KOGI POLY SIGNS HISTORIC MOU WITH FUL TO ADVANCE TERTIARY EDUCATION

 

Kogi State Polytechnic, Lokoja has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Federal University Lokoja (FUL), to commence degree programmes in the institution.

In the landmark agreement signed on Friday, August 22, 2025, at the Senate Building of the University, a Study Centre will be established at the Polytechnic Main Campus, Lokoja, for the running of regular undergraduate degree and Top-Up programmes.

The regular degree programmes provide opportunities for interested applicants to apply for available courses through UTME and Direct Entry modes.

The Top-Up mode of the agreement will facilitate the conversion of Higher National Diploma (HND) certificates into corresponding and available undergraduate degrees programmes. 

The Top-Up programmes will be offered on both Part Time and Full Time basis.

The MoU also covers staff and student exchange programmes, equipment sharing for practicals to strengthen joint research and collaborative learning initiatives.

The elated Rector of Kogi State Polytechnic, Professor Salisu Ogbo Usman, described the MoU as historic in all ramifications, stressing that it will be remembered as one of the legacy achievements of his administration, and one of the legacies bequeathed to the state by the Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University Lokoja, Professor Olayemi Akinwunmi. 

According to the Rector, Kogi State Polytechnic is well equipped with quality manpower, robust infrastructure and a secure learning environment to support the collaboration. 

He reiterated that all programmes offered at the Polytechnic are fully accredited, including those he inherited that were not previously accredited. 

Prof. Usman assured that the Polytechnic’s accredited academic programmes would enrich the partnership, pledging total compliance with the terms of the agreement.

Earlier, the Vice-Chancellor of Federal University Lokoja, Professor Olayemi Akinwunmi, hailed the signing as a dream come true, attributing its success to the quality of leadership and cordial relationship between the two institutions. 

The Vice Chancellor emphasized that the collaboration would significantly advance education in Kogi State and Nigeria at large, urging that implementation should commence without delay. 

He also applauded the Polytechnic for aligning with efforts to make tertiary education more accessible.

In his remarks, the Director of the Centre for Distance and E-Learning of the University, Professor Musa Adeku Ibrahim, recalled that plans for the Study Centre began with a letter of intent from Kogi State Polytechnic on 12th February 2025, which was later approved by the University Senate on 7th August 2025, following an oversight visit for verification.

He noted that the MoU would remain one of the notable achievements under Professor Akinwunmi’s administration.

In his closing remarks, the University's Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academics), Professor A. E. Bala, expressed his appreciation to the Rector of Kogi State Polytechnic for clarifying potential grey areas and assured that the university would uphold the MoU as agreed.

Signing of the MoU was witnessed by Principal Officers and Management staff of both Institutions. 

Uredo Omale 

Director, Public Relations and Protocol, 

Kogi State Polytechnic, Lokoja.

As- Salam Group of Schools holds 4th Graduation, Price Giving Ceremony in grand style

 

..Allah is our secret at Al - Salam - Proprietor 

... We didn't regret enrolling our wards at As -Salam, says parents

Friends, parents, families, associates of learners’ and management of As -Salam Group of Schools, a leading Islamic School in Ilorin, Kwara State has come together to thank Almighty Allah on behalf of the school as they celebrate their 4th Graduation, and Prize Giving Ceremony.

The event which was held penultimate Sunday, at the school premise in Kangile community, Zango Area Ilorin, the Kwara State capital was indeed a memorable occasion for everyone in attendance and was graced by several Muslim dignitaries from far and near.

In his welcome address the Proprietor, As -Salam Group of Schools, Dr. Abdulsalam Issa Idris admonished parents never to relent in their parenting functions and to rise tall in discharging their roles and responsibilities, especially in today’s society. 

According to him, 'this years graduation ceremony is unique in the sense that Almighty Allah in His magnificent mercies has kept us going in the last four years amidst the economic bites in the country, as our academic excellence was not daunting'.

"Infact, to God be the Glory in all ramification.As we started the program this morning, as human being, we were sceptical how it going to be. But at least, we thank Almighty Allah for the great success of this year's graduation ceremony. Despite the economic bites in the country, Allah has been in charge of our affairs and with prayers things have been moving steadily.

"As a Proprietor, my research into other schools within the metropolis availed me that our outgone pupils from basic 5 class are far better and incomparable to some Junior Secondary school students in other schools in terms of their academic prowess and this my affirmation can be attested to judging form today's graduation. To God Almighty be the Glory, " Abdulsalam said.

The elated erudite Islamic scholar lauded the people of Kangile community for the leverage given him to establish As - Salam Group of Schools in their domain, affirming that the school's tuition fee is the lowest in the state.

"The motive to which the citadel of learning was established four years ago was not for monetary gains, rather to raise future leaders who would uphold moral values system while blending Arabic studies with Western education. We thank God that we're achieving these and we have not derailed from mission and vision to which As-Salam Group of Schools was birthed.

"What we're collecting as school fee is unquantifiable to what we are offering them in terms of leaning which all parents had attested to here today. We have nothing less down thirsty teachers to which the proceeds from the school fees could not meet their salaries except we argument it outside source. We thank Allah that is helping us despite the hardship in the country," the Proprietor stressed.

Abdulsalam congratulated the Graduands for completing their studies and achieving a new milestone. He echoed that their hard work, determination, and perseverance has paid off, and more than, the school is indeed proud of their accomplishments.

The Proprietor however challenged the graduands as they proceed to another chapter of their lives to imbibe Islamic teachings learnt during their years in the school and reminded them to stay true to the principles of Islamic faith and always uphold and lift the banner of Islam wherever they find themselves because not only that Islam is a blessing to Muslims but also, a source of moral compass and total guide since it is a complete way of life.

