By Angela Atabo

The European Union (EU) has inaugurated the second phase of its education programme – “Expand, Integrate and Strengthen Systems (EISS),” to build the capacity of teachers in Nigeria.

The EU Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Ms Samuela Isopi, made this known at the inauguration of the Programme in Abuja.

Isopi, represented by EU’s Head of Human Development, Leila Mathieu, said that the second phase of the programme focused on teachers.

This, she said, complemented the first phase, Education and Youth Empowerment in North Western Nigeria, inaugurated in 2023.

“The funding for both phases amounts to 45.4 million euros, under the Global Gateway Strategy to boost smart, clean and secure connections in digital, energy and transport sectors.

“It will also strengthen health, education and research systems across the world.”

According to Isopi, the EU under EISS will partner with six training colleges in Adamawa, Bayelsa, Enugu, Katsina, Plateau and Oyo. The beneficiary states are expected to in turn reach out to a wider pool of teachers.

“Why focus on teachers? Because teachers are the bedrock of education, they are the ones who inspire, nurture, and guide our future generations

“Investing in teachers is investing in our collective future. All over the world they play an essential role in shaping the minds and hearts of the next generation.

“However, in many countries, and in Nigeria in particular, teachers face numerous challenges, ranging from insufficient resources to the pressures of adapting to rapidly changing educational environments.”

Isopi said that recognising these challenges, the European Union identified with the government the critical need to support Nigerian teachers in their professional development and personal resilience.

She said that by empowering teachers, the quality of education would be enhanced as well as ensuring that students received the guidance and support needed to succeed in an ever-changing world.

“Specifically, the initiative will fund the development and review of education policies and career paths for the teaching profession in Nigeria.

“It will also ensure that teachers’ capacity and resilience are enhanced through pre-service and in-service teachers’ education programmes as well as strengthen teacher-student collaboration and learning teams at school and community levels.

“This programme’s implementation is entrusted to our partner, UNESCO,”she said.

The UN Resident Coordinator, Mohammed Fall, while commending Nigeria’s effort to meet up with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG), expressed worry over the high number of inadequately trained teachers in schools.

“A 2021 report by UNESCO Institute for Statistics, states that Sub-Saharan Africa faces the biggest challenge, with the lowest percentages of trained teachers in pre-primary 57 per cent.

“In primary 67 per cent and secondary education 61 per cent among all regions.

“The UNESCO Global report on Teachers 2023, notes that teacher attrition is a global concern: between 2015 and 2022, attrition rates of primary education teachers doubled around the world from 4.6 to 9 per cent.

“Regardless of the country’s income level, and even remuneration, teachers are leaving the profession within the first five years of practice. We must halt this worrisome trend.”

Also speaking, the Minister of Education, Prof. Mamman Tahir, said that teachers represented a significant milestone in the collective efforts to transform the educational landscape in Nigeria.

Tahir, represented by the Director, Basic Education, Dr Folake Olatunji-David, commended the funding support from the EU, the technical support of UNESCO as well as the commitment of all the state governments involved in the programme.

He said the project was aimed at improving student attainment and to contribute to Nigeria’s human development through an increase in the number of qualified and resilient teachers.

He added that the project would help in addressing the challenges confronting teachers in the country.

“We understand the challenges our teachers face, especially in fragile and demanding environments, such as ours. This project will provide them with the tools and support they need to excel.

“By strengthening our teachers and the teachers’ education programmes and implementing robust teacher policies, we can ensure that our teachers are well prepared, they are adequately recruited, deployed and managed.”

He added that the six states benefiting from the programme would create models of excellence that would be replicated across the country.(NAN)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

Chinese researchers on Tuesday said they had discovered a new fern species in south China, and named it Cyrtomium adenotrichum.

The researchers found 10 wild Cyrtomium adenotrichum on a cliff in Nandan County under Hechi City, south China’s Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region.

