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Category: Education

  • JAMB Screens 924 CBT Centres Ahead of 2026 UTME

    JAMB Screens 924 CBT Centres Ahead of 2026 UTME

    The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has screened a total of 924 Computer-Based Test (CBT) centres nationwide in preparation for the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).

    The Registrar of JAMB, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, disclosed this on Saturday during an interactive session with State Commissioners for Education held in Lagos.

    Oloyede explained that the screened centres would undergo final tests before receiving full accreditation to participate in the 2026 UTME registration and examination.

    According to him, the board routinely conducts accreditation exercises before the commencement of registration to assess the suitability of CBT centres for its examinations.

    “A rigorous accreditation exercise has been carried out for the 2026 UTME. Members of the accreditation team included Chief External Examiners such as Vice-Chancellors, Rectors and Provosts, as well as Technical Advisors, JAMB State Coordinators and Technical Officers,” he said.

    He added that the engagement with commissioners was aimed at strengthening collaboration to ensure smooth registration and hitch-free conduct of the 2026 UTME and Direct Entry (DE) examinations.

    The registrar said the meeting also served to share JAMB’s vision, policies and strategies for the 2026 exercise, introduce new measures to enhance integrity and efficiency, improve public sensitisation, and gather feedback from stakeholders at the grassroots level.

    Oloyede further noted that joint efforts would be intensified to curb examination malpractice and other unethical practices.

    Providing details on the registration timeline, he said UTME and mock candidates would register before Direct Entry candidates.

    “The sale of UTME application documents (e-PINs) will commence ahead of the registration period. UTME registration will take place from January 26 to February 28, while e-PIN sales will run from January 19 to February 26,” he said.

    He added that the mock examination selection would close on February 16, while the sale of Direct Entry application documents and e-PINs would begin on March 2 and end on April 25. Registration would also be available at all JAMB offices.

    On age eligibility, Oloyede stated that only candidates who would be at least 16 years old by September 30, 2026, were eligible for the UTME.

    He described admission for candidates below 16 as a rare exception, noting that underage candidates would undergo intensive evaluation to qualify for a waiver.

    Such candidates, he said, must score at least 80 per cent in the UTME, A’ Level, Post-UTME, SSCE and an exceptional candidate assessment before their results could be released.

    Oloyede also warned against examination malpractice, revealing that JAMB uncovered syndicates during the 2025 UTME involved in identity manipulation, including the use of multiple National Identification Numbers (NINs).

    “Any candidate found engaging in multiple registrations or identity manipulation will have all associated registrations cancelled and will be disqualified from the examination and admission processes,” he warned.

  • US-Based Nigerian Media Expert Establishes Media and Digital Centre at IMT Enugu

    US-Based Nigerian Media Expert Establishes Media and Digital Centre at IMT Enugu

    Enugu, Nigeria – Dr. Uchenna Ekwo, a US-based Nigerian media expert and alumnus of the Institute of Management and Technology (IMT), Enugu, has established a Media and Digital Centre at the Mass Communication Department of the institute.

    The initiative was aimed at equipping staff and students with essential digital and media literacy skills.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Ekwo, who is also the President of the Consortium for International Education and Development (CIED), New York, presented certificates to staff members who completed a training on media and literacy.

    He urged participants to embrace digital skills to adapt to the rapidly changing global landscape and to combat misinformation.

    “As an alumnus, I felt compelled to give back to my alma mater by establishing this centre. Digital and media literacy is no longer optional; it is a civic skill, a professional competency, and increasingly, a survival skill,” Ekwo said.

    He emphasized that citizens must learn to critically evaluate information, question content, and use media responsibly for empowerment rather than manipulation.

    Ekwo explained that the certificates awarded represented commitment, responsibility, and relevance in a digital era. Of the 13 staff enrolled, five successfully completed the rigorous training, marking the first cohort of graduates.

    Prof. Gozie Ogbodo, Rector of IMT, lauded the initiative as aligning with the institution’s goal of ensuring students acquire practical skills alongside academic qualifications. “We expect our students to take advantage of these opportunities to graduate not only with a diploma but also with life-sustaining skills,” he stated.

    A beneficiary of the programme, Mr. Jonah Mamah, described the training as “life-changing” and noted that the digital skills gained would be valuable in their professional and personal lives.

    Ekwo commended CIED for its vision in bridging education, local realities, and global opportunities, and thanked IMT for its intellectual partnership and support in nurturing digitally empowered citizens.

  • Old girls donate classrooms, computers to alma mater

    Old girls donate classrooms, computers to alma mater

    Old Girls Association of FGGC, Abuloma, Rivers State has donated N50 million legacy projects to the school to ensure girl-child education.

