn how to draft bills, debate ethically, resolve conflicts among student populations, and manage responsibility. We believe it’s better to make their first political mistakes here, where they learn from them, than when they’re holding national office.

    Has there been much achievement with the SUG Politeracy Cohorts?

    Without a doubt. Some of our alumni have gone on to lead student governments responsibly and this has led us to train their contemporaries so they could be successful in delivering leadership in the SUG , others have started policy-based NGOs, and many now serve as advisors at state levels. More importantly, they go back to their schools and communities and change narratives and shifting mindsets from “chop politics” to “serve politics.”

    What is the aim of expanding to secondary schools through Electoral College Nigeria clubs?

    Catch them young. That’s the mantra. By introducing political education in secondary schools, we help students see governance not as something far removed but as something they’re part of. It’s easier to build good citizens than to fix broken leaders.

    Has the purpose of institutionalising the project been achieved in six years?

    We’re close, but we’re not done. Institutionalisation isn’t just about survival,it’s about sustainability. We now have structure, reach, and impact. But until every Nigerian child knows the constitution like their school anthem, we’ll keep going.

    How many success stories do you have from the project and sub-projects?

    We’ve graduated over 140,000 individuals across Nigeria. Many have gone on to serve as aides, councillors, SUG presidents, and public policy advocates. Others are simply better citizens and empowered voters and advocates for justice. Our Electoral College Nigeria clubs and SUG cohorts have birthed at least 40 initiatives on campuses across the country. That’s real movement.

    How have you been funding the Electoral College Nigeria?

    Passion, partnerships, and personal sacrifice. We’ve received some donor support and private sponsorships, but much of it has been self-funded. We’ve partnered with people who believe in the mission. We’re not just asking for money.we’re offering a chance to invest in the future of Nigeria.

    Would you refer to yourself as a successful politician or educator?

    Both titles are flattering, but if I had to choose, I’d say I’m a nation builder. Education is the weapon I chose, and politics is the terrain I understand. I don’t care much about titles. I care that lives are changed and Nigeria moves forward.

    What are the next steps for Electoral College Nigeria?

    We’re launching in other african countries, creating digital learning platforms, and pushing for the National Political Literacy Curriculum in public schools. We’re also expanding our alumni network to act as mentors and community mobilisers. This isn’t just a programme, it’s an idea and ideas are bulletproof .

    Read Also: Oyo Assembly moves to curb use of mobile phones across secondary schools

    Tell us more about your recent anniversary and how your alumni support one another.

    Our sixth anniversary was a celebration of resilience. Alumni from across the country joined virtually and in person sharing stories of impact, growth, and transformation. We also made six bold predictions about Nigeria’s democracy. Alumni shared their journeys via videos, podcasts, written reflections, and photos. The most beautiful part? Alumni now employ, mentor, and collaborate with each other. They’re building the Nigeria we dream of together.

    What is your dream for a new Nigeria, and how can this be achieved?

    A Nigeria where competence is more powerful than connection, where service outweighs self, and where the constitution is not feared but followed. To get there, we must educate, empower, and embolden our citizens especially the youth and women

    During your anniversary, you made some bold predictions about Nigeria. Can you share them?

    Voter turnout will keep declining unless trust is restored. From 43.7% in 2015 to 26.7% in 2023, turnout risks falling below 25% by 2027 without reforms like transparent results and internal party democracy. Opposition coalitions will stay fragile and tactical. Groups like CUPP and OBIdients form quickly but lack ideology and long-term plans, letting the ruling party win by default. Elections will increasingly be decided in courts. Over 1,000 petitions in 2023 show politics is shifting from ballots to bench rulings, undermining public confidence. Urban youth will be vocal online but less engaged offline. Despite 70% of new voters being young, turnout is low. Without strong offline platforms and leadership training, online activism won’t translate to votes. Identity politics will worsen before it improves. Ethnic and religious divisions dominated 2023, but growing urban and youth pushback may bring issue-based politics by 2031. Micro-parties will grow as local power players. Smaller parties like YPP and LP are winning strategic local seats, shaping coalitions especially in state assemblies. In conclusion, democracy is a process, not an event. These trends demand reforms to strengthen institutions, boost political literacy, and prioritize integrity over opportunism.

