The Nation Newspaper

Category: Education

  • From Lagos to Lomé: Stephen Nzurum expands Access to Crayola’s Creative Tools Across West Africa

    From Lagos to Lomé: Stephen Nzurum expands Access to Crayola’s Creative Tools Across West Africa

    With an expanding footprint in education and retail distribution, Stephen Nzurum of SFi Africa Brands Ltd is leading efforts to bring globally respected creative tools from Crayola into the hands of children across Nigeria and West Africa.

    Through SFi Africa’s distribution partnerships and e-commerce integration on platforms like Jumia Nigeria, Crayola products such as the Inspiration Art Case and school-ready crayon kits are now more widely available than ever before — helping educators, parents, and schools foster creativity in learning.

    “It’s not just about selling crayons. It’s about opening doors for children to learn, solve problems, and express who they are — in Nigeria, Ghana, and beyond,” said Stephen Nzurum, CEO of SFi Africa Brands. “Crayola’s mission aligns perfectly with our commitment to building the next generation through creativity.”

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    Nzurum, whose work spans logistics, market penetration, and stakeholder engagement, says SFi Africa is committed to supporting learning through play and expression — an area where tools like Crayola’s coloring kits, markers, and pencils provide immediate value.

    The partnership has not only deepened the presence of premium creative supplies in the region, but also reinforced the economic potential of education-focused retail across Africa.

    “We see the opportunity not just in product distribution, but in shaping how children across the continent engage with learning,” Nzurum added. “That’s the bigger picture — and it’s one worth investing in.”

  • NYSC to deploy more ICT tools, train officers amid rising cyber threats — DG

    NYSC to deploy more ICT tools, train officers amid rising cyber threats — DG

    The Director-General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Brigadier General Olakunle Nafiu, has said the scheme will intensify the deployment of Information Communication and Technology (ICT) tools to improve its mobilisation process.

    He added that the NYSC would also continue training its mobilisation officers on key areas such as data verification, error resolution, emergency response, and cybersecurity, particularly for staff handling sensitive information.

    Nafiu, who made this known in a keynote address at the 2025 Batch ‘B’ pre-mobilisation workshop held on Monday in Abuja, noted that the initiative is in response to the growing threats and attacks targeting the NYSC mobilisation system.

    The workshop, themed “Strengthening the NYSC Mobilisation Process Through Improved Technology and Collaboration”, brought together key stakeholders to discuss new strategies for reform.

    According to the DG, reforming the mobilisation process has become imperative due to the evolving nature of society, stressing that NYSC must adapt its operations to meet current realities.

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    He said, “We at NYSC recognise that by leveraging technology, forging stronger partnerships, investing in infrastructure, and deploying relevant skills, we can boost efficiency, enhance the experience of both prospective and serving Corps Members, and maintain the Scheme’s role in national development.

    “I therefore urge all our partners and collaborating agencies, particularly the corps-producing institutions, to speed up the process of technological update to an acceptable level that makes collaboration and partnership seamless and more functional.

    “Let us not betray that trust. Let us jointly commit to prioritising integrity over expediency, innovating for efficiency, and collaborating for national progress. We are on the threshold of transformation. With technology as our tool and collaboration as our compass, we will build a mobilisation system that is secure, smart, and truly service-driven.”

    The director-general also said although the NYSC had attempted to update its mobilisation process in line with changes in Nigeria’s educational policy and environment, it still faced several challenges, including; mismatched data from institutions, uploads of unqualified or part-time graduates, technical glitches that result in frustrating delays, attempts at falsification of records among others.

    The Director, Corps Mobilisation, Mohammed Abubakar said the workshop was an avenue for bringing the NYSC, Corps Producing Institutions and other key stakeholders to brainstorm and improve on the Scheme’s mobilisation efforts.

    He said though the NYSC had made remarkable progress as a result of collaboration, there was a need to tackle fraudulent uploading of unqualified graduates.

