Education
Stop Discouraging Girls from Science, Engineering Courses Group Warns Parents
The STEM Damsel Network has warned Nigerian parents against the girl child gender stereotypes and cultural practices that could threaten their future careers.
The non-governmental organisation said discouraging the girls from studying courses in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics, could have negative impacts in their careers.
It insisted that doing so could adversely affect their careers in the future.
The Founder of the group, Ekenedilichukwu Okolie, gave the warning in a statement made available to our correspondent in Abuja on Saturday.
She condemned the socio-cultural challenges facing the girl child, especially in Africa.
She said the STEM Damsel Network had restated the campaign during a One-Day Sensitisation for Girls in Secondary Schools in Abuja it organised to commemorate the International Day of Women and Girls in Science.’
Okolie said that the event was aimed at sensitising female students on careers in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics.
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She said it was also aimed at encouraging investments in teacher training, inspiring parents to sponsor their girls to study STEM-related courses as well as boosting self-confidence and esteem of the girls.
She added that the event was attended by over 150 students along with teachers, parents and volunteers.
Part of the statement read, “In Nigeria, like other parts of sub-Saharan Africa, there is a wide gender gap in STEM. Gender stereotypes, cultural norms and lack of mentorship are some of the factors that continually dampen the interest of girls in STEM, resulting in low representation of women in STEM careers.
“However, with the 4th Industrial Revolution, the reality of the post-COVID ‘New Normal,’ digitalisation and globalisation; all of these trends have sparked radical shifts in how we live and work.
” The jobs of the future will be driven by technology and innovation; and careers in STEM offers so much more for our girls, especially economic empowerment which will help us towards achieving most of the sustainable development goals.
“Therefore, denying girls the opportunities to study STEM-related courses reduces their chances of securing better jobs in the future, thereby perpetuating poverty amongst women.
“As part of our Sustainability Plan, we unveiled The STEM Damsel Mentorship Clinic which is built on a research-based strategic teaming model to increase the likelihood that participating students will pursue STEM careers as well as expose the young girls to female STEM Mentors and professionals.
“We intend to work in partnership with educators, government agencies and corporate organisations as we continue to sensitise our young girls/parents on career opportunities in STEM through advocacy and teachers training.”
The statement further quoted the Lead Consultant, Market3 Consulting, Enoch Haruna, to have stated that “STEM is the future and not just the future.”
Haruna reportedly said, “The highest paid jobs are STEM-based and are also the highest in demand. Therefore, one of the tactics to end the poverty cycle within communities and the nation at large will be to ensure that our women are equipped to compete in STEM careers as we all agree that with women in STEM, we open up the science space for women at the apex.
A self-esteem advocate, Ejiro Alechenu, was also quoted to have encouraged young girls on the need to be self-aware, observant and conscious mentally, physically, negatively and positively.
“This is very important for the girls even in their STEM journey as it impacts how they see themselves and how they grow to be confident even in a male-dominated space,” he said.
The Founder and Creative Director, Tristetix, Dahlia Akhaine, also spoke on sustainable future, the skills needed to build a sustainable future through STEM-strong leadership skills, coding skills, data management skills, communication skills, relationship building skills and long term thinking skills.
The Proprietress, Seed of Greatness and Excellence Academy, Rev. Mrs. Agboola, reiterated the need for continuous STEM education not only for our girls but also for parents/guardians, communities and the society at large.
This, she said, would help break the stereotypes and cultural norms that have consistently dampened the interest of girls in STEM.
Thisday
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Education
Law School Sanctions Best Ethics Student Over Attire in Circulated Photo
Law School Sanctions Best Ethics Student Over Attire in Circulated Photo
The Council of Legal Education (CLE), governing body of the Nigerian Law School, has withdrawn the prize awarded to the institution’s best graduating student in professional ethics following the circulation of a photograph online that the council deemed inconsistent with professional standards and decorum.
The council announced its decision after reviewing the circumstances surrounding the award and the photograph involving the recipient. In a statement dated August 19, 2026, signed by Aderonke Osho, Secretary to the Council and Director of Administration, the CLE said the attire worn by the recipient in the photograph was considered inconsistent with the standards expected of legal professionals. The statement reads in part: “The council considered the circumstances surrounding the award of the prize for the best graduating student in professional ethics and approved the withdrawal of the prize from the recipient, arising from the circulation of a photograph online depicting the recipient in attire considered inconsistent with the professional standards and decorum.”
