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Tag: Federal Ministry of Education

  • FG releases 26 approved trade areas for technical-education

    FG releases 26 approved trade areas for technical-education

    The Federal Ministry of Education on Wednesday released the full list of 26 trade areas approved under its revised  curriculum.

    The ministry’s Director of Press and Public Relations, Bon Folasade, in a statement, revealed that the reform will see all Federal Science and Technical Colleges converted to Federal Technical Colleges from the 2025/2026 academic year.

    Announcing the overhaul, the Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, and the Minister of State, Prof. Suwaiba Sa’id Ahmad, stated that each college will now be required to offer at least six and not more than ten trade courses.

    The curriculum also introduces a new subject, Citizenship and Heritage Studies, to be taught alongside core science and language subjects.

    “The reform is designed to reduce overload, build strong trade competencies, align with global standards, and prepare young Nigerians for the jobs of the future,” the statement said.

    Full list of 26 approved trade areas

    1. Brick laying, block laying and concreting
    2. Woodwork, carpentry and joinery
    3. Plumbing and pipe fitting
    4. Computer hardware & GSM repair and maintenance
    5. Refrigeration & air-conditioning works
    6. Mechanised agriculture (mechanisation/smart agriculture)
    7. Autobody works
    8. Catering craft practice
    9. Solar PV installation and maintenance
    10. Fashion design and garment making
    11. Livestock farming/animal husbandry
    12. Fish farming (aquaculture)
    13. Motorcycle & tricycle repairs
    14. Painting, decoration and finishes (interior design)
    15. Welding & fabrication
    16. Auto-electrical wiring
    17. Automobile mechanics
    18. Beauty therapy & cosmetology
    19. Creative media (digital media production/operations)
    20. Electronic systems maintenance craft
    21. Furniture making & upholstery
    22. Networking & system security (including satellite TV antenna installation and maintenance)
    23. Social media content creation and management
    24. Tiling & cladding (tiling and decorative stonework/floor-cover installation)
    25. Automobile CNG conversion and maintenance
    26. Leather works

    TNG reports that students will take nine to ten subjects under the revised plan. The ministry also noted that the streamlining and modernisation of the trades responds directly to skills gaps in construction, energy, agriculture, automotive, creative media, and digital services.

  • FG speaks on minimum age for Junior secondary admission

    FG speaks on minimum age for Junior secondary admission

    The Federal Ministry of Education has clarified that the minimum age requirement for admission into Junior Secondary School 1 (JSS1) is 10 years, contradicting a recent report by a national newspaper that claimed the age limit was 12 years.

    The Ministry, in a rejoinder signed by its director of Press and Public Relations, Boriowo Folasade, on Friday, stated that this report was entirely inaccurate and did not emanate from any official source, and does not reflect government policy.

    It added that no child should complete primary education below the age of 10, noting that any suggestion to the contrary is misleading and should be disregarded by the public and all education stakeholders.

    “The Federal Ministry of Education has noted with concern a false and misleading publication by The Punch Newspaper claiming that the Federal Government has set a new minimum age of 12 years for admission into Junior Secondary School 1 (JSS1).

    “The Ministry wishes to categorically state that this report is entirely inaccurate, did not emanate from any official source, and does not reflect government policy.

    “For the avoidance of doubt, the minimum age for admission into JSS1 remains 10 years. Accordingly, no child should complete primary education below the age of 10. Any suggestion to the contrary is misleading and should be disregarded by the public and all education stakeholders,” the minister stated.

    The Ministry noted that the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, also reiterated that the prescribed minimum age for admission into Nigerian universities is 16 years.

    “This policy is consistent, non-negotiable, and applies uniformly, regardless of how early a student may have completed secondary education.

    ‘The Ministry maintains that this age benchmark ensures the cognitive and emotional readiness of students for higher academic engagement,” it said.

    The Ministry urged the public, educational institutions, and media organisations to always seek clarification from official channels before acting on or publishing unverified information.

    “ The Ministry remains committed to ensuring transparency and developmental appropriateness in the implementation of all educational policies in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda,” the ministry added.

