The Nation Newspaper

Category: Education

  • Student Loan Scheme waxing strong

    Student Loan Scheme waxing strong

    Succinctly described as President Bola Tinubu’s flagship project in the education sector, the Student Loan Scheme has surpassed the expectations of many, including the sceptics, who believed it was headed for the rocks and would join a long list of failed government projects.  It has not only saved many students, who had risked becoming dropouts, but provided one last hope for indigent students.  Thus, for the beneficiaries, it is never a scheme to joke with as they navigate their educational journey. The scheme can only get better with the recent announcement that applications have surpassed one million, making it one of the most-widely embraced social intervention programmes under the Bola Tinubu-led administration, DAMOLA KOLA-DARE reports.

    Without the Student Loan Scheme, dropout rates in tertiary institutions would have surged, further worsening the socio-economic challenges of the nation. However, many students would continue to express gratitude to the administration of President Bola Tinubu for the zero interest loans, which has saved many from leaving school abruptly.

    Therefore, the scheme, under the aegis of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), remains a beam of hope; an initiative in tandem with the President’s Renewed Hope Agenda. For observers in the education space, it has revolutionised tertiary education in the country, while underlining the commitment of the President to open access to education.

    Before now, students have recounted how the scheme became their saving grace in the face of economic hardship, thus when NELFUND announced that applications have surpassed one million, it was a reflection of the scheme’s appeal and acceptability, making it one of the most-widely embraced social intervention programmes under the Bola Tinubu-led administration. Interestingly, all the scepticisms surrounding it at inception have evaporated. Critics also argued it should be an “education grant” and not a loan, yet it is waxing strong, and surpassing expectations.

    Historic milestone

    Last week, the agency noted that the student loan scheme has crossed one million applications on its official portal, making it one of the biggest uptake levels for a government-supported social scheme since the start of the present administration.

     Its Director of Strategic Communications, Oseyemi Oluwatuyi, said the milestone was achieved less than a year after the scheme’s launch on May 24, 2024. He described the development as a strong indicator of growing national confidence in the initiative.

    According to NELFUND, more than N116 billion has been disbursed to students in universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education across the country, with over 600,000 students benefitting.

    The disbursements include both tuition and upkeep allowances to bring relief to learners.

    As of early last month, NELFUND confirmed the disbursement of N65.3 billion to 239 institutions for tuition payments, alongside N51.1 billion in upkeep allowances to students — bringing the total amount disbursed to N116.4 billion.

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    NELFUND Managing Director, Akintunde Sawyerr, attributed the success of the initiative to President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda, which prioritises inclusive access to education.

    “Crossing the one-million mark represents more than data; it symbolises renewed hope for a generation of Nigerians determined to rise above financial barriers to education.

    “It is a testament to visionary leadership, sound policy design, and the collective effort of all stakeholders driving this transformative agenda,” he said.

    NELFUND reaffirmed its commitment to improving access, transparency and efficiency in the loan process, pledging that every qualified Nigerian student — regardless of background or location — will be able to benefit from the scheme.

    The agency stressed that the loan programme is non-discriminatory and inclusive, cutting across all religious and ethnic lines while promoting unity through equal educational opportunities.

    “NELFUND remains focused on ensuring that no Nigerian is denied the opportunity to learn, grow, or contribute to national progress because of financial limitations,” the statement added.

    Ongoing process

    NELFUND has also announced the official launch of its student loan application portal for the 2025/2026 academic session. The agency stated that the application period will run from Thursday, October 23, 2025, to Saturday, January 31, 2026.

    It urged newly admitted students to use their Admission Number or JAMB Registration Number in place of a matriculation number when applying.

    NELFUND stated that disbursements typically occur within 30 days of the approval of successful applications. The agency continues to process and disburse funds in batches for both the past 2024/2025 and the current 2025/2026 academic sessions.

    It has mandated institutions to upload verified student data onto the NELFUND portal to ensure seamless processing of applications and disbursements.

    The agency noted that upkeep loan disbursements are in line with the institutions’ academic sessions to avoid possible duplicate transactions.

    Statistics on registration

    Checks revealed that the North-West region has the highest number of students who have registered for the NELFUND loan, with 157,831 applicants as of May 2025. The North-East follows with 127,058, the South-West with 92,850, and the North-Central with 74,120 applicants. Overall, northern regions have seen a significantly higher application rate compared to southern regions, with northern states like Kano, Borno, and Benue leading in applications.

