Education
We will stand with Makinde all the way – NANS leaders
The leadership of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has declared its support for the Governor of Oyo State, Engineer Seyi Makinde, stating that his policy of education “is top-notch and highly commendable.”
President of the student’s body, Comrade Danielson Bamidele Akpan, who led a NANS delegation to visit the Governor on Saturday, said that students across the country were in support of Governor Makinde because of his bias for free and qualitative education.
The students, who promised to stand by the Governor all the way stated that some of his efforts on education, health, and infrastructure in the last six months have shown that he had a clear vision for the State.
A statement signed by the Chief Press Secretary to the Oyo State Governor, Mr. Taiwo Adisa, quoted the President of NANS, Comrade Danielson Bamidele Akpan as saying these on Boxing Day, while leading the NANS delegation to commiserate with the Governor on the demise of a Students’ leader, Comrade Yemi Adeniran (aka Likedat) who died in a fatal accident last week.
NANS President and his colleagues including a former president of NANS, Comrade Sheriff Zadok; national financial secretary, Ikechukwu Okorie; former NANS Zone B Coordinator; Olanrewaju Segun, among others led the NANS delegation to Ibadan to participate in the final burial rites of their colleague, Yemi Adeniran (Likedat) who was a member of the Oyo State Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Youth Wing.
Akpan commended Makinde’s performance in the areas of education, especially with regards to the free qualitative education policy, the award of N500,000 to Oyo State students in the Nigerian Law School and the massive improvement of education infrastructure through the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB).
The delegation also commended Makinde for giving youths a pride of place in his administration as evidenced in the appointment of youths as commissioners and special assistants, noting that with policies that give attention to education and youth empowerment in the real sense, the Governor has become the one everyone across the country was looking at and a global pride.
While speaking, Akpan described the late Yemi Likedat as a true patriot and NANS leader of no mean repute, even as he commended the Governor for not only visiting the family of the deceased student unionist to commiserate and reassure them but also promising that the State Government would be of help to them in this period of sorrow.
“Your Excellency, we are here today and we join others to wish you a happy birthday. The main reason why we came is to appreciate you for visiting the family of Yemi Likedat. That particular act is what we, the entire Nigerian students appreciate. The entire world also appreciates this without looking at the fact that he lived in a remote area or not being one of your appointees. So, we salute you.
“Having said that, we have been seeing your performance, especially in the area of education, infrastructural turnaround, the bursary allowance you gave to Law students, the UBE improvement with the construction of blocks of classrooms. I am sure you know that primary and secondary schools are also part of our constituency and that is why our population is so much. We quite appreciate what you are doing in this sector since your assumption of office.”
In his response, Governor Makinde, who had earlier visited the family of the late Adeniran to commiserate with his family, said it was unfortunate to lose Adeniran at a time like this but that God would always remain unquestionable.
The Governor maintained that whatever he has achieved in the State was due to the mentality that the mandate was just another job that must be done effectively and with commitment bearing in mind that there would be more Oyo State Governors after his tenure.
“It’s like the job of a Managing Director/CEO, you do your bit and others come in. so why would someone behave as if there won’t be another Governor tomorrow?”
He promised to further look for avenues to engage the students’ leaders on the discussion on Nigeria and how the country can move on a path that is consistent with international standards.
Governor Makinde said: “I want to say again that it is quite unfortunate that we lost a comrade and a colleague, Yemi Likedat, but who are we to question God? Whatever God does is always the best, but we may not know. The government will be fully represented at his burial and we will try our best to support the internment.
“I appreciate your stopping by this morning and wish you and other comrades pleasant stay in Ibadan. While you are going around for the burial preparation, when you see things, say it and give us feedback. We can look at it. If it is something we have not started planning, we will take it. And if it is something we are already planning, we will let you know.”
“I am sure that we will still have time to meet further to discuss Nigeria and how the country can move on a path that is consistent with international standards. I am sure we will do that.
“For us in Oyo State, this is just another job. We will do our part and leave it. Before now, there have been past governors, so, why behave as though you will never leave the position. When you leave, life will still continue.”
Similarly, a former NANS president, Zadok, described Yemi Likedat as a powerful Nigerian student in his lifetime, noting that he was an embodiment of patriotism who was always fighting for Oyo State’s interests in students’ circles.
