The Nation Newspaper

Category: Education

  • In defence of a MAAUN lecturer

    In defence of a MAAUN lecturer

    By Abdulmajid Egbetekun

    There is a popular saying that goes, “If you think education is expensive, try ignorance.” Having travelled across several countries in Asia and Europe as an African, I can confidently say that Nigeria remains one of the few places in the world where quality education is still affordable.

    What prompted this write-up was a recent incident involving a lecturer at the Maryam Abacha American University of Nigeria (MAAUN) and a parent who verbally assaulted the lecturer after entering an examination hall — an act that clearly violates the rules and regulations governing universities.

    Over time, MAAUN has been unfairly dragged through the media by certain individuals who, in my opinion, are doing so for personal and selfish reasons, primarily to blackmail and tarnish the image of the institution.

    The latest issue concerns a parent who verbally attacked a lecturer for refusing to allow his daughter into an examination hall due to her failure to pay tuition fees on time. This incident has generated a lot of discussion, especially after a video of the encounter surfaced online.

    However, based on my personal investigation, the circulating video was misleading and selectively edited to exclude the parent’s initial misconduct — the very behavior that provoked the lecturer’s reaction. The parent disrupted an ongoing examination, causing unnecessary disturbance. Unfortunately, due to the growing culture of social media sensationalism, some students at the scene recorded and circulated the video to generate public sympathy for the wrong party.

    In the video, one of the students could be heard shouting, “We are paying money!” — a statement that reflects poor character and a lack of understanding of how universities operate. It is important to note that universities across the world award degrees based on both learning and character. Sadly, the behavior displayed by that student fell far below the expected standard of moral conduct and respect.

    From reliable sources, the lecturer in question is a foreign-trained academic from Russia, known for his professionalism and commitment to duty. He reportedly explained the situation respectfully to the parent, clarifying that his daughter’s tuition was paid too late to permit her participation in that particular examination. Rather than accept responsibility, the parent resorted to aggression.

    This situation calls for reflection and corrective measures. I strongly urge the management of MAAUN to establish a Parents’ Association, which will serve as a formal channel through which parents can address concerns or grievances directly with the university management, rather than resorting to disruptive or public actions.

    Furthermore, MAAUN must stand firmly by its lecturers. The integrity of any academic institution lies in its ability to protect and empower its staff to perform their duties without fear of intimidation or harassment. Lecturers should be given maximum institutional support and legal protection when enforcing academic policies.

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    The student who disrespected the lecturer should be referred to a disciplinary panel to face appropriate sanctions, as a deterrent to others. Likewise, the parent should be cautioned. If investigations confirm his role in sponsoring the online smear campaign against the university, it would only be proper for him to withdraw his children from MAAUN.

    It is disappointing that a parent would behave in such a manner. True parenthood is defined by humility, discipline, and respect for due process, not arrogance or media showmanship. Being a title holder in the 21st century should be about embodying leadership and wisdom — not abusing privilege.

    I also appeal to parents to take a more active role in instilling respect, discipline, and moral values in their children. Educating a child goes beyond paying school fees; it includes teaching them to respect lecturers, elders, and authority figures. Character formation begins at home, and parents must lead by example.

    Finally, I call on MAAUN’s management to continue prioritizing academic standards, staff welfare, and ethical discipline. The university’s contributions to education, human capital development, and the Nigerian economy are remarkable and must be protected from any attempt to discredit its reputation.

    MAAUN is an institution of excellence that deserves to be celebrated, not maligned. It is our collective responsibility — as parents, students, and members of society — to defend the truth, uphold discipline, and preserve the integrity of this great citadel of learning.

