The Executive Secretary of the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), Aisha Garba, has reaffirmed the commission’s commitment to bridging the gap between planning and performance in Nigeria’s basic education sector towards ensuring access to quality education for everyone.
Speaking in Lagos on Monday at the 27th Quarterly Meeting of UBEC Management with Executive Chairmen of State Universal Basic Education Boards (SUBEBs), Garba highlighted the significant strides made in reforming and repositioning the sector, noting that progress recorded so far is only a first step towards achieving greater impact.
She emphasised that while these reforms represent significant progress, they must be consolidated through stronger accountability and performance management systems.
“Our sector is not lacking in sound policies and robust plans for basic education. The real challenge is translating these plans into tangible outcomes. Too often, we see a disconnect between planning and performance, largely due to poor coordination, weak institutional capacity, inconsistencies in financial management, and limited mechanisms to track progress and adjust programmes,” she said.
On key achievements so far, she said: “Revision of the UBEC Matching grant formula to improve data-driven resource allocation, equity, and accountability.
“Improving states’ access to financing for basic education through the UBEC matching grants; 27 out of the 36+1 states have accessed part of the N121 billion un-accessed matching grants backlogs from 2024, representing a 65% increase in access to finance.
“Revamp of the two-decade-old Basic Education Action Plan (BEAP) template and process to promote needs-based planning and accelerate implementation.
“Expansion of school infrastructure nationwide, with 4,900 classrooms constructed, 3,000 renovated, and 354,000 units of furniture supplied, directly benefiting over 2.3 million learners in 2025 alone.
“Launch of Nigeria’s largest teacher development programme with a N 22 billion investment in teacher capacity building to enhance teaching and learning outcomes.
“If we are to move from aspirations to impact, UBEC cannot do this work alone. Only through state-level collaboration, commitment, and consistency can we ensure that every Nigerian child not only has access to education but also receives the quality learning they deserve,” she added.
Dean of SUBEB Chairmen, Prof. Shehu Raheem Adaramaja, emphasised the importance of evidence-based planning, digital tools, and data-driven decision-making in strengthening basic education delivery. He urged SUBEBs and UBEC to conduct regular assessments to track learners’ progress and ensure that schools are adequately equipped with classrooms, libraries, technology, and learning materials.
Yaba College of Technology(YABATECH) is set to sign a pact with Globacom Digital Solutions on smart technology education in a move aimed at strengthening digital education learning management system.
The path to the partnership was laid at a management meeting held between the globacom top management executives, led by the Manager, Public Sector Unit, Mr. Adeniyi Odejobi and principal officers of the college at its Council Chamber to explore a strategic partnership aimed at transforming the institution’s digital infrastructure and improving access to affordable internet for students and staff, through globacom’s vision for a digitally inclusive educational system.
Speaking at the meeting, Mr. Adeniyi Odejobi emphasized the company’s commitment to supporting education across the country.
“We are here on the directive of our chairman, Dr Mike Adenuga who has always demonstrated a deep passion for educational development in Nigeria, especially, on the deployment of high-speed fiber-optic internet across the campus, managed wi-fi solutions in key areas, and zero-rated data access for Yabatech’s Learning Management System (LMS) to enable students to use e-learning platforms without incurring data charges and solution partnership on smart campus technologies such as digital attendance, online testing, and remote learning support, as well as a revenue-sharing model,” he said.
Globacom’s partnership with the institution, he said, will enable it have access to fixed internet service, which will provide unrestricted, high-speed internet access across campus for students and lecturers.
He added that it will expose the institution to its Learning Management System (LMS) integration service, which would involve the migration and enhancement of the college existing LMS infrastructure, enabling free student access when using Globacom SIM cards and would support online learning, remote class attendance, and digital engagement key components of modern education.
The partnership will enable the mass distribution of Glo SIM cards to the students for them to access educational platforms easily and securely.
Rector, YABATECH Dr Ibraheem Abdul, expressed strong enthusiasm about the potential collaboration, citing the need for sustainable partnerships that deliver tangible benefits to both students and staff.
“We are eager and very ready for this, as partnership, to us, goes beyond formality, it must deliver real advantages, especially for our students, who are the core of our mission,” he said.
The rector stressed the burden of data costs on students and parents, despite tuition and living expenses already being a challenge and emphasized the urgent need for affordable and reliable internet access solution to both Yaba and Epe campuses.
He noted that while the college has an LMS in place, there is room for growth and integration of more advanced systems.
“We believe in functional education as a college of technology, and that distinction is key to any partnership that advances that mission,” he added.
The rector acknowledged that this development signals YABATECH’s continued commitment to innovation and student-centered growth, reinforcing its position as one of Nigeria’s leading technology-focused institutions.
The Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission (NUC), Prof. Abdullahi Yusufu Ribadu, has urged universities to rethink their systems and expand their core values to meet current realities and societal expectations.
He delivered the keynote address at the opening ceremony of the 3rd KU8+ Consortium International Conference at Kwara State University(KWASU) Malete.
