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Shun cultism, hooliganism, Babcock varsity VC urges new students

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The Vice Chancellor of Babcock University, Ilisan-Remo, Ogun State, Prof. Ademola Tayo, on Thursday, urged newly admitted students of the institution to prioritise humility, academic excellence, and steer clear of hooliganism, cultism, and other immoral acts that could jeopardise their academic journey.

Tayo said that by choosing Babcock University, the students had embraced a holistic education that equips them with both intellect and character, preparing them for local relevance and global influence.

He stated this while speaking at the matriculation ceremony for 3,432 newly admitted undergraduate and postgraduate students held at the university’s amphitheatre.

While congratulating the new intakes, the VC advised them to remain diligent and avoid distractions or activities capable of derailing the bright future ahead of them.

Speaking at the event, Tayo—who bows out of office on December 1 after serving two terms of five years each—said: “Dear matriculants, as you begin this phase of your education, remember that success is never accidental.

“It requires discipline, diligence, humility, and reliance on God. Commit yourselves to regular attendance, timely submission of assignments, and active participation in lectures, quizzes, and examinations.

“Babcock University maintains zero tolerance for cultism, examination malpractice, hooliganism, corruption, and all forms of immorality. We implore our dear parents and guardians to partner with us in ensuring that our campus remains a peaceful and secure environment for learning.”

He urged the new students to respect their lecturers and colleagues, dress decently and modestly, and uphold the values of love, integrity, accountability, and academic excellence for which the Seventh-day Adventist institution is known.

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The VC added: “Take full advantage of the opportunities you will find here—in leadership, learning, research, spiritual growth, and personal development. Become the best version of yourself, and let your lifestyle reflect the honour of being a Babcock University Ambassador.”

Tayo noted that the training students will receive at the university will empower them with the confidence, resilience, and moral clarity needed to navigate an increasingly complex world.

He explained that although the global community is dealing with economic instability, moral uncertainty, and rapid technological change, he is confident that with the academic training and character moulding offered by the institution, the newly admitted students will rise as innovators, problem-solvers, reformers, and leaders for a better tomorrow.

He further urged them not to succumb to failure when faced with challenges but to remain resolute and guided by the ambition to fulfil the highest and most truthful expression of God’s purpose for their lives.

Tayo reiterated the university’s commitment to building a world-class academic environment, noting that significant investments continue to be made in infrastructure, technology, and human resources to meet 21st-century demands.

The outgoing VC said, “Our ICT systems are continually upgraded, powered by a modern data centre and resilient energy systems that guarantee a conducive learning environment.

“Our campus IPTV platform, smart classrooms, and digital learning tools ensure that our students are prepared for the fast-evolving digital landscape.”

Common vices in Nigerian universities include cultism, drug abuse, examination malpractice, and sexual harassment.

These issues pose significant threats to the academic environment and the safety of both students and staff.

See also  Strike: ASUU NEC to review FG’s final terms Wednesday

Other vices found on campuses include indecent dressing, cybercrime, and general criminal behaviours such as robbery and thuggery.

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Education

UUTH resident doctors join nationwide strike

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The Association of Resident Doctors, University of Uyo Teaching Hospital, has resolved to join the nationwide strike declared by the National Association of Resident Doctors on Monday, January 12, 2026.

The decision was contained in a communiqué issued after an emergency general meeting of the association held in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, on Thursday.

The communiqué, endorsed by its President, Dr Ekomobong Udoh, and General Secretary, Dr Kenneth Ikott, and made available to our correspondent in Uyo on Friday, said the centre would undertake a peaceful protest by 9am on Monday within the UUTH premises, in total compliance with the directive of NARD.

It read in part, “Members of the congress gathered for an emergency general meeting to discuss the resolutions issued by the NARD Extra-Ordinary NEC virtual meeting held on Saturday, January 2, 2026. After thorough deliberation and discussion on the resolutions of NARD, the meeting, chaired by the President, resolved as follows.

“The centre fully supports the implementation of the NARD NEC meeting resolutions. The congress immediately agreed to participate in the NARD TIC 2.0 from 12 noon on Monday, in line with the NEC directive, and will undertake a peaceful protest by 9am on Monday within the UUTH premises.”

Udoh said the proposed industrial action followed the failure of the Federal Government to fully implement the Memorandum of Understanding signed with resident doctors in November 2025.

According to him, the strike, tagged TICS (Total, Indefinite and Comprehensive Strike) 2.0, with the slogan, “No Implementation, No Going Back”, would only be suspended after the full implementation of the minimum demands.

