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NSE partners NCDMB, others to launch Nigerian Engineering Olympiad

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NSE partners NCDMB, others to launch Nigerian Engineering Olympiad

The Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE) has announced a major partnership with the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), Renaissance Africa Energy Company Limited, First Exploration & Petroleum Development Company (First E&P), and Enactus Projects Ltd/Gte to launch the Nigerian Engineering Olympiad (NEO). The initiative, scheduled to be officially launched on November 20, 2025, in Abuja, is designed to inspire and showcase innovative engineering talent among Nigerian students while promoting creativity, entrepreneurship, and sustainable development.

The Nigerian Engineering Olympiad will run for ten months and serve as a platform for students across the country to apply engineering principles to real-world challenges. Participants will develop practical and scalable solutions that can make a tangible impact on society. The competition will include regional and national stages, mentorship programs, prototype development sessions, and a grand finale scheduled for April 2026. Winning teams will receive seed grants and technical support to help them transform their innovations into viable business ventures.

As part of the official launch, the President of the Nigerian Society of Engineers, Engr. Margaret Aina Oguntala, FNSE, will deliver the keynote address to set the direction for this national initiative. The event is expected to redefine the future of engineering innovation in Nigeria and open new opportunities for young professionals in the STEM sector.

In her remarks ahead of the launch, Engr. Oguntala said, “This partnership marks a pivotal moment for engineering education and innovation in Nigeria. The Nigerian Engineering Olympiad (NEO) is not only a platform to showcase the ingenuity of our students but also a bold step toward bridging the gap between academia and industry. Through this initiative, we hope to nurture creativity, problem-solving, and entrepreneurship among young engineers, positioning them as key contributors to sustainable national development.”

The NEO represents a major milestone in advancing STEM education and strengthening collaboration among industry, academia, and government. It aims to drive innovation, encourage youth empowerment, and support Nigeria’s long-term technological growth.

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Ogun Govt inaugurates committee for Nigeria for Women Project Scale-Up

Paulinus Sunday
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Ogun Govt inaugurates committee for Nigeria for Women Project Scale-Up

Ogun State Government has inaugurated the State Technical Committee (STC) for the Nigeria for Women Project Scale-Up (NFWP-SU) to strengthen institutional collaboration, improve project efficiency, and ensure long-term impact on women’s livelihoods across the state.

The inauguration, which took place at the Conference Room of the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development in Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, was led by the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Adijat Adeleye. She was joined by the Special Assistant to the Governor on Women Affairs, Mrs Bukola Araba, and the Olori of Olowu, Chief Ameenah Matemilola.

Adeleye explained that the committee comprises experts drawn from key ministries, including Agriculture and Food Security, Finance, Industry, Trade and Investment, Women Affairs, Community Development and Cooperatives, Education, Science and Technology, as well as the Chamber of Commerce, priority value-chain associations, and other relevant agencies. She said the diverse composition reflects a strategic approach to removing barriers that restrict women’s participation in the state’s economic activities.

According to her, “The inauguration of the Committee was a continuation of the success story recorded during the first phase of the Nigeria for Women Project, which earned Ogun State national recognition and commendations for excellence in implementation. I therefore attribute the feat to the collective effort and partnership of all stakeholders, which restored citizens’ confidence in the dividends of democratic governance.”

The Commissioner noted that the project aligns with the vision of the state’s founding fathers, aimed at promoting gender inclusion and economic empowerment for women, particularly those in rural communities. She reaffirmed the government’s commitment under Governor Dapo Abiodun to improving the standard of living for women through sustainable development initiatives.

Adeleye charged the committee members to carry out their assignments with renewed zeal, professionalism, and patriotism, stating that the Gateway State has built a strong reputation for excellence that must be maintained. She also praised Governor Abiodun for his leadership and consistent support towards women’s development, saying his efforts have made Ogun State a model for gender-responsive governance and inclusive policy implementation.

“The inauguration of this committee is not just a formality but a call to action. Behind every policy we shape and every report we analyze are real women and real families whose lives will be transformed,” she added.

She further urged the committee to ensure effective monitoring and evaluation of the project’s implementation. Their responsibilities include providing technical guidance, reviewing budgets, ensuring proper fund utilization, and assessing impact delivery to sustain the progress made so far.

