Education
Kaduna govt sacks 2,357 teachers including NUT President – Official
The Kaduna State Universal Basic Education Board (KADSUBEB) says it has dismissed 2,357 teachers who failed the recently conducted competency test.
Its spokesperson, Hauwa Mohammed, in a statement on Sunday in Kaduna, said the board conducted a competency test for over 30,000 teachers in December 2021.
She said that 2,192 primary school teachers including the National President of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), Audu Amba, had been dismissed for refusing to sit for the competency test.
She said that some 165 of the 27,662 teachers that sat for the competency test were also sacked for poor performances.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that the Kaduna government in 2018 sacked 21,780 teachers who failed a competency test, and replaced them with 25,000 others recruited through vigorous processes.
In December 2021, the board also sacked 233 teachers over alleged possession of fake certificates.
“Following the state government’s resolution for continued assessment of teachers to ensure better delivery of learning outcomes for pupils, KADSUBEB conducted another competency test for the teachers in December 2021.
“The services of teachers who scored below 40 per cent are no longer required and their appointments have been terminated from the Public Service for their poor performances.
“Teachers who scored 75 per cent and above were recognised as those who passed the test and qualified for attending courses in leadership and school management,” she said.
According to her, qualified teachers will be included in Teacher Professional Development (TPD) programmes to enhance their capacities to deliver quality teaching to pupils.
Ms Mohammed said teachers who scored between 40 and 74 per cent did not meet up with the minimum pass mark, adding that they would be given second chance to improve their capacities.
The board, she said, has initiated viable training programmes for teachers under its statutory TPD with support from the state government and development partners.
“The training programmes will be conducted during end of term vacation and in their respective schools, to minimise disruptions of teaching and learning.
“They are also encouraged to complement the government’s efforts and seek personal development for their own good.
“The board is assuring teachers and the public that it remains committed to ensuring their continuous professional development and the improvement of the learning outcomes of pupils and students,” she said.
Reacting, Ibrahim Dalhatu, State Chairman, NUT, dismissed the competency test and the sacking of the affected teachers as “illegal”.
Mr Dalhatu said the union had secured a court order restraining the board from conducting the competency test, adding, however, that it conducted the test without recourse to the rule of law.
He recalled that the union had asked the teachers not to write the examination after learning that the intent was to sack them.
“We warned that any teacher who participates in the illegal examination would not be protected by the union if victimised but some of the teachers went ahead to write the examination out of fear.
“We are not against the conduct of the competency test if due process is followed, but it should not be used as a basis for sacking teachers.
“The competency test should be used to determine teachers’ capacity gap and tailored specific training programmes to improve their capacities,” he said.
When contacted, the NUT National President said he was aware of the development, adding that the National Executive Council of the union would sit on Wednesday, June 22, to come up with a position.
Kogi State Governor Usman Ododo ends the controversial tax clearance policy, ensuring students’ education rights remain protected
Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Usman Ododo, has ordered an immediate halt to the policy requiring parents to present Tax Clearance Certificates (TCC) for their children’s enrollment in state-owned tertiary institutions.
This decision follows public outcry and protests led by civil society groups, who argued that the policy infringed upon the right to education.
Announcing the directive during a media briefing in Lokoja, the Chairman of the Kogi State Internal Revenue Service (KGIRS), Alhaji Sule Enehe, stated that the move reflects the governor’s commitment to accessible education.
“The governor responded swiftly to public concerns, emphasizing that education must remain accessible to all Kogi State students,” said Enehe.
The policy, introduced to encourage tax compliance, drew criticism for potentially denying access to education for students whose parents were unable to provide TCCs.
With the directive now revoked, students can register and gain admission without the previously mandated requirement.
Enehe, however, reminded residents of their constitutional duty to pay taxes, noting that non-compliance could restrict access to benefits such as bursary allowances.
He added, “Parents must play their part by paying taxes to support state education and other social amenities.”
Highlighting further reforms, Enehe disclosed that KGIRS has ramped up efforts to eliminate illegal tax practices. Since the crackdown began, 43 illegal tax collectors have been prosecuted, while several corrupt staff members have been dismissed.
