The Academic Staff Union of Secondary Schools (ASUSS) has mourned the passing of former President Muhammadu Buhari and called on the Federal Government to immortalise him by fully implementing the Teachers’ Retirement Age Law he signed into law.
In a statement jointly signed by ASUSS National President Comrade Sola Adigun and Secretary General Comrade Kenneth Okoh, the union praised Buhari’s contribution to the education sector, particularly his approval of the Harmonised Retirement Age for Teachers in Nigeria Act, 2022, which extended the retirement age of teachers to 65 years or 40 years of service.
The union, however, expressed concern that many states have yet to implement the law more than two years after it was signed, urging urgent action to honour the legacy of the late former president.
“For more than two years the law has not been implemented, thereby shortchanging teachers and undermining the intent of the federal legislation. It is our belief that one of the ways to truly celebrate the memory of President Muhammadu Buhari is to ensure full and unconditional implementation of this law in every state of the federation.”
He noted that failure of the implementation will be disservice to both the departed leader and the teaching profession,” the statement said.
The union appealed to President Bola Tinubu to take deliberate steps by engaging state governors and relevant government agencies to enforce the law across all states, in the spirit of continuity, justice.
“President Buhari may be gone, but his legacies live on. Let us not only mourn him but also honour him by giving life to the progressive policies he championed for teachers and for Nigeria at large.”
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) recently ranked the Lagos State University (LASU), University of Lagos (UNILAG) and University of Ilorin (UNILORIN), as the most preferred Nigerian universities for the 2025 admissions. With LASU as the only state-owned university in the top 10 and occupying top spot, this ranking is a reflection that with the right leadership, enabling environment, structure, approach and funding, state-owned institutions can equally hold their own among federal institutions, DAMOLA KOLA-DARE reports.
The top 10 most subscribed institutions
Lagos State University (LASU) – 70,080 applicants (3.45%)
University of Lagos (UNILAG) – 58,645 applicants (2.89%)
University of Ilorin (UNILORIN) – 56,758 applicants (2.79%)
Federal University Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE) – 52,108 applicants (2.56%)
Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK) – 51,487 applicants (2.53%)
University of Ibadan (UI) – 47,571 applicants (2.34%)
University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) – 46,273 applicants (2.28%)
University of Benin (UNIBEN) – 45,868 applicants (2.26%)
Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) – 45,777 applicants (2.25%)
Federal University, Lafia – 42,962 applicants (2.11%)
When the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) adjudged the Lagos State University (LASU) as the most subscribed university for 2025 admissions, it was music to the ears of the Visitor, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and the institution’s Vice Chancellor, Prof. Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello. This ranking is an elixir to do more as the VC told The Nation in an interview on campus.
Last week, JAMB Registrar Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, at a policy meeting on admissions into tertiary institutions, released a list of top 10 most sought after universities in the country.
According to him, the most subscribed institutions include: LASU with 70,080 applicants, UNILAG with 58,645 applicants, UNILORIN with 56,758 applicants, and Federal University Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE) with 52,108 applicants.
Others are Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK) with 51,487 applicants, University of Ibadan (UI) with 47,571 applicants, University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) with 46,273 applicants and University of Benin (UNIBEN) with 45,868 applicants.
Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) with 45,777 applicants and Federal University, Lafia with 42,962 applicants complete the pack.Observers reckon that state-owned universities are challenging the status quo, affirming that they can compete favourably with the federal universities. Over the years, federal universities have been the most subscribed. For instance, University of Illorin was the most subscribed for seven years (2013-2020).
Interestingly, out of the top 10 most sought-after universities, LASU is the only institution owned by a state government, while the nine others are owned by the Federal Government.
While still basking in the euphoria of being the most sought after, its studenst made the university proud and turned heads at the Nigerian Law School 2025 Call to Bar Ceremony in Abuja.
The institution produced 10 First-Class graduates, a testament to the university’s reputation for academic excellence.
At the heart of the celebration was Lawal Maryam Abiodun, a graduate of Common and Islamic Law, who was named the Second Overall Best Graduating Student out of a total of 7,134 students admitted to the Nigerian Law School for the session. She was also recognised as the Best Graduating Female Student of the year.
