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FG to link diaspora skills with home based innovators

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FG to link diaspora skills with home based innovators

Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) and National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) have agreed to work together in a new move aimed at boosting innovation and technology in Nigeria, with a focus on linking the skills of Nigerians in the diaspora with those at home.

This partnership was discussed during a meeting between Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman/CEO of the NiDCOM, and Mr. Khalil Suleiman Halilu, Executive Vice Chairman/CEO of the NASENI.

Dabiri-Erewa described the collaboration as a “timely intervention,” stressing that it would connect local innovators with scientists, engineers, technologists, and entrepreneurs abroad. She explained that the plan supports the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu by creating a platform for Nigerians everywhere to share ideas and experiences for national progress.

She praised the work NASENI has been doing and assured them of NiDCOM’s support. She also recommended that the NASENI team take part in the 8th Nigeria Diaspora Investment Summit (NDIS), which will take place from November 11 to 13, 2025, in Abuja.

In his remarks, Halilu highlighted several of NASENI’s key projects. He mentioned Revolut, a payment platform that is already serving thousands of Nigerians with low-cost, real-time transfers. He also spoke about the Innovation Hub and Incubation Programme, which funds Nigerian scientists and innovators both in the country and abroad.

Another key project, Delta-2, is a partnership with the Czech Republic that will enter its third phase in September, bringing advanced technology and international collaboration to Nigeria.

Halilu explained that his visit to NiDCOM was to present two projects. The first is a government-backed payment platform designed to be seamless, flexible, multi-currency, and capable of real-time monitoring at affordable rates.

The second focuses on engaging Nigerians in the diaspora in science, technology, innovation, and entrepreneurship to develop practical projects that can drive economic growth. He emphasized that NiDCOM’s database of professionals would play a critical role in making these projects successful.

Both NiDCOM and NASENI agreed to set up a joint working committee. The committee will focus on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) while also creating broader diaspora engagement strategies to support Nigeria’s development.

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Abia Civil Service schedules date for health officers interview

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Abia Civil Service schedules date for health officers interview

The Abia Civil Service Commission has announced that candidates who took part in the recently concluded computer-based test for Health Officers recruitment will begin interviews from September 12 to September 23, 2025.

According to the statement signed by PSt Eno Jerry Eze (PhD), Chairman of the Commission, “candidates are advised to check their emails and SMS for details.” The Commission also instructed applicants to attend with original copies of their credentials and government-issued identity cards.

In addition, it stated that “Nurses are to appear in their uniforms during the interview.” Candidates are urged to be properly guided.

Remi Tinubu’s Renewed Hope scholarship third tranche set for disbursement

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Remi Tinubu’s Renewed Hope scholarship third tranche set for disbursement

September 9, 2025 – Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has advised beneficiaries of the National Scholarship Programme to develop skills beyond the classroom, stressing that academic excellence must be complemented with practical knowledge to support national development.

She gave the advice in Abuja on Tuesday during the National Scholarship Programme (NASP) Tertiary Education Mid-Term Assessment and Interactive Session with the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) Scholars.

According to her, education funding should go beyond financial aid, and students must cultivate extra skills and income streams to secure their future. “Scholarships are not just about numbers but about building lives with meaning. Beneficiaries must remain resourceful and resilient even after graduation. We cannot start a scholarship scheme and then abandon it midway. It is not about numbers; it is about raising good students we can mentor,” she said.

Tinubu explained that while the financial support was significant, students must add value by learning skills and earning extra income. “The money given is a lot, but that does not mean you should fold your arms. Add to it, acquire skills, earn extra, and think outside the box,” she said.

Encouraging beneficiaries not to despise small beginnings, she added, “Even if you start small, it is a business. Do not be ashamed. Rise up and do something extra. What we work for, we appreciate more.”

The First Lady announced that more than 5,500 students had benefitted from the programme, with 1,500 laptops provided and the third tranche of funds approved for disbursement within the week. She assured that even if political circumstances change, the scholarship scheme would not be abandoned.

She also commended the Minister of Education, Dr Morufu Alausa, and the Director-General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Malam Kashifu Abdullahi, for their support.

The Wife of the Vice President, Hajiya Nana Shettima, in her goodwill message, praised Tinubu’s foresight and motherly role in championing educational support for Nigerian youths. She shared her personal experience of mentoring over 200 girls in her state and explained how an initial N5 million support inspired her to establish a learning centre.

Shettima encouraged beneficiaries to embrace mentorship, discipline, and self-development, while also exploring opportunities such as the National Student Loan to advance their education and professional careers. She urged wives of governors to sustain collaboration to nurture a generation of responsible, skilled, and innovative leaders for Nigeria’s future.

