The Nation Newspaper

Category: Education

  • Back student loan scheme with job guarantees, govt urged

    Back student loan scheme with job guarantees, govt urged

    • My record as Education Secretary, by Amusa

    THE student loan scheme should be backed by a job guarantee to make it more effective.

    This is the view of the immediate-past Education Secretary of Ikorodu Local Government Education Authority (LGEA), Mr.  Afolabi Amusa.

    The educationist, whose five-year tenure ended on June 16, lauded the scheme as a bold and welcome initiative.

    He said: “The scheme addresses a long-standing barrier—access to higher education due to financial constraints.

    “However, according to the National Bureau of Statistics, about 33 per cent of Nigerian youths are unemployed.

     “Therefore, the loan scheme must be accompanied by policies that guarantee employability, such as aligning tertiary education with market demands and fostering entrepreneurship.

     “If well-managed, this could be a game-changer in breaking the poverty cycle and widening access to education for millions of deserving students.”

    Having served for five years before opting to retire, Amusa understands what needs attention in Lagos State’s education sector.

    He said: “I have seen commendable strides in Lagos State’s education sector, but some key areas still require urgent intervention.

    “Staff welfare is paramount. Teacher retention is directly tied to morale and remuneration. We need to invest in both salaries and training to build capacity. Continuous professional development and digital literacy for educators must be scaled up.

     “Enrollment and equity, particularly in underserved communities, also need attention. Data from UBEC indicates over 10.5 million Nigerian children are out of school, many of whom are in urban slums.

    “Also, the school feeding programme, which boosts both attendance and cognitive performance, must be expanded and efficiently managed.

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    “A World Bank study found school meals could increase attendance by up to nine per cent in low-income areas. The state needs federal backing to scale this sustainably.”

    Amusa noted that examination malpractice is both a symptom and a consequence of systemic issues, such as overcrowded classrooms, poor preparation and undue pressure.

    He said a multi-tiered approach is needed to curb it.

     “We need technology integration that encompasses biometric verification and CCTV surveillance, while the computer-based testing (CBT) used in JAMB should be extended to WAEC and NECO. “There is a need for stricter enforcement. Punitive measures must be backed by legislative support and enforcement from education stakeholders. “Reorientation of values is also essential. Integrity must be taught early through civic and character education.”

    On how to boost student performance, Amusa said: “We must focus on teacher quality, curriculum relevance, and remedial support. According to WAEC, the pass rate for five credits, including Math and English, rose marginally to 76.36 per cent in 2023, but this still leaves room for targeted improvement in rural and public schools.”

    Amusa extended heartfelt gratitude to the All Progressives Congress (APC) leadership, his colleagues, and the good people of Lagos for the honour of service.

     “Public service is a sacred trust, and I am proud of the reforms and progress we have made together.

    “To the APC, I say: stay people-focused, stay policy-driven, and stay united.

     “Education is the bedrock of national development— continue to prioritise it. I leave with deep humility and a renewed commitment to the cause of education, equity, and excellence.”

    Amusa highlighted notable achievements by his administration, including an increase in inclusive centres from one to five, with new ones at Igbogbo, Abule Eko, Imota and Salvation Army Ikorodu.

    Under him, computer centres increased from one to five at Igbogbo, Imota, Mowo Nla and Isawo.

    There was a rise in arts and crafts centres from one to four in Jamatul Islamiyah Sabo, Ijede, Igbogbo and Methodist Complex, Ikorodu. Home economics centres increased to three, with two in Ijede and Imota.

    New schools – the Idera Primary School, Methodist Primary School II Elepe, Asanat Tomori Primary School and Egbin Kingdom Primary School – were approved by the Lagos Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) under Amusa.

    Three more are awaiting SUBEB approval: Olu Odo Community Primary School, Igbe Ogunro; Model Primary School, Ilado and Community Primary School, Bayeku.

