The statement said Dr. Ekhoragbon has been relieved of her duties with immediate effect.
It described Dr. Erewele as an accomplished educationist and administrator with over two decades of progressive experience in Nigeria’s education sector.
The statement explained: “She holds a Ph.D. in Educational Administration and Planning, along with a Master’s and Bachelor’s degree in Education from the University of Benin.
The Department of Mass Communication at Baze University recently organized a successful academia-industry seminar titled; “AI and Communications: Prospects and Challenges.”
The event aimed to bring together communication scholars and industry practitioners to engage in critical discussions on the growing impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on communication practices.
The seminar featured a distinguished panel of experts who shared insights on how AI is reshaping various aspects of the communication landscape, including journalism, public relations, and media ethics.
The panelists included Mr. Stanley Ogadigo, FNIPR, Chairman of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations, FCT Chapter; Mr. Ajibola Amzat, Africa Editor at the Centre for Collaborative Investigative Journalism (CCIJ); Mr. Terry Ikumi, journalist with Channels Television; and Dr. Adebisi Ogunmusire, Senior Lecturer in the Department of Mass Communication at Baze University.
In his opening remarks, Dr. Hamisu Sanni Muhammad, Head of the Department of Mass Communication, highlighted the significance of the seminar in bridging the gap between academic research and industry practice. He emphasized the need for students and professionals to stay informed about technological innovations that are redefining the communication field.
Throughout the seminar, the panelists explored a wide range of topics, including the ethical implications of AI in media, the potential for automation in newsrooms, and the evolving role of communicators in an increasingly digital world.
Closing remarks were delivered by Dr. Anna Kigbu, who commended both the panelists and the organizing team for fostering a meaningful conversation on such a timely and important topic.
The seminar is part of Baze University’s ongoing efforts to create platforms that promote innovation, collaboration, and professional development among students, scholars, and practitioners in the communication field.
Head of Media unit for NBTE, Mrs. Fatima Abubakar, in a statement on Sunday in Abuja on behalf of the executive secretary, the agency said that it does not condone, support, or tolerate any form of certificate racketeering or academic fraud.
The NBTE was responding to a report by a national newspaper which alleged mobilisation of unqualified graduates for national service organised by the National Youth Service Corps.
The report alleged that certain private polytechnics in Nigeria were colluding with blacklisted universities in the Republic of Benin to fraudulently mobilise graduates into the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) using fabricated National Diploma (ND) and Higher National Diploma (HND) certificates.
The NBTE said, “The integrity of Nigeria’s technical education system is paramount, and any institution found to be involved in such malpractice will face the full weight of regulatory sanctions.
“In response to the allegations, the Board has initiated preliminary inquiries and has formally reached out to the NYSC and Punch Newspaper to obtain relevant information that will lead to a thorough investigation. We urge members of the public and stakeholders to remain calm and vigilant and report any suspicious activities of any TVET institution to the appropriate authorities.
“The NBTE remains committed to upholding the highest standards of academic integrity and will continue to work closely with the Federal Ministry of Education and other agencies to ensure that the credibility of Nigeria’s Polytechnic education is not compromised.
“We appreciate the Nigerian press, especially the recent cases of investigative journalism in the country, leading to cleaning up our system and wish to reaffirm the commitment of the NBTE to support a transparent restitution of the entire educational and related sectors to institute integrity at all levels and sanctioning of erring institutions, which may include withdrawal of operational licenses and prosecution.”
Deputy Speaker Benjamin Okezie Kalu has pledged to partner with Bildup AI Learning to promote technology development and human capital growth in Nigeria.
Speaking when he visited the technology hub where several youths were undertaking different educational courses with the help of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Enugu on Saturday in the company of the Majority Leader of the House, Professor Julius Ihonbvere and others on the sideline of the Retreat of the House Committee on Review, Kalu emphasised the importance of investing in the nation’s human capital, citing the potential for Nigerians to export services globally.
