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Author: Millicent Ifeanyichukwu

  • Organisation sensitises Lagos students on drug abuse, dropping out-of-school.

    Organisation sensitises Lagos students on drug abuse, dropping out-of-school.

     

    Sensitisation

     

    By Millicent Ifeanyichukwu

     

    Lagos, June 29, 2024 (NAN) Mr Sunday Anani Initiative, a Non-Governmental Organisation has organised outreaches to schools in Lagos State to sensitise youths on the dangers of drug abuse, addiction and dropping out-of-school.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the outreaches were held from June 20 to June 28, across seven public secondary schools, all under Education District 6 in Lagos State.

    The schools are Okota Junior Secondary School; Okota Senior High School; Ajumoni Junior Grammar School; Okota Senior Secondary School; Ajumoni Senior Grammar School; Ijeshatedo Junior Grammar and Ire Akari Junior Grammar School.

    Sunday Anani, Founder of the NGO, told NAN that the outreach, which had the theme, “Substance Use Disorders: Treatment and Recovery”, was to educate the students on the gains of not abusing drugs.

     

    Mr Sunday Anani, educating students on the danger, prevention of drug abuse, addiction, dropping out-of-school.

     

    Anani said that there was a need to continuously create awareness and promote prevention of drug abuse, addiction and dropping out-of-school to students.

    He said that it would save them from falling victims as many others had, in the past.

    According to him, investing in sensitisation and prevention outreaches are the keys that can educate youths of today about the danger and negative effects of drug abuse.

    He noted that drug abuse had become a national pandemic, adding that, “Most young people become victims of drug abuse due to pressure from friends or peer groups.

    “This has led many of them to lose their minds and are, therefore, unable to stay in school.

    “Dropping out of school as a result of drug abuse further compounds their woes as they get into the society to become further addicted, as they are ignorant and lack the knowledge to stay off drugs.

    “Hence, the idea behind the outreach.  Education and awareness are the measures needed to make youths  knowledgeable to stay disciplined and keep off drug abuse that will mar their future or prevent them from attaining their potentials.” he said.

    Anani noted that the sensitisation sessions touched on factors that increase risk for substance use or misuse, common drug classifications people abuse and their street names.

    According to him, the sessions also covers addiction, Popamine and its effects, effects of substance use, risks of substance use and disorders, screening for substance use disorders and substance use disorder treatments.

    “These drugs commonly abused by young and old people alike include stimulants, depressants, hallucinogens, alcohol, marijuana, cocaine, heroin, opiods, amongst others.

    “You must stay away from them completely. They are not good for you,” he stressed.

    The founder assured that there would be another round of the outreaches to some other education districts, so they could also benefit from the programme approved by the Lagos State Government through the Education District. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    MIL/COF

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    Edited by Christiana Fadare

  • Provost/staff conflict engulfs college of education in Lagos

     

     

     

    Intervention

    By Millicent Ifeanyichukwu

    Lagos, June 29, 2024 (NAN) Mr Christopher Olamiju, Deputy Registrar, Federal College of Education  (Technical), Akoka, Lagos State,  has urged the Federal Government to intervene in the crisis rocking the institution over agitation for removal of the provost.

    Olamiju made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Saturday in Lagos.

    NAN reports that some  staff of the college under the aegis of ‘Concerned Staff’ are claiming that the five-year tenure of the Provost, Dr Wahab Azeez, has expired.

    The staff said that Azeez should, therefore,  vacate the office to usher in  a new administration.

    According to the deputy registrar, Azeez  assumed office on May 26, 2019,  and has completed his five-year tenure.

    He was reacting to Azeez’s  claim of threat of  eviction on him by the ‘Concerned Staff’.

    The provost had at a news conference on Thursday in Lagos claimed that the threat came from the ‘Concerned Staff’.

    According to Olamiju, it is false that the ‘Concered Staff’ embarked on a protest, disrupted academic and administrative activities and  attempted unlawful eviction of the provost from his official lodge.

    Olamiju said that the provost had claimed that the above happened.

    “The provost has served for five years; by law, his tenure has expired.

