The Education Edicts of 1966-1979 - Part 6

The Federal Military Government of Nigeria enacted Decree No. 14 of 1967, with which it created twelve states out of the existing four regions (West, Mid-West, North and East). Lagos remained the federal capital. The number of the legislatures increased to thirteen, twelve state and one federal legislatures. In 1976, the states were increased to nineteen, thus making the legislative bodies to be twenty. Each state promulgated an edict for the regulation of education, and its provision and management. Examples include East

Central States Public Education Edict No. 5 of 1970, Lagos State’s Education Law

(Amendment) Edict/No. 11 of 1970, South Eastern State’s Education (School’s Board) Edict/No. 20 of 1971 and Mid-Western State’s Education Edict, No. 5 of 1973. Each state amended its education law when necessary. All the edicts had common features, such as state take-over of schools from individuals and voluntary agencies, establishment of school management boards and a unified teaching service.

TIPS ON MAKING PRESENTATIONS

As part of an extended interview/selection centre you may be asked to give a short presentation. Usually you choose the topic from a list which may include your hobbies, a recent holiday, a current affairs topic or one of your achievements, or sometimes you may be asked to make a presentation on a case study you have previously done as part of the extended interview. The purpose is not to test your subject knowledge, but to see how well you can speak in public. Typically you will be asked to talk for five minutes, and will be given 20 or 30 minutes beforehand to prepare.

BASIC TIPS

• Dress smartly: don't let your appearance distract from what you are saying.
• Smile. Don't hunch up and shuffle your feet. Have an upright posture. Try to appear confident and enthusiastic.
• Say hello and smile when you greet the audience: your audience will probably look at you and smile back: an instinctive reaction.
• Speak clearly, firmly and confidently as this makes you sound in control. Don't speak too quickly: you are likely to speed up and raise the pitch of your voice when nervous. Give the audience time to absorb each point. Don't talk in a monotone the whole time. Lift your head up and address your words to someone near the back of audience. If you think people at the back can't hear, ask them.
• Use silence to emphasise points. Before you make a key point pause: this tells the audience that something important is coming. It's also the hallmark of a confident speaker as only these are happy with silences. Nervous speakers tend to gabble on trying to fill every little gap.
• Keep within the allotted time for your talk.
• Eye contact is crucial to holding the attention of your audience. Look at everyone in the audience from time to time, not just at your notes or at the PowerPoint slides. Try to involve everyone, not just those directly in front of you.
• You could try to involve your audience by asking them a question.
• Don't read out your talk, as this sounds boring and stilted, but refer to brief notes jotted down on small (postcard sized) pieces of card. Don't look at your notes too much as this suggests insecurity and will prevent you making eye contact with the audience.
• It’s OK to use humour, in moderation, but better to use anecdotes than to rattle off a string of jokes.
• Take along a wristwatch to help you keep track of time – the assessor may cut you off as soon as you have used the time allocated, whether or not you have finished.
• It can be very helpful to practise at home in front of a mirror. You can also record your presentation and play it back to yourself: don't judge yourself harshly when you replay this - we always notice our bad points and not the good when hearing or seeing a recording or ourselves! Time how long your talk takes. Run through the talk a few times with a friend.
• It's normal to be a little nervous. This is a good thing as it will make you more energised. Many people have a fear of speaking in public. Practising will make sure that you are not too anxious. In your mind, visualise yourself giving a confident successful performance. Take a few deep slow breaths before your talk starts and make a conscious effort to speak slowly and clearly. Research by T Gilovich (Cornell University) found that people who feel embarrassed are convinced their mistakes are much more noticeable than they really are: we focus on our own behaviour more than other people do and so overestimate it's impact. This is called the spotlight effect. If you make a mistake, don't apologise too much, just briefly acknowledge the mistake and continue on. 
• Build variety into the talk and break it up into sections: apparently, the average person has a three minute attention span!

TOP 18 ESSENTIALS AND BENEFITS OF WEIGHT TRAINING

1. Weight training tones your muscles which looks great and raises your basal metabolism... which causes you to burn more calories 24 hours-a-day. You'll even burn more calories while you're sleeping.

