Expert Calls for Inclusion of Supply Chain Management in Nigerian Colleges

Expert Calls for Inclusion of Supply Chain Management in Nigerian Colleges

Yetunde Adeoye, a leading Supply Chain Management (SCM) expert and Managing Partner at ADKO Investment Ltd, has called for the inclusion of SCM courses in Nigerian high schools and universities. Speaking at a conference with Nigerian educators, Adeoye emphasized the need for early-stage awareness and structured academic programs to address the knowledge gap and enhance career opportunities in the sector.

Adeoye, who has over 20 years of experience in global supply chain operations and is a member of the Association of Supply Chain Management (ASCM), United States, highlighted the crucial role of SCM in business operations, logistics, procurement, and distribution. She noted that despite its significance, SCM remains largely underrepresented in Nigerian institutions, leaving many graduates unprepared for careers in the field.

“The inclusion of Supply Chain Management as a standalone course in Nigerian colleges is crucial,” Adeoye stated. “Nigeria’s expanding industries, including agriculture, oil and gas, manufacturing, and retail, require professionals who can optimize supply chains for efficiency and profitability. Without formal SCM education, many employees enter the field with no prior knowledge, forcing companies to spend significant resources on training, which affects productivity.”

Adeoye explained that SCM offers vast career prospects in industries such as e-commerce, procurement, and supply chain consultancy, helping to create more job opportunities for young graduates. She also emphasized that in today’s globalized economy, Nigeria needs skilled supply chain professionals to remain competitive in international trade.

“With the rise of digital supply chains and automation in logistics, we need an educated workforce that can adapt to technological advancements. Many Nigerian graduates lack specialized knowledge in supply chain logistics, procurement, and inventory management, leading to inefficiencies across various sectors. A well-trained supply chain workforce will enhance productivity, reduce waste, and improve Nigeria’s global trade competitiveness,” she added.

Adeoye further outlined the benefits of introducing SCM into Nigerian colleges, stating, “Graduates with SCM expertise can help businesses minimize costs, reduce waste, and improve service delivery. With the right knowledge, students can even establish logistics firms, supply chain consultancies, or procurement agencies, contributing to entrepreneurial growth.”

She urged the Nigerian government, private sector, and educational institutions to collaborate in integrating SCM into the national curriculum. “The Nigerian government and educational bodies should introduce SCM as a full-fledged course or integrate it into business and engineering programs. Colleges must also work closely with industry experts to develop practical, industry-relevant curricula,” she suggested.

Adeoye called for increased awareness among students, proposing career workshops, industry-led seminars, and mentorship programs. “We need to educate students on SCM career prospects through guest lectures, media campaigns, and collaborations with logistics and supply chain companies. This will ensure that more young people see SCM as a viable and rewarding career path,” she explained.

She also emphasized the importance of public-private partnerships in driving this initiative, stating, “We must partner with logistics companies, manufacturing firms, and e-commerce platforms to provide internships and hands-on training. Private-sector investment in SCM education through scholarships, research funding, and academic partnerships is also crucial.”

Concluding her remarks, Adeoye stressed the need for government support in making SCM education a national priority. “The Nigerian Ministry of Education should establish policies mandating SCM inclusion in higher education. Funding must also be allocated to equip colleges with the necessary resources, including modern logistics laboratories and simulation centers,” she said.

Adeoye reaffirmed that integrating SCM into Nigeria’s educational system is essential for economic development, employment generation, and global trade competitiveness. “A well-structured SCM education system will not only benefit students and enhance their career prospects but also strengthen Nigeria’s industrial and commercial sectors, positioning the country as a hub for efficient supply chain operations in Africa,” she concluded.

 

 

 

“Graduates with SCM expertise can help businesses minimize costs, reduce waste, and improve service delivery. With the right knowledge, students can even establish logistics firms, supply chain consultancies, or procurement agencies, contributing to entrepreneurial growth.”

