Thank God for cable or satellite television; depending on what you like to call it. Whenever you receive visitors at home, you're assured the variety of global news and other assorted programs will keep them entertained for a while. At least until you're ready to attend to them. And even as you do attend to them, it's always there, ever ready to provide current issues for you and your guest to discuss, debate or just exclaim at; especially during those awkward quiet moments. Children of nowadays have it so easy. In our days, we the children were the entertainment; albeit reluctant ones Much like court jesters called to amuse the King in his palace at his own expense, our parents would summon us to come and dance for their guests. One major difference however is that if the court jester failed in his unenviable task of quickly reversing the King's mood, there's a high chance he would lose his head at the gallows within the hour. He literally had to perform his duty as if his life depended on it, because it did! We faced no such threat to our lives, only the pang of humiliation and wishing every single time that the floor would be so kind as to open up beneath us and swallow us up. Funny, but I don't think I ever remembered to raise this issue before either of my parents passed. Recalling what they put us through would certainly have elicited guffaws of laughter Back then, they would call us into the sitting room, introduce us to their guests as their youngest kids, place the vinyl record in the record player and ask us to start dancing. Just like that! Whether we were not in the best of moods, busy having fun elsewhere already or simply had no inclination to dance at that moment really didn't concern them. Dance they say, so dance we must. Till this day I squirm when I remember how my older brother Banky and I, would step from side to side on one spot, while swinging our arms in the same fashion. Sorry, I still can't bring myself to call it dancing. I pitied the guests who were compelled to watch because if they had
been expecting some sort of Jackson 5 elaborate dance repertoire, they must have been horribly disappointed. Our movements lacked no such imagination or enthusiasm so were certainly less pleasant to the eyes. But at least they always had a good laugh, even if it was always at our expense. Till date I'm a terrible dancer and I'll be the first to admit it. I'm sure the permanent scars these episodes must have left somewhere in my psyche played a part in this. No one can convince me otherwise. Anyway, it's a convenient excuse so let's leave it at that. But believe me, it was tortuous
Although the above anecdote is on a lighter note, there are times when we put our children through things which may affect them for life. The intent may not be malicious but the consequences can only be described as adverse. It's important we get to know and understand each and every one of our children as unique individuals in themselves. And for the mere fact that they are human beings with an innate ability to reason, perceive and feel emotions - ethical consideration demands they be accorded the respect and dignity this bestows upon them. Every child is wired differently, with his own strengths and abilities, weaknesses, areas he naturally gravitates toward and others which cause him to scamper. And so, when we're making choices for them, satisfying our ego should not be our primary concern but what's best for him or her
Utilitarianism, a teleological ethical theory, states an action or decision would be considered morally correct only if it causes the greatest amount of pleasure and the least amount of pain, to the greatest number of people. Meaning, more people must benefit than those who lose or are disadvantaged by it. But there's yet another theory which holds highly the autonomous will and it says, "act so that you treat humanity whether in your own person or that of another, always as an end and never as a means only". The crux of this is that we should not use people only to satisfy our selfish ends. Parents, please take note as we sometimes unknowingly fall into this category when it comes to our children. And it applies to other unequal relationships too, such as the employer/employee relationship.
However, take note that the theory doesn't say individuals should never be used as a means to an end but that they should never be used ONLY as a means to an end. This
means that if the instruction the employer gives his employee or subordinate will lead to a benefit for the both of them and the organisation, that would be deemed to satisfy the moral code. The problem is when it's for the benefit of one and to the detriment of the other
As we conclude, I believe parents who try to vicariously live their lives through their children by compelling the children to pursue career paths which hold no interest to them; which their natural abilities are not suited to or which fail to fan the flames of their passion, fall into this category of those who fail to see another as an end in himself; or as a person who has his own noble aspirations and goals in life
To coerce such to do our will only, while totally disregarding their ambitions would be doing them a great disservice which could literally ruin their lives. Life finds meaning when we align with our purpose but conversely can be depressingly empty when we remain outside of our purpose. The hard truth is that it's not every person who pursues the fulfilment of his purpose, who will succeed. There are so many variables, just as there are countless decisions we will need to make during the course of our journey that can make or break us. We should take comfort in this though; happiness does not come only when you fully achieve your goal. As the people of Okinawa would say, it comes when you find your "flow" doing that very thing your DNA has been wired to do Happiness is found in the pursuit as it's not a final destination. There is a school of thought which says, "the happiest people are not the ones who achieve the most. They are the ones who spend more time than others in a state of flow."
That's why parents must remember one thing before unduly interfering in their children's lives; life is not a "one size fits all" affair
Oladapo Akande, a weekly newspaper columnist for several years, is a University of Surrey graduate with a Masters in Professional Ethics. An alumnus of the Institute for National Transformation and author of two books: The Last Flight and Shifting Anchors.
LinkedIn: Oladapo Akande
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HEALTHLINE
Is JAMB serving our adolescent Mental Health?
POLICY Garri and Sand: The Nigerian curriculum
EDUCATION NEWS IN AFRICA Coding classes for children in Nairobi's Kibera district
Senegal: Ziguinchor students fear disruption to education
COVER STORY Exploring Fuel Subsidy Removal To Advantage, In The Funding Of The Public Education Sector
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SPECIAL FEATURE 2023 ANNUAL SCHOOL NEEDS EXHIBITION (ASNE): Educators Workshop & Conference
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Education plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of individuals and societies. In Nigeria, the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) exams serve as a crucial gateway for students aspiring to gain admission into tertiary institutions. While these exams are designed to assess students' academic readiness, they often place significant pressure on students, leading to adverse effects on their mental health. This article aims to explore the impact of JAMB exams on student mental well-being in Nigeria.
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) is a Nigerian entrance examination board for tertiary-level institutions. It was founded in 1978 to conduct the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) for prospective undergraduates into Nigerian universities, polytechnics, monotechnics and colleges of education. In 1978, JAMB was established to coordinate and harmonize the admission process into tertiary institutions in Nigeria. The UTME became a single examination for all candidates seeking admission into any tertiary institution in Niger. The examination body introduced a new policy of posting candidates to their preferred institutions based on their UTME scores in 2016, but the policy was later scrapped due to criticisms from stakeholders and candidates. In 2022, JAMB announced two UTMEs in one year, and a policy that allowed candidates to change their institutions and courses up to three times after the UTME. In 2023, JAMB will conduct the UTME in line with the current syllabus and curriculum, which oftentimes is an upgraded level to what these adolescents have been accustomed to from their six years of learning in secondary schools
Recent findings have revealed that JAMB
exams place immense pressure on Nigerian adolescents, who face intense competition and expectations. Local studies have shown a high prevalence of mental health disorders and suicidal behaviors among the adolescent population in Nigeria. Disorders with onset around adolescence include mild psychological distress, anxiety disorders, depression, suicide and substance and alcohol use disorders just to mention a few. The loss of self-esteem that could arise from repeated failure in JAMB exams and no opportunities for corrective classes or curriculum review in line with national failure rate statistics, can grossly act as a contributory trigger to the mental health implications seen within the age range of 15 to 18 years in the country
In Nigeria, the pressure to succeed at this examination ‘at all cost’ stems from the view that it is the only path to success as regards educational progression in this country. Success in JAMB exams is also equated to high intelligence and does not account for other inhibiting factors in young people which could be attributed to mental status at the time of the exam or unidentified minor learning challenges that could pose a hindrance to high scores in the exam.
The stigma attached to not performing well can negatively impact adolescents' self-worth and mental health. Adequate support systems are lacking in many schools and educational institutions, leaving students feeling isolated and unsupported during this critical period of their lives
In a nutshell, this article aims to drive a conversation around curriculum review and stringent measures associated with the examination. There needs to be a focus on aptitude testing, personality
testing and career choices in line with passion, inert talent and creativity. The era of assigning courses to students based on ‘perceived failure’ or low scores needs to be well thought out and abolished. This will stem the impact seen today where many graduates no longer rely on their course from the University to earn a source of livelihood. As a nation, we need to rethink the style and practice of JAMB, refine it’s curriculum and position it as an exam to boost career drive and success in young minds and not as a tool to demoralize the majority and uplift a few outliers, with a long term detrimental effect on the mental health of our supposed ‘leaders of tomorrow’.
Emenyi, Njideka Nkemjika, "Mental Health Disorders Among the Adolescent Population in Nigeria: An Integrative Review" (2023). Doctoral Dissertations and Projects. 4180.
Https://digitalcommons.liberty.edu/doct oral/4180
Dr Olayinka Jibunoh MBBS, MSc DIC, FWACP, A.Iod
Dr Olayinka Jibunoh is a Consultant Psychiatrist, Psychologist, EAP Practitioner and Mental Health Advocate, based in Lagos Nigeria.
Olayinka attended the prestigious Queen's College, Yaba. And holds a Bachelor of Medicine & Surgery from the University of Lagos through an ExxonMobil Scholarship for academically outstanding undergraduates in STEM.
Subsequently, she bagged an MSc in Health Policy from The Imperial College, London, UK
A Fellowship with the West African College of Physicians in Psychiatry
Olayinka is a beneficiary of the Cherie Blair Foundation Scholarship for outstanding female entrepreneurs. In collaboration with The Enterprise Development Centre, Lagos.
And a recent Alumnae of The London Business School, UK; on entrepreneurship
Olayinka holds multiple certifications in psychology and psychotherapy for children, adolescents and adults
Having worked and had a fruitful career in the public and private health sectors, spanning over 17 years, She founded a healthcare start-up called The Freudian
Centre, which is a drug and alcohol treatment provider with employee and family assistance support programs, that caters to mental health care for the child and adolescent population, working class sector, and the geriatric age group. This practice also offers sexual and reproductive health services in addition to wellness and lifestyle modification services as part of its preventive health services
She anchors a radio show called The Legit Therapist with Dr Jibs, on Law fm 103.9fm and classic fm 97.3fm every Wednesday @ 10am and 2pm respectively. This show enlightens the public on positive psychology and its application in daily living
She is an active member of the Institute of Directors Nigeria, Association of Psychiatrists in Nigeria, the American Psychiatric Association, World Federation of Biological Psychiatrists and The International Society of Substance Use Prevention and Treatment Professionals
The Freudian Centre. 141 Ahmadu Bello Way Victoria Island. Info@freudiancentre.com
08096000075
08118879443
All social Media handlesYouTube, IG, Facebook, twitter, LinkedIn as Freudian_centre
She can be reached on 08118879443 and olayinkajibunoh@gmail.com Olayinka@freudiancentre.com
She's active on social media via the following handles: @freudian_centre on instagram, twitter and facebook.
Or @msjibs, @mydrjibs
Her research work includes: Jibunoh O, and Ani C (2021). A controlled clinical trial of a brief psycho-educational intervention for anxiety among in-school adolescents in Nigeria. International Journal of Mental Health.
