NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA
FG, French coy sign MOU on cybersecurity resilience, academy
Science & Tech

FG, French coy sign MOU on cybersecurity resilience, academy

371 total views today

By Ijeoma Olorunfemi

The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with SecDojo, a French-based cybersecurity training and upskilling company to build cybersecurity resilience and an academy.

Mrs Hadiza Umar, Head, Corporate Affairs and External Relations of NITDA said this in a statement on Tuesday in Abuja.

Umar said the Director-General of NITDA, Malam Kashifu Inuwa, signed the MoU with Mr Younes Benzagmout, Chief Executive Officer of SecDojo at the on-going Gulf International Technology and Exhibition (GITEX) Africa in Marrakech, Morocco.

Umar stated that the MoU was towards continued efforts in strengthening national security which would build digital trust and safeguard the nation’s digital infrastructure.

She said it would also strengthen national resilience against cyber threats through targeted capacity building initiatives.

“This strategic partnership is designed to bolster Nigeria’s cybersecurity landscape through comprehensive capacity-building initiatives.

“The collaboration will focus on the establishment of a Cybersecurity Academy, delivery of advanced training and simulation programmes.

“It will foster development of customised curricula, educational resources, facilitation of research, knowledge sharing and professional exchange programmes,” she said.

Inuwa at the MoU signing expressed hopes that the collaboration would be a major milestone towards securing a digital future for the country.

He said that as Nigeria continue its digital transformation journey, investing in human capital was paramount for the desired technological component of innovative ecosystem.

The D-G said there was a growing global demand for cybersecurity professionals and there was need for Nigeria to partake in bridging the gap.

“Globally, we have the gap and in Nigeria, we have a young population that if we harness well, we can train and connect them with the global value chain.

“This will provide cybersecurity services and capture the market,” he said.

He reiterated the need to integrate digital skills into the country’s formal education systems which would involve the engagement of stakeholders especially the Federal Ministry of Education.

“This goes beyond NITDA, it is a national opportunity that involves the Ministry of Education to institutionalise digital literacy through formal education.

“Currently, what NITDA offers are skills acceleration programmes because these critical digital competencies are not taught in schools.

“To prepare for the future, we must embed these skills into our national education framework,” he said.

Benzagmout expressed his enthusiasm for the collaboration and reaffirmed the company’s commitment to working closely with Nigerian stakeholders.

He said the collaboration would bring SecDojo’s innovative training platforms and methodologies to support Nigeria’s cybersecurity professionals.

He added that it would also contribute to the development and execution of a comprehensive national cyber capacity-building strategy.

GITEX Africa, which is the largest technology and startup exhibition in Africa, is holding in Morocco from April 14 to April 16.

It is being attended by industry players, the academia and investors, among other participants.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Dorcas Jonah/Ismail Abdulaziz

FG reiterates commitment to affordable housing for civil servants
Metro

FG reiterates commitment to affordable housing for civil servants

322 total views today

By Collins Yakubu-Hammer

The Federal Government has reiterated its commitment to provide affordable homes for federal civil servants in the country.

The Executive Secretary of the Federal Government Staff Housing Loan Board (FGSHLB) Hajiya Salamatu Ahmed gave the assurance while inspecting some government housing projects for civil servants in Gwagwalada, Kuje and Karshi in the FCT.

“Houses are now very costly. We are looking around to see the assets that are very affordable for the federal civil servants.

“Thank God, these houses are within the reach of the civil servants.

“Our housing project will meet the needs of public servants. What public or civil servants want is a good quality and comfortable shelter. but you know how it is, it’s not easy living in Abuja.

“I am sad because most of our civil servants’ commute from Nasarawa State and Suleje in Niger and other far areas.

“You know that transportation in Abuja is very expensive. Rent is also kyroketing at an alarming rate; the salary can no longer take care of all these challenges,” she said.

The FGSHLB boss said she was satisfied with the progress of work at the project site in Gwagwalada, Kuje and Karshi, adding that the buildings will be ready for commissioning in June.

She further explained that while a two-bedroom bungalow goes for 17 million naira, three bedrooms are going for 22 million naira and duplexes of three bedrooms are for 30 million naira.

She also appealed for more funding for the board to enable it to do more for the public servants in the country

“We are looking at how we can do so many places, but because of funding challenges, we cannot finish them all at the same time.

“We are taking them bit by bit, by the time we finish with some, then we can go for others,” Ahmed said.

