Education

Nigeria’s Spending On Education Above 26% UNESCO’s Recommendation -FG

Published

3 years ago

August 15, 2022

The Federal Government has admitted that the education sector in the country is facing enormous challenges but insisted that the quantum spending on education in Nigeria is far above the stated 26 per cent recommended budgetary allocation to the sector.
This came as the United Nations (UN), has tasked Nigeria to ensure that educational institutions are made safe and affordable for children in the country.
Minister of State for Education, Goodluck Opiah, Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Education, Andrew David Adejo and Mamadou Lamine Sow, Senior Education Advisor, united Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO), spoke on Thursday in Abuja at Transforming Education Summit: Second National Consultation organised by National Universities Commission (NUC) in partnership with UNICEF and UNESCO.
Opiah in his brief remark at the event, which is a pre-UN Summit, acknowledged that the challenges facing the education sector in the country were enormous, requiring all hands to be on deck to address.
He commended the contributions of the global stakeholders, especially, the World Bank, and United Nations agencies including the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and UNESCO among others, to the development of the education sector in Nigeria, adding that the summit was the right step in the right direction.
Following disruptions in the education sector by the COVID-19 pandemic, the United Nations Secretary-General is convening a Transforming Education Summit (TES) in September 2022, aimed at mobilising action, ambition, solidarity, and solutions to transform education between now and 2030.
The Permanent Secretary, Adejo in his presentation entitled “Transforming Education in Nigeria: TES and beyond, said the neglect of the sector over time led to the unimaginable crisis being witnessed currently.
He disclosed that the quantum spending on the education sector in Nigeria, was far above the recommended 26 per cent by UNESCO, for countries to allocate between 15 to 26 per cent of their national budget to education.
Adejo argued that education is on the concurrent list with responsibility for basic education largely in the hands of State Governments, while the Federal Government provides intervention through Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) among others, saying the spending by States and intervention at the Federal level are not reflected in the national budget.
He, however, noted that public financing was no longer sustainable, urging the private sector to continue to invest in education in Nigeria.

On the transformation of the teaching profession, Adejo disclosed that President MuhammaduBuhari had already approved robust incentives for teachers and students studying education in universities and colleges of education in Nigeria.

He particularly revealed that the Federal Government is doing all it could to ensure that scholarship awards to students studying education courses in tertiary Institutions come into effect in 2023.

He noted that there was the need to ensure full recovery from COVID-19 education disruptions, address educational exclusion, safety and health, renew curricula and pedagogies while also steering the digital transformation for just and equitable learning.

Senior Education Advisor, UNESCO Abuja Regional Office, MamadouLamine Sow, on his part, urged the Federal Government to ensure that children in Nigeria are safe on their way to and from school and while they are at school.

Sow said: “Our collective commitment and action are urgently needed to wipe out the scourge of school attacks inNigeria.

“We must make education affordable for all learners – the poor, vulnerable, excluded, and marginalized children, through the removal of both direct, indirect and opportunity costs of education.

“Nigeria must mobilise and significantly increase the part of domestic resources allocated to education and ensure that funds are used efficiently and effectively to support the disadvantaged children, to develop and maintain school infrastructures, and to support the quality of teaching and learning for better learning outcomes.

Deputy Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission (NUC), Mr Chris Maiyaki, said the inclusive national consultation, in advance of the September 2022 Transforming Education Summit, is necessary to develop national statements to feed into the Summit.

He also tasked stakeholders to take advantage of the opportunity to renew commitment to the Education 2030 agenda by mobilising cross-sectoral stakeholders in support of education.

Education

RSU VC tasks new Deans on quality leadership, team work

Published

3 days 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

Education

FG commends FUET over historic beginning as VC lament over poor funding

Published

3 days ago

February 9, 2026

The Tide

The Federal Government has commended the Vice chancellor of the Federal University of Environment and Technology, Sakpenwa in Tai local government area of the state for the historic landmarks commencement of the university.

The minister of Education,Dr Maruf Tunji Alausa made the commendation in his good will message presented during the median matriculation ceremony held at the main campus of the university in Saakpenwa , recently.

Alausa described the event as a historic event which marks a defining milestone in the life of this noble institution noting that the establishment of the Federal University in Ogoni, is a clear demonstration of the Federal Government’s unwavering commitment to expanding access to quality higher education, promoting environmental sustainability and addressing the unique ecological and developmental challenges of the Niger Delta region.

The minister who was represented on the occasion by Dr Sunday Ajide, Director, Federal Ministry of Education & Governing Council members Stressed that the choice of environment and technology as the core mandate of this university is both timely and strategic.

