A 27-year-old visually impaired Mr. Rasak Adekoya, has trained 60 pupils of Babs Fafunwa Millennium Secondary School, Lagos, on website and mobile apps development.

After two months of rigorous exercise, the pupils, developed Lagos State laws mobile apps and the official website of the Ojodu Local Council Development Area (LCDA).

At the launch of the apps and websites at Ojodu LCDA secretariat, Adekoya said he embarked on the exercise to equip the pupils with skills capabile of imbibing in them the quest to be employers of labour.

According to him, the training became imperative given the need to catch the youths early enough, to develop them  to be become self reliant in future  .

He said some of the challenges facing youths could be traced to what he called ‘lack of pragmatic change’ to transform young minds into budding entrepreneurs.

Adekoya, who lost his sight shortly after graduating from Lagos State Polytechnic, noted that he would carry his gospel of entrepreneurship to 57 schools across the state 57 councils before 2018.

He lamented that unemployment has become a challenge in Nigeria, saying that equipping younger ones with requisite skills to become self employed is the most ideal choice.

With about 1.8 million graduating from the tertiary institutions yearly, Adekoye said he felt relevant skills acquisition would help reduce their number in the labour market.

“I trained these young minds as part of my contributions to better the society. Nobody or organisation supported me throughout the programme. I deployed my personal resources to achieve this,” he noted.

He urged the beneficiaries to utilise the knowledge acquired to better themselves and the society at large.

One of the beneficiaries of the programme , a 15-year-old SSS 3 of the school, Master Akintola Ebenezer, said  he was  happy for undergoing the training, saying it had impacted much on his life and perceptions towards entepreneurship .

He, alongside his 59 other contemporaries, designed the website in such a way that the platform is accessibile while visitors to the site  can get information on Ojodu  LCDA without much hitches.

“The training and experience is worthwhile for me and I will make good use of the knowledge to improve and develop myself”, he said.

Another beneficiary a 13-year-old SSS 2 of the same school, Miss. Kaku Kemi Marvelous, said the Lagos State laws mobile apps, when downloaded on their mobile devices, would afford the general public knowledge about the laws of the state.

The Sole Administrator of Ojodu LCDA, Alhaja Olushola Kokumo, and Principal of Babs Fafunwa Millennium Secondary School, Mrs. Adepoju  Oyefunke praised Adekoya and his crew for the laudable initiative.

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A youth group, Progressive Youth League (PYL), has praised the immediate past Governor of Ekiti State, Dr Kayode Fayemi, for the excellent performance of Ekiti students in the Senior Secondary School Examination results released by the National Examination Council (NECO).

According to NECO Senior Secondary School examination released a fortnight ago, Ekiti dwarfed other states with 96.48 per cent. It was followed by Edo State with 96.31 per cent.

The group noted that the excellent performance by the students, who were in junior secondary school, when Fayemi introduced the various education policies of his administration, has proved that sound policy in education and a conducive atmosphere for learning were sine qua non for good performance.

The PYL, in a statement by its Southwest Coordinator, Adeoye Aribasoye, said the performance of the students vindicated Fayemi as a visionary leader whose education policies provided incentives for teachers, students and parents, and laid a solid foundation for great performances in internal and external examinations.

Aribasoye, a lawyer, lauded Fayemi’s policy of free and compulsory education between 2010 and 2014. He said the top ranking by NECO has also proved skeptics of free education wrong. “It is reassuring to note that the brilliant results were achieved by pioneering students of the free and compulsory education policy of the immediate past administration.”

The group, which called on the present administration to revert to some Fayemi’s policies, stated that the success recorded by the students stemmed from careful planning and incentives that had unprecedented impact on learning culture in the state.

It listed some of the incentives instituted by Fayemi to include distribution of solar-powered laptop computer to every secondary school pupil under the ‘one laptop per child initiative’; payment of rural allowances for teachers in the rural areas; core subject allowances to teachers who teach core sciences, Mathematics and English Language, and renovation of all primary and secondary school buildings under ‘Operation Renovate All Schools (ORASE).

“It is on record that the computer per child programme of the Fayemi administration, which provided computers for both teachers and students, was launched six months ahead of the introduction of computer-based examination by the Joint Admission and Matriculations Board (JAMB).”

Aribasoye recalled that Fayemi’s administration organised computer training and mathematics clinics for teachers, put together remedial programmes for pupils across the state local government areas, and distributed about 400 motorcycles to teachers serving in the rural areas of the state. Fayemi’s administration also  ensured that teachers benefited from the relativity pay for all categories of workers in the public service in addition to 27.5 per cent Teachers Pecuniary Allowance.

The youth leader said PYL opposes the planned introduction of fees in public schools by Governor Ayo Fayose. The group said it  has finalised arrangements to begin a campaign to make education in primary and secondary schools free in Ekiti State.

The post Youths laud Fayemi on Ekiti NECO results appeared first on The Nation Nigeria.

Mr Ahmed Tijani Mora of the Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) has emerged Chairman of the Conference of Alumni Associations of Nigerian Universities (CAANU).

The group’s election was held during its yearly convention at 100-capacity theatre hall of the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University (ABTU), Bauchi, last week from Thursday through Sunday.

Other executives that emerged as published in a communiqué issued at the end of the convention, are: Tajudeen Olusegun of Tai Solarin University of Education (first vice chairman); Ifaluyi Isibor of University of Benin (second vice chairman); Muhammad Sani Wada of Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University (secretary);  Usman Tabari of Kaduna State University (Assistant Secretary)); and Godwin Akpan of University of Uyo (treasurer).

Others are: Kenneth Ereke of Ebonyi State University (PRO); Billy Onotue of Delta State University (financial secretary); Stephen Ijoh of Benue State University (auditor); Madueke AdiZue of Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University (Social/Welfare Secretary);  Ramatu Liman of University of Jos (legal adviser); as well as first, second and third ex-Officios-e Bola Ajayi of Federal University of Technology Akure; Akinloye Akande of University of Agriculture (FUAM), Makurdi; and. Ayiwulu Baba Ayiwulu of Nasarawa State University, Keffi respectively.

the Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Alfred Nnaemeka Ugochukwu Achebe, and the Chancellor, Kogi State University and Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, delivered the keynote address, while Bauchi State Governor Muhammed Abdullahi Abubakar who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education, Alhaji Nasiru Yelwa, declared the convention open.

