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University of Ibadan Honours Vice President As Ambassador Plenipotentiary

The University of Ibadan (UI), Ibadan, has honoured the Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Kashim Shettima, GCON, decorating him as UI@75 Ambassador Plenipotentiary.

While receiving the award from the management team of the university led by the Vice Chancellor, Professor Kayode Adebowale, at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, the Vice President assured that he will support the University of Ibadan to remain the first and the best university in Nigeria and to reclaim its glory globally.

Shettima acknowledged that UI is the greatest citadel of learning in Nigeria and West Africa, recalling that in his days as a postgraduate student in UI, the university had students from all over Africa who came to obtain UI degrees, and that the university has produced many icons.

He reiterated the Federal Government’s unfaltering decision to reposition Nigeria’s education sector, affirming that the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, will mobilise both public and private sector support to reposition higher institutions of learning, particularly the University of Ibadan, being Nigeria’s premier university.

The Vice President expressed profound delight at the honour bestowed on him by the university, stating that he will gladly display the plaque in his office as a warm reminder of his staunch affiliation to the university.

Earlier, the Vice Chancellor disclosed that he led the special team from the university to perform the significant task which commemorates the 75th anniversary of the University of Ibadan, restating that the university was established in 1948 and had turned 75 years on 17 November, 2023.

Professor Adebowale explained that the university, through its UI@75 Committee, decided to celebrate the landmark anniversary by carefully selecting notable alumni of the university who have made invaluable impact and contributed significantly to the advancement of the cause of humanity.

He stated that the university had earlier designated many alumni as UI@75 ambassadors, while notable friends and eminent personalities who are not alumni of the university were designated as UI@75 Ambassadors Extraordinaire.

The Vice Chancellor disclosed that the Vice President is the only alumnus of the university designated as UI@75 Ambassador Plenipotentiary, the highest alumnus honour conferred.

The Registrar of the university, Mr Ganiyu Saliu, decorated the Vice President, on behalf of the council, senate, staff, and students of the University, and presented a plaque to the honouree.

On the Vice Chancellor’s entourage were the Deputy Vice Chancellor, Administration, Professor Peter Olapegba; the Registrar, Mr Ganiyu Saliu; Director of the Office of Alumni Relations, Professor Olakunbi Olasope; a Faculty member, Dr Babatunde Blavo; Mr Oladayo Olajide, and Mr Adeniyi Adebayo of the UI Directorate of Public Communication.

 

Olusola Akintonde

President Tinubu Mourns State House Veteran Journalist, Dr. Leon Usigbe

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has expressed sadness over the passing of Dr. Leon Usigbe, a journalist with The Tribune Newspapers and a cherished member of the State House Press Corps.

In a statement by the Presidential Spokesperson, Mr Bayo Onanuga , President Tinubu described Dr. Usigbe as a veteran State House Correspondent and professional whose dedication to truth, balance, and ethical journalism earned him the respect of colleagues, public officials, and readers nationwide.

The President noted that Usigbe’s insightful reporting and calm demeanour contributed immensely to strengthening democratic governance and keeping the public well-informed about the workings of the presidency and government at large.

The President remarked “I extend my heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, colleagues at The Tribune, and the entire Statehouse Press Corps. May Almighty God grant his soul eternal rest and comfort all who mourn this great loss.”

Lateefah Ibrahim

Gambian President Lauds Late Former President Buhari As Pillar Of Democracy

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Gambian President, Adama Barrow, has lauded late Former President Muhammadu Buhari’s significant contributions to the consolidation of democracy in Gambia, affirming that he will be remembered for the lasting positive legacies he left behind.

The Gambian leader, currently in Nigeria on a condolence visit, made this statement on Saturday while speaking to State House correspondents following his condolence visit to President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.

The Gambian leader stated that the late Nigerian President played a significant role in his rise to power as the third democratically elected President of Gambia and also supported the country in reclaiming its voice.

Barrow, who described the late Buhari as a father figure to other leaders on the continent said that if leaders in Africa emulate his humility, they will collectively advance the continent.

“I came to extend my condolences to him and to the family of the Former President Muhammadu Buhari , As I just spoke to the President, I told him Buhari was our colleague,he was a friend and he was a brother ,he was a father figure to us.

“And he was a very humble President, a great man ,great President and a great Leader ,his humility is worth emulating ,if you emulate him that will make us to move mountain ,to move Africa to the next level.

“Me Personally, he contributed to my coming into power ,he contributed to make sure that the voice of the Gambian people is respected, he contributed to consolidate democracy in our country ,because of this reason I cannot be ungrateful, My conscience would not have allowed me to rest without coming to Nigeria to pay my respect to the President and to the family of Mr Buhari.