    He said, “This process is vital for our nation’s growth but it is fraught with challenges, especially with dishonest enrollments. We must therefore stay alert and be proactive.”

    Abubakar urged the participants to be diligent in their assignments with high integrity and ensure they upload accurate information of their prospective members.

  • Poly Ibadan: Makinde bows to stakeholders’ outcry, says he’s open to reversing name change

    Poly Ibadan: Makinde bows to stakeholders’ outcry, says he’s open to reversing name change

    Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has expressed readiness to reconsider the controversial renaming of The Polytechnic, Ibadan, following widespread backlash from stakeholders, including students and alumni.

    Speaking at the weekend during the inauguration of governing councils for five state-owned tertiary institutions, Governor Makinde said he was open to superior arguments—free from sentiments—on retaining the institution’s original name.

    The governor had recently renamed The Polytechnic, Ibadan, after its first principal and former governor of the state, Dr. Victor Omololu Olunloyo.

    However, the announcement triggered outrage from the institution’s Students’ Union Government and Alumni Association, who argued that relevant stakeholders were not consulted before the decision.

    They acknowledged Dr. Olunloyo’s contributions but urged the government to honour him by naming a structure or facility within the institution after him, instead of altering its historic name entirely.

    In response, Makinde noted the government had received feedback and concerns from the alumni and promised to engage them constructively. 

    He also advised them to channel their positions to the Oyo State House of Assembly, which will soon deliberate on a bill formalizing the proposed name change.

    The event also saw the inauguration of new governing council chairpersons: Prof. Lanre Nassar (The Polytechnic, Ibadan), Rt. Hon. Babatunde Olaniyan (Oyo State College of Health Science and Technology, Eleyele), Comrade Olusegun Oyewumi (Oyo State College of Education, Lanlate), Dr. Amusan Damilare Gideon (Oyo State College of Agriculture, Igboora), Dr. Bisi Ojebola (The Oke Ogun Polytechnic, Saki – now Michael Koleoso Polytechnic)

    Governor Makinde reiterated his administration’s commitment to improving the quality and performance of state-owned tertiary institutions. He also questioned whether the opposition would have been the same if the institution had been upgraded to a university, as was the case with Emmanuel Alayande College of Education.

    Makind said: “I know that this inauguration would not be complete if I refuse to say one thing or the other about the issue regarding the renaming of The Polytechnic, Ibadan after a former governor of Oyo State, Dr. Omololu Olunloyo. 

    “Well, the Baba, according to the record available to us, was the first Rector of The Polytechnic, Ibadan. So, what it means is that they must have handed over to him maybe some buildings and a clean sheet of paper that made this happen. So, he must have done his part. I have heard the alumni and the current student union body.

    “If some of our executive members may remember, we argued about the name of Ladoke Akintola University of Technology at a point. The pro-chancellor came to me and said, ‘Yes, this university was founded to offer only technological-related education but we are seeking approval to allow them to offer other courses in humanities and other areas.

    “We said okay, go ahead. And the issue of name change came up. We said, well, since they are not offering only technology-based courses, will the name still stay as LAUTECH? We argued back and forth. I wanted the name to be changed to Ladoke Akintola University, but the alumni sent representatives to us and I said, ‘Okay, if you have any superior argument, we will listen to you’. 

    “And they came up with a list of schools that have undergone the same transformation and they still retained that name. So, we allowed superior arguments to prevail. 

    “After all, what we should be mostly concerned about is the quality of products from that school. I threw a very simple question to some of the people agitating to retain the name of The Polytechnic Ibadan. I said, ‘Look, let’s even say we now move to something like what we did at Emmanuel Alayande College of Education. We upgraded the institution from a college of education to a university of education. 

    “So, if tomorrow we upgrade The Polytechnic Ibadan to a university, will they tell us that it should still be The Polytechnic, Ibadan?’ 

    “We are ready to engage with the people, if you have any superior arguments apart from sentiment. And, if you are coming to us to even talk about the infrastructure and the quality of graduates coming from that institution and making a case for us to put in more resources and all of that, I can understand. 