The post CAANU elects new leadership appeared first on The Nation Nigeria.

A 27-year-old visually impaired Mr. Rasak Adekoya, has trained 60 pupils of Babs Fafunwa Millennium Secondary School, Lagos, on website and mobile apps development.

After two months of rigorous exercise, the pupils, developed Lagos State laws mobile apps and the official website of the Ojodu Local Council Development Area (LCDA).

At the launch of the apps and websites at Ojodu LCDA secretariat, Adekoya said he embarked on the exercise to equip the pupils with skills capabile of imbibing in them the quest to be employers of labour.

According to him, the training became imperative given the need to catch the youths early enough, to develop them  to be become self reliant in future  .

He said some of the challenges facing youths could be traced to what he called ‘lack of pragmatic change’ to transform young minds into budding entrepreneurs.

Adekoya, who lost his sight shortly after graduating from Lagos State Polytechnic, noted that he would carry his gospel of entrepreneurship to 57 schools across the state 57 councils before 2018.

He lamented that unemployment has become a challenge in Nigeria, saying that equipping younger ones with requisite skills to become self employed is the most ideal choice.

With about 1.8 million graduating from the tertiary institutions yearly, Adekoye said he felt relevant skills acquisition would help reduce their number in the labour market.

“I trained these young minds as part of my contributions to better the society. Nobody or organisation supported me throughout the programme. I deployed my personal resources to achieve this,” he noted.

He urged the beneficiaries to utilise the knowledge acquired to better themselves and the society at large.

One of the beneficiaries of the programme , a 15-year-old SSS 3 of the school, Master Akintola Ebenezer, said  he was  happy for undergoing the training, saying it had impacted much on his life and perceptions towards entepreneurship .

He, alongside his 59 other contemporaries, designed the website in such a way that the platform is accessibile while visitors to the site  can get information on Ojodu  LCDA without much hitches.

“The training and experience is worthwhile for me and I will make good use of the knowledge to improve and develop myself”, he said.

Another beneficiary a 13-year-old SSS 2 of the same school, Miss. Kaku Kemi Marvelous, said the Lagos State laws mobile apps, when downloaded on their mobile devices, would afford the general public knowledge about the laws of the state.

The Sole Administrator of Ojodu LCDA, Alhaja Olushola Kokumo, and Principal of Babs Fafunwa Millennium Secondary School, Mrs. Adepoju  Oyefunke praised Adekoya and his crew for the laudable initiative.

The post Visually impaired trains pupils on apps, website development appeared first on The Nation Nigeria.

Executive Director MD Nursery and Primary School, Ikeja Lagos, Omolara Adedugbe, has said the school has been able to achieve its vision over the last 30 years of its existence.

According to her, the school which caters for students with special needs, was founded to challenge doubting thomases that children with disabilities could also live normal lives.

Adedugbe, who founded the school with her late husband Dr. Anthony Bamidele Adedugbe 30 years ago, said the school could sing a song of victory, despite many challenges.

Adedugbe, spoke at a briefing to celebrate three decades’ anniversary and thanksgiving of the school at its Agidingbi, Ikeja, Lagos State complex,

Going down memory lane, she recalled how her husband, a specialist doctor in dealing with children with disabilities, conceived the idea to convince parents that they do not have to keep their special needs children away said some of the special needs children have grown to become prominent members of the society, with one teaching in the school, having obtained a National Certificate of Education.

“The whole idea was to erase the stigma associated with being a special child,: Adedugbe said.

“We were the first in Lagos, but after the success we recorded, many others have also followed suit.

“We initially had challenges with parents who had regular children allowing them to mix with the special children.

“I must say the journey in 30 years has been challenging, but with lots of successes. One special child is now a teacher in the school here; many are professionals in different fields.”

Adedugbe advised parents with special children not to keep them at home; rather, they should give them the opportunity to develop their God-given talents.

“If they mix with regular kids, they will overcome their challenges,” she added.

She continued: “We are happy that a lot of parents are now coming out with their special children; and those with regular children have seen that being a special child does not come with anything contagious.”

She said for the school to be thriving after the death of her husband shows that structures have been put in place to sustain the initiative.

“With or without me, the school can go on,” she added.

“The vision is now being run by others; I started the school with my husband who had the vision. He died 10 years ago and 20 years after, we are still standing.”

The post Why we founded first ‘Special Children’s school in Lagos appeared first on The Nation Nigeria.

In this interview with ADEGUNLE OLUGBAMILA, Prof Tunde Samuel defends the council’s sack of the principal officers. The council, he says, has enough evidence. The aggrieved to go to court, he insists.

Initially, the governing council had accused top principals of the immediate past administration of mismanaging funds to the tune of N1.5 billion. After concluding investigation, council only asked some senior staff and principal officers to refund N11 million. Why  the sharp contrast?

There are about five aspects of corruption and misappropriation of fund. The one you carried (the N1.5 billion scandal The Nation reported in April) was N1.5 billion government money squandered by previous management. This N1.5 billion included tax deductions, pension and cooperative funds, which have already been deducted from staff salaries, and management dipped its hand into this money and squandered it. They (principal officers) told us (during investigation) that they used it to pay salaries. The governing council is still begging Governor Akinwunmi Ambode to repay the N1.5 billion because when workers retire, they must collect pension. Cooperative Society money too must be put back.

Another aspect is the mismanaged N30 million; it represented money collected by certain staff in the guise of going for conferences but they did not go. They were invited by the disciplinary committee and all of them owned up. We asked them to produce evidence, those who did were freed.

Some of the sacked workers are saying they are being witchhunted because there are others with grievous crimes who were given light sentences

Like who?

Like the one who was alleged to have committed rape and the other plagiarism

In law, there is a difference between  intent to commit an offence and an offence already committed. Before somebody can be dismissed, he must have been seen to have committed the offence levelled against him.The (rape) matter was investigated by the council’s disciplinary Committee and they brought their recommendations. The officer in charge was accused of wanting to rape somebody, but rape was not committed. As the chairman of council, I cannot singlehandedly take a position. The rape allegation was exhaustively deliberated upon by members on the floor of the council. The government representative was also in the council and the majority supported demotion. In fact, all the cases were handled by the sixth council. Investigation had been conducted and decision taken by the previous council. So, our council simply implemented what we met on ground.

