Education - News Agency Of Nigeria

Magdalene Ukuedojor
Jul, Mon, 2025

Foundation launches library to tackle truancy in Adamawa community

By Talatu Maiwada

The Dr LEE Educational Foundation (DLEF) has inaugurated a library in Bare Community, Numan Local Government Area of Adamawa, as part of efforts to reduce truancy among underprivileged children.

Mrs Michele Justin, the Executive Director of DLEF, U.S., made this known during the launch of the “Pages of Hope Library” on Monday in Bare.

Justin said the initiative was inspired by her desire to improve access to education in the community, which is the ancestral home of her husband.

She expressed concern over the state of education in Bare, noting the lack of textbooks, insufficient number of teachers, and irregular school attendance among pupils.

“In the U.S., schools are equipped with learning materials and children are in class from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., which is not the case here.

“This project is our way as a family to contribute to their educational journey. It is the first of many educational projects we hope to do across Adamawa State, God willing.

“My appeal to the community is to safeguard this facility, use it wisely, and encourage both children and adults to access knowledge through it,” she said.

Also speaking, Dr Lydia Adamu, the Chairperson of the DLEF Nigeria, said the foundation, established in 2021, has carried out several educational interventions, beyond the commissioning of the Pages of Hope Library.

According to her, the library is stocked with books by Nigerian and international authors, alongside computers to enhance digital literacy among children.

“In 2023, the foundation distributed school bags and writing materials to 400 pupils and sponsored 26 students under the Wise Kids Initiative.

“In 2024, it launched the ‘Educate to Elevate’ Teacher Empowerment Initiative to support educators in the region,” she added.

Also speaking, the Hama Bachama, Dr Daniel Ismaila, commended the foundation’s philanthropic gesture.

Represented by Dr Aguso Bamaiyi, District Head of Gyawana, the traditional ruler emphasised that education remains the backbone of any society.

“Education allows individuals and communities to reach their full potential; I encourage all age groups to make use of this library and protect it for future generations.

“I also urge sons and daughters of Bare, Numan LGA, and Adamawa to support this effort through donations of books, computers, and furniture among others,” he said.

In her remarks, Mrs Kate Mamuno, Member, Adamawa State House of Assembly (Demsa Constituency), lauded the initiative, particularly because it was led by a woman.

“As a legislator, we will work with the foundation as an institution to replicate similar projects in other communities to boost education across the state,” Mamuno said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that highlights of the event included cultural performances and donations to the library for sustainability. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Sadiya Hamza

Tosin Kolade
Jul, Mon, 2025

Education

FG inaugurates Diaspora BRIDGE to bolster partnership in education, innovation

By Fortune Abang/Funmilayo Adeyemi

The Federal Government has inaugurated the maiden Diaspora BRIDGE, a digital hub initiative, to bolster the partnership in education, research and innovation between diaspora academics, and Nigerian tertiary institutions.

Vice-President Kashim Shettima while inaugurating the initiative, hosted by the Federal Ministry of Education on Monday in Abuja, said it would target universities, polytechnics, colleges of education and research centres across Nigeria.

Shettima, represented by Sen. Ibrahim Hassan, Deputy Chief of Staff to the President, Office of the Vice President, said BRIDGE would help to advance partnership in Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, and Medicine (STEM-M)

He said: “BRIDGE is a bold campaign crafted to reconnect, re-align and re-engineer the power of Nigerian intellects and expertise around the world.

“For too long, the collaboration between Nigerian professionals and our brothers and sisters in the diaspora has been fragmented by distance, bureaucracy, and perhaps most critically by a lack of trust.

“Today, too, we have laid the foundation to repair that trust through deliberate efforts, transparency and inclusivity.”

The Governor of Enugu State, Dr Peter Mbah, said the BRIDGE offered more than a passive nod to education as the single most important sector tthat Nigeria’s socio-economic fate depends.

“For years, understanding the role of Nigerian diaspora was mostly via basic economic lines of remittances. What was lacking was a formal platform where their expertise and collective financial part could be hosted.

