Education

Amatala & other ‘unforgotten’ children ~ by Olusegun Adeniyi

Published

4 years ago

April 1, 2021

Despite protestation from my friend, Waziri Adio who has been her greatest supporter and encourager right from the beginning, I had warned my wife when this whole idea started three years ago that on no account should it get to the media.

I promised financial support and when necessary rally close friends but it should always be our own way of giving back to the society in a quiet way.

When Ms Tolu Salami, a Masters degree holder and job seeker, joined to assist in managing the ‘school’, I should have seen a red flag with the opening of a Twitter account.

The author, Olusegun Adeniyi

But with a followership of just 75 comprising family and friends, I never thought much of it.

Then the photograph of Amatala, a two-year old who was in the habit of loitering around the ‘school’ premises with book in hand, changed everything!

Within a few hours, the Twitter account had attracted more than a thousand followers with many people asking how they could support the initiative.

When Waziri told me he was going to blow my cover about the project as a follow up to the tweet, I really couldn’t care anymore.

But I have so many people to thank for the way my wife is gradually transforming the lives of 54 children, 17 young adults and their parents through an informal project she was compelled to register and now goes by the name Not Forgotten Initiative (NFI).

It’s a long story but let me share the key points. There were many ramshackle shanties around our house in Asokoro with inhabitants whose children were just roaming the area.

On a particular day in 2018, a pregnant woman flagged down my wife as she drove past, asking for help. Her husband had asked her to move her things from their abode and she needed someone to intervene.

Upon investigation, the conflict stemmed from her refusal to give him the N5,000 she had saved from her petty trading to send Haruna, her first son whose father is late, to school.

She was looking to get the savings to N15,000 to register the boy in school and here she was, about to be kicked out of her matrimonial home.

When my wife discussed the matter with me, she followed up with a proposition: Why don’t we take up Haruna’s education? I agreed instantly.

Then she added, ‘What about the other kids? We need to do something about them as well.’

She told me she had discussed with parents and they expressed willingness to have their children (14 at the time) in school but had no money.

I told her to go ahead with whatever she planned, promising to provide the financial resources. I know I have good friends I can always count on.

My wife took my word as a license to construct two classrooms in a make-shift structure on an empty land within the area.

But the moment the 14 pupils were enrolled and one teacher employed, we had many children showing up, looking all scruffy and tattered. And we could not turn them back. We hired two more teachers.

Just as I was getting worried by the financial implications as the number of pupils kept increasing, my friend, Folorunsho (Foli) Coker, added a new idea.

Following his appointment as Director General of Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation (NTDC), Coker arrived Abuja in 2017 to take accommodation beside the ‘school’.

He fell in love with the children and inquired about people behind the idea.

When he got to know I was involved, Foli called me to suggest, “Segun, your wife has to go beyond teaching those children. They deserve at least one meal a day. I will support you.” That was how meal became part of the project.

We soon introduced the ‘extension school’ with the sole purpose of providing after school support to struggling students from government owned secondary schools, particularly in Mathematics, English and basic science.

We also serve them lunch and the number grew from the initial eight to 17. One of them emerged the president of his school’s mathematics club, another became the best overall student in mathematics.

It was like a dream come true when we offered a full boarding scholarship to two of them who recently completed their junior WAEC and others are working so hard to benefit from this opportunity.

We have since extended the ‘school’ from two to seven classrooms, five teachers, several volunteers. And from the beginning, we promised that we would give those kids the best education so they undertake excursion visits, have movie days and many professionals come in from time to time to fire their imaginations.

But the most fulfilling for me is that our three children love the idea and treat those NFI children, all of whose names they know (I know only a few) like siblings.

For proper documentation, my wife was advised to register the ‘school’. It was at the point of registration that she was told that if we were providing uniforms, bags, shoes, socks, stationary, one meal a day and everything, we couldn’t register it as a school.

They said it had to be registered as an NGO. That was how the Not Forgotten Initiative (NFI) came to be.

There are currently 54 registered pupils but there are 83 more on the ‘Waiting List’ (those that could not be accommodated) and 17 ‘extension school’ students.

