Category: Nigerian Tribune

The Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) has unveiled national minimum standards and implementation guidelines aimed at strengthening inclusive and special education in Nigeria’s basic education system, with a renewed focus on ensuring that no child is denied access to quality education because of disability or developmental challenges.

The initiative was unveiled during a two-day National Stakeholder Engagement and Capacity Building Workshop on the utilization of the National Special and Inclusive Basic Education Minimum Standards, Implementation Guidelines, Functional Difficulty Early Identification Tool and Capacity Building Manual, held at the UBEC Digital Resource Centre in Abuja.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, the Executive Secretary of UBEC, Dr. Aisha Garba, represented by the Deputy Executive Secretary (Technical), Mr. Razak Olajuwon, described the initiative as a major step towards strengthening state capacity for effective implementation of inclusive and special education across the country.

She spoke against the backdrop of revelation that about 40 per cent of Nigerian children under five are stunted, while approximately 52 per cent are not developmentally ready for school, underscoring the urgent need for coordinated early intervention.

Garba noted that despite improvements in school enrolment over the years, children with disabilities continue to face significant barriers to accessing and completing basic education, citing reports by United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and UNICEF indicating that inadequate early identification of disabilities, inaccessible learning environments and limited teacher preparedness remain major obstacles to inclusive education globally.

According to her, UBEC has developed three strategic national instruments to address these challenges, noting that the National Special and Inclusive Basic Education Minimum Standards provide measurable benchmarks covering governance, infrastructure, accessibility, teacher competencies, curriculum adaptation, assistive technology, learner assessment, safeguarding and quality assurance. She stressed that international evidence has shown that early identification and intervention significantly improve school readiness, literacy development and long-term educational outcomes while reducing the cost of remedial interventions later in life.

‘Standards and tools alone cannot transform educational outcomes. Their effectiveness depends on strong institutional capacity, coordinated implementation and continuous monitoring,’ she said.

She urged every SUBEB to strengthen inclusive education planning, institutionalise functional difficulty screening in schools and Early Childhood Care Development and Education (ECCDE) centres, improve referral pathways with the health and social sectors, and establish reliable data management systems.

The UBEC boss said implementation of the national documents would improve school compliance with minimum standards, enhance teacher effectiveness, increase learner participation and generate reliable disability-disaggregated data to support national education planning.

She noted that such data would strengthen equitable financing, targeted interventions and Nigeria’s commitment to achieving Sustainable Development Goal Four (SDG 4), the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and the National Policy on Inclusive Education.

Garba commended the Federal Ministry of Education as well as development partners, particularly UNICEF and the Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI), for providing technical support during the development and validation of the documents. Earlier, the Acting Director of the Department of Special Programmes and Early Childhood, Dr. Chijioke Onwuzurike, described the workshop as a strategic intervention designed to bridge the gap between policy formulation and implementation.

She said while Nigeria has developed sound policy frameworks for inclusive education, effective service delivery at state, local government and school levels remains a challenge.

According to him, the newly developed documents are intended to guide planning, budgeting, implementation, monitoring and quality assurance of inclusive education programmes nationwide.

Onwuzurike disclosed that the workshop would provide participants with practical skills on administering the Functional Difficulty Early Identification Tool, interpreting screening outcomes, establishing referral pathways and supporting timely interventions.

She stressed that strengthening inclusive education requires collaboration across education, health, social welfare and other sectors.

The acting director expressed concern that Nigeria currently operates more than 45 Early Childhood Development service delivery platforms across different sectors with limited coordination, resulting in fragmented services and duplication of efforts.

She revealed that about 40 per cent of Nigerian children under five are stunted, while approximately 52 per cent are not developmentally ready for school, underscoring the urgent need for coordinated early intervention.

According to her, many children with developmental disabilities are not identified until between the ages of five and ten, long after the critical period for early brain development.

She also identified inadequate financing, geographical disparities and insufficient training for frontline teachers and caregivers as major constraints to effective implementation of inclusive education.

