Here are the headlines as they were published in the dailies today.

GUARDIAN

Kano, Sokoto, others spend N53.2b on scholarships abroad 

• It’s wasteful, an act of self-enrichment, says Olukoju
• Govs should make schools safe and attractive
• States to build more primary, secondary schools

As Nigeria struggles to meet the goal four of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and tackle the increasing menace of out-of-school children, some states have continued to expend millions of naira on overseas training for some of their students.

In a report by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO), of the country’s 20 million out-of-school children, Bauchi, Kebbi, Katsina, Kano, Jigawa and 10 other states have about 10 million. Read more:https://guardian.ng/features/kano-sokoto-others-spend-n53-2b-on-scholarships-abroad/

Asian countries score high in key education survey

Asian countries dominated the top spots in a keenly watched survey of education capabilities published Tuesday, while levels in Europe slipped at a record pace — and not just because of Covid.

However, the report also showed that students in top-performing countries were not necessarily happier.

The PISA survey is carried out every three years by the Paris-based Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) to assess the ability of 15-year-olds to meet real-life challenges. Read more: https://guardian.ng/news/asian-countries-score-high-in-key-education-survey/

Making education accessible to all Nigerians

In a country where education plays a central role in the political, socio-economic milieu, it is only natural, even proper that debates thrive, as it is doing in Nigeria, about the cost of education vis-à-vis educational opportunities to the average citizen. Balancing access and cost of tertiary education has become an issue that needs proper interrogation and rethinking more so as harsh economic conditions have precluded the academic environment from the serenity and predictability it used to enjoy. This issue has been compounded with the challenges of running a proper curriculum. The salient question that recurs is whether or not education should be free; and to what extent? Who bears the cost? Read more: https://guardian.ng/opinion/making-education-accessible-to-all-nigerians/

DAILY POST

City of Knowledge Academy Ijebu-Ode opens admissions for 2024-2025 session

City of Knowledge Academy, Ijebu-Ode, a beacon of academic excellence and innovation, is pleased to announce that admissions are now open for the 2024-2025 academic year. As one of the leading secondary schools in Nigeria, we welcome prospective students to join our vibrant community where we are committed to nurturing confident and cultured global leaders of proven character through innovative educational techniques that are unrivaled anywhere in the world. City of Knowledge Academy is not just a school; it is a transformative educational institution committed to shaping the leaders of tomorrow. We pride ourselves as One school, with several opportunities. We invite you to join us on this journey of excellence and innovation. Read more: https://dailypost.ng/2023/12/04/city-of-knowledge-academy-ijebu-ode-opens-admissions-for-2024-2025-session/

PUNCH

Experts plan innovative training for lab, pharm professionals

Informa Markets has said medical laboratory and pharmaceutical experts will learn about recent technological innovations and advancements within these crucial sectors in the forthcoming West Africa Healthcare, Lab, and Pharma Week.

A statement by the organisation mentioned that Exhibition Manager, Amogh Wadwalkar, revealed that the week-long series of events would bring together the largest gathering of the West African healthcare, lab, and pharma communities to engage in meaningful discussions, explore innovative solutions, and contribute to the growth and sustainability of the region’s economy and beyond.

It read, “Pharmaconex West Africa will present a range of conferences and technical seminars, providing stakeholders with an opportunity to broaden their knowledge and stay abreast of the latest industry trends and best practices. Read more: https://punchng.com/experts-plan-innovative-training-for-lab-pharm-professionals/

Centre laments students’ lack of interest in Maths

The National Mathematical Centre has decried the lack of interest of Nigerian students in the study of Mathematics at the university level.

Chief Executive Officer, NMC, Prof. Promise Mebine, in a statement, made this known at the closing ceremony of a two-week Foundation Postgraduate Course On Current Trends in Mathematics Education organised by the Centre in Abuja.

He stated that mathematics had become a dumping ground where students who failed to secure admission into other courses were moving, adding that this trend over the years had drastically affected the output of mathematics teachers in the country.

Mebine noted that no country could get meaningful development without determined effort in the study of mathematics, which according to the NMC boss is the bedrock of every human endeavor. Read more: https://punchng.com/centre-laments-students-lack-of-interest-in-maths/

UNIBEN honours Fashola, Adegbulugbe at 48th convocation

The University of Benin has conferred the award of Honorary Degree of Doctor of Science Honoris Causa, on The Chief Operating Officer, Green Energy International Limited, Mr Kayode Adegbulugbe.

A statement made available to the PUNCH by Adegbulugbe explained that other award recipients including a former Governor of Lagos and immediate past Minister of Power, Works, and Housing, Mr Babatunde Raji Fashola, first lady and wife of Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State, Mrs Betsy Obaseki, Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission, Mr Gbenga Komolafe among others were honored by the university.

Commenting on the award, Adegbulugbe noted that he felt honored and humbled to have been recognised for his ingenious contribution to the development of the Nigerian oil and gas sector by the Senate of the University. Read more: https://punchng.com/uniben-honours-fashola-adegbulugbe-at-48th-convocation/

Japa: Increase wages, lift recruitment ban, lecturers tell FG

Some lecturers have advised the Federal Government to increase wages and lift the ban on the recruitment of doctors.

While sharing insights on how the migration of doctors and other health workers to other countries was taking a toll on hospitals across the country,  Chief Clinical Oncologist, Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority, and Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Idi-Araba, Cancer Centre, Prof. Francis Durosinmi-Etti, in an interview with The PUNCH maintained that it was necessary to improve the remuneration of doctors and other health personnels.

“We need to find a way to improve the remuneration of doctors. If I knew that I will be paid four times my salary I would want to go to England.  Then something needs to be done. Many people would like to stay here in Nigeria if they can give them a special package, especially for young doctors. The rate of burnout among doctors is alarming when doctors collapse while on duty. It is not about the buildings that make the hospitals but all the people in different departments that make the hospitals. We have to encourage them.” Read more: