Here are the headlines as they where published in the dailies today.
The Punch
Govt trains 100 tutors to use maths app
The Lagos State Government on Wednesday trained about 100 mathematics teachers in Junior Secondary Schools in the usage of a software application, Darsel Learning App, to aid their teaching process.
During the training, which was held at the Education Resource Centre, Ojodu, the participants applauded the initiative by the Lagos State Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education as well as Science and Technology, to improve the skills of the teachers.
The App, according to the facilitator, Wunmi Tolu-Alalade, is a unique App that creates solutions for both teachers and students and was introduced in 2021 following the COVID-19 pandemic. Read more: https://punchng.com/govt-trains-100-tutors-to-use-maths-app/
Reps ask law school to reverse 60% fee hike
The House of Representatives, on Wednesday, called on the Council of Legal Education to stop forthwith the increment of the Nigerian Law School fees.
The House made the resolution following a motion by Obinna Chinda on behalf of his absent colleague, Kingsley Chinda.
The House also mandated its Committees on Tertiary Education and Services “to explore solutions to the issue at hand and report back within two weeks for further legislative action as time is of the essence.” Read more: https://punchng.com/reps-ask-law-school-to-reverse-60-fee-hike/
Abia sets up tuition-free schools in senatorial zones
Abia State government has stated its resolve to establish tuition-free schools in the three senatorial zones of the state, to train artisans who are currently lacking in the state.
Briefing newsmen on Monday night on the outcome of the week’s executive council meeting, chaired by the state governor, Alex Otti, the state Commissioner for Information and Culture, Prince Okey Kanu, said the one-year programme, that is residential, will feature courses on solar power installation and maintenance, PoP, painting, mason and tiling, among others.
He said that this was in line with the state government’s interest in ensuring the abundance of artisans in the state, instead of importing them from outside, stating that the graduands will be empowered with funds. Read more: https://punchng.com/abia-sets-up-tuition-free-schools-in-senatorial-zones-2/
ThisDay
UNICEF Engages 300 Bauchi Teachers, Others On School Safety Measures
The United Nations Children Fund (UNICEF) has conducted a three-day training workshop for Heads of Primary and secondary schools as well as School-Based Management Committees (SBMCs) in Misau Local Government Area(LGA) of Bauchi State.
The initiative aims to strengthen the capacity of community-based stakeholders to promote safety in school, thereby encourage and improve learning outcomes in their communities.
The Chief of Field Office, UNICEF Bauchi Field Office, Dr. Tushar Rane, in his remarks at the capacity strengthening of teachers, and community leaders on safe school guidelines held at Mangari Primary School in Misau, yesterday said that ongoing efforts include training the first cohort of 350 teachers across six LGAs of Ganjuwa, Alkaleri, Toro, Shira, Zaki, and Ningi. Read more: https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2024/02/22/unicef-engages-300-bauchi-teachers-others-on-school-safety-measures
Tribune
Sightsavers wins international award for inclusive education
Sightsavers Nigeria has been given an award for improving the accessibility and quality of primary education for children with disabilities.
The prestigious accolade was presented at the United Nations Office in Vienna on 21 February by the Zero Project, a global organisation which brings together policymakers, corporates, and other disability experts and recognises innovative disability initiatives.
It recognised Sightsavers’ meaningful engagement with organisations of people with disabilities (OPDs) and role in testing a locally led blueprint for inclusive education in Jema’a, Kaduna state, Nigeria. Read more: https://tribuneonlineng.com/sightsavers-wins-international-award-for-inclusive-education/
Protesters block expressway over DSUST faculty relocation in Ozoro, Delta
Traffic was held up for several hours in Ozoro, headquarters of the Isoko north council area of Delta State, on Wednesday as indigenes blocked the busy Asaba-Ughelli motorway in the town, protesting the relocation of the Faculty of Management Sciences from the Delta State University of Science and Technology to Orerokpe.
Most other outlets in the town were barricaded, and bonfires were made in different locations to express their anger over the relocation from the Delta South Senatorial District to the Central Zone.
Some of the protesters alleged that the move was politically motivated. Read more: https://tribuneonlineng.com/protesters-block-expressway-over-dsust-faculty-relocation-in-ozoro-delta/
Ajimobi’s wife bags honorary doctorate from Trinity varsity
The wife of the late former governor of Oyo State, Dr (Mrs) Florence Ajimobi will be conferred on Friday, February 23, with an honorary doctorate (Cuasa) by Trinity University, Yaba, Lagos.
She will be conferred with the honour alongside Dr John Tani Obaro, who is the founder and group managing director of SystemSpecs Holdings Limited, at the maiden convocation ceremonies of the privately owned university.
