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Ingawa Fellowship opens phase 2 scholarship for new university students

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Ingawa Fellowship opens phase 2 scholarship for new university students

The Ingawa Fellowship Forum (IFF), under the leadership of Engr. Mustapha Sama’ila Ingawa, the Senior Special Assistant on Media and Strategy to the Executive Governor of Katsina State, has announced the commencement of Phase II of its Sponsorship Program. The initiative, tagged “Initiative for Newly Admitted University Students,” aims to empower the youth of Ingawa Local Government Area through quality education and academic support.

According to the Forum, this new phase reinforces its long-standing commitment to fostering educational excellence, promoting merit, and supporting brilliant students across different academic disciplines.

The Forum stated that it has completed the modalities and selection criteria for the Ingawa Local Government Scholarship Scheme, which targets students who have secured admission into recognized tertiary institutions. The sponsorship covers programs with high employability potential and global relevance such as Medical Sciences including MBBS, Nursing, and Pharmacy. Other fields include all engineering disciplines, Environmental Sciences such as Architecture and Urban and Regional Planning, as well as Law, Accounting, Economics, Mass Communication, and Information Technology courses like Cyber Security and Computer Engineering. The Forum added that other relevant and marketable disciplines may also be considered.

Engr. Mustapha Sama’ila Ingawa reaffirmed the Forum’s dedication to academic growth and youth empowerment, emphasizing that the initiative reflects IFF’s mission to promote human capital development. He said the program is designed “to bridge the educational gaps, encourage excellence, and support the community’s overall progress.”

The Forum urged all prospective candidates to take part in the upcoming screening and nomination exercise. Details regarding registration and official procedures will be shared through the Ingawa Fellowship Forum’s verified communication channels.

Application forms are now open and can be accessed via this form Link. The Ingawa Fellowship Forum remains a non-political, non-profit platform driven by education, mentorship, and social development.

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Otuaro expands PAP scholarship to benefit more Niger Delta students

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Otuaro expands PAP scholarship to benefit more Niger Delta students

The Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), Dr. Dennis Otuaro, has reaffirmed his commitment to expanding the PAP scholarship scheme to benefit more indigent students and communities in the Niger Delta region.

Dr. Otuaro stated this during an interactive session in London on Saturday with beneficiaries of the PAP scholarship initiative studying in various universities across the United Kingdom. The engagement, organized at his instance, provided a platform for the PAP Office and scholarship students to discuss their welfare, academic challenges, and ways to improve the programme’s impact.

He explained that the expansion of the scholarship initiative was aimed at increasing formal education opportunities for less privileged students and building a strong manpower base in the Niger Delta. According to him, “We want the scholarship programme to impact more students and communities in the Niger Delta. That’s why we have expanded it and increased formal education opportunities.”

Dr. Otuaro revealed that while in-country scholarship deployment stood at 3,800 in the 2024/2025 academic year, the figure increased to 3,900 in the 2025/2026 session, with foreign scholarships now totaling about 200. He attributed the growth in the number of beneficiaries to the support of President Bola Tinubu and the Office of the National Security Adviser (NSA).

He said, “I know how much support His Excellency, President Bola Tinubu GCFR, gives to the Presidential Amnesty Programme. Mr President and the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, are very impressed with what we are doing. On your behalf, I would like to, once again, thank His Excellency and the NSA for giving you this life-changing opportunity.”

The PAP Administrator noted that both the President and the NSA have been greatly encouraged by the successes recorded under the programme, which aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the Federal Government. He added that their continued support had made it possible for more Niger Delta students to benefit from higher education within and outside Nigeria.

Dr. Otuaro urged the students to justify the Federal Government’s investment in their education by excelling in their studies and maintaining good conduct while abroad. He said, “We expect responsible and good behaviour from you. Government is investing heavily in you, and you have the obligation to justify the investment. Be agents of change and avoid acts of mischief while in the U.K.”

He further encouraged the students to see education as a vital tool for personal and community development. “The knowledge you are receiving in your institutions today is to enable you plan yourself and prepare for the future. Whatever knowledge you gain cannot be taken from you,” he said.

Dr. Otuaro emphasized that the PAP will continue to work towards expanding the scholarship scheme to reach more beneficiaries, strengthen peace, and promote human capital development across the Niger Delta region.