During the pandemic, it was impossible to transition to digital learning, so my wife and children dropped off homework and relief materials to their houses for the children and families.

A young lady named Mariam joined our evening tutorial programme for secondary school students. Then the story emerged that her mother was planning to give her away in marriage.

After investigation, we realised that the mother wanted to take advantage of an offer of 150,000 Naira from a suitor to marry her off.

My wife spoke to the mother, auntie and the brother in law, and they agreed to cancel the marriage if NFI would cater for Mariam’s education. We gladly accepted the deal.

Another young lady, Nana Usman was brought to us to be a cleaner because the family could no longer cater for her education. We also accepted responsibility for her education. She has just completed her junior WAEC as well.

But not all stories are pleasant.

Very recently, two NFI pupils, ages 8 and 5, witnessed the rape of their two-year-old sibling in their home. We sought help from the good people of Cece-yara foundation and all three kids are getting therapy and the culprit is currently in police custody, because he was actually caught in the act.

The story of Amatala has resonated but there is still trouble in her home. Her father, who had abandoned their mother since last year, walked into NFI two weeks ago and asked to withdraw his four children and take them to the village.

We thought by putting Haruna (whose father is late) in boarding school, the man would relent but he is fighting back through the children enrolled in NFI, including Amatala!

Incidentally, part of the programme include persuading difficult parents like him and building a support system that can pressurise them into pursuing the best interests of their children.

The NFI experience has been an exciting journey and hopefully, one day I will tell the complete story.

The aim is to help these children and young adults to become the best they can possibly be and break the cycle of poverty in their families.

My wife is a chartered insurer (ACIIN) and a chartered accountant (with both ICAN and ACCA). But she stopped her business to devote all her attention to running the ‘school’.

We started with a 6/6 feet structure in December 2018. Then expanded the structure to 12/12 feet in March 2019. And built another in January this year.

All these structures are on a land whose owner we still don’t know and from whom we never secured any permission in the first place. I suspect that the owner is aware of what we are doing and is probably watching.

It is interesting that we have become like foster parents to these children whose parents are also to us almost like families. To all of them, I am daddy and my wife, mummy.

But we could not have come this far without the support of very good people.

Waziri and Sandra Adio as well as Mustapha and ‘Sweetheart’ Onoyiveta have been wonderful and so have been Mrs Sylvia Garuba (I will tell her story one day) and Mrs Ibilola Essien.

We appreciate the many people who have supported us either in cash or in kind.

To Mr Nduka Obaigbena, Ms Jacqueline Farris, Father George Ehusani, Pastor Tunde Olorunwunmi, Mrs Maryam Uwais, Mrs Mosunmola Jegede, Dr (Mrs) Ngozi Azodoh, Mrs Yoyinsola Makanjuola, Mr Ferdinand Agu, Mr Olawale Banmore, Pastor Martins, Mrs Funke Abegunde, Mrs Ebere Ihedioha, Pastor Niyi Ajibola, Mrs Tinuke Kuti, Malam Musa Bello, Ms Liz Ekpenyong, Mrs Chinwe Umeh-Ujobuona, Dr (Mrs) Rosemary Nwokorie, Mr Mohammed Bello Adoke, SAN, Prof Mahmood Yakubu, Dr Iko Ibanga, Mr Kayode Komolafe, Mrs Koyinsola Dickson, Mrs Maria Uwalla, Mrs Tosin Dokpesi, Mr Ubile Lawson, Mrs Florence Egopija, Mr Simon Kolawole, Mrs Toyosi Ahmadu, Mr Ola Awoniyi, Mrs Aisha Coker, Mrs Obiageli Obianozie, Mr Bamidele Okunowo, Mrs Taiwo Ojo, Pastor Dayo Kayode, Pastor (Mrs) Elsie Otegbade, Mr Ismaila Lawal, Mr Bunmi Thomas and several others who support the project without any solicitation from us, I say a very big thank you.

I am of the firm conviction that the issue of millions of out-of-school children is something that should concern not only the government but the larger society. Together, we can collectively tackle this menace.

You can follow me on my Twitter handle, @Olusegunverdict and on www.olusegunadeniyi.com.

Post Views: 6

Education

Odumegwu Ojukwu Varsity VC appointment: Where Is Justice, Where Is Merit in Soludo’s “Light of the Nation”?

Published

2 days ago

August 21, 2025

Precious Nwabuisi

By Ekene Okoye

The Anambra State government prides itself on being the “Light of the Nation”, a shining symbol of justice, fairness, and merit.

Governor Charles Chukwuma Soludo, the state’s chief advocate of reform, often stresses transparency and integrity as guiding principles of his administration.

Yet, the recent appointment of Professor Kate Azuka Omenugha as the substantive Vice Chancellor of Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University (COOU) casts a long and troubling shadow over that claim.

At the centre of the matter is a simple, searing question: How does a government that swears by justice and merit justify bypassing the top three constitutionally recommended candidates, only to hand the role to someone who came a distant fifth?

A Flawed Beginning

The story begins on 18 December 2024 with a botched Senate election under the supervision of then–Acting Vice Chancellor, Prof. Omenugha. That exercise, meant to produce three Senate representatives for the Joint Council/Senate Selection Committee, collapsed amid allegations of irregularities. It took the intervention of Governor Soludo himself, through the Council’s Chairman, for the exercise to be annulled.

The process was restarted on 9 July 2025 under close scrutiny by the Honourable Commissioner for Education, -Ngozi Chuma-Udeh. This time, observers agreed, credibility was restored.

For the first time in COOU’s 25-year history, the university was on track to conduct a transparent, rigorous selection process worthy of its mandate.

That optimism peaked on 30–31 July, when seven respected members of the Selection Committee interviewed shortlisted candidates. Their scores were clear.

Prof. Chike Osegbue (83%)

Prof. Leonard Onuba (81%)

Prof. Chukwudi Onyeaghana Okani (78%)

Prof. Omenugha? She came fifth with 73%, trailing behind.

What the Law Says

The COOU Law of 2014 is unambiguous. Ordinance II(4)(d) stipulates that the Visitor (the Governor) must appoint the Vice Chancellor from a list of top three candidates recommended by Council, arranged in order of merit.

The Council is required not only to recommend these top three but to justify the ranking, with the candidate in first place presented as the institution’s preferred choice.

On August 1, 2025, Pro-Chancellor Prof. Chidi Odinkalu, Chairman of Council, formally transmitted the report of this transparent process to Gov Soludo.

The Governor himself commended the Council’s rigorous and credible work, describing the process as “transparent and credible.”

Yet, in a stunning twist, the letter signed by Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Solo Chukwulobelu, announced that the Visitor had appointed Prof. Omenugha, ranked fifth, citing benchmarks entirely alien to the COOU Law.

Where Is Justice? Where Is Merit?

The question must be asked again: Where is justice? Where is merit? And, where is the enabling Law?

The three candidates who labored through a transparent process were not only qualified but ranked higher by a legally constituted Selection Committee.

To disregard them and elevate someone who was not statutorily before the Visitor is not just questionable, it is unlawful.

For a government that proclaims itself as the custodian of light and meritocracy, this action casts doubt on its integrity.

What example does this set for the thousands of COOU students who are taught that hard work, fairness, and merit lead to reward? What message is being sent to staff who participated in good faith in the process, only to see their voices sidelined?

A Dangerous Precedent

This is no trivial matter. Universities are sacred spaces of learning, where meritocracy is the bedrock of advancement.

By appointing someone who came fifth, the Anambra government has set a precedent that undermines the institution’s credibility and damages its moral authority.

Already, the appointment has sparked outrage within and even outside the university community. Staff and students alike describe a sense of betrayal, mourning the loss of what had seemed like a golden opportunity to restore the university’s battered image.

The COOU Collective has rejected the appointment, calling it a “flagrant abuse” of the law and urging the Visitor to reverse course.

The 2014 Visitation Panel’s Report had warned against such manipulations, insisting that “all organs involved in appointing the Vice Chancellor must duly and fully comply with the provisions of the University Statute to confer legitimacy on the chosen candidate.” That advice has now been trampled upon.

