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The Ministry of Education Launches N4 Billion Scholarship Fund to Revitalize the Teaching Profession

The Ministry of Education Launches N4 Billion Scholarship Fund to Revitalize the Teaching Profession

 

In a transformative initiative to reignite interest in Education-related courses and the teaching profession, the Honourable Minister of State for Education, Dr. Tanko Yusuf Sununu, has announced the establishment of a N4 billion scholarship fund. This fund is dedicated to supporting students pursuing National Certificates of Education and other Education-related degrees at tertiary institutions across Nigeria.

The announcement was made during a meeting with UNESCO officials, led by Abdourahmane Diallo, UNESCO’s Country Representative to Nigeria. The meeting underscored ongoing collaborative efforts and upcoming projects aimed at enhancing Nigeria’s educational system.

Dr. Sununu expressed profound gratitude to the UNESCO team for their invaluable support in advancing Nigeria’s educational objectives. He highlighted the critical nature of such partnerships in achieving the country’s educational aspirations.

“UNESCO’s involvement is pivotal to our mission of delivering high-quality education that equips our youth with the character and skills necessary for success both locally and internationally,” Dr. Sununu remarked. He also emphasized the importance of data-driven planning, collection, and analysis of educational data to ensure effective resource distribution and address existing challenges.

Abdourahmane Diallo provided updates on UNESCO’s ongoing and future projects in Nigeria, including a newly signed initiative focused on building teachers’ capacity. This project, targeting the “T” component of the DOTs program, is a five-year initiative with an estimated budget of €5 million. Running from 2024 to 2028, it will benefit the Federal Ministry of Education and six states: Adamawa, Bayelsa, Enugu, Katsina, Oyo, and Plateau. Diallo requested the appointment of a focal officer to facilitate the immediate implementation of the project.

Additionally, Diallo mentioned several other initiatives, including a Japan-sponsored project on teacher development and the “Better Education for Africa’s Rise” (BEAR) project, Phase III, which aims to improve TVET systems in West Africa, with Kano selected for agriculture and post-harvest processing initiatives.

An upcoming conference in Paris on June 17 was also announced, where global leaders, including representatives from Nigeria, will assess progress and mobilize efforts to achieve Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG4) – Quality Education. This conference aims to accelerate progress in the educational sector.

Dr. Sununu reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to transforming Nigeria’s education sector through strategic partnerships and innovative projects, marking a significant milestone in this collaborative effort. He concluded by announcing that the Ministry will appoint a focal point officer and constitute a steering committee for the project.

Abuja’s Murtala Muhammed Way NOT Renamed after Soyinka – FG

Abuja’s Murtala Muhammed Way NOT Renamed after Soyinka – FG

 

 

We have noted the rumours being circulated that the Murtala Muhammed Expressed Way in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, has been renamed as Wole Soyinka Way.
The renaming of the Murtala Muhammed Expressway Way has never been contemplated by this administration.

For the record, on June 4, 2024, President Bola Tinubu inaugurated a new road in the FCT codenamed Arterial Road N20 (from Katampe to Jahi), which links the existing Outer Northern Expressway (also known as Murtala Mohammed Expressway) to the Northern Parkway (also called Ahmadu Bello Way).

During the inauguration of the N20 (which is a new road), FCT Minister, Barrister Nyesom Wike, proposed to the President that the road be named after Prof Wole Soyinka, and the President agreed.

Therefore, it is the Arterial Road N20 that is named after Prof Soyinka. The Murtala Muhammed Expressway remains unchanged and continues to bear the name of our esteemed former Head of State, General Murtala Ramat Muhammed.

We urge all citizens to disregard any misinformation regarding the renaming of the Murtala Muhammed Expressway. The report is entirely false and only exists in the imagination of its purveyors.

NITDA and NERDC Forge Partnership to Enhance Digital Literacy and Talent Development

NITDA and NERDC Forge Partnership to Enhance Digital Literacy and Talent Development

 

In a significant effort to propel Nigeria towards a digitally literate society, the Director General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, CCIE, welcomed the management team of the Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council (NERDC) at NITDA’s Corporate Headquarters. The delegation was led by NERDC’s Executive Secretary, Prof. Ismail Janaidu.

