News Agency of Nigeria
Foundation launches cloth-a-child project in FCT
Metro

Foundation launches cloth-a-child project in FCT

 

By Angela Atabo

ATRED Foundation, an NGO has launched the pilot phase of its Cloth-a-Child Project to promote school enrolment, increase retention, and reduce poverty at the family and community levels.

Mrs Victory Akachukwu, Executive Director of the Foundation, announced this at the launch of the project’s pilot phase on Thursday in Abuja, where the initiative officially began in selected public schools.

Akachukwu explained the project would be implemented in four public primary schools across FCT: Mabushi, Sabon Gari, Bwari, Pasali in Kuje, and Mpape under Local Education Authorities.

She said the initiative was a strategic response to the growing number of out-of-school children in Nigeria, especially girls who were disproportionately affected by poverty and cultural constraints.

“The project provides school uniforms, socks, and shoes to underserved children, encouraging enrolment, especially for girls, while reducing absenteeism and promoting retention in public schools,” Akachukwu stated.

She said that the project aimed to empower children with dignity, confidence, and hope, helping them overcome social barriers and complete their basic education without stigma or exclusion.

“This is about restoring hope, breaking barriers, and giving every child a fair chance at education. A simple uniform can bridge the gap between exclusion and opportunity,” she added.

In addition to distributing uniforms, ATRED Foundation awarded scholarships to three children, covering their education until completion, further reinforcing its commitment to long-term educational support.

Akachukwu noted that the foundation took a holistic approach, combining material aid with lasting educational investments, to help children thrive in spite of socio-economic challenges they might face.

She also announced plans to expand the Cloth-a-Child Project to all six area councils of the FCT and eventually into states with high numbers of out-of-school children.

According to her, this scale-up will ensure no child, especially vulnerable girls, is left behind due to poverty or lack of access to basic educational necessities like uniforms and school shoes.

She commended Peace Microfinance Bank, FCT Women Affairs Secretariat, Future Focus, Hassam Foundation, Beyond Border Foundation and Doxa Digital for making the initiative possible. (NAN)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

3,516 students sit for FCT’s science, technical schools 
Education

3,516 students sit for FCT’s science, technical schools 

By Philip Yatai

A total of 3,516 students have sat for the entrance examination into Federal Capital Territory’s (FCT) Science and Technical Senior Secondary Schools.

Dr Neemat Abdulrahim, Director, FCT Education Resource Centre (ERC), said during the exercise across five centres in Abuja on Saturday, that only the best would be admitted.

Abdulrahim, who stressed that the admission would be strictly merit-based, added that candidates must possess the requisite five credits in English Language, Mathematics, and core science subjects in Basic Education Certificate Examination.

She said the ERC has adopted effective coordination and monitoring mechanism to ensure integrity of the examination.

She said that subject specialists were engaged to align the examination questions with the academic curriculum to ensure fairness and relevance.

On inclusiveness, the director noted that provisions were made for candidates with special needs  to ensure no child was disadvantaged or excluded from the assessment.

Abdulrahim reiterated the ERC’s commitment to uphold the highest standards of fairness, integrity and credibility in the education system.

She commended the FCT Department of Security Services for deploying security personnel from the Police, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC, )and FCT Directorate of Road Transport Services.

She explained that the security personnel provided the needed security, crowd control and ensured smooth vehicular movements.

She lauded the FCT Minister Nyesom Wike for the ongoing renovations and upgrade of public schools to provide conducive environments for teaching and learning.

“We are equally grateful for the continuous investment in invigilators training to strengthen monitoring mechanisms and improve efficiency and transparency in examinations,” she said. (NAN)

Edited by Rabiu Sani-Ali

1,000 Nuhu Bamalli Poly students get free sanitary pads, business skills
General News

1,000 Nuhu Bamalli Poly students get free sanitary pads, business skills

By Mustapha Yauri

No fewer than 1,000 students of Nuhu Bamalli Polytechnic, Zaria, Kaduna State, were empowered with complimentary business skills and sanitary pads by El’s Empowerment Foundation, in collaboration with other partners.

