Education

Ekiti targets zero percent out-of-school children, says Gov Oyebanji at EKSU convocation

Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji, has restated the commitment of his administration to ensuring that every child in the state has access to quality and compulsory education, noting that education remains a weapon in ensuring social, political, and economic growth of any society.

Governor Oyebanji made this known on Wednesday at the 28th convocation ceremony of the Ekiti state university, Ado Ekiti just as the newly inducted Chancellor of the University, Dr Tunji Olowolafe, announced a one billion naira agribusiness empowerment fund for products of the institution as a way to boost agriculture and food security.

Governor Oyebanji who attended the EKSU convocation as the first alumnus of the school to become Governor of the state and Visitor to the University, said his government remains committed to ensuring that educational institutions in the state were capable of competing with their peers globally.

Governor Oyebanji said his administration has demonstrated commitment to development of education sector from primary to tertiary institutions which include renovation of more than 200 secondary schools, distribution of laptops to students across the state, disbursement bursary and scholarship to students of Ekiti origin in tertiary institutions of learning including Law School, increment of subvention to all state owned tertiary institutions, among others.

Recalling that Ekiti was recently ranked as the highest in school enrollment in the country, the Governor assured that his government would continue to ensure the state has zero percent out-of-school children across the country.

While appreciating the University’s governing council and management for being a partner in progress, the Governor called for more conscious, creative, ingenious and concerted development of strategies for generating additional funds so as to reduce dependence on government subventions.

Governor Oyebanji also urged the University management to justify the increase in their subvention by showing greater commitment to work, avoid incessant strike actions, and allow for smooth running of the academic calendar so that students were not unduly delayed.

While congratulating the graduands, Oyebanji charged them to always remember to give back to their alma-mata.

“We are gathered here today to celebrate scholarship, success, and the result of hard work. As we all know, education remains a weapon in ensuring social, political, and economic growth in any society.

“This is why we will continue to support the education sector. We are committed to ensuring our educational institutions are of the highest standards that can compete globally.

“A demonstration of this commitment can be seen in our various interventions in the sector from primary to tertiary institutions. It is, therefore, a thing of pride to note that Ekiti is ranked one of the highest in school enrollment in Nigeria and one of the states with the least out-of-school children with 2.5%. We are working hard to ensure we have 0% out-of-school children in our state.

“Just a few months ago, we increased the subventions to all Ekiti State – owned tertiary institutions, including the Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital significantly.

“As much as the government is ready to continue to play its part in the funding of tertiary education of the state, the university must find ways and means of supplementing whatever the government is able to give.

“There must be conscious, creative, ingenious, and concerted development of strategies for generating additional funds so as to reduce dependence on government subventions”. The Governor stated.

Earlier, in his address, the newly inaugurated Chancellor of the University, Dr. Tunji Olowolafe, who appreciated the Governor for the opportunity to serve, pledged his unflinching commitment to the growth and development of the institution.

Dr. Olowolafe, a trained medical doctor turned businessman announced a one billion naira innovation fund to empower agro-technology companies founded by the latest graduands and current students of the institution.

This is in addition to the establishment of an endowment agenda to offer support and subsidies for up to 30 academic staff members so as to facilitate their participation in international conferences, training sessions, and research activities as well as creation of a platform for 100 of the brightest students from EKSU to engage in resourceful and sustainable work for skills acquisition and development.

Dr Olowolafe noted that it has become imperative for graduates and undergraduates in Nigeria to get actively involved in activities geared towards supporting food security , innovation and strategic entrepreneurship in the current circumstance.

He suggested that students take land lease arrangements for agricultural purposes adding that special awards could also be given to outstanding agriculture entrepreneurs in addition to academic honours.

“Mr. Vice Chancellor sir, as we give awards to best academic students, we can also give awards to best agro entrepreneurs on campus. Some can do grains while others do vegetables. Some can do poultry whilst others can do fisheries. Some can even do logistics whilst others do apps.”
He stated.

He urged the graduands and undergraduates to endeavour to take a needs assessment of their environments to see resources that could be tapped into emphasising that youths need to think wider than their narrow fields of study.

Education

Lagos university workers declare indefinite strike

The Non-Academic Staff Union of the Lagos State University of Education, LASUED, Ijanikin, have embarked on an indefinite strike to protest the failure of the state government and the institution’s administration to address its demands.

The university union says it wants the payment of payment of 72 months of arrears for hazard and transport allowances to its members as well as salary increase.

The Chairman of the LASUED chapter of NASU, Badmus Adesola, while speaking on the development, said, “We have exhausted all avenues for dialogue, and our members can no longer bear the financial strain caused by the non-payment of our allowances and stagnant wages. This strike is our last resort to demand fairness and justice.

“Many of our members struggle to make ends meet without these allowances. It is unacceptable for the government to ignore our pleas for support.”

“Also, NASU is calling for a 25-35% salary increase, citing the escalating cost of living.

“Our financial demands are not mere whims; they are essential for our survival. The government agreed to this increase, but implementation is still lacking.

“We deserve equal pay for equal work, and it’s time the government recognized our contributions to the education sector.

“We were assured that issues regarding our allowances would be resolved by January 6, but nothing has changed. This strike represents our fight for dignity, respect, and a better working environment.