Yobe Govt recruits 948 primary school teachers

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Yobe Govt recruits 948 primary school teachers

The Yobe State Government has recruited 948 primary school teachers to strengthen the standard of primary education across the state.

The Executive Chairman of the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Alhaji Umaru Hassan Babayo, confirmed the development after a meeting with the Executive Governor of Yobe State, Hon. (Dr) Mai Mala Buni, CON, COMN.

Babayo explained that the recruitment was carried out to fill the manpower gaps that have affected the quality of learning in public primary schools. He said, “Most of those recruited were volunteer teachers who had been teaching in schools as volunteers without formal engagement by the state government.”

He further stated that the board is organizing workshops for the new teachers to help them acquire additional teaching skills that will enhance effective and efficient dissemination of knowledge to pupils.

The SUBEB chairman urged the new teachers to justify the government’s confidence in them, assuring that the board would strengthen its inspection activities to ensure productivity and value for government investment in education.

Governor Buni, in his remarks, commended the initiative and urged the board to ensure that only qualified individuals were selected. “The board should ensure training of the new teachers to have the best out of them,” he said.

He also reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting SUBEB to promote efficiency and productivity aimed at taking education in Yobe State to greater heights.

NBTE plans to replace HND with Bachelor of Technology degree

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NBTE plans to replace HND with Bachelor of Technology degree

The Executive Secretary of the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), Professor Idris Muhammad Bugaje, has revealed plans to phase out the Higher National Diploma (HND) in Nigeria and replace it with a Bachelor of Technology (B.Tech Honours) degree. This move, he explained, aims to address the long-standing discrimination against HND holders in employment and career progression.

Professor Bugaje described the existing disparity between HND and university degree holders as a “sign of underdevelopment,” stressing that Nigeria must change its perception and policies towards technical education if it hopes to achieve economic growth.

“What we are doing to HND holders in Nigeria is a sign that our system is not yet developed. There is a need to change that attitude and mindset,” Bugaje said.

He noted that in several countries, including South Africa and Ghana, holders of higher technical diplomas are more sought after by industries than traditional university graduates. According to him, “I worked in South Africa for one year, and before HND graduates even finish, industries come to recruit them. Meanwhile, BSc holders are left to look for jobs on their own. But in Nigeria, it’s the reverse.”

The NBTE boss explained that various attempts have been made to eliminate the HND-BSc dichotomy through legislation, but previous bills were never signed into law. He stated that under the new administration, the Board is proposing a complete reform that will allow polytechnics to award Bachelor of Technology (Honours) degrees instead of HNDs.

“Technical education should end with the National Diploma. After the ND, students can proceed to pursue a Bachelor of Technology Honours degree. Polytechnics should be empowered to award these degrees, which will focus on character, learning, and skills,” Bugaje said.

He added that Ghana implemented this model almost a decade ago, while South Africa has allowed both academic and technical degree paths to coexist for over 30 years. Bugaje emphasized that Nigeria should adopt a similar structure that reflects global best practices.

“There is already a bill being sponsored by the Speaker of the House of Representatives to amend the Polytechnic Act,” he said. “This amendment will allow polytechnics to offer Bachelor of Technology Honours degrees instead of HNDs. However, these degrees will differ from traditional university degrees because at least 70 percent of their content will be hands-on, focusing heavily on practical and industrial skills.”

The NBTE chief expressed confidence that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, whom he described as passionate about Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), would support the proposed reforms.

“We are pushing it from our end, and we hope the National Assembly will fast-track it so that this issue becomes a thing of the past,” he concluded.

Dangote Refinery to expand capacity to 1.4 million barrels daily

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Dangote Refinery to expand capacity to 1.4 million barrels daily

The Dangote Petroleum Refinery has announced plans to expand its refining capacity from 650,000 barrels per day (bpd) to 1.4 million bpd, positioning it as the largest refinery in the world upon completion.

President of Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, disclosed this during a press briefing in Lagos on Sunday. He said the expansion work would commence immediately and would place the facility ahead of India’s Jamnagar Refinery, which currently holds the record as the world’s largest.

