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Category: Education

  • NiDOA hails Alausa’s transformational impact in education, announces Ministerial Award

    NiDOA hails Alausa’s transformational impact in education, announces Ministerial Award

    ABUJA, NIGERIA, April 4, 2026 (Agency Report) — The Nigerians in Diaspora Organisation (NiDO) Americas – South Savannah, Georgia, has commended Dr. Morufu Alausa, Nigeria’s Minister of Education, for what it described as a transformational impact in the country’s education sector within just one year in office.

    In a statement jointly signed by Chapter President Collins Ikegwuonu and Vice-President Dr. Tomi Ademokun, NiDOA announced plans to confer the Ministerial Impact Award on Alausa in recognition of his visionary leadership, bold reforms, and contributions to advancing Nigeria’s global standing in education.

    The organisation highlighted Alausa’s initiatives aimed at shifting Nigeria’s education system from a focus on access to one centered on excellence. It praised his role as a diaspora trailblazer whose service and innovation have made the Nigerian-American diaspora proud.

    Among the achievements cited were:

    • Transition from the 6-3-3-4 system to a modern 12-year basic education model.
    • A new emphasis on technical education with an 80 percent practical / 20 percent theory approach.
    • Introduction of data-driven education planning systems.
    • Launch of the National Education Loan Fund (NELFUND).
    • Expansion of girls’ education initiatives under the AGILE programme.
    • Digital transformation of learning and administration.
    • Policy and curriculum reforms, alongside improved governance and accountability.

    NiDOA noted that these reforms were backed by verified ministry reports and measurable outcomes, describing them as evidence of Alausa’s “bold reforms and renewed national vision for education.”

    “As a distinguished leader from the diaspora, Alausa represents the excellence and global impact of Nigerian professionals abroad,” the statement read. “NiDOA South Savannah affirms its continued support for policies that empower youth, strengthen institutions, and drive sustainable national progress.”

    Alausa, a retired surgeon from Chicago, has been widely credited with driving innovation and reform in Nigeria’s education sector since assuming office. The award, NiDOA said, is both a recognition of his achievements and an encouragement to sustain momentum in transforming Nigeria’s education landscape.

  • Adeleke inaugurates ₦150 Million MicCom Endowment at OAU

    Adeleke inaugurates ₦150 Million MicCom Endowment at OAU

    OSHOGBO, NIGERIA, 2 April 2026 (NPA) — Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, on Thursday, attended the inauguration of the ₦150 million MicCom Memorial Endowment for Engineering Development at Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile Ife, in honour of the late Engr. Michael Ayantunde Ponnle and Engr. (Mrs) Comfort Olufunke Ponnle.

    Governor Adeleke described the lives of the honourees as exemplifying vision, innovation and a shared commitment to national development. 

    He noted that through enterprise, mentorship and dedication to excellence, they demonstrated that Nigerian engineers can build, compete and lead at the highest level.

    In a statement, the governor said the endowment represents a strategic investment in the future, designed to support academic excellence, strengthen research and innovation, bridge the gap between theory and practice, and nurture responsible, value‑driven engineers.

    He commended the Ponle family for the initiative, stressing that it ensures the legacy of the late patriots continues to inspire future generations. “As a government, we remain committed to supporting education, innovation and partnerships that drive sustainable development in Osun State,” Adeleke affirmed.

  • BREAKING: Federal Government unveils ₦20 million National Laureate Prize for exceptional students, researchers

    BREAKING: Federal Government unveils ₦20 million National Laureate Prize for exceptional students, researchers

    ABUJA, NIGERIA, 01 April 2026 (NPA) — The Federal Ministry of Education has announced the launch of the Nigeria National Laureate Annual Prize Programme, a groundbreaking initiative designed to reward exceptional academic research and innovation in the nation’s tertiary institutions.

    In a press release issued on 31 March, the Honourable Minister of Education, Dr Maruf Olatunji Alausa, described the programme as a strategic effort to elevate scholarly excellence and position research as a driver of national development.

    According to Boriowo Folasade, Director of Press and Public Relations, the prize will award ₦5 million for outstanding undergraduate dissertations, ₦10 million for master’s theses, and ₦20 million for doctoral research. Winners will also receive national recognition at a high-profile gala.

