Education

By Uzair Adam

The Vice-Chancellor of Al-Istiqama University, Sumaila, Professor Salisu Shehu, has commended The Daily Reality team for their outstanding support toward the university.

Prof. Shehu noted that the online newspaper has offered remarkable support to the institution since its establishment in 2022, with numerous reports about the university featured prominently on its platform.

The Vice-Chancellor spoke during a seminar titled “The Pervasiveness of Sports Betting (Online Gambling) Among Undergraduate Students in Nigerian Universities.”

The event, organized in honour of the Muslim Students Society of Nigeria Day, featured The Daily Reality’s editor, Malam Aisar Fagge, as the lead speaker.

“Malam Aisar Fagge is a renowned figure on social media, and most of you see his posts on Facebook. He’s a teacher-journalist. He teaches journalism and practices it. They are the publishers of The Daily Reality [online newspaper]. The media has carried and shared a lot of information about Al-Istiqama University and has publicized us widely. May Allah bless them,” said Prof. Shehu.

In response, Malam Aisar Fagge expressed gratitude to the Vice Chancellor for his dedication to advancing the university.

He said, “I am thrilled by the positive changes I’ve seen in this university. The progress is impressive. The university got the leadership it deserves.”

By Anas Abbas

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has accused the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) of actively undermining Nigeria’s public education system.

This allegation comes amidst the union’s frustration over the ongoing delays in renegotiating its 2009 agreement with the federal government, despite several Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) and Memoranda of Action (MoAs), ASUU President.

 Prof. Emmanuel Osodeke expressed disappointment that the agreement has yet to be finalized.

During the ASUU Heroes Day 2024-2025 ceremony held in Abuja, Prof. Osodeke raised concerns about various issues, including the mandatory Integrated Personnel and Payroll Information System (IPPIS) and the suspension of salaries for ASUU members for three and a half months.

In a positive development, ASUU announced that it had awarded selected members PhD grants worth N500,000 each after thoroughly evaluating proposals. 

Prof. Osodeke praised the members for their unwavering commitment to defending Nigeria’s public university system and extended his support to ASUU members facing challenges at Kogi State University, Lagos State University, Ebonyi State University, and Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University.

The Heroes Day event recognizes past and present members for their dedication to enhancing public education. Prof. Osodeke paid tribute to the late Prof. Festus Iyayi, a former ASUU president, and others who have made significant contributions to the union’s objectives.

By Idris Hassan

A student of Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) Zaria, Maimuna Abubakar, who beat other contestants across the world last time to emerge 3rd in an International Essay Competition organised in the United States of America, has graduated with a first-class degree in Sociology (the third person in the department’s history to graduate with a first-class), after Muminah Musa Agaka, who first broke the 38-year record. 

Maimuna Abubakar is someone I have been mentoring since my time at ABU, Zaria. She’s from Niger State and has always been eager to listen and learn. She lost her mother a few years ago, which was a difficult period for her. 

I recall the last time she asked me if there was anything she could work on, as she often does. I mentioned an essay competition in the US that I wanted her to apply for. She responded, “Sir, that’s for people like you. I don’t think I am a good fit since I know so little.” I laughed and encouraged her to submit her entry. We discussed her ideas critically, and she wrote something she sent me for proofreading. After reviewing it, she submitted her essay and won third place.

Maimuna is a writer, poet, and much more. She graduated as the best student at her level in the Department. Maimuna is also a trained teacher with over five years of experience. During school breaks, she makes dresses, loves writing, and especially enjoys reading. 

She was Amira of the Muslim Students Society of Nigeria (MSSN) ABU, Chairperson of the NSASA Academic Committee, and Secretary of the NSASA Editorial Committee in Zaria. Maimuna aspires to be a Public Health Professional or a Social Psychologist. Given her dedication and achievements, I believe the Niger State government needs to acknowledge and reward her efforts.

Applied Worldwide is a project founded by Stephanie Wilson and Luke Hanna in the United States. It believes in a dynamic sociology in which sociological knowledge is produced and applied to enact positive changes in communities worldwide. 

Applied Worldwide organises an international essay writing competition to inspire students in the field and help foster change through a sociological lens that Applied Worldwide aims to bring. You can also try your luck.