Meanwhile, the developer at the Kuje site, Mr Rotimi Fasan said the infrastructure in the estate had been completed.

“We have a road network, water system; we also have lots of green areas for children to play in.

“We have also completed the construction of a central sewage system and others.

“By the grace of God, in the next few months, this place will be ready for commissioning with all the listed facilities,” Fasan said.

NAN reports that the FISH Programme, which was initiated by OHCSF in 2015, is designed to provide affordable housing for Federal Civil Servants through an integrated strategy involving group land allocation, inter-ministerial collaborations and provision of infrastructure and services. (NAN) 

Edited by Sadiya Hamza

SAPZ project strategic to FG’s plan for industrialise agriculture – Shettima
Economy/Business

SAPZ project strategic to FG’s plan for industrialise agriculture – Shettima

283 total views today

By Lucy Ogalue

The Federal Government says the Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zone (SAPZ), is a strategic milestone in its plan to industrialise Nigeria’s agriculture sector and create sustainable jobs across the country.

Vice-President Kashim Shettima said this while performing the ground-breaking for the construction of Phase 1 of the SAPZ project in Kaduna on Tuesday.

The SAPZ is part of a larger national programme, with Kaduna, Kano, Kwara, Cross River, Imo, Ogun, Oyo, and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) among states in the first phase of the project.

It aims at transforming Nigeria’s agriculture through innovation, private-sector investment, and strategic public partnerships.

The zones are designed to create agro-industrial hubs that integrate farmers with processors, reduce post-harvest losses, and expand rural economic opportunities.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the facility is located in Daki-Takwas, along Kaduna -Abuja, Expressway, Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

Shettima said the project was a direct response to the long-standing challenges facing Nigeria’s agricultural value chain, including poor infrastructure, limited access to markets, and low value addition.

He expressed confidence that the initiative would catalyse economic growth by creating thousands of jobs and empowering Nigerian youths.

“We are not just breaking ground. We are building the infrastructure to feed our people, empower our youth, and fulfil the economic promise of our nation.

“This is not just about bricks and mortar. It is about people.

“It is about the resilience of our farmers, the ingenuity of our entrepreneurs, and the commitment of our government to build a future that works for everyone,” he said.

According to Shettima the nation cannot afford to be chained to outdated systems while the world moves with urgency towards innovation.

He said the SAPZ initiative was a strategy that “lays the foundation for real economic transformation.”

Shettima praised the Kaduna State government for its leadership in agriculture, describing the state as a key driver of Nigeria’s agro-industrial future due to its abundant arable land and historical role in agricultural production.

“Kaduna is not a stranger to agricultural leadership. What we are starting here today will become a model for other states to follow,” he said.

The vice-president reiterated the importance of involving young Nigerians in the agricultural revolution.” The SAPZ will generate thousands of jobs and equip the youth with the skills to become active players in the economy.

“The youth of Nigeria must not be spectators. They must be stakeholders and shapers of their own futures,” he said.

Earlier, Kaduna State Governor, Sen. Uba Sani described the SAPZ as a strategic investment designed to accelerate industrial development across Nigeria.

He said, “the SAPZ is a huge investment designed to position Kaduna State as a major player in Nigeria’s industrial development,” he said.

According to Sani, agriculture plays a central role in Kaduna’s economy, contributing 42 per cent to the state’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and employing 60 per cent of the state workforce.

“In the 2023 budget we inherited, agriculture received just N1.4 billion. However, in 2024, we increased it to N23.4 billion, and in 2025, we have approved N74.2 billion,” he said.

Also. the AfDB President, Dr Akinwumi Adesina, applauded Kaduna’s commitment to the actualisation of SAPZ, highlighting the significance of agricultural industrialisation in the state’s economic growth.

While reiterating the bank’s commitment to the project, he said the initiative was currently being implemented in 27 sites across 11 countries, including Côte d’Ivoire, Ethiopia, Senegal, and Madagascar.

Also speaking, the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Sen. Abubakar Kyari, described the initiative as a turning point in Nigeria’s agricultural history.

“This programme will be a game changer. It is designed to attract private sector investment in agro-industrial processing, drive value addition, and enhance rural development.

“It will strengthen Nigeria’s agricultural ecosystem to respond favourably to the challenges of our time,” the minister said.

The SAPZ programme is being implemented with support from international development partners, including the African Development Bank (AfDB), the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB), and the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD).