This is according to the Guangxi Institute of Chinese Medicine and Pharmaceutical Science.

The findings, recently published in PhytoKeys, an international journal of plant taxonomy, revealed that the new species belongs to the family Dryopteridaceae and the genus Cyrtomium.

The plant has a height ranging from 5 to 15cm.

The species features a sparsely glandular leaf axis, a unique structure that easily distinguishes it from other species in the genus Cyrtomium.

Due to its rarity, small population and fragile habitat, the researchers classified the species as critically endangered based on the criteria set by the International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List of Threatened Species.

Research on the biological, ecological and medicinal value of the species will be further conducted, according to the researchers. (Xinhua/NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Cecilia Odey/Tayo Ikujuni

By Sarafina Christopher

The U.S. Embassy in Abuja has honored Dr Mairo Mandara, an Obstetrician/Gynecologist and Public Health Physician as the Matron of the Mandela Washington Fellowship Alumni Association of Nigeria (MWFAAN).

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Mandara was given the award for her contributions to youth development and her dedication to mentoring young people in Nigeria.

NAN reports that the award was presented during the MWAFAN Lifetime Achievement Award Programme in Abuja.

According to Mr Brian Neubert, Cultural Affairs Officer of the embassy Mandara stands out as a great mentor to young women in Nigeria.

He said Mandara has also provided hope to thousands through dedicated charitable educational and empowerment programs for young girls and vulnerable women.

Neubert also urged experienced professionals mentors to guide and support young individuals as they navigate their educational and professional journeys.

“We believe in the power of mentorship and the significant role that mentors like Dr Mandara plays in inspiring and guiding young people to achieve their full potential cannot be overlooked.

“We are hence convinced that she will bring her experience, values and excellent qualities to bear in the new responsibilities,” he said.

Neubert also reiterated the embassy’s commitment to support initiatives that promote youth empowerment and leadership development in Nigeria.

Also speaking, Mrs Farida Yahya, President of MWFAAN commended Mandara for her exemplary leadership and unwavering commitment to empowering the next generation of leaders in the country.

She also pledged to work closely with Dr Mandara to enhance mentorship programs and create more opportunities for aspiring leaders to network, learn, and grow.

“The appointment of Dr Mairo Mandara as the Matron of the Association symbolizes a significant step towards fostering a culture of mentorship and collaboration among the youth in Nigeria,” Yahya said.

In her acceptance speech, Mandara expressed gratitude for the recognition and emphasised the importance of mentorship in shaping the future of Nigeria.

She highlighted the importance of equipping young Nigerians with the necessary support and guidance to tackle challenges, seize opportunities, and contribute meaningfully to the nation’s progress.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the Mandela Washington Fellowship is a prestigious program of the United States Department of State which empowers young African leaders through leadership training and networking opportunities.(NAN)

Edited by Sadiya Hamza

The number of known cases of sexual abuse of children and adolescents in Germany increased in 2023, according to a police report published on Monday.

However, as the police assume that there are a large number of unreported cases of this type of offence; this alone is not an alarming finding, the report states.

In 2023, the police were notified of 16,375 cases of children being sexually abused with an increase of 5.5 per cent compared to the previous year.

In the same period, 1,200 offences were also recorded in which young people were sexually abused.

The number of cases involving depictions of the sexual abuse of children increased by 7.4 per cent to around 45,000 cases, mainly due to numerous reports from abroad.

In the situation report, the Federal Criminal Police Office (BKA) points out that the number of child abuse cases uncovered is closely linked to police monitoring activities and reporting behavior.

“In this respect, intensified police activities in the area of criminal offences in recent years was likely to have led to an increase in the number of unreported cases,” says the report.

The BKA also points out that the statistics do not include the numerous cases in which no potential crime scene in Germany can be identified following information, particularly from the United States.

The reason why such investigations sometimes come to nothing is the minimum retention of telecommunications traffic data especially IP addresses which has been suspended in Germany.