“Today, we take the first step towards that goal under the banner of the Diaspora BRIDGE, convened by the visionary Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa,” Mbah said.

In his keynote address, Alausa, explained that the BRIDGE would be a national framework to reconnect and reinvest Nigeria’s future through its most powerful resource, citizenry.

“The Diaspora BRIDGE, means Bridging Research, Innovation, Development and Global Engagement, is designed to create structured, meaningful engagement between our institutions and Nigerians in Diaspora.

“For decades, we watched the migration of many talented doctors, engineers, scientists, researchers and teachers, who now lead and contribute to growth of most advanced institutions globally.

“With BRIDGE, we are no longer asking if they can come back, but how we can enable their knowledge and contributions enrich our institutions even from afar,” Alausa said.

The Minister of State, Education, Prof. Suwaiba Ahmed, said the inauguration of the BRIDGE marked a new chapter on proper ways government could engage Nigerians in diaspora.

“This initiative is a product of strong ministerial collaboration, especially between the Federal Ministry of Education, Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) and other partners,” she said.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Yusuf Tuggar, noted that the BRIDE was timely, adding that the initiative aligned perfectly with the President Bola Tinubu’s 4-Gs, which centere on Democracy, Demography, Development and Diaspora.

Tuggar said, “The Diaspora Bridge provides an opportunity for us to continue to benefit from the advancements in technology and education at home by way of remote learning.”

Prof. Muhammad Pate, the Minister of Health and Social Welfare, commended the initiative by the Ministry of Education, saying it would not only build bridges, but also deepen trust among various groups.

“It will foster innovation and ease collaboration among various sectors of the economy in carrying out shared responsibility, and making Nigeria greater, in line with President Tinubu’s vision,” Pate said.

The Minister of Science and Technology, Mr Geoffrey Nnaji, said Nigerians should be laid back in an era of growing global challenges, urging compatriots in the diaspora to key into the initiative.

“The BRIDGE provides a platform for global integration, from vantage point of science and technology, aligns perfectly to build thriving education economy and industrialising Nigeria through strategic partnerships,” Nnaji said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the BRIDGE provides a platform for Nigerian scholars and professionals abroad to register as collaborators by submitting their credentials and indicate their areas of expertise.

The system is also designed to match diaspora expertise with local institutions based on identified needs, enabling seamless and targeted collaborations align with the country’s broader development goals.

The event which attracted the governors of Plateau and Kaduna, represented by the their deputies, featured remarks by stakeholders in the diaspora and education sectors. (NAN)

Edited by Mark Longyen

Kebbi Govt. earmarks N6.5bn for schools’ renovation, supply of furniture

Philip Daniel Yatai
Jul, Mon, 2025

Education

Kebbi Govt. earmarks N6.5bn for schools’ renovation, supply of furniture

By Muhammad Lawal

Gov. Nasir Idris of Kebbi, says the State Government has earmarked N6.5 billion for renovation of primary and secondary schools and supply of furniture in its 2025 budget.

Idris disclosed this at the opening of the National Executive Council (NEC) meeting of the National Union of Teachers (NUT), in Birnin Kebbi on Monday.

He added that the present administration had also purchased books worth N2.7 billion to be distributed to students free.

“I am the happiest person today, I have cause to thank God because people who understand the importance of education are here in Kebbi.

“I am happy to inform you that Kebbi is operating a free education system to ensure access to formal education by all in the state.

“We have also improved the boarding school feeding to enable our students to stay in their respective schools,” he said.

The governor added that his administration had reviewed medical doctors remunerations to be at par with what the federal government was paying to doctors.

This, according to him, is part of efforts to curb the menace of brain drain in Nigeria’s health sector.

In agriculture, Idris disclosed that his administration had procured 520 trucks of fertilisers and distributed them to farmers for free.

He added that 10,000 tillers solar powered pumping machines were also procured and distributed to farmers to boost dry season framing.

