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Category: Education

  • Nwifuru praised over massive investments in Ebonyi education sector

    Nwifuru praised over massive investments in Ebonyi education sector

    ABAKALIKI, Nigeria (NPA) — Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru has received commendation for what supporters described as his administration’s strong commitment to transforming the education sector in Ebonyi State over the past three years.

    Human capital development, with emphasis on education, skills acquisition and entrepreneurship, forms a major component of the governor’s People’s Charter of Needs agenda aimed at improving the welfare and economic empowerment of residents.

    According to a statement issued by the Special Assistant to the Ebonyi Governor (New Media), Leo Ekene Oketa, titled “When a State Invests in its Future, This is What it looks like,” the Nwifuru administration has implemented and funded several educational projects and programmes across the state.

    Among the initiatives highlighted was the award of fully funded Master’s and PhD scholarships to more than 700 Ebonyi indigenes in the United Kingdom and Nigeria.

    The statement also noted that the administration has upgraded facilities and increased funding for Ebonyi State University (EBSU), with academic staff reportedly receiving a 20 per cent salary increase, while non-academic workers now earn an additional 10 per cent increase.

    To encourage academic excellence, the government also introduced automatic employment and scholarship opportunities for first-class graduates of EBSU.

    The statement further praised the progress recorded in the development of the Ebonyi State University of ICT, Oferekpe, and the University of Aeronautics Engineering, describing the projects as institutions “springing up in measured quality.”

    According to the statement, the administration has also introduced free transportation for students travelling to and from universities through Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses.

    It added that construction is ongoing on more than 39 model secondary schools across the state, with 22-classroom blocks designed to improve learning infrastructure.

    The government is also constructing pilot primary schools aimed at standardising learning environments and raising educational standards across Ebonyi State.

    In partnership with the Universal Basic Education Board (UBEB), the administration is equally constructing over 50 additional 12-classroom blocks, many of which are nearing completion.

    Learning materials are also reportedly being distributed free of charge to students to ease financial pressure on parents and improve access to education.

    “These are quality investments in generations, because education is the foundation of impact. And for three years, Governor Francis Nwifuru has made a positive impact in the lives of Ebonyi people,” the statement added.

    Earlier, Newpost Africa reported that Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru has hailed the rapid progress in constructing the University of ICT, Science and Technology, Oferekpe Agbaja, describing it as a legacy project set to transform education and digital innovation in Ebonyi State.

    In a statement issued on Monday alongside a video showing the advanced level of construction work at the university site, Governor Nwifuru said his administration remains committed to delivering quality education for the citizens and the world-class infrastructure needed at the specialised institution.

  • Gov. Nwifuru applauds rapid development of world‑class infrastructure at Ebonyi University of ICT, Oferekpe

    Gov. Nwifuru applauds rapid development of world‑class infrastructure at Ebonyi University of ICT, Oferekpe

    ABAKALIKI, Nigeria (NPA) — Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru has hailed the rapid progress in constructing the University of ICT, Science and Technology, Oferekpe Agbaja, describing it as a legacy project set to transform education and digital innovation in Ebonyi State.

    In a statement issued on Monday alongside a video showing the advanced level of construction work at the university site, Governor Nwifuru said his administration remains committed to delivering quality education for the citizens and the world-class infrastructure needed at the specialised institution.

    Earlier, Nwifuru noted that the University of ICT, Science and Technology is designed to expand access to higher education while strengthening Ebonyi State’s capacity in information and communication technology, engineering, and innovation-driven development.

    Recognised by the National Universities Commission as Nigeria’s 66th state university, the institution traces its roots to legislative approval in 2021, followed by a project committee in 2023 and the appointment of pioneer officers in 2024.

    Governor Nwifuru stated that the philosophy of the institution is anchored on excellence in teaching, research, innovation, and the production of socially responsible graduates capable of competing in the global economy. According to him, the university is expected to serve as a major hub for ICT development, engineering and applied sciences, in line with Ebonyi State’s broader economic transformation agenda.

    The state government also outlined priority academic programmes for the institution, revealing that the curriculum will focus on software engineering, cybersecurity, data science, ICT development and applied sciences. Traditional disciplines such as mechanical engineering, electrical engineering and other science-based programmes will also form part of the institution’s academic structure.

    Officials said the programmes are designed to address the growing demand for ICT-driven manpower in Nigeria and globally, while promoting research, innovation and technology-based solutions.

    Governor Nwifuru added that entrepreneurship training and community-based research would be integrated into the institution’s programmes to ensure graduates become job creators and contributors to local economic development.

    Governor Nwifuru stressed that the university will position Ebonyi as a leading hub for ICT education and technological innovation, producing graduates who are globally competitive, socially responsible, and central to the state’s economic transformation agenda.

    The establishment of the institution followed legislative approval granted in 2021, the inauguration of a project committee in 2023, and the appointment of pioneer officers in 2024.

