NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA
FG trains 6,000 teachers in AI pedagogy
Education

FG trains 6,000 teachers in AI pedagogy

467 total views today

 

By Funmilayo Adeyemi

The Federal Government has unveiled a five-week training for 6,000 senior secondary school teachers in Artificial Intelligence Pedagogy across the country.

 

At the official kick-off of the training in Abuja on Tuesday, the Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, called on the participants to take advantage of the training in order to contribute to national development.

 

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event also featured the unveiling of the Minimum Standards for Senior Secondary Education.

 

Represented by the Director, Senior Secondary Education Department NSSEC) in the ministry, Hajia Binta Abdulkadir, the minister described education as the cornerstone for any meaningful development.

 

He stressed the need for beneficiaries to equip themselves with modern technology for teaching and learning.

 

“The world is undergoing a technological revolution and artificial intelligence (Al) is at its core.

 

“Al is no longer a futuristic concept but a present-day reality, transforming industries, economies and societies.

 

“As educators, we must embrace this evolution and ensure our education sector is not left behind.

 

“The integration of Al into pedagogy offers an unprecedented opportunity to enhance learning experiences, personalise education and develop critical thinking skills among our students,” he said.

 

Also, the Executive Secretary, National Senior Secondary Education Commission, Dr Iyela Ajayi, called on state governments, school administrators and private sector partners to support the initiative.

 

Ajayi appealed for investment in infrastructure, teacher training and learners’ welfare to ensure that no school, teacher or learner was left behind in the journey towards educational excellence.

 

On the implementation of the minimum standards, he assured of immediate and full implementation, while giving nine-month widow for school sanctions.

 

Ajayi said that the commission, through its intervention programmes, would develop the minimum standards to build capacities and provide instructional resources, among others, for schools.

 

“The minimum standards is a strategic response to the challenges and gaps identified in the senior secondary education sub-sector.

 

“Over the years, we have observed disparities in curriculum implementation, teaching quality, school infrastructure and learners’ outcomes across different states and schools.

 

“These inconsistencies have contributed to uneven access to quality education, limiting the potential of many learners.

 

“With these newly-developed standards, we now have a comprehensive framework that sets clear benchmarks for learning content, teacher qualification, school facilities, learners assessment and governance in all senior secondary schools,” he said.

 

The Lead Facilitator, Dr Oluwakemi Olurinola, said that the training would bridge the digital gap in teaching and learning.

 

Olurinola, of Department of Science and Technology Education, Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ogun, called on teachers to utilise every opportunity gained to be self-productive.

 

“We’re at a crucial turning point where the age-old ways of teaching are being questioned by the swift progression of technology.

 

“As we stand at the intersection of technology and education, it is clear that AI has the potential to revolutionise how we teach and learn.

 

“This training programme is not just about introducing teachers to new tools; it is about empowering them to harness the power of AI to create more engaging, personalised and effective learning experiences for their students,” she said.

 

Giving an overview of the programme, the Head of Teacher Training and International Partnership, NSSEC, Mr Mohammed Salihu, said it was grouped into cohorts to accommodate teachers for five weeks.

 

NAN reports that the programme was attended by commissioners of education or their representatives in all the 36 states of the federation and FCT.

 

NAN also reports that the virtual training was sponsored by Google Research, supported by Data Science Nigeria and Olabisi Onabanjo University. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by ‘Wale Sadeeq

FG promises to support local enterprises for economic growth
Economy/Business

FG promises to support local enterprises for economic growth

343 total views today

Businesses

By Oluwatope Lawanson

The Federal Government says it will continue to support indigenous companies to survive and excel, as a strategy to transform the economy.

Vice-President Kashim Shettima
gave the assurance during a visit  to mark the 20th anniversary of SecureID Manufacturing Facility at Iyana-Isolo, in Lagos.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that SecureID is a certified smartcard manufacturing plant  that produces smart cards.

It produces smart cards for banks, including MasterCard, Visa and Verve, as well as SIM cards for telecommunition companies.

Shettima also said that  the government would create opportunities  for emergence of more companies that would transform the economy.

The vice president said that the government’s policies would be geared toward ensuring the growth of local industries.

He emphasised the importance of innovation and entrepreneurship in driving Nigeria’s economic growth.

He also noted the importance of Nigeria’s digital transformation in the knowledge-driven post-industrial age.

According to him, President Bola Tinubu has demonstrated that the survival of  enterprises is crucial for a vibrant economy.

He highlighted the government’s efforts to revitalise the economy through fiscal reforms and other initiatives.

