News Agency of Nigeria
Alausa inaugurates research committee, targets N50m grant for tertiary education
General News

Alausa inaugurates research committee, targets N50m grant for tertiary education

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By Funmilayo Adeyemi

The Federal Government has inaugurated a high-powered Ministerial Committee that will drive the commercialisation of research outputs from the country’s tertiary institutions.

The Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, while inaugurating the Research and Innovation Commercialisation Committee (RICC) in Abuja on Wednesday, said the initiative would bridge the gap between academia and industry.

This, he said, would also turn homegrown research into commercially viable products and services.

The minister added said the development aligned with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda of transitioning Nigeria from a resource-based economy to a knowledge-driven one.

“Nations that have achieved sustainable development and global competitiveness have done so by investing in knowledge creation and, more importantly, in effective commercialisation of research outputs,” he said.

Alausa explained that the ministry, through the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), had already rolled out several impactful projects to boost research, including the provision of central multipurpose laboratories, alternative energy for campuses and medical simulation centres.

Acknowledging that in spite of vibrant academic community and decades of groundbreaking research, the country still struggles to scale innovations into real-world solutions.

He said “the weak link between academia and industry has limited our ability to reap the enormous benefits of research. This committee will serve as a strategic bridge between both worlds.

“The commercialisation of research outputs will not only generate revenue for institutions and researchers but will also enhance Nigeria’s self-reliance, improve the innovation index, and attract international investments,” Alausa noted.

The minister also announced a N50 million Student Grant Venture Capital Initiative to support scaling student-led enterprises in Nigeria’s tertiary institutions.

According to him, the scheme will be anchored by TETFund in partnership with the Bank of India.

“This will target undergraduate students in 300-level and above with viable business models and innovations ready for market expansion.

“We have hundreds of thousands of young geniuses across our institutions. This fund is designed to unlock their potential and help them build globally competitive enterprises,” the minister said.

Responding, the Committee Chairman, Dr Tayo Aduloju, CEO, Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG), outlined the RICC as “a matter of national urgency.”

Aduloju noted that Nigeria’s research investment as a percentage of GDP is among the lowest when compared to peer nations.

He added that “if Mr President’s ‘Nigeria First’ policy is to truly drive transformation, then innovation capital must lead the charge.

“The private sector has been disconnected for too long. We are committed to building institutional linkages that last beyond this Committee’s lifespan.”

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the committee was chaired by Aduloju.

Other members are Prof. Ibrahim Katampe, Dr Umar Bindir, Prof. Sydney Ibeanusi, Dr Detoun Ogwu, and representatives from the Federal Ministry of Science and Technology, the Bank of Industry, Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), and Nigerian universities, among others. (NAN)

Edited by Hadiza Mohammed-Aliyu

IVLEAD targets 2,000 kids in footwear initiative
Education

IVLEAD targets 2,000 kids in footwear initiative

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By Funmilayo Adeyemi

A social impact organisation, I Volunteer for Leadership (IVLEAD), has unveiled the Feet for the Future initiative to provide shoes to 2,000 underprivileged children in the FCT.

The initiative, which aligns with several Sustainable Development Goals, aims to eliminate inadequate footwear as a barrier to education and well-being for children in low-income communities.

At the unveiling in Abuja, IVLEAD Founder and Executive Director, Mr Mayowa Odetayo, said the project was conceived in response to the increasing number of school-aged children who either share shoes or walk barefoot.

He noted that this situation often results in irregular school attendance, foot injuries, infections, and emotional distress.

“This project is not just about shoes; it is about dignity, access, and opportunity.

“By putting durable, school-appropriate shoes on 2,000 children, we are reducing health risks, boosting self-esteem, and promoting consistent education,” Odetayo said.

He said the initiative contributes to poverty reduction by easing the financial burden on families and enabling children to attend school more regularly.

He added that it also promotes good health by reducing foot infections and injuries, and supports access to quality education by improving school attendance and participation.

Odetayo explained that by targeting disadvantaged children, the programme aims to reduce inequality and promote social inclusion.

He added that the involvement of community stakeholders and strategic partnerships ensures alignment with global efforts to strengthen sustainable development.