"I urged you graduands to remain steadfast in upholding islamic teachings as you go forth from the School and strive to make positive impact in the world. You are the future leaders of our ummah, and it is up to you to carry the torch of Islam and ensure that its light shines brightly for generations to come,” the erudite Islamic scholar added

Earlier in his speech, the Chairman of the occasion Mr. Dauda Isiaq Dodo from the Exams Department of the Kwara State Ministry of Education acknowledged that As - Salam Group of Schools have actually maintain both the International and Indigenous curriculum, saying the pupils presentation and fluency in both Arabic and English languages was extremely incredible.

"I am here today to honor the invitation of As - Salam Group of Schools to celebrate it's fourth annual graduation. Actually, with what I have seen here today, it confirmed that they are doing to the international standard and they have maintain both the International and Indigenous curriculum. Judging from the standard I have seen , it is unequivocal to say that As -Salam Group of Schools is up to standard.

"Everything I saw here today is apparently a dectum of moral and ethical standard inherent in the pupils and students. I would want to implore the Management of As-Salam Group of Schools not to limit their search light to primary and secondary school alone, but to aspire for Tertiary Institution. How I wish I enroll my children here to be a partaker of sound academic prowess that I have witnessed here today, " Dodo exclaimed.

In the same vein, a parent, Mrs. Mustapha Ipadeola confirmed that six of her wards are in As -Salam Group of Schools and said she did not regret enrolling them in the school.

"A lot of academic changes have taken place in the lives of my children since they joined As-Salam Group of Schools. I enrolled six of my children here and I did not regret bringing them here. I pray Allah will continue to soar higher In sha Allah," Ipadeola prayed.

- As - Salam school has brought our town into limelight - Chairman, Kangile community 

The Chairman of Kangile community in Zango Area of Ilorin, Kwara State, Mr. Sanni Tunde Lukman has affirmed to newsmen that the establishment of As- Salam Group of Schools within the convine of the town have projected the image of the community to the global world.

Sanni states this on Sunday while answering questions from our reporter at this year 4th Graduation and Prize giving ceremony of the school.

He said: "This is my first time of coming to this citadel of learning. In fact , what I saw today is more than my expectation and I can confirm to you that this school has prospect. I strongly believe that As-Salam Group of Schools will produce great leaders in future.

"I pray Allah to bestore more wisdom to the staff and management of the school so as to sustain this feat. I can tell you for free that As-Salam Group of Schools has brought recognition and limelight to Kangile. It has really spread the name of our community to the globe world and we are very happy to be associated with the school management," the community chairman affirmed.

In his word, the coordinator of As-Salam Group of Schools, Yusuf Olawale charged the graduands to a good ambassador of the school and endeavor to discover themselves.

According to him, 'we're in a time where self discovery is utmost instead of waiting for what government or anybody would do for you, hence the graduating pupils should believe in themselves and be a worthy ambassador of their Alma matter'

"As-Salam Group of Schools is a collective mission that I vividly saw to it's birth when it seems to possible. So I was part of the personnel who started the initiative before it becomes a reality.

"Naturally, in life, there is no success that comes easy. Every success has to do adapt to series of ups and down, but here we are within four years, our successes speaks for us as if it was fifteen years we give the Glory to Almighty Allah.

"As- Salam is a school that can compete variably with many international schools and within the twinkles of four years,the mission is soaring. The school started last four years and we wish it goes beyond this level. 

"Our mission for Tertiary Institution is in the pipeline. My message to the graduands is that they should discover themselves and be a good ambassador of this school, " the coordinator appealed.

In her goodwill message, the Proprietress of the school, Hajia Nafisat Abdulsalam thank all the dignitaries presence for their time left to celebrate with the school. She prayed Allah to grant them journey mercies back to their various destination.

Comr. Abdullahi Adamu grants scholarship, donates cash, uniforms to Primary School pupils

 

The Executive Chairman of Lokoja Local Government Area Comrade Abdullahi Adamu has received 27 pupils of public primary schools who represented Lokoja Local Government at the just concluded UBEC/Kogi State Basic Education School Sports (BESS).

Presenting the team to the Chairman, the Lokoja Local Government Education Secretary, Alhaji AD Yakubu stated that the pupils emerged victorious claiming medals in Football, Table Tennis, Ayo and Athletics.

He also announced that Master Samson Joshua of Lokongoma LGEA primary school will be representing the country in Algeria after finishing first in Table Tennis both at the State and the National Competition in Lagos.

The Council Chairman in his address congratulates the pupils and the coaching team for making the local government proud. "Sports, apart from being a very lucrative business is capable of engaging many youths, it plays a vital role in physical health, mental well-being, discipline etc"

While reiterating his commitment to the development of sports in Lokoja Local Government, Comrade Abdullahi announced a cash donations to the team, new uniforms as well as one year tuition fee for all 27 pupils.

Iliyasu Zakari 

SSA to the Executive Chairman 

(Media and Publicity)

Education: Kogi Governor signs law establishing CUSTECH Teaching Hospital, Okene

 

The Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, has signed a bill converting the state-of-the-art Reference Hospital, Okene into the Confluence University of Science and Technology (CUSTECH) Teaching Hospital.

This was announced in Lokoja on Tuesday by the State Commissioner for Information and Communications, Mr. Kingsley Fanwo, during a press briefing.

The move aligns with the National Universities Commission’s approval of a full-time Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) program, among other medical courses, at CUSTECH. According to Mr. Fanwo, the step ensures the program begins on a solid foundation.

