President Bola Tinubu has approved N158 billion to strengthen Nigeria’s education sector, with a focus on technical, vocational, and digital skills.
Minister of State for Education, Professor Suwaiba Ahmad, announced the funding at the 42nd convocation and 50th anniversary of Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto.
She explained that the initiative will train at least 650,000 youths in Technical and Vocational Education Training (TVET), equipping them with skills to meet the demands of modern industries and the labour market.
According to the minister, the approval reflects the federal government’s commitment to youth empowerment and national development. She also noted that some universities, including Usmanu Danfodiyo University, are already benefiting from rural electrification projects to improve learning environments and academic productivity.
The convocation ceremony also featured the conferment of honorary degrees on Islamic scholar Sheikh Muhammad Aminu Ibrahim Daurawa and former Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Faruku Yahaya (Rtd.). Professor Dejo Abdulrahman was awarded emeritus status, while several university facilities were renamed after distinguished personalities.
Sokoto State Governor, Ahmed Aliyu, praised the federal government’s investment in education and pledged continued support for the university’s mission. He also announced a Hajj seat for the best graduating student as a special reward.
Vice Chancellor Professor Garba Bashir highlighted the university’s achievements in research, teaching, and community service, acknowledging the efforts of past leaders, staff, students, and stakeholders in shaping its legacy.
About the author
I’m still being body-shamed after weight loss, says Eniola Badmus
Nollywood actress Eniola Badmus has opened up about the criticism she still faces despite her dramatic weight loss. The actress revealed that she has dropped from 170kg to 83kg over the past five years, describing the transformation as one of the biggest changes in her life. She said the journey was not easy and required discipline, patience and determination. Badmus explained that she was body-shamed when she was plus-sized and is still being body-shamed after losing weight. According to her, the comments never really stopped, they only changed form. She said the experience has shown her how cruel public opinion can be, especially for women in the entertainment industry. The actress added that people often find a reason to criticise no matter what a person looks like. Her remarks have sparked conversation online about body image and the pressure celebrities […]
Spain on collision course with France as Belgium stands in the way
European champions Spain are on course for a blockbuster World Cup showdown with France, but they must first get past Belgium in the quarter-finals. Spain have been one of the standout teams at the tournament, with a solid defence and strong attacking play carrying them into the last eight. Their impressive run has increased expectations that a possible meeting with France could be one of the biggest matches of the competition. Belgium, however, stand in their way. The Red Devils have shown enough quality and experience to make the quarter-final a difficult test for Spain. The potential Spain vs France clash has already generated excitement because of the talent on both sides, including France star Kylian Mbappe. Spain’s young forward Lamine Yamal has also been one of the headline names at the tournament. Spain are hoping to continue their unbeaten […]
Ndume urges Tinubu to speak directly to Nigerians
Senator Ali Ndume has urged President Bola Tinubu to speak directly to Nigerians instead of relying on aides and other intermediaries. Ndume said he made the appeal during a closed-door meeting with the president in Abuja. According to him, Nigerians want to hear directly from their leader on the state of the nation. He explained that his advice was based on the need for stronger public communication at a time when the country is facing insecurity and economic hardship. The senator said Tinubu welcomed the suggestion and promised to look into it. He added that regular direct communication from the president would help build public confidence and improve trust in government policies. Ndume also said the meeting covered key national issues, including security and the economy. He said both challenges require urgent attention and broader consultation. His comments have drawn […]
Residents count losses as torrential rain floods Lagos communities
Residents in several Lagos communities are counting their losses after torrential rainfall flooded homes, roads, and businesses across the state. The heavy downpour turned major streets into temporary waterways, leaving commuters stranded and traffic brought to a standstill in many parts of the city. In some areas, floodwater entered houses and shops, damaging household items and goods worth millions of naira. The flooding affected communities including Oshodi, Mushin, Surulere, Egbeda, Gbagada, Ilupeju, and other low-lying parts of Lagos. Residents said the water rose quickly after the rain began and made movement almost impossible. Many business owners were forced to close early as customers and workers could not access affected areas. Motorists also struggled to move through submerged roads, with several vehicles stalled or damaged by floodwater. Some residents blamed blocked drainage channels and poor waste disposal for worsening the situation. […]
UK-based lawyer begins process of renouncing Nigerian citizenship
A UK-based Nigerian lawyer has begun the process of renouncing his Nigerian citizenship, saying he has already submitted the required application and is now waiting for approval. The development has drawn attention online because it reflects the growing number of Nigerians abroad who are rethinking their legal ties to the country. The lawyer said his decision was deliberate and that he had chosen to move forward with the formal process. He is said to have made the move through the proper legal channel rather than by making a public statement alone. That means the application will still have to go through the official review system before any final decision is reached. For many people in the diaspora, citizenship issues are often tied to identity, convenience, and future opportunities. In this case, the lawyer’s action has sparked discussion about why some […]
Xenophobia Uganda repatriates 1102 citizens from South Africa
