By | Exclusive Online Reporter

The Federal Government has announced plans to phase out the long-standing policy separating Junior Secondary Schools (JSS) from Senior Secondary Schools (SSS), describing the arrangement as one of the factors responsible for overcrowded junior secondary schools, underutilised senior secondary facilities and rising school dropout rates.

The announcement came as the Federal Ministry of Education inaugurated the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) Ministerial Implementation and Monitoring Committee to fast-track the implementation of Smart Schools, Bilingual Schools and Alternative Schools across the country.

Speaking during the inauguration in Abuja, the Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, said the committee’s success would be judged by the number of schools that become fully operational and actively provide quality education to Nigerian children.

He stressed that under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, education remains a top national priority, adding that government interventions must produce measurable results.

According to the minister, the Smart Schools initiative is aimed at equipping learners with digital skills required in today’s technology-driven economy, while the Bilingual Schools programme will promote linguistic inclusion, improve learning outcomes and foster national integration.

He added that the Alternative Schools initiative is designed to expand access to quality education for vulnerable and underserved groups, especially girls and out-of-school children.

Expressing concern over the slow pace of several UBEC-funded projects, Alausa directed the implementation committee to work closely with UBEC, state governments, State Universal Basic Education Boards (SUBEBs) and other stakeholders to ensure the timely completion of projects, provision of furniture and essential facilities, deployment of teachers and full operationalisation of schools.

On the proposed education reform, the minister disclosed that the Federal Government would present the plan to abolish the JSS-SSS disarticulation policy at the next National Council on Education meeting for consideration.

He noted that the reform is part of broader efforts to expand access to education and improve learning outcomes nationwide.

Also speaking, the Director of Basic Education in the Federal Ministry of Education, Dr. Folake Davis, reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to providing the necessary coordination and support for the successful implementation of the committee’s mandate.

In her remarks, UBEC Executive Secretary, Hajiya Aisha Garba, described the committee as a strategic mechanism for strengthening implementation, accountability and sustainability of basic education projects.

She revealed that 37 Smart Schools have so far been established nationwide, with 24 already operational, while 30 Bilingual Schools are currently being implemented across nine states under the UBEC-Islamic Development Bank partnership.

Garba added that the Alternative Schools Programme continues to provide flexible and inclusive learning opportunities for out-of-school children.

Responding on behalf of the committee, its Chairman, Professor Rashid Adewumi Aderinoye, thanked the Federal Government for the confidence reposed in members and pledged to discharge their responsibilities with integrity, professionalism and transparency.

He assured that the committee would collaborate with all stakeholders to ensure government investments in education translate into sustainable, fully functional schools that deliver improved learning outcomes for every Nigerian child.

Others face expulsion as principals, school officials queried

The Ondo State Government has withheld the WASSCE results and school testimonials of 17 students involved in a controversial “sign-out” celebration that went viral on social media, while ordering the immediate expulsion of non-final-year students captured in the footage.

The sanctions followed the circulation of a viral video showing students from Oyemekun Grammar School, Aquinas College and CAC Grammar School, Akure, engaging in what government described as unruly and indecent conduct after completing the 2025 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE).

The video, widely shared on TikTok, Facebook and other social media platforms, sparked public outrage as it showed students tearing school uniforms and chanting inappropriate slogans during the celebration.

Announcing the disciplinary measures after an emergency meeting with school administrators and education officials in Akure, the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology said the affected students would have their official testimonials and examination results withheld until further notice.

The Ministry also directed that the names of the students be entered into the “black book” of their respective schools as part of efforts to strengthen discipline across public secondary schools in the state.

In addition to the sanctions against the students, senior officers of the affected schools have been issued official queries for allegedly failing to provide adequate supervision and allowing the celebrations to degenerate into disorderly conduct.

Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Prof. Igbekele Ajibefun, said the state government would not tolerate actions capable of undermining discipline and the integrity of the education sector.

According to him, while students are free to celebrate academic milestones, such celebrations must be conducted responsibly and within acceptable standards.

“The growing sign-out culture among secondary school students must be guided by decency. We will not fold our arms and watch the discipline we have painstakingly instilled in our schools be eroded for the sake of social media clout,” he said.