2. Weight training can *reverse* the natural decline in your metabolism which begins around age 30.

3. Weight training energizes you.

4. Weight training has a positive effect on almost all of your 650+ muscles.

5. Weight training strengthens your bones reducing your risk of developing osteoporosis.

6. Weight training improves your muscular endurance.

7. Weight training will NOT develop big muscles on women....just toned muscles!

8. Weight training makes you strong. Strength gives you confidence and makes daily activities easier.

9. Weight training makes you less prone to low-back injuries.

10. Weight training decreases your resting blood pressure.

11. Weight training decreases your risk of developing adult onset diabetes.

12. Weight training decreases your gastrointestinal transit time, reducing your risk for developing colon cancer.

13. Weight training increases your blood level of HDL cholesterol (the good type).

14. Weight training improves your posture.

15. Weight training improves the functioning of your immune system.

16. Weight training lowers your resting heart rate, a sign of a more efficient heart.

17. Weight training improves your balance and coordination.
 
18. Weight training elevates your mood.

THE ROMANTIC IDEAS PART 5

IDEA # 81

Research your partner's favorite hobby and identify a gift that is really useful

for her. The more specialized the gift the more impact it will have. Talk to her

friends and family and use the Net to find the information you need.

IDEA # 82

Go to a masquerade ball. Send an invitation to your partner telling her to

meet you at a specific spot at the stroke of eight.

Wear a mask and when you meet her, don't say a word. Just take her hand

and lead her on to the dance floor.

IDEA # 83

On Thursday, ask your partner to pack a bag for the weekend. Tell her she'll

need casual clothes and walking shoes but don't tell her what you have got

planned.

Pick her up after work on Friday and drive to a romantic bed and breakfast for

a romantic weekend of relaxation.

IDEA # 84

When you are relaxing at home one night, take two large sheets of paper and

some pencils or crayons. On each piece of paper, draw the outline of a large

crystal ball sitting on a stand.

Tell your partner to look into her crystal ball and draw what she sees five

years in the future. Do the same thing yourself and then come together to

share and discuss your drawings.

IDEA # 85

Create a loving nickname for your partner. This could be the name she was

called by her family when she was a little girl or something that is special just

for the two of you.

IDEA # 86

If you are musically inclined, write a love song for your partner. Call it

something like "Natasha's Song".

Produce a professional looking manuscript, print it out and get it framed.

Record your song onto CD and take a photo of your partner and get a print

shop to create a CD cover if you can’t create one on your computer.

Place the framed manuscript and the CD in a box and give it to your partner

as a special gift.

IDEA # 87

Pick your partner up for a date and blindfold her before driving to a special

destination.

Try to make the destination something really unexpected like a table set up at

the top of a cliff or a dinner on a boat or old-fashioned ship. It needs to be

something that will have an impact when she removes the blindfold.

IDEA # 88

Have a really big pillow fight. Set up for it by buying two pillows that are filled

with feathers. Put holes in the pillows so the feathers will start to fly and then

attack your partner when you feel the time is right.

IDEA # 89

Get out into the great outdoors. After a day of hiking, build an open fire. Sit

by the fire with your partner, toast marshmallows and watch as the embers of

the fire climb into the night sky.

TheRomantic.com 101 Romantic Ideas

IDEA # 90

If your partner uses a computer, take a photo of the two of you and get it

scanned at a print shop (or scan it at home) and store it on disk as a .bmp file.

Transfer the file onto your partner's computer and set the image as the

computer's wallpaper.

To do this on a Windows machine, select Start / Settings / Control Panel /

Display. Choose the Background tab and click the Browse button to find your

.bmp file.

IDEA # 91

If you are artistically inclined, do a life drawing course, practice until you are

confident and then ask your partner to pose for you.

IDEA # 92

Take your partner to a carnival or festival. Try the following:

(1) Food festival

(2) Jazz festival

(3) Wine festival

(4) Music festival

IDEA # 93

Develop a video time capsule. Start with the two of you sitting together on a

couch introducing the video. Say something like, "It is currently July 14th

2002. We have decided to make this video so that we can watch it together

on our 25th wedding anniversary."