Under the programme, IVLEAD will organise three major outreach events annually, supported by smaller, community-specific interventions.

Also, local schools, parents, and leaders will help identify beneficiaries to foster ownership and ensure transparency.

He said the project’s long-term success would depend on strong partnerships with local businesses, international donors, and community networks.

“A robust monitoring framework will be deployed to track impact, assess challenges, and inform improvements.

“The project also includes risk mitigation strategies such as partnerships with local transport providers to ease logistics, financial planning to ensure sustainability beyond year three, and flexible resource allocation based on evolving needs,” he added.

Beyond shoe distribution, IVLEAD is recognised for its broader youth-focused initiatives in leadership, digital education, and governance.

Through mentorship and advocacy, the organisation has empowered over 4,000 young leaders, including school prefects and class captains, with the skills and values required for ethical leadership.

Odetayo, a Political Science graduate and youth development advocate, has served as Project Manager at Mind the Gap, where he led the NiTDA digital skills project and the Youth Empowered programme in partnership with the Nigeria Bottling Company.

Earlier in the year, IVLEAD hosted the premiere edition of the Unleash Your Leadership Potential Conference in Abuja.

The event attracted over 200 young participants and featured TEDx-style talks, workshops, and breakout sessions aimed at promoting purpose-driven, practical leadership among Nigerian youth. (NAN)

Edited by Tosin Kolade

Groups advocate holistic educational approach for reparation in Nigeria
Health

Groups advocate holistic educational approach for reparation in Nigeria

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By Angela Atabo

Neem Foundation and Global Survivors Fund (GSF) have advocated a holistic educational approach for the reparation of survivours of conflict-related sexual violence and their children in Nigeria.

Dr Fatima Akilu, the Executive Director of Neem Foundation, made the call at a “Policy Dialogue on Education as Reparation for Survivours and Children affected by Conflict-Related Sexual Violence” in Abuja.

Akilu said the approach would  help the survivours and the children regain control of their lives, their dignity and place in society.

She said the foundation brought together stakeholders,  governments, international, non-governmental organisations and the diplomatic community, to an important call to action.

She said the aim was to prioritise education as a form of reparation for survivors and children affected by conflict-related sexual violence in Nigeria.

“Education as reparation requires tailored measures that address the unique needs of children affected by conflict-related sexual violence.

“Combining trauma-responsive methods, flexible learning with economic support, and engagement with caregivers and communities, it ensures that the education children receive is accessible, inclusive, and transformative.

“At the heart of the Neem project in Borno is the Lafiya Sarari school, where nearly 80 per cent  of enrolled students have been affected by conflict-related sexual violence,” she said.

Akilu said that students learn on-the-go and move at their own pace through a curriculum grounded in values such as peace, respect, and integrity – a deliberate counter to the hate that fuelled their trauma.

She added that the learning process is interwoven with mental health care, psychosocial support, and basic medical services.

“For children still carrying the physical and emotional scars of violence, this holistic approach provides a lifeline.This initiative is scalable.

“Training for more teachers is already underway, laying the groundwork to expand this model across the country and internationally.

“The changes we see at Lafiya Sarari can also be a reality for children in communities affected by sexual violence across the world, and Nigeria can lead the way,” she added.

According to Akilu, Neem and GSF in February 2024, started collaborating on a six-year initiative in Maiduguri that delivers trauma-responsive education to children aged eight to 14.

She said that most of the children were abducted, abused, witnessed violence, or were born as a result of sexual violence during Boko Haram’s insurgency.

“This comprehensive education programme, set up by Neem creates safe spaces for children to heal, regain confidence, and reconnect with a future that was violently interrupted.

“This is a bold, practical step towards justice and social reintegration. We are making schools where healing begins,” Akilu said.

Also speaking, the Executive Director at GSF, Esther Dingemans, said education is one of the most frequently requested forms of reparation by survivors.

“It empowers children economically and socially, reduces the risk of future abuse, and promotes long-term peace and reconciliation.

“In this context, education is not a luxury – it is a right, and a response to harm,” she said.

