Education
Ministry of Education Endorses Ejiro Umukoro’s ‘Distortion’ for schools
Ministry of Education Endorses Ejiro Umukoro’s ‘Distortion’ for schools
A literary triumph for women in media, journalism
Abuja, Nigeria, April 19 2024 – LightRay! Media, a leading name in media, journalism and publishing is thrilled to announce the approval of the ground-breaking book ‘Distortion’ by acclaimed international multi-award winning communications specialist, writer, journalist, trainer and facilitator, Ejiro ‘LadyE’ Umukoro. Umukoro is a recipient of the Distinguished Changemaker Award from the United States Agency for Global Media (USAGM), has penned a compelling narrative in ‘Distortion’ that transcends borders and resonates with readers worldwide.
The book Distortion, listed on the recommended textbooks for senior secondary schools (SS1-3) for literature in English for the first term, was signed by the Director of Education Research Centre, Kelly N. Kentoa, under the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, Asaba, Delta State.
‘Distortion’ is a captivating work that delves into the human mind and challenges taboos around the Osu caste system, widowhood, baby-making factories, child trafficking, gender-based violence and the issues of mental health in a society that does not protect its own.
Set against the backdrop of Nigeria’s rich cultural belief systems, politics, religion, and family values, ‘Distortion’ is based on Umukoro’s experiences as an investigative journalist and media mentor. ‘Distortion’ weaves together narratives of the individual against the state, a society verging on dysfunctionality and strewn with landmines, and ultimately the determination and quest for personal survival and self-fulfilment. Umukoro’s prose, style, and depth of subject matter invite readers to explore global themes of mental wellbeing, belief systems, and choices in the pursuit of happiness, wealth, and relevance.
The Delta State Ministry of Education’s endorsement of ‘Distortion’ marks a significant milestone for Umukoro, the Delta-born award-winning investigative journalist, whose literary prowess has come to the fore with this novel. As part of the approved curriculum for secondary school students across Nigeria, this literary gem will inspire a generation of young minds to become critical thinkers who are empowered with knowledge on how to critique and not become victims of other people’s whims and manipulation. This approval and inclusion in the school curriculum also reflects the ministry’s commitment to fostering awareness on issues of gender-based violence, child rights, human rights, and the global awareness of these and more among students.
Umukoro, a seasoned journalist, policy advocate, and storyteller, infuses every page of ‘Distortion’ with authenticity and depth that are rarely seen, which readers will find both inspiring and a call to action.
In a statement, Umukoro expresses gratitude, saying, “I was humbled and thrilled by the recognition and honoured that my work will now reach Nigerian classrooms. Children’s voices matter. They are an important demographic that deserves to be recognised, protected, and inspired to greatness.”
It would be recalled that it was through Ejiro Umukoro’s investigative report and exposè on how Female Students in Delta State were been aggressively recruited by cultists, that inspired the Delta State Government’s Ministry of Education to declare a state of emergency on the growing menace. With the proactive support of St. Patrick’s Church and Principals in secondary schools across Delta State alongside Umukoro, they were able to save over 150 teenagers ages 11 to 17 years from being recruited into cultism while ensuring that the young girls targeted are not used as rape victims for initiation rites.
Umukoro explains that “Growing up I experienced how literature of wide varieties can inspire thinking, ignite conversations, challenge prejudices, biases, intolerance, and stereotypes. It is my hope that ‘Distortion’ empowers students and adults alike to know that they have the power to say ‘No’ when they’re uncomfortable and have the courage to walk away from circumstances that diminish their worthy as individuals.”
LightRay! Media through its LightRay! Books and Literary Society invites educators, parents and students to explore this remarkable literary achievement, whether in the classroom, in buses, on the train, at work, travelling by air or sea or during leisure times to enjoy reading every page of ‘Distortion’. The book will certainly ignite minds and alert hearts. It’s a worthy addition to Nigeria’s ever growing literary tradition of expanding the boundaries of thought.
