History was made at the Choice De Immaculate Demonstration School (CIDS), Obosi in Idemili North LGA, Anambra State where Miss Saka Aliyat emerged the overall best graduating student of the school.
Aliyat, an indigene of Osun State, bagged awards in multiple subjects, including Igbo language, English, Chemistry, Physics, Biology, Economics and Marketing.
The Yoruba girl, who smiled home with several gifts, received additional awards of Best Student in Neatest/Complete Uniform, Affinity to Students, Most Hardworking Student, Most Disciplined and Most Punctual.
Speaking during the 15th Valedictory/Sendforth Ceremony & Prize Giving Day of the school, Aliyat advised fellow students to focus on their studies with more interest, enthusiasm, dedication, diligence and hard work.
She urged them to follow the instructions of the school teachers and that of the Director who, she described as her mentor if they plan to come out in flying colours.
Director of the school, Engr. Solomy Ochokwu, advised the graduating students to be courageous, resilient and embrace integrity and work ethics as they join the larger society.
He urged them to always reflect on the times they spent in the school where they were taught to become the best students in the world.
There was a drama in the National Assembly on Wednesday when the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) walked out on the House of Representatives Committee on Basic Education and Examination Bodies during an investigative hearing.
The drama unfolded when the Committee, chaired by Hon. Oboku Oforji, convened a session to examine JAMB’s 2023–2024 budget performance, implementation, remittances to the Federation Account, and bank statements.
The Committee had invited the Registrar of JAMB, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, to appear in person and present the documents.
However, the Registrar sent a Director, Mr. Muftar Bello, to represent him.
The atmosphere became tense shortly after the session began. When it was time for introductions, the JAMB representative insisted that members of the press should leave the meeting, claiming that the documents he was to present contained “sensitive information.”
The committee, however, objected to the demand, maintaining that its proceedings were public and that it was within its constitutional powers to determine how its sittings were conducted.
The JAMB official became visibly agitated and, in an unexpected turn, stood up, directed his team to follow and walked out of the session, leaving members of the committee stunned.
Angered by the action, the committee immediately directed the Clerk to summon the Sergeant-at-Arms to arrest the JAMB representative but he had already left the premises.
Reacting to the incident, Chairman of the Committee, Hon. Oboku Oforji, described the walkout as “unfortunate and unacceptable,” stressing that the legislature would not tolerate acts of disrespect or attempts to obstruct its oversight duties.
“We wrote three consecutive letters to the Registrar of JAMB requesting these documents. To our surprise, the Registrar failed to appear, and instead sent a former Director of Finance and Accounts, who claimed the committee was out to embarrass them. That is very unfortunate,” Oforji said.
He added that the committee’s intention was not to witch-hunt any government agency but to ensure transparency and accountability in the management of public funds.
“Our responsibility is to make sure that all agencies under our watch are accountable to Nigerians. We have no intention whatsoever to witch-hunt anyone,” he stated.
The committee has given JAMB until next Tuesday for the Registrar to appear in person with his management team to present the requested documents.
“Failure to do so will compel the committee to take necessary actions in line with the powers vested in us under Sections 88 and 89 of the 1999 Constitution, as amended,” the chairman warned.
Other members of the committee also reacted angrily to the development, describing JAMB’s conduct as a blatant show of disrespect to the National Assembly and, by extension, to the Nigerian people.
Member representing Andoni/ Opobo–Nkoro federal constituency, Hon. Awaji-Inombek Dagomie Abiante said the walkout amounted to contempt of Parliament. He described the incident as “most unfortunate,” warning that it set a dangerous precedent for accountability in governance.
“If JAMB can walk out on a committee of the National Assembly, it means they no longer see themselves as accountable to Nigerians. Oversight is a constitutional duty. When an agency refuses to answer questions about public funds, Nigerians have every reason to suspect something is wrong,” Abiante said.
The lawmaker added that JAMB’s posture raised doubts about the transparency of its financial dealings, recalling previous controversies over unremitted or missing funds in public offices.
“We have heard of instances where snake or something swallowed money. So probably a bigger swallow may have happened, and they have not prepared themselves for the autopsy. It’s unfortunate. And if this is what we call democracy, I do not understand where we are headed. We have institutions that have chosen not to be responsible to other arms of government, especially one that is constitutionally mandated to ensure public resources are not wasted,” he added.