Dingemans said that the model being implemented in Borno had already proved that with the right approach, education could serve not just as a right to be restored, but as a remedy that transforms lives.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the project is being supported by the Governments of the United Kingdom, Korea, Japan, France, Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation and Open Society Foundations.

Others are The European Commission, Education Cannot Wait (UNICEF), The Catena Foundation, UN Women, the Borno State Ministry of Education, Northeast Development Commission and the Damnaish Human Capacity Building Initiative.(NAN)

Edited by Chidi Opara

Brazil proposes priorities for professional education in BRICS countries
Foreign

Brazil proposes priorities for professional education in BRICS countries

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Members of the BRICS Bloc are taking steps to strengthen cooperation in the field of technical and vocational education and training (TVET) as a key tool for sustainable socio-economic development, according to the official website of the Brazilian Government.

The Brazilian Ministry of Education hosted a meeting of the BRICS TVET Cooperation Alliance (BRICS TCA), which discussed expanding access to education, innovation, and training for skills in demand in the labour market.

The meeting was attended by representatives of the Ministries of Education, scientific institutions and international organisations of the BRICS countries.

The participants exchanged experiences in implementing vocational education programmes and identified priorities for further cooperation.

Francisco Figueiredo, Special Advisor to the Brazilian Minister of Education, emphasised the importance of the group as a platform for exchanging policies and best practices and establishing direct links between relevant
institutions in the participating countries.

Marcelo Bregagnoli, State Secretary for Technological and Professional Education of the Brazilian Ministry of Education, noted a significant increase in the number of students in this field. According to the 2024 census, more than 2.5 million schoolchildren are enrolled in secondary vocational education programmes, of which more than 1.5 million are in public institutions.

The meeting participants identified three priority areas: ensuring the quality and accessibility of education for young people, enhancing the role of vocational education in the economic development of BRICS countries.

It also underscored the introduction of new technologies and innovative methods in education as one of the priority areas.

Chinese representative Zhai Jinming noted that BRICS TCA has become an important platform for deepening cooperation between countries in the field of vocational education.

He expressed confidence that student and teacher exchanges as well as joint research and training programmes will expand.

Representatives from Egypt, Ethiopia, India, Indonesia, Russia, South Africa, and the UAE also participated in the discussions. (TV BRICS/NAN)

Edited by Emmanuel Yashim

NTI boss hails Tinubu’s education reengineering initiatives
Education

NTI boss hails Tinubu’s education reengineering initiatives

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By Moses Kolo

Prof. Sadiya Sani-Daura, Director and Chief Executive, National Teachers’ Institute (NTI), Kaduna, has commended President Bola Tinubu for reengineering the education sector in the country.

The Tinubu administration has introduced sound programmes to advance professionalism in teacher training under its Renewed Hope Agenda.

Sani-Daura said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), at the NTI headquarters in Kaduna.

She said that the institute had witnessed remarkable strides with the support of the Federal Education of Ministry, which was adding positive value to the education sector in the country.

“We are lucky to have a Minister and a State Minister, a duo of very active and committed ministers, who are overseeing to ensuring excellence.

“My position as the Director/Chief Executive of NTI to me, is to contribute my quota to the development of education, which I feel is key to addressing most of our problems as a nation.

“The NTI has the support of the Federal Ministry of Education, and is puting all necessary machinery in place to achieving it’s desired goals.

“We are being carried along with the ministry and that is all we want. To be given the chance to perform our duties.

“Bear in mind that the NTI is national but we also partner with states to provide teacher training needed through our zonal offices,” she said.

According to Sani-Daura, NTI is also creating study centres in all the 774 local government areas of the federation, saying, so that we can be accessible for easy coordination.

The director said the NTI in the next five to 10 years would be the leader in teacher training, a world class teacher training institute.

“In Nigeria, we want to be a regulatory body that monitors what happens both in the private and public sectors with respect to teacher training.

“NTI in its Act, is mandated to train teachers at all levels and this entails from primary to tertiary levels in Nigeria,” she said.

Sani-Daura said that NTI had the potentials to expand training to undeserved communities through the use of technologies.

