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Nigeria and Singapore Expand TVET and Education Partnership

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Nigeria and Singapore Expand TVET and Education Partnership

Nigeria’s Minister of Education, Dr Maruf Tunji Alausa, has shared updates from his official engagements in Singapore, highlighting new plans to strengthen technical and vocational education. Speaking about the visit, he said the meetings focused on building stronger ties and expanding cooperation in key areas of education and skills development.

Dr Alausa met with Singapore’s Minister of Education, Mr. Desmond Lee, where both leaders discussed the progress already made in Technical and Vocational Education and Training. He stated that the talks “reaffirmed the strong ties between our countries and our shared commitment to strengthening TVET.” According to him, both countries also agreed to work on a broader partnership that will cover more sectors beyond technical training.

He explained that part of his visit included a tour of the Institute of Technical Education and sessions with ITE Education Services to review their existing Memorandum of Understanding with Nigeria’s National Board for Technical Education. He noted that the proposed areas of collaboration include quality assurance support, strengthening GEMSET, a new three-year AI Applications Programme, leadership development, and more train-the-trainer opportunities.

Dr Alausa also gave an update on Nigeria’s Free Education Initiative across Federal Technical Colleges and selected state colleges, saying the government is “fully covering tuition and essential amenities to expand access to quality, skills-based education.”

He revealed that 1.3 million applications were received for the TVET initiative Programme, showing strong interest among young Nigerians. He added that the next phase will focus on connecting applicants to jobs and helping those ready to start small businesses.

He described the Singapore engagements as productive and said they will support better programmes and improved infrastructure across Nigeria’s TVET system, stressing the commitment to building a modern, globally competitive education and skills ecosystem for the 21st century.

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World Bank to Empower 32,000 Niger State Livestock Farmers

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World Bank to Empower 32,000 Niger State Livestock Farmers

The World Bank-assisted Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support Project has profiled about 32,000 livestock farmers in Niger State as part of ongoing efforts to select and empower beneficiaries under the state’s livestock development plan. The State Project Coordinator, Jiya Danladi Mohammed, confirmed this during an interview with newsmen in Minna, explaining that the profiling is aligned with both state and federal strategies for growing the livestock sub-sector.

He said the targeted farmers are expected to benefit from several interventions designed to improve their businesses. According to him, these include artificial insemination services for cattle and automated, solar-powered chicken processing and packaging hubs for poultry clusters. He noted that the overall goal is to boost productivity, strengthen resilience, and reduce farmer-herder conflicts across communities in the state.

Mr Mohammed said the implementation period for the project is six years for now, adding that it may be extended depending on progress. He explained that each state under the programme is allowed to select its preferred value chains. “For us in Niger State, we are focusing on beef, poultry, sheep, and goats,” he said.

He highlighted some achievements already recorded, including the construction of 19 solar-powered boreholes in communal grazing areas within selected pastoral communities and the procurement of 50 motorcycles for extension agents. Reaffirming the state’s commitment to accountability, he assured the World Bank of proper use of allocated resources and appealed for timely approvals to fast-track key project activities.

Diaspora Health Groups to Train 5,000 Nigerian Workers in 2026

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Diaspora Health Groups to Train 5,000 Nigerian Workers in 2026

Seven Nigerian global health medical associations and the CONSTANMEDICS Foundation have announced plans to train 5,000 healthcare workers across the country during the 2026 Diaspora Week scheduled for 16 to 26 July. The participating associations include ANPA in the United States, CANPAD in Canada, MANSAG in the United Kingdom, ANDA in Australia, NDF South Africa, NMA Germany, and CONSTANMEDICS Foundation in the United Kingdom. Together, they represent more than 50,000 doctors committed to strengthening Nigeria’s health workforce and improving nationwide healthcare delivery.