Ribadu,who was represented by former acting ViceChancellor of the University of Ibadan, Prof. Adebola Babatunde Ekanola, stated that the nation’s universities are face challenges, such as limited financing and rapid technological changes, therefore they should expand their scope to integrate modern trends.
He praised the KU8+ Consortium as a pioneering initiative worthy of emulation by other universities.
The KU8+ is a dynamic consortium of universities in Kwara State, Nigeria, serving as leaders in education, research, and community development, driving socio-economic transformation and fostering global excellence. They include, University of Ilorin, Kwara State University, Landmark University, Thomas Adewumi University, Ahman Pategi University, Ojaja University, Summit University, and Al-Hikmah University.
The NUC Executive Secretary hailed the KU8+ for fostering local partnerships through resource pooling and shared expertise, adding that such collaborations could produce graduates capable of transforming the nation’s economy.
Kwara State Commissioner of Tertiary Education, Hajia Sa’adatu Modibbo Kawu, reiterated the state government’s commitment to strengthening tertiary institutions through strategic investments and policy reform.
The Chairman of the occasion and Pro-Chancellor of KWASU, Prof. Abdulganiyu Ambali, described the consortium’s emergence as proof of Kwara State’s growing role as a hub for human capital development.
Chief host and Vice Chancellor of University of Ilorin, Prof. Wahab Egbewole, SAN, noted that national development depends on constructive collaboration in teaching, research, innovation, and community engagement, which he said is one of the motivating factors for the KU8+ Consortium.
He said no university can thrive in isolation.
KWASU Vice Chancellor, Prof. Shaykh-Luqman Alade Jimoh, stressed that innovation and sustainability remain central to the KU8+ Consortium’s mission, adding that the conference theme aligns with KU8+’s vision to collaborate, innovate, and develop society.
The conference, which had the theme: “Innovation and Sustainability of Higher Education in a Changing World,” had lead papers presented by Prof. Olutayo Adesina, a Professor of History at the University of Ibadan, who is also a British Academy Global Professor of History at the University of Manchester in the United Kingdom, and Prof. Chinedum Peace Babalola, a former Vice Chancellor of Chrisland University, Abeokuta.
Adesina’s paper entitled; “Mainstreaming the ‘Think and Do’ Initiative into Nigeria’s Higher Education in the 21st Century: Creating Structural Opportunities and Adding Value” challenged the KU8+ Consortium to focus more on being relevant on the local level before aspiring to regional level.
Prof. Babalola in her submission, underscored the importance of higher education institutions focusing on producing graduates with the capacity to solve societal problems.
The Student Loan Scheme has saved many students from dropping out of school. President Bola Tinubu’s flagship project is a ray of hope for students in tertiary institutions across the nation. Administered by the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), the scheme has revolutionised tertiary education, and underscored the commitment of the President to make education accessible to all students. In this report, CALEB CHIEMERIE OKECHUKWU(ABSU) finds out if students at Abia State University (ABSU) have truly enjoyed the scheme.
When President Bola Ahmed Tinubu signed the Student Loans (Access to Higher Education) Act into law on April 3, 2024, hopes were high across Nigeria’s tertiary institutions. For the first time in our nation’s history, there was a dedicated fund – the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), promising to bridge the gap between financial incapacity and higher education. The law was heralded as a revolutionary shift that would democratise access to education, ensuring that no qualified student would be denied their academic dreams because of money.
Now, more than a year later, the question lingers: Have ABSU students reaped the dividends of NELFUND?
The Senate’s “No School Fees, No Exams” Rule
Recently, the ABSU Senate reignited debate about student welfare when it introduced a new policy: “No school fees, no exams.” The policy, while not unusual in Nigerian tertiary institutions, sparked mixed reactions across the campus.
In an official communication, the Senate encouraged students struggling to pay their fees to explore the NELFUND option as a lifeline. On paper, the directive made sense: if students could not raise the funds from their families or sponsors, NELFUND was a government-backed cushion meant to guarantee uninterrupted studies.
However, many students were quick to point out the contradictions between the Senate’s tough stance and the operational realities of NELFUND. The rigid enforcement of the “no school fees, no exams” policy meant students could not sit for assessments unless fees were settled. But NELFUND disbursements often came late, creating a clash between the ideal of access and the reality of bureaucracy.
The Double-fees dilemma
One of the most frustrating experiences for ABSU students has been the issue of delayed disbursements, particularly in relation to tuition fees. Some students who applied for NELFUND in time, with the expectation that their fees would be covered, ended up waiting for over a month without any feedback.
Faced with the looming threat of missing exams under the Senate’s new rule, many of them reluctantly sourced money from friends, family, and even loan sharks to pay their tuition. Ironically, after paying out of pocket, NELFUND disbursements eventually arrived, settling the same school fees again.
This meant that some students effectively paid double tuition: once from their strained personal resources and a second time through NELFUND’s delayed intervention. Such inefficiencies not only defeated the purpose of the scheme but also left students feeling cheated rather than empowered.
