Category: Education

The Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, on Wednesday, said preferences placed on paper qualifications by employers in Nigeria is responsible for high incidences of examination malpractices in JAMB.

He also said the simple way to make public servants shy away from corruption and other sharp practices is to make available to them, appropriate minimum welfare packages.

The former vice-chancellor of the University of Ilorin made the assertion in Ado-Ekiti, the Ekiti State capital, while delivering the 10th annual lecture of the Forum of Heads of Federal Government Establishments in Nigeria, (Ekiti State chapter).

Speaking on the topic ‘Value Reorientation for Effective Service Delivery: JAMB Perspectives’, he said no worker would choose to remain indolent, disloyal and unproductive if his working environment is appealing.

Oloyede blamed various cases of fraudulent practices in schools, especially during external examinations, on too much emphasis on paper qualifications by authorities while engaging people for employment.

Oloyede, who was represented on the occasion by Mrs Mabel Agbebaku, the Director, Quality Assurance at JAMB Headquarters, said he had initiated as well as carried out a number of innovations and disciplinary measures which had not only shore up annual money generated in its activities, but also eased out bad eggs from the agency.

“Any practice that aims at compromising the integrity of examinations pose a great danger to the collective hopes of the citizenry and the developmental aspirations of the nation.

“As the Board is investing a large chunk of its resources in the fight against examination infractions, government and other stakeholders alike must also show increased commitment to this fight because of the threats posed not only to the educational system, but also to national development.

“Some of the reasons for the widespread report of academic cheating might not be unconnected with the undue emphasis placed on paper qualifications and the desperation for professional courses such as Medicine, Law, Accountancy etc,” he said.

According to him, in the Board’s constant efforts to deploy international best practices, Computer Based Testing (CBT) was employed as the mode of examination delivery in the conduct of its exams in recent past, saying this innovation had helped to reduce malpractices and irregularities to the barest minimum.

He accused some private CBT centres of complicity in encouraging malpractices during UTME exams, warning them to desist henceforth or be ready to face consequences.

The JAMB boss said many of the CBT centres are in the habit of collaborating with both parents and schools to earn underserving grades, adding that: “Some of them even go as far as allowing the use of one person’s biometrics to register multiple candidates and also use different person’s photograph to register a candidate.”

The special guest of honour on the occasion and Ekiti State Governor, Kayode Fayemi, who was represented by the Head of Service, Mrs. Peju Babafemi, commended the forum for coming up with the idea of organising the annual lecture and promised government’s continued support.

He agreed on the topic of the lecture, saying: “The continuing debate on the pervading moral decadence in the society has resonated, in no small measure, the concept of ‘Value Reorientation’ in public domain.

“Therefore, the significance and aptness of your lecture, titled ‘Value Reorientation for Effective Service Delivery: JAMB Perspective’ cannot be overemphasized

“JAMB has indeed demonstrated this ideals of value re-orientation , as evident in its various reformations as well as giant stride in terms of increased remittances to the coffers of the federal government.”

Earlier in his welcome address, Mr James Famurewa, the Chairman of Ekiti chapter of the Forum, explained that the annual lecture was conceptualised as a veritable and strategic platform where all federal civil servants in the state can benefit immensely from the intellectual capacity and wealth of experience of eminent scholars, renowned public officers, technocrats and other critical stakeholders invited to deliver lecture.

He hinted that the forum had just been allowed a parcel of land to build its state secretariat, estimated to cost N25 million, with an appeal to both the state government and other stakeholders to assist in making the project become a reality

The chairman of the occasion, Mrs. Janet Olufunmilayo Adesubokan, remarked that members of the Forum in Ekiti had all been fulfilling the dreams and aspirations of the federal government at the state level to the admiration of the host public.

“It is certain and evident that through this type of annual lecture, the body has been able to live to expectations, especially in the area of educating and creating the needed awareness on activities of the federal government,” Adesubokan said.

The Governor of Osun, Mr. Adegboyega Oyetola, on Monday, said Osun’s choice to celebrate the nation’s Independence with an essay competition for youths in secondary schools and tertiary institutions was to demonstrate his administration’s commitment to building the teeming youth population for future leadership.

He described the essay competition as a wake-up call to youths in the State to embrace intellectually-engaging activities and to have a taste of good life, rather than indulging in criminal activities.

This is as Oyetola announced the award of scholarship to Miss Adegboyega Abisola Faith up to the university level in any public institution of her choice within the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Oyetola described the emergence of Faith as winner of the secondary school category as a signpost of his Administration’s commitment to the provision of adequate, quality, equitable, functional and affordable education for Osun youths.

