Nigeria’s auto dream rolls on as Oduwole gets UNILAG-NORD car

Nigeria’s vision of becoming a hub for automobile innovation gathered momentum as the University of Lagos (UNILAG) handed over a brand-new Nord Motors, made in Nigeria, car to Jumoke Oduwole, Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment.

The minister, who is an alumna of the University of Lagos Faculty of Law, on Wednesday, October 1, officially took delivery of her brand-new official vehicle, made in Nigeria by Nord Automobile and assembled right here at the Nord UNILAG assembly plant.

Oduwole, in her speech, said that having a locally assembled vehicle is a testament to supporting the Nigeria-first initiative of President Bola Tinubu.

‘We are committed to supporting Nigerian businesses to scale across the country, the African continent, and beyond,’ she said.

The minister noted that the purchase of the UNILAG-assembled automobile would help boost foreign exchange, create jobs, aid the education of youngsters, and research, besides, it would facilitate the transfer of technology.

She emphasised that one of the milestones the President Tinubu’s administration has been able to record in the last two years is the stabilisation of the economy.

She averred that it was for the purpose of promoting the cause of the Renewed Hope Agenda that she chose to celebrate Independence Day by buying a made-in-Nigeria vehicle for official use.

The minister took a tour of the assembly facility of Nord Automobile at UNILAG, as she visited the Nord UNILAG Assembly Plant, research and development section, manufacturing and assembly line workshop, and showroom where completed projects are displayed in an exquisite floor-to-ceiling glass display.

Bola Oboh, deputy vice-chancellor in charge of academics and research at UNILAG, who represented Folasade Ogunsola, the vice-chancellor, noted that the yearly internship opportunity at Nord Automobile is not limited to students in the engineering field but also accommodates UNILAG students in other fields.

‘This is indeed made possible by the strategic plan of UNILAG to enter into an agreement with Nord Automobile, where, as part of the University’s MoU with the company, UNILAG students gain valuable knowledge and experience through yearly internships at Nord Automobile,’ she explained.

Oboh posited that it was symbolic and prestigious for the university that the minister made her visit on such an auspicious day for such an important and inspiring moment, where she picked her official vehicle assembled not just by Nigerians in Nigeria, but assembled right on the soil of her alma mater, the University of Lagos.

This, the deputy vice-chancellor asserted, will go on to motivate many Nigerians to dream out loud and believe in the limitless possibilities that abound in Nigeria for Nigerians. And the University of Lagos is proud to be a part of it.

The partnership between UNILAG and Nord Motions, established in July 2022, remains the first university-based automobile assembly plant and manufacturing hub in Africa.

This groundbreaking collaboration provides students with hands-on experience in automobile manufacturing, fosters cutting-edge research and development, and extends into emerging technologies such as electric vehicle and drone assembly for commercial and security purposes.

The story of Nord Motion on the Akoka campus illustrates how knowledge, skill, and vision converge to produce enterprises that speak to Nigeria’s limitless potential.

According to the institution, ‘Presently, Nord Motions can assemble five vehicles at its UNILAG Assembly Plant. Having Nigerian-assembled vehicles come out of the University of Lagos further reinforces the institution’s identity as ‘the university of first choice, and the nation’s pride’.

‘This milestone is not only a testament to the nation’s faith in indigenous enterprise but also a glowing endorsement of UNILAG’s pioneering role in bridging academia and industry.’

CBN limits daily cash withdrawals via agent banking to N100,000

Financial institutions must maintain transparency in agent deployment. Principals are required to publish updated lists of all their agents on their official websites. Each branch of a Principal institution must display the list of agents operating within its locality. Furthermore, any institution operating as a Super Agent must have at least 50 active agents spread across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones.

The CBN also emphasised that all agent banking transactions must be conducted through a dedicated account or wallet with the Principal. Payment terminals such as PoS devices must be linked exclusively to these accounts. Agents operating outside of this arrangement will violate the guidelines. The agent, in such cases, shall be held personally responsible for any misconduct, and such actions may serve as grounds for contract termination and regulatory sanctions.

