Education

UBEC Calls for Public Support and Private Sector Collaboration in Advancing Basic Education

Published

1 year ago

November 28, 2023

Dr. Hamid Bobboyi, the Executive Secretary of the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), has urged Nigerians to rally behind the government at all levels to enhance the development of the country’s basic education. Speaking during a meeting focused on fostering collaboration with the organized private sector and other stakeholders in the implementation of the Universal Basic Education (UBE) program, held yesterday in Abuja, Bobboyi emphasized that education for all is a collective responsibility. He underscored the critical consequences a country might face if it neglects its foundational education levels.

Bobboyi stressed the need for stakeholders to recognize the significance of prioritizing basic education to ensure a brighter future for young children. Despite substantial resources allocated by the federal government to the sector, he acknowledged that certain challenges persist. The meeting aimed to create avenues for the private sector to understand the ongoing initiatives and challenges within the basic education sector.

Highlighting the substantial investment by the federal government, Bobboyi emphasized that running the system requires collaborative efforts, as Nigeria has over 45 million children in the public basic educational sub-sector. He noted the difficulty in achieving desired standards unless teachers are well-compensated and highlighted a reduction in the number of teachers since the COVID-19 pandemic.

Bobboyi outlined the future trajectory, emphasizing the role of smart schools. He welcomed the support of the private sector in building a future based on technology to adequately prepare children for the challenges ahead. The meeting also acknowledged the support of KOICA in UBEC’s journey, emphasizing the crucial need for private sector involvement in the pursuit of educational advancement.”

Education

Nigerian Teacher Shortlisted Among Top 50 Finalists for $1m Global Prize

Published

3 days ago

January 21, 2025

Samson Adeyanju

By Ade Iyamoye
A Mathematics and Information Technology teacher from Ogun State, Kayode Adewale, has been shortlisted among the top 50 finalists for the prestigious $1 million Global Teacher Prize.
Adewale, who teaches at Imaka/Imagbon Comprehensive High School, Ijebu, Ogun State, attributed this achievement to years of dedication to innovative teaching practices and educational excellence.
Adewale, a pioneer of the Space Exploration Club in Ogun State secondary schools, has consistently demonstrated a passion for transforming education.
Through partnerships with organizations such as the Limitless Space Institute in Texas, USA, he has inspired both students and teachers across the state.
Despite financial challenges that once stalled his PhD program, Adewale persevered, earning recognition for his teaching innovations.
He emerged as Ogun State’s Best Senior Secondary School Teacher in 2020, received the Maltina Best Teacher of the Year award in 2022, and participated in the 2023 Fulbright Teaching Excellence Programme in the US.
Adewale credits his success to a culturally relevant teaching approach, integrating local dialects and relatable concepts to demystify Mathematics for his students.
He also utilizes technology, including online platforms, to reach underserved communities.
The $1 million prize, he revealed, will be invested in capacity-building initiatives for teachers, innovation hubs, and the development of technology-assisted instructional solutions to benefit students across Africa.
“Teachers’ rewards are not just in heaven. With dedication, the sky is the starting point,” he said.

Education

Bauchi Governor gifts Top JAMB Achievers ₦4 Million Reward

Published

1 week ago

January 15, 2025

Samson Adeyanju

By Alexis Uchendu

In a remarkable gesture, Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, has awarded ₦4 million to four exceptional students for their outstanding performance in the 2024 Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), examination.

The awardees—Kawthar Shehu (348), Geoffrey Yakubu (347), Abdullahi Garba (347), and Magaji Umar (333)—were each presented with ₦1 million during a ceremony on Tuesday at the Ministry of Education in Bauchi.

Represented by the Head of Service, Yahuza Adamu, Governor Mohammed described the reward as a commitment to nurturing human capital and inspiring academic excellence among Bauchi’s youth.

“This initiative underscores our dedication to developing human capital and promoting academic achievement,” he stated.

Ali Babayo, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Education, revealed that the reward program was introduced as part of a broader strategy to motivate students across the state to aim higher.

The awardees, grateful and inspired, vowed to continue their pursuit of excellence.

Education

National Assembly Threatens to Halt JAMB’s Grant

Published

2 weeks ago

January 13, 2025

Samson Adeyanju

By Gabriella Ogbu

The National Assembly’s Joint Committee on Finance has questioned the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board’s (JAMB), 2025 budget proposal, warning that the agency’s federal grant may be revoked.

During a budget defense session, JAMB Registrar, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, revealed that the agency remitted N4 billion to the Consolidated Revenue Fund while receiving N6 billion in government grants.

Lawmakers, including Abiodun Faleke and Senator Adams Oshiomhole, criticized the allocation, arguing that JAMB, a self-funded agency, should not rely on public funds.

Oshiomhole further questioned JAMB’s N1.1 billion expenditure on meals and refreshments, N850 million on security and fumigation, and N600 million on local travel, demanding accountability for the agency’s spending.

The committee’s scrutiny underscores growing concerns over financial transparency in government agencies.