In his remarks, the NUT President, Mr Audu Titus-Amba, commended the governor for the legacies he left behind in the NUT.

Titus-Amba identified one of the legacies as the extension of the years of service for teachers from 60 to 65 years.

“If not for the extension of the years of service for teachers, I wouldn’t have been here today; I would have long retired,” he said.

He described the emergence of Idris as governor of Kebbi as divine and a blessing to the state.

While thanking Idris for elevating six teachers to the rank of Permanent Secretaries, the NUT president argued that the people of Kebbi did not make a mistake of electing a teacher to be their leader.

He described Kebbi as a “second home” for teachers, adding that members of the union would continue to pray and support the governor to succeed.

Also, Dr Halima Bande, Commissioner, Ministry for Basic and Secondary Education, commended the governor for the huge investment in the education sector.

Represented by the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Alhaji Abubakar Magaji-Na-Yelwa, the commissioner urged Idris to sustain the investment to ensure a better future for all children in the state.

Earlier, the acting Chairman of NUT in the state, Alhaji Usman Koko, also commended the governor for being an education and teacher-friendly governor.

According to him, Idris has recorded significant achievements in the last two years in office.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the NEC meeting was held in Kebbi in honour of the governor, who was the immediate past president of the union.

While in NUT, Idris served as the NUT State Chairman in Kebbi and later elected the National Treasurer of the union.

He later became the National President of NUT while serving at the same time as the Deputy President, Nigeria Labour Congress, before he was elected the governor of Kebbi. (NAN)

Edited by Philip Yatai

Philip Daniel Yatai
Jul, Mon, 2025

Education

Anglican Primate suggests way to advance education

By Angela Atabo

Most Rev. Henry Ndukuba, Primate of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) says collaboration among government, private and religious sectors is key to educational advancement.

Ndukuba stated this at the Diocese of Abuja, Anglican International Academy (AIA), Zhidu, Abuja’ maiden graduation ceremony on Sunday.

The clergy emphasised the need for the government to collaborate with private and religious institutions to move education forward in the country.

He said the collaboration would lead to a more holistic and accessible education system and address both academic and moral development needs.

Represented by Venerable Ernest Onuoha,the Supervising Priest and the Vicar of All Saints Church, Wuse, Ndukuba said the collaboration would be a game changer in the education sector.

According to him, the Church has historical involvement in education and its existing infrastructure, potential would promote values-based learning.

“In the national policy of education 2004, it was stated that no nation can rise above the level of education it has.

“The AIA is the contribution from the church to that policy by providing a type of education with morals that will enable the students to fit adequately into the wider society,” he said.

The clergy called upon the newly graduated students to become “beacons of hope” and serve Nigeria.

“They are going into the world to serve and become beacons of hope and light.

“They will also be the epistles of the Church written in the hearts of men and to be learned by all.”

Ndukuba urged the students to always identify with their alma mater and then come and make their own contributions in the future.

He called on the government to help in fixing the road from Idu to Zhidu where the school is situated.

Also speaking, the Principal of the School,Venerable Nelson Akinwande, said AIA has nurtured the students in character, in learning, in faith and with quality hands.

Akinwande said that the school created platforms where it was able to curb issues of immorality among students.

“Integrity and character has been the bedrock of what AIA is known for and we thank God for that.

“Upbringing of children is very important because the children of today are the leaders of tomorrow.

“They are those that will become presidents, governors, senators and those that will lead a different sphere of the society.

“So it is important to give quality education to our children so that tomorrow we will be proud to have good leaders in the society,” he said.

Akinwande advised the students to always remember the values that have been deposited in them.

The graduating Head girl of the school, Denileah Den-Walter, commended the school and the teachers for impacting knowledge and grooming them for the next level. (NAN)

Edited by Rotimi Ijikanmi

Philip Daniel Yatai
Jul, Mon, 2025

Education

Educationist tasks FG on friendly policies for private schools to thrive

By Philomina Attah

Ms Ramatu Aliyu, the Director of GEMSland Private School, Abuja, has called on the Federal Government to enact education policies that would create a friendly environment for private school owners.

