The Nation Newspaper

Author: The Nation

  • Minister: Unity Colleges ready to deploy AI in teaching

    Minister: Unity Colleges ready to deploy AI in teaching

    The Minister of State for Education, Prof. Suwaiba Said Ahmad, has said Federal Unity Colleges are ready to integrate Artificial Intelligence (AI) into their teaching activities.

    She said the colleges have the necessary facilities, adding that there are provisions also to ensure that the resources needed are provided to the schools.

    The minister said the government would train teachers and principals on how to effectively implement the programme in the new curriculum.

    Ahmad spoke yesterday in Lagos at this year’s annual general meeting (AGM) of principals of Federal Unity Colleges, hosted by the Southwest zone.

    The minister reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to revitalising education through curriculum reform, teacher professionalisation, and digital technology integration.

    She reminded principals that they represent the Federal Ministry of Education in their states and must uphold high ethical standards.

    Ahmad urged participants to take resolutions and discussions seriously for the repositioning of Federal Unity Colleges.

    The minister urged the principals to work collectively to restore the lost glory of Unity Colleges, which she described as symbols of excellence and national pride.

    She said: “The Minister of Education has a huge agenda on digitisation. We have a lot of platforms. First, the teachers themselves need to be developed to understand how they can use these different digital tools and AI tools in the classes. We are doing that training for them. At the same time, we are training the teachers.

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    “You are aware that we did the review of the curriculum, and part of the review process is that one subject was introduced, that is, Digital Technology, for secondary school. Part of it also includes aspects of AI: how do you use AI? How do you use it for studies, of course, the positive use of AI in classes for teaching and learning courses?

    “So, we are in the process; we are starting. We are gradually working there.”

    The Chairman of the House Committee on Basic Education, Dr. Mark Oseni, reiterated the National Assembly’s support for education through budgetary allocations and oversight functions to ensure accountability.

    He urged the executive to prioritise funding for the colleges, describing them as foundational to national development.

    Oseni assured the principals that the legislature would continue to advocate adequate funding and policy support for effective school administration.

    He urged principals to return to their schools better equipped to tackle challenges and improve performance.

    The Chairman of Principal Federal Unity Colleges, Dahiru Shehu, urged principals to use the curriculum effectively in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the President.

    “It is our responsibility as the teachers of federal unity colleges to give our students skills so that they will become useful to themselves and society at large,” he added.

  • Tinubu hails Emir of Ilorin on 30th year on throne

    Tinubu hails Emir of Ilorin on 30th year on throne

    • President lauds Sulu-Gambari’s courage, leadership, contribution to peace, development

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has congratulated the Emir of Ilorin, His Royal Highness, Dr. Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, on the 30th anniversary of his ascension to the throne.

    The President described the monarch as a symbol of honour, dignity, and unwavering commitment to justice.

    He eulogised the Maimartaba Sarkin Ilorin for his visionary leadership and sustained contributions to peace and development in Ilorin and across Kwara State since assuming the throne on November 11, 1995.

    In a statement yesterday in Abuja by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, the President noted that Emir Sulu-Gambari’s reign has been marked by courage, fairness, integrity, and a deep sense of responsibility.

    The President also praised the traditional ruler for his consistent partnership with successive state administrations, saying such collaboration has fostered peace and stability and paved the way for the remarkable development the ancient city has witnessed over the last three decades.

    “Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji Sulu-Gambari, is a man of honour and dignity. He served the country diligently before his ascension to the throne. And today, he continues to serve our nation as Chancellor of Bayero University in Kano,” the President said.

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    Reflecting on the monarch’s distinguished judicial career, President Tinubu recalled the Emir’s years of service as a Justice of the Court of Appeal, where he said the royal father demonstrated “uncommon courage, dispensing justice without fear or favour”.

    The President also offered a personal tribute, recounting the Emir’s role during the pro-democracy struggles of the 1990s.

    “During our agitation for democracy in the land when the military was hounding me, I benefited greatly from Dr. Sulu-Gambari’s boldness in dispensing justice for which I remain eternally thankful to him,” he stated.

    President Tinubu prayed for many more years of good health and impactful leadership for the Emir.

  • Senate okays Olukayode as Chairman, four other national commissioners for PenCom

    Senate okays Olukayode as Chairman, four other national commissioners for PenCom

    The Senate yesterday confirmed the nomination of Agbaje Opeyemi Olukayode (Southwest) by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for appointment as the Chairman of the National Pension Commission (PenCom).

