EDUCATION

Enugu Begins Transition To Smart Green Schools

Published

11 months ago

September 22, 2025

Aproko

Enugu State, Monday, ushered in a new epoch in its history and the life of the state’s children, as it officially began the transition from existing primary and junior secondary schools to Smart Green Schools, Governor Peter Mbah’s signature initiative in the South East state.

In a broadcast to usher in the new era Monday morning, Governor Mbah said the shift from old school structures and learning by memorisation to world-class infrastructure and experiential learning had become imperative to equip Enugu children with knowledge and skills to compete in the global economy, stressing that “we are no longer a state waiting to be saved – we are a state shaping the future on our own terms.”

“Africa today is the youngest continent in the world. More than 60% of our people are under the age of 25. By 2050, our population will reach 2.5 billion, and one in every three young people on earth will be an African. This is a stark reminder that our future will be built by young hands.

“This is not just a statistic; it is a summons. It means that the destiny of African nations rests on what we nurture in the minds and hearts of our children.

“If we raise them well and leave them opportunity, when they inherit tomorrow; when they own it; they will shape it and defend it. If we fail them, no amount of slogans will save us,” he stated.

Mbah said his administration’s slogan, “Tomorrow is here,” was not just a catchphrase for Enugu, but “a covenant with that future,” adding that Africa’s sovereignty rests on the quality of its human capital.

“It is the recognition that the sovereignty of our state, of Nigeria, and indeed of Africa, will be determined by the strength of our young people – their ability to think critically, to innovate, and to act with integrity.

“Our sovereignty begins in the classroom. It begins with how we choose to welcome the child into the world. And this takes time, care – and investment,” he said.

Citing his personal experience where he had to journey from “the slums of Port Harcourt, where every day was a struggle and nothing was guaranteed,” Mbah said education and resilience were his “passport to a life of possibility.”

He, however, maintained that Enugu children did not have to go through such ordeals on account of economic circumstances, insisting that education must be treated as a public right.

“At home and at school, when a community receives and educates each child as a whole human being, it is akin to public service at the deepest level.

“The habits a child rehearses – attention, curiosity, patience, empathy, self-belief – become the civic habits of our culture. A school day shaped by rhythm, responsibility, and care quietly trains the nervous system for self-regulation and the social muscle for cooperation.

“Those capacities later show up as lower violence, stronger communities, and a public square that can tolerate disagreement without tearing itself apart.

“The school, then, is not just a service; it is a commons where the human village renews itself,” he added.

Noting that the Smart Green Schools represent the most personal and transformative project of his leadership, he explained, “They are not only schools – they are my promise of a new society; my covenant with the Enugu child. In them, Tomorrow Is Here finds its truest form.

“Each of the 260 schools is designed as a complete ecosystem for learning. ‘Smart’ means integrating technology, critical thinking, and problem-solving into every subject. Each has about 25 digitally-connected modern classrooms, ICT centres, robotics and AI labs, e-libraries, and spaces for experiential learning.

“They are ‘green’ because they have renewable energy sources and smart farms where children plant, grow, and harvest, learning agriculture not as theory but as practice.

“And they are inclusive. Every child is provided with free uniforms, books, meals, and tablets. Each school has its own medical clinic, reliable water systems, and community halls that anchor the school in village life. Housing for teachers is on-site so that the best educators live within the communities they serve, ensuring continuity of care and commitment.

“Smart Green Schools are not just an investment in classrooms, but in the soul of our people. The habits a child rehearses, of curiosity and collaboration, become the civic habits of the culture. A generation raised in schools of innovation will build an economy of innovation. A generation raised in classrooms of fairness will create a politic of justice.

“So, those buildings are beyond mere bricks; we see in them children eagerly looking forward to the future.”

He said that while a child could pass through six years of schooling and still be limited to memorising theories on a chalkboard under the old system of learning, “in the new model, the classroom is a creativity hub; learning becomes experiential; theory meets practice, and knowledge is translated into tangible skills; children are able to put into practice what they have learnt.”

The governor, however, acknowledged some challenges in building the 260 new schools simultaneously, but restated his administration’s resolve to see the initiative through.

“This journey has not been easy. We know that every Smart Green School is not yet complete. There have been setbacks, delays, and challenges to overcome.

“While some schools will open today, some will open next week, and yet some more in a fortnight.

“We do not claim perfection. What we do claim is resolve.

“We set out with a bold vision, and boldness sometimes requires a little more time. But by all means, every school shall be open this term. No school’s academic calendar will be interrupted. We have planned for every contingency.

