Category: Education

The Federal Government says that it has mapped out plans to ensure that over 1 million out-of-school children across the country return to the mainstream education system.

The Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, stated this at the ongoing 69th summit of the National Council of Education in Akure.

The theme of the summit is “Quality Education Data and Professionalisation of Teaching: Tools for Enhanced National Development.”

Alausa said that the children from 12,600 communities across the country would be enrolled, especially those from ages 6 to ages 9 into low cost private schools.

According to him, others will be enrolled in schools and training centres in collaboration with the Almajiri Commission.

He noted that over 21,000 out of school children across nooks and crannies of Abuja were identified and handed over to the Federal Capital Territory(FCT) Education Secretariat for enrolment.

Alausa added that in pursuance of the initiative, the ministry had established 109 functional learning centres/transit schools across the 36 states and the FCT, saying that 15, 224 learners had been enrolled through the enrolment drive.

The minister said that a hybrid curriculum combining Quranic education with literacy, numeracy and civic education had been rolled out to ensure the integration of Quranic learning with formal education.

He further said that the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu Legacy Skills and Training Institute currently serves as a model centre for equipping Almajiri and out-of-school youths with employable skills.

The minister asked participants at the 69th Summit to come out with a resolve to build an education system that would be data driven, professionally anchored, inclusive and globally competitive.

Also speaking, the state governor, Mr Lucky Aiyedatiwa, appreciated the visionary stance of President Bola Tinubu in education and human capital development across the country.

“I salute his vision and policy reforms in the education sector, most especially the Nigerian Education Loan Fund which has provided financial assistance to more than 624,000 Nigerian students in our public tertiary institutions.

“This commendable effort from Mr President has gone a long way in reducing disparity in access to quality education between both the children of the rich and that of the poor,” he said.

Aiyedatiwa said the summit’s theme addresses directly the contemporary challenges confronting the Nigerian education system and offers a clear roadmap for reform.

The governor asked all stakeholders to collaborate in building a data-driven educational ecosystem that promotes excellence, equity and innovation.

He noted that the teaching profession in Nigeria has been unable to receive the recognition and respect it truly deserves.

“We must collectively restore the dignity of the teaching profession by elevating its standards, enhance welfare for the teachers, rewarding merit and ensuring continuous professional growth,” he said.

Aiyedatiwa said that his administration had invested in digital education and technology-based learning tools to prepare learners for the demands of the 21st-century knowledge economy.

In her words, the Minister of Education for State, Prof. Suwaiba Ahmad, said that the 69th meeting of the council was to advance education system across the country in line with the best global practice.

Ahmad stated that the resolutions of the council’s meeting would be worked on for a fruitful outcome that would address challenges confronting the sector.

The state Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Prof. Igbekele Ajibefun, said that the state fully aligned with the Federal Government data driven reform in the sector.

Ajibefun stated that the state had made provisions for conducive teaching and learning with digital capabilities in improving education and nurturing future leaders.

He asked participants to provide useful information that would proffer solutions for advancement of education in the country.

The National Universities Commission (NUC) has approved the following new programmes for the University of Ilesa, Osun State, with effect from the 2025/2026 academic session:

1. MBBS. Medicine and Surgery
2. B.Agriculture
3. B.Sc. Agri Business
4. B.Sc. Fisheries and Aquaculture
5. B.Sc. Agricultural Economics
6. B.Sc. Animal Science
7. B.Sc. Crop Science
8. B.Sc. Soil Science
9. B.A. Chinese Studies
10. B.A. Modern European (French Language)
11. B.Ed. Early Childhood Education
12. B.Ed. Special Needs Education

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has announced an extension of the 2025 admissions deadline for public universities across Nigeria from October 31 to November 17, 2025.

A statement posted on JAMB’s official X handle noted that the decision was taken following emerging circumstances to give institutions more time to complete their admission processes.

The Board recalled that the 2025 Policy Meeting on Admissions, held on July 18, 2025, and chaired by the Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Alausa, had earlier fixed October 31, 2025, as the deadline for all public universities to conclude admissions.

