Education
CATCHING THEM YOUNG’ THROUGH TECHNOLOGY TO STAY AHEAD OF COVID-19
By KEHINDE TAIWO
The coronavirus pandemic has adversely affected many countries in various ways; from the loss of lives to the congestion and exhaustion of health facilities, then the global economy which is not left out of the damage, dwindling various business and economic activities.
Many organisations have since resorted to alternative means of doing business, exploring remote working opportunities for staff including; virtual meetings, webinars and a host of other ways to ensure their adherence to the lockdown enforcement, thus limiting the physical interaction of people – one of the ways to control the spread of the virus. The ‘new normal’ has remained integral to ensuring the economy is not at a standstill, whilst the battle against the invincible enemy persists, a war that no one knows its end.
The educational sector has not been left out of the fight against the coronavirus, with schools advised to remain closed until further notice due to the dangers it poses to a community spread at very high levels. According to the World Economic Forum, “there are currently more than 1.2 billion children in 186 countries affected by school closures due to the pandemic. In Denmark, children up to the age of 11 are returning to nurseries and schools after initially closing on 12 March, but in South Korea students are responding to roll calls from their teachers online.”
Nigeria is not left out of these numbers, as an estimated 46 million schoolchildren have been affected by the closure of schools on Monday 23 March 2020.
However, whilst a handful of schools – private – have the required infrastructure to ensure its academic activities and school calendar is not adversely affected, the majority are deficient of the needed facilities, restricted to remaining hopeful on when they would be directed to resume.
Understanding the impact of education towards national development and the growth of any given economy, one of Nigeria’s leading financial institutions, First Bank of Nigeria Limited, announced its support of the Lagos State government and Roducate e-learning initiative. The initiative was noted to include the government accredited curriculum for primary, secondary and tertiary schools designed to ensure children are adequately guided and engaged through their learning experience.
This partnership is among the various ingredients by the Bank to help ensure the educational sector is not malnourished but reinforced to stay healthy for the school children, Another notable partnership in the bank’s resolve to move one million children to e-learning includes that with IBM, which is providing opportunities for the acquisition of digital skills including Coding, Artificial Intelligence and Data Science & Analytics which would promote opportunities to learn skills of the future. These measures are taken in identifying with the roles of children at securing the future of any country.
Reflecting on the words of Benjamin Franklin, thus ‘an investment in knowledge pays the best interest’ Dr. Adesola Adeduntan, CEO, FirstBank said “in keeping with who we are at FirstBank, our commitment to self-development and continuous improvement is never far from our thinking. As such we are encouraging all to consider and register for any of the excellent programmes being offered free by Ivy League schools and we are curating a list of them covering topics such as management, personal development, and entrepreneurship that would be provided in due course.
Another institution impacting education is Jos-based uLesson founded by Sim Shagaya. In an interview with techcabal, Shagaya noted that “when we launched, to solve the problem of data, we bundled our content into an SD card and dongle and shipped to the user,” Vice President, Marketing and Analytics, Al-Hassan Yusuf Junior said. “But because of COVID-19, we had to create a stream-only service for our customers.”
uLesson’s content database comprises over 3,000 richly animated, curriculum-based, personalized video learning modules, quizzes and tests in Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry and Biology tailored to help students excel in continental examinations like the West African School Certificate Exams (WAEC), GCSE, SAT and more.
Without these and other laudable support on the horizon, the problems posed by the lockdown are a threat to the educational sector in particular. Without the functioning of schools, the economy would be handicapped to explore imminent developmental opportunities. And in the current global age, infusing technology to the development of the child cannot be overemphasized and a compulsion to any meaningful government that takes the business of securing the future of its country.
This concern is in tandem with the phrase “catch them young”, a phrase I opine speaks to the curiosity of the essence of life and living by adolescents – school children – as they develop into adulthood. The teenage cycle of one is largely the defining moment in one’s behavioural pattern and attraction to ways of living which subconsciously become a lifestyle, as the child – notably teenager – is most vulnerable at this point and if not well guided is at risk of attitudinal dysfunction.