Member representing Southern Ijaw federal constituency of Bayelsa State, Hon. Rodney Amboiowei, also faulted JAMB’s request for a closed-door session, insisting that it contradicted the principles of transparency expected of public institutions.
“Public funds must be accounted for in the open. It is not JAMB’s right to dictate that a parliamentary session be held behind closed doors. This is how agencies get lawmakers into trouble. Nigerians deserve to know how their money is spent,” he said.
The member representing Brass-Nembe Federal Constituency of Bayelsa, Hon. Marie Enenimiete Ebikake questioned the identity of the official who led JAMB’s delegation, expressing dismay that the Registrar failed to attend the hearing in person.
She maintained that as a major revenue-generating agency, JAMB must be held accountable for its finances and operations, noting that the committee expected the Registrar to appear personally at the next session.
“It’s even more embarrassing that the man who walked out was not the Registrar. We don’t even know who he is. We simply asked them to introduce themselves and they refused. For all we know, he could have been impersonated. Nigerians want to know what JAMB is doing with their money. The Registrar must appear before this committee by Tuesday to explain,” Ebikake said.
The Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) has commissioned the faculty of social sciences lecture theatre and office complex at Nasarawa State University, Keffi (NSUK).
The agency said it spent a N717,374,213.75 on both projects.
The Chairman of TETFund’s Board of Trustees, Aminu Bello Masari, commissioned the projects at the University campus in Keffi on Tuesday.
The new facility comprises 22 en-suite offices, four 200-seater lecture theatres, and 12 public conveniences.
Speaking during the commissioning, Masari said the projects were executed under the 2020/2021 merged annual intervention and aligned with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
The former governor of Katsina praised Nasarawa State University for its record of transparency and efficiency in implementing TETFund projects, saying that it was the third time TETFund was visiting the university to commission projects within two to three years.
He said: “It shows the institution’s resolve to ensure funds are judiciously used with verifiable results.
“The fused Lecture Theatre and Office complex to be commissioned shortly is of the years 2020/2021 (Merged) Annual intervention, being hosted under the Faculty of Social Sciences, and completed at a total cost of N717,374,213.75. We are optimistic that this facility will aid teaching and learning in a comfortable environment, having been furnished and adequately equipped for that purpose.”
Masari said TETFund has recorded about 71 per cent completion of infrastructure-based projects across its beneficiary institutions between January and September 2025.
He also disclosed that since NSUK became a TETFund beneficiary in 2003, it has received over N12.7 billion for infrastructure-related interventions, noting that about 80 per cent of these funds have been accessed and the evidence of utilisation is visible all over this campus.
The new facility, he added, is expected to “aid teaching and learning in a comfortable environment, having been furnished and adequately equipped for that purpose.”
While urging the university to ensure proper maintenance of the building, Masari reaffirmed TETFund’s commitment to supporting innovation, ICT advancement, and sustainable power supply in tertiary institutions.
He also explained that the Fund had temporarily stepped down foreign training for lecturers due to high exchange rates and issues of abscondment but was focusing more on impactful local interventions.
“We are optimistic that these special interventions will yield appreciable dividends soon,” he said.
Executive Secretary of TETFund, Sonny Echono, said the project symbolised the agency’s determination to strengthen Nigeria’s tertiary education system.
Echono, who was represented by the Director of Monitoring and Evaluation at TETFund, Mr. Babatunde Olajide, said: “This event stands as a testament to our shared commitment to advancing tertiary education in Nigeria. We commend the university for its prudent utilisation of funds and timely completion of projects.”
He noted that TETFund remains aware of challenges caused by inflation and exchange rate volatility, which have affected project delivery timelines.
The executive secretary urged universities to prioritise maintenance.
Echono added: “As we commission this facility today, let us reaffirm our collective resolve to protect and maintain it to avoid deterioration. Together, we can ensure this investment yields dividends for generations to come.”
Vice-Chancellor of Nasarawa State University, Prof. Sa’adatu Hassan Liman, described the day as a momentous occasion in the institution’s history.
She acknowledged TETFund’s role in the university’s progress, while commending the transformative impact of TETFund projects in the university.
The vice – chancellor said: “These interventions have improved access to education and enhanced working conditions for our staff.
“This magnificent structure has been proudly sponsored by TETFund. It will promote teaching, enhance research, and create a truly conducive environment for our students.”
