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Resumption: Low Turnout in Schools, As Oyo Government Urges Parents to Send Children Back to School
…sets 50% Benchmark for Students’ Promotion
Oyo State Government on Monday decried the low turnout of pupils in public schools, as schools resume first term, 2022/2023 academic session in the State.
Speaking after monitoring some schools in the State, the Executive Chairman, Oyo State Universal Basic Education Board, Dr. Nureni Aderemi Adeniran appealed to parents and guardians to release their wards to resume school.
The Chairman said the Board monitored some schools in Ibadan, the State capital, to ascertain the preparedness of teachers and pupils for resumption of the new academic session in the state.
He also appealed to parents in the rural areas not to stop their children from attending schools because of market days.
Adeniran said, “So far, we have visited some schools and we are not too impressed with the turnout of pupils. However, we are satisfied with the turnout of teachers”.
“We are using this opportunity to appeal to parents and guardians, especially those in rural parts of the State, to release their wards to return to school,” Adeniran said.
“The exercise will continue in the other zones of the state. We visited some schools today, including those in remote areas, like Igbo-elerin in Lagelu LGA, and the turnout of pupils was not impressive.
Adeniran, who monitored the resumption in company of a Full Time member of the Board, Hon. Akeem Oladeji and some Directors, affirmed that teachers have commenced teaching in schools visited.
Adeniran said the essence of the exercise was to further motivate the teachers and pupils for improved performance.
Dr. Adeniran, who called on private investors to help boost the education sector in Oyo State, added that the present Government, under Governor Seyi Makinde encourages development devoid of political undertones.
He hinted that, while the State Government has invited bids for the renovation and construction of a storey building of ten classrooms in Islamic Mission Primary School, Odoye, Ibadan North, the Board will soon grant approval to a Federal Representative, who formally indicated interest to build a block of 3 classrooms in the same school.
Some of the schools visited by the team, among others include Islamic Mission School, 2 and 4, Odoye; IMG Basic School II, Oje-Igosun; Methodist Pry School, Age, Igbo-elerin; and IDC Sagbe, Pabi-ekun.
Meanwhile, the Commissioner for Education Science and Technology, Barrister Rahman Abiodun Abdu-Raheem has said the newly approved benchmark for the 2022 Joint Promotion Examination for Senior Secondary students transiting to the next class is fifty percent (50%).
He said that pass at credit level in either English Language or Mathematics and four (4) other relevant subjects in the area of study is sacrosanct for SS1 and SS2, expected to resume for 2022/2023 academic calendar on Monday 19th September 2022
The Commissioner also affirmed that the Oyo State Government is working earnestly on the payment of grants to schools and the development of infrastructures in schools throughout the State.
September 19, 2022
LASG Orders Schools to Add History to Curriculum
The Lagos State Government has ordered the reintroduction of History as “a stand-alone subject” into the basic and junior secondary schools in the state.
The state ministry of education said in a statement on Saturday August 13, that the subject is to be offered as an elective in senior secondary schools.
The change is in line with directives from the Nigerian Education Research and Development Council (NERDC).
It read;
“I have the directive of the OG (OEQA) to inform you that the teaching of History as a standalone subject is back to schools.
“The subject has been re-introduced in the national curriculum and in the current Lagos state unified schemes of work for primary and junior secondary schools.
“You are to note that while the subject (History) is compulsory for both primary and junior secondary school classes, it is an elective subject in the senior secondary school.
“To this end, I am further directed to inform you that the subject should be taught in primaries 1 and 2 and JSS 1 and 2 classes in the 2022/2023 academic session.”
August 13, 2022
More Schools to benefit from Denmark’s SF4SM programme in A’Ibom
The Danish government has promised to involve more Schools in it’s School Feeding for School Meal,SF4SM, project, meant to improve the nutrition of primary school pupils in Akwa Ibom.
Danish Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr Sune Krogstrup made this known yesterday at a town hall meeting with stakeholders in the peoject in Uyo.
Krogstrup who was represented by a senior official in the Consular Office Mr Poul Erikstrup said that farming remained an important aspect of Danish economy adding that the project was part of some value chains involving small targeted projects in Nigeria.
Krogstrup stated that the philosophy of the project remained what is already known but doing it in a more effective way added that this would help to influence the food pschy and mentality of children for improved nutrition.
The ambassador who said that knowledge sharing remained a strongest aspect of the project called on stakeholders to increase efforts inorder to sustain this new nutrition culture.