 

Mazi Ogbonnaya Okoro’s Scholarship Sparks Debate Amidst Struggles in Nigerian Universities

Mazi Ogbonnaya Okoro’s Scholarship Sparks Debate Amidst Struggles in Nigerian Universities

 

Mazi Ogbonnaya Okoro, the pioneer author of a physics textbook in the Igbo language, has made headlines once again, this time for his candid revelations about his experiences in Nigerian universities and the reactions to his scholarship offer in the USA. Okoro, whose groundbreaking work, *Fiziksi*, aimed at promoting Igbo as a medium of instruction in scientific disciplines, has faced both praise and criticism, sparking a national conversation on the importance of indigenous languages in education.

In a heartfelt Facebook post, Okoro shared his frustration with the treatment he received from certain Nigerian academic institutions, especially at Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK). He expressed disappointment at being rejected by universities due to his lack of a Master’s or PhD, despite his numerous publications and contributions to Igbo language education. Okoro’s work, which reached international recognition with the *Fiziksi* textbook making its way to the prestigious Library of Congress, has now earned him a scholarship in the United States, a move that has generated mixed reactions.

Many, according to Okoro, who initially dismissed his efforts to write a physics textbook in Igbo and questioned the relevance of the language in scientific education, have now raised concerns that his scholarship might derail his focus on Igbo studies. Okoro lamented the irony of their newfound interest, stating, “The same people who made jest of my creativity and said nobody would read *Fiziksi* are suddenly concerned that Maazị has been provided with a scholarship and might leave the local contents.”

Okoro also recounted the numerous challenges he faced from supposed supporters of the Igbo language, including political and academic elites who failed to endorse or even recognize his work. He described encounters with university heads and state officials who were unwilling to acknowledge his contributions because he did not follow traditional protocols or because his academic background lacked the credentials they deemed necessary.

His post underscored the critical role of promoting indigenous languages in technical fields like physics, pointing out the hypocrisy of those who lament the decline of Igbo while undermining efforts to revitalize it. “Our people go to conferences and sober over how Igbo language is dying, but fight those who have the zeal to make it stand,” Okoro said. He also highlighted the efforts made to suppress his voice in academic circles, particularly during his time at the University of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN) and UNIZIK.

Okoro’s account illustrates the broader struggle faced by those advocating for the use of local languages in education. His work in translating complex scientific concepts into Igbo represents a monumental step towards preserving the language and making it relevant in modern academic discourse. Physics, being a challenging field of study, requires a medium through which learners can fully grasp concepts, and Okoro’s efforts in providing a physics textbook in Igbo is a testament to his commitment to linguistic and cultural preservation.

However, Okoro’s scholarship in the USA, a country far removed from the challenges he faced at home, has now raised questions. He has faced unsolicited advice from individuals warning him to be wary of foreign interests, with some fearing that the scholarship might be an attempt to dilute his focus on local content. Okoro, however, dismissed such concerns, stating that he would always go where he is valued and respected, and called out the hypocrisy of those who offered no support when he needed it the most.

“Any reasonable human goes to where he is valued and respected,” he wrote. Okoro also made it clear that his passion for promoting the Igbo language would not waver, regardless of where he found himself. His defiance against those who sought to diminish his work stands as a powerful reminder of the importance of supporting indigenous languages in all areas of education, particularly in the sciences.

As Okoro continues his journey, his story is one of resilience and determination. The importance of indigenous languages like Igbo in technical education cannot be overstated, and the success of projects like *Fiziksi* serves as a model for how other languages across Nigeria can be integrated into academic disciplines. While Okoro’s future remains bright with his new scholarship, his experiences at home continue to highlight the challenges faced by those committed to advancing local languages in the academic and scientific arenas.

Mazi Ogbonnaya Okoro’s work represents not just a victory for Igbo but for all Nigerian languages, proving that local content can indeed thrive in global spaces if given the right support. His *Fiziksi* textbook is a milestone in education, symbolizing the need to embrace linguistic diversity in our academic institutions, both in Nigeria and beyond.

 

 

By

Anthony Emeka Nwosu

Hubert Wigwe and Others in USA Crash

Hubert Wigwe and Others in USA Crash

In a solemn statement today, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu expressed profound shock and distress at the untimely demise of Mr. Hubert Wigwe, a distinguished banker, humanitarian, and entrepreneur, who, along with his wife Chizoba and son Chizi, tragically lost their lives in a recent crash in the United States.