She revealed that NSUK had recently been ranked Number One University in Nigeria for Quality Education by the 2025 Times Higher Education Impact Rankings under Sustainable Development Goal 4, thanking TETFund for “being a worthy partner in this remarkable achievement.”
Prof. Liman assured TETFund of NSUK’s continued transparency in managing intervention projects, appealing for more additional structures for Faculties, Lecture Theatres and Solar Power.
“We remain deeply committed to accountability and due process in all our dealings,” she said.
Also speaking, the Governor of Nasarawa State, Abdullahi Sule, represented at the event by the State Commissioner for Education, Dr. John Mamman, commended TETFund for its sustained support to tertiary education.
He assured that the state will continue to give maximum support to the education sector.
As part of efforts to expand access to university education across the nooks and crannies of the country, the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) at the weekend inaugurated a special centre in Ilupeju-Ekiti, in the Oye Local Government Area of Ekiti State.
Represented by the Deputy Vice Chancellor in charge of administration, Professor Shehu Usman Adamu, the university’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Olufemi Peters, said the establishment of the study centre symbolises the institution’s unwavering commitment to bringing education to the doorsteps of every Nigerian, regardless of location, background, or circumstance.
The vice chancellor said the Ilupeju-Ekiti centre became a reality courtesy of the donation of a building by a son of the community and Chairman, Board of Trustees of Ilupeju Development Association (IDA), Architect Sir Dipo Ajayi.
While commending the donor for the gesture, describing it “as a monument of hope and a shining example of how individuals can contribute meaningfully to national development,” the vice chancellor further stated that; “Today is not merely about cutting a ribbon; it is about expanding the frontiers of access to quality education, rekindling hope, and celebrating one man’s generosity that will become a legacy for generations to come”.
He noted that the new centre would serve civil servants, artisans, teachers, entrepreneurs, retirees, and others seeking knowledge and empowerment in the true spirit of lifelong learning that NOUN represents worldwide.
The vice-chancellor also appreciated the Ekiti State Government, traditional rulers, and the Ilupeju community for their support and collaboration, urging them to take ownership of the centre and ensure its sustainability.
“The success of this centre will depend on continued partnership. Together, we can make it a model of academic excellence and community development,” he said.
In her remarks, the NOUN Consultant in charge of the centre, Professor Olubukola Oyawoye, gave an insightful background on how the centre came into existence, noting that it was born out of a shared vision to bring quality education closer to the people.
Professor Oyawoye, who doubles as the Director of Advancement at the Federal University Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE), appreciated the initiative and commitment of the donor, saying his passion and determination made the centre a reality.
She described the project as a testament to what visionary leadership and community partnership can achieve.
She said; “Education remains the strongest tool for community transformation and national progress. With this centre, we are giving every willing learner a chance to rewrite their story through knowledge,”
Professor Oyawoye, a former Commissioner for Environment in Osun State, congratulated the people of Ilupeju-Ekiti for hosting a federal university centre that provides opportunities for working-class individuals, entrepreneurs, and youths to further their education without barriers of time or location.
She said all courses are available as the centre has commenced various programmes in the centre
Also speaking at the event, the donor, Sir Ajayi, expressed deep gratitude to God and all who made the project possible. He described the centre as a testimony of divine grace and collective effort.
He said: “With a heart overflowing with gratitude, I return all glory to the Almighty God, the giver of vision, wisdom, and strength, who alone makes all things beautiful in His time. Today is not merely a day for commissioning a building; it is a day of thanksgiving, fulfilment, and divine grace. Only God could have made this journey possible, from conception to realisation”.
He said the dream was driven by a passion to expand access to education and ensure that no community is left behind in the quest for knowledge.
He thanked NOUN management, describing the VC, the governing council Chairman, Mallam Isa Yuguda, among others, as outstanding leaders, who, he noted, have demonstrated that education is a right, not a privilege.
He also thanked Professor Oyawoye for what he described as her “intellectual dexterity and tireless coordination.” He also acknowledged his wife, Mrs Alaba Ajayi, for her encouragement throughout the project’s execution.
He dedicated the project to his late mother, noting that “the house she left behind has now become the foundation of this centre.”
Sir Ajayi lauded Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, for providing an enabling environment, describing the centre as a modest contribution to the governor’s strides in education and community development.
Meanwhile, the NOUN Registrar, Mr. Oladipupo Ajayi, appreciated the people of Ilupeju-Ekiti, noting that they are fully prepared for the take-off of the centre.