VC delighted at unprecedented feat
In her official congratulatory message, Prof. Olatunji-Bello applauded the LASU graduates for their achievements. She described the awards as a testament to the strength of LASU’s academic training and the dedication of students and faculty.
“I wholeheartedly congratulate all our legal stars and also commend the Dean and our hardworking Law lecturers for their relentless commitment to building excellent scholars and legal professionals,” she added.
The VC urged LASU Law students to continue to work hard and uphold the university’s legacy of excellence in legal education.
The momentous performance of LASU students at the Nigerian Law School has once again positioned the institution as a leader in producing world-class legal minds, further validating its place among the top universities in Nigeria and beyond.
Prof. Olatunji-Bello told the The Nation that the ranking is due to the unwavering commitment of staff, students.and 100 per cent support of the Visitor, Sanwo-Olu. She described it as a collective responsibility and achievement, stressing that she is very happy and proud of staff of the institution.
She said: “I’m very happy that LASU has the status that everybody, staff, students and even all the stakeholders are proud of. LASU is the most sought after university in Nigeria and that means at the last JAMB exam, we had more than 70,000 applicants who chose the university as their first choice and when you compare it with the second most sought after university, it’s about almost 20,000 or so more than the next university.
“We have come this far not only as the most sought after but the most digitally advanced university, state university in this country. We are the second best university when we come to public universities in the country according to Times Higher Educational Ranking of 2024.
“And we have already made that aspect of being the best in West Africa when we are talking about the environment, we are talking about our green metrics, University of Indonesia ranking gave us. We’ve done that back to back for the past three years now.”
Visitor’s support crucial
The VC praised Sanwo-Olu for his constant support for the institution. She described the school as the governor’s “flagship university”.
“We are the first in West Africa. So, all these happening in LASU is due to the commitment and intentional commitment in particular of the management, staff, students and our stakeholders, not excluding our visitor, Governor Sanwo-Olu.
“So, he has given us the 100 percent support to make sure there is peace in this university and there is progress in terms of security. So, we have here in LASU, a very peaceful environment. We have industrial harmony with all our staff and our student unions.
“That has helped us to maintain a regular calendar; our students come in and graduate at the appropriate time. We have not closed this university down for any industrial action. And properties, staff and students are safe.
“To crown it all, LASU is now a residential university. That has also brought the enrolment to a high level. Because parents are sure their wards are in safe hands and within the university environment, and not outside.
“We have done very well. I want to thank the action governor for the constant support you have given this university. And because it is your flagship university, you have taken it very seriously with 100 percent support. I am very glad we have not disappointed you. You wanted us to keep it up and we are committed to keeping it up towards a greater LASU as I envisioned when I applied for the job,” she said.
What “collective achievement means to VC
On what the achievement means to her, Prof. Olatunji-Bello said: “This feat means I am well accepted in the university, because I have their support, the management, staff and students. So, it means a lot. I have this vision contained in a book that I gave to staff members. They are running with this vision, they know where we are going, they know where we are and everyone is involved. It is not a matter of one person. It is a collective responsibility and achievement, and I am very happy and proud of my staff.
“We set up a ranking committee and identified all the criteria. We are intentional on being the first. It is part of our achievement that by the time I finish my tenure, LASU would be the best not in Nigeria, but in West Africa and we are moving towards that. For public universities, we are number two now, but we are waiting for 2025 rankings. We are positive we would have moved up the ladder.”
Strategies, structures to maintain standard
The VC noted that the university is not prepared to rest on its oars, adding that it can only get better. She highlighted how her administration repositioned the institution and structures in place to ensure the institution continues on its drive for excellence.
She said: “Artificial Intelligence (AI) is incorporated into teaching and learning in LASU. At the last Senate meeting, we mandated a committee to bring out the AI policy so that it will make us more focused on being AI compliant university. We encourage students to use AI to improve themselves and learning,as well as staff. We want AI to be a template to improve on. I am hoping we would subscribe to ChatGPT Pro, where you can have personalised projects or submissions. We will use it to teach, assess our students and they will use it to report to us. That’s where we are going, before I finish my tenure, we will be there. Faculty of Computing is key here; they are driving the whole thing.
