The Nation Newspaper

Category: Education

  • Fed Govt allocates N47b to support agricultural, medical institutions

    Fed Govt allocates N47b to support agricultural, medical institutions

    The Federal Government has allocated N47 billion to support universities of agriculture and medical schools across the country.

    The allocation aims to boost agricultural innovation and healthcare training in the country.

    Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, revealed this during a meeting with pro-chancellors of federal universities in Abuja on Tuesday.

    The breakdown of the allocation is N30 billion for agricultural universities and N17 billion for 18 medical schools.

    Alausa explained that the N30 billion allocated to agricultural universities would be used to establish mechanised farms, with each university receiving N1 billion.

    He emphasised that these funds would contribute significantly to improving food security nationwide.

    “Every university with a faculty of agriculture will be required to set up mechanised farming and livestock production.

    “We are putting aside N30 billion for this initiative. This aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s priority on food security.

    “We want you to create opportunities for the future using your position and power,” he said.

    The minister also disclosed that 18 medical schools would receive N17 billion to train healthcare professionals, including doctors, dentists, pharmacists and nurses.

    “This funding aims to strengthen Nigeria’s medical workforce, focusing on high-impact projects for medical education.

    “We’ve identified N17 billion for special high-impact projects with TETFund. This will directly support the training of doctors, pharmacists, dentists and nurses across 18 universities,” Alausa added.

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    He further expressed concern about some specialised universities offering programmes outside their core mandates.

    He pointed out that some Universities of Agriculture were offering courses in accounting, while Universities of Technology were running insurance programmes, a trend he considered a deviation from their intended focus.

    The minister highlighted the growing demand for skilled workers in emerging technologies, citing over 1 million job opportunities, including 300,000 jobs in cloud computing, 300,000 in machine learning and AI, and 250,000 in natural language processing.

    Alausa urged university governing councils and management to collaborate effectively with respect and dignity.

    “While councils are not involved in the daily operations of the universities, they are responsible for robust supervision and oversight.

    “The ministry will support you to create an enabling environment for universities to function effectively,” he said.

     He also advised that budgets and procurement processes should be approved and supervised by university councils in line with established rules.

    Yayale Ahmed, Chairman of the Committee of Pro-Chancellors of Nigerian Federal Universities and Pro-Chancellor of Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, noted that the event provided an opportunity for Pro-Chancellors to reflect on their roles.

    He also emphasised that the gathering would allow them to share innovative ideas and forge strategies to enhance the governance and management of universities.

  • Stakeholders seek action on  out-of-school children

    Stakeholders seek action on  out-of-school children

    Stakeholders in the Apapa Local Government Education Authority (LGEA), Apapa, Lagos State have stressed the need to tackle the issue of out-of-school children.

    The stakeholders, which included teachers, parents, community leaders and the LGEA authorities spoke at the 2024 Apapa LGEA State Universal  Basic Education (SUBEB) annual stakeholders’ forum organised by the School Based Management Committee, at Christian Primary School, Apapa, Lagos.

    Speaking at the forum, the Head of Research and Social Mobilisation Apapa LGEA, Mr. Ogunjirin Adeboye, raised the concern that a lot of children who have attained the formal learning age were not in school.

    He lamented that the nation risks parading illiterates who might occupy the positions of authority later.

    “Many children who are supposed to be in school to acquire formal education are not because of prevailing factors. If we don’t take care of them now they may become nuisance in the society,” he said.

    Adeboye outlined some of the causes and effects of out of school problem, including teenage pregnancy, environmental influences, poverty and government policy.

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    He called for a synergy between non-governmental organisations, corporate establishments, individual donors and the government in playing active roles to boost enrolment.

    Education Secretary of Apapa LGEA, Alhaja Fausat Olawepo, stressed the importance of community collaboration with the government to guarantee quality infrastructure for improved child education.

    She explained that the purpose of the forum was to draw the attention of the communities including parents, NGOs, corporate bodies and philanthropists to respond towards the educational development of children in Apapa to address the issue of out-of-school children.

    Olawepo stressed that proper learning and character were critical to child development and that the local government is doing well in funding of school projects and programmes to provide qualitative education.

