Crunch Times News

Isaiah Isaac

 

Rotary Club of Abuja Ministers Hill has taken a significant step towards enhancing education in Abuja, renovating the library and donating essential educational materials to Jahi 2 Local Education Authorty (LEA) primary school. 

The president, Rotary Club of Abuja Ministers Hill, Rotarian Oro-Ghene Adia said this initiative aims to create a conducive learning environment and empower students for future success.

The club also awarded scholarships to 20 indigent students 

The club also equipped the libery with modern furniture, quality books and essential educational resources to Improved access to education for underprivileged students, enhanced learning environment for entire school community and empowerment of future leaders and change-makers

The president informed that 20 deserving students received full scholarships, covering tuition, uniforms, books, and sports equipment.

Adia asked donors to join the Rotary Club of Abuja Ministers Hill in making a difference in education. Donate 1,000 or more to support library development and scholarship programs.

"Today, I'm thrilled to celebrate another milestone achieved by our Rotary Club. In July, we successfully implemented our Maternal Child Health project, serving over 200 mothers with essential medicines, food supplements, and healthcare facility upgrades.

"We're also delighted to continue supporting education initiatives. Last year, we identified 20 street children and provided scholarships. This year, we're proud to continue supporting these students, now in primary two, with books, uniforms, and sports equipment".

To promote education, we commissioned a library in the school, equipped with shelving, tables, chairs, and books. We're committed to stocking the library with diverse materials to enhance their educational experience.

He therefore extend heartfelt gratitude to: Rotary Club of Abuja members for their contributions, project team and board members for their dedication, Partners for their support, school administrators for their collaboration, community leaders for their encouragement and LEA board representatives for their presence

"Our commitment to education is a continuum. We'll ensure the scholarship program continues under the next president, supporting these students until they graduate from primary six".

He invited individuals and organizations to adopt a school or sponsor a child's education. A small contribution of one thousand naira to five thousand can make a significant difference. The total cost per child is approximately 20,000, covering school fees, books, and materials.

Speaking, Rotarian Daniel Etameta, District representative on basic education and literacy, Rotary International District 9127 said the club is contributing to community development, which will ultimately lead to a better society with visible economic prosperity.

He commended the Rotary Club of Abuja Ministers for this innovative initiative. Seeing the transformation of this facility from its previous state is truly impressive.

He noted, "This achievement will be communicated to the District Governor, showcasing Rotary's positive impact in our communities.

He acknowledged the Rotary Club of Abuja Ministers' outstanding initiative. This project exemplifies our commitment to community development and economic growth.

"The transformation of this library is remarkable, and I applaud the club's dedication. This success story will be shared with our District Governor, highlighting Rotary's impactful work in our communities".

We recognize the collective efforts of Rotary clubs in Abuja, supporting education and making a tangible difference."

The Jahi 2 LEA, Head teacher, Mrs Ekoko Evangeline commended the efforts and contributions made to improve the LEA school, saying our goal is to meet the educational needs of all students, especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds.

"As the head teacher, I've been encouraging parents to enroll their children. However, for those who refuse, I urge NGOs and community members to help identify and enroll children who are out of school, roaming the streets, and not participating in classes".

Also, Chief of Decaci, Jahi 2, Salihu Adamu said the Rotary Club's contributions, especially to this school, serve as a shining example for others to follow while urging other donors, individuals, and organizations to support and learn from their initiatives.

"If more organizations emulate the Rotary Club's commitment, education will flourish. Their selfless work is truly commendable".

Representing Head Of Department, primary school services, LEA AMAC, Mr Solomon Jabi expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the Rotary Club of Abuja Ministers Hill for their tireless efforts in supporting communities particularly children.

"Their generosity has provided: books, school bags, uniforms and more, adding that education is the key to unlocking a brighter future. Unfortunately, many parents struggle to send their children to school, leaving them idle and vulnerable".

"The Rotary Club has stepped in, making a significant difference. I commend their dedication. Without education, opportunities are limited. The Rotary Club's support has brought hope and possibilities", he said.

...Emphasize Need for Mindset Shift in Work Ethic, Neighborly Relations, Daily Life

By Blessing Bature 

Expert called for a return to the country's lost values, citing the importance of personal change and humanity over religious differences and emphasized the need for Nigerians to change their mindset to transform the country. 

The National President Foundation for correction of Moral decadence, Joseph Danley made the call at the attitudinal change seminar for FCT staffers of Secondary education board 

He stressed that reorienting the average Nigerian's mindset is crucial for national development, saying that Nigerians need to prioritize attitudinal change. If we change our mindset, Nigeria will become a better place.

"If we change our orientation positively, Nigeria will surpass countries like China".

Using the analogy of a building, he highlighted that physical infrastructure alone is insufficient without building the mindset of the people managing it and emphasized that Nigerians' hearts and minds are dirty and need cleansing

He advocated for a culture of love, sincerity, and integrity. "We need to show love and kindness to one another, regardless of our differences."

He underscored the importance of trust in God and integrity, saying, "When you decide to stand up straight and become a person of impeccable integrity, you will never go hungry."

He noted that about 60 people from the Secondary Education Board that was trained in this initiative.

Speaking, Director of Admin, secondary Education Board, Mr Kadiri Eda said the staffers training program focused on attitudinal change and encouraged Nigerians to reevaluate their daily habits and mindset. 

The Director explained, "the initiative aims to promote a positive shift in work ethic, interpersonal relationships, and overall outlook on life.

According to him, the training seeks to help participants recognize the need for personal change, rather than solely blaming leaders for societal issues. "It's not just about leaders; our attitude to life, work, and neighbors needs adjustment," they stressed.

"We need to rethink how we handle matters and have a change of attitude towards every aspect of our life, cultivate a culture of positivity, accountability, and integrity among Nigerians, driving individual and national growth.

Speaking with of the participants, Sadetu Ibrahim, Desk officer, mathematics science and technology department, SEB, there is need to revived Nigeria's Lost Values.

"I've come to realize that the norms and ethics of the 70s and 80s, which have been lost, can be revived. This innovation is commendable, and I hope it will bring back the values of those times".

She noted that the problem of Nigeria lies in bad governance, but change is possible if we start with ourselves. As the slogan says, 'It begins with me.' If I change, you change, and everyone changes, even leaders will follow suit.

We need to set aside religion and focus on humanity. Understanding and embracing each other's differences will foster peace, she noted.

In the past, our grandparents built strong relationships despite limited education. We can revive that sense of community. It's time for a mindset shift. Let's understand and appreciate each other's perspectives.

Another participant, Dr Bamaiyi Peter Ahmadu, Monitoring and evaluation, Gwagwalada zone, SEB, FCT, Abuja said "We need to examine our attitude towards work, particularly timekeeping. We often fail to prioritize punctuality, leave work early, and neglect tasks.