About Ejiro ‘LadyE’ Umukoro
‘LadyE’ Ejiro Umukoro is a United States Agency for Global Media ChangeMaker Award Winner, a Pulitzer Centre Recognised Investigative Journalist, Fellow of African Women in Journalism Programme (ICFJ’s) Fellow, WanaData Code Africa South-South Champion, Fellow of Wole Soyinka Centre for Investigative (REWON), and a multi-award winning broadcaster, journalist, cultural leader, trainer, mentor, communications expert (first and only Nigerian to win the British Council International Communications Entrepreneur Awards), and pioneer of Civic Intelligence in Nigeria. Umukoro is also the Executive Director and Publisher of LightRay Media, President of LightRay Books and Literary Society and Convener of LightRay Women in Media Leadership Summit for LightRay Media and Foundation Advocacy Initiative.
About LightRay!
Light Ray Media is a cutting-edge multimedia production and publishing company dedicated to crafting immersive digital experiences, literary works, distinctive journalism, media, and comms academy that captivate audiences worldwide. With a focus on innovation, creativity, and technical expertise, we strive to push the boundaries of visual storytelling across various platforms.
Mission Statement
At Light Ray Media, our mission is to illuminate the world through the power of storytelling, leveraging the latest technologies to create impactful and unforgettable multimedia experiences.
Signed:
LightRay! Publishers.
+2348035926901
Email: contactlightraymedia@gmail.com
Education
EDUCATION: Ekpomupolo-led Warri South-West Legislature Moves to introduce Ijaw, ltsekiri Language in Schools
By Favour Bibaikefie
A major step toward strengthening cultural preservation has been taken in warri south-west Local Government Area as the Leader of the Legislative Arm, Rt Hon. Idukedoumene Samuel Ekpemupolo, has sponsored a bill seeking the compulsory teaching of ijaw and itsekiri languages in all primary school across the LGA.
The proposal. Which covers both government and privately owned primary school, aims to ensure that children in region grow up grounded in their native tongues while gaining a deeper understanding of their cultural roots.
In line with established legislative norms, Rt. Hon. Samuel temporarily relinquished his role as presiding officer to the Deputy Leader, Rt. Hon Erewe Charles , who supervised the session during the presentation of the bill. Lawmakers commended the move as a clear display of respect for legislative order and due process.
Under the bill, primary school situated in predominantly Ijaw communities will adopt Ijaw as a compulsory subject, while those in Itsekiri areas will teach Itsekiri. The intention is to encourage early mastery of indigenous languages, enabling young learners to appreciate local history, idioms, folklore, and values.
Rt. Hon. Samuel, while speaking on the importance of the proposal, emphasized that many indigenous languages are gradually losing ground among the younger generation. He described the bill as a timely intervention to revive linguistic pride, reinforce cultural identity, and promote harmony between the Ijaw and itsekiri people.
Beyond cultural preservation, the legislation is expected to open new employment opportunities for trained language educators and curriculum experts-benefits that will positively impact educational development in the LGA.
Stakeholders see the bill as a transformative effort that could shape the cultural and academic direction of warri south-west for years to come. The House has begun deliberation, with expectations that the proposal will receive broad support due to its long-term significance for the region’s children and communities.
Education
FG Adjusts Tertiary Admission Rules, Drops Mathematics as Compulsory for Arts and Humanities
By: Derick Peretengboro
The Federal Government has introduced a major change to admission requirements for higher institutions across Nigeria, announcing that Mathematics will no longer be a compulsory subject for candidates applying to study Arts and Humanities.
The policy update was revealed in Abuja on Tuesday through a statement issued by the Ministry of Education’s spokesperson, Mrs. Folasade Boriowo.
For years, students seeking admission into universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education were required to secure five credits, including English Language and Mathematics, in their Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE) to qualify.
New National Admission Framework
According to the Ministry, the newly revised National Guidelines for Entry Requirements into Nigerian Tertiary Institutions are aimed at modernizing admission criteria, removing outdated restrictions, and widening access to higher education while maintaining quality standards.
“The revised framework eliminates unnecessary barriers to tertiary education while preserving academic excellence and learning outcomes,” the statement said.
Under The New Structure:
Universities: Candidates must obtain five credits, including English Language, in relevant subjects within two sittings.
Mathematics remains compulsory for Science, Technology, and Social Science courses.