“Make no mistake: we will deliver. Because attending a Smart Green School – even if it means waiting a few more weeks – is worth it. It is the transformation of a lifetime for our children, and we ask for your patience as we finish the work. We’re doubling down on our commitment,” he assured.

He urged the communities to protect the schools as if they were their own children.

“These schools are a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to bring world-class education home to Enugu. Cherish them. Defend them. Guard them as a community. Take shared responsibility for our future, which is walking in on two small feet every time a child enters these gates.

“Support the teachers – the custodians and guardians of our future farmers, entrepreneurs, nurses, artists, engineers, lawyers, and leaders.

“They are the cornerstone of this transformation. Equipment and buildings matter, but machines do not teach; people do,” he stated.

He added that his administration has invested in continuous professional development, in mentorship programmes, and in the tools teachers need to deliver child-centred and competency-based learning.

Mbah insisted that his administration’s investment of 33 percent of the state’s budget in education was worth it, as “the wealth of human potential is the truest capital of our society.”

Related Topics:Begins Transition To Enugu Smart Green Schools

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EDUCATION

Senator Ekwunife Appreciates FCE (Technical), Umunze for Distinguished College Fellowship Award (See Pictures)

Published

5 days ago

August 15, 2026

Vincent Okoye

Distinguished Senator Uche Ekwunife, CON, has expressed appreciation to the management and entire community of the Federal College of Education (Technical), Umunze, following her conferment with the institution’s Distinguished College Fellowship Award.

The award, described as the highest honour of the institution, was conferred on Senator Ekwunife in recognition of her contributions to the development of the college and education generally.

In a statement shared on her Facebook page, @Senator Uche Ekwunife, the former lawmaker thanked the Provost, Dr. Ejezie Virginia Nonye, the management, staff, heads of departments and the entire college community for the prestigious recognition.

Ekwunife said she was deeply humbled to join the distinguished list of Fellows of the institution alongside eminent personalities who have made remarkable contributions to Nigeria.

She also acknowledged her previous interventions at the college, particularly the provision of laptops and digital devices to support teaching and learning. According to her, the intervention was driven by her conviction that education remains the foundation of sustainable development and an important investment in the future.

The Senator further expressed pride in being a product of FCE (Technical), Umunze, noting the institution’s significant contribution to human capital development and its record of producing outstanding Nigerians across different fields.

She reaffirmed her commitment to supporting the growth and development of the institution within her capacity.

Ekwunife also expressed her readiness to work with the college management and relevant stakeholders to explore further opportunities for strengthening the institution and advancing its aspiration to become a Federal University of Education (Technical), Umunze.

“Thank you for this prestigious recognition. I do not take it for granted,” she said.

This report was culled from the official Facebook page of Distinguished Senator Uche Ekwunife, CON, @Senator Uche Ekwunife.

See pictures below

EDUCATION

LASU Announces Best Graduating Students For Two Sessions

Published

1 week ago

August 12, 2026

Godwin Chi

Lagos State University has named two standout scholars as its overall best graduating students for the 2024/2025 and 2025/2026 academic sessions ahead of its combined 29th and 30th convocation ceremonies.

Ayilara Olawale of the Department of Project Management Technology emerged as the overall best graduating student for the 2024/2025 academic session with a CGPA of 4.96, graduating with First Class Honours.

Adebanjo Oluolamide of the Department of Aerospace Engineering claimed the honour for the 2025/2026 academic session with an outstanding CGPA of 4.97.

The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello, announced the results during a press conference on Wednesday, saying the university will graduate more than 20,000 students across the two sessions, including 494 first-class graduates.

Reacting to the announcement on his X handle, Olawale, who earned a B.Tech (Honours) in Project Management Technology, described the recognition as a product of divine grace.

“Grateful beyond words to graduate as the Best Graduating Student of Lagos State University, Ojo, for the 2024/2025 Session. Every victory was by Allah’s grace. Here’s to bigger dreams, impact, and a lifetime of excellence,” he wrote.

Olawale had earlier announced his graduation from LASU in November 2025, describing his academic journey as one marked by discipline, endurance and perseverance.

“Alhamdulillah for this journey. B.Tech(Hon) in Project Management Technology, Lagos State University bagged successfully.

“It’s a journey filled with discipline, sustainability, endurance and perseverance,” he wrote.

He also identified himself as a graduate of the Project1500 initiative and an alumnus of the Millennium Fellowship, LASU Cohort.