By Yosola Nwangwu | PHOTO: www.guardian.ng
Just because Garri has sand in it does not mean we can't drink it. There are methods we use to sift and make it fit for drinking or for eba. Various methods have been passed down to us to help us learn how to make it fit for consumption and we can expect that someone or people, in the near future, will develop a device for this purpose.
The Nigerian curriculum is
very fit for the Nigerian child. Is it old and archaic? I beg to differ. Why? Because it has been able to allow its beneficiaries adapt to the changing world without having any issues. I used to be a proponent of the entire overhaul of the curriculum till I took out time to really examine the curriculum and found out that it really is a well thought out plan.
I think our first question should be what's a curriculum? Acoording to Rhode Island Department of Education, "Curriculum is a standards-based sequence of planned experiences where students practice and achieve proficiency in content and applied learning skills. Curriculum is the central guide for all educators as to what is essential for teaching and learning, so that every student has access to rigorous academic experiences." I would like to add that a curriculum and it's design is solely dependent on the context of the social fabric a child is being raised in.
For example, in a Tedtalk she was featured in, Chika Ezeanya-Esiobu highlights how 'a is for apple' didn't fit our context in Nigeria because we don't grow apples in Nigeria. She further explained how this caused her to be less appreciative of her environment and less appreciative of her ancestry because she struggled to reconcile her formal education with her own reality
This 'a for apple' is part of the sand in our Garri.
True, our curriculum was largely dependent on the British who brought formal education to us However, through the years it has been adapted to fit the conditions surrounding us while we learn. If the curriculum is referred to as
archaic because we want it to be replaced with British curriculum or an American one, then it's just all talk without proper research. We cannot raise our kids to go out and thrive somewhere else. We have to raise learners to do well and be leaders in our nation, without having to go anywhere to be trained. This curriculum we have is fit for this purpose but what we lack are methods; in this regard people or researchers to help us enhance the curriculum to better fit our social construct, and administrators to ensure words on paper become actions carried out.
Why should the learning of the three major Nigerian languages in schools be an option? Why don't we have math textbooks in Yoruba, Igbo and Hausa? Why don't we make compulsory the learning of Igbo as a second language in Northern Nigeria and Hausa as a second language in southwestern Nigeria? What're the words for density and upthrust in Yoruba? Have we really considered all the factors that make a lot of youths give up on school? One of them could be, like Chika EzeanyaEsiobu's problem was, reconciling school with everyday life. Why are Nigerians all over doing well after graduating from secondary schools in Nigeria? Our curriculum is great as is but can be better if it's adapted to ensure it is tailor-made for Nigerians to thrive in Nigeria and anywhere else in the world. In our next issue, we'll examine the success of our curriculum as well as the success of others and also areas where it might be lacking
Adeyosola Nwangwu is a Mathematics Teacher with expertise in the British, American, and Nigerian curricula for junior and senior secondary schools and has worked with schools in Lagos and Abuja. She is a curriculum and policy enthusiast whose passion for learning about best practices to implement and improve education in Nigeria has led her to Japan. She recently graduated from the Teachers' Training program at the University of Tsukuba, Japan, where she conducted research on the mitigation of learning loss due to the pandemic and is looking forward to furthering her research on related issues, and was also the president of the Association of African Student(AASUT) at the university. She obtained her first degree in Educational Management from the University of Ibadan, Nigeria, and is a member of the Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria. She has worked with teams from South Africa, the UK, and Canada on curriculum mapping and teaching mathematics throughout the span of her teaching career. She is currently the lead teacher at thelessonteacher.com.ng, a private outfit that provides tutoring services for learners of Math, English, and the Sciences in Nigeria and beyond since 2016.
With Kenya fast
becoming one of Africa's booming tech leaders, teaching young children computer skills has become increasingly important.
Educational experts believe that in the future, many jobs will be carried out through technology and that it is therefore imperative that they start learning the skills at a young age
Anne Njine, an education specialist at the organisation, Opportunity International EduFinance said it is estimated that in the next 15 years, 75 per cent of jobs will require
computer skills
"Once we expose children, they are able to feel hopeful for the future because they are moving in the direction that the world of work is moving into," she said.
By the time they start working, they will be "equipped and ready to go into the world of work with the right key skills that are needed for employability".
One organisation that is helping with this task is Code With Kids, a technology-based initiative that works with children in the slums of the
Nairobi suburb of Kibera, teaching them how to code and the concept of robotics
"A free kick to their future” It’s founder, Renice Owino, says the organisation is dedicated to providing affordable and accessible STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education to children and young adults from low-income areas.
The facility in Kibera is equipped with state-of-the-art equipment that includes laptops and robotic kits. The project is partly funded by parents, and partly by charities
"Most kids programmes in Nairobi go for approximately Ksh 5,000 which is around $50. This is way out of the pocket for parents in Kibera. We bring the same programme to the children at the affordable price of Ksh 50 per session," she said.
"Parents are able to pay for this without feeling a strain and the children are able to learn. We are giving these young learners a free kick to their future ”
Owino is particularly proud of
the programme's ability to appeal to young girls
"Currently we are seeing more girls coming for the classes. This was a challenge when we started and it was really hard convincing them to come," she said.
When a child joins the programme, they are first taught the basics of how a computer works before advancing to skills such as web development, mobile application design, gaming and physical computing
Through the initiative, they have been able to develop new skills Many of the children have completed innovative projects and some have even created their own websites and applications
Code With Kids began in 2015 with 10 participants and has so far reached over 2,000 children through collaborations with schools in after-school programmes and coding bootcamps
Owino hopes it will make them more equipped and adaptable to Africa's job market - in which coding is a coveted skill.
STORY: www.africanews.com
A dire situation for the ones that need a particular framework to perform as their counterparts
Senegalese students from the town of Ziguinchor fear falling behind on their education as their mayor, Ousmane Sonko, tried for rape earlier this week, has called upon the youth to storm the capital in protest of the trial’s verdict.
Schools in the town had been closed from Friday to Thursday
"The exam is scheduled for July 4th, and it is now May, almost at the end of the month, we do not even know if the State will push the exam or not. If it
maintains this, it will be a catastrophe for us Ziguinchor residents because we are not at the same level with the schools in Dakar or Thiès. When we are on strike, when we went out, when we stayed home, they were studying," explained Chérif Samsidine Aidara, student in his last year of high school.
Students at Djignabo Bassene High School have already missed more than a fortnight of classes since the beginning of the year
"I have a hard time understanding the classes in the right conditions even when I am with my teacher or when I am with my classmates. But now I have to manage, do exercises, or repeat the ones I did in class and revise my lessons to not fall behind," added Chérif Samsidine Aidara.
The decision to close the schools is regretted by Aminata Touré, former Prime Minister and ex-president of the Economic, Social and Environmental Council but it was necessary to ensure student's safety
"We lost almost a week and it’s really pathetic but it’s normal that we stop classes, I’m for that, because we are simply not safe. Every time there are demonstrations, we are taken out. The high school, you know it, recently, we have been victims of vandalism," shared Amadou Guissé, professor of History and Geography in Ziguinchor
Ziguinchor was plagued Monday and Tuesday by clashes between young supporters of the opponent and the police
The political tug-of-war opposing Ousmane Sonko and Macky Sall has been making headlines since 2021, causing sporadic unrest in the west African nation.
Most importantly are the effects of fuel subsidy removal on the tertiary public education sector of the polity which has been in comatose for quite some time now. Before the removal of fuel subsidy, some public Universities mooted the idea to charge tuition fees ranging from N120, 000 to N150, 000 (One hundred and twenty thousand naira to one hundred and fifty thousand naira). Obviously, accommodation fees and other sundry charges will as well increase. There are bound to be multiplier effects on students and parents as well. Similar situations would be replicated at the primary and secondary levels of the public education sector
Exploring fuel subsidy removal and the accompanying inflation to advantage for the proper repositioning of the public education sector all depend on the will
and focused to identified g Transcendence por teleological entities who are incurably and inadvertently futuristic and optimistic the inherent intellectual and spiritual powers to deliberately project into the future. The future can be likened to the void. Void is a latent formless state or simply a complete state of chaos that throws up boundless possibilities Possibilities challenge human beings to vigorously demonstrate their powers of transcendence by altering adversities into advantages. By this act, we project from the known realm into the unknown realm. Each time we do this, we open up new vistas of hope, we recreate and reinvent. Pointedly, whether the seemingly comatose public education sector would further sink or vibrantly resurrect at this point of fuel subsidy removal, depends on the capacity and sincerity of the stakeholders
This is the period to adopt and invoke the principle of inclusiveness. Pupils, students, parents, teachers, school administrators, religious organizations, private companies, and elected and appointed government officials must converge to deliberate on the way. Inclusive or collective deliberation on new fees to be charged would not raise eyebrows nor exacerbate tempers. Instead, increased fees would become new targets to be accomplished. Once strategies for moving forward have been established and agreed upon, monitoring mechanisms must be instituted to ensure checks and balances
tremendously aid indigent students Scholarship schemes should be established to encourage resourceful and brilliant students
Revamping the public education sector to its optimal level requires people’s participation. Huge budget allocation by the government at state and federal levels would be grossly inadequate. This would amount to the old reactionary way of waiting on the government for mobilization and motivation. When government policy and decisions go contrary to the expectations of the people, violent reactions escalate. Besides, a large chunk of the education budget is misappropriated. The way to go is the stakeholder inclusive approach whereby all the interest groups converge to decide the way forward on public education. It is such that education in the country is completely redesigned to promote selfreliance. To be succinct, education in general and public education in particular, should be redesigned to become an industry that generates income for the nation, not one that keeps dwindling the nation’s resources
The removal of fuel subsidy is one of mixe blessings for the polity More traumatizing is the sudden announcement of fuel subsidy removal without prior or commensurate palliatives put in place. All of these call to attention the resilience and reliability adjustment mechanisms on the part of the people and the government of Nigeria.OKORO Chiedozie Benjamin is a Professor of Philosophy, Faculty of Arts, University of Lagos. He became full Professor in 2016. He obtained his Ph.D
from the University of Lagos in 2002. He is the current Head of Philosophy. He is also the current Chairman Board of Trustees Faculty of Arts Alumni Association (FAAA). He was the Sub-Dean of Arts (2011-2013). He is Member, Philosophical Association of Nigeria (PAN). His current area of research is on Integrative Metaphysics and Phenomenology of Life-force. He has successfully supervised 5 Ph.Ds His email addresses are cokoro@unilag.edu.ng. His telephone number is +2348023153012.
By Kazeem Sanni | www.reuters.com
Nigerian fourth-grader Fawas Adeosun often used to get sent home from school through the gritty streets of Lagos because his mother, Fatimoh, had not paid his fees, until he enrolled in a different school offering a novel solution.
My Dream Stead school, in the sprawling, impoverished Ajegunle neighbourhood where the
Cleanup Initiative has been collecting bottles, cans, drink cartons and plastic containers brought into the schools by parents and selling them to recyclers
The proceeds of the sales pay for teacher salaries, children's uniforms, books and pens, among other expenses
The scheme aims to reduce the number of children out
expanding into a second apartment block to accommodate its 120 pupils. Only seven children were enrolled when it opened in 2019.
