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Category: Education

  • Day of Play: UNICEF seeks holistic approach to child devt

    Day of Play: UNICEF seeks holistic approach to child devt

    Children

    By Habibu Harisu

    Gwadabawa (Sokoto State), June 11, 2024 (NAN) Mr Mqaphelisi Sibanda, an Education Specialist with UNICEF, Sokoto Field Office, on Tuesday urged education stakeholders to ensure a holistic approach to child development.

    Sibanda made the call during the maiden ‘International Day of Play’ celebration at the Sultan Tambari Primary School,.Gwadabawa, Gwadabawa Local Government Area.

    According to him, play is a fundamental aspect of human experience, essential to strong brain development and good activity for learning soft skills.

     

     

    Sibanda said, ” UN convention on child rights emphasises on the rights to play as it recognises the right of the child to rest and leisure, to engage in play as well as recreational activities.

    ” Play is appropriate to the age of children and for them to participate freely in cultural life and arts.

    ” It’s fundamental to children’s physical, social, mental and emotional development and intrinsic to their health and development. ”

    He added that UNICEF collaborated with partners in the  state to celebrate the first-ever international day of play, which marked a significant milestone in child development.

    ” It’s an effort to preserve, promote, and prioritize playing so that all people, especially children can reap the rewards and thrive to their full potential.

    ” Play also to support the development of children’s learning which is an integral part of early childhood education from 0 to 5 years, critical development stage, ” he added.

    In his speech, the School’s Headmaster, Malam Salisu Abubakar, underscored the importance of play, saying that it brings people together, fosters creativity and shapes the minds of the future for the children.

    ” Play is a universal language spoken by all people regardless of age,gender, ethnicity or backgrounds.

    ” It transcends barriers and connects children from different backgrounds to engage in imaginative games and recreational activities, ” Abubakar said.

    The School-Based Management Committee (SBMC) Chairperson, Hajia Kulu Gobir, said that children deserved a robust educational system, comprehensive healthcare, protection from harm and the assurance of their voices being heard and valued.

    Kulu urged all the stakeholders in the country to remember, “every child is a seed that when nurtured, can grow into a tree that provides shade for many generations.’’

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that children were led on different play activities and songs marking the memorable day. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    HMH/BRM

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    Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani

     

  • Amnesty International is not against government – Official

     

    Participants of the human rights clinic by Amnesty International in UniCal 

    Government
    By Christian Njoku
    Calabar, June 11, 2024 (NAN) Mr Gabriel Aniabi, Cross River Coordinator, Amnesty International, Nigeria says the organisation is independent of any government, political ideaology and economic interests.
    Aniabi who spoke during the inauguration of a Human Rights Clinic in the University of Calabar (UniCal) said the organisation is not anti government nor being sponsored by any.
    The coordinator said Amnesty International is for everyone and had at some point,  saved some great Nigerians such as former President Olusegun Obasanjo, Fela Ransome- Kuti, and Agba Jalingo among others.
    He said Amnesty International became handy when people needed somebody to speak for them in protection of their rights when they were being violated.
    According to him, ”we have  to beam our searchlights on Nigerian Universities after the disturbing trend of sex for grades was exposed by a British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) reporter few years ago.”
    “This spurred Amnesty International to take this fight against human rights to the universities to enable the students know what their rights are, how to stand up for their rights and channels they can pass through to access justice,” he said.
    On her part, Prof. Florence Obi, Vice Chancellor of UniCal said she was very pleased with the human rights training of the students in the institution.
    Represented by Prof. Anthony Eyang, Dean of Student Affairs, Obi said she is a strong promoter of justice and human rights
    She noted that  training of the students was in tandem with the environment she was working hard to establish in UniCal.
    “With over 40,000 students and 7,000 staff, there will be issues among people, so, I hope that those of the students that have been trained by Amnesty International in this clinic will shine their  light on campus in promoting human rights and justice,” she said.
    Similarly, Miss Nwaobi Obioma, President of Amnesty International, Human Rights Clinic in UniCal said as a group in the institution, they wanted to ensure that whenever they heard  complaints of human rights abuses it was promptly investigated.
    Obioma said with their link with Amnesty Nigeria and Amnesty International, they wanted to ensure that justice was effectively served, adding that, they hoped to reduce human rights violations in the institution to the bearest minimum.
    “We will carryout lots of campaigns,  advocacies and debates  to sensitise people on the issues of human rights abuses.
    “We will also ensure that sexual abuses,  discrimination from associations and segregation are parts of issues we will look into,” she said.
    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the theme of the clinic is entitled:  “Empowering Students: Understanding and Asserting Your Human Rights on Campus.” (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
    CBN/CHOM/EAL
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    Edited by Chioma Ugboma/Ekemini Ladejobi
    08037668753