Aliyu made the appeal in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) at the school’s graduation ceremony for its class of 2025 in Abuja.

According to her, the government should also support, rather than stifle, private education across the country.

Aliyu also reflected on the school’s mission and the hurdles faced by private educators in Nigeria.

“Education is the bedrock of any nation. The future of Nigeria depends on it.

“We urge the Federal Government to help us thrive so we can continue to nurture loyal, capable, and innovative citizens prepared for the challenges of the next century,” she said.

The school proprietress said that the government’s role in supporting education was critical, and criticised the proliferation of agencies and the burden of overlapping taxes.

“The government, they’re a nightmare. They have set up all sorts of agencies that don’t know anything about education per se.

“They are always knocking at our doors, threatening to close down our schools. For them, it’s all about the money and the profit.

“We want to be good citizens. We want to pay our taxes, but multiple agencies from the FCT, local governments, and sanitation authorities are charging us the same fees,” she said.

Aliyu added that the policy of double taxation was forcing many private schools to shut down.

She emphasised the holistic upbringing of students, which underscores her school’s focus on moral values aimed at shaping pupils into good leaders and ambassadors for Nigeria.

“I’m very excited, and I’m happy and glad we had a successful graduation for our reception pupils and grade six , class of 2025.

“GEMSland is a young school, but our vision goes beyond academics; we foster creative thinking, problem solving, teamwork, and lifelong learning,” she said.

Aliyu said that the event was not just a graduation ceremony but a celebration of vision, values, and victorious outcomes.

She acknowledged the wisdom and trust of parents, noting that, “When you entrusted us with your child’s education, you didn’t just choose a school, you chose a future, a foundation, and a family.”

While celebrating Gemsland’s unique approach, she described education as a journey, students as “fires to ignite,” and parents as “partners in this sacred mission.”

According to her, the school is dedicated to shaping not just successful exam-takers, but kind, capable, and confident young people who will thrive beyond the classroom.

Highlighting the impact of a Gemsland education, she assured parents, “You didn’t just buy a seat in a classroom. You bought access to purpose.

“You didn’t just pay for books, you paid for boldness. You didn’t just register your child but you unlocked their future.”

To the graduates, she charged them to remember their roots with pride.

“You didn’t just go to any school. You went to the right school. You are, and forever will be, a proud product of excellence.

“To the world, watch out. These children are coming. Congratulations, Class of 2025. May your light never dim,” she said.

Also speaking, Mr Albert Chidozie, the school’s head teacher, expressed gratitude and commended the outstanding achievements of the students.

He highlighted their impressive performances in competitions, especially their victory at the renowned Cowbell Mathematics Competition.

“The children performed above average, excellently well. It is something to celebrate, especially the success and dedication of teachers and supportive parents.”

Chidozie also took the opportunity to address broader issues in Nigeria’s education sector, urging the government to provide greater support for schools in the country.

He called for a shift towards child-centered learning.

He highlighted the importance of nurturing creativity and independence in students, rather than relying on rote learning and teacher-centered methods.

“We want the government to train teachers so they can help children be creative, innovative, and able to bring out something by themselves, not just copy.

“Gemsland, which operates a British curriculum, prides itself in fostering an environment where children are encouraged to learn and create independently.

He appreciated everyone who made the celebration possible, reiterating the school’s commitment to excellence and the holistic development of every child.

The Chairman, Parents, Teachers Association (PTA), Mr Kazim Abdurazak beamed with pride as he watched his son graduate from GEMSland Private School.

He said this was the second graduation ceremony he had attended at the school, and was impressed by the progress he had seen.

Abdurazak was optimistic about its potential, adding that after witnessing its growth and improvement firsthand, he was eager to spread the word about the school’s excellence.

“Thumps up for the school for their commitment to academic excellence to our children.

