The Management of Enugu State College of Education (Technical), ESCET, has dismissed as totally false claims by some disengaged staff of the college that they were unjustly denied access to TETFUND scholarship.

The institution said TETFUND sponsored scholarships were meant for staff of the beneficiary institution and not those who had been disengaged.

The TETFUND scholarship is a federal government initiative aimed at promoting academic excellence in tertiary institutions. The fund is disbursed to beneficiary institutions, which are responsible for selecting and supporting eligible staff members pursuing postgraduate studies.

But some disengaged staff of the college who are no longer on the payroll of the college have continued to insist that they were entitled to the  scholarship fund even after they were laid off.

The ESCET management in a statement by its  Public Relations Officer, Comrade Chinwe Ani, at the weekend, however, dismissed the misinformation circulating on social media regarding the disbursement of TETFUND scholarship to certain individuals who were disengaged from the institution.

The statement reads in part: “The affected individuals were among the 94 College Staff who were disengaged following the directive by the Enugu State Government due to the fact that their employment was not duly approved by the government when they were engaged by the previous management, as discovered by the seven- member investigative Committee set up by the State Government to examine allegations of mismanagement and corrupt practices within the College.

“There is no credible evidence to support claims that the government intend to replace them with preferred individuals. The primary issue was lack of proper authorization in the hiring process.

“As a result of their disengagement, they are no longer on the College payroll which makes it administratively difficult to facilitate their access to TETFUND sponsored scholarship.

”It is important to emphasize that TETFUND intervention is specifically designed to support staff members who are duly recognized and currently serving in beneficiary institutions. Since these individuals are no longer part of the College’s workforce, they do not meet the eligibility criteria to access the scholarship.”

The statement urged the general public “to disregard any misleading report by some enemies of the College trying to destroy the good image of the institution or portray the government of Enugu State in bad light.”

“Enugu State College of Education Technical still remains committed to ensuring that all eligible staff members benefit from such intervention in line with TETFUND  guidelines and government policies,” the college assured, while advising those who need further clarification on the issue to reach out to the college through its official channels.

Photo: Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Uche Nnaji

The Federal Government has unveiled a free Artificial Intelligence (AI) Academy with the aim of positioning Nigeria as a leader in the global digital economy.

The Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Chief Uche Nnaji, who inaugurated the AI Academy on Thursday in Abuja, said the programme was set up in partnership with the Commonwealth Secretariat and Intel Corporation.

While emphasising that the online programme was free, the minister called on all Nigerians particularly students, youths and civil servants to avail themselves of the opportunity to be part of a movement that would redefine the future of the nation.

“The AI Academy is free and the registration is open from today and will run until Jan. 30, 2025.

“I encourage you to visit our website at https://scienceandtech.gov.ng/academy and seize this chance to acquire cutting-edge AI skills.

“The AI Academy is not just a training platform but a transformative opportunity for Nigerians–students, youths and civil servants–to acquire critical skills in AI.

“In a world where AI is reshaping industries, solving complex problems and creating new economic frontiers, it is imperative that Nigeria not only keeps pace, but leads the charge.”

The minister said that the programme would provide participants with access to self-paced courses on AI fundamentals, ethics, tools and real-world applications.

He said that beyond learning the AI Technology, it offered opportunities to compete for AI ambassadorial roles and internships with Intel Corporation as well as ensuring hands-on global experience.

Nnaji said that the role of AI in nation-building could not be over emphasised as AI was no longer a distant concept.

He said that it was a transformative tool that could drive progress in agriculture, healthcare, education, security and many other sectors.

“By equipping Nigerians with these skills, we are not just preparing individuals for jobs but creating a pipeline of innovators, problem-solvers and leaders who will shape Nigeria’s technological and economic destiny.

“Most importantly, AI will go a long way to help us develop innovative solutions for the unique challenges we face as a nation.’’

Nnaji expressed gratitude to the Commonwealth Secretariat and Intel Corporation for their unwavering support in bringing the vision to life.

He said that the collaboration reflected the power of international partnerships in driving innovation and sustainable development.

“Together, we are showcasing the power of collaboration between government, industry and international organisations.

“As we unveil the AI Academy, we are laying the foundation for a new era of innovation; one where Nigeria takes its rightful place as a leader in the global digital economy,” he said. (NAN)

The West African Examination Council (WAEC) has derecognised 13 schools and blacklisted 14 supervisors for various degrees of malpractices in the 2023/2024 examinations in Kogi state.

Kogi State Commissioner for Education, Hon. Wemi Jones made this known in Lokoja in a meeting with some principals and Supervisors who were indicted by West African Examination Council (WAEC) for exam malpractices.

He said that the principals, teachers and supervisors who aids and abets examination malpractices will henceforth be prosecuted in accordance with Kogi State Education Law and Other Matters Connected Therewith, 2020.

The Commissioner said examination malpractices is a criminal offence and will be treated in accordance with the law.

He stated that a committee headed by the Permanent Secretary will be set up to investigate personalities that were indicted by WAEC and whoever that is found wanting will be prosecuted in the law court.

Kogi state, he said, has invested so much in education and will no longer tolerate the attitude of the “bad eggs” drawing back the gains already made in the sector.

Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary Ministry of Education, Dr. Jibrin Seidu Alhaji, admonished principals and the supervisors to desist from the act, saying their actions are not just robbing the state but destroying the future of the students.

He asked them to have a sober reflection of their actions as posterity will judge everyone according to his or her deeds.

According to him, while some teachers are being called out for awards, it will be wrong for them to be called out for condemnations.

Dr. Jibrin, who described teachers who engaged in examination malpractices as cheats, said it is unfortunate that this is happening when Kogi State is investing so much in education.

He submitted that whoever that is culpable will be severely sanctioned. (Nigerian Tribune)