News Agency of Nigeria
Foundation mentors Muslim first class graduates on career
Education

Foundation mentors Muslim first class graduates on career

 

 

 

 

 

 

By Millicent Ifeanyichukwu

 

The First Class Muslim Foundation has trained and mentored over 350 first class graduates on career development in seven years.

 

Dr Sulaimon Ogunmuyiwa, the Chairman, Board of Incorporated Trustees of First Class Muslim Foundation, made this known during the M-First Series 7 for First Class Muslim Graduates, on Wednesday at Ikeja.

 

Ogunmuyiwa said for the series 7, the foundation had gathered 51 first-class graduates from various Nigerian universities for a three-day programme, to inspire and motivate them for the next steps, after graduation.

 

He said the M-First programme aimed to help the first class graduates identify their core competencies, develop goals, network, and secure scholarships for further education or industry entry.

 

According to him, industry experts are also involved to guide participants on career pathways.

 

“This is the seventh edition of the programme, with a total of 350 graduates trained so far. Many of the graduates are pursuing masters or PhD programmes in countries like the UK, Germany, Canada, U.S., and Malaysia.

 

“Those still in Nigeria are either in top universities or top companies, contributing positively to their fields. The foundation tracks the progress of these graduates annually and is pleased with their achievements.

 

“So, today, we have 51 first class Muslim graduates from different universities in Nigeria, we have brought them here to be able to inspire them and motivate them to be able to do more.

 

“They have first class from their first degree, and then we feel that the first class will get expired in two to three years, if they don’t make use of it now.

 

“So in order to ensure that they take the right step, we have brought them together to teach them about how to identify their core competence, how to develop goals, how to network, and how to also get scholarships that will support their further education,” he said.

 

Also speaking, Mr Faheed Olajide, Board Member, First Class Muslim Foundation, urged the graduates to be committed and think about ways they could serve humanity and their communities.

 

Olajide, who is also the Managing Director of Omnicom Solutions Ltd., said there was the need for stakeholders collaboration on raising the standard of the education sector in the country.

 

“We need more investment into education. Quality planning needs to be invested in our education. If any nation is going to grow, it is only the next generation ofthe students , of the youth that are coming up that are going to do it.

 

“If you don’t invest enough in them, then it is as well as saying that you are not building yourself for tomorrow.

 

“So, every dream that we have for Nigeria today, the government should know that it is only by the investment in the youth and the education sector that is going to get this for Nigeria.

 

“It is not something that will give you reward today, but it is what will ensure that the next generation and the generation coming after them build a better Nigeria,” he said.

 

One of the participants, Haruna Abdullahi, who studied Biochemistry in Kogi State University, said that there was stigma associated with obtaining a first class degree, as it often led to unrealistic expectations of perfection in their workplace.

 

Abdullahi said that obtaining a first class degree provided self-fulfillment, as it signified personal achievement and success among peers.

 

He advised on reorienting undergraduates to overcome the common perception that education is a scam.

 

Abdullahi urged undergraduates not to waste education resources, whether self-funded or sponsored, but pay attention to their education. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

 

Edited by Florence Onuegbu/Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma

Be cautious about AI, V-C tells scholars
Education , Science & Tech

Be cautious about AI, V-C tells scholars

By Hilary Akalugwu

Prof. Simon Ortuanya, the Vice-Chancellor, University of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN), has advised scholars to exercise caution in their application of Artificial Intelligence (AI).

Ortuanya said in Nsukka, Enugu State, on Thursday, at the 41st National Conference of Social Studies Educationists Association of Nigeria (SOSAN) that AI, though has merits, also has demerits.

The theme of the conference is: “Leveraging Artificial Intelligence for Transformative Social Studies in 21st Century.”

He said that in as much as AI had the potential to revolutionise all sectors of life, caution should be exercised because it has its own adverse effects when negatively applied.

“Al tools have the capacity to revolutionise every sector of the economy especially education but we should be careful in using AI as it also has its own negative effects,” he said.

The V-C, who was represented by Prof. Romanus Ezeokonkwo, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor Administration, described the topic of the conference as timely and apt as AI remains an essential tool in teaching and learning in the 21st century.

