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NGO advocates Better investment in education to secure Nigeria’s future

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By Abubakar Yunusa

A non-governmental education organization, Beta Nigeria, has called on the government to urgently increase budgetary allocations for the education sector to secure the country’s future.

Beta Nigeria made the call at a roundtable discussion with civil society organizations, journalists, and other key stakeholders to amplify the demand for educational reform in Abuja.

The NGO noted that investments in education will translate to the creation of a skilled workforce, economic growth, and innovation in the long term for the country.

Speaking with journalists on the sidelines of the event, the National Lead for Beta Nigeria, Abdulsalam Badamasi, stated that the organization will engage the governments at all levels in ensuring that the menace of out-of-school children is tackled.

“We are expanding the framing in the education conversation; we are bringing in new voices, and in the process of bringing in new voices who are going to ensure that part of it,” he said.

“We call on our politicians, service providers, agencies, and parents to come together to see how they can increase the certain level of commitment and investment in education.

“We believe that once that increased investment is realized in education, then most of the problems and issues in education can be resolved.

Speaking on inclusivity, he said, “Our campaign is going to be very inclusive and is going to factor in the voices of persons with disabilities, the voices of women, and also, of course, the voices of anybody that cares about education.

“The roundtables culminated Beta Nigeria’s first efforts, launched in January 2024, proving there was public interest in the initiatives and its potential to revitalize the Nigerian education system.

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“Our dynamic, youthful population is full of potential,” emphasized the group’s declaration developed during the roundtables, “but the crisis in our education system means millions face a bleak future. When all of Nigeria’s children are going to school, staying in school, and learning more, we will build a more resilient, more secure, more prosperous country.”

Also, the former Special Adviser to President Muhammadu Buhari on Social Investment, Maryam Uwais, emphasized the importance of advocacy because many issues regarding education relate to behavioral change.

According to her, people need to change their approach towards convincing parents, communities, religious, or faith-based leaders to engage with the value of formal education.

“I think this is a very good effort, and nothing is too much to get all our children back into school,” she said.

Speaking on out-of-school children, she explained that, “We need to find the words, sensitivities that culture, we need to bring it into our advocacy and campaign to engage with them and make them understand that it’s just a different kind of education that is critical for their children to grow and thrive in today’s world.

“Today’s context insists that we must have numeracy and the alphabets and a good understanding of that if we are going to even have skills.

“We need to sell our products in the market. If we leave the children to just one form of education, then they are going to be the ones that have been left behind, and there’s just so much more to formal education.

“The children grow networks, they have people to fall back on, they learn hygiene, they learn about nutrition, there’s so much more.”

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Education

INEC: Petition for Natasha’s recall yet to meet constitutional requirement

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Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has said the petition to recall Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan from the Senate has yet to meet constitutional requirement.

The commission stated this in a short notice posted on its X platform.

“The petition for the recall of the Senator representing the Kogi Central Senatorial District has not met the requirement of Section 69(a) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended),” the notice said.

The commission, however, said that details of why the petition had not met the constitutional requirement would be made available shortly.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that a group of registered voters from Akpoti-Uduaghan’s senatorial district had, on March 24, submitted a petition to INEC, urging it to commence her recall process from the senate.

The constituents, in the letter signed by the Lead Petitioner, Salihu Habib, and submitted at INEC headquarters, said they no longer had confidence in Akpoti-Uduaghan as their senator and representative in the National Assembly.

Meanwhile, INEC had, on March 25, confirmed the receipt of the petition, accompanied by six bags of documents said to be signatures collected from more than half of the 474,554 registered voters from the senatorial district.

The commission also said that it had notified the suspended senator about the receipt of the petition to recall her from the national assembly. (NAN)

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NBM Donates Educational Materials To Schools In Ogun State

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In a bid to contribute to educational advancement and development, the Neo-Black Movement (NBM) of Africa, Obafemi Owode Sub Zone, under the Ogun Region, has donated educational materials to selected government primary schools in the Obafemi Owode Local Government Area of Ogun State.

