Education
NBTE begins compulsory skill qualification for poly students
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By Francesca Hangeior.
The National Board for Technical Education has introduced a Mandatory Skills Qualification as a graduation requirement for all newly reviewed National Diploma and Higher National Diploma curricula.
The board said the introduction is in line with global trends, especially as skill acquisition is now central to the training of youths in polytechnics.
This was disclosed in a statement by the board’s Head of Media, Hajiya Fatimah Abubakar.
Abubakar said diploma holders would now graduate with a National Skills Qualification or its equivalent, as an additional certification.
She said the MSQ is now a requirement for all diploma programmes and must be attained before graduation.
She also noted that the NSQ was a certification system designed to assess and recognise the skills and competencies of individuals in various fields.
“It focuses on vocational skills and is typically obtained through vocational training programmes, apprenticeships, and assessments conducted by approved skill assessment bodies.
“NSQ aims to bridge the gap between formal education and industry needs by providing individuals with practical skills relevant to the job market.
“The dual certification of obtaining both an NSQ and an ND in Nigeria offers several benefits, including a comprehensive skill set, increased employability, versatility, professional recognition, and career progression,” she said.
The NBTE head of media further said that the dual certification opens doors to career advancement opportunities as well as provides a strong foundation for upward mobility and career growth.
”The dual certification offers a competitive edge in the job market, enhances career prospects, and equips individuals with the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in their chosen fields.
”This dual certification is expected to significantly enhance employability. However, NBTE is aware of the limited skills training facilities in our polytechnics and is therefore allowing a phased introduction.
”The guideline provides polytechnic administrators with methods for implementing this new provision. Quality assurance is crucial in ensuring the effectiveness and relevance of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programmes”, she noted.
She added that assessors would play a vital role in this process, through evaluating the quality of education and training provided in various technical and vocational fields.
She said their role will include assessing standards, learning outcomes, and the overall performance of Skills Development Centres in polytechnics and other TVET institutions.
“Under the MSQ, HND level students who have acquired NSQ at the ND level can enrol in Quality Assurance Assessor (QAA) training as an alternative to another NSQ.
“The QAA certificate will be valuable in the workplace, as many industries require on-the-job training,” she said.
She noted that several challenges, including skill shortages, a mismatch between industry needs and training, and a lack of synergy between industry, government agencies, and TVET institutions characterised Nigeria’s technical manpower situation.
Education
Lagos commences e-registration for 2025 UBE test
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*Set to include Yoruba language
By Francesca Hangeior
The Lagos State Government has commenced electronic registration for the 2025 Universal Basic Education by Continuous Assessment Scores and Placement Test.
This development is part of the state’s efforts to provide quality education to its citizens.
According to a circular signed by the Director of the Lagos State Examinations Board, on Monday, Mr Orunsolu Adebayo, the registration would run from Monday, January 27 to Friday, April 18, 2025.
It read, “Only primary six pupils in public and approved private primary schools in Lagos State are eligible to participate in the UBE by CAS and Placement Test.
UBE-approved Social Study textbook teaches masturbation, dad claims
“Registration is free for public primary schools, while pupils of approved private primary schools are required to pay N5,000 per candidate through the Lagos State Central Billing System.”
It added that the Lagos State Examinations Board had also approved Yoruba Language as one of the subjects for testing the knowledge and thinking ability of pupils sitting for the Placement Test by CAS.
Adebayo, assured stakeholders and parents that measures were in place to ensure seamless and hitch-free registration.
He emphasised that no child would be left unattended during the registration process.
Lagos commences e-registration for 2025 UBE test
*Set to include Yoruba language
By Francesca Hangeior
The Lagos State Government has commenced electronic registration for the 2025 Universal Basic Education by Continuous Assessment Scores and Placement Test.
This development is part of the state’s efforts to provide quality education to its citizens.
According to a circular signed by the Director of the Lagos State Examinations Board, on Monday, Mr Orunsolu Adebayo, the registration would run from Monday, January 27 to Friday, April 18, 2025.
It read, “Only primary six pupils in public and approved private primary schools in Lagos State are eligible to participate in the UBE by CAS and Placement Test.
UBE-approved Social Study textbook teaches masturbation, dad claims
“Registration is free for public primary schools, while pupils of approved private primary schools are required to pay N5,000 per candidate through the Lagos State Central Billing System.”
It added that the Lagos State Examinations Board had also approved Yoruba Language as one of the subjects for testing the knowledge and thinking ability of pupils sitting for the Placement Test by CAS.
Adebayo, assured stakeholders and parents that measures were in place to ensure seamless and hitch-free registration.
He emphasised that no child would be left unattended during the registration process.
Education
FG announces resumption date for Unity Schools
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The Federal Ministry of Education (FME) has announced that students at the 112 Federal Government Colleges will now return to school on January 12, 2025, instead of the originally scheduled January 5.
The extension, as confirmed by the Permanent Secretary of FME, Dr. Nasir Sani-Gwarzo, is due to ongoing renovations at several schools.
A circular issued to school principals explains the change, following approval from the Minister of State for Education, Dr. Suwaiba Ahmad.
At Kings College in Lagos, there has been no official update on the resumption schedule, leaving some parents confused.
Typically, senior students preparing for exams like WASSCE and NECO return first, but no formal notice has been issued this year.
Meanwhile, parents are currently making payments of N58,000 for SS III students.
The breakdown includes payment of boarding fees of N30,000, the balance of WAEC, NECO, and NABTEB fees of N11,000.
Other fees include N2,000 for medical, ICT training, extra lessons, and utility, and N1,000 for sports, vocational, clubs, societies, and security.
Education
LP speaks on alleged strange romance with Tinubu over 2027 presidential race
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The Labour Party (LP) has strongly rejected rumors suggesting that it is in a partnership with President Bola Tinubu in anticipation of the 2027 elections. These rumors claimed that the LP had struck an agreement to support Tinubu’s bid for a second term should he choose to run.
In response, the LP’s National Publicity Secretary, Mr. Obiora Ifoh, issued a statement on Friday, labeling these allegations as baseless and unfounded. He emphasized that the party has continually dismissed any notion of collaboration with the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) concerning the upcoming 2027 general elections.
Ifoh asserted that the Labour Party remains the most prominent opposition party in Nigeria, with the party’s National Chairman, Barrister Julius Abure, being a leading critic of the current government. “Our National Chairman is at the forefront of challenging the policies of the government, consistently voicing opposition to the actions of the current administration,” Ifoh said.
The spokesperson also highlighted the party’s ongoing efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s democracy. These include the establishment of an Electoral Reform Committee aimed at ensuring free, fair, and transparent elections, as well as the introduction of an e-membership registration system that has already attracted a significant number of new members.
Ifoh further expressed disappointment over the defamatory nature of the rumors, calling it “ridiculous and unfortunate” for anyone to attempt to undermine the Labour Party’s efforts in such a manner. “For anyone to try to tarnish the reputation of a party that is actively working to reshape the political landscape in Nigeria is truly unfortunate,” he remarked.
Finally, the Labour Party spokesperson challenged Deji Adeyanju and anyone else promoting such claims to provide concrete evidence to support their accusations. “We call on Deji Adeyanju and others to present factual proof if they believe that the leadership of our party or Mr. Abure has any intention of working with President Tinubu or the APC for the 2027 elections,” Ifoh stated firmly.
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