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Category: Education

  • Cyberwise takes cybersecurity awareness to Dr Soyemi Memorial Secondary School

    Cyberwise takes cybersecurity awareness to Dr Soyemi Memorial Secondary School

    Students of Dr Soyemi Memorial Secondary School, located in the FESTAC area of Lagos, have been enlightened on cybersecurity at the cyber awareness and enlightenment workshop organised by Cyberwise Foundation on April 30, 2025.

    Members of the Cyberwise Foundation, led by the founder, Olukunmi Abbas Owoade, met the students in high spirits and took them on a journey into protecting themselves from cyber threats.

    Owoade

    Governance, Risk and Compliance (GRC) team lead with proficiency in Security Operations Centre (SOC), Kolapo Famojuro, made an engaging presentation on cybersecurity, identifying common online threats as phishing, social engineering, identity theft, malware, cyberbullying and ransomware.

    He described phishing as the practice of sending fraudulent communication that appears to come from a legitimate and reputable source, usually through email and text messaging. The goal is to steal money, gain access to sensitive data or install malware.

    According to him, some types of phishing include smishing (SMS-based), vishing (video-based), spear (targeted at a specific person, not a group of people) and whaling (such as Business Email Compromise).

    Mr Famojuro advised the students on certain precautions to take when dealing with phishing attacks. He urged his listeners not to share personal information online, such as NIN, BVN and bank card details and always verify before downloading items or clicking on unsolicited links especially the ones that offer free gifts like data bundles.

    Famojuro

    Famojuro also acknowledged that while it is fun to post on social media, users must be careful of what they share about themselves especially location and luxury items and must also leave digital footprints and trails that are acceptable in society.

    He also spoke extensively about artificial intelligence (AI), listing some of the risks associated with it as lack of transparency, bias and discrimination, privacy concerns, ethics, security, dependency on AI, concentration of power and hallucination.

    The workshop’s moderator, Olabisi Lawanson, ensured to keep the students engaged in activities to show their understanding of the subject matter.

    The second facilitator, Ayomide Olasupo, said cyberbullying can come in the form of flaming tactics where a bully uses profanity and vulgarity to provoke a minor online. She noted that trolls like anger and want other people to be miserable like them.

    She urged young people not to engage with trolls but to block and report them, save evidence, tell a trusted adult, build a support network and use helplines.

    Olasupo

    Ms Olasupo also got the students to pledge to be kind and respectful online, to be upstanders rather than bystanders and to keep the internet a happy and safe place for everyone.

    She concluded with the term “THINK”, advising that before sharing any material online, one must ask pertinent questions: Is it TRUE? Is it HELPFUL? Is it INSPIRING? Is it NECESSARY? Is it KIND?

    One of the students (name withheld) shared her experience with cyberbullying. She said a male adult sent her nudes online and asked for hers. The student said she told her mother about it and the contact was immediately blocked, emphasising the need for young people not to hide such cases from a trusted adult around them.

    Following this was a panel set up to further dissect the concept of cybersecurity.

    Among the discussants were the school’s counsellor, Victoria Ojemakinde, the school’s information technology teacher, Omolara Adesanya, Famojuro and Olasupo. The session was moderated by Mr Owoade.

    Mrs Ojemakinde urged students not to share nude pictures or their location or parents’ financial status. She also encouraged them to define their happiness, stating that “Whatever intimidates you is because you allowed it.”

    On safe internet usage, Mrs Adesanya advocated the use of strong passwords which should include special features and capital letters.

    Famojuro also spoke briefly about deepfakes: a concept for digitally manipulated images, videos or audio created using artificial intelligence (AI). He advised the students not to expose their fingerprints when taking pictures that will be posted on social media as they can be manipulated by cyber criminals.

    Students who participated actively were presented branded gifts from Cyberwise Foundation.

    Speaking with Vanguard after the workshop, an SS1A student, Chimbuchi Chukwueze, said: “I learnt we should always be careful of what we do on the internet so we can protect ourselves and others around us.

    “Today, I see many people posting mean comments especially on TikTok and Instagram. From now on, I want to try not to be like them but to post good comments to encourage people.”

