Education

Akam Ibiam Poly Lecturer renounces Nigerian citizenship, writes Buhari

Published

7 years ago

April 16, 2018

grassroots

Mr Victor Koreyo, Lecturer, Department of Ceramics and Glass Technology, Akanu Ibiam Federal Polytechnic, Unwana, Afikpo, Ebonyi, has declared intention to renounce his Nigerian citizenship for what he called social injustice.

Koreyo in a letter to President Muhammadu Buhari, made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja, said he was demoted for a period of eight years by the management of the institution and urged the President to endorse his request.

NAN discovered that a directive was given by the Federal Government in 2007 directing all lecturers to produce additional qualification relevant to the job they do.

It was gathered that the 7th Governing Council of the institution gave Koreyo two years to produce a foreign institution master degree in Ceramic Science and Engineering or he would be dismissed from service.

Koreyo from Nasarawa State, said that the management of the polytechnic refused to communicate the information to him in written.

He alleged that since 2010 till date, the institutions had refused to approve his application for staff development opportunity because the Igbo constituted principal officers in the school.

He also said that several communications to the institution from the Head of Service of the Federation (HOSF), Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), Servicom and host of others, on the issue was in his favour for reinstatement.

Koreyo also accused the ministry of Education for allegedly writing a counter-directive letter to the rector to disregard the government directives issued by the HOSF and AGF.

According to him, this is social injustice that is not in line with the 1999 constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“I love to continue as citizen of this great nation on earth.

“But since I do not have the financial power or connection to challenge the Rector to obey the Federal Government’s directives in my favour, I decided to take this peaceful action.

“I believe this peaceful action and step of honour will prevent the rector from killing me by premeditated frustration of my constitutional rights to social justice as the citizen of Nigeria.

“I have nursed this feeling of suicide to end these eight years of frustration by the Rector and officials of the Akani Ibiam Polytechnic division of tertiary education department of the Federal Ministry of Education.

“And have decided the renunciation of my citizenship by birth will be the best way to peacefully end my quest for social justice at the ministry of education and finally resign from Federal Public Service of Nigeria,” he said.

However, a staff of the ministry of education told NAN, on condition of anonymity, said that the ministry was already looking into the matter.

According to him, the matter is also before the newly constituted council of the institution.

He urged Koreyo to be patient as the new council would resolve the problem.

“I just got to know that the new council was already handling the matter and it is a national issue.

“The Federal Government has constituted a body to look into this problem because it is a general problem and not peculiar to him alone.

“A directive was given to some staff to go and acquire more knowledge and those that brought their master degrees in relevant disciplines were upgraded.

“But in his own case, where he got his masters is not relevant and is not in line as at that time.

“I want to say that the matter is before the new council so he should exercise patient,” the Ministry source told NAN.

Meanwhile, the authorities of Akanu Ibiam Federal polytechnic, Uwana in Afikpo noted that the decision of the institution was in compliance with the directive of National Board for Technical Education (NBTE),

Dr Edmond Oyeneho, a former chairman of the Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics, Akanu Ibiam Federal polytechnic, Uwana chapter, told NAN in Afikpo that the institution was acting on instruction.

According to him, NBTE in 2007 introduced a policy aimed at ending the dichotomy between polytechnic and University education in Nigeria.

He said the policy, which upgraded the course content of Polytechnic education to be at par with University education, also mandated lecturers in Polytechnics without Master degrees in their core areas to upgrade.

He explained that the policy took about three years before its implementation started across Polytechnics in Nigeria.

He noted that many lecturers in the polytechnic system, who had fallen short of the new requirements had to enroll for either Master in Science or Master in Arts degrees programmes in their core areas.

“At the expiration of the three years grace period all Polytechnics in Nigeria including Uwana implemented the policy by demoting all lecturers in the system without Master’s in their core areas to lecturer 1.

“Those who went and remedied their situation came back and were reinstated to their former positions.

“Koreyo was therefore in line with the policy demoted from the senior lecturer position he previously occupied to lecturer 1 because of his failure to upgrade his situation.

“He is a lecturer in the department of Ceramics and Glass Geology but he went to Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO), to do a Master degree programme in Management Project and was awarded Master Business Administration (MBA).

“The academic programme did not fulfill the NBTE requirement because MBA is a professional programme, while Master of Science (M.Sc) is an academic qualification required to teach in Polytechnics and universities,” Oyeneho said.

Oyeneho, a senior lecturer in the Department of Public Administration and Director, Internally Generated Revenue in the institution, criticised Koreyo’s threat to denounce his Nigerian citizenship.

He said that the institution would not be blackmailed and forced to reinstate him to his former position in disregard to existing policy direction.

“He is not alone in the situation and it will be a disobedience to existing NBTE policy to isolate him for preferential treatment.

“The MSc programme was sponsored by TETFUND with N5 million study grant and affected lecturers receive their full monthly salary throughout the duration of the academic programme,” he added. (NAN)

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.