The ground-breaking was witnessed by government dignitaries, stakeholders and partners who commended and pledged commitment to the project. (NAN)

Edited by Ese E. Eniola Williams

Lead poisoning: FG orders illegal miners out of Zamfara
Environment

Lead poisoning: FG orders illegal miners out of Zamfara

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By Martha Agas

The Federal Government has ordered illegal miners to immediately vacate all mining sites in Zamfara following the confirmation of an outbreak of lead poisoning in Bungudu Local Government Area.

The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr Dele Alake, gave the warning in a statement by his Special Assistant on Media, Segun Tomori, on Tuesday in Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Zamfara, known for its rich gold deposits, first recorded a major lead poisoning epidemic in 2010.

The outbreak was traced to artisanal gold mining activities, which led to environmental contamination and the poisoning of hundreds of residents, particularly children.

Alake said that all mining activities were still on hold until the release of Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) that would guide the resumption of exploration in the state.

He expressed concern that the six-year mining ban in the state reversed in December 2024 should have prevented any cases of lead poisoning.

“The outbreak is evidence that traditional and local institutions allowed illegal miners to operate in their areas in flagrant violation of the ban.

“Every citizen should obey the laws and regulations established by constituted authorities.

“Our revered traditional institutions and local authorities, which are funded from the federation accounts, have an even higher responsibility to enforce government directives.

“However, where they demonstrate wilful negligence and abdicate their responsibilities, they perpetrate a state of anomie with dire consequences, as we are witnessing in this case,” he said.

According to him, experts and ministry reports will recommend specific interventions to help the government prevent future calamities.

The minister, however, commended the Zamfara government for deploying emergency services to the affected area, and called for stronger collaboration between the state and the Ministry officials.

“We must work together to kick out illegal miners from all corners to protect the lives of innocent citizens endangered by the desperation of a few individuals to make money at all costs,” he said.

According to him,  the ministry will soon release a comprehensive SOP to guide the resumption of mining activities in Zamfara.

The procedures, he explained, would address cases of existing holders of mining licences and fresh applicants alongside compliance to community development agreements.

He added that other issues the SOP would address include the beneficiation and remediation efforts to overhaul the mining sector in the state.

Alake noted  that the recent approval of the deployment of satellite technology to monitor mining sites nationwide will put an end to illegal mining and other sharp practices in the sector.

NAN recalls that in 2017, an epidemic of lead poisoning resulted in the deaths of more than 300 under-five children in Yar-Galma village of Bukkuyum LGA of the state. (NAN)

Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz

FG, UNIDO partner to strengthen Nigeria’s industrial future
Economy/Business

FG, UNIDO partner to strengthen Nigeria’s industrial future

254 total views today

By Nana Musa/ Lucy Ogalue

The Federal Government has signed a Programme for Country Partnership (PCP) agreement with the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO) to drive Nigeria’s industrial transformation.

At the signing ceremony in Abuja on Wednesday, the Minister of State for Industry, Sen. John Enoh, emphasised the significance of the agreement in repositioning the country’s industrial sector.

Enoh said that the partnership aligned with Nigeria’s commitment to rebuilding its industrial base to achieve structural economic transformation.

He said that the Industrial Revolution Work Group (IWG) had been inaugurated to coordinate the revitalisation of key industrial assets and value chains

According to Enoh, the partnership comes at a time when Nigeria is moving with clarity and urgency to rebuild its industrial base.

He said that it would boost economic growth, and also ensure structural transformation that empowers the people and reduces dependency on primary exports.

Enoh said that the IWG, which he co-chaired with the President of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), Francis Meshioye, was a stakeholder platform designed to address systemic bottlenecks and fast-track industrial zone development.

The minister said that the PCP aligned with the objectives of the IWG, focusing on agro-industrial transformation, SME development, green and digital transition, and skills for industrial competitiveness.

He expressed optimism that UNIDO’s technical expertise and global perspective would enhance Nigeria’s industrialisation efforts through infrastructure development and catalytic interventions.

“We welcome your presence at the table and look forward to integrating your insights into the group’s core operations.

“Nigeria is laying the foundation for the next chapter in its industrial history by modernising institutions, reforming policies, and strengthening coordination across all levels of government,” he said.

Enoh reiterated the government’s commitment to fostering multilateral and bilateral cooperation, urging all stakeholders to transition from agreements to tangible execution.

“As we sign today, we do so with resolve not for the ceremony, but for community-medium impact.

“Let us move together from potential to productivity, from agreement to execution, and from policy to prosperity,” he said.