Ortuanya, who assumed office on August 10 as the 16th substantive VC of UNN, said social studies educationists have contributed immensely to the country’s economy especially in education development and urged the association to keep it up.

“There is no doubt the outcome of this conference will go a long way in taking social studies education to a greater height,” he said.

Speaking, Prof. Abdulraheem Yusuf, the National President, SOSAN, said AI had permeated in every facets of the economy especially in education.

“AI not only makes social studies teaching more engaging but more transformative in shaping our students to be critical thinkers, problem solvers, responsible citizens in the ever increasing digital world.

“The outcome of this conference will help to empower our educators and prepare our students for the challenges of 21st century,” he said.

He appreciated the V-C for accepting to host the conference, adding that the Local Organising Committee (LOC) led by Prof. Okechukwu Nwaubani did a great job in organising the event.

In a keynote, Prof. Christian Ezeibe, Dean, Department of Students Affairs, UNN, said AI, if wisely applied, could transform teaching, learning and all ramifications of life.

“AI is reshaping every sector from medicine to manufacturing; from finance to agriculture. It is reshaping education in profound ways.

“AI is not here to replace us but to amplify our potential if we are prepared.

“We should leverage on AI not just for innovation but for transformation, equity, justice and for more informed and responsible citizenry,” he said.

Earlier in a remark, Nwaubani, said the vision of the association was to build and sustain a virile strong and stable Nigeria through the teaching and learning of social studies in schools.

“SOSAN is strongly committed to promoting the visibility and relevance of social studies education in the scheme of things in Nigeria.

“These ideals resonate with the theme of this conference which says “Leveraging Artificial Intelligence for the Transformative Social Studies Education in Nigeria in the 21st Century.”

“The topic is apt, insightful and inspiring because of its relevance to the promotion of ICT in teaching social studies,” he said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Uche Anunne

FG, Korea digital education initiative impacts 3m children
Education

FG, Korea digital education initiative impacts 3m children

Digital

By Funmilayo Adeyemi

No fewer than three million children have benefitted from the multimedia digital education initiative of the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) and the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA)

Executive Secretary, UBEC, Aisha Garba, disclosed this on Monday in Abuja at the closing ceremony of KOICA Education Project in Nigeria.

Garba said, 420,009 library materials and158,000 Nigerian history books had also been distributed through the initiative which commenced in 2021.

She said the project, designed to address critical gaps in Nigeria’s education system, has greatly redefined the landscape of basic education in Nigeria, through technology, innovative teaching, and inclusive learning.

Specifically, Garba said the project was designed to address the alarming figure of over 10 million out-of-school children and the lack of digital literacy among more than 60 per cent of public primary school teachers.

According to her, under the collaboration, UBEC and KOICA developed Nigeria’s first Smart Education Master Plan and trained over 300 teachers and school leaders.

She added that the collaboration also established six state-of-the-art content development studios, and produced nearly 4,000 digital learning resources in Mathematics and Science.

Garba recalled that when the project began in 2021, they were confronted with sobering realities.

According to her, over 10.1 million school-age children were out-of-school while 70 per cent of those enrolled lacked foundational learning skills.

She added that more than 60 per cent of public primary school teachers did not possess basic digital literacy.

“With the staggering figure and daunting statistics, we saw not just problems, but possibilities.

“We saw possibilities to reimagine learning, bridge the digital divide, and empower our schools and teachers to become catalysts for lasting transformation,’’ she said.

Garba added that, KOICA, through the initiative, supported six of UBEC’s 37 Universal Basic Education Model Smart Schools, but the ripple effect had reached over 8,000 learners in 21 states.

“Although KOICA focus is in six smart schools, the outcome of the project has reached over 8,000 learners in 21 states where the smart schools are fully operational,” she added.

Garba also highlighted recent UBEC reforms that had unlocked access to matching grants for states after 20 years of bottlenecks, enabling more efficient and transparent resource deployment.

The Executive Secretary expressed deep gratitude to KOICA and the Government of the Republic of Korea, affirming UBEC’s commitment to expanding the initiative and ensuring, “no child is left behind.”