Then have a section where you talk to the camera by yourself, telling the

camera how you feel about your partner and why you love her. Get her to do

the same thing. When you are done, place the video in a bank vault and on

your 25th wedding anniversary you will be able to look back in time and

reminisce about everything that you have shared.

IDEA # 94

If you are in a secluded spot near a beach or lake and the weather is warm,

go for an impromptu skinny dip with your partner.

IDEA # 95

This one is great for long distance relationships. It takes a bit of organization

but if you can pull it off, it is sure to be a surprise that your partner will never

forget. Organize to catch up with her regularly over the internet using either a

chat room or an Instant Messenger program. Then arrange a secret trip to

meet her without telling her that you’re coming.

When it comes time for your usual chat over the Net, arrange for a close

friend back home to log on using your nickname while you position yourself

outside her door. Phone your friend on your mobile and be speaking to him in

real time. Tell him to type in the following sentence, “I really miss you honey, I

wish I could be there and just reach out and knock on your door.” As soon as

he has sent the message, knock on the door!

TheRomantic.com 101 Romantic Ideas

IDEA # 96

Buy your partner a gold fish in a bowl and give it to her with a card saying,

“Of all the fish in the sea,

you're the fish for me!”

IDEA # 97

Go for a drive either early in the morning or at dusk. Get a CD/tape that

contains sounds of nature such as Sounds Of the Rainforest and play it as

you hold your partner's hand and drive.

IDEA # 98

The day before your partner's birthday buy some helium balloons, streamers

and flowers and hide them in a closet.

When your partner has fallen asleep, string the streamers around the room

and bring out the balloons and flowers. Place them around the bed so that

your partner wakes up to a real birthday surprise.

IDEA # 99

Spend a leisurely afternoon with your partner in a large book shop such as

Borders where you can browse the shelves, share a coffee and sit down to

peruse your purchases.

IDEA # 100

If you can afford it, hire a sports car for a weekend. Pick up your partner and

give her a long white cashmere scarf to wear with her sunglasses. Go for a

drive along the coast with the top down.

IDEA # 101

Serve your partner breakfast in bed. Try the following:

(1) A poached egg in the shape of a heart - you can pick up a heart shaped

poacher at most shops that sell kitchen wares.

(2) French toast with cinnamon and maple syrup.

(3) Cereal.

(4) Fruit juice.

(5) A fresh flower.

THE ROMANTIC IDEAS PART 4

IDEA # 61

Write an email story with your partner. Start the ball rolling with an email that

says something like:

Chapter 1:

This is the story of Pete and Kate who met at a friend's engagement party one

summer afternoon.

The email can then continue to develop the beginnings of a story which can

be completely fictitious or a combination of fiction and reality.

Finish your email by saying, "And now for Chapter 2, its over to you..."

IDEA # 62

Buy a kite and on a windy day find a park and fly the kite with your partner.

If you can afford it, buy a large kite that you control with two hand lines.

These kites are great fun.

IDEA # 63

When you and your partner are planning to go out for dinner, suggest that you

have an 'Adventure Dinner'. Here's how it works

Set the timer on your stopwatch to count down twenty minutes. Next, ask

your partner to choose a number between 5 and 10. Lets say she chooses 7.

Give your partner a coin and tell her that at every 7th intersection, she has to

flip the coin. If it is heads you will turn left. If it is tails you will turn right.

When your watch timer goes off you have to both keep a look out for the

nearest place to eat.

This is a fun way to get out and about and try new places to eat.

IDEA # 64

When you and your partner are going somewhere special, get your camera,

buy a new roll of film and wait for her to come out of the house.

When she appears, act like a professional photographer and go wild taking

pictures of her with the flash. While you are taking photos, bombard her with

questions as though she was a famous actress and you are trying to get a

scoop for the magazine you represent.

Not only is this fun but you will also get some great photos to look back on

together.

IDEA # 65

When your partner is sick at home, take a day off to look after her.

Rent some videos, make her some soup, wrap her up in a blanket and just be

with her.

IDEA # 66

When you are having dinner one night, ask your partner about the things she

has always wanted to do.

