News
NUC trains staff of 206 Nation’s Universities on effective delivery of new curriculum
The National Universities Commission (NUC) has concluded its series of train-the-trainers’ workshop for staff of 206 universities in the country
The training programme was to ensure effective delivery of the new curriculum- the Core Curriculum and Minimum Academic Standards (CCMAS) developed by the Commission for Nigerian universities.
The Coordinator of a segment of the exercise, Prof Emeritus Peter Okebukola, said the objective of the training “is to strengthen the knowledge and skills of all university staff in the effective implementation of the CCMAS.
Speaking to newsmen in Abuja at the end of the four-month training exercise which ended on Thursday, Professor Okebukola said the overall training was coordinated by Professor Ruqayyatu Ahmed Rufa’i, former Minister of Education and a member of the NUC Strategy Advisory Committee.
According to him “The four-month training had two components – the first was the training of the Directors of Academic Planning and three staff of each university nominated by the Vice-Chancellor.
“This phase of the programme which lasted for three weeks, had an onsite and an online component, and was coordinated by Professor Yakubu Azare of Bayero University, Kano.
He said the second phase of the programme was on “Practical Skills for Delivering the CCMAS in an Online Environment”.
This, he said, involved Directors of ICT and two staff of each university, nominated by the VC.
Prof Okebukola said this phase lasted for three months and was conducted at the NUC-NOUN Virtual Institute for Capacity Building in Higher Education (VICBHE).”
In a press release after the graduation ceremony of the second phase of the training, Okebukola stated that the overall coordinator of the training project, Professor Ruqayyatu Ahmed Rufa’i, was delighted at the success of the two phases of the training.
According to him, she extolled the commitment of the seven nominees of the Vice Chancellors of each university to the demands of the training.
On his part, Okebukola who is the immediate past Chairman Governing Council of the National Open University of Nigeria, NOUN lauded the impressive efforts of Professor Abubakar Adamu Rasheed, the immediate- past Executive Secretary of NUC, in the rapid revitalization of the Nigerian university system and the support received for the implementation of this agenda from the former Honourable Minister of Education Malam Adamu Adamu.
In his goodwill message, the acting Executive Secretary of NUC,. Christopher Maiyaki, commended the participants and pledged to continue with vigour, the implementation of the revitalisation agenda set by Professor Rasheed.
In his remarks, the Vice-Chancellor of the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), Professor Olufemi Peters felt delighted that NOUN fully sponsored the training as part of its corporate social responsibility to the Nigerian university system and urged the participants to join hands to ensure the successful implementation of the CCMAS.
The convocation lecture was delivered by Professor Abayomi Arigbabu, Honourable Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology of Ogun State and former VC of Tai Solarin University of Education, Ijagun in which he stressed the importance of blending onsite and online modes in effective delivery of the CCMAS.
The three-month intensive training, according to Okebukola involved 10 hands-on practicals on how to deliver the CCMAS in an online environment; two discussion forum sessions; a special seminar session; end-of-course comprehensive examination; and a project.
At the graduation ceremony, Distinction Plus certificates (for having an overall score of 90% and above of the total score of 1130) were awarded to 90 participants.
A total of 92 earned Distinction grade; 57 Credit; 40 Merit and 27 pass were awarded.
Additionally, 290 participants received the Basic Proficiency in Moodle certificate.
Goodwill messages were received from the Chairperson of the Committee of Vice-Chancellors, Professor Lilian Salami, and the Secretary-General of the Association of African Universities, Professor Olusola Oyewole.
Professor Oyewole whose AAU serves as the voice of higher education in Africa, commended NUC and noted that the Nigerian model of curriculum development “is being encouraged for adoption by other African countries”
Prizes were awarded to Dr. Umar Mohammed of Federal University, Kashere (best overall participant from the federal university sub-system); Dr. Abdulmalik Ahmad Lawan of Aliko Dangote University of Science and Technology, Kano (best overall participant-State university sub-system); and Dr. Christopher Onova of Achievers University, Owo (best overall participant-private university sub-system);
Others were Omotayo Onaiyekan (best overall participant from NUC); Professor Rosemary Obasi of Benson Idahosa University (most-committed VICBHE participant- female); Professor Abayomi Arigbabu- Honourable Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology Ogun State (most-committed VICBHE participant- male); and Dr. Komommo Iwarra of Havilla University (best overall participant).
News
Emergency Rule in Rivers: Senators Dickson, Abaribe, Tambuwal walk out of Senate Chambers in protest
As the Nigerian Senate approved the emergency rule declared in Rivers by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Senators Seriake Dickson, Enyinnaya Abaribe and Aminu Waziri Tambuwal walked out of Chambers in protest of Senate’s position.
Seriake Dickson representing Bayelsa West Senatorial District (PDP), Enyinnaya Abaribe representing Abia South Senatorial District (APGA) and Senator Aminu Waziri Tambuwal representing Sokoto South Senatorial District (PDP) were unhappy over the declaration of emergency that suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara out of office.
Senators Seriake Dickson and Aminu Tambuwal who was also a former Speaker of the House of Representatives are lawyers and said, the declaration was unconstitutional and would not have their support.