“Our vision is a basic education system that is smart, inclusive, and globally competitive, one that builds future-ready citizens,” Garba said.

Earlier, while declaring the event open, the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Abubakar Bagudu described the initiative as a model for international cooperation and shared prosperity.

Bagudu, lauded the KOICA initiative for its investment in Nigeria’s basic education, adding that the collaboration had already begun yielding visible results.

“We are grateful to KOICA and the people of South Korea. You have not only built the confidence of our children and parents but also reassured us that Nigeria is not alone on this journey.

“The best way to say thank you is to replicate and sustain this initiative with our own resources,” he said.

The event was attended by top government officials, foreign diplomats, education stakeholders, teachers, and students. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Rotimi Ijikanmi

Why we should teach fishing, barbing in secondary school – NGO
Education

Why we should teach fishing, barbing in secondary school – NGO

By Esenvosa Izah

A non-governmental organisation, Springforth Foundation, is advocating integration of skill acquisition into secondary school curriculum.

The organisation said the integration would address the growing challenge of youth unemployment.

The Founder, Mrs Blessing Agborume, made the advocacy in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos.

Agborume said that equipping students with practical skills alongside academic knowledge would prepare them better for employment.

“Springforth is at the forefront of advocacy for a holistic approach to education by integrating skills acquisition into secondary school curriculum.

“We want students to be taught vocational skills such as fashion designing or tailoring, barbing, and digital skills including coding.

She also urged that students should be taught farming and fishing, among other skills.

“This will not only make them more employable, but also open up opportunities for self-employment and entrepreneurship,” she said.

Agborume noted that integrating skills acquisition into secondary school curriculum would require instructors and facilities.

She suggested collaboration with government agencies, the private sector and other stakeholders.

“By working together, we believe it is possible to create a robust and more effective education system that meets the needs of both students and employers.

“The advocacy is a step toward rethinking the traditional education model and preparing young people for the future.

“By equipping students with skills they need to succeed in the job market, Nigeria will reduce unemployment, alleviate pressure on the labour market and foster a more dynamic and resilient economy,” Agborume said.

She said that since inception in June 2022, the foundation had sponsored 27 children into primary, junior and senior secondary schools.

According to her, it is the foundation’s way of contributing to the development of the society.

“We have engaged five persons in skills; two are learning barbing, two are learning generator repair, and one, fashion designing.

“We have also mentored a song writer, who also is a gospel singer.

“We also sponsor LEKKI sport television to encourage youth engagement in sports to discourage them from crime, drug abuse and other vices,” she said. (NAN)

Edited by Ijeoma Popoola

Reviewed Results: Stakeholders knock WAEC, demand investigations, sanctions
Education

