Education
CASER LAUNCHES NATIONAL SECONDARY SCHOOL ESSAY COMPETITION IN HONOUR OF PRINCE NDUKA OBAIGBENA
The Citizens Advocacy for Social and Economic Rights (CASER) has announced the launch of the National Secondary School Essay Competition in honour of Prince Nduka Obaigbena, Chairman of the ThisDay/ARISE Group. The competition aims to inspire secondary school students across Nigeria to develop strong writing skills, critical thinking, and a deep commitment to truth, the core principles of responsible journalism.
In a statement, Otunba Gbenga Onayiga, Chairman, Board of Trustees, CASER, said the initiative celebrates Prince Obaigbena’s enduring contributions to the advancement of excellence in journalism and broadcasting across the African continent. Onayiga emphasized the importance of guiding young minds back to the values of integrity, clarity, and accuracy in expression.
The essay competition will be judged exclusively by Professor Abiodun Adeniyi, a Professor of Communication and Registrar of Baze University, Abuja. Professor Sunny Awhefada, a scholar from the Department of English and Literary Studies at Delta State University, Abraka, developed the evaluation criteria.
The top three winning essays will receive cash prizes of ₦500,000, ₦300,000, and ₦200,000 for first, second, and third place, respectively. Winners will be announced and awarded on July 14, 2025, coinciding with Prince Obaigbena’s birthday anniversary.
The maiden edition of the competition will be exclusive to students of Government College Ughelli (GCU), the alma mater of Prince Obaigbena. A Local Organising Committee (LOC) has been constituted to coordinate the competition. Frank Tietie, Executive Director, CASER, said the LOC will commence its duties immediately to ensure the successful implementation of the competition. Onayiga expressed optimism about the competition’s potential impact, while Tietie noted that the event would help develop critical thinking and writing skills among young Nigerians.
The Edo State Police Command has arrested students involved in a viral bullying incident at Igbinedion Education Centre, following widespread public outrage.
Police authorities confirmed that all individuals linked to the incident have been identified and taken into custody, with plans to charge them in a family court in line with juvenile justice and child protection laws.
The case gained national attention after disturbing videos surfaced online showing a student being physically assaulted by fellow students. In one of the clips, the victim was reportedly beaten, kicked, and humiliated while others watched and recorded the incident.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the violence stemmed from an earlier altercation between students. Authorities said a disagreement involving offensive remarks escalated into physical attacks, with a cycle of retaliation contributing to the incidents captured on video.
The Edo State Police spokesperson stated that the arrests followed a “thorough and painstaking investigation,” adding that all suspects would face legal proceedings in accordance with the law.
In response to the incident, the police have also intensified the “Operation Safe Schools” initiative across the state to address gaps in supervision and prevent similar occurrences.
The school management had earlier taken disciplinary action by expelling students directly involved, while the Edo State Ministry of Education condemned the act, describing it as unacceptable and contrary to the values of discipline and safety expected in schools.
Authorities have urged parents, guardians, and school administrators to take greater responsibility in guiding students and ensuring that grievances are handled through proper channels rather than violence.
Amnesty Programme Boosts Education: 220 Nigerians Studying in UK, 8,000 Enrolled Locally
The Federal Government has disclosed that no fewer than 220 Nigerians are currently studying in the United Kingdom under the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), while over 8,000 beneficiaries are pursuing various academic programmes within Nigeria.
Established in 2009, the Presidential Amnesty Programme was designed to address militancy in the Niger Delta by disarming and rehabilitating former agitators. Over time, the initiative has evolved into a comprehensive platform focused on education, skills acquisition, and empowerment to promote sustainable peace and development in the region.
Under the scheme, beneficiaries receive fully funded scholarships covering tuition, accommodation, monthly stipends, and book allowances for both undergraduate and postgraduate studies.
Participants are drawn from key Niger Delta states, including Abia, Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, Edo, Imo, Ondo, and Rivers.
In 2025 alone, the programme sponsored 161 beneficiaries for postgraduate studies in the United Kingdom, with an additional 34 deployed to various UK universities for the 2025–2026 academic session.
Administrator of the programme, Dennis Otuaro, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to expanding the initiative, with a renewed focus on critical and emerging fields such as data science, cybersecurity, and energy law.
According to him, the goal is to build a knowledge-driven Niger Delta by equipping beneficiaries with relevant global skills that can contribute to national development.
The programme continues to play a key role in transforming lives and fostering stability in the oil-rich region, while also positioning Nigerian youths for global competitiveness.
Dr. Maruf Alausa, Minister of Education, is in London alongside senior government officials to receive President Bola Tinubu ahead of high-level meetings aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s education and skills development sector.
During the visit, Dr. Alausa underscored the launch of the second phase of Nigeria’s Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) reform programme, emphasizing strategic partnerships with international institutions, investors, and development organizations, including Big Win Philanthropy.
The reform initiative seeks to reposition technical education as a key driver of youth employment and economic growth, addressing the country’s long-standing challenges of graduate unemployment and skills mismatch. Discussions are set to include collaboration with University of Birmingham and Coventry University, with the aim of enhancing research, faculty exchange, and the establishment of a full campus in Nigeria to improve access to international-standard higher education.
Dr. Alausa noted that strengthening global partnerships is critical to reversing the outflow of Nigerian students abroad, attracting foreign investment, and boosting local capacity in education and technical skills.
Officials say the outcomes of the London engagements are expected to shape the next phase of reforms in Nigeria’s education sector, particularly in technical training, international collaboration, and infrastructure development.