On the issue of enforcement, the CBN stated that it may take corrective action against any Principal or Super Agent whose agents repeatedly breach regulations. These actions may include blacklisting from participating in agent banking services. In situations deemed appropriate by the regulator, the CBN may also issue direct instructions for remedial measures to be taken by the Principal or the agents concerned.

The guidelines also include provisions for technology standards. The CBN mandates that all technological systems used in agent banking must ensure secure transmission of transaction data and seamless interoperability with the national payments infrastructure. Customers must receive immediate value for transactions, and in the event of a failed transaction, reversals must be processed without delay. All successful transactions should generate receipts or acknowledgements for customer records.

Agent banking platforms must automatically enforce daily transaction limits and reject unauthorised or suspicious transactions. There must be real-time monitoring of transactions, electronic audit trails to support dispute resolution and oversight, and all settlement records must be stored for a minimum of five years or longer, as required by law. The systems must also be equipped with features that prevent agents from exceeding their permitted transaction limits.

The CBN reiterated its commitment to fostering an inclusive, secure, and efficient financial system. It urged all deposit money banks, other financial institutions, and payment service providers to comply strictly with the new guidelines. The apex bank added that it will continue to monitor the agent banking sector and issue further guidance as necessary to ensure alignment with its regulatory objectives.

Tinubu deserve support for re-election, says Jibrin

Deputy Senate President Barau Ibrahim Jibrin has stated that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has done more for the North than any recent administration, adding that the region should rally behind him for re-election in the 2027 presidential race.

He noted that human capital development is one of the key areas that Tinubu had done tremendously well adding that he has demonstrated this through approval for the establishment of several new tertiary institutions of learning in the region.

Jibrin stated this on Monday, while presiding over the presentation of cash grants to over 1000 students drawn his Kano north senatoral district, held at Yusuf Maitama Sule Federal University of Education, Kano.

The lawmaker, told the gathering made up of students and members of the university academia, the role played by President Tinubu in the establishment of the new university.

‘We are here today for two reasons, the number one reason, is to celebrate the actualization of the establishment of this new university, and the second reason, is to present cash grants to some of our students from the Kano North, my constituency.

‘While, we are doing this, we must show appreciation to the President, who made it possible by approving it establishment by signing all necessary legislations for the institution to come on stream under his administration.

‘You can recall that this institution which use to be a Federal College of Education, was first converted to a university under the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan, but was reversed back by the immediate past administration.

‘When this happened, when the present administration was inaugurated, and I became the deputy president of the Senate, I took the proposal for the restoration of the institution to a university to him at Aso Rock.

‘When I started talking to him about the content of the proposal, before I concluded, the President said look, you dont need to go forward, I have given approval to the establishment of the university.

‘I also told hin about the need to name the university after the late Yusuf Maitama Sule, a one time minister, who was also the former Nigeria’s permanent representatives at the United Nations, that have serve the nation meritoriously, he also gave his approval’, he further stated.

Barau, noted that since one good turn deserved another, there was the need for the people of Kano, and the entire northern Nigeria that have benefitted tremendously from the good gesture of President Tinubu to reciprocate the gesture in 2027 by voting him again.

Speaking on the scholarship scheme offered through his foundation, the Barau I. Jibrin Foundation, he explained that the 1,000 beneficiaries were drawn from his Kano North Senatorial District. He added that plans are underway to extend the initiative to students from the state’s other two senatorial districts.

Local businesses in Enugu to thrive with New Yam Music Festival’s global draw

The New Yam Music Festival (NYMF), is poised to deliver a significant economic boost to local businesses as it attracts a global audience to celebrate Igbo culture and the harvest season.

The festival, scheduled for December 14 and 15 at the Amadeo Event Center in Enugu, which marks the end of the Igbo farming season and showcases vibrant cultural displays, is expected to draw thousands of visitors, including Ndi Igbo from the diaspora and international tourists, creating a ripple effect of opportunities for Enugu’s entrepreneurs.

