The President of Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN), Chief Davidson Alaribe, has verified Yaba College of Technology as the producer of chartered accountants in Nigeria.
The verification was disclosed during a presidential visit of the institute to the college, highlighting the institution’s unwavering commitment to academic excellence, especially in the area of accounting.
Alaribe lauded the college for producing unprecedented number of chartered accountants in the country, underscoring its role in nurturing professionals, who uphold the values of integrity, accuracy, and technical expertise in the field of accounting.
The diamond president, who was received by the rector, Dr. Ibraheem Abdul, and the management team, students, and alumni was full of nostalgia and reminiscences of his formative years at the college, where he studied accounting at both national diploma and higher national diploma levels, graduating in 1996.
He said that his journey from a young student to the pinnacle of the accounting profession was a testament to dedication and quality of education provided by the college.
Alaribe said: “The institution’s role in producing an unprecedented number of chartered accountants in Nigeria is a testament to quality of education and dedication of the institution to accounting profession.”
Turning to the students, he emphasised the importance of core values such as accuracy and integrity, which are foundational to the accounting profession.
He urged students to uphold these principles in their careers and to embrace continuous learning and adaptability, especially in the face of technological advancements like artificial intelligence (AI), which is reshaping the accounting landscape.
“Embracing technology and continuous learning is not just a necessity, but a responsibility we owe to the profession and society,” he added.
The rector, Abdul, expressed gratitude to Alaribe and ICAN Council members for the longstanding support and relationship between the college and the accounting body.
He said the college would continue to produce competent professionals.
Abdu requested for the collaboration of the body with the college by participating in her programme: ‘A Day with the Industry Partners,’ solely for inspiring the students and building the links between the town and academia.
He described it as a programme where professionals and alumni engaged with students to provide training and motivation as the initiative is crucial in bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application, thereby enhancing the employability of the graduates turned out.
The Bursar, Dr. Olusola Dada, in his welcome address, urged the institute to continue its support for the college’s initiatives.
He highlighted that the collaborations have been instrumental in enhancing the curriculum, providing professional development opportunities for staff and ensuring that students are well-prepared for the demands of the accounting profession.
The visit also featured the honouring of Sir George Majekodunmi Okufi, the first indigenous rector of the college and first registrar and chief executive officer of ICAN, and the first accountant to become a rector in Nigeria.
The rector said: “His legacy continues to inspire both the college and the accounting profession at large.”
Chief Alaribe acknowledged that Sir Okufi’s monumental contributions and visionary leadership laid the foundation for what Yaba College of Technology and ICAN are today.
His dedication to education and professional excellence serves as a beacon for all of us.”
The Nigeria Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) says it has so far received over 400,000 applications across institutions since the launch of its operation, out of which 70 percent had been cleared.
Its managing director, Akintunde Sanya, who spoke through the agency’s Executive Director Operations, Mustapha lyal, said this in Ilorin during a sensitisation programme for students of tertiary institutions.
The programme was organised by NELFUND in partnership with the Office of the Special Adviser to the Governor on Education, Policy Formulation and Human Capital Development, Dr. Adetola Ariyike Salau.
It was themed: “Empowering Students through Financial Inclusion and Entrepreneurship.”
NELFUND boss explained that after successful application, the agency pays the school fees of the beneficiaries into their institutions’ accounts, while their annual upkeep of N240,000 is paid into their individual accounts.
Sanya added that NELFUND had disbursed about N900 million to students of public instructions in Kwara State.
In his remarks, Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq said the student loan policy of the Federal Government had boosted the hope of children of low-income earners to access quality higher education in the country.
AbdulRazaq lauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the initiative that he noted will address the major challenge of youth in acquiring tertiary education.
Also speaking, Vice Chancellor, University of Ilorin (UNILORIN), Prof. Wahab Egbewole, said the initiative is bringing a relief to parents who have the responsibility to pay their students’ school fees, and urged students to enroll en masse and take advantage of the opportunity provided.
Egbewole, who was represented by Deputy VC Management Services, Prof. Adegboyega Fawale, hailed the Federal Government for the programme.
Vice Chancellor, Muhammad Kamal-deen University, Prof. Abdulrasheed G Jimoh, urged the Federal Government to find means of incorporating private institutions into NELFUND, saying their students also want to benefit as bonafide Nigerians.
In another development, NELFUND has advised female students to take advantage of the Federal Government’s zero-interest education loans to support their academic pursuits and financial stability.