The visit marked a pivotal step in reinforcing the collaboration between the two agencies, with a shared vision to elevate Nigeria’s digital literacy rate to 70% by 2027. This ambitious target is in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which seeks to harness digital technologies to create millions of jobs and drive economic growth.

During the meeting, both parties discussed strategic initiatives to infuse digital skills into the educational curriculum at all levels. This includes primary, secondary, and tertiary education, ensuring that students are equipped with essential 21st-century skills from a young age. The integration of digital literacy into the curriculum is seen as a crucial measure to prepare the Nigerian workforce for the demands of a technology-driven global economy.

Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi emphasized the importance of digital literacy in achieving national development goals. “By embedding digital skills into our education system, we are not only preparing our youth for future job markets but also fostering innovation and creativity that will drive Nigeria’s socio-economic growth,” he stated.

Prof. Ismail Janaidu highlighted the NERDC’s commitment to this initiative, expressing optimism about the potential impact of the collaboration. “Our partnership with NITDA is a significant milestone in our efforts to modernize the educational sector. By aligning our curriculum with global digital standards, we are paving the way for our students to compete internationally and contribute meaningfully to the digital economy,” he remarked.

The collaboration will involve a comprehensive review and overhaul of the current educational curriculum to incorporate digital literacy components. This will include training for teachers, development of digital learning materials, and the establishment of infrastructure to support technology-based education.

Both NITDA and NERDC are poised to work closely with other stakeholders, including educational institutions, industry experts, and policymakers, to ensure the successful implementation of this initiative. The goal is not only to improve digital literacy rates but also to create a robust ecosystem that supports continuous learning and adaptation to technological advancements.

The meeting concluded with a mutual agreement to set up a joint task force that will oversee the execution of the outlined strategies and monitor progress towards achieving the set objectives.

This initiative represents a bold step towards transforming Nigeria’s educational landscape and empowering the next generation with the skills needed to thrive in the digital age.

Nigerian Writer Hope Nwosu Organizes Successful African Children’s Music Day in Finland

Nigerian Writer Hope Nwosu Organizes Successful African Children’s Music Day in Finland

 

Hope Nwosu, a Nigerian writer of Igbo descent based in Finland, recently marked Children’s Day with an event she called “African Children’s Music Day.” Reflecting on the occasion, Nwosu expressed her delight and surprise at the positive outcome of the event.

“It was the first time that I single-handedly produced and organized a music concert,” Nwosu explained. “I was nervous about the event today, given that one of the members of Music Ambassadors couldn’t participate. I also wasn’t sure about the number of prospective participants.”

Despite her initial concerns, the event turned out to be a resounding success, attracting a considerable number of participants and delivering an enriching experience for all involved. The children enjoyed melodic music performances by Joy, a highlight that set a joyful tone for the day. Additionally, the young attendees had the opportunity to learn to play their favorite songs on the piano, an activity that not only entertained them but also introduced them to the basics of musical education.

The event also featured a discussion on the importance of finding hobbies, particularly music, for both children and adults. Nwosu shared her personal experiences of seeking out meaningful activities and highlighted how her interactions with Finns have significantly enriched her journey. This discussion proved insightful as it addressed one of the main challenges faced by African immigrants in Finland: the lack of awareness about how and where to apply for hobbies.

To tackle this issue, practical information was provided to the forty people present at the event, offering guidance on how to find suitable hobbies for themselves and their children. This practical advice was seen as a crucial step in helping immigrants integrate better into Finnish society by engaging in fulfilling recreational activities.

In concluding the event, Nwosu expressed her gratitude to Minela säätiö for their generous grant and to Pasila Library for providing the venue. She noted that the feedback from participants was overwhelmingly positive and emphasized that this feedback would be instrumental in improving and making future events even more enjoyable.

“My special appreciation goes to Minela säätiö for the grant as well as to Pasila Library for providing the venue. The feedback was encouraging, and we will utilize it to make future events more enjoyable,” Nwosu concluded.

The event not only celebrated Children’s Day but also fostered a sense of community and integration, highlighting the importance of hobbies and recreational activities in enriching the lives of both children and adults.

