Friday 30 September 2016

Your Dream Job for N3,500 only



Shola Okpodu is a Communications and Brand Expert with over 20years experience. She is a fellow of the Institute of certified Management consultants and a practising certified management consultant to both public sector and private organisations.

Looking for a Job?
Unemployment has become a major concern in Nigeria.
Most candidates don't stand out enough from their competition at job interviews.
At first glance, it's puzzling. The job market is finally looking something like its old self, with unemployment on the rise.
Yet, as anyone trying to change jobs (or get one) these days knows all too well, plenty of employers are dragging their feet, taking longer to hire than at any time in more than a decade.
What's the holdup? Communications and Brand Expert, Shola Okpodu, who is also the  Group Managing Director of School Hunters says at least some of it is "due to the way candidates present themselves, and how they perform during interviews." That's not all bad, since, unlike the state of the economy as a whole, "these are issues that are within job seekers' control."

Previous  Job Hunters workshop  organised by School Hunters showed that a large majority of job hunters:
1. Don't stand out enough from other candidates
2.Most job seekers don't talk enough, or at all, about "which personal attributes differentiate them from their competition, and describe what unique value they can bring. One way to do that persuasively is to "read the job description carefully and perfect your pitch to include accomplishments that match the job specs and so on
It is on this premise that school hunters created a Job Hunters workshop to brush up applicants comportment,  tailor their skills appropriately so as to prepare them adequately for the job market.
However,  as an entrepreneur myself, I strongly believe that everyone has the potential to be creative and develop ideas. We all have entrepreneurial abilities if only we search our hearts deeply and let it manifest. But I have found out that even though ideas abound, many do not know how to put together well tailored proposals for sponsorship or buy in.  For those who have an interest in establishing Non -governmental organisations, seeking grant has been an issue. How then do you put together a proper professional business  proposal or grant request if you do not learn how it's done?
At this upcoming training, sessoned facilitators shall be pratically teaching proposal and grant writing for those who may wish to start their own businesses or even those who get a job as business development officers.
We would also be dwelling on work ethics and much more because it is one thing to prepare for a job and it is another to keep the job.. what is the thin line between these two? All participants shall be learning " what every employer is looking for in a prospective applicant"
All these said School Hunters is lending it's expertise in these area  as part of its corporate social responsibility to job seekers at a very subsidised rate of N3,500 only. It is our vision  to rebrand the present crop of youths, both unemployed and employed so that they would be able to compete favourably globally.

The details of the upcoming training are as follows:
Why haven't you got that dream job? Are you or someone you know wondering why?
Name of training : 2days Job Hunters workshop Abuja
Date for training: Oct fri 14 and sat 15
Time: friday: 3pm to 5pm and Sat: 10am to 1pm
You will learn:
Professional CV writing
Self Rebranding & Repositioning
Work ethics
Job interview techniques
Grant and proposal writing
Benefits
1. Access to alot of prospective employers
2.Links to relevant contact details for job seekers
3.Skills for attracting the right job
4. 100% self Rebranding and repositioning
Course fee: N3, 500 ( if you pay before 14th Oct
             OR
Pay N5000 on the day of the workshop
To register Pay into the bank or via online transfer with your name and state payment purpose as "Job workshop"

Account name: School Hunters
Bank : GTB
Account Number: 0151582513
Payment covers both days and course materials

Venue: School  Hunters : 36 Nouakchott street Wuse Zone 1 Abuja.
Send your name, email and teller number or mode of payment to:
08093899307 (text only please)
Or call 08090821720
Email: Schoolhunters1@gmail.com
The training is open to all irrespective of specialisation. We look forward to welcoming professionals and non professionals.




Monday 26 September 2016

SPONSORED: Obtain a grant of N250,000 cash in the iProo Online Scholars Turf


Tertiary scholars may enrol for the iProo BIM Scholars Turf; an online program which seeks to reward 100 beneficiaries from its programs in the 2016 edition. The online application portal closes on 4th of November.
The iProo online assessment will hold on the 19th of November and the questions therein will consist 20 advanced verbal reasoning questions and 15 logical questions. The pass mark for the online assessment has been slated at 70% for select number of successful applicants.

