Training - NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA

Philip Daniel Yatai
Jun, Fri, 2025

Soldiers must remain mission-ready at all times – Commander

78 total views today

By Sumaila Ogbaje

The Commander, Army Headquarters Garrison (AHQGARR), Maj.-Gen. Maxwell Dangana, has reiterated the commitment of the Nigerian Army to maintain mission ready soldiers at all times through continuous training.

Dangana stated this at the closing of the AHGARR Warrant a officers and Senior Non-Commissioned Officers Competition 2025, on Friday in Abuja.

He said the competition underscored the importance of the senior non-commissioned officers to the operational effectiveness of the Nigerian army.

He commended the participants for the display of precision during the drill competition, the skill and marksmanship at the shooting range, and the tactical awareness during navigation exercises.

The commander also hailed them for the strength and endurance shown in swimming, obstacle crossing, and combat race.

According to him, these activities mirror real battlefield scenarios and are essential in preparing our soldiers to remain mission-ready at all times.

“From what I have seen and witnessed today, and of course, over the few days of this competition, there is no doubt that the competition has actually achieved a purpose for which it was meant.

“The competition is actually in line with the Chief of Army Staff Command philosophy, which is the consolidation of the transformation of Nigerian Army towards bequeathing a well-motivated and combat-ready force that can effectively discharge its constitutional responsibilities within a joint and multi-agency environment,” he said.

“The participants completed drill competitions, shooting, navigation, swimming, and combat races, which concluded today and this morning with obstacle crossing.

“These are not mere competitive exercises, they are the core of our soldiering ethos, representing the skills, discipline, endurance, and mental alertness that define the strength and reliability of our armed forces,” he said.

The Commander said the senior non-commissioned officer had demonstrated exceptional level of commitment, resilience, teamwork, and regimentation throughout the event.

He said their efforts had strengthened the bond within the garrison and reinforced the vital role they play in upholding standards, enforcing discipline, and mentoring young soldiers.

Dangana urged all competitors to carry forward the lessons learned, continue to build on them, and remain worthy role models for the soldiers under their command.

He congratulated the winners for their outstanding performance and congratulated others not to relapse, but to work harder for future competitions.

“Let us remember that the goal is not only to win trophies, but to build capacity, promote esprit de corps, and improve the readiness of our troops for any eventuality.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the competition commenced on Monday with three teams drawn from AHQ Garrison area of responsibility.

At the end of the competition, Team Alpha (A) emerged overall winner with 380 points, Team Charlie (C) came second with 280 points, while Team Bravo (B) came third with 180 points. (NAN)

Edited by Sadiya Hamza

GetBundi announces 0,000 tech scholarship for African women

Philip Daniel Yatai
Jun, Wed, 2025

General News

GetBundi announces $250,000 tech scholarship for African women

116 total views today

By Olawunmi Ashafa

The GetBundi Education Foundation has introduced a digital skills programme that offers a 250,000 dollars scholarship fund for women.

The programme, tagged, “TechSis 2025”, is expected to train 1,500 African women in Data Analytics and Cybersecurity – completely free of charge.

A statement by Mr Osita Oparaugo, Founder of Getbundi, a digital education platform, indicated that TechSis, currently in its third edition, is designed to empower young African women with the digital competencies needed to thrive in the global tech industry.

He said that application forms were available and urged upcoming women to apply for an opportunity to participate in the programme.

“The fully virtual, intensive four-month training programme is open to women of African descent between the ages of 19 and 40, regardless of location, who are committed to transitioning into the tech sector.

“Building on the success and insights from TechSis 2023 and 2024, we are scaling our efforts to meet the growing demand for digital inclusion,” Oparaugo said.

He said that the goal was to equip African women with the digital skills they need to drive innovation and economic empowerment across the continent.

“The TechSis initiative was launched in 2023 as a bold response to the digital gender divide in Africa.

“In its inaugural year, 500 women were trained in coding. By 2024, the programme scaled up to train 1,000 women in web development and data analytics.

“With TechSis 2025, GetBundi aims to deliver high-impact, future-proof training to 1,500 more women, targeting two of the most in-demand digital fields globally.

“Digital exclusion disproportionately affects women across Africa; through TechSis, we are not only offering skills, but creating pathways for women to enter and lead in tech, shape innovation, and contribute to a more inclusive digital economy,” he said.

