Education
Education Remains a Pillar of Tinubu Administration – Gbajabiamila
The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to education, describing the sector as a central pillar of the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
L-R: Senior Special Assistant to the President on Student Engagement, Sunday Asefon Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, and President of National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Olushola Oladoja when the NANS Leadership paid a courtesy visit to the Chief of Staff, in the State House Abuja. Friday February 27, 2026
The Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, gave the assurance on Friday when the leadership of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) paid him a courtesy visit at the State House, Abuja.
Gbajabiamila urged student leaders nationwide to reciprocate government investments in education by intensifying advocacy against social vices on campuses, particularly drug abuse, cultism and prostitution. He stressed that universities and colleges are not only centres of academic learning but also institutions for character development.
According to him, President Tinubu considers the fight against social vices a national priority, noting that a special committee has been set up to address rising concerns in secondary and tertiary institutions.
“Education is one of the pillars of this administration. We believe in the youths — in your energy and capacity — and we do not pay lip service to issues that affect you,” Gbajabiamila said. “I want to charge you to make moral reorientation part of your engagement with fellow students.”
The Chief of Staff commended the NANS leadership for its proactive and constructive engagement with government and encouraged the association to promote moral values as an unwritten code of campus culture.
He also disclosed that sustained dialogue between the Federal Government and the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has resulted in a lasting agreement, helping to maintain stability in the university system. He noted that Nigeria is approaching three years without a nationwide university strike.
Gbajabiamila recalled his experience as Speaker of the House of Representatives, where he participated in negotiations with ASUU during periods of frequent industrial actions that prolonged students’ academic programmes.
Highlighting government interventions, he pointed to the Nigerian Education Loan Fund, saying the student loan scheme is enabling indigent students to remain in school.
In his remarks, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Student Engagement, Sunday Asefon, reiterated the Presidency’s commitment to sustained dialogue with students and to restoring predictable academic calendars.
Speaking on behalf of the students, NANS President, Comrade Olushola Oladoja, commended President Tinubu for what he described as unprecedented support for Nigerian students. He said improved engagement with ASUU and the implementation of the student loan scheme have helped stabilise tertiary education, with many four-year programmes now running their full course without disruption.
Oladoja disclosed that over 900,000 students have benefited from the loan scheme. He also cited recent security interventions, including the approval of perimeter fencing for vulnerable institutions following reports of hostel incursions.
While pledging continued support for government policies, the NANS president said the association would sustain its conflict-resolution framework. He also requested an audience with the President, sought palliatives for students during the fasting seasons, and appealed for increased job opportunities for young graduates.
Oladoja further informed the Presidency of plans to hold a major student gathering in Abuja to publicly endorse the President’s policies, pledging that NANS would continue to promote peace and constructive dialogue across campuses.
The National Universities Commission (NUC) has released fresh guidelines regulating the award and use of honorary doctorate degrees in Nigeria.
In a public notice issued Thursday, the Commission cited the growing incidence of indiscriminate conferment and misuse of honorary degrees within the Nigerian University System as the reason for the new framework.
The Executive Secretary of the NUC, Prof. Abdullahi Yusufu Ribadu, said the guidelines were approved in line with the Education Act and resolutions of the Association of Vice-Chancellors of Nigerian Universities, including the 2012 Keffi Declaration.
Under the new rules, only approved universities that have graduated at least one set of PhD students can confer honorary doctorates. Institutions are limited to a maximum of three awards per convocation, and no fees must be charged.
The NUC also barred recipients from using the title “Dr.”, stressing that honorary degrees are non-earned distinctions and not equivalent to academic or medical doctorates.
The Commission warned that sanctions would be imposed on institutions that violate the guidelines, following an investigation that uncovered 32 entities operating as honorary degree mills.
A 10-year-old Primary Five pupil of Diamond Specialist School, Owerri, Jeffery Obinna, has emerged winner of the fourth edition of the Smart Kids Mathematics Competition organised by Shekinah British International School (SBIS), Ihiagwa, in Owerri West Local Government Area of Imo State.