What ABSU students have to say
To get a real sense of NELFUND’s impact, Campus Life gathered firsthand commentaries from ABSU students who have interacted with the scheme. Their voices revealed both the promise and the pitfalls of the programme more than a year after its launch.
Udeze Emmanuel, a 300-Level Pharmacy student said:
“I feel NELFUND is okay, but I experienced some delay in upkeep. I registered in February but I only started getting paid in August.”
For Emmanuel, the scheme is positive but marred by sluggish execution. The upkeep allowance, meant to support day-to-day living costs like feeding, transportation, and books, came six months late, undermining its purpose of relieving financial pressure.
Victory Cosmas, a 200-Level Medicine and Surgery said: “NELFUND has been a welcome development and I’m genuinely pleased with the impact it has had so far. The disbursement of funds has provided relief and opportunities to many beneficiaries, and it gives hope that with sustained transparency and efficiency, even more people will benefit. However, there is still room for improvement, particularly in the promptness of upkeep payments. Ensuring timely disbursements would go a long way in helping students and beneficiaries plan better and meet their needs without unnecessary hardship.”
Victory’s perspective is more balanced, celebrating the intervention but pointing to the structural reforms still needed. His words capture the optimism of many students who see NELFUND as a necessary policy, even if its implementation is far from perfect.
Ugochukwu Chinonso, a 400-Level Pharmacy student noted that generally it has been really helpful, but he feels they need to be more predictable in the payment of the upkeep allowance.
Chinonso’s call for predictability underscores one of the core criticisms of NELFUND: uncertainty. Students need not just access to funds but the confidence that those funds will arrive on time.
Despite its noble objectives of covering tuition fees and providing student upkeep, NELFUND’s execution reveals several critical weaknesses including processing delays wherein applications routinely take months to process, leaving students in financial uncertainty.
Students receive minimal updates on application status, creating anxiety and poor financial planning, poor synchronisation between NELFUND and university systems leads to duplicate payments and administrative confusion.
Institutional response needed
ABSU’s strict fee enforcement, while financially necessary for the institution, highlights the need for more flexible policies that account for government programme delays. Universities could implement grace periods for verified NELFUND applicants or establish real-time coordination systems to prevent double payments.
There is need for better collaboration between the loan fund and university bursaries to streamline the entire process, ensuring students don’t fall through bureaucratic cracks.
National pattern emerges
ABSU’s experience mirrors reports from universities across Nigeria, suggesting systemic rather than localised challenges. While NELFUND has prevented many students from dropping out due to financial constraints, there is room for improvement.
Path to improvement
For NELFUND to fulfill its transformative promise, urgent reforms are essential. These include streamlining application processing through improved technology systems, providing regular status updates to applicants, developing coordinated policies with universities to accommodate processing timelines and establishing reliable disbursement calendars aligned with academic needs.
Mixed verdict on its success
After more than a year of operation, NELFUND’s impact at ABSU remains decidedly mixed. While the scheme has provided crucial financial lifelines for many students, systemic delays and coordination failures have created new frustrations. The programme’s potential remains undeniable, offering hope for a Nigeria where financial circumstances don’t determine educational outcomes. However, realising this vision requires addressing the gap between policy intention and operational reality.
Until NELFUND can deliver on its promises with greater efficiency and reliability, students like those at ABSU will continue navigating the uncertain space between governmental support and educational achievement.
The question isn’t whether NELFUND was needed, it clearly was. The challenge now is making it work as smoothly as the students who depend on it deserve.
Students generally are industrious and hardworking. They have an insatiable thirst to try their hands on many things at the same time, a testament to their innovative and creative bent. Nevertheless, it is not surprising to see many of them at Adekunle Ajasin University Akungba Akoko(AAUA) Ondo State, involved one trade or another and still show up in class for lectures. In this report ENIOLA AKINWUMI-NIYI(AAUA) finds out how they cope with the rigours of academics and still manage to ‘hustle’ on the side.
In today’s fast-paced academic environment, students are not just focused on grades and degrees, many students are also turning into business owners, using creativity and hustle to carve out their own financial path.In Adekunle Ajasin University Akungba Akoko(AAUA) Ondo State, a growing number of students fall under this category, managing academics with businesses from baking to fashion designing to hairdressing and others while trying to juggle projects, assignments, tests.The student entrepreneurs are rewriting what it means to be students today.
The world of academics and business
For Adeniran Sunmisola a 200-Level Mass Communication student, it is a difficult task combining academics with business.Nevertheless,she keeps both afloat as she runs a thriving fashion brand on campus.
“Honestly juggling academic responsibilities with business isn’t the easiest because I am not just a student, I am also the class governor of over 300 students, so you can imagine how much work I have to do,” she said.
Sunmisola who is a proud owner of a clothing label said she started her business before she got into school,so she had to continue to avoid losing the skill.
She stated that her brand isn’t just business to her, it’s her passion and dream, adding that not even school could stop her from pursuing it .
“My business isn’t the kind where I just buy things to resell, I actually hand make my products and source material for production,” she said.