Meanwhile, Oluolamide also dedicated his achievement to God.

Before graduation, the Aerospace Engineering graduate said he was engaged in different extracurricular activities, including research and academic publication.

He celebrated his latest accolade on X, saying, “4.97 / 5.00 CGPA. First Class Honours in Aerospace Engineering at Lagos State University. Official Senate Approval.

“All glory to God for His grace, wisdom, and strength every step of the way. What God cannot do does not exist!”

Oluolamide had earlier highlighted other academic achievements from his undergraduate years.

Adebanjo Oluolamide. CREDIT: X | Oluolamide

On August 9, he disclosed that he had been named Scholar of the Year at the AESA-LASU Dinner, describing it as his second such award during his undergraduate studies.

“June 24: Officially signed out of Aerospace Engineering. June 25: Awarded Scholar of the Year at the AESA-LASU Dinner!

“Winning my 2nd Scholar of the Year title during my undergrad is the best way to close a chapter. Late nights, heavy research, and relentless focus paid off,” he wrote.

He also revealed in July that two of his research papers had been accepted for presentation at the Society of Petroleum Engineers’ NAICE 2026 conference in Lagos.

He appealed for financial assistance to attend the conference, saying ₦200,000 was needed to support his research presentation.

The two graduates are among thousands of students expected to receive their degrees as LASU holds its 29th and 30th combined convocation ceremonies from August 14 to 23.

EDUCATION

JAMB Profile Creation: The Mistakes 90% of UTME/DE Students Make

Published

1 week ago

August 12, 2026

Godwin Chi

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board has cautioned prospective candidates against costly errors when creating their profiles for the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination or Direct Entry registration.

JAMB stressed that one small mistake at the profile stage can create major problems later in the admission process.

The Board stated this in a new advisory video released under its “JAMB Explained” series and posted on its X handle on Wednesday.

The advisory, targeted at “fresh candidates”, highlighted errors in names and dates of birth as mistakes that could cause problems during the admission process.

“Before you create your JAMB profile to register for the UTME or Direct Entry, take a moment and carefully check to confirm that your name, date of birth, and any other details linked to the NIN are correct. Why?” the board said.

It explained that candidates’ details are obtained from their records with the National Identity Management Commission and are not created or edited by JAMB.

“That means if there’s any error with your name or date of birth, JAMB cannot change it after registration,” it said.

The board also cautioned candidates against assuming that obtaining an affidavit would automatically lead to the correction of their records with JAMB.

JAMB stressed the importance of ensuring that candidates’ identity details were accurate from the outset, noting that such information forms the basis of their records.

Prospective candidates are urged to ensure that their details were correct before proceeding with profile creation.

Saheed OyelakinSaheed is a journalist at Punch Newspapers with over two years of experience covering metro, technology, sports, politics, and human-interest stories. He focuses on producing clear, engaging reports across diverse beats. Saheed’s work reflects hands-on newsroom experience and a commitment to accurate and balanced journalism.

All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from PUNCH.

EDUCATION

Millions Taken, Now Returned: FG’s Shocking Move On Textbook Fees

Published

4 weeks ago

July 22, 2026

Godwin Chi

The Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council (NERDC) has announced a reduction in textbook assessment and ranking charges, directing refunds to publishers who had paid the previous higher rates.

In a statement signed by the Executive Secretary, Prof. Salisu Shehu, the Council confirmed that assessment fees have been cut from N2,000 to N1,500 per page, while ranking fees have been reduced from N1 million to N750,000 per textbook title.

Prof. Shehu emphasized that the revised charges take immediate effect and are designed to ease financial pressure on publishers and authors participating in the Federal Government’s new National Textbook Ranking System (NTRS).

He added that publishers who had already paid the old rates will receive refunds, with details of the refund process to be announced soon.

The NTRS, set to commence in September 2026, is part of the Ministry of Education’s reforms under the Renewed Hope Agenda.

The policy mandates that only textbooks assessed, approved, and ranked by NERDC will be permitted in Nigerian classrooms.

Education Minister Dr. Tunji Alausa explained that the initiative aims to eliminate substandard textbooks and ensure learners have access to high-quality, curriculum-compliant materials.

Beyond approval, every textbook will undergo rigorous national evaluation and ranking by expert committees before being recommended for schools.

The textbook ranking system joins other reforms such as nationwide learning assessments, revival of Unity College e-libraries, expansion of digital learning infrastructure, and measures to tackle learning poverty affecting an estimated 42 million Nigerian children.

