Education
FG Restates Commitment to Girl-Child Education

The Minister of Women Affairs, Dame Pauline Tallen, says the ministry is working assiduously in sensitising stakeholders toward ensuring the provision of quality and affordable education to the girl-child.
Tallen disclosed this on Thursday at a one-day virtual/physical international colloquium at the Distance Learning Institute (DLI) of the University of Lagos(Unilag).
The theme of the colloquium is: Recalibrating Open Distance Education and E-Learning for Resilient and Inclusive Education.
According to her, part of the efforts is developing a national strategy document that will ensure zero child marriage in the country by the year 2030.
“Over the years, crisis and other factors apart from Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic have disrupted the education of the Nigerian child (girl-child).
“And these are indeed the future generation of this country.
“Fully aware of the dangers that this trend pose to national development, the ministry has also ensured that the Child Right Act 2003 was passed in 26 states and VAPP Act of 2015, passed in 19 states, among other strategies,” Tallen noted.
She acknowledged that the advent of COVID-19 had redefined the narrative and dynamics of learning processes globally, noting that e-learning had become inevitable.
Earlier, the Vice Chancellor of the university, Prof. Oluwatoyin Ogundipe, described the theme of the conference as timely and part of the institution’s modest effort in guaranteeing and improving seamless access to quality tertiary education.
“This, we do through a blended approach for the fulfilment of individual’s academic aspirations.
“Permit me to state here that the DLI in the University of Lagos, has been recording success stories in all its programmes.
“This institute has accorded countless individuals from all walks of life the opportunity and the right platform to pursue tertiary education to meet their peculiar needs.
“The Distance Learning Institute of the University of Lagos started as the Correspondence and Open Studies Unit (COSU) in 1973.
“It metamorphosed into the Correspondence and Open Studies Institute (COSIT) in 1983 and later in 1997, it became the Distance Learning Institute.
“Through the evolution of the institute, it has continued to grow and lead in the provision of Quality Open Distance and Life-Long Education opportunities for producing high level skilled manpower through a blended mode,” Ogundipe stated.
He added that in support of this pursuit, management of the institution had continue to pay close attention to the improvement of ICT facilities available at the institute.
He added that this had in turn yielding good results as evident in the hitch-free conduct of online examinations conducted at the institute over the years.
Prof. Uchenna Udeani, Director of the DLI, said the main objective of the colloquium was to bring together international and national Open Distance Education and E-Learning practioners to deliberate on the irreversible changes that have come to higher education through two major sources.
“These sources are global development and COVID-19 pandemic; and proper solutions for repositioning the Open Distance Education and E-learning for resilience and inclusiveness,” she said.
According to her, education at all levels has changed forever and the speed of change taking place today means educators must act quickly and boldly to keep up.
She added that by focusing on inclusivity, resilience and digital transformation, educational institutions could build competitive advantage.
The don noted that Open and Distance Education was one strategy that enabled economic, social, political and digital justice.
“This is in part, the essence of this colloquium,” Udeani stated. (NAN)
Education
FG Releases ₦50bn to University Unions