He explained that courses offered – Data Analytics and Cybersecurity – would run fully online via live classes, self-paced modules, hands-on projects, examinations and certification.

Urging applicants to visit www.getbundi.com, he explained that TechSis initiative is part of the GetBundi Education Foundation’s broader mission to provide accessible, high-quality STEM digital skills training to African learners.

“As the Corporate Social Responsibility(CSR) arm of GetBundi Education Technology, the foundation is dedicated to promoting equity, inclusion and opportunity through technology education,” he said.

The innovative edtech platform offers STEM education to post-primary school students, digital literacy training, and digital skills development to adult learners across Africa. (NAN)

Edited by Folasade Adeniran

Rabi'u Sani Ali
Jun, Tue, 2025

Education

NTI mulls 774 study centres

263 total views today

By Moses Kolo

The National Teachers’ Institute (NTI) plans to establish study centres in the 774 local government areas in Nigeria.

Its Director/Chief Executive, Prof. Sadiya Sani-Daura, said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Kaduna.

She said the study centres would be fully equipped and staffed to enhance its operations, as part of efforts to make its services accessible to Nigerians irrespective of their places of domicile.

“Already, we have state-of-the-art zonal and state centres, and we will leverage on this feat to make the planned LGA centres to succeed,” she said.

According to Sani-Daura, the institute is fully committed to ensuring that Nigerian teachers upgrade their capacities.

”Everybody can update and improve his or her capacity. We are out to ensure that Nigerian teachers achieve this in no distant time.”

This, she said, was extremely imperative so that teachers would not lag behind, and make them to be in tune with extant global trends in teaching and learning.

Sani-Daura highlighted that the world has moved on, leveraging on emerging technologies, new teaching and learning methods, hence teachers in Nigeria must urgently catch up with the world.

She reiterated commitment to transform the NTI into a world-class teacher training institution in line with its statutory mandates.

The director said the institute had commenced the award of Degrees, Post-Graduate Diploma and Advanced Diploma in Education in affiliation with universities like ABU Zaria, Usmanu Danfodiyo University Sokoto, University of Maiduguri and the Nmadi Azikiwe University, among others.

Sani-Daura stressed that education is critical to providing plausible solutions to the problems bedevilling Nigeria.

“Yes, with proper attention given to the education sector at all levels, we will get solutions to all our problems including crimes and criminality.” (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani

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

Philip Daniel Yatai
May, Fri, 2025

Oil & Gas

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

302 total views today

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

Niger trains 50 as business development service providers

Ismail Abdulaziz
May, Thu, 2025

General News

Niger trains 50 as business development service providers

229 total views today

By Rita Iliya

Niger Government has completed a three-day training for 50 first class graduates as Business Development Service Providers (BDSPs) to assist small business start-ups and existing businesses.

The training, organised by Niger government through the Office of the Special Adviser to Gov. Umaru Bago on Social Investment Programme, Hajiya Hauwa Bako, was facilitated by the Enterprise Development Centre, Pan-Atlantic University.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the students were selected from the Association of First Class Students in Niger State.

At the conclusion of the training on Thursday, Bako said that the training was aimed at equipping the participants with skills to become consultants and support small businesses in their communities.

Bako said that the participants were expected to be self-reliant and give back to their communities what they learned during the training.

She said the training was part of a fully-funded Niger state government project that hoped to provide every local government with an expert in business development.

Bako disclosed that the state government was in partnership with the Enterprise Development Centre on a funded programme with MasterCard Foundation to train about 10,000 youths, particularly females, in the state.

The special adviser said that the participants would be equipped to support small businesses in various aspects, including business planning, operations, and financial management.

She advised the participants to see the training as a lifetime opportunity to become consultants, not only in the state, but also globally.

Bako also disclosed that the trained BDSPs would receive certificates and continuous virtual training, enabling them to support small businesses and contribute to the state’s economic growth.

The facilitator at the training, Mr Adegboyega Adebajo, said the training focused on analytical skills, business planning, operations, and human resource management.

“The participants will be able to solve problems and come up with solutions that would work for small businesses,” he said.

In their remarks, Sahadatu Mua’zu, Mohammed Mohammed, and Yakubu Abdullahi, who are participants, described the training as interactive, impactful, and educative.

