Education
Onyechi Vows to Advance Educational Reforms as She Joins Nigerian Academy of Education
Cyril Ogar
Professor Kay Onyechi, a Professor of Guidance and Counseling at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, has pledged to intensify efforts toward educational reform following her induction into the Nigerian Academy of Education (NAE).
Onyechi, a former Commissioner for Education in Anambra State, described the recognition as a motivation to deepen her contributions to national development through research, mentorship, and advocacy for inclusive learning.
“This honour inspires me to do more. I’m already considering setting up a foundation to support indigent students with school materials, accommodation, and access to quality education,” she said.
The renowned educationist, who served under the administration of former Governor Peter Obi, said her long-standing passion for education stems from its role in capacity building and social transformation. She noted that her years in academia and public service have strengthened her resolve to promote equitable learning opportunities for all Nigerian children.
According to her, the recognition by the NAE is not merely a personal milestone but a call to greater service in advancing educational reforms and mentoring the next generation of scholars.
Meanwhile, President of the Academy, Professor Kabiru Isyaku, used the occasion of the NAE’s 40th Anniversary celebration and induction of 38 new academics to call for the declaration of a state of emergency in the nation’s education sector.
Isyaku stressed the need for an urgent review of the National Policy on Education, last revised over a decade ago. He said the review should address critical issues such as the constitutional status of education, funding, curriculum relevance, evaluation, and certification.
He decried the high number of unqualified personnel teaching in schools while many trained teachers remain unemployed, adding that the situation undermines professionalism and weakens quality.
“It is discouraging to see schools filled with non-teachers while qualified educators are jobless. Quality assurance and supervisory agencies must enforce standards to ensure only qualified personnel are employed,” he said.
Isyaku also urged the Federal Government to constitute governing boards and councils for parastatals under the Federal Ministry of Education, noting that their absence hinders effective policy implementation and accountability.
The Nigerian Academy of Education, established four decades ago, is the apex professional body for distinguished educationists in the country. It comprises eminent scholars and administrators, including former ministers, vice-chancellors, rectors, provosts, and directors of education.
The Academy’s mission is to advise on policies that enhance educational quality at all levels, conduct research on emerging issues, and promote excellence in teaching, learning, and administration.
Education
Nigerian Teen Makes Historic Breakthrough in $400,000 Global Science Competition
A brilliant young Nigerian student, Daniel Adeluy ihas advanced to the semi-finals of the 2025 Breakthrough Junior Challenge, which is one of the world’s most prestigious global science competitions for teenagers.
From thousands of entries worldwide, only 30 semi-finalists were selected, and Daniel is the first Nigerian in the competition’s 11-year history to reach this remarkable stage.
Daniel’s submission, a visually engaging, two-minute video, explains wormholes in a simple and intuitive way. Why wormholes? In his words:
“For me, wormholes represent a path to reaching the seemingly unreachable. I’ve always been a curious person and an avid reader and books about space, physics, and the mysteries of the universe fascinate me. I find it interesting that physics can turn ideas that seem impossible into things that could be real. I love adventure, and my passion for science and media intersected perfectly in the Breakthrough Junior Challenge.”
The stakes are enormous:$250,000 university scholarship for the winner$50,000 prize for the teacher.
$100,000 state-of-the-art science laboratory for the school.
Daniel is on the verge of making history, and he needs public support to reach the finals.He has developed interests across academics, leadership, and creative activities.
He previously served as the Assistant Head Boy at Brickhall School Abuja, where he received the Chairman’s Award for Academic Excellence during his graduation ceremony. Daniel captains his estate’s U18 football team and also enjoys basketball.
In addition, he taught himself to play the keyboard and has composed a number of original pieces, reflecting his willingness to explore different skills and hobbies.
Daniel is the founder of BRAINS (Building Real-world Artificial Intelligence and Next-generation Skills), a youth-focused nonprofit that provides children with early exposure to artificial intelligence and emerging technologies.
His mission is to help younger students develop confidence and curiosity about the future of work.
A Passion for Learning, Storytelling, and Discovery.
Daniel credits his communication skills to his habit of consuming high-quality educational content.
He frequently watches National Geographic and history documentaries, and enjoys reading scientific classics such as A Brief History of Time by Stephen Hawking.These resources, he says, shaped his ability to connect complex ideas and present them in clear and engaging ways, skills essential to the Breakthrough Junior Challenge.
Since 2021, Daniel has also volunteered in his church (The Capital Assembly’s) media unit, where he gained hands-on experience in storytelling and content production. These skills played a direct role in the polished science video that earned him global recognition.
Call for Public SupportTo advance to the final round, Daniel needs likes on his video posted on both the Breakthrough Prize Facebook page and YouTube channel.The submission with the highest combined engagement gets a guaranteed spot in the finals.
Daniel is calling on Nigerians at home and abroad to support his journey.“I would be very grateful if people would watch my video and like it on both platforms if they enjoy it,” he said.
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