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He listed the demands to include the reinstatement of the FTH Lokoja Five, payment of promotion and salary arrears, full implementation of the professional allowance table with arrears captured in the 2026 budget, and official clarification on skipping and entry-level issues by the Federal Ministry of Health and circulars to chief executives.

Other demands include the reintroduction and implementation of the Specialist Allowance, resolution of house officers’ salary delays and arrears, including the issuance of a pay advisory, recategorisation of membership certificates, and issuance of certificates after Part I by the NPMCN, commencement of locum and work-hours regulation committees, and resumption and timely conclusion of the Collective Bargaining Agreement process.

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Nigeria emerges fifth-best English-speaking country in Africa

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Nigeria has emerged as the fifth-best English-speaking country in Africa, according to the 2025 Education First English Proficiency Index cited by PUNCH Online on EF’s website on Monday.

The report, compiled by global education leader EF, assessed English skills across 123 countries and regions, using data from 2.2 million test takers. This year’s edition also included, for the first time, speaking and writing skills, measured using artificial intelligence technology developed by EF’s education technology arm.

English, Nigeria’s official language, remains central to education, governance, media, and business, helping the country maintain strong proficiency levels. On the African continent, Nigeria trails South Africa, Zimbabwe, Kenya, and Zambia, which lead in English proficiency. The rankings underscore the growing importance of English as a bridge for international communication, education, and commerce.

Top 10 English-Speaking Countries in Africa (EF EPI 2025):

South Africa – Widespread use in government, education, media, and business.

Zimbabwe – English is the primary language of instruction and administration.

Kenya – Official language alongside Swahili, widely used in urban and professional settings.

Nigeria – Official language, central to national communication and commerce.

Ghana – English is used from basic to tertiary education and in public administration.

Uganda – Official language; key role in trade, diplomacy, and professional environments.

Ethiopia – Widely used in education and international affairs, though not official.

Tunisia – Growing adoption among youth and professionals in education, tech, and tourism.

Morocco – Increasing popularity in schools and business for global trade and relations.

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Bandit attacks: Kebbi, Kwara reopen schools

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Kebbi and Kwara state governments have announced the reopening of schools in selected areas, signaling a gradual return to normal academic activities after months of closures due to rising bandit attacks.

In Kebbi, the state government approved the immediate resumption of selected primary and secondary schools located in major cities and towns.

The state had ordered school closure following bandit attack on Government Girls’ Comprehensive Secondary School, Maga town, Danko/Wasagu Local Government Area in November, during which 25 schoolgirls were abducted and the school guard killed.

The reopening announcement was made on Sunday by the Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Dr. Halimatu Bande, during a briefing in Birnin Kebbi.

According to Bande, the resumption takes effect from Monday, January 5, 2026, and applies only to schools within urban centres. Schools in rural areas will reopen later, following further improvements in security.

“Only schools located within major cities and towns are approved to resume at this stage,” Bande said. “Schools outside these areas will reopen at a later date, which will be communicated in due course.”

The commissioner explained that the phased reopening is aimed at ensuring the safety of students and teachers while gradually restoring full academic activities across the state.

She also directed Education Secretaries and Zonal Directors to enforce compliance and monitor implementation, appealing to parents and guardians to ensure that their children return to school promptly.

Bande commended Governor  Nasir Idris for his sustained support for education, describing his administration as committed to providing safe, inclusive, and quality learning for all children in Kebbi State.

Meanwhile, in Kwara State, the Ministry of Education and Human Capital Development has ordered the resumption of academic activities in all schools from today (Monday).

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The directive, issued by the ministry’s Press Secretary, Peter Amogbonjaye, quoted the Commissioner for Education, Dr. Lawal Olohungbebe, as saying that learning will resume immediately, except in areas still under “special security measures.”

“Learning activities are to resume immediately in all but areas earlier identified to be under special security surveillance,” the statement said. “Normal school activities will resume in such places very soon.”

The move follows a November 2025 directive that temporarily closed schools in several local government areas, including Ifelodun, Ekiti, Irepodun, Isin, and Oke Ero, in response to escalating insecurity and bandit attacks.

The closures were aimed at safeguarding pupils and teachers and were part of broader emergency responses to violent incidents in the state.

To ensure continuity in learning, especially for pupils in areas still affected by insecurity, the ministry also announced a radio-based learning initiative in collaboration with UNICEF and the Nigeria Learning Passport.

The programme, airing on the state-owned 99.1 Midland FM, will begin on January 5, with scheduled broadcasts at 11 a.m. on Mondays and Tuesdays, 1 p.m. on Wednesdays, and 2:30 p.m. on Fridays. Additional radio stations will be added to expand reach.

“The initiative aims to ensure continuity in learning, especially for pupils in areas where school activities are still limited by security concerns,” the ministry said.

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