A consultant neonatal paediatrician at Hillingdon Hospital in the United Kingdom, Dr Jideofor Menakaya, revealed the plan on Thursday at the opening of the 66th National Council on Health in Calabar, Cross River State. The council’s theme, “My Health, My Right: Accelerating Universal Health Coverage Through Equity, Resilience and Innovation,” places focus on healthcare reforms, fairness in access, and resilience across Nigeria’s health sector.

Mr Menakaya said the programme is built on the vision of the coordinating minister, who approved a major healthcare worker framework aimed at improving collaboration and promoting clinical excellence. He explained that the initiative, known as Farnessing, was inaugurated globally at the Minister of State’s Global Health Partnership Conference in March 2025 and has received backing from the Federal Ministry of Health, the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, the Nigerian Medical Association, and several state ministries of health.

“It leverages diaspora expertise to co-design programmes aligned with national frameworks, delivering specialist training accessible to professionals both in the UK and Nigeria,” he said while describing the collaborative structure behind the programme.

He outlined how each region would benefit from targeted medical training. “In the Federal Capital Territory, CANPAD (Canada) will focus on medical leadership and accountability, training 75 to 100 healthcare leaders to strengthen management and implement initiatives such as the Health Sector Renewal Initiative,” he stated.

“In the North-West, MANSAG (UK) will provide training to reduce maternal and neonatal mortality, targeting around 1,000 healthcare professionals in LGAs with the highest mortality rates during National Skills Day,” he added.

For the North-East, he said the Concerned Medics Foundation will train 2,000 healthcare workers on screening, training, and managing patients with sickle cell disease to address Nigeria’s high sickle cell burden. “For the North-Central region, NMA Germany will provide training in point-of-care ultrasound and cardiology, preparing up to 200 specialists with ongoing mentorship to expand emergency and critical care expertise,” he noted.

He said ANPA in the United States will train 1,000 healthcare workers in the South-East on emergency life support for adults and children, supported by virtual lessons on chronic disease management. In the South-South, ANDA in Australia will train 200 specialists in early diagnosis of endometriosis using ultrasound to improve reproductive health outcomes.

“For the South-West, NDF South Africa will train 300 specialists in interventional radiology, neurosurgery, and gastro-endoscopy, enhancing specialist clinical capacity and standardising care across the region,” he said.

Mr Menakaya stressed that the initiative would improve service delivery, strengthen workforce retention, promote standardised protocols, and enhance patient outcomes. He encouraged government agencies, NGOs, and global partners to support the plan, noting that it marks a new phase of diaspora engagement that can help reverse brain drain and transfer valuable skills.

The National Council on Health, inaugurated in 1961 after the creation of the Federal Ministry of Health in 1950, was established to improve coordination within the country’s health sector.

Group Plans 6000 Jobs Through Agricultural Investments in Nigeria

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Group Plans 6000 Jobs Through Agricultural Investments in Nigeria

Agribusiness conglomerate Export Trading Group has outlined plans to generate more than 6,000 jobs in Nigeria through a series of multi-million-dollar investments that cut across agro-logistics, fertilizer systems, seed production and industrial processing.

The company’s renewed push in the country received strong backing from Vice President Kashim Shettima, who said the economic reforms of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu would support and secure ETG’s growing footprint in the agricultural value chain. The Vice President said the company’s portfolio has the potential to generate over 6,000 jobs as it deepens its operations in the country.

Shettima made the remarks on Thursday when he received a delegation from the company led by its Global Chief Operating Officer, Niren Murugan, at the Presidential Villa. He said ETG’s renewed focus on agro-logistics, fertilizer systems, seed production and industrial processing aligns with the broader goals of the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and supports the government’s efforts to boost food production.

“You have been in the country since 2010, but this time around, you have decided to play a more active role in Nigeria’s agricultural value chain. This is where the action is. We have the population and abundance of resources for your investments to thrive,” he said. The Vice President added that he was impressed by the company’s planned interventions in seed development, oil processing, fertilizer blending and agricultural extension services. “I commend the efforts of your team in Nigeria in the selection of locations for the proposed Centres of Excellence,” he stated.

