Category: Education

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Education

By Adepote Arowojobe

Ikorodu (Lagos State), June 30, 2024(NAN) A former minister of works and housing, Sen. Adeseye Ogunlewe,  says a lot still needs to be done in the education sector in Lagos, despite a noticeable improvement in standard.

Ogunlewe said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday in Lagos.

He spoke on the sidelines of  the foundation laying of  a 100-student capacity hostel at Lagos State Civil Service Model College, Igbogbo.

The former minister said there was a need for government to  distribute free textbooks, exercise books and writing materials to every student, to support them.

“Basic education should be total and complete responsibility of government.

“Though the standard of education in Lagos state have increased,  there is a lot that still needs to be done.

“Free textbooks, exercise books and writing materials should be distributed as part of government’s  intervention to students,” Ogunlewe said.

He said that such action by the state government would  reduce  out -of- school children.

The ex minister also urged government to intensify school farming to mitigate shortage of food and reduce prices of farm produce as  was done in the past.

Speaking on the hostel, he said the family donated  it so that the  principal, teachers and any National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member deployed would have  accommodation within the school premises, for effective service delivery.

Ogunlewe enjoined the alumni of different schools to support in the management and maintenance of their infrastructure,  as it was not a job for government alone to handle.

“The school land was donated by our great father for colonial and teacher training college.

“Thereafter,  it turned into a civil service model college, but they don’t have enough accommodation for students, teachers and the principal.

“That is why my  family decided to  build the  hostel for  the school in celebration of our great icons, to uplift  education in the community,” he said.

NAN reports that the hostel was donated in  remembrance of two icons of the Fadugba-Ogunlewe royal families of Igbogbo kingdom.

The families celebrated the 50 years remembrance of the first traditional ruler of Igbogbo kingdom,  late Oba Festus Ogunlewe (Fadugba 2) and 76 years  remembrance of late Amos Ogunlewe. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

ADEX/CHOM/SOA
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Edited by Chioma Ugboma/Oluwole Sogunle

Ooni lauds SJOBA for upgrading facilities in alma mater
Road
By Dorcas Elusogbon
Ile-Ife (Osun), June 30,2024(NAN) The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, Ojaja 11, has commended the old students of St John’s Grammar School Old Boys Association (SJOBA), Ile-Ife, for upgrading road in the school with 5,965 interlocking blocks worth N20 million.

Ooni gave the commendation during the St. John’s Grammar School 40th Anniversary of 1979/1984 Set at the School Hall on Saturday in Ile-Ife.

The road project which is 150 metres length and six metres wide with dual bell mouth at both ends was initiated by 1979/1984 Set.

Oba Ogunwusi said that the history would not forget the Set’s contribution towards the growth and development of the school, adding that it has provided good example for the coming generation.

The traditional ruler who noted that government alone cannot do it, called for the support of stakeholders towards the growth of the educational sector.

Also, the Provost of the Nigerian Institute of Journalism, Mr Gbenga Adefaye, lauded the old students, despite the economic downturn in the country, for contributing towards the development of their school.

Adefaye described the 1979/1984 Set as pacesetter, saying that their good works endear other sets to emulate them.

Similarly, the 1979/1984 Set President, Engr. Adewuyi Adetogun, commended members’ selfless contributions towards the development of the school.

Lauding the set, Dr Odunayo Osoba, the President of St John’s Grammar School Old Boys Association, said SJOBA would continue to set the standards for other alumni associations to follow. (NAN) (www.nannnews.ng)
EDA/IKU
Edited by Tayo Ikujuni

Schools

By Rita Iliya

Minna, June 29, 2024 (NAN) Sen. Shehu Sani has decried the poor state of public schools in the north of Nigeria and expressed fears of an imminent collapse if the situation continued.

He spoke during the 40th anniversary of Government Science College, Kagara, organised by the Kagara Old Boys Association (KAGOBA), Class of 1984 in Minna on Saturday.

Sani recalled that public schools used to be the best as they had teachers and lecturers from within and outside of the country.

“It is unfortunate that today, some of the public schools that produced the best people in the history of this country, are not what they used to be.

“In our days in schools, we had teachers from Pakistan, Indian, Canada and Egypt. Those teachers produced the Professors, Doctors, Engineers, Senators, captains of industries and Army Generals, among others.

“What public schools have become today is a disaster. The north must take education seriously.”

The former lawmaker lamented that the activities of bandits and terrorists had destroyed all educational fabrics in northern Nigeria.

Sani expressed dismay that GSC Kagara that had produced some of the best professionals in the country was now desolate and deserted due to the bandits’ attack where students were abducted.

He, however, supported the relocation of the school to Minna for the meantime, adding that security has improved under the President Bola Tinubu led-administration.

The former senator said that there was evidence that many top terrorists’ commanders had been eliminated across the country.

Earlier in his welcome address, Alhaji Jafar Tukur, Chairman of KAGOBA, said the college, established 1968,  started operation in Minna between 1967 and 1968, and was later moved to Kagara in 1973.

