Education
What You Should Know About 2024 Akada Children’s Book Festival
The Nigerian literary industry has seen significant growth and expansion in recent years, with a surge in book festivals and literary events. One such event that has gained significant prominence is the Akada Children’s Book Festival (ACBF).
Since its inception, the festival has been dedicated to cultivating a passion for reading among young audiences and fostering an appreciation for literature within the Nigerian community. With just one week until the eagerly anticipated festival opens its doors for another year of literary festivities, here’s everything you need to know to prepare for this exciting event.
What exactly is the Akada Children’s Book Festival?
Established in 2019, the Akada Children’s Book Festival (ACBF) is an annual event dedicated to celebrating children’s literature, promoting reading among young audiences, and showcasing the work of local authors and illustrators. The name “Akada” comes from the Yoruba language and means “a lover of literacy and books.” ACBF is committed to providing a prominent platform for Indigenous authors while nurturing a passion for reading in young minds.
This annual event has become a key fixture on the literary calendar, highlighting both Nigerian and international literature. As the first and largest Nigerian book festival dedicated exclusively to children, ACBF offers a vibrant space for children aged 13 and below, engaging with books and storytelling, helping them develop a lifelong love for literature and creativity.
Why the Festival Matters
Children’s literacy is crucial as it lays the foundation for lifelong learning and development, ultimately empowering individuals to contribute meaningfully to society. However, a 2023 report by the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) reveals a significant challenge: 75 per cent of children aged 7 to 14 years in Nigeria cannot read simple sentences.
Addressing this need, the Akada Children’s Book Festival (ACBF) plays a pivotal role in providing children with access to quality literature and engaging reading experiences. The festival aims to spark a love for reading at an early age, support the development of essential literacy skills, and encourage a culture of reading within families and communities. The festival also plays a vital role in providing quality reading materials to children who might otherwise lack access. Its commitment to accessibility is demonstrated by the donation of over 4,206 books to schools and communities.
When and Where Will the 2024 ACBF Take Place?
The 2024 edition of ACBF will take place on Saturday, October 26, 2024, at UPBEAT Recreation Centre in Lekki, Lagos. This year’s festival theme, “Read Your Way,” emphasizes the importance of promoting literacy and fostering a reading culture among children aged 13 and below.
What to Expect from the 2024 ACBF?
The 2024 ACBF will feature an array of engaging activities that promises to delight and educate children, parents, and educators alike, including:
- Author-led book readings
- Book chats and Storytime sessions
- Book and art exhibitions
- Chess tournaments & Sip n Paint
- Professional workshops for writers, illustrators, and publishers
In addition, the festival will also highlight 32 original titles by local authors and illustrators, with special appearances by renowned figures like Atinuke, author of the Anna Hibiscus series. Additionally, there will be insightful workshops for parents, teachers, and young authors.
How to Register for the 2024 ACBF?
The event is free for all attendees. All you need to do is register. You can also follow @akadafestival on social media for updates.
The Akada Children’s Book Festival promises to be a transformative experience, uniting readers of all ages in celebration of African stories and the profound influence of children’s literature.
Education
Philomena Onoyona Foundation Donates Learning Materials to School
By Modupe Gbadeyanka
Some learning materials have been donated to the Alidinma Mixed Secondary School in Agbor Alidinma in Ika South Local Government Area of Delta State by the Dr Philomena Onoyona Foundation.
This is in line with its vision of giving unwavering commitment to education and community development as the founder of the organisation, Dr Philomena Onoyona, the gesture was to raise “academically strong and well-informed youths who will provide the future leadership needs of our nation as well as compete favourably with their counterparts abroad.”
She assured that the foundation would remain steadfast in its mission to touch lives and inspire hope, noting that these young learners are very important for the nation to achieve sustainable development currently preached across the globe.
“Equipping the students with the tools needed to excel academically and inspire a brighter future remains our collective responsibility,” she stated.
Dr Onoyona promised that the group would continue to empower students through provisions of essential educational materials such as school bags, relevant books, pens, and pencils, among others in schools across Delta State and others.
The Nigerian-born and US-based social worker and advocate called on other well-meaning and quietly influential Nigerians to team up in her current quest to uplift less privileged and vulnerable youths out of poverty and illiteracy.
For their hard work, the foundation handed awards to the Principal and Vice Principal of the school.
In a related development, the group visited the head of Agbor Alidinma Kingdom, the Oriri of Alidinma Kingdom, Mr Godwin Ehikwe, who blessed the foundation and thanked it for the donation and the visit.
