Education

NANS Demands Reinstatement of Rusticated Ede Poly Students

Published

8 months ago

August 8, 2024

editor

By Gabriella Ogbu

The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has issued a strong condemnation of the Federal Polytechnic, Ede’s administration following its recent threats and the rustication of 27 students. This action came in the wake of a protest against the arrest of several students by representatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

In a statement released on Thursday and signed by Senate President Afeez Akinteye, NANS expressed its outrage at the institution’s response. Instead of addressing the students’ concerns, the Rector of the Federal Polytechnic, Ede has reportedly resorted to intimidation tactics by threatening further rustication. The students in question were sanctioned despite having paid N10,000 each as compensation for damages incurred during the protest.

NANS criticized the Rector for what they termed as an abusive exercise of power. The organization argued that the rustication was an unjust punishment for students exercising their constitutional right to protest. The association’s statement highlighted that, rather than engaging with the students’ grievances, the Rector has opted to use threats as a means to suppress dissent.

“We vehemently denounce the actions of the Federal Polytechnic Ede’s Rector. These students have been unfairly penalized for advocating for their rights,” the statement read. “The attempt to silence the student body through intimidation and threats is not only unjust but also a misuse of authority. The Rector’s actions are particularly disheartening given that the students were already subjected to financial penalties following the protest.”

The statement further condemned the practice of demanding financial compensation from the students while simultaneously expelling them. “The demand for N10,000 from each student as damages, followed by their expulsion, underscores a troubling exploitation of their plight and reflects poorly on the administration’s integrity and sense of responsibility.”

NANS has declared that it will not be deterred by these threats and remains resolute in seeking justice for the affected students. The organization is calling for the immediate reinstatement of all rusticated students and warns that further actions will be taken if the demands are not met. “We will continue to advocate for our members’ rights and will not be silenced by intimidation. We demand that the Rector either step down or permit the students to return to their studies,” Akinteye asserted.

Education

JAMB Hits Record 2 Million UTME Registrations

Published

2 weeks ago

March 10, 2025

Samson Adeyanju

By Ifeoluwa Odunayo

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), has recorded its highest-ever registration for the 2024 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), with 2,030,627 candidates set to sit for the exam.

JAMB’s Public Communication Advisor, Dr. Fabian Benjamin, confirmed the figures in Abuja, noting that this surpasses last year’s 1.9 million registrations.

Among the applicants, 41,026 are below the age of 16. The examination will commence on April 25 across 700 computer-based test centers nationwide, while over 200,000 candidates will take an optional mock exam on April 5.

JAMB officially closed registration on March 8, with these figures excluding foreign candidates taking the UTME abroad.

Education

Tinubu Approves Two New Federal Universities in Osun, Ekiti

Published

1 month ago

February 20, 2025

Samson Adeyanju

By Ifeoluwa Odunayo

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the establishment of two new federal universities, expanding Nigeria’s higher education landscape.

The newly signed bills pave the way for the Federal University of Agriculture and Development Studies in Iragbiji, Osun State, and the Federal University of Technology and Environmental Sciences in Iyin Ekiti, Ekiti State.

With this addition, Nigeria now boasts 65 federal universities, alongside 63 state and 149 private universities, according to the National Universities Commission (NUC).

Speaking in Abuja after signing the bills on Thursday, President Tinubu emphasized the strategic importance of these institutions in addressing national developmental needs.

He highlighted their role in advancing specialized education, particularly in agriculture, science, and technology, which are crucial for Nigeria’s economic growth and global competitiveness.

“These universities will be hubs for professional training, research, and innovation, shaping a stronger future for our nation,” Tinubu stated.

The move underscores the administration’s commitment to enhancing educational infrastructure and fostering national development through academic excellence and innovation.

Education

FG Launches Special Task Force to Tackle School Bullying

Published

1 month ago

February 18, 2025

Samson Adeyanju

By Ifeoluwa Odunayo

The Federal Government has intensified efforts to combat bullying in schools with the inauguration of a seven-member committee dedicated to reviewing cases and enforcing swift action.

Announcing the initiative in Abuja on Tuesday, the Ministry of Education’s spokesperson, Folasade Boriowo, confirmed that the committee has been established and will begin work immediately.

Education Minister Tunji Alausa highlighted the devastating psychological effects of bullying and stressed the need for urgent intervention to ensure a safe learning environment.

To enhance reporting and accountability, the ministry introduced confidential channels, including a hotline (09012660044), email (antibullying@education.gov.ng), and WhatsApp (08052536133), for victims and witnesses to report incidents.

Alausa called on school administrators, teachers, parents, and students to actively support the initiative and help create a safer educational system.