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Zamfara scholarship releases 2025/2026 bua shortlist, interview schedule

The Zamfara State Scholarship Board, ZSSB, has released the shortlist for the 2025/2026 BUA Scholarship. According to the announcement, the interview will take place on Tuesday, 4th November 2025, at 10:00am. The venue is the Zamfara State Scholarship Board, Commissioner’s Quarter, Sokoto by-pass, Gusau, Zamfara State.

Shortlisted candidates are advised to come with their admission letter, LGA indigene certificate, evidence of school fees, and two passport photographs. The notice was signed by Ahmed Haruna, DPRS, Zamfara State Scholarship Board.

Attached below is the list of shortlisted candidates:

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Nigeria, UNIDACO sign €100M clean energy deal in London

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The Energy Commission of Nigeria (ECN), led by its Director-General, Dr. Abdullahi Mustapha, has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with UNIDACO Limited, London, for an initial €100 million investment to boost Nigeria’s energy sector.

The agreement was signed at the House of Lords, London, during the Renewed Hope Global Dialogue (UK Edition), a platform promoting international collaboration under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

In a statement issued in Abuja, Dr. Mustapha described the MoU as a “major milestone in advancing Nigeria’s clean energy transition,” highlighting that the partnership would enhance Nigeria’s ability to harness renewable energy and improve access to sustainable power solutions.

“This partnership underscores our commitment to expanding renewable energy access, driving innovation, and strengthening Nigeria’s capacity to harness clean technologies,” Dr. Mustapha said. “It also aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, particularly on sustainable energy solutions as a catalyst for economic growth and development.”

The MoU signing was witnessed by prominent dignitaries, investors, and industry leaders from Nigeria and other countries.

Dr. Mustapha further noted that the collaboration represents a significant stride toward deepening global partnerships aimed at accelerating Nigeria’s energy transformation. He reaffirmed ECN’s commitment to building an inclusive, energy-secure, and prosperous nation driven by innovation and international cooperation.

Lagos approves recruitment of 1400 environmental officers

Lagos State has approved the recruitment of 1,400 new officers into the Lagos State Environmental Sanitation Corps (LAGESC/KAI). This decision was announced by the Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, through a post on X. He stated that Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and the State Executive Council gave their approval to strengthen enforcement and support ongoing efforts to keep Lagos clean and organized.

According to Wahab, “The new recruits will boost our capacity to monitor compliance with environmental laws, prevent indiscriminate dumping of waste, discourage street trading in restricted areas, and ensure proper waste management practices in every part of the state.”

He emphasized that the move aligns with the government’s vision for a healthier and safer environment. “With this expansion, we are reinforcing our commitment to a #CleanerLagos and a #GreaterLagos that prioritizes public health, safety, and environmental sustainability,” Wahab added.

YABATECH, IDEAS-TVET launch NYESAF to train youths in vocational skills

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Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH) in partnership with the Innovation Development and Effectiveness in the Acquisition of Skills (IDEAS)-TVET Initiative has officially flagged off the Nigerian Youth Employment through Skills Acquisition Fund (NYESAF) at the Yusuf Grillo Auditorium of the College.

The programme, supported by the World Bank and the Federal Ministry of Education, aims to equip Nigerian youths with practical and sustainable vocational skills that will enhance their employability and self-reliance. It is one of several government-backed efforts to strengthen the country’s Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) ecosystem.

Speaking at the event, the National Project Coordinator of the IDEAS Project Office, Blessing Ogwu, represented by the Programme Officer, Blessing Asemota, commended YABATECH for hosting the flag-off, describing the College as a “strategic partner in the mission to build a skilled and innovative Nigerian workforce.”

Ogwu explained that the current cohort of trainees will receive intensive hands-on training in digital and technical fields, including cell phone repairs and automobile mechanics, under the supervision of accredited training service providers.

“This marks a pivotal step in our national effort to empower Nigerian youth with the skills, knowledge, and opportunities they need to thrive in a fast-evolving world,” the Coordinator stated, adding, “Through this initiative, we reaffirm our resolve to tackle unemployment, foster innovation, and promote inclusive development across our great nation.”

