The Managing Director of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), Akintunde Sawyerr has revealed that at least N10 billion has so far been disbursed to 40,000 students since the commencement of the programme.

Sawyerr revealed this on Channels Television’s prime time programme, Politics Today, on Tuesday.

“It’s a loan, people need to think about it. About 89,000 of those exist,” Sawyer said.

“About 40,000 of them have been approved and we have actually disbursed to them, I think that is probably in the region of N9 to N10 billion.”

According to Sawyerr, no fewer than 370,000 students have registered on the NELFUND’s portal but all of them have been unable to apply for the loan.

The NELFUND MD added that only 280,000 of the students have gone ahead to apply for the loan.

“This leaves a number of students who have not decided as to whether or not they want to proceed and apply which is fair enough,” Sawyerr explained.

“The way we disburse the loan is that we pay the fees, and so far, we have a commitment of paying fees of about N30 billion and about N 60 billion in upkeep loan.

“So, the second tranche of this is that we pay directly to the students for upkeep – pocket money if you like.”

The Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman, announced that the new curriculum for primary schools will be implemented across the country starting in January 2025.

On October 9, the Minister of State for Education, Dr. Tanko Sununu, revealed that a new curriculum is in the works.

During a meeting with stakeholders in Abuja on Monday, Mamman emphasized that students in primary schools will need to learn a minimum of two skills as part of the new curriculum.

He also mentioned that private primary schools must adopt the new curriculum, assuring that an updated curriculum for secondary schools is expected to be ready by September 2025.

He said, “And the whole idea, as I said there, is that it is our position that by the time children finish school, they should have at least two skills. Students should be able to finish school with at least a minimum of two skills so that they can have a very productive life. The basis for the curriculum is the National Skills Framework, and it has been approved.

“It’s a very big project, it affects all schools in Nigeria, public and private. Whether in the public sector or private sector, all schools are going to implement it. So this is already determined. It doesn’t require anybody’s consent or any institution can depart from it.

“And then we want to use this school year to set off on this, while simultaneously the relevant agencies with the Ministry of Education work on the senior secondary school curriculum along the same line so that from September to October next year, the senior secondary school can be ready, as we are ready with this one, for implementation.

“Our projection is we should be able to conclude on this until December so that in January, schools across the country can now commence implementation. We do not expect comprehensive, full implementation from January. Because when you roll out something new, there’s a lot of preparation that has to take place by the schools, acquiring new things, equipment, you know, small, small things that they will need.”

The minister mentioned that preparations are in progress to ensure teachers are adequately prepared for the new curriculum.

He also stated that the ministry intends to engage with private school stakeholders to discuss the effective execution of the new curriculum.

He said, “There is a need for the preparation of the classrooms and teachers’ development. We are also working on teachers’ support and development for them to be able to implement this. So we want to use the next three months for all these three stages.

“We’ll also do a national stakeholders engagement on publicity, particularly with the private schools. So that’s part of what we will be doing. And then teachers’ capacity, which is going to be ready to meet.”

Highlighting one of the advantages of the curriculum, the minister stated that it would reignite the interest of both parents and students in pursuing formal education.

He said, “Some parents do not want to send their children to school. Right now, part of the problem why schooling has become unattractive is because people finish and there’s no change in their lives.

“They cannot be employed. They can’t do anything on their own. So parents question the value of why they are spending money to send their children to school.

“Now it’s going to change that game altogether. And we have seen how these things resonate with parents. When they are successfully implemented, you will see students will want to run to school every morning. Parents want to take their children to school because they are learning practical things while in school.”

The Director of the Curriculum Development Centre at the Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council stated that all attempts to establish a new curriculum over the past 12 years have been unsuccessful.

He said, “It’s a very happy moment for Nigeria and for all of us. Because this is something that we’ve been wanting to have for the past 12 years. This will help train our children to be skill-oriented and to have the requisite kind of skills and training that’s globally competitive. And I bet to say that this curriculum will be among the best in Africa.

“It is also aligned with the STEM initiative. That is science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics and the disruptive technology aspect of it in terms of digital literacy has been captured greatly here. Which means then that our children are part and parcel of it.”

In today’s digital age, where information is readily available online, the significance of keeping books may seem diminished. However, the value of physical books extends far beyond mere convenience. Preserving written knowledge through bookkeeping offers numerous benefits, from cognitive development to cultural heritage.

