New Post Africa

Category: Education

  • Nigeria opens applications for second cohort of National TVET Programme

    Nigeria opens applications for second cohort of National TVET Programme

    ABUJA, Nigeria, 13 April 2026 (NPA) — The Federal Ministry of Education has announced the opening of applications for the second cohort of the National Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Programme, a flagship initiative under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

    The application portal opens today at 4:00 PM (WAT), offering Nigerians an opportunity to acquire practical skills for employment and entrepreneurship. Last year, more than 1.3 million Nigerians applied, underscoring the growing demand for vocational training and its impact on livelihoods and the economy.

    The programme, delivered through certified training centers nationwide, provides tuition-free training, monthly stipends, and start-up support in trades across high-demand sectors. It aims to close Nigeria’s skills gap, empower youth for self-reliance, create a pipeline of skilled workers for industries, and promote national development through vocational excellence.

    Applicants can choose between two flexible tracks:

    • Short-Term Certificate (STC) Programme — Six months, designed for first-time trainees, school leavers, or individuals without formal education. Requirements include a valid National Identification Number (NIN) and Bank Verification Number (BVN).
    • Vocational Education & Innovation (VEI) Programme — One year, tailored for individuals with some education or informal training experience. Entry requires either Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), a First School Leaving Certificate (FSLC), or any non-formal education certificate.

    Officials emphasized that the initiative is central to building human capital and driving inclusive economic growth. “With TVET, you can build your own future,” the Ministry said in its release.

  • Jigawa Governor at Sule Lamido University convocation, reaffirms commitment to education

    Jigawa Governor at Sule Lamido University convocation, reaffirms commitment to education

    DUTSE, Nigeria, 12 April 2026 (NPA) — The Governor of Jigawa State, Umar Namadi, has attended the combined convocation ceremony of Sule Lamido University, describing the occasion as a significant moment shared with students, families, and members of the university community.

    In a statement on Saturday, Namadi said: “Earlier today, I was at Sule Lamido University in Kafin Hausa for the combined convocation ceremony, sharing the moment with students, families, and members of the university community. I felt delighted seeing graduates from different sessions all gathered at once. It speaks to the steady progress the university has made over time.”

    The governor emphasised the importance of education in Jigawa, noting that consistent investment in schools and tertiary institutions is vital for the state’s future. “We believe the future of our state depends on the strength, knowledge, and capacity of our people. From our basic education schools to our tertiary institutions, we are working to improve access, quality, and the overall learning environment,” he said.

    Namadi highlighted ongoing efforts at Sule Lamido University, including advancing key projects, expanding facilities, and strengthening academic programmes to ensure the institution grows and competes at higher levels. “Our goal is clear: to build a university that can stand confidently anywhere while serving the needs of our people,” he added.

  • JAMB delists 23 CBT centres over technical deficiencies

    JAMB delists 23 CBT centres over technical deficiencies

    ABUJA, Nigeria, 11 April 2026 (NPA) — The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has delisted 23 Computer‑Based Test (CBT) centres nationwide following technical deficiencies observed during the 2026 Mock Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).

    In a statement signed by JAMB’s Public Communication Adviser, Dr Fabian Benjamin, on Friday in Abuja, the Board confirmed that one centre in Lagos State has been permanently barred from participating in any of its examinations. Several other centres with minor operational challenges were issued warnings and directed to address deficiencies immediately or risk further sanctions.

    Benjamin explained that the mock UTME serves as a vital preparatory exercise, designed to familiarise candidates with the CBT environment while enabling JAMB to assess the operational readiness of accredited centres. Post‑examination technical reviews revealed that some centres failed to meet the required standards.

    “The exercise provides the Board with the opportunity to evaluate facilities, identify technical shortcomings, and ensure only centres that comply with operational benchmarks participate in the main UTME,” he said.

    He added that the sanctions reflect JAMB’s commitment to safeguarding the credibility, integrity, and smooth conduct of its examinations nationwide. Candidates scheduled for the main UTME were urged to remain calm, with assurances that necessary adjustments would be made to ensure no candidate is disadvantaged.