    There were various training programmes for teachers, such as computer and other impactful capacity training.

    Amusa oversaw the supply of furniture to schools and local government education authorities through LGEA/ SUBEB to facilitate effective teaching and learning processes. Under him, the Education Management Information System Centre (EMIS) was renovated and equipped with 12 desktop computers. Eight power-generating sets were supplied to all LGEA departments to improve efficiency and productivity.

    Amusa facilitated the establishment of a mini-clinic at the LGEA, while sickbays were equipped in all 67 schools, and were supplied with first aid boxes and drugs. Some of the sickbays were also provided with qualified nurses.

    The Amusa administration established four standard libraries, including the E-library at C&S Primary School II, LGEA library, Model Primary School Library and St John’s Anglican Primary School Library in Imota. He set up reading rooms in 64 schools.

    Aside from boosting school security, Amusa ensured the observance of social activities, such as the Ramadan lecture, Independence Day and Children’s Day celebrations, Christmas Carol, Founders’ Day/Merit Award and sporting activities.

    In his agriculture programme, 15 schools were selected for cash crops, livestock and animal husbandry in the Agriculture Education Training Programme (AETP) backed by UBEC, SUBEB and LGEA.

    Parents lauded Amusa for Amusa’s strides. Chairman of the Parents Forum, Ikorodu Division, Jenrade Mokolade, in an attestation letter to the Chairman of Ikorodu Central Local Government, praised Amusa for the “exceptional work”.

     “During his tenure, Mr. Afolabi Amusa demonstrated outstanding leadership, organisational skills, and dedication to ensuring the smooth operation of our primary schools.  “He effectively managed administrative tasks, provided support to school administrators, and contributed significantly to the overall improvement of our education system,” Mokolade stated.

  • ABUAD: From a mustard seed in 2009 to a great citadel

    ABUAD: From a mustard seed in 2009 to a great citadel

    After his seven-year stint as pro bono Pro Chancellor & Chairman of Council of the University of Lagos (UNILAG) ended abruptly, courtesy of a radio announcement by Alhaji Babagana Kingibe, the then Secretary to the Alhaji Umaru Musa Yar’Adua-led Federal Government, dissolving all university councils, the legal juggernaut and elder statesman, Aare Afe Babalola, SAN, mooted the idea of establishing his own private university.

    • By Tunde Olofintila

    To set the ball rolling, he assembled a team of some seasoned academic eggheads, made up mainly of former university vice chancellors, to advise him on his self-imposed but rather expensive and non-rewarding enterprise designed to develop his community, raise a new generation of future leaders and leave the society better than he met it.

    And what did he get in return? Instead of advising him on how his dream of institutionalising quality and functional education and how a university, properly so-called, should be run, some of the advisers expressed skepticism while some others expressed subdued optimism: some ‘let’s wait and see attitude’. There were yet some others who told him point-blank that running a university was and still is an expensive and non-rewarding venture.

    Not a man to cave in after he has made up his mind on anything, Babalola told them that he did not invite them to advise him on how expensive running a university could be, but what he could do to run his own university successfully and differently from the extant ones.

    Shortly after take-off on its permanent site in the heartland of Ado-Ekiti, frontline educational stakeholders started showering encomiums and accolades on what has now become the increasingly famous Afe Babalola University. For example, the university was acknowledged by the National Universities Commission (NUC), the regulatory authority for university education in Nigeria, as “a model, benchmark and reference point” as well as “the pride of university system in Nigeria” and endorsed by the Association of Vice Chancellors of Nigerian Universities (AVCNU) as “the most successful private university in Nigeria”. UNESCO, on its part, dubbed it as “a world class institution of higher education”.

    But today, the 15 years down the line, the university, which has become the toast of its peers, including those that are several decades older than it has in 2025, has been rated by the highly respected Times Higher Education Impact Rankings (THEIRS) as No. 84 in the world, No. 3 in Africa and No. 1 in Nigeria for four consecutive years: 2022, 2023, 2024 and now 2025 among other eight (8) other categories.