The Vice-Chancellor of the university, Prof. Clement Kolawole, made this disclosure on Wednesday at a news conference to commence a week-long convocation ceremony. Read more: https://tribuneonlineng.com/ajimobis-wife-bags-honorary-doctorate-from-trinity-varsity/
UNILAG VC charges 2024 FASU Games committees on performance
The vice chancellor of University of Lagos (UNILAG) Akoka, Professor Folasade Ogunsola has urged members of committees set up by the university to prepare adequately for the oncoming Federation of Africa University Sports (FASU), is to be hosted by the university in conjunction with the Lagos State University (LASU), Ojo.
She said the university is expecting the committees to surpass the success recorded by the university during the last Nigerian University Games (NUGA), which it hosted two years ago.
The VC gave the charge while inaugurating the 18 different committees for the sporting event. Read more: https://tribuneonlineng.com/unilag-vc-charges-2024-fasu-games-committees-on-performance/
NICO to commence indigenous language training in NYSC camps
THE National Institute for Cultural Orientation (NICO), has secured approval from the management of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) to commence teaching of Nigerian indigenous languages in the 36 states of the federation and the FCT.
The media assistant to the executive secretary of NICO, Caleb Nor, who confirmed the implementation of the initiative to Nigerian Tribune, said in a statement that this was part of the new national cultural orientation drive towards national re-enactment of Nigeria’s cultural values.
“Language is a veritable component of culture and to this extent, the nationwide indigenous language training for corps members by the institute will kick-start with a pilot scheme for Abuja at the NYSC permanent orientation camp in Kubwa on Thursday, February 29, with instructional sessions in the three major languages; Hausa, Igbo and Yoruba as well as the language of the host community which is Gbagyi. Read more: https://tribuneonlineng.com/nico-to-commence-indigenous-language-training-in-nysc-camps/
Businessman purchases JAMB forms for 100 orphans to study in Nigerian universities
SOUTH African-based Nigerian businessman, Charles Awuzie, has purchased the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) forms for the 2024 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) for 100 Nigerian orphans below 21 years of age to study some selected courses in Nigerian universities.
The cybersecurity expert and co-founder of the Transhuman Coin (THC), through his verified Facebook page, showed proof of payment of some of the beneficiaries he had paid for their JAMB forms.
He added that the beneficiaries must possess the academic requirements to study the courses − which he considered futuristic and globally relevant courses − and also meet the requirements of the Nigerian universities offering them. Read more: https://tribuneonlineng.com/businessman-purchases-jamb-forms-for-100-orphans-to-study-in-nigerian-universities/
Don charges education stakeholders on incorporating national emerging issues into social discourse
A don in the Department of Adult Education, Faculty of Education, University of Ibadan (UI), Dr Abiola Adiat Omokhabi, has stressed the need for education stakeholders to incorporate some of the emergent phenomena in the Nigerian context into contemporary social welfare discourse and practice.
Omokhabi stated this while delivering the faculty lecture on the topic: ‘Navigating Beyond the Present Familiar Terrain: Emergent Phenomena in Social Welfare Discourse,’ held at the faculty’s lecture theatre recently.
The scholar averred that the phenomena are not only disturbing and threatening, but constitute dangerous dimensions that require critical policy and legal frameworks to curtail their spread. Read more: https://tribuneonlineng.com/don-charges-education-stakeholders-on-incorporating-national-emerging-issues-into-social-discourse/
The Nation
Language and Nigeria’s learning crisis: Implementing the National Language Policy
In the past decade, Nigeria has made great efforts to enrol more children in school. This achievement however brought to the fore – a silent crisis and revelation – that schooling does not equate to ‘learning’.
Imagine how frustrating it must be to sit in a classroom every day and not learn. That is the reality for three in four 10-year-olds in Nigeria. They are unable to read comprehension texts or complete simple arithmetic equations, according to a 2022 survey/study by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) and UNICEF. Unfortunately, there is a limited chance to catch up later. This reality is a contributory factor to high dropout rates as children progress in schooling and social alienation. Read more: https://thenationonlineng.net/language-and-nigerias-learning-crisis-implementing-the-national-language-policy/
Don’t make salary affairs focus of ASUU’s struggles, Osodeke cautions members
The National President of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Prof. Emmanuel Osodeke, has warned members of the union against making their struggle look like a fight for their salaries and welfare only.
He said such a stance would make their struggle to look like they are fighting at the expense of having better public universities and nation.
