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Tag: Education

  • Governor Lalong Meets French Ambassador, Discusses Investment In Mineral Development, Agriculture And Education

    Governor Lalong Meets French Ambassador, Discusses Investment In Mineral Development, Agriculture And Education

    Plateau State Governor Simon Bako Lalong was at the Embassy of France to Nigeria in Abuja on Tuesday Tuesday 19th January 2021 to hold discussions with the Ambassador Jérôme Pasquier on the development of the mineral sector in Plateau State and other areas 9f investment. 

    Governor Lalong who was accompanied by the Commissioner for Mineral Development Jude Elias Dakur said he was at the French embassy to discuss the economic potentials of the State and explore areas of collaboration for investment and exchanges that will benefit people on both sides.

    He said “Plateau State is famous for a variety of minerals which gave our State the name “Tin City” during the colonial days. Even though some of these minerals were taken away without tangible benefits to our people, a lot of these endowments are still available with many yet to be exploited. Some of the potentials of the State include metallic minerals namely: Tin, Columbite, Lead and Zinc; Non-metallic ones include Kaolin, Dimension stones and Granites, Gemstones like garnet, aqua marine among others. We also have mineral fuels like natural gas and coal”.

    Lalong explained that his major concern since coming into office in 2015 has been to see how to utilize these potentials to improve the living standards of the people. This he explained is why he was seeking collaboration with the French Government towards the development, exploitation and beneficiation of the State’s abundant mineral endowments to bridge the supply-demand gap, transfer of technology, diversification of the State income, job creation and poverty alleviation, as well as the reclamation of already devastated arable lands as a result of previous mining activities. 

    In specific terms, he sought support of the French Ambassador in facilitating grants, intervention funds, technical partnerships and investment linkages for the following minerals for which Plateau State is highly endowed. 

    i. Tin, Columbite and associated minerals

    ii. Cutting and polishing of granites

    iii. Lead and zinc beneficiation

    iv. Copper and associated minerals.

    Other areas of collaboration he said include education, culture and tourism, renewable energy, rural water supply, agriculture and much more, assuring that the State has various incentives that are attractive for business.

    Ambassador Jerome Pasquier expressed delight on the Governor’s visit saying he had visited Plateau State last year where he held discussions with some State officials on various areas.

    He assured that he will do his best to see that the necessary connection is created to assist Plateau State develop its mining potentials for the benefit of its citizens. 

    He assured the Governor that he was willing to not only involve Plateau State in many of his country’s development assistance programs, but will also facilitate investment connections and collaboration with investors who are willing to do business in Plateau State. 

    He said the French government is happy to support other peace initiatives such as the one being pursued by Governor Simon Lalong. Such determination he said will further entrench the fight against terrorism and criminality which is not just a Nigerian situation but a global concern. 

  • JAMB opens portal for 2020/2021 admissions

    JAMB opens portal for 2020/2021 admissions

    The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has opened its portal for the 2020/2021 admissions.

    DAILY POST visited the board’s website and confirmed this.

    The portal gives institutions access to upload names of shortlisted applicants for the 2020/2021 admissions.

    The admission processes must go through the Central Admission Processing System (CAPS) for approval.

    Earlier this week, JAMB warned the public not to fall prey to fraudsters and rumour mongers.

    The board stated this in a weekly bulletin of the Office of the Registrar and confirmed it has yet to begin the sale of the 2021 Unified Tertiary and Matriculation Examination (UTME) forms.

  • Nigeria@60: Education, Agriculture, Healthcare And Economy Needs More Supports-Kano Residents.

    Nigeria@60: Education, Agriculture, Healthcare And Economy Needs More Supports-Kano Residents.