    Abdulmajid Egbetekun is a PhD Student from the University of Liverpool

  • Integrated Photonics: An Introduction to a Field that can Transform Frontier Technologies 

    Integrated Photonics: An Introduction to a Field that can Transform Frontier Technologies 

    • By Tolulope Taiwo-Ashaju (BA, M.Eng, University of Cambridge) MBA, Saïd Business School, Oxford University)

    The field of integrated photonics has the potential to enable advancements in key technologies such as Quantum Computing, Light Detection and Ranging (LIDAR) for self-driving cars, and foster more energy-efficient data centres supporting the training of Artificial Intelligence (AI) models. Furthermore, semiconductor electronics chips which have been the technological pillar of society, face limitations like heat generation. As demand surges for higher bandwidth and lower energy consumption, photonic chips provide an alternative solution. 

    ‘Photonics’. ‘Integrated Photonics’. What does it all mean and why should you care?

    Many individuals are likely familiar with electronic chips and the semiconductor industry with its applications in common everyday devices.  The electronic semiconductor industry is one of the technological pillars of society, powering many prevalent devices, from laptops to mobile phones. These electronic chips of miniature size have an enormous impact on our day-to-day lives through the devices they help to operate.

    The electronics industry has gone through several advancements since the 1940s to get it to where it is today. What if there was another similar technology, however a less mature one, that has the capability of powering a wave of frontier technologies, akin to what electronic semiconductors have done all these years? 

    Here enters Integrated Photonics. 

    Firstly, what is Photonics? When we speak of photonics, we are concerned with light. 

    Here, light does not only mean visible light that can be seen with a human eyebut also includes infrared and ultraviolet light and in other cases, other wavelengths on the electromagnetic spectrum. 

    While ‘electronics’ is the science of controlling electrons, the term ‘photonics’, analogously refers to the technology associated with controlling light. The term photonics was originally intended to depict a field that replaced functions typically achieved using electronics. 

    Photonics has to do with the technology, products, devices and processes that deal with the generation, transmission, transformation, detection and/or manipulation of light. 

    Before defining integrated photonics, it would be beneficial to understand bulk optics. Bulk optics has to do with large optical devices, which are devices for controlling and manipulating light (such as mirrors, filters, etc.).  These are larger benchtop devices that you might find on the counter of a laboratory. 

    Compared to the larger size of devices in bulk optics, integrated photonics (also has been referred to as integrated optics) has to do with very small devices, allowing control of light on a nanoscale (one-billionth of a metre). 

    Integrated photonics can be defined as a branch of photonics or a technology focused on creating Photonics Integrated Circuits (PICs). PICs, also called photonic chips, consist of photonic components, which would have been much larger in size in bulk optics, but rather have been miniaturised and fabricated (meaning to manufacture) on the surface of a substrate like silicon. A substrate is a material or surface that serves as a foundation for components to be manufactured on. 

    Photonic components are like building blocks or pieces of a puzzle required to form functional photonic chips. Photonic components perform different functions, for instance, an example of a photonic component is a beam splitter (which splits light), and another is a grating coupler (which helps to couple, or put differently, direct light into a chip). Light entering the chip is supplied by a laser and is directed on chips within structures called waveguides, which also connect different photonics components. 

    Photonic components are designed to work for specific wavelengths or wavelength ranges of light. For instance, telecommunications and data communications, the largest field using PICs, make use of the 1550 nm and 1310 nm wavelengths of light. 

    Photonic components can be split into passive and active components. Passive components (such as multiplexers, couplers) do not require an external power source, while active components (like lasers and photodetectors) require an external power source. 

    Different materials can be used to create photonic chips. Popular material platforms are Silicon-on-Insulator, Silicon Nitride and Lithium Niobate. 

    Not only does integrated photonics significantly reduce the size of the components, it also reduces power consumption and boosts performance and reliability. Integrated photonics also provides the opportunity for large-scale production using semiconductor manufacturing techniques. These semiconductor manufacturing techniques are used in Silicon Photonics, a technology that makes use of Silicon-on-Insulator as the substrate. 

    Indeed, integrated photonics draws from the electronic semiconductor industry, as it can use the same scalable process to fabricate electronic chips, to make chips that work with light. 