    The projects include four STEAM-enabled smart classrooms, 23 laptops, rehabilitation of water reticulation system in the hostel among others.

    Speaking at the 50th anniversary celebration of the school on Thursday in Port Harcourt, the Minister of Education, Mr Maruf Alausa commended the association for the projects.

    The anniversary was themed, ‘’Roots to Golden Fruits, Remembering the past, Celebrating the Present and Empowering the future.’’

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    The minister, represented by Mrs Iyang Ukpe, Director/Principal, Federal Government College, Port Harcourt, commended the theme, saying that it was appropriate as it highlighted the efforts of its founders.

    Alausa stated that the projects were a demonstration of the association’s commitment to education advancement of the girl-child.

    He described the smart classroom as a game-changer, saying that N50 million investment was not just about technology but ‘’a deliberate move towards preparing our girls for the future.’’

    According to him, this confirms your commitment to welfare of students which is a top priority of the federal government.

    ‘’This is a commendable effort as it would equip our students in a globally competitive world in the area of Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics.

    ”You have also delivered a total of 23 laptops to equip the collage’s Biology Laboratory and the school’s library.

    ”You acknowledge the crucial need for safe clean water, this you have demonstrated in the repair of the collage water reticulation system in the hostels,’’ Alausa said.

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    It was stated that a STEAM-enable classroom is a dynamic educational room that integrates Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts, and Mathematics to foster practical problems-solving through various tools.

    Speaking also, Mrs Itoro Isong, the group’s national President, noted that the donation was one of the association’s ways of giving back to the college.

    According to her, the institution has contributed immensely in building foundational morals for women of impeccable character.

    She noted that the college since inception held a vision that had continued to promote excellence, unity, and progress and urged students to take advantage of the equipment to improve their studies.

    “Our school was founded to be more than just a place of learning; it is a beacon of light, shaping young minds and moulding future leaders.

    “Five decades of our history, the college had churned out countless professionals making positive impacts and contributing to national development as entrepreneurs, politicians, public servants amongst others,” she said.

    Also, Chief Dumo Lulu-Briggs, Chairman of Platform Petroleum Company, applauded the group for the contributions to the education growth especially that of the girl-child and donation of N20 million for education development.

    Describing women as more empathetic and conscious of societal values, Lulu-Briggs said he looked forward to seeing a female emerge as Nigerian President.

    Some politicians and businessmen, who attended the event, urged politicians in the state to eschew bitterness and cooperate towards building a more prosperous state.

  • Disquiet at BUK as lecturers stage peaceful protests

    Trouble brews at Bayero University Kano (BUK) as lecturers stage a peaceful protest, calling on the Federal Government (FG) to implement renegotiated agreements and pay withheld salaries.

    The protesting lecturers belong to the local branch of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU).

    Comrade Yusuf Madugu, the Vice-Chairman of ASUU-BUK, told newsmen during the protest in Kano on Tuesday that the action became necessary following the alleged government’s failure to act on the union’s demands.

    He recalled that ASUU had renegotiated the 2009 agreement with successive government committees led by Prof. Munzali Jibrin, Prof. Nimi Briggs and most recently under Malam Yayale Ahmed.

    Placard-carrying protesting lecturers

    “The negotiation was concluded in December 2024, but up till this moment the government has not acted on it.

    “This is the first step among many that we are going to take to appeal to the government to do the needful. Government must meet our demands,” Madugu said.

    He listed the union’s demands to include the signing and implementation of the renegotiated agreement, payment of three and a half months withheld salaries after the 2022 strike, and proper funding of universities through revitalisation funds.

    “The demand also includes the issue of increment in our salaries, wage, welfare and allowances.

    “There is also the university autonomy. The university needs to be independent.

    “After we ended the strike in 2022, we went back to the classes, conducted lectures and examinations.

    “Out of the seven and a half months withheld salaries, only four months were paid. Three and a half months are still outstanding,” he said.

    Madugu noted that since the former President Goodluck Jonathan-led administration released the N200 billion revitalisation fund, which was to be paid in six tranches, only one tranche had been released.

    “These revitalisation funds are funds that are needed for funding our universities. We need reagents in our laboratories, books in our libraries, classrooms and a conducive atmosphere for students to learn,” he said.

    The vice-chairman warned that the government should be held responsible for any action that follows if the demands are not met, adding that ASUU would decide its next line of action after a national emergency congress.

    Similarly, the President of the BUK Students Union Government, Abdullahi Usman-Baba, appealed to the FG to dialogue with ASUU in the interest of students.