“As a digitally-advanced university, most of our processes have been digitalised from admissions to graduation. We have reduced face to face contact to curb corruption. We have blended learning in LASU. We have adopted the virtual learning system. When the class is full, students can join online. Our staff processes too are digitalised. Appointment and promotion are also digitalised. By the time I finish my tenure, the entire process in the university will be digitalised. There are structures in place to maintain the standard. We can only get better. We will never go down.
“We are intentional and we solve problems. The Innovation Hub is to design solutions for problems. We are well equipped.
‘‘In LASU, entrepreneurship is compulsory. Every department has an entrepreneurship course, ENT 1000. No student can graduate without passing it. Successful entrepreneurs come to teach students regularly. So, when students graduate, they become employers of labour.”
The Federal Government has unveiled a comprehensive policy on non-state schools, outlining clear guidelines for its infrastructure, teacher quality, curriculum delivery, and stronger accountability measures.
Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, during the unveiling said the policy unveiled in Abuja, aimed to ensure quality and accountability in the education sector by establishing clear guidelines for non-state schools.
The policy was supported by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) off Partnership for Learning for All in Nigeria (PLANE).
Alausa said the policy was part of President Bola Tinubu’s broader National Education Sector Renewal Initiative (NESRI), which prioritises education as a cornerstone of national growth.
He emphasised the crucial role of non-state schools in meeting Nigeria’s growing demand for education.
“By harnessing the potential of non-state schools, we can increase access to quality education, improve learning outcomes, and promote economic growth.
“The policy outlines clear guidelines for non-state school, including standards for infrastructure, teacher quality, and curriculum delivery.
“It also provides a framework for collaboration between non-state schools and the government, ensuring that we can work together to achieve our education goal,” he said.
The minister said that data showed that between 2017 and 2022, the number of non-state schools grew by approximately 39 per cent, compared to much lower growth rates for government-run primary and junior secondary schools, which expanded by only 3.5 per cent and 6.3 per cent respectively.
“As our population continues to grow, non-state schools are helping to fill the gap. While we appreciate their role, we are determined to ensure better regulation, accountability, and support so they can deliver higher-quality education to our children,” he added.
Alausa also announced practical support and incentives for private school operators, among which are indirect reimbursement for enrolling out-of-school children, with implementation targeted for the 2025–2026 school session.
Also, he said direct grants and vouchers through the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) to support privately owned early childhood development centres would be granted to non-state schools.
Also speaking, the Senior Education Adviser, British High Commission, Mr Ian Attfield, commended Nigeria for taking critical steps to address the needs of millions of learners underserved by the public system.
Attfield traced the long history of collaboration on non-state education, referencing early research that brought global attention to Nigeria’s sprawling network of unregistered private schools.
“I think back to the early 2000s, when UK academic Professor James Tooley wrote ‘The Beautiful Tree’, documenting what was then a discovery for outsiders.
“Though well known locally, the mushrooming private schools operating beyond the oversight of government. That research highlighted a basic economic reality when demand for education outstrips government provision,” he noted.
He said that alternative forms of schooling emerge organically, saying that over the last 30 to 40 years, Nigeria’s explosive urban growth from cities like Lagos, which had 250,000 residents in 1960 and now exceeds 15 million has far outpaced the expansion of public education.
He said that the UK had worked extensively in Nigeria to develop progressive policies and partnerships aimed at expanding affordable, quality education noting that regulation remained essential.
The Registrar, Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria (TRCN), Dr. Ronke Soyombo, explained that survey carried out by the council showed that over 85 per cent of persons in the teaching profession are not registered.
Soyombo said with such policy, non-state school teachers would now be registered, certified, and licensed by the TRCN.
“In readiness to address the implementation of the non-state schools policy, the TRCN are taking a number of steps and working very hard to make registration, certification, and licensing seamless for the non-state school teachers across the country,” she said.
The policy includes quality assurance, ensuring that non-state schools meet minimum standards for infrastructure, teacher quality and curriculum delivery.
Also, the policy will hold non-state schools accountable for their performance and ensuring that they are transparent in their operations.
Non-State Schools includes faith-based schools, private schools, home schooling, tutorial/adult learning centres, voluntary/charity schools and community schools.
Redeemer’s University, Ede, Osun has been ranked Africa’s best university on Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 6 by Times Higher Education Sustainability in 2025.