Speaking on behalf of the committee members, Mrs Ojikutu Gloria from the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security appreciated the state government for its continued support. She said the success achieved in the first phase of the women’s intervention project would inspire the members to put in greater effort in the scale-up phase.

Minister Reaffirms Tinubu’s Commitment to Youth Empowerment

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Minister Reaffirms Tinubu’s Commitment to Youth Empowerment

The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has reaffirmed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to empowering young Nigerians through transformative programmes that focus on education, job creation, and innovation.

Speaking as the Special Guest Speaker at the APC North West Youth Pally held in Dutse, the Minister said the event was a celebration of the progress made under the Renewed Hope Agenda in the past two years. Idris emphasized that President Tinubu has demonstrated rare confidence in young people by giving them real responsibilities and leadership roles.

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

Highlighting some of the key youth-focused initiatives of the administration, the Minister mentioned the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), which has disbursed ₦116 billion to over 620,000 students, and the 3MTT Programme, which has attracted close to two million applicants aimed at creating three million digital and technical jobs across Nigeria.

He also spoke about the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) initiative that has certified one million Nigerians in 25 different trades, with about 250,000 already placed in training centres. According to him, “These are not plans, they are results already being felt in schools, workshops, and communities across the country.”

Idris further revealed that the Rural Electrification Agency’s Energizing Education Programme is providing stable electricity to federal universities and teaching hospitals such as Bayero University Kano and Usmanu Danfodiyo University Sokoto, enabling students to study and carry out research without power interruptions.

On economic reforms, the Minister explained that the new Nigeria Tax Act, which takes effect in January 2026, will exempt small businesses earning ₦100 million or less from company income and capital gains taxes. He said this reform will “help thousands of young entrepreneurs reinvest in their dreams and grow their businesses.”

He added that other ongoing government programmes include the MSME Clinics, the iDICE initiative — a $517 million partnership to boost Nigeria’s digital and creative economy — and the successful Eurobond oversubscription by 400 percent, which he described as “clear proof of growing global confidence in Nigeria’s economic direction.”

The Minister also pointed out that Nigeria’s removal from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) Grey List is another sign of the administration’s credibility and improved international reputation.

Idris called on young Nigerians to stay united and avoid spreading fake news or messages that promote division. “Let’s use our voices and our platforms to build, not to destroy,” he said. “Tinubu’s leadership is about giving every Nigerian, no matter where they come from, a fair chance to succeed.”

He reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to creating a Nigeria where the creativity and energy of the youth continue to drive national renewal and progress.

The APC North West Youth Pally was attended by Jigawa State Governor, Malam Umar A. Namadi; Speaker of the Jigawa State House of Assembly, Honourable Haruna Aliyu; Minister of Youth Development, Mr Ayodele Olawande; Minister of State for Education, Prof. Suwaiba Sa’id Ahmed; APC National Youth Leader, Dr Dayo Israel; Chairman Senate Committee on Youth, Senator Iya Abbas; Chairman Senate Committee on Police Affairs, Senator Ahmed Abdullahi; and Managing Director of the National Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), Mr Akintunde Sawyerr, among other dignitaries and delegates from the North West region.

FCSC urges candidates patience as 2025 directorate CBT exams begin

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FCSC urges candidates patience as 2025 directorate CBT exams begin

The Fedeal Civil Service Commission has urged candidates taking part in the 2025 Directorate Level Promotion Computer-Based Test to be patient as the commission shifts from manual exams to a digital system.

The appeal comes after complaints from candidates about long travel distances, logistical issues, and technical difficulties. Some candidates had raised concerns on social media about challenges in the new process.

Responding on Monday, the commission’s spokesman, Taiwo Hassan, acknowledged the concerns. He said the transition to computer-based testing may present challenges for both candidates and the commission.

Hassan said, “The Federal Civil Service Commission solicits candidates’ understanding on the 2025 Directorate CBT Promotion Examinations. The FCSC informs the candidates sitting for the 2025 Directorates Level Promotion Examination that the commission is aware of the inconveniences they may go through while preparing for the CBT promotion examinations. However, as with most innovations, there may be some gaps. Transition from manual examinations to CBT comes with its attendant hurdles both for FCSC and the candidates.”

He added that the exams are being conducted using Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board facilities to ensure credibility, transparency, and convenience.