However, with the help of God, she has been able to find the time to do both and do them well.Despite the workload, she still maintains her academic performance.
Sunmisola further stated that she has been able to manage both by prioritising tasks, proper time management, late-night sleep and doing away with procrastination. Though most of the time she has to sacrifice business for school .She noted that her life revolves round school and fashion designing and hardly has time to do other things.
She said God, her parents and friends are always ready to assist her.She advised any student who wishes to start any business in school to go for it and not to wait for the perfect time because it might not come.
“There might be some trials and tribulations, discouraging days, challenges, days that you will question yourself about why you even started the business, but keep at it till it eventually gets better; consistency always wins at the end,” she added.
She expressed optimism that her brand will thrive better after graduation, with the hope that it will become a global brand.
Just like Sunmisola, another student entrepreneur Soga Ayomiposi, a 400-Level student at the Department of Literary Studies runs a fast-growing baking business.
“ My biggest challenge is the stress that comes with being a baker because all what I do is handmade.Balancing the rigours of academic life with the demands of a baking business hasn’t been smooth. There have been tough decisions sometimes choosing between class and customer orders,” she said.
Ayomiposi stated that being a baker and a student is very stressful but she tries to balance it all by not procrastinating, She further stated that there are times in which she had to sacrifice going to class for business and vice versa.
Ayomiposi advises anyone who wants to start a business while in school to start as early as possible. The beginning might not be easy but it’s worth the stress. She noted that she sees her brand in bigger places after school, she is leaving it in God’s hands knowing it’s from here to greater places.
She further acknowledges God as a big factor in her business because she couldn’t have been able to manage the two without His help.
Similarly, Boluwatife Odunayo, a 200-Level Mass Communication student said artistry isn’t just a skill for him, it’s a second language.
Boluwatife is a versatile artist. He began his creative journey in 2015, long before gaining admission into the university.
“I have been doing it for so long, and it’s something I genuinely love.Running a business while being a student is no easy feat.
“Most times, I have to sacrifice business for school and vice versa. The biggest challenge is time, I can have a job and a class scheduled at the same time and I am forced to choose,” he said.
Juggling both worlds has tested his limits more than once. Despite the ups and downs, Boluwatife acknowledged the help and support from his friends.
“God has been helping me. It has not been easy, but I also get help from friends.My parents are also really proud of my journey,” he said.
To students thinking of starting their own businesses, Boluwatife advises that they discover what they love doing and they shouldn’t neglect their academics while at it.
Looking ahead, he sees his business evolving into something far bigger than it is today.
For Olabimpe Comfort Eniola, a 300-Level student, hairstyling isn’t just a hustle, it’s a passion turned profession. She styles hair for both male and female clients.
“I didn’t learn it at first. It was a natural talent,” she said.
However, as demand for her work grew, she decided to improve her skills through upgrade classes, watching videos and tutorials online,especially on YouTube. She officially started her business in 2023, and ever since, it has grown steadily.
For her, balancing business with academics has not been easy.
“I won’t lie, it’s not easy at all. There are days I have to skip classes because the money I make from hair is very important,” she said.
The busiest days are weekends, and when she has many customers, she sometimes hires others to help and she pays them after.
Her biggest challenge is time management.
“If a customer wants to make hair by 12 pm and I have a class then, I’ll have to beg them to wait till around 3pm, most times I have to sacrifice school for business and vice versa,” she added.
Her friends and family have supported her.
“My mom is very supportive. She always advised me to rest. But my dad keeps reminding me not to get distracted and focus on my studies,” she said.
Comfort further advises other students who want to start a business, especially hairstyling.
“It’s not easy, but if you have a passion for it, go for it. Just make sure your education doesn’t suffer. Take breaks, and in everything you do, add God, because we are nothing without Him,” she added.
Looking ahead, she dreams of expanding her brand after graduation. “I see my business on a higher level, opening a shop and going to big places,” she said.
For Mary Abiodun, another student entrepreneur, her business is more than just baking cakes. She bakes, decorates, curates gift packages, and makes pastries too. She started baking in 2022, right after training. According to her, balancing baking and academics hasn’t always been easy.There were times she had to cancel orders due to stress, but with time, she found a way around it.
“I have learned to communicate with my customers and let them know when I’m free, I think I’m balancing it better these days,” she said.
She stated that there are times she had to skip classes for business and vice versa, she recalled a moment that tempted her.
“During exams, I had a really tempting order, eye-catching and profitable. I wanted to take it, but God slapped some sense into me,” she said.
She said she isn’t alone in this journey, aside from family and friends who have been very supportive, a close friend at the Public Administration Department often steps in to help her with orders on days she has classes.
Looking back, Mary wishes she had taken the business more seriously before gaining admission, while learning how to communicate with customers effectively. As for the future, she wants to own her own baking school and run a big brand with lots of employees.
Resilient, resourceful in the face of academic pressure These student entrepreneurs are not just managing businesses, they are redefining what it means to be resilient, resourceful, and forward thinking in the face of academic pressure.
