Crystal Editorial: Prioritizing Teachers’ Welfare – A Catalyst for Educational Excellence

In this editorial, Crystal Education Media emphasizes the critical need to prioritize the welfare of teachers in Nigeria as an essential investment in the nation’s educational foundation. The editorial underscores the crucial role teachers play in shaping the future and highlights the challenges they face, such as inadequate remuneration and limited professional development opportunities. The ripple effect of neglecting teachers’ welfare is discussed, with implications on the quality of teaching, students’ learning experiences, and the overall growth of the education sector.

The editorial advocates for comprehensive reforms, including improved working conditions and timely payment of salaries, recognizing that investment in teachers is a strategic necessity for the advancement of the education system. Crystal Education Media calls for collective action to create an environment where teachers thrive, contributing to educational excellence and empowering the future of Nigeria. Read more @ https://crystaledunews.com.ng/editorial-prioritizing-teachers-welfare-a-catalyst-for-educational-excellence-in-nigeria/06/

here are the headlines as they where published in the dailies today

Tribune

NEMSAS to implement rural ambulance service to strengthen operations

The National Emergency Medical Services and Ambulance System (NEMSAS) has disclosed that plans are underway to implement and prioritise the Rural Ambulance and Maternal Transport system to cater for medical emergencies in the rural communities

The National Programme Manager of NEMSAS, Dr Saidu Ahmed Dumbulwa, while briefing the press on Monday on the NEMSAS alignment with the sector-wide approach programme of the National Health Sector Renewal Investment programme to implement Rural Ambulance and Medical transport service in rural communities in Nigeria, said, transportation barriers to healthcare are significant and have far-reaching implications regarding the health of the rural populations in Nigeria.

He added that the RESMAT will strengthen NEMSAS in the implementation of its overall vision for coordinating Emergency Medical Services(EMS) systems by extending coverage to include the last mile in rural areas. Read more:https://tribuneonlineng.com/nemsas-to-implement-rural-ambulance-service-to-strengthen-operations/

Nigeria experiencing severe learning crisis — UBEC boss

The Executive Secretary of the Universal Basic Education Commission, Dr Hamid Bobboyi, has lamented that Nigeria is experiencing a severe learning crisis if not immediately addressed might hinder the nation from achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030.

This is even as the Federal Government has approved the extension of the use of the mother tongue or language of the immediate environment as a medium of instruction from the Early Childhood Care Education (ECCDE) to Primary 6 in the new National Language Policy.

Bobboyi spoke at a two-day stakeholders ‘Dialogue on Reading Initiative in the Universal Basic Education (UBE) Programme and the Use of Mother Tongue/Language of Immediate Environment as Medium of Instruction’, on Monday, in Abuja. Read more:https://tribuneonlineng.com/nigeria-experiencing-severe-learning-crisis-ubec-boss/

FUOYE to award three NASS members with honorary degrees

The Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele; Chairman Senate Committee on Finance, Senator Solomon Adeola and the Chairman House of Representatives Committee on Yusuf Gagdi will be conferred with the honorary degrees of the Federal University, Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE).

The Vice-Chancellor of FUOYE, Professor Abayomi Fasina who disclosed while addressing journalists on Monday said the three individuals would be decorated during the 8th convocation ceremony of the university on February 10, 2024.

Fasina explained that the trio have distinguished themselves in the services to the people and the country in the last few years, adding that the institution recognized their efforts to humanity and the nation through their legislative interventions in the National Assembly. Read more:https://tribuneonlineng.com/fuoye-to-award-three-nass-members-with-honorary-degrees/

Achievers University matriculates first set of nursing students

The Provost of the College of Nursing Sciences of Achievers University, Owo, Ondo state, Prof. Omolola Irinoye, has said the institution is committed to producing nursing graduates that could compete with their counterparts from other parts of the world.

Irinoye who stated this during the matriculation of the first set of Nursing students said the school is determined to train more professionals who could contribute to helping to reduce quackery in Nursing.

She said that the school is equipped with well-qualified staff and that welfare of the students and staffs are top priority of the school, saying additional infrastructures will be added to the college in short while to meet the growth need of the institution.

She promised that the school will run normal academic calendar and will be pacesetter in academics, practice and institutional growth. Read more:https://tribuneonlineng.com/achievers-university-matriculates-first-set-of-nursing-students/

Spate of kidnappings in Nigeria alarming — NANS President

National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has bemoaned the increasing rate of kidnappings for ransom, saying this poses threat to national security.

NANS President, Comrade Lucky Emonefe, who raised the alarm in a statement on Monday in Abuja, called on the security agencies to redouble efforts at ensuring that the menace is brought to an end.

Emonefe, however, said the Nigerian students were appreciative of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the successful rescue of the Ekiti pupils who were kidnapped by gunmen in Emure-Ekiti on January 29, 2923. Read more:https://tribuneonlineng.com/spate-of-kidnappings-in-nigeria-alarming-nans-president/

Jigawa govt releases over N774m scholarships to 26,836 students

Jigawa state scholarship board has received over N774 million as scholarship allowance for the 2023 academic year for the students studying in the institutions across the country.