Education
Teachers Praise Makinde for Mass Recruitment
By Modupe Gbadeyanka
Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has been commended for recruiting about 19,500 teachers since he assumed office about five years ago.
This commendation came from the Oyo State chapter of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) through a statement signed by its chairman, Mr Oladimeji Raji; and its secretary, Mr Salami Olukayode.
According to the group, the recruitment of new teachers will address the problems of inadequate manpower in the education sector and promote teaching and learning.
The leadership of the union thanked the Governor for employing 14,500 qualified teachers within one and a half years of his second term, and 5,000 teachers in his first term, into the teaching service of Oyo State through Oyo State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) and the Teaching Service Commission (TESCOM).
“Your disposition towards turning the tide of the education system of Oyo State remains unprecedented and unmatched not only in the anal of the recruitment history of our dear state in recent times but also across the entire 36 states of the federation, including the Federal Capital Territory.
“Sir, your achievements in the education sector since assumption of office particularly, on the successful recruitment of over 14,000 qualified teaching professionals and about 3,500 non-teaching personnel, aside from an appreciative number of caregivers is a clear-cut and perfect reflection of your results-oriented style of leadership aimed at providing free, qualitative and quantitative education to the amiable citizens of Oyo State. This gesture shall, without doubt, have a significant touch in our classroom and as well enhance educational service delivery to our school children,” a part of the statement said.
Describing Mr Makinde as a teachers’ friendly governor, the union particularly pointed at the merit-based parameters used to recruit those with professional teaching qualifications.
“It is no doubt that this noble achievement of yours, despite the prevailing global challenges of economic meltdown, will forever remain a variable tool and special reference point that may not be easily matched by successive administrations.
“Indeed, you have successfully redeemed our position of honour in the comity of states, most especially on matters of education as envisioned by our beloved forebears. Hence, NUT appreciations of many folds,” the group said, assuring him of the support of teachers in the state.
Education
Binance, AltSchool to Reward African Youth Talent With Scholarships
By Adedapo Adesanya
Top cryptocurrency exchange, Binance, has announced a partnership with AltSchool Africa to provide full-tuition scholarships to 500 young Africans for next year.
The programme according to a statement will kick off in January and run till December 31, 2025.
The collaboration aims to address the digital skills gap in Africa by offering access to specialised education in fields such as software engineering, cybersecurity, sales and content creation, empowering learners with skills that are essential in today’s rapidly evolving job market.
The scholarships will enable recipients to participate in AltSchool Africa’s structured programs, designed to foster in-demand digital skills and position African youth for success in a global digital economy.
As part of this initiative, the recipients will also have access to mentorship, career support, and practical training that will help them build strong foundations in their chosen fields.
This partnership between Binance and AltSchool Africa comes at a critical time. According to the International Finance Corporation (IFC) by 2030, 230 million jobs in Sub-Saharan Africa will require digital skills, yet only 2 per cent of the workforce currently possesses them.
“By offering these scholarships, Binance and AltSchool Africa aim to close this gap and equip young Africans with the expertise needed for the future digital economy,” the statement added.
Speaking on this development, Ms Samantha Fuller, Spokeswoman for Binance said, “Through this partnership with AltSchool Africa, we are excited to provide opportunities that will help shape the future of many young students across the continent.”
“Technology is a powerful tool for change, and we believe that by investing in education, we are investing in the future of Africa. Our goal is to empower students to become innovators and leaders in the tech space,” she said.
Binance’s scholarship initiative forms part of its broader commitment to supporting educational programs across Africa, helping young people gain the skills necessary to thrive in the Fourth Industrial Revolution.
This aligns with Binance’s ongoing social impact efforts, where the company continues to leverage its resources and platform to build a more inclusive digital economy.
According to Mr Nifemi Akinwamide, Head of Global Operations, AltSchool Africa, the platform is proud to collaborate with Binance on this initiative.
“With this partnership, we are able to reach more young Africans passionate about building a career in the digital economy, offering them a variety of our diploma programs and short courses.
“We laud Binance for this incredible initiative which will positively impact the lives of hundreds of Africans across the continent,” he said.
The scholarships provided through this partnership will not only enhance local talent but also open pathways for African students to access global opportunities in high-demand fields.
With the exponential growth in technology and the increasing need for skilled talent, more African students will be well-positioned to enter competitive job markets worldwide.
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