“We will remember him he will not be forgotten his legacy was a good legacy”

The Gambian Leader prayed for Allah’s mercy upon the late Nigerian Leader, Muhammadu Buhari, asking that his soul be granted eternal rest in Al-Jannatul Firdaus.

President Barrow used the opportunity to pay condolences on behalf of him and his family and the Gambian people for the passing of Mr Buhari.

Lateefah Ibrahim

NSUBEB Chair Set Committee to Plan Nasarawa Educational Summit

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The Executive Chairman, Nasarawa State Universal Basic Education Board, NSUBEB Dr Kassim Muh’d Kassim has inaugurated a committee that would plan a robust educational summit in chatting a way forward for basic education in Nasarawa State.

Speaking while inaugurating the committee, The Executive Chairman of the Board, Dr Kassim Muhammad Kassim says he has an approval from Governor Abdullahi Sule to organize this summit to discuss the way forward for basic education in Nasarawa State.

He said that the committee members are men and women of high profile and integrity which were carefully selected and urge them to do a good job.

Responding, the Chairman of the committee, Sir Allahnana Attah said that the caliber of people in the committee shows that it’s a successful summit already, assuring that they will do their best to put together a robust summit for the basic education sub-sector in the state.

The committee has 3 Co-chairmen which includes, Hon Abel Bala, House of Assembly committee chairman on education, Permanent Secretary, Nasarawa State Ministry of Education, Mr Muhammed Bala, as well as the Executive Chairman of Akwanga LG, Hon Safiyanu Isa Andaha who also doubles as Chairman of ALGON in the State.

Members of the committee includes Hajiya Fatima Ahmed, the Permanent Member II of the board, Hon Ogaji Keana, Permanent Member III of the board, Haj Hasiya Ahmed, the board secretary, Mrs Laraba Ejim, Director of training at the board, Dr James Aguma, director of academic planning, as well as Haj Khadijat Suleiman, Director of Quality Assurance at the board.

Others include Ibrahim Danjuma, Chairman of education secretaries in the state, as well as Chairmen of NUT, JNI, CAN, MACBAN and the representatives of Police, Civil Defense and State Coordinator, National Safe School Response, and the AGILE Project coordinator.

President, National Association of Nasarawa State Student, Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Youths and Students Affairs Rt Hon Shuaibu Sani, Mr Linus Oota (Media) Chairman’s office, and Mr Dan
Yakubu from the ministry of information are to serve as members while Zaki David Makama, the Director of Administration and Supply of the board will serve as Secretary.

The committee has two weeks to submit it’s reports to the Executive Chairman of the board.

Lateefah Ibrahim

Nigerian Government Denies Raising JSS1 Minimum Admission Age To 12

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Nigeria’s Ministry of Education has debunked a report by The Punch Newspaper claiming that the minimum age for admission into Junior Secondary School 1 (JSS1) has been raised to 12 years.

Director of Press of to the ministry, Mrs Folasade Boriowo, in statement said the report was entirely inaccurate.

She said that the information did not come from any official source and did not reflect government policy.

For the avoidance of doubt, the minimum age for admission into JSS1 remains 10 years.” he said.

Accordingly, no child should complete primary education below the age of 10,” she said

Boriowo urged the public and education stakeholders to disregard any contrary claims.

Minimum age

The statement also quoted the Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, reaffirming that the prescribed minimum age for admission into Nigerian universities is 16 years.

He emphasised that the policy was consistent, non-negotiable, and applied regardless of how early a student completed secondary school.

The Ministry maintains that this age benchmark ensures the cognitive and emotional readiness of students for higher academic engagement,” the statement explained.

The Federal Ministry of Education urged the public, educational institutions, and media outlets to always seek clarification from official sources before acting on or publishing unverified information.

Lateefah Ibrahim

Harvard Business School Confers Certificate on NGX Chairman

The Harvard Business School (HBS) in Boston has conferred its Corporate Director Certificate on Dr Umaru Kwairanga, Chairman, Nigerian Exchange Group.

A statement by the Nigerian Exchange Ltd. (NGX) on Saturday in Lagos said that the award was in recognition of Kwairanga’s successful completion of key executive courses aimed at strengthening corporate governance practices.

Kwairanga completed modules in Audit Committees in a New Era of Governance, Compensation Committees, and Making Corporate Boards More Effective.

The certificate, signed by the Associate Dean of Executive Education, V. G. Narayanan, was formally awarded at the institution’s campus in Boston, Massachusetts, on July 25.

The training was designed to equip corporate directors with advanced skills to navigate the evolving global governance landscape, enhance board effectiveness, and strengthen oversight functions in organisations.

Kwairanga says he looks forward to leveraging the knowledge gained to further contribute to corporate governance reforms and drive strategic growth in Nigeria.

 

UN Condemns Resurgent Violence in Eastern DRC

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The United Nations has denounced the renewed violence in the Democratic Republic of Congo’s Ituri Province, where armed groups have carried out deadly attacks against civilians.

