FEC okays mother tongue for teaching in primary schools – Newstrends
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FEC okays mother tongue for teaching in primary schools

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The Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved the use of mother tongue as a compulsory medium of instruction in primary schools in the country.

Minister of Education, Mallam Adamu Adamu, disclosed this to State House correspondents after the week’s council meeting, presided over by President Muhammadu Buhari at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

He said the mother tongue would be used exclusively for the first six years of education and combined with the English language from Junior Secondary School.

Adamu said though the policy had officially taken effect, it could only be fully implemented when government develops instructional materials and qualified teachers are available.

He said the mother tongue to be used in each school would be the dominant language spoken by the community where it is located.

Minister of Education, Mallam Adamu Adamu

Adamu said the government was determined to preserve the cultures of the people and their peculiar idiosyncrasies.

He lamented that so much had been lost due to the extinction of some local languages.

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Students Loan: NANS proposes five-year post-NYSC for repayment

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Students Loan: NANS proposes five-year post-NYSC for repayment

The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has advocated for a five-year period after the completion of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) for the commencement of repayment for beneficiaries of the Federal Government loan scheme.

NANS argued that expecting repayment to start just two years after NYSC is not realistic, as less than 10 percent of graduates secure employment within that time frame.

President of NANS, Lucky Emonele, made this proposal in Abuja during a public hearing on the repeal and re-enactment of the 2024 Students Loans Access to Higher Education Bill.

The hearing was organized by the Senate Committee on Education and TETFUND, as well as the House of Representatives Committee on Student Loan, Scholarship, and Higher Education Financing.

Emonele commended President Bola Tinubu for including NANS leadership as representatives on the loan board and praised the decision to repeal the Act to address potential hindrances to the success of the student loan scheme.

He stressed the need for study grants for Nigerian students and called for measures to prevent arbitrary increments in school fees by tertiary institutions, urging the National Assembly to pass a resolution prohibiting public tertiary institutions from raising fees for the next decade to ensure the sustainability of the loan scheme.

“If the Federal Government, through the Tertiary Education Trust Fund, could earmark N683bn for public tertiary institutions in 2024, without requesting for payback from beneficiary institutions, Nigerian students should not be treated any differently,” he added.

In response, Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman, lauded Tinubu’s commitment to education, stating the President’s desire for all school-age children to have access to education.

The minister stated that the public hearing would provide an opportunity to make further input to improve the bill for the good of Nigerian students.

Chairman of the committee, Senator Muntari Dandutse pointed out the importance of quality higher education, stating that initiatives like the student loan scheme would lead to a brighter future for youths and the nation as a whole.

“By removing financial barriers, these initiatives will enable more students to pursue higher studies, leading to a larger pool of skilled graduates who contribute to the country’s social and economic development. Increased literacy rates foster economic growth, social progress, and democratic participation,” Dandutse stated.

Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, represented by the Deputy Senate President, Jibrin Barau, earlier expressed optimism that the legislative agenda of the 10th National Assembly would significantly improve the standard of living for Nigerians.

He commended Tinubu for his support for Nigerian students through the loan scheme, noting its potential to enhance access to education and economic development.

Students Loan: NANS proposes five-year post-NYSC for repayment

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The library was like my second home in school – UNILAG First Class graduate

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Tobiloba Osedimilehin

The library was like my second home in school – UNILAG First Class graduate, Tobiloba Osedimilehin

Twenty-three-year-old Oluwatobiloba Osedimilehin from Owo, Ondo State, recently graduated with first-class honours in Cell Biology and Genetics from the University of Lagos. He shares the story of his achievement with TEMITOPE ADETUNJI

What year did you gain admission?

My name is Oluwatobiloba Johnson Osedimilehin. I am 23 years old. I hail from Owo, Ondo State. I gained admission in 2017.

How do you feel about achieving first-class honours in Cell Biology and Genetics?

It’s a wonderful feeling to have graduated from such a prestigious university with a CGPA of 4.93 and as the best student in the Faculty of Science. I had many wonderful experiences. I made a few great friends along the way. I was able to represent my department in a competition organised by Inqaba Biotec. I attended a conference on forensics hosted by my department. I also took part in Health Safety and Environment training. I left my shell and became a ‘new’ person in a sense because I was very introverted during my secondary school days.

Can you share some of the key experiences and challenges you encountered during your academic journey at UNILAG?