    “Meanwhile, his administration has taken this college 10 years backward. The workers’ unions are concerned about this issue and we are soliciting for his removal.

    “We need an acting provost pending when the authorities will appoint a substantive provost.

    “It is worthy to note that the same law caught up with the college’s bursar, librarian and the registrar, who observed the law and exited office without any problems.

    “Those currently in that position are in acting capacity,” he added.

     

    The provost had at a virtual news conference on Thursday alleged that  activities of a group which called itself  ‘Concerned Staff’ had been disrupting the smooth running of the institution.

     

    According to him, the group threatened him with a seven-day quit notice from an apartment.

    He added that the group was  threating  peace and security of the academic environment.

    The provost said that the activities of the  ‘Concerned Staff’  started on May 27.

     

    He said that the concerned staff occupied the college’s premises and organised a protest with the intent to forcefully remove him from office as the provost.

     

    According to him, the ‘Concerned Staff’ claimed that his tenure as the provost expired on May 26, contrary to the provision of the Federal Colleges of Education Act of 2023.

     

    “I wish to also bring to your attention that the  group organised a protest on the college’s premises.

     

    “This protest is basically for the mischievous purpose of removing the provost from continuing in office, with a claim of expiration of tenure from 26th May, 2024.

     

    “They have  locked up the entrances to the provost’s offices since Monday, May 27, and have denied me and the staff access to the offices, preventing the smooth running of the college and interrupting time-bound administrative decisions.

     

    “All efforts and re-engagement made to the  ‘Concerned Staff’ have been frustrated and rebuffed,” he stated.

     

    The provost noted that on June 12 and June 13, a five-member team from the Federal Ministry of Education visited the college to listen to the complaints of the leaders of the aggrieved group.

     

    “Documents were collected from the staff, and they were promised that the minister would do due diligence on their grievances and get back to them.

     

    “Surprisingly, I got a phone call on June 26, at about 1.00 p.m. that some of the concerned staff came to the provost’s lodge for the second time.

     

    “They came with some staff to harass my wife, who is also a lecturer in the college, and my children. They placed a quit notice on the provost’s lodge and gave us seven days to vacate the building,” he added.

     

    On his achievements in the college, Azeez said  that, under his watch, the institution recorded significant feats.

     

    “We have overcome challenges, celebrated triumphs and evolved into an educational institution that stands strong.

     

    “My leadership has sustained uninterrupted academic calendar, improved on surveillance and security.

     

    “The first ever Centre for Vocational Technical and Entrepreneurship Development was achieved under this administration.

    “Let me seize this opportunity to also call on the Federal Government and law enforcement agencies to quickly intervene in the situation to avert further breakdown of law and order,” he said. (NAN)(www nannews.ng)

    MIL/BEKl/IGO

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    Edited by AbdulFatai Beki/Ijeoma Popoola

     

     

  • Archives: Don advocates collaborations for best practices

    Archives: Don advocates collaborations  for best practices

     

    Elvis Otobo, Professor of Archival Science and Diplomatics

     

    Archives

    By Millicent Ifeanyichukwu

    Lagos, June 27, 2024 (NAN) A professor of Archival Science and Diplomatics, Elvis Otobo, says collaboration with international bodies is key for best practices in the implementation of successful archival systems in Nigeria.

    Otobo, media aide to the Founder/Visitor, Caleb University and Proprietor Caleb Group of Schools, Dr Oladega Adebogun, made the assertion in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday in Lagos.

    According to him, in order to achieve the much needed national transformation and accelerated economic growth, effective records and archives management is critical.

    Otobo, also Africa’s pioneer Archival Science and Diplomatics Professor, said that archival science and diplomatics played a crucial role in preserving the cultural heritage and administrative history of not just Nigeria, but Africa at large.

    He added that it was also not just an academic achievement, but also a pivotal step toward enhancing the country’s records and archives ecosystem.

    According to him, it promises a future where the country’s historical narrative is preserved with integrity and shared with the world.

