He attended St. John's Anglican Primary School, Igebin-Kuto, Abeokuta, Ogun State between 1971 and 1976 for his primary education, Lisabi Grammar School, Abeokuta from 1976-1981 to acquire secondary education. In pursuit of higher education, he was admitted into the University of Calabar between 1981 and 1985 where he studied theatre art. He also had a stint at the University of Ibadan, Oyo State (1986-1987, 1988-1990). He attended the College of Journalism, University of Maryland at College Park, United States from 1996-1997. He was at the Lagos State University Ojo (LASU), Lagos from 1994-1999.

Abati started his career as a graduate assistant, while undergoing the National Youth Service (NYSC) at the University of Benin, Edo State from 1985-1986. He also worked at the University of Ibadan, Oyo State as a graduate assistant between 1986 and 1990; lecturer II, Ogun State University, 1990-1991).

He became member Editorial Board, The Guardian in 1992 until 1999 when he was appointed Deputy Chairman. He held this position till 2001 when he became the acting editorial page editor. He moved on to become the editorial page editor and acting chairman editorial board in 2002.

He was a visiting lecturer, Ogun State University, 1992-1996. He was also contributing editor, Hints and Chandelle magazines, Lagos, 1989-1991; contributing editor, Hearts magazine, 1994-1995; consultant, Africa Leadership Forum, Ota, Ogun State, since 1994; Intern Editorial Page, Los Angeles Times, Times Square, U.S.A. 1997; consultant, Johns Hopkins University, USAID, Nigeria; consultant UNICEF, Lagos 1995-1996; consultant, Quality Assurance Project, USAID, Nigeria 1995.

He is a fellow, Hubert H. Humphrey, 1996-1997; 21st Century Trust, St. John's College, University of Cambridge, United Kingdom (UK), 1994.

He is a member of Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA) and Nigerian Institute of Management (NIM).

In recognition of his performance in the media and contribution to the society, he has won several awards. They include, University Scholar, University of Ibadan, 1987-1990; National Merit Award Scholarship of the Federal Government of Nigeria, 1982-1985; class valedictorian, graduating class, University of Calabar, 1985; Kappa Sigma Prize, University of Calabar 1985; Vice Chancellor's Prize, University of Calabar 1985; Ekpo Archibong Prize, University of Calabar 1985; Certificate of Distinction in Acting, University of Calabar, 1985.

He was also a recipient of Informed Commentary Prize, DAME Awards, 1998 and 2000, Nigeria Media Merit Award, Ernest Ikoli Prize for Print of the Year, 1998 Fletcher-Challenge Newspaper Award, Rotary Club of Falomo, 2002, Award of Honour, Rotary Club of Victoria Island-East, 2002;

He is the co-author, Odutola: The Biography of T.A. Odutola, ALF Publications, 1995. Abati enjoys travelling and writing.

Years of evidence from the field have strongly suggested that PreschoolFirst's approach is highly successful. To determine whether that anecdotal information from the field could be formally confirmed, the developers asked Dr. Lento F. Maez and Dr. Candelario F. Huerta, Jr., both affiliated with Texas A&M University, to conduct a rigorous study of both the validity and the reliability of the PreschoolFirst assessment tool.

High Degree of Confidence

The study's data set was drawn from the PreschoolFirst database, based on early childhood educator's observations of the children in their care. The large sample size -- 1,927 subjects and a total of 48,423 observations -- leads to a high degree of confidence in the results of the study.

For both reliability and validity, using the Cronbach alpha coefficient scale, a score of 0.70 represents an acceptable degree; a score of 1.00 represents the ideal. The study found that the PreschoolFirst assessment system's reliability was .86, and its validity was .94.

Steven J. Gorski, President and CEO of Source for Learning, Inc., the nonprofit parent corporation of PreschoolFirst, said, "It's highly gratifying to have our confidence in PreschoolFirst confirmed. The system has remarkable capability, and this study helps prove its tremendous benefit to teachers, administrators, children, and parents."

The full report is available at www.preschoolfirst.com/validation.cfm.

PreschoolFirst is in use across the United States in independent and public pre-K centers, Head Start and Early Head Start programs, faith-based programs, and family child care facilities.

It is aligned to nationally recognized early learning and Pre-K standards, American Academy of Pediatrics developmental milestones, the Head Start Child Outcomes Framework, and each state's pre-K standards or guidelines.

PreschoolFirst staff will be available to provide further information in the exhibit hall at booth 437 at the 2008 NAEYC Annual Conference & Expo, November 5-8, Dallas, Texas.

The Source for Learning (www.sourceforlearning.org) is a not-for-profit corporation providing enhanced learning through technology. In addition to PreschoolFirst, The Source for Learning is the creator of TeachersFirst.com and TeachersAndFamilies.com.

SOURCE PreschoolFirst.com

http://www.preschoolfirst.com

Compared to polytechnics in Chandigarh, Delhi and Mumbai, the technical institutes in Jharkhand were found to lack linkages with the industries and of giving poor focus on placement facilities.

The study carried under the guidance of Prof S N Bagchi has also suggested an action plan to upgrade the polytechnics and WICs.

Among the suggestions include recruitment of more teachers, upgrading syllabus as per the needs of the industry, developing close ties with the industry, holding of job fairs and organising workshops, seminars and conferences.

Development of laboratories, library and hostel facilities have also been recommended, an official said.

The technical institutions were also urged to develop linkages with markets or NGOs so that the products made by the students could be sold and used to earn money to make the centres "self-sufficient" and teach students entrepreneurship.

The study was conducted to assess the present status of 13 state-run and one private polytechnic and 5 WICs in Jharkhand.

He said that the gesture was part of the state government's determination to support brilliant products of the university to enable them achieve maximum intellectual heights.

"My administration will continue to provide bursary for Kogi State indigenes to become useful citizens of this great country, Nigeria ," he added.

The governor said that the graduates, Umar Mohammed of Accounting and Monday Aliyu of Political Science Departments scored Cumulative Grade Point Aggregate of 4.60 and 4.61, respectively to attain the First Class position.

He congratulated parents and guardians of the 3,379 graduates of the institution from the 2004/2005, 2005/2006, 2006/2007 academic sessions for their worthy sacrifices.

He, however, charged the graduates to provide leadership in their callings, saying:

"Let me stress that the most enduring part of your training in this university is your character. I challenge you to go out and dominate your environment in a positive way".

Speaking, Vice-Chancellor of the university, Prof. Francis Idachaba, urged the graduating students to indulge in long-term investments and use the skills acquired to compete favourably with graduates of other universities.

He advised them to engage in self-employment rather than waiting for government to provide the non-existent white collar jobs.

Idris and former Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Alhaji Abdullahi Ibrahim (SAN), were conferred with honorary Doctorate Degrees in Law of the University.