Zadok, who also commended Governor Makinde’s policies on education and appointment of youths into his government, said: “Your Excellency, you did something that you considered ordinary but it gave hope to the country. Youths are constantly used during elections and I don’t know what it is that made you choose a young person. I don’t know what came to your mind to invest so much in lawyers because they are not giving you immediate returns. I am wondering also why you are taking education very seriously.
“I want to say that this is the time NANS is going to stick with you. With that visit to Yemi’s house, you have earned yourself the same honour you had when you appointed a young commissioner. From today, I would say, with our organization, that you are not alone in this country, because we know you will stand up for the youths in this country. You have defied party politics and your standard has kept going higher. So, you don’t need only lead Oyo State people anymore. You are currently the rostrum we have been looking for.
“For me, again, I say we won’t leave you. It is a global pride that we have you and these values that your parents have put in you won’t leave you.”
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has officially rescheduled the commencement of the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) to Thursday, 24th April, 2025, across Nigeria.
This development was disclosed in a statement signed by Dr Fabian Benjamin, Public Communication Advisor to JAMB, on Saturday.
The examination, earlier slated to begin on Friday, 25th April, has been brought forward by one day due to what the Board described as “essential commitments by the Board and its partner agencies.”
According to the statement, “The 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) is now set to commence on Thursday, April 24, 2025, instead of the previously scheduled date of Friday, April 25, 2025. This adjustment has been made to accommodate essential commitments by the Board and its partner agencies.”
In preparation for the nationwide exercise, the Board has opened its official portal for registered candidates to print their 2025 UTME Notification Slips, which contain crucial information such as examination date, venue, and time.
“All candidates who have registered for the 2025 UTME scheduled to commence on Thursday, 24th April, 2025, are urged to print their 2025 UTME Notification Slips before the date of their examination,” the statement added.
To access the slip, candidates are required to visit www.jamb.gov.ng, click on the “2025 UTME Slip Printing” link, enter their registration number, and proceed to print the document.
JAMB strongly advised all candidates to familiarise themselves with the locations of their respective centres prior to the examination date to avoid any confusion or delay.
Furthermore, the Board reiterated its strict policy on examination locations, warning candidates not to appear at any centre outside their officially assigned venue or examination town.
“Please note that candidates will be assigned to centres within their chosen examination towns; no candidate will be placed in a centre outside their selected town,” JAMB emphasised.
The Board assured that all necessary arrangements are in place to ensure a seamless conduct of the 2025 UTME and urged candidates to comply strictly with the guidelines provided.
The Rector of Federal Polytechnic, Ayede, Oyo State, Dr Taofeek Abdul-Hameed, has said that the institution’s recent accreditation as a Cisco Networking Academy Learning Centre will benefit students, staff, and the host communities, while also enhancing the school’s standing in the global digital space.
Dr Abdul-Hameed, in a statement issued on Wednesday by the institution’s Protocol and Public Relations Officer, Mr. Sunday Adepoju, described the feat as a major milestone in the polytechnic’s journey towards global academic relevance and digital innovation.
Cisco Systems Inc., a multinational technology conglomerate headquartered in San Jose, California, is a global leader in networking and information technology solutions.
Speaking on the development, the Rector said, “First and foremost, let me re-emphasise that our commitment to excellence at Federal Polytechnic, Ayede remains unwavering. The accreditation, granted by Cisco Systems, will enable the polytechnic to offer specialised training in key areas such as networking, cybersecurity, programming, data science, operating systems, digital literacy, and professional development.
“These programmes align with internationally recognised certifications and are designed to equip students with job-ready skills required in today’s fast-evolving digital economy.
“This accreditation is a major leap for our institution as it reflects our strategic focus on equipping students with practical, industry-relevant skills and reinforces our mission to become a centre of excellence in technology and innovation.”
Highlighting the benefits of the Cisco-accredited centre to the institution, Abdul-Hameed noted that the collaboration would enhance the polytechnic’s credibility and attract more prospective students, given the global recognition associated with Cisco certifications.
“Additionally, the institution can enrich its curriculum with up-to-date, industry-relevant learning materials provided by Cisco. It can also leverage Cisco’s vast resources, including training and support, to improve the overall quality of its academic programmes,” he said.