According to the statement, the extension became necessary due to two major reasons: an appeal by the Association of Vice-Chancellors of Nigerian Universities (AVCNU) and the recent accreditation of new programmes by the National Universities Commission (NUC).

“AVCNU has specially appealed for an extension due to the disruption caused by a number of factors, including a court order directing that the status quo should remain on the 2025/2026 admission list, which was only lifted by the same court on 28th October 2025,” the statement read.

It added, “In a bid to expand access in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, the NUC on 29th October, 2025, released a list of 229 programmes recently accredited for 37 universities. Admission into those programmes is just being scheduled.”

JAMB commended the diligence and cooperation of public universities in working toward the initial deadline, noting that the extension aims to ensure fairness and inclusivity across all institutions.

While stressing that the new deadline of November 17, 2025, is final and must be strictly adhered to, the Board reaffirmed its commitment to a transparent and credible admission process that aligns with national education goals and institutional autonomy.

Relief is underway for Nigeria’s public universities as the Federal Government has announced the release of N2.3 billion to settle arrears and backlogs owed to members of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) and other university-based unions.

According to a statement signed by the Director of Press and Public Relations at the Federal Ministry of Education, Folasade Boriowo, on Wednesday, the funds were released through the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation (OAGF).

The ministry confirmed that the payment represents Batch 8 of salary and promotion arrears due to university staff.

“A total of ₦2.311 billion, representing Batch 8 salary and promotion arrears, has been released through the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation to universities. Benefiting institutions should begin to receive payment alerts anytime from now,” the statement read.

The ministry added that the Federal Government, through the Ministry of Finance and the OAGF, is finalising arrangements to release third-party non-statutory deductions and pension remittances to the Nigerian University Pension Management Company (NUPEMCO).

The process, it said, is expected to be completed within the coming days.

Providing additional clarification, the Minister of Education, Dr Maruf Alausa, reaffirmed that President Bola Tinubu remains steadfast in his resolve to settle inherited obligations and improve the welfare of staff across Nigeria’s tertiary education system.

He said the latest release is part of the administration’s ongoing efforts to address longstanding financial and welfare issues through a transparent and sustainable approach.

Dr Alausa explained that the Tinubu administration had resolved to clear all inherited backlogs of arrears and ensure the welfare of academic and non-academic staff is prioritised as part of its education sector reforms.

He disclosed that the government has approved the full mainstreaming of the Earned Academic Allowance (EAA) into university salaries beginning from 2026.

This adjustment, he noted, will ensure predictable, prompt, and sustainable payments for academic staff going forward.

The minister also confirmed that funds have been released under the Needs Assessment of Nigerian Universities initiative, with corresponding budgetary provisions now in place to sustain the intervention.

The programme, he said, remains a key component of the administration’s effort to improve infrastructure, research capacity, and the overall learning environment in higher institutions.

“These measures demonstrate the government’s strong commitment to improving academic staff welfare and addressing long-standing challenges that have persisted for decades,” Dr Alausa said.

“Within the last twenty-six months, the Federal Government has paid a significant portion of outstanding obligations while maintaining open communication with all academic and non-academic unions of tertiary institutions.”

He assured that the Ministry of Education continues to engage with university unions in good faith, emphasising that such engagements are grounded in transparency, accountability, and respect for due process.

“The Federal Ministry of Education assures that these engagements are being conducted truthfully and in good faith.

However, while the government remains committed to improving staff welfare, it will only enter into agreements that are realistic and financially sustainable,” the minister stated.

Dr Alausa disclosed that the Yayale Ahmed Negotiating Committee continues to play a critical role as a bridge between the Federal Government and tertiary institution unions, ensuring that all outstanding welfare-related issues are addressed through constructive dialogue.

“Negotiations are being conducted sincerely, mutually, and respectfully,” he added.

Reiterating the administration’s fiscal discipline, Dr Alausa stated that the government will not engage in unsustainable financial commitments that could undermine national stability.

“Our priority is to ensure that all matters are addressed responsibly and in the best interest of our education system,” he said.

“All commitments must align with approved budgetary provisions to guarantee long-term stability.”

The minister commended President Tinubu for his dedication to repositioning Nigeria’s education sector, noting that several structural and financial challenges that had lingered for decades are now being addressed under the current administration.