“As the commission leverages on JAMB facilities for the conduct of the 2025 Directorate Levels CBT examination, we are not only concerned about the credibility and transparency of the process, but also the convenience of the candidates, hence, the commencement of the first run exercise at JAMB Centres in the FCT,” Hassan said.

The spokesman further revealed that the commission is considering decentralising examination centres to all 36 states and the FCT in future exercises. He said other technology-based options are also being explored to improve the process.

“Following feedback from the public, the commission wishes to assure all candidates that it will consider the possibility of decentralising the examination centres across the 36 States and FCT, using other technology-enabled innovations to make the process seamless for future examinations,” Hassan said.

He also noted that the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation is looking into arrangements for ministries, departments, and agencies to process duty tour allowances for officers travelling outside their duty stations to sit for the exams.

“In the meantime, the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation is exploring the possibility of getting MDAs to process Duty DTA for eligible officers travelling outside their duty stations to sit for the examinations, in line with PSR 140107 and extant Financial Regulations, within the limits of available resources,” Hassan added.

Unofficial CDCFIB Practice Test Link for CBT candidates

Paulinus Sunday
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Unofficial CDCFIB Practice Test Link for CBT candidates

There is a circulating CDCFIB practice test link currently being shared online, particularly on Facebook. The link allows candidates shortlisted for the CBT to take a test practice in preparation for their upcoming exam. All exams contain a mix of Mathematics, English, General Knowledge, and the selected Department focus.

To take the practice test, visit https://profwiseman.github.io/cdcfib-practice-test/. Enter your Name or Candidate ID, but since this platform is not authorized by the CDCFIB, it’s best to just enter an alias that is not your real name, for example, “CDCFIB Test.”

Select Examination Focus (Department). Select any of the paramilitary options, for example, NSCDC (Civil Defence). Click on Proceed to Exam Lobby.

On the next page, click on Start Exam Now. There is a total of 50 questions from four subjects, including Mathematics, English, General, and Focus. Time allocated is 30 minutes. Once done, click on Submit.

Note that this is not an official Civil Defence, Correctional, Fire and Immigration Services Board of Nigeria (CDCFIB) platform. The board has not announced any form of mock exams, which is quite unusual. Even Nigeria Customs gave a mock test to candidates.

From the name in the contact email address, this project is owed to one Nicholas Omozusi. The project is launched on GitHub.

NDIC new laws stronger to prosecute parties at fault in bank failure

Paulinus Sunday
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NDIC new laws stronger to prosecute parties at fault in bank failure

The Managing Director and Chief Executive of the Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC), Mr. Thompson Oludare Sunday, has announced that the Corporation now operates under stronger and more effective laws to carry out its bank liquidation mandate.

Mr. Sunday made this known when he received the President and Chairman of Council of the Business Recovery and Insolvency Practitioners Association of Nigeria (BRIPAN), Mr. Chimezie Victor Ihekweazu (SAN), and members of his council on a courtesy visit to the NDIC Headquarters in Abuja.

According to the NDIC Chief Executive, the Corporation’s powers in the liquidation of failed insured institutions have been significantly enhanced with the enactment of the NDIC Act No. 30 of 2023, along with the Banks and Other Financial Institutions Act (BOFIA) 2020. He stated that the NDIC is now in a better position to prosecute parties responsible for bank failures, unlike in the past when inadequate legal provisions allowed such individuals to avoid accountability.

Mr. Sunday expressed appreciation to the National Assembly for addressing the long-standing issue of a weak legal framework that had limited the Corporation’s efficiency. He also commended the judiciary for its increasing expertise in deposit insurance law and practice, which he said has been demonstrated through effective judgments in failed bank cases that have brought relief to depositors.

“The enhanced powers granted to the Corporation under the NDIC Act 30 of 2023, the BOFIA 2020 and the improved understanding of the judiciary, have made it impossible for individuals to hide under the law to escape liability,” Mr. Sunday stated. “With stronger legal backing, individuals now approach the Corporation to settle out of court, not necessarily because the law has caught up with them, but because they can see that the noose is tightening around those responsible for bank failures.”