Speaking at the event on Thursday in Zaria, Malam Musa Aliyu, the Coordinator of the foundation, said the beneficiaries would also be empowered with practical knowledge and resources to thrive in the businesses trained.

Aliyu said the innovative programme seeks to enhance employment generation, poverty reduction and strengthen menstrual hygiene.

He said the available statistics indicated that there were over 300 tertiary institutions in the country who are graduating over 600,000 students annually.

According to him, approximately about 6,000 are getting jobs in government agencies after their graduation, hence the need for the students to have these practical and digital skills.

The programme, therefore, was to strengthen the government’s Technical and Vocational Education Training (TVET) Initiative.

“1,000 students would be trained on the skills and many of them would receive starter packs; the foundation will monitor their progress for three months to ensure the success of the initiative.

“Beside the digital skills from our partner, the students would be trained on modern bakery, shower gel production, among others,’’ Aliyu said.

The coordinator said the foundation would also distribute free sanitary pads to the female students towards enhancing menstrual hygiene.

Similarly, Alhaji Abubakar Barde, Chief Executive Officer, ASB Data, a partner in the empowerment scheme engaged the students on digital skills.

He said students can actively pursue their academic programmes and engage in some business using their smartphones with little capital and earn a good living.

“In this era one can start a business virtually without going to the market; students can initiate businesses such as data selling and digital communication businesses with a minimum of N10,000 capital,’’ Barde said.

In his remarks, Dr Mohammed Kabir,the  Rector of the polytechnic, commended the foundation and partner for the programme, adding that it was complementary to the TVET programme.

The rector, represented by Malam Umar Hassan, Director, School of Management Studies, said poverty, unemployment and inequality were three fundamental problems in Nigeria and some African countries.

He said the foundation was in the institution to reduce the menace of unemployment; adding, “it empowers the students to be entrepreneurs towards developing peace and harmony in the society.” (NAN)

Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani

NELFUND resumes upkeep disbursements to students
General News

NELFUND resumes upkeep disbursements to students

By Funmilayo Adeyemi

The Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) has commenced the disbursement of upkeep to students that have updated their bank accounts from digital wallet platforms to commercial banks.

This is contained in a statement in Abuja on Friday by the Director, Strategic Communications of the Fund, Mrs Oseyemi Oluwatuyi.

According to Oluwatuyi, this development marks a significant breakthrough in resolving earlier disbursement delays.

“Over 3,600 students, who previously registered with digital-only banking platforms, have now successfully received their backlog of upkeep payments after updating their details to conventional commercial bank accounts on the NELFUND portal.

“We appreciate the patience and understanding of all affected students during this period. Your resilience and cooperation have made this progress possible,” she said.

Oluwatuyi advised students yet to update their bank details to raise a support ticket via the official NELFUND portal to request access for updating their bank details.

She also urged the affected students to report through the IT office of their institutions, which would compile and forward all related cases to NELFUND for resolution.

“NELFUND remains committed to ensuring that no eligible student is left behind.

”This resolution process is part of our broader effort to enhance the efficiency, transparency, and student-centered delivery of our support services,” she added.

Oluwatuyi urged all students to continue engaging only through official NELFUND channels, and to assist peers who may require help navigating the update process.

She said that the fund can be reached through its email at info@nelf.gov.ng or its official social media platforms.

The platforms are X @nelfund; Instagram @nelfund; and Facebook & LinkedIn: Nigerian Education Loan Fund– NELFUND.(NAN)

Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz

Presidency appoints new SDGs student council excos
General News

Presidency appoints new SDGs student council excos

By Funmilayo Adeyemi

The Presidency, through the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Students Engagement, has appointed new executives to the leadership of the SDGs National Students Council.

This was disclosed in a statement issued in Abuja on Friday by the National Coordinator of the council, Amb. Timothy Nwachukwu.

Nwachukwu said the council, chaired by Comrade Sunday Asefon, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Students Engagement, is committed to advancing the UN SDGs in the area of quality education.

He said the SDGs national students council serves as a platform for engaging and mobilising students across Nigeria to champion sustainable development through advocacy, campaigns, and strategic partnerships.