Sawyerr, who gave this advice on Monday in Abuja, spoke at the NELFUND Women Forum Programme, held in celebration of the 2025 International Women’s Day (IWD).
Sawyerr was represented by Ms Oluwatosin Sanusi, NELFUND’s Head of Investments and Funds Management.
He said that the ratio of females in tertiary institutions accessing the loans compared to males was not impressive.
According to him, one out of every five application for the education loan fund is a female, which is not encouraging.
“The NELFUND initiative is all about providing loans for students in tertiary institutions, to pay for their fees and to take care of their welfare.
“There is also another part of the initiative which is the skill acquisition.
“And it is under way and it would also cover educational fees and fund purchases of equipment for entrepreneurship trainings.
“The skills acquisition programme places students on a monthly stipend, which is laudable; however, we have less women who are taking advantage of this initiative.
“Currently we have a ratio of 4 to 1, which means for every four male applicant, we have just one female, which isn’t impressive,” he said.
Sawyerr said that NELFUND was working with women stakeholders to create awareness on the initiative to encourage female students to partake and enjoy the benefits of the dividends of democracy.
However, he emphasised that loan repayment upon graduation and employment was crucial for the sustainability of the programme.
Sawyerr explained that timely repayment would allow for the expansion of the initiative, enabling more students across all government-owned institutions to benefit.
The Minister of State for Education, Dr. Suwaiba Ahmed, lauded the Federal Government’s initiative.
She encouraged students to utilize the fund to ensure uninterrupted studies due to financial constraints.
Ahmed was represented by Dr. Mufida Hussain, his Special Assistant on Education and Quality Assurance.
She said that the girl-child must optimise all opportunities presented, in order to break barriers and attain desired dreams and aspirations in life.
“Achieving gender equity requires bold, swift and decisive steps, and we cannot afford to wait.
“So, we must act now to break barriers and create opportunities for women and girls,” Ahmed said.
Ms Choice Enebeli, the National President of Female Students of Nigeria, commended NELFUND for advocating for female students to apply and benefit from the education loan.
“Women’s rights are human rights and we must continue to strive for a world where women and girls have equal access to education, healthcare, economic opportunities, and leadership positions,” Uchenna said.
She promised to lead an awareness campaign on the educational loan across the country, for the benefits of female students.
Mrs. Chioma Nweze, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Community Engagement, urged female students to be proactive in seeking opportunities rather than waiting for them.
Health law expert and award-winning author, Prof. Cheluchi Onyemelukwe, has called on Nigerian government to increase its healthcare budget to ensure access to quality medical services for the citizens.
She urged authorities to enshrine the right to health in the Nigerian Constitution and enforce existing legislation to ensure that healthcare is treated as a fundamental right rather than a privilege.
She spoke while delivering the 52nd inaugural lecture at Babcock University’s School of Law and Security Studies, titled: “The Law as Compass, Lever, or Stumbling Block? Harnessing the Power of Law to Reify and Realise the Right to Health.”
Onyemelukwe, who won the 2021 Nigerian Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG) Prize for Literature for her novel, “Son of the House”, stressed the crucial role of legal frameworks in strengthening healthcare delivery.
She stressed that while the government has increased health sector funding in recent years, the current allocation remains inadequate to meet the country’s growing needs. She noted that inflation, economic downturns, and the withdrawal of foreign aid have placed additional strain on Nigeria’s already fragile healthcare system.
“The trillions of Naira allocated to healthcare in the budget are commendable, but given our current realities, it is still not enough. We must do more. The government must commit to a long-term increase in healthcare funding to ensure that all Nigerians have access to life-saving medical services,” she said.
She referenced the 2001 Abuja Declaration, in which African Union member states, including Nigeria, pledged to allocate at least 15% of their national budgets to healthcare. However, more than two decades later, Nigeria has yet to meet this commitment.
“We need to move beyond promises and set a clear roadmap to achieve this goal. A well-funded health sector will reduce disease burdens, improve life expectancy, and ensure that no Nigerian is denied treatment due to financial constraints,” she stated.
Highlighting Nigeria’s high maternal mortality rate, she described it as a “national disgrace” that many women still die during childbirth due to inadequate healthcare infrastructure, lack of prenatal care and limited access to contraceptives.
