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Category: Education

  • Hoodlums Attack UNILAG Bus During Convocation

    Hoodlums Attack UNILAG Bus During Convocation

    The management of the University of Lagos (UNILAG), Lagos State, has announced that unidentified miscreants vandalized the school bus.

    The varsity noted that the hoodlums, during the attack, stole gowns intended for its graduates for the 54th convocation ceremony scheduled to hold on Tuesday (today).

    Graduates have been mandated to pay N15,000 to obtain the convocation gowns.

    However, amid preparations, reports emerged that some graduates who made the payment received a notification from the university administration stating that the distribution of the gowns had been halted due to the vandalism committed by the unknown criminals.

    “We regret to inform you that the distribution of SPGS academic gowns is now suspended. Sadly, the remaining gowns were stolen, and our bus vandalised this afternoon,” the university’s email to one of the graduates read.

    Confirming the development, a lawyer who identified himself as Malachy Odo, said he had received the identical notification from the school through text messages subsequent to his payment of the fee designated for the gown collection.

    “I paid 15k for convocation gown yesterday and this is what UNILAG just sent me. This country is not a real place,” he noted.

  • FG suspends accreditation of degree certificates from Benin Republic, Togo

    FG suspends accreditation of degree certificates from Benin Republic, Togo

    Sequel to a report detailing how a degree was acquired from a university in Benin Republic in under two months, the Federal Government has suspended the accreditation and evaluation of degree certificates from the Country and Togo.
    “This report lends credence to suspicions that some Nigerians deploy nefarious means and unconscionable methods to get a Degree with the end objective of getting graduate job opportunities for which they are not qualified,” the spokesperson for the Ministry of Education Augustina Obilor-Duru said in a Tuesday statement.
    “The Federal Ministry of Education vehemently decries such acts and with effect from 2nd January 2024 is suspending evaluation and accreditation of degree certificates from Benin and Togo Republics pending the outcome of an investigation that would involve the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Nigeria and the two countries, the ministries responsible for Education in the two countries as well the Department of State Security Services (DSSS), and the National Youths Service Corps (NYSC).”
    The ministry is also calling on Nigerians to assist in providing information to help the committee as it seeks lasting solutions to prevent future occurrences.
    “FME has been contending with the problem including illegal institutions located abroad or at home preying on unsuspecting, innocent Nigerians and some desperate Nigerians who deliberately patronize such outlets,” the statement added.
    “Periodically, warnings have been issued by the Ministry and NUC against the resort to such institutions and in some instances, reports made to security agencies to clamp down on the perpetrators. The ministry will continue to review its strategy to plug any loopholes, processes, and procedures and deal decisively with any conniving officials.”

  • JAMB Increases Registration Fee For 2024 UTME

    The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has announced an increase registration fees for the 2024 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).

    The exam body on Monday said this new fee applies to both applicants opting for or bypassing the mock examination.In the revamped fee schedule, aspirants wishing to partake in the practice exam will now be required to pay N7,700, while those electing to skip the mock session will need to allocate N6,200. 

    This adjustment marks a slight increase from the previous fees of N6,700 for mock exams and N5,700 for non-mock examinations.While further details regarding these fees are expected to be unveiled by JAMB on or before January 15, 2024, the board has announced the registration window for Direct Entry (DE) applicants, slated to run from February 28 to March 28, 2024. 

    This provision enables graduates possessing advanced diploma qualifications to seek admission into tertiary institutions without the necessity of taking the UTME.Additionally, JAMB disclosed that the process of generating profile codes for registration is currently underway. The board assured aspiring candidates that guidelines for obtaining these codes will be issued closer to the registration launch date of January 15th.

    In emphasizing the importance of staying updated with official announcements, JAMB urged prospective candidates to remain vigilant by regularly checking the board’s website and other communication channels for any new updates.

  • Over 3,900 Teachers Fail Mandatory Professional Exam in Nigeria

    The Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria (TRCN) has revealed that over 3,900 teachers failed the November 2023 Professional Qualifying Examination.

    This exam is a compulsory assessment for professional educators in the country. 

    This revelation came to light during an interaction between TRCN Registrar, Prof. Josiah Ajiboye, and journalists on Monday.

    TRCN disclosed that out of 15,753 candidates who undertook the exam across 38 nationwide centers, only 72.9% were successful, while 3,963 teachers were unsuccessful.

    Prof. Ajiboye noted that while 10,636 individuals passed the exam, some candidates were absent, and some faced result cancellations due to suspected irregularities and malpractices. 

    The examination held from November 23rd to 25th, 2023.

  • THE NEW TETFund: WHITHER MR INNOVATOR?

