Category: Education

  • NANS Opposes NECO’s N50,000 Certificate Reprint Fee

    NANS Opposes NECO’s N50,000 Certificate Reprint Fee

    The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has strongly opposed the new N50,000 fee imposed by the National Examination Council (NECO) for certificate reprints, Okay.ng reports.

    In a reaction to the new fee, NANS clerk of the Senate, Abdulyekinn Odunayo, in a statement described the decision as outrageous and a commercialisation of education.

    The student body believes that the fee places an unjust burden on students, particularly during a time of economic hardship.

    NANS has expressed concerns about the lack of transparency in NECO’s fee structure and policies, and has called for an immediate reversal and reduction of the fee to a more affordable amount.

    NANS also advocates for an extension of the reprint request deadline to 5 years and urges for stakeholder engagement to ensure decisions that prioritize the needs of students.

  • Ogun Commissioner Salutes Teachers’ Resilience

    Ogun Commissioner Salutes Teachers’ Resilience

    The Ogun State Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Prof Abayomi Arigbabu, has expressed his admiration for the resilience and courage of Nigerian teachers in the face of various challenges as World Teachers’ Day is celebrated, Okay.ng reports.

    The commissioner emphasized the importance of this year’s theme, “Valuing Teachers’ Voices: Towards a New Social Contract for Education,” highlighting the crucial role that teachers play in shaping the future of society.

    In a statement issued on Saturday, Arigbabu commended the teachers in the state and emphasized the crucial role they play in shaping the future of society.

    He extended his heartfelt appreciation to every teacher in Ogun State, recognizing their dedication, passion, and sacrifice.

    The commissioner acknowledged the challenges faced by teachers and assured them of the state’s continuous support to help them deliver their best to the learners.

    Arigbabu also called on all stakeholders to work together with the government in building an education system that values and uplifts teachers’ voices for a brighter future for all.

  • World Teachers’ Day: Sanwo-Olu Expresses Heartfelt Gratitude to Lagos Teachers

    World Teachers’ Day: Sanwo-Olu Expresses Heartfelt Gratitude to Lagos Teachers

    The Executive Governor of Lagos State, his Excellency Babajide Sanwo-Olu has expressed his heartfelt gratitude to all teachers within the state, Okay.ng reports.

    This was done in celebration of World Teachers’ Day 2024 with the theme: “Valuing Teachers’ Voices: Towards a New Social Contract for Education.”

    The Governor made his gratitude known to all teachers in the State through his verified facebook page on Saturday, October 5, 2024.

    He stated: “As we celebrate World Teachers’ Day, I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to all teachers in Lagos State.”

    “Today, we honor not just the profession of teaching, but the profound impact that teachers have on the lives of our children and the future of our society.

    You inspire, nurture, and shape the minds of the next generation, empowering them with knowledge and skills that will serve them for a lifetime. Your dedication, resilience, and unwavering commitment to excellence are commendable, especially in these challenging times.”

    The Governor further reiterates the role of teachers as beyond the classroom.

    “The role of a teacher extends far beyond the classroom. You are mentors, role models, and guiding lights for our youth. Your influence helps to build a more educated, informed, and compassionate society.”

    Sanwo-Olu ended his gratitude to all teachers in Lagos State by requesting for investment in the future of education in the state.

    “Together, let us invest in the future of education in Lagos State, creating an environment where teachers can flourish and students can achieve their fullest potential.”

    “Thank you for your invaluable contributions and for being the change-makers in our communities.” Sanwo-Olu Stated

  • Covenant University Tops Nigeria’s List in THE 2025 Rankings [Full List]

    Covenant University Tops Nigeria’s List in THE 2025 Rankings [Full List]

    Covenant University (CU), a private institution in Nigeria, has been ranked as the country’s best university in the Times Higher Education (THE) 2025 Rankings.

    The rankings, published annually by Times Higher Education, offer a comprehensive evaluation of universities worldwide.