Political Interference and the Erosion of Trust

Critics argue that this imposition reeks of political interference, reducing the university to a pawn in partisan calculations. It drags COOU back a decade in its struggle to build a reputation as a credible center of learning.

The tragedy is that this violation came precisely at the moment when COOU had, for the first time in its 25 years, conducted a process that was transparent, credible, and fair.

For once, merit had spoken. But rather than listen, the state government chose to silence it.

When political power disregards institutional autonomy, the very fabric of education is compromised.

How can COOU lecturers demand excellence from students when the government itself refuses to honor the principle of merit?

Soludo’s Contradictions

Gov Soludo is no ordinary politician. A former Central Bank Governor and respected academic who has often positioned himself as a reformist leader committed to transparency and justice.

Yet, in this case, his government has taken a path that contradicts those very ideals.

How can a government that brands itself as the “Light of the Nation” operate in darkness when it comes to its own university? How can a leader who rose through academic merit sanction an appointment that spits on the very idea of meritocracy?

The Human Cost

This is not just a bureaucratic squabble. Real people are affected. The morale of the staff who participated in the process has been shattered.

Students now wonder whether their degrees carry the weight of an institution that respects the law.

Alumni question whether their alma mater can continue to command national and international respect.

By appointing someone who lacks legitimacy in the eyes of the law, the government has weakened the university’s ability to attract serious scholars and global partnerships.

In the long run, it is the people of Anambra, and Nigeria at large, who will pay the price.

A Call for Reversal

The COOU Law is clear. The process was transparent. The merit list was produced. Yet, merit was discarded.

The university community, staff, students, and alumni must resist this imposition, not out of malice toward Prof. Omenugha but out of love for the university and the principles that sustain higher education.

To accept this appointment is to normalize illegality, to accept that hard work and integrity no longer matter in Anambra’s premier state university.

The state government must urgently reverse this decision and appoint the top-ranked candidate, in line with the law.

Anything less is a betrayal not only of COOU but of the ideals that Anambra claims to uphold.

Light or Darkness?

This episode forces a painful reckoning. Will Anambra remain the “Light of the Nation,” shining as an example of justice and merit? Or will it sink into the murky waters of political convenience, where rules are bent and institutions hijacked?

In the case of COOU, the path is clear: justice demands that the law be obeyed, and merit must prevail. Anything else is darkness masquerading as light.

The students of COOU deserve better. The staff deserve better. Anambra deserves better.

If the Soludo administration cannot uphold justice in the appointment of a Vice Chancellor, how can it be trusted to uphold justice anywhere else?

The future of education in Anambra hangs in the balance. The question remains: Gov Soludo, where is justice? Where is merit?

Post Views: 120

Education

U.S. Revokes 6,000 International Student Visas

Published

4 days ago

August 19, 2025

Precious Nwabuisi

The United States government has revoked more than 6,000 student visas, citing violations of U.S. law and security threats.

The State Department confirmed the decision in a statement to the BBC, stressing that officials will not tolerate crimes or actions that threaten national safety.

According to the report, most of the visa cancellations came from students who committed serious offenses. These included assault, burglary, and driving under the influence (DUI).

The government also linked a portion of the cases to what it described as “support for terrorism.”

The announcement marks another step in Washington’s tough immigration crackdown under the Trump administration.

Authorities have increasingly tightened the rules for international students, especially those from countries facing political conflicts.

While the department did not clearly define what it meant by “support for terrorism,” it pointed toward student protests over Palestine.

Officials claimed some of these demonstrations included antisemitic behavior, which triggered further scrutiny.

Out of the 6,000 visas revoked, the department said nearly 4,000 resulted from direct violations of U.S. laws.

Another 200 to 300 fell under terrorism-related violations outlined in Section 3B of the Immigration and Nationality Act.

This code broadly defines terrorism as any act that endangers human life or violates U.S. law.

Earlier this year, the administration temporarily suspended visa appointments for foreign students.

In June, when appointments resumed, authorities introduced stricter checks.

They required applicants to provide access to their social media accounts. Officials argued that public online activity would help them detect possible hostility toward American citizens, culture, or institutions.

Furthermore, the government directed officers to identify individuals who support foreign terrorist groups or promote unlawful antisemitic violence.