He linked the Corporation’s success in realising sufficient assets to declare a first round of liquidation dividends to the uninsured depositors of the defunct Heritage Bank Limited within one year of the revocation of its licence to the positive impact of the new legal framework. Mr. Sunday reaffirmed NDIC’s commitment to leveraging the strengthened laws while partnering with BRIPAN and other stakeholders to ensure effective execution of its mandate.

In his remarks, BRIPAN President and Chairman of Council, Mr. Chimezie Victor Ihekweazu (SAN), commended the NDIC’s efforts and highlighted BRIPAN’s achievements in harmonising insolvency-related laws into a unified framework. He explained that this has improved the efficiency of insolvency and business recovery processes in Nigeria. He also emphasised BRIPAN’s focus on capacity building and called for stronger collaboration between the Corporation and the association to strengthen insolvency and business recovery practices across the country.

3MTT, Cleva Hackathon challenge application for $20 reward

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3MTT, Cleva Hackathon challenge application for $20 reward

The 3MTT x Cleva Challenge has been officially announced, bringing excitement to young tech talents across Nigeria. The 3MTT Hackathon aims to bring together innovators and developers to solve real-life problems while showcasing their creativity and skills.

Cleva, a leading financial platform, has partnered with 3MTT to support the initiative. In a statement, Cleva said, “We’re proud to partner with 3MTT to support this initiative and we’re rewarding 20 lucky fellows who show their support for the hackathon with $20 (about ₦30,000).”

According to the organisers, anyone can participate, volunteer, or cheer from the sidelines. “Your support matters,” the statement added.

To show support and stand a chance to win, participants are required to fill the Application Form, follow @clevabanking and @3MTTNigeria across all social media platforms, and post the official 3MTT Hackathon banner with the hashtag #3MTTxClevaHackathon.

FG’s iDICE programme to launch two new funds for tech, creative startups

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FG’s iDICE programme to launch two new funds for tech, creative startups

The Federal Government of Nigeria, through its Investment in Digital and Creative Enterprises (iDICE) programme, has announced plans to launch two new funds in 2026 to further support technology and creative start-ups across the country. The move aims to strengthen Nigeria’s growing innovation ecosystem and empower young entrepreneurs driving change in the tech and creative industries.

The announcement follows the official commencement of iDICE’s investment activities, marked by an anchor investment in a new venture fund managed by Ventures Platform, a pan-African seed-stage investment firm. The new funding achieved a $64 million first-round close based on investor commitments last Thursday.

Vice President Kashim Shettima, who chairs the iDICE Steering Committee, described the development as an exciting step in unlocking the full potential of Nigerian youth. He stated, “The commencement of investing by iDICE is an exciting milestone and a leap forward in the determined efforts of the Government of Nigeria, under the leadership of His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to deliver on our vision of unleashing the full potential of Nigeria’s young people, in line with the Renewed Hope agenda.”

Ventures Platform was appointed as the Fund Manager for the technology component of iDICE in August 2025, following a competitive selection process supervised by the programme’s funding partners. With this development, iDICE joins other institutional investors, including the International Finance Corporation (IFC), Standard Bank of South Africa, and British International Investment (BII), in supporting the new fund, which targets a final close of $75 million.

Dr Olasupo Olusi, Managing Director and CEO of the Bank of Industry, said the investment aligns with the Federal Government’s goal of expanding Nigeria’s digital and creative economy. He noted, “By investing in Ventures Platform’s Fund II, we are deepening the Federal Government’s objective of upscaling the Nigerian technology and creative sectors by catalysing strategic investments in high-growth, technology-enabled enterprises and the innovation ecosystem.”

Olusi added that the initiative will contribute meaningfully to Nigeria’s broader economic transformation agenda, with goals to create jobs and empower entrepreneurs nationwide.

Kola Aina, Founding Partner at Ventures Platform, expressed confidence in the collaboration, stating, “We are delighted to have been selected as the iDICE Technology Fund Manager, partnering with the Federal Government of Nigeria and other key stakeholders to achieve our collective goal of supporting Nigeria’s young entrepreneurs and innovators to bring their ideas to life—creating deep value and transforming the country’s economy.”

The iDICE programme operates across three main areas: skills and enterprise development, expanding access to finance, and building an enabling environment for innovation. Its training and investment activities focus on young Nigerians aged 15 to 35, helping them gain digital and creative economy skills, access funding, and create sustainable businesses.

