Education
Ghanaian female scientist receives international award for research
Five outstanding Laureates, one from each continent, were honoured for their significant contribution to science. These exceptional women were recognised for the excellence of their research in the fields of material science, mathematics and computer science and they will each receive €100,000. Their achievements were celebrated alongside 15 International Rising Talents who are promising young women scientists from across the world at an awards ceremony on 14th March 2019 at UNESCO’s headquarters in Paris.
Dr Priscilla Mante from Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Ghana was one of 15 International Rising Talents and the only African award recipient. She is also the first recipient of the L’Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science International Rising Talent Award from her institution.
Background of research
Expanding access to affordable, high quality medical care in Africa is a major focus for sustainable development. Specialising in neuropharmacology and neuroscience, Dr. Priscilla Kolibea Mante is researching alternative, plant-based therapeutic options to manage drug-resistant epilepsy and the neglected tropical disease, neurocysticercosis.
She is currently exploring the anticonvulsant activity of the plant alkaloid cryptolepine and its solid-lipid nanoparticles in the management of neurocysticercosis-induced epilepsy. By identifying a way to help cryptolepine permeate more efficiently into the central nervous system, the risk of convulsion should be reduced, helping the patient to manage their condition as effectively as possible. “It’s very rewarding to know that my research could significantly alter complicated structures like the brain and positively affect people’s lives”, she says.
Dr. Priscilla Kolibea Mante believes the biggest challenge for women in science is managing negative perceptions of ambition in women and overcoming gender stereotypes. Having faith in the future, she is convinced that her generation has been fortunate to receive strong support, and believe women can tap into that and spearhead their careers to higher levels. “The world will make room for us”, she says. “The more women push for senior roles, the harder it will be to ignore them.” The expert guidance of both men and women throughout her career has been so important that Dr. Priscilla Kolibea Mante now considers herself a “champion” of mentorship, regularly supporting younger scientists in pursuing their dreams. She concludes: “Sometimes it’s important to hold your mentee’s hand and guide them towards opportunities they never knew existed.”
In 2018, Dr Mante received one of two L’Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science Sub-Saharan Africa post-doctoral fellowships. The programme recognised 14 fellows – 12 doctoral and 2 post-doctoral – from five countries in sub-Saharan Africa (Ghana, Mauritius, Kenya, South Africa and Nigeria). They were selected for the scientific excellence of their work from more than 480 applicants, by a jury of independent experts.
Engr. Aderemi Oseni, Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Federal Road Maintenance Agency (FERMA) and lawmaker representing Ibarapa East/Ido Federal Constituency of Oyo state has announced a scholarship scheme for brilliant yet financially disadvantaged students from the constituency attending various tertiary institutions nationwide, with the exception of private institutions.
The “Remi Oseni Scholarship Award Scheme,” which is one of the contributions of the lawmaker toward educational advancement, is aimed at providing financial assistance to talented and deserving students within the constituency, enabling them to pursue their academic aspirations more easily.
The launch of this scholarship scheme is a welcomed development for students and families in Ibarapa East/Ido Federal constituency, many of whom struggle with financial constraints in accessing quality education.
In a statement released on Friday by his media aide, Idowu Ayodele, in Ibadan and made available to journalists, Oseni emphasised the transformative power of education and the importance of investing in the future leaders of the constituency.
“Education is the bedrock of development, and by investing in our students, we are investing in the future prosperity of our constituency and our nation as a whole,” Oseni stated.
Under his Education Support Scheme introduced earlier to alleviate financial burdens on parents and students, Oseni’s office provided free WAEC registration to 292 indigent students and free JAMB registration to 602 wards earlier this year.
“Now, the focus is on supporting financially disadvantaged students in tertiary institutions across Nigeria at all levels. I see this scholarship as a beacon of hope for our ambitious youth who are determined to excel but lack the necessary financial means”, the lawmaker said.
Oseni reiterated his commitment to delivering dividends of democracy to the people in his constituency, aimed at adding value to their lives.