    He also encouraged Cyberwise Foundation to keep up the good work, stating that cyber awareness is very important in today’s world.

    Also, Ulueme Favour, an SS2A student, explained what she learnt from the workshop. “I learnt that we should not put our personal data on a site that we’re not sure of. Whenever I see a website that is not genuine, I will be able to identify it because of what I learnt from Cyberwise. I’d like to thank Cyberwise for imparting such wonderful knowledge to me, for making me cyber-wise,” she said.

    An SS2A student, Amarachi Odidi, said, “I learnt how to be cyberwise and how to improve my social life on the internet. I have also learnt not to be very dependent on AI. I also learnt about cyberbullying and how to report cyberbullies.”

  • WAEC unveils portal for past WASSCE questions

    WAEC unveils portal for past WASSCE questions

    The West African Examinations Council, WAEC, has announced four significant innovations for the upcoming 2025 West African Senior School Certificate Examination, WASSCE. One of such is a portal to access past questions.

    The notable change introduces a unique question set for each candidate, alongside a transition to a computer-based examination format.

    Dr. Amos Dangut, the Nigeria National Office Head of WAEC, expressed enthusiasm about these innovations, stating, “In our continuous effort to enhance the educational experience and improve student outcomes, WAEC is excited to announce the introduction of an innovative e-learning portal and an e-study portal, along with the availability of past examination questions.”

    One of the key innovations includes the addition of past questions, which will now be accessible online.

    This resource is designed to help candidates prepare effectively by familiarizing them with the exam format and question styles.

    “By practicing with these questions, candidates can identify their strengths and areas that require improvement, leading to better performance in the examination,” Dr. Dangut explained.

    The E-Learning Portal is another significant development. This platform will offer a comprehensive suite of educational materials, including video tutorials and interactive lessons tailored to the WASSCE curriculum. “By leveraging technology, we aim to create an engaging learning environment that encourages self-paced study, ultimately enhancing the academic readiness of our candidates,” he added.

    Additionally, the newly introduced E-Study Portal will serve as a centralized hub for essential study resources, including study guides and revision tips. It will also facilitate collaboration among students through discussion forums.

    “This will allow them to engage with peers and educators for a more enriched learning experience,” Dr. Dangut noted.

    Further highlighting WAEC’s commitment to improving the examination process, several auxiliary initiatives have been introduced. The incorporation of the National Identification Number, NIN into the registration process, increased female participation, and the enlistment of approximately 26,000 practicing senior secondary school teachers as supervisors demonstrate WAEC’s emphasis on secure and effective examination administration.

    Dr. Dangut commented on these efforts, saying, “These initiatives align with WAEC’s commitment to improving educational outcomes and providing candidates with the tools they need to succeed.”

    With the examination period extended to eight weeks, candidates will have better access and scheduling flexibility.

    Moreover, WAEC has partnered with the Nigeria Police Force and state governments to bolster security measures during examinations.

    “Our goal is to reinforce the integrity of the assessment process,” Dr. Dangut added, highlighting ongoing awareness campaigns that educate candidates about the consequences of examination malpractice.

    The 2025 WASSCE will cover a diverse array of subjects, with candidates being examined in 74 different areas, allowing for comprehensive assessment across various fields of study.

    “By integrating technology into our examination process, we can better support our students in their academic journeys and uphold the integrity of the West African Senior School Certificate Examination,” concluded Dr. Dangut.

  • Community protests against outrageous school fees at Govt College Umuahia

    Community protests against outrageous school fees at Govt College Umuahia

    Natives of the Ihie Ndume community in Umuahia East state constituency have stormed the Abia State House of Assembly Umuahia, demanding a slash in what they described as outrageous school fees at Government College, Umuahia, GCU.

    The protesters who arrived at the Assembly complex before the plenary session stated that they could not afford the outrageous school fees charged by the management team of GCU.

    The protesters, led by the President of the Abia State chapter of Common Man Assembly, Nathaniel Nwoko, alleged that the present administrators of the school had converted the public school to a private institution and denied intelligent children from poor homes the opportunity to access quality education.