The Wife of the Imo State Governor, Mrs Chioma Uzodinma, who is also the National Secretary of the Renewed Hope Initiative, commended the programme. She recalled that the scholarship scheme was launched on August 26, 2023, with 47 indigent students awarded annual scholarships worth ₦1 billion for their full study duration.

She noted that beneficiaries had already received two tranches of funds in 2023 and 2024, maintaining a minimum GPA of 3.0 to remain eligible. She added that the third tranche of funds was being disbursed alongside new laptops donated by NITDA.

“We celebrate all our scholars for their dedication. Through this, we expand our shared commitment to empowering Nigerian youths through education,” Uzodinma said.

At the event, students received laptops and one million naira in financial support to aid their studies.

Remi Tinubu gives scholarships, laptops at Renewed Hope programme

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Remi Tinubu gives scholarships, laptops at Renewed Hope programme

The Director General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, participated in the Midterm Assessment and Interactive Session of the National Scholarship Programme for Tertiary Education under the Renewed Hope Initiative.

The initiative, spearheaded by the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, CON, provided scholarships and laptops to more than 47 students. The event reinforced her commitment to empowering Nigerian youth with knowledge and digital skills, in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda that identifies education as a pillar of national growth.

Inuwa, reflecting on his personal journey, stressed the role of technology and digital literacy in shaping lives. “Technology and digital skills can transform lives and open doors to opportunities,” he said, urging students to embrace resilience and innovation as they work towards building successful careers.

The session also attracted prominent dignitaries, including the Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, and the Wife of the Vice President, Hajiya Nana Shettima. It combined both ceremonial and interactive elements, creating space for dialogue on progress, accountability, and sustainability.

The programme further reaffirmed the vision of the Renewed Hope Initiative to prepare young Nigerians to thrive in a competitive, knowledge-driven economy.

FG commissions Digital Learning Centre at Nasarawa State University

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FG commissions Digital Learning Centre at Nasarawa State University

Nasarawa State University, Keffi (NSSUK), Gudi Campus, has commissioned a new Digital Learning Centre with the support of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA).

The Director General of NITDA, Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, who was represented by Dr. Ayodeji Eniola, attended the event and highlighted the importance of digital education in building national growth.

In his remarks, Abdullahi stated that digital literacy has become the new currency of opportunity and emphasised that inclusive digital infrastructure is a key driver of national development and resilience.

He linked the initiative to the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, explaining that NITDA is working to establish 445 innovation and digital learning spaces across Nigeria by 2027. According to him, the goal is to expand access, catalyse local talent, and accelerate innovation.

Commending the university’s effort, Abdullahi described the new centre as “not just a room of computers, but a gateway to the global knowledge economy.” He further noted that such projects will support digital transformation, promote information technology adoption, and strengthen the digital economy in Nigeria.

The Vice Chancellor of NSSUK expressed deep gratitude to NITDA and its leadership for bridging the digital divide. She said the centre will empower students, staff, and researchers across all faculties, assuring that it will be used to foster inclusive learning, advance research, and equip graduates with the necessary digital skills to thrive in today’s world.

NDE releases list of state offices and contact emails

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NDE releases list of state offices and contact emails

The National Directorate of Employment (NDE) has published the full list of its offices across the 36 states of Nigeria and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

The NDE offices as released:

