Chris Infotainment

Recognition of Excellence in Agricultural Education The Northern College of Science and Technology, located in the Yendi Municipality of the Northern Region, has been awarded the 2025 National Best Junior High School in Practical Agriculture at the 41st National Farmers’ Day awards ceremony. This prestigious event took place in Ho, within the Volta region, and highlighted the school’s remarkable contributions to sustainable agriculture. This recognition is a testament to the school's dedication to promoting agricultural practices and cultivating future agricultural leaders. The award comes with a significant package of support, including the construction of a 12-unit classroom block by GETFund and a brand-new mini-bus from Beft Agro. Additionally, the school received a 22-horsepower diesel multi-functional tricycle equipped with a thresher, sprayers, cutlasses, knapsack sprayers, wellington boots, and various agro-chemicals. Mr Nathaniel Adams, the founder of the Northern Colleg...

A New Era for Education in Karamoja A significant milestone has been achieved in the realm of higher education in Karamoja with the official unveiling of the Karamoja Peace and Technology University (KAPATU) in Losilang, Kotido District. This event marked a turning point for the Ateker community, drawing attention from various stakeholders including local residents, regional leaders, religious figures, and international diplomats. The university was established through the collaboration of several key partners, such as the Catholic Diocese of Moroto, the Catholic Diocese of Kotido, the Catholic Lawyers Society International (CLASI), and the Government of Uganda. Its mission is to foster peace, technology, innovation, and human development within the sub-region. John Baptist Lokii, the NRM Vice Chairperson for Karamoja, emphasized that the creation of this institution is a direct result of the ruling party's long-term commitment to transforming the region. He urged everyone to pr...

A Tragic Loss in Kakamega, Kenya In the quiet village of Ludodo, located in Likuyani Sub-County, the community gathered to say a final farewell to Simon Isiaho Shange, the principal of Munyuki Secondary School. His burial was marked by deep sorrow and emotional outbursts from family members, friends, and students who had once been under his guidance. Shange’s body was discovered in River Chikali days after he went missing on Monday, November 3. At the time, he was en route to collect the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) examination papers for his students. The circumstances surrounding his disappearance have raised serious concerns, with authorities suspecting foul play. Initial findings suggest that he may have suffered torture before his death, leaving many questions unanswered. The funeral service took place on November 25, drawing a large crowd of mourners. Among them were teachers from Lugari, who expressed their fears about the current state of affairs in their...

Understanding the Complex Factors Behind School Violence in Southern Africa School violence is a global public health issue that affects learners and teachers alike. It encompasses physical and psychological abuse, cyber threats, bullying, fights, gangsterism, and the use of weapons within school settings. The consequences of such violence are severe, impacting not only the individuals involved but also the broader school community and surrounding neighborhoods. The effects of school violence are far-reaching. It compromises the safety of students and educators, leading to increased stress levels, academic decline, and behavioral issues. Furthermore, it can perpetuate a cycle of violence that extends beyond the school environment into the wider community. In Southern Africa, this problem is particularly prevalent. Countries such as South Africa, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, and Namibia have reported significant instances of school violence. In 2008, the Southern African Development Communi...

Federal Capital Territory Administration Denies Claims of School Closure The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has officially denied reports that all government schools in the FCT were ordered to shut down by November 28, 2025. The administration described the information as entirely false and misleading. Earlier reports suggested that the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, had issued a directive for the closure of senior secondary schools on November 28, 2025, citing concerns over insecurity. According to the report, this decision was communicated through a memo from the Director of School Services, Aishatu Alhassan, titled “Urgent Need for Early Closure of Schools Due To Security Concerns.” The memo reportedly instructed school principals and heads to cease academic activities and ensure students were dismissed in an orderly manner. However, in a statement released on Tuesday, Lere Olayinka, the Senior Special Assistant to the Minister on Public Communications and Social Med...

Portable’s Decision to Return to School Controversial street-hop artiste, Habeeb Okikiola, known as Portable, has shared his reasons for planning to return to school. He believes that education will help him maintain a balance between fame and professionalism while managing his music career more effectively. In a video posted on his Instagram page, Portable emphasized the importance of education, even with his achievements in the entertainment industry. He holds an Ordinary National Diploma (OND) from Kwara State Polytechnic but feels the need to continue his studies. His motivation stems from a desire to grow intellectually and set a positive example for his children. “I wan go back to school. I want to finish my education. I dey sponsor people’s children and my own children too. I don’t want my children to be mocked that their father is illiterate,” he said. Portable also mentioned that he did not collect the certificate for the ND programme he completed at Kwara State Polytechni...

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...

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...

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 Civic Education Clubs in Ga North Municipality The National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) has taken a significant step towards fostering civic awareness among young people by establishing Civic Education Clubs (CEC) in five schools within the Ga North Municipality, Accra. This initiative aims to empower students to explore civic issues, develop critical thinking skills, and cultivate responsible citizenship. Launch of the Civic Education Clubs The inaugural ceremony was led by Madam Mabel Manufie, the Ga North Municipal Director of NCCE, and took place at the Disciplined Child School in Ayawaso, Accra. The event marked the official launch of the CECs in the following schools: Executive Disciplined Child School, Peace Anchor Academy, Prinsac International School, Mighty Jesus Academy, and Floyd Albert International School. Madam Manufie emphasized that the establishment of these clubs aligns with the NCCE’s mandate to formulate, implement, and oversee program...

A Community-Driven Initiative to Improve Road Infrastructure A prominent educational institution in the Nairobi metropolis is taking a proactive step to address the pressing issue of poor road conditions in its surrounding areas. St Bakhita School, known for its excellence in primary education with campuses in both Nairobi and Machakos, has partnered with the Sabaki Residence Association to launch a significant infrastructure development project. The initiative, which involves paving approximately four kilometers of roads using cabro blocks, aims to raise over KSh 15 million. This ambitious project is designed to transform the challenging road conditions that have long plagued the Sabaki area, particularly during the rainy season when the earth roads become muddy and impassable. During dry periods, the roads turn into dust-laden pathways, creating uncomfortable and unsafe conditions for residents and students alike. The project was officially launched on Mazingira Day, an event tha...

Legal Victory for Avicenne Muslim Middle School A significant legal victory has been secured by the Avicenne Muslim middle school in Nice, located in the Alpes-Maritimes region. This week, the Marseille administrative court of appeal overturned the closure order that had been issued against the institution. The court's decision confirmed the annulment of a prefectural decree, which had initially been deemed too severe due to accounting errors. The closure decree was first issued in March 2024 and was temporarily suspended a month later by the administrative court in Nice. Following a thorough review, the decree was ultimately annulled in July 2024. This ruling aligns with the initial judgment that found the accounting issues were not sufficient to justify such an extreme measure. The institution's lawyer, Me Sefen Guez Guez, described this as a "third consecutive victory" and expressed hope that the ongoing efforts against the college would finally come to an end....

NELFUND Extends Verification Deadline for Tertiary Institutions The Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) has announced a final extension of 48 hours to allow tertiary institutions that have not yet completed their student verification process for the 2024/2025 academic year to finalize their submissions. This decision was made to ensure that all eligible students are properly captured and verified as part of the ongoing loan application process. The announcement was made in a statement released by Mrs. Oseyemi Oluwatuyi, Director of Strategic Communications at NELFUND, during a briefing in Abuja on Friday. According to the statement, the verification portal will be open from 12:00 a.m. on Sunday, October 12, to 12:00 a.m. on Tuesday, October 14. This additional time is aimed at providing institutions with a last chance to complete the necessary steps before the deadline. Oluwatuyi emphasized the importance of this final opportunity, urging all affected institutions to take full ad...

Long Journeys for Special Needs Students in Sheffield Children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) in Sheffield are facing long commutes to schools outside their local area, some traveling up to 50 miles or even 117 miles for a residential school. This situation has raised concerns among parents, educators, and local authorities about the impact on students and the sustainability of the current system. According to council data, the furthest distance a child travels is 117 miles to a residential school where a taxi drops them off on Monday and collects them on Friday. Warren Carratt, CEO of Nexus Multi-Academy Trust, which operates 16 SEND schools in South Yorkshire, described the issue as a "wicked issue" that parents are grappling with. He noted that some children travel for up to an hour and a half, which he believes is not ideal. Sheffield City Council stated it is consistently looking at ways to minimize journeys, while the government mentioned its...

A Mother’s Outrage Over the Cost of a School Trip to Kenya A mother of six has voiced her frustration over the high cost of a school trip to Kenya, which she claims is unaffordable for many families. Carla Hoskins, 38, from Radlett in Hertfordshire, was shocked when she discovered that sending her son Blake Spencer, 14, on a nine-night trip would cost £2,186. The price includes return flights, a work placement at a primary school, and several excursions such as a safari trip. However, parents are also expected to cover additional expenses like drinks, snacks, mosquito nets, travel vaccinations, and other optional activities. Ms. Hoskins described the cost as "crazy" and emphasized that she could take her entire family of seven on a holiday for less. She shared her experience on TikTok, where her video received thousands of likes and comments. Many users expressed disbelief at the amount, with one commenting, “I paid less for a family of four all-inclusive [holiday] to Corfu...

A Heartwarming Return to Thornhill Community Academy An Educating Yorkshire student made a touching return to the school that helped him overcome his stammer 12 years ago, inspiring current students with his story. In the latest episode of the Channel 4 series, Musharaf Asghar, now 29, shared his journey with the Year 11 students at Thornhill Community Academy. The clip was recently broadcast on BBC News, highlighting the impact of the teacher who helped Musharaf, Matt Burton. Mr. Burton, who is now the headteacher of the school in Dewsbury, explained why he decided to allow cameras back for a second series of Educating Yorkshire. The Importance of Teaching as a Profession Mr. Burton emphasized the need to showcase teaching as a desirable profession for university graduates. He acknowledged the challenging recruitment landscape and stressed the importance of demonstrating that working in schools is an absolute privilege. He said: "Young people are so resilient, kind, and de...

A Mother's Distress Over Her Son's School Access A mother from Kajiado is facing a deeply troubling situation after her Grade 2 son was allegedly denied access to the gate leading to his school. The incident has sparked widespread concern and outrage, with many questioning the fairness of the decision. In a video that has gone viral on TikTok, the distressed mother can be seen walking through the estate while explaining the ordeal that has significantly impacted her family’s life. She claims that the issue began when her son, named Kinda, got into a minor fight with another child at school. According to her, the teachers intervened and resolved the matter, with both children apologizing to each other and moving forward. Despite this resolution, the mother alleges that her son was subsequently told not to use the passage to the school. She emphasized that her son had already asked for forgiveness when the teachers reprimanded him and addressed the issue within the school set...

Yobe State Launches Initiative to Support Islamic Schools The Yobe State Government has officially launched the distribution of learning materials to Tsangaya and Islamiyya (Islamic schools) throughout the state. This initiative is aimed at improving the welfare of Almajiri children and enhancing the capacity of Islamiyya schools by creating a more structured, safe, and supportive learning environment. During the flag-off ceremony, Malam Umar Abubakar, the Executive Secretary of the Yobe State Arabic and Islamic Education Board (AISEB), highlighted that the agency has introduced several welfare programs to improve the living conditions of Tsangaya pupils. These programs are designed to ensure that students receive better care and educational support. According to Abubakar, the state government has distributed a variety of essential items to various Almajiri schools. These include: 20,000 mats 2,200 mosquito nets 3,500 food dishes 3,000 pairs of shoes 30,000 textbooks Other d...

Rising Dropout Rates: A Complex Issue with Deep Roots The issue of student dropouts is not just a matter of financial hardship or lack of resources. Many students who have left school cite the mindset and environment at home as significant contributing factors. While economic challenges play a role, the emotional and social pressures within families can be equally, if not more, impactful. According to the 2022/23 Education Statistical Yearbook, there has been a noticeable decline in dropout rates across both primary and secondary education. In primary schools, the dropout rate dropped from 7.1% in 2020/21 to 5.5% in 2021/22, while in secondary schools, it decreased from 9.2% to 7.5% during the same period. This trend reflects ongoing efforts by the government and various organizations to address the root causes of educational disengagement. A Personal Journey: From Dropout to Re-Enrollment Jean-Baptiste Nsengiyumva, a 25-year-old Senior Four student studying Languages at G.S. Kireb...