Educationist decries 10.5million Nigerian children out of school


The Proprietress of The Oasis Academy, Kwara State, Funmi Omisope, has described as sad the challenge that no fewer than 10.5m Nigerian children are out of school.
Omisope also decried abandonment of the children, describing it as a threat to peace, security and progress.
She spoke in Ilorin on Thursday, during the 11th anniversary of Home Street Kids Initiative, her non-governmental organisation that caters to abandoned children.
Read more...

World Contraception Day


Did you know that more than 225 million girls and women in developing countries want to avoid pregnancy, but are not using safe and effective family planning methods? Investing in international reproductive health and family planning isn’t just the right choice, it’s the smart choice. 

Allowing women to choose whether, when, and how many children to have achieves progress on all of our global development goals. All of this helps break the cycle of poverty, and puts families, communities, and countries on a stronger, more prosperous and sustainable path.
learn more....

Friday 23 September 2016

Mathematics teacher in Akwa Ibom proffers unorthodox solution to teaching subject


To bolster students’ interest in the study of mathematics, a mathematics teacher at Pegasus High School, Eket, Akwa Ibom State, Mrs. Essien Bassey, wants her colleagues to “preach the subject like church sermon.”
Bassey who accompanied her student to the venue of the on-going 2016 Cowbellpedia Mathematics Television Quiz Show in Lagos, challenged mathematics teachers to adopt the methodology, which she said has helped a great deal, in the interest of their students.
According to her, mathematics is a subject that requires a lot of emotions on both the teachers and learners, and therefore should be preached like a church sermon. Highlighting the imperativeness of the subject to studying highly professional courses, she maintained that mathematics should be taught with a lot of conviction, to achieve short and long term goals.

10 private schools built with wooden slabs closes by Kwara Government



Kwara State Governor, Alhaji Abdulfatah Ahmed
The Kwara Government on Friday said it had closed down 10 private schools built with wooden slabs and operating without due authorisation from the state government.
Hajia Zainab Bello, the Director, Quality Assurance Bureau (QAB) of the Kwara Ministry of Education and Human Capital Development, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Ilorin that the schools were unsuitable for child learning.
Bello said that these schools were closed down due to poor infrastructure and unconducive learning environment.
She said that the pupils could not assimilate well in an untidy environment.
The director assured of the state’s government commitment to ensure quality education, stressing that government would continue to close illegal private schools.

Monday 19 September 2016

Medical postgraduate fellowship remains highest qualification for NPMCN fellows, says Olaitan


Olaitan
President, National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria (NPMCN), Dr. Ademola Abayomi Olaitan, insists that medical postgraduate fellowship remains the highest qualification for NPMCN fellows.
 
Reacting to the controversy on the relativity of postgraduate fellowships in medicine and dentistry vis-à-vis PhD in the Nigerian University System (NUS), during its 2016 pre-convocation briefing, Olaitan said holders of postgraduate fellowships do not necessarily need to possess doctoral qualifications to achieve career progression in the NUS.
 
He stressed that the college would engage concerned stakeholders on the matter, in order to ensure the controversy does not hinder the progression of academics in these fields.  

Describing the controversy, which sometimes stall holders of medical postgraduate fellowships from attaining vice chancellorship for not possessing PhD as needless, he assured that a policy position would soon be taken on the issue.
 
He said, “Recently there have been comments on the usefulness or otherwise of clinical teachers possessing the PhD to teach, or to progress in the university system. Our college reiterates that fellowship is the highest qualification needed in the practice and training of medical doctors, and specialists in the health system as obtains globally. As a responsible government agency, we would engage all relevant stakeholders to put this controversy to rest.”
 
Regretting that the college, which trains specialists’ doctors for the country, retains needed manpower, and prevents human capital flight has not been availed adequate attention, he said, “Postgraduate medical and dental education in Nigeria is passing through a turbulent period. While funding is low, the frequent work stoppages in various teaching hospitals does not allow for trainees fulfillment of the prescribed minimum period of clinical placements and rotations that qualifiy them for examinations. High investments in medical education by government will yield high quality of patient’s care.
 
Despite the challenges, Olaitan stated that the college is breaking new grounds in its bid to ensure global best practices, as the institution’s Senate recently approved commencement of Computer-Based Test (CBT) for March/April/May 2017 Fellowships Examinations.
 
Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar, will be conferred with an honourary fellowship award today at the convocation, in recognition of his relentless advocacy for improved healthcare in the country, while Dr. Michael Akintayo Bankole, and Dr. Kamil Olanipekun Alausa, will also be conferred with distinguished fellowship awards.

