Education NSSEC to partner Min of Communication on digital deployment in schools

By Maryam Abeeb

National Senior Secondary Education Commission has expressed its readiness to partner with Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy in facilitating the deployment of digital pedagogy in Senior Secondary Schools in Nigeria.

This was disclosed in statement on the heels of the commission’s visit led by the Chairperson, Ambassador Nimota Akanbi to the outgoing Minister, Prof. Isa Ibrahim Pantami recently in his office in Abuja.

In her address, Akanbi noted that her commission’s request,“ for the technical assistance and partnership from the Ministry is to facilitate a seamless deployment of digital pedagogy in Senior Secondary Schools in the nation.”

She acknowledged the contribution of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), which she said “has always been of immense help in the installation of solar powers and its maintenance, installation of Information Communication Technology (ICT) centers in some Secondary Schools across the six geopolitical zones of Nigeria, with the aim to power the 21st century teaching and learning effectiveness for future readiness.”

The Board Chairperson further solicited for Man power development for staffs of the Commission to improve their Productivity and Capability in the workforce, a development Unified Educational Portal for Data collation for Senior Secondary Schools which she said, will serve as a data depository bank for information dissemination.

In his response, Prof. Isa Ali Pantami, said that, the Ministry will spring up urgent support and collaboration with the Commission to come in the area of ICT to aid Secondary School in Nigeria.

He applauded the outgoing President Mohammadu Buhari and the Minister of Education for their providence in resuscitating the Commission knowing fully well according to him the Secondary subsector is better than the Tertiary subsector he said.

Nigeria researchers develop innovations to tackle poverty, education challenges

By Maryam Abeeb

Nigerian researchers have developed four prototype innovations to address the challenges of hunger, poverty, quality education, responsible consumption and production in the country.

The prototypes were developed by lecturers from public higher institutions, under the Research for Impact (R4i), an initiative of Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) in collaboration with Innov8 Hub.

The lecturers, numbering 18 were selected to participate in the initiative, who were then divided into four teams that developed prototypes of their innovative solutions to challenges in the Nigerian Society.

Team one, called ‘Responsible Consumption and Production’designed a smart grain storage using an approach that prevents pest infestation of stored grains; keeping them safe for consumption while Team 2 called ‘No Poverty’designed a Float House named “Gimbaliya,” constructed using low density material that float on water.

Team 3 ‘zero hunger’ developed anAutomated Ultrasonic SolarPowered Sprayer and broadspectrum bio-pesticides for control of pests in an eco-friendly manner, anchored on SDG 2-Zero Hunger.

Team 4 ‘Quality Education,’ desiged a innovation, ‘E-Access,’ a mobile application that caters for lecturers who develop lecture materials, and students in need of lecture materials.

Speaking at the closing ceremony of the two weeks training, the executive secretary of TETFund, Arch. Sonny Echono encouraged athe 18 participants to be change agent when they go back to their various institutions.

He urged the to make the right contribution and see that education become impactful, set personal goals and ignore the noise around them in order to excel in whatever they do.

The executive secretary further said Nigeria must move from the mindset that God will give them everything.

“The Research for Impact Initiative is logical response to our desire to solve societal problems, to address the challenges we currently face in our country in terms of generating revenue.

“Our country is going through very difficult times, we have one of the highest population growth rate in the world and there are projections that in few years now we will actually become the third in the world in terms of population.

“While many see this as a blessing, some of us also know that if we do not prepare our population and give them the tools to survive and compete, we have a time bomb in our hands because our landmark is not going to increase, we are going to have challenges,” he said.

Chief facilitator for R4i workshop, Dr Obichi Obiajunwa was to celebrate the culmination of two weeks of intensive training in innovation and prototype development, an endeavor that has undoubtedly left an indelible mark on each and every one of the participants.

He said innovation is the lifeblood of progress for any nation and the driving force that propels societies forward, enabling them to tackle complex challenges and create a better world.

“As lecturers, you play a crucial role in shaping the minds of future generations, and your ability to infuse innovation into your teaching and research will have a profound impact for any on the development of our nation.

“The knowledge and skills you have acquired in this workshop will not only enhance your individual abilities but also enrich the academic landscape of your respective universities.

“The prototypes that you have developed throughout this workshop are a testament to your creativity and problem-solving prowess. Each idea represents a spark of inspirational potential solution to a pressing societal issue.

“These prototypes have the power to transform lives, to drive sustainable development, and to contribute to the well-being of our communities,” he said.

He commended TETfund for the invaluable support and guidance in fostering innovation and research excellence in the country.