    “When there is a strike, it is the students that suffer most because our academic calendar gets disrupted.

    “We humbly plead with government to sit with ASUU and listen to their demands,” he said.

  • Diaspora club awards scholarship to 27 students of UI

    The Egbe Omo Oduduwa Inc. of South Florida (EOOI) has awarded scholarship to 27 final-year students of the University of Ibadan on the Deacon Oluwole Ale Memorial Scholarship Programme.

    The scholarship award marks the third that would be presented to students of the University, having presented the award consistently for three years.

    Addressing the recipients during the award presentation, the Vice Chancellor of the University of Ibadan, Prof. K.O. Adebowale, commended the Egbe Omo Oduduwa Inc. for their consistency in awarding the Deacon Oluwole Ale Memorial Scholarship annually since its inception in the University.

    He noted that unlike many programmes that fade after a few years, the EOOI scholarship has remained reliable, providing students with the support they need to finish their studies successfully.

    Professor Adebowale admitted that the University can no longer depend on government funding alone, stressing the need for stronger partnerships with alumni, friends and donors.

    He highlighted how initiatives like the Omo Oduduwa Scholarship help reduce financial burdens on students while also rewarding hard work, discipline, and service, enjoining others to emulate them.

    The Vice Chancellor further congratulated the awardees and encouraged them to see the scholarship as motivation to excel in their academics and personal development.

    Dr. Wale Alonge, who represented the President of Egbe Omo Oduduwa Inc. at the event reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to supporting students in Nigeria through the scholarship programme.

    He stated that the award is targeted at indigent Yoruba students from Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Osun, Ondo, Ekiti, Kwara, and Kogi States who have demonstrated both academic excellence and leadership in community service.

    The EOOI has been awarding scholarships in various institutions in Nigeria consistently for over two decades, bringing it to the University of Ibadan about three years ago.

    He appreciated the management of the University for the warmth with which they have received, and continue to extend to his group.

    Dr Alonge urged the students to emulate the gesture they are benefitting from in the future, so that they can also contribute towards strengthening the generation coming after them.

    Dr. Adewale Alonge

    Speaking earlier, the Dean of Students. Prof. Demola Lewis, while reiterating the positive effect that the scholarship would have on the students, affirmed that the scholarship addresses both indigence and intelligence and would help make recipients’ final year experience a smooth sail.

    The event was rounded off with a vote of thanks by the Registrar of the University, Mr G.O. Saliu, who joined the Vice Chancellor in commending the Egbe Omo Oduduwa Inc. for their generosity and consistency in giving back.

    The Registrar expressed optimism that the gesture will have a ripple effect, positively affecting not only these generation of students, but future generations as well.

  • Tinubu lauds Nigerian students for excelling at global competition 

    Tinubu lauds Nigerian students for excelling at global competition 

    President Bola Tinubu has congratulated three Nigerian students for emerging world champions at the 2025 TeenEagle Global competition in London, United Kingdom.

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    ‎Nafisa Aminu, Rukayya Fema, and Hadiza Kalli excelled in English communication and debate, bringing global honour to Nigeria.

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    ‎The President’s message celebrating their extraordinary achievements is contained in a statement issued by Presidential Spokesperson, Mr Bayo Onanuga, on Wednesday in Abuja.

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    ‎Seventeen-year-old Nafisa was named overall best in English language skills. Rukayya, 15, topped the debate category, while Hadiza won the outstanding talent award (gold medal).

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    ‎The president commended the exceptional young Nigerians for the feat and affirms that the nation’s future is much brighter with many of its youth as repositories of excellence.

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    ‎Tinubu praised the trio for their excellence, calling them “shining examples” of Nigeria’s promising future.

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    ‎He noted their success reflects the potential of Nigeria’s education system to nurture world-class talent.

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    ‎“Education is the cornerstone of national development,” Tinubu said, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to investing heavily in the sector.

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    ‎He cited the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) as a key effort to remove financial barriers for deserving students.

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    ‎The president urged Nafisa, Rukayya, and Hadiza to stay focused in their academic pursuits and wished them continued success.

  • Secondary School Commission targets food security through school agriculture

    The National Senior Secondary Education Commission (NSSEC) says it is repositioning school agriculture as a tool for skills acquisition, food security, and youth empowerment.

    Dr Iyela Ajayi, Executive Secretary of NSSEC, stated this on Monday in Abuja at a one-day sensitisation and strategy workshop for agricultural science officers under the “Grow What You Eat” initiative.

