Category: Education

ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — Nigeria’s Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, has intensified efforts to strengthen partnerships with world‑class organisations to build more resilient education systems across the country.

On Tuesday, the Minister met with a delegation from the United Kingdom’s Department for Business and Trade, which included leaders from Bedford School, Harrow International School, King’s Canterbury, and Dragon International School, Oxford. The meeting continued discussions that began during President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s recent state visit to the UK, where several agreements were signed covering port revitalisation, education, and other strategic sectors.

Dr Alausa explained that the focal point of the partnership discussions centred on strengthening school systems, improving teacher education, advancing curriculum and assessment reforms, and developing skills pathways aligned with labour‑market needs and national development priorities. Both sides also explored practical avenues for technical cooperation and capacity building to ensure young Nigerians are equipped with the skills and opportunities needed to thrive in a rapidly changing world.

Highlighting the long‑standing educational ties between Nigeria and the UK, the Minister said: “We look forward to deepening this collaboration for the benefit of our schools, teachers, and students.”

Earlier, Newpost Africa reported that Dr Alausa was named Most Innovative Cabinet Minister of the Year (2025) at the Silver Jubilee Awards organised by Independent Newspapers Limited in Lagos on Saturday. He highlighted several initiatives under his leadership, including strengthening Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), advancing STEMM education, supporting student innovators through the Student Venture Capital Grant, establishing the Nigerian Education Data Infrastructure (NEDI), expanding the Tertiary Institution Staff Support Fund (TISSF), and reaching a landmark agreement with ASUU to stabilise universities.

Dr Alausa credited these achievements to a “one‑government approach,” emphasising collaboration with other ministries, federal agencies, and subnational governments. He said the reforms form part of the Nigeria Education Sector Renewal Initiative (NESRI) under President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — Nigerian activist and advocate for good governance, Aisha Yesufu, has raised alarm over the state of public schools in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), warning that the system is on the brink of collapse unless urgent government action is taken.

Yesufu, a prominent campaigner for the release of the Chibok Girls, said teachers do not abandon classrooms willingly but are often forced to act when pushed to the wall. “When teachers are pushed to the wall, what suffers first is not government pride, it is the future of children,” she stated.

She cited troubling reports from the FCT Nigeria Union of Teachers, noting that a committee report concluded in August 2025 has yet to be released or implemented. Teachers also complain of unresolved entitlements and promotions stalled by bureaucracy. The union has threatened to withdraw its services from 20 April 2026 if these issues remain unaddressed.

Yesufu, in a statement today, stressed that the consequences of a shutdown would be borne by children, not officials. “When classrooms are shut, it is the child in Primary 1 trying to learn how to read, the girl who dreams of becoming a doctor, and the boy who sees education as his only ladder out of poverty,” she said.

She accused FCT Minister Nyesom Wike of silence in the face of the crisis, urging authorities to release the report, implement agreements, and resolve promotion bottlenecks. “Leadership is about stepping in before collapse becomes reality,” she added.

Yesufu described governance over empty classrooms as “useless” and warned that history would not be kind to leaders who remain silent when urgent action is required. “Act now, before classrooms go silent,” she concluded.

ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — Nigeria’s Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, has been named Most Innovative Cabinet Minister of the Year (2025) at the Silver Jubilee Awards organised by Independent Newspapers Limited in Lagos.

In a statement, Alausa said he received the recognition with humility, describing it not as a personal achievement but as a reflection of the collective work of the Ministry of Education and the government in transforming the sector.

He highlighted several initiatives under his leadership, including strengthening Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), advancing STEMM education, supporting student innovators through the Student Venture Capital Grant, establishing the Nigerian Education Data Infrastructure (NEDI), expanding the Tertiary Institution Staff Support Fund (TISSF), and reaching a landmark agreement with ASUU to stabilise universities.

Alausa credited these achievements to a “one-government approach,” emphasizing collaboration with other ministries, federal agencies, and subnational governments. He said the reforms form part of the Nigeria Education Sector Renewal Initiative (NESRI) under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

“There is still much to do — but the direction is clear. And we are moving,” he concluded.

Other honorees at the awards included notable figures from governance, business, and media, among them Aise Television anchor Rufai Oseni, Prince Samuel Adedoyin, Chief Don Obot Etiebet, Atedo Peterside, founder and former Chairman of Stanbic IBTC Bank, and Chief Kessington Adebutu, Chairman of Premier Lotto, for their contributions to national development.

