By Rabiu Sani-Ali

Bauchi State has clinched the first position of the Nigeria Learning Passport (NLP) enrolment exercise with 58,431 users.

NLP is an online e-learning platform with mobile and offline capability that enables continuous access to quality education by closing the poverty learning gap.

It is being implemented in collaboration between the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), Federal and State Governments.

A factsheet released by the Bauchi NLP Coordinating Unit, showed that the state has the highest number of NLP enrolled users in Nigeria.

“Bauchi takes the first position with a total of 58,431 users overall, followed by Sokoto and Kebbi on 2^nd and 3^rd positions,” it said.

Commenting on the development, the state’s Commissioner for Education, Dr Jamila Dahiru, said the feat was achieved due to strong commitment of Bala Mohammed’s administration towards raising the standard of education.

Dahiru, who spoke through Sa’adatu Usman, Coordinator, Development Partners in the Bauchi Ministry of Education, said the state would achieve the targeted 75,000 NLP users by the end of the year.

She said the ministry had trained teachers and Corps members to fast track NLP User enrolment across the 20 local government areas of the state.

No fewer than 1,000 teachers and facilitators were trained from 60 selected schools, four higher institutions and 11 CBTs on digital literacy.

“Each child is being enrolled into the NLP, for that we pray to exceed the target by end of 2023,” she said.

The commissioner said the state government had distributed 22 tablets each to 40 selected schools and 15 Integrated Qur’anic Schools with support of the UNICEF.

She reiterated government commitment to ensure full implementation of the NLP programme to enhance access to free quality education for all.

Launched in March 2022, the NLP now operates in 18 states across Nigeria.

With support from partners like Airtel Africa and IHS Towers, the platform is accessible at no cost on Airtel devices, and efforts are being made to ensure schools have internet connectivity.

These public-private partnerships are bridging the digital learning divide, ensuring that every child has equal opportunities to learn. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Sadiya Hamza

By Christian Njoku

No fewer than 176 teachers trained in University of Calabar (UniCal), were on Friday inducted by the Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria (TRCN).

Prof. Florence Obi, Vice Chancellor of the university in her remarks at the eight induction and oath-taking ceremony said the future of the country is bequeathed to teachers.

Obi, represented by Prof. Peter Okafor, Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Research, Linkages and Collaboration, described the teaching profession as the mother of all professions.

She added that other professions emanate from it and urged the inductees to protect it jealously.

“The future of our country is bequeathed into your hands, don’t destroy it, don’t rape it, do not pollute it but rather protect it, conserve it and bring the best out of it.

“This university remains committed to raising proven professionals who are found worthy in character and learning.

“You have been well nurtured to become proud ambassadors of this University and we are proud to send you out as our ambassadors who are fit and ready to blaze,” she said.

She admonished the inductees to adhere strictly to the tenets of the teaching profession, advising that they should be teachers that pupils would remember with joy and be glad to tell their stories.

She commended lecturers in the three Faculties of Education of the institution for their immense contributions towards the professional development of the graduates.

The vice chancellor also appreciated the TRCN for certifying the inductees, saying it was an indication that the graduates have been fully licensed as professional teachers.

In his remarks, Prof Josiah Ajiboye, Registrar/Chief Executive Officer, TRCN, lauded the commitment of the the university management for always placing high premium on the council’s protocols.

Represented by Dr Bimbo Okunola, Director of Regulation and Accreditation of the council, Ajiboye said such commitments enhance the TRCN quality assurance trade mark in conformity with international best practices.

He urged the inductees to be good representatives of TRCN, adding that they should always dress well and challenging their students to imbibe the qualities of professionalism.

Similarly, Prof. Arikpo Arikpo, Dean Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences Education, said the quality of a nation’s socio-economic and political development is dependent on the quality of teachers at various strata of education.

Speaking on behalf of the three Faculties of Education in UniCal, Arikpo reminded the inductees that a teacher must guide students and members of their immediate society to acquire knowledge for societal development.