    Highlights of the occasion were presentation of certificate of merit awards to deserving teachers by the LGEA and cultural dance displays by select pupils from various schools.

  • Shutdown: Varsity floors NUC, Okebukola at Appeal Court

    Shutdown: Varsity floors NUC, Okebukola at Appeal Court

    The Court of Appeal, Enugu Division has dismissed an appeal filed by the National Universities Commission (NUC) and its former Executive Secretary, Peter Okebukola, challenging the judgment of the Federal High Court Enugu Division, which nullified the closure of a private university, Richmond Open University, Arochukwu, Abia State, by the commission in 2006.

    The three-man Appeal Court panel in a unanimous judgment said it found no merit in the appeal and therefore dismissed it.

    The first, second and third respondents in the appeal were Dr. Ifeanyichukwu Okonkwo for himself and on behalf of Richmond Open University, the Federal Government and the Inspector General of Police respectively.

    Delivering the lead judgment, Justice Olasumbo Goodluck said she was not persuaded by the submission of the learned counsel to the appellant that the judgment of the lower court was a nullity, which the lower court itself could set aside.

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    In the view of Justice Goodluck, the lower court rightly and validly declined to set aside its judgment on the reasoning that “the exceptions in the case of Abana vs, Obi” warranting the court to set aside its findings, did not exist in the matter before it.

    Regarding the appellant’s submission that the originating summons filed by Ifeanyichukwu Okonkwo, a layman, renders the entire process filed by the respondent a nullity, Justice Goodluck agreed with the decision of the trial court in this regard.

    Quoting the trial court, the judge said: “On the issue of Mr. Okonkwo, a layman appearing for and on behalf of Richmond Open University to conduct this matter, this Honourable Court is functus officio on the judgment. The case of MODE NIG LTD VS.UBA (supra) is authoritative on the point but the matter is better raised in the Court of Appeal because any further review of the judgment of this court on the 14/7/06 on this point, will amount to this Honourable Court, sitting on appeal on its judgment and I resist the temptation to do so.”

    Speaking further, Justice Goodluck said: “I am unable to fault the decision of the trial court in this regard. Any attempt to upset the findings of the learned trial court in respect of the judgment given on the merit can only be considered by the Appellate Court. This case clearly does not fall under the exceptions for setting aside the judgment of the lower court. In effect, the trial court rightly dismissed the appellant’s application for setting aside its judgment.

    “Accordingly, I find no merit in this application. It is hereby dismissed.”

    The other two justices in the Appeal Court panel, Justice R. Maiwada Abdulahi and Justice Joseph Eyo Ekanem, both concurred with the lead judgment announced by their colleague, Justice Goodluck.

    Recall that in July 2006, Justice A.L. Allagoa, then of the Federal High Court Enugu Division, entered judgment in favour of Richmond Open University in a suit filed on behalf of the university by Dr. Okonkwo, an activist who claimed to be an investor in the university founded in 2006.

  • Ladoke Akintola varsity wins National Campus Debate

    Ladoke Akintola varsity wins National Campus Debate

    • Team clinches N20 million

    Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH), Ogbomoso in Oyo State has emerged champion at this year’s National Campus Debate and capacity building conference for tertiary institutions.

    Its team went home with a princely prize of N20 million.

    The grand finale of the debates, with the theme: “Criticising and dissenting peacefully while maintaining love for one’s country”, organised by the National Orientation Agency, in partnership with Nigeria Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), was held yesterday at Ikeja GRA, Lagos.

    The winning team, which comprised Adekunle Ayomide and Oladeji Oluwashina, represented the Southwest geopolitical zone. Other winners were Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria (second position), University of Ilorin (third), Ignatius Ajuru University of Education, Obukuru, Port Harcourt (fourth), Gombe State Polytechnic (fifth position) and Institute of Management Technology (IMT), Enugu (sixth).

    The NOA Director-General, Lanre Issa-Onilu said the theme was apt and timely as it came at a time the country is facing some challenges and that understanding the national issues was very important.

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    He said the initiative, tagged: “7 for 7”, reflected the NOA’s commitment “to instilling and celebrating our collective national values, particularly among our greatest resource, our youths”.

