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No going back on stopping below-18 pupils from writing WASSCE, says minister
The Federal Government has defended its ban on pupils under 18 years old sitting for the Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE), accusing parents of hurrying their children/wards.
Education Minister Tahir Mamman said this yesterday in Abuja at a briefing by government officials on the preparations for next week’s celebration of the nation’s Independence anniversary on October 1.
In July, Mamman had announced that that starting from 2025, candidates below 18 would not be allowed to sit for the SSCE.
Although the minister said the development was in line with the country’s laws, the move had created ripples across the country, prompting a backlash from several quarters.
But at the Inter-Ministerial Press Briefing in Abuja, Mamman defended the policy, saying it would pay the country in the long run.
“Our laws, the Universal Basic Education Act, and the Minimum Standards Policy Act established in 1993 prescribed specific age limits and provisions for every level of education: six years in primary school, three years in junior secondary school, three years in senior secondary school, and then five to six years before primary school (in pre-primary school). A child is expected to enter school at the age of six.
“But what has been happening is that our parents have been in a hurry. They frog-jump their children, get them into school at the age of four, skip level six at primary school, and also skip level six at secondary school. So, the children finish quite too young.
“Now, what we have done is that with the type of curriculum that we have introduced, we need them to be in place as prescribed by the acts,” he said.
The minister said the ministry was only implementing already existing laws and not introducing new ones, as many were speculating.
“As for those two acts that I have mentioned, we need them to be in place (for the pupils) to learn and acquire knowledge and skills. I remember these acts are not the ones prescribed by the government. They were not enacted during this government’s time.
“This is an Act that was established in 1993. The 6-3-3-4 came into being around 1982. So, this is already a very, very old policy.
“All that the Minister of Education did is say: ‘Ok, we come back to implementing these policies so that students can remain in school and learn skills so that when they finish, they will be able to be engaged productively, even if they don’t go to college of education or universities, they will have skills that they can be employed with or be even self-employed’,” Mamman added.
The minister said the ministry was only implementing already existing laws and not introducing new ones, as many were speculating.
“As for those two acts that I have mentioned, we need them to be in place (for the pupils) to learn and acquire knowledge and skills. I remember these acts are not the ones prescribed by the government. They were not enacted during this government’s time.
“This is an Act that was established in 1993. The 6-3-3-4 came into being around 1982. So, this is already a very, very old policy.
“All that the Minister of Education did is say: ‘Ok, we come back to implementing these policies so that students can remain in school and learn skills so that when they finish, they will be able to be engaged productively, even if they don’t go to college of education or universities, they will have skills that they can be employed with or be even self-employed’,” Mamman added.
The minister said all efforts were being made to prevent the planned strike by the Academic Staff Union of the Universities (ASUU).
The union has issues a 14-day ultimatum to the government on its plan to embark on a strike.
Mamman said a panel, led by a former Head of Civil Service of the Federation (HoCSF), Alhaja Yayale Ahmed, had been set up and that the ASUU leadership would be invited for discussion to attend to the union’s grievances.
He added that non-academic workers in the universities would be paid two months’ outstanding salaries, following payment approval by the Federal Government.
By Mario Deepromoter
*** She was apillar of support to the Eno – Sanwo-Olu
***As PDP suspends LG campaign in Akwa Ibom
By Francesca Hangeior
Mrs Patience Umo Eno, wife of Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, is dead.
The state Commissioner for Information, Ini Ememobong, announced the First Lady’s death in a press statement issued in the early hours of Friday.
According to the commissioner, the First Lady died at a hospital on September 26, 2024, surrounded by family members
The statement titled “Unexpected Sunset” read, “It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of the Wife of the Executive Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Her Excellency, Pastor Mrs. Patience Umo Eno, following an illness.
“She passed away peacefully at the hospital on 26th September 2024, in the presence of her family.
“The family submits to the will of the Almighty and asks for the prayers and support of kind-hearted individuals during this difficult time.
“Further details will be provided by the family as necessary. In the meantime, the family kindly requests privacy as they mourn their beloved wife, mother, and grandmother.
“His Excellency, the Governor, Pastor Umo Eno appreciates all who have stood by the first family in this period and assures all the citizens that despite this huge personal loss, his commitment to the service of the state is unwavering.”
Meanwhile, Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has expressed his heartfelt condolence with his Akwa Ibom State counterpart, Umo Eno, over the passing of his wife, Patience Eno.
Sanwo-Olu, in a statement on Friday, through his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Gboyega Akosile, described the deceased as a “pillar of support” to the governor, as he lauded her leadership and humanitarian work in the state.
The statement read partly, “On behalf of my wife, Ibijoke and family, the government and people of Lagos State, it is with a deep sense of sorrow that I commiserate with my brother Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, on the passing of his beloved wife, Pastor (Mrs) Patience Umo Eno.
“I also express my deepest condolences to the people of Akwa Ibom State and the entire Eno family, as well as wives of all the state governors in Nigeria over the demise of the Akwa Ibom First Lady.