She further revealed that each beneficiary would receive a stipend of N22,500 per month, alongside starter kits to facilitate learning and practice both at the training centres and at home. “This package will help participants build competence even outside the classroom and encourage them to use their free time productively,” she added.

In his remarks, the Rector of Yaba College of Technology, Engr. Ibraheem Abdul, lauded the collaboration between the College, the Ministry of Education, and the World Bank, noting that the project aligns perfectly with YABATECH’s long-standing commitment to practical skill development and technological innovation.

Dr. Abdul congratulated the trainees and urged them to embrace the opportunity with discipline, focus, and creativity.

Also speaking, a representative of one of the training providers, Engr. Best Nnodim of Richy-B Option Nigeria Limited, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to be part of the initiative.

Nnodim disclosed that their centre would train 70 youths in the auto-mechanics trade over a six-month period, with emphasis on discipline, innovation, and quality service delivery.

He said, “We are proud to serve as a training service provider under this noble initiative. Our goal is to ensure that participants acquire not just technical skills, but also the mind-set of excellence that will make them dependable professionals and job creators.”

The programme is expected to empower hundreds of Nigerian youths with employable skills, helping to reduce unemployment and stimulate economic growth through vocational entrepreneurship.

Addressing the gathering in a welcome note, the Training Programme Manager (TPM), Dr. Funmilayo Doherty, described the ceremony as “a significant milestone in Nigeria’s commitment to youth empowerment through practical and innovative technical education.”

Doherty explained that the IDEAS Project grant was awarded to YABATECH’s Centre for Research Support and Grants Management (CRSGM) in recognition of the College’s track record in promoting excellence in TVET.

According to her, 100 youths from Lagos State, aged between 15 and 35, have been selected for specialised training in computer and GSM repair, combining three months of intensive practical sessions and three months of supervised internship to ensure industry readiness.

She further disclosed that the trainees would also receive entrepreneurship and life skills training to boost their employability and adaptability in the world of work.

Upon completion, each participant will undertake a competency-based assessment leading to the award of a National Skills Qualification (NSQ) Level 2 Certificate from the National Business and Technical Examinations Board (NABTEB).

Doherty added that participants would receive transport stipends throughout the training and, upon graduation, be provided with startup toolkits to begin their entrepreneurial journey.

“This initiative,” she emphasised, “demonstrates a shared commitment to human capital development. By equipping our youth with market-relevant skills, we are not only addressing unemployment but also fostering innovation and productivity that will drive Nigeria’s future.”

NEYIF opens 2025 free extramural lessons for child education support

North Youth Initiative for Development (NEYIF) has announced the opening of its 2025 Girl-Child Education Support program aimed at empowering less privileged girls through education. The initiative, titled “NEYIF Girl-Child Education Support 2025,” offers free extramural lessons for young female students who have dreams of pursuing careers in healthcare and other academic fields.

According to the organizers, “Are you a young girl with big dreams but limited means? Are you dreaming of becoming a healthcare personnel but have no means? This is your chance to rise, learn, and lead!” The program provides free academic lessons for girls passionate about education but unable to afford quality tutoring.

To qualify, applicants must be female, indigent or resident in Damaturu, have at least five credits including Mathematics and English, and be ambitious to study Nursing, Medicine, or related fields such as Medical Laboratory Science. Candidates must also be of good character, disciplined, have parental or guardian consent, and be willing to attend all sessions.

The six-month program will run from November 4, 2025, to April 2026, on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm. The venue will be announced soon.

NEYIF stated that participants will benefit from a strong academic foundation, JAMB and admission support, financial and scholarship opportunities, as well as career and moral mentorship. Applications are open until November 1, 2025, via forms.gle/TqgnxrjHmNHMNeyo7.

NASENI announces green innovation ZeCo initiative to launch in 2026

The Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), Khalil Suleiman Halilu, has said that Nigeria is being positioned as a driving force for global sustainability and innovation.

