The Honourable Commissioner for Education in Nasarawa State, Dr. John Mamman, who also serves as Chairman of the State Steering Committee for the implementation of the AGILE Project, on Thursday led a high-level delegation to a strategic meeting with Technical Service Providers (TSPs) ahead of the planned renovation of 490 public secondary schools across the state.

The delegation included members of the State Project Implementation Unit (SPIU) and the Consultant in charge of Component 1.2 of the AGILE Project, which focuses on school infrastructure upgrades. The meeting aimed to review implementation strategies and establish clear standards to guide the exercise.

Speaking at the meeting, Dr. Mamman stressed the importance of improving existing facilities and providing WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) amenities, particularly gender-sensitive toilets for both girls and boys. “This is not just a contract—it is a community service,” Dr. Mamman said. “As certified professionals, you must not compromise quality. The lives of our young ones and future leaders depend on the integrity of your work.”

The Commissioner warned against any collusion with School-Based Management Committee (SBMC) members to divert project resources, noting that such misconduct would attract strict sanctions. He also revealed plans to carry out unannounced oversight visits to renovation sites to personally assess progress and ensure compliance with agreed standards.

The Consultant for the infrastructure component, Dr. Qs Rufun Faderson, urged the service providers to strictly adhere to the standards and rules of engagement.

He emphasized the importance of collaboration with SBMC officials and encouraged contractors to report any challenges promptly to avoid delays. “If you go contrary to our set standards, you will be held accountable,” he stated.

Earlier, AGILE Project Coordinator, Hajiya Aishatu Aliyu Isoga, represented by Aliyu Isiaka, Component 1.1 Lead, welcomed the service providers and described the meeting as an important step in selecting qualified local engineers to deliver quality renovation works and WASH facilities.

She explained that the selection process was based on proven professional records and urged contractors to work closely with SBMCs to ensure transparency, proper use of funds, and successful project delivery.

TeenEagle 3 Global Finals has continued to make headlines in Nigeria as the CEO of Manga Automobiles, Muhammad Manga, fulfilled his promise by awarding N800,000 to Nafisa Abdullahi Aminu, the winner of the TeenEagle World English Language Competition. The award was part of a total disbursement of N1.7 million on August 29, 2025.

This follows the recognition given to Nafisa by the Federal Government, where she was awarded N200,000 in Abuja during a ceremony presented by the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa.

In an official post, Manga Automobiles stated, “1st Place! A big Congratulations to the brilliant winners for bringing this home. Manga Automobiles is proud to support and encourage excellence with a reward of 1.7 million. Keep soaring higher – the future is yours.”

During the presentation, Muhammad Manga said, “This award is coming from the Federal Ministry of Education (on behalf). Thank you Mr. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Thank you the Minister of Education, Olatunji Alausa.”

He explained the breakdown of the cash awards, saying, “I promised to award her N500,000 but I increased it to N800,000. Then for the other two contestants, we have awarded them N300,000 each. For her aunty that brought her, we award her N150,000. Then for the baby they came with, we give her N50,000. Then for her aunty again, N100,000 award. In total, N1.7 million.”

Manga added, “That N200,000 you received from the federal government is more than even my car stand because you have been recognized by the government, which is a bigger reward. I saw some people comment that the government gave footballers N152 million but gave you N200,000. However, the government is done with those footballers, but as for you, you have been recognized. Don’t make people’s comments discourage you.”

Nafisa, speaking after receiving the award, encouraged other young people by saying, “To all other kids that want to be like me, I want to tell you that your dreams are valid. Your potential is limitless. Don’t let anyone dull your spark. Work smart, work hard, and also pray.”

The federal government has announced that no fewer than 396,000 students have benefited from the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) tuition loans under President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

The disclosure was made on Friday in Lokoja during a town hall meeting held to highlight the key achievements of President Tinubu’s administration in the last two years, with special focus on Kogi State.

In his presentation, the guest speaker, Lawal Shuaibu, who represented the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, said the federal government’s initiatives have positively impacted the lives of Nigerians, especially students.

