Education, Infant mortality, Poverty worsened in Zamfara Under Matawalle

Governor Matawalle promised to tackle unemployment and poverty as well as revamp the education and health sectors by By Mohammed Babangida.

Bello Matawalle, the outgoing governor of Zamfara State, was lucky to become governor in the first place. The candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2019 governorship poll, he did not become governor because he won the majority of the votes cast in the election. He was made governor after the Supreme Court ruled that the All-Progressives Congress (APC), which polled the majority of votes, did not conduct primaries for the election of its candidates in Zamfara State as a result of the in-fighting in the party at the time. The court voided all the APC votes and ordered that the candidates of the parties with the next highest votes should be declared the winners of the elections.

But Mr Matawalle could only manage to stay in power for one term. After defecting from the PDP, he faced the 2023 election as the APC candidate but was defeated in the 18 March governorship election by the PDP candidate, Dauda Lawal.

During the campaign before the 2019 election, Mr Matawalle promised to fight unemployment and poverty and revamp the education and health sectors.

Poverty rate, internal revenue and debt management

Mr Matawalle spoke passionately about fighting poverty during his campaign, which he said was spurred by insecurity in the state. In 2019 when he was sworn in, Zamfara State was worse than the national average "poverty headcount rate" as 73.98 per cent of the state's population was considered poor while the national average was 40.1 per cent. The state had a higher percentage of poor people than Sokoto, Taraba, Jigawa, Ebonyi and Adamawa states, according to a report by the Statista.

The multidimensional poverty index released in November 2022 stated that 78 per cent of Zamfara people are poor, meaning poverty worsened under Mr Matawalle, from 74 to 78 per cent.

Mr Matawalle also performed poorly in debt management In 2019, data showed the state had a combined domestic and external debt of N103.35 billion. The debt rose to N130.1 billion in 2020 and N130.94 billion in 2021. The state currently has the second-highest debt in the North-west region and occupies the 15th out of the 36 states of the federation.

However, from 2019 to 2021, the state witnessed an increase in its internal revenue generation (IGR), In 2018, it generated N8.21 billion, while in 2019 when Mr Matawalle took over, the state generated N15.42 billion. By 2021, the last year the data was provided, Mr Matawalle's administration had increased the internal revenue to N18.50 billion, according to NBS data.

The multidimensional poverty index released in November 2022 stated that 78 per cent of Zamfara people are poor, meaning poverty worsened under Mr Matawalle, from 74 to 78 per cent.

Mr Matawalle also performed poorly in debt management In 2019, data showed the state had a combined domestic and external debt of N103.35 billion. The debt rose to N130.1 billion in 2020 and N130.94 billion in 2021. The state currently has the second-highest debt in the North-west region and occupies the 15th out of the 36 states of the federation.

However, from 2019 to 2021, the state witnessed an increase in its internal revenue generation (IGR), In 2018, it generated N8.21 billion, while in 2019 when Mr Matawalle took over, the state generated N15.42 billion. By 2021, the last year the data was provided, Mr Matawalle's administration had increased the internal revenue to N18.50 billion, according to NBS data.

In 2021, the state chairman of the Nigeria Medical Association (NMA), Mannir Bature, lamented the concentration of health workers in the state capital as well as the general decay of hospitals in the state.

"The level of decay is disheartening. Only the General Hospital in Gusau has the facilities required for a decent health facility. In the remaining

13 local government areas, General Hospitals don't even have facilities for neonatal care..... 78% of the human resources in the health sector is

concentrated in Gusau, leaving just 22% to be shared amongst the remaining 13 local government areas," he said

Mr Matawalle also performed poorly in tackling infant and maternal mortalities in the state. In 2018, months before he took over, the child mortality rate stood at 130 deaths per 1,000 live births. The national average is 62 deaths. The rate increased to 136 deaths per 1,000 births in 2021, according to the Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey of the NBS.

Despite most of the development indices getting worse during his tenure, some residents of the state believe Mr Matawalle stole billions of naira meant to develop the state, a matter currently being investigated by the anti-graft agency, EFCC, although the governor has denied any wrongdoing.

                                                               - Culled from Premium Times

UNESCO unveils new AI roadmap for classrooms - UN News

 UNESCO unveils new AI roadmap for classrooms - UN News

The UN convened the first ever global meeting with education ministers from around the world to explore risks and rewards of using chatbots in classrooms, announcing on Friday a new roadmap to chart a safer digital path for all.

Less than 10 per cent of schools and universities follow formal guidance on using wildly popular artificial intelligence (AI) tools, like the chatbot software ChatGPT, according to the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), which hosted more than 40 ministers at an groundbreaking online meeting on Thursday.

The ministers exchanged policy approaches and plans while considering the agency’s new roadmap on education and generative AI, which can create data and content based on existing algorithms, but can also make alarming factual errors, just like humans.

“Generative AI opens new horizons and challenges for education, but we urgently need to take action to ensure that new AI technologies are integrated into education on our terms,” said Stefania Giannini, UNESCO’s Assistant Director-General for Education. “It is our duty to prioritize safety, inclusion, diversity, transparency and quality.”

Institutions are facing myriad challenges in crafting an immediate response to the sudden emergence of these powerful AI apps, according to a new UNESCO survey of more than 450 schools and universities.

Rapidly Evolving Landscape

At the same time, governments worldwide are in the process of shaping appropriate policy responses in a rapidly evolving education landscape, while further developing or refining national strategies on AI, data protection, and other regulatory frameworks, according to UNESCO.