    Geopolitical Zone             Number of Applicants (May 2025)

    North-West        157,831

    North-East          127,058

    South-West        92,850

    North-Central    74,120

    South-South      37,180

    South-East          27,098

    NELFUND won’t put pressure on beneficiaries to repay

    Sawyerr insisted that NELFUND will not put pressure on graduates to repay the loans unless they get jobs.

    “There’s no obligation on the loanees to repay the loans until two years after they have completed their NYSC. And even after two years, there’s no obligation to repay the loans unless a person has a job.

    “Two years after NYSC, there’s a reporting requirement for us to know what the status of the individual is. If they don’t get jobs for the next 10 years, which is not the plan, then they don’t pay the NELFUND any money. Additionally, the obligation to repay is on the employer who is obliged by law to give us a proportion of the funds that they are paying as a salary to the employee.

    “Our guidelines have determined that to be 10 per cent. So, even after this two-year moratorium, it’s designed to ensure that the employer, who’s really benefiting from the intervention of NELFUND, is the one obliged to take 10 per cent and repay the fund.”

    Tinubu’s game changer, ray of hope

    The president has received more plaudits for changing the face of tertiary education with the Student Loan Scheme.

    In his praise of the president, Senior Special Assistant on Students’ Engagement to the President, Sunday Asefon, said: “Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu has justified his mandate by making education easier for students. There was no president since independence that gave students the opportunity to get interest free loans to attain tertiary education and return it when they start working.

    “The President had told our parents not to go and get high interest loans to send their children to tertiary school, but to get the NELFUND that is interest-free and pay when the beneficiary starts working.

    “It doesn’t require you knowing anyone in a position of authority before you can access it.

    “Since we got independence, no President has allotted high budgetary provisions to education the way President Tinubu has done.”

    The President had in April last year signed the Student Loan (Access to Higher Education) Act (Repeal and Re-Enactment) Bill, 2024, into law.

    The assent was sequel to the separate considerations by both the Senate and the House of Representatives of the report of the Committee on Tertiary Institutions and the Tertiary Education Trust Fund.

    The Act empowers the Nigeria Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) to provide loans to qualified Nigerian students for tuition fees, charges and upkeep during their studies in approved public tertiary institutions and vocational and skills acquisition establishments in the country.

    The revised Student Loan Act 2024 was created to remove financial barriers and make education more accessible to students, regardless of their economic background. The mandate so far has been fulfilled with over 600,000 students receiving the loans across more than 100 tertiary institutions nationwide.

    Students’ appraisal

    Abubakar Aliyu, a graduate of Bayero University Kano (BUK) Kano, said: “Many of my fellow students have benefitted from the loan scheme. Those who applied have given their testimony about it.  I am very happy because I have never seen a programme as successful and helpful as NELFUND for students.

    “I appreciate the Federal Government for this wonderful development and I know they can still do better. If this can stand, then they can still do much to ensure younger ones at home, not financially stable, can go to higher institutions and get a degree,” Aliyu said.

    Similarly, a 300-Level student of Lagos State University of Science and Technology (LASUSTECH), Ibrahim Fatimo, said she first heard about the scheme from one of her associations.

    “It was announced in our Epe federation and then in our department.  I was motivated when they said they’ll pay our school fees and that would help me a lot.

    “I eventually applied, and it was so smooth as I encountered no difficulties. It has been helpful, from the school fee payment down to the upkeep,” she declared.

    Saba Hanifa, a 300-Level student at the Department of Education Biology at Usmanu Danfodio University (UDUS), who benefited from the loan scheme, stated that it has eased her financial burden.

    “I was managing well with financial support from my parents, but with NELFUND, I could afford additional necessities beyond food,” she said.

  • Why we believe in academic excellence, Godly values, by Dansol School

    Why we believe in academic excellence, Godly values, by Dansol School

    Dansol High School, Lagos opened its doors to students on October 9, 1995, at plot 533, Wempco Road, Agidingbi, Ikeja, Lagos with four pupils, 15 teachers, and five administrative staff. Despite having only four students at inception, the students were not denied the opportunity of the experience of all the activities a more populated and matured school should have. These four students organised the very first carol service of the school and many other extra-curricular activities in the school. The school is celebrating 30 years of its existence.  Its Executive Director, Mrs. Olanitori Omotara, one of the school’s four founding pupils, speaks with Bola Olajuwon, Assistant Editor on the journey so far.