Organizers announced on Monday that NYMF 2025 will feature a rich lineup of cultural celebrations, including masquerades, indigenous dances, yam feasts, and performances by top Igbo artists blending traditional and contemporary music. With the event’s global appeal, having previously toured countries like Portugal, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, Qatar, and China, local businesses in hospitality, tourism, and retail are gearing up for a surge in demand.

Mr. Big Sea, co-founder of the festival and key stakeholder in Heritage and Culture, the parent company of NYMF, in a press statement, said the festival was conceived as more than a cultural celebration.

‘It is a movement that reconnects people to their roots while opening the door for global audiences to experience the richness of African culture,’ he said.

The organisers said the 2025 edition builds on the success of last year’s festival, which drew over 3,000 attendees including government officials, royal fathers, celebrity guests and cultural icons. This year’s event is supported by the National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC), the Enugu State Ministry of Culture and Tourism, and the Enugu State Ministry of Agriculture and it is expected to be bigger, louder and more global, positioning Enugu as a hub for creativity, tourism and international cultural exchange.

In addition to music and cultural performances, NYMF 2025 will spotlight achievements in farming, business, arts and community, and will bring together global brands in tourism, hospitality and lifestyle to provide visitors with a premium cultural experience. The festival aims to bridge generations and geographies, showcasing the enduring importance of heritage, rhythm, and pride in Igbo culture.

Seplat hits record high as London price creates arbitrage opportunity

Seplat Energy Plc hits a new record high on the Nigerian Exchange (NGX), trading at N5,917.20 per share as of 12:30 PM (GMT+1) on Monday, October 6.

The stock gained 10 percent in Monday’s session, up from N5,379.30 at the start of trading. The rally reflects renewed investor appetite for the oil and gas major.

Market data shows buy-side transactions worth about N1.62 billion in Seplat shares. The surge places the stock among the day’s top gainers on the exchange.

While details of the large trades remain unclear, the price rally creates a visible gap between Seplat’s local and international listings.

At the start of trading, Seplat’s stock on the London Stock Exchange (LSE) was trading at £3.09 per share. At the prevailing exchange rate, this equals roughly N6,084 per share, a 13 percent premium to the NGX price at the start of the day.

The spread suggests a potential arbitrage opportunity for investors operating across both markets. Cross-listed stocks like Seplat often experience price variations driven by sentiment, liquidity, and currency fluctuations.

By midday, Seplat’s shares on the LSE had slipped 3.55 percent to £2.98 per share, thus narrowing the arbitrage to negative 0.7 percent. Analysts note that this divergence doesn’t necessarily indicate mispricing between two markets.

The NGX runs on a T+3 settlement cycle, while the LSE operates on T+2, a difference that can create short-term price gaps.

Inside Whitesands School’s 25-year legacy of faith, character and excellence

Two and a half decades after opening its gates to its first set of students, Whitesands School in Lekki, Lagos, stands as a living testament to a vision that began with simplicity but grew into a legacy of excellence, moral, academic, and human.

At its 25th anniversary celebration, the air was thick with nostalgia and pride. Alumni, parents, teachers, and administrators gathered not just to mark time but to reflect on how far the institution had come in shaping young men into disciplined, value-driven citizens.

The event, marked by mass, speeches, and nostalgic reunions, unfolded as both a thanksgiving and a reflection on a journey defined by vision, perseverance, and faith.

Founded in 2000 as the maiden project of the Ikota Educational Foundation (IEF), a non-profit NGO registered in Nigeria, the Lekki-based school was conceived as a model for holistic education. The foundation’s goal was to provide an environment where academic excellence and moral formation go hand in hand, with faith and family at the centre.

A vision rooted in character and faith

For Lorenzo David, the pioneer principal, Whitesands was more than an academic experiment, it was a mission. Recalling the early days, he described the challenges of starting with a small team and limited infrastructure but a deep conviction to build ‘men of integrity and service.’