He praised SecureID for remarkable successes, noting its capacity to manufacture 200 million cards per annum, including international passports and voter cards.

“Our needs as a nation are unique; so are the expectations from our enterprises.

“As a government, we will continue to support enterprises by fostering an environment where innovation thrives and  every citizen has the opportunity to succeed,” he said. (NAN)

Edited by Ijeoma Popoola

FG mobilises resources to exit dependency on external health aid – Minister
Health

FG mobilises resources to exit dependency on external health aid – Minister

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Healthcare

By Peter Uwumarogie

The Federal Government says it is mobilising domestic resources to meet the basic health needs of Nigerians following the recent U.S. funding and other donor funding cuts.

The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Dr Ali Pate stated this in an interview with journalists, on Thursday in Gombe.

Pate said that President Bola Tinubu’s administration was committed to the health and wellbeing of Nigerians, hence it adopted proactive steps to bridge the gaps in healthcare service delivery.

He said that the federal government has committed more resources into the health sector in line with the agenda of the administration to prioritise the health of Nigerians.

The minister said the administration and all state governors were responsible for the health and wellbeing of the citizens.

While appreciating the U.S. government’s support in the last 20 years, Pate said the federal government was mobilising resources to maintain provision of healthcare services.

“We are mobilising domestic resources from our own budget and the federal government has announced additional resources for health.

“President Tinubu will ensure that we have the resources to maintain the treatment, drugs and other services so that we can over time exit from dependency on external assistance.

“We may not have as much resources as what other more advanced countries have but we have to learn to use what we have and use it well,” he said.

According to Pate, as Nigeria grows, there is the need to build its own national systems and institutions, and put domestic resources to improve healthcare service delivery.

He said the federal government was looking forward to strengthening partnership with the U.S. government and other partners across the world in spite of recent development.

This, he said, would ensure that Nigerians have to access good healthcare services they need.

He urged the state governments to emulate the federal government by prioritising the health sector, and committing the resources required to improve the health needs of citizens.

Pate assured that the government was doing all within its means to provide quality healthcare services to the people, stressing that, “it’s our responsibility to do that.”

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Pate is in Gombe to meet with Gov. Inuwa Yahaya, who doubles as the Chairman of Northern States Governors’ Forum.

The meeting was to strategise ways of exiting Nigeria from polio which manifested in the northern part of the country. (NAN)

Edited by Rabiu Sani-Ali

FG to advance technology towards safer skies – Keyamo
Aviation

FG to advance technology towards safer skies – Keyamo

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By Gabriel Agbeja

The Federal Government says it will engage more technologies to improve efficiency, passenger experience and safer skies in the aviation sector.

Mr Festus Keyamo, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, said this on Saturday in Abuja, at a symposium to mark the 25th Anniversary of Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA).

The theme of the symposium was ” Human Capital Development: Upskilling the Next Generation of Aviators”.

Keyamo, who was represented by Dr Ibrahim Kana, the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, said that such technological advancement would play a vital role in shaping the  future of aviation in the nation.

He expressed optimism that technological advancement would lead to economic improvement, as well as an exceptionally safe and secure aviation industry.

“The NCAA Silver Jubilee Anniversary Lecture aims to emphasise the importance of maintaining aviation safety as the foundation of the industry’s growth and development.

“While the NCAA has achieved remarkable success over the past 25 years, sustaining these accomplishments requires a deliberate focus on strategic planning, stakeholder collaboration, and the adoption of innovative practices.

“Aviation safety is not a one-time achievement but a continuous process of adaptation and improvement.

“With advancements in technology, rising passenger demands, and increasing globalisation, the dynamics of aviation safety are evolving rapidly,“ he said.

Keyamo said that the symposium demonstrated collective resolve of rebirthing, rejuvenating and repositioning Nigerian aviation and air transportation in the context of the nation’s social-economic and political landscape.

According to him, the symposium promises to provide lasting solution kits for a new era of the air transport industry.

The Director-General. NCAA, Capt. Chris Najomo, said that the agency had played a pivotal role in shaping the landscape of the aviation sector, ensuring safety, regulatory excellence, and fostering growth within the industry.

Najomo said that the symposium indicated collective commitment to strengthening aviation standards, enhancing collaboration, and shaping the future of air transportation in Nigeria.

“Right from the Civil Aviation Department (CAD) to the current NCAA which we are celebrating, our journey has been one of dedication, resilience, and innovation.

“NCAA was built on the growth achieved by its predecessor organisations through remarkable transformations, from regulatory reforms to advancements in aviation safety and service delivery.

