The Lumine News

Category: Education

  • Open Letter to the Honorable Minister of Education: Preparing Our Students for the Impending Digital WAEC Examinations BY MIKE UDAM

    Open Letter to the Honorable Minister of Education: Preparing Our Students for the Impending Digital WAEC Examinations BY MIKE UDAM

    Open Letter to the Honorable Minister of Education: Preparing Our Students for the Impending Digital WAEC Examinations

    Your Excellency, Honorable Minister of Education,

    I write to you with a deep sense of urgency and responsibility regarding a matter that threatens the academic future of thousands of Nigerian students—the impending transition of the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) to Computer-Based Examinations (CBE). This shift, set to commence next year, presents a critical challenge that demands immediate and decisive action from your office.

    The current reality in many schools, particularly in Cross River State and likely across the nation, is alarming. Data suggests that over 80% of Senior Secondary Two (SS2) students lack basic computer literacy. Compounding this crisis is the fact that a significant number of our schools have no functional computer laboratories, and where they exist, access for students remains severely limited. Without foundational digital skills and exposure to computer-based testing formats, our students are being set up for systemic failure—a prospect that will have far-reaching consequences on their educational and professional futures.

    Your Excellency, the time for intervention is now. I respectfully urge your office to consider the following emergency measures:

    1. Immediate Adjustment of the Academic Calendar: A temporary shortening of the current third term, followed by a mandatory two-month intensive computer literacy program for all SS2 students, would provide them with the critical skills needed to navigate the digital WAEC examinations.
    2. Partnerships with Accredited Training Centers: Collaborate with reputable ICT training institutions to ensure students receive hands-on training in basic computer operations, typing, and digital test-taking strategies.
    3. Emergency Provision of Infrastructure: Direct immediate funding and support to schools lacking computer facilities, ensuring at least minimum digital readiness before the 2025 WAEC examinations.

    The stakes could not be higher. Without prompt action, we risk a generational setback in educational outcomes, with thousands of students failing not due to a lack of academic ability, but because of systemic unpreparedness for this digital transition.

    Your leadership at this pivotal moment can avert this looming disaster. I appeal to you to act swiftly and decisively, for the sake of our children and the future of Nigeria’s education system.

    Respectfully yours,
    Dr. Mike Udam
    School Teacher and Preacher
    Ogoja, Nigeria

  • UNICAL: Dean Calls On HODs, Mobilization Officers To Strengthen Collaboration For Seamless NYSC Process

    UNICAL: Dean Calls On HODs, Mobilization Officers To Strengthen Collaboration For Seamless NYSC Process

     

    The Dean of Student Affairs of the University of Calabar, Prof. Patrick Egaga, has called on Heads of Departments (HODs) and Mobilization Officers to strengthen collaboration to ensure a seamless and error-free NYSC mobilization process for Prospective Corps Members (PCMs).

    Prof. Egaga made this call during a stakeholders’ meeting held at the CES Conference Room, where key academic staff gathered to review and improve the mobilization procedures across the institution.

    In his remarks, the Dean emphasized the importance of using only senate-approved results in the mobilization process and warned against any form of compromise or undue influence from students or staff.

    “HODs should act as watchdogs to ensure Mobilization Officers carry out their duties diligently. Any mistake made in the mobilization process will be traced back to the department, and those responsible will be held accountable,” he warned.

    He further urged all departments to work in unity, emphasizing that consistency and cooperation between HODs and Mobilization Officers is critical to preventing errors and delays in student mobilization.

    The Dean also appealed to HODs to appoint mobilization officers based on capacity, integrity, trust, and service delivery driven output, rather than friendship.

    Also speaking at the event, , the Deputy Registrar, Student Affairs Division, Mr. Patrick Ibiang, delivered a paper titled “Enhancing Mobilization Process for Effective Service Delivery.”

    He clarified that the mobilization process begins and ends at the departmental level before final vetting by the Student Affairs Division.

