Author: user user

Nigerian woman unreachable days after arriving in Doha

A Nigerian woman, who travelled from Lagos to Doha, Qatar, has reportedly been unreachable for more than 48 hours after arriving in the country, raising concerns among her family and prompting inquiries by authorities and airline officials.

The woman, 37, boarded Qatar Airways flight QR1408 from Lagos International Airport to Doha on Tuesday.

Her brother, Jonathan Jibo, in a post on X said the family last communicated with her through WhatsApp while she was still on board the aircraft, using the flight’s Wi-Fi.

According to Jibo, the flight landed safely in Doha and a person designated to pick her up was already waiting at the airport. However, she did not meet the person who had gone to receive her.

The family subsequently contacted the airport desk and the airline, which reportedly indicated that she had collected her luggage.

The brother said the development has caused concern because the woman is experienced with airport procedures, having worked at Lagos Airport for almost 12 years.

Jibo said his sister was travelling abroad for the first time, had no friends in Qatar and had already paid for her accommodation and other arrangements months before her trip. She was also expected to resume work in Doha weeks after her arrival.

ATHLETICS-DIAMOND LEAGUE-Campbell captures shot put title in record fashion

Jamaica’s Rajindra Campbell produced a personal best throw to stun the field in the men’s discus and win gold at the Wanda Diamond League final here on Saturday.

Competing at King Baudouin Stadium, Campbell threw the discus a stunning 23.08 metres to give Jamaica their third title after Oblique Seville and Tajay Gayle captured the 100m and long jump titles, respectively on Friday’s opening day.

American Jordan Geist was second with his effort measured at 22.23m and his compatriot Joe Kovacs finished third with 22.09m.

Campbell’s mark is the fourth best ever in the history of the event, and shattered Jamaica’s national record of 22.62m, which he threw in the second round.

It was the fifth time that Campbell, the Olympic Games bronze medalist, broke his own national record.

He had extended his own Jamaican record to 22.34m in China in May, then threw 22.44m in June in Zagreb, Croatia and 22.59m in Brescia, Italy last weekend.

FEATI U is focused on reinforcing its brand as it turns 80

MARKING its 80th year, FEATI University’s leadership is looking to the future while remaining firmly anchored on the vision of its founders, Salvador and Doña Victoria Lopez-Araneta.

In an exclusive interview with BusinessMirror, university president Dr. Susan Gallardo said the institution’s next phase will focus on preserving its legacy as a technology- and engineering-oriented university while strengthening the quality of education, research, industry partnerships and its graduates’ competitiveness.

‘When I took over, I already mentioned my vision for FEATI University,’ she said. ‘We would like to keep the legacy of the founders.’

A key part of that effort is improving the university’s faculty. FEATI has begun a series of faculty development programs, including training on outcomes-based education as the university prepares for accreditation.

Dr. Gallardo said the university is also encouraging faculty members to pursue doctoral degrees, attend conferences, and publish research in reputable journals. The goal is not only to improve teaching but also to create a stronger research culture.

Academic Affairs vice president Dr. Evelyn Creencia said the university is reviving research collaborations through the University Belt Consortium, including projects involving the rehabilitation of the Pasig River and its tributaries.

‘Previous initiatives focused on monitoring the health of esteros and creeks, while future projects could explore proven technologies for water rehabilitation and waste management,’ said Dr. Creencia.

She said FEATI also plans to make its research center more active and establish an in-house science and technology journal. A research forum in December will allow faculty members to present their work and gain confidence in sharing their research.

According to Dr. Gallardo, the university hopes these activities will eventually lead to more collaborative research and funding applications from the Commission on Higher Education and the Department of Science and Technology.

Raising academic, industry standards

ANOTHER priority is boosting student performance in professional licensure exams.

Dr. Gallardo shared that FEATI is looking at integrating board examination preparation into the curriculum, particularly during students’ final year. The objective is to ensure that students are adequately prepared before graduation.

