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PAP begins second phase of laptop distribution to scholarship students

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PAP begins second phase of laptop distribution to scholarship students

The Presidential Amnesty Programme has begun the second phase of distributing laptops to its scholarship beneficiaries deployed for the 2024/2025 academic year in universities across Nigeria. The initiative follows the directive of the PAP Administrator, Dr Dennis Otuaro, aimed at boosting learning and research activities among students in their various institutions.

According to the programme, the first phase of laptop distribution was conducted between April and May, during which more than 663 final year scholarship beneficiaries received the mobile computing device. During that period, the PAP also carried out a thorough physical verification and orientation exercise for beneficiaries listed for the 2024/2025 academic session.

Speaking on Tuesday about the commencement of the second phase, Dr Otuaro said the decision was driven by the proven importance of laptops in supporting academic progress and overall student success. He explained that the gesture also fulfilled the promise he made to scholarship beneficiaries during his 2024 tour of partnering universities. He expressed confidence that the laptops would significantly enhance research, digital literacy, and academic excellence among the students.

Dr Otuaro advised the beneficiaries to use the laptops responsibly and justify the Federal Government’s significant investment in their education. He encouraged them to take their academic work seriously and avoid actions that could put their future at risk.

He further stated that the PAP remains committed to supporting students under the scholarship scheme to achieve the highest standard of academic performance. According to him, this aligns with the programme’s core objective of promoting socio-economic growth and human capital development in the Niger Delta region.

Dr Otuaro also reiterated his commitment to implementing the goals of the Presidential Amnesty Programme in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu. He appreciated the president for what he described as wholehearted support, adding that the show of support demonstrates the president’s genuine concern for the region and his intention to close existing development gaps.

He called on the youths and the people of the Niger Delta to reciprocate the president’s gesture by supporting his administration. He assured that the PAP leadership would continue to consolidate achievements and advance progress in the region. He emphasized ongoing collaboration with institutions and community stakeholders.

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NJFP 2.0 candidates to receive Email to schedule CBT assessment

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NJFP 2.0 candidates to receive Email to schedule CBT assessment

The Nigeria Jubilee Fellows Programme (NJFP) has confirmed that applicants for NJFP 2.0 will receive an email notification to schedule their Computer-Based Test (CBT) once the application window closes. According to the programme, “Once the application window closes, you’ll be notified by email to log in and schedule your CBT assessment.” Applicants are expected to use their NJFP-registered email and password to sign in.

Candidates will be able to select a suitable test date and time. The programme added that “The portal will confirm your schedule via email,” advising applicants to check both inbox and spam folders regularly to avoid missing important updates. This step is essential for progressing in the NJFP selection process.

After successfully completing the assessment, candidates will join the applicant pool, where they will work on developing their CVs. They will then wait to be matched with a Host Organization. Placement depends on aligning the Host Organization’s talent needs with the applicant’s development goals within a specific catchment area.

The NJFP is a Federal Government initiative funded by the European Union and implemented in partnership with the UNDP to support graduate employment and skills development across Nigeria.

Kano Startup Weekend 2025 Opens Call for Startup Pitches

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Kano Startup Weekend 2025 Opens Call for Startup Pitches

Under the patronage of His Excellency Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, the Kano State Information and Technology Development Agency (KASITDA) has announced the official Call for Startup Pitches for the Kano Startup Weekend 2025 (KSW25). The event invites innovators to participate in the KSW Startup Pitch Competition with the theme “Pitch Your Startup and Win Big.”

According to KASITDA, “This is a great opportunity for young entrepreneurs building something impactful to showcase their innovation to investors, mentors, and the startup ecosystem.” Interested participants are required to submit a working prototype for a chance to pitch live in Kano.

Eligibility requirements state that applicants must be residents of Kano, have a working prototype, and be available for the Pre-Event Masterclass from December 8–10, 2025, as well as the Main Pitch Competition scheduled for December 13–14, 2025. Applications can be made individually or as a team.

The agency emphasized that registration is currently open via the official application form, and the submission deadline is November 30, 2025.

EEDC begins second phase of free prepaid meter distribution across South-East

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EEDC begins second phase of free prepaid meter distribution across South-East

The Enugu Electricity Distribution Company Plc has begun the second phase of its free prepaid meter distribution under “Tranche B” of the Meter Acquisition Fund (MAF) metering programme. The initiative, introduced by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), aims to reduce the metering gap in Nigeria’s power sector and stop the issue of estimated billing.