Some mornings, Fatimoh and Fawas walk to the school together with bulging sacks of rubbish over their shoulders. The waste is weighed on school premises and its sales value added to Fawas' account.
"Sometimes if he wants to buy sportswear, the school will tell me the amount I need to bring," said Fatimoh, a 48-year-old hairdresser who cares for six children on her own.
Providing for Fawas, the youngest, has been particularly difficult since she was forced to vacate the room she used as a salon in 2018.
Adeosuns live, is one of 40 low-cost schools in Nigeria's commercial capital that accept recyclable waste as payment.
For the past four years, a local environmental organisation called African
of school as well as the amount of rubbish on the streets of Lagos, said Alexander Akhigbe, founder of the environmental group
Tuition fees at My Dream Stead stand at $130 per year and the school is
"When I discovered that they could collect the plastics from me to keep my child in school, it made my burden lighter," she said as she scoured bins on the streets for recyclables on her way back from the school.
Reporting by Seun Sanni in Lagos Writing by Sofia Christensen Editing by Matthew Lewis
We often wonder if babies can communicate with us or how they process what is said to them.
We ask ourselves questions like: Why do I need to keep talking to my baby, do they really understand what I am saying? Can he/she respond to me? I am really glad to answer these questions and more.
First of all, Communication in babies is simply the ways in which infants convey their needs, emotions and desires to their parents or caregivers and interact with the world around them. Parents or Caregivers play a crucial role in interpreting and responding to the different communication cues from infants. By paying close attention and responding appropriately, Parents/caregivers can establish a strong bond with their babies and meet their needs effectively, fostering healthy social and emotional development.
Now to the question, do babies Communicate? Yes! babies communicate with us all the time through the sounds they make, facial expressions and body gestures. Communicating with babies helps them build their vocabulary because the words they hear are stored up somewhere in their brains for use when they are ready. So, whatever you say to your baby, they are processing it and storing it up. When they are ready to speak, those words then come out of their mouths
Research has shown that communication in babies is a fascinating and important aspect of their development. While babies may not be able to speak or understand in the same way adults do, they engage in various forms of communication from an early age. Let us take a look at some of the Cues babies give when trying to communicate
Crying is the primary mode of communication in babies. It can indicate hunger, discomfort, tiredness or the need for a diaper change. Interestingly, there are different types of cries that indicate different needs, parents tend to differentiate these cries over time. Babbling is a very common form of communication for 4 -6 month old babies. They usually produce repetitive syllables like ‘’ba-ba’’, ‘’da-da’’, ‘’ma-ma’’ or ‘’ga-ga’’. Babbling is a very vital precursor to speech development as it helps babies practice the sounds and rhythms of language
Eye contact and facial expression are interesting ways babies communicate Sounds funny right? They engage in eye contact and respond to facial expressions from a very young age. Babies often mimic their parent/caregiver’s expressions and use eye contact to establish a connection and communicate their needs and emotions
Smiling is one cue I like so much. Babies typically begin to smile socially, meaning they smile in response to interaction with others, around 6-8 weeks of age. Smiling is an important way for babies to communicate their happiness and connect with their caregivers
It is important for parents/caregivers to be patient, attentive and responsive to a baby’s communication attempts. By actively engaging and providing a nurturing environment, caregivers support the baby’s communication development, laying the foundation for language acquisition and social interaction.
"Babies cannot and do not manipulate They communicate. Listen!”
Uche Okoro is a veteran educator with expertise in early years education and was recently appointed as the West African Champion/ Assessor at International Quality Mark (IQM). She is currently heading an international school in Abuja, Nigeria. She is a seasoned early years trainer who has vast knowledge of the intricacies of adopting the British Early Years Framework, which she is well acquainted with and has had several trainings on how the curriculum can be adopted in Nigerian schools. Uche has a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science from the University of Abuja and a Post Graduate Diploma in Education. She also has an Early Childhood diploma from the Open University, Australia and is a registered Teacher in Nigeria.
She is the Program Coordinator of the Teacher Development Program and the founder of ‘The EYFS Hub’, an educational platform with the objective to change the narrative of the Nigerian Education sector. She has training in Special Education, Safeguarding, Early Childhood Development and Administration, Curriculum Instruction, Teacher Leadership, amongst others Uche has participated in the Nurturing Program to help improve student wellbeing. She is passionate about keeping children safe in education and is very experienced in how this can be effective within an African context.
values, and skills to determine which career paths align with your strengths This can be done through personal reflection, career assessments, job profiles and advice from career counselors
The second step is networking and building relationships with people in the industry to gain insights into the profession and potential job opportunities through attending industry events, joining professional organizations, and reaching out to professionals on social media platforms like LinkedIn.
It is also essential to gain experience through mentorship programs, internships, volunteering, and parttime jobs to build a strong resume.
Finally, achieving a successful career requires dedication, hard work, and willingness to continually learn and grow and stay competitive in the job market.
Here are some tips for today’s career maker:
Having a clear-cut career path is an essential aspect of life, as it helps individuals to align their interests, skills, and values And you will agree with me that “technology is the future”
In recent times, there have been mixed feelings within employment circles about technological advancements and emergence of AIs such as ChatGPT, Google Ai, predictive technologies, automation, etc.
One school of thought celebrates the ease with which complex problems can be solved and another school of thought worries that “computers are taking over jobs” especially since a 500 word essay, financial analysis, legal interpretation etc can be generated within seconds
Post-COVID-19, remote jobs have become increasingly popular and as artificial intelligence (AI) continues to evolve and impact various industries, it's natural to wonder how it may affect one's career. While it's true that some jobs may be replaced by AI, there are also many opportunities for individuals who are adaptable and willing to learn new skills
One area in which AI has a significant impact is data analysis. With the ability to process vast amounts of data quickly and efficiently, AI is transforming the way businesses make decisions. However, this doesn't mean that human analysts are obsolete. In fact, there is still a need for individuals who can interpret and communicate insights from the data. This requires not only technical skills but also
strong critical thinking and communication abilities
Another area where AI is making an impact is in Customer Service. Chat-bots and virtual assistants are becoming increasingly common, but they still can't replace the human touch.
Individuals who can provide personalized, empathetic customer service will always be in demand. Additionally, as AI becomes more prevalent in customer service, there will be a need for individuals who can manage and maintain these systems
AI is also changing the way we work. With the ability to automate repetitive tasks, AI is freeing up time for individuals to focus on more complex and creative work. This means that individuals who have skills in innovation, problem-solving, and creativity will be highly valued.
It’s clear that AI is transforming the job market however, it's important not to panic
While some jobs may become obsolete, there are still many opportunities for individuals who are adaptable and willing to learn new skills. The key is to stay informed about the latest trends and technologies, and to develop skills that are in demand such as content development, programming, data analysis, and machine learning
Now, you may be wondering how to build a rewarding career amidst all of this
The first step is to identify your interests,
Explore different career options and research the qualifications required for each.
Acquire skills that are difficult to automate: creativity, critical thinking, and communication.
Seek advice from career counselors, mentors, and professionals in your industry
Gain experience through internships, volunteering, or part-time jobs
Network and stay up-to-date with industry trends
Create a strong resume and cover letter
Be open to new opportunities and continuously learn and up-skill to stay relevant in the ever-evolving AI dependent industry
Don't be afraid to take risks and pursue your passions
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She is the Principal Consultant/CEO of Samoga Consulting Nig. Ltd a HR and Business Strategy Consulting firm in Abuja which Seeks to transform everyday businesses to industry contenders while bridging gaps between high potential job seekers and deserving employers
She holds a B.Tech in Estate Management, Masters in Human Resource Management, PHRi trained and locally and internationally trained in Business and Employee related matters. Her extensive work experience cuts across strategic positions in both government and privately owned establishments across sectors: Hospitality, Education, Health, Mining and exploration, Maritime, Information, Technology, Construction, Entertainment industries.
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Sometimes we glorify our painful present situations, forgetting that the future will come. We forget that life is written in pages, and with every dawn, a new one is turned. We forget that there is no skipping the processes of life, and with joy comes sorrow. It’s the balance of life. We see the end of that trying moment as one that will never come.
Truth be told, pain clouds our sense of foresight, makes us slaves to our current situation, and feeds us lies that there is no way out and no hope for a success story When indeed we are already a success story
Success stories are not just filled with good chapters. They also have painful chapters that teach us lessons and how to cherish the good times
with time, make sense. Painful seasons last only for a while. Do not forget, success stories like you don't give up. No, they never give up.
My name is Amun Mercy Ruth. I am a dedicated, hardworking, and passiondriven young lady. I'm 20 years old and currently pursuing a degree in mass communication with a focus on public relations and advertising at Covenant University. In my spare time, you can catch me reading a book, editing audios on auditions or just polishing my voiceover skills. Professionally, I have amassed over 10 years of experience in poetic and creative writing. It's no wonder I have written over 40 poems and seven articles
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We have all walked through troubled waters and made it out fine. This is because we allowed ourselves to lose sight of our painful today in order to create a beautiful tomorrow. We silenced the voice of selfpity and took charge of our destiny. We let the Sayers say and continued to believe in ourselves. Working tirelessly towards that goal.
So I speak to you: do not lose sight of that dream just yet. Shift your focus from that painful today in order to attain that joyful tomorrow. Hold on a little longer and fight a little harder. It will all come together and,
Outside my field, I am currently venturing into the programming world with languages such as CSS and HTML. If you are interested in learning more about my work or would like to connect with me, I would love to hear from you! You can reach out to me at amunruth03@gmail.com or on Instagram at @r.u.t.hhhh
by: www.nairametrics.com
The Advance Africa Scholarship program, powered by Access Bank PLC, is a PanAfrican digital training platform aimed at empowering individuals with indemand digital skills.
Launched in 2022 in partnership with Udacity, the program has equipped over 10,000 participants with skills in Business Analytics, Data Science, Digital Marketing, Introduction to Programming, and Product Management.
Participants in the program have the opportunity to advance their careers in the tech field, work on real-world problems with industry experts, and even secure full-time jobs with leading tech institutions in Africa.
In an ever-evolving world transformed into a digital landscape, where technology reigns supreme, the need for digital skills has become paramount.
To stay influential in the global economy, it is crucial to stay ahead of the curve and embrace technical expertise. Embodying this ideology, the Advance Africa Scholarship programme, powered by Access Bank PLC, stands as a pioneering PanAfrican digital training platform,
empowering individuals to harness the power of technology and shape their future
Launched in 2022 in partnership with Udacity, one of the world’s leading learning platforms to provide in-demand digital skills for vibrant African youth working to transform the continent’s economy through digital reform, Advance Africa has equipped over 10,000 participants through its programme paths including Business Analytics, Data Science, Digital Marketing, Introduction to Programming, and Product Management.