    “Diplomatics is the study of ancient documents, which assists in verifying the authenticity of historical records; thus, safeguarding the accuracy and legitimacy of African history, reflecting on its past and informing its present as well as shaping a more informed future.

    “Across Africa, archival science ensures that valuable records are properly organised, stored and made accessible for research, which is vital for understanding the continent’s post-colonial history and development,” he said.

    Otobo added that well-kept records were also essential for transparent governance, legal certainty and attracting investment.

    He said that Nigeria had yet to achieve much in the archival science and diplomatics space.

    “Nigeria’s performance in records management has been a mixed bag.

    “Studies have shown that there are challenges in the practice of records management in the country’s public and private sectors.

    “Inadequate facilities and lack of coherent policy are prevalent.

    “However, there are also positive developments, such as the implementation of eNictronic records management, which has had a positive impact on national development in areas like security control, collaboration and efficiency,” he said.

    The professor told NAN that about 98 per cent of  organisations in Nigeria lacked a strong record management policy, which could lead to inefficiency, corruption and poor job performance.

    Otobo said that there was still room for improvement in the broader records management landscape in Nigeria.

    He said that a multi-faceted approach was essential to enhance the country’s records and archival systems.

    According to him, strengthening the legal framework to ensure protection and management of records and investing in modern technology for digitisation and electronic records management are important.

    Otobo stressed the importance of improving professional trainings for archivists and records managers.

    He said that conducting regular records surveys and acquiring new materials for preservation were also critical steps needed for the revitalisation of the sector.

    “The various laws guiding the management of records and archives must equally be respected and strictly implemented,” he said. (NAN)(www.nnannews.ng)

    MIL/FEO/IGO

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    Edited by Francis Onyeukwu/Ijeoma Popoola

  • Lagos inducts 1,000 new teachers 

     

     

    From left: Victoria Peregrino. Chairman TESCOM, and Iyabo Seriki-Bello, Permanent Secretary of TESCOM, at induction of new teachers in Ikeja on Tuesday

     

    Induction

    By Millicent Ifeanyichukwu

    Lagos, June 25, 2024 (NAN) The Lagos State Teachers Service Commission (TESCOM) on Tuesday began  a four-day induction programme for  1, 000 newly-recruited teachers in the state.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event had the theme: “Empowering Educators for Outstanding Learners Performances”.

    The induction taking place at the LCCI House Alausa. Ikeja, was facilitated by the Nurture House Consulting.

     

    Newly-recruited teachers at an induction ceremony on Tuesday in Lagos

    The Chairman of TECOM, Mrs Victoria Peregrino, said at the opening of the induction that it was the fifth of its kind.

    She said that the aim was to take the teachers through the nitty-gritty of their profession.

     

    Peregrino said that it was not enough to have academic knowledge.

    She said that  there was need  to  know how to impart  knowledge.

    She hoped that the programme would contribute meaningfully to education development in Lagos State.

     

    Commending Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu for uplifting education standards in the state, the chairman said that Sanwo-Olu’s  administration had provided a conducive environment for teachers to work well.

     

    “This training is to make you resourceful and contribute meaningfully to the progress of education in Lagos State. We expect you to put to practice, the academic knowledge you have acquired,” she said.

     

    The chairman said that there was the need for teachers to take into consideration students’ mental and academic abilities, emotional state, total wellbeing and environments.

     

     

    “They have acquired the academic qualifications needed to teach, but they need to know how to interact with students, fellow teachers, the principal, the community, other stakeholders in the education system and the society at large.

     

    “We want our students to excel in every aspect of education and be able to compete with their peers globally,” she added.

     

    Mrs  Iyabo Seriki-Bello, Permanent Secretary of TESCOM, said that the commission  needed teachers by choice, not by force.

    She called on the new teachers to understand their roles well.

     

    Seriki-Bello described teachers as mind builders,  saying that they must be passionate about their profession.

     

    “You must have the ability to adapt to the changing world and be technology savvy.

     

    “With technology, you can think locally and act globally.

    “You must be able to communicate effectively,” she added.