The News Agency of Nigeria, (NAN), reports that the ceremony featured an induction lecture by Prof. Idaka Idaka, on the Topic: “Education in Nigeria at the cross road: The way forward.” (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Deborah Coker/Julius Toba-Jegede

By Funmilayo Adeyemi

As Nigeria joins the rest of the world in commemorating the 2023 International Literacy Day, the Federal Government has reiterated its commitment

towards addressing the scourge of illiteracy in the country.

The Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman, disclosed this during a news conference in Abuja on Friday to mark the day.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the theme for the 2023 commemoration is tagged: “Promoting literacy for a world in transition: Building the foundation for sustainable and peaceful societies”.

The minister said it was essential to effectively explore the patterns of transformation and adjustment that had characterised education globally as a result of its ever-increasing scope and paradigm.

“Specifically, it awakens our consciousness to the need to continually make required adjustments in our approach to literacy delivery with a view to meeting the current global trends.

“The ministry would continue to leverage on the existing progress and transformation in the development of literacy while setting the stage for lifelong learning of the Nigerian adults and youths.

“We would continue to rethink the fundamental importance of functional literacy as a necessary panacea that will help build resilience and ensure quality, equitable and inclusive education for all,” he said.

Mamman added that eliminating illiteracy from Nigeria is a top priority of the Tinubu-led administration, adding that the ministry would work hard to achieve this.

“We have a new government in place. This government is determined to do things differently to make Nigeria achieve what it has not achieved since independence.

“The matter of illiteracy is one of the top priority of the president which we put forward at the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting. The President does not want a single Nigerian to remain illiterate .

“Illiteracy is a scourge, a disease and we are not going to allow it to continue. We have the directives of the president and our own personal resolve.

“In days and weeks ahead, we will be engaging the public, we have policies on ground but what has been tye problem is the delivery of those policies. We will not allow any obstacles in our ways from achieving this goals,” he said.

In the same vein, Dr Stephen Onyekwelu, National Programme Officer and Literacy, UNESCO Regional Office, Abuja, said that UNESCO had supported Nigeria in developing the Ministerial Strategics Plan to address illiteracy.

Onyekwelu said it had also supported the country through the spotlight initiative where over 200,000 women and girls have acquired the basic skills of reading and writing and some mainstreamed back to school, while some were provided with skills acquisition.

He added that UNESCO had supported the ministry in reviewing the HIV policy and currently supporting the mass literacy , adult and non-formal education in reviewing the policy guidelines for non-formal education in the country.

While reading the message of the Director-General of UNESCO, Audrey Azoulay, he said the world had achieved significant strides in closing the illiteracy gap, adding that UNESCO would continue to support the literacy efforts in countries all over the world.

“In the space of 40 years, significant progress has been made. 3.6 billion people have learned to read and write, raising the global literacy rate from 68 per cent in 1979 to 86 per cent in 2020.

“However, the current situation is still rife with injustice and inequality. At the halfway point in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, 244 million school-age children are still not in school.

“98 million of them in sub-Saharan Africa. At the same time, 773 million adults still cannot read or write-two thirds of them women.

“Over and above illiteracy, learning gaps still too often lead to incomplete literacy: six out of ten children attending school at the age of ten cannot read and understand a simple text,” he said.

Speaking on behalf of the Executive Secretary, National Commission for Mass Literacy, Adult and Non-Formal Education, Prof. Simon Akpama, the Director, Planning Research and Statistics in the Commission, Mariam Khalid, stated that the organisation is liaising with the National Population Commission and other stakeholders to ascertain the data of Nigerians that are not literate.

She added that the commission was also utilising available resources to play its role in reducing illiteracy among youths and adults to the barest minimum.

NAN reports that over 56 million of the country’s population are still unable to read and write, hence the current high statistics of non-literate population alongside the number of out-of-school children calls for concern.

It is however important that in eradicating the scourge of illiteracy, there must be improved funding, adequate resources and better attention to the non-formal education sector. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

By Millicent Ifeanyichukwu

The Management of CMS Grammar School, Bariga, has given the assurance that the college would return to its full boarding status soon.

Rev. Jacob Ogunyinka, the School Principal, gave the assurance in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos on Thursday.

