Category: Education

  • Schools Resume in Sokoto State with Impressive Turnout

    Schools Resume in Sokoto State with Impressive Turnout


    By Muhammad Ibrahim, Sokoto

    SOKOTO – Schools across Sokoto State resumed on Monday, May 19, 2025, with a commendable turnout of students and teachers, as reported by monitoring teams dispatched to observe activities in three local government areas: Sokoto South, Sokoto North, and Wamakko.

    Three monitoring teams—each headed by a director from the Sokoto State Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education—visited various schools to ensure a smooth commencement of academic activities and assess preparedness for the new term.

    In Sokoto South, the team was led by Abubakar Umar Salame, Director of Administration; in Sokoto North, by Lami Mukhtar, Director of Senior Secondary Schools; and in Wamakko, by Abdulkadir Umar Alkammawa, Director of Quality Assurance.

    Reports from all three teams indicated an impressive level of attendance among both students and teachers at most of the schools visited. Speaking on behalf of the Honourable Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Abubakar Umar Salame expressed satisfaction with the level of preparedness and enthusiasm witnessed during the visits.

  • Comrade Gyang awards scholarship to 19 students across tertiary institutions in Plateau 

    Comrade Gyang awards scholarship to 19 students across tertiary institutions in Plateau 

    By Isreal Adamu, Jos

    Plateau youth activist and founder of GDG WELLNESS INITIATIVE, Gyang Dung Gyang, has sponsored 19 students from various tertiary institutions in Plateau State.

    Of the scholarship recipients, 7 students have been awarded two-year tuition scholarships, and 12 students have received one-year scholarships. The beneficiaries include students from various institutions, such as the University of Jos (UNIJOS), Plateau State Polytechnic,  Federal Polytechnic Bauchi, NVRI. Vom and FCE Pankshin, among others.

    In an interview, Gyang maintained that the gesture emanates from his desire to support and encourage the students in their pursuit of a better tomorrow.

    He added, “When youngsters realize that someone cares about their future, it inspires them to strive for success. My intervention aims to contribute to their educational development, which ultimately supports national growth.”

    Gyang called on leaders, politicians, and all who seek to uplift the next generation to intensify their efforts in supporting the education of underprivileged children. He emphasized the importance of bridging the gap between the less fortunate and the affluent in society, especially through educational initiatives.

  • Biu: Gov Zulum Inaugurates Eye, Dental Hospitals, Mega School

    Biu: Gov Zulum Inaugurates Eye, Dental Hospitals, Mega School

    Orders construction of 5 general hospitals

    ‘Borno first to get eye/dental hospitals in all senatorial zones’

    By Achadu Gabriel, kaduna 

    Borno State Governor Babagana Umara Zulum on Tuesday inaugurated the state-of-the-art eye and dental hospitals as well as a mega secondary school in Biu Local Government Area in the southern part of the state.

    The newly inaugurated 40-bed capacity eye hospital, equipped with advanced diagnostic and surgical facilities, is to address the growing need for ophthalmological care in the southern region of Borno, according statement by the media aide Abdurraman Bundi.

    The governor has also approved the appointment of a team of highly trained medical doctors and specialists who will offer treatments for cataracts, glaucoma and other vision-related ailments.

    Similarly, the 30-bed capacity dental hospital will provide comprehensive oral health services, including preventive care, orthodontics and restorative treatments, ensuring that residents no longer have to travel long distances for dental care.

    Zulum, during the inauguration ceremony, emphasised his administration’s commitment to improving the quality of life for Borno’s citizens. 

    He said, “Healthcare is one of the cardinal pillars of the Borno State’s 25-Year Development Plan and the 10-Year Strategic Transformation Initiative. Reflecting on this commitment, we allocated 15% of the state’s budget to health sector in the 2024 and 2025 fiscal year in line with the Abuja declaration recommendation for healthcare financing to prioritize health and well-being of our people.”

    In his remarks, the Chief Medical Director of the Borno State Hospital Management Board, Professor Abubakar Ali Kullima, said the two centres are not only for patients’ service but also for the training of healthcare professionals.

