Education

60m Nigerians Are Illiterates – Perm Sec

Published

7 years ago

April 22, 2019

Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Education, Mr Sonny Echono, says nearly 60 million Nigerians are illiterates, assuring that literacy centres will reduce the high percentage of illiteracy in the country.
Echono made this known last Thursday at the Federal Government College Otobi, during the inauguration of a pilot literacy centre for the North Central geo-political zone.
The permanent secretary expressed regret that the illiteracy rate among the youths and adults is high, saying that the literacy level at the lower cadre of the college was also alarming.
According to him, literacy centres to be established in 104 Federal Government Colleges (FGCs) are aimed at reducing the high rate of illiteracy at the low or cadre of the staff of the institutions, stressing that the Federal Government designed the literacy programme to cater for them and others in the host communities.
He said literacy was both a social and human right issue and called on the learners at the pilot centre to remain committed and take their studies with all seriousness.
Also speaking at the occasion, an officer in the office of the Social Development Goals (SDGs), Mr Stephen Ojo, commended the ministry for the laudable initiative aimed at tackling illiteracy in the country.
He said that the SDGs office would partner the ministry to ensure the success of the programme.
Earlier in a welcome address, the principal of the school, Mr Gabriel Amudipe, commended the federal government for selecting FGC, Otobi as the centre for the pilot scheme in the North-Central Zone.
He said that the programme would benefit both staffers of the school and members of the host community.
Speaking to journalists in a post-event interview, the Coordinator of the programme, Mrs. Abisode Oloyiwole, said that she was impressed with the turn out of learners at the event.
“Arrangements were made for only 40 learners, but those that turned out were in excess of 80 people,” an excited Oloyiwole said.

Education

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

Published

3 days 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.

Education

Rotary Clubs Advance Literacy, Hygiene, Others at New Haven School

Published

3 days ago

February 16, 2026

The Tide

The Rotary Club of New Haven, in partnership with the Rotary Clubs of Enugu City Centre and Enugu Metropolis, alongside the Rotaract Club of New Haven and the Interact Club of New Haven, has launched a targeted initiative to promote literacy, hygiene, and career development among students of New Haven Secondary School, Enugu.

The programme, themed “Our Youths, Our Future: Bringing Back the Reading Culture,” engaged students, educators, and community stakeholders through structured learning sessions and practical workshops.

A highlight of the initiative was the reactivation of the school’s Interact Club, with 36 students formally inducted into Rotary’s youth arm. Additionally, 216 students received curated reading materials designed to strengthen literacy and critical thinking skills.

Students also participated in career-focused seminars and practical sessions covering hygiene protocols and digital research skills.

Dr. Chukwudi Madu led demonstrations on proper handwashing techniques, emphasized the role of water in maintaining health, and provided guidance on medical career pathways.

Other facilitators addressed opportunities in art and design, laboratory sciences, and strategic career planning tailored to students’ aptitudes.

Dr. Chukwudi Madu demonstrates proper handwashing techniques to students during the hygiene and health session organized by the Rotary Clubs at New Haven Secondary School.

Complementing the student-centered activities, the clubs conducted a Peace and Conflict Resolution Management session for teachers and staff.

Teachers, staff, and Rotary facilitators of New Haven Secondary School pose for a group photo following the Peace and Conflict Resolution Management session led by Past President Tony Eze and Past Assistant Governor Stella Eneh.

In addition, the clubs donated books to the school library and presented recognition gifts to the principal and vice principal overseeing the Interact Club.

In his response, the principal of New Haven Secondary School, Mr. Charles Obetta, expressed appreciation to the Rotary Clubs for their generosity and urged continued support for future school initiatives, a commitment the clubs have assured.

Organizers described the initiatives as part of a broader strategic framework aimed at advancing education, youth development, and community resilience in Enugu.

Education

RSU VC tasks new Deans on quality leadership, team work

Published

1 week ago

February 9, 2026

The Tide

The Vice chancellor of the Rivers state university (RSU)Nkpolu Oroworukwu port Harcourt,prof Isaac Zeb -Obipi has tasked the newly inaugurated el Deans to be agents of positive leadership and foster team work in other to promote unity across their various facilities.

The Vice-Chancellor stated this while inaugurating the newly elected eleven Deans of the university held recently in port Harcourt and expressed his appreciation to the Committee of Provosts and Deans, led by the Provost, College of Medical Sciences, Prof. Kenneth S. Ordu, for their unwavering support since he assumed office, noting that such commitment was deeply valued.

He also commended the Electoral Committee chaired by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), Prof. Blessing R. Jaja, for conducting a free and noted that the committee addressed all issues and concerns with professionalism, a development which has informed Management’s decision to produce formal Electoral Guidelines and Code of Conduct in a Handbook for use in future elections.

The Vice-Chancellor congratulated the newly elected Deans on their emergence, describing their success as a clear indication of the confidence reposed in them by members of their respective faculties.

He urged them to provide quality leadership, foster unity, uphold mutual respect regardless of status, and ensure inclusive administration in the discharge of their duties.

The newly inaugurated Deans are Prof. John Ohaka (Faculty of Administration and Management), Prof. David Kiin-Kabari (Faculty of Agriculture), Prof. Barigbon G. Nsereka (Faculty of Communication and Media Studies), Prof. Isaac N. Dokubo (Faculty of Education), Prof. Enwuso Aleruchi Igwe (Faculty of Engineering), Prof. Paulinus W. Ihua (Faculty of Environmental Sciences), Prof. Jones M. Jaja (Faculty of Humanities), Prof. Grace Akolokwu (Faculty of Law), Prof. Ebirien-Agana S. Bartimaues (Faculty of Medical Laboratory Science), Prof. Ndokiari Boisa (Faculty of Science), and Prof. Emmanuel B. Okemini (Faculty of Social Sciences).

The highlight of the ceremony was the administration of the oath of office by the Director of Legal Services, Barr. Tamuno Williams, followed by the signing of the Dean’s Register and presentation of appointment letters to the Deans by the Vice-Chancellor.

By: Akujobi Amadi