Gifts of libraries, earns corps’ member plaudits


Anene
At a time opinions are divided over the continuous existence of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) scheme, a serving member, Ujunwa Anene, is justifying the need to sustain the programme with her actions.
She may not have had a fully stocked school library back in her secondary school, but having come to terms with the importance of the all-important resource centre in the life of an academic institution, she rallied funds to create two libraries in two secondary schools in Cross River State, where she is on national assignment.
Anene, a graduate of Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, whose place of primary assignment is General Electric (GE), Calabar, actualised her dream of spurring youths to read, by donating the facilities to Government Secondary School, and Estate Secondary School, Ikot Ansa in Calabar Municipality.
“The two schools needed libraries and my own objective is to improve the reading culture among youths, and by extension improve the country’s educational system. So, that is how I decided to position my special community development projects in the schools,” Anene said.
“The school library is centre of leaning, and plays a key role in encouraging innovation, curiosity and problem solving. Can you imagine schools without libraries, especially when these schools are secondary schools, where we have students preparing for their major certificate examinations?” she questioned.
Anene continued, “The library is a catalyst for literacy, reading and teaching. It will make a difference in students’ understanding, achievements and also provide support for teaching and learning. It is really the central point for engagement with all kinds of reading, access to information, knowledge building, deep thinking and even discussions. This project was my opportunity to reach out to 500 students, who are going to benefit from these libraries and enable them to study, become knowledgeable and achieve their dreams.”
Cross River State Coordinator of NYSC, Mrs. Ifeoma Anidobi, who was full of praises for Anene, said she falls under the exclusive class of corps members who serve meritoriously, work hard, crown their efforts with projects and leave positive footprints.
Represented by Assistant Director in Charge of Discipline and Merit, Mr. Effa Columbus, Anidobi said, “Without libraries there are no schools, without libraries there are no universities, without libraries, there are no graduates, and without libraries, there are no institutions. So, with these libraries, the students will do well in their studies. We want the students to manage them properly and also sustain them. For quite sometimes now, I have not seen this type of magnanimity from corps members in this part of the state.”
The state Commissioner for Education, Mr. Godwin Etta, described Anene as a hard working girl, who “has a way of capturing somebody’s heart. She chose to provide libraries for two secondary schools in the same premises, not minding the fence. Oju is not a selfish person because she moved around for help, gathered the money and did not do a shabby work. Instead, she provided the schools the best. I want the schools to sustain her effort by managing the libraries very well.”
Represented by Director of Schools, Mrs. Charity Otohan, Etta charged students and other corps members to emulate Anene, assuring that the ministry “is ready to give endorsement to any recommendation you (NYSC) want to give to her. I say thank you to all the stakeholders who helped her to actualise her dream.”
Senior Project Manager of GE, David Eichie, who was quite supportive of the project, charged the students to make good use of the facilities saying as well as emulate the corps members gesture

Friday 16 September 2016

Why ITF is focusing attention on secondary education


As the nexus between primary and tertiary education, the secondary school system remains critical, if the country is desirous of using education to drive national development.
According to the National Policy on Education, secondary education plays two important roles, the first being the preparation of recipients for higher education.
The second is preparing them for useful living within the society. In other words, it provides secondary school leavers with the vocational skills necessary for useful living assuming they elect not to further their studies.
Evidently, this tier of education, despite its importance, has been beset with immense problems, causing it to significantly under-perform its expected role
For the Inoyo Toro Foundation, a private sector initiative, contributing its quota to developing public school teachers and students in Akwa Ibom State,
“The problem in our educational sector may be more pronounced at the secondary school level. This prompted the foundation to focus at this level of education and take practical steps in ensuring that there is improvement in this sector. To optimise the benefits and ensure sustainability, the foundation decided to focus its efforts in the state, with specific intervention initiatives including teacher’s intervention, awards, training, students’ mentorship as well as awareness creation,” it said in a statement.
The statement was in reaction to the new edition of The Global Education Monitoring Report (GEM report), which said the country will achieve Universal Primary Education (UPE) in 2070, Universal Lower Secondary Completion in 2080, and Universal Upper Secondary Completion (UUSC) in the next century.
Worried by the outcome of the report, the foundation, which rewards outstanding teachers in public schools in the state, especially in the core science subjects, said the time for concerned stakeholders to begin to think out of the box has come, if we must make a headway as a country.
The statement endorsed by its advisor and Executive Director, Mobil Producing Nigeria Unlimited (MPN), Udom Inoyo, the foundation said its innovative reward for teachers of secondary schools with outstanding performance especially in the core science subjects of biology, physics, chemistry as well as English language and mathematics, “has created an enhanced level of enthusiasm for teachers. The processes involved in arriving at the selection of awardees are very rigorous; with the teachers undergoing many tests.”
In the area of awards, it said, “Award winning teachers are in two categories. Where a teacher wins an award in the core subjects, he/she is no longer eligible to compete, except on the next level, which is tagged the grand mentor’s award.
All previous winners are expected to engage in mentoring of fellow teachers, and are encouraged to establish their group, register teachers and carry out periodic coaching.