‘When we began, the classrooms were still being completed,’ he said while speaking with journalists at the 25th Anniversary. ‘But the spirit of the school was alive, the desire to form young men who not only excel academically but live by values that endure beyond the classroom.’

Those early values, he explained, were anchored in Christian principles, discipline, and respect. The principal’s words drew nods from former students and parents, many of whom recalled similar experiences of formation that have guided them decades later.

The parents who took a leap of faith

Among the audience sat Ebiyemi Pinnick, father of the first admitted student, who recounted the uncertainty and faith that marked his family’s decision to enroll their son, Raymond Amanze Pinnick, in a yet-to-be-tested school.

‘Some of my friends said we were careless parents,’ he laughed. ‘When we came here 25 years ago, some buildings were still under construction. We didn’t know what would become of it. But we trusted the people behind the project, they looked serious.’

That leap of faith, he said, has since been rewarded. ‘Today, when I look at my son and other alumni, I see that while the boys were playful then, they were being built in character. They’ve become disciplined, responsible men,’ Pinnick said proudly. ‘I think I got more out of this school than my son probably did.’

His story mirrors that of several founding parents who took a chance on a school that was, at the time, little more than a bold idea and a promise of formation.

Forming men beyond academics

For the early graduates of Whitesands, the school’s most enduring legacy lies not just in academics but in moral grounding. Michael Agbim, a member of the pioneer set of 2006 and now a creative director and entrepreneur, said his six years at Whitesands shaped his values and work ethic.

‘You can get math and English anywhere,’ he said. ‘What set Whitesands apart was its deep-rooted Christian foundation, daily mass, meditation, and moral talks. It wasn’t just about academics; it was about building your conscience.’

He also credited the school’s community model, one that involved parents, teachers, and students, for giving him a sense of belonging.

‘The school always emphasised that education is a partnership. Parents were part of everything, from uniforms to formation activities. That made a difference,’ Agbim noted.

For Tosan Ayokunmi Wiltshire, the third head boy and now supervisor for Information, Intergovernmental Relations and Budget at Apapa Local Government, the Whitesands experience gave him confidence and a moral compass to navigate public life.

‘Whitesands was one of the greatest things that happened to me,’ he reflected. ‘It gave me the moral values and the confidence to take on the world. When we left school, we felt we were the best things after sliced bread,’ he laughed. ‘That aura stayed with us.’

Wiltshire believes the alumni community has much to give back. He revealed ongoing efforts to formalise an alumni bursary and scholarship fund to support indigent students.

A moral compass that transcends religion

For Pelumi Ladenegan, who is now a lawyer, Whitesands’ moral formation transcended religious boundaries.

‘I’m not a Catholic,’ he said, ‘but the moral teachings here were profound, sacrifice, kindness, orderliness, and punctuality. These are things I still carry with me 19 years later.’

Looking back on his school days, Ladenegan spoke fondly of the teachers who helped shape his journey, among them Tayo Fagbule, now the Editor of BusinessDay. ‘Mr. Tayo wasn’t just a teacher; he was like family, an uncle figure who guided me beyond the classroom,’ he recalled.

Asked if he would consider enrolling his future children at the school, he didn’t hesitate: ‘By the grace of God, absolutely.’

Strengthen family involvement in students’ growth

For Emeka Enemuoh, the current principal, the milestone is both a celebration and a reaffirmation of purpose.

‘Whitesands has never been just about academics,’ he said. ‘Our goal has always been to form men of character, men who will contribute meaningfully to society. We want our students to stand out, not only in their professions but in integrity and service.’

He explained that the school’s philosophy of integral education, a balance of intellectual, moral, and spiritual development, remains its strongest pillar.

‘We don’t only teach students to excel in exams. We train them to think critically, act responsibly, and live with purpose. Every teacher here understands that we are not just teaching subjects; we are forming lives.’

Reflecting on the vision behind making Whitesands a day school, he said it was a deliberate choice to ensure that parents remained active participants in their children’s upbringing.