According to him, the college started as a missionary boarding school but has been admitting some as day students due to what he described as ‘economic factors’.

”The college is yet to return to its full fledged boarding status as planned due to current situation in the country.

“The economy now is seriously telling on everybody, so we still allow some students who have been with us and still come from home to continue.

`But the new intake which are the JSS 1 and SS 1 admitted into the school are full boarders and are now staying in the dormitories allocated to them.

“However, our plans to operate full fledged boarding system is still on; remember, the missionary school founded decades ago started with six pupil, all boarders, ” he said.

The school principal further said that the objective of the school is to inculcate knowledge and good values in the students.

”The aim is to make the students turn out as responsive and responsible citizens of the society.

”For us as a school, it’s our duty to see that we equip our students with different kinds of skills that will be of great benefits,” he said.

Ogunyinka further said that the school also trains the students on how to swim, play baseball, cricket, football, basketball, volleyball, ruggby and other sporting events.

He added that the students are equipped with skills on furniture making, metalwork, food and nutrition, virtual art, marketing and data processing.

On staff empowerment, the principal said that in the 2023/2024 academic session which starts on Sept. 4, the Central Executive of Old Grammarians Society (OGS) is sponsoring members of staff to various trainings.

”We held Lasmab staff retreat as part of our effort to ensure that the new academic session is of high standard and proper foundation laid for students’ learning,

“We sent counsellors for training, also all staff of CMS Grammar School while some selected teachers will be attending further training sponsored by the Central Executive of the OGS,” he said.

Ogunyinka disclosed that plans are ongoing to endorse the school as a Universal Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) and Computer-Based Test (CBT) Centres.

”We will soon be given full approval as a UTME and CBT centre’.

“We have also started classes for Cambridge Examinations with the hope that we shall get accredited for all other international examinations,” he said.

According to him, this will give more opportunities to the students in getting admission into universities abroad.

The principal assured parents and guardians that the school would continue to impact knowledge, norms and good values on the students under the staff’s watch.

He added that the school would endeavour to produce complete students capable of ruling the world by the Grace of God..(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

By Funmilayo Adeyemi

The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has commended President Bola Tinubu and the Minister, Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, on the recent appointment of Bitrus Garki as Mandate Secretary of the FCT Area Council.

The Head of Government, NANS, Umar Lawal made the commendation in a statement made available to newsmen in Abuja on Thursday.

Lawal said the appointment of Garki was not just a mere decision but rather the right peg in the right hole.

He said: ” It reflects your commitment to selecting individuals with the necessary qualifications, experience, and dedication to serve our great nation.

”We applaud your discerning judgment in recognising Garki’s worthiness for this vital assignment.

” Mr Garki’s track record and qualifications speak volumes of his competence and capability to discharge his duties according to the law and in the best interest of all.

“We have every confidence that he will bring his expertise to bear in improving the delivery of essential services to the residents of the Federal Capital Territory.”

Lawal also commended Wike’s continued dedication to promoting good governance, transparency and accountability, pledging the commitment of students is commendable, and we, as students to supporting efforts at making the territory a better place.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Ekemini Ladejobi

By Adedeji Egbebi

The Management of the Federal University, Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE), on Thursday announced the death of one of its students, Modupe Atanda.

The Registrar of the University, Mr Mufutau Ibrahim, disclosed this in a statement issued in Oye-Ekiti.

“It will be recalled that earlier today, the management had made public the disturbing development about the deceased and assured that investigation was ongoing as to unravel her whereabouts.

“But current information reaching the security outfit of the university has disclosed that the said student is dead.

“While the university management condoles with the family of the deceased and the generality of the university community particularly our dear students, investigation is ongoing with the security agencies with a view to getting to the root of the sad development and arresting the perpetrators.

“We therefore, appeal to students and all other stakeholders to remain calm,” he said.

Ibrahim assured parents of the deceased that every person connected to the death of their daughter would be arrested and be made to face the wrath of the law.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) gathered that Modupe Atanda, was a 200 level student in the Nursing Department of the university.

Body of the deceased was found in a shallow grave behind the Faculty of Pharmacy Building within the premises of the university.

