Category: Education

ASUU strike: NANS appeals to lecturers, FG to shift ground

NANS
By Segun Giwa
Akure,June 23,2024 (NAN) National Association of Nigeria Students (NANS) has appealed to the Federal Government and Academic Staff Union of University (ASUU) to find common grounds to prevent disruption in the academic calendar.

The NANS Senate President, Mr Henry Okunomo, stated this on Sunday in Akure at a news briefing.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that ASUU had issued a three-week ultimatum to the Federal Government over some outstanding demands.

According to Okunomo, the association is appealing to the Federal Government to take immediate and decisive action to prevent disruption in the educational sector by preventing any strike.

He also urged President Bola Tinubu to allocate sufficient resources to the educational sector to improve infrastructure, provide necessary teaching aids, and ensure timely payment of salaries and benefits to lecturers.

He said that establishing a continuous platform for dialogue between the government, university administrators and lecturers to address grievances before escalation was important to prevent academic disruption.

“We are all acutely aware of the recurring disruptions caused by strikes in our universities.

“These strikes, often as a result of unresolved issues between university lecturers and the government, have profound and far reaching consequences on the educational journey of countless students.

“It is with a heavy heart and a determined spirit that I address this pressing issue today, appealing to the government to take immediate and effective steps to prevent our lecturers resorting to another strike.

“We, the students, are the primary stakeholders in this situation. Our voices, hopes, and futures hang in the balance.

“We are counting on the government to act decisively and with a sense of urgency to prevent the devastating impact of another strike.

“We appeal to our lecturers to also embrace dialogue and shift ground where necessary to avoid collapse of the education system,” he said.

Okunomo concluded that it would be disastrous for university lecturers to shut down the universities with an industrial action when the country is battling economic hardship. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

GSD/AYO/IKU
Edited by Ayodeji Alabi/Tayo Ikujuni

UK-trained educationist advocates urgent overhaul of Nigeria’s education system

Education

By Usman Aliyu

Benin, June 23, 2024 (NAN) A UK-trained  Educationist, Mrs Yetunde Kamson, has called for an urgent transformative overhaul of Nigeria’s education system.

Kamson told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday in Benin that the nation’s education sector required renewed vigour and significant improvement.

According to her, Nigeria will need to draw inspiration from the successful education reforms in countries such as Finland and South Korea.

She said that there were innovative approaches to teaching, teacher training and resource distribution that Nigeria should imbibe to achieve success in the education sector.

The education consultant further said that issues of inadequate infrastructure, limited access to quality education in rural areas and teacher training required urgent attention.

“Inadequate funding, overcrowded classrooms, insufficient resources, and disparity in educational quality between urban and rural areas are hindrances to education development in the country.

“High number of out-of-school children, teacher recruitment and retention difficulties are critical issues in Nigeria’s education system,” she said.

Kamson called for adequate investment in the education sector to address the observed gaps, and to set the system on a path for urgent recovery.

“For technology to be truly transformative, there should be substantial investment in infrastructure, educator training, and digital tool incorporation within the curriculum.

“These initiatives are not just a local concern, but also align with the global commitment to education as outlined in the Sustainable Development Goals.

“Particularly the goal that aims to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and lifelong learning opportunities for all by 2030,” she said.

She called for improved rural educational infrastructure and equitable resource distribution to ensure community engagement and to bridge the educational opportunity gap.

“Government at all levels should focus on funding, policy development, regulation, and maintenance of quality standards.

“The private sector should contribute through partnerships, investments in educational technology, and support for skills development initiatives.

“Civil society organisations can advocate for reforms, provide community-based solutions, and promote transparency and accountability,” she said.

Kamson made case for infusion of vocational and technical education in Nigeria’s educational landscape.

“This form of education provides practical skills, prepares students for the labour market, and encourages entrepreneurship and innovation.

“To enhance its prominence, vocational education should be integrated into the mainstream curriculum to expand opportunities and strengthen industry partnerships,” he said.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

AUO/AZU/

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Edited by Azubuike Okeh

ASUU

By Muhammad Nur Tijani

Kano, June 21, 2024 (NAN) The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), YUSUF MAITAMA SULE University Kano (YUMSUK), has expressed concern over the decayed infrastructure in the university.

The Chairman of the union in the university, Dr Mansur Sa’id stated this at a news conference on Friday in Kano.

He decried the inability of the state governments to address lingering issues bedeviling the development of the university education system.

Sa’id condemned the under funding and the dissolution of the Governing Councils of the two state-owned universities, adding that the state government released only 30.3 per cent and 46.2 per cent of the 2023 estimate for the Kano University of Technology (KUST) and YUMSUK, respectively,.