“We have inspected the facilities and are very pleased with what we have seen,” he said, even as he urges members of the community to spread the gospel and encourage people to enrol.
The Apeju of Ilupeju-Ekiti, Oba David Sunday Awe, (the Akingbade II) expressed delight over the siting of the institution in his community, saying it would enhance the town’s educational and economic development. He appreciated NOUN management and all stakeholders who made the project a reality.
The monarch prayed for the donor for his contribution to the community and Nigeria at large.
In appreciation of their contributions, various dignitaries, including Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji, the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Professor Habibat Adubiaro, NOUN vice-chancellor, and his deputy, Professor Peters and Shehu respectively, as well as the monarch, and Professor Oyawoye, among others, were presented with awards of recognition.
The Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) has commissioned the remodelled senate building and the faculty of law complex projects worth N4.089 billion at the Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University, IBBU, Lapai, Niger State.
The projects were executed under TETFund’s 2023 Special High Impact Intervention and 2020/2021 merged interventions.
The projects were constructed at N1,584,998,463.70 (Remodelled University Senate Building) and N2,504,381,517.61(Faculty of Law Complex) respectively.
Speaking at the Commissioning Ceremony on Thursday in Lapai, Niger State, Chairman, TETFund Board of Trustees, Aminu Bello Masari, said that since 2011, TETFund has allocated N15.25 billion for infrastructure-related projects at IBB University, of which N13.04 billion has already been accessed.
Masari commended the university for the prudent utilisation of the funds.
The former governor of Katsina said: “We are convinced that the projects undertaken with these funds will continually impact the university’s mandate in facilitating teaching, learning, research and community service.”
The ex-Speaker of the House of Representatives, lauded Niger State Government under Governor Umar Bago for its visible commitment to education, describing the administration’s support as “a key reason why the commissioning was possible.
He said the newly commissioned projects represented TETFund’s continued alignment with the Federal Government’s vision of modernising tertiary institutions, including interventions in sustainable power supply, medical training facilities, and ICT innovation.
Masari also lamented the suspension of foreign training for lecturers due to high foreign exchange rates and incidents of abscondment, assuring that local capacity-building and infrastructural investments will now take precedence.
“We urge the university to ensure proper maintenance of these facilities. For our part, TETFund will sustain impactful interventions to make Nigerian institutions globally competitive,” he stated.
Executive Secretary of TETFund, Sonny Echono, described the commissioning as a milestone in advancing Nigeria’s higher education, stressing that world-class infrastructure remains vital for academic excellence and innovation.
Echono, who was represented by the Director of Monitoring and Evaluation at TETFund, Babatunde Olajide, said: “These edifices are not just structures of brick and mortar; they are symbols of progress, opportunity and the future we envision for our youth and our nation.”
He commended the IBBU management and the Niger State Government for their collaboration and prudent utilisation of resources, urging staff and students to safeguard and maximise the new facilities for research, creativity, and service to humanity.
Governor Bago hailed the projects as “a factory for justice and leadership.”
Bago, represented by the Deputy Governor, Comrade Yakubu Garba, described the Faculty of Law Complex as one of the largest in West Africa, with over 100 offices, an e-library, standard moot court, and inclusive facilities for persons with disabilities.
He also reaffirmed the state government’s resolve to expand tertiary education access through initiatives such as the IBB University Teaching Hospital, Abdulkadir University, Minna, and the newly established University of Agriculture and Climate Change, all designed to align education with Niger State’s development priorities.
“Education remains the foundation upon which we build a prosperous and self-reliant Niger State,” he said.
Vice – Chancellor of the university, Prof. Mohammed Suleiman, lauded TETFund and the state government for their unwavering support, describing the commissioning as “a milestone in the university’s history and a national investment in the future of higher education.”
Suleiman disclosed that the remodelled Senate Building, now named the Abdulkadir Kure Senate Building, contains 70 offices, a 200-seat Senate Chamber, 50-seat Council Chamber, and 96,000-litre water reservoir, while the Faculty of Law Complex comprises 106 offices, lecture theatres, e-library, boardrooms, and a 450-seat moot court.
On the amount of constructing the Senate Building and the law faculty, he said: “The amount is N1,584,998,463.70, and the name of the consultant is Bill Marx Associate Limited. The purpose of this Senate Building is to provide conducive office accommodation for university staff and befitting meeting halls for Management, Senate, and Council members.