    30 years after, what was the situation like when this place was being conceived?

    I was one of the founding students of this school. The founder of the school is Mrs. Adunola Akinyemi. When she started the school, she had a vision to run a Christian co-educational secondary school that would give quality education to children in Lagos State and across Nigeria, while also instilling Christian values — values that would help them become men and women who would stand out and excel in all that they do, especially in career, family and all walks of life.

    To the glory of God, this has continued now for 30 years. We have been on this assignment and have produced excellent men and women who have done exactly what she set out to do. We started with four students — not at this location, but at another location on Wempco Road. I was one of the first four. We grew from four to eight, then to about 20-something, and to the glory of God, now — if we include the primary school — we have over 8,000 children. Many more have also passed through Dansol High School.

    Is the school both a primary and secondary school?

    Yes. It is Dansol High School and Dansol Nursery and Primary School. However, the primary school is 21 years old. It just turned 21 on the 18th of September, this year. But the high school is celebrating 30 years of its existence.

    On the challenges that the management of the school faced in the past 30 years

    Over the years, I would say growing the school and increasing in number was the initial challenge. After we got our Lagos State approval, we officially started on the first day of resumption, October 9, 1995 — and before the end of that year, we were approved by Lagos State. We had our formal opening on January 24, 1996.

    At the beginning, convincing parents that we had what it takes was a major challenge. We were a new entrant into the education space, and there were already many schools that had existed before us. Convincing parents that we could deliver quality education was not easy.

    However, we thank God that our results spoke for us — both in academic performance and in the character of our students. The way they behave, carry themselves, and who they have become in society are proofs of what we stand for.

    Another challenge, especially in the early years, was financial. Growing a school requires a lot of financial investment. But God has blessed us with great relationships with our banks. Over time, these relationships have become mutually beneficial — the banks trust us, and we have remained committed to the growth of the institution. That focus and commitment have helped us overcome many challenges.

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    Some private school proprietors often say that running a school in Lagos today is not worth it because of too many taxes and levies. What was your experience like?

    Because of the kind of organisation we’ve built over the years, we strongly believe in giving unto Caesar what belongs to Caesar. Yes, there are taxes, levies, and fines that the government expects us to remit from time to time, but we’ve been faithful in fulfilling those obligations.

    We also ensure that our workers’ taxes are paid as and when due. We’ve been around for 30 years now, and that longevity has helped us manage our obligations properly. So, yes, we pay what is due to the government, and we do it with integrity.

    What is the unique value you’ve built on over the years?

    The value we’ve built on is simple — we are a Christian school, and we focus on academic excellence. We raise children who are children of God, and we make that clear to parents from the start.

    When parents bring their children to us, we tell them plainly: this is a Christian, faith-based school. We don’t hide it or shy away from it. So, yes, your child will learn Mathematics, English, Chemistry, Biology, and so on — but your child will also learn the Word of God, learn about Jesus Christ, and understand Biblical principles.

    We have successfully married these two — academic excellence and Godly values. We ensure that students understand they must work hard for their results. Nobody will help them in any exam. Their grades are earned through effort, discipline, and prayer.

    If you see a child who graduates from Dansol High School, you can be sure that his/her result is a true reflection of hard work and knowledge. That’s what we pride ourselves on — academic excellence and spiritual development.

  • JAN to hold national forum on teaching entrepreneurship Thursday

    JAN to hold national forum on teaching entrepreneurship Thursday

    Junior Achievement Nigeria (JAN) is set to host an event aimed at reshaping how entrepreneurship is taught in schools, with teachers at the centre of the conversation.

    The event, tagged SET4LYF: National Convening on Teaching Entrepreneurship with a Focus on Teachers, will take place today.

    It will bring together educators, policymakers, and private sector partners to discuss practical strategies for integrating entrepreneurship into the classroom.

    Ahead of the event, JAN on Tuesday held a virtual media parley to brief reporters and stakeholders on the vision and objectives of the initiative.

    Speaking during the session, Country Director of SET4LYF, Mr. Olaolu Akogun , explained that the initiative—School-to-Work Educational Transitions for Long-Term Youth Fulfilment (SET4LYF), is designed to prepare Nigerian secondary school girls, internally displaced persons (IDPs), and persons with disabilities (PWDs) for the future of work, entrepreneurship, and higher education.