“No woman should die while bringing life into the world. It is unacceptable that we are still struggling with issues such as inaccessible primary healthcare, a shortage of medical professionals in rural areas, and a lack of essential medical supplies,” she lamented.
She noted that increasing the health budget would enable the government to invest in maternal healthcare, improve hospital facilities, and ensure that women, especially those in rural communities, receive the care they need during pregnancy and childbirth.
Onyemelukwe also pointed out disparities in healthcare access across different states, urging local governments to take responsibility for their citizens’ well-being. She noted that some states generate more revenue and have the potential to provide better healthcare services, yet disparities persist.
“Healthcare should not be determined by geography. A person in Zamfara should have the same access to quality medical care as someone in Lagos. State governments must optimise their resources and learn from best practices nationwide,” she said.
She urged the government to ensure that healthcare reforms go beyond mere policies and become realities that improve lives. She called on stakeholders, including lawmakers, healthcare professionals, and civil society organisations, to push for increased budgetary allocations and the proper implementation of existing health laws.
Babcock University’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Ademola Tayo, said Onyemelukwe’s lecture’s recommendations would serve as a valuable guide for policymakers.
He reiterated the university’s commitment to promoting intellectual discourse that contributes to national development.
It was all pomp and ceremony as Baptist Academy held its 88th inter-house sports athletics competition. The event was an avenue for members of the staff, pupils and other invited schools to appreciate the beauty of the spirit of togetherness. DAMOLA KOLA-DARE was there.
The atmosphere at Baptist Academy, Obanikoro, Lagos was electrifying. It was the school’s 88th inter-house sports competition. The occasion bore signs of celebration of a milestone, just as the Principal, Deacon Gbenga Abodunrin, described this year as “monumental” with the celebration of 170 years of the founding of the school.
The event was a convergence of parents, pupils, former pupils/old boys led by Baptist Academy Old Students Association (BAOSA) President, Mr. Akin Fatunke, well-wishers and invited schools. It provided an avenue for participants to imbibe the spirit of sportsmanship, fair play and integrity.
Abodunrin noted that events of such nature should foster development of talents. He said in today’s world, sports are not just a pastime, but one of the most rewarding career paths.
“To the students of Baptist Academy, I urge you to leverage events like this as gateway to discovering and honing your latent talents in sports. Many of our illustrious alumni have walked this path and their achievements on national and global stages serve as inspiration,” he said.
Savouring the moment, chairman of the event, Otunba Bestman Jumbo-Nze, described sport as an integral part of the school, noting that the school has raised stars and champions that have gone ahead to win laurels for the country.
He urged other old boys to improve sporting facilities in the school, pledging his willingness and readiness to assist anytime.
The chairman encouraged youths to take sports and academics seriously, stressing that a sound body in a sound mind is needed in sports for economic growth, social integration and networking.
BAOSA President Fatunke said the event required bringing sports stars to inspire and motivate the pupils.
“We have best in athletics and sports here – stars, who have come to honour the school and BAOSA. Prominent among them are Dr. Adeyemi Philips, a sprinter in the school, who also represented Nigeria at the 14th Commonwealth Games in New Zealand; we also have Seni Ogunlende, another sprint sensation who represented the school and the nation at international tourneys; Franklin Howard played for Baptist Academy and was in the first U-21 soccer squad in Nigeria; Bestman Nze was also captain of the school team; Tunde Martins, the soccer maestro of Igbobi College is also here to honour us,” he said.
Fatunke, who thanked Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for making their international lawn tennis court project a reality, pledged that BAOSA would upgrade the school’s field to international standard.
At the end of the event, Harden (White) house topped the medals table; Willigham (Blue) house came second. Stone (Red) house placed third in what was a keenly contested competition.
A former Vice Chancellor, Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba Akoko, in Ondo State, Prof. Igbekele Ajibefun, has said alumni associations’ massive investment in academic and infrastructural growth of their alma mater has reduced the challenges of inadequate funding, low teacher quality, poor infrastructure and inconsistent education policy.
Ajibefun said despite the transformation in the education sector in Nigeria at all levels, through the implementation of different policies, the need for more diverse income sources has become pertinent in circumstances where governments have been less willing to invest in education.