    The CMD also stated that immediately after the inauguration, the hospital would be opened for free ophthalmic operation for citizens in the southern Borno catchment zone.

    The governor also commissioned mega secondary school at Miringa, 10 km from Biu town. The school is designed to accommodate over 1,300 students.

    The school consists of 60 classrooms, an ICT centre and four laboratories among other facilities that enhance teaching and learning activities.

    Governor Zulum also distributed text and exercise books, uniforms, school sandals and a bicycle for each of the enrolled students to ease movement from the nearby villages.

    Similarly, Governor Zulum has approved funds for the construction of new general hospitals in five local government areas of Askira Uba, Magumeri, Gubio, Mafa and Dikwa.

    He announced the approval on Tuesday at the commissioning ceremony for two hospitals in Biu town.

    He said, “to enhance health infrastructure, the Borno State Government has awarded contracts for the construction of modern General Hospitals in Uba, Gubio, Magumeri, Mafa and Dikwa.”

    The governor expressed commitment to addressing the manpower needs in the healthcare centres in order to provide optimal service to the people of Borno.

    He said: “We recognize that the development of a resilient healthcare system necessitates more than just physical infrastructure. The availability of skilled healthcare professionals is equally crucial.

    “To address this shortage of manpower, we are launching a multidimensional initiative, incorporating a range of measures to attract, train, retain, develop skilled healthcare professionals and talents and collaboration with educational institutions among others.”

    The Borno State Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Professor Baba Mallam Gana, stated that Borno is the first state in Nigeria to construct eye and dental hospitals in each of its senatorial zones, making the state first to get eye/dental hospitals in all senatorial zones.

    According to him, the facilities have specialists who have the capacity to handle advanced ophthalmological and dental health cases and cater for patients beyond Biu and its environs.

  • Ekiti University Confers Honorary Doctorate on Gov Mbah

    Ekiti University Confers Honorary Doctorate on Gov Mbah

    Enugu State Governor, Dr. Peter Mbah, has bagged the prestigious Doctor of Humane Letters (DHL) degree from the Bamidele Olumilua University of Education, Science and Technology (BOUESTI), Ekiti State, for his inspiring leadership and contributions to the advancement of quality education in Nigeria.

    This was even as the governor, who bagged the honorary award at the maiden convocation ceremony of the state-owned university in Ikere-Ekiti at the weekend, reiterated his administration’s resolve to continue to transform the education sector in Enugu State and set exemplary steps through innovative and experiential learning model.

    Mbah stressed that although the gains of investments in education take many years to crystalise, his administration’s reforms and huge investments in education was driven not by public acclaim, but by the conviction that the highest legacy was to equip Enugu children and the youth with quality education that imbue them with the requisite knowledge and skill set to compete on the global stage.

    “This award is a reminder that there is no greater honour than service. It is an inspiration to re-commit to the governance values that underpin our modest achievements in Enugu State.

    “These values are shaped, particularly, by the conviction that education is the best legacy to bequeath to the emerging generation,” he added.

    The governor, who has consistently dedicated over 33 per cent of the state’s annual budget solely to education, maintained that the achievements recorded in the quality of output in the education sector through the deployment of huge resources had reflected in the ongoing construction of 260 Smart Green Schools for experiential learning in the state.

    He explained that this education model emphasises experiential learning that imbues children with problem-solving skills over rote learning.

    While stressing the university’s motto, “Learning for Self-Reliance,” Mbah said this should resonate with all levels of government nationwide in the face of shrinking international funding by some world economies, saying it was time to press the inventive button as a nation.

    He noted that despite the BOUESTI being at its formative years, the university had made giant strides by nurturing an environment that was conducive to learning.

    “This clearly underscores the university’s firm belief in the primacy of human capital development. Although established in 2020, it is heartwarming that this university is emerging as a formidable platform for science and technological renaissance.”

    Commending the Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, for his enduring reforms and sustained investment in education, Mbah charged the graduands to wear the toga of the university with pride and dignity, urging them not to severe links with the institution as alumni.