According to him, it will collaborate with key stakeholders in the public and private sectors, diplomatic missions, and international development organisations to promote SDG awareness and localisation among Nigerian students.

He added that it would also engage national student bodies such as the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), National Association of University Students (NAUS), National Association of Polytechnic Students (NAPS).

Also included is the National Association of Colleges of Education Students (NANCES).

The new appointees include Ismail Lawanson as Deputy National Coordinator; Abdulrasheed Mubarak, National Secretary; Stephen Omatule, National Programme/Project Coordinator; and Cynthia Agubama, National Treasurer.

Others are Elizabeth Adepoju, National Gender/Advocacy Officer; Ayuba Dhikirullahi, representative for NANCES; Ogidan Ibukun, representative for NAPS; and Joel Ogwuche, representative for NAUS.

The newly appointed executives pledged to implement impactful projects aimed at enhancing student welfare and advancing the SDGs in Nigeria.

They also assured the public of their commitment to transparency, accountability, and service delivery. (NAN)

Edited by Tosin Kolade

Beware of fake loan portal, NELFUND alerts students
General News

Beware of fake loan portal, NELFUND alerts students

By Funmilayo Adeyemi

The Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) has warned students to be cautious of a fake portal with fraudulent messages currently circulating online.

This is contained in a statement in Abuja on Monday by the fund’s Director of  Strategic Communications, Mrs Oseyemi Oluwatuyi.

Oluwatuyi said the information contained in the online messages were misleading.

“The attention of NELFUND has been drawn to a fraudulent message currently circulating online, falsely claiming that President Bola Tinubu has directed the reopening of the NELFUND Student Loan portal

“The portal is with a link to a fake website: https://nelfund-student-loan-2025.po-rt-al.com/NELFUND/

“We wish to categorically state that this website is FAKE, and the information contained in the message is false and misleading.

“The only official portal for the NELFUND Student Loan Application is: https://nelf.gov.ng, ” she said.

She urged the general public, especially students, parents, and guardians, to avoid clicking on unverified links and to never submit personal or financial information on suspicious websites.

She pledged NELFUND’s commitment to transparency, safety, and fairness in the loan application process adding that the Fund would always make announcements through its verified platforms.

She, however, appealed to students to report any suspicious messages or websites to the Fund via email at info@nelf.gov.ng.

Oluwatuyi also advised students to reach out through its official social media platforms: ‘X’ (formerly Twitter): @nelfund, Instagram: @nelfund, and Facebook & LinkedIn: Nigerian Education Loan Fund – NELFUND. (NAN)

Edited by Sadiya Hamza

ECOWAS Court tasks law students on strengthening jurisprudence
Foreign

ECOWAS Court tasks law students on strengthening jurisprudence

By Mark Longyen

The ECOWAS Court has called on West African universities’ law students participating in its inaugural Moot Court competition to deepen their jurisprudence and regional legal frameworks understanding to become better lawyers.

Justice Ricardo Gonçalves, President of the Court, represented by Dr Yaouza Ouro-Sama, the Chief Registrar, threw the challenge to the participants during the orientation session of the moot court.

He explained that the orientation programme was an opportunity for the students to also better understand the court’s mission and mandate by interacting directly with the court’s personnel at all levels.

“It is an opportunity for you to better understand the mission and mandate of the ECOWAS Court, to deepen your engagement with regional legal frameworks, and interact directly with the Chief Registrar, the directors, the lawyers of the Community Court of Justice, the Excellencies, judges, and fellow law students.

“As future advocates, judges and policy makers, your participation in this Moot Court reflects a shared dedication to upholding justice, fostering regional cooperation, and advancing  legal excellence across West Africa.

“As we commence this interactive session, may it inspire collaboration, stimulate critical thoughts, and reinforce the vital role of justice in building a peaceful and unified West Africa,” he said.

The Community Court President said that he was very impressed by the law students’ legal arguments, court cases, and all their demonstrations during the opening session of the moot court competition.

According to him, their sterling performance gives the court joy and hope that the future generation is moving forward to perhaps do more than what they are doing today.