    They said, “We demand that the school fees be slashed to enable the children of the poor to enrol into the school. We are also begging Governor Alex Otti to ensure that the Abia State government becomes part of the management team. We say no to the outrageous school at Government College, Umuahia. N1 million is too outrageous. The school fees should be made affordable to all students, irrespective of their parents’ social status.

    “Government College Umuahia is a public school and should remain a public school where intelligent children can attend, irrespective of their parent’s social status.”

    Addressing the protesters, Okoro Uchenna Kalu, Chairman of the House of Assembly Committee on Education, said the matter is receiving attention at his table.

    He also disclosed that Governor Alex Otti is interested in the matter and pledged that the House will be diligent on the matter.

    On his part, Deputy Speaker Austin Meregini, who represents the Umuahia East state constituency where the protesters came from, urged his constituents to return peacefully to their homes as the House would ensure that the right thing was done.

    Vanguard gathered that an indigene of Emede Ibeku, Umuahia, Mr Chukwudi Onwudinanti, had also petitioned the State House of Assembly alleging that Fisher Education Development Trust, FEDT, who manages GCU, had increased the school fees to over N1 million Naira annually and converted the school to a private institution.

  • Why children must be allowed to use their innate curious nature — Experts

    Why children must be allowed to use their innate curious nature — Experts

    Experts in tbe field of philosophy, who relate with children, have urged parents to allow their children develop and use their innate curious nature to ask questions and thereby develop critical thinking abilities.

    This is just as they called on the government to let the National Policy on Education take cognizance of the need to develop creative thinking abilities in the young ones.

    The experts are Dr Omolara Oshinowo and Dr Leo Igwe.

    Oshinowo, who spoke on Descartes’ foundationalism as a model for doing philosophy with children, at a forum organised by the Critical Thinking Social Empowerment Foundation in conjunction with the Department of Philosophy,  University of Lagos, UNILAG, said children are naturally inquisitive and they should not be shut down when they ask questions.

    “Children must be allowed to use their innate curious nature. It will allow them to think outside the box. We should not box them inside the box. Creative thinking is problem-solving in nature. The National Policy on Education does not take into consideration the need for creative thinking in children and this must be redressed,” she said.

    Also, Dr Leo Igwe, a member of the International Council of Philosophical Inquiry with Children and director of Critical Thinking Social Empowerment Foundation, emphasized why philosophy for children matters in Nigeria.

    “Until recently, I dismissed the idea of a philosophy for or with children because such an endeavour seemed to be of no consequence. I was of the notion that children were too young, intellectually immature to engage in philosophical inquiry. I thought that philosophical endeavours were for adults, and ‘mature’ minds. My belief was that philosophy was too abstract, too dry for children to undertake, exercise, comprehend or relate to. I studied philosophy for my first and second degrees. Even as an 18-year-old, I struggled to understand philosophical arguments, dialogues and propositions. I had wondered: “Are children able to grapple with ultimate questions such as: why is there something rather than nothing? Why is there anything at all? Where do we come from? Where are we going? Does life have a purpose etc?

    “So, the idea of doing philosophy with children never clicked, it never resonated with me. I regarded philosophy as a rigorous discipline not a child’s play. Again I read about Socrates who got into serious trouble as a result of his philosophical endeavours. He was found guilty of impiety and of corrupting the youths of his day.

    “But not too long ago, I made a U-turn. I rediscovered doing philosophy with children. I noticed that philosophical thought had no age bracket, that the art of deep thinking and reflection was not only for adults. Philosophy starts with children. Every child embodies philosophical moments, and dispositions, the sentiments of curiosity, reflection, ratiocination, exploration and other accessories. I realised that children philosophized and engaged in reasoned thinking and inquiry.”

  • Epic literary showdown as 252 novelists compete for NLNG’s $100,000 lit Prize

    Epic literary showdown as 252 novelists compete for NLNG’s $100,000 lit Prize

    The stage is set and as it stands, one out of the overwhelming 252 entries received for the 2025 Nigeria Prize For Literature will, expectedly, emerge victorious come October this year.

