Education
‘No More Excuses To Be Out of School’, Oyo Govt Tells Students
Students in public schools in Oyo State have been charged to use the opportunities provided by the present State administration to improve on their academic performance as there existed no more excuses for the students to stay out of school.
The Director of Personnel, Oyo State Teaching Service Commission (TESCOM), Mr Kolapo Abd-Rahman who said this while on monitoring of various public schools in the State on Monday was accompanied by a consultant to the State government on education, Prof. Kolapo Olusola and other officials of the commission.
Abd-Rahman emphasized the need for the students to seize the opportunity presented by the free education policy of the State as well as free textbooks and notebooks recently distributed by the Seyi Makinde-led administration to improve their performance in public examinations.
He called on those still roaming the street or engaging in learning of craft as a result of non-availability of fund to pay school fees and buy educational materials to return to school as the inputs have been made available by government while education to post-primary level had been declared free in the State.
“I want to call on those students that are still out there to come back to school as there is no more excuse for any of them to be out of school. The present administration has put in place enough incentives to make education attractive to our students.
“Nobody asks them to pay any fee any more and textbooks and notebooks are being distributed for free, so what is it that you will say is holding you back from having good education?
“The target of the government is to bring back all those that have left school because of payment of school fees and inability to buy books. Now that those are no more their worries, they should face the next level, which is to attend classes and improve in their performances in external examinations.”
Abd-Rahman also added that the idea of free lesson for secondary school students was to afford the students the opportunity to have more time to study and make up for the lost academic time due to their last holiday and the need to take the overall performance of the State to a commendable level.
“Governor Makinde’s commitment towards improving education by introducing “Government Intervention Lecture” for students in Senior Secondary School 3 (SSS 3) in form of extra lesson between Mondays and Thursdays by 2:30 to 4:30pm and on Saturdays between 9:00am to 1pm should be appreciated by our students and this can only be done by high margin of academic improvement.
“The style of teaching at the lesson will be different from the normal classes because the State has produced a compendium of past questions, covering eleven different subjects from year 2012 to 2018 which teachers will be using in those specific hours to teach our SS.3 students on how to answer WAEC questions.
“In fact and interestingly, the compendium will not only be given to public secondary schools students alone but also those children attending Private schools,” he added.
He then called on parents and students that the the ball is in their court to see this as a golden opportunity and reciprocate the government’s good gesture to make themselves be available, respond appropriately and suspend any trade they might have been learning as soon as the lessons commence by the second week of October.
Among the schools visited are Ikolaba High School, Ikolaba, Ibadan, Abadina College, U.I and Community Secondary School, all within Ibadan.
Education
WAEC: Computer-Based WASSCE Starts This Friday
The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has announced the commencement of its Computer-Based West African Senior School Certificate Examination (CBWASSCE) for private candidates, starting from October 25, 2024.
The examination is set to run until December 20, 2024, according to a statement released by the council on Tuesday.
In a bid to modernise the examination process, WAEC disclosed that the CBWASSCE will be conducted in a hybrid format.
Adesina Fadekemi, the council’s spokesperson, explained that the objective or multiple-choice questions would be displayed onscreen, requiring candidates to submit their responses electronically.
However, for essay and practical questions, while the questions will also be presented digitally, candidates will still provide answers using traditional answer booklets.
Additionally, WAEC has provided an option for candidates who prefer to use the conventional Paper and Pen mode for all exam papers, catering to those not comfortable with the digital format.
The council also extended the registration deadline for the upcoming CBWASSCE to Tuesday, October 29, 2024.
Candidates who miss the registration window can still take advantage of the “Walk-in-Candidate” option, allowing them to register 24 hours before their preferred paper is scheduled.
Education
Oyo Central Senator, Akintunde Pledges Support for Federal Polytechnic Ayede’s Growth
The Chairman of the Senate Committee on Environment and Senator representing Oyo Central Senatorial District, Dr. Yunus Akintunde, has reaffirmed his commitment to aiding the Federal Polytechnic Ayede in realising its full potential.
Senator Akintunde made this pledge during a courtesy visit to the institution’s temporary site in Iresa-Pupa, Ogbomoso, on Wednesday.
Speaking during the visit, the lawmaker highlighted his passion for contributing to humanity, especially through the advancement of education and skills development.
How ATUPA Conference in Senegal ‘ll Impact Federal Polytechnic Ayede’s Development
“I am part of the polytechnic system. I started at The Polytechnic, Ibadan before going to Lagos State University, Ojoo, Lagos. I’m a lover of knowledge and I am always striving to contribute my quota in the area of education and skills development, among others, and in the legislative assignments as my primary responsibility,” he stated.
The APC chieftain further emphasised his dedication to supporting the Polytechnic and its community, stating that leaders should be driven by a commitment to serving humanity.
He cited the legacy of Hon. Olu Afolabi, a Second Republic House of Representatives member, who was instrumental in establishing the Federal College of Education (Special), Oyo.