“This achievement is the result of months of coordinated engagement between the university, the State Ministry of Health, and the State Ministry of Education. We commend the State House of Assembly for passing the bill, which has now been signed into law by Governor Ododo,” Fanwo said.

He emphasized the administration’s prioritization of healthcare, noting that the former Reference Hospital—now the CUSTECH Teaching Hospital—is equipped with world-class medical facilities, some of which are debuting for the first time in Africa.

“With this development, CUSTECH will have cutting-edge medical technology to train outstanding healthcare professionals for Kogi State and beyond,” he added.

Fanwo further highlighted the administration’s commitment to healthcare and education, describing the signing as a significant milestone in the state’s progress. He also expressed gratitude to the State House of Assembly for their collective effort in creating this historic achievement.

With the bill now law, CUSTECH is poised to effectively commence its MBBS program.

University Don tasks FG on massive investment in Science, Technology to reduce poverty

 

A Virologist, Prof Oyewale Tomori, has urged Federal Government to invest massively in science and technology to solve societal issues, improve the quality of life and reduce poverty in the country.

Tomori made the call while speaking at the 8th Distinguished Public Lecture of the Federal University Lokoja (FUL) on Thursday.

Speaking on the theme, "the Conflicting Confluence of Science and Society", the Don said science solve societal issues improve quality of life, and answers questions that relate to mysteries of the universe.

The erudite professor stressed that investment in science and technology would contribute to knowledge production, driving innovation and help the country to compete in the global economy, and contribute to the functioning of democracies. 

He, therefore urged the federal government to stop paying lip service to the issue of science and technology and deplore sufficient resources to provide appropriate technology that would reduce poverty in the country.

The scholar also urged Nigeria's tertiary institutions to make their various research works into workable documents for government to use as road map to enhance the development of the country.

Tomori said the success of some research works were being hampered by poor mentorship, studies not focused on solving national problems, and insufficient adherence to merit in assessment of research proposals.

He added that poor management and misuse of research funds, apathy and failure to make returns on received grants also affect accessing funds.

Tomori noted that the underdevelopment of Nigeria was partly contributed by its Scientists who failed to proffer durable solutions to end the socio- economic problems confronting the nation.

He expressed sadness that 64 years after political independence, Nigeria was still crawling economically and had to often times go to borrow from western countries inorder to service its yearly budgets.

He said Nigeria remains underdeveloped because it was either the Scientists in the country were yet to find right answers to the national problems or they failed to comvince the policy makers, politicians that the quandruplets of science, research, innovations and development are inseparable.

Tomori, who was the former Vice Chancellor of Redeemers' University, restated that the only way out of underdevelopment was through science and technology.

He stressed that the advanced countries who invested heavily on science reap the gains of developments, prosperity and food sufficiency while countries who refused to invest in science are reaping poverty, squalor and diseases.

"No nation, except Nigeria which has attempted to sidetrack developing science and technology and tailoring it to her needs. 

"Nigeria has taken a shortcut by importing other peoples finished technology, and calling it transfer of technology. 

"Nigeria imports complete knocked down parts of vehicles, and appoints a Nigerian Executive Managing Director to oversee the screwing together of these parts,"'Tomori said.

Earlier, the Vice Chancellor of the Federal University, Lokoja, Prof. Olayemi Akinwumi, said the lecture fundamentally aimed to foster a culture of intellectual curiosity and rigorous academic discourse. .

"By inviting eminent scholars and thought leaders to share their insights on pressing issues, we strive to bridge the gap between academia and society. 

"These lectures are not merely academic exercises; they are opportunities for us to engage with new ideas, challenge our thinking, and inspire innovation and progress within our community.

"We believe that we have a vital role to play in addressing societal challenges. These lectures provide an opportunity to engage with pressing issues, sparking conversations that can lead to meaningful change" Akinwumi said.

End

Fulfill your promise to remove us from IPPIS, pay our Arrears - ASUU tells FG

 

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), has urged the Federal Government to fulfill its promise to remove its members from the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS).

The Chairman of ASUU, Federal University Lokoja (FUL) chapter, Dr Joshua Silas, made the call on Tuesday during a protest by members of the union at FUL campus in Felele, Lokoja.

Addressing newsmen after the protest, the chairman urged the federal government to implement the re-negoation of 2009 agreements reached with the national ASUU to prevent resumption of the suspended industrial action.

"We are carrying out these protests nationwide as directed by the national body of ASUU in solidarity to urge the federal government to promptly meet our demands. 

"The government has failed to meet with our demands regarding the 2009 re-negotiation agreements with the national body of ASUU as promised.

"A lot has been done and government promised to meet our needs but since 2009 to 2024 till now, nothing has been done because government has failed to honour the agreements.

"We suspended the last strike in October 2022 with the hope that government would resolve all the outstanding issues, but till today June 25, 2024, nothing has been done.

"The protest is to call the attention of the general public to be aware and bear us witness that ASUU has been patient enough with the government.

"Enough is enough; this is totally unacceptable because many of our members have died due to the present economic hardships.

"We urge the government to do the needful because ASUU should not be blamed for any industrial action anytime from now," Silas said.

According to him, the agreements include the removal of ASUU from IPPIS, outstanding academic allowances, revitalization fund, payment of promotion arrears balance as well as withheld salaries, among others.

Silas noted that the federal government had paid four months out of about eight months outstanding salaries remaining three and half months.

 

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the protest was carried out by the union members within all the faculties of institutions and terminated at the university gate with chanting of solidarity songs.

They carried placards with various inscriptions such as: "remove ASUU from IPPIS, "release our withheld salaries", implement ASUU)FG agreements", we are not casual workers", among others. 

