Education

FG Launches Out-of-School-Children Campaign

By Web News 682

The National Campaign on Out-of-School-Children has been launched in Ogun State with a call on State Governors to substantiate the efforts to strengthen basic education in all the states. 

Minister of State for Education, Mr Goodluck Opiah, who made the plea while flagging off the campaign in Abeokuta, said addressing the issues responsible for keeping children out of school should be the concern of everyone.

The Minister explained that Nigeria’s educational system was structured to prepare children for responsible citizenship and national development, noting that gainful engagement of the teeming children and youths would promote peace and check social vices in the country.

Mr Opiah said the ministry was determined to step up the enrolment of all school-aged children and retain them in formal or non-formal schools close to their homes. 

The Minister urged the Ogun State Government to continue to prioritize education funding towards addressing identified issues, especially the shortage of teachers and appealed to traditional, religious and community leaders to be at the forefront of the campaign to reduce statistics of Out-of-School-Children across the country.

In a remark, Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, who gave the assurance that his administration would continue to ensure universal access of Children to quality education, said the introduction of free education policy for both primary and secondary school pupils was aimed at giving every child the opportunity to be in school.  

Bolanle Adesida

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Education

Bad Toilet: Tales of Sexual Violence in Ondo Secondary Schools

By Web News 1047

 Sexual violence remains a scourge which must not be allowed to fester like gangrene in society, especially as youths are now getting caught in the web of the malaise in the country.

Radio Nigeria correspondent, Olufisoye Adenitan, in this special report, reveals how girls have become more vulnerable to rape cases in secondary schools in Ondo State.

A major factor fueling this trauma for girls is bad toilet facilities or their location in schools in Ondo State, Southwest Nigeria.

Some victims recount their experiences.

“It was a beautiful morning, I was on my way to drop my brother at school and also proceed to my school along the Store Area, after Prayer Centre Church along Idanre Road, Akure, Ondo State, three men blindfolded me and raped me,” 18-year-old Hannah* recounted.

“After the incident, I decided to drop out of school,” she stated further, adding that the perpetrators started threatening her parents who were trying to seek justice.

The southwest security network codenamed: AMOTEKUN, got the perpetrators arrested while a human rights lawyer, Tayo Dada decided to take up the case from there. The rapists are now in the Nigerian Correctional Centre awaiting trial.

There is also a case of a 14-year-old SS1 Student of Akure High School, who was gang raped by three male students of the school during school hours.

Akure High School located in Akure, the state capital of Ondo State was founded in 1974. It has over one thousand students but without a single toilet facility. This forces students to relieve themselves in the bush.

According to the victim “I was feeling pressed to use the toilet but because there was no toilet in  the school, I went to a nearby bush, unknowingly the boys were laying ambush for me and dragged me back into the bush and raped me.”

“One of the boys had approached me a few months back for relationship and sex and I declined until he recruited his friends to rape me. The boys were my seniors and I knew them by name,” she narrated.

The victim revealed that after the incident she went straight to class in excruciating pain until her mates discovered a blood stain on her school uniform and raised alarm.

An investigation reveals that the school administrators immediately called the police for the arrest of the boys who are currently at the juvenile centre in Akure.

The vile act generated heat from parents, stakeholders and community leaders on the increasing sexual abuse of school girls.

Some of the parents, Mrs Ronke Agunloye, Mrs Mojisade Adegbuyi and Kikelomo Paseda expressed fear that if something urgent was not done, it could affect the enrollment of girls in schools for the 2022/2023 academic session, considering the vulnerability and poor state of facilities especially toilets in the schools.

Rape, no doubt, constitutes part of violence against women and girls, often perpetrated in the guise of harmful traditional practices.

This practice ranges from female genital mutilation, child early marriage and forced marriage, female infanticide, breast ironing, rape, period stigma, and virginity testing among other social norms.

Girls are more vulnerable to harmful practices because violence or ritual discrimination is normalized by social norms.

In Ondo, female students live in the fear of the unknown: one in four girls never feels comfortable using a school latrine.

Each year, 150 million girls are raped worldwide by a close person or someone in the family circle, and 30 per cent of females globally have reported that their first sexual experience was forced.

According to the Linking Partners for Niger Delta Development on sexual violence against children in Ondo State, in 2022, there were more than 30 incidents of child sexual abuse and exploitation reported between 2018 and 2021.

Recent data shows an increase in reported incidents of child sexual abuse in Ondo State.

Ironically, the trauma women equally come from an unexpected quarter. According to UNICEF, one in ten women who have experienced violence trying to seek help from security operatives.

Justice

After Hannah’s rape experience, AMOTEKUN, a security network in the Southwest arrested three perpetrators but the families and some community leaders came begging the father of the victim to settle out of court.

“They came to my house in a Sienna bus begging me to withdraw the case from AMOTEKUN after I resisted they started threatening my family, especially the victim’s mother,” he recounts.

Socio-economic and evidence-based facts truncate justice in cases of rape, but Hanna’s father believed that he would get justice for his daughter as the case will resume hearing, on January 27th 2023 as the perpetrators are still in custody.

According to a human right lawyer, Mrs Chamba Sagba notes that justice system in Ondo State has improved with the passage of the VAPP Act.

She cited a rape case in Akure that started on December 8th 2021 and closed in December 2022.

“Although there are particular cases when GBV happens between families, there are cases of abandonment and relocation because they prefer to settle out of court without exposing their families and community pervading justice system.”

According to her, Section 218 of the Nigerian Criminal Code says that a person cannot be found guilty of rape or defilement without evidence.

But then, the patriarchal nature of society has compelled women to be silent.

CSOs Improved Advocacy Against Rape 

Mrs Folasade Bamigboye, the executive director of Kids &Teen Resources Centre, a local NGO in Ondo State, has embarked on various advocacy campaigns in collaboration with local government, farmsteads, and rural communities on the dangers of sexual violence

“Gender-based violence should not be treated as a family matter; it is a criminal offence and violation of human rights.”

