NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA
Education

Lagos partners technology firms to boost digital learning

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By Millicent Ifeanyichukwu

Lagos State Government has partnered Kelv Consult and Classbox Educational Hub Ltd. to boost the use of digital tools for teaching and learning in public schools.

According to a statement by Deputy Director, Public Affairs, Lagos State Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, Mr Kayode Sutton, Kelv Consult will equip junior and senior students with requisite knowledge and skills on computer programming, web designing, cyber security and data analysis

 

Sutton added that Classbox would provide teachers with customised digital devices and tools with embedded useful learning materials.

He quoted the state Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Mr Jamiu Alli-Balogun, as saying that digital classrooms and learning materials had become important in both urban and underserved communities.

He also quoted Alli-Balogun as saying that digital learning was not just about providing technology, but also about fostering an educational ecosystem which would support teachers and students with digital devices and tools and rich contents to enhance learning outcomes.

According to Sutton, the commissioner charged teachers and students to make good use of the new experience, and gave the assurance that the state government would not relent in providing necessary support to enable them to excel.

He said that the state government had intensified efforts to provide quality education for all students in the state, regardless of their locations and socio-economic statuses. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

 

Edited by Ijeoma Popoola

Education

Niger Govt. invests N1bn on special needs education

189 total views today

 

By Rita Iliya

Gov. Umaru Bago of Niger says the state will invest N1 billion on the provision of education for children with special needs.

 

Bago announced this during the inauguration of Resources, Inclusivity and Strategic Communication (RISE) project on Wednesday in Minna.

 

It is organised by Farid Centre in collaboration with MacArthur Foundation and the Joint National Association of Persons with Disability (JONAPWD).

 

The governor said that the state government was partnering with Farid Centre to establish a pilot scheme of Schools for Special Needs in four public schools in Minna.

 

He said the pilot schools would be at IBB Primary School, Bosso Primary School, School for Children with Special Needs and Dutsen Kura Primary School.

 

Bago also announced a donation of N50 million to the centre and another N25 million each for the four pilot schools.

 

The governor said the N1 billion would be used to establish the pilot schemes across the 25 local government areas as part of efforts to scale up the special needs education project.

 

He commended Farid Centre for coming up with the initiative aimed at attending to the needs of people with disabilities and special needs as well as making education free, accessible and inclusive.

 

Earlier in her address, Hajiya Jummai Gimba, the Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder of Farid Centre, said the initiative was aimed at integrating children with special needs into inclusive learning environments.

 

She noted that Niger ranks among the top 15 worst states in Nigeria for the problem of out-of-school children, with a staggering 57.1 per cent of children lacking access to education.

 

“At the Farid Centre, we believe that the true measure of a society’s progress is how well it includes and uplifts its most vulnerable populations,” she said.

 

Gimba expressed gratitude to MacArthur Foundation and partners at JONAPWD for their support, saying the project was about building an educational framework that recognises diversity as a strength and inclusion as a necessity.

 

In her remarks, Hajiya Hadiza Mohammed, Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to promoting inclusive education for children with special needs.

 

She stressed the importance of integrating children with special needs into mainstream classrooms because of its benefits of social integration, academic performance, teacher skills and community building.

 

Mohamed called on educators, community leaders and advocates to work collaboratively to ensure that every child has access to quality education and the opportunity to thrive alongside their peers.

 

In their separate remarks Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar, Etsu of Nupe and Dr Umar Farouk, Emir of Minna, commended the initiative aimed at increasing enrollment of children, especially those with special needs, in schools.(NAN)

Edited by Francis Onyeukwu/Maureen Atuonwu

Education

UNICEF, Airtel expand digital learning in Lagos

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By Millicent Ifeanyichukwu

The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and Airtel Nigeria have introduced the Nigeria Learning Passport (NLP), a digital learning programme, to a primary school in Lagos State.

 

Chief of UNICEF Lagos Field Office, Celine Lafoucriere, announced this during a joint field trip by Airtel Nigeria and UNICEF to St Agnes Primary School, Maryland, Lagos.