    By Jabiru Hassan, Kano.
    Being tomorrow Thursday is becoming Nigeria’s Independence anniversary, Daybreak  News in Kano had a  chats with some Kano residents, where most of those who spoke to our correspondent disclosed that there is the needs to gives more consideration on agriculture, healthcare services, education and conducive business atmosphere that would develop the country’s economy.
    Alhaji Usman Dan Gwari, a large scale farmer from Bichi local government area stated that agriculture should be given special recognition in order to ensure that Nigeria remains dependent on food for domestic consumption and for exportation to other neighboring countries which would open more opportunities to self reliance as seen in the developed nations.
    Similarly, in his remark, a medical practitioner in Kano city Dr. Abdullahi Maikano said that ” in Nigeria today, we needs more progress in healthcare delivery services, and the Federal and states governments are trying their best in the provision of healthcare services at both rural and urban settlements, but the sector needs more supports because Health is very vital to all living things”. He stressed.
    Furthermore, a retired principal in Kano Malam Abbas Adamu told Daybreak news that if real development is really needed, Nigeria’s education sector should be given all the necessary recognition and financial supports because without good and quality education, nothing could be achieved especially when the globe is  gradually changing in the area of education.
    In conclusion, an economic analyst and current affairs commentator Alhaji Shehu Garba Mainasara lamented that ” The world is now struggling to be free from economic recession especially at this era when the Covid-19 pandemic  becomes a threat to our economy where everything remained backward, but we counsel our governments to use it’s organs in planning and implementation of economic reconstruction strategies that can restore national economy despite challenges.

  • Educationist Tasks Fed, States To Increase Educational Budgetary Provision To Boost Economy

    Educationist Tasks Fed, States To Increase Educational Budgetary Provision To Boost Economy

    By Noah Ocheni, Lokoja

    The Managing Director and Proprietor of YABMA International Science Academy ( YISA), Alhaji Yakubu Yunusa on Thursday in Lokoja called on the government at all levels to increase budgetary provision for educational sector to improve Nigeria’s economy.

    Alhaji Yunusa who made the call during an interview with Daybreak in Lokoja attributed the low standard of education in the country to low allocation of funds to the sector by States and Federal government.

    Alhaji Yunusa who is the former majority Leader in the state house of Assembly described education as the engine room of any nation saying “once the Sector is affected, every other sectors and the economy of the nation will definitely be affected.”

    The Managing Director stressed that private schools proprietors in the country are only playing augmental role in the nation’s educational development adding that government remains the bedrock of the sustainable qualitative education in the country.

    On the level of preparedness of students towards the West African Examination Council (WAEC), the Proprietor said his students were well prepared in the face of COVID- 19 pandemic.

    “The management was able to achieve this through single Platform for teaching and none teaching staff and online tutorials. As the examination is ongoing, all the NCDC guidelines are being strictly adhere to by the students and the school authority.” He added.

    He noted that the outbreak of the covid 19 has affected the Country , with each state developing its strategy at mitigating the pandemic, saying the proactive measures taken by the Governor Bello in containing the spread of the COVID- 19 virus in the state is commendable.

    He stated that, they in the private Education Sector have been brainstorming since the outbreak to keep their premises and students safe, adding that Yabma International Science Academy has substantially complied with the NCDC protocols for the school’s resumption.

    On measures to curb examination malpractices, Alhaji Yunusa said “it is only when you have unprepared students that you doubt their capability. YABMA Academy scored 99 percent in both WAEC and NECO last year and this year will not be exceptional despite the pandemic.

  • “People spend years learning what they don’t care about”– Simi questions the educational system

    “People spend years learning what they don’t care about”– Simi questions the educational system

    Singer Simi has slammed the mentality which makes people pick education over things they truly care about.

    She cited the example of how many of what was learnt at school have been forgotten.

    According to her, this could be as a result of spending years learning those things which one doesn’t really care about.

    Simi wrote: “Educational system is so sh*t. Most of us can’t even remember what we were taught in all the many years we spent in school.

    “People have potentials and talent not tapped into “because it’s not prestigious enough” then they spend years learning something they don’t care about.

    “Forget everything right after and end up doing something else with their lives.

    “What’s the point then? Who did this to us?”

  • Education, Finance Ministries, others make presentations as Buhari presides over Virtual FEC

    Education, Finance Ministries, others make presentations as Buhari presides over Virtual FEC

    President Muhammadu Buhari on Wednesday presided over the virtual session of the Federal Executive Council (FEC), at the Council Chamber of the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

    Our Correspondent reports that those participating in the meeting alongside with the president at the Council Chamber include Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo and Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha.