“The cost of the project for the Faculty of Law stands at N2,504,381,517.61. It also started in 2023 and has been completed in 2025 and will be commissioned immediately after the Senate Building. The contractor is USALT Teleview Nigeria Limited, while the consultant is Studio International.”
Suleiman appealed to TETFund for additional support to construct a major student hostel, pledging continued transparency and accountability in managing the agency’s interventions.
It was a moment of joy in Nigeria’s education sector as the Unique Open University in Lagos, one of the recently approved institutions by the National Universities Commission (NUC), received its operational license, clearing the way for the commencement of academic activities.
The license was officially presented to the university’s founder and chancellor, Prof. Chris Imumolen, a renowned philanthropist and youth advocate by the NUC Executive Secretary, Prof. Yusufu Abdullahi Ribadu, at the Commission’s headquarters in Abuja.
Prof. Ribadu commended the university for its impressive infrastructure and readiness to begin operations, noting that its facilities reflect a strong commitment to quality education.
In attendance with Prof. Imumolen were members of his team and the university’s Governing Council.
Expressing appreciation to the NUC, Prof. Imumolen lauded the Commission’s prompt inspection and due diligence process that culminated in the granting of the provisional license.
He assured that Unique Open University will redefine higher education in Nigeria and across the West African sub-region by equipping students with practical skills to become both employable and job creators.
The official inauguration, dedication, and opening ceremony of the university is scheduled for Tuesday, November 4, 2025, at its campus located at Iyana Isashi Bus Stop, along the Lagos-Badagry Expressway, Ojo, Lagos.
Themed “Empowering Generations through Knowledge, Innovation, and Opportunity,” the event will also feature the unveiling of Prof. Imumolen’s management team and the presentation of the university’s vision to the public.
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has cleared 85 underage candidates who participated in a special screening after scoring high marks in this year’s Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) for admission.
The board announced the release of the results in a statement yesterday in Abuja by its Public Communication Advisor, Dr. Fabian Benjamin.
The examination body conducted the screening of the special candidates was conducted on October 8.
The screening, which was handled by experts assembled by JAMB, was meant to ensure that only outstanding and well-prepared candidates below the age of 16 are considered for admission into tertiary institutions for the 2025/2026 academic session.
The panel members were drawn from the Federal Ministry of Education, National Universities Commission (NUC), vice chancellors, the gifted school, among others.
The statement said: “The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has released the results of 85 underage candidates (less than 16 by September, 2025) who successfully completed the comprehensive screening process established by the Board for exceptional admission.
“After meticulous evaluation, 85 candidates who are adjudged to be qualified, have been duly notified to proceed to their respective institutions to complete the admission process and print their individual JAMB admission letters.
“This policy of exceptional admission is consistent with global best practices, where such cases are treated as rare exceptions rather than the norm.
“It is to be noted that in the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), of the 2,031,133 applicants, a total of 41,027 candidates sought consideration under this special category of which 599 scored the 80 per cent threshold in the UTME. These 599 were subjected to further scrutiny of school certificate and PUTME screening, which led to the emergence of 182 candidates (178+4). After due verification, interviews, and screening, 85 candidates were found to have met the criteria and have consequently been cleared for admission.”
The board also admonished 182 finalist-candidates who had a valid reason for missing the final interview to submit a formal request through its Support Ticketing System under the newly created category titled “2025 Underage Complaint.
“Such complaints will be reviewed individually, and decisions will be made strictly on their own merit. This window is for only the 182 finalists who might, for one reason or the other, have missed the final interview.
“In addition, candidates who score 320 and above in UTME but failed to upload O-Level results and were subsequently disqualified from proceeding are now given a change to upload with two (2) days (that is, not later than Wednesday, October 29, 2025) and notify the board of such through the ticketing.
“The board reiterates its commitment to ensuring that the admission process remains credible, transparent, and inclusive, while also maintaining the integrity of academic standards across all tiers of tertiary education in Nigeria,” the statement added.
In Nigeria, the official age for university admission is 18, though the National Policy allows entry from age 16.
A total of 41,027 candidates applied under the category of exceptionally brilliant underage candidates for the 2025 UTME, but only 599 scored 80 per cent and above.
Some were later disqualified for not meeting the same benchmark in their O-Level or post-UTME results, leaving only 176 confirmed for final assessment.
