Connect with us

Education

Model College Kankon Grabs Governor’s Quiz Contest

Published

on

By Modupe Gbadeyanka

A winner has emerged in the season VIII of the Lagos State Schools Governor’s Quiz competition held at the Adeyemi Bero Auditorium in Alausa, Ikeja.

At the end of the contest, Lagos State Model College, Kankon, emerged the best school in the grand finale, beating Alimosho Senior Grammar School and Jubilee Model Senior Grammar School to the second and third positions respectively.

The Junior Secondary and Primary Schools categories were won by Eko Junior College and Darocha Primary Schools respectively.

Speaking at the occasion, the Governor of Lagos State, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education, Mr Adesina Odeyemi, stated that the education sector of the state got a total of over N205.8 billion in 2016 and 2017 budget in spite of the stiff competition for resource allocation.

This, he revealed was because of the need assessment, priority and the commitment of the government to the upbringing and wellbeing of the children of Lagos State.

“What the state government has invested in the education sector of the state in the last two years is more than the annual budget of about 23 States of the federation; in fact, it is more than the 2017 budget of some four States put together,” he said.

Mr Ambode explained that the highly competitive quiz competition was designed to develop the mind of the pupils by creating healthy rivalry among school children in public and private primary, junior and senior secondary schools across the state, adding that it has over the years produced many very brilliant students who have secured admissions into various higher institutions.

He noted that “the government was happy with the overt display of knowledge by our amiable children in all facets of life, science & technology, art & craft etc. The improvement recorded in the 2016 WASSCE result and your achievements in many competitions both at home and abroad are encouraging”.

Mr Ambode said that, in order to encourage the students to break new grounds and soar higher, the government unveiled the State Digital Library to underscore her commitment to providing access to education for all and the continued development of the children of Lagos State.

The Governor used the occasion to explain that the government was working round the clock to ensure the release of the abducted students of the Model College, Igbonla.

“We empathise with the students and parents and we will not relent on our efforts until the students come back unhurt to continue their education. We will not allow any group of people to distract us from our goal of educating all Lagos children and equip them for the future,” he said.

He advised the students to devote more time to their academic pursuit to excel and be reliable keepers of tomorrow as the theme of this year’s Children’s Day suggests, urging them to shun all vices such as hooliganism, rape, examination malpractices, and late arrival to school, alcoholism, and drug abuse.

Speaking earlier, the Deputy Governor, Dr Idiat Oluranti Adebule, who was represented by the Director, Co-curricular, Mrs Babs Akinyeye, acknowledged the progress made in the education sector through the quiz competition.

According to her, “the standard of questions that are posted to the pupils/students and the ease with which they answer them is a testimony to the quality of education that we provide in the state”.

Mrs Adebule opined that the brilliance exhibited by the participants from the preliminaries to the final shows that the students have been properly groomed for the competition.

Modupe Gbadeyanka is a fast-rising journalist with Business Post Nigeria. Her passion for journalism is amazing. She is willing to learn more with a view to becoming one of the best pen-pushers in Nigeria. Her role models are the duo of CNN's Richard Quest and Christiane Amanpour.

Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Education

Education Minister Denies Scrapping 6-3-3-4 System

Published

on

Olatunji Alausa

By Modupe Gbadeyanka

The Minister of Education, Mr Tunji Alausa, has denied reports making the rounds that the federal government has scrapped the current 6-3-3-4 system for a new structure, the 12-4 model.

The media space was agog on Thursday with news that the Education Minister was planning to introduce a new 12-year uninterrupted basis education structure because of the scrapping of the Junior Secondary School (JSS) and Senior Secondary School (SSS) classes.

He was said to have made this proposal yesterday while speaking at the 2025 Extraordinary National Council of Education meeting of in Abuja.

Reacting to this, Mr Alausa clarified that the new system has not been introduced but was being proposed to replace the current structure.

At a media conference on Friday, the Minister appealed to members of the public to disregard the false claim that JSS and SSS have been scrapped, noting that, “The federal government remains committed to policies that enhance access to quality education while aligning with global best practices.”

He stressed that his remarks on the issue were misinterpreted as he merely presented a proposal for discussion—not an immediate policy change.

“The proposal seeks to migrate to 12 years of compulsory education while retaining the current 6-3-3 structure.

“At the Extraordinary National Council on Education (NCE) Meeting held on February 6, 2025, in Abuja, I presented a proposal for discussion—not an immediate policy change. The proposal seeks to migrate to 12 years of compulsory education while retaining the current 6-3-3 structure.

“A key aspect of this proposal is to eliminate the examination barrier between JSS and SSS, allowing for a seamless transition of students without the hurdles of an external assessment at that stage. However, this is still a subject of consultation and deliberation.

“To ensure a well-informed decision, the Ministry will undertake extensive stakeholder engagements over the next eight months, consulting widely with education policymakers, state governments, teachers, parents, and other key players. The final decision on whether to adopt this reform will be made at the October 2025 National Council on Education Meeting,” he explained.