‘It’s a day school because of our philosophy,’ he explained. ‘We want parents to see their children every day, to be part of their growth. If you send your child to a boarding school, you may not really know what’s going on until a term later. Here, the feedback is daily, and that makes all the difference.’

He added that the school’s emphasis on discipline and personal responsibility was designed to complement the home. ‘Education doesn’t happen in isolation,’ he said. ‘It happens when the school and the family work together. That’s why we made sure our model fostered that partnership.’

The 25th anniversary thus became more than a celebration, it was a testimony to a vision that continues to bear fruit, one generation of boys at a time.

Political Parties demand end to presidential appointment of INEC chairman, top officials

Political parties under the umbrella of Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) are demanding immediate legal reforms to strip the executive arm of government of its power to appoint the chairman, secretary, and national commissioners of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), warning that the nation’s democracy is under threat as long as the electoral umpire remains in the grip of the presidency.

They stressed that the change is essential to safeguard the commission’s independence and restore public trust in Nigeria’s electoral system.

They made this demand on Monday in Abuja during a consultative meeting between the House of Representatives Committee on Constitution Review and leaders of political parties. The session, chaired by Benjamin Okezie Kalu, Deputy Speaker, brought together lawmakers, party leaders, and civil society representatives to deliberate on key amendments to the 1999 Constitution.

Yusuf Dantalle, national chairman of IPAC, the umbrella body of registered political parties, said Nigeria’s democracy can only thrive when INEC operates free from executive interference.

He proposed the establishment of an Independent Appointment Committee (IAC) to oversee the appointment of top electoral officials.

‘To promote the independence of the commission, the power to appoint the chairman of INEC, its secretary, and national commissioners should be taken away from the executive,’ Dantalle said.

‘We propose an Independent Appointment Committee composed of representatives from all registered political parties, civil society organizations, the National Judicial Council, and the National Assembly. This will ensure transparency and inclusivity in the appointment process,’ he added.

Dantalle further outlined IPAC’s wider reform agenda, which includes granting financial autonomy to local governments, scrapping state independent electoral commissions, restoring funding for political parties, establishing an electoral offences tribunal, and creating special legislative seats for women.

According to him, these measures are crucial to ensuring credible elections and strengthening democratic governance ahead of the 2027 general elections.

In his opening remarks, Kalu, the deputy speaker, described the constitutional review as a defining moment in Nigeria’s democratic journey. He said the House Committee is committed to making the process inclusive, transparent, and reflective of the aspirations of all Nigerians.

‘If constitutional amendments are to be legitimate, they must have the buy-in of political parties. This process must not serve the interests of the few but strengthen institutions, empower citizens, and renew confidence in our democracy,’ Kalu noted.

Kalu also reaffirmed the committee’s commitment to ensuring greater representation of women in governance, fiscal independence for local governments, and an electoral system that reduces post-election disputes.

Godswill Akpabio, the Senate President in his goodwill message, commended the initiative of the House Committee and stressed that credible elections and justice are the bedrock of peace and stability in any democracy.

‘When elections fail, trust dies. When justice delays, faith decays. We must strengthen INEC, shield our courts from corruption, and restore the people’s confidence in their institutions. True federalism begins at the grassroots, and local governments must be freed to function effectively’, Akpabio said.

He also expressed strong support for women’s inclusion in governance, recalling his previous efforts to sponsor a bill for special seats for women in the National Assembly.

Also speaking at the event, Amina Bryhm, president, National Women Leaders Forum of political parties in Nigeria, described the proposed Special Seats Bill for Women as a ‘bold step toward correcting historic imbalances.’

‘The special seats bill represents a call to action,’ she said. ‘Together, we can turn our focus into action and our aspirations into reality,’ she said.

Nigeria sets regulatory working committee to deepen Africa digital market penetration

The Federal Government, through the Ministry of Trade and Investment, has set up a regulatory committee to deepen digital market penetration and boost the exportation of African products.

The committee was set up at the AfCFTA Digital Trade Market Access Roundtable organised by the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, hosting regulatory stakeholders from Egypt, Ghana, Kenya, Rwanda, and South Africa.

