By Eddy Ochigbo, Abuja

In a renewed move to enhance sustainable growth in education, the federal government has concluded plans to embark on 13 new infrastructure projects at the National Mass Literacy and Adult Education Commission (NMEC), Kano Centre, through Public/Private Partnership (PPP).

Minister of State for Education, Dr Yusuf Sununu, disclosed this on Tuesday at a stakeholders’ engagement and sensitisation meeting in Abuja to kick start the proposed land-swap deal for the development of critical infrastructure in Kano.

 

According to him, the public private partnership project would mark a turning point  in literacy education of adults across the country, regretting that it was unfortunate that Nigeria still had a significant number of adults who are either illiterate or have limited literacy skills.

 This major challenge, he said hinders the nation’s overall development and progress.

“This is another milestone and progress in the ministry, and we will be having it with private public partnership, and this is also part of President Bola Tinubu’s eight-point agenda.Government cannot do it alone and everyone of us needs this as stakeholders to bring development and move the country forward. We have a regulation guiding us which we will use to ensure that the plots that have laid fallow over the years are put to best use in our time,” he said.

While stressing the need to regulate teaching in the country, specifically to guide teaching and teaching practice, Sununu  revealed that  the 13 new infrastructure  projects – semi-detached two and three bedroom bungalows, state-of- the-art classrooms, clinic, library, hostels, a lecture theatre and recreational facilities, among others  – would  change the fortunes of the National Mass Literacy and Adult Commission, Kano centre, which has been lying fallow in the last 39 years.

“The projects would not only enhance learning at the centre, but would also provide a conducive environment for entrepreneurship in the centre. The Kano Centre of the National Mass Literacy Centre plays a crucial role in addressing this challenge by providing literacy education to adults across the country.

However, to effectively fulfil its mandate and reach more people, it is essential to have the necessary infrastructure and resources in place. This is where the proposed development of 13 critical infrastructures through land swap Public-Private Partnership comes into play. Through this innovative approach, we will be able to leverage the expertise, resources and capabilities of the private sector to create modern and functional learning facilities for the Centre,” Sununu enthused. 

On his part, the Executive Secretary, NMEC, Prof. Simon Akpama, expressed confidence that through collective efforts and sustained collaboration between the public and private sector the growth of education would make a significant impact on the lives of a cross section of Nigerians. He said the initiative would also empower youths and adults to contribute their quota to national development.

Meanwhile,  DAILY ASSET gathered that MASLAHA Homes and Development Limited, a leading Kano-based Real Estate company, which proposed the land-swap deal, has the capacity to design, finance and build the 13 new critical education infrastructure and assets for the Kano Centre of National Mass Literacy within the scheduled timeframe. 

West African Examinations Council (WAEC) says candidates for the November West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) will have the option of choosing between Computer Based Tests (CBT) and Paper Based Tests.
Head of National Office, WAEC, Nigeria, Dr Amos Dangut, stated this in Ibadan on Wednesday while monitoring the ongoing WASSCE, along with some principal officers of the council.

He said that the examination body had successfully conducted the first edition of the computer-based West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE), also known as CB-WASSCE in January/February.
According to him, private candidates writing WASSCE in November will have the opportunity of choosing between CB-WASSCE and paper-based test.
“The examination, held in January and February, yielded better performance compared to the previous year, with a significant decrease in malpractices from five per cent to 0.8 per cent.
“We are now gearing up for the upcoming private candidates’ examination in October and November, offering candidates the choice between the traditional pen and paper and the computer-based method,” Dangut said.
He said that the initiative was aimed at expanding computer-based examination to rural areas.
“It’s part of our plans to eventually implement computer-based examinations for all schools, in collaboration with the Federal Government and other stakeholders.
“We are also working on providing necessary facilities and training for schools to facilitate this transition,’’ he said.
The WAEC boss said contrary to what skeptics were saying, the transition to CBT method was a success and had reduced malpractices rate significantly.
“In any case, the world is already moving technologically. We also, as part of the global community, must ensure that we move along.
“And we can only do that by equipping our schools, getting the candidates prepared to face what lies ahead of them,” Dangut said.
While expressing satisfaction with the monitoring of WASSCE in some schools in Ibadan, he commended the calm and confident demeanor of the candidates and the conducive examination environment.
“It is my goal to maintain high standards across all schools to ensure fair comparisons of performance,” he said.
Dangut said that he was pleased to see the use of metal detectors and CCTV in some schools, expressing the hope that such practices were widespread.
He stressed the need for adequate infrastructure, well-equipped examination halls and qualified teachers, all of which, he said, were crucial elements for the advancement of the country’s educational system.
Also speaking, Mr Muhammad Musa, the National President, All Nigeria Confederation of Principals of Secondary Schools of Nigeria (ANCOPSS), said the monitoring exercise was an indication that the examination body was proactive.
“WAEC’s goal is to ensure credible and malpractice-free examination, and today’s experience reflects positively on public schools’ efforts.
“Teachers and students alike appear well-prepared, exuding confidence despite our presence,” he said.
According to Musa, to enhance education, the federal government should focus on empowering teachers.
“Well-trained teachers with subject mastery can effectively educate students.
“I encourage schools and government to prioritise teachers’ participation in national and state coordination as well as marking exercises.
“This hands-on experience equips teachers to better understand examination requirements and, in turn, improves their teaching.
“Additionally, government support in terms of infrastructure and qualified educators is crucial for the development of education,” he said.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that WAEC officials on the monitoring team included Prof. Jacob Kwaga, the Federal Government’s nominee in WAEC; Director of ICT, Mrs Olufolake Ajayi and Zonal Coordinator of WAEC, Ibadan, Rosemary Ojo-Odide.
Others were: Director of Human Resources, Mrs Genevieve Chukwudi-Nwoko and Victor Odu. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