  • UNIZIK rejects FG’s annulment of new VC, says ‘due process was followed’

    UNIZIK rejects FG’s annulment of new VC, says ‘due process was followed’

    The management of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State has rejected the removal of the new Vice Chancellor of the University, Prof Benard Ifeanyi Odoh and the registrar, Barr Mrs R.I. Nwokike.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports that the Federal Ministry of Education had declared that the recent appointment of Bernard Odoh as the Vice-Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University in Awka, Anambra State was null and void.

    The letter, which was addressed to the Pro-Chancellor/Chairman of Council by Mrs. R. G. Ilyasu for the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, and dated November 1 urged the council to shelve all appointments until the new Minister of Education assumes office.

    But in a letter dated November 1st, and signed by the University Registrar and Secretary to the Governing Council, Barr Mrs R.I. Nwokike, in response to the letter from the ministry, the school management insisted that due process was followed to make the appointments.

    The statement noted that the University Governing Council followed all the laid down procedures on the appointment of the new vice chancellor and registrar.

    The statement clarified that, “Contrary to any assumption of a formal engagement, the Pro-Chancellor did not have an official meeting with the Minister of State for Education.

    “Instead, informal discussions took place between the outgoing Minister of State and the Council of Nnamdi Azikiwe University. It is important to clarify that these discussions do not supersede or alter the enforceability of the court’s judgment.”

    The statement further said, “The Council, in discharging its duties, adhered strictly to a valid judgment from a competent court, which directed the Council to exercise its statutory authority in appointing the Vice-Chancellor. Please find attached the court judgment for reference.

    “In response to concerns regarding the absence of the Ministry’s representative, certain internal Council members, and other stakeholders at the Vice-Chancellor appointment meeting on Tuesday, 29th October were observed,” the statement further said.

    It explained that invitations were duly issued to all relevant parties, to ensure that everyone was informed and given the opportunity to attend.

    According to the school, “The meeting saw participation from representatives of the Federal Character Commission, external and internal Council members, and various other stakeholders, demonstrating a broad representation of interests.”

    Additionally, the school confirmed that the quorum was duly constituted in compliance with the statutory requirements set forth in the Nnamdi Azikiwe University Act, Cap 139 (as amended), LFN 2004.

    “In accordance with Section 6(a) of the Nnamdi Azikiwe Standing Orders of the Governing Council,” it said, “the quorum requirement mandates the presence of five members, including at least one of the following: the Vice-Chancellor or his Deputy, one appointee of the Visitor, and one appointee of the Senate.

    “For reference and validation, please find attached the Council’s constitutional documents and additional information linking these requirements to the University Act.”

    It emphasised that, “Due process was meticulously observed throughout the selection and appointment processes for both the Vice-Chancellor and the Registrar.

    “The suggestion of ‘reconciling with aggrieved persons’ is not relevant to this procedural integrity.

    “Of the eighteen applicants for the position, fifteen attended the interview, and score sheets were duly documented.

    “The Council, within the scope of its lawful authority, has fulfilled its mandate with transparency and adherence to the University’s regulations,” the school added in the statement.

  • Ministry to get Nigeria’s 20m out-of-school children back

    Ministry to get Nigeria’s 20m out-of-school children back

    The Ministry of Education, says it plans to focus on getting back Nigeria’s 20 million out-of-school children to school in the next four years.

    Prof. Tahir Mamman, the Minister of Education, said this on Monday at the 2024 budget defense before the joint committee of the National Assembly on Education in Abuja.

    He said that there were millions of out of school children in Nigeria saying that it was a major problem for the country.

    ‘’At the tertiary level, we need graduates who have skills and competence to be able to contribute to national development.

    ‘’We need graduates who can be employed by willing employers, right now we have that complain on the quality of the products from our universities and polytechnics.

    “Basically the policy trust of the government and this ministry is on these major areas. There are about 20 million out-of-school children or even more in Nigeria.

    “We are working on it to ensure that as many as possible of these children, for those of them that can come back to school are given the opportunity to come back,’’ he said.