 

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Federal Ministry of Education partnered with UNICEF to launch the Nigeria Learning Passport (NLP) in 2022.

 

The platform offers online and offline learning, making it accessible in areas with poor connectivity where children struggle to access quality digital education, tools, and content.

 

NLP is an online, mobile, and soon-to-be offline platform designed to provide continuous quality education to three million learners in 2022 and 12 million by 2025.

 

Lafoucriere said the visit allowed Airtel and UNICEF to observe pupils demonstrating their use of the Nigeria Learning Passport in the classroom.

 

She described the initiative as an opportunity to engage with public primary school pupils and witness their interaction with digital learning tools.

 

“UNICEF has partnered with Airtel since 2009 to bridge the digital divide and transform Nigeria’s digital education landscape,” Lafoucriere stated.

 

She added that the Nigeria Learning Passport provides children and young people access to quality, inclusive education, especially in remote and rural areas.

 

“This initiative ensures that children who would otherwise be excluded from digital learning can now access quality education.

 

“Since launching two years ago, we have connected 1,260 schools. In 2025, we aim to reach even more, with 1.8 million learners already registered on the NLP,” she explained.

 

Lafoucriere stressed the importance of internet access for children to minimise disruptions to their education and enhance digital learning opportunities.

 

She highlighted that the partnership between UNICEF and Airtel is helping to standardise the delivery of quality education across Nigeria.

 

The UNICEF official acknowledged technical challenges and said the visit aimed to identify and address them effectively.

 

She noted that her team had observed a strong level of learning among the students, which was encouraging.

 

Airtel Africa’s Chief Operating Officer, Sunil Kaldar, stated that the initiative has impacted 1,260 schools and benefited 600,000 learners.

 

“This is an important partnership for us. We are in the third year of our commitment to improving education in Africa, particularly in Nigeria,” he said.

 

Kaldar praised the children’s digital learning skills and described their progress as impressive.

 

“Of the 600,000 learners, about 10 per cent are in Lagos. With 40 per cent of Africa’s population under 16, education is crucial for their future,” he added.

 

He commended the quality of classroom discussions and noted that digital education ensures standardised learning experiences.

 

The Airtel executive said the company remained committed to expanding the initiative, scaling it up, and making an even greater impact. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

 

Edited by Kamal Tayo Oropo

Education

Unite against poverty, destitution, Shettima urges northerners

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North

By Salisu Sani-Idris

Vice-President Kashim Shettima has urged northerners to form a single force to fight poverty and destitution irrespective of their political affiliations, religious persuasion, tribal or sectional backgrounds.

Shettima made the call when he hosted a delegation of Southern Kaduna stakeholders on a thank you visit to the Presidential Villa on Tuesday.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the southern Kaduna stakeholders, led by Gov. Uba Sani of Kaduna State, were at the Villa to thank President Bola Tinubu for approving the establishment of the Federal University of Applied Science, Kachia, Kaduna State.

The Vice-President declared that the people of the north had no business  fighting one another, saying “what binds us together supercedes whatever divides us.

“Let’s unite and fight the scourge of poverty, destitution and backwardness.”

Shettima said President Tinubu had directed the Minister of Education to capture the new Federal University of Applied Science, Kachia, in the 2025 budget to enable the institution start academic activities by September.

Shettima also empahaised the need for northerners to accommodate and tolerate one another for the common good of the region.

“We should learn to accommodate and embrace one another; because for us in the North we are all united by our common heritage of poverty and destitution.

“The North is the poverty capital of the world. Of the 22 million out-of-school children, 20 million are from the North. So, we have no business fighting one another.

“We are essentially the same people. The Nok culture is one of the most celebrated cultures in Africa,” said Shettima.

The Vice-President commended Sani for the ongoing reconstruction of some major artery roads in Southern Kaduna.

Sani assured that Kaduna State government would issue the Certificate of Occupancy of the Southern Kaduna University, Kachia, land within seven days.

On his part, Mr Tunji Alausa, the Minister of Education, said the university would bring new opportunities to youths and women in the state and across the country.