Deputy Spokesperson for the UN Secretary-General, Farhan Haq, expressed grave concern over the situation, particularly the actions of the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), which he said had killed at least 82 civilians in Ituri and neighboring North Kivu.

Haq stated that the UN mission (MONUSCO) was working closely with Congolese authorities and local communities to “de-escalate tensions, protect civilians, and support stabilization efforts.”

He condemned the violence in Djugu Territory and called for enhanced dialogue to prevent further bloodshed.

However, the UN’s ability to effectively respond to the crisis has been hampered by funding shortages, exacerbated by the Trump administration’s withdrawal of financial support for peacekeeping operations.

The U.S., previously the largest contributor to UN missions, significantly reduced its funding in recent times, leaving MONUSCO and other missions struggling with limited resources.

Humanitarian efforts in the region have also been strained, with aid groups facing difficulties in delivering essential services due to insecurity and insufficient funding.

Analysts warn that without renewed international support, the cycle of violence in eastern DRC could worsen, putting more civilians at risk.

The UN continues to call for increased global solidarity to address the crisis, but the lack of adequate financing remains a major obstacle to lasting peace in the region.

Africanews/Hauwa M.

Ahmadiyya Leader Calls for Fairness Towards Women

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The world leader of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, Khalifatul Masih V, has called for fairness, equality and justice for Muslim women as well as a stop to the misrepresentation of the Islamic practice of polygamy.

Addressing women at the ongoing 59th Annual Islamic Conference of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Association, UK, the spiritual leader said women are precious and a symbol of humility, who are often abused and treated unfairly by some men under the guise of polygamy.

He stated that since Islam accepts polygamy as a way of life enshrined in the holy Quran, men should refrain from polygamous marriage if they cannot fulfil the conditions attached to it.

World Head Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad Khalifatul Masih V

According to him, the Holy Prophet said, “The best among you are those who are best to their wives. Therefore, each man must strive to be among the best by upholding justice and compassion towards his spouse.” This teaching reminds us that goodness begins in the home. True piety is reflected in how one treats their spouse with love, respect, and kindness.

Polygamy is a Just Perspective

He explained that the issue of unfair and unjust treatment has been one of the common allegations raised by opponents of Islam regarding polygamy, but this criticism is unjust, as Islam placed conditions and limitations on an already widespread practice.

In the words of the Khalifah, “The permission granted in Islam for polygamy is under specific circumstances, such as the welfare of orphans and justice between wives. It is not an open license but a conditional and regulated matter grounded in fairness and responsibility.”

Virtues at home

Hazrat Masroor Ahmad also urged women to fulfil their responsibilities at home and become an excellent example to the Islamic community, as true righteousness is demonstrated through good conduct with one’s family.

Reflecting on the moral decadence in society today, the spiritual leader admonished every woman and girl to safeguard themselves from the moral disorders of today’s society.

Huzoor (aba) noted that just as women face injustices, some men also experience mistreatment from their wives. However, this does not justify wrong behaviour in return. Both men and women must act with wisdom, righteousness, and patience.

Compassion and Friendship

Hazrat Masroor Ahmad, Khalifatul Masih V, stated that it is completely wrong to treat women as inferior, as some people deal with their wives harshly, which is against the teachings of Islam.

A husband should treat his wife like a loving friend, noting that the relationship between husband and wife should be based on love and mutual respect. “If a man does not fulfil the rights of his wife and treat her with compassion, how can he hope to attain closeness to Allah?, he noted.

Encouraging Purdah

The spiritual leader of the Ahmadiyya community has thrown his weight behind the use of purdah in conjunction with the dictates of Allah and the practice of the Prophet, who advocated for women to cover themselves with modesty.  He warned that no gender should cast wrongful gazes at the other, and both should cover themselves modestly.

Quoting from the Holy Quran, he said, “Allah has commanded that we maintain purdah between genders for the betterment of society. We must strive to give preference to religion over the glitz and glamour of the world”.

Living a Righteous life

He admonished Ahmadi Muslim women to reflect upon the exemplary lives of righteous Muslim women in history, who led lives of piety, courage, and service for excellent moral and spiritual reformation.

“Strive to understand the true beauties and teachings of Islam. Let your heart and actions reflect the light of this beautiful faith. Become among those who sincerely profess the Oneness of Allah and live your life under the banner of Islam, upholding its values with honour and devotion,” the spiritual leader noted.

NELEX Job Centre Collaborates With Stakeholders To Organise Roadshow Awareness

The National Electronic Labour Exchange, (NELEX), through the Department of the Migrant Resource Centre, Ikoyi, Lagos State, South-West, Nigeria has collaborated with other stakeholders to organise a Roadshow awareness.

