Education
Don decries intellectual misplacement in governance, deprivation
***Advocates meritocracy, social justice in polity
By Friday Idachaba, Lokoja.
A Clinical Literary and Publishing Studies lecturer DR Abba Abba, has decried the intellectual misplacement in governance with “The Lesser Read Leading The Better Read” and stunting the much desired advancement and growth of the country.
Abba stated this at the 2nd Annual Coloqium of the Federal University Lokoja organised in honour of Prof. Olu Obafemi, a Professor of English and Dramatic Literature who retired from the University of Ilorin in 2020.
Dr Abba of the Department of English and Literary Studies at FUL said the 2nd Annual Coloqium is themed, “Olu Obafemi’s Post-Feminist Vision: Drama, Materialist Aesthetics, and the Nigerian Woman.”
He said that retrieval efforts at restoring the near lost relationship between the Town and the Gown, which had been the foundation on which tertiary institutions were built jow poses a huge challenge.
Abba revealed that the once robust relationship, dating back to monasteries as far back as in the 14th century when Louis XIV had to shut down monasteries believing that they were the causes of the uprisings within the kingdom, has nosedived.
“Today, under the Military, we saw that happened to ASUU. We saw what happened to many academics who had to enlighten society on what we call “invidious and insidious subversion” by mobilizing students intellectually to engage.
He said that rather than constructively engaging the leadership, “we get into the mundane part of sex and sexuality.
“We even legitimize such crimes that have now become a culture about cross-gender. We will try to legitimize it with modernity. And in all that, captured in the works of Prof. Olu Obafemi”, he pointed out.
On the advocacy for the rejuvenation of the female gender, he said, “I do not agree that our women at any time have been marginalized. I imagine that they went to sleep and suddenly got up.
“And as you are getting to the eve of the dismissal of that notion that the woman’s place is in the other room, the reminder of what our women are, should be and ought to be, become rife.”
In his welcome address, Vice Chancellor of FUL, Prof. Olayemi Akinwumi described Prof. Obafemi as somebody the Academia in Kogi and beyond were proud of.
Prof. Akinwumi said, “He is somebody that we are proud of in this state and we are proud of in this country. The University deserves giants in the academic world on whose shoulders to stand and attract more development to the institution.
“We still need other people, giants that we can stand on their shoulders to advertise the University and standing on their shoulders not only to advertise ourselves but also to attract many things to the university”, he explained.
Speaking on Prof. Obafemi’s literary works, Prof. Gbemisola of the Department of English, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, in his presentation titled: “Killing Two Stones With One Bird: Reflection on Class and Gender Ideation in Olu Obafemi’s Drama.
He said that due to the ideological consciousness of Prof. Obafemi, his plays deploy African traditions of story telling, music, dance and drama while his Marxist ideological consciousness inspires a sense of fairness and social justice that encompasses emancipation of the oppressed, regardless of gender and social Class.
Prof. Mabel Evwoerhoma, a Professors of Theatre Arts at the University of Abuja also made a presentation on Prof. olu Obafemi’s Drama on “Post-Feminist Vision, Materialist Aesthetics And the Nigerian Woman.
Abel Joseph, a professor of African and Post-colonial Literary Studies at the Federal University, Lokoja also presented, “Women And Power Beyond The Rhetoric Of Difference In Olu Obafemi’s Naira Has No Gender, And Near And Distant Cries.
Prof. Obafemi a playwright, poet, biographer, literary and theatre scholar, novelist, an author, member of Nigeria Academy of Letters and Nigerian Media Merit Award among many other accomplishments has several works on Feminism.
In the citation of Prof. Obafemi read by Prof. M.S. Audu, the retired professor had made so much contributions to the growth and development of English and Literature in Nigeria and impacted the global literary community. (Ends)
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. ”
-
Crime1 year agoPolice nabs Killer of Varsity Lecturer in Niger
-
News1 year 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
-
Kogi1 year agoINEC cancells election in 67 polling units in Ogori-Magongo in Kogi
-
Kogi1 year agoEchocho Challenges Tribunal Judgment ordering rerun in 94 polling units
-
News1 year agoIPOB: Simon Ekpa gives reason for seperatists clamour for Biafra
-
Metro11 months ago‘Listing Simon Ekpa among wanted persons by Nigeria military is rascality, intimidation’
-
News1 year agoKingmakers of Igu/ Koton-Karfe dare Bello, urge him to reverse deposition of Ohimege-Igu