Halilu made this known while delivering a keynote address titled “Nigeria at the Heart of Global Sustainability” at the 2025 World Association of Young Scientists (WAYS) conference held in Wenzhou City, Zhejiang Province, China, on October 26, 2025.

He emphasized that the collaboration between government and the private sector is becoming stronger, leading to practical outcomes that support national growth. “The bridge between government and private sector is becoming stronger, turning policy into practical outcomes. This is what progress looks like: policy meets innovation, innovation meets people, and people meet opportunity,” he said.

Halilu highlighted Nigeria’s rising leadership in clean technology, renewable energy, and green manufacturing, driven by the creativity and innovation of young Nigerians. He noted that the country’s youth are becoming a central force in the nation’s sustainability agenda and global competitiveness. “Young Nigerians, your ideas, your energy, and your innovation have a place at the global table. The world is watching what we build next. Let us move together,” he stated.

He reaffirmed NASENI’s commitment to technology domestication, stressing the importance of adapting global innovations to suit local realities. “It is not enough to import technology. We must adapt it. Domestication is how we make global innovation work for us in Nigeria,” he explained.

Halilu also announced an upcoming initiative known as ZeCo by NASENI, set to launch in 2026, focusing on clean mobility, renewable energy systems, and sustainable manufacturing. The initiative aims to make Nigeria a hub for green innovation and circular economy solutions.

“Nigeria’s journey to Net Zero is not just a national agenda. It is a global invitation to collaborate, to co-create, and to build a future that works for everyone,” he said. As the first African on the WAYS board, Halilu represents a new generation of Nigerian innovators leading Africa’s contribution to global sustainability.

Gov Eno’s projects Win praise from Abak, Etim Ekpo residents

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Residents of Abak and Etim Ekpo Local Government Areas have expressed satisfaction with the developmental efforts of Governor Umo Eno, commending his administration for extending life-changing projects to their communities. They described the governor’s leadership as people-focused, transparent, and responsive to grassroots needs.

Their commendation followed the launch of the ARISE Project Tracking Series by the Akwa Ibom State Ministry of Information on Tuesday. The initiative is designed to evaluate the progress, quality, and impact of government projects across the state.

The inspection exercise, which began in Abak, was led by the Commissioner for Information, Rt. Hon. Aniekan Umanah. He was accompanied by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Akparawa James Edet; the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Women Affairs, Mrs. Margaret Edem; and several Directors from the Information Ministry, including the Director of Documentation and Archives, Mrs. Eunice Egharevba, as well as project engineers from the Ministry of Works.

At the Abak Local Government Council Secretariat, the inspection team was received by the Executive Chairman, Hon. (Mrs.) Ime Effiong Charles. She praised the governor’s initiative, describing the project tracking series as “a welcome step that reinforces transparency and ensures value for every project executed across the state.”

The inspection team visited several key project sites in Abak. Among them was the Mega Oil Palm Processing Plant and Storage House at Ikot Akwa Ebom, Ediene Clan. The facility, which is supported by the World Bank through the Nigeria for Women Project and facilitated by the Akwa Ibom State Government, is a fully equipped oil mill operated by women cooperatives. According to the State Coordinator of the programme, Barr. Mrs. Ofonime Etuknwa, the plant features automated heating, pressing, and fiber-separating systems managed by trained women.

She expressed appreciation to Governor Umo Eno for facilitating the project, noting that similar modern plants have been established across all the 11 wards in Abak.

Some of the beneficiaries, including Mrs. Enobong Uduak Bassey and Mrs. Emem Michael Jimmy, also commended the governor for his commitment to women empowerment. Mrs. Jimmy said, “This project has changed our lives. We now make good money and support our families. The Governor is indeed a promise keeper.”

The inspection continued at the ongoing 8.6km Ediene Abak–Ikot Ekan Road handled by JP Sigma. The site manager assured that the project would be completed speedily after the rainy season. PDP Chapter Chairman, Hon. Akaninyene Ntia, applauded the governor for initiating the project and assured that the community would cooperate and protect contractor equipment.

