New Post Africa

Category: Education

  • Army launch nationwide training for teachers and students to end exam failure in Command Secondary schools 

    Army launch nationwide training for teachers and students to end exam failure in Command Secondary schools 

    ABUJA, NIGERIA (NPA) — 27 March 2026 — In a bold move to secure academic excellence, the Acting Corps Commander Education (CC Edn), Brigadier General Yushau Dogara Ahmed, has unveiled a sweeping nationwide initiative designed to turbocharge the performance of students in Command Secondary Schools ahead of critical external examinations.

    The CC Edn directed schools across the country to roll out specialised academic workshops and intensive training sessions for teachers and Senior Secondary School Three (SS3) students. The programme targets improved teaching effectiveness and sharper student preparedness for examinations conducted by WAEC, NECO and JAMB.

    According to a statement by Captain Abdullahi Lawal Osabo, Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, the initiative will feature targeted academic clinics, revision marathons and exam technique workshops, with a laser focus on core subjects. Experienced education officers and subject specialists will lead sessions, offering in-depth revision, practical guidance on tackling exam questions and strategies for effective time management.

    The programme forms part of the Nigerian Army Education Corps’ (NAEC) broader mission to boost teachers’ instructional capacity while equipping students with the skills needed for outstanding results. The seven-day intensive training, scheduled for March and April 2026, underscores Brigadier General Ahmed’s determination to entrench academic excellence across the Command Secondary School system.

    Officials say the initiative will further cement the reputation of Nigerian Army schools as bastions of discipline, scholastic achievement and holistic development, aligning with global best practices.

  • Atiku applauds UN Resolution declaring slave trade gravest crime against humanity

    Atiku applauds UN Resolution declaring slave trade gravest crime against humanity

    ABUJA, NIGERIA (NPA) — 26 March 2026 — Former Nigerian Vice President and chieftain of the All Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar, has hailed the outcome of the United Nations General Assembly, which yesterday designated the transatlantic slave trade as the gravest crime against humanity.

    Reacting to the development, Atiku shared a post from the official X handle of Ghana’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which read: “HISTORY MADE AT THE UNITED NATIONS: The United Nations General Assembly has adopted resolution A/80/L.48, declaring the Trafficking of Enslaved Africans and Racialised Chattel Enslavement as the Gravest Crime against Humanity.” He described the moment as one that speaks to the pain of Africa’s past and the enduring dignity of its people.

    Atiku emphasised that the trafficking of enslaved Africans was not merely a tragedy for the continent but a deep wound on the conscience of humanity. He noted that the resolution represents a moral victory for Africa and a reminder to the world of the need for justice, remembrance, and reconciliation.

    Africans all over have continued to commend Ghana for its leadership in championing the resolution, and helping the world to remember, acknowledge, and stand firmly on the side of truth and justice. Such recognition strengthens the collective resolve to confront historical wrongs and ensure that future generations understand the magnitude of the atrocity.

  • Vice President Shettima hails Gates Foundation as strategic partner in Nigeria’s development drive

    Vice President Shettima hails Gates Foundation as strategic partner in Nigeria’s development drive

    ABUJA, NIGERIA (NPA) — March 26, 2026 — Nigeria’s Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima, on Wednesday lauded the Gates Foundation for its sustained investments and humanitarian support in the country, describing the organisation as a strategic partner in the collective effort to reshape the Nigerian narrative.

    The Vice President pledged the government’s support for the Foundation’s request to deepen and broaden its collaboration with both the public and private sectors, particularly in areas such as digital transformation, nutrition, agriculture, healthcare, and other critical development initiatives.

    Shettima made these remarks while receiving a delegation from the Gates Foundation, led by Mr Hari Menon, President of the Foundation’s Global Growth and Opportunity (GGO) division, at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.

    He also commended members of the Gates Foundation’s Nigerian team for their dedication and passion toward advancing the Nigerian Project, emphasising that their contributions have positioned them as highly strategic partners in driving sustainable progress across the country.