This is contained in a statement made available to reporters in Osogbo by the institution’s Director of Corporate Affairs, Mr. Adetunji Adeleye.
Adeleye said the university also emerged as a leading institution in sustainability and research excellence in the ranking.
According to him, the university ranked second among federal, state, and private universities in the country, with outstanding performances across several SDGs.
“Redeemer’s University stood out significantly in this prestigious global ranking, especially in public health and water management SDGs.
“Specifically, the university ranked first nationally and internationally for SDG 6, addressing clean water and sanitation”, he said.
Adeleye said the recognition was primarily attributed to the university’s pioneering efforts at the African Centre of Excellence for Water and Environmental Science Research, dedicated to sustainable water resource management, wastewater treatment, and ecosystem preservation.
The director added that the university also ranked first nationally, and sixth continentally for SDG 3, good health and well-being.
According to him, the ranking is due to the university’s prestigious Institute of Genomics and Global Health (IGH), formerly the African Centre of Excellence for Genomics of Infectious Diseases (ACEGID).
“The institute has been at the forefront of groundbreaking research, significantly impacting public health across Africa and beyond, particularly in genomic research on infectious diseases.
“The university also showcased its robust capabilities in other areas, including SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) and SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions), ranking first in Nigeria.
“It further secured commendable positions in SDG 13 (Climate Action) and SDG 17 (Partnerships for Goals), emphasising the university’s holistic approach to sustainability and development”, he said.
The Vice-Chancellor (VC) of the university, Prof. Shadrach Akindele, commended the collective efforts of the institution’s faculty and researchers for the achievements.
Akindele said the ranking validated the university’s unwavering commitment to sustainability, research excellence, and global impact.
“It represents the starting point of our ambition to position Redeemer’s University among the best globally,” he said.
The VC emphasised the importance of continued investment in research capabilities and collaborative initiatives.
According to him, the ranking must inspire even greater efforts to maintain and surpass these standards, aiming to achieve global recognition in sustainability and research and excellence.
“The university has called for increased collaborations from academic institutions, corporations, and individual researchers committed to driving sustainable development,” he said.
The Federal Polytechnic Damaturu, Yobe State has matriculated 2,504 new students for the 2024/2025 academic session.
The matriculation ceremony was presided over by the Rector of the polytechnic, Dr. Ibrahim Bello Bashir.
The event, which took place at the institution’s lecture hall, marked the official enrollment of students into the National Diploma one and Higher National Diploma one programmes.
Dr. Bashir highlighted the significance of integrity, perseverance, and innovation in the students’ academic pursuits.
In a statement by Head, Information and Public Relations, Federal Polytechnic Damaturu, Yobe State, Muhd Nura Nguru, the rector encouraged the students to leverage the industry-based skills offered by their lecturers.
Dr. Bashir said: “Do not allow the polytechnic to be merely a place of learning; rather, let it be a space for growth and self-industry.”
The rector reassured the incoming students of the commitment from the Governing Council, management, academic board, and staff within the available resources to provide a sustainable and secure learning environment that supports both academic and personal development.
Registrar of the polytechnic, Muazu Aliyu Iliyasu, reiterated the rector’s message, urging students to approach their studies with seriousness and to represent the institution positively both on campus and beyond.
He also expressed appreciation to all parties involved in organising the 28th Matriculation Ceremony.
The Dean of Students Affairs, Dr. Hafsat Abubakar Ahmad, noted the significant increase in enrollment, viewing it as a landmark achievement for the Polytechnic.
She assured students of a peaceful and supportive environment conducive to community and academic advancement.
Meanwhile, Dr. Bashir also conducted an inspection of the project funded through the NEED assessment.
The rector urged the contractor to provide proper chipping measures at the frontage of a newly constructed one-storey building to prevent water logging.
He emphasised the necessity of completing key construction tasks, such as finishing new classrooms and workshops, before project handover.
The rector also inspected ongoing asphalt overlay works from the Fire Service junction through the frontage of students hostels to the western exit gate (Mass Comm Dept. junction), managed by the Federal Road Maintenance Agency (FERMA).