This was disclosed by the executive secretary of the Jigawa state Scholarship board, Malam Sa’idu Magaji in an exclusive interview with Tribune Online in Dutse, said the board had already commenced the payment.

The executive secretary explained; “The state government has released a total sum of N774,810,085.00k being the allowance for 26,835 students studying at different higher institutions in Nigeria”. Read more:https://tribuneonlineng.com/jigawa-govt-releases-over-n774m-scholarships-to-26836-students/

Punch

Tech varsity begins 2024 admission

The Nigerian University of Technology and Management, Lagos, has begun enrollment for its full-time undergraduate degree programs in science, technology, engineering, mathematics, management, and entrepreneurship.

A statement by the institution said that with the approval of the National Universities Commission, NUTM would initially offer bachelor’s degrees in Computer Science, Cyber Security, and Information Technology.

It read, “With the approval of the National Universities Commission, NUTM will initially offer bachelor’s degrees spanning Computer Science, Cyber Security, and Information Technology. The forward-thinking curriculum features computing, entrepreneurship capstones, professional skills development, and industry experience. Read more:https://punchng.com/tech-varsity-begins-2024-admission/

LASU canvasses value-adding education

The Vice-Chancellor, Lagos State University, Prof. Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello, has emphasised the importance of relevant knowledge that will make students contribute meaningfully and add value to society.

The VC spoke at the LASU Career and Entrepreneurial Seminar 2024 held in Lagos recently.

The seminar was organised in collaboration with the Chartered Institute of Personnel Management of Nigeria, Ogun State Branch; LASU and the National Young Adults and Youth Affairs of RCCG.

Titled, ‘Navigate,’ the seminar underscored the crucial role of strategic guidance in steering the trajectory of individual careers and entrepreneurial endeavors. Read more:https://punchng.com/lasu-canvasses-value-adding-education/

Academy mentors six filmmakers

The Storymi Academy, a filmmaker, Ike Nnaebue, in collaboration with the French Embassy, has mentored six young Nigerian filmmakers on documentary films in France.

A statement by Nnaebue said he had been at the forefront of mentoring these six individuals at the Storymi Academy.

Other co-mentors were BBC West Africa Correspondent, Mayeni Jones, and a foremost French documentary filmmaker, Louise Monlau.

The six filmmaking mentees, according to the statement are  Daniel Itegboje, Lateefah Mataki, Aimalohi Ojeamiren, Nana Mohammed, Solomon Shaibu, and Samad Uthman. Read more:https://punchng.com/academy-mentors-six-filmmakers/

Ilesa Grammar School begins 90th anniversary celebrations

Old students of the Ilesa Grammar School, Ilesa, Osun State on Monday commenced weeklong activities for the celebration of the 90th anniversary of the school with a roadshow and a visit to the Owa Obokun of Ijesaland, Oba Adekunle Aromolaran.

Ilesa Grammar School, Ilesa, Osun State, was established on February 5, 1934.

Speaking to journalists on the activities lined up for the celebrations, the chairman of the anniversary planning committee, Dr. Wale Bolorunduro, commended various sets of ex-students of the school for giving back to their alma mater through numerous interventions.

Bolorunduro, who said in the 90 years of existence of the school, it had produced people that had contributed to the development of the country in different ways, added that during the anniversary celebrations, such individuals would be recognised for their services to humanity. Read more:https://punchng.com/ilesa-grammar-school-begins-90th-anniversary-celebrations/

Plateau gov sacks varsity VC, others 

The Vice Chancellor of the Plateau State University, Professor Bernard Matau has been sacked from office.

Matau was appointed as the Vice Chancellor of the state university while serving as the state Commissioner for Higher Education in the last administration led by former Governor Simon Lalong.

It was learnt that the vice Chancellor whose tenure is yet to elapse was removed from office alongside four other heads of tertiary institutions in the state including the Rector of the Plateau State Polytechnic, Barkin Ladi; Provost, College of Health Technology, Pankshin; Provost, College of Health Technology, Zawan as well as the Provost, College of Education, Gindiri.

A statement issued by the Secretary to the State Government, Samuel Jatau, confirmed the development on Tuesday.https://punchng.com/breaking-plateau-gov-sacks-varsity-vc-others/

NewsDiary

Customs clarifies incident in Katsina, expresses deep sympathy over tragic loss of teenager

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has commiserated with the family and loved ones of the innocent teenager whose life was tragically cut short in the Jibia Border Area of Katsina State on Saturday.

This is contained in a statement signed by the NCS Spokesperson, CSC Abdullahi Maiwada, made available to newsmen.

He stated,”Our attention has been drawn to the devastating loss of a young life in the Jibia Border Area of Katsina State on Saturday, February 3, 2024. We extend our heartfelt condolences to the family and loved ones of the innocent teenager whose life was tragically cut short.