Delivering an alumni lecture at the occasion of Diamond Jubilee Celebration of the United Grammar School (UGS), Ode Irele, Ondo State, titled: “Education and National Development: The Role of Alumni Association”, he said alumni are greatest asset of a school and most loyal supporters, as fundraising prospects for any school, generate invaluable word-of-mouth marketing among their social and professional networks and are great role models for current students and are often well-placed to offer practical support to students as they start their careers
Adequate funding of education, he said, is critical because education “is the bedrock of socio-economic development of any nation”.
According to him, “A good education offers citizens the opportunity to live better and more meaningful lives. Education creates opportunities for people to solve societal problems.
“Nigeria’s situation today calls for Alumni active involvement in education funding and schools’ development. The current infrastructural decay, inadequate teachers, dilapidated classrooms and laboratories are serious challenges that act as obstacles to quality education. In addition, the economic situation in Nigeria has incapacitated many parents in financing the education of their children.
“Government at various levels also finds it difficult to allocate enough resources to take care of the challenges facing Nigerian education sector. It is a known fact that government alone cannot fund education. This is true of any nation, no matter how rich it is. Private sector involvement in education is, therefore, critical in providing quality education. Nigeria cannot be an exception. It is, therefore, important for schools to look into the direction of fundraising through alumni associations.”
Ajibefun, who was represented by Dr. Edamisan Ikuemenisan of Adekunle Ajasin University, said: “Alumni are often in the position to engage the expertise of the school in their professional career. Alumni are the ambassadors of their schools.
“They take the knowledge acquired from the school to different places and to their professional and social networks. Therefore, a school that maintains a good relationship with its alumni will also enjoy positive promotion from the alumni and vice versa. Hence, it is important to maintain effective communication channels with alumni to keep them informed of the school’s achievements and make them part of the school’s future, and not just its past.”
Commending members of the United Grammar School Old Student Association, (UGSOSA) of which he is a member, Ajibefun urged them to maintain, nurture, develop and manage their relationship for mutual long-term benefits, adding: “Alumni are the only stakeholders you cannot exchange.
You might lose students, even dismiss staff, and ownership might change, but alumni are there for a lifetime.”
Vice-Chancellor of Bingham University, Karu, Nasarawa State, Prof. Haruna Ayuba, has called on scholars to play a vital role in encouraging interdisciplinary research, dialogue and collaborations to address the root cause of conflicts.
Ayuba said the time was ripe for every individual to work together to develop homegrown solutions to Africa’s challenges.
He spoke during the maiden International Conference on ‘Political Instability and Crisis of Development in Africa (PICDA) organised by the Department of Political Science of the university.
He said the conference with the theme: “Cultural Pluralism, Conflict, Crisis of Integration and Development in Africa,” was aimed at addressing political instability and the crisis of development on the African continent.
According to him, the theme underscored the intricate dynamics of the continent’s diversity, as well as the need for inclusive strategies that foster unity, peace and sustainable development.
The vice-chancellor said: “In terms of cultural pluralism, Africa is home to a rich tapestry of cultures, languages and traditions, with over 3,000 ethnic groups and a multitude of linguistic diversities.
“Our continent is a melting pot of identities and cultural pluralism should, therefore, be our greatest strength, one that enriches our societies, promotes social cohesion and encourages creative and economic challenges.
“Unfortunately, historical legacies of colonialism, governance challenges, weak institutions, corruption, among others, have contributed to political instability in the continent.”
Ayuba said that the current instability in the form of widespread protests, civil wars, and coup d’etats illustrate the nuances and varied experiences across the African continent.
“All this stifles human development, perpetuates cycles of poverty, hampers economic growth, development and exacerbates divisions leading to heightened tensions, secessionist movements prolonged conflict development in Africa.
“In spite of these challenges, all hope is not lost. We must commend the resilience and agency of African nations.
“There are stories of success and innovation in some African countries that inspire our hope of achieving political stability and sustainable development in Africa,” he said.
He said that some recommended pathways to stability and development require promotion of good governance, institutional reforms, fostering inclusive political processes and upholding the rule of law.
The Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) is introducing a special intervention to address incessant power failure in tertiary institutions across the country.
Chairman, Board of Trustees of TETFund, Aminu Masari, disclosed this yesterday in Abuja, while inaugurating the steering committee for Alternative Energy Solution Initiative in tertiary Institutions
Masari said the initiative was part of the fund’s commitment to support government’s efforts at ensuring steady power supply in Nigeria’s tertiary institutions.
The board chairman, a former governor of Katsina State, stressed the importance of power supply as critical to learning and research, which was lacking in most tertiary institutions.
