Education

NASS Advocates Strengthened Focus on Technical Education, Skill Acquisition for Economic Growth

Published

3 years ago

December 14, 2023

In a bid to bolster technical education and skill acquisition for the advancement of the Nigerian economy, the Joint Committee on Education has called upon Rectors and Provosts of Polytechnics and Colleges of Education to intensify their efforts. Co-chaired by Senator Dandutse Muntari and Hon. Abubakar Hassan Fulata, the Joint Senate and House of Representatives Committee on Education expressed its commitment to collaboratively address the challenges affecting teaching and learning in these institutions.

During the 2024 Budget Defence session, the committee emphasized the crucial role of Polytechnic Education in providing practical-oriented training for industrial, agricultural, and commercial development in Nigeria. Simultaneously, Colleges of Education were recognized for their responsibility to produce competent teachers capable of imparting knowledge effectively.

The Executive Secretary of the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), Professor Idris Bugaje, highlighted the importance of technical and vocational education in national development. However, he pointed out significant challenges, including a lack of equipment and facilities attributed to insufficient funds. Prof. Bugaje mentioned an approved framework by the Federal Executive Council that allows OND and HND holders to obtain skill acquisition certificates upon program completion.

Expressing concern over the undervaluation of Colleges of Education, Abubakar Tanko, Chairman of the House Committee on Colleges of Education, noted a declining enrollment due to inadequate remuneration for NCE holders. The committee pledged to thoroughly investigate the challenges faced by Colleges of Education, with the aim of enabling them to offer degree programs.

The joint committee’s commitment signifies a collective effort to enhance the quality of technical education and skill acquisition, aligning with the broader goal of fostering economic growth through a well-equipped and competent workforce. As the committee addresses these challenges, it seeks to strengthen the educational institutions’ capacity to contribute significantly to the nation’s development and create a skilled workforce for diverse sectors of the economy.

Education

Oyelami Named Acting CEO of National Mathematical Centre

Published

7 months ago

February 25, 2026

Editor

By Omoniyi David

The Federal Government has appointed Professor Oyelami as Acting Chief Executive Officer of the National Mathematical Centre with immediate effect.

The appointment was announced in a statement by the centre’s Controller of Information and Public Relations, Onyekachi Njoku. He said the decision followed the elevation of the former CEO, Promise Mebine, as Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University Otuoke.

Njoku disclosed that the approval was conveyed in a letter signed by Rakiya Ilyasu, Director of University Education at the Federal Ministry of Education.

Professor Oyelami, a mathematician who joined the centre over two decades ago from Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, previously served as Coordinator of the Mathematics and Theoretical Physics programmes and as Deputy Director/Academic Planning Coordinator.

An alumnus of the University of Jos and Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, he holds a Second-Class Upper degree, MSc and PhD in Mathematics and has published widely in local and international journals.

The centre said his appointment would strengthen its mandate to promote research, innovation and capacity building in mathematical sciences.

Abuja Reports

UniAbuja Council Denies NELFUND Loan Diversion Claim

Published

8 months ago

February 15, 2026

Editor

By Patrick Idowu

The Governing Council of the University of Abuja has refuted allegations that the institution diverted funds provided by the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), for its students.

In a statement issued on Saturday, the council, chaired by Senator Olanrewaju Tejuoso, said no NELFUND money was diverted, misappropriated or unlawfully withheld by the university or any of its officials.

The denial comes a day after NELFUND also dismissed the allegation and cleared the university of wrongdoing.

The statement, signed by the Acting Registrar and Secretary to the Governing Council, Malam Sambo Mohammed, said the university operates within established financial regulations and maintains strict accountability in managing intervention funds.

The council urged the public to disregard what it described as a misleading media report, while reaffirming confidence in the university’s management led by Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Hakeem Babatunde Fawehinmi.

Education

JAMB Warns Candidates Against Infractions in 2026 UTME Registration

Published

8 months ago

February 9, 2026

Editor

By Onyeanya Ebere Immaculata

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has warned that candidates who violate registration rules or breach the attestation signed during the ongoing 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), registration will face severe sanctions.

JAMB Registrar, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, issued the warning on Monday as the registration entered its third week.

He said offenders could be barred from sitting for the UTME for up to three years, adding that the names of defaulters may be published in national newspapers and forwarded to other public examination bodies.

Oloyede also disclosed that candidates involved in serious offences could be handed over to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), or the Police for prosecution.

JAMB said the measures are aimed at protecting the integrity of the examination process and ensuring fairness for all candidates.