    The Senate also confirmed four other nominees for appointment as national commissioner of the agency.

    They are: Hafiz Muhammad Kawu Ibrahim (OON), Commissioner (Technical),  Southwest; Samuel Chigizie Uwandu (CPA), Commissioner (Inspectorate), Southeast; Charles Efe Sylvester Emukowhate, Commissioner (Finance), Southsouth; and Bello Abubakar Malabu, Commissioner (Administration), Northeast.

    The resolution of the Senate followed its consideration and adoption of the report of its committee on Establishment and Public Service.

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    The report was presented by the chairman of the committee, Senator Oluwole Fasuyi Cyril.

    After the confirmation, Deputy Senate President Jibrin Barau, who presided over plenary, thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for “nominating these outstanding Nigerians to occupy these offices”.

    He added: “We are confident that they would add value to this agency.”

  • Fed Govt to enforce ban on single-use plastics

    Fed Govt to enforce ban on single-use plastics

    • Move aligns with global standards, to protect health, environment, says Akume

    The Federal Government has inaugurated an inter-ministerial committee to drive the implementation of the nationwide ban on single-use plastics (SUPs).

    The inauguration of the committee signalled a major shift in Nigeria’s environmental management policy and the nation’s commitment to global sustainability standards.

    The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary overseeing the General Services Office, Mohammed Sanusi Danjuma, inaugurated the committee yesterday in Abuja.

    A statement by the Director of Information and Public Relations in the OSGF, Segun Imohiosen, quoted Akume as saying that the government’s decision reflected its resolve to confront the rising health and environmental threats caused by indiscriminate use and disposal of plastic products.

    Akume explained that the policy followed a Federal Executive Council (FEC) approval granted on June 25, 2024, based on a memorandum presented by the Minister of Environment.

    The FEC endorsed the ban on polyethene terephthalate (PET) bottles, styrofoam, plastic bags, sachet water and straws — items he described as major contributors to environmental sanitation challenges nationwide.

    “The inappropriate disposal of plastic materials is a major cause of marine pollution as well as land degradation. Plastic wastes take a longer time to decompose both on land and in water and, therefore, pose a serious threat to wildlife and public health due to toxic chemicals,” he said.

    The SGF noted that the ban aligned with Nigeria’s commitment to global environmental standards and its obligations under international conventions aimed at combating pollution, preserving ecosystems, and protecting marine life.

    The newly inaugurated committee comprises representatives of key ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs), as well as stakeholder organisations.

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    It will coordinate and oversee the implementation of policies and strategies to phase out single-use plastics across the country.

    Its terms of reference include investigating issues associated with SUPs, evaluating the benefits and wider implications of the ban, and designing practical approaches to promote best environmental practices within the plastic value chain.

    The government said the measure underscored Nigeria’s leadership role in environmental stewardship and reinforced its commitment to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those related to responsible consumption, life below water, and climate action.

  • APC to Adeleke: cut down on partying, focus on governance

    APC to Adeleke: cut down on partying, focus on governance

    • ’Opposition trying to undermine my brilliant performance’

    All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun State has berated Governor Ademola Adeleke over what they called his rampant presence at social gatherings and events, at the detriment of the people’s welfare.

    APC through its Chairman, Tajudeen Lawal, yesterday alleged that Adeleke was using state resources to finance his social lifestyle, at the expense of the citizens.

    Lawal in a statement lamented that Adeleke had turned blind eyes to the plight of state-owned tertiary institutions, namely University of Ilesa (UNILESA) and Osun State University (UNIOSUN), who arbitrarily increased school fees and hostel fees.

    He said: “In UNIOSUN, students pay as high as N1.5million as school fee, N600,000 accommodation fee, while the same thing is happening in UNILESA. Unfortunately, while Adeleke should have settled down to address the plights of students and people of the state, as a responsible leader will do, he is visiting night clubs, wasting resources that should have been used to fund education and other key sectors of the economy.

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    “In Ibadan, over the weekend, Adeleke became a butt of jokes at a music concert where he was seen dancing. It was a terrible scene to see.”

    Governor Adeleke, reacting to the APC, slammed the opposition over the allegations.

    He said: “The party has run out of ideas amid its single-digit popularity rating.”

    Adeleke in a statement through his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, added: “I have judiciously managed state resources with particular target of meeting the crucial and critical needs of the state in health, infrastructure, education, business, financing, cooperative empowerment, sports development, agriculture, technology development, workers’ welfare and pension management.