Later on, write these things down so you don't forget them and over time try

and help make them happen. For example she may say that one thing she

has always wanted to do is swim with dolphins. Find out where she can do

this and organize it for her as a special surprise.

IDEA # 67

Rent the video, "An Affair To Remember". Buy some popcorn, champagne

and chocolate covered strawberries and have a special film night at home.

IDEA # 68

Go to the drive in but instead of sitting in the car, spread a picnic blanket on

the ground. Light a candle and buy popcorn. Cuddle your partner and enjoy

the film.

IDEA # 69

Create a personalized magazine cover for your partner. To do this, get hold

of a good quality photo of her and a copy of a popular entertainment

magazine.

Take these two items to a print shop or graphic design agency. Ask them to

scan your partner's photo and develop a magazine cover with the lead story

being, "The 30 most beautiful women of 2003".

When you get the cover, stick it on the front of a real magazine and ask your

local shop owner whether you can place it in the magazine rack. Organize to

meet your partner at the shop before going out. When she arrives, tell her

that you are just looking for a magazine. Let her browse the rack and

discover her magazine.

IDEA # 70

Fill the trunk of your car with helium balloons. Drive to a romantic spot in the

country to go for a walk. The ideal spot is somewhere up high with a clear

view of the surrounding countryside.

Get out of the car and act as though you are about to set off for your walk.

Make sure your partner is closer to the car than you and then throw her the

keys and ask if she can get your jacket from the trunk while you tie your

shoelace.

When she opens the boot the balloons will be released. You can also place a

sign saying, "I Love You" on the inside of the trunk so that it will be revealed

when the trunk opens.

IDEA # 71

On a special occasion create a unique present for your partner by buying two

white t-shirts and some fabric paint. Draw half a heart and the letters LO on

one t-shirt and the half a heart and the letters VE on the other t-shirt.

When you walk down the street holding each other close, the heart will be

made whole and your message of love revealed.

An example is shown below.

IDEA # 72

On a hot summers day, buy two large water pistols and take them to the

beach with you.

Pull them out and throw one to your partner and then have a huge water fight.

IDEA # 73

Share your food with your partner. When you go out for a meal, hold a forkful

up to her mouth and say, "You've got to try this."

Sharing your food and even feeding each other is a great way to become

closer as a couple.

IDEA # 74

Compliment your partner in public. If you are talking in a group and it is

appropriate to the conversation say something like, "Kate makes the most

incredible roast." Squeeze her hand while you are talking about her.

IDEA # 75

Arrange a special day off from work. Start with breakfast, go for a walk in the

park, go shopping, have afternoon tea in a cozy cafe and finish off with a

romantic dinner.

IDEA # 76

Buy a gift voucher for a facial at a local beauty clinic and place it in a card

accompanied by the message,

A special treat for

someone special

IDEA # 77

Even if you are just going down the road to buy some milk, act as though you

are returning home after a major adventure.

Say something like, "Well it was touch and go there for a while with the snow

and the wolves but I made it!" and then give your partner a huge bear hug.

IDEA # 78

Send your partner a thank-you note. For example:

Dear Richie,

Thanks for helping me move house.

Having you there made a huge difference.

I really appreciate your help and your love.

Tim

IDEA # 79

If you have kids, organize for them to stay at their grandparents for the

weekend.

On Friday evening, announce that the weekend is yours and start planning

how you are going to spend your special time together.

IDEA # 80

Give your partner a magic gift box. Every month, place a new small gift in the

box for her to discover.

The 1948 Education Ordinance - Part 5

The report of the Director of Education who was appointed in 1944 to review the ten years plan and that of Sir Sidney Phillipson on the procedure for assessing grants-in-aid for 1948 was the basis for the promulgation of the 1948 Education Ordinance. The ordinance decentralized educational administration. It created a Central Board of Education and four Regional Boards, that is, those of East, West, Lagos and North. It also recommended the establishment of Local Education Committees and Local Education Authorities.