Reviewed Results: Stakeholders knock WAEC, demand investigations, sanctions

By Funmilayo Adeyemi
Stakeholders in the education sector have, again, criticised the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) over the sudden change of the recently released 2025 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) results.
The stakeholders, who spoke in interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja, are demanding independent investigations into the matter and overhaul of the council’s management team.
They contended that, subjecting WASSCE, a standardised evaluation for secondary school leavers and basic requirement for tertiary institution admissions, to “trial and error”, is unacceptable.
According to them, inconsistencies in such high-stakes examinations could damage the credibility of Nigeria”s academic qualifications, both locally and internationally.
It would be recalled that WAEC, on July 4, released the 2025 WASSCE results and announced that only 38.32 per cent of its 1,969,313 candidates secured credits in five subjects, including English Language and Mathematics.
The mass failure had attracted strong criticism, with parents and some groups calling for the cancellation of some of the papers, especially English Language and Mathematics.
Subsequently, WAEC said it discovered technical glitches during an internal review and temporarily withdrew access to the results.
After reopening its online results portal on Friday, Aug. 10, the pass rate was revised upward to 62.96 per cent, effectively doubling the initial figure.
At a news conference in Lagos, WAEC said, after reviewing the process, the new statistics indicated that a total of 1,239,884 of the 1,969,313 candidates, representing 62.96 per cent, now have five credits including English and Mathematics.
The council linked the initial discrepancies to “serialisation issues” in subjects such as Mathematics, English, Biology, and Economics.
The development, however, sparked reactions from stakeholders, including candidates, parents, and teachers.
The Founder, Exam Ethics Marshall International (EEMI), Ike Onyechere, questioned the council’s credibility and the integrity of Nigeria’s education assessment system.
Onyechere described the development as “a national disaster,” accusing WAEC of “bastardising the entire education process.”
 “You cannot make such a serious examination, a subject of trial and error. Today the pass rate is 38 per cent, tomorrow it becomes 63 per cent.
“How are we supposed to trust the authenticity of these results?,” he queried.
Onyechere called on the Federal Ministry of Education, the Presidency, and the National Assembly to launch an urgent investigation into the matter, insisting that those at the helm of affairs in WAEC should be reshuffled.
“All the up and down with results, is it just in Nigeria or is it happening in Ghana, in Sierra Leone, in Gambia, all those West African countries?.
“And, if it is happening only in Nigeria, then, the Federal Ministry of Education has to tell the country what exactly is going on,” he said.
Onyechere dismissed the explanation WAEC gave on serialisation of papers as “technical excuses” that failed to address deeper administrative lapses.
“This is not a joke. We are gambling with the future of these students. Universities, employers, and foreign institutions rely on these results.
“If people can no longer trust them, the consequences will be far-reaching.
“So, those people with the responsibility for leadership should step up and review the matter and carry out thorough investigations with dire consequences,” he said.
A teacher, Oluwaseun Omotubora, said that the mass failure recorded in the earlier results was a reflection of how the examinations were conducted.
Omotubora said one could not expect a better performance in a systemic failure which led to writing of examinations midnight and with torchlight.
She said, upon noticing the mass failure, a responsible examination body should have recalled the answer sheets of the affected subjects, reviewed them and found out the problems before releasing the results.
She said WAEC should have called for fresh examinations in the affected subjects, rather than creating the avenue for doubting the integrity of the body and the process.
A parent, Mrs Ifeoluwa Atteh, called for an independent investigation to determine whether candidates were unfairly failed or passed in either of the two results released.
Atteh urged caution, calling for a deeper analysis to ensure the results truly reflected improved learning outcomes and not just deliberate adjustments.
“The whole WAEC results is confusing. Does it mean that those results earlier released just changed now or what,” she questioned.
She called for thorough investigations to ensure the authenticity or otherwise of the newly released results.
Another parent, Nathaniel Adamu, attributed the glitches purported by WAEC to low investments in education budget.
Adamu noted that if the country could get it right in its education budget, all examination bodies would conduct credible examinations for candidates.
He said that adequate education budget would curb the lingering examination malpractices and give examination bodies the resources to provide infrastructure that would enhance their job.
“Look at the budgets of most of the state governments, little funds are allocated to the education sector.
“Infrastructure, educational aids and other facilities to achieve qualitative education are not provided and the teachers are not well remunerated and motivated.
“In turn, teachers are not giving their best because somebody who is not well paid will cut corners.
“We also have the challenge of examinations malpractice being encouraged by parents who are willing to do anything to ensure their children pass,” he said.
He called on the government at all levels to make deliberate attempt to revive the education sector.
Also, Mrs Chidinma Nwafor, a parent and teacher, said the back and forth by WAEC in the release of the results has made the council to lose its credibility.
Nwafor noted that the public outcry and pressure on the examination body after the earlier released results compelled the reviewed results, which could not be trusted.
Meanwhile, most of the candidates who spoke to NAN said that in the earlier results released by WAEC, they scored F9, D7, or E8 in both or either English Language and Mathematics.
They said in the new results uploaded by the examination body, their scores in both or either of the two subjects were reviewed to credits.
They said the reviewed results have assuaged their earlier frustration of clearing other subjects, but failed in two compulsory subjects- Mathematics and English Language.
Chisom Jonah, who sat for the examinations in a public school in Abuja, said her score in English Language was reviewed from D7 to C6.
“I cleared all the subjects I sat for except the English Language which had been reviewed now.
“I am excited with the new results because I can now pursue my university admission. I scored 230 in JAMB and I applied for Mass Communication in a Federal University,” she said.
Another candidate, Favour Akindele, said her Mathematics was reviewed from D7 to C4 in the results newly uploaded by WAEC.
While expressing excitement on the review, Akindele raised the concern that such inconsistency could create credibility problem for the examination body (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Rotimi Ijikanmi
₦1.6tr TETFund boost for tertiary institutions
Education

₦1.6tr TETFund boost for tertiary institutions

By Abbas Bamalli

The Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) says it has received ₦1.6 trillion for various interventions across tertiary institutions in the country.