“The training brought about networking and taught courses that people pay outside to get, but it has been brought to us for free,” Mohammed said.

Abdullahi said that the training has been impactful as it has added to their business knowledge and expressed their commitment to apply the skills acquired to support small businesses in their communities. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Esenvosa Izah/Joe Idika

UNICEF, Sokoto Govt. Launch Digital Skills Training Centre for Almajiri and Out-of-School Children

Lydia Beshel
May, Wed, 2025

Education

UNICEF, Sokoto Govt. Launch Digital Skills Training Centre for Almajiri and Out-of-School Children

277 total views today

Education
By Habibu Harisu
The Sokoto State Government has on Tuesday inaugurated a digital skills training centre to empower Almajiri children and out-of-school adolescent girls in the state.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the initiative is in collaboration with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), and supported by ELEVA Foundation.

Gov. Ahmad Aliyu in his remarks during the inauguration said that the effort was a significant one to tackle educational disparity and promote digital inclusion among residents.

Aliyua also said that the initiative tagged ”Digital Village” was designed to equip underserved youths with essential digital skills, as well as prepare them for opportunities in an increasingly technology-driven world.

He expressed gratitude to UNICEF and ELEVA Foundation for its ongoing support, particularly in education and nutrition in the state.

He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to uplifting vulnerable groups and ensuring inclusive development across the state.

Speaking at the event, the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar, represented by the District Head of Gagi, Alhaji Sani Jabi, lauded the governor’s administration for the visionary approach and development-focused leadership.

Abubakar reaffirmed the traditional institution’s unwavering support for the governor’s Smart Agenda, a comprehensive nine-point development plan.

UNICEF Nigeria Representative, Ms Cristian Munduate, described the Digital Village as a structured learning hub, offering training sessions three times a week.

”By equipping these underserved children with digital skills, we are building their capacity to thrive in a tech-driven world,” she said.

Munduate, who was represented by Micheal Juma, UNICEF Chief of Field Office in Sokoto, said the digital village was designed to improve access to quality learning opportunities by leveraging technological literacy and youth innovation trough structured training sessions.

She said the centre targets 250 children in first cohort, with local languages, foundation literacy, vocational, numeracy and livelihood skills tailored into the curriculum.

According to her, the village will serve as safe space for mentorship and life skills development toward boosting economic independence and social inclusion.

”It will also serve as pivotal move towards empowering vulnerable youth with essential digital and vocational skills,” she added.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that stakeholders as well as various leaders in the state who were present at the event pledged their commitments to the success of the centre. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Deborah Coker

Lydia Beshel
May, Wed, 2025

Entertainment

Foundation trains media officers, filmmakers, content creators on educational impact

323 total views today

By Veronica Dariya

World Changers Media International Foundation, an NGO, has trained more than 25 media officers and content creators on production of impactful educational stories and documentaries for humanity.

Dr Janice Collins, the Chief Executive Officer of the foundation, urged participants at the Abuja workshop to create narratives with lasting positive difference.

Collins, also the Director, Institute of International Journalism at the E.W. Scripps School of Journalism, Ohio University, USA, advised content creators to ground their stories on truth and facts

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the workshop was organised in collaboration with the African International Documentary and Festival Foundation (AFIDFF), for filmmakers and producers.

She emphasised that storytelling should drive social responsibility, spark social change, and deepen audience connection with key social issues.

“We must be able to humanise our stories by bringing attention to an element that is affecting society in order to bring about a positive change.

“Do not forget to enforce your professional ethics and conduct as a journalist or storyteller; seek the truth and report it, minimise harm, be accountable and transparent,” Collins said.

She mentioned that with a creative strategy, business acumen, and diverse funding can generate sustainable income from storyteller and documentary production.

Her foundation, she noted, is committed to empowering media professionals to create positive change, amplify marginalised voices, and improve the lives of the most vulnerable.

She said that her team worked to support and creates platforms for voices and stories that need to be heard and be included in the global narrative.

In her remarks, the Director-General, AFIDFF, Mrs Malame Mangzha, told NAN that the workshop targeted public relations and media officers from partner organisations of the foundation.

She said: “We picked our participants from media departments of organisations we have been working in partnership with for the past few years.

“We deemed it fit and important to empower these officers and our new generation content creators, to create contents that could drive impact in communities and the society at large.