In the governance category, a number of state governors and federal ministers were recognised for their performance and policy impact. Notable nominees included Alex Otti of Abia State, Peter Mbah of Enugu State, Uba Sani of Kaduna State, Hope Uzodimma of Imo State and Babagana Zulum of Borno State.

The ceremony, held on Saturday in Lagos, marked the 25th anniversary of Independent Newspapers Limited and celebrated outstanding Nigerians across diverse sectors.

ABUJA, Nigeria — 18 April 2026 (Agency Report) — The University of Abuja, now known as Yakubu Gowon University, has graduated no fewer than 17,200 students at its combined 29th and 30th convocation ceremonies held in the nation’s capital.

The event also featured the conferment of honorary doctorate degrees on three distinguished Nigerians, including Paul Odili, Prof. Yusuf Ali (SAN), and Emmanuel Iza.

Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Hakeem Fawehinmi, said the institution is undergoing strategic repositioning through infrastructure expansion, staff development, and partnerships aimed at strengthening research capacity and improving learning outcomes.

Providing a breakdown, Fawehinmi said 7,158 undergraduates graduated in the 2022/2023 session, including 48 First Class degrees, 2,048 Second Class Upper, 4,418 Second Class Lower, and 644 Third Class. For the 2023/2024 session, 5,466 undergraduates were produced, comprising 29 First Class, 1,395 Second Class Upper, 3,091 Second Class Lower, and 951 Third Class degrees.

He added that 4,573 postgraduate students graduated between March 2024 and March 2026, covering postgraduate diplomas, master’s degrees, PhDs, and professional doctorates.

The vice-chancellor urged graduates to uphold integrity, discipline, and selflessness, stressing that character would define their success beyond academic achievements. He also charged them to protect the reputation of the university.

Fawehinmi noted that since December, the administration has prioritised stabilising academic activities, strengthening governance, and improving staff and student welfare. He listed completed projects to include a Senate chamber complex, research laboratories, upgraded science facilities, an improved entrance road, and Phase One of a computer-based testing centre.

Ongoing projects, he said, include additional student hostels, a Centre of Excellence in Public Leadership and Governance, and facilities for sickle cell research and training. He added that the university is among six selected for the Federal Government’s $4 billion intervention programme for health professional training.

Earlier, Pro-Chancellor, Sen. Olanrewaju Tejuoso, called for increased private sector collaboration to address infrastructure deficits, particularly student accommodation, noting that enrolment has nearly doubled without corresponding hostel expansion.

Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, represented by Permanent Secretary Abel Enitan, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening the education sector through investment, infrastructure, and improved welfare.

Speaking on behalf of the honorary awardees, Odili pledged support for the institution’s development and expressed optimism that key challenges would be addressed through collaboration with the university’s leadership.

ABUJA, Nigeria — 15 April 2026 (NPA) — Reverend Peter Okuromade, a former Chief Executive of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), today received the organisation’s Director General, Brigadier General Olakunle Nafiu, during a courtesy visit to his residence in Abuja.

During their interaction, Reverend Okuromade called for a moral rebirth among Corps Members, stressing the importance of instilling values of responsible citizenship during orientation camps. He noted that Corps Members, as future leaders and role models, must be guided towards ideals that strengthen their sense of duty to the nation.

A statement issued by NYSC described Reverend Okuromade, who led the Corps between January and March 2002, as a respected figure in the organisation’s history. It commended General Nafiu’s leadership since assuming office as Director General, praising his commitment to staff and Corps welfare.

In a related development, Major General Suleiman Kazaure (Rtd), who served as NYSC Director General from April 2016 to October 2019, also received General Nafiu at his Abuja residence. Kazaure lauded the Scheme’s contributions to national unity, youth empowerment, job creation, and mentorship. He urged the current leadership to strengthen ties with stakeholders to ensure the safety of Corps Members and officials, particularly those expected to serve as ad hoc staff during and after the 2027 general elections.

Kazaure assured his guest of his readiness to offer support and advice whenever needed. “You are doing very well, keep it up. I am proud of you,” he said.

Earlier, General Nafiu praised the efforts of the former NYSC Chief Executives for their contributions to the Scheme’s achievements during their tenures, pledging to build on their legacies and continue advancing the organisation’s mission.