Chairman of TETFund’s Governing Board and former Katsina State Governor, Alh. Aminu Masari, disclosed this on Sunday in an interview with newsmen in Katsina.

He said the fund, the highest in recent allocations, was accrued from the three per cent education tax imposed on company profits, as stipulated by the TETFund Act.

Masari stated that 40 per cent of the amount, representing ₦460 billion, was earmarked for interventions across tertiary institutions nationwide.

For state-level interventions, three institutions were selected in each state – one university, one polytechnic and one College of Education – to benefit.

“The interventions are demand-driven. Institutions write to us, and we approve projects for them based on their needs and available resources,” he explained.

Masari said ₦225 billion from the ₦1.6 trillion was released to the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) for the Federal Government’s students’ loan scheme.

Another ₦70 billion, he noted, was earmarked as energy support for tertiary institutions to build solar or gas power generation facilities.

The board also allocated ₦25 billion to assist some institutions in enhancing campus security.

“The institutions will use the funds for security-related projects, such as installing streetlights and similar facilities,” Masari said.

According to him, TETFund has spent over ₦100 billion to strengthen medical sciences training across tertiary institutions in Nigeria.

He said the funds were to improve the capacity of institutions to train students in medical sciences, boosting manpower in the healthcare sector.

Masari stressed that the interventions align with President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to address healthcare manpower shortages caused by the recent exodus of skilled medical professionals.

“The President is worried about this trend and its impact on the healthcare system.

“He wants measures in place to enable recovery through deliberate policies, such as this ongoing TETFund intervention,” he said.

Masari added that three tertiary institutions in each geopolitical zone had received ₦4 billion each for medical sciences expansion and infrastructure projects.

The aim, he said, is to double the number of doctors, nurses, pharmacists, laboratory technicians and other professionals in Nigeria’s healthcare system.

“This will greatly improve healthcare delivery nationwide,” he stated.

Masari explained that TETFund carries out interventions annually at state and zonal levels, ensuring its impact is spread nationwide through high-impact projects.

He assured Nigerians that TETFund has a robust monitoring and evaluation team, including consultants, to ensure released funds are used strictly for approved projects. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Shuaib Sadiq/Kamal Tayo Oropo

Lawmaker hails Tinubu’s 2031 literacy target
Education

Lawmaker hails Tinubu’s 2031 literacy target

By Adeyemi Adeleye

A Lagos lawmaker, Mr Temitope Adewale, has applauded President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to education, saying his initiatives will achieve 100 per cent literacy by 2031.

“By 2031, Nigeria will have achieved full literacy nationwide,” Adewale said during the screening for the distribution of his free GCE forms to prospective candidates on Saturday.

Adewale, representing Ifako-Ijaiye Constituency I at the Lagos State House of Assembly, said investment in education remained key to solving many national challenges.

He commended the Federal Government’s initiatives aimed at reducing out-of-school children in both northern and southern Nigeria.

The lawmaker said the initiatives sought to remove youths from the streets and engage them in meaningful ventures, including education.

According to him, since the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) was introduced by the Tinubu administration, more Nigerians are seeking admission into tertiary institutions.

He added that the administration, in partnership with UBEC, had built and revitalised many Almajiri schools in the north to reduce out-of-school children.

Adewale said the administration had also established the National Commission for Almajiri and Out-of-School Children Education (NCAOOSCE).

The Chairman, House Committee on Transport, said: “Mr President is doing everything possible to boost education in the country.

“Given the current trajectory, by 2031 Nigeria will have a 100 per cent literacy rate, while also resolving the out-of-school children challenge.

“These initiatives show the government’s strong commitment to youth development.

“With such programmes, Nigerians will one day look back and thank God for this opportunity.”