Oyetola, while receiving the winners of the 2021 edition of the essay competition at the State Secretariat, Abere, urged teachers to continue to discharge their responsibilities to students with utmost fear of God and total commitment to the teaching profession.

He added that on the part of government, the welfare of teachers and other categories of workers will continue to remain priority.

Oyetola, who also commended the event’s sponsors for their show of interest in developing youths, called on other stakeholders to join hands with the government in its resolve to propel Osun to greater heights by investing in the future of the youths.

In his remarks, the Commissioner for Regional Integration and Special Duties, Lekan Badmus, expressed satisfaction with the successes recorded so far since the introduction of the future-focused and leadership-oriented essay competition.

According to Badmus, the programme has no doubt become a veritable tool towards building future leaders through academic development and entrepreneurship advancement.

On behalf of the sponsors, the Managing Director of Omoluabi Holdings, Dr. Tunde Faleye, lauded the Administration of Governor Oyetola for the pace-setting effort of Osun, adding that his organisation had resolved to continue to support not just the essay competition, but other good initiatives of the government.

According to Faleye, “Supporting the Administration of Oyetola shouldn’t be a difficult decision for any reasonable stakeholder in Osun. He has shown commitment to the development of the State across different sectors”.

In his remarks, the Chief Executive Officer of Rave FM, Osogbo, Mr. Femi Adefila, lauded Governor Oyetola for the initiative which he described as a product of integrity-oriented process.

He particularly lauded Oyetola’s social engineering which has rid the state of tension and controversies, adding that he has consistently delivered good governance in the State in ways that impact the common man.

“Pensioners no longer march to our station to lament non-payment of entitlements. Osun is no longer in the news for the wrong reasons. There are no longer controversies in the public space to feast on. These are derivatives of Governor Oyetola’s calm disposition and exceptional approach to governance”, Adefila said.

Also speaking on behalf of the examiners, Dr. Mrs. Akintunde said “we are happy that this initiative is thriving at a period negative things have been happening among the youth. Osun has become a good example of good things. I must commend your support on this. It shows your deep love for educational development.”

Speaking on behalf of the parents of the winners, Dr. Femi Adeyemo applauded the Governor for putting in place an initiative capable of revamping the lost glory of the education system in the State in particular and Nigeria as a whole.

He said: “With this initiative, Governor Oyetola has shown us that he is focused, determined, resolute and committed to turning around the State for better and particularly revive the education sector. Sincerely, we are enjoying you. You have given us the hope that, truly, youths are leaders of tomorrow. As far as this initiative is concerned, it is clear that Osun is the pacesetter in education development. I congratulate the organisers, winners, the parents for believing in this initiative.

The winner of the secondary school category, Adegboyega Abisola Faith, appreciated the governor and government of Osun for the investment of strategic efforts at revamping public education in the States.

Adeyemo Victor Ayodeji, the winner of the tertiary institution category, in his remark, lauded the Oyetola Administration for the premium it has placed on quality education, adding that hope has been revived in him as a result of the quality of leadership Osun is enjoying under Oyetola.

Governor Kayode Fayemi has on Friday commissioned the newly-constructed Deji Fasuan Model College, Ado Ekiti.

The college is one of the 4 new Model Schools constructed by the state government to decongest public secondary schools in Ado Ekiti.

According to the Governor while commissioning the college, he said, “this model college will give pupils, who presently enjoy free education, access to more learning facilities including functional laboratories (chemistry, physics, biology, home economics, and others), an ICT centre, toilet facilities, and pipe-borne water.

“Governor Fayemi has also approved the establishment of three new model colleges which would be located in Ikere, Odo-Oro and Ado-Ekiti. The Model College in Ado-Ekiti which is named after the Anglican Missionary, Late Rev Thomas Harding is designed to have 36 Classrooms and is to be located in the heart of the State Capital. The College is created as an alternative option for primary school pupils who would have attended the three mission schools recently returned to their original owners in Ado Ekiti by Government”.

The Students’ Union Government of Adeseun Ogundoyin Eruwa Polytechnic has thrown its weight behind the Governing Council Chairman, Prof. Ogundiran Samuel.

This was contained in a statement signed and sent to Oduduwa News today by the SUG executive as read in part:

“The Students’ Union Government of Adeseun Ogundoyin Polytechnic Eruwa hereby write to Your Excellency in reaction to a purported move of some digruntled elements in the state planning that a Vote of No Confidence be passed on the Governing Council Chairman of Adeseun Ogundoyin Polytechnic Eruwa, Professor Samuel Ogunwale Ogundiran.