He explained, "Moreover, our commitment to religion doesn't translate to moral rectitude. Despite belonging to major religions, we witness harmful acts perpetrated by individuals with names like David, Gabriel, Mohammed, or Usman.

He emphasized the need for Nigerians to reevaluate their attitude towards work and moral values.

Dr. Mohammed Ladan the Director/Secretary of Secondary Education Board (SEB) received a DISTINGUISHED EXCELLENCE AWARD from the Foundation.

By Blessing Bature 

Rotary Club of Abuja, Aso-Golf, has donated school bags to 380 and awarded scholarship to 111 indigent pupils of the Science Model Primary School, Garki ,11, Abuja.

 

The President of Rotary Club of Abuja Aso-Golf, Mr Clement Chinaka disclosed this during the club’s outreach with the theme` `Create Hope in the World’ ’in Abuja. 

 

Chinaka said the projects is as part of the club’s contribution to address the out-of-school menace, saying rotary is a worldwide humanitarian organisation with the ideals of impacting  on the immediate need of communities. 

He informed that the ideals was to help humanity, to make impact where it's most needed. "That's why we are here to lead.

According to him, "our investigative team came to inquire and  discovered that some students could not pay sundry fees, as such they were not going to continue with their studies and probably would be stopped  from writing their exams, so we have to intervened and paid their school fees to about 111 students, and also donated  school bags to them  because we know that  times are hard and parents are struggling.

"So this is our way of reaching out to the children, by necessary implication to assist their families, that's why the club had to step in for the children so they could continue  schooling because education is the bedrock.

 He encouraged other well-meaning Nigerians to help indigent children, saying that whatever anyone can do to impact the next person positively, please we urge that it be done,"he said 

 

Also speaking, President Nominee of Rotary Club of Abuja Aso-Golf, Mr Ehi uwaifo said the club was impacting the community through Water Sanitation and Hygiene programme, WASH.

"We sponsor projects in water, health, hygiene, children health, education,among others. This is because education is the leveller, it is the only way that the son of a rich man and that of a poor man can bridge the gap in development.

"This is just one of the projects that the club has earmarked to execute over a period."

He added that,"We have looked  at the  sanitation of the Model science primary school and discovered that there are issues, both the boys and girls are using the same toilet. So it is the next step of our intervention to separate them and make it more hygienic.

 

Responding, Head Teacher, Garki Model Science Primary School, Mr Kashimu Karshi commended the club for their intervention.

Karshi said that the intervention was apt and it would go a long way to support their education.

 "I am  very glad particularly because this project  happened in my school in FCT about 160 schools within the municipality, yet the club decided to choose LEA Garki. 

"On behalf of the school authority, we are happy indeed for the programme. May God continue to bless you in abundance."

Some of the beneficiaries of the intervention thanked Rotary Club of Abuja Aso-Golf  for the kind gestures.

A 12 years old Primary six pupil, Miss Azizzat Mustapha said that the scholarship given to her would help her to graduate without stress.

"Thank you for helping us to pay our school fees because our parents cannot pay again and we were almost trow out for not paying our fees. This will help us further our education, “she said.

Another pupil, Mr Sani Rabiu, said thanked the Rotary club for their kind gesture by providing bag and school fees for them.

By Ngozi Nwankwo

Colleges of Education Academic Staff Union, COEASU, has expressed satisfaction over the decision of the  President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to suspend the backward policy directing tertiary institutions including Colleges of Education to start remitting 40% of a non-existent IGR to the federal treasury.

 The union acknowledged the sense of good reason, listening disposition, democratic ethos and responsible pleadership shown by Mr. President in suspending the policy without allowing the situation to degenerate into unnecessary faceoff between labour and Government. 

commending  Mr. President for his sensitivity and amiability on the matter, lecturers expressed hope that the present administration would be compatible in disposition to the Union towards alternative dispute resolution approach through constructive engagement, social dialogue and proactive bargaining characterized by mutual respect and pliability to superior logic.

While speaking through the union' s President,Dr. Smart Olugbeko, COEASU

urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to go a step further by deploying this promising disposition to urgently address the challenges of funding in the College of Education system and other tiers of the tertiary education sector altogether. 

"We call on Mr. President to always ensure that issues raised by labour are proactively dealt with through social dialogue and collective bargaining. By so doing, we can together ensure industrial tranquillity and uninterrupted academic calendar in our institutions. 

"We anticipate that Mr. President would apply these laudable virtues towards addressing other festering issues plaguing the College of Education system and prone to industrial crisis. For example, the centralization of payroll administration through the Integrated Personnel and Payroll Information System (IPPIS) undermines the statutory functions of the Governing Councils, breaches the establishment integrity of the tertiary education sector in general and the College of Education system in particular. It opens the payroll up to unilateral manipulations and all manners of fraud beyond the control of the Managements of our institutions. It has eroded the power and authority of Provosts and Governing Councils to employ as the office of the Head of Service determines who and when to employ. IPPIS contravenes global best practices in the management of tertiary institutions and disrespects the peculiarities of the COE system. 

"IPPIS has continued to defraud us as we have thousands of cases of short-payment, outright non-payment, unlawful delay and/or withholding of third party deductions, just to mention but few. We urge President Ahmed Bola Tinubu to revisit the issue of IPPIS in the interest justice and industrial harmony," he stated. 

The union also said other issues Mr. President needs to address include the unlawful sack of Governing Councils in violation of their statutory tenure of three years and contravention of the FCE Establishment Act. 

"Of equal concern to our Union is the need to conclude the long overdue renegotiation of COEASU-FG 2010 agreement; upward review of the monthly running grant being given to the Managements of Colleges of Education and timely release of the fund; resolution of the issue of outsourced services particularly security and cleaning; and the implementation, without further delay, of the special bursary and grant to education students in Universities and Colleges of Education," he disclosed.

By Ngozi Nwankwo

Tertiary Education Trust Fund, TETFund, on Tuesday disclosed that its 2023 collection of education tax is the highest in a single year since inception.

Executive Secretary of TETFund, Arc Sunny Echono, who disclosed this, appreciated the Federal Inland Revenue Service, FIRS, for its diligent efforts in collecting the education taxes.

Echono spoke in Abuja at an Interactive session with heads of beneficiary institutions on the disbursement guidelines for 2024 intervention cycle, where he noted that the 2023 collection is being allocated by the fund for the 2024 intervention projects.

The TETFund boss also attributed the high revenue to increases approved by the former and present administrations to 3 per cent of accessible profit and other factors diligently implemented by the FIRS in collaboration with the TETFund.

Speaking on the proposed areas of focus under the 2024 intervention programme, he said TETFund has budgeted a significant increase in annual direct disbursements in response to improvement in tax collections.