From fashion, baking , art , to hairstyling, each of them shares a common pattern, from passion, persistence, and a vision beyond the lecture hall.
Their stories highlight the challenges of juggling schoolwork and entrepreneurship, but they also reveal a powerful truth:success is possible when you’re willing to make sacrifices, stay disciplined, and believe in your dreams.
As they continue to grow their brands and pursue their degrees, they serve as living proof that with faith, focus, and the right support system, students can thrive both as scholars and business owners.
A robust academic culture is essential for a university’s sustained excellence,thus, it is imperative for those in the university community to adhere to established policies, strategic plans and continuous evolution of institutional objectives, while showing commitment to the mission and vision and core values of the institution. ADEJUWON TEMITOPE(LASU) reports.
Creating a strong academic culture is pivotal to a university’s core mission. It is multidimensional as it involves embracing teaching excellence and knowledge improvement, consciousness of the mission and vision and core values of the university, promoting research and scholarly activities, bringing more ideas and meeting up with modern trends, among others. This and more formed the thrust of Prof. Rafiu Okuneye’s presentation at the maiden edition of the Lagos State University(LASU) Faculty of Education Distinguished Lecture Series which had the theme: “Fostering Academic Culture Towards University Greatness”.
Okuneye, a Professor of Exercise Physiology, Department of Human Kinetics,Sports and Health Education, Faculty of Education,LASU, noted that promoting academic culture also requires upholding the highest level of moral standards.
He said: “Society looks up to the university to be near perfect concerning conduct in an ideal society. For everything good and perfect, society looks up to the university.
To uphold academic culture, ethics demands that academic staff members protect students record without manipulation, protect exam questions, avoid abandoning duty post, don’t engage a surrogate for teaching, marking of scripts and invigilation, keep official information intact,stay away from unruly behaviour, stay away from plagiarism and never falsify certificate or any other records.
Always be academically active and avoid sterility. Avoid any act that may bring the name of the university to disrepute,this, every staff should comply with the rules and norms.”
He noted that robustness of academic culture is felt in the university when academic activities become competitive, stressing the need for excellence in teaching.
“Academic staff should be updated on technological innovations, they should attend conferences actively and create ideas that bring sustainable solutions to societal problems and meet up with modern trends.
‘‘Employers want to see what graduates can create,bring to the table. Thus, we must teach our students to be able to face the challenges of modern times,” he said.
Okuneye explained that university culture can be divided into social culture, academic culture and political culture which is a critical aspect of university life.
He said two others are linked to academic culture, stressing that its features include, academic qualifications which is a priority, (not less than 70 per cent of teaching staff must have PhD), academic freedom,values, integrity, dignity,morals, among others.
On fostering sustainable academic culture, the don said: “Weak leadership cannot foster academic culture. There should be strong leadership across faculties. The ability to command respect is also important.Young and new staff must be prepared to be mentored in teaching, research and administration. Mentorship is about assisting to grow. A mentor must be respected, bring solutions to problems, and be seen as transparent and brilliant. Academic culture thrives on adherence to established policies, strategic plans and continuous evolution of institutional objectives.”
Okuneye, however, noted that certain vulnerabilities can undermine the foundation of academic culture.
“Insufficient facilities and equipment which further hinder effective teaching and research, governance challenges arise when university leadership manipulate regulations or suppress institutional committees leading to instability and breakdown of academic discipline,” he stated.
He said amid the challenges, upholding and nurturing sound academic culture requires the efforts of staff who are committed, creative, and knowledgeable.
In her goodwill message, Lagos State University of Education(LASUED) Vice Chancellor, Prof. Bidemi Bilkis Lafiaji-Okuneye, said:” I bring you felicitations from LASUED.
For the students of Human Kinetics Education (HKE), I am an alumnae of the department, the course is not a waste of time.
I hope this lecture series will be a continuous one with testimonies to share about the success starting form the one delivered today.”
Earlier, the VC who was represented by the Deputy Vice Chancellor Academics, Prof. Oseni Taiwo Afisi, stressed that the lecture series has signaled a new tradition of intellectual engagement which would enrich academic culture. She described the initiative as commendable, adding that it keeps the school focused to be the best in West Africa.
Dean Faculty of Education Prof. Gbenga Akindoju said the theme of the lecture is timely and strategic, stressing the importance of teacher education to national development.
“We can not achieve greatness alone, we call on stakeholders to help in providing an enabling environment for students.Let this lecture ignite and position LASU as a beacon of research,” he added.
Chairman of the occasion, Chief Executive Officer of Widescope Group of Companies, Dr Oluwasegun Alade Musa donated N5 million to the faculty of education. He also pledged a cash prize of N1 million for the best graduating student of the faculty of education; N500,000 for second best and N250,000 for third best.
Alakesan of Akesan Kingdom, Oba Nojeemdeen Aberejo also donated N1 million to the faculty.
Chairman of the First Class Muslim Foundation Incorporated Trustees, Dr Sulaimon Ogunmuyiwa has urged the Federal Government to offer better rewards/incentives to first class graduates than it gives to sportsmen and women.
