Education
Foundation drums support for public schools, donates exercise books to pupils in Kogi
By Friday Idachaba
Philanthropists and development agencies have been urged to rechannel and scale up their support for public schools and education of the children of the poor and less privileged in the society.
Miss Victory Samuel, Founder and President of “Tory’s Care Foundation” made the call when she led members of the foundation to donate writing materials to pupils of Sabongari I and II Nursery and Primary Schools in Lokoja.
Samuel who is also a 400-level History and International Studies student of the Federal University, Lokoja (FUL) said quality of human infrastructure would continue to dwindle as long as public schools are neglected.
The Foundation President regretted the neglect of public schools with high enrollment of children of the poor and less privileged and urged government to prioritise the needs of pupils and students in such schools.
She said that the Foundation was in the two schools to support the pupils who were mostly children of the less privileged with exercise books adding, “We are here to give our own little form of care and support for the education of the children.
“We giving 200 each to Sabongari I and Sabongari II. In all, we are giving 400 exercise books as our own little way of showing that we care. This is our fourth outreach and we are doing this as part of programmes to mark our one year anniversary.
“Today is actually one year anniversary of Tory’s Care Foundation. We are driven by love and passion for humanity, reaching to people and showing that we care for children, in particular
This time around, we decided to have an educational outreach. Our previous outreach were visits to orphanage homes and giving food items to over 100 children on the streets at Paparanda Square area of Lokoja.”, she said.
Responding on behalf of the school management and students, Mrs Naomi Ogwuche, Assistant Headmistress, Sabongari II Primary School, Lokoja thanked God for for laying it on the hearts of the donors to assist the children.
“They came up at the time of need for the children because we have discovered that the children are willing to study and be imparted but they lack writing materials.
“Many of their parents find it difficult to afford the writing materials. The coming of Tory’s Care Foundation is a big relief for us, making the job easier for us.
“So, we pray that God will continue to strengthen them and make them to continue to remember us. What they do this afternoon will go extra mile in relieving the parents and address our frustrations as teachers.
“We pray that the jar from which this funds were taken from will never run dry as the Lord will continue to replenished and increase them a hundred fold”, Ogwuche said.
Two pupils, Rashidat Hassan, Primary Five and Ibrahim Mukhtar, primary two, expressed their gratitude to the Foundation for the exercise books gifts and for counting their schools worthy of the gesture.(Ends)
Education
In Response to Viral Bullying Incident, FG Suspends 13 FGC Enugu Students
The Federal Government has suspended 13 students of the Federal Government College (FGC) Enugu for six weeks following an alleged bullying incident that was widely circulated on social media.
The suspension was ordered by the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, who emphasized that safety and discipline are paramount in federal schools.
According to Folashade Boriowo, the Director of Press and Public Relations in the Ministry of Education, the incident involved a gang assault on an SS1 day student and raised serious concerns about student welfare at FGC Enugu.
The viral video prompted the ministry to establish a disciplinary committee to investigate, leading to the temporary suspension of the students involved.
Dr. Alausa has directed the School-Based Management Committee to collaborate with security agencies to conduct a thorough probe into any possible external influences.
In addition, the government has introduced enhanced security measures at the college, with law enforcement presence and strengthened safety protocols.
As part of the response, the ministry will also provide counseling and rehabilitation services to promote a safe, positive school environment for all students involved.
Education
BOI MD Advocates for University Curriculum Overhaul to Boost Practical Skills
The Managing Director and CEO of the Bank of Industry (BOI), Dr. Olasupo Olusi, has called for a comprehensive curriculum overhaul in Nigerian universities to better align with global trends and equip graduates with practical skills. Speaking at the 10th special convention of the Ekiti State University Alumni Association in Abuja, Dr. Olusi highlighted the urgent need to bridge the gap between theory and practical application in Nigerian higher education.
Dr. Olusi noted that while Nigeria is rich in human and natural resources, progress in technology and economic development remains slow due to universities’ focus on theoretical knowledge over hands-on training. He emphasized that significant investments in research and technical skill development are essential for positioning Nigeria as a competitive force in the global economy.
Echoing this sentiment, Ekiti State University’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Joseph Ayodele, called on alumni to contribute to their alma mater, emphasizing that alumni support plays a critical role in building a strong academic foundation and fostering innovative research. The institution’s Chancellor, Dr. Tunji Olowolafe, similarly urged alumni associations to prioritize initiatives that support university growth and student success.
Global President of the Ekiti State University Alumni Association, Dipo Bamisaye, stressed the need for Nigerian universities to continuously pursue excellence to remain competitive globally. Dr. Wale Jegede, Chairman of the institution’s Board of Trustees, commended the state governor for his dedication to quality education, particularly through the appointment of capable academics to guide the university’s progress.
The convention also honored notable alumni who have made significant contributions to the university’s development. Among those recognized were Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, former presidential aide Mr. Kingsley Kuku, Chancellor Dr. Tunji Olowolafe, Vice-Chancellor Professor Joseph Ayodele, and BOI MD Dr. Olasupo Olusi.
Reinforcing its commitment to the institution’s advancement, the Bank of Industry recently proposed a 2.5 billion Naira development fund to Ekiti State University, underscoring its dedication to driving growth in Nigeria’s educational sector.
Education
NASU, SSANU Announce Indefinite Strike Starting Monday Over Withheld Salaries
The Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU) and the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) have announced a nationwide indefinite strike beginning Monday.
This decision, coordinated by the Joint Action Committee (JAC) of non-teaching university staff unions, is in protest of unpaid salaries withheld during a past strike involving the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) under the previous administration.
The JAC, in a circular addressed to branch chairmen of NASU and SSANU, stated that the strike, initially set for October 23, was postponed to October 27 to align with the Trade Group Council meeting held in Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria.
The document, signed by NASU General Secretary Prince Peters Adeyemi and SSANU President Comrade Mohammed Ibrahim, cited delays from the Ministry of Finance in implementing President Bola Tinubu’s recent directive to release 50 percent of the outstanding four-month salaries.
The unions expressed frustration over the government’s perceived lack of commitment to resolve the issue, emphasizing their readiness to maintain the strike until all withheld salaries are released.
The JAC’s circular read: “We express our deepest appreciation for your steadfast commitment to the leadership and we affirm our determination to persist in this struggle until ultimate victory is secured.”
The decision highlights ongoing labor tensions in Nigeria’s education sector, as non-teaching staff urge the government to uphold previous agreements and fulfill financial obligations.
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