Education
9-Year-Old Lagos Author Launches Tola The Bully to Fight Bullying in Schools
Nine-year-old Nigerian author, Adedoyin Precious Shanu, has officially launched her debut book, Tola The Bully, a children’s story aimed at promoting kindness, courage and respect among young people.
The launch event, held in Baruwa, Ipaja area of Lagos, drew parents, teachers, classmates and education advocates who praised the young writer for addressing bullying and poor behaviour among children through literature.
The 60-page book, which contains 10 chapters and review questions at the end of each chapter, follows the story of a wealthy girl named Tola who mistreats classmates, teachers and domestic workers before eventually changing her behaviour.
The story explores themes of parenting, empathy, discipline and personal transformation.
A Young Author Using Stories to Inspire Change
Speaking during the launch, Adedoyin said the book was inspired by the growing problem of bullying among children.
She explained that she wanted young readers to understand the importance of standing up for what is right and treating others with kindness.
“Children should stop bullying, stand up for the right things and be kind and courageous,” she said.
The young author also revealed that children themselves inspired her writing journey and disclosed plans to write more books in the future.
The back cover of the book describes Tola The Bully as “a story of kindness, courage and change,” while encouraging children to reject bullying and embrace compassion.
Inside the Story of Tola The Bully
The colourful cover design features a school setting with illustrations of students, visually reinforcing the book’s anti-bullying message.
The main character, Tola, is portrayed as a wealthy and beautiful girl who believes her family’s status places her above others.
According to reviewers at the launch, the character frequently bullies classmates and domestic staff while displaying disrespectful behaviour both at home and at school.
But the story takes a different turn after Tola is suspended from school and her parents realise they have neglected her emotional and moral development.
With guidance from a therapist, Tola begins to change her behaviour and eventually becomes an advocate against bullying.
Education commentator, Ms Winning Harry described the story as a strong reminder that parental involvement is essential in raising responsible children.
She said the book highlights how career pressures and absentee parenting can contribute to behavioural problems in children.
“People can change with proper guidance and support,” she noted.
Another reviewer, Ms Annabelle Uduaghan, praised the book for addressing bullying and social bias in a way children can easily understand.
“The positive aspect of the story is that Sala was able to change,” she said. “It shows that people can improve and become better.”
She also commended the visual presentation of the book, saying the cover and illustrations make it attractive and engaging for young readers.
Mother Says Writing Talent Started at Age Four
Adedoyin’s mother, Mrs Lola Valentine Shanu, said her daughter began showing signs of exceptional creativity from an early age.
According to her, the young author often preferred writing stories to watching cartoons or playing games.
“She would stay up writing late into the night,” Mrs Shanu said, adding that she first noticed her daughter’s storytelling abilities at about four years old.
The idea to publish a book became stronger after they attended another child’s book launch several years ago.
Mrs Shanu encouraged parents to identify and nurture their children’s talents early.
“Pay attention to your children’s gifts and help them develop those talents,” she advised.
She expressed hope that her daughter would continue writing books that inspire future generations.
School Proprietress Calls for Wider Adoption in Schools
The Proprietress of Green Apple School, Baruwa, Mrs Bunmi Ola-King, described Adedoyin as an exceptional child who has displayed unusual intelligence since infancy.
She said the school operates a strict anti-bullying policy and actively teaches kindness and empathy among pupils.
According to her, bullying remains a major concern in schools and society, making books like Tola The Bully especially relevant.
“Children should respond with kindness, not violence,” she said.
Mrs Ola-King also urged education authorities in Lagos State to consider recommending the book for use in primary schools.
She said the story could help children better understand the emotional impact of bullying and encourage healthier relationships among classmates.
Why the Story Matters
Bullying has become a growing concern in schools globally, with educators and child psychologists warning about its long-term effects on children’s mental health, confidence and academic performance.
Experts say storytelling remains one of the most effective ways to teach moral lessons to young readers because children often relate emotionally to fictional characters.
By writing Tola The Bully, Adedoyin joins a growing number of young Nigerian creatives using literature to address social issues affecting children and families.
The book’s emphasis on parental presence, emotional support and behavioural guidance also resonated strongly with parents at the launch event.
What’s Next for the Young Author?
Adedoyin said she plans to continue writing and hopes her stories will inspire more children to choose kindness over cruelty.
Those close to the family believe Tola The Bully could be the beginning of a promising literary journey for the young Lagos author.
To purchase a copy of the book, do visit Amazon to get a copy for yourself and loved ones.