    What are your other social interests?

    I’m a lover of Nigerian food and please don’t test me on soups! I’m a fan of Afrobeat, Amapiano, and old school R&B. I enjoy long road trips across the country.I’ve travelled to every state. I also unwind by mentoring young people and watching biographies of great leaders.

    Describe your typical day.

    I start early around 6:00 AM with morning reflections, catching up on the news, and some writing. By 8:00 AM, it’s meetings, strategy sessions, calls, or travel to programme sites. Evenings are for reading or speaking with fellows across the country. I sleep late but with purpose. I’m also an avid chess player and love football whether watching or playing with friends.

  • Secondary schools to get science kits

    The Federal Government will soon begin the distribution of science kits to selected secondary schools in the 36 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

    This will enable the pupils to begin early study of sciences as an important tool for national development and transformation of the society to modernity.

    The Minister of Science and Technology, Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu, stated this in Abuja, the nation’s capital.

    He said it is necessary to encourage the young ones to acquire necessary skills and practical exposure to science subjects that will enable them become future scientists.

    A statement by the minister reads: “As a measure to encourage the study of science-related subjects in our secondary school system, I have directed the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), an agency under the supervision of my ministry, to commence the distribution of science kits to selected secondary schools in all the 36 states of the federation and the FCT.

    “This is in recognition of the important need for pupils to begin early in their educational career to learn the important role which the study of science can play in the development of a nation, such as ours, in transformation to modernity.

    “It is, therefore, necessary to encourage them to acquire the necessary skills and practical exposure to science subjects that will enable them become future scientists, engineers, architects, medical doctors, among others, who can help shape a new Nigerian civilisation that will leverage on science, technology and innovation as the leading drivers of our development process.

    “I believe that this effort will prepare Nigeria for the ultimate challenge of moving her from a resource-based to a knowledge-based economy that is necessary for her to create jobs, create wealth, defeat poverty and stimulate growth in the economy.”

  • The scourge of uncompleted schools

    The official blog of the Lagos State Ministry of Education mentions that the state has 1001 primary, 339 junior secondary and 319 senior secondary schools. Given the daily population increase in Lagos state, it is difficult to tell if more schools or facilities have been added since that post was made.

    Almost ten years before that post, the World Bank had given support to the Lagos Eko Secondary Education Project in its bid to improve the quality of public secondary education in the state. The project proposed the extension of school development grants to 667 schools for improving education quality and student learning. It also aimed to cover professional development for teachers, strengthen monitoring and evaluation and improve student performance in external examinations like the Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) and the West Africa Senior Secondary Certificate Examination (WASSCE). The project was approved on June 16, 2009, and completed on August 31, 2016.

    Given the fact that no substantive data about the beneficiary schools is available, one is left to assume that some the schools visited for this story were included in the project. Therefore, given the project’s official timeline, it is safe to suggest that construction works such as the 18-block classroom in Ajara Senior Grammar School, Badagry, St. Patrick Senior Grammar School, Epe, and Community Senior Secondary School, Baiyeku, Ikorodu benefitted from the World Bank cash.

    On a visit to Badagry in mid-2018, it was clear that the construction of the classroom block at Ajara Senior Grammar School – awarded on the 14th of December, 2013 and proposed to be delivered in 8 months – was far from completion. A total sum of 165 million naira (456,000 USD) was invested in it.

    The building sits at the extreme left corner of the school compound. Looking beyond the entrance gate, the scaffold hugging the building is still visible albeit dilapidated, apparently waiting for a simple nudge to completely topple over. The walls of the building are unpainted with rough plastering laid over them. Inside, the classrooms resemble the interior of a brick factory, with building blocks arranged everywhere on the bare rough floors.

