Education
Vice President’s wife harps on qualitative education beyond acquisition of degrees
The wife of the Vice President Dalapo Osinbajo has underscored the need for quality education that goes beyond the classroom work, to grooming the younger generation on the culture of how to live.
Mrs Osinbajo indicated that education is not only to have the degrees; first degree, masters and doctorate but to be that person who is kind, who is caring, and who is dependable.
Speaking yesterday at a talk show at the Aretean School in Abuja, where she was a guest, Mrs Osinbajo said there is nothing more precious than children adding that when properly groomed they will become tomorrow leaders.
“I made up my mind that I wasn’t going to read from any speech I was going to speak from my heart. There is nothing more precious than children and so these children in 10 to 20 years time just like they sang in the school song that they are shinning stars, they are shining stars now and they will continue to shine
“Why I am particularly touched and moved to be here is because of the need for education that is being met
“The Aretean has shown that education goes beyond English and Mathematics and Science education, it is more than what you know, education is how to live and so I trust and believe that in this place not only the students but also the teachers and the staff will imbibe honesty, loyalty, integrity, hardwork, Godliness, goodness, kindness, courtesy and all those things that underguard every good thing that are required in the society and for.
“The second reason is because education is not only to have the degrees; the first degree, masters and the doctorate but to be that person who is kind, who is caring, and who is dependable, this is true education.
“The other reason I like to be here is because every person is precious, if only we knew they lied to us when they told us we are not good enough, when they told us we can’t make it, when they told us we can’t make it, when they told us who ever did good in your background when they told us we couldn’t do it.
“But I have come to tell you today that you will, you can and you are shinning stars. All the things that they have spoken about me, I used to go to some difficult places in Lagos and speak to those who have left home that they are precious people.
“They really are. It is just that they have lived a life with the believe that no one will ever love you, you can never make it, the only message I took to them was the message of Love. That is what I bring to you today. You will make it beyond your widest immagination.”
Meanwhile, the pupils of the Aretean School, Garki Abuja paid glowing tribute to Mrs Osinbajo, in their welcome message to the august visitor.
According to the pupils they said her birth and early childhood with Chief Obafemi Awolowo, one of the most celebrated politicians in the history of Nigeria made her learn so much about focus, humility and sacrifice for humanity.
“As a result of this experience, she grew up to become a celebrated humanitarian we all love today.
“Mrs. Osinbajo is the founder of 16 different Non-Governmental Organizations which she has used to touch the lives of many women and young children. One of her most celebrated works was her engagement and active participation towards the emancipation of many “street boys” in a notorious part of Lagos.
Her encounter with these children was chronicled in her famous book, “They call me Mama”, adding that Mrs. Osinbajo is also the Executive Director and founder of ‘Women’s Helping Hand Initiative’, a vocal organisation on women’s rights.
“The organisation, which was founded in 2006, has greatly imparted the lives of women in the areas of empowerment, mentoring, equality in the society, aids and rehabilitation.
According to them, in 2007, Mrs. Dolapo Osinbajo teamed up with her husband, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, to set up Orderly Society Trust “to provide better education for children in public schools as well as to promote initiatives that support the rule of law; transparency and sccountability; patriotism and respect for civic obligation and etiquette”.
The pupils described her as “a benevolent philanthropist, an excellent leader, an outstanding woman of excellence, a subtle yet resounding voice of change and a mother to humanity”.
Proprietress of ARETEAN School, Mrs Uloma Rochas Nwosu while expressing her appreciation to Mrs. Osinbajo said the idea behind the school is the recognition of the increasing gap between Nigerian leadership and its people and the increasing lack of confidence between them because people constantly seeking better education outside the shores of this great nation.
“So, we decided to create a very comfortable environment that encourages our children to come back here and seek education so that they can imbibe our culture, foster the idea of patriotism, (love of country) to breed better leaders that understand our people.
“Once we provide that we will have better leaders for the country. If you look at the western world like the USA, UK, etc these people stay in their countries, educate themselves for their content.
“As Nigerians, we seek education elsewhere. So, there is a disconnect. The idea of Aretean is to breed scholars that will lead the country in the future. That is why we pride ourselves as the emerging IV Living school that tends to train the next generation of leaders.
She expressed the hope that in the next five, ten years the Aretean will grow in numbers hoped to have their secondary section;.
“We intend to affiliate with very top universities here in Nigeria. It is beyond academics; it’s about culture of tolerance, respect for others.
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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