#hobbies #recreation #music #integration #inclusion

Faith Cathedral International Ministries Announces Annual Faith Festival

Faith Cathedral International Ministries Announces Annual Faith Festival

 

Faith Cathedral International Ministries Egbeda is excited to announce its annual Faith Festival, a week-long spiritual event scheduled to take place from June 17th to June 21st, 2024.

This year’s festival, themed “I Am the Vine,” is dedicated to a week of praise, prayer, and fasting for the wellbeing of the church, its members, and the nation. The church extends an open invitation to the public to join in this uplifting and spiritually fulfilling experience.

Pastor Fred Obetoh, the General Overseer of Faith Cathedral International Ministries, encourages everyone to attend the festival at the church premises on Akerele Street, Egbeda. “We are dedicating an entire week to pray, fast, and praise God for His goodness and mercies over the years and in the past six months. As we usher in the next six months, it is essential that we place this period in God’s hands and also pray for the progress of our nation,” said Pastor Obetoh.

The Faith Festival will feature a series of spiritual activities, including sermons by Pastor Fred Obetoh and worship led by Evangelist Joe. The church invites the public to participate in these soul-lifting spiritual exercises throughout the week.

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### Faith Cathedral International Ministries Egbeda

Faith Cathedral International Ministries, located in Egbeda, is a vibrant and growing church with a mission to spread the Gospel and serve the community. Under the leadership of General Overseer Pastor Fred Obetoh, the church has expanded its reach beyond Nigeria, establishing branches in Europe and other parts of the world.

Known for its dynamic worship services, dedicated pastoral care, and community outreach programs, Faith Cathedral International Ministries is committed to fostering spiritual growth and providing support to individuals and families. The church’s annual events, such as the Faith Festival, highlight its dedication to communal prayer, fasting, and worship, reinforcing the spiritual well-being of its congregation and the wider community.

Faith Cathedral International Ministries continues to be a beacon of faith, hope, and love, impacting lives locally and internationally through its unwavering dedication to God’s work.

Oprah Winfrey Announces Retirement, Reveals Decades-Long Secret Philanthropy

Oprah Winfrey Announces Retirement, Reveals Decades-Long Secret Philanthropy

 

In a grand event held in a football stadium, Oprah Winfrey announced her retirement, leaving fans and attendees in awe with a revelation of her secret philanthropy. For the past 25 years, Winfrey had quietly sponsored 65,000 impoverished individuals without public knowledge.

The stadium was filled with many beneficiaries of her generosity, and the ceremony featured a moving segment where 450 individuals emerged with candles. Among them were five Harvard University professors who each delivered brief speeches. One professor poignantly remarked, “If it were not for Oprah, we would now be in a different place than this.”

The astounding revelation of one person quietly transforming the lives of 65,000 people underscored Winfrey’s extraordinary humanitarian spirit. As an observer noted, “Humanity is not a religion, but rather a rank that some people reach,” aptly capturing the profound impact of Winfrey’s legacy.

**Oprah Winfrey: A Brief Biography**

Oprah Winfrey, born on January 29, 1954, in Kosciusko, Mississippi, rose from a challenging childhood marked by poverty and abuse to become one of the most influential media moguls in history. She began her career in local media, eventually becoming the host of *The Oprah Winfrey Show*, which ran for 25 years and became the highest-rated talk show in American television history.

Beyond her television career, Winfrey is a noted actress, producer, and philanthropist. She founded the Oprah Winfrey Network (OWN) and has been a powerful advocate for various social issues, particularly education and women’s rights. Her charitable efforts include the establishment of the Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls in South Africa and numerous other philanthropic endeavors.

Winfrey’s impact extends beyond media; she is a symbol of resilience and empowerment, inspiring millions around the world with her story and her commitment to making a difference.

NNPC Chief Rallies Judiciary’s Support Against Crude Oil Theft

NNPC Chief Rallies Judiciary’s Support Against Crude Oil Theft

 

 

 

…Calls for Establishment of Special Court, Accelerated Hearing

In order for the oil and gas industry to achieve its full potential as an enabler of national economic and industrial growth, the Group Chief Executive Officer of the NNPC Limited, Mr. Mele Kyari, has called for the support of the judiciary in tackling the twin challenges of crude oil theft and pipeline vandalism.

