Education
Teachers, students express excitement, as Kalu commissions renovated schools in senatorial district
Teachers and students of Arochukwu Community school were full of excitement and gratitude over the renovation of their school facility that has now shielded them from sun and the rains.
Their Senatorial representative Senator Orji Uzor Kalu had renovated the school upgrading it to wear a new look making the environment more conducive for learning.
The School’s staff made the disclosure on Monday at Arochukwu LGA of Abia-North while expressing their Joy to the Senate Chief Whip, Kalu when he led a delegation to commission their newly reconstructed school building which he fastracked in the community.
Narrating their ordeals prior to Kalu’s rescue, Head Teacher of the school Mrs. Ejim Obioma disclosed that whenever it rained, it disrupted all their activities in the school due to the deplorable condition of the school building which she said further discouraged the children from coming to school. Obioma added that the pupils and staff also had to endure the heat of the scorching sun, whenever it wasn’t raining.
“The joy you have brought to us is immeasurable, that is why we are all gathered here, with the reconstruction of this building and the provision of learning materials, you have boosted the morale of these students.
“You have made them willing to learn and happy to come to school and as for the teachers, you have made us proud and increased our zeal to teach these children because you have made everything easy for us.
Speaking further, she stated that Orji Kalu’s dedication to impact in Arochukwu LGA made it seem like he is an Indigene of the community.
She said; “Before your intervention this building was so terrible that most of the students stopped coming to schools because the building used to be dilapidated with no roof. Both the pupils and staff were always beaten by the sun and the rain, but you have reconstructed this school as if you’re an indigene of Arochukwu. “You didn’t only reconstruct the building, you also provided furniture, study textbooks, bags and other writing materials, we have never had it this good.
“The road which leads to this school has been so bad for the last 30 years but you have also built it for us. The school community offered prayers for Orji Kalu saying that they support him to become the next President of the country in 2023.
Kalu in his address said the gesture signifies his commitment to improve the lives of his constituents in addition to other developmental projects which he has facilitated in the community.
The Senate Chief Whip who has continued to receive torrents of accolades for the construction of massive rural roads, installation of boreholes and other projects used the opportunity to advise the students to strive for excellence and remain focused in their academic pursuits.
He said; ‘Amuri and Amoba’ now have Borehole Water. I run a “talk and do” type of government, one that matches words with action. I am not a Senator that says what he can’t do.
“The pupils must be ready to show seriousness in their studies and willingness to learn. Don’t be deceived by the saying that Children of the rich are not serious in education because three of my children studied Law and they all graduated with first class.
“So you must put more effort in reading your books and make sure that you finish in first position. Your parents are using their hard earned money to pay your school fees, so you mustn’t let it go in vain by making sure that you perform well in your studies.
Kalu also lamented the discontinuation of the free education programme in the state which he implemented when he was Governor of the state from 1999-2007.
He urged the staff to support the All Progressive’s Congress (APC) to take over the state in 2023 for them to enjoy free education and other dividends of democracy.
“Unlike before when I was Governor I ensured that we had free education. Unfortunately since I left you people have been paying to get education. Aside from renovation, we have distributed free learning materials which include, school bags, text books, desks and so on.
“If you support the APC to take over the state, we will ensure that free education comes back. Check the records none of your representatives in the last eight years has done one third of what we are doing currently in my first term at the Senate” Orji Kalu stated.
The National Examinations Council (NECO) has expanded its international footprint by accrediting more schools in Equatorial Guinea to conduct its Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE) and Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE).
According to a statement released in Minna on Wednesday by NECO’s Director of Information and Public Relations, Mallam Azeez Sani, the newly accredited schools are located in Bata, the largest city in Equatorial Guinea. This expansion adds to the existing NECO-accredited schools in the country.
The accreditation process involved a comprehensive assessment by NECO’s team, which evaluated the schools’ classrooms, laboratories, libraries, computer labs, workshops, examination halls, sports facilities, continuous assessment systems, teacher adequacy, and security standards.
Following a thorough review, the schools were granted full accreditation to conduct both SSCE and BECE examinations.
Mallam Azeez Sani emphasized that this development underscores NECO’s commitment to providing quality education and standardized assessments beyond Nigeria’s borders.
“With its expanding global presence, NECO is positioning itself as a leading examination body in Africa, creating opportunities for Nigerian students and other foreign nationals to benefit from its expertise and contribute to educational advancement across the continent,” he stated.