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    “We want to be inclusive, bridging the gap with this program. Inclusion is very important to us,” Akogun said. He noted that the program aims to reach participants across 31 states, with a deliberate inclusion target of 5 percent girls with disabilities and 10 percent internally displaced girls to ensure equitable access to entrepreneurial learning opportunities.

    According to him, empowering teachers is at the heart of the initiative. “Teachers are the catalysts for entrepreneurship education. We want to equip them with the right mindset and tools to inspire creativity, innovation, and leadership in the next generation,” he added.

    Akogun stressed the need for government and institutional support to sustain the impact of the program.

    “For anything to thrive, it needs the right environment. We need the support of the government and other development partners,” he said.

    The upcoming convening will assemble educators, school leaders, government representatives, NGOs, and private sector partners to explore actionable ways to make entrepreneurship education more practical and inclusive in Nigerian schools.

    It will also serve as a platform for sharing success stories, identifying gaps, and building collaborations that will enable teachers to become effective enablers of innovation and self-reliance among young Nigerians.

    Interested participants and stakeholders can register through JAN’s website at www.janigeria.org or follow its social media platforms @janigeria for updates.

  • Fed Govt inaugurates tertiary education governance platform

    Fed Govt inaugurates tertiary education governance platform

    The Federal Government has unveiled the Tertiary Institution Governance and Transparency Platform (FTIGTP), aimed at promoting transparency, accountability, and good governance across Nigeria’s tertiary education sector, enhancing trust and operational efficiency nationwide.

    Speaking in Abuja, Minister of Education Dr. Tunji Alausa described the platform as a “major milestone” in Nigeria’s journey to restoring public confidence in the management of tertiary institutions.

    Alausa explained that, for the first time, Nigeria would have a unified system providing real-time visibility into student enrolment, government funding, and other critical metrics across all tertiary institutions.

    He said the platform would cover TETFund allocations, NELFund interventions, research grants, and institutional performance indicators, creating a single, integrated framework for monitoring and assessing tertiary education outcomes in Nigeria.

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    The minister added that the platform would end years of fragmented, inconsistent data collection across institutions, replacing multiple reporting formats with a unified, accurate, and accessible digital system.

    Alausa emphasised that FTIGTP was not just a data collection tool but a reformed instrument designed to drive efficiency, results-based management, and stronger governance across Nigeria’s tertiary education sector.

    “Institutions will now be required to submit data quarterly, with financial reporting tied to performance and eligibility for future government funding, ensuring accountability and better resource allocation nationwide.

    “For many years, tertiary education data has been scattered across platforms, paper reports, and inconsistent submissions, limiting oversight and trust,” he said, highlighting the need for a centralised, reliable information system.

    According to him, the FTIGTP will serve as a single nationwide source of accurate data, providing financial transparency, enhancing accountability, discouraging fund misuse, and fostering public trust in Nigeria’s tertiary education system.

    The minister called for full cooperation from vice chancellors, rectors, and provosts nationwide, stressing that successful implementation depends on institutional compliance and a shared commitment to transparency and efficiency.

  • 146 Bowen university graduates bag First Class

    146 Bowen university graduates bag First Class

    • VC seeks inclusion of private schools in NELFUND

    No fewer than 146 students of Bowen University, Iwo, Osun State bagged First Class Honours as 1,064 graduated at its 20th convocation ceremony.

    Its Vice-Chancellor, Professor Jonathan Babalola, said for the 20th Convocation of Bowen, 1,064 students graduated across various disciplines at both the undergraduate and postgraduate levels. “These graduands have been nurtured intellectually, socially and morally in line with our vision of raising godly leaders who combine character with competence.”

    He highlighted that “143 bagged First Class, 394 Second Class Upper Division while 221 graduated with Second Class Honours (Lower Division), 69 students got Third Class Honours and five have Pass.

    “In Physiotherapy and Nursing Science, 30 students achieved Distinction, 80 students earned Credit, and three students obtained a Pass, successfully meeting the academic standards required for graduation. Sixty-six students from the College of Health Sciences are being awarded the Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MB; BS) degree.”

    He also disclosed that 26 students are being conferred with Master’s degrees and 9 scholars have earned the Doctor of Philosophy degree.

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    Babalola urged the Federal Government to include students of private institutions to benefit from the Nigeria Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) programme.

    He lamented over the discrimination against research outputs of Nigerian scholars, hence urging Western research suggestions and recommendations to be embraced in the process of policy formulation in the country.

