He said that the board also approved the commencement of four Higher National Diploma (HND) programmes in the institution.

Agbu made this known while briefing newsmen on Tuesday in Jalingo.

He said that the newly approved HND programmes which would commence in the 2026/2027 academic session include, Cyber Security, Computer Science, Office Technology and Management.

He said that the development would broaden academic opportunities for students and enhance the institution’s capacity to produce skilled graduates.

Agbu commended Gov. Agbu Kefas of Taraba for his administration’s support, which he said was instrumental to the successful accreditation exercise.

“The governor’s intervention reflects his commitment to revitalising the education sector and strengthening technical and vocational education in the state.

“This is one of the best things a visionary governor can do for an educational institution.

“The support we received from Gov. Kefas is unprecedented and it contributed immensely to the success of the recent accreditation exercise in the polytechnic,” he said.

The rector called on students and prospective applicants to take advantage of the newly accredited and approved programmes, assuring them of quality training and improved learning opportunities.

He expressed optimism that the accreditation and approval of the HND courses would further position the institution as a leading centre for technical education and manpower development in the state.

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Speaking during the protest in Abuja on Tuesday, the FCT Chairman of NUT, Abdullahi Shafa, said the protest was in compliance with a directive from the union’s national headquarters.

According to him, the protest is organised in all states of the federation to express the union’s displeasure over the killing of a teacher in Oyo, by suspected kidnappers.

Shafa described the incident as disturbing and unacceptable, noting that teachers should not be subjected to such violence while carrying out their duties.

“If you are aware, in the last few weeks, teachers and students in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo have been troubled.

“A teacher there was beheaded instantly for no just cause. This is somebody that had gone to impact knowledge on our students.

“It is touching, horrifying, and devastating that a teacher who has put in his best to ensure that the children get qualitative education is being killed like that without any reason; all in the name of kidnapping and banditry. This is not good for the system,” he said.

The union leader said the development had generated fear among teachers and could negatively affect the teaching and learning environment if not urgently addressed.

He appealed to the Federal Government and relevant security agencies to take proactive measures to protect teachers, students and school facilities nationwide.

Shafa also called for improved school infrastructure, including the construction of perimeter fences and other security measures to make schools safer.

“Our appeal to government is to provide adequate security for teachers and pupils and improve infrastructure within the school system to guarantee a safe learning environment,” he said.

He said that the protest was a one-day peaceful demonstration, adding that any further action would be determined by the union’s national leadership.

Our correspondent reports that the protest was held simultaneously across the country in solidarity with the family of the deceased teacher and to draw attention to growing security concerns within the education sector.

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The body, in a statement made available to newsmen on Sunday in Ibadan, said that the decision was necessitated by the continued captivity of abducted teachers and pupils in the state.

Some teachers and studets/pupils of Community Grammar School, Ahoro-Esinele, L.A. Primary School Ahoro-Esinele and Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota, near Ogbomoso, in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, were abducted on May 15.

The statement, signed by the secretary of the union, Mr Olukayode Salami, said that uncertainty still surrounded the rescue and safe release of the abducted victims.

The NUT said that the prolonged detention of the teachers and pupils had created fear and anxiety among its members, while also discouraging parents from sending their children to school.

The union said that the situation had heightened tension across affected communities and raised concerns over the safety of teachers and learners.

It said that the strike was intended to draw the attention of relevant government authorities to the urgent need to intensify efforts toward securing the release of the abductees.

The body directed all public primary and secondary school teachers in the state to withdraw their services from schools with effect from June 1 until further notice.

The NUT urged members to comply fully with the directive, remain law-abiding and stay safe in their respective homes throughout the period of the strike.

The union also reaffirmed its solidarity with the abducted teachers, pupils and their families, assuring them of its continued support.

It added that lawful engagements with relevant government authorities would continue until the victims regained their freedom.

The NUT reiterated its commitment to protecting the welfare, safety and security of teachers and learners across the country.

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They gave the commendations in an interview with our correspondent on Tuesday in Asaba.

They described the appointment of Aina,a 39-year-old academic, as a reflection of Tinubu’s commitment to competence, innovation and youth inclusion in governance.

