NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA

Education: Senate pledges brighter future for Nigerian children

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By Naomi Sharang

The Senate has assured Nigerian children of a brighter future, enabling them to reach their full academic potential.

Chairperson, Senate Committee on Women Affairs, Sen. Ireti Kingibe, gave the assurance at an event to mark the “Universal Children’s Day” held at the National Assembly complex.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the theme of this year’s event is “Investing in Our Future: Empowering Children to Build a Better World”.

Kingibe emphasised that children are the future of Nigeria, and it was essential to invest time, energy, and resources in helping them become the best version of themselves.

She stressed that children would ensure Nigeria’s greatness in the future.

The President of the NSE, Margaret Oguntala, represented by Dr Felicia Agubata, highlighted the importance of empowering and inspiring children to build a brighter future.

Oguntala emphasised that education, healthcare, and skill acquisition were essential investments in children’s potential to create a better society.

“Children are our pride and joy; they are the leaders of tomorrow’s progress.

“As leaders, parents and professionals, we bear a collective responsibility to nurture their dreams, safeguard their wellbeing, and equip them with the tools they need to thrive in an evolving world.

“Education, healthcare and skill acquisition are not mere privileges but essential investments in their potential to create a better society.

“I would like to call on all parents to take special interest in the development of their children.

“Let me also use this opportunity to urge our children to embrace education and skills acquisition with dedication and discipline.”

Also speaking, Sen. Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (PDP-Kogi), called for the digitalisation of education, suggesting that e-libraries and digital learning platforms would improve efficiency and accessibility for students.

Sen. Neda Imaseun (LP-Edo), emphasised the importance of handing over the baton to children, acknowledging their crucial role in shaping the future.

However, he also stressed the need for better welfare and remuneration for teachers to provide quality education. (NAN)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

Reps pledge support for digital, technical education

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By EricJames Ochigbo

Speaker of House of Representatives, Rep. Tajudeen Abbas, has pledged the commitment of the house to passing appropriate legislation that will foster digital learning and technical education in the country.

Abbas gave the pledge at a public hearing organised by the House Committee on Federal Polytechnics and Higher Technical Education in Abuja on Monday.

The hearing was on four bills seeking to establish the National Vocational Centre; Federal Artificial Intelligence Institute, Aliade, Benue; Federal College of Science and Technology, Askira-Uba, Borno and National Institute for Technical and Vocational Education, Wamba, Nasarawa State.

Represented by Rep. Auwalu Gwalabe (APC-Bauchi), Abbas said that the initiative required a strong collaboration on the side of the government and all stakeholders.

He said that polytechnic education would continue to be relevant to the Nigerian economy for the much-needed industrial development.

According to him, there has been an increasing recognition of the important role that science, technical and vocational education plays in national development.

Abbas said with the emergence of new technologies, such as artificial intelligence, it was no longer sufficient for educational institutions to merely impact theoretical knowledge.

He said that youths must be equipped with practical skills that would enable them to thrive in an ever-evolving technologically-driven job market.

“We are hoping that the eventual establishment of these proposed science and technical institutions will provide access to quality technical education.

“We are also hoping that it will address the skills gap by equipping our graduates with employable skills, promote innovation and entrepreneurship as well as support the current efforts of government to diversify the economy.

“These proposed institutions will serve as beacons of excellence – providing qualitative education that meets international standard, while also being tailored to meet local needs.

“Therefore, today’s hearing aligns seamlessly with our legislative agenda as mentioned earlier, aimed at enhancing the educational framework within Nigeria.

“We recognise that in an increasingly competitive global environment, it is imperative that our youths have the relevant skills and knowledge,” he said.

The speaker expressed the committed of the house to ensuring access to quality education as well as improving educational infrastructure and teacher quality.

Abbas said that the public hearing was a reflection of the desire and commitment of the house to prioritise technical and vocational education as part of the ongoing social sector reform and development of the present administration.

He said that reforming and modernising science and technical education were critical steps toward promoting skill acquisition and empowering youths to contribute meaningfully to the economic growth and development of the country.

According to the speaker, the ongoing fight against insecurity must, as a matter of necessity, consider the provision of functional education for students and youths to ensure that they are gainfully engaged.

Earlier, the Chairman of the committee, Rep. Fuad Laguda (APC-Lagos), said that the bills were designed to improve Nigeria’s educational development and promote sustainable human capital development necessary for a self-reliant society.

Laguda said there was the need to prioritise the advantages of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) in driving economic growth.