     

    Earlier, Mr Abiodun Bamgboye, TESCOM Commissioner Two, in Ikeja, advised the inductees to make maximum use of their employment opportunities to contribute to the development of the state.

    An official of Nurture House Consulting, Mr Akin Alanamu, said that Sanwo-Olu’s administration prioritised teachers’ training. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng

    MIL/IGO

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    Edited by Ijeoma Popoola

     

     

     

     

  • Scouts council ready to develop self-confidence, leadership skills in students 

    Scouting
    By Millicent Ifeanyichukwu
    Lagos, June 21, 2024 (NAN) The Lagos State Scouts Council has expressed readiness to partner with schools in Lagos State to address indiscipline and moral decade among students.
    The Commissioner of Lagos State Scouts Council, Mr Adebesin Olohuntoyin, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday in Lagos that there was need to make students to play constructive roles.
    He  appealed to the three tiers of government to provide the council with an enabling environment and other forms of support to achieve the goal.
    According to him, scouting helps students to develop  self-confidence, ethics, leadership skills and citizenship skill.
    “The failure of parents, schools and leaders to engage Nigerian students in scouting activities and other impactful events that can build culture and  morals in young people has been blamed for  vices, including drug addiction, fraud and insurgency.
    ‘Scouting breeds culture; every tribe has its own culture/tradition, and scouting goes into the tradition to see how we can come back to good days.
    “Scouting plays a significant role in the physical, intellectual, social, emotional and spiritual development of students,” he added.
    He said that Lagos State Scouts Council had been a reference point due  to the state government’s commitment to youth development using scout method over the years.
    “This longstanding tradition puts scouting in Lagos at an enviable position,” he said.
    On challenges faced by the council, Olohuntoyin identified inability to access schools on Saturdays for open troop meetings as a key challenge.
    He said that open troop meetings would enable participation of indigent students in scout trainings.
    According to him children,  adolescents and yound adult aged from  six years to 26 years can belong to the various categories of scout troop. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
    MIL/IGO
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    Edited by Ijeoma Popoola

  • Cholera: Education commissioner assures of infection prevention, control in schools

     

    Cholera: Lagos commissioner assures of infection prevention, control in schools

     

    Cholera

    By Millicent Ifeanyichukwu

    Lagos, June 18, 2024 (NAN) Lagos State Government says it will apply Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) measures in schools in an effort to prevent and control  spread of communicable diseases.

     

    Mr Jamiu Alli-Balogun, Lagos State Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, gave the assurance in a statement on Tuesday in Lagos.

     

    The assurance followed cholera outbreak in some local government areas of the state.

    He urged that schools should call hotlines in the event of any suspected cholera cases or other health emergencies.

    He gave the numbers as 08023169485, 08137412348 and 767/112.

     

    He said, “The goal of IPC in schools is to minimise the risk of infectious disease outbreaks in the school community and ensure a safe and healthy learning environment for students, teachers and other members of staff.

     

    “As primary and secondary schools in Lagos resume tomorrow from the mid-term and Sallah break, the state government urges parents, guardians and school authorities to adhere to precautionary measures.

    “These include hand hygiene – handwashing with soap and water before meal and after using the restroom – cleaning and disinfection, health screening and communication, daily health checks and physical distancing.”

    He also said that the measures included vaccination.

    “Ensure your child’s vaccinations are up to date, encourage a balanced diet to boost your child’s immune system,” he said.

     

    The commissioner called on managements of schools to ensure that food handlers would observe strict hygiene practices to prevent contamination and  spread of diseases.

    He said that oral rehydration salts must be made availability in school clinics or bays to manage dehydration cases promptly, while handwashing facilities must provided.

     

     

    “The WASH facilities in washroom exits, food preparation areas, entrance of classes, entrance of canteens/halls and at exit to toilet facilities must be functional,” he added.

     

    Alli-Balogun advised students to stay safe and be vigilant.

    “Together, we shall create a safe and healthy environment for our children as they return to their educational activities,” he said.

     

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that cholera is a bacterial disease that commonly presents with episodes of diarrhoea with or without vomiting or fever.

