Home Blog Page 571

Lagos Scholarship Board Confirms Payments Only for Verified Students

0

August 7, 2025 – The Lagos State Scholarship Board has reiterated its commitment to transparency, credibility, and continuous reforms in the administration of bursaries and scholarship awards.

In a public service announcement, the Board addressed various concerns and clarified its current processes, especially regarding automation, verification, and disbursement timelines.

According to the Board, the automation of scholarship processes began with the 2021/2022 academic session. “Reforms are an integral part of all organizational growth. Hitherto, physical application forms were purchased at the Board and processes were done manually,” the statement noted.

Although the transition to digital operations started, many applicants still opted for physical forms. To streamline data collection, the Board introduced a Google form for the 2021/2022 applicants. “While some students complied, others ignored. The Board was left with no choice but to work with the available data having left that window open for over a year,” it added.

Another key area the Board highlighted is the verification of students directly by their institutions before any disbursement is approved. This includes multiple layers of checks to ensure the credibility of the process.

“Audit exercises are also carried in good faith as a second layer of confirmations and checks to maintain the credibility of the Board’s processes,” the announcement stated. It emphasized that these steps are necessary and influence payment decisions, which are not indefinite but bound by time.

The Board also referenced the recent stakeholders meeting held on 24th July 2025 at the EKO FM Multipurpose Hall, where these issues were further addressed. It encouraged applicants and the public to reach out through its official channels for further enquiries and clarifications.

Highlighting its achievements, the statement confirmed that the Board has successfully paid thousands of undergraduate, master’s, and PhD students within the past six months. “LSSB staff work tirelessly to ensure seamless payments of bursaries and scholarships to verified and qualified applicants,” it said, reinforcing the importance of proper verification from institutions.

The Board also issued a reminder about the rights of Lagos State Government employees. “Please note that Lagos State Government staff have the right to perform their duties without facing intimidation, harassment, or threats,” the statement stressed.

It further warned that any acts of violence or harassment against public officials are illegal and could lead to legal action.

The announcement was signed by the Director of Public Affairs, Lagos State Scholarship Board.

Advertisement

Enugu SME Center Extends Enugu Campus Hackathon Deadline Date

August 7, 2025 – The Enugu SME Center, through the Office of Digital Economy, Government of Enugu State, has announced a new deadline for the Enugu Campus Hackathon.

According to officials, “Team registration has been extended to 23rd August 2024.” Young innovators are encouraged not to miss this opportunity.

The Enugu Campus Hackathon eligibility and registration process remains the same.

FG Launches N200,000 YouthCred Loan Scheme for Corps Members

August 7, 2025 – The Minister for Youth Development, Mr Ayodele Olawande, has officially launched a loan scheme called “YouthCred,” aimed at giving Corps Members access to affordable credit. The initiative is led by the Nigerian Consumer Credit Corporation (CREDICORP) and allows Corps Members to apply for single-digit interest loans of up to N200,000.

The launch took place at the NYSC FCT Orientation Camp in Kubwa, Abuja, and is part of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s broader youth empowerment agenda.

According to Mr Olawande, “This initiative is one of the laudable youth-related programmes of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, aimed at financial empowerment for Corps Members.”

The Director General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Brigadier General Olakunle Nafiu, praised the launch, saying it would offer Corps Members affordable credit options and help improve their welfare.

“The YouthCred initiative will provide additional financial support for Corps Members,” General Nafiu said. “Over 400,000 Corps Members pass out of the Scheme annually. This programme marks a collective milestone in our efforts towards improving the welfare and socio-economic prospects of Nigerian youths.”

He expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for his ongoing support of youth-focused policies and programmes. He also commended the leadership of CREDICORP for initiating and managing the scheme effectively.

“I also thank the Managing Director/CEO of the Nigerian Consumer Credit Corporation and his team for initiating and professionally driving this initiative with the NYSC,” General Nafiu added. “Your unwavering commitment to creating practical solutions for youth empowerment aligns perfectly with NYSC’s mandate of fostering national unity and providing opportunities for young Nigerian youths to succeed.”