What you stand to get from the programme
A chance to advance your career with tech skills
If you are looking to transition into tech or upskill in the tech field, then this program is for you. Since its inception, Access Bank has used the initiative to empower over 10,000 youth across Africa, nurturing a consistent pipeline of Tech talents to meet the current and future requirements of a fastevolving global village. Over 549 individuals have been able to acquire a Nanodegree, gradually filling up the tech skill divide while building progressive career paths for themselves
An opportunity for hands-on learning, working with experts on real-world problems
Nothing beats being able to work on real-life situations while being guided by the most intelligent minds in the industry The Advance Africa initiative offers participants a chance to work with and learn from leading experts while gaining
practical knowledge, skills, and experiences to operate optimally in the Fintech industry
An opportunity for full-time job working with leading tech institutions in Africa
One of the peculiarities the program offers is a chance to intern and eventually start a fulltime career with leading tech establishments across Africa. As Cecilia Bassey, one of the program’s beneficiaries, puts it, “Having been chosen for the inaugural cohort of the Advance Africa internship program, I feel immensely privileged and grateful. This transformative experience has exposed me to a world of possibilities in the realm of product design, igniting my passion to continually enhance my skills and make meaningful contributions in problem-solving endeavors ”
Interested individuals between the ages of 20 and 30 are encouraged to apply through, www.advance-africa.org for available programme paths Shortlisted candidates will undergo a selection process, after which successful applicants will embark on their learning journey, supported by a dedicated network of mentors and industry experts
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The ASNE Conference, which is a two day event, kicked off on Thursday 18th of May 2023 and was hosted at the Wetlands Hotel in Wuye, Abuja. And the theme for this year was, ‘Towards Education Agility’- the beginning of change is
The Lead Moderator for the program was Kingsley Bangwell, the Team Lead at Youngstars Development Initiative and Co-Founder of The KNOSK N100-a-day Secondary School. This was followed by a welcome address by the ASNE Convener, Emem Opashi. She began her address by stating how The Annual School Needs Expo
Emem also took a brief moment to initiate discussion on the theme of the event which is “Towards Education Agility – The Beginning of Change is CONVERSATION”. She highlighted its goal which is to foster a culture of conversation in education to promote agility, collaboration, and knowledge sharing. As a conclusion to her address she
interactive learning solutions to empower educators and students across Africa. He ended his address by encouraging participants to adopt interactive technology as a catalyst for change and innovation in education.
(ASNE) has become a global platform that continues to gather together key players in the public and private education space, hosting hundreds of guests converging from across the country and the world at
said, ‘We welcome you specially to this year’s event and we trust that our lineup of seasoned facilitators, speakers and activities will help to totally transform your brand! You will get to network with all levels of stakeholders, forge new partnerships and get better visibility!’
The ASNE convener's speech was followed with one by WOWBii Interactive, the programme's headline sponsor. WOWBii, which happens to be Africa’s pioneer manufacturer of Interactive Flat Panel Displays (IFPD) set itself a goal from the onset, 'to transform the way Africa works and learns’. WOWBii’s solutions span the corporate and education sectors with a widespread adoption of their novel interactive touchscreens.
As headline sponsors of ASNE 2023, WOWBii emphasized the need for more schools to embrace the transformative power of interactive learning in promoting education agility. He also emphasized his company's commitment to bridging the digital divide and providing accessible
Sir Gbolahan Olayomi, the Founder and Group Managing Director of WOWBii shared with the delegates the journey of WOWBii over the last 3 decades as a technology service-provider. He revealed the plan to open up a stateof-the art teacher training center in Lagos. Over the years, it has invested significant resources in training thousands of teachers and providing incentives for teachers through their WOW-Teachers program. He revealed that he considers education as an asset to Wowbii, which he considers to
primarily be a space management organisation, just as he sees Wowbii as a vision enabler for the African continent.
The first session on Enabling or Upscaling Education (Best case scenarios, What Ifs, Outlook etc.) was led by Mrs Angela Ajala and Mr Abba Saidu. In her talk, Mrs Ajala, The Executive Director of Ladela Schools and External Board Member, BIC Corporate Foundation, presented best-case scenarios and explored potential future outcomes in education. She highlighted the need for increased financing to upscale education solutions through collaboration with key stakeholders like the Bank of Industry
Mrs Ajala highlighted the importance of
embracing technology to enhance learning experiences, particularly in remote and underserved areas. She emphasized the need for innovative approaches, such as blended learning models and digital resources, to bridge educational gaps and ensure equitable access to quality education.
Mrs. Ajala's session aimed to inspire participants with a forward-thinking outlook on the transformative potential of education.
The discourse presented participants on the
different tables at the conference the opportunity to share their different experiences, frustrations as well as to recommend where policy can be modified to benefit operators in the education space Conversations touched on which kind of personalized learning should be prioritised, the need to increase collaboration, global perspectives and many more. One of the participants, Mrs Bolaji Osimen shared about the funding challenge school owners experience. She mentioned that she has looked at several possible revenue streams with the goal of sustainability. She also charged financial service providers to collaborate with schools. Another participant, Mr Sylvanus highlighted the need to focus on teacher development and training. He shared some of the steps that his school has taken in that regard. Coach Ikalone Udo highlighted the need to prioritize mental wellbeing and emotional health of children. Mrs Sola Bankole highlighted the issue of the quality of assessment and the menace examination malpractice has become as a barrier to building critical thinking. And to round up one segment of the discussions, Sir Gbolahan spoke about education financing He talked about how the main issue is the customer credibility problem and how WOWBii is keen to help school owners present, to access credit interventions
Mr Abba Saidu, a co-lead discussant for the first session focused on the "what if" scenarios in education and shared insights on how to maximize the positive impact of transformative changes. He advocated for a change in the methodology of teaching. He made reference to his school, Glisten International Academy. He spoke about how his students developed useful solutions during the Covid pandemic. Abba Saidu discussed the potential of personalized learning, adaptive technologies, and data-driven approaches to cater to diverse learning needs. He emphasized the importance of empowering educators through professional development and collaboration. Abba Saidu's session aimed to spark participants' imagination and encourage proactive thinking about the future of education,
while highlighting the role of educators as change agents.
Mrs Angelina Ikeako gave the conversation summary where she recognized the effort of WOWBii in providing a wow learning experience. She summarized some of the talking points earlier mentioned and spotlighted the average Nigerian child needs. She drew the attention of the conference attendees to a UNICEF study which discovered that 6 in every 10 children suffers abuse and that 34% of affluent males are molested before they turn 18.
The collective submission during this session was the need for development partner interventions and for them to play a role in supporting education development in the public sector. It was disclosed that
various initiatives and partnerships exist that have contributed to improving education outcomes including funding support, technical assistance, and capacity building programs. However, emphasis
must continue to be placed on the importance of collaboration between development partners, governments, and local stakeholders to ensure sustainable and impactful interventions in education.
It is not every day that one finds himself in the company of such a distinguished personality. So, to say that I treasure the moments I spent with the two time Vice Chancellor and first female President of the Nigerian Academy of Science would be an understatement.
Touching on diverse topics such as what can be done to restore Nigeria's education sector, serving as Vice Chancellor at two different universities, chairing the boards of several international organisations and committees to airing her views on which careers and skills will lead the pack of those highly sought after, both locally and internationally, her interview is nothing short of enlightening.
A bit about my time growing up I was born in Ibadan Oyo State and my early years were spent in Ilesha and Ibadan where my parents worked in the public service. After my primary school education in Ilesha and Ibadan, I attended St Annes School, Molete, Ibadan and later attended Queens School Enugu for Higher School. I then proceeded to University of Nigeria, Nsukka to study Zoology but the civil war disrupted my stay in Nsukka. After we were ‘liberated’, I ended up as one of the South Eastern State refugees in the then University of Ife. I studied Zoology and graduated in 1971. I enrolled in Cornell University, Ithaca for a Master’s Degree in parasitology. After three years teaching in the University of Nigeria Nsukka, I returned to Cornell in 1976 for a PhD in parasitology
Why the choice of academia as a career? Is that what you wanted to do?
Yes, that is what I wanted to do. My parents were educated. My Father was a civil servant and my mother was a teacher in a Teachers Training College. I and my siblings had the opportunity to interact with teachers/lecturers. My interest in academia further intensified when I was undergoing my secondary school education in St Annes School, Ibadan and higher school, Enugu. The quality of education we received pointed me towards the
academia. After the civil war I got married to a lecturer in University of Ibadan. That settled it!
How does the quality of education during your time as a student and as a young lecturer compare to the quality of education now? We hear stories of foreigners attending Nigerian universities back in those days. I don’t know how true that is
The quality of education during my time was high. Teaching and learning facilities were easily available. There were fewer students so carrying capacity was adequate and student teacher ratio was optimal. We had foreigners in our schools then mainly as teachers/lecturers. We also had foreign student then mainly from African countries.
I know that there is not much learning going on in most public primary and secondary schools in our nation now, particularly in the rural areas. The gaps are glaring. Poor funding resulting in poor educational infrastructure, inadequate classrooms, inadequate teaching aids and inadequate number of qualified teachers The learning environment is so inadequate that urgent intervention is required to strengthen education foundation at this level otherwise the tertiary institutions will continue to receive faulty products. Let me speak for science here. Many gifted youths are unable to make a career in science because they lack basic foundation in science. The reasons for this are obvious Most public schools do not have ideal teaching and learning facilities. Science laboratories, workshops and functional libraries are either absent or ill equipped in
these public schools. There are also not enough adequately trained teachers to stimulate the interest of the pupils and students in science. Private schools may be better off and some public schools in a few states may be receiving government attention but the gaps are glaring in public schools particularly in the rural areas Expectedly, many students who gain admission into STEM programmes in tertiary Institutions lack basic science foundation for successful careers in science This has far- reaching negative effect on learning and eventually on quality of research output. If you wish to have practical experience of the situation I am describing, please find time, someday, to visit the primary and secondary schools you attended.
In your candid opinion, what do you think can be done to restore the educational sector in Nigeria?
Declare an emergency in the education sector in Nigeria! Focus on public primary and secondary schools
Audit existing policies, merging some, if necessary, and prioritize implementation of aspects that are key to the achievement of Education For All.
Intensify advocacy to leaders at all levels for a change in mindset so they regard resources allocated to the education sector as an investment and not expenditure Attention should be given to improving access to education. Not all who should be educated have access to education. The poor, the differently abled, the girl child and other marginalized groups are missing
in the classrooms.
Provide adequate facilities and services required for learning and teaching in schools. This will improve quality of education because education must be of the right quality to be useful to the individual, community and nation. Quality of curriculum, facilities and teachers need to be improved upon. The content of curriculum should be revised and made appropriate for the desired outcome. A close look at the grassroots reveals a deficit of basic physical facilities as well as services in many schools particularly in remote areas. In such schools, the environment is not conducive for learning
Quality of teachers needs to be addressed otherwise teaching becomes a process of recycling ignorance in some instances. In Nigeria, there is often no strict regulation on who teaches/ who is certified to teach. Fresh graduates, who have not been taught how to teach, handle teaching in schools particularly in primary and secondary schools. They teach subjects but are not concerned about values, attitude and skills (life and entrepreneurial) required to meet present day challenges. On the flip side, it is important to note that work environment influences the attitude and performance of teachers. Work load, welfare and capacity building/professional development matter significantly.
