Education

Abiodun Plans Expanding Teach-Initiative to 6,000, Increases Stipends to N80,000

By Web News 494

By Abimbola Bamgbose

Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has announced plans to expand the Ogun Teach initiative by increasing the number of teacher interns from the current 4,000 to 6,000.

The move is part of his administration’s commitment to bridging the gap in the student-to-teacher ratio across the state.

The governor disclosed this during a meeting with the management teams of Teach for All and Teach For Nigeria, held at his office in Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta.

 Governor Abiodun also revealed that the monthly stipend for Ogun Teach interns had been raised to N80,000, reflecting the administration’s commitment to aligning with prevailing economic realities.

Highlighting his administration’s efforts to revitalize education, the governor noted that an emergency was declared in the sector upon assumption of office due to the challenges inherited. 

Key initiatives implemented include the Learners Identification Number, which facilitates the tracking of students in public schools, and the Education Revitalization Agenda, aimed at ensuring a seamless and efficient education system.

The governor further affirmed the state’s readiness to continue absorbing Teach For Nigeria fellows who meet the required standards. He expressed confidence in the state’s potential to serve as a model for the Teach For Nigeria program nationwide.

In her remarks, the Chief Executive Officer of Teach for Nigeria, Mrs. Molade Adeniyi, lauded the Ogun State Government for its unwavering support and collaborative approach.

She noted that the program’s mission aligns with the ISEYA mantra of the state government, which prioritizes infrastructure, social welfare, and youth development.

Mrs. Adeniyi emphasized that Teach for Nigeria recruits only highly skilled, motivated, and disciplined individuals who undergo a two-year fellowship designed to foster leadership and tackle inequities in the education sector.

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Education

Lawmaker Calls for Implementation of Teachers Retirement Age

By Web News 389

By Mosope Kehinde

Lawmaker representing Atiba State Constituency in the Oyo State House of Assembly, Mr Gbenga Oyekola has called for the adoption and implementation of the recently enacted Harmonized Retirement Age for Teachers in Nigeria Act, 2022.

In a motion titled; Need For Adoption And Implementation Of The New Sixty Five (65) Years Retirement Age And Forty (40) Years Length of Service For Teachers Of Oyo State” presented before the house, Mr. Oyekola who is the Chief Whip maintained that the federal government position should be domesticated in Oyo State.

The lawmaker emphasized the pivotal role of teachers in shaping the nation’s educational system and aligns with global recommendations.

While noting that seven states, including Ondo, Imo, and Kano, have promptly embraced the directive to harmonize retirement age and service years, Mr Oyekola urges Oyo State to follow suit.

The motion which was seconded by Mr. Saminu Ridwan representing Atisbo/Saki-East state Constituency, emphasized that the new retirement age stipulates compulsory retirement at 65 or after 40 years of pensionable service, superseding any conflicting regulations.

The Assembly however urged the Executive Arm to engage with the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), Oyo State Chapter on the matter.

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Education

Mmesoma’s UTME Score: NUT Says Controversy Disgraceful

By Web News 420

The Nigeria Union of Teachers, NUT, has described Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board’s allegation that the University and Tertiary Matriculation Examination result presented by Mmesoma Ejikeme is fake as disgraceful and embarrassing.

The NUT National President, Mr Titus Amba, in an interview with newsmen on Wednesday, said for Mmesoma and other candidates to have access to upgrade and present fake UTME results showed that JAMB had not fully secured its systems and the process of conducting its exam.

“It is quite unfortunate that this came up as a national issue, it is quite embarrassing. Embarrassing in the sense that it shows that JAMB has not truly secured its own system in terms of examination.

“If the result published or advertised by the girl who already received scholarships was not the real result that came out from their portal, then, we should question the security of the process of the UTME examination.”

He advised JAMB “What I will advise as an educationist is for JAMB to see how best they can secure their examination process so that these things won’t come up again. I advise that they should look inwardly at the examination process. Somebody within them is aiding and abetting all these things that are happening.”

Amba also called on the government to fund the examination boards in the country so as to prevent such future occurrences.