To streamline operations, the revenue service has digitised tax payment systems, allowing individuals and businesses to fulfil their obligations more efficiently.
KGIRS reported steady revenue growth in recent years, with collections rising from ₦17 billion in 2021 to ₦27.7 billion in 2024.
The service has set an ambitious target of ₦35.1 billion for 2025, aiming to sustain the state’s developmental initiatives.
Governor Ododo’s administration continues to prioritise education, as seen in the establishment of three state-owned universities.
The governor’s directive aligns with the broader goal of ensuring that financial barriers do not hinder educational access for Kogi State students.
This decisive action signals the government’s resolve to balance tax compliance with the constitutional right to education, fostering both development and inclusivity.
Students of the University of Calabar appeal for extended registration and fee payment deadlines due to delays in receiving education loans.
Students of the University of Calabar (UniCal) have made an urgent appeal to the university’s management, requesting an extension for course registration and school fee payments.
This appeal follows delays in the disbursement of loans from the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), which many students had applied for but have not yet received.
The appeal, made by Mr Johnson David, a 200-level student, was obtained by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN). In the letter, David expressed concern that many students had applied for the NELFUND loan, with some applications verified, while others were still awaiting confirmation. Despite this, no funds had been disbursed, leaving students unable to pay their school fees on time.
David also highlighted that other financial support avenues, such as the Clement Joshua School Fees Empowerment and various scholarship opportunities, were still pending approval.
“We are yet to receive the disbursement of the NELFUND loan, which has affected our ability to meet the school fee deadline. Additionally, some of us are still waiting for confirmation on other scholarships that could aid in our fee payments,” David said in the letter.
He acknowledged the efforts of the Students Union Government and the university management in addressing the students’ concerns and expressed hope that with their continued support, the students would overcome this financial challenge and focus on their studies.
In response to the students’ appeal, the management of UniCal provided an update, confirming the receipt of over N182 million in disbursements as of 3 December 2024. These funds were allocated to 1,926 students.
In a statement signed by the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Florence Obi, the management requested that the details of the beneficiaries and the amounts credited to each student be sent to them for record-keeping purposes.
The university’s management has yet to comment on whether the deadline for registration and fee payment will be extended, but students remain hopeful that their concerns will be addressed promptly.
NELFUND’s commitment to providing interest-free loans for Nigerian students has been emphasised by its Managing Director, Akintunde Sawyerr, at a meeting in Maiduguri.
The Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) has reiterated its dedication to improving education in the country through its student loan programme, aimed at reducing unproductivity and providing financial relief for students in higher education.
The initiative, launched as part of President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, seeks to empower students by easing the financial burdens that often hinder their academic success.
Also read: NELFUND confirms receiving N50bn from EFCC to boost student loan scheme
Speaking at an engagement meeting in Maiduguri, Borno State, Akintunde Sawyerr, Managing Director of NELFUND, explained the modalities of the loan programme, which is designed to be accessible and flexible for students.
He highlighted that applicants would need to create an online profile as part of the application process. Importantly, the loan is interest-free and does not require a fixed repayment period, making it an attractive option for students who may face financial challenges.
Sawyerr also underscored the programme’s goal of reducing unproductivity among Nigerian students by providing them with the resources needed to focus on their studies without the burden of financial insecurity.
Lawan Wakilbe, Borno State Commissioner for Education, Science, Technology, and Innovation, voiced his support for the initiative and announced the appointment of a dedicated desk officer to facilitate the loan application process for students in the state.
This officer will work closely with the Special Adviser to Governor Zulum on Higher Education to guide students through the application process and ensure they understand the benefits of the loan.
Wakilbe described the loan as a low-risk grant, available to all eligible students, and encouraged them to take full advantage of the opportunity.
NELFUND’s initiative aims to provide students from all higher institutions in Nigeria with the financial means to pursue their educational goals.
By making the loan programme accessible, President Tinubu’s administration hopes to create a more productive and educated generation of young people who will drive the nation’s progress.
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