By Ibrahim Muhammad 

The Yobe State Government has made significant strides in revamping the education sector, demonstrating its commitment to empowering future generations.

In 2024, the government invested over N2 billion in learning materials and infrastructure development through its Universal Basic Education Board (YSUBEB).  

According to YSUBEB Executive Secretary Alhaji Isa Shettima, the substantial investment aims to enhance the quality of education in primary and secondary schools across the state. 

Learning materials were widely distributed, including essential items such as pencils, pens, exercise books, school bags, chalk, whiteboards, markers, and more.

Specifically, the YSUBEB distributed 5,600 cartons of pencils, 5,600 cartons of ballpoint pens, and 5,600 cartons of exercise books, among other materials.

Additionally, UNICEF donated 56,000 branded school bags. Infrastructure development was also a key focus area, with the YSUBEB renovating over 100 schools across the state’s three geopolitical zones.

Notable projects included the construction of new classroom blocks, administrative blocks, laboratories, libraries, and offices in various schools.

The government also built two vocational schools in each geopolitical zone. Some of the notable projects undertaken by the YSUBEB include renovating a block of two classrooms, offices, and stores in Government Secondary School, Dagona, and building a block of six classrooms with an administrative block, laboratory, library, and offices in GDJSS, Abba Ibrahim.

The YSUBEB also constructed two classroom blocks, an office, and a store in Bizi Primary School and six classroom blocks with an administrative block, a laboratory, a library, and offices in Government Day Secondary School Buraima. 

Despite these efforts, some reports have falsely claimed that the Yobe State Government has neglected the education sector, leaving schools in a ramshackle condition.

However, these claims are entirely unfounded and misleading. The facts on the ground demonstrate the government’s unprecedented commitment to providing quality education.

The N2 billion investment in learning materials and infrastructure development is a testament to this commitment. It is essential to set the record straight and dismiss these baseless reports.

The Yobe State Government has made overwhelming progress in revitalising the education sector, and this progress should not be obscured by misinformation.

The government remains dedicated to providing a conducive learning environment for its citizens and ensuring that every child has access to quality education. 

The Yobe State Government’s efforts in education are part of its broader development agenda, as outlined in the 2024 Appropriation and Finance Bills.

By Lydia Usman Maiva

The issue of out-of-school children in Nigeria, particularly in the Northeast region, has reached alarming proportions. The numbers are gargantuan, and the consequences of inaction will be dire.

According to the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), Nigeria has the highest number of out-of-school children in the world, with over 10 million children between the ages of 5 and 14 not attending school.  

The Northeast region accounts for a significant portion of this number, with states like Borno, Yobe, and Adamawa having some of the highest rates of out-of-school children.

This trend is deeply troubling, as it not only affects the future of these children but also threatens the stability and development of the region.

Poverty, conflict, and cultural barriers are some of the factors driving this phenomenon, making it fundamental to adopt a comprehensive approach to address the root causes. 

Poverty and economic hardship are some of the contributors to the problem. Many families in the Northeast struggle to make ends meet, forcing them to prioritise basic needs over education.

Meanwhile, the lingering conflict in the region has destroyed infrastructure, displaced communities, and created an environment conducive to radicalization.

The lack of access to quality education further exacerbates the issue, as inadequate facilities and unqualified teachers undermine the value of education. 

Cultural and social barriers also play an active role in keeping children out of school. In some communities, girls are discouraged from pursuing education due to societal norms and expectations.

Similarly, boys are often pressured to engage in economic activities or join extremist groups. These barriers must be addressed through community-based initiatives that promote education and awareness. 

The consequences of taking measures will be far-reaching and devastating. Out-of-school children are more likely to engage in child labour or trafficking, become radicalised or recruited by extremist groups, suffer from poverty and unemployment, lack access to healthcare and social services, and perpetuate cycles of illiteracy and ignorance.  

To curb the menace of out-of-school children, increased investment in education infrastructure and resources is crucial.

This includes building and renovating schools, providing adequate materials and equipment, and training qualified teachers. Implementation of conditional cash transfer programs can also encourage enrolment, particularly among disadvantaged families. 