“Government should be able to fund these examination bodies very well and make sure if anything like this happens, they should be held responsible, because UTME is not something you joke with. There are situations where if The West African Senior School Certificate Examination is taking place at 9 am by 7 am you will see questions flying online. How did these questions leak out when it’s yet to be written? Government should rethink. It is quite unfortunate that someone will sit under his closet and manufacture results and scores. I know the JAMB registrar to be a very strong person and a no-nonsense professor. He should look inwardly.”

Also speaking, National President, Association of Tutorial School Operators, Mr Dotun Sodunke, complained that there were different syndicates online posting advertisements on how they could assist candidates to upgrade their results.

“Unfortunately, the government is aware of all these adverts and nothing is been done to all these small boys that are into education or academic yahoo and soiling our names.

“If I want to sit for WAEC now, all you need is N2,000, subscribe online, and you will get these questions, including essay writing and everything,” he said.

Punch / Titilayo Kupoliyi

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Education

2023 Elections: NGO Hammers on Girl Child Education

By Web News 623

By Titilayo Kupoliyi

There is a maxim that “when you empower a girl-child, you are empowering a nation”.

However, few weeks to the general elections, manifestos of political parties in Oyo state does not reflect plans for the girl-child education.

Statistics by United Nations Children’s Fund, UNICEF, 2021 states that 16.3 per cent of female children are out of senior and junior secondary school in Oyo state.

To this end, a Non-Governmental Organization, “One Life Initiative” organized a meeting with Civil Society Organizations, CSOs and other stakeholders in the education sector in Oyo State to brainstorm on the way forward.

Managing Director, “Onelife Initiative” Mr Sola Fagorusi, in a Presentation titled ‘What are the aspirants promising” showed that none of the political parties feature did not include the girl-child education in the manifestoes and needed to be addressed.

Mr Fagorusi pointed out, that inclusion of the girl-child education must be intentional, not lumped up together with the issue of education.

“The needs of the girl-child is actually different. A lot of conversation about reproductive health, teenage pregnancy, expectation of society from them and issue of quality education as well.

“The truth is that, if you solve the problem of the girl-child, you have solved the problem of everybody including the boy child”.

“If you look at the home, the major drivers are the mothers, very unlikely you have a woman who is educated and her children will not be educated. When it comes to issue about health as well, the girl-child is also the major victim sometimes of child marriage.

“It would impact on the girl-child as many of them will be interested in going to school leading to increased number as well as quality of education.

The summary of manifestoes showed that:                                                         

-The Manifestoes are most general

– None of them addressed issues of the girl-child in particular

– There is no specific documentation around what will be done for the girl-child

– Each Government needs to account for what is being done, it is an issue of public interest and trust.

Contributing, Executive Director of another NGO, Youth Hub Africa, Rotimi Olawale, stressed that it was imperative for political office holders to prioritize girl-child education as this was needed to fight poverty.

“Girls are disadvantaged when it comes to education, if you look from primary to secondary through tertiary, girls are more at a disadvantage, so the need for the stakeholders meeting”.

“While opinions will be aggregated and presented to the different political parties for implementation”

Mr. Olawale pointed out that the organization was ready to work with whichever party that emerges.

Nigerian Union of Teachers, NUT, Oyo State Chapter was represented by the assistant secretary, Mr Amuda Adegoke, said the programme was one of its kind and pledged the Union’s support in the fight against the neglect of the girl-child.

Earlier, Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Oyo State, Barrister Rahman Abdul-Raheem who spoke through the  Director of Schools, Mrs Olukemi Bolaji, identified education as a tool through which ignorance could be reduced.

The commissioner described the meeting as the right step, in the right direction.

“ I am highly elated to be amongst this gathering of a passionate group of people whose intention is geared towards redirecting, re-strategizing and improving the state of education of the girl-child and most importantly, all children within the state”.    

The meeting had in attendance Journalists, Education Stakeholders and Civil Service Organizations.

The meeting concluded that security should be beefed up around the schools while enough funds should be made available and judiciously utilized for education.

Highlights of the meeting include group discussions and various presentations focusing on girl child education.