     

    Patients may become very dehydrated within hours if not treated. Children are often at highest risk. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    MIL/DE/IGO

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    Edited by Dorcas  Jonah/Ijeoma Popoola

  • Cholera: Nigeria must prevent spread in schools—UNICEF

    Cholera: Nigeria must prevent spread in schools—UNICEF

    Cholera

    By Millicent Ifeanyichukwu

    Lagos, June 17, 2024 (NAN) Following the outbreak of cholera in Lagos and some states, the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has called for extensive measures to protect school children.

    The UN organisation also called for concerted efforts to prevent disruption in the academic calendar over the spread of the disease.

    The Chief of UNICEF Lagos Field Office, Celine Lafoucrier ,who made the call on Monday in a statement, said that the cholera outbreaks critically affected children and the young population.

    According to Lafoucriere, these vulnerable groups face substantial health high risks particularly children and young adults attending schools.

    She noted that children were prone to severe dehydration and high mortality rate.

    “There is, therefore, urgent need for good sanitation, hygiene practices, improved access to clean water, regular handwashing with soap and clean water in order to combat the outbreak in schools,” she said.

    Lafoucrier, however, solicited for adequate awareness across the country to sensitise the populace on cholera outbreak and preventive measures as part of efforts to address the issue.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    MIL/FON/FAK/VIV

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    Edited by Funmilayo Adeyemi/Vivian Ihechu

  • Caleb University among top 20 in latest ranking – VC

    Ranking
    By Millicent Ifeanyichukwu
    Lagos, June 14, 2024 (NAN) The Vice-Chancellor, Caleb University, Imota in Lagos, Prof. Nosa Owens-Ibie, says the institution has secured a spot among top universities across the globe with its latest ranking.

    Owens-Ibie said this in a statement by the Media and Information Officer of the university, Mr Olawale Adekoye, issued to newsmen on Friday in Lagos.

    The vice-chancellor explained that the development was coming on the heels of the recent award to the institution as the ‘Best Private University’ in Nigeria in 2024 by the Times Higher Education (THE).

    “It is indeed a testament to the university’s unwavering commitment to academic excellence, innovative research and student success.

    “Caleb University Imota in Lagos has achieved an outstanding milestone for being ranked 18th best university, out of the total 272 public and private universities in Nigeria, according to the 2024 World University ranking by the respected Times Higher Education (THE).

    “This unprecedented leap has secured a spot for the institution among the world’s top universities in which elite ones from 152 countries and regions were evaluated for the much anticipated 2024 ranking.

    “For us to be winning national and international recognitions in quick succession is proof that we remain a showcase of the best and brightest. The future belongs to Caleb University,” he said.

    The professor of Communication, Media and Development said that the ranking recognised the institution’s dedication to the Sustainable Development Goals, providing a world-class education, fostering a culture of innovation and producing talented graduates, who made positive impact globally.

    In his contribution, Prof. Olalekan Asikhia, Deputy Vice-Chancellor in charge of Research, Innovation, Strategy and Administration (RISA) of the institution stated that when in 2021, the university was ranked 66th in Nigeria, the management went to the drawing board.

    According to him, management held meetings and brainstormed and the target then was to put the institution to the top 30 by the year 2024.

    “However, the top 20 placement in 2024 came as an amazingly pleasant surprise, all as a result of collective acceleration efforts.

    “We have surpassed our strategic plan projection of top 30 by 2024. This is a great feat in all its ramifications, being our first global ranking,” Asikhia said.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that THE is a topmost global university ranking body, that assesses institutions by identifying and celebrating universities that excel across multiple United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

    The organ also considers institutions that stand out in individual areas and demonstrate comprehensive excellence in contributing to global sustainable drives.