    Indeed, the mustard seed of 2009 has become a great oak tree in 2025.

    Addressing the media on the recent monumental achievements by the university over the weekend, ABUAD’s Acting Vice Chancellor, Prof. Olasupo Austen Ijabadeniyi, recalled how Babalola emptied his bank deposits, sold his shares in many blue-chip companies and his choice properties in England, Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt and Ibadan, to establish ABUAD with the fuller hope of making the university the birthplace of educational renaissance.

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    Exited on how ABUAD has been able to navigate its way to the very top in the comity of universities nationally and internationally within the first 15 years of its existence, Ijabadeniyi equally recalled how the uncommon hard work the university embarked upon immediately it took off on its permanent site paid off handsomely so much so that it has since then been carting home awards and accolades from both national and international educational stakeholders.

    ABUAD’s current impressive rating by Times Higher Education Impact Rankings would appear to be a confirmation of Babalola’s reaction to former Chief Justice of Nigeria, Hon. Justice Ibrahim Tanko Mohammed’s questions to Babalola during the former’s visit to the university in 2015.

    After touring the length and breadth of the university, Justice Mohammed came to the ultra-modern College of Law building. Looking round the massive building, the learned jurist took a deep breath and asked rather rhetorically: “Aare Afe Babalola, what else do you want? If it is money, you have it. If it is goodwill, you have it in quantum. If it is success in your career, you are by any means successful. I don’t know what else you want to become”.

    Replying the learned jurist, Babalola replied: “I thank God for what he has enabled me to achieve. My wish, my hope and prayer is that this university would, in my lifetime, be recognised by the international body as one of the best 100 in the world. So, I still have a lot of work to do to bring this dream into fruition.”

    With the announcement of the 2025 result of the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings at about midnight on June 18, 2025, the wish, hope and prayer, which Babalola expressed to Hon. Justice Mohammed in 2015, has become a stark reality before our very eyes.

    In addition to being ranked No. 84 in the world, the university which commenced academic works on its permanent site on Monday, January 4, 2010, has been ranked as No. 3 in Africa and No. 1 in Nigeria for four consecutive years: 2022, 2023, 2024 and now 2025 and in eight other categories.

    According to Ijabadeniyi, the above outstanding achievements by the university did not just come from the blues. They are the direct result of the resilience, hard work and Frankenstein leadership by our Founder & Chancellor, the tireless efforts of our Vice Chancellor, Prof. Elisabeta Smaranda Olarinde, and her management team, the commitment and dedication of ABUAD staff as well as the cultured and ever-obedient students.

    Beyond these human elements, the university has been propelled to these commendable heights by what Ijabadeniyi described as “some uncommon things the university has deliberately put in place which have now stood it as a clear leader among its peers, including those that are several decades older than it”.

    The propellers for the university’s success story include such things as being the only fully residential university in Nigeria today, the first university in Nigeria to commence academic works on its permanent site, the university is reputed for having a serene and conducive learning environment, the only university that has students from all the 36 states of the Federation, including the FCT, a university that also has students from some foreign countries and a university with a well-planned landscape, which enable seamless movement of students from the college areas to their hostels and facility areas.

    Others are well-equipped modern Laboratories and Workshops as a result of which the Nigerian Society of Engineers acknowledged our College of Engineering as the “Template for Engineering Education in Nigeria”, full Accreditation by NUC and Professional Bodies in all its 44 programmes, mandatory for its students to have Certificate of Proficiency in one modern foreign language (Chinese or French) with scholarship to study in China and compulsory evening classes for students between 7-9 p.m.

