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Jonathan Calls For Recalibration Of Nigeria’s Educational System As Igbinadion University Celebrates 25th Anniversary

Published

1 year ago

May 10, 2024

Editor

Former president of Nigeria, Goodluck Jonathan, has called for a recalibration of the nation’s educational system in order to be relevant in the technology-driven 21st century.

Jonathan made the call on Friday at the 25th anniversary and colloquium of Nigerian premier private university – Igbinedion University Okada, Edo State.

The former president who was the chairman of the anniversary celebration, stressed the need for the Nigerian educational system at all levels to be tailed towards the reality of modern technology.

He said: “I am one person that believes we need to recalibrate our educational system, not only at the tertiary level but at the primary and secondary levels. How do we recalibrate our educational system? It is to make sure that we produce products that will be able to pilot our economy; products that will be able to fit in in this technology-driven world.

Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar (in white) arriving the occasion on Friday. He is accompanied by Chief Lucky Igbinedion, Deputy Chancellor, the University VC, Prof. Lawrence Ezemonye and other dignitaries.

“Now, no matter what you studied, you must know how to operate a computer, you must be technology savvy else you become irrelevant. Many things are being done with robots in this 21st century. Now, if we are not teaching our children all these, how do they fit it? This is why we need to recalibrate our educational system.”

According to the former president, as part of the recalibration of the nation’s educational system, the government and educationalists need to stop the menace of bullying in primary and secondary schools, and cultism in tertiary institutions in order to attract people from all over the world.

L-R: Chief Lucky Igbinedion, Deputy Chancellor; Former Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Arch Victor Attah; VC of the university, Prof. Lawrence Ezemonye; Prof-Chancellor, Prof. Sheikh Ahmed Abdullah; Dr. Joan Oviawe, Edo State Commissioner for Education at the occasion on Friday.

Jonathan, while congratulating the founder and principal officers of the institution for the 25th anniversary, said that it is not easy to run a university for good 25 years.

On his part, Vice-Chancellor of the university, Professor Lawrence Ezemonye, said “the university has over the past 25 years, evolved into a beacon of academic excellence, a crucible for innovation, and a nurturing ground for future leaders.”

The VC, while describing the celebration as “emphatic illustration of dogged determination of of the founder, the Esama of Benin Kingdom to transform the educational landscape of our nation,” boasted that the university has “continued to champion revolution in higher education in Nigeria, changing the narrative in higher education pedagogy.”

Enumerating some of the university’s landmark achievements so far, the Vice-Chancellor said: “Just yesterday, the university unveiled the Petrol Minibus designed and developed by the College of Engineering for use as project vehicle. This prelude to the second phase of the project which will entail the design and development of an electric minibus by the College scheduled for completion before the end of next year

“Similarly, the University’s multi-million Naira Oil Palm Processing Mill was commissioned yesterday. A collaborative project between the Central Bank of Nigeria and Igbinedion University, Okada, the processing mill has an installed capacity to process Palm oil at the rate of2Tons/hour with provision for future expansion. The facility will not only boost the University’s internally generated revenue but also serve as a platform for research and training by staff and students.

“In the same vein, the newly completed Okunozee ultra-modern Hotel (a Division of IUO Holdings) at Usen Junction, Okada was also commissioned yesterday. The first of its kind in Okada and Usen communities, the 5-Star Hotel boasts of state-of-the art facilities and is set to change the tourism landscape of Edo State. More importantly, it will cater to the needs of parents and visitors to Igbinedion University who will no longer need to shuttle between Benin and Okada when they have to stay in Okada for more than one day.”

He added: “We will continue to invest in cutting-edge research, foster interdisciplinary collaborations, digital literacy, technological fluency, and curriculum shift to meet the evolving needs of the global workforce. Our ultimate goal is to provide our students with a truly global education that
prepares them to navigate the complexities of an interconnected world.”

On his part, founder and Chancellor of the university, Chief Gabriel Igbinedion who was represented by the Deputy Chancellor, Lucky Igbinedion, while stating that establishment of private university in Nigeria did not come on a platter of gold, said the bold step he took in 1999 has paved way for 147 private universities in the country.

