The Nation Newspaper

Category: Education

  • Concerns on global digital identity theft, others

    Concerns on global digital identity theft, others

    By Oluwananumi Dawodu

    Our society is increasingly digitised, and cyber threats evolve in complexity and reach. Among the most insidious and rapidly growing forms of cybercrime are digital identity theft and SIM swap scams. These crimes transcend geographical boundaries, affecting individuals, financial institutions, and governments. While the underlying techniques share similarities worldwide, regional nuances in execution and impact reveal critical insights into how societies must respond.

    Digital identity theft  involves the unauthorised acquisition and use of someone’s data, such as name, date of birth, bank account, National Identification Number (NIN), or login credentials, to commit fraud. Common tactics include phishing, data breaches, spyware, and social engineering. On the other hand, the SIM swap scam (also known as SIM hijacking) is a specific kind of identity theft. Cyber criminals can easily manipulate mobile service providers to port a victim’s mobile number onto a new SIM card, allowing them to intercept SMS-based two-factor authentication (2FA) messages. This grants access to bank accounts, crypto wallets, email, and more.

    Digital identity theft and SIM swap scams have emerged as some of the most dangerous and sophisticated forms of cybercrime affecting societies across the globe.

    SIM hijacking and digital impersonation involves exploiting systemic vulnerabilities in telecommunications infrastructure and user behaviour, often resulting in financial loss, data breaches, and severe privacy violations.

    Nigeria: The Convergence of Weak Infrastructure and Sophisticated Scams SIM swap fraud has surged in Nigeria due to inadequate cybersecurity infrastructure, poor data, privacy regulation, and high digital illiteracy. While the country’s fintech revolution has improved financial inclusion, it has also widened the surface of cybercriminal attacks. The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has recorded a steady increase in SIM swap fraud complaints, with many involving bank account breaches. With many Nigerians using mobile money and USSD banking, attackers target these platforms using compromised SIMs and stolen NIN data. However, some steps have been taken by the apex bank, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), and the NCC, which have mandated SIM registration to be linked with NINs.

    However, this policy has backfired in some cases by centralising personal data without robust encryption, leading to data leaks that fuel further scams.

    In Nigeria, SIM swap scams are intensifying alarmingly, fueled by infrastructural weaknesses, insider collusion, and underdeveloped data protection mechanisms. Despite regulatory interventions like the SIM-NIN integration policy initiated by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), the reality remains that attackers still exploit gaps in verification processes, often aided by telecom employees. Not just Nigeria, SIM swap fraud and identity theft have proliferated across Kenya, South Africa, Ghana, and Uganda. In these countries, mobile money systems such as M-Pesa (Kenya) or MTN Mobile Money (Uganda) serve millions, making them high-value targets.

    In the United Kingdom, the landscape is marked by a rise in phishing-based identity crimes, including SIM swaps. The UK criminal underground has embraced sophisticated tools like Phishing-as-a-Service (PhaaS) kits, often sourced from the dark web, to compromise personal data. The UK Finance 2023 fraud report documented over £1.2 billion in fraud losses, much of it linked to digital impersonation. Regulators like the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and Ofcom have responded by enforcing policies requiring enhanced SIM issuance protocols and stronger multi-factor authentication. However, many users still rely on vulnerable SMS-based 2FA, leaving a persistent security gap.

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    The United States faces a particularly intense wave of SIM swap attacks, primarily targeting users on cryptocurrency platforms. In 2022, the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Centre (IC3) recorded over 2,000 complaints, with financial losses exceeding $72 million.  U.S. mobile carriers frequently suffer from weak porting protections and employee manipulation. Despite having advanced technology, the U.S. lacks a comprehensive federal law governing digital identity protection, resulting in a fragmented and inconsistent regulatory response.

    When comparing global responses, clear differences emerge. Nigeria struggles with insider telecoms fraud and poor data protection, while broader Africa grapples with KYC lapses and limited enforcement. The UK has implemented regulatory controls but remains hampered by outdated authentication methods. In contrast, the U.S. contends with fragmented legal oversight and high-value crypto-targeted attacks. Public awareness varies, being lowest in Nigeria and wider Africa, and only moderately better in the UK and the U.S.

    Across the African continent, particularly in countries like Kenya, Ghana, and South Africa, mobile-based financial systems have improved access to banking but simultaneously introduced new vulnerabilities.

