Education

US University Appoints Ekweremadu a Full Professor

Published

7 years ago

March 8, 2018

grassroots

The Southern University, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, United States of America, USA, has appointed the Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Ike Ekweremadu, a Full Visiting Professor and Senior Mentoring Scholar of E-Governance and Strategic Government Studies.

Ekweremadu, according to a statement made available to GrassRoots.ng by Mr. Uche Anichukwu, his
Special Adviser (Media), the appointment letter dated February 2018, is expected to mentor doctoral students, junior lecturers, as well as take a lead in advising the University’s research centre on academic issues related to E-Governance and Strategic Government Studies.

The university, which described the Senator as “a motivation to the Nigerian youths, both at home and in diaspora”, predicated his appointment on his intellectualism and long experience in leadership in Nigeria and Africa.

It explained that its doctoral students and lecturers also have ambitions to serve in government and not just in the academia and would, therefore, benefit from his experience.

The University’s letter reads in part: “Southern University was founded in 1880 and has always been at the forefront of academic research, as well as mentoring of many from the black community in the USA.

“Looking at your academic, administrative, and overall leadership in Nigeria and Africa, you fit perfectly in Southern University’s goal to remain a leading research and teaching institution in the United States and beyond.

“We are excited to have you join our University and our Research Center. We believe the background you bring from your pool of experience will be most valuable to the University community as a whole.

“It is our fervent hope, sir, that you will accept this offer.

“Once again, congratulations, Professor Ike Ekweremadu”.

A senior legal practitioner and former lecturer at the University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus, UNEC, Ekweremadu holds Ph.D. in Law and has undergone executive strategic leadership trainings at the Harvard University and Oxford University.

The Senator is an author of several books and has delivered over 25 public lecturers, mainly on the subjects of good governance, constitution making, and the principles of federalism at both local and international fora such as the Osgood Hall Law School, York University, Ontario, Canada; Johns Hopkins University, Washington DC, USA; Parliament of the United Kingdom; University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Federal University of Technology, Minna; University of Ibadan; Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka as well as several Commonwealth and ECOWAS fora.

Ekweremadu has also held several leadership positions, including Local Government Council Chairman; Chief of Staff, Government House, Enugu; Secretary to the Government of Enugu State; and is currently serving a fourth term as Senator and third term as Deputy President of the Nigerian Senate. He is the only Nigerian that has serves as the Speaker of ECOWAS Parliament.

The lawmaker is the founder of the Ikeoha Foundation, which bursary awards ha…
[4:28 PM, 3/8/2018] Media at Award: Multiple Taxes: NAPPS Draws Battle Line with FCT, Others

Hajiya Samira Jibir, the President of National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools, FCT Chapter, says the association will henceforth resist multiple taxation on private school owners.

Jibir, who made this assertion in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria on Thursday in Abuja, said that multiple taxation is unacceptable and would be resisted.

She added that multiple taxes by different authorities in the territory were seriously affecting members of the association.

Jibir said: “We are particularly concerned about unresolved issues, especially relating to the Federal Capital Territory Authorities and Area Council revenues, which continually interfere in our business activities.

“We have sued for harmonisation of all taxation and fees through FCT-FIRS, National Assembly, Joint Tax Board, Area Councils and other relevant organisations without solution, rather we always have rude officers going round our schools.

“In most scenarios, school owners are threatened with school closure and in few cases some schools are closed down by every sector that comes to our schools for levies.

“This is very unfair and unacceptable as we are Nigerians contributing immensely to the education gap and reducing unemployment, which is the bane of conflict, poverty, youth unrest, under development and growth.’’

The president regretted that for over 15 years, both the FCTA and operators of private schools were yet to agree on the issue of school land allocations.

She said that most school owners had eventually secured expensive loans from the commercial banks to acquire school plots, which according to her, had translated to high running costs for private schools.

She also observed that admission process in schools were not in compliance with the established UBE standard.

She noted that almost all the schools run a personalised seven or eight years’ basic education, instead of the nine years’ basic education structure.

Jibir stated: “Most students do not complete the Middle Basic Education class (three years from primary four to six), but skip primary five class to Junior secondary one (J.S 1).

“Primary six classes have disappeared from our schools and Nigeria is probably the only nation in the world not complying with the Universal Basic Education.

“I was amazed to learn that 556 private schools were shut down by the Department of Quality Assurance in 2016.

“With such huge number of defaulters, it leaves one wondering what the overall situation of private school management in the FCT was like.’’