ERC wants govt to allocate 26 per cent of annual budget for education

Education
The calls for increased budgetary allocation to the education sector, seems unending, as Education Rights Campaign (ERC) has also joined the fray.
In the wake of the Federal Government’s allocation of a paltry eight per cent to the sector in the 2016 fiscal budget, interest groups including in Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Non-Academic Staff of Universities (NASU) and a host of other groups condemned government action, accusing it of not doing enough to revamp the ailing sector.
According to those calling for the increase, in line with the recommendations of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO), it is only in so doing that the noticeable decline in the standard of education, brought about by poor funding among others can be effectively addressed.
ERC’s Organising Secretary for Education, Fidel Davy, while speaking at the closing ceremony of a free coaching it organised for students in senior secondary students in Ajegunle community in Lagos State, said the group was deeply concern over the poor funding of the sector.
At the event, which had as its theme theme: “Mass Failure and Challenges Faced by Nigerian Students,” Davy noted that if appropriate funds are allocated to the sector, well managed and monitored, it would go a long way in stemming the tide of mass failure among Nigerian students.
“We have seen that under this administration, the budget for education is very low. It is even below the standard of UNESCO. Funding public education adequately will address lots of problems like manpower, building more classrooms among others. The Muhammadu Buhari-led administration has not been addressing the problems facing education effectively. The policies of deregulation and privatisation have also negatively affected public funding of education,” he alleged.
The group’s branch coordinator for the area, Bestman Michael, noted that the free coaching programme started in 2005, and over the years, participants are taught arts, science and commercial subjects by volunteer teachers, who actively participate in the six-week programme that always hold during the third term holiday.
Other speakers at the event noted that for the country’s economy to be revamped, the educational sector must be given serious attention, just as they maintained that the establishment of mushroom schools has also adversely affected the nation’s educational sector.
One of the beneficiaries, Ogunjobi Damilare, said he has benefitted greatly from ERC’s free coaching programme as apart from academics, career talks were also offered.

Thursday 15 September 2016

international democracy day

Add caption

Democracy and the 2030 genda for 

Sustainable Development

In September 2015, all 193 Member States of the United Nations adopted the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development -- a plan for achieving a better future for all, laying out a path over 15 years to end extreme poverty, fight inequality and injustice, and protect our planet. At the heart of the Agenda are the Sustainable Development Goals, which call for mobilizing efforts to end all forms of poverty, fight inequalities and tackle climate change, while ensuring that no one is left behind.
The new goals result from a process that has been more inclusive than ever, with Governments involving business, civil society and citizens from the outset. Now, the task of implementing and monitoring the Sustainable Development Goals requires States to work in close partnership with civil society. Parliaments in particular have a critical role in translating the new sustainable development agenda into concrete action through passing legislation, making budget allocations and holding governments accountable.
Speaking at the Inter-Parliamentary Union's Fourth World Conference of Speakers of Parliament, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon commended the parliamentarians of the world for the valuable role they played in shaping the new framework. He also underscored that their contribution to the implementation of the 2030 Agenda will be equally critical: “People will look to you to hold your governments accountable for achieving the goals, and to write the laws and invest in the programmes that will make them a reality,” he said, noting that democratic principles also run through the entire document “like a silver thread.”
Sustainable Development Goal 16 addresses democracy by calling for inclusive and participatory societies and institutions. It aims to “Promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, provide access to justice for all and build effective, accountable and inclusive institutions at all levels.”
The Goal is both an end in itself and a crucial part of delivering sustainable development in all countries. It has been seen by many commentators as the transformational goal and key to ensuring that the Agenda can be accomplished.