Onwuzurike appealed for continued support to expand capacity building on Early Childhood Care, Development and Education as well as alternative education programmes for girls.

In her goodwill message, UNICEF Education Officer, Blessing Afuwai, reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to supporting Nigeria in building an inclusive education system where every child can learn and thrive.

She described inclusive education and early identification of children with special needs as critical to achieving quality education and the Sustainable Development Goals.

The workshop brought together representatives of the Federal Ministry of Education, SUBEB Directors of Special Programmes, Special Education Desk Officers, development partners, disability advocacy groups, education professionals and other stakeholders to chart a coordinated pathway for implementing inclusive education across Nigeria.

Renowned scholar, Prof Jacob Kehinde Oluponna, has warned that bad parenting is directly responsible for the rise of societal miscreants, thugs and inhumane acts plaguing Nigeria.

The 75-year-old academic stated this on Saturday during his birthday celebration and thanksgiving service at All Souls Church, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State.

‘Good parenting is the foundation a child builds their whole life on. It’s not about being perfect; it’s about being present, consistent and intentional,’ Prof Oluponna said.

‘Every generation inherits habits – good and bad. Good parenting interrupts cycles of abuse, poverty, addiction or neglect. It gives children tools their parents may not have had. But bad parenting produces societal miscreants, thugs and bad elements in society.’

On Nigeria: ‘It is about all of us.’

Speaking on the country’s current situation, the professor said the burden of fixing Nigeria did not rest on the government alone, but also on citizens, especially the youth.

‘The issue lies with you people, the youth who have, in a number of cases, chosen a path that is not too palatable for the progress and development of the country. So, why are you surprised that Nigeria is in this state?’ he queried.

‘I am not talking about a particular government because I believe that the current president has done more than previous presidents to correct the ills of this country. So, it is not about Tinubu; it is about all of us. What we call followership, it is not just leadership.’

‘This is one of the greatest countries in the world. People who are outside, they see it, and they keep asking us, why is Nigeria like this? There are not too many countries like Nigeria. This is why those of us who have faith in this country, we will continue to come,’ he added.

In his sermon, the Lord Bishop of Ogbomoso Diocese, Anglican Communion, Rt Rev Dr Titus Babatunde Olayinka, described Prof Oluponna as a product of sound Christian and intellectual upbringing.

‘You scaled through 50, 60, 70. The grace is enormous. Amazing grace has led you thus far. Your life is a remarkable example that has proved some people wrong. Some people believe that pastors are unable to train their children,’ the Bishop said.

He also commended the celebrant for his vision for the church, particularly the chapel endowment fund started five years ago, and prayed for God’s continued preservation. The Bishop further appreciated Prof Oluponna’s wife for her support and the children for making the family proud.

My proudest moment is my students

Speaking with journalists after the service, Prof Oluponna expressed gratitude to God for life and health.

‘I feel great. I give thanks to God for sparing my life to make 75, and I will continue to pray to God to give me long life so that I will be able to do more to honour God, my fellow Nigerians and my students. God has been kind to me,’ he said.

On his proudest moment as an academic, he said it had been watching his students graduate and take up positions in top universities across the world.

He also spoke on faith and tradition, noting that he was born into an evangelical Christian home.

‘There is nothing wrong in recognising our tradition all over the world. This is what distinguishes us in our scholarship, and that is what we will continue to do,’ he concluded.

One of the very few honest men appointed by the late President Mohammadu Buhari is Professor Ishaq Olanrewaju Oloyede. He became the Chief Executive Officer of JAMB in 2016. His appointment was renewed for another five years in 2021. A decade of innovation, transparency and accountability. Oloyede rebranded the Federal Government agency to the envy of all.

Few months after his appointment he remitted billions of naira to government coffer, a feat seen as direct indictment on his predecessors. Yes! A total of 50 million naira was recorded as revenue by others before him. In those dark eras, snakes were alleged to swallow millions of naira while scratch cards were being recycled.