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Although the council did not officially disclose the name of the affected graduate or the specific graduating set, reports have identified the 2026 best graduating student in professional ethics as Ogechi Ifezie. Ifezie was among the students honoured during the 2026 Call to Bar ceremonies held from July 7 to 10 at the Body of Benchers Complex in Abuja. Records from the 2026 Nigerian Law School awards show that Ifezie, who studied at the Nigerian Law School‘s Lagos Campus after graduating from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, was listed as the first-prize winner for Professional Ethics. The Ike Obiora Foundation, which supported her as a scholarship beneficiary, had previously described her as a first-class graduate and noted her achievement as the overall best student in Professional Ethics.
The 2026 Call to Bar ceremonies also recognised several other outstanding graduates across various law subjects. Israel Adeniyi emerged as the Overall Best Graduating Student, while other course leaders included Ifeoluwa Ajaiyeoba for Civil Litigation, Timilehin Adebayo for Criminal Litigation, Emmanuel Oyelami for Corporate Law, and Francis Obiahu Alu for Property Law.
Beyond the withdrawal of the prize, the CLE also approved sanctions against two other students found culpable of indiscipline-related misconduct, though the details of these sanctions were not disclosed. The council reiterated its commitment to maintaining discipline, professionalism, and appropriate conduct among students of the Nigerian Law School. The council did not provide further details about the photograph, including where or when it was taken, beyond its reference to the image being circulated online. It also did not state whether the decision affects the recipient’s status as a newly qualified lawyer or any other awards received during the Call to Bar ceremonies. The council’s action underscores its role in upholding professional standards and signals that academic excellence is expected to be matched by conduct considered appropriate for members of the legal profession.
Law School Sanctions Best Ethics Student Over Attire in Circulated Photo
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Education
FG releases 2026/2027 Unity Schools admission list for JSS1 candidates
FG releases 2026/2027 Unity Schools admission list for JSS1 candidates
The Federal Government has released the 2026/2027 admission list for Federal Unity Colleges, with successful candidates offered admission into Junior Secondary School One (JSS1) across the country.
The admission list, approved by the Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, marks the commencement of the admission process for candidates seeking placement in the nation’s Federal Unity Colleges, popularly known as Unity Schools.
The Federal Ministry of Education announced the release in a statement issued by its Director of Press and Public Relations, Folasade Boriowo.
The ministry said the development was part of the Federal Government’s commitment to ensuring a transparent, accessible and orderly admission process for prospective students.
Parents and guardians can now check the 2026/2027 Unity Schools admission status of their children and wards through the designated Federal Ministry of Education admission platform or the notice board of the relevant Federal Unity College.
Successful candidates are required to print their admission slips and proceed to the Federal Unity College indicated on the slip for confirmation and completion of the necessary admission formalities.
The ministry specifically directed parents and guardians to check admission status and print admission slips through the FME Posting Portal.
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Candidates and their parents or guardians should log into the portal with the required details, check the placement information and print the admission slip where admission has been offered.
Those who encounter difficulties accessing their admission information online may also check the notice board of the relevant Federal Unity College, according to the ministry.
The ministry urged parents and guardians to check the admission status promptly and ensure that successful candidates report to their assigned colleges as required.
The 2026/2027 Unity Schools admission exercise follows the 2026 National Common Entrance Examination (NCEE), which serves as the basis for admission into JSS1 in Federal Unity Colleges.
A total of 60,357 candidates registered for the 2026 NCEE, while 56,950 candidates sat for the examination. The remaining registered candidates were recorded as absent.
The number of candidates competing for admission highlights the demand for places in the Federal Unity Colleges, which provide secondary education to students from different parts of Nigeria.
The Unity Schools system includes federal government colleges, federal government girls’ colleges, federal science colleges and federal science and technical colleges located in various parts of the country.
Beyond providing access to secondary education, the Federal Unity Colleges are designed to promote national integration by bringing students from different states, regions and backgrounds together in a shared learning environment.
The Federal Government has continued efforts to improve the administration of the Unity Schools admission process, including the use of digital platforms to make placement and admission procedures more accessible to candidates and their families.
Minister of Education Tunji Alausa congratulated all successful candidates and their families on the admission offers.
He urged the newly admitted students to approach their secondary education with discipline, diligence and a strong commitment to academic excellence.
Parents and guardians were also encouraged to provide the necessary support as their children and wards prepare to begin studies at their respective Federal Unity Colleges.
