Education
Don tasks African writers to depict brighter image of Africa
By Friday Idachaba, Lokoja.
PROF. Ayodele Anthony Bamidele, a professor of English and African Literature, has called on African writers to begin to envision and invent imaginatively, a better and brighter image of Africa, full of hope for a better tomorrow.
Prof. Bamidele made the call while presenting the 22nd Inaugural Lecture of the Federal University Lokoja (FUL) with the theme: “Beyond Entertainment: Unravelling the African Novel as a Utilitarian Art”, on Wednesday in Lokoja.
He urged that the African novel necessarily, has to be committed to the agenda of making Africa a better place to live in rather than pursue the bourgeois formalist school of thought which negates the colonial and post-colonial reality of Africa.
The professor said that after colonialism came the struggle for nationalism which saw African writers file up side by side with politicians to agitate for the independence of African countries.
He described the eventual “Flag Independence” as a sham because the gains of independence did not diffuse from the new men of power to the masses thereby, negating the essence of the agitation.
The Professor of African Literature pointed out that with African leaders imbibing exploitative capitalism of the West, the flag independence became a huge disappointment leading to disenchantment and disillusionment that enveloped the entire African
continent.
He said that what the vast majority of the people did not know about the flag independence was that it was a mere treacherous exchange of batons between the outgoing master and his few trusted heirs.
As a result, he noted that the Africans who took over power from the colonialists had their loyalties to the external authority in Europe and America instead of Africa with Brenton wood institutions dictating the economic growth and pace of African nations.
“Since independence, in most African nations, it has been tales of woe that betide Africa. It is a sorry tale of coups d’état, civil wars that occasioned bloodshed, political trickery, and socio-economic
dysfunctionality.
These he said, culminated in estrangement and disillusionment on the part of the masses of Africa adding that the scenario set the stage for the poetics of liberation struggle in Africa and highlighting the nexus between Literature and Politics.
Prof. Bamidele faulted the argument by some scholars that literature should have nothing to do with politics describing the statement itself as a political statement.
“Literature
finds content and sustenance in every facet of society and is thus necessarily emblematic of the society that that produces it”, he said.
He therefore implored African writers not to be daunted or circumscribed by Neo-colonialism apologists but envision Africa from a new perspective of brighter light at the end of the tunnel.
In his welcome address, Prof. Olayemi Akinwumi, Vice Chancellor of the University reiterated the place of inaugural lectures as requirement for confirmation of an academic professorship.
Prof. Akinwumi applauded the inaugural Lecturer, Prof. Bamidele as he scored his presentation, composition, currency, choice of words, resourcefulness and analysis all above board and more than “fantastic”.
The Vice Chancellor announced that the Professor of English and African Literature did not disappoint him saying that Bamidele, had proved his mettle and was therefore, “discharged and acquitted” and now, fully confirmed as a professor. (Ends)
The National Examinations Council (NECO) has expanded its international reach by accrediting additional foreign schools in Niger Republic and Equatorial Guinea to conduct its Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE) and Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE).
These newly accredited schools will join those in Saudi Arabia, which previously secured NECO’s accreditation, to begin writing the examinations starting next year.
NECO’s Director of Information and Public Relations, Mallam Azeez Sani, announced this in a statement issued on Saturday in Minna. He said the initiative reflects NECO’s commitment to broadening its horizons and establishing a global presence.
Thorough Accreditation Process
According to Sani, NECO’s Accreditation Team visited the schools to assess their readiness for the examinations.
The evaluation process included inspections of classrooms, laboratories, libraries, computer labs, workshops, examination halls, and sports facilities.
“After a comprehensive assessment, the schools were granted full accreditation status for both SSCE and BECE,” he said.
This expansion, he added, highlights NECO’s dedication to delivering quality education assessments that transcend Nigeria’s borders, offering opportunities for students to benefit from its expertise and standards.
Strengthening Regional Impact
The council’s growing influence has made it a key player in Africa’s education sector. Currently, NECO examinations are being conducted in several countries, including Benin Republic, Togo, Côte d’Ivoire, Niger Republic, Equatorial Guinea, and Saudi Arabia.
NECO also disclosed that the ongoing NECO SSCE External Examination is being conducted at the UNHCR School in Diffa, Niger Republic—the first NECO SSCE External Centre outside Nigeria.
The council reiterated its commitment to advancing education on the continent and beyond. “With its expanding global presence, NECO is poised to become a leading examination body in Africa, fostering educational excellence and contributing to the development of the education sector across the region,” the statement read.
This international accreditation further reinforces NECO’s standing as a credible examination body, providing students worldwide with access to reliable and standard assessments.
The Senate has reaffirmed its commitment to making Nigeria a beacon of educational excellence, emphasizing the critical role of education in driving national progress.
This pledge was made on Thursday during a public hearing organized by the Senate Committee on Tertiary Institutions and TETFund to discuss two bills: The Federal Polytechnic Onueke, Ezza South, Ebonyi (Establishment) Bill, 2024 and The Alvan Ikoku Federal University of Education, Owerri (Establishment) Bill, 2024
Representing the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, Senator Titus Zam (Benue North West) highlighted the Senate’s dedication to fostering inclusive and sustainable development through education.
“Education remains a cornerstone for national progress,” Senator Zam noted. “Its accessibility to all Nigerians, irrespective of geographical or socio-economic status, is a priority for this Senate.”
He emphasized that the input of stakeholders at the hearing would underscore a shared resolve to strengthen Nigeria’s educational framework, expand opportunities for intellectual growth, and provide technical and vocational training for the nation’s youth.
Akpabio, through Senator Zam, assured Nigerians of the Senate’s dedication to legislative measures that promote equity, national growth, and prosperity.
Chairman of the Senate Committee on Tertiary Institutions and TETFund, Senator Muntari Dandutse, explained that the Federal Polytechnic Onueke Bill aims to bolster technical and vocational education, aligning with the government’s efforts to reduce unemployment and enhance socio-economic conditions.
Similarly, Senator Kenneth Eze (Ebonyi Central), sponsor of the Federal Polytechnic Onueke Bill, emphasized that the institution would address pressing challenges in the labor market by focusing on skill-based education, ICT, and applied sciences.
“This initiative represents a paradigm shift for a nation grappling with high unemployment rates. It is a step toward advancing human capital development and securing a brighter future for Nigerian youths, particularly those in Ebonyi State,” Senator Eze said.
The Senate reiterated its commitment to legislative initiatives aimed at strengthening the education sector and creating opportunities for skill acquisition and intellectual development. By supporting these bills, the Senate seeks to position Nigeria as a global leader in education and human capital development.
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.
-
Crime1 year agoPolice nabs Killer of Varsity Lecturer in Niger
-
News10 months agoFCT-IRS tells socialite Aisha Achimugu not to forget to file her annual returns
-
Appointment1 year agoTinubu names El-Rufai, Tope Fasua, others in New appointments
-
News From Kogi1 year agoINEC cancells election in 67 polling units in Ogori-Magongo in Kogi
-
News From Kogi1 year agoEchocho Challenges Tribunal Judgment ordering rerun in 94 polling units
-
News1 year agoIPOB: Simon Ekpa gives reason for seperatists clamour for Biafra
-
Metro8 months ago‘Listing Simon Ekpa among wanted persons by Nigeria military is rascality, intimidation’
-
News11 months agoKingmakers of Igu/ Koton-Karfe dare Bello, urge him to reverse deposition of Ohimege-Igu