But some of these sacked principal officers are insisting the Council was not transparent in its investigation?

I disagree on that. I have told whoever feels aggrieved to go to court. When we came in last year (October), we did not act immediately. We calmed down first to conduct thorough investigation. It took us about three months to assemble our barrage of evidence.That place (AOCOED) is more than rotten. How can management of the college claim to have awarded contracts worth N500 million and NI billion without council’s or the government’s approval? The (former) provost knows that his approval limit is N1million while management is N5 million. Haba. As soon as the (previous)  council was dissolved, they were just awarding contracts. I produced all the evidence before the governor. You need to lay your hand on the report of the forensic audit carried out by LASU for us. At my level, I cannot be thinking irrationally. When we first invited them, all of them walked out on the council. It was when they discovered that the council was not ready to compromise that they came back and were confronted them with evidence.

Some also argued that the  Council invited LASU to conduct forensic audit on AOCOED as part of te witchhunt, claiming that this is an aberration in the civil service.

When the matter came up at the council, it was the representative of the government in council that suggested that to minimise the cost of investigation, council should allow her to seek audience with LASU (Lagos State University) vice chancellor. Right there, he called the VC and said our council would require the assistance of the varsity’s Directorate of Audit to conduct a forensic audit in AOCOED. The four people sent in by LASU were brought by the university’s Director of Audit.

When they started work, they requested from the principal officers evidence of all contracts awarded but it will shock you that there was no record of it in the Registry. No letter of award as well as vouchers and payment receipts. They have destroyed the evidence.

The post ‘AOCOED is rotten’ appeared first on The Nation Nigeria.

Did the immediate past governing council of the Adeniran Ogunsanya College of Education (AOCOED) squander N1.5billion? Yes, says the council chairman, Prof Tunde Samuel, who claims to have inherited an empty treasury. No, says his predecessor Prince Abiodun Ogunleye who is asking Samuel for details of the ‘mismanagement’,. The council has since sacked some top officials of the Ogunleye administration over the matter. ADEGUNLE OLUGBAMILA reports 

For a college of education with infrastructure challenge, the money at stake is huge. About N1.5 billion was said to have been squandered by the immediate past governing council of Adeniran Ogunsanya College of Education (AOCOED). The council chairman, Prof Tunde Samuel, is locked in a war of words with his predecessor, Prince Abiodun Ogunleye, also a former deputy governor of the state, over the cash.

Some workers have gone with the crisis.

Early this month, some principal officers in the immediate past administration were sacked for their involvement  in the ‘deal’.

Ogunleye has challenged Samuel to prove his allegations. According to him, the figure being bandied in the media by the Council is not true. But Samuel dismisses his claim, saying the councul’s investigation was through, asking the aggrieved to go to court.

Those sacked are the immediate past provost and registrar. Bashorun Wasiu Olalekan and Bola Disu. Others are the immediate past bursar, Mr Fatai Ipaye, current registrar, Coker Charles Olumuyiwa and bursar Oyewolu Sunday Babatunde.

Although a statement signed by the Deputy Registrar (Information) Odunayo Adebowale, described the step as a “part of restructuring” of the institution, The Nation can reveal that it may not  be unconnected with the ‘scandal’.

Some of the affected officers, Disu and Coker and a clerical officer Adekunle Ahmed Arinle, are geering up for a legal battle with the management.

They claimed that the process leading to their termination was skewed in favour of those accusing them of mismanagement. Their accusers, they asked, were also members of the panel that investigated them.

Last April during the probe, Samuel released the  report of an audit by Lagos State University (LASU) Audit Unit. The affected officers are challenging the veracity of the report.

Three weeks ago, Arinle petitioned the government,  accusing the council of bias and pleading for his reinstatement. Arinle, who gave his petition to reporters, claimed that some workers who committed more grievous offences such as rape, plagiarism,  going on sabbatical and collecting salaries in more than two institutions, among others, were either pardoned or given a slap on the wrist because they are “the untouchables”.

But Samuel punctured Arinle’s claims. He told our reporter how  the council took its decision.

On the rape and plagiarism allegation, Samuel recalled that the matter had been settled before the Ogunleye-led council was dissolved in June, last year, adding that his council, which took over last October ratified the recommendation of its predecessor.

But, Ogunleye dismissed Samuel’s defence. He said there was need to correct some misconceptions to preserve his reputation.

The College of Education Academic Staff (COEASU) and Senior Staff Union in Colleges of Education, Nigeria (SUCCOEN)  of AOCOED which spearheaded the case, have pitched their tent with the Council.

COEASU Chairman Michael Avosetinyen said the principal officers’ punishment was light, compared to what they did.

On the punishment for rape, he  said management’s action smacked of incompetence, and that it was “premeditated”.

He said: “Rape is a criminal matter and the union will not condone criminality. “We understand the lady (victim) in question claimed to have been raped about 8pm that day and she later made a complaint to the college security unit; but why was she not taken to the school clinic or any hospital around for examination immediately after the incident? So, if management is saying there was an allegation of rape, that simply means they are incompetent.

“As a union, we are being lenient with management, otherwise we would have actually taken up this case because it is premeditated against our member; but we felt let sleeping dogs lie.

Avosentiyen also debunked the rumours that certain workers were being treated as untouchables at the expense of others.

“As far as I know, COEASU is one and all the talk about factionalisation is not true,” he added

“My role as chairman is to protect our members’ interest.’’

Bashorun, in a phone interview, said the time was not ripe for him to talk.

“I know a lot of people have been saying a lot of things (about mismanagement) and asking me to talk. I have made consultations and I realised it is not yet the best time for me yet.

“Under my tenure, and for the first time in the history of this institution, AOCOED was ranked the best college of education nationwide. The record is still there. No one can contest it. At the appropriate time, the truth will come out. I have so much to say but when the time comes, I will.”

The college’s Provost Dr Ladele Aina, told our reporter on phone that the allegations were true,  adding that investigation began before her appointment last January.

“The case occurred and investigation started last year. I assumed the leadership of this college in January,” she said in response to a question on why management did not immediately conduct a medical test on the said rape victim.

“The case was referred to Council’s Disciplinary Committee, which deliberated on the matter and had made its recommendations,” the provost said.