Community-based initiatives are vital in promoting education and awareness. Collaboration with local leaders, religious institutions, and civil society organisations can help challenge harmful cultural norms and promote the value of education.

Furthermore, policy reforms are necessary to address cultural and social barriers, ensuring that every child has access to quality education. 

The Nigerian government has launched several initiatives aimed at reducing the number of out-of-school children.

The National Education Plan, Safe Schools Initiative, Conditional Cash Transfer Program, and Education for All initiative are steps in the right direction.

However, more needs to be done to address the scale and complexity of the problem. Effective implementation and coordination among stakeholders are critical to the success of these initiatives. State and local governments must work closely with federal agencies, international organisations, and civil society groups to ensure a unified approach.

Additionally, monitoring and evaluation mechanisms should be put in place to track progress and identify areas for improvement. Ultimately, addressing the issue of out-of-school children in Nigeria’s Northeast requires a collective effort. We must prioritise education as a fundamental right and a cornerstone of national development.

By working together, we can ensure that every child in Nigeria has access to quality education and a brighter future, securing a more prosperous and stable future for our nation. 

In conclusion, the government must stand on its toes and provide a lasting solution to the problem.

The National Almajiri Commission and out-of-school children must also work round the clock in ensuring that the number has drastically reduced or eliminated.

This will require sustained commitment, coordination, and collaboration among all stakeholders.

Only then can we hope to reverse the alarming trend of out-of-school children in Nigeria’s Northeast and unlock a brighter future for generations to come.  

Lydia Usman Maiva is a student in the Department of Mass Communication, University of Maiduguri

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

Minister of Education, Dr. Morufu Olatunji Alausa, has reversed his predecessor’s policy of 18 years as entry age for University admission.

The policy initiated by Professor Tahir Mamman, former Minister of Education, had generated controversy.

But while briefing journalists upon assumption of office, on Tuesday, Alausa said the policy was detrimental to the federal government’s efforts to reduce the number of out-of-school children in the country.

He said it is also not sustainable for the education sector, explaining that the 16-year age limit would be maintained and exceptions would be granted for “gifted children”.

The new minister also said going forward, Nigeria’s education system will be 80 percent practical and 20 percent classroom/ theoretical.

Alausa said practical education will help to curb the unemployment situation in Nigeria as tertiary institutions will not continue churning out graduates on a yearly basis without jobs for Nigerians.

He said the federal government will work with private sector operators for the training of students to unleash their potentials.

Alausa was among the 10 ministers who got new portfolios after last month’s cabinet reshuffle which led to the exit of his predecessor.

By Anwar Usman

The Office of the Accountant General of the Federation has confirmed the deactivation of the Integrated Personnel and Payroll Information System for Federal Tertiary Institutions.

This comes after the Federal Government’s decision to remove these institutions from the IPPIS platform.

Bawa Mokwa, the Director of Press and Public Relations at the OAGF, made this known in an interview with journalists.

Mokwa stated, “It was only natural for the IPPIS platform for FTIs to be shut down, given the Federal Government’s directive to remove these institutions from the system.”

He added that November salaries for FTIs would be processed through the Government Integrated Financial Management Information System (GIFMIS).

Institutions are expected to prepare their payrolls in Excel format and bring them to IPPIS for verification and validation.

In response to concerns about possible changes to salary account details, the OAGF clarified that it has issued no directive instructing workers to change the financial institutions linked to their IPPIS accounts.

Mokwa reiterated that workers’ welfare remains a top priority, assuring that no misleading or panic-inducing instructions would be given.

He explained that any decision to change salary accounts is entirely personal for each worker, with no mandate from the IPPIS office.

Workers with valid reasons for changing their salary accounts were advised to follow the official procedures provided by the OAGF to ensure a smooth transition without payroll disruptions.

By Hajara Abdullahi

Girl Child education is a major cornerstone for national development. In developing countries, Nigeria, inclusive of the girl child education, keeps experiencing setbacks due to certain constraints, which include poverty, cultural practices, insecurity, climate change, etc. In Northern Nigeria, where these challenges are more persistent, enrollment of the girl child has been minimal despite efforts by relevant stakeholders.