Mr Glory Ilevbare, a lecturer with Dennis Osadebe University Asaba said that Aina possessed the required competence and experience to lead the examination body effectively.

He described him as a man with outstanding academic record and his contributions to examination and institutional reforms made him deserving of this post.

“I wish that President Tinubu will create more of such opportunities for capable young Nigerians to contribute meaningfully to governance and nation-building, Ilevbare said.

Mr Anthony Nweke, a lecturer with the Delta State University, Agbor, urged the new registrar to consolidate on the achievements of his predecessor and address gaps within the examination system.

“We are hopeful that Aina will introduce ideas that will improve the conduct of JAMB examinations and reduce challenges candidates faced during registration and admission processes,” he said.

Mrs Justina Ebom, lecturer with Delta State Polytechnic, Ogwashi-Uku expressed confidence in Aina’s ability to improve on the achievements recorded by the outgoing JAMB Registrar, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede.

“We are confident that Aina will build on the remarkable achievements of Oloyede to strengthen the credibility, innovation and operational efficiency of JAMB.

“I congratulate Aina on this well-deserved appointment and wish him a successful and impactful tenure in office.

“I believe that Aina’s leadership will improve transparency, efficiency and credibility in the nation’s tertiary admission process.”

She commended Tinubu for appointing a young academic to head JAMB, saying that the decision reflected confidence in youthful leadership.

Our correspondent recalls that Tinubu on July 21, appointed Aina as the new registrar of JAMB, succeeding Oloyede, whose tenure will expire on July 31.

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Prof. Jurbe Mwolwus, the Chairperson of the union in the university, said this during a news conference on Monday in Jos.

Mwolwus, insisted that the use of English language for early child education was retrogressive, adding that the move was a great loss of past gains rooted in research.

“ASUU in university of Jos opposes the reversal and insists that using local languages for instruction is a standard and best practice in the technologically advanced nations like China, Russia, Japan, South Korea, among others.

“Children before the age of eigh have been found to be able to master six or more languages without hampering their cognitive development,”he said.

The chairperson called on the federal government to reconsider its decision in order to ensure proper early child development in Nigeria.

Mwolwus also faulted government’s plan to establish a campus of Conventary University in Nigeria under the Transnational Education framework (TNE).

“ASUU sees TNE as another platform to further undermine and under-develop the country’s education for personal benefits of few Nigerians and their foreign collaborators.

“ASUU is calling on the government to make our universities globally competitive to attract foreign students and scholars or retain tested local brains instead of embracing the recolonisation of our education,”Mwolwus called.

The chairperson also faulted the move by the Federal Ministry of Education to scrap some courses in the university system.

He described the claim by the ministry that some courses, particularly in social sciences and humanities as “irrelevant” and compounding unemployment issues in Nigeria as “unfortunate”.

“We make bold to say that every course in the university has its utilitarian values both in personal and societal spheres.

“After all, skills, critical thinking, creativity, collaboration, communication and digital literacy are laid by the so-called irrelevant courses like philosophy, religious studies, linguistics, fine arts, among others.

“By the way, is it only graduates of social sciences and humanities that are unemployed in Nigeria?

“So, ASUU rejects any attempt to scrap academic programmea in Nigerian universities. We call on the government to rather create enabling environment for industries to grow and create more employment opportunities,”he called.

Mwolwus also advised the federal government to desist from irregular appointments, misappropriation of funds and disrespect of due process in the universities.

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Oloyede’s tenure expires on July 31.

Aina, who turns 40 in July, is a distinguished academic and systems expert with extensive experience in examination systems, digital infrastructure, institutional reform, and public-sector technology-driven operational transformation across Nigeria.

This is contained in a statement issued by Presidential Spokesperson, Mr Bayo Onanuga, on Thursday in Abuja.

Aina holds a Bachelor of Engineering in Computer Systems Engineering from the University of Kent and earned both his MSc and PhD from Loughborough University, United Kingdom.

He obtained an MSc in Internet Computing and Network Security and a PhD in Digital Signal Processing, before completing the Senior Management Programme at the Lagos Business School.

A Professor of Computer Engineering at Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Aina began his professional engagement with JAMB during his National Youth Service, gaining experience in admissions administration and institutional systems management.