Images and videos of sexually abused children and young people are shared thousands of times on the internet.(dpa/NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Haliam Sheji

By Maureen Okon

Dr Yusuf Yakub, the Director-General, Nigerian Technical Aid Corps (NTAC), says Nigeria will continue to share its abundant human capital with Africa, Caribbean and the Pacific countries (ACP).

Yakub said this on Saturday in Abuja at a reception and debriefing exercise of 14 returning Technical Aid Corps (TAC) Volunteers from Uganda and the Gambian.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that 13 TAC volunteers had on Friday returned from Uganda while one returned from Gambia after their two years voluntary service to their host countries.

The D-G lauded the TAC volunteers for their service to humanity, Africa and Nigeria by returning home without a stain and bagged accolades for a job well done, hence the reason for its continuation.

According to him, the volunteering programme will continue because it is a key component of the Nigerian foreign policy.

“It is only a few countries in the world that have the capacity and the political will to carry on with programmes of this nature, and these few countries are mostly the developed countries.

“These inlude the United Kingdom’s UKAID, America’s USAID, China’s CHINAID and in Nigeria, we have NTAC.

“I think we are the only country in Africa that sends TAC volunteers to ACP countries for the past 37 years, which shows that our country is a great nation.

“We also have all the manpower as I always say, we will continue in the African spirit to share what we have with our fellow ACP countries.

“We have our fellow blacks in these countries and we will continue to share with them the abundant human resources that God has given to us,’’ he said.

NAN reports that the NTAC programme was conceived as an instrument of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs soft power diplomacy to bridge the educational and professional gaps in the ACP countries.

The directorate is saddled with the responsibility of management and general administration of the foreign policy scheme which involves the conduct of recruitment.

Also orientation and deployment exercise for volunteers, sharing Nigeria’s know-how and its expertise with the ACP countries.

Some volunteers while speaking with NAN recalled their experiences and applauded the Federal Government for the opportunity and experienced gained.

They also solicited for Nigerian government to liaise with the host community to beef up security for the TAC volunteers by ensuring their safety in their host community.

Dr Chinwe Igiri, a Software Engineer, said due to their brilliance, the universities they served asked for their retainment but they had to follow due protocol and report back home first.

“Also, we have won a lot of grants and we have some projects ongoing. As a TAC volunteer, it was an avenue to express what is in me that needs to be tapped.

“The university I served gave me the opportunity which I made a lot of impact, I started a programme that was approved by the National Council of Higher Education,’’ she said.

Mr Terseer Ako, a Civil Engineer with specialisation in Transportation and Highway Engineering, said that the experience was wonderful and they used the opportunity to promote the country’s image.

“We had lots of commendations and experiences that I thought the school management didn’t observe but I was surprised when they organised a farewell party and the Vice Chancellor mentioned our achievements.

“Finally, when I read the appreciation letter they wrote to us individually, I wasn’t expecting the details of our stay from it, so all in all, it was a wonderful experience and we are grateful to Federal Government,” Ako said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Perpetua Onuegbu/Deji Abdulwahab

By Cecilia Ologunagba
UN Secretary-General António Guterres said that deep global divisions and conflicts must end to clear a path to tackling the world’s two existential threats – climate change and the negative impacts of artificial intelligence.

Guterres said this in his address to the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Astana on Thursday.

The 24th Meeting of the Council of Heads of State of the SCO kicked off Thursday in Astana, with Belarus officially becoming a member of the association.

“The central goal of our multilateral system must be peace – a pre-condition for sustainable development and the enjoyment of human rights,’’ he told Heads of States attending the world’s largest regional organisation meeting in Kazakhstan’s capital.

Guterres listed multiple conflicts where ceasefire and lasting peace are needed, from the Middle East to Ukraine and from Sudan to the Sahel, in addition to the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Somalia, Myanmar and Haiti.