    What about the difference between photonic chips and traditional electronic chips? Photonics chips are microchips that consist of photonics components arranged in a way to make a functional circuit. Photonics chips use light as the medium for transmitting data while electronic chips use electrons as the medium for transmitting data. Photonics offers benefits over electronics as light can transmit more data and generate less heat compare to electrons. Light particles, photons, do not collide with their transmitting medium the way electrons do in copper wire which results in heat.

    The PICs market has been valued at about USD 14.51 billion in 2025 with growth forecasted (CAGR of 20.9% from 2025 to 2032). Market growth is driven by the rising need for quicker data transmission rates, particularly in telecommunications and data centres. 

    A noteworthy trait about integrated photonics is its potential to enable other technologies. Take the example of quantum computers. Successful quantum computers can be used to speed up drug discovery due to the increased computational ability they enable. Integrated photonics can be used to make scalable quantum computers compared to the use of bulk optics. 

    PICs can support AI model operation as PICs can reduce power consumption, and lead to higher bandwidth (more data transmission per unit time) and lower latency (less delay in transmitting data) in data centres. Data centres are energy-intensive facilities that house IT equipment, store and process data. Data centres can consume up to 50 times more energy than an office space. In recent years, AI has been responsible for about 5-15% of data centre power use and this figure could rise to 35-50% by 2030. As photonics chips help to reduce energy consumption, they can help reduce the environmental impacts of AI in future scenarios that result in more emissions from AI. 

    LIDAR, which supports self-driving cars, uses a mechanical system to move a light source to scan the environment. Integrated photonics can be used to make LIDAR lighter, eliminate the moving part, and push down costs with high-volume photonics manufacturing. Integrated photonics can also lead to higher sensitivity with biosensors and can be used in other applications.  

    Before we end up with photonics products in the hands of consumers, several steps have to happen. 

    • Idea. First, companies and individuals have an idea of the end product they would like to create that makes use of integrated photonics, such as quantum computers or biosensors. 

    • Design. Next, comes the design stage. These companies that have the product idea can design their photonic components in-house or outsource the design to other companies. The circuits can be designed with packaging in mind at this stage to offer protection to the chips when finally manufactured. Once the components are designed using software and the components are laid out together into a functional circuit in the right way suited for the end application, then the designs are ready to be manufactured. 

    • Manufacture. The circuit designs are then sent off to foundries/fabs who manufacture the chips. Hundreds of chips are typically manufactured together on a thin flat material called a wafer which can be diced after completion into different chips. The chips can be fabricated in Multi-Project Wafer (MPW) runs where chips are fabricated on predetermined time schedules on the same wafer shared with other users, which tends to make fabrication more cost-effective. Chips can also be fabricated with dedicated or custom runs, which are fabrication runs that can be for one user/organisation and can be more flexible in terms of timing. 

    • Characterisation and Packaging. Next, the chips are characterised (tested) to observe performance, and packaged to provide a scalable way to interface with your chips and offer protection. 

    The full cycle from idea to packaged chips can require iterations of some steps e.g. the fabricated chips do not have the intended performance thus the design is tweaked and fabricated again. The overall cycle to get to functional chips can be a lengthy process, taking up to several months to possibly even years, and can be expensive, costing several tens or hundreds of thousands and could be up to millions of pounds. Improvements along the supply chain can help to speed up the time to fully functional chips. 

    Will integrated photonics replace electronic semiconductors?  Despite its several benefits, photonics chips are unlikely to replace electronic chips completely. Integrated photonics has its own limitations. For instance, waveguides used to connect components cannot be smaller than the wavelength of light, thus limiting how small we can shrink these photonic chips without breakthrough solutions. 

    Instead of replacement, we can also look at further advancements in both fields and complementary solutions that maximise the benefits of both technologies to unlock new and improved applications. 

    …

    Despite being a more nascent field than electronics, the future of integrated photonics looks luminous and further developments and investment in the field can prove beneficial for mankind. 

