Nation

FG Promises Digitally Equipped Centres As Over 12,000 Teachers Write Examination

Published

4 years ago

November 21, 2021

The Federal Government has assured that plans are being made to ensure better digitally equipped centres for teachers across the six geopolitical zones of the country.
The Minister of State for Education, Chukwuemeka Nwajiuba, gave the assurance while inspecting the Batch B Professional Qualifying Examination (PQE) for teachers on Saturday in Abuja.
Nwajuibua disclosed that the ministry of education is working closely with the ministry of communication and digital technology to use the digital bridge institutes already in the six geopolitical zones for exchange programmes and possibly future examinations.
He said, “we are working in collaboration with the minister of communication and digital technology to use the digital bridge institutes that have been built in the six geopolitical zones.
“We are trying to put this into use through an exchange programme and we are already working out the details.
“In the interim, the Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria (TRCN) has been mandated to work with the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT).
“They are to work towards activating the one teacher one computer programme where the ministry of education will enable those who need laptops to have them.
“This is with a repayment plan of about three to four years.”
On the 2021 PQE, the minister expressed satisfaction with the conduct.
He said, “we took time to monitor what TRCN has put in place for the conduct of the 2021 Batch B Professional Qualifying Examination for teachers.
“The integrity of the examination is clear and everyone is complying.
“From our assessment, we noticed there are 60 questions to answer within one hour and the computer will prompt you to review your answers.”
The Permanent Secretary, Sonny Echono, who also monitored the examination in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), expressed satisfaction with the conduct.
He said the federal government has embarked on major reforms in the sector, particularly with regard to teaching and learning.
He said, “the federal government is working to replace the traditional method of blackboard and teachers standing in front of students.
“It is working towards a learning environment that is Information Communication Technology (ICT)-driven with the teacher as a facilitator.
“Teachers will also begin to use facilities rather than what we are using in most of our schools today.”
On the deadline for all teachers to sit for qualifying examination, the permanent secretary said, “it is true we gave a deadline to remove all unqualified teachers from schools”.
“That created a lot of impetus and we had to schedule different diets for the professional examination.
“We have mandated the TRCN to do a marking of all qualified teachers both employed and unemployed in all the states of the federation.”
He said the data would be made available to the governors so that they can use in recruiting qualified teachers when necessary.
The TRCN Acting Director, Certification and Licensing, Jacinta Ametepe Ogboso, disclosed that there was a decline in the number of candidates that sat for the 2021 examination.
She said it was largely due to the fact that many had written the examination in the past.
She also hinted that the conduct of the examination is getting better by the day, following more awareness and better use of ICT among teachers.
“We have 12,586 candidates for the examination across the 36 states of the federation, except Zamfara.
“No candidate was forwarded to us from Zamfara and that is largely because of the security situation in the state,” she said.

Nation

PH based Ibadan indigenes vow commitment To Rules of law

Published

5 days ago

December 8, 2025

The Tide

Indigenes of Ibadan residing in Port Harcourt under the aegis of Oluyole progressive Union have vowed to remain law-abiding and support government efforts towards the development of the state.

The Association said this during its 30th anniversary in Port Harcourt.

President of the Association , Pastor Oyedeji Emmanuel said members of the Association have never been indicted for any criminal activities in the state, stressing that they are ready to work and support the government towards the development of the state if given the opportunity.

He listed some achievements of the association within the last 30 years to include, promoting unity among its members , encouraging members development efforts , while over 24 plots of land have been acquired by the association in Ibadan Oyo state for onward distribution to members.

Emmanuel said the anniversary was not only to thank God for the continuous existence of the group, but recognize some individuals who have contributed towards its growth and sustenance.

Meanwhile in an address, the Public Relations Officer of the Association Mr Abdulganiyu Abdulwaheed said Oluyole progressive Union was borned out of the need to unite the growing numbers of Ibadan indigenes resident in Port Harcourt city and environs.

“When we saw the growing numbers of Ibadan indigenes residing in Port Harcourt,it was felt that a need existed for this wards to come together and know each other, but more importantly to see if we can collectively and work together as brothers and sisters”

Abdulwaheed use the occasion to pay glowing tributes to the founding fathers of the club, some of who are late and mentioned their names as, late Pa,R. A. Arulogun, late Alhaja Hamzat Olalekan, High Chief Kola Babalola (SAN), late Ismail Onifade Sonbe and Elder Biodun Popoola who is alive.

Also some of the founding members according to him, are,Mr Sikiru Fakunle,Akeem Azeez Oyeranmi who is l and Adedeji Taofeek who is late.

Also are,Mr Mansur Adegoke amongst other

He also listed past and present presidents of the club as ,Mr Fakunle O Sikiru, Oyeranmi Azeez,Adekunle Hakeem,Mr Popoola M Taiwo , Alhaji Rasheed A Olawoore ,Olubadan Rasheed and pastor Oyedeji Emmanuel Kamaru the current president of the club.

Some of those who spoke to newsmen including Alhaji Moshood Ola Ogundijo,Engr Abiodun Popoola, Fakunle Sikiru,Taye Popoola, Alhaji Rasheed Olawore and Deacon Sunday Ezekiel Atoyebi thanked the members for sustaining the club in the last 30 years.

They prayed for the continuous unity of members, while also calling on them to avoid anything that will put the association in disrepute.

