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

The Nation

Paying ASUU

It is cheering news that the Federal Government has paid four months of withheld salaries to members of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) who embarked on an eight-month-long strike in 2022. On May 30, 2023, the National Industrial Court of Nigeria (NICN) ruled that the withholding of the salaries was legal. All the same, as a measure of goodwill, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu decided to pay four months out of the withheld salaries. This decision is a commendable act of magnanimity.  From the strike and its aftermath, there are different lessons to learn by different stakeholders in the Nigerian university system.

First, ASUU cannot continue to subscribe to the mantra that “strike is the only language government understands.” Considering the very wide range of scholars and professionals, including psychologists, sociologists, political scientists, linguists and communication experts, among others, that are in their membership, to claim that they cannot find any alternative to largely ineffective and mutually-damaging strike actions is an admission of failure to justify the huge investments of the nation in them. Read more: https://thenationonlineng.net/paying-asuu/

The Punch

FUNAAB to make Soyinka’s residence research centre

The Vice Chancellor of the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Prof Olusola Kehinde, has disclosed the university’s plan to convert the residence of the Nobel laureate, Prof Wole Soyinka, in Ijegba, Abeokuta, Ogun State into a world-class library and writers’ research haven.

The vice chancellor, who decried the declining reading culture among young Nigerians, said the university was ready to back any initiative that would reverse the trend.

According to a statement on Sunday, the VC spoke while playing host to the executives of the Association of Nigeran Authors, Ogun State chapter, who paid him a courtesy visit recently. Read more: https://punchng.com/funaab-to-make-soyinkas-residence-research-centre/

ThisDay

Over 350 Edo, Delta Teachers Graduate from Seplat JV’s Education Empowerment

No less than 350 public and private school teachers in Edo and Delta States at the weekend, graduated from Seplat JV Energy education empowerment programme for host communities.

The teachers were trained in Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics (STEAM) under the Seplat Teachers Empowerment Programme (STEP).
The training which was done in collaboration with the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC), was geared towards equipping the teachers with skills to effectively deliver STEAM knowledge to the students.

Director, Seplat External Affairs and Sustainability, Chioma Afe, explained that the education value chain played a crucial role in shaping the workforce and fostering economic development. Read more: https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2024/02/26/over-350-edo-delta-teachers-graduate-from-seplat-jvs-education-empowerment

Business Day

Revitalizing Nigeria’s future: Onyekachi C. Scott’s blueprint for stemming the brain drain through educational excellence

In a nation bursting with potential yet challenged by the migration of its brightest minds, Onyekachi C. Scott, a visionary education activist, presents a compelling narrative and a strategic plan to address one of Nigeria’s most pressing dilemmas: the brain drain phenomenon. With a profound understanding of the intricacies that lead talented Nigerians to seek greener pastures abroad, Engr. Scott articulates a bold and comprehensive approach focused on transformative educational reform.

This article delves into the root causes of brain drain in Nigeria, exploring economic, political, and educational system failures, and offering a beacon of hope through actionable solutions aimed at harnessing Nigeria’s human capital for national development and global competitiveness.

Join Engr. Scott as he unveils a roadmap towards a future where Nigerian talent flourishes within, contributing to socio-economic advancement and the realization of Nigeria’s immense potential. Read more: https://businessday.ng/sponsored/article/revitalizing-nigerias-future-onyekachi-c-scotts-blueprint-for-stemming-the-brain-drain-through-educational-excellence/

Learn Africa unveils AI-enabled app to remove barriers in education

Learn Africa Plc, a learning resource company, has launched its online AI-enabled mobile app aimed at breaking barriers to learning and empowering learners to take control of their education, and offers access to many resources.

Speaking at the unveiling ceremony in Lagos, Bala Hassan, managing director at Learn Africa, said the mobile app represents more than just a technological advancement, but an innovation meant to revolutionise how to teach and learn.

“Today, we are proud to introduce the Learn Africa Online app, a transformative platform that brings learning to the palm of your hand. This app represents more than just a technological advancement; it embodies our dedication to accessibility, innovation, and excellence in education. Read more: https://businessday.ng/companies/article/learn-africa-unveils-ai-enabled-app-to-remove-barriers-in-education/

The Guardian

NGO calls for inclusive education in IDP camps

Executive Director and Co-founder of Maple Leaf Early Years Foundation, Mrs Ifedinma Nwigwe, has called for concerted global action on the deployment of the scheme in emergency management, especially for internally displaced persons and refugees.

Speaking at the international conference and awards, organised by 2024 The Zero Project Conference held in Vienna, Austria, Nwigwe said inclusive education could transform learning environments by ensuring that the pupils have a sense of freedom, safety and equality. Read more: https://guardian.ng/news/ngo-calls-for-inclusive-education-in-idp-camps/

ASUU warns of imminent strike over alleged insensitivity by FG

The fragile peace of the nation’s universities could be disrupted if the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) makes good its threat to down tools any moment from now.

Addressing journalists on the looming strike, the Coordinator of ASUU Lagos Zone, Prof. Adelaja Odukoya, accused the Federal Government of insensitivity to their plight over the years. Read more: https://guardian.ng/news/asuu-warns-of-imminent-strike-over-alleged-insensitivity-by-fg/

Falomo Rotary Club spends N5m on renovating school

The Rotary Club of Falomo (District 9110 of Nigeria) has refurbished dilapidated windows, doors and sideboards, among others, at St Georges’ Girls Primary School in Ikoyi, Lagos State.

The Club also distributed 1,000 notebooks and 250 mosquito-treated nets to pupils of the school as its 2024 project for the all-girls public primary school. Read more: https://guardian.ng/news/falomo-rotary-club-spends-n5m-on-renovating-school/

WaterAid partners Lagos, Cummins in provision of water, sanitation at public schools

WaterAid has moved to provide water, sanitation and hygiene in Lagos schools.

The Project, in partnership with Lagos State Government and Cummins West Africa, is part of efforts at strengthening communities through provision of sustainable water for 20 million people by 2025. Read more: https://guardian.ng/news/wateraid-partners-lagos-cummins-in-provision-of-water-sanitation-at-public-schools/

Independent

Educational Exchange, UK Drills A’Ibom Principals on School Mgt, Curriculum Development

As part of the United Kingdom and Akwa Ibom State Government educational exchange programme, principals of public secondary schools in the state have been trained on proper school management and curriculum development. 

The Senior Education Advisor of Southwark Council, UK, David Bromfield during a visit to Akwa Ibom state had sessions with principals on Leadership in Education and Curriculum Inspection in Uyo at the weekend. Read more: https://independent.ng/educational-exchange-uk-drills-aibom-principals-on-school-mgt-curriculum-development/