  • JAMB urges candidates to remain patient as printing of 2026 UTME original result slips delayed

    JAMB urges candidates to remain patient as printing of 2026 UTME original result slips delayed

    LAGOS, Nigeria (NPA) — Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board has urged candidates who sat for the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) to remain patient, stating that the printing of the original result slips has not yet been activated.

    In a statement issued on Tuesday, JAMB spokesperson, Fabian Benjamin, explained that the Board recently concluded the foreign examinations and is currently making preparations for the mop-up examination for candidates who were unable to participate in the main examination through no fault of theirs.

    “The printing of the 2026 UTME Original Result Slip has not yet been activated. Candidates are kindly urged to be patient as the Board has just concluded the foreign examinations and is also preparing to conduct the mop-up examination for candidates who were unable to sit for the main examination through no fault of theirs,” the statement read.

    JAMB noted that the UTME is a ranking examination and that the original result slip contains the ranking of candidates, making it necessary for all processes to be completed before the slips can be released.

    According to the Board, the printing portal will be activated once all necessary adjustments have been concluded, adding that candidates will be officially informed when the process begins.

    “We sincerely apologise for the delay and appreciate your understanding,” the Board stated.

  • Oyo Abduction: Adeleke orders immediate revamp of Safe School Initiative in Osun

    Oyo Abduction: Adeleke orders immediate revamp of Safe School Initiative in Osun

    OSOGBO, Nigeria (Agency Report) — Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke has directed the immediate revitalisation of the Safe School Initiative following the recent school abduction attack in Oyo State.

    NAN reports that gunmen on Friday invaded Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota, and Community High School, Ahoro-Esinle, in Orire Local Government Area of Oyo State, abducting pupils, students, teachers, and a vice principal.

    Two people — a primary school head teacher and a motorcyclist — were also killed during the deadly attack.

    The directive was disclosed in a statement issued on Sunday in Osogbo by the governor’s spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed.

    According to the statement, Governor Adeleke said the move was a precautionary step aimed at preventing any possible spillover of school kidnapping incidents into Osun State.

    The governor also ordered the immediate strengthening of intelligence gathering around schools located in border communities and remote areas across the state.

    Adeleke further directed the Osun Amotekun Corps to deepen collaboration with non-governmental peace and security organisations currently supporting security operations in schools.

    “I assure parents and school authorities of the safety of pupils and students across the state,” the governor stated.

    He added that the Special Adviser on Security Matters had been instructed to work closely with service commanders and relevant agencies to implement the new security measures.

    Governor Adeleke said his administration remained committed to safeguarding pupils and students within the state’s educational system.

    He noted that additional steps were being considered to further strengthen security in schools, particularly those located in rural communities.

    “The existing Safe School Plan will be strengthened.

    “The Commissioner for Education, Dipo Eluwole, and the Security Adviser must immediately meet to finalise the revitalisation plan,” Adeleke ordered.

  • Peter Obi decries rising schoolchildren kidnappings, warns of deepening education crisis in Nigeria

    Peter Obi decries rising schoolchildren kidnappings, warns of deepening education crisis in Nigeria

    ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — Presidential aspirant and chieftain of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has condemned the recent wave of mass kidnappings involving schoolchildren in both Northern and Southern Nigeria, describing the incidents as a tragic reflection of the country’s worsening insecurity crisis.

    In a statement titled, “Sad: Schoolchildren Now ‘Pawns in Ransom Economy’,” Obi said there was nothing more heartbreaking for a nation than its inability to protect its children.

    He lamented the recent abduction attacks on students in Mussa Village, Askira/Uba Local Government Area of Borno State and Ahoro-Esinele community in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, warning that the growing trend poses a grave threat to Nigeria’s future.

    According to him, beyond the immediate trauma inflicted on victims and their families, the attacks amount to a direct assault on children’s right to education and safe upbringing.

    Obi noted that persistent insecurity around schools often forces many children, particularly girls, out of the classroom permanently due to fear of further attacks.

    The former Anambra governor further expressed concern over Nigeria’s already alarming out-of-school children crisis, warning that continued kidnappings and attacks on educational institutions could further worsen the situation.

    “In areas repeatedly affected by these attacks, education systems gradually collapse as fear becomes a major barrier to school enrollment,” he said.

    He stressed that securing schools must go beyond logistics, insisting it remains a moral responsibility for government and society.

    The NDC chieftain called for a combination of community-based intelligence gathering, improved security infrastructure around schools, and a transparent justice system capable of holding perpetrators accountable.

    “For the actualization of a new Nigeria that is possible, we must make the safety, education, and wellbeing of our children a priority,” Obi stated.