“Pastor (Mrs.) Patience Umo Eno was not just a wife and mother, but a soulmate and pillar of support to our brother, Governor Eno. She supported thousands of people in Akwa Ibom State through the Golden Initiative For All (GIFA), a foundation that focused on providing shelter, food, and education to the poor and vulnerable in Akwa Ibom.
“The First Lady, fondly referred to as Eka Iberedem Akwa Ibom, meaning “Mother and Strong Pillar of Akwa Ibom,” was widely loved for her compassionate leadership and humanitarian work in Akwa Ibom during her lifetime.”
Sanwo-Olu prayed for the repose of the deceased, saying, “I pray that the Almighty God will grant the deceased eternal rest and Governor Umo Eno, the entire family, and the people of Akwa Ibom the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.”
In the meantime, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Akwa Ibom State has put its political campaign for local elections in the state on hold following the death of the Akwa Ibom First Lady, Patience Eno.
Local elections in Akwa Ibom is scheduled for 26 October and political parties have been campaigning for votes.
Announcing the suspension of campaigns in a statement on Friday, the PDP Publicity Secretary in the state, Edwin Ebiese, said “This devastating news has left our party, and indeed the entire state, in a state of mourning.
“As we struggle to come to terms with this immense loss, we are compelled to pause our campaign activities as a mark of respect for the departed First Lady.
“We regret any inconvenience this suspension may cause and appreciate the understanding of our supporters and the general public during this difficult time.
“We extend our heartfelt condolences to His Excellency, Pastor Umo Eno, Executive Governor of Akwa Ibom State and his immediate family, the government, and people of Akwa Ibom State. May God grant the family of the deceased and our state the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss.”
By Mario Deepromoter
The Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 election, Peter Obi, has described the General Overseer of the Living Faith Church, Bishop David. O. Oyedepo is an exceptional servant in God’s vineyard.
In a congratulatory message to the Bishop on his 70th Birthday anniversary today, Obi said the cleric exemplifies the true purpose of God’s creation.
Writing on his X handle, the former Anambra State Governor said Bishop Oyedepo has remained “A remarkable figure in faith, a dedicated servant in God’s vineyard, and a leader who exemplifies the true purpose of God’s creation.
“Your life continues to be a source of blessing, reflecting dedication, tireless work, and a commitment to God’s mission.
“Through your ministry, countless lives have been touched, embodying faith, hope, and love. Outstanding Institutions such as Living Faith Church, Covenant University, and Kingdom Heritage Model School stand as lasting testimonies to your pursuit of excellence.
“Today, we honor your enduring legacy, your compassionate outreach, and your immense contribution to humanity. May God continue to strengthen, guide, and bless you in all your endeavors.
“Thank you for being a beacon of God’s grace. Your remarkable journey will inspire generations to embrace faith, integrity, and purposeful living.
“May your continued intervention through prayer in the affairs of our country help us to find direction for a new Nigeria.
By Mario Deepromoter
Local elections in Akwa Ibom is scheduled for 26 October and political parties have been campaigning for votes.
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Akwa Ibom State has put its political campaign for local elections in the state on hold following the death of the Akwa Ibom First Lady, Patience Eno.
Local elections in Akwa Ibom is scheduled for 26 October and political parties have been campaigning for votes.
Mrs Eno died on Thursday in a hospital following an undisclosed illness, according to a statement issued on Friday morning by the Commissioner for Information and Strategy in Akwa Ibom, Ini Emembong.
“She passed away peacefully at the hospital on 26th September 2024, in the presence of her family.
“The family submits to the will of the Almighty and asks for the prayers and support of kind-hearted individuals during this difficult time.
“Further details will be provided by the family as necessary. In the meantime, the family kindly requests privacy as they mourn their beloved wife, mother, and grandmother.
“His Excellency, the Governor, Pastor Umo Eno appreciates all who have stood by the first family in this period and assures all the citizens that despite this huge personal loss, his commitment to the service of the state is unwavering.”
Announcing the suspension of campaigns in a statement on Friday, the PDP Publicity Secretary in the state, Edwin Ebiese, said “This devastating news has left our party, and indeed the entire state, in a state of mourning.”
“As we struggle to come to terms with this immense loss, we are compelled to pause our campaign activities as a mark of respect for the departed First Lady.
“We regret any inconvenience this suspension may cause and appreciate the understanding of our supporters and the general public during this difficult time.
“We extend our heartfelt condolences to His Excellency, Pastor Umo Eno, Executive Governor of Akwa Ibom State and his immediate family, the government, and people of Akwa Ibom State. May God grant the family of the deceased and our state the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss.”
Condolence pour in as Akwa Ibom gov Umo Eno loses wife
Bishop Oyedepo @70: He is a dedicated servant in the Lord’s Vineyard -Obi
PDP Halts LG Campaign In Akwa Ibom Over Death Of Gov Eno’s Wife
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