Dignitaries who attended the 25th anniversary included former Head of State, Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar (rtd.); Governor Godwin Obaseki represented by Commissioner for Education, Joan Oviawe; former governor of Akwa Ibom State, Victor Attah; former governor of Delta State, Chief James Ibori; members of the Governing of Council led its Chairman, Prof. Sheikh Ahmed Abdullah, among others.

Related Topics:Igbinadion Igbinedion University Prof. Lawrence Ezemonye

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UNICEF Advocates Six Months Maternity Leave From Working Mothers In Bauchi

Published

5 hours ago

August 4, 2025

Editor

The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has called on the Bauchi state government to initiate a six months paid maternity leave to working mothers in the state.

Dr Nuzhat Rafique, UNICEF’s Bauchi Chief of Field Office, stated this in a news conference in Bauchi on Tuesday to market the 2025 breastfeeding week.

According to her, the six months maternity leave would help the mothers to initiate the six months exclusive breastfeeding for their children and help in improving their health status in general.

“We really need the state government, the health system to play their roles to support the mothers.

“If the state government has a policy for six months paid maternity leave, that would play a huge role in the better nutritional status of children and initiation of exclusive six months breastfeeding for the mothers.

“Staying with the child automatically ensures better care and hygiene of the child, making them free from diarrhea which is one of the major causes of malnutrition,” she said.

Rafique added that unless women were fully supported, it would be difficult for them to do the right things like initiate breastfeeding on time, continue exclusive breastfeeding for six months, and initiate complementary breastfeeding till 24 months.

She, however, called on the state government to also come up with breastfeeding corners for working mothers to feed their children after resumption from the six months maternity leave.

Rafique said that if mothers didn’t have a good private place to feed their children, it would be difficult for them to continue feeding by working, performing and contributing towards the state’s progress and the country at large.

“These are the foundation for having a healthy, intelligent, productive next generation.

“There is a formula we need to promote which is one, six and 24.

“One means that the first hour of the baby must be initiated with breastfeeding, six means that a child must be exclusively breastfed for a good six months and then the initiation of complementary feeding along with the continuation of breastfeeding till 24 months,” she explained.

Earlier speaking, Mrs Philomena Irene, UNICEF’s Nutrition Specialist in Bauchi, revealed that over 15 states have extended paid maternity leave to working mothers across the country like Kebbi, Borno, Kaduna, Plateau among others.

“We want the media to help us amplify the benefits of breast milk, the benefits of breastfeeding both to the mother, the child and even the society at large,” she said.

On his part, Mr Abubakar Sale, the Bauchi state Nutrition Officer, appreciated UNICEF for supporting the state in terms of improving the healthy living of pregnant women and children, not only on nutrition but other aspects of health.

“The government is trying its best to see to the improvement in especially exclusive breastfeeding and other nutrition indicators in the state.

“We are doing our part together with other partners and media practitioners are very important to amplify or inform the members of the society the importance of exclusive breastfeeding so that in our next survey, we will be able to improve,” he said.

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Tinubu Gives D’Tigress $100,000 Each, Flats, National Honour

Published

7 hours ago

August 4, 2025

Editor

President Bola Tinubu has honoured Nigeria’s national women’s basketball team, D’Tigress, with a reward package that includes $100,000 for each player, $50,000 for every member of the 11-man coaching and technical crew.

Tinubu also rewarded all team members and staff with a three-bedroom flat at the Renewed Hope Estate.

In addition, the President conferred on the players and their technical crew the prestigious national honour of Officer of the Order of the Niger.

This was announced by Vice President Kashim Shettima at the presidential reception in their honour at the State House Banquet hall, Abuja.

The triumphant D’Tigress alongside their officials, were warmly welcomed by First Lady Oluremi Tinubu, supported by the wife of the Vice President, Nana Shettima, at the New Banquet Hall in the Presidential Villa at 5:05 pm.

On behalf of President Bola Tinubu, Shettima received the team in recognition of their outstanding achievement.

Also in attendance at the reception were Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila; Chairman of the Senate Committee on Youths and Sports Development, Garba Maidoki; and Chairman of the House Committee on Sports, Kabiru Amadou.

The D’Tigress arrived after clinching their historic fifth consecutive AfroBasket title, outplaying Mali 78–64 in the final held at the Palais des Sports de Treichville in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire.

This win marks their seventh overall championship, reinforcing their supremacy in African women’s basketball.