“We are expanding the Dangote Petroleum Refinery from 650,000 barrels per day to 1.4 million barrels per day. Upon completion, this will make it the largest refinery in the world, surpassing the Jamnagar Refinery in India,” Dangote said.

According to him, the expansion project will create about 65,000 jobs, with 85 percent of the positions reserved for Nigerians. He also stated that the refinery would upgrade its output to Euro VI fuel standards, in line with the highest global environmental benchmarks.

“With this expansion, the refinery transitions from producing Euro V to Euro VI fuel standards, meeting the highest global environmental benchmarks,” he noted.

Dangote further revealed that power generation at the facility will increase from 500 megawatts to 1,000 megawatts as part of the new project. He also announced plans to list the refinery on the Nigerian Stock Exchange by 2026, allowing Nigerians to become shareholders.

He expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu for his continuous support of the refinery project and confirmed that the expansion is expected to be completed within three years.

“The expansion is expected to be completed in three years,” he said.

Ingawa fellowship forum opens merit scholarship for first class STEM students

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Ingawa fellowship forum opens merit scholarship for first class STEM students

The Ingawa Fellowship Forum (IFF) has announced the commencement of the Phase I Merit Scholarship Program aimed at empowering youths of Ingawa Local Government Area through quality education and academic support. The program, led by Engr. Mustapha Sama’ila Ingawa (M.S. Ingawa), Senior Special Assistant on Media and Strategy to the Executive Governor of Katsina State, is designed to reward excellence and promote higher learning among young scholars.

According to Engr. Mustapha Sama’ila Ingawa, the initiative reflects IFF’s dedication to fostering educational excellence and investing in human capital. He stated that “the program is part of IFF’s broader vision to bridge educational gaps, reward excellence, and support sustainable community progress.”

The annual scholarship recognizes outstanding indigene students of Ingawa Local Government Area studying Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) courses in any accredited Nigerian university, with a Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of 4.50 and above. It promotes merit, innovation, and youth empowerment across academic fields.

IFF also introduced a Special Scholarship Award to honor the most outstanding student from Ingawa Local Government with the highest CGPA from any recognized university. This award celebrates academic brilliance in science and technology, reflecting the Forum’s focus on innovation and capacity building.

Successful candidates will receive an annual scholarship grant of N100,000, official fellowship status, a certificate of excellence, a structured mentorship program, and possibly a laptop depending on final agreements with partners.

Engr. Ingawa reaffirmed the Forum’s commitment to supporting education and youth development, adding that the program aims to nurture future leaders and drive progress within the community.

The Forum urges all qualified candidates and stakeholders to participate in the upcoming screening and nomination exercise. Official registration details will be shared through verified IFF communication channels.

Qualified candidates are invited to apply through the official Link.

The Ingawa Fellowship Forum is a non-political, non-profit platform of intellectuals, professionals, and community leaders dedicated to education, mentorship, leadership, and social advancement in Ingawa Local Government Area.

Power Afric energy innovation academy begins Katsina TVET recruitment

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Power Afric energy innovation academy begins Katsina TVET recruitment

Power Afric Energy Innovation Academy has announced job openings for its Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) program in Katsina. The academy stated, “We are hiring qualified and passionate individuals to join our team.”

Available instructor roles include Solar PV Installations, Electrical Installations and Maintenance, Air-Conditioning and Refrigeration, and Networking and System Security Installations. Non-training positions are also open for Administrative Secretary, Trainee Management Coordinators (Women only), Internal Quality Assurer (IQA), Quality Assurance Assessor, and Cleaners.

Interested applicants are to send their CV and Cover Letter to jobs.powerafricacademy@gmail.com before the 31st of October, 2025.

NAFEST 2025 Enugu opens call for vendors, performers, and volunteers

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NAFEST 2025 Enugu opens call for vendors, performers, and volunteers

The National Council for Arts and Culture has announced that NAFEST 2025 will be hosted in Enugu under the theme “Your Chance to Shine.” The council is inviting young Nigerians to participate as vendors, volunteers, and performers.

According to the National Council for Arts and Culture, “This is an opportunity to showcase your unique products, gain experience, and share your talent with the world.”

Interested individuals can book stalls at the Crafts Market or apply as ushers through the call for student volunteers. For participation details, contact +2348023103360, +2348060677457, or +2348030984484. Slots are filling up fast on a first-come, first-served basis.