    Mamman added: “For those who cannot, we want to ensure they are empowered though short term skills training that will give them the opportunity to connect with the society to have a meaningful likelihood.”

    The minister said that the ministry had engaged with stakeholders to review Nigeria’s school curriculum to ensue skills acquisition for students.

    He encouraged universities to include skills training, and entrepreneurship into their curriculum to ensure that they produced self-reliant graduates.

    Mamman said that a total of N101.45 billion was allocated for the ministry it 2024 out of which N5.88 billion was for personnel cost, N1.08 billion for overhead cost and N94.48 billion for capital expenditures.

    The Chairman, House Committee on Alternative Education Rep. Aliyu Mustapha, said that the House was concerned by the rising number of out-of-school children in Nigeria.

    “I am happy that the minister has highlighted out-of-school children, youth and adult literacy in the ministry’s programme and vocational training that has taken the centre stage.

    “In the 2024, we have seen that you are still limited by funding, the National Assembly is doing its best to see that those allocations are raised,” he said.

    Alliyu assured of the required support to the ministry and oversight where necessary to ensure proper implementation of programmes.

  • Seventy-two Nigerian scholars jet off to Hungary

    Seventy-two Nigerian scholars jet off to Hungary

    A group of 72 Nigerian scholars awarded Hungarian postgraduate and undergraduate scholarships, set off from Nigeria for Hungary today 22nd September, 2023.

    Nigeria’s Minister of State for Education, Yusuf Sununu, made the announcement during a pre-departure ceremony held in Abuja, the nation’s capital.

    Addressing the scholarship recipients, Sununu urged them to represent their country well and become agents of positive change upon their return.

    He stressed the importance of maintaining an attitude of continuous learning, adaptability, and openness to new knowledge as they embark on this phase of their life journeys.

    Sununu said, “Scholarships are a recognition of excellence and a way to support brilliant Nigerians who lack the means to finance their education abroad.”

    He encouraged them to acquire valuable skills during their time in Hungary that would not only benefit their personal development but also contribute to the progress of Nigeria and the global community.

    The Minister said, “Acquire the necessary skills available in your host country, essential for national development. Embrace new challenges, harness the power of knowledge as a catalyst for meaningful change, and utilize the abundant resources available to you.”

    “This opportunity allows you to shape your future and contribute to a better world,” he added.

    Sununu also highlighted the Nigerian Government’s efforts to bolster scholarship schemes by investing more in national and international programs, emphasizing the importance of the Bilateral Education Agreement (BEA) with various development partners to meet the nation’s manpower needs.

    He noted that despite the prevailing global economic challenges, the number of development partners offering scholarships to Nigerians has increased.

    These partners include Hungary, China, Algeria, Romania, Morocco, Serbia, Mexico, Egypt, as well as non-regular partners like Macedonia, Poland, South Korea, Greece, Japan, Tunisia, and Turkey.

    Sununu concluded by expressing Nigeria’s appreciation to Hungary for its contributions in training Nigerian youth and helping Nigeria fulfill its developmental aspirations.

    The Director of the Federal Scholarship Board, Astra Ndajiwo, disclosed that out of 150 applications received during the opening of the scholarship scheme to Hungary in 2022, 72 candidates successfully cleared the rigorous screening process.

    She also confirmed that the scholars had received allowances for September to December to facilitate their journey to Hungary, with subsequent allowances scheduled to commence from January 2024.

  • Fear of terrorists: FG shuts down Federal Govt Colleges

    Fear of terrorists: FG shuts down Federal Govt Colleges

     

    Apparently sensing the danger ahead, Federal Ministry of Education has directed the closure of all Federal Government Colleges in Abuja following security threats on the Unity Colleges located in the Federal Capital Territory.

    TheNewsGuru.com, (TNG) reports Director of Media Federal Ministry of Education, Ben Bem Goong, confirmed that the Ministry ordered evacuation of students from the schools.

    This decision was as a result of rising insecurity and threat to the lives, security and wellbeing of the students therein.

    Some of the FGCs have been asked to vacate on Wednesday, while others will close on Tuesday.

    The Federal government college, Kwali requested parents on Sunday not to fail to pick their children on Monday, unfailingly, due to directives from the Federal Ministry of Education.