    Benjamin reiterated JAMB’s zero‑tolerance stance on technical failures capable of disrupting examinations and confirmed that improved monitoring mechanisms would be deployed ahead of the main UTME. He advised candidates to continue printing their examination notification slips to confirm their dates, venues, and times.

  • FG launches nationwide Learner Identification Number

    FG launches nationwide Learner Identification Number

    ABUJA, Nigeria, 11 April 2026 (NPA) — The Federal Government has introduced the first‑ever nationwide Learner Identification Number (LIN), a digital system designed to assign every student a permanent academic identity. The initiative aims to support learning continuity, improve planning, and enable timely interventions across Nigeria’s education sector.

    Announcing the development, the Honourable Minister of Education, Maruf Tunji Alausa, described the LIN as a transformational milestone aligned with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritises human capital development and technology‑driven reforms.

    In its first phase, more than 1.9 million candidates for the 2026 examinations conducted by the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) and the National Examinations Council (NECO) have been issued LINs. The system strengthens education data management and enhances examination integrity.

    According to Boriowo Folasade, Director of Press and Public Relations at the Ministry, the LIN enables seamless tracking of academic progression across all levels and is integrated with the Digitised National Education Management Information System (DNEMIS), which provides a national register of schools.

    By linking learners to verified identities, the system enhances examination security, reduces impersonation, and supports the tracking of out‑of‑school children, dropouts, and learning gaps. The Ministry confirmed that the system will be expanded nationwide across public and private schools and urged stakeholders to support full implementation.

    Reaffirming its commitment, the Federal Ministry of Education stated that the LIN represents a decisive step towards building a transparent, inclusive, and data‑driven education system capable of meeting Nigeria’s long‑term development goals.

  • UNILAG alumni awards scholarships to 28 indigent students in FCT

    UNILAG alumni awards scholarships to 28 indigent students in FCT

    ABUJA, Nigeria, 9 April 2026 (NPA) — The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) chapter of the University of Lagos Alumni Association has awarded scholarships to 28 Senior Secondary School students from indigent households across the six area councils of the FCT.

    The scholarships cover school fees, levies, and the cost of West African Examinations Council (WAEC) and National Examinations Council (NECO) examinations.

    Vice‑Chairperson of the association, Mrs Julia Davis, said during the ceremony in Abuja on Thursday that the beneficiaries, including children with special needs, were selected based on academic performance.

    “The amount given to each beneficiary will cover their WAEC and NECO examinations, as well as school fees for the year. This is the third edition of the scholarship, and we will continue to support intelligent students from indigent households,” she stated.

    Chairman of the Scholarship Committee, Mr Emmanuel Emele, explained that the awards were targeted at SS3 students.

    Mandate Secretary of the FCT Education Secretariat, Dr Danlami Hayyo, commended the association for the initiative. Represented by Hajiya Fatima Babba, Director/Secretary of the FCT Secondary Education Board, he noted that many students struggle to pay their fees and said the scholarships would ease the burden on parents.

    Hayyo urged other organisations and individuals to emulate the gesture and help remove financial barriers to education.

  • Lagos unveils strategic plan to boost education standards

    Lagos unveils strategic plan to boost education standards

    LAGOS, Nigeria, 9 April 2026 (NPA) — The Lagos State Government has launched a new Strategic Plan for the Office of Education Quality Assurance (OEQA), aimed at transforming school regulation and improving learning outcomes across the state.

    At the unveiling ceremony at the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Mr Jamiu Tolani Alli‑Balogun, described the plan as a forward‑looking policy aligned with the administration’s THEMES Agenda. He expressed confidence that the initiative would drive reforms in school supervision, teacher capacity development, and overall education standards.

    Key features include automation of private school registration, designed to reduce physical visits, minimise human interference, and streamline regulatory processes. Alli‑Balogun said the reforms would ensure Lagos education remains “secure, credible, and globally competitive.”

    Permanent Secretary, Mrs Abisola Dokunmu‑Adegbite, emphasised that the plan would standardise learning outcomes, strengthen accountability frameworks, and promote continuous quality improvement. She noted that the initiative reflects a deliberate effort to reposition the education sector through structured planning and data‑driven decision‑making.