“ASUU-YUMSUK, therefore, calls on both the Federal and Kano State Government to adequately fund the universities to save them from imminent collapse.

“We also call on all patriots in the media, civil society, labour movements and student groups to support our altruistic struggle to reposition the Nigerian public universities.

“The union condemns the government’s antics as they continue to fail in fulfilling the promises they took with a view to addressing the issues in contention, leading to erosion of trust, displeasure and skepticism,” he said

The union, he said, urged the Federal Government to expedite action to facilitate renegotiation of the 2009 FGN/ASUU Agreement, and resume payment of salary arrears and academic allowances to its members.

The chairman said the union was also concerned about the insecurity, poverty and rising cost of living in the country.

“We call on the President Bola Tinubu and Gov. Abba Kabir-Yusuf, and all relevant stakeholders to work towards reconstituting the committee with a view towards reviewing, signing and implementing the Nimi Briggs-led renegotiated draft agreement,” Sa’id said.

On his part, Dr Aliyu Ahmad, the Chairman of the union, KUST, urged well meaning Nigerians to intervene towards addressing the impasse and avoid strike by its members.

“Government’s action to ignore ASUU on the contending issues confirmed the fact that they were not moved by the several clarion calls and efforts the union has made to get it attended,” he said.

While dismissing the dissolution or absence of Governing Councils in some federal and state universities, Ahmad urged Nigerians to support the union in its campaign to reinvigorate the university education in the country. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

MNT/RSA

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Edited by Rabiu Sani-Ali

Grant
By David Adeoye
Ibadan, June 21, 2024 (NAN) The World Bank has supported Oyo State Government with N3.5 billion grant for the renovation of selected 105 public primary schools across the state.

The state Governor, Mr Seyi Makinde, made the disclosure on Friday in Ibadan during a symbolic presentation of cheques to representatives of some of the beneficiary schools.

Makinde, who was represented by his deputy, Mr Bayo Lawal said the grant was meant for the renovation of primary schools with critical attention.

The governor explained that the works would commence simultaneously in all the 105 schools selected across the three senatorial districts of the state.

He admonished those in charge of the exercise to avoid doing shoddy jobs but to ensure that all the projects were in accordance with the prescriptions.

He said that doing quality jobs would make the essence of the projects realisable and equally make the general public to appreciate government efforts in the education sector.

“A huge amount of money is being put into this project and the beneficiaries must put eyes into what is being done in their respective schools.

“The standard must be in accordance with prescriptions, so that our children will take maximum advantage of the facilities government is putting in place,” Makinde said.

The Special Adviser to the Governor on Education Intervention, Mr Suraj Tiamiyu, said that the renovation of the 105 approved public primary schools mostly in the rural areas was expected to be completed within six weeks.

Tiamiyu said the renovation would include construction of toilets, boreholes drilling among other facilities that would make learning environment more condusive for pupils.

He added that the exercise would be properly monitored for effective delivery to standard and time framework.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the grant support is a World Bank Project under Better Education Service Delivery for All (BESDA) – Additional Funding (AF).

The project is a form of educational grant from the World Bank with Global Partnership for Education (GPE) aiming to increase equitable access for out-of-school children and improvement of literacy in beneficiary states.

Oyo state and two other states, namely; Adamawa and Katsina were beneficiaries of the grant, which is also seeking to strengthen accountability for results in basic education in Nigeria. (NAN) www.nannews.ng

DAK/MNA

Edited by Maureen Atuonwu

Bursary

By Alex Enebeli

Enugu, June 21, 2024 (NAN) Gov. Peter Mbah of Enugu State, has approved N44.1 million as bursaries for 294 indigenes of the state currently studying at the seven campuses of the Nigerian Law School across the country.

Uche Anichukwu, the Senior Special Assistant to the governor on External Relations, disclosed this in a statement on Friday in Enugu.

Anichukwu said that the beneficiaries were drawn from the 17 Local Government Areas of the state, adding that 284 had already been verified and paid the sum of N150, 000 each.

He said the gesture was part of government’s support and effort to accelerate human capital development in the state.

He added that Mbah also awarded a scholarship in the sum of N12m to Miss Chidiogo Igwebuike, an indigene of Ukana in Udi Council Area of the state to train as a pilot at the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology, Zaria, Kaduna State.

He said in appreciation, the beneficiaries under the umbrella of the National Association of Enugu State Law Students, described the gesture as an auspicious intervention.

“In a letter by the National President of the Association, Stephen Obiora; the National Secretary, Johnpaul Obisike; and the National Public Relations Officer, Uzoamaka Aguoma, pledged to make the state proud.