The presidency said those early experiences shaped his long-standing contributions to examination reforms, systems optimisation, and technology-driven educational administration across Nigeria’s public sector and national assessment institutions.

With more than 15 years of post-graduation experience, Aina has operated at the intersection of technology, governance, and institutional transformation, advising federal and state governments on digital transition and systems reform.

At 39, he became one of Nigeria’s youngest professors of Computer Engineering and will now emerge as the youngest Registrar ever appointed to lead the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board.

He has also served as consultant to major examination bodies, including NECO, NABTEB and several state ministries of education on ICT systems, examination integrity and digital process optimisation initiatives nationwide.

Aina is a member of several professional organisations, including the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria, Nigerian Society of Engineers, IEEE and the Institution of Engineering and Technology.

Tinubu expressed confidence that Aina would deploy his experience, technical expertise and institutional knowledge to consolidate on reforms and advance the operational efficiency of the nation’s critical examination body.

The president also commended Oloyede for his service and achievements, expressing optimism that the incoming registrar would sustain and surpass the standards already established at the Board.

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The board disclosed this in a statement issued by its Public Communication Advisor, Dr Fabian Benjamin, on Thursday in Abuja.

Benjamin said the released results were in addition to those earlier made public.

According to him, the decision followed ongoing investigations into suspected examination malpractice.

He said while some results had been cancelled after evidence of malpractice was established, others were released after the board found no prima facie case against the affected candidates.

Benjamin added that results from centres where JAMB’s live monitoring team observed suspicious activities, or where adverse reports were received, remained withheld pending further investigation.

He said such results would be cancelled where sufficient evidence of culpability was established.

Benjamin advised candidates whose results were yet to be released to check their status by sending “UTMERESULT” to 55019 or 66019 using the same phone number used for registration.

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Our correspondent reports that Zonal Coordinator, Prof. Abdulkadir Muhammad, issued the warning during a news conference held at Bayero University, Kano, on Wednesday.

Muhammad said that government’s delay in constituting the Implementation Monitoring Committee had led to uncoordinated execution of the agreement.

He explained that key components of the agreement, including salary adjustments and allowances remained largely unimplemented.

He said they included the Consolidated Academic Staff Salary Structure,l and Consolidated Academic Tool Allowance, and Earned Academic Allowance.

He further said that several state governments failed to comply with the terms of the agreement.

Muhammad also expressed concern over unresolved welfare issues, including outstanding salary arrears, unpaid allowances, withheld salaries from the 2022 strike, and delayed pension payments to retired academics.

He urged President Bola Tinubu to intervene urgently.

He further criticised recent policy directives by the Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, including the proposed National Research and Innovation Development Fund.

It also included the reversal of the mother-tongue education policy, and the planned establishment of foreign university campuses in Nigeria.

He described the policies as misguided and potentially harmful to the nation’s education system.

He reaffirmed ASUU’s commitment to university autonomy and warned that failure by the government to honour the agreement could disrupt the academic calendar.

Muhammad urged Nigerians to hold the authorities accountable for breakdown of industrial peace in the nation’s universities.

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The Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, stated this during a plenary at the ongoing World Education Forum (WEF) in London.

The special plenary on the “role of non-formal education and soft skills in improving wellbeing, employability and industry participation in education systems’’ was moderated by His Royal Highness, Prince Edward, the Duke of Edinburgh.

A statement on the minister’s presentation at the session was made available to newsmen on Wednesday in Abuja by Mr Ikharo Attah, the Special Adviser to the minister on Media and Communications.

In the statement, the minister highlighted ongoing efforts by the administration of President Bola Tinubu to expand vocational training, digital skills development aimed at reducing the number of out-of-school children and equipping young people with employable skills.

He stressed that the Tinubu’s administration remained committed to strengthening non-formal education as a strategic tool for job creation and youth empowerment.

According to him, the government is pursuing flexible learning pathways that combine literacy education, technical training and entrepreneurship development to enhance employability and economic inclusion.

Alausa said Nigeria had introduced several informal education programmes targeting out-of-school youths, adults and vulnerable populations, aimed at bridging literacy gaps and integrating marginalised groups into the economy.

He explained that the government developed an Accelerated Basic Education Programme to enable out-of-school children acquire foundational learning within a shorter period and transition into productive livelihoods.