According to him, 90.54 per cent of taxes generated is budgeted for direct disbursement and designated 6.5 per cent for some projects and 2.94 for stabilisation to enable the fund respond to emerging issues, all of which are subject to final distribution/approvals.

He added that the proposed new interventions in the annual direct disbursement include the establishment of Career Centre/Unit in all categories of beneficiary institutions, as well as institution-based skills development for polytechnics to improve the employability and career prospects of students.

“For the Special Direct Disbursement, we have increased the allocation and number of beneficiary institutions for the Special High Impact Programme (SHIP),” he said, adding that SHIP will also focus on “provision of hostels using the Public Private Partnership arrangement for selected Beneficiary institutions.”

“We have sustained provisions for: Disaster recovery, Security Infrastructure; and Completion of abandoned projects. We have also sustained allocations for Research including National Research Fund Research and Innovation Fund, Up take of research findings to commercialization Supervision of scholars Phd research.

 “We have made provision for 4nos Central Multipurpose Laboratories and an additional provision for the 3nos Agricultural Laboratories/Farms initiated in 2023. We have sustained the implementation of the ICT roadmap with provision for converged services, subscription services for fixed cable /internet access and the TERAS initiative.

“There will be upgrade of Laboratories, Workshops and Equipment to Universities, Polytechnics and Colleges of Education (Technical) for the 2024 Intervention Year. There will also be the Early grade resource centers phase II to Colleges of Education (NCCE)

“Other areas of provision in the budget are: Take-off grants as directed by the Federal Government, Higher Education book development programme, providing for the Shortfall arising from fluctuations in foreign exchange in the ASTD Programme for our foreign scholars, Additional 6 nos Entrepreneurship innovation hubs to selected Polytechnics and COEs, and

National Skills development programme for polytechnics and Colleges of Education (Technical),” he said.

He described the year 2023 as “an impactful year that has witnessed series of programs such as the development of the TETFund ICT roadmap culminating in the deployment of the BIMS and launching of the TERAS platforms, the commencement of the designs and strategy for the innovation Hubs to selected beneficiary institutions, and the constitution of the committee for the establishment of two central research laboratories.”

Echono expressed the fund’s determination “to deepen research, promote innovation and honing of skills, encourage the discovery and development of creative talents amongst our scholars and especially the students as a major pillar of the renewed hope agenda of the present Administration.

He appealed to external stakeholders, including the National Assembly, to minimize distractions as TETFund mobilizes, harnesses and efficiently deploys all hands to the plough in restoring the tertiary institutions to the enviable heights envisioned by President Bola Tinubu.

He also called on all heads of institutions present to ensure the smooth and timely, implementation of the Year 2023 allocation before the commencement of the 2024 intervention cycle.

Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Education, Mr David Andrew Adejo, described TETFund as one of the agencies that give succour to government when problems with unions in tertiary institutions arise.

Adejo commended the management of the fund for deciding to raise the disbursement percentage to 90.54 per cent instead of leaving it at the over 80 per cent disbursed in 2023.

According to him, the current administration has started weaning universities, polytechnics and colleges of education of government resources, something that should have begun long ago, adding that at the end of the session, heads of institutions would decide what guidelines to adopt.

On his part, the Executive Secretary of National Commission foe Colleges of Education, NCCE, Prof Paulinus Okwelle, who also commended the fund for its activities, said in colleges of education across the country, there are no abandoned projects.

Okwelle said some projects started by the fund in 2023 were already being commissioned, indicating that provosts of the colleges were doing very well in supervising the projects.

He however called for the maintenance of old infrastructures in some colleges of education as they were gradually decaying, stating that NCCE will continue to collaborate with the fund to ensure that all its effort in the colleges is successful.

By Ngozi Nwankwo

In the quest to transform tertiary education in Nigeria, the Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman has unveiled the Tertiary Education Research Application and Services, TERAS, Platform.

 The platform initiated by the Tertiary Education Trust Fund, TETFund, according to Mamman, marked a significant milestone in the present administration’s quest to transform the nation’s tertiary education sector.

He said, "What I witnessed when I was admitted to the TERAS platform is truly impressive. The technology underpinning TERAS is a testament to the careful expertise in its design and implementation.

” The Ministry will continue to provide our beneficiary institutions and TETFund with unwavering support to fully realise the potential of TERAS, as a key component of our resolve in repositioning, strengthening and rekindling hope in our tertiary education sector.”

The Minister noted that Federal Ministry of Education would ensure the platform’s growth to benefit millions of students and academic staff as no stone would be left untouched to address the challenges in the Nigerian education system.

“We at the Ministry are acutely aware of the challenges that our education system faces in today’s world.

” Education is an investment in the future for our children and the destiny of our nation. Issues stemming from the past, including the disruptions caused by COVID-19, as well as ongoing funding challenges in our sector, continue to weigh heavily on our minds.

“To the dedicated staff and staffs in our tertiary institutions, please be rest assured that I am fully cognisant of your concerns, and we are committed to addressing them head-on.

“I won’t dwell on these issues in great details, but I want to convey that we are taking decisive steps to tackle them. It is for this very reason that I have seen and heard, TERAS represents remarkable progress for all of us. The countless benefits that TERAS promises to bring to educators, students, and the entire educational community are awe-inspiring and must be fully exploited, ” he said.

Also speaking , the Executive Secretary of TETFund, Sonny Echono, said the unveiling and launching of the platform marked a significant moment in the history of Nigerian tertiary education.

“We envision TERAS as the centralized hub for tertiary education services, fostering quality assurance, collaboration, efficiency and innovation,” he said.

The TETFund boss said “TERAS has its origins in the challenging days of the COVID-19 pandemic, a period when our nation and our education system ground to a halt. The impact was profound, but it also served as a catalyst for action.

” Government, recognising the need to mitigate disruptions in education, swiftly set in motion a series of policies and directives through the Federal Ministry of Education.

These initial steps have now culminated in the creation of TERAS, the groundbreaking platform we present today.”

Echono said “TERAS has been meticulously designed to seamlessly integrate various essential components. First is identity management through BIMS (Beneficiary Identity Management System), followed by a federated academic repository to address critical challenges faced by students, researchers; and institutions in accessing educational resources and research materials.

“Other services such as, sponsored Mobile Internet Access, EagleScan for plagiarism checking. Aggregated Journal & Research Subscription inclusive of EBSCO, Blackboard Learning Management System, Digital Literacy (ICDL and Communication Skills), and Intervention Funding are available to our institutions, staff, and students.”

He said the agency aimed at growing the over 2 million students and staff of beneficiary institutions currently captured on BIMS to beyond 3 million before the end of the year.

In a remark, the Secretary, Committee of Vice-Chancellors of Nigerian Universities, Prof Yakubu Ochefu, commended TETFund for putting in place TERAS, even as he called for more funding of the scheme.

“TERAS has been designed as educational technology mall, if you have any technology out there that can fill the gaps and add value to our nation’s edu-tech, please let us know so we can work together.