For Arinle, there is no going back on his seeking redress in court.

“Initially before council commenced investigation, we objected to the inclusion of the chairmen of COEASU and SUCCOEN on the committee because they cannot be the accuser and the judge at the same time. Besides, the manner the investigation ran shows that they (council) were acting out a script by some superior hands,” he said.

The post Battle of governing council chiefs appeared first on The Nation Nigeria.

 The Nigerian Air Force has continued to invest heavily in the welfare of its officers and men especially through the provision of standardize educational facilities for dependents of its personnel. Assistant Editor, Seun Akioye who was at the commissioning of two schools reports

Inside the headquarters of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) Abuja, the vision statement of the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar was boldly written. The statement reads:  “To re-position the NAF into a highly professional and disciplined force through capacity building initiatives for effective, efficient and timely employment of air power in response to Nigeria’s national security imperatives.”

On the surface, it may look like one of those well-crafted mission statements which usually end up as empty statements, but for the man who is referred to simply as “chief”, the vision is worth every weight.

NAFOWA Little Angels Primary School Kaduna

One of the ways which the CAS is hoping to re-write history and fulfill his vision is through education not only of Air Force personnel-which is done through training- but also providing for the needs of the dependents of his men through provision of world class educational  facilities.

One of such is the Air Force Girls’ Comprehensive School located at the NAF Base Abuja.  The NAF was not the original initiator of the school, but the Nigerian Air Force Officers Wives Association (NAFOWA), led by Hajia Hafsat Abubakar, wife of the CAS. But the NAF took over the construction of the school after NAFOWA ran out of resources to complete it in 2013.

In December 2015, the CAS directed that work should resume and in eight months, a world class infrastructure stood in the ruins of the abandoned structure.   What was built was described by the Minister for Education, Mallam Adamu Adamu, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Folasade Yemi- Esan as a “21st century school.”

The sparkling new school boasts of a mini stadium, dining hall, hostel, tennis court, fully equipped classrooms, a library and a clinic. A standby generator is on hand to provide electricity while the science, Art and Agriculture laboratories and four other classrooms are equipped with interactive white boards which enables the students to experience the three ways of learning: hear, see, and feel.

Educating the girl child

Air Force comprehensive girls school Abuja

The CAS did not bite his lips when he enumerated the importance of educating the girl child and why the NAF view it as one of its cardinal focus.” Our experience in fighting insurgency in the Northeast indicates the exploitation of the girl child by insurgents due to low literacy level. At present, birth rate statistics show that 65 percent of births are girls. It is documented by most state Ministries of Education that the enrolment of girls in secondary schools is below 45 percent.

“This statistic is further supported by the results of the West African Examination Council. For instance in 2011,out of a total of 688,516 girls that sat for the examination, only 226,804 got 5 credits. Similarly in 2012, about 747,553 girls sat for the examination and only 310,822 were successful.”

The CAS said this NAF resolved to establish the school as “our modest contribution to Mr. President’s efforts at enhancing girl child education in Nigeria.” With the new school, the NAF now has two secondary schools dedicated to girl child education with one in Jos and Abuja respectively. He added that the school will educate the hearts and minds of the girls that would pass through its gates.

For the Minister of Education, the construction of the school was “humbling” also stressing that the ratio of girl child education to boys is 1:3 in some states. This is also reinforced by the extremism of Boko Haram and the risks associated with girl child education kept the female educational attainment perpetually low.

After commissioning the school and a tour of the facilities was conducted, Dr. Yemi Esan said: “ I came here with some uncertainties but I am impressed, this school is directed towards the underprivileged to curt out of school syndrome, we encourage other arms of government to follow suit, this is a 21^st century school.”

Yemi- Esan would not be the only one to be impressed, the next day at the Air Force Base Kaduna where NAFOWA had rehabilitated a nursery school and added the NAFOWA Little Angels Primary School, the CAS was also left impressed.

“I am overwhelmed,” he said when he was called to make a remark after the school had been commissioned by Hajia Aisha Buhari, the wife of President Muhammadu Buhari, represented by the wife of Kaduna State Governor, Hajia Hadiza El-rufai.

“Four years ago, I brought my daughter to the crèche here, but I am sure she cannot recognize her school again because of the transformation,” he said. Like the girls school, the NAFOWA Primary school was built to world standard with ample playing room for the children, a fully equipped library and computer centre, spacious and conducive atmosphere for learning, white black boards, fully equipped home economics room and a crèche with modern facilities.

While the CAS may have focused on education for the dependents of personnel, the real driver of these projects is adding value to the society.” Adding value to the society is our core mandate, I strongly belief that adding value to the society is the best legacy we can bequeath to our children,” he said. But there is also a greater vision, that of thinking ahead. “ We have recruited 2,400 personnel ad with the increase, you must start thinking of infrastructure. Our actions are driven by the desire to add value to society and that is the right direction to go,” he said.

There are many worries that come with such projects, will the infrastructure not a pointer to an exorbitant school fees.  Will the school be opened to children of civilians and how would the NAF maintain such a high standard facility, how much was expended into the project?

The CAS has answers for all. The school will follow the usual NAF fees schedule without adding anything on, the school will be opened to civilians, the NAF has maintenance structure put in place and the schools are of high standard so will stand the test of time and the schools are built using direct labour from the NAF, thereby cutting costs and enhancing the skills of Air Force engineers.

Relaxation centre in Air Force Girls school

The post We will improve heart and mind – NAF chief appeared first on The Nation Nigeria.

Vice Chancellor, Landmark University, Prof Aize Obayan, has praised the founder of the university, Bishop David Oyedepo, for establishing the institution with the aim of provoking global agrarian revolution.

Prof Obayan, who also identified agriculture as the antidote to current economic situation, urged authorities to renew commitment to agriculture to transit from an importing nation to an export-driven economy.

She spoke to newsmen in Omu-Aran, Irepodun Local Government Area of Kwara State at a briefing to mark the 62nd birthday of  Dr. Oyedepo.

Prof Obayan described Dr. Oyedepo as a visionary leader of global repute, whose obedience to the divine call and passion for the vision, had brought remarkable transformation to the education landscape, and agricultural revolution in Africa.