Continue Reading

Education

Tinubu Overhauls Federal Universities Leadership

Published

on

President Tinubu speech nationwide protests

By Adedapo Adesanya

President Bola Tinubu has announced significant leadership changes at several federal universities, including the University of Abuja, which is now known as Yakubu Gowon University.

According to a statement by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Mr Bayo Onanuga, these changes are effective immediately.

At Yakubu Gowon University, named after Nigeria’s longest-serving Head of State from 1966 to 1975, President Tinubu dissolved the entire governing council and relieved Professor Aisha Sani Maikudi of her duties as Vice-Chancellor. He chose Mr Lanre Tejuoso, currently the Pro-Chancellor of the University of Agriculture, Makurdi, as the Pro-Chancellor of the Yakubu Gowon University.

He will be succeeded in Makurdi by Ms Joy Emordi after being moved from Alvan Ikoku University of Education.

To succeed Professor Maikudi, President Tinubu appointed Professor Lar Patricia Manko as Acting Vice Chancellor of the Yakubu Gowon University for a six-month term. She will not be eligible to apply for the substantive position when it becomes available.

In addition, President Tinubu has removed Professor Polycarp Emeka Chigbu from his position as Acting Vice-Chancellor at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), before his tenure ends on February 14.

Professor Oguejiofu T. Ujam has been appointed as his successor for six months and will not be eligible to apply for the permanent position.

The leadership changes at UNN extend to the role of Pro-Chancellor, with Mr Ike Nwachukwu reassigned to Pro-Chancellor at the University of Uyo.

Mr Tinubu also appointed Engineer Olubunmi Kayode Ojo as the new Pro-Chancellor of UNN. Previously, he held the same position at the Federal University of Lokoja and the Federal University of Oye-Ekiti.

Professor Zubairu Tajo Abdullahi, currently the Pro-Chancellor of the University of Uyo, has been appointed to succeed Ojo at the Federal University of Lokoja.

Mr Sani Stores is the new Pro-Chancellor of Alvan Ikoku University of Education, succeeding Senator Joy Emordi. He is a Council Member at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka.

Additionally, Mr Olugbenga Kukoyi, a current Council Member at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, has been appointed the new Pro-Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University in Awka, Anambra State.

“All appointments and reassignment decisions are effective immediately,” the statement affirmed.

President Tinubu emphasised that these changes reflect his administration’s commitment to revitalising Nigeria’s higher education system through dynamic leadership and accountability.

The restructuring aims to strengthen governance and academic excellence within Nigeria’s tertiary education sector.

Continue Reading

Education

Tax Clearance Certificate Required to Enjoy Free Education in Lagos—LIRS

Published

on

Educational System

By Modupe Gbadeyanka

For children to access free education from kindergarten to SS3 in Lagos State-funded schools, their parents must provide a Tax Clearance Certificate (TCC), the Lagos State Internal Revenue Service (LIRS) has reiterated.

According to the chairman of the tax agency, Mr Ayo Subair, “It is standard procedure to require a Tax Clearance Certificate (TCC) to access government services.

“To obtain a TCC, individuals must file their annual tax returns for the applicable assessment year and ensure their tax payments are currently based on their declared income,” Mr Subair stated.

He highlighted that this requirement has been in practice for a long time and aligns with Section 85 of the Personal Income Tax Act (PITA) 2004 (as amended).

He disclosed this initiative, part of the THEMES PLUS agenda, is included in the government’s broader efforts to provide essential services such as affordable housing, efficient transportation, free healthcare, youth and small business empowerment programs, enhanced security, and better road infrastructure, among others.

The tax chief emphasised that every resident of the state, whether in formal employment or not, is required by law to file annual tax returns, declare their income and pay any taxes due.

This requirement is backed by the Nigerian constitution; it is also the law, as stipulated in the PITA and part of the social contract between the government and residents, he stressed.

According to him, requiring a TCC for access to free services is not a new policy but a longstanding practice intended to foster fairness and transparency in using public resources, noting tax revenues help fund various public programs that benefit millions of Lagos residents.

For informal sector taxpayers, who might not have detailed financial records, the government has introduced a presumptive tax of N10,100 (comprising N10,000 in annual tax and a N100 development levy) to facilitate their inclusion in the tax net.

Mr Subair explained that tax compliance is essential for the sustainability of public programs and services, emphasising that the Lagos State government is dedicated to offering quality and efficient services to its residents.

As part of this mission, it mandates that all taxable individuals register with the tax authority, submit their returns, and pay applicable taxes to maintain an updated TCC.

To enhance the convenience and streamline the process, LIRS has deployed staff and agents to markets and schools, establishing one-stop centres where individuals can obtain their TCC without needing to visit tax offices.

Flexible payment options, including instalment plans, are also available, though full payment must be completed before the TCC is issued, adding that the TCC of guardians will be accepted from students who do not reside with their biological parents.

“The aim is fairness, accountability, and sustainability. This policy is not about inflicting hardship, but rather ensuring that everyone, including those in the formal sector, contributes their fair share to sustain the provision of essential services,” the LIRS chief stated.

Continue Reading

Trending