    Also, the government called for calm among parents saying that authorities of the schools have been briefed appropriately on modules of closure between Monday and Wednesday.

    Meanwhile, Senior members of Parent Teachers Forum have confirmed that parents are also to pick their children from the unity Colleges unfailingly by Tuesday.

  • CCB committed to eradicating corrupt practices in public service – Chairman

    CCB committed to eradicating corrupt practices in public service – Chairman

    The Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB) says it is committed to eradicating corrupt practices within the public service.

    The Chairman of the Bureau, Prof. Muhammed Isah, made gave the assurance at a one-day workshop organised for staff of the Federal Ministry of Education, on Wednesday, in Abuja.

    Newsmen reports that the workshop was on strict compliance with assets declaration and code of conducts for public officers.

    Isah was represented by Prof. Samuel Ogundare, Federal Commissioner, Education and Advocacy Services at the Bureau.

    He said that the Bureau would continue to educate public officers on the importance of maintaining high standard of morality in the conduct of government businesses.

    He said that to implement its mandate, the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria provided the Bureau with legal powers to prosecute offenders.

    “It is our mandate to receive assets declaration by public officers, in line with the fifth schedule of the 1999 constitution.

    “We are also committed to ensuring that public officers comply with the code of conducts expected of a public officer.

    “That is why we are taking our time to go round different organisations to enlighten them on the need to abide by these codes.

    “The codes are a set of moral principles or rule of behaviour that are generally accepted by a society or organisation.

    “It helps to regulate the conduct of public officers, from the President to the lowest officer in the public service.

    “Our clients are not less than 10 million, given all the public officers we have in the federation, including those in the forces, para-military, local government, state offices, as well as elected officers.

    “It is expected of them to see themselves as professionals, working to develop capacity and competence needed for his or her job with confidence and acceptable level of expertise,” he said.

    Mr Mohammed Bello, a participant from the Federal Ministry of Education, appreciated the bureau for the workshop.

    He added that the lessons learnt from the workshop would be passed down to his subordinates, as he also placed public service above self-interest.

    Newsmen reports that the workshop featured a practical guide on how to fill the assets declaration forms by the participants.

  • UNESCO to empower 50,000 girls, women in ICT

    UNESCO to empower 50,000 girls, women in ICT

    UNESCO will on Tuesday launch the second phase of its project to empower illiterate girls and women in low Performing Junior Secondary Schools through Information Communication Technology in Bauchi State, an official has said.

    The project is targeted at 50,000 girls and women, Mr Olushola Macaulay, the National Officer, Communication and Information, UNESCO, said in a statement in Abuja on Saturday.

    The first phase of the project, “Revitalising Adult and Youth Literacy in Nigeria” supported by the Federal Government, addressed the challenges of illiteracy.

    In the previous project, 60,000 illiterate women, girls in low Performing Junior Secondary Schools were trained in life skills and use of ICT in the Federal Capital Territory and Rivers in 2016, Macaulay said.

    According to him, the second phase of the project is funded by Procter and Gamble, an American-based consumer product company, and targets schools in Bauchi State.

    He said that the strategy to be deployed in the current project would be “School Meets the Learner Approach’’.

    “This is to empower additional 50,000 illiterate women and girls in low-performing Junior Secondary Schools.

    “The objective of the second phase of the project is to bring schools to the doorsteps of the learners using technology, where learners have difficulties in accessing education in a formal setting.

    “The launch of the project, School Meets the Learner Approach, marks the beginning of the UNESCO new initiative to Education.

    “This is where ICT devices, such as television, tablets, and mobile phones are deployed to learners in their homes, workplaces to facilitate teaching and learning,” Macaulay said.

    He said over the years, various government institutions had instituted policies, established structures and supported interventions aimed at addressing the high level of illiteracy in the country.

    According to him, statistics by the Federal Ministry of Education indicates that only 500,000 out of 40 million adult illiterates are enrolled in adult learning classes.

    He said there were also 3.5 million school age children roaming the streets with only 450,000 accessing any form of schooling.