“I am thrilled to see my son thrive under the school’s guidance. The school’s impact on my son’s life is evident,” he said.

Mrs Hauwa Oniyangi, one of the invited guests, urged the graduates not to be afraid of their mistakes, reassuring them “because we all make mistakes, and it’s okay.”

She said that the graduates were capable and deserving of pride.

“Always be proud of yourself and don’t try to be someone else. You are enough, just as you are,” she said.

NAN also reports that highlights of the celebration were some presentations by the pupils and award of certificates for outstanding students.(NAN)

Edited by Mark Longyen

Magdalene Ukuedojor
Jul, Sun, 2025

Education

Tinubu approves boost in education funding, university research

By Desmond Ejibas

President Bola Tinubu has affirmed that his administration will increase funding for the education sector as a catalyst for national development.

Tinubu made the assurance during the joint 34th and 35th Convocation Ceremonies and the 50th Anniversary celebration of the University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT).

The President stated that the additional funding would complement the government’s already substantial investments and ongoing key reforms aimed at strengthening primary, secondary, and tertiary education across the country.

Represented by the Vice-Chancellor of Federal University of Otuoke, Bayelsa, Prof. Teddy Adias, Tinubu stated that the Federal Government remained committed and had undertaken concrete steps to revitalise the education sector.

“We have increased educational budget allocations, settled earned academic allowances, expanded the Safe Schools Initiative, and are supporting artificial intelligence as well as cutting-edge research and development,” he stated.

Tinubu further revealed that his administration had disbursed N5 billion through the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) national research grants to address funding gaps in research and development.

He noted that through investments in digital infrastructure, broadband expansion, and curriculum reform, the administration was equipping graduates to become job creators and entrepreneurs.

“Under the Renewed Hope Agenda, education remains the cornerstone of our national development strategy.

“We are investing in youth-focused education and manpower development, as exemplified by initiatives such as student start-up, innovation, and entrepreneurship grants.

“Through initiatives such as the Nigerian Loan Fund, thousands of students, including those from UNIPORT, have already benefitted and continue to benefit,” he added.

Tinubu also announced strengthened collaboration among academia, industry, and government to position universities as engines of innovation and national rejuvenation.

He commended UNIPORT for its effective utilisation of federal interventions, citing the completion of previously abandoned projects and the initiation of new ones.

The President also lauded the university’s Governing Council, Senate, management, staff, students, and alumni for their contributions to the institution’s growth over the past 50 years.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that four distinguished Nigerians were conferred honorary doctorate degrees.

These include the First Lady, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu; the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike; the Chairman of TETFund, Aminu Masari; and Gov. Umaru Fintiri of Adamawa.

In his remarks, Wike stated that his continued support for UNIPORT stemmed from the positive influence the federal institution had on him as an alumnus.

He described UNIPORT as one of the finest universities across Africa and noted the significant transformation the institution had undergone over the years.

The minister recalled that during his tenure as Minister of State for Education, he ensured the establishment of a Faculty of Law at UNIPORT.

“I am pleased that today we have a befitting Faculty of Law building, which was constructed to decongest a building that previously accommodated two faculties.

“As Minister, I also insisted on the construction of a new facility for the Faculty of Social Sciences, which has now been named after the eminent political economist, Prof. Claude Ake,” he added.

Wike listed several other projects he executed across tertiary institutions while serving as Governor of Rivers, including the recently completed state-of-the-art 650-seat convocation area at UNIPORT.

He expressed gratitude to the university for awarding him an honorary doctorate in Political Science, urging UNIPORT alumni to give back in order to accelerate development at their alma mater.

The Sole Administrator of Rivers, retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas, reaffirmed the state government’s unwavering commitment to delivering quality education at all levels.

He assured that no child in the state would be left behind or denied the opportunity to advance academically.

“Our broader strategy is to sustain infrastructural investment and increase funding for state-owned universities and sister institutions.

“These efforts are aimed at enhancing the capacity of these institutions to serve as centres of academic excellence and engines of hope,” Ibas stated.

