National
UBEC boost capacity of head teachers, education officers on effective sch mgt
The Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) has concluded a 5-day training for head teachers and educational officers on effective school management in the 21st century.
The training was held in Benin City, the Edo State capital, for head teachers, education officers, and principals of Junior Secondary Schools with the theme, “Effective School Management in the 21st Century.”
The training was organized by UBEC in collaboration with the National Institute for Educational Planning and Administration (NIEPA) and the Edo State Government.
Speaking in one of the sessions, representative of the Acting Director General/Chief Executive of NIEPA, and senior Research Fellow of the Institute, Dr. Sunday Adegbesan, described education as an instrument for national development and social change in the National Policy on Education.
He noted that “the development of a nation depends on the quality of education provided for its citizens. It passes through different stages of development and is influenced by developments in science and technology.
“The quest for national development and the need to meet global changes led to reforms in policy and curriculum changes to meet the development needs. These changes are affected by curriculum and schooling. (The Asian Tigers have become a force to reckon with in the world of technology, computers, electronics, handsets, and automobiles, and they can feed themselves. What makes the difference is education.)”
According to him, to achieve the national goals on education various interventions should be put in place, including but not limited to the Teacher Professional Development, Universal Basic Education Act (2003), which makes basic education free, compulsory, and universal, provision of instructional facilities, Child rights acts, and curriculum review, among others
He further said, “The first phase of this workshop was held in Nasarawa, Gombe, and Kano States, representing the North Central, North East, and North West, respectively, while the second phase is taking place in Ondo, Ebonyi, and Edo States, representing the South West, South East, and South-South, is taking place simultaneously. Through this workshop, participants will be exposed to the following topical issues, among others: Effective school management in the 21st century, Roles of school heads in school management in the 21st century, School culture, Instructional leadership, Safe and violence-free schools, Climate change, Team building and collaborative problem-solving, Records and records management, and Stress management and mental health.
On her part, the Executive Chairman, Edo State Universal Basic Education Board, Mrs. Salami Ozavize, commended the organizer of the workshop for choosing Edo State as one of the centers in South-South geopolitical zones, noting that this was a testament to the progress made in education sector particularly the training and retraining of teachers in the state.
The chairman who was represented by the Edo State Universal Basic Education Board Training Desk Officer, Mrs Amarachi Itenebe, noted, “I am thrilled to see so many dedicated professionals coming together to learn, share, and grow. I want to thank each of you for your enthusiasm, commitment, and passion. Your presence here is a testament to your dedication to excellence and your desire to make a positive impact.”
In her remarks, the Edo State Coordinator, Universal Basic Education Commission, Mrs, Gloria Lawani, commended the organizers and sought for further collaboration.
The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, and the Chairman of the Miners Association of Nigeria, Engr Dele Ayanleke, are expected to headline a national workshop aimed at addressing the growing challenges of illegal mining and mineral smuggling.
Scheduled to take place from 29 to 30 April 2025 at the Nicon Luxury Hotel in Abuja, the event is being organised by Allied Bond Consulting.
It is expected to bring together policymakers, security chiefs, and industry stakeholders to discuss strategies for securing mining sites and fostering sustainable development within mining communities.
In a statement jointly signed by the Chairman of the Organising Committee, Ahmed Yahya, and the Workshop Coordinator, Willie Tawo, the organisers said the two-day event would focus on “articulating pragmatic strategies and proactive measures to combat the menace of illegal mining and smuggling.”
The workshop also aims to promote international best practices in mining operations, enhance security at mining sites, and explore how the sector can attract further investment and serve as a catalyst for Nigeria’s economic diversification.
Participants will deliberate on creating a stable, secure environment for mining, promoting peaceful coexistence in host communities, and using the solid minerals sector as a platform for building the country’s industrial base.
National
Princess Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire Congratulates Otunba Olufemi Pedro on LASU Honorary Doctorate
The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Sustainable Development Goals (SSAP-SDGs), Princess Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire, has congratulated former Deputy Governor of Lagos State, His Excellency, Otunba Olufemi Pedro, on the conferment of an Honorary Doctorate Degree by the Lagos State University (LASU), Ojo.
The honorary degree is being awarded as part of the institution’s 28th Convocation Ceremony, scheduled to hold on Thursday, 10th April 2025, at the Buba Marwa Auditorium, Main Campus, Lagos.
In a statement released on Wednesday by her Special Assistant on Media, Publicity and Strategic Communications, Desmond Utomwen, Princess Orelope-Adefulire described the honour as “well-deserved and long overdue,” noting that Otunba Pedro’s life and career reflect a legacy of excellence, innovation, and integrity in both the public and private sectors.
“Otunba Pedro’s remarkable journey—spanning the financial sector and public service—is a shining example of visionary leadership and selfless dedication to national development,” the statement read.
“As former Deputy Governor of Lagos State, he played a pivotal role in laying the foundations for the fiscal reforms that have contributed immensely to the state’s economic growth and transformation.”
Princess Orelope-Adefulire further stated that the conferment by LASU is not just a recognition of Pedro’s achievements, but an affirmation of the enduring values he represents: humility, integrity, and service to humanity.
She commended the Lagos State University for recognising one of its most distinguished alumni, adding that the honour would serve as motivation for emerging leaders and professionals across Nigeria and beyond.
“This award is a timely reminder that true greatness is measured not only by accomplishments, but by the positive impact one has on people, institutions, and society at large,” she added.
She prayed for God’s continued guidance, strength, and good health for Otunba Pedro as he continues to contribute meaningfully to the development of Lagos State, Nigeria, and the global community.
A civil society organisation in Zamfara State has strongly criticised Governor Dauda Lawal, accusing him of gross incompetence and failure to secure the lives and property of the citizens under his watch.
In a scathing statement signed by the group’s Publicity Secretary, Dr Suleiman Ibrahim Usman, the organisation alleged that Governor Lawal has abandoned his responsibilities, choosing instead to blame his predecessor, Dr Bello Matawalle, for the state’s persistent security challenges.
“Governor Lawal has failed woefully in his primary duty of safeguarding the people of Zamfara,” the group said.
“Rather than tackle the escalating insecurity, he spends his time pointing fingers at his predecessor, all while living lavishly and ignoring the plight of his people.”
The group criticised what it described as the governor’s “luxurious lifestyle”, claiming that while communities in the state suffer from hunger, sickness, and fear of bandit attacks, Governor Lawal is busy acquiring exotic vehicles.
“It is disgraceful for a leader of a traumatised state to indulge in such extravagance,” the statement read.
The statement further accused the governor of mismanaging the state’s increased federal allocation and internal revenue, questioning what tangible security investments have been made since he assumed office.
“Under Governor Matawalle, despite limited funds, security agencies received over 200 Hilux vehicles and motorcycles. What has Governor Lawal done with the increased allocation?” the group queried.
The civil society group also criticised the ongoing road projects in the state, describing them as mere reconstructions of long-standing roads rather than the development of new infrastructure.
“These are not new roads; they are just politically motivated renovations focused mostly on his own local government area,” the statement alleged.
It condemned aides of the governor for attacking the current Minister of State for Defence, Dr Bello Matawalle, saying he had contributed to improved security in the state.
“Thanks to Matawalle’s interventions, many villages are now able to sleep with both eyes closed, and farming activities are gradually returning,” Dr Usman claimed.
“It is only hypocrites or those who have never stepped foot in Zamfara that would commend this administration. We challenge anyone to visit the state and see the suffering of the people firsthand.”