“Afolabi’s legacy remains evergreen today,” Akintunde remarked, emphasising the importance of creating lasting impacts through public service.
Education: TETFund approves N130m zonal intervention fund for each polytechnic
As part of his developmental projects for the Oyo Central Senatorial District, Akintunde disclosed that he had procured 120 solar-powered boreholes to be installed across the 118 wards of the 11 local governments in his senatorial district, along with 10,000 solar street lights.
He assured the Federal Polytechnic Ayede that some of these solar street lights would be installed within the institution to enhance security and visibility on campus.
Earlier, the Rector of the Federal Polytechnic Ayede, Dr. Taofeek Abdul-Hameed, who was represented by the acting Rector and Deputy Rector (Academics), Mr. Azeez Ojo, expressed gratitude to the senator.
The Rector noted that Senator Akintunde had demonstrated a deep commitment to philanthropic causes even before assuming office as a senator.
“You see, it’s a great privilege receiving Distinguished Senator Yunus Akintunde and his entourage on our campus today. Out of your magnanimity, Sir, you have decided to receive us,” Ojo said, acknowledging the senator’s gesture.
“Our Rector is away to Abuja for the progress and development of our Polytechnic. So, on behalf of the Chairman of our Governing Council, Barrister Ademubowale Mercy Adelabu; Rector; other Principal Officers; Deans; Directors; staff, and students, I welcome you and your entourage to Federal Polytechnic Ayede.
“While on Brave FM, you have, before even telling us, announced the gesture of solar lights donated to us. This we appreciate with the whole of our hearts,” he said.
Oyo: Akala, Oke, Folarin, others hail Senator Buhari’s performance
The Rector assured the lawmaker that his support would be instrumental in the continued growth and development of the fast-expanding institution.
The visit concluded with the Polytechnic community expressing hope for further collaboration with the senator in the areas of educational and infrastructural development.
(c) Mega Icon Magazine
Education
Mass Exodus: 30 PhD Holders Flee Bauchi Varsity Amid ASUU’s Alarm on Poor Conditions
The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Bauchi Zone, has raised serious concerns over the mass exit of 30 PhD holders from Sa’adu Zungur University (SAZU), formerly known as Bauchi State University, citing deteriorating working conditions and inadequate welfare provisions as primary reasons for the exodus.
The worrying development was brought to light during a press conference held by ASUU on Friday, where officials of the union detailed the various challenges faced by academic staff at the institution.
Speaking on behalf of the union, Zonal Coordinator of ASUU Bauchi Zone, Namo Timothy, lamented the lack of proper policies to retain top scholars, pointing out the absence of a formal employee exit policy.
“Many of our best scholars have been forced to seek better opportunities elsewhere,” Timothy said, adding that “SAZU has no pension or death benefit scheme in place, as obtained in the structured public service regulation in the country.”
He further explained that the lack of such provisions leaves academic staff insecure about their future. “Without a pension or death benefit scheme, our members feel unsafe and unsure of their long-term prospects,” Timothy remarked.
In addition to these grievances, the union condemned the university’s administration for its failure to pay over 650 million naira in accumulated entitlements, including earned academic allowances and honorariums for internal examiners. This has further deepened the discontent among staff members.
“Despite the university generating significant revenue from postgraduate programs, our members have not been compensated for their contributions,” Timothy disclosed.
The union also raised concerns over the sharp increase in student fees, coupled with the administration’s neglect of staff training and development.
Timothy criticised the university for imposing over a 100 percent hike in fees for regular undergraduate programmes, yet failing to address staff welfare.
“The university claims it lacks funds to pay our members, yet it continues to impose higher charges on students,” he stated.
ASUU also expressed displeasure with the continued tenure of the current Pro-Chancellor, who has remained in office since the university’s inception.
The union called for adherence to established regulations governing appointments, arguing that the prolonged tenure has stifled accountability and hindered the implementation of progressive policies.
In light of these critical issues, ASUU urged the Bauchi State Government and other stakeholders to take immediate action to address staff welfare, calling for the establishment of a comprehensive exit policy and the payment of overdue allowances.
“Unless these issues are resolved, we cannot guarantee industrial harmony within SAZU,” Timothy warned.
He further called on the state government to declare a state of emergency at the university to ensure that all contentious matters are urgently addressed, securing the future of both academic staff and the institution.
-
Politics1 week ago
Oyo Rep, Oseni Pays APC Secretariat Staff Salaries, Donates N10m to Boost Party Operations
-
Health6 days ago
Oyo: Oseni to Launch Mobile Clinic Initiative to Revitalize Rural Healthcare
-
Politics11 hours ago
Oyo Rep. Member, Akinmoyede Appoints Three More Aides
-
Crime & Court3 days ago
EFCC Chair Raises Alarm on Rampant Fraud in Nigeria’s Electricity Sector