    The United Kingdom has not been immune to SIM swap attacks. Although regulatory bodies like the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and Ofcom have enforced strict compliance policies, attackers have evolved, using phishing-as-a-service kits and exploiting legacy systems still reliant on SMS-based two-factor authentication.

    In the United States, where identity theft costs individuals and organisations billions annually, SIM swap fraud has become a critical threat vector, especially for cryptocurrency investors. The FBI reported over $72 million in losses from SIM swap-related fraud in 2022 alone.

    The problem of digital identity theft and SIM swap scams is not only technical but fundamentally social and infrastructural. Solutions must involve international cooperation, forward-thinking legislation, and a commitment to empowering users through education. I continue to advocate for cloud-native solutions and behavioural analytics.

    Looking forward, five strategic priorities can mitigate these growing threats. First, stronger multi-factor authentication methods must replace SMS-based systems, favouring biometric or app-based verification. Second, telecoms accountability must be enforced through stricter porting protocols and anomaly detection. Third, public awareness campaigns should be scaled to improve digital literacy and user vigilance. Fourth, international cooperation through cross-border cybercrime treaties and intelligence sharing is essential, given the transnational nature of these threats. Finally, deploying AI-powered fraud detection systems can provide real-time defences, identifying and neutralising threats before damage occurs. These coordinated efforts will be key to restoring control over digital identities in an increasingly interconnected world.

    Cybersecurity threats are evolving, and I remain committed to leading the charge in developing scalable, ethical, and inclusive defences for vulnerable populations and high-risk sectors, ensuring broader access to actionable defences against SIM hijacking and identity fraud.

  • Gbajabiamila: varsities must seek alternative means of funding outside govt

    Gbajabiamila: varsities must seek alternative means of funding outside govt

    Former Speaker of the House of Representatives and Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, has said universities must begin to look for alternative source of funding to augment what they get from government.

    Delivering a lecture at the Sound State University on the topic: “Interrogating the Funding of Education: Global Versus Nigerian Perspectives”, the former Speaker said universities in other parts of the world have developed ways of raising funds for their activities.

    Gbajabiamila, who spoke of how to effectively, sustainably and productively fund tertiary education in Nigeria, said giving people the intellectual resources, skills and confidence to navigate the global knowledge economy is very crucial.

    He said: “I have long believed that investing in people by providing opportunities for education and skills acquisition not only changes the individual’s life, but also offers the best possibility of transformational impact on the well-being of our society.”

    He maintained that the primary purpose of education is to improve the individual’s mind and body and empower them to be useful to themselves and beneficial to society.

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    Gbajabiamila said: “A good education should produce an individual who is confident in their abilities, capable of logical thought, and aware of their shortcomings, but not constrained by them.”

    He noted that though the government is doing its best to fund universities and other institutions of learning, tertiary institutions, particularly universities, should seek other ways to properly fund the schools.

    He said some  universities in United States of America conduct research and development activities to develop intellectual property that can be created, transferred or licensed for commercial value.

    “Stanford Management Company, Columbia Investment Management Company and the Harvard Management Company are all wholly owned investment companies of their eponymous universities.

    “These companies manage the financial assets of their respective universities by investing in established businesses and startups, managing real estate holdings and various financial instruments to help ensure these universities have the financial resources to remain world-class institutions,” he said

    Gbajabiamila, who sponsored the Student Loan Act, said as a member of the House of Representatives and later Speaker, he  sponsored and ensured the passage into law of the Students Loan (Access to Higher Education) Act 2023, which President Bola Ahmed Tinubu signed into law in one of his earliest official actions as President.

    According to him, the law established the national student loan program to ensure that the doors of public tertiary institutions will never be closed against capable and willing candidates solely based on an inability to pay whatever fees that are required.

    He said: “I hope that this sort of policy thinking will inspire others in this room and beyond to take a critical look at the question of tertiary education funding and see the universe of possibilities that exist if we are willing to put in the effort today so that our children’s tomorrow can be better than all our yester years.”

  • Expert urges govts to invest in AI education to unbolt youth potential

    Expert urges govts to invest in AI education to unbolt youth potential

    Artificial Intelligence (AI), once the stuff of science fiction, is now reshaping the world at a breathtaking pace—from detecting diseases earlier to powering search engines, chatbots and navigation apps.