He urged the conglomerate to explore more opportunities across the country to scale its activities, adding that the administration is committed to creating an environment that supports agribusiness growth and encourages investments that can expand job creation and improve food systems.

In his remarks, Murugan said his visit was aimed at updating the Vice President on ETG’s investment plans, securing high-level government alignment and strengthening coordination with Nigeria’s public sector stakeholders. He announced that the company’s expanded multi-million-dollar oil processing facility in Sagamu, Ogun State, will begin operations by the second quarter of 2026. He also confirmed new investment pipelines in fertilizer blending, seed production and integrated agro-logistics.

Murugan further revealed a partnership to establish Centres of Agro-Excellence in Kaduna, Ebonyi, Cross River, Ekiti, Jigawa, Nasarawa and Borno. He said the centres will operate as regional hubs offering access to inputs, mechanisation, storage facilities and primary processing.

Cross River State Governor Senator Bassey Otu, who attended the meeting, expressed the state’s readiness to work with the conglomerate. He said ongoing reforms in the state were designed to boost agricultural productivity and strengthen its economic base. The Governor also highlighted plans to attract investments in port infrastructure such as the Bakassi Deep Seaport and the Calabar Port. “We can match your vision end-to-end. We have the land, the mineral resources and the enabling environment to make it happen,” he said.

Also present at the meeting were Ogu Goodluck, ETG’s Business Manager in Nigeria; Senior Business Development Manager Bharat Shinde; and the company’s CFO, Amin Ahmad.

First Lady Urges 2025 Women ICT Trainees to Apply Skills and Mentor Others

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First Lady Urges 2025 Women ICT Trainees to Apply Skills and Mentor Others

First Lady Oluremi Tinubu has urged beneficiaries of the 2025 Women ICT Training and Empowerment Programme to use their newly acquired digital skills to improve their futures and support other women and girls across Nigeria. She made the call on Thursday during the closing ceremony of the programme, jointly organised by the National Information Technology Development Agency and the Renewed Hope Initiative at the State House Banquet Hall in Abuja.

She told the participants that they now carry an important responsibility within their communities. She said, “I encourage you to apply the skills you have learned, pursue continuous growth, and mentor other women and girls to embrace opportunities in the digital space.” The First Lady described the women as ambassadors of digital literacy and said their creativity and determination show how far the initiative has expanded in a short time.

Senator Tinubu said she is confident that the knowledge gained will inspire innovation, entrepreneurship, and long-term empowerment across different communities. She noted that the programme has grown steadily since it first began with a small group of women in 2023. According to her, the 2024 edition recorded major progress, with 252 young women selected from every geopolitical zone and the Federal Capital Territory who completed intensive ICT training and later emerged as Digital Literacy Champions.

She explained that the 2025 edition built on these achievements with a wider reach across Bauchi, Kaduna, Nasarawa, Imo, Edo, and Ondo States, as well as the FCT. A total of 320 beneficiaries participated, including 40 women from each selected state, 40 from the FCT, and an additional 40 stakeholders, all equipped with essential digital skills designed to improve their socio-economic prospects and expand opportunities.

The First Lady said the partnership between NITDA and the Renewed Hope Initiative falls under the Economic Empowerment scope of RHI. She added that the effort aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which aims to speed up economic diversification through digitalisation and industrialisation. She said, “By providing ICT training to women across all regions of Nigeria, we are laying solid foundations for a digital future where more women and girls can thrive, innovate, and lead.”

She thanked the NITDA Director-General, Mallam Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, and his team for supporting the initiative. She also expressed appreciation to state First Ladies and RHI coordinators for their commitment. She praised the facilitators and trainers whose contributions, she said, have opened doors for women throughout the country and expanded access to digital knowledge.