    I encourage the bright youth of Nigeria and other countries far and wide, to explore, learn more and actively contribute to the advancement of integrated photonics. This field is expected to grow, and has the ability and potential to significantly impact the future of our world.

    Tolulope Taiwo-Ashaju is an operations professional with experience in business operations in deep-tech, audit and consulting having supported clients in the private and public sectors. She completed her MBA from Saïd Business School, Oxford University and holds a BA and MEng degree from the University of Cambridge. Tolulope values successful problem-solving and impactful business growth.

  • UK-based philanthropist distributes educational materials to Akwa Ibom pupils

    UK-based philanthropist distributes educational materials to Akwa Ibom pupils

    A United Kingdom-based philanthropist, Mrs Charity Anietie-Akanam has distributed educational materials to over 200 pupils in public and private schools in Akwa Ibom state.

    She also launched an education outreach, Seeds of Greatness (SoG) under  TheGreaterYOU®️, an initiative geared towards empowering indigent young people across Akwa Ibom communities.

    The educational materials mainly, branded exercise books, pens, and motivational materials were distributed at Faith Tabernacle Congregation, Uruk Ata Nsidung, Etim Ekpo Local Government Area. 

    Other communities reached are  Ikot Osukpong Ndot in Oruk Anam L.G.A.

    Speaking virtually from the United Kingdom on Monday, Aniete-Akanam shared how her personal story shaped the project.

     “I was once told that children from broken homes couldn’t succeed. But faith, education, and resilience changed my story. Seeds of Greatness is my way of helping others change theirs. It’s not just about giving, it’s about building confidence, restoring faith, and shaping a generation that believes again,” she said. 

    The scholar at London University urged the students not to be discouraged by their poor background, stressing that her focus is on reshaping Nigeria’s image through education and development narratives, 

    She charged the children to study hard, look beyond their background, and build formidable faith in God, as their background is not their future. 

    Responding, Elder Rufus Obot who spoke on behalf of the Faith Tabernacle Congregation, prayed more blessings on the philanthropist, noting that the outreach was “a divine answer and a delight to the church” 

    The village head of Ikot Osukpong Ndot, Chief Mandu Onono II, lauded the gesture, describing it as “a rare gesture of hope for the young people and the first-ever school done for children in Ikot Osukpong.”

    “We are deeply grateful to our daughter, Charity, for remembering where she came from. These children will not forget this act of kindness. It has planted something powerful in their hearts because this is the first time somebody is donating books to our children,” he added. 

    One of the beneficiaries, Ukeme Sunday, who spoke on behalf of the young people , said the books would help her stay focused in school.

    “I am very happy for the books and pens we received. They will help me stay in class and ease the burden on my parents. Thank you, TheGreaterYOU®️,” she added. 

    The project was funded from Charity’s personal income, with voluntary donations from supporters in Nigeria and the United Kingdom.

  • Fed Govt launches scheme to empower 8,000 teachers with mobile devices, free data

    Fed Govt launches scheme to empower 8,000 teachers with mobile devices, free data

    The Federal Government has launched a transformative initiative designed to empower teachers nationwide with zero-rated data access and subsidised devices for professional development and improved classroom delivery.

    The scheme, implemented with technical support from the United Kingdom (UK)-funded Partnership for Learning for All in Nigeria (PLANE) programme is part of the Federal Government’s commitment to advancing digital learning through an Education Public-Private Partnership (ePPP) framework aligned with the National Digital Learning Policy (NDLP).

    Following months of collaboration among these stakeholders, 8,000 teachers have been drawn from the six geopolitical zones to participate in the pilot, which will run from December 2025 to July 2026.

    Participating teachers will access the Federal Government’s eLearn Platform and other approved digital resources at no cost, powered by zero-rated data access provided through partner telcos and Internet Exchange providers.

    Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, chaired a high-level ministerial roundtable that brought together key government leaders, private sector partners, and development stakeholders to launch the pilot phase of the Zero-Rated Data and Mobile Devices Initiative yesterday in Abuja.

