Education News Update for Friday 19th January 2024

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

The Punch

Foundation gifts Bayelsa students scholarships

The Henry Seriake Dickson Foundation has presented scholarship grants to over 859 students in tertiary institutions of learning under its Education Support Scheme, which started last year.

The beneficiaries were drawn from the two local governments that make up Bayelsa West senatorial district – Sagbama and Ekeremor – as well as the other six local government areas of the state and Ijaw land.

The categories of beneficiaries are undergraduates, 300; high flyers – Bayelsans on first-class and second class upper standing, 328; candidates on Master’s degree programmes, 79; candidates on PhD programmes, 45; Nigerian Law School students from the three senatorial districts of Bayelsa, 80, among others. Read more: https://punchng.com/foundation-gifts-bayelsa-students-scholarships/

Don seeks collaboration to tackle environmental degradation

Prof Olukayode Bamgbose of the Department of Environmental Management and Toxicology, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, has called for collective action in the fight for a healthier environment to significantly diminish the human footprint on earth.

Bamgbose, according to a statement on Thursday, made the call during the 84th inaugural lecture of the university held at the Professor Oluwafemi Balogun Ceremonial Building.

In his lecture titled “In the Footprints of the Environment: Every Contact Leaves a Trace on our Common Future”, Bamgbose emphasised the imperative of acknowledging and addressing the escalating environmental impact caused by human activities. Read more: https://punchng.com/don-seeks-collaboration-to-tackle-environmental-degradation/

Daily Trust

Taraba’s Ambitious Teaching Qualification

The fact that a state government could rise any day anytime to set new standards for teaching strongly suggests how far teaching still remains from being a profession in Nigeria; a reason to explain why the country’s education system continues to fuddle in endless crisis.

The Taraba State governor, Dr Agbu Kefas, recently announced plans by his administration to make master’s degree the minimum academic qualification for anyone wishing to teach in the state’s secondary schools. Read more: https://dailytrust.com/tarabas-ambitious-teaching-qualification/

BUK Set To Enhance Salary Packages Over ‘Japa’ Syndrome

The Vice-Chancellor, Bayero University, Kano (BUK), Professor Sagir Abbas says the institution is not comfortable with the trend of lecturers leaving the country in droves and is therefore putting in place strategies to enhance their salaries.

The VC disclosed this at the 4th College Foundation Day organized by the College of Health Sciences, Bayero University, Kano with the theme; “Funding medical education in the current economic realities: The way forward” held at Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital (AKTH) on Thursday. Read more: https://dailytrust.com/buk-set-to-enhance-salary-packages-over-japa-syndrome/

The Cable

UNILAG, LASU to host 2024 African University Games

The University of Lagos (UNILAG) and Lagos State University (LASU) are set to host the 11th edition of the African University Games.

Chidiebere Ezeani, acting secretary general of the Nigerian University Games Association (NUGA), announced the development in a statement on Thursday.

According to the statement, the sports at the competition will be divided into two categories. Read more: https://lifestyle.thecable.ng/unilag-lasu-to-host-2024-african-university-games/

The Guardian

Educationist plans scholarship for 2,000 out-of-school children, flays govt on negligence

An educationist and Founder of Kingston Nursery and Primary School, Dr. Victor Basola, has rolled out measures to move about 2,000 out-of-school children off the street on free education.

This is just as he called for an emergency in the education sector over government and corporate organisations’ laxity to sponsor free education to reduce the number of about 10.5 million out-of-school children. Read more: https://guardian.ng/news/educationist-plans-scholarship-for-2000-out-of-school-children-flays-govt-on-negligence-2/

EStars unveils ‘Classroom of the Future’

EStars, the global leader in educational esports, has unveiled a new model for educating students in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region.

The unveiling of the Classroom took place at the Misk Global Forum in Saudi Arabia where young leaders, innovators, CEOs and entrepreneurs from around the world showcased their talents and ideas.