Some students of the university who spoke with NAN but pleaded for anonymity said the last time they saw her was on Monday when she was heading to her faculty to read. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

By Chinyere Nwachukwu
Some students of the University of Lagos have called on security operatives from the Sabo Police station to release some of their colleagues arrested during a peaceful protest without delay.
The students who thronged the main gate of the institution at about 8 a.m. were agitating the hike in obligatory fees as stipulated by management of the university.
Recall that the institution’s management, through a statement, issued on Aug. 21, had announced an adjustment in obligatory fees in the university.
It noted that the adjustment which would take effect from the first semester of 2023/2024 academic session, was in view of the prevailing economic realities and the need for the university to be able to meet its obligation to its students, staff and municipal service providers among others.

It further noted that the mandatory charges for one academic session for new undergraduate students include N126, 325, for courses without laboratory/studio.

The statement also indicated N176,325 as mandatory charges for one academic session for courses with laboratory and studio.

A further breakdown of the approved mandatory charges for one academic year or session for returning students showed that they would pay N100,750 for courses without laboratory and studio, among others.

Mr Balogun Ibrahim, a student leader of the institution, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in an interview that there was no going back on their struggle to get the fees reviewed downward.

“The reason we are here is to register our displeasure over the about 500 per cent increase in the obligatory fees, by management of the university. Before now, we went into dialogue with management, which I personally attended.

“Another student in person of Oyeolumade Oluwakemi was also there. Now, management has refused to honour the resolution of that meeting that happened on Aug. 2.

“We were told that we will be engaged again over the matter but up on till as we speak, we are yet to hear from management.

“Now as concerned student leaders, we have received a lot of bashing from our fellow students, that we are keeping quiet and nothing is being done to defend their interest.

“These students, especially the new and even returning ones, are unable to pay these current fees; as we speak, the statistics of persons that have been able to pay these fees is not up to 10 per cent,” he said.

According to him, with the current hike in the obligatory fees, the students have resorted to crowd funding for themselves, while wondering, how many of such students will benefit from such initiative.

He called on the university management to see reason with the students as their purpose for protesting was not an attack on the institution and their persons.

Ibrahim, who is also the Faculty of Education President elect, added that there was the need for a round table discussion that would include students representatives, so as to get their voices heard.

He noted that the such dialogue would ensure that they were carried along effectively in matters that concerned them, as well as collectively find lasting solutions to challenges.

The student leader further expressed disatisfaction over the way security operatives came after them, even when the protest was peaceful and without arms, or any show of disrespect to constituted authorities.

“This morning, when we converged at the UNILAG junction, some security operatives from the Sabo division, swooped on us, teargased us shot at our banners and took some of our colleagues away with them.

“As we speak, a number of our students, I don’t know the exact figure, have been arrested and taken to Panti. So, we also demand for the immediate release of these our colleagues, else, we will not leave the street,” he stated.

Mr Miracle Yemo, who also identified himself as a student leader, said management should as a matter of urgency, reconsider its stand, considering the current economic reality in the country.

According to him, management of the university has made efforts in addressing the protesting students but had yet to address the purpose for the protest.

Reacting to the development, Prof. Musa Obalola, Dean, Student Affairs Division of the university, told NAN that the university was not unmindful of the presence of some indigent students.

According to him, the hike in obligatory charges is not peculiar to the university alone, and has nothing to do with tuition, but rather, basic needs that would ensure quality teaching and learning outcomes.

He noted that the university’s current obligatory fees was one of the least, when compared with that of other federal universities across the country.

“Before now, what the university was charging as fees was between N18,000 to N20,000 a session. This has been on for about 20 years now, these charges remained the same.

“But we have come to a state where these charges can no longer cater for our present needs, if we must compete favourably with our counterparts globally.

“Government has actually been doing a lot but if we must be sincere, we will realize that we can no longer fund free education as a country, considering the current economic reality on ground.

“We can no longer continue this way. So, what we did was to review the obligatory fees which has to do with the use of laboratory, medicals, library, sports ad studio among others, in a bid to give our students the much desired quality teaching,” the dean stated.