He spoke at the seventh edition of the “M-First Series,” a mentorship training programme for first class Muslim graduates held in Lagos State.
Ogunmuyiwa, who hailed the government for the Students Loan Scheme, stressed the need for better incentives for first class graduates compared to athletes.
He said: “I thank the government for introducing the students loan scheme. I want them to do more by giving the same over N100 million some sportsmen got to each student that is able to get first class. If we can do this, we will realise that almost all Nigerian students will be willing to make a first class, and this will really boost academics in Nigeria.
“We are training and it is a necessity, we are looking forward to a time that we are able to reward first class students in Nigeria adequately. If we do this, it will encourage a lot of youths to see education and scholarship as a serious thing. I also think the government can change the tide by focusing more on education and encourage scholarship. This is the reason other countries are doing well in education than us.”
The educationist also urged all levels of government to increase investment in education.
“Government must seek ways to improve funding in education and this is one of the surest means to develop. When you educate people, you have empowered them. What Nigerian students need is to be empowered with adequate quality education, so that we can stop going outside the country to learn,” he added.
During the three-day annual workshop for select 51 first class Muslim graduates across universities, experts in various fields took turns to train the students in critical thinking, networking, harnessing potential, and exploring international study opportunities.
Among those who mentored the graduates were the rectors of Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH) and Lagos State Polytechnic (LASPOTECH), Dr Ibraheem Abdul and Dr Nurudeen Olaleye respectively.
Others are: Chief Financial Officer of MTN Nigeria, Mr Modupe Kadri; BUA Refinery Coordinator, Engr Nasir Giwa; Chief Executive Officer at Omnicom Solutions Limited, Engr Faheed Olajide; Engr. Idris Akinremi; Mr. Sanusi Ahmed of Globacom.
The rectors of YABATECH and LASPOTECH urged the graduates not to relent in achieving excellence after bagging first class.
The rector of YABATECH said: “Earning a first-class degree is a remarkable achievement, a milestone that reflects your dedication, discipline, and intellectual brilliance. However, do not imagine that the qualification you have acquired is the height of your career. Instead, consider it the beginning.
It is the hallmark of an educated mind to recognize that there is no such thing as too much learning. Open your mind to the possibilities in your world and devote yourself to lifelong learning and self-development. Always remember that you are worthy of your best dreams.”
While urging the first class graduates to be prepared and ready for opportunities, the LASPOTECH rector added: “Nothing stops you from getting scholarships in the best universities in the whole world, just activate your network. Don’t give up until you achieve your goal. Never settle for less. You have the template to reach the peak.”
The Chief Financial Officer of MTN Nigeria told the first class graduates that their true worth will be measured by how they use their knowledge to solve real problems.
“You have achieved something incredible – a first class degree. But bluntly, that degree is not your destination. Many fall into the trap of thinking that academic brilliance is enough, you true worth is going to be measured by how you use your knowledge to solve real life problems.”
When I was much younger or do I say when I was still naive, I used to think that all what leadership could be referred to is having someone holding a particular political position.
I had the notion of the people they call “our leaders” to be anyone who is either a governor, a president or
just an occupant of a particular political post in the state or country. Being just a young girl with big dreams, it almost used to scare the hell out of me as I couldn’t imagine myself playing the game they call “politics”; not really present even in my daydream (never can tell what tomorrow holds however).
But then, the thought of how to handle the fierce and burning desire to make a big difference in the world keeps on finding its way into my little mind and relentlessly engages itself in my question of the reality even in my own small world of exploration as a teenager.
This, I continued to nurture as I age. Not just in number, but in wisdom. Not just in height but in insight. Not just in weight but in experience and as thus, life goes on.
Growing into my early adulthood, I attended numerous seminars, webinars, discussions thematically on
leadership building and innovation. From there, I started to feel the glimpse of an initiation into a particular point of realisation.
And I began, a step after the other, to escape from thinking that leadership only means holding a political
post to knowing that you may not even have to occupy an office to lead greatness. This, I understood after attending a summit organised by JCIN UNILORIN titled: Leadership Summit’24 and I wasn’t even a member then. This aligns with Henry Ford; the founder of the Ford Motor company, who said: “You don’t have to hold a position in order to be a leader”.
Then came my escape from thinking that leadership is a quality that is only meant for some set of people to knowing that everyone as an individual, has a unique personality carrying each of the earth’s great treasure which contributes to a successful leadership even in ways they may not realise. Just as Ronald Reagan said : “The greatest leader is not necessarily the one who does the greatest things. He is the one that gets the people to do the greatest things.”
Another is my escape from thinking that leadership is a height that one assumes to knowing that it is a development that builds overtime. From thinking that a leader is someone who leads the followers to knowing that a leader is an instrument used in raising more successful leaders. And the biggest of my escape is from thinking that leadership is a place to enter and enjoy to knowing that it is a huge placement of an ASAP agenda on two shoulders regardless of the strength or weakness.