“We need peace in Afghanistan and an inclusive government that respects human rights and is integrated into the international community.

“All countries should unite to prevent Afghanistan from ever again becoming a hotbed of terrorism,” he told the Council of the SCO, the world’s largest regional security body.

The body includes Belarus, China, India, Iran, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Pakistan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan.

With such wide representation, the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation has the power and the responsibility to push for peace, the chief of the universal organization insisted.

The secretary-general underscored that the meeting in Astana was happening amid raging wars, geopolitical divides, “an epidemic of impunity” and backsliding on sustainable development – a key global goal – causing cynicism and a crisis of trust.

“These global challenges cannot be solved on a country-by-country basis.
“This is the moment to reaffirm our common commitment to multilateralism, with the United Nations at its centre, bound by the principles set out in the UN Charter, international law and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights,’’ he said.

The UN chief cautioned that people were losing faith in multilateralism, as they point to broken promises, double standards and growing inequalities.

He also highlighted the urgent need for collective action on two looming existential threats: the climate emergency and the unchecked rise of digital technologies, particularly AI.

UN climate experts have confirmed that although 2023 was the hottest year on record, it could soon be seen as one of the coolest years in a rapidly warming future.

Guterres warned that the devastating impacts of our changing climate are already evident in the melting glaciers, deadly floods, storms, droughts, and extreme heat waves that are battering countries worldwide.

“Our climate is breaking down,” he said, emphasising the dire consequences for water and food security, development and global stability.

The call to action should be clear, he insisted, in a call for ambitious measures to slash greenhouse gas emissions and achieve climate justice, with the greatest responsibility falling on the world’s biggest emitters.

Outlining solutions to the global climate crisis, Guterres urged all governments to submit new Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) by next year, fully aligned with the goal of limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius.

These NDCs should include absolute emissions reduction targets for 2030 and 2035 and outline plans for critical global transitions, with key actions such as ending deforestation, tripling renewable energy capacity and reducing fossil fuel production and consumption by at least 30 per cent by 2030.

In addition, Guterres said countries must commit to phasing out coal power entirely by 2040.

Highlighting the critical role of finance in support of climate action, the secretary-general called for a strong financial outcome from COP29, the global climate conference to be held in Baku, Azerbaijan, in November.

Turning to AI – the second existential threat facing the planet – the secretary-general highlighted the transformative potential of the technology in accelerating sustainable development.

He, however, cautioned that AI is advancing faster than regulatory frameworks can keep up, exacerbating power imbalances, concentrating wealth in the hands of a few, undermining human rights and increasing global tensions.
To address these challenges, the UN chief’s Advisory Body on AI has outlined five priorities: establishing an international scientific panel on AI, initiating regular policy dialogues developing common ethics and standards for AI.

Others are ensuring governance of the data used to train AI algorithms and supporting capacity building in developing countries through a global fund.

Guterres also proposed the creation of a compact, dynamic and flexible UN AI Office to oversee these efforts.

The secretary-general expressed hope that the upcoming Summit of the Future will be a turning point in renewing global unity and addressing the existential threats facing humanity.

“I look forward to welcoming you to New York in September,” he said, before urging the regional bloc’s leaders to seize this pivotal opportunity for collective action.

The UN secretary-general attended the SCO top-level meeting in the course of his tour of the Central Asia countries that covers Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan and Turkmenistan to discuss a wide range of issues from peace, non proliferation to sustainable development. (NAN) (www.nannew.ng)

Edited by Tayo Ikujuni

Dr Yusuf Yakub, the Director-General, Directorate of Technical Aid Corps (DTAC), has urged the Technical Aid Corps (TAC) volunteers, deployed to Sierra Leone to uphold discipline and behave as patriotic citizens.

Yakub stated this in Abuja on Saturday at a deployment exercise for 18 TAC volunteers to be sent to Sierra Leone.

