By Henry Oladele

An educationist, Dr Tokunbo Yakubu-Oyinloye, has called on the federal and state governments to establish more schools to accommodate more out-of-school children across the country.

Yakubu-Oyinloye, Director, Federal Education Quality Assurance Service (FEQAS), made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos.

“The federal and state governments will have to come together to see how more schools will be established,” she said.

She also emphasised the importance of education quality assurance, saying it was key to ensuring standards.

According to the director, FEQAS ensures that education standards are maintained in all schools below the tertiary level.

Mr Segun Olawole, an engineer, told NAN that tackling out-of-school syndrome in Nigeria would require a multi-faceted approach.

“Addressing the issue requires the commitment of governments, civil societies, communities and families.

“Governments should increase funding of the education sector and allocate more resources for programmes to address out-of-school syndrome,” he said.

Olawole said that in spite of efforts by governments so far, the number of children out of school kept increasing.

He said that efforts should be intensified by the three tiers of government, families, communities and civil society groups to adequately address the menace.

A teacher at Mulero High School in Agege, Lagos State, who preferred anonymity, told NAN that governments should develop and effectively implement more policies to address the root causes of the menace.

He listed the causes to include poverty, conflict and cultural barriers.

The teacher also urged establishment of alternative education programmes, such as non-formal education or vocational training programmes, to cater to children not in formal schools.

Mr Adebayo Olu-Adekoya of the Adekoya Motors and Technical Services, Lagos, told NAN that governments should create more awareness across communities, particularly rural communities, on the importance of education.

“Governments should organise awareness campaigns to sensitise communities and families about the importance of education,” he said.

A principal, Mrs Adetoro Habeeb, said: “Communities and governments should work together to ensure there is a decrease in the number of out-of-school children.

“Governments should support community-based initiatives that provide education and skills to out-of-school children.

“Governments and community leaders should also provide support, such as conditional cash transfers and scholarships to families to enable them to send their children to school,” Habeeb said. (NAN) www.nannews.ng

Edited by Ijeoma Popoola

By Christian Njoku

President Bola Tinubu on Saturday inaugurated six projects at the University of Calabar (UniCal), marking the institution’s 37th convocation and 50th anniversary celebrations.

Represented by Prof. Abdullahi Ribadu, Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission, Tinubu urged prudent fund management for the development of additional infrastructure in Nigerian universities.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the week-long convocation activities, which began on Monday, March 17, included a lecture, awards, and a research fair.

“Six projects have been inaugurated today; some were abandoned for over ten years, while others were completed within seven months,” the President said.

The projects include Prof. Emmanuel Ayandele Hall of Fame, Florence Obi Complex for Education, Engineering Workshops, and the Faculty of Pharmacy Administrative Block.

Also inaugurated were the Pharmaceutical and Medical Chemistry Department Block and a campus Fire Station equipped with a fire truck.

Commending the Vice Chancellor, Tinubu praised her team’s efforts, stating TETFund grants would be available in 2025 and expressed hope for more infrastructure at UniCal.

The Vice Chancellor, Prof Florence Obi, explained that her administration completed some abandoned projects, detailing the challenges faced and solutions employed during their execution.

She stated the Hall of Fame Building cost approximately ₦826 million, funded through the merged 2023/2024 TETFund intervention, alongside the faculty.

NAN further reports that the inauguration precedes the convocation grand finale, which featured doctorate awards to graduands and appearances by distinguished guests. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Kamal Tayo Oropo

By Funmilayo Adeyemi

The Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, has announced that all full-time Higher National Diploma (HND) graduates will now be mobilised for the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC).

The resolution of the long-standing issue regarding their mobilisation was announced by the Director of Press and Public Relations in the ministry, Folasade Boriowo.

Boriowo quoted Alausa as saying that after discussions with the Director-General of NYSC, only full-time HND graduates were eligible and could thereafter proceed with their mobilisation.

This development, he said, marked a major breakthrough for full-time HND graduates who were previously excluded from the NYSC programme.

According to him, it underscores the Federal Ministry of Education’s commitment to equity, fairness, and inclusivity in the nation’s education system.

“However, those who did HND part-time are not eligible for mobilisation at all.

“To facilitate a seamless mobilisation process, the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) has been directed to expedite the collation of data for eligible HND graduates.

“In line with this, a circular has been sent to all Rectors of Polytechnics, instructing them to upload the necessary graduate data onto the newly created HND admission portal,” he said.

Alausa emphasised that NYSC mobilisation was strictly for those who completed a full-time HND programme.

He stressed that only full-time HND graduates would be mobilised, while those who did HND part-time remained ineligible.

He further disclosed that the newly created portal would ensure proper documentation of full-time HND graduates.

He added that this would also serve as the official database for NYSC mobilisation, addressing past challenges related to admission records.

The minister urged all eligible full-time HND graduates to take full advantage of this opportunity and proceed with their mobilisation without delay.

He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to fostering equal opportunities for all qualified Nigerian graduates and ensuring their contributions to national development through the NYSC scheme. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Tosin Kolade

By Aderonke Ojediran

Some Lagos residents have expressed worry at frequent change of teachers in private primary schools, saying it is detrimental to the emotional stability and overall learning experience of pupils.

In interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday, they said that  incessant change of teachers had a significant negative impact on pupils.

A parent, Mr James Alabi, highlighted how children could react to the effect of incessant change of teachers.