    Also, he pleaded with the Osun State Government over the taxation of the institution’s radio station, saying: “The mast meant for radio programmes for educational purposes is being taxed, when you are looking for money you don’t look for it anyhow – this is a very serious appeal. This radio is just for community service and it should not be taxed.”

  • Candidates disown lawsuit against UNILAG, OAU over alleged Post-UTME irregularities

    Candidates disown lawsuit against UNILAG, OAU over alleged Post-UTME irregularities

    Candidates, whose names appeared in a lawsuit filed against the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, Osun State and the University of Lagos (UNILAG), Akoka, said they were shocked to find their names as plaintiffs in an ongoing court case.

    Three of the five candidates named in the suit told an online media organisation that they were not informed before the lawsuit was filed, and that they only found out about it when the court documents were posted online.

    Some said they asked for their names to be removed, but have yet to receive a response, even as it stalls their admission chances.

    The online media had reported how a law firm, F.K. Nnadi and Co., sued UNILAG and OAU over alleged irregularities that shortchanged candidates in their 2025 Post-UTME.

    The law firm said it was suing on behalf of Success Chibuzor, Zainab Oyeleye, Adedeji Samuel, Aliat Monsuru, Bassey Nsikak and “on behalf of all other affected candidates of the 2025 UNILAG and OAU Post-UTME”.

    Also added as a defendant in the case was the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), where the Central Admission Processing System (CAPS) used for offering admissions is domiciled.

    According to a pre-action notice issued by the law firm, the suit stemmed from alleged unjustifiable award of low scores to candidates and withholding of some results without explanation.

    In an ex-parte ruling delivered on September 30, Justice Mabel Segun-Bello of the Federal High Court in Enugu asked all parties to maintain the status quo as regards the admissions processes pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice.

    As a result, JAMB froze the CAPS profile of the five named applicants in the suit as well as the two institutions involved.

    In a statement by its spokesperson, Fabian Benjamin, on October 19, JAMB said it will neither “alter nor allow any alteration to be carried out on the concerned profiles by any of the parties” in conformity with the court order.

    However, the candidates said they never asked any law firm to either represent them or file a lawsuit against the institutions.

    Ken Nnadi, the counsel to the named candidates, maintained that “no candidate was maliciously or arbitrarily included in the lawsuit”.

    Favour Obinyeluba, who contacted the candidates for additional information, promised to revert with responses but had not done so as of the time of filing this report.

    Ms Obinyeluba is an associate of Alex Onyia, the Chief Executive Officer of Educare, who posted about the alleged irregularities and put out a form asking candidates with concerns about the OAU and UNILAG’s Post-UTME to fill out the form.

    Onyia had, in a series of tweets, accused both institutions of using the same software for the Post-UTME and that it had a major bug that wrongly flagged candidates for malpractice and mismatched scores for others.

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    At one point, Onyia said he had compiled a list of 752 candidates allegedly affected by the glitch.

    But, an anonymous source told the online media’s reporter via telephone: “I didn’t know they wanted to sue UNILAG…So when I saw it (the lawsuit), I was shocked”.

    The anonymous source said she filled out a Google form shared on X by Onyia, after a friend sent it to her.

    “I thought it was just the way they helped people during JAMB,” she said.

     “I even told the woman (Ms Obinyeluba) who reached out to me on 19 September, that I already did a change of institution.”

    Another candidate, Success Chibuzor, said she first saw her name on the lawsuit online on 1 October, but thought it was another person with a similar name.

    With their portals now frozen by JAMB, the candidates said they have been unable to proceed with their search for admission.

    An anonymous source, also disqualified by UNILAG for alleged malpractice, successfully changed her institution from UNILAG to the Osun State University, Osogbo. However, she has been unable to proceed as JAMB had frozen her CAPS profile.

    When contacted, Nnadi said he wouldn’t speak further on the case to avoid sub judice as the case remains before the court but maintained that the candidates were not arbitrarily included in the list.

    “I can clarify in good faith and for the sake of accurate reporting that the application before the court was filed on behalf of affected candidates of the 2025 UNILAG and OAU Post-UTME, many of whom reached out directly to us. This approach is a standard legal procedure in representative actions, particularly where a matter raises issues of broad public interest,” he said in a text reply to our reporter.

    “If any individual believes they were inadvertently affected or wishes to clarify their position, the proper forum for that is the court, where such concerns can be formally addressed.”