“This university will offer various courses in areas of applied sciences, medicine, pharmacy, nursing and physiotherapy.

“The President has mandated that the first set of students of the university should be admitted during this academic session.

“I have commissioned a team of senior staff at the Federal Ministry of Education as well as the National University Commission to immediately do the verification of the asset that is there,” said the minister. (NAN)

Edited by Salif Atojoko

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Education , Health

NGO sensitises pupils on healthy nutrition in Abuja schools

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By Nana Musa

A Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) Nature First Foundation, has conducted a sensitisation exercise for young children on healthy nutrition, wellness and sustainable agriculture in Abuja schools.

The Founder of the organisation, Priscilla Canice-Obi, and her team conducted the sensitisation at Vantage Point Academy, in Abuja on Thursday.

“We are educating and sensitising the young learners, to nurture healthier school children by promoting healthy habits, wellness lifestyles, the use of indigenous herbs, and gardening skills.

” We are targeting the future generation with this campaign, promoting healthy nutrition and lifestyle choices among children, especially as we witness the adverse effects of unhealthy eating among adults.

“ With over 11 million Nigerians battling diabetes, this is a dangerous trend so we are catching them young to help them grow up consciously, making good nutrition and wellness choices,” Canice-Obi said.

She said that the foundation is operating after receiving approval from the Universal Basic Education Board to implement the programme in primary and secondary schools.

Canice-Obi, said the foundation’s healthy natural nutrition and wellness campaign for children initiative was launched in 2024 and had it first edition in December.

” The initiative will pave way for Nature First Foundation Africa’s establishment of Wellness Clubs across schools in the FCT, where students will be trained and educated to embrace healthy nutrition, wellness lifestyle and sustainability practices.

” The foundation’s activities are currently powered by Nature First®, a sustainable and impact-driven nutrition and wellness company in the country,” she said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that as part of the outreach, the foundation distributed well-star wellness pamphlets to the students.

It serves as a reminder on the importance of eating healthy natural foods, exercising, nurturing the earth and drinking water to stay hydrated. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Aisha Ahmed and Muhyideen Jimoh

President Bola Tinubu
Education

Tinubu approves varsity for Ogoniland

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By Salif Atojoko

President Bola Tinubu on Monday signed into law a bill establishing the Federal University of Environment and Technology in Rivers and pledged more support for the Ogoni community.

Ogoni town of Tai will host the university, Mr Bayo Onanuga, the President’s spokesman, said in a statement.

During the signing ceremony at the State House, President Tinubu said the establishment of the university would further empower Ogoni citizens and provide more opportunities for participation and development.

“Today marks a significant milestone in our national journey towards environmental justice, education and sustainable development.

“The Ogoni have been at the forefront of our development and agitation and have suffered enough environmental degradation.

“It is more than the creation of a university. It is the reaffirmation of our unwavering commitment to the people of Ogoni, the Niger Delta and the entire nation as a whole,” the president said.

Tinubu said his government was taking a decisive step towards addressing historical grievances and creating new opportunities for learning, growth and prosperity by signing the bill into law.

The president affirmed that the university would serve as a centre of excellence, equipping young Nigerians with the knowledge and skill to tackle present environmental challenges, drive clean energy solutions and contribute to our national sustainable economic development.

President Tinubu thanked the National Assembly, particularly the Senate and House of Representatives leadership, for properly considering the bill.

“Let me also commend the Ogoni delegation. Your steadfast advocacy for justice is encouraging. It will be rewarded, I assure you.

“As we look ahead, I urge all the stakeholders, traditional institutions, the academic community, the private sector, partners and all other youth to embrace this university as a beacon of knowledge, unity and progress.

“Together, we will ensure that it will not only fulfil its mandate but also stand as a catalyst for transformational development across the country,” Tinubu said.

Dr Tunji Alausa, the Minister of Education, said the university would prioritise interdisciplinary programmes in environmental science, clean energy, and sustainable technology, equipping students to tackle regional and national ecological issues.