EEDC, which distributes electricity across Anambra, Imo, Enugu, Abia, and Ebonyi states, confirmed the development in a statement released on Tuesday. According to the Group Head, Corporate Communications, Emeka Ezeh, the new phase targets unmetered customers on service band “A” feeders across the South-East.

“These meters and their installation are free, and customers are cautioned against making any form of payment to the meter installers or succumbing to any form of inducement or extortion,” Ezeh said. “This aligns with our organisation’s commitment to improving service transparency and customer satisfaction.”

Ezeh explained that the Tranche B programme will prioritize customers under Band ‘A’ feeders and urged residents to verify and update their contact information by visiting the Customer Service Unit at the distribution company’s office. “Our team will be reaching out to customers on this metering exercise using the information provided in their profile with the company,” he added.

The company said that 13,335 customers of EEDC and its subsidiary companies will benefit in this phase, which started on November 2, 2025, with the Know Your Customer validation exercise. Ezeh recalled that earlier this year, EEDC completed Tranche A of the MAF metering programme, successfully metering 13,614 Band “A” customers.

He assured that once all Band “A” customers are metered, the next focus will be on Band “B” customers, in line with EEDC’s systematic approach to close the metering gap across the network. “Customers who would not be captured in the current Tranche B MAF metering exercise should remain patient, as another initiative, the Distribution Sector Recovery Project, is underway,” Ezeh stated.

He further warned customers to avoid meter bypass, energy theft, and other illegal activities, urging them to report such cases to the company. For further inquiries, customers are advised to contact the company via its call centre at 02084700100 or through WhatsApp on 0707 461 0095 and 0707 461 0088.

The Meter Acquisition Fund is financed by all electricity distribution companies nationwide and managed under the supervision of NERC for the free deployment of prepaid meters to customers.

Ondo Government warns civil servants against job racketeering

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Civil servants in Ondo State have been cautioned against taking part in job racketeering, as anyone caught collaborating with criminals to extort job seekers will face severe punishment.

The Head of Service (HoS), Bayo Philip, gave this warning on Tuesday during a media briefing at the Cocoa Conference Hall in Akure, Ondo State capital. The briefing focused on preparations for the upcoming Public Service Week in the state.

Mr. Philip revealed that every individual found guilty in the recruitment of teachers by the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) had already been disciplined according to civil service regulations.

He explained that investigations into employment racketeering uncovered that some fraudsters had opened fake consultancy offices, pretending to be working for the state government. These individuals allegedly collected money from unsuspecting applicants under the guise of offering legitimate employment.

He said, “Job racketeering is offensive. We had some stunning revelations during the investigation into the job racketeering that happened during SUBEB recruitment of teachers. Some people opened consultancy offices criminally recruiting on behalf of the state government. Somebody collected about N3 million from some unsuspecting applicants and thereafter looked for government officials to connive with to secure employments for their victims.”

Mr. Philip further warned that any civil servant involved in such illegal activities would be dismissed immediately. “But I want to state that any civil servant that gets involved in such criminal act would be fired. Some people have been relieved of their jobs over the job racketeering at SUBEB. We will not gloss over that kind of crime. We will visit the full weight of our sanctions on them. The system does not tolerate this,” he added.

The Head of Service also commended Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa for his commitment to workers’ welfare and transparent employment policies. He noted that the governor had ensured timely promotion and recruitment across all sectors of the state service.

According to him, “In 2025, 3,089 mainstream officers were promoted, while 1,832 were promoted in the teaching sector (Primary and Secondary) while all the parastatals of government have followed suit.”

Mr. Philip disclosed that close to 3,000 new officers had been employed in the mainstream service in 2025, adding that workers who were due for promotion had received their letters.

He also outlined the activities for the 2025 Public Service Week. On Wednesday, civil servants will participate in a health walk starting from Adegbemile Cultural Centre at 7:00 a.m., proceeding through Adesida Road to the Township Stadium. A novelty football match between the Mainstream Service and Local Government teams will follow immediately.

On Thursday, a Public Service Lecture and Interactive Session will take place at The DOME, featuring former Heads of Service and Permanent Secretaries who will share experiences aimed at strengthening civil service operations.

The 16th HoS said it was vital to tap into the experience of retired senior officers to sustain the civil service structure. On Friday, there will be a Jumat Service at the Government House Mosque, while on Sunday, workers will gather at the Government House Chapel for a Thanksgiving Service.

Tinubu has shown Uncommon Trust in youths, says Minister Idris

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Tinubu has shown Uncommon Trust in youths, says Minister Idris

The Federal Government has said that President Bola Tinubu has shown uncommon trust in young Nigerians by giving them real responsibilities and opportunities to lead in various sectors.