He said the orientation session was pivotal to provide participants with more clarity about the court, while their presence demonstrated a shared commitment to excellence, dialogue and the advancement of regional jurisprudence.

“Now, we wish that you keep it up in order to ensure that you have a bright  legal career after your legal  studies in the university,” he added.

Also speaking, Mr Ghislain Agbozo, ECOWAS Court’s Principal Research Officer, gave a presentation to clarify the court’s Jurisdiction, Protocol, Articles, Access, and Admissibility, among others.

He explained that the ECOWAS Court has  one Protocol, which was  adopted on the 6th of July, 1991, and was amended  on the 19th of Jan., 2005 as its Supplementary Protocol.

Agbozo said that Article 9.4 of the court’s Protocol regarding jurisdiction on human rights cases stipulates that the court has jurisdiction to determine cases of violation of human rights that occur within any member state’s territory.

He further explained that in human rights cases, the court lacks jurisdiction to entertain a dispute  between individuals, that is, an individual suing another individual, as well as non-state actors like corporations.

“First, the source of human rights obligation within ECOWAS is the African Charter on Human and People’s Rights  and the human rights instrument adopted under the auspices of the United Nations to which member states are parties.

“The court has jurisdiction over the member states if It has signed a supplementary protocol  of 19th January 2005 and has ratified the universal  or African human rights instruments invoked.

“Only member states can be brought before the Court of Human Rights violation because member states are the sole parties to the regional and the universal instruments which the court has jurisdiction over,” he said.

On admissibility, he explained that the pendency of the same suit before a domestic court or an international court of equal jurisdiction cannot oust the court’s competence to determine the case on alleged human rights violation.

“The court also has consistently held its position that there is no need to exhaust local remedy before bringing an action before the court,” Agbozo stressed.

Mr Yusuf Danmadami, ECOWAS Court’s Senior Legal Officer, described the court as the principal judicial organ of ECOWAS, which was established to ensure the interpretation and application of the ECOWAS Treaty.

He said the court represented a significant achievement in enhancing West African and African regional integration framework, having established itself as an institution for protecting human rights, and promoting the Rule of Law.

“The mission and vision of the court is to remain an independent, reliable, efficient, and accessible legal and judicial institution of the community playing a strategic role in establishing, sustaining and enabling the legal environment for the achievement of community aims and objectives.

“Now the mission of the court is to remain an independent, reliable, efficient and accessible legal and judicial institution of the community playing a strategic role in establishing a sustaining and enabling legal environment for the achievement of community  aims and objectives,” he added.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that four Nigerian universities qualified for the semi-final round of the moot court competition which was due to take place later on Friday.

They are the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, the University of Jos, the Lagos State University and the University of Uyo.(NAN)

Edited by Sadiya Hamza

ECOWAS Court inaugurates moot court competition for W/African law students
Foreign

ECOWAS Court inaugurates moot court competition for W/African law students

By Mark Longyen

The ECOWAS Court of Justice on Wednesday inaugurated a moot court competition for W/African law students aimed at fostering legal interaction and empowering the youth in the subregion.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event had as its theme: “Promoting Regional Integration and Human Rights Through Judicial Processes in West Africa.”

The competition brought together West African law students to simulate proceedings before the court, offer them first hand exposure to an international tribunal’s working, and the opportunity to refine their advocacy skills.

The Community Court’s President, Justice Ricardo Gonçalves, while declaring the event opened, described it as a landmark initiative in advancing legal education and regional integration in West Africa.

He emphasised that the event was an embodiment academic exercise, and a strategic platform for building a more engaged, informed, and cohesive legal community across the subregion.

According to him, the ECOWAS Court is the principal judicial organ of ECOWAS, which is tasked with delivering justice and fostering judicial understanding and accessibility.

“This moot court competition reflects our enduring commitment to public engagement and nurturing the next generation of legal minds.

“Regional integration is not solely an economic or political pursuit, it is also a legal one. It is built on institutions that are transparent, fair, and accessible to all,” Gonçalves said.

The President highlighted the initiative’s aims, which, he said, included deepening participants’ knowledge of the ECOWAS Court’s mandate and its contributions to regional peace, human rights, and integration.