Adewale noted that by April 2025, NELFUND had received over 500,000 student loan applications nationwide.

He described the figure as encouraging, saying it would help the government with future planning.

“It is also heartening that state governments continue to support the Federal Government’s educational initiatives,” he said.

The lawmaker recalled that Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu recently attended the graduation of 5,300 residents from the Lagos Skill Acquisition Programmes, alongside other educational interventions.

Speaking on the free GCE forms, Adewale said education remained a priority in serving his constituents.

“We are giving 400 forms this year. We also distribute JAMB forms, knowing education is the strongest tool to change lives and shape the future.”

He added that the Adewale Temitope Educational Initiatives (ATA-EI) had so far given over 8,000 free GCE and JAMB forms, with 120 students on scholarships.

“This programme is part of my promise to ensure no student misses opportunities due to financial constraints.

“Our goal is to make Ifako-Ijaiye the most educated local government in Nigeria by 2031,” he added. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Kamal Tayo Oropo

Admission not for sale, but on merit, transparency- UniAbuja VC
Education

Admission not for sale, but on merit, transparency- UniAbuja VC

By Uche Bibilari

Yakubu Gowon University, (formally University of Abuja), has advised prospective candidates seeking admission to beware of racketeers as the institution only admits candidates based on merit and transparency.

The Acting Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Patricia Lar, who said this at the university’s Maiden Hybrid Pre-Admission Sensitisation for 2025/2026 Post-UTME candidates in Abuja, noted that admission into the school was not for sale.

Represented by the Director, Academic Planning, Prof. Wesley Nafanda, Lar said that the hybrid sensitisation programme was designed to guide students who have chosen University of Abuja as their first choice through the admission process.

She said that the event provided unique opportunity to interact directly with the Deans and others, ask basic questions about the admission process, understand common key steps and avoid common pitfalls.

“What the university is doing is to clarify process of entering into the university to guide prospective students and also address all challenges and questions they will have.

“We want to assure the public that our process of admission is very transparent, based on merit and excellence.

“We are also doing this to enlighten parents and prospective students so that they will understand and do the right thing, so that they will not fall into the wrong hands; fraudsters who will deceive them and collect their money,” she said.

The acting V-C said that the university do not collect money for admission from anyone, adding that anybody that requested for money from them for admission was a liar.

Lar assured parents and prospective students that any student that meets the criteria in the course he or she applied for would gain admission based on merit.

Similarly, the Director, Development Office, Prof. Lanre Oladeiton, said that the sensitisation programme was borne out of the observation that quite a number of people fall victim to fake admission.

Oladeiton said that it had been observed overtime that some candidates were not offered admission by JAMB but somehow managed to have the university admission, adding that some even paid money.

“So, for that, the vice chancellor has set up a committee to look into the illegalities and they realised that misconception and possibly lack of awareness is responsible for why students fall victim to admission racketeers.

“We expect that parents will realise that we have zero tolerance to racketeering and coming in through the back door to gain admission.

“We want everyone to apply and we will follow strictly the procedure laid down for admission process, merit or catchment,” he said.

He said that the university had its official communication channels where prospective students could get the right information from and not any random person.

On her part, Ms Safiya Ismail, Member, Central Admission Committee, while highlighting key components that prospective students must understand in the admission process, said that they must choose UniAbuja as their first choice.

Ismail said that they must have sat and passed the University Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), adding that they must have obtained five credits including Maths and English in their O-level exam in not more than two sittings.

According to her, the university do not sell direct entry form as that can only be done through JAMB.

“We are attending to only the candidates that selected the university as their first choice. O-Level in WAEC, NECO and NABTEB are the only O-Level acceptable by the university.

“If you have a pass in either Maths or English, we do not admit with it and we do not accept awaiting result. Even if you score 400 in JAMB but have pass in either maths or english we will not admit you.

“For you to be eligible, you must upload your O-Level in the JAMB portal, pick your best result if you are using two results.

“If you are not up to 16 years by September 2025, you will not be given admission, except for exceptional students which have its own criteria,” she said.

She called on prospective students to know their subjects combinations and also cultivate the habit of checking their portal regularly.