    “But still, we are ready to engage and my appeal to the students is, when you protest openly and you disturb others from going about their lawful activities, you need to realise that where your own freedom stops is where the freedom of others starts from.

    “So, if there are differences, please go through the proper channel. This is an administration that listens to you. If you have a superior argument, then we will listen to you and we will even apologise to you.

    “The process is on. If you have any issues, not about sentiment, I will listen and I will do whatever I can do within my own power to ensure that we lift the infrastructure in that institution, that will ensure that adequate resources are provided; be it monetary, be it material, be it human. We just need to ensure that we have good products coming out of that institution.”

    Governor Makinde also used the occasion to express the government’s readiness to solve the challenge of subventions to the institutions with a view to seeing to it that they are well-funded.

    “I also need to mention this. I know that almost all the institutions are struggling with their subventions. But why did I meet with JAC before I was elected? They were being paid a fraction of the subvention, and after we won the election, the government of the day moved from 50 per cent subvention to 100 per cent but they did not pay it for one day. It was left for the incoming administration to execute.

    “So, from day one in office, that singular act added one billion naira to the expenses of the state. Then we continued to manage with the understanding from JAC when we had to negotiate a new minimum wage from N18,000 to N30,000. Now, minimum wage, again, within this administration, has moved from N30,000 to N80,000. 

    “I know some of you have been coming to us. I believe we had to make a special arrangement for the College of Education, Lanlate, for them to be able to pay salaries over these past two months. So, I know you are struggling and we don’t want this to be some kind of hardship posting for the Governing Council in those institutions. 

    “So, we are going to be engaging with you shortly to see what we can do. The resources of the state are limited and we still have to ensure that we give quality education, that we have a good learning environment, and we will do everything to ensure that our graduates from those special institutions can compete with the best from around the world.

    “So, I acknowledge openly now that you are faced with those challenges. And, in the days or perhaps weeks ahead, we will definitely solve that problem,” the governor added.

  • AGSOBA celebrates 117th Founder’s Day Anniversary, harps on raising disciplined minds

    AGSOBA celebrates 117th Founder’s Day Anniversary, harps on raising disciplined minds

    Abeokuta Grammar School Old Boys Association (AGSOBA) will discuss and lead advocacy on raising disciplined minds in Nigeria during its 117th Founder’s Day Anniversary.

    The anniversary will hold on from Monday 14th July -Sunday 20th July, 2025 in Abeokuta with the theme:  Raising disciplined minds: Youth leadership and integrity in a changing Nigeria “

    The seven-day event anniversary celebration will commence with a press parley on the 14th July, 2025 heralding the activities of the alumni and achievements of the AGSOBA leadership in the last four years which will be followed by visit to the elderly and palaces.

    The anniversary lecture will hold on Wednesday July 16 with the Vice Chancellor of the National Open University of Nigeria, (NOUN), Professor Femi Peters delivering a lecture on the theme after which the alumni will commission couple of projects, recognise outstanding Old boys, induct the latest set of graduating students as well as hold its annual general meeting to elect new leaders to steer the ship of AGSOBA Global.

    Other activities include a valedictory service and call to AGSOBA, staff appreciation dinner, anniversary lecture, a social variety night cum Agsobaliganza and the AGM where new executives will be elected and award and dinner night.

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    The anniversary celebration will be rounded off with special Jumaat and Thanksgiving Services will make up the rest of the events.

    Speaking on the proposed programme of events, the association’s President-General, (Chief) Sunday Oduntan, an Egba High Chief and Chief Executive Officer of the Association of Nigerian Electricity Distributors (ANED), was full of thanksgiving for quality leadership in the last two tenures and expressed confidence at the pride of place of Abeokuta Grammar School amongst the comity of legacy schools in the country. 

    Oduntan said the Alumni’s effort at making sure Abeokuta Grammar School remained the pride of all by continually contributing her resources to the growth and development of the school is non-negotiable.