According to her, more disheartening is that most schools in the area councils are yet to perfect Title Deeds of legal mortgages due to unclear bureaucracy from AGIS.

In another development, the secretary, Education Secretariat of the FCTA, Senator Isa Maina told NAN that the administration was reviewing guidelines regulating the establishment and management of private schools in the territory.

The secretary noted that the present guidelines were too weak and had given way for the proliferation of substandard schools across the territory.

He described as disheartening, some reports concerning the conducts of some private schools in the nation’s capital, adding that quality assurance should be of paramount interest to private school operators.

Maina, however, pointed out that NAPPS, an umbrella body of private school owners, remained valuable strategic partners in the development of education sector of the FCT.

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GrassRoots.ng is on a critical mission; to objectively and honestly represent the voice of ‘grassrooters’ in International, Federal, State and Local Government fora; heralding the achievements of political and other leaders and investors alike, without discrimination. This daily, digital news publication platform serves as the leading source of up-to-date information on how people and events reflect on the global community. The pragmatic articles reflect on the life of the community people, covering news/current affairs, business, technology, culture and fashion, entertainment, sports, State, National and International issues that directly impact the locals.

Education

NELFUND Disburses ₦86.3 Billion to Students

Published

4 days ago

August 11, 2025

grassroots

Nelfund logo

In a sweeping act of educational support, the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) has channelled a staggering ₦86.3 billion into the hands of 450,000 students, marking a defining moment in the nation’s push for accessible higher education .

From Promise to Reality

When President Tinubu signed the Student Loans (Access to Higher Education) Act in April 2024, few could have fully predicted the scale of impact it would soon generate . Today’s announcement brings that law to vivid life, converting legislative intent into tangible aid for nearly half a million students across Nigeria.

Stories Behind the Numbers

Imagine a first-year engineering student in Onitsha, Onitsha—previously faced with the real possibility of abandoning school mid-semester—now able to pay her tuition and housing bills, thanks to her NELFUND loan. Across the country, hopeful minds in remote communities, technical colleges, and vocational training centres are likewise experiencing a renewed sense of possibility.

Systemic Reach, Individual Impact

This isn’t a one-off dispersal—rather, it’s part of a growing continuum. Just back in February, NELFUND had already extended institutional loan support amounting to ₦22.7 billion for 215,514 students for the 2023/2024 academic year . The latest disbursement now significantly broadens that scope, both in scale and inclusivity.

What This Means for Nigeria’s Future

Amplified Access: Undeniably, ₦86.3 billion rightfully earned the label “transformative.” By bringing nearly half a million students into the fold, NELFUND is widening higher-education access in a way previously unthought-of.

Economic Ripple Effect: Beyond tuition, these loans buffer expenses for books, living costs, and skill development—fueling markets and nurturing local economies across urban and rural areas alike.

Hope Becomes Tangible: For parents, caretakers, and students, financial obstacles no longer have to determine academic fate. This funding turns distant aspirations into concrete realities.

Looking Ahead

As Nigeria’s youth press forward, armed with education and determination, the question turns to sustainability. Will NELFUND maintain this momentum? How will the repayment plans and administrative systems evolve to ensure long-term viability?

Still, for now, the spotlight is rightly on the students—those who can now look toward graduation with renewed hope and purpose.

Education

South East Educators Conference (SEEC) 2025 Set to Transform the Future of Education in Nigeria

“…SEEC 2025 will equip every stakeholder to not only adapt to change—but to drive it,” says Barr. Doris Chinedu-Okoro.

Published

4 months ago

April 8, 2025

grassroots

SEEC 2025 speakers

A new wave of educational transformation is coming! The highly anticipated South East Educators Conference (SEEC) 2025 is set to take place from May 2nd to 3rd, 2025 at the prestigious Nike Lake Resort, Enugu, under the powerful theme: “Advancing Education: Innovation, Leadership & Transformation.”

Barr. Doris Chinedu-Okoro, Convener of SEEC, said this year’s edition promises to be the most impactful yet, gathering a dynamic blend of visionaries, thought leaders, innovators, educators, and policymakers to drive conversations, collaborations, and commitments that will shape the future of education in Nigeria and beyond.

Keynote Speakers

The Convener said the keynote speakers include; His Excellency, Senator Liyel Imoke – former Governor of Cross River State and Founder, the Bridge Leadership Foundation and a statesman passionate about youth development and sustainable leadership, is among the pious keynote speakers.

