Education
Ex-president, Jonathan Partners Jennifer Etuh Foundation on Girl-child Education
Former President, Goodluck Jonathan has pledged to support the Jennifer Etuh Foundation (JEF) to empower the under-served women and girls in the country with quality education and health.
Jonathan gave the pledge in Abuja at the inauguration of the foundation specifically setup in memory of late Mrs Jennifer Etuh, wife of Mr Thomas Etuh, Chairman, Fertiliser Producers and Suppliers Association of Nigeria (FEPSAN), who died in 2020.
He said people were usually celebrated because of the impact they made in the lives of others, and that in Jennifer’s case, her love for the poor would always be remembered even in death.
“It is not how long you live on earth that matters but what people say about you; we are here celebrating this lady because of what she achieved in a short while.
“People like this are rare to see because when she saw that she couldn’t survive her ailment, she told the husband ‘build a foundation for me to focus on girl-child education and health’.
“I am happy that the husband, children and friends have laboured to establish this foundation. As the Chairman of the Goodluck Jonathan Foundation, we will partner with Jennifer Etuh Foundation in every respect,” Jonathan said.
Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila, lauded late Mrs Etuh describing her as a woman of virtue.
Gbajabiamila regretted that he never had the opportunity to meet Mrs Etuh before her death but noted that the foundation had given him the opportunity to pay her a respect.
“Testimonies abound, but I must say that Mrs Jennifer Etuh came on a mission and she accomplished her mission and I will support the foundation with what I have and prayers,” he said.
In his memorial sermon, Pastor Agu Irukwu, Regional Pastor, the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), United Kingdom (UK), said Jennifer ran a good course and finished with an impressive score.
“Written upon Mrs Etuh’s grave was that part of the scripture that says, ‘I have fought a good fight, I have finished the race and I have kept the faith’; Mrs Etuh’s deeds live on
“Those who died in the Lord are blessed because of where they go and who they go to meet,” the pastor said.
Earlier, Mr Thomas Etuh said he had would forever remain grateful to God for achieving the desire of his wife which was to build a foundation to carter for less privileged women and girls.
Etuh said that the Jennifer Etuh Foundation comprising hospitals and schools would be established in the six geopolitical zones of the country to take care of our girls and women especially those with breast cancer.
“Before my wife died, she talked about things she wanted our four kids and I to give out and things she wanted for the foundation.
“She wanted hospital care that will be subsidised and a place where young ladies can acquire skills.
“We have contracted three world class hospitals, three cancer diagnostic centre and vocational centres; one each in Osun, Imo, Cross River, Lagos, Gombe, Kogi and in a state in North West; these hospitals are mother and child.
“Jennifer told me that I should put whatever she has in the foundation and basically these are her jewellery, wristwatches and so on,” Etuh said.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Jennifer Etuh Foundation has programmes and interventions for the less privileged on girl-child education, maternal and child healthcare, women skill acquisition and entrepreneurship as well as women empowerment.
It also focuses on women vocational empowerment and education. (NAN)
Education
Bells Varsity Honours 91 Students with First Class at 16th Convocation
Bells University of Technology, Ota, Ogun, on Saturday awarded 91 students of the institution First Class (Honours) at its 16th Convocation Ceremonies.
The convocation ceremonies are for the 2023/2024 academic session.
Ojediran said that a total of 969 students graduated in the academic session.
He said that they comprised the 91 students who made First Class grade, 505 who secured Second Class (Upper Division), 313 with Second Class (Lower Division) and 60 graduating with Third Class.
The vice-chancellor said that 220 students were graduating in the post-graduate category.
Mr Sally Farouk from the university’s Department of Architecture emerged the overall best student with a Cumulative Grade Point Average of 4.
94, according to Ojediran.He said that the institution set out to proffer best solutions from collective knowledge, shared experiences and resources, recognising that education was a lifelong activity.
The vice-chancellor lauded the staff of the university for cooperation and dedication to giving the students quality education.
“You have joined hands with the management of the institution to work on this fertile ground,” he said.