Earlier, the Vice-Chancellor of UNIPORT, Prof. Onuwari Georgewill, expressed pride in the institution’s 50-year journey of academic excellence and national service since its establishment in 1975.

He announced the conferment of 14,861 degrees upon students who had fulfilled academic requirements across various semesters.

“This includes 9,788 first degrees, with 363 graduating with First Class; 2,008 Post Graduate Diplomas; 2,131 Master’s degrees; and 934 Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degrees,” he said.

Georgewill also highlighted key achievements under the university’s current leadership, including the completion of a new Theatre Arts Complex, departmental buildings, student hostels, a modern lecture auditorium, and a convocation arena.

Other accomplishments include the establishment of new faculties, the creation of an innovation hub for South-South universities, installation of solar-powered street lighting, and development of a multipurpose research centre for southern universities, among others. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

Wike promises new Senate Building for UNIPORT

Philip Daniel Yatai
Jul, Sat, 2025

Education

Wike promises new Senate Building for UNIPORT

By Philip Yatai

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Nyesom Wike, says he had mobilised support from his network of friends to help fund the construction of a befitting Senate Building for the University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT).

Wike disclosed this in Port Harcourt on Saturday during the university’s 35th Combined Convocation and 50th Anniversary celebration.

The minister, who was among four recipients of honorary doctorate degrees, also announced plans to endow a Chair in Family and Child’s Law, in the Faculty of Law, in honour of his wife.

He also pledged to endow another Chair in Leadership and Public Administration in the Department of Political Science in his own honour.

Wike disclosed that the university had recently approached him, as FCT Minister, to request a land in Abuja for the establishment of a Centre for Leadership and Democratic Studies.

“I took up the request with Mr President, who immediately granted approval.

“As I speak to you now, the Certificate of Occupancy for the land is ready for presentation to the university authorities,” he said.

Reflecting on his time at UNIPORT, Wike said that the university had instilled a strong academic foundation in him and had continued to promote values rooted in research, truth, and outspokenness.

He urged fellow alumni and Nigerians to support President Bola Tinubu’s efforts to improve the socio-economic well-being of the country, noting the president’s commitment to education through initiatives like the Nigeria Education Loan Fund.

“In no distant time, no willing child will be denied access to quality education due to economic hardship,” he said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the university officially named its new Convocation Arena during the event.

It was inaugurated by the Sole Administrator of Rivers State, retired Vice Adm. Ibok-Ete Ibas.

Wike was conferred with an Honorary Doctor of Science degree in Political Science (D.Sc. Honoris Causa), for his contributions to the university’s development.

Other honorary degree recipients included First Lady, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu, Gov. Ahmadu Fintiri of Adamawa State, and Aminu Masari, Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Tertiary Education Trust Fund. (NAN)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

Wike reels out contributions to devt of UNIPORT, state university

Philip Daniel Yatai
Jul, Sat, 2025

Education

Wike reels out contributions to devt of UNIPORT, state university

By Philip Yatai

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Nyesom Wike, has reeled out his contributions to the development of University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT), Rivers State University and the legal profession.

Wike outlined the contributions in Port Harcourt on Saturday, during UNIPORT’s 35th Combined Convocation and 50th Anniversary.

He said that UNIPORT availed him the rich and concrete intellectual foundation upon which his socio-economic and political ascendancy have been fittingly predicated.

He added that he was educated both in character and learning at the university and called on all alumni to give back to the university as a mark of gratitude.

“This also explains why I freely give to this institution whenever I have had the opportunity to do so.

“Throughout my duty tours, I have paid back to this great university sacrificially and to the best of my ability.

“I have done so, not out of convenience but as a deliberate pursuit of commitment to gratitude for a university that gave me so much,” he added.

Wike said that as Minister of State, Education, he established the Faculty of Law for UNIPORT and further built a befitting building for the faculty.

He said that he equally built a separate building for the Faculty of Social Science which had been sharing the same building with the Faculty of Humanities.

