Education
Stakeholders Laud New Oyo Education Policy
By Modupe Gbadeyanka
Oyo State government has been commended by stakeholders in the education industry for its firm approach towards reclaiming the lost glory of the state education sector as well as improving its quality to meet new and higher performance targets saying that the new education policy was a positive step in the right direction.
The stakeholders, who were part of the guests at the Town Hall Meeting held at the International Conference Center, University of Ibadan on Thursday where the new education policy was launched by Governor Abiola Ajimobi, said that government’s resolution to create Schools Governing Boards (SGB) that will provide management functions for each secondary school in the state would revive the education sector.
Mr Ajimobi, while launching the new education policy, said his administration had resolved to rebuild the education sector to put a stop to poor academic performance by public school students, stressing that the condemnation against students arsonists should be collective as the burning and destruction of classrooms and school properties were acts that even parents should not condone.
He said that the newly introduced SGB in the State would serve as a bridge between the government and the community in the management of various public secondary schools in the state, stressing that the SGB would be managed by various stakeholders of each school which includes community leaders, old students associations, principals and head boys/girls of each school.
According to him, “It is shameful that Oyo State that hosts the first university in the country is performing woefully in public examinations but we should all join hands together to revamp our education sector. For us to get this work done, we should all come together and condemn the criminal tendencies in our students as they burned classrooms and destroyed public properties while protesting against the policy against mass promotion.”
“I appreciate the efforts and enthusiasm of everybody here and I am of no doubt that you are all willing to support Government in repositioning education among other sectors in the State. I have no doubt that our reposition, restoration and transformation programmes have been accepted by everybody. I assure you that we will be transparent and accountable in our programmes and activities. I assure you that we will also carry you along in our programmes,” the Governor pledged.
Mr Ajimobi called for an all-inclusive stakeholders support, stressing that the state government is open to support from other sources for the development of education in the state.
“Oyo State government is open to your support in the education sector. Let all old students within and outside the country join hands together to uplift their alma-mata, and if community leaders or a community wishes to contribute their quota to a school within their community, it is a welcome development. These are ways by which we can develop our education sector,” he said.
Governor Ajimobi assured his audience that the crisis at the Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso (LAUTECH) would soon be over as the fact finding panel set up by the governments of Osun and Oyo to resolve the imbroglio would submit its report before the end of month.
The SGB Model of Oyo State was hailed by many for its far-reaching inclusiveness which comprised of lead stakeholders like parents, teachers association, old students association representative, nonpartisan community leader, school’s head boy/girl, principal, Local inspector of education and representative of local government or Local Community Development Area (LCDA) and the believe that the control of schools would not rest only on government but also on the parents and society at large.
The Onpetu of Ijeru, Oba Sunday Adediran, commended the efforts of Oyo State government in finding solutions to what he called the fall in standard of education in the State, describing the State governor as a good leader that always proffered uncommon solutions for the growth of education and overall progress of the State.
“A good parent will not sit aside and watch things deteriorate and it is worthy to appreciate the Oyo State governor who, like a good parent, has put in strategic solutions to counter the present deteriorated state of education in the State. Education growth is tantamount to growth in every other sector of the society as it is a propeller that helps move the society at large to the promised land,” the Onpetu who spoke on behalf of other traditional rulers added.
In his own comments, the President-General of Nigerian Football Supporters Club, Chief Rafiu Oladipo, said that he was a 1967 product of Oke ‘Badan High School, noting that the alumni of the school did not wait for government alone to improve the structures in the school as the body (Oke Badan Alumni) had revamped the infrastructural facilities in the school.
The State Chairman, Parents, Teachers Association (PTA), Alhaji Abiodun Jimoh described the state government’s steps at restructuring the education sector as laudable and consequently pledged their support for the success of the new education policy.
Speaking, the Secretary of Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) Comrade Niyi Akano said that the teachers’ union was particularly happy when the State government gazetted the School Governing Board Model as the body (NUT) had been part of the program’s initiation, calling on the government to increase the level of in-service training for teachers towards capacity improvement and due process in recruitment to ensure quality.
A stakeholder, Mr Bayo Fasasi gave a thumb up for the government’s resolve to confront the rot in the education sector, urging parents to supports the government’s efforts to turn around education in the state.
By Modupe Gbadeyanka
The monthly subvention to the Edo State University, Iyahmo, has been increased to N250 million from N100 million by the state governor, Mr Monday Okpebholo.
A statement issued on Monday by the Chief Press Secretary (CPS) to the Governor, Mr Patrick Akhere Ebojele, said a grant of N2 billion has also been approved to improve infrastructure in the institution.
Speaking at the commissioning of an e-library and the flagging off of a fitness centre and a health facility in the school, Mr Okpebholo said the funding support is to strengthen the institution’s capacity and improve learning conditions.
“Today is a great day for Edo State University, Iyamho. Since assuming office, our administration has remained committed to repositioning the education sector in Edo State.