However, they are proceeding with caution. Risks to using these tools can see students exposed to false or biased information, some ministers said at the global meeting.

The debate revealed other common concerns, including how to mitigate the chatbots’ inherent flaws of producing glaring errors. Ministers also addressed how best to integrate these tools into curricula, teaching methods, and exams, and adapting education systems to the disruptions which generative AI is quickly causing.

Many highlighted the vital role teachers play in this new era as learning facilitators.

But, teachers need guidance and training to meet these challenges, according to UNESCO.

Adding to Existing Frameworks

Teachers need guidance and training to meet these challenges. — UNESCO

For its part, the agency will continue to steer the global dialogue with policy makers, partners, academia, and civil society, in line with its paper, AI and education: A guide for policy-makers and Recommendation on the Ethics of AI, as well as the Beijing Consensus on Artificial Intelligence and Education.

UNESCO is also developing policy guidelines on the use of generative AI in education and research, as well as frameworks of AI competencies for students and teachers for classrooms.

These new tools will be launched during Digital Learning Week, to be held at UNESCO Headquarters in Paris on 4 to 7 September, the agency said.

Princeton College, Benue Varsity Students Emerge winners of NTEC 2022

Akamelu Somtochukwu of Princeton College, Surulere and Nater Paul Akpen of Benue State University have both emerged as winners at the Grand Finale of the 11th National Travel Essay Competition (NTEC) 2022.

The duo emerged winners from a shortlist of top 10 and top five finalists from a pool of entries in the Secondary Schools and Tertiary Institutions Categories, respectively.

The topics for NTEC 2022 include: ‘Ground Accident Prevention In Air Transportation,’ for the Secondary Schools; and ‘The Role of Biometrics and Mobile Technology on The Future of Air Travel,’ for Tertiary Institutions.  

A statement by Mr. Ewos Iroro, the Editor, Travel & Business News stated that the gathering attracted youths from secondary schools and tertiary Institutions across the country and was part of the air transport Youth Empowerment Seminar (YES), organised annually by Travel and Business News (TBN).

This year’s event was held at the Training Centre of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) Annex, Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Ikeja, Lagos, over the weekend and was with the theme: ‘Securing The Future of Aviation in Nigeria.’

Eminent personalities who graced the occasion and also doubled as members of the Panel of Independent Assessors include: the Director-General, Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Capt. Musa Nuhu who was represented by Mrs. Oyetoun Adegbesan, Deputy General Manager, Economic Regulation & Facilitation and the Managing Director, Skyway Aviation Handling Company (SAHCO), Mr. Basil Agboarumi who Chaired the occasion and was represented by Mrs. Christie Oseghale, General Manager, Safety & Quality.

Others were the Managing Director, Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Capt. Rabiu Yadudu who was represented by Mrs. Victoria Shin-Aba, the Regional Manager South West; Ag. Managing Director, Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), Mr. Matthew Pwajok who was represented by Mr. Gabriel Akinlade; and Engr. Ifeanyi Ogochukwu, former General Manager, ICT, NAMA represented by Ms. Ene Onyeke, Technology Advocate, Debbie Mishael Consulting; and among others.

The event also witnessed excellent presentations and robust engagements with students from participating schools delivered by seasoned industry professionals.

Following a rigorous session of oral presentations in defense of entries by the finalists in the secondary schools category, Miss Akamelu Somtochukwu of Princeton College, Surulere, Lagos emerged as the Grand Prize Winner of N100,000 cash and a free ticket sponsored by DANA Air.

Second place went to Bamigbade Aneefah of Murtala Muhammed Airport Secondary School (MMASS), Ikeja with a cash prize of N60,000 and a free ticket courtesy of DANA Air; while third place went to Igweonu Praise also of MMASS with a cash prize of N40,000.

In the tertiary institutions category, Mr. Nater Paul Akpen of Benue State University, Makurdi came first with a cash prize of N150,000 and a free ticket to Nairobi sponsored by Kenya Airways.

Miss Nwafor Merciful of University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus came second with a cash prize of N100,000 and a free ticket courtesy of DANA Air; and the third place went to Mr. Oyedele Philemon Oluwakyejo, of the University of Ibadan with a cash prize of N50,000.

As part of the Youth Empowerment initiative of the forum, five Training Scholarships in Ticketing & Reservation were also given to young graduates courtesy of Sabre Travel Network West Africa,.

Beneficiaries of the scholarships selected via a raffle draw include Miss Olamide Shobowale, Mrs. Peace Akinsulire, Mrs. Grace Akinwumi, Miss Okosesi Esther, and Mr. Emmanuel Anigbo.

The Managing Director of Aviatrix Hub, Mrs. Victoria Adegbe also offered a Training Scholarship in Flight Dispatch for one student.

Other sponsors of this year’s event include the NCAA, FAAN, NAMA, EgyptAir, Nigerian Aviation Handling Company (NAHCO) and OCP International.

NTEC was established in 2009 with a view to discovering hidden talents and encouraging young Nigerians to follow a career in the aviation and travel & tourism sectors of the economy.

It is also aimed at drumming up greater awareness and support for the air transport industry, and is geared towards raising future aviation professionals in an effort to bridge the skills gap and address the challenge of ageing workforce currently being faced in the sector.