The Minister Budget and Economic Planning, Sen. Abubakar Bagudu, said that the PCP was expected to boost manufacturing, enhance access to renewable energy, and create opportunities for small and medium enterprises (SMEs).

Bagudu said that it would also strengthen Nigeria’s participation in the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring the successful implementation of the programme, adding that Nigeria remained open to international investments and partnerships.

“Nigeria is determined to achieve its economic vision, and we will stay the course,” he said.

The UNIDO Director-General, Gerd Müller, described the PCP as a new phase in Nigeria’s long standing partnership with the organisation, which dates back 40 years

“This initiative focuses on six key areas, including industrial policy, innovation and technology, value chain development, and sustainable energy solutions.

“It will directly support Nigeria’s National Development Plan and the African Union’s Agenda 2063,” Müller said.

The UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator, Mohammed Fall, emphasised that the signing of the PCP marked the beginning of a long-term collaboration to drive Nigeria’s sustainable development.

Fall acknowledged the challenges facing the country but reaffirmed the UN’s commitment to working alongside Nigerian authorities and development partners to implement impactful initiatives.

He highlighted the role of UNICEF and other UN agencies in supporting Nigeria’s economic and humanitarian efforts.

He assured stakeholders that the UN remained dedicated to helping Nigeria transition toward a more resilient and self-sufficient economy.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the signing ceremony was attended by representatives of the Government, the European Union, UNIDO, and other key stakeholders in Nigeria’s industrial sector. (NAN)

Edited by Kadiri Abdulrahman

Group seeks dissolution of pensioners union’s executives
General News

Group seeks dissolution of pensioners union’s executives

328 total views today

By Ahmed Musa

Some pensioners under the aegis of Concerned Federal Civil Service Pensioners Stakeholders on Thursday called for immediate dissolution of the national executives of the Nigerian Union of Pensioners (NUP).

The Coordinator of the group, Mr Ignitius Uzomah, who made the call at a news conference in Abuja, alleged that the NUP had no substantive election known to law that produced the current national officers of the union.

Uzomah said his call also followed the exclusion of federal pensioners in the scheme of things of the union, adding that the federal arm of the union contributed 10 per cent funds to the union.

“We filed a complaint to the Federal Ministry of Labour over the Federal Civil Service Pensioners (FCSP) election where we stated that there was a constitutional breach regarding the election that produced NUP executives and all parties were invited.

“It is a constitutional provision that the state controllers of labour in the 36 states must confirm for the election to be validated.

“It is on record that all our members in the state have confirmed to us that the election that was supposed to hold on Oct. 3, 2024 did not hold.

“Our members have not been adequately carried along side-line in the NUP executives because currently our memberships have reduced from nine executive members to three at state levels,’’ he said.

He expressed concern over the inability of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Federal Ministry of Labour to adequately address their demands amid suppression by the Nigerian Union of Pensioners.

“Our demands are that we want the national officers of NUP to be dissolved and new elections be held, and also want a full representation of Federal Civil Service Pensioners into the leadership positions of NUP.

“This is because we contribute 10 per cent of pensioners` funds in the union and aside from that we have more experienced technocrats than those who dominate the union from the states and local governments,’’ he said (NAN

Edited by Deji Abdulwahab

 FG restates commitment to delivering stable, reliable electricity supply
Economy/Business

 FG restates commitment to delivering stable, reliable electricity supply

295 total views today

Electricity

By Constance Athekame

The Minister of Power, Mr Adebayo Adelabu has reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to delivering stable and reliable electricity to Nigerians.

Mr Bolaji Tunji, the Special Adviser on Strategic Communication to the minister of power, said this in a statement in Abuja on Wednesday.

According to him, the commitment of the Federal Government is evident in the recent achievements recorded in the sector.

He said that the sector had recorded unprecedented milestones in power generation, evacuation, and daily energy output, signaling a new era of progress and development.

According to him, Nigeria achieved a record available power generation of 6,003 megawatts (MW), the highest in the nation’s history.

“This is followed by another landmark within the period when the country recorded a peak generation evacuation of 5,801.84 MW and a daily maximum energy output of 128,370.75 Megawatt-hours (MWh).

”These achievements represent a significant leap forward in the sector’s capacity to meet the growing energy demands in the country, and  on-going reforms in the power sector.

“The achievements demonstrates the avowed commitment of the administration of President Bola Tinubu to ensure regular electricity supply in order to galvanise the nation’s economy, ‘’ he said.