On October 11th, the International Day of the Girl Child was celebrated worldwide; several campaigns and gatherings were held in Nigeria to commemorate the event. The Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima, while addressing a conference marking the event, described Nigeria’s 25.6% out-of-school as a threat to the country, and he reiterated the need to take a specific action plan to address the menace.

According to UNICEF, Nigeria has 18 million out-of-school children, and out of these 18 million out-of-school children,60% of them are girls. This implies that we must invest, harness, and champion enrollment in girls’ education.

Education is a fundamental human right and a cornerstone of national development. Investing in girls’ education empowers individuals, communities and the nation.

Education is not just a fundamental human right but a cornerstone of national development. When we invest in girls’ education, we invest in the future of our communities and nation. A girl with an education is not just an empowered individual but a catalyst for change. 

 Below are some of the essential aspects of girl-child education for national development.

Economic Growth: Educated girls significantly contribute to economic growth. Studies show that a girl’s future earnings increase substantially for every additional year of schooling. Educated women participate in the labour force, start businesses and drive economic development. In Northern Nigeria, where unemployment is rampant, empowering girls through education can break the poverty cycle and boost the economy.

Health and Well-being: Education profoundly impacts health outcomes. Educated girls make informed decisions about their health and well-being, marry later, and have healthier families. Educated girls prioritise their children’s education and health, creating a virtuous development cycle.

Social Change: Educated girls engage in civic activities, advocate for their rights and challenge societal norms. They become leaders, role models and change agents, contributing to gender equality and national progress. Inspirational figures like Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Amina J. Muhammad, Professor Ruqayatu Rufai and Maryam Aloma Mukhtar exemplify how investing in girls’ education fosters social change and national development.

Sustainable Development Goals: Girls’ education is crucial to achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goal 4: inclusive and equitable quality education for all. Prioritising girls’ education helps eradicate poverty, promote gender equality and ensure sustainable development.

Therefore, we need to commit to actionable steps. We need increased investment in girls’ education, community awareness programs that challenge harmful cultural practices, and partnerships with local organisations to create safe and supportive learning environments. Every stakeholder, from government officials to community leaders, educators, and parents, has a role to play.

In conclusion, let us remember that the education of the girl child is not just a women’s issue; it is a national imperative. Together, we can build a future where every girl in Nigeria has the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive.

Hajara Abdullahi wrote from the Department of Mass Communication, Bayero University, Kano. She can be contacted via phlosopherquin162@gmail.com.

By Uzair Adam 

Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State has inherited a challenging educational situation, highlighted by three years of unpaid examination fees that left many secondary school students unable to take their West African Senior School Certificate Examinations (WASSCE) and National Examinations Council (NECO) exams. 

The governor’s spokesperson, Sulaiman Bala Idris, revealed this in a statement on Sunday, describing the inherited financial hurdles affecting both local and international students.

According to the statement, among these challenges are unpaid scholarships for Zamfara students studying abroad, particularly in Cyprus and India. 

However, Idris said the government has been addressing issues with students in Sudan and India, enabling 66 evacuees from Sudan, affected by the ongoing conflict, to complete their studies. 

The statement read in part, “However, 14 of the 66 nursing students could not take their final exams. In partnership with Sudanese University, the state government organized exams for the 14 students in Nigeria, which is not one of the university’s designated exam centres. 

“The government covered flight, accommodation, and meal expenses for three examiners from Sudan. All 14 students completed their final exams, while 52 others received full scholarships to continue their studies at universities in Nigeria.

“We laid the foundation by referencing India and Sudan, where Zamfara scholarship students faced various problems that were addressed with the state government’s intervention. The question remains: Why is Cyprus International University different?

“Despite serious problems uncovered regarding the faulty foundation created when students were sent to Cyprus and other countries, the state government has been pursuing all official channels to resolve the issue, but the school management is blocking the efforts. 

“On November 12, 2023, the state government paid the university N84.7 million. Two days later, on November 14, 2023, another N30.9 million was transferred to the school.

“Cyprus International University has consistently rejected the state government’s request to send a delegation to discuss the ongoing issues concerning our scholarship students. As a result, the state government had to reach out to the Nigerian Foreign Mission in Turkey for assistance.

