Flowerbud News

Category: Education and Youth

  • Nigeria’s Award-Winning Playwright Majekodunmi Ebhohon and Former FIFA World Cup Player H.K. Yahaya Jawula Headline JAY Lit Issue 11

    Nigeria’s Award-Winning Playwright Majekodunmi Ebhohon and Former FIFA World Cup Player H.K. Yahaya Jawula Headline JAY Lit Issue 11

    The Journal of African Youth Literature (JAY Lit) has unveiled the cover and contributors for its 11th issue, slated for release later in June 2026.

    According to the journal, the nature- and climate-themed edition brings together works across poetry, fiction, creative nonfiction, drama, visual arts and photography, featuring contributors from Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya and Zambia.

    Among the writers and artists featured in the issue are Majekodunmi O. Ebhohon, whose play The Great Delusion won the 2025 Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA) Prize for Drama, and former 1999 FIFA Women’s World Cup player H.K. Yahaya Jawula.

    JAY Lit said the issue’s cover and visual identity draw inspiration from artwork by Natasha Devalia, who previously contributed to the journal’s ninth issue.

    In its announcement, the journal described the edition as a meeting point for both emerging and established voices within contemporary African literature and the arts. It also acknowledged the contributions of its editorial staff, peer reviewers and volunteers, whose efforts supported the production of the issue.

    The contributors are:

    POETRY – Victor Obukata, Scott Frost, Chidera Echedom, Emmanuel Sanusi, Victoria Kerubo, Majekodunmi O. Ebhohon, Opeyemi Ajewole

    FICTION – Douglas Hajanika, Inimfon Inyang-Kpanantia, Súnmisọ́lá Olúdé, Adebayo Ibraheem, H.K. Yahaya Jawula, Emmanuel Oluwatobi Shoyebo, Janet Olobadola

    CREATIVE NONFICTION – Obaditan Oluwakorede Oluwatosin, Chidera Udochukwu-Nduka

    PLAY – Olaseni Kehinde Precious

    VISUAL ARTS – Natasha Devalia (cover), Ogo Onyeji, Ojo Olaniyi

    PHOTOGRAPHY – Seyram Klu De-Souza

    The journal also announced that contributors in the poetry, fiction and creative nonfiction categories will be eligible for consideration in the 2026 JAY Lit Awards, with longlists expected in December 2026 alongside the publication of Issue 12.

    JAY Lit publishes literature written by, about and for African youth. According to the journal, it defines “African” in terms of origin and heritage rather than race or ethnicity and welcomes submissions from writers across the continent and the diaspora. The publication also maintains a multilingual editorial approach, publishing work in African languages as well as English, French and Portuguese.

    Submissions for JAY Lit Issue 12 are expected to open in July 2026.

  • 81 Division champions innovation through research competition among command schools

    81 Division champions innovation through research competition among command schools

    81 Division champions innovation through research competition among command schools

    The 81 Division Nigerian Army has reaffirmed its commitment to nurturing intellectual excellence and innovation among its students with the launch of the 2026 edition of the 81 Division Annual Inter-Command Secondary Schools Research Development and Innovation Competition.

    The acting Director of 81 Division Education Services (DDES), Colonel O.A. Olubo, said this while declaring the event open at Command Day Secondary School, T.A. Lagbaja Cantonment, Ikeja, Lagos.

    Olubo emphasised that the competition is more than an academic exercise, but a strategic platform designed to cultivate creativity, research, and problem-solving skills among students within the Nigerian Army Command School system.

     

    She noted that the Nigerian Army Education Corps (NAEC) was founded on the principle that military strength is measured not only by firepower but also by intellectual capacity.

    Olubo said that NAEC had evolved into a robust hub for research and development, embedding innovation-driven programmes into the Command Schools curriculum.

    She acknowledged that every great invention in human history started with a question and the courage to think differently.

     

    According to her, the competition is not only about building prototypes or presenting data; it is about having the courage to ask “why” and “what if.”

    The acting DDES encouraged students to embrace curiosity, resilience, and creativity, stressing that failed experiments are vital steps in the innovation process.