Dr. Creencia said the university is also strengthening its links with industry and alumni. Industry practitioners and alumni working in relevant sectors are being brought into curriculum reviews to ensure that programs reflect the skills employers need.

Laboratory facilities are likewise being upgraded, particularly for specialized programs such as railway engineering, according to Dr. Gallardo.

FEATI is seeking government recognition for its railway engineering program, which Dr. Gallardo said could eventually make the university the first institution in the country to offer an engineering degree specifically focused on railways, distinct from railway technology programs.

Engr. Eulalio Creencia, the university’s director for development, compliance and accreditation services, said the university has also established partnerships with Japanese railway institutions. A train from Metro Tokyo has been brought to the FEATI campus for learning purposes, while faculty members and students have received training in Japan.

‘We would be applying for three ISO categories: ISO 9100 [for quality management], ISO 21001 [for educational organization management], and ISO 2727001 [for information systems],’ said Engr. Creencia.

As the Philippines expands its railway infrastructure, Dr. Gallardo said FEATI sees a pathway to develop engineers supportive of the country’s future rail systems.

‘Beyond railways, the university is strengthening programs in aircraft maintenance, aerospace, marine engineering and marine transportation,’ according to Dr. Gallardo.

‘It is also exploring naval architecture, mechatronics, robotics, artificial intelligence and data analytics,’ said Engr. Creencia.

Digital, globally competitive

FEATI is preparing an artificial intelligence policy as it trains faculty members to use AI tools. The university is also developing proposed programs in artificial intelligence and data analytics.

Engr. Creencia said the university is looking at the intersection of robotics, electronics, electrical engineering, and mechatronics. For him, these initiatives are part of a broader effort to ensure that their graduates are globally competitive and employable both in the Philippines and overseas.

The university’s director said they are simultaneously preparing for several accreditation and certification initiatives. These include Philippine university accreditation, ISO certifications, and international engineering accreditation under the Washington Accord framework.

‘These would improve our students’ employability,’ Dr. Gallardo said. She noted that international standards can help demonstrate that FEATI’s graduates are prepared to compete with their counterparts abroad.

Rebuilding the FEATI brand

WHILE academic modernization is central to the university’s plans, FEATI also recognizes the need to rebuild public awareness of the institution.

Dr. Gallardo acknowledged that some people have mistakenly assumed that FEATI was no longer operating. To address this, the university established a marketing, communications, and branding office and has begun strengthening its digital presence.

The university plans to revive its publications and increase its social media activities while producing more news and newsletters about its programs, faculty, and achievements.

‘The goal is to restore [our university]’s identity as a leading institution for engineering, technology and innovation,’ she said. ‘After 80 years, [we’re] still here.’

The FEATI president underscored the university’s determination to regain the visibility it once enjoyed.

For her, however, the institution’s renewal goes beyond facilities, programs, and branding. FEATI also wants to develop graduates who are academically capable, professionally prepared, and committed to nation-building.

She said the university’s values education and character formation programs are intended to develop students as ‘whole persons,’ instilling not only technical competence but also patriotism and a desire to contribute to the Philippines.

The university’s leadership is therefore framing its next chapter around a simple premise: one FEATI, one direction.

Rather than expanding into provincial campuses, Dr. Gallardo said the priority is to revitalize the main campus and strengthen its academic foundation.

‘The long-term goal is to bring FEATI back to where it once stood while preparing it for the demands of a rapidly changing global economy,’ said the university president. ‘We hope to continue the legacy of the pioneers: to…give quality education in all its entirety and be involved in nation-building.’

Swiss Embassy Welcomes APIIT Sri Lanka’s Inaugural Hospitality Cohort for an Immersive ‘Swissness’ Experience

Marking a milestone in Sri Lanka’s higher education landscape, the Embassy of Switzerland in Colombo opened its doors in July 2026 to host the cohort of the APIIT School of Hospitality and Tourism for an exclusive, ‘Swissness’ immersion session.