Tukur, represented by Dr Philip Ibrahim, Vice Chairman, said the college was unique in the history of Niger.

Tukur described as ‘unfortunate’, the current condition of the school, adding that for 10 years,   KAGOBA’s executives were responsible for the procurement of furniture for the students to write WAEC in the school.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that gunmen had, in February, 2021 abducted 27 students, three staff and 12 family members from the college.

The then Governor, Sani Bello, thereafter directed that all boarding schools in Rafi, Shiroro and Munya Local Governments be closed down and, since then, the school has remained closed. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
RIS/BRM

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Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani

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

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

UNIBEN shuttle service increases transport fare

Increment

By Usman Aliyu

Benin, June 29, 2024 (NAN) University of Benin (UNIBEN) Students Shuttle Service Committee has increased transport fare on campus and other routes in Benin with effect from July 1.

The committee said the decision was part of strategies to beat the high cost of operation as a result of the increase in pump price of petroleum products due to the removal of subsidy.

In a statement on Saturday by Collins Obhiozele and James Olawale, secretaries of the committee and the students union, cab fare would now be N200 from N150.

The statement said shuttle fare across Ugbowo and Ekehuan campuses would attract N100, while transportation between the university and New Benin market and King Square would cost N300 and N250 respectively.

Under the new pricing, boarding a cab by an individual on UNIBEN Campus will cost N400.

The statement sued for strict compliance by the students, but advised them to look out for deviants and report appropriately.

The statement said the committee would issue warnings and establish an enforcement team to address drivers’ refusal to ply certain destinations and check unauthorised fare hikes.

It also commended the students for their understanding and cooperation in this period of power outage in the university, assuring that steps had been taken to address the challenge.

“While this compromise did not meet the driver’s demands, we successfully negotiated a balance between their needs and those of the students, who are also facing challenges.

“We addressed drivers’ refusal to visit certain destinations and authorised fare increases.

‘And the shuttle service committee has assured us that they will issue warnings and establish an enforcement team to ensure compliance,” the statement said. (NAN) (www.nanews.ng)

AUO/JI

Edited by Joe Idika

School

By Philip Yatai

Abuja, June 28, 2024 (NAN) The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) says it is working to promote the culture of innovations and entrepreneurship among secondary school students in the territory.

The Director Secretary, FCT Secondary Education Board (SEB), Dr Muhammed Ladan, stated this in Abuja on Friday, at the 2024 FCT-SEB’s Students Trade Entrepreneurship, Exhibition, Competition and Award programme.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the programme, which is the 4th edition, was organised by FCT-SEB in collaboration with the Service Improvement Department.

According to Ladan, the goal is to promote entrepreneurship and self-reliance among students in all the 88 secondary schools in the territory.

He added that the FCT Administration was also planning to establish the Nigerian-Brunell Entrepreneurship Centre in Nigeria before the end of 2024.

He explained that the centre would be established in partnership with Brunel University to facilitate the training of the young innovators in FCT schools and incubate them for prominence.

He said that the 88 secondary schools under the FCT-SEB participated in the student entrepreneurship competition.

“We started with the Area Council in which some schools were eliminated while others moved to the zonal level, out of which 12 schools moved to the final.

“Out of the 12 schools that participated in the finals, five emerged as the winners.

“We have a lot of young mentors and sponsors that are ready to pick up from where they stopped and support in packaging and marketing the products.

“In the last edition, a school won the competition with interlock production using waste polythene bags,” he said.

Ladan further said: “We have gotten the original machine that can produce interlock using wastepaper and the school has started production and has gotten orders from organisations.

“This is part of efforts to ensure sustainability of the students’ project and ensure that no child in FCT graduates from secondary school without a self-reliant skill.”

NAN reports that Government Secondary School, Kuduru, Bwari, emerged winner of the competition, while Government Secondary School, Gwagwalada, and Government Girls Secondary School, Dutse Alhaji, emerged the first and second runner up.

The winner will represent FCT in the national competition scheduled for Lagos later in the year and the winner will represent Nigeria at the continental competition. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

FDY/AMM

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Edited by Abiemwense Moru

ASUU urges measures to avert nationwide strike over unmet demands

Strike
By Ihechinyere Chigemeri-Uwom
Uturu (Abia), June 28, 2024 (NAN) The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has urged Nigerians to prevail on the Federal Government (FG) to grant its demands for better welfare and administrative conditions in public universities.

The union made the request on Friday at a news conference held at the Abia State University (ABSU), Uturu.

The Zonal Coordinator, ASUU Calabar Zone, Mrs Happiness Uduk, said that the only way to avert the imminent nationwide strike was for the State and Federal Governments to meet the union’s demands.

Uduk said that the body had given a two-week ultimatum for its demands to be met, warning that failure to do so would result in an industrial action.

She regretted that the FG had yet to fulfill its commitments under the FG-ASUU agreement in 2009, leading to stagnation in salary scales and overall welfare improvements.