“The record available generation of 6,003 MW, the peak evacuation of 5,801.84 MW, and the daily maximum energy output of 128,370.75 MWh are testaments to the hard work, dedication, and strategic reforms being implemented by minister of power.’’

He said: “the achievements are not just numbers; they represent a brighter future for Nigeria, where businesses can thrive, households can enjoy uninterrupted power supply, and the economy can grow sustainably.

”We pray for the sustainability of these landmark records and look forward to further improvements on all parameters in the coming days, ‘’he said.

Tunji said that the recent milestones were the result of concerted efforts by the ministry of power, in collaboration with key stakeholders in the sector to address longstanding challenges and optimise the nation’s power infrastructure.

He listed the efforts to include rehabilitation and upgrading of transmission and distribution networks, the implementation of innovative technologies, and the introduction of policy reforms aimed at enhancing efficiency and accountability.

According to him, the minister has been at the forefront of these initiatives, driving a comprehensive agenda to transform the sector and ensure that Nigeria achieves its full potential in power generation and distribution.

Tunji said that his leadership had been instrumental in fostering collaboration between government agencies, private sector players, and international partners, creating an enabling environment for growth and innovation.

`One of the key factors contributing to the recent achievements is the electricity tariff review which has ensured liquidity in the sector and created a more sustainable and investment-friendly environment for the power sector,’’ he said.

“By ensuring that tariff reflect the true cost of power generation and distribution, the government is paving the way for increased private sector participation and the mobilisation of much-needed capital for infrastructure development..

Tunji quoted the minister as saying: “the regularisation of tariff will play a critical role in unlocking the sector’s full potential and driving further improvements in power generation and distribution’’.

“By the time the tariffs are fully regularised, we will be moving closer to 7,000 MW of available generation capacity.

“This will mark another significant milestone in our journey towards a stable, reliable, and efficient power sector that meets the needs of all Nigerians.” (NAN)

Edited by Ese E. Eniola Williams

FG restates commitment to reform NIS
Economy/Business

FG restates commitment to reform NIS

309 total views today

Reforms

By Abiodun Azi

The Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, says the Federal Government is committed to implementing various reforms in the ministry and the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS).

Tunji-Ojo spoke to newsmen in Lagos on Tuesday after a meeting with the Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA).

The minister described the gathering as a “family meeting,” emphasising NECA’s role as a strategic partner.

He acknowledged the critical contributions of the private sector to socio-economic development.

He said the meeting focused on reviewing strategies, enhancing government performance, promoting private sector growth, and making decisions that aligned with the interests of Nigerians and the economy.

“It is not just about CERPAC reforms alone, there were a lot of reforms because it is our responsibility to make life easier for Nigerians and expatriates.

“We need strategic partnership with NECA, affiliate organisations and other agencies; we need to cooperate to take decisions as a team.

” What’s important to us is what is important to them and what’s that? Interest of Nigerians, ” he said.

According to the minister, this is our country and we can actually do the unimaginable.

“We can achieve the seemingly unachievable when we are united in our approach and understanding,” saying, ” we have shared values.”

He reassured Nigerians that the ministry of interior in line with its citizenship business responsibilities was actively collaborating to realise its set objectives.

He hinted that there was an agreement for these meetings to occur at least twice a year, rather than being a one-off event, particularly to address their concerns, especially those affecting their businesses.

Tunji-Ojo said that reforms had to continue, noting that it was a work in progress.

According to him, a lot has been done with regard to CERPAC, expatriate quota, business permit and a lot of things, even work flow in terms of border control and how it affects NIS.

In his remarks, the Director-General of NECA, Adewale-Smatt Oyerinde, stated that while governance was often seen as complex and challenging, “when you have visionaries running the system, you realise it is one of the simplest things to do.”

Oyerinde noted that a key aspect of the discussions was the need for stakeholders to engage constructively.

He added that all stakeholders in the Nigerian project commended the government for opening channels of engagement.

He highlighted that the most significant outcome was the consensus to establish a committee that would collaborate to review several key issues.

He said that work on all the identified areas would commence within the next week.(NAN)

Editing by Kevin Okunzuwa

FG pledges payment of bridging claims soon- petroleum marketers
Business

FG pledges payment of bridging claims soon- petroleum marketers

410 total views today

 

By Nana Musa

The National President, Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), Alhaji Abubakar Maigandi, says the Federal Government has promised to pay the outstanding bridging claims and resolve other issues soon.