    Yet others are dress code for both students and staff (a culture that is now being emulated by other institutions of Higher Education in the country, regular and uninterrupted power supply from the university’s Independent Power Plant (IPP), a university dam, which ensures regular supply of water, predictable and stable academic calendar, which enables students to graduate on time, many of its students being offered direct admission to pursue their Ph.D Degrees without going through Master’s Programme because of the quality of education on offer in ABUAD, modern Sports Centre with Olympic-size Swimming Pool, scholarships for outstanding and indigent students and modern Research Institutes as well as annual awards to outstanding researchers.

    Reduction of tuition fees for students studying Agriculture by 50% and seed money of N250,000 to every graduate in Agriculture from university to start his/her own business upon graduation, Youth Empowerment Scheme under which the university has trained over 1000 youths and expended N186 million and a 124-unit Industrial Research Park designed to harmonise University Education with Industry, stimulate economic development and provide employment for university graduates, professionals and artisans as well as the ultra-modern 400-bed ABUAD Multi-System Hospital, which leading healthcare stakeholders have acknowledged as the “most well-equipped hospital in Sub-Saharan Africa”.

    For the university to continue to move mountains of achievements and bring glory to Nigeria, Ijabadeniyi called on both the Federal and Ekiti State Governments to expedite action on the reconstruction of the Ado-Ijan Road and the Ekiti Cargo Airport, two major projects on which Babalola has invested billions of Naira to make them functional.

    His words: “If the university is more accessible, it will attract patronage from both local and international audience as a result of which it would win more laurels for the state and the nation at large.”

    •Olofintila is ABUAD’s Director, Corporate Affairs

  • AFED urges educators to combine indigenous knowledge with innovations

    AFED urges educators to combine indigenous knowledge with innovations

    The Association for Formidable Educational Development (AFED) has urged educators and schools to combine indigenous knowledge with modern innovations into learning.

    This was the thrust of a two day African Education Conference, held by the association, on the theme:  “Education for all: Harnessing African Wisdom and Innovation for Sustainable Development”, in Benin City.

    They called for policy reform to improve learning, urging the government to give priority attention to the establishment of vocational centres in schools to enhance the future of the students.

    The National President of the Association, Emmanuel Orji, stated that the future of the country rests on how well it educates and equips the youth today and in the future.

    Orji also stressed that the nation must draw from the rich heritage of the traditional learning system, while embracing technological advancements and policy reforms that make education more inclusive and impactful. He said Africa had been a hub of wisdom, resilience and creativity; hence the need for incorporation of indigenous knowledge.

    “We must draw from African rich heritage, while embracing technical advancement and policy reforms that make education more inclusive and impactful.

    “We must work together – school owners, educators, policymakers and partners – to create a system where no child is left behind and where education should remain the strongest driver of sustainable development,” he advised.

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    United Nation’s Ambassador for Education, Dr. Adekunle Badmus, advised educators to inculcate skill acquisition into the curriculum.

    “This is very important. You need to partner with online platforms and institutes. This is the time we need to give to our students and mentors. If we don’t give them mentors, social media will,” he said.

    The wife of the former Governor of Oyo State and AFED’s national Matron, Dr. Bukola Ladoja, stressed that the government cannot do everything for its citizens, noting that it was for this reason AFED was birthed.

  • Principal to Dowen pupils: use your knowledge to build

    Principal to Dowen pupils: use your knowledge to build

    • By Christiana Ohimai

    The Principal of Dowen College, Lekki Lagos, Dr. Adebisi Layiwola, has urged pupils of the school who just graduated to utilise the knowledge gained to build and serve a greater purpose as they move to another phase of academics.

    She spoke at the school’s graduation which was held on its premises in Lekki, Lagos.

    Adebisi said the school is proud of them because they have developed critical thinking skills, sound character, and how to adapt to new technologies.

    She noted that the education they received was not just a passport to personal advancement, but a call to influence their generation positively. She described them as authors of tomorrow’s breakthroughs, the solution-bearers, and the ambassadors of themselves, their families and the school.