    Standing there and wondering why the project had been so delayed, a few questions came to mind. Were these unplanned projects? Unlikely, because it was included in the list of projects in the year 2013. So, was the contractor – M.B. Projects Limited – the right choice for the job? Perhaps, but a more definitive answer can only be had after assessing other projects awarded to them. Then did they run out of funds during project implementation? Again, maybe. But this should have been avoided by efficient monitoring and evaluation mechanisms set up by government agencies involved and other third-party stakeholder groups (including representatives of the community where the school is situated). Unfortunately, the absence of public procurement data and records has made it practically impossible to trace the immediate cause of abandoned projects like this one. One can only shudder to think that there was eight of such school contracts awarded that same year. If this ended up like this, what hope is there for the completion of the others?

    Meanwhile, discarded projects litter Lagos state. Most of these projects remain abandoned and do not outlive the government that initiated them. Thus, it has become easy to associate these projects with the unwillingness of incoming governments to complete them because they were initiated by their predecessors. Since they seek self-gratification through public approval, new governments use available funds to start new projects in order to claim all the credit for themselves. This is a common phenomenon particularly when there is a change in the ruling party.

    For this reason, the continuation and completion of all inherited projects is recommended n the upcoming administration. The old ones should be cleared off before new ones are embarked upon. This way, taxpayers are sure to get value for their money. Government is continual, so are projects.

    One solution to this anomaly is to make public data more available and accessible to everyone. Since data is neutral, it supports continuity regardless of who is in charge. The openness of government data is becoming the norm everywhere and Lagos, the sixth largest economy in Africa, cannot afford to lag behind. A leader who will make Lagos a real smart city must have openness and continuity as a watchword.

     •This article was written as part of the Open Contracting Programme for Journalists workshop organised by the Open Data Research Centre of the School of Media and Communication, Pan-Atlantic University, Lagos.

  • Fayemi distributes 550 laptops, others to secondary schools

    Ekiti State Governor Kayode Fayemi yesterday kick-started the distribution of educational materials to selected secondary schools in the three senatorial districts of the state.

    The governor said this would restore the educational value of the state.

    This came barely three days after the governor distributed instructional materials to government-owned primary schools.

    The governor, who was represented by his deputy, Otunba Bisi Egbeyemi, said the distribution of the materials was the first phase of his administration’s intervention programme in public schools.

    The items distributed included 2,000 chairs and lockers, 550 pupils’ laptops, 9,792 copies of science text books and 1,100 set of drawing boards and T-square.

    Fayemi said his administration would name four new secondary schools to be established in Ado-Ekiti, the state capital, after eminent indigenes as the schools are expected to take off in September when the new academic session resumes.

    He said his administration approved the four additional secondary schools in Ado-Ekiti to address congestion of classrooms in public secondary schools in the state capital.

    The governor promised that his administration would continue to initiate policies that would restore the state’s education glory it was noted for.

    Fayemi said his administration increased the budgetary allocation to Education in this year’s budget to keep pace with the UNESCO recommendation of 26 per cent of the total budget.

    The governor noted that the increment would enable the government provide basic educational needs for schools, as captured in his knowledge economy agenda.

     

     

  • Ekiti extends long term holidays for primary, secondary schools

    Ado Ekiti- Ekiti State Government yesterday extended the current long term holidays for students in public and private primary and secondary schools.

    Education, Science and Technology Commissioner, Jide Egunjobi, said in a statement in Ado Ekiti that all schools would now resume on Sept. 24, as against Sept. 14.

    The commissioner said the extension of the holidays became necessary to allow the various schools conduct interviews for fresh students across the state.

    Besides, he said the extension would also allow for consolidation of the school system before resumption of pupils and students.

    Consequently, all parents, guardians and other stakeholders in the education sector are urged to take note of the extension and disseminate the information appropriately.

    The commissioner implored teachers and workers in various schools to brace up for better service delivery as they await the new resumption day.

