By Nefishetu Yakubu

Gov. Monday Okpebholo of Edo says it will soon set up a committee to identify specific schools eligible for handover to missionary organisations across the state.

Chief Press Secretary, Mr Fred Itua, said the governor announced this when Bishop Gabriel Dunia of the Catholic Diocese of Auchi visited him on Monday in Benin.

Okpebholo said schools currently under renovation by the state government would remain under its supervision until all rehabilitation works were completed.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that some of such institutions include: Our Lady of Fatima College, St. Angela’s Grammar School, and St. John Grammar School, among others.

Earlier, Bishop Dunia stated that previous governments allegedly failed to respond positively to multiple appeals by the Church for the return of its educational institutions.

He emphasised that the schools were vital for both academic excellence and the moral upbringing needed to shape responsible, value-driven citizens in society. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Joe Idika

By Funmilayo Adeyemi

No fewer than 64,000 candidates from Nigeria, Benin Republic and Togo on Saturday participated in the National Common Entrance Examination (NCEE) for admission into Federal Government Colleges.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the examination is conducted by the National Examinations Council (NECO).

Speaking after monitoring the exercise at Model Secondary School, Maitama, and Government Secondary School, Tudun Wada, Abuja, the Minister of State for Education, Prof. Suwaiba Ahmad, expressed satisfaction with the exercise.

Ahmad emphasised that the turnout of candidates reflected the continued public trust in the Unity School system.

“I am very happy with the way the exams have been conducted.

“They started on time, students were orderly, and invigilators were present and active.

“We had 64,000 candidates, 30,000 male and 34,000 female, which shows a strong interest in our Unity Colleges.

“Nigerians are still eager to have their children in Federal Government Colleges.

“This turnout shows that parents still value the role of Unity Schools in national cohesion,” she said.

On his part, the NECO Registrar, Prof. Ibrahim Wushishi, said Lagos State recorded the highest number of registered candidates with more than 15,000 while Togo had the lowest with 17.

Wushishi said that 109 candidates from Benin Republic and Togo combined took part in the examination with Nigerian citizens residing there.

“This is a truly regional exercise that affirms the reach and reputation of our Unity Colleges,” he said.

He noted that no challenges were reported during the conduct of the examination.

“Materials arrived on time, the exam started as scheduled, and so far, we’ve seen no issues.

“This smooth process gives us hope that upcoming senior secondary exams, both WAEC and NECO will follow suit,” he said.

The NECO boss also acknowledged the inclusion of children with special needs, saying braille materials and support personnel were provided for them during the examination.

Also speaking, the Director of Senior Secondary Education at the Federal Ministry of Education, Binta Abdulkadir, said admissions into Unity Schools would be based on merit, state quota and exigency, the latter catering largely for children of civil servants.

Abdulkadir added that final admissions would depend on the released results, promising to remain committed to a fair and inclusive process.

NAN reports that the examination, which is yearly, enables pupils access Federal Government colleges, popularly called Unity Colleges.

Admissions into the first term academic session will begin after the release of the results.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Mufutau Ojo

By Adeyemi Adeleye

The Moshood Abiola Polytechnic Alumni Association (MAPALUM) on Thursday celebrated Chief MKO Abiola’s sacrifices for the nation’s democracy.

The alumni, in a statement to commemorate the 32nd anniversary of the June 12, 1993 Presidential election, paid glowing tributes to Abiola for giving all for democracy.

The statement was jointly issued by MAPALUM’s National Public Relations Officer, Mr Ganiyu Olowu and the National President, Alhaji Ayinde Soaga.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the presidential election was won by late Chief MKO Abiola, but was annulled on June 23, 1993 by Gen. Ibrahim Babangida.

Abiola died in incarceration by the military junta while fighting for his mandate.

The alumni described Abiola as a pillar of democracy and enduring benefactor of MAPOLY.

MAPALUM reaffirmed the association’s commitment to upholding Chief MKO Abiola’s legacy.

“Chief MKO Abiola remains an iconic figure in Nigeria’s democratic history and an enduring benefactor of Moshood Abiola Polytechnic.

“His unwavering commitment to education, youth empowerment, and national development laid the foundation upon which MAPOLY continues to thrive.

“His legacy lives on through the institution bearing his name and the countless graduates who carry forward his vision,” the institution’s alumni said.

On this significant day, MAPALUM said it stood united in honouring his memory, not only as a pioneer of democracy but as a champion of human progress.

“As alumni, we recognise our responsibility to uphold the ideals he fought for—justice, knowledge, and civic engagement.