    While conferring the highest degree on the governor, the university’s Chancellor, Chief Wole Olanipekun, said the degree was strictly meant for lawyers of distinction, which Mbah had clinched by merit.

    He described the governor as a rare breed in the entrepreneurial space, who was presently disrupting the Nigerian leadership space through his innovative style of governance.

  • CSO wants speedy passage of A’Ibom University of Education Bill

    CSO wants speedy passage of A’Ibom University of Education Bill

    By Ogenyi Ogenyi,Uyo

    A civil society organisation  the Center for Human Rights and Accountability Network (CHRAN), has urged the Akwa Ibom Assembly to give speedy passage to the Bill seeking to upgrade the State College of Education, Afaha Nsit to the status of a University.

    The Center which made the call during a Press Briefing by its Director, Mr Franklyn Isong in Uyo on Wednesday however commended the Assembly for taking concrete legislative steps on the matter.

    Isong said that CHRAN has been at the head of advocacies towards the upgrade and had embarked on several advocacy visits to the College.

    “In March, 2024, during an advocacy visit to the College, CHRAN, while advocating for the State Government to upgrade the College to the status of a University of Education, expressed concern that the institution, which was established in October 1990, has been losing students enrolment to universities as most parents and guardians preferred a four-year degree programme to a three-year National Certificate of Education (NCE) programme offered by the College. 

    “Findings by CHRAN indicates that admission into the Akwa Ibom State College of Education, Afaha Nsit for the NCE programme has drastically reduced from over 5,000 in the late 1990s to just 69 in the 2023/2024 session.

    “CHRAN also found that the labour market no longer favours NCE graduates. Again, as findings by the CHRAN indicate, about 11 academic programmes in the Akwa Ibom State College of Education are already running the degree programme affiliated to the University of Uyo. 

    “According to findings by CHRAN, the drastic drop in students enrolment for the NCE programme, coupled with the ceiling by the University of Uyo on admissions by the College of Education, Afaha Nsit for the degree programme, the internally-generated revenue (IGR) of the College of Education, Afaha Nsit has become too low for meaningful administration and academic progress of the College of Education, Afaha Nsit.

    “CHRAN had decried that although the College is empowered by Law to award degrees, it can only do so in affiliation with the University of Uyo,” the  CHRAN boss asserted. 

    The CHRAN noted that Section 4(2)(c) of the Akwa Ibom State College of Education Law specifically provides that the Dean of the Faculty of Education, University of Uyo shall be a member of the Council of the Akwa Ibom State College of Education, Afaha Nsit. 

    The Center maintained that when the Bill becomes Law, the state would boast of an institution that will ensure the availability of highly-trained manpower at all levels of education and urged all stakeholders to close ranks and synergise towards the realisation of the lofty objectives of the Bill.

    It would be recalled that the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly had last month organised a Public Hearing on “A Bill For A Law To Provide For The Establishment Of The Akwa Ibom State University Of Education, Afaha Nsit and to make provisions for its administration and for other purposes connected thereto.

    The Bill is yet to be passed by the House of Assembly.

  • University Don, Prof. Lassa, Calls for Complete Overhaul of the 1999 Constitution

    University Don, Prof. Lassa, Calls for Complete Overhaul of the 1999 Constitution

    By Isreal Adamu, Jos

    A former Executive Secretary of the National Council for Colleges of Education (NCCE), Prof. Peter Lassa, has called for a complete overhaul of Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution, citing inconsistencies that hinder good governance.

    Speaking at a press briefing at the NUJ Press Centre in Jos on Monday, Prof. Lassa stated that several provisions in the constitution are outdated and do not reflect the current realities of Nigeria’s political landscape.

    Inconsistencies in Local Government Autonomy

    Prof. Lassa highlighted the confusion surrounding local government autonomy, despite a recent Supreme Court ruling granting financial independence to local authorities. He noted that the 1999 Constitution has yet to be amended to align with this ruling, leading to discrepancies in governance at the local level.

    “Even after the Supreme Court judgment, some states continue to operate joint state and local government accounts, contrary to the ruling. This has created significant confusion,” he said.