     

  • Ekiti extends long term holidays for primary, secondary schools

    Ekiti State Government on Saturday announced extension of the current long term holidays for students in public and private primary and secondary schools.

    This is contained in a statement by the state Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Mr. Jide Egunjobi, and made available to the News Agency of Nigeria, in Ado Ekiti.

    The commisioner said all schools would now resume on Sept. 24, as against Sept. 14 earlier resumption date.

    According to the commissioner, the extension of the holidays has become necessary to allow the various schools conduct interviews for fresh students across the state.

    Read Also: Free books for students in Ekiti community

    Besides, he said the extension would also allow for consolidation of the school system before resumption of pupils and students.

    Consequently, all parents, guardians and other stakeholders in the education sector are urged to take note of the extension and disseminate the information appropriately.

    The commissioner implored teachers and workers in various schools to brace up for better service delivery as they waited the new resumption day.

  • MGHS Yaba wins maritime quiz for secondary schools

    Methodist Girls High School, Lagos has won the maiden edition of Maritime Quiz Competition for Secondary Schools.

    Quiz moderator Mrs Violet Williams said at the end of the competition last Wednesday in Lagos that Mind Builders emerged as first runner up while Regency School became second runner up. Ten secondary schools participated.

    She explained that the rationale behind the competition was to expose the participants to the maritime industry and guide them to the “Career of the Future.”

    Williams, who is also the Principal Partner of Vow Ventures, said her firm had exposed the students to the shipping environment before engaging in the competition to raise their interest in shipping career.

    “We want to demystify the aspect of no-go- area in the maritime sector and we have discovered that some school owners do not know anything about shipping.

    “Shipping is a global and international business, and it is in the nation’s best interest to invest in the future by catching them young, thus making them economically and professionally children self-sufficient when they leave school.

    She said that the quiz would be extended to secondary school students  in  the South-East and South-South  of the country which have proximity to the sea before 2020.

    Director-General, Nigerian Chamber of Shipping Mrs Obiageli Obi, advised students interested in maritime career to study hard and explore the maritime industry, regardless of their biases.

    Mrs Obi urged the students to be disciplined and resourceful because shipping business is capital intensive but hugely rewarding.

    President, Women’s International Shipping and Trading Association (WISTA) Mrs Mary Hamman, advised the students to choose relevant courses to enable them to build career in the shipping business.

    She announced that the winners of the quiz would be exposed to all aspects of the  maritime industry within and outside the country.

    Women Governor Association of Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA) Mrs Bola Muse, commended the organisers for enlightening the students

    She urged the organisers to extend the competition to other schools to enable Nigerian students understand the profession.

    Six students from the three prize-winning schools – Methodist Girls High School, Yaba; Mind Builders High Schiol, Alausa and ST +T Regency Schools, GRA, Ikeja, are to proceed on maritime sponsorship tour soon.

    Advising the students, Navy Capt. Abel Abuchi (rtd), said “We are trying to  encourage the students not just to be  lawyers, bankers but they can also be seafarers.

    “They can be captains of sea-going vessels or a Navy: all what they need to do after having their “A” level is to go to Maritime institutions such as Maritime Academy Oron, Certified Institute of Shipping and so on.”

    President, Women’s International Shipping and Trading Association (WISTA), Mrs Mary Hamman, advised the students to choose relevant courses to enable them build career in shipping.

  • Made in Nigeria: Govt takes gospel to schools

    Made in Nigeria: Govt takes gospel to schools

    The Federal Government has taken the gospel of the patronage of made in Nigeria products to  secondary schools in all the geo-political zones of the country.

    Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC), a council under the Federal Ministry of Science and Technology says it is to reverse the country’s culture of import dependency.

    Director General/ CEO RMRDC, Dr Hussaini Ibrahim said that for the country to make meaningful headways in the development of the economy through industrialization, the involvement of the target group is key.

    Speaking at the 2nd edition of RMRDC annual quiz competition among secondary schools in Nigeria held in Abuja.