The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, made this statement at the APC North West Youth Pally held in Dutse, Jigawa State. A statement on his speech was issued by his Special Assistant on Media, Malam Rabiu Ibrahim, and made available to newsmen on Monday in Abuja.

According to the statement, Idris reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to empowering Nigerian youths through transformative programmes that promote education, job creation, and innovation. He explained that the administration’s vision is to make young people key drivers of national growth and technological advancement.

“From cabinet appointments to digital innovation and education reforms, young Nigerians are not just part of the story, they are the drivers of it,” the minister said.

He highlighted several achievements of President Tinubu’s administration, including the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), which has disbursed ₦116 billion to more than 620,000 students across various tertiary institutions.

The minister also mentioned the 3 Million Technical Talent (3MTT) Programme, which has attracted nearly two million applicants nationwide as part of efforts to create three million digital and technical jobs.

“Similarly, there is the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) initiative, which has certified one million Nigerians in 25 different trades, with a quarter of them already placed in training centres. These are not plans, they are results already being felt in schools, workshops, and communities across the country,” Idris said.

He further stated that the Rural Electrification Agency’s Energising Education Programme is lighting up federal universities and teaching hospitals such as Bayero University Kano and Usmanu Danfodiyo University Sokoto, giving students uninterrupted power supply for study and research.

On economic reforms, Idris said the new Nigeria Tax Act, set to take effect in January 2026, would exempt small businesses earning ₦100 million or less from company income and capital gains taxes. He added that this policy would allow thousands of young entrepreneurs to reinvest in their ventures and expand their businesses.

The minister also spoke about other ongoing initiatives such as the MSME Clinics, the iDICE programme—a $517 million partnership aimed at boosting the digital and creative economy—and Nigeria’s Eurobond oversubscription by 400 per cent, describing it as “clear proof of growing global confidence in Nigeria’s economic direction.”

He noted that Nigeria’s removal from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) Grey List further demonstrated the administration’s credibility and rising international reputation.

Idris urged young people to avoid fake news and divisive comments, emphasizing that the future of the nation lies in unity and positive engagement.

“Let’s use our voices and our platforms to build, not to destroy. Tinubu’s leadership is about giving every Nigerian, no matter where they come from, a fair chance to succeed,” he said.

He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to building a Nigeria where the energy and creativity of its youths continue to drive progress and national renewal.

UNILORIN partners MEF, PHI to launch FEED programme for food security

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UNILORIN partners MEF, PHI to launch FEED programme for food security

The University of Ilorin (UNILORIN) has entered into a tripartite partnership with the Maripha Empowerment Foundation (MEF) and Passion of Hope International (PHI) to strengthen food security and promote sustainable agriculture through a new initiative known as the Farmer Entrepreneurship and Ecosystem Development (FEED) programme.

Passion of Hope International (PHI), a United States-based non-profit organisation, focuses on sustainable development and empowerment programmes across Africa. The collaboration aims to transform agricultural education, enhance food sovereignty, and address food insecurity in Nigeria through practical and research-based solutions.

The agreement, which was formalised through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed by the Vice-Chancellor of UNILORIN, Prof. Wahab Egbewole (SAN), designates Maripha Farms as a Research and Incubation Centre. The farm will serve as a living laboratory for regenerative agriculture, innovation, and agribusiness training.

It was recalled that on November 5, 2025, the new Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture, Prof. Ogunlade Israel, led a team of faculty representatives on an inaugural visit to Maripha Farms — a 15-acre integrated organic farm located in Kwara State — to begin operationalising the FEED programme. The initiative builds upon the foundation laid by the former Dean, Prof. Oluyemisi Bolajoko Fawoye, whose leadership was central to establishing the partnership framework.

“This partnership was born from a shared ambition to redefine agriculture in Africa — focusing on food sovereignty, regenerative practices, and youth empowerment,” one of the signees said.

The FEED programme is designed to close the gap between academic research and field experience by integrating student training, applied research, and community-based agribusiness development. It provides students with real-world experience in sustainable food production, enabling them to drive innovation within Nigeria’s agricultural systems.

A representative of Passion of Hope International (USA) noted: “Under the steadfast leadership of Dean Ogunlade Israel and with the continued support of Vice-Chancellor Egbewole, this partnership is poised to yield transformative outcomes.”

Beyond academic enrichment, FEED directly responds to Nigeria’s food security challenges by nurturing a new generation of agricultural entrepreneurs who understand both the technical and business aspects of sustainability. The programme encourages regenerative farming practices that enhance soil health, restore degraded lands, and strengthen local food systems to ensure long-term food sovereignty and climate resilience.