The Nigeria Police Force and the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) say they have uncovered a sophisticated examination malpractice syndicate accused of compromising the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) in Delta State.
According to authorities, three suspects were arrested following intelligence-led operations linked to alleged cyber-assisted examination fraud at the College of Education, Warri.
Police said the suspects are currently in custody while investigations continue into what officials described as a wider network targeting Nigeria’s computer-based examination system.
How the alleged malpractice was uncovered
In a statement issued on Thursday, Force Public Relations Officer, DCP Anthony Placid, said investigators discovered that unauthorized remote access was gained into candidates’ computer systems during the examination.
The operation, carried out jointly with JAMB, reportedly followed digital forensic investigations into attempts to manipulate the examination process.
“Unauthorized remote access was illegally gained into candidates’ computer systems while the exercise was ongoing,” the statement said.
Authorities believe additional examination centres may also have been involved in similar activities.
As a result, JAMB has withdrawn results from affected centres pending the outcome of investigations.
Candidates affected by the decision are expected to sit for a mop-up examination in line with existing procedures.
Why it matters
The UTME is Nigeria’s main entrance examination for admission into universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education.
Any breach of the examination system could affect thousands of students and raise broader concerns about the integrity of computer-based testing in the country.
In recent years, JAMB has invested heavily in technology and biometric verification systems to reduce impersonation and examination malpractice.
However, cyber-assisted fraud and remote system manipulation remain emerging threats as criminal networks adopt more sophisticated digital methods.
Education analysts say the latest development highlights the growing need for stronger cybersecurity measures in Nigeria’s examination system.
Reactions and public concerns
Parents and students have expressed concerns online over the withdrawal of examination results, particularly for candidates who may not have been directly involved in malpractice.
Some education stakeholders have also called for transparency in the ongoing investigations to ensure innocent candidates are not unfairly penalised.
Police warning to examination centres
The Nigeria Police Force warned candidates, operators of examination centres, and collaborators against engaging in examination malpractice or cyber-related fraud.
“The Nigeria Police Force remains committed to identifying, dismantling, and prosecuting criminal networks seeking to undermine the credibility of Nigeria’s educational system,” the statement added.
The police did not disclose the identities of the arrested suspects or provide details of the specific technology allegedly used in the operation.
What happens next?
Investigations are ongoing, with authorities expected to determine the full scope of the alleged malpractice network.
JAMB is also likely to intensify monitoring and cybersecurity checks across examination centres nationwide ahead of future examinations and mop-up tests.
For affected candidates, the board says rescheduled examinations will be conducted according to established procedures.
Education
Nigeria Customs, Yakubu Gowon University Renew Partnership on Research, ICT, Student Support
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has pledged deeper collaboration with Yakubu Gowon University, formerly the University of Abuja, as both institutions seek to strengthen research, infrastructure, and student development in Nigeria’s capital.
The Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, made the commitment during a meeting with the university’s management team in Abuja on Tuesday.
The visit was led by the Vice-Chancellor, Hakeem Fawehinmi, who sought renewed cooperation in areas including ICT infrastructure, transportation, border management studies, and professional training.
Why the partnership matters
The renewed alliance comes at a time when many Nigerian public universities are struggling with inadequate infrastructure, overcrowding, and limited funding.
Yakubu Gowon University, the only conventional public university in the Federal Capital Territory, currently has nearly 40,000 undergraduate students, according to the institution.
Speaking during the meeting at the Customs Headquarters in Maitama, Abuja, Adeniyi said the relationship between both institutions stretches back several years.
“I have a long institutional history with this university. During my tenure as Commandant of the Nigeria Customs Command and Staff College, we made serious efforts to formalise a partnership through a Memorandum of Understanding,” he said.
He added that the agreement was close to being signed before leadership changes stalled the process.
The Customs chief also highlighted previous interventions by the Service, including the donation of a 32-seater bus and the establishment of a computer centre with nearly 100 workstations.
“These were deliberate efforts aimed at building lasting institutional partnerships,” Adeniyi stated.
Focus on infrastructure and student impact
Adeniyi said future support from the Customs Service would prioritise projects with measurable impact on students and the learning environment.
“For us, beyond legacy, what matters most is impact. We understand the realities facing Nigerian universities, from transportation challenges to infrastructure gaps,” he said.
He noted that the agency could adopt a phased implementation strategy if multiple projects are approved.
“If there are multiple projects and we are unable to execute everything at once, we can adopt a phased approach and focus on priority areas that will make the greatest difference.”