According to the Steering Committee, iDICE “will launch two additional funds in 2026: a creative sector fund to invest in creative start-ups, and a ‘fund of funds’ that will invest in smaller funds supporting technology and creative sector ventures.”

The iDICE programme, valued at $617 million, is financed by the African Development Bank Group, Islamic Development Bank, and the French Development Agency, with the Bank of Industry serving as co-investor and implementing agency.

Ventures Platform, established in 2016, has invested in more than 90 African start-ups, including Paystack, Piggyvest, Moniepoint, and LemFi, strengthening its role as a key player in the continent’s technology and innovation landscape.

FG to launch National Housing Data Centre to address deficit figures

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FG to launch National Housing Data Centre to address deficit figures

Hope is in the air for investors as the Federal Government prepares to launch a National Housing Data Centre, a move expected to end years of speculation over Nigeria’s true housing deficit, market size, and investment potential. The initiative, which is being coordinated by the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development (FMHUD), aims to provide accurate, evidence-based data that will shape housing policies and guide real estate investment decisions across the country.

Since 2006, when the United Nations agency for human settlements (UN-HABITAT) estimated Nigeria’s housing deficit at 17 million units, figures from various sources have been largely speculative. The absence of reliable data has left investors and policymakers working with assumptions rather than facts, creating uncertainty around the scale of the problem and the required investment.

At an international housing event in Abuja, Ahmed Dangiwa, Minister of Housing and Urban Development, said, “To stem the national housing deficit put at 22 million units, the country will need to produce an average of 550,000 housing units per annum for the next 10 years. The financial outlay for this annual housing target is over N5.5 trillion per annum.”

Similarly, Pastor Matthew Ashimolowo, a real estate investor, referred to a World Bank report which states that “Nigeria will need to construct around 700,000 housing units annually for the next 20 years to meet the needs of its growing population,” adding that this would require an investment of about N59 trillion over that period.

These varying estimates, experts say, reflect the absence of dependable housing data. “Nigeria needs dependable data in its housing sector. One of the biggest problems we have is a lack of data. People keep quoting 17 million units because there is no other data to prove or disprove it,” said Erejuwa Gbadebo, Managing Director of Eko Development Limited. “We talk of homes demolished, burnt, or new ones built, but who is taking record of the houses that are being built and the ones we are losing?” she asked.

Gbadebo noted that the housing industry must begin to take stock of available housing types and their market value. “There must be a way of capturing this data so that we have accurate numbers and should not continue to fight a battle we may have won or lost,” she added.

The upcoming National Housing Data Centre is expected to address these long-standing concerns by harmonising statistics across federal and state levels. According to FMHUD, the Centre will become fully operational by December, offering a unified platform that combines data from public and private stakeholders.

Taofeeq Olatinwo, chairman of the Technical Committee, National Housing Data Programme (NHDP), explained that the system will operate as a federated network, allowing states, Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to feed information into a national database at regular intervals. “The target is for the Data Centre to go live in December 2025,” he said, assuring that “it will be a federated system with inputs from states, MDAs, and private developers at defined frequencies, in line with global standards.”

Youth energy Steam festival 2025 to train students on future energy skills

Paulinus Sunday
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Youth energy Steam festival 2025 to train students on future energy skills

NNPC Foundation, in partnership with the Oloibiri Oil and Gas Entrepreneurship Development Initiative (OLOGED Initiative), has announced the Youth Energy STEAM Festival (YES-Fest) 2025. The event, themed “Fuelling Future Energies through STEAM Education,” is set to take place from 10th to 11th November 2025 at Government Science Secondary School, Maitama, Abuja, Nigeria.

Emmanuella Arukwe, MD of NNPC Foundation, will deliver the keynote address and lead an interactive mini-exhibition. She said, “We are committed to nurturing and inspiring the next generation of innovators.” The festival aims to engage students on the role of NNPC Ltd. and NNPC Foundation in grooming Nigerian youth for the energy transition.

Event highlights include fireside career chitchats, the Energy 360 Debate Competition grand finale, STEAM and energy exhibitions, waste-to-energy demonstrations, distribution of energy books and games, a pictorial oil and gas museum experience, technical workshops with solar demonstrations, and the unveiling and pitching of the Battle of the Energy Titans competition (Energy Village edition). Interested participants can register at www.ologedinitiative.org.ng.

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