Washington said these steps aim to protect national security and prevent extremist influence within U.S. campuses.

The decision has sparked mixed reactions globally.

While supporters believe the move strengthens America’s defenses, critics argue it unfairly targets students based on activism and political expression.

Immigration experts also warn that such sweeping actions could discourage talented international students from choosing the U.S. for higher education.

The visa crackdown comes at a time when relations between Washington and many foreign governments remain tense.

Observers say the policy could affect thousands of families who invested heavily in education opportunities abroad.

As the U.S. enforces stricter controls, international students now face an uncertain future.

The message from Washington remains clear: breaking U.S. laws or aligning with movements deemed hostile will carry severe consequences.

Post Views: 284

Education

2025 UTME: JAMB Opens Probe Into 6,458 Candidates

Published

4 days ago

August 18, 2025

Precious Nwabuisi

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has launched a major investigation into 6,458 candidates accused of using sophisticated technology to cheat in the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).

JAMB Registrar, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, on Monday, August 18, inaugurated a 23-member Special Committee on Examination Infraction to handle what he described as the “most complex wave of exam fraud” the board has ever faced.

According to Oloyede, exam malpractice has moved far beyond impersonation and answer sharing.

He revealed that investigators discovered advanced methods such as biometric manipulation, image blending, falsified albinism claims, and attempts to hack into Computer-Based Test (CBT) centres’ networks.

“This year, we came across strange cases that required us to expand our resources,” Oloyede said.

“Examination malpractice is something we must fight with every pinch of blood in our veins. If left unchecked, it will destroy our education system and tarnish Nigeria’s image globally.”

The registrar disclosed that 141 “normal” malpractice cases have already gone to JAMB’s disciplinary committee.

However, the newly inaugurated body will focus on “extraordinary infractions” involving advanced digital fraud and criminal collusion.

He outlined the committee’s duties:

Investigate identity fraud cases such as image and finger blending.
Review claims of albinism falsification and result tampering.
Examine the technologies used to commit the fraud.
Recommend stronger exam policies.
Decide the fate of 6,458 candidates whose results remain under probe.

Oloyede gave the committee a three-week deadline, stressing that “justice delayed is justice denied.”

He explained that admissions will close in about four weeks, and innocent candidates should not miss out on opportunities because of prolonged investigations.

Committee chairman, Dr. Jake Epele, assured Nigerians that his team will treat the assignment as a national duty.

“Examination malpractice is not just a breach of rules. It is a direct assault on merit and the future of our youth,” Epele said. “Everyone on this committee has a sacred duty not a job.

We must defend the credibility of JAMB exams, restore public confidence, and prove that honesty remains the path to opportunity.”

The 23-member panel includes academics, security experts, and representatives from Microsoft Africa, the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigeria Police Force, and the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS).

For many Nigerian youths, JAMB’s UTME remains the single gateway to higher education.

Any compromise in the system undermines fairness, discourages hard work, and erodes trust in national institutions.

By aggressively tackling tech-enabled fraud, JAMB hopes to protect both the credibility of exams and the future of millions of students.

Post Views: 148

Education

Imo Govt Bans Pupils’ Graduation Parties

Published

4 days ago

August 18, 2025

Precious Nwabuisi

The Imo State Government has introduced sweeping reforms in its education sector, sparking reactions from parents and stakeholders.

Governor Hope Uzodimma’s administration announced the new policy through a memo signed on August 15, 2025, by the Commissioner for Education, Professor Bernard Ikegwuoha.

In the document titled “Policy on Education for Public and Private Primary and Secondary Schools in Imo State”, the government directed schools to scrap graduation ceremonies for kindergarten, nursery, and Junior Secondary School 3 (JSS3) students.

The new rule allows only pupils finishing Primary 6 and students completing Senior Secondary School 3 (SSS3) to hold graduation parties, in line with Nigeria’s 6-3-3-4 education system.

Professor Ikegwuoha explained that the decision aims to shift focus back to academics instead of expensive ceremonies.

He stressed that schools, parents, and guardians must place emphasis on educational milestones that truly mark the end of a learning cycle.