ASAP because I’ve learnt in my little journey so far that to lead greatness is to imbibe but not limited to; A- Accountability S- Sacrifice A-Accessibility P- Productivity Yet, if there’s something I’ll always hold unto as a learner of what leadership entails, it is doing a timely assignment on upgrading my humility and emotional intelligence. For the position of leadership, in all fact, requires a great deal of learning, unlearning and relearning. “It’s fine to celebrate success but it is more important to heed the lessons of failure.” Reading these words by Bill Gates who is a co-founder of Microsoft deepens my understanding that the place of leadership is more than just the positions and it is indeed beyond the titles.
Akeusola contributed this piece from the University of Ilorin (UNILORIN)
The Director-General of the Administrative Staff College of Nigeria(ASCON) Mrs Funke Adepoju, has underscored the importance of reviewing the college’s curriculum to reflect modern trends and best global practices.
Speaking at the celebration of her first 100 days in office on the ASCON campus in Badagry, Mrs Adepoju noted that the new curriculum will integrate emerging competencies such as climate governance, gender responsiveness, and behavioural insights to make the college not just current, but forward-looking.
The ASCON Director- General said a nationwide capacity-building needs survey covering all 36 states and the FCT has revealed the first comprehensive, post-pandemic picture of skills and institutional gaps in the nation’s public service, hence the need for curriculum review.
On how the college has fared so far under her leadership, she said: “In these first 100 days, we have moved from paper to practice. Our campus environment has been re-energised, not merely beautified, but made fit for the calibre of executives and leaders we train. The reception area is being refurbished to set a tone of professionalism and welcome. The ASCON Signature three-star hotel has been reactivated as a revenue-generating asset, while the CBN Auditorium and the Signature Hotel have undergone rehabilitation and full solarisation, extending even to our health care facility, which has been repositioned and sustainably powered to provide dignified, dependable care. Without a doubt, these are investments in participant experience, institutional credibility, and operational resilience.
“ASCON has stepped back onto national and global platforms. In these 100 days, I have presented to the Heads of Service of all 36 states and the FCT, contributed to the 2025 International Civil Service Week, and joined the “Building Capabilities for a Changing Public Sector” panel hosted by the AIG-Imoukhuede Foundation. I am honoured to have been nominated and accepted as a Visiting Scholar to Oxford University under the Foundation’s programme, an opportunity to connect ASCON to global knowledge frontiers.
Lagos State has returned to ASCON after many years, an attestation to restore confidence in our value proposition. Engagement is also underway with Borno, Delta, and Taraba states on bespoke capacity-building programmes. Two Memoranda of Understanding have been signed, one with the University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, and another with the Nigerian Institute of Management, to deepen academic and professional linkages.
We have also secured a commitment from the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office to share technical tools from their governance interventions at national and subnational levels, enriching our training resources and advisory capabilities.”
Lagos State Head of Service, Mr Bode Agoro, hailed Mrs Adepoju for bringing her expertise to bear on the college and achieving much within a short time.
“When the Federal Government head-hunted her to lead the Administrative Staff College of Nigeria, it was a recognition not just of her personal capabilities, but of the depth of talent within Lagos State’s public service. She did not arrive here as a stranger to reform, nor as an outsider to the demands of executive leadership. She arrived carrying the Lagos ethos, clarity of purpose, a results-driven approach, and an unyielding belief that public institutions can be both efficient and excellent.
In just 100 days, what have we witnessed? We have seen an institution re-energised. ASCON’s campus has been transformed into a world-class learning environment, from refurbished reception halls to the reactivation of the ASCON Signature Hotel, from the solarisation of critical facilities to the repositioning of the health centre. These are strategic enablers of learning, comfort, and institutional pride,” he said.
Staff members of ASCON also praised the Director General for transforming the college within a short time.
For years, the name Abia State University (ABSU) evoked mixed emotions among its students. While the institution stood as a beacon of learning and hope for thousands of young people across the state and beyond, it also bore the ugly scars of infrastructural neglect. However, Governor Alex Otti has matched words with action as the once old and dilapidated buildings have been vastly transformed. CALEB CHIEMERIE OKECHUKWU(ABSU) reports.
For students who lived on campus, the word “hostel” had long become a bitter joke– what was meant to be a home away from home was a grim reminder of how far public institutions could fall.
Life in the dilapidated hostels: a daily struggle
The hostels were nothing short of a nightmare. Broken windows, leaking roofs, cracked walls, and rusted iron doors greeted every resident. But these were the least of their worries. The bathrooms and toilets –if they could still be called that– were breeding grounds for germs and disease. Students often confessed that it was safer to bathe outside in the early morning cold than to step into the stinking, bacteria-infested bathrooms.
“To use those bathrooms was to risk your health. We had cases of skin infections, typhoid, and other waterborne diseases. At some point, nobody even complained anymore –it had become our reality,” recalled a 300-Level student who pleaded anonymity.
Over time, students adapted to this harsh existence. Those who could afford it rented off-campus accommodations, while others –especially those from low-income backgrounds who could barely scrape together tuition– resigned themselves to fate, enduring conditions no human should have to endure in a place of learning.
