Education
Oyo SGB’s policy is apolitical says Commissioner
OYO State Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Professor Adeniyi Olowofela on Wednesday reiterated that the School Governing Boards’ policy (SGBs) inaugurated by the present administration in the state was not politically motivated, noting that the all inclusive policy was geared towards rejuvenating as well as repositioning the education sector.
The Commissioner stated this at the official distribution of student furniture, exercise books and sporting materials donated by Hon. Akeem Ige, representing Ibadan South East Constituency II at the State House of Assembly held at Christ Church Primary School Play Ground, Odinjo, Ibadan.
Professor Olowofela in his remarks recalled, “when government insisted that all of us -the old students, the Parent Teacher Association, the Community, the Principals of schools should participate in the management of the school, the idea was misconstrued, there was chaos and riot in the society, but we thank God that the policy is yielding dividend today.
“Let me tell you, the program of today, a lot of people read various insinuations into it. When government established SGB, we declared that it is not politically motivated. We are saying education is the business of all. We can’t blame anybody any more.
“We are saying that all of us must participate in the development of education and that’s what we are doing today. Whether you are APC, Accord, Labour, PDP, SDP that’s not our concern, our concern is that development must be visible in our various schools”.
While applauding the effort of the donor of these education materials, Hon. Ige on behalf of the state government for his determination towards ensuring that learning activities in the schools are carried out without hitch and as well ensuring agility of these learners through provision of sporting equipments, Olowofela said, “sportsmanship is a good virtue to be inculcated in these little ones to develop team spirit. Ige has always been looking for ways to improve quality of lives”.
Hon Ige discussing with the commissioner for Education, Prof. Olowofela giving details of the items distributed.
Professor Olowofela continued , “His Excellency, Senator Abiola Ajimobi has consistently been calling for a participatory approach to education financing in which all stakeholders are enjoined to actively contribute their quota in the provision of free and qualitative education.
“It is no gain saying that, education has a global reach and no government around the world can solely shoulder the responsibility of providing the educational demands of her people”.
He disclosed that government has mandated schools, both public and private in the state to organise sporting activities every year so as to discover talents.
Speaking further, the ex-council boss, Olowofela hinted, ” I also want to congratulate all of us today because when you look at educational profile from 1999 until last year 2016, our percentage in terms of WAEC pass rate, the best has been 21.61% but this year 2017, we have 54.18% in the WAEC ratings which demonstrate that government effort is yielding dividends”.
The commissioner, therefore urged all and sundry to come on board and support government in her drive aimed at restoring, reforming and repositioning the education sector in the state.
Earlier in his welcome address, the donor, Hon. Akeem Ige disclosed that the program was part of his effort to ensure that pupils have access to table and chairs, saying that the donation aims at enhancing their studies.
The lawmaker emphasised that he accorded education a priority, thus informed his decision to embarked upon provision of these education materials within shortest possible time.
“This I believe will go a long way to solving several challenges facing these schools at the moment in terms of infrastructure. This is also in line with education policy of the present administration in the state to reform education through the establishment of School Governing Boards (SGBs) to ensure that each individual contributes his/her quota to the development of education in the state”
As part of his contribution towards boosting sporting activities in public schools and to develop sporting activities at the grassroot especially football, the Chairman House Committee on Foreign Relations also distributed sporting kits and materials.
The ex- council gaffer, who is also an alumnus of the School (Christ Church Primary School), Hon. Ige while imploring the old students in all public schools to gather themselves and form a synergy so as to contribute their own quota to the development of education in the state concluded “the government is doing a lot but government alone cannot do it all”.
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.
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.
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“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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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