“We all know the combination of many factors to include the increase in tariff, which has become unbearable for these institutions, coupled with other issues,” he said.
Masari added that the provision of reliable power supply was expected to improve the quality of education and research in tertiary institutions.
The Federal Government has made plans to provide steady power to tertiary institutions through the Rural Electrification Agency (REA).
The REA aims to provide captive solar hybrid power plants to 15 federal tertiary institutions and two teaching hospitals .
This initiative is part of the government’s efforts to increase electricity access to underserved Nigerians.
While the exact timeline for the completion of this project is not specified, the REA has made significant progress in increasing electricity access to underserved communities, with more than 67 mini-grids and 995,396 solar home systems deployed.
The steering committee, which has been given two months to summit its preliminary report, is expected to be part of the implementation team.
Since the establishment of the Federal University Oye-Ekiti, FUOYE, in 2011 during the administration of President Goodluck Jonathan, the institution has marked significant milestones in its academic journey, evolving as one of the fastest-growing universities globally.
Contributing significantly to academic excellence in the university, FUOYE Alumni Association is celebrating seven years of impactful growth and service in shaping future leaders to enhance quality education.
Under the exceptional leadership of its pioneer National President, Comr. Arogundade Temitope, the alumni association has evolved into enviable heights, offering strategic partnerships with the university for effective implementation of education reforms.
As a countdown to the twilight of an illustrious administration, the pioneer National President, who is also a member of the current Governing Council at the top-tier institution noted that though the association has significantly improved the institution, it has not been a smooth ride.
How we formed FUOYE Alumni Association
Temitope, who revealed how the alumni association came into existence after the university produced its first set of graduates in 2015, acknowledged the tremendous contributions of university authorities particularly the advancement unit.
According to him, the advancement unit inspired the first set of graduates to leverage the opportunity of coming together to form a formidable team that has stood the test of time as the institution’s alumni association.
“The university started in 2011 and when we got towards the graduation of the first set, we had members of staff in the advancement unit of the university that called some of us on the need to come together and collate the data of all the graduates, which became a platform where we came together.
“I must give kudos to them for ensuring that we started the journey as early as possible. It is one of the things that actually inspired this journey. Over the years, the association has evolved a lot. God has helped us to achieve quite a little bit and it has been good,” he said.
The travails of an alumni association
The pioneer National President equally recounted the travails of the association during its formative years in FUOYE, citing the herculean task of bringing the graduates together under one platform. According to, many didn’t buy the idea of establishing the alumni association in 2015.
He said: “To pioneer the alumni association was not too easy because we did not have a template to work on. This made it not too easy but it is a journey we have enjoyed so far, putting all the hard work, all our wisdom and knowledge. I must also give kudos to university authorities that also made the whole journey to be easier for us.
“The challenges we have encountered so far are to bring people together. When you are dealing with humans, it is a complex entity on its own. So, bringing people together was not too easy especially when we started it.
“Some people felt that we were too small and quite young to start an alumni association while some didn’t buy into the idea, but with the help of God, we have been able to achieve all that we achieved from the support of the executives, members, university community and university authorities.
How we impacted our alma mater
As critical stakeholders in enhancing quality education in Nigeria, Temitope said the alumni association has invested massively in the institution.
He noted that the association donated two state-of-the-art laptops to the Registry to accelerate the certificate production process. This,he said, for the first time in history enabled graduates to collect their certificates at this year’s convocation.
He said it has also provided essential working tools to the Examination and Records Unit of the Academic Affairs division, ensuring a smoother and more efficient transcript processing system.
Temitope noted that the association contributed N1 million towards the construction of the Fasina Conference Centre on the Oye campus, underscoring its commitment to the university’s infrastructural development.
He said its swift intervention and diplomatic approach successfully resolved potential crises, such as the Alumni Compendium and the “no certificate, no convocation” issue during the 2021 convocation.
Outlining some other notable achievements, he said: “We have recorded among many others to include; the induction of our graduates. After every convocation, we always organise dinner night for our graduates which serves as an official induction of our graduates.
“We donated equipment including laptop, printer, scanner to the Exams and Records unit of the university. During the last accreditation process of the university, we were on ground to offer assistance. The association donated about 36 fridges to every department due for the accreditation process and those donations cost us millions.
“The alumni association can boast of its secretariat in the university where it serves as a place where all graduates can come together for meetings and share ideas. The building is helping to improve the image of the university.
