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NCDMB, PETAN, Renaissance launch 2025/2027 graduate internship programme

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NCDMB, PETAN, and Renaissance Africa Energy Company Limited have launched the 2025/2027 Graduate Internship Programme in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. The initiative aims to equip young Nigerian graduates with hands-on industry experience and deepen human capacity development in the nation’s oil and gas sector.

Speaking at the event, the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), Engr. Felix Omatsola Ogbe (FNSE, FIPS), represented by the General Manager, Human Capital Development (HCD), Mr. Esueme Dan Kikile Esq., reaffirmed the Board’s dedication to empowering Nigerian youths. “This programme reflects our continuous effort to ensure that young Nigerians acquire practical skills that enhance their employability and entrepreneurial potential,” he stated.

Mr. Esueme explained that the internship aligns with NCDMB’s mandate to promote local content and sustain indigenous participation in the energy industry. He noted that the partnership with the Petroleum Technology Association of Nigeria (PETAN) and Renaissance Africa Energy will help bridge skill gaps and support the future of the nation’s energy workforce.

Representing PETAN, Dr. Okey Ukaegbu and Mr. Chinedu Maduaku jointly presented the objectives and expectations of the programme. They emphasized the importance of the interns in driving innovation and operational excellence within PETAN-member companies.

The two-year internship will deploy selected graduates across PETAN-member organizations, providing structured mentorship, technical exposure, and professional development opportunities to prepare them for long-term careers in the oil and gas value chain.

In his closing remark, Mr. Kene Akubue, General Manager, NCD, Renaissance Energy, commended the collaboration, describing it as a vital investment in Nigeria’s youth and the country’s energy future.

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NDDC moves to establish agricultural hub in Niger Delta

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The Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Dr Samuel Ogbuku, has reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to promoting agriculture as a key driver of economic growth and food security in the Niger Delta region. He spoke during a two-day strategic retreat tagged “Niger Delta Critical Stakeholders’ Agenda Setting on Unlocking Agricultural Potential of the Niger Delta Region,” held in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

Dr Ogbuku stated that agriculture remains the most sustainable pathway to achieving economic development, peace, and food security in the region. According to him, “This retreat is aimed at rubbing minds as a people to ensure that there is food security in the Niger Delta so that we can build an agricultural hub that can feed this nation. We have the potential and comparative advantage in terms of aquaculture. This is the time to make agriculture a cardinal focus of the Renewed Hope Agenda. We must leave a lasting legacy for generations.”

He noted that before the advent of crude oil exploration, the people of the Niger Delta were predominantly farmers, adding that a return to agriculture offers a more sustainable and inclusive future for the region’s economy. Ogbuku said, “It is only through agriculture that we can create employment. With agriculture, we can guarantee food export. The NDDC and other partners should come together and see how we can invest in agriculture. We have to take advantage of our blue economy. Let us grow back our staples that have disappeared, such as bananas and cocoyam. Let us, in this retreat, develop a workable framework. For us in the NDDC, we are committed to making history.”

The NDDC Chief Executive also revealed that the Commission is in talks with the Origin Group to establish a regional food hub in the Niger Delta. The proposed partnership aims to integrate agricultural value chains and promote large-scale food processing and export, boosting agribusiness investment in the region.

Speaking at the event, the NDDC Executive Director, Projects, Dr Victor Antai, described the retreat as a “call to action,” urging stakeholders to take deliberate steps to drive agricultural transformation across the Niger Delta. He said, “Today’s gathering is not just another meeting; it is a call to action. Agriculture remains our surest path to inclusive growth, job creation, and food security in the Niger Delta. With vast arable land, rich waterways, and a resilient population, our region has the resources to become Nigeria’s next powerhouse in agricultural productivity.”

Dr Antai stressed that the retreat provided a unique platform to harmonise the efforts of state governments, private investors, research institutions, and youth groups in developing a coordinated agricultural transformation plan. He added that strengthening the agricultural sector would help create sustainable jobs, attract investment, and ensure food sufficiency.

The Akwa Ibom State Commissioner for Agriculture, Dr Offiong Offor, also highlighted her state’s comparative advantage in palm crops and oil production. She said that the state government was actively encouraging youth participation in agriculture through various training and empowerment programmes designed to boost productivity and self-reliance.

Similarly, the Bayelsa State Commissioner for Agriculture, Prof. Tubokiye Sese, reaffirmed his government’s commitment to ensuring food security. He explained that the state supports farmers with seedlings, modern farming tools, and free land-clearing services to enhance productivity and ensure access to safe, sufficient food for citizens.