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    “Our dear Class of 2025 as you leave the familiar, I challenge you: be more than successful – be significant. Let your success serve a greater purpose. Use your knowledge to build, not to destroy. Use your voice to uplift, not tear down. And let your light so shine, that others may find their way because you dared to lead.

    “You have not only mastered your subjects-you have developed your character, you understand what it means to walk in integrity, empathy, and vision. We are indeed proud of you,” she said.

    The valedictorian, Sameerah Lawan Musa, who was delighted, said her personal beliefs align with the college’s motto “to be the best,” hence she strives to be the best at all times.

  • NICTM, UNIBEN emerge winners in NANS quiz competition

    NICTM, UNIBEN emerge winners in NANS quiz competition

    The National Institute of Construction Technology and Management (NICTM), Uromi, has won the maiden edition of the inter-school quiz competition organized by the Edo axis Joint Campus Council (JCC) of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Edo State Axis.

    Participating institutions displayed their ideas and academic depth on the topic, “Safe Campus for Students: Combating Physical and Digital Threats.”

    The quiz competition held at the Ambrose Alli University (AAU), Ekpoma, ended in a tie between NICTM and the University of Benin (UNIBEN).

    Judges invoked a tie-breaker round to determine the winner and the NICTM emerged winner to earn the grand prize of ₦300,000.

    Students of UNIBEN took the second position with a prize of ₦200,000 while the Ambrose Alli University (AAU), Ekpoma, came third and received ₦100,000.

    Read Also: NANS, NAPS make u-turn on NMDPRA protest, cites unverified information

    Acting Zonal Director of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Benin Zonal Directorate, Effa Okim, urged students to harness digital platforms for knowledge, entrepreneurship, and positive influence, rather than as tools for crime or deceit.

    Okim, who spoke on the topic, “Use the Cyberspace Positively”, said the internet was not just a playground but a powerful tool to build, and enlighten.

    Senior Special Assistant to Governor Monday Okpebholo on Student Matters

    Comrade Jimah Mubarak, said the remained committed to securing educational spaces in the state.

    He said Okpebholo’s SHINE agenda places premium value on youth empowerment, education, and security.

    Edo State Chairman of NANS JCC, Comrade Ojumoola Miracle, said intellectual excellence has became the new protest.

    He said the quiz competition was to create a platform where academic excellence, critical thinking, and constructive engagement could be celebrated and rewarded among Nigerian students.

    “We believe that fostering a culture of scholarship and collaboration among students can combat many of the vices plaguing campuses today. This event was a call to elevate the standard of student unionism in Edo State,” he added. 

  • Madonna University Alumni President Charges Students to Prioritise Skill Development at Career Day 2025

    Madonna University Alumni President Charges Students to Prioritise Skill Development at Career Day 2025

    President of the Madonna University Alumni Association, Chuka Nwachukwu, has urged students to look beyond academic excellence and embrace skill acquisition as a vital tool for navigating the realities of today’s fast-evolving global economy.
    Mr. Nwachukwu made this call while delivering the keynote address as Guest Speaker at the 2025 Madonna University Career Day, held recently at the university’s main campus in Elele.

    Speaking on the theme, “Navigating the Future: Preparing for Careers in a Dynamic Global Economy,” he emphasised the changing nature of the job market, where employers now place increasing value on adaptability, digital literacy, emotional intelligence, and real-world problem-solving.

    “Today’s world demands more than paper qualifications; it demands a positive mindset, relevance, and readiness,” he said.
    Reflecting on his post-graduation journey, the Alumni President encouraged students to take responsibility for their career paths early by acquiring both technical and soft skills. He urged them to leverage platforms like LinkedIn, seek internships, complete digital certifications, and embrace learning beyond the classroom.

    “In Nigeria, many lose opportunities not for lack of talent, but because of attitude. Think of yourself as a brand; what do you represent? What value do you offer? Your certificate might get you into the room, but it’s your skills that will keep you there,” he added.

