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FG inaugurates €40m EYEPINN for Northwest education, empowerment

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FG inaugurates €40m EYEPINN for Northwest education, empowerment

The Federal Government has inaugurated the Education and Youth Empowerment Programme in Northwest Nigeria (EYEPINN) National Programme Steering Committee (NPSC) to provide strategic direction, policy guidance, and oversight for the €40 million EU-supported initiative aimed at transforming education and empowering youth in the Northwest region.

The programme, which is being implemented in Jigawa, Kano, and Sokoto States, seeks to reduce the number of out-of-school children, enhance teacher development, and promote youth skills acquisition to support human capital growth in the region.

The committee is chaired by the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, and co-chaired by the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu. It will meet annually to provide strategic direction, while the EU Technical Assistance Team (EU-TAT) will serve as its secretariat. Quarterly technical meetings are also planned to ensure close monitoring, transparency, and accountability in project delivery.

Speaking at the inauguration in Abuja, the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Education, Mr. Abel Olumuyiwa Enitan, represented by Dr. Ejeh Usman, described EYEPINN as a flagship initiative under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring equitable access to quality education and youth empowerment across Nigeria.

He stated that the NPSC will coordinate multi-sectoral efforts to improve foundational learning, digital literacy, teacher development, and youth skills training in line with global education standards.

“The EYEPINN project represents one of the most strategic interventions aimed at addressing the persistent challenges of out-of-school children, teacher capacity development, safe learning environments, and youth skills acquisition in Nigeria’s Northwest,” he said.

He added that the EU’s continued support through initiatives such as EYEPINN and the Expand, Integrate and Strengthen Systems (EISS) project reflects a shared commitment to empowering young people and ensuring that every child—regardless of background or gender—has access to quality education.

Highlighting the committee’s oversight role, Enitan said, “The committee is not only a platform for accountability but also a forum for strategic dialogue to ensure that all partners’ efforts are coherent and impactful. The success of EYEPINN depends on strong collaboration among federal, state, and local governments and our international partners. Every Euro invested must translate into measurable outcomes—better learning, empowered teachers, safer schools, and a resilient education system that leaves no child behind.”

Mr. Benjamin Nyanza Galadima, representing the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, noted that the €40 million funding “reflects a shared commitment by the Federal Government and the European Union to human capital development.” He said the programme aligns with Nigeria’s National Development Plan (2021–2025) and the EU’s Global Gateway Strategy aimed at promoting inclusive growth and sustainable development.

The EU Programme Manager, Ms. Kate Kanebi, explained that the ₦69.9 billion initiative will promote safe learning spaces, vocational education, and inclusive opportunities for girls and marginalized groups in the Northwest.

Team Leader for Human Development at the EU Delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Leila Mathieu, described EYEPINN as the EU Delegation’s first standalone education project in Nigeria. “This is the EU Delegation to Nigeria’s first project solely focused on education—our flagship project,” she said. “We wanted it designed in alignment with the Ministry of Education to serve the real needs of the Nigerian people.”

Mathieu revealed that under the EU’s 2021–2027 partnership framework, about €800 million has been committed to Nigeria through national programmes, alongside hundreds of millions more from regional programme windows. She said the €40 million EYEPINN project, funded through UNICEF, Plan International, DIME, and technical assistance to the Ministry of Education, focuses on improving basic education—especially for out-of-school children and nomadic learners—through partnerships with Quranic schools.

UNICEF’s Chief of Education, Vanessa Lee, said the project is timely and comes at a crucial stage in Nigeria’s education reform journey. “It will support both Federal and State Ministries of Education, as well as UBEC and SUBEBs, in transforming the education system,” she said.

“We remain committed to ensuring every child learns by supporting digital data systems, education financing, integrated Quranic learning centres, and foundational literacy and numeracy programmes, while promoting professional learning for teachers.”

Country Director of Plan International, Dr. Charles Usie, praised the EU’s sustained investment in Nigeria’s education and health sectors, noting that such partnerships strengthen the delivery of essential services.

Save the Children International’s Country Director, Duncan Harvey, emphasized the project’s potential to promote inclusive learning. “This is an important step that will improve programme leadership and ensure that every child—regardless of location, gender, or ability—has the right to quality basic education,” Harvey said.

The NPSC, chaired by the Minister of Education, includes key ministries, the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), state representatives, and development partners such as UNICEF, Plan International, the World Bank, and the EU Delegation.

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Lagos tells indigenes to apply for Nigerian Army 90 RRI recruitment

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Lagos tells indigenes to apply for Nigerian Army 90 RRI recruitment

The Lagos State Government has announced that indigenes should apply for the ongoing Nigerian Army 90 Regular Recruits Intake (RRI) exercise and submit their registration slip to the Office of the Secretary to the State Government.