    As the global economy becomes increasingly digitised, an expert in computer science education, Dr. Ismaila Temitayo Sanusi, has urged Nigerian governments to act swiftly to prepare youth for a future dominated by AI technologies.

    Sanusi, an authority in Computer Science Education with international experience, sounded the alarm: Nigeria is not doing enough to equip its young population with the skills needed to participate meaningfully in an AI-driven world.

    “We’re talking about a technology that is already changing every aspect of human existence—healthcare, finance, education, entertainment. Yet, our classrooms remain largely stuck in the 20th century,” Dr. Sanusi said.

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    Dr. Sanusi described AI literacy as “the new reading and math”—a foundational skill that every student must possess to thrive in the emerging global economy. Unlike coding, which focuses solely on programming, AI education encompasses understanding how machines learn, make decisions, and affect human lives—from the playlists we stream to the news we see on our feeds. “It’s not about building robots,” he explained. “It’s about helping students understand how algorithms make decisions that impact their lives and society. AI is shaping how we think, communicate, work, and make choices.”

    Through years of research and programme development across countries, including the U.S., Finland, Ghana, Kenya, Hong Kong, Namibia, and Nigeria, Sanusi has seen firsthand the transformational power of early AI education.

    His studies show that AI learning promotes critical thinking, digital skills, ethical reasoning, and problem-solving—all crucial traits for 21st-century success. “If we want our children to be job creators, not job seekers, then we must teach them not just how to use technology, but how to understand and shape it,” he said.

    Home to the largest youth population in Africa, Nigeria has what Dr. Sanusi calls “an enviable advantage”—a youthful demographic that, if properly skilled, could become a major engine for innovation, economic growth, and global competitiveness.

    Yet, the reality on ground paints a different picture. Most Nigerian schools have not integrated AI into their curriculum. Even with recent efforts by the Federal Government—such as the draft National Artificial Intelligence Strategy, the launch of a Centre for AI and Robotics, and the rollout of a free AI Academy—AI education remains largely inaccessible to millions of students, especially in underserved rural areas.

  • Unlocking opportunities for integrated Arabic and Islamic schools

    Unlocking opportunities for integrated Arabic and Islamic schools

    By Mohammed Dauda Eibo

    The monumental turnaround and repositioning of the National Board for Arabic and Islamic Studies (NBAIS) under the leadership of Prof. Yahuza Sulaiman Imam deserves an ovation from well-meaning Nigerians. The board is a national examination body responsible for the conduct of Senior Arabic and Islamic Secondary School Certificate Examination (SAISSCE), the certificate issued to students of Integrated Arabic and Islamic Secondary Schools where Science, Arts and Commerce subjects are similarly offered. The students must have sat for and passed the SAISSCE.

    Essentially, NBAIS is an examination body, just like the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) and the National Examinations Council (NECO), established to conduct Senior Secondary examinations for integrated Arabic and Islamic schools across the country. Candidates from such schools must have also written and passed the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) and Post UTME (PUTME) before qualifying for admission into a tertiary institution of their choice.

    The National Universities Commission (NUC), National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) and Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN) have directed all tertiary institutions under their purview to accept Senior Arabic and Islamic Secondary School Certificate Examination for admission into their respective institutions of higher learning, thereby offering equal admission opportunity for WAEC, NECO and NBAIS candidates.

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    It is, therefore, erroneous to assume that Arabic Language and Islamic Studies are the only subjects that qualify holders of SAISSCE results for admission into tertiary institutions. Rather, all other subjects taken by WAEC, NECO and NABTEB candidates are similarly taken by NBAIS candidates in tandem with the ongoing Federal Government’s programme for the integration of Tsangaya and Qur’anic Education (IQTE).

    The Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria has recognised the Senior Arabic and Islamic Secondary School Certificate for admission into nursing programmes. This decision has increased access to higher education. NMCN has unlocked new opportunities for students.

    It is noteworthy that alongside Arabic and Islamic subjects, Integrated Arabic and Islamic Schools offer English and Mathematics as well as science, arts, commerce and technical subjects that are prerequisites to studying a chosen field of study.

  • Rotary gifts N13.5m scholarships to 22 undergraduates

    Rotary gifts N13.5m scholarships to 22 undergraduates

    ROTARY District 9112 has offered scholarships to 22 undergraduates in Lagos and Ogun states, its area of coverage.

