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Dangote IPO signals Nigeria’s readiness for large-scale capital raising – NGX Chairman

Umaru Kwairanga, Chairman, Nigerian Exchange Group (NGX Group), says the Dangote Petroleum Refinery Initial Public Offering (IPO) signals Nigeria’s readiness to support large-scale capital raising through its capital market.

Kwairanga said this on the sidelines of Fintech Money 20/20 Middle East at the Riyadh International Conference Centre, Saudi Arabia, on Wednesday.

The NGX Chairman in a statement made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos on Thursday, said the significance of the Dangote Refinery IPO was beyond the size of the transaction.

‘It demonstrates the capacity of the Nigerian capital market to support businesses of substantial scale,’he said.

According to him, the offer will enable businesses to raise long-term capital, broaden ownership and provide institutional and retail investors with opportunities to participate in their growth.

‘The Dangote Petroleum Refinery IPO sends an important signal about the capacity and ambition of Nigeria’s capital market.

‘The significance goes beyond the size of the transaction,’ he said.

Kwairanga said the transaction could encourage other large Nigerian and African businesses to consider the capital market as a credible avenue for financing growth.

He said this was particularly important as Nigeria’s market infrastructure and accessibility continued to improve.

The NGX chairman made reference to the transition to T+1 settlement, extended trading hours and Nigeria’s return to the FTSE Russell Frontier Market universe from Sept. 21 as key developments.

He said the developments were helping to create a deeper and more investable capital market capable of connecting companies with capital at scale.

Kwairanga said NGX was also working to ensure that major public offers were accessible to everyday Nigerians through multiple distribution channels.

He explained that investors could participate in public offers through stockbrokers, banks and approved digital platforms, with NGX Invest providing infrastructure connecting issuers to the distribution channels.

He said the initiative was aimed at broadening ownership of Nigerian businesses and creating opportunities for younger and first-time investors to participate in the country’s economic growth.

On attracting more Gulf investors to Nigeria, Kwairanga said the country offered significant opportunities in financial services, telecommunications, energy, infrastructure and industrial development.

He said attracting such capital required market accessibility, liquidity, regulatory certainty and confidence that investments could move efficiently into and out of the market.

According to him, improvements in foreign exchange liquidity, T+1 settlement and extended trading hours have enhanced the accessibility of the Nigerian market.

He said the return of Nigeria to FTSE Russell’s Frontier Market universe would also provide an important boost to the market’s international visibility.

Kwairanga called for stronger relationships between the Nigerian market and Gulf sovereign wealth funds, asset managers, family offices and other institutional investors.

He said greater visibility for Nigerian companies and increased direct engagement would help create a stronger Nigeria-Gulf investment corridor.

‘For me, the opportunity is to build a stronger Nigeria-Gulf investment corridor, connecting significant pools of Gulf capital with credible Nigerian businesses and investment opportunities,’ he said.

The NGX chairman also emphasised the importance of investor protection as more Nigerians increasingly access the capital market through mobile devices.

He said NGX Regulation provided independent oversight, surveillance of trading activities, enforcement of market rules and mechanisms for handling investor complaints.

Kwairanga said transparency and investor education were equally critical to protecting investors and sustaining confidence in the market.

He cautioned that digital access to investment opportunities did not eliminate investment risks, urging first-time investors to use regulated channels and understand the securities they were buying.

‘Technology can widen participation, but trust is ultimately what sustains a capital market,’ he said. (NAN)

SINOTRUK showcases new-energy commercial vehicles, integrated energy solutions at IAA Transportation 2026

A centerpiece of the show is the SITRAK 4×2 battery-electric tractor for long-haul logistics. With a curb weight of just 10.1 tonnes and a gross combination weight (GCW) of up to 44 tonnes, the truck delivers greater payload capacity without compromising transport efficiency. Optimized aerodynamic design, energy management and energy recovery help the truck consume as little as 1.1 kWh per kilometer. The 600 kWh battery supports megawatt-level charging, with a 20-80% charge taking approximately 23 minutes.

In addition, the vehicle comes with a spacious long-haul cab, digital rear-view mirrors and a range of smart driver-assistance functions based on multi-sensor fusion.

From Vehicles to the Energy Ecosystem

In addition to vehicles, SINOTRUK is presenting an integrated wind-solar-storage-charging-swapping solution designed to support the energy needs of new-energy commercial vehicle operations.

