Education
SPECIAL REPORT: ICAST: A Citadel of Learning With A Difference
IN January 2011, a citadel of learning for primary and secondary school pupils in Ibadan, Oyo state capital, was conceptualised. What made this conceptualisation unique was its timing; the concept was envisioned when people were dinning and winning during a house warming ceremony.
To Engineer Dotun Sanusi, an entrepreneur of repute and the proprietor of International Collage of Arts, Science and Technology (ICAST) something was missing in the serene and quiet atmosphere of Elebu, a suburb in Ido Local Government Area of Ibadan, where he had just become one of the landlords in the area. But being a lover of sound education, he did not take him too much time to figure out the missing link. He wasted no time to establish a private school (initially, primary school) which was christened Institute of College of Arts, Science and Technology (ICAST) that is to take care of the education of the children born in Elebu area and its suburb right from their cradle up till the end of their secondary education.
He left no stone unturned in his determination to ensure that a school that will see to the preparation of tomorrow’s leaders today was commissioned just nine months after its conception. Befitting physical structure, well equipped Science laboratory and State-of-the-art Information and Communication Technology (ICT) as well as world class sporting infrastructure for Extra-Curricular activities were part of the facilities put in place in order to actualise his ambition of producing students who can rub shoulders with their counterparts anywhere in the world.
Engr Dotun Sanusi, ICAST Schools’ Proprietor.
He went further by employing capable and highly experienced personnel to manage the school and to ensure that his lofty dream for the school materialised. Eight years since ICAST was established, the SSS 3 students of the school have recorded outstanding results consistently in the West African Examination Council (WAEC) exams they have sat for since 2016. Engr. Sanusi, the Proprietor of ICAST, must have internalised one of Dwayne Johnson’s quotations when he said “success isn’t always about greatness; It’s about consistency. Consistent hard work leads to success after which greatness will come”. Engnr. Sanusi knows too well that for ICAST to be rated among the greats, the school has to be consistent in terms of academic performances.
Thus, when this year WAEC results were released and the students, once again, recorded hundred percent success, it was not a surprise to some people who are aware that the school management has made academic success their permanent friend through a well developed academic culture.
This year’s feat has made nonsense of the insinuations made two years ago by some people who felt that it is a matter of time before ‘Nigerian factor’ stagnates the wheel of the School’s progress.
While reacting to the recently released WAEC results in which his school performed exceedingly well, ICAST School’s proprietor, Engineer Sanusi, submitted that “it is not part of our plan to prove anybody wrong. What we are after is to ensure that our commitment to academic excellence does not suffer any laxity.” He stated further, “One of our cardinal principles is to better our best everytime. Whether we are eight years old or has reached one hundred years, it does not matter. We shall always strive to churn out students whose academic abilities and certificates would never be queried any where in the world”, he concluded.
Pastor Oyelowo Olanrewju, ICAST Schools’ Principal.
In his own response, ICAST School’s principal, Mr. Oyelowo Olanrewaju, revealed that the key to ICAST School’s consistency as regards the students outstanding performances in WAEC examinations in the past three years is due to the school’s stakeholders, students, parents and teachers’ diligence, discipline and commitment to academic excellence.
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“Our teachers here are not only committed physically but they are spiritually. On several occasions, we go to extra miles of teaching them during the weekends. We source for past questions and teaching aids for them with a view to preparing them for WAEC or any other external examinations they want to sit for. We redirect their minds away from social life to academic activities. Besides making them realise the essence of being sent to school by their parents, we also fill them up spiritually. We start all these calculated and deliberate efforts as soon as they get to SS I, thus, by the time they reach SS II they are already mentally and academically prepared for any kind of examination whatsoever”, said Mr. Olanrewju.
Commenting on the synergy that exists between the school’s management and the parents, the Chairman of ICAST Schools’ Parents, Teachers Association (PTA), Pastor John Ibiloye, disclosed that there exists effective communication channel on both parties.
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According to him, “the school’s management does not see us as their ‘customers’. We are seen as a critical stakeholder, hence our observations are always taken with seriousness it deserves. Collectively as parents, we are not only interested in our children outstanding performance during examination alone, we are also interested in the pre-exam activities. That is why we are very glad that the outstanding results the school has recorded in recent years are not flukes but as a result of hardwork and commitment of all the parties concerned”
However, both the PTA Chairman and the school’s principal unanimously agree that holistic education is not only about outstanding academic performances alone, adding that, behavioural aspect of education is as equally important. They posited that it is on this principle of pursuant of holistic education that both parties build their relationship on.
Mr. Adeoye Adepoju, ICAST Headmaster.
Revealing one of the strategies which has served the school well and, which of course, gives unique brand to the school, the Headmaster of the primary section, Mr. Adeoye Adepoju disclosed that the secret is in their curriculum which according to him was designed to prepare their students to fit in anywhere standard and holistic primary education is being taught. In his words, “our pupils get on well in any environment they find themselves because our teaching methods and scheme covers what operates in any standard school so parents don’t need to bother if they have to relocate”.
He argued further, “our pupils have good command of English as they pronounce with right dictions and intonation. Spellings is also taught with the aid of Scrabble”. Mr. Adeoye concluded by saying that “extra -curricular activities are also in place for our pupils physical development with the recent introduction of BALLET dance. We also have standard sporting facilities and well equipped computer room where our pupils are tutored with CBT”.
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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