The Pro-Chancellor of the institution, Prof. Bart Nnaji, said that university was the first private university of technology in Nigeria, noting that it was established in 2005.
Nnaji said that the institution had made remarkable achievements in teaching and research as part of its vision to contribute to the growth and development of Nigeria.
“Let me also congratulate the graduating students who have distinguished themselves through their hard work and discipline and are being rewarded today.” he said.
In his remarks, the Chancellor of the institution, Dr Ibrahim Dankwambo, commended former President Olusegun Obasanjo for contributions to education development in the country.
Dankwambo also congratulated a former Executive Secretary of National Universities Commission (NUC), Prof. Peter Okebukola, and the Executive Director of Sahara Group, Mr Temitope Shonubi, for honorary doctoral degree given them by the university.
Report says that Okebukola and Shonubi were conferred with the degree for their outstanding pedigrees and services to humanity. (NAN)
Education
Prioritise Teachers’ Welfare, NUT President Urges Governors
President of Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), Audu Amba, on Tuesday, called on state governors to prioritise the welfare of teachers to enhance quality education at the grassroots.Amba made the call at the Adamawa NUT Delegates’ Conference, with the theme: “Education Challenge in an Economy of Uncertainty: Effect of Teachers,” in Yola.
While appreciating Gov. Ahmadu Fintiri for the immediate implementation of N70,000 minimum wage, he called on other governor, who had yet to implement it in their states to do so. The NUT president advised members to be productive and strive to undergo training and retraining to further enhance their efficiency and effectiveness.He called on delegates to elect leaders who would lead well and be bold enough to protect the interests of teachers.Amba also appealed to the governor to implement the minimum wage for primary school teachers and local government workers.In his address, Chairman of Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Adamawa chapter, Emmanuel Fashe, decried what he called over-taxation of the civil servants in the state, following the implementation of the new minimum wage.Fashe commended the state government for the recent employment of qualified teachers, calling for employment of more, especially primary school teachers.He urged the delegates to conduct themselves in an orderly manner and vote wisely.The governor, represented by his Special Adviser on Education Reform, Prof. Sofema Geoffrey, reiterated his administration’s commitment to the development of education in the state.According to him, NUT has a lot to showcase in term of support to government to ensuring quality education in the state.Fintri urged the delegates to conduct a peaceful conference.He assured that other issues at the forum, especially the ones on over-taxation, would be put into consideration. (NAN)Education
Over 40 Students Bag First Class at FUL
From Joseph Amedu, Lokoja
No fewer than 41 Students out of the total number of 1,863 bagged first class degree at the 8th convocation ceremony of the Federal University, Lokoja
The Vice Chancellor of the University, Professor Olayemi Akinwumi, disclosed this in his speech at the 8th convocation ceremony held at the Felele main Campus of the institution in Lokoja at the weekend.
He said that 461 students were conferred with Second Class Upper and 974 got Second Class Lower while 384 students bagged Third Class and 3 students were awarded Pass Degree.
Professor Olayemi Akinwumi also announced that a total of 117 students were awarded Diploma and 216 with postgraduate degrees: Ph.
D, Master’s and PGD.He said that within his short period in office, the university had embarked on a landmark Collaboration with Rural Electrification Agency to provide reliable power generation via renewal energy solutions such as installation of campus-wide street lighting and establishment of renewable energy training centres.
The Vice Chancellor also announced that Federal University, Lokoja under his administration established the first-ever Zoo and Conservatory in Kogi state to serve not only as a significant hub for research and education but also provide a unique platform for community engagement and environmental conservation.
“It is worth noting that prior to my assumption of office in 2021, only two inaugural lectures were held at our university but now I am proud to share that we have successfully conducted a total of twenty-two inaugural lectures since then.
“In our commitment to fostering engagement with critical societal issues, we have prioritised public lectures as the cornerstone of our mission at FUL. Since our last convocation, we have successfully organized six impactful public lectures that have addressed a variety of important topics” Professor Olayemi Akinwumi further disclosed.