The solution combines renewable energy, energy storage, grid and backup power with charging and battery-swap infrastructure. It supports both grid-connected and off-grid operation, depending on local conditions, helping address challenges such as limited grid capacity, fluctuating loads and high-power charging of commercial vehicles.

The solution is already being applied in different markets and operating scenarios around the world, supporting the deployment and operation of new-energy commercial vehicles beyond the vehicles themselves.

SINOTRUK has sold more than 100,000 battery electric vehicles, with its products now operating in more than 50 countries and regions. Drawing on experience from these markets, SINOTRUK develops vehicle and energy solutions adapted to different transport applications and local operating conditions.

A Broader Commercial Vehicle Portfolio

SINOTRUK is also displaying a wider commercial vehicle line-up at IAA Transportation 2026, including the SITRAK 4×2 battery-electric light truck for urban distribution, the SITRAK 8×4 battery-electric tipper for heavy-duty construction applications, a 6×2 battery-electric rigid truck for full-trailer transport, and the SITRAK 4×2 diesel tractor for long-haul and cross-border logistics.

The company is also presenting key electric technologies, including the electric axle and CTP battery systems.

The intelligent technologies on display are designed to enhance vehicle safety, driving assistance and operating efficiency across different transport scenarios.

Supporting Customers Throughout the Vehicle Lifecycle

In addition to vehicle supply, SINOTRUK provides life-cycle support covering service planning, technical training, talent development and operational assistance. For major customers and projects, the company can also provide customized service packages and service contracts to support service efficiency and more predictable maintenance and operating costs.

Technical training and talent development programmes support local service and technical teams in areas including vehicle operation, maintenance and diagnostics, helping build the capabilities needed to operate and maintain new-energy commercial vehicles.

At IAA Transportation 2026, SINOTRUK is integrating new-energy commercial vehicles, electric technologies, energy infrastructure and life-cycle support, to deliver solutions tailored to different markets and operating scenarios.

Jennylyn Mercado’s music comeback pairs singing with cinematic experience

MUSIC and cinema go hand in hand. And that’s what actress-singer Jennylyn Mercado served up with the deluxe version of her album Jen, under Star Music.

Being in the industry for decades, Jennylyn has routinely shown her acting chops as well as her musicality. This time, however, she decides to combine these two, making her album a cinematic experience with a streamlined story.

Premiering on August 22 on YouTube with the short film, also titled Jen, the story revolves around different ideas of love-self, parents, partner, children and others. It features six songs: ‘Hihintayin Kita,’ ‘Hindi Man Masabi,’ ‘Sa Gitna,’ ‘Ayaw Pang Umuwi,’ ‘Hindi Pa Rin Sapat’ and ‘Paulit-ulit Kang Pipiliin.’

The full album features eight tracks, adding ‘Tutuloy Pa Ba?’ and ‘Kung Nandito Ka Pa.’ The film tells a narrative about Jennylyn’s beginnings, sharing her dream of performing with her mother. Upon achieving this, it moves on to the story of love, revealing her husband and GMA star Dennis Trillo as part of the story.

At first, the romance was blooming, with Jennylyn even becoming open with her husband about her self-doubts in her music. However, not every love story sails smooth seas, as it transitions to troubled waters in their story, filling the story with nothing but silence.

Yet true love finds its way, as this rough patch comes to an end. The story resolves with Jennylyn meeting with all of the versions of herself, finding comfort in each other’s company.

Jennylyn shares that this project is close to her heart, as it is a personal narrative about her life. ‘Buhay ko ito, kung paano ako nagsimula, at ang mga pinagdaanan kong struggles at emosyon,’ shared Jennylyn.

You can enjoy Jennylyn Mercado’s album on streaming platforms such as Spotify and Apple Music, while the short film and her music are available on YouTube.

Why faster broadband tops Nigerian SMEs productivity infrastructure chart – Industry operators

Nigeria’s broadband expansion is moving into a more consequential phase as faster 4G, growing 5G adoption, and expanding fibre networks begin to reshape how businesses operate.

The opportunity is particularly significant for the country’s millions of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), which account for about 96 per cent of businesses and roughly 48 per cent of GDP.

The NCC recorded 124.4 million broadband subscriptions in July 2026. At the same time, 4G accounted for 54.31 per cent of mobile connections, while 5G stood at 4.74 per cent.

The numbers point to a market increasingly built around data.

For businesses, the commercial value is not simply faster browsing. It is the ability to process digital payments, use cloud applications, communicate with customers, manage deliveries, and access increasingly sophisticated digital tools with less downtime.

