Education
Northern youths reject planned WAEC CBT exams
Northern youths reject planned WAEC CBT exams
The Arewa Youth Consultative Forum has demanded the cancellation of the idea of creating Computer-Based Test format in the upcoming West African Examinations Council (WAEC) exams in Nigeria.
They said this mode could potentially result in widespread failure, especially among students in rural areas lacking adequate computer skills.
WAEC had announced its shift from the traditional paper and pencil test to Computer-Based Testing for the Senior School Certificate Examination, citing alignment with global standards. Moyosola Adesina, the acting head of the Public Affairs Unit of WAEC, announced this decision.
The National President of AYCF, Yerima Shettima, said in a statement from Kaduna that the CBT exams should have been optional, giving candidates the choice between the traditional method and the computer-based approach. Shettima said research in northern states like Zamfara, Jigawa, Taraba, Adamawa, Nasarawa, and Plateau indicated high failure rates due to limited computer education in public schools, making the CBT format challenging for many students.
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He said, “Even the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board – CBT exam has placed underprivileged students in a predicament as they struggle to answer questions in an unfamiliar format.
“Many students who failed the CBT-based JAMB exams last year argued that their failures were a result of systemic failures, including insufficient facilities or network failures during the exams.
“Additionally, a lack of proper and adequate computer skills, coupled with outdated desktop computers that are not properly maintained by CBT centres, further exacerbated the situation.
“As the exams are timed, these delays significantly hinder the performance of students who otherwise possess sufficient knowledge of the content.”
He, therefore, called on the Ministry of Education, Jama’atu Nasril Islam, Christian Association of Nigeria, National Association of Nigerian Students and other relevant Civil Society Organisations to unite and reject the planned CBT exams.
He noted that the call became imperative to prevent a massive failure rate among students who deserved fair and equal opportunities for success.
“The AYCF remains committed to promoting quality education, equitable examination processes, and the overall advancement of education in Nigeria. We stand ready to work collaboratively with all stakeholders to find suitable alternatives that ensure a level playing field for all students,” he added.
Nothern youth forum rejects planned WAEC CBT exams
Education
FG approves NYSC mobilisation for all full-time HND graduates
FG approves NYSC mobilisation for all full-time HND graduates
The Federal Government has approved the mobilisation of all full-time Higher National Diploma (HND) graduates for the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), ending years of exclusion from the scheme.
Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, announced the decision on Thursday in Abuja, stating that only graduates of full-time HND programs would be eligible for mobilisation. The policy shift follows consultations with the Director-General of the NYSC and is aimed at promoting fairness in the education sector.
“The Federal Ministry of Education remains committed to equity, fairness, and inclusivity in Nigeria’s education system,” Alausa said in a statement released by the ministry’s Director of Press and Public Relations, Folasade Boriowo.
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To ensure smooth implementation, the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) has been directed to compile data on eligible HND graduates. A circular has also been issued to polytechnic rectors, instructing them to upload the necessary graduate records to a newly established HND admission portal, which will serve as the official database for NYSC mobilisation.
However, the minister clarified that part-time HND graduates remain ineligible for the scheme.
“This decision applies strictly to those who completed a full-time HND programme,” Alausa reiterated.
He urged all qualified graduates to take advantage of the opportunity and begin their mobilisation process immediately.
The move is expected to address long-standing concerns among polytechnic graduates and enhance their participation in national development through the NYSC scheme.
FG approves NYSC mobilisation for all full-time HND graduates
Education
Romanian university offers fully funded scholarships to non-EU and non-EEA students for 2025
Romanian university offers fully funded scholarships to non-EU and non-EEA students for 2025
Romanian university offers fully funded scholarships to non-EU and non-EEA students for 2025
Education
New Zealand university offers up to $10,000 scholarship for international students
New Zealand university offers up to $10,000 scholarship for international students
Victoria University of Wellington in New Zealand, is offering the Tongarewa International Scholarship, which provides financial assistance of up to $10,000 to international students for their first year of study.
The scholarship seeks to support students in covering part of their tuition fees at the university.
The Tongarewa International Scholarship is available to international students starting their studies at Victoria University of Wellington in Trimester 2 or Trimester 3 of 2025.
This partial fee-based scholarship is open to both undergraduate and postgraduate students, offering a maximum award of $10,000.
“This is a partial fee-based scholarship that will go towards tuition fees for one year of study. It is designed for new international students, who are entering their first year of undergraduate or postgraduate studies at Victoria University of Wellington,” the institution informs.
“Scholarships are awarded competitively on the basis of academic excellence”
Eligibility criteria for the scholarship
To be eligible for the Tongarewa International Scholarship, applicants must:
- Be new international students
- Students must also hold a Conditional or Unconditional Offer of Place for an eligible program at Victoria University of Wellington
- New students to Victoria University of Wellington
- Selected by the scholarship award panel (upon scholarship application)
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Applicants are not eligible for this scholarship if they:
- Completed their secondary education at a New Zealand school;
- Completed the English for Academic Purposes (EAP) or the Victoria University of Wellington Foundation Studies programme;
- Are a Study Abroad or Exchange student or a Twinning student from one of the institution’s overseas partner universities;
- Are in their second trimester or year of study in the same degree programme (returning students) at Victoria University of Wellington
Application process
Students interested in applying for the scholarship must submit an application demonstrating academic achievement and leadership potential.
Scholarship requirements
The following documentation must be provided as part of the online scholarship application:
- A personal statement of up to 500 words outlining why the applicant wishes to study at Victoria University of Wellington, their academic goals and why they merit the scholarship
- Applicants should also include any leadership positions and details of their involvement in their school or community
According to the institution, “this is a partial fee-based scholarship which is awarded competitively based on academic excellence and the student’s personal statement. A panel comprising appropriate Wellington University International staff will review the applications and award the scholarships.”
Details further inform that the amount of the stipend will be awarded as either $2,500; $5,000; $7,500 or $10,000.
The scholarship amount, according to the institution, will be credited to students’ accounts two weeks after the programme begins. It cannot be paid out before this date.
Once the scholarship is awarded, the decision is final and cannot be appealed.
“Should the recipient withdraw from Victoria University of Wellington during the tenure of this scholarship or fail to achieve satisfactory progress, partial repayment of the Scholarship will normally be expected. Recipients must advise the Scholarships Office if they intend to withdraw,” the institution states.
Important deadlines
The deadline to apply for the scholarship is May 1st, 2025 for Trimester 2 and 1 August 2025 for Trimester 3. Applications must be submitted on the respective deadline dates.
For more details or to apply, students can visit the Victoria University of Wellington website.
New Zealand university offers up to $10,000 scholarship for international students
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