Education
N41.3bn Basic Education Fund Unaccessed -Wike
The Minister of State for Education, Chief Nyesom Wike, has said that state governments were yet to access N41.3 billion meant for basic education development.
In a statement issued by the Press Secretary to the Minister, Mr Timothy Akpoili, the minister urged states yet to access their funds from Universal Basic Education Commission, (UBEC) to do so to develop education in their areas.
The statement, issued in Abuja on Wednesday, said the minister spoke at a two-day National Education Summit, organised by the House Committee on Education.
“The appeal is in the interest of our children,’’ the minister said.
He noted that if states failed to access the N41.3 billion meant for education development , it would be difficult for them to develop education in their areas.
“This singular act shortchanges the basic education sector and children resident in their domains.
“We must all be committed to making education a top priority and follow the lead of the Federal Government under President Goodluck Jonathan.
“The states need the fund to restructure and reposition the education sector to its pride of place and sustain national development,’’ the minister said.
He said that the failure of states to access the funds hindered the needed development in the basic education sub-sector.
The statement pointed out that basic education was the constitutional responsibility of states and local government.
“To ensure that no Nigerian child is left behind, UBEC has disbursed a total of N409,456,994 Special Education Funds to 20 states this year, ‘’ the minister said.
He said the disbursement was to supplement and encourage individual state’s efforts in providing infrastructure, instruction materials and learning aids for children with special needs.
In his address, the representative of the Chairman, House Committee on Education, Rep. Johnson Adeoba, said that education, as a social strategy, was pivotal to national development.
He said that it was obvious that the education system needed review to reflect the goals of the 21st century.
Continue Reading
The Rivers State Ministry of Education has strongly condemned reports of alleged forced virginity testing of female students of Government Comprehensive High School (Senior Secondary), Taabaa, in Khana Local Government Area.
The Ministry said the alleged act was reportedly carried out by persons claiming to act on behalf of a traditional institution in the community under the guise of offering scholarships and exercise books to the students.
According to the report received by the Ministry, the persons had on Thursday, September 17, 2026, visited the school and selected sixteen female students for the exercise, a development that triggered objections and a peaceful protest by students of the school.
In a statement signed by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education, Her Excellency Dr. Mina Tele Ikuru, for the Honourable Commissioner for Education, the Ministry described the allegations as extremely serious, disturbing and a violation of the dignity, privacy and fundamental rights of schoolchildren.
The Ministry stated unequivocally that no individual, traditional institution, community body or private organisation has the authority to subject students to virginity testing or any other form of abuse, no matter the justification.
It stressed that educational assistance, including scholarships and donation of exercise books, must be provided transparently and without conditions that compromise the safety, dignity or rights of beneficiaries.
The Ministry disclosed that it has commenced full investigation into the incident to establish the facts and will take all appropriate actions, including referral to relevant authorities, against any person or body found to have been involved.
It cautioned all persons, traditional institutions and community bodies to refrain from any activity involving selection, examination or testing of female students for virginity, whether directly or indirectly, under any guise.
The Ministry further directed all schools in Rivers State to uphold the highest standards of child protection and assured students of Government Comprehensive High School, Taabaa, their parents and the wider school community that their concerns are being taken seriously, adding that the safety and dignity of every student must be protected at all times.
[23/10, 21:51] Meta AI: *OUTRAGE IN RIVERS: GOVT VOWS FULL WRATH AS 16 SCHOOLGIRLS FORCED INTO VIRGINITY TEST IN KHANA*
*PORT HARCOURT* — The Rivers State Ministry of Education has condemned in strong terms the alleged forced virginity testing of 16 female students of Government Comprehensive High School, Taabaa, in Khana Local Government Area.
The Ministry said the degrading act was allegedly perpetrated by persons claiming to act on behalf of a traditional institution in the community, who stormed the school under the guise of offering scholarships and exercise books.
According to the official report received by the Ministry, the incident occurred on Thursday, September 17, 2026, when the suspects selected 16 female students for the invasive test, sparking outrage and a peaceful protest by students.
In a statement signed by the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Mina Tele Ikuru, for the Honourable Commissioner for Education, the Ministry described the allegation as extremely serious, disturbing and a direct assault on the dignity, privacy and fundamental human rights of innocent schoolchildren.
It declared categorically that no individual, traditional ruler, community body or private organisation has any authority whatsoever to subject students to virginity testing or any form of dehumanizing practice.
The Ministry insisted that educational support such as scholarships and learning materials must be rendered transparently and unconditionally, without any attempt to compromise the safety, dignity or rights of beneficiaries.
It announced that a full-scale investigation has been launched to establish the facts surrounding the incident, warning that anyone found culpable will face the full weight of the law, including referral to relevant security and human rights authorities.
The Ministry also issued a stern warning to all traditional institutions, community leaders and individuals to desist forthwith from any act involving selection, examination or testing of female students for virginity under any guise.
It further directed all principals and school heads across Rivers State to enforce the highest standards of child protection and assured students of Government Comprehensive High School, Taabaa, their parents and guardians that their safety and dignity remain non-negotiable.
Rivers State University (RSU), Nkpolu-Oroworukwo, Port Harcourt, has honoured two former Principal Officers, Professor Valentine B. Omubo-Pepple, former Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic) and Dr Ibimonia B. S. Harry, former Registrar, in recognition of their contributions to the growth, administration and development of the institution.
The End-of-Tenure Ceremony, held on Friday, October 23, 2026, at the University’s Convocation Arena.