He noted that the competition was also designed to sharpen the advocacy, research, and legal writing skills of aspiring lawyers, and tools that were critical both in the courtroom and in public service.

The court’s president explained that the competition also aimed at raising awareness about the court’s work throughout the region and to build public trust in regional justice mechanisms.

Gonçalves added that the event also served as a unique opportunity to foster meaningful connections among students, academics, legal practitioners, and ECOWAS institutions.

“This event is both timely and transformative, this is your moment. Be bold in legal reasoning, rigorous in your arguments, and be always guided by ethics.

“This contest is not just about winning; it is about shaping jurists who are critical thinkers and champions of justice.

“May this competition inspire a new generation to uphold the ideals of justice, solidarity, and integration in West Africa, and may the best team win,” he said.

He said the maiden edition of the competition, which featured eight Nigerian universities, would be an annual event, eventually expanding to all West African universities’ law faculties.

Speaking earlier, the court’s Chief Registrar, Dr Yaouza Ouro-Sama, described the event as a “historic moment” that would enrich legal education, promote youth engagement, regional integration, and justice advancement.

He said that the competition was also a practical learning platform that reflected real courtroom procedures.

“This moot court is more than a competition. It is a vital educational tool that cultivates critical thinking, advocacy, and a deep respect for due process.

“To our participants, may this experience inspire you, challenge you, and deepen your commitment to justice,” he said.

NAN reports that the participating universities were selected from thirteen institutions which had earlier applied and chosen based on their outstanding performances in the memorial submission stage.

The highpoint of the event, which was attended by judges, academics, legal professionals, university representatives, among others, was the official opening of the moot court competition among the participating universities. (NAN)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

Abstain from tobacco products, foundation urges students
General News

Abstain from tobacco products, foundation urges students

By Blessing Ibegbu

The Executive Director, Cedars Refuge Foundation (CRF), Mr Peter Unekwu-Ojo, has called on young Nigerians to abstain from taking flavoured tobacco products that pose dangers to their health.

Unekwu-Ojo made the call during an anti-tobacco campaign at Klinnicaps Academy in Koroduma, Karu Local Government of Nasarawa State on Tuesday.

The theme of the campaign is: “Exposing Lies, Protecting Lives: Unmasking the Appeal of Tobacco and Nicotine Products.”

According to him, the campaign focuses on exposing the deceptive strategies of the tobacco industry.

“The campaign is aimed at combating the rising tobacco use among young Nigerians.

“We are engaging the students in an enlightening and interactive session aimed at unmasking the harmful realities behind flashy advertisements and flavoured tobacco products,’’ he said.

Addressing the students and school officials, Unekwu-Ojo denounced the manipulative tactics employed by tobacco companies, accusing them of deliberately targeting children and youths.

“These industries are setting young people up against their future. They sandwich their products with glamorous colourful packaging, enticing flavours and high-profile adverts, hiding the dangerous consequences of addiction.

“The educational session not only delivered hard-hitting facts, but also encouraged vibrant feedback and critical reflection from students.

“The campaign emphasises that the glitz associated with tobacco products is a smokescreen concealing long-term health risks and dependency

“Every child deserves a future free from the industry’s traps flavoured nicotine, flashy adverts and peer-induced pressure.

“Tobacco use is not a fashion statement, it is a death sentence disguised in shiny colours,” he said.

Also speaking, Mr John Egla, Executive Director, Development Initiatives for Societal Health, reiterated the irreversible danger posed by tobacco use.

According to him, Tobacco is a killer; there is no safe level of smoking.

He said that Cedars Refuge Foundation would be establishing Tobacco-Free Clubs in 10 high schools across Nasarawa State.

“These clubs will empower students with knowledge, peer leadership and advocacy tools to resist and counter tobacco industry influence.

“The 2018 Tobacco Atlas revealed alarming statistics that over 942 million men and 175 million women worldwide aged 15 and older are smokers, with usage rising across Sub-Saharan Africa, including Nigeria,” he said.

He attributed this growth to increased affordability and aggressive marketing strategies by tobacco companies aimed at vulnerable youth populations.