He urged Corps Members to use their credit cards responsibly and follow the rules of the scheme. He also encouraged other stakeholders to work with NYSC to develop more impactful programmes for the youth.

Speaking at the event, the Managing Director/CEO of CREDICORP, Mr Uzoma Nwagba, revealed that N9 billion had been allocated for the first phase of the YouthCred programme, which targets Corps Members nationwide.

He explained that the programme is not only about providing loans but also about promoting responsible borrowing habits and financial planning among young people.

CEDF Phase 2 Launch Postponed to a New Date

August 7, 2025 – In the latest update, the Central Economic Development Fund (CEDF) announced a change in the launch date for its highly anticipated Phase 2 rollout. Originally set for 6 August 2025, the new launch date is now confirmed for 14 August 2025.

“We’re making CEDF better and that means a short wait,” the organizers shared in a statement.

The delay is part of a broader strategy to expand the fund’s reach and flexibility. The revised Second Phase will feature a wider range of ticket sizes and financing tailored to key sectors, including creative industries like film.

“We’re expanding the fund to include smaller ticket sizes and tailored financing for priority sectors,” they added.

This change is expected to improve access to capital for more businesses and startups in Nigeria.

With the new structure, CEDF aims to support inclusive economic growth by offering flexible funding that meets diverse sector needs.

NDE Warns No Renewed Hope Employment Initiative Shortlisted Candidates 2nd Phase

August 7, 2025 – The National Directorate of Employment (NDE) has issued a public disclaimer warning Nigerians about unauthorized messages circulating online regarding the second phase of the Renewed Hope Employment Initiative (RHEI) 2025.

The agency stated that the shortlist for the second phase is not yet out, and any message or link suggesting otherwise is false.

Recall that NDE Renewed Hope Employment Initiative 2nd phase registration is still ongoing.

In a statement released on August 7, 2025, the NDE said, “The attention of the National Directorate of Employment (NDE) has again been drawn to unauthorized publications circulating on social media and other platforms falsely inviting the public to apply for the 2nd Phase of the Renewed Hope Employment Initiative (RHEI) 2025 through unofficial links and WhatsApp groups.”

The fake message claims to come from a partnership between the NDE and the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), requesting shortlisted applicants to pay ₦1,000 to a designated account for verification. The message instructs recipients to upload payment receipts and follow steps through a fraudulent link.

Part of the message reads, “Congratulations! You have been successfully shortlisted for the next stage of the Niger State NDE-FIRS Renewed Hope Employment Initiative… Click here to continue your verification process.”

The NDE made it clear that it has no connection to the message, stating, “The NDE wishes to categorically disassociate itself from such misleading content and warn the general public against engaging with unverified websites, groups, or individuals claiming to represent the Directorate.”

For clarity, the NDE confirmed that the only official platforms for any information or registration related to the Renewed Hope Employment Initiative are:

www.nde.gov.ng
www.nderegistrationportal.ng

The public is advised not to make any payments or provide personal details through unofficial channels. The NDE emphasized its commitment to transparency, accountability, and fair access to its empowerment programmes.

Applicants will be duly informed once the list of successful candidates has been released. For now, avoid making any payments to fraudsters.

FirstBank IAmABeneficiary Loan Story Contest (N100,000 Cash)

August 7, 2025 – FirstBank Nigeria is calling on Nigerians to share their digital loan experiences for a chance to win ₦100,000 in cash or shopping vouchers.

The bank announced the initiative as part of its celebration of reaching a major milestone in digital loan disbursements.

Customers who have benefited from FirstCredit or FirstAdvance are invited to take part. According to the bank, “Got a Digital Loan Story? Ready to share how FirstCredit or FirstAdvance helped you power your dreams / needs. Tell us and you could stand a chance to vybe with ₦100,000 cash or shopping vouchers!”