Notwithstanding, their objections, the Senate presided by the Senate President, Godswill Obot Akpabio through a voice vote overwhelmingly supported the president’s move, shutting down an open debate on the matter.
Senator Dickson expressed his gratitude to colleagues who supported his stance and acknowledged the presidency’s modifications to the original declaration. However, he emphasized that the introduced oversight mechanisms did not address the core constitutional concerns.
Dickson also criticized Senate President Godswill Akpabio, accusing him of attempting to silence opposition. “The Senate is a meeting of equals, and no lawmaker should be censored for speaking on national issues,” he stated.
The walkout by the three senators highlights the deepening divisions within the Nigerian Senate and raises concerns about the implications of the state of emergency on the country’s democratic institutions.
Rugby School Nigeria, the newest international school of the esteemed Rugby School Group, is set to open in September 2025 in Eko Atlantic City, Lagos.
To celebrate this significant milestone, an exclusive launch event was held at the British Deputy High Commissioner’s residence in Lagos, attracting over 100 distinguished guests and key stakeholders from the education, government, business sectors, and diplomatic communities.
At the official launch event on March 19, 2025, the British Deputy High Commissioner, Mr Jonny Baxter highlighted the significance of Rugby School Nigeria stating:
“Rugby School Nigeria exemplifies one of the best of UK-Nigeria collaborations, bringing another world-class British education institution to the heart of Lagos. Situated in the dynamic Eko Atlantic City, a symbol of Nigeria’s ambition and innovation, this school is poised to further shape future leaders in a rapidly evolving global landscape.”
Rugby School Nigeria will initially open its doors for Sixth Form students (ages 16-18) in September 2025, with boarding facilities set to be available from September 2026. The Senior School (ages 11-16) will launch in September 2026, offering a broad and engaging curriculum that prepares students for IGCSEs and future academic success.
Founding Principal of Rugby School Nigeria, Dr Adam England expressed his enthusiasm:
“Rugby School Nigeria will offer an exceptional education that nurtures both intellectual growth and character development guided by the Rugby School ‘Whole Person, Whole Point’ philosophy. Students will benefit from a comprehensive A-Level programme, preparing them for top universities worldwide, alongside the Rugby 360 programme, which fosters leadership, community engagement, and personal development.
Our state-of-the-art facilities will include science labs, creative arts spaces, and world-class sporting facilities.”
Founded in 1567, Rugby School is one of the world’s most prestigious UK boarding schools, renowned for its commitment to academic excellence, innovation, and character development. With established sister schools in Thailand, Japan, and now Nigeria, Rugby School continues to expand its global impact, offering transformative educational experiences to students worldwide.
Dr England added, “We are excited by the substantial interest we have already received, with numerous parents’ meetings taking place daily at our offices.”
Senator representing Ondo North Senatorial District, Olajide Ipinsagba Emmanuel has scored himself high in terms of constituency projects deliveries to his constituents.
Speaking in an exclusive interview in his office with journalists, he said “he facilitated Agricultural Training Programs for youths and existing farmers, equipping them with modern techniques to enhance productivity, distributed fertilizers to farmers to address critical agricultural challenges, ensuring increased output and improved local food security.
“Constructed and fully equipped a modern health centre in Akunnu-Akoko, ensuring access to quality healthcare for the community, distributed health equipments and materials to the State Specialist Hospital, Ikare-Akoko, thereby strengthening healthcare infrastructure and improving health outcomes.”
“Trained and Empowered Women and Youth in Confectioneries. He organised training in cake baking and other confectioneries, followed by the disbursement of start-up grants to empower beneficiaries to establish their businesses. Training of women on soap making with start-up funds.
In the same vein, he organized ICT training programs for youths, distributed HP Core i7 laptops, and provided start-up grants to promote innovation and employment in the tech sector.
“Trained youths in tailoring, provided sewing machines, and disbursed start-up grants to enhance self-reliance and job creation. Constructed a 1.5-kilometer road in Oka-Akoko, improving connectivity, facilitating economic activities, and easing transportation for farmers and traders. Spearheaded the construction of the Ikare Modern Civic Center, which serves as a hub for cultural, social, and civic engagements. Facilitated the construction of 28 lock-up shops in Oka -Akoko, providing a conducive environment for entrepreneurs and boosting local commerce.
Dist. Sen. Olajide who is passionate about education, distributed free JAMB forms to students across the Senatorial District, enabling many young people to pursue higher education without financial barriers.
Also, he sponsored a bill for the establishment of the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) University in Ikare-Akoko. A public hearing was successfully held on December 28, 2024, reflecting progress toward establishing this vital institution for skill development and education. Lighting up towns and villages with Solar Panels including Adekunle Ajasin University.”
These achievements underscore his commitment to fostering development in agriculture, education, health, and infrastructure. As Chairman of the Senate Committee on Public Procurement, he also prioritizes accountability and efficiency in national projects, which directly impacts the equitable allocation of resources to Ondo North Senatorial District and Ondo State at large.
Moreso, he empowered Small Businesses through skill acquisition programmes and provision of lock-up shops, he has laid the groundwork for entrepreneurship to flourish within the district. Strengthening Youth Engagement, by bridging the gap between education, technology, and employment. He is equipping youths with the tools necessary to thrive in the modern economy.”
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