He said that management had put some measures in place, especially for indigent students, who might be struggling with payment of fees, to help cushion the effect of the increase.

Obalola listed some of the measures as ‘Adopt a Student Project’, whereby management had been approaching some notable personalities in the society to assist in taking up responsibility of some students.

He also mentioned the ‘Work and Study Project’ coordinated by the Student Affairs Division, among others.

“As we speak, it may interest you to know that the Vice Chancellor of the university, Prof. Folasade Ogunsola, has proposed to adopt a medical student and this is coming from her meagre salary,” the don stated.

He claimed that most of the alleged students that participated in the protest were not students of the university.

According to him, the university has been engaging the students from time to time on issues concerning the workings of the institution.

“These ones that are protesting here today could have been recruited from other places and this could also have a political undertone, going by the current atmosphere in the country.

“It is not about University of Lagos. Some persons could want to masquerade behind protest to perpetrate evil. And that is why I say substantially, most of those parading themselves as students that are protesting are not our students.

“Our students are currently on vacation and I will admonish them to remain the law abiding students that they have always been.

“The security operatives may have responded based on intelligence report on plans to hijack the protest by some criminal elements. ” he said. (NAN)

========

Edited by Oluwole Sogunle

By Aderogba George

Hope Raisers Global Foundation, a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO), on Wednesday rounded off its 16 weeks teaching activities with children from the Durumi Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) Camp, Abuja.

The teaching activities which centred on different topics ranging from moral, security, hygiene and others, were carried out with children from the ages of two to teenagers aged 16.

Mrs Angonimi David-Imeh, the founder of the NGO, disclosed that the sole aim of the teachings was to move against social vices among Nigerian youths, and the need to emulate moral behaviors.

“The teaching activities were for children from age two to age 16, and it dwelled mostly on how to carry on with moral behaviours within the society.

“We believe in sustainable development, one way to see progress in anything you are doing is to be patient, copy, edit and repeat process with little tweaks here and there, and most especially it must be need driven.

“We have spent almost 2 years in this camp and our acronym states thus DEED which means: Discover, Educate, Empower and Deploy.

“We have been doing all at various times, but we are repeating processes that haven’t given maximum results yet, we repeat processes according to their needs from time to time.

“This is a strategy used in economic planning,” she stressed.

David-Imeh stated that the children are living in an area where negative vices are “the order of the day, hence one of the reasons for putting up the teaching idea, all in the aim not to make them emulate bad characters.

“As one who also volunteers with the Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC), and as a national leader in the women committee, I am aware of the causes of insecurity in Nigeria communities.”

She stated that one of the ways to curb insecurity in the society is to help children to imbibe the right culture.

“We also need to make them know and understand the disadvantages of being a threat to the society and pointing their attention to a desirable future.

“To build a better society, we must engage indigent children because they are vulnerable and susceptible to negativity,” she said.

She also buttressed that children should be caught early enough as it is often said “Children are future leaders”. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

By Clara Egbogota

The Delta State Governor, Mr Sheriff Oborevwori, has called on corps members posted to their various places of primary assignment to help the state governments in providing quality educational services in their host communities.

Oborevwori, represented by the Chief of Staff (COS), Mr Johnson Erijo, said this on Tuesday, at the closing ceremony of the orientation of Batch B Stream II members, at the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) Orientation Camp, Issele Uku.

“Delta State will utilise your services in all spheres of life, and particularly,  in the area of teaching our young ones in our various schools.

“You are, therefore, to ensure that positive values and knowledge are imparted to these children that God has placed you to serve,” he said.

He urged the corps members to see their service year as a mark of honour and call to service in recognition of their worth to Nigeria.

“I enjoin you, therefore, to use this opportunity to make new friends, break new grounds and gain a better understanding of Nigeria and the people of Delta State.

“You are encouraged to devote some of your time to self-development and reflection on your plans for post-service life.

“Please, avoid needless travels as the risks involved are many,” he said.

He said that the government was working to lay a solid foundation, so that the future, where they aspire to be leaders, would hold genuine hopes and bright prospects for a greater nation.

