Education
Sex Education Controversy: Nigerian Feminist Forum tackles Education Minister, NERDC

By Ishaq Dan-Imam
The Nigerian Feminist Forum (NFF) has raised strong objection to the proposed removal of sex education from Nigeria’s basic education curriculum.
They therefore appealed to the Minister of education, Malam Adamu Adamu, federal ministry of education and the Nigerian educational research and development council (NERDC) to rescind the decision to expunge Sex Education from the Nation’s education curriculum.
A statement by the Communication and Programme Assistant of the Non-governmental organisation Adaeze Ekpunobi, said removal of ‘sex education’ will jeopardize the right of students to health education given its immense benefits to the health, well-being and protection of the child from disease infection as well as teenage pregnancy.
NFF insisted that the Minister
of Education, Malam Adamu Adamu and NERDC should in the interest of Nigeria and its Public health, reverse the policy with quick rescission of the government’s decision on the controversial sex education review.
“The NFF expressed the believed that the directive is ill-advised and stems from a place of ignorance on the
value of sex education as a right and vital aspect of health education and holistic wellbeing of school-aged young Nigerians.”
The Nigerian Feminists Forum, which is a policy advocacy forum of Nigerian Feminists, argues that, “Sex education in school curricula in Nigeria will play an important role in preparing young people for a safe, productive, fulfilling life in a world where HIV and AIDS, other sexually transmitted infections, unintended pregnancies, illegal abortion, gender-based violence and gender inequality still pose serious risks to their well-being.
“Expunging”sex education from the Nigerian school curricula, exacerbates myriads of sex-relate risks that young school-aged Nigerians are exposed to.”
The NGO said, contrary to the Minister’s position on sex education, “Evidence-based researches at national and international levels, have outlined the benefits of Sex Education to include delayed sexual initiation; reduced risk-taking; increased use of
contraception; and improved attitudes to sexual and reproductive health,” the NGO says.
It called on government and policy-makers to provide safe, accurate and incremental sex education to young people in the country, adding that Sex education in schools, is imperative in today’s information age, where young people can access information from the Internet and social media:
“The Nigerian government cannot afford to neglect the right to health and holistic well-being of millions of school-aged Nigerians. the repercussions of such carelessness and retrogressive action will
impact on all aspects of the Nigerian society.”
The Nigerian Feminist Forum, therefore, called on the Minister of Education to withdraw his directive on Sex education to NERDC and the federal ministry of education.
The forum also asked the minister to ensure that mechanisms are put in place across the country to protect the right to health and holistic well-being of every school-aged Nigerian.
It also urged the government to ensure that the sex education curriculum in the country is in line with the International technical guidance on sexuality education.
“We also call on Nigeria Educational Research and Development Council (NERDC) to ensure that the policy on sex education in Nigerian schools curricula is maintained;
“Ensure that public policies on sexuality education in the country is culturally relevant,
accurate, incremental, age- and developmentally appropriate;
“Create accountability in the evaluation mechanisms that allow for public engagement with young people, parents, teachers, gender experts and other relevant stakeholders in the process of delivery and assessment of sexuality education programmes in Nigerian schools.
Education
Don urges teachers to learn, deploy AI tools in teaching

By Friday Idachaba, Lokoja.
Professor Kehinde Victoria Fatokun, a Professor of Science Education, has called on teachers to adapt to changes, learn and deploy Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools in the teaching profession.
Prof. Fatokun made the call at the 18th Inaugural Lecture series of the Federal University Lokoja (FUL) as part of her advocacy for resourceful teaching and productive learning.
The Inaugural Lecture had the topic: “Transforming Chemistry Instructional Practices: Navigating through Resolving Learning Intricacies and Integration of Innovative Pedagogy.”
She said that the world was evolving as methods and procedures continue to change with innovations and technological breakthroughs adding that the teaching profession should also adopt new technologies including the Artificial intelligence tools.
The Professor of Science Education called for the development of intensive research and knowledge transfer culture, permeating all teaching and learning activities.
She said that the development of appropriate skills in students should be paramount and learning should be made appealing to them, in order to produce competent graduates.
Prof. Fatokun stressed that Educational research findings on current pedagogical issues should not be ‘kept in the shelf’ but be made available to the ‘implementer’ in an applicable manner for solving most of the instructional challenges they often encounter.
The former HoD, Department of Science Education, Anchor University, Lagos, tasked Curriculum developers and Authors to strive at tackling issues of “difficult concepts” during curriculum reviews with the application of novel approaches.
She suggested that emphasis should be placed on simplifying instruction to demystify misconceptions while there should be flexibility in adapting the curriculum content to the global trend.
“Published books should be clear, simple to understand and all ambiguity that create additional learning concerns should be removed”, she urged.
She however urged the FUL Management team to organize workshops for all teaching staff with the aim of familiarizing them with innovations in teaching especially the use of modern techniques and learning technologies for their pedagogical skill development.
She charged the Quality assurance directorate to ensure proper monitoring of academics through specific metrics to ensure quality teaching.
Prof. Fatokun charged students to be intentional about learning, not just cramming and passing examinations adding that conscious effort should be made henceforth to ensure understanding and retention to aid the application of the knowledge gained.
Speaking earlier, the
Vice-Chancellor of the University, Prof. Olayemi Akinwumi noted that the Inaugural Lecture series of the University had become “a beacon of intellectual discourse and academic excellence, showcasing the groundbreaking research and innovative thinking of our academic Staff.”
He described the Lecture topic, “Transforming Chemistry Instructional Practices: Navigating through Resolving Learning Intricacies and Integration of Innovative Pedagogy,” as both timely and apt.
The Vice-Chancellor noted that in navigating the complexities of modern education, the need to evolve teaching methodologies that would better address the diverse learning needs of students had never been more pressing.
“In the rapidly changing landscape of higher education, the integration of innovative pedagogy is crucial for preparing our students to meet the demands of the future”, he said.
The Vice-Chancellor who declared the Lecturer as “Discharged and Acquitted” after the delivery, described the 18th Inaugural Lecture as much a celebration of Prof. Fatokun’s achievements as it is “a testament to her collective contributions.” (Ends)
Education
Inculcate critical thinking, Inspire, guide your Students – Poland Ambassador tasks teachers