Scoring 360 in UTME wasn't a Surprise

Calm, cool, composed and confident are some of the adjectives to describe Umeh Kamsiyochukwu Precious, an SS 3 pupil of Deeper Life High School, Lagos campus who scored an aggregate of 360 in recently released University Matriculation Examination (UTME) of May 2nd, 2023, to pursue Chemical Engineering. She score 99 over 100 in Chemistry. Umeh Kamsiyochukwu was just five marks behind Maduafokwa Egoagwugwu Agnes, another girl from Anambra who chose to study Industrial Production Engineering at the University of Ibadan.

In this interview with Olugbenga Adebiyi, Editor of School Connect Magazine, this Chemical Engineer in the making revealed that she hardly burn the midnight oil as it is the norm of other hardworking student like other student to make the second highest score in UTME, but made use of past questions, some preparatory materials, textbooks and spell-checking her answers before submitting during the exam. She attributed her success to being blessed with a good brain and the commitment of her teachers at the school. The School Principal, Pastor Michael Ajala also gave a good commendation about Precious saying that she was of good because and takes her studies seriously.

Her plan is to get scholarship and study abroad. Below are excerpts.                                                     

I heard the news that you did excellently well in this recent UTME which was released about a week ago. How did you do that? How do you get 360 in UTME? 

My name is Umeh Kamsiyochukwu Precious, and I had 360 in UTME the score came as a surprise to me because it was my first time writing the exam. I didn’t believe that I would have such score. It was just although I put in my own effort by reading, studying and preparing for the exam. I practiced a lot of past questions and also made use of study app in preparing for the exam. The App is called Texula, Texula helps prospective candidate to prepare for the exam, grade them and also show them corrections. Besides I used another study guide called, ‘One time success’ I complemented this with text books along with past questions.

Before you scored 360 in UTME do you have some set goals in mind that you would exceed 360? What preparation exercise do you put in place while preparing for the exam? 

When I was setting my goals for UTME, what I first set or wrote down was 350 and then I changed it to 363 afterwards and then 360. 

Which subjects did you enroll for in UTME?

I enrolled for Chemistry, Mathematics, Use of English and Physics.

What course are you planning to study?

I am planning to study Chemical Engineering.

Why did you choose chemical Engineering? I choose chemical Engineering because I like Chemistry and I wanted to do something in line with chemistry. I am not too good at biology or else I would have chosen course / disciplines related to that. For me, chemistry is as east as a pie and that is why studying chemical engineering is appealing.

What do you intend to do with chemical Engineering? I intend to work in a production company or oil Service Company or any organization that this course will be useful for. I am not too clear about where I want to work. But any good organization or company that would value my degree qualification. 

What can you say aided your score? Can we say is a result of your hard work, friends, peers, teachers, or mentor or just anything who have actually influenced this in one way or another? What can you say about this? Yes I have friends whom we do group study together. Well, surprisingly I don’t burn midnight oil. I am not a bookworm, I am just blessed with a good brain and memory. Once I read or attend classes, the whole thing just sticks. Going the extra mile by staying up late reading or burning the midnight oil as you say, is not really my type of person. I study, I read books, but I don’t really love reading that much. This is just me.

What is your advice for students especially those who do not believe in using their brain to pass exams, but like to take the short-cut of exam malpractice? I would advise students to be determined- to go for what they want. I feel that some students don’t really know what they want and they are satisfied with anything that comes their way in terms of achievement. Some of them have the attitude that if they fail UTME this year, they can still enroll for another one next year. If you want to achieve anything in life, you have to be determined. If you are not you can’t achieve anything.

I think what is also responsible for the success in this exam is because you make use of pass questions, textbooks, and other preparation materials. Apart from all this do you have encouragement from your teachers, mentor, parent, and so on?

At Deeper Life School the teachers are very committed and dedicated, they give in their best to every student and always want the best for us. They spur us, motivate us and give us the enthusiasm to succeed. Sometimes, they give us inspirational quotes by great leaders /achievers. We also receive mentorship from them.  All these are some impetus or motivation for us at DLHS courtesy of our teachers and administrators. The moral aspect is another aspect responsible for our grooming and development. Rules are set here- there are Dos and Don’ts, there is appraisal and reward or commendation for anything done right. There is also penalty or punishment for violating rules here. To me, I think these things add to our wholesome development in the academic and moral aspect. Another thing is that we have amiable environment for learning. The teachers are accessible and available. Whenever any student /pupils don’t understand anything in the class, such student can go to meet the teachers privately. Sometimes, some shy students might be ashamed to ask questions in the classroom for the fear that they would be laughed at, ridiculed by their mates. The open-door policy by our teachers here gives students the opportunity to ask any question whether it is foolish one or intelligent one from their teachers in the staff room. The teachers listens attentively to give answers to our questions and guide us where we need guidance.

I think all these are success catalysts at DLHS. I can proudly and confidently say it that we have good teachers here. 

Which subject did you have the highest score in UTME? That was chemistry, I scored 99.

How did you maximize the time in the examination hall working under exam tension to still score 99 in chemistry – remember, this is not moi-moi like Use of English or CRK? 

While using the laptop to do the exam, I didn’t waste time on questions that I don’t know. I will skip them and come back to them later. I go through the instructions and then look at the question. When I had no clue to the question or it is plausible, I skip them. After finishing all the question I came back to the unanswered questions. By this time, I was sure that the job is almost done having satisfactorily answering all the questions that I know and since there was time, I can spend more time with the difficult questions. For chemistry I went through it for about 3times, just to ensure nothing was left amiss. It was a surprise to me actually when I saw 99 in chemistry because that was actually the goal I set for this subject.

Did any of your parents study any of the science?

No, my Dad is a businessman - an entrepreneur. My Mom is an accountant.