“Among many other things, the association has been able to set up a webinar for our graduates where they come to showcase their talents and stipends were given to people that proved themselves beyond reasonable doubt.
“There is also a platform where we post job opportunities for our graduates. The alumni association is a bridge between the university and its graduates in fostering unity, ensuring that when issues arise, we are there to consult and offer solutions.
“We are also discussing with the university on how they can begin to bring some of our graduates to work in the university and we have a couple of them working in the university. There are other plans to engage our graduates further to help them.
“More recently, after years of back and forth, the governing council graciously ratified the acceptance of the President as the Convocation Representative on the governing council of the university.
“We have also been supporting graduates who have health challenges through individual donations and the association. There are plans to even do better for our graduates. The Overall Best Graduating Student always gets prizes from the association and we will continue to improve on that.”
Scholarships for indigent students
Speaking further, he disclosed that plans are underway to also offer scholarships to indigent students, noting that outreaches will be carried out to assist the university community as part of their contributions to their alma mater.
“The association will soon unveil a scholarship programme for indigent students of the university before our tenure runs out. We are going to invite the Vice Chancellor and authorities of the university to come and turn the sod for the guest house of the association. We are also looking at organising outreaches to help the overall university community.
“If time permits us, we are looking at workshops and skills acquisition for graduates, especially the final year students to see how we can prepare them for life after school,” he said.
Why FUOYE graduates must come together
He appealed to graduates to come together and support the university’s quest to achieve its lofty heights as one of the emerging institution’s globally under the leadership of the Vice Chancellor Prof. Abayomi Fasina.
“FUOYE is an emerging university. We are the fourth most subscribed university in the whole of Nigeria. In the webometrics ratings recently, FUOYE was rated 17 among all the universities in Nigeria. It is an emerging university and the future’s so bright for our great university. We have to come together to make sure that we are able to achieve that.
“Like the Chairman of Council said recently that he wants to see that not quite long from now, we move from number four to number one most subscribed university in Nigeria. I want to appeal to everyone to come together to make sure we are able to achieve this.
“A graduate is the image of the university and whatever one does, it’s going to affect them. Our graduates must continue to show comportment and good character. They must continue to be good ambassadors of the university. I wish all our graduates the best of luck,” he added.
Association not pressure group
On what constitutes the roles and responsibilities of an alumni association, he emphasised that the association was not set-up as a pressure group but an assemblage of graduates to work together for the growth of their alma mater.
He charged the incoming executives to build on the success stories of the pioneer executives in leading a formidable team on whose mandate is to contribute significantly to the overall well-being of the university community.
“You are coming to work with the management and graduates. This is one of the challenges the executives have faced so far. Some of them feel that we are not fighting the management and protest when there are issues,” he said.
Incoming executives should strategise to improve finance
While charging the incoming executives to look for ways to get resources for the growth of the association, the pioneer National President said he would leave a legacy portraying the association as great ambassadors of the university.
“The alumni association dues are not enough to do whatever we want to do. The next executives must be ready to think outside the box. If they want to achieve much, they cannot depend on the dues the graduates are paying. They need to strategise to get more finance into the association.
“Before the year runs out, the elections should happen and we are looking forward to another set of executives to come on board for a single term of three years.
“When we came on board, our desire was to lay a very good foundation where the alumni association can stand very well. By the help of God, we have been able to achieve that. We have done our best and also want to give others the chance to also come and do their best to help the association.
“The legacy I am leaving behind for the alumni association to always give support and move the university forward.
“I am leaving the legacy of portraying ourselves as good ambassadors of our university and that is why we are going to diligently screen those that would eventually be the executives because our works are obvious in the university.
“In the next five to ten years, the future of our university is so great. I want to see the alumni association becoming a strong pillar in terms of support of its alma mater and moving the university in achieving its goals, mission and vision.
The rising sun cast its golden glow over Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, as Abdulsalam Adam Aduagba refreshed his phone screen, hoping his dwindling data balance would miraculously last a few more minutes. But the dreaded notification appeared: “You have used up your data bundle.” His sigh was heavy, not just with frustration but with the weight of an economic reality that was making digital access a luxury for students like him.