The Acting Rector of Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, Owo (RUGIPO) in Ondo State, Mr Olorunwa Adegun, has lauded Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa for revitalising the state owned-institution through timely interventions that have restored stability and progress.
He said the governor’s commitment to education, particularly in addressing the institution’s financial challenges and infrastructural needs, had given the polytechnic a “new lease of life” after years of neglect and uncertainty.
Speaking during the institution’s combined 12th to 23rd convocations at the weekend, the acting rector praised Aiyedatiwa for releasing special intervention funds and increasing the school’s monthly subvention, which had allowed the payment of full salaries.
He said the governor also funded accreditation of 68 programmes and reopened the institution’s staff schools.
Adegun described the 12th to 23rd combined convocations as a symbol of recovery after 12 years, lauding the workers, unions and alumni for their support toward rebuilding the polytechnic.
Governor Aiyedatiwa announced the clearance of salary arrears owed to workers of RUGIPO.
He described the development as a miracle long awaited and a demonstration of his administration’s sincerity of purpose.
He said the gesture was a milestone in his government’s efforts to restore stability and morale to the state-owned institution.
Aiyedatiwa said the arrears, which had dragged on for months before his intervention, were cleared to enable workers focus on their academic duties.
He said three special intervention funds had earlier been released to reduce the backlog before the government finally offset the remaining balance.
He said the polytechnic’s prolonged financial challenges had crippled academic activities and weakened the confidence of workers and students, but assured them that the reforms being implemented would ensure such a situation never repeated itself.
”When I became acting governor and later substantive governor of the state, the most daunting challenge confronting the polytechnic was the backlog of salary arrears of 13 months. Realising that no meaningful teaching and learning could take place in an institution where workers are owed accumulated salaries, our administration took decisive steps to address the challenge.
”In three separate instances, we approved and released special intervention funds for the payment of these outstanding salaries. We are not done yet, three months are still outstanding as I speak to you, but that miracle is about to happen right now.
”To the workers and leadership of Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, the only miracle happening today is the clearing of the outstanding salaries. I hereby approve that the remaining arrears be paid.
”Let me say this, it is not because we could not make that payment before this day, but I purposely reserved it so that all of you can hear it,” he said.
Aiyedatiwa commended the staff unions of the polytechnic for showing restraint and choosing dialogue during turbulent times. He said their maturity and patriotism gave the government room to find sustainable solutions to the crisis.
The governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to fairness and justice in the institution, disclosing that a review had begun into past administrative decisions that affected some workers, with a view to ensuring equity and transparency.
He confirmed the full reopening of the polytechnic’s staff school, which had been shut for years, and promised immediate renovation of the facility and provision of a school bus to support teaching and learning.
Aiyedatiwa said his administration remained committed to repositioning education across all levels in Ondo State, adding that the goal was to produce graduates who would be employers of labour and innovators, rather than job seekers.
A lecturer in the Department of Mass Communication at the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), Dr. Nathan Oguche Emmanuel has called for closer collaboration between researchers and policymakers to ensure that research findings translate into actionable policies.
Dr Emmanuel noted that government, media, and civil society share a collective responsibility to promote the application of credible research outcomes for national development.
He made the call at the opening of a three day training with the theme: “Discovering and Embracing New Frontiers in Communication and Media Research: Engineering Social Transformation,” organised for postgraduate students of Bingham University, Karu, Nasarawa State by the Institute for Leadership and Development Communication (ILDC).
The training brought together academics, researchers, and postgraduate students to discuss the evolving landscape of communication research in an age shaped by artificial intelligence, big data, and digital media platforms.
Emmanuel, who was the keynote speaker, said the training served as a reminder that research should go beyond academic pursuit to achieve real-world social impact.
The communication expert said: “Research should not just be for promotion or visibility. It should be about social engineering and transformation.
“If the research process is flawed, the outcome will be flawed, and policies built on that will also be flawed. That’s why we are here, to refine the research process and ensure our findings can genuinely inform policy and development.”
Speaking at the opening session, Convener, ILDC, Associate Prof Desmond Okocha of Bingham University, Karu, NAsarawa State underscored the relevance of the training, describing it as a vital platform for scholars to acquire the tools and skills required to navigate 21st-century communication research.
“We are reminded of the critical role that communication and media play in shaping our societies, influencing our perceptions, and driving social transformation.