Dr. Bashir praised the Federal Government’s intervention and instructed the Director of Works and Maintenance, Engr. Abba Adam, to mobilise staff for debris clearance in drainage areas, ensuring effective water flow.
“This blend of academic celebration and infrastructural advancement underscores the institution’s commitment to fostering a conducive environment for learning and growth for all students,” the statement added.
As generative AI tools like ChatGPT reshape classrooms around the world, a new study has offered rare insight into how Nigerian teachers are responding, highlighting both optimism and obstacles.
The study, which was presented by Oluwatobi Idowu at the 11th International Workshop on Applied Probability (IWAP 2025) in Raleigh, North Carolina, explored the behavioral intention of Nigerian in-service teachers to adopt AI in education.
Using a hybrid methodology that combined Artificial Neural Networks (ANN) and Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM), the study mapped out the key drivers and barriers to AI integration in Nigerian classrooms.
The findings revealed that perceived usefulness, ease of use, and peer influence significantly encourage adoption, while technology anxiety and privacy concerns stand as major deterrents.
The presentation featured in a specialised session on AI-powered learning systems and drew commendation for its originality and real-world relevance.
Attendees praised the study for offering a data-driven roadmap for policymakers, EdTech developers, and teacher training programs in Africa.
With educational systems rapidly evolving, the study provides timely evidence to support effective and inclusive AI adoption in low-resource context, placing Nigerian educators at the heart of global innovation.
Non-profit organisation Enactus Nigeria has concluded its 2025 National Competition, with the Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University, Makurdi (formerly University of Agriculture, Makurdi) emerging as National Champion, for its innovative and impactful projects that addressed critical challenges in the society.
Held annually, the Enactus Nigeria National Competition is a showcase of student-led social innovation. It serves as incubation hub and launchpad for grooming the next generation of young, entrepreneurial and socially conscious Nigerians.
The victorious Enactus students’ team at Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University will now represent Nigeria at the Enactus World Cup 2025 in Bangkok, Thailand, from 25-28 September.
This year’s edition of the Enactus Nigeria National Competition, held last week, at the Civic Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos, was a landmark, as it coincided with the celebration of the organisation’s 25 years of operation in Nigeria.
Enactus, a global leadership development-focused non-profit organisation, began operations in Nigeria in 2000 with just one institution (the University of Uyo) on its programme, under the name SIFE (Students-In-Free Enterprise). However, in 2011, it changed its name from SIFE to Enactus, even though the basic principles and operations remain the same namely, teaching and equipping students for free market enterprise, entrepreneurship and leadership.
At the core of Enactus Nigeria’s intervention programmes in the past 25 years are the annual innovative projects by Enactus students in tertiary institutions across Nigeria, with the Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University, Makurdi (JOSTUM) clinching the highly coveted trophy.
The team of student innovators at JOSTUM who emerged National Champions at the national competition will slug it out with other National Champions from over 36 countries that will also present their most innovative and impactful projects at the Enactus World Cup in Bangkok, Thailand.
This was on the strength of JOSTUM’s powerful, innovative and outstanding social enterprise known as BETTACOAL ENERGIES, which promotes safe and affordable cooking and packaging.
Its solution was adjudged the best by a panel of experienced judges. Bettacoal Energies was designed to address climate change and global health crisis, by eliminating greenhouse gas emissions and pollution, while improving rural health.
The students, in the presentation, said their social enterprise focused on the restaurant industry and households, with the solution promoting sustainable businesses by ensuring cost savings, providing eco-friendly products, and encouraging sustainable standards.
However, the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, took second place position in the national competition. The other two finalists include Tai Solarin University of Education, Ijebu Ode, and Federal University of Technology, Owerri, Imo State.
Apart from the national competition, Enactus Nigeria, as part of the celebration of its 25th anniversary, also recognised all its corporate partners, individuals (friends of Enactus Nigeria), most impactful institutional administrator, faculty advisors and alumnus who have been a part of its 25 years legacy of transforming Nigerian youth.
A total of 32 corporate organisations were recognised either in the Legacy Pillar Award category, the Changemaker Collaboration Award, or the Catalyst Partner Awards; six people got the Special Recognition Award for Friends of Enactus Nigeria.
Also, 10 people smiled home with the Enactus Nigeria Faculty Advisor Special Recognition Award; one on the Most Impactful Institutional Administrator Award; one on the Most Impactful Alumnus Award.