Similarly, the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA), Ondo State chairperson Jumoke Ogunjebi said women and girls experience a lot of changes in their bodies that necessitated a lot of hormonal imbalances which could lead them to use the toilet facilities in schools and homes more than their male counterparts.

“Girls require a good toilet for their overall well-being and psycho-social balance,” she said.

Unfortunately, this is not the case in our Secondary school in Ondo State, government should do something urgently.

Government Intervention

The government recently passed into law the VAPP law of Ondo State.

The state is one of the 34 states in Nigeria that have domesticated the law to protect the rights of women.

To achieve the desired result of eliminating violence and making both illiterates and literate understand the law, the Ministry of Women’s Affairs with support from UNFPA simplified the law into local languages.

However, regarding the necessary toilet facilities in schools, investigation reveals that there were no toilet facilities provided for over one thousand students schooling at Akure High School.

In a telephone interaction with the Ondo State Director of School Services, Dr Akindele Ige, they are working on the issue.

“We are working out modalities to fix a toilet in the school ASAP,” he said.

Way forward

A professor of philosophy of Education, Mathew Ayeni advocated for trained education administrators and professionals that understand the pedagogy of teaching and principles guiding the profession to help in addressing the situation.

“In the 21st century, basic infrastructure and learning tools are parts of the fundamental rights of children in schools,” he said calling on educationists to push for the right learning environment which promotes the safety of learners.

During the 16 Days Activism against sexual and gender-based violence in Ondo State, the Commissioner for Women’s Affairs, Dr Bunmi Osadahun empathised that one of the key solutions was the regular engagement of traditional rulers with their subjects on SGBV.

“The VAPP Act will not spare any offender,” she stated.

One of the traditional Ruler in Akure, Iralepo of Isinkan in Ondo state, Oba oluwagbemiga Ajimokunola olofin-Adimula at a consultative forum on sexual and gender-based violence maintained that traditional institutions would not tolerate any forms of violence against girls and women in their domain.

“Rapists will not be tolerated in my domain; I will expose them, “Iralepo of Isinkan.

Dr Yomi Oshatimi, a local psychiatrist identified stigma and post-trauma stress disorder as major issues the victims of sexual abuse had to battle with as well as an anxiety disorder.

He added that shelters give immediate relief and boost the confidence and sense of security of victims.

As more girls continue to be sexually abused, the government has been charged to be more responsible in providing necessities in schools that would reduce the vulnerability of girls.

Gender advocates should also intensify efforts at ensuring the enlightenment of stakeholders in charge of the affairs of the girls as well as an improved justice system and penalty for those who want to subvert justice in the name of “family matter.”

At this time the implementation of the VAPP Act was critical to the stipulated punishment for offenders.

This story was supported by African women in media, as part of the Reporting Violence against women and Girls initiative.

Olufisoye Adenitan

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Education

Poly Protest: Oyo Govt Meets School Management, Students

By Web News 542

The commissioner for Education in Oyo state,Mr Abiodun Abdul -Raheem has described the meeting between the management of the Polytechnic Ibadan and students as successful following the protest embarked upon by the students to press home their demands on issues affecting them.

Speaking with newsmen after a meeting held at the Ministry of Education, Mr Abdul -Raheem explained the protest was unnecessary saying that it was due to a communication gap between the parties involved.

The commissioner said the institution’s exam which was put on hold due to the protest would commence as soon as possible pointing out that the government has resolved the issues raised by the students amicably.

In an interview, the president of the Student Union Government of the Polytechnic, Ibadan, Mr Okikiola Joshua was optimistic that there was work in progress on demands raised by the students on the part of the government.

Mr Okikiola Joshua however maintained that the student union would ensure that government implement the demands as promised without delay.

The SUG president of the Polytechnic Ibadan who highlighted their agitations to include inadequate infrastructures, said the challenges needed the attention of the government as soon as possible, to be put in its policies, including reduction of school fees and manpower.

It would be recalled that, students of the polytechnic Ibadan had protested to the Agodi Secretariat to express their agitations on matters affecting them.

Iyabo Adebisi

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Education

New Twist as Ibadan Poly Lifts Ban on Students’ Union

By Web News 626

Barely few hours after the suspension of the Students Union Government, the Management of The Polytechnic, Ibadan, Oyo State has lifted the suspension.

The Management of the Institution, had on Monday, suspended the Students’ Union and postponed the first-semester examination meant to commence today, Monday, January 9, 2023, following the protest embarked upon by the students.

Ibadan Poly Students Protest Hike in Hostel Refusal Fee

This is contained in a statement issued by the institution’s Registrar, Mrs Modupe Fawale, in Ibadan on Monday.

Mrs. Fawale said that the reversal of the suspension order earlier placed on the union was based on interventions in order to allow for further consultations.

“The management has decided not to use the big stick on the students, as they have also sheathed their swords.

“The management will be holding meetings with the leadership of the students to address their perceived grievances,” she said.

The registrar, however, said that the first semester examination, scheduled to commence on Jan. 9, remained postponed.

“A new date for the commencement of the examination will be announced to the students through appropriate channels,” she said.

Olaolu Fawole

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Education

Poly Protest: Govt Steps in

By Web News 627

Oyo State Government is to convene a  meeting of the management of the Polytechnic Ibadan Governing Council and the students over a protest on the increase of the alleged hostel refusal fee.

The meeting which is scheduled to hold at the state’s Ministry of Education’s Conference room on Tuesday, 10th January would address issues raised by the students.

Radio Nigeria gathered that Students of The Polytechnic, Ibadan are protesting the increase in the amount payable for hostel refusal fees from 5000 to 15000

Addressing the hundreds of students who protest at the Agodi, Secretariat, Ibadan, the Deputy Governor, Chief Bayo Lawal said the Oyo State Government would look into the suspension of the students union government by the management institution following the protest.

The Deputy Governor, therefore, appealed for the calm of the parties involved with a promise to resolve the matter amicably.