The lawmaker said that the passage of the bills would ensure that the workforce was technologically empowered.

According to him, it will be used to tackle the issues of unemployment, wealth creation, poverty reduction and insecurity, while it will also as a veritable tool in curbing youth restiveness.

“The main objective of establishment of vocational, entrepreneurship and technical skills acquisition institutions in Nigeria is to train technicians and middle-level personnel who will act as catalysts for rapid industrialisation and development of the real sector of the economy.

“There is the need for all stakeholders here present to be dedicated and committed to purposeful deliberations as well as make positive inputs and opinions on all the contending issues of the bills, to further enrich the content and intendment of the proposed laws.

“The contributions of all the stakeholders are important for the success of these bills which seek to address contingent economic issues in Nigeria,” Laguda said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Ifeyinwa Okonkwo and ‘Wale Sadeeq

Navy inaugurates school in Niger village

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By Rita Iliya

The Nigerian Navy has inaugurated Major I. E. Muazu Memorial Primary School in Adunu community in Paikoro Local Government of Niger State.

Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), inaugurated the project in Adunu on Thursday.

Ogalla, represented by Rear Admiral Julius Nwagu, Acting Chief of Naval Transformation, said the project was a civil-military engagement, aimed at fostering harmonious relations between the Navy and local communities.

Ogalla said the project was executed under the CNS Special Intervention Quick Impact Project Scheme in honour of Rear Admiral Istifanus Mua’zu -Albara, Flag Officer Commanding Naval Training Command.

“We decided to encourage every Rear Admiral in Nigeria Navy to initiate projects that will benefit their communities; we have over 15 CNS-sponsored projects nationwide.

“The rear admirals are to identify critical quick impact projects that will have maximum impact on the socio-economic wellbeing of grassroots communities,” he said.

He said provision of infrastructure for early educational training was key to emancipating illiteracy and poverty, adding that through the project, children would have access to quality education.

Ogalla added that the renovated school, benefiting over 118 children, symbolised hope and opportunity for youths in Paikoro Local Government.

In his welcome address, Mua’zu-Albara, disclosed that Major I.E. Muazu Memorial Primary School started as a missionary school in the early 50s.

He disclosed that the project was a two new classroom blocks consisting of five classrooms, two offices as well as three renovated blocks of classrooms.

He added that the project included the construction of a perimeter fence for the school, construction of a security post in line with the safe school initiative.

According to him, others are modern toilet facilities, furniture for the classrooms/offices along with provision of solar powered lightning units within the school premises.

Mua’zu-Albara said the project would address infrastructure deficit in the community and elevate its educational standard, foster a deeper connection between the community and the armed forces.

In his remarks, Gov. Umaru Bago of Niger, emphasised the need for collective support to revamp the educational sector.

Bago, represented by Hajiya Hadiza Mohammed, Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, called on council chairmen to take ownership of school properties, given their deteriorated condition statewide.

He said as products of public schools, they should ensure institutions does not fall short of expectation and urged all stakeholders to collaborate and take charge.

The District Head of Adunu, Alhaji Kabiru Bawa, thanked Bago for addressing security concerns in the area enabling residents to sleep peacefully.

He commended the Navy for the new facility and called on the state government to intervene on the deplorable Kafin-koro-Adunu road and the restoration of electricity in Adunu community. (NAN)
Edited by Ifeyinwa Okonkwo/Joe Idika

Prioritise education over strikes, minister urges labour unions

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By Joan Nwagwu

Dr Tunji Alausa, Minister of Education, has appealed to labour unions in the sector to prioritise education over strike for the good and future of the Nigerian students.

Alausa said this at the 359th Quadrennial National Delegates Conference of the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) on Wednesday in Abuja.

The theme of the conference was, “Respecting Collective Bargaining Agreements and Industrial Peace in a Democracy”.

He said that industrial action should not be the first line option in seeking government”s attention to the unions’ demands.

“I know you as an association, together with the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Non Academic Staff of Universities(NASU),. collectively, your psyche has been affected.

“The government has gone into agreement with you, and most of the time, the government has not fulfilled their own part of the agreement.

“But let me promise you this, President Bola Tinubu is a democrat, he will work to meet his obligation and agreement that he enters with you.

” Let us prioritise the future of our children and work together to keep them in school,” he said.

Alausa also said that the government was constrained by certain financial limitations like heavy expenditures by the previous administration on subsidies and artificially low exchange rates.

He said that these policies had drained the country’s resources and benefitted the wealthy at the expense of crucial sectors like education.