Jumoke Oduwole, minister for Industry, Trade and Investment, speaking at the event, said, ‘The Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment has committed to support your expansion into African markets. To do this, we will actively steer the regulators’ working group established yesterday. This group will continue the momentum of regulatory cooperation beyond this event, creating a working channel for addressing challenges and advancing solutions.

‘Also, we will explore opportunities for the passing of licenses. The goal is to create mechanisms where regulatory approvals in one jurisdiction can facilitate or expedite approvals in others, reducing barriers for firms operating across multiple markets,’ Oduwole said.

The minister lamented the poor exportation of Africa’s digital products and services delivered globally despite the talents and resources, urging the continent to collaborate to achieve desired results, leveraging the enormous potential that the Digital Trade Protocol holds.

‘For digital services, the AfCFTA opportunity is particularly compelling. Africa currently accounts for less than 10 per cent in digitally delivered services exports globally. But we have the talent, the demand, innovative experience, and now the regulatory framework to dramatically transform our levels of digital trade.’

The minister added that, ‘Currently, only 5 percent of Africa’s digitally delivered services are traded within the continent. This represents an extraordinary untapped opportunity for intra-African digital trade and overarching digital transformation.

‘The time to act is now. Nigeria has been designated as the African Union co-Champion of the AfCFTA Protocol on Digital Trade. This is both an honour and a responsibility. To demonstrate our resolve, we commenced regulatory alignment and harmonisation of standards with our regional commitments, with a Digital Economy and E-Governance bill currently before the National Assembly. As co-Champion, we are committed to demonstrating practical leadership.’

Oduwole said the programme is designed to gain a clear understanding of market entry rules and processes across the countries, as they present regulatory categories, licensing requirements, and market entry processes and also have direct access to regulators through our clinic sessions this afternoon.

She tasked Nigeria’s digital service providers with compliance with domestic regulatory requirements at home in order to get the backup from the government on the international stage.

‘As the government creates these enabling structures, we also have clear expectations of Nigerian digital services providers. First, compliance at home is a prerequisite for support abroad. The Corporate Affairs Commission, Nigerian Copyright Commission, Nigerian Communications Commission, Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission, Securities and Exchange Commission, and Central Bank of Nigeria are all represented here today to provide consultations.

‘The government cannot vouch for your credibility in foreign markets without confidence that you have fully satisfied domestic regulatory requirements. Use today’s clinic sessions to ensure you are in good standing. Second, reflect clearly and strategically on your ambitions to invest across Africa.’

The minister promised that the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment will continue to support the efforts of digital services providers through targeted initiatives, which will be announced before the end of the year.

Calvin Phume, director, African Bilateral Economic Relations, Department of Trade and Industry, South Africa, described the collaboration as a transformational agenda crucial to harnessing untapped potential in Africa’s digital market.

‘This is a transformational agenda. We are trying to make sure that we take these opportunities that are derived from AFCTA. Under the digital trade Protocol, it gives us access as South Africans to collaborate with other Africans in terms of ICT and other digital services,’ Phume said.

The director added that South Africa will target key areas of collaboration, including iCloud, AI innovation, among others.

Elhanan Asara, deputy director, Fintech and Innovation, Bank of Ghana, emphasised the importance of the collaboration, describing it as an avenue to find solutions to export barriers and boost market penetration across Africa.

‘There is a deficit. There is a lot of IT import to the country, really formed by Europe and the Western world in general, compared to Ghana exporting IT services. This is also an opportunity to see if this is utilised in Africa instead of going to the Western world.’

Peter Odili, veteran medical practitioner, joins call for doctors salary review to stem ‘japa’

Peter Odili, veteran medical practitioner and former governor, has given tips on how to reduce the ‘japa’ syndrome in Nigeria.

Odili, who is founder of the PAMO Medical University in Port Harcourt, said upward salary review would stem the mass exodus of medical doctors.

He also gave another tip, urging states to emulate Rivers by embarking on mass training of medical doctors through scholarship scheme, saying it would reduce ‘japa’ effect by replacing those that leave the country.