Wednesday 14 September 2016

29 Nigerians receive Japanese ABE Initiative Scholarship


The Minister of Budget and National Planning, Senator Udoma Udo-Udoma
Twenty Nine Nigerian have qualified for the 2016 African Business Education Initiative Scholarship, which is sponsored by the Japanese government, through the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).
The programme enables recipients to do their masters’ degree programmes and internship in various fields as international students.  Minister of Budget and National Planning, Senator Udoma Udo Udoma, who spoke at an event, where the beneficiaries were sent forth, commended the government of Japan for the opportunity granted young Nigerians to improve their lot eductionally.

Represented by the Assistant Director, International Cooperation, Mr. Simon Ileuma, the Udoma expressed the belief that the recipients would return and contribute their quota to nation building. 
He charged them not only to be good ambassadors of their country, but also to imbibe the Japanese culture of patriotism and entrepreneurial drive. Of the over 100 entries that were received, only 29 were selected from among ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs), as well as the private sector.
Japanese Ambassador to Nigeria, Sadanobu Kusaoke Sama, who was represented by the JICA Country Representative, Mr. Nakamura Sama, commended the recipients for their achievement, saying that it came through a difficult selection process.

He added: “Now, I have no doubt that you will successfully complete your studies in a few years time in Japan and hope you will, as the Abe-Initiative participants, help contribute to the development of Nigeria.
The ambassador who, informed that the ABE Initiative was conceived under the leadership of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, at the Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD), added that “It has become all the more relevant in the light of sinking commodity prices affecting many countries, including Nigeria. This is reflected in this year’s TICAD Ⅵ programme, which had economic diversification as one of its most important topics.

“The key objective of the ABE Initiative is to offer students the opportunity to read master’s degree courses at Japanese universities, as well as practice internships in the Japanese private sector. The initiative is designed to combine academic learning and business practice … I hope that you, as the Abe-initiative participants, will help together realize a more inclusive, more diversified economy in this great country.”   
President, Nigeria-Japan Alumni Association, Mohammed Dauda, also commended Japanese government for the initiative, saying, “We have seen the improved interest by the Japanese government intervention agencies in various sectors of the Nigerian economy, particularly in the education sector.

“This is a very commendable effort and we assure you that Nigerian government and its people are closing monitoring these activities”, he said.

Bribery allegation rocks recruitment of teachers in Enugu

Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi
Applicants who participated in the recent recruitment of teachers exercise in Enugu State, are calling on Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, to cancel the entire exercise and order a fresh aptitude test, alleging that officials of the State Basic Education Board (ENSUBEB), collected between N150, 000 to N200, 000 as bribe, from some applicants before offering them jobs, through their cronies.
According to the aggrieved applicants, the payment of bribe ended up being the criteria for gaining employment, and not the outcome of the written tests held throughout the state, or the possession of valid qualification.
They alleged that the board chairman, Ikeje Asogwa, looked the other way when reports of the bribery scandal and sundry sharp practices, were brought to his knowledge.
ENSUBEB in an advertisement recently signed by Asogwa, had asked qualified candidates to apply for teaching vacancies in primary schools within the 17 local councils of the state.
The board chair was also said to have promised that the board would make use of the employment window to ensure that only the “best brains were employed”, so as to correct anomalies in the primary school system.A recent report showed that several primary schools in the state, especially in the rural areas were without the full complement of teaching staff. In some cases, only one teaching staff was found handling an entire school, and in others, it became the responsibility of the communities.
“I knew that certain things were not right from day one. You can imagine a situation where the names of shortlisted candidates were pasted just on the eve preceding the examination.‎ So, all the applicants staying out of Enugu were automatically shut out of the process,” said one of the applicants in the exercise, where over 10, 000 applications were received.
“Secondly, on the day of the examination, there was no sign of preparation for the exercise at all. We reported at the CIC by 7 am, but at the end of the day, we managed to start the test by 5:30 p.m.“We had no seats and nowhere to place our writing materials. I just placed my answer script on my laps, even as there were thousands of us in a hall that shouldn’t take more than 200 persons.”
Another applicant, who also declined to give his name said they would mobilise to the Governor’s Office should the board go ahead to publish any list of successful applicants.“I want to tell you and we have it on good authority that cronies working for members of the board of ENSUBEB demanded payments from some candidates in order to get the jobs. They asked us to pay N150, 000 for the teaching job. We now understand why, from the onset, the process was not made in such a way that the best would emerge.
“If they had organised the test very well; if the process had been credible, it would have been easy to pick the best out of the many applicants. But as it stands, they are just interested in the money they would make. You know how much they would get by collecting such money from thousands of applicants?”Asogwa has, however, vehemently denied the allegations, insisting that persons who performed below expectations during the process were the ones making such allegations.
“There is nothing like that; nobody is bribe from anybody. We have warned people severally that they should not fall victim to fraudsters. We have also been announcing on radio, for about two weeks, now that nobody should give money to anybody.”Meanwhile, a non-governmental organisation, Human Rights Observers, has called on the state government to probe the bribery allegations stressing that, “doing the right thing is the only way Enugu can get the best brains to handle her primary school pupils”.
In a statement signed by its president, Nwokolo Jeremiah, the group expressed disappointment that this was happening after several unfulfilled promises to address the educational needs of the state, especially at the primary level.“We have watched several governments come and go and none deemed it necessary to address the imbalances in the primary school system, especially as it relates to teaching staff. This is the only state where you enter a school and find only two teachers handling the entire school; this is the only state where communities are meant to task themselves to be able to pay part-time teachers in primary schools.
“We were delighted when the pronouncement was made and we discovered that action was actually being taken to recruit qualified teachers. Now, what we hear concerning the exercise is bad. It will be an injustice to our children if the right persons were not engaged for their upkeep. It will amount to nothing if we allow this development to stand by sweeping the allegations under the carpet.`
“What is not debatable is the fact that there are no jobs anywhere, and the people who are desperate can cash in on any development to gain something, no matter their qualifications. Let us not give room for mediocrity to run down our system for us, and plunge us into further crisis, the group stated. The group promised that it would continue to monitor developments at ENSUBEB, and implored Ugwuanyi to jettison “politics” and bring perpetrators of the crime to book.