In her remarks, the NDDC Director of Agriculture and Fisheries, Dr Winifred Madume, restated the Commission’s dedication to conceptualising and implementing sustainable agricultural and fisheries development projects across the Niger Delta. She said these initiatives aim to promote job creation, food security, and income generation among farmers and fisherfolk. Dr Madume also stressed the need for collaboration among agricultural stakeholders to build farmers’ capacity, promote food sufficiency, and reduce youth restiveness across the region.

FMC Epe opens recruitment for medical and non-medical staff

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The Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Epe, formerly known as the General Hospital Epe, has announced multiple job openings across medical, pharmaceutical, nursing, and technical departments. The health institution, which serves as a major secondary healthcare delivery centre in Lagos State, is expanding its workforce to improve healthcare delivery in the Epe division.

The management of FMC Epe disclosed that qualified candidates are invited to apply for the available positions, which include Consultants in various specialties such as Obstetrics and Gynaecology, General Surgery, Urology, Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Paediatrics, Renal Medicine, Cardiology, Respiratory Medicine, Gastroenterology, ENT, Anaesthesia, Radiology, and Haematology/Chemical Pathology. Each position requires an MBBS or equivalent qualification, full registration with the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria, NYSC discharge or exemption certificate, and success at the Part II Examination of either the West African or National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria.

Openings also extend to Nursing Officers in General Nursing, Midwifery, Perioperative, Accident & Emergency, Orthopaedic, Nephrology, Paediatric, ENT, Psychiatric, Ophthalmology, Anaesthesia, Cardiothoracic, and Burns & Plastic Nursing. Senior-level roles such as Chief Nursing Officer, Assistant Chief Nursing Officer, and Senior Nursing Officer are also available for candidates with years of relevant experience and current licences from the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria.

Additional job vacancies include Chief Pharmacist, Pharmacist, Medical Laboratory Scientist, Physiotherapist, Radiographer, Biomedical Engineer, Computer Engineer, Accountant II, Health Information Technician, and Dietician I. Applicants are required to possess degrees from accredited institutions, NYSC discharge or exemption certificates, and valid practising licences where applicable.

A senior management representative noted, “This recruitment aims to strengthen the institution’s capacity to deliver quality healthcare and create employment opportunities for qualified professionals.” Interested applicants are advised to submit their Curriculum Vitae and relevant credentials as part of the method of application outlined by FMC Epe.

Many CDCFIB applicants receive “Not Shortlisted” message

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The Civil Defence, Immigration and Prisons Service Board (CDCFIB) portal is now open for candidates to check their shortlist status. Unfortunately, many applicants have been met with “your application was not shortlisted” message.

The message reads, “We regret to inform you that, after careful review and evaluation, your application was not shortlisted to proceed to the next stage of the recruitment process. We truly appreciate your interest in joining the Service and the effort you put into your application.”

What this means is that candidates who see this message are not eligible to write the CDCFIB CBT exam and have not been shortlisted. To check shortlist status, applicants have to enter their National Identity Number and Phone Number and click Validate on the official portal recruitment.cdcfib.gov.ng. Successful candidates are able to Retrieve Examination Slip, which contains details of the CBT exam.

Meanwhile, there are already unverified circulating rumors alleging that only about 90,000 have been shortlisted for the CDCFIB CBT exams out of 1,914,349 applications. Only 30,150 candidates will be recruited.

Attached below is screenshot proof.

ADUSTECH Wudil launches directorate of career services with TETFund support

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Aliko Dangote University of Science and Technology, Wudil (ADUSTECH), through the support of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), officially launched the Directorate of Career Services on October 29, 2025. The event marked a major step in the university’s mission to prepare students for professional success and entrepreneurial development after graduation.

The launch ceremony, held at the university campus, was attended by the Vice Chancellor, Professor Musa Tukur Yakasai, principal officers, staff, student representatives, and notable organizations, including the Muslim Students’ Society of Nigeria (MSSN, ADUSTECH Branch).

According to the management, the establishment of the Directorate of Career Services is a strategic effort to bridge the gap between academic training and career readiness. The new directorate is designed to equip students with practical skills, relevant knowledge, and the right mindset needed to succeed in the competitive job market.

During the sensitization programme, discussions focused on key areas such as employability, skill acquisition, entrepreneurship, mentorship, and the importance of practical experience through internships and industry collaboration. The programme also highlighted the value of innovation, career planning, and aligning academic learning with real-world industry demands.

Speaking at the event, the Vice Chancellor, Professor Musa Tukur Yakasai, explained that the new Directorate would serve as a “bridge between academic excellence and industry relevance.” He emphasized that the initiative would help students identify suitable career paths, strengthen their competencies, and connect with potential employers and mentors.

The creation of the Directorate of Career Services is part of a national initiative mandated by the Federal Executive Council (FEC) through the National Universities Commission (NUC) and implemented by TETFund across Nigerian universities. The initiative seeks to promote employability, youth empowerment, and innovation by establishing structured career support systems within higher education institutions.

