Home Blog Page 470

Jigawa approves N286.7m for students at Near East University Cyprus

0

Jigawa State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to the comprehensive sponsorship of students studying at Near East University, Cyprus. This was part of the major resolutions from the State Executive Council meeting held on Tuesday, 9th September 2025, and chaired by His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Jigawa State, Malam Umar A. Namadi FCA.

According to the Council, this decision follows the 100% waiver of tuition fees granted by Near East University to Jigawa State indigenes. The gesture was in recognition of the administration’s consistent focus on human capital development.

The Council approved the sum of ₦134,689,464.00 for the payment of administrative charges, VAT, acceptance fees, and accommodation for 15 admitted undergraduate and postgraduate students for the 2025/2026 fall semester.

Similarly, the Council approved an additional ₦152,086,714.00 to cover living allowance, health insurance, visa processing fees, resident permits, result authentication, yellow card, feeding allowance, local and international transportation, DTA, estacode, and return air tickets.

“The total approval for the 15 students amounts to ₦286,776,178.00 only for the 2025/2026 fall semester,” the Council confirmed.

The sponsored students will be studying medical, nursing science, and engineering courses at Near East University, Cyprus, which aligns with the government’s goal of developing skilled professionals in key sectors.

Advertisement

Jigawa approves N40,000 monthly allowance for J-Teach graduate teachers

0

Jigawa State Executive Council has approved an increase in the monthly allowance for 1,100 J-Teach graduate beneficiaries from ₦30,000 to ₦40,000.

The decision was reached during the council meeting held on Tuesday, September 9, 2025, and chaired by His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Jigawa State, Malam Umar A. Namadi FCA.

Speaking on the resolution, the council reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to education development. “This increment is part of our ongoing efforts to enhance teacher motivation, boost productivity, and strengthen the quality of education across the state,” the Governor stated.

The approval followed a formal request presented by the Ministry for Higher Education, which emphasized the need to support graduate teachers under the J-Teach program.

The increase is expected to encourage teachers to deliver better learning outcomes, aligning with the state government’s vision for continuous education sector transformation and youth empowerment initiatives.

Katsina Local Govt Council free computer literacy training

0

KebramTech, in collaboration with Katsina Local Government, has announced 100 free training slots for youths in Katsina Local Government Area. According to the organizers, 50 slots are available in Cybersecurity and 50 slots in Python Programming.

The training program will focus on two essential ICT areas: Introduction to Cybersecurity and Python Programming. “Participants will gain the skills needed to stay competitive in today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape,” KebramTech stated. The Council said the initiative aims to empower young people with knowledge that enhances their employability, fosters innovation, and promotes self-reliance.

Training programs:

Eligibility criteria:
1. Must be an indigene of Katsina LGA
2. Must be between 18 and 35 years of age.
3. Must have a Computer Science background (graduate, diploma, or student)

Application Deadline: Within 24 hours of release.

How to apply
The registration link below is exclusively for KTLG indigenes tinyurl.com/4yc3r7ru.

News update (September 11, 2025):

Less than 24 hours after the announcement, 1,847 people applied for the training originally intended for only 100 participants. As a result, Katsina Local Government Council has increased the available slots to 500 participants.

NCS sets CBT date for 286,697 out of 573,523 applicants

0

September 10, 2025 – The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has announced progress on its ongoing recruitment exercise, which began with an official advertisement published in national newspapers on Friday, December 27, 2024.

Recall that the Nigiera Customs started sending emails to shortlisted candidates on September 9, 2025.

According to the NCS, a total of 3,927 vacancies were declared across the Superintendent, Inspectorate, and Customs Assistant cadres.

The Service revealed that it received 573,523 applications during the first phase of the exercise. After what it described as a rigorous documentary scrutiny, 286,697 candidates were shortlisted and invited to participate in the next phase of the recruitment process.

The second stage of the exercise will take place from September 14 to 21, 2025, and will be conducted through an online Computer-Based Test (CBT).

The Service said this reflects its commitment to transparency, accessibility, and fairness in the selection process.

“Candidates shortlisted for the CBT are required to undertake the test at any location of their choice, provided there is reliable internet access,” the NCS stated. It further explained that the test must be conducted using a laptop or desktop computer equipped with a webcam and a full-screen display, noting that the application is not mobile phone-enabled.

The Service also announced that a facial verification process will be carried out during login. “Candidates are advised to maintain a neat appearance to avoid difficulties with recognition,” it said.

The NCS warned that the CBT application is sensitive to noise and body movement. Candidates are required to remain focused throughout the test as excessive movement, whispering, or background distractions may result in automatic logout. The Service added that switching between windows during the test will be flagged as malpractice and may lead to disqualification.

To prepare candidates for the CBT, a mandatory pre-test exercise will be conducted two days before the actual test. “Two separate links will be sent to all shortlisted applicants, one for the pre-test and another for the actual examination,” the NCS confirmed.