    “The opposition statement is a devilish fabrication, a mischievous propaganda and a failed attempt to undermine a brilliant performance of the current administration, as attested to by local and international stakeholders.”

  • Ex-Governor Obaseki faults Okpebholo on MOWAA’s claim

    Ex-Governor Obaseki faults Okpebholo on MOWAA’s claim

    Edo State former Governor Godwin Obaseki has said dealings between the state government and Museum of West African Art (MOWAA) were contained in the over 800-page Transition Committee report prepared at the end of his tenure and handed over to Governor Monday Okpebholo.

    He said the report was handed over in soft and hard copies.

    Obaseki said statements by Okpebholo regarding MOWAA were false.

    The ex-governor in a statement signed by his media adviser, Crusoe Osagie, said Okpebholo and his transition team were invited to a Joint Transition Committee conference, but they withdrew after the inaugural sitting over non-payment of sitting allowances.

    He noted that the Transition Committee report, “if Okpebholo ever bothered to read it, contains details of the state government’s engagement with the MOWAA project.”

    On a claim by Governor Okpebholo that MOWAA was used to replace “a functioning hospital”, Obaseki said Edo citizens were aware of the derelict condition of the hospital, which prompted Adams Oshiomhole to build a new facility, on the same ground.

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    He said the new hospital was completed, fully equipped and opened to the public by his administration.

    According to him, “under the new Benin City master plan, which was legislated into law by the House of Assembly, with the new hospital operational and Stella Obasanjo Hospital rebuilt into a sprawling, modern medical hub, the defunct portions of the old Central Hospital were decommissioned, and the land was planned as a cultural district to accommodate spaces for more befitting public use, such as culture and entertainment.

    “It was Obaseki’s well-considered belief that a facility such as MOWAA, National Museum, Royal Museum, 1897 Memorial Arcade, Rain Forest Gallery, etc, should be situated in Benin City to promote tourism and attract visitors to the state.

    “We urge Okpebholo to desist from the unnecessary distortion of historical facts regarding this and other issues. Instead, he should tender unreserved and honest apology for his negligence and the resultant security breach, which has now created diplomatic problems for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.”

  • Abiodun: Ibara GRA project on course

    Abiodun: Ibara GRA project on course

    The urban regeneration scheme of the Governor Dapo Abiodun administration in Ogun State is progressing, with the completion of over 150 houses out of more than 200 planned for Ibara Government Reservation Area (GRA) in Abeokuta, the state capital.

    Speaking after inspecting the houses, Governor Abiodun said his administration would ensure Abeokuta had modern houses that befitted its status as the state capital.

    Abiodun, who described the former condition of the GRA as an eyesore, noted that the dilapidated structures, apart from serving as a haven for criminals, were occupied illegally by people who made use of the buildings as their personal properties.

    He said: “Sometime in March, having held different town hall meetings and consultations with those that were living here, most of whom were illegal inhabitants—some as a matter of fact were illegal and turned themselves into landlords, renting out spaces to people illegally.

    “But, nonetheless, because it was not our desire to make people homeless, we discussed with them, we agreed on different terms and we managed to do what previous administrations either did not envision or have the foresight to do, or did not have the political will to achieve.

    “We were able to convince people that the future is here and now and Ogun State capital cannot be looking like what it was looking like, particularly the highbrow area called the GRA in Abeokuta. So in March, we began to clean up this place, and began to demolish and implement the regeneration scheme.

    “In all, we have what we planned, about 213 to 220 houses that are earmarked to be built here, either directly by the state government, Ministry of Housing, or by allocation to others to build in line with stipulated designs.

    “To date, we have about 150 houses already built, others at different stages of completion and this is just the beginning.”

    He said similar regeneration project would be carried out in other GRAs across the state to provide modern houses for the people of the state.

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    “Let me assure you, this level of development is not situated just in Ogun Central. As we are building and generating in Ogun Central and Abeokuta, we’ve done the same in Yewa, we have affordable housing units in Ilaro.

    “Kobape has almost 600 houses and still counting. In Sagamu, we have other affordable housing scheme in Sagamu and Iperu of course, leading to the airport and in Ijebu-Ode,” he added.

    He stated that his administration would not take its eyes off its set goals by being distracted by frustrated individuals, noting that while they had the opportunity, they failed to do exactly what his government is doing due to lack of foresight or not understanding what was required of them.

