Education
The Falling Tide: Academic and Moral Standards in Crisis at Federal Science and Technical College Usi-Ekiti, Ekiti State
We, the concerned parents of Federal Science and Technical College Usi-Ekiti, passionately appeal to the government, well-meaning Nigerians, and all who valued education that our beloved school is on the brink of total collapse.
The school that was once noted for academic discipline and moral standard has now been plagued by scandals and mismanagement that are destroying the futures of innocent students.
This decay has taken root under the administration of the current principal, Mr. Balogun Olateju Adisa Akorede, who has been at the helm of affairs in the college since December 2019. His tenure has been marred and characterized by one crisis and the other ranging from protest by parents against poor welfares, infrastructural decay in the college and poor feeding of students. All these have seriously affected academic standards and shattering of the hopes and dreams of our children.
One of the most devastating consequences of this administration is the repeated withholding of the WASSCE results of the college’s students, a pattern that has occurred every year since Mr. Balogun Olateju Adisa took over as the Principal of the college. The scenario reached a bizarred level this year when over 60% of the results are still being withheld due to allegations of widespread examination malpractice. We authoritatively learnt that WAEC issued a warning letter to the school in 2022 after a shocking number of results were withheld. This year, the situation reached a point where innocent students who refused to participate in these malpractices were harassed and intimidated by the very people who are supposed to guide them.
However, the school’s Guidance Counselor, Mrs. Adedayo Kehinde Olayemi, who also serves as the registrar, has been implicated as a key figure in this betrayal of trust. She has reportedly pressured students to engage in unethical behavior, all in service of the school’s corrupt agenda.
It is heartbreaking to witness the school deviate so fast from the noble vision of the Federal Government for establishing unity colleges. The institution that was meant to be models of excellence and guiding the way for other public and private schools across Nigeria has apparently deviated from the noble objectives under this administration. Our children are being denied their rightful opportunities; they have been unfairly caught in the web of corruption and are unable to pursue higher education due to the misdeeds of those meant to protect their futures.
We, the parents, urgently call for a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the withholding of these results. The students, who have already suffered so much, deserve justice and they should not be punished further. We plead with the government to intervene immediately in ensuring that the innocent children are not robbed of their futures or denied admission to universities and other higher institutions of their choices. Time is of the essence.
As if the examination scandal were not enough, the school itself has become a shell of its former self. Funds allocated for educational and infrastructural development have been squandered. The school now faces a dire shortage of basic amenities—such as library and functional water supply. Most of the time the school is always thrown into outer darkness because the school’s generators that are meant to back up electricity supply are not always put into use under the excuse of paucity of funds. The dormitories where students sleep are totally in a bad shape as some of them are without windows and doors let alone mosquito nets. This is not just neglect—it is an outright failure of leadership.
These atrocities must end. Our children’s futures are being destroyed by the very people entrusted with their education. We therefore ask the government and educational authorities, to step in and to investigate these issues in order to restore the once-proud institution to its rightful place as a beacon of learning and citadel of knowledge.
We cannot stand by and watch while our children’s dreams are crushed. This is a call for justice, for accountability, and for the future of Federal Science and Technical College Usi-Ekiti. We want the proprietor of the school which is the Federal Ministry of Education to act now so as to rescue the college from the present management who are bent on undermining a major part of the renewed hope agenda of the Mr, President, Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
By Samson Adeyanju
Atoyebi Adewumi has emerged winner of the fourth edition of the National Essay Competition, beating more than 2,000 contestants in an intellectual contest aimed at promoting academic excellence, critical thinking and creative writing among young Nigerians.
The competition, which focused on the relevance of taxation to national development, challenged participants to examine the role of tax revenue in financing public services, stimulating economic growth and strengthening the relationship between government and citizens.
The initiative provided a platform for young Nigerians to demonstrate their writing skills, articulate informed perspectives on national issues and contribute ideas towards building a more responsible and progressive society.
Speaking after being declared winner, an elated Adewumi expressed gratitude to the convener, Foluso Sylvanus Ojo, and the organising team for providing young Nigerians with an opportunity to showcase their intellectual abilities.
“I am so glad, very, very glad, to have this privilege of emerging as the winner. I am grateful to the convener and the entire team, as well as everyone who supported this vision,” Adewumi said.
In his remarks, Ojo expressed concern over the tendency to criticise the attitudes and lifestyles of younger generations without providing adequate opportunities to nurture their talents and channel their energies towards productive pursuits.
He called on the government, corporate organisations and nongovernmental organisations to invest more in educational initiatives that promote intellectual excellence, creativity and responsible citizenship.
According to him, sustained investment in academic competitions and youth development programmes would encourage discipline, innovation and a stronger commitment to national development.
Drawing a comparison with the substantial cash prizes awarded in some reality television competitions in Nigeria, Ojo argued that students and intellectually gifted young Nigerians deserved greater recognition, financial support and encouragement.
“I believe the government should support initiatives like this because individuals need supportive hands, especially from the government. When they receive such support, they become more confident and motivated to continue their good work,” he said.
Ojo maintained that society could not continue to complain about the attitudes and lifestyles of young people without deliberately investing in programmes that encourage positive values and productive engagement.
The fourth edition of the competition also underscored the importance of tax awareness among young Nigerians, highlighting how effective taxation, transparency and accountable governance could contribute to improved infrastructure, education, healthcare and other essential public services.
Beyond celebrating the winner, the competition reinforced the need to identify, encourage and empower emerging intellectual talents capable of contributing meaningfully to Nigeria’s development.
Winner of the 5,000,000 naira 
Winner of 3,000,000 naira 
Winner of 2,000,000
All the participants
By Samson Adeyanju
Twenty finalists from across Nigeria have begun the final stage of the fourth edition of the National Essay Competition in Abuja, following an orientation session designed to prepare them for the decisive examination.
The finalists arrived in the Federal Capital Territory for a four-day, all-expenses-paid programme featuring the essay examination, institutional tours and opportunities for learning and networking.
The competition, the brainchild of Mr Foluso Ojo, is sponsored by the Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS).
Ahead of the examination, the finalists participated in an orientation session led by Professor Omotosho Borisade of Ekiti State University, who serves as the competition’s umpire.
The session familiarised participants with the competition’s rules and regulations, examination guidelines and assessment criteria, helping them understand the requirements of the final stage.
The essay examination is scheduled to begin today at 9 a.m., after which the finalists are expected to embark on institutional tours around Abuja.
The programme is designed to extend beyond the contest itself, exposing the finalists to new learning opportunities, professional connections and experiences in the nation’s capital.
The competition brings together young Nigerians to demonstrate their writing ability, knowledge, creativity and critical-thinking skills as they compete for the top honours.
With the finalists prepared for the examination, attention now turns to their performance and the eventual emergence of the competition’s champion.
Atoyebi Adewumi Wins 4th National Essay Competition, Beats 2,000 Contestants
20 Finalists Begin Final Stage of National Essay Competition
Pastor Ogundipe Decries Lack of Integrity Among Educated Nigerians