“Subsidies cost Nigeria nearly one billion dollars daily, while artificially maintaining the exchange rate added another 500 million dollars monthly.

“These unsustainable practices took resources away from critical sectors,”he said.

He urged the labour unions to give the government the benefit of the doubt and engage in collective bargaining with mutual respect.

“We have assembled a committee led by respected Nigerians, including Alhaji Yayale Ahmed, former Head of Service, to negotiate with unions,” he said.

Also, Mr Ayuba Wabba, Former President of Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) said that labour unions’ were frustrated by repeated breaches of agreements with the federal government.

“Failure to honour collective bargaining agreements has been a major source of strikes in Nigeria,” he said.

Wabba called for establishment of a Labour Council, similar to South Africa’s model, that would facilitate quarterly meetings between government and union representatives.

He added that this would help in addressing the emerging issues proactively and fostering trust.

Mr Mohammed Ibrahim, National President of SSANU, called for a shift in perceptions around unions.

Ibrahim said that SSANU and other unions were often mischaracterised as “strike-happy” and called for a new narrative that promotes industrial peace.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Kadiri Abdulrahman

FG reverses 18-year admission age for tertiary institutions

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By Funmilayo Adeyemi

The Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa has reversed the decision of the past minister of education on the 18-years admission benchmark into tertiary institutions.

Alausa spoke at his inaugural press briefing in Abuja on Tuesday.

According to him, what led to that initial decision was the way the National Policy on Education was designed.

”We will not be going forward with the 18-years admission benchmark. We will go with 16 years and we are going to meet with JAMB and others on that.

”There will also be exception for the gifted students. 18-years is not part of our policy again,” he said.

Addressing the withdrawal of certificates obtained from Benin Republic and Togo, Alausa stated that the policy would remain in place to help eliminate fake certificates from the system.

Regarding the out-of-school children issue, he noted this as a key priority for the ministry, adding that various solutions would be considered to reduce their numbers.

He said the ministry will collaborate with the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs to provide conditional cash transfers as incentives for students to increase school enrollment.

He also mentioned that nutritional programmes would be introduced to support students’ health, thereby enhancing human capital development.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the Minister, along with the Minister of State for Education, Dr Suwaiba Ahmad, was officially welcomed by the Permanent Secretary, Dr Nasiru Sani-Gwarzo. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Tosin Kolade

Integrating gender response into Kaduna State education budget

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By Aisha Gambo, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)

Education is catalyst to social, economic and national development. To achieve their potential, governments at all levels are encouraged investments in the sector.

Investment in education has the potential enhance access to quality teaching and learning process for upcoming generations and boost enrolment.

Such investment should not only be in the form of infrastructure but also instructional materials and capacity building for teaching and non-teaching.

This stimulates a safe environment and provides equal opportunities for girls and boys to be empowered and educated.

These equip them with the necessary skills realise their full potential and contribute to societal development.

However, some cultural and societal norms in Nigeria prioritise the education of boys over girls.

This has resulted to gender disparities in education attainment as girls face other barrier to access and complete their education.

According to UNICEF 7.6 million girls are Out Of School in Nigeria while 3.9 million at the primary and 3.7 million at the junior secondary level.

UNICEF further said that 48 per cent of OOS girls are in the northwest and northeast.

A survey by Kaduna State Bureau of Statistics in 2020 shows that 31.1 per cent of children within the primary school age are out of school, adding that 31.9 per cent of children within the junior secondary school age are out of school in the state.

However, the survey also revealed that the distribution of out-of-school cases in the state consist of 63.7 per cent male and 36.3 per cent female.

Government interventions in enhancing gender responsive education. 

Over the years the Kaduna state government has increased budgetary allocation to education sector to reinvigorate basic and post basic levels to enhance access to free and quality for all.

For instance, the state government earmarked N26. 2 billion for Education in 2024 approved budget.

The sum of N12.5 billion was allocated to the ministry of education; N2.7 billion to State Universal Basic Education (SUBEB)while the remaining N11 billion was shared among the state-owned tertiary institutions; schools quality assurance authority and library board.

The state also developed a 10-year Education Sector Plan (ESP) named Kaduna State 2019 – 2029 Education Sector Strategic Plan.

It is a comprehensive and strategic framework developed with support of development partners to guide planning, implementation and evaluation of education policies and programmes.

UNICEF says achieve Sustainable Development Goal 4 which is inclusive and equitable quality education for all, a Gender-responsive Education Sector Planning (GRESP) is essential.