“In May 2024, following significant pressure from the Nigerian Foreign Mission in Turkey, the school management informed the state government that they were prepared to receive a delegation at the university in Cyprus, contingent upon the transfer of funds to demonstrate commitment. Consequently, on June 4, 2024, the state government transferred N100 million as requested by the university.

“In light of this, Governor Dauda Lawal formed a three-member delegation for a trip to Cyprus International University. The delegation includes Mallam Wadatau Madawaki, the Commissioner of Education, Science and Technology; Bello Mohammed Auta, the Commissioner of Finance; and Barau Muazu, the Special Adviser to the Executive Governor on Finance and Economic Matters.

“The delegation was saddled with the responsibility to establish the actual amount Zamfara State owes the university in respect of the 93 Students sent on scholarship since 2019; to screen all the Zamfara State students in the university in person to ascertain their actual number; to verify the students’ various and individual courses with the view to evaluating performance and confirm the year of graduation of each student.

“Other responsibilities include finding out and evaluating the conditions under which studies are being carried out, the situation of the hostels, feeding and other learning tools and infrastructure provided, and devising mutually agreed-upon terms and conditions through which the established outstanding and future liabilities would be settled.

“Before leaving Nigeria, the delegation reached out to the Nigerian Foreign Mission in Turkey, a reason why two officials of the Embassy joined the delegation to Cyprus on August 14, 2024, to complete the above assignment. On August 15, they met the students and the university’s management, setting the ball rolling.

“The first meeting with the management was with Professor Majid, from whom the delegation requested for any executed MOU/Agreement between Cyprus International University and Zamfara State Government, a total outstanding debt owed by each student from inception to date, indicating the amount per semester, payments received and outstanding balance; students’ cumulative academic transcript per semester indicating progress with anticipated graduation date and list of students who made personal payments for registration to avoid semester freezing, the amount paid per student and the total amount.

“In a meeting with the University Rector/Vice Chancellor, Professor Habil Nadiri, the delegation presented numerous issues faced by the students in the University, which included non-registration of students to allow them to attend lectures and access school facilities to carry out their studies conveniently; ejection of the entire students (except the ten females) who were patching in a provided boys hostel by the school; depriving all the students (including the ten females) food from the school canteen since the date they were ejected from hostel.

“Other issues presented to the school management include the school authority tagging Zamfara state students “under a deportation order,” which was frowned upon as a harsh decision since they had not committed any criminal offence against the university or the country, and the deportation of one of the students without prior notification to either the Zamfara State Government or the Nigerian Embassy in Ankara. We also frowned at this action as unwarranted for a non-criminal reason.

“The Zamfara delegation uncovered a lack of consistency on the part of Cyprus International University. The office of the General Secretary provided the government with EUR 947,544.71 as the total outstanding sum Zamfara State owes the university.

“The office of the Senior Advisor to the Board of Trustees and Head of the Promotion & International Affairs division provided the total debt the state owes as EUR 650,730.24.

“The International Affairs Office confirmed that the General Secretary’s office did not update its system with many payments and waivers. We reviewed the total provided by the international affairs office and discovered many anomalies that need to be corrected, further reducing the total indebtedness.

“Since the delegation returned, the Zamfara State Government has been awaiting communication from Cyprus International University regarding the actual payment needed to end the quagmire.

“The Nigerian Foreign Mission in Ankara has been actively working to encourage the Cyprus Diplomatic Mission to press Cyprus International University for the necessary official documents. We are hopeful that this diplomatic intervention will help to compel the university to do the right thing without any further complications,” the statement added.

By Uzair Adam

The Federal Government has disbursed funds to settle withheld salaries of the Non-Academic Staff Union of Federal Universities (NASU) and benefits for retirees under the Nigerian Union of Pensioners Contributory Pension Scheme Sector (NUPCPS).

This was disclosed by Mr. Bawa Mokwa, Director of Press and Public Relations in the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation (OAGF), in a statement released on Saturday in Abuja.

Mokwa noted that payments to NASU members had begun, with many recipients confirming they had received the funds.

He stated the government’s commitment to supporting Nigerian workers and retirees.The Daily Reality reported that NASU, alongside the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU), had launched a nationwide strike on Monday.

According to SSANU President Mohammed Ibrahim, the strike would continue for seven days unless the government addresses grievances over payment disparities among university unions.