Osodeke reminded ASUU members that some unions which made their salaries and welfare the focus of their struggles when they should have fought perseveringly for the survival, continuity and efficiency of public institutions and system lost their jobs and welfare at the end of the day when such institutions collapsed. Read more: https://thenationonlineng.net/dont-make-salary-affairs-focus-of-asuus-struggles-osodeke-cautions-members/
Reps halt fee increment for Law School
The House of Representatives yesterday asked the Council of Legal Education to halt the recent 60 per cent fee increase for the Nigerian Law School (NLS).
Adopting a motion by the Minority Leader, Kingsley Chinda, read on his behalf by Ginger Owusibe, the House asked its committees on Justice, Tertiary Education and Services, to explore solutions to the issue at hand and report back within two weeks. Read more: https://thenationonlineng.net/reps-halt-fee-increment-for-law-school/
The plight of Nigerian universities
Ihave written and agonised over the plight of Nigerian universities many times in the past at public lectures and in the newspapers not because I am an incorrigible critic of governments’ handling of these institutions but because like Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu said about Biafra – “I was involved” and I cannot be unconcerned about the plight of the universities.
I cannot tell my story about my life as an adult without saying something about Nigerian universities. First as from 1963 when I entered the University of Ibadan, I had been involved in the growth, development and problems and prospects of the Nigerian universities. After earning a PhD in 1970 in one of Canada’s oldest universities – Dalhousie University in 1970, I came back to join the University of Ibadan in 1972 at its Jos Campus in what without my knowing it then, establishment of universities in Nigeria was to become a political instrument in trying to resolve some of the knotty political and socio-economic problems of Nigeria. The University College of Ibadan in Jos then constituted an opening first salvo in the federal government’s approach to make higher education available to people in the minority areas of Nigeria. Read more: https://thenationonlineng.net/the-plight-of-nigerian-universities/
Plateau varsity ASUU suspends strike
The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) in Plateau State University Bokkos has suspended its almost three months industrial action.
The branch chairman of the union, Comrade Monday Hassan, made this known to reporters after a brief congress meeting held at Azi Nyako Dadin Kowa Youth Center. Read more: https://thenationonlineng.net/plateau-varsity-asuu-suspends-strike/
52 varsities operating without governing councils
All is not well in the nation’s ivory tower as 52 universities, owned by the Federal Government, have no Governing Councils. Out of the 52, the councils of 42 were dissolved in July last year barely one and a half years to the end of their tenure on July 15, 2025. The remaining 10 universities, which were established in July 2021, are yet to have councils.
It was learnt that the development has forced vice chancellors to act arbitrarily, including questionable award of contracts. It was also gathered that the absence of councils has slowed down the recruitment and promotion of lecturers. Read more: https://thenationonlineng.net/52-varsities-operating-without-governing-councils/
Concerns over Kaduna’s 680,000 out-of-school kids
In Kaduna State, despite the efforts by the successive administration to eradicate the menace of out-of school children, the number keeps growing. For those in school, their number outweighs the standard teacher/pupil ratio. Recent research put the ratio at 80 pupils to one teacher.
At the one-day media parley and stakeholders’ roundtable organised by Partnership for Learning for all in Nigeria (PLANE) programme and Kaduna Basic Education and Accountability Mechanism (KADBEAM), to commemorate International Day of Education, tagged: “Promoting Safe and Violence-Free School,” participants brainstormed on the challenges and way out. Read more: https://thenationonlineng.net/concerns-over-kadunas-680000-out-of-school-kids/
Independent
Trinity University, Lagos Produces 20 First Class Graduates, Honours Ajimobi, John Obaro
Authority of the Trinity University, Lagos will on Friday, February 23, 2024 present 20 outstanding graduates of the institution with First Class Honours degrees at a joint convocation at its temporary campus at Sabo, Yaba.
Vice-chancellor of the institution, Professor Clement Kolawole announced on Wednesday during a pre-convocation press conference to announce activities for the first and second convocation of the university tagged: ” Convoking a Galaxy of Trinity Stars!
According to the Vice-Chancellor, the 20 who graduated with First Class degrees are among a total of 72 pioneer and second sets of graduates from the five-year-old university across eight disciplines that bagged first degrees. Read more: https://independent.ng/trinity-university-lagos-produces-20-first-class-graduates-honours-ajimobi-john-obaro/
Edves Facilitates Historic Education Transformation In Enugu State Using AI
In a momentous collaboration with the Enugu State Ministry of Education, Edves, a leading educational technology solutions provider, proudly announces its pivotal role in the successful implementation of a groundbreaking Digital Infrastructure for Enugu State Education. This transformative partnership encompasses multiple initiatives aimed at revolutionizing the educational landscape and ensuring that quality education reaches every corner of the state.