” I want to draw the attention of the minister to ensure TERAS serves as a research platform for all Nigerians. It has been built on public educational platform and be should be opened to all Nigerians…., so that it can be one of the world best repositories.

“I know to do that requires additional investment, that is why the stakeholders are requesting for increase in the quantum of funding for ICT to be able to cover new advances…, an increase in up to 35 per cent for educational technology for the next two years,” he said.

By Ngozi Nwankwo

 National Universities Commission,NUC, has distanced  itself from  the  online news that said  the National Board for Technical Education,NBTE, has officially introduced a one year top-up degree programme in Nigerian Polytechnics to enable holders of the Higher National Diploma,HND, to convert their certificates to the first degree with foreign accredited universities.

The position of the NUC was disclosed in a press statement issued to newsmen by

Acting Executive Secretary

National Universities Commission, Chris J. Maiyaki in Abuja on weekend.

The online news, which was credited to the  Executive Secretary of the NBTE, Prof Idirs Bugaje and the Board’s  Head of Media Unit, Mrs. Fatima Abubakar, revealed that the action was in furtherance of the advocacy for the removal of the existing dichotomy between degree holders and HND graduates in their various places of work, and  to enhance the beneficiaries’ opportunities for further studies.

The NUC  informed the Management of the  NBTE and the general public that the “Bill for an Act to Abolish and Prohibit Dichotomy and Discrimination between First Degree and Higher National Diploma in the Same Profession/Field for the Purpose of Employment, and for Related Matters”, which was passed by the 9th National Assembly in 2021, is yet to be assented to by Mr. President and Commander-in-Chief of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. So, even though   agitation continues to grow for the abolition of the dichotomy in Nigeria, there is, at the moment,   no law  that has removed the dichotomy between a university degree and the HND.

It said  both the NUC Establishment Law (CAP N81, LFN, 2004) and its Operational Law: Education (National Minimum Standards and Establishment of Institutions) Act, CAP E3 LFN, 2004) vest in the Commission the powers to superintend and regulate university education in Nigeria, lay down minimum academic standards in the nation’s Universities and other degree-awarding Institutions, and accredit their programmes, saying that  the Commission is the only constitutionally empowered regulatory agency for university education in Nigeria. 

"Pursuant to the sustained commitment of the NUC to the development of a balanced, well-coordinated and productive University System that guarantees the delivery of quality education relevant to national development, and in the face of global competitiveness, the Commission wishes to state, categorically, that:

The place of technical education, the world over, is unique. Thus, in most higher education systems, Polytechnics co-exist side by side with Universities for the purposes of producing critical human resources, based on their peculiarities and in tandem with the the goals for which they were established, abinitio;

 

"The university degree awarded by the Nigerian University System or  any cognate Institution, is not the same as the HND awarded by Polytechnics in Nigeria. In the Nigerian higher education space, the processes, contents and methods required for the acquisition of a university degree are substantially different from those needed for HND programmes;

 

"At the post-graduate level, the requirements for admission into any Master’s degree programme in Nigerian Universities for candidates with HND are, among others, the acquisition of a Postgraduate Diploma (PGD) from a recognised University in an area relevant to that for which the Master’s admission is being sought. To this end, it is implicit that beneficiaries of the NBTE’s Top-Up Programme shall be subjected to extant admission requirements by Nigerian Universities, should they desire to further their studies in the NUS," it stated.

The Commission urged the public and all relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies,MDAs, that the NUC is not a party to and, indeed, disavows the so-called Top-up Scheme, being concocted by the NBTE.

It, therefore, advised NBTE  to focus on its core mandate and desists from introducing programmes that are outside its jurisdiction, and not supported by any law in Nigeria, saying that  the Commission does not entertain any intrusion into its lawfully assigned mandate.

.

By Ngozi Nwankwo

In a bid to better Polytechnic education in Nigeria, the Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics,ASUP, has called on the Tertiary Education Trust Fund,TETFund, to open a fresh intervention line in the direction of curriculum development.

The ASUP National President, Anderson Ezeibe, disclosed this in Abuja on Thursday at at a Two-Day interactive session between TETFund and unions of beneficiary institutions.

Ezeibe said that curriculum development was an integral part of tertiary education that foster functional and impactful tertiary education.

Expressing dissatisfaction at the way the Fund sets up its committee without involvement of the polytechnic unions, he said this should be corrected to enhance effective participation.

According to him, there has been an increased participation of trade unions in the activities of TETFund. 

It is within this period that we see unions getting involved in monitoring activities of physical projects sponsored by TETFund in tertiary institutions. 

He also expressed worry at the spate of abuse of the release of funds by TETFund to institutions management. 

"These activities are eye opening events but it can only get better because the feedback from these engagements are in the processes and TETFund can only improve their impact in the education sector.

"This particular monitoring exercise should go beyond physical infrastructure projects. I know that TETFund is involved in other interventions lines of staff trainings development, research and planning and so on. 

"At this level, we still have a significant level of abuse at the institutional level and it is only the involvement of the unions that can check this. 

"Therefore it is very important that tetfund should design a policy position to ensure trade unions are involved in the level of monitoring and evaluation in the institutions," he said.

Ezeibe also charged TETFund to include the trade unions in its programmes and project for accountability and delivery of its projects in the tertiary institutions.

"We call for a better inclusion of our sector in the strategic committee of TETFund. Our position is that you cannot build capacity by exclusion. 

"The continued exclusion of our sector from the committee of TETFund will continue to undermine capacity building in our sector and also the capacity of the sector to actively compete in the areas of research fund," he added.

He blamed abuse of TETFund's project in tertiary institutions on stakeholding activities undermining the impact of the Fund's projects.

"We have not been very happy with TETFund with respect to its committee on Research and Development.

"One has expected that the outcomes of those engagement would have progress beyond the level that they were left because some of the considerations from that committee were something we believe will enrich the intellectual community of our sector.

"It is important to know that stakeholding activities are undermining the activities of TETFund and in contradiction to see TETFund associate with stakeholding activities that undermine its own impact.

" We have six Centres of Excellence established across different polytechnics, one in each geopolitical zone, the one in my institution is centred around ICT.

"Unfortunately the report is that due to the scavenging activities of stakeholding arrangements that participate, the centres cannot function effectively, equipment were dumped, centre of excellence for ICT is there dormant because the initial plan has not met its own need," he said.

In his address, the Executive Secretary of TETFund, Sonny Echono, stressed the need to consistently engage and challenge one another on how to better improve the institutions.

Echono said that the engagement was also for the purpose of sustaining steady growth and development of tertiary education.

"It is our fervent hope that this interactive session will provide an enabling environment for us to understand some of our challenges and difficulties in the delivery of quality education in our institutions.

"Thereby making meaningful contribution to the successful execution of the objective of the Fund.