Speaking on the convocation arena, Wike said that management of the university approached him while he was the governor of Rivers that: “the institution does not have a befitting convocation arena.”

He added that he built the arena to international standard, adding that similar gesture was extended to the Rivers State University, Port Harcourt where he studied law.

He said that in the same tradition of giving back, he built the Post-Graduate Hostel of the university when he was the Chairman of Obio/Akpor Local Government Area.

“As Minister of State, Education, I raised N500 million through the Tertiary Education Trust Fund, for the development of the university.

“As governor, I completed the construction of infrastructural facilities for Faculties of Environmental and Management Sciences.

“I also completed the Faculty of Law building; built the College of Medical/Mechanical Sciences building, new Senate building, and National Union of Rivers State Students’ building,” he said.

The minister added that he equally built Etche, Emuoha, and Ahoada Campuses, as well as built and furnished facilities of the Basic Clinical and Clinical Sciences building of the university.

Also built were the university’s clinical students’ hostel buildings and Pathology building in the university’s Teaching Hospital.

Wike said that as a lawyer, he equally contributed immensely to the legal profession, first by building the Rivers branch of the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA).

“I was also the only governor that contributed to the building of the National Secretariat of the NBA and to this end, Rivers was allotted a floor to name after its citizens.

“In Rivers, I introduced a robust judicial welfare scheme by insisting that every judge must own a house upon retirement.

“The houses were built with modern facilities and fully furnished with accompanying Certificates of Occupancy.

“All judges also had brand new Sport Utility Vehicles to ease their mobility, and enhance their comfort and service delivery,” he said.

He added that he also constructed the Body of Benchers building in Abuja and the body named a hall after Rivers.

He said that with the approval of the Director-General of Law School, he built hostels and a grand auditorium for the Law School in Yenagoa, Bayelsa.

“We also built a new Law School campus in Port-Harcourt that is far better than the headquarters in Abuja.

“Currently, as Minister of the FCT, I am building an annex for the Body of Benchers and almost completed construction of 10 bungalows for the Nigeria Law School in Bwari, FCT, and almost completed a new Court of Appeal, Abuja Division.

“In addition, we are building 10 residential houses for the Judges of Court of Appeal, 10 for the Federal High Court and 20 for the FCT High Court,” the minister said.

He explained that he took time to enumerate his contributions to the two universities and the legal profession not for self-aggrandisement, but to demonstrate the need to give back to society.

“Those who come after us must be encouraged and inspired by our robust examples to keep this tradition of service and development of our alma mater,” he said.

The minister pointed out that the university has produced prominent leaders in all works of life, asking if they have given back to the university.

According to him, the university must demand this answer from all its alumni, since it provided the foundation upon which all of them soared to prominence. (NAN)

Edited by Muhammad Lawal

Philip Daniel Yatai
Jul, Sat, 2025

Education

Educationist seeks greater attention to out-of-school children

By Naomi Sharang

Pastor Olajumoke Raji, Head Teacher of Pesach International Academy, Kubwa, Abuja, has called for urgent and coordinated efforts to address the growing issue of out-of-school children in Nigeria.

Raji made the call during the school’s 2025 Nursery Graduation and Prize-Giving Ceremony, held on Saturday at the school’s premises.

Reflecting on the school’s progress since its establishment in 2018, Raji stated that the academy had successfully graduated two sets of pupils from its Nursery section and was working toward expanding its Primary education offering.

“Although we have not yet graduated students from Grade Six, this marks our second graduation from Nursery Two into the primary section.

“It’s a moment of joy to see our second set move forward,” she said.

Raji attributed the rising number of out-of-school children to several factors, including financial hardship and lack of awareness among parents about the value of education.

“Some parents simply don’t realise the long-term benefits of education, often because they themselves never had the opportunity to be educated,” she said.

She emphasised that education was a powerful tool that can transform lives and uplift communities.