1. Abia State: Employment House, Aba road, Amuzuta old Umuahia, P.M.B. 7247, Umuahia, Abia State – ndeabiaprs@gmail.com
2. Adamawa State: Behind former Ministry of Works & Housing, Off Sir Kashim Ibrahim Way, P.M.B 2034, Yola, Adamawa State – ndeadamawaprs@yahoo.com
3. Akwa Ibom State: Federal Secretariat Complex, Abak road, P.M.B. 1044, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State – ndeakwaibom@gmail.com
4. Anambra State: Federal Secretariat Complex, Awka, Anambra State – ndeanamaprs@yahoo.com
5. Bauchi State: Off Gombe road, Behind Chief Magistrate Court, Kofar Idi, Bauchi, Bauchi State – ndebauchiprs@yahoo.com
6. Bayelsa State: Federal Secretariat, Yenagoa – ndebayelsaprs2121@yahoo.com
7. Benue State: Federal Secretariat Complex, P.M.B 10221, Makurdi, Benue State – ndebenue@gmail.com / ndebenue@yahoo.com
8. Borno State: Federal Secretariat Complex, Kano Jos road, Maiduguri, Borno State – ndemaiduguri@rocketmail.com
9. Cross River State: Federal Secretariat Complex, Muhammed Murtala Highway, 3rd Floor, Left wing, Calabar, Cross River State – decrossriver@yahoo.com
10. Delta State: Federal Secretariat Complex, Okpanam road, P.O. Box 1046, Asaba, Delta State – ndedelta14@yahoo.com
11. Ebonyi State: Former Ministry of Women Affairs, Unity Square, Off Ezza road, GRA, Abakaliki, Ebonyi State – ndeebonyistateprs@yahoo.com
12. Edo State: 222A Upper Mission road, Before Ewah road Junction, New Benin, G.P.O. Box 8455, Benin City, Edo State – ndeedostate@gmail.com
13. Ekiti State: No. 91 Ajilosun Street behind UBA, Opposite DOCNO Supermarket, Ado Ekiti – ekitinde@yahoo.com
14. Enugu State: CCB Building, 1st Floor, 28, Okpara Avenue, Enugu, Enugu State – ndenuguprsdept@yahoo.com
15. FCT (Abuja): Skill Centre Complex, Kuduru, Bwari, FCT – ndetoffice@gmail.com
16. Gombe State: New Federal Secretariat Complex, Behind Bauchi Motor Park, Gombe, Gombe State – ndegombeprs@yahoo.com
17. Imo State: Federal Secretariat Complex, Port Harcourt road, P.M.B.1240, Owerri, Imo State – scndeimostate@yahoo.com
18. Jigawa State: Federal Secretariat Complex, 2nd Floor, P.M.B. 7112, Sani Abacha road, Dutse, Jigawa State – ndejigawa@yahoo.com
19. Kaduna State: No. 5A Yakubu Gowon way, P.M.B. 2327, Kaduna, Kaduna State – ndekdsprs@yahoo.com
20. Kano State: After ARTV 44/48, Hotoro, Maiduguri road, P.M.B. 3485, Kano, Kano State – nde.kano@yahoo.com
21. Katsina State: No. 1. Justice Muhammed Bello road, GRA Round About, Katsina, Katsina State – ndekatsinaprs@gmail.com
22. Kebbi State: Lokoja Road by Jalingo Street, GRA, Birnin Kebbi – ndekebbistateprs@yahoo.com
23. Kogi State: No. 2 Agigi Road Along Ganaja Village, Lokoja – ndekogiprs@yahoo.com
24. Kwara State: Federal Secretariat Annex, Fate road, P.M.B. 1455, Ilorin, Kwara State – ndekwprs@yahoo.com
25. Lagos State: No. 7, Barkisu Iyede Street, Onike Yaba, Lagos, Lagos State – ndelagos@gmail.com
26. Nasarawa State: Federal Secretariat Complex, Lafia, Nasarawa State – ndenasarawaprs2@yahoo.com
27. Niger State: Ladi Kwali road, Off IBB road, P.M.B. 16, Minna, Niger State – ndenigerprs@yahoo.com
28. Ogun State: Federal Secretariat Complex, Oke Omosa, P.M.B. 3048, Ibara, Abeokuta, Ogun State – ndeogun2@yahoo.com
29. Ondo State: Federal Secretariat Complex, Igbatoro road, P.M.B. 612, Akure, Ondo State – ndeondoprs@yahoo.com
30. Osun State: Opposite JAMB ICT Centre Service Area Ile Ife road, Osogbo, Osun State – ndeosun2013@gmail.com
31. Oyo State: Federal Secretariat Complex, Ikolaba Area, P.M.B. 29115, Ibadan, Oyo State – ndeoyprs09@yahoo.com
32. Plateau State: No. 13 Naraguta Avenue, GRA Jos, Plateau State – ndeplateaustate@yahoo.com
33. Rivers State: Federal Secretariat Complex, 8th Floor, Left wing, Aba road, Port Harcourt, Rivers State – nderivers@yahoo.com
34. Sokoto State: No. 7, Dendo road, Off Ibrahim Dasuki road, P.M.B. 2240, Sokoto, Sokoto State – ndesokotoprs@yahoo.com
35. Taraba State: No. 2, Agadah Attah drive, P.M.B. 1051, Jalingo, Taraba State – ndetaraba.jalingo@yahoo.com
36. Yobe State: Federal Secretariat Complex, Gassua road, Damaturu, Yobe State – ndeyobeoffice@yahoo.com
37. Zamfara State: Federal Secretariat Complex, Gusau, Zamfara State – ndezamfaraprs@yahoo.com

Edo launches free skills programme for women and girls

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Edo launches free skills programme for women and girls

September 9, 2025 – The Women Helping Women Initiative, in collaboration with the Office of the Edo State First Lady, the Ministry of Women Affairs, the Edo State Diaspora Agency and other partners, has launched a programme designed to equip women and girls with creative and entrepreneurial skills at no cost.

The initiative aims to promote inclusive growth and improve economic opportunities across Edo State.

