Education

By Muhammad Sulaiman

A Professor of Plant Pathology and Mycology at the Federal University Birnin Kebbi (FUBK), Prof. Kasimu Shehu, has warned that fungal diseases are exacerbating hunger and posing serious health risks in Nigeria.

Shehu made the assertion on Wednesday while delivering the university’s 4th Inaugural Lecture in Birnin Kebbi.

The lecture, entitled “Invisible Enemies, Visible Losses: A Lifetime of Confronting Fungal Threats to Nigerian Agriculture and Public Health,” examined the growing impact of fungal infections on food production and public health.

The don said fungal diseases were responsible for significant losses in major crops, thereby worsening food insecurity across the country.

“Losses of up to 30 per cent of marketable produce occur due to fungal infections during pre- and post-harvest stages,” he said.

He identified maize, rice, groundnut, onion and vegetables as highly vulnerable crops, noting that poor storage and handling practices further increased contamination.

According to him, beyond reducing food availability, fungi also produce toxic substances known as mycotoxins, which pose serious threats to human health.

“ Chronic exposure to aflatoxins has been implicated in growth retardation, immunosuppression and increased disease susceptibility, particularly among children,” Shehu said.

He added that fungal contamination contributed to food insecurity by reducing both the quantity and quality of available food.

“ Contaminated crops may either be discarded or consumed despite health risks, thereby exacerbating malnutrition and poverty, especially in rural communities,” he said.

The professor identified high moisture levels, poor drainage and inadequate storage systems as major factors driving the spread of fungal diseases.

“ Elevated humidity levels in storage environments, as well as co-storage of infected and healthy produce, facilitate cross-contamination,” he said.

Shehu also warned that environmental and climate changes were accelerating the emergence and spread of fungal diseases.

He called for improved post-harvest handling, adoption of resistant crop varieties and increased investment in research and food safety systems.

“These constraints underscore the need for coordinated, multidisciplinary approaches to food safety mechanisms that integrate scientific research, policy development and stakeholder engagement,” he said.

In his remarks, the Vice-Chancellor of FUBK, Prof. Muhammad Zaiyan-Umar, who chaired the lecture, commended the lecturer for his contributions to research and national development.

The event attracted academics, including the immediate past Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University Gusau, Prof. Mu’azu Abubakar-Gusau, as well as students and stakeholders from the biosafety, agriculture and health sectors.

The inaugural lecture forms part of the university’s efforts to promote research aimed at addressing critical national challenges.

By Hadiza Abdulkadir

The Federal Ministry of Education has announced the full digitisation of the authentication and evaluation of academic credentials, marking a major shift toward automated public service delivery.

In a press release dated April 15, 2026, the Ministry said the new system is part of ongoing efforts to improve transparency, strengthen data management, and enhance efficiency in the education sector.

Under the new arrangement, all applications for credential authentication and evaluation will be processed exclusively online through the Ministry’s official verification portal. Applicants are required to register, upload necessary documents, and follow the outlined procedures digitally.

The Ministry also directed applicants to request their awarding institutions to send academic transcripts directly from official email addresses to the designated verification channel for processing.

It emphasized that physical visits to its offices for credential verification are no longer necessary, as the entire process has been automated.

According to the statement, the transition is expected to reduce processing time, simplify procedures, and improve the credibility of academic credential verification in Nigeria.

The statement was signed by Boriowo Folasade, Director of Press and Public Relations.

By Muhammad Abubakar

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has distanced itself from an incident involving the alleged discrimination against a hijab-wearing candidate at the Esther Oshikoya CBT Centre in Ibadan.

In a statement shared on his verified social media account, JAMB’s Public Communication Advisor, Fabian Benjamin, said the Board became aware of the incident during its routine monitoring of the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) screening process on Thursday.

According to him, the situation occurred during the first session of the examination day and was traced to an “overzealous” ad hoc staff member who acted in violation of established guidelines. He stressed that the action was neither authorised by JAMB nor part of the official procedures at the centre.

Benjamin noted that the Board immediately intervened, directing that no candidate wearing a hijab should be asked to remove or alter it under any circumstances. He added that the staff member involved had been cautioned accordingly.

“JAMB respects the religious beliefs and customs of all Nigerians,” he said, assuring candidates that their rights to religious expression, including mode of dressing, remain protected.

The Board further disclosed that all ad hoc personnel across examination centres have been re-briefed on proper screening procedures to prevent a recurrence of such incidents.

The academic and Islamic communities in Nigeria are celebrating a significant milestone as Dr. Bashir Aliyu Umar has been officially elevated to the rank of Full Professor of Hadith at Bayero University, Kano (BUK).

The promotion, recently ratified by the University Council, recognizes decades of rigorous scholarship, prolific research, and a profound commitment to the preservation and teaching of Prophetic traditions.