She said institute had established an ICT department and tallied its organogram in tandem with the global realities in teacher education.

“NTI can train and develop the capacity of more teachers in the country.

“There is population growth and this goes hand-in-hand with the demand, therefore, we want to cover the boost in population.

“It can also contribute to the development of effective curricular in all levels of education development and that is our mandate.” (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani

Social media, internet, negatively affect students’ performance, say experts
Science & Tech

Social media, internet, negatively affect students’ performance, say experts

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By Ijeoma Olorunfemi

Some educationists say that the internet and social media in spite of their positive impacts, when abused, negatively influenced students’ academic performance and reduced the quality of education in the country.

They said this in separate interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja.

They told NAN that the widespread use of social media and its misuse had made students become lazy and pay less attention to their studies.

Sadiq Mohammed, Associate Professor, Department of Agricultural and Bio-resources Engineering, Federal University of Technology, Minna, said social media had encouraged examination malpractices among students.

Mohammed said that social media, Artificial Intelligence, and other emerging technologies, though meant to help developing societies, were being misused, particularly in the education sector.

“With the way our education sector is going, we seem doomed because many students go to `magic centres` to write their examinations.

“You see a lot of them leaving the city centres to villages where pre-answered scripts will be passed around in exam halls.

“You realise that they gain admission into the university with fantastic results but along the line they find it difficult to measure up.

“With the coming of AI, most students now relax, they spend more time on their phones, using different applications to write examinations,’’ he said.

According to him, the government needs to empower the education sector on how to checkmate the misuse of AI by students.

Mohammed said that there was a need to implement measures that will guarantee the integrity of the education system.

He said this could be done by scrutinising research papers and addressing the prevailing challenge of copy-and-paste.

He called for an education system that would instil academic discipline among learners.

Mrs Judy Eke, a retired principal, said that it was unfortunate that many parents were encouraging their wards to indulge in examination malpractice through social media.

She said in some instances parents finance such anti-academic behaviour and even provide data for their wards to access the internet for the purpose of exam fraud.

“Parents too are helping to spoil the children by giving them money to go and register for examinations in faraway villages.

“It is so bad that even the educated ones hire machineries to write exams for their children.

“These practices are not helping the students; they no longer value hard work.

“Social media generally is helping to avoid hard work. They believe that every answer that comes from the internet is correct,’’ Eke said.

She further a situation whereby emphasis was placed more on academic qualification and grades instead of capability was encouraging reliance on the internet to perpetrate exam malpractices.

Eke said it was time for the government to declare a state of emergency in the education sector.

Mr Adebayo Adewole, a teacher, said that social media had created access to information, learning opportunities, global connectivity but was also a source of distraction for many students.

According to him, many social media contents misinform the public, especially students.

He said addiction to social media was also affecting students’ performance in both internal and external exams.

“Students spend up to four hours online, yet struggle to commit 30 minutes to their books.

“This is unlike in the past, when students were more focused. Today’s youth are more interested in social media trends than in their education,’ he said.

Adewole added that social media had encouraged cybercrime, exposed the young people to immoral behaviour and urged the authorities to regulate the social media space.

“The educational sector should also help in encouraging students to study the hard copy instead of the soft copy because students no longer study their books; they rely more on the internet.

“You see teachers give students assignments that ordinarily should be done with the aid of the textbook, but you see them going on the internet, making use of AI to do the assignments,’’ he said. (NAN)

Edited by Uche Anunne

FCTA building entrepreneurship skill centre for secondary schools – Director  
Education

FCTA building entrepreneurship skill centre for secondary schools – Director  

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By Philip Yatai

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) says it is building an Entrepreneurship Skills Development Centre to promote entrepreneurship education in secondary schools.

Dr Mohammed Ladan, the Director/Secretary, FCT Secondary Education Board, disclosed this in Abuja on Monday, on the sideline of a two-day training of FCT teachers on innovation and entrepreneurship education.

Ladan told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that the centre, sited at Government Secondary School Giri, was expected to be ready by end of the year.

He said that the centre was being built in collaboration with Brunel University Business School, United Kingdom, which promised to furnish and equip it when completed.