Cognitive Benefits

1. Improved Memory and Retention: Physical books enhance memory retention and comprehension.
2. Better Focus and Concentration: Reading physical books reduces distractions.
3. Enhanced Critical Thinking: Books promote critical thinking and analytical skills.

Emotional and Social Benefits

1. Emotional Connection: Books evoke emotions, empathy, and understanding.
2. Social Bonding: Shared reading experiences foster connections and discussions.
3. Stress Relief: Reading physical books reduces stress and promotes relaxation.

Cultural Significance

1. Preserving History: Books document historical events, cultural movements, and societal shifts.
2. Cultural Heritage: Classic literature reflects societal values and traditions.
3. Knowledge Preservation: Books safeguard knowledge for future generations.

Personal Benefits

1. Personal Growth: Reading expands perspectives, challenging assumptions.
2. Inspiration and Motivation: Books inspire creativity, innovation, and self-improvement.
3. Legacy: Building a personal library creates a lasting legacy.

Why Physical Books Matter

1. Tactile Experience: Physical books provide a sensory experience.
2. No Digital Distractions: Minimizes digital distractions, promoting focused reading.
3. Collectibility: Physical books allow for collecting and displaying.

Keeping books is essential for cognitive development, emotional well-being, cultural preservation, and personal growth. While digital media offers convenience, physical books provide a unique experience. Embracing bookkeeping ensures the continuation of written knowledge and fosters a deeper appreciation for the written word.

Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima has emphasised the critical importance of prioritising girl child education in Nigeria.

As such, Shettima in a statement signed by the Senior Special Assistant to The President on Media & Communications (Office of The Vice President), Stanley Nkwocha has called for a concerted, multisectoral approach to address gender-based barriers to quality education.

According to Shettima, government at all levels, traditional rulers, religious leaders, civil society organisations (CSOs), and partners in the donor community must come together “with a singular focus: ensuring that every Nigerian child, regardless of gender or geography, receives quality education.”

The Vice President who gave the charge on Thursday when he declared open the International Conference on Girl Child Education in Nigeria, held at the Banquet Hall of Presidential Villa, Abuja, noted that the dignity of the girl child defines every civilization.

Represented at the event by Deputy Chief of Staff to the President (Office of the Vice President), Senator Ibrahim Hadejia, the VP stated: “Whatever reforms we adopt to build a safe space for educating the girl child must be championed from within our communities.

“Policymaking involves all of us, and we must engage local leaders, traditional rulers, and religious figures to understand the implications of failing to educate the future of this nation.

“The most powerful tool we can offer the girl child is education. We must enhance educational programmes that inform girls and women about their rights and the risks they face if denied the opportunity to make informed choices, especially in matters of health.”

VP Shettima implored government’s partners in the donor community, including the World Bank, the African Development Bank, and other multilateral institutions, to make a generational difference.

“The dignity of the girl child defines every civilization, and today, we are bound by a duty higher than merely observing the challenges before us,” he stated

“We bear the responsibility of setting the tone for this nation, and there is no greater calling than to prioritise the education of the girl child and other at-risk children.

“This is a mirror from which we cannot afford to look away because the consequences are dire,” he said.

Outlining statistics on out-of-school children in Nigeria, including the latest Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey (MICS), the VP warned that “each child abandoned to the streets is a liability that the nation will one day pay for.

“We must remember that the child who remains out of school today will be a threat to their peers in the classroom tomorrow. We cannot afford to turn away from this reality, and the need for creative and innovative solutions is now more pressing than ever,” he added.

Senator Shettima acknowledged, however, that while the issue of girl-child education haunts every nation, her vulnerability in this part of the globe is specifically pronounced.

He continued: “Her education is more than a moral obligation; it is the stabilising force of our economic and social order. For every additional year a girl remains in school, her future earning potential increases, infant mortality rates decrease, and poverty levels in communities fall.

“We see this reflected in the Gender Parity Index, which shows that girls have almost caught up with boys at the primary school level, with a ratio of 0.99, and even surpass boys at secondary school level, with a ratio of 1.08.

“However, these gains are at risk unless we intensify our interventions to reach every girl, particularly in areas where barriers remain strongest.”