    He also pointed to the constitutional ambiguity in Edo State, where Governor Monday Okpebholor directed councillors to impeach elected local government chairmen, contradicting the court’s verdict on local government autonomy.

    Legislative Crisis and Governance Failures

    Prof. Lassa cited the case of former Edo State Governor Godwin Obaseki, who failed to inaugurate the full complement of the state assembly, instead running the legislature with a small faction of members for four years.

    “Our present Constitution, even with several amendments, has created more confusion rather than correcting lapses. These examples from Edo State are clear illustrations of constitutional ambiguities,” he remarked.

    He argued that a complete revision of the 1999 Constitution is necessary to eliminate inconsistencies and misinterpretations.

    Overconcentration of Power at the Federal Level

    According to Prof. Lassa, the Nigerian Constitution has failed to properly delineate powers among the federal, state, and local governments.

    “Nigeria operates a federal system with three tiers—federal, state, and local governments. However, in reality, the central government has become too powerful and ineffective, as seen in the country’s state of affairs,” he noted.

    One major issue, he explained, is the flawed security architecture. While state governors are designated as the chief security officers of their states, they lack the authority to issue direct orders to their commissioners of police, who take instructions from the federal level.

    A Constitution That Fails the People

    Prof. Lassa strongly criticized the impact of the current constitution, stating that it has consistently produced poor leadership, economic hardship, and insecurity.

    “The 1999 Constitution, even with its amendments, has not given Nigerians the government that meets their aspirations. It has led to unimaginable poverty and has fueled the rise of insecurity, with new threats constantly emerging, from Boko Haram to bandits, unknown gunmen, and other groups,” he lamented.

    He also pointed to the deteriorating state of education, with millions of children out of school, and widespread corruption facilitated by the constitutional structure.

    A Call for a People-Centered Constitution

    Prof. Lassa emphasized the need for a new constitution that truly represents the will of the Nigerian people.

    “We need a brand-new Constitution—one made by the people, for the people—well-drafted, free from multiple interpretations, and consistent in its wording and application,” he asserted.

    According to him, only a complete overhaul of the 1999 Constitution can address Nigeria’s deep-rooted governance challenges and pave the way for a more functional and effective democracy.

  • Foundation empowers 30 Students with WAEC Fees

    Foundation empowers 30 Students with WAEC Fees

    From Rhoda Godwin, Yenagoa

    In a bid to alleviate the financial burden of West African Examination Council (WAEC) fees on students, the SeedOfVictory Foundation has doubled its impact this year by supporting 30 students.

    This initiative, held in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, was inspired by the legacies of Late Mrs. S.E. Okolo & Late Hon. (Mrs.) E.T. Ibomo, funded by their children has now supported 75 students in 3 years, breaking financial barriers to education.

    Speaking at the awards ceremony, Mr. Taritein Boco, the Managing Director of Asfabeta Management Support Services and the project’s organizer, highlighted the foundation’s commitment to doubling its impact annually.

    The long-term goal is to support 15,400 beneficiaries by the tenth year, aiding students facing financial challenges in covering WAEC fees and administrative costs.

    According to Mr. Uzochukwu Okolo, the SeedOfVictory Foundation representative, the scholarship program specifically targets students with financial difficulties, helping them afford WAEC fees and related administrative expenses.

    To ensure thorough preparation, Mr. Boco noted that the assessment exam questions were based on WAEC past papers.

    He also mentioned that despite improved scores this year, overall performance remained below average, suggesting a need for extra classes to better prepare students for the WAEC exams.

    The WAEC Support Project award ceremony at the Azaiki library featured inspiring remarks from distinguished educators, Dr. Tubo Okomuko and Chief (Dr.) Felicia Tariwari.

    Dr. Tubo Okomuko , Senior Lecturer at Niger Delta University, emphasized the importance of balancing academic pursuits with practical skill development.

    He encouraged the students to focus on their studies while also acquiring skills that would enhance their future prospects.

    Chief (Dr.) Felicia Tawari, Managing Director of Ayalla Hotels, Councillor, and Educationist, offered sage advice on the dangers of fraudulent activities.