The Classroom of the Future concept provides a template for reinventing education using the best emerging technologies and teaching practices, to empower students growing up in a very different world. Read more: https://guardian.ng/news/estars-unveils-classroom-of-the-future/

Anchor University kicks off law, postgraduate in business administration programme, two others

Anchor University, Ayobo, Lagos, has announced the commencement of its law and postgraduate programmes.

The institution also announced the establishment and take off of its School of Postgraduate Studies and inauguration of the first batch of students admitted for the 2023/2024 post graduate programmes. The PGD programmes are in Business Administration, Computer Science and Microbiology.

Speaking at a media briefing at the institution, Anchor University Vice Chancellor, Prof. Samuel Oye Bandele, said more opportunities are now available for students in the school to study in a competitive learning environment. Read more: https://guardian.ng/news/anchor-university-kicks-off-law-postgraduate-in-business-administration-programme-two-others/

Kwara Poly suspends lectures to mourn slain student

The management of Kwara State Polytechnic has suspended lectures for two days to mourn one of its students, Ige Joseph of the Electrical/Electronics Engineering Department, who died in a motorcycle accident, last Tuesday.

The Guardian gathered that two other students sustained injuries in the incident that occurred along old Jebba Road, Ilorin, while they were going for lectures.

Spokesperson for the institution, Halimah Garba, in a statement, yesterday, said the move was to sympathise with the family and develop ways to forestall future recurrence. Read more: https://guardian.ng/news/kwara-poly-suspends-lectures-to-mourn-slain-student/

How poor planning, corruption ruin N200b school feeding initiative in states

The school feeding initiative of the All Progressives Congress-led Federal Government was ab initio aimed to push back on the rather embarrassing growing proportion of out-of-school children, estimated to have reached 20 million children.

But in about seven years of the initiative and over N200 billion worth of meals for schoolchildren, attendance register of pupils is far from commensurate in several states nationwide.

Iyabo Lawal (Lagos), Lawrence Njoku (Enugu) Ann Godwin and Obinna Nwaoku (Port Harcourt) Rotimi Agboluaje (Ibadan), Adewale Momoh (Akure) and Tina Agosi Todo (Calabar), report mixed results of the initiative nationwide, with the common thread of misappropriation, inefficiency, and poor execution of the supposed laudable programme. Read more: https://guardian.ng/features/education/how-poor-planning-corruption-ruin-n200b-school-feeding-initiative-in-states/

The Nation

UNILAG graduates inducted into NSE

Three hundred graduates of Faculty of Engineering, University of Lagos (UNILAG), have been inducted into Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), Lagos branch.

The induction and oath taking was presided over by NSE President, Margaret Oguntola, represented by Vice President, Felicia Agubata.

Mrs. Oguntola commended UNILAG for producing over 500 engineers in 2023. She also hailed the Lagos branch of NSE, led by Adekunle Bello, for catching them young. Read more: https://thenationonlineng.net/unilag-graduates-inducted-into-nse/

Pupils to study environment education

Lagos State is to include environmental education into the curriculum as part of plans to ensure environmental sustainability, it was learnt.

Special Adviser to the governor on Environment, Olakunle Rotimi-Akodu, at a stakeholders’ engagement yesterday, noted environmental innovation would address challenges the world is facing.

He noted engaging stakeholders is crucial in attending to the complex and dynamic environmental problems which require flexible and transparent decision-making. Read more: https://thenationonlineng.net/pupils-to-study-environment-education/#google_vignette

Soludo clears N1.2m exam fees of 54 prison inmates

Anambra State Governor Chukwuma Soludo has paid the exam fees for 54 candidates of the Onitsha Custodial Centre of the Correctional Services, who sat for the NABTEB GCE and Technical Examinations.

Handing over the cheque of N1, 220, 000 for the candidates, Commissioner for Education Prof. Ngozi Chuma-Udeh said the gesture was in keeping with Soludo’s resolve to make better citizens out of the inmates after service. Read more: https://thenationonlineng.net/soludo-clears-n1-2m-exam-fees-of-54-prison-inmates/

Remita okays more commissions, incentives for JAMB ePins agents

Remita, a leading indigenous payment company, is empowering prospective students to take control of their academic journeys by offering a seamless registration for the 2024 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) and Direct Entry (DE) registrations.