Candidates applying for the Superintendent Cadre (Level 8) will also take an additional CBT in the next phase of the recruitment exercise, a requirement that does not apply to other cadres.

The Nigeria Customs Service reassured stakeholders that the recruitment process remains merit-driven and transparent. Applicants have been advised to rely solely on official platforms for updates, as the NCS will not request payment or conduct recruitment through social media channels.

FG workshop to implement Digital Literacy Action Plan for Civil Servants

0

The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), in collaboration with the Office of the Head of Civil Service of the Federation (OHCSF), has hosted a workshop to advance the implementation of the Digital Literacy Action Plan for Federal Civil Servants.

The workshop, held at the OHCSF, represents a key step in Nigeria’s digital transformation agenda and aims to build a digitally empowered workforce in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda to improve governance and service delivery.

Speaking on behalf of the Director General of NITDA, Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, the Acting Director of Digital Literacy and Capacity Building Department, Dr. Ahmad Yusuf Tambuwal, gave a detailed update on the progress of the Digital Literacy for All (DL4ALL) programme. He explained the provisions of the digital literacy training and certification initiative, noting that it is designed to equip civil servants with vital digital skills. “This workshop serves as a critical platform to accelerate the adoption of digital tools, enhancing productivity and efficiency across the Federal Civil Service,” he said.

The Permanent Secretary, Career Management Office, OHCSF, Mrs. Fatima Sugra Mahmood, who represented the Head of Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs. Didi Esther Walson-Jack, called on civil servants to fully embrace a citizen-centric approach in delivering government services. “We urge all participants to engage with the training courses and leverage digital tools to achieve a paperless ecosystem by year-end, thereby enhancing operational efficiency,” she stated.

The event featured sessions focused on onboarding participants and providing hands-on training with modern digital tools, ensuring that civil servants are well prepared to meet the demands of a rapidly changing digital economy.

The initiative highlights NITDA’s commitment to creating a digitally inclusive workforce and aligns with the national vision of a technologically advanced, citizen-focused public service that prioritizes efficiency, transparency, and innovation.

Russia tours Niger farms ahead of agriculture, mining partnership

0

Farmer Mohammed Umaru Bago, the Governor of Niger State, has received a high-level delegation of businessmen from Russia in Minna, the state capital. The visit is part of efforts to strengthen agricultural and mining partnerships between Niger State and Russian investors.

The delegation, which included representatives from Sber Bank of Russia, the Russian Trade Commission, strategic partners, equipment manufacturers, and Rostselmash, was led by Mr. Peter Arseniev, the commercial attaché of the Russian Trade Commission. Their visit was a follow-up to the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between the Niger State government and Sber Bank on agriculture and mining investment.

Governor Umaru Bago described the visit as a major step forward. “This is a show of commitment to the agreement, and it clearly shows that my trip to Russia is beginning to yield positive results,” he said. The governor expressed optimism, adding that the visit marked the start of a promising future for the state’s agricultural and mining sectors.

He assured the Russian team that his administration would keep up with follow-up actions to ensure the success of the partnership. He also said the collaboration would extend to other areas such as telemedicine and education to improve the quality of life for Niger State residents.

Chairman of Niger Foods, Sammy Adigun, stated that the delegation had toured several farms in the state and witnessed its abundant land and water resources, which are vital for large-scale agriculture.

Speaking on behalf of the visiting team, Mr. Peter Arseniev expressed delight over their experience. He said, “We found the visit exciting, interesting, and fruitful. We appreciate the farmer governor and the management of Niger Foods for the opportunity to see the state’s agricultural potential firsthand.”

Other members of the delegation reaffirmed their commitment to deepening cooperation and unlocking the vast agricultural and mining resources in Niger State for sustainable growth and investment opportunities.

To honour the delegation, the Niger State government hosted a gala night where guests were treated to a variety of traditional dishes and entertained with cultural performances by local troupes, showcasing the rich cultural heritage of the state.

Ogun, FG train teachers on Jolly Phonics to boost pupils reading skills

0

Ogun State Universal Basic Education Board (Ogun SUBEB), in collaboration with the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), has organised a three-day training on Jolly Phonics to improve teachers’ capacity and competence in teaching phonics and reading. The programme, themed “Improving Teachers’ Capacity and Competence in Teaching Phonics and Reading,” is taking place at Methodist Primary School, Oke Yeke, Abeokuta, and simultaneously across the four divisions of the State.

Addressing participants, the Executive Chairman, Evang. Ifede Olalekan Joshua, said the training was designed to equip teachers with practical skills for using letter sounds to help pupils decode and pronounce words, making reading easier for learners at early stages. “This workshop is a timely intervention to strengthen foundational literacy in the State’s basic schools,” he stated.