    She also commended teachers, mentors, and evaluators for their dedication to nurturing young talents and sustaining NAEC’s vision of intellectual empowerment.

     

    The event featured groundbreaking projects and research presentations by students from various Command Secondary Schools under 81 Division.

    Beyond showcasing talent, the competition is expected to strengthen academic excellence, critical thinking, and leadership while preparing students to tackle future national development challenges.

    By fostering innovation at the grassroots level, the Nigerian Army is positioning its Command Schools as incubators of ideas that could shape technological breakthroughs and strategic solutions for the nation.

  • NYSC corps members must obey social media laws, says D-G

    Social media

    By Justina Auta/Folasade Akpan

    Abuja, May 28, 2026 (FBN) The Director-General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Brig.-Gen. Olakunle Nafiu, says corps members are not exempt from Nigeria’s cyberbullying and social media laws during their mandatory national service year.

    Nafiu said this during an interview programme with the News Agency of Nigeria on Thursday in Abuja, emphasising that corps members remained subject to constitutional provisions and laws regulating online conduct.

    According to him, corps members remain citizens of Nigeria and are fully subject to provisions of the Constitution and other extant laws regulating online conduct, cyber activities and public behaviour nationwide.

    Nafiu explained that allegations of cyberbullying against corps members would be investigated and handled by relevant law enforcement agencies in accordance with the law, regardless of their status as serving corps members.

    He added that the NYSC was not mandated to provide legal representation for corps members involved in criminal or civil matters arising from social media activities and other online engagements.

    “The fact that they are corps members does not absolve them from being citizens bound by the laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

    “If someone says you cyberbullied him or her, the police will arrest you with your NYSC identity card and you will bear that responsibility.

    “I am not funded to provide legal representation for you in court.

    “What we do is engage the Legal Aid Council to monitor proceedings,” Nafiu said while explaining the scheme’s responsibilities.

    According to him, the Legal Aid Council can provide pro bono legal services for corps members where necessary, particularly in situations requiring legal support during investigations or proceedings before competent courts.

    Nafiu said the scheme had intensified sensitisation campaigns to educate corps members on responsible use of social media and digital communication platforms amid growing concerns over cyberbullying and online misconduct.

    “The rule of the game has changed. You cannot just go online calling out people because someone can accuse you of cyberbullying,” Nafiu warned corps members.

    He, however, noted that the NYSC had adjusted its communication strategies to reflect changing realities among younger Nigerians participating in the national service programme across different states and communities nationwide.

    Nafiu said the scheme was not opposed to content creation by corps members but encouraged responsible and lawful online engagement, particularly among younger Nigerians participating in the mandatory national service programme.

    “By the end of this year, we will be mobilising only ‘Generation Z’ graduates and we understand the environment they operate in.

    “We know this generation loves content creation and we are not against content, but there must be proper context and responsible engagement,”he said.

    Speaking on election duties, Nafiu described corps members’ participation as ad hoc staff as an important contribution to democratic governance and national development through support for credible electoral processes across Nigeria.

    “It is more noble to serve as election ad hoc staff than merely casting your ballot because you are facilitating credible elections for millions of Nigerians,” Nafiu said.

    He urged corps members to view election assignments as opportunities to contribute directly to strengthening Nigeria’s democratic institutions and governance processes through active participation in credible and transparent electoral activities.

    Nafiu also commended the First Lady, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu, for donating mobile clinics to support the scheme’s medical outreach programmes aimed at improving healthcare delivery within underserved rural communities nationwide.

    According to him, the mobile clinics had improved healthcare delivery during outreach activities by providing facilities for scans, consultations and basic medical tests in underserved communities across Nigeria through the programme.

    “Those mobile clinics have consulting rooms and facilities for scans and tests that we previously referred beneficiaries elsewhere to conduct,” Nafiu explained while discussing improvements in healthcare outreach activities.

    He explained that the clinics were mainly deployed to underserved rural communities as part of ongoing efforts to expand access to healthcare services and medical support for disadvantaged Nigerians across the federation.