Also, the Commissioner for Education, Abiodun Abdul Raheem in an interview explained that the meeting would provide an avenue for parties with a view to solving the problem

Earlier, the Management of The Polytechnic, Ibadan suspended the Students’ Union Executives of the institution and postponed the first-semester examination intended to commence today, Monday 9th January 2023 as a result of what it described as an unwarranted and politically motivated protest embarked upon by the students.

A statement from the Institution signed by the Registrar, Mrs Modupe Theresa Fawale disclosed that the examination has been postponed until further notice while the Students’ Union is suspended indefinitely. 

Iyabo Adebisi

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Education

Ibadan Poly Students Protest Hike in Hostel Refusal Fee

By Web News 616 Post a comment

Students of The Polytechnic, Ibadan in Oyo State on Monday protested the hike in hostel refusal fee by the management of the institution.

The students, in their hundreds, blocked the school gate and the ever-busy Sango-Poly junction, thereby causing gridlock before heading to the State Secretariat, Agodi, Ibadan. All the roads within the Secretariat have also been blocked.

The hostel refusal fee was initially N5,000 before the management increased it to N15,000.

One of the protesters, Abiodun, other name withheld, said, “We normally pay N30,000 for accommodation every session but for those who don’t want to stay in the hostel, they pay N5,000 refusal fee. But the management just woke up and said that it has increased the refusal fee from N5,000 to N15,000.”

“The management also said the hostel fee is compulsory now for all the students, including those who are not staying in the campus (off campus),” she explained.

They also said they were tired with the continued use of a consultant in running the affairs of the institution.

The protesters were chanting anti-government songs, saying the activities of the consultant had slowed down the growth of the institution.

Meanwhile, the Management of The Polytechnic, Ibadan, Oyo State, has suspended the Students’ Union of the institution and postponed the first-semester examination meant to commence today, Monday, January 9, 2023, following the protest embarked upon by the students.

A statement from the institution signed by the Registrar, Mrs Modupe Fawale, disclosed that the examination had been postponed until further notice and the Students’ Union suspended indefinitely.

Describing the protest as ill-motivated and politically inclined, the Management claimed the students’ union body had not made a formal complaint to the Management concerning the examination slated to commence today.

“The Management is reviewing the situation and will issue a statement on when the suspended examination will commence. We appeal to the students to return to class and prepare for their examination. We also appeal to the parents and guardians to call their wards to order.”

Punch/Olaolu Fawole

Education

Oyo Schools Resume for Second Term

By Web News 739

Public and private schools in Ibadan have resumed for the 2022/2023 second-term academic session.

Our correspondent, who monitored the resumption, reports that students and pupils defied the chilling harmattan to arrive at school early.

During visits to some of the schools at Ojoo and, Agbowo, the students were seen lined up on the assembly ground while others were reciting the multiplication table.

In an interview, the headmistress of Shepherd Success Academy, Agbowo, Mrs Bolanle James said the teachers were set for the academic take-off while noting that preparations had been made ahead of today’s resumption.

Speaking in the same vein, the Principal, Oba Akinbiyi High School 2, Mokola, Mrs Oluwatoyin Ayodele said previous meetings had been held with the teachers to ensure a hitch-free second term session.

Schools in Oyo state went on vacation in December last year as the end of the first term, which enabled the students to celebrate Christmas and New Year.

Rotimi Famakin

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Education

Oyo Govt. Warns Newly-Inaugurated Education Secretaries against Abuse

By Web News 593

The Oyo State Government has inaugurated Education Secretaries across the 33 Local Government areas of the state, warning them not to abuse the privileges of the office.

Inaugurating the secretaries on behalf of the state governor, in Ibadan, the Chairman of Oyo State Universal Basic Education Board, OYOSUBEB, Dr Nureni Adeniran implored them to improve education quality in their localities and reduce the number of out-of-school children.

He appreciated Governor Seyi Makinde for deeming it fit to appoint the new Education Secretaries across the 33 Local Government Universal Basic Education Authorities in the State.

While he warned that there would be sanctions, for any form of abuse, Dr Adeniran said the Oyo State Universal Basic Education Board has laid a very strong and solid foundation for the new Education secretaries in the areas of infrastructural development, manpower, the uplift of both teaching and non-teaching staff.

He added that the board has raised the bar the for learning process for both formal and non-formal learners, welfare and training of teachers and ensuring well-orchestrated primary school administration. 

Dr Adeniran, also charged all the Education Secretaries to be “high-fliers“in subject content mastery, knowledge and skills that would guarantee prudence, accountability and transparency in their new appointments.

“You, as Education Secretaries, are now well positioned to build on the existing foundation and even add value where it is necessary”, he said.

He admonished them to work hard for the success of the education sector with their new appointments, saying “so that at the end of it all, your names will be written in gold among those that have immensely contributed to the success of this administration”. 

Dr Adeniran said he is convinced that their appointment was in recognition of their capacity, capability and contributions over the years to the development of education in the state.

“With you, a new era of primary school administration and leadership has, once again, been ushered in. In addition, you are expected to work very hard at your jurisdiction to complement the efforts of the State Universal Basic Education Board in particular and the Universal Basic Education Commission in general”.

He urged them to buckle up for the few challenges they may face, saying they must deal with them accordingly in line with the dictum that ‘there are no insurmountable challenges’.

Dr Adeniran also charged them to take charge of the general administration of the LGUBEA, ensuring effective monitoring of school activities within the LGUBEA.

He, however, called for strict compliance with the rules of engagement, so that the whole system will be run as envisioned for the benefit of the state and pupils/learners who are supposed to be the future leaders.

“You are expected to exercise strict caution when making decisions and always seek clearance and advice from the Board on grey areas in order to avoid embarrassment and mistakes that could be costly while running your office. It is my fervent prayer that you succeed in all your undertakings and endeavours during your tenure as Education Secretaries within your various jurisdictions”.