    It also showcases commitments to addressing the world’s most pressing challenges, including environmental sustainability, social inclusion, economic growth and partnerships as well as critical role of academia in driving sustainable change, amongst others. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
    MIL/AJA
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    Edited by Adeleye Ajayi

     

     

     

     

  • Schools should mould students for better tomorrow  – Lagos commissioner 

    Schools must mould students for better tomorrow  – Lagos commissioner
    (Middle, on white) Mr Jamiu Alli-Balogun, Commissioner, Basic and Secondary Education, Lagos State, with  participants at a capacity building seminar in Lagos
    School
    By Millicent Ifeanyichukwu
    Lagos, June 12, 2024 (NAN) Lagos State Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education,  Mr Jamiu Alli-Balogun, says school is not just about teaching and learning in classrooms, but also about positively impacting humanity.
    Alli-Balogun made the remark at the opening  of a two- day capacity building seminar in Lagos,  according to a statement by Mr Bakare Fatai, Deputy Director, Public Affairs, Lagos State Examinations Board, on Wednesday.
    The seminar was organised by the Lagos State Examinations Board for tutors, heads of schools and other education stakeholders.
    It was aimed to sensitise participants about the conduct of school-based and non-school based examinations.
    “School is not for teaching and learning in the classroom alone, but also for moulding the totality of the lives of students for a better tomorrow,” he said.
    The commissioner emphasised the need to observe an additional hour in school.
    He said that the extra hour to the normal closing time was meant for reading and extra curricular activities by students.
    He urged teachers to take cognizance of the three domains of education  –  cognitive,  affective and psychomotor.
    “These are a variety of methods in professional development aimed at promoting mindsets and behaviours that enhance the learning process and create a culture of career and readiness for every student.
    “The importance of having a mutual and friendly relationship between teachers and students cannot be overemphasized, because such a relationship gives  students a sense of belonging,” Alli-Balogun said.
    The commissioner charged teachers to improve their attitudes and be friendly with members of their immediate communities.
    Alli-Balogun praised the state Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu for commitment  quality education. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
    MIL/IGO
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    Edited by Ijeoma Popoola

  • Educationist advocates curriculum adjustment to promote inclusive learning 

    Educationist advocates curriculum adjustment to promote inclusive learning

    Inclusion

    By Millicent Ifeanyichukwu

    Lagos, June 11, 2024 (NAN) A diversity and inclusion advocate,  Ms Akhere Aghedo-Akran, has called for review of education curriculum to recognise inclusive classrooms.

    “The inclusion is about teaching students with disabilities in the same classroom as their non-disabled peers, offering a full range of services to meet all students’ needs within the general education classroom.

     

    “It is important for special education and general education to work together in order to improve teaching and learning, Aghedo-Akran told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos on Tuesday.

    Aghedo-Akran, also the Education Manager of Lagos-based St. Agatha Inclusive Learning Centre, said that such  a practice would improve teaching and learning.

    According to the educator, the step will go a long way to create a more enriching learning environment and build effective support systems for the children to acquire knowledge in their natural settings irrespective of any physical challenges.

    “General education should not neglect students with mild disability but should instead strive for effective teaching for all.

    “General education students receive better-tailored instructions and learn valuable skills of collaboration and helpfulness, which can benefit their lives and make a positive impact on the world.

    “Inclusive education is essential for successful learning, especially for students with disability who have unique individual needs; hence, the need to review/adjust curriculum and teaching methods,” she said.

    According to the educator, inclusive education aims to ensure that all students, regardless of their backgrounds, have access to an appropriate and effective education, ultimately building support systems.

    “It is also important to recognise that inclusive education is a right for all children who are capable of effective learning and should be included in the teaching and learning process.

    “This has become necessary as it will create an enabling environment for the individuals to demonstrate their potential,” she added.

    She solicited more awareness campaign on inclusive education, adding that  there was need to train teachers on it.

    “Experts should create a structured in-service course to improve understanding of diversity.

    “In order to improve education experience for students with disabilities in Nigeria, it is essential to prioritise collaboration, monitoring, curriculum review and inclusive practices in the classroom.

    “Adopting the curriculum and instructional practices will help every student to enhance his or her strength and address any perceived weakness.

    “It is important for educational institutions to create a culture of understanding and acceptance towards students with disabilities,” she added. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    MIL/KOO/IGO
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    Edited by Kevin Okunzuwa/Ijeoma Popoola