The Country Director, Enactus Nigeria, Michael Ajayi, said the national competition was not only the culmination of months of dedication, creativity, innovation and entrepreneurial action from the Enactus teams, but also a reflection on the remarkable journey of Enactus Nigeria over the past quarter of a century.
“This year’s national competition is more than just a contest. It is a celebration of vision, tenacity, values. It is a showcase of what is possible when young minds are empowered to see opportunity in every challenge and to act boldly in service of others,” he stated.
The 2005 Class of Badagry Grammar School (BGS) has marked the 20th anniversary of their graduation, with renovation of the boys’ hostel toilet, the construction of a borehole, and the donation of sanitary pads to female students.
The 2005 Set’s Steering Committee took off with the commissioning at school premises, with the aim to give back to their alma mater.
Speaking at the event, Public Relations Officer, 2005 Set’s Steering Committee, Adeola Aladeotan, described the initiative as a collective effort driven by unity and the desire to give back.
He added that there was not much financial hiccups as the committee came up with affordable payment plans to help raise funds.
“Some members contributed as little as N2,000 weekly to fund the projects. Our goal was to support the school and complement government efforts in improving learning conditions,” he said.
Assistant Senior Prefect Girl of the 2005 Set, Bamidele Joy, noted that the anniversary was more than a reunion—it was an opportunity to make a difference.
“We believe this is just the beginning. We look forward to doing even more by our 30th anniversary. This is our way of showing gratitude and inspiring other sets to follow suit,” she said.
The Principal, BGS, Sunday Ajose, commended the Class of 2005 for their contributions.
According to him, “They are exemplary. This shows that the legacy of BGS lives on in our alumni. Their investment in water, sanitation and female health is commendable and will impact students’ daily lives positively.”
He noted that the school would ensure proper maintenance of the facilities to benefit generations to come.
As part of its “Fighting Hunger Campaign” initiative, the Consulate-General, People’s Republic of China in Lagos, in collaboration with the Ogun Guangdong Economic and Trade Cooperation Zone (GFTZ) of Nigeria, yesterday donated some materials worth N8.8 million to the China-Nigeria Friendship Primary School, Igbesa, Ogun State.
In a statement, the Public Relations Officer of GFTZ, Teitope Anthony, stated that the items, which include rice, cooking oil, flour, and stationery, were aimed at improving the pupils’ nutrition, promote educational equity, and support the development of vulnerable children in the community.
At the event were Deputy Consul-General of China in Lagos, Mr. Jin Mingyu; Director Xu of the Consulate; Executive President, Cooperation Zone Management Company, Zhao Fangyu; Deputy General Manager, Liu Zhigang, representatives of the state Education Department, traditional leaders of Igbesaland, among others.
Mingyu said: “Education is the cornerstone of social progress, and no child should lose the opportunity to receive education due to lack of resources. This donation activity reflects our continued attention to China-Nigeria cultural cooperation and our sincere commitment to the host community of the Ogun State Free Trade Zone.”
Zhigang pointed out that while promoting economic development, the free trade zone has been mindful of fulfilling its social responsibilities and engaged in public services such as education, medical care, and employment.
He added: “In OGFTZ, we always regard education as the key to sustainable development of the community. From improving the sound systems of public primary and secondary schools, hosting the first inter-school intelligence competition, to organising the Children’s Day football match, we are committed to creating a good growth environment for young people. Today’s donation activity is another manifestation of our joint investment in the future of children and our joint efforts to build a better community.”
Oloja Ekun of Igbesaland, Oba Abdulazeez Akinde, said: “This is an admirable move that brings joy and hope to our children. I encourage parents and guardians to put education first because education has the powerful power to change the community and the country. On behalf of the entire Igbesa community, I would like to express my sincerest gratitude to China.”
Experts in the energy sector have called for holistic development of a national framework to achieve sustainable energy access, reduction of losses and security.
They made the call yesterday at the third edition of the Dr Diran Fawibe Annual Lecture Series organised by International Energy Services Limited, the Centre for Petroleum Energy Economy and Law (CPEEL) and the University of Ibadan (UI) in Ibadan.
In his keynote address, Mr. Austin Avuru, the Chairman, AA Holding and pioneer Chief Executive Officer of Seplat Petroleum Development Company Plc, underscored the need for strategic plan.
He said that developing a strategic plan for energy transition with specific objectives would position Nigeria for opportunities in renewable energy before stock of crude oil vanishes.
Avuru said that energy security would ensure growth for the country and economic opportunities for reducing unemployment among other challenges facing the country
“Nigeria must therefore use its resources to generate energy and take the people out of energy poverty.
”We must use those resources to solve our energy problem.
“We have to build our internal refining capacity.
“There must be a framework for developmental strides that ensure energy security for us. we must plan for what will be inevitable,” he said.
Group Chairman of International Energy Services, Dr. Diran Fawibe, underscored the importance of partnerships for the country to scale the present hurdles in energy accessibility and building sustainability.
Fawibe stated that the consequences of energy poverty had been very clear over the past couple of years.
“We are looking at issue of job creation. In the country, we are looking at access to healthcare.
“We are looking at access to energy for educational development and so many other things.
“It’s only government that can tackle this in partnership with the private sector and the university academia.
“It’s still an idea that can be used as a vehicle to do research and come up with some of the innovative technology,” he said.
Fawibe reiterated that this was crucial to providing solutions to the problems within the country pledging his commitment to ensuring it happened.
In his address, the Chief Executive Officer of International Energy Services Ltd., Mr Bayo Ige, said Nigeria must strive for economic growth and energy independence.
According to him, this can be achieved through collaboration with stakeholders to achieve energy security.
“As a nation striving for economic growth and energy independence, we must engage in forward-looking conversations and collaborative actions that will shape the policies and partnership needed to ensure a sustainable energy future,”Ige said.
Also, Chairman of the occasion, Prof. Rahamon Bello, urged well-meaning Nigerians to take a cue from Dr Fawibe by investing in research and discuss things that would benefit Nigeria.
“Our challenges are unique in Nigeria and Africa and we must have home grown solutions to these challenges.
“Our research funding efforts must be adequate and targeted to have the needed results,”Bello said.
He underscored the role of Nigeria as a pace setter for other African countries through involvement in solving local and international problems through research in universities in Europe and America particularly.
“Hence, with the right conditions and incentives, we should be able to find more amenable solutions to the myriad of challenges facing the nation from issues on energy to other social and economic issues,”Bello said.
Earlier, the Vice Chancellor, UI, Prof. Kayode Adebowale, said that energy had been the lifeblood of modern economies.
He stated that its availability, accessibility, affordability, and sustainability were indispensable for driving industrialisation, improving the quality of life, and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The Director of CPEEL, University of Ibadan, Prof. Olugbenga Falode, said that energy security should be a shared national vision, hence collaboration was needed to achieve and sustain it.
We’ll immortalise Buhari, transport varsity’s pro-chancellor
Pro-Chancellor and Chairman, Federal University of Transportation Daura (FUTD), Mr. Wahab Owokoniran, has pledged that the institution will immortalise late President Muhammadu Buhari by surpassing his expectations.
This is contained in a tribute by Owokoniran, a former chairman of Ikeja Local Government Area of Lagos state, to Buhari in Lagos.
Owokoniran, an APC chieftain and former secretary of the PDP in Lagos State, said: “The challenge is particularly to surpass Buhari’s expectations and make the institution an international pride as a mark of immortalising the heroic contributions of the late president to education and progressive leadership.
“As chairman of governing council of the university, all best efforts possible shall be deployed into the institution to attain the standard and productivity as envisaged by its establishment.”
He noted that the sudden death of the former president came as a big shock to the town of Daura, the governing council, members of staff and students of FUT Daura, the hometown of the late symbol of exemplary leadership.
“Daura is the community that hosts a foremost specialised university in the country.
“The immense contributions of the late former president from his days as military officer and head of state to being a politician and civilian president, cannot be quantified.
“He stood out as a symbol of selfless leadership and no doubt, had passed on as great hero of positive leadership.
“We have no doubt that the late president’s goodwill resonates in the acceptance of the specialised university by the Daura community.’
Buhari, who was buried on Tuesday in Daura, Katsina, died in a London clinic on Sunday at the age of 82