    “Our school has continued to maintain the lead in academics as well as in various extra-curricular endeavours.

    ” Our Old boys are doing very well and they are scattered both home and abroad making us proud over the last 117 years.

    ” The school has also been able to deliver matchless excellence in academics, sports and even arts. Oduntan appreciated all old boys’ home and abroad for their unflinching support in building the school.

    “From North America to the UK and Ireland; from Lagos to Abeokuta to Ibadan and Abuja, we have gotten a strong alumni base that has continually given their finances to keep the school on the path of academic excellence.”

    Abeokuta Grammar School was established in 1908 in Abeokuta and has produced a long list of distinguished old students doing well in their various endeavours.

  • ‎Igbinedion University reappoints Stanel Group’s Uzochukwu as member Governing Council 

    ‎Igbinedion University reappoints Stanel Group’s Uzochukwu as member Governing Council 

    ‎Igbinedion University, Okada has reappointed the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Stanel Group and The Delborough Lagos, Dr. Stanley Uzochukwu as member, Governing Council of the institution.
    ‎
    ‎The renewal of the serial entrepreneur’s appointment was contained in a letter addressed to him dated 10th June 2025 and signed by the Hon. Chancellor and Chairman, Board of Regents, Sir(Chief) Dr. Gabriel O. Igbinedion, CFR, CON.
    ‎
    ‎The letter reads in part: “With reference to our letter no. OGI/OA/BC/233A/X dated 18th May 2022, we are pleased to inform you that your appointment as member, Governing Council, Igbinedion University, Okada, is hereby renewed for another period of 3(three) years effective from Thursday, 10the June 2025.
    ‎
    ‎”We sincerely appreciate your contributions so far to the progress and growth of our dear University and solicit for even more in the years ahead.”

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    ‎
    ‎Reacting on his Instagram page @stanleyuzochukwu, Uzochukwu thanked Hon. Chancellor and the entire Igbinedion University community for the trust bestowed in him and pledged to contribute his quota even more to the growth and development of education in Nigeria.
    ‎
    ‎”Serving on the Board of the first private university in Nigeria is a responsibility I do not take lightly. I see it as an opportunity to contribute once again to shaping the future of education and leadership in our nation.
    ‎
    ‎”Thank you to the Chancellor, management and entire Igbinedion University community for this continued trust. May God grant us wisdom and grace for even greater impact,” he added.

  • Queen’s College emerges winner at anti-drug music talent hunt concert

    Queen’s College emerges winner at anti-drug music talent hunt concert

    Queen’s College, Lagos, has emerged overall winner at the inaugural National Drug and Substance Abuse Prevention Music Talent Hunt Concert/Launch of the ‘One Nation, One Voice Campaign Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Drug Trafficking in Nigeria’, held recently in Lagos to commemorate the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.

    The event, themed Winning the Campaign against Illicit Drug Trafficking and Substance Abuse with Creative Minds was organised by the African Youth Initiative on Crime Prevention (AYICRIP) in collaboration with the University of Lagos and the Zidora Aid Foundation. It featured captivating performances in music, spoken words, dance, and drama—all geared toward raising awareness about the dangers of drug abuse.

    Speaking at the event, Executive Director of AYICRIP, Chris Ibe, said the campaign goes beyond a concert. “This is a national call to action. Music is a universal language, capable of healing and inspiring. Today, we use it to say: ‘Say no to drugs, say yes to purpose and a brighter future,’” he said.

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    He stressed that the platform provides an opportunity for youths to showcase their creativity, passion and commitment to a drug free Nigeria. Though dance, word, live performance and artistic competition, we are giving a voice to a new generation, one that refuses to be defined by drugs, crime or hopelessness.

    He also officially launched the ‘One Nation, One Voice’ campaign—an initiative that will run on four pillars: school-based prevention programmes, community engagement, workplace sensitisation, and faith-based education.

