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CDCFIB candidates report seeing same exam number on slips

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The trending concern among applicants is that the Civil Defence, Correctional, Fire and Immigration Services Board (CDCFIB) examination number appears to be the same for some candidates. Several candidates have reported this issue on social media after printing their examination slips, raising worries ahead of the upcoming recruitment test.

Multiple applicants confirmed seeing other candidates’ slips carrying the same exam number as theirs. While some slips belong to different paramilitary categories like NI and CD, others carry exactly the same details. One candidate said, “I printed my slip and noticed another person’s slip has the same exam number as mine.”

Initially, the assumption was that similar exam numbers might only exist across different paramilitary agencies. For example, a Civil Defence applicant might share a similar number format with an Immigration candidate, which should not normally be a problem. However, recent evidence shows that candidates within the same paramilitary service are also sharing identical numbers.

An example shows that Mr A has Exam Number: CD-2025-00000531547, and Mr B also has the same CD-2025-00000531547. CD represents Civil Defence, and the same issue has been noticed for Immigration candidates as well.

Some users have suggested that the key identifier may be the Applicant ID, which seems unique to each applicant. This could mean the identical exam numbers are caused by another system error. Although the situation is confusing, it appears to be a general issue.

As of now, the CDCFIB has not released any official statement. It might be a technical error on the portal that will be corrected soon, as exam numbers are meant to uniquely identify candidates across all states and services.

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OPay unveils CyberLabs Project at University of Calabar

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OPay has marked the first anniversary of its 10-year N1.2bn scholarship programme awarded to university students across Nigeria.

In a statement on Sunday, the firm said the celebration, tagged the 2025 Empowering Futures Conference, reaffirmed its vision to be the most respected and popular financial technology company that actively creates social value. It added that its mission remains to make financial services more inclusive through technology.

The N1.2bn 10-year OPay scholarship programme stands as a cornerstone of the company’s commitment to empowering young Nigerians through education and technology.

As part of the event, OPay announced the delivery of its first-year commitment, having disbursed N126m in scholarships to 420 outstanding students across 20 Nigerian tertiary institutions. This milestone fulfils the first phase of OPay’s N120m annual investment, in line with the 10-year Memoranda of Understanding signed with partner universities across the country.

The OPay 10-year scholarship programme represents a long-term investment in Nigeria, designed to support brilliant students who demonstrate academic excellence, leadership potential, and genuine financial need. By combining merit and need-based selection, the initiative ensures that talented students from diverse economic backgrounds have the opportunity to pursue their education without financial barriers.

Speaking at the event, several vice-chancellors from participating institutions commended OPay’s sustained commitment to education. The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Calabar pledged to promote OPay’s initiatives on campus and encouraged students to embrace digital financial inclusion and leverage the scholarship to achieve academic success.

“We are proud to partner with OPay to open the doors of opportunity for our students. When we equip young minds with digital-financial tools, we’re not only supporting their studies, we’re enabling them to meaningfully participate in tomorrow’s economy,” said the immediate past Vice-Chancellor of the University of Calabar, Professor Florence Obi, who was represented at the event.

As part of its broader commitment to digital empowerment, OPay also launched the OPay CyberLabs Project in partnership with the University of Calabar, marking the establishment of the first CyberLab under the programme.

The CyberLabs Project is designed to revamp university technology facilities and provide hands-on training sessions for students, led by OPay’s top technology professionals. These sessions will expose students to emerging global technologies and practical digital skills, preparing them for the realities of today’s innovation-driven economy.

Commenting on the launch, Chief Commercial Officer at OPay, Elizabeth Wang, reiterated that the scholarship initiative remains the central pillar of its social impact strategy, while complementary programmes like CyberLabs will continue to support capacity development and digital literacy.

“Through the CyberLabs Project, we are not only upgrading university technology facilities but also creating platforms where students can learn directly from some of the best minds in the industry. Our goal is to bridge the gap between academia and real-world innovation, ensuring Nigerian students are equipped with the knowledge and tools to thrive in today’s technology-driven world,” she said.

Reaffirming OPay’s vision to build a financial ecosystem that empowers people and creates shared value with education positioned as a key driver of national progress, CSR Manager at OPay, Itoro Udo, said, “Education is the future of society, and students are the builders of that future. By investing in both learning and technology, OPay will continue to demonstrate its role as a catalyst for inclusive growth in Nigeria.”