    OEQA Director‑General, Dr Sulaimon Olagoke Ogunmuyiwa, called for staff buy‑in to ensure successful implementation. He explained that the plan is anchored on the SCRIPT framework — Staff Capacity, Collaboration, Revenue, Improved Governance, Professionalism, and Technology — serving as a roadmap for efficiency and sustainable growth. Training programmes and automation processes have already commenced to strengthen monitoring and audit systems in schools.

    Former Acting Directors‑General, Mrs Hameedat Sanni and Mr Remi Abdul, hailed the plan as a bold step toward repositioning Lagos education, urging staff to embrace the reforms. Director of Administration and Human Resources, Mrs Mojisola Bamgbose, described the launch as a defining moment, stressing that its success depends on effective implementation and measurable outcomes.

    Lagos has been unarguably the leader in digitalising teaching and learning in public schools in Nigeria, and with this latest initiative, the state is once more extending the bar of quality learning nationwide.

    The unveiling forms part of the achievements of Dr Ogunmuyiwa’s first 100 days in office, during which he introduced key reforms to enhance OEQA’s efficiency and service delivery.

  • Igbinedion University wins Huawei ICT contest, qualifies for global final

    Igbinedion University wins Huawei ICT contest, qualifies for global final

    EDO, NIGERIA, April 6, 2026 (NPA) — Igbinedion University, Okada (IUO), Edo State, has emerged overall winner in Sub-Saharan Africa at the Huawei ICT Competition, securing a place in the global final to be held in China.

    The announcement was made in a statement by the university’s Deputy Director of Public Relations, Mr. Lucky Eboh, on Saturday in Benin. He explained that IUO clinched the grand prize in the Network Track category, which tests participants on communication networks, routing, switching, cybersecurity, and emerging technologies such as 5G and cloud integration.

    Eboh noted that the university outperformed competitors from across the region, marking a significant milestone as IUO is the only private Nigerian university to reach this stage of the competition. The victory qualifies the team to represent Nigeria against top-performing institutions from Asia-Pacific, Europe, the Americas, and other regions.

    Organised annually by Huawei in partnership with universities and UNESCO’s International Bureau of Education (UNESCO-IBE), the competition focuses on building practical digital skills in networking, cloud computing, artificial intelligence, and other emerging technologies.

    The Vice-Chancellor of IUO, Prof. Lawrence Ezemonye, described the achievement as a reflection of Nigeria’s evolving ICT talent landscape, with private institutions increasingly driving digital innovation. He attributed the success to sustained investment in ICT training and strategic partnerships, including the establishment of Huawei ICT Academies to bridge the gap between classroom learning and industry demands.

    “With the global final ahead, the team is expected to compete against the best young tech talents worldwide, positioning Nigeria once again on the global ICT map,” Ezemonye said.

  • YABATECH partners with NATE to strengthen engineering capacity

    YABATECH partners with NATE to strengthen engineering capacity

    LAGOS, NIGERIA, April 4, 2026 (Agency Report) — Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH) has announced a strategic partnership with the Nigerian Association of Technologists in Engineering (NATE) aimed at boosting the capacity of engineering practitioners and advancing technical education in Nigeria.

    The Rector of YABATECH, Dr. Ibraheem Abdul, disclosed this during a courtesy visit by NATE officials to the institution on Monday. He described the collaboration as mutually beneficial and critical to bridging the gap between academic training and professional practice.

    “We are partners in progress, and this collaboration will continue to strengthen the link between training and professional practice,” Abdul said, stressing that sustained cooperation among stakeholders was essential to reposition Nigeria’s engineering and technology sector for global relevance.

    He assured the association of YABATECH’s continued support, noting that the institution remained committed to partnerships that enhance student development and improve the quality of graduates.

    Earlier, NATE’s National General Secretary, Mr. Kayode Ibidapo, said the partnership would focus on an equipment training workshop scheduled for the last quarter of 2026. The initiative, he explained, is designed to improve competence in equipment handling, safety practices, and laboratory procedures.