Candidates offered admission should carefully check the college stated on their admission slips and comply with the reporting, documentation and other requirements communicated by the institution.
The release of the 2026/2027 Federal Unity Colleges admission list now allows successful JSS1 candidates to proceed with admission confirmation and other formalities ahead of the new academic session.
How to check the 2026/2027 Unity Schools admission status
Parents, guardians and candidates can check the Unity Schools admission list through the FME Posting Portal.
They should log into the platform using the required candidate details, check the admission status and placement, and print the admission slip if admission has been offered.
Successful candidates should then proceed to the Federal Unity College stated on their admission slips to complete the required admission formalities.
Parents and guardians are advised to rely on the information contained in the official admission slip and follow the instructions provided by the assigned college.
FG releases 2026/2027 Unity Schools admission list for JSS1 candidates
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Education
JAMB Moves O’Level Upload Online, Ends CBT Centre Visits for 2026 UTME Candidates
JAMB Moves O’Level Upload Online, Ends CBT Centre Visits for 2026 UTME Candidates
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board has introduced a home-based system allowing candidates to verify and upload their O’Level results directly from their homes, eliminating the need for physical visits to CBT centres.
NIGERIA – The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has introduced an online system allowing candidates seeking admission into Nigerian tertiary institutions through the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) to verify and upload their O’Level results from home. The new service, initially covering results issued by the West African Examinations Council (WAEC), is expected to reduce candidates’ dependence on Computer-Based Test (CBT) centres for O’Level result uploads, particularly during periods of high patronage. In a statement issued on Monday, August 24, 2026, JAMB’s Acting Director of Public Affairs and Protocol, Dr Fabian Benjamin, said the initiative was designed to make the Board’s services “easier, faster, safer and more convenient” for candidates. He explained that under the arrangement, JAMB’s e-Facility platform will integrate directly with examination bodies, allowing candidates’ results to be checked against official records held by the issuing bodies before being downloaded into their JAMB profiles.
According to JAMB, the system will address several challenges associated with the traditional manual upload process, including misplaced or mixed-up paper certificates, submission of unverified or fraudulent results, and errors in the manual entry of subjects and grades. The electronic process will reduce mistakes that can occur when candidates manually enter their subjects and grades, which could create complications during admission processing. The Board said the innovation forms part of its renewed customer-focused service delivery agenda under its sixth Registrar, Prof. Segun Aina, with technology being deployed to reduce unnecessary physical visits, queues and paperwork. Prof. Aina, who recently unveiled a five-year reform agenda titled “JAMB 2031: Building Trust, Reducing Trauma,” has pledged to make the Board more transparent, technology-driven, and candidate-friendly.
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JAMB explained that the process involves two stages. The first stage requires candidates to visit the designated result verification portal at buyresultsverificationcode.ng and provide their National Identification Number (NIN), select the number of O’Level sittings (one or two), select the relevant examination body or bodies, provide their email address and GSM number, make payment through the available payment gateway using a debit card or bank transfer, and enter their examination number, examination series, and examination year. Upon successful verification, JAMB will issue a Verification Code. The second stage involves candidates sending “VERIFY” followed by their Verification Code to 55019 or 66019. The verified result will then be uploaded, and candidates will receive a notification confirming the submission.
For candidates with two O’Level sittings, they must log into their JAMB e-Facility dashboard and select “2026 UTME O’Level Upload”. After entering the Verification Code, the two verified results will be displayed, enabling candidates to select the required subjects. Candidates must select a minimum of five and a maximum of nine subjects, with no subject selected more than once, before clicking “Apply the O’Level Results”. A notification will be sent to candidates upon successful completion of the upload.
The new system is expected to provide relief for candidates who have previously had to visit CBT centres to complete O’Level result uploads, particularly during periods when the centres experience heavy patronage. JAMB said the online service would provide a useful alternative when candidates are confronted with long queues, network-related difficulties, and other challenges associated with physical visits to CBT centres. The Board said it would continue to strengthen collaboration with examination bodies and other government agencies while deploying technology to simplify its processes and improve the overall candidate experience. The latest innovation marks another step in JAMB’s digital transformation, moving a process that previously required physical intervention towards a technology-driven system that allows candidates to complete critical admission-related processes remotely.
JAMB Moves O’Level Upload Online, Ends CBT Centre Visits for 2026 UTME Candidates
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