He said the deployment was in line with the mandate of the directorate to bridge the educational gap in Africa, Caribbean and the Pacific (ACP) countries.

The TAC helmsman lauded the volunteers for deciding to serve humanity and their country by volunteering to give their professional service to other African countries.

According to him, the volunteers are to serve humanity and their fellow African country that is in need of professionals to bridge the educational gap.

“We also send volunteers to ACP countries to bridge the educational gaps in these countries as soft power diplomacy.

“Nigeria has been deploying TAC volunteers for the past 37 years. So, as you go there, we expect you to conduct yourselves and be good ambassadors of this great country Nigeria.

“That is why you are wearing the Nigerian colours as a symbols of respect and honour. So, be of good behaviour, uphold our integrity by bringing us a good name to our country.

“This is a very strong foreign policy of the Nigeria government which we use to deploy soft power diplomacy through technical aid to our brothers in the ACP countries.

“So, Nigeria as one of the super powers among the community of nations has introduced this very important foreign policy for the past 37 years and has been sustaining it.

“Through foreign policy instrument, we have developed friendship with so many countries of the world which is of great importance to our dear country Nigeria,’’ he said.

Some of the volunteers said the initiative of the Nigerian government to render soft power diplomacy to other African countries was a commendable one.

Mr Benham Batari, a Nurse, and Ukoma Nnoma, a Medical Doctor, expressed readiness to make Nigeria proud by being good ambassadors while rendering professional expertise in that country.

The TAC volunteers went through a selection process from over 10,000 entries made from various medical fields ranging from doctors, nurses and researchers, amongst others, to be volunteers.

After the exercise, 18 qualified TAC volunteers, who are professional practitioners, were selected to render their services to humanity to Sierra Leone.

Other previously sent were 11 to the Gambia, and 11 to Uganda from engineering and Academics fields. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Deji Abdulwahab

By Salisu Sani-Idris

Association for Hajj and Umrah Operators of Nigeria (AHOUN) has called on the Federal Government to set up an inter-ministerial panel to review 2024 Hajj operations.

Its National President, Alhaji Abdulateef Ekundayo, made the call at a news conference in Makkah, on the outcome of the just concluded 2024 Hajj.

” We call on the Federal Government to, as a matter of urgency, set up an inter-ministerial and credible panel to review this year’s Hajj, with the aim of restoring sanity into future operations.”

Ekundayo also emphasised the need for government to investigate the laws and acts that regulate Hajj affairs in the country.

” We implore those saddled with such responsibilities to
act now to safeguard Nigerian pilgrims.”

He decried poor services at tent A, saying “like the previous years, tent A was characterized by lack of transparency, racketeering, profiteering and poor organisation.

“Some of us paid double camp fees for camp at zone five and zone one on a single pilgrim.

“Apart from the exorbitant amounts for basic services, many pilgrims couldn’t have access to the services.

“This is the peak of any contractual breach, and we demand immediate reconciliation and payment of refund to affected members by the management of Ithra Alkhair (service provider).

“The Mutawwif (Ithra Alkhair) should immediately reconcile with our members to refund money paid for services not rendered both in Muna and Arafat for this year because of their actions and inactions.”

He urged the National Hajj Commission (NAHCON) to stop all charges on
members of the association, including the dollar equivalent service fees based on the new policy of government withdrawal of subsidy on Hajj.

” While we agree that NAHCON has the right to charge licencing fees, we believe the Hajj licence is the most expensive of any licencing regime in Nigeria.

“How can anyone justify a fee of N1 million for a licence that has only two months validity.

“ What happened to the component of the international pilgrims out of the N90 billion approved Hajj subsidy. Aren’t they Nigerians?.

“Our members deserve the right for official visa during Hajj because the Ministry of Hajj provides such as a percentage of the total allocation to Nigeria.

“Some of the problems our pilgrims face during Hajj can be easily addressed by us if we can move freely.” (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Hadiza Mohammed-Aliyu