He said the President’s commitment to accountability, education funding reform, and improved staff welfare underscores a broader national effort to restore credibility and functionality to the university system.

Dr Alausa expressed confidence that the ongoing fiscal interventions and reforms will foster lasting industrial harmony, restore trust between the government and university unions, and strengthen Nigeria’s tertiary education institutions as engines of national development.

A statement signed by Folasade Boriowo, Director, Press and Public Relations, Federal Ministry of Education on October 29, 2025, added that the education ministry will continue to collaborate with the Ministry of Finance, the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation, and relevant unions to ensure that the disbursed funds reach the intended beneficiaries without delay.

The Federal Government, he said, remains focused on creating an enabling environment where universities can operate efficiently and competitively while upholding accountability and sustainability in public expenditure.

The statement reiterated that the Tinubu administration views education as a cornerstone of national development and will continue to prioritise initiatives that promote equity, access, and excellence in higher learning.

The government also assured that all measures being implemented are designed to achieve long-term stability and ensure that Nigeria’s universities are better equipped to fulfil their academic and developmental mandates.

The University of Lagos, UNILAG, Akoka, has placed an official ban on skitmaking, content creation and other video recording activities within its campus and hostels without prior authorization.

The directive, announced in a statement signed by the institution’s Head of Communication, Mrs Adejoke Alaga-Ibraheem, follows growing concern over the increasing use of university facilities for unapproved video productions, including comedy skits, vox pops and film shoots.

“The attention of the University Management has been drawn to the rising use of the University premises, including hostels and other facilities, for shooting of films, videos, skits, and similar cinematographic activities without proper authorisation,” parts of the statement read.

According to UNILAG, the decision aims to safeguard the institution’s image, maintain decorum within the academic environment, and ensure that its premises are not misrepresented in online or public content.

The university emphasized that any individual, whether a student, staff member, or external party, must seek and obtain formal approval from the institution’s Communication Unit before carrying out any form of recording or production on campus.

While acknowledging the importance of creative expression and media engagement, UNILAG maintained that all such activities must comply with its established rules and procedures to preserve order and safety.

The statement also appealed to members of the university community and the general public to strictly adhere to the new directive “in the interest of order, safety, and collective responsibility”

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, JAMB, has cleared the results of 85 underage candidates who scaled through its screening process for exceptional admission.

This was contained in a statement by the Board’s spokesman, Fabian Benjamin, on Monday in Abuja.

According to the statement, after due verification, interviews and screening, 85 candidates were found to have met the criteria and have consequently been cleared for admission.

Benjamin said 85 candidates who are judged to be qualified have been notified to proceed to their respective institutions to complete the admission process and print their individual JAMB admission letters.

The Board’s mouthpiece maintained that the policy of exceptional admission is consistent with global best practices, where such cases are treated as rare exceptions rather than the norm.

”It is to be noted that in the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), of the 2,031,133 applicants, a total of 41,027 candidates sought consideration under this special category, of which 599 scored the 80% threshold in the UTME.

”These 599 candidates were subjected to further scrutiny of school certificate and PUTME screening, which led to the emergence of 182 candidates (178+4).

”After due verification, interviews, and screening, 85 candidates were found to have met the criteria and have consequently been cleared for admission,” the statement read.

The tertiary institution exam body also urged candidates who missed the screening to contact it for further adivice.

“Any of the 182 finalist-candidates who missed the final interview for a valid reason are advised to submit a formal request through the JAMB Support Ticketing System under the newly created category titled “2025 Underage Complaint.”

”Such complaints will be reviewed individually, and decisions will be made strictly on their own merit. This window is for only the 182 finalists who might for one reason or another, have missed the final interview.

“In addition, candidates who scored 320 and above in UTME but failed to upload O-Level results and were subsequently disqualified from proceeding are now given a chance to upload within two (2) days (i.e. not later than Wednesday, 29th October, 2025) and notify the Board of such through the ticketing,” it added.

The National Examinations Council has launched a new examination centre in London, United Kingdom, as part of a wider move to make its services accessible to Nigerians living in the diaspora.