Not only did Oloyede generate revenue; he reduced the cost of UTME fees for candidates. He also did not stand on the neck of government for allocation. He introduced innovations that help to reduce examination malpractices to the barest minimum.

A good leader who owns up to errors. It happened in the 2025 JAMB/UTME when glitch caused unanticipated error. Oloyede wept as he spoke on the issue. Adjustments were later made to correct the error. Professor Ishaq Olanrewaju Oloyede is leaving JAMB better than he met it. He is ‘Probitas doctrina’- better by far.

Interestingly, that’s the motto of the University of Ilorin where he served as a two-term Vice Chancellor.

As we are thanking Oloyede for a job well done, we want to charge the new Registrar, Professor Segun Aina to raise the bar of achievements.

Osun Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke, has declared that no individual or group can manipulate the outcome of the August 15 governorship election, insisting that the votes of the people will determine the winner.

Adeleke made the declaration on Monday while addressing supporters at a campaign rally in Oke-Ila, Ifedayo Local Government Area of the state.

The governor dismissed claims that the election could be rigged, saying Osun voters would defend their mandate.

‘I heard some politicians vowing to steal the votes. Where and how? Osun votes are untouchable. This is Osun State, the heart of the Yoruba nation. Nobody can rig us out here,’ he said.

Expressing confidence in his chances at the polls, Adeleke said the turnout at campaign rallies across the state reflected the level of public support for his administration.

‘We are going round the state. The people are trooping out. The people’s votes will be defended. Their will on August 15 will become a reality. We are getting the votes; they are chasing motor parks,’ he said.

The governor accused opposition politicians of plotting to manipulate the election and incite violence but maintained that the people of Osun were determined to protect their votes.

He described allegations of planned rigging as ‘fear mongering’ and urged residents not to be intimidated.

‘All rumours of rigging, violence and manipulation are mere fear mongering. We will vote and we will win this election,’ he said.

Adeleke also appealed to eligible voters not to sell their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) and to remain vigilant throughout the electoral process.

He added that threats of violence had only strengthened the resolve of Osun residents to participate peacefully in the election.

‘We are reaching across towns; they are holed up at their state secretariat. Our records speak for us; their records in office continue to hunt them. We have transformed our major towns and we are moving to upgrade our rural areas,’ the governor said.

During his visit, Adeleke was received by traditional rulers, including the Orangun of Oke-Ila, Oba Adedokun Abolarin.

Speaking at a town hall meeting and palace visit in Ora-Igbomina and Oke-Ila, the monarch commended the governor’s performance, saying it reflected the significance of his traditional title, Soludero of Oke-Ila, meaning one who brings good governance to every corner of the community.

‘Your Excellency, in your second term, Ifedayo presents your government with an ideal site to develop tourism and sporting facilities.

‘The landscape and the terrain are conducive for a sports academy, mountain hiking and tourism resorts,’ the monarch said.

Chief Sunday Akere was on Saturday inaugurated as the pioneer District Governor of Lions Club International District 404-B6, with a pledge to expand humanitarian services to underserved communities in Osun and beyond.

The inauguration, held in Osogbo, also launched a fundraising drive to raise N250 million for the district’s ‘Lion House and Food Bank Project’ – an initiative designed to provide food relief and welfare support for vulnerable people.

In his acceptance speech, Akere outlined a seven-point agenda for his service year, focusing on vision care, paediatric cancer, diabetes, environmental protection, youth development, hunger and disaster relief, and mental health awareness.

‘My administration will run an open and accessible style of government. Transparency and accountability will be our watchword. The welfare of all members will remain our priority,’ Akere said.

He added that he would work to achieve the association’s ‘Mission 1.5’ goal, produce better Lions and strengthen collaboration with governments at all levels and other partners.

Delivering the keynote address, the Chief Executive Officer of the South West Development Commission, Dr Charles Akinola, commended Lions Club for its decades of compassionate service and described it as a critical complement to government efforts.

‘Where policies are made, service organisations like Lions Club bring them to life for the benefit of the people. Today’s fundraising effort is more than an appeal. It is an investment that transforms lives,’ Akinola said.

