
Education
FULL LIST: Countries accepting Nigerian Masters students with dependents


Dr. Richard Montgomery, the British High Commissioner to Nigeria made this known in an interview with newsmen in Abuja.
He said that the educational system policy changed earlier this year for international students in higher education not to bring dependents into the UK was to curb the increase of foreign students bringing in dependents.
He explained that the huge surge in dependence was putting an unsustainable pressure on many universities, adding that it was the reason these changes were introduced.
Here are eight countries Nigerian Masters students can move to with their dependents
1. Canada
Canada aims to welcome over 460,000 new immigrants each year to strengthen the economy, reunite families, and help refugees.
Under its immigration levels plan, Canada is now looking to get 465,000 new permanent residents in 2023, 485,000 in 2024 and 500,000 in 2025
The country’s dependent visa allows international students to bring their dependents and also allows them to work or study full-time once they have the relevant permits.
2. Germany
Germany’s dependent visa also known as a family reunion visa permits the spouse, children, and other family members to join and live with their family members residing in Germany. They can either reside temporarily or permanently in the country.
3. New Zealand
New Zealand also has a dependent child student visa that allows a dependent child to join their parents in the country and study at a primary or secondary school. “A dependent child can be treated as a domestic student, which means you don’t have to pay tuition fees for them to go to school.”
To apply for a Dependent Child Resident visa, your children must be single and financially dependent on you. Your children must sign a declaration they are single when they complete their application form. Immigration New Zealand considers your children dependent if they are: 17 or younger.
4. Australia
An Australia-dependent visa allows dependent family members of Australian citizens, Australian permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens to live and work in Australia. This includes spouses, children, and other eligible family members.
5. Denmark
If an international student wants to bring their family to Denmark, they must apply for a green card Dependent visa. It allows Danish green card holder to bring their family with them to the nation while they are living and working there.
Denmark has several categories of dependent visas. Of these dependent visas, the Student Dependent Visa is designed for the spouse or unmarried children below 18 years of age of foreigners schooling in the country with a Denmark student visa to join their relatives in Denmark.
6. Finland
In September 2022, Finland issued more residence permits compared to the previous year as its processing time for visa application was 77 days on average, about 46 per cent less compared to 143 days in the previous period, the Finnish Immigration Service revealed.
The D visa allows you to travel to Finland immediately after being issued with a residence permit.
You can apply for a D visa if your spouse or your parent or guardian is applying for one of the following residence permits: A residence permit for a specialist. EU Blue Card.
7. Estonia
While staying in Estonia with a student visa, your family members can apply for an Estonia family visa to join you.
If they are issued a family visa, they can stay with you in Estonia for one year.
8. Sweden
Sweden is a Scandinavian nation in northern Europe with thousands of coastal islands and inland lakes, along with vast boreal forests and glaciated mountains.
The country which is highly developed, is ranked seventh in the Human Development Index, according to United Nations Development.
It has different types of permits that allow people to bring their dependents. The type of permit that should be applied for will vary depending on the situation of the person who is living in the country.
Education
FG unveils free AI academy for Nigerian youths, civil servants


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)
Education
Exam malpractice: WAEC derecognises 13 schools in Kogi


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)
Education
Education Minister reverses 18 years university entry policy


The 18 years entry age for university admission has been reversed by the newly appointed Minister of Education, Dr. Morufu Olatunji Alausa.
The 18 years entry policy initiated by Professor Tahir Mamman, former Minister of Education, had generated controversy.
Addressing journalists upon assumption of office on Tuesday, Alausa said the policy was detrimental to the Federal Government.
Alausa said the reversal of the policy was aimed at reducing the number of out-of-school children in Nigeria.
He said the policy is also not sustainable for the education sector, explaining that the 16-year-age limit would be maintained and exceptions would be granted for “gifted children”.
The new minister added that going forward, Nigeria’s education system will be 80 percent practical and 20 percent classroom/theoretical.
Alausa said practical education will help to curb the unemployment situation in Nigeria as tertiary institutions will not continue churning out graduates on a yearly basis without jobs for Nigerians.
He said the Federal Government will work with private sector operators for the training of students to unleash their potentials.
Alausa was among the 10 ministers who got new portfolios after last month’s cabinet reshuffle which led to the exit of his predecessor.
He was formerly Minister of State for Health.
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