As recently announced by the Joint Admission and Matriculations Board (JAMB), the sale of ePINs for this year’s UTME and DE registrations commenced on Monday, January 8,, and will end on Monday, February 24, this year.

According to Chinedu Alisa, the Retail Manager at Remita, prospective candidates can now purchase their ePINs on the Remita platform, which offers a hassle-free registration process and multiple payment options. Read more: https://thenationonlineng.net/remita-okays-more-commissions-incentives-for-jamb-epins-agents/

ThisDay

Nebo Calls for Review of the Tertiary Institutions’ Curriculum

Former Minister of Power, and former vice Chancellor of University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Prof. Chinedu Nebo, has called for a review of the curriculum of tertiary institutions in Nigeria.

He advocated that the new curriculum should make skill acquisition compulsory for a graduate of any higher institution.

Nebo stated this at Federal Polytechnic, Oko, Anambra State, while delivering the 19th Convocation Lecture of the institution, yesterday. Read more: https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2024/01/19/nebo-calls-for-review-of-the-tertiary-institutions-curriculum

Nairametrics

FCTA to build N1.7 billion smart secondary school

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has allocated N1.7 billion in the 2024 budget to launch a pilot Smart Secondary School in the Federal Capital Territory.

Mr. Nyesom Wike, the FCT Minister, revealed in Abuja on Thursday, during an event honouring the achievements of public school students in academics and sports.

Wike, represented by Dr. Danlami Hayyo, the Mandate Secretary of the Education Secretariat, FCTA, emphasized the need to synchronize with worldwide shifts towards digital education for teaching and learning.

This was also captured in

People’s Gazette, The Punch and The Authority

Lagos State College of Nursing issues warning on fake admission forms

The Lagos State College of Nursing (LASCON), Igando, has officially disclaimed the widespread social media posts and advertisements circulating regarding the sale of Supplementary Admission Forms for the General Nursing internship program, or a Two-Year Post Basic Nursing programme for the 2023/2024 Academic Session.

In a statement, the Provost of LASCON, Mrs. Oyefunso Orenuga, cautioned the general public, particularly those aspiring for admission, to exercise caution regarding fraudulent online posts and advertisements urging them to contact a specified individual or phone number for the purchase of admission forms or online registration based on notifications. Read more: https://nairametrics.com/2024/01/19/lagos-state-college-of-nursing-issues-warning-on-fake-admission-forms/

Ottawa university in Canada announces $11 million worth of scholarships for African students

The University of Ottawa in Canada has announced its $11 million Entrance & Excellence scholarships for African students for undergraduate studies.

The scholarship is categorized into two programs called: The Entrance scholarship and the Excellence scholarship for undergraduate students from Africa and other countries studying in English, who are admitted in the Fall 2024 term (September start date).

It was reported that this four-year scholarship will cover the partial cost of their university tuition. Read more: https://nairametrics.com/2024/01/19/ottawa-university-in-canada-announces-11-million-worth-of-scholarships-for-african-students/

News Diary

Katsina govt, UNICEF to enrol 4,000 out-of-school girls – Official

The Katsina government says it has concluded arrangements to enrol 4,000 out-of-school girls in the state.

The enrolment exercise would be implemented in collaboration between the state government and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) under its Reaching and Empowering Adolescent Girls in Northwest Nigeria (REACH) project.

Alhaji Kabir Nadada, the Focal Person, Girl Child Education and Child Development Department, UNICEF, said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), in Katsina on Friday.

This was also captured in

People’s Gazette

UNICAL VC bags NANS Life Patron award

Prof. Florence Obi, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Calabar(UNICAL) on Friday received a Life Patron Award from the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Cross River Chapter.