    She cautioned the students against engaging in deceitful practices, such as “yahoo” or “yahoo plus,” which could have devastating consequences on their lives and futures.

    Their words of wisdom resonated deeply with the students, who were honored to receive guidance from these esteemed educators.

    In her goodwill message, Lady Eunice Nnachi, Executive Director of Women Organized for Mentorship and Advocacy Network (WOMAN), urged recipients of the WAEC Support Project awards to maximize their time on social media platforms.

    Lady Nnachi encouraged the students to leverage platforms like YouTube to acquire valuable skills, rather than wasting time on non-productive activities.

    She emphasized the importance of digital literacy and skill acquisition in today’s fast-paced world, and encouraged the students to take advantage of the numerous online resources available to them.

    The award ceremony had several other Civil society organizations CSO leaders present, Joy Ogbogene of The Albinism Foundation and Mrs. Wodu, Executive Director, Girls Empowered for Change Foundation among others

  • Ameer Shehu Idris College Zaria Denies Issuing Fake Results

    Ameer Shehu Idris College Zaria Denies Issuing Fake Results

    By Jabiru Hassan, Kano

    Ameer Shehu Idris College of Education, Zaria, has firmly denied any involvement in issuing fake results to students seeking admission into Nigerian institutions.

    In a press statement issued by the college management, the institution emphasized that all its academic activities are genuine and adhere to global educational standards.

    “Our institution, Ameer Shehu Idris College of Education, has never issued a fake certificate to any student. We maintain high academic integrity and competence. This disclaimer is to inform the general public that we have no connection with any fraudulent certificate issuance,” the statement read.

    The management assured parents and prospective students that the college and its affiliate institutions uphold strict academic standards. “We do not engage in any malpractice. Our curriculum is structured to provide quality education and professionalism in all fields,” the statement added.

    Furthermore, the institution revealed that those responsible for forging certificates have been reported to the authorities, with necessary actions underway to ensure they face legal consequences.

    Ameer Shehu Idris College of Education reaffirmed its commitment to delivering high-quality education and maintaining trust and excellence in its academic operations.

  • Gov. Yusuf Approves N8.2bn for 15 Development Projects in Kano

    Gov. Yusuf Approves N8.2bn for 15 Development Projects in Kano

    …As BUK Management, YEDFO Commend Governor’s Leadership

    By Jabiru Hassan, Kano

    The Kano State Executive Council, under the leadership of Governor Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, has approved the sum of N8,199,635,732.07 for the execution of 15 major projects across the state.

    This was disclosed in a statement issued by the Governor’s spokesperson, Sanusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, following deliberations at the 24th Executive Council Meeting held at the Kano Government House on Wednesday.

    Breakdown of Key Allocations

    • N2,737,518,204.96 – Construction of a one-story block of four classrooms across the 44 local government areas of the state.
    • N2,311,388,177.70 – Cost review for the dualization of Government House Roundabout to Lodge Road, Race Course Road, and Daula Hotel Roundabout, along with additional works on Nasarawa Hospital Road, Dawaki Road, Lugard Road, and Dawaki Road.
    • N1,870,814,360.10 – Remodeling of Africa House Conference Hall and consultancy services at the Government House.
    • N1,213,400,000 – Supply of 479,000 liters of diesel (AGO) for September–December 2024 and 16,000 liters of PMS for KSWB Challawa in September 2024.
    • N790,757,887.93 – Settlement of KEDCO liabilities.
    • N378,711,009.60 – Payment of foodstuff suppliers to boarding schools for the first and second weeks of the ongoing second term.
    • N303,687,500.00 – Printing of security documents by the Nigerian Security Printing and Minting Plc for the Ministry of Land and Physical Planning.
    • N117,346,156.28 – Establishment of a Model Village in Doga Village, Gabasawa Local Government Area.
    • N482,827,622.22 – Completion and installation of solar-powered streetlights along the 5km dualized road network in Dawakin Tofa.
    • N568,584,750.00 – Procurement of 300 motorcycles for the KANRDA Extension Service Office and farm managers.
    • N17,253,832.00 – Phase I development of a mini-irrigation scheme across the state.