Organized as the highlight of APIIT Sri Lanka’s ‘Week of Serendipity’ Orientation Programme, the visit celebrated the institution’s strategic academic partnership with the globally acclaimed HTMi, Hotel and Tourism Management Institute Switzerland. This high-profile collaboration brings world-renowned Swiss hospitality standards to aspiring professionals in Sri Lanka, combining operational precision, service excellence, and leadership acumen.

The student delegation was warmly received by Mr. Olivier Praz, Chargé d’Affaires at the Embassy of Switzerland, who set the tone for an inspiring cultural and professional exchange. The session offered deep dive into Switzerland’s heritage, societal values, and the distinctive philosophy of precision and innovation that underpins the concept of ‘Swissness.’

A highlight of the visit was a student engagement forum where the cohort explored facets of the identity. The dialogue centered on areas including:

The cultural values that the people of Switzerland take pride in.

The iconic landscapes, historic regions, and destinations across Switzerland.

Time-honored customs, festivals, and cultural traditions unique to the Swiss Confederation.

The strengths, operational discipline, and service ethos that define world-class Swiss hospitality.

Beyond exploring the nation’s chocolate making, winemaking, and traditions, students gained perspectives on Swiss diplomatic acumen, sustainable tourism practices, punctuality and the attention to detail that makes Swiss hospitality the undisputed gold standard worldwide.

The occasion was attended by leadership from APIIT Sri Lanka, led by Mr. Bandula Egodage, Chairman of APIIT Sri Lanka, alongside the Head of the School of Hospitality and Tourism, APIIT Sri Lanka and the Head of Marketing, APIIT Sri Lanka.

A Powerhouse of Industry-Blended Faculty

The school’s faculty stands as a strategic asset. The teaching team combines full-time academics bringing research expertise in management and hospitality studies with industry professionals and operations leaders working across the sector. This model balances theory and research with practice. Students develop an understanding of management theory, culinary techniques, front office operations, and professional grooming, all augmented by real-world case studies, workshops, and masterclasses from industry practitioners.

Strategic Pipelines to Global Careers

The school’s strength lies in its network of strategic industry partnerships. These alliances inject service-grade poise into the curriculum through grooming standards, scholarship pathways, and premium internship pipelines. To unlock mobility, the school embeds mandatory language training, equipping graduates with the linguistic and cultural fluency required to thrive in high-end European and international luxury markets.

World-Class Academic Pathways

Offering a progression from Certificate to BSc (Hons) in International Hospitality Management, the School provides pathways for both O/L and A/L entrants. Every academic year is structured to include 24 weeks of intensive classroom study paired with six months of paid internships. This model ensures that graduates do not just hold a degree; they possess 18 to 24 months of professional experience before they graduate.

State-of-the-Art Training Ecosystem

The school features a training ecosystem, including a local residential training hub at Bolgoda Lake and access to HTMi’s campus-hotel in Sörenberg, Switzerland. This “Campus-Hotel” model immerses students in real-world operations from day one. To ensure entry-level excellence, a dedicated preparatory cohort model provides 80 hours of intensive training in professional conduct, English proficiency, and workplace foundations.

Engagement and Enrollment

The enrollment process is structured, incorporating campus tours, one-on-one faculty interviews, and placement testing to ensure student success. Prospective students and industry partners are invited to contact the admission unit for intake schedules, application procedures, and upcoming programme start dates.

With APIIT’s Overarching purpose of inspire love for learning and faculty to the mission ‘Come as a student, leave as a manager,’ the APIIT School of Hospitality and Tourism is poised to become the gateway for the generation of hospitality leaders.

Established in 1999, the Asia Pacific Institute of Information Technology (APIIT) Sri Lanka is a leading provider of internationally recognised higher education. APIIT Sri Lanka delivers full degree programmes in Business, Computing, Law, Engineering, Biomedical Science and Psychology from University of Staffordshire, UK and Hospitality Management awards in collaboration with HTMi, Switzerland.