    Dr Alausa emphasised that the initiative seeks to reposition academic work as a valuable national asset, encouraging innovation and intellectual contribution. The programme will be funded by the Nigeria Education Repository and Databank (NERD) and its partners, with a 10-member committee chaired by Professor Abubakar Sambo overseeing submissions, evaluations, and selections.

    Tertiary institutions have been directed to nominate outstanding research, while the committee retains the authority to identify exceptional works independently. The 2026 cycle will begin with a call for submissions in May, followed by evaluations from June to September, and will culminate in the National Laureate Gala in Abuja this November.

    The Ministry noted that the prize marks a decisive shift in Nigeria’s academic landscape, contrasting the neglect of scholarly achievement with the lavish rewards often given to reality television contestants. 

    The new programme is a complete departure from a culture where academics are overlooked while participants in TV reality shows walk away with over a hundred million naira for appearing half-naked on national television.

  • INEC Chairman Amupitan stresses procurement integrity ahead of 2027 elections at workshop

    INEC Chairman Amupitan stresses procurement integrity ahead of 2027 elections at workshop

    LAGOS, NIGERIA, 01 April 2026 (NPA) — The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has entered the second day of its three-day capacity-building workshop for National Electoral Commissioners and senior management staff, with Chairman Prof. Joash O. Amupitan, SAN, leading deliberations on procurement integrity as a cornerstone of credible elections.

    Prof. Amupitan’s active participation underscored the Commission’s commitment to strengthening procurement systems ahead of the 2027 General Election. He emphasised that transparent procurement directly impacts the timely delivery of sensitive materials, deployment of technology, and overall logistics, noting that strict adherence to regulatory frameworks is vital for public confidence.

    Day Two featured interactive sessions in which Commissioners and Directors reflected on past challenges and shared strategies to improve compliance. Mr Nelson Ojougboh of the Bureau of Public Procurement highlighted the importance of aligning procurement with the national budget cycle, warning that non-compliance constitutes a statutory violation. He introduced revised Standard Bidding Documents to enhance transparency and efficiency.

    Prof Prince Michael Ikupolati addressed procurement risks, emphasising proactive management and the use of insurance instruments, such as performance bonds, to safeguard resources. Mrs Nanzok Bukata focused on structured planning, documentation, and transparency, stressing that clear records and due process are essential to credibility.

    The workshop reinforced INEC’s resolve to institutionalise best practices and strengthen its culture of accountability. Prof. Amupitan’s leadership signalled the Commission’s determination to ensure procurement reform supports the successful delivery of a credible and transparent 2027 electoral process.

  • Education Minister applauds ₦2.2 billion grants to student innovators

    Education Minister applauds ₦2.2 billion grants to student innovators

    ABUJA, NIGERIA, 30 March 2026 (NPA) — The Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, has expressed delight at the presentation of cheques totalling ₦2.2 billion in grants to 45 outstanding student ventures, recognising young Nigerians who are turning bold ideas into real solutions.

    The Minister said the recipients were the product of an “intense and inspiring S‑VCG Bootcamp,” noting that the journey began with over 30,000 applications from 404 tertiary institutions, narrowed down to 65 finalists, and culminating in 45 innovators emerging as winners from institutions across Nigeria.

    According to a statement on Monday, Alausa clarified that the winners came from federal, state, and private universities, with the majority from public institutions — “proof that talent and innovation exist in every corner of our country.”

    He added: “A moment that stood out for me was seeing 8 winners from the University of Lagos, many of whom came through our Entrepreneurship, Innovation & Business Incubation Certification (EIBIC) programme — a tried‑and‑tested pathway we are building to move students from ideas to real ventures. That is exactly the vision behind EIBIC: not just teaching entrepreneurship, but building founders, innovators, and builders.”

    “The Student Venture Capital Grant is more than funding — it is belief in the next generation. My sincere thanks to our panel of evaluators and judges, whose expertise and careful assessment helped identify these outstanding ventures. I am also deeply grateful to our partners, Bank of Industry, Afara Initiative and Elsie Attafuah of UNDP, for their support in making this programme a success.”

    While congratulating the 45 winners, the Minister also recognised the efforts of the 65 finalists, describing them collectively as “what the future of Nigeria looks like, and Nigeria’s next generation of innovators.”