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Education

Missing Colleague: NUT, NIWEN Organise Prayer for Safe Return

By Web News 792

A prayer Chain has been ordered in all Schools in Ogun State for the safe return of a Teacher, Mrs Oluwabukola Adeboye.

Mrs Adeboye was declared missing on Monday on her way to School, F Kuti Primary School, Isabo, Abeokuta, Ogun State.  

The Chairperson, Nigeria Women in Education Network, NIWEN, Comrade Oluwakemi Ayedun told Radio Nigeria that the prayer chain was called in conjunction with the state Branch of the Nigeria Union of Teachers, Nut, led by its Chairman, Comrade Abiodun Akinola.  

According to Mrs Ayedun, The teacher was dropped at Gbonagun Junction, Obantoko by her husband, who is a retired teacher very early on Monday morning to board a taxi to Isabo in an effort to resume the second term academic session, but unfortunately, she did not get to school and had not been seen till now.  

Speaking in an interview, the Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, Ogun State Command, Abimbola Oyeyemi said the police were not relenting in investigating what happened to the woman and to ensure her safe return. 

Modupeola Sobukonla.

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Education

Oyo Govt. Warns Newly-Inaugurated Education Secretaries against Abuse

By Web News 575

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

Let’s prioritise safety in schools – FG

By Web News 462

Minister Of Education, Mallam Adamu Adamu has restated the ministry’s commitment to work closely with all Nigerians to provide safe schools where children and teachers are protected from threats and crisis.

Mallam Adamu made this known in Ibadan while delivering his goodwill message at the 58th national delegate conference of the Nigeria Union Of teachers, NUT, with the theme “Terrorism and attack on schools: effects on education and Nigeria’s economy.’

Represented by the coordinating evaluator, quality assurance in the ministry, Ibadan, Mrs Odeleye Abimbola, the minister said Nigeria was making tremendous efforts to ensure the protection of education from attacks with special priority on security of students, teachers and facilities.

He explained that the attack on schools has become a global challenge where virtually all countries have recorded incidences of the effect of such attacks on children’s education.

Also speaking, Kebbi State governor, Atiku Bagudu lamented the state of attack on schools, calling for concerted efforts to stem the tide.

In an address, NUT national president, Mr Audu Amba called on relevant authorities including state governments to implement the 2020 welfare packages approved by President Buhari on the occasion of the 2020 teachers day celebration.

National President, Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, Mr Ayuba Wabba promised to support NUT in all states to ensure that retirement age of 65years and other welfare packages were implemented.

Highlight of the conference was presentation of award to President Muhammadu Buhari for his teachers friendly policies.


Mosope Kehinde 

Education

Teachers Issue Government 14 Days Ultimatum In Asaba

By Web News 685

Delta State Chapter of the Nigeria Union of Teachers, NUT, has given the state government Two weeks ultimatum to resolve issues of outstanding minimum wage payment and stagnation of graduate primary school teachers on Grade Level 14.

This is contained in a communique at the end of the Executive Council Meeting of the state Wing of NUT held at the Teachers’ House Asaba and signed by the NUT Chairman Mr Titus Okotie and the Secretary Mr Dan Basime.

The Chairman warned that the union would lead all primary school teachers across the twenty-five local governments of the state on a peaceful protest at the expiration of the two weeks ultimatum.

Mr Okotie also noted that the protest would herald the commencement of the shutdown of the primary school system in the state if their demands were not met.

The State Wing Executive Council of NUT however passed a vote of confidence on Delta State Governor Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa for the continuation of the Annual Teachers’ Award and the establishment of Technical Colleges and the Teachers Professional Development Center in the state.

Education

We remain committed to Teachers’ welfare – Gov. Okowa

By Web News 632

Delta State Governor, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, has stressed his administration’s commitment to the welfare of teachers in the state.

Governor Okowa made the pledge at the Cenotaph in Asaba, the state capital, on the occasion of World Teacher’s Day, celebrated annually on the 5th of October.