With initiatives such as the OPay 10-year scholarship programme, the company is deepening its social impact and campus partnerships, nurturing a generation that is both academically driven and financially empowered to drive change.

OPay was established in 2018 in Nigeria with the mission to make financial services more inclusive through technology. The company offers a wide range of payment services, including money transfer, bill payment, airtime and data purchase, card service, and merchant payments, among others. Renowned for its super-fast experience and reliable network, OPay is licensed by the Central Bank of Nigeria and insured by the Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation, with the same insurance coverage as commercial banks.

JAMB extends 2025 public university admission deadline

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The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has announced an extension of the deadline for completing the 2025 admissions into public universities. The new date is now Monday, 17th November, 2025.

This follows the earlier deadline of Friday, 31st October, 2025, which was set during the 2025 Policy Meeting on Admissions held on 18th July, 2025, under the chairmanship of the Honourable Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, CON. The meeting had directed all public universities to complete their admission processes by the end of October.

According to the Board, the extension became necessary due to “emergent and compelling circumstances” that affected the admission timeline. JAMB commended the “zeal, diligence, and commitment” shown by various public universities in working to meet the approved date, adding that the original schedule was designed to allow other tertiary institutions such as private universities, polytechnics, colleges of education, and innovation enterprises institutions to conclude their admissions before the overall closing date of 31st December, 2025.

The Board explained that the decision to extend the timeline was based on two key considerations. “Firstly, AVCNU has specially appealed for extension due to the disruption caused by a number of factors, including a court order directing that status quo should remain on the 2025/26 admission list, which was only clearly lifted by the same court on 28th October, 2025,” the statement said.

“Secondly, in a bid to expand access in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, the National Universities Commission (NUC) on 29th October, 2025, released a list of 229 programmes recently accredited for 37 universities. Admission into those programmes are just being scheduled.”

JAMB noted that the extension is meant to ensure fairness and inclusiveness. It further emphasized that the new deadline is final. “While expressing appreciation to all institutions for their tireless efforts and cooperation in meeting the initial target date, the Board wishes to emphasize that this new deadline is final and must be strictly adhered to,” it said.

The Board reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining a seamless, transparent, and credible admission process that aligns with national education goals and institutional autonomy.

Gombe students to receive scholarship allowance November 4

The Gombe State Scholarship Board, through the Ministry of Higher Education, has announced that students will receive an increased scholarship allowance of over two hundred percent (200%), following the recent approval by His Excellency, the Governor.

According to the Director of the Scholarship Board, Adamu Madaki Kanawa, “the official symbolic presentation of cheques will take place on Tuesday, November 4th, 2025, at the Banquet Hall, Government House.” The board urged students and the general public to take note of this important development.

Tambuwal donates N20.3m to 203 Sokoto women entrepreneurs

Former Governor of Sokoto State and Senator representing Sokoto South, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, has reaffirmed his commitment to women empowerment by announcing a ₦20.3 million support package for 203 young women entrepreneurs in Sokoto. He made this known on Saturday during the YHK Vibrant Fair, a trade exhibition organized by young women entrepreneurs at K7 Mall, Sokoto, showcasing locally made fashion, food, crafts, and beauty products.

The initiative brought together 203 women-owned small businesses, all of which are beneficiaries of a business grant introduced by the Sokoto State Government during Tambuwal’s tenure as governor to cushion the economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. The fair, themed around promoting local enterprise and entrepreneurship, highlighted the impact of continuous investment in women-led businesses on the state’s economic growth.

In her opening remarks, the fair’s organiser, Yasmin Hassan Kangiwa, praised Tambuwal’s empowerment scheme, describing it as the foundation of their success. “We owe our growth to your bold decision to empower us through that grant,” Kangiwa said. “Since then, our businesses have continued to thrive despite challenges along the way.”

Several exhibitors also expressed appreciation to the former governor, noting that his initiative had boosted their financial independence and allowed them to expand their ventures. They described the support as life-changing and crucial for the sustainability of small businesses in Sokoto.

Responding, Senator Tambuwal commended the women for their resilience and creativity. “I am proud of your determination and the progress you have made. It is heartwarming to see that the initiative we started years ago continues to produce real results,” he stated.