TREXM Chemicals opens graduate trainee programme 2026

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TREXM Chemicals opens graduate trainee programme 2026

TREXM Chemicals has announced the opening of its Graduate Trainee Programme 2026, designed to equip young professionals with practical industry experience beyond classroom knowledge. The company described the program as “a launchpad where classroom curiosity meets practical skills,” emphasizing that it allows participants to “learn by doing, not just observing.”

According to TREXM Chemicals, the initiative aims to nurture future leaders in engineering, management, and science fields by providing real-world exposure in the oil and gas and chemical industries.

Eligible applicants must hold a Bachelor’s degree from a recognized university with a minimum of First Class in Engineering, Chemical, Petroleum, Geology, or other related STEM, Social, and Management Science disciplines. Candidates must have completed the National Youth Service Corps with a valid certificate or exemption letter and should possess between 0-2 years of post-graduation experience.

Applicants must not be older than 25 years by December 31, 2025. Successful candidates may be posted to Lagos, Warri, or Port Harcourt. Applications are open via this Link.

Access Holdings reports N2.5trn earnings in H1 2025

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Access Holdings reports N2.5trn earnings in H1 2025

Access Holdings Plc has recorded a strong financial performance in the first half of 2025, achieving gross earnings of N2.5 trillion, a development that has been well received by shareholders who have expressed renewed confidence in the financial services provider. The company’s latest half-year audited results for the period ended June 30, 2025, showed that its earnings grew by 13.8 per cent year-on-year from the N2.2 trillion recorded in the same period of 2024.

According to the report, this performance was largely driven by a strong increase in interest income, which rose by 38.9 per cent year-on-year to N2.0 trillion from N1.5 trillion in the first half of 2024. Net interest income also grew sharply by 91.8 per cent to N984.6 billion, up from N513.4 billion in the previous year. The growth reflects the company’s ability to optimize its interest-earning assets and strengthen its lending portfolio despite economic challenges.

The group also reported an improvement in net fees and commission income, which increased by 16.1 per cent to N237.7 billion from N204.7 billion in the same period last year. Profit before tax (PBT) and profit after tax (PAT) stood at N320.6 billion and N215.9 billion, respectively. “This result underscores the strength and resilience of our business model in the markets we operate in,” the company said in its statement.

Key financial indicators remained strong, with total assets closing at N42.4 trillion, customer deposits at N22.9 trillion, loans and advances at N13.2 trillion, and shareholders’ equity at N3.8 trillion. Access Holdings noted that its performance reflects the diversification of its revenue streams and steady progress in executing its five-year strategic growth plan.

The banking segment of the group continued to perform strongly, as interest income rose by 38.7 per cent year-on-year to N2.0 trillion from N1.5 trillion in 2024. Net interest income expanded by 85 per cent to N992.7 billion from N536.7 billion, while fee and commission income increased by 27 per cent to N294.9 billion from N232.5 billion. Profit before tax (PBT) and profit after tax (PAT) for the banking segment closed at N303.0 billion and N199.3 billion, respectively.

The non-banking subsidiaries of Access Holdings also maintained strong growth momentum. Access-ARM Pensions reported a 29.9 per cent rise in revenue to N21.0 billion and a 65.1 per cent surge in profit before tax to N13.1 billion. The subsidiary achieved a return on average equity (ROAE) of 48.1 per cent, a cost-to-income ratio of 35.1 per cent, and a profit-before-tax margin of 62.5 per cent, demonstrating operational efficiency and profitability.

Hydrogen Payments, another subsidiary, recorded a 40.5 per cent increase in top-line revenue compared to the same period in 2024. Profit before tax grew by an impressive 273 per cent year-on-year, while the total transaction value processed rose by 211 per cent to N41.1 trillion from N13.8 trillion.

Access Insurance Brokers sustained strong performance, with a 125 per cent increase in gross written premium, a 146 per cent growth in revenue, and a 161 per cent rise in profit before tax. Oxygen X, the group’s digital lending arm launched in the third quarter of 2024, also continued its positive trajectory, generating N5.4 billion in revenue and N2.2 billion in profit before tax in the first half of 2025.

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