    During the event, the Minister also inaugurated a Coordination and Implementation Committee (CIC) to oversee the delivery of the programme and ensure effective cross-sector collaboration.

    The Committee comprises representatives from the Federal Ministry of Education, the Federal Ministry of Innovation, Science & Technology, the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, the Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria (TRCN), the Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council (NERDC), the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), and partners including PLANE, the British Council, Airtel, MTN, the United Bank for Africa, REVRICA, Amazon Web Services (AWS), Gradely, Tuteria, 1 Million Teachers, Oasis, EdTech Hub, and UNICEF.

    This initiative represents a major step towards integrating digital technology into Nigeria’s education system, ensuring every teacher, especially those in rural and underserved areas, has the tools, content, and connectivity needed to thrive in a 21st-century classroom.

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    By removing data-cost barriers and promoting local innovation in device production, the Federal Government is laying the foundation for inclusive, technology-driven learning across the country.

    Alausa said: “We know this; it’s unfortunate that teachers are not being paid enough, and we’re not fooling ourselves.

    “Giving these teachers devices and expecting them to pay for data is foolhardy. It’s dead on arrival, and that’s why we’re here today to create a path for them to access whatever they need without paying anything.”

    Also speaking, Senior Education Adviser, British High Commission, Ian Attfield, highlighted the UK’s support to Nigeria in advancing education technology, urging the government and other stakeholders to bridge existing access gaps.

    Attfield said: “Education stakeholders must promote scalable, locally adapted solutions that leverage technology to improve teaching quality, learner engagement and national education equity goals.”

    Registrar of TRCN, Dr Ronke Soyombo, commended the initiative, saying it was “a significant stride toward making digital learning more accessible to all.”

    She said the intervention would enhance teachers’ capacity to integrate technology into classroom instruction, bridge the digital divide, foster continuous professional development, and ultimately improve the quality of education nationwide.

    “The provision of zero-rated subsidised data bundles is not merely a technical solution; it is a strategic intervention that can accelerate digital inclusion, enhance teacher capacity, and ultimately improve learning outcomes nationwide,” Soyombo said.

    “TRCN is committed to working with all stakeholders to ensure that every teacher in Nigeria is digitally empowered and professionally equipped to thrive in a technology-driven education landscape,” she added. 

  • EU’s €100bn research initiative opens to Nigerian researchers, says ambassador

    EU’s €100bn research initiative opens to Nigerian researchers, says ambassador

    The European Union (EU) said that its flagship Horizon Europe programme, a nearly €100 billion initiative that funds research and innovation across continents, was open to Nigerian researchers.

    The EU Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Gautier Mignot, said this  at the University of Lagos 18th Annual Research Conference where he underscored the role of research in driving inclusive and transformative progress.

    Mignot said: “Horizon Europe is open to Nigerian researchers because the pursuit of knowledge belongs to all humankind. When science connects people, it builds a stronger, fairer and more sustainable world.”

    He also said that the EU was collaboration with Nigeria to strengthen research and innovation ecosystem, with a focus on digital transformation, climate resilience, and sustainable growth.

    Mignot noted that the partnership with Nigeria is built on shared priorities, empowering scientists, innovators and young researchers to turn knowledge into impact across critical sectors such as artificial intelligence (AI), renewable energy and health.

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    Ambassador Mignot said: “Science is most efficient when it is universal, not when it bumps into borders.

    “The European Union and its Member States are investing in research that advances the same green, digital and inclusive transition we are pursuing in Europe, and we are proud to work with Nigeria to achieve this.”

    The ambassador announced that the European Commission has proposed opening negotiations with Nigeria on a Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) Agreement.

    He said that the proposed accord will create new pathways for joint research projects, academic exchange and investment in technology infrastructure.

    “This agreement will help bring our researchers, innovators and universities even closer together,” Mignot said.

    He added: “It will strengthen Nigeria’s role in the global innovation landscape and open more opportunities for young researchers and entrepreneurs.”