  • Fidelity Bank opens sales academy to qualified job seekers

    Fidelity Bank opens sales academy to qualified job seekers

    BUSINESS (NPA) — 28 March 2026 — Nigeria’s top-tier lender, Fidelity Bank, has thrown open its employment doors, inviting candidates it describes as dreamers, doers, and driven individuals to join its newly launched Sales Academy.

    According to a statement from the bank, the Sales Academy is more than a programme — it is a transformational experience designed to help applicants grow, evolve, and succeed. The initiative is positioned as a platform to start strong, accelerate quickly, and succeed boldly, offering participants the chance to build a future they can be proud of.

    Applications officially opened on 27 March 2026 via fidelitybank.ng/sales. Eligibility criteria include being no older than 26 years, possessing at least five credits in SSCE (including Mathematics and English), and successful completion of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC). Candidates must also hold a Bachelor’s degree with a minimum of Second Class Lower (2:2) or an HND with Upper Credit.

    Applicants are required to present a valid National Identification Number (NIN) alongside another form of identification, such as an International Passport, Voter’s Card, or Driver’s Licence. Beyond paper qualifications, Fidelity Bank stresses the importance of a strong drive for sales, negotiation skills, and the ability to close deals effectively. Candidates must also demonstrate confident communication, relationship-building abilities, sound credit awareness, and analytical skills to support quality lending decisions.

    By combining rigorous requirements with a bold vision, Fidelity Bank’s Sales Academy signals a fresh opportunity for ambitious young Nigerians to step into the financial sector and carve out lasting careers.

  • Army launch nationwide training for teachers and students to end exam failure in Command Secondary schools 

    Army launch nationwide training for teachers and students to end exam failure in Command Secondary schools 

    ABUJA, NIGERIA (NPA) — 27 March 2026 — In a bold move to secure academic excellence, the Acting Corps Commander Education (CC Edn), Brigadier General Yushau Dogara Ahmed, has unveiled a sweeping nationwide initiative designed to turbocharge the performance of students in Command Secondary Schools ahead of critical external examinations.

    The CC Edn directed schools across the country to roll out specialised academic workshops and intensive training sessions for teachers and Senior Secondary School Three (SS3) students. The programme targets improved teaching effectiveness and sharper student preparedness for examinations conducted by WAEC, NECO and JAMB.

    According to a statement by Captain Abdullahi Lawal Osabo, Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, the initiative will feature targeted academic clinics, revision marathons and exam technique workshops, with a laser focus on core subjects. Experienced education officers and subject specialists will lead sessions, offering in-depth revision, practical guidance on tackling exam questions and strategies for effective time management.

    The programme forms part of the Nigerian Army Education Corps’ (NAEC) broader mission to boost teachers’ instructional capacity while equipping students with the skills needed for outstanding results. The seven-day intensive training, scheduled for March and April 2026, underscores Brigadier General Ahmed’s determination to entrench academic excellence across the Command Secondary School system.

    Officials say the initiative will further cement the reputation of Nigerian Army schools as bastions of discipline, scholastic achievement and holistic development, aligning with global best practices.

  • Atiku applauds UN Resolution declaring slave trade gravest crime against humanity

    Atiku applauds UN Resolution declaring slave trade gravest crime against humanity

    ABUJA, NIGERIA (NPA) — 26 March 2026 — Former Nigerian Vice President and chieftain of the All Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar, has hailed the outcome of the United Nations General Assembly, which yesterday designated the transatlantic slave trade as the gravest crime against humanity.

    Reacting to the development, Atiku shared a post from the official X handle of Ghana’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which read: “HISTORY MADE AT THE UNITED NATIONS: The United Nations General Assembly has adopted resolution A/80/L.48, declaring the Trafficking of Enslaved Africans and Racialised Chattel Enslavement as the Gravest Crime against Humanity.” He described the moment as one that speaks to the pain of Africa’s past and the enduring dignity of its people.

    Atiku emphasised that the trafficking of enslaved Africans was not merely a tragedy for the continent but a deep wound on the conscience of humanity. He noted that the resolution represents a moral victory for Africa and a reminder to the world of the need for justice, remembrance, and reconciliation.