Other major road projects visited in Abak included the completed 10.4km Pepsi Junction–Ukpom–Abak Road; the ongoing 18.9km Ibiakpan–Abiakpo Otoro–Abak Manta Road with spur; the 16km Ikot Ekang–Obio Obom–Ikot Ekpat–Abak Itienge–Uruk Ata Nsidung–Midim Ikot Edong Road with two bridges connecting Abak, Etim Ekpo, and Oruk Anam; and the 8.4km Ediene Abak–Ikot Ekan Road. Road users and community leaders at each site expressed happiness that the projects have improved transportation and boosted local trade.

At Abak–10 Manta Road, which covers more than 10 gazetted and seven ungazetted villages, a youth leader, Mr. Ndifreke Adiauko, said the road had been impassable for decades before the governor’s intervention. A cyclist, Pastor Aniedi Paul, described the project as “an answer to 30 years of prayer,” noting that over 17 villages have now regained access to economic and social life.

The team also visited the ARISE Compassionate Home at Nifor Road, Abak, one of six such homes built by Governor Eno to support the poorest citizens. A beneficiary, Mr. Sylvester Michael, a physically challenged father, expressed deep appreciation to the governor for the fully furnished home and a ₦500,000 business grant. He prayed that God would guide the governor to serve Akwa Ibom for eight years. Other beneficiaries included Madam Arit Ikpe Moses at Abak Itenge, Madam Theresa Joseph Udom at Oku Abak, Madam Akon Sunday at Ikot Akwa-Ebom, Madam Christiana Okon Isaac at Itung, and Madam Susana Akpan Johnson at Ibiakpan.

At Holy Child Convent Model Primary School, a Primary 6 pupil, Mary Imo Sunday, thanked the governor for rehabilitating the school, saying the project ended years of neglect. She prayed for his continued success.

The inspection team also visited the ongoing ARISE Primary Health Centre at Afaha Obong and several projects handled by the Abak Council Boss. These included the construction of the new Legislative Chambers complex within the Council Secretariat, featuring 15 offices, and the rehabilitation of the Maternity and Child Health Clinic in Abak Town. The Commissioner for Information commended the chairman’s efforts, recalling that he had personally contributed to the renovation years ago and was pleased to see the facility’s new look.

In Etim Ekpo Local Government Area, the team was received by the Council Chairman, Gideon Uwa, who praised the governor for transforming the area into what he called “a construction hub.” He listed projects such as the 16km Etim Ekpo–Essien Udim Road, the Model Health Centre at Utu Ikot Nkor, and several ongoing roads as proof of equitable development across the state.

The inspection continued with visits to the governor’s projects in Etim Ekpo, including the newly inaugurated Model Primary Health Centre at Utu Ikot Nkor. The council boss revealed that three unskilled residents were employed to handle security and beautification at the site. Other projects included the ongoing 16km Midim Atan Ikot Inyang–Ikot Akpan Ekpenyong–Etok Uruk Eshiet–Ikot Imonte Road with a 30m bridge; the 11.6km Internal Roads Phase 1; the 6.4km Utu Ikot Ekpo–Ika Road with spur; and the ongoing 2.1km internal access road at Obong University.

Residents, including Chief Monday Akpan and community youths, promised to protect contractors’ equipment and maintain peace at the sites. At the Etim Ekpo–Ika–Essien Udim Road handled by Nsik Engineering, Project Manager Engr. Johnny Ime confirmed the completion of 3km of drains and ongoing earthworks. He attributed delays to the weather but assured timely completion, adding that the governor has released funds for the project.

The inspection team also visited six ARISE Compassionate Homes across Etim Ekpo, where beneficiaries such as Madam Margaret Udoudo of Obong Ntak, Madam Eno Dan Luke of Uruk Ata Ikot Otok, and Madam Dinah Nkwo of Ikot Imonte expressed gratitude to the governor for transforming their lives and giving them hope.

Speaking at the end of the Day-One inspection, Commissioner Umanah said the ARISE Project Tracking Series reflects Governor Umo Eno’s commitment to transparency and accountability. He noted that the governor’s approach to development is built on verifiable impact and community inclusion.