By Stephen Adeleye

Mrs Tinubu donates 50,000 notebooks to pupils in Kogi

 

The Wife of Nigeria's President, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu, has donated 50,000 notebooks to public Primary schools in Kogi State under her "Renewed Hope Initiative" project.

The distribution of the note books was flagged off by the wife of Kogi Governor, Hajia Sefinat Usman Ododo, on Thursday at Glass House, Government House Lokoja.

In her remarks, Hajia Ododo appreciated the President's wife for her commitment to education development and empowerment of children in public schools across the country.

She commended Mrs Tinubu for her visionary leadership and passion to ensuring quality education for all, stressing that the initiative remained an inspiration worthy of emulation.

The Kogi governor's wife promised to continue to emulate and support the Nigeria's first lady for a better output, noting that the notebooks were being distributed across the 36 States of the federation.

Mrs Ododo urged the people of Kogi to continue to support her husband to take Kogi to greater heights.

She reaffirmed the governor's commitment to continue to bridging the gaps in ensuring quality education in the state.

She advised the pupils to take their studies seriously while urging the stakeholders to ensure equitable distribution of the notebooks across public primary schools in the state.

Also speaking, the state's Commissioner for Education, Mr Wemi Jones, commended the wife of the President for the gesture towards the development of education in Kogi State.

Jones emphasised that education palliative remained the most sustainable assistance to the people, stressing that Gov. Ododo's administration would not compromise the educational needs of Kogi children.

"We are indeed very grateful to the wife of the President for the gesture because palliative in education is the most sustainable palliative that you can give because education is the bedrock of any development," he said

Jones stressed that the former Governor, Alh Yahaya Bello, handed over to Ododo who had been trained and groomed to take education to another higher level in Kogi State. 

The Commissioner assured that the necessary structure had been put in place to ensure that the notebooks get to the targeted beneficiaries.

Jones reaffirmed the commitment of Ododo's administration to ensure that education remained free at basic and secondary levels in public schools across the state.

"Education is free in Kogi. We are paying for all exams; both internal and external examinations at basic and secondary school levels in the state.

"As a ministry, we are irreversibly committed to taking education to higher level in Kogi because we have a governor that is fully ready and committed to education development," Jones said.

On her part, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Hajiya Fatima Momoh appreciated the Mrs Tinubu's efforts in improving education standards in the country.

Speaking on behalf of the Education Secretaeies in the state, the Chairman Forum of Education Secretaries, Mall. Salihu Usman, appreciated the initiative and promised to ensure the distribution with fairness.

The highlight of the occasion was the flagg off of the notebooks' distribution by Kogi first lady, who subsequently handed them over to the commissioner for education for onward distribution to pupils across the state.

By Stephen Adeleye 

Organisers reveal why Ife Anglican Grammar School was expelled from Osun School Sports Governors Cup final

 

Ife Anglican Grammar School has been expelled from the Osun School Sports Governors Cup final on allegations of cheating.

The Local Organizing Committee received a protest claiming that Ife Anglican Grammar School used six non-school players in their semi-final match against Lanre Leke Sports Academy, Ile Ogbo.

Upon investigation, it was discovered that the players in question had left the school three years ago, which violated the tournament's rules.

The Local Organizing Committee, led by Yomi Elijah, conducted a thorough investigation that involved verifying the players' registration forms with the Ministry of Education in Osogbo.

The forms were found to have been doctored, and the committee concluded that Ife Anglican Grammar School had indeed used ineligible players. As a result, the school was disqualified from participating in the final.

"From our findings, we discovered that Ife Anglican Grammar School used players that have left the school 3 years ago.

"I recall before the kick-off of the tournament, we had a meeting with all the Zonal Heads in Osogbo where rules were spelt out to all the participating schools. One of such rules was to use players who were no longer students of such schools.

"We got a hint of this abnormality from Ife Anglican Grammar School in the quarter-finals and we to go verify the players in question from the Ministry of Education in Osogbo. A contact person based in Ife was provided for us.

"At the end, we got their registration forms for the tourney and behold, there were abnormalities as it was well doctored. They came with the same set of players for the semi-final which they won but from the records obtained from the database of the Osun State Ministry of Education, the players in question were found to have left the school.

"The non-school players Ife Anglican Grammar School used are Oyinloye Khalid, Oyesunbola Iyanu, Salam Abdulmuhameen, Olakanmi Lekan, Badejo Damilare and Akinlabi Yusuf.

"In lieu of this, Ife Anglican Grammar School has been disqualified from taking part in the final."

The Osun School Sports Governors Cup is sponsored by Peculiar Ultimate Concerns, and other partners include Olafiranye Sports Foundation, the Osun State Ministry of Education, Ministry of Sports, Osun State Sports Council, and Kidzfoot Nigeria.

PAAU PROMOTES 4 LECTURERS TO PROFESSORS AND 26 OTHERS TO READERS

 

The Governing Council of Prince Abubakar Audu University, Anyigba, at its 65th Regular Meeting held on Friday, 23rd June, 2023, approved the promotion of four (4) academic staff members to full professors and Twenty-six (26) others to the rank of the reader. 

This elevation to the highest echelon and the last but one stratum of the academic ladder comes after a thorough internal valuation and external assessment of teaching activities, research prowess and community contribution.

Commenting on the promotion exercise, the Vice-Chancellor of the University, Professor Marietu Ohunene Tenuche commended the new Professors and Associate Professors. According to the Vice Chancellor, the promotion was a testimony to their continued dedication, academic excellence, hard work, and discipline. 

The Vice-Chancellor further challenged the newly elevated scholars not to rest on their oars but to be more committed to producing insightful and impactful research works that would better the lot of Nigerians and the entire globe.