    Ibrahim who was represented by the Public Affairs Officer of the agency, Chucks Ngaha stated.

    “This programme has been carefully packaged to arose the interest of our young ones in the effective and efficient utilization of the vast natural ’ resources endowment of this Country and to also engender innovations that will turn them into the development and value chain addition of our natural resources for economic growth and development.

    “For us as a nation to make any meaningful headway in our quest to develop our economy through industrialization, the involvement of this target group is therefore key, since the future of this great Country belongs to them. The message of patronage of our locally produced goods is better passed at this level for us to make meaningful impact in changing the orientation and our appetite for foreign goods to the detriment of the locally produced ones.

    ” As a Council, we enjoin all Nigerians to embrace this initiative and reverse our culture of Import dependent economy to an economy that is dependent on the local natural resources for growth and development. It is on this note that we call on good Spirited individuals and corporate bodies to join the Council in the sponsorship of this lofty idea as it is cost intensive to be borne by Council alone.”

  • Senate seeks immediate teaching of history, civic education in schools

    Senate seeks immediate teaching of history, civic education in schools

    The Senate Tuesday resolved to ask the Federal Government to implement the immediate inclusion of history and civic education in the curriculum of secondary schools in the country.

    The upper chamber reasoned that the teaching of history and civic education would inculcate the spirit of Pan Africanism in youths.

    The lawmakers also urged the African Union (AU) to set aside a day for the celebration of former President of Nigeria, Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe and other Pan Africanists.

    This followed the consideration and adoption of a motion entitled “Need to include Pan-Africanism in Nigerian secondary school curriculum” sponsored by Senator Shehu Sani, (Kaduna Central)

    The lawmakers noted that the struggle for unity in Africa as championed by the founding fathers of the continent was fast evaporating the psych of Nigerian youths.

    Senator Sani drew the attention of his colleagues to what he called the rapid evaporation of spirit of Pan Africanism in the mind of the youths.

    He noted that the inclusion of Pan Africanism in schools will “ensure that we do not voluntarily surrender the dream of the founding fathers of Africa.”

    Senator Sani told his colleagues that the dreams of these founding fathers may disappear if the children are not inspired about pan Africanism.

    He said “Nigeria as the giant of Africa which has helped many countries to attain self-rule, there is the need to include the spirit of Pan Africanism in Nigerian child to be nurtured in a manner that we can continue to be our brother keepers.”

    The lawmakers adopted the prayer that a day should be set aside in the country and other African countries for the celebration of the founding fathers of the continent.

  • Wike gives 247 Rivers secondary schools science equipment

    In a bid to stop principals  and schools from extorting  money from parents for practicals during  West African  Senior Secondary School Examination (WASSCE), Rivers State Governor,  Nyesom Ezenwo Wike  has  distributed science  equipment and consumables to 247 secondary schools  in  the state.

    The governor also distributed funds to all the schools to purchase perishable consumables for the practicals aspects of the examination.

    Making the presentation to school principals last weekend, Wike said that with the new equipment and funds, principals have no reason to charge illegal levies of any kind.

    Represented by the Chairman of the Rivers State Senior Secondary Schools Board, Chief David Briggs, the governor said: “All Science practical Materials for 2015/2016 WASSCE remain free for every student to use and no princ ipal should surcharge any student for the practical materials which is provided free  and at no cost to Rivers people.

    “The funds that will be released to the schools are meant to ensure that they buy consumables required for the SSCE science practicals. No Principal should on any account levy any student for the purchase of  consumables  for  science  practicals.”

    Replying,  Mrs- Leyiga Ebeh Charity, Principal of Community Secondary School, Rumuapara in Obio/Akpor LGA praised Wike for taking into consideration the plight of the less privileged.

    Also speaking, Mr Kuete Teekaa, Principal of Government Girsl Secondary School (GGSS) Koroma Tai said with the distribution of the equipment and funds, principals  would have no excuse to charge levies.