"As you all know our primary mandate is to rehabilitate, restore and consolidate tertiary education in Nigeria, using funding alongside project management. 

"The session is also expected to serve as a platform to discuss and mitigate incidences of industrial disputes in the tertiary education sector and look at ways to prevent and avoid their occurrences," he said. 

Echono also explained that the interactive session would afford the opportunity to build and solidify cooperation and collaboration between the Fund, its beneficiary institutions and the unions on matters that affect the growth and development of tertiary education.

"I believe that this interaction will bring up issues of concerns that will not only enable us address the areas of intervention in our institutions.

"It will also espouse gaps and shortcoming that have resulted in strikes and interruptions of academic sessions, with a view to mitigating them," he said.

He called for urgent need for all stakeholders to unify efforts to reposition our tertiary institutions for the challenges of the times, especially in dealing with strike actions in the institutions.

"Studies have shown a link between poor student performance and industrial strike by unions. The arguments generally are that the quality of teaching and learning will significantly improve when teaching and learning are uninterrupted. 

"Furthermore, building world class institutions requires a consistent and regular academic calendar and this is often affected by industrial strikes. 

"However, a closer look will also show that many industrial strikes by the unions were for the improvement in teaching and learning conditions for both staff and students. 

"It is for these reasons that sessions like this are organised to deliberate and find common grounds on issues of mutual interest and benefits," he added.

Also, the former President, Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Ayuba Wabba, SA there was need for unions to get involved in decision making processes of tertiary institutions so as to realise the dreams of the Fund.

In the same vein, Michael Adaramoye, National Mobilisation Officer, Education Rights Campaign(ERC) called on stakeholders to address the growing trend of school fees increment.

Adaramoye said the country is moving to the stage where even lecturers would not be able to pay for the fees of their children if the situation is not looked into.

He said that the responsibilities of running institutions should be the burden of the government, hence must not be transferred to the students.

He, therefore, charged the government to take up the responsibility stressing that they(government) have more to benefit than the students.

By Blessing Bature 

Inline with the core drive of the Rotary club, the Rotary club of Abuja Ministers Hill has sponsored full registration to not fewer than 20 less privileged pupils of LEA primary school, Jahi 2 of the federal capital territory who were found to be roaming about during school hours due to challenges of finances to cater for their educational needs.

The President of the club, Rotarian Daniel Etameta said it was highly imperative to bring succour to these less privileged pupils considering the importance of children's education to the society and national development, as the quality of tomorrow's society is a function of the quality of education our children receives today.

According to him, the Rotary club of Abuja Minister Hill took it upon itself to sponsor full registration for 20 eager pupils who are hungry for education but due to circumstances of life could not register in school, they are been offered Uniform and Sportswear, writing materials, school sandals and also paid their PTA Levy, all these he said is to restore hope, and a brighter future for these children.

While acknowledging the contributions and dedication of notable Rotarians for their incredible generosity of numerous donors, he said the "Back to School Project" has left no detail unaddressed to ensure these students were fully prepared for their educational journey. " Our Rotarians, had worked tirelessly on this project, played an indispensable role in bringing this vision to life. Their unwavering dedication, countless hours of hard work, and commitment have turned the dream of these 20 students into a reality. Their service above self is truly inspiring".

Etameta also thanked all the donors for their donations and support towards this project, especially the Skld Integrated Services, Ivyline Care Foundation,  Catherine Adeh Foundation and others whose unwavering commitment to education and support for this project is has been instrumental to the actualization of this life transforming project.

" we are profoundly grateful, for your generosity have made this project a resounding success. These donors, both individuals and organizations, have demonstrated the power of unity and the capacity for change through giving."

It was also an opportunity for the  Rotary club of Abuja Ministers Hill to present outfits to the community corp. The president, while  speaking, encouraged the community corp to ensure that they conduct themselves rightly, reflecting the ethos of Rotary International.

Appreciating the club, the Head Teacher of LEA Primary School, Jahi 2  Mrs Ekoko Evangeline said she is overwhelmed by what Rotary club of Abuja Minister Hill is doing in her school in for sponsoring full registration for the pupils and also donating the educational materials to them, these is indeed a great encouragement to these pupils.

Ekoko said if many NGOs replicates what the Rotary club does, hope will indeed be restored in the country while also calling on government to do the needful to ensure that education is accessible to all.

By Ngozi Nwankwo

Academic Staff Union of Universities,ASUU,has kicked against any plan by the Tertiary Education Trust Fund,TETFund, to include private universities in the country as beneficiary institutions of its projects.

The President of ASUU, Prof Emmanuel Osodeke made the union's position known at a two-day interactive session between TETFund and all unions of beneficiary institutions. 

Osodeke maintained that such a move will lead to proliferation of private universities devoid of quality.

While commending TETFund on delivery, he urged the fund to work more on the monitoring method of its projects across the country stressing that the level of performance by the beneficiary institutions are not in tandem as some of them received the same amount of money.

He also called on TETFund to apply sanctions on non-performing institutions and advocate for the abolition of what he referred to as "stakeholders fund".

According to him, "ASUU will continue to embark on strike untill the right thing is done in our tertiary institutions. Stakeholders fund should be abolished".

Earlier in his welcome address, the Executive Secretary of TETFund, Arch. Sonny Echono, disclosed that the interactive session was conceived as a proactive engagement against the backdrop of the prevailing challenges in the subsector.

Echono noted that the engagement was also for the purpose of sustaining steady growth and development of tertiary education, while stressing the need to consistently engage and challenge one another on how best to improve the situation.

"It is our fervent hope that this interactive session will provide an enabling environment for us to understand some of our challenges and difficulties in the delivery of quality education in our institutions and thereby make meaningful contribution to the successful execution of the objective of the Fund.

"As you all know our primary mandate is to rehabilitate, restore and consolidate Tertiary Education in Nigeria, using funding alongside project management. 

"The session is also expected to serve as a platform to discuss and mitigate incidences of industrial disputes in the tertiary education sector and look at ways to prevent and avoid their occurrences," he said. 

He further stated that the interactive session will afford the opportunity to build and solidify cooperation and collaboration between the Fund, its

beneficiary institutions and the Unions on matters that affect the growth and development of tertiary education in Nigeria. 

"As stakeholders and partners, we intend to share with you all that we have done and continue to do," he added.

On his part, the former President of Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Ayuba Wabba, who spoke on 'The Role of Trade Unions in TETFund Intervention Activities', commended the fund for its strident commitment to the elevation of university education and experience for bothe lecturers, non academic workers and the student population in various campuses all over the country.

Wabba noted that the NLC has benefitted a great deal from the ideological clarity and consistency of the unions in the tertiary institutions.

"The patriotic and historical resistance of the Congress against the debilitating influence and impact of neo liberal policies of successive government in Nigeria drew a lot of inspiration and verve from the intellectually sound position s advanced by unions in our tertiary institutions," he said.