According to him,In an era where climate change, environmental degradation, renewable energy, and sustainable development dominate global discourse, this institution is well-positioned to become a centre of excellence in research, innovation, and solutions-driven scholarship , adding that he is confident that the university will play a critical role in producing skilled professionals, researchers, and leaders who will contribute meaningfully to national development and global environmental stewardship.

Today’s matriculation ceremony is particularly significant, as it formally welcomes the pioneer cohort of students into the academic community. To our dear matriculating students, I congratulate you for earning admission into this prestigious institution at this historic moment. You are trailblazers. “

The minister commended the Vice-Chancellor, members of the Governing Council, Management, and staff for their dedication, resilience, and hard work in bringing this university to life within a short period , adding that there commitment to building strong academic structures, fostering a culture of excellence, and creating a conducive learning environment is worthy of high commendation.

He assured that the Federal Ministry of Education will continue to support the university community in the areas of policy guidance, infrastructural development, staff capacity building, accreditation of programmes, and funding in line with available resources

Also speaking,the pro_chancellor and Chairman,governing council of the university,prof Dan Baridam congratulated the students for

scaling the first hurdle by securing admission into the emergent Federal University of Environment and Technology.

Prof Baridam (rtd) urged the students to always remember the reason you are here as they embark on the life defining journey. Let the fact not be lost on you that you are here to acquire new knowledge and operational skills that would change your lives and change society.

He advised them to intentionally engage in productive networking and participate in lawful extracurricular activities that develop skills beyond academics

“. I urge you to set personal high academic standards for yourself if you hope to return to this arena for your graduation ceremony in four or five years, depending, of course, on your choice of study. “

The former vice chancellor of university of port Harcourt advised the students not to celebrate their admission into this University beyond today but must start now, and now means after this matriculation ceremony. “Do you want to attain high grades? Start now. Do you want to deliver the Valedictory Address on your graduation day? Start now. Do you want the audience to stand up for you as a champion? Start now. Remember this: everything you achieved in the past pales into insignificance compared to what lies ahead “

He congratulated the students for

scaling the first hurdle by securing admission into the emergent Federal University of Environment and Technology.

In his opening remarks,the Vice chancellor of the university,prof prince Chinedu Mmom said

It is with great pleasure and a joyous heart that he welcomes you all to the maiden Matriculation Ceremony of the Federal University of Environment and Technology (FUET), Koroma/Saakpenwa, Ogoni, Rivers State , noting event marks the beginning of an exciting journey in the pursuit of knowledge, growth, and a culture of academic excellence by these candidates, who will shortly join the FUET Family.

Mmom averred that the University’s Matriculation Oath, will transform them into bona fide and pioneer student members of the Federal University of Environment and Technology , adding that Matriculation Ceremony marks a very significant step by all those applicants who sought to be part of a focused community of scholars, innovators, and leaders who are committed to making a positive impact in Rivers State, Nigeria, and on the world stage.

The vice chancellor while reading the root act to the students,told them that the university authority will not tolerate the distasteful practice of students’ involvement in cult-related activities, examination malpractice, sexual harassment, drug abuse, offering grades for money, sale of handouts and unapproved books or manuals, especially through the so-called Faculty or Departmental “Representatives”, indecent dressing, and all other forms of misconduct that are listed in our rules book.

He used the opportunity to inform the people that the university has not received any financial assistance from both the federal and state government since inception, adding that the institution has been surviving through individual supports

The climax of the event was the unveiling of kenuele Saro wiwa statue and launching of founders day endowment support fund among others.

By: Akujobi Amadi

Education

RSU lecturer harps on tenancy rent

Published

3 days ago

February 9, 2026

The Tide

Professor Richard Wokocha, a lecturer in the Department of Public Law at the Rivers State University has said landlords have no right to violate a tenant’s fundamental human rights.

Professor Wokocha says landlords should go to a Magistrate Court to seek legal recovery of their property, adding that any action taken without a valid court order is unconstitutional.

He explains that landlords must give yearly tenants a six-month quit notice. On compensation, Professor Richard Wokocha says if the court establishes that a landlord acted illegally, the court may award damages it considers appropriate, which may be up to or less than the tenant’s claimed amount.

Recall that police attached to the Ozuoba Police Division arrested a man identified as Frimpong Samuel for allegedly removing the roof of his tenant’s apartment along NTA Road after the tenant, Tochukwu Anozie, failed to vacate the property two weeks after his rent expired. The tenant has since demanded N25 million in damages, claiming his belongings were destroyed by rain following the landlord’s action.