Also, “Mr. Paul Onwuanibe – CEO, Landmark Group – a trailblazing entrepreneur whose insight into innovation and infrastructure development will challenge educational stakeholders to think big and build boldly”.

Other Speakers include;

Rotimi Eyitayo – CEO, Teammasters & Education Business School, Chinoso Ogbogu – Co-Founder, Sabi Writers, Rhoda Odigboh – Education Thought Leader & Regional Director Kizazi, Dr. Joy Isa – President Isa School Of Education & Educational Strategist, Fisayo Oludipe – Education Consultant & Leadership Coach, and Susan Charles – Learning Innovator, Moyo Lifematics – Mathematics Educator & Content Creator, Eben Odetola Israel – EdTech Advocate, Mr. Ogunsola – STEM Educator, and Yinka Ogunde – CEO, Edumark Consult. “…and many more voices of influence across Africa’s educational and leadership landscape!”

Highlights to Look Forward to:

“Gala Night – A celebration of brilliance, impact, and community; Movie Night – A night of reflection and bonding through storytelling; Educator Awards – Honoring those who go beyond the call of duty to inspire change; Breakout Sessions & Masterclasses – Practical, hands-on learning experiences, and Exhibitions & EdTech Showcases – Featuring tools, innovations, and solutions for the future-ready educator.

“SEEC 2025 is not just a conference. It is a movement—a call to action for educators, school owners, government stakeholders, parents, and youth advocates to come together and reimagine the future of learning, teaching, and leadership in Africa.

“We believe education is the engine of national development. SEEC 2025 will equip every stakeholder to not only adapt to change—but to drive it,” says Barr. Doris Chinedu-Okoro, added.

To participate at SEEC2025, register via the link and secure your slot. www.southeasteducatorsconference.com.

Follow the conversation online using #SEEC2025 and tag us @southeasteducationconference on all platforms. For sponsorship, media partnerships, or exhibition opportunities, contact us at [email protected]

Education

Enugu Govt to Boost Infrastructure at Nigerian Law School

Published

12 months ago

August 19, 2024

grassroots

… As Mbah canvasses higher admission quota for ESUT Law Faculty

The Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah, says the state government will soon commence the construction of an ultramodern auditorium for the Augustine Nnamani campus of the Nigerian Law School at Agbani in Enugu State, stressing his administration’s readiness to support the campus to excel as a citadel of legal education in Nigeria.

Mbah made this known when he received a team of the Council of Legal Education at the Government House, Enugu, on Monday commending the Council for its work in guiding and nurturing teaching and learning in the Law School.

The governor, who was represented by the Deputy Governor, Barr. Ifeanyi Ossai, equally canvassed for an increase in the admission quota of the Faculty of Law, Enugu State University of Science and Technology, ESUT, to create more opportunities for the increasing population of the state’s indigenes and residents wishing to study Law.

“Quite frankly, the expansion in the number of campuses of the Law School makes their management and coordination more challenging, but that is inevitable because of the increasing number of our brothers and sisters, who seek to become lawyers.

“I want to assure you that with respect to the commitment of our government and our state to enhance the facilities at that Law School, Agbani, the date for the groundbreaking ceremony for the auditorium will be communicated to you sooner than you would imagine.

“This is also an opportunity to request that you consider increasing the admission quota of the ESUT Faulty of Law because of the teeming number of our people that want to study law. On our part, we are determined to put all necessary infrastructure and human capital in place to make it one of the best Law faculties in the entire country because in Enugu, we prioritise education,” the governor stated.

Speaking, the Chairman of the Council of Legal Education, Chief Emeka Ngige, SAN, commended the Governor Mbah Administration for its commitment to the development of legal education in the country.

“Sometime ago, the governor hosted a delegation of the management saff of the Augustine Nnamani campus of the Law School here at the Government House. On that occasion, the governor sought to know the urgent needs of the Campus at Agbani. Upon hearing the request, he, on behalf of Enugu State Government, offered to build an ultramodern auditorium for the Nigerian Law School at Agbani.

“In addition to that, he also offered to appeal to Pinnacle Oil and Gas to build a Moot Court for the Augustine Nnamani Campus as part of his infrastructural support to the institution.

“So, we made it a point that before we set out to other places, including a visit to other law faculties that require accreditation, our first port of call would be to come to the Government House to pay our respect to the government and people of Enugu State to say thank you for the offer the state government has made,” Ngige said.