    Africans all over have continued to commend Ghana for its leadership in championing the resolution, and helping the world to remember, acknowledge, and stand firmly on the side of truth and justice. Such recognition strengthens the collective resolve to confront historical wrongs and ensure that future generations understand the magnitude of the atrocity.

  • Vice President Shettima hails Gates Foundation as strategic partner in Nigeria’s development drive

    Vice President Shettima hails Gates Foundation as strategic partner in Nigeria’s development drive

    ABUJA, NIGERIA (NPA) — March 26, 2026 — Nigeria’s Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima, on Wednesday lauded the Gates Foundation for its sustained investments and humanitarian support in the country, describing the organisation as a strategic partner in the collective effort to reshape the Nigerian narrative.

    The Vice President pledged the government’s support for the Foundation’s request to deepen and broaden its collaboration with both the public and private sectors, particularly in areas such as digital transformation, nutrition, agriculture, healthcare, and other critical development initiatives.

    Shettima made these remarks while receiving a delegation from the Gates Foundation, led by Mr Hari Menon, President of the Foundation’s Global Growth and Opportunity (GGO) division, at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.

    He also commended members of the Gates Foundation’s Nigerian team for their dedication and passion toward advancing the Nigerian Project, emphasising that their contributions have positioned them as highly strategic partners in driving sustainable progress across the country.

    Over the years, the Gates Foundation has played a pivotal role in eradicating wild polio in Nigeria, strengthening primary healthcare systems, and supporting family planning and nutrition programs. It has also invested heavily in agricultural productivity, helping smallholder farmers increase yields and reduce food insecurity. Beyond Nigeria, the Foundation has partnered with institutions in 49 African countries, focusing on combating diseases such as measles and malaria, while expanding access to digital financial services for women, farmers, and marginalised communities. These interventions have made Nigeria the largest recipient of Gates Foundation funding in Africa, reflecting both its population size and developmental needs.

  • BREAKING: UN declares transatlantic slave trade the gravest crime against humanity

    BREAKING: UN declares transatlantic slave trade the gravest crime against humanity

    UNITED NATIONS (NPA) — March 25, 2026—The United Nations General Assembly today passed a historic resolution declaring the trafficking of enslaved Africans and the transatlantic slave trade as the gravest crime against humanity. The resolution, published by the UN Media Liaison Unit (MALU), was sponsored by more than 50 countries and underscores the enduring impact of slavery and colonialism on Africans and people of African descent worldwide.

    The resolution reaffirms the principles of the UN Charter, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and international covenants prohibiting slavery. It recalls historic milestones, including the Durban Declaration, the International Decade for People of African Descent, and the Ark of Return memorial at UN Headquarters, while stressing that slavery’s legacies persist in structural racism, inequality, and underdevelopment.

    Delegates emphasized that the transatlantic slave trade represented “a profound rupture in human history,” involving the forced capture, commodification, and transportation of millions of Africans over four centuries. The resolution highlights the exceptional brutality and systemic nature of racialized chattel enslavement, noting its codification in laws such as the Barbados Slave Code and the French Code Noir, which legally defined Africans as property.

    The Assembly condemned slavery as “the most inhumane and enduring injustice against humanity” and declared that crimes related to the trafficking of enslaved Africans are violations of jus cogens norms, not subject to statutory limitations. It affirmed that grave crimes generate continuing obligations until addressed through truth, justice, and reparations.

    The resolution calls on Member States to engage in inclusive dialogue on reparatory justice, including formal apologies, restitution, compensation, rehabilitation, and guarantees of non-repetition. It urges the restitution of cultural properties and artifacts taken during slavery and colonialism, and encourages international cooperation to promote cultural rights for present and future generations.

    The Assembly also requested the UN Secretary-General to strengthen coordination on remembrance, education, and research related to slavery and its legacies, and to report back at the 82nd session on progress made. Regional organizations such as the African Union and Caribbean Community were invited to collaborate on frameworks for reparatory justice and reconciliation.

    By passing this resolution today, the General Assembly reaffirmed its collective commitment to historical justice, healing, and sustainable peace. It stressed that addressing the legacies of slavery is essential to combating systemic racism and ensuring dignity and equality for Africans and people of African descent across the globe.