    Others at the chamber are the Ministers of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed; Finance, Budget and National Planning, Zainab Ahmed; Education, Adamu Adamu; Justice, Abubakar Malami and Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, Works and Housing, Babtunde Fashola and Petroleum (State), Timipre Sylva.

    Our Correspondent reports that the remaining Ministers and the Head of Service, Mrs Folashade Yemi-Esan are participating directly from their various offices.

    Our Correspondent also reports that the Council observed a minute silence in honour of former Minister of State for Education, Alhaji Mohammed Dogondaji.

    The deceased, who served between 1993 and 1994 under the defunct Ibrahim Babangida regime, died on May 15.

  • Stakeholders decry poor education, health budget performance in Kaduna

    Stakeholders decry poor education, health budget performance in Kaduna

    Stakeholders working to improve citizens engagement in budget formulation and implementation in Kaduna State have decried the poor capital budget performance in education and the health sectors.

    The stakeholders made the observation at the end of a two-day Budget Trend Analysis of key service delivery sectors namely education, health and infrastructure between 2016 and 2020.

    Participants at the meeting include Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), media, House of Assembly and some representatives of the state’s Ministries, Departments and Agencies.

    The meeting was supported by the DFID-Funded Partnership to Engage, Reform and Learn (PERL) working to improve governance and citizens engagement in the state.

    The budget trend analysis obtained by News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Kaduna on Friday, shows a poor performance of the education and health capital budget within the period.

    The analysis shows that N27.98 billion was allocated for capital projects in 2016, but only N15.13 billion was spent, representing 54 per cent budget performance.

    The allocation increased to N44.85 billion in 2017, of which only N6.13 billion was spent, representing 14 per cent performance.

    In 2018, the allocation for capital project in the sector dropped to N31.71 billion and only N7.57 billion was spent, representing 24 per cent.

    The story was no different in the health sector, where N6.66 billion was allocated in 2016 for capital projects but only N1.62 billion was spent.

    In 2017, N10.49 billion was allocated but only N3.11 billion was spent, while in 2018, N17 billion was allocated but only N5.57 billion was spent.

    However, the infrastructure sector witnessed an impressive performance when compared to the education and health sectors.

    The analysis shows that the sector got N30.14 billion capital budget allocation in 2016 and spent N22.33 billion, representing 74.11 per cent performance.

    The allocation increased to N29.39 billion in 2017 with actual spending of N13.08 billion, representing 44.50 per cent budget performance.

    In 2018, the allocation slightly decreased to N27.79 billion, while the actual spending was N32.22 billion, representing 115.9 per cent, an impressive budget performance, 15 per cent higher than the actual allocation.

    The stakeholders blamed the poor budget performance on unrealistic budget of the state government, accompanied by unmet projected revenue.

    They also noted that while there was some level of citizens participation in governance under the Open Government Partnership platforms, citizens engagement in the budget processes was still low.

    They agreed to mobilise citizens to effectively monitor and track the implementation of the 2020 budget and put structures in place for early engagement of the 2021 budget process.

    Mr Yusuf Goje of the Coalition of Associations for Leadership, Peace, Empowerment and Development (CALPED), particularly noted the weak communication and engagement of the citizens by infrastructure agencies in the past four years.

    Goje also acknowledged the weak civil society engagement in tracking infrastructure projects in the state and called for the establishment of accountability mechanism made up of government officials and civil society.

    According to him, the move will ensure effective tracking and monitoring of budget releases and implementation of infrastructure for accountability.

    “The government should also intensify its public relations engagement by providing details of projects for citizens to take ownership.”

    Similarly, Dr Elisha Menson, of the Department of Economics, Kaduna State University (KASU), described budget as a “vital instrument of governance”.

    Menson stressed the need for the government to increase the level of citizens engagement in the budget process.