He commended Akwa Ibom government for their strong support and recommendation adding that not only would the project help school and stakeholders to preserve resources, it would also help increase collaboration between Denmark and stakeholders.
Executive Director of Africa’s Children Aid, Education and Development Foundation (ACAEDF), who are the implementing partners, Mr David Umem in a remark said the project solely funded by the government of Denmark is meant for children who go to school hungry and finding it difficult to concentrate in their studies.
Umem said the maiden edition involved four schools but is working towards all schools in the state having a farm and fish pond, growing 70% of what the children eat in school, with the model meant to be handed over to the Federal Government to improve it’s school feeding programme.
“The project is an answer to pupils taking responsibility, an answer that no child should go to school hungry and that pupils have eqaul opportunity to learn and grow.
“The project helps to sustain interest of kids in school and inculcate the spirit of self reliance on them.” The Executive Director said.
He commended the Measurements and Evaluation consultants for developing the model for the success of the project and School based management for their interest, committment and sense of responsibility.
Project Manager, Mrs Nyenime Bassey explained that the project incorporated the crop, Aquaculture and nutrition components and involves fish pond and farms and innovative green houses to reduce cost.
Bassey commended stakeholders for their committment and interest and called for increased committment to enable the Danes expand on the project.
Krogstrup had earlier in the company of Ms Elizabeth Ulla Muller, United Nation Population Fund(UNFPA) Resident Representative in Nigeria, Mr Poul Jacob Erikstrup and Victoria Epelle from the Consular office in Lagos paid a visit to ACAEDF – Land of Hope Childrrn Centre in Eket to see the level of work with the School Farm for School Meal (SF4SM) Project.
Senior Special Assistant to the Governor of Akwa Ibom State on Multilateral & Donor Agencies, Mr Ndiana-Abasi Udom was also part of the visit on behalf of Akwa Ibom State Government.
June 8, 2022
This Is Unacceptable, The Poor Turn Out Of Teachers In Schools- Kajiji
By Muhammad Ibrahim, Sokoto
The Executive Chairman State Universal Basic Education Board SUBEB Alhaji Altine Shehu has lament the turn out of teachers at Model Primary School Rugga in Shagari Local Government.
He made the feeling known today when he visited the school in continuation of his unscheduled visit to Schools under the board.
Alhaji Altine Shehu said it’s disheartening to note that despite remarkable improvement in the turn out of pupils following the intervention of Sokoto South Senatorial Zone Education Development Forum only Headmaster of the school was met as at half past nine o’clock in the morning.
It could be recall that just recently the forum presented school uniforms and other learning materials to Rugga primary school as part of it’s effort to complement government effort in education.
He therefore directed the Education Secretary of Shagari Local Government to serve the defaulting teachers with query.
The SUBEB boss to this end tasked education stakeholders such as Traditional rulers,Religious Leaders, Political office holders,Elites and Parents to develop the habit of visiting schools in their domains to monitor the performance of both teachers and pupils.
March 7, 2022
Sokoto SUBEB Renewed Commitment To Improving Teaching And Learning In Schools
By Muhammad Ibrahim,Sokoto
Executive Chairman of the Board Alhaji Altine Shehu Kajiji made the pledge today when he paid an unscheduled visit to some schools in the metropolis.
Alhaji Altine Shehu said this is imperative inview of the fact that quality basic education remains key to the success of education sector as a whole.
He called on teachers in the twenty three LGEAs to redouble efforts in their responsibility of imparting sound knowledge to their pupils and students for the attainment of the set goals.
The Executive Chairman as well tasked authorities of schools under the Board to liaise with PTAs and SBMCs of their respective schools to mitigating issues of late coming and absconding by both teachers and pupils.
Kajiji opined that this is necessary as Sokoto SUBEB under his stewardship will not condone laxity and absconding to duty from any teacher.
He however praised the headteachers of Attahiru Dalhatu Bafarawa Model Primary School Malam Isah Garba and Principal of JSS Kaukabu Isah Alhaji for being on their seats during the unscheduled visit.
Alhaji Altine Shehu also challenged them to reporting any teacher found wanting in the discharge of his duty for necessary action.
Responding to a request of a photocopying machine at Attahiru Dalhatu Bafarawa Model Primary School,the SUBEB Chairman promised to personally procure it to the school.
This he hope will solve huge expenses being spent in photocopying examination question papers during examination period.
In all the schools visited,Kajiji urged their managements to accord priority on the sanitary condition of their schools.
In a related development, the SUBEB Chairman Alhaji Altine Shehu Kajiji also today paid a farmiliarization visit to Sokoto South and Sokoto North LGEAs.