The Customs boss also stressed the importance of building a university in Abuja that reflects the status of Nigeria’s capital city.
“It is important for us to have a university in Abuja that truly reflects the status of Nigeria’s capital. I am willing to work with you in that regard.”
University seeks strategic collaboration
Earlier, Professor Fawehinmi praised the Nigeria Customs Service for supporting federal government reforms and national development efforts.
“We have come with the highest level of leadership of the university to congratulate you and appreciate the tremendous work being done by the Nigeria Customs Service under your leadership,” he said.
The Vice-Chancellor said the university urgently needs support in transportation, research facilities, and digital infrastructure to cope with growing student demand.
“Support in areas such as mass transit buses, ICT infrastructure, research facilities, and professional collaboration will significantly strengthen our capacity.”
He also proposed collaboration between the Customs Service and the university’s Centre for Defence and Migration Studies.
According to him, potential areas of partnership include border management, migration studies, executive training, and national security research.
“We are ready to partner with the Nigeria Customs Service. The real beneficiaries of such collaboration will be young Nigerians who represent the future leadership of this country.”
Expert perspective
Education analysts say partnerships between government institutions and universities are becoming increasingly important as tertiary institutions face funding constraints.
Public policy experts note that collaborations involving ICT infrastructure, security studies, and research development could help universities align more closely with national economic and security priorities.
They also argue that practical partnerships with agencies like the Nigeria Customs Service may improve students’ exposure to real-world policy and operational systems.
What’s next?
Both institutions are expected to continue discussions on formalising areas of collaboration, potentially reviving earlier plans for a Memorandum of Understanding.
The partnership may also lead to joint training programmes, research initiatives, and infrastructure projects aimed at improving educational standards and institutional capacity.
Education
UK-Backed Skills Certification Exams Launch in Lagos, Opening Global Opportunities for Nigerians
A UK-backed professional certification scheme has been launched in Lagos, marking a new step in Nigeria’s drive to boost workforce competitiveness through globally recognised skills validation.
Goodmus Learning Centre says it has begun conducting the Global Competency Assessment (GCA), an international certification designed to test real-world skills rather than theoretical knowledge.
The centre’s Managing Director, Dr Adekunle Badmus, confirmed that the first round of exams has already been completed, with monthly assessments now scheduled.
“GCA is about measuring what truly matters in today’s workforce — practical skills, applied knowledge, and performance. It is not just certification; it is validation of global competence,” he said.
The exams were supervised by UK-based education experts, a move the centre says reinforces the credibility and international alignment of the certification.
Why it matters
The launch comes at a time when employers globally are placing increasing emphasis on demonstrable skills over traditional academic qualifications.
Analysts say competency-based certifications like GCA could help bridge Nigeria’s long-standing gap between education and employability.
Shortages of job-ready skills have been widely cited as a barrier to economic growth, particularly among young graduates entering the labour market.
By focusing on what candidates can actually do, rather than what they have studied, the GCA aims to offer a clearer benchmark for employers.
“Employers need clarity on what candidates can actually do, not just what they studied. GCA provides that clarity by setting a clear, trusted standard,” Badmus added.
How the certification works
The Global Competency Assessment evaluates candidates strictly within their areas of expertise.
It spans multiple sectors, including:
Business
Technology
Education
Security
Entrepreneurship
The framework is built on three pillars:
Alignment with international standards
Competency-based evaluation
Data-driven assessment
Successful candidates receive certification that can be recognised across 32 countries, potentially improving access to global employment and collaboration opportunities.
Industry reactions
Industry observers say the initiative could reshape hiring practices in Nigeria.
Workforce development experts note that competency-based assessments are gaining traction worldwide, particularly in sectors where practical ability is critical.
They argue that adopting such frameworks locally could make Nigerian professionals more competitive in international labour markets.
Organisations may also benefit, as the certification can be used to assess staff capabilities, identify skills gaps, and improve workforce performance.
Expansion plans
Goodmus Learning Centre says the Lagos rollout is only the beginning.
The institution plans to expand access to the certification across Nigeria and is seeking partnerships with organisations interested in workforce development.
“Competence is universal. What GCA does is ensure that your competence is recognised anywhere in the world,” Badmus said.
What’s next
With monthly assessments now in place, more Nigerian professionals are expected to enrol in the coming months.
If widely adopted, the certification could play a role in shaping how skills are measured, recognised, and rewarded across the country.
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