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Ajimobi, UNICEF train education inspectors in Oyo.
OYO state government in collaboration with the United Nations Children Fund (UNICEF), has trained education evaluators in the state in a pioneer scheme to transform the era of witch hunting, military approach, fault finding practises of the old to a more acceptable education evaluation for cooperative, friendly, democratic, result – oriented and improvement focused evaluation method.
Giving an insight into the program at a 3 – day training workshop for inspectors of education on “Teachers Mentoring and Monitoring” held at Plaza De Aruna Hotel, Oyo, the state governor, who was represented by his commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Professor Adeniyi Olowofela, today noted that the inability of most states to sustain the capacity building of their work force in the education industry is a major set-back in ensuring sustainable quality assurance in basic education.
He stressed , ” the consequence of this set back is mass failure in internal and external examinations in our schools, examination malpractice, cultism, half-baked graduates, low level of literacy and numeracy. All these are pointer to the fact that the impact of human resources cannot be under-estimated.
UNICEF Chief of Field Office, Akure, Mr Tejinder Sandhu flanked by the Permanent Secretary, Oyo State Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, Mrs Aderonke Makanjuola, Prof. Adeniyi Olowofela, the State commissioner for Education, Science and Technology and others at the workshop.
“Thus the state government led by Governor Abiola Ajimobi has declared a state of emergency in education”.
Olowofela further explained that in order to restore the state to the old glorious place, the present administration has abolished mass promotion, established School Governing Board (SGB) to ensure involvement of all stakeholders in education management, as well as initiated OYO MESI program to improve students performance in WAEC/SSCE, NECO amongst others.
The commissioner, also acknowledged the inputs and impacts of UNICEF. “UNICEF is an agent of United Nations agency-a development partner with the state.
“An organization which provides technical support for this workshop. The supports being enjoyed from UNICEF are too numerous to mention. Some are conduct of Annual School Census, establishment of early child care development centres in some local governments, training of teachers on regio-emilia teaching methodology, preparation and timely review of State Education Sector Strategic Plan (SESP) and State Education Sector Operation Plan (SESOP).
“On behalf of the governor, and other stakeholders of which students are most important, I wish to appreciate UNICEF -B Field Office, Akure for her invaluable support to the state especially in ensuring improvement in education service delivery “.
He, therefore charged, ” this training workshop should come impart positive values and a way forward for a sustainable education evaluation management for the state.
Earlier in his welcome address, the UNICEF Chief of Field Office, Akure, Tejinder Sandhu commended the state government for her proactive measures and laudable steps taken towards enhancing education. “It is a complex thing. the effect of changes will take a lot of time and efforts”.
Sandhu, however assured the government of technical support.
The Kano State House of Assembly has initiated impeachment proceedings against Deputy Governor Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo over allegations of gross misconduct, abuse of office, and breach of public trust.
The notice was presented yesterday during plenary by the Majority Leader, Lawan Hussaini Dala, who said the action follows Section 188 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Dala said the allegations stem from Abdussalam’s tenure as Commissioner for Local Government (2023–2024) and his current role as deputy governor. He accused the deputy governor of diverting funds meant for the 44 local government councils.
According to the majority leader, Abdussalam allegedly received N1.5 million monthly from each council between June 2023 and January 2024, totaling N462 million. Between February and July 2024, he allegedly collected N3.255 million monthly from each council under the guise of special assignments, amounting to N726 million.
Dala also accused the deputy governor of abuse of office, claiming he facilitated payments of N10 million from each council to NovoMed Pharmaceuticals Limited, totaling N440 million, in violation of state procurement laws.
“The misuse of official capacity to confer undue advantage constitutes abuse of power and undermines public trust,” Dala told lawmakers, adding that the allegations amount to gross misconduct under the Constitution.
The impeachment notice was reportedly endorsed by 38 lawmakers, meeting the constitutional threshold to proceed. The Speaker has acknowledged receipt, and the House is expected to serve the allegations on the deputy governor.
If approved, a panel may be constituted by the state Chief Judge to investigate the claims.
As of filing, Abdussalam had yet to respond publicly to the allegations.
The Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, on Wednesday inaugurated a seven-member committee on the establishment of state police, giving it four weeks to submit its report.
The inauguration was held during his maiden conference with senior police officers at the Peacekeeping Conference Centre, Force Headquarters, Abuja.
Charging members of the panel to discharge their duties with professionalism and objectivity, Disu described the assignment as “both significant and timely,” noting that it would shape the framework through which state policing may operate in Nigeria.
“In carrying out this assignment, your deliberations must be guided by professionalism, objectivity, and a clear appreciation of the unique complexities of policing a diverse nation such as our own,” the IGP said.
He stated that if properly designed and effectively implemented, state policing holds significant potential benefits for the country.
“By bringing law enforcement closer to communities, state police institutions can deepen local knowledge of security dynamics and enable quicker and more targeted responses to emerging threats,” he added.
The committee is expected to review existing policing models within and outside Nigeria, assess community security needs and emerging risks, and propose an operational framework for the establishment and coordination of state police structures.
It will also address issues relating to recruitment, training, standards and resource allocation, as well as develop accountability and oversight mechanisms to ensure professionalism and public trust.
The panel is chaired by Olu Ogunsakin, with Bode Ojajuni as secretary. Other members are Emmanuel Ojukwu, Okebechi Agora, Suleyman Gulma, Ikechukwu Okafor and Tolulope Ipinmisho.
Disu said the committee had about four weeks to conclude its assignment and submit a comprehensive report.
The move marks one of the first major steps taken by the new police chief since his appointment and confirmation a few days ago.
The development comes amid rising security concerns across the country, with several stakeholders advocating state policing as part of measures to tackle insecurity.
President Bola Tinubu had earlier asked the National Assembly to commence the process of amending relevant laws to pave the way for the creation of state police.
President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday swore in Olatunji Disu as the Inspector-General of Police (IGP).
Disu took the oath of office at the Council Chamber of the Presidential Villa, Abuja, shortly before the commencement of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting.
The President also administered the oath of office to six commissioners of the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) and two commissioners of the Federal Civil Service Commission (FCSC).
The ceremonies were witnessed by ministers, senior government officials and family members of the appointees.
The council meeting began shortly after the swearing-in.
In attendance were Vice President Kashim Shettima; the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume; the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila; the National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu; and the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs EsthMrs.Walson-Jack.
Disu was appointed acting IGP on February 25, 2026, by President Tinubu, following the resignation of former IGP Kayode Egbetokun.
His appointment was subsequently endorsed by the Nigeria Police Council (NPC).
The former Assistant Inspector-General of Police assumed office last Wednesday.
He previously served as Assistant Inspector-General in charge of the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) Annex, Alagbon, Lagos, after his promotion to the rank last year.
A former head of the Lagos Rapid Response Squad (RRS), Disu has pledged to deliver accountable, modern and professional policing.
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