“While they could also be generating income in the process. However, our expectation at the end of the day is to see them tell their own stories with their own voices, in their own narratives.”

Mangzha also said that the two-day interactive workshop was designed to equip participants with practical skills in creative storytelling and production.

She added that it would include hands-on training, collaborative exercises, and real-time feedback to help participants’ crafts and expand their creative vision.

NAN reports that participants at the workshop included personnel from various organisation such as the National Commission for Museums and Monument, National Troupe of Nigeria, National Park Services.

Also present at the event are, National Film and Video Censor Board, social media content producers among others. (NAN)
Edited by Dorcas Jonah/Halima Sheji

Niger trains 6,000 youths on financial literacy

Ismail Abdulaziz
May, Wed, 2025

General News

Niger trains 6,000 youths on financial literacy

217 total views today

By Rita Iliya

Niger government has commenced a financial literacy training programme for 6,000 young entrepreneurs across the 25 local governments in the state.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports in Minna on Tuesday that the training was part of the government’s efforts to empower youths with skills and knowledge to enhance their businesses and productivity.

The training is being conducted by the Niger state government in partnerships with MasterCard Foundation and Enterprise Development Centre.

The online and offline training tagged: ‘Transforming Nigerian Youth Programme (TNY), was launched in March.

The programme is to train 10,000 youths, particularly young women, between the ages of 18 and 35.

Hajiya Hauwa Bako, Special Adviser to Niger Governor on Social Investment Programme, advised the beneficiaries to take the training seriously and make the most of the opportunity to better their lots.

“A door has been opened, and they should grab it and better their future,” she said.

She urged them to concentrate and be attentive, noting that there were many opportunities coming up with the training session.

According to her, human capital development is part of the vision of Gov. Mohammed Bago to build a new Niger, adding that the youths are the drivers of development.

Also speaking, Lady Helen Umaru, Permanent Secretary, Ministry for Micro-Small Enterprise, emphasised the importance of entrepreneurship in today’s world.

She advised the beneficiaries to take full advantage of the programme to empower themselves and better their livelihoods.

In her remarks, Mrs Mary Berje, Special Adviser to Niger Governor on Women and Affirmative Action, said the programme was aimed at empowering women to promote economic growth and development.

Berje expressed optimism that the programme would provide the youths with opportunities to improve their economic status.

Similarly, Malam Ahmed Gwada, Director General of the Small and Medium Enterprise and Micro Finance Agency, explained that the training focuses on women to improve their capabilities on business development.

Fatima Rufai and Aisha Bosso, who spoke on behalf of the beneficiaries, expressed gratitude to the state government for the opportunity, adding that the programme would improve their skill on how to start and manage a business. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Joe Idika

Philip Daniel Yatai
May, Mon, 2025

Health

Mahmoud calls for increase investment in primary healthcare

212 total views today

By Philip Yatai

The Minister of State, Federal Capital Territory, Dr Mariya Mahmoud has called on governments at all levels to increase investment in primary healthcare.

Mahmoud made the call in Abuja on Monday, at an event organised by the Society of Family Physicians of Nigeria, FCT/Keffi Chapter, to celebrate the 2025 World Family Doctors Day.

She emphasised the critical need to strengthen primary healthcare systems to address the growing health challenges faced by communities.

She said that the theme, “Building Mental Resilience in a Changing World,” underscored the essential role family doctors play in supporting mental health.

She added that family doctors also foster resilience amidst global adversities such as climate change, social instability, and economic uncertainty.

“Family doctors are frontline caregivers, uniquely positioned to deliver continuous and person-centred care that promotes early intervention and holistic support.

“They are the backbone of our healthcare system, providing comprehensive care that nurtures mental wellness and builds resilience in individuals and communities.

“Not only that, family doctors are unsung heroes, working tirelessly in clinics, rural health posts, urban centres and conflict zones to deliver equitable healthcare,” she said.

The minister praised their enduring relationships with patients, describing it as “vital” for proactively managing mental health issues and chronic diseases.

She reiterated that a robust and accessible primary healthcare was more important than ever in addressing the complex health landscape marked by pandemics, chronic illnesses, and mental health crises.

She stressed the need for training, recruitment and retention of family physicians, especially in underserved and hard-to-reach communities.

Mahmoud emphasised the importance of recognising and valuing family medicine within health policy and practice frameworks.