On January 29, 2025, the Nigeria Communications Commission (NCC) approved a 50 percent tariff increase for mobile network operators. This adjustment, the first in 12 years, was aimed at driving substantial investment in telecommunications infrastructure, extending 4G coverage to 94 percent of the population and enabling mobile internet access for an additional 9 million people, including 2 million in underserved areas.
While the NCC heralded the decision as a progressive step towards bridging the digital divide, for many Nigerian students, it felt like an iron wall rising between them and their education.
Bridging the Infrastructure Gap or Widening the Digital Divide
The NCC argued that the tariff hike will sustain investment in infrastructure, enhance service quality, and expand network coverage. But on university campuses across Nigeria, the reality tells a different story.
For Aduagba, the adjustment felt like yet another burden weighing down students already struggling under the weight of inflation.
“Hearing about the tariff hike wasn’t strange to me. The rising cost of fuel, inflation, and currency devaluation all made it inevitable. But considering the high cost of living in Nigeria, this increase will be very challenging and could compromise students’ academic performance,” he said.
Though the NCC promised improved network quality, Aduagba was unconvinced.
“They argue that increasing tariffs will sustain investment in infrastructure, but that seems false. We haven’t seen any real improvement in network quality or service delivery. The network issues remain the same, so why should consumers pay more,” he questioned, shaking his head.
As an alternative, he suggested that students limit their data consumption, carefully stretching out their plans. But even that, he admitted, was a band-aid solution to a deep economic wound.
He believes the government must step in, proposing that universities provide free Wi-Fi on campuses to relieve students from the financial strain. Additionally, he urged lawmakers to demand a suspension of the hike until tangible improvements in service quality could be seen.
“Before they increase tariffs, they should first fix the poor network issues Nigerians currently face,” he insisted.
Students Lament Internet Affordability Amid Economic Hardship
For Balqees Usman Oyinkansola, a 200-level Political Science student at Kwara State University, the tariff increase was just another slash in the fabric of an already difficult economy.
“The reasons for the increase seem to revolve around improving service quality and infrastructure, but students are worried about the financial implications,” she said.
She painted a picture of the silent struggle many students endure, the late nights spent searching for a stable internet, and the sacrifices made to afford data just to keep up with coursework.
“Many students already struggle to afford mobile data for research and virtual learning. Higher tariffs will only make things worse,” she added.
Despite the NCC’s assurances, she remained doubtful.
“We still face poor network coverage and frequent service outages. Will this increase bring change, or is it just another policy that burdens consumers?” she asked.
Her solution was simple but insufficient. If tariffs continued to rise, she would switch to public Wi-Fi at libraries or community centres. But deep down, she knew that wouldn’t be enough.
A group of former Lagos State University student union leaders have applauded the Vice Chancellor Prof. Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello for visionary leadership which has been crucial to the institution’s progress.
They spoke during a visit to the VC’s office on the main campus in Ojo, Lagos.
The former student leaders praised Olatunji-Bello’s transformational leadership, which has significantly elevated the university’s standing in just a few years.
On behalf of the group, Dr Adebowale Oshineye, a former Speaker of the LASU Students Parliamentary Council, hailed the VC for her ability to effectively manage the diverse interests within the university.
“You have transformed our university from what it was in our time to a globally recognised institution today. The progress is almost beyond belief. Your intellectual prowess demonstrates that we only have two higher institutions —LASU and others. “Your remarkable contributions across all areas of development can not be overstated in LASU’s history.”
Comr. Omisore Michael, the 16th President of LASUSU, emphasised that the visit was a gesture to support and appreciate the VC’s exceptional work.
Comr. Ayodele Olabiwonninu, Secretary of the Nigerian Bar Association (Ikeja Branch) and former union executive, led the group in presenting a plaque to the Olatunji-Bello in recognition of her transformative leadership and the progress seen at LASU.
Comr. Ayodele Olatunde, Convener of the group, and the 16th Speaker of the Students’ Parliamentary Council, reaffirmed the group’s commitment to supporting the success of the VC.
Olatunji-Bello credited her success to God’s guidance and the support of the university community.
“Our achievements are a gift from God; there’s nothing extraordinary about it. When you have God on your side, you can achieve anything. I am blessed with both God’s favour and the support of the university community, and together, we succeed,” she said.
She expressed gratitude to the group and encouraged them to embrace leadership values in their respective endeavors.
“You have witnessed the challenges of LASU , you are now witnessing its transformation, and I believe you will see it when LASU reaches its peak. Learn from the past and from those who have led before you.