He further announced a ₦100,000 donation to each of the 203 participants, explaining that the gesture was aimed at helping them grow their businesses. “Your success is a success for Sokoto State,” Tambuwal added, emphasizing that youth and women empowerment remain key to inclusive economic growth in Nigeria.

YOWICAN empowers Kwara widows N50,000 cash each, youths N10,000 each

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The Youth Wing of the Christian Association of Nigeria (YOWICAN), Kwara State Chapter, has empowered 100 widows with ₦50,000 each and 100 youths with ₦10,000 each as part of its ongoing support initiative for members across the state.

Evangelist Stephen Awoyale, chairman of YOWICAN in Kwara, announced the empowerment at the association’s Annual Youth Convention held in Ilorin at the weekend. Themed “The Light of the World,” the event highlighted the importance of service, leadership, and character development among Christian youths.

Awoyale explained that the empowerment exercise is a continuous programme of the youth wing and is usually carried out in phases. “Our empowerment comes in phases. This year, we are giving ₦50,000 each to 100 widows and ₦10,000 each to 100 youths across the 16 local government areas of the state,” he said. “Before the end of the year, we will roll out another phase of empowerment. Our mandate at YOWICAN is to empower youths to lead by shining their light in character, in service, in innovation, in leadership, in faith, and in love.”

He noted that the widows selected included those of late clergymen who had laboured faithfully in the vineyard of Christ. Awoyale appreciated the continuous support of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, whom he described as a consistent supporter of Christian youth development in Kwara State. “Every year, the Governor supports us with his goodwill and prayers, and for that we are very grateful. May the Lord continue to strengthen him,” he added.

The YOWICAN chairman also commended Senator Sadiq Umar representing Kwara North, the CAN Chairman Rt. Rev. Sunday Adewole, CAN Secretary Shina Ibiyemi, and Tuyil Pharmaceutical Company for their contributions toward the success of the programme.

Rev. Olawuyi James, Guest Speaker and Director of Youth and Student Ministries at the Nigerian Baptist Convention, delivered a message on the importance of living as examples of light. “The problem of darkness is not the darkness itself but the absence of light,” he said, reminding Christian youths that being the light of the world is a divine command from Jesus Christ. “You cannot claim to be a disciple of Christ if your light is not visible to those around you,” he added, urging them to rise and shine regardless of challenges.

Ven. Moses Esan, in his sermon titled “The Church as the Beacon of Light to the Nation,” called on the church to serve as a moral compass for society. “Stand out, be the light. Don’t be shaken, don’t shift, and always stand for the truth,” he said.

Also addressing the gathering, Professor Feyi Adepoju advised the youths to stay disciplined and rooted in spiritual growth. “Purpose requires discipline, preparation, and humility. Without discipline, gifts can destroy a person faster than failure,” she said, encouraging them to remain aligned with God’s word.

Some beneficiaries expressed appreciation for the financial support. Fadipe Adeola said the cash gift would help her start a small business for sustenance. Another beneficiary, Chioma Ene, described the gesture as timely, saying, “I appreciate the Governor, the Senator, and YOWICAN for this kind intervention—it came at the right time.”

Over one million students apply for NELFUND loan since launch

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The Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) has achieved a major milestone, recording over one million applications on its student loan portal since its official launch on May 24, 2024.

This development marks a significant impact of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which focuses on making higher education more accessible and restoring trust in government-led empowerment programmes.

Since the beginning of the initiative, NELFUND has disbursed over N116 billion in student loans, covering both tuition fees and upkeep allowances for students across universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education nationwide. This achievement reinforces the administration’s dedication to human capital development and inclusive national growth.

Speaking on the accomplishment, NELFUND Managing Director and Chief Executive, Mr. Akintunde Sawyerr, called it a defining moment for Nigeria’s education sector. “Crossing the one-million mark represents more than data: it represents renewed hope for a generation of Nigerians determined to rise above financial barriers to education. It is a testament to visionary leadership, sound policy design, and the collective efforts of all stakeholders driving this transformative agenda,” Sawyerr said.

The Fund assured that it remains committed to improving its processes, ensuring that every eligible Nigerian student, regardless of background or location, can access funding with transparency and efficiency.

With this milestone, NELFUND continues to stand out as a successful example of effective government intervention in education financing. The programme demonstrates that when leadership, accountability, and vision come together, meaningful progress can be achieved.

