Chris Infotainment

Surprise Visits and Strategic Discussions on School Upgradation Ashiq Hussain Khoso, the Additional Secretary of the Sindh Education Department, recently conducted surprise visits to several schools in Tando Adam. The visit took place on Saturday, where he also chaired an important meeting to assess the progress of the province's school upgradation programme and discuss ways to enhance educational standards. During the meeting, Mr. Khoso engaged with headmasters, headmistresses, and district and taluka education officers. The focus was on evaluating the infrastructure, furniture, and administrative needs of the upgraded schools under the ongoing education reform initiative by the Sindh government. Key Areas of Focus Speaking to the media, the Additional Secretary highlighted that the meeting centered around three main areas: Infrastructure and Furniture : Ensuring that upgraded schools have adequate facilities and necessary furniture to support quality learning. Maintaining ...

Key Developments in Punjab's Special Education Sector Punishing the progress in special education, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif held a significant meeting on Friday to discuss the advancements and future plans for the sector. The meeting highlighted several important developments, including the remarkable enrollment of over 5,000 special children at the Maryam Nawaz Autism School within a short time frame. This achievement marks a historic milestone for Punjab, as it is the first time such a large number of special children have been enrolled in a dedicated institution. The chief minister commended Special Assistant Sania Ashiq and her team for their outstanding efforts in launching and expanding the school. She also announced that underprivileged children would receive free therapy and education at the school, and gave approval for the inclusion of special children in the 'Himmat' Card program. To further improve the quality of services, the Punjab governme...

New Era of Cooperation Between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia In a significant event, two memorandums of understanding (MOUs) were signed to promote IT education and sports between Pakistan and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The ceremony took place in the presence of Governor Sindh Kamran Khan Tessori and His Highness Prince Mansour bin Mohammed Al Saud. These agreements mark the beginning of a new era of cooperation focused on youth development, technology advancement, and sports collaboration. The event was attended by several notable figures, including Saudi Ambassador Nawaf Saeed Al-Malki, Consul General of Saudi Arabia in Karachi Mohammed Abdullah Al-Subaie, Pakistan's Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Ahmed Farooq, members of the Saudi delegation, and other distinguished personalities from various fields. The MOUs aim to provide new opportunities for youth development through modern information technology education, joint training programs, youth exchange initiatives, and the organizatio...

Tribute to a National Hero On the occasion of the death anniversary of Dr Abdul Qadeer Khan, the Chancellor of Sir Syed University of Engineering and Technology (SSUET), Muhammad Akbar Ali Khan, paid a heartfelt tribute to the renowned scientist and national hero of Pakistan. Dr Abdul Qadeer Khan is celebrated for his significant contributions to the nation's scientific and technological advancements. A Legacy of Excellence In his tribute, the Chancellor highlighted the monumental impact of Dr Qadeer Khan's work in the field of science and technology. His efforts have transformed Pakistan into a formidable nuclear power, ensuring the country's security and standing on the global stage. The Chancellor emphasized that Dr Qadeer Khan's vision and dedication to national security have left an indelible mark on the history of Pakistan. Dr Qadeer Khan is remembered not only as a scientist but also as a patriot who devoted his life to the service of his country. His legacy ...

The Journey into Medicine When I first entered medical school at the University of Nairobi in the late 1980s, I quickly realized that people who choose medicine are not just intelligent but also deeply committed to their profession. This realization came as a surprise to me, as I had always thought of doctors as individuals with a unique set of skills, but I hadn’t fully grasped the level of dedication and knowledge required. At that time, the medical school at the University of Nairobi was the only one in Kenya, making it a highly competitive and prestigious institution. Each year, only 100 students were admitted, which meant that the selection process was rigorous and the academic environment was intense. The students who made it into the program were not just academically capable; they were also driven by a strong desire to serve their communities and make a difference in the field of healthcare. A Legacy of Knowledge and Expertise The faculty members who taught at the medical s...

Enhancing Life Skills Education for Girls in Tanzania As the world observes the International Day of the Girl Child, Tanzania is taking significant steps to enhance life skills education in schools. This initiative aims to promote gender equality and empower students, especially girls, to become confident, resilient, and active contributors to society. The Tanzania Institute of Education (TIE) has been at the forefront of this effort. Dr Fika Mwakabungu, Director of Curriculum Training at TIE, emphasized the importance of equipping teachers with the necessary tools to integrate life skills effectively into the learning process. During a commemoration event on October 11, 2025, she highlighted the need to create gender-responsive learning environments that support all students. In 2023, TIE revised its training policies to define seven core areas of life skills education. Teachers have been trained and provided with guides to implement these skills, with ongoing professional developm...

A Story of Resilience and Triumph At just 17 years old, Edu Muyyassir, a freshman at Pan-Atlantic University in Lagos State, has transformed a painful rejection into a powerful story of resilience and triumph. His journey began with a setback that could have easily derailed his ambitions, but instead, it became the foundation for his first book, The Comeback Code , a motivational guide that draws from his personal experiences to inspire others to rise above life’s challenges. Edu is an indigene of Epe Local Government Area in Lagos State and one of six children. He recently graduated from Loyola Jesuit College in Abuja. While he described himself as an average student, he discovered his true passions in writing, coding, and playing chess. “I have a passion for writing, playing chess, and coding for software development. I can also design websites,” he said. His journey into writing was sparked by one of the most painful moments of his life. After securing a flight ticket to study in...

Launch of the Stephen–Hannah Obaro Multipurpose Hall at McPherson University McPherson University, located in Seriki Sotayo, Ogun State, recently unveiled a 5,000-capacity multipurpose facility known as the Stephen–Hannah Obaro Multipurpose Hall. This new addition marks a significant step in the university’s ongoing efforts to enhance learning experiences and upgrade campus infrastructure. The hall was generously donated by Deacon John Obaro and officially inaugurated by Reverend Sam Aboyeji, the university’s Visitor and General Overseer of the Foursquare Gospel Church in Nigeria. The event was attended by various stakeholders, including university officials, faculty members, students, and community leaders. Features of the New Facility The Stephen–Hannah Obaro Multipurpose Hall is designed to be a versatile space that caters to multiple functions. It includes: Offices for administrative and academic staff Conference rooms for meetings and seminars 30 bathrooms to ensure comf...

Embracing Smart Learning for National Development Education stakeholders in Nigeria have been urging universities to adopt smart learning technologies as a means of bridging educational gaps, promoting inclusivity, and driving economic growth. This call was made during the matriculation ceremony of the West Midlands Open University in Ikeja, Lagos, on Saturday. Guest speaker and Nigeria’s first female Professor of Computer Science, Prof. Adenike Osofisan, emphasized the importance of integrating smart learning into higher education institutions. She highlighted that smart learning is essential for addressing access and quality issues in traditional educational systems. The Future of Higher Education Prof. Osofisan explained that smart learning utilizes advanced technologies like Artificial Intelligence to create personalized and efficient educational experiences. This approach allows learners to study at their own pace and enables teachers to tailor lessons to individual needs. Suc...

Academic Staff Union of Universities Prepares for Warning Strike Members of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) are preparing to launch a two-week warning strike on Monday, as the union’s ultimatum to the Federal Government expires. This comes after the government failed to respond to the union's demands, which have been ongoing for some time. The warning strike is expected to be the first step in a series of industrial actions that could disrupt university operations across Nigeria. ASUU has instructed its branches to prepare for this action, despite ongoing negotiations between the union and the government. Ongoing Negotiations and Government Progress Despite the imminent strike, the government continues to engage in talks with ASUU and other unions. On Wednesday, Dr. Tunji Alausa, the Minister of Education, revealed that the Tinubu administration had made significant progress in addressing key issues such as welfare, funding, and the implementation of the 2009 AS...

The Urgent Need for Reforms in Girl-Child Education and Youth Employment As the world observes the International Day of the Girl Child, a pressing concern has emerged regarding the state of girl-child education and youth unemployment in Nigeria. Advocacy groups have raised alarms over the deepening crisis, highlighting the need for immediate reforms to address these challenges. The Corpers’ Journey Advocacy Network (CJAN) has emphasized that the situation is not just an educational issue but a broader economic and social crisis. According to Ajayi Taiwo, the Managing Director of CJAN, millions of Nigerian girls are being denied access to quality education and equal opportunities. This neglect poses a serious threat to the nation’s growth and development. Taiwo pointed out that according to UNICEF, over 7.6 million girls in Nigeria are currently out of school, with 3.9 million at the primary level and 3.7 million at the junior secondary level. These figures highlight a systemic failu...

Rising Concerns Over Brain Drain in Nigerian Public Universities The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has raised serious concerns about the mass exodus of senior academics from Nigeria’s public universities. According to recent revelations, at least 309 professors have resigned within the last nine months, seeking better working conditions abroad. This alarming trend has sparked fears of a growing "intellectual haemorrhage" that could threaten the very survival of public universities in the country. Professor Abubakar Sabo, the ASUU Zonal Chairman for Sokoto, Kebbi, Zamfara, and Katsina States, disclosed this information during a town hall meeting organized by the ASUU Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto branch at the institution’s City Campus. He emphasized that many scholars are relocating to countries such as the United Kingdom, Saudi Arabia, Cameroon, and beyond, driven by the lack of adequate working conditions in Nigeria. “From the last action we had until...

Empowering the 21st-Century Girl: A Celebration of Strength and Potential Dansol High School, in collaboration with the Lagos State Government, participated in the global observance of the 2025 International Day of the Girl Child. This event aimed to reinforce the importance of empowering young girls through education, health, and equal opportunities. The celebration focused on themes that highlight the critical areas of health, safety, and overall well-being, which are essential for girls to reach their full potential. Health as the Foundation of Success During the event held at Dansol High School Hall in Agidingbi, Ikeja, Dr. Oluwatoni Adeyemi, representing the Special Adviser to the Governor on Health, Dr. Kemi Ogunyemi, emphasized the importance of good health as a cornerstone for building successful lives. She explained that a healthy girl is better equipped to make informed decisions and pursue her dreams with confidence and clarity. “Health is not just the absence of disease...

Escalation of Dispute Over Unpaid Salaries in Public Universities Lecturers and non-teaching staff at public universities have escalated their long-standing dispute with the government over unfulfilled pay agreements to Parliament. The issue has led to a four-year impasse, significantly impacting higher education institutions across the country. The university staff, represented by the University Academic Staff Union (Uasu) and the Kenya University Staff Union (Kusu), have submitted a petition to the National Assembly, seeking urgent intervention to resolve the situation. The petition was presented by Uasu Secretary General Constantine Wesonga and Kusu’s Charles Mukhwaya. During the reading of the petition on Thursday, Deputy Speaker Gladys Boss emphasized the prolonged disagreement regarding the actual amounts owed to approximately 30,000 public university employees. The unions argue that the total cost of implementing the 2017–21 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) is Sh16.57 bil...

Celebrating a Milestone in Traditional Medicine On 7 September 2025, the Sethsanda Alternative Naturopathy University - U.S.A celebrated its first anniversary at the BMICH Tulip Hall. This event marked not only the university’s milestone but also the anniversary of the Sethsanda Alternative Academy, the National Sri Lanka Alternative Medical Council, and the All Sri Lanka Revival Foundation for the Preservation of Global Hela Traditional Medicine. The ceremony brought together a diverse group of attendees, including Prof. S. H. Perera, Chancellor of the University; Alternative Dr. Virajith Bandara, Chairman of the institutions; and Alternative Dr. Ruwan Weeraratna, Registrar and General Secretary. Alongside them were academy staff, students, and recipients of honorary titles. A group of Bhikkhus from Bangladesh was also present, adding a spiritual dimension to the occasion. Panadura MP Chandima Hettiarachchi was among the distinguished guests who graced the event. Keynote Address an...

Addressing Menstrual Hygiene Challenges in Ghana The Ghana Education Service (GES) has taken a significant step towards promoting the welfare and dignity of schoolgirls by distributing over 6.6 million sanitary pads across the country. This initiative aims to address menstrual hygiene challenges and ensure that no girl misses school during her menstrual period. According to a statement issued by Daniel Fenyi, Head of Public Relations at GES, the distribution of 6,607,095 sanitary pads is part of broader efforts to support girls' education and well-being. The statement emphasized that this initiative is aligned with the Government of Ghana’s commitment to providing free sanitary pads to all schoolgirls from basic to second cycle levels on a monthly basis throughout their time in school. This effort comes as Ghana joins the global community in commemorating the International Day of the Girl Child on October 11 each year. This year’s theme, “The Girl I am. The change I lead: Girls ...

A Unique Educational Institution in Ikenne Remo At first glance, the school looks like any other struggling private establishment trying to find its footing. It consists of a single block of eight classrooms, a few offices, and several other buildings still under construction. The workforce is as lean as its student population; eight teachers supervise just about 45 pupils across both the primary and secondary sections, with the primary arm accounting for nearly 30 per cent. Locating the school for the first time was quite challenging. It is tucked deep within a farmland on the outskirts of Ikenne Remo, along the Ikenne–Odogbolu road, just beside the now-defunct Dideolu Specialist Hospital, owned by the family of the late sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo. Thankfully, I had the guidance of Mr Segun Awoyomi, a respected educationist and school owner in the town, whom I had contacted upon receiving the assignment. Without him, I would have easily missed my way. Fondly called Uncle Sege, the...

Introduction to STAT ReTreat 2025 Sri Lanka is set to host its first-ever residential networking camp for undergraduate students in Statistics, titled STAT ReTreat 2025. Organized by the Institute of Applied Statistics, Sri Lanka (IASSL), the event will take place at the National Institute of Co-operative Development (NICD) in Polgolla from October 17 to 19. This initiative aims to bring together aspiring statisticians from both public and private institutions, offering them a unique platform to connect, learn, and envision collaborative futures in the field of statistics and data science. About IASSL: A Professional Body for Statisticians The IASSL was formally established by an Act of Parliament (Act No. 38 of 2011) as the premier professional body for statisticians in Sri Lanka. It evolved from the Applied Statistics Association of Sri Lanka (ASASL), which was founded in 1999. The Institute's mandate includes promoting statistical education, research, training, and consultanc...

Iconic Open University Establishes New Study Campus in Lagos Iconic Open University has officially announced the establishment of its proposed university study campus in the heart of Lagos. This new facility will serve as the southern headquarters of the institution, located in Nigeria's economic capital and one of the most dynamic commercial hubs on the African continent. This development marks a significant milestone for the university, showcasing its dedication to making education more accessible and closer to the people it serves. By setting up this campus in Lagos, Iconic Open University is aligning itself with a city that is not only a center of commerce but also a hub of innovation and knowledge. The university aims to provide high-quality, flexible, and nationally recognized education to students across the region and beyond. Strategic Location and Modern Facilities The new Lagos Study Campus is situated within Lagos Island, a central area that connects the mainland wit...

Challenges Facing Ahmadu Bello University The Vice Chancellor of Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) Zaria, Prof. Adamu Ahmed, has expressed deep concern over the loss of talented staff to better opportunities both within and outside the country. This issue was highlighted during a press conference held to commemorate the 63rd anniversary of the university in Zaria. Prof. Ahmed pointed out that aging infrastructure and poor remuneration have significantly impacted staff motivation. He revealed that nearly 2,000 staff members have left the institution over the past five years. This exodus has created a critical need for replacement and additional staff to maintain and enhance the university's research and academic activities. One of the specific programs at ABU is currently run by a staff body that is 95% composed of professors. Prof. Ahmed warned that this situation could jeopardize the program's accreditation in the future and lead to a shortage of mentees who can take over from ...