Education
RE-OPEN SAPELE POLYTECHNIC, DELTA COMMUNITIES APPEAL TO GOVERNOR OBHOREVWORI
The host communities of the abandoned Sapele Polytechnic, Deghele-Iriabome in Sapele Local Government Area of Delta State, have appealed to the state government to reopen the institution after 15 years of abandonment.
The polytechnic, which was established in 2010 by former Governor Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan, had its construction commence in 2012 but was left uncompleted.
Chief Lucky Onoghete, the Duke of Elume District in Okpe kingdom, emphasized the benefits of reopening the school, stating, “Reopening the school will revitalise the socio-economic fortunes of the Deghele-Iriabome twin communities and extend beyond.” He urged Governor Sheriff Oborevwori to undertake a site visit and evaluate the scope of the projects being implemented on site.
Stanley Eta Eshanomi, Senior Special Assistant to the governor on Youth Mobilisation, noted that the communities had submitted several letters to former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, requesting the continuation of the project, but to no avail. “We are delighted that our elder brother has emerged now as the governor of the state and we implore him to heed our plea,” he said.
Eshanomi further emphasized the need for a state government-owned higher institution in the Okpe-Sapele-Uvwie federal constituency. “We urge the governor to visit the project site and assess the situation firsthand, subsequently informing his constituents of the optimal plan for the abandoned school,” he added.
Victor Okweji, the Community Liaison Officer for the project, highlighted the project’s potential to generate employment opportunities for the local community. “We have been mobilising our people to clear the site and are appealing to the governor to revive the moribund project,” he said.
However, when contacted, the state Commissioner for Higher Education, Professor Nyerhovwo Tonukari, stated that the polytechnic was not included in the handover documents provided to him at the ministry.
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.