The flagship initiative, the Smart & Green Schools Initiative, stands out as a testament to this collaborative effort. Edves has played a key role in integrating experiential curriculum and pedagogy frameworks, utilizing PEARL and CASE models. This strategic move is complemented by an innovative Artificial Intelligence Model designed to revamp the national curriculum and assessments, enhancing the overall learning experience for students. Read more: https://independent.ng/edves-facilitates-historic-education-transformation-in-enugu-state-using-ai/
Mastercard Partners Glovo To Feed 300,000 School Children In Nigeria
Technology and payment giant, Mastercard, recently announced its collaboration with Glovo, a pioneering multi-category app that connects consumers with restaurants, pharmacies, groceries and retail stores, to address hunger and foster education in underserved communities.
Together, they are set to provide over 300,000 meals for school children in Nigeria and Kenya for an entire school year, marking a significant step in combating poverty, malnutrition and inadequate learning.
In its commitment to social responsibility, Mastercard strives to empower individuals and promote equitable prosperity globally. Read more: https://independent.ng/mastercard-partners-glovo-to-feed-300000-school-children-in-nigeria/
Delta Frowns At Macaulay’s Unsolicited Interference In University Academic Affairs
Executive Assistant on Communications and Orientation to Delta State Governor, Dr Latimore Oghenesivbe has said that the establishment of University campuses is a well known tradition in the global academic community, recognized by the National University Commission, NUC, and devoid of sentiments, tribal or ethnic colouration.
He made the assertion during a radio public affairs programme monitored in Asaba on Tuesday, saying that the establishment of Universities or Institutions of Higher Learning was and still for acquisition of multifaceted formal education necessary for individual’s advancement, economic benefits, and for nation building. Read more: https://independent.ng/delta-frowns-at-macaulays-unsolicited-interference-in-university-academic-affairs/
The Champion
ASUU blames Nigeria’s economic hardship on FG
The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has accused the Federal Government of being responsible for the hardship and economic crisis faced by the Nigeria and her citizens.
The union also accused the government, the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) have been accused of destroying the public education system in Nigeria so as to impoverish and enslave the citizens.
The Port Harcourt Zone of the union made the accusations during a press briefing at the University of Port Harcourt on Wednesday. Read more: https://championnews.com.ng/asuu-blames-nigerias-economic-hardship-on-fg/
The News Nigeria
Delta State University: Relocation of Management Sciences to Orerokpe, a Call for Understanding
As part of the Delta State government’s determination to spread campuses of tertiary institutions to all parts of the state, the Governing Council of Delta State University Ozoro recently announced that the Faculty of Management Sciences will be moved to Orerokpe. This is a welcome development which the people of Orerokpe have received with expectation and happiness.
As contained in a statement signed by Hope O’Rukevbe Eghagha, Professor and Education Consultant, c/o Government House, Delta State, Asaba, while some people received the information with joy and appreciation of His Excellency Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s broad vision, a few persons from Ozoro rook to the streets to protest the decision. Read more: https://thenewsnigeria.com.ng/2024/02/22/delta-state-university-relocation-of-management-sciences-to-orerokpe-a-call-for-understanding/
Leadership
Sustaining FUDMA’s Growth
Dearth of resources has always been the bane of growth and development of any institution or government World-Wide. Scarcity is a basic economic and development problem. It is a gap between limited resources and competing demands. Hence, the need for prudent management of such scares resources. Nigerian Universities are not immune to such phenomena as running cost of each of such citadel of knowledge is alarming giving the competing needs for electricity and power, laboratory chemicals for teaching and research, fuelling of vehicles and generators amongst others. All these demands are on the first line charges for continuous running of any University. Read more: https://leadership.ng/sustaining-fudmas-growth/
Business Day
Embracing dual education: Examining challenges and maximising opportunities for Nigeria’s youth
In Nigeria’s quest for educational reform and economic development, the concept of dual education emerges as a beacon of hope, offering a pragmatic solution to bridge the gap between theory and practice. While its potential benefits are evident, a critical examination of the challenges and opportunities surrounding its implementation is essential to ensure its success and maximise its impact on the nation’s youth.
From a wide range of research, “Dual education”, often referred to as vocational education or apprenticeship training, embodies a holistic approach to learning by integrating classroom instruction with practical work experience. This model not only equips students with theoretical knowledge but also cultivates essential hands-on skills crucial for success in today’s competitive job market. However, the journey toward establishing effective dual education programmes in Nigeria is not without its hurdles. Read more: https://businessday.ng/opinion/article/embracing-dual-education-examining-challenges-and-maximising-opportunities-for-nigerias-youth/