In a public notice, the government stated, “This opportunity is for Lagos State indigenes only. The 90 RRI military recruitment exercise for young men and women into the Nigerian Army is here again.”

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu urged youths of the state to take immediate action, saying they should “urgently register online for the ongoing 90 RRI military recruitment exercise.”

According to the notice, applicants must be indigenes of Lagos State, aged between 18 and 26 years, and have at least four passes in two sittings in WAEC, NECO, or a Trade Certificate.

Registration is online at recruitment.army.mil.ng from September 29 to November 14, 2025. Printed slips must be submitted to the OSSG, Cabinet Office, Block 1, The Secretariat, Alausa-Ikeja.

Edo State unveils Edo-PREP reform programme

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Edo State unveils Edo-PREP reform programme

The Edo State Head of Service, Dr. Anthony Okungbowa, has visited the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security to unveil and discuss the Edo State Public Service Retooling and Enhancement Programme, also known as Edo-PREP.

During his visit to the Agriculture Hub, Dr. Okungbowa emphasized the importance of building synergy and unity among staff for improved productivity across the state’s civil and public service. He explained that Edo-PREP is designed to strengthen leadership, staff engagement, and professionalism while improving overall service delivery within the Edo State Public and Civil Service.

He encouraged staff of the Ministry to share ideas and provide feedback that would enhance proficiency within the service. According to him, the concerns and challenges raised by the ministry’s staff would be addressed accordingly by the State Government.

Speaking on the structure of the programme, Dr. Okungbowa disclosed that Edo-PREP consists of thirty-five modules, each led by a Permanent Secretary or Head of Agency to ensure full ownership and effective implementation.

He stated, “The Bureau of Public Service Reforms will institutionalize and sustain ongoing reform efforts beyond the current administration. The mentorship framework prioritizes leadership development and staff well-being. The wellness and fitness modules focus on emotional intelligence, mental health, and the overall well-being of workers.”

Dr. Okungbowa further announced plans for the establishment of a State Local Government Joint Service Council aimed at bridging the gap between the two tiers of government. He noted that the council would promote coordinated development, maintain uniform growth, strengthen collaboration, and prevent disconnection in the collective reform efforts across the state.

Highlighting the role of digital transformation, the Head of Service revealed a proposal for a digital Public Service Library that would serve as a knowledge hub and learning platform for civil and public servants. “We want to create an environment where innovation is not only encouraged but also celebrated,” he said.

He also mentioned that the Commissioner for Livestock Development, Professor Omorodion Ikponwosa, would serve as the patron of the programme.

On workers’ welfare, Dr. Okungbowa commended the Governor of Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo, for his continuous commitment to staff welfare. He said the governor had shown genuine concern for workers through prompt payment of salaries and regular promotions. “The Governor understands that a motivated workforce is the key to efficient service delivery,” he added.

During an interactive session, Dr. Okungbowa urged public servants to embrace loyalty as a fundamental value of the service. He said, “A civil servant must be loyal to the government of the day and serve with passion and dedication.”

He also appreciated the leadership of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), the Trade Union Congress (TUC), and the Joint Public Service Negotiation Council (JNC) for partnering with his office in advancing the Governor’s vision for the civil and public service in Edo State.

In his remarks, the newly appointed Commissioner for Livestock Development, Professor Omorodion Ikponwosa, expressed gratitude to the Governor for his appointment and thanked the Head of Service for visiting the Agriculture Hub. He also praised the Governor for introducing the Edo-PREP initiative, noting that it would create synergy between the Office of the Head of Service and the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security to support the Governor’s SHINE agenda.

Delivering the vote of thanks, the Functioning Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Mr. Sunday Osayande, appreciated Dr. Okungbowa for the visit. He described it as a refreshing innovation that would strengthen the bond between leadership and the workforce while promoting transparency in public service. He pledged continued collaboration with the Head of Service in implementing the reforms introduced under the Edo-PREP initiative.

NYSC to begin registration for cyber café operators Monday

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NYSC to begin registration for cyber café operators Monday

The management of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has announced that it will begin the registration of new Cyber Café Business Operators (CBOs) this coming Monday.

According to the NYSC, the registration exercise for new CBOs will commence from Monday, 20th October to Monday, 27th October 2025. The scheme stated that Cyber Café Operators are critical stakeholders who provide several online services on the NYSC portal to both prospective and serving Corps Members.

“Accordingly, Management of the NYSC is set to commence registration and accreditation of interested CBO to ensure sanity of activities on the NYSC portal,” the statement read.

The registration process will take place online through the official portal cbo.nysc.gov.ng. Interested operators are expected to meet specific requirements before accreditation.