So where on earth do you have this DNA in you to be good at chemistry? 

I have no idea. 

So who do you think you are looking up to as a mentor propelling you to achieve your goal as a student? The person that I look up to is actually my proprietor, pastor (Dr.) W.F Kumuyi. I admired his quintessential leadership style, his contagious academy successes which is robbing up on us his children in the school here, I think in every sense of the world, he is an achiever and he has made his mark in the academia and Christendom. He made a first class in mathematics and we are also seeing the impact and effect of his pragmatic leadership in the education sector. And that is why we are all here. So, that is why I look up to him and he has influenced me in no small measure by shaping my academic excellence. Another mentor I have are my parents. They guide me and motivate me.

Are you a bookworm? Do you like reading books? I have said this before, I am nor a book worm. I am just blessed with good brain. Once I attend classes the whole thing sticks. I don’t have to do more of extra reading. Although I do that sometimes, but not like pouring over book. I actually enjoy reading novels and my textbooks.

Which higher institution in Nigeria are you planning to go? I actually want to study abroad that is if my parent could afford that or I get a scholarship to fund my studies.

What are your hobbies?

Reading Novels.

Buhari Appoints Ochi’Idoma Chancellor Federal University Otuoke

By Chidimma C. Okeke - Daily Trust

President Muhammadu Buhari has presented letter of appointment to the Paramount Ruler of the Idoma Kingdom, His Royal Majesty ( HRM) Agaba'Idu, Dr Elaigwu Odogbo Obagaji John as the New Chancellor of the Federal University Otuoke, Bayelsa State.

The presentation was done on Friday, 12th May, 2023, at the Och'Idoma Palace Otukpo, according to a statement from Federal Ministry of Education.

Speaking during the presentation, Buhari, represented by the Executive Secretary of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFUND), Arc. Sonny Echono, stated that Och'Idoma's appointment was based on his enviable track records, leadership qualities and integrity.

Mr. President commended his commitment to the development of Education and the sustenance of peace and stability of the country.

Responding, Agaba'Idu Elaigwu Odogbo thanked the Federal Government for finding him worthy of the prestigious appointment, assuring the president of his total commitment in the discharge of his responsibilities.

While thanking Echono who is also a son of the Idoma Kingdom, for doing so much for Nigeria, particularly Benue State, he expressed appreciation to the Federal Government for the establishment of the National Open University of Nigeria study centre at Obagaji, Agatu LGA, and promised that he will continue to support the Buhari led Administration.

In her goodwill message, the wife of the Och'Idoma, Her Royal Majesty, Mrs Martha Elaigwu, the Agab'Anya K'Idoma, appreciated President Muhammadu Buhari for his love for the Idoma people and the rare privilege accorded the Och'Idoma, wishing him long life and God's guidance as he prepares to handover to the incoming administration.

By Chidimma C. Okeke - Daily Trust

President Muhammadu Buhari has presented letter of appointment to the Paramount Ruler of the Idoma Kingdom, His Royal Majesty ( HRM) Agaba'Idu, Dr Elaigwu Odogbo Obagaji John as the New Chancellor of the Federal University Otuoke, Bayelsa State.

The presentation was done on Friday, 12th May, 2023, at the Och'Idoma Palace Otukpo, according to a statement from Federal Ministry of Education.

Speaking during the presentation, Buhari, represented by the Executive Secretary of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFUND), Arc. Sonny Echono, stated that Och'Idoma's appointment was based on his enviable track records, leadership qualities and integrity.

Mr. President commended his commitment to the development of Education and the sustenance of peace and stability of the country.

Responding, Agaba'Idu Elaigwu Odogbo thanked the Federal Government for finding him worthy of the prestigious appointment, assuring the president of his total commitment in the discharge of his responsibilities.

While thanking Echono who is also a son of the Idoma Kingdom, for doing so much for Nigeria, particularly Benue State, he expressed appreciation to the Federal Government for the establishment of the National Open University of Nigeria study centre at Obagaji, Agatu LGA, and promised that he will continue to support the Buhari led Administration.

In her goodwill message, the wife of the Och'Idoma, Her Royal Majesty, Mrs Martha Elaigwu, the Agab'Anya K'Idoma, appreciated President Muhammadu Buhari for his love for the Idoma people and the rare privilege accorded the Och'Idoma, wishing him long life and God's guidance as he prepares to handover to the incoming administration.

JAMB to Extend Registration for Direct Entry

 

By Mojeed Alabi - Premium Times

The source said the extension would be by one week, but if the crisis persists, the examination body may consider a further extension to accommodate every legitimate willing applicant.

Beginning from Monday, 15 May, the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) may have concluded plans to extend the registration for candidates seeking direct entry admission to universities nationwide.

The deadline for registration had earlier been fixed for Saturday, 13 May. Still, the rowdiness consistently experienced within the past week at the Lagos office of the examination body informed the latest decision.

The new development was confirmed to PREMIUM TIMES on Saturday evening by a highly placed JAMB official who does not want to be named for lacking the authority to give the information.

But the source confirmed that the management of the examination body had at the weekend deliberated on the challenges being faced at its offices, especially in Lagos, and decided to extend the deadline to "ensure that every qualified and willing applicant is duly registered."

However, the Head of Public Affairs and Protocol for the examination agency, Fabian Benjamin, neither confirmed nor denied the information.

But Mr Benjamin said he was sure that every candidate willing to register for the direct entry application would be allowed to do so.