    Issa-Onilu said: “In an era where our nation faces great challenges, from governance to societal well-being, the power of healthy dialogue and peaceful peace talks cannot be overstated. Constructive criticism is not revengeable. It is a cornerstone of democracy and a vital tool for nation-building.

    “However, criticism must always be grounded in love for one’s country, with the intention of building, not tearing down. Let me remind you all that that criticism is not silence. Loving your country does not mean turning a blind eye to shortcomings. It means recognising those shortcomings, speaking out against them constructively and working together to find solutions.

    “As students, you are the voice of today, and the hope of tomorrow. Your ability to express dissent peacefully, while upholding the unity and progress of Nigeria, will define the kind of leaders you will become, and the legacy you leave behind.’’

  • UBEC strengthens SBMCS to tackle 10.5 million out-of-school children crisis 

    UBEC strengthens SBMCS to tackle 10.5 million out-of-school children crisis 

    The Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) has implemented measures to strengthen School-Based Management Committees (SBMCs) as part of efforts to tackle the issue of 10.5 million out-of-school children in Nigeria.

    The Commission highlighted the critical role SBMCs play in boosting school enrollment and ensuring effective management of schools within their communities.

    Speaking at the closing ceremony of a two-day capacity-building workshop for SBMC members nationwide, the immediate past Executive Secretary of UBEC, Dr. Hamid Bobboyi, stated that the initiative provided a foundation for establishing a national platform to enhance SBMC operations across the country.

    Bobboyi said he believed that the two-day engagement would ultimately enhance the visibility and impact of SBMCs, thus making government officials, educators, and community members come together for an inclusive approach toward basic education. 

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    He said: “I am gladdened by the development and outcome of this meeting where participants have been trained on the rudiments of SBMC operations and are ready to take this further by selecting officers to spearhead the formation of the national structure for SBMCs.  

    “To this end, UBEC has worked tirelessly in strengthening school communities in implementing the School Based Management principles and ensuring effective operations of SBMCs at the school level. 

    “UBEC’s effort in this direction is intended to transform our schools into hubs of community engagement and empowerment.”

    Bobboyi added that through collaborative effort in the two-day engagement, significant efforts have been made in improving knowledge of the decentralisation practices in basic education delivery, the school-based management concept, and also laid a solid foundation for the national structure for SBMCs in Nigeria. 

    He said the Commission is supporting SBMCs efforts and giving them the necessary backing for success, noting that as stakeholders in building a better future for the children there was the need to re-enforce the commitment to the ideals of the School Based Management System by working relentlessly to ensure that every child in Nigeria gets access to quality education, with strong, effective, and resourceful SBMCs to support them.

    Director, Social Mobilisation, UBEC, Dr. Ossom Ossom noted that SBMCs are critical stakeholders in improving the quality and inclusiveness of Universal Basic Education (UBE) delivery. 

    Ossom expressed his excitement and satisfaction with the vision to establish a national body with the SBMC chairmen across the country.

    He noted that over the years, the commission has observed numerous organisations working at the grassroots level, and from this, it has concluded that if SBMCs can function effectively at the grassroots, they could certainly succeed at the national level.

    According to him, it is this reasoning that prompted the Commission to give the green light for the establishment of SBMCs at the national level.

    He said: “Today, we have successfully elected national officials who are equipped to lead the SBMCs on a national scale.”

  • Young entrepreneurs shine at youth sustainable enterprise challenge grand finale

    Young entrepreneurs shine at youth sustainable enterprise challenge grand finale

    Eight young entrepreneurs emerged as winners at the grand finale of the Youth Sustainable Enterprise Challenge Programme (YSEC), a groundbreaking initiative aimed at empowering young innovators.

    The event, organised by NerdzFactory Company in partnership with the British Council and King’s Trust International (KTI), was held in Lagos to showcase entrepreneurial excellence and innovation.

    After a rigorous selection process, 16 finalists were chosen from a competitive pool of candidates who began the YSEC programme in November 2024. Participants were paired with experienced mentors, who provided guidance on key business aspects such as securing funding, scaling operations, and establishing realistic profit timelines. The programme’s first edition, which ran from February to March 2024, culminated in a pitch competition where the finalists were awarded grants to scale their businesses.