Speaking earlier, a board member, Mr Akeem Oladeji, opined that their appointment was a deliberate action and a clarion call for them to join the present enviable train of education administration, as exemplified in the state, to be in tandem with the four (4) cardinal agenda and focus of this present administration led by Engineer Seyi Makinde, of which education is listed.

Also, a part-time member of the board, Mrs Folasade Ajala admonished them to be focused, dedicated and loyal to the present administration that considered them worthy of the office.

The Chairman, Nigeria Union of Teachers, NUT, in Oyo State, Comrade Raji Oladimeji, assured the board and the new secretaries of the union’s support and cooperation. 

Comrade Oladimeji also congratulated the new officers on their well-deserved appointment as Education Secretaries.

Responding on behalf of the Education Secretaries, Ms Morenike Adeniran, from Ibadan South-West Local Government thanked the governor for the rare opportunity of deeming it fit to appoint them.

She also appreciated the SUBEB boss for turning the tides of the board with the new development.

Oluwakayode Banjo

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Education

Oke-Ogun Poly Gets New Rector

By Web News 888

Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has approved the appointment of Dr. Ajibola Sikiru Adetona as the Rector, Oke Ogun Polytechnic, Saki.

The approval of the appointment was conveyed in a letter signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Mrs Olubamiwo Adeosun and made available to newsmen stated that the tenure shall be five years in accordance with the terms and conditions of the office and status, as spelt out in the relevant laws of the institution.

The governor, through the SSG, congratulated the new rector and also urged him to discharge his duties with absolute loyalty, dedication and professionalism, towards ensuring the enhancement of the institution’s current status.

The letter reads: “I am delighted to convey the approval of the Governor, His Excellency, Engr. ‘Seyi Makinde on your appointment as Rector, The Oke-Ogun Polytechnic, Sakl, with effect from 14th December 2022.

“The tenure of your appointment shall be five years, in accordance with the terms and conditions of the office and status, as spelt out in the relevant laws of the institution.

“While heartily congratulating you on your appointment, the government desires the discharge of your duties with absolute loyalty, dedication and professionalism, towards ensuring the enhancement of the institution’s current status.

“You will also ensure the sustenance of peace and further developments of the institution, in line with the vision of the state government on behalf of His Excellency, please accept our hearty congratulations.”

Vanguard/Simeon Ugbodovon

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Education

Buhari Appoints Sani Man Yahaya as Rector Ede Polytechnic

By Web News 1127

President Muhammadu Buhari has appointed Dr. Sani Man Yahaya as the new Rector, Federal Polytechnic, Ede, Osun state. The appointment of Dr Yahaya was contained in a letter signed by the Minister of Education, Alhaji Adamu Adamu, which was made available to newsmen in Bida on Thursday.

The appointment which took effect on November 21, 2022, is for a period of five years in line with the Federal Polytechnic (Amendment) Act 2019.

The letter reads, “I write to convey to you the approval of Mr President, His Excellency, Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, for your appointment as Rector of Federal Polytechnic, Ede, Osun state.

“The terms and conditions of service including remuneration and fringe benefits shall be as approved for Rectors of Federal Polytechnics”.

Until his appointment, the new rector was the Deputy Rector (Administration), at Federal Polytechnic, Bida in Niger state.

President Buhari congratulated the new rector and wished him a most successful tenure.

The new rector expressed gratitude to President Buhari for the appointment, saying he would do everything humanly possible to lift the standard of the polytechnic to greater heights.

Blueprint/Simeon Ugbodovon

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Education

Local Councils in Oyo Get Education Secretaries

By Web News 573

Oyo State Governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde has approved the appointment of 33 Local Government Education Secretaries for all the local councils in the state.

The appointments, which were made public on Wednesday, were communicated through a letter signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Mrs. Olubamiwo Adeosun.

A statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Mr. Taiwo Adisa, indicates that the appointments were with effect from December 19, 2019.

The statement quotes Adeosun as congratulating the new Local Government Education Secretaries, charging them to see their appointments as a call to service and urging them to discharge their duties with absolute loyalty, dedication and diligence.

The letter equally mandates that the gesture should also be replicated at the local government level with the establishment of Local Government Universal Basic Education Agencies and the appointment of part-time chairmen and other members in all the LGUBEAs in the state, in accordance with the relevant extant regulations.

Iyabo Adebisi

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Education

Oyo Prioritises Rehabilitation, Maintenance of All State Roads

By Web News 751

Oyo State Government has awarded phase 2 of the junction improvement contract in Ibadan to improve traffic and mobility as well as the rehabilitation of 21 roads across zones of the state.

The Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism, Dr Wasiu Olatunbosun and Commissioner for Public Works and Transport, Professor Daud Sangodoyin who disclosed this while briefing newsmen, hinted that an estimate of 10.3 billion naira had been earmarked as a contract sum for the junction improvement phase 2 while the 21 roads rehabilitation would cost an estimate of 476.6 million naira 

Dr  Olatunbosun explained that the 21 roads rehabilitation phase 1 would cover Oyo, Ibadan, Ogbomosho, Oke-Ogun, Ibarapa zones and would be executed through direct labour by the state road maintenance agency (OYTROMA) while a contract sum of 159 million has been earmarked for earthwork at the headquarters of the state agricultural development agency (OYSADA).

He added that the State Executive Council granted approval for the procurement of 34 units JAC patrol vehicles at the sum of 848 million naira for security agencies in the state to enhance security coverage.

Earlier, the commissioner for information had disclosed that Governor Seyi Makinde would assent the 2023 appropriation bill this Friday at Saki, Oke Ogun Area of the state.

Iyabo Adebisi

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Education

Shun Local Politics, NYSC Warns Corps Members

By Web News 541 Post a comment

Ahead of the 2023 general elections, corps members have been warned against involvement in the local politics of their host communities.

The Acting Director General of the National Youth Service Corps, NYSC Mrs Christy Uba gave the warning in an address presented at the closing ceremony of the orientation course for members of the Batch C Stream II orientation exercise.

Mrs Uba told the corps members that much was expected from them by Nigerians, particularly as some of them would be engaged in various duties in the electoral exercise; hence they must be seen always as neutral and forthright.