Registration challenges

JAMB recently barred privately-owned computer-based test centres from participating in the registration for direct entry applicants and instructed applicants to approach any of its offices nationwide for registration.

The centralisation of the process, according to the examination body, was aimed at curbing the use of fake A-level documents for registration.

JAMB said it had been inundated with complaints of fraud allegedly by applicants, citing the case of Bayero University, Kano (BUK), which it noted expelled about 140 students for presenting fake A-level results.

JAMB said the centralisation of the application process is, therefore, to guide against such fraudulent practices and to set a template for private CBT centres' participation in subsequent years.

But this decision has left many applicants stranded with the examination body's office in Lagos recording rowdiness, especially within the last one week.

Disturbing images of applicants sleeping on floors at the Ikoyi office of JAMB in Lagos had consistently surfaced on the internet, forcing the leadership of NANS to visit the scene and demand immediate resolution.

But JAMB has blamed the applicants for adopting a last-minute rush, saying for the first few weeks of the registration period, it recorded low patronage.

Speaking earlier on the development, JAMB's spokesperson, Mr Benjamin, told PREMIUM TIMES: "When we started the registration, the offices were nearly empty, and candidates were not coming. Don't forget; the DE registration is not a high-tech registration; we usually have just about 100,000 and sometimes 200,000 candidates registering for the whole year.

So, you can imagine where these people are coming from at this particular point in time. But as a responsible organisation, we will do everything possible, especially for candidates who have purchased the PIN to register."

Deadline extension

Speaking with this newspaper on the decision to extend the deadline for DE registration once again, the JAMB official confirmed that the management took the decision at the weekend.

The source, however, noted that the examination body is reluctant to announce the extension so that candidates would not go "and relax again, and then wait for the last minute rush."

"So I can confidently confirm that any candidate that visits JAMB offices from Monday will be attended to, though it ought to have closed on Saturday. But this may not be announced publicly," the source added.

The source said the extension would be by one week, but if the crisis persists, the examination body may consider a further extension to accommodate every legitimate willing applicant.

"But we cannot foresee a situation that would warrant another extension after this. This is based on the calculation of the annual DE registration figures and what has been recorded so far this year," the source added.

JAMB keeps mum

When PREMIUM TIMES called the JAMB spokesperson, he said he could not comment on the lingering issue. Still, he insisted that "as a responsible organisation that values its integrity and the dignity of every single student, the best decision would be taken."

He said: "I have no doubt that every willing applicant who may have vended PIN would be allowed to register for the DE. The difficulty is just part of the measures to address the malpractice identified with the process of registration and we can assure Nigerians that JAMB is too responsible to willingly subject applicants to the unnecessary challenges currently being witnessed."

He said the examination body is already achieving the desired result, saying it is embarrassing that candidates screened for admission are later found to have used fake results by the universities.

Acceptable A-level results

JAMB had at different times listed acceptable A-level results for this year's DE registration, warning candidates against fraudulent practices.

The listed A-level results include a university diploma, Ordinary National Diploma (OND), National Diploma (ND), Nigeria Certificate in Education (NCE), Higher National Diploma (HND) and a university degree.

Others are Interim Joint Matriculation Board (IJMB), Joint Universities Preliminary Examination Board (JUPED), NABTEB Advanced National Business Certificate, NABTEB Advanced National Technical Certificate, NABTEB GCE-A' Level (2015 - 2021), Higher Islamic Studies Certificate by NBAIS, International Baccalaureate and the National Registered Nurse/ Midwife certificates.

TRCN Signs MOU With S-African Organisation to Upskill in-Service Teachers in Nigeria

 By Joseph Erunke

The Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria, TRCN, yesterday, signed a Memorandum of Understanding, MoU, with a South African-based educational organisation, Instill Education, to upskill in-service teachers in Nigeria.

Registrar of TRCN, Prof. Josiah Ajiboye, who signed the document in Abuja in company of his management team, said a pilot phase of implementation of the MoU would soon commence with a capacity building for eight weeks.

Ajiboye said the MoU has three major components- pre-service teachers, integrating pre-service with in-service teachers and their capacity building programmes, while expressing confidence that the involvement of Instill Education would bridge the gap between pre-service and in-service teachers.

"With regards to our teachers, if you look at what we have said here today, three major components actually were identified: the pre-service teachers, even integrating pre-service with the in-service. We have looked at pre-service teachers, the in-service teachers and their training programmes and we have been able to see that there is a gap."

He lamented that a large number of teachers employed in private schools in Nigeria today were not qualified, in the first instance, to be called teachers, adding that a survey carried out by the council showed that over 90 per cent of the teachers in private schools in the South West were not qualified and not registerable with the TRCN.

"So, these people are not registerable with TRCN because they don't possess the requisite qualification that will allow us to register them. There's a big gap there. Instill Education maybe looking in the future on how to fill that gap. Like they are doing in South Africa, but the major component of this MOU is about the in-service teachers. How do we go about capacitating these in-service teachers, upskilling them?

"And that's what Instill Education is coming with. They are coming up with their expertise and technology to help us to do this kind of capacitation for our teachers. We've been talking over time, about mandatory continuing professional development for teachers, where teachers are going to take certain capacity development programmes and they will get points and this will count towards the renewal of their licence as well as their promotion," he added.