    The 2025 edition features data from 1,907 universities across 108 countries and regions, assessing them on 18 indicators related to teaching, research environment, research quality, industry interaction, and international outlook.

    This year’s analysis involved over 134 million citations across 16.5 million research publications and included responses from 68,402 scholars globally.

    On the global stage, the University of Oxford continues its dominant streak, securing the top spot for the ninth consecutive year, making it the longest-running reign in the history of the rankings, surpassing Harvard’s eight-year streak.

    Global Top-10 Best Universities in THE 2025 Rankings:

    1. University of Oxford, UK
    2. Stanford University, US
    3. Massachusetts Institute of Technology, US
    4. Harvard University, US
    5. University of Cambridge, UK
    6. Princeton University, US
    7. California Institute of Technology, US
    8. Imperial College London, UK
    9. University of California, Berkeley, US
    10. Yale University, US

    For Nigeria, Covenant University emerged as the top-ranking institution, placing within the 800-1000 range globally, sharing this spot with the University of Ibadan (UI).

    Nigeria’s Top Universities in THE 2025 Rankings:

    1. Covenant University
    2. University of Ibadan
    3. Federal University of Technology Akure
    4. University of Lagos
    5. Bayero University
    6. University of Ilorin
    7. University of Nigeria, Nsukka
    8. Afe Babalola University
    9. University of Benin
    10. Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta
    11. Ladoke Akintola University of Technology
    12. Lagos State University
    13. Nnamdi Azikiwe University
    14. Obafemi Awolowo University
    15. University of Port Harcourt
    16. Abia State University
    17. Akwa Ibom State University
    18. Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu-Alike
    19. Babcock University
    20. Baze University
    21. Bells University of Technology
    22. Benson Idahosa University
    23. Delta State University, Abraka
    24. Edo State University, Uzairue
    25. Edwin Clarke University
    26. Elizade University
    27. Evangel University, Akaeze
    28. Federal University of Kashere
    29. Federal University of Petroleum Resources, Effurun
    30. Federal University of Technology, Minna
    31. Federal University of Technology, Owerri
    32. Fountain University
    33. Landmark University
    34. Nasarawa State University, Keffi
    35. Niger Delta University
    36. Plateau State University, Bokkos
    37. Thomas Adewumi University
    38. Veritas University, Abuja
    39. Yusuf Maitama Sule University, Kano
  • Reps Seek Creation of Bola Tinubu University

    Reps Seek Creation of Bola Tinubu University

    The House of Representatives has taken the first step towards creating the Bola Ahmed Tinubu Federal University of Nigerian Languages, with the bill passing its first reading, Okay.ng reports.

    The bill, sponsored by the Deputy Speaker, Benjamin Kalu, and eight others, aims to create a university for the promotion of learning of Nigerian languages and cultures, offering academic and professional programs to produce socially mature persons who can communicate, understand, and use Nigerian languages for national development.

    Additionally, the President, as the visitor to the university, will have the power to conduct visits and remove council members, except for the pro-chancellor and vice-chancellor, on grounds of misconduct or inability to perform their duties.

    This new university bill is expected to undergo a second reading and public hearing in the coming weeks to gather stakeholders’ input.

  • FirstBank, JAN Crown Winners of 2024 National Company of the Year Competition

    FirstBank, JAN Crown Winners of 2024 National Company of the Year Competition

    FirstBank, in collaboration with Junior Achievement Nigeria (JAN), has announced the winners of the 2024 National Company of the Year (NCOY) competition.

    The event, which took place on Friday in Lekki, Lagos, brought together 12 schools representing various states, who were finalists from an earlier round of competition.

    FirstBank Managing Director, Olusegun Alebiosu, speaking at the event celebrated a significant milestone, revealing that with the announcement of the 2024 winners, the initiative has produced 1.5 million student entrepreneurs.