    “We are doing what we promised the people of Ogun State that entrusted their mandate to us and to them we remain accountable. Not to the few faceless Facebook, faceless Twitter sponsored media; we are not accountable to those few people.

    “I am throwing a challenge to my detractors and opponents, I stand to be corrected, if we have not constructed more roads in six years than anybody else has constructed in a 16 year period, I think that is enough to reply those that are sponsoring faceless videos and negative narratives on social media,” he concluded.

  • Residents celebrate as Edo governor inspects signature projects

    Residents celebrate as Edo governor inspects signature projects

    Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo yesterday continued his one-year anniversary tour of key infrastructure projects across the state, especially in Southern Senatorial District.

    The inspection drew jubilant crowds and widespread celebration, as residents thronged the streets to hail what many described as a new dawn of purposeful leadership and development.

    From the newly renovated Army Day Secondary School at Ikpoba Hill, to the fast-rising Adesuwa Junction Flyover and the 8.23-kilometre Okpagha–Amufi Road, the governor’s convoy was met with excitement, dancing and cheers, as communities came alive in spontaneous celebration of his achievements within just one year in office.

    At Army Day Secondary School, students in crisp uniforms waved flags and sang songs of praise as they welcomed the governor. Teachers, parents and residents held placards with inscriptions such as “Okpebholo, the Hope Restorer!” and “Edo is Shining Again!”, a reflection of the renewed optimism sweeping through the state.

    Governor Okpebholo, visibly moved by the transformation of the once-dilapidated school, expressed deep satisfaction about the quality of work done.

    “When we came here last time, I was unhappy. There were no roofs, no windows, and no proper learning environment. Today, we have air-conditioned laboratories, renovated classrooms and a secured perimeter. This is what true change looks like,” he said.

    The governor announced plans to install solar-powered streetlights across the school premises to enhance security and provide an enabling environment for students to study at night.

    Read Also: ‘Okpebholo has reset Edo’s growth engine’

    He credited the success of such interventions to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which, he said, continued to inspire his administration’s focus on people-centred governance.

    Commissioner for Education, Paddy Iyamu, described the project as “a total rewrite of the story,” noting that the school, once abandoned and unsafe, has now become a model for public education in Edo.

    “Children used to clean their own classrooms before learning could begin. The governor has changed that reality and restored dignity to education in Edo State,” he said.

    A Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftain, Otunba Segun Sowunmi, lauded the governor’s leadership style and vision, remarking that “every investment in education is an investment in human capital. If this is what one year looks like, then the future of Edo under Okpebholo is bright indeed.”

    Dr. Oduwale Egwaigie, chairman of the School Management Development Committee and an old student, recounted the school’s years of neglect, describing the governor’s swift intervention as “nothing short of historic.”

    According to him, “for eight years, we pleaded for help to no avail. But this governor acted within weeks. Parents are now transferring their children from private schools to Army Day. That says it all.”

    From Ikpoba Hill, the governor’s entourage proceeded to Adesuwa Junction, where construction work on the state’s second flyover bridge is advancing rapidly. Excited residents lined the streets, chanting and waving as the governor inspected progress at the site.

    Special Adviser on Project Monitoring, Phoebe Williams-Bello, said the flyover was on track for early completion, six months ahead of schedule.

    Williams-Bello, an engineer, said affected property owners had been fully compensated and commended the governor for his commitment to infrastructural renewal.

    “The people can see the progress. This is not a promise on paper, it is tangible development taking shape before our eyes,” she said.

    At the 8.23-kilometre Okpagha–Amufi Road, residents erupted in joy as the governor’s convoy arrived. Dancing and singing, they celebrated the long-awaited project, which links Ikpoba-Okha and Uhunmwonde local governments, opening access to markets, schools and rural communities.

    A community leader, beaming with excitement, said: “For years, this road was a nightmare. Today, we can drive freely. Governor Okpebholo has restored our faith in government.”

    The inspection tour ended in a carnival-like atmosphere, as traders, artisans and students flooded the streets, waving banners and chanting songs of appreciation.

    For many, the day symbolised not just an anniversary of leadership, but also a celebration of progress, hope and the rebirth of Edo State under a governor who has matched words with action.