    Environmental and Monitoring Initiatives

    The Executive Council has directed the Ministry of Environment to implement the state’s Climate Change Policy, aimed at achieving a low-carbon, climate-resilient environment to support sustainable development and a climate-proof economy.

    Additionally, the council has established a Project Monitoring Committee to oversee the execution of various projects across the state, ensuring quality and timely delivery.

    The committee will be chaired by the Commissioner for Project Monitoring and will include the following members:

    • Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs
    • Commissioner for Education
    • Commissioner for Works and Housing
    • Commissioner for Special Duties
    • State Chairman of Kano Proper

    Recognitions and Appreciations

    In a separate development, Governor Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf received an award from the Yar’gaya Education Development Forum (YEDFO) in recognition of his outstanding contributions to developmental projects in the Yar’gaya community.

    Additionally, the management of Bayero University, Kano (BUK), led by its Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Sagir Adamu Abbas, presented a letter of appreciation to Governor Yusuf for granting the university land titles, effectively resolving a 40-year-long land dispute.

  • FUTIA Matriculates 1,000, Announces Automatic Employment for First-Class Graduates

    FUTIA Matriculates 1,000, Announces Automatic Employment for First-Class Graduates

    By Ogenyi Ogenyi, Uyo

    The Federal University of Technology, Ikot Abasi (FUTIA) has admitted and matriculated over 1,000 students into the university’s 24 degree programs for the 2024/2025 academic session. The university also announced automatic employment for students who graduate with a First Class degree.

    During the second matriculation ceremony, Vice-Chancellor of FUTIA, Prof. Leo Daniel, congratulated the new students on their successful admission. He highlighted that the institution is committed to promoting academic excellence in the fields of Engineering, Science, Technology, and Innovation, with the goal of providing students with the best training possible.

    “Your admission into this institution is a major milestone in your preparation for the future. This success will depend on your commitment to your studies, research, innovation, academic excellence, sportsmanship, and extracurricular activities,” Prof. Daniel emphasized.

    He further stressed that FUTIA is one of the specialized institutions established by the Federal Government of Nigeria to champion excellence in Science, Technology, Engineering, Innovation, and Research.

    “We are committed to providing you with the best training so that you can become valuable members of society upon graduation. We have well-trained lecturers and faculty members who will guide you to excel in your respective fields,” he added.

    The Vice-Chancellor also noted that the incoming students are privileged to be part of the second batch of students admitted into the university, following the pioneer set admitted in the previous academic session.

    Prof. Daniel cautioned the students against engaging in cultism, examination malpractice, and other social vices. “Please be aware that the Governing Council and Management of the University have zero tolerance for examination malpractice, cultism, indecent dressing, drug abuse, cybercrimes, and other social vices. Any student found guilty will face appropriate disciplinary measures, including possible expulsion,” he warned.

    The Vice-Chancellor expressed gratitude to the parents, guardians, and sponsors of the students for their investment in education, especially for choosing FUTIA over other institutions. He pledged that the university would fulfill its responsibility to train the students to be worthy in learning and character upon graduation.

    Prof. Daniel also acknowledged the commitment of the university’s management and staff to promoting academic excellence and best administrative practices. He thanked stakeholders, including the Federal Ministry of Education, Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFUND), Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), and Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), for their contributions to the development of the university and the education sector.

    The Vice-Chancellor further explained that the automatic employment offer for First Class graduates, in addition to other prizes, is intended to motivate students to strive for academic excellence and competitiveness. He encouraged the students to make the most of the opportunities available to them.

    Mr. Erasmus Mbobo, the school bursar, disclosed that the Federal Government is intervening in funding students’ tuition through the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND).

    The oath of studentship was administered to the matriculating students by Mrs. Offiongita Nkang, the Registrar and Secretary to the Senate of the University. Prof. Leo Daniel formally admitted the students.

    One of the matriculating students, Godsfavour Emeka of the Department of Software Engineering, commended the university for its high academic standards. However, he requested expedited action on the construction of facilities at the permanent site of the university. He also praised the Federal Government’s student loan initiative, calling it a positive step in the right direction.