He assured that the SWDC was ready to partner with the new district leadership to ensure the actualisation of the Lion House and Food Bank Project.

Dignitaries at the event described Akere’s emergence as a call to greater service, noting that voluntary organisations remained vital in bridging gaps left by government.

Oyo State Government has entered into a public-private partnership with CTH Trading Stores Limited for the development of a 481.028-hectare Smart Agro-Cosmopolitan City in Saki, Oke-Ogun, in a move aimed at strengthening agriculture, commerce and sustainable urban development in the region.

The partnership was formalised through a Letter of Engagement issued by the Oyo State New Towns and Cities Development Authority (OYSNTCDA), appointing CTH Trading Stores Limited as the state’s preferred development partner for the project.

According to a statement issued by the company on Monday, the smart city will be sited on the old Veterinary premises, off Oje-Owode Road, Saki, covering about 481.028 hectares, equivalent to nearly 1,200 acres.

The development is expected to combine agriculture with technology-driven infrastructure to stimulate economic growth and position the Oke-Ogun axis as a major commercial and agricultural hub.

The statement said the project would be implemented in phases and would include a smart agro-logistics hub equipped with wholesale trading facilities, temperature-controlled cold storage systems and automated supply chain infrastructure to facilitate regional and cross-border trade.

It added that the city would also feature off-grid solar-powered electricity, localised water supply systems, eco-friendly residential estates, technology-driven business districts and a digital land administration system integrated with the Oyo State Government’s property registry to ensure transparent and secure land ownership.

Managing Director of CTH Trading Stores Limited, Mr Covenant Abimbola, described the project as a strategic investment capable of transforming the economic fortunes of the Oke-Ogun region.

‘We are not just building houses; we are creating a sustainable economic engine for the region by combining green technology with Saki’s agricultural strength and commercial potential,’ Abimbola said.

He commended Governor Seyi Makinde and the leadership of the OYSNTCDA for promoting public-private partnerships aimed at accelerating regional development and community empowerment.

Abimbola disclosed that environmental impact assessments, site mapping, zoning and preliminary site clearing had commenced, while stakeholder engagement meetings with host communities would begin in the coming weeks.

According to him, the official groundbreaking ceremony is scheduled for the fourth quarter of 2026, after which construction of the first phase, covering about 180 hectares, will commence.

CTH Trading Stores Limited, a subsidiary of Tinath Holdings Limited, said the project aligns with its commitment to delivering sustainable infrastructure, promoting commerce and creating long-term economic opportunities for communities across Nigeria.

Nigerian youths seeking better opportunities abroad have been warned that relocating does not automatically guarantee employment.

Speaking with journalists in Ilorin, financial market and technology expert Abubakar Bello also cautioned young Nigerians against chasing quick wealth through betting and other get-rich-quick schemes that promise overnight success without creating genuine value.

Bello, the 32-year-old Ilorin-born tech expert, drew from nearly a decade of professional experience in Nigeria, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and the United Kingdom to dismiss the widespread belief that relocating abroad automatically guarantees career success.

He argued that global employers are more interested in competence than nationality, adding that professionals who build relevant skills, obtain internationally recognised certifications and develop strong portfolios can compete successfully anywhere in the world.

‘The biggest misconception is that a globally competitive career is primarily about location. The real question employers ask is, ‘What can you do?’ not where you come from,’ he said.

While acknowledging that working abroad offers greater exposure, higher earning potential and stronger professional networks, Bello warned that migrating without adequate preparation often leaves many Nigerians struggling to rebuild their careers from scratch.

He added that world-class careers can still be built from Nigeria, especially with the growing opportunities in the global remote work economy.

Bello said his experience at MALhub Ilorin, which has trained thousands of young Nigerians and supported more than 1,000 businesses, shows that discipline, mentorship and consistently solving real problems are what distinguish successful entrepreneurs from those who fail.

