Education

Deprived schools in England ‘getting less money after funding overhaul’

Minister are being urged to pause their education funding reforms after it emerged they have resulted in less money for the most deprived schools and more for the better off, according to a parliamentary report.

The redistribution follows the introduction of the government’s national funding formula in 2018-19 to make the funding of England’s schools more fair and transparent.

According to the Commons public accounts committee (PAC), however, the changes – which are not yet complete – have resulted in a 1.2% drop in real terms per-pupil funding in the most deprived fifth of schools and a 2.9% increase for the least deprived, despite the prime minister’s commitment to “levelling up”.

The government is consulting on the final stage of its school funding changes and a move to a “hard” national funding formula under which it would set schools’ budgets directly instead of involving local authorities.

Before pressing ahead with its reforms, the report calls on the government to assess the likely impact of further changes to individual schools and different types of school. It also highlights that changes to pupil premium funding for the most disadvantaged have seen schools lose out on a further £90m of funding.

Kevin Courtney, the joint general secretary of the National Education Union (NEU), accused the government of doing the reverse of levelling up. He said: “For all its talk, the actual practice of the Conservative government seems to be channelling money from the worse off to the better off.”

The PAC report paints a bleak picture of delays, uncertainty and inaction at the Department for Education. It accuses the DfE of “dragging its feet” over improvements to provision for children with special educational needs and disabilities (Send). The government’s Send review was announced two years ago but there is still no publication date in sight.

It says ministers have also been unable to confirm when their promise of a £30,000 starting salary for teachers will be introduced and the PAC is concerned the DfE does not have a grip on the impact of falling rolls on school budgets.

“Schools are facing a perfect storm of challenges with promises of teacher pay rises, per-pupil funding changes and falling rolls but no clear plan from the Department for Education,” said the PAC chair, Dame Meg Hillier.

“Schools and pupils in deprived areas are being hit hardest by the funding formula at a time when the government’s commitment is to level up. Add to this the ongoing delays in the review of support for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities and some of the most vulnerable children are facing an uncertain future – on top of the impact of Covid.”

She added: “Every part of government has faced challenges but the impact of the exam chaos, funding uncertainties and repeatedly delayed decisions is hitting young people hard and risks scarring their life chances.”

Geoff Barton, the general secretary of the Association of School and College Leaders, said: “The government’s apparent lack of concern and priority for our most vulnerable young people is, frankly, nothing short of scandalous.”

Nick Brook, the deputy general secretary of the National Association of Head Teachers, added: “If the government is to achieve their stated goal of ‘levelling up’, they need to look carefully at the impact their reforms are having.”

A DfE spokesperson said: “The national funding formula replaced a system which was unfair, untransparent and out of date where similar schools and local areas received very different levels of funding, with little or no justification. The funding system now ensures resources are delivered where they are needed the most.”

Education

NUC Approves 25 courses for Kogi varsity, Kabba

The National Universities Commission (NUC), the regulatory body, has approved the 25 courses presented to it by the new Kogi State University, Kabba, for its takeoff.

This development has paved the way for the commencement of students’ admission into the institution as a precursor to the start of academic activities.

The Obaro of Kabba and Chairman, Okun Area Traditional Council, His Royal Majesty, Oba Solomon Dele Owoniyi, made this known at a special Thanksgiving service held at ECWA Church, Kabba.

Oba Owoniyi said the state governor, Alhaji Yahaya Adoza Bello, informed him that contractors were at work at the university campus to prepare it for the commencement of academic activities.

The governor, according to the traditional ruler, also gave assurance of his administration’s commitment to ensuring the smooth takeoff of the institution before the new government assumes office next month.

Towards that end, he said a special allocation of N200 million per month has been approved for the university, and that disbursement has taken off with immediate effect.

Governor Bello, the monarch said, further gave assurance of his unwavering support for the institution even after the end of his tenure.

He said the establishment of the university was the government’s well-considered answer to the yearnings of the people of Okunland for higher education.

Oba Owoniyi appealed to stakeholders to support the institution to enable it to raise its head among its peers.

He also thanked the Okun people for ensuring that peace reigned in Okunland before, during, and after the recent governorship election in the state.

Education

UNILORIN Grants 25% School Fees Discount To Staff Children

The University of Ilorin has granted a 25 per cent school fees rebate to children of its staff members.

The rebate was approved by the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Wahab Egbewole, SAN, following a meeting with university-based union leaders on Thursday.

According to a tweet shared via the institution’s handle on X, the rebate seeks to cater to the staff welfare of the school.

The Registrar, Mr. Mansur Alfanla, shared the update in an interview with UNILORIN Bulletin.

The tweet stated that the VC’s decision “reflects a deep understanding of the economic challenges facing the country, and it’s a positive step towards supporting the university community.”

The tweet read in parts: “The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Wahab Egbewole, SAN, has just given a major boost to staff welfare. Following this morning’s meeting with university-based union leaders, a 25% school fees rebate has been approved for the children of University of Ilorin staff.

“To avail of this incredible opportunity, staff members are requested to check their emails and respond to the provided links between 9 a.m. today (Thursday, December 7, 2023) and noon tomorrow (Friday, December 8, 2023).”

The union leaders, including the Chairman, Academic Staff Union of Universities, Alex Akanmu; the Chairman, Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities, Naheem Falowo; the Chairman, National Association of Academic Technologists, Paul Awolola; and Chairman, Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions, UNILORIN Branch, Suberu Ibrahim; were instrumental in the decision-making process during the early morning meeting that began at 7:30 a.m.

The tweet further noted that the rebate applies to “officially registered biological children” which covers both freshers and returning students.”

It added that a maximum of four children of staff are eligible for the rebate.

Reacting to the development on behalf of other unions, Akanmu, recognised and commended the VC and the “entire management for this positive move”.

Education

Unilorin Announces Downward Review of School Fees for Students

Authorities of the University of Ilorin announced on Monday a downward review of charges payable by students for the 2022–2023 academic session as academic activities resumed.

The announcement of the new charges followed a series of meetings between the university’s management, led by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Prof. Abayomi Omotesho, and the Students’ Union, led by its president, Comrade Joseph Adesunkanmi Ologundudu.

The new charges range between N114,720 and N215,820 for new students and N52,700 and N91,430 for returning students, depending on their courses of study.

This reflects a significant reduction from the earlier released charges, which ranged between N138,240 and N254,640 for new students and N69,360 and N103,560 for returning students, depending on their courses of study.

The university had initially released charges on November 24, 2023, through its official social media platforms but announced a downward review on November 28, 2023, after the meeting with the students’ union leadership.

It quoted the deputy vice chancellor as saying that the university addressed the students’ concerns through dialogue to demonstrate its commitment to fostering a supportive and conducive learning environment for all members of the academic community.

In his reaction, the president of the students’ union, Comrade Ologundudu, expressed gratitude to the university management for its thoughtfulness, as reflected in the adjustment of the charges