Education
NUC, NOUN couch VCs, others on development, use of electronic management dashboards
The National Universities Commission (NUC) in partnership with the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) has trained some Vice-Chancellors and other officials in the University system on development and use of electronic management dashboards for effective governance of the universities.
The 12-week intensive training course was concluded for 321 participants made up of Vice-Chancellors, Directors of Academic Planning, Directors of ICT and staff of NUC and other national quality assurance agencies in Africa on “Development and Use of Management Dashboards for Academic Planning” to aid governance of the universities.
Addressing the press after the graduation ceremony, Professor Emeritus Peter Okebukola who is the Director/Facilitator-General of the Virtual Institute for Capacity Building in Higher Education (VICBHE), the platform for delivering the fully-practical and fully-virtual training, said the participants were trained on skills to set up governance dashboards that could uptake streamed data in real time for effective planning and management of their institutions.
He noted that this was in the continuing effort to build capacities of staff in the Nigerian university system in the implementation of the Blueprint on Rapid Revitalisation of University Education in Nigeria (2019-2023) which wass heralding the “Rasheed Revolution”.
He added, “NOUN is providing the technical platform and technical expertise at no cost for now to participants while resource persons for VICBHE Modules are experts drawn from all over the world”.
The Executive Secretary of NUC, Professor Abubakar Adamu Rasheed who is heading the governance structure of VICBHE said VICBHE was initiated by the NUC Strategy Advisory Committee (STRADVCOM).
Okebukola who is also the Chairman of the govering of the National Open University of Nigerian, NOUN, applauded the efforts of the participants, 152 of which earned distinction and thanked the Vice-Chancellor of NOUN Professor Olufemi Peters for showing once again, that NOUN is the No. 1 open and distance learning institution in Africa.
Executive Secretary of NUC, Professor Abubakar Adamu Rasheed in his remark, noted that it was heartwarming that since its inauguration in 2021, VICBHE has successfully completed four training modules, and the feedback from stakeholders has been superlatively encouraging.
He commended the vice-chancellors that have consistently participated in the capacity-building programmes of VICBHE and encouraged others to emulate such exemplary leadership.
Two Vice-Chancellors, Professor Ibiyinka Fuwape of Michael and Cecilia Ibru University and Professor Elisabetha Smaranda Olarinde of Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti (ABUA), won special awards for earning distinction in all four modules already implemented by VICBHE. Late Dr. Maryam Sali, former Director of Accreditation of NUC was given a posthumous award as facilitator on the programme.
In his keynote address at the graduation ceremony, Professor Oluwatoyin Ogundipe, Vice-Chancellor, University of Lagos noted that management dashboards are “very important and artistic way of placing decision before management to help in taking action or deciding on what they need to do to move the university forward”.
Ogundipe underscored that readily available key performance data would help increase the reputation of universities across the country and contribute to the proper ranking of Nigerian universities globally.
He commended the efforts of VICBHE in developing the capacity of directors of academic planning and other members of the university community in essential areas.
In his address, the Vice-Chancellor of the National Open University of Nigeria, Professor Olufemi Peters, underscored the importance of integrating IT tools and solutions into everyday operational activities.
He noted that the beneficiaries of the concluded training programme, directors of academic planning, vice-chancellors and senior academics, would find the skills useful for their daily tasks.
In his remarks, one of the resource persons, Engr Damilola Bamiro, tasked the graduating class to focus on making an impact in their respective institutions by implementing the concepts taught in the course.
He outlined six keywords encapsulating effective data management practices: transparency, trust, efficiency, innovation, collaboration and timeliness.
He further noted that the university or organization of the future is where the vice-chancellor or chief executive looks at multiple dashboards taking inputs from different sources to make impactful decisions.
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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