Education

Rethinking the Mathematics exemption for art students

Published

4 weeks ago

October 17, 2025

A recent resolution by the Nigerian government to exempt art students from mathematics, with the stated aim of easing university admission, presents a paradoxical and perilous crossroads for education. While the policy’s intention is clear, its long-term implications threaten to sever students from a fundamental discipline that shapes modern thought and opportunity.

This approach is not without international precedent; nations like Finland and New Zealand have, in recent years, explored similar curricular flexibilities. However, to view mathematics merely as a procedural hurdle is to misunderstand its very essence. I contend that mathematics is a profound art—a natural human skill that emboldens deeper critical thinking and logical reasoning. The future of our world, without a doubt, is built upon the twin pillars of science and mathematics.

It is, therefore, disquieting to see a subject of such universal importance potentially following the path of others, like history, which have suffered from educational neglect. We must not allow mathematics to become another casualty. To understand its value is to recognise it as a gateway to wealth and the binary code behind cutting-edge inventions, much like the wisdom encoded in the Oriki of the òfa people. It is the foundational language of progress that will shape our world in the years to come.

This policy is particularly alarming given the existing context of declining performance in the subject. Are we not, by effectively de-emphasising its importance, risk cultivating generations of young people devoid of basic quantitative skills? This leads to another pressing concern: the reality that many Nigerian university graduates often find employment outside their specific field of study, necessitating constant retraining. In such a dynamic landscape, a solid foundation in mathematics provides the versatile, analytical toolkit essential for adapting to new challenges and professions.

Mathematics is the oxygen of modern life; no day passes without engaging in some form of calculation, whether basic or complex.

Its universal utility is underscored by global trends, exemplified by Mark Zuckerberg’s recent multi-million dollar acquisition of a young AI startup, an investment pivoting on the instinctive mathematical capacity that fuels technological innovation.

Rather than taking a path that may limit our students’ horizons, I would have urged the Federal Government to consider a more holistic and empowering mandate. Making mathematics, English language, government, and history compulsory for all students would forge a citizenry that is not only literate and numerate but also historically grounded and civically engaged.

While I am not an educationist by profession, it is evident that the future belongs to nations that champion precision and the cognitive skills mathematics uniquely provides. For Nigeria to become more productive and competitive, we must breathe the oxygen of mathematics, not ration it. Our national development depends on it.

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Education

FG drops mother tongue policy

Published

8 hours ago

November 12, 2025

Oluwagbenga Olaoye

The Federal Government has announced that English will now serve as the primary medium of instruction in all Nigerian schools, officially cancelling the national policy that required teaching in indigenous languages.

Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, disclosed this on Wednesday, November 12, while speaking with journalists at the Language in Education International Conference 2025 organised by the British Council in Abuja.

The two-day conference, themed “Language, Education and Inclusion: Empowering Every Learner,” brought together educators, policymakers, researchers, and development partners from across Africa, South Asia, and the United Kingdom to discuss language-based strategies for inclusive education.

Dr. Alausa explained that the policy change aims to improve learning outcomes and promote consistency across Nigeria’s educational system. While acknowledging the cultural importance of indigenous languages, he maintained that English should be the main medium of instruction from pre-primary to tertiary education.

“English language should be used to teach our students at all levels as a means of instruction. Over the years, mother tongues have been used to teach and this has largely been responsible for the failures recorded in exams. The national policy on language has been cancelled. English now stands as the medium of instruction across all levels of education,” he said.

According to the minister, data from national examinations such as WAEC, NECO, and JAMB revealed that the excessive use of indigenous languages in some regions had contributed to poor comprehension and declining performance among students. He emphasized that policy decisions must be guided by evidence rather than emotional or cultural sentiment.

Dr. Alausa added that English provides a unifying communication platform in Nigeria’s multilingual context and opens doors to global knowledge, technology, and opportunities.

In the same event, Julian Parry, Director of English Programmes for Sub-Saharan Africa at the British Council, reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to promoting inclusive and equitable education through language-responsive teaching.

“Language can act as a bridge to inclusion, identity, and opportunity for every learner,” Parry said, noting that collaboration and evidence-sharing were key to improving educational outcomes globally.

Also speaking, Chikodi Onyemerela, Director of Programmes at the British Council Nigeria, highlighted the organisation’s ongoing work in inclusive education.

“Since 2015, through our Pan-Ethnic Classrooms Programme, we have developed inclusive pedagogy initiatives that enable teachers to embed inclusive practices in the classroom,” he said.

The policy shift marks a major transformation in Nigeria’s education system, with the government emphasizing global competitiveness and uniformity in instruction while pledging continued support for indigenous language preservation outside the formal classroom setting.

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Education

First lady distributes 10,000 sanitary pad packs to Anambra schoolgirls

Published

15 hours ago

November 12, 2025

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Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has unveiled a national menstrual health project under her Renewed Hope Initiative, tagged “Flow with Confidence,” with the distribution of 10,000 sanitary pad packs to teenage girls from selected schools across Anambra State.

The initiative, which was first launched in October 2025, includes the distribution of 370,000 sanitary pad packs across the 36 states of the federation, including the Federal Capital Territory, with each state expected to receive an allocation of 10,000 packs.

The programme is aimed at empowering schoolgirls, promoting menstrual hygiene, and restoring their dignity during their menstrual cycle through a one-year supply of sanitary pads.

