By Francesca Hangeior
 
Kwara State Government has pegged the West Africa Examinations Council fee for the 2024/2025 examination payable per student in senior secondary school final class in public schools in the state at N30,250.

The fees, according to the state commissioner for education and human capital development, Hajia Sa’adatu Modibbo-Kawu, included N27,000 WAEC charges and N3,250 for e-registration and administrative charges.

The Commissioner stated this on Wednesday while addressing the principals of all senior secondary schools across the state at the floating exercise, which marked the commencement of West African Schools Certificate Examination registration at Saint Anthony’s Secondary School, Ilorin.

A statement released by the Press Secretary in the Ministry of Education and Human Capital Development, Peter Amogbonjaye, in Ilorin on Thursday said, “We have warned the principals to shun extortion during the registration, saying whoever is found wanting would face the consequences of such an act.

“The Ministry will not tolerate extra charges from any principal apart from the ones approved by the Ministry of Education and Human Capital Development, warning them against all acts that can dent their images during the examination.”

Modibbo-Kawu, however, tasked the principals with continuing to contribute their quota to securing the future of the state as leaders who build future leaders.

She appreciated the unrelenting efforts of the principals in ensuring good working relationships with the State Ministry of Education and Human Capital Development to enhance quality education in the state.

The Commissioner also solicited the support of the principals for the present administration of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, who she said is wholeheartedly committed to the welfare of teachers and citizens.

Also speaking, the Chairman of the Kwara State Teaching Service Commission, Mallam Bello Tauheed Abubakar, applauded Governor AbdulRazaq for moving the education sector forward in the state, explaining that the present administration has done justice to improving teachers’ welfare.

The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mrs Olanrewaju Bake, applauded the Governor for his unalloyed effort at revamping the education sector in the state and called on teachers in the state to be on top of their jobs.

Earlier, the Director, Curriculum and Assessment Department of the Ministry, Mrs. Adewuyi Victoria gave the breakdown of the approved registration fees for WAEC 2024/2025 as highlighted below:

WAEC Charges: N27,000.00
E-registration Charges: N1,250.00
Administrative Charges: N2,000.00
Total fees to be paid: N30,250.00

In his own contribution, the President of the All Nigeria Confederation of Principals of Secondary Schools, Kwara State Wing, Mohammad Baba, applauded Governor AbdulRazaq for putting smiles on the faces of teachers across the state.

Baba thanked the governor for revamping the education system through the rehabilitation and construction of schools across the state, as well as prompt payment of salaries and promotion of teachers.

He promised that teachers in the state would justify the confidence reposed in them by being up and doing in discharging their professional duties.

By Francesca Hangeior

Olufemi Oluyede, acting chief of army staff, says President Bola Tinubu did everything possible to save Taoreed Lagbaja, late chief of army staff.

Lagbaja died after battling an undisclosed ailment. He was 56.

While Lagbaja was away on medical treatment, Tinubu promoted Oluyede to the rank of lieutenant-general.

Speaking with reporters in Abuja on Wednesday, the entire army is in a sorrowful mood after losing its leader.

“It’s (Lagbaja’s death) highly regrettable,” Oluyede said.

“I mean the country as a whole under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, did the very best for him to be alive with us today.

“But as we all know, we all belong to God and He takes when He feels necessary for him to do so.

“He was someone that gave his all to Nigeria. He was a selfless leader, very passionate about Nigeria and he led the Nigerian Army very well.

“He was courageous, he was known to be thorough and a professional to the core. So, it’s a big loss to us. And all we can say at this moment is that we pray that the good Lord will find a place for him to rest.”

The acting army chief said Lagbaja needs to be celebrated for giving his all to the country.

“I want Nigerians to actually celebrate him for the good work he did,” he said.

Oluyede prayed for the repose of the soul of the late army chief.

By Francesca Hangeior

The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has ordered officers and men of the Nigeria Police Force to wear black bands for a seven-day mourning period in honour of the late Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja.

The police boss gave the directive in a statement issued on Thursday by the Force Public Relations Officer, Muyiwa Adejobi.

Adejobi said the directive is to honour Lagbaja, who showed gallantry, dedication, and passion in the fight against insurgency in the country during his lifetime.

The statement reads, “Following the demise of the late Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Ph.D., NPM, has ordered officers and men of the Nigeria Police Force to wear black band throughout the 7 day mourning period.

“This directive is to pay tribute and honour the late General who has shown gallantry, dedication, and passion for fighting violent crimes and insurgency in Nigeria. He was a great leader who deserves to be honoured by all means.

“May the soul of the late COAS rest in peace.”

The late army chief, appointed by President Bola Tinubu on June 19, 2023, died on Tuesday at the age of 56 night after a prolonged illness.

Following his death, the president, on Wednesday, directed that Nigeria’s national flags be flown at half mast for seven days across the country to mourn the passing of the late army chief.

The President’s directive was conveyed through a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, titled “Announcement of the Passing of Chief of Army Staff, Lt General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja.