Chris Infotainment

New Educational Policies and Initiatives in Ghana The recent developments in Ghana's education sector have brought about significant changes aimed at improving teaching and learning outcomes across the country. One of the most notable directives is the compulsory use of mother tongue as a medium of instruction in all basic schools. This move, announced by Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu, marks a crucial step towards enhancing educational accessibility and effectiveness. Compulsory Use of Mother Tongue in Basic Schools Minister Iddrisu emphasized that the directive to use mother tongues in teaching is part of broader efforts to improve the quality of education. He highlighted that this approach would help students better understand and engage with their lessons, especially during the early stages of development. During the official launch of the Free Tertiary Education for Persons with Disability initiative, the Minister shared a story about a young girl from the Ashanti Regio...

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 Importance of World Teachers' Day Every year on October 5, the world celebrates Teachers' Day, a day dedicated to recognizing the vital role educators play in shaping societies. This year's theme, "Recasting Teaching as a Collaborative Profession," highlights the need for a shift from traditional, isolated teaching methods to more dynamic, team-based approaches. This collaborative model emphasizes peer networks, shared planning time, and collective problem-solving, which can significantly enhance teaching and learning experiences. However, while this approach is gaining traction globally, especially in response to teacher shortages, it remains an aspiration in many regions, including Nigeria. Here, teachers often face severe challenges that make collaboration seem unattainable. Challenges Facing Nigerian Teachers Nigeria's education system is plagued by deep-rooted issues that have persisted for decades. Overcrowded classrooms, deteriorating infrastruc...

Governor Honors Teachers on World Teachers' Day Katsina State Governor, Malam Dikko Umaru Radda, has extended his warmest greetings to teachers across the state on the occasion of the 2025 World Teachers’ Day. His message, shared through his Chief Press Secretary, Ibrahim Kaula Mohammed, highlights the vital role that educators play in shaping the future of Katsina State and Nigeria. The Importance of Teachers in Education and Nation-Building In his statement, Governor Radda emphasized that teachers are the cornerstone of educational development and nation-building. He praised their dedication and sacrifices, which continue to have a lasting impact on the progress of the state and the country as a whole. The Governor’s message aligns with the theme of this year’s World Teachers’ Day: 'Recasting Teaching as a Collaborative Profession.' He stressed that teaching must evolve beyond individual efforts and embrace partnerships, teamwork, and shared responsibility among educa...

A Global Celebration of Educators In celebration of World Teachers' Day 2025, the British Council is set to bring together thousands of educators from around the world for what will be its largest global gathering of teachers. This event promises to be a significant milestone in the education sector, offering a platform for professionals to share knowledge, experiences, and innovative teaching methods. From 9-11 October 2025, the Council's Teaching English programme will host a free, three-day online conference themed 'Global voices, future focus'. This conference is designed primarily for English language teachers and teacher educators, but it also welcomes educators from other disciplines who seek to develop their professional practice. Over three days, participants will connect with peers from every continent, share classroom experiences, and gain practical skills they can immediately apply in their teaching. The conference will offer an immersive learning experie...

A New Approach to Education in Northern Nigeria Two Nigerians are making waves in the global tech scene by introducing an education app that is changing how students and teachers approach learning. Abubakar Sadiq Umar and Bilal Abdullahi, co-founders of Breni, have created a platform that addresses the unique challenges faced by learners in Northern Nigeria. Traditional edtech startups often focus on online platforms with pre-recorded courses that require payment. However, Breni takes a different route by leveraging AI to offer personalized learning experiences tailored to individual needs. Addressing Educational Gaps In many parts of Northern Nigeria, students face significant challenges such as language barriers and difficulty adapting to new technology. These issues create a gap in the educational system that Breni aims to bridge. Umar highlights the disparity between modern students and outdated teaching methods: "There is this educational dilemma that 21st century kids o...

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...

The Growing Crisis of Teacher Stress in South Korea A recent case involving an elementary school teacher, referred to as A, highlights the intense stress and challenges faced by educators in South Korea. A was diagnosed with depression after a series of events that began when they reprimanded a student who used inappropriate language during class. The student then ran out of the classroom, leading to protests from the parents. They accused A of speaking to their child in a harsh manner and even threatened to report them for child abuse. As complaints continued, A lost motivation and became increasingly anxious, eventually requiring hospitalization. This incident is not isolated. South Korean teachers are experiencing some of the highest levels of stress globally due to parental complaints and verbal violence from students. According to the 'International Comparative Study on Teachers and Teaching Environments (TALIS) 2024' conducted by the OECD, 56.9% of South Korean teachers...

Nairobi City County's Commitment to Early Learning The Nairobi City County Government has taken a significant step forward in its mission to provide quality early learning by co-creating a play-based learning manual for Early Childhood Development and Education (ECDE) teachers. This initiative is part of a broader effort to enhance foundational learning through innovative and inclusive teaching methods. A Collaborative Workshop A high-impact two-day Play-Based Learning Manual Development Workshop was recently held, marking a crucial milestone in the development of this manual. The workshop was conducted in collaboration with Big Win Philanthropy and brought together leading education partners and experts. The goal was to translate the national Early Childhood Development (ECD) curriculum’s vision into practical, classroom-based teaching strategies. Brian Mulama, County Executive for Talent, Skills and Care (TSC), highlighted the importance of the workshop, stating that it focus...

Launching of the Young Learner English Centre at International Hope School Bangladesh On Saturday, the launching ceremony of a new Young Learner English Centre at International Hope School Bangladesh (IHSB), Uttara campus, took place on its premises in the city. This event marks a significant milestone in the educational landscape of Bangladesh. The British Council has expanded its English language teaching network by partnering with this school, which is the first and only institution in the country to collaborate with the council. This partnership aims to provide students with access to high-quality English education that meets international standards. A Hub for Learning and Growth Head of the Primary Section of IHSB, Nazmun Nahar, expressed that the new centre is expected to become a vibrant hub for children and teenagers eager to improve their English skills in an engaging and supportive environment. The initiative aligns with the school's mission to foster holistic educati...

Launch of Interactive Smart Boards in Nigerian Schools The Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, recently launched the distribution of over 800 Interactive Smart Boards to selected primary and secondary schools across Nigeria. The event took place at Queens College in Lagos, marking a significant step in the country's efforts to modernize its education system. A Shift Toward Technology-Driven Learning Alausa emphasized that this initiative is part of the government’s broader agenda to integrate technology into teaching and learning processes. He explained that the move from traditional chalkboards to smart boards represents a shift from one-directional learning methods to dynamic, interactive, and technology-enabled active learning. This transformation aims to make classrooms more engaging and effective for both students and teachers. The minister highlighted that the smart boards will allow teachers to incorporate multimedia, digital textbooks, and real-time interaction into th...

Introduction to the 2025 Super Wonderland French Funfair The 2025 Super Wonderland French Funfair is set to take place on October 25, 2025, at the Borteyman Sports Complex. This event aims to spark interest among children in learning French by making it fun and engaging. The initiative is organized by GH Online French Lessons for Kids/Adults and Corporate, a platform dedicated to providing quality French language education. Madam Mildred Frimpong, the Chief Executive Officer of GH Online French Lessons, shared details about the event with the media in Tema. She emphasized that the funfair is not just an entertainment activity but also an educational opportunity designed to make French learning enjoyable for both children and adults. Why French Learning Needs a New Approach According to Madam Frimpong, traditional teaching methods have often failed to generate excitement among learners. Many students find French uninteresting due to outdated approaches, which has led to a decline i...

The Rise of Breni: A Nigerian Edtech Startup Redefining Learning Two Nigerians are making waves in the global edtech space with an innovative education app that is changing how students and teachers approach learning. Abubakar Sadiq Umar and Bilal Abdullahi, co-founders of Breni, are working to bridge the gap in educational systems by offering a personalized learning experience tailored to individual needs. Unlike many edtech startups in Nigeria that focus on online platforms with pre-recorded courses, Breni takes a different approach. The startup leverages artificial intelligence (AI) to create a more flexible and adaptive learning environment. This method addresses the diverse learning styles and language preferences of users, which traditional schools often overlook. Addressing Educational Challenges In Northern Nigeria, where language barriers and limited access to technology can hinder learning, Breni aims to provide a solution. Umar explains that the current educational syste...

Teachers Across Kenya Raise Concerns Over Unfamiliar Subjects and Systemic Challenges Junior Secondary School (JSS) teachers in Kenya are expressing growing frustration over being assigned to teach subjects they were not trained for during their college years. This issue has sparked widespread concern about training gaps, classroom effectiveness, and the overall quality of education under the new curriculum. The grievances have been highlighted through nationwide demonstrations, where teachers have called for structural reforms, greater autonomy, and clearer career progression plans. These concerns point to deeper systemic issues affecting morale and performance within JSS institutions. The Challenge of Teaching Unfamiliar Subjects One teacher, who was trained in English, shared her struggle with being assigned to teach Integrated Science, which includes Physics—a subject she dropped in Form Two. "It is becoming a challenge when a teacher of English is told to teach something ...

A Journey Through Kenyan English and the Evolution of Language A decade and a half ago, I was part of an email group where friends and I took great pleasure in highlighting common errors in spoken and written English among Kenyans. At the time, I worked as a newspaper sub-editor, which gave me the perfect opportunity to spot these mistakes. Sub-editors play a crucial role in refining news stories by ensuring clarity, grammar, and adherence to the publication's style. This made me an ideal participant in our little linguistic game. Back then, we were in the golden age of long email exchanges, before WhatsApp arrived in 2009 and changed the way people communicated. Whenever we came across a glaring mistake, we would note it down and share it with the group. It was like a form of linguistic trophy hunting. One memorable example was an email from a corporate employee to his boss that read: “I have always given it my best foot.” What he meant was “I always put my best foot forward,” ...

Embracing Technical and Vocational Education for National Growth Mr. Elvis Afriyie Ankrah, the Presidential Envoy for Interfaith and Ecumenical Relations, has called on Ghanaians to recognize the importance of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) as a key driver for national development. His message came during the launch of a TVET school, dedicated to the late Dr. J. Kofi Turkson, the brother of Cardinal Peter Appiah Turkson. At the event, Mr. Ankrah emphasized how technical and vocational skills have been instrumental in the economic growth of countries such as Malaysia, Singapore, and Japan. He pointed out that when Ghana gained independence, it was on par with these nations. However, he noted that these countries have since moved ahead by prioritizing TVET programs. “My hope and belief is that with President Mahama’s vision, Ghana can achieve similar progress,” he said. “I even pray our prophets will start seeing visions of Ghana becoming like Malaysia and Sing...

Challenges Faced by Dabillipuo Community in Providing Quality Education The residents of the Dabillipuo community in the Wa East District have raised concerns about the deteriorating condition of their local school's infrastructure, highlighting that it is unsuitable for children’s education in the 21st century. They describe the current state of the building as a “death-trap” due to its vulnerability to collapse, especially during the rainy season. Mr. Andrews Dari Dagil, the Chairperson of the Dabillipuo School Management Committee (SMC), shared these concerns with the Ghana News Agency (GNA) during an interview at the community. He emphasized that the risks posed by the structure endanger the lives of students and teachers, despite the community's strong commitment to education. The Dabillipuo Basic School was initially established as a community initiative in 2007, using grass tents as classrooms and relying on Senior High School graduates as teachers. The community supp...

Katsina State Launches Major Educational Initiative Katsina State Government has taken a significant step towards improving the quality of education by launching a step-down training program for 18,000 teachers. Alongside this initiative, the government has also begun distributing 20,000 tablets to selected beneficiaries. This move is aimed at enhancing teaching methods and ultimately improving educational outcomes across the state. The launch event was presided over by the Deputy Governor, Faruq Jobe, who represented Governor Dikko Radda. The ceremony was attended by various officials and stakeholders who emphasized the importance of these initiatives in transforming the education sector. Key Initiatives Underway During the event, the Deputy Governor highlighted several key projects that have been implemented to revamp the education system. These include: Distribution of school materials and 30,000 uniforms to less privileged children. Provision of specialized teaching aids for...

A New Era in Child Development Research The Behavioural Insights Research and Design Laboratory (BIRD-Lab) has made its debut at the University of Lagos, marking a significant milestone in Nigeria's efforts to improve child survival and development. This initiative, spearheaded by the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), aims to strengthen research on the social and behavioral factors that influence children's well-being. Collaborative Efforts for Better Outcomes The BIRD-Lab was established in partnership with 19 Nigerian universities, creating a network dedicated to enhancing the application of social and behavioral insights in child-focused programs across the country. This collaboration is expected to serve as a central hub for both traditional and innovative research into behavioral patterns that impact health, education, and social development. This facility, recognized as the first of its kind in Nigeria and the second in Africa, is designed to produce evidence-b...

The Evolution of Education and Skill Requirements The transformation of education and the evolving demands for skills are reshaping educational systems around the globe, though at varying paces. Each country and region is adapting to these changes, influenced by their unique social and economic priorities and conditions. This dynamic landscape raises important questions about the relevance of traditional degrees and the future of higher education. The Shift in Educational Paradigms In the early 2000s, the UK saw a significant push towards 'employability' in post-1970 institutions. Degree programs underwent extensive overhauls to align with the goal of producing graduates who could meet industry needs. This process involved collaboration with industry stakeholders and professional accreditation bodies to ensure that curricula included essential professional skills. The integration of numeracy and science into business education became crucial. Subjects like data analytics fo...