By Ngozi Nwankwo

National Examinations Council, NECO, has released the 2023 Senior School Certificate Examination, SSCE, 58 days after the final paper was written on August 11.

Registrar of NECO, Prof Dantani Ibrahim Wushishi, who announced the result at a press briefing in Minna, Niger State, on Tuesday, said the 2023 SSCE was the best in recent years.

The NECO boss, who gave a breakdown of candidates' performance said 737,308 candidates, representing 61.60 per cent of the total number of applicants scored five credits and above including Mathematics and English.

Wushishi disclosed that a total of 1,196,985, comprising 616,398 males and 580,587 females sat for the exam out of which 1,013,611 candidates scored five credits and above, irrespective of English and Mathematics, representing 84.68 per cent.

The 2023 SSCE internal was conducted from Monday 10th July to Friday 11th August 2023, while marking exercise commenced from Wednesday 30th August to Friday 15th September 2023.

According to him, the release of the 2023 SSCE comes 58 days after the last written paper due to the management's desire to ensure that the complete results are released.

On candidates with special needs, he said a total of 1,542 candidates sat for the examination, out of which 913 candidates had hearing impairment and 162 candidates had visual impairment.

Other candidates include; 103 candidates with Albinism, 61 candidates with Autism, 149 candidates with low vision, 154 candidates with Adermatoglyphia, among others.

Wushishi also disclosed that the number of candidates involved in various forms of malpractice in 2023 is 12,030, representing 0.07 per cent as against 13,594, 0.13 per cent in 2022

 "It gladdens my heart to notify you that reports we have received so far indicate that the 2023 SSCE Internal has been certified the best in recent times.  We are very thankful to God for this and to all those that made it possible.

"Number of candidates registered for the examination is 1,205,888, representing 621,084 males and 584,804 Females. 

"Number of candidates that sat is 1,196,985, representing 616,398 Males and 580,587 females. Number of candidates with five Credits and above, including English and Mathematics is 737,308, representing 61.60%.

"Number of candidates with five Credits and above, irrespective of English and Mathematics is 1,013,611, representing 84.68%. 

"Number of candidates with special needs is 1,542, with the breakdown as follows: 913 candidates with hearing impairment 162 candidates with visual impairment 103 candidates with Albinism, 61 candidates with Autism, 149 candidates with low vision

154 candidates with Adermatoglyphia, i.e. candidates with no fingerprints

"Number of candidates involved in various forms of malpractice in 2023 is 12,030 (0.07%) as against 13,594 (0.13%) in 2022 representing 61.60%," he said.

Wushishi also noted that 93 schools were found to have been involved in mass cheating and "will be invited to the Council for discussion, after which appropriate sanctions will be applied.

"Similarly, fifty two (52) Supervisors were recommended for blacklisting due to poor Supervision, Aiding and Abetting during the examination," he said.

He also announced that Abia State had the highest number of candidates with five credits and above, including Mathematics and English with 85.53 per cent, adding that Adamawa State came second with 51.5 per cent, while Kebbi State came last with a performance of 0.310 per cent.

By Ngozi Nwankwo

Executive Secretary, Tertiary Education Trust Fund, TETFund,  Sonny Echono, has  assured  to focus on activities to support learning outcome and employability of Nigerian tertiary institutions graduates.

Echono disclosed this at the Implementation Support Workshop for National Employability Benchmarking Programme in Nigerian universities in Abuja on Wednesday.

He said that  entrepreneurship education and training are crucial to improving employment of graduates in the county.

The TETFund boss said there is the need to implement the recommendations contained in a report submitted by the International Finance Corporation (IFC) to ultimately reduce the high rate of unemployment in the country.

“The report indicates that the aggregate average score of Nigerian benchmark institutions across the five dimensions of employability is 2.3 out of 4.0 which is just above the average of all institutions benchmarked globally (2.2).

“The report which also covers the assessment of the institutions’ Digital Learning Strategy shows that surveyed universities lagged behind global best practices in application of digital learning strategies, access to large multidisciplinary databases and digital course-reserves as well as the level of faculty digital skills.

“This obviously require deliberate action on the part of all stakeholders to address our peculiar challenges,” he added.

Echono said that Nigeria being a developing economy is faced with the challenges of high unemployment, particularly youth unemployment which is at an all-time high in the country.

He added that an increasing number of young Nigerian graduates from tertiary education institutions are being released into the labour market with a continuously shrinking absorptive capacity.

“The structure of the economy which is largely import dependent has further limited the ability of the country to generate commensurable jobs due to low level of industrialisation, thereby aggravating the unemployment situation in Nigeria.

“Thus, aligning our intervention activities to meet our changing needs, and strengthening our education delivery towards fostering an entrepreneurship culture are some of the best ways for unleashing the enormous youth potential,” he said.

He added that the fund is also working to address unemployment as well as other societal problems, thereby growing the economy.

“As an intervention agency for tertiary education in Nigeria, TETFund is deliberately refocusing its intervention activities to support learning outcomes and employability of Nigerian tertiary education graduates.

” I am pleased to report that the Strategic and Operational Plan for refocusing TETFund entrepreneurship intervention for employability and innovation was approved by the Federal Ministry of Education in March 2023.

“Consequently, the requirements and guidelines for accessing entrepreneurship development intervention of the Fund were revised in line with the approved Plan.

“In addition, the Fund is in the process of establishing entrepreneurship and innovation hubs in our beneficiary institutions across the six geo-political zones of the country, to link them with industry.

“This is with a view to enhance entrepreneurship development, innovation and employability in line with contemporary global best practices,” he said.

By Otobong Gabriel, Abuja

As Nigeria is celebrating her 63rd birthday, the Rotary club of Abuja Asokoro Diamond over the weekend advocated greater access to quality  basic education in Nigeria and donated educational materials to schools in fulfilment of her promises during investiture.

The President of the club, Rtn Shola  Ayanronke Adeleke said there's need for Nigeria to create a strong and inclusive education system that empowers its citizens and contributes to the nation’s overall development and prosperity.

Speaking while donating educational materials to Better Base Foundation, the only school  in the remotest part of Jiwa- Gwalada community with not fewer than 83 pupils, a gesture replicated in Asokoro Junior Secondary school,  Abuja Municipal Area council, the club identified funding as critical factor in the transformation of education at the basic level.

Adeleke said even though the club has been doing a lots to ameliorate the suffering of the people and give hope  to hopeless communities in the areas of basic health care and basic education and literacy amongst others,  there's need for government, others to reach out to the remote communities, make basic education accessible.

She said "in the spirit of our independence day celebration, there's need for government, individuals, corporate organizations, NGOs to be intentional about making basic education accessible to every citizens irrespective of our culture, religion and geographical environments if we must grow as a developed nation, because there can't be a developed nation without a developed minds or people".