Uganda has repatriated more than 1100 of its citizens from South Africa as part of an emergency evacuation prompted by rising xenophobic violence and anti migrant protests. The operation began with a first group of 273 Ugandans who arrived at Entebbe International Airport on a chartered Uganda Airlines flight from O R Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg. Subsequent flights have brought in additional groups as the government works through a list of nationals who registered for voluntary return. According to Uganda’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Uganda High Commission in Pretoria the repatriation was ordered by President Yoweri Museveni to safeguard the lives and welfare of Ugandans living in South Africa. Officials said the government is covering the full cost of the evacuation including flights and immediate reception support on arrival. The exercise is being coordinated by the Ministry […]
Related
Ndume urges Tinubu to speak directly to Nigerians
Senator Ali Ndume has urged President Bola Tinubu to speak directly to Nigerians instead of relying on aides and other intermediaries. Ndume said he made the appeal during a closed-door meeting with the president in Abuja. According to him, Nigerians want to hear directly from their leader on the state of the nation. He explained that his advice was based on the need for stronger public communication at a time when the country is facing insecurity and economic hardship. The senator said Tinubu welcomed the suggestion and promised to look into it. He added that regular direct communication from the president would help build public confidence and improve trust in government policies. Ndume also said the meeting covered key national issues, including security and the economy. He said both challenges require urgent attention and broader consultation. His comments have drawn […]
UK-based lawyer begins process of renouncing Nigerian citizenship
A UK-based Nigerian lawyer has begun the process of renouncing his Nigerian citizenship, saying he has already submitted the required application and is now waiting for approval. The development has drawn attention online because it reflects the growing number of Nigerians abroad who are rethinking their legal ties to the country. The lawyer said his decision was deliberate and that he had chosen to move forward with the formal process. He is said to have made the move through the proper legal channel rather than by making a public statement alone. That means the application will still have to go through the official review system before any final decision is reached. For many people in the diaspora, citizenship issues are often tied to identity, convenience, and future opportunities. In this case, the lawyer’s action has sparked discussion about why some […]
Ebola Tinubu’s swift response shows commitment to Nigerians’ safety
The Minister of Information has said President Bola Tinubu’s response to the Ebola threat shows clear commitment to the safety and health of Nigerians.fmino+2 He noted that under Tinubu’s instructions the Federal Government quickly activated enhanced surveillance and emergency preparedness measures even though Nigeria has no confirmed Ebola case at the moment. The minister said this proactive approach is meant to prevent importation of the virus and protect citizens before any crisis occurs.statehouse+1 Part of the response is the creation of a Presidential Task Force on Ebola Virus Disease Preparedness and Emerging Public Health Threats and the release of N10 billion as emergency funding. According to the minister the task force brings together key ministries agencies and state representatives to coordinate surveillance border screening public communication and rapid response plans nationwide.fmino+2 He explained that the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control […]
Oyo abduction bandits threaten to kill pupils if troops advance
Nigeria’s Minister of Defence Christopher Musa says bandits who abducted pupils and teachers from schools in Oyo State threatened to kill their captives if troops moved any closer to their camp.guardian+2 Musa disclosed this while giving an update on the rescue efforts for dozens of pupils and teachers taken during coordinated attacks on schools in Oriire Local Government Area. He said the terrorists warned that any attempt by the military to advance on their location would lead to the execution of some of the children.premiumtimesng+1 According to the minister the threat forced security agencies to adjust their tactics so as not to endanger the hostages. He explained that operations on the ground focused on blocking escape routes gathering intelligence and using caution instead of a direct assault that could provoke the abductors.punchng+1 Musa also confirmed that the kidnappers demanded the […]
Insecurity senate tells FG to stop rehabilitation of Boko Haram members
The Senate has asked the Federal Government to suspend the rehabilitation and reintegration programme for Boko Haram members. Lawmakers said the country’s worsening security situation makes the policy hard to justify at this time. They also urged security agencies to intensify arrests and prosecution of those behind attacks across the country. The resolution was reached during plenary after senators debated the rising wave of killings, abductions and attacks on serving and retired military personnel. The motion was sponsored by Senator Abdulaziz Yar’Adua. Several lawmakers argued that criminals should not be rewarded while violence continues. They said the government should focus more on punishment, intelligence gathering and stronger security operations. The Senate also directed its security committees to step up oversight and put pressure on the country’s security leaders to improve results. Members said the current security response is not strong […]
Tinubu orders 30 day probe of alleged fake federal agency
President Bola Tinubu has ordered a comprehensive investigation into the so called Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council PFIPC described as a fake federal agency that operated as if it were officially created by government Tinubu directed the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission ICPC to carry out the probe and submit a detailed report within 30 days. According to a statement on the directive the presidency said the PFIPC was never established by any law presidential instrument or valid government The statement explained that a Nigerian identified as Adeniyi Adeyemi Matthew allegedly posed as the director general of the supposed council and claimed to be a presidential appointee. He is accused of using forged appointment letters and other fake government documents to obtain recognition and benefits ICPC has been asked to investigate how the alleged fake agency gained […]