Times of India defines ‘catch them young’ as that phrase which expresses the desire of the adolescents as far as their demand for information, education and preventive programmes for enhancing positive sexual health and responsible behaviour is concerned”.
From these, I opine that the demand for information is central to the mould of a child’s behavioural pattern on all fronts as regards his or her development and with the internet being the primary source of information in the current age, children are indeed at risk of being misguided, losing focus, thus diminishing the essence of moral value.
The learning in one’s teenage years are most times manifested at adulthood, a scenario I would best illustrate with the popular computer terminology, GIGO; entailing the ‘Garbage In’ occurring at the adolescent phase and ‘Garbage Out’ at the adult phase.
At this point, the million-dollar questions to us are; as a parent, what is your child – especially the teenagers – exposed to and as an adolescent – be you a teenager or young adult – what are you exposed to?… Information indeed remains key to one’s growth and development until one’s final breath.
The internet means many things to different people, with each individual actively or transiently participating in various activities considered fun to him or her. Fun no doubt is relative!
But with today’s world being a global village, without the internet, one would be lost and subconsciously taken back to the stone-age.
What then is the Internet? According to the oxford learners dictionary, the internet is “an international computer network connecting other networks and computers from companies, universities, etc.”
The internet as a whole has indeed made the world less difficult, more fun, travelling one through the world with a press of the cell-phone screen. From the comfort of one’s bedroom, the internet could create a feeling of touring the world.
The advantages of being on the internet are unprecedented, with diverse benefits essential for ease of acclimatisation to all spheres of global activities; economically, sports, fashion and entertainment, business and of course, education. Regardless of where one is, one has the world at one’s fingertips.
The internet has been instrumental to promoting the development of children and this period of the coronavirus, when schools are not in operation has created that opportunity for kids to develop themselves and learn various skills, thereby exploring various avenues for their continued growth.
In general, the internet and technology is a coin with two sides. Its advantages, amongst which are; it serves as a connecting point for trade – regardless of business size, it bridges the gap between people, whilst being a place where information and knowledge are easily accessed amongst others– irrespective of country, culture, age or distance.
On the other hand, its disadvantages are central to one’s distraction when abused, especially without close monitoring by parents and guardians. The negatives are indeed troubling and could change the course of a child’s life forever which is why it is very pivotal for parental guidance to be closely implemented by parents through this period.
How well do you interact with your child, how often do you interact with your kids on opportunities on the internet for their continued growth, how often do you subtly check through your kids’ activities on the internet. These are just a tip of the iceberg in having children better shaped for the future.
As children spend more time, learning and exploring amazing ways of developing themselves, by activating parental guidance and control on mobile phones and computer devices, parents play the biggest role at ensuring the internet use is optimally maximised.
Without these, the child would be exposed to lots of misfits that could hinder his or her moral and educational development.
FAB Luxury Court Sets A Rare Benchmark For Excellence In Africa
~By Oluwaseun Fabiyi
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As of now, no investors, whether domestic or international, have expressed regret over investing in or partnering with Fab Luxury Court. The company’s commitment to accessibility, accountability, and transparent financial reviews sets it apart from its contemporaries, rendering it a prized asset among its extensive clientele worldwide. Thousands of customers continue to patronize Fab Luxury Court due to its impeccable integrity and visionary approach.
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Undoubtedly, partnering with and patronizing Fab Luxury Court will significantly contribute to securing your future; as you plan to associate with them in 2027, we encourage you to maintain a positive outlook and unwavering confidence in your future wealth.
Edukate Africa holds summit to tackle funding barrier in education
By Ifeoma Ikem
Edukate Africa, an edu-fintech platform is set to host the Disrupt Education Summit Africa (Disrupt ED) aimed at tackling funding barriers, skills gaps and curriculum mismatch in Nigeria’s education system.
The Director of Edukate Africa, Francis Omorojie who disclosed this to newsmen explained that the initiative was driven by the high rate of school dropouts linked largely to financial constraints, particularly at the higher institution
Omorojie said the summit scheduled for January 29 at the University of Lagos will bring together government officials, universities, financial institutions, private sector players and philanthropies to rethink education financing and prepare young Nigerians for the realities of today’s digital workforce.
He said that more than 50 percent of students who drop out of higher institutions do so because they cannot afford tuition and related costs, a situation he described as a major contributor to unemployment, brain drain and irregular migration.
“Africa’s youthful population could either become an economic advantage or a liability, depending on how well education and talent development are managed.
“Education is a fundamental need, but financial exclusion has continued to shut out many promising young people. When students drop out, it feeds unemployment and social instability.
“Our mission is to build innovative and sustainable financial models that keep young Africans in school and help them become productive,” he said.
He noted that Edukate Africa is deploying blended financing solutions that include tuition guarantees, technology driven scholarship platforms, gig and remote work opportunities for students, and partnerships with universities and philanthropies to establish endowment and alumni funds.
He said that the platform pays tuition directly to institutions after verifying students’ admission and academic records, ensuring transparency and accountability for donors.
“The summit would focus on aligning education with the fast changing nature of work, driven by digital transformation, artificial intelligence and emerging technologies as any university curricula are lagging behind workplace realities, leaving graduates ill prepared for employment.
“There is a clear disconnect between what students are taught and what employers need. This summit will create a roundtable where government, academia and the private sector can agree on the skills required for today’s economy and how to integrate them into learning.
“It will also examine education financing models, including how banks and financial institutions can design student friendly funding products, and how existing initiatives such as the Nigeria Education Loan Fund can be strengthened and scaled.’’
Omorojie added that Edukate Africa would use the summit to launch the CommUniversity Endowment Fund, a community led investment fund designed to generate sustainable returns that will be used to sponsor vulnerable students and support young entrepreneurs.
Unlike traditional grant models, he said the fund would invest in revenue generating businesses, with dividends channeled into education support and seed funding for student led startups.
He said the initiative would also promote innovation through activities such as Pitch My Dissertation, Africathon and inter university debates, encouraging students to turn academic research into commercial solutions and job creating ventures.
According to him, over 1,000 students and recent graduates are expected at the summit, with a partners’ pavilion providing employers and organisations direct access to top talent.
He added that Edukate Africa has already supported students in Nigeria, the United Kingdom and Uganda to complete their education, in some cases with relatively small amounts that made the difference between graduation and dropping out.
He said that the ultimate goal is to move beyond access to education and ensure that young people graduate with relevant skills, funding support and pathways into employment or entrepreneurship, thereby contributing meaningfully to Nigeria’s economic development.
Also speaking, Tosin Adebisi, Co-Founder of Edukate Africa said the Disrupt ED Summit was designed as a disruptive and transformative convergence that would move beyond familiar conversations to practical collaboration.
Adebisi said the summit was built around a new framework called Communiversity, which seeks to integrate universities, policymakers, industry, the third sector and students into a single ecosystem.
“Rather than everyone working in silos, Communiversity brings together policymakers, universities, industry and civil society, with students at the centre, to address access to education, the future of work and Africa’s competitiveness.
“Communiversity model would leverage alumni networks, high net worth individuals and diaspora support to unlock sustainable funding for universities.
“The summit is being organised in partnership with the University of Lagos and the University of Birmingham, with support from the Federal Ministry of Education.’’
The dignitaries that would grace the occasion include, Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa; the Provost and Vice Principal of the University of Birmingham, Professor Nick, the Chief Operating Officer of Semicolon Africa, Ms Ashley Immanuel; and the Chief Executive Officer of Sterling One Foundation, Mrs Olapeju Ibikwe
FCAIB is set to launch degree programmes in partnership with FUNAAB
IBADAN, OYO STATE, NIGERIA – In a groundbreaking move, the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB) has given the green light for the introduction of two innovative degree programmes at the Federal College of Agriculture, Ibadan (FCAIB), set to kick off in the 2025/2026 academic session.
According to an official release e-signed and made available to the media by Mrs. Wilson Oyekemi, Head of the Public Relations Unit of the institution, the newly approved programmes are B.Sc. (Home Science and Management) and B.Agric. (Agricultural Science).
As stated, the next academic session will witness the official commencement of both degree programmes, which constitutes a major breakthrough in the College’s academic development.
Established in 1921, the Federal College of Agriculture, Ibadan (FCAIB), originally known as the School of Agriculture, proudly stands as Nigeria’s and West Africa’s first agricultural institution, with a long and storied history.
The College’s roots trace further back to 1899, when Moor Plantation, Ibadan was established as a model farm to promote rubber cultivation and general agricultural improvement.
By 1905, the station evolved into an experimental research centre, focusing primarily on cotton production and other key agricultural studies.
The formal establishment of the School of Agriculture in 1921 marked the beginning of structured agricultural education in Nigeria.
Following the regionalization of education in 1954, the school relocated to its present site – where it has since grown into a formidable centre of agricultural learning and innovation.
Over the past century, the Federal College of Agriculture, Ibadan, has consistently upheld its mission of contributing to Nigeria’s agricultural development through qualitative education, skills acquisition, and the production of middle-level manpower for the agricultural sector.
The institution remains committed to empowering students with practical, hands-on skills and modern knowledge tailored to meet the evolving needs of agribusiness and food production in the 21st century.
Becoming Nigeria’s Premier Agricultural Institution, FCAIB envisions becoming the foremost agricultural education institution in Nigeria’s tertiary education system – a vision strengthened by its continued academic expansion and infastructural growth.
With over 100 years of continuous service, the Federal College of Agriculture, Ibadan has built a strong reputation as a leader in agricultural education, training, and research across the subregion.
The College currently offers a wide range of National Diploma (ND) and Higher National Diploma (HND) programmes across several disciplines, including:
National Diploma Programmes:
– Agricultural and Bio-Environmental Engineering Technology
– Agricultural Technology
– Home and Rural Economics
– Horticultural Technology
– Cooperative Economics and Management
– Science Laboratory Technology (SLT)
– Computer Science
– Food Technology
– Office Management Technology
– Library and information Science
– Multimedia Technology
– Organic Agricultural Technology
Higher National Diploma Programmes:
– Agricultural and Bio-Environmental Engineering Technology (Farm Power/Post-Harvest Technology/Soil & Water options)
– Agricultural Extension and Management
– Animal Production Technology
– Crop Production Technology
– Horticultural Technology
– Agribusiness Management
– Pest Management Technology
– Science Laboratory Technology (Microbiology Option)
These programmes are designed to blend theory with practical field experience, ensuring graduates are job-ready and self-reliant in the agricultural sector.
Beyond academic instruction, FCAIB maintains a strong emphasis on research and development, particularly in areas that directly impact food production and sustainable agricultural practices.
Recent infrastructural developments at the institution included the establishment of a Meteorological Centre, a Garri Processing Plant and an Oil Palm Processing Unit, all aimed at enhancing research, student training, and community impact.
The 9th and current Provost who doubled as the 28th Head of the 105 year-old Federal College of Agriculture, Ibadan, Prof. Jonathan Jeremiah Atungwu, a distinguished Nigerian academic Professor of Plant Nematology and an expert in Organic Agriculture and Biopesticides development with
research focus on non-chemical crop protection options, remained a focused and visionary leader.
He is Certified locally and internationally with enviable credentials, some of which include but not limited to:
– Over 100 publications in reputable outlets
– Expertise in Organic Agriculture and Biopesticides development.
– A team player with demonstrated leadership skills and experience in various capacities: Past Dean (COLPLANT) in FUNAAB and LASU, President of several professional societies.
– Membership and leadership in international and local organizations, such as ISOFAR, ISPP, NSPP, NISOP, ADAN and many more.
Prof. Atungwu is a renowned mentor for the upcoming agricultural scientists, teachers, agropreneurs, and youths.
He is happily married, and blessed with pleasant, hardworking, and disciplined children.
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