  • Unilorin introduces self-defence, combat training for students

    Training

    By Fatima Mohammed-Lawal

    Ilorin, June 10, 2024 (NAN) The Department of Criminology and Security Studies, University of Ilorin (Unilorin), has taken steps to equip its students with essential skills by introducing self-defence and combat training as a vocation.

    Dr Adedeji Oyenuga, a Visiting Scholar in the institution’s Department of Criminology, disclosed this on Monday in Ilorin.

    He spoke at the maiden edition of the combat training at the university’s sports complex.

    Oyenuga who is an Associate Professor at the Lagos State University (LASU), however,  said the training could not be immediately integrated into the curriculum due to the proposal’s lateness.

    He explained that the university had recognised the importance of this initiative and decided to offer it as a vocational activity before incorporating it into the curriculum at a later date.

    The don highlighted the significance of self-defence within the context of security studies.

    “ I commend the university for thinking outside the box and swiftly approving the idea of practical combat training,” he said.

    Oyenuga pointed out that the integration of self-defence and combat training into the curriculum reflected the university’s commitment to producing well-rounded graduates.

    He said these would be those who are academically proficient and capable of ensuring personal safety and the security of others.

    “This innovative approach aligns with the evolving landscape of Criminology and Security Studies, which demands a comprehensive understanding of practical self-defence techniques,” the don explained.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
    FATY/CHOM/OLAL

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    (Edited by Chioma Ugboma and Olawale Alabi)

  • Ondo Govt. assures private school owners on proposed census

    Census
    By Alaba Olusola Oke
    Akure, June 10, 2024 (NAN) The Ondo State Government has reassured private school owners that its planned enumeration of schools was not for tax purposes, but to adequately plan for education in the state.
    The state Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Mr Laolu Akindolire, made this known during the training of enumerators for the 2024 Annual School Census, on Monday in Akure.
    Akindolire, who specifically appealed to  private schools in the state to cooperate, stated that the exercise would  enable the ministry generate accurate, timely and reliable data for adequate educational planning and development in the state.
    He said that relevant data on school system from all educational institutions (both private and public primary and secondary schools) in the state would be collated and carefully analysed for short, medium and long term development planning by the government.
    The commissioner, who was represented by  the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Mrs Folasade Adegoke, explained that the exercise was among conditions to attract funds from donor partners to the sector.
    “This is part of our initiatives to attract funds to the sector to complement the government’s efforts towards engendering accelerated development to the state educational system.
    “The task ahead of us is quite enormous, but with our collective determination, dedication and hard work, we will record a successful enumeration in the state,” he said.
    Akindolire enjoined other collaborating agencies of government and head teachers to give their best towards achieving the overall goals of the exercise for the benefit of the state.
    He asked  them to be on ground to attend to the enumerators by making all relevant records such as statutory, administrative and teaching-learning records among others, available for collation.
    “It is through your cooperation and support that we can produce credible and reliable data for the State education sector. The enumerators should not hesitate to report any challenge encountered on the field to relevant authorities for prompt action,” he said.
    Similarly, the Chairman of the Ondo State Universal Basic Education Board( SUBEB), Mr Victor Olambimtan, said that school census was a crucial tool to help government to plan its programmes and direct its interventions properly.
    “School census helps government to know the population in both public and private schools and thus how to channel her interventions.
    “We are to note that it is very crucial to know every detail relating to every school in our dear state, ranging from the infrastructure, number of learners, teachers and location among others.
    ” It is lack of accurate information that causes the embarrassment of misinformation when schools are to be sited, be renovated, or supplied with material among many actions.
    “In most instances, the school management could not provide accurate information needed for the proper planning,” he said.
    According to him, it is  quite unfortunate that we have found it difficult to get accurate data to use in Nigeria.
    ” Every data you see is the one carried out by international organisations and I can tell you they are not comprehensive and most times not updated.
    “But with accurate census, we would be able to give the real information on the education sector.
    “This edition of school census is going to be done electronically across schools.
    “Let me implore all of you to see this crucial training as an important assignment which need to be handled with seriousness.
    ” I wish to express my sincere gratitude to the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), Gov. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedaiwa and the Hon. Commissioner for Education Science and Technology for their investment and interest in providing qualitative education for the citizens of this state,” Olambimtan said.
    The executives of the National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools (NAPPS) and  the All Nigeria Conference of Principals of Public Schools ( ANCOPPS) in attendance at the training pledged their support to the exercise.(NAN)
    OKEO/AOS
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    Edited by Bayo Sekoni