The requirements include an online application through the given URL, a non-refundable Expression of Interest fee of ₦5,000, a registration fee of ₦20,000, and an annual renewal fee of ₦18,000. Approved charges for Prospective Corps Members (PCM) are fixed at ₦3,000.

Each Cyber Café must have at least five computer systems with Windows 10 operating system, document scanners, digital persona fingerprint scanners, and any high-resolution camera.

The management emphasized that the registration exercise aims to improve service quality, ensure compliance with operational standards, and promote transparency within the NYSC online registration process.

Ondo trains 75000 youths in broiler production, creates jobs

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Ondo trains 75000 youths in broiler production, creates jobs

Over 75,000 youths across Ondo State are set to benefit from a large-scale empowerment initiative launched by the Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa-led administration, focusing on broiler production training as a pathway to self-employment and economic independence.

The programme, jointly organised by the Ondo State Agribusiness Empowerment Centre (OSAEC) and the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Youth Empowerment and Job Creation, reflects the government’s renewed drive to tackle unemployment and reposition agriculture as a tool for sustainable growth.

The maiden edition of the training took place at OSAEC, Isuada, in Owo Local Government Area, attracting participants from various local councils within the Ondo North Senatorial District.

According to Mr. Bright Eniafe, who represented the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Youth Empowerment and Job Creation, Mr. Orioye Gbayisemore, the programme will run across all three senatorial districts, with each training session lasting six weeks.

“This is the first of its kind in Ondo State, and we appreciate Mr. Governor for bringing such ease to our youths. This project is designed to make young people self-employable and prosperous,” Eniafe stated.

He explained that the initiative has been fully funded by the government, covering the cost of feeds, medical supplies and veterinary services, while providing access to farm facilities for hands-on training.

“This is not a loan scheme. The government has paid in full for everything. The youths are only required to manage the process diligently, and in doing so, they earn from their efforts,” he added.

Eniafe further hinted that the number of beneficiaries could exceed 100,000 youths, as the scheme expands to reach more communities across the state.

The Director of Livestock Production at OSAEC, Mr. James Akinbuwa, commended Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa for the initiative, describing it as a visionary and sustainable step towards youth empowerment and agribusiness development.

“The best job is one where you are trained in your own vocation. Broiler production is a profitable business that can transform lives within six weeks if done properly,” he said, urging more young people to seize the opportunity.

Also speaking, the Director of Veterinary Services in the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, Dr. Adebayo Agboola, said the project is a strategic intervention designed to promote food security while reducing unemployment.

“The idea is to train youths and women in the art of broiler rearing for six weeks. They will rear the birds and the profits from sales will be theirs. With successive production cycles, participants can eventually establish their own farms and employ others,” he explained.

He noted that the programme would be monitored through Key Performance Indicators, including the number of trained participants, productivity levels and the rate at which beneficiaries establish independent poultry ventures.

The training session, facilitated by Mr. Jimoh Agunbiade, an expert in livestock management, covered vital areas such as pen management, vaccination, record keeping and biosecurity for healthy bird growth and profitability.

Participants expressed appreciation to the state government for the opportunity, promising to utilise the knowledge gained to become successful agripreneurs and contribute to job creation and economic growth in Ondo State.

UN delegation to visit Nigeria to review support for IDPs

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UN delegation to visit Nigeria to review support for IDPs

A high-level United Nations delegation will visit Nigeria from October 20 to 22 to assess and highlight the country’s ongoing efforts to support internally displaced persons.

The delegation will be led by Ms Ugochi Daniels, deputy director-general of the International Organisation for Migration. She will be joined by Raouf Mazou, assistant high commissioner for operations at the UN High Commissioner for Refugees, and Shoko Noda, director of the crisis bureau at the UN Development Programme.

According to Mr Stéphane Dujarric, spokesperson for the UN secretary-general, “the mission will engage with senior government officials, development partners, and UN personnel operating in affected communities.” The visit is part of a broader effort to strengthen international cooperation and humanitarian support in Nigeria.

Nigeria currently hosts an estimated 3.5 million internally displaced persons as of July 2024, mainly caused by insurgency, banditry, communal conflicts, and environmental challenges such as flooding and desertification. The North-East remains the most affected region, with over 2.1 million displaced people.

Despite ongoing national and international interventions, humanitarian needs remain significant. UN data show that 7.8 million people in northern Nigeria need assistance this year, but only 1.3 million have been reached so far, highlighting concerns about funding and operational limitations.

The visit by the UN delegation aims to reinforce global support for Nigeria’s transition from emergency relief to long-term recovery, stabilisation, and reintegration of displaced persons. It will also showcase the country’s progress in managing displacement and promote best practices that could serve as models for other affected nations.