The University Community, therefore, congratulates the new Professors and Readers and challenges them to blaze the trail in higher quality service to the nation and humanity. 

The list of the elevated scholars is as follows:

PROSEFFORS

Professor Owoyemi, Julius Olugbenga          Sociology

Professor  Adediran, Samson Adewale        Accounting

Professor Egwemi, Oja Paul                            Theatre Arts

Professor Alaba, Obaje Anthony                    English and Literary Studies 

READERS

Dr. Ogwu, Chris Attah Mass Communication

Dr. Ude, Alexander Onyebuchi Accounting

Dr. Saad, Murtala Arabic, and Islamic Studies

Dr. Abubakar, N. Muhammed Human Kinetics and Health Education

Dr. Akogu, Simon Peterside Onuche Obstetrics and Gynecology

Dr. Ekpa, Shedrack Jurisprudence and International Law

Dr. Ibrahim Muhammed Kabiru Agric Econs and Extension

Dr. Atanu, Francis Atanu Biochemistry

Dr. Usman, Salisu Ogbo Political Science

Dr. Ujah, John Sule Public Administration

Dr. Achimugwu, Lawrence Science Education (Chemistry)

Dr. Gommet, I. Thomas Sociology

Dr. Anum, Victoria Mass communication

Dr. Ujah, Ofunu Mariam Commercial and Industrial Law

Dr. Adejoh, Patrick Agric Econs and extension

Dr. Owolabi, Joseph Ayodele Physics

Dr. Tanko, U. Musa Crop Production

Dr. Ochala, Isaiah Physics

Dr. Kabo, Sarinus Ettor Public Law

Dr. Sani, Idris Ahmed Economics

Dr. (Mrs) Onimisi, Meriyamoh Mero Fishery and Aquaculture

Dr. Sale, John Friday Pure and Industrial Chemistry

Dr. Okpe, Ameh Alfa Animal Production

Dr. Achimugu, Hassan Public Administration

Dr. Okpanachi, Anthony Idoko Philosophy

Dr. Adah, Obe Christopher Agric Econs and Extension.

We remain committed to protection of Child Rights' - Kogi Government

The Kogi State Government has reiterated its resolve to continue to protect the rights of children in the state.

Governor Yahaya Bello gave the assurance during the inauguration of the 5th Kogi State Children's Parliament held at the Lugard House, Lokoja on Thursday.

The Governor who was represented by his Deputy, Edward Onoja said that the state government has justified its commitment in this regard by ratifying, domesticating and implementing the Child Rights Law in the state.

The Governor noted that with this development, the rate of abuse being faced by innocent children on daily basis will be greatly reduced to its minimal level and vowed that justice would be served on the offenders of the law.

"Today's Epoch making event is another step taken by my administration towards giving golden voice to the voiceless children of Kogi State. As we all know, the Children's Parliament was a creation of the federal government in Nigeria aimed at enhancing Child's participation in governance.

"Since assumption of office, our administration has intensified efforts aimed at reviving all programmes particularly the one to guarantee the safety of lives and property of families living in Kogi State. Lot of resources both human and materials have been committed to making Kogi State safer and better for our children to live a promising and productive life" the Governor explained.

He stressed that any government that knows its onions should see children as leaders of both today and tomorrow and strive to ensure their empowerment by giving them sound training from the onset when they were born until they grow into leaders.

In her welcome address, the Kogi State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Hajiya Fatima Buba said"As a custodian Ministry, we have a duty to help secure the future of our children. We owe them fidelity. We would not relent on our oars unless and until we have secured an enabling environment for their growth, survival, protection, participation and development.

"We shall work tirelessly with individuals, major stakeholders and credible NGOs to make Kogi uncomfortable for those involved in the business of kidnapping, sale, abuse and molestation of children" the ommissioner vowed.

She urged the parliamentarians not to disappoint the confidence reposed in them.

The Speaker of the Children's Parliament, Right Hon. Wisdom Amobeda in his inaugural speech, promised to synergy with the appropriate stakeholders like the Police, Army, NSCDC, Correctional Centres, Immigration, Custom, Office of the Governor, National Orientation Agency, relevant Ministries and host of others to ensure the popularization of the child rights law in Kogi.

He commended the state governor, Yahaya Bello for his Commitment to the well-being of Kogi women, youths and children.

He appealed to the state government to as a matter of importance to assist the parliament with mini bus and monthly or quarterly subvention to enable it function effectively.

End.

School Adoption, Mentorship: Kogi Commissioner Counsels Students on Discipline, Determination, Focus

 

By Stephen Adeleye

The Kogi State Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Hon. Wemi Jones, FCIB, IION, has advised students in the state to be disciplined, determine, focus on their academic pursuit, and develop their talents with additional skills.

The Commissioner gave the advice when he kick started the School Adoption and Mentorship program at Crowther Memorial College (CMC) and Government Science Secondary School (GSSS) to mentor the students on Thursday in Lokoja.

Recalled that His Excellency, Governor Yahaya Bello on January 25, inaugurated the School Adoption and Mentorship Programme, aimed at restoring the glory of education and to motivate learners for improved performance across the state.

The programme was an initiative of the State's Ministry of Education, Science and Technology,  aimed at encouraging stakeholders to encourage learners' interest in school by adopting and mentoring students in public secondary schools across the state.

It would also enable stakeholders offer career guidance and values to learners; gives first hand information to stakeholders regarding the needs and challenges facing schools in their immediate communities, among others. 

While mentoring the SSS3 students in their various classrooms at CMC and GSSS, the Commissioner charged them to exhibit the virtues of discipline, determination, tenacity focus, integrity, perseverance in their academic pursuit, and develop their talents with additional skills.