The competition, held in Owerri, rewarded the champion with ₦500,000 cash, a ₦15 million education scholarship grant and a brand new laptop.
Two other pupils — Okwaraoka Chinedu and Jekwu Ebere, both aged 10 and from Limitless School, Owerri — clinched the second and third positions respectively. They received ₦300,000 and ₦200,000 cash prizes, alongside brand new laptops. About 20 other participants received consolation prizes.
The initiative, sponsored by the Chairman/CEO of SBIS, Chief Dr. Obinna Smart Unegbu, provided free online registration to ensure broad participation by interested pupils across the state, regardless of background or location.
Participating schools included Living Word Academy, Rosykids, White Label School, Great Achievers School, New Day School, Dayton’s Montessori Academy, Our World International School, Great Excel, Milky Way and Best Kids Montessori School, among others.
Out of 145 pupils who took part in the first stage, only eight finalists advanced after screening and a keenly contested Computer-Based Test (CBT).
Speaking at the event, the Imo State Commissioner for Education, Prof. B.T.O. Ikegwuoha, who was represented by the Director of School Sports in the ministry, Mr. Joseph Chukwuemeka Nwonu, described the initiative as a major step toward rekindling interest in mathematics among young learners, many of whom tend to favour arts-related subjects.
He commended SBIS for setting a standard worthy of emulation by both public and private schools and reaffirmed the state government’s willingness to partner with initiatives that promote academic excellence.
In his remarks, SBIS Chairman, Unegbu, said the competition was borne out of a passion to nurture a new generation of mathematicians capable of transforming society. He noted that many pupils perceive mathematics as difficult, stressing the need to build strong foundational skills early.
Expressing gratitude, the winner, Jeffery Obinna, thanked God, his teachers and the school’s management for the opportunity.
“I thank the proprietor of Shekinah British International School for giving me the scholarship, the computer and the cash prize. May God replenish him,” he said, adding that the victory has motivated him to aim higher in his academic pursuits.
Some mathematics teachers at the event, including Mr. Amadi Chigozie of Award International Nursery and Primary School, Owerri, and Mr. Kalu Michael John of Limitless School, described the competition as a milestone in boosting awareness and strengthening mathematical competence among pupils.
The event drew commendations from stakeholders who described it as a laudable effort to promote excellence in science and mathematics education in Imo State.
The Senate has expressed concern over the rising revenue profile of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), warning that the increasing financial demands on candidates could be worsening access to tertiary education for poor Nigerians.
The concern was raised during a budget defence session before the Senate Committee chaired by Senator Muntari Mohammed, where the Director of the Registrar’s Office, Mufutau Bello, presented the agency’s financial performance and projections.
In his presentation, Bello stated that JAMB proposed ₦19.8 billion as Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) for the 2025 fiscal year and realised ₦18.8 billion, describing the outcome as a strong showing despite prevailing economic constraints. For 2026, the examination body is projecting ₦23.8 billion in IGR, indicating a notable increase aimed at strengthening operations and improving service delivery.
However, lawmakers questioned the steady rise in the agency’s revenue, noting that much of the income is sourced from registration fees paid by prospective students. They expressed worry that the upward trend may be placing an unfair burden on candidates from low-income families.
Members of the committee stressed that while financial sustainability is important, it must not override the fundamental objective of ensuring broad and equitable access to education. They urged JAMB to demonstrate greater social responsibility by adopting measures that would reduce pressure on candidates and their families.
The committee also sought clarification on the increase in personnel costs captured in the proposed 2026 budget. Senators demanded a detailed breakdown to justify the higher expenditure, insisting that any rise in staff-related spending must correspond with measurable improvements in productivity and service efficiency.
Despite the reservations, the lawmakers commended JAMB for its operational performance and revenue efficiency, while emphasizing that transparency, accountability and fairness must remain central to its mandate.
The committee reiterated its resolve to sustain strict oversight of government agencies, especially institutions whose activities have direct implications for millions of Nigerians pursuing higher education.