The initiative aligns with the Support-A-School-Child Project, spearheaded by the national leadership of NBM, aimed at bolstering education across Nigeria.

The donation was presented by Ambassador Tehinse Olanrewaju Ayoola on behalf of the Obafemi Owode Sub Zone.

Speaking at the event, Ayoola emphasised that the gesture would be an ongoing effort, particularly considering that Obafemi Owode is the largest local government area in Ogun State.

He urged students to remain focused on their studies while steering clear of cultism, drug abuse, and other social vices.

According to him, guiding young students in the right direction is crucial in preventing them from straying onto the wrong path.

The beneficiaries expressed their gratitude to NBM of Africa, Obafemi Owode Sub Zone, for their support and prayed for the continued growth of the movement.

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TETFund to Launch 18 New Innovation Hubs Across Nigeria

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The Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) has unveiled its initiative to establish 18 new Innovation Hubs in tertiary institutions throughout Nigeria in 2025. This effort aims to bolster the nation’s research and innovation landscape.

During the closing ceremony of the 30th Cohort of the Research for Impact (R4i) initiative, held at the Innov8 Technology Hub in Abuja, TETFund’s Executive Secretary, Arch. Sonny Echono, shared the details of this ambitious project.

Echono emphasized that this initiative reflects TETFund’s dedication to nurturing a culture of problem-solving research, entrepreneurship, and technological progress. He highlighted the critical role of education and research in fostering national development and sustainable growth.

The R4i program, developed in partnership with Innov8 Technology Hub, is designed to enhance the capabilities of researchers and academics, empowering them to conduct innovative research that directly addresses societal challenges.

The Fund is committed to institutionalizing Research & Development (R&D) within Nigerian universities and fostering connections between research and industry. Echono explained that the phased establishment of Innovation Hubs and Entrepreneurship Centres will enable participants to apply their skills continuously and mentor others in their innovative endeavors.

He acknowledged the importance of research in enhancing the quality of life in the nation and expressed gratitude to Innov8 for its collaboration in transforming the innovation ecosystem. Participants were encouraged to leverage their training to develop impactful innovations for their institutions and communities.

“I am pleased to recognize the impressive commitment displayed by participants of previous cohorts during their training, which led to significant innovations addressing various societal needs,” Echono remarked.

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He also noted that several innovations from prior editions were showcased at the inaugural TETFund National Research Fair/Exhibition in November 2024, and he expressed confidence that the current cohort would similarly demonstrate their innovative outputs.

Echono detailed the phased funding approach for establishing Innovation Hubs and Entrepreneurship Centres, stating that the first phase will involve 12 institutions under the 2023 intervention, followed by 18 institutions in the 2024 intervention, and another 18 in 2025.

“These facilities will empower program participants to implement what they have learned at the innovation hubs and guide others,” he added.

Professor Idris M. Bugaje, Executive Secretary of the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), also addressed the audience, underscoring the necessity of patenting innovations and registering trade names for intellectual property protection. He urged Nigerian polytechnics to spearhead practical innovation by applying scientific principles to develop products and technologies that could enhance Nigeria’s technological status.

Bugaje criticized the country’s dependence on foreign manufactured goods, such as vehicles and electronics, and called for a shift towards local production. He cited examples from Rwanda and Uganda, encouraging polytechnics to promote teamwork and take proactive measures to demonstrate Nigeria’s innovative capabilities, thereby contributing to the national economy.

“I believe many of the innovations you have showcased are patentable, as securing patents is a crucial step in innovation. You must protect your ideas and discoveries. Furthermore, if any names have been proposed, trade name registration is also essential,” he stated.

He emphasized the urgent need for innovation in Nigeria, reminding attendees that despite being one of the world’s largest economies, Nigeria lacks a recognizable indigenous technology. “This training is vital as it fosters teamwork, which is integral to the innovation process,” he concluded.

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Mr. Edward Singhatey, Director at Innov8 Hub, encouraged participants to take the knowledge gained back to their institutions and share it with their students to foster innovation. “We must focus on commercializing our research,” he urged, motivating attendees to utilize the resources at their disposal effectively.

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