Speaking earlier, the NITDA Director-General commended the First Lady for her leadership and strong support for digital empowerment programmes tailored for women. Abdullahi said the scheme aligns with President Tinubu’s national goals of economic diversification, inclusivity, and the development of human capital. He stressed that Nigeria is working toward a 70 per cent digital literacy rate by 2027.

He explained that NITDA is collaborating with the Ministry of Education to integrate digital literacy into the national curriculum for all education levels. Several universities, he added, have already adopted digital literacy as a compulsory general studies requirement. According to him, this approach ensures that the digital economy becomes accessible to future generations and opens new opportunities for young people.

Abdullahi said the women trained in the programme have gained foundational digital skills covering device use, software tools, data literacy, content creation, digital marketing, online safety, problem-solving, and knowledge of the gig economy. He told the beneficiaries, “You can live in Aba and work remotely for clients in Lagos, Abuja, or even outside Nigeria. The future is the gig economy, and knowledge gives you power.”

He revealed that between 2023 and 2024, NITDA trained more than 1.1 million Nigerians in different digital skill areas. Under the women-focused partnership alone, 607 women have benefited so far. In 2025, he said 510,000 Nigerians, including 10,000 teachers and 32,000 civil servants, have already completed digital training programmes that aim to improve productivity and national competitiveness.

According to the DG, prioritising women is essential for real impact. He said, “To truly touch lives, we must prioritise women. When we empower women, we empower families and strengthen communities. Strong communities lead to a more inclusive and prosperous nation.” He praised the participants for their dedication and encouraged them to apply what they have learned.

The event drew attendance from wives of senior government officials, including the wife of the Deputy Senate President, the wife of the Chief of Staff to the President, several state First Ladies, wives of ministers, and wives of service chiefs such as the Chief of Army Staff, Chief of Naval Staff, Chief of Air Staff, the Inspector-General of Police, and the Director-General of the DSS.

Sokoto to Open 2025 Community Health Workers Recruitment November 24

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Sokoto to Open 2025 Community Health Workers Recruitment November 24

The Sokoto State Government has announced the opening of its recruitment process for qualified Community Health Workers who are indigenes of the state. In an official statement, the government said the application portal will open on Monday, 24th November 2025, and will remain accessible until Saturday, 6th December 2025. According to the notice, the exercise is strictly for applicants with a CHEW Diploma or a JCHEW Certificate.

The government urged interested candidates to apply through the official portal at chworkers.sokotostate.gov.ng. It stated that applicants must have stable internet access before starting the process. The statement added that applicants should click on Start Application to create an account with a valid email and phone number before proceeding to fill in accurate biodata information on the form.

Applicants are required to upload clear scanned copies of all needed documents. These include educational certificates, notification of registration and current practising licence from CHPRBN, proof of indigene, birth certificate, NIN slip, and a passport photograph taken during the online registration. The government stressed that applicants must select only their own Local Government and Ward of Origin, noting that choosing another LGA is not allowed.

The statement emphasized that the entire recruitment exercise is free, warning applicants not to pay anyone. On notification, the committee said shortlisted candidates will be informed through their registered email or the recruitment portal, adding that any further screening or testing will be announced officially.

“All applications must be submitted from 24th November to 6th December, 2025,” the notice stated.

The announcement was signed by Barr. Gandi Umar Muhammad mni, Secretary of the Recruitment Committee.

FG Launches National Digital Farmers Registry Workshop

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FG Launches National Digital Farmers Registry Workshop

The Federal Government of Nigeria has launched a National Stakeholder Workshop on Best Practices for the National Digital Farmers Registry, a move aimed at harmonising farmer data and strengthening agricultural planning under the FG–IFAD Digital Innovation Action Plan.

At the event, the Honourable Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, CON, reaffirmed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR’s directive to end duplication and inconsistencies in farmer records. He explained that the new registry will be anchored on the National Identification Number in partnership with NIMC, adding that “strong data protection and cybersecurity safeguards” are being developed alongside the Office of the National Security Adviser.