    “With rapid technological changes, continuous training and retraining are essential for professional growth and global competitiveness,” Ibidapo said, adding that a joint committee would oversee the planning and implementation of the workshop in collaboration with YABATECH’s School of Engineering.

    He commended the institution for aligning with global best practices, particularly its efforts toward meeting requirements for the Sydney Accord. He noted that YABATECH had taken the lead in Nigeria by introducing induction and oath-taking ceremonies for graduating students — a key requirement for international recognition.

    The Dean of the School of Engineering, Mr. Titus Koledoye, welcomed the partnership, emphasizing that continuous knowledge updating was vital given the dynamic nature of technology.

    “Our environment at YABATECH is centred on training, and initiatives like this are critical. We do not take them for granted,” Koledoye said.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the collaboration is expected to bridge skill gaps and promote best practices in engineering training and professional practice nationwide.

  • NiDOA hails Alausa’s transformational impact in education, announces Ministerial Award

    NiDOA hails Alausa’s transformational impact in education, announces Ministerial Award

    ABUJA, NIGERIA, April 4, 2026 (Agency Report) — The Nigerians in Diaspora Organisation (NiDO) Americas – South Savannah, Georgia, has commended Dr. Morufu Alausa, Nigeria’s Minister of Education, for what it described as a transformational impact in the country’s education sector within just one year in office.

    In a statement jointly signed by Chapter President Collins Ikegwuonu and Vice-President Dr. Tomi Ademokun, NiDOA announced plans to confer the Ministerial Impact Award on Alausa in recognition of his visionary leadership, bold reforms, and contributions to advancing Nigeria’s global standing in education.

    The organisation highlighted Alausa’s initiatives aimed at shifting Nigeria’s education system from a focus on access to one centered on excellence. It praised his role as a diaspora trailblazer whose service and innovation have made the Nigerian-American diaspora proud.

    Among the achievements cited were:

    • Transition from the 6-3-3-4 system to a modern 12-year basic education model.
    • A new emphasis on technical education with an 80 percent practical / 20 percent theory approach.
    • Introduction of data-driven education planning systems.
    • Launch of the National Education Loan Fund (NELFUND).
    • Expansion of girls’ education initiatives under the AGILE programme.
    • Digital transformation of learning and administration.
    • Policy and curriculum reforms, alongside improved governance and accountability.

    NiDOA noted that these reforms were backed by verified ministry reports and measurable outcomes, describing them as evidence of Alausa’s “bold reforms and renewed national vision for education.”

    “As a distinguished leader from the diaspora, Alausa represents the excellence and global impact of Nigerian professionals abroad,” the statement read. “NiDOA South Savannah affirms its continued support for policies that empower youth, strengthen institutions, and drive sustainable national progress.”

    Alausa, a retired surgeon from Chicago, has been widely credited with driving innovation and reform in Nigeria’s education sector since assuming office. The award, NiDOA said, is both a recognition of his achievements and an encouragement to sustain momentum in transforming Nigeria’s education landscape.

  • Adeleke inaugurates ₦150 Million MicCom Endowment at OAU

    Adeleke inaugurates ₦150 Million MicCom Endowment at OAU

    OSHOGBO, NIGERIA, 2 April 2026 (NPA) — Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, on Thursday, attended the inauguration of the ₦150 million MicCom Memorial Endowment for Engineering Development at Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile Ife, in honour of the late Engr. Michael Ayantunde Ponnle and Engr. (Mrs) Comfort Olufunke Ponnle.

    Governor Adeleke described the lives of the honourees as exemplifying vision, innovation and a shared commitment to national development. 

    He noted that through enterprise, mentorship and dedication to excellence, they demonstrated that Nigerian engineers can build, compete and lead at the highest level.

    In a statement, the governor said the endowment represents a strategic investment in the future, designed to support academic excellence, strengthen research and innovation, bridge the gap between theory and practice, and nurture responsible, value‑driven engineers.

    He commended the Ponle family for the initiative, stressing that it ensures the legacy of the late patriots continues to inspire future generations. “As a government, we remain committed to supporting education, innovation and partnerships that drive sustainable development in Osun State,” Adeleke affirmed.