Kyari made the call at the National Judges Capacity Building Workshop on the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021, organised by the National Judicial Institute (NJI) and INVESTIN 234, on Thursday in Abuja.

In a goodwill message he delivered at the workshop, the GCEO stated that the gains of the PIA have been severely undermined by crude oil theft and pipeline vandalism and urged the judiciary to consider the creation of a special court to try offences related to crude oil theft and pipeline vandalism or granting accelerated hearings to such cases.

According to him, the role of the judiciary was critical to the success of the efforts of the various security arrangements put in place by NNPC, the law enforcement agencies and other stakeholders in the industry.

“In particular, is the recommendation that a special court be created to try those offences as they hinge on our survival as a country and/or for such trials to be conducted under an accelerated hearing process by the issuance of Practice Directions to that effect, with concomitant sanctions to deter would-be offenders,” Kyari stated.

The GCEO also called on the judiciary to accelerate hearings on criminal cases in their courts, through timely determination of the criminal charges and imposing adequate punishments and sanctions on culprits to serve as deterrence to others.

He said that NNPC remains committed to collaborating with all relevant stakeholders to ensure the successful implementation of the PIA, adding that “together, we can ensure that the benefits of our natural resources are maximised for the economic and social development of our country”.

Kyari also commended the Chief Justice of the Federation, Olukayode Ariwoola and the organisers of the workshop for extending the invitation to him and the opportunity to deliver a goodwill message at the workshop.

 

N31.6 Billion of Multichoice Funds Trapped in Liquidated Heritage Bank

N31.6 Billion of Multichoice Funds Trapped in Liquidated Heritage Bank

A significant financial setback has hit Multichoice (DSTV Nigeria) as N31.6 billion of its funds are trapped in the recently liquidated Heritage Bank. The bank, which had previously formed a partnership with Multichoice Nigeria by sponsoring high-profile projects like Big Brother Naija and the Africa Magic Viewer’s Choice Awards (AMVCA), has been declared insolvent.

According to Multichoice Group’s annual report for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2024, the company had a deposit of N33.7 billion with Heritage Bank. This amount now remains inaccessible due to the bank’s liquidation.

The recovery of these funds hinges on the Nigerian Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC) successfully selling the distressed bank’s assets. Only upon completion of this process will Multichoice be able to reclaim its money.

This development poses a significant challenge for Multichoice, potentially impacting its operations and future sponsorship agreements. The company has yet to comment on the potential implications of the trapped funds on its business activities in Nigeria.

The situation highlights the broader risks associated with banking sector instability and the importance of financial safeguards for corporations operating in volatile economic environments.

Kecaam Technologies Ltd Executive Vice Chairman Celebrates Wife’s Birthday in Heartfelt Tribute

Kecaam Technologies Ltd Executive Vice Chairman Celebrates Wife’s Birthday in Heartfelt Tribute

 

Bonny Mekwunye, the Executive Vice Chairman of Kecaam Technologies Ltd, an indigenous IT firm based in Lekki, Lagos, recently celebrated his wife Debbie’s birthday with a touching public tribute.

In a heartfelt statement, Mekwunye expressed his deep appreciation and love for his wife. “Happy birthday to a great woman, wife, and mother,” he began. “On this special day, we sing out loud, to a wonderful woman who makes us so, so proud.”

Mekwunye continued with a poetic tribute: “Mama, it’s your day, a time to celebrate, with joy in our hearts. Happy birthday, Debbie, you’re a shining star, bringing light and love to all, no matter where you are. With every passing year, you grow more bright and true. Your smile is a treasure, your heart is pure gold, and in your warm embrace, stories of love are told.”

On a more emotional note, Mekwunye added, “You’re the heart of our home, the spark in our eyes. With you by our side, happiness always flies. So let’s raise a toast, to the woman of the hour, Debbie, you’re our sunshine, our beautiful flower. Happy birthday to you, may your wishes come true. From all of us to you, we truly love you! Wishing you more years in good health of mind and body as you keep aging gracefully.”

