Education

FG Earmarks N5.8bn For Books … Says Poor NECO Performance Unacceptable

Published

16 years ago

May 10, 2010

The Executive Council of the Federation (ECF) has approved N5.8 billion for the purchase of books and instruction materials in public schools.

The Minister of Information and Communications, Prof. Dora Akunyili, made the statement while briefing State House correspondents after an ECF meeting, presided over by President Goodluck Jonathan.

Akunyili said the fund would be used, specifically, to print and distribute, English Language and Mathematics textbooks to primary five pupils in public schools.

She also said the fund would be used to provide assorted library resource materials in public junior secondary schools.

“It will be recalled that Council at its meeting of August 27, 2008, approved the utilisation of 15 per cent of the 2 per cent Consolidated Revenue Fund as intervention fund for procurement of instruction materials to enhance universal basic education in Nigerian public schools.

“The annual intervention commenced with the printing and distribution of textbooks for primary four, using the 2008 grants as approved by Council,’’ she said.

Also speaking, the Minister of Education, Prof Ruquyyat Rufai, said the books would be distributed free to all public schools.

The minister also said that the books would be distributed based on the needs of students in every state.

The Tide’s source reports that three indigenous publishers – Macmillan, Longman and Evans Brothers – were awarded the contract for the printing and distribution of the books within six weeks.

Meanwhile, the education minister has said that the recent abysmal performance of students in the NECO and other examinations nationwide was unacceptable to the government.

In addressing the problem, the minister said the ministry would convene an examination summit on May 17 to address the problem of mass failure in public examinations.

She said the summit would engage relevant stakeholders, including examination bodies, students, teachers, parents and others, to discuss the problem and offer viable solutions.

Education

Association harps on importance of mother tongue in society

Published

6 hours ago

February 23, 2026

The Tide

The President of Rivers State Indigenous Language Teachers Association and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) ,Rivers Language Centre, Port Harcourt.Dr Ovuchi J. Agwnu has described

Language as life that promote culture and identity of the people.

Ovuchi made in a press statement to commemorate the mother tongue day in port Harcourt over the weekend.

The statement call on parents to think about the future in a world where their kids would not sustain the language as handed over to them from antiquity.

” The Government should shift focus on the Youths as the hope of the Linguistic future. Every school should have an employed indigenous language teacher who will handle the mother tongue inculcation of the language of the immediate environment of each school.”

“Irrespective of the recent views on language teachings, we remain committed to sustaining our diversity as a people via language promotion.”

By: Akujobi Amadi

Education

UNIPORT Hails Odusote’s Historic Appointment as First Female Director-General of Nigerian Law School

Published

7 hours ago

February 23, 2026

The Tide

The University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT) has expressed profound pride over the appointment of Olugbemisola Titilayo Odusote as the Director-General of the Nigerian Law School, describing the milestone as historic and richly deserved.

In a congratulatory message issued on behalf of the University’s management, staff, students, and stakeholders, the Vice-Chancellor, Owunari Abraham Georgewill, hailed the appointment by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as a landmark achievement for legal education and women’s leadership in Nigeria.

The University noted that Dr. Odusote’s emergence as the first female Director-General of the Nigerian Law School in over six decades reflects the confidence reposed in her exceptional leadership capacity, professional depth, and administrative acumen.

UNIPORT further commended her outstanding tenure as Deputy Director-General and Head of the Lagos Campus of the Nigerian Law School, where she was credited with visionary leadership, institutional strengthening, and strategic advancement of legal training.

According to the University, her proven record of excellence, integrity, and commitment to institutional development unmistakably positioned her for the nation’s highest legal education office.

Describing the appointment as a source of pride and inspiration, UNIPORT expressed confidence that Dr. Odusote’s leadership would usher in a new era of growth, innovation, and consolidation in legal education in Nigeria.

The University concluded by wishing her a successful tenure and assuring her of its goodwill, solidarity, and unwavering support as she assumes leadership of Nigeria’s foremost legal training institution.

By: Akujobi Amadi

Education

K-SAFE Calls for Increased Education Funding, Transparency in Kano

Published

1 week ago

February 16, 2026

The Tide

The Kano State Accountability Forum on Education (K-SAFE) has called for sustained funding releases, improved transparency, and stronger focus on learning outcomes to consolidate recent gains in the education sector in Kano State.

The appeal was made by Dr. Auwalu Halilu, Co-Chair representing civil society organisations, during a goodwill message at the 2026 Education Sector Joint Steering Committee Meeting held in the state.

Addressing the Commissioner for Education, committee members, development partners, and other stakeholders, Dr. Halilu expressed appreciation for the opportunity given to civil society groups to participate in the high-level policy dialogue.

He commended the Kano State Government and relevant agencies for progress made in expanding access to education, strengthening teacher recruitment, and advancing non-formal and second-chance education programmes.

Dr. Halilu, however, stressed the importance of ensuring consistent release of funds to support ongoing reforms and programmes aimed at improving education delivery. He also urged authorities to enhance transparency in the implementation of education initiatives and place greater emphasis on measurable learning outcomes.

He further highlighted the need to promote safe, inclusive, and supportive learning environments, particularly for vulnerable children, to ensure equitable access to quality education.

Isa Kaita College

According to him, sustained collaboration between government, civil society organisations, and development partners remains essential to strengthening education systems and improving outcomes for learners.

Dr. Halilu reaffirmed K-SAFE’s commitment to constructive engagement and accountability, noting that civil society organisations are ready to work closely with stakeholders to support continuous improvement in education delivery in the state and across Nigeria.

He said the forum remains dedicated to promoting transparency, accountability, and inclusive education policies that will benefit all children.