Aminu Maida, Executive Vice Chairman of NCC, has described ‘meaningful connectivity’ as the next priority for Nigeria’s digital economy, arguing that the value of broadband should ultimately be measured by its impact on productivity and economic activity.

That shift is also changing the infrastructure economics of the sector.

MTN’s investment provides a useful case study. MTN Nigeria plans to connect eight million homes to fibre within three years, while MTN FibreX accounted for 176,468of the 319,735 fixed connections recorded in Q2 2026.

The wider MTN Group numbers reinforce the demand behind the investment.

In the first half of 2026, active data subscribers increased 9.1 per cent to 179.3 million, while data traffic climbed 22.8 per cent to 14,338 petabytes.

However, the investment story also highlights the next challenge.

Nigeria’s 5G footprint remains relatively small, with the technology accounting for 4.61 per cent of mobile connections in June, according to NCC data.

That leaves operators balancing the cost of expanding advanced networks with the need to extend reliable connectivity to areas where businesses still depend heavily on basic mobile services.

The infrastructure question becomes even more important as companies move towards artificial intelligence and cloud-based operations.

Olusola Teniola, Director, Strategic Business Initiatives at ipNX, has argued that AI adoption cannot be separated from the infrastructure required to deploy it effectively.

The Federal Government is responding with a broader infrastructure push, including plans for about 3,700 telecom towers and a nationwide fibre expansion intended to extend connectivity to millions more Nigerians.

Industry operators see this infrastructure as foundational to the wider economy.

Gbenga Adebayo, Chairman of ALTON, described telecom operators as ‘the infrastructure of infrastructures’ because financial services, commerce, security, and other sectors increasingly depend on telecommunications networks.

The economic contribution is already visible. Telecommunications and information services accounted for 9.19 per cent of real GDP in Q1 2026, compared with 8.50 per cent in Q1 2025.

The business case for faster broadband, therefore, is moving beyond speed.

For Nigerian SMEs, the real value lies in whether connectivity reduces transaction costs, improves customer reach, enables digital tools, and allows businesses to operate more efficiently.

The next phase of Nigeria’s digital economy will depend on converting network investment into that kind of measurable productivity.

Navy seeks speedy trial of oil theft suspects

The Nigerian Navy has commended the Federal High Court, Uyo, for convicting and sentencing nine persons over crude oil theft.

It called for accelerated adjudication of pending oil theft cases nationwide to strengthen deterrence against economic sabotage.

Director of Naval Information (DINFO), Navy Captain Abiodun Folorunsho, praised the judgment in a statement yesterday, saying successful naval interdictions at sea only achieved their strategic value when matched with timely convictions that reinforces the rule of law.

He commended the judiciary for the judgment and appreciated the Department of State Services (DSS) for its professionalism in prosecuting the case to a conclusion.

The nine convicts were sentenced on Monday to five years’ imprisonment on the first count and 10 years on the second, both without an option of fine. They were arrested on February 7, during an intelligence-led Navy operation while allegedly siphoning crude from an oil wellhead identified as ASABO-D in Ibeno Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State.

Folorunsho said the conviction reinforced the impact of Operation Delta Sentinel, the Navy’s anti-crude oil theft operation launched in January, which has dismantled over 241 illegal refining sites, recovered more than 6.44 million litres of stolen crude and refined products, and led to the arrest of over 230 suspects across the Niger Delta.

He warned individuals, groups and criminal syndicates engaged in oil theft to desist, stressing that the remoteness of oil-producing communities, waterways or installations would no longer shield perpetrators from justice.

He urged host communities to continue providing credible information on criminal activities threatening oil and gas infrastructure.

The Navy credited the renewed operational momentum to the leadership of the Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, whose emphasis on intelligence-led operations, inter-agency collaboration and maritime domain awareness has strengthened the service’s capacity to combat maritime crime.

It linked the effort to President Bola Tinubu’s policy target of raising Nigeria’s crude oil production to 2.5 million barrels per day by 2027.

Folorunsho said the Navy would sustain operational pressure on economic saboteurs while deepening collaboration with the judiciary, sister security agencies and other stakeholders in support of national efforts to grow oil production and the blue economy.

Discovery Hospitality invests ?1.2B to foray into more cities

THE Discovery Hospitality Group is spending at least P1.2 billion to open three new resorts in 2027.

In a recent news briefing on the Philippine Accommodation Pipeline Report 2026, Discovery Hospitality Corp. (DHC) Senior Vice President and Head of Sales and Operations Lynette Ermac said, ‘Right now, we’re focusing on being present in the secondary and tertiary cities. That’s why we had to open our brand ‘KipandKin,’ which is mid-range and directly marketed to millennials.’

