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NIGERIA’S EDUCATION STRIDES, GLOBAL ACKNOWLEDGMENT: When Evidence Travels from Jigawa

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Governing Through Hardship: How Tinubu’s Policies Targets the Poor. By George Omagbemi Sylvester | Published by SaharaWeeklyNG.com 

NIGERIA’S EDUCATION STRIDES, GLOBAL ACKNOWLEDGMENT: When Evidence Travels from Jigawa

…as President Tinubu set to commission Africa’s largest schools complex in Lagos

By O’tega Ogra

 

There is a quiet shift happening in Nigeria’s education system. You will not find it in speeches neither will you find it in long policy documents. But if you look closely, you will see it in something far more difficult to dismiss. Evidence.

Last week in San Francisco, at the Comparative and International Education Society (CIES) conference, data from classrooms in Jigawa State was presented before a global audience. Not projections. Not estimates. A record of what is happening inside a public system in Nigeria. 

That distinction matters. For years, much of what the world has understood about education in countries like ours has been assembled from a distance. National averages. Modelled estimates and reports written long after the fact. What was presented this time came from within. Attendance tracked daily. Teachers reassigned based on need. Classrooms observed as they function. All under a digitalised ecosystem.

In Jigawa, under the JigawaUNITE foundational learning digital programme, the numbers tell a simple story. Within roughly 150 days of implementation which commenced at the end of 2024, 95 previously understaffed schools were fully staffed. Pupil teacher ratio moved from 114:1 to 70:1. Daily attendance rose from 39 per cent to 77 per cent. This remarkable improvement was not achieved by expanding the workforce. It came from reorganising what already existed under a digital umbrella.

There is something instructive in that. Nigeria has never lacked policy. What we have often lacked is the discipline of execution. The ability to take what already exists and make it work as intended. That is where the real shift is beginning to show.

But it would be too convenient to reduce this to one programme.

At the federal level, the direction has also been adjusting. The Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, has placed measurable outcomes, foundational learning, and teacher quality back at the centre of policy. UBEC, the Federal Government’s Universal Basic Education body, continues to drive national interventions around school improvement and teacher development, even as it insists that reform must remain system-led and not fragmented.

The First Lady’s education interventions, through the Renewed Hope Initiative, have reinforced education as a national priority, particularly around access, learning materials, and inclusion. These are different levers, but they are part of the same ecosystem.

And then there is the fiscal reality.

Recent reforms under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu have increased allocations to subnational governments, creating more room for states to act. In a federation like Nigeria, that matters. Because education is not delivered from Abuja. It is delivered in states. In schools. In classrooms.

What Jigawa has done is to use that room and the Executive Governor of the state, the State Universal Basic Education Board, and their partners on the JigawaUNITE project, New Globe, must be given kudos.

However, Jigawa is not alone in this journey.

In Kwara, efforts to align teaching with actual learning levels are beginning to correct a structural mismatch in classrooms. In Lagos and Edo, structured pedagogy and closer monitoring are improving consistency in teaching. Across the entire ecosystem, state governments, federal institutions like UBEC, and delivery partners like NewGlobe are pushing at the same question from different angles.

How do children actually learn better?

In a prior reflection, Ifeyinwa Ugochukwu, VP at NewGlobe, captured the urgency clearly. With the right tools, training, and use of data, foundational learning outcomes can improve at scale. The real risk, she noted, is delay, allowing learning gaps to become permanent.

That warning should not be ignored because the context remains difficult. Nigeria still carries one of the largest out of school populations in the world. Learning gaps remain. Progress in one state does not resolve a national challenge, but it does something else.

It proves that movement is possible.

What was presented in Washington did not claim success. It demonstrated function. It showed that a Nigerian sub-national can generate evidence that holds up in a global room. That reform does not always require something new. Sometimes it requires using what already exists more honestly and more efficiently.

The real question now is whether this remains an exception.

Or whether it becomes a pattern.

Because reform at scale is never built on isolated wins. It is built on systems that can reproduce them.

And perhaps that is why the timing matters.

This week, another subnational, Lagos State, is expected to commission the Tolu Schools Complex in Ajegunle, a sprawling 36-school integrated facility spread across 11.7 hectares, designed to serve over 20,000 students, and described as the largest school community in Africa. 

There is a connection here that should not be missed.

On one hand, a classroom system in Jigawa is learning how to organise itself better. On the other, a state like Lagos is building the physical scale required to carry thousands of learners at once.

One is structure. The other is capacity.

Real progress sits where both meet because education reform is not only about what we build, it is about how well what we build actually works.

For once, the data was not explaining Nigeria from the outside.

It was coming from within.

And it carried weight.

Sahara weekly online is published by First Sahara weekly international. contact [email protected]

Education

FAB Luxury Court Sets A Rare Benchmark For Excellence In Africa

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FAB Luxury Court Sets A Rare Benchmark For Excellence In Africa

~By Oluwaseun Fabiyi

Fab Luxury Court distinguishes itself as the premier choice for reliable investors and proactive developers in Nigeria and Africa.While numerous real estate entities operate within the country, Fab Luxury Court stands out for its exceptional honesty and integrity, delivering on the promises showcased on its social media page to distinguished customers globally.

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.

 

*Why is Fab Luxury Court a worthwhile investment that warrants prompt consideration rather than hesitation?*

Fab Luxury Court’s security measures are exemplary and deserving of commendation, providing investors with capital protection through a robust structured framework, transparent reporting, and comprehensive legal documentation, thereby guaranteeing outstanding and secure returns.

Fab Luxury Court has further cemented its position as a leading developer and real estate powerhouse in Nigeria and Africa, currently managing several high-end estates in Maryland, Ikeja, Lagos and its surrounding areas.Fab Luxury Court demonstrates its unwavering commitment to excellence in Nigeria’s real estate sector through its best-selling estates in Ikeja.

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.

 

FAB Luxury Court Sets A Rare Benchmark For Excellence In Africa
~By Oluwaseun Fabiyi

 

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Education

Edukate Africa holds summit to tackle funding barrier in education

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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

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Education

FCAIB is set to launch degree programmes in partnership with FUNAAB

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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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