    “Departments will bear full responsibility for any errors or invalidations, including the cost of reprinting university certificates,” he added.

    Mr. Michael Ikogor, the NYSC Data Entry Officer at the Student Affairs Division, gave a presentation on “Guidelines and Best Practices for NYSC Mobilization Data Entry.”

    He outlined frequent data entry mistakes and advised officers to verify information against senate-approved results.

    The event concluded with an interactive question-and-answer session, providing attendees the opportunity to clarify issues and share suggestions to improve the mobilization process.

    Public Relations Unit

  • UNICAL Secures Full Accreditation For 24 Programmes From NUC

    UNICAL Secures Full Accreditation For 24 Programmes From NUC

     

    The University of Calabar has secured full accreditation status for 24 programmes in the institution from the Nigerian Universities Commission (NUC).

    In a letter signed by Engr. Abraham Chundusu, on behalf of the Executive Secretary of the NUC, the Commission conveyed the outcome of the comprehensive accreditation exercise carried out in the institution in October/November 2024 to the university’s Vice Chancellor, Prof. Florence Banku Obi.

    The full accreditation status indicates that those programmes will run for five (5) years before another accreditation exercise would be carried out by NUC.

    Similarly, six (6) programmes also got accredited status, while two programmes got interim accreditation. Interim accreditation status is valid for two years, after which the programme will be re-visited.

    The gains of the accreditation exercise underscores the VC’s commitment towards a sustained academic standard, a well structured curriculum, aggressive infrastructural development, promotion of academic research amongst others.

  • UNICAL Dean Of Student’s Affairs Invites NYSC Mobilization Officers, HODs For A Crucial Meeting

    UNICAL Dean Of Student’s Affairs Invites NYSC Mobilization Officers, HODs For A Crucial Meeting

     

    As part of efforts to curb the negative trend of fraudulent mobilization of non qualified students for the mandatory one year National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), the Dean Student’s Affairs of the University of Calabar, Prof Patrick Egaga, has invited all NYSC Mobilization Officers and Heads of Departments to a crucial meeting slated for today Tuesday May 13th 2025 at the Center for Educational Services CES auditorium by 11:00am.

    In a release made available to TheLumineNews, Prof Egaga noted that “Attendance is mandatory as non-attendance will result in non-submission of your Department’s Batch ‘B’ 2025 Senate-approved results”.

    The release further indicates that the agenda for the meeting is NYSC Mobilization.

    The release, signed by Pastor Patrick Ibiang, Deputy Registrar and Students Affairs Officer, on behalf of the Dean quoted Egaga stating that “The meeting is bound to be explosive and exploratory with intent to blocking avenues leading to all forms of malpractices by Mobilization Portal Handlers within the University which squarely aligns with the vision of the current University administration “

  • UNICAL SLT Students Records Excellent Performance In MPE Papers 3 & 4 Exams

    UNICAL SLT Students Records Excellent Performance In MPE Papers 3 & 4 Exams

    Students in the Department of Science Laboratory Technology (SLT), University of Calabar have recorded a 99.9% pass in the Module 2 Mandatory Professional Examination (MPE) held in the month of March, 2023.

    The results schedule shows that twenty-six tertiary institutions took part in the examinations.

    In paper 3, of the 494 Unical students that registered for the exams, 492 passed while 2 students were absent.

    Similarly, of the 494 that enrolled from Unical for paper 4, 489 passed while 5 were absent.

    The results schedule however indicated that there were 10 irregularities for both papers for which the Head, Department of Science Laboratory Technology, Dr. Ivon Etta noted that “The few cases of irregularities as remarked were as a result of wrong Examination Reference Numbers which are being traced for rectification.

    “Recall module 1 was written last year October 2024, and we recorded 98% Pass, while module 2 was written in March this year 2025, and we just recorded 99.9% pass rate.

    “This outstanding performance can be attributed to hard work, dedication from students and Lecturers and the Vice Chancellor, Prof Florence Obi, who created the enabling environment for robust learning and teaching.