A visit that changed everything
Change, however, often begins in unexpected ways. In early March this year, Abia State Governor Alex Otti paid an official visit to ABSU. What he saw shocked him to his core. The man who had promised a new dawn for Abia State was confronted with the heartbreaking sight of the state’s future leaders living in conditions that could hardly be described as humane.
“I was almost moved to tears. These young people left their parents’ homes to pursue education, only to find themselves in an environment that drains their dignity and threatens their health,” the governor said.
That visit marked a turning point. Standing before the students, staff, and management of ABSU, Otti made a bold promise: the dilapidated hostels would be demolished and replaced with world-class facilities. He pledged to construct modern, 5,000-capacity hostels equipped with state-of-the-art amenities.
The announcement was met with thunderous applause and tears of joy from students who had long given up hope. Lecturers welcomed the news, parents heaved a sigh of relief, and social media buzzed with excitement. But amid the jubilation, skepticism lingered.
When promises meet skepticism
Nigerians have grown accustomed to grand political promises that never materialise. For decades, campaign seasons are littered with empty vows and half-completed projects. But this was different –it was not an election period. Could this governor truly be different?
That question hung in the air for weeks, until something unexpected happened. Notices began to appear across the hostels: students were asked to vacate their rooms as construction was about to begin.
The news triggered a flurry of emotions –excitement, anxiety, and even fear. For many, the eviction was a blessing, proof that the government’s words were not mere rhetoric. For others, it was a logistical nightmare. Where would they stay? How would they cope financially?
“I was happy, but also scared,” said Ebuka Eze , a 200-Level student. He added: “I didn’t have relatives nearby, and off-campus rent is expensive. But at least, we knew something good was coming.”
The transformation begins
True to his word, the governor swung into action. Workers rolled in, and work began earnestly. Construction crews worked tirelessly, and within weeks, the once old and dilapidated building began to take a new form.
The new hostels promised to be everything the old ones were not. Modern architecture replaced rotting wood and cracked concrete. Each room was designed with functionality and comfort in mind –wardrobes, electric sockets, ceiling fans, and proper ventilation. Bathrooms and toilets were fitted with tiles and adequate water supply, a luxury students had only dreamed of.
For many ABSU students, this was more than a facelift. It was a restoration of dignity. “When I saw the new structures, I couldn’t believe this was happening in ABSU. It feels like a dream come true,” said Ada Uzo, a final year student.
The bigger picture: education and dignity
The transformation of ABSU hostels goes beyond bricks and mortar. It signals a shift in how the government perceives education and student welfare. A decent living environment is not a privilege; it is a necessity for learning. When students are forced to contend with disease-ridden facilities, leaking roofs, and broken beds, their ability to focus on academics suffers.
By investing in student welfare, Otti has sent a strong message: the future of Abia State is worth the investment.
Of course, the journey was not without its challenges. Displacement during the construction period posed real difficulties for many students, particularly those from financially disadvantaged backgrounds. Some had to share cramped apartments off-campus; others commuted long distances daily.
There were also murmurs of discontent from skeptics who doubted the project would be completed on schedule. But as the months rolled by and the new structures began to take shape, those doubts melted away.
Completion and the call for responsibility
Today, as the reconstruction nears completion, ABSU stands on the brink of a new era. The once-dilapidated hostels have given way to modern, comfortable residences that rival some of the best in the country. For the first time in decades, ABSU students can look forward to living in spaces that reflect their worth and aspirations.
But with this transformation comes a new responsibility –one that rests squarely on the shoulders of the students. Maintaining these facilities is not just a duty; it is a moral obligation.
Otti said: “We have done our part. It is now up to the students to protect and preserve these hostels. These are not government buildings; they are your homes.”
His words carry weight. The culture of vandalism and neglect that has plagued public infrastructure in Nigeria for years must not be allowed to rear its ugly head here. Students must embrace a new mindset –one that values cleanliness, order, and collective responsibility.
Beyond hostels: a broader vision
The hostel project is only a piece of Otti’s broader vision for ABSU and Abia State at large. Plans are underway to upgrade classrooms, laboratories, and libraries, ensuring that students not only live well but also learn in conducive environments. The governor also has scholarship programmes, and partnerships, sponsoring students of Abia State origin, or residing in Abia State in tertiary Institutions .
For ABSU, the winds of change have finally arrived. And for students who endured years of hardship in silence, this transformation is proof that progress, though delayed, is still possible when leadership meets integrity.
A new chapter for ABSU
As the final touches are being applied to the gleaming new hostels, the mood on campus is one of renewed hope. Students who once dreaded returning to their rooms after lectures now look forward to living in spaces they can proudly call home.
The message is clear: education is not just about books and exams – it is about creating an environment where young minds can thrive. Otti has shown that with political will and genuine concern for the people, even the most neglected institutions can rise from the ashes.
For ABSU students, this is more than a facelift. It is a rebirth. And as they settle into their new hostels, one truth stands out: the days of dilapidation are gone. The future has begun.