  • Afe Babalola: A season of awards and rewards

    Afe Babalola: A season of awards and rewards

    The Ewi of Ado-Ekiti, on October 18, 2025, led all the sons and daughters of Ado-Ekiti, to celebrate another day set aside to honour a legal colossus, elder statesman and founder of the Afe Babalola University Ado-Ekiti, ABUAD, Aare Afe Babalola, SAN, for what was described as his commitment to public service with regard to Law, Education, Health, Community Development, Agriculture and display of generosity to all. TUNDE OLOFINTILA writes on why Babalola’s good naturedness and generosity of spirit is incomparable and unparalleled while his love and contributions to humanity are immeasurable and indescribable.    

    The elder statesman and founder of the famous Afe Babalola University Ado-Ekiti, ABUAD, Aare Afe Babalola, SAN, is a man, who means different things to different people – be it in Law, Education, Agriculture, Arbitration, Entrepreneurship, philanthropy, hard work, determination, writing and publication of law books as well as turning hopeless impossibilities into enviable possibilities among many of his other pastimes.

    His primary constituency is humanity. His manifesto is service to mankind. He is not political but nationalistic. He is not of royal blood, but noble in deeds and character. He is not arrogant, but dignifiedly proud of his nation and profession. He is not violent, but fearsome because of his towering, intimidating and impeccable professional profile which he has painstakingly built for over six decades.

    It is, therefore, not surprising that his ovation reverberates from Ewi’s palace in his root in Ado-Ekiti to the Alaafin’s palace in the ancient city of Oyo, where he was awarded the frontline chieftaincy title of Aare Baamofin of Yoruba Empire.  His personality equally rings bells in Aso Rock, where his name echoes as Officer of the Federal Republic (OFR), Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON) and “Mr. Legal Fix It”.

    From local beginnings to prestigious global stage

    On the international scene, the name Afe Babalola resonates far away in England on the Roll of Honour of the European Business Assembly in Oxford as the 2007 Winner of the prestigious Queen Victoria’s Commemorative Award and in King’s College, London, where he is a Fellow and where in partnership with the college, he established Afe Babalola African Centre for Transnational Education and donated £10 million in 2023 to lift indigent African students from the pangs of ignorance, lack, want and poverty through quality education.

    Through this partnership, Babalola is replicating what the University of London did in the past through its External Degree Programme which enabled the underprivileged in the Commonwealth to study at home.

    It was this External Degree Programme that enabled this former Pro Chancellor & Chairman of Council of the University of Lagos to obtain a Bachelor’s Degree in Economics in 1959, LL. B (Hons.) in 1963 from the University of London and a Honourary LL. D of the same university in March 2015, his bucolic beginnings notwithstanding.

    According to him, his financial contribution to this programme is a way of reciprocating what he benefitted from the laudable and unique External Degree Programme of the University of London in the 60’s without which he certainly would have ended up an unsung farmer or at best the Secretary of the Local Motor Union (courtesy of Bishop Mathew Kukkah).

    A season of awards for Babalola

    The undeniable and enviable happenings in the life of this enigma whose formal education ended in Standard VI at Emmanuel Primary School, Ado-Ekiti, but rose from zero to hero, reminds one of the ever-green words of the Preacher in the Book of Ecclesiastes 3, to wit: “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven”.

    Deriving from that scripture, one could say with an air of finality and credibility that this is a season of awards for Babalola, the Founder of ABUAD, recently ranked by the highly respected U.S.-based Times Higher Education Impact Rankings among the Best 100 Universities in the world, and No. 1 in Nigeria for four consecutive years: 2022, 2023, 2024 and 2025.

    Apart from the warren of awards that has been Babalola’s lot over the years in appreciation of his sundry contributions to humanity, the Ewi of Ado-Ekiti, on behalf of all the sons and daughters of Ado-Ekiti, last year set aside October 18 of every year as a day to honour this legal colossus for what was described as his “unalloyed commitment to public service with regard to Law, Education, Health, Community Development, Agriculture and display of generosity to those that might be fortunate to come across him in life”.

    A beacon of hope for many low-income earners

    At the most successful maiden edition on October 18, last year during which Ado-Ekiti was shut down in celebration and jubilation, the altruistic Babalola, whose happiest moment is when people around him are happy, established two Cooperative Societies with N200 million to provide loans for 2,000 people at a minimum of N100,000 each. He insisted that members will pay only five per cent interest to the cooperatives, compared to over 20 per cent charged by banks.

