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Education

Senator Odey Vows to Resign if Found Collecting Money from School Principals

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The Commissioner for Education in Cross River State, Stephen Odey, in a bold statement asserted, “Any day you hear that I have asked any school teachers or principals for money, I will not wait to be removed. I will resign immediately.” Odey emphasized his commitment to integrity and accountability within the education sector, promising to dismiss principals involved in extorting students.

He continued, “There are reports suggesting extortions by school authorities. These, I cannot tolerate. I won’t condone any principals extorting students.” Odey highlighted his efforts to curb extortion in schools since assuming office and noted disciplinary actions taken against guilty principals and teachers.

Furthermore, Odey outlined ongoing reforms in the education sector, including plans to promote teachers and recruit 6000 additional educators, particularly from rural areas. He assured that incentives would be provided to sustain teachers’ interest, especially those in rural communities.

Addressing the issue of cultism in schools, Odey stated, “I have personally visited schools in Akamkpa LGA and other LGAs where reports were rife about cultism where serious actions have been taken, resulting in a drastic reduction in such nocturnal activities by students.” He highlighted collaborative efforts with security agencies to address the menace effectively.

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Education

FG Scraps 18-year Admission Age Limit for Varsities

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The Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa has reversed the decision of the past Minister of Education on the 18-years admission benchmark into tertiary institutions.

Mr Alausa spoke at his inaugural press briefing in Abuja on Tuesday.

According to him, what led to that initial decision was the way the National Policy on Education was designed.

He said, “We will not be going forward with the 18-years admission benchmark. We will go for 16 years and we are going to meet with JAMB and others on that. There will also be exceptions for the gifted students. Eighteen-years is not part of our policy again.’’

Addressing the withdrawal of certificates obtained from Benin Republic and Togo, Mr Alausa stated that the policy would remain in place to help eliminate fake certificates from the system.

Regarding the out-of-school children issue, he noted this as a key priority for the ministry, adding that various solutions would be considered to reduce their numbers.

He said the ministry would collaborate with the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs to provide conditional cash transfers as incentives for students to increase school enrolment.

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Education

NASU, SSANU Suspend Strike Amid Partial Salary Payment Commitment

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In a major development for Nigeria’s higher education sector, the Joint Action Committee (JAC), of the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU), and the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU), has announced the suspension of their ongoing indefinite strike, effective from Tuesday, November 5, 2024.

This decision follows recent breakthroughs in negotiations with the Federal Government.

The strike, which began on October 28, 2024, was fueled by what the unions described as “government’s insensitivity” to their demands, including unpaid salaries and other entitlements.

After weeks of intense discussions with key government officials, including the Minister of Education, Minister of Finance, and Department of State Services (DSS), the government has committed to a staggered payment of two out of four months of withheld salaries.

The first installment was released at the end of October, with the second expected by the end of November.

Encouraged by these steps and reassurances from the new Education Minister, JAC leaders instructed NASU and SSANU branches to convene meetings on Monday, November 4, to inform members of the latest developments and urge them to resume work the following day.

In addition, JAC noted that talks on remaining salary arrears, a ₦50 billion Earned Allowances fund, and wage adjustments are ongoing.

In a joint statement, SSANU President Mohammed H. Ibrahim and NASU General Secretary Prince Peters A. Adeyemi thanked members for their “unwavering resolve and steadfast support” during the strike, expressing hope for a lasting resolution that meets the needs of Nigeria’s university staff.

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Education

Oyedepo Advocates African Leadership Development Institutes

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Chancellor of Covenant University, Dr. David Oyedepo, has called for the creation of African leadership development institutes across Nigerian universities to equip students with essential skills to address the nation’s leadership challenges.

Speaking with the News Agency of Nigeria on Friday, Oyedepo emphasized the need for universities to adopt a leadership-centered approach to education.

He highlighted Covenant University’s efforts to tackle this issue by introducing online diploma and certificate courses in leadership, designed to build leadership competencies and character among students.

According to Oyedepo, Covenant University leads Nigerian institutions in producing employable graduates, a testament to the effectiveness of its leadership programs.

“Covenant is solving character problems among young people in unmistakable terms,” he stated, noting that the university’s leadership development center has been instrumental in positively reshaping youth behavior.

He urged other universities to follow Covenant’s model by establishing similar leadership institutes, which he believes could serve as transformative centers for addressing Africa’s leadership dilemmas.

 

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