The House of Representatives on Monday issued a 48-hour ultimatum to the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Olatunji Disu, to produce the self-acclaimed Director-General of the Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council/Presidential Economic Advisory Council (PFIPC/PEAC), Prince Adeniyi Adeyemi Mathew, before the House on Wednesday by noon.

The Chairman of the Ad hoc Committee investigating the circumstances surrounding the inclusion of the phantom council in the 2026 Appropriation Act, Hon. Yusuf Gagdi, issued the directive during a resumed investigative hearing in Abuja.

He also urged the Accountant-General of the Federation (AGF), Dr Shamsudeen Ogunjimi, the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation and others to approve the release of 12 personnel named in the security report transmitted to the Ad hoc Committee.

Gagdi explained that the committee’s resolution was informed by the need to protect the integrity of individuals and institutions mentioned in the investigation, as well as verify documents alleged to have been altered.

‘It is the wish of this committee that the Inspector-General of Police of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, in view of the fact that individuals’ names have featured differently in this investigation, and agencies have been mentioned while documents have been said to have been mutilated, should kindly present Adeyemi before this committee on Wednesday by 12 noon,’ he said.

According to him, Prince Adeyemi’s appearance is critical to clarifying issues before the committee submits its findings and recommendations.

The Plateau lawmaker also assured that the committee would not interfere with ongoing investigations being conducted by security agencies, adding that the legislative probe was intended to complement efforts to establish the facts surrounding the PFIPC.

The lawmakers asked the AGF to produce the two personnel who conducted the assessment for the phantom council to ensure a fair hearing and obtain useful information that could aid the ongoing investigation initiated by the House.

Gagdi also disclosed that the Ad hoc Committee had obtained the statement of accounts opened for the phantom council by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) following authorisation granted by the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation.

Speaking further, Gagdi, who presided over the session, disclosed that the Ad hoc Committee was in possession of 29 fake documents allegedly used by Prince Adeyemi, who, according to the AGF, hijacked a letter of authentication written to the Presidency.

A legal luminary and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, SAN, Dr Monday Ubani has restated his commitment to justice, ethical leadership, nation-building, and service to God and humanity as he celebrated his 62nd birthday.

The public interest advocate equally took the opportunity to thank God over what he described as His enduring faithfulness, mercy, and guidance throughout his personal and professional journey.

The SAN, who just bagged a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree from Babcock University, equally reflected on decades of service in the legal profession and the Christian faith, attributing every milestone in his life and career to God’s grace.

It would be recalled that Dr Ubani had occupied several prominent leadership positions within the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), including serving as Chairman of the NBA Ikeja Branch, Vice President of the NBA, and Chairman of the NBA Section on Public Interest and Development Law (SPIDEL).

Apart from his contributions to the legal profession, Ubani presently serves as Legal Adviser to the President of the Senate of the Assemblies of God Nigeria, in addition to providing legal advisory services to several corporate and charitable organisations.

Being the first Senior Advocate of Nigeria from Ikwuano in Abia State, Dr Ubani reaffirmed his dedication to advancing justice, promoting ethical leadership, and contributing to community development across Nigeria.

The legal advocate further expressed appreciation to his family, friends, colleagues, and associates for their unwavering support, goodwill, and prayers over the years.

He expressed optimism about greater opportunities to continue serving God, the legal profession, and society while making meaningful contributions to national development.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) in the Delta Central Senatorial District on Sunday closed ranks ahead of the 2027 general elections, with party leaders, stakeholders and members unanimously endorsing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, Senator Ede Dafinone, and all other candidates of the party while calling for unity and intensified grassroots mobilisation.

The endorsement came during the Delta Central APC Stakeholders’ Strategic Meeting held at the Petroleum Training Institute (PTI) Conference Centre, Effurun.

Moving the motion for the endorsement, which was seconded by Hon Halims Agoda, the party’s founding leader, Chief O’tega Emerhor, commended President Tinubu and Governor Oborevwori for their policies and programmes, which are impacting Nigerians and Deltans positively.