    Alebiosu, represented by the General Counsel of the bank, Raymond Mgbeokwere, noted that this year’s edition also marked the 25th anniversary of the competition, which began in 1999.

    He highlighted the purpose of the program as a means to inculcate entrepreneurship knowledge and practice among senior secondary school students.

    The competition, he explained, would help participants understand business organisation and operations, as well as how to apply innovative solutions to real-world challenges.

    “This is why FirstBank, for the past 10 years, has been fully committed in its partnership with JAN and sponsorship of the National Company of the Year competition,” Alebiosu stated.

    The FirstBank boss also emphasized how the initiative aligns with the bank’s FutureFirst Initiative, a programme designed to promote financial literacy and career counselling among Nigerian youth.

    Through this initiative, over 1.5 million students from 2,500 schools have been positively impacted.

    Alebiosu praised the innovations presented at the competition, noting that the theme for the 2024 edition, “Greenovation,” encouraged students to develop innovative solutions for environmental challenges.

    He stressed the importance of sustainability and urged for collaboration in tackling environmental issues such as pollution and waste disposal through recycling and upcycling.

    “The various innovations showcased today reveal that there is hope for Africa,” Alebiosu added.

    Darun Noor Intercontinental School, Kano, emerged as the overall winner of the 2024 competition with their company, Smart Sprout Solutions, which invented a Smart Sprinkler for farmers.

    The school received a cash prize of N500,000 from FirstBank and will represent Nigeria at an upcoming African competition in Mauritius.

    In second place, Innovative Heritage School, Nasarawa, earned recognition for their company, De-Amazons, which created organic marker ink from coconut shells, charcoal, and used engine oil.

    Ibesikpo Secondary Commercial School, Akwa Ibom, placed third with their company, Green Cycle, which produced fashionable bags from recycled plantain stems.

    The event also featured several special awards, including Best Female LeadershipCEO of the YearBest Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), and the Public Choice Award.

    Olaolu Akogun, Senior Programmes Manager at JAN, explained that the businesses presented by the students were carefully assessed based on their ideas, financial reports, presentations, and exhibitions before winners were selected.

    He also noted the long-term impact of the programme, which has equipped over 1.5 million young Nigerians with entrepreneurial skills.

    “We’ve raised 1.5 million young people that have what it takes to own their economic future,” Akogun added.

  • Kebbi Closes Health College over Violent Students Protest

    Kebbi Closes Health College over Violent Students Protest

    The Kebbi State Government has closed the College of Health Technology in Jega due to a violent students protest, Okay.ng reports.

    The students were upset about several issues, including the college’s lack of federal accreditation, which means their diplomas wouldn’t be recognized nationally. This was the main reason for the unrest, but other grievances included inadequate facilities, such as no toilets or potable water, poor sanitation, and ineffective leadership.

    The protest turned violent, with the students targeting the provost, burning his house and vandalizing his car.

    The Divisional Police Office had to intervene to rescue the provost, who would have been lynched otherwise.

    The college will remain closed for three to four weeks, and when it reopens, students will be required to return with their parents and sign an undertaking.

  • WAEC Announces Start Date for Computer-Based WASSCE for Private Candidates

    WAEC Announces Start Date for Computer-Based WASSCE for Private Candidates

    The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has announced that the Computer-Based West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) for Private Candidates is scheduled to commence on Friday, October 25, 2024.

    The Second Series of the examination will run from October 25 to December 20, 2024.

    In a statement released on Tuesday, WAEC also revealed an extension of the registration period, giving candidates until Tuesday, October 29, 2024, to complete their registration.

    “The examination will adopt the hybrid mode of delivering the examination, which implies that the objective questions would be answered on screen, while on-screen essay and practical questions would be answered on the booklets provided,” the statement explained.

    “On this note, the Council wishes to inform all candidates that the registration period has been extended to October 29, 2024.

    “The final timetable for the examination is available for download on the WAEC Nigeria website.”