  • 2 indigent SLUK students get ASUU scholarship 

    Scholarship

    By Muhammad Nasir Bashir

    Dutse, June 10, 2024 The Academic Staff Union of Universities, Sule Lamido University Kafinhausa (SLUK) chapter, has offered scholarships to two indigent students of the institution.

    The university’s Public Relations Officer (PRO), Mr Sadiq Lawan, disclosed this in a statement on Monday in Dutse.

    Lawan said that under the leadership of Dr Mustapha Hussaini, ASUU, SLUK chapter, was committed to making a difference.

    He said that the gesture was a holistic approach to education, and in acknowledgement of the multifaceted challenges being faced by students.

    The PRO said that the scholarship was a proactive step towards creating a just and equitable educational landscape where economic difficulties would not hinder access to opportunities and intellectual growth.

    He said that out of the 13 students that applied for the scholarship, Usman Abdulhamid from Science Education Department and Amir Mustapha from Accounting Department were each considered suitable for the award of N200,000.

    Lawan said that the screening committee also deemed it fit to give the remaining 11 students who applied for the scholarship an assistance of N20,000 each.

    He said that the Vice-Chancellor of the university, Prof Muhammad Ibrahim-Yakasai, was committed to the academic growth of the students.

    The PRO listed the students that benefitted from the N20,000 assistance to include, Mubarak Salisu; Abdullahi Idris, Muhammad Ibrahim, Aminu Muhammad and Idris Musa.

    Others were, Nura Muhammad, Hassan Abubakar, Maryam Muhammad, Hassan Musa and Zainab Adamu. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    MNB/KOO/AZU
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    Edited by Kevin Okunzuwa and Azubuike Okeh

     

     

  • Group urges more actions on education to reduce poverty, hunger

    Education

    By Alex Enebeli

    Enugu, June 9, 2024 (NAN) The NgEducators International Model United Nations (NGIMUN), says priority attention should be given to the development of education in order to reduce global poverty and hunger.

    Dr Tivlumun Ahure, the President NGIMUN Conference, Enugu Secretariat, made the call at the end of a conference on Sunday in Enugu.

    The theme of the conference is:  “Development of Education in Developing Countries”

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that NgIMUN is a United Nations structured simulation idea for students. It is an activity for those interested in learning more about how the UN operates.

    Ahure who read some of the declarations made at the conference, said that students are enlisted to participate in Model UN with the aim of building strong links between the UN and the student participants.

    He said that the conference recognised the important role education played in the eradication of poverty and hunger in the society.

    “Education played crucial roles in promoting sustained, inclusive, and equitable economic growth and development.

    “So there is need to promote the right to education and the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals in education-related areas,” he said.

