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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

NiMet Warns Of Flash Flooding In 19 States

Published

14 hours ago

May 8, 2026

Editor

The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has warned that 19 states across the country may experience flash flooding.

In an advisory issued yesterday, NiMet said increased surface runoff and flash flooding could occur during heavy early rains due to dry and hardened soils that prevent water from properly soaking into the ground.

The agency listed the states likely to be affected as Zamfara, Nasarawa, Kwara, Oyo, Lagos, Ogun, Ekiti, Delta, Imo, Anambra, Enugu, Ebonyi, Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Rivers, Edo, Ondo, and Bayelsa.

NiMet said the possible impacts include flooded roads, traffic disruption, damage to homes, farmlands, and infrastructure, blocked drainage systems, power outages, telecommunication disruptions, and increased risks of injuries and water-borne diseases.

The agency advised residents to clear blocked drainage and stay updated with weather and flood alerts.

NiMet also cautioned motorists and pedestrians against driving or walking through flooded areas.

The agency asked relevant authorities and stakeholders to strengthen coordination, preparedness, and emergency response measures to reduce flood-related risks.

“An informed community is a prepared community. Know the risks and act early,” the advisory read.

The Federal Government had warned that 14,118 communities in 33 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) are at risk of severe flooding in 2026.

The states include Abia, Adamawa, Anambra, Bauchi, Bayelsa, Benue, Borno, Cross River, Delta, Ebonyi, Edo, Enugu, Gombe, Imo, Jigawa, Kaduna, and Kano.

Others are Kebbi, Kogi, Kwara, Lagos, Nasarawa, Niger, Ogun, Ondo, Osun, Oyo, Plateau, Rivers, Sokoto, Taraba, Yobe, and Zamfara, and the FCT.

Meanwhile, Nimet and the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) have intensified efforts to improve disaster management in the country with plans to develop a national early warning system roadmap.

The move was announced yesterday during a courtesy visit by the Director General of NEMA, Zubaida Umar, to the Director General of NiMet, Charles Anosike, at the NiMet headquarters in Abuja.

Mrs Umar applauded NiMet for the timely release of the 2026 Seasonal Climate Prediction and its consistent weather forecasts, noting that the agency had recorded significant improvements under Prof. Anosike’s leadership.

News

‘Nothing New’ – Wike Defends Houses For Judges, Dismisses NBA Criticism

Published

15 hours ago

May 8, 2026

Editor

Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Minister, Nyesom Wike, on Friday defended the construction of houses for judges and justices in Abuja, dismissing concerns that the projects could compromise the independence of the judiciary.

Wike spoke after inspecting ongoing judicial infrastructure projects, including judges’ residences, the Court of Appeal Abuja Division and proposed residential projects for judges of the Industrial Court and the Code of Conduct Tribunal.

The minister’s remarks followed criticisms reportedly raised by the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) over executive involvement in the provision of infrastructure for the judiciary.

Rejecting the concerns, Wike argued that government provision of facilities for judicial officers was neither new nor a threat to judicial autonomy.

He said: “The mere fact that the executive constructs buildings does not mean it will interfere with the judiciary.

“We have built public houses for the National Assembly and for the judiciary before. The Supreme Court was built by government. So there is nothing new in this.”

Wike accused the NBA leadership of inconsistency, alleging that the association frequently sought financial support from state governments for its conferences and activities while criticising government interventions in the judiciary.

“All they are interested in is when state governments will sponsor NBA activities. If governments fund their conferences, does that mean they are no longer independent?” he queried.

He maintained that the FCT Administration would not be distracted from implementing projects designed to improve the welfare and working conditions of judges and justices.

“This is a voluntary act by government to make judicial officers comfortable and focused on their work. It is not done to erode judicial independence,” the minister added.

Wike said the projects formed part of activities lined up to mark President Bola Tinubu’s third anniversary in office.

He expressed satisfaction with the completion level of the judges’ quarters, describing the project as well executed and nearly ready for inauguration.

“We’ve seen the judges’ quarters beautiful. I’m very elated that the job was done well. The houses are well furnished and almost 99 per cent ready,” he stated.

The minister also disclosed that preparations had begun for the groundbreaking ceremony of residences for judges of the Industrial Court and the Code of Conduct Tribunal.

However, he expressed dissatisfaction with aspects of the finishing at the Court of Appeal Abuja Division project, despite its advanced stage of completion.

“Almost 90 per cent complete, but I must say it’s not the quality I expected. I have told the contractor that several errors must be corrected before inauguration,” he said.

Wike assured that the administration would continue monitoring contractors to ensure all projects are delivered according to specification and within schedule.

“All the promises that have been made, we are going to fulfil them. That is why we are going around to inspect and ensure contractors are ready,” he added.

News

LASG Fixes Dates For Public Service Exams, Releases CBT Guidelines

Published

1 day ago

May 7, 2026

Editor

The Lagos State Government, through the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education and the Lagos State Examinations Board, has released the timetable and guidelines for the 2026 Public Service Examinations.

In a statement by the Lagos State Government, the announcement, which aligns with a prior circular from the Head of Service with Ref No: CIR/HOS/’26/005 dated January 21, 2026, sets out key instructions for candidates preparing for the exercise.

The examinations will hold between Tuesday, May 12 and Tuesday, May 19, 2026, at the Lagos State Public Service Staff Development Centre (PSSDC), Magodo, Lagos.

They include the Compulsory Examination for all cadres in the State Public Service, the Combined Confirmation/Promotion Examination for Clerical Officers II (CO II) and Clerical Assistants (CA), as well as the External Secretarial Examination.

According to the board, candidates are expected to begin printing their examination slips from Tuesday, May 5, 2026, through the official portal using their registration login details.

The slip will contain key information such as each candidate’s exam date and time.

“All candidates are required to present valid identification at the examination centre. Acceptable forms of identification include Staff Identity Cards, National Identification Number (NIN) slips, and Lagos State Residents Registration Agency (LASRRA) cards,” the statement said.

Candidates are also required to bring printed copies of their examination slips to the venue and must strictly follow the date and time allocated to them.

The board further advised candidates to acquaint themselves with basic computer skills ahead of the exercise, as the examinations will be conducted using a Computer-Based Test, CBT, format.

It also warned that dressing must be formal, adding that inappropriate dressing will not be allowed at the examination centre.

Candidates were urged to comply fully with all instructions to ensure a smooth and orderly process.

“The Lagos State Examinations Board urges all candidates to comply fully with these guidelines to ensure a smooth and orderly examination process,” the statement added.