    “The objective of our outreach is to reach the unreached and less-served rural dwellers with healthcare initiatives and medical support,” Nafiu said while discussing the goals of the NYSC healthcare outreach programme.

    Nafiu, however, said logistics challenges had limited deployment of the mobile clinics to distant states across the federation because transportation required specialised arrangements, technical support and additional operational funding nationwide for smooth movement.

    According to him, the clinics were currently stationed in Abuja because moving them over long distances required specialised transportation arrangements and additional operational costs beyond the scheme’s available logistical capacity and support.

    “We can conveniently move them to nearby states like Nasarawa, Kaduna and Niger, but taking them to places like Lagos involves major logistics requirements,” Nafiu explained.

    He explained that transporting the mobile clinics to distant locations required the use of flatbed carriers and extensive technical support, making deployments to remote states difficult and financially demanding for the scheme.

    FBN reports that the NYSC, established in 1973, is a Federal Government scheme designed to promote national unity, integration and development through mandatory one-year national service by Nigerian graduates across Nigeria.

  • Children’s Day: Foundation unveils 2 initiatives for dream actualisation 

    Children’s Day: Foundation unveils 2 initiatives for dream actualisation 

    Children’s Day: Foundation unveils 2 initiatives for dream actualisation

     

    Miss Ayomitide Ebo, Founder Estelle Education Foundation

     

    By Bushrah Yusuf-Badmus

    The Estelle Education Foundation has unveiled two initiatives, “The Girl Re-Script Project” and “Adopt A Future”, to help children in the actualisation of their dreams.

     

    Founder of the Foundation, Miss Ayomitide Ebo made this known while unveiling the initiatives on Saturday in Ilorin, at the foundation’s 2026 Children’s Day Programme.

     

    The theme of the Programme is “The Power of a Child’s Dream”.

     

    She said that, an investment in a child is an investment in the future of the society itself.

     

    “The Girl Re-Script Project is a dedicated initiative designed to support teenage girls who have had to leave school due to early pregnancy or forced marriage.

     

    “For many of these young women, the loss of education leads to a life of total financial dependency, our mission is to break that cycle.

     

    “By providing vocational training, mentorship, and essential life skills, we aim to help these girls move from a place of forced reliance to one of self-sufficiency.

     

    “We want them to know that their mistakes, pain, or circumstances do not have to define the rest of their lives.

     

    “We believe every girl deserves the chance to re-script her story and build a future defined by her own potential rather than her past circumstances.

     

    “Because when society gives up on a girl child, we lose more than one life, we lose dreams, leadership, creativity, and generations of possibilities,” she said.

     

    Miss Ebo added that “Adopt A Future” is an initiative where individuals, families, and organizations can support the education of secondary school students by sponsoring their school fees and learning materials, including textbooks and essential academic resources.

     

    “Sponsors will receive termly updates, including academic progress reports, notes on performance, and general development updates about their adopted child, thereby ensuring transparency,” she said.

     

    Miss Ebo said the children’s day programme was to serve as a reminder that child’s dream may seem small today, but the dreams of children often become the solutions of tomorrow.

     

    An education expert, Dr James Adewale tasked parents and teachers to help children nurture their dreams for them to be successful.

     

    Adewale said parents should be observant to know their child’s dream and guide them to pursue them.

     

    He further advised teachers not to kill the dream of their pupils with words and actions, but rather encourage them with affirmative word.

     

    In her remarks, Miss Faith Adaramola also urged the children to pay attention to their dreams and pursue it by being serious and determined.

     

    Chairman of the occasion, Dr Segun Oyelabi said the power of a child’s dream is unlimited, hence the importance to support their dreams and help them materialise it.

     

    Highlights of the programme was a Spelling Bee Competition, games and presentation of certificates to all the children

  • Principal urges JAMB to guide WAEC, NECO on CBT rollout

    Principal urges JAMB to guide WAEC, NECO on CBT rollout

    CBT

    By Stanley Nwanosike,

    Enugu, April 21, 2026.