Ajibefun stressed that the government remained committed to protecting the moral values and reputation of schools across the state.

The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr Akindele Ige, urged principals to promptly report potential cases of student unrest to the appropriate authorities before they escalate.

The Commissioner also appealed to parents to guide their children against acts that could jeopardise their future, noting that the sanctions would serve as a deterrent to others.

Parents and students involved in the incident have been summoned to the Ministry to receive official letters conveying the disciplinary actions.

The Federal Polytechnic, Ile-Oluji, Ondo State, has announced that its admission exercise for the 2025/2026 academic session will officially close on Sunday, February 15, 2026.

The closure affects both Full-Time and Part-Time National Diploma (ND) and Higher National Diploma (HND) programmes of the institution.

The decision was reiterated at the 45th Statutory Meeting of the Academic Board held on Thursday, February 5, 2026, where members resolved that the deadline would not be extended.

In a press release issued by the Deputy Registrar, Information, Protocol and Passages, Mr. Sanmi Enigbokan, the institution advised prospective candidates to complete their registration formalities before the stipulated deadline.

The Polytechnic emphasized that no excuse would be entertained after the expiration of the admission window.

The management also directed all relevant organs of the Polytechnic community to comply strictly with the Academic Board’s decision and ensure that students and prospective candidates are properly guided throughout the process.

Prospective applicants are therefore urged to take advantage of the remaining days to regularize their admission status before the February 15 deadline.

The Rector of the Federal Polytechnic, Ile-Oluji, Dr. Ademola Iyanda Ebeloku, has called on staff and students to embrace teamwork, peace, and forward-looking initiatives as the institution embarks on the new year, 2026.

In his New Year message issued on Monday, 5th January 2026, Dr. Ebeloku welcomed the Polytechnic community to the new year, praying that it brings “good tidings filled with accomplishments, progress, and breakthroughs for all.”

He commended the institution’s growth over the past decade and urged collective efforts to accelerate sustainable development with renewed zeal.

The Rector announced that the Polytechnic will hold an inter-religious prayer meeting for staff and students on Wednesday, 7th January 2026 at the Multipurpose Auditorium to seek divine favor and protection for the institution in the year ahead. He strongly encouraged full participation in the event.

Expressing gratitude for the support and prayers that contributed to the Polytechnic’s achievements in 2025, Dr. Ebeloku stressed the importance of maintaining team spirit to promote the institution’s vision and mission.

He assured that staff and student welfare would remain a priority within available resources.

Dr. Ebeloku further urged the Polytechnic community to be “our brother’s keeper, peace-loving, and forward-looking” in interactions, expressing optimism that 2026 would usher in new opportunities for initiatives, collaborations, infrastructural development, and growth in staff and student enrollment.

He concluded by wishing everyone a fruitful year guided by God’s providence.

Signed:
Dr. Ademola Iyanda Ebeloku FCIA, MCIPM, FIMC
Rector, Federal Polytechnic, Ile-Oluji, Ondo State

The Rector of the Federal Polytechnic, Ile-Oluji, Ondo State, Dr. Ademola I. Ebeloku, has felicitated with members of the institution’s community on the celebration of the 2025 Christmas season.

In a goodwill message issued on behalf of the Governing Council, Academic Board, Management, staff and students, the Rector extended warm greetings to the Polytechnic community, particularly Christian faithful, describing Christmas as a season that symbolises the birth of Jesus Christ and the values He represents.

Dr. Ebeloku urged members of the institution to use the yuletide period to reflect on and emulate the virtues of love, humility, tolerance, perseverance and compassion, as exemplified by Jesus Christ.

He acknowledged that the outgoing year 2025 was marked by various challenges and uncertainties, noting, however, that the institution and its members enjoyed divine mercy, kindness and protection throughout the year.

“As we journey into the year 2026, I appeal to all and sundry to look ahead with renewed hope, dedication and commitment to excellence,” the Rector said, expressing optimism that the new year would usher in good tidings for the Polytechnic community.

Dr. Ebeloku concluded by wishing staff and students a Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year in advance.

The message was e-signed by Dr. Ademola I. Ebeloku, FCIA, FIMC, MCIPM, Rector of the Federal Polytechnic, Ile-Oluji.

