Education
Akada Children’s Book Festival Returns
By Modupe Gbadeyanka
The organisers of the Akada Children’s Book Festival (ACBF) have announced the return of the event for its sixth edition on Saturday, October 26, 2024, at the UPBEAT Recreation Center in Lekki, Lagos.
A statement from them disclosed that this year’s theme is Read Your Way and it emphasises the importance of promoting literacy and fostering a reading culture among children aged 13 and below.
By providing engaging activities and experiences, the ACBF aims to inspire young readers and encourage a lifelong love of reading.
The National Commission for Mass Literacy, Adult and Non-Formal Education said Nigeria faces challenges in promoting reading culture, stating that four out of 10 portion primary school children struggle with reading comprehension.
A 2023 United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) report further highlights this issue, stating that 75 per cent of Nigerian children aged 7 to 14 cannot read simple sentences.
The organisers have promised that the 2024 Akada Children’s Book Festival will have a diverse range of activities, including author-led book readings, book chats, featured titles story time, book exhibitions, and the announcement of winners from the annual writing and illustration competitions.
Attendees can enjoy a chess tournament, sip and paint sessions, an art exhibition, and a spotlight on young authors featuring readings and Q&A sessions.
Insightful sessions will be available for parents and teachers, alongside professional workshops tailored for writers, illustrators, and publishers.
New to this year’s festival is a Yoruba-themed Story Time, featuring traditional Yoruba stories, storytelling techniques, and cultural activities.
In addition, it will feature 32 original children’s books created by Nigerians at home and abroad. Notable titles include Captain of Aster by Nnenna Ochiche, Iya Alaro Saves The Day by Yewande Amusan and Aduke Gomez, Ada and The Emir by Nkechi Anya, An African Christmas with Queenie and King by Olunosen Louisa Ibhaze, Toru and The Mango Seed by Omolara Cookey, Obafemi Alakara and The Bush Babies by Kayode O. Sinmidele Valentine, A School Trip Like No Other by Jacqueline U Agweh, The Magic Jalabiya by Ayo Oyeku, and Terrified Not by Farida Tukur Bello, among others.
The convener of Akada Children’s Book Festival, Mrs Olubunmi Aboderin Talabi, said, the event was created to showcase various literary works for a diverse audience of children.
“Previously, most children’s books available were imported and predominantly featured cultures different from our own. This led me to consider that if our kids are only exposed to books set in other cultures, they might start to feel there is something wrong with their own culture and the people who look like them.
“In response, I began writing books featuring protagonists who look like children in this environment, placing them in adventures and settings similar to those our children experience every day.
“The Akada Children’s Book Festival was born from this initiative and has since grown into a platform for showcasing various authors.
“I am thrilled to see an increasing number of people writing for children and we love seeing them engage with stories that reflect their experiences and perspectives,” she stated.
By Adedapo Adesanya
The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has issued a 14-day ultimatum to 21 state-owned universities over alleged failure to implement key provisions of the 2025 agreement reached with the federal government.
The union warned that the affected universities could be heading for industrial action if their respective authorities fail to resolve the outstanding issues within the two-week window.
The ultimatum was one of the major resolutions reached at ASUU’s National Executive Council (NEC) meeting held at the University of Abuja recently.
In a statement signed by ASUU President, Professor Christopher Piwuna, the union expressed concern over what it described as the “haphazard implementation” of the 2025 Federal Government-ASUU agreement, accusing relevant authorities of displaying a lackadaisical attitude towards its implementation.
ASUU said the problem was particularly pronounced in several state universities, where university visitors had allegedly failed to implement the agreement, leaving affected branches with little option but to seek NEC’s approval to commence the process for industrial action.
Consequently, NEC authorised the affected branches to issue 14-day ultimatums to their university authorities, after which strike procedures would commence if the issues remained unresolved.
The universities affected include Nasarawa State University, Keffi; Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University, Lapai; University of Medical Sciences, Ondo; Gombe State University; Plateau State University, Bokkos; Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba; Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma; Olusegun Agagu University of Science and Technology, Okitipupa; Abia State University, Uturu; and University of Education and Entrepreneurship, Akamkpa.
Others are Emmanuel Alayande University of Education, Oyo; Kaduna State University; Aliko Dangote University of Science and Technology, Wudil; Northwest University, Kano; Enugu State University of Science and Technology; Imo State University, Owerri; Niger Delta University, Wilberforce Island; University of Africa, Toru-Orua; Bayelsa Medical University, Yenagoa; and Taraba State University, Jalingo.