    Ajayi said the initiative was part of efforts to align senior secondary education with national priorities on functional skills, entrepreneurship, and food security.

    He said the programme aimed to transform school gardens into practical learning spaces to equip students with agricultural knowledge, business skills, and environmental awareness.

    “Grow What You Eat is a bold response to these national priorities. It is a strategy to transform school gardens into living classrooms, where students learn not only agriculture but also business acumen, hard work, and self-sufficiency,” he said.

    Ajayi said the official launch of the programme would hold on June 26 at Government Girls Secondary School, Dutse-Alhaji, Abuja.

    Also speaking, Mr Mohammed Salihu, Director of Teachers Development and International Partnership at NSSEC, said the workshop was part of efforts to translate education policy into practice.

    Salihu said the initiative would embed sustainability, self-reliance, and practical life skills into the senior secondary education system.

    “It prepares our students not just for exams, but for life, work, and financial independence,” he said.

    Dr Oscar Ikwankwan, a facilitator and lecturer at the Federal College of Education, Katsina, urged participants to adopt clear implementation strategies and standard guidelines for nationwide impact.

    He said the programme targets SS1 to SS3 students aged 15 to 18, and would also promote career interest in agriculture, entrepreneurship, and sustainable farming practices.

    Participants at the workshop included agricultural science desk officers from 18 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

    The states are FCT, Katsina, Borno, Taraba, Abia, Imo, Anambra, Kogi, Nasarawa, Gombe, Kano, Zamfara, Ogun, Osun, Oyo, Edo, and Rivers.

    The desk officers are expected to coordinate the implementation of the initiative in their respective states.

  • ASUU Kano zone disowns branch over Council appointment

    ASUU Kano zone disowns branch over Council appointment

    The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Kano Zone, has distanced itself from a petition by a group of academics from the Yusuf Maitama Sule Federal University of Education, Kano (YUMSFUEK).

    The petition was issued to protest allegation of irregularities in the institution’s leadership process.

    It was jointly signed by Dr Bashir Ibrahim and five others, was addressed to the Minister of Education.

    The petition demanded the removal of the Chairman of the Governing Council of YUMSFUEK and criticised the council’s alleged attempt to appoint a new vice chancellor without following due process.

    However, in a statement issued on Saturday in Kano, the ASUU Zonal Coordinator, Prof Abdulkadir Muhammad, said the institution was not a recognised branch of the union.

    He clarified that YUMSFUEK is yet to attain observer status, adding that only chartered branches of ASUU are authorised to issue petitions or press statements in the union’s name.

    “It is important to state that only a chartered branch of ASUU can legitimately issue a petition or press statement in the name of the union,” Muhammad said.

    He said while ASUU supports strict compliance with due process in the appointment of Vice-Chancellors in Nigerian public universities, the union was not involved in matters relating to YUMSFUEK.

    “We wish to inform the public and all relevant stakeholders that the petition did not emanate from ASUU but from a group of academics at YUMSFUEK,” he said.

    Muhammad urged members of the public to disregard any correspondence from the university’s academics that was presented under the ASUU’s name.

  • Medical and Dental Council raises UniAbuja admission quota from 75 to 200

    Medical and Dental Council raises UniAbuja admission quota from 75 to 200

    The Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN) has approved an increase in the admission quota for the MBBS programme at the University of Abuja (UniAbuja).

    The council raised the quota from 75 to 200, following a rigorous re-accreditation process and in line with efforts to expand access to medical education in Nigeria.

    The MDCN decision is contained in a statement issued on Saturday in Abuja by the Acting Director of Information and University Relations, Dr. Habib Yakoob.

    Yakoob said the announcement was made by the Registrar of the Council, Prof. Fatima Kyari, following a rigorous and objective re-accreditation exercise conducted at the university by a 17-member MDCN team.

    Kyari commended the university’s efforts in improving its facilities while emphasising the need for further development in several critical areas.

    She highlighted areas requiring attention, including the number and capacity of academic staff, pathology laboratories, transportation, and clinical skills support.

    Kyari noted that the increase in quota was based on a resource-based carrying capacity model.

    “When we talk about quota, we are referring to the resource-based carrying capacity.

    “For a quota of 150 students, you need 450 bed spaces for clinical training. You currently have 360.

    “For 200, you need 600. However, we want to align with your growth aspirations.

    “The nation needs more doctors, and as Abuja is the capital, it should rise to the occasion. So, we are giving you 200,” she explained.”

    She added that the council would continue to monitor the University’s compliance and provide support as it built further capacity and infrastructure.