“As we celebrate current achievements, we must also look ahead to embracing new technologies, improving operational efficiencies, and fostering partnerships that will elevate our aviation industry to even greater heights,” he said.

Najomo said that the NCAA was faithfully guided by the minister’s Five-Point Agenda and President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda that emphasised infrastructure development, safety enhancement, economic growth, and job creation.

“NCAA will ensure a robust regulatory framework, foster a healthy business friendly environment for investors, and enhance the competitiveness of the nation’s aviation sector in line with global best practices.

“To our esteemed stakeholders, your contributions have been invaluable in shaping NCAA’s success. To our dedicated staff, your unwavering commitment has been the foundation of our achievements.

“As we chart the course over the next 25 years and beyond, let us reaffirm our resolve to uphold the highest standards of safety, efficiency, and global best practices,” he said. (NAN)

Edited by Kadiri Abdulrahman

FG affirms commitment to creating sustainable environment for private sector 
Economy/Business

FG affirms commitment to creating sustainable environment for private sector 

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By Vivian Emoni

The Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment has expressed commitment to creating a sustainable environment for the private sector and other stakeholders to compete favourably and drive economic growth and productivity.

Dr Jumoke Oduwole, the Minister of Industry. Trade and Investment, made the commitment at a retreat for presentation of the 2025 roadmap in Abuja on Monday.

Oduwole said that the goal of the ministry was to facilitate the creation of wealth, productive jobs and share prosperity for all Nigerians.

“As a ministry, we prioritise creating a dynamic, resilient and sustainable economy by positioning the private sector for productivity and competitiveness.

“We have repositioned ourselves to deliver empirically verifiable policies and reforms based on transparently laid down goals which improved the ministry’s performance in 2024,” she said.

The minister said that everything the agencies under the ministry presented at the retreat was already in the budget, adding that it was not coming as a surprise.

She urged all the Ministries, Department and Agencies (MDAs) to work together as such effort would help to achieve the ministry`s goals.

On his part, the ministry’s Minister of State, Sen. John Enoh, said that the gathering was to discuss problems and also to look at solutions to the problems.

Enoh said that the retreat would help to discuss how much the industry and trade can expand and improve to be able to promote investments.

“It is about performance. The work cannot be strong and efficient without effective commitment, I think we all need to be ready for that.

“We need to put more effort to ensure that the mandates and objectives of the ministry are achieved,’’ he said.

The Director-General, Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council, Princess Audu, said that the council was committed to reaching out to all relevant stakeholders to intensify in the business activities.

“We will be working hand in hand with the ministry to determine what levels of improved efficiency can be achieved in the quickest possible time.

“We want to identify areas where we can make a significant impact and work together to implement changes that will benefit the business community and Nigerians at large.

“I am also pleased to announce that our new Reform Impact Assessment (RIA) framework has been launched,’’ she said.

Audu said that the RIA framework was designed to ensure a level of consistency and predictability, as such would help the business grow appropriately.

She said that the framework enabled businesses to plan and forecast with the assurance of a stable business environment as it relates to policies and reforms.

The Director-General and Chief Trade Negotiator of the Nigerian Office for Trade Negotiations (NOTN), Amb.Yonov Agah, said that the office was  expanding market access and eliminating barriers to Nigeria’s trade.

Agah said that trade negotiations had inherent risks, adding that they also have opportunities in various areas.

“It is important for Nigeria not to negotiate in a vacuum. Anything you are negotiating needs national frameworks.

“We need a national trade policy framework. We need the institutions, the regulatory environment to implement those agreements,’’ he said. (NAN)

Edited by Kadiri Abdulrahman

FG approves .07bn for health sector reform
Health

FG approves $1.07bn for health sector reform

478 total views today

By Salif Atojoko

The Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved 1.07 billion dollars for healthcare sector reforms under the Human Capital Opportunities for Prosperity and Equity (HOPE) programme.

The Federal Government also approved a N4.8 billion allocation for HIV treatment.

Mr Wale Edun, the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, said while addressing State House correspondents after the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting on Monday.

He said the International Development Association (IDA) provided two concessional loans of 500 million dollars each, alongside 70 million dollars in grant funding from other international bodies.

Prof. Muhammad Pate, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, said the HOPE programme aligned with the administration’s agenda to strengthen human capital development.

“The funds will be directed toward improving governance in healthcare and enhancing primary healthcare services nationwide.

“This financing will support recruitment, training, and retention of healthcare workers and teachers at the subnational level,” Pate said.