According to the union, the 14-day ultimatum is a precondition for the affected branches to begin formal procedures for industrial action.
ASUU said branches in the Sokoto Zone had already issued a similar two-week ultimatum, while NEC would reconvene in an emergency session at the end of August or early September to assess developments and determine the union’s next line of action.
The union also revived its “No-pay-No-work” position, directing branches in federal universities where salaries had been withheld or underpaid to take appropriate action.
It specifically cited affected universities, including universities of agriculture, where members had allegedly received incomplete salaries.
Beyond the salary and agreement implementation disputes, ASUU maintained its opposition to the National Education Repository Databank (NERD), insisting that unresolved questions surrounding its hosting arrangements and intellectual property rights must first be addressed.
The union also waded into the country’s political process, urging its members to participate actively in politics and approving the establishment of an ASUU Independent Monitoring Group.
The group, according to the union, will monitor and observe elections across the country.
Meanwhile, growing insecurity within university campuses also featured prominently in the NEC deliberations.
ASUU expressed concern over attacks and other security incidents that had claimed the lives of members, directing affected branches to engage the police and other relevant security agencies in pursuing justice for victims.
Branches were also mandated to document cases of insecurity and present comprehensive records to the union’s NEC for further action.
By Adedapo Adesanya
The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has released the results of the 2026 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) for school candidates, with 61.54 per cent of candidates obtaining credits in at least five subjects, including English Language and Mathematics.
The Head of WAEC’s Nigeria National Office, Mr Amos Dangut, announced the results at a press briefing in Lagos on Wednesday.
Mr Dangut said 1,200,514 candidates met the benchmark for admission to higher institutions, out of the 1,950,726 candidates who sat the examination nationwide, held between April 24 and June 19.
He said 102,708 examiners were engaged in the marking exercise held at 88 marking venues across the country between 2 July and 20 July.
“Today, I am happy to inform you that all the processes leading to the release of results have been completed. It is now my pleasure to announce the release of the results of candidates who sat the WASSCE for School Candidates, 2026 in Nigeria,” he said, directing candidates to the agency’s portal to access their results.
“UPDATE: 2026 WASSCE (SC) results have been released. Generate your PIN at waec.org and check your results now on waecdirect.org,” the examination body said, noting that candidates must obtain their Serial Number and PIN before they can check their results.
To generate the required credentials, candidates are expected to visit WAEC’s official website and select the “Serial Number and PIN” option at the top of the page.
They are then required to select the appropriate examination year and diet, enter their examination number and National Identification Number (NIN), and ensure that the NIN provided is the same one used during registration for the examination.
Candidates must also provide their email address and phone number to receive a One-Time Password (OTP).
After entering the OTP, candidates can recover their Serial Number and PIN, which they can subsequently use to check their results through WAEC Direct.
By Aduragbemi Omiyale
Over 200 senior students of Cleggs Girls High School, Surulere, Lagos, were on July 23, 2026, engaged in practical knowledge about the risks associated with smoking, vaping, and shisha.
This engagement was made possible through a collaboration between Breathe Life Foundation and Teach Nigeria Fellow.
Participants were students aged 15–19 years. They were also informed about the misconception that shisha is a safer alternative to cigarettes or other substances.
Through an engaging and interactive discussion, students explored the influence of peer pressure and learned practical strategies for making healthier, more informed lifestyle choices.
They also gained a better understanding of common environmental triggers of asthma and other respiratory conditions, including cigarette smoke, generator fumes, bush burning, mosquito coil smoke, candles, charcoal, and firewood.
The session highlighted an important reality: young people may not always recognise how seemingly routine lifestyle choices and environmental exposures can gradually affect their respiratory health, quality of life, and long-term wellbeing.
For Breathe Life Foundation, this reinforces the importance of shifting the conversation from treatment to prevention through awareness and education.
By equipping young people with the knowledge to identify risks and make healthier choices early, the foundation is helping to build a generation that is more conscious of – and better prepared to protect – its respiratory health.
The organisation said it is dedicated to advancing respiratory health, an often-neglected public health priority. Healthy lungs are essential to life, yet respiratory diseases remain among the world’s leading causes of death and disability, even though many are preventable and treatable.