She said: “We are here today, celebrating a man with a selfless service to God and humanity, an illustrious son of Africa who through capacity initiatives and efforts has provided hope to many lives globally.

“We are appreciating God’s grace upon the life of His servant whose agenda to drive change and transformation in Africa and the world at large is unmistaken.

“We are celebrating a man of vision who demonstrated a prompt obedience to divine instruction and by this provides a better platform for the landscape of agriculture and education.”

Prof Obayan lamented that the global economic downturn occasioned by the fall in crude oil price was taking a toll on Nigeria, saying emphasis should be laid on individuals return to farming.

She said:  “We are convinced that attaining success in the agricultural sector would reduce food importation that fuels domestic inflation and depletes foreign reserves.”

“Wisdom, therefore, demands that agricultural products should be used as input for our own home-made products so that we can export finished products.

“According to a World Bank projection, about 100 million young people will be joining the labour queue by 2035.

“This is an awful picture of a nation with lesser job opportunities, which implies that there would be no jobs outside agriculture to meet the employment needs of these people.

“Experts agree that the next gold pool of jobs would be in agriculture and services sector of the economy.”

Prof Obayan continued:  “We are unrelenting in championing the crusade of awareness that agriculture is not just about farming; it is about the entire value chain, which is impressively gaining grounds.

“It is capable of turning people, particularly the youths into agricultural entrepreneurs.”

She noted that as an importing nation that needs dollar reserves to support her import needs, Nigeria’s reserves keep depleting as world oil price declines.

“To stop bleeding the external reserves, the Central Bank of Nigeria has urged Nigerians to begin to process raw materials to get more value and earn more foreign exchange.”

Prof Obayan revealed that the university was collaborating with  Shonga Farms, Kwara State, Songhai Farms, Benin Republic, and Elpassso Farms, Pretoria, South Africa.

The post Oyedepo hailed for pioneering agriarian revolution appeared first on The Nation Nigeria.

NO fewer than 480 pupils from 30 schools in Lagos and Ogun States will kick off the Nigeria International Schools (inter schools) Chess  competition league on  Saturday, October 8.

Acording to its Coordinator,  Mr Kunle Fasan, the event will hold at Holy Child Girls College, Ikoyi.

He appealed for sponsorship, saying the group has held the contest yearly over the last decade, despite poor or lack of sponsorship.

Fasan said: “Since the chess competition league started 11 years ago, the competition has remained the only consistent inter schools chess event in Nigeria that has not missed any annual edition. We are therefore appealing to potential sponsors to come to our aid through individual or corporate sponsorship.”

The post Chess league contest for Sat. appeared first on The Nation Nigeria.

Director, Everest Heights Academy, Gwagwalada Abuja, Dr Olubukola Dosunmu, has called on the Federal Government to address multiple taxation against private schools operators in the country. Dosunmu also called for strict regulations and control of private schools, as well as access to funds from financial institutions.

She spoke at the inauguration of its Junior Secondary School arm in Abuja.

According to her, the plan of the school is to have a university in the next few years to address certain needs in the education sector.

Dosunmu, a pathologist, attributed the success of the school to discipline, trust in God, dedication of staff and the unflinching support of her husband who stood by her when she started operating the school from their living room 12 years ago.

She said: “At the beginning, we had a lot of challenges, in fact around 2011 and 2013, we almost went bankrupt because of the difficulties and problems associated with running a private school. There is the problem of multiple taxation, overhead costs, teachers’ salaries, water and electricity bills, high interest rates and inability to access funds from financial institutions.

“Education is capital intensive and people going there need the support of government, institutions and individuals. But here the support is almost zero. A lot of times I was discouraged because of the harsh environment and the fact that some parents when they are angry, use harsh words against you. Most times I would tell myself if I had remained in my Consulting Room at the teaching hospital, maybe I would not be facing this challenge.

“But I thank God who makes it possible for me to receive support from a lot of people especially the teachers.  I am very passionate about education.

“It is my prayer that the government would address certain areas that have to do with multiple taxation, and the need for strict regulations and control, access to funds from financial institutions and reductions in levies and taxes imposed on private schools by so many government agencies.”

He said the institution does not compromise standard to passing exams.

The school which was established in 2004 with four pioneering pupils, now has over 500 pupils across its day care, nursery, primary and secondary arms.

The post ‘Address multiple taxation in private schools’ appeared first on The Nation Nigeria.

Vice Chancellor, Landmark University, Prof Aize Obayan, has praised the founder of the university, Bishop David Oyedepo, for establishing the institution with the aim of provoking global agrarian revolution.

Prof Obayan, who also identified agriculture as the antidote to current economic situation, urged authorities to renew commitment to agriculture to transit from an importing nation to an export-driven economy.

She spoke to newsmen in Omu-Aran, Irepodun Local Government Area of Kwara State at a briefing to mark the 62nd birthday of  Dr. Oyedepo.

Prof Obayan described Dr. Oyedepo as a visionary leader of global repute, whose obedience to the divine call and passion for the vision, had brought remarkable transformation to the education landscape, and agricultural revolution in Africa.

She said: “We are here today, celebrating a man with a selfless service to God and humanity, an illustrious son of Africa who through capacity initiatives and efforts has provided hope to many lives globally.

“We are appreciating God’s grace upon the life of His servant whose agenda to drive change and transformation in Africa and the world at large is unmistaken.

“We are celebrating a man of vision who demonstrated a prompt obedience to divine instruction and by this provides a better platform for the landscape of agriculture and education.”

Prof Obayan lamented that the global economic downturn occasioned by the fall in crude oil price was taking a toll on Nigeria, saying emphasis should be laid on individuals return to farming.

She said:  “We are convinced that attaining success in the agricultural sector would reduce food importation that fuels domestic inflation and depletes foreign reserves.”

“Wisdom, therefore, demands that agricultural products should be used as input for our own home-made products so that we can export finished products.

“According to a World Bank projection, about 100 million young people will be joining the labour queue by 2035.

“This is an awful picture of a nation with lesser job opportunities, which implies that there would be no jobs outside agriculture to meet the employment needs of these people.

“Experts agree that the next gold pool of jobs would be in agriculture and services sector of the economy.”

Prof Obayan continued:  “We are unrelenting in championing the crusade of awareness that agriculture is not just about farming; it is about the entire value chain, which is impressively gaining grounds.