At the Anambra State flag-off ceremony held on Wednesday at the Banquet Hall of the Light House in Awka, Tinubu was represented by the state’s First Lady, Dr Nonye Soludo, who also serves as the state Coordinator of the Renewed Hope Initiative.

Soludo, who is also the founder of the Healthy Living with Nonye Soludo initiative, while reading the First Lady’s speech, disclosed that Anambra received an allocation of 10,000 sanitary pads to be distributed equitably across the state, particularly in rural communities where many girls struggle to access such products.

She described the programme as a timely intervention to address the challenges faced by adolescent girls, especially the stigma, ridicule, and loss of self-confidence that often accompany menstruation in schools.

According to her, the project seeks to prevent girls from missing school due to their periods and to promote dignity and confidence by ensuring they have access to menstrual hygiene products.

She said, “The programme is a timely intervention to address the challenges faced by adolescent girls, especially the stigma, ridicule, and loss of self-confidence that often accompany menstruation in schools.

“It is wrong for girls to miss school during their periods because they cannot afford sanitary pads or fear stained clothes. Through this initiative, young girls will not only receive sanitary pads but also gain the confidence to embrace their education without disruption.

“This gesture is about health, dignity, and self-esteem. We urge beneficiaries not to sell the pads but to use them properly. The project is designed to safeguard your health and prevent infections linked to unhygienic alternatives such as rags or tissues.

“About ₦2.5 billion was spent to provide these sanitary pads from a locally manufactured company. To our girls, this is for you; make the most use of it, stay in school, and never allow shame and stigma to affect your confidence and future dreams.”

Also speaking at the launch, the member representing Onitsha North I Constituency in the Anambra State House of Assembly, Ifeoma Azikiwe, commended Senator Tinubu’s compassion and dedication to the welfare of women and girls nationwide.

Azikiwe noted that the initiative would reduce school absenteeism among girls and protect their dignity.

“This is a laudable step towards ensuring menstrual health, reducing the risk of infections, and enabling our girls to stay in school with confidence.

“We appreciate the First Lady of Nigeria for extending this support to every state, and we are particularly grateful for the 10,000 pads allocated to Anambra,” she added.

The event also featured a lecture delivered by a female health expert, who encouraged the girls to view menstruation not as a source of shame but as a natural process and a sign of strength.

“Menstruation is not something to hide or be embarrassed about. It is part of womanhood. Use your sanitary pads correctly, maintain good hygiene, and talk to your mothers, sisters, or trusted adults whenever you need guidance.

“Above all, never let menstruation hold you back from achieving your dreams,” she said.

The gathering, which was attended by state officials, representatives from the 21 local government areas, women’s groups, and schoolgirls, underscored the importance of menstrual health in sustaining girls’ education.

Apart from the pad packs distributed, the teenage girls also received cash gifts from the Anambra State First Lady to cover their transportation fare back to their various destinations.

Beneficiaries expressed joy and gratitude, noting that the pads would help them attend school regularly and boost their confidence among peers.

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Education

Minister Pledges Investment In Education For Youth Empowerment

Published

22 hours ago

November 12, 2025

Oluwagbenga Olaoye

Minister of State for Education, Professor Suwaiba Said Ahmad, has reiterated the ministry’s commitment to investing in education to empower young Nigerians and promote sustainable economic growth.
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Represented by the Director of Senior Secondary Education, Hajiya Binta Abdulkadiri, Prof Ahmad stated this at the 2025 Annual General Meeting of Principals of Federal Unity Colleges, in Lagos.

The minister stressed that the theme for the AGM, ‘Education for Renewed Hope: Repositioning Secondary Education for Economic Empowerment and National Development,’ was timely and strategic, saying it highlighted the essential link between quality education, economic empowerment, and national development — ensuring equal access to education for all, particularly the girl-child and persons with special needs.
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“The Ministry remains committed to investing in education to empower young Nigerians and promote sustainable economic growth. Our focus is on key reform areas—curriculum development, teacher professionalisation, and digital transformation—aims to revitalise Nigeria’s education system and align it with global best practices, thereby preparing our students for a knowledge-driven economy,” Ahmad said.
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The minister also urged the principals to uphold the highest standards of discipline, integrity, and accountability in discharge their duties.

Reiterating the critical role of federal unity colleges in promoting education and national development, Prof Ahmad said, “We reaffirm our commitment to excellence, integrity, and the pursuit of knowledge. Together, we can build a brighter future for our nation and empower the next generation of leaders.
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“I assure you that concerted efforts are being made to reposition education as a key driver of economic growth and national development, ensuring the delivery of effective and equitable education that contributes to a strong, democratic, prosperous, indivisible, and sovereign nation,” she stated
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The Executive Secretary, National Senior Secondary Education Commission, Dr Iyela Ajayi, in his address, stated that a secondary education system that is anchored on critical thinking, scientific enquiry, technological competence and entrepreneurial skills would serve as a catalyst for innovation and inclusive growth by investing in relevant, equitable and future-oriented education.

Ajayi said Nigeria can cultivate a generation of empowered youths capable of driving sustainable development, social cohesion and national resilience.
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“The task of repositioning secondary school education for Renewed Hope is daunting but not insurmountable. It requires robust political will, strategic investment and most importantly, a committed visionary leadership,” he said.

He charged participants to return to their colleges and become the transformation catalyst. “Our students are not just students; they are the future inventors, entrepreneurs and leaders of this great nation. They hold the key to Nigeria’s renewed hope and economic prosperity. It is our sacred duty to provide them with an education that unlocks their potential and positions them to drive our national development,” Ajayi charged.

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