EDUCATION
Transforming Education in Plateau: Oando Foundation’s ECCD Initiative

Investment in early childhood education and development is undoubtedly the cornerstone of progress. As Nelson Mandela once said, ‘Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.’ Recognizing this, the Oando Foundation, an independent charity established to support the Nigerian government in achieving its Universal Basic Education (UBE) goal, has continued to invest in the development of children through its Early Childhood Care and Development (ECCD) initiative.Having successfully launched eleven ECCD centers across the country, the Foundation, in partnership with Plateau SUBEB, recently transformed ten ECCD centers in Plateau State, providing dynamic and engaging learning spaces for young children, for vibrant educational experiences. Here are four key aspects of this impactful initiative:• Focus on Early Childhood Development: The ECCD initiative by Oando Foundation focuses on upgrading and, where necessary, establishing Early Childhood Care and Development Centers in its adopted schools. These centers cater to the needs of children aged five years and below, aiming to develop their cognitive abilities through an approved curriculum. This curriculum includes Physical Development, Affective/Psychosocial Development, Cognitive Development, Food and Nutrition, Health, Water and Environmental Sanitation, Safety Measures, and Child Protection. Teachers receive training on the ECCD curriculum, participatory, and collaborative teaching methods. • Upgrade of Ten ECCD Centers: As part of the intervention in Plateau, Oando Foundation revitalized ten classrooms spread across various public schools in the state. These classrooms have been transformed into fully functional learning spaces equipped with age-appropriate educational materials and resources. This revitalization effort enhances the learning experience and provides a conducive environment for young learners to thrive. • Teacher Capacity Building: Recognizing the pivotal role of educators, the ECCD intervention includes teacher training sessions focused on early childhood pedagogy and effective teaching strategies. By enhancing teachers’ skills and knowledge, the program ensures quality early childhood education delivery and promotes professional development. In the recently concluded intervention in Plateau, the teacher capacity building component featured a two-day teacher training workshop comprising four comprehensive modules aimed at enhancing teaching effectiveness and student engagement. Furthermore, the training incorporated the use of audiovisual aids, providing teachers with modern teaching tools to better engage their students and enhance their learning experiences.• Commitment to Sustainable Development: The ECCD intervention is part of the Foundation’s broader LEARNOVATE strategy that prioritizes innovation and investments in foundational learning, creating better life opportunities for children and youth through equitable, quality, and climate-sensitive education. It also aligns with broader goals of sustainable development, specifically SDG 4.2.1 on equitable access to quality early childhood development and learning opportunities. By investing in early childhood education, the initiative supports long-term educational outcomes and socio-economic growth. Oando Foundation continues to demonstrate its commitment to improving educational opportunities and outcomes for children across Nigeria, as the nation’s ability to capitalize on the prosperity embedded in its people requires focused investments in human capital, starting at the early years as a critical foundation. Through strategic partnerships and innovative approaches, the Foundation aims to create a lasting impact on the educational landscape, empowering young learners and paving the way for a brighter future.
EDUCATION
Breaking: NOTSUP Distance Self from Ongoing Industrial Strike

The National President of Non-Teaching Staff Union of Polytechnics (NOTSUP) has affirm commitment to negotiation, not strike action.
NOTSUP President, Comrade Shaba Nakorji on Monday 20th January, 2025 while speaking with our correspondence regarding the union position concerning the 3-days warning strike declared by a sister union in the Polytechnic sector. He
made a statement clarifying that NOTSUP is not participating in the ongoing strike.
He said that NOTSUP will not be joining the strike, and this decision was made after the union National Executive Council careful consideration and a thorough review of the report of NOTSUP representative on the Committee in the ongoing review of the Polytechnic Scheme of Service.
We believe that negotiation, not strike action, is the best way to achieve our goals,” said Comrade Shaba Nakorji, President of the NOTSUP. “We remain committed to working with all stakeholders and sister unions in the Polytechnic sector to find mutually beneficial solutions for non teaching staff.”
The union’s decision not to participate in the strike is not a betrayal of solidarity. The work of the committee on the review of polytechnic scheme of service is still on-going. NOTSUP is willing to apply dialogue and negotiation to demand the committee and Federal Government to resolve concerns that affects non teaching staff of Polytechnics in the new scheme of service, he said.
NOTSUP is representing a category of workers in the Polytechnic sector and is a key player in negotiations. I urge NOTSUP members to remain in their respective offices and continue to perform their duties as per the normal course of service, he said.
EDUCATION
Alleged Plan To Abolish TETFund, NOTSUP Appeal

The Non-Teaching Staff Union of Polytechnics (NOTSUP) has appealed to Federal Government not to systematically phase out TETFund which derives its funding from consolidated revenue from company income tax.
The union National President , Comrade Shaba Nakorji, who made the appeal during an interaction with our correspondent at NOTSUP Secretariat said almost 90% of the physical structures around all Federal and State government owned Polytechnics, Universities and Colleges of Education are products of TETFUND.
Nakorji said rather than to use Tetfund money to fund the Nigeria Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), the Federal Government should take 1% or 2% of VAT to fund NELFUND.
NELFUND recently introduced to disburse student loans is a good initiative, but cannot be a replacement for TETFund, he said.
The NOTSUP President said any plan to phase out the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) is harmful to Nigeria tertiary education system and i appeal to the Federal Government to allow the Tetfund to stay and give more allocation to education budget.
EDUCATION
Yabatech Governing Council Appoints New Registrar And Bursar

The Governing Council at its meeting of 10th December 2024, approved the appointment of Mrs. Henrietta Badejo as Registrar and Dr. John Olusola Dada as Bursar. Their appointments take effect from January 2, 2025.Mrs. Henrietta Badejo joined the College’s service in 2001 as an Administrative Officer I and steadily rose through the ranks to become Deputy Registrar in 2017. Until her recent appointment, she served as Deputy Registrar, (Rectory), where she demonstrated exceptional administrative competence and dedication.A distinguished professional, Mrs. Badejo is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Personnel Management (CIPM) and a full member of the Nigerian Institute of Management (NIM). Her academic qualifications include:• Diploma in Computer Science• Master of Science in Geography• Bachelor of Science in Education and Geography•Nigerian Certificate in Education (Biology/Geography)Dr. John Olusola Dada brings over three decades of experience spanning the polytechnic, university, and private sectors. He is a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (FCA) and an Associate Member of both the Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria (ACTI) and the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants of Nigeria (ACIMA).Dr. Dada holds the following academic qualifications:•Postgraduate Diploma in Financial Management, University of Ado-Ekiti•BSc in Accounting, Babcock University•HND in Accountancy, Federal Polytechnic Ado-EkitiDr Dada was Instrumental in securing major grants for YABATECH, including: • $200,000 Ford Foundation Grant for establishing an art museum and producing a sexual harassment policy. • $1,000,000 FCDO/UNICEF GESP grant for training 5,750 girls in TVET-related skills.Prior to his appointment, he served as Chief Accountant, Busary Unit and Head of Department, Final Accounts alongide TETFund Desk Officer. The entire YABATECH community congratulates them and wishes them success as they take on their new roles.
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