    The conference president said that access to primary education was critical to the development of the mind.

    “This is needed particularly for out-of-school children, rural populations and people living in vulnerable situations,” he said.

    He expressed worries over the level of youth unemployment in the society, and said that education should be designed to enhance skills acquisition and employability.

    Ahure noted that education played a fundamental role in creating an inclusive society and reducing inequity and inequality.

    According to him, there is the need to promote and improve the quality and relevance of teaching and learning.

    He further called for alignment in education policies, curricula, training, teaching and learning approaches with identified priorities in national development strategies.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    AAE/ISHO/AZU

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    Edited by Yinusa Ishola and Azubuike Okeh

  • Yusuf promises to reposition education sector in Kano State

    Yusuf promises to reposition education sector in Kano State
    Education
    By Aminu Garko
    Kano, June 9, 2024 (NAN) Gov. Abba Yusuf of Kano State has promised to reposition education in the state to make it deliver on expected targets.

    The News Agency of Nigeria reports that Yusuf spoke in Kano while declaring a State of Emergency in Education on Saturday in Kano.
    He said it was unfortunate that the previous administration did not do much to provide a very conducive environment to teaching and learning in public schools in the state.
    Yusuf said such action left no fewer than 4.7 million students sitting on bare floors in primary schools across the state.
    The governor said there were deficiency of basic teaching tools, inadequate resources, and the struggles of teachers and students with outdated equipment.
    Yusuf said with the support of critical stakeholders such as National Union of Teachers his administration would achieve the delivery of quality education by its institutions.
    He said his administration would deploy enough resources to tackle the challenges of out of school children in the state.
    “My administration is committed to making education a top priority and a lasting legacy for future generations”, he said.

    He described  the appropriation of school premises for private commercial ventures by the previous administration as flagrant breach of communal trust. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
    AAG/KUA
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    Edited by Uche Anunne

  • Councillor sponsors 120 out-of-school children’s education in Kano

    Councillor sponsors 120 out-of-school children’s education in Kano

    Education

    By Aminu Garko

    Wudil (Kano State), June 9, 2024 (NAN) Alhaji Bashir Aliyu, Councillor representing Achika ward in Wudil Local Government Area of Kano State, has sponsored 120 out-of-school children to further studies.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), reports that Aliyu, while presenting the educational materials to the beneficiaries at Achika on Sunday, said the beneficiaries were orphans.

    He said the gesture was meant to improve their educational standard and secure their future.

    Bashir said the beneficiaries would be enrolled at the Government Junior Secondary School, Achika, and Government Arabic Junior Secondary School, Achika.

    He promised that the beneficiaries would be sponsored to study from junior secondary school level up to the senior level.

    “This will be continued even after I am no longer in office,” he said.

    The councillor said that the gesture was part of his contribution toward the development of the state.

    “I am focusing on empowering the vulnerable and the downtrodden,” he said.

    According to him, the initiative will secure the future of the children, especially orphans, who nowadays find it difficult to realise their educational dreams.

    Bashir said the beneficiaries included 65 girls and 54 boys, adding that about 50 of them were drop-outs.

    “I will continue to look after these children until they graduate from secondary school. Empowering children like these, all of them orphans, is a great service to humanity.

    “They need the society’s support in order to be good and productive members of the society. Abandoning them would be dangerous.

    “That is why I decided to sponsor their education from junior up to senior secondary school level even if I am no longer holding a political appointment,” he said.

    Items distributed to the beneficiaries included 1,200 exercise books, 120 school bags, 240 sets of uniform and 120 pairs of shoes.