- Source, Vanguard

Teachers can Teach anywhere in the World

Professor Josiah Ajiboye is the Registrar/Chief Executive of the Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria (TRCN), a teacher's regulatory body in Nigeria. Teachers mobility, presumably called 'brain-drain' in many quarters is generating heated concern among the public as many Nigerian teachers are migrating to the UK, USA and some other countries in droves. This could lead to shortage of professionals in the teaching profession. in response to this view, professor Josiah Ajiboye disagrees with this view and that said that it is not "Brain-drain" but rather, "teaching Mobility." He averred that teachers are free to teach anywhere. He also discuss other issues relating to the teaching profession in Nigeria, what the TRCN is doing to regulate the teaching profession, develop quality teachers and the current trends in the profession among others things. The professor of social studies shares his experiences on this. Below are excerpts of the interview with the Editor, School Connect Magazine, 

Olugbenga Adebiyi John.

How do we stem the tide of brain-drain especially among our teachers migrating to the UK and other countries in search of greener pastures? We don't talk about brain drain; we actually look at it as brain sharing. We talk about global teacher mobility. Teachers, like other professionals, should be free to work in any part of the world. When we were in secondary schools, we were taught by Ghanaian and Indian teachers. Now it is the turn of Nigerian teachers to also go out there and help develop the education system of other countries. So, it is not brain drain at all, it is about global teacher mobility.

The teaching profession is at its brinks as many young people are not choosing the teaching as a career. What could be responsible for this and how can we make the teaching profession more attractive? When you say the teaching profession is at its brink, I don't understand. Brink of collapse? Brink of what? With the efforts that have been put in by the Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria (TRCN), especially since 2016, you will agree with me there has been a lot programs to revitalize the teaching profession in Nigeria and to make it more attractive to young people. Specifically in 2020 at the World Teachers Day celebration on October 5th, the Honourable Minister of Education, Malam Adamu Adamu announced a lot of mouth-watering incentives for the Nigeria teachers as approved by the President and Commander-In-Chief, Mohammadu Buhari. The incentives were premised on two things: one, how do we attract brains to the teaching profession in Nigeria and, two, how do we retain experienced teachers on the job. Prominent among those incentives is bursary awards and scholarships for education students in our tertiary institutions and elongation of retirement age for serving teachers. These incentives have had significant positive effects on enrollment for education programs and boosting the morale of the teachers and would-be teachers.

In your previous interview you revealed that more than 650 teachers have migrated abroad this January alone. What could this portend for the teaching profession in Nigeria and for the TRCN as a professional body? I have mentioned the fact that teacher migration is part of global strategy to address the challenge of insufficient teaching force in some parts of the world. Yes, Nigeria is not spare in this global phenomenon, but our teachers are global teachers, they are not just prepared for Nigeria environment only.

 In our quest to meet up with the labour demands and to compete globally in terms of graduates churned out from the university, there is the need to overhaul the curriculum. What do you think could be added to our current curriculum so as to meet these demands especially making our graduates have entrepreneurial skills/mindset and not be jobseekers?  A lot of efforts are going on in the area of reengineering our education curricular from basic to tertiary levels in Nigeria to meet the 21st century challenges and the global world of work. For basic education, the Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council (NERDC) has done a lot in terms of review of old curricular and development of new ones. In fact, the National Universities Commission has just released a new curricular, moving from BMAS to Core Curriculum Minimum Academic Standards (CCMAS), all in the efforts to rejuvenate the curricular. Curriculum review and change is a dynamic thing, and all relevant institutions in education are not resting on their oars.

I stumbled across a report in which someone said that he did analysis of the winners of the Spelling Bee competition which has been giving birth to the one-day governor and found out that most of the winner of this competition are from the eastern part of the country and not from the werst. In your own view what could you say could be responsible for this? Is it an indication that the westerners are not at the forefront of knowledge any longer? Maybe you will spare me from that controversy. I have not been following up with the Spelling Bees competition. But I can only encourage all the States in the Federation to invest more in the education of our children. If truly we agree that they are the future leaders, we need to scale up investment in education in Nigeria. Other countries are investing a larger percentage of their GDP and annual budgets to Education, significantly more than what we do around here. Also, investment in teacher education and professional development in highly imperative to have quality education.       

 What is the TRCN doing to meet the United Nations agenda of the goal 4. According to the UN, by the year 2030, all girls and boys must have access to complete, free equitable and quality education. In what way can we align with this goal to make it realisable in Nigeria? The Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria as a teaching regulatory body is particularly working in tandem with the Federal Ministry of Education and its agencies and all the States Ministry of Education, Teaching Service Commissions and SUBEBs to ensure that Nigeria has quality teachers to deliver an inclusive education system. We produced the professional standards for teaching in Nigeria, a new career path policy for Nigeria teachers, professional qualifying examination, and certification and licencing of professional teachers. SDG 4.3 is all about quality teachers and this has been the major preoccupation of the TRCN.

How is the TRCN ensuring that teachers are meeting up with the professional and ethical standards in the profession and making teaching impactful as it is the demand of the profession? Given its mandate, the TRCN is primarily concerned with quality teachers through its regulatory activities as mentioned above. And the efforts of TRCN has attracted global accolades, including the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) certificate in October 2022. Furthermore, TRCN is a member of the International Forum for Teaching Regulatory Authorities (IFTRA) and presently the Registrar of TRCN is the sitting President of the Africa Federation of Teaching Regulatory Authorities (AFTRA), that is to show you that TRCN is a global player in teacher regulatory affairs.