President Tinubu remarked, “I am deeply distressed by the news of the passing of Mr. Herbert Wigwe, a distinguished banker, humanitarian, and entrepreneur, and Mr. Abimbola Ogunbanjo, the former Group Chairman of the Nigerian Exchange Group Plc, along with members of the Wigwe family – Herbert’s wife, Chizoba, and son, Chizi.”

The President described their passing as an overwhelming tragedy that is shocking beyond comprehension. He extended heartfelt condolences to the Wigwe and Ogunbanjo families, the business community, and all those impacted by this harrowing incident.

In this moment of deep sorrow, President Tinubu offered prayers for the peaceful repose of the departed souls and requested God Almighty to bring comfort to the multitude of Nigerians who are grieving, as well as to the families of the deceased, during this profoundly agonizing time.

The President urged the nation to stand united in support of the affected families and collectively mourn the loss of these respected individuals. The entire country shares in the sorrow and mourns the departure of these exemplary citizens.

A NIGERIAN MAN, OKOLOKO MADE JUDGE OF A SUPERIOR COURT IN AMERICA

A NIGERIAN MAN, OKOLOKO MADE JUDGE OF A SUPERIOR COURT IN AMERICA

Irrespective of the negative vibes that the arrest of Hushpuppy and his gang generated for Nigeria and her citizens globally,we have tons of Nigerians that have been contributing positively to the world. It is no more news that Nigerians are among the most educated immigrant community in the United States of America. This situation has seen a lot of Nigerians taking up positions that are very sensitive and delivering.

The recent appointment of a Nigerian,Ediri as a judge is a testament to this. A Nigerian from Delta Central (Urhobo extraction), Delta state, EDIRIN O. OKOLOKO, being sworn in, as a judge of the Snohomish County Superior Court in Washington State, U.S.A. Okoloko will replace Judge George Bowden who is retiring.

Okoloko bagged his Bachelor of Law from the University of Benin in Nigeria. He also received a law degree from the Seattle University School of Law, and has worked for the past 13 years in the Snohomish County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office, where he is a Deputy Prosecuting Attorney working on homicide, sexual assault, child abuse, and elder abuse cases.

Before working as a prosecutor, Okoloko served as a judicial law clerk for former Snohomish County Superior Court Judge Michael Downes. Congratulation to you Edirin Okoloko, may you continue to represent well.

Anthony Nwosu and Chike Ofili

USAID Partners with Lagos State to Develop New Electrification Plan

USAID Partners with Lagos State to Develop New Electrification Plan

U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) Mission Director Stephen M. Haykin joined Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu in a virtual ceremony to sign a Letter of Cooperation under which USAID will support Lagos to develop an electrification plan to improve power service delivery in the state.

Lagos will implement the new Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) with support from the U.S. government’s Power Africa Nigeria Power Sector Program (NPSP) administered by USAID.  The IRP will serve as a roadmap to guide development of a comprehensive, long-term electrification strategy for the state to improve planning and decision-making on power sector investments that will lead to more accessible and reliable electricity services in Lagos.

“This new roadmap will assist the government and energy stakeholders to predict power system requirements and enable the effective and efficient management of energy resources to drive Lagos’ prosperity for decades to come,” USAID Mission Director Stephen M. Haykin said at the ceremony.  “It will support critical planning to meet consumer needs for electricity services in a way that satisfies multiple objectives for resource use.”

To support the IRP, NPSP will conduct a review and analysis of the state’s power sector to develop new planning mechanisms best suited to address its long-term residential, industrial, and public sector electricity needs, especially hospitals and health posts.   It will also engage public and private sector stakeholders with trainings on electricity generation planning and load forecasting, as well as demand-side management.

“To improve access to electricity in sub-Saharan Africa, there is no better place to start than in Nigeria,” Governor Sanwo-Olu said.  “This plan is a priority initiative for our state, which underpins our electricity strategy to ensure access and reliability to Lagos residents is a reality.”

The U.S. government-led Power Africa partnership brings together the collective resources of more than 170 public and private sector partners to double access to electricity in sub-Saharan Africa.  Power Africa’s goal is to add 30,000 megawatts of new electricity generation capacity and connect 60 million new homes and businesses to power by 2030 on the continent.

By U.S. Mission Nigeria