    “I returned with about 158 Licenses for our inducted Graduates. 151 license are expected next week as the Nigerian Institute of Science Laboratory Technology NISLT is releasing them in batches according to students’ compliance with the registration template”.

    Public Relations Unit
    University of Calabar

  • C’River Ministry Of Education Condemns Use Of School Premises During School Hours By Members Of The Public

    C’River Ministry Of Education Condemns Use Of School Premises During School Hours By Members Of The Public

    By Elijah Ugani 

    The Cross River State Commissioner for Education, Sen Stephen Odey, has condemned in strongest term the use of Government Secondary School Atu for a public function to which affected academic activities within school hours.

    The Commissioner made the condemnation today, April 4th when a video was circulated in the Internet showing students writing second term examination while a public function was going on in the school.

    In a release made available to TheLumineNews, the Commissioner has ordered the principal and Head Teacher of the secondary and primary school to appear before a disciplinary committee on Monday April 7th, 2025.

    The release reads “Earlier today, a video emerged on social media showing students taking their second-term examination while loud music played within the school premises from a ceremony held within the school premises, thereby affecting the students writing their examination as well affecting academic activities and hindering students from achieving desired results. Senator Associate Professor Stephen Odey, Commissioner for Education Cross River State, has issued directives to the affected school Principal, Mrs. Cordelia Imoke, of Government Secondary School, Atu Street, Calabar South, and the Head teacher of Government Primary School, Atu Street, Calabar South, Mrs. Adiaha Hogan Achibong, to appear before a disciplinary panel by Monday, April 7, 2025 at the Ministry of Education Headquarters Calabar.

    “The Cross River State Ministry of Education unequivocally condemns the unauthorized occupation of public school facilities during school hours and has queried the defaulting school heads, warning other school administrators against such actions that hinder positive academic achievement, as a conducive school environment is essential for learning”.

  • Meet Unical Best Graduating Student 2025, Moses Udofia With a CPGA 4.92

    Meet Unical Best Graduating Student 2025, Moses Udofia With a CPGA 4.92

    Meet Unical Best Graduating Student 2025, Moses Udofia With a CPGA 4.92

    He won the overall Best Graduating Student of the 37th Convocation Ceremony of the University of Calabar and he won a prize of 1 Million Naira.

    He’s a graduate of the Department of Accounting.

    Congratulations 🎉🎊

  • UNICAL Announces NELFUND Loan, Assures Students Who Have Paid Complete Fees Of Refund

    UNICAL Announces NELFUND Loan, Assures Students Who Have Paid Complete Fees Of Refund

    UNIVERSITY OF CALABAR, CALABAR

    OFFICE OF THE DEPUTY VICE CHANCELLOR (ACADEMIC)

    ANNOUNCEMENT ON NELFUND LOAN 2023/2024 AND REGISTRATION FOR 2024/2025

    Students of the University of Calabar are charged to carefully note and be guided by the following:

    1. All beneficiaries of NELFUND Loan 2023/2024, who paid their fees for the session and are yet to graduate, will be given access to register for the 2024/2025 Session. In other words, the released 2023/2024 loan will be used to settle their 2024/2025 fees.
    As expected, when the 2024/2025 loan is released, the beneficiaries due to graduate within the session will be refunded after Bursary Clearance.

    2. The beneficiaries who paid their full fees in both 2023/2024 and 2024/2025 will be refunded the fee paid for 2023/2024 Session, pending the release of 2024/2025 Loan.

    3. Beneficiaries who graduated in the 2023/2024 Session will be refunded the fee paid to the University after Bursary Clearance.

    4. Beneficiaries and other students alike are urged to register for the 2024/2025 Loan, for which the verification of applicants is ongoing.

    5. Beneficiaries who made part payment in the 2023/2024 and have not settled the balance will have to pay it in 2024/2025.