    In a keynote address, Chairman/Chief Executive of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (Rtd), described the campaign as “a movement that recognises the most powerful voice against drug abuse must come from the youth.”

    Marwa, who was represented by The Commander, Lagos State Strategic Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, Abubakar Liman Wali, stressed that drug abuse is not a distant problem but a crisis affecting schools, streets, homes, and social spaces.

    “Every puff, pill, or injection costs more than money—it costs dignity, dreams, and lives,” he warned.

    He noted that the NDLEA has, in the last four and a half years, seized over 11.1 million kilogrammes of illicit drugs and secured convictions of more than 12,000 offenders.

     “Beyond enforcement, we are rehabilitating drug users—over 26,000 people counselled and treated. But we need society-wide cooperation,” he added.

    Also speaking, Dr. Peter Adenibuyan, representing Dr. Olajumoke Koyejo, Coordinator of the International Society of Substance Use Professionals (ISSUP), South West, described substance abuse as a “global pandemic.” He noted that efforts must begin at home, with parents understanding the dangers of drug use.

    He called for increased investment in training healthcare professionals, educators, and caregivers on how to support those with substance use disorders. “Recovery is a process, and we need the government, NGOs, and communities working together to save lives,” he said.

    Dr. Adenibuyan also highlighted the urgent need to include substance abuse education in school curricula and professional training programmes to tackle availability, affordability, and access to drugs.

  • Normalcy returns to UNIJOS after students’ protest

    Normalcy returns to UNIJOS after students’ protest

    Academic and administrative activities have resumed at the University of Jos (UNIJOS) following a brief disruption caused by a peaceful protest staged by students over poor sanitary conditions in the hostels.

    The protest, which took place earlier this week, was organised by concerned students seeking improved hygiene and timely maintenance of hostel facilities.

    In response, the university management engaged student representatives in a dialogue aimed at addressing their grievances and correcting widespread misinformation regarding the institution’s handling of cleaning contracts.

    According to a statement issued by the institution’s Senior Deputy Registrar, Information and Publications, Abdullahi Abdullahi, the university is not owing any cleaning contractor nine months of unpaid wages, as had been speculated in some quarters.

    ‘The delay in crediting some of the Cleaning Contractors resulted from some procedural aspects inherent in financial transactions of this nature, not due to a neglect of obligations by the University Management,” he said.

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    Despite financial constraints, the university has cleared five months of outstanding payments, Abdullahi clarified, noting that procedural delays in crediting some contractors were responsible for the temporary lapses, not negligence on the part of the institution.

    He explained that payments to contractors are contingent upon the completion of assigned work, in line with standard procedures. Contractors who did not render services during the disputed period cannot justifiably expect payment, he added.

    Following the clarification, both parties—management and students—reached a mutual agreement to end the protest.

    As part of its immediate response, the university approved the commencement of hostel renovations and the urgent evacuation of accumulated waste to restore and maintain sanitary conditions across student accommodations.

    The university administration commended the students for their peaceful conduct and constructive engagement, describing the outcome as a reaffirmation of the institution’s culture of dialogue and community spirit.

    With the issues addressed and steps underway to improve living conditions, normal academic activities have resumed across campus, bringing an end to the brief period of tension.

  • Reps accuse polytechnics rectors of frustrating efforts to reform sector

    Reps accuse polytechnics rectors of frustrating efforts to reform sector

    The House of Representatives Committee on Polytechnic and Higher Technical Education has accused the head of federal polytechnics in the country of practically frustrating efforts by the committee and showing little interest in efforts to reform and strengthen the polytechnic sector.

    Chairman of the Committee, Fuad Kayode Laguda who spoke at a meeting with rectors of federal polytechnics expressed displeasure that the rectors failed to honour a crucial meeting convened to discuss the future of technical education in Nigeria.

     Less than 30 percent of the 41 federal polytechnics in the country attended the meeting which took place at the National Assembly complex, Abuja. 