Promote interdisciplinary and intersectoral collaboration and coordination in addressing reforms in the education sector. Such collaboration will reduce cost of implementation and improve quality of monitoring
Nigeria reportedly has about 20 million school age children currently not in school. Aside from the Boko Haram and Kidnapping menace affecting education in Northern Nigeria, is there any other reason why you think this figure is so high?
Poverty! Many parents in the rural areas are not able to send their children to school because of poverty. They will rather make the children assist them in earning daily income so they can feed their families. If basic facilities and services are provided in communities, poverty will be reduced. This is where governance comes in. Government at all levels have a role to play in achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals
(SDGs). Local Governments are closest to rural communities and if they play their part as expected, poverty will be reduced and families will be able to afford to send their children to school. This will reduce the number of uneducated and idle youths available for recruitment for criminal activities
One looks at just how fast the world is changing. We see the advent of professions that hardly existed 10 years ago and the descending relevance of some other professions. Do you think the Nigerian or indeed the African school curriculum remains relevant?
Most families, in the past and some in the present, would love their children to study and become doctors, lawyers, accountants and engineers because these were/are considered to be the top professions
The world is changing and the following are now predicted to be the top professions of the future Software developers, Big Data analyst, Social media analyst, Web developer, Content creators, Artificial Intelligent jobs, Data protection jobs, Digital marketing professional, Information security, Online teacher, Community manager, Environmental engineer, Waste manager, 3D Architect and engineer, Image consultant, Innovation manager, Gene expert /editors, Talent manager, Inside sales representative, Mental health professional, Specialist in renewable or alternative energy, Financial manager, Hospital engineer, Specialists in user/ customer services, Coaching, Personal trainer
Nigerian/African schools will have to adjust to be relevant in future. Google and online learning are fast taking over from conventional teaching and learning!
You are both revered and highly celebrated for having served as Vice Chancellor at two different universities and for being the pioneer ViceChancellor of the Federal University of Technology, Lafia. What was the experience like?
Yes, I was invited by Mr Donald Duke, Governor of Cross River State, to head
the new Cross River University of Technology (CRUTECH). I served as Vice Chancellor from 2004 to 2009. I was again invited to serve as pioneer Vice Chancellor of Federal University, Lafia (FULafia) I served as VC from 2011 to 2016.
My experience was interesting. To answer this question, kindly permit me to quote excerpts from my address as the Vice Chancellor of the Federal University Lafia during its first Convocation in January 2016.
With a smile in my mind and on behalf of Federal University Lafia community, I welcome you all to this historic event, the first Convocation of the University. We are greatly honoured to have all stakeholders and friends of the University with us today When Federal University Lafia was established by the Federal government in 2011, along with eight other new Universities, we were given the mandate to increase access to, and improve quality of, education in our regions
With this mandate it was clear from the beginning that we had a big task ahead of us. We needed, and developed, a strategic plan to guide our activities as we set out on the journey. Our vision to be a renowned institution of learning, research and innovation for positive socio-economic transformation of the nation, fueled our determination to maintain high standards in all our operations guided by minimum standards set by the National Universities Commission (NUC). This determination was based on our philosophy that education has to be of the right quality and scope to impact positively on development. It was therefore apt for us to select integrity, innovation, excellence as our core values. Since then we have been on a mission of training of graduates and equipping them with skills for socio-economic development.
The beginning for us was starting from scratch and we cannot forget this. How can we forget that at one point the registrar and I were the only staff of the University. The registrar’s personal vehicle served as official vehicle and store for our documents. We remember, and remain grateful for, the take- offgrant given us by TETFund through the kind advocacy of NUC and Federal Ministry of Education who competently midwifed the nine new Universities
We remember the assistance we received in NUC as we utilized improvised office space provided by Professor Okojie, Executive Secretary NUC, Professor Mafiana and other staff of NUC. I am
sure my colleagues the new nine still remember the numerous preparatory meetings, briefings and trainings in Abuja. Sometimes we received notice of a new meeting on our way back from the last meeting halfway into our journey back home and had to turn and head to Abuja. We remember the enquiries, clarifications, courtesy visits, advocacy visits, consultations, peer meetings and planning meetings.
We remember the numerous meetings of Committee of Vice Chancellors and Association of Vice Chancellors of Nigerian Universities, where often times, some of the issues discussed did not apply to us the new nine because we were too new! We cannot forget the valuable assistance we received from some of our colleagues in older Universities who spent days with us in Abuja to put together our academic brief and other documents required for take- off
I remember the Registrar and I being brought to Lafia by the Hon Minister of Education and Executive Secretary NUC for introduction to Governor Akwe Doma and his Cabinet. Later, another visit was made to hand us over to Governor Al Makura. We cannot forget the warm reception we received from Nasarawa State Government on both occasions Distinguished ladies and gentlemen, if I forget everything else, I will always remember that the big tree (at the corner of the car park), now labelled Ficus benjamina by Botany department once served as office for the Registrar and I. The Dean of Science, a Professor of Botany has informed me that the common name of this tree is weeping fig tree. The Registrar and I shared one plastic table in this under- the- tree office but we had no cause to weep because we received unprecedented cooperation from our Mararaba Akunza host communities Youths from the communities were mobilized to clear and clean this site. We were surprised and elated when, one day during this period, we saw Governor Tanko Almakura drive himself into this site to check on the progress of work. We received him from our office under the tree. The Emir of Lafia also visited us on site during this period.
Distinguished ladies and gentlemen this journey has been tasking but interesting and fulfilling. There were challenges but we saw in the challenges opportunities for valuable learning. The difficult times strengthened our strategic thinking skills and became opportunities for us to continuously raise our bar. The difficult times also taught us innovative prudence in resource management which we have locally named financial engineering. What helped us was that we consistently kept our eyes on our mandate and core values
The extraordinary dedication of staff of the University, who have worked tirelessly, many times beyond the call of duty, have made it possible for us to successfully carry out top class teaching, research and community service. The quality of our teaching will be reflected in the quality of graduates we produce beginning from the set graduating today. The number of prizes we have won in competitions organized by NUC, Federal Government and other agencies reflect our commitment to providing evidence based solutions to socio economic problems in our immediate environment and in our nation. The impact of our community service initiatives is already evident in our host communities
I hope that adequately answers your question.
Yes it does. Ma, this is a question that I just have to ask. With Nigeria being a patriarchal society, how were you able to surmount gender and geopolitics to become the first female President of the Nigerian Academy of Science?
The Nigerian Academy of Science does not do politics! The Nigerian Academy of Science is the foremost independent science body in Nigeria. The Academy was founded in 1977 as a national nonpolitical, not-for-profit organization with membership covering all fields of science including medicine and engineering. The Nigerian Academy of Science is the national representative on the International Science Council (ISC), the Inter-Academy Partnership (IAP), and the Network of African Science Academies (NASAC). Since inception, the Academy has continued to implement its mandate to develop and advance science, technology and innovation and bring scientific knowledge to bear on policies and strategic direction of Nigeria. The election of Fellows starts with a nomination by a Fellow in the same discipline supported by three other Fellows. This is followed by a rigorous peer-assessment and ends in very competitive process resulting in election of no more than 10 scientists into the NAS Fellowship annually. There is no gender and geopolitical considerations in election of Fellows in The Nigerian Academy of Science. My emergence as President elect and later President of the Academy was smooth with no need for campaign and lobbying. The Academy has a procedure that makes this possible
Professor Ekanem Ikpi Braide, OFR, FAS FPPSN is an indigene of Cross River State, Nigeria and was born on March 6, 1946. She
holds a Bachelors degree in Zoology (Ife, Nigeria 1971) as well as Masters and Doctorate degrees in Parasitology/Epidemiology (1973, 1978, Cornell, USA). She also holds a Certificate in Epidemiological Methods from Southampton University (British Council Course 1986). She taught in Community Secondary School, Ugep (1966 – 1968), College of Education, Port Harcourt (1973) and University of Nigeria, Nsukka (1973 –1976). She served at the Nigerian Institute for Trypanosomiasis Research, Kaduna (1978 - 1979) as a pioneer officer/researcher in charge of the Onchocerciasis Control Unit of the Institute. Thereafter, she joined the University of Calabar in 1979 as a lecturer and was promoted to the rank of Professor in 1991. Prof. Braide’s research focus is on disease control, particularly operational research, impact assessment of interventions, rapid assessment methods in mapping diseases and community initiatives in disease control. She served as the Zonal Facilitator in the Nigerian Guinea worm Eradication Programme, South East Zone from 1988 to 1998 and on the WHO/FGN Guinea worm Eradication Certification Committee until Nigeria was certified guinea worm free in 2013. She coordinated Anglophone teams for the African Programme on Onchocerciasis Control (APOC) multi-country impact assessment of onchocerciasis control activities in Sudan, Ethiopia, Uganda, Tanzania and Nigeria. She was a member of the WHO/TDR/APOC team that developed RAPLOA, a rapid assessment tool for determining prevalence of Loa loa for quick identification of communities in areas co-endemic for onchocerciasis and loaisis that are at high risk of severe adverse reactions to ivermectin (Mectizan) treatment. Professor Braide was a member of WHO/APOC Technical Consultative Committee (TCC) from 2001 to 2006 and chaired the Committee from 2003 to 2006. She was also a member of Mectizan Expert Committee from 2003 to 2006. She served as member (Alternate Chairman) of National Steering Committee, Nigerian Neglected Tropical Diseases Programme (2007-2018) and as Chairman, Technical Advisory Committee, Cross River State Neglected Tropical Diseases Programme (2015-2018). She also served as a member of the Board of Trustees of Sightsavers for eight years and chaired the Technical Advisory Group (TAG) of the four- year Sightsavers DFID funded NTD UNITED project which ended in 2019. She is President of the Board of Trustees, Society for Family Health (SFH) and Chairman of the Board of Trustees, The Leprosy Mission (TLM) Nigeria. She is; member The Ministerial Expert Advisory Committee on COVID- 19 Health Sector Response (MEACoC-HSR); member African Scientific Research and Innovation Committee (ASRIC) Expert Advisory Board on STI intervention for COVID-19 (2020) and member, TETFund Committee on Research and Development (2020-ongoing). Professor Braide is co- founder and Fellow, Nigerian Society for Parasitology (now
Parasitology and Public Health Society of Nigeria); Fellow, Salzburg Seminar Session 319; co-founder and Chairman, Youth Care; cofounder and Coordinator, Coalition of Youth Serving NGOs and President, Nigerian Academy of Science. She is a National Patron of Boys Brigade, Nigeria and has received many awards from various churches for her support of evangelism and assistance to the needy. She has received many awards, including, Cross River State 2000 Millennium Award and Jimmy/Roslynn Carter Award for outstanding dedication and achievement in the eradication of guinea worm in Nigeria. In July 2010, Professor Braide was honoured by the President of Nigeria with the award of Officer of the Order of the Federal Republic (OFR) for her contribution to disease control in Nigeria.