    The record-breaking entries received for this year’s edition was announced by the Advisory Board of The Nigeria Prize for Literature, sponsored by NLNG, on Tuesday during a Handover ceremony held in Lagos. The 252 entries are an impressive increase from the 2024 figure of 163, as well as the 2021 Prose Fiction cycle, which saw 202 submissions. These record-breaking submissions have set a new level for the quality of entries, promising to be the fiercest competition in the Prize’s history.

    The Nigeria Prize for Literature continues to set the standard for literary excellence. The 2025 edition focuses on prose fiction and as usual, comes with a cash award of US$100,000.

    The Prize, regarded as Africa’s most prestigious literary prize, and one of the richest globally, rotates annually across four literary genres: Prose Fiction, Poetry, Drama, and Children’s Literature.

    During the press conference, NLNG’s General Manager for External Relations and Sustainable Development, Sophia Horsfall, represented by Manager, Corporate Communication and Public Affairs, Anne-Marie Palmer-Ikuku, handed over the entries to the Prize’s Advisory Board, led by the literary icon and past winner, Professor Akachi Adimora-Ezeigbo.

    The entries were subsequently presented to the panel of judges, chaired by Professor Saeedat Bolajoko Aliyu of the Department of English and Linguistics Studies, Kwara State University. This officially marked the start of what promises to be an intense and highly competitive adjudication process.

    Speaking at the handover ceremony, Horsfall attributed the high number of entries to “a surge in literary creativity, demonstrating a reinvigorated passion for creative works and a deepened global awareness of Nigerian literature.”

    Her words, “Year on year, this event validates the Nigeria Prize for Literature and the Nigeria Prize for Literary Criticism. The evidence is in the number of entries that we receive for these prizes every year. In the past 20 years, the Nigerian prize for Literature has enriched our society by nurturing a culture of literary excellence fostering creativity and amplifying the voices of Nigerian writers on the global stage. Through this literature prize, we have witnessed the transformative power of storytelling in shaping perspectives, preserving our cultural heritage and inspiring future generations.

    “The US$100,000 literature prize is notably one of the most prestigious literary prizes in Africa, while the Nigeria Prize for Literary Criticism valued at US$10,000 strengthens our commitment to literary excellence. These prizes not only celebrate outstanding literary craftsmanship, but they also shine a global spotlight for them.

    “This year’s cycle of the Nigeria Prize for Literature is dedicated to prose fiction and it marks an extraordinary milestone in the history of the prize. We recorded an overwhelming 252 entries, surpassing the 2021 edition of 202 entries.”

    According to her, “This year’s record entries reaffirm the prize’s impact, proving that Nigerian literature is not only thriving but also commanding greater international recognition.

    “Today’s handover ceremony is a proof of the ingenuity, dedication, and relentless drive of NLNG, our respected advisory boards and judges, and every writer who has entered either for the Literature prize or the Literary Criticism prize. Our commitment to advancing excellence in the quality of literature to improve reading and literacy appetite through these noble prizes is in consonance with NLNG’s aspiration of improving lives sustainably.”

    The handover ceremony sets the stage for the longlist of 11, the announcement of the shortlist of three, and the eventual outcome of the 2025 edition of the prizes.

    Also speaking, Chairperson of the Advisory Board, Professor Adimora-Ezeigbo, expressed optimism that the caliber and volume of entries submitted this year would significantly elevate the quality of the competition. She noted that the remarkable diversity and depth of literary works would not only make the adjudication process more compelling, but also reaffirm the prize’s unwavering commitment to literary excellence.

    “We are confident that this year’s adjudication will be as good, if not better than the ones in the past. We thank NLNG for what it’s been doing for Nigerian educators and the Nigerian educational system. Of course, we know that they are also doing great for science.

    “This is a prize that has empowered many writers and promoted Nigerian literature. It has developed the book chain in Nigeria. Now people are very conscious of how they publish. Publishers are very conscious of how they publish; they don’t just print books. Now we are producing books that are properly edited. Writers are writing carefully because many of them want to submit their work for the prize,” she said.

    She then urged the panel of judges to approach the process with the highest standards of integrity and objectivity, upholding the legacy of rigour and distinction that has become the hallmark of the Prize, adding that the Advisory Board is fully engaged and anticipates every stage of the selection process with enthusiasm, as this edition may prove to be one of the most competitive in the history of the Prize.