Professor Umar, a globally respected authority in Islamic jurisprudence and Hadith sciences, currently serves as the President of the Supreme Shari’ah Council of Nigeria (SSCN) and the Chief Imam of the landmark Al-Furqan Mosque in Kano.

Professor Umar, a scholar-statesman whose elevation to Full Professor of Hadith at Bayero University Kano marks a pinnacle of academic excellence in the service of faith and society.

Professor Bashir’s journey to the peak of the ivory tower is viewed by many as a natural progression of a career spent bridging the gap between classical Islamic scholarship and modern academic rigour.

At BUK, he has been a pillar of the Department of Islamic Studies and Shari’ah, mentoring hundreds of postgraduate students and producing seminal works that analyze the authenticity and application of Hadith in contemporary life.

As the President of the Supreme Shari’ah Council, he has been a vocal advocate for justice, social reform, and the peaceful coexistence of Nigeria’s diverse religious groups.

Through his sermons at Al-Furqan Mosque, he has translated complex theological concepts into actionable guidance for the people, focusing on ethics, family values, and civic responsibility.

The rank of Full Professor is the highest academic honor bestowed by a university, requiring a “contribution to knowledge” that is recognized internationally. In the field of Hadith studies, this involves not just memorization, but the critical analysis of chains of narration (Isnad) and the contextual application of the text (Matn).

Colleagues at Bayero University describe the promotion as timely, citing his influence on the national curriculum for Islamic studies and his role in various international Fatwa committees.

The elevation of its leader is expected to bolster the intellectual weight of the Supreme Shari’ah Council of Nigeria. By rooting the Council’s advocacy in the highest levels of academic discipline, Professor Umar provides a robust framework for Shari’ah-based solutions to Nigeria’s socio-economic challenges.

At Al-Furqan Mosque, congregants expressed joy at the news, noting that their Imam’s new title is a testament to the quality of “the University and the Pulpit” which the Sheikh has led for years.

Millions of Muslim faithfuls and even some non-Muslims are benefitting from the sermons, lessons and peace advocacy, especially on social justice as it relates to the vulnerable societies in Nigeria and beyond. His intellectual discourses were mainly on Islam, jurispuridence, peace, banking and finance as well as social justice.

By Uzair Adam

The Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council (NERDC), in collaboration with TaRL Africa Nigeria, has commenced the review of the Accelerated Basic Education Programme (ABEP) curriculum aimed at improving access to education for out-of-school children and youths.

The development was disclosed in a statement on Sunday following a national stakeholders’ dialogue held at Villa Park Hotel, Abuja, on April 8, 2026, where the review process was formally flagged off.

Speaking at the event, the Executive Secretary of NERDC, Prof. Salisu Shehu, said the review became necessary after several years of implementing the current curriculum approved by the National Council on Education in 2019.

Shehu explained that the ABEP was designed as a targeted intervention to cater for children and youths aged 10 to 18 who had their education disrupted and are now overage for the conventional school system.

According to him, the programme ensures that such learners are not denied access to quality education as provided for in national policy frameworks.

He added that accelerated education programmes are globally recognised as flexible systems that allow learners to catch up and transition into formal schooling.

“The need for ABEP arose from the demand for a standardised national framework that can be adapted across states facing similar educational challenges,” he said.

The NERDC boss further noted that the programme is structured into three levels covering primary and junior secondary education, each designed to run within a shorter timeframe using flexible and learner-friendly approaches.

In his presentation, the Head of the Curriculum Development Centre, Chima Egbujuo, said the primary objective of ABEP is to provide an alternative learning pathway for out-of-school children and youths.

He noted that the programme also supports their reintegration into formal education or transition into vocational training and other livelihood opportunities.

“ABEP is a condensed version of the nine-year basic education curriculum, with clearly defined minimum standards for teaching and learning,” Egbujuo said.

He added that the programme has already recorded significant impact, revealing that it has been piloted with over 10,000 learners, while more than 300,000 are currently benefiting from its implementation across the country.

The statement noted that goodwill messages were delivered by representatives of key education stakeholders, including the Federal Ministry of Education, Teachers’ Registration Council of Nigeria, Universal Basic Education Commission, and the National Commission for Mass Literacy, Adult and Non-Formal Education, among others.

By Uzair Adam

The Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council (NERDC), in partnership with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), has commenced the review of the 0–5 years Early Childhood Education Curriculum as part of efforts to strengthen foundational learning in Nigeria.

This was disclosed in a statement on Sunday shared with The Daily Reality, which noted that the exercise is aimed at addressing gaps in the existing Early Childhood Care, Development and Education (ECCDE) curriculum first developed in 2007.