“While we regret the disruption this may cause, our fight is ultimately for a better educational experience. A well-compensated workforce directly contributes to improved educational standards.”

Education

JAMB remits N6bn to FG coffers after conduct of 2024 UTME

The Joint Admission and Matriculation Board (JAMB) on Monday said it has remitted over N6 billion to the federal government coffers as part of its operating surplus after the conduct of the 2024 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).

The Board disclosed that it has so far contributed over N50 billion as an operating surplus to the national treasury over the past seven years under the watch of its Registrar/Chief Executive, Prof Is-haq Oloyede.

The details of the remittances are contained in the Monday Bulletin of the Board made available to newsmen in Abuja by the Public Communication Advisor, JAMB, Dr. Fabian Benjamin.

According to the board, in 2024, it generated a total income of N22,996,653,265.25 and spent N18,198,739,362.68 towards conducting examinations (UTME), paid service providers, and covering essential expenses, including staff claims amounting to N2,119,571,022.88.

According to JAMB, 2024 represented a pivotal moment, marking a time to reap the rewards of the various innovations it had implemented.It noted that one area where the Board has demonstrated commendable courage over the years was in enhancing accountability, transparency, and openness in its financial practices, stressing that since 2017, it has consistently provided weekly income and expenditure reports for public scrutiny.

While looking ahead to 2025, the Board reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining accountability, transparency, and openness in all financial dealings.

It stated: “As we reflect on 2024, it is essential to uphold our commitment to transparency by sharing our financial performance for the year. In 2024, the Board generated a total income of N22,996,653,265.25.“From this amount, It expended N18,198,739,362.68 towards conducting examinations (UTME), paid service providers, and covering essential expenses, including staff claims amounting to N2,119,571,022.88.

“Upon assuming office, Professor Is-haq Oloyede’s management team prioritized financial responsibility. In line with government regulations, it remitted over N7 billion from its operational surplus during the first year.

“Additionally, management initiated a programme to give back to candidates by reducing the cost of its application documents by N1,500, a practice that has continued with subsequent remittances to the federal treasury.

“In 2024, the Board remitted N6,034,605,510.69 to the government. When combined with the N1,500 reduction per form for candidates multiplied by the number of candidates that benefited in 2024, the total remittance by JAMB would amount to N9,013,068,510.69.

“Looking ahead to 2025, the Board remains committed to maintaining accountability, transparency, and openness in all financial dealings.

“The Board will also continue to ensure equity and fairness for all candidates in the admission process, which remains its core mandate.”

The Board also highlighted various reforms instituted by the management of JAMB under the leadership of Prof. Oloyede over the years culminating in significant achievements and recognition in 2024.

It recalled that at a roundtable organised by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission(EFCC) in January 2024, President Bola Tinubu, represented by Vice President Senator Kashim Shettima, commended the Board and specifically highlighted Prof. Oloyede’s exemplary character, purposeful leadership, and prudent management of resources.

“This recognition was underscored by the Board’s remarkable contribution of N50 billion as an operating surplus to the national treasury over the past seven years,” it noted.

Also, the Bureau of Public Service Reforms (BPSR) shortly after rated JAMB highly in its performance index using its Self-Assessment Tool (SAT).

During an official visit to JAMB’s National Headquarters in Bwari, Abuja, on March 19, 2024, BPSR Director-General Dr Dasuki Arabi praised the Board for its commitment to efficient service delivery and acknowledged Prof. Oloyede’s visionary leadership.

In response to the government’s confidence in JAMB, the Board was tasked with combating the prevalence of fake degrees and certificates in the country.

To enhance its efforts in this area, JAMB collaborated with relevant agencies, including the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC).

In April 2024, this partnership was formalised to protect the integrity of tertiary education certificates, helping to identify fraudulent candidates seeking to participate in the NYSC scheme. (Nation)

Education

WAEC Introduces Resit Exams For Candidates

The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has announced a new initiative, which will allow students to resit their WASSCE papers as early as January and February 2025.

This marks a significant shift from the previous system, where candidates had to wait for the next private exam cycle.The Head of Public Affairs at WAEC, John Kapi, disclosed this while speaking on JoyNews’ AM Show in Ghana on Tuesday, December 31st.He explained that the new programme, referred to as WASSCE PC1, provides a faster route for students to improve their grades.

“Students who access their results now and realise they need to resit one or two papers have until 8th January to register online through our website or at WAEC-accredited internet cafés. The exams will take place from 24th January to 15th February 2025,” Mr Kapi stated.

According to him, to aid candidates in their preparations, WAEC plans to expedite the release of chief examiners’ reports, saying, “These reports will provide detailed feedback on where students may have gone wrong and how they can better approach their studies and the examination process.

“We’ve advertised this programme widely through banners, our website, and our results checker platform to ensure that both students and parents are aware,” Mr Kapi added.

He said students whose results have been cancelled are also eligible to sit the WASSCE PC1 exams, provided they have not been banned for some years for malpractice.

“For now, the exams will be conducted in regional capitals due to the limited number of candidates. Prospective participants are urged to complete their registration by the 8th of January to take advantage of this opportunity.”

WAEC, however, expressed optimism that this initiative will allow candidates to quickly improve their grades and qualify for the next cycle of admissions, avoiding a year-long delay in their academic progress. Daily Trust