Education
6,300 Benefit N1.7bn from Teachers’ Endwell Scheme in Oyo
By Modupe Gbadeyanka
Over N1.7 billion has been disbursed to about 6,300 teachers and next-of-kin between 2022 and 2026 under the Teachers’ Social Security Scheme (Endwell Scheme) in Oyo State.
The Endwell scheme was conceived at a time when retiring teachers were abandoned by all tiers of government, and many faced severe psychological and financial distress due to late payment of gratuities and pensions.
But since its inception about three decades ago, the initiative has become a dependable social security support for thousands in the state.
At the 14th state (Biennial) general meeting of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) held at the Teachers’ House, Oluyole Estate, Ibadan, the chairman of the Board of Trustees, Mr Obasola Elijah Olayiwola, reaffirmed the scheme’s solid financial footing and consistent fulfilment of obligations to members.
During the presentation of the management report, he said the rise in benefit payments reflects an increasing number of retiring teachers and a growing subscriber base, boosted by the recruitment of new teachers by Governor Seyi Makinde.
He assured members that the scheme remains financially disciplined, saying, “The Endwell Scheme continues to be a strong pillar of support for our teachers. The steady increase in beneficiaries underscores our commitment to protecting the welfare of those who serve in our classrooms.”
He added that the board will continue to strengthen investment strategies to maintain sustainable returns for contributors.
On his part, the chairman of NUT Oyo State chapter, Mr Raji Oladimeji Ismael, said the new financial data confirms that the Endwell Scheme has entered a new era of stability, strength, and relevance.
He stated that the scheme’s uninterrupted performance over the last three decades, without any record of financial collapse, demonstrates its resilience despite past scepticism and opposition.
“Today marks another milestone in the history of Endwell. The gloomy days are completely over. The scheme has weathered storms, survived doubt, and continues to wax stronger daily,” he said.
Mr Oladimeji reiterated that the scheme has consistently paid Non-Refundable Terminal Benefits (NRTB) and death-in-service compensation to members and families across the state for three decades.
He praised past and present management teams, particularly the current Board led by Comrade Obasola, for consolidating the scheme’s successes, also commending subscribers for their loyalty and prompt dues payment.
A major highlight of the event was the special recognition and honour bestowed on the founding fathers and early contributors who played pivotal roles in the creation and successful take-off of the Endwell Scheme.
Those honoured included Comrade Anusat Babatunde Amuda, Comrade Ibrahim Bolomope, Comrade Elijah Olu Abiala, Comrade Suleiman Adediran, Mr Tade Ipadeola, Mrs J. L. Latunji, and Mr Oladiti Oladapo.
The union described them as visionaries whose courage and foresight midwifed a scheme that has now become a lifeline for thousands of educators in Oyo State, urging newly recruited teachers to join the scheme, stressing that Endwell remains one of the most reliable and effective welfare mechanisms available to educators in Oyo State.
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.