In their separate comments during the visit,the Education Secretaries of Sokoto South Sada Haidara and his counterpart of Sokoto North Aminu Ibrahim called for SUBEB intervention on some issues bedeviling their work.
These according to them included lack of watchmen in some of their schools which give room to unscrupulous elements to enter such schools and vandalize their properties as well as interference in the posting of teachers by some politicians among others.
Responding,Kajiji pledged to do the needful on the issues without delay.
He challenged them to redouble effort in the discharge of their responsibility as basic education cannot be a success without their total support and cooperation.
He was accompanied on the unscheduled visit by the Deputy Director Quality Assurance Alhaji Umar Isah Bello and Head of Public Relations Abbas Tukur Sanyinna.
February 2, 2022
Schools In Lagos To Resume On Tuesday, January 4 – LASG
Lagos State Government has announced the timetable for the 2021/2022 academic session.
All public and private schools below the tertiary level in Lagos State are to resume for the second term 2021/2022 academic session on Tuesday, the government has announced.
The Director-General of the Office of Education Quality Assurance, Mrs Abiola Seriki-Ayeni, made the announcement in a statement on Friday by the spokesman for the office, Olaniran Emmanuel.
According to her, all learners are expected back in school as academic activities start the same day.
Seriki-Ayeni wished the students and teachers a happy resumption and appealed to all school leaders to enforce strict compliance with all existing COVID-19 safety protocols in the state.
“School leaders should also note that the mid-term break for 2nd term is Thursday 17th and Friday 18th of February 2022 while school closes on Friday 8th April 2022,” the statement said.
Similarly, Seriki-Ayeni enjoined boarding students across the state to resume on Monday next week, in preparation for academic activities.
She said the Office of Education Quality Assurance would monitor compliance with the resumption date in the Lagos State Unified Academic Calendar, as well as observe the teaching and learning process in schools.
December 31, 2021
FCT engages vigilantes for schools, as bandits invade fringes towns
The Federal Capital Territory Administration FCTA has disclosed of plans to hire local vigilance groups for its schools in the wake of security reports that fleeing bandits from contiguous states have made an incursion into the fringes of the territory.
Director, Administration and Finance in the Security Services Department of the FCTA, Dr. Abdul-lateef Bello made the revelation at a news conference Wednesday in Abuja.
The director who confirmed that the security architecture of the Territory is being overstretched, also revealed that plans had been concluded by the Administration to hire vigilance services to provide security in the various public schools across the Territory.
He explained that the measures were temporary until a blueprint on security is developed by the FCT Administration soon.
He said: “We are talking of short term measures when we said we are helping public schools to facilitate the procurement of vigilantes to complement the efforts of conventional security agencies.
“Remember that some of the vigilantes are equally part of the neighbourhood.
They were sourced from the neighbourhood where those schools are situated. So, they know better.
“It is a way of establishing a relationship between the community and government. When the vigilantes see anything that is beyond them, they relate with the conventional security agencies to help out.
“Let us liken security management to a football game. In a football game, nobody will ask the goalkeeper how many goals saved rather, what we want to know is how many goals were scored. I can tell you that for every 15 or 20 crimes or criminals arrested, be assured that about 50 or 60 situations would have been saved or prevented.
“So, that is why I will always appeal to FCT residents to be patient with government, to listen and provide support, information when necessary because security agents or security agencies are not spirits. They are human organisations, they need the corporation, they need our information to be able to succeed.
“On whether or not we are finding it difficult to contain the incidents of kidnapping in the FCT, you’ll understand that kidnapping is prevalent not just In FCT.
In fact, if you compare the statistics of kidnapping activities in other states to that of the FCT, you will agree with me that the FCT is really putting enough measures to prevent or contain the menace of kidnapping.
“I have just told you that in an attempt to deepen our efforts in the fight against kidnapping, we have revitalised and resuscitated the G-7 initiative. It means we don’t have to do this alone. We have to bring all our G-7 partners to help us collaborate, so we can embark on a simultaneous and joint raids to keep some of these bad elements out of the FCT.
“Don’t forget that the dissemination of banditry and kidnapping in North East, North West, is putting pressure on the fringes of FCT. People are running down, so that is why we engage the G-7 initiative so that we can jointly push these people away.”
December 5, 2021
Kaduna Schools to Remain Closed until Security Improves, Says Commissioner
The Kaduna State Government has said that all primary and secondary schools will remain close until security situation improves across the state.