He highlighted the potential for Nigeria to export services, leveraging the country’s large population and growing talent pool.
Kalu assured that his office would partner with Bildup AI Learning to showcase its work and attract support from government agencies and other stakeholders, stressing that such partnership aims to promote innovation, entrepreneurship, and technological advancement, ultimately contributing to the nation’s economic growth and development.
The Deputy Speaker commended Bildup AI Learning’s efforts in providing cutting-edge education and training in AI and other emerging technologies, saying it aligns with the government’s vision on human capital development.
He said: “We need to expand what you are doing and that is where government partnership comes in. We’re going to make a case for you in the Ministry of Education and Ministry of Science and Technology. Also, there are so many NGOs that need to find a credible place to plug in their resources. We will partner with you. The Office of the Deputy Speaker will partner with you to showcase you. It’s nothing about politics. It’s about development. Our human capital development is very key. It is one of our resources in this nation.
“All over the world, Nigerians are making impacts in various fields of life, especially with the power of our mind. So, anything that will help us export service, we will do. We are exporting goods now, not exporting as much service as we want to export, because we have 200 and almost 250 million people. This will help us churn out more service providers that can sit in Nigeria and provide services to Oracle, Facebook, Instagram, to all of them while you are sitting here, and then, the foreign exchange will come in because of the power of your mind, and that is how you can add value to the growth of this nation. Keep innovating and dreaming. Don’t get tired. The future is bright “.
Excited by the ingenuity of the youths and their interest in technology, Kalu encouraged them to keep aiming for the best to accelerate the development of the country.
“The nation believes in you, and that is why, in the renewing hope agenda of Mr. President, the young ones occupy the center stage of his innovations. Whenever you meet President, he always says, I am interested in building a legacy that will outlive me for our children.
“You can stretch your hand with innovation. You can add a brick on the wall of nation building with technology.
You know you are disruptors. We see you as disruptors. Disruptors are those who are not comfortable with tradition. Innovators are disruptors, and they disrupt tradition so that they can have true innovation, more productivity. You are not comfortable with the status quo”, he said.
The Deputy Speaker also mooted the idea of introducing the AI learning into the social system as part of the constituency projects for constituents.
“Build up has simplified learning in the sense that it is accessible and it is cheap. Most of us who are honorable members, representatives of our communities, constituencies before the federal government, it’s about time we put it as part of our constituency projects, so a whole lot of students will come in and learn and build. Human capacity building is key.
“So, we are looking forward to supporting him so that it can grow, expand and be sustainable. And also, I’m sure with time, Nigeria will hear about build up. We believe in him, and we believe in these young ones I’ve seen. Truly, they are the future of Nigeria, and their dedication and diligence towards this learning is amazing and very impressive”.
Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Bildup AI, Chibuike Aguene said that the innovation will give students equal access to quality education.
“What you’re witnessing here is the first of its kind. We built an indigenous AI application, the first of its kind all over Africa that can teach and interact with students, just as a human teacher would do. Some schools have already adopted it. Teachers are getting about 80% of their time back. Students are completing a tense programme that takes, typically, three months in about two weeks. There’s a student here. Maybe she will share her experience. She used it to prepare for her JAMB. She scored 97 in that Maths exam. She used build up within couple of weeks preparation.
“So, what we’ve done here is to rethink. How do we bridge the gap in terms of giving everybody equal access to quality education and leveraging on artificial intelligence, and we’ve successfully implemented that. Recently, the federal government added tech skills as a compulsory course across secondary schools and primary schools. Fortunately, we’ve added all those courses as part of the platform for Bildup AI.
“I think the best way to explain this is that imagine every student having access to the world best teacher on a one-to-one ratio because one of the things that has been the issue in educational system, not just in Nigeria, across Africa is teacher/student ratio which is about one to fifty. But what we’ve done with technology now is to level it to one-to-one, so that every student can now have a personalized tutor. And let me point out that we are not saying we’ve replaced teachers. No, we’re not replacing teachers. Rather, we are enhancing what they are doing. So, somebody that is in the remote, maybe the village or anywhere, can now access the highest level of knowledge.