 

Maigandi said this in a statement issued by Ukadike Chinedu, IPMAN National Publicity Secretary in Abuja on Thursday.

 

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the chairman, IPMAN Depot Chairmen Forum, Alhaji Yahaya Alhassan, had on Monday gave the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) a seven-day ultimatum to pay up the more than N100 billion debt.

 

According to him, failure to settle the outstanding claims will result to the shutdown of depots and the withdrawal of services.

 

The national president said that the NMDPRA had expressed their commitment to addressing the pending claims and other issues.

 

” We have been in communication with the NMDPRA and the Federal Ministry of Petroleum Resources. They have expressed their commitment to addressing these pending claims and other issues.

 

” In the meantime, we kindly implore all members to remain calm and patient as we work towards securing the necessary approvals and payments.

 

” We understand the importance of these claims to you and appreciate your understanding during this process.

 

” We also encourage all members to refrain from any actions that may disrupt our collective efforts, including strike actions.

 

” Our upcoming official meeting with the NMDPRA will be a critical opportunity to discuss these matters further, and your participation will be invaluable,” Maigandi said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Ese E. Eniola Williams

FG trains 6,000 teachers in AI pedagogy
Education

FG trains 6,000 teachers in AI pedagogy

394 total views today

 

By Funmilayo Adeyemi

The Federal Government has unveiled a five-week training for 6,000 senior secondary school teachers in Artificial Intelligence Pedagogy across the country.

 

At the official kick-off of the training in Abuja on Tuesday, the Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, called on the participants to take advantage of the training in order to contribute to national development.

 

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event also featured the unveiling of the Minimum Standards for Senior Secondary Education.

 

Represented by the Director, Senior Secondary Education Department NSSEC) in the ministry, Hajia Binta Abdulkadir, the minister described education as the cornerstone for any meaningful development.

 

He stressed the need for beneficiaries to equip themselves with modern technology for teaching and learning.

 

“The world is undergoing a technological revolution and artificial intelligence (Al) is at its core.

 

“Al is no longer a futuristic concept but a present-day reality, transforming industries, economies and societies.

 

“As educators, we must embrace this evolution and ensure our education sector is not left behind.

 

“The integration of Al into pedagogy offers an unprecedented opportunity to enhance learning experiences, personalise education and develop critical thinking skills among our students,” he said.

 

Also, the Executive Secretary, National Senior Secondary Education Commission, Dr Iyela Ajayi, called on state governments, school administrators and private sector partners to support the initiative.

 

Ajayi appealed for investment in infrastructure, teacher training and learners’ welfare to ensure that no school, teacher or learner was left behind in the journey towards educational excellence.

 

On the implementation of the minimum standards, he assured of immediate and full implementation, while giving nine-month widow for school sanctions.

 

Ajayi said that the commission, through its intervention programmes, would develop the minimum standards to build capacities and provide instructional resources, among others, for schools.

 

“The minimum standards is a strategic response to the challenges and gaps identified in the senior secondary education sub-sector.

 

“Over the years, we have observed disparities in curriculum implementation, teaching quality, school infrastructure and learners’ outcomes across different states and schools.

 

“These inconsistencies have contributed to uneven access to quality education, limiting the potential of many learners.

 

“With these newly-developed standards, we now have a comprehensive framework that sets clear benchmarks for learning content, teacher qualification, school facilities, learners assessment and governance in all senior secondary schools,” he said.

 

The Lead Facilitator, Dr Oluwakemi Olurinola, said that the training would bridge the digital gap in teaching and learning.

 

Olurinola, of Department of Science and Technology Education, Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ogun, called on teachers to utilise every opportunity gained to be self-productive.

 

“We’re at a crucial turning point where the age-old ways of teaching are being questioned by the swift progression of technology.

 

“As we stand at the intersection of technology and education, it is clear that AI has the potential to revolutionise how we teach and learn.

 

“This training programme is not just about introducing teachers to new tools; it is about empowering them to harness the power of AI to create more engaging, personalised and effective learning experiences for their students,” she said.

 

Giving an overview of the programme, the Head of Teacher Training and International Partnership, NSSEC, Mr Mohammed Salihu, said it was grouped into cohorts to accommodate teachers for five weeks.

 

NAN reports that the programme was attended by commissioners of education or their representatives in all the 36 states of the federation and FCT.

 

NAN also reports that the virtual training was sponsored by Google Research, supported by Data Science Nigeria and Olabisi Onabanjo University. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by ‘Wale Sadeeq

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