The centre was unveiled during the Education Matters Conference UK 2025, where NECO’s Registrar and Chief Executive, Professor Dantani Wushishi.

According to a Sunday statement signed by Azeez Sani, NECO’s Acting Director of Information and Public Relations, Wushishi described the development as a landmark step in expanding Nigeria’s educational reach beyond.

Speaking during the event, Wushishi expressed that the new centre was created in partnership with Barnfield Education Ltd to give Nigerian students and adult learners in the UK an opportunity to complete their secondary education or obtain equivalent qualifications.

“The initiative aims to provide opportunities for Nigerian students and adult learners in the UK who, for various reasons, have been unable to complete secondary education or obtain equivalent qualifications.

“Our objective is to provide credible and accessible examination opportunities for Nigerians residing abroad in line with the Federal Government’s education policy on inclusivity and global engagement,” Wushishi said.

He explained that the new Senior School Certificate Examination centre would serve as a bridge for Nigerians abroad to stay connected to their country’s educational system while promoting national identity and global recognition of NECO certificates.

Wushishi stated that the Council now conducts examinations in seven countries, including Saudi Arabia, while plans are underway to open additional centres in Egypt and Burkina Faso.

He added that NECO certificates are already recognised by universities such as Birmingham City University and Leeds Trinity University in the UK, as well as by institutions in the United States, Canada, India, China, and Russia.

In his goodwill message, the Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, praised NECO for taking what he called a “bold and inclusive step” to ensure that no Nigerian child is left behind, whether at home or abroad.

He said the initiative aligns with the Federal Ministry of Education’s efforts to harness the potential of the Nigerian diaspora as a strategic educational resource.

Also speaking, the Director of BEP Education and NECO’s UK partner, Dr John Ibanga, said the centre would serve as an alternative route for Nigerian students struggling to fit into the British education system, especially those unable to obtain the General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE).

“Many Nigerian children encounter barriers in the UK system that limit their progression. This new NECO SSCE Centre provides a recognised alternative for both young learners and adults seeking academic or vocational advancement,” he said.

During a courtesy visit to the Nigerian High Commission in London, Prof. Wushishi briefed officials on the centre’s establishment and accreditation process. He emphasised that the United Kingdom remains a key location for expanding educational access to Nigerians abroad.

Responding, the Head of Political Affairs at the Nigerian High Commission, Ambassador Eche Abu-Obe, commended NECO for what he described as a “timely and commendable effort” that reflects Nigeria’s commitment to inclusive education and diaspora engagement.

“The Mission will collaborate with NECO to advance Nigeria’s educational and developmental objectives in the United Kingdom,” Abu-Obe said.

The new London centre is expected to begin full operations soon, offering Nigerian students and adult learners in the UK an opportunity to obtain a qualification recognised both locally and internationally.

The management of Taraba State University has ordered the immediate suspension of all student associations, unions, clubs, and societies within the institution, citing rising cases of indiscipline and defiance among some student groups.

In a circular issued on Friday and signed by the Registrar, Dr Joseph U. Bibinu, the university expressed concern that the behaviour of certain associations had undermined peace, order, and academic integrity on campus.

“The University Management hereby orders the immediate suspension of all student associations, unions, clubs, and societies operating within the University. This suspension takes immediate effect and shall remain in force until further notice,” the statement read.

The directive prohibits any student group or individual from holding meetings, organising events, issuing statements, or conducting any activity under the name of a student association, either within or outside the campus.

The university further warned that any breach of the directive would be regarded as gross misconduct and would attract strict disciplinary action in line with existing regulations.

Dr Bibinu added that the institution would soon unveil a new framework for responsible student representation aimed at ensuring discipline, order, and effective engagement between management and the student body.

Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo has assured teachers in the state that under his watch their reward is no longer in heaven.

The governor gave the assurances on Wednesday during the presentation of appointment letters to 5,000 newly employed teachers.

Okpebholo who personally presented the letters to the teachers, emphasized the significance of the occasion and the government’s commitment to valuing its educators.

“Teachers, I am happy to see you. I wanted it this way, because, I had asked several times if you had received your letters. The answer was no.