    The winners are Jerry Apeh (Unique Hybrid Agro Enterprises) and Femi John (FMJ HANDCRAFTS), won Most Innovative Business Ideas category. 

    Oyetoro Darasimi (Bàtà Dara) and Adejuyigbe Afolabi (Diadem Educational Service) won Most Societal Business Ideas category. Dorcas Obeahan (Onit Innovations Limited) and Emmanuel Ajopo (Jago Farms) won Most Profitable Business Ideas category. Oghenetegiri Ogodo (Scrap2style) and Adeola Ogunkoya, also won Most Environmentally Friendly Business Ideas category.

    Each winner received a cash prize of three hundred thousand naira (N300,000).

    In his opening address, Ade Olowojoba, Founding Partner of NerdzFactory Company, underscored the significance of empowering young entrepreneurs to thrive in the competitive business world.

    “This programme embodies a shared commitment to equipping young entrepreneurs with the skills, knowledge, and resources to excel in today’s business landscape,” Olowojoba said.

    Reflecting on his personal journey, Olowojoba shared how NerdzFactory began in 2017 with just N25,000 (approximately USD 100 at the time) from his room in Lagos. Encouraging participants, he noted:

    He also expressed gratitude to the programme partners for their pivotal roles in supporting the initiative.

    Regional Senior Marketing Manager, Education, Sub-Saharan Africa at the British Council, Babajide Sanusi emphasised the importance of practical business knowledge beyond having innovative ideas.

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    “For many of them, having a good idea is great, but it’s not enough to run or scale a business. How do you set up and manage a team? How do you manage cash flow both inflow and outflow? Separating personal income from business income is also a critical skill,” Sanusi said.

    Country Manager, King’s Trust International, Damilola Sotuminu announced plans to expand the organisation’s youth empowerment initiatives across Nigeria.

    “We currently work in Kano, Enugu, Abuja, Lagos, and Port Harcourt. As the programme grows, we hope to support more young people and expand into additional states,” she said.

    Sotuminu described the event as “very inspiring,” particularly praising the innovative ideas presented.

    “Young people are always coming up with incredible solutions, and we hope to support them in the best way we can,” she added.

    Sotuminu explained that the programme is designed to provide structure for young people pursuing side businesses:

    “We know that our young people often have ‘side hustles,’ but there’s rarely a structured path to take them from business ideas to scalable enterprises. We’re trying to provide that pathway.”

    She encouraged the winners to: “Continue doing what brought you success. Grow your ideas relentlessly, seek mentorship, and leverage every opportunity for support—whether financial, strategic, or collaborative.”

    One of the winners, Emmanuel Ajopo, founder of Jago Farms, described the programme as transformative for his business and the Nigerian economy. He revealed plans to launch a factory for cassava by-products, which he pitched during the programme.

    Another winner, Jerry Apeh, founder of Unique Hybrid Agro Enterprises, called on the government to implement policies that encourage modern agricultural techniques to meet the needs of Nigeria’s growing population.

    “These policies are essential for Nigeria to scale agricultural production and ensure food security,” Apeh stressed.

    Another winner and founder of ECO HAVEN, Adeola Ogunkoya urged the government to support the waste management industry through empowerment programmes, training, and collaborations with innovators.

    Ogunkoya, whose company produces eco-friendly furniture from waste materials like tires, emphasized the need for sustainable solutions to Nigeria’s waste management challenges.

  • Mountain Top University to confer degrees on 378 students

    Mountain Top University to confer degrees on 378 students

    By Victoria Amadi and Ebube Ojukwu

    Mountain Top University (MTU) is set to graduate 378 students at its 6th convocation ceremony on December 19th, which will be held at the university’s multipurpose hall.

    During a media briefing on Monday, MTU Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Elijah Ayolabi, provided a detailed breakdown of the graduating class. Of the 378 graduates, 50 earned first-class degrees, 144 graduated with second-class upper degrees, 127 with second-class lower degrees, and 24 with third-class degrees.