“Since your assumption in office as the governor of the state Sir, there has been a deliberate to ask to transform education which has led you into searching for people of wisdom, integrity and intellect which you succeeded in by appointing Governing Councils to various state owned tertiary institutions on the 7th of July 2020, Adeseun Ogundoyin Polytechnic Eruwa is not an exception.

“Even though, he is not a newbie in the system as he was the Chairman in the previous administration, Professor Samuel Ogundiran impacts in the institution in the last 13 months cannot be overemphasized.

“Knowing full well that there have been problems arising of non accreditation of courses in the school limiting the number of programs offered, he was able to use his influence to fast track the accreditation process. The NBTE team led by Mallam G.M Nalado conducted it’s visitation to the school from 29th November to 2nd December, this resulted into the approval of more programs.

“The accreditation of some programmes was also the reason why some graduates of the 2016/2017 session have not yet been mobilized for the National Youth Service Corps. This has grievously caused a setback in some people’s lives especially if the NYSC certificate is made a prerequisite for job employment. He had to put it upon himself to go to the NYSC secretariat in Abuja to resolve the mobilisation crisis.

“Being an academician that knows the value of additional certifications in the modern world, he has been able to use his initiative to introduce affliated ICT programs into the school. CISCO and Microsoft certificates are now being awarded to students of Adeseun Ogundoyin Polytechnic Eruwa.

“He holds the matters of students so dearly to his heart as a father and quick to look into agitations of the management. You would agree with us Sir, that Professor Samuel Ogundiran is a visionary and charismatic leader, he believes in development and career building also a man with an impeccable character.

“The Students’ Union being a key stakeholder in the school has deemed it fit to write to you as a matter of urgency to discard the false allegations that have een written against the Chairman who is worthy of the appointment.

“Your Excellency Sir, we ask in your office  that you discountenance whatever anybody has brought to you against the man of progressive ideology”.

The Federal Government has stopped students in Senior Secondary School one and two from participating in external West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE), the National Examination Council (NECO), and National Business and Technical Examinations Board (NABTEB).

The development was contained in a circular issued to principals of federal unity schools by the Federal Ministry of Education.

The circular was signed by the ministry’s Director, Senior Secondary Education, Hajia Binta Abdulkadir, and confirmed by the Director of Press and Public Relations, Ben Bem Goong, on Friday, September 24.

The circular read, “The ministry’s attention has been drawn to the flagrant disregard to its directive on (the) writing of external examinations such as NABTEB (NTC and NBC), WASSCE, NECO (SSCE) by SS1 and SS2 students.

Students who are involved in the practice find it difficult to settle down on serious studies. They become unruly and distract other students from achieving their goals.

Any student caught to have written any of the above examinations in SS1 or SS2 classes will be expelled from the college. All students must write these examinations after they have been duly registered for the examination by the college.

All students of Federal Unity College should adhere strictly to the content of this circular. And Principals are advised to bring the content of this circular to the knowledge of all parents of the college.”

Lagos State Ministry of Education is set to commence the implementation of the experimental fee regime as agreed during a meeting of officials of the Ministry of Education, parents and lawmakers recently.

In a recent statement, the State Commissioner for Education, Mrs. Folasade Adefisayo, explained that the sum of N35,000, as agreed by the stakeholders at the meeting, will be paid by all students of Model Colleges and Upgraded Schools for the next two terms.

She reiterated that no other fees will be charged nor will any intervention be imposed within the period to avoid overburdening parents and also determine the workability of the new boarding school fees.

Mrs. Adefisayo averred that the menu list of the students will also be reviewed and standardised in terms of essential nutrition, noting that the Schools are also expected to incorporate available local menu and seasonal foods.

She also declared that representatives of the parents’ body will be incorporated into the boarding house committee to ensure inclusive supervision, revealing that the resumption of students in Model Colleges and Upgraded Schools commenced on Sunday, 19th September with SS2 students, while new JS1 students and other returning students will follow on the 2nd and 9th of October respectively.

The Commissioner appreciated the parents for their understanding and assured all stakeholders of the continuous support of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s administration for quality education.