How to participate:

To participate, customers must follow these steps:
1. Make and post a 60-second video on your page, sharing how a FirstBank digital loan made a difference in your life or business.
2. Tag FirstBank and use the hashtags #IAmABeneficiary #FirstBank1TrillionDigitalLoans
3. Tag 3 friends, ask them to follow FirstBank, like, and comment on your post.
4. Once this is done, come back to the giveaway post, comment “done” with the hashtags #IAmABeneficiary #FirstBank1TrillionDigitalLoans
5. Make sure you and everyone you tagged are following FirstBank.

Vybers will be picked at random. Terms and conditions apply. Entries will be verified before rewards are disbursed

Those who prefer writing can submit their stories online Here and click on “Tell Your Story Here” to complete the application form.

Apply: ActionAid Nigeria Recruitment (Sponsorship Finance Coordinator)

0

August 7, 2025 – ActionAid Nigeria, a national affiliate of ActionAid International, has announced a job opening for the position of Sponsorship Finance Coordinator.

The organisation, which is part of a global anti-poverty movement working in over 40 countries, is searching for a candidate to lead its local child sponsorship initiative from its Abuja office.

In a statement from the organisation, ActionAid Nigeria said the successful applicant “will take a lead on the local child sponsorship initiative in terms of designing implementation of appropriate system of accounting and internal control; coordinate the roll out of financial implementation plan of the local child sponsorship in specific locations as will be decided by ActionAid Nigeria and ensure it effectiveness, efficiency and compliance with relevant standards and law.”

The role includes ensuring the financial and legal integrity of the organisation in accordance with internal policies and local regulations. The postholder will also play a significant role in key strategic decisions for both the Local Rights Programme (LRP) and the broader sponsorship administration.

According to ActionAid Nigeria, the successful candidate will “provide input to strategic plans especially with regards to quantitative performance measures and indicators.”

This role is crucial for strengthening accountability systems and implementing best practices in financial planning and compliance. With its focus on finance jobs and accounting careers in the nonprofit sector, the position is expected to attract candidates who value ethical leadership, social impact, and financial transparency.

The following are the stated requirements for interested applicants:

1. First degree in Finance/Accounting is essential.
2. Nationally recognized Professional Accounting Qualification is essential.
3. Masters’ degree in relevant studies is desirable.
4. At least 7 years’ post NYSC experience, inclusive of at least 4 years post professional qualification experience is essential.
5. Experience in implementing financial control systems is essential.
6. Experience in using Accounting Software, Systems & Spreadsheets is essential.
7. Experience in working with International development agencies in a similar position is desirable.
8. Experience of working in a multi-cultural environment is desirable.
9. Audit firm experience is desirable.
10. Excellent management & leadership skills
11. Excellent skills in facilitation and capacity building for inter-linkages between staff, partners & stakeholders
12. Excellent interpersonal and communications
13. Accuracy and attention to details
14. Negotiation skills
15. High sense of integrity
16. Ability to interface effectively with other members of staff and solve problems using own initiative.

The organisation offers competitive terms of employment and encourages applications from young people, women, persons with disability, and candidates from the Northeast and Northwest regions of Nigeria.

The closing date for receipt of applications is Wednesday, 20th August 2025.

How to apply:

Interested applicants are required to complete the application form, which can be accessed Here, and send the completed form in MS Word format to Vacancy.Nigeria@actionaid.org.

The organisation added, “Subject line of emails must state clearly, job title of position applied for and location e.g., Sponsorship Finance Coordinator-Abuja.”

Only electronically submitted forms will be considered. Submitted or Scanned CVs will be disregarded.

ActionAid Nigeria noted that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for interviews.

NITDA DG Unveils AI Roadmap at Nigeria AI Scaling Hub Workshop

0

The Director General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, took part in the “Visioning Workshop of the Nigeria AI Scaling Hub,” held at the Lagos Business School. The workshop, backed by the Gates Foundation as a core partner, brought together stakeholders from government, academia, industry, and development sectors to shape a strategic roadmap for artificial intelligence (AI) in Nigeria.