Officials say the fee reduction and ranking policy will strengthen quality assurance, promote excellence in educational publishing, and guarantee that only the best instructional materials are used across Nigeria’s classrooms.

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EDUCATION

FREE SCHOOL ALERT: FG to Scrap Tuition Fees in Federal Technical Colleges

Published

1 month ago

July 20, 2026

Godwin Chi

The Federal Government has announced a review of the tuition fees for students in Federal Technical Colleges and directed a nationwide validation of students enrolled in the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) sector.

The Minister of Education, Dr Maruf Alausa, noted that the review will ensure that no student enrolled in any Federal Technical College bears the burden of paying tuition or other institutional fees that could constitute a barrier to accessing quality technical education.

Alausa made the disclosure at the T-31 student selection exercise for admission into Federal Technical Colleges.

He explained that equipping young Nigerians with technical education will empower them with skills for employment, entrepreneurship, and
national development.

“I encourage all stakeholders to work collaboratively to ensure a seamless, credible, and successful admission process. Remain guided by the principles of equity, accountability, and excellence as you select the next generation of skilled technicians and craftsmen who will contribute meaningfully to Nigerian industrial and economic transformation,” the minister urged.

On his part, the Registrar of NABTEB, Dr Mohammed Aminu, said the exercise is to ensure that candidates who sat for the 2026 National Common Entrance
Examination, NCEE, are fairly and transparently placed into technical colleges in line with Federal Ministry of Education guidelines.

On candidates’ performance, NABTEB disclosed that 10,426 candidates, representing 75.29 per cent, scored 50 per cent and above, while 5,708 candidates, representing 41.22 per cent, scored 70 per cent and above.

He noted that the admission process will be based on merit, equity, accountability, transparency and the Federal Character Principle.

“A total of 15,290 candidates registered for the examination, while 13,848 candidates eventually sat for the examination nationwide.

“The exam was conducted across 34 Federal Technical Colleges and 168 State Technical Colleges in the 36 States of Nigeria

“The selection and placement exercise will ensure that qualified candidates are offered admission based on merit, available vacancies, trade preferences and catchment considerations.”

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EDUCATION

Record Breaker: How She Became a Chartered Accountant at 13

Published

2 months ago

July 5, 2026

Godwin Chi

Osasere Okundaye, Nigeria’s youngest chartered accountant, has recounted how she began her journey with the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) at the age of 13 after finishing secondary school
early.

Okundaye spoke on Saturday during the Power Must Change Hands monthly programme at the Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries headquarters in Magboro, Ogun state.

On Monday, the 16-year-old student was announced as the country’s youngest chartered accountant.

In a statement announcing the achievement, Ayodele Olawande,
minister of youth development, congratulated Okundaye on the achievement.

“This remarkable milestone is a testament to the power of hard work, discipline, resilience and an unwavering commitment to excellence,” the minister said.

Sharing her testimony before the congregation, Okundaye said her parents encouraged her to enrol for ICAN’s accounting technicians scheme
(ATS) examinations instead of waiting until she was old enough for university
admission.

“I am 16 years old. I started this ICAN journey three years ago after finishing my secondary school early,” she said.

“My parents encouraged me to start writing the ICAN examinations through ATS instead of just waiting around until I got to the right age for university.”

According to her, the journey was particularly challenging because she did not study accounting in secondary school.

“I wasn’t an accounting student in secondary school, so the exams, especially at the first level proved very difficult, more difficult than they probably were for other people at the same level,” she said.

“But I had to put in extra effort, and with the grace of God, I was able to pass that first level. Ever since then, it has been a
success.”

The prodigy said she experienced a setback after failing one of her final examination papers last year but refused to give up.

“Last year, I failed one of my final papers, unfortunately, which I had to rewrite earlier this year in May,” she recalled.

“To the glory of God, I passed that examination, and now I can say that I am a qualified accountant of the institute at 16 years old.”

Okundaye’s feat is coming a year after Temilola Blossom Arise, an 18-year-old student at the University of Ilorin (UNILORIN), passed her professional stage examination of ICAN.

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EDUCATION

JSS-SSS Separation Is Over, FG Says

Published

2 months ago

July 1, 2026

Godwin Chi

The Federal Government has announced plans to end the policy separating Junior Secondary Schools (JSS) from Senior Secondary Schools (SSS), saying it has contributed to the rising number of children dropping out of school.

The Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, made the announcement on Tuesday in Abuja during the inauguration of the Universal Basic
Education Commission (UBEC) Ministerial Implementation and Monitoring Committee.

According to the minister, more than 20 million pupils leave school between primary education and junior secondary school, indicating that the current system is not working.

“We have 20 million dropouts from primary school to JSS. Where are those students? We also found we have 80,000 public primary schools and only about 15,000 junior secondary schools. That’s a one-to-eight ratio,” Alausa said.

He explained that the shortage of junior secondary schools has resulted in overcrowded classrooms, while many senior secondary schools remain underutilised, particularly in Kaduna and other northern states.

Alausa said the policy of operating JSS and SSS separately, with different principals and facilities, has failed.

“This disarticulation policy has failed. We will phase it out. We can’t be creating positions because we want to create a director level for people while we harm our education system. It’s about doing what is best for every Nigerian child,” he said.

The minister said the proposal to scrap the policy will be presented at the next meeting of the National Council on Education.

He added that the move is aimed at improving access to education and increasing the number of students who progress to senior secondary school.

“This government will not fail. We are fixing it,” Alaus said.

At the event, the minister also inaugurated a committee led by Prof. Rashid Aderinoye to monitor UBEC-funded smart schools, bilingual
schools and alternative schools across the country.

The committee will ensure that the schools are completed, handed over to state governments, and opened for learning.

Alausa noted that many of the schools built with public funds remain unfinished or have not admitted students, describing the situation
as a waste of government resources.

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EDUCATION

At 16: Nigerian Teen Breaks Record as Nigeria’s Youngest Chartered Accountant

Published

2 months ago

June 30, 2026

Godwin Chi

Osasere Okundaye, the 16-year-old Nigerian student, has become the youngest chartered accountant in Nigeria.

Ayodele Olawande, minister for youth development, congratulated Okundaye on the newly achieved feat in a statement on Monday.

Olawande applauded the young student for her “hard work, discipline, resilience, and commitment to excellence”.

The minister said Okundaye’s academic excellence has projected her as a beacon of “limitless potential of Nigerian youths”.

“I heartily congratulate Miss Osasere Okundaye on her outstanding achievement of becoming Nigeria’s youngest Chartered Accountant at
just 16 years of age,” the statement reads.

“This remarkable milestone is a testament to the power of hard work, discipline, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to excellence.

“Osasere has distinguished herself as a shining example of the limitless potential of Nigerian youth. Her accomplishment reminds us that with determination, dedication, and the right support, young Nigerians can break barriers, set new records, and inspire a generation to dream bigger and strive for excellence.”

The minister also appreciated the student’s parents for their support and guidance.

“I also congratulate her parents, family, teachers, mentors, and everyone who has supported and guided her journey. Their encouragement, sacrifices, and belief in her abilities have undoubtedly contributed to this exceptional success,” he added.

“As the Federal Ministry of Youth Development continues to champion policies and programmes that empower young people to realise their full potential, Osasere’s achievement reinforces our confidence that the future
of Nigeria is bright in the hands of focused, determined, and talented young
citizens.”

Okundaye’s feat is coming a year after Temilola Blossom Arise, an 18-year-old student of the University of Ilorin (UNILORIN), successfully passed her professional stage examination of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN).

Arise, a student of economics department, passed all five of
her papers to become a chartered accountant.

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EDUCATION

NECO 2026 BECE Results Are Live – See Steps to Check

Published

2 months ago

June 25, 2026

Godwin Chi

The National Examinations Council (NECO) has officially released the results of the 2026 Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE)

A total of 126,291 candidates registered for the examination, which was conducted in 12 subjects from April 20 to April 30, 2026.

The Acting Director of Information and Public Relations, Azeez Sani, announced the release in a statement on Thursday. He noted that the Award Committee, chaired by Folake David (Director of Basic Education at the Federal Ministry of Education), who represented the Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Alausa, approved the results following a meeting at NECO’s headquarters in Minna, Niger State.

The committee also set the 2026 BECE re-sit examination for July 22 and 23, 2026, specifically for Mathematics and English Studies. Candidates with conditional deficiencies in one or both subjects can use this opportunity to remedy their results. This allows them to obtain the necessary certification for admission into Senior Secondary School (SSS1) without repeating the full academic year.

The BECE serves as a crucial assessment for students completing the nine-year Basic Education programme in Nigeria and determines placement into senior secondary schools.Candidates can now check their results via the official NECO portal.

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