Education

FCTA Carries Out Fumigation Of Schools, Distributes Facemasks, Sanitizers Others

Published

6 years ago

August 3, 2020

Joel Ajayi

As part of the arrangements for the reopening of schools in the FCT, the Federal Capital Territory Administrations (FCTA) has carried out the fumigation of Secondary Schools, as well as made available facemasks, hand sanitizers and infrared thermometers for use in these schools.

Briefing newsmen in Abuja on Monday August 3, 2020, the Chairman, FCT Secondary Education Board, Hon. Yahaya Musa Muhammad, said the development is in compliance with the NCDC guidelines on the reopening of schools as well as the protocols set by the Presidential Taskforce on COVID-19.

Hon. Muhammad, while clarifying that only the terminal classes of Senior Secondary three (SS3) as well as Junior Secondary three (JSS 3) would be resuming for lectures in the schools, in preparation for their upcoming examinations, further stated that appointed representatives of the FCTA, alongside the principals of these schools are to ensure adequate compliance with all the health protocols, including the use of face masks, observance of social distancing as well as regular hand washing.

He also disclosed that the Department of Quality Assurance in the Education Secretariat would be visiting the private primary and secondary schools in the FCT to ensure that they comply with all the necessary protocols before they are allowed to reopen.

“I’m going personally to visit the schools to ensure that all the things that are supposed to be there are there and those that are not there, we will force them to comply before going on with the students.

He explained that isolation rooms have been made available in each of the secondary schools as well as clinics in compliance with the NCDC protocols on the resumption of schools.

He assured that the issue of social distancing in the schools would not constitute a major problem, in view of the fact that only the terminal classes would be resuming.

Also speaking at the occasion, the Secretary, FCT Health Secretariat, Dr Muhammad Kawu commended the FCT Administration for making available Personal Protective Equipment to all the areas that deserve them, including the schools.

He added that the Health and Human Services Secretariat is also collaborating with the Education Secretariat for the training of teachers on the non-pharmaceutical means of preventing COVID-19.

The items made available include 770 infrared thermometers, 1200 surgical face masks, 14,000 pieces of various types of fabric face masks, 18,000 500ml hand sanitizers.

He said additional hand sanitizers would also be made available.

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Education

Historic Matriculation: EUN Unveils ₦50bn Research Endowment

Published

7 days ago

March 9, 2026

The Gleamer

Joel Ajayi

The Chancellor of the European University of Nigeria (EUN), Nicholas Ukachukwu, has announced the establishment of a ₦50 billion research endowment fund aimed at driving innovation and cutting-edge research across specialised disciplines in the institution.

Ukachukwu disclosed this during an interview on the sidelines of the university’s maiden matriculation ceremony, explaining that the fund would support research in critical sectors such as medicine, Information and Communication Technology (ICT), and other technical fields.

According to him, the initiative is designed to ensure that research carried out at the university produces practical solutions with real societal impact rather than remaining purely theoretical.

“We set up this university to be a centre for research, and the ₦50 billion endowment fund will focus on special categories of research and disciplines,” he said.

The chancellor explained that the university intends to support research from the discovery stage to practical application, particularly in areas such as drug development and technological innovation.

He noted that breakthroughs in these areas require specialised expertise, modern equipment and sustained investment, adding that the institution is committed to creating an enabling environment for researchers and students.

Ukachukwu emphasised that the research culture at EUN would be driven by results and societal relevance.

“I cannot call people, including myself, to put together ₦50 billion and allow research outcomes to gather dust on shelves. Whatever we invest in must produce results and impact lives,” he said.

He added that the university aims to nurture students who think beyond conventional classroom learning and develop innovative solutions to societal challenges.

Ukachukwu further revealed that the institution is building a centre of excellence equipped with advanced technology and highly skilled professionals, noting that government institutions may eventually collaborate with the university to benefit from its facilities and research outputs.

According to him, the university expects to begin seeing significant outcomes from its research investments within the next one to five years.Earlier in his welcome address at the matriculation ceremony, the Vice-Chancellor of EUN, Emmanuel Ibezim, urged the pioneer students to pursue academic excellence, discipline and innovation throughout their stay at the institution.

Ibezim described the event as historic, noting that it marked the formal admission of the university’s first set of students.He said the university is committed to producing graduates who are intellectually sound, ethically grounded and globally competitive.

“Your admission into this university is a testament to your hard work and potential. However, admission is only the first step; what truly matters is what you do with the opportunity before you,” he said.

The Vice-Chancellor assured the students that the institution would provide quality teaching, modern laboratories, digital learning resources and mentorship to support their academic development.

He urged them to embrace critical thinking, creativity and innovation while making effective use of the university’s learning facilities.Ibezim also stressed that the university maintains zero tolerance for examination malpractice, cultism, harassment, drug abuse and other forms of misconduct, advising students to strictly adhere to the institution’s rules and regulations.

He further encouraged the students to participate in approved extracurricular activities, sports and leadership programmes to build teamwork and leadership skills that would prepare them for life beyond the classroom.

The Vice-Chancellor also assured parents and guardians that the university management remains committed to improving teaching, research, infrastructure, innovation and student welfare.

A highlight of the ceremony was the administration of the matriculation oath and the signing of the matriculation register by the pioneer students, formally admitting them into the academic community of the university.

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