She said, “Education is the key—it is life itself. When you give a child education, you give them a future. Without it, many children will struggle to become anything in life.”

Raji also highlighted that the academy was a non-profit institution operated with the support of the Cherubim and Seraphim Movement, Church, Daki-biyu District (Peculiar People) Kubwa, Abuja.

“Our tuition is free for children of church members, and there’s a 50 per cent subsidy for non-members.

“The aim is to ensure that no child is left behind due to lack of funds,” she said.

Raji also commended the school’s board members for their continued support.

Also speaking at the event, a member of the board, Prophet Ejalonibu Lawrence, stated that financial barriers remained a major challenge for many families.

“This problem is not unique to Nigeria. All over the world, many poor families cannot afford to send their children to school.

“That’s why our board has made it a priority to subsidise tuition and provide nearly free education to all.

“Children are the future—we must invest in them now,” he said.

Mrs Faith Olakunle, a teacher and the school’s Welfare Officer, expressed gratitude for the successful end of another academic session and commended her colleagues for their dedication.

She said, “Teaching is a demanding job, especially without adequate teaching materials.

“But when you have passion, the drive keeps you going. I believe the reward for teachers starts here, not just in heaven. Intentional teaching always yields results.”

Representing the parents of the graduating pupils, Mrs Salome Sarki described the event as a collective achievement and expressed appreciation to the school management.

“The success of today’s event is a win for all of us.

“We are especially thankful to the school for making education accessible by keeping tuition costs low,” she said. (NAN)

Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani

UNIPORT names convocation arena after Wike

Philip Daniel Yatai
Jul, Sat, 2025

Education

UNIPORT names convocation arena after Wike

By Philip Yatai

The University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT), Rivers, has named its convocation Arena after the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike.

The arena was officially inaugurated on Saturday by the Sole Administrator of Rivers, retired Vice Adm. Ibok-Ete Ibas.

The inauguration was part of activities marking the university’s 35 Combined Convocation and 50th Anniversary.

The Vice-Chancellor of the University, Prof. Owunari Georgewill, said that the first convocation of the university in 1982, was held in the old arena.

“We are proud today, to celebrate the 35th convocation in our 50th year of existence in this fantastic edifice, built by the Rivers Government during Wike’s administration,” he said.

Also, Ibas commended the contribution of Wike to the development of the institution.

According to him, the conception and construction of the arena under Wike’s stewardship, reflects his enduring legacy in infrastructural and educational development.

“The ultra-modern convocation arena, now proudly inaugurated, is a testament to what is possible when vision is aligned with commitment. Your Excellency, we honour your foresight.

“This arena, both in design and purpose, is not only a venue for convocation, it is also a sanctuary where dreams are validated; where academic journeys culminate in triumphs; and where future leaders will be publicly honoured.

“It will involve policy dialogues, innovation exhibitions and ceremonies that shaped the character and capacities of generations to come.”

He said that the inauguration of the edifice was symbolic, stressing that it represents continuity and a bridge between legacy of excellence and the promise of tomorrow.

Responding, Wike, who was equally conferred with an Honorary Degree of Doctor of Political Science (D.Sc Honoris Causa), thanked the university for finding him worthy of such exalted honour.

“I must place on record that my wife and entire family hold this honour as pre-eminent and totally gratifying.

“Our gratitude knows no bounds,” he said.

The minister said that UNIPORT availed him the rich and concrete intellectual foundation upon which his socio-economic and political ascendancy have been fittingly predicated.

“I was educated both in character and learning.

“It is in the light of the foregoing that I have always strongly believed that every alumnus should give back to the university as a mark of pure gratitude.

“This also explains why I freely give to this institution whenever I had the opportunity to do so,” he said.

Other recipients of the honorary doctorate degrees were First Lady Oluremi Tinubu, Governor Ahmadu Fintiri of Adamawa State and Aminu Masari, Chairman, Board of Trustees, Tertiary Education Trust Fund. (NAN)

Edited by Muhammad Lawal