    When, fifteen months ago, the freshly retired federal Permanent Secretary, Architect Sunny Togo Echono, was appointed Executive Secretary(ES) of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund(TETFund) to take over from Professor Elias Bogoro, there was so much euphoric expectations towards moving the establishment to another level which would be more functional and more responsive to the ever evolving needs of Nigeria’s Educational sectors(specifically the public Universities, Polytechnics, and Colleges of Education). Unequalled dynamism was expected of the new ES for the nation to become a better player on the globalised educational stage of cutting edge competitiveness. These expectations were not misplaced as they drew from a well of precedents which had accrued to the highly rated former President of the Nigerian Institute of Architects, as well as during his equally acclaimed years traversing the Civil Service of the Federation during which time he had been variously described as highly reliable, diligent, thorough, dependable, professional, and innovative.
    The question that readily comes to mind now, however, is how much of these qualities have been brought to bear in the new Executive Secretary’s more than one year at TETFund and how much positive impact has it had on the Organisation?

    In the new spirit of accountability seemingly enveloping the whole Nation, at the onset of a new Administration, it is pertinent to interrogate the salient plans which Arc Sonny Echono spelt out in his inaugural speech, and judge him by his words, how much he has been able to match action with words or not.

    On resumption as the new Executive Secretary, Arc Sonny Echono did not mince words in setting up his agenda for TETFund. Items he spelt out included, but not limited to, Internal Reorganisation towards greater efficiency; swipe on Erring Contractors and staff of tertiary institutions in Overseas Training Funds; suspected Procurement Racketeering involving TETFund staff; Curriculum Review; Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship; ICT Advancement; Deepening Research Development and Innovation in Tertiary Institutions; Partnerships; and Books Publications.

    Analysis of the actions taken by the new ES even in the first one hundred days showed clearly the direction he was heading. He started by the outright cancellation and, or, suspension of programmes and consultancies considered to be of no special importance to TETFund. He followed this with disengagement of almost half of the members of the National Research Fund Screening and Monitoring Committee, considering their unclear roles, which were at best duplications of others, and therefore wasteful. The ES then rightsized the Technical Advisory Group for greater efficiency.

    Within one year in office as Executive Secretary, Arc Sonny Echono had approved numerous physical infrastructure projects which were undertaken in tertiary educational institutions all over the country. These included seven Universities Senate Buildings; seven University Library Buildings; forty two University Faculty Buildings; fourteen Polytechnic Faculty Buildings; as well as numerous Lecture Theatres; Lecture Halls/Classrooms; Administrative/Academic Staff Offices; Entrepreneurship Buildings and Equipments; ICT Buildings and Equipments; Male and Female Hostel Buildings; Vehicles; Perimeter Fencing, and many physical infrastructural projects scattered all over Nigerian Universities, Polytechnics and Colleges of Education.

    Financial administration has undergone some significant changes since Echono took over. There has been impressive achievement in Non-Statutory Revenue, while overseeing Government Agencies such as National Assembly Committees and Auditor General ‘s Office have been furnished with adequate information regarding queries and observations about financial activities of TETFund. There has been reasonable reduction in turnaround time for processing transactions in respect of Staff, Service Providers and Beneficiary Institutions.

  • Wigwe Varsity Officially Kickoff Operations In 2024

    Wigwe University on Tuesday says it will officially begin operations in September 2024, opening doors to students seeking world-class education.

    The Founder, Dr Herbert Wigwe, confirmed this in a statement in Lagos.

    Wigwe said the university would offer a diverse range of programmes across four major colleges.

    He listed the colleges as: the College of Management and Social Sciences, the College of Art, the College of Science and Computing, the College of Engineering.

    Wigwe said the university with a distinct curriculum ensuring would enable students to explore their passions and potential in an intellectually stimulating environment.

    According to him, one of the key drivers of the creation of Wigwe University is moulding innovative leaders that will effect positive change in our society.

    He added that the goal was to create an efficient ecosystem that produces fearless leaders who were passionate about preserving our cultural values.

    “My mission through the university is to change the course of Africa’s future through a globally relevant and locally impactful curriculum taught through novel methods by an expert faculty to rival the world’s most prestigious universities.

    “The Wigwe University project is special because it is an opportunity for me to give back to society by providing world-class quality education that will foster the development of Nigeria and Africa.

    “The project’s major focus is nurturing and building responsible and thoughtful leaders who have the capacity to ignite the potential of the continent and take its rightful place as far as the global stage is concerned, “Wigwe said.

    According to him, Wigwe University is funded by the Herbert Onyewumbu Wigwe (HOW) Foundation, a non-governmental organisation focused on three areas with the potential for exponential impact – Education, Youth Empowerment, and Healthcare.

    Wigwe explained that the university was built as part of the foundation’s five-year strategic plans and goals in providing quality education and reshaping the educational landscape on the African continent.

    He said the university was poised to become a top contender in delivering world-class education within and beyond the continent, marking a monumental milestone in the pursuit of academic excellence.

    Wigwe said the university located in Isiokpo, Rivers State Nigeria, promises to be a school of distinction, committed to challenging the status quo in business, politics, technology, science and art among others.

    “The university which is set to be a Pan-African institution, has a vision to ignite Africa’s potential for prosperity, nurture thoughtful, fearless leaders and become the leading university in Africa,” Wigwe said.

  • LASU Sacks Dean Student Affairs Dean Over Alleged Certificate Racketeering

    The Lagos State University (LASU) has taken swift action in response to allegations of certificate racketeering by reportedly sacking the Dean of Student Affairs, Prof. Tajudeen Olumoko. 

