Education
For Effective Delivery Of New Curriculum, NUC Trains Staff of 206 varsities
Staff of 206 universities in the country have been trained by the National Universities Commission (NUC) on its series of train-the-trainers’ workshop
The training programme was to ensure effective delivery of the new curriculum- the Core Curriculum and Minimum Academic Standards (CCMAS) developed by the Commission for Nigerian universities.
The Coordinator of a segment of the exercise, Prof Emeritus Peter Okebukola, said the objective of the training “is to strengthen the knowledge and skills of all university staff in the effective implementation of the CCMAS.
Speaking to newsmen in Abuja at the end of the four-month training exercise which ended on Thursday, Professor Okebukola said the overall training was coordinated by Professor Ruqayyatu Ahmed Rufa’i, former Minister of Education and a member of the NUC Strategy Advisory Committee.
According to him “The four-month training had two components – the first was the training of the Directors of Academic Planning and three staff of each university nominated by the Vice-Chancellor.
“This phase of the programme which lasted for three weeks, had an onsite and an online component, and was coordinated by Professor Yakubu Azare of Bayero University, Kano.
He said the second phase of the programme was on “Practical Skills for Delivering the CCMAS in an Online Environment”.
This, he said, involved Directors of ICT and two staff of each university, nominated by the VC.
Prof Okebukola said this phase lasted for three months and was conducted at the NUC-NOUN Virtual Institute for Capacity Building in Higher Education (VICBHE).”
In a press release after the graduation ceremony of the second phase of the training, Okebukola stated that the overall coordinator of the training project, Professor Ruqayyatu Ahmed Rufa’i, was delighted at the success of the two phases of the training.
According to him, she extolled the commitment of the seven nominees of the Vice Chancellors of each university to the demands of the training.
On his part, Okebukola who is the immediate past Chairman Governing Council of the National Open University of Nigeria, NOUN lauded the impressive efforts of Professor Abubakar Adamu Rasheed, the immediate- past Executive Secretary of NUC, in the rapid revitalization of the Nigerian university system and the support received for the implementation of this agenda from the former Honourable Minister of Education Malam Adamu Adamu.
In his goodwill message, the acting Executive Secretary of NUC,. Christopher Maiyaki, commended the participants and pledged to continue with vigour, the implementation of the revitalisation agenda set by Professor Rasheed.
In his remarks, the Vice-Chancellor of the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), Professor Olufemi Peters expressed delight that NOUN fully sponsored the training as part of its corporate social responsibility to the Nigerian university system and urged the participants to join hands to ensure the successful implementation of the CCMAS.
The convocation lecture was delivered by Professor Abayomi Arigbabu, Honourable Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology of Ogun State and former VC of Tai Solarin University of Education, Ijagun in which he stressed the importance of blending onsite and online modes in effective delivery of the CCMAS.
The three-month intensive training, according to Okebukola involved 10 hands-on practicals on how to deliver the CCMAS in an online environment; two discussion forum sessions; a special seminar session; end-of-course comprehensive examination; and a project.
At the graduation ceremony, Distinction Plus certificates (for having an overall score of 90% and above of the total score of 1130) were awarded to 90 participants.
A total of 92 earned Distinction grade; 57 Credit; 40 Merit and 27 pass were awarded.
Additionally, 290 participants received the Basic Proficiency in Moodle certificate.
Goodwill messages were received from the Chairperson of the Committee of Vice-Chancellors, Professor Lilian Salami, and the Secretary-General of the Association of African Universities, Professor Olusola Oyewole.
Professor Oyewole whose AAU serves as the voice of higher education in Africa, commended NUC and noted that the Nigerian model of curriculum development “is being encouraged for adoption by other African countries”
Prizes were awarded to Dr. Umar Mohammed of Federal University, Kashere (best overall participant from the federal university sub-system); Dr. Abdulmalik Ahmad Lawan of Aliko Dangote University of Science and Technology, Kano (best overall participant-State university sub-system); and Dr. Christopher Onova of Achievers University, Owo (best overall participant-private university sub-system);
Others were Omotayo Onaiyekan (best overall participant from NUC); Professor Rosemary Obasi of Benson Idahosa University (most-committed VICBHE participant- female); Professor Abayomi Arigbabu- Honourable Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology Ogun State (most-committed VICBHE participant- male); and Dr. Komommo Iwarra of Havilla University (best overall participant).
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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