Education
TRADOC Commander urges Nigerian Army personnel to imbibe culture of reading
***Distributes books, instructional materials to schools
The commander, Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC) of the Nigerian Army Maj. General Kelvin O. Aligbe has urged the personnel of the Nigerian Army to imbibe the culture of reading in other to improve their critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
Gen Aligbe stated this at the TRADOC headquarters in Minna the Niger capital on Tuesday when he distributed text books, exercise books and other instructional material to students and pupils of various primary and secondary schools within and outside the 31 Artillery Brigade cantonment Minna.
The gesture he said is part of activities to mark the 2024 TRADOC Nigerian Army library day study period.
The TRADOC Nigerian Army Library Day Study Period is organized by the Directorate of Army Training Support Centre annually to engage and collaborate with other professionals on contemporary issues on the use and application of library resources.
According to the TRADOC commander, the Study Period is one of the major schedules of training activities of Training and Doctrine Command of the Nigerian Army for the year 2024.
Gen Aligbe pointed out that “It is important to note that, the forum is coming up at a time when all efforts are being geared towards training, research and innovation as well as educational development of personnel in line with the Chief of Army Staff command philosophy, which is ‘’to transform the Nigerian Army into a well-trained equipped and highly effective force to fulfilled our constitutional responsibilities in a joint environment.
“This is with a view to enhance reading culture of the Nigerian Army personnel towards improving their critical thinking and problem-solving skill”.
In addition to this, he maintained that “it is to provide free access to information that will develop the research potentials and educational development of TRADOC Nigerian Army personnel through practical utilization of library resources”.
Gen Aligbe stated further that the importance of the study period cannot be overemphasized especially in the era of social media distractions, leading to readers reduced concentration and fragmented attentions, “Hence, it is to refresh our minds on the all-important roles of libraries”.
He disclosed that the theme for this year’s study period which is “Enhancing Research Potentials and Reading Culture of the Nigerian Army Personnel through Effective use of Library” was to imbibe the culture of reading despite the busy schedule and the engagement of the officers and soldiers.
This, he pointed out has become necessary because despite advancement in technology, a lot of individuals lack proper knowledge on how to use information retrieval skills and computer knowledge in accessing information in modern library.
Major General Aligbe also disclosed that the transformation of the Nigerian Army which started in earnest a few years ago has gone through various stages of educational developments, stressing that “The dynamic approach and pragmatic planning of the Chief of Army Staff is a manifestation of his desire to improve the Nigerian Army and translate it into a professional force. Hence this Study Period is seen as one of the platforms to actualize the command philosophy of the COAS”.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Director Army training support center TRADOC, Brigadier General Victor Ita said that despite the important roles of libraries in training, research and educational development, they are faced with common challenges of low patronage as well as lack of modern facilities, adding that “This also affect the TRADOC NA Library”.
He Underscored the importance of study period which he pointed out is used to enlighten and refresh officers, soldiers and students of the barracks community on the contemporary developments in the use and application of library resources.
“It also provides the enabling environment where participants would rub minds through interactions and exchange of ideas on some selected applications which affects
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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