Abayomi A. Adebayo, a professor of Economics from the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile Ife emerged the most productive Nigerian researcher in Economics in the 2021 AD Scientific Index ranking of Economists. The don who has all his degrees from the same university has H-index of 25 and i10-index of 46, to become one of the three Economics dons that are among the best 200 researchers in Nigeria. The other two are Uwuigbe Uwalomwa and Akinlo Anthony Enisan who are respectively from Redeemer’s and Covenant universities. Interestingly, Professor Enisan who is the current Vice Chancellor of Redeemer’s University is also a Professor of Economics Here is the full list of the top twenty economists/accountants in Nigeria.

1. Abayomi Adebayo (Obafemi Awolowo University)
2. Uwuigbe Uwalomwa (Covenant University)
3. Akinlo Anthony Enisan (Redeemer’ University)
4. Chukwuma Charles Soludo (University of Nigeria, Nsukka)
5. S. A. Yusuf (University of Ibadan)
6. Onakoya Adegbemi Babatunde (Babcock University)
7. Adeola Festus Adenikinju (University of Ibadan)
8. Olopade Bosede Comfort (Adeleke University)
9. Lawal Adedoyin Isola (Landmark University)
10. Ogundipe Adeyemi (Covenant University)
11. Lukman Raimi (American University of Nigeria)
12. Olanrewaju Olaniyan (University of Ibadan)
13. Babajide Ayopo Abiola (Covenant University)
14. Joel Babalola (University of Ibadan)
15. Musibau Adetunji Babatunde (University of Ibadan)
16. Fidelis Obioma Ogwumike (University of Ibadan)
17. Uwuigbe Olubukola Ranti (Covenant University)
18. Adelowokan Oluwaseyi Adedayo (Olabisi Onabanjo University)
19. Matthew Augustina Oluwatoyin (Covenant University)
20. Alege Philip (Covenant University)

One interesting discovery from the list is that Covenant University has the joint highest number of scientists (six) with the University of Ibadan in this top flight. It is also worthy of Note that the only three women among the best economists in Nigeria are from private universities. One of them (Olopade Bosede Comfort) is from Adeleke University while the other two (Babajide Ayopo Abiola and Matthew Augustina Oluwatoyin) are from Covenant University. It is also worthy of note that academics in private universities dominate this list. There are eleven dons from private universities leaving only eight places for federal and one for state universities.

The dominance of private university dons is an indication of the level of funding that these universities give to academic research. Our government universities should also step up and provide sufficient funding for economic research. This will go a long way to raise our economy.

It has been confirmed to the newsmen that over 400 holders of Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree currently teach in public secondary schools in Oyo State.

In an interview with The Nation, the Chairman of the state’s Post-Primary School Teaching Service Commission (TESCOM), Pastor Akinade Alamu, said the state followed standard procedure in the recent recruitment of 5,000 teachers into its secondary schools.

They include 150 physically challenged persons.

He explained that 140,000 candidates applied for the job but that only 6,500 scored 50 per cent and above in the computer-based test (CBT) conducted to screen them.

Of the number, 5,000 of the applicants were eventually employed after passing the oral interview and credential scrutiny.

Giving further details, the commission’s Permanent Secretary, Mrs. Grace Oderinde, explained that 167 of the newly recruited teachers hold PhD in various fields.

The permanent secretary said 550 of the successful candidates were non-indigenes of Oyo State because Governor Seyi Makinde insisted that only the best must be recruited into the schools, irrespective of their states of origin.

“The governor had no candidate. He directed that anyone to be recruited must pass the test and make the cut-off point. It didn’t matter if the candidate was the governor’s brother or sister.

“With that, TESCOM has set the standard, and I am sure that other agencies will emulate us. This government values merit because of its commitment to bringing the desired change into the system,” she said.

According to her, 400 applicants hold First-Class degrees in various disciplines.

Those who did not study Education were given two years to complete a post-graduate diploma in the discipline.

Mrs. Oderinde said the new teachers were posted according to the needs of the various zones across the state.

The Vice President of Nigeria, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, and other dignatories today attended book launch of the Founder of Deeper Life Church, Pastor Kumuyi.

Osinbajo in his short statement via his official Facebook account said, “I enjoyed the special honour and privilege to present the book ‘Kumuyi: Defender of the Faith’ today.

“The book tells the story of the incredible work of the Holy Spirit in the life and Ministry of Pastor William Folorunso Kumuyi, laying out endearing examples of keeping faith without compromise or embellishment, of staying focused on one’s God-given mission, of honour in consistency.

“I have had an opportunity to read the book, and every page of it is worth reading more than once for the priceless lessons replete in it. I recommend it to all”.