  • Lagos sensitises Corps members on emergency

    Lagos sensitises Corps members on emergency

    • By Tokunbo Ogunsami

    Lagos State Government, through the Ministry of Youth and Social Development, has organised Year 2025 vocational training, security, safety and emergency preparedness for National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members, to equip them with the knowledge and skills they need to cope in all situations.

    In his keynote address at the maiden edition of the programme held at Adeyemi Bero Auditorium yesterday, Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Mr Mobolaji Ogunlende, said: “The initiative reflects government’s commitment to youth development. It is in line with Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s commitment to youth development.”

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    Permanent Secretary, Mrs Toyin Oke-Osanyintolu, assured the participants that the ministry would make the programme an annual one, to enable Corps members have awareness of everything that would make their service year worthwhile.

    NYSC Coordinator, Mrs Christiana Salmwang, lauded the state government for prioritising corps members’ welfare and security.

    Representatives of Rapid Response Squad, Command and Control Centre, Fire and Rescue Service, Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) and Lagos State Aids Control Agency took the participants through sessions of presentations to equip them with knowledge and skills in security awareness and safety preparedness.

  • Oyo gives concession on 1000 metres acquisition on Ibadan Circular Road Corridor

    Oyo gives concession on 1000 metres acquisition on Ibadan Circular Road Corridor

    As the ongoing protest by residents affected by the Ibadan Circular Road Corridor enters its second day, Oyo State Government yesterday said it had given concessions to limit acquisitions to 150 metres, instead of 500 metres in developed areas.

    The development was made known yesterday during a meeting held by the National Association of Public Affairs Analysts (NAPAA) with the Executive Adviser to Governor Seyi Makinde on Oyo State New Towns and Cities Development Authority (OYNTCDA), Mrs. Mofoluke Adebiyi, and the media team of the governor, led by the Special Adviser on Media and Chief Press Secretary, Dr. Sulaimon Olanrewaju, in Ibadan.

    Adebiyi, a retired permanent secretary, who is the Head of OYNTCDA saddled with the responsibility of developing Ilu-Tuntun Smart City Project, which is a modern urban hub with smart infrastructure, said the government would limit the breadth of the road to 150 metres in developed portions of the corridor, while it would extend to 500 metres on either sides of the road in undeveloped areas.

    She said: ‘‘There is no new acquisition. When you listen to some radio stations, you will hear them saying Governor Makinde has snatched our land. No. Governor Makinde has not acquired a metre of land from that axis since 2019.”

    She said a former governor of the state, Senator Rashidi Ladoja, now Olubadan of Ibadanland, acquired 75 metres on both sides, making 150 metres for the road in 2005.

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    Adebiyi added that during the administration of former governor, Abiola Ajiimobi, particularly when Ibadan Master Plan was developed in 2017, the government acquired 425 metres on either sides of the road, making 850 metres and extended the acquisition to 500 metres on either sides, making a total of 1000 metres.

    “So, the breadth of that road is one kilometre, which is 500 metres on either side. The road itself is 60 metres. The other part of the road is 470 on each side.

    ‘‘Then, government has agreed to concede 150 meters in developed areas. In undeveloped areas, the status quo 500 metres will apply. But in appropriate places, compensations will be paid,” she said.

    Adebiyi explained what Global Certificate of Occupancy given by the government to OYNTCDA meant, saying: “The global CofO is to facilitate development and remove the encumbrances.

    “If your property falls within the developed areas, you can still apply for your own CofO. But the OYNTCDA has overall ownership of that area, just like Ibadan Local Government Properties has control of land ceded to that agency. That is the way government makes things really easy.”

    The Special Adviser to the Governor on Media, Dr. Olanrewaju, said: “No part of that corridor has been given to any real estate developer. No.

    “Don’t let us forget that Senator Ladoja paid compensation. In most of these cases, what we are facing is double compensation.

    “All of us that come from this state, let us know that it will be a disaster if the government spends billions of Naira to build that road, and we missed the opportunity to develop that area.

    ‘’If the government spends over N100billion to build 110 kilometres of road, and we missed the opportunity to develop that area, generations coming will not forgive us, because it would have been a wasted opportunity, and money put to wrong use.

    “If you drive from Lekki to Ajah in Lagos, look at both sides, what do you see? You will see real development. You will see companies. The companies did not just emerge, somebody saw the future, and prepared that portion of land for that particular development.

    “So, if you want Oyo State to develop, if you want our children to have jobs, if we want to attract investments; the kind that will activate accelerated development in this city, we need to support the government in bringing to reality the vision of the Circular Road.”