High point of the event was the presentation of awards to deserving members of the club as well as others who contributed to the development of the club and the launching of the club’s almanac.

By: John Bibor

Nation

LECAN Plans Free Electrical Installation Training Program in Rivers, Honors Veterans

Published

5 days ago

December 8, 2025

The Tide

The Licenced Electrical Contractors Association of Nigeria, (LECAN) Rivers State chapter has announced its preparedness to organize free electrical installation training for youths in Rivers State in 2026 as part of its social responsibility policy and commitment to grooming professionals in the electricity industry.

Chairman of LECAN in Rivers State, Engr Lekia Emmanuel who disclosed this during a special end of year event of the association held in Port Harcourt on Thursday, said the move was aimed at improving service delivery and ensuring sanity in the energy sector.

He explained that the training will be conducted under the supervision and certification of, Nigeria Electricity Management Services Agency, NEMSA, the parent and regulatory body of LECAN.

Engr Lekia Emmanuel further hinted that the association will embark on intensive sensitization of the public on safety standards and enforcements through the mass media while strengthening stakeholders collaboration.

He explained that, ” We in LECAN has resolved to promote professionalism in the electricity sector by carrying out free electrical installation training for youths in Rivers State, this will enable young Nigerians to develop great potentials in this important sector of the Nigeria economy.”

“It will also help in checking the infiltration of quacks, we’ll also engage critical stakeholders to enhance safety standards and enforcement in the electricity related activities and contracts.”

The association also used the event to honor veterans and other personalities that have contributed immensely to the development of the association with Excellence Service Awards.

These include; Engr Jamila Yusuf, Area Inspecting Engineer, Port Harcourt Inspectorate Field office, Elder Igwe Worli, Patron, Chief Afuedeli Moses, LECAN Zonal Coordinator, Mr Friday Deetam Kor, Comrade Valentine Nwigwe, Elder Mission Saagbara and Mr Austine Obilor.

In her remarks, the Area Inspecting Engineer Port Harcourt Inspectorate Field office of NEMSA, who was represented by Engr Josephine Ekpo commended LECAN for its commitment to safety standards and professionalism and assured a robust collaboration with the association.

On his part, the Secretary of Rivers State chapter of LECAN, Engr Nornubari Kor expressed gratitude to God for making the association to carry through the 2025 fiscal year with remarkable achievements.

He urged members of the LECAN to key into the activities of the association in 2026 with renewed zeal and deep sense of commitments to achieve desired objectives.

Nation

Alliance Française PH, FIGN, Nexal Move To Eradicate GBV

Published

5 days ago

December 8, 2025

The Tide

The Alliance Française Port Harcourt in conjunction with the Embassy of France Nigeria over the weekend joined the globe to campaign against the 2025 gender- based violence (GBV) with the theme: “16 Days of Activism Against Gender- Based Voice”

The event which took place at the event Hall of the Alliance Française Port Harcourt was in collaboration with the Female in Gaming Network, ( FIGN) and partnership with Nexal a body that seeks to promote online safety and responsible digital behaviour.

The Tide reports that the project which was aimed at promoting digital safety and girls inclusion in Gaming, with the initiative tagged ‘Gameover Gender- Base Violence’was part of the global campaign against gender- based Violence.

The activity which experienced a flavour of festivity was full of fun and excitements as participants took part in tournaments on popular digital games such as Mario kart and EAFC 25, with an intent to creating safer and more inclusive digital spaces.

The Director of the Alliance Française Port Harcourt, Mrs Marina Lacal said that these activities were designed to encourage inclusion of girls, team work and fair play on online gaming spaces, saying that the gaming world reflects these inequalities, where female players are often under represented.

According to her the main objectives of the initiative was to provide a supportive environment for girls and female in gaming network.

“GameOverGBV” is a project created to reshape this landscape by offering an innovative inclusiveness of girls on online digital Gaming community and digital environments that provide opportunities for creativity, learning and connection, but also fight against Gender-Based Violence Digital Gaming,”she said

She however, explained that the Digital Game, sport competitions, was launched to strengthen social and digital skills through games, workshops, and raise awareness among all young participants about respect, equality and digital citizenship.

The Tide News reports that in Port Harcourt, the competition brought together 100 young participants from three major universities: University of Port Harcourt, ( UNIPORT),Ignatius Ajuru University of Education(IAUE) and Rivers State University (RSU)as well as students from four selected secondary schools, Oginigba comprehensive Secondary.School, Vine lnternational, Virgo predicanda lnternational, and Excellent Montessori Secondary school.

“This is an approach where girls and boys can learn, play and collaborate in a more respectful and safe space for young women, while ensuring a safe, enjoyable and respectful digital environment. It also expose young women to cyberbullying, exclusion, sexist comments and online hate,” Mrs. Lacal said.

Earlier, a game developer Sophia Nei and her. team had engaged participants in an interactive session with the theme: “Can Video Games Be Safe Spaces For Girls?”

However, Mrs Nei and her team educated the girls on the benefits and violence on online digital gaming and urged them ( participants)to learn to say ‘No’ to Online hate, sexist and cyber bullying, while encouraging them(students) to stand up for themselves by reporting such issues to the appropriate authority.

Highlight of the competition was the awarding of prizes to winners by the Director of Alliance Française, Mrs Marina Lacal.