Professor Braide served as Vice Chancellor, Cross River University of Technology (CRUTECH) Calabar, Nigeria (2004 to 2009) and as Pioneer Vice Chancellor, Federal University, Lafia, Nigeria (2011 to 2016). She is the Pro-Chancellor of Arthur Jarvis University, Akpabuyo, Nigeria and also Chairman, Board of Trustees, Essien Ukpabio Presbyterian Theological College, Itu (EUPTCI), Nigeria. Professor Braide and her husband, late Professor Victor BowersonChase Braide, have two children, Pamela and Opubo
By Gbemisola Adesina | PHOTO: www.hcamag.com
‘None of us is as good as all of us ’
The heading of this piece is not just the theme of this year’s International Albinism Awareness Day, which is 13th June. It speaks to something more; to something much more than affirmative action and awareness posts. Inclusion, which involves the recognition of an entity’s possible contribution and the willingness to utilise the same, is indeed strength.
I have come to realise that the idea of inclusion has been misunderstood and, dare I say, abused. I speak for a number of albinos when I say that, we do not want to be included as an afterthought or because society ‘pities’ us. We want inclusion that is the finished product of crystal clear understanding that we are capable contributors. We choose to include ourselves in nation building, across various sectors, because we recognise that we are carriers of divine deposits
This is despite the fact that we have struggles and experiences that differentiate us from others. For example, growing up with short-sight is not particularly easy or fun.
Being subjected to numerous lens fitting tests, having to wear glasses 24/7, learning to sit away from the TV as well as being asked weird questions like, "How many fingers do I have up?" are a few of the hurdles that many of us have faced or currently face
I recall that I incurred the wrath of some classmates who could not get why I had to sit in the first row right in front of the board. They must have wondered, ‘Is she the first? Can’t she see the board from anywhere else?’ (I owe a truckload of thanks to my teachers who worked hard to make class conducive for me.)
This is not to mention the sunburns that greet my skin after I stay outdoors for even a little while; and jeers from people who do not understand why I have to go around with an umbrella. Battling esteem issues and working through a fear that I would not be able to type were quite tough.
I am glad to have overcome these. I am grateful for photochromic glasses, umbrellas and sunscreen. I am grateful for fellow albinos, supportive family and cheerleaders. I am grateful for
platforms that permit my creative juices to be savoured by thirsty visitors at the gates of Literature
I do not imply violence, misguided activism, name-calling or patronising gestures when I say that I have come to realise that inclusion has to be taken ‘by force ’ I mean that those of us who have been looked down upon or regarded as incapable must ask ourselves if these narratives are true.
We must tear them down and recreate them, if we determine that they are false. We must work towards overcoming feelings of inadequacy, embracing the challenges that genetics would have us face and building our abilities in different facets to the glory of our creator
The skin difference is a gift. The peculiarity of albinism is an advantage. Protecting albinos’ skin is a duty that must be faithfully carried out by albinos, their care givers, and other members of society (like school owners and corporate organisations).
For inclusion to indeed strengthen our society, both its ‘givers’ and ‘takers’ must understand its potency To close, here is an excerpt from a poem I wrote in 2020 to capture that year’s IAAD theme, Made To Shine
Let it dawn on every face, Whatever the colour or race, That the best cloak of beauty Is unhindered, well expressed variety!
If we look beyond the colour And focus on our humanity, We'll treat one another with honour
Ray Kroc
Gbemisola
Oluwasina is also known as Elegant Inker. She is committed to helping (personal, business, corporate) brands accelerate their visibility, influence and profit through writing services and coaching. These (areas of) service(s) and coaching range from: creative writing, content writing, editing and proofreading, ghost writing, content strategy consultation, transcription to copy writing. She has worked with 10+ brands, authors and writers. She has had her poems and articles published in magazines, too
Gbemisola has been told that she is blessed with a voice that enriches what she says. She enjoys speaking, and has honoured 20+ virtual speaking invitations from 2020 till date. These engagements covered topics around: writing, content creation, online business, social media positioning, public speaking, (self) leadership, the Christian faith and albinism. She looks forward to more of these, as well as to features in the media and TED(X).
Gbemisola is a student of International Relations at Covenant University, who has had the privilege of occupying different leadership offices. She is a recipient of numerous certificates and awards. She is an ardent believer that individuals are responsible for the achievement of organisational and national goals. She is a lover of Abba and of the progress of others. She likes to sing, to learn other languages and to make beaded articles. She can’t say she is a lover of games, but is thankful to have a hang of Scrabble. She Ioves the colours, purple and lemon.
Email:
gbemisolaoluwasina@gmail.com
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© Gbemisola Oluwasina (Elegant Inker)
“British tradition with Nigerian innovation” is the watchword of Grange School. Established in 1958 by a group of British expatriates who sought to replicate the quality in environment, teaching and ethos of the world renowned British boarding school, it was not by mistake that they struck bullseye in terms of the aesthetics too. A beautiful and well equipped school by any standard, Grange has over the last six and a half decades proved itself an institution more than capable of competing with any new entrant into the Lagos private school turf. It was a delight to meet with Simon Himbury, Head of Grange Secondary School, who only resumed his current post in September 2022 and we appreciate him for taking time out for this interview. Interestingly, it has become an established tradition for the Deputy British High Commissioner to Nigeria to serve as the school's Patron.
Tell us a little about yourself. Where are you from?
Good morning, my name is Simon Himbury and I’m from Cardiff in Wales. I am currently working as Head of Secondary at Grange School, Ikeja. Although my first degree was in Law, I also have post-graduate qualifications in Applied English, Management, teaching, and in the Management of Learning and Teaching. I have worked in independent and staterun schools, universities and in the language school sector
For how long have you been in Nigeria and how have you found it so far?
I’ve been in Nigeria since late August 2022 and although it is often challenging, it is never dull. I have enjoyed trying new food, seeing new places and meeting new people from all walks of life and look forward to further broadening my knowledge of Nigeria and its people. My earliest impression of Nigeria is that its greatest asset is its people and their accompanying motivation to succeed.
Outside of the United Kingdom have you worked in other countries aside from Nigeria? If yes, how do they compare?
Outside of the U.K. I have worked in the United States, Japan and Ukraine. All three of these countries had more varied climates, with winters being cold, distinct spring and autumns and summers ranging from warm to hot. Traveling around those countries is also easier than in Nigeria, as it is usually possible to travel alone and go wherever you wish to go. However, I have not given up and still plan to visit other areas of Nigeria while I am here
It is a general belief by Nigerians that though the country has not been doing too well, nevertheless, Nigerians are amongst the most brilliant, enterprising and diligent people on earth. Going by your experience with the average Nigerian and even your pupils, what would you say to that?
As I mentioned above, I believe Nigeria’s greatest asset is its people and the strong motivation that they have to succeed. Many of the families I have met whose children attend international schools are planning for their children to study abroad for sixth form, college and university. It is my hope that many of the young people who I help educate at Grange will return to Nigeria in the future to give back some of what they have learned in education and in employment secured abroad. One of the most enjoyable aspects to my role is welcoming back former Grangers, who are keen to share their experiences abroad with our current students and with our school.
How would you define education? And what really are its benefits? After all, several of the world's wealthiest individuals either never attended university or dropped out before graduating.
Education is the acquisition and application of theoretical and practical knowledge. It is made up of formal education, informal education and nonformal education, all of which help students develop knowledge, awareness, skills and experience. I think we would all agree that reading, writing and performing arithmetic are fundamental and beneficial skills and these skills develop further as students progress through school and sometimes onto university and beyond. Students interested in following particular
career paths need to understand and apply certain information, for example, knowledge of anatomy and physiology for doctors. And so one’s chosen profession often determines what one studies or has to study. Knowing how to read and write opens up a world of learning resources in newspapers, magazines, books, journals, articles, and a myriad of text and research found online. Not being able to read means that those resources are not so readily accessible. Finally, I agree that university doesn’t have to be mandatory for everyone to be happy or successful. However, time spent at university does provide time to access deeper levels of information and to reflect on how that information applies to our chosen field of study and to the wider world. And for some careers, graduating from university is a necessary part of achieving those goals.
Does Grange have any plans to open other branches in Lagos or outside of Lagos?
Our school motto is one of continuous improvement and in addition to continuing our programme of refurbishment of our main school, we have started building a brand-new boarding facility across the road from the school. We have also discussed the development of a post-16 provision which may bear fruit in future years after we finish the new boarding premises
Do any low points come to mind when you cast your mind back to your school days?
I suppose my lowest point at school was not passing my German GCSE but although not a model foreign language student then, I am proud of still being able to speak Japanese well even though I left the country in 2002.
Any particularly funny moment that evokes laughter whenever you remember it?
Being part of the sixth form student team that put a sheep and turf in our Head of Sixth Form’s office, and telling Japanese listeners on a Japanese national radio station that British people eat humans for Christmas dinner rather than carrots. As a new speaker of the language I accidentally mixed up the words ningen (humans) and ninjin (carrots).
We all know that academics is great but what would you say most prepared you for life while you were a pupil or a student? So as you said, academic subjects are great but all the other aspects of curricular and co-curricular or extra-curricular activities also prepare you for life. Getting to school teaches you to get up on time, walk or catch a bus to school and being responsible for arriving on time. Completing homework and revising teaches you how to plan your time and how to meet deadlines Playing sports teaches you the importance of physical fitness, teamwork and
communication. I also think that extracurricular activities such as scouting, Duke of Edinburgh schemes, and voluntary work, work experience or part time work also helped prepare me for life
At all the schools where you have taught, what has usually been your parting words to the graduates? Words of wisdom, as it were
Remember that wherever you go, whoever you meet and whatever you do, you are representing yourself, your family, your hometown, and your country so make them all proud and be the best that you can be
I just have to ask this. Do you miss home at all?
Of course, I miss my family and friends, but with apps such as Facetime and WhatsApp, I am able to stay in touch with people and to talk to them face to face. On a more humorous note, I miss being cold although powerful air conditioning can sometimes help and I miss the freedom to travel where I want. Finally, I do miss certain foods but a big part of living and working abroad is becoming acclimatized to new cultures and so I eat school lunches every day and am already a very big fan of jollof rice and jollof pasta.
Would you say your education made you? If yes, how?