He added that 500 million dollars was dedicated to expanding the quality, utilisation and resilience of the primary healthcare system, including emergency maternal and child health services.

“As part of broader healthcare reforms, the council also approved N4.8 billion for the procurement of 150,000 HIV treatment packs over the next four months.

“This initiative underscores the federal government’s commitment to providing life-saving treatment and reducing healthcare costs for vulnerable populations,” he said. (NAN) (www.nanews.ng)

Edited by Oluwole Sogunle

FG reaffirms commitment to Nigeria’s industrial transformation, economic growth
Economy/Business

FG reaffirms commitment to Nigeria’s industrial transformation, economic growth

510 total views today

By Lucy Ogalue

The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to driving industrial transformation for a prosperous Nigeria, with policies focused on accelerating industrialisation, boosting manufacturing, and leveraging digital technology.

Sen. John Enoh, Minister of State for Industry, said this while speaking on the Federal Government’s economic agenda, at the Renewed Hope Global Virtual Town Hall Conference 2025.

Enoh emphasised the Renewed Hope Administration’s eight-point agenda, particularly the seventh pillar, which prioritised industrial growth through a digital economy, manufacturing, and innovative technology.

According to the minister, the administration has established targeted funding mechanisms to support key industries, such as the N50 billion in grants for small-scale entrepreneurs.

He said that there was N75 billion for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), which accounted for nearly 40 million businesses in Nigeria.

“There is another N75 billion for manufacturing to boost local production.

“These funds, administered by the Bank of Industry (BOI), aim to foster growth in spite of economic challenges such as high interest rates and production costs,” he said.

The minister also highlighted existing policies designed to stimulate industrial development.

” These include the Backward Integration Programme (BIP) to enhance local capacity in sectors like sugar production and the National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC) Policy, aimed at local vehicle assembly.

“There is also the Cotton, Textile, and Garment (CTG) Policy, targeting textile industry revival among others,” he said.

In spite of these policies, Enoh said that past challenges had hindered effective implementation.

He said the President Bola Tinubu’s administration was committed to actualising these policies, ensuring that Nigeria remained globally competitive in industry, technology, and innovation.

“We can not continue to rely on exporting raw materials. We must invest in processing and manufacturing to create jobs, boost value addition, and attract foreign direct investments,” he said.

The minister assured Nigerians that the administration was working diligently to ensure that economic policies translated into measurable progress, positioning the country for sustained industrial growth and economic transformation.(NAN)

Edited by Kadiri Abdulrahman

FG reiterates commitment to Gas-to-power initiative
Oil & Gas

FG reiterates commitment to Gas-to-power initiative

557 total views today

CNG

By Thompson Yamput

The Federal Government has reiterated its commitment to the gas to power initiative.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that thr initiative, which was launched in 2021, aims to transform Nigeria into a gas-powered economy by 2030 through a series of policy reforms, infrastructure development, and investment attraction strategies.

Mr  Mele Kyari, the Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) of Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL, said this at the groundbreaking ceremony of the five mini-Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) Plants in Ajaokuta, Kogi.

Kyari said the projects play a critical role in promoting economic growth and contributing to the nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), while creating opportunities for gas commercialisation and supporting the Federal Government’s flare down initiatives.

He said that the Mini LNG facilities would ensure the efficient transportation of gas over long distances, providing a cleaner and cheaper source of energy to households,mobility, industries, and businesses.

“This is particularly important for regions that currently lack access to gas pipeline infrastructure.

“The company’s strides in the upstream and gas infrastructure projects were sequel to the unwavering support of President Bola Tinubu in utilising gas resources to fuel industrialisation, achieve energy security and foster economic growth and development.

Earlier, Gov. Ahmed Ododo of Kogi, thanked the federal government for locating the five Mini-LNG plants in the state.

Ododo described the decision as a step in the right direction in Nigeria’s march towards attaining energy security and economic growth.

“I wish to commend our President, Mr Bola Tinubu, NNPC Ltd and its partners,for finding Ajaokuta and Kogi state worthy of gas investments.

“It is our belief that the plants will unlock ample opportunities in investment, including direct and indirect employment for the state’s teaming population, hence our total support, ” Ododo said. (NAN)
edited by Sadiya Hamza

FG reiterates commitment to confront quackery in health sector
Health

FG reiterates commitment to confront quackery in health sector

409 total views today

Quackery

The Federal Government has reiterated its commitment to confront quackery in the health sector in order to address misdiagnosis and delayed treatment.

Dr Iziaq Salako, Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, made this known in Abuja during the presentation of accreditation certificates to deserving medical laboratories.