As for the challenges I faced, I had to wait at home for a month because my name was on the supplementary admission list, and when my name finally came out and I resumed, I was a month behind. So I had to attend tutorials to catch up. I had issues with accommodation in my first year, but I found a way around it. My final year project was a bit challenging too, but God took control and helped me with it.

What year did you graduate?

I graduated on October 25, 2023, and the convocation was on January 16, 2024.

What sparked your interest in Cell Biology and Genetics, and how did your passion evolve throughout your study?

I initially wanted to study Medicine, but I didn’t get enough points, so I was offered Cell Biology and Genetics. I would say I have come to develop an appreciation for it, and I am glad that I decided to do it.

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Can you discuss any research projects or academic initiatives you were involved in during your time at the University of Lagos?

I took on a project that was an attempt to clone the gene of the Chitinase enzyme in the African palm weevil. The Chitinase enzyme is very useful in waste disposal, control of agricultural pests, and healthcare.

How do you envision applying your knowledge and skills in Cell Biology and Genetics to real-world issues and scientific advancement?

I am interested in computer-aided drug design because of its usefulness in the real world. It is relevant in the sense that it can help with understanding the structure of a compound and its biological activity. Computer-aided drug design can also play a role in identifying potential drug targets.

What are some of the emerging trends or breakthroughs in the field of Cell Biology and Genetics that excite you the most?

I am excited about computer-aided drug design, which I mentioned earlier, as well as gene editing with CRISPR and its boundless potential. I am also excited about progress in stem cell research.

How do you plan to contribute to the scientific community and promote further understanding in your area of expertise?

Because I am working towards a career in Bioinformatics, I intend to attend conferences, make presentations at conferences, publish research papers, and collaborate with others in the field.

Can you elaborate on any internships, co-op experiences, or industry placements you participated in to gain practical experience in your field?

I interned at the Cell Culture Laboratory at the University of Lagos at the end of my second year. That was where I saw and worked with cancer cells. I also underwent industrial training at the Nigerian Institute of Medical Research at the end of my third year. I worked on the extraction of genetic materials from different cell samples.

As a first-class graduate, what advice would you give to current students aspiring to excel in the field of Cell Biology and Genetics?

Study hard, read journals, and apply for internships. In essence, excelling in the field of Cell Biology and Genetics requires a combination of academic dedication, intellectual curiosity, practical experience, and a supportive network. By embracing these principles and actively engaging with the multifaceted aspects of the discipline, you’ll not only excel academically but also contribute meaningfully to the advancement of scientific knowledge and innovation in the field.

How did you feel when you saw your result, and what were your parents’ reactions?

When I saw my result, I was thrilled. It was like all the hard work I put in paid off. Seeing those grades made me smile because I knew I did well. My parents were super excited too. They were proud of me. Their faces lit up when they saw my result. It felt amazing to make them happy and show them that their support meant a lot to me. It was a special moment we shared, full of joy and love.

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How do your parents show you their support?

My parents were the ones financing my academics right from the start. My dad struggled to help me get through the university. My mum supports me with prayers and kind words. The two of them were my backbone while I was in school, always checking in on me, and letting me know they were always proud of me. I owe my success to them.

How do you plan to stay updated with the latest developments and research findings in your field after graduating from the university?

By reading journals, attending webinars, and taking online courses. I also plan to join professional bodies in the field.

What are the things that helped you achieve first-class?

Achieving a first-class degree is a big accomplishment, and there were a few things that helped me get there.

One of the main things was how much I read. Whenever I felt like I needed to read, I did it. I didn’t stay up super late to study because I’m not a night owl, but I made sure to use my daytime hours effectively. The library was like my second home. I spent a lot of time there, surrounded by books and resources. It’s amazing how much one can learn just by being in that environment. Attending tutorials in my first and second years was super helpful too. Tutorials are like small group classes where you can ask questions and get extra help to understand things. So, in short, reading regularly, using my time wisely during the day, making good use of the library, and attending tutorials were the main things that helped me achieve a first-class degree. It took dedication and hard work, but it was worth it in the end.

What leadership roles or extracurricular activities were you involved in during your time at the University of Lagos and how they contributed to your personal and professional growth?

I was a class executive from my second year till I graduated. I was one of those in charge of representing the class and organising tutorials for members of the class. In my final year, I was the head of the technical committee during our oral seminal presentations. I was a member of the welfare committee during the first edition of Prof Ogundipe’s Innovative Competition. These roles helped me interact better with people and taught me the essence of responsibility.