    “We are not just here to point out what is available or lacking. We are here to encourage the university to keep striving toward meeting all required standards,” Kyari said.

    She also noted that the quota upgrade aligned with the Federal Government’s broader goal of expanding access to medical education and addressing the national shortage of doctors.

    “The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare has laid out a bold four-point agenda under the Nigeria Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative (NHSRII).

    “At the heart of this agenda is the strengthening of our healthcare workforce, from training to retention, as a critical driver for achieving universal health coverage and improved health outcomes,” she said.

    The re-accreditation process, she emphasised, was guided by standards such as infrastructure adequacy, faculty strength, student-to-resource ratio, clinical training exposure, and governance of the medical school.

    Responding to the announcement, the Acting Vice-Chancellor of the University, Prof. Patricia Lar, expressed gratitude to the MDCN.

    “The joy we feel regarding this announcement is boundless. We opened all our doors, there was no cover-up.

    “We did our best, and the constructive feedback from the MDCN will push us to aim even higher,” she said.

    Lar affirmed the University’s commitment to continuous growth and excellence in medical education.

    “We have been working tirelessly to grow the University and ensure our College of Health Sciences meets global standards.

    “I am proud to be leading the University at this critical moment.

    “Even if I am no longer in office when my tenure ends, I am confident that a solid foundation has been laid and progress will continue,” she added. 

    MBBS or Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery is the certificate awarded to graduating medical students and students dental surgery.

  • UTME Update: 379,997 to retake exams

    UTME Update: 379,997 to retake exams

    JAMB admits glitches in UTME results

    Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, the Registrar, Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) on Wednesday broke into tears as he apologised for the errors in the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination.

    Oloyede, during a news conference in Bwari on Wednesday, took responsibility of the errors in the just concluded examinations.

    Rescheduled Exam Date:

    He assured that the 379,997 affected candidates would be communicated through Short Message Service (SMS) by Thursday, so that they could reprint their slips for rescheduled examinations on Friday and Saturday.

    Oloyede revealed that the glitches, which caused widespread outrage and confusion among candidates and stakeholders, were traced to a failure in the deployment of updated grading software by one of JAMB’s service providers.

    “The issue specifically impacted 65 centres in the Lagos Zone affecting 206,610 candidates and 92 centres in Owerri Zone, affecting over 173,387 candidates.

    “I apologise for the trauma caused the candidates and I take full responsibility for this,” he said.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that of the 1.9 million candidates who sat the UTME, over 1.5 million reportedly scored below 200 out of the maximum 400 marks.

    Processed Results:

    The Board had said that a total of 1,955,069 results were processed, out of which only 4,756 candidates (0.24 per cent) scored 320 and above.

    Also, 7,658 candidates (0.39 per cent) scored between 300 and 319, bringing the total for those who scored 300 and above to 12,414 candidates (0.63 per cent).

    73,441 candidates (3.76 per cent) scored between 250 and 299 while 334,560 candidates (17.11 per cent) scored between 200 and 249.

    A total of 983,187 candidates (50.29 per cent) scored between 160 and 199, which is widely regarded as the minimum threshold for admissions in many institutions.

    In the same vein, 488,197 candidates (24.97 per cent) scored between 140 and 159, 57,419 candidates (2.94 per cent), scored between 120 and 139, 3,820 candidates (0.20 per cent) scored between 100 and 119, and 2,031 candidates (0.10 per cent) scored below 100.

    Oloyede admitted that one or two errors were made during the 2025 UTME after the investigations carried out.

    The Registrar also highlighted JAMB’s robust quality assurance systems, which include mock exams, technical simulations, and deployment of oversight teams comprising university vice-chancellors, civil society representatives, software engineers, and education experts.

    However, he acknowledged that even the most stringent measures cannot eliminate all risks.

    “This unfortunate incident represents significant self-harm to the integrity we’ve built over the years.

    “But we remain committed to transparency, fairness, and equity. It is our culture to admit error and take responsibility.”

    In response to public concern, he said the Board fast-tracked its typical post-exam audit, which was originally scheduled for June.

    According to him, the Board convened emergency meetings with stakeholders, including educators, psychometricians, and student associations, to isolate the issue and chart a course for remediation.

    “We apologise, sincerely, to the Nigerian students, parents, and schools affected. While this was not a case of sabotage, the oversight by one of our two service providers was inexcusable,” the Registrar stated.

    He added that the 2025 UTME recorded the highest individual score in the last 15 year with 374 highest score.

    He said this indicated improvements from previous years noting that overall performance still aligned with historical trends, with some early reports of widespread failure stemming largely from the glitch in affected zones.