“Our country is currently passing through some economic challenges, but our great nation will come out of it, stronger, better and more prosperous.

“Please be confident of a fairer economic, social and political stability in that future where you will surely be its leaders,” he said.

The State Coordinator of NYSC, Mr Olusegun Alao, urged the corps members to see themselves as leaders of today rather than leaders of tomorrow.

Alao said that he was confident that the trainings they acquired during the orientation course had prepared them.

“I congratulate, you my dear corps members, for successfully completing the 21 days orientation course.

“I commend you all for your courage and commitment which led to the success recorded.

“I, therefore, enjoin you to continue with the Post-Camp SAED Training wherever you are posted to.

“The government and people of Delta State will appreciate your contributions to the development of Delta in the areas of education, infrastructure and healthcare delivery during your one year service.

“I assure you that your contributions will be printed in gold in the history of the State,” the coordinator said.

He said it had been the tradition of the state government to continue to recognise hard work among corps members deployed to Delta State.

“I humbly renew our request for continued infrastructural development of this camp in order to conveniently accommodate and cater for the welfare of corps members that will be deployed to the state,” Alao said.(NAN)(nannews.com.ng)
Editing by Oluwole Sogunle

Racketeering

By Funmilayo Adeyemi

Abuja, Sept. 5, 2023 (NAN) The Colleges of Education Academic Staff Union (COEASU) has debunked the notion that it conspired with management staff in recent job racketeering in colleges of education being probed by the National Assembly.

The President of the union, Dr Smart Olugbeko, disclosed this on the sideline of its leadership training workshop in Abuja on Tuesday.

The workshop was in collaboration with the Committee of Provosts in Nigeria, with the theme: “Leadership Skills Development for Effective Industrial Relations in the College of Education System”.

Olugbeko said the union had been at the forefront of confronting impunity going on with the issues of employment in the colleges.

“What we discovered is that since the introduction of IPPIS in 2020, it has been practically impossible for provosts or management of councils to carry out employment without interference from the Head of service (HOS).

“So for now, even when we have lecturers or members of staff that left the system, the provosts cannot replace them. What we do have is a situation whereby the provost will have to apply to HOS that they want to replace those that left.

“But you discover that some of these applications will stay with the HOS for one to two years without any reply and in the course of doing that we discover that at the end of the day, it is always followed with a kind of waiver that there shouldn’t be advertisment.

“And as a union, we have been opposing this vehemently that how could it be possible for a provost to recruit about 200 staff members without advertisement and they bring them into our system.

“At the end, the provosts always tell us that those recruited are being donated to them from some of the people in government and some of the time, we fought and ensure that this impunity is not taken but the more we fought, the more we couldn’t achieve more,” he said.

Olugbeko said the workshop was designed to equip its members with better capacity to deal with issues of industrial concern to ensure industrial tranquility in the colleges.

He added that this was in a bid to let members and provosts understand the rules of engagement so as to work amicably at ensuring peace and progress on the campuses.

He also charged the government to take teacher education seriously, saying several attempts had been made to government on how teacher education should be repositioned.

“One of the ways of getting it done is to get our institutions well-funded to be able to produce quality teachers because if you do not produce quality teachers, you will not have teachers with capacity to be able to teach at all levels.

“If government has not been able to fund our colleges appropriately then what comes out of that is our inability to produce teachers of high quality.

“Government must take teacher education seriously and place it in the front of its list to be able to produce capable teachers so that schools will have quality teaching and learning,” he added.

Meanwhile, the Director, Colleges of Education, Federal Ministry of Education, Dr Uchenna Uba, said it is important to equip union leaders with the necessary leadership skills to navigate the complex landscape of industrial relations and cultivate an environment of mutual respect.

Represented by the Deputy Director in the ministry, Mrs Iyabode Ali, said the ministry was aware of the agitations of the unions and firmly dedicated to addressing and resolving them.

She said the ministry had commenced the payment of the Need Assessment Fund and all the beneficiaries had received 50 per cent of the fund.

She said the it had also commenced the process of mainstreaming the staff members of demonstration schools in line with the minimum standards and many more .(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)