In the address delivered through the Osun State Coordinator of the scheme, Mrs Abduwahab Olayinka, the Director General also charged the participants to be of good conduct in their places of primary assignment and make an enduring impact not just through their daily assignment, but through individual and a group project.

“In keeping with the objectives of the Scheme, you are expected to integrate into your host communities while also appreciating and respecting their cultures. I enjoin you to undertake personal and group Community Development Service projects that will help to uplift the living standard of the people of your host communities.”

She also advised them to take the skill acquired during the ‘Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurial Development Programme’, SAED at the camp seriously to serve as a roadmap to building a sustainable future.

“I encourage you to build on the skills acquired by availing yourselves of opportunities for post-camp training as this will go a long way in empowering you for self-reliance. On our part, we are liaising with financial institutions and other stakeholders with a view to providing start-up loans to enable you to actualize your business dreams.” 

Mrs Uba called on the corps members to be security conscious in the course of their service, warning them against long journeys, avoid isolation and other acts inimical to their well-being.

“Travelling at night will not only increase the risk of accidents but also make rescue difficult. You are, therefore, advised to always cut short your trips from six o’clock in the evening and pass the night at NYSC Lodges, military barracks and other locations officially designated as safe. Furthermore, you should board vehicles only at approved motor parks so as to avoid falling into the hands of criminals”.

The Acting DG lauded the commitment of the Federal, State and Local governments to the NYSC as well as traditional rulers, residents of host communities and corps employers.

In Osun State, a total of thousand and seventy graduates of different institutions participated in the Batch C Stream II orientation exercise.

Similarly, the Acting Director-General, National Youths Service Corps, Mrs Christy Uba, has described NYSC as a non-political Scheme, hence corps members are expected to be apolitical, sustain the spirit of patriotism, self-reliance, hard work and other enviable virtues during their service year.

The Acting DG stated this in a message to the closing ceremony of the 2022 Batch ‘C’ Stream II Orientation Course held at the NYSC Permanent Orientation Camp, Ise-Orun/Emure Ekiti State.

The Acting DG, who was represented by the NYSC Ekiti State Coordinator, Mrs Mary Nnenna Chikezie stressed that the integration of Corps members into their host communities is one of the objectives of the Scheme.

Therefore, Corps members are o respect the Culture and traditions of their host communities so as to enjoy their service year. 

She reiterated the need for corps members to progress in post-camp Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development, SAED training as the scheme is in partnership with financial institutions to provide start-up loans to corps members. 

According to her, ” I would like to remind you of the Oath of allegiance you took in which you pledged to accept posting in good faith. I enjoin you to perform your duties with diligence and be guided by the provisions of the NYSC Act and Bye-Laws as well as workplace rules and regulations.” Acting DG said.

“In keeping with the objectives of the Scheme, you are expected to integrate into your host communities while also appreciating and respecting their cultures. You must desist from meddling in their local politics. Furthermore, I enjoin you to undertake personal and group Community Development Service projects that will help uplift the living standard of the people of your host communities,” she added. 

Mrs Christy Uba equally reminded the corps members to be good ambassadors of both the scheme and their families.

The NYSC Acting DG further appealed to organisations and government authorities to give preference to the corps members in order to enable them to develop their potential and attain greater heights.

Adenitan Akinola/Amos Ogunrinde

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Education

Oyebanji Approves Recruitment of Primary School Teachers in Ekiti

By Web News 613

Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji has approved the recruitment of teachers to fill the existing vacancies in public primary schools.

The Chairman, Ekiti State Universal Basic Education Board, SUBEB, Professor Femi Akinwumi made this known in a statement in Ado-Ekiti.

Professor Akinwumi said the approval was to further strengthen teaching and learning activities in the basic education sector.

He explained that Government was already working out modalities for the commencement of the recruitment exercise, stressing that proper laid-down procedures including advertising on the state website and in reputable media organizations would be duly followed for the recruitment.

Professor Akinwumi, however, warned the public, particularly prospective applicants, to be wary of internet fraudsters parading their websites and blogs as recruitment platforms for the Board’s 2022 and 2023 recruitment

exercise.

“Ekiti SUBEB will soon recruit suitably qualified teachers for our public primary schools and procedures for the recruitment are already being put in place. As soon as this is completed, we will formally inform the public through the Ekiti State website:www.ekitistate.gov.ng and through reputable media outlets “

“Applicants should however beware of internet recruitment fraudsters,

who might try to paint their websites and blogs as recruitment platforms for the Board’s recruitment exercise. 

Application forms for the exercise would never be downloaded on social media”, Professor Akinwumi warned.

Ekiti SUBEB recruited 600 primary school teachers in 2021.

Amos Ogunrinde

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Education

Excursions expose students to practical, in-depth information – School Administrator

By Web News 727

Exposure of students to various processes involved in news gathering and transmission will forever linger in the memory of the students of Unique Start School, Bethel, Egbeda in Ibadan, Oyo State as they embarked on an excursion to the Broadcasting House of Radio Nigeria, Dugbe in Ibadan.

The students including Inioluwa Adeleye, Oluwakemi Adegoke, Oluwafemi Olabode and Priscilia Akarame said they have gained more knowledge on the functions of numerous broadcast gadgets and facilities as well on how news and programmes were generated, processed and transmitted to the general public.

“I learnt a lot of things today. I learnt the functions of a reporter. I learnt the difference between a recording studio and a live studio.” Inioluwa Adeleye said.

“I learnt the difference between a school library and a library in the radio station and its benefits to mankind. I learnt about the Control Room, studio, and business room. I learnt that one must study the following subjects: Literature in English, English language and mathematics, and mass communication to be an effective broadcaster” the students added.

While speaking on the choice of FRCN for the excursion, the Director of the School, Mr Caleb Adeniran and the school’s Librarian, Mrs Florence Olafisoye said Radio Nigeria was the flagship of broadcast media in Oyo State.