This policy reflects the federal government’s ongoing commitment to tackling graduate unemployment and underemployment. It aims to ensure that every Nigerian graduate possesses the professional and entrepreneurial skills required to either create jobs or secure meaningful employment in various sectors of the economy.

Several topics were discussed during the event, including building employability and transferable skills, navigating career choices, the importance of mentorship and networking, and promoting self-reliance in today’s dynamic economy.

Students who attended the event expressed excitement about the launch, describing it as a timely and transformative initiative. Representatives of student associations, including the MSSN ADUSTECH Branch, commended the university management for its proactive approach and dedication to student development.

The Directorate of Career Services at ADUSTECH is expected to offer a wide range of student-focused programs and activities in key areas such as Career Guidance, Job Opportunities, Workshops and Seminars, and other Special Features.

The launch marks a new era of empowerment and employability for students of ADUSTECH, Wudil. Through structured guidance, mentorship, and exposure to real-world experiences, the university aims to produce graduates who are innovative, skilled, and ready to contribute meaningfully to national development.

FG begins disbursement of tertiary institution staff support fund (TISSF)

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The Federal Ministry of Education has announced the start of disbursement under the Tertiary Institution Staff Support Fund (TISSF), a major initiative by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu under the Renewed Hope Agenda. The programme aims to enhance staff welfare, improve institutional productivity, and promote innovation across Nigeria’s tertiary education sector.

Launched in August 2025 after a high-level stakeholders’ meeting held in July, the TISSF has moved from planning to full implementation. According to the Ministry, over 9,000 tertiary institution staff have received disbursements in the first year. This figure represents 28 percent of the 33,000 verified applicants from 219 Federal and State tertiary institutions across the country.

The Ministry explained that the first phase of implementation reflects a 30:70 ratio between academic and non-academic staff, showing the government’s commitment to inclusiveness and fairness in the education workforce.

Speaking on the milestone, the Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa (FAMedS), CON, praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his leadership and dedication to education reform. He said, “The President is delivering for our tertiary institutions for welfare, for productivity, and for the future. Within just four months, payments have started going out. This is a President that delivers, and the Ministry of Education is profoundly grateful for his continuous support and commitment to staff welfare.”

The TISSF is part of the Federal Government’s Nigerian Education Sector Renewal Initiative (NESRI), which focuses on strengthening the education system through welfare, training, and institutional development. The fund is designed to boost staff morale and performance while positioning tertiary institutions as centres of innovation and knowledge creation.

Through zero-interest concessionary loans and welfare packages, the TISSF offers staff access to up to 10 million naira to improve their living standards and work productivity. The support covers key areas such as housing, education, healthcare, mobility, and small business development.

Dr. Alausa stated, “This Fund is not merely about disbursement; it is about restoring dignity, rewarding dedication, and rebuilding the foundation of our knowledge economy.”

The Ministry reaffirmed its commitment to transparency, quarterly financial reporting, and regular engagement with participating institutions to ensure accountability and sustainability of the initiative.

NCDC to support homegrown SMEs driving growth in North Central

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The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the North Central Development Commission (NCDC), Dr. Cyril Yiltsen Tsenyil, has continued his strategic engagement with private sector players in the North Central Zone with a working visit to Naruda Integrated Ltd, a tea manufacturing company located in Jos, Plateau State.

Naruda Integrated Ltd is fully owned and managed by young entrepreneurs from Plateau State. The company has emerged as one of the key manufacturing enterprises contributing to local value addition, job creation, and economic empowerment in the region.

During the visit, Dr. Tsenyil assessed the company’s operations, identified its challenges, and explored possible areas of collaboration aimed at improving productivity and scaling production. He was received by the Managing Director, Ruby Petkwap Sallah, and the Director of Marketing, Brendan Sallah, who conducted him through the factory. They briefed him on the production process, sourcing of raw materials, market reach, and future expansion plans.

Dr. Tsenyil commended the company’s founders for their innovation, resilience, and commitment to driving industrial growth within Plateau State. He noted that the North Central Development Commission is determined to support homegrown enterprises that show the potential to contribute to sustainable development and inclusive growth.

He explained that the visit is part of a wider NCDC initiative to identify and support viable small and medium-scale enterprises across the North Central region. The goal, he said, is to integrate them into the Commission’s empowerment, industrialization, and regional economic development programmes.

In her remarks, Ruby Petkwap Sallah expressed appreciation for the NCDC’s visit, describing it as a strong morale boost to the company and its young workforce. She emphasized the need for better access to equipment finance, regulatory support, and market linkages to help expand production capacity and reach.

Jigawa approves N344 million for elderly care programme

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Jigawa State Governor, Malam Umar Namadi, has approved the release of over ₦344 million for the implementation of the Elderly Care Programme aimed at improving the welfare of senior citizens across the state.