    Over the years, the Gates Foundation has played a pivotal role in eradicating wild polio in Nigeria, strengthening primary healthcare systems, and supporting family planning and nutrition programs. It has also invested heavily in agricultural productivity, helping smallholder farmers increase yields and reduce food insecurity. Beyond Nigeria, the Foundation has partnered with institutions in 49 African countries, focusing on combating diseases such as measles and malaria, while expanding access to digital financial services for women, farmers, and marginalised communities. These interventions have made Nigeria the largest recipient of Gates Foundation funding in Africa, reflecting both its population size and developmental needs.

  • BREAKING: UN declares transatlantic slave trade the gravest crime against humanity

    BREAKING: UN declares transatlantic slave trade the gravest crime against humanity

    UNITED NATIONS (NPA) — March 25, 2026—The United Nations General Assembly today passed a historic resolution declaring the trafficking of enslaved Africans and the transatlantic slave trade as the gravest crime against humanity. The resolution, published by the UN Media Liaison Unit (MALU), was sponsored by more than 50 countries and underscores the enduring impact of slavery and colonialism on Africans and people of African descent worldwide.

    The resolution reaffirms the principles of the UN Charter, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and international covenants prohibiting slavery. It recalls historic milestones, including the Durban Declaration, the International Decade for People of African Descent, and the Ark of Return memorial at UN Headquarters, while stressing that slavery’s legacies persist in structural racism, inequality, and underdevelopment.

    Delegates emphasized that the transatlantic slave trade represented “a profound rupture in human history,” involving the forced capture, commodification, and transportation of millions of Africans over four centuries. The resolution highlights the exceptional brutality and systemic nature of racialized chattel enslavement, noting its codification in laws such as the Barbados Slave Code and the French Code Noir, which legally defined Africans as property.

    The Assembly condemned slavery as “the most inhumane and enduring injustice against humanity” and declared that crimes related to the trafficking of enslaved Africans are violations of jus cogens norms, not subject to statutory limitations. It affirmed that grave crimes generate continuing obligations until addressed through truth, justice, and reparations.

    The resolution calls on Member States to engage in inclusive dialogue on reparatory justice, including formal apologies, restitution, compensation, rehabilitation, and guarantees of non-repetition. It urges the restitution of cultural properties and artifacts taken during slavery and colonialism, and encourages international cooperation to promote cultural rights for present and future generations.

    The Assembly also requested the UN Secretary-General to strengthen coordination on remembrance, education, and research related to slavery and its legacies, and to report back at the 82nd session on progress made. Regional organizations such as the African Union and Caribbean Community were invited to collaborate on frameworks for reparatory justice and reconciliation.

    By passing this resolution today, the General Assembly reaffirmed its collective commitment to historical justice, healing, and sustainable peace. It stressed that addressing the legacies of slavery is essential to combating systemic racism and ensuring dignity and equality for Africans and people of African descent across the globe.

  • Nigeria shortlists 65 student innovators for venture capital grant

    Nigeria shortlists 65 student innovators for venture capital grant

    ABUJA, NIIGERIA (Agency Report) — March 24, 2026 — The Federal Government has shortlisted 65 student innovators from a pool of 30,639 applicants for the final stage of the Student Venture Capital Grant (S-VCG).

    According to a statement issued by Folasade Boriowo, Director of Press and Public Relations at the Federal Ministry of Education, the applicants were drawn from 404 tertiary institutions nationwide, reflecting the depth of innovation and entrepreneurial potential within Nigeria’s university system.

    Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, described the initiative as a strategic investment in nurturing future innovators and job creators. He noted that the performance of the shortlisted candidates demonstrated creativity and ambition, adding that the programme would strengthen a pipeline of entrepreneurs to drive economic growth.

    Launched in December 2025 in partnership with the Bank of Industry, the S-VCG provides up to N50 million in equity-free funding to support student-led ventures at the commercialisation stage, enabling them to scale solutions, create jobs, and boost innovation-driven development.