Speaking at the ceremony, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Isaac Zeb-Obipi, emphasised the importance of building relationships that extend beyond official responsibilities, noting that colleagues who work together should also cultivate enduring friendships.
He described Professor Omubo-Pepple as an energetic gentleman and commended his effectiveness as Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), as well as his generosity, large-heartedness and leadership qualities.
The Vice-Chancellor also praised Dr Harry for her meticulous approach to work, particularly her attention to detail and commitment to ensuring that administrative responsibilities were handled diligently and accurately.
Professor Zeb-Obipi expressed appreciation to members of staff for their support, experience and sacrifices towards the university’s development. He noted that their contributions remained valuable to the institution beyond their respective tenures.
He wished both former Principal Officers success in their future endeavours and acknowledged their invaluable support and commitment during their years of service.
In his remarks, the Chairman of the Occasion and former Vice-Chancellor, Emeritus Professor S. C. Achinewhu, congratulated the honourees and reflected on their professional journeys, from their entry into the institution to the highest levels of their respective careers. He also commended the Vice-Chancellor for sustaining the End-of-Tenure Ceremony.
In separate responses, Professor Omubo-Pepple and Dr Harry expressed gratitude to the university management, colleagues and members of staff for the support, cooperation and goodwill they enjoyed throughout their respective tenures.
Professor Omubo-Pepple described his time in office as an opportunity to serve and contribute to the university’s development. He attributed the progress recorded during his tenure to teamwork and the collective commitment of those who worked alongside him.
He also expressed appreciation for the relationships and friendships established over the years, noting that service to the university extended beyond official duties to include enduring personal and professional bonds.
The former Deputy Vice-Chancellor thanked the Vice-Chancellor, University Management and the End-of-Tenure Planning Committee for the recognition. He expressed confidence in the university’s continued advancement in teaching, research, administration and community development.
He wished the university leadership and staff continued wisdom, strength and success, describing the ceremony as a memorable conclusion to an important chapter of his service.
Similarly, Dr Harry described her tenure as Registrar as a significant chapter in her professional journey and expressed gratitude for the recognition.
She acknowledged the support of the Vice-Chancellor, University Management, colleagues in the Registry, other Principal Officers and members of staff. She emphasised that effective university administration depended on diligence, integrity, teamwork and a shared sense of responsibility.
The former Registrar attributed the achievements recorded during her tenure to collective effort and appreciated those who provided guidance, support and cooperation in the discharge of administrative responsibilities.
She also thanked the End-of-Tenure Planning Committee and the university community for the goodwill messages, gifts and support. Expressing optimism about the institution’s future, she wished RSU continued growth, stability and greater accomplishments.
Dr Harry looked forward to the next phase of her journey with gratitude for the experience, relationships and lessons gained during her years of service.
The ceremony featured goodwill messages from the families of the honourees, unions and associations, the Faculty of Science, the Registry, the Committee of Provosts and Deans, and the university’s Principal Officers.
Other highlights included a special performance by the University Mass Choir, a presentation by the Department of Theatre and Film Studies, a toast, cake-cutting and the presentation of gifts to the honourees.
By: Akujobi Amadi
A severe shortage of certified teachers in northern primary and secondary classrooms took centre stage as 3,555 graduates passed out from the Federal College of Education, Yola, Adamawa State.
Professor Kaletapwa Farauta Adamawa state deputy governor, made the disclosure on behalf of Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri on Saturday, 24 October 2026, during the combined convocation ceremony in Yola.
She called on the federal government to convert the institution into a full-fledged Federal University of Education to bridge northern Nigeria’s growing teacher gap.
Speaking on state educational reforms, she highlighted Adamawa’s implementation of a new teacher deployment policy designed to retain qualified educators in rural schools.
“We have implemented the Adamawa State Teacher Recruitment, Deployment, and Retention Policy to revamp the structure and meet 21st-century goals,” she noted.
Provost Dr Mohammed Usman Degereji stated that the institution produced 1,818 graduates for the 2024 session and 1,737 for 2025.
He added that over 200 lecturers participated in national and international training programmes to improve academic quality and research standards.
The Ministry of Education, through Dr Uchenna Uba, affirmed federal commitments to educator welfare through the newly introduced Tertiary Institution Staff Support Fund.
Highlighting the personal human cost of academic success, the overall best graduand, Mr Ndazimson Paul, recounted the intense personal discipline required to top his graduating class.
“I committed to three hours of daily study in the library alongside support from my parents to achieve a 4.65 CGPA,” Paul said.
Northern Nigeria continues to face an acute deficit of certified basic education teachers, exacerbated by population growth and rural flight. The appeal to upgrade the Federal College of Education, Yola, aligns with ongoing regional efforts to grant degree-awarding autonomy to specialised tertiary institutions to boost professional teacher output.
-
Sports3 days agoNigerian Trio Target Titles At PFL Africa Finals
-
Education3 days agoFCE Yola Graduates 3,555 Teachers , Seeks Upgrade to University
-
Niger Delta3 days agoDiri Restates Stance On Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway
-
Niger Delta3 days agoC’River, NUJ Pay Tribute To Late Guardian Editor
-
News3 days agoNDLEA Recovers Tons Of Illicit Drug Consignments In Nine States
-
Opinion3 days agoChecking Voter Apathy In Nigeria’s Electoral Process
-
Politics3 days ago2027: DICKSON’S EX-ALLY VOWS TO WORK AGAINST NDC INTEREST IN BAYELSA
-
Politics3 days ago2027: GROUP PLEDGES 40,000 SUPPORTERS FOR COALITION CANDIDATES IN RIVERS