Tutors as key change agents must embrace technology, says legislator at training of 1,500 Lagos teachers

Educators must embrace technology in order to play their role in the society well as key change agents that will be remembered for shaping future leaders.

Chairman, Lagos State House of Assembly Committee on Establishment, Training, Pension and Public Service, Hon. Oladele Ajayi, stated this while declaring open a three-day induction programme for newly 1,500 recruited teachers by the state government.

He stressed that technology had become a very strong inevitable tool in daily lives in improving the quality of teaching and learning in schools.

“With technology, we can think locally and act globally,” he said.

Ajayi said the programme was part of a broader effort to improve the quality of education in Lagos State and ensure that students receive effective instruction.

He noted that the Induction program is a veritable process to equip, re-orientate and reinforce the capabilities of calibre of teachers in schools with emphasis on the ethics and ethos of modern techniques of teaching.

He urged them to develop the penchant for continuous learning to keep pace with the demands of the School system and master the daily and increasing requirements of the school and students’ development.

The programme, with the theme “Leading Learning in a Fast Evolving World,” is aimed at equipping about 1,500 teachers with the skills and knowledge necessary to thrive in their roles, according to a statement by the Public Affairs Unit of TESOM.

Also speaking at the opening ceremony held at the Lagos State Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Ikeja, TESCOM Chairman, Victoria Peregrino, highlighted the focus of the programme aimed at addressing key issues in Lagos post-primary schools.

Peregrino emphasized the importance of continuous learning for educators. She encouraged the inductees to keep pace with the evolving demands of the school system and adapt to the growing needs of students in a globalized world.

She said further “As professionals teachers, you all must understand that your role in nation building is very important.

“You have found yourselves in the most important profession because you all are to build other professionals. You are to impart knowledge and new ideas to your students.

“Their future depend on your efforts. Whatever you impart to them will impact greatly impacts in their conducts, personal lives and by extension, the society at large.”

She expressed her gratitude to the Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, for his commitment to improving the standard of education in the state by aligning with the state’s T.H.E.M.S+ development agenda.

Earlier, the Permanent Secretary of TESCOM, Mrs. Bopo Oyekan-Ismaila, explained the significance of the state-wide induction programme.

She described it as a crucial platform for successful teachers who had undergone rigorous screening to be exposed to contemporary issues in school administration.

She said that teacher development was crucial to improving student outcomes and achieving the collective educational goals in the State.

Mrs. Oyekan-Ismaila reminded them of their roles as mentors and agents of change whose impact will be felt far beyond the classroom.

She urged the newly recruited teachers to actively participate in the induction program and view themselves as policy drivers in achieving the state agenda for education.

The induction programme held simultaneously at three different centres is a collaborative effort between TESCOM and Nurture House Consulting, highlighting the value of external expertise in teachers development.

Five countries that allow you to study abroad without leaving your family behind

Studying abroad can be life-changing, but for students with spouses or children, the emotional toll of leaving loved ones behind can be overwhelming, and in some cases, a deal breaker. While young, single students may find the separation easier to handle, those with families often face a tougher decision.

Thankfully, several countries understand the importance of keeping families together and offer dependent visa options for international students.

These programs not only allow spouses and children to join the student but often grant them the right to work, study, and fully engage in life abroad.

If you dream of earning a degree overseas without putting your family life on pause, here are five countries that make it possible to pursue your academic goals together.

1. Germany

Germany offers the full package: world-class education, strong family support, and solid career prospects. With its Family Reunion Visa, international students can bring their loved ones along while pursuing their degrees. Renowned for its affordability, robust economy, and high quality of life, Germany is also one of the top places in Europe to raise a family.

What you need:

* Proof of sufficient funds and accommodation

* Valid marriage license

* Partner must be over 18 and speak basic German (A1 CEFR level)

* Enrolled in a course of at least one year

Once approved, spouses can also work full-time if they meet eligibility requirements. Add in world-class healthcare, public transportation, and an excellent education system, and it’s no surprise that Germany is such an attractive option.

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2. Australia

Australia offers one of the most flexible dependent visa options for international students. Whether you include your spouse and children in your initial visa application or apply after your studies begin, the country’s student visa (subclass 500) allows dependents to join you.

Eligibility includes:

* Spouse and unmarried children under 18

* Proof of relationship (marriage/birth certificates, lease agreements)

* Evidence of sufficient funds and health insurance

* Children’s school enrollment documents (if applicable)

Dependents can work!

If you’re pursuing undergraduate studies, your spouse can work up to 48 hours per fortnight.

If you’re studying at the postgraduate level, there are no work limitations for your spouse.

With the Australian government raising the skilled migrant salary threshold to A$70,000, bringing your family might also lead to long-term opportunities.

3. Canada

A welcoming country that values family unity. Canada has long been a favourite among international students — and for good reason. In addition to top-ranked universities and a multicultural environment, Canada lets you bring your spouse and family through its spousal open work permit and dependent child visa options.

Requirements include:

* Valid student permit

* Marriage certificate (must have been married for at least one year)

* Language proficiency test (for spouse)

* Proof of funds and relationship documents

Spouses are granted an open work permit, allowing them to work full-time while you study. Children can also join and enrol in Canadian schools.

Canada’s Immigration Plan for 2024–2026 emphasises family reunification — a clear signal that you and your loved ones are welcome.

4. Finland

The happiest country in the world wants your family, too.

Finland is consistently ranked as the happiest and safest country in the world, and it offers a family-friendly approach to international students. If you’re studying there, your spouse and children can apply for a residence permit and join you during your studies.