Friday 9 September 2016

International Literacy Day 2016


The International Literacy Day was decided by the UNESCO at 7th of November in the year 1965 to celebrate it at 8th of September every year which was celebrated first time in the year 1966. It was started celebrating all over the world to emphasize the great importance of the literacy to the individuals, society and communities. The day is celebrated specially to rememorize the status of the literacy and adult education to the international community.

Thursday 8 September 2016

Four Chibok girls matriculate at American varsity


President of American University of Nigeria (AUN), Dr. Margee Ensign and other principal officers of the school, flanked by newly matriculated students
Academy offers scholarship to 200 orphaned by Boko Haram
Since they escaped from their captors in 2014, 24 Chibok girls have been on the American University of Nigeria scholarship studying under a special preparatory programme.
However, a new vista of life was opened to four of them recently, as they were formally accepted into the university as students, during the 2016 Convocation and Pledge ceremony.
Also among the new students were those accepted from assorted applications for the maiden class of AUN’s new School of Law that kicked off this semester. The school’s law programme uniquely offers concentrations in Humanitarian, Gender and Environmental Laws.
In addition, several university graduates pursuing various postgraduate programmes; among whom were18 winners of the 67 AUN scholarships. Several other intakes were transferring from other universities in Ghana, Lebanon, Egypt, the United States and some European countries.
According to Executive Director, Communications and Public Relations, AUN, Dan Okereke, apart from the novelty of admitting her first class of law students, the school admitted the largest number of undergraduates in a semester in the past three years, signaling a return to pre-insurgency admission figures.
President of the school, Margee Ensign announced that the type of education the new students will receive at AUN will ensure that students become leaders in their chosen fields, stressing that it would also “train you to look at problems from varying perspectives.
“All universities identify new problems, come up with new ideas. They discover new truths and some change society. At AUN, Africa’s first Development University, this is what we are trying to accomplish,” she stated adding, “We not only provide you with a different sort of education, we provide you with the intellectual tools to become the future leaders of Africa.”
In another development, the Shuwa-Arab Development Association (SADA) in collaboration with Darussalam Science and Islamic Academy; have offered scholarships to 200 orphans, who lost their parents during Boko Haram insurgency in Borno state.
The scholarships, according to the sponsors, are for both primary and secondary education.Presenting the scholarship in Maiduguri, Chairman of SADA, Alhaji Tom Magira, said the 200 Boko Haram orphans, had dropped out of school or lost one or both parents to the six-year insurgency in Borno.
“There must be policy actions on how these Boko Haram orphans could be educated so that they can become useful citizens, and not take arms against the state…”Wife of the President, Aisha Buhari, who was represented by the wife of Governor Kashim Shettima, Hajiya Nana Kashim Shettima, said that every child has a right to functional and effective education, adding that by this gesture, the 200 orphans would be given a sense of belonging.