    The selection process involved AI-based screening, independent human validation, and assessment by a committee comprising representatives from government, academia, industry, and the investment ecosystem. Criteria included scalability, feasibility, founder capability, and impact potential.

    Finalists will participate in a venture development bootcamp from March 26 to 29, featuring pitch sessions, workshops, and investor feedback. The winners will be announced at an awards ceremony on March 29.

    Dr Alausa emphasised that the initiative underscores the government’s commitment to promoting innovation and supporting student entrepreneurship as a driver of national development.

  • Sanwo-Olu seals deal to revolutionize digital learning in Lagos schools

    Sanwo-Olu seals deal to revolutionize digital learning in Lagos schools

    LAGOS, NIGERIA (NPA) — March 23, 2026 — Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has announced a groundbreaking development: the state has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Estar, an organization specializing in digital learning, to introduce modern platforms and infrastructure into public primary and secondary schools.

    According to the governor, the partnership will provide Lagos students with curriculum-based tools designed to strengthen critical thinking, communication, decision-making, leadership, and AI skills. It will also enhance reading, comprehension, confidence, and classroom participation.

    With the agreement now in motion, the state has begun investing in teacher training to ensure educators can effectively use the new tools and deliver more engaging lessons. The initiative is aimed at preparing students for the future while improving learning outcomes across the board.

    The introduction of these advanced learning and teaching aids marks another first for Lagos State, which continues to lead in innovation and the application of technology to social and economic development in Nigeria.

  • 50 Years On, Dr Dayo Mobereola, NIMASA boss honoured for inspiring next generation

    50 Years On, Dr Dayo Mobereola, NIMASA boss honoured for inspiring next generation

    LAGOS, NIGERIA (NPA) — March 22, 2026 — Dr Dayo Mobereola, Director General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration & Safety Agency (NIMASA), has been celebrated by his alma mater, St. Patrick’s Grammar School, Ibadan, with an Award of Recognition for his mentorship, leadership, and unwavering dedication to youth development.

    The honour was conferred during the school’s 64th Founders’ Day, a landmark event where Mobereola joined fellow alumni, dignitaries, and stakeholders to mark the institution’s enduring legacy of excellence and service.

    NIMASA, in a statement by Osagie Edward, Deputy Director/Head, Public Relations, on March 22, 2026, quoted the Director General expressing his deep gratitude for the honour while reflecting on his formative years: “Fifty years after walking through those gates, I remain deeply grateful for the friendships, guidance, and bonds that shaped me. I do not take this honour for granted,” he said.

    Mobereola reaffirmed his lifelong commitment to mentoring young people, urging students to stay focused, disciplined, and driven by excellence. He emphasised the power of mentorship and positive role models in shaping future success, stressing that today’s youth must embrace resilience and vision to achieve greatness.

  • FG secures Coventry university deal to deliver UK degrees in Nigeria

    FG secures Coventry university deal to deliver UK degrees in Nigeria

    ABUJA, NIGERIA (Agency Report) — March 21, 2026 — The Federal Government has secured a partnership with Coventry University under a Transnational Education (TNE) arrangement to establish a campus in Nigeria for the delivery of affordable, globally recognised degrees.

    The Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, disclosed this in a statement issued on Wednesday in Abuja by Folasade Boriowo, Director of Press and Public Relations, Federal Ministry of Education.

    Alausa, who is currently in the United Kingdom accompanying President Bola Tinubu, said he had engaged with UK university leadership, key investors, and development partners to drive the initiative.

    He said the proposed campus would be located in Alaro City, Lagos State, and would offer Bachelor’s and Master’s programmes in Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics and Medicine (STEMM), Business, and Technical and Vocational Education and Training.

    According to him, the degrees would be equivalent to those awarded in the United Kingdom, with admissions expected to commence between the third and fourth quarters of 2026, subject to regulatory approvals.

    The minister said the initiative was designed to expand access to world-class education at reduced cost, while strengthening skills development and improving graduate employability.