NELFUND is open to all Nigerians, irrespective of religion or ethnicity, serving Christians, Muslims, and others equally. By offering equal access to education opportunities, it strengthens unity and national development. The Fund remains focused on ensuring no Nigerian is denied a chance to learn, grow, or contribute to the country’s progress due to financial hardship.

NJFP email requests hosts to confirm interest and fellow numbers for 2.0

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The Nigeria Jubilee Fellows Programme (NJFP) has sent an email to host organisations, requesting them to reply by providing key information, including confirming their interest and revealing the number of Fellows they requested in their original application.

The email reads,

“Dear Host Organisations and Prospective Host Organisations,

We hope this email finds you well.

To our existing Host Organisations from NJFP 1.0, we sincerely appreciate your support to the Fellows placed in your organisations and the impact your partnership has made on the programme.”

As the programme launches into NJFP 2.0, the management stated that they are mobilising Host Organisations and would be grateful if recipients could provide the following information in their response: confirm interest or continued interest in hosting Fellows for NJFP 2.0; for existing or registered Host Organisations, confirm the number of Fellows requested in the original application; and for prospective Host Organisations, indicate the number of Fellows they would like to host in NJFP 2.0.

The email also urged organisations to categorise their requested Fellows by specific roles or functional areas such as Accounting, Business Management, Data Analysis, and Communications.

“Kindly treat this as urgent, as we would like to receive your response on or before 10:30 a.m. (WAT) on Monday, 3rd November 2025.

Thank you for your cooperation and continued partnership.”

Abia LIFE-ND project to empower 3000 farmers

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The Abia Project Coordinating Office of the Livelihood Improvement Family Enterprises for the Niger Delta has announced plans to empower at least 3,000 beneficiaries in agri-enterprises through additional financing. The project coordinator, Uchenna Onyeizu, disclosed this during a working session and orientation for batch one of additional financing regular incubatees and incubators held in Umuahia on Saturday.

The project, funded by the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and implemented in collaboration with the Federal Government and the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), aims to support smallholder farmers and promote agribusiness development in Abia communities.

Mr Onyeizu said that the beneficiaries, including youths, women-headed households, and persons with disabilities, would receive training and empowerment in four key commodities: poultry, fishery, rice, and cassava over the next three years. He explained that LIFE-ND, which has already had a significant impact in Abia, empowered about 4,250 beneficiaries in agri-enterprises during the first phase of the project.

He added that IFAD decided to extend the project through additional financing after the success recorded in the first phase. According to him, “The 630 beneficiaries for batch one of the additional financing were selected from 47 communities in Ohafia, Bende, Obingwa, Aba South, Isialangwa South, and Umuahia South Local Government Areas.”

The Abia State Commissioner for Agriculture, Cliff Agbaeze, assured that the ministry would continue to provide policy direction, coordination, and a conducive environment that would make the project successful. He said the initiative aligns with Governor Alex Otti’s vision for agricultural development in Abia State.

Mr Agbaeze urged the trainees to remain focused and committed, saying, “LIFE-ND is not just a programme but a promise that the talents and ambitions of young agripreneurs will be matched with practical skills, mentorship, and market opportunities.”

Bauchi flags off RHI/NITDA women ict empowerment programme 2025

The official flag-off of the RHI/NITDA Women ICT Training and Empowerment Programme 2025 took place in Bauchi State, signaling a strong move toward promoting women’s participation in technology and digital entrepreneurship. The Director-General of the Bureau for ICT and Digital Economy (BICTDE), Hayatudeen Babamaji, represented the First Lady of Bauchi State, Dr. Aisha Bala Mohammed, at the event.

Organized in collaboration with the Ruhiyyah Humanity Initiative (RHI) and the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), the initiative aims to bridge the digital gender divide by equipping women with essential ICT skills for self-reliance and sustainable income generation.

Speaking on behalf of the First Lady, Hayatudeen Babamaji commended NITDA and RHI for their efforts in empowering women through digital technology. He stated that “digital inclusion is vital for sustainable socio-economic development,” noting that the training will open new opportunities for women in Bauchi and beyond.

He reaffirmed the Bauchi State Government’s commitment, through BICTDE, to continue supporting programs that promote innovation, digital literacy, and empowerment among women and youth in the evolving digital economy.