She said: “Government had an agreement with ASUU in 2009, which tells us that for 15 years running, ASUU members have been on the same salary scale, nothing has changed.

“We are requesting that government should complete negotiations it started with us more than 13 years ago, first with the Babalakin-led team, then the Munzali-led team, finally the Briggs-led team.

“These people had completed the negotiations and, if the negotiations had been completed and Mr President has the document, we don’t know why for a year now he has not called us to talk to us about it.

“So, government should as a matter of urgency address our renegotiation and take into account current realities, including inflation rate, exchange rate and whatever needs to go into that,” Uduk said.

She called on the Federal and State Governments to address issues bordering on revitalisation fund for public universities, payment of earned  academic allowances and withheld salaries, high taxation and victimisation of ASUU members

She also said that ASUU strongly insisted on the removal of its members in federal universities from the Integrated Personnel Payroll System (IPPIS).

Uduk further said that the high rate of taxation experienced by ASUU members was a result of “the introduction of an obnoxious platform” for salary payment.

“Whatever government has in mind with regards to that, it should use our University Transparency and Accountability Solution or any other platform that would originate from universities rather than the IPPIS,” she said.

She advised that the FG’s students loan scheme be replaced with grants which, she said, would alleviate financial stress on students and improve their academic pursuit.

Uduk called on the FG to stop the proliferation of universities and focus on better funding for the existing ones to improve overall standards within the existing institutions.

She also advocated for the quick resolution of the minimum wage debacle and introduction of a living wage that obtains in saner climes.

On Abia, the ASUU zonal coordinator called on the Abia Government to pay the 11 months salary arrears owed to lecturers in ABSU.

“We are not negotiating any part of that salary for anything because we have worked, taught students and examined them and some of them have graduated,” Uduk said.

She urged the Abia Government to discontinue the use of Treasury Single Account in the payment of ABSU lecturers’ salaries and address the recent inconsistency in the payment of salaries.

According to her, Government is owing April, May and June.

“Let the Abia Government leave payment in the hands of the university administrators and a platform that is consistent with the institution’s operations.

“But it can do its oversight as far as ABSU is concerned,” she said.

Uduk said that some ASUU members at the Ebonyi State University had been suspended for more than two years without salary.

“We call on the Ebonyi governor to look into the peculiarities of the  problems in the state university and ensure that our members are reinstated forthwith,” she said.

Uduk said that the ongoing interface with stakeholders was to encourage Nigerians to appeal to the government to do the needful, “otherwise, in two weeks time ASUU will go on strike”.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the union had earlier held an interactive session with critical stakeholders, parents, children and traditional rulers, amongst others. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

INA/USO
Edited by Sam Oditah

Ogunlewe royal families laying foundation for 100-capacity dormitory in Lagos

Ogunlewe

By Adepote Arowojobe

Ikorodu (Lagos State), June 28, 2024 (NAN)  Prince Adeseye Ogunlewe, who formerly represented Lagos East in the Senate, on Friday urged the state Government to create an enabling environment for students to practice farming within schools.

Ogunlewe gave the advice during the foundation laying ceremony of a 100-capacity dormitory donated by Ogunlewe royal families of Igbogbo, at the Civil Service Model College Igbogbo, Lagos State.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the dormitory is being built in remembrance of patriarchs of the families, Oba Festus Ogunlewe and Prince Amos Ogunlewe.

The traditional ruler died 50 years ago while his elder brother, Amos, died 76 years ago.

The senator said that  practising farming in schools would mitigate food scarcity and increase food production as well as enable more youths to develop interest in agriculture.

“During our time, school authorities used to give us portions to cultivate, our farms will be used to award us marks.

“If this can be established again, it will reduce food shortage and food inflation,” he said.

Mrs Anike Adekanye, Tutor-General/Permanent Secretary of Education District 2, commended  the royal families for the gesture.

She said that the families had shown commitment to education development through  construction of the  dormitory.

“I appreciate  Lagos State governor for giving  approval for the infrastructure as well the Ogunlewe royal families for being passionate about education.

“I am very sure the student are very happy and the government will ensure it is maintained to serve its purpose,” she said.

Mr Adesegun Ogunlewe, a former Head of Service, Lagos  State,  thanked Lagos State Government for giving approval for the building.

Earlier, the Traditional Ruler of Igbogbo, Abdulsemiu Kasali, praised the Ogunlewe royal families for their impacts on Igbogbo.

“I want to sincerely appreciate the Ogunlewe families for their impact on education, and other developmental projects.

“I thank the late Oba for projecting education by providing lands for schools like Oriwu College, Civil Service Model College and Zumratul.

“The legacies will live forever, ” the monarch said.

Miss Anifa Ajibade,  an SS2 student, who spoke on behalf of the entire students  of  Civil Service Model College, said that they were overwhelmed by  the gesture.

“They are great families.   They have given scholarships, free textbooks and buses for our students. Now, it is dormitory. We are grateful to them,” she said.(NAN)www.nannews.ng

ADEX/IGO
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Edited by Ijeoma Popoola