As someone who was adopted soon after birth by a loving family, I am a firm believer that nurture is even more important than nature when making or developing people. Going to good primary and secondary schools with inspirational and committed teachers, attending a church with an excellent youth group, actively participating in the cubs, scouts and venture scouts, playing rugby with a good set of teammates and being able to go on to universities for under-graduate and post-graduate studies have all educated and nurtured me, provided an opportunity for me to grow in a caring and supportive way, and together with other co-curricular and extra-curricular experiences have made me the person that I am today
Simon Himbury is the new Head of Secondary at Grange School, Ikeja following two years as Head of School at the British International School Ukraine, Dnipro where he had to leave earlier than planned due to the Russian invasion. Experienced in teaching primary, secondary and university students, this is Simon's first post in Africa.’
Are you a bachelor
degree holder, who dreams about studying for a Master's degree in Germany? You live as a national or refugee in Chad, DR Congo, Niger, Nigeria or Togo? The Leadership for Africa scholarship programme is the opportunity for you!
Who can apply?
1) Highly qualified refugees who hold refugee status and fulfil the necessary qualifications for Master studies in Germany and the requirements in the call for applications
Applicants must fulfil the following conditions:
A) Holding refugee status in their host countries, being granted before 3rd of April 2022
B) Country of asylum must be either Chad, DR Congo, Niger, Nigeria or Togo
C) Completed Bachelor’s degree
2) Highly qualified graduates from Chad, DR Congo, Niger, Nigeria or Togo who fulfil the necessary qualifications for Master studies in Germany and the
By www daad.de
requirements in the call for applications.
Applicants must fulfil the following conditions:
A) Citizenship of either Chad, DR Congo, Niger, Nigeria or Togo
B) Country of residence Chad, DR Congo, Niger, Nigeria or Togo
C) Completed Bachelor’s degree
Value
DAAD will support you during your study experience in Germany both financially and professionally. Prior to your arrival, you will have information seminars on how to apply at German universities for a Master’s degree programme, preparation throughout the pre-departure phase, e.g., seminars for your arrival in Germany as well as during your language course in Germany as orientation.
The scholarship includes:
A) Language course (up to 6 months) in Germany before the start of the university studies
B) Tuition-free M.A. or M.Sc. degree programme at a public or state-recognized university in Germany starting in winter term 2024 (September/October 2024)
C) Additional mandatory training programme LEAD! Specific information about the values is published in the call for application.
In addition to the supported Master degree programme the scholarship includes the mandatory additional training programme LEAD!. The scholarship holder can choose the study programme, they can apply to all suitable Master degree programmes in Germany
After being granted a place in the scholarship programme they apply directly to their desired study programmes at German Institutes of Higher Education (more information on how to apply for a Master’s programme in Germany and what prerequisites DAAD expects of the Master’s course profile here).
“Leadership for Africa” Programme for Chad, DR
Congo, Niger, Nigeria, and Togo: Master’s Degree Scholarships in Germany.
The scholarship programme „Leadership for Africa” for Chad, DR Congo, Niger, Nigeria and Togo
Testimonial: Some testimonials of our Leadership for Africa scholarship holders from West and Central Africa describing their feelings when they knew that they got the scholarship:
I was drawn into it by the funding opportunity and even more so by the focus on nurturing future leaders for Africa. This was in line with my personal goals and ambitions so after checking that I met the requirements, I sat myself down and quickly began preparing my application. – Brian K.
Application period: 03 April 2023 until 09 June 2023
It has been said that anyone
who aspires to be an effective leader will need to be equipped with both intrapersonal and interpersonal skills. Individual sports like athletics teach one critical intrapersonal skills which relates to emotional intelligence and these include the ability to focus, self-confidence, resilience and selfdiscipline. Similarly, team sports such as football and basketball help
Romelu Lukaku believes the rivalry between Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland will dominate football for at least the next 10 years
Inter Milan forward Lukaku is preparing to face Manchester City's Haaland in the Champions League final on Saturday
Haaland has torn up the record books after scoring 36 Premier League goals in 38 games in his debut season, surpassing Andy Cole’s and Alan Shearer’s respective tallies of 34 goals in a 42-game season. In total, the Norway international has scored 52 goals in 52 appearances to spearhead City's treble pursuit.
Meanwhile, Mbappe netted 41 goals across 43 appearances in all competitions for Paris SaintGermain as the French forward claimed his sixth Ligue 1 title
Speaking to CNN senior sport analyst Darren Lewis, Lukaku said: “I think he [Haaland] will dominate, with Mbappe, world football for the next 10 years
“They will be fighting from the new generation. They will really take over (from Messi and Ronaldo) in the next two years.”
the individual to develop interpersonal skills such as the art of communication, being a team player, empathy, responsibility, dependability, patience and adaptability. Contrary to the belief of many African educators, the regular playing of sports at school does not amount to a waste of time but moulds character and nurtures qualitative leadership
Lukaku looked in more detail at the test which Inter face on Saturday in Istanbul, and knows the Serie A side will be huge underdogs in Turkey
“It’s a beautiful thing, playing probably against the best team in the world. I just want to enjoy it, not having pressure, just enjoy the moment, enjoy the build-up, go there to have the best result possible
“Man City is a well-drilled team. [Pep] Guardiola is such a good coach because every game is a different game plan.
“They have different patterns every game. And you know [Haaland] with these movements and the way how they open defences up at the end, he will get those chances because those movements and the patterns that they do, they synchronise very well.”
Belgium's all-time record goalscorer also revealed the emotional tribute he pays to his late grandfather after every goal, and explained what it will mean to play in arguably the biggest match in club football.
“I promised [him] that I would look after my mum, when I was 12, I did that. So every time when I look at my mum and I see her in the stands, I look at him after every goal. And I say, I did it.
“It doesn’t matter, wins or losses, I take it in my stride. My grandfather meant the world to me
When asked what playing in a Champions League final would mean to his grandfather. Lukaku replied: “A lot. When I see my son, I see so much of him. My grandfather, for me was my number one. He was my biggest fan.”
During one of my numerous freshers’ orientation events, I asked myself, "what is in it for me" if I am to become a student member of the Nigerian Institute of Architects (NIA)?
Why is it even important? My curious mind was racing back and forth as I asked myself these questions. Suddenly, the timeless quote by the much loved John F. Kennedy jumped up to my mind - "Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country." So, in this case, “Ask not what NIA can do for you, ask what you can do for NIA." That response gave me a paradigm shift to think differently and caused me to look inwards; because of this new frame of mind my focus was now on how I could best contribute my quota and add value. I volunteered to assist the public relations officer of the departmental students association. This role gave me useful insights into some crude realities of life and paved a platform for me to do more
What is the essence of education beyond seeking a job upon graduation? Not that there's anything wrong with that. However, what is the essence of developing critical thinking skills, taking
numerous courses and studying tirelessly to pass exams? Putting it simply, it's to become a solution provider. This is the practical benefit. This is the reality as the world remains a place filled with daunting issues begging for practical solutions The issues are indeed many, awaiting those adequately prepared to turn lemon into lemonade
Nigeria and the world at large has grown beyond waiting for governments to create jobs Rather, youth at all levels need to develop both creative and critical thinking capacity to proffer solutions and add value. The world is fast changing and we need to constantly question the status quo. Why? How? Why not? Look around you. Money is in circulation but you just need to open your eyes and mind to see how best to tap in, create value and money would automatically chase you. It is all about defining who you are and the role you want to play in this game called life. What can you bring to the table?
Oluwasegun, a trained architect is an alumnus of LEAP Africa and currently serves as its elected Director of Projects, Alumni Network. Oluwasegun is the Waterboy Co-Founder/Hustler and a Jim Leech MasterCard Foundation Fellow awardee He is an irrepressible entrepreneur
Creating the optimal living and learning environment on your campus helps your students do their best learning as they vision their future and it helps attract the best and brightest faculty for research and teaching. Your institution can also play a vital role in preparing today's students for tomorrow's workforce and be a force for a change addressing sustainability and more Environments where students do their best learning
A Smart Campus is one that is digitally connected to the next generation, for the next generation. And every day, the Internet of Things (IoT), digitalization, automation, and vast amounts of available data bring us closer to creating an ideal learning environment – a truly Smart Campus – one that is digitally connected to the next generation, for the next generation.
More than ever, leaders in higher education recognize the value in making campus improvements that will benefit today while allowing buildings to adapt to tomorrow’s emerging technologies
Reshaping how, when, and where students learn IoT, digitalization, and digital learning continue to reshape how, when, and where students learn, live, and explore. And today, campuses can leverage data and digitalization to improve every aspect of the educational experience
By taking the right steps today, we can transform our educational infrastructure so that it’s smarter, safer, more sustainable, and more resilient – all of which can also translate into enhanced efficiency, improved comfort, and lower cost of operations
Like our students, every building and institution has its own needs – so there’s no one right answer for every campus. But by working together, we can create a Smart Campus that positively contributes to your strategic objectives, core priorities, and
It has never been more important to find new and compelling ways to engage, attract, and retain more students to your campus Similarly, there needs to be a strong draw for talented and experienced faculty, researchers, and staff
"Parents and incoming students now rank campus cleanliness and IAQ third in importance when deciding which university to attend. Only quality of academics and affordability ranked higher."
~FacilitiesNet.com
Learn how a unified approach to campus security, along with the latest smart technologies can help your educational institution be prepared and help mitigate risk.
As the number of electric vehicles on the road accelerates, institutions need to deploy a significant number of EV chargers to serve their campus and community Microgrids, supported by battery storage, can manage the load impact of EV chargers and minimise the need for costly upgrades. Microgrids can also deliver greater resiliency and increased sustainability, as well as economic benefits
As the focus on a cleaner environment becomes more intense, along with the demand for electric vehicles (EV), from personal vehicles to ground fleets to buses, there is a need for integrated EV charging on your campus. Deploying smart charging technology in your parking lots and garages
and electrifying your fleet not only help reduce your campus’ carbon footprint, but also demonstrates to students and staff your leadership in adopting innovative, sustainable technologies
How do you build the smartest campus in the world?
The College of Charleston takes real climate action
To begin mitigating climate change and become a climate leader in the S.C “Lowcountry” – which is facing immediate impacts from climate change, the College of Charleston is taking aggressive action. This includes steps in planning and policy including sustainability and climate action, along with a partnership with Siemens to implement campus-wide measures to reduce energy, water and emissions, as well as improve resilience to climate risks and mobilising our students around sustainability and climate action.
The University of Birmingham, in partnership with Siemens, is combining digital sensor and analytics technologies, artificial intelligence, decentralised energy generation and storage, renewable energy and concepts that help change users’ behaviour to transform the university’s campuses into the world’s smartest global campus, creating a ‘Living Lab’ where research, teaching and learning all benefit from access to new data and connectivity
Morgan State University (MSU) has embarked on their journey to a smart campus and is working closely with Siemens and the Maryland Clean Energy Center to make their vision a reality and transform their campus through visionary planning, hard work, partnership, and innovation. This collaborative effort is critical to achieving MSU’s strategic mission, including elevating MSU to Carnegie R1 status
Having a good understanding of our brain’s abilities, functioning and limitations allows us to improve our productivity and learning skills. Perhaps, the brain is the most mysterious of our organs and we are still a long way from understanding everything about it.