    Dr Moses Ifeanyieze, Principal of Union Secondary School, Awkunanaw, Enugu, has urged JAMB to share its Computer-Based Test (CBT) expertise with other examination councils.

    He spoke as WAEC and NECO signalled plans to introduce CBT for their nationwide examinations in the near future.

    Ifeanyieze, also an Anglican Venerable, made the call on Tuesday while addressing journalists on the ongoing UTME CBT at his school.

    He said WAEC and NECO would benefit by leveraging JAMB’s years of experience, noting improvements recorded annually in the CBT exercise.

    The principal added that councils could utilise JAMB’s infrastructure and organised timetable to manage large candidate numbers effectively.

    “JAMB, through consistency and experience, has addressed challenges of power supply, impersonation and examination malpractice,” he said.

    He noted that candidates taking the same subjects could sit together without compromising examination integrity.

    On the ongoing exercise, he said the CBT had proceeded smoothly without any disruption.

    “The security arrangement is robust. We have police, NSCDC and DSS personnel on ground.

    “Candidates undergo checks at the gate, at the CBT hall entrance, and online slip verification before entry,” he said.

    He said candidates commended the organisation and timing of the examination.

    “They reported no power failure or system glitches at the centre,” he said.

    The News Agency of Nigeria reports the UTME CBT runs daily from 8 a.m. to about 5.30 p.m. or 6 p.m. in four sessions.

    The examination began on April 16 and will end on April 25.

  • 536 Visually Impaired Candidates Sit UTME, Stakeholders Applaud JAMB Boss.

    536 Visually Impaired Candidates Sit UTME, Stakeholders Applaud JAMB Boss.

    536 Visually Impaired Candidates Sit UTME, Stakeholders Applaud JAMB Boss.

     

    By Adewale  Owoade

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    ‎The Chairman of the JAMB Equal Opportunity Group (JEOG), Emeritus Professor Peter Okebukola, has commended the Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), Professor Is-haq Oloyede, for his sustained commitment to inclusive education, as 536 blind candidates successfully participated in the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).

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    ‎Speaking with journalists on Monday at the commencement of the special UTME sessions, Okebukola said the Oloyede-led administration had ensured that no qualified Nigerian is denied the opportunity to sit for the examination on account of disability.

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    ‎Okebukola, who monitored this year’s examination from the Oyo centre, revealed that the exercise was conducted seamlessly across 11 designated centres nationwide. These centres are located in Oyo, Ekiti, Enugu, Bauchi, Lagos, Kano, Abuja, Jos, Kebbi, Yola, and Sokoto.

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    ‎He noted that since 2017, JAMB, through JEOG, has provided comprehensive support services, including free accommodation for candidates and their guides, feeding, transportation, and customised examination materials.

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    ‎He noted that the successful conduct of the examination for visually impaired candidates underscores JAMB’s dedication to equal opportunity and access to higher education for all Nigerians, regardless of physical challenges.

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    ‎He also highlighted the adoption of a bimodal examination system, which allows candidates to choose between Fully-Braille and Fully Read-Aloud formats.

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    ‎According to him, the initiative, now in its third year, has significantly enhanced accessibility and improved the examination experience for candidates with visual impairment.

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    ‎Providing a breakdown, Okebukola said Kano recorded the highest number of candidates with 136, followed by Lagos with 95, while Abuja hosts 46 candidates. Other centres are located in Ado-Ekiti, Bauchi, Benin, Enugu, Kebbi, Oyo, Jos and Yola.

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    ‎According to him, the exercise was supported by top past and serving chief executives of tertiary institutions, who volunteered their expertise to ensure smooth coordination and credible conduct of the examination across the centres.

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    ‎On admission outcomes, Okebukola expressed satisfaction with the steady improvement in the performance of candidates with disabilities.

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    ‎He disclosed that in the 2025 admission cycle, 483 candidates applied for tertiary education, out of which 252 secured admission, representing a 52.2 per cent success rate.