Mr Patrick Ori, the school principal, expressed deep appreciation for the initiative, acknowledging the importance of early intervention and continuous education.

Ori urged the students to resist peer pressure, adding that the critical role of parental supervision in safeguarding their future could not be overemphasised.

The Dean of Studies, Mrs Precious Ojiaku, urged students to uphold strong moral values.

She advised them  to avoid falling prey to nicotine hooks and flavor packages that were designed to entice and trap the unsuspecting living a morally grounded life.

“Living a morally grounded life, avoidance is the most effective resistance against an industry that profits from addiction and suffering,”she said.

She added that the campaign marks a significant step in the broader Smoke-Free Campaign led by Cedars Refuge Foundation.

Ojiaku said that the campaign also targets hotel operators, market leaders, motor park managers, primary health care centres, influencers, Policy makers and relevant stakeholders.

“It is important that stakeholders enforce the smoke-free provisions of the National Tobacco Control (NTC) Act and Regulations, in collaboration with relevant enforcement agencies.

“The message is clear as well as resounding that ‘Tobacco has no place in the future of Nigerian youth’,” she added.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the high point of the campaign was the official establishment of a Tobacco-Free Club at Klinnicaps Academy, Karu.

NAN reports that the foundation distributed Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) materials to support the club’s activities and empower students with facts and skills to stand against tobacco use. (NAN)

Edited by Dorcas Jonah/Joseph Edeh

CNG-SPROUT Project: P-CNGi to train students on conversion, others
Oil & Gas

CNG-SPROUT Project: P-CNGi to train students on conversion, others

By Emmanuella Anokam

The Presidential Compressed Natural Gas Initiative (P-CNGI) says it will train students of various Nigerian universities on how to convert and maintain CNG vehicles.

Mr Michael Oluwagbemi, Programme Director/Chief Executive, P-CNGI, who disclosed this in Abuja on Thursday, said the capacity building would be achieved under the Special Palliative Relief on University Transportation (CNG – SPROUT) Projects.

Oluwagbemi made this known at the commissioning of the pilot phase of the project CNG SPROUT at the FEMADEC AutoGas Centre, Yakubu Gowon University, Abuja, formerly UniAbuja.

The Minister of State Petroleum Resources (Gas), Mr Ekperikpe Ekpo, alongside other dignitaries commissioned the project which would be delivered in 20 university campuses across the country.

The CNG – SPROUT Project is an initiative aimed at deploying and promoting CNG- powered buses, tricycles, conversion centres and refueling infrastructure to university campuses nationwide to cushion transportation cost.

Oluwagbemi said through hands-on training and technical facilitators, students would not just ride in CNG vehicles but would learn how to convert and maintain vehicles.

Oluwagbemi described the training as a critical step toward building a green-skilled workforce for Nigeria’s energy transition.

“The PCNGI is proud to contribute CNG-powered buses and tricycles to university campuses — a cleaner, more affordable, and sustainable mode of transport that not only reduces our carbon footprint but also eases the burden on students and staff.

“But we didn’t stop there.

“With conversion kits and technical facilitators, we are planting the seeds of capacity-building.

“Through hands-on training, students will not just ride in CNG vehicles — they will learn how to convert and maintain them,” he said.

He described the project as a timely, transformative initiative born of true collaboration.

He said through the strategic partnership between the P-CNGI, the Midstream and Downstream Gas Infrastructure Fund (MDGIF), and other partners it would deliver more than just buses and tricycles.

We are delivering hope, innovation, and a future-forward solution to the mobility and energy challenges facing our academic communities in line with the vision of President Bola Tinubu.

“If you recall in his first address after May 29, 2023 the President indeed promised deploying CNG buses and particularly on our campuses.

“We are here fulfilling that promise after doing the needful to build awareness and an ecosystem for CNG in Nigeria.

“Project SPROUT is more than a name, it is a symbol. A symbol of how targeted intervention, powered by collaboration and guided by vision, can yield lasting impact,” he said. (NAN)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

X
Welcome to NAN
Need help? Choose an option below and let me be your assistant.
Email SubscriptionSite SearchSend Us Email