What’s required:

* Valid passports and marriage/birth certificates

* Finnish residence application (PK1 Plus)

*Proof of finances and accommodation

Once granted, spouses can work full-time. Whether you’re enjoying Finland’s northern lights or its modern education system, your family can be right there with you.

5. New Zealand

Stunning landscapes, quality education and strong family support; New Zealand not only welcomes international students but also provides ample support for families. Through the Skilled Migrant Category and other visa streams, your spouse and children (up to 24 years old) can live, study, or work while you pursue your studies.

Key benefits:

Children are treated as domestic students in primary and secondary schools, meaning no tuition fees.

Spouses staying over six months can apply for the Partner of a Worker Work Visa, which comes with open work rights.

This means your spouse can work in any field or even run a business. A perfect mix of educational opportunity and family wellbeing.

* Studying abroad no longer means leaving your family behind. With the right destination, you can achieve your academic goals and keep your loved ones close. Whether it’s Australia’s generous work rights for spouses, Canada’s open work permits, or Germany’s supportive family reunification policies, these five countries show that you don’t have to choose between quality education and family life—you can have both.

Five countries that allow you to study abroad without leaving your family behind

ASUU, ASUP disagree with JAMB on cut-off marks for varsities, polytechnics

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) and the Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP) have rejected the recent decision by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) to fix 150 as the admission cut-off mark for universities.

ASUU described the benchmark as illegal, adding that JAMB could not set entrance age criteria or cut-off marks for tertiary institutions.

The federal government’s reaffirmation of 16 years as the minimum age for admission to tertiary institutions has received strong support from key education stakeholders such as the Colleges of Education Academic Staff Union (COEASU) and the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS).

While they praised the policy to restore academic discipline, they also expressed concern over ongoing systemic policy infractions.

However, the revelation of a minimal cut-off mark of 150 for universities and 100 for polytechnics and colleges of education has caused significant criticism, with many fearing that it will further undermine standards in Nigeria’s tertiary education system.

Speaking in an interview, ASUU president, Professor Chris Piwuna, expressed strong disapproval, calling the gathering “an illegal meeting” and warning that it undermines the authority of university senates.

“I am shocked that some vice chancellors, who are chairmen of their respective university senates, would attend such a meeting and, by doing so, subject their institutions to the authority of JAMB.

“This act differs from the principle of university autonomy and the core issues we are renegotiating with the federal government,” he said.

“Our union has not taken an official position on the issue of minimum age for university entry. But let it be clear, it is not JAMB’s role to determine that. Each university senate is empowered by law to decide on admissions and other academic matters,” he added.

Also, ASUP has opposed the new admission cut-off marks approved by JAMB, describing them as a threat to the integrity of Nigeria’s tertiary education system.

Speaking on the issue in an interview, the president of the Union, Comrade Shammah S. Kpanja, said, “Honestly speaking, fixing the JAMB examination cut-off points to 150 for universities and 100 for polytechnics and colleges of education is counterproductive.

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“As you know, JAMB’s total score is 400. By this standard, a candidate only needs 37.5% to gain admission into a university and just 25% to enter a polytechnic or college of education. Undoubtedly, this will contribute greatly to lowering academic standards,” he said.

In response to the news, Dr Smart Olugbeko, National President of COEASU, praised the federal government’s stance on the 16-year-age ban but expressed deeper worries about widespread infractions that have rendered the rule ineffectual over time.

“This is not a new policy. The issue is that it has been consistently violated due to noncompliance by institutions. But we’ve failed to address the root cause: when should children begin formal schooling?”

He mentioned that several private institutions have eliminated primary six, allowing students to start secondary school as early as primary 3 or 4. He stated that as a result, underage pupils complete secondary education and apply for university entrance before the age of 16.

“The government just added a policy today, and the minister announced that the admission age is 16 years old. Yes, that is not a new statement. It is not something new. That has always been like that,” he said.

However, while COEASU supports the federal government’s enforcement of the age limit, the union is firmly opposed to the recently established cut-off marks.

The leadership of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) acknowledged the potential benefits of increased access and advocated for a balance between inclusivity and academic standards.

NANS‘ National Public Relations Officer, Samson Ajasa Adeyemi, stated that while the 16-year age limit is reasonable, the true difficulty is implementation.

Their views come after the 2025 JAMB policy meeting in Abuja, when the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), in conjunction with education stakeholders, agreed on the minimum criteria for the new admission cycle.

At the conference, stakeholders agreed that the minimum cut-off for admission to Nigerian universities would be 150.

The baseline for polytechnics and colleges of education is 100, whereas colleges of nursing sciences will admit students with a minimum score of 140.

The meeting was led by Dr Maruf Alausa, Minister of Education, and attended by vice-chancellors, rectors, provosts, and leaders of regulatory bodies.

The cut-off marks serve as national benchmarks, but individual institutions maintain the ability to set higher thresholds based on the competitiveness of their programmes.

At the ceremony, JAMB Registrar Prof. Ishaq Oloyede stressed that while these were basic qualifications, no institution could admit candidates not meeting the agreed-upon benchmarks.

He also stated that the policy ensures justice, access, and excellence across higher education.
“This policy reflects the reality of our education system and the need to align admission processes with merit, equity, and capacity,” he stated.

The meeting also reaffirmed that institutional autonomy in admissions was still intact, but it must be exercised within the context of national standards.

Institutions are expected to complete admissions according to the approved calendar and report their activities to JAMB for central processing.