Education
South-Korea Hands Over $15m Model School to FCTA
By Laide Akinboade, Abuja
Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), has donated a $15 million model school to the Federal Capital Territory Administration, FCTA.
The Ambassador of the Republic of Korea, Maj.
-Gen. In-Tae Lee (Rtd), during the occasion assured that Korea would not hesitate to continue sharing experiences and assisting Nigeria in strengthening her educational sector and national capacity.Lee further said that the Nigeria-Korea model school is the centre of excellence for multimedia education, saying that in the future the school could be used as a teachers training centre for multimedia education in FCT.
”The multimedia equipment supplied is worth more than 1.3 US dollars and maintenance is essential to ensure the best use of these facilities. ”Today KOICA is handing over all the multimedia equipment and educational resources that have been provided by the Korean Government.”, he said.
FCT Minister, Malam Muhammad Bello, in his remark noted that the establishment of a great educational institution in Nigeria’s Federal Capital City, would help deepen cordial relationship between the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the Republic of Korea.
The Minister who was represented by the FCT Minister of State, Dr. Ramatu Tijjani Aliyu, stressed the value of education in nation building, noting that education was the bedrock of modern societies and the foundation on which great nations were built.
Bello noted that the Nigeria-Korea model school was one of the most sought-after basic education institutions in the Federal Capital Territory, just as he commended the government and people of the Republic of Korea, the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) and the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) for bringing the project to fruition.
He charged the Primary Education Board to put the facility to effective and efficient use.
Bello also promised that the Administration will expedite construction of the senior secondary component of the school and ensure that it was as aesthetically appealing and academically enriching as its model basic education counterpart.
“Here in the FCT, we have long recognised the capacity of education to provide the most viable route towards the attainment of our nation’s growth objectives. Therefore, the development of the education sector will be given priority in our growth agenda.
“This will involve establishment of new schools, rehabilitation of existing ones, recruitment of teaching staff and of course the training and retaining teachers to keep them abreast of current teaching methods,” he affirmed.
In her remarks, the FCT Minister of State, Dr. Ramatu Tijjani Aliyu, who was represented by the Director of Administration and Finance of the FCT Education Secretariat, Mallam Umar Marafa, stated that the school would no doubt raise the quality of learning and ultimately the quality of life of children in FCT.
According to her, “We want all our children, regardless of tribe, religion or circumstance to achieve their full potential. Our task as an Administration is to make it possible.
“It is on record that since the establishment of diplomatic ties in February, 1980, the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the Republic of Korea have progressively fostered closer and cordial relationship. This is undoubtedly another great leap in the right direction, all thanks to this laudable project by KOICA”.
She, however, appealed to KOICA to replicate the model school in the six geo-political zones across the federation, aimed at deepening the bilateral relationship between Nigeria and Republic of Korea.
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.
Education
10 Students Bag First Class in Kings University
No fewer than 10 graduates of Kings University, Ode-Omu, Osun, bagged first class degree as the institution held its 5th and 6th convocation ceremony on Friday.
Prof. Adenike Kuku, the Vice-Chancellor of the university in her remarks, said that the convocation was for thr 2023/2024 set christened “Royal and Elites Sets”.
Kuku said that the 2023 sets comprises of 37 graduands, while the 2024 sets had 66 graduands.
According to her, Bright Ayomide of 2023 sets had the highest CGPA of 4.
65 in Science/ Information Systems and Technology /Computer Science.She said that in the 2024 sets, Utibe-Ubon Emmanuella of the department of political science/humanities, management and social sciences was the best overall best student with 4.
69 CGPA.Kuku urged the graduands to put the knowledge acquired from the university into practice and impact the society positively through diligence and handwork.
Mr John Obaro, the CEO/Group Managing Director, System Specs Limited, who delivered the convocation lecture, urged the graduands to embrace digital technology to excel in their areas of endeavours.
Obaro spoke on the theme “Navigating the Digital Era: Embracing Creativity and Unlocking the Boundaries of Technology”.
He also urged them to be creative, unique and find areas of solving problems, which the world was facing through technology and digital innovations.
“Now is the time for you to build on the foundations laid by past innovations.
“Just as the wheel, writing, and the internet transformed society, the innovations of yesterday become the standard features of today.
“As you stand on the threshold of this new era, it is your moment to unleash your own innovations”, he said.
He also urged the graduands to develop digital skills, foster growth mindset, exploit transformative technologies and be value driven.
Obaro was, thereafter, conferred with Honourary Doctor of Science.
In his remarks, Pastor Matthew Ashimolowo, the Chancellor and Founder of the university, urged the graduands to be creative and explore areas of entrepreneurship to stand out.
Ashimolowo, the senior pastor of Kingsway International Christian Centre (KICC) also urged them to be solution providers.
According to him, the notion of chasing one’s passion is no longer reasonable in a world where employers are looking for problem solvers.
Ashimolowo said that in Nigeria and the world over, there were serious graduates who were unemployed.
He charged them to pursue self development, be creative, original and be sensitive to problem solving. (NAN)