The Federal Government on Friday ordered the temporary closure of 41 unity schools over the rising cases of abduction across the country.

The decision was announced in a circular issued by the Director of Senior Secondary Education at the Federal Ministry of Education, Binta Abdulkadir.

“Sequel to the recent security challenges in some parts of the country and the need to prevent any security breaches, the Honourable Minister of Education has approved the immediate closure of the listed Federal Unity Colleges.

“Principals of the affected colleges are to ensure strict compliance. Please accept the warm regards of the Honourable Minister,” the circular read.

The affected schools are: FGGC Minjibir; FGA Suleja; FTC Ganduje; FGGC Zaria; FTC Kafanchan; FGGC Bakori; FTC Dayi; FGC Daura; FGGC Tambuwal; FSC Sokoto; FTC Wurno; FGC Gusau; FGC Anka; FGGC Gwandu; FGC Birnin Yauri; FTC Zuru; FGGC Kazaure; FGC Kiyawa; FTC Hadejia; FGGC Bida; FGC New Bussa; and FTC Kuta-Shiroro.

Others include: FGC Ilorin; FGGC Omu-Aran; FTC Gwanara; FGC Ugwolawo; FGGC Kabba; FTC Ogugu; FGGC Bwari; FGC Rubochi; FGGC Abaji; FGGC Potiskum; FGC Buni Yadi; FTC Gashau; FTC Michika; FGC Ganye; FGC Azare; FTC Misau; FGGC Bajoga; FGC Billiri; and FTC Zambuk.

PUNCH Online earlier reported that some students from St. Mary’s School in Papiri, Agwara Local Government Area of Niger State, were kidnapped by terrorists.

The incident comes just days after a similar attack in Maga, Kebbi State, where 25 students were abducted, heightening concerns over the deteriorating security situation in educational institutions across the region.

On Thursday, over 50 schools were shut down in Kwara State following attacks by bandits.

President Bola Tinubu had also cancelled his scheduled trips to South Africa and Angola to coordinate the government’s response to the worsening insecurity. PUNCH

A Nigerian educationist, Mr. Dolapo Moyo-peters, has called for urgent digital literacy campaigns and structured mentorship programs to combat the growing negative influence of social media on students’ academic performance.

Mr. Moyo-peters, who is the proprietor of The Unique Future Academy, made the call during an interview on Monday, warning that platforms such as TikTok, Snapchat, and OnlyFans are increasingly drawing students away from their academic responsibilities, particularly those preparing for major examinations like the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) conducted by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB).

“The solution isn’t to eliminate social media,” he said. “It’s about teaching responsible usage. With the right guidance and balance, students can enjoy the benefits of digital platforms without jeopardizing their future.”

He emphasized the need for coordinated efforts among parents, educators, and policymakers to guide students on healthy technology use through structured interventions and awareness campaigns.

According to him, social media’s fast-paced and visually engaging nature has weakened students’ concentration, fostered poor study habits, and created an environment of instant gratification. These factors, he said, are replacing long-term academic goals with short-term pleasures.

He also pointed to mental health concerns arising from prolonged social media use, including anxiety, stress, and disrupted sleep patterns, all of which negatively affect students’ ability to perform academically.

Stressing the importance of helping students find a balance, noting that while educational content exists on social media, the temptation to prioritize entertainment continues to undermine meaningful learning.

“Some students are beginning to replace their long-term academic goals with the pursuit of likes, shares, and fleeting online recognition. “This shift in priorities is dangerous and requires immediate intervention.”

To tackle these issues, he recommended the implementation of school-based digital responsibility programs, increased parental involvement, and targeted campaigns by education ministries to instill a balanced approach to technology. Advocating for collaborative efforts between government agencies, private schools, mental health professionals, and tech companies to create a safe and productive digital environment for learners.

“There is a need to reframe the narrative. Social media doesn’t have to be the enemy of education. But students must be taught how to control their usage, not be controlled by it,” he said.

Mr. Moyo-peters, concluded with a call to action for policymakers and stakeholders in the education sector. “If we are to prepare our students for a competitive global future, we must begin by equipping them with the skills to navigate the digital world responsibly.”