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
Education
NECO Extends Global Footprint, Accredits Schools in Niger Republic, Equatorial Guinea
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.
Education
Senate Commits to Making Nigeria a Hub of Educational Excellence
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.
Education
In Response to Viral Bullying Incident, FG Suspends 13 FGC Enugu Students
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.
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