“Governor Umo Eno has taken governance to every doorstep,” the Commissioner said. “His Excellency believes that every kobo spent must be accounted for, and that development must be visible, measurable, and felt by the people.”

He commended the cooperation of local government chairmen, contractors, and residents, assuring that the project tracking series will continue across all local government areas in line with the ARISE Agenda of the present administration.

University of Port Harcourt announces mop-up cbt for missed candidates

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The University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT) has announced a Mop-Up Examination for candidates who missed the earlier Recruitment Computer-Based Test (CBT). According to the management, “All candidates who missed the University of Port Harcourt Recruitment Computer-Based Test (CBT) are hereby informed that the Mop-Up Examination will hold on Friday, 31st October 2025.”

Candidates are advised to take advantage of this opportunity and report to their already scheduled venues for the exercise.

SAA, AGRA launch empowerment for 100,000 farmers in Kaduna, Niger

The Sasakawa Africa Association (SAA) has launched a three-year agricultural project aimed at supporting 100,000 small-scale farmers to boost the productivity and competitiveness of maize and soybean value chains in Kaduna and Niger states. The initiative, titled “Enhancing the Productivity and Competitiveness of Maize and Soybean Value Chains in Niger and Kaduna States,” is funded by the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA).

The project began with an inception meeting in Kaduna State that brought together partners, extension agents, farmers, and other key stakeholders from the two states. The meeting focused on strategies to increase crop productivity, strengthen market access, and improve the livelihoods of smallholder farmers through sustainable agricultural practices.

SAA Country Director, Dr. Godwin Atser, said the project targets a diverse group of beneficiaries, including 50 percent women, 40 percent youths, and five percent People With Disability (PWD). He explained that the aim is to boost food security and empower local farmers to become more competitive in the agricultural market.

“Over the years, we have increased productivity in crops like maize and soybean, but many interventions were not sustainable after project withdrawal. This time, we are adopting a market systems approach that involves the private sector so that farmers can access improved seeds, adopt better practices, and have guaranteed markets for their produce,” he said.

AGRA Programme Officer, Esther Ibrahim, noted that smallholder farmers in Nigeria continue to face significant challenges such as poor soil fertility, low-yielding seed varieties, limited access to finance, and weak supply chains. She said the project was designed to address these issues by strengthening extension and input systems, supporting certified seed multiplication and distribution, and enhancing farmers’ cooperatives for better market participation.

According to Ibrahim, the project aims to increase maize and soybean productivity by at least 35 percent while expanding the production and distribution of improved seeds. “Farmers have always been producing, but we are here to see how we can strengthen that and ensure they make more money from this venture, which is no longer just farming as usual but a business,” she said.

She added that the project is being implemented in close collaboration with the Kaduna State Ministry of Agriculture, the Kaduna Agricultural Development Agency (KADA), and other local institutions. “We are not working alone; we are working with Kaduna State. The Ministry of Agriculture is involved, KADA is involved, and we all plug in together. The states have a bigger picture of what we are doing, so whatever is the programme of Kaduna and Niger states, we work to ensure it is achieved,” she explained.

The Kaduna State Commissioner for Agriculture, Murtala Mohammed, represented by the Deputy Director in the ministry, Vasty Shamaki, said it was essential to enhance the productivity and competitiveness of Nigerian farmers to ensure sustainable benefits for both producers and consumers. He stressed that improving farmers’ output would not only raise their income but also have a positive effect on the broader economy.

Some farmers present at the event expressed optimism about the project. Muhammad Ali from Niger State said he hoped to gain knowledge on climate-smart agriculture to increase his productivity and add value to his produce. Idris Gambo, a farmer from Kaduna, said he looked forward to learning new farming techniques and sharing the knowledge with other local farmers.

The project is being co-implemented by AFEX, Premier Seeds, and Da All Green Seeds. It is expected to contribute significantly to Nigeria’s food security, agricultural growth, and sustainable rural development.

Lagos urges residents to join waste to wealth initiative

The Lagos State Government on Tuesday urged all residents to key into the State’s waste to wealth initiative as part of efforts to promote a circular economy. The initiative focuses on reducing the amount of waste that ends up at landfills, reusing materials, and recycling waste for a sustainable environment and cleaner Lagos.

The Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Tokunbo Wahab, made this known when he appeared on Arise Television, where he emphasized the government’s commitment to building a waste management culture across the state. He noted that the initiative aims to make every Lagos resident part of the movement toward better environmental sanitation and responsible waste disposal.

According to Wahab, officials of the state government are already moving across Lagos every Thursday for the “Trash for Cash” initiative, a project that allows residents to exchange their waste for money. He explained that, “We are already going across the State every Thursday either to give back cash to residents for waste or to pick up waste, and once the government scales it up, there would be a permanent point where residents would come to get a reasonable amount in exchange for their trash.”

Wahab said the government is determined to establish a sustainable waste management system and to build a circular economy where waste becomes a resource. He pointed out that once residents begin to receive cash for their trash, illegal waste disposal practices such as dumping refuse on roads, medians, canals, and open spaces will drastically reduce.

He explained that Lagos is moving away from the traditional linear waste system, commonly referred to as “pick and drop,” which is not environmentally friendly. The state is now promoting a model where waste is seen as a resource that can be converted into energy and other valuable materials.

The Commissioner said that in the past two years, the government has brought a new narrative to the forefront, encouraging Lagosians, Nigerians, and global stakeholders to partner with the state in transforming waste into useful products. According to him, “We are encouraging everyone to come to Lagos and collaborate with the government to convert waste into compost fertiliser or to recycle plastics.”

Wahab also urged investors and companies to take advantage of the emerging opportunities in the circular economy. “You can also come to Lagos and partner with the government to use waste to generate power (Waste to Energy) or use the state’s compostable waste to power your machines just like what LAFARGE is doing presently, and you can use the state’s electronic waste by recycling it to create something new,” he said.

He revealed that the Lagos State Government had signed a concession agreement with a company called Zoom Lion to convert 4,000 tons of daily waste into wealth. According to him, the agreement will ensure that 55 per cent of waste is turned into compost fertiliser and recyclables, while less than five per cent of the total waste generated will end up in landfills.

Wahab added that some landfills, including Olososun in Ikeja and Soluos 3 in Igando, are being decommissioned because they have exceeded their lifespan and the volume of waste that will reach the landfills is now significantly lower.

He emphasized that it is time for citizens to see waste beyond trash, describing it as an inexhaustible resource. He stated that waste separation should start from every household, explaining that when Lagosians begin to separate their waste at home, it will be easier for the government to scale up its waste management programs.

The Commissioner also noted that the state government had banned cart pushers and replaced their activities with the waste to wealth initiative to ensure a cleaner and safer Lagos. He said, “Everyone must embrace the bigger picture of Lagos, which is to make it a clean, safe, flood-free, and sustainable state.”

Speaking further, Wahab highlighted the positive impact of the ban on single-use plastics and Styrofoam products. He said data from flood monitoring revealed a drastic reduction in drainage clogging and flash flooding incidents caused by single-use plastics and Styrofoam. He added that this progress contributed to the government’s ability to host the E1 Speed Boat Race recently, showing improved waterway management.

The Commissioner also recalled that some buildings were recently demolished for blocking the Ikota River in Lekki and at Oworoshoki for urban regeneration. He noted that shops demolished at the Trade Fair complex were removed due to violations of state laws, particularly the failure to obtain building approval before commencing construction.

Addressing the recent incident involving a woman apprehended on Admiralty Way for cooking in a public space, Wahab maintained that the law applies equally to everyone. He said, “The law is no respecter of any person, and if indeed she was cooking to feed the underprivileged, she should operate within the confines of the law.”

He concluded by appealing to residents to support the government’s environmental agenda. According to him, “I would like to make a plea to Lagosians: The government is building a megacity that is environmentally-friendly, sustainable, and more resilient because it is a coastal state. As such, residents should ensure they manage their waste differently; do not dump waste illegally, do not build on canals or drainage alignments, and avoid building on wetlands and flood plain areas.”