The Rector further stated that the staff of the institution would also benefit from the initiative through access to Cisco’s professional training opportunities, which would keep them abreast of emerging industry trends and technologies.
“Instructors can develop their skills and gain recognition within the industry, enhancing their career prospects. They can also build networks and collaborate with other professionals and partners through Cisco’s global platforms,” he added.
On the impact on students, Abdul-Hameed described them as the greatest beneficiaries of the new accreditation.
“Our students can now earn industry-recognised certifications that will improve their employability and career growth. They will also have access to career opportunities and networking events through Cisco’s global network,” he said.
He added that the host communities stand to gain from the scheme, particularly in terms of economic development and local partnerships.
“By producing a skilled workforce, the community becomes more attractive to businesses
Seeks FG’s Intervention on Infrastructure, Expansion
The Federal Polytechnic, Ayede, Oyo State, has reaffirmed its commitment to academic and infrastructural excellence as it formally admitted its third set of students during a matriculation ceremony held on Thursday at the TETFund Auditorium, Iresa-Pupa Temporary Campus.
No fewer than 574 students were officially admitted into the institution for the 2024/2025 academic session.
The event was well attended by distinguished guests, including the Executive Secretary of the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), Professor Idris Bugaje, who was represented by Dr John Onyebuchi, Deputy Director, NBTE Southwest Zonal Office. The Federal Ministry of Education (FME) was also represented by Mallam Bala Adamu.
The traditional institution was represented by the Aresa-Pupa of Iresa-Pupa, Oba Moses Olayiwola Ajiboye JP, Ajiboye III. Other notable attendees included the Rector of Federal Polytechnic, Ede, Engr. (Dr) Sani Man Yahya, represented by the Deputy Rector (Academics), Alhaji I. A. Lawal; the Rector of Federal Polytechnic, Offa, Engr. (Dr) Kadiri Kamoru Oluwatoyin, represented by the Deputy Rector (Academics), Dr Mulikatu Aliu; and the Provost of the Federal College of Education, Iwo, Prof. R. A. Adebayo, represented by the Registrar, Alhaji Yusuf Aderibigbe among others.
Speaking at the event, the Rector of the Polytechnic, Dr. Taofeek Abdul-Hameed, congratulated the newly admitted students and reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to delivering quality technical and vocational education.
“You have earned your place here through hard work and dedication. Federal Polytechnic, Ayede, is committed to equipping you with the necessary knowledge and practical skills to thrive in your chosen careers,” he stated.
Dr Abdul-Hameed highlighted the rapid growth of the Polytechnic since its establishment in March 2021, noting that it was the first among the six newly created federal polytechnics to commence academic and administrative activities in June 2022.
He disclosed that the institution now has over 1,200 students, making it the most populated among its counterparts. It currently offers 12 accredited National Diploma (ND) programmes, with plans to introduce 29 additional programmes.
“The Office Technology and Management (OTM) programme will soon commence as its resource verification process is at an advanced stage,” he added.
The Rector further announced that the Polytechnic’s Academic Board had approved the results of its first graduating set, paving the way for its maiden convocation this year.
“A convocation ceremony to confer diplomas and prizes will be held this year, and the official date will be announced in due course,” he stated.
Addressing recent reports of a building collapse at the Polytechnic, Abdul-Hameed dismissed the claims as misleading, clarifying that no structure had collapsed on any of the institution’s campuses.
“What was falsely reported was a minor structural defect involving a cantilever under construction. The contractor is already addressing the issue under strict supervision,” he explained, urging the public to disregard the misinformation aimed at tarnishing the Polytechnic’s reputation.
While commending President Bola Tinubu for his administration’s support for education, the Rector urged the Federal Government to increase funding, particularly for infrastructure and research.
“We seek special intervention programmes to support our expansion efforts and the construction of access roads to improve connectivity,” he appealed.
He also acknowledged the contributions of the Federal Ministry of Education, TETFund, and the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) towards the Polytechnic’s growth. Continuing, he lauded Oyo State Governor, Engr Seyi Makinde, for his support and sought further assistance from the state government.
The Don advised the newly admitted students to embrace discipline, diligence, and innovation, urging them to take full advantage of the institution’s resources.
“The Polytechnic has provided you with the resources and a conducive environment to succeed. It is now your responsibility to make the most of this opportunity,” the Rector said.
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