  

The students took their turn to introduce themselves to the Commissioner as well as their hobbies and talents.

The commissioner who took the students down the memory lane of his academic, professional and political careers, enjoined them to prepare themselves and be disciplined in all things.

''You cannot achieve anything in life and career without discipline; you must discipline yourself and study very hard to succeed in life. 

''Anyone that is not disciplined, cannot amount to anything in life.

''I needed to be disciplined for me to achieve anything in life. It was discipline that singled me out among my peers at the early stage of my life,'' he said.

He noted that education has greatly improved and dynamic, and urged the students to have a mentor in which they could emulate.

He admonished the students to strive to develop their talents with additional skills as soon as they discover them, citing the Best World Footballer for several years, Christiano Ronaldo as a typical example.

''Whatever talent God has given you, don't burry it, develop it with additional skills. Your Talent is anything that you do that gives you joy,'' he said.

He further advised the students to be tenacious and focus in achieving their goals and never get distracted by anything.

He further charged them to persevere with integrity and never give up irrespective of the challenges, saying they would surely succeed in life.

He encouraged the students not to get involved in any form of social devices and other related crimes and criminality, while commending them for conducting themselves very well.

''We are desirous to ensuring that selfish and wicked politicians do not use you as tools for destruction and insecurity in the state,'' he said.

Speaking to newsmen shortly after the visit, the Commissioner said the exercise was to demonstrate the ministry's level of commitment to the program, saying His Excellency, Governor Yahaya Bello is committed to it.

''What we are doing today is symbolic. I have just done one part, the other part of the program is where volunteers would adopt a child, block of classroom, a school, bring computers, texrbooks, equip laboratory, among others. 

''This would cut across the grassroots in all the 21 local government areas of the state'', he said.

He commended the governor for his total commitment to taking education to the highest level in the state.

The Principal of CMC, Mrs M.O Ogunmola, said she felt so happy that their school was the first school to benefit from the school adoption and mentorship programme in the state.

''I am very grateful to the Commissioner for the gesture, and I pray that God will bless him,'' she said.

She called on other stakeholders in the state to follow the foot step of the commissioner by coming to mentor their students as well as school adoption.

Some of the students, who spoke on behalf of others, Praise Durotoye of GSSS;  Danjuma Tukura and Victoria Paul of CMC, thanked the commissioner for coming to their schools to mentor them, describing it as a lifetime experience.

Tukura who is a talented Comedian, and Durotoye, a talented Singer, both entertained the Commissioner and his team with comedies and song respectively.

The Commissioner donated textbooks to the two schools, and presented textbooks to some of the students for their biliant performances. 

End

First-class Graduates: PAAU has not offered our best any cash reward – VC

 

The attention of the Management of Prince Abubakar Audu University, Ayingba, Kogi State, has been drawn to an online media report alleging that the University gave N2000 and N5000 as reward to her first class and overall best graduating students’ respectively, at the 6th combined convocation ceremony of the institution.

Ordinarily, the University would have kept silent and allow the mischief makers live with the figment of their imagination since it is not a true reflection of what transpired.

However, for the discerning mind who would be misled by such misinformation, it has become necessary to correct the misleading impression by setting the records straight. The PAAU had at no time, and did not after the 6th convocation, offer such reward to her best graduating and overall students who made first class after painstaking and rigorous efforts to distinguish themselves.

For the records, it has been the tradition of the PAAU to offer automatic employment to her best graduating and overall best students with the option of refusal.

The best and overall graduating students who made first class at the 6th convocation ceremony held at the weekend of 29th January, 2022, could therefore not have been treated any less.

It may interest those behind the misleading information to note, that while the University is yet to make a pronouncement on the reward for the best graduating and first class students, we are not unmindful of the fact that some individual lecturers in some Faculties and Departments of the students who excelled, with particular reference to the Faculty of Agriculture, made personal efforts to appreciate their best graduating students.

This should not be misconstrued to be the reward from the University administration, as a corporate entity.

It is unfortunate that personal cash donations by some Departments and individual lecturers to their students to reward hardwork and excellence through the University has been mischievously misunderstood.

It is the tradition of PAAU for donations by individuals to best graduating Students’ be paid into the University’s Prizes Account, while the University thereafter issue cheques to the deserving recipients, an action that has been misconstrued.

The reward to the students that is being misunderstood is only symbolic and a recognition by the individual lecturers as a way of appreciating their best students. This is a development considered a very rare privilege by lecturers and some individuals which ought to be commended. Sadly, it has been misread as the reward coming from the University.

Beginning from the inception of PAAU,
our best graduating students have always enjoyed the option of automatic employment. The records and beneficiaries of such gestures can attest to that magnanimity.

We therefore use this medium to urge the members of the public to disregard the misleading report in circulation.

The university will at the appropriate time, announce its rewards to our deserving graduates.

Signed.
Prof. Marietu Tenuche
Vice Chancellor
PAAU
Anyingba, Kogi State.

School Resumption: ANCOPSS National Scribe Enjoins Teachers to Put in Their Best

 

By Stephen Adeleye

Chief Yakubu Godwins, the National Secretary of All Nigerian Conference of Principals of Secondary Schools (ANCOPSS), has advised teachers to do their work diligently saying their passion for the job does not know any negation.

Godwins gave the advice in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday in Lokoja during the monitoring of schools resumption in Kogi State.

Godwins, who is the Principal of Government Day Secondary School (GDSS), Adankolo, Lokoja, urged Nigerian teachers to put in their best regardless of any negative appraisal on the job.   

''Once you are a teacher, you must put in your best regardless of any negative appraisal; we are called to this job we are born into it and we are always working towards giving out the best.