    In the last one year, the Cooperative Societies have become a beacon of hope for many low-income earners across Ekiti State with several beneficiaries now having their own small businesses, improving their farms and expanding existing trades thereby corroborating Babalola’s age-long belief that empowerment, not charity or distribution of palliatives, remains the most sustainable route to economic freedom.

    The second edition of Aare Afe Babalola Day, held at the Ewi’s Palace, Ado-Ekiti, on Saturday, October 18, 2025, built upon that foundation established the previous year. The epoch-making event attracted the crème-de-la-crème of the society made up of members of the Bar and Bench, Royalty, the Clergy, Captains of Industry, members of the Diplomatic Corps and Academia as well Community Leaders to celebrate the man widely acclaimed as one of the founding fathers of Ekiti State.

    At the event, Babalola frowned at the rising bank interest rates in Nigeria, describing it as one of the obstacles to economic independence, national development and citizen empowerment. He lamented that the prevailing 20 per cent interest rate charged by commercial banks has inhibited access to credit facilities for small business owners and farmers, thereby fanning the embers of spiral unemployment and grinding poverty.

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    Babalola, the giver, also announced an additional N100 million donation to the Cooperative Societies, raising their total capital base to N300 million.  The extra funds, he explained, would expand the reach of the scheme, allowing more beneficiaries to access affordable loans and grow sustainable businesses.

    He urged members to adhere strictly to the co-operative’s repayment structure and guidelines, stressing that with discipline and accountability, the success and continuity of the scheme are guaranteed.

    A compassion for tradition, community service

    Babalola also donated another N100 million towards completion of the Ewi’s Palace Pavilion, a gesture which apart from underscoring his enduring dedication to community development also drew applause and spontaneous dancing from the audience.

    A man of uncommon humility, he demonstrates philanthropy beyond borders, engraving his footprints with multi-billion Naira worth projects across the landscape of Nigeria and beyond.

    Happily, Babalola’s efforts at making society better than he met more than nine decades ago are not in vain. Society, locally and internationally, has not failed to acknowledge his unusual and immense contributions to make the world a better place to live in.

    Deluge of titles, awards

    With over 50 titles and awards across the globe, including Honourary Doctor of Laws and Doctor of Letters from 10 universities, including University of London, University of Lagos, University of Ibadan and the elite Nigerian Defence Academy, NDA, 12 Fellowships from institutions of Higher Education and professional bodies as well as many traditional titles, humanity has unequivocally and loudly demonstrated that Babalola, a man of commendable candour, who has consistently redefined patriotism and reworked nationalism, is a rare gem with all-time and all-round relevance to the world around him.

    Babalola’s good naturedness and generosity of spirit is incomparable and unparalleled while his love and contributions to humanity are immeasurable and indescribable. He remains the man who relishes in lighting other people’s candles. No wonder, his own candle keeps glowing brighter and brighter.

    While congratulating this citizen of the world of African descent, a man with insatiable appetite for hard work and excellence, one is compelled to assure this most altruistic man who is writing his name in indelible ink while others are writing theirs invisible ink that better days are ahead.

    •Olofintila, ABUAD’s Director of Corporate Affairs, writes in from Ado-Ekiti

                                                    

  • Fadare applauds NELFUND, hails President’s support for tertiary students

    Fadare applauds NELFUND, hails President’s support for tertiary students

    The Personal Assistant to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on General Duties, Olawale Fadare, has commended the Federal Government’s education financing initiative through the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), describing it as a life-changing opportunity for indigent tertiary students across the country.

    Speaking in an interview with the press, Fadare praised President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, saying it is already delivering tangible benefits to key sectors, especially education. 

    He noted that the interest-free loan scheme for tertiary students has been widely embraced by stakeholders, investors, and education advocates for its potential to ease financial burdens and enhance access to higher education.

    “I am particularly elated by the impact the educational loan is having on the lives of students. It aligns with the President’s commitment to leaving no stone unturned in national development,” Fadare said.

    Read Also: NELFUND’s student loan applications hit 1million mark

    Highlighting the broader vision of the administration, he added, “President Tinubu truly understands the yearnings of Nigerians, especially the impressionable but gifted youths. I make bold to state that there are better days ahead for this country because the ship is in capable hands.”

    Fadare also called on Nigerians, particularly the youth, to support the government’s reform programmes, which he described as transformative and responsive to the needs of the people.

    The NELFUND, launched under the Tinubu administration, aims to provide interest-free loans to eligible students in public tertiary institutions, enabling them to focus on their studies without financial distress.