    Prof. Ayolabi also revealed that Dr. Agbu Kefas, the executive governor of Taraba State, will deliver the convocation lecture. 

    Also, in recognition of their significant contributions to the university’s growth, Prince Alex Mbata will be awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Letters (D.Litt.), while Prof. Olajide Ayinla and Hon. Justice Oluwatoyin Odusanya will receive distinguished service awards.

    The ceremony will also include the awarding of Ph.D. degrees in Accounting and Mass Communication to two students from the College of Humanities, Management, and Social Sciences.

    The event will be accompanied by various activities, including a musical performance, exhibition, football match, a convocation play, and a Vice-Chancellor’s cocktail for the graduating students.

    Prof. Ayolabi attributed the university’s successes to its unwavering commitment to delivering high-quality education in a safe, serene environment, supported by world-class facilities and equipment for learning and research.

    “Our food science and technology students came first in the ReFoSTS (10th Regional Food Science and Technology summit 2024 quiz competition), while Miss Ajayi Iteoluwa, a student of IRPM won the 2024 under 25 years CEO/Entrepreneur. Beyond academics, our students have distinguished themselves in various domains, including research, innovation, entrepreneurship and community service. This reflects our commitment to providing a holistic education that prepares our students to excel in a dynamic global environment,” he said. 

    He added: “Over the years Mountain Top University has continued to make significant strides in academics, research and infrastructural development. We have established mutually benefiting partnership with international universities and industry leaders to enhance research, innovation and student exchange programmes,” he said. 

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    Prof. Ayolabi noted that the National Universities Commission ( NUC) has approved additional 5 academic programmes in the university, which includes nursing science, medical laboratory science, nutrition and dietetics, public health and biomedical technology. 

    “Admission has commenced into these programmes with about 150 students enrolled in the ongoing 2024/2025 academic session. Similarly we secured NUC accreditation for all existing programmes,” he said. 

    Prof. Ayolabi reiterated the university’s dedication to nurturing talented individuals who can drive positive change.

    “As we celebrate our achievements we remain resolute in our vision to be a dynamic centre of academic excellence, producing globally competitive graduates. Mountain Top University will continue to advance its mission of nurturing men and women with specialised skills and value systems to impact their communities positively,” he said.

  • Kogi Gov signs law establishing CUSTECH Teaching Hospital Okene

    Kogi Gov signs law establishing CUSTECH Teaching Hospital Okene

    Kogi Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo has signed a bill converting the state-of-the-art Reference Hospital, Okene into the Confluence University of Science and Technology (CUSTECH) Teaching Hospital.

    This was announced in Lokoja on Tuesday by Commissioner for Information and Communications, Mr. Kingsley Fanwo, during a briefing.

    The move aligns with the National Universities Commission’s approval of a full-time Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) program, among other medical courses, at CUSTECH. According to Mr. Fanwo, the step ensures the program begins on a solid foundation.

    “This achievement is the result of months of coordinated engagement between the university, the State Ministry of Health, and the State Ministry of Education. We commend the State House of Assembly for passing the bill, which has now been signed into law by Governor Ododo,” Fanwo said.

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    He emphasised the administration’s prioritisation of ealthcare, noting that the former Reference Hospital —now the CUSTECH Teaching Hospital— is equipped with world-class medical facilities, some of which are debuting for the first time in Africa.

    “With this development, CUSTECH will have cutting-edge medical technology to train outstanding healthcare professionals for Kogi State and beyond,” he added.

    Fanwo further highlighted the administration’s commitment to healthcare and education, describing the signing as a significant milestone in the state’s progress. He also expressed gratitude to the State House of Assembly for their collective effort in creating this historic achievement.

    With the bill now law, CUSTECH is poised to effectively commence its MBBS program.

  • FUOYE secures NUC approval for 22 new programmes under Fasina

    FUOYE secures NUC approval for 22 new programmes under Fasina

    The National Universities Commission (NUC) has approved 22 new undergraduate and postgraduate programmes for the Federal University Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE). 

    A statement by the Special Adviser Media to the Vice Chancellor Dr Wole Balogun explained the achievement marks another step forward in FUOYE’s commitment to academic growth and excellence.