“The AI interacts the way that I’m speaking to you. They will choose even the AI tutorial that they want. We have different names they can choose. It speaks to them, in the accent and the way they will understand it. So, that’s what we have done, and a lot of them now are mastering tech skills, doing all their curriculums.
“We have an AI career mentor that will guide you, interact with you, understand your interests and this, and then help you, guide you through that path. So, it’s a revolutionary innovation, and it happened here in South East. There’s nothing here that is outsourced. Everything here is built in-house. It’s a moment of pride for the entire region, and I dare say that it is a win win for every innovator across Nigeria here.
“We are demonstrating the future of education that everybody has been talking about. So, we’ve moved beyond talk to actually show that this can work, and then Africa can lead, and not just Africa, that South East can provide the needed leadership.
“So, we have a marketplace where, once they go through this programme, the talent is showcased through that market space so that they can access global opportunities and, of course, local opportunities. So, people, different organization, not just in South East, but across the globe can now access talent from the pool that we are churning out here,” Aguene explained.
Junior Achievement Nigeria (JAN), in partnership with Johnson & Johnson, has launched this year’s edition of the Winning in Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, Manufacturing and Design (WiSTEM2D) program.
The initiative is designed to motivate secondary school students to explore careers in STEM fields and develop critical skills needed to thrive in the modern workforce.
This year’s edition adopts a blended learning model, combining digital engagement with in-person activities to enhance participants’ creativity, problem-solving abilities, and confidence.
The program commenced with the National WiSTEM2D Innovation Camp in Lagos, where 66 top-performing students gathered for a full day of immersive learning. Participants interacted with STEM professionals, participated in design-thinking workshops, and showcased their innovative ideas in an ideathon and pitch contest before industry experts.
The highlight of the event was the pitch competition, where three schools emerged as winners:
First Place: Festac Senior College, Festac Town — represented by Betiku Adedolapo, Okorocha Mmesoma, Davidson Chioma, and Igwe Mmaduabuchi — for their project on decentralized waste and recycling stations to bring disposal points closer to communities.
First Runner-Up: Bola Ige Millennium Senior Secondary School — represented by Giwa Faridat Oluwafunmilayo, Anozie Ngozi Maryolivia, Nnodim Goodness, Enukoha Mary, and Omonigho Joy — for their Automated BinBot, a device that separates dry and wet waste to reduce pollution and improve sanitation.
Second Runner-Up: Lagos State Senior Model College — represented by Ezeanya Chisom, Johnchukwu Confidence, Chukwuka Favour, and Nnedu Chukwuemeka — for a project combining health awareness with waste management, including replacing single-use plastics with reusable alternatives and converting organic waste into fertilizer.
Speaking at the event, JAN’s Assistant Director of Programs, Mr. Olaolu Akogun, described the initiative as part of the organisation’s ongoing effort to inspire the next generation of innovators.
“We are excited to continue our collaboration with Johnson & Johnson through the WiSTEM2D program. This initiative breaks barriers in STEM by equipping young leaders with tools, mentorship, and opportunities to succeed. We are confident it will inspire a new generation of innovators and change-makers to drive Nigeria and Africa’s future,” he said.
Ms. Jaiyesimi Oyefunke, Country Lead at Johnson & Johnson Nigeria, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to supporting education and youth empowerment through sustainable partnerships.
While the Innovation Camp directly impacted 66 students through hands-on sessions, the reach of the WiSTEM2D program extends further. The next phase — an online STEM Challenge — is set to begin next week, engaging over 750 students across Nigeria.
Through its interactive digital platform, the challenge will expose participants to STEM concepts in fun and competitive ways, broadening access and inspiring more young Nigerians to develop innovative solutions to real-world challenges.