Interested applicants can obtain details on how to apply for the scholarship scheme through the constituency office at Ologuneru, Ibadan, and the lawmaker’s official social media channels. Eligibility criteria and application procedures have been clearly outlined to ensure transparency and fairness in the selection process.
Click Here To Apply Now: Scholarship Scheme for Ibarapa East/Ido Students
President Bola Tinubu has directed a thorough review of the recently unveiled governing boards of tertiary institutions in Nigeria, prior to their inauguration and retreat.
The move comes in response to public feedback indicating a lack of adequate representation and adherence to the principle of federal character.
The Federal Ministry of Education had recently unveiled the list of nominees for chairmen, Pro-Chancellors, and members of the boards and councils of universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education. However, concerns were raised regarding the geographical spread of the nominations, with some states receiving disproportionately few nominations compared to others.
In a statement issued by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, it was emphasised that President Tinubu is committed to upholding the principle of federal character as enshrined in the constitution. The review will aim to rectify any imbalances and ensure equitable representation across all regions of the country.
The directive for a comprehensive review comes following criticism from the Bauchi zone of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), which expressed dissatisfaction with the composition of the governing boards.
They advocated for the reinstatement of the previously dissolved members, highlighting the need for inclusivity and fair representation.
The inauguration and retreat for the nominees, initially scheduled for 31st May, will be postponed pending the outcome of the review process.
The Kaduna State government has unveiled plans to merge 359 schools in response to escalating banditry and insecurity, which have led to numerous cases of abduction and kidnapping across the state.
Speaking at a stakeholders forum and the training session of the Schools’ Protection Squad, Governor Uba Sani, represented by his Chief of Staff, Sani Kila, emphasised the need for decisive measures to protect schools and children from bandit attacks.
The merger will involve consolidating schools in vulnerable communities with those located in safer areas.
Kila highlighted the significance of the newly launched School Protection Squad, part of the Federal Government’s Safe School Initiative, aimed at safeguarding educational institutions, children, and teachers from various forms of attacks orchestrated by bandits and terrorists.
Acknowledging Kaduna’s relentless battle against banditry, terrorism, kidnapping, and other criminal activities, Kila expressed concern over the disruptive impact of non-state actors on socio-economic activities. He underscored the threat these activities pose to the state’s educational revitalisation programme.
The governor’s representative raised alarm over the crisis of declining school enrollment in Kaduna, citing a drastic drop of over 200,000 primary school pupils in the 2022/2023 academic session compared to the previous year.
This decline, he attributed primarily to insecurity, particularly in areas such as Chikun, Birnin Gwari, Kajuru, Giwa, and Igabi, where insecurity has forced school consolidation, exacerbating the number of out-of-school children.
Kila stressed the critical role of ensuring the safety and security of schools in achieving human capital development goals and sustainable development.
He lauded the Federal Government for launching the N144.8 billion safe schools financing plan and the establishment of the Schools Protection Squad, aimed at enhancing security and safety in educational institutions nationwide.
In addition to merging schools in conflict-prone areas with safer locations, the Kaduna State government is implementing various measures to strengthen school security, including fencing, establishment of security committees, deployment of vigilance services, provision of emergency lines, and security awareness training for staff and community members.
Kila expressed hope that the capacity-building programme would equip participants with the necessary skills to navigate challenging security situations and foster strategic communication to win the hearts and minds of citizens in conflict-affected communities.
He emphasised the importance of regular engagement between security forces and community leaders to enhance collaboration and trust-building efforts.
-
News5 days agoPastor Halts Tithes, Offerings to Aid Congregation During Economic Hardship
-
Education1 week ago
Oyo: Oseni Launches Scholarship Scheme for Ibarapa East/Ido Students {APPLY NOW}
-
News4 days ago
Oyo: I’ll fulfill all campaign promises – Oseni reassures
-
News6 days ago
Rivers Govt. Allocates N19.5bn for Assembly Chambers Reconstruction