The school’s administrators, who said parents and school proprietors should prioritize excursions for their students to broaden their horizons, urged Radio Nigeria to continue to demonstrate professionalism in the media to sustain its pacesetting status for other broadcast organizations.

Mr Adeniransaid, “I chose Radio Nigeria for the excursion because it is the first (Premier) FM station out of the Radio stations in Nigeria. Parents and school Management should yield to their inclination. The excursion is one of the lines of educating children. We call it co-curricular activities. Every day in the four walls of the classroom, we teach this and that. But we also know that education in school doesn’t stop there. We believe that education in school is just a fraction of the education of any child.

“Well as their teacher, I tend to achieve many things. At least for some students, they have in mind what they want to achieve in future. Coming here will give them an opportunity to choose the course or not. They learnt the subject they need to study in school that can qualify them for the course. They have been taught the course they need to study at the Polytechnic and University to become a journalist. So coming here today will go a long way because it will continue to come up in their memory. My advice to this wonderful media organization is that you are doing well. You are old in the system. I want you to come up with new programmes, new innovations. Strategize the more.” He added

The students numbering forty-one were conducted around the live and recording studio, departments, units and other operating facilities of Radio Nigeria, Ibadan Zonal Station.

Rotimi Famakin/Temidayo Adu 

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Education

‘My administration has done a lot for education’ – Gov. Makinde

By Web News 664

Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has pledged the support of his administration for the smooth take-off of the Federal Polytechnic, Ayede, Ogbomoso, saying that, education is a top priority of his administration.

The governor, who stated this while receiving members of the Institution’s Governing Council, who paid him a courtesy visit in his office at the Secretariat, Agodi, Ibadan, said that he was ready to approve the release of the Government Technical College, Ogbomoso as a temporary site for the take-off of the Institution.

Governor Makinde explained that education is one of the central pillars of his administration and that he has done a lot for the sector.

He assured the Governing Council that the government would deploy the State Security outfit, Amotekun Corps to ensure the school operates in a safe and secure environment while it will also engage with federal agencies on the issue of security.

Earlier, the pioneer Chairman of the Council, Federal Polytechnic, Ayede, Professor Dakas  James said following the establishment of the Federal Polytechnic, Ayede the management of the Institution has been working assiduously to ensure its take-off.

He noted that the governor was the chief facilitator of the establishment of the Institution which remains one of the outstanding landmark achievements of his administration.

He equally sought the assistance of the state to put necessary facilities in Ayede Community for the easy take-off of the Institution.

Iyabo Adebisi

Education

Oyo Govt, FG, Moves to Support Girl Child Education

By Web News 971 Post a comment

Oyo State government says plans are in place for the implementation of the Girl Child Programme, targeted at girls between ages 16 and 24 years.

The initiative, according to the Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Professor Musbau Babatunde is designed to comprehensively assist the girl child in the area of education concerns of girls across the country.

Professor Babatunde explained that the process of implementation would require the response of the girls resident in the state to a text message that would be sent to them.

“The main objective of the programme is to select nothing less than One Hundred and Fifty (150) female beneficiaries across the country who are between ages 16 and 24 years and have advanced in Senior Secondary School”, he said in a statement. 

The commissioner stated further that the program will be targeted at girls who had completed their senior secondary education with good grades in Mathematics and English, while their data would be mined from the National Social Register of the poor and vulnerable across the federation including the Federal Capital Territory, FCT.

He said the project would be supervised by the State Operations Coordinating Unit under the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning.

Professor Babatunde appealed to residents with active phone numbers to attend to the text message, when they receive any.

“The intervention will use the call centre through 969 to address complaints from potential beneficiaries”.

Oyo State Government will implement the project in collaboration with TYDO-Leadership Academy, the National Social Safety Nets Coordinating Office (NASSCO) and Oyo State Operation Coordinating Unit (OYOSOCU).

Nafiu Busari

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Education

Abiodun Reassures NYSC of Continuous Support

By Web News 473

The Governor of Ogun State, Dapo Abiodun, has reassured the National Youth Service Corps, NYSC, of continuous support in the state.

He made this known while receiving the NYSC National Governing Board at the Government House in Abeokuta, during a courtesy visit.

In a statement made available to newsmen on Monday, Abiodun, who welcomed the delegates led by its chairman, Fatima Abubakar, commended the scheme for its contribution to national development.

The governor described the NYSC as a “right step in the right direction.”

“The NYSC Scheme is geared towards national unity and integration which is very commendable because many of our children have been exposed to the different parts of the country through NYSC. It has helped them to interact with fellow youths from other parts of the country. This, to a very great extent, has promoted national unity and integration,” he said during the meeting on Wednesday.

He said even though the state government was facing the challenge of paucity of funds, his government would continue to support the NYSC scheme in the State.

Governor Abiodun promised more support for the scheme, specifically in the refurbishment of an ambulance, the connection of the public power supply of the orientation camp in Sagamu to the Ikenne Grid, which promises more hours of electricity supply, as well as sending the State Ministry of Works to assess the dilapidation of the state-owned Corps Lodge at Oke Ilewo, Abeokuta for possible renovation.

Earlier, the Governing Board Chairman appreciated the governor for his unalloyed support for the scheme in the State. She described the Sagamu Orientation camp as the best in the country.

Punch/Adetutu Adetule

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Education

NYSC Warns Corps Members against Flouting Electoral Rules

By Web News 460

*Inaugurates hall at State Secretariat

Corps members that would be used as ad-hoc staff in the 2023 general election have been warned against compromising the rules guiding their conduct in the forthcoming elections.

The Acting Director-General, National Youth Service Corps, NYSC Mrs Christy Uba gave the warning during the inauguration of an 800-seater capacity hall built by the Oyo State Coordinator of NYSC, Mrs Grace Ogbuogebe at the commission’s secretariat in Ibadan.


Mrs Uba explained that the corps members had been trained on the rules and standards guiding their conduct, warning that any corps members found culpable before and during the elections would be made to face the full wrath of the law.



“They have been trained. they must take instructions and not compromise. If they are found culpable the course of the law would be implemented on them”
 

Mrs Uba stressed the need for the corps members to be patriotic and make good use of the training acquired.

Speaking in the same vein, the Chairman, the NYSC Board of Trustees, who is also the state Commissioner for Youths and Sports, Mr Seun Fakorede said the electorate was aware of their civic duties and rights, adding that the corps members should live above board and meet the expectations of the masses.

 “Well, I expect more than ever before a level of comportment a high level of coordination. Today, people are now educated and are aware of their rights and what is expected of them. I’m a little bit impressed with the level of voter education and awareness out there. I believe this level of education is going to be backed up with a level of comportment by our youths nationwide.”

Earlier, the Oyo State Coordinator, NYSC, Mrs Grace Ogbuogebe said the hall was built as a result of her need assessment carried out in the state NYSC.

“Distinguished ladies and gentlemen, it is pertinent to note that upon my assumption as the 20th state coordinator of the National Youth Service Corps, Oyo state, I discovered the absence of a befitting and conducive hall to host programmes for members of staff, corps members other official engagements. This forced us every occasion to hold meetings outside the office premises.
 

“As part of my administration’s resolve to improve on the welfare of staff and corps members and provide solutions to some precarious challenges hampering the smooth operation of the scheme in Oyo state, I am gladdened to inform you that we are able to initiate a construction of 800- seater capacity ultra- modern hall, complete renovation of the abandoned Servi-Com Office, rehabilitation and painting of the entire secretariat complex”

The NYSC DG and the state coordinator of the scheme commended those who contributed towards the success of the building project.


The Foundation of the multi-purpose hall was laid on the 13th of August, this year.
   

Rotimi Famakin

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Education

Yusuf Condemns WAEC’s Delisting of Oyo Schools

By Web News 3773

Action Democratic Party Governorship Candidate for the 2023 election in Oyo State, Mr. Akim Yusuf says he will declare state of emergency on education sector, if elected as Governor.

Mr. Yusuf stated this while reacting to the recent delist of 50 secondary schools in Oyo State by the West African Examination Council, WAEC over malpractices.

He described the development as embarrassing for the status of the pace setter state which is reputable for recording and hosting first class institutions like the premier University of Ibadan, University College Hospital and International Institute of Tropical Agriculture llTA.

“It is an unfortunate incident that shows the extent of decay in our educational system.We will engage WAEC to get these schools back on board as soon as possible by correcting institution-specific and general challenges.”

Mr. Yusuf, a finance expert, noted that his administration would revisit the regular and continuous measurement of academic standards or performance of students from the Junior Secondary School, JSS1 with a view to identifying individual students’ strengths and weaknesses in a strong guidance & counselling environment to ensure that subject selections were tied to students’ capabilities.

“We will rebuild our education system from scratch by frontally addressing the challenges of dilapidated infrastructure, teaching aid, continuous teacher training and specially incentivising teaching to attract high quality teachers.”

Mr. Yusuf added that his administration would put in place curriculum enrichment measures to expand the intellectual base of the products of various Oyo schools and restore the excellent performance at the external examinations and international competitions.

Dayo Adu

Education

Be patriotic- NYSC Tells Corps Members

By Web News 580

Acting Director General, NationaI Youth Service Corps, NYSC, Mrs Christy Uba has advised corps members in Ekiti State to be patriotic in their service to the Nation.

Mrs Uba gave the advice in a message to the swearing in ceremony of the 2022 Batch C stream Two corps members held at the NYSC permanent Orientation Camp in Ise/Orun/Emure Ekiti.

The Acting DG whose speech was delivered by the Ekiti state coordinator, Mrs Mary Chikezie implored the new corps members to serve their fatherland diligently like their predecessors.

Do your best for the country, this scheme is an opportunity for you to contribute your quota to the growth of the nation.. Mrs Christy Uba said.

According to her, NYSC was established to promote nationaI unity and integration.

She charged them to also key into the skill acquisition programme so as to become employers of labour after their service year instead of Job seekers.

Let me tell you, there is no white collar job anywhere, skill acquisition is the way out of unemployment, please and please be focused. 

Mrs Uba equally told the corps members to abide by the rules and regulations of the camp by distancing themselves from cultism, indiscipline, drug abuse and negative use of social media to spread fake news.

Earlier, Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji said Ekiti had benefited immensely from the scheme particularly in the areas of health and education, saying that his administration will continue to support the scheme.

Mr Oyebanji who was represented by the state Head of Service, Mr Bamidele Agbede congratulated the Corps Members on their mobilization, urging them to work hard in order to receive awards at the end of their service.

He told the gathering that government would continue to provide a conducive environment for the corps members to enjoy their stay in EKITI State.

The Chief Judge of Ekiti State, Justice Oyewole Adeyeye who was represented by Justice Olalekan Olatawura administered the oath on the one thousand, one hundred and thirty five corps members.

Amos Ogunrinde

Education

Key into SAED Programme, NYSC Tells Corps Members

By Web News 878

Relevant stakeholders should support the establishment of the National Youth Service Corps, NYSC Trust Fund and the success of the scheme’s Health Initiative for Rural Dwellers, HIRD.

The Acting Director General of NYSC, Mrs Christy Uba stated this during the swearing-in ceremony of the 2022 batch C stream 2 corps members held at the Oyo NYSC Permanent Orientation Camp, Iseyin.

Speaking through the Oyo State coordinator of NYSC, Mrs Grace Ogbuogebe, the Acting DG explained that the trust fund when approved would address challenges of infrastructure and provide start-up capital for corps members.

She noted that the health initiatives when operational had the aim of providing easier access to free and qualitative healthcare for the rural poor.

While enjoining the corps members to eschew social vices and the use of social media in fuelling hatred and spreading fake news, the DG said the corps members should rather use social media to promote national unity and development.

She stated that NYSC would continue to work with relevant stakeholders towards achieving the success of the programme.