To date, APIIT Sri Lanka has produced more than 6,500 graduates, with nearly 60% of graduates achieving a First-Class Honours or Second-Class Upper Division Honours degree and with over 90% securing employment within three months of graduation.

APIIT Sri Lanka also maintains strong partnerships with Asia Pacific University of Technology and Innovation (Malaysia), Southern Cross University (Australia) and NCUK University Pathways to provide students a rich array of mobility options all over the world.

With a track record of championing quality in higher education for over 25 years, APIIT Sri Lanka continues to aspire to inspire love for learning through academic excellence, innovation, and industry-relevant education.

Prathibha Liyanarachchi secures multiple top placements at 73rd Miss World

Sri Lanka’s representative at the 73rd Miss World pageant, fashion designer and model Prathibha Liyanarachchi, has secured multiple top placements in the fast-track rounds of the competition, strengthening Sri Lanka’s presence on the international pageant stage.

Competing against representatives from around 100 countries and territories, Liyanarachchi has placed in four major fast-track challenges.

She was named among the Top 24 in Beauty With a Purpose (BWAP), Top 23 in Talent, Top 24 in the Sports Challenge and Top 60 in Top Model.

The placements recognise her performance across a diverse range of challenges that form an important part of the Miss World competition. They also highlight Liyanarachchi’s ability to represent Sri Lanka beyond the traditional pageant platform, combining fashion, creativity, purpose and advocacy throughout her journey in Vietnam.

A fashion designer, model and founder of HOOP The Label, Liyanarachchi has built her Beauty With a Purpose project around the empowerment of underprivileged women in Sri Lanka through craft. Through HOOP, women artisans are provided with training, mentorship and income-generating opportunities, while their traditional and creative skills are developed into products with the potential to reach wider markets.

The initiative has become a central part of Liyanarachchi’s Miss World journey and was shortlisted among the Top 24 Beauty With a Purpose projects worldwide. It was also recognised among the top six representatives from the Asia and Oceania region, placing her work among a select group of purpose-driven projects presented at this year’s competition.

Beyond the competition itself, Liyanarachchi has used her time in Vietnam to promote Sri Lankan creativity and craftsmanship, wearing and carrying products created by local designers and artisans as she takes part in the various events and challenges.

‘I am incredibly proud to represent Sri Lanka on a global stage. Being part of the Miss World competition has always been a dream, and it is both an honour and a huge responsibility to represent my country here. I am delighted with these placements and will continue to work hard to make Sri Lanka proud,’ said Fashion Designer and Model Prathibha Liyanarachchi.

She said one of the most meaningful aspects of the experience had been the opportunity to meet women from different parts of the world and share Sri Lanka’s culture, creativity and talent. Through HOOP, she hopes to draw greater attention to the capabilities of Sri Lankan artisans while creating opportunities for women to build sustainable livelihoods through craft.

The 73rd Miss World pageant is currently taking place in Vietnam, bringing together contestants from around the world for a series of cultural, charitable, talent, sporting and fashion-related events ahead of the final.

The grand finale of the 73rd Miss World pageant is scheduled to take place on 5 September, 2026, in Nha Trang, Vietnam, where contestants will compete for the Miss World crown.

Sajith calls for national dialogue on constitutional reform, moots Constitutional Court

Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa has called for a national dialogue on constitutional reform, proposing that Sri Lanka examine the establishment of a dedicated Constitutional Court or another specialised mechanism to review constitutional matters as part of longer-term institutional reforms.

Premadasa made the remarks following a meeting with Commonwealth Lawyers’ Association President Steven Thiru at the Opposition Leader’s Office in Colombo, where discussions centred on constitutional democracy, separation of powers, judicial independence, the rule of law and environmental justice.

He said constitutional institutions should be structured to function independently and credibly regardless of which political party holds power.

Premadasa said constitutional reforms should not be shaped around the immediate political interests of either the Government or the Opposition, but should retain legitimacy and provide safeguards for citizens and institutions when political power changes hands.