“We rededicate ourselves to fostering these values in our communities and beyond,” the duo said.

According to the association, the June 12, 1993 presidential election, widely regarded as the most credible in Nigeria’s history, marked a turning point in the nation’s quest for democratic governance.

The alumni said that the annulment of the election led to an era of intensified civic activism, strengthening pro-democracy movements and ultimately paving the way for the democratic system Nigeria enjoys today.

“For MAPOLY, Chief MKO Abiola is more than a national icon—he is a foundational benefactor whose vision and generosity established the polytechnic’s proud legacy.

“His commitment to education, youth empowerment, and institutional excellence is reflected in the thousands of students and alumni whose lives have been positively shaped by the institution bearing his name.

“MAPALUM proudly reaffirms that MKO Abiola’s name is inseparable from the history and identity of the polytechnic, ” the duo said.

According to MAPALUM, Abiola’s contributions remain timeless, and his vision continues to motivate graduates committed to national progress and civic responsibility.

“As we mark this important day, the association honours Chief MKO Abiola’s indelible legacy, offering prayers for his peaceful repose and reaffirming our commitment to democracy, civic engagement, and institutional growth—values that he championed throughout his lifetime.

“May June 12 serve as a perpetual reminder of the enduring power of the people’s voice—and the responsibilities that come with freedom, justice, and democratic governance,” the duo added. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Buhari Bolaji

By Dorathy Aninge

The Benue Government is offering free education from primary to secondary school level to children whose parents cannot afford to pay for their education.

Mrs Mary Ejeh, Director of Child, Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday in Makurdi.

Ejeh said the state government, through the Ministry of Women Affairs, had given free education to any child who was willing to be educated from primary school to JSS 3 in public schools.

“So far, most of the children are off the streets and in school, and the government is doing all it can to make sure they are off the streets totally.

“Although we can’t force them to go to school, if they are willing to gain education, then they can go to any government school for free,” she stated.

On the number of persons prosecuted for violating the Child Rights Act, Ejeh said so far, the ministry had no record of anyone that had been prosecuted.

“The child rights law has been fully implemented by the government, but so far, we have not received any report of persons being prosecuted for violating the law.

“The government is open to any information leading to the arrest of any person who violates the Child Rights Act,” the director said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Peter Amine/Nyisom Fiyigon Dore

By Funmilayo Adeyemi

The Federal Government has officially unveiled the Ladela Educational Institute, accredited under the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) to equip youths with practical and employable skills.

The Executive Director of the institute, Angela Ajala, made this known at a news conference in Abuja on Wednesday, explaining that the centre, a Technical Vocational Educational Training (TVET), is aimed at building a skilled, self-reliant and prosperous workforce.

Ajala said that the fully funded tuition-free programme in the centre is also designed to offer life-changing opportunities to Nigerian youths aged 18 to 35, particularly those without formal education.

She expressed pride in the institute’s accreditation, believing it would mark a turning point in bridging skill gaps in the country.

She added that “today marks a defining moment, not just for us as an institution, but for every young person with a dream and determination to build something with their hands.

“We are proud to be building Nigeria one skilled hand at a time.

“The programmes here will be delivered by industry professionals to ensure that graduates leave not just with technical skills, but with industry connections, confidence and real-world competence.”

She listed the five skill programmes to be run in the institute within six months as: Garment Making, Hospitality and Catering, Creative Digital Skill, Social Media Management and Solar Installation and Maintenance.

She advised Nigerians to register through the official NBTE portal, as eligibility is currently open to youths between the ages of 18 and 35 who possess valid National Identification Number (NIN).

On her part, Pauline Ajibili, the Deputy Director, National Business and Technical Examinations Board (NABTEB), said that the institute would allow Nigerians to receive nationally recognised certifications that would enhance their employability both in Nigeria and internationally.

Ajibili said that trainees would be entitled to a monthly stipend of N22,500 to offset transportation cost.

Additionally, she said every graduate would be provided with a starter pack — a set of tools and materials tailored to their chosen field — to help them begin their entrepreneurial or professional journey upon successful completion of the programme.

The deputy director added that “this is a national initiative and it has already begun, with the registration portal currently open and placements underway.

“Once registration closes, the NBTE will allocate trainees to various centres across the country based on location and capacity.”

She, therefore, urged young Nigerians to take advantage of the initiative to get a skill, noting that “there is no reason for anybody not to be skilled, not to be working, and not to be in business.” (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Hadiza Mohammed-Aliyu