By Friday Idachaba, Lokoja.
Ambassador of Poland to Nigeria, Her Excellency, Ambassador Joanna Tarnawska has called on teachers to encourage critical thinking, inspire and guide their students or listeners to become innovative problem solvers.
Tarnawska made the call as a Guest Lecturer at the 6th Distinguished Public Lecture of Federal University Lokoja titled: “How to Effectively Pass Knowledge and Inspire Students in the Contemporary World.”
The Guest Lecturer said gone are the days when teachers were seen as encyclopedia and repository of knowledge. saying, “A teacher is not an encyclopedia anymore, a teacher is a book mark, a beacon who points to the relevant paragraph.”
Tarnawska stressed that teachers must be well grounded and knowledgeable in their respective disciplines, and urged them to guide, teach on how best to gather information and get the gist.
She said, “Know your subject matter and be ready to deepen your knowledge continuously, Know your audience, adapt your language and content to the listeners.
The Envoy said that with the influx and abundance of information with the world turned a global village, it is important to know the authentic from the fake and safekeep facts, especially now that everything can be checked online.
“Encourage questions, building an atmosphere of trust will be helpful to achieve this. Modern lessons should not only be teacher centered, Keep a balance and make time for student centered lessons.
“Never ask the question, “Do you understand?”, instead, ask questions to check your students understanding, always give practical examples,
be engaging and make sure your listeners are following you”, she said.
Speaking earlier in his address, Prof. Olayemi Akinwumi, Vice-Chancellor of Federal University Lokoja, commended Ambassador Joanna Tarnawska for the promptness with which she accepted to deliver the Distinguished Public Lecture.
Prof. Akinwumi noted that the topic of the lecture, “How to Effectively Pass Knowledge and Inspire Students in the Contemporary World” is not just timely but imperative.
He said, “In an era marked by rapid technological advancements, societal transformations, and global interconnectedness, the role of education transcends mere dissemination of facts.
“It therefore behoves upon us to instill in our students a hunger for knowledge, a love for learning, and a sense of purpose that extends beyond classroom boundaries.”
The Professor of History said as Vice-Chancellor of the esteemed institution, he was keenly aware of the profound impact that effective teaching and inspirational mentorship can have on the lives of our students.
Akinwumi urged all stakeholders to reflect on how we can collectively shape the future of Education, and recommit to the noble pursuit of empowering the next generation of leaders and innovators.
He enjoined all to embrace the spirit of collaboration, innovation, and lifelong learning as we listen to the lecture together. (Ends)
Education
22 NTIC students to participate in 3-day NMC’s Olympaid Camp

The National Mathematical Centre (NMC) has selected 22 students of the Nigerian Tulip International Colleges (NTIC) to participate in a 3-day Olympiad Camp.
The Olympiad competition covers subjects such as Mathematics, Science, Arts, Music, Literature, History, Culture, Information Communication Technology among others.
The Managing Director NTIC, Feyzullah Bilgin, in a statement on Tuesday said, “In a remarkable display of academic prowess, 22 students from Nigerian Tulip International Colleges in Nigeria have been handpicked by the prestigious National Mathematical Centre (NMC) to participate in a rigorous 3-day Olympiad Camp.
“The selection of these bright minds not only highlights their exceptional mathematical abilities but also underscores the dedication and commitment they have shown towards their education.”
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