“It is capable of turning people, particularly the youths into agricultural entrepreneurs.”

She noted that as an importing nation that needs dollar reserves to support her import needs, Nigeria’s reserves keep depleting as world oil price declines.

“To stop bleeding the external reserves, the Central Bank of Nigeria has urged Nigerians to begin to process raw materials to get more value and earn more foreign exchange.”

Prof Obayan revealed that the university was collaborating with  Shonga Farms, Kwara State, Songhai Farms, Benin Republic, and Elpassso Farms, Pretoria, South Africa.

The post Oyedepo hailed for pioneering agriarian revolution appeared first on The Nation Nigeria.

Teachers of Bolade Senior Grammar School, Oshodi, Lagos, have organised a send-off party for the outgoing principal of the school, Mrs Modupe Dada-Korede.

The event, which held at Bolade Youth Centre Hall, Oshodi, was attended by many principals and directors of secondary schools in the state.

At the event, some of Mrs Dada-Korede’s well-wishers attested to her achievements, which include: improvement in infrastructure and academic performance of pupils in external examinations, as well as staff welfare.

In her welcome address, All Nigerian Confederation of Principals of Secondary Schools (ANCOPPS), Lagos State branch Chairman, Mrs. Abosede Awodumila, wished the retiree blessings as she took a bow from the teaching profession.

She said: “I know Mrs. Modupe Dada-Korede to be a no-nonsense person. She has received series of awards. She is not just a principal but an outstanding administrator to be reckoned with. She has put in so many efforts in building the lives of other people’s children. My prayer is that whatever you lay your hands on after retirement, may God bless it abundantly.”

Commenting on the leadership qualities of the former civil servant, a teacher of English Language at Bolade Senior Grammar School, Mr. Oluseyi Aluko described her former boss as a kind, jovial and caring person who will be missed by both workers and students.

‘’She is very nice and jovial,” Aluko said.

“She always asked about staff welfare. Once you do your job effectively, you will not have any problem with her. We would miss her jokes and motherly advice. She also appreciates things a lot. Any little help you render to her, she would always appreciate it,’’ he said.

Mrs Dada-Korede thanked the staff of the school for their support. The outgoing principal, who described her feeling as overwhelming, also promised to continue to render selfless service to God and humanity.

‘’I thank God for sparing my life till this moment. I appreciate Him for His grace to be alive today. Sincerely, I am highly overwhelmed by this ceremony. I thank my family members and staff of Bolade Senior Grammar School for this event.

‘’For me, I will keep on working. I will continue to work for the service of God and humanity. My wish is to see students performing excellently in all their subjects,’’ she added.

The farewell event also featured: choreography, cutting of the cake, gifts presentation, pen down and pull out ceremonies, among others.

The post Teachers celebrate ex-principal at retirement appeared first on The Nation Nigeria.

The Vice Chancellor of Benue State University (BSU) Makurdi, Prof Msugh Kembe, says the institution is owing N3.8 billion.

He said this at the opening of a retreat for deans, directors and heads of departments of BSU in Makurdi.

He explained that the debt included arrears of pension, death benefits and earned allowances liabilities.

“The university is in arrears of pension in excess of N500 million; death benefits liability of the university is close to N300 million while earned allowances liability is in excess of N3 billion,” Kembe said.

He said BSU was no longer receiving funds from the state government, adding that capital projects were mostly funded by Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFUND) and the state Association of Local Government of Nigeria (ALGON).

The vice chancellor further lamented that efforts to improve the internally generated revenue of the university by increasing user charges were frustrated.

BSU Pro Chancellor and Chairman of Council, Zachary Gundu, warned lecturers against sexual harassment, admission racketeering and corruption.

“There are vices we must avoid if we have to build a BSU of our dream. Lack of transparency breeds rumours and speculations.

“We must also choose to be authentic and be prepared to cut away everything that is not ours.

“If cultism is not ours, we must stamp it out completely. If cheating, sexual harassment and plagiarism are not ours, we must reject everything about it.

“If admission racketeering is not ours, we must stamp it out quickly, and if corruption is not ours, we must do everything possible to be above board,” Gundu said.

The don said the council was not satisfied with the quality of the institution’s projects and the quality of inventories kept in offices about suppliers.

He charged management to explore new teaching pedadgogy which he belives would afford students opportunities to experience quality, thereby improving standards.

“The student who is forced to put money in his or her project in order for the supervisor to grade it is passing through an experience that will destroy our reputation.

He said available records from the visitation panel showed that the previous management was not truthful to both staff and students, leading to much compromises in the system.

The post Benue Varsity owes N3.8b, says VC appeared first on The Nation Nigeria.

It was neither a fiction, nor hearsay, but a true account of the author’s foray into the dark world of cultism as an undergraduate, and the sheer vanity that climaxed his escapades and nearly despatched him to the great beyond.

Yet, it is an account of how unsuspecting youths who gained admission to the nation’s tertiary institutions were lured with promises that seemed too tantalising to resist; but turned out to be a death sentence in the end.

Adebayo Olurin is the author of the yet-to-be-launched book ‘I am not a cultist: Not everybody gets a second chance’, which chronicles his life as a notorious cult member who dominated his ‘territory’ with ease and ‘deleted’ those who could not genuflect or kowtow to his authority.

Going down memory lane, the author recalls how indifference on the part of his parents led to their misconception about his true identity. He therefore warns parents to always pay attention to their children’s future as they grow, to identify their character traits.

“If I would be honest,” Olurin begins, !i was desperately in love with power; it was this quest that made me crave power for control of everything around me. I must admit I always wanted the world to revolve around me – my comfort, pleasure and convenience. I desired that others see and interpret everything through my eyes, make me happy, meet my needs, and refrain from offending, upsetting or irritating me. I wanted to be understood, acknowledged, appreciated, praised, valued, attended to, catered for, respected admired and listened to. I love to be in absolute control.”

And when he eventually secured admission into the polytechnic, the author began to look for individuals that would help fulfill his long-time cravings; he soon found them. His life in their company was rosy, but for a short while; until he was one day tricked, alongside other unsuspecting students, into joining a social club. They were then ferried into a jungle where they were initiated into cultism.

However, he and others soon realised the anticipated life of bliss once dangled before them had melted into a life of discomfort. Their lives were remotely controlled by ‘superior’ colleagues; and the ‘lower ranked’ have little chances of protesting because the system is simply autocratic.

“For instance,’’ the author says, “the superior can order a member not to appear on campus for the next one week. Such one would suddenly be given a mission to keep him busy outside campus. That could make someone fail a course. The superior can collect a junior member’s belongings for more than a semester and may not even return them. In other cases, if the member is the brilliant type, he could be asked to write exam for the superior leaving his own studies unattended to.”

Olurin says parameters for being lured into cultism are anchored on a tripod – physical, financial, and intellectual ‘ruggedity’. Ruggedity, Olurin explains, simply means capability; noting that physical ruggedity translates to muscular or well-built individuals  who can be trusted to lead an onslaught against perceived individual or rival groups on or beyond campus. Financial ruggedity involved those with rich parental background whose resources are often deployed  to oil the group’s operations either through procurement of weapons, or providing funds for logistics in the event of an attack against rival groups or bribing security officials to get their arrested members off the hook should problem arise. Intellectually ruggedity are the eggheads who impersonate for other members during examination.

But, generally, students who are curious about excessive or extravagant life of certain individuals on campus or rather those who simply want to ‘belong’ by associating themselves with these high spenders, are also easy targets as their curiosity lead them to what they never planned for.

The book also highlights the organogram in cultism. A unit is charged with recruiting new members. There is another department which disseminates information to members; and still the account unit collects members’ dues and levies; the security unit spearheads attacks; it has  a sub-unit which takes care of weaponry; and another- a search unit’ usually scans new grounds for conducting initiation rituals for new entreants, to mention just a few.

The book portrays some of the cult members, equipping themselves with ‘juju’ for spiritual protection which often makes them over confident and indulging them in more atrocities.  However, the juju sometimes boomerangs in the heat of operation, leaving the wearer with little or no chance of survival.

Olurin warns young ladies on campus who are easily attracted to young but rich and influential males that appear to have whatever they want at the tip of their fingernails. Once a lady finds two male undergraduates threatening brims and fire against each other because of her, then its time she runs off, the author advises.

Some cult groups also court the friendship of prominent unions and individuals across academic and non academic staff who are close to the management, and therefore can use their influence to tilt judgment in their favour whenever the need arises.

Even though he admonishes lecturers and other senior workers to be sociable to students, Olurin warns them to desist from any secret affair or undue familiarity with them. Rather, they should be in inspiration leading students aright and pointing to them the risk involved in associating with bad company.

During his visit at The Nation’s corporate headquarters in Mushin, Lagos, Olurin, now a social crusader, said beyond the Pyrate Confraternity, which was established in University of Ibadan in 1952, with noble goals to fight colonialism and push for equal society, there is proliferation of various anti-social groups on campus laying claim to similar goals. He listed these as: Sea Lords or Buka; Air Lords or Supreme Eiye Confraternity; Neo Black Movement a.k.a Aiye; Klu Klux Klan (KKK), Mafia, among others.

Once a cult member, forever a member, and the reality of sudden death is just a matter of time, Olurin explains.

He says there are some cultists who manage to survive the stormy ambience of campus cultism, only to pay the ‘supreme price’ years after they have graduated.

According to him, some met their waterloo from rival gangs on their wedding  day or birthday, while others get killed during family vacation or old friends party.

Recounting the inspiration behind the book, Olurin said: “This book aims to correct a very wrong notion for joining cult groups in our campuses today. With hundreds of promising individuals already killed across different campuses due to cult activities and even more thousands losing the essence of a hopeful future. A craving for power should never go overboard into ruin and damage to others and oneself. The desire for attention and control shouldn’t lead many more students to engage in vicious and destructive vice,”

…And then “I’m not a cultist’ was born.

The post ‘My life as a cultist’ appeared first on The Nation Nigeria.

No fewer than 20 primary and secondary schools in Sokoto State were last week sealed by the state government.

The affected schools, the government said, violated regulations guiding their establishment.

This was contained in a statement signed by the chairman of the committee on the closure of unregistered schools in the state, Alhaji Shehu Lema.

The statement said the decision was sequel to the recommendations of the committee to the ministry of basic and secondary education.

It said: “The axed schools were closed as they were operating illegally and in non- conducive environment.

“They were also operating in rented apartments in contravention of the laid down rules and regulations of establishing such schools.

“These affected schools had also recruited unqualified teachers, another flagrant violation of the regulations.’’

The statement further urged parents not to patronise the affected schools. It also called on them to liaise with the ministry in seeking new schools for their children and wards.

The post Sokoto shuts 20 illegal schools appeared first on The Nation Nigeria.

Teachers of Bolade Senior Grammar School, Oshodi, Lagos, have organised a send-off party for the outgoing principal of the school, Mrs Modupe Dada-Korede.

The event, which held at Bolade Youth Centre Hall, Oshodi, was attended by many principals and directors of secondary schools in the state.

At the event, some of Mrs Dada-Korede’s well-wishers attested to her achievements, which include: improvement in infrastructure and academic performance of pupils in external examinations, as well as staff welfare.

In her welcome address, All Nigerian Confederation of Principals of Secondary Schools (ANCOPPS), Lagos State branch Chairman, Mrs. Abosede Awodumila, wished the retiree blessings as she took a bow from the teaching profession.

She said: “I know Mrs. Modupe Dada-Korede to be a no-nonsense person. She has received series of awards. She is not just a principal but an outstanding administrator to be reckoned with. She has put in so many efforts in building the lives of other people’s children. My prayer is that whatever you lay your hands on after retirement, may God bless it abundantly.”

Commenting on the leadership qualities of the former civil servant, a teacher of English Language at Bolade Senior Grammar School, Mr. Oluseyi Aluko described her former boss as a kind, jovial and caring person who will be missed by both workers and students.

‘’She is very nice and jovial,” Aluko said.

“She always asked about staff welfare. Once you do your job effectively, you will not have any problem with her. We would miss her jokes and motherly advice. She also appreciates things a lot. Any little help you render to her, she would always appreciate it,’’ he said.

Mrs Dada-Korede thanked the staff of the school for their support. The outgoing principal, who described her feeling as overwhelming, also promised to continue to render selfless service to God and humanity.