The motion was subsequently put to a voice vote by the Delta State APC Chairman, Chief Solomon Arenyeka, and was unanimously adopted.

Addressing the people, Arenyeka said the stakeholders’ meetings across the three senatorial districts were conceived after the State Working Committee reviewed party activities during its June 11 meeting and resolved that each senatorial district should convene meetings to strengthen the party ahead of the 2027 elections.

He described the Delta Central meeting as evidence that the strategy was yielding positive results, adding that the calibre of personalities present reflected unprecedented unity within the party and demonstrated that Delta Central had set the pace for the remaining senatorial districts.

He commended Governor Oborevwori for what he described as tireless efforts in building and sustaining unity within the APC across Delta State, saying the governor had invested considerable time travelling across local government areas, reconciling aggrieved members, and strengthening party structures.

Pointing out that the success recorded by the APC was largely attributable to the governor’s leadership, he welcomed those who defected from other political parties to the party.

He assured them of equal opportunities and full integration into the APC and announced that the Delta North stakeholders’ meeting would hold on August 7 in Asaba, while the date for the Delta South meeting would be announced later.

Earlier, Chairman of the APC in the Delta Central Senatorial District, Chief Paulinus Akpeki, said the governor’s emergence as the party’s governorship candidate reflected the confidence the APC had in his leadership, inclusive governance and performance in office.

Akpeki said the successful conduct of the party’s congresses and primaries had strengthened internal democracy and positioned the APC for future electoral success and attributed the peaceful outcome of the exercises to Oborevwori’s leadership.

‘The primaries have come and gone. Winners have emerged, and some may naturally feel disappointed. However, the time for internal competition is over. The election ahead is bigger than any individual’s ambition. Let us forgive one another, heal every misunderstanding, and work together for the success of our party,’ he said.

He further urged members to market the achievements of the Oborevwori administration in infrastructure, education, healthcare, economic empowerment, peace and security while also promoting President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda across communities in Delta State.

Akpeki expressed confidence that a united, disciplined, and focused APC would secure victory in the 2027 general elections.

Addressing the gathering, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Chief Festus Keyamo, congratulated all candidates who emerged victorious in the party’s primaries and commended those who were unsuccessful for remaining loyal to the APC.

‘The APC is not a miracle centre where people simply go to obtain tickets. Our candidates emerged through the party’s democratic processes, and we must all respect those outcomes,’ Keyamo said.

He stressed that politics is driven by organisation, planning and constant engagement with the electorate, adding that the economic reforms of President Tinubu’s administration were beginning to produce positive results through increased government revenue and greater investments in infrastructure, job creation and poverty reduction.

Senator Ede Dafinone, representing Delta Central, thanked party leaders and stakeholders for supporting his emergence and others as candidates of the APC and pledged to facilitate greater employment and empowerment opportunities for Urhobo youths when re-elected.

Leaders from the three federal constituencies in Delta Central also assured the party of victory in the forthcoming elections. Chief Solomon Ighrakpata (Okpe/Sapele/Udu Federal Constituency), Senator Ighoyota Amori (Ethiope Federal Constituency), and Olorogun John Oguma (Ughelli North/Ughelli South/Udu Federal Constituency) declared that the APC remained united across the federal constituencies and pledged to work collectively to deliver all the party’s candidates at the polls.

Speaking on behalf of women in the district, Executive Director of Business Development at NEXIM Bank, Hon. Stella Okotete, assured party leaders that Delta Central would deliver at least one million votes for the APC in the 2027 general elections. She called for greater inclusion, support and empowerment of women and youths, describing them as critical to the party’s electoral success.

Also speaking, Chairman of the Delta State chapter of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), Hon. Isaiah Esiovwa, said council chairmen across Delta Central were fully committed to mobilising grassroots support to ensure victory for all APC candidates.

On behalf of the local government party chairmen, the APC Chairman in Okpe Local Government Area pledged sustained mobilisation, reconciliation of aggrieved members and strengthened party unity to guarantee overwhelming victory for the party in the 2027 general elections.