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    ‎He noted that candidates with visual impairment accounted for the highest number of applications, while other categories such as Down Syndrome, Autism Spectrum Disorder and Dyslexia also recorded encouraging admission rates, with Dyslexia candidates achieving full admission success.

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    ‎Okebukola further observed a growing interest among candidates with disabilities in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) disciplines, describing the trend as a positive development.

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    ‎Despite the progress, he acknowledged persistent challenges faced by blind students in science-related courses, noting that efforts have been ongoing since 2018 to address the barriers.

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    ‎He revealed that since its inception, JEOG has supported about 3,200 candidates with disabilities to participate in UTME, with over one-third gaining admission into tertiary institutions.

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    ‎Okebukola said the initiative has continued to attract recognition across Africa as a model for inclusive education.

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    ‎Also speaking, Professor Taoheed Adedoja, former Provost of the Federal College of Education (Special), Oyo, and Oyo State examination centre coordinator for the past eight years, praised Oloyede for what he described as remarkable achievements in the administration of UTME over the last decade.

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    ‎Adedoja, who also served as former Minister of Sports and Special Duties, highlighted the consistency, transparency, and innovation introduced into the examination system under Oloyede’s leadership.

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    ‎He said the sustained success recorded in the past ten years has significantly improved public confidence in JAMB and ensured fairness in the admission process.

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    ‎Both stakeholders reiterated the need to sustain the inclusive framework that accommodates candidates with special needs, stressing that education remains a fundamental right for every citizen.

  • IMT Enugu, UNICROSS sign agreement on HND top-up, postgraduate programmes

    IMT Enugu, UNICROSS sign agreement on HND top-up, postgraduate programmes

    IMT Enugu, UNICROSS sign agreement on HND top-up, postgraduate programmes

     

    The Institute of Management and Technology (IMT), Enugu, has entered into a strategic academic partnership with the University of Cross River State (UNICROSS) to provide top-up degree programmes and postgraduate studies for Nigerian students.

    The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), which was signed on Thursday, marks a significant step toward bridging the long-standing gap between Higher National Diploma (HND) and university degree qualifications in Nigeria.

    Speaking after the MoU signing, the Rector of IMT, Prof. Gozie Ogbodo, described the agreement as a “historic milestone” in the institution’s pursuit of academic excellence, collaboration, and human capital development.

    Ogbodo explained that the partnership would enable holders of HND certificates from polytechnics across the country to upgrade their qualifications to Bachelor of Science (B.Sc) and Bachelor of Arts (B.A) degrees through a structured top-up programme.

    According to him, the initiative is designed to eliminate barriers that have historically limited the academic and professional progression of HND graduates.

     

     

    “This partnership is not merely a formal agreement; it is a strategic alliance aimed at expanding opportunities and creating a seamless pathway for academic growth,” he said.

    In addition to the top-up programme, rector said that the collaboration would also facilitate postgraduate studies in over twenty academic disciplines; thereby, strengthening research capacity and equipping graduates with advanced skills for global competitiveness.

    Ogbodo emphasised that the success of the programme would be anchored on mutual trust, shared values, and a commitment to maintaining high academic standards.

    He further commended UNICROSS for its willingness to collaborate, noting that both institutions share a common vision for quality education and societal impact.

    In his speech, the Vice Chancellor of UNICROSS, represented by the Director, Center for Educational Services, UNICROSS Dr. Nsed Ayip Akonjom expressed excitement with the partnership.

    He conveyed the excitement of the Vice Chancellor to IMT and promised that UNICROSS would give the programme the attention it deserves.

    The initiative is expected to benefit students, academic staff, and the broader Nigerian education sector by promoting inclusivity and innovation.

    Education stakeholders have described the partnership as a timely intervention capable of redefining higher education pathways in Nigeria.

  • Gov. Eno, VHS ’81 alumni to celebrate 45 years of excellence

    Gov. Eno, VHS ’81 alumni to celebrate 45 years of excellence

    By Taiye Olayemi

    Victory High School (VHS), Ikeja Old Students’ Association, Class of 1981, has concluded plans to commemorate its 45th anniversary with a three-day programme of activities aimed at celebrating excellence and giving back to the society.