Salako said that he would work with the security personnel to ensure the objective was achieved and for Nigerians to have confidence in legitimate healthcare providers.

“One of my priorities as a minister of state is to totally confront quackery in the health sector.

“To achieve this, I will need the services of the security personnel to ensure adherence,” he said.

According to him, laboratory bodies like the Medical Laboratory Service Council are essential in achieving this objective.

He charged the council to roll out all their assets and deploy technology to ensure that quackery was eliminated from the profession.

The minister congratulated the eight laboratories for their outstanding achievement and urged other laboratories in the country to emulate them by improving their infrastructure, manpower base, and processes.

“Accurate and reliable laboratory diagnostics, as we know, is the cornerstone of modern medicine.

“They enable early detection of diseases, guide appropriate treatment decisions, and contribute significantly to improving patient outcomes.

“The ISO re-accreditation of National External Quality Assessment Laboratory will undoubtedly enhance the quality and reliability of laboratory results leading to better patient care, reduced treatment errors, and improved public health outcomes,” he said

He said that the ministry would continue to prioritise medical laboratory science to ensure Nigerians have access to qualitative health care services.

In his welcome address, the Registrar of the council, Prof. Tosan Erhabor, said that the re-accreditation of the National External Quality Assessment Laboratory (NEQAL) by the South African National Accreditation Service (SANAS) to ISO 17043 was a remarkable achievement for the council.

He said it was also a triumph for every Nigerian whose health and well-being depend on the reliability of the medical diagnostics system.

He called on the minister to make a decisive government pronouncement mandating the participation of all government and private hospitals, private laboratories, to key into MLSCN Accreditation Service and MLSCN External Quality Assurance Proficiency Test EQA/PT Scheme.

“This policy will ensure that every laboratory in Nigeria will adhere to the rigorous standards.

In his remark, Dr Walter Kazadi, World Health Organisation W(HO) Representative and Head of Mission, said that accredited medical laboratories are vital to the healthcare system.

Kazadi, represented by Mr Jubril Kareem, a staff in the organisation, said that they play a critical role in ensuring reliable and accurate diagnosis, guiding treatment decisions, and providing data for effective disease surveillance.

He said it also signifies compliance with international standards, ensuring the highest quality of laboratory services.

According to him, the accreditation of these laboratories serves as an inspiration for others to strive for excellence.

“I encourage all laboratory professionals to remain committed to upholding the standards achieved through these accreditations and to continue contributing to the overall health and well-being of the nation,” Kazadi said.(NAN)
Edited by Yakubu Uba

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FG open to collaboration on job creation, says Dingyadi
General News

FG open to collaboration on job creation, says Dingyadi

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By Joan Nwagwu

The Federal Government says it is open to collaboration with Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) to achieve its goal of creating meaningful employment opportunities.

Mr Muhammad Dingyadi, Minister of Labour and Employment, said this when he received a consortium of NGOs, led by its national head, Mr Daniel Black. on Thursday in Abuja.

The consortium of NGOs is part of the United Nations NGO Committee on Social Development.

Dingyadi expressed government’s readiness to collaborate with the civil society organisations in generating creative ideas on how to create safe jobs for its citizens.

He said the jobs include the blue collar jobs, for the unemployed, particularly the youth.

“The federal government’s objectives, as well as initiatives, in this area are to ensure that people get jobs they can call their own.

“Also, jobs that they have tried to establish on their own; not white collar jobs but jobs that can generate a lot of employment for our youths.

“Our mandate is to create opportunities for jobs and to ensure the youths of the country are gainfully employed through several other means of engagement.

“We can collaborate to work towards creating jobs, very safe jobs for that matter, for our dear young men and women in the country,” he said.

On his part, Black, the leader of the group, said that they would be attending the 63rd session of the United Nations Commission for Social Development scheduled for February in New York.

Black said they would be sharing Nigeria’s social development experience at the event.

He said that in preparation for participation in the session, they would hold a United Nations Social Development workshop in Abuja.

He said the workshop was to foster collaboration between the government and Civil Society Organisations, to increase and improve the social development indicators in Nigeria.

“At the end of that workshop, we are going to develop a report that we will be presenting in New York during the 63rd session of the United Nations Commission for Social Development.

“The report will highlight the reality of social development in Nigeria, and we will also be mentioning the roles that different parastatals and government ministries are playing to ensure that these social development indicators are improved,” he said.

He invited the ministry to the workshop to share insights on its activities to positively impact social development indices in the country, and the strong connection between labour, employment and decent work. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Oluwole Sogunle

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