‘’I thank God for sparing my life till this moment. I appreciate Him for His grace to be alive today. Sincerely, I am highly overwhelmed by this ceremony. I thank my family members and staff of Bolade Senior Grammar School for this event.

‘’For me, I will keep on working. I will continue to work for the service of God and humanity. My wish is to see students performing excellently in all their subjects,’’ she added.

The farewell event also featured: choreography, cutting of the cake, gifts presentation, pen down and pull out ceremonies, among others.

The post Teachers celebrate ex-principal at retirement appeared first on The Nation Nigeria.

The Association for Formidable Educational Development (AFED), has reiterated its  remained a formidable partner in economic and educational progress in Lagos State.

The association spoke through its National President, Mrs Ifejola Dada at the International Literacy Day, which held at the National Stadium  last week. The theme of the event was “Read the past and write the future”.

At the event, 1800 pupils from 40-member schools were in attendance. A representative from each school was requested to read a chapter of a work of literature aloud.

Mrs Dada appealed to Lagos State government to refrain from its planned clampdown of 10,000 private schools as released in its statement, saying it portends great damage to government and business owners.

Dada said: “The education sector is the hub of human capital development and transformation of the entire system. It is feeding the rest with the required human capital which is why it requires enabling policy from state leaders”.

She continued: “Under AFED, we have 5000 members; in each school we have minimum of nine teachers to 50 pupils. If we multiply that, how many people will lose their jobs and be unemployed peradventure the government carries out its threat? The two million pupils in our different schools that were taken off the streets, return there?  We all know that our public schools are filled up and not enough to cater for these children”.

While praising Lagos government for its cooperation, Dada recalled that the immediate past administration used more civil ways in handling the matter without closing down the schools.

She said: “The administration of Mr Babatunde Fashola set up a committee in the Ministry of Education. They created the education stakeholders quarterly meeting, the grading assessment of private schools (GAPS), and the extension of public service provision by the British government”.

She, however, assured the government that AFED was committed to delivering quality and functional education. She said the association will start to issue yellow cards to member schools that are deficient in one facility or the other, noting that such schools would be given the option of either closing down or merging and joining resources with nearby member schools in order to meet requirements.

Director-General, Office of Education, Quality Assurance, Mrs Ronke Soyombo, said the Literacy Day was to enable pupils inculcate  the habit of reading, comprehension and not just speaking grammar.

She said reading culture in children needs to be reawakened so that efforts can be made by schools, parents and other stakeholders to ensure that pupils cultivate that habit flawlessly.

“We have to give big kudos to AFED for organising such a laudable event. To me, it is a day we are all coming together as stakeholders to promote literacy in Lagos State. We are celebrating the culture of reading as well as encouraging literacy,” she said.

The post Don’t clampdown on schools, AFED begs Lagos Govt. appeared first on The Nation Nigeria.

Niger State Government will review its policy on the payment of West African Senior Secondary Certificate Examinations (WASSCE) fees for final year secondary school pupils, Governor Abubakar Sani Bello, has said,

He spoke during an inspection of the renovation of Justice Idris Legbo Govt Science Secondary School, Kutigi.

The governor expressed dismay over incessant failure of candidates in WASSCE and National Examinations Council (NECO) examinations, adding that money paid for these pupils might have to be diverted  to other areas.

He said the government’s proposed action was hinged on the perennial failure of pupils in the exams, adding that his administration would not continue to pay for what had no value on the state.

Instead of ‘wasting’ such large sum of money, Bello said the amount could be deployed towards infrastructural upgrade of public schools as well as  make teachers’ quarters habitable to improve performance.

“We must review the policy,” Bello said.

“At the moment, we are still owning WAEC and NECO almost N500 million to be paid for pupils that cannot have up to five credits and above. So, basically, we are throwing away money. We would rather stop and invest the money in school facility so that in time, we get a lot.”

Bello said should the government decide to continue, the state would conduct mock exams, and only candidates who scored three credits and above, would the qualify for the free tuition.

On the state’s indebtedness to NECO and WAEC, Bello said the government was negotiating with the two exam bodies to solve the problem.

The post Niger to stop payment of WASSCE fees appeared first on The Nation Nigeria.

Ekiti State branch of Academic Staff Union of Secondary Schools (ASUSS) has splashed cash and gifts worth N4 million on 64 retired teachers to appreciate their services to humanity.

The beneficiaries, some of who  retired as Tutors-General, were honoured by the ASUSS on Monday, last week, as part of activities marking this year’s World Teachers’ Day held at the union’s permanent site, Ajebamidele in Ado Ekiti.

The occasion was the sixth of the awards and send-off; many of the beneficiaries expressed delight that their efforts were at last being appreciated.

The gifts include N500,000, industrial sewing machines, water dispensers, mattresses, gas cookers, and electric stoves.

Dignitaries who witnessed the occasion include the Head of Service, Dr. Gbenga Faseluka; wife of the governor’s representative, Cecilia Dada, lawmaker and former Minister of Aviation, Mr. Babatunde Omotoba.

ASUSS Chairman in Ekiti, Comrade Olusola Adigun, said the gesture was made because of the retirees’ contribution and commitment to the profession and to encourage those still in service to put in their best.

He said: “It is to appreciate your over three decades of commitment to raising generations of professionals with ideals of peace, mutual respect and understanding of the society.

“It is also to remind other professionals in service that someday, they would be so accorded this honour.”

Adigun praised Ekiti State Governor Ayo Fayose for promoting industrial harmony among unions in the education sector by midwifing truce between ASUSS and her mother union, the Nigerian Union of Teachers (NUT).

Adigun also thanked Fayose for lifting the suspension on some teachers at Elo High School, Ayetoro-Ekiti, the cash gifts and compensatory employment for the husband of a teacher who returned her overpaid allowances.

He nonetheless canvassed the payment of salaries’ arrears, clearing backlog of promotion of teachers, through the conversion of qualified teachers at the primary level to the secondary level considering the lack of resources to recruit new teachers.

Faseluka, who promised to pass the requests of the teachers to the governor, urged the union to show understanding with the authorithy.

The chairman of the occasion, Mr. Omotoba, who donated N250,000 to  the union, sought love and unity among members of the association.

The post Ekiti ASUSS splashes cash, gifts on retirees appeared first on The Nation Nigeria.