The governor who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government Mr. Patrick Ukah noted, the state has reintroduced the Annual Teachers Award, scheduled to hold in December this year after the program was jettisoned in 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Dr. Okowa also emphasized that the state has one of the largest populations of teachers in the country, stressing that his administration has been up to date with the payment of salary and was taking measures to clear the backlog of promotion arrears.

In an address to the occasion, the Chairman of Delta State wing of the Nigeria Union of Teachers, NUT, Comrade Titus Okotie, listed some of the challenges affecting the teaching profession to include: a shortage of teachers in primary and secondary schools and non-payment of thirty thousand naira minimum wage to primary school teachers.

Mr. Okoties added that the stagnation of graduate primary school teachers on grade level 14, is another challenge affecting the tutors in the state.

The highpoint of the event was the parade by representatives of the sub-wings of the NUT in the twenty-five local government areas of Delta State.

Oghenero Eghweree

Education

Delta NUT Hails PMB Over Extension Of Retirement Age

By Web News 1176

Delta State Wing of the Nigeria Union of Teachers, NUT, says recent educational policies by the President Mohammadu Buhari administration such as the extension of retirement age of teachers has the potentials to revamp the nation’s primary and secondary system.

The Delta State Secretary of the NUT, Comrade Dan Basime, state this in Asaba, the state capital while responding to some impactful policies of the President Mohammadu Buhari under the current dispensation.

Mr. Basime noted the policy would enable the mentoring of younger teachers to the overall benefit of the students.

Comrade Basime while commending the president for the development added that the policy should be domesticated speedily in all the states of the federation and the federal capital territory.

The State Secretary of the NUT also expressed the confidence that the policy would be domesticated in Delta State when it is approved by the National Assembly and adopted by the National executive of the Union of Teachers.

Meanwhile, residents of Delta State have commended the administration of President Mohammadu Buhari for the takeoff of the Nigerian Maritime University in Okorenkoko and the recent establishment of the Federal Polytechnic in Orogun.

On infrastructure projects by the federal government, the people commended the president for the resumption of resumption of work on the 337km East-West road saying the scheme which is expected to be completed in first quarter of 2022 would ease the movement of people across the Niger Delta region and improve the standard of living of the people.

Oghenero Eghweree reports that the residents also lauded the federal government for the successful repatriation of over ten thousand Nigerian migrants from Libya, out of which were many residents from the Niger Delta region.

Oghenero Eghweree

Education

Examining Role of Teachers During the COVID-19 Pandemic

By Web News 602

Teachers no doubt play invaluable roles in nurturing, shaping,moulding and transforming students to become responsible adults.

The global Covid 19 pandemic has however affected all spheres of human existence and the teaching profession is not an exemption.

With the partial opening of schools in Oyo state, teachers were in the fore front of dispersing Covid 19 messages to students and the general populace.

Speaking on his experience during the period, Chairman, Nigeria Union of Teachers,Oyo State,Mr Tojuade Adedoyin said he was grateful that no casualty was recorded.

He decried the non payment of salaries to their counterparts in the private sector,a situation that had further plunged many of them into poverty.

Mr Adedoyin noted that the union had already appealed to the government that these category of teachers be the major beneficiaries of the next phase of palliative to the workers in the state.

Contributing, the Secretary and Treasurer of the union,Mr Muhammed Abdullahi and Mr Raji Oladimeji explained that the Covid 19 experience served as a clarion call to Nigerians to be prepared for emergencies.

They also called for more investment in technological innovations to aid E-teaching and learning at an affordable cost.

The teachers pledged more commitment to the teaching profession which they referred to as a” calling”.

The theme for this year’s World Teachers Day is “Teachers:leading in Crisis,re- imaging the future”

Education

Work harder at improving quality of education – Former NUT Leader

By Web News 561

A cross-section of residents of Oyo Town want teachers to exercise caution over the news of enhanced welfare for the profession as recently approved by the federal government.

The residents, particularly parents, advised the teachers to be very mindful of their health status so that they would not end up going to work with walking sticks because of elongated retirement age.