    Laguda and other members of the committee expressed disappointment that less than 30 percent of invited rectors were present, accusing the leadership of the institutions of treating the National Assembly with disdain and showing little interest in efforts to reform and strengthen the polytechnic sector.

    He said “We called this meeting to ask if there is something that you are holding grudges against us or there is something we are supposed to be doing that we are not doing for you. 

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    “If I could remember, it is this same Committee that is pushing for a National Polytechnic Commission. It is this same Committee that moved the motion towards end of last year requesting for additional funds for the polytechnics without you requesting, lobbying or working towards it. It is this same Committee that, I personally, am working on a Bill for the criminalization of dichotomy between HND and Bsc. 

    “All of these are to strengthen the polytechnics. But in return, the polytechnics are not taking ownership or even cooperating for us to do our jobs,” he said. 

    The Lagos Lawmaker who was visibly angry said the failure of majority of the Rectors to attend the meeting, and the disregard for clear instructions on how the meeting should be attended, spoke volumes about their attitude towards legislative oversight.

    He told the rectors that the committee will not hesitate to invoke necessary sanctions if there is a reoccurrence or persist.

    “You don’t need to buttercoat us here and tell us you have the utmost respect when you don’t have any form of disregard for us. It is even obvious from things you are saying. We wrote you letters and gave directives for a purpose.

    “The reason why we want to hold this meeting today cannot be achieved because less than 30 percent of you are in attendance and secondly you did not adhere to the instructions given to you on the staff you should be here with for the meeting,” he said.

  • OID launches 2025 Seyi Makinde essay competition

    OID launches 2025 Seyi Makinde essay competition

    The Omituntun Initiative in Diaspora (OID) has announced commencement of the Seyi Makinde Annual Essay Competition. 

    The initiative reaffirmed its commitment towards promoting youth empowerment and inclusive development in Oyo State through intellectual engagement.

    The annual essay competition invites entries from students across Nigeria, either residents or indigene of Oyo State, between 18 and 35 years. 

    The initiative seeks to encourage critical thinking and innovation around governance, sustainability, leadership, and civic participation; core values that align with the developmental vision of Governor Makinde.

    According to the organisers, this year’s competition allows participants to choose from four thought-provoking topics centered on technology, agriculture, environmental sustainability, and youth leadership.

    Participants must explore how their ideas can contribute meaningfully to Oyo State’s ongoing transformation.

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    The four essay topics include: The topics include: The Role of Youth in Advancing Artificial Intelligence and Technological Innovation for Oyo State’s Development; Holistic Approaches to Advancing Climate-Smart Farming, Promoting Food Security, and Driving Progress Toward the SDGs; Catalysing a Sustainable Future through Visionary Leadership, Youth Innovation, and Civic Engagement; and Mobilising Community Action and Clean Energy Solutions for Environmental Sustainability in Oyo State.

    The competition, open to undergraduates and postgraduates of recognised Nigerian institutions, comes with rewards. 

    The overall winner will take home a ₦1,000,000 cash prize, while the second and third-place winners will receive ₦500,000 and ₦250,000, respectively. In addition, the top 50 outstanding participants will be sponsored to attend the prestigious OID Global Leadership Academy, each receiving a formal certificate of recognition.

    Submissions are to be made in Microsoft Word format, in English, with a word count between 1,000 and 1,500 words. Essays must be original, well-researched, and include references to real-life projects or developments, particularly within Oyo State. 

    Entries must also include valid proof of student status and residency.

    The deadline for submissions is 11:59 PM on September 30, 2025.

    Meanwhile, OID warned that any form of plagiarism or use of AI-generated content will result in immediate disqualification as the essays will be judged based on originality, depth of thought, clarity, and the relevance of proposed ideas to Oyo State’s context.

    The Seyi Makinde Annual Essay Competition, according to the organisers, continues to serve as a platform for young people to contribute to policy thinking, showcase their creativity, and take active roles in shaping the future of their communities.