He said reforms affecting independent constitutional institutions required adequate safeguards, clear justification, transparency and meaningful consultation with the public and other stakeholders.

The discussions also covered the Commonwealth Latimer House Principles as an international benchmark for assessing the separation of powers among Parliament, the Executive and the Judiciary, as well as judicial independence, accountability and transparency.

Premadasa said Sri Lanka could examine, as part of longer-term constitutional reform and without interfering with ongoing judicial proceedings, whether the country required a dedicated Constitutional Court or another specialised constitutional review mechanism.

He said any such institution would require careful consideration of its powers, composition, appointment process, tenure, accessibility and relationship with the existing Supreme Court and Court of Appeal.

The meeting also focused on strengthening the environmental rule of law, with Premadasa referring to a policy commitment contained in Section 14 of the Environmental Charter 2.0 presented during the 2024 presidential election to establish a specialised environmental court or tribunal.

He expressed interest in examining the experience of other Commonwealth jurisdictions to determine whether an environmental court, tribunal or hybrid model would be best suited to Sri Lanka to strengthen environmental law enforcement, environmental justice and the resolution of environmental disputes.

Premadasa stressed that constitutional reform should be a continuous, transparent and consultative process, saying the real test of an institutional arrangement was whether it remained secure and legitimate when political power changed hands.

‘Judicial independence is not a privilege of judges, but a safeguard for the people and the constitutional system of government,’ he said.

NSB joins EDEX Expo Mid-Year 2026 as Official Banking Partner

National Savings Bank (NSB) has joined hands with EDEX Expo Mid-Year 2026 as its Official Banking Partner for the first time, reaffirming its commitment to empowering Sri Lanka’s youth through education, financial inclusion and access to future opportunities.

The official launch of EDEX Expo Mid-Year 2026 was held recently, with the participation of NSB Acting General Manager/CO Rohana Bandara Weerakoon in the launching ceremony, representing the bank.

Sri Lanka’s largest and longest-running education and job exhibition, EDEX Expo Mid-Year 2026 will be held on 5 and 6 September 2026 at the BMICH, Colombo. Organised continuously since 2004 by the Royal College Union, EDEX brings together local and international higher education institutions, professional and vocational education providers, employers, Government institutions and other public and private sector organisations.

The partnership reflects NSB’s commitment to supporting young Sri Lankans as they navigate an increasingly competitive and rapidly changing education and employment landscape. Recognising the importance of financial empowerment alongside education, NSB offers solutions to support students, parents and young professionals in achieving their aspirations.

These include the NSB I’M account for youth aged 19 to 35 years and NSB Buddhi, an education loan facility supporting local and overseas degree programs. The bank also provides personal loan facilities, balance confirmation services for visa applications, foreign currency services and Telegraphic Transfer (TT) facilities, subject to applicable terms and conditions. NSB’s digital banking ecosystem, including the NSB Pay App, Digital Banking and QR payment facilities, further enables customers to manage their finances conveniently.

Weerakoon said: ‘At NSB, we believe that education and financial empowerment must go hand in hand. Supporting young people in achieving their aspirations is an investment in the future of our nation. We are proud to partner with EDEX and look forward to making a meaningful contribution to this important national initiative.’ NSB will be present at the EDEX Expo, providing students, parents and young professionals with an opportunity to engage with the Bank and explore financial solutions supporting their education and future.

Credibility Test: Obi opens record to scrutiny, dares Nigerians on 2027 bid

…Presidential hopeful says he and running mate Kwankwaso have put personal, academic records up for global verification

Peter Obi, presidential candidate at the Nigeria Democratic Congress NDC, has thrown open his political record to public scrutiny, challenging Nigerians to identify any wrongdoing that should disqualify him from the 2027 presidential race.

Obi, speaking at a town hall in Port Harcourt tagged ‘Obi Talks Nigeria’, said both he and his running mate, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, have made their personal, educational and professional backgrounds available for independent, worldwide verification.