The Ministry noted that the digital registry will feature geo-tagging of farmers and farmlands to promote transparency, eliminate ghost beneficiaries, and ensure a more accurate and targeted delivery of inputs, extension services, credit, and insurance. Officials also stated that the unified database will support early warning systems, financial access, digital advisory tools, and climate-smart agricultural planning.

The initiative aligns with the African Union’s CAADP framework and the Kampala Declaration, both of which emphasise the need for stronger digital and data systems for agricultural transformation. A joint IFAD–Heifer International policy dialogue held earlier this year had highlighted the urgency for Nigeria to harmonise its fragmented farmer databases to improve national food security efforts.

During the workshop, Senator Kyari also inaugurated a Multi-Stakeholder Knowledge-Sharing Platform designed to enhance collaboration among government agencies, development partners, private sector actors, academia, and farmers’ organisations.

NYSC Denies Circulating Kidnap Safety Pamphlet for Corpers

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NYSC Denies Circulating Kidnap Safety Pamphlet for Corpers

The National Youth Service Corps has denied ownership of a pamphlet circulating rapidly on social media, which contains detailed instructions on how corps members should behave if kidnapped. The document sparked widespread reactions online after users claimed it was part of official safety guidelines given to Nigerian youths heading to their service states.

In a statement titled Circulation of Fake Safety NYSC Pamphlet Advocating Ransom Payment, the Scheme said the publication is fake and does not reflect its policies. The NYSC explained that although a consultant presented a similar material to its Management in 2021, it was never adopted. The statement reads, “The attention of the Management of the National Youth Service Corps has been drawn to a purported NYSC pamphlet advising corps members to pay ransom in the event of kidnapping. While a similar document was presented to Management for consideration by a consultant in 2021, it was not adopted by the Scheme.”

The agency added that the viral material should be dismissed, saying, “Management, therefore, wishes to make it clear that the document being circulated is not an official NYSC publication and does not represent the Scheme’s policy regarding staff and corps members’ security; as such, it should be ignored.”

Despite the denial, the pamphlet referenced in the announcement contains instructions that appear to guide abducted corps members. Page 57 of the handbook states, “Do not resist armed kidnappers. Keep calm and be patient. Do not antagonise your captors, be polite and operate with reasonable regards. Give reasonable cooperation to your abductors.” It further advises corps members to build a personal relationship with kidnappers and avoid mentioning their place of work when asked for contact persons.

The document continues, “Advise your friends involved in the negotiations, they should be friendly with the captors. Take no risk by attempting to escape. DO NOT BE A HERO. Keep fit with mental exercise. Make no statement to the media after your release without official clearance but share your experience with close associates.”

The pamphlet’s content has fueled debate online, contributing to why it trended quickly across multiple social media platforms. NYSC restated its commitment to the safety and welfare of all corps members and vowed to continue collaborating with security agencies and stakeholders.

NJFP 2.0 Full Guide for Scheduling CBT and Video Submission

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NJFP 2.0 Full Guide for Scheduling CBT and Video Submission

The Nigeria Jubilee Fellows Programme has released a detailed guide to help applicants who are finding it difficult to schedule their NJFP 2.0 CBT or navigate the test platform. Officials explained that the manual was created to give a clear, step-by-step process that young applicants can follow without stress. According to the guide, the goal is to ensure that candidates understand how to schedule their assessment, use the Safe Exam Browser, manage token errors, and prepare for the compulsory video submission.

The guide states that applicants must begin by logging into the official NJFP portal at portal.njfp.ng.

Once logged in, candidates will immediately see the CBT assessment section. NJFP noted that every applicant is required to choose a date and time based on personal availability. The statement explained that proper scheduling is important because the CBT system depends heavily on timing, token generation, and readiness.

Officials also clarified that installing the Safe Exam Browser is compulsory. The guide instructs applicants to download SEB from any of the approved link bit.ly/446fGIK, the SourceForge page, or Softonic.