The essence of the awareness was to inform the general public, especially young Nigerians who are job seekers, that the NELEX Job Centre has free services and training opportunities available.

The Roadshow took place from the streets of Obalende-Ikoyi, Lagos Island and some parts of Yaba Local Government Area of Lagos state, South-West, Nigeria.

According to the Head of NELEX Job Centre in Lagos State, Barrister Maureen Ovie, during her opening remark at the Migrants Resource Centre office, Ikoyi, said that the essence of the campaign was to create jobs and skills development for young people and return migrants, “the Job Centre’s mission is to create pathways for employment, reintegration, and skill development for young people and return migrants”.
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She went further to state that, “With continued support from partners like GIZ and others, the MRC is committed to scaling this momentum—reaching more communities, creating access to more opportunities, and transforming lives, one roadshow at a time”.

In the same vein, a participant from Yaba Local Government Area of Lagos State, South-West, Nigeria, shared his experience during the Roadshow campaign, “Before today, I had no idea I could access job listings or training for free. I’ve already registered on the NELEX portal and signed up for two courses!”.

However, the roadshow team were made up of returnees, National Youth Corps members, and staff, who dressed in branded t-shirts with a scannable QR code linking directly to NELEX services. They hit strategic locations in Lagos State, including Obalende Roundabout, Yaba Local Government Area, Sabo Market, and the Yaba Job Centre opposite Queen’s College. Lagos State.

In addition; various Media Houses were present to cover the event, the Federal Road Safety Corps and a standby ambulance team were available in case of any incident but the event was conducted safely and without any incident.

There were Job seekers from Yaba Local Government that applied for job openings immediately via the QR code on the branded t-shirts during the Roadshow campaign. Public turnout was remarkable. Attendees eagerly collected flyers, asked questions, and scanned QR codes to register or access the NELEX portal.

At every stop, the roadshow became a live engagement centre, offering real-time information on vocational training, job opportunities, mental health and psychosocial support (MHPS), and reintegration programmes for return migrants.

The enthusiasm of returnees and youths from across Lagos Mainland highlighted a strong demand for empowerment initiatives.

Tangible Impact, since the roadshow, the MRC has recorded a significant increase in the number of individuals accessing its services.

There were applications for vocational training, registrations on the NELEX portal, and sign-ups for employability workshops have all surged. More returnees who witnessed the campaign, now see themselves as part of an ecosystem of opportunity, and young people are recognising the Job Centre as a critical gateway to their futures.

 

Olusola Akintonde

UNIPORT Honours FCT Minister, Names Convocation Arena After Him

The University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT), Rivers State, southern Nigeria has named its convocation Arena after the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike.

The arena, was officially inaugurated on Saturday by the Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas.

The inauguration was part of activities marking the university’s 35 Combined Convocation Ceremony and 50th Anniversary.

The Vice-Chancellor of the University, Prof. Owunari Georgewill, said that the first convocation of the university in 1982, was held in the old arena.

“We are proud today, to celebrate the 35th convocation in our 50th year of existence in this fantastic edifice, built by the Rivers Government during Wike’s administration,” he said.

The Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas, commended the contribution of Wike to the development of the institution.

According to him, the conception and construction of the arena under Wike’s stewardship, reflects his enduring legacy in infrastructural and educational development.

He noted that, “The ultra-modern convocation arena, now proudly inaugurated, is a testament to what is possible when vision is aligned with commitment. Your Excellency, we honour your foresight.

“This arena, both in design and purpose, is not only a venue for convocation, it is also a sanctuary where dreams are validated; where academic journeys culminate in triumphs; and where future leaders will be publicly honoured.

“It will involve policy dialogues, innovation exhibitions and ceremonies that shaped the character and capacities of generations to come.”

He said that the infatuation of the edifice was symbolic, stressing that it represents continuity and a bridge between legacy of excellence and the promise of tomorrow.

Earlier, the FCT Minister, Mr Nyesom Wike, who was equally conferred with an Honorary Degree of Doctor of Political Science (D.Sc Honoris Causa), thanked the university for finding him worthy of such exalted honour.

“I must place on record that my wife and entire family hold this honour as pre-eminent and totally gratifying. Our gratitude knows no bounds,” he said.

The minister said that UNIPORT availed him the rich and concrete intellectual foundation upon which his socio-economic and political ascendancy have been fittingly predicated.

“I was educated both in character and learning. It is in the light of the foregoing that I have always strongly believed that every alumnus should give back to the university as a mark of pure gratitude. This also explains why I freely give to this institution whenever I had the opportunity to do so,” he said.

Other recipients of the honorary doctorate degrees were First Lady Oluremi Tinubu, Governor Ahmadu Fintiri of Adamawa State and Aminu Masari, Chairman, Board of Trustees, Tertiary Education Trust Fund.

 

Olusola Akintonde