Malam Nuhu Ribadu, the National Security Adviser, said the establishment of the university would address long-standing concerns and efforts to restore Ogoniland.

Ribadu noted that Ogoniland should be prioritised for inclusive development and environmental sustainability.

Sen. Mpigi Barinada, leader of the Ogoni delegation, thanked the President for signing the bill establishing the Federal University of Environment and Technology.

He also recognised the contributions of Nyesom Wike, the FCT Minister and Ribadu in facilitating the bill’s passage.

Barinada said establishing a university would serve as a beacon of hope for the Ogoni community and an encouragement to “shield the sword” and embrace peace. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma

Education

Policy innovation key to transforming Nigeria’s education sector, says CEYDI

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By Suleiman Shehu

A group, Cherithpoint Education and Youth Development Initiative (CEYDI), has stated that policy innovation was key to transforming education in Nigeria.

The Chief Executive Officer of CEYDI, Mrs Olajumoke Akere, made this known on Friday at a webinar aimed at advancing education and leadership.

The webinar, organised by CEYDI, had the title: “Policy Innovations for Equitable Education: Global Lessons and Local Applications.”

Akere emphasised the necessity of policy reforms that ensured inclusivity, accessibility, and quality in education.

She showcased exemplary education models from across the globe that Nigeria could emulate to revamp its education system.

Akere, an advocate for educational equity, further stated that internships played a critical role in developing the next generation of educational leaders.

“Internships are not just about gaining experience; they are about bridging the gap between policy and practice.

“We need more young minds actively engaging in policy implementation to create sustainable solutions for equitable education,” she said.

Akere called on passionate individuals to apply for CEYDI’s School Leadership Internship Cohort.

According to her, the cohort offers a unique opportunity for hands-on experience in education policy implementation, mentorship from industry experts, and the chance to contribute meaningful change in the sector.

“If you are passionate about transforming education and being a part of innovative policy solutions, we encourage you to join our next cohort,” said Akere.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event brought together educators, policymakers, and stakeholders to discuss the future of education in Nigeria and beyond.

The webinar featured a dynamic panel discussion and interactive sessions.

These sessions focused on “Global Models for Equitable Education” – insights from Finland, Germany, Singapore, and Rwanda, on effective education policies and their applicability in Nigeria.

The session also laid emphasis on the Role of Technology in Education – how AI and EdTech can bridge learning gaps and enhance accessibility for underserved communities.

Other sessions examined the role of Public-Private Partnerships in Education, focusing on strategies for fostering collaborations that drive sustainable educational development.

It also examined “Strengthening Vocational and Technical Education”, highlighting the importance of integrating skill-based learning to improve employability among Nigerian youths, among other topics.

The highlight of the webinar was the induction of CEYDI’s new School Leadership Interns, a cohort of young, dynamic individuals committed to driving change in the education sector.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Chinyere Omeire

Education

FG lauds Chibok girls’ performance at AUN

241 total views today

Empowerment

By Ibrahim Kado

The Federal Government has reassured its commitment to supporting the Chibok girls, currently studying at America University of Nigeria (AUN) in Yola.

Hajiya Imaan Suleiman-Ibrahim, the Minister of Women Affairs, said this in an interview with newsmen shortly after a visit to the girls at AUN on Friday in Yola.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Chibok girls were part of those kidnapped by Boko Haram insurgents from Government Girls Secondary School Chibok, Borno in 2014.

According to the minister, the visit is on assessment for recovery and success of the girls in partnership with the AUN.

The minister said government would empower and provide the girls with the opportunities to contribute to national development after their graduation.

“I am proud of the support they were getting and they are progressing very well.

“Some of them are in final year and some have three years to graduate, while some are placed on economic empowerment programmes.

“The welfare and the well-being of every citizen is a serious business for this administration of President Bola Tinubu.

“Mr president did not take it for granted. It is a priority, this girls will be well empowered to be able to support the country in this era of nation building,” she said.