“One notable achievement is the NELFUND tuition loan scheme, which has benefited over 396,000 students as of August 7, 2025. This initiative aims to provide financial assistance to ensure they complete their education and have a secure future,” Shuaibu said.

He added that the Kogi government had attracted investments worth over N900 billion, with 7,800 hectares of land cleared for farming.

On industrialisation, he revealed that the government had commenced the construction of five mini-LNG plants in Ajaokuta, valued at over $500 million. “This project is expected to create job opportunities, provide energy for many states, and position Nigeria as a key player in the global energy market,” he stated.

Shuaibu further said the state government had rolled out plans to train 25,000 youths to take the lead in mineral exploration and contribute to the state’s economic growth.

Earlier, the Head of the Federal Information Centre in Lokoja, Sabina Abalaka, explained that the programme was designed to sensitise the public on the federal government’s achievements.

She said the Tinubu administration had taken bold steps to address economic challenges, including the removal of fuel subsidy, to set Nigeria on a path of sustainable growth. “Despite initial hardships, the government’s decisions are expected to positively impact economic growth and national development,” Abalaka said.

The Special Adviser on Media to the Kogi governor, Ismaila Isah, also spoke on the administration’s achievements in agriculture and housing. He said the president had implemented the Renewed Hope Agricultural Mechanisation Programme (RHAMP) with the commissioning of 2,000 tractors and 9,022 specialised implements.

“This is the largest single mechanisation drive in Nigeria’s history. The programme has also led to the cultivation of over 55,000 hectares of land and created 60,000 jobs,” Isah said.

He added that in Kogi State, Governor Ahmed Ododo had distributed fertilisers to 30,000 farmers and initiated a tractor refurbishment programme, saving the state N20 billion.

Isah noted that the government had also allocated 100 hectares of land to the Federal Housing Authority for the construction of a 1,000-unit housing estate under the Renewed Hope Housing Project. Represented by Oyiza Bello-Salami, he reiterated the state government’s commitment to supporting the president’s reforms and development programmes.

“Governor Ahmed Ododo praised the president’s visionary leadership and bold policies, which had started to yield positive results. The state government is working to implement programmes that align with the federal government’s agenda, including the creation of a Ministry of Livestock Development,” he said.

The Maigari of Lokoja, Ibrahim Gambo, also commended the president for reforms that have positively impacted the lives of citizens. Represented by the Matawale of Lokoja, Ademu Muhammed, he hailed the NELFUND initiative, noting that it had relieved the burden of school fees and upkeep for students and parents.

He called for the extension of the initiative’s benefits to the grassroots and appreciated the government’s efforts in improving Nigeria’s foreign reserves.

Abia State governor, Alex Otti, has pledged full support for the Methodist Church of Nigeria as it prepares to establish a University in Umuimenyi, Bende Local Government Area.

Otti, in a statement yesterday, said he received the Prelate of the Methodist Church Nigeria, His Eminence Dr Oliver Abah, alongside a delegation of Archbishops and Bishops. He described the initiative as a monumental step for Abia State and reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to advancing education.

“Yesterday I had the honour of receiving the Prelate of the Methodist Church Nigeria, His Eminence Dr Oliver Abah, alongside a distinguished delegation of Archbishops and Bishops,” Otti said. “The Methodist Church of Nigeria is set to establish a University in Umuimenyi, Bende LGA. This is a monumental step for Abia State, and I assured the delegation of our full support for this transformative initiative.”

The governor highlighted that education remains a cornerstone of his administration, noting that since assuming office, 20 per cent of the state’s budget has been consistently allocated to education. He added that the government is making major investments in revitalising Abia State University and other institutions across the state.

To support the Methodist University project, Otti revealed that construction of a road leading to the proposed site has already commenced. He also confirmed that efforts are ongoing to resolve land-related concerns that may hinder the project.

“The Methodist Church has a rich legacy in education and healthcare, and we embrace this collaboration as a defining moment in our shared pursuit of academic excellence,” Otti stated.