Again, Nigeria in the league of non-achievers


A classroom block at Adolor Primary School, Benin City, Edo State
The growing lack of political will on the part of past and present governments, to tackle education problems in the country headlong, has yet again earned the country an unwanted medal. According to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO), in a new edition of The Global Education Monitoring Report (the GEM Report), on current trends, the country will achieve Universal Primary Education (UPE) in 2070; Universal Lower Secondary Completion (ULSC) in 2080 and Universal Upper Secondary Education (UUSC) in the next century. Though saddened by the development, stakeholders who saw it coming are not surprised. They, however, want government to match words with action, if the country must recover lost grounds. Assistant Features Editor,
ENO-ABASI SUNDAY, writes.

Based on current trends, Universal Primary Education (UPE), which was supposed to have been achieved in 2015, under the 2000 Dakar Education For All agreement, won’t be realised until 2042. Universal Lower Secondary Completion (ULSC) won’t be achieved until 2059, and Universal Upper Secondary Completion (UUSC) will only be attained in 2084.
Even though rich countries are not on course either, the poorest countries will reach universal primary education over 100 years later than their rich counterparts. In fact, even at the fastest rate of progress ever seen in the region, one in 10 countries in Europe and North America would still not achieve UUSC by 2030.Sadly, Nigeria and 19 other countries with the slowest progress are all in sub-Saharan Africa. They won’t achieve ULSC until next century. The first non-African country on the bottom of the infamous list is Honduras, which is expected to complete hers in 2095.
Denmark, the United States, Switzerland and Ireland, will all achieve UUSC in 2035, on par with Kazakhstan. Sweden, Belgium, Germany and New Zealand will be 10 years late, on par with Mongolia. France will be 15 years late, on par with the Philippines. Greece will be 20 years late, on par with Tajikistan and Saudi Arabia.All these revelations are contained in a the new Global Education Monitoring (GEM) Report by UNESCO, released Tuesday, which also show education’s potential to propel progress towards all global goals outlined in the new 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development (SDGs). It also shows that education needs a major transformation to fulfill that potential and meet the current challenges facing humanity and the planet.
From the whittling down of budgetary allocation to the education sector, to the non-tracking of even the scarce resources allocated, as well as the less than transparent management of allocated resources, the country’s education sector has continued to lag behind as far as meeting internationally set goals is concerned. This latest report, adds to a long list of failures that the country has been recording in the recent past.

Wednesday 7 September 2016

‘Take advantage of foreign exchange programme’


Adebiyi Daramola
Twelve students of Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA), who have departed for the final lap of their undergraduate studies, and a masters’ programme, at the Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (FAMU), Florida, United States, have been charged not to lose sight of the essence of the initiative.
Vice chancellor of the institution, Professor Adebiyi Daramola, gave the charge while sending forth the beneficiaries of the foreign exchange programme.
He has also tasked them to make conscious efforts towards improving the already established positive image of the institution during their academic sojourn. The benefitting students will be in the U.S. for two sessions, under the existing academic exchange programme, and Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between both institutions.
Since the inception of the 4+1+1 programme, select FUTA students, after spending their first four years in the institution, proceed to FAMU for the fifth and final year of their undergraduate programmes. They, thereafter undergo a one-year postgraduate programme, leading to their being awarded with a masters’ degree.
At the event, Daramola told the students, “I am very happy to announce to you that your predecessors in the programme have made us proud. They keep our flag flying … Since the programme started, we have received positive reports about our students.  They have performed morally and academically well.  As I am talking to you, one of them who went in 2014 will be completing his doctorate in April 2017. This is a great feat…That is why I always say the sky is not just the limit, but the starting point for the serious type.  Therefore, I urge you to utilise this rare opportunity to your full advantage.”
He admonished the students to justify their parents’ investment in them, be good ambassadors of their parents, the university and the country.
He assured of his administration’s continuous efforts at increasing collaboration with world-class universities saying, “Our collaboration with world-class universities keep soaring. Next year, our students will be going to Germany. This is because we want them to have opportunities their peers in other universities in Nigeria don’t have.”
Director, International Office, FUTA, Professor Akintunde Akindahunsi, in his remarks admonished the students to face their studies squarely, and resist any attempt to misuse the opportunity.
Akindahunsi, who described America as a land of opportunities open to both success and failure, depending on one’s choice, implored the beneficiaries to tread the path to success and be good ambassadors of FUTA.
Oladosun Olayinka, of the Department of Metallurgical and Material Engineering (MME), who spoke on behalf of his colleagues, assured the school’s management and parents of their resolve to represent the nation well.
He thanked Daramola for the opportunity his tenure has offered students, through collaboration with world-class institutions, a development he said has made FUTA globally relevant.
On their parts, Akintola Taofeek Kayode, of the Department of Electrical Electronics Engineering, and Obinegbo Oluchukwu Chidinma, said they were excited about the opportunity the university has afforded them to be exposed to world-class training.