''So, I called on my colleagues in Kogi and in Nigeria at large to always put in their best because these children are the leaders of tomorrow and they are the ones to look after us when we are old.

''So we have to do our best regardless of the negative impression from any angle,'' he said.

On turnout for resumption, the principal told NAN that his school had about 95 per cent staff attendance, and about 70 per cent for students.

He applauded Kogi Ministry of Education, Science and Technology under the leadership of Hon. Wemi Jones, FCIB, for being able to dispel the earlier rumour that the resumption date had been postponed.

He, therefore urged parents and guardians in the state to release their wards for school resumption, saying lectures had started.

He added: ''Our people like holidays, and it would take some times for parents to understand that once school resumes, activities start, and their ward would be losing if they don't come as and when due''.

He commended the governor and the Commissioner for making Kogi State Education law 2020 a reality, saying several States were yet to have education law in place.

''We thank God that Kogi would always set the pace because of the competent people we have at the helm of leadership.

''It is a good beginning for us here and I think we will work to make it work,'' he said.

The principal further commended Governor Yahaya Bello, for the ongoing construction of the new GYB Model Science Secondary School in their school premises.

Also speaking, the Vice Principal Academics of the school, Mr Ayeni Jacob, said the turnout of the students was very encouraging and teachers were on ground to commence lecture.

Some of the students, Lukeman Muhammed and Precious Adejoh, both in SS3, told NAN that they felt very happy to be back to school after holidays for festive season. 

''We are also happy that our teachers are on ground to teach us, as some teachers have even conducted test for their students'', Muhammed said.

''We feel happy to be back to school at least to come back to our academic session and learning continues.

''It's been a while we have been away from school and coming back now is a great pleasure and we are happy that we are not lock down at home because of COVID-19'', Adejoh said.

Other schools visited by NAN included: Muslim Community Secondary School, St. Thomas Aquinas College, Lokogoma Primary School, Kingdom Heritage Model School (KHMS), among several other schools in Lokoja. 

End

NSE President tasks professionals on strengthening TVET culture in formal education

By Stephen Adeleye

The President Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), Engr. Babagana Mohammed, has urged professionals to focus more attention on promoting the culture of Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) by encouraging mentorship, coaching and entrepreneurship in people of school age.

Mohammed made the call at the graduation ceremony of the Young Entrepreneurs' Club (YECLUB) pilot Public School Co-Corricular TVET Project Abuja, sponsored by a non-governmental organisation (NGO), Ladi Memorial Foundation (LMF) through its Chateko Vocational Institute (CVI).

The NSE President, who was the Chairman of the occasion, commended the LMF for focusing on technical vocational education training and the NABTEB skills certification to assist the students.

He stressed the need for increased attention to coaching, mentorship by professionals, emphasising that TVET remained the key to solving many challenges facing the country as well as ensuring economic growth.

The NSE President applauded the  initiative by the foundation and donated the sum of N1 million to support the co-curricular TVET project; and promised to increase his support for the youth especially those of school age.

Also speaking, the Director General, Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN), Dr Mansur Liman, who was also one of the awardees commended the LMF for the initiative and pledged his support for the foundation.

On her parts, the Registrar and Chief Executive of the National Business and Technical Examinations Board (NABTEB), Prof. Ifeoma Isiugo-Abanihe, restated commitment of the board to excellence in its core mandate of providing qualified entrepreneurial skills for national development.

The Registrar commended the foundation for its commitment to the Co-curricullar TVET project and promised to sponsored some students to write NABTEB examination.

Earlier, the Founder and Executive Director of LMF, Mrs Rosemary Osikoya, said the foundation had trained over 600 youths on skill acquisition, most of whom were vulnerable in the society within the past five years.

According to her, the NGO is aimed at empowering youth and women to be self-reliant and provide them with a platform to acquire life-changing carrier coaching and mentoring.

“From the past five years, the NGO has been in existence, we have been rendering vocational services to both in and out-of-school students at various levels.

“We have so far trained about 600 youth, most of them vulnerable in the society.  We are helping them to access livelihood equipment and to give them hope,” she said.

Osikoya explained that 54 students in public school and dropouts were enrolled for the pilot public school co~curricular TVET Project, which was flagged off on July 8, 2021; while the club meetings commenced on July 26, 2021. 

She said the trade skills taught were basic garment making for men, women and children; bag making, catering craft Practice: baking and confectionaries, and food preparation.

She added that the foundation provided the training free including consumables, equipment, learning tools, textbooks among others, and supported by generous individuals and organizations, which was acknowledged by the Schools' TVET Champions 2021 Awards.

Osikoya stressed that most of those trained by the NGO were school drop-outs but were reintroduced to school, adding that, their self-esteem had increased.

“For this programme, we registered 54 people who went through our training for a period of six months. I am happy to announce to you that we are graduating 32 youths today.

“Skill helps to build and develop their personal capacity, which is the whole idea of the training.

''A total of 35 candidates were enrolled for NABTEB modular trade exams December 2021 in both JSS/GSS Pyakasa, Abuja, and out of school youths/women in Lokoja. 

''The NABTEB modular trade Exams that were taken include: Baking and confectionaries, Food preparation, Pattern drafting, and Garment construction & finishing,'' she said.

The executive director described the programme as a huge success considering the number of youths that it had helped to take off the street.

She, therefore urged educational institutions at various levels to adopt modules in skills acquisition, so as to equip students with skills that move them away from unemployment after school.

Our Correspondent reports that other partners' groups and individuals at the event also pledged their various commitments to support the co-curricullar TVET project.

The Vice Chairman LMF Board of Trustees, Engr. Kashim Ali, described the project as turning point, and noble and promising beginning for the young beneficiaries saying it would mark a positive turn in their journey in life.