Kecaam Technologies Ltd is a leading IT company providing innovative solutions and services in Nigeria’s technology sector.

NCC’s Strategic Interventions Drive Nigeria’s Digital Economy Forward

NCC’s Strategic Interventions Drive Nigeria’s Digital Economy Forward

 

By Anthony Nwosu

Nigeria’s digital landscape is experiencing rapid growth, propelled by a tech-savvy and upwardly mobile population that is increasingly exploring the benefits of digital technologies. With broadband penetration at approximately 43%, the nation is on the cusp of significant digital transformation, poised to positively impact various sectors through enhanced connectivity and digital skills.

Globally, digital transformation is occurring at an unprecedented pace. The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the adoption of remote work and virtual collaboration tools, with platforms like Zoom, Microsoft Teams, and Google Meet becoming essential for meetings, conferences, and team collaboration. E-commerce has revolutionized consumer behavior, enabling seamless online shopping experiences. Even traditional businesses are adopting digital solutions to improve customer engagement and service delivery. Technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things (IoT) are revolutionizing education, healthcare, public services, and energy management, among other areas.

Central to this global digital transformation is the role of telecommunications infrastructure. Universal, affordable, reliable, and fast telecom services are now considered essential, forming the backbone for the integration of digital technologies into various aspects of life.

In Nigeria, the Renewed Hope Agenda under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu aims to harness the potential of the digital economy to support the nation’s youth and women. The Honourable Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, recently unveiled a strategic blueprint titled “Accelerating our Collective Prosperity through Technical Efficiency.” This blueprint is designed to enhance Nigeria’s economic growth by increasing productivity through digital innovation.

Dr. Tijani’s Strategic Agenda for 2023–2027 sets ambitious targets to bolster Nigeria’s digital infrastructure. These include improving the Quality of Service (QoS) by 50% by the end of 2024, increasing broadband penetration to 70% by 2025, achieving data download speeds of 25Mbps in urban areas and 10Mbps in rural areas by 2025, and extending coverage to at least 80% of the population by 2026. Additionally, the agenda aims to reduce the gap of unconnected Nigerians in rural areas from 61% to less than 20% by 2027 and secure a 300% to 500% increase in broadband investment by 2027.

Building on this strategic agenda, Dr. Aminu Maida, the Executive Vice Chairman and CEO of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), has outlined three Strategic Focus Areas for the Commission: Consumers, Industry and Licensees, and Government. Dr. Maida’s approach is centered on balancing the diverse needs of these stakeholders while meeting their expectations.

For consumers, who are central to Dr. Maida’s focus, the NCC aims to enhance the Quality of Experience (QoE) beyond the traditional Quality of Service. This involves improving every touchpoint along the consumer journey, from network selection and onboarding to service usage, support, and off-boarding. The NCC has directed Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) to conduct an independent audit of their billing systems to address consumer complaints about data depletion and is in the process of simplifying tariff plans to enhance transparency.

To ensure accurate QoS delivery, the NCC has shifted from a national outlook on data collection to a more granular approach, collecting and analyzing data at local levels to deploy optimized solutions or take regulatory actions where needed.

On the industry side, Dr. Maida’s focus is on building a resilient industry and enhancing regulatory services. The NCC has taken steps to address industry debt issues and has launched advocacy initiatives to designate telecom infrastructure as Critical National Infrastructure. The Commission has also successfully persuaded several states to waive Right of Way (RoW) fees and is in discussions with additional states. Furthermore, the NCC is engaging with the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms to address the issue of multiple taxation in the telecom sector.

In line with current realities, the NCC is reviewing its Regulatory Instruments and Licensing Frameworks. The Quality of Service Regulations, for instance, have been updated to incorporate Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for 5G and other critical participants in the telecom ecosystem.

Through these strategic interventions, the NCC is supporting the Ministry’s vision of boosting economic growth and productivity through technological innovation. By achieving expected QoS KPIs, ensuring high-speed internet connectivity, and fostering a resilient and innovative telecommunications industry, the NCC is delivering on the promise of Renewed Hope for all Nigerians.