    6. The dashboard of beneficiaries on the fee portal is to be configured to reflect NELFUND disbursement

    7. University of Calabar ICT Centre is a hub for NELFUND Registration.

    8. All students are advised to avail themselves of this unique opportunity and register for NELFUND now.

    Thank you.

    Prof. Tony Eyang
    DVC (Academic)
    13|01|2025

  • Sen Jarigbe Commissions Classroom Blocks, Staff Room With Modern Toilets In Obanliku 

    Sen Jarigbe Commissions Classroom Blocks, Staff Room With Modern Toilets In Obanliku 

     

    In a significant boost to education in Cross River State, the Senator representing Cross River North Senatorial District, Senator Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe has officially commissioned newly constructed classroom blocks and staff rooms in Blukonu Migrant School Bebi and Government Secondary School Lushiche, Bishiri North, both in Obanliku Local Government Area of Cross River State.

    The projects, which include six new classroom blocks and staff rooms in each of the schools, are aimed at providing a conducive learning environment for students. Modern toilets were also constructed to complement the new facilities.

    Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, Senator Jarigbe emphasized the importance of quality education in transforming the lives of young people. He expressed his commitment to supporting educational development in his constituency, noting that the projects would have a positive impact on the local communities through job creation and economic growth.

    Hon. Moses Ocheche on behalf of the Bishiri elders thanked Senator Jarigbe for his efforts in empowering communities and constituents. He assured the lawmaker of continued support.

    In Bebi, the pupils of the school all turned out in their uniforms to appreciate Senator Jarigbe for facilitating the first academic building with modern equipment to their school.

    Senator Jarigbe was accompanied by the member representing Obudu/Bekwarra/Obanliku, Hon. Peter Akpanke, Hon. Pius Ashakia, Mr. John Ben Onah, Chief Austin Edibe, party leaders and other members of the public.

    TEAM JARI MEDIA

  • UNICROSS Staff Embark On Indefinite Strike, Demands Payment Of About 500M For Palliatives, Consequential Adjustment

    UNICROSS Staff Embark On Indefinite Strike, Demands Payment Of About 500M For Palliatives, Consequential Adjustment

    Ndifereke BASSEY

    THE Joint Action Committee (JAC) of SSANU, NASU AND NAAT, SSANI have declared an indefinite industrial action to press home their demands of about five hundred million naira for Palliatives, payments of arrears and other entitlements.

    The Union members expressed dismay at the nonchalant attitude of the management and the government over  staff welfare, saying, “nobody had the courtesy to call them for a meeting all this while.”

    They noted,  only Union leaders have been  initiating meetings to no avail, expressing disappointment that the government and management have concluded arrangements to implement a  no-work-no-pay policy, if the strike action is actualized,

    “According to them,  we are not bothered because we are use to the struggle and will take it to the end.”

    After the Congress, held at ETF 1 lecture hall on Monday, November 4, 2024, the Union unanimously voted for an indefinite strike action until their demands are met.

    In a statement jointly  signed by Chairmen and Secretary of the three trade Unions at the institution, Comr. Mark Enang Ayo (SSANU, Chairman), Comr. Vincent Etta (JAC/NAAT, Chairman) and  Comr. Prince E. Bassey (JAC, Secretary) onbehalf of the  unions states: “Having given Management, Council and Government a total of ninety-six (96) working days from June 11, 2024, when the Unions in the University of Cross River State declared a trade dispute over some crucial issues and having not received any concrete commitment from all the aforementioned parties, the Joint Action Committee (JAC) of NASU, SSANU and NAAT held her Congress on Wednesday September 25, 2024 and resolved  “that, the key issues requiring Government’s attention, as listed in our notice of warning strike dated August 16, 2024 cannot be compromised.

    “That, the issues highlighted in our numerous correspondences to Management
    and Council must be met to avert the looming indefinite strike action by the Unions.

    “It should be noted that unions are critical stakeholders and partners in the university project, our interest must not be compromised.

    ” To this end, JAC will withdraw the services of her members throughout the period of the strike action.”