The minister added that the government had intensified Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) initiatives providing tuition-free vocational training, stipends and start-up support to close skills gaps and promote entrepreneurship.

He said the National Policy on Skills Development also promotes flexible learning through hands-on training, digital literacy and vocational education for youths and adults outside the formal school system.

According to him, mass literacy, adult and non-formal education programmes are being implemented nationwide to support functional literacy, post-literacy and continuing education.

Alausa further highlighted initiatives integrating the Almajiri education system with basic education and vocational skills training to improve social inclusion.

“We have infused entrepreneurial training across learning levels to equip learners with innovation and business skills needed for self-reliance.

“What we are doing in Nigeria is because we have a lot of out-of-school children we have to find a way that we can quickly get them a kind of non-formal education.

“We’ve created a separate curriculum for them called accelerated basic education programme which ties them to what they should be learning in school,” he said.

The minister added that government was also expanding digital technology training to prepare young people with future-ready skills.

Alausa commended the Duke of Edinburgh for his visit to Nigeria in Nov. 2025 and noted that Nigeria remained an active participant in the Duke of Edinburgh International Award Foundation.

Other panelists at the session included Ontario’s Minister of Education, Paul Calandra; Secretary of State for Education of Rio Grande de Sul, Brazil, Raquel Teixeira; and International Youth Representative of the Duke of Edinburgh International Award Foundation, Andrea Chakma.

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The minister spoke on Monday during a special roundtable session attended by education ministers and global stakeholders, where he presented Nigeria’s reforms in foundational learning and education governance.

This is contained in a statement issued by the minister’s Special Adviser on Media and Communications, Ikharo Attah, on Monday in Abuja.

Alausa explained that Nigeria had unified foundational literacy delivery under a single national framework covering both formal and non-formal education systems.

He said the Federal Government was scaling the Rapid Assessment of Numeracy and Literacy programme for Primary one to three pupils, alongside the teaching at the Right Level initiative for Primary four to six learners across 15 states.

This, he said was done through the Nigeria’s Foundational Literacy and Numeracy (FLN) initiatives.

The minister added that the Accelerated Basic Education Programme (ABEP), developed by the Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council (NERDC), enabled out-of-school children and adolescents to achieve foundational literacy and numeracy within three years.

He said both formal and non-formal education data streams now report into NEDI, allowing government to monitor national education coverage from a single dashboard for the first time.

Highlighting sub-national reforms, Alausa cited programmes such as EKOEXCEL, KwaraLEARN and BayelsaPRIME as examples of successful technology-driven teaching models already delivering measurable outcomes.

“The impact is measurable. KwaraLEARN halved foundational learning deficiencies in less than two years, while BayelsaPRIME improved literacy by 20 per cent in just 19 weeks.

“The model is working, and we are now scaling it nationally,” he said.

On policy reforms, the minister said foundational literacy and numeracy had been placed at the centre of the Renewed Hope Agenda and Nigeria’s National Foundational Literacy and Numeracy Programme.

He disclosed that the federal government was finalising a National Policy on Foundational Literacy and Numeracy to provide a sustainable legal and institutional framework for reforms across federal, state and non-formal education systems.

Alausa further revealed that Nigeria’s Partnership Compact with the Global Partnership for Education tied about 70 per cent of education funding to measurable outcomes in learning achievement, teacher management and data utilisation.

He added that plans were underway to increase the funding allocation of the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) from two per cent to four per cent of the Consolidated Revenue Fund to strengthen basic education delivery nationwide.

Speaking on efforts to address the out-of-school children challenge, the minister explained that ABEP provided a recognised pathway for learners outside the formal system to transition into Junior Secondary School.

According to him, ABEP centres and formal schools now use the same coaching tools and learning materials, with State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) officers supervising both systems across participating states.

Alausa emphasised that Nigeria had shifted its focus from educational inputs to measurable learning outcomes, expressing confidence that ongoing reforms would significantly reduce learning poverty nationwide.

“With the National Policy on FLN nearly finalised and one standard across formal and non-formal systems, we are building a foundation that will outlast any single programme cycle.

“That is how we will end learning poverty at scale,” he added.

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