What are some of the biggest challenges facing the field of Cell Biology and Genetics today, and how can they be addressed?

I would say funding is an issue, especially when we talk about the field of tertiary institutions. There are lots of projects that can be done and novel discoveries waiting to be made if only there is support for students who are doing project research and seasoned researchers.

How do you plan to leverage your academic achievements and expertise to pursue further education or career opportunities in your chosen field?

I am currently in pursuit of scholarships. I intend to do my PhD in Bioinformatics and I’m looking out for scholarships that can help me achieve this goal. I am taking online courses to prepare me for the real deal. I am also very much open to internships that will give me experience.

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Can you share any memorable experiences or breakthrough moments from your time studying Cell Biology and Genetics at the University of Lagos?

In the six semesters, I had 5.0 GPAs. I was glad because my efforts yielded fruit. Also, when I won a laptop because I was the best student at the tutorial I attended. I also got to attend and win a prize at the Inqaba Biotec event held in my school in my final year. My seminar presentation and project defence days were memorable ones for me. I remember the day my course mates and I went to the beach in my final year. We had fun as a group. My final-year week was fun.

Did you receive any awards from the school?

Yes, I did. I received a total of five awards on graduation day. They are the Gocuz Group Limited prize for the best student, the best-graduating student in the Faculty of Sciencethe HOD’s prize for the best all-round performance at the degree level in the Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, the Nordica Fertility Centre Prize for the best graduating student in the Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, the Dean’s prize for the best all-round performance at the degree level in the Faculty of Science, and the Kayode Bewaji Foundation prize for the best-graduating student in the Faculty of Science. I also received the Gocuz Group Limited prize for the best 200-level student in the Faculty of Science at the end of my second year and the same at the end of my third year.

What do you hope to accomplish in your career within the next five years, and how do you plan to achieve those goals?

I see myself as a bioinformatician with significant research under my belt. I hope to make contributions to the field in the aspect of drug design and drug discovery.

Do you plan to give back to your alma mater and contribute to the development of future generations of Cell Biology and Genetics students?

I intend to establish a foundation that will sponsor students of Cell Biology and Genetics, especially the outstanding ones. By doing this, I hope to make it easier for talented students to pursue their dreams in these fields. I believe that investing in their education will not only benefit them but also contribute to the future of Cell Biology and Genetics. It’s a way of saying thank you to my alma mater and helping to shape the next generation of scientists.

The library was like my second home in school – UNILAG First Class graduate

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Bandits invade another school in the North, abduct 15 students

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Bandits invade another school in the North, abduct 15 students

Bandits on Saturday kidnapped at least 15 Tsangaya students in Gidan Bakuso of the Gada Local Government Area of Sokoto State.

The students were taken from their school around 1am.

The propiretor of the school, Liman Abubakar, was reported to have said that 15 students were unaccounted for so far.

The attack came barely two days after 287 pupils were kidnapped with their teachers in a Kaduna community school.

About 300 people, mostly women and children from Internally Displaced Persons camps in Borno State, were earlier in the week abducted by suspected Boko Haram insurgents.

Ironically, the abduction in Sokoto happend at a time the state was witnessing the passing out of its Community Guards Corps, the initiative of the state government aimed at curtailing banditry.

According to Abubakar, the bandits invaded the town around 1am, shot one person and abducted a woman.

“As they were leaving the town, they sighted our students rushing into their rooms and they kidnapped many of them.

“We have so far counted 15 who are missing and we are still searching for more,” he said

Abubakar added that this was not the first time the village was attacked by bandits.

The member, representing Gada-East Constituency at the state House of Assembly, Kabiru Dauda while confirming the attack, said he received a call from the village around 2am that it was invaded by bandits.

reached out to the local government authorities and security agencies and I am sure they are doing something about it,” he said.

Our reporter also gathered that bandits attacked and killed three persons at Turba village in Isa Local Government Area of the state, including the village head.

A member representing, Isa Constituency, Habibu Modachi who confirmed the incident, believed it was a reprisal after security operatives raided bandits’ hideouts two days ago.

The spokesman of the Sokoto State Police Command, ASP Ahmad Rufa’i, said he was not aware of the development but he would contact the Divisional Police Officer of the local government areas and get back to our reporter.

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