    Mr John Kayode, President of the association, said the anniversary, themed “Celebration of 45 Years of Excellence: Building for the Future,” would bring together alumni from across the country and the diaspora, including notable personalities such as Umo Eno.

    Kayode said the event would feature a lecture by Mr Tunde Sosina of the Information Builders Nigeria, titled “Education, Then and Now: Developing Competence and Excellence for National Development.”

    He noted that the celebration would begin on Friday, March 27, with the arrival of members at the school premises at noon, followed by a thanksgiving at the mosque from 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.

    According to him, the association will also visit a children’s orphanage between 1:30 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. to donate gifts, as part of its corporate social responsibility.

    “The opening ceremony will hold from 3:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m,” he said.

    Kayode added that activities for the second day, Saturday, March 28, would commence with sporting exercises from 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m., followed by free medical services for the community from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

    He said games and commissioning of projects would take place between 11:00 a.m. and 12:00 noon.

    “In the afternoon session, the Annual General Meeting (AGM) will hold from 3:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. at a designated hotel or event centre.

    “This will be followed by a cultural dance performance, the anniversary lecture, and award and recognition segment for distinguished members,” he said.

    Kayode further stated that the day would end with a banquet, dinner and dance from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., with closing remarks scheduled for 7:15 p.m.

    He said the celebration would be rounded off on Sunday, March 29, with a church thanksgiving service from 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., followed by a farewell session.

    Kayode emphasised that the anniversary would not only celebrate the achievements of the alumni but also strengthen bonds among members and contribute to the development of the school and society at large.

  • Enugu Govt. investing heavily on education to transform Enugu to knowledge-based economy – Gov. Mbah

    Enugu Govt. investing heavily on education to transform Enugu to knowledge-based economy – Gov. Mbah

    Enugu Govt. investing heavily on education to transform Enugu to knowledge-based economy – Gov. Mbah
    Gov. Peter Mbah of Enugu State says the state government is currently investing heavily on education to transform the state to knowledge-based economy and achieve rapid economic growth.
    Mbah disclosed this in an address at the 43rd to 50th Consolidated Convocation of the Institute of Management and Technology (IMT), Enugu held at the weekend.
    A total of 27,848 graduates of Ordinary National Diploma (OND) and Higher National Diploma (HND) Programmes within the stretch of eight years participated in the combined convocation.
    The governor, who was represented by his Deputy, Chief Ifeanyi Ossai, noted that the government had been delibrate in constantly budgeting over 30 per cent budget yearly to education and it’s growth in all ramifications.
    He commended the institute and its management for the innovations and initiatives to rebrand and reposition the institute, adding that the government would continue to support the advancement of learning and infrastructure in IMT.
    For the graduating students, Mbah urged them to be the best nationally and globally as the institute remained the best in technological and management studies since 1965.
    “All products of this institution I have personally worked with are the best in their chosen field and with excellent human character,” he said.
    The governor urged the graduating students to ensure that they remain good ambassadors of the institution and “do well to give back to the institution as a mark of appreciation”.
    Earlier, the Rector of IMT, Enugu, Prof. Gozie Ogbodo, said that his led management within one year started a drive to rebrand the institution with “The New IMT Initiative”.
    Ogbodo said, “This initiative is anchored on: digital transformation and smart-campus development; and entrepreneurship, innovation, and start-up incubation.
    “Strengthening institutional culture, discipline, and academic integrity; student-centred learning and staff capacity development; and sustainable infrastructure and environmental responsibility.”
    He said that institution had reposition its internally generated revenue through production of IMT bread, tissue and bottled water as well as commercialised the use of the institute’s two water tanker and tractor.
    Ogbodo said that his management team had prioritised institutional stability, transparency and inclusive governance; while strengthening internal administrative processes and enhanced accountability mechanisms.
    To the graduating students, the rector said that the graduation marks a new beginning in your lives, adding: “Your certificates are not just credentials; they are responsibilities to society.”
    “The world you are entering demands integrity, creativity, resilience and lifelong learning,” he added.