With the ongoing partnership between Junior Achievement Nigeria and Johnson & Johnson, the WiSTEM2D program continues to drive a nationwide movement of young innovators prepared to shape the country’s scientific and technological future.
Some staff of Johnson and Johnson Nigeria, Junior Achievement Nigeria, and participants at the WiSTEM2D Innovation Camp in Lagos.
The All-Africa Students’ Union (AASU) has honoured Hon. (Dr.) Saheed Mosadoluwa Audullahi, chairman and CEO of Harmony Gardens and Estate Development Limited, with the 2025 Africa Leadership Award in recognition of his outstanding contributions to youth empowerment and development across the continent.
The colourful investiture ceremony, themed “Reawakening Our Consciousness as Africa’s Next Generation,” took place on Friday, September 26, 2025, in Lagos, Nigeria.
Although Dr. Mosadoluwa, popularly known as Mr. Ibile, could not attend the event, the AASU leadership visited his office on Thursday, October 9, for the official conferment and presentation of the AASU Hall of Fame Award.
Describing Dr. Mosadoluwa as a “Beacon of Hope for Africa’s Development,” AASU commended his unwavering dedication to nation-building, human capital development, and the empowerment of young Africans.
In a solidarity address, the Union lauded the Harmony Gardens boss as “an apostle of positive change and an iconic leader per excellence who continues to stand tall among his peers.”
“We are gathered to celebrate a true patriot who has positively impacted our generation. Dr. Saheed Mosadoluwa is not just a successful entrepreneur; he is a mentor, a nation-builder, and a champion of educational growth and youth empowerment,” AASU stated.
The Union noted that the award was in recognition of his contributions to education, infrastructure, and leadership—values that align with AASU’s mission since its founding in 1972.
According to the statement, “Our organization exists to drive growth in education and health across Africa through strategic developmental programmes. Leaders like Dr. Mosadoluwa embody the vision of a progressive Africa where youth are empowered and equipped to take charge of the future.”
AASU also urged African governments and private institutions to emulate Dr. Mosadoluwa’s leadership model, describing him as “a man who understands and embodies the core values and aspirations of the youth.”
Dr. Mosadoluwa, through Harmony Gardens and Estate Development Ltd, has continued to spearhead numerous community development projects and humanitarian initiatives, earning both local and international recognition for his visionary leadership and entrepreneurial excellence.
The event concluded with a standing ovation as delegates, students, and dignitaries hailed Dr. Mosadoluwa as a symbol of integrity, hope, and transformational leadership for Africa’s next generation.
The Old Boys Association of St. Joseph’s College, Ondo (SJCOBA) has announced plans to implement legacy projects worth N250 million as part of activities marking the 70th anniversary of the prestigious institution.
The association said the projects include the refurbishment of classrooms and other facilities in the college, provision of online learning facilities in core subjects, various welfare packages for students, staff, and the community, and an endowment fund of N50 million
According to Nobilitas Olusola Akinniyi, President, National Executive Council of the association, these programmes are designed to leave a lasting impact, as the college celebrates seven decades of academic excellence and moral discipline.
According to Akinniyi, the celebrations will also feature media engagements, official commissioning of various completed projects, sports competitions, interschool debates, anniversary lecture, citywide medical outreach, and a grand fundraising banquet.
The celebrations will start on Monday, March 16 and close with a Thanksgiving mass on Sunday, March 22nd.
He explained that to raise the N250 million, the association has initiated a robust fundraising drive, including a mandatory contribution of N500,000 or more, from each graduating set, individual contributions and pledges, corporate sponsorships, sales of branded merchandise, and crowd-funding, among its vast alumni in Nigeria and abroad.
The leadership of the association further explained that the gesture reflects the usual tradition of St. Joseph’s alumni in giving back to their alma mater, while also ensuring that the jubilee leaves enduring benefits beyond the celebrations.