    Vice-Chancellor of the University of Lagos (UNILAG), Prof Folasade Ogunsola, commended the EU for its support, describing the collaboration as a milestone in Nigeria’s drive to strengthen its research capacity and harness innovation for development.

    Ogunsola said: “Africa must embrace innovation that responds to our realities. Partnerships like this enable us to translate research into practical solutions, from sustainable energy to health and AI, that improve lives and empower communities.”

    She added that the university is investing in a Human-Centred AI Research Hub focused on ethical and inclusive innovation.

    “AI offers Africa not just a chance to catch up but to lead in shaping the future,” she said.

    A PhD candidate in Estate Management at the University, Salami Michael said: “AI is changing everything about how we learn and research. We can now access data, collaborate across continents and even conduct property evaluations with drones. The EU’s support will give us the opportunity to leverage these tools more effectively and transform the way we teach, learn and innovate.”

  • Tolulope Oginni renovates Ajogbo Grammar School

    Tolulope Oginni renovates Ajogbo Grammar School

    It was a day filled with joy and gratitude as Ajogbo Grammar School Senior, Ota, Ogun State, received a major facelift through the renovation of its school hall, a heartfelt project sponsored by alumnus and founder of Transtech Consulting, Tolulope Joshua Oginni. The commissioning ceremony, held on October 15, was attended by students, teachers, dignitaries, and community leaders.

    The newly renovated hall was officially commissioned by His Royal Majesty, Oba Olabode VT Thomas Fagbayi, Oni Tigbo of Tigbo Ilu Kingdom, Awori Land, who also presented an Award of Appreciation to Oginni for his selfless contribution to the school.

    In his address, Oginni expressed deep emotions as he recounted fond memories from his school days, describing the project as a personal mission rooted in gratitude.

    He said, “Though it has been 18 years since I graduated from this school, I never forgot my roots. Ajogbo Grammar School is part of my story. This hall is not just a hall to me; it is a reminder of where it all began, my foundation, my growth, and the journey that shaped who I am today.”

    Oginni, who served as Social Prefect during the 2001–2007 set, noted that giving back to the school was not an act of charity but a duty to the community that helped shape his future. “By God’s grace, we have started, and we will continue, and we will do even more,” he added.

    The joy on the faces of students, teachers, and old students was unmistakable, as many described the transformation of the hall as a sign of renewed hope and pride for the institution.

    Principal Mrs. Olukemi Moronke Sorinolu commended Oginni for his generosity and commitment, calling his gesture “a shining example of true leadership and gratitude.”

    In closing, Oginni dedicated the project to God, saying, “Success is indeed a beautiful thing, but it becomes truly meaningful when we remember where we all started from.”

    The newly renovated hall now stands as a lasting legacy and a beacon of inspiration for the Ajogbo Grammar School Senior community.

  • UI students honour Saheed Oladele, hold essay competition in his name

    UI students honour Saheed Oladele, hold essay competition in his name

    The Federation of Oyo State Students Union (FOSSU), University of Ibadan Chapter, held an essay competition in honour of the Baameko of Ibadanland and Oyo APC guber aspirant, Oloye Saheed Oladele.

    The event was held at the Large Lecture Room, Faculty of Law, University of Ibadan in which students of Oyo State origin in the university sweated it out. 

    The topic of the essay competition is ‘The Ethics of Innovation: Who Owns Culture in the Digital Age’. 

    The winner of the First Place is Wuraola Sharafadeen from Ibadan and a student of the Faculty of Law, University of Ibadan. 

    Adedamola Gbadegesin from Oyo Alaafin, also a student of the Faculty of Law, won the Second Place while the Third Place went to Fatope Ayooluwa from Oke-Ogun and a student of history department. 

    Oloye Saheed Oladele was also honoured with an award at the event.

    The event had in attendance Professor Peter O. Olapegba, the Deputy Vice Chancellor Academic, University of Ibadan, who was the chairman of the day; Dr Mercy A. Iroanganachi, Librarian, University of Ibadan; Prof. Josiah Olusegun Ajiboye, former Registrar, Teachers’ Registration Council of Nigeria (TRCN); and Mr Babatunde Bamgbade, Chairman, Computer Society of Nigeria, Oyo State Chapter.