The 1952 Education Ordinance

The 1952 Education Ordinance was introduced so as to enable each of the three newly created (Eastern, Western and Northern) regions to develop its educational policies and systems. The ordinance became an education law for the country. The membership of the central board and the regional boards were modified, while the Colonial Board was abolished. All schools, whether public or private, were to be subjected to inspection by the Regional Director or his representatives and the Inspector General or his representatives. The ordinance emphasized the overall responsibility of the central government.

The Regional Education Laws

In 1954, Nigeria became a federation of three (i.e. Eastern, Western and Northern) regions and the Federal Territory of Lagos (which was the Federal capital) as a result of the adoption of the 1954 constitution. Each region had the power of making laws for its territory and citizens.

The constitution contained three lists. These are:

(i)  Exclusive legislative list, which contained items upon which only the federal legislature or parliament could legislate, i.e. make laws.

(ii)  Concurrent legislative list, which consisted of items upon which both the federal and regional legislatures could make laws.

(iii)  Residual legislative list, which comprised items which were within the exclusive legislative competence of the regions.

The regions quickly exploited this constitutional provision and made regional laws.

The outcome of this exercise was the Education Law of 1955 in Western Region, the Education Law of 1956 in Northern Region and the Lagos Education Ordinance in 1957.

The Ashby Report of 1959 In April, 1959, the Federal Government of Nigeria constituted the Ashby Commission to investigate and report Nigeria’s manpower needs for a period of twenty years (1960-1980). The Commission led by Sir Eric Ashby, comprised three Nigerians, three Americans and three Britons. The Commission reported:

§ The imbalance between one level of education and the other

§ Limited admission opportunities for primary school leavers

§Few school teachers were qualified and certificated

§That the Nigerian education was parochial and literary

§Imbalance in the development of education between the North and South.

The commission recommended the expansion and improvement of primary and secondary education, the upgrading of the University College at Ibadan to a full-fledged university and the establishment of three other universities at Nsukka, Ife and Zaria. It also recommended the establishment of University Commission in Nigeria so that the universities will maintain uniform academic standard. The post-secondary school system was to produce the post- independence high-level manpower needs of Nigeria.

The 1926 Education Ordinance - Part 4

The 1926 Education Ordinance

In the month of March 1925, a memorandum on Education Policy in British

Tropical Africa was dispatched to the colonies as the basis for the British colonial education policy. The need to provide a modus operandi for this memorandum and the necessity to stop the mushroom primary schools from operating in Southern Nigeria provided the impetus for this ordinance. The ordinance was a landmark in the development of education in Nigeria and an outcome of the recommendations of the 1920 Phelps – Stoke Commission on Education in Africa. Its terms of reference include:-

(a) To inquire into existing educational work in each of the areas to be studied;

(b)To investigate the educational needs of the people in their religious, social, hygienic and economic conditions;

(c) To ascertain the extent to which these educational needs were being met; and

(d)To make available in full the result of the study.

The report of this commission geared the British Colonial Administration to demonstrate increased interest in African education. It issued its first educational policy in 1925. The 1925 memorandum outlined guidelines for operation in the colonial educational system. This policy consisted mainly of the recommendations of the Phelps-Stoke Commission. These include the following:-

(i) Establishment of advisory boards of education that will assist in supervision of educational institutions.

(ii)  Adaptation of formal education to local conditions

(iii) Study of vernaculars in schools

(iv) Thorough supervision and inspection of schools

(v) Education of women and girls

(vi) Emphasis on religious training and moral instructions (Osokoya, 2002). While the recommendations of the 1926 Education Ordinance are:-

(i) Making registration of teachers a pre-condition for teaching in any school in Southern Nigeria.

(ii)  Disallowing the opening of schools without the approval of the Director of Education and the Board of Education.

(iii) Authorizing the closure of any school, which was conducted in a way that was in conflict with the interest of the people or the host community.

(iv) Specifying the functions and duties of supervisors or mission school inspectors.

(v) Expanding and strengthening the existing Board of Education by including the Director and the Deputy Director of Education, the Assistant Director, ten representatives of the mission and other educational agencies.

 (vi) Regulating the minimum pay for teachers who were employed in an assisted school (Osokoya, 2002 and Fabunmi, 2003).