‘I want to give every Nigerian the opportunity to know who I am. Both of us have presented our backgrounds, from our dates of birth to our schools, education and all, to the people. You can go and verify our backgrounds worldwide, anywhere,’ the former Anambra State governor said.

The challenge comes as scrutiny intensifies over the records, qualifications and past conduct of leading contenders ahead of the 2027 general election.

Obi also addressed his legal dispute with former spokesperson, Kenneth Okonkwo, who had claimed to possess damaging information about him. Obi said his decision to sue was to force the allegations into the open.

‘We have sued somebody in court. He said he knows something he can say and the people will be shocked. I said I want you to say what people will be shocked about,’ he said.

He then extended the challenge to the public:

‘I’m challenging every Nigerian. If there is anything that you know I have done that is wrong, say it out now. I’m challenging the world over: if you know anything that Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso has done that is wrong, say it out now.’

Obi said the same standard of transparency and credibility must apply to all politicians seeking the country’s highest office.

‘You cannot continue to answer His Excellency when the process that got you there is not excellent,’ he said

Expanded access to quality education signed into law

PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos said Friday disadvantaged learners may study for free in private schools and technical-vocational training institutions after he signed Republic Act 12325 amending the Universal Access to Quality Education.

The new piece of legislation amended RA 10391 of 2017 and expanded its coverage so it will now not only provide free tuition for students in public colleges, universities, and technical-vocational institutions.

It is among the 24 priority bills discussed during the fourth Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council (Ledac) meeting last month.

‘Poor and deserving students taking priority programs who are not covered by existing grants may also receive government support to pursue their studies in qualified private higher education and technical-vocational institutions,’ Marcos said at the ceremonial signing event for RA 12325 in Malacañang.

RA 12325 also makes sure government assistance reaches those who need it most, particularly students from poor and disadvantaged families, including qualified beneficiaries of the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4PSs).

‘This expands the opportunities for more Filipinos to earn a degree, a diploma, or skills qualification,’ the President said.

He ordered the Commission on Higher Education, Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (Tesda), and Unified Financial Assistance System for Tertiary Education to promptly craft the implementing rules and regulations of RA 12325.

The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) welcomed the signing of the law.

The stronger prioritization seeks to ensure that government assistance reaches more learners from the poorest families. The Second Congressional Commission on Education (Edcom II) found that while free higher education significantly increased college participation among poor households, many 4Ps learners still had difficulty accessing TES. In Academic Year 2024-2025, only 4,746, or 1.23 percent, of 384,388 4Ps senior high school completers accessed TES as first-year beneficiaries.

CHED Chairperson and UniFAST Board Chair Shirley C. Agrupis witnessed the ceremonial signing with Education Secretary Sonny Angara and Tesda Director General Jose Francisco ‘Kiko’ Benitez, reflecting the One Education approach of DepEd, CHED, and Tesda in providing more connected support for Filipino learners from basic education to higher and technical-vocational education.

Agrupis said CHED and UniFAST will work with partner agencies to ensure that the expanded benefits of the law reach the students who need them most.

‘Free tuition opened the doors of higher education to millions of Filipinos, but getting into college is only the first step. We also have to help our students stay in school and finish, especially those whose families struggle with the everyday costs of pursuing a degree,’ Agrupis said.

The law also expands the assistance that qualified TES beneficiaries may receive. This includes additional support for internships and Related Learning Experience (RLE), as well as other allowances for economically disadvantaged students who face added costs in pursuing their education.

Students who qualify for TES will continue receiving the subsidy for the regular duration of their program. Those unable to finish on time because of economic hardship, health concerns, disasters, or other reasons may also receive up to one additional year of support, subject to evaluation and approval.

The amended law also creates the Private Education Assistance (PEA) for poor and deserving students who wish to enroll in priority programs offered by qualified private higher education institutions and technical-vocational institutions.

Public colleges, universities, and state-run technical-vocational institutions will also be required to put in place measures to help disadvantaged students enter and finish tertiary education. These may include waived admission examination fees, assistive technologies, and priority access to available dormitories.