  • Group lauds Gov Sule, Yahya’s strides in Nasarawa scholarship board

    Group lauds Gov Sule, Yahya’s strides in Nasarawa scholarship board

    A group, the Global Watch for Good Governance (GWGG), has lauded Nasarawa Governor Abdullahi Sule and Hajiya Sa’adatu Yahya for their unrelenting commitment to educational development in the state through the scholarship Board.

    The group said the various efforts of the scholarship board has helped a lot to reposition the Nasarawa State as a beacon of learning and social progress in Nigeria. 

    The country Director of the group, Comrade Isaac Ikpa who spoke at a  press conference in Abuja said  under Sule’s administration, education has been accorded strategic priority as a fundamental pillar of sustainable development.

    “Through the consistent funding of scholarship programs, bursary allowances, and overseas sponsorships, these interventions have provided thousands of young men and women with the financial support necessary to pursue higher education and contribute meaningfully to Nasarawa state. 

    “Global Watch for Good Governance recognizes that such educational investment is a visionary strategy to prepare young citizens to drive economic diversification in the state,” he said

    He lauded the transparent leadership of Hajiya Sa’adatu Onyashama Yahya at the board which he said has witnessed an unprecedented reform of scholarship administration in Nasarawa State. By leveraging her wealth of experience.

    “She instituted a transparent and technology-driven process that eliminated inefficiency and malpractice. 

    “Under her guidance, the Board successfully implemented three consecutive seasons of bursary disbursements, ensuring that all qualified students received their allowances promptly and directly through verifiable channels.

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    “Significantly, Hajiya Sa’adatu Yahya initiated the digital transformation of the bursary disbursement system, transitioning from a manual payment process to a fully electronic model. This innovation commenced with the introduction of customized value cards in the 2020/2021 academic session and has since evolved into a comprehensive e-payment platform. 

    “Through this system, eligible students now apply, verify, and receive payments electronically, reflecting an efficient, transparent, and accountable process that minimizes human interference and enhances fiscal discipline.

    “Her administration also approved an upward review of bursary allowances, ensuring that the least-paid students receive ₦30,000, while specialized students in critical disciplines receive between ₦70,000 and ₦90,000. This progressive step earned her the affectionate nickname “Mama Alert” among students, a testament to her accessibility, empathy, and responsiveness to their needs.

    “Furthermore, Hajiya Sa’adatu Yahya successfully coordinated the payment of overseas scholarships for Nasarawa State indigenes studying in foreign universities, a program valued in billions of naira. Through transparent oversight, she ensured that all funds were judiciously utilized for their intended purposes. Such integrity and precision have fortified public trust in the Scholarship Board. 

    “Perhaps the most defining moment of her tenure was her voluntary refund of ₦122 million to the state treasury after the 2023/2024 bursary disbursement exercise. The refunded amount represented unspent funds resulting from the disqualification of applicants who failed to meet eligibility criteria, such as the presentation of forged documents or non-indigene status. 

    “This rare gesture of accountability exemplifies her unshakable commitment to ethical leadership and fiscal responsibility. It also affirms that integrity and public service can coexist, even in an era when corruption often undermines public confidence.

    “The Global Watch for Good Governance views this act as a landmark example of moral courage and institutional transparency. By returning excess funds to the government treasury, Hajiya Sa’adatu Yahya has challenged the entrenched culture of impunity in public office and set a new standard for ethical governance. Her conduct is not only commendable but also instructive for other public officials who hold positions of trust.

    “In recognition of her exemplary service, Governor Abdullahi Sule’s decision to reward her with a plot of land at the Government Reserved Area (G.R.A.) stands as a fitting acknowledgment of her outstanding contribution to the state’s moral and administrative renewal. Such recognition reinforces the Governor’s commitment to celebrating integrity and inspiring excellence in public administration.