This is because GRESP is a holistic approach to advancing gender equality in and through education, including learning and learning environments, teacher education and practice, curriculum and administration among others.

To advance gender equality in education, education systems need to be gender responsive by design which include funding of girl child education.

At the Kaduna State ministry of education, an exclusive department for gender ,now female education was created to tackle issues related to girl child education.

Each year, the department is funded to execute gender related programmes such as second chance education, sensitisation on gender based violence, creation of water and sanitation facilities in schools among others.

The director of planning in the ministry, Salisu Baba-Lawal, said that government prioritises gender equality and social inclusion as such has allocated a large sum of money to achieve it.

“We have provisions for gender in our annual budget which fund gender related projects.

” In 2021, a sum of N7 million was allocated to gender, N4 million was budgeted for the year 2022, N5 million allocated in 2023 and in 2024 , N12 million was allocated to female education”, he said.

Following the money

For many years, the gender department in the Kaduna State ministry of education has been conducting activities that address challenges of both girls.

But with the recent review in 2024, which changed the department’s name to female education it now prioritises female education.

However, that doesn’t stop it from conducting activities or projects that would benefit the male gender.

Though a detailed breakdown of the budget expenditures were not made available, the department explained the programmes and projects they conducted.

The Deputy Director, Female Education, Hajiya Aishatu Muhammad, that explained that the ministry had provided second chance for girls who dropped out of school due to early marriage or pregnancy.

She said that school uniforms, socks and sandals were provided for the girls while teachers were paid stipends for staying over time as most classes were done in the afternoon.

Another project the ministry was to provide Water and Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) facilities in schools with boys and girls having separate toilets to ease themselves during school hours.

Abdullahi said the ministry with the support from World Bank’s Adolescent Girls Initiative for Learning and Empowerment (AGILE) project built toilets and boreholes making the school environment conducive for the girl child.

“It may interest you to know that, the ministry of education in collaboration with AGILE, nominated amongst the existing staff we have in the school ,a  Gender Based Violence (GBV) focal person.

“We even have a Grievance Response Mechanism (GRM)   officer and we have a suggestion box in the schools to serve as a channel for reporting incidents”, she said.

Abdullahi, who doubles as the AGILE focal person, said that since the implementation of the project, the enrolment, retention and completion of female students has increased as they now feel more comfortable learning.

Parents, expert call for improvement

Malama Hajara Abubakar, a widow and a mother of four girls, recounts her struggle in ensuring her children get an education.

“Their father died when three of them were in junior secondary school; I had to do menial jobs to get them learning materials and pay other expenses the schools may request even though it’s a public school.

“But when they completed their SS 3 I couldn’t afford to pay for their exams, so I married them off; I wanted them to further their education but couldn’t.

“So when my youngest daughter completed SS3, I raised N10, 000 and pleaded with my neighbour who was a head a teacher in a private school to assist me and she did.

“Now that girl is working and taking care of me ‘, she said.

Abubakar says there are many parents like her who cannot afford to pay for their children’s final exams, and urged governments to look into the matter.

In spite government’s effort to provide free and quality education to children and return out of school children to schools to school, some education experts say there is still need for improvement.

Hadiza Umar, founder of communication for children and international development, while commending Kaduna State Government’s effort in address gender parity in schools said there was need for gender related programmes and policies to be scaled up.

She also said some of the programmes like the second chance education, sexual health reproductive awareness campaign among others should cut across all the schools in the state.

Umar says giving free education to girls but leaving them to pay for their senior secondary school exams would not achieve the desired results.

“Government should focus on paying for SSCE and JAMB because most of them can’t move forward and can’t get certificates to continue to even get a job.

“They cannot get admission and are unable a job that can help them generate some funds and further her education’’, she said.

While some experts advocate payment of Senior Secondary School exams fees, others demand effective monitoring and evaluation of the implementation of gender programmes.

Dr Hassana Shuaibu, Senior programme Officer, Ace Charity, says a breakdown on the expenditure of the female education budget should be available to ensure effective monitoring and evaluation.

She reiterated the need for an education sector plan that is gender responsive and the importance of funding of GRESP as well as transparency and accountability of the education budgeting. (NANFeatures)

**If used please credit the writer and News Agency of Nigeria**

Chinese Envoy pledges to boost China-Nigeria education exchange

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By Sarafina Christopher

China’s Ambassador to Nigeria, Yu Dunhai, announced on Tuesday in Abuja that the Chinese government is committed to strengthening educational exchange programmes with Nigeria.