“They commended Mbah for his vision and commitment to educational development in the state,” Anichukwu said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalled that the governor had in May awarded scholarship in the sum of N23.3m to one Israel Echezona, a 17-year old indigene of Mgbagbu-Owa, Enugu State, to enable him trained as a pilot. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

AAE/DCO/MNA

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Edited by Deborah Coker/Maureen Atuonwu

Certificates
By Aderemi Bamgbose
Okitipupa (Ondo State), June 21, 2024 (NAN) Nigerian students have been urged to pay more attention to their passions, innate abilities and potentials than their mere academic certificates to survive the current economic challenges.
Director-General of Ondo State Pension Commission (OSPENCOM), Hon. Babatiunde Adefusi-Owate, stated this during a lecture, organised for graduating students of Olusegun Agagu University of Science and Technology (OAUSTECH), Okitipupa on Friday.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the lecture, held inside the multipurpose auditorium of the institution, had as its theme: “Think Beyond School.”
Adefusi-Owate said that being a graduate was supposed to be a mere stepping stone, maintaining that continuous skill enhancement and lifelong learning were crucial in the contemporary job market.
“There is a great value in becoming a specialist in one’s chosen domain.
“I urge graduates to establish distinct positions for themselves, pursue professional career advancement and concentrate on personal development, financial management and maintain a work-life equilibrium,” he said.
The director-general advised graduates to contemplate becoming entrepreneurs by registering their enterprises with Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) and operate within the legal boundaries.
“Graduates should refine their communication skills, participate in capacity-building workshops, seminars, training sessions and obtain pertinent competency certifications.
“They should also foster a growth-oriented mindset, embrace challenges and construct a robust professional network,” he said.
Another speaker, Dr Adeyemi Adeyemo, of OAUSTECH’s Department of Biological Science, advised students to pursue careers that aligned with their interests and capabilities.
He also implored them to adopt what he called the “shape” principle, involving recognising their unique talents, following their instincts, identifying their strengths, understanding themselves and acquiring valuable experiences.
The state Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Mr Segun Ayerin, congratulated the students and urged them to consider themselves fortunate to partake in such a transformative and defining programme.
Ayerin, represented by Mr Adegoju Owolabi, a Director in the ministry, urged the graduating students to explore and cultivate their unique gifts and talents as well as maintain a focus.
“Strive to be innovative problem solvers, conduct thorough research, think creatively, act decisively and be encouraged to make positive impacts on the world by offering your utmost,” Ayerim said.
Earlier, the Vice-Chancellor of OAUSTECH and Chief Host, Prof. Temi Ologunorisa, expressed gratitude to the students for their full participation in the programme.
Ologunorisa said that the purpose of the lecture was to equip them for life post-graduation, enabling them to have a clear sense of direction.
He appreciated the Olusegun Agagu University Leadership Academy (OAULA) Career Centre for coordinating the lecture.
The vice-chancellor also informed the graduating students that the centre would provide instruction and exposure to essential 21st century skills.
The acting Director of OAULA career centre, Dr Cecilia Oluwamodupe, also graciously acknowledged the vice-chancellor for his unwavering support for the academy.
Oluwamodupe said that the centre had gathered seasoned professionals and experts who had traversed similar paths to share their post-graduation experiences. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
BAA/BEN/WAS
Edited by Benson Ezugwu and ‘Wale Sadeeq

Boards

By Alex Enebeli

Enugu, June 20, 2024 (NAN) The Godfrey Okoye University, Enugu says white boards would no longer be used in teaching computer science students as from September.

The Vice Chancellor of the university, Prof. Christian Anieke, made the disclosure while addressing Computer Science students of the university on Thursday in Enugu.

According to him, only smart boards and projectors will be allowed in all academic activities of the department.

He then urged students and lecturers who would not cope with the new trend to apply for change of course.

“I wonder why a computer science graduate should be looking for a paid employment and this is why the department should train graduates that will be job creators and find solutions to the problems of the society,” the VC said.

He pledged that any student that was able to design innovation for solving problem would receive a prize of N1 million.

Anieke said that the prizes would be for smart students, who could create solutions to problems facing humanity.

The Vice-Chancellor charged the students to design computer programmes that would eliminate thumbprint, and determine the number of human traffic as well as presence in a particular area in the university at a time

Anieke advised them to get ready for more intensive and new form of academic activities.

He urged the students to stay away from all forms of crime and use their brain to create wealth.

Anieke directed that each computer science student would henceforth, be required to attach him or herself to an organisation for practical activities during long vacation, as practiced by law students of the university. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

AAE/FON/MNA

Edited by Florence Onuegbu/Maureen Atuonwu