In the past few decades, researchers have made a ton of really important breakthroughs, especially when it comes to learning. We now have a better understanding of how individuals learn, remember, organize and retrieve information.
Let’s explore some of the most significant breakthroughs that researchers have made on the science of learning and provide you with some valuable insight on how to make the best use of your brain without wasting energy
Our ability to learn is affected by a number of things, one of them being how we feel. Research has shown that our emotions affect everything from how we perceive information, how we pay attention, how we remember information and how we solve problems
Feeling stressed, anxious, fearful or ashamed are the worst emotional states for learning. The limbic system is activated by these emotions. When the limbic system is activated it interferes with how memory is generated. This is why it is very important to create a safe and stress-free online learning environment. If your learners are relaxed it will help them learn and retain information better
Some learners may prefer to quietly learn by themselves whereas others may learn much better when the learning is done through social interaction. Having learners collaborate with each other usually leads to much better learning outcomes. Brain imaging studies have shown when information is presented by other people in a multi-sensory way, neuroimages show a number of neural networks functioning together simultaneously. Research has also reflected that we learn information
effectively through social cues such as recalling the words of others and by emulating their actions
3) More information doesn’t always mean more learning
When processing information, the brain has to do work to understand. Because of this you should not present large amounts of information to your learners and expect there to be an increase in learning. The point at which a person’s brain becomes overwhelmed by new information is referred to as “cognitive overload”, by brain scientists. When there is too much new information all at once, it results in cognitive overload and will ultimately reduce learning
Two main ways to avoid cognitive overload are:
The quantitative method: Provide less new information. Allow your learners to understand most of what they are currently learning before presenting them with new information.
The qualitative method: Switch up your presentation methods so that it is less overwhelming
4) Making mistakes are an essential part of learning
When learning something new, no one usually aims for failure. Generally, it’s something we want to avoid. Without a doubt, you would want all your learners to successfully complete their online courses or training content.
However, the science of learning shows us that making mistakes is actually an essential part of learning. For example, the first time we get on a bike we don’t all learn to ride right away, we get better by practicing Making mistakes is essential to the learning process and it also applies to academic learning
If individuals are being pressured to succeed it may inhibit learning. Research has shown that some students learn and perform better when they are told failure is a normal and expected part of learning This may be because feeling less pressure leads to better performance
Additionally, when errors are emphasized, learners will usually focus more on those errors rather than what they should be learning
5) The brain requires novelty
When your learners are exceptionally bored it impacts their ability to learn by killing their attention span and willpower. Some instructors feel that by being repetitive with learning material students will grasp concepts easier, after all “practice makes perfect”. It actually turns out what the
Novelty is the state of being exposed to new ideas, experiences, and things. When we are in this state it releases dopamine, a neurochemical, that is part of the pleasure center in our brains. Dopamine actually plays a huge role in the motivation for learning
When the receptors are activated when we are learning, it gives us a rewarding feeling Practicing new things we have learned will definitely help us be progressive, but doing that same practice in new ways can help us improve learning outcomes and success
Teaching others something you have learned is one of the most effective study methods. In fact there is a highly effective study technique designed on this principle, called the Feynman Technique. This technique proposes when learning a new skill or studying for an exam, learners write about their topic as if they were teaching someone else, even a child.
The concept of figuring out how to explain something complex, briefly using nonjargon language helps consolidate the learning that is already there and it will help identify any knowledge gaps.
Our brains are constantly building and reconditioning neural pathways. The pathways that are used the most usually get well-established and stronger. The pathways that are not used get built over
This is the reason a language you have learned isn’t as fluid when you do not use it or why it may take you a while to work out a math equation you have not done in a while. When it comes to the brain, the saying “if you don’t use it, you lose it”, definitely applies
A good concept to utilize is spaced repetition. The idea to space out learning and repeat something just before you would have forgotten it, is a great way to optimize learning and remembering
Understanding your learners is one of the most important ways to ensure your online training courses are effective. Building on the principles of learning will keep you focused on what activities will enhance the online learning experience and what may not have much effect.
SkyPrep is a particularly effective tool for learning. To learn more, request a call and one of our specialists will be with you shortly.
It is me again. If you have been following our previous discussions, you might be wondering where I will be starting from today. It's time we look at the parent's angle. It is a thing of pride for your child to graduate from high school with great grades. Most especially if you are sure of the hard work and commitment the child and school put into attaining this. Far beyond academic excellence however, is character building, interpersonal skills and spiritual formation, which are all values and virtues worth developing.
As a parent, how do you detect that your child’s school is up to no good with the academics? It starts with the grading system. I once changed my child's school due to proximity but I later regretted the move. I knew he was an average student but then suddenly, he started scoring in the upper 80% on every subject. Even French that he hates with a passion! I sought an audience with his class teacher and asked to see his last test papers, giving the excuse that I was concerned about the way he always answered questions, and because of that, I was trying to help him improve on it at home. Going through his papers, it became apparent that this school was not one that would ever fail any child. So what would happen to the teaching of morals? Will children not be scolded where necessary? Unfortunately there are bound to be some parents out there who would like this idea, but not me. If you truly love your child you should assess his/her ability and compare with what he/she scores and see if it adds up. I don’t need a child genius who can’t mingle with his peers or share in ongoing conversations or cannot just behave as a child should.
Parents have a tendency to expect too much from schools, teachers, their children and even government. Let us begin to reward little progress made by our children and talk to them about our core values Teach them the dignity of being able to defend the grades they get and let them know that, “las las we will all be okay”. When we were growing up, as we returned
to boarding school the only great advice we got was "ranti omo eni ti iwon je” which simply means remember whose child you are and don’t bring shame on us. Those words meant a lot then. It was a stern warning not to engage in activities that they would not be proud of. But these days, many parents find it difficult to discipline their child. I cringe when a child in public does something and the parent is there just saying ‘stop it’ when it's quite obvious that the child doesn't listen to that even at home
Whether school, teachers or governments fail, we must remember they are our children at the end of the day and the end result, good or bad will be left for us to enjoy or bear. We need to be very intentional about picking the right schools We must follow up on progress and also train our children appropriately. As a parent, if your concern is not to appear harsh or uncompromising, then you may have serious problems in the future. My child is my friend, but first of all, I am his/her parent. I give instructions and guidance. We can often dialogue on some aspects but I must be seen to have the upper hand. To our dear daddys, this thing about going and asking your mummy, which makes daddy appear nice while making mummy look like the one who just likes shouting, cannot continue. Decisions concerning our children should be taken jointly and both parents have to speak in one voice
I remember when one of my brothers missed the JAMB examination cutoff mark for his preferred university by a few marks, he expected that my dad, who was a military officer, would storm the JAMB office in his full regalia to influence things Daddy simply told him to try harder next time. Thankfully, he secured admission to his second choice which was outside Lagos and that's where he went. That was the kind of parenting we grew up with. These days you see parents hanging outside
examination centers even for an exam as elementary as common entrance, all in a bid to assist their child in the exam hall. Some go as far as registering their children in special centers for JAMB. Special centers were created for academically impaired and disabled students to help take care of their special needs during the examination. We all hear of what goes on in these examination centers, where a parent can give his/her child 10,000NGN or more to take to an exam hall. It is for a specific purpose and the child is groomed on how to utilize it in order to get the desired result.
The Holy books says, “what you sow, you will reap” so when we then see lazy and entitled graduates and youths, we can't totally blame them because they have been spoon-fed all through their lives thus far We are the ones who send our children to these schools, pay huge fees and then sit back and let them inculcate unethical values in our children. We need to begin to speak up. I say, give my child the ‘C’ he deserves and let me know where he needs improvement and extra tutoring, so he/she can improve.
Changing lives…one person at a time
Ololade 'Lola' Okorie is a former teacher and school administrator at some of the most prominent schools in Lagos. She now runs Enhanced Learning Travel Tours, an education and travel consultancy. The organisation facilitates study programmes abroad, from counseling to final travel and to organising exchange study programmes www.enhancelearning.co
Imagine an international school for day and boarding students with a warm family atmosphere that is safe and secure, where your child can discover and achieve his/her optimum potential, acquire social and moral values, develop a positive self-image, and collaborate in an internationally diverse community Then imagine a friendly environment that offers highquality education and produces globally minded individuals in a community that is internationally diverse. That's what the International Community School, Abuja (ICS) offers.
In a rapidly globalizing world, it's more important than ever to give children a truly international education. ICS is dedicated to doing just that. As a diverse school, we provide an enriched American curriculum delivered by a highly skilled, committed faculty in a continuously improving technological learning environment.
Our students are independent and articulate communicators who are critical thinkers, innovative, and analytical problem solvers. We deliberately nurture a positive and cooperative working relationship among and between
students, parents, administration, faculty, staff, other schools, and educational organizations.
At ICS, we believe that education is not just about academic achievement, but also about equipping students to become active and responsible global citizens. That's why we offer a comprehensive program that includes not only rigorous academic classes, but also a wide range of extracurricular activities, service learning opportunities, and community service programs where our students learn to work collaboratively with people from diverse backgrounds.
We understand that choosing the right school is one of the most important decisions that parents will make for the future of their children, that is why we have created a nurturing environment where every child is valued and supported. Our small class sizes, individualized attention, and commitment to student wellbeing ensures that every child can discover and reach their full potential, and understand, live, and bear witness to their faith in respectful awareness of other beliefs. They are guided to participate and pursue positive relationships with the wider
We also encourage a high standard of self-discipline and instill a deep sense of personal responsibility by providing opportunities to foster well being and develop skills for effective decision-making and leadership through age-appropriate guidance and counselling.
The ICS community is diverse, reflecting the world that our students will soon join as young adults. Our students come from several regions across the globe and bring with them a wealth of perspectives and experiences that enrich the entire school community. Our families are just as diverse, and we work closely with them to ensure that their needs are met and that they feel a sense of belonging.
Our graduates are well - prepared for success and leave our school with a love for learning and a commitment to making a positive impact in the world. Join us and see why we are the preferred destination for families seeking a topnotch education for their children. Enroll now and help your child soar to new heights.
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Students choose ALU because they want handson real world experience led by some of the world’s most innovative educators. They want a place that does not limit their potential with old rules but believes in their capacity to solve Africa’s largest challenges in new ways. They want their time at a university to lead them to a job or even to launch a company. They want to be part of a global network committed to their success.
Simply put, they want a university that will prepare them to be the leaders who will transform Africa.
Get well-equipped for a job
Be prepared to create your own job and jobs for others
Be part of a learning system that is optimized for the pandemic
Be led by some of the most innovative educators in the world
Learn through hands-on, real-world experiences and amazing peers
Be part of a network for life that helps you secure opportunities
Become part of a thriving pan-African-global network of experts, mentors, partners and investors
Grants available
Get the education that’s built around the impact you want to make in the world.
the new generation of change makers in Africa.
Applications are open for our September 2023, and January 2024 intakes.