The VC received the award and was decorated at the Council Chamber of the institution by Mr Iwara Iwara, Chairman NANS Joint Campus Committee, Cross River.

Iwara,while conferring the award, commended the VC for her competence, commitment and selflessness in promoting quality and standard education in Nigeria. Read more: https://newsdiaryonline.com/unical-vc-bags-nans-life-patron-award/

UNN SSANU elects new Exco

Comrade Linus Akata has emerged the new Chairman of the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU), University of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN) chapter.

Akata, alongside others, was elected unopposed during the Quadrennial Congress of the association held in Nsukka on Friday.

Other new executives elected include Mr.Samuel Okoh; Vice Chairman, Mr. Ifeanyichukwu Ozioko; Secretary, Mr. Chukwuma Nwagwu – Treasurer and Mr.Ejike Egwuagu as the Financial Secretary. Read more: https://newsdiaryonline.com/unn-ssanu-elects-new-exco/

Independent

UNILAG Convocation: NNPCL Celebrates Akanmu’s Perfect Score Feat

Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL) has congratulated the overall best-graduating student at the 54th Convocation of the University of Lagos (UNILAG) David Oluwatomiwa Akanmu, who bagged a perfect of 5.0 Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA).

A statement of the NNPCL Facebook Page reads: ” NNPC Limited congratulates David Oluwatomiwa Akanmu, the overall best-graduating student at the 54th Convocation of the University of Lagos and a beneficiary of the NNPC/SNEPCo National University Scholarship Award, for graduating with an exceptional CGPA of 5.0 in Civil and Environmental Engineering. Read more: https://independent.ng/unilag-convocation-nnpcl-celebrates-akanmus-perfect-score-feat/

Business Day

Christian Cleric gives scholarships to 100 university students

Esther Ajayi, founder of Love of Christ Generation Church and The Esther Ajayi Foundation, has extended fully funded scholarships to foster education and leadership development in Nigeria.

Ajayi is facilitating the educational aspirations of over one hundred Nigerian youths through her sponsorship of their university education.

Speaking during a sermon, she said: “By the grace of God, I am a graduate, as is every member of my family. Therefore, it is only fitting that the youths around me receive an education as well, recognizing that the younger generation is our future. Read more: https://businessday.ng/life/article/christian-cleric-gives-scholarships-to-100-university-students/

Daily Post

Two kids disappear while returning from school in Umuahia

Two children, Treasure Adaugo Samuel, and her nephew, Osinachi Uchenna, have been declared missing in Umuahia, Abia State.

It was gathered that the two pupils got missing while returning from school.

Treasure’s father, Mr Samuel Monday, who raised the alarm over the development, said his daughter and her nephew, Osinachi, left their school in Ubakala, Umuahia South LGA, on Monday for their home, but have not been seen since then. Read more: https://dailypost.ng/2024/01/19/two-kids-disappear-while-returning-from-school-in-umuahia/

BNN Breaking

UNICEF’s REACH Programme: Empowering and Educating Adolescent Girls in Nigeria

In a remarkable effort to empower adolescent girls and promote education in Nigeria’s Katsina State, the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), in collaboration with the Katsina State Department of Girl Child Education and Child Development, has instigated a promising initiative.

The Reaching and Empowering Adolescent Girls in North-west Nigeria (REACH) programme is designed to bring out-of-school girls back to classrooms. Read more: https://bnnbreaking.com/world/nigeria/unicefs-reach-programme-empowering-and-educating-adolescent-girls-in-nigeria/

NYSC and SMEDAN Strengthen Partnership to Boost SMEs and Empower Youths in Nigeria

The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) in Nigeria is bolstering its alliance with the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) to facilitate an optimal environment for corps members.

This collaboration aims to bolster the growth of small and medium scale enterprises (SMEs) in the nation and enable corps members to make significant contributions to the national economy. Read more: https://bnnbreaking.com/world/nigeria/nysc-and-smedan-strengthen-partnership-to-boost-smes-and-empower-youths-in-nigeria/