“The Ehi Aganmonmen Business Administration E-Library, the Peter Omoh Dunia Fitness Centre, and the Edo State University Health Centre are clear symbols of progress, partnership, and shared responsibility in advancing education and health in Edo State,” he said.
Governor Okpebholo further acknowledged the collective support from stakeholders, including a parent who volunteered to sponsor the architectural designs and the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Adetimirin, who donated one month of his salary.
“If you, the vice chancellor, can donate your salary, why will the Edo state government not donate towards the university projects they are carrying out? On this note, the Edo State government will give you (the school) N2 billion,” he declared.
“I also understand that a parent has offered to sponsor the designs, and our amiable Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Adetimirin, has donated his one-month salary to support the projects. These are not small things — these are sacrifices that speak louder than words,” he added.
On healthcare infrastructure, the Governor expressed support for the university’s plan to upgrade its medical facility.
“I commend the university for the new Health Centre to replace the existing sick bay. This is an important step toward providing better healthcare services to our university community. I assure you of our continued support as we work together to bring this vision to reality,” the Governor said.
He charged students of the institution to use the facilities well, and tasked the university management to “ensure proper maintenance and sustainability of these facilities.”
By Adedapo Adesanya
Forty-five student-led ventures emerged as beneficiaries of a total pool of N2.2 billion in grants at the 2026 Student Venture Capital Grant (S-VCG) Finalist Bootcamp.
The programme of the federal government marks a significant boost to youth innovation under its entrepreneurship drive, announced earlier this year.
At the bootcamp’s closing ceremony and awards presentation held at the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) office in Ikoyi, Lagos, the winners emerged after a rigorous selection process involving 65 finalists and assessment by a 12-member expert panel.
Speaking at the event, the Minister of Education, Mr Tunji Alausa, said the initiative underscores the government’s commitment to transforming tertiary institutions into centres of innovation, entrepreneurship and practical problem-solving.
He described the S-VCG programme as a key pillar of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, aimed at enabling students to convert ideas into viable businesses.
Mr Alausa noted that each beneficiary can access up to N50 million in equity-free funding, alongside mentorship, incubation support and digital tools.
He added that the programme attracted more than 30,000 applications from 404 tertiary institutions nationwide, reflecting the growing culture of innovation among Nigerian youth.
Also speaking, the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Mr Bosun Tijani, commended participants for leveraging technology to develop solutions to real-world challenges.
He urged them to build scalable, tech-driven ventures capable of contributing to national development.
Also speaking, Minister of State for Education, Mrs Suwaiba Sa’id Ahmad, praised the finalists’ resilience and creativity, noting that initiatives like S-VCG are critical to nurturing problem-solving skills and fostering an entrepreneurial mindset among students.
Chairman of the Senate Committee on Tertiary Education and TETFund, Mr Muntari Dandutse, called for sustained investment in youth innovation to strengthen Nigeria’s knowledge-based economy.
On his part, the National Project Coordinator of the Special Programmes Operations and Implementation Unit, Mr Adebayo Onigbanjo, outlined the structure and long-term objectives of the programme, stating that it is designed to equip students with the resources and confidence needed to build sustainable ventures.
By Adedapo Adesanya
The University of Jos has suspended all examinations scheduled for Monday and Tuesday following growing tension in Jos, after a deadly attack in Anguwan Rukuba, Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State.
The management of the institution also advised students and staff to remain indoors and stay vigilant.
According to reports, the attackers, who rode on motorcycles, stormed the community at about 7:30 pm while residents were going about their normal activities, firing indiscriminately and causing panic.
Many people were killed, while several others sustained injuries in the attack.
“The attackers just rode past and started shooting sporadically. People were running in different directions,” a source told Channels Television.
The broadcaster also reported that in the aftermath of the attack, angry youths reportedly blocked major roads within the community, raising fears of escalating tension.
UniJos, in a statement issued on Sunday by the Deputy Registrar, Information and Public Relations, Mr Emmanuel Madugu, said the incident had heightened tension, necessitating the decision.
“In view of the late evening fatal attacks by unknown gunmen on residents of Angwan Rukuba (an area that hosts many staff and students of the University), and the consequential tensions it has generated in and around the area and environs.
“The Vice Chancellor has directed that all examinations scheduled to hold on Monday, March 30, and Tuesday, March 31, 2026, are postponed, and will be rescheduled accordingly. That members of the University community be advised to be very vigilant and extra careful with their movements (On and off Campus) with IMMEDIATE EFFECT.
“For emphasis, members are strongly advised to AVOID COMING OUT VERY EARLY IN THE MORNING, and should REPORT IMMEDIATELY any sign or shadow of breach of the public peace to the University Security Division on 08035895323.
“University Management is actively liaising with the relevant Security agencies and monitoring the situation to ensure the safety of the lives of members of the University community. Further relevant updates will be communicated in due course,” the deputy registrar added.
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