By Jeleel Olawale

Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke has disclosed that screening of teachers for recruitment into the state teaching service is ongoing in a bid to improve standard of education.

Speaking at the flag off of distribution of educational materials for students of secondary schools across the state on Wednesday, he said his administration is not relenting at ensuring that he revamped education in the state.

He noted, “Education has been and shall remain one of the priorities of this administration. That was what informed the staging of the Education Summit held in August, 2023 with the theme ‘Getting it Right and Revamping Osun Education.’

“Since the release of the Summit Report as well as the White Paper thereof, our government has started the gradual implementation of the recommendations one after the other.

“Recruitment of teachers into public primary and secondary schools in the State. Screening process is still ongoing and would be completed soon; Implementing to letters the controversial Federal Circular on ‘New Retirement Age for Teachers’ which has been on course and the few that applied for post service re-engagement shall be interviewed soon just as the circular dictates;

“Vacancies created by retirement of school heads across the State have been filled with capable hands leaving no vacuum in school management; fortifying schools security system by engaging Peace Corps of Nigeria, Osun State Command as school policing and neighbourhood watch to schools.

“That was in addition to the existing cadets of Edumarshal. These were targeted at ensuring that students and pupils operate in the peaceful atmosphere that learning demands.”

Earlier in his address, the Commissioner for Education, Dipo Eluwole disclosed that the state schools infrastructure development programme is ongoing with a view to expanding access to children across the state.

“Osun state was chosen as a pilot state for school feeding in Nigeria, it is the only state in Nigeria that continues feeding pupils now without the Federal government intervention.

“This is evident in the visit of the Senior Special Assistant to Mr. President on Home Grown School Feeding, Osun is also one of the pilot states for the establishment of Alternative School for Girls,” he added.

By Sodiq Adelakun

In a remarkable achievement, nine alumni of the Lagos State University (LASU) Faculty of Law have been appointed judges of the Lagos High Court.

This historic feat was announced by the institution on its X (formerly Twitter) handle on Monday, revealing that the nine are part of the 13 judges recently appointed to the Lagos State High Court.

According to LASU, this is the highest number of alumni appointed as judges at a given time, a testament to the institution’s commitment to producing exceptional legal professionals.

The newly appointed judges will bring their expertise and knowledge to the Lagos High Court, contributing to the fair administration of justice in the state.

According to the statement, the number is the highest ever recorded at a given time by the institution.

The statement read partly, “The alumni include Hon. Justice Sunmonu Tunde Bashiru, Hon. Justice Alebiosu Olawale Lawal, Hon. Justice Anjorin-Ajose Tanimola Abdulwaheed, Hon. Justice Muyodeen Abdul-Raheem Tejumade, Hon. Justice George Alfred Akingbola, Hon. Justice Balogun Adegboyega Ganiu, Hon. Justice Badejo-Okusanya Yewande Jokotola, Hon. Justice Ojuromi Nalirat Olayinka Oluwatosin and Hon. Justice Adewale Russel Musiliu.

“The nine were part of the 13 judges recently appointed into the Lagos State High Court, a feat made more remarkable by the fact that the number is the highest ever recorded from the university at any given time in history.”

While congratulating the new judges, Vice Chancellor Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello remarked that being appointed to such a prestigious position is no small achievement.

“It is a testament to their hard work, sacrifice, and dedication to the noble profession of law, as well as their significant contributions to the Lagos State judiciary.”

Olatunji-Bello credited the judges’ accomplishments to the strong foundation of excellence at the university’s Faculty of Law, which helped shape their careers. She urged them to uphold the highest standards and serve with integrity and the fear of God in their new roles.

Two survivors of the 2014 Boko Haram abduction of 276 girls in Chibok, Nigeria, have graduated from tertiary institutions in the United States.

Patience Bulus and Mercy Ali Paul, who were among the girls kidnapped by the terrorist group, have successfully completed their studies in the US, thanks to scholarships from the Murtala Muhammed Foundation (MMF) and Victims Support Fund.

Patience graduated from Dickinson College with a major in Gender Studies and Religion, while Mercy earned an Associate Degree in Social Science from Northern Virginia Community College (NOVA).

The two women’s journey to graduation was made possible through a partnership between MMF and VSF, which provided full scholarships and personal growth opportunities to the rescued Chibok girls, enabling them to pursue higher education at renowned universities in the US.

Patience’s academic achievements were further recognised with her induction as an Honorable Member of the National Society of Leadership and Success at Dickinson College in 2021.

Meanwhile, Aisha Muhammed-Oyebode, the founder and chief executive officer of Murtala Muhammed Foundation speaking at Patience’s graduation in Carlisle Pennsylvania, USA, said, “The abduction of 276 schoolgirls 10 years ago from their boarding school signalled the urgency of action to secure education for girls in Nigeria.

“As an organisation with a vision to advance positive education and social outcomes for women, we celebrate Patience and Mercy’s achievements today as a powerful example of resilience and their determination not to be defined by the past but focused on the future.

“Many more girls in Chibok and other conflict-affected communities deserve this opportunity so today we are calling for immediate action at the local and global levels to enable access to quality education and build self-reliance in conflict-affected communities.”

Muhammed-Oyebode pointed out that with 91 girls in captivity, many of the Chibok schoolgirls have returned as mothers. She frowned at the fact that rape, coercion, and extremism are often weapons of war; hence she said that the need to protect women and girls must not be ignored.

“Sexual slavery/reproductive health is at heightened risk in conflict zones,” she noted.

Sharing their inspirational journey to completing their education, Mercy Ali Paul said, “Graduating feels like a dream I never thought would come true. Ten years ago, I was just hoping to survive the nightmare of abduction.

“Each moment I spent with Boko Haram was filled with fear and uncertainty, but my faith kept me strong. I finally escaped and became determined to reclaim my life after that.

“I knew education was the key to rebuilding my future, and now with this diploma, I feel empowered. My journey has been challenging, but the support from my family, friends, and sponsoring organisations from Nigeria made it possible.

“I hope my story inspires other girls in Nigeria and around the world to never give up, no matter how dark their circumstances may seem.”

Patience Bulus said, “Walking across this stage today is more than just receiving a diploma; it’s a testament to resilience and hope. Ten years ago, Boko Haram tried to take away our futures, but they couldn’t take away our dreams.

“Today, that I graduate with a degree from a prestigious college, is not just for myself, but for the countless girls who are yet to make it out. This achievement is dedicated to them and the power of community support.

“The encouragement and resources provided by sponsors in Nigeria and others here in the U.S. made this possible. I am excited to use my education to advocate for girls’ rights and education worldwide. Today is proof that with perseverance and support, we can overcome even the most harrowing experiences.”

Meanwhile, ten years after the Chibok abduction incident, insecurity and mass kidnappings in Nigeria are on the rise, causing widespread devastation and posing a significant threat to the economy.

Recent kidnappings underscore the persistent danger faced by young people in conflict zones. These young people urgently need support, including access to education, security, and livelihood restoration.

Strengthening Nigeria’s education system is essential for empowerment, economic progress, and inclusive growth. With a population exceeding 200 million, Nigeria has one of the highest numbers of out-of-school children globally.