  • LASU extends 2025/2026 second-semester academic calendar by one week

    LASU extends 2025/2026 second-semester academic calendar by one week

    LAGOS, Nigeria (NPA) — Lagos State University (LASU) has announced a one-week extension of its approved academic calendar for the 2025/2026 academic session second semester.

    The approval was granted by the Vice-Chancellor, Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello, on behalf of the University Senate.

    According to a notice issued by the institution, the extension became necessary to allow for the completion of outstanding academic activities and proper coordination of academic and administrative processes for the second semester.

    Under the revised schedule, resumption, registration and lectures for both new and returning students will now run from Monday, March 2 to Friday, May 29, 2026, spanning 13 weeks.

    The university stated that second-semester examinations will commence from Monday, June 1 to Friday, June 26, 2026.

    Grading and uploading of results are scheduled to take place between Monday, June 29 and Friday, July 10, 2026.

    Departmental and faculty consideration of results, uploading of corrections and ICT processing of results will hold from Monday, July 13 to Friday, July 17, 2026.

    According to the revised calendar, collation of results and the Senate meeting for consideration and approval of results will take place from Monday, July 20, to Friday, July 24, 2026.

    The university further disclosed that the end-of-session break will commence on Monday, July 27, 2026.

    LASU added that the sessional break will now run from Monday, July 27, to Friday, October 23, 2026, while the 2026/2027 academic session is expected to commence on Monday, October 26, 2026.

    The institution advised students, staff and members of the university community to take note of the adjustments and comply accordingly.

  • FG pushes digital literacy, inclusion, child protection ahead of 2026 Children’s Day celebration

    FG pushes digital literacy, inclusion, child protection ahead of 2026 Children’s Day celebration

    ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to promoting inclusion, digital literacy and social protection for Nigerian children as part of activities marking the 2026 National Children’s Day celebration.

    Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, disclosed this during a media briefing held on Friday in Abuja ahead of the celebration themed: “Future Now: Promoting Inclusion for Every Nigerian Child.”

    According to the minister, the theme reflects the government’s commitment to ensuring that every Nigerian child is included regardless of gender, disability, socio-economic background, religion, ethnicity or geographical location.

    “The Nigerian child is no longer viewed merely as a passive recipient of welfare interventions, but as an active participant in national transformation, innovation, leadership and sustainable development,” she said.

    Sulaiman-Ibrahim revealed that the ministry had intensified implementation of the “Future Now Initiative” aimed at equipping children with digital literacy, STEM education, innovation exposure, artificial intelligence awareness and other future-ready skills needed to compete in the global digital economy.

    She added that through the National Children’s Parliament, the ministry has continued to strengthen child participation and child-friendly programmes to ensure children contribute to discussions and decisions affecting their wellbeing.

    “This will ensure that children are not merely beneficiaries of policies, but active contributors to discussions and decisions affecting their lives and wellbeing,” she added.

    Also speaking, Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), Dr Muyi Aina, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to accessible and affordable healthcare for all Nigerians.

    “We must recommit ourselves to building a healthier, safer and more inclusive Nigeria where no child is left behind,” he stated.

    He further called on parents, caregivers, teachers, traditional rulers, faith leaders, the media and other stakeholders to continue supporting immunisation, adolescent health, nutrition, maternal and child healthcare as well as child protection initiatives.

    Director of Programme Operations at Save the Children Nigeria, Mr Joshua Anar, stressed the need for stakeholders to move beyond commitments and take concrete actions toward strengthening child protection, education and inclusive services for every Nigerian child.

    “Today’s event is not only a celebration of children, but also a reminder of our collective responsibility to create an inclusive Nigeria where every child has equal opportunity to thrive,” he said.

    Acting Chief Child Protection Officer at UNICEF, Mona Aika, also reaffirmed commitment to strengthening child protection systems, preventing violence and harmful practices, and ensuring children’s rights are protected in every environment.

    Country Director of Girl Effect Nigeria, Mrs Boladale Akin-Kolapo, urged stakeholders to continue building inclusive, safe and responsive systems that address the needs of every child.

    “Let us continue to amplify children’s voices, protect their rights and create opportunities that allow them to succeed and contribute meaningfully to society,” she said.

    Deputy Speaker of the Nigeria Children’s Parliament, Ibrahim Zanna-Sunoma, emphasised the need to invest in equitable opportunities, break barriers of exclusion and create a Nigeria where every child is seen, protected and empowered.

    “Anything for us without us is not truly for us. Let them not fail in their responsibility to protect, nurture and empower every child,” he stated.

  • FG unveils National Education Data Infrastructure to strengthen planning, accountability

    FG unveils National Education Data Infrastructure to strengthen planning, accountability

    ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — The Federal Government has launched a new National Education Data Infrastructure (NEDI) aimed at improving education planning, learner tracking, transparency and service delivery across Nigeria’s education sector.

    Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, disclosed this on Thursday following a landmark stakeholder meeting on the initiative.