Reports had it that the Commissioner for Education, Dr Shehu Muhammad, stated this on Monday in Kaduna at a joint press conference with the Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Mr Samuel Aruwan.
Muhammad said that the press conference was organized to dispute the fake news going round that schools were directed to reopen for third term on August 9.
He explained that the schools were earlier scheduled to reopen on August 9, but that the ministry was not given the clearance due to ongoing security operations across the state.
According to the commissioner, the state government on August 6 announced the postponement of school resumption till further notice as advised by security agencies.
“We were, however, surprised that for mischievous reasons, some individuals are circulating misguided information, claiming it was from the ministry, asking schools to resume.
“We want to categorically say that all schools – public, private and religious, including federal schools in the state – are to remain close.
“We will reopen as soon as we are advised to do so by security agencies, assuring us that schools are safe to open,” he said.
The commissioner advised all public and private schools, including federal government schools, to abide by the directive or face the wrath of the law.
He said that the closure was in the best interest of the pupils and students to ensure their safety, following series of attacks on schools by bandits and kidnappers.
On his part, Aruwan said that the closure of the schools was to secure the lives of pupils, students, teachers and other stakeholders in the education sector.
He said that security agencies were currently carrying out operations against bandits to improve the security situation in the state.
“It is for this reason that the government was advised against opening so as not to endanger the lives of students.
“The government is concerned for the safety of lives and property and will give clearance for the schools to reopen as soon as security improves,” he said.
August 9, 2021
FG To Electrify 200 Healthcare Centres, 104 Unity Schools – Power Minister
The Federal Government has concluded plans to embark on a programme to electrify 200 Primary Healthcare Centres and all the 104 Unity Schools across the country.
Sale Mamman, who is the Minister of Power, disclosed this in a series of tweets via his verified handle on Wednesday.
He explained that the mini-grid, which would be taken up by the Federal Ministry of Power, was also designed to provide solar-powered streetlights to the host communities of the healthcare centres and within the environment of the schools.
The minister stated that the decision was taken to revolutionise and ease the learning process in the unity schools and to facilitate uninterrupted healthcare services to the rural communities.
Following the recent attacks on some schools, he noted that the lightening programme would enhance the security arrangements around the schools.
According to Mamman, this is expected to create jobs and provide energy access to the unserved or underserved communities across all the geo-political zones in the country.
He added that the programme which would be handled by the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) was part of the Federal Government’s plan to achieve 30 per cent renewable energy sources by 2030.
April 22, 2021
Hijab Controversy: Christians, Muslims Clash As Kwara Govt Reopens Schools
Violence erupted on Wednesday in Ilorin, Kwara State capital after the state government reopened 10 schools shut last month over the use of hijab by Muslim female students.
The violence started after Christian officials of Baptist School, Surulere disallowed the girls in Hijab from gaining access into the school.
This did not go down well with Muslim parents, leading to arguments and eventual clash.
The situation grew worse as angry Christian and Muslim faithful threw various objects including stones and plastic chairs at themselves.
The security operatives close to the school had to call for reinforcement to calm the situation. The operatives dispersed them with tear gas.
The hijab controversy started over three weeks ago when officials of Saint Anthony Secondary School prevented Muslim female students from gaining entrance to the school claiming that it is a missionary school.
Several meetings were held between Muslim and Christian leaders to resolve the issue with the government temporarily closing down the ten schools until the reopening on Wednesday morning.
The ownership of the ten schools is still pending in the Supreme Court as both the High Court and Appeal Court affirmed the state government as the owner.
The Christians angered by the situation said the government should wait for the outcome of the judgement of the Supreme Court before fully taking over the schools.
The Kwara state government has taken over all the missionary schools owned by Christian and Muslims since 1974.
The school reopening was announced on Tuesday night by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Education and Human Capital Development, Kemi Adeosun.
Mrs Adeosun said, “The government is convinced that its policy to allow willing Muslim schoolgirls to wear their hijab (face covering) in public schools will lead to sustainable peace and communal harmony anchored on mutual respect and understanding.
“This path to mutual respect, understanding, and peace with regards to hijaab had long been adopted in all of the northern Nigeria and many states in the Southwest such as Lagos, Osun, Ekiti, and Oyo States.
“As the students resume normal classes, the government took special notice of the plight of those of them preparing for the West African Senior School Certificate Examination and hereby directs affected schools to hold at least two-hour extra lesson for all the intending candidates after school hours daily.”
The Kwara State government had earlier in February shut 10 grant-aided schools as the controversy surrounding the use of the head covering was yet abated.
March 17, 2021