The governor made this announcement on Thursday while launching the Jigawa State Old Age Social Protection Scheme at the Dutse Local Government Secretariat. He said the initiative is designed to provide monthly cash transfers, free healthcare services, and psychosocial support to promote the well-being and dignity of older persons in the state.

Namadi explained that the programme represents the completion of Jigawa’s life-cycle approach to social protection, complementing existing interventions that target pregnant and lactating mothers, as well as children under five years old.

“The life-cycle framework ensures that no segment of society is left behind. It promotes dignity, equity, and access to essential services for all, especially the vulnerable and disadvantaged members of our communities,” the governor stated.

Under the first phase of the scheme, each of the 287 political wards in the state will have 20 beneficiaries, totaling 5,740 elderly persons. Namadi said the Jigawa State Rehabilitation Board will oversee the cash transfer component, while the Jigawa State Contributory Health Insurance Management Agency (JICHMA) will manage the free healthcare services.

He further noted that the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development will coordinate long-term care, including home visits, counselling, and psychosocial support to promote healthy and active ageing among beneficiaries.

This initiative is part of the government’s wider commitment to social welfare, healthcare support, and poverty reduction in Jigawa State.

ITF seeks Gombe partnership to expand skill-up artisans program (SUPA)

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The Director-General and Chief Executive Officer of the Industrial Training Fund (ITF), Dr. Afiz Oluwatoyin Ogun, on Thursday, October 30, 2025, paid a courtesy visit to the Gombe State Government as part of his continuous efforts to promote the Fund’s flagship initiative, the Skill-Up Artisans Program (SUPA).

Represented by the Zonal Director of the North-East Zonal Office, Mr. Stephen Ivarave, the ITF DG emphasized the importance of skill development for artisans in Nigeria. He called on the Gombe State Government to collaborate with the Industrial Training Fund in order to train and certify local artisans, giving them opportunities to compete both locally and internationally.

Mr. Ivarave stated, “Currently, the Skill-Up Artisans Program is being implemented across 61 centers in the State. We want to ensure that artisans in Gombe have access to proper training, modern tools, and global-standard skills.”

Responding on behalf of the Gombe State Government, the Secretary to the State Government, Professor Ibrahim Abubakar Njodi, commended the Industrial Training Fund for choosing Gombe as the host for its North-East Zonal Office. He assured that the State Government is ready to partner with the ITF to empower citizens through skill acquisition programs that will boost employment and productivity.

“The Gombe State Government appreciates this partnership initiative and is fully prepared to work with the ITF in training our youths and artisans for improved productivity,” Prof. Njodi said.

During the visit, the SSG presented the Gombe State 2021–2030 Development Plan and the 3rd Year Scorecard and Progress Report (May 29, 2019 – May 29, 2022) of Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya to the ITF delegation.

The Zonal Director was accompanied by the Zonal Training Coordinator, Mallam Inuwa Samaila, the Gombe Area Manager, Abdulrahman Atta, and other top management staff.

Adamawa, UNDP empower 2500 households with N300,000 grants each

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The Adamawa State Government, in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), has distributed cash grants, vocational kits, and fish farming inputs to residents of Madagali Local Government Area as part of its efforts to support communities affected by insurgency.

The event, held at Gulak Stadium, was aimed at strengthening livelihoods and promoting economic recovery in the region. Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, who flagged off the exercise, said that empowering 2,500 households translates to lifting over 10,000 people out of poverty.

He commended UNDP for its continuous support in post-conflict recovery and appealed for the expansion of the empowerment programme to other affected areas, including Michika, Mubi North, Mubi South, Maiha, Gombi, and Hong. The Governor urged the beneficiaries to make effective use of the grants and materials to improve their living standards.

In her remarks, the Permanent Secretary and Executive Secretary of Adamawa State Emergency Management Agency (ADSEMA), Dr. Celine Laori, praised Governor Fintiri for his leadership and partnership with development agencies. She explained that under the new phase of the project, 1,500 households received business grants of 300,000 naira each, while 500 beneficiaries received vocational kits and 250 others got fish farming inputs. Dr. Laori added that monitoring teams have been set up to ensure proper use of the support provided.

Speaking during the event, the Ptil Madagali, His Royal Majesty Dr. Ali Danburam, and the Chairman of Madagali Local Government, Simon Musa, expressed appreciation to the state government and UNDP for their timely intervention. They noted that the initiative would go a long way in helping beneficiaries recover economically and contribute to the growth of the community.

A beneficiary, Mary Auta, who spoke on behalf of others, described the gesture as a dream come true. She thanked the Adamawa State Government and UNDP for their support, saying it came at the right time and promised to make good use of the assistance provided.