“It causes disruption in learning. Frequent change of teachers can lead to inconsistency in lesson delivery, making it difficult for pupils to build on previous knowledge.

“Also, poor academic performance of pupils is inevitable, as pupils will struggle to adjust to new teaching methods, which can negatively affect their understanding and retention of concepts.

Alabi added that incessant change of teachers could affect pupils’ emotional stability.

“Pupils develop bonds with teachers, and a sudden change can cause emotional distress, reducing their motivation to learn,” he said.

A mother of two, Mrs Rebecca Jaiyola, also frowned at frequent change of teachers.

She blamed abrupt exit of teachers to poor remuneration.

“I think that some schools employ secondary school leavers who are waiting for admission into higher institutions of learning.

“Some schools see them as cheap labour.

“The least qualification for primary school teachers should be Nigerian Certificate in Education, but many of these private schools are only focused on maximising profits,” she said.

A teacher, Ms Danielle Odusanya, told NAN that some school owners discouraged teachers from staying long with them.

“If I have a proprietor that pays well and is kind and considerate, why should I change employment?

“Again, many people in the teaching profession are there because they couldn’t get their dream jobs.

“When there is no passion, such a person can leave anytime without considering the effects on pupils,” she said.

Mrs Toyin Fajobi, Director of The Kings Kid School, Abaranje in Igando-Ikotun Local Council Development Area, said that many teachers in the primary section of her school left without any notice.

She said in spite of some incentives by some proprietors, some teachers would leave after a brief period. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Ijeoma Popoola

By Millicent Ifeanyichukwu

An 11-year-old student, Miss Amazing-Grace Salami, from Greenspill International School, Abuja, has won the Spelling Bee in Nigeria (SpIN) competition.

Salami defeated 63 other finalists from the United States and international schools in Nigeria to claim the top prize.

The Acting U.S. Consul General, Ms JoEllen Gorg, announced this at the 2025 Grand Finale of the inaugural Spelling Bee in Nigeria, held in Ikoyi, Lagos.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that SpIN is affiliated with the Scripps National Spelling Bee, which was established in 1925.

The competition began in August 2024 with 200 students from 15 schools across the country.

This year’s event coincided with the 100th anniversary of the United States’ National Spelling Bee.

Gorg announced that the second runner-up was Miss Ifeoluwapo Okuboyejo, while the third runner-up was Miss Naomi Ociuco.

She said Salami would represent Nigeria on the global stage at the centennial edition of the Scripps National Spelling Bee in the United States.

The Acting Consul General added that Salami would receive an all-expense-paid trip to Washington, D.C., to participate in the historic event.

Salami will also receive $500 spending money, an engraved trophy, Indomie products, a gold medal, and a one-year Merriam-Webster dictionary subscription worth $10,000.

“The second and third runners-up will receive Indomie products, $100 spending money, silver and bronze medals, citations, and an invitation to attend the centenary edition in the U.S.

“They will also get automatic entry into the semi-finals of the next edition, a citation of recognition, and a novel worth ₦20,000.

“Although this is Nigeria’s first edition, in the United States, we have celebrated 100 years of spelling excellence. It is an honour to welcome Nigeria.

“At today’s Grand Finale, we proudly present 64 outstanding finalists from Abuja, Lagos, Osun, and Taraba States, all competing for the prestigious title of Nigeria’s first SpIN champion.

“Excitingly, three additional finalists will have the opportunity to join the champions as part of Nigeria’s delegation.

“This ensures continued participation and inspires future generations,” she said.

Gorg described spelling as a valuable skill for young people and hoped the contestants were inspired by the experience.

She expressed confidence that the participants would use their knowledge to achieve great things, including studying in the United States and contributing to Nigeria’s development.

She also found inspiration in Salami’s name, “Amazing-Grace,” saying it symbolised unity, peace, and prosperity between Nigeria and the United States.

Speaking at the event, the convener, Eugenia Tachie-Menson, said the contestants’ brilliance went beyond memorising words, as they had mastered the fundamentals of the English Language.

“They have learned to analyse word structures, recall roots and origins, and apply linguistic knowledge across various academic disciplines.

“These skills will benefit them beyond competitions, enhancing critical thinking, comprehension, and communication throughout their lives,” she said.

The Executive Director of the Scripps National Spelling Bee, Ms Corrie Loeffler, said the competition continued to grow, proving the joy of learning and friendly rivalry.

Loeffler thanked supporters, organisations, and educators for believing in the power of the competition to impact young lives positively.

The CEO of the American Business Council in Nigeria, Mrs Margaret Olele, commended the finalists for their outstanding achievements.

She said the event had brought together some of the most talented individuals, showcasing dedication and excellence.

Olele emphasised the importance of investing in the next generation of leaders who would shape the future of industries and communities.

Mr Femi Adenekan, District Governor of the Rotary Club of Victoria Island East, District 9112 Nigeria, highlighted Rotary’s commitment to education and literacy.

He said supporting education initiatives in Nigeria would help create a more peaceful, educated, skilled, and empowered society.

Mrs Kemi Salami, the winner’s mother, described her daughter as a determined child who worked hard despite her upcoming school exams.

In her speech, Amazing-Grace Salami thanked the organisers for the opportunity and pledged to represent Nigeria well at the global competition.

She promised to work even harder to make the country proud in the United States. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Kamal Tayo Oropo