    “Global Watch for Good Governance believes that the synergy between the visionary leadership of Governor Abdullahi Sule and the administrative excellence of Hajiya Sa’adatu Yahya represents a model of collaborative governance that collectively positioned Nasarawa State as a model of good governance in Nigeria. The organization therefore urges other state governments, and educational boards across the country to emulate this remarkable example of transparent. 

    “In sum, the Global Watch for Good Governance celebrates Hajiya Sa’adatu Onyashama Yahya as an embodiment of ethical leadership and honesty, particularly at a time when Nigeria yearns for good leaders,” he added

  • Ritman University welcomes new VC management team

    Ritman University welcomes new VC management team

    Professor Akan Williams has been announced as the second substantive vice chancellor of Ritman University, Ikot Ekpene, Akwa Ibom state.

    The private university also officially inaugurated a new management team to steer the institution into its next phase of academic and administrative excellence.

    At a colourful reception ceremony, the university community welcomed the new VC, who is a professor of Chemistry.

    He succeeds Professor Celestine A. Ntuen, the pioneer Vice Chancellor of the institution.

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    He rose through the academic ranks and was announced a full Professor of Chemistry in December 2017, effective January 1, 2018.

    A specialist in Analytical and Environmental Chemistry, Professor Williams has been an academic in the Nigerian University System for 23 years, bringing with him a wealth of experience and commitment to academic excellence.

    Also joining the new management team are Deaconess Faith E. Emmanuel, who makes history as the first female and 2nd substantive Registrar, and Dr. Joseph U. Igligli, who assumes office as the 2nd substantive University Librarian.

    The ceremony was graced by the Visitor of the University, Senator Emmanuel Ibok-Essien, alongside staff, students, and guests.

    The Visitor commended the outgoing management for its service and expressed confidence in the capacity of the new team to consolidate on the gains recorded and advance the university’s vision.

    Williams expressed appreciation for the confidence reposed in him and pledged to uphold the ideals of Ritman University in line with its motto: “Building Knowledge for Development.”

    Students, staff, and invited guests joined in celebrating what many described as a promising era for Ritman University.

  • Delta Assembly suspends Poly Rector, Bursar for alleged financial misconduct

    Delta Assembly suspends Poly Rector, Bursar for alleged financial misconduct

    The Delta Assembly has imposed a six-month suspension on Rector of Delta State Polytechnic, Ogwashi-Uku, Professor Emmanuel Achuenu. 

    This suspension was attributed to serious allegations of financial recklessness, misappropriation of funds, and gross administrative misconduct. 

    Also, the institution’s Bursar has been suspended for six months due to his alleged involvement in the financial irregularities identified during the Assembly’s investigation.

    This decision was reached after the Assembly reviewed a report from a parliamentary investigative committee specifically tasked with probing the financial and administrative practices of the polytechnic. 

    Delta Speaker Dennis Guwor highlighted the findings of the investigation, which indicated “multiple instances of unauthorised expenditures and administrative lapses” occurring during Professor Achuenu’s tenure. 

    Lawmakers characterised his actions as a “flagrant abuse of office” and a significant violation of regulations that govern public tertiary institutions.

    The suspensions, they said, were to restore accountability and integrity within the institution’s administration while the investigations continue.

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    According to the committee’s findings, the Rector allegedly disregarded the directives of the Governing Council and violated established financial procedures in managing the institution’s resources.

    In its resolution, the Assembly upheld the six-month suspension earlier imposed by the Governing Council, noting that the move was necessary to reinforce accountability and discipline within the institution.

    The Assembly also directed the Delta State Ministry of Higher Education to supervise the polytechnic’s affairs during the suspension period to ensure transparency, stability, and adherence to due process.

    Lawmakers reaffirmed the Assembly’s zero tolerance for financial mismanagement in public institutions, emphasising that the decision was aimed at restoring integrity and public confidence in the state’s education system.