    At the presentation, the Chairperson, District Education and Welfare Endowment Fund (DEWEF) Scholarship Committee, Abosede Ewumi, said the beneficiaries, who are 200 level brilliant but indigent students of higher institutions cutting across various disciplines, underwent rigorous screening after their selection by clubs.

    He said though 104 were invited for the exam conducted by the West African Examinations Council (WAEC), only 69 turned up, of which 33 passed. In the interview that followed, 22 candidates qualified.

    She announced that each of them would receive N250,000 yearly throughout their programmes. However, the 80 students on their scholarship list would continue to receive N100,000 earlier earmarked for them.

    Ewumi said Rotary would mentor the students and ensure that they graduate with flying colours, adding that in the past many scholars finished with a first class.

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    On why they embarked on the scheme, she said: “Rotary believes is giving back to society, which is our core mandate.’’ She appealed to the public to support it to enable it to give to more students.

    Chairman, Board of Trustees (BoT), DEWEF, Yomi Adewunmi, noted that the scholarship scheme, which started in1991 in District 9111, now has 237 awardees, adding that it was aimed at making people know about Rotary activities. He expressed satisfaction that the objective had been achieved.

    He said DEWEF is registered, urging the public to join Rotary and support it.

    District 9112 Governor, Femi Adenekan, congratulated the awardees and tasked them. He advised: “See yourself as good ambassadors of DEWEF. Ensure you fly higher by coming out with better results. You are the future of Nigeria and family.’’

     An awardee, Damilola Ologun, a 200 level Accounting student of the University of Lagos (UNILAG), thanked Rotary for the gesture.

    Also at the ceremony were the DG-Elect, Lanre Adedoyin; DG-Nominee, Layi Abidoye; District Secretary, Wilson Esangbedo; and Treasurer, Bayo Erinle.

  • Lagos Education District IV inducts new teachers

    Lagos Education District IV inducts new teachers

    As part of its mandate to set the stage for transformative role in shaping young minds, Lagos State Education District IV has welcomed 143 newly appointed teachers in an induction ceremony.

    The ceremony was designed to integrate the teachers into the district, while equipping them with vital tools, inspiration and guidance to thrive in their noble calling.

    In his speech, the Tutor-General/Permanent Secretary of Education District IV, Mr. Olusegun Osinaike, urged the teachers to leave an indelible mark on their students and the district.

    “Be a beacon of positivity, a figure of influence and a catalyst for growth,” he declared, emphasising passion, patience, and unwavering dedication to student development,” he advised.

    Osinaike also emphasised the need to foster inclusive and supportive classrooms that spark academic brilliance and personal growth. He also championed the Civil Service Rules (CSR) book as an essential daily guide for every educator’s journey.

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    The induction featured insightful sessions led by distinguished zonal chairmen of the All Nigerian Confederation of Principals of Secondary Schools (ANCOPSS) and Surulere ANCOPSS Chairman Mrs. Florence Bolodeoku. They exposed the attendees with strategies for innovative teaching methodologies, effective classroom management, and dynamic assessment techniques.

    Surulere ANCOPSS Chairman Mr. Julius Ibitayo, illuminated the intricacies of the curriculum, alongside critical policies and procedures shaping the education system.

    Also, Mainland ANCOPSS Chairman,  inspired the cohort with talk on cultivating a professional attitude and building meaningful relationships to elevate their impact.

  • 11-year-old girl to represent Lagos at AFED national finals

    11-year-old girl to represent Lagos at AFED national finals

    An 11-year-old pupil, Oluwakorede Esther Thomas of Vicmart Nursery and Primary School, has emerged the overall best in the Association for Formidable Educational Development (AFED), Lagos Chapter.

    It’s a statewide primary six examination competition. Oluwakorede  scored 91.5%.

    She will lead the state’s delegation to the national finals scheduled for June 11 in Edo State.

    The second and third positions were claimed by Emmanuel Egwa of Honesty International School with 90.5%, and Perpetual Shoyombo of D’Jascol Nursery and Primary School, who scored 89.5%.

    The three top-performing pupils were selected from among 120 candidates who qualified for the second stage of the annual AFED Lagos examination, after emerging best in their respective chapters during the first stage in March.

    Announcing the results after nearly two hours of paper marking on Saturday, at

    Aladura Comprehensive High School, Anthony Village, AFED Lagos State Controller, Mr. James Lartey-Lartey, hailed the pupils for their outstanding performance.