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    The Career Day also featured an address by Chima Achu, former National President of the Alumni Association, who encouraged students to maintain personal integrity, pursue excellence, and adopt lifelong learning as a strategy for personal and professional growth.

    In a show of commitment to the university’s development, the Madonna University Alumni Association, under Mr. Nwachukwu’s leadership, announced a significant donation toward the construction of an ultramodern ICT Centre on campus. He further disclosed plans to establish an Alumni Endowment Fund to mobilise long-term resources for this and other future-focused projects.

    The Vice Chancellor of the University, Professor Casmir Anyanwu, in his response, praised the Association for its forward-thinking support and reaffirmed the university’s dedication to producing globally competitive graduates equipped with the skills, values, and resilience required to thrive in the 21st century.

    As part of his administration’s agenda, Mr. Nwachukwu reiterated his commitment to strengthening alumni engagement, deepening collaboration with the university, and ensuring that the Alumni Association plays a visible and strategic role in the development of the institution and its graduates.
    “We are committed to building a vibrant alumni network that is active, empowered, and impactful, one that supports not only the university but also uplifts fellow alumni and creates opportunities for current students.”

    The 2025 Madonna University Career Day concluded with networking sessions, and a renewed connection between students and the growing alumni community.

  • Alumni urge students to prioritise skill development

    Alumni urge students to prioritise skill development

    President of Madonna University Alumni Association, Chuka Nwachukwu, has urged students to embrace skill acquisition as a tool for navigating realities of today’s evolving economy.

    Nwachukwu spoke while delivering the keynote address at 2025 Madonna University Career Day at the university’s main campus in Elele.

    Speaking on “Navigating the Future: Preparing for Careers in a Dynamic Global Economy,” he noted the changing nature of the job market, where employers place value on adaptability, digital literacy, emotional intelligence, and real-world problem-solving.

    “The world demands more than paper qualifications; it wants positive mindset, relevance, and readiness,” he said.

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    Reflecting on his post-graduation journey, he encouraged students to take responsibility for their career early by acquiring technical and soft skills. He urged them to leverage platforms like LinkedIn, seek internships, complete digital certifications, and embrace learning beyond classrooms.

    “In Nigeria, many lose opportunities not for lack of talent, but because of attitude. Think of yourself as a brand; what do you represent? What value do you offer? Your certificate might get you into the room, but it’s your skills that will keep you there,” he said.

    The Career Day also featured an address by Chima Achu, former national president, who encouraged students to maintain integrity, pursue excellence, and adopt lifelong learning as a strategy for personal and professional growth.

    In a show of commitment to the university’s development, the association announced a donation toward construction of an ICT Centre on campus. He said plans are on to establish an Alumni Endowment Fund to mobilise long-term resources for this and other future-focused projects.

    Vice Chancellor, Prof Casmir Anyanwu, praised the association for its support and reaffirmed the university’s dedication to producing competitive graduates with skills, values, and resilience.

    Nwachukwu reiterated his commitment to strengthening engagement, deepening collaboration and ensuring the association plays a strategic role in the school’s development.

    “We are committed to building a vibrant alumni network that is active, empowered, and impactful, one that supports not only the university but also uplifts fellow alumni and creates opportunities for current students.”

    The 2025 Madonna University Career Day concluded with networking sessions, and a renewed connection between students and the growing alumni community.

  • Startups, undergraduates to win $10,000 at Nigeria Stablecoin Summit

    Startups, undergraduates to win $10,000 at Nigeria Stablecoin Summit

    In a bid to promote business development and innovation, the Africa Stablecoin Network, organisers of the inaugural Nigeria Stablecoin Summit, stated that outstanding startups and undergraduates would receive grants of up to $10,000 at the event in Lagos.

    The conference, scheduled for Thursday, July 24, 2025, at the Lagos Oriental Hotel, Victoria Island, has been highlighted as the first of its kind in Africa.