Also reacting, former chairman of Nigeria Union of Teachers, NUT, Oyo State Chapter, Comrade Oluwatoyin Babatunde noted that though the news gladdens the heart and promises to take teaching profession to lofty heights, the various union leaders should start working now to ensure that implementation of the package does not become another subject of industrial action in the nearest future.

Comrade Babatunde implored teachers to reciprocate government’s good gesture with greater zeal for quality service delivery and dedication towards improving the standard of education in the country.

Kayode Oguntona

Yoruba

NUT bèrè fún ohun amáyédẹrùn fétò ẹ̀kọ́ tóyèkóòro

By Web News 695

Ẹwẹ wọ́n ti rọ ìjọba láti pèsè àwọn ohun amáyédẹrùn tóòyẹ sáwọn ilé-ìwé kétò ẹ̀kọ́ kíkọ́ léè rọrùn.

Alága ẹgbẹ́ àwọn olùkọ́ nílẹ̀ yíì NUT, ẹ̀ka tìpínlẹ̀ ọ̀yọ́, ọ̀gbẹ́ni Samson Adedoyin sọ̀rọ̀ yíì lásìkò tó ńbá akọ̀ròyìn ilésẹ́ wa sọ̀rọ̀ lórí àyájọ́ ọjọ́ olùkọ́ fún tọdún yíì.

Alága ẹgbẹ́ NUT, ohun sọpé lóòtọ isẹ́ olùkọ́ ti díì tìgbàlódé, pẹ̀lú àlàyé pé pípèsè àwọn ohun amáyédẹrù ìgbàlóòdé yóò sèrànwọ́ fẹ́ka náà.

Diẹ lára àwọn olùkọ́ tó bá akọ̀ròyìn wa sọ̀rọ̀ rọ ìjọba làti d;akun-dábọ̀ mú ètò ìgbáyégbádùn wọn lọ́kunkún, fún ìjáfáfá ọ̀tun lẹ́nu isẹ́ wọn.

Famakin/idogbe

Education

Secondary Schools to Resume August 4th for WAEC Exams

By Web News 729

Secondary schools in the country are to reopen as from the 4th of August, 2020 for exit classes only.

Students will have two weeks within which to prepare for the West African Examinations Council, WAEC, due to start on the 17th of August, 2020. 

These were the unanimous decisions reached today at a virtual consultative meeting between the Federal Ministry of Education, Commissioners of Education of the 36 states, the Nigerian Union of Teachers, (NUT), the proprietors of private schools, and Chief Executives of examination bodies. 

A statement by the Director, Press and Public Relations of the Federal Ministry of Education, Mr Ben Bem Goong says meeting agreed that the exit classes should resume immediately after the Sallah break, from the 4th of August, 2020 to enable them to prepare for the WAEC examinations scheduled to commence from the 17th of August, 2020. 

According to the statement, the meeting also resolved that a passionate appeal be made to the Federal Government through the Presidential Task Force on Covid-19 and public-spirited Nigerians for assistance to schools across the country to enable them fast-track the preparations safe reopening, as agreed. 

The statement notes that another meeting is to be convened on Tuesday between the Federal Ministry of Education and Chief Executives of examination bodies namely, NECO, NABTEB and NBAIS to harmonise their examination dates, which will be conveyed to stakeholders expeditiously by the Federal Ministry of Education.

Daniel

Education

Gov. Makinde Pledges Qualitative Education

By Web News 720

Oyo State Government has vowed not to compromise its stand on free qualitative and basic education in the state.

The State Governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde made the pledge while playing host to the body of the Nigeria Union of Teachers, led by their chairman, Samson Adedoyin during a courtesy call to the Governor’s office at Agodi, Ibadan.

He said that the present administration was exploring more avenues to sustain the gains recorded in the education sector. 

Governor Makinde urged the NUT to utilise judiciously the running grant earmarked for the smooth running of the schools. adding that their demands would be looked into and make amends where necessary.

Earlier, the Nigeria Union of Teachers, Oyo State Chapter, Prince Samson Adedoyin eulogised the commitment of Engineer Makinde led administration to standard education stipulated by United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation by allotting 22% of the 2020 budget to the Education Sector.

Iyabo Adebisi