He explained that the centre would serve as hub for entrepreneurship education for the 36 states of the federation and the FCT.

He added that the centre would also be used in the training of stakeholders and other entrepreneurship teachers in skill acquisition centres across the country.

He said “we are tired of students graduating without a job; we are tired of saying no job, no job, no job. Our students, this time around, will begin to create jobs for Nigerians.

“We want to tackle the problem of unemployment with Abuja as the lead.”

The director explained that what the FCTA was doing was to prepare school children to identify societal problems that could be solved with resources in the environment.

According to him, some of the students are already providing solutions, particularly in converting waste to wealth.

He identified some of the products being produced by the students as interlocks using waste nylon and polyethene bags, toilet paper from used cartons, sweet syrup from date fruits, and flowerpots, among others.

He added that the students were being equipped with entrepreneurial skills in welding and fabrication, fashion design, plumbing, brick laying, electrical fittings, shoe making, and hair styling, among others.

The director explained that the teachers training was the third in the series of training conducted to reposition FCT schools for innovation and entrepreneurship education.

“The first training was conducted for school principals, that is the administrators who are the accounting officers of schools.

“The second phase of the training was conducted for vice principal academics, who are the custodians of the entrepreneurship curriculum.

“The third batch, taking place today, is for teachers who would drive the programme and we have more than 400 of them from junior secondary schools, senior secondary schools and teachers from private schools,” he said.

Ladan added that the fourth batch would be organised for artisans to help in deepening skills development and help school children to realise their potential. (NAN)

Edited by Hadiza Mohammed-Aliyu

Foundation plans fundraising for Africa’s out-of-school children
General News

Foundation plans fundraising for Africa’s out-of-school children

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By Mark Longyen

A UK-registered Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO), IA-Foundation, will  hold a charity fundraising gala in London on Saturday.

This is aimed at tackling the growing crisis of out-of-school children in Africa.

This is contained in a statement issued by the leadership of the organisation, and made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday.

It said that the event tagged the 2025 Charity Gala, would take place at the elegant DoubleTree by Hilton, London Docklands Riverside.

The foundation’s leadership said it planned to build on the success of its March 2023 major fundraising event in London to make this one more successful.

It added that it raised 24,000 pounds two years ago, and explained that the goal was to drive lasting change through education for underprivileged children across Africa.

“This isn’t just a night out; it’s a movement. Every ticket bought is an investment in a child’s future, a step toward a better Africa,” the IA-Foundation’s leadership said.

Dignitaries expected at the event include Nigeria’s Acting High Commissioner to the UK, who will deliver a keynote address, and the Chairperson of Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, Mrs Abike Dabiri-Erewa.

Also expected to attend the fundraising gala is the Foundation’s patron, Chief Femi Falana and high profile UK diaspora individuals, including mayors and councillors from several London boroughs.

“The gala will also feature exciting highlights such as a thrilling American auction, raffle draws with fantastic prizes, live entertainment, fine dining, and inspirational storytelling.

“This gala is one of the foundation’s major drives to scale up its impact. It has also distributed more than 5,000 educational materials to students in slums and underserved communities.

“With tickets already in high demand, attendees are encouraged to buy their tickets now before they sell out.

”All proceeds go directly toward the foundation’s mission of drastically reducing the number of out-of-school children in Africa,” the leadership said.

Founded in 2019, IA-Foundation has already supported over 100 children back into classrooms, it added.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Eddited by ISmail Abdulaziz

Spelling Bee Coordinator seeks support as 8th edition holds in Abuja
General News

Spelling Bee Coordinator seeks support as 8th edition holds in Abuja

484 total views today

By Funmilayo Adeyemi

The 8th edition of the Nigerian Spelling Bee began on Wednesday in Abuja, with organisers emphasising the competition’s role in enhancing children’s spelling abilities amid growing dependence on digital communication.

Speaking during the finals, Mr Abdulsalam Ibrahim, National Coordinator of the Nigerian Spelling Bee, expressed concern over the growing trend of poor spelling among students due to the widespread use of shorthand in technology.