During the event, Inuwa explained that the impact of AI is already visible, saying, “AI’s promise is not distant but already reshaping industries in real time.” He stressed the importance of making AI tools widely accessible, moving innovations from laboratories into communities to solve real-life challenges.

Inuwa introduced NITDA’s AI Transformation Roadmap, which aims to apply AI for smarter regulation and more adaptive policy-making. According to him, “We are training AI tools on decades-old legal frameworks to reduce duplication and develop regulations with greater precision and efficiency.”

He also described AI as a thought partner that can support leaders in research, planning, and decision-making, noting, “AI should help leaders research, plan, and execute faster and better across all sectors.”

Reaffirming the Federal Government’s support, Inuwa urged collaboration in building AI solutions for health, agriculture, and education, particularly in underserved areas, aligning with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s $1 trillion economic goal.

Olawande Launches YouthCred Loan for NYSC Members

The Minister of Youth Development, Olawande Emmanuel Ayodele, has officially launched YouthCred under the National Credit Initiative in a move aligned with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s June 12 Democracy Day commitment. The platform, available at www.youthcred.com, aims to provide fair, responsible, and flexible access to credit for young Nigerians, starting with National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members.

Recall that YouthCred NYSC loan scheme portal was recently unveiled for applications.

“In keeping with the promise made by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in his June 12 Democracy Day address, I have the honour today to launch YouthCred under the national credit initiative,” Ayodele said.

“With YouthCred, we are offering responsible, fair, and flexible access to credit to help youth meet their needs, start small businesses, and build the future they deserve, starting with members of the National Youth Service Corps.”

Highlighting a key challenge faced by youth, he added, “One of the biggest barriers to growth is access to credit—and today, we are changing that narrative.”

YouthCred allows Corps members to access starter credit after completing a financial literacy course. Credit can then grow up to ₦200,000 based on repayment history, empowering users to manage loans and finances effectively.

The initiative follows recent efforts such as NELFUND, the Nigerian Education Loan Fund, which supports students’ education. “From NELFUND to YouthCred, we are prioritising youth welfare and doing our best to improve the lives of Nigerian young people,” Ayodele noted.

He expressed appreciation to President Tinubu for fulfilling his promise and thanked the CEO of CREDICORP, Engr. Uzoma Nwagba, and the NYSC DG, Brigadier General Olakunle Nafiu, for their strong support.

ITF Switches to Online Memos and Letters to Speed Up Work

0

Lakowe, Lagos – August 7, 2025 – The Director-General of the Industrial Training Fund (ITF), Dr. Afiz Oluwatoyin Ogun, has reaffirmed the agency’s dedication to using digital technologies to enhance public service delivery and internal operations. This was disclosed during the 17th ITF Management Retreat held at the Lakowe Golf Resort in Lekki, Lagos.

During his presentation to Directors and Heads of Departments, Dr. Ogun unveiled several digital transformation initiatives aimed at improving workflow and reducing paperwork within the organization. He emphasized that this move was part of a broader strategy to adopt global best practices and increase automation across all ITF systems.

“In our pursuit of excellence and efficiency, the ITF has adopted digital communication tools that will streamline our operations and significantly reduce our dependence on paperwork,” Dr. Ogun said.

According to him, all internal and inter-departmental memos, including official correspondence, will now be transmitted electronically. This change is expected to boost productivity and ensure faster and more accurate documentation of internal processes.

“This innovation will improve response time, ensure accurate documentation, and enhance collaboration across departments,” he added. “It’s another bold step toward building a modern, forward-thinking institution that is prepared to meet the demands of a dynamic global economy.”

The shift to digital communication is in line with ITF’s continuous drive to enhance automation, reduce delays, and promote efficiency in the workplace. These efforts are aligned with high-value keywords such as digital workflow, smart technology, document automation, and enterprise efficiency tools.

The 17th Management Retreat, themed “Developing Effective Strategies for Skill-Up Artisans (SUPA) Implementation: Opportunities and Challenges”, served as a platform for ITF leadership to assess progress, share updates, and align on strategic goals for more effective execution of its mandate.