She explained that, ‘Discovery has always been known in the premium pricing, and we cannot open that right away in the secondary and tertiary cities until the [these] cities become a destination that will bring in the global guests, with a premium pricing level.’

She added that P600 million will be spent on opening the 34-room KipandKin in Siargao, and another P600 million for the 117-room KipandKin in El Nido, Palawan near Marimegmeg.

‘Even if it’s a mid-range brand, we want to put it in the upper scale of the mid-range brand, because we want to protect our reputation of [offering] luxury. So, but we still want to be present in this particular market segment,’ said Ermac.

The third property is as yet unnamed, but will not be owned by DHC. It will be managing ‘a very small property, less than 20 units. Unfortunately, I can’t mention the name of the property yet,’ she said.

Industry sources, however, told the BusinessMirror that the property is owned by Senator Miguel Zubiri, who said in 2024 that he was building a small private resort in Camiguin, and that he had disclosed this in his Statement of Assets and Liabilities.

On building a Filipino brand

The Tiu-led Discovery World Hospitality, the parent of DHC, posted a net loss of nearly P30 million in the first half of the year, a 6 percent improvement from its P82.4-million loss in the same period of 2025. Its share price closed unchanged at P0.99 a piece on Sept. 17, 2026.

DHC currently manages over 700 keys across its portfolio, which include Discovery Shores Boracay (DSB), Discovery Coron, Discovery Primea, Discovery Samal, Discovery Suites Ortigas, and Manami Resort in Sipalay City, Negros Occidental.

At the news briefing, Ermac underscored that it was possible to build a Filipino brand that can compete in the global arena. ‘Discovery is competing in the luxury space. And it has always been a market leader in terms of price point. [We’re] able to dictate rates higher than international brands.’

She said when DSB was opened in 2006, the resort experience wasn’t just about driving guests to a beautiful beach. ‘[There is] a foot-washing ritual upon arrival and guests enjoy taho at breakfast. More importantly, [they] are cared for with warmth and sincerity. We treat them like family. And many eventually come to regard us in the same way. This is what Discovery can share with other hotel owners and investors: how to bring the character of a destination into the entire guest journey while maintaining consistent standards of service and experience.’

She also pointed to the Visayas and Mindanao as potential areas for investment by hotel developers. ‘A real and legitimate and world-class service should start opening in the secondary and tertiary cities.’

7 CIW officials face raps over trust fund anomaly

The Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) has ordered the filing of cases against two sacked superintendents and five personnel of the Correctional Institution for Women (CIW) for their alleged involvement in the trust fund anomaly.

BuCor Director Gregorio Catapang Jr. approved the filing of criminal and civil charges against CIW superintendents Daisy Sevilla-Castillote and Marjorie Ann Sanidad, as well as corrections officers Bianca Flor Ramos, Maryrose Abucay, Madel Figuerres, Gloria Lakisa and Charlot Jennifer Carreon.

Catapang likewise initiated administrative proceedings against the CIW officers.

In a report dated Aug. 30, BuCor’s directorate for intelligence and investigation found that the officers handling the trust fund of inmates failed to account for P5,153,375.

A parallel investigation by the BuCor internal audit service unit concluded on Aug. 25 that the funds unaccounted for reached P6.4 million.

Catapang ordered a second review to reconcile the two findings.

An inmate trust fund, under BuCor’s manual, keeps all money prisoners earn or receive from legitimate sources. Prisoners can withdraw the money for their immediate needs.

According to BuCor, Castillote and Sanidad should be held liable for gross neglect of duty and grave misconduct.

Castillote allegedly used part of the funds to renovate the multipurpose hall, overseer’s office and investigation and verification section unit.

Sanidad, who came in before Castillote in an acting capacity, allegedly authorized the release of P300,000 to cover a remittance intended for inmates that had not been properly transmitted.

Ramos, the trust fund officer, failed to explain where the money was spent. Her successor, Abucay, allegedly committed lapses during the turnover process.

The BuCor said Figuerres, Lakisa and Carreon failed to document, monitor, reconcile, maintain and verify trust fund records.

KUBET Game Providers Explained: How Organized Menus Improve Game Discovery

Finding an online game you actually want to play should be simple. Yet when a platform offers hundreds or thousands of titles, browsing can quickly become confusing. You might be interested in a particular type of slot, a live dealer table, or a new game from a familