By Tony Obiechina, Abuja

The Minister of Education, Professor Tahir Mamman, has restated Nigeria’s commitment to qualitative and transformative education.

Prof Mamman spoke on Friday while participating in the prestigious Ministerial Leadership Forum at the Harvard University, Massachusetts, United States.

The event, hosted by Harvard Kennedy School’s Centre for International Development, focused on “Getting to Equity and Scale in Successful Education Programmes” as part of the Global Education and Research Unleashing Potential (GEAR UP) Initiative.

This high-profile event brought together 23 ministers from various countries to explore strategies for recognising successful educational initiatives and ensuring equitable access for students worldwide.

Mamman participated in a panel discussion alongside Education Ministers from other African countries, including Dr. Haja Ramatulai Wurie of Sierra Leone and Dr. Torerayi Moyo of Zimbabwe.

He shared insights on Nigeria’s educational reform efforts, emphasising the importance of infusing originality, communication, and digital skills into school curricula from primary to secondary levels.

The minister said Nigeria aims to create a “new character” for its education system. He finalised an action plan to implement his ministry’s legacy goals for the sector.

A statement by the Director of Press and Public Relations of the Federal Ministry of Education, Mrs Folasade Boriowo, the forum featured influential leaders from global organisations.

Some of the participants included a former President of Tanzania, Jakaya Kikwete and Director-General of the World Trade Organisation, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, who enriched discussions on leadership and educational development.

The newly-appointed Pro-chancellor of Aliko Dangote University of Science and Technology, Wudil, Justice Abdu Aboki, has promised to turn the challenges of the institution into opportunities.

Aboki, who made the promise in his inaugural speech, noted that his appointment was not just a personal milestone but a significant moment in the journey of the university.

“As we journey together in concert toward
impacting and making positive contributions toward the wellbeing of this
university.

“I have no doubt in the immense potential that lies in our students, management and the community at large in taking this university to greater heights,” he said.

He called on all stakeholders to collectively harness the strengths and resources available to transform challenges into opportunities for the benefit of Kano State and Nigeria.

“The journey ahead will not be without its obstacles, but I am confident that with your support and a shared commitment to our goals, we will succeed.

“It is important that we make a difference; to leave a lasting impact on future generations and to elevate Aliko Dangote University to new heights,” the pro-chanchellor said.

He expressed appreciation to Kano State Governor Abba Yusuf for his appointment, saying he was elated for being given another opportunity to render service.

“Having spent the better part of my adult life in
the public service, I feel elated for this opportunity to continue my service in this new capacity.”

On his vision as the institution’s pro-chancellor, Aboki promised to cultivate an environment where academic excellence would thrive.

He also promised that the institution’s students would be equipped with theoretical and practical knowledge and inspired to become leaders in their respective fields.

“Let us embark on this journey with a renewed sense of purpose and determination,” he added.(NAN)

The Federal Capital Territory Wing of the Nigerian Union of Teachers (NUT) on Wednesday, resumed industrial action over unresolved welfare issues between it and the six area councils of the territory.

The union declared the strike in a communique signed by its Chairman, Mr Abdullahi Shafa, State Secretary, Mrs Margaret Jethro, and State Publicity Secretary, Ibukun Adekeye.

The strike is a continuation of earlier ones suspended by the union in October 2023 and in January 2024.

The union, in the communiqué issued in Abuja, explained that the action was the outcome of the State Wing Executive Council (SWEC) meeting held on Tuesday.

It added that the SWEC had deliberated on the 14-day ultimatum given to the area councils’ chairmen to pay the teachers their entitlements.

The ultimatum expired on Tuesday, Sept. 17.

“The SWEC, therefore, resolved and directed primary school teachers in the FCT to resume the suspended strike action with effect from Wednesday, Sept. 18.

“All public primary schools in FCT should remain closed and parents are hereby advised to remain guided by this development until the union’s demands are met.

“We appeal to all teachers to remain calm and disregard any counter directives except as directed by the union,” it added.

The union identified one of the unresolved issues as non-payment of 60 per cent of the 25 months old minimum wage areas.

Other issues included non-implementation and payment of 25 per cent and 35 per cent salary increase, and non-implementation and payment of 40 per cent peculiar allowance.

The union is also demanding the payment of the N35,000 wage award arrears and the implementation of the template on outstanding entitlements of teachers as agreed in 2022.

The FCT Minister had intervened and promised to pay 40 per cent of the outstanding 25 months minimum wage arrears.

As part of the resolution for suspending the strike, the six area councils were expected to pay the remaining 60 per cent of the minimum wage arrears.

The teachers acknowledged and applauded Wike for redeeming the 40 per cent pledge, and frowned at the area councils’ chairmen for failing to fulfill their part of the agreement.

Reacting to the development, Dr Hassan Sule, acting Chairman, FCT Universal Basic Education Board (FCT-UBEB), appealed to the NUT to suspend the strike.

Sule said that discussion with the chairmen of the area councils was ongoing to resolve the issues. (NAN)