    According to the minister, the platform is designed to address longstanding data gaps that have hindered effective policy implementation and planning within the education system.

    “For too long, gaps in data have limited effective planning, learner tracking and policy implementation across the sector. Through NEDI, we are changing that,” Alausa said.

    He revealed that more than 32 million learners and over 220,000 schools across 21 states have already been captured on the platform.

    The minister described NEDI as Nigeria’s “single source of truth” for education data, noting that the initiative would strengthen evidence-based decision making, accountability, transparency and efficient service delivery at all levels of education.

    Alausa explained that the platform would also support efforts to tackle examination malpractice, identity fraud and the proliferation of illegal examination centres through the introduction of the National Learner Identity Number (NLIN).

    According to him, the NLIN will be linked to the National Identity Number (NIN) to enable proper learner identification and monitoring from school enrolment through employment stages.

    “Through the National Learner Identity Number linked to the National Identity Number, we are tackling examination malpractice, identity fraud and miracle centres while improving learner tracking from enrolment to employment,” he stated.

    The minister said the initiative marks a major shift from what he described as years of poor and unreliable education planning driven by inadequate data systems.

    “The era of operating blindly in education planning is over. We are building the systems needed to deliver real outcomes for Nigerians,” he said.

    Alausa noted that the project aligns with the Nigeria Education Sector Renewal Initiative (NESRI) and the six-point agenda of the Federal Ministry of Education aimed at transitioning Nigeria from a resource-based economy to a knowledge-driven economy.

    He added that the initiative also supports the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu focused on institutional reforms, digital transformation and improved public service delivery.

    The Federal Government said the new data infrastructure is expected to provide policymakers, institutions and stakeholders with more accurate and reliable information needed to improve educational outcomes nationwide.

  • JAMB says Mathematics no longer compulsory for admission into some university courses

    JAMB says Mathematics no longer compulsory for admission into some university courses

    LAGOS, Nigeria (NPA) — The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) says Mathematics is no longer a compulsory requirement for admission into some university courses in Nigeria.

    Fabian Benjamin, JAMB’s Director of Public Affairs and Protocol, disclosed this during an appearance on the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) programme, “Good Morning Nigeria,” monitored by NPA on Wednesday.

    Benjamin explained that the new policy adjustment applies only to selected courses, while Mathematics would still remain compulsory for programmes where it is relevant.

    According to him, candidates seeking admission into certain courses, including Hausa, may no longer require a credit pass in Mathematics.

    He, however, maintained that candidates must still obtain the minimum required credits for admission into tertiary institutions.

    “Mathematics will no longer be a requirement for admission into university courses, only for some specific courses,” he said.

    Benjamin also stated that Nigeria currently lacks sufficient admission spaces to accommodate the large number of applicants seeking university admission annually.

    He explained that JAMB’s role was to ensure fairness and equity in the admission process by allocating available spaces to qualified candidates.

    According to him, the board processes admission for between 700,000 and one million candidates.

  • Sanwo-Olu celebrates as LASU remains Nigeria’s most sought-after university ahead of UNILAG

    Sanwo-Olu celebrates as LASU remains Nigeria’s most sought-after university ahead of UNILAG

    LAGOS, Nigeria (NPA) — The Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has expressed delight as Lagos State University (LASU) once again emerged as the most sought-after university in Nigeria in the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).

    According to official data released by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), LASU attracted an overwhelming 84,426 applicants, securing the top spot ahead of the University of Lagos (78,240), Obafemi Awolowo University (60,370), University of Ibadan (58,895), and University of Benin (55,425).

    Governor Sanwo-Olu described the milestone as a historic achievement in LASU’s 41-year journey, affirming its reputation as a centre of academic innovation, discipline, and global competitiveness. He attributed the success to the Lagos State Government’s sustained investment in education under the THEMES Plus Agenda, which prioritises funding, infrastructure, and technological advancement.

    “LASU’s improved performance is the result of visionary leadership, dedicated faculty, and hardworking students. Our administration remains committed to making LASU one of the top 10 universities globally,” Sanwo-Olu said.

    He commended Vice-Chancellor Prof. Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello for her transformative leadership, noting that her innovative approach to learning and reforms has elevated LASU’s standing nationally and internationally. “Prof. Olatunji-Bello has been a game-changer in university administration, and her efforts have attracted recognition beyond Nigeria,” he added.

    The Governor praised LASU’s consistent production of high-quality graduates, improved academic performance, and modern infrastructure, assuring that the institution will continue to shape the future of young Nigerians. He urged staff and students to sustain the momentum and maintain LASU’s position as the nation’s most preferred university.

    In recent years, LASU has introduced reforms to enhance academic standards, deepen research, and foster a student-centred learning environment. These efforts have ensured its steady rise in both national and international rankings, reinforcing its role as a beacon of excellence in higher education.