“It is pertinent to address the misinformation circulating in the media regarding the reported killing of the teenager by a reckless driver of a J5 vehicle. The Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone B, headquartered in Kaduna, covers 10 states plus the FCT, including Katsina, where the Jibia border is situated. Read more:https://newsdiaryonline.com/customs-clarifies-incident-in-katsina-expresses-deep-sympathy-over-tragic-loss-of-teenager/

NBTE, EHCON develop HND curricula on environmental health specialties

The Environmental Health Council of Nigeria (EHCON) and the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), have begun the development of Higher National Diploma (HND) curricula for environmental health specialties.

The health specialties are: Environmental Health (8 options), Public Health (3 options), Epidemiology and Disease Control (3 options) and Water Sanitation/Hygiene (WASH) (2 options).

Speaking at the National Curriculum Pre-critique and Critique Workshop for the development of the HND curricula options on Monday in Kaduna, the Registrar of  EHCON, Dr Yakubu Baba, said environmental health was a multidisciplinary field. Read more:https://newsdiaryonline.com/nbte-ehcon-develop-hnd-curricula-on-environmental-health-specialties/

DailyPost

Ekiti kidnapping: ‘We got our children released with N15m, energy drinks, Tramadol, fried rice’ – Parents

Family members of abducted pupils and teachers of the Apostolic Faith Group of Schools, Emure-Ekiti, have said that they gave tramadol, N15 million, and fried rice as ransom to secure the release of the hostages.

DAILY POST recalls that gunmen had last Monday ambushed the school bus conveying the pupils and staff to Eporo-Ekiti and whisked away five pupils and four members of staff, including the driver, to the forest.

The kidnappers later reached out to the families of the victims and demanded a ransom of N100 million for their release, but after much pleading, they reduced their demand to N15 million on Thursday. Read more:https://dailypost.ng/2024/02/06/ekiti-kidnapping-we-got-our-children-released-with-n15m-energy-drinks-tramadol-fried-rice-parents/

Teachers, pupils stranded as bushfire destroys primary school in Abia community

Ofeme Community Central School, Umunkpu Ofeme, Umuahia North LGA of Abia has been gutted by fire.

The fire outbreak which occurred at the weekend destroyed two school blocks, chairs, tables, office stationeries and some other educational materials in the school.

According to the Headmistress of the community school, Mrs Nkiru Izuagha, the fire was caused by indiscriminate bush burning from farmlands surrounding her school.

Mrs Izugha was addressing the Local Government Chairman of Umuahia North, Mayor Victor Ikeji during his assessment visit to the area.

She said the incident was devastating to the teachers and pupils of the school as they lost valuable property to the fire. She, however, appreciated the local government Chairman for quickly responding to their predicament. Read more at https://dailypost.ng/2024/02/06/teachers-pupils-stranded-as-bushfire-destroys-primary-school-in-abia-community/

Micheal Okpara varsity students protest hike in school fees (VIDEO)

Students of the Micheal Okpara University of Agriculture have protested the alleged hike in their tuition and the denial of access to examination halls by the school authority.

This protest which took place Tuesday morning at the university premises, had students calling for a reversal of all increments.

The Nation

I owe you better years, says Fintiri

Adamawa State Governor Ahmadu Fintiri, has pledged his administration’s commitment to greater benefits of governance, including functional public education system, among other things.

The governor who was addressing Adamawa people for the first time after his Supreme Court victory on Wednesday, said now is time for his government and people of goodwill to concentrate in delivering development to the people.

Fintiri said the judgment is a tonic to spur him and his deputy, Prof Kaletapwa Farauta, to do more for the state.

“As a government, we are humbled by the fact that the best way to pay back is to serve you well,” he said, explaining, “By serving you well, I mean a renewed dedication to our ongoing policy of free education through functional public school system and payment of WAEC and NECO for our children; provision of healthcare and health insurance that makes it easier for the vulnerable to access quality service with ease.” to read more visit https://thenationonlineng.net/i-owe-you-better-years-says-fintiri/

Business Day

Experts demand operational framework for teaching profession

…raise concerns over quality of teachers

Educationists have canvassed the upgrade of the infrastructure, quality of learning, and operational framework in Nigeria’s colleges of education to reflect the global standard, especially in terms of the quality of teachers produced.

The educationists expressed concerns about the shutting down of 160 illegal colleges of education, which they say mirrors the depth the teaching profession has sunk. The experts lamented the damage being done to the education sector and the general economy by poorly trained teachers.

Boye Ogundele, a professional teacher frowned at the surging rate the country was producing half-baked teachers to the detriment of the sector.

“I’m in support of the closure of the illegal colleges of education because of the half-baked graduates they produce yearly,” he said. Ogundele reiterated that such illegal institutions were negatively impacting the standard of education and the industry as a whole. https://businessday.ng/news/article/experts-demand-operational-framework-for-teaching-profession/