THE NATION THURSDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2013
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EDUCATION
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HE first of N1billion PanNigerian computer laboratories established nationwide by the National Teachers’ Institute (NTI) has been inaugurated at the Government Girl Secondary School in Rumouokuta, Port Harcourt, Rivers State. It was inaugurated by the supervising Minister of Education Chief Ezenwo Nyesom Wike, with the assistance of the Director-General, National Teachers Institute, Kaduna, Dr, Aminu Ladan Sharehu Npom. Speaking at the event, Wike said every state is expected to have one computer laboratory each considering that the world is increasingly digitalising and Nigeria cannot afford to be left out. He said the essence is to enhance the quality of teacher training and the nation's education for national development. Wike said: "Let me commend the management of NTI for this laud-
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Wike opens N1b computer lab From Precious Dikewoha, Port Harcourt
able initiative, which clearly shows its commitment to providing quality, training and education facilities to improve the quality of teachers and knowledge in our basic education system. "I urge all teachers in the state to avail themselves of the service this computer laboratory is set to offer to improve their competence for a more productive and fulfilling education and professional career." The Director-General NTI Dr Aminu Ladan Npom, said he was encouraged to source for a brand of computer sets and accessories worth N1billion through a collaboration with an international donor agency.
Aminu said: “Considering the importance of ICT to the production of quality teachers in Nigeria, I am happy that we are starting the flag-off ceremony of the commissioning of NTI computer laboratories for teachers in 36 states of the federation including Abuja. "I will like to thank the Computer Aid International for sup-
porting me to acquire these computers and other accessories to enhance the quality of teachers in Nigeria. It is our duty to remain focused in the transformation effort to improve the quality of teachers,” he said. Theoccasionwasattendedby commissioners of education in the Southsouth, NTI Governing Board chairman. Ali Sa’ad Birnin Kudu, among others.
Rivers TVE centre to open January
HE Port Harcourt Technical and Vocational Education (TVE) Centre will become functional in January next year, Rivers State Commissioner for Education, Dame Alice LawrenceNemi has said. Speaking when the 30 recruited trainers for the centre visited her office, Mrs Lawrence-Nemi said TVE was key to the development of any economy especially, Rivers State. She said Governor Rotimi Amaechi seeks to entrench the German style of technical education in the state. To this end, the government sent the trainers to Germany for training. "Technical and Vocational Education is an important aspect of education. It plays a major role in developing a flexible and welleducated work force. Vocational education prepares people for specific trades, crafts and careers at various levels. Technical and Vocational Education prepares people for the world of work. It is
By Kofoworola Belo-Osagie
important to have a background and a skill set that allows graduates to become immersed in the global economy right from graduation," she said. Mrs Lawrence-Nemi said the Port Harcourt TVE Centre would have the same equipment as similar centres in Germany, and would offer courses like bricklaying, tiling, plastering, fashion design, woodwork, electrical works, metal and welding and sanitary works. The Permanent Secretary, Rivers State Ministry of Education, Dr Richard Ofuru, said only the most qualified trainers who passed their tests would teach at the centre. On behalf of the visitors, Augustine Awoyesuku promised that the government's investment would not be in vain.
• Rivers State commissioner for Education Dame Alice Lawrence-Nemi and Perm Sec Dr. Richard Ofuru (m) in a group photograph with the German-bound teachers
• Pastor Adebowale Oyeniyi, Chairman of the occasion presenting a trophy to the winners of the Bible Society of Nigeria (BSN) National Bible Quiz Competition, Precious Agu and Thomson Uka of Methodist High School, Aba.
42 pupils battle for LIRS essay trophy
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•Wike
ORTY-TWO pupils drawn from private and public secondary schools in the six education districts of Lagos State have defended the essays submitted for the sixth Lagos State Internal Revenue Service (LIRS) Secondary School Essay Ccompetition. They made oral presentations of their entries to a panel of judges at the LIRS headquarters in Alausa, Ikeja, Lagos. LIRS Executive Chairman, Mr Babatunde Fowler, said the contest was put together by the LIRS management to enlighten the pupils about the essence and use of tax revenue in the Lagos. Fowler said 315 schools were selected to submit entries. Of the lot, he said 300 schools participated, from which 142 entries were received from junior secondary school (JSS) participants; and 158 from their senior secondary school (SSS) counterparts. After grading based on the 80 per cent qualification mark, he said only 17 JSS pupils and 25 SS pupils made the benchmark. Fowler referred to the 42 students as 'best among others'. He said winners of the contest would be would be presented with scholarships, computers and other consolation prizes during the next edition of the Lagos State Tax conference coming up January next year .
By Jane Chijioke
The junior pupils wrote on : The impact of tax payment on the Lagos of our dreams, while the senior category debated the topic: Tax payment empowers government to achieve its objectives. The pupils spoke extensively about education, transportation, health, and infrastructures among others, called on the public to fulfil their civic obligation to achieve the state’s mega city dream.
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ICT firm introduces School MX project
HE Special Adviser on Education to the Lagos State Governor, Otunba Fatai Olukoga has urged teachers and
By Musa Odoshimokhe
pupils in primary and secondary schools to take advantage of the School MX Project to enhance
• Pupils of AOCOED Staff School, Oto Ijaniki, Lagos dancing the school’s funfair at the school premises.
teaching and learning skills. Olukoga, who spoke at the launch of the project, sponsored by MajdateK Nigeria Company in Lagos, was represented by Mrs Kayode Olusola, a member of staff of the ministry. The School MX Project is an Information Communication Technology (ICT) package which can be installed in any interested school at an affordable rate. The idea, according to MajdateK Nigeria, is to bring ICT to the door step of schools. The chairman of the occasion, Najmudeen Suleiman, said the project would advance the learning process of schools which subscribe to the new technology. He said: "MajdateK Nigeria has the required expertise and has successfully executed projects in numerous technologies. With a highly formidable and resultoriented team, it has demystified human endeavour with ICT solutions in schools." He noted that the dynamics of the world today revolves around ICT, which Majdatek Nigeria Company is taking to education.