By Eddy  Ochigbo, Abuja
President Bola Tinubu on Monday, launched a campaign to promote inclusive education, skill development, and gender equity, declaring that, “no child should be excluded from learning.”
The President spoke at the launch of the campaign at the State House Abuja, saluting the commitment of African First Ladies, as members of OAFLAD, to advance gender equality and narrow the gender gap across the continent.

The campaign tagged, #WeAreEqual, is an initiative of the Organization of African First Ladies for Development (OAFLAD).
The campaign has been launched in 15 African countries in different iterations, focusing on health, education, economic empowerment, and gender-based violence.  
The Nigerian component of the programme is tagged, ‘Education as a Powerful Tool for Change’, championed by the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, CON.
Tinubu said, “This campaign holds significant importance for us in Africa. I, therefore, congratulate you all, particularly my dear wife, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, the First Lady of Nigeria, who has chosen education as a primary tool to champion this campaign nationwide.
“The focus of the launch of this campaign in Nigeria, ‘Education as a Powerful Tool for Change’ is critical for Africa’s development, if we are to attain gender equity and ensure equal opportunities for all.
“We must continue to create opportunities for all our children to access quality education without leaving anyone behind, particularly the girl child. We must engender a society where everyone has the same opportunities, regardless of who they are, because doing that leads to a stronger and more peaceful society for all,” the President said.
Tinubu noted that the launch of the campaign in Nigeria coincided with the re-introduction of the Alternative High School for Girls advanced by the First Lady, adding that this initiative offers a second chance to young girls, who have dropped out of school, to continue their education and fulfill their dreams and aspirations.
“I am happy to note that the foundation stone of one of the schools was recently laid in Osun State, in western Nigeria, by the First Lady. More schools are underway across the country, supported by state governments, the federal government through the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), and other development partners.
“As governor of Lagos State, before I became President of Nigeria from May 29, 2023, I witnessed first hand how societal challenges, such as unwanted teenage pregnancy, domestic violence, human trafficking and drug addiction can obstruct the promising future of young girls.
“Indeed, the re-introduction of Alternative High School for Girls by the First Lady of Nigeria must have received inspiration from the successful implementation of a similar initiative in Lagos State during my tenure as governor,” the President said.
President Tinubu emphasized that education is the cornerstone of national development and that when girls are empowered to pursue their dreams, communities thrive, economies prosper, and nations succeed.
He said it is, therefore, incumbent on all stakeholders to continue to take bold and decisive actions to eliminate the structural inequalities that hold women back on the continent.
“We must be conscious of the fact that the empowerment of women and girls is essential to achieving each of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals. We must work together to promote laws and policies that protect and promote women’s rights, invest in girls’ education and skills development, and create economic opportunities that are accessible to all.
“For us in Nigeria, the full operationalization of the Student’s Loan (Access to Higher Education) Act is key to achieving these goals as it will ensure that all young people have unhindered access to education.
“The Nigerian government, through the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, is also implementing a N50,000 non-repayable grant programme for one million Nigerians in Nano businesses and skilled trades, including women and youth,” President Tinubu said.
The President also said his administration will continue to work to end gender-based violence and increase learning opportunities for girls, in safe and conducive environments, adding: “These measures will enable more women succeed in different vocations and properly shape their future endeavours, from politics to engineering, science, technology, sports, and the creative economy.”
Tinubu reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring that no Nigerian child is excluded from quality education that prepares women and girls to lead and bring positive change to communities.
“Let us carry forward this campaign, which promises to give an educated girl-child the potential to bring the necessary change and transform African communities for the better.
“It is now my honour to launch the (#) We Are Equal Campaign in Nigeria. I wish you all a fruitful deliberation. I enjoin you to enjoy your stay in our beautiful country,” the President concluded.