For students, the FEED programme offers mentorship, hands-on learning, and opportunities to innovate and create green jobs, fostering a new generation of agricultural leaders. “To every young person considering agriculture: this is your moment to lead the real green revolution Africa has been waiting for. Agriculture is not just about planting crops — it’s about planting hope, innovation, and independence. The future of Africa’s food system begins here,” the Director of Maripha Farms said.

The Maripha Empowerment Foundation (MEF) is a Nigerian non-profit organisation promoting ecological literacy, regenerative agriculture, and youth empowerment. Through Maripha Farms, MEF implements agroecological practices that advance applied research, agribusiness incubation, and sustainable food production across Nigeria.

Lagos LG Chairman launches N100,000 cash transfer for 4,000 residents

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Lagos LG Chairman launches N100,000 cash transfer for 4,000 residents

The Chairman of Ibeju-Lekki Local Government Area, Sesan Olowa, has launched a N100,000 Conditional Cash Transfer programme for 4,000 vulnerable residents in Lagos.

Speaking during the inauguration on Tuesday, Mr Olowa said the initiative aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu aimed at supporting citizens facing economic challenges. He explained that the programme was introduced to empower small businesses, assist unemployed youths, and provide relief for the less privileged in Ibeju-Lekki.

Mr Olowa disclosed that over 11,000 residents applied through community and online registration platforms across all wards in the council area. “After verification, 4,000 residents were shortlisted following a transparent selection process,” he said.

He further revealed that the programme, fully funded by the council, would last for 20 months, with each beneficiary receiving N100,000. “Today, 260 beneficiaries receive the first phase; all 4,000 are to benefit within 20 months under a fair disbursement plan,” the chairman stated.

The council boss noted that the initiative also targets women, people with disabilities, and residents with medical conditions. According to him, other groups would soon benefit from the council’s upcoming Health Insurance Scheme.

Mr Olowa added that beneficiaries were issued ATM cards to ensure cashless disbursement and transparency. He said this approach reflects the local government’s commitment to accountability and financial discipline.

Community leaders, traditional rulers, market women, and youth groups present at the ceremony praised the initiative.

NYSC releases 2025 Batch C call-up letter for orientation

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NYSC releases 2025 Batch C call-up letter for orientation

The NYSC Management has announced that call-up numbers for 2025 Batch C Prospective Corps Members have been released, following registration order. According to the announcement, “due to camp capacity across the 36 states of the federation and the FCT, only about 40 percent of registered Prospective Corps Members can be accommodated for the upcoming orientation programme.”

The management assured that those not accommodated will “be automatically moved to the next Batch, which will take place soon after Batch C exercise.” NYSC emphasized its commitment to “ensuring a hitch-free orientation exercise and service year experience for our PCMs.”

FG to give starter packs to TVET trainees

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FG to give starter packs to TVET trainees

The federal government has announced plans to provide starter packs to graduates of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programmes to promote skills development and enhance youth employability in Nigeria.

Deputy Minister of Education, Suwaiba Ahmad, disclosed this on Monday during an inspection visit to Bayero University, Kano, where she assessed ongoing vocational training initiatives supported by the ministry. She explained that the initiative was designed to ensure that beneficiaries of the TVET programme become self-reliant, job creators, and active contributors to Nigeria’s economic growth.

According to her, the provision of starter packs will complement the Federal Government’s drive to reduce unemployment and close the persistent skills gap across the country. “The administration of President Bola Tinubu is committed to strengthening technical and vocational education because it remains a critical pathway to empowering young Nigerians. Providing starter packs will enable our youths to put their training into practical use immediately,” she said.

Ahmad commended President Bola Tinubu for approving the programme, which covers about 25 vocational trades, including carpentry, leatherwork, tailoring, ICT skills, cosmetology, welding, solar installation, and other technical areas. She urged the beneficiaries to take full advantage of the opportunity, emphasizing that the initiative aligns with the administration’s commitment to reducing youth unemployment, promoting self-sufficiency, and supporting economic growth.

The deputy minister also praised Bayero University, Kano, for its dedication to implementing the programme. She noted that the ministry would continue to partner with institutions that promote innovation, productivity, and entrepreneurship development in Nigeria.

The Vice-Chancellor of Bayero University, Haruna Musa, described the programme as timely, stating that it would address the country’s challenges of low employability, reduced productivity, and slow economic growth caused by inadequate skills among young people. He said the programme was designed to equip young Nigerians with practical and entrepreneurial skills that would boost job creation, innovation, and national development.

Musa encouraged participants to take the training seriously and transform themselves into agents of positive change within their communities.

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