Speaking during her goodwill message and book review, the Executive Chairman of the Edo State Board for Technical and Vocational Education, Barr. Onomen Briggs, emphasized the importance of the “60 Days WHW Transformational Roadmap.” She noted that the roadmap highlights values and skills that can shape the future of women and girls in the state.

According to her, solidarity, empowerment, and sustainability are critical for long-term success. She added that skills such as digital literacy and financial literacy will not only help women support themselves but also enable them to uplift their communities.

This initiative is expected to strengthen women empowerment and drive economic growth across Edo State.

Lagos approves loans for teaching and non-teaching staff

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Lagos approves loans for teaching and non-teaching staff

Lagos State Government, through the Teachers Loan Board, has approved the applications of 265 beneficiaries for car refurbishment and housing loans as part of efforts to improve the welfare of teaching and non-teaching staff.

The approval was given today during the bi-annual Teachers Loan Board meeting held at the Teaching Service Commission headquarters in Ikeja and presided over by the Permanent Secretary, Teaching Service Commission, Mrs. Bopo Oyekan-Ismaila.

Speaking at the meeting, Mrs. Oyekan-Ismaila emphasized the state government’s dedication to the welfare of teachers and other education workers. She explained that the approvals are necessary to retain talented educators and ensure their commitment to the important role they play in society.

According to her, “with the upward review of car refurbishment loan from N100,000.00 (One Hundred Thousand Naira) to N500,000.00 (Five Hundred Thousand Naira) for the senior level management officers and N30,000 to N100,000 for Junior level Officers by the Governor, greater percentage of staff can now benefit from the scheme.”

She further disclosed that the consideration for the upward review of housing loans, as recommended by the Joint Negotiating Council, is ongoing and already receiving attention from the state government. Mrs. Oyekan-Ismaila urged beneficiaries to use the loans wisely and positively impact the overall performance of students across Lagos State.

Also speaking at the meeting, the Director of Teachers Welfare Department, Teaching Service Commission, Mr. Akinwande Festus, noted that welfare packages remain crucial to the satisfaction and motivation of teachers. He said, “adequate welfare packages enhance teachers’ contentment with their jobs, leading to higher motivation and morale.”

He stressed that the loans help both teaching and non-teaching staff to improve their standards of living, while also serving as an encouragement to talented and experienced personnel, thereby preventing the loss of skilled educators to other opportunities.

The Teachers Loan Board is charged with considering applications for housing and car refurbishment loans from teaching and non-teaching staff across all Education Districts, LASTVEB, and TESCOM. Once applications are approved, funds are disbursed by the State Treasury Office, Alausa, to eligible beneficiaries.

Kano Moves to Create Fair Job Opportunities Policy

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Kano Moves to Create Fair Job Opportunities Policy

September 9, 2025 – The Committee on the Domestication of the Federal Character Partial Principle completed and submitted the draft Kano State Inclusive Employment Policy 2025.

The landmark draft policy, initiated under the directive of His Excellency, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, is designed to promote fairness and inclusiveness in private sector employment by creating greater opportunities for the indigenes of Kano State.

According to the Committee, the draft policy will address challenges of marginalization, enhance equity in recruitment processes, and strengthen the participation of citizens, particularly the youth and women, in the expanding private sector of the State.

“The successful completion of this draft marks an important milestone in advancing His Excellency’s vision of reducing unemployment, fostering unity, and ensuring just representation for the people of Kano State,” the statement noted.

The policy aligns with the Federal Character principle and is seen as a progressive step to improve job creation and economic development in the State.

Adamawa begins verification for N8bn pension arrears payment

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Adamawa begins verification for N8bn pension arrears payment

Adamawa State has commenced the verification of pensioners, a process expected to lead to the release of N8 billion in outstanding pension arrears. The exercise, which began on Tuesday, has sparked hope among beneficiaries who believe payment will follow soon after.

The Public Relations Officer of the Adamawa State Pensioners Union, Ahmed Zambwa, confirmed the optimism in an interview, noting that the government has assured immediate payment once the verification ends.

He said, “Payment is expected to begin immediately after the verification exercise which commences today. We are optimistic that Governor Fintiri will make good his promise once the verification is over.”

The exercise is scheduled to last for one week, targeting both state and local government retirees. Three months ago, Governor Ahmadu Fintiri pledged to clear the backlog of arrears amounting to N8 billion. Of this figure, N5 billion is allocated to state pensioners, while N3 billion is meant for local government pensioners.

Prior to the announcement of the verification, many pensioners had grown anxious about the governor’s promise.

However, the latest development has revived confidence that the administration will fulfill its financial commitment, thereby easing the burden on retirees who have long awaited their benefits.

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