Education
Lawmaker Donates Laptops, Others to 4,274 Students in Kano
Rep. Abubakar Abubakar (APC-Kano), has donated laptop and desktop computers, printers, textbooks, and school bags to 4,274 secondary school students in his constituency.
Abubakar, representing Bichi Federal Constituency of the state, presented the items to the beneficiaries on Wednesday in Bichi.
He said that the gesture aimed at complementing government efforts in providing basic educational materials to schools in the state.
The lawmaker added that the gesture would further enhance the quality of teaching and learning in schools, noting that it would also make education affordable.
“We want to assist our children to have the basic learning materials to excel in their academic pursuits.
“I gave this assignment to members of the education committee of our constituency, and they came up with accurate statistics on the number of students and schools we have.
“So, today we are presenting 15,511 textbooks and notebooks, 550 laptop and desktop computers, printers and 4,274 school bags to the beneficiaries
“This is to ensure that every child in this constituency goes to school with the necessary learning materials,” he said.
Abubakar disclosed that he had built and furnished 200 blocks classrooms in 11 schools in the constituency, adding that plans were underway to give scholarship to graduates in the constituency who wish to further their education abroad.
‘’As you all know, we have students who are currently benefitting from our scholarship scheme within the country, we intend to expand it and send some graduates outside Nigeria to further their studies.
“To address the paucity of teachers in our public schools, I will engage 150 graduates in addition to the existing 106, to support the few teachers employed by the state government,’’he said.
Abubakar advised parents in the constituency to prioritise the education of their children, adding that such move would enable them become useful to themselves and the society in general.
Receiving the items on behalf of the students, Chairman of Bichi Local Government Area, Prof. Yusuf Sabo, thanked the lawmaker for the gesture, adding that the huge donation was first of its kind in the history of the council.
Earlier, Alhaji Lawan Shehu, member representing Bichi constituency in the Kano State House Assembly, described the gesture as a giant stride aimed at investing in the future of the younger generation within the constituency.
In a remark, Murtala Namowa, the Coordinator of the Education Committee of the constituency, called on other government officials, spirited individuals and groups in the constituency to emulate the lawmaker toward bettering the lots of the constituents.(NAN)(www.nanews.ng)
Education
Veritas University Graduates 795 in 13th Convocation Ceremony
The Veritas University, Abuja, on Saturday, graduated a total of 795 students in various disciplines from six facilities during its 13th Convocation ceremony
Report says that 716 of the graduands bagged first degrees while 79 graduated from the post graduate school.
56 if the first degree graduands came out with first class honours, 329 with second class upper division, 291 with second class lower division and 40 with third class.
The Vice-Chancellor of the university, Prof.
Hyacinth Ichoku, said that the impact of the institution had reflected in its standard of education.Ichoku said the students had recorded outstanding breakthroughs by winning awards for the school and country both at the national and international levels.
”Our students have continued to shine in the last years. The Software Engineering Department of the institution won the African Global Engineering Competition.
”We have also won the Commonwealth debating championship as well as an AI competition involving 150 university,” he said.
He added that the institution had inaugurated its endowment fund with the aim to generate funds to address the infrastructural need of the university.
He also said that the institution had just completed the construction of two separate hostels, each to accommodate 500 students, while also expanding its digital hub that would facilitate international teaching and learning.
He said pledged that the institution was planning the construction of its faculty of engineering and innovation.
In a goodwill message, the Acting Executive Secretary, National Universities Commission (NUC), Chris Maiyaki, lauded the institution its achievements.
Maiyaki said that the milestone resulted from years of hardwork, resilience and commitment in inculcating academics and moral values for the educational advancement of the country.
The institution’s Pro-chancellor and Chairman of Governing Council, Dr Matthew Kukah, said that the country was at the crossroads as a result of numerous challenges the country is faced with.
Kukah said that with the emergence of a new terrorist group, there was need for the country to brace up to this challenge to avert future problems.
He charged the graduating students to deliver on the confidence reposed in them to help the country find a lasting solutions to some of the challenges.
Highlight of the event included award of prizes to the outstanding students in their various departments and faculties.
Prominent Nigerians also bagged the institution’s honorary doctorate degree award.
The honorees were the Asagba of Asaba Kingdom, Prof. Epiphany Azinge, and the Executive Secretary, Sahara Power Group, Kolawole Adesina.
Others are Archbishop Emeritus of Ibadan Archdiocese, Most Rev. Alaba Job and Archbishop Emeritus of Owerri Archdiocese, Most Rev. Anthony Obinna.(NAN)
Education
Empower Varsity Students For Green Jobs – NAUS National Ex-officio
The national ex-officio of the National Association of University Students (NAUS), Moses Alalade, has called for equipping Nigerian students with the skills needed to excel in green careers.Alalade said green jobs are critical not only for sustainable development but also as a pathway to meaningful employment opportunities for young Nigerians.
In a press statement, he appealed to government bodies, industry stakeholders, and educational institutions to support programs that empower young professionals in the sustainable energy sector. “We call on the government and industry stakeholders to support programs designed to illuminate the path for young professionals interested in the fast-growing field of sustainable energy.”As we prepare the next generation of professionals, it’s essential that we offer the skills needed to contribute effectively to a sustainable energy sector.“Green energy is pivotal to achieving Sustainable Development Goal 7 (SDG 7), offering renewable solutions that help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate climate risks,” Alalade said.According to him, green jobs, which have a direct positive impact on the environment, are increasingly vital as we address the challenges of climate change and environmental degradation.”These roles are at the forefront of the shift toward a low-carbon economy and are integral to creating a sustainable future. As countries and organizations prioritize clean energy, there is a growing demand for skilled professionals to design, install, and maintain renewable energy systems.”He further acknowledged the importance of partnerships in advancing these goals, commending government agencies and international organisations that contribute to sustainable energy efforts.“We appreciate key government agencies and organizations, such as Student Energy, for their commitment to training young Nigerians and supporting sustainable energy solutions,” he stated.Prior to his leadership at NAUS, Alalade actively led sustainability initiatives as Chapter President of Student Energy.Student Energy, a Canada-based non-profit, is dedicated to building capacity in clean energy for young leaders across campuses worldwide.Under Alalade’s leadership, the chapter launched the Switch and Spark Initiatives, which offer students exposure to clean energy concepts and hands-on experience with sustainable solutions.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)