  • NDE to train 21,000 unskilled Nigerians in phase 2 of RHEI

    NDE to train 21,000 unskilled Nigerians in phase 2 of RHEI

    The National Directorate of Employment (NDE) has announced plans to train not less than 21,000 unskilled Nigerians in the second phase of the Renewed Hope Employment Initiative (RHEI).

    About 93,000 Nigerians benefited from the first phase of the initiative implemented across the country.

    Director-General of NEW, Silas Agara, disclosed this in Abuja during a one-day strategic implementation of the RHEI second phase meeting involving all state coordinators, zonal directors, and top officials of the NDE.

    The meeting was aimed at finalising modalities and timelines for the commencement of the second phase of the initiative, which has now gone digital.

    The Renewed Hope Employment Initiative was launched as a flagship effort under the current administration to combat unemployment by equipping unskilled Nigerians with relevant vocational skills and tools to become self-reliant.

    Agara, who spoke with reporters in an interview, said, “We want to thank Mr. President for the support given to NDE to implement the first phase of the Renewed Hope Employment Initiative, which was launched last year. We had a successful launch and a timely completion of the first phase of the program, which was very successful.

    “For the second phase, we are working with a minimum of 21,000. But like I said, those numbers can go up. We are being careful so that states can exhaust the allocation given to them. Once resources are made available, we can increase those numbers. We have the capacity.”

    Agara noted that many initially doubted the capacity of the agency to successfully implement the programme, given past experiences.

    “A lot of people didn’t believe we were able to roll out such a program and implement it successfully. They were still looking at NDE from the eyes of the previous programs. But to God be the glory, we’ve been able to change the narrative and tell Nigerians that good things can come from the present crop of NDE staff that we’re working with,” he said

    According to him, the second phase of the Renewed Hope Employment Initiative is taking a step forward by adopting a 100 per cent digital approach.

    He said, “This time around, we are making the program 100% digital and launching the second phase of the Renewed Hope Employment Initiative.”

    He explained that the meeting was convened to allow for collaborative planning ahead of the roll-out.

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    Agara said, “We’ve invited all our state directors, state coordinators, zonal directors, to be here for us to conclude on the timelines for launching the second phase of the program, because it’s not our intention to load the program on our state coordinators. We want to collectively agree on timelines and phases of implementing the program.”

    He said that payment of stipends, which posed a challenge in the first phase, is also being re-evaluated.

    “Again, we are here to agree on the nature of payment of stipends due to beneficiaries, because that has been a very big challenge, given the platform we used to pay stipends. We need to fine-tune those details so we don’t have challenges with our beneficiaries,” Agara stated.

    He added, “If they complain, that means we are not doing what we are supposed to do. In the second phase, we don’t expect the kind of complaints that came up in the first phase regarding payment issues.”

    The DG added that NDE is also prioritising local content and grassroots relevance in its skill training selections.

    “We’re looking at the choice of skill sets on a state basis so that we take local content into consideration from states that will be implementing those programs. That is very key in the Renewed Hope Employment Initiative,” he said.

    Agara added, “The first phase of the program was a huge success. We were able to adhere to our timelines. Despite the challenges of implementation, we completed the program and disbursed empowered resettlement startup kits to our beneficiaries appropriately. We promised to deliver, and we delivered.”

    He said the database of beneficiaries is already in place, generated from NDE systems and that external support will likely scale up the programme.

    “Last year, we had support from some NGOs and were able to go to a higher number. This time around, we are working with some NGOs that will come in, and once they come in, those numbers can still go up,” he noted.

    Agara also disclosed that development partners are collaborating with the agency.

    “We are working on signing an MoU with them. Those we trained last year have been requested by development partners for further support. We’ll make the new list available again this time,” he stated.

    He stressed that partner banks and organisations will assess the trainees’ capacity and provide tailored support.

    “It’s not for us to dictate to the bank what to give them, but for the bank to see what they are interested in doing, and to carry out a needs assessment of all the beneficiaries. That will form the packages that development partners will make available to them,” he explained.