COAS Lagbaja Inaugurates Computer Lab Donated By Old Pupils

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.- Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, has inaugurated an ultra modern Computer Laboratory at the Command Children School, Chindit Cantonment, Zaria. Lt. Christian Onyemachi, the Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, Nigerian Military School, Zaria, Kaduna State, said this in a statement issued on Saturday in Zaria. Onyemachi said the inauguration was part of the activities organised by the Army Staff School, Zaria, Old Pupils Association (ASSZOPA), to commemorate the golden jubilee of the school. He said Lagbaja was represented by the Commandant Depot Nigerian Army, Brig.-Gen Mohammed Aminu Abdullahi, at the event. He said the COAS expressed joy in the celebration and commended the Old Pupils Association for being socially responsible by giving back to their almamata. He commended members of the association for donating the ultra modern laboratory to the school in commemoration of the 50th Anniversary of the school. ““This will no doubt go a long way in preparing our children for the competitive world we live in. “You would all agree with me that technological advancement has made computer literacy compulsory as we can no longer function effectively without it in the world today,” Lagbaja said. The army chief acknowledged the ASSZOPA for selflessness, sacrifices and ingenuity in remodeling the school; adding that the Old Pupils Association understood the significance of primary education as the foundation of every successful person. The COAS expressed delight that the school has produced many successful men and women in Nigeria and Diaspora in all works of life. He, therefore, called for concerted and collaborative efforts of parents, teachers and various stakeholders, including alumni associations, to harness available opportunities to build a better future for the children. The special guest of honor emphasised that teachers should be conscious of the fact that they have a great responsibility and a delicate one towards the learners. He asserted that teachers have been entrusted with the responsibility of shaping and moulding the destiny of the children because they spend a significant time of the day with them. He stated that the foundation you lay today would be what they would build on to the future, and if that foundation is faulty, the rest of the structure is in danger of crumbling. 

FBN introduces FirstEdu loans to enhance school infrastructure funding

One of Nigeria’s top-tier financial institutions, FirstBank is addressing the infrastructure funding challenge faced by private schools across Nigeria through its FirstEdu loan solutions. The bank believes this initiative will significantly contribute to improving the overall quality of education in the country. Designed to assist schools in financing their capital projects, FirstEdu loans offer a maximum tenor of 48 months. T his product provides private school owners with flexible funding options to address urgent cash flow needs, replace outdated furniture and equipment, and renovate deteriorating buildings and classrooms. Folake Ani-Mumuney, Group Head of Marketing & Corporate Communications at FirstBank, emphasized that FirstEdu loans empower school proprietors to stay competitive in delivering educational services and support to their target audience. Since its launch in 2018, the FirstEdu loan has played a pivotal role in continuously enhancing schools’ facilities while positioning them favorably to achieve their medium and long-term goals. These objectives encompass expanding schools through land acquisitions, purchasing school buses, modernizing educational facilities, and acquiring tools and equipment to optimize daily operations. Furthermore, renewable energy loans are now available to schools, allowing them to control and reduce their fuel-related costs while adopting eco-friendly power solutions. FirstEdu loans are exclusively targeted at private Nursery & Primary, Secondary, and A-Levels schools. Eligible institutions must have been in operation for at least 24 months and maintained an account relationship with FirstBank for a minimum of six months or with any bank registered with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) for a minimum of 12 months. The loan amount can vary, depending on the school’s cashflow capacity, with the potential to access up to N20 million or more. Chuma Ezirim, Group Executive of e-Business and Retail Products at FirstBank, expressed the bank’s unwavering commitment to supporting the educational sector as part of its nation-building strategy. The positive reception of the FirstEdu product across the country underscores its impact on the educational sector’s value chain, contributing significantly to Nigeria’s socio-economic development. Education serves as the foundation for any society, and FirstBank is dedicated to helping build this foundation for the nation’s future generations.