Evang. Ifede explained that the Jolly Phonics approach focuses on phonemic awareness, teaching children the sounds that letters make. He noted that the method has been tested and found effective in easing reading difficulties among young learners. According to him, “Early mastery of sounds accelerates learners’ confidence and fluency in reading.”

The chairman urged participants to treat the workshop as a valuable opportunity, concentrate fully, and apply the techniques learned to improve pupils’ reading, communication, and handwriting skills. He also encouraged teachers to master pronunciation, cascade the training to colleagues in their schools, maintain professional dress, and take proper care of their health.

Participants at the training expressed appreciation and shared suggestions for sustaining the programme. Mrs. Thanni Abeni Musiliat of Muslim Primary School, Idofen Mokola, Abeokuta, appealed for Jolly Phonics to be allocated regular time in school timetables so that the gains from the training could be effectively transferred to learners. Similarly, Mrs. Jimoh Taiwo of Our Lady of Apostles Primary, Ibara, Abeokuta, commended Ogun SUBEB and UBEC for organising the programme and pledged to share the knowledge gained with other teachers in her local government.

The training highlights Ogun State’s commitment to improving literacy levels by empowering teachers with modern teaching techniques that boost pupils’ reading and learning outcomes.

FG, SMEDAN launch free MSME, Digital and Financial Literacy Courses

0

September 10, 2025 – The Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC), in collaboration with the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN), has announced the launch of free capacity-building courses aimed at strengthening Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).

According to the NDIC, this initiative will provide entrepreneurs with critical skills in digital and financial literacy to enhance business stability and drive growth.

In a statement, the agency said, “Featured courses include Financial Environment, Financial Planning and Budgeting, Introduction to Borrowing and Loans, and Investing.” The program is scheduled to commence on Monday, 15th September, 2025.

SMEDAN added that certificates will be issued to all participants who successfully complete their courses.

Interested entrepreneurs are encouraged to register and start learning for free by visiting https://smedigitalacademy.com/ndic. This program is expected to support financial inclusion, improve access to funding, and boost the competitiveness of small businesses across Nigeria.

Check: 2025 Ogun State BECE Results

0

Ogun State Ministry of Education, Science and Technology has released the 2025 Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) results for J.S.S. 3 learners in public and private schools across the state.

According to the Office of the Honourable Commissioner, “the result of year 2025 Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) conducted for J.S.S. 3 learners in public and private schools in the state has been released.”

How to check:

Candidates can now access their BECE results online by following these steps:
1. log on to the website https://ogsera.ogunstate.gov.ng
2. click on BECE Examination button
3. click on View Result button

The Ministry further stated that a re-sit examination will be organized for candidates who fail English Studies, Mathematics, or both. “The date for the re-sit examination would be communicated in due course,” the statement added, urging students to check their results promptly.

FG to inject N150bn into social protection for poor and vulnerable

0

Lagos State has said that the National Social Register (NSR) is helping states plan more effectively, with projections to inject over 150 billion naira in support for the poor and vulnerable by 2026.

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu made this known at a program organized by the National Social Safety Net Coordinating Office (NASSCO) in Lagos, which brought together key stakeholders from government, development partners, and the private sector under the theme, Advancing Social Protection Through the National Social Register.

The Governor’s representative, Samuel Egube, noted that Lagos State intends to raise its budgetary allocation to social protection by 30 percent in 2026, increasing funding to about N170 billion. He said the government was committed to ensuring that those on the margins of poverty feel the impact of social welfare programs.

Thousands have been displaced by floods across several states, heightening the need for reliable data to respond to crises. Experts at the event said that for any nation to respond effectively to disasters, a credible database of citizens was essential.

Olufunmi Olotu of NASSCO said the National Social Register has now grown to cover more than 19 million households and over 70 million individuals. “But beyond the numbers, the real story is that mothers in rural communities, young people searching for opportunity, and the household on the margin of poverty are beginning to see a government that knows them, recognizes their struggle, and is deliberate about supporting them,” she said.

Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State stressed the importance of continuous support for the vulnerable. “Continuous assistance to the vulnerable is actually a responsibility not only on the part of government, but also on the part of those who can afford it. And that is the reason why every time there is an opportunity with the World Bank to come across and do something, we are always on top of it,” he stated.

Chairman of the United Bank for Africa, Tony Elumelu, explained how the register is used to drive private sector support. “Through the register, we identify people to support with the entrepreneurship program that we do every year,” he said.

Representatives from the Ministry of Finance emphasized that social protection must go beyond data collection. Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim said, “Forms are never about numbers alone. They must touch lives. They must mean that a mother can feed her children, that a small business can thrive, and that the poor and vulnerable can face life with dignity.”

Traditional leaders also called for inclusivity. The Alara of Ilara Epe Kingdom, Olufolarin Ogunsanwo, urged that the register must remain dynamic, transparent, and accessible so that no vulnerable group is left behind. Stakeholders agreed that discussions should focus on measurable solutions to support Nigeria’s poor and vulnerable.