“Today, we realise that many children, because of technology, cannot spell properly. They abbreviate words, and that was why we introduced this competition,” he explained.

Ibrahim noted that the initiative has had a measurable impact, with over 20 previous winners now excelling academically.

“Even when they get to university, they are doing well. Most of our scholarship recipients, at least 90 to 95 per cent of them are in first class,” he said.

According to him, the competition also rewards excellence through scholarship awards, in addition to promoting literacy

“Yes, we give scholarships, the senior category champion receives one million naira; the first runner-up gets N500,000, and the second runner-up, N300,000.

“For the junior category, the winner gets N500,000, while both runners-up receive N300,000 each,” he confirmed.

He added that in spite the programme’s success, it has yet to attract sponsorship, noting that they currently have no partners and describing this as a major challenge.

He explained that, although they had reached out to numerous corporate organisations, there had been no response.

The national coordinator further stated that while the Federal Ministry of Education has endorsed the programme, it has not provided any financial support.

He appealed to stakeholders, particularly in the private sector, to support the initiative.

“We’re calling on the public, especially corporate organisations, to assist us. Since the federal government has endorsed the programme, we are hopeful they will take further steps and begin to fund it,” he added.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the competition, now in its seventh year, continues to create academic opportunities for young Nigerians while encouraging proficiency in English.

Recall that Nigeria is hosting the 8th African Spelling Bee (ASB) from April 9 to 13, the first time the continental competition will take place in a West African country.

The ASB, established in 2016, has previously been hosted by South Africa, Kenya, Uganda, and Malawi.

The Nigerian Spelling Bee, under the Bee Spelling Competition Initiative, is serving as the Local Organising Committee for this year’s event.

The organisation conducts spelling contests across all 36 states and represents Nigeria at international competitions, including the ASB. (NAN)

Edited by Tosin Kolade

How Africa can attain its rightful position globally -Afe Babalola
General News

How Africa can attain its rightful position globally -Afe Babalola

381 total views today

 

By Idowu Ariwodola

Elder statesman, Afe Babalola, on Friday said academic collaboration among African institutions will make the continent attain its rightful position globally.

 

Babalola, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday in Ado-Ekiti

 

He spoke on the sidelines of his hosting of a 16-man delegation from Durban University of Technology (DUT) in  South Africa.

 

The delegation was at Afe Babalola University Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD) to convey to him the award of an honorary degree by DUT.

 

Babalola used the occasion to commend the teaching staff of ABUAD for producing students who he said were well bred for the growth and development of Nigeria.

 

“I still believe that we can achieve our rightful place in the world through education.

 

“That is why we are working together with DUT to make it possible to achieve our goals.

 

“If you want to go fast, go alone but if you want to go far, go together.

 

” We must go together to overtake other countries in everything.

 

“I am happy that ABUAD is topping in world ranking in one or two areas.

 

” Together in the next few years, we will lead the world by being the number one university.

 

“I thank my teachers who have been working tirelessly in pursuit of our goals.

 

” I am happy that our students are being bred in a way to become future leaders of the country,” he said.

 

Also speaking at the occasion, Gov. Biodun Oyebanji commended the contributions of Babalola to the development and progress of the state.

 

Oyebanji, represented by the Head of Service in the state, Dr Folake Olomojobi, said the  public service was ready to partner with the institution’s Research Department in driving development in the country.

 

NAN reports that the delegation from DUT also visited the Ewi of Ado-Ekiti, Oba Rufus Adejugbe.

 

Prof. Smaranda Olarinde, Acting Vice-Chancellor of ABUAD,  had formally welcomed  the DUT team and introduced members to the First Class traditional ruler.

 

Speaking on behalf of the delegation, Dr Lavern Samuels  presented the team to the traditional ruler.

 

He said that the team was in the country to establish key partnerships, promote academic programmes and highlight research and postgraduate opportunities.

 

In his address, Adejugbe reflected on the enduring legacies of South African icons, Nelson Mandela and Archbishop Desmond Tutu, acknowledging their contributions to humanity.(NAN)(nannews.ng)

Edited by Mufutau Ojo

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