    Others included 120 socks, 240 pens and 240 pieces of pencils.( NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    AAG/ISHO/BRM

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    Edited by Yinusa Ishola/Bashir Rabe Mani

  • KNSG employs 5,000 teachers, declares state of Emergency on education

    KNSG employs 5,000 teachers, declares state of emergency on education
    By Aminu Garko
    Kano, June 8, 2024( NAN) The  Kano State Government says  it has employed 5,000 teachers into the state civil service to revitalise the education sector.
    Gov. Abba Yusuf stated this while declaring a state of emergency on  education on Saturday in Kano.
    He emphasised the need for quality  personnel to manage public schools in the state.
    Yusuf said the initiative is  aimed at providing the required manpower for  public schools in the state to provide quality education.
    The governor  said that the era of pupils receiving lectures under harsh conditions was  over.
    He  pledged to ensure a total rehabilitation and provision of furniture for public schools in the state.
    “The declaration of a state of emergency in education is a bold step towards addressing the challenges facing the sector.
    “The government’s commitment to providing basic learning materials and infrastructure will go a long way in improving the quality of education in the state,” he said.
    Yusuf said the  move was  to ensure that every child in the state  had access to a conducive learning environment.
    He used the opportunity to highlight the crisis facing the state’s education sector, painting a stark picture of a system in dire need of reform.
    “Over 4.7 million pupils are forced to sit on bare floors to learn, while 400 schools have only one teacher for all classes and subjects,” he said.
    Yusuf   alleged that the immediate past administration closed down schools while  those vandalised were converted to commercial premises.
    “Teachers struggle with outdated and insufficient  basic learnung equipment, while clean water and sanitation are lacking in many schools,” he said.
    The governor accused the past administration of profiting from school lands over investing in education, leaving a legacy of neglect.
    He promised to tackle the multi-faceted problems facing public  education in the state head on.
    These, he said, include  the  shortage of qualified teachers, inadequate training programmes and socio-economic challenges faced by students.
    “It’s time for  investment in public education and a commitment to providing quality learning environment for all,” Yusuf said.( NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
    AAG/ISHO/JPE
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    Edited by Yinusa Ishola/Joseph Edeh

  • Nigeria’ll see changes with women in power – UniCal VC

    Nigeria’ll see changes with women in power – UniCal VC

    Women
    By Christian Njoku
    Calabar, June 8, 2024 (NAN) Prof. Florence Obi, the Vice Chancellor, University of Calabar (UniCal), says Nigeria will see more positive changes if women are given leadership positions.

    Obi said this on Saturday in Calabar at the First National Conference and Roundtable of the Association of Female Vice Chancellors of Nigerian Universities.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the two-day conference, which started on Friday, has the theme: “Female Leadership in Higher Education Governance: Breaking Barriers and Building Bridges”.

    She said that as the nation elects two or three female governors, everyone would see the difference, adding that women are good managers of human and material resources.

    The Vice Chancellor said that she was not referring to women that lacked capacity, but those who merited the opportunity but discriminated against because of their gender.

    According to her, the conference becomes necessary for them to mentor young women in education governance and also encourage them to aspire to any position they desire in academics, politics and other spheres.

    “Higher education governance has been in the hands of men since the days of University College, Ibadan, and as at today only about 40 women have been given the opportunity to lead institutions of learning, since the inception of university education in Nigeria.

    “From inception, we have had close to 500 or more men head such institutions. So, now that for the first time we are having 24 women serving as vice chancellors, we taught it wise to mentor other women to aspire for greatness,” she said.

    Obi said that being a female leader in a Nigerian university came with peculiar challenges, as some men did not believe that a woman should be on top.

    Obi said that they would also use the opportunity to network among themselves, which would open up more opportunities for the women.

    On her part, Prof. Lilian Salami, the Chairperson of the conference, said that women are dogged and gradually many organisations were picking women to head.

    Salami, who is the Vice Chancellor of the University of Benin (UniBen), said the conference would also serve as a ground where women in academics get encouraged.

    She said that sharing experience was a significant method in mentoring more women to aspire to get to the peak of their educational pursuit.

    “We will share experiences to help other women surmount their challenges in their institutions.

    “The communique of this conference will not just end on the shelves, but would be used for the development of the nation’s universities,” she said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
    CBN/FON/IS
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    Edited by Florence Onuegbu/Ismail Abdulaziz