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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.
US car giant Ford on Wednesday announced 4,000 more job cuts in Europe, mostly in Germany and Britain, in the latest blow to the continent’s beleaguered car industry.
“The company has incurred significant losses in recent years,” Ford said in a statement, blaming “the industry shift to electrified vehicles and new competition”.
The move will affect 2,900 jobs in Germany, 800 in the UK and 300 in western Europe by the end of 2027, a Ford spokesman told AFP.
“It is critical to take difficult but decisive action to ensure Ford’s future competitiveness in Europe,” said Dave Johnston, Ford’s European vice-president in the statement.
The company also said it was adjusting the production of its Explorer and Capri models, resulting in reduced hours at its Cologne plant in the first quarter of 2025.
Europe’s car industry has been plunged into crisis by high manufacturing costs, a stuttering switch to electric vehicles and increased competition in key market China.
Germany’s Volkswagen has been among those hardest hit, announcing in September that it was considering the unprecedented move of closing some factories in Germany.
“The European automotive industry is in a very demanding and serious situation,” Volkswagen CEO Oliver Blume said at the time.
Ford had already announced in February 2023 that it was planning to cut 3,800 jobs in Europe, including 2,300 in Germany and 1,300 in Britain.
The company said then it was planning to reduce the number of models developed for Europe, concentrate on the profitable van segment and speed up the transition to electric vehicles.
Ford currently has around 28,000 employees in Europe with 15,000 in Germany, according to the company’s works council.
President Bola Tinubu has approved the dissolution of the Governing Council of Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), Awka, Anambra State, and the removal of the institution’s Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Bernard Ifeanyi Odoh, and Registrar, Mrs. Rosemary Ifoema Nwokike.
The council, chaired by Ambassador Greg Ozumba Mbadiwe, comprised five other members: Hafiz Oladejo, Augustine Onyedebelu, Engr. Amioleran Osahon, and Rtd. Gen. Funsho Oyeneyin.
A statement released on Wednesday by presidential spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, revealed that the council was dissolved following reports of procedural violations in appointing the vice-chancellor.
According to the statement, the council had allegedly appointed an unqualified candidate, disregarding due process, which triggered tensions between the university’s Senate and the council.
The Federal Government expressed dismay over the council’s actions, emphasizing the need for adherence to the university’s governing laws in decision-making.
“The council’s disregard for established rules necessitated the government’s intervention to restore order to the 33-year-old institution,” the statement noted.
In a related development, President Tinubu also approved the dismissal of Engr. Ohieku Muhammed Salami, the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of the Federal University of Health Sciences, Otukpo, Benue State.
Salami was accused of suspending the university’s Vice-Chancellor without following the prescribed procedures, a move the Federal Ministry of Education had previously directed him to reverse.
Despite the Ministry’s directives, Salami reportedly refused to comply and resorted to issuing threats and abusive remarks towards the Ministry’s officials, including the Permanent Secretary.
The Federal Government reiterated that the primary role of university councils is to ensure the smooth operation of academic activities, strictly adhering to the laws establishing each institution.
Tinubu warned university councils against engaging in actions that could destabilize their institutions, as his administration remains committed to enhancing the nation’s education system.
The Ekiti State Government has reached an agreement with labour leaders in the state, signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the payment of the N70,000 minimum wage approved by the Federal Government.
Addressing journalists at a brief ceremony in Ado-Ekiti on Tuesday, the Head of Service (HoS), Dr. Folakemi Olomojobi, announced that the payment would commence immediately.
She lauded Governor Biodun Oyebanji for prioritizing the welfare of workers despite the state’s limited resources.
“This development demonstrates the governor’s commitment to improving the livelihood of our workers,” Dr. Olomojobi stated, highlighting the proactive measures taken by the administration to ensure prompt implementation.
In their remarks, the Trade Union Congress (TUC) Chairman, Comrade Sola Adigun, and the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) Chairman, Comrade Olatunde Kolapo, expressed their appreciation to Governor Oyebanji for fulfilling his promises to workers.
They confirmed that the new minimum wage would apply to all cadres, including employees in ministries, parastatals, agencies, and pensioners.
The Chairman of the Joint Negotiating Committee (JNC), Comrade Femi Ajoloko, described the implementation as a fair and commendable adjustment.
“This decision reflects the governor’s magnanimity and his dedication to fostering a productive workforce in Ekiti State,” he said.
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