    The Advisory Board also announced the receipt of 37 entries for The Nigeria Prize for Literary Criticism. The Literary Criticism Prize winner will receive $10,000.

    Other members of the panel include Professor Stephen Mbanefo Ogene, Professor of English Language and Literature at

    Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, and Mr Olakunle Kasumu, writer, filmmaker, producer, and host of Channels Television’s Book Club.

    Dr Grace Musila, an Associate Professor in the Department of African Literature at the University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa, serves as the International Consultant for this year’s edition.

    Notable past winners in the Prose Fiction category include Kaine Agary (Yellow Yellow, 2008), Chika Unigwe (On Black Sisters’ Street, 2012), Abubakar Adam Ibrahim (Season of Crimson Blossoms, 2016), and Professor Cheluchi Onyemelukwe-Onuobia, whose novel The Son of the House clinched the Prize in the 2020/21 edition. The inaugural edition of the Prize for Prose Fiction in 2004 did not produce a winner.

  • JAMB dissociates self from false, misleading messages on UTME

    JAMB dissociates self from false, misleading messages on UTME

    The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has dissociated itself from the ongoing circulation of false, misleading, and criminal messages targeting candidates who registered for the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).

    The JAMB spokesperson, Dr Fabian Benjamin, in a statement on Wednesday in Abuja, said these messages were being disseminated by suspected fraudsters with the intent to defraud unsuspecting individuals.

    Benjamin noted that the perpetrators had exploited the numerical variant of UTME, 8863, and merged it with the Board’s sort code, ‘55019’, to create a deceptive sort code that mimics JAMB’s official messaging system.

    According to him, through this fraudulent scheme, they have been sending misleading messages to candidates, falsely claiming to detect manipulations in their JAMB details and urging them to contact certain individuals who will “assist” in resolving these fabricated issues.

    “We want to emphasise that these messages are not from JAMB. Security agencies have been notified and are actively tracking the perpetrators behind this scam.

    “Candidates are strongly advised to ignore such messages. This is a common tactic employed by fraudsters, who seek to exploit the examination period to deceive and defraud innocent candidates.

    He, therefore, urged the general public to remain vigilant and critically assess the messages they receive, adding that any communication that does not align with JAMB’s official channels or uses suspicious language or instructions should be treated as fraudulent.

  • Unilorin student sets new global record in Mathematics

    Unilorin student sets new global record in Mathematics

    With a lecture spanning 31 hours, 42 minutes and 54 seconds, a 400-level University of Ilorin Mathematics Student, Kazeem Sanusi, has set a new Guinness World Book Record for the ‘Longest Mathematics Lesson’.

    The groundbreaking event, which was witnessed by representatives of the Guinness World Record, smashed the previous record of 26 hours of non-stop lessons.

    According to the statement issued by the University Director of Information, Kunle Akogun,”Kazeem performed the feat to the cheers of a captivated audience led by the University Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Wahab Egbewole, SAN; the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Management Services), Prof. Adegboyega Fawole; the Registrar, Mr Mansur Alfanla; the Dean of Physical Sciences, Prof. Abdullahi Alafara Baba; the Ag Dean of Student Affairs, Dr. Alex Akanmu, and the Student Union President, Comrade Victor Agezeh, among others.

    “He is now eagerly awaiting official confirmation from Guinness World Record.”the statement said.

    “Congratulating the student prodigy, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Egbewole, said that the University is “immensely proud of the feat of Kazeem, and we will continue to encourage others to find their passion and pursue it.”

    “Prof. Egbewole expressed hope that with the provision of the enabling environment by the University Management for students to be the best they could be, others would be inspired by Kazeem’s feat to also break all ceilings and continue to write the name of the University in gold.”Akogun concluded in the statement.

  • Transforming Education: Enugu’s disruptive model

    Transforming Education: Enugu’s disruptive model

    Imagine a future where every child, regardless of background, has access to a world-class education—one that nurtures creativity, critical thinking, and technical expertise from an early age.