Odili spoke at the ‘Induction/Oath-taking’ of 65 newly graduated medical doctors from PAMO University of Medical Sciences (PUMS), on Monday, October 6, 2025, at the Iriebe campus of the university.

The first civilian governor of Rivers State after military rule is also the Pro-Chancellor as well as Chairman of the University he founded with his wife, Mary.

The former state governor said upward review of their remuneration would reduce brain drain witnessed in the health sector.

He stated the University has produced over 330 healthcare professionals in less than eight years of existence, adding that if other institutions across the country could move at the same pace, the country would have enough medical practitioners and will not be affected by unprecedented exodus abroad for greener pastures. He inferred that the country does not have the power to stop workers from moving beyond borders but suggested attractive salaries and fast reproduction of medical doctors could be better option.

The former governor who studied medicine at the University of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN) commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu through Fatima Kyari, a professor and Registrar/Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN), for bold step in the health sector.

Odili said: ‘We congratulate him (Tinubu) and we urge him to pay very special attention to the training of health professionals because they hold the key to national health. A healthy nation is a wealthy nation.

‘We must be healthy first before the wealth. So, congratulate him (Tinubu) and urge the Federal Government to invest more and also look at the review of the remuneration of health workers. That way, we would be killing two birds with a stone.’

Odili went on: ‘You can imagine what would happen when all the other schools across the country move at the pace PUMS is moving. Nobody will worry about who moves, running away with japa or whatever they call it, looking for greener pastures.’

The initiative began during Nyesom Wike when the school was started, but Sim Fubara continued it. Odili said: ‘So, let me use this opportunity to thank the Rivers State government, especially the governor, Siminalayi Fubara, for the initiative and sustenance of the scholarships for students who are indigenes.

Kyari, while inducting the graduands into MCDN, charged them to be good ambassadors of the institution and the council.

She advised them to see their field of career as a calling and not a profession, warning that any person who indulges in any unwholesome practice would be sanctioned accordingly by the council.

The professor further warned the inductees not to build their practice on the trending artificial intelligence (A.I.), but on empathy with human feelings, which she said connects doctors with their patients.

The advice came at a time some prominent Nigerians have died because doctors were either never available or insisted on police report before attending to critically wounded patients especially at night.

Postecoglou faces sack threat as Nottingham Forest crisis deepens

Ange Postecoglou’s future as Nottingham Forest manager is hanging by a thread after the club suffered a fifth defeat in seven matches, piling intense pressure on the Australian coach.

Despite Forest’s alarming run of results, sources close to the club indicate that the hierarchy is unlikely to sack Postecoglou during the international break, preferring to give him at least two more weeks to turn things around, starting with the home clash against Chelsea.

Club owner Evangelos Marinakis and the board, however, have demanded immediate improvement, as Postecoglou appears to have already lost the backing of a growing section of supporters. The Trentside club is reluctant to make a third managerial change this season but may have little choice if the slump continues.

Postecoglou’s recent record makes grim reading. Including his time at Tottenham, he has now lost 30 of his last 49 Premier League games, a run that firmly places his sides in relegation form.

Forest’s latest setback came in a 2-0 defeat to Newcastle United on Sunday, with goals from Bruno Guimarães and Nick Woltemade sealing their fate at St James’ Park. That result followed a 3-2 Europa League loss to FC Midtjylland, during which Forest fans chanted, ‘You’re getting sacked in the morning,’ at their own manager.

Since replacing Nuno Espírito Santo on September 9, Postecoglou is still without a win, overseeing five defeats and two draws in all competitions. Forest currently sit 17th in the Premier League, just above the relegation zone, having failed to win since the opening weekend of the season.

Postecoglou’s frustration boiled over after Thursday’s European defeat, where he clashed with a journalist when asked about his job security.

With a daunting schedule ahead, starting with Chelsea’s visit in two weeks, Postecoglou’s time at the City Ground could soon be up unless results improve dramatically.