According to the statement, the review process follows a writing workshop held between March 19 and 24, 2025, where stakeholders worked on updating the curriculum to better support early childhood development and improve learning outcomes.

Speaking at the ongoing critique workshop held at the NERDC Conference Centre in Agidingbi, Lagos, the Executive Secretary of NERDC, Prof. Salisu Shehu, said the review is designed to align the curriculum with global best practices while making it responsive to the developmental needs of young learners.

Shehu noted that curriculum review is a vital process for maintaining the relevance of educational programmes in a rapidly changing world. He added that the exercise is expected to enhance the clarity and effectiveness of the curriculum.

“The review of the 0–5 years Early Childhood Education Curriculum is intended to align it with current global standards while ensuring its suitability for the developmental needs of young learners,” he said.

He also appreciated UNICEF for its continued support, describing the collaboration as crucial to strengthening early childhood education in Nigeria.

In his opening remarks, the Director of the Special Programmes Centre, Dr. Ugbalu Egbita, urged participants to approach the workshop with dedication and professionalism, noting that their input would significantly shape the outcome of the exercise.

“The quality of this curriculum will determine the kind of foundation we lay for our children,” Egbita said, stressing that participants’ expert contributions are key to its success.

The statement added that the curriculum provides guidance for teachers and caregivers in creating stimulating learning environments that encourage children to explore, think, communicate and imagine, while also easing their transition into formal education.

Participants at the workshop were drawn from NERDC, UNICEF, development partners, ministries, departments and agencies, as well as civil society organisations and other stakeholders.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Academic activities at the University of Jos have been halted after the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Jos branch, announced an indefinite strike over unpaid March 2026 salaries and concerns about missing Earned Academic Allowances (EAA).

The union issued a notice to its members on Tuesday. It instructed lecturers to withdraw from lectures, examinations, statutory meetings, and all related academic duties with immediate effect.

The statement, which was signed by the branch chairperson, Jurbe Joseph Molwus, explained that the action followed internal consultations and resolutions reached by the union’s National Executive Council (NEC) and congress.

“After following due process, we hereby request all members to abstain from lectures, conduct of exams and statutory meetings as our salary for the month of March 2026 is yet to be paid despite our patience,” the statement read.

ASUU said the strike commenced on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, and will remain in place until the outstanding salaries are settled.

The union linked the delay in payment to the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation. It noted that the university’s bursary department had already completed its role in processing the salaries.

“From our consultation, the delay is occasioned by the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation as the bursary of the University has done its part in the process of salary payment,” the statement added.

The lecturers also accused relevant authorities of ignoring their concerns and undermining industrial harmony within the institution.

“It seems our patience is being taken for granted by those who are determined to frustrate industrial harmony,” it said.

ASUU further disclosed that it has set up a monitoring team to ensure that members fully comply with the strike directive.

The development reflects wider dissatisfaction across Nigeria’s university system, where lecturers in several institutions have raised complaints about delays in salary payments under the current administration.

Reports indicate that staff members at universities such as Ahmadu Bello University, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, and Federal University Birnin Kebbi have also expressed frustration over the non-payment of March salaries, especially as it coincided with the Easter period.

“This has become a pattern, but this particular delay shows a lack of consideration. People have families to cater for, especially during festive periods like this,” one lecturer told SaharaReporters.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

More than 300 pupils at Community Primary School in Ayama, located in Auyo Local Government Area of Jigawa State, are reportedly learning under hazardous conditions due to years of neglect.

The situation came to light after a recent inspection by Tracka, a civic accountability organisation, which described the state of the school as alarming and unsafe for both pupils and teachers.

The report highlighted the poor condition of the school facilities. It blamed the situation on prolonged neglect and what it described as a failure of the education system under the administration of Governor Umar Namadi, despite repeated appeals from the host community.

“During a recent field visit by the Tracka team to Community Primary School in Ayama, Auyo LGA of Jigawa State, the reality on ground was both shocking and heartbreaking,” the report read.

Further details in the report painted a grim picture of the learning environment.

“This single primary school, which serves more than 300 pupils from the community, is in a deplorable and dangerous condition that should never be associated with a place of learning.

“Many of the classrooms are severely dilapidated, with cracked walls, weak and damaged floors, and roofs that have partially collapsed.

“Ventilation is extremely poor, and some structures are so unsafe that they can only be described as death traps.

“Yet, these are the spaces where innocent children are expected to sit every day in pursuit of an education and a better future.”

Findings from the visit showed that several classroom structures have lost their strength. This has exposed both pupils and teachers to danger, especially during periods of harsh weather.

The report stated that the condition of the school has remained unchanged for years. It added that government response has been minimal despite several appeals.

“For more than three years, the community and school authorities have made repeated appeals for help.