The Vice President, however, assured that the National Economic Council (NEC), which he chairs, has already set out to guarantee the future of the girl child, adopting education as one of its critical thematic areas of intervention.

He explained: “Alongside health, nutrition, and employability in a rapidly changing world, our Human Capital Development Programme is a radical response to the generational gaps in our education sector.

“We have set the ambitious goal of achieving a 0.6 score on the World Bank’s Human Capital Index, and we understand that the road to this future involves increasing years of schooling, improving the quality of education, and ensuring that no child—especially no girl child—is left vulnerable or out of school.”

VP Shettima regretted that the latest data further accentuates the urgency of addressing the issue, particularly in northern Nigeria, noting that “states in the North West and North East face the highest out-of-school rates.

“We cannot allow ourselves to be held hostage by these frightening numbers. Now is the time to treat them as an emergency, and the only way forward is through state-specific action plans that address the unique needs and barriers in each region,” he added.

The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has announced that candidates whose results have been withheld can begin re-checking their West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) results starting Monday, October 14, 2024.

This update follows the conclusion of the Nigeria Examinations Committee’s (NEC) 78th meeting, which took place on October 9, 2024.

In a post shared on X, under its official handle #waecnigeria, WAEC informed candidates of the re-check process. The meeting focused on addressing issues of malpractice and irregularities reported during the 2024 WASSCE for school candidates, as well as discussing examination standards, results processing, and future policies aimed at enhancing the integrity of examinations in Nigeria.

“ICYMI: The 78th Meeting of the Nigeria Examinations Committee (NEC) ended on October 9, 2024. The communiqué from the meeting will be made available soon. Candidates can re-check their results from Monday, October 14, 2024,” the post stated.

Students, parents, and educators are encouraged to watch for the upcoming communiqué, which will detail further developments and policies affecting the examination landscape in Nigeria.

Notably, WAEC had previously withheld the results of 215,267 candidates from the 2024 WASSCE due to various issues. The examination results were initially released on August 12, 2024.

Meanwhile, in an earlier X post on Monday, the body had announced the commencement of the NEC’s 78th meeting, saying it will address the issues of malpractice and irregularities reported during the 2024 WASSCE for school candidates.

Nigeria’s education sector is set to witness a significant overhaul as the revised basic education curriculum is set to be unveiled on Thursday.

Specifically, the curriculum will be launched at the National Council of Education (NCE) meeting.

Minister of State for Education, Dr. Tanko Sununu, stated this in Abuja on Wednesday while flagging off the teacher training and launching of sensitisation materials on moral reorientation and regeneration in basic education.

The programme was organised by the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC).

According to the Minister, the revamped curriculum is infused with values to address the country’s orientation and social regeneration needs.

He pointed out that learners must be equipped with skills to succeed academically and make ethical decisions, foster positive relationships, and contribute meaningfully to society.

“Permit me to state that the review of our curriculum that will be unveiled tomorrow (today) during the National Council of Education, that is, the basic education curriculum that will be launched tomorrow, has been infused with values to address the orientation we need and also to regenerate our social values,” Sununu said.

“As I was informed, this training is designed to equip teachers with strategies to integrate moral lessons into daily teaching practice. The aim is therefore to move beyond simply delivering content to actively engage learners in discussions about values and ethics.

“In doing so, a generation of learners who are not only academically competent but also emotionally intelligent, socially responsible, and morally upright will be cultivated.

“To sustain this momentum, the federal government is committed to continuous investment in the professional development of our teachers, especially in ensuring that teacher training is regulated, updated, and reflects the emerging social challenges and evolving needs of our learners.

“The administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR is committed to ensuring that education as well as teacher professional development is given the required priority itself.”

On his part, the Executive Secretary, Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), Hamid Bobboyi, said the programme was aimed at equipping teachers with skills to imbibe good morals in learners and guide them in the right direction.

Bobboyi was upbeat that the programme will build responsible learners who will be good and patriotic citizens.

“Our hope is to see how we can infuse values within our system so that the children that are growing up will grow imbibing these values and be responsive to the needs of their fellow human beings and the needs of the country,” he said.

He said the revised curriculum would be effective in the classroom, address the current learning crisis in the country, and help children imbibe good moral values.