    It is set to bring together policymakers, stablecoin innovators, and various stakeholders to discuss the future of borderless digital payments on the continent.

    The summit’s organisers explained that startups attending the event would have the opportunity to participate in a pitch competition, where winners would receive up to $10,000 in cash and other prizes.

    They also noted that undergraduates with an interest in the tech and digital finance ecosystem are invited to submit their write-ups for an Essay Competition, which would award 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place to the best entries.

    During the conference, policymakers, stablecoin issuers, exchanges, payment gateways, regulators, developers, and ecosystem enablers are all expected to engage in open dialogues to develop frameworks that reflect current realities.

    According to the organisers, Nigeria boasts one of the largest tech talent pools in Africa.

    Nathaniel Luz, President of the Africa Stablecoin Network and Convener of the Nigeria Stablecoin Summit, stated that there is a need for coordinated efforts and collaborations between the government and fintechs to unlock the full potential of stablecoins in Nigeria.

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    He added that policymakers and stablecoin innovators would need to engage in open dialogue to develop frameworks that reflect current realities.

    Luz explained that the summit’s theme, “Enhancing Adoption for a Borderless Digital Economy,” speaks to Nigeria’s need for a more integrated and seamless borderless payment ecosystem.

    He emphasised that the industry needs interoperable payment systems and reliable on- and off-ramps that connect everyday commerce with stablecoins.

    He also stressed that collaborations between the government and fintechs would strengthen trust, scale solutions, and help build a sustainable ecosystem that solves real-world problems.

    Luz concluded this point by stating that everyone, from fintech startups to investors and ecosystem enablers, has a stake in these discussions.

    He further remarked that Nigeria’s digital finance economy is ripe for growth and expansion, with room for more adoption, but these crucial “gateway discussions” have not yet taken place. He therefore urged all stakeholders in the Nigerian digital finance ecosystem to attend the Nigeria Stablecoin Summit, organised by the Africa Stablecoin Network.

    Luz described the gathering as a very special and pivotal moment that would shape the future of payments in Nigeria and beyond. He asserted that while stablecoins might be a luxury for the West, they are an economic lifeline for Africa.

    He extended an invitation to startups, companies, and stakeholders in Nigeria’s cross-border payments space to collaborate in defining the future of borderless payments in Nigeria.

    He indicated that the event was for all stablecoin stakeholders, including policymakers, issuers, exchanges, payment gateways, regulators, developers, and enablers, and that interested attendees were expected to reserve their spots online at summit.afristablecoin.org.

  • Nigeria benefits from $50 million Malala Fund’s global girls’ education investment

    Nigeria benefits from $50 million Malala Fund’s global girls’ education investment

    The Malala Fund has unveiled an ambitious $50 million global strategy aimed at transforming girls’ access to education, with Nigeria positioned as a key focus country.

    The new plan, titled Strengthening Rights and Securing Resources for Girls’ Secondary Education (2025–2030), was spotlighted during a visit by Ziauddin Yousafzai, co-founder of the Malala Fund and father of Nobel Laureate Malala Yousafzai.

    Ziauddin, a longtime education activist, was in Nigeria last week to meet with traditional rulers, religious leaders, local partners, and civil society organizations to build partnerships and support efforts to keep girls in school and end child marriage.

    His visit came as over five million girls remain out of school in Nigeria, with the highest concentration in the North East and North West regions, where insecurity, poverty, gender-based violence, and harmful social norms continue to limit access to education.

    “In Nigeria, one in three girls is married before age 18, and more than 35% become mothers before turning 18 in the North East and North West.

    “This new strategy is our commitment to work alongside communities and local leaders to shift the system in girls’ favour,” Nabila Aguele, Malala Fund’s Nigeria Chief Executive said in a statement on Tuesday.

