News

UBEC, NMC Train 90 Mathematics Teachers In Bauchi

Published

3 years ago

December 16, 2022

The Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) in collaboration with the National Mathematical Centre (NMC) has embarked on a week-long training exercise of 90 mathematics teachers in Bauchi state.

Speaking at the closing ceremony of the one-week training exercise in Bauchi on Friday, the Chief Executive Officer, (CEO) NMC, Mr Promise Mebine, explained that the centre was set up by the federal government to look at ways of improving the teaching and learning of mathematics.

Represented by Mr Azuka Benerd, the Registrar, NMC, Mebine said that many materials have been developed by the centre to ease the teaching of mathematics and one of which is known as the ‘mathematics kits’.

“These kits are instruments for elementarizing the teaching and learning of mathematics.

“Having produced these, the centre is now collaborating with UBEC to see that all these kits get to schools because in teaching, the general principles are things before ideas and ideas before words.

“In other words, you don’t have to teach any topic without practicalising it. The centre has produced materials to make mathematics very practical so as to make it easier for students to learn and understand,” he said.

In the long run, this would improve the performance of students in both internal and external examinations and of course this would generate more interest in mathematics.

The advice is that they have been trained on how to use the mathematics kits given to them, we have trained them on the methods of teaching mathematics, they should go back to their schools and make sure that the materials are used.

The old methods of teaching mathematics should be discarded and they should embrace this new method which we have exposed them to.

The state government should of course support them by providing these materials so that generally, the method and approach of teaching would change and interest would improve.

Also speaking, the Executive Chairman, BASUBEB, Mr Abubakar Dahiru, said that the training was a refresher course conducted by the NMC with support of UBEC.

Represented by Mr Idris Hardawa Permanent Commissioner I, (BASUBEB), the Chairman, added that the training was also to inculcate new skills, teaching techniques of mathematics to the young ones at the basic level.

“After this training, there is going to be remarkable improvement in the relationship between the teachers and the pupils.

“Students should also develop new interests because hitherto, mathematics was viewed as a very difficult subject and so, students used to run away from it.

“However, with these new techniques and methodology of taking the subject as introduced by the NMC, students would be keen and eager to be part and parcel of the learning process,” he said.

One of the participants who spoke on behalf of others, Mr Joshua Polmi, appreciated the NMC and UBEC for impacting in them the new method of teaching mathematics which was hitherto unknown to them.

He said that the participants would go back to their various schools to change their method of teaching mathematics which, he said, was an archaic method to the modern ones they have been taught in the training.

He promised to effectively impart the knowledge acquired on their pupils and called on others to make judicious use of the mathematics kits given to them to ease their teachings.

News

Group Throws Weight Behind Benin Monarch’s Decision On Iyaloja

Published

10 hours ago

October 7, 2025

Editor

Group known as Edo Art and Cultural Heritage Institute (EACHI) has thrown its weight behind Oba of Benin, Ewuare II, on the royal father’s stance on the traditional leadership of markets in the Benin Kingdom.

A statement isdued by Okpioba Osaro Idemudia, on behalf of the group, said the “institute aligns with the Oba’s stance that the Iye-Eki is the only recognized traditional head of the markets, and we believe that this position should be respected and preserved in accordance with our cultural heritage.

“EACHI stands firm on the ground that the Iye-Eki holds a significant and revered position in the Benin Kingdom, serving as the main market traditional head. We believe that any attempts to impose external leadership structures that contradict our cultural norms and traditions would undermine the rich heritage of the Benin people.

“We are proud of our royal rather, for his unwavering commitment to upholding the cultural values and traditions of the Benin Kingdom.

“EACHI reassures the people of Edo State and the broader community that we will continue to support and promote the preservation of our rich cultural heritage.”

The group, while calling on Edo sons and daughters in home and in diaspora to “stand in unity to support our royal father Oba Ewuare II’s disapproval of IYALOJA,” commended
Edo market women for talking a bold stand against the imposition of IYALOJA

News

JUST IN: Tinubu’s Minister Resigns Amid Allegations

Published

11 hours ago

October 7, 2025

Editor

The Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, Geoffrey Nnaji, has resigned from President Bola Tinubu’s cabinet amid controversies surrounding his academic records and allegations of certificate forgery.

Nnaji, who was appointed in August 2023, announced his resignation in a letter to the President on Tuesday, expressing appreciation for the opportunity to serve.

Confirming the development in a statement on Tuesday, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, said, “President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has accepted the resignation of Geoffrey Uche Nnaji, the Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, following some allegations against him. President Tinubu appointed Nnaji in August 2023.

“He resigned today in a letter thanking the President for allowing him to serve Nigeria. Nnaji said he has been a target of blackmail by political opponents. President Tinubu thanked him for his service and wished him well in future endeavours.”

Nnaji’s resignation comes amid a lingering controversy over alleged certificate forgery and questions surrounding his academic qualifications from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka.

Nnaji and the Enugu State Government had traded words over allegations that he presented forged certificates.

The dispute intensified after the Federal High Court in Enugu rejected Nnaji’s bid to stop the University of Nigeria from releasing his academic records.

The court had ruled that the institution was within its rights to release the minister’s academic details in response to a freedom of information request, a decision that fuelled further public scrutiny.

Nnaji, however, maintained that he was being blackmailed by political opponents determined to tarnish his reputation.

News

UNIBEN Bans Students’ Sign-out Celebration

Published

12 hours ago

October 7, 2025

Editor

The University of Benin (UNIBEN) has prohibited all forms of sign-out celebrations by graduating students.

The ban is contained in a circular by the university’s Registrar, Mr Ademola Bobola, on Tuesday in Benin.

In the circular addressed to members of the university community, the management warned that violators risk severe disciplinary actions, including rustication, expulsion, or withdrawal of certificate.

Bobola said the decision was reached at a meeting on Monday, where it reaffirmed an earlier resolution of the university’s Senate banning such activities on campus.

“The management declared that no sign-out celebration of any kind, including signing on T-shirts and playing of music, will be tolerated,” he said.

He stated that the university would not condone any form of disorderly conduct or unauthorised gathering during or after examinations.

“Indiscriminate parading around the campuses in any brand of vehicle will not be permitted,” the circular warned.

According to him, unauthorised vehicles will not be allowed into the campuses all through the last week of the second semester examination.

“The management also prohibited large gatherings around faculties, schools, or institutes after examinations.

“Photographers will not be permitted to put up photo stands or galleries for the purpose of such celebration,” he said.

He said the management equally cautioned parents and guardians of final-year students against visiting campus premises during the final days of examinations.

“Parents and guardians of final-year students are advised to stay away from the Faculty, School, or Institute premises, especially on the last day of examination,” he said.

Bobola emphasised that the university’s stance was aimed at maintaining order, discipline, and academic decorum on campus.

“Members of the university community are kindly invited to note the above position for strict compliance.

“Any violation will attract severe disciplinary sanctions, including withdrawal of certificate, rustication, and expulsion of violators,” he warned.