According to him, holding graduation events at every stage distracts from academic achievement and drains parents financially.

Beyond graduation parties, the Commissioner also tackled the growing issue of frequent textbook changes.

He condemned schools for introducing new textbooks every year, describing the trend as exploitative.

To ease the financial stress on families, the government directed that all approved textbooks must remain in use for at least four years.

This allows siblings to reuse the same materials and helps parents avoid unnecessary spending.

“Proprietors of private and faith-based schools must stick to the approved list of textbooks,” Ikegwuoha warned.

“Constantly changing books every academic session not only burdens parents but also disrupts the stability needed to improve learning outcomes.”

He further explained that adopting a four-year lifespan for textbooks would encourage uniformity across schools in Imo State.

According to him, consistency in learning materials creates a more efficient environment for both teachers and students.

He emphasized that the government wants to improve the quality of education without adding unnecessary costs to families already struggling with economic hardship.

Stakeholders have begun reacting to the policy.

Some parents welcomed the move, noting that graduation parties for very young children had become unnecessary social competitions.

Others applauded the textbook directive, saying it would help them save money and provide relief for households with multiple school-aged children.

The new policy takes immediate effect across both public and private schools.

The government has vowed to monitor strict compliance and sanction schools that attempt to bypass the rules.

By focusing on long-term academic achievement, the Uzodimma administration hopes to restore balance and affordability to education in Imo State.

Post Views: 136

Education

Tech revolution surges, Nigerians flock to DDM Academy Cohort 6
DDM News

Published

6 days ago

August 16, 2025

Amaechi Okoro

(DDM) – The sixth cohort of DDM Academy is set to commence on September 15th, 2025, with applications already open for prospective students.

The program, widely regarded as one of the most affordable and practical digital training initiatives in Nigeria, offers young people the chance to acquire essential technology skills for today’s fast-changing world.

Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) gathered that the Academy, based in Awka, Anambra State, has consistently produced graduates who have gone on to secure jobs, internships, and freelance opportunities across multiple sectors.

The organizers noted that the Cohort 6 program will accept a limited number of students, both online and onsite, ensuring that training remains personalized and hands-on.

Officials said the Academy has become a reference point for digital transformation in the South-East and beyond, with young Nigerians from different states signing up for the training.

Available courses include Frontend Web Development, Backend Web Development, Cybersecurity, UI/UX and Product Design, Data Analytics, Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Graphics Design, and Microsoft Office Suite.

Each course, according to the Academy, is designed to meet industry needs, providing students with the technical capacity to compete globally.

Instructors are drawn from experienced professionals who combine real-world expertise with practical teaching methods.

The Academy’s management explained that the digital economy is expanding rapidly, and those who fail to update their skills risk being left behind in an increasingly competitive job market.

They further stressed that the program is open to undergraduates, graduates, and professionals seeking to upgrade their skills, as well as secondary school leavers aspiring to pursue tech-driven careers.

Officials also announced a referral bonus system where existing students or interested individuals can earn ₦5,000 for each candidate they refer who successfully registers and pays for training.

The announcement added that the program is flexible, offering both virtual and physical learning environments, depending on the student’s preference.

Applications are ongoing, and interested candidates are directed to the official link at https://www.ddm.media/cohort-6 for registration.

The Academy emphasized that seats are limited and encouraged prospective students to apply immediately to avoid missing out.

Graduates of previous cohorts testified that the training helped them land remote work opportunities and prepare for global career challenges.

As the digital revolution accelerates, experts insist that Nigerian youths must embrace practical training in technology to remain relevant.

DDM Academy management maintained that the September 15th intake will build on the success of earlier programs and set new standards for tech education in the region.

With a countdown to the official start date already underway, the Academy is positioning itself as a critical platform for Nigeria’s next generation of innovators, problem solvers, and digital leaders.

🚨 Follow DDM WhatsApp channel Now!

Get breaking news, hot gist, and updates FIRST!

*📲 Click to join 👇* https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vajkwdc4dTnFHl19vW3g

*Apply at the link below and Start Your Tech Journey:*

👇🏽

https://www.ddm.media/cohort-6

Post Views: 130