Mrs Uba advised the corps members to abide by the rules guiding NYSC camping and avail themselves of the Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development programmes put in place by the scheme for their self-sustenance in future.

Radio Nigeria observed that 1,131 corps members comprising 454 males and 677 females were posted to Oyo State. Some corps members were vacated from Lagos to Oyo State NYSC Orientation Camp for the three weeks orientation exercise.

The corps members were earlier administered an oath of allegiance by the Chief Judge of Oyo state, Justice Munktar Abimbola who was represented at the occasion by Honourable Justice Iyabo Yerinma.

Similarly, at the orientation programme held for corps members deployed to Osun State, Mrs Christy Uba charged corps members to rededicate themselves to the central focus of the scheme, which is the integration of the various ethnic groups in Nigeria in the interest of national development and progress.

This is contained in her message to the swearing-in ceremony of the 2022 Batch C stream II corps members posted to Osun State.

In the message, which was delivered by the Osun State Coordinator of the NYSC, Mrs Abduwahab Olayinka at the scheme’s orientation camp at Ede, the Acting Director General urged the corps members to note that the unity of Nigeria as a formidable country is the most valuable treasure for all citizens.

“Your deployment to states apart from your origin and also your assemblage here from the diverse ethnic, religious and socio-economic backgrounds is in pursuant to this noble objective. This will not only offer you the opportunity for a broader understanding of the country but also entrench the culture of working together in an atmosphere filled with friendship, peace, harmony, and a shared vision of a great and prosperous Nigeria.”

Mrs Uba advised the participants to take the orientation course more seriously. “It is expected to guide your conduct in the service year as well as have a significant influence on your life after service. You are also enjoined to acquaint yourselves with the provisions of the NYSC Act and the NYSC Bye-Laws”.

The NYSC Acting Director General appealed to all stakeholders to render support towards the success of the NYSC Health Initiative for Rural Dwellers (HIRD), which is aimed at providing easy access to free and qualitative Health care.

Mrs Abduwahab Olayinka called on the corps members to avail themselves of the opportunity the Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurial Development Programme offers as white-collar job is not easy to come by.

Rotimi Famakin/Adenitan Akinola

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Education

ASUU Rejects Plans to Increase Tuition in Public University

By Web News 540

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) opposes plans by the government to raise the tuition costs associated with receiving a university education.

According to ASUU, this move could put higher education out of reach for economically disadvantaged students.

The Union also expressed concern about what it calls “the government’s systematic withdrawal from funding public universities through the proposed introduction of education loans,” which it claims has been a complete failure in countries where it has been implemented.

Professor Emmanuel Osodeke, National President of ASUU, said in a statement on Monday that the resolutions were reached at the end of the National Executive Council (NEC) meeting at the University of Calabar.

Professor Osodeke drew Nigerians’ attention to the lingering issue of renegotiation of the 2009 FGN-ASUU Agreement, which he said was the initial issue that led to the recently suspended strike, and added that what was more concerning was the government’s increasing “anti-labour” posture, which suggested attempts to abrogate the principle of the collective bargaining agreement.

According to Professor Osodeke, the NEC rejected the government’s insistence on handing down an award rather than a bargained salary package.

‘’The meeting also reviewed and condemned the government’s attempt to casualize the job of intellectuals, as reflected in the pro-rated salaries paid to our members for the month of October 2022, as well as the continued withholding of our members’ salaries for the preceding 8 months, even when the backlog of work is being covered by our members in various universities’’ he stated.

ASUU wants Nigerians to put pressure on the government to take care of unfinished business in the FGN-ASUU Memorandum of Action for December 2020.

FRCN Abuja / Titilayo Kupoliyi

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Education

EACOED Becomes University

By Web News 1384


Oyo State Governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde has signed into law a bill to upgrade Emmanuel Alayande College of Education, Oyo  to a university status.

Signing the bill into law at the Executive Chamber, Governor’s Office, Governor Makinde said education remained one of the cardinal agenda of his administration as contained in his Roadmap for Accelerated Development 2019-2023.

The governor said when the university is finally approved by the National University Commission, NUC, the Emmanuel Alayande University would be empowered by law to award degrees,diploma and other certificates.

While commending the efforts of the state House of Assembly for the timely and successful passage of the bill, Governor Makinde assured that  necessary documents has been put in place and sent to the appropriate quarters.

In his remarks, the Speaker, Oyo State House of Assembly, Adebo Ogundoyin lauded Governor Seyi Makinde on the epoch making event, adding that his administration has recorded various achievements in the education sector.

With this development,the number of state owned universities in the state is now three.

Iyabo Adebisi

Education

Polytechnic Ibadan Goes Tough on “Indecent Dressing”

By Web News 1035

The management of The Polytechnic Ibadan steps towards checkmating cultism, examination malpractices and other anti-social activities in the institution has taken a new dimension.

This is coming after the management of the institution had earlier initiated policies that prohibited indecent dresses, tinted hair, extreme hugging, and the use of hostels by pregnant and nursing mothers.

Commenting on the new strategies to tackle insecurity, and other heinous activities, the Dean, Students Affairs, Mr Makinde Akinwunmi said the students, staff, and commercial motorists operating in the school would be captured biometrically to enable the school authority to create a database which covers all students and individuals that have a direct relationship with the school.

Mr Akinwunmi who spoke on the uniqueness of the biometric data machine and the security features of the new school identity card said most antisocial crises that occurred within the school were mostly caused by non-students of the school.

He noted that The Polytechnic Ibadan is not only a household name that must be protected but also a model to other institutions in the country.

The Dean also added that the recent ban on indecent dressing and the use of hostels by pregnant and nursing mothers were meant to restore sanity to the school, and prevent distractions and conflicts among the students.

Our correspondent who observed that some of the students were queuing to receive their identity cards with new rules of the school packed in an envelope, reports that some students with features of appearance that negated the already enlisted rules of the school were being warned and shown penalty of extension of semesters contained in the school gazette.

Rotimi Famakin

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