Tuesday 6 September 2016

Ayade approves recruitment of 1, 000 teachers

Cross River State Governor, Ben Ayade
Cross River State Governor, Ben Ayade
Determined to improve the quality of teaching staff at the basic education level, Governor Ben Ayade, of Cross River State, has given approval for the recruitment of 1, 000 teachers, by the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB).
A statement in Calabar, signed by the Executive Chairman of SUBEB, Dr. Stephen Odey, said the governor gave the approval following discoveries made by the board during its teachers’ verification exercise.
It stated that the insufficient number of teachers at the basic education level, was occasioned by high rate of teachers with fake certificates, retirement from service and deaths, thus compelling the board to approach the governor with a request for more teachers to be hired.
“We are glad to inform the general public/applicants that His Excellency, the governor of Cross River State, Prof Ben Ayade, has graciously approved the recruitment of 1,000 teachers across the state by SUBEB,” the statement read.
It requested suitably qualified applicants “to forward their applications, with photocopies of their credentials (NCE/B.Ed), including email/telephone numbers to the board chairman, from Monday August 29th to Monday September 12th, 2016.
The statement, which stressed that applicants will be subjected to aptitude tests, oral interviews/verification of certificates emphasising “that any applicant that submits fake/forged certificates will be handed over to the security agencies for prosecution.”

South African Student Leaders State Demands Over University Fees

Students gathered in Cape Town's Parliamentary precinct to protest against university fee increases (file photo).

Student leaders throughout the country have drawn a line in the sand and dared government and universities to cross it.
As discussions over fee increments for 2017 continue, student leaders say they are not prepared to toy with the idea of any increase, whatever the amount.
"We have already made a declaration that we are not entertaining news about any increments," University of Cape Town student leader Masixole Mlandu told News24.
"Our struggle was about free quality education and [Minister of Higher Education and Training Blade Nzimande] must expect more than what he saw last year."
Mlandu said students were ready to take to the streets in order to ensure they get what they want.
"It's about time that the struggle for students goes beyond the corridors of institutions," he said.
His sentiments were echoed by Given Mamabolo from the University of Limpopo. He said they were going to reject any increment with free education being the only thing students are willing to settle for.
"They can't implement increments while we are pushing for free education. Any fee increment will be rejected," he said.
Fee announcement postponed
Mamabolo said it was disappointing to watch government drag its feet in finding ways to fund free education. He said since the start of the #FeesMustFall movement in 2015 government has not shown that it was doing anything to indicate its consideration of the idea.
"It does not appear as though government attempted to find ways of funding free education," he said.
University of Pretoria SRC president Thabo Shingange said they would be meeting with students on Monday to talk about the issue of fees.
The SRC said it was unfortunate that a year later they found themselves in the same position which led to the formation of the #‎FeesMustFall movement and no substantive measures had been put in place to address the issues students raised.
"This meeting will unpack the proposals and the implications within the University of Pretoria and allow for students to voice their concerns. The students will give us a direction in terms of what the next step will be," Shingange said.
Their stand comes as the country eagerly awaits the announcement by Nzimande regarding university fees for 2017. He was scheduled to give a briefing on Friday where he was expected to make the announcement, but that was cancelled.
Nzimande's spokesperson Khaye Nkwanyana said the minister still wanted to consult further before making the announcement.
"Minister Blade Nzimande on Thursday received the report of the Council on Higher Education on fees in 2017, and had hoped to make an announcement as early as today following consultation with a very wide range of stakeholders. These discussions with the vice chancellor's body Universities South Africa, student representatives, the organisation of university council chairpersons, and civil society and political formations are however still ongoing," he said.