Windows users should download the Safe Exam Browser 3.10.0 version, while MacBook users must use Safe Exam Browser 3.6. After downloading, applicants should follow the installation steps until setup is complete.

The NJFP team emphasized that the CBT platform will only open at the applicant’s scheduled time. The guide warned that trying to access the exam too early will result in messages such as Login Error – Failed to generate login token, Exam not yet available, or No active test session found. It explained that every candidate is assigned a unique one-time token that becomes active exactly one hour before the mock exam and at the exact time of the main exam.

To avoid errors, candidates are to log in 15 minutes before their scheduled exam, ensure SEB is installed, and refresh the portal at the exact exam time. The guide added that once the session becomes active, the Take CBT Test button will appear and the token will generate automatically. NJFP also noted that if any candidate misses their test due to token errors or inactive buttons, the programme will consider rescheduling during the official correction window.

According to the instructions, applicants must complete their mock test before the main exam. The Take Mock Test button activates one hour before the main CBT on the scheduled day and candidates have only three trials. The guide noted that this step is meant to prepare applicants and introduce them to the Safe Exam Browser environment.

The CBT dashboard will display only two examinations. These appear when applicants click the designated buttons from the portal dashboard. The guide instructs candidates to read the exam instructions and then click the Exam Declaration of Independence. The statement says, “After reading, click Yes, I agree to proceed to the main exam.”

The guide explains that the main CBT begins when candidates click Launch Safe Exam Browser. A prompt will ask if they want to continue, and applicants should click Open Safe Exam Browser. If SEB has not been installed, they must download it before proceeding. Once SEB opens, the instruction is to click Login with NJFP to enter the exam environment.

During the assessment, candidates must complete an affirmation, take a facial capture for identity verification, and then answer their questions. After finishing, they are expected to click Finish attempt, review their answers, and submit. NJFP confirmed that applicants will see their scores immediately. Those who pass will move on to record their video submission, and the required question is, “What makes you the ideal NJFP Fellow?”

Since the CBT is allowed only once, candidates must follow all preparation instructions. They must write the test in a quiet environment with proper lighting, stable internet of at least 10Mbps, and a clear camera view. The exam lasts 40 minutes, although the SEB environment allows two hours in total. Applicants were also warned not to switch tabs because the Safe Exam Browser blocks such actions.

For the video stage, candidates must return to the portal to record a one-minute introduction. The guide said applicants should use a clean and quiet background, a clear camera, and natural speech. It added, “No pre-recorded videos are allowed,” and encouraged candidates to re-record until satisfied before final submission.

Check Adamawa PPSMB shortlisted candidates status for interview

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Check Adamawa PPSMB shortlisted candidates status for interview

Adamawa State Ministry of Education and Human Capital Development has announced that the list of shortlisted applicants for the Post Primary School Management Board (PPSMB) recruitment interview is now available. In a public notice, the ministry said the update applies to all candidates who took part in the recently concluded Computer-Based Test.

3168 applicants were shortlisted under the Degree category, while 4553 candidates were shortlisted under the National Certificate of Education (NCE) category.

To check your shortlist status, candidates are to visit the official recruitment Link to check their status and print their Interview Invitation Slip. The slip contains the date, time, and venue of the interview and must be presented during the process. Candidates can check through the link provided on the recruitment portal.

The interview is scheduled to begin on Monday, 24th November, 2025, at GMMC, Yola, starting from 9:00 AM daily. Applicants are expected to arrive with their original credentials, including their State Indigene Certificate and the printed Interview Invitation Slip.

The ministry emphasized that the process is transparent and merit-based, describing it as a reflection of the Government’s commitment to fairness, accountability, and equal opportunity. “The Ministry extends its highest regards and wishes all candidates success in the interview,” the notice signed by Aisha M. Umar, Permanent Secretary, stated.

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