  • Zoho partners Babcock University to equip students with low-code development skills

    Zoho partners Babcock University to equip students with low-code development skills

    Zoho, a global technology company, has entered into a strategic partnership with Babcock University through the Babcock Centre for Executive Development (BCED) to equip students with hands-on digital skills in low-code application development.

    Through its Young Creators Program, Zoho trained over 50 students from various disciplines—including Computer Science, Business Administration, and Information Technology—on how to build business-ready applications using Zoho Creator, the company’s low-code development platform.

    The three-day intensive workshop focused on practical problem-solving using cloud technology, helping students design and develop custom business solutions without the need for advanced programming knowledge. It also provided insights into how low-code tools can drive entrepreneurship and digital transformation.

    “As part of our commitment to supporting local talent development in Nigeria, we are excited to collaborate with Babcock University to equip students with future-ready digital skills,” said Kehinde Ogundare, Country Head, Zoho Nigeria. “Through the Young Creators Program, we aim to empower young innovators to build solutions that solve real business challenges while strengthening the local technology ecosystem.”

    The partnership signals the start of a broader collaboration between Zoho and BCED. Both organizations plan to expand their efforts through additional training programs, interactive workshops, and innovation-focused events. Discussions are also ongoing to integrate Zoho’s applications into BCED’s entrepreneurship curriculum, enabling students to apply digital tools to real-world business challenges.

    “We are committed to preparing our students for leadership in a rapidly evolving digital economy,” said Dr. Ayodeji Ajibade, Director of the Babcock Entrepreneurship Development Centre (BEDC). “Partnering with Zoho strengthens our mission by giving students access to industry-standard tools and practical learning experiences that bridge the gap between classroom theory and real-world application.”

    Launched globally in 2022, Zoho’s Young Creators Program aims to promote digital literacy and innovation among youth. To date, it has trained more than 2,000 students worldwide, equipping them with the tools and confidence to pursue technology-driven careers and entrepreneurial ventures.

  • Global relocation academy set to host virtual ‘Campaign 5000’ education summit

    Global relocation academy set to host virtual ‘Campaign 5000’ education summit

    Global Relocation Academy (GRA), an Ibadan-based organisation known for helping Nigerians secure fully funded and low-tuition study opportunities abroad, has announced plans to host a six-day virtual education and travel conference tagged Campaign 5000. 

    The event, scheduled for December 1 to 6, 2025, aims to train and empower at least 5,000 students, graduates, and professionals across Nigeria and Africa on how to access affordable international education.

    Acting Chief Operating Officer and Programme Director of GRA, Oluwagbenga Orolu, said the initiative will be the organization’s most ambitious yet. “Campaign 5000 is designed to be the biggest virtual education movement we’ve ever organized,” he said. 

    “Our goal is to ensure every participant leaves with clarity, confidence, and a concrete plan to gain admission into a foreign university without wasting time or money.”

    He explained that the conference will feature six interactive sessions covering practical topics such as identifying fully funded scholarships in the United States, applying to affordable European universities, preparing strong academic documents, and understanding visa application processes.

    Read Also: Obi donates ₦20m to educational, health institutions

    “Many Nigerians miss out on scholarships not because they are unqualified, but because they lack the right guidance,” Orolu noted. “We will walk participants through every step — from contacting professors to writing compelling Statements of Purpose and securing the necessary documents.”

    The summit will host several guest speakers, including a U.S.-based scholar who will share personal experiences on obtaining research and teaching assistantships, and a Europe-based graduate who successfully gained admission into low-tuition universities in France, Poland, and Hungary.

     Orolu will also deliver the opening and closing sessions, focusing on how global education can serve as a launchpad for Nigerians seeking international careers and long-term impact.

    He further emphasised the importance of the event in addressing widespread misinformation about scholarship applications.

     “Every year, thousands of Nigerians lose opportunities for funded admissions because they apply wrongly or depend on unreliable agents. Campaign 5000 will change that narrative by offering verified, practical knowledge that improves success rates for the 2026 academic intakes,” he said.

    “Participation in Campaign 5000 will be free, but registration is required. Interested attendees are encouraged to follow Global RelocationAcademy on social platforms for updates and access links to the live sessions. 

    This December, Campaign 5000 will not just be another conference,” Orolu concluded. “It will be a turning point for thousands of Nigerians who deserve a fair chance to study abroad and build global relevance.”