This, according to her, will ensure sustainable health outcomes.

The chairperson of the family physicians, Dr Ngozi Mmamelu, said that Nigeria faces unique challenges, including limited access to mental health services, stigma and shortage of mental health professionals.

Mmamelu added that family doctors could bridge the gaps by conducting initial mental health screenings, raising awareness and providing basic psychological support.

She further noted that integrating mental health services into primary care is crucial and family doctors could play a vital role in promoting mental wellness.

She reiterated the commitment of the physicians to the principles of family medicine. (NAN)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

Foundation equips mathematics teachers with 21st century skills in Kaduna

Philip Daniel Yatai
May, Sun, 2025

Education

Foundation equips mathematics teachers with 21st century skills in Kaduna

216 total views today

By Sani Idris-Abdulrahman

Emerald-Isle Foundation, an NGO, has taken steps to equip mathematics teachers in basic schools in Kaduna State with 21st century teaching skills to improve learning outcomes.

The Team Lead, Ms Evelyn Ode, said this in Kaduna on Saturday, at a one-day training to empower educators with enhanced strategies for teaching mathematics to young learners in basic schools.

Ode explained that the training, under the foundation’s “Train the Tutor Project”, was supported by Ihifix Innovation Hub, to address the problem of mathematics phobia among learners.

She explained that after the training, the teachers would be able to Identify and evaluate the essential qualities of an effective mathematics teacher.

This, she said, would enable the teachers to reflect on how these traits influence students’ engagement and learning outcomes in their various classes.

She added that the teachers would also be able to recognise and differentiate between various learner types – visual, auditory, kinaesthetic, reading/writing and digital, and adapt teaching strategies to meet diverse student needs.

“The teachers will equally apply learner-centred strategies that promote critical thinking and problem-solving in early mathematics education.

“They will also analyse and design effective mathematics lesson plans, using best practices, tailored to young learners’ developmental stages.

“Also, the teachers would be able to demonstrate how to integrate real-life applications and hands-on activities into mathematics lessons to enhance relevance and retention.

Ode said that the training, which began with 12 teachers from Elison Academy, Kaduna, would be scaled up to cover many mathematics teachers across different schools across the state.

The Lead Facilitator, Ms Jane Odeh, said that the training integrates hands-on methodologies commonly practiced in the United States, with the rich teaching practices in Nigeria.

Odeh is a mathematics lecturer at Benue State University and a PhD student in Industrial and Computational Mathematics at Morgan State University, Maryland, United States.

According to her, the hybrid approach holds great promise in improving children’s learning outcomes, making mathematics easier to understand and more relevant and engaging.

“We explored practical strategies to make mathematics more accessible and relatable by connecting it to everyday life.

“This shift from rote learning to real-life application empowers students to develop critical 21st-century skills like problem-solving, collaboration, and analytical thinking that are vital for the future of work.”

She expressed concern that performance trends in national examinations, including the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination indicate the urgent need to reform Nigeria’s educational practices, especially in core subjects like mathematics.

“This is not just an academic concern; it is a call to invest meaningfully in Nigeria’s educational sector to build a more competent and competitive future workforce,” she said.

On his part, the Chief Executive Officer, Ihifix Innovation Hub, Mr Emmanuel Adikpe, said that integrating 21st century skills in the classroom strengthens the teaching methods and strategies of educators.

“This in the long run, will prepare learners for future jobs.

“Ihifix is passionate about education and would continue to support programmes that contribute to nation-building,” Adikpe said.

One of the teachers, Blessing James, a Kindergarten II teacher, said the training was her first since she was recruited to teach in the school.

James added that she had learned new methods of teaching mathematics to young learners.

“The training broadened my knowledge on how to teach my pupils, using their curiosity to engage them.

“I look forward to more training like this to learn more,” she said.

Similarly, a primary four and five mathematics teacher, Emmanuel Adawba, equally said that it was his first time participating in such training, which he described as “very educational”.

“I have learned new strategies of making mathematics easier for the pupils, particularly how to adopt play into teaching mathematics to make it more fun,” he said.

The Head Teacher of the school, Mr Enoch Agang, thanked the foundation for the support, toward helping learners to understand and embrace mathematics.

He noted the need to adopt the use of instructional and other teaching aids to make the teaching of the subject more engaging and interesting. (NAN)

Edited by Philip Yatai