CHED, Tesda, UniFAST, and other concerned agencies will next prepare the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) to guide the implementation of the expanded benefits under RA No. 12325.

Priority of administration

Improving access to quality education is a priority of the Marcos administration to enhance the competitiveness of the country’s workforce.

Under his term, Marcos said the number of Free Higher Education beneficiaries rose to 2.6 million as of the first semester of 2026.

He said they also launched last January the Bagong Pilipinas Merit Scholarship Program, for outstanding Senior High School graduates pursuing priority degree programs in higher education or priority Technical and Vocational Education and Training diploma programs.

The Department of Science and Technology-Science Education Institute also increased the number of its undergraduate scholars from around 45,024 scholars in School Year 2022-2023 to 48,520 in School Year 2025-2026.

The said initiatives, he said, may have started to bear fruit as 140 local colleges made it to the World University Rankings for Innovation-from just 12 in 2022.

‘We often speak of our youth as the seeds of our nation’s future. We hope to see them grow and thrive, and reach their full potential. But even the strongest seeds cannot flourish without fertile ground,’ he said.

Significant step

Albay 3rd District Rep. Raymond Adrian E. Salceda said the expanded TES will help address one of the biggest challenges faced by poor students: the cost of staying in school despite having the ability and determination to finish their education.

‘Republic Act No. 12325 is a significant step toward ensuring that poverty will not prevent deserving Filipino students from achieving their dreams. By providing greater access to financial assistance, this law gives more young people the chance to earn a degree, build a better future, and contribute to the development of our country,’ Salceda said.

Salceda said the expanded subsidy will provide critical assistance to students who face financial barriers despite their determination and academic qualifications. The support will help cover education-related expenses such as transportation, daily allowances, school supplies, learning materials, and other costs needed to remain in school.

Salceda emphasized that every investment in helping disadvantaged students complete their education contributes to building a more capable workforce and creating greater social mobility for future generations.

Why I trusted young entrepreneur without formal agreement – Bizman

Coscharis Group founder, Dr Cosmas Maduka, has revealed why he transferred N150 million to entrepreneur Dr Stanley Uzochukwu without signing a formal agreement, saying the decision was inspired by faith and confidence in the younger businessman’s character.

Maduka shared the story during a panel conversation with Uzochukwu, founder of The Delborough Lagos, where both reflected on mentorship, entrepreneurship and legacy.

The veteran businessman said his first encounter with Uzochukwu left an unforgettable impression.

According to him, they met at a hotel where Uzochukwu insisted on receiving prayers despite his attempts to move the conversation to a more private corner.

‘He grabbed my leg and said, ‘Pray’,’ Maduka recalled.

After praying for him, Maduka said he realised that Uzochukwu had quietly slipped N50,000 into his pocket as an offering, a gesture that surprised him because most young people approached successful entrepreneurs seeking financial support rather than giving.

Their relationship later developed into a mentorship.

Maduka said the defining moment came when Uzochukwu called him after the death of a business partner who had financed diesel supply contracts, leaving him to execute an existing order without sufficient capital.

Rather than introducing him to a bank managing director as requested, Maduka said he invited him to Lagos, obtained his account details and transferred N150 million after feeling convinced that it was the right thing to do.

‘And the Holy Spirit told me to wire N150 million,’ he said.

Maduka noted that the funds were later repaid in full despite the absence of any written contract, describing the outcome as proof that trust and integrity remain valuable currencies in business.

He used the story to encourage entrepreneurs to pursue purpose before profit.

‘A lot of people are moved by material things,’ he said.

‘We are not going to be remembered by the car we drove. You will be remembered by the work you have done and the legacy you have built.’

Uzochukwu said the experience strengthened his belief that genuine mentorship can accelerate business growth, adding that the financial support became the foundation for expanding his enterprise after a period of uncertainty.

Maduka described Uzochukwu as one of the young entrepreneurs whose success demonstrates the importance of investing in the next generation of business leaders.