NECO examinations are currently written in Benin Republic, Niger Republic, Côte d’Ivoire, Togo, Equatorial Guinea, and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, further cementing its role as a key player in Africa’s educational landscape.
***Insists, no Students, No Meeting
The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has issued a final ultimatum to the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), demanding immediate student representation on its board.
The association has vowed to shut down the upcoming board meeting if its demand is ignored.
In a letter dated February 13, 2025, addressed to NELFUND’s Managing Director, Akintunde Sawyerr, and Board Chairman, Jim Ovia, NANS President Lucky Emonefe condemned the exclusion of students as “completely unacceptable.”
Emonefe indicated that excluding students from the NELFUND Board is tantamount to shaving a man’s head in his absence emphasizing that decisions about student loans should not be made without their input.
Representing over 50 million students nationwide, NANS insisted that students, as the primary beneficiaries of the fund, must have a seat at the table.
The letter warned that failure to comply would result in a mass mobilization to prevent the board meeting from taking place.
“This is not an appeal; it is a final warning. Nigerian students refuse to be spectators in decisions that shape their future. No student, no meeting!” the letter concluded.
With tensions rising, all eyes are now on NELFUND’s leadership to see whether they will yield to NANS’ demands or risk a major student uprising.
By James Ojochegbe
As September approaches, excitement continues to build around Rugby School Nigeria, a prestigious institution set to redefine secondary education in West Africa.
With its campus rising in Eko Atlantic City, Lagos, and preparations in full swing, the school’s leadership remains committed to delivering an elite academic experience rooted in the traditions of its UK counterpart.
International Development Director of Rugby School Global,
Ian McIntyre, recently toured the campus and expressed confidence in meeting the projected launch date.
“The facilities here will reflect the highest standards of excellence and innovation,” he remarked, underscoring the institution’s goal of blending academic rigor with holistic student development.
While the school’s full senior program will open in 2026, its debut this year will focus on an advanced Sixth Form curriculum designed to propel students into the world’s top universities.
The program, led by expert instructors, covers a diverse range of subjects, from Mathematics and Sciences to Business Studies and the Arts.
James Whitehead, Director of Education at Rugby School Global, highlighted the school’s unique approach: “At Rugby School Nigeria, we embrace the ‘Whole Person, Whole Point’ philosophy, ensuring students not only achieve academic excellence but also develop key life skills.”
Beyond academics, Rugby School Nigeria aims to cultivate leadership, creativity, and resilience—qualities that will prepare students for success in an evolving global landscape. As enrollment begins, families across the region are eager to secure a place in what promises to be a transformative educational institution.
In a deal sealed by
Nick Bacon Chairman, Governing Body of Rugby School and Mr Ronald Chagoury, Chairman of Eko Atlantic, Rugby School Nigeria will initially offer a Sixth Form programme for day students aged 16 and above, emphasizing
academic excellence and a diverse range of extra-curricular activities, preparing students for entry to the world’s
leading universities.
With the school set to welcome its first A Level students this September, and the full senior school opening in September 2026, excitement has continued to build around this transformative educational institution for aspiring students from across West Africa.
Expressing his excitement at the progress made so far,
Ian McIntyre, said,
“It is truly inspiring to see the remarkable progress being made on the world-class campus of Rugby School Nigeria. The facilities here will reflect the highest standards of excellence and innovation, ensuring that students will experience an education that is both academically rigorous and holistically enriching.
“With the launch of our full A-level programme this September and the full opening of the senior school in 2026, we are excited to bring the proud heritage and values of Rugby School to Nigeria. This campus will undoubtedly become a beacon of learning in West Africa.”
According to the statement from Rugby School Global, the A-Level students will benefit from expert instruction by specialist teachers in a broad range of subjects, including: English Literature, Mathematics & Further Mathematics; Biology, Chemistry, Physics; History, Geography, French; Art, Economics, Business Studies; Physical Education, and Computer Studies.
James Whitehead, Director of Education at Rugby School Global, equally highlighted the school’s distinctive philosophy
“At Rugby School Nigeria, we embrace the ‘Rugby Way’ teaching & learning philosophy and the ‘Whole Person, Whole Point’ approach—ensuring that students not only excel academically but also grow holistically, preparing them for the world’s top universities and life beyond.”
The first phase of the school campus will include a reception and welcome area, numerous classrooms, sports and social spaces and a sixth form centre.
The statement further urged ”
prospective families to register their interest and “secure a place for their child at this groundbreaking educational institution. ”
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