    He emphasized the significance of the examination in preparing children for future academic pursuits, particularly their transition from primary to junior secondary education.

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    “This examination is critical because it prepares our pupils for external examinations, such as national common entrance, military and model college admissions,” Lartey-Lartey said.

    “It also helps us assess the teaching quality in our schools, especially at the primary six level.”

    Lartey noted that over 11,500 pupils participated in the first stage of the competition held across Lagos and other participating states, including Ogun, Oyo, Anambra, Ekiti, and Rivers. From each of Lagos’ 40 chapters, the top three candidates advanced to the second stage held in Lagos, bringing the total to 120.

    The top three winners got educational materials and will receive more substantial prizes, including cash rewards, at the national level. Candidates who placed fourth to tenth also received consolation prizes.

     At the national finals in Edo State, representatives from all participating states will compete for the overall top three spots, with results to be declared the following day, June 12.

  • Stephen Akintayo Foundation explains pricing in dollars, accepts naira

    Stephen Akintayo Foundation explains pricing in dollars, accepts naira

    Dr. Stephen Akintayo Foundation has clarified the concerns, misinformation and allegations surrounding its pricing in US dollars instead of in Nigerian currency.

    The Foundation noted the reason behind its decision to price its products and services in dollars was based on the fact students, clients, and partners were not only in Nigeria, but across the U.S., U.K., UAE, Canada, Europe, and other parts of the world.

    The Managing Director, Stephen Akintayo Foundation, Ikenna Mba, made the clarification in a statement on Tuesday, May 20th, 2025.

    The statement reads: “In light of recent discussions and commentary surrounding the pricing of our mentorship program, we would like to directly address the concerns, misinformation, and allegations that have surfaced around the use of U.S. dollars.

    “We understand that seeing dollar-denominated pricing from a Nigerian-born entrepreneur may raise questions. However, it’s important to offer clarity and transparency.

    “The Stephen Akintayo Foundation and Stephen Akintayo International LLC are both U.S.-registered social enterprise companies. In addition, Dr. Stephen Akintayo currently resides in the United States.

    “Our community includes students, clients, and partners not only in Nigeria, but across the U.S., U.K., UAE, Canada, Europe, and other parts of the world. Using a globally recognized and stable currency like the U.S. dollar enables us to operate seamlessly across borders and serve our international audience effectively.

    “That said, we want to make it explicitly clear that while we price in dollars, clients from Nigeria are always welcome to pay the Naira equivalent—which is often even lower than the Central Bank exchange rate. This is a deliberate decision to ensure accessibility and fairness for our Nigerian community.

    “This choice of currency is not a statement on identity. It is a practical decision made in line with our global footprint and operational efficiency.

    “We remain unwavering in our commitment to build with integrity, lead with trust, and empower people to succeed. These values have been the foundation of our life’s work and will continue to guide everything we do.

    “To everyone who has supported and believed in this vision—we say thank you. Together, we continue to build a future rooted in truth, excellence, and genuine empowerment”.

  • UTME: APC chieftain blames poor exam performance on infrastructure, curriculum, socioeconomic gaps

    UTME: APC chieftain blames poor exam performance on infrastructure, curriculum, socioeconomic gaps

    A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Ambassador Abayomi Nurain Mumuni, has identified several key factors behind the poor performance of students in national examinations, including the recently concluded Universal Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).

    In a statement released through his media aide, Rasheed Abubakar, Mumuni attributed the decline in students’ academic outcomes to inadequate infrastructure, outdated and inefficient curriculum frameworks, a shortage of trained educators, socioeconomic inequalities, and limited access to quality learning resources.

    Reacting to the growing controversies surrounding the UTME results, the APC chieftain called on parents, educators, and government officials to take urgent and collective action to address the deep-rooted challenges plaguing Nigeria’s education system.

    He stressed that the noticeable drop in exam scores raises serious concerns about the overall effectiveness of the current educational structure and demands immediate reforms.

    “We stand at a pivotal moment in our educational landscape, as we confront the alarming revelation of our children’s poor performance in the recent Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) examination. This situation has escalated to what can no longer be viewed as a mere issue; it has become a state of emergency within our education sector. The implications of these results are far-reaching, affecting not only individual futures but the overall development and competitiveness of our nation.