    These allegations surfaced following a report on Monday that exposed a syndicate selling genuine LASU certificates for prices ranging between N2 million and N3 million.

    In light of the serious allegations, the university has appointed Dr. Abiodun Fatai-Abatan, a senior lecturer in the Department of Political Science, as the acting Dean of Student Affairs.

    The removal of Prof. Olumoko was confirmed by a source within the university. 

    The source stated, “Yes, it is true, Olumoko has been removed, and Abatan has taken over as DSA. This happened yesterday (Tuesday).”

    However, the university’s Coordinator for Information and Public Relations, Oluwayemisi Thomas-Onashile, has expressed uncertainty regarding the removal, stating, “I can’t say if he has been removed or not. I am not yet in the office. So, I don’t know anything yet.”

    The Lagos State House of Assembly, in response to these allegations, announced its intention to invite the Commissioner for Tertiary Education, Mr. Tolani Akibu, the Vice-Chancellor of LASU, Prof. Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello, the Senate of the tertiary institution, and other top staff for a thorough investigation into the allegations of extortion and certificate racketeering within the school.

  • Yahaya Bello Pays N497m WAEC Fees For 15,033 Students

    Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi State has released N497 million for the payment of 2023 West Africa Examination Council (WAEC) examinations fees for 15,033 students enrolled in the state’s public schools.

    According to the governor, it is part of his administration’s commitment to free education and tackling the menace of out-of-school students in the state.

    “This is part of my administration’s commitment to free education and `Zero Out-of-School Policy’ for our young citizens to fulfil their God-given destinies.

    “It is also part of efforts at further improving the state’s educational system,’’ the governor’s media aide, Mr Onogwu Mohammed, quoted the governor as saying in a statement issued in Lokoja on Saturday.

    The governor said also that the disbursement of the money was also in realisation of his administration’s recent pledge to provide free education from primary to secondary school level within the state’s public schools.

    “This resolute step reflects my administration’s dedication to ensuring that every child has the opportunity to access quality education, regardless of his or her socioeconomic status.

    “The gesture is aimed to empower students to undertake crucial examinations without imposing any financial burden on their parents or guardians.

    “Furthermore, my administration won’t hesitate to penalise parents who fail to enrol their children in school.

    “This comprehensive approach to education underscores the state’s commitment to not only increase access to education, but also ensure active participation,’’ Gov. Bello added in the statement.

    Three of the 21 local government areas of Kogi led the list of benefitting students.

    Out of the 15,033 students, Dekina Local Government Area has the highest number of 1,867 beneficiaries, followed by Lokoja Local Government Area, with 1,569 beneficiaries, while Okene Local Government Area has 1,345 beneficiaries. 

  • FG Announces New Date For Students’ Loan Take-Off

    The Nigerian government has officially declared a revised date for the commencement of the Access to Higher Education Act, often referred to as the Students Loan Law, which was recently signed into law by President Bola Tinubu in June.

    The legislation has faced substantial criticism from many Nigerians who fear it could pave the way for the introduction of tuition fees in the country’s tertiary institutions.

    Despite initial plans for implementation to begin in September, the timeline was not realized. 

    However, President Bola Tinubu, speaking at the 29th National Economic Summit on Monday, confirmed that the student loan program is now set to kick off in January 2024.

    Tinubu said the loan programme “must commence” in January 2024. The announcement comes in the midst of ongoing debates and concerns surrounding the law.

    Further details regarding the program’s structure and execution are anticipated as the implementation date approaches.

  • Bayelsa Teachers Threaten Indefinite Strike Over N30,000 Minimum Wage

    The Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) has threatened to commence indefinite strike in public primary and secondary schools in Bayelsa over the N30,000 minimum wage and promotion arrears.

    The union took the decision at an executive meeting on October 12, after an earlier three-day warning strike failed to compel the Bayelsa Government to act.

    The teachers had given a 14-day ultimatum to the government and local councils to address the plight of teachers across the state or face industrial action. 

    The grievances, according to the NUT, include inability of both state and local governments to implement the N30,000 minimum wage and effect promotion of primary school teachers in the state.   

    The union said teachers were meted with untold hardships due to the non payment of promotion arrears to the teachers.

    NUT expressed dissatisfaction with government’s continuous negligence of the plight of teachers who played critical role in the state, in spite of engaging them at different fora in futility.

    The union said the attitude of government had brought nothing but humiliation and frustration to primary and secondary school teachers in the state.  

    It said the 14-day ultimatum took effect from, October 13 after failure to address the issues within the limit of the ultimatum would force teachers in the state to go on strike.

    The strike notice was ratified by the constituent eight local government branches of NUT in Bayelsa. 

    Signatories to the communique after the meeting included chairmen of LG branches of the union.

    Meanwhile, Dr Gentle Emelah, Bayelsa Commissioner for Education, declined comments when contacted as he did not respond to telephone calls and messages requesting for government’s clarification.

    Schools in Bayelsa had vacated on August 29 due to expected flood and are slated to resume on November 13.