Founded in 1956, St. Joseph’s College, Ondo, has established its reputation as one of Nigeria’s premier secondary schools, producing distinguished leaders across various sectors, including politics, business, academia, and others.
The association has also unveiled an official 70th-anniversary logo to be deployed across print, digital, and social media platforms.
Akinniyi called on all alumni, stakeholders, and friends of the college to rally support for the milestone celebrations, stressing that every contribution counts towards making the Platinum Jubilee a memorable one.
Chairman of the Central Planning Committee, Nobilitas Chief Yele Ogundipe, who is responsible for raising funds for the anniversary and ensuring its success, confirms his readiness to deliver on the mandate given to his committee.
The founder of Prosocial Care for the Stranded Foundation, Bamidele Atoyebi, has paid the school fees of several indigent pupils at Kuruduma Primary School Asokoro, whose majority are orphans.
According to findings the fees of Primary 1, 3, 4 and 5 pupils were all paid fully.
Atoyebi said he was informed about the pupils’ situation by a football coach in the area who they both attend the same church, Living Faith and decided to visit the school to verify the report and offer assistance.
He explained that the gesture aligns with the objectives of his registered foundation, which caters for the needs of underprivileged children, stranded prisoners who have served their terms, and patients unable to pay their hospital bills.
According to him, helping the less privileged should be seen as a responsibility for Nigerians who are financially stable.
He said, “As Nigerians and as humans who are well-to-do, we owe the less privileged these acts of love and kindness.”
Atoyebi said his commitment to education support is driven by personal experience, recalling that he attended subsidized schools from primary to university level.
“I know what it means to struggle through school. That is why I feel compelled to help children who are orphans,” he said.
During the outreach, he also encouraged the pupils to take their studies seriously and remain hopeful for a brighter future.
“I was just like you some years back, but I never stopped striving, working, and hoping for better days until it became a reality,” he said.
Atoyebi urged well-to-do Nigerians to extend a hand of kindness to the less privileged around them, saying such support could make a lasting difference in society and Nigeria at large.
The West Midlands Open University held its matriculation ceremony on Saturday with a call on Nigerian universities to adopt smart learning technologies to address existing gaps in the education sector and drive national development.
The event, which welcomed a new cohort of students into the institution, was marked by passionate appeals from prominent education stakeholders who emphasised the transformative potential of smart learning in promoting inclusive, flexible, and accessible higher education in the country.
Delivering the matriculation lecture titled “Smart Learning for National Economic Sustainability: The Role of Open University in Nigeria’s Educational Transformation,” Nigeria’s first female professor of computer science, Prof. Adenike Osofisan, urged universities across the country to shift from the traditional one-size-fits-all teaching approach and embrace technology-driven learning systems tailored to individual student needs.
According to Osofisan, smart learning harnesses modern tools such as Artificial Intelligence to create personalised, efficient learning experiences that can bridge both access and quality gaps inherent in Nigeria’s conventional higher education system.
She noted that over 50 per cent of Nigerian youths who qualify for tertiary education are denied admission annually due to inadequate capacity in existing institutions.
“Open universities, through smart learning, can bridge this gap. They have no admission limits and can provide inclusive access to education for Nigerians irrespective of age, location, or economic background,” she said.
The veteran academic, who also served as the foundation director of the University of Ibadan School of Business, stressed the need for Nigerian universities to strategically invest in digital infrastructure, upskill their academic staff, and push for national policies that support technology-driven learning and quality assurance.
She warned that unless issues such as poor internet connectivity, inadequate funding, and resistance to change are decisively tackled, the shift to smart learning could face major setbacks.
“The National Universities Commission (NUC) should ensure that all lecturers are trained in the use of ICT for teaching. Technology has made it possible for students from across the world to attend virtual classes, and Nigeria must not be left behind,” she stated.