    According to her, the five-year strategy allocates a substantial portion of its global fund to Nigeria, supporting local, women-led organizations in states including Adamawa, Bauchi, Borno, Kaduna, Kano, and Oyo.

    The initiative, she said, also targets policy reforms at the Federal level to ensure greater accountability and investment in girls’ education.

    The visit began in Abuja, where Ziauddin co-hosted a roundtable with more than 40 traditional and religious leaders, civil society groups, and education experts.

    Themed around the role of men and boys in promoting gender equality, the gathering was attended by figures such as Reverend John Joseph Hayab, Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (Northern States), and Hajiya Amina Buba Haruna of the Federal Ministry of Education.

    Read Also: SGF tasks Nigeria to play active role in sustainable development

    Discussions focused on how faith, fatherhood, and leadership can help dismantle harmful gender norms.

    Halima Yusuf, a Malala Fund Girl Fellow, made a call to raise boys as allies in the fight for girls’ rights, saying, “Leadership has no gender. We must teach boys to respect, uplift and support girls. That is how we raise not just boys, but allies”.

    Later in the week, Aguele stated that Ziauddin travelled to Sokoto State, where he was received by the Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence Alhaji Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar III.

    At the meeting, she said the Sultan pledged his foundation’s support for advancing girls’ education, affirming a commitment to collaborate with Malala Fund on long-term education initiatives.

    “We believe we are doing right for our communities, not only in Nigeria but all over the world…we extend our hand in emancipating the girl child and getting her to the highest level of education she can achieve,” the Sultan was quoted as saying.

    Ziauddin also visited a school established by the Sultan’s foundation that caters to children displaced by conflict in Borno State.

    He expressed admiration for the women leading classrooms and inspiring children to dream despite their traumatic pasts, noting, “Despite the challenges girls face in Nigeria, I’m hopeful because of the shared purpose of partners who are not just driving change but standing with girls every step of the way”.

    On his final day, according to the statement, Ziauddin met with Ummie Bukar, founder of the PAGED Initiative, whose organization mentors young women in northern Nigeria to become education advocates through storytelling and film.

    The Malala Fund, founded in 2013, has spent the last decade supporting secondary education for girls across Nigeria through advocacy and grantmaking.

    Aguele explained that with the latest strategy, the organization is scaling its impact by aligning community-driven action with national policy reform and increased funding for education.

    “Our work is rooted in one belief. That every girl deserves 12 years of quality education and together, we can make that a reality,” she noted

  • Abia community hails Tinubu for approving Federal Medical University, pledges support

    Abia community hails Tinubu for approving Federal Medical University, pledges support

    The people of Item in the Bende Local Government Area of Abia State have expressed deep appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for approving the establishment of the Federal University of Medical and Health Sciences in their community.

    In a letter of appreciation, the Item Development Association (IDA), led by its President General Sir Onwuka Orji, Chairman of the Board of Trustees Bishop Sunday Ndukwo Onuoha, and Grand Patron High Chief Akwari Ukpabi, lauded President Tinubu for what they described as a landmark decision and a reflection of visionary leadership.

    “This singular act, coming at a time when Nigeria faces a pressing need for accessible and high-quality medical education, is nothing short of transformative,” the community said. “Your Excellency has planted a seed of educational excellence in our soil and offered our children and generations unborn a beacon of hope and opportunity.”

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    They noted that the university, recently signed into law by the President, would become a centre for academic excellence, medical research, healthcare delivery, and economic development, serving not only the South East but the entire nation.

    The community also commended Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, for championing the bill and seeing it through to approval. Describing him as a “true son of the soil,” they said his role in securing the university for Item will be remembered for generations.

    Calling for early budgetary allocation and swift commencement of construction, the community pledged full cooperation with the government to ensure timely execution.

    They expressed readiness to allocate land and provide the local support needed for the take-off of the institution.

    “The people of Item will guard this legacy, nurture it, and ensure it blossoms into the great and life-changing institution it is destined to be,” the letter concluded.