“This training will equip us with the knowledge and tools to explore new opportunities in research and innovation created by technological advancement.”
Prof Okocha, who doubles as the Head of Department of Mass Communication and Dean, School of Communication and Media Studies of Bingham University, added that the programme would expose participants to new research methods, theoretical frameworks, and collaborative practices that could enhance the impact of media scholarship on society.
Also speaking, Associate Professor of Journalism and Media Studies at Bingham University, Dr. Tivlumun Gabriel Nyitse, emphasized the significance of methodology in producing credible and applicable research outcomes.
“Research means discovering something new or improving what already exists. But no research can be meaningful without a sound method. If you solve a problem without following the right steps, your solution will be flawed.
“Methodology is what ensures that research findings are reliable and useful for societal progress,” the Don stated.
Prof Nyitse noted that communication scholars must harness technology to produce ideas that can be applied to solve societal challenges.
He added that technology now offers numerous platforms through which people access information that improves their lives.
On the role of artificial intelligence in media research, Nyitse advised researchers to learn to distinguish between human-generated and machine-generated information, stressing the need for critical evaluation in the digital research environment.
The three-day event featured plenary sessions, interactive discussions, and collaborative workshops designed to broaden perspectives, inspire innovation, and strengthen the link between communication research and social change.
It also included the induction of 20 new members into ILDC.
The Parents Teachers Association (PTA) of Maryam Abacha American University of Nigeria (MAAUN), Kano, has apologised to the varsity’s faculty and staff over a disturbance that occurred at the entrance of an examination hall on October 24, 2025.
The Association described the behavior of an unregistered member and his student niece as “unacceptable and condemnable,” pledging to support disciplinary and legal actions to uphold academic integrity within the institution.
In an official statement by the PTA Chairman, Alhaji Mustapha Balarabe, the association expressed regret for the incident and assured the university of its commitment to maintaining discipline and mutual respect between parents, students, and staff.
“The behavior exhibited was utterly condemnable and falls short of the standards we uphold as parents and as an institution,” Balarabe said.
The PTA commended MAAUN’s management for its commitment to professionalism, integrity, and moral values.
According to the statement, the university’s steady growth and high academic standards under the leadership of Professor Adamu Abubakar Gwarzo, Founder and President of MAAUN, have made it a model institution in Africa.
“Over the last decade, since the establishment of MAAUN campuses in Niger and now in Nigeria, we have witnessed consistent growth, quality teaching, and moral excellence. We, as parents, have every reason to be proud of MAAUN and its leadership,” the PTA noted.
Reacting to a video of the incident circulating on social media, the PTA described it as a “deliberate act of manipulation and blackmail.”
The Association alleged that the individuals involved edited and shared the footage to tarnish the image of a faculty member and the university.
“Such acts are unethical and constitute an assault on the dignity of our educators,” the statement reads.
The PTA urged MAAUN to take legal action against those responsible to deter future attempts at defamation and online harassment.
According to the Association, the man and his niece unlawfully appeared at the entrance of an examination hall, violating MAAUN’s strict exam regulations and decorum.
The confrontation that followed, it said, disrupted the ongoing assessment and drew unnecessary public attention to the university.
“The PTA distances itself from such indiscipline and reminds parents that they are not permitted to access examination halls or restricted areas,” Balarabe stated, emphasizing that any engagement involving parents must occur through the Administrative Block.
The PTA also criticized the lapse in campus security that allowed unauthorised access to the exam area.
It called on the university management to enforce accountability among the security personnel involved, describing it as “a breach of duty that must not be overlooked.”
The Association further dismissed the man’s claim that he was merely assisting his niece with payment clearance, calling it “a weak excuse inconsistent with his disruptive actions.”
The Parents Association expressed full support for any disciplinary or legal steps the university may take to preserve order and protect the reputation of its staff. “No individual should weaponize social media or undermine the authority of faculty members with impunity,” the statement stressed.
Reaffirming its loyalty to the university’s vision, the PTA pledged continued cooperation with MAAUN’s leadership in promoting academic excellence, discipline, and moral development. It also appealed to faculty members to accept its apology for the incident and acknowledged the need for stronger awareness among parents about respecting academic boundaries.
“The MAAUN Parents Teachers Association remains committed to working hand-in-hand with the university to maintain a disciplined and respectful academic environment,” the statement concluded.