By Tony Obiechina Abuja
The Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Olatunji Alausa, ha announced the release of ₦50 billion by the Federal Government to the academic and non-academic staff unions of federal universities for the settlement of earned allowances as promised by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
This landmark development stands as yet another testament to President Tinubu’s unwavering commitment to fundamentally transform Nigeria’s education sector.
According to a statement by Director of Press and Public Relations, Mrs Folashade Boriowo on Wednesday, the move reflects the administration’s bold resolve to transition the nation from a resource-based to a knowledge-based economy through strategic investments in education, infrastructure, and human capital.
The statement quoted the minister as saying Minister as saying, “This intervention is not just a financial transaction—it is a reaffirmation of our President’s belief in the capacity of Nigerian youth and the invaluable role that academic and non-academic staff play in nurturing them.
” By prioritizing their welfare, we are laying the foundation for a future where every Nigerian child receives highly qualitative and globally competitive education.”
The Minister expresses President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s heartfelt appreciation to both academic and non-academic unions for their sustained trust in his administration and for fostering an atmosphere of peace and cooperation across Nigeria’s federal institutions.
Notably, the country is currently experiencing one of the longest uninterrupted academic sessions in recent history—a feat attributed to the mutual understanding and shared commitment between the government and the university community.
The President reiterated that, “The youth are the heartbeat of our country. Their future is extremely important to me and my administration. Keeping our children in school is not negotiable. It is my commitment that strikes in our institutions will soon become a thing of the past—forever.”
The Minister has also pledged to continue working collaboratively with all stakeholders across the education value chain to ensure that every Nigerian child has access to quality education, comparable to global standards.
“This announcement marks a significant step in the President’s Renewed Hope Agenda and reinforces the Federal Government’s determination to make the Nigerian education sector a shining model for Africa and the world”, the statement added
Education
Earned allowances: FG releases N50bn to varsity unions

By Funmilayo Adeyemi
Abuja, April 23, 2025 (NAN) Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, has announced the release of ₦50 billion by the Federal Government to the academic and non-academic staff unions of federal universities.
This is contained in a statement made available to newsmen in Abuja on Wednesday by Director Press, Federal Ministry of Education, Folasade Boriowo.
Alausa said that the money was for settlement of earned allowances, as promised by President Bola Tinubu.
According to him, this ‘landmark development’ stands as yet another testament to Tinubu’s unwavering commitment to fundamentally transform Nigeria’s education sector.
“It reflects the administration’s bold resolve to transition the nation from a resource-based to a knowledge-based economy through strategic investments in education, infrastructure and human capital.
“This intervention is not just a financial transaction, it is a reaffirmation of our president’s belief in the capacity of Nigerian youths and the invaluable role that academic and non-academic staff play in nurturing them.
“By prioritising their welfare, we are laying the foundation for a future where every Nigerian child receives highly qualitative and globally competitive education,” he said.
The minister expressed the president’s heartfelt appreciation to both academic and non-academic unions for their sustained trust in his administration and for fostering an atmosphere of peace and cooperation across the country’s federal institutions.
“Notably, the country is currently experiencing one of the longest uninterrupted academic sessions in recent history.
“This is a feat attributed to the mutual understanding and shared commitment between the government and the university community,” he said.
Alausa pledged to continue working collaboratively with all stakeholders across the education value chain to ensure that every Nigerian child had access to quality education comparable to global standards.
Education
Northern Group Congratulates Kassim on NSUBEB Appointment

By Abel Zwànke, Lafia
The Zumunta Association, USA has extended its congratulations to Hon. Kassim Muhammed Kassim on his recent appointment as the Chairman of the Nasarawa State Universal Basic Education Board (NSUBEB).
In a message on Tuesday by the President of the association, Sunday Bitrus, the group described the appointment as well-deserved, citing Hon.
Kassim’s dedication to public service and educational development in the state.“This appointment is a testament to your unwavering commitment to public service, your dedication to the development of education, and your consistent track record of excellence in leadership,” the statement read.
Bitrus expressed confidence that Kassim’s leadership would bring about positive changes in the basic education sector of the state, noting that his experience and vision would help reposition the board for improved performance.
“We are confident that under your stewardship, the basic education sector in Nasarawa State will experience significant transformation and renewed progress,” he stated.
According to the association, Kassim’s elevation has brought pride not only to his constituents but also to the entire people of Nasarawa State.
“As a proud son of Nasarawa State, your elevation to this vital role not only brings pride to your constituents but also offers hope for the betterment of the future generation,” the association added.
While congratulating the new chairman, the group prayed for wisdom, strength, and divine guidance for him in the discharge of his duties.
“Once again, congratulations on this remarkable milestone. We wish you wisdom, strength, and divine guidance as you embark on this noble responsibility,” the statement concluded.