“With little or no government response, residents have tried to carry out minor repairs using their limited resources just to keep the school functioning.

“Unfortunately, these temporary efforts have not been enough to address the scale of the problem,” the report added.

Residents of Ayama community have attempted to fix parts of the school by contributing what they can. They repaired leaking roofs and supported weak structures. However, these efforts have not solved the larger problem of decay.

The report also pointed to overcrowding as a major concern. It noted that the shortage of desks and chairs has forced many pupils to sit on bare floors during lessons.

“Overcrowding has also become a major challenge. With very few desks and chairs available, many pupils are forced to sit directly on the bare floor during lessons,” the report noted.

Education stakeholders have warned that such conditions can harm pupils physically and also affect their learning ability over time.

The situation has raised fresh concerns about the state of public education infrastructure, especially in rural communities across Nigeria.

Reacting to the findings, civic technology group MonITNG expressed worry over the development. The organisation linked the poor learning conditions to declining school attendance and increasing dropout rates in the state.

“Unsurprisingly, this terrible learning environment has contributed to declining attendance, with some children eventually dropping out of school altogether,” the organisation said.

It also questioned the gap between government spending on education and the reality in schools like the one in Ayama.

“This situation is particularly troubling considering that billions of naira are allocated to education annually.

“The contrast between budget figures and the conditions seen in schools like this raises serious concerns that must be addressed.”

MonITNG called for urgent intervention to address the situation. It urged authorities to rebuild damaged classrooms and provide essential facilities.

“We call on the relevant authorities to urgently intervene by reconstructing the damaged classrooms, providing adequate furniture, and ensuring access to clean water and proper sanitation facilities.

“Every child deserves a safe and dignified place to learn.

“Our children’s education should never be a gamble with their lives. It is time to fix our schools and secure their future.”

The situation in Ayama reflects wider challenges facing many public schools in rural parts of the country. Poor infrastructure, inadequate funding, and weak oversight continue to affect the quality of education, leaving many children at risk.

Ishaka Mohammed

The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has released the results of the Computer-Based West African Senior School Certificate Examination (CB-WASSCE) 2026 — first series.

In a statement released on Friday, March 27, 2026, the Council asked the candidates who sat the examination to check their results within a few hoursʼ time.

“The result of CB-WASSCE for Private Candidates, 2026–First Series has been released. Candidates can access their results within the next 12 hours,” part of the statement reads.

The Council also revealed that out of the ten thousand, four hundred and eighty (10,480) candidates that sat the examination, three thousand four hundred and twenty-nine (3,429) candidates (32.72%) obtained credit and above in a minimum of five (5) subjects, including English Language and Mathematics.

However, two thousand and sixty-two (2,062) candidates (19.68%) have a few of their subjects still being processed due to some errors traceable to them. In addition, seventy-five (75) candidates’ results, representing 0.72% of 

The total number of candidates who sat the examination is being held in connection with various reported cases of examination malpractice, which are still being investigated.

The examination, which was held from January 28 to February 14, 2026, was in a hybrid format. All the questions were displayed on the computer, but while the multiple-choice questions were answered thereon, the essay questions required paper-and-pencil responses.

By Mohammed Ishaq

Many Nigerians on social media have expressed mixed reactions to the award for Researcher of the Year (2024/2025 session) given to Dr AbdulGafar Fahm of the Department of Religions, University of Ilorin (UNILORIN).

According to a statement released on the university’s official X handle, the vice chancellor, Professor Wahab Egbewole, presented the car keys to the awardee on March 24, 2026, as part of the university’s tradition.

The award, which has generated commendations, has also been criticised by many Nigerians. As some have faulted the university for giving a used car, a few others have questioned the contribution of religious research to the university and Nigeria.

For instance, a Facebook user named Fisayo Ajala suggested research grants or sponsorship to attend International conferences instead of a “tokunbo Corolla car”. 

Also, an X user with the username @timakanni commented, “Nigeria !!! An academic in the Department of Religious Studies as the best researcher for the University of Ilorin !!! This is [a] very interesting and absurd priority in this technology age.”

However, Dr AbdulGafar Fahm, whose research focuses on cultural studies, interfaith relations and other topics, is just the latest recipient of the car gift. Other winners, such as Dr (now Professor) Akorede Mudathir of the Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering and Professor Adeyinka Tella of the Department of Library and Information Science, received cars in 2019 and 2023, respectively.

According to UNILORIN’s official staff profile, Dr Fahm earned a PhD in Islamic Spiritual Culture and Contemporary Society from the International Islamic University Malaysia and has over 50 publications, more than 1,000 citations and an h-index of 9. A search on Google Scholar by The Daily Reality revealed 1500+ citations, h-index 10 and i10-index 15.