The ceremony at the Presidential Villa mirrors a similar reception President Tinubu hosted a week earlier for the national female football team, the Super Falcons, who recently secured their tenth WAFCON title in Rabat, Morocco.

Tinubu’s remarks, delivered by Shettima at the reception noted, “Beyond being ambassadors of our nation and symbols of excellence, you have reminded us all of the power of sports to unite a diverse nation. Your victory is a testament to what we can achieve when we work together. You have brought home not just a trophy, but valuable lessons for all Nigerians.

“It is a great honour, on behalf of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, to welcome our formidable D’Tigress to the State House. Once again, you are continental champions and now the top African team to qualify for the 2026 FIBA Women’s World Cup pre-qualifying tournament. You conquered Africa with a score of 78 to 64—showcasing not just tactical skill, but remarkable determination and resilience. The entire nation stands behind you with pride and support.

“My dear daughters, you faced challenges bravely, especially in the final quarter, responding not with panic but with poise. When you wore the green and white, it was more than just a uniform—you wore it with purpose, and now you wear the crown of African basketball for the fifth consecutive time.”

The President hailed Rena Wakama’s strength and inspiring young girls in the country.

“Coach Rena Wakama, you embody the evolution of leadership in Nigerian sports. Your quiet strength and remarkable achievements have shattered ceilings and inspired countless young girls across Nigeria. You truly deserve your accolades as the best coach in Africa and beyond.

“To Amy Okonkwo, the tournament’s Most Valuable Player, and Ezinne Kalu, the top scorer in the final, your brilliance lifted the whole team, but most importantly, you played for Nigeria and made us all proud.

“Let us reflect on one profound truth: Nigerian women have never failed the nation in sports. From the Super Falcons on the world stage, to record-breakers on the track, and now a basketball dynasty, our women have consistently been a source of pride and have proven that where preparation meets opportunity, Nigerian excellence prevails.”

Tinubu said the administration is prioritizing sports as a crucial driver of national development and economic growth, viewing it as more than entertainment but also infrastructure, education, diplomacy, and a tool for youth employment and transformation.

He also recognised the National Sports Commission, led by Mallam Alabi, for its efforts in athlete welfare, institutional reform, grassroots support, and performance-driven development, with visible positive results.

“Special appreciation goes to the National Sports Commission, under Mallam Alabi, for renewed focus on athlete welfare, institutional reform, grassroots support, and performance-based development. The results are evident, and we are proud of you. The Nigerian Basketball Federation, led by Malam Ahmadu Musa Kida, also deserves recognition for consistent team development and dedication to Nigeria’s sporting glory.

“Our government will ensure that D’Tigress, their technical team, and sports leadership in Nigeria are appropriately recognized and rewarded. You have made us proud, and we will stand by you as you prepare for the global stage.

“To all Nigerian youth, let the story of D’Tigress inspire you. Greatness stems from hard work, discipline, and belief. Nigeria belongs to those who dare to dream and are willing to give their all to realize those dreams.

“D’Tigress: you are champions, role models, pathfinders, and true daughters of this land. It is my honor and privilege, on behalf of President Tinubu, to announce national honors for the team, coach, and technical staff; $100,000 for each player; $50,000 for the coach and technical team; and more rewards to come.

“This is true leadership—recognizing and rewarding those who have excelled for our nation. May God bless you all, may God bless Nigerian sports, and may God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” he concluded.

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Step-by-step Guide For Checking 2025 WASSCE Results

Published

7 hours ago

August 4, 2025

Editor

Following the release of the 2025 West African Senior School Certificate Examination results on Monday, the West African Examinations Council has provided a step-by-step guide to help candidates access their results online.

To check your results, candidates are required to visit the official result portal at http://waecdirect.org and follow the instructions carefully.

Here is the step-by-step guide for checking 2025 WASSCE results.

Enter your 10-digit WAEC Examination Number.
(This is your 7-Digit centre number followed by your 3-digit candidate number eg. 4123456789).
For examination year < 1999, enter your 8-digit WAEC Examination Number.
(This is your 5-Digit centre number followed by your 3-digit candidate number eg. 19865001)
Enter the 4 digits of your Examination Year eg. 2002
Select the Type of Examination
Enter the e-PIN Voucher Number
Enter the Personal Identification Number (PIN) on your e-PIN
Click Submit and wait for the results window to come up