    Picture classrooms equipped with digital whiteboards, students engaging with Artificial Intelligence and Robotics, and an education system seamlessly integrating cutting-edge technology with practical skills. This is not a distant dream but a tangible reality taking shape in Enugu State, Nigeria.

    Nigeria’s education sector has faced persistent challenges for decades—insufficient funding, outdated curricula, and a disconnection from modern technological advancements. These limitations have stifled progress, leaving generations of students ill-equipped for the rapidly evolving global economy. However, a radical transformation is underway in Enugu, led by Governor Peter Mbah’s visionary leadership. The goal is clear: to position Enugu as Africa’s leading hub for human capabilities, producing a generation of thinkers, innovators, and problem-solvers who will drive economic and technological progress.

    This transformation is anchored on three strategic pillars—experiential and future-oriented learning, inclusive and equitable education, and strengthening technical, vocational, and higher education. By reimagining the role of education and making unprecedented investments in learning infrastructure and curriculum development, Enugu is pioneering a model that other states and nations can emulate. In this new era, education is not just about acquiring knowledge but about building competencies that empower students to thrive in a dynamic world.

    Traditional Nigerian education has relied heavily on rote memorisation, leaving students ill-prepared for the demands of an evolving world. Enugu State is shifting towards Experiential Learning, where students gain knowledge through practical applications rather than passive listening.

    To achieve this, the state will integrate cutting-edge technologies into the curriculum: Interactive Digital Whiteboards and Tablets to create engaging, interactive lessons; Artificial Intelligence (AI) and robotics to teach problem-solving and innovation; Virtual and Augmented Reality (VR/AR) to provide immersive learning experiences; and the Internet of Things (IoT) to introduce students to smart technologies.

    A 2023 report by the World Economic Forum states that “65% of children entering primary school today will work in job roles that do not yet exist.” Enugu’s forward-thinking approach ensures that its students will not only be ready for these jobs but will pioneer them.

    STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education is at the heart of this reform, ensuring that students are not just consumers of technology but creators, innovators, and future leaders in the global digital economy. In the words of Governor Mbah, “Our children will not just use technology; they will build it, shape it, and lead the world with it.” A key component of this transformation is ensuring that every child in Enugu State has access to quality education, regardless of socio-economic background.

    The government addresses this challenge by constructing 260 Smart Green Schools, one in each ward, to ensure widespread access to modern education facilities. The Smart Green Schools project is a radical rethinking of primary and secondary education in Enugu. Each school will feature state-of-the-art facilities, including interactive classrooms, digital labs, AI-driven learning tools, and a curriculum designed for the 21st century, focusing on skills such as critical thinking, creativity, and technological proficiency. The pilot school in Owo, Nkanu East LGA, is already operational, with many more under construction. The government has committed to completing all 260 schools by September 2025.

    The government is introducing Early Childhood Education (ECE), which focuses on social skills, cognitive development, and problem-solving from as early as three years old, provides special accommodations for children with disabilities, and ensures inclusivity. This initiative will ensure that every child receives a world-class education from age three onwards, preparing them for success in an increasingly technology-driven world. According to a McKinsey report on education, “Students who engage in digital and experiential learning from an early age show a 45% improvement in problem-solving skills compared to traditional methods.”

    These measures ensure that education in Enugu is not just a privilege but a right, setting a precedent for other states. A 2022 UNICEF report states, “Nigeria has one of the highest numbers of out-of-school children in the world, with over 10.5 million not receiving formal education.” Enugu’s investment aims to change this narrative, ensuring no child is left behind, especially in Enugu.

    A significant flaw in Nigeria’s education system is that it is disconnected from industry needs. Many graduates are unemployed due to a mismatch between their skills and market demands. Enugu’s model seeks to bridge this gap by prioritising Science, Technical, and Vocational Education (STVE). Many students will transition to STVE institutions after graduation from Smart Green Schools. Eight new Technical and Vocational Schools (one per Federal Constituency) are under construction, ensuring that students interested in practical skills training have access to top-tier facilities. The Government Technical College (GTC), Enugu, is being revitalised as the flagship institution for technical education.