Thanks so much. Could we tell us about yourself? My name is Professor Josiah Olusegun Ajiboye. I am the Executive Director of the Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria (TRCN) - a body saddled with the onerous task of regulating the teaching profession. Besides, we are also involves in certifying the teachers. As a regulatory body, we ensure ethics, standards and effectiveness of the teaching profession. I was appointed the Registrar/Chief Executive of this body by President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Muhammadu Buhari on 1st August, 2016 where I am currently serving tjhe nation towards uplifting the teaching profession in Nigeria. I am married to Dr. (Mrs.,) R.O Ajiboye and we are blessed with children.   

I obtained my BEd, MEd and PhD from the University of Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria. I was a professor of Social and Civics/Environmental Education at the University of Ibadan, where I have also served as the HOD/Department of Teachers Education, Faculty of Education.

I have played active role as a member of the Social Studies of Nigeria (SOSAN), and the Secretary, Social Studies Association of Nigeria (Western Zone) from  1999-2011. Besides, I was member of the senate of the University of  Ibadan from 1988-2004. I was appointed again as a member from 2011-2016.

Besides, I was a member of the governing council of the Osun State College of Education, Ilesa between year 2000 and year 2004 and again in year 2010 and 2015. I am the Deputy President of the Federation of Teaching Regulatory Authorities (AFTRA).

I also took active role in ASUU as the helmsman of the University of Ibadan branch from November 24th to January 22nd, 2016. At present, I am the Zonal Coordinator of the UI Ibadan Zone till date.

Why adding Tech Skills to Talent Is Needed to Navigate the Future

It's no longer unusual for young people and students to refer to themselves as "tech bros" or "tech sis."

Young people need to understand why these terms are popular and how important it is to have a voice in a technologically advanced society, even though these terms may seem like the best thing since civilization. 

Today, technology transforms enterprises’ products/services and moves them from the backroom of an organisation into the hands of customers and society. This has contributed to making products/services increasingly customised for the customer, as society shifts steadily towards a service economy.

Over the past 10 years, as technology develops, many phenomena emerge that, when put together, have radically changed the capacity of businesses to create customer-centric services and products. 

The ability for innovation and small-scale improvement to happen more quickly has also increased, which is the most significant development. 

Technology has completely changed how businesses operate by allowing smaller businesses to compete on an equal footing with larger ones. To gain an advantage in the economic marketplace, small businesses use a variety of technologies, including everything from servers to mobile devices. 

Enhanced communication techniques

Businesses have been able to enhance their communication processes with the aid of business tech. Improved customer communication is made possible by tools like emails, short message services, websites and apps, for instance. Companies can saturate the economic market with their message by utilising a variety of Information Technology Communication methods. Through these electronic communication channels, businesses may also get more customer feedback.

Increased productivity

The days of businesses relying solely on manual labour to complete tasks and deliver goods. Artificial intelligence is used today to efficiently and quickly complete tasks. quickly and timely. 

Small businesses are now able to increase their employees' productivity through the use of technology. Computer programs and business software usually allow employees to process more information than manual methods. Business owners can use technology to streamline operations and cut down on the need for labour. This enables small businesses to save money on both labour and benefit expenses.

Even though learning tech skills is important, certain tech skills are more in demand than others in the twenty-first century. These are;

Artificial Intelligence

Around the world, various industries and sectors find great value in artificial intelligence.  In contrast to the natural intelligence exhibited by humans and animals, artificial intelligence is demonstrated by machines. 

Data Science

If you studied the sciences for your undergraduate degree, data science is a tech skill you might want to take into consideration. A student majoring in mathematics at a university would be more advantageous. 

Try data science if a tech skill you already possess isn't providing you with the opportunities you desire. Data scientists are people with data science expertise. 

Python

Python is a dynamically semantic, high-level, interpreted programming language. 

It is a type of computer programming language that is employed to create software and websites.

JavaScript

JavaScript is another highly sought-after technology skill that you shouldn't lose.  JavaScript is a scripting language used for web development and applications that allows you to dynamically update content, manage multimedia, and animate images. 

JavaScript is a core technology of the World Wide Web (www), HTML and CSS. 

Analytics

The term "analytics" refers to a methodical computation analysis of data or statistics that are used for analyzing, communicating, and describing significant and pertinent patterns in data. 

However, Google Analytics is a web analytics service that the company provides that aids in monitoring and reporting website traffic. 

DevOps

Software development and IT operations are combined in the DevOps set of practices. The capacity of an organization to create apps and services quickly is increased by a combination of culturally ingrained philosophies, practices, and tools. 

Computer Programming

The process of carrying out a specific computation through the design and construction of an executable computer program is known as computer programming. 

Writing instructions that are carried out by computers through codes is referred to as computer programming. 

Computer Security/Cyber Security

Computer security, also referred to as cyber security, is the safeguarding of data and computer systems against loss and unauthorized access. 

Cybersecurity is another name for the process of defending computer networks against data leaks, software, hardware, and electronic data damage. 

C++

Danish computer scientist Bjarne Stroustrup developed the general-purpose programming language C++. C++ is essentially a computer programming language extension. 

Cloud Computing

The last skill on our list of the most in-demand tech skills is cloud computing, but it is by no means the least important. 

The on-demand availability of computer system resources, in particular data storage and computing power, without the user's direct active management is known as cloud computing.

These skills must be used to increase productivity growth, promote greater inclusion, and make sure that the workforce is flexible enough to compete in future markets. 

n order for investments in technology and innovation to pay off, the ideal policy environment should be established as well as special attention being paid to STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) skills. 