“So, I decided to supervise the process myself. As you collect your appointment letters today, you will also receive transport fare because I know many of you have traveled long distances.

“You are very important to us. Your reward is no longer in heaven; it is here, under our watch,” he said.

He said with the presentation of the appointment letters, the teachers who had been on contracts since have now been officially absorbed into the State Ministry of Education as permanent staff.

The governor who acknowledged the vital role teachers play in shaping the future of Edo State, said the employment underscored his administration’s dedication to improving the welfare of educators.

4,500 of the teachers were employed under the Edo star programme of the former Governor Godwin Obaseki administration while 500 others were newly recruited by the state government.

Earlier, the Commissioner for Education, Dr. Paddy Iyamu, expressed deep appreciation for the teachers’ perseverance over the past three years despite the challenges of being on contract.

“You have been suffering for years, yet you have stayed committed to educating our children, waking up at night to prepare lesson notes. Beautiful schools without teachers are useless. Today, an angel has come, a leader who thinks about your welfare day and night,” he added.

Iyamu, who highlighted some of the achievements of Okpebholo’s administration within the education sector, noted that the construction of over 68 schools within one year is aimed at benefiting children from all walks of life.

He further disclosed that the EDU-Rescue Programme was launched to give children from poor backgrounds access to quality education.

The Federal Government of Nigeria has called on the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) to reconsider its decision to embark on an industrial strike, emphasising that constructive dialogue remains the most effective and sustainable path toward resolving all outstanding issues in the tertiary education sector.Nigerian Independence merchandise

In a joint statement, the Honourable Minister of Education, Dr Maruf Tunji Alausa, CON, and the Honourable Minister of State for Education, Professor Suwaiba Sai’d Ahmad, disclosed that the Federal Government has made a comprehensive offer to the union and is still awaiting ASUU’s official response.

They emphasised that the offer addresses the union’s primary concerns, including working conditions, institutional governance, and staff welfare.

The Ministers noted that the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, has approved a robust Teaching Allowance designed to reflect the value of academic work and motivate lecturers across public universities.

“All matters relating to the review of conditions of service have been duly addressed, except those within the jurisdiction of individual university governing councils, which are actively being handled. The Federal Government remains open and committed to continued engagement with ASUU once their formal response to the offer is received,” the statement read.

They emphasised that the federal government has approached the matter with demonstrable commitment and sincerity, evident in its prompt policy responses and financial interventions in the education sector. However, ASUU has not reciprocated this gesture and appears determined to proceed with the planned strike despite the pending offer and ongoing engagement.

The Ministers reaffirmed that the administration of President Tinubu remains unwavering in its commitment to the welfare of Nigerian lecturers and the stability of the university system. They noted that the ongoing reforms in the education sector are anchored on fairness, accountability, and institutional strengthening to ensure sustainable academic excellence.Nigerian Independence merchandise

While reaffirming the administration’s respect for university autonomy, the Ministers clarified that certain aspects of ASUU’s demands—particularly those relating to internal governance, appointments, and promotions—are statutory responsibilities of university governing councils. They urged the union to allow these matters to be handled appropriately at the institutional level in line with existing regulations.

They also reminded the union that the principle of “No Work, No Pay” remains an extant provision of Nigerian labour law, and the Federal Government will invoke it should ASUU proceed with the strike.Nigerian Independence merchandise

“While government remains committed to peaceful dialogue, it will equally enforce existing laws to protect the integrity of our education system and ensure accountability,” the statement warned.

The Ministers further assured Nigerians that the Federal Government remains open to constructive engagement with ASUU and other stakeholders in the education sector. They noted that the administration’s consistent interventions demonstrate a clear commitment to revitalising universities, improving staff welfare, and ensuring uninterrupted academic calendars.Nigerian Independence merchandise

“The government has shown sincerity and commitment through engagements and policy actions. We are confident that, with continued dialogue, every legitimate concern can be addressed and resolved without shutting down our campuses. Our students must remain in school,” the statement added.

“The future of our children and the stability of our universities must take priority over disputes. The Federal Government remains open to discussion and is ready to work with ASUU to consolidate the gains already achieved in staff welfare, infrastructure, and institutional reforms,” the Ministers concluded.