Earlier the President said the Rotary club of Abuja Asokoro Diamond had organized 3rd Dose Hepatitis vaccination in the Jiwa-Gwalada community of which about 35 community members were vaccinated.

Appreciating the club, the pioneer school teacher of Better Base Foundation, Jiwa-Gwalada,  Mr. Samuel Nuhu Ambi thanked the club for taking the pain to come down to the remotest part of the community to help them in providing educational materials for the pupils, saying this will go a long way to motivate the children and also ease their stress and make learning a beat easier for them, even though they need a lots of help.

Speaking also, the women leader, Jiwa-Gwalada community, Mrs Zuwala Saleh thanked the club for identifying with them in their challenge and coming to do the little they could to assist and prayed God to bless them while soliciting for more assistant especially in the area of basic education of their children.

The Executive Secretary National Commission for Persons with Disabilities, Mr James David Lalu.

By Ngozi Nwankwo

 

 Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, JAMB, has disclosed its resolve to run all inclusive quality higher education in Nigeria to assist People with Disabilities.

 

Disclosing a five-year strategic roadmap for inclusive access to quality higher education in Nigeria, the JAMB registrar, Prof. Is-haq Oloyede said the board was ready not only to facilitate access but also to ensure equity as special arrangements had been made for inclusivity of people living with disabilities to acquire tertiary education.

 

Oloyede said this at the First Conference of JAMB Equal Opportunity Group, JEOG, with the theme :” Towards Increasing Equal Opportunity of Access to Higher Education in Nigeria” held in Abuja, Monday.

 

The JAMB registrar expressed displeasure over parents making choice of courses for their children living with disabilities who are seeking admission into tertiary institutions.

 

He warned that the Board would no longer tolerate such a practice, which in most cases leads to denial of candidates’ opportunities to pursue their dreams.

 

“In the case of the student who wanted to study law, her stepfather said he could not allow her to go as far as Calabar to study law but asked that she be enrolled in Kaduna State University.

 

“This is because the course she was interested in was not available at the university, but the father asked her to study special education.

 

“We have now taken a decision that henceforth, just like with regular admissions, no parent will be allowed to have a say in the admission choice of candidates with disabilities,” he said.

 

Speaking also, the Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission,  Chris Maiyaki, expressed the Commission’s readiness to introduce Courses and programmes that would deepen national capacity towards meeting the noble objectives of providing equal opportunities for persons with disabilities.

 

“Where necessary, decisions arising from the Conference requiring the review of curricula would be given the needed attention, in line with our resolve to continually update and develop globally acceptable minimum academic standards for effective delivery of university education in Nigeria.”

 

According to him, “available statistics indicate that there are over 27 million Nigerians living with one form of disability or the other. These types of disabilities include visual, hearing, physical, intellectual, and communication impairment.”

 

“The National Policy on Education provides for inclusive education for all Nigerians. The Policy clearly stipulates that “persons with disabilities should be educated in regular schools along with their non-disabled peers”. The theme of this Conference is, therefore, very apt as it is in consonance with the UNESCO Convention Against Discrimination in Education (CADE 1960) which defines education as “all types and levels of education, the standard and quality of education and the conditions under which it is given’, he said.

 

Meanwhile, the National President of the National Association of Visually Impaired, Stanley Onyebuchi, had said that some of their members faced some sort of rejection from tertiary institutions in the areas of their choice courses.

 

Onyebuchi said when PWDs sought admission to tertiary institutions, some of the institutions castigated them, saying they were not meant to be their institution.

 

He added that the economic hardship occasioned by the removal of fuel subsidy had taken a toll on its members as many of them no longer continued their education.

 

“I want the National Universities Commission, NUC, and the Vice Chancellors of Nigerian Universities to take note of our complaints.

 

”If it means a sensitisation visit, we don’t mind going around because education is key to our success for us, the visually impaired persons; anything that will hinder us from achieving this, we will not take it.

 

“Also, the increment in the tuition fees has discouraged our members from going back to school. I want to suggest that since the government wants our children to be out of the streets, there should be free education for all persons with disabilities in all the tertiary institutions,” he said.

 

Declaring the Conference open, the Minister of Education, Prof Tahir Mamman, said the Federal government was paying attention to ensuring that every society member has equal access to education.

 

Mamman said that equal opportunity to higher education must begin with inclusivity while calling on tertiary institutions and their communities on inclusive access for PWDs.

 

“We must work by focusing on an accessible learning environment where physically appropriate environment is needed and an inclusive curriculum for all students.

 

“Support services should be readily available in the institutions; faculty and staff training that will be sensitive to the need of the diversity must be put into consideration.

 

“All information from application processes in the format that will suit the PWDs must also be ensured,” he said.

 

The Ministry, however, promised to continue in the delivery of President Bola Tinubu’s mandates by focusing on policies that promote inclusivity and unity.

By Ngozi Nwankwo

Tertiary Education Trust Fund,TETFund, has inaugurated an ad hoc committee on the establishment of central multipurpose laboratories in select universities in the country. 

Inaugurating the committee on Monday in Abuja, Executive Secretary of TETFund, Arc. Sonny Echono, said the move was part of efforts to provide relevant infrastructure to aid research in the country. 

"It is universally accepted that innovative research and its commercialization is clearly the driver of economic growth and prosperity in the contemporary world.

" Thus, it is imperative to make conscious efforts to not only develop our human capital but to also provide research infrastructure to support innovative R&D on a sustainable basis. It is indeed a key pre-requisite for accelerated national development and global competitiveness," Echono said. 

Speaking further, the TETFund boss said the agency is  deploying billions of naira to fund research programmes and projects with a view to deepen the institutionalization of Research and Development to tackle national challenges. 

" You will recall that the Fund has so far awarded a total of Seven Hundred and Twenty-Seven (727) Research Grants to researchers from public tertiary institutions at the cost of over N18 billion under the National Research Fund (NRF) to undertake applied research in various academic disciplines.

" It was observed that some of these scholars who have benefited from the NRF grants have often requested that, to complete the execution of the Research Projects may require them to cross international borders to access certain facilities/equipment due to lack of requisite research facilities in their institutions. 

"In some cases, these tend to affect the financial burden associated with the research projects, coupled with time expended for travelling," Echono said. 

The Executive Secretary also went down memory lane on how TETFund provided resources to support groundbreaking research in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, and how deficit in laboratory infrastructure posed a major challenge to researchers. 

" TETFund in 2020 through the Special Research Grant to address COVID-19 funded eight  Research Projects at a total cost of Two Hundred and Sixty Million, Two Hundred and Eighty Thousand Three Hundred and Ninety-Three naira (N260,280,393.00) to support the Federal Government's response.