    Other key initiatives include building eight specialised STVE schools, one per Federal Constituency, offering training in fields such as Industrial Technology & Engineering, Software Development & Information Technology, Building & Fabrication Engineering, and Industrial Agriculture. Upgrading tertiary institutions to incorporate experiential learning methodologies, including Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT) and the Institute of Management and Technology (IMT). Ensuring ESUT’s programmes are accredited, with 97% of courses now officially recognised, thanks to increased government investment. Clearing salary arrears and releasing long-stalled promotions, motivating educators to deliver higher-quality instruction.

    These technical institutions will not just train students but forge direct partnerships with industries, ensuring that graduates are ready to enter the workforce immediately upon completing their programmes. By focusing on skills that are in high demand, Enugu is reducing unemployment and creating a pipeline of skilled workers who can compete globally.

    According to a recent National Bureau of Statistics study, Nigeria’s youth unemployment rate stood at 42.5% in 2023. Enugu’s focus on vocational training is expected to significantly reduce this figure, as skilled graduates will be job-ready upon completion of their programmes. Through initiatives such as industrial attachments and collaborative research with industry players, students will graduate with practical experience and marketable skills, significantly enhancing their employability.

    Perhaps the most groundbreaking aspect of this transformation is the unparalleled financial commitment by the Enugu State Government. In 2024, the administration allocated N134.9 billion to education, 33% of the total budget, surpassing the UNESCO benchmark of 15-20%. This trend continued in 2025, with education receiving N320.6 billion (33.2% of the budget), making it one of the highest investments in education in Africa’s recent history.

    This financial commitment extends beyond mere infrastructure; it ensures teachers receive competitive salaries, training, and incentives to deliver world-class education. Additionally, bursaries and scholarships are provided to high-achieving students and those from underprivileged backgrounds, removing financial barriers to education.

    The significance of this is obvious. Education funding in Nigeria has been lip service for decades, with insufficient allocations hampering development. By making education the top budgetary priority, Governor Mbah is proving that transformational change is not just a vision but a well-funded reality. Enugu is fostering a generation of self-reliant, employable graduates capable of driving industrial and technological advancement by prioritising practical skills development.

    This commitment has not gone unnoticed. The Vanguard Newspaper’s editorial board, in its December 21, 2023 edition, acknowledged Enugu’s revolutionary approach in an article titled “Enugu’s Laudable Education Budget and Abia’s Recurrent Expenditure.” This recognition highlights the national and continental significance of the state’s educational reforms.

    Enugu’s Disruptive Education Model is more than just a policy—it is a revolution in the making. If these ambitious initiatives are sustained and expanded, the state will serve as a benchmark for educational transformation across the continent. With an unwavering focus on experiential learning, inclusive access, and technical education, Enugu sets a new standard for what African education can and should be. The world is watching, and Enugu is leading the way.

    John Bankole, lives in Lagos and can be reached at penhallconsults@gmail.com

  • Isioma Nwosu achieves 4.93 CGPA, emerges LASU’s 2023/24 best graduating student

    Isioma Nwosu achieves 4.93 CGPA, emerges LASU’s 2023/24 best graduating student

    Miss Isioma Sybil Nwosu from the Department of Biochemistry has been recognised as the overall best-graduating student of Lagos State University, LASU, for the 2023/2024 academic session.

    This announcement was made on Thursday by the Vice Chancellor of LASU, Prof. Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello, during a press briefing to kick off activities for the 28th Convocation ceremony of the institution.

    At the event, Prof. Olatunji-Bello expressed pride in the university’s role in producing market-ready graduates who are well-equipped to make significant contributions both nationally and globally.

    “This year’s Convocation, like previous editions, is organised into two segments: pre-convocation events and the main convocation events,” she noted.

    “The press conference, marking the first pre-convocation event, will be followed by the Convocation Staff Sports Competition later today at the LASU Sports Centre. On Friday, April 4, 2025, a special Jumat service will take place at the University Central Mosque at 1:00 PM, marking Day 2 of the ceremony.

    “On Sunday, April 6, 2025, a Special Thanksgiving Service will be held at the University Chapel of Light, Ojo, Lagos, at 10:00 AM, concluding the pre-convocation events.