Polytechnics (ND): At least four credits in relevant subjects, including English Language for non-science courses and Mathematics for science-related programmes.
Polytechnics (HMD): Five credits, including both English Language and Mathematics.
Colleges of Education (NCE): A minimum of four credits in relevant subjects. English is compulsory for Arts and Social Sciences, while Mathematics is required for Science, Technical, and Vocational disciplines.
The Minister of Education, Dr. Tuning Alausa described the policy reform as a strategic move to expand educational access and foster inclusivity.
He emphasized that the decision aligns with global best practices and is intended to ensure that capable students in non-science fields are not denied opportunities due to rigid entry requirements.
My Study and Reading Strategies
By Lady Ejiro Umukoro
STUDYING is often a strenuous activity for many individuals; it is considered tasking, difficult to keep up to, time consuming, and sometimes, unproductive. This article is targeted at helping you create an effective study technique that transcends those feelings.
To study effectively and meet your desired goal, you need focus. One effective technique that can greatly help you is setting a clear goal of what you plan to achieve at the end of a stipulated timeframe. While keeping the goal behind your studying in mind, create a smaller and achievable goal that brings you nearer to your overall focus and examine them after each study session to help you track your progress.
A well-known but disregarded technique is creating a study schedule that aligns with your goal. Often, it is easier to create a study schedule than to follow it. So, you must tell yourself it is worth it.
Developing a consistent study schedule ensures regular and manageable study periods to prevent last-minute cramming. Discipline is mostly needed for you to create a study schedule and achieve its intended purpose. To remain on track, visualise the poor outcome that can emanate from not being disciplined and the disappointment that it could bring. Create a study schedule that aligns you with your goal and be intentional about the discipline necessary for its success.
Active listening is an effective study technique you must embrace. A firm starting step that could immensely aid your retention and studying is the stage of active listening. As earlier mentioned, some people find studying time consuming or even unproductive; this may have emanated from not paying enough attention when the subject matter was being taught. Active listening reduces the struggle of having to study for a long time, forgetting information easily, and feelings of low productivity. Active listening will also help you incorporate learning strategies, such as summarising information, teaching others, or discussing topics with peers, enhancing your comprehension and retention.
Employ the Pomodoro technique in effectively aiding your studying. The Pomodoro technique involves incorporating a five-minute break after every 25 minutes study session. To maximise the Pomodoro technique, create a to-do list and a timer, and assign 25 minutes to each task on the list. When the timer rings, take an immediate break, and go on a longer 15-30 minutes break after four Pomodoro sessions. Do this to reduce burn out, build consistency and establish routines, enhance productivity, and boost concentration.
Take notes while studying. Although writing may not be considered a preferential activity for you, it is of prime importance in measuring what you really know and can remember. Explore taking effective notes through methods such as Cornell or mind mapping. They enable you to identify and link similar concepts that could aid in understanding and remembering areas of emphasis or importance. If you do not like to write, consider drawing different structures or illustrations close to you and mindfully link them to what you study about. This can help you recollect information faster and effectively.
Always engage with, practise, and test your knowledge. Regularly create quizzes or activities to test the knowledge you have gained after every study session. Practising tests or quizzes helps you to solidify your knowledge, see areas where improvements are necessary, and equip you with the format and pressure of actual exams. As you study, list out questions or quizzes to go over, always practise after every study session, and stop at your exact timer for honest assessment or evaluations.
Eliminate distractions while reading. Create an environment for yourself that is free from distracting activities, sounds, gadgets, or occasions. Consider using noise-cancelling headphones or a quiet study area in maintaining concentration and interest. Rather than allowing distractions to be a setback, you can incorporate these distractions – if they include some activities you like or gadgets you enjoy – in your short breaks for more rejuvenation or morale boost. Some, however, say they enjoy reading with some noise around them.”
Do what works from you. To achieve that, learn more about how you enjoy studying and reading.
©LADY EJIRO UMULORO IS A MEDIA PERSONALITY (LIGHTRAY MEDIA), POLICY ADVOCATE, KEYNOTE SPEAKER, AND AUTHOR.
#GoDoYou! #DISTORTIONbyEjiroUmukoro #unlearning