The increasing importance of technology, climate change, demographic shifts, urbanization, and the globalization of value chains are just a few of the major global trends that are changing the nature of work and skill requirements. One needs a broad range of tech skills to succeed in the job market of the twenty-first century

Last line

The ability to access, manage, understand, integrate, communicate, evaluate, and create information in a safe and appropriate manner is referred to as having digital skills, which are cross-cutting and draw on all of the aforementioned skills

Tech skills can aid in structural change and economic growth by increasing employability and labour productivity as well as helping nations become more competitive. Investment in a skilled workforce has the potential to begin a positive feedback loop in which productive growth and foreign direct investment are made possible by quality labour, which in turn encourages the current workforce to work harder and better jobs while also attracting more public and private investment into the education and training system. The productivity and employability of the present and future workforce are subsequently increased as a result.

Through brief tech courses and training, which can last anywhere from six months to two years, young people, including women, can gain the tech skills necessary to compete for better-paying employment. Additional work must be done to include local businesses in order to ensure that the content and delivery of these programs meet the demands of the labour market.

Governance, funding, and quality control issues have a negative impact on the efficacy of tech skills programs. Access to these programs by adults and children from disadvantaged backgrounds may be limited as a result of the consequent excessively high prices, but they can do it with tenacity and zeal. 

Stakeholders hold retreat on Inclusive Education

The importance of inclusive education has been taken to the front burner even as The British Council through her School Connect programme recently brought education stakeholders together from across the country to deliberate on this issue at the Radison Blu Hotel, Victoria Island in December 2022.

The two-day retreat was attended by teacher, school heads, education administrators, policy makers, directors from the state/federal ministry of education, NGOs and other education stakeholders to discuss way forward on inclusive education.

The programme features: paper presentation by facilitators, panel discussion, experience sharing, question & answer, networking session and strategic meeting, while communique was issued at the end of the programme.  

While fielding questions from participants, Dr. Umoh Essien, an advocate of special education from Uyo state said there is need to take the inclusive education beyond rhetoric as the inclusive education has already been passed into law, but it has not been in practiced. He also said that for any child with special need, there should be special teacher and assistants in place to make such child learn. He lamented that in most cases, this is not so in Nigeria as even the facilities and special needs experts are not in place to make this function as it is in developed countries where he has had opportunity to teach.

Emmanuel Yakusak, another participant who was also a presenter at the programme said the challenge in making inclusive education work has to do with advocacy. He said with more awareness, more children will be able to access quality education.

Gbemiga Bankole, an award-winning teacher from Alimosho Grammar School commended the British Council for outing up such an impactful programme as it brings together key players on the topic of discourse.

"Be Focused" - Sanwo-Olu tells Students as School Resumes

                    

The Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu has charged students in the state to be focused, strive for excellence, exhibit creativity and continue to maximize the digital learning opportunity provided in the state.

This message was conveyed by Mrs. Folasasde Adefisayo to students across the state as school resumes for the year 2023.

Adefisayo said that the Sanwo-Olu’s administration has provided 1,047 new classrooms, rehabilitated over 197 classrooms, provided over 181,365 pieces of school furniture, commissioned a new technology-driven modular school at vet land Model Junior High School and the launch of the Eko Excel digital learning hub among others.    

The permanent secretary of the state, Mr. Abolaji Abayomi during a monitoring exercise at Ikeja Senior Grammar School, conveyed a new year greeting to pupils of the school and charged teachers to be committed saying, it takes a concerted effort to improve the standard of education in the state.

A major highlight of the monitoring exercise was the interactive moments where the permanent secretary did some counseling with students including students of special needs units while encouraging the teachers not to rest on their oars.

The monitoring exercise was conducted in about thirty schools around: Surulere, Gbagada, Somolu, Ojodu, Kosofe, Alimosho, Igbogbo, Ikorodu, Badagry and some other areas of the state. The aim of the exercise is to motivate both teachers and students.

Antigua Becomes the only African University

 Antigua Becomes the Only African University

Dow’s Hill, Piccadilly, Antigua – The University of Health Sciences Antigua (UHSA) has agreed to offer a 50 percent tuition scholarship and financing for African medical students as part of a partnership with 8B Education Investments. This partnership is designed to help African students displaced by the war in Ukraine to continue their medical education at UHSA.

The funding for 8B Africa comes from partnerships with a variety of lenders and institutions unified in their commitment to enable African innovators to receive a world-class education. During The Clinton Global Initiative, 8B announced 111.6 million in total funding. A portion of this funding will also be used for medical education financing.     

“As the only African-owned medical colleges in our region, it is imperative that we give back and provide the access these students need,” said Adedayo Akande, President of UHSA. “The war in Ukraine is heartbreaking, and only when speaking with these displaced students do you really understand what they are experiencing.”

To be a practicing physician, medical universities must provide students with the necessary clerkships, specific classes, and more. Because of UHSA’s curriculum and international partnerships, students who pursue medicine through their program will be eligible to become licensed to practice medicine in not only the US and Canada but also their home countries–an opportunity that may not have been available depending on the school they previously attended. 

To learn more about this program or apply for UHSA’s scholarship, visit https://www.uhsa.ag/admissions/financial-aid/. They are currently accepting applications for the upcoming January 16th, 2023 term. You can also learn more about the University of Health Sciences Antigua by visiting https://www.uhsa.ag/.

University of Health Sciences Antigua is an international medical school offering an elite education to aspiring physicians. Offering first and second-year students an extensive curriculum that includes research into psychedelic medicine for mental health. UHSA also has several international partnerships that have created pipelines for students to complete clerkships in both the US and Canada.

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