    “The significant decline in exam scores has raised critical questions about the effectiveness of our educational system. Factors contributing to this crisis are multifaceted: inadequate infrastructure, inefficient curriculum frameworks, lack of trained educators, socioeconomic disparities, and insufficient access to learning resources. Each of these elements exacerbates the struggle of our students, leaving them ill-prepared for examinations that determine their educational trajectories.

    “Furthermore, the pressures of societal expectations and the evolving job market place increased stress on our children. They are expected to excel in an increasingly competitive environment, yet our education system seems to be failing to equip them with the necessary skills, knowledge, and confidence to thrive.

    “In addressing this crisis, we urge all stakeholders to come together in a concerted effort to implement immediate and long-term solutions that are vital for restoring faith in our education system. Here are the key action points. We must review and update the national curriculum to ensure it reflects current realities and future foci. We must emphasise critical thinking, problem-solving, and practical applications of knowledge.

    “A dedicated focus on the professional development of teachers is essential. We call for enhanced training programs that equip educators with modern teaching methodologies and ongoing support to foster a more engaging and effective learning environment.

    “The government must prioritise investment in educational infrastructure. Access to safe, well-equipped classrooms, libraries, laboratories, and technology is a fundamental right that our children deserve.

    “Enhanced Learning Resources. We need to facilitate better access to learning materials, including textbooks, online resources, and tutoring programs. This includes providing free or subsidised study materials to underprivileged students.

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    “Parents must take an active role in their children’s education. Schools should foster stronger partnerships with families and communities to create supportive educational ecosystems, encouraging mentorship programs and community tutoring initiatives.

    “Implement frequent assessments that provide students with constructive feedback on their progress. This will help identify gaps in knowledge early, allowing for timely intervention. Mental Health and Well-Being Support. Resources to support the mental health of students must be prioritised. Counsellors should be available in schools to help students cope with academic pressures and personal challenges.

    “We urge the government to commit to transparency and accountability in educational governance. Policymakers must actively engage with stakeholders to monitor progress and make data-driven decisions that are responsive to the needs of students and educators. In conclusion, the future of our children hangs in the balance, and it is our collective responsibility to address these urgent issues with diligence and urgency. By taking decisive and well-coordinated steps”.

  • UI deputy VC advocates removal of African boundaries for continental greatness

    UI deputy VC advocates removal of African boundaries for continental greatness

    The Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration) of the University of Ibadan, Professor Peter Olapegba, has called for the removal of boundaries among African nations to enable the continent achieve true greatness.

    Professor Olapegba made the call while receiving a 19-member delegation from the Republic of Liberia on behalf of the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Kayode Adebowale. The delegation paid a courtesy visit to the Vice Chancellery as part of a special training programme organized by the UI Postgraduate College.

    He described the training, which focuses on implementing fiscal decentralization, county treasury, and local financial management in Liberia, as a laudable initiative of the Liberian government.

    The professor also noted that the programme would be mutually beneficial, as it provides an avenue for peer review and knowledge exchange essential for improving governance in both countries.

    The DVC observed that African countries had similar challenges, hence, they should collaborate to solve problems peculiar to Africa.

    He also stated that Europe has its own problems, therefore, Africa should solve her own problems through symbiotic relationships such as the one which the training programme affords and should stop depending absolutely on the Western world for answers.

    The Deputy Vice-Chancellor assured that the training, which also entails decentralization of governance, will help drive development closer to the grassroots and ensure that the dividend of democracy is delivered to the masses.

    Professor Olapegba reiterated that the UI Postgraduate College is the flagship of postgraduate education in Nigeria and being the platform to facilitate the training, the college has a robust teaching and research base to fulfill training needs of the delegates.

    The Provost of the Postgraduate College, Professor Ayodeji Ogunjuyigbe informed the Deputy Vice-Chancellor that discussions about the collaboration started in October 2024. 

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    He disclosed that the government of Liberia requested that her top officials be trained by the University of Ibadan for efficiency in the areas of implementing fiscal decentralization, county treasury, and local financial management in Liberia.

    He said the training, which will span ten days, will cover academic grounds, and the delegates will also be guided to visit monumental sites in the city of Ibadan and Oyo town.

    The leader of the team from Liberia, Dr D Romeo said that Liberia operates a unilateral system of government but is in the process of decentralization, hence the need for the training that will prepare the officials for a smooth transition.

    The delegation was made up of county superintendents, top officials at the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning, as well as officers of the revenue authority of Liberia.