The mission is expected to strengthen collaboration between humanitarian and development agencies while mobilising more international support and financing for sustainable, development-focused interventions.

Edo health insurance commission denies recruitment rumor

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Edo health insurance commission denies recruitment rumor

There have been rumors that the Edo State Health Insurance Commission (EDOHIC) is recruiting. However, the management has denied the claim, describing it as false information.

In their words, “Our attention has been drawn to a false publication circulating on social media claiming that the Edo State Health Insurance Commission is currently recruiting.”

“The Commission wishes to categorically state that no such recruitment exercise is ongoing. At no time did the Commission authorize or release any announcement inviting applications for employment.”

From this report, interested members of the public are therefore advised to disregard this false information and refrain from engaging with individuals or groups making such claims.

The Edo State Health Insurance Commission further noted that it will not be liable for any transaction, loss, or correspondence arising from this misleading publication.

“The Commission remains committed to transparency, due process, and accountability in all its operations,” the statement added.

Sokoto approves free SSCE registration for indigenes, residents

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Sokoto approves free SSCE registration for indigenes, residents

Sokoto State Governor, Dr. Ahmad Aliyu Sokoto, FCNA, has approved a special educational program for Sokoto indigenes and residents aimed at helping them register for private SSCE examinations in November and December. The program is designed to support individuals who previously sat for WAEC, NECO, or NABTEB but failed to obtain five credits and above, as well as those who could not complete their secondary education due to certain challenges.

According to the official announcement, the State College of Basic and Remedial Studies will handle the registration process for the WAEC, NECO, and NABTEB examinations completely free of charge. The statement added that candidates will also benefit from a 2–3-week intensive training session to help them prepare adequately for the exams.

“This initiative is part of our commitment to improve education and create better opportunities for our people,” Governor Ahmad Aliyu stated.

Interested candidates are encouraged to make use of this opportunity to bridge their academic gaps instead of waiting for the next May/June examination. For details, candidates can contact 08148001023, 08039094074, or 07062020491.

JAMB to reallocate candidates if schools miss 2025 admission deadlines

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JAMB to reallocate candidates if schools miss 2025 admission deadlines

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has officially announced the deadlines for the closure of the 2025 admission exercise across all tertiary institutions in Nigeria. The announcement was made following the 2025 Policy Meeting on Admissions held on July 18, 2025, chaired by the Honourable Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, CON.

During the meeting, key resolutions were reached regarding the timelines for the 2025 admissions process. According to JAMB, all public universities are required to complete and forward their admission recommendations for suitably qualified candidates, who chose them as their first choice, to the Board on or before Tuesday, September 30, 2025.

Private universities are expected to submit their admission recommendations on or before Friday, October 31, 2025. This timeline is designed to allow sufficient time for other categories of tertiary institutions, such as polytechnics and colleges of education, to conduct their own admission exercises.

The Board further stated that the 2025 admission exercise would officially close on the following dates: public universities on October 31, 2025; private universities on November 30, 2025; and all other tertiary institutions, including polytechnics and colleges of education, on December 31, 2025.

“These timelines were designed to ensure a structured and predictable academic calendar across all institutions and to allow every tier of tertiary education to conduct its admission process seamlessly,” JAMB explained.

However, the Central Admissions Processing System (CAPS), the platform used for all admission activities, showed that some institutions have yet to submit any admission recommendations to JAMB despite the clear directives and ample time provided.

“It is particularly concerning that certain public universities have not made any submissions, even after the September deadline had elapsed,” the statement noted. The policy meeting had emphasized that even if institutions were not ready to resume academic activities, they were still expected to process and archive their admissions to comply with the approved schedule.

As a result, JAMB has directed the following institutions to commence their 2025 admissions immediately: Northwest University, Kano; Nigeria Police Academy, Wudil; Kano State University of Science and Technology, Wudil; Benue State University, Makurdi; Abdulkadir Kure University, Minna; Emmanuel Alayande University of Education, Oyo; Nigerian Defence Academy, Kaduna; and Federal University of Medical and Health Sciences, Funtua.

The Board urged these universities to begin their admission processes without delay, warning that failure to meet the approved timelines will result in all unprocessed candidates being moved automatically to the next available tier of institutions for possible consideration.

Dangote Cement sends shortlist for graduate trainee to email

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Dangote Cement sends shortlist for graduate trainee to email

Dangote Cement Plc has released the shortlist for its Graduate Trainee Programme. Successful applicants are advised to check their email for notifications.

The company confirmed that the list covers both the Support Service Graduate Trainee and Technical Support Graduate Trainee programmes. “Those who applied are encouraged to check their registered email addresses for further instructions,” the management stated.

The Dangote Graduate Trainee Programme aims to train young professionals for future leadership roles within the company’s expanding operations.

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