Education
Lawan donates newly constructed Technical College to Yobe State Govt
The immediate past President of the Senate and lawmaker representing Yobe North Senatorial District, Senator Ahmad Lawan, on Saturday, donated the completed building of Federal Science and Technical College, Gashua, to the Yobe State Government.
A statement by his Media Adviser Dr. Ezrel Tabiowo said Lawan had facilitated the establishment and construction of the college while in office as Senate President between 2019 and 2023.
According to him, the Yobe state government is in turn expected to hand over the institution to the Federal Government through the Federal Ministry of Education.
The Federal Science and Technical College, Gashua, has several ultra-modern facilities to provide students, teachers and administrative staff with the required learning and work environment.
Among the facilities provided according to the state including an Administrative block, staff offices, two blocks of offices, a library, 500-capacity auditorium, laboratory complex, a clinic, 5 blocks of female hostels, 5 blocks of male hostels, sports complex with offices, 3 twin-blocks of classes, 1 block of classes, workshop complex, ICT centre, 7 solar-powered boreholes, gate house and perimeter fencing.
Senator Lawan, in his remarks, said that the Federal Science and Technical College, Gashua, is a landmark institution that will provide limitless opportunities in the coming years for youths across the country.
He disclosed that the FSTC was among the sixteen technical colleges approved by the Federal Ministry of Education last year.
Lawan said, “For today’s event, we are witnessing a landmark development in this part of Nigeria.
“We are gathered here for the official handing over of the newly constructed and established Federal Science and Technical College, Gashua.
“It is a Federal Government educational institution, approved by the Federal Government of Nigeria through the Federal Ministry of Education, last year, and constructed by various institutions of the Federal Government and the North East Development Commission (NEDC).
“Today, we are here today because this institution is ready to enroll its first set of students and then resume academic activities by the grace of God, hopefully, this year.
“We consider this as a very important development for us because it is going to provide limitless opportunities for our youths who will be educated here for many years to come.”
He also thanked the Emir of Bade, Alhaji Abubakar Umar Suleiman, for providing the land upon which the institution was built.
On his part, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry for Basic and Primary Education, Hamisu Alhaji, who represented the Honourable Commissioner, showered Senator Lawan with praises for his commitment to the development of education in Yobe State.
He called on the Federal Ministry of Education to ensure the immediate take-off of the college in the 2023/2024 academic session.
“The establishment of this school is a major milestone in the development of science and technology in Yobe State.
“This giant stride by Distinguished Senator Ahmad Ibrahim Lawan, did not come as a surprise considering his numerous development projects in the state and country at large.
“This will complement the effort of His Excellency, the Executive Governor, not only in the area of science and technology education, but the development of education in the state in general,” Hamisu Alhaji said.
The Permanent Secretary said that over the years, the Yobe State government through the Science and Technical Schools Board, spent millions of naira every term on transportation of students to Federal Science and Technical Colleges across the country, such as FSTC Orozo, Shiroro, Jalingo, Otukpo, Daya, amongst others.
He added that the establishment of the FSTC in Gashua, will increase the chances of Yobe students to study science and technology courses, to enable them measure up with global trends.
The handover ceremony was attended by the Deputy Speaker of the Yobe State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Yau Usman Dachia, some members of the Yobe State Assembly, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry for Basic and Primary Education, Hamisu Alhaji, State Executive members of the All Progressives Congress, Special Advisers to the State Governor, Local Government Chairmen, amongst others.
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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