Dunhai made this statement during the commissioning of the Chinese Corner and the Award Ceremony for the 2024 Chinese Ambassador Drawing Competition at Government Secondary School, Wuse Zone 3, Abuja.

The ambassador emphasised that education is crucial for fostering economic development and social progress.

“Education is a fundamental driver of national development. By enhancing educational opportunities in Nigeria, we can work together to build a brighter future for both our nations.

“We believe that education is not just about acquiring knowledge; it is about building lasting friendships and partnerships,” he said.

Dunhai noted that China has established and equipped about 13 Chinese Corners in Nigeria with computers, Chinese books, and films to promote education and cultural diversity.

He also outlined several ongoing initiatives aimed at improving educational infrastructure and access in Nigeria.

“These initiatives include scholarship opportunities for Nigerian students to study in China, providing educational materials, and supporting the construction of schools in underserved areas,” he explained.

Dunhai also mentioned the potential for collaborative programs between Chinese and Nigerian institutions to facilitate knowledge exchange and technological advancements.

Dr Muhammed Ladan, Director/Secretary of the FCT Secondary Education Board, expressed gratitude for China’s unwavering support in improving the quality of education in Nigeria through valuable partnerships.

“The partnership with China in education is vital for our efforts to enhance the quality of education in Nigeria.

“The Corners serve as resource centers for Chinese education and as hubs for cultural exchange between Nigeria and China.

“We welcome these initiatives and look forward to working closely with the Chinese government,” Ladan stated.

Mrs Josephine Ogwu, the school principal, thanked the Embassy and Mr Martin Chen, Chairman of China Harbour Engineering Company Nigeria Limited, for establishing the Cultural Centre.

She noted that the center signifies China’s strong commitment to educational and cultural exchange.

Ogwu noted that the corner is important for facilitating educational and cultural interactions between Nigeria and China, broadening students’ global perspectives, and fostering tolerance to create global citizens.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that awards were presented to students from 12 Chinese corner schools for the drawing competition. (NAN)(www.nannews.com.ng)

Edited by Yinusa Ishola/Mark Longyen

S/Korea hands over 1,662 digital educational materials to Nigeria

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By Sarafina Christopher

The Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) has delivered  1,662 educational digital contents to the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC).

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the donation was done through Kim Pankyu, Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to Nigeria.

The materials were handed over on Monday in Abuja at a ceremony to mark the significant milestone in the Smart Education project, a collaborative initiative between KOICA and UBEC that began in 2021.

The digital contents, which are targeted at Primary 4-6 pupils and Junior Secondary School (JSS) 1 students, focuses on mathematics and science subjects to help improve teaching and learning outcomes in the classrooms.

The ambassador said that education was key to the development of any nation, especially in the digital age.

According to him, providing schools with access to high quality digital resources is essential for students’ growth and future success.

“A lot of efforts from experts in Korea and Nigeria have been put in place to make the vision a reality.

“Therefore, I am confident that this package of digital contents that will be made available across Nigeria will enrich learning experiences and helping students’ educational development.’’

Kim said that the ceremony represented South Korea’s shared commitment to quality education in Nigeria and strengthening of bilateral cooperation through the collaboration between KOICA and UBEC.

“The educational digital contents are expected to be disseminated across the 37 smart schools and other public schools in Nigeria,” he said.

The ambassador also reiterated his government’s willingness in supporting the education sector in Nigeria.

On his part, the Executive Secretary of UBEC, Dr Hamid Bobboyi, expressed appreciation to the ambassador over the Korea Government’s support in improving basic education in Nigeria through smart technologies.

He added that the commission was at the embassy three years ago to sign an MOU for the Smart Education Project in Nigeria with the Korean Government.

“Since then, we have worked closely with the Korean experts in the implementation of the smart education project; and so far, we have achieved a lot together in improving basic education in Nigeria, “he said.

Bobboyi also commended KOICA for its assistance to Nigeria, saying the intervention had become a symbol of cooperation between both countries.

NAN recalls that prior to the handover of the digital contents to UBEC, KOICA had installed modern Content Development Studios (CDS) with state of art equipment for producing digital contents in some schools.

The CDS are found in KOICA-Supported Smart schools in the six states namely Kano, Cross River, Bauchi, Ekiti, Nasarawa and FCT.

Series of capacity building were also provided to teachers and school principals on how to record, edit and develop digital contents for classroom teaching using the CDS installed in their schools.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by AbdulFatai Beki and Chijioke Okoronkwo

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