NAN reports that the minister also presented materials and cash gifts to the girls during the visit.(NAN) www.nannews.ng

Edited by Yinusa Ishola/Abdullahi Mohammed

Main gate Bingham University, Karu, Nasarawa State
Education

Bingham University matriculates 1,869 students

256 total views today

By Blessing Ibegbu

Bingham University in Karu Local Government Area of Nasarawa State, on Thursday  matriculated  1,869 students  for various courses and programmes for the 2024/2025 session.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the matriculation was the 20th since the establishment of the university.

The matriculation included students for undergraduate and postgraduate programmes.

Prof. Haruna Ayuba, Vice Chancellor of the University in his welcome address, urged the students  to be good ambassadors of the university.

According to him, the main vision of the university is to produce graduates that are worthy of emulation, God fearing and self-reliant.

Ayuba urged the  new students  to imbibe the virtue that has to do with the fear  and love of God.

He said that the university has 15 faculties, 54 departments, 56 undergraduates and 48 postgraduates.

“Attendance at lecture is a compulsory requirement and it attracts 75 marks.  You should be security conscious at any time, when you observe anything.

“I urged  you to choose the right friends carefully and desist from destroying the university property as such an act will not be tolerated,” he said.

Also speaking, the Guest speaker, Associate Prof. Joy Shuaibu, urged the new students to be goal setters.

Shuaibu, who is also an Associate Prof. in the College of Medicine, said  value , hard work, integrity , consistency and courage was key to success.

According to her, the willingness to learn, coupled with an open mind  goes a long way in achieving set goals and aspirations in life.

“I urged you to start reading hard in order to obtain the grades you desire, because obtaining the highest grades starts from today.

“Skill acquisition is the aim of Bingham university because they are  known for entrepreneurship. It is obvious that one cannot fit into society without any skill acquisition,’ she said.

The guest speaker appealed to the new students to always manage their time well, resources as well as acquiring the skill of networking to know the right people and the right network.

“Building good relationships with  your course mates is  a welcome idea and reaching out to your lecturers  when there is the is not a bad thing,”she said

Some of the matriculating students and parents who spoke with NAN, expressed their joy and gratitude to God for the event.

One of the students, Rebecca Abimbola, Department of Medical Laboratory Science, promised to work and remain focused.

Nathaniel Oke, a Computer Science student expressed gratitude to God and his parents for ensuring he was admitted into the university.

He advised aspiring undergraduates to remain focused and always set a goal, bearing in mind that one day it would be a reality.

A parent, Femi Ajide said he was happy and fulfilled to see his daughter in the university.

He advised the matriculating students to work hard and to always remember the sacrifices made by their parents.(NAN)

Edited by Joseph Edeh

Education

Violation: JAMB suspends law programme in 8 institutions

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Suspension

By Funmilayo Adeyemi

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) says it will not conduct admissions for Law programme in eight institutions following the suspension of the Bachelor of Laws (LL.B) programme.

A statement signed by the Public Communications Advisor of JAMB, Dr Fabian Benjamin, in Abuja said the Council of Legal Education (CLE) for the 2025/2026 academic session had suspended law programmes for violating regulatory procedures.

Benjamin listed the affected universities as follows: Kwara State University, Malete, Kwara State, Bingham University, Karu, Nasarawa State, Redeemers University, Ede, Osun State and Western Delta University, Oghara, Delta State.

Others are Taraba State University, Jalingo, Taraba State, Arthur Jarvis University, Akpabuyo, Cross River State, Alex Ekwueme Federal University, Ndufu-Alike, Ebonyi State and Nigerian Police Academy, Wudil, Kano State.

Benjamin said that the suspension of the Law programme at the Nigerian Police Academy, Wudil, Kano State, would last for two academic sessions, specifically, the 2025/2026 and 2026/2027 sessions.

“As a result, JAMB will not approve any admissions for candidates seeking to enroll in the Law programme at the aforementioned universities for the 2025/2026 academic session.

” Furthermore, the ban on registration for the Law programme at the Nigerian Police Academy will extend into the 2026/2027 academic session,” he said. (NAN)

Edited by Benson Iziama
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