Background
Saint Alban's Sixth Form & Pre-University College, Akure is a bold, well researched and excellently resourced initiative to invigorate the pre-university education in Nigeria.
The quantum leap in the number of secondary schools in Nigeria has precipitated an explosion in the number of leavers and university applicants. Unfortunately, the increase in applications means that only a declining proportion can be admitted into university; the growth of which has not kept pace with the growth in applications. Consequently, many students make several attempts over many years before gaining entrance into university or other higher institutions.
Quality has also become a casualty of this development as pass rates among school leavers continue to be of concern and university dons complain about the quality of applicants/undergraduates. This eventually translates into weak final university grades and low quality of job applicants.
There is therefore a critical need to enhance the level of education of a large number of our secondary school leavers; first, to increase their chances of gaining timely admission into universities and other higher institutions; second, to enhance their chances of obtaining top grades when they are in the university; and third, to enhance their quality as a final product when they eventually enter the labour market.
These form the rationale for the establishment of Saint Alban's Sixth Form & Pre-University College, Akure.
Our Vision
Saint Alban's Sixth Form & Pre-University College is a post-secondary institution of international standard and repute, using premium resources to provide world class education, which ensures the progression of its learners into the best possible higher institutions of learning and ultimately into solid careers for societal development.
Our Mission
Our mission is to provide education of international standard to secondary school leavers, using seasoned resource persons, effective and contemporary teaching and learning methods, under a conducive environment and the highest possible moral standard, at an affordable cost, which will add optimum value to the education of our learners, facilitate their admission into the world's best universities and other higher institutions, enhance their job prospects and ultimately promote the workforce and leadership quality of the nation.
Our Core Values
With our patron saint as Saint Alban, our ethos is inspired by the Christian faith, knowledge for emancipation, courage to persevere on our set tasks, to stand firm on our beliefs and to make sacrifices in service to mankind. We therefore profess our core values as:
- Knowledge
- Courage
- Hope
- Godliness
- Excellence
The Learning Journey at Saint Alban's
At St Alban's, each student is unique, hence there is a learning journey for each one of them. This starts with an initial and diagnostic assessment to determine the student's learning needs, followed by the drawing up of the student's Individual Learning Plan (ILP) and assignment of a personal tutor to the student to ensure the plan's implementation. Information, Advice and Guidance (IAG) is offered to support students throughout their educational journey at Saint Alban's.
Information, Advice and Guidance (IAG)
At Saint Alban's we know that learners may not be sure about the future careers they intend to pursue, when they resume with us. Even when sure, they may not be certain of the academic requirements for such careers. Furthermore, the basis of career choices may be confusing.
We have well trained, experienced, seasoned career and guidance counsellors at Saint Alban's, who work with our students, right from the point of interview for admission up to their graduation from the College. Our counsellors ensure that our students have information on career options, the academic requirements and personal attributes required to succeed in their proposed professions. They also provide students with applicable subject combinations, appropriate institutions, admission procedures and all other relevant information to enable them to make the best possible career choices.
The IAG process includes periodic meetings between a student and his/her counsellor to review set objectives and ensure the student's success.
Support for Students
One of our strengths is the support that we offer to our students. Learner mentors, teachers, tutors and support staff offer different types of support which are tailored to the need of individual students. This support may be for specific learning difficulties, or in the form of booster lessons or even 1-to-1 classroom assistance. Support requirements will be discussed at interview and an initial support plan drawn up.
Equality, Diversity, Inclusion and Safeguarding
Saint Alban's is all about our students, irrespective of their circumstances. We believe every individual has the right to equality of opportunity, free from discrimination, regardless of their age, gender, disability, sexual orientation, ethnic or national origins, social or religious backgrounds.
We are serious about the safeguarding of children, young people and vulnerable adults; hence we let our students know their rights and how we can help them. This is all to protect those in our care from harm, neglect and prevent an impairment of their healthy development, such that they can thrive and succeed. Prospective students can therefore come to us, knowing fully well that they are assured of a safe, friendly and discrimination-free environment.
Teaching and Learning Methods
At St Albans, we are learner focused and use up to date, well proven, active teaching and learning methods, like games, simulations, role-plays, seminars, assertive questioning, student talk, aide-memoire etc., all in a process backed by modern teaching aids like interactive white boards, overhead projectors, flipcharts, models, visits and trips, PowerPoint presentations etc. Students are supported with 1-to-1 sessions as may be required.
E-Learning
Our operations ultimately combine classroom interactions with up-to-date e-learning methods. Each student is connected to the college's e-learning platform and given an e-mail account and a working space for the conduct of their studies and correspondence. Students benefit from on-line lessons and webinars. Students also get feedback and periodic reviews of their ILPs with their tutors to ensure that they are on track to achieving their qualifications within the specified time frame.
Students will have access to our e-library, which is rich in up-to-date books, journals, magazines etc., for use in their studies.
Facilities
Walking into St Alban's Sixth Form & Pre-University College gives you a superb ambience of a conducive learning environment. You are ushered into our array of modern facilities which include:
Front Office
Our students' needs are our priority. We want to ensure that their stay in St Alban's is as comfortable and fulfilling as possible. Hence our front office is staffed by well trained and friendly officers, who cater for the initial interaction, introduction of students to the college and the welfare of students all through their stay.
Classrooms
Our classrooms are perfectly laid out, well-ventilated and equipped with ergonomically appropriate seats to offer a perfect environment for learning. Students' numbers are moderate per class for effective learning. We pride ourselves on modern whiteboards, computers, internet connection and other multi-media equipment in our classrooms; all combining to give a state-of-the-art environment.
Modern Laboratories
Our science laboratory is well equipped with modern and up-to-date facilities for students' experiments and research. It is internet connected, such that students can view best practices in other parts of the world and collaborate with scientists in partner institutions to ensure that they get the best teaching and learning available.
Library
We also have a library which is highly comfortable for reading and well stocked with hard and soft copy books, and study computers. We subscribe to a rich collection of e-books, on-line magazines and journals, all of which can be accessed both on-campus and off-campus for students' studies.
Computer Room
Our computer room is equipped with comfortable furniture, modern, high-powered and internet-linked computers. Each student is assured of access to a computer at each computer session.
Café
There is a café, serving tasteful and hygienically prepared array of food, snacks and drinks for students' needs. There are comfortable sitting arrangements and games for students' relaxation.
Hostel Accommodation
There is comfortable, spacious and homely hostel accommodation for interested students.
Staff
You will admire our crop of well-trained, student-oriented and world class teaching staff. We have taken steps to ensure that all our staff are specialists in the subjects which they teach. Many of them have masters' degrees and combine their subject specialism with teacher training qualifications like PGCE, PGDE etc. to give them sound pedagogical skills, for bringing out the best possible performance in students.
Our staff members undergo mandatory Continuous Professional Development (CPD) courses to continuously hone their knowledge and keep them up to date with new industry developments.