    “The official convocation events will commence on Monday, April 7, 2025, beginning with the Coconut Breaking and Cultural Festival at the Badagry Gate of the main campus at 9:00 AM. This coconut-breaking ceremony is traditionally organised by the Alumni Association as a contribution to the Convocation ceremony.

    “On Tuesday, April 8, 2025, the fifth day of the Convocation will feature a lecture titled “Patriots, Citizenship, and National Ownership: The Imperative of Collective Responsibility for Nigeria’s Future.”

    The lecture will be delivered by Honourable Minister of Education Dr Maruf Olatunji Alausa, with Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress and former Governor of Kano State, serving as the chairman of the occasion. The lecture is scheduled for 11:00 AM at the Buba Marwa Auditorium, Main Campus in Ojo.

    “On Wednesday, April 9, 2025, which marks Day 6 of the ceremony, diplomas, first degrees, postgraduate diplomas, and master’s degrees will be conferred upon deserving graduates at the Buba Marwa Auditorium, Ojo, at 10:00 AM.

    “The grand finale will take place on Thursday, April 10, 2025, with the award of Doctorate Degrees (PhD) and the conferment of distinguished professorships and honorary doctorate degrees at 10:00 AM in the Buba Marwa Auditorium, Main Campus, Ojo.

    Breakdown of the graduating students

    According to Prof. Olatunji-Bello: “In total, 971 diploma students will graduate this year, with the following breakdown: 123 with distinctions, 550 with upper credits, 287 with lower credits, and 11 passes.

    “Among the 8,711 students graduating with first degrees from the university, 192 achieved first-class honours, 17 received unclassified degrees (MBBS/BDS), 3,076 graduated with second-class upper division, 4,397 with second-class lower division, 990 with third class, and 39 with passes.

    “I am delighted to announce that NWOSU ISIOMA SYBIL from the Biochemistry Department, with a CGPA of 4.93, is our overall best-graduating student for the 2023/2024 academic session,” she announced.

    For higher degree programmes, LASU’s VC explained that: “out of 2,235 postgraduate students graduating, 302 are receiving postgraduate diplomas, 1,132 are being awarded academic master’s degrees, 639 professional master’s degrees, 125 Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degrees, and 37 professional doctoral degrees.”

    Additionally, she noted that the Senate of our University will confer honorary doctorate degrees on two distinguished Nigerians: Brigadier General Buba Marwa (Rtd.), Chairman of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and former Military Governor of Lagos State, and Otunba Olufemi Olusegun Pedro, former Deputy Governor of Lagos State, for their invaluable contributions to the development of our university and the nation at large. Professor Joseph Abayomi Olagunju, a long-serving academic, will also be elevated to the rank of Distinguished Professor.

    Meanwhile, Prof. Olatunji-Bello, now in her fourth year as Vice Chancellor, shared accomplishments achieved under her administration in the past year. These include the full accreditation of 43 out of 44 courses presented to the National Universities Commission (NUC) in the 2023 accreditation exercise, collaborations with local and international institutions, and rankings that position LASU as the best state university and the leading university in Sub-Saharan Africa according to the 2024 UI Greenmetrics World University ranking for three consecutive years, among other achievements.

  • 2025 UTME: Mock notification ready for printing – JAMB

    2025 UTME: Mock notification ready for printing – JAMB

    The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has announced that the 2025 UTME-Mock Notification Slip is now available for printing for candidates who registered for the optional UTME-Mock examination.

    In a statement on Wednesday, JAMB spokesperson Fabian Benjamin said: “This Notification Slip includes crucial information such as the examination date, venue (centre), time, and other essential details needed to successfully sit for the examination.”

    Candidates are advised to print their notification slips starting from Thursday, April 3, 2025, to allow sufficient time for travel and preparation.

    To print the slip: Visit www.jamb.gov.ng

    Click on “2025 Mock Slip Printing”

    Enter your registration number and click “Print Examination Slip”

    Candidates should familiarize themselves with their assigned examination centres at least one or two days before the exam to ensure a smooth experience.

    UTME-Mock Examination Date: Thursday, April 10, 2025

    Main UTME Examination Start Date: Friday, April 25, 2025

    JAMB urges all candidates to prepare adequately and adhere to the provided guidelines.