    He added that the programme would enable Nigerian students to study locally while receiving international-standard education.

    Alausa noted that the partnership, supported by the UK’s Department for Business and Trade, underscored the government’s commitment to positioning Nigeria as a hub for knowledge, skills, and innovation. (NAN).

  • Nigeria’s Information Minister meets Presidential Amnesty Programme Beneficiaries in the UK, hails Tinubu

    Nigeria’s Information Minister meets Presidential Amnesty Programme Beneficiaries in the UK, hails Tinubu

    ABUJA, NIGERIA (NPA) — March 18, 2026 — Mohammed Idris, Nigeria’s Minister of Information and National Orientation, on Wednesday, on behalf of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, met with beneficiaries of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP) studying in the United Kingdom.

    The minister described the occasion as “very heartwarming to witness the impact of the program first-hand and interact with beneficiaries.” He emphasised that President Tinubu is committed to ensuring all Nigerians, especially the youth, are given opportunities to thrive and contribute meaningfully to national development.

    Reflecting on the Niger Delta’s past, Idris noted that its story was once marked by deprivation and disorder, but initiatives like PAP have helped transform the region.

    According to the minister, Programme Administrator Dr. Dennis Brutu Otuaro reported that over 8,000 students are currently studying in Nigeria under PAP, while more than 220 are pursuing various studies in the United Kingdom.

    Idris gave a pass mark to the amnesty programme and praised the Tinubu-led administration for repositioning and strengthening it to deliver greater impact.

  • Nwifuru hails maiden matriculation at Ebonyi State University of ICT

    Nwifuru hails maiden matriculation at Ebonyi State University of ICT

    ABAKALIKI, NIGERIA — (NPA) March 15 — The Ebonyi State University of ICT, Offerekpe, on Saturday, March 15, 2026, held its maiden matriculation ceremony. Conceived by the administration of Governor Ogbonna Nwifuru, the institution is designed to become a hub for technological excellence and innovation in the state.

    Governor Nwifuru, while congratulating the students, described the matriculation as a historic milestone in Ebonyi’s educational advancement and the beginning of a bold vision to build a citadel of learning dedicated to innovation, technology, and knowledge. He emphasised that the university will prepare young people to become innovators, entrepreneurs, and job creators rather than job seekers.

    According to a statement by Leo Ekene Oketa, Special Assistant to the Governor (New Media), the university is “dedicated to nurturing a generation of highly skilled ICT professionals, innovators, and solution-driven thinkers who will shape the future of Nigeria’s digital economy.”

    A total of 187 pioneering students were matriculated into the academic community, including 133 indigenes of Ebonyi State who are beneficiaries of government scholarships under the state’s human capital development initiative.

    The programmes offered at the new university include Computer Science, Cybersecurity, Data Science, Information and Communication Technology, Information Systems, Computer Engineering, Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Civil Engineering, Software Engineering, Architecture, Building, Quantity Surveying, Information Technology, Surveying and Geo-Informatics, Mass Communication, Accounting, Economics, Entrepreneurship, Human Nutrition and Dietetics, and Health Information Management.

    While construction continues at the permanent site in Offerekpe-Agbaja, students will receive lectures at the Vocational College buildings within the Ministry of Tertiary Education in Centenary City, Abakaliki.

    The governor has received widespread praise from indigenes of the state for establishing the institution, as the new university is expected to further lift Ebonyi from the ranks of the least educated states in Nigeria’s southeast region. Many residents see it as a bold step toward reshaping the state’s academic profile and creating new opportunities for its youth.

    Analysts, however, have urged the governor to ensure the school is fully equipped with modern learning tools and facilities, stressing the need for a clear departure from the shortcomings of many higher institutions across the country that are often criticized as “glorified secondary schools.” They argue that only by investing in cutting-edge infrastructure, digital resources, and quality faculty can the university truly fulfill its mission of becoming a hub for innovation and technological excellence.