    Also, Mr Bako Usman, President, Campaign for Democracy (CD), said that citizens engagement should start at the grassroots.

    Mr Abel Adejor, PERL Lead in the state, explained that the meeting was organised to analysed key service delivery sectors and implementation performance.

    Adejor added that the meeting was also organised to review citizens engagement in the 2020 budget and plan for effective engagement of the 2021 budget process. (NAN)

  • Gov. Oyetola seeks US support in education, mining, agriculture

    Gov. Oyetola seeks US support in education, mining, agriculture

    Gov. Gboyega Oyetola of Osun has solicited support of the United States of America in the area of vocational education and mining.

    Oyetola made the remarks during a courtesy visit by the US Consul General, Claire Pierangelo and her team to his office on Monday in Osogbo.

    The governor said the state needed the US support in the area of technical and vocational education to enable the youths to be self employed.

    Oyetola said the state placed more emphasis on vocational and technical education as conventional education did not give room for skills acquisition.

    “The conventional education does not give room for skills acquisition and the job is no longer there.

    “But if youths can learn skills, then they will be self employed and that is why we need your support,” the governor said.

    Oyetola also said that the state needed the support of the US in the area of mining, adding that the state was blessed with abundant mineral resources which are yet to be utilised.

    The governor said the state needed collaboration with investors that would help government harness her resources for the development of the state.

    Oyetola also said that the state had set aside land bank for agriculture, where interested investors could invest to boost food production.

    He said the collaboration of the US in the area of health, tourism and youth development was also needed by the state government.

    Earlier in her remark, the US Consulate General, Pierangelo, said her team were in state to find out what the priority of government is and where US could give its support.

    She commended the state government on its health insurance scheme, adding that the US is willing to cooperate with Osun government in areas where it deemed necessary.(NAN)

  • Sports, education crucial for girl-child’s devt.–YEF

    Sports, education crucial for girl-child’s devt.–YEF

    Iwalola Akinjimoh, the Executive Secretary, Youth Empowerment  Foundation (YEF), says sports and education are crucial in the development of the girl-child.

    Akinjimoh told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Ibadan on Thursday that sports and education complement each other.

    “Education to us at YEF is very important most especially in the South West. School is serious business and the girl-child can be in school and as well be involved in sports.

    “Being in school and indulging in sports complement one another very well,’’ she said.

    YEF is a youth-focused, non-profit organisation.

    YEF also addresses the needs of young girls by building their capacities through training on life skills, leadership development and reproductive health.

    Akinjimoh said YEF had established two grassroots academies for young girls in the area of football and vocational training.

    “Our girls participated in the Aiteo competition by representing Oyo State and they came first.

    “We hope that with the training they will encourage their peers and form a resource group for each other.

    “We promote martial arts training in two geopolitical zones in the country through direct engagement of coaches and mentors.

    “This is used as a tool for self control, self discipline, time management and conflict prevention,’’ she added. (NAN)

  • Nigerian Army pledges to partner Nasarawa govt on quality of education

    Nigerian Army pledges to partner Nasarawa govt on quality of education

    The Nigerian Army has pledged to partner the Nasarawa State Government to improve the quality of education in the state.

    Maj. Umar Idris-Ja’afar, Commandant, Command Science School Lafia, said this during a courtesy visit to Hajiya Fatu Sabo, Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology on Monday in Lafia.

    The commandant said the military authority had established educational institutions in order to contribute to the human capital development in the country.

    He, however, appealed to the state government to post teachers to Command Secondary School and also consider the school in citing projects, as well as engage them in activities such as debate, inter schools competition, among others.

    Responding, the commissioner commended the military for its roles in the educational development of the state.

    Sabo said the state government under Gov. Abdullahi Sule was working assiduously to improve the quality of education and making it accessible to more children of school age.

    The commissioner, promised to forward all the request made by the commandant to the governor for approval.

    She, however, promised that the ministry would henceforth include the command schools in all its activities such as quiz, school debate and sporting competition.

    In his remarks, Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Usman Abu assured that the ministry was ready to partner with the school to achieve the objectives of establishing it. (NAN)