Ali, who was a former COREN President, said the LMF remained committed to contributing positively to national development through quality human capacity development in the strategic areas of focus.

According to him, LMF is focusing on functional, practical skills for survival, livelihood improvements, entrepreneurship and employment which remains the bedrock of every national productivity, economic growth and personal fulfilment. 

''Today’s event which brings us together presents a humble initiative to encourage TVET culture and strengthen integration of TVET certification in the formal education.

''It is a commendable feat bringing together various categories of stakeholders, forges linkages of cooperation and presents a new platform for focused partnership collaboration, mentorship and coaching everyone can buy into'', he said.

Ali expressed hope that the LMF Young Entrepreneurs’ Club (YEClub) Project experience and lessons learnt shared both today and afterwards would provide beneficial insight to education policy makers, administrators and other stakeholders.

Mr Yusuf Alli, the Managing Editor, Northern Operations of The Nation Newspaper, a Facilitator of the programme, commended the founder for the initiative, adding that, it would divert the attention of youths from societal ills.

“I came here to give my own support as a facilitator but when I saw the initiative, I was encouraged.”

Our Correspondent reports that the creativity, innovation and skills' mastery demonstrated by students were judged by VIPs at the event, and the best talents were rewarded with various prizes depending on their skills' categories.

The winners of the Garment making craft  Student-preneurs category: First position- Favour Ifeanyi Chisom SS2 (female); Second position- Israeli Oloyede SS3 (male); and Third position & most improved student~preneur, Abubakar Akilu Hassan SS1 (male) of GSS Pyakasa, all got a Sewing machine each.

The winners of the Catering craft prizes in the studentpreneurs category: First position- Peace Daniel JSS3; Second position- Precious Noah Yahaya SS3; and Third position- Rachael Tojuola SS2, all female students of GSS Pyakasa.

The first (Peace Daniel), second (Precious Yahaya) and third (Rachael Tojuola) positions, received Gas cooker; Kenwood cake mixer;  and a complete set of cooking pots respectively.

Some of the graduands, who spoke with our Correspondent, thanked the NGO and its partners for the privilege, and promised to make good use of the opportunity.

Our Correspondent reports that the LMF Special partnership recognition Award of Schools TVET Champions 2021 were presented to persons who had made various contributions in cash and kind to support the project.

End

Kogi Government Restates Commitment To Improving Secondary Education

 

By Stephen Adeleye

Kogi State Government has restated her commitment to programmes that will improve the secondary school education in the state.

The State's Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Hon. Wemi Jones, FCIB, gave the assurance while speaking at the ''North Central Advocacy and Sensitization Forum and Stakeholders' Meeting'', on the establishment of the National Senior Secondary School Education Commission (NSSEC) at Makurdi, Benue State.

Jones said that the Administration of Governor Yahaya Bello, was ready to support the ideas of NSSEC in developing secondary education in the state in its bid to lift the education sector to a higher pedestral

According to Jones, to salvage the education system of the country, the secondary school system must not be neglected.

“As you are all aware, basic education, comprising primary and junior secondary education has Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) as its regulatory and intervention body, while the National Commission for Colleges of Education (NCCE), National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) and National Universities Commission (NUC) regulate colleges of education, polytechnics and universities respectively.

“In the same vein, the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) serves as an intervention agency for higher institutions in Nigeria.

"From this analogy, only Senior Secondary Education has no functional regulatory and intervention agency", he said.

He stressed that the secondary school education remained a critical stage where students decide their careers in life, insisting that it could not  be neglected.

The commissioner maintained that it was time for the North Central to rise and take their rightful place in academic excellence.

He commended the Minister of Education, Mallam Adamu Adamu and the Executive Secretary of NSSEC; describing the initiative as a step in the right direction.

''It is noteworthy that the NSSEC is seeking partnership with critical stakeholders, state governments and traditional institutions to reposition senior secondary schools in Nigeria'', he said.

The commissioner emphasised that NSSEC remained a brilliant move towards repositioning secondary Sshool education in Kogi State.

The commissioner was accompanied by the leadership of the State Technical Education and Teaching Service Commission (STETSCOM), 

End

Ex NFF President, Sani Lulu hails IHS over donatiin of Boarding Materials to Fosla Academy

 

Former NFF President Alhaji Sani Lulu Abdullahi has appreciated the management of IHS (Towers and Strength), a non governmental organization for donating boarding materials worth over N3 million to his pet project, Fosla Academy Abuja. 

An excited Lulu said the donation which is the first to the Academy since its inception 10 years ago, will serve as a motivation for him to continue to support the indigent students who are naturally endowed in the game of football to combine their career with education. 

He said that the Academy which is the first privately owned football college in Nigeria, has remained committed in sponsoring the indigent students from secondary school to University level. 

He further revealed that Fosla Academy have over 80 percent of its students on scholarship, with over 40 students studying various academic programs at the Nasarawa State University Keffi.

Lulu said the donation from IHS will go a long way in supporting the students in achieving their life ambitions.

Speaking on behalf of the donors, the Chief Operating Officer of the organization, Engineer Bala Halsey said the donation is to assist Fosla Academy in its quest in ensuring that the indigent students have the opportunities to better their lives in their chosen careers. 

He commended Alhaji Sani Lulu Abdullahi for his selfless services to humanity, promosing that his efforts will surely be well appreciated in future.  

He finally advised the students not to take the opportunity given to them by Fosla Academy for granted, as such is always hard to come by.

Items donated to the Academy includes 100 six inches mattress, 20 dinning tables, 20 dinning chairs and 63 inches LG coloured television.