The minister who was in the state to pay condolence to the widow of late Dr. Sam Mbakwe, said that Nigeria was unfortunately among the E-9 group (educationally disadvantaged) of the world. He said that the grouping was done by UNESCO after its investigations.

He noted that Egypt and Nigeria were the African countries on the list, while Brazil, Bangladesh, India, Indonosia and China were also among the E-9.

Osuji stressed the UNESCO a United Nations organ had been involved in making strategic contributions to the development of academic in the E-9 countries.

He said that the objective of UNESCO had been the attainment of the Dakar agreement which is that the girl-child and the boy-child should be given equal opportunity to have good education.

Speaking on the new University calendar year starting from September to June, Osuji said that plans are underway to effect the change.

He noted that when operational, Universities would reopen for the new academic year in September and close by June of the following year.

Osuji stressed that the policy which was currently receiving government attention would take off soon. He however said that the resumption dates might be a little different in some other Institution of the senate of each University.

Source: AllAfrica.com