    The announcement follows determined efforts by the management team led by Vice-Chancellor Professor Abayomi Sunday Fasina, to broaden the university’s academic offerings. 

    This included a formal invitation extended to the NUC to assess existing facilities in preparation for the swift take-off of the programmes.

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    His leadership bore fruit when the NUC conveyed its approval via a letter signed by Mr Abubakar M. Girei, Acting Director of Academic Planning, on behalf of the Executive Secretary. The letter stated:

    “I am directed to inform the Vice-Chancellor that the Acting Executive Secretary has approved the establishment of the following full-time undergraduate and postgraduate programmes to commence at the main campus of the university from the 2024/2025 academic session,” it reads.

    The newly approved programmes include three undergraduate degrees: B.Eng. Information and Communication Engineering, B.Eng. Software Engineering, and B.Sc. Cyber Security.

    For postgraduate studies, the approved programmes are: PGDE (Education), PGD Science Education, PGD Criminology and Security Studies, and PGD Educational Management.

    The university will now also offer M.Sc. and PhD in Science Education, M.Sc. and PhD in Criminology and Security Studies, M.Ed. and PhD in Business Education, and M.Ed. and PhD in Educational Management.

    The list also includes five professional Masters programmes: Forensic Accounting, Financial Fraud Investigation and Intelligence, Public Finance Management, Crime Investigative Management, and Criminology and Security Studies.

    This milestone reflects FUOYE’s progressive strides under Professor Fasina’s administration, further cementing its status as a forward-looking institution committed to academic excellence and innovation.

  • MAAUN gets NUC approval to commence medicine, architecture, other programmes

    MAAUN gets NUC approval to commence medicine, architecture, other programmes

    The Maryam Abacha American University of Nigeria (MAAUN) in Kano has received official approval from the National Universities Commission (NUC) to commence Medicine, Architecture, and other academic programmes.

    The ratification was announced by Dr. Habeeb Awaisu, Vice President of Administration, when he received participants in the PRNigeria Young Communication Fellowship on a guided tour of the institution.

    Awaisu said apart from the nod to commence Medicine and Surgery (MBBS), the School of Environmental Sciences got authorization for degree programmes in Architecture and Quantity Surveying. The Law programme was earlier approved.

    The official confirmed that before granting accreditation, the NUC conducted a thorough inspection of the university’s resources, including modern faculty infrastructure, academic materials, and highly qualified staff members.

    “This approval showcases MAAUN’s determination to deliver high-quality education, backed by state-of-the-art facilities and a team of experienced lecturers. There are now 22 undergraduate programmes, spanning social sciences, health, law, and medicine.

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    “The School of Social & Management Sciences (SSMS) offers degree programmes in Accounting, Banking and Finance, Business Administration, Economics, Human Resources Management, International Relations, Mass Communication, and Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution.

    “The School of Computing (SC), MAAUN offers degree programmes in Computer Science, Cyber Security, Information Technology, Software Engineering, Data Science and Information Systems.

    “The School of Health Sciences (SHS) offers degree programmes in Medical Laboratory Sciences (BMLS), Doctor of Physiotherapy (DPT), and Public Health; the School of Nursing Sciences offers BSc. Nursing Science,” Awaisu added.

    Dr. Musa Abdullahi Sufi, Coordinator of the Adamu Abubakar Gwarzo Foundation, highlighted that the NUC approval “is not just a reflection of MAAUN’s growth but also a response to the increasing demand for quality higher education in Nigeria.”

    Sufi, a senior lecturer in the university, quoted the founder’s belief that education is fundamental to addressing the pressing issues facing the Northern region. “By equipping our youth with knowledge, we can tackle the multifaceted challenges confronting our nation,” he said.

    Yushau Shuaib, CEO of Image Merchants Promotion Limited, praised the university for upholding high academic standards. He described the NUC accreditation as a testament to MAAUN’s commitment to delivering world-class education.

    “This milestone signifies another important step in the school’s mission to provide quality education while addressing regional and national challenges through innovative academic programmes,” the PRNigeria publisher noted.