The Dean, Student Affairs, Dr Sunday Idoko, advised students never to pay money into any regular account, adding that those asking for money from students were scammers.

Idoko said that all payments should be done through the university portal.

Dr Hassan Makolo, Head of Legal Units/CSO, called on parents and prospective students not to be desperate in seeking for admission.

Makolo advised students not to seek for admission through the backdoor, adding that if the university found out, the student would be sent packing.

“Even after graduation if its detected that you came into the university through a scandalous means, your certificate will be withdrawn.

“Do not manipulate your O-Level result it will be detected. Parents allow these children to come in properly and legally,” he advised.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the deans in the various faculties also outlined the criteria and requirements needed for gaining admission into various faculties in the university. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Augusta Uchediunor/Ese E. Ekama–Williams

Atiku Foundation offers scholarship to Nafisa Abdullahi, two others
Education

Atiku Foundation offers scholarship to Nafisa Abdullahi, two others

 

 

 

By Angela Atabo

 

Atiku Abubakar Foundation (AAF) has offered Nafisa Abdullahi, Rukaiya Fema, and Khadija Kalli, all global winners at the recent TeenEagle Global finals, a fully-funded scholarship.

 

Prof. Ahmadu Shehu, Acting Secretary of the foundation, made this known in a statement on Thursday in Abuja.

 

Shehu said that AAF, the philanthropic arm of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, has long been a champion of education in Nigeria.

 

According to him, the offer is a promise to cover their education till they graduate from the university.

 

He said that a letter has been sent to the girls in that regard.

 

“The scholarship will fund the remainder of their secondary education and their entire university journey at any institution of their choosing.

 

“For these girls, their achievement at the TeenEagle competition was a testament to their hard work. Now, the scholarship from the AAF is a powerful affirmation of their potential.

 

“It is also a beacon of hope, showing that with dedication and support, dreams can become a reality regardless of a child’s background or social class.”

 

Shehu said that the gesture aligned with the foundation’s commitment to supporting quality education, especially for girls and other vulnerable groups.

 

He said this was in recognition that empowering young women is a powerful investment in the future of the nation.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

 

Edited by Yakubu Uba

FG celebrates 17-year-old Aminu for emerging best in global competition
Education

FG celebrates 17-year-old Aminu for emerging best in global competition

By Funmilayo Adeyemi

The Federal Government has commended Miss Nafisa Aminu, a 17-year-old student from Yobe State, for her historic triumph as the World’s Best in English Language skills.

Aminu emerged the world’s best at the 2025 TeenEagle Global Finals held in London, United Kingdom.

She represented Nigeria through the Nigerian Tulip International College (NTIC), with over 20,000 participants from 69 countries, including native English-speaking nations.

The Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, in a statement on Wednesday, said Aminu’s victory is not only a personal milestone but a resounding affirmation of the Renewed Hope Agenda for Education championed by President Bola Tinubu.

The statement was made available to newsmen in Abuja by Folasade Boriowo. the Director, Press and Public Relations in the Ministry.

According to the minister, the Renewed Hope Agenda of the President has continued to empower Nigerian youth to compete and excel on the global stage.

“This extraordinary achievement not only brings pride to the nation but also underscores the effectiveness of the education-focused components of the Renewed Hope Agenda.

“The President’s unwavering belief in human capital development through sustained investment in the education sector is beginning to yield global recognition, as demonstrated by Nafisa’s remarkable success,” he said.

Alausa described the victory as a “proud moment for Nigeria and a strong endorsement of the Federal Government’s ongoing efforts to revitalise the education sector and raise globally competitive students.”

“The ministry extends heartfelt appreciation to His Excellency, Governor Mai Mala Buni, whose visionary investment in instructional materials and education reform has created an enabling environment for students like Nafisa to thrive.

“This achievement is a shining testimony to the renewed collaboration between the Federal Government and sub-national governments, and a clear indication that our shared commitment to quality education is bearing fruit,” he said.

The minister encouraged students across the country to be inspired by Aminu’s achievement.

He also reaffirmed Federal Government’s commitment to building a future where many more Nigerian students could stand tall among the world’s brightest. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Rotimi Ijikanmi

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