News
Senator Gyang charged FG to increase budgetary allocation to education
Senator eepresenting Plateau North Senatorial District in the National Assembly Sen. Istifanus Dung Gyang has charged the Federal Government to increase the budgetary allocation to education to address the challenges in the Sector.
Gyang who is also the Deputy Chairman Senate Committee on Defense stated this on Sunday during the Commissioning and dedication of block of three classroom project including a library and two offices undertaken by him at the Evangelical Church Winning All, ECWA, Theological College Zabolo in Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State.
The prolonged dilapidation of the college facility attracted the intervention of the People’s Senator by reconstructing a 3 classroom blocked and expanded the structure by adding two offices and a library.
Senator Gyang noted that the country educational system is in a very bad shape, saying Nigeria is yet to meet the necessary benchmark dedicated to education.
He said education is very key in developing human capital empowerment of human mind and equipment people for life and destiny and the Federal Government must focus more on allocation of resources to the education sector.
“When you look at our Universities
Presently ASUU is threatening a resumption to strike, if you look at the facilities in our institutions, look at
Primary at the basic level, the tertiary level there is still a lot to be done and I think the necessary benchmark that ought to be dedicated in our budget for education is very low, We have not even reached that level and to that extent, our investment in education is still below the required global index and we need to improve on it”
The lawmaker said one of his focus for Plateau North is the investment on the education sector.
“The single greatest element For societal development is the human factor and developing the human factor requires education and the investment that we have done in the education sector in the Plateau North Senatorial District starting with the Zabolo theological College is the foundation for better Plateau”
“It’s the foundation because the fear of God is the beginning of wisdom
Because wisdom is the principal thing,
It is therefore to develop the human capital To empower the human mind
and to ensure that people are prepared and equipped For life and destiny that is why investment in education takes precedence”.
Senator Gyang added that education is the foundation for all other investments and that is why he made it a priority, saying education empowers the mind, education enlightens people and education makes people to become resourceful and productive.
The President, Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA) Reverend Doctor Stephen Panya Baba today 5/12/2021, at ECWA Theological College Zabolo commissioned a school project undertaken by the Senator I. D. Gyang of Plateau North Senatorial District.
The ECWA President Rev. Dr. Stephen Panya Baba represented by Vice President of ECWA Rev. Stephen Sunday Ajishe Who dedicated and commissioned the Theological College Zabolo school project gave glory to God and thanked the legislator for coming to the aid of the college thus relieving the church of what was a major concern.
In his remarks, the Rector of the College Rev. Ezekiel Ayiku extolled the qualities of Senator Gyang as a man who matches words with action and further described him as one “who loves God and His people.” He prayed God to continue to reward Senator Gyang and his family for stepping in to meet a major need of the college.
The Theological College Zabolo is one out of nine Education infrastructure and classroom blocks put in place by Senator Gyang in his constituency, Plateau North Senatorial District.
Hon. Chris Hassan PDP Chairman Plateau state, Hon Davou Mang Plateau North PDP Zonal Chairman, PLHA members Hon. Peter Ibrahim Gyendeng, Minority Leader, Hon. Musa Agah Avia of Rukuba/Irigwe and Hon. Esther Simi Dusu of Jos North-West. Others in attendance are LG and Ward PDP Chairmen, PDP LG candidates, Elders, Stakeholders, Women, Youth and the ECWA family were at Zabolo in their numbers to witness this groundbreaking commissioning.
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.”
Edo State Government has lashed at the factional chapter of the caretaker committee of the Peoples Democratic Party and the appointed publicity secretary, Chris Nehikhare, for rushing to the press without first understanding the subject at hand.
In a statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Fred Itua in Benin and made available to journalists said, Nehikhare’s latest press release was another embarrassing display of ignorance, completely missing the point Governor Monday Okpebholo raised.
The Governor was referring to the $10 million that Godwin Obaseki budgeted for The Observer Newspaper shortly before the 2024 governorship elections in Edo State, not the refurbished equipment bought from ‘Ogbete Market’ in Enugu State.
Obaseki, a portfolio scam artist, who presided over the looting of Edo’s commonwealth, hurriedly siphoned $10 million, using The Observer Newspaper as a conduit, barely a few days to the governorship election in Edo State in late 2024.
Nehikhare’s desperate attempt to twist the conversation is not just misleading but exposes the habitual dishonesty of the PDP.
On the issue of the so-called “sophisticated machines,” Nehikhare conveniently ignores the real concern—these overused and inefficient machines now require billions of naira to function properly. Obaseki may have procured them at a roadside market, but he left behind a financial burden that the present administration must now clean up.
More troubling is Nehikhare’s confused outrage about the sacking of Observer staff. How does he expect those no longer employed to be available at the premises? His logic is as flawed as the policies of the administration he blindly defends.
Instead of this laughable attempt at deflection, Nehikhare should explain why, in his final days, Obaseki found it necessary to allocate a staggering $10 million to a State-owned newspaper that is practically invisible on newspaper stands across the State and country—at a time when critical sectors like education and healthcare remained underfunded.
If Nehikhare wishes to debate the facts, he should do so with accuracy, not fiction. But then again, fiction seems to be the PDP’s favourite tool.
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