While advising students to take their academic journey seriously, she shared her own experience as a student in the United States.
“When I went for my Master’s degree in Computer Science in 1979 at the Georgia Institute of Technology, I did not go there to drive taxis or wash dishes. I was fully prepared before leaving Nigeria. The Obafemi Awolowo University, Ife, gave me the courage and foundation to excel,” she said.
Osofisan urged the students to develop technological skills, pursue excellence, and avoid shortcuts, noting that a solid education is key to competing in the global economy.
In his remarks, the Vice-Chancellor of West Midlands Open University, Prof. Olumide Longe, congratulated the new students and reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to delivering quality, affordable, and flexible education that meets the needs of a dynamic and digitally driven world.
He explained that the university was established to increase access to higher education and contribute to national development through human capital advancement.
Longe noted that the adoption of open and distance learning models is key to bridging the learning gap in Nigeria by offering educational opportunities to people unable to attend traditional universities due to financial, geographical, or work-related constraints.
“Smart learning and digital platforms have become essential tools in shaping the future of education. In a world increasingly defined by innovation and technology, we must equip our students with the competencies needed to thrive in today’s knowledge-based economy,” he said.
Former Minister of Industry and second female President of the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Chief Onikepo Akande, who was also present at the ceremony, lauded the management and staff of the university for their commitment to expanding access to education.
She described the institution as a “beacon of access and opportunity,” insisting that neither distance nor circumstance should be allowed to hinder anyone’s pursuit of knowledge.
“Let us move forward with renewed hope. The foundation we are laying today will inspire greatness in all who pass through the halls of this great university,” Akande said.
Also speaking, the Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, who was represented by the Assistant Director at JAMB’s Lagos Office, Oluwakemi Awosanya, urged the matriculating students to be worthy ambassadors of the institution.
He described open universities as a forward-thinking solution to Nigeria’s educational challenges and encouraged students to apply their knowledge toward national development.
Chairman of the university’s Board of Trustees, Mr. Bayo Oyero, reminded the new students that open and distance learning institutions provide a flexible academic structure without compromising on educational quality. He noted that students of open universities receive the same level of academic training as their counterparts in traditional universities and urged them to take their studies seriously.
“To the students, I want you to see this day as a special one. Open universities are flexible and allow you to study while working. Use this opportunity wisely and build meaningful relationships that will benefit you and the nation,” he said.
The ceremony marked a significant milestone for the young institution, which has positioned itself as a leader in expanding higher education access through open and distance learning.
With an emphasis on smart learning, the West Midlands Open University continues to champion innovative approaches aimed at bridging Nigeria’s education gap and building a digitally competent workforce.
Ogun Governor Dapo Abiodun, has celebrated Matilukuro Olanrewaju, a dedicated educator from Muslim High School, Ago Iwoye, who emerged the overall best teacher in the Senior Secondary Category during the 2025 Presidential Teacher and School Excellent Award
The prestigious recognition was announced during the World Teachers’ Day Celebration at the June 12 Cultural Center, Abeokuta, where the Governor, represented by Deputy Governor, Engr. Noimot Salako-Oyedele, applauded the exceptional contributions of teachers across the state toward shaping the future of young learners.
Oyedele-Salako commended Matilukuro for his unwavering commitment to academic excellence, innovative teaching methods, and positive impact on students’ learning outcomes.
She emphasised that the State Government remains dedicated to promoting and rewarding excellence among educators as part of its vision to elevate the standard of education in Ogun State.
The event was attended by top government officials, education stakeholders, and representatives from various schools.
The atmosphere was filled with excitement and pride as colleagues, students, and well-wishers celebrated Matilukuro’s remarkable achievement.
The recognition of Matilukuro Olanrewaju as the 2025 Ogun State Overall Best Teacher (Senior Secondary Category) stands as a testament to his passion, professionalism and enduring dedication to the teaching profession — a true reflection of the excellence Ogun State is known for.