"Again, the final report submitted by Nigerian Academy of Science indicates a glaring lack of facilities/equipment to conduct such study in some of the sites visited and a serious deficit in essential laboratory infrastructure needed to produce viable research outcomes."

Echono further revealed that the "Academic Staff Training and Development Intervention Programme has enabled the Fund to sponsor over 10.227 academic staff for foreign Masters and PhD programs at the cost of over N146 billion, out of which 1,017 were sponsored for bench work at the cost of over N5 billion. 

"However, upon return of the scholars to their various institutions, many were unable to share the knowledge acquired and replicate their experiences due largely to the research infrastructure deficit in their institutions." 

 While saying  the global ranking of Nigerian universities can be significantly improved through more research  infrastructure, Echono  said the Fund made a provision for the establishment of two central multipurpose laboratories under its 2023 Special Intervention, to be located in the Southern and Northern parts of Nigeria, prompting it to set up the ad hoc committee to work out modalities for the establishment of the facilities. 

According to the TETFund boss, the Fund is also working to ensure that such laboratories are available in the six geo-political zones in the country few years from now. 

He listed the term of reference of the ad hoc committee as : "Make appropriate recommendations for scoping and effective establishment of the laboratories including whether the Laboratories should be Specialized Laboratories or Multipurpose Laboratories.

" Provide objective guidance on selection of the two beneficiary institutions to host the Laboratories taking cognizance of historical contexts, accessibility, surrounding environment including presence of industries, needs of the nearby Institutions and strategic areas of focus for maximum impact.

"Make recommendations regarding quality infrastructure in terms of laboratory building itself and other necessary facilities needed and equipment.

" Identify the equipment, facilities and infrastructure needed for each laboratory.

"Make any other recommendations that will ensure effective and efficient achievement of strategic objectives for the Establishment of the Laboratories." 

Echono  said the committee, which has former Vice Chancellor of University of Ibadan, Emeritus Professor Olufemi Bamiro, has chairperson, has one  month  to submit its report. 

In his acceptance speech, Bamiro, who commended Echono for setting up the committee, expressed the readiness of the team to deliver on the assigned task. 

"This will surely go a long way in rejuvenating research and training in research in our nation state.

" Permit me to further commend you sir for the composition of the Committee to ensure the implementation of the assignment in line with the stipulated Terms of Reference. 

" The Committee, like the assignment, is multidisciplinary in nature, with experts, and I mean really experienced experts, in the areas of food science and technology, energy, engineering, parasitology, medicine, biochemistry, nuclear physics, and architecture. I do not see any critical area of research endeavour that can escape the eagle eyes of the members."

By Ngozi Nwankwo

Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke has sought for the support of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) to strengthen the infrastructural development of tertiary institutions in the state.

Adeleke was speaking during a courtesy visit on the Executive Secretary of TETFund, Sonny Echono in Abuja on Friday.

The governor who noted the educational decline of the state, said that the visit was necessary to ensure education takes its pride.

While commending the fund on its role in giving tertiary education a face, Adeleke said that hardly would there be any development in tertiary institutions that would not be traceable to TETFund.

"Let me first commend TETFund for the great job it is doing cut across Nigeria. There is no institution that you will not see TETFund presence, so any right thinking governor must commend their work so they can do more. 

"In osun state, greatest of Nigeria education is due to TETFund efforts. We are enjoying tetfund in the areas of infrastructure.

" I am here for the support from TETFund for osun state and to come and ask for more because we still need a lot of support because our education has really dropped.

"And maybe it is because I have not come to see you that is why we have not paid attention to osun state and that is why I am here. You are doing great job and you must continue," he said.

Responding, the Executive Secretary of TETFund, Sonny Echono said that tertiary education played a special role in the affairs and even the destiny of any country.

Echono said this was because tertiary education is where greatest level of production, creativity and the greatest impact happen, especially in terms of new ideas, new product and services, and also better ways of doing things.

He said that adequate attention however must be placed in tertiary education because innovations, creativity and enterprises were usually at its highest level.

"We believe strongly that tertiary education plays a special role in the affairs and even the destiny of any country because that is the level where greatest level of production, creativity and the greatest impact happens.

"Whether it is in terms of new ideas, in terms of new product and services, in terms of better ways of doing things,  it is at that level that innovation is at its highest, that creativity and enterprises are at its highest.

"And it is that body of knowledge of expertise that service the various sectors of every economy whether it's health, media in any field.

"So if we get our tertiary education right, we can even export that to other African countries and indeed other parts of the world because Nigerians are known and we are endowed by God-very intelligent and hardworking people," he said .

Echono explained that when Nigerians were equipped with the best facilities and the enabling environment to excel, they do better in every field.

" The task before everyone of us is how do we prepare our people, how do we improve on their living standards, how do we give them the necessary tools to transform to the end of other places in the world.

"And as a state we see you as one who can give this.

"On the specific of the request as it is usual, we discussed on specific issues in terms of infrastructure in our schools, we have to deal with some specific projects that we want it completed.

"We have to deal with issues and challenges that arise from security, climate change and flooding and other issues and we could work together in promoting arts and culture-our own indigenous technology, how collectively we can translate some of those in term of areas of research and innovation.

"Osun has taken a lot of lead even at technical levels called STEM, trying to promote technical education and the governor has been talking to me on how we can work together to take this beyond the basic and secondary education to the tertiary level," he added.

He, therefore, commended the state governor for paying attention to education while also underlying how important to lay a solid foundation so that collectively the country could be developed.

By Ngozi Nwankwo

Minister of State for education, Hon. Dr. Tanko Yusuf Sununu has appealed to students, parents and lecturers in  Institutions of higher learning to shun acts capable of disrupting the academic session as schools get set for resumption.

Sununu who made the appeal ahead of the resumption of academic activities in tertiary institutions said the show of restraint is in the interest of all stakeholders, and system stability.

The Minister was speaking to newsmen when the leadership of the congress of university Academics paid him a courtesy call.

He noted that his Ministry is having constructive dialogue and consultation with stakeholders over the welfare of students, staff as well as the provision of  infrastructure in tertiary institutions.

Acknowledging that strikes and non-use of facilities could lead to rapid infrastructural decay, the Minister promised that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will do everything humanly possible to avoid any situation that could lead to strikes.

Speaking earlier, the President of the Congress of University Academics, comrade Niyi  Sunmonu alerted the Minister, that there is the likelihood of students  unrest occasioned by the new increase in school fees, which he said has the potential of disrupting academic activities and the school calendar.

The union also appealed to government to look into ways of improving the condition of service of academic and non-academic staff of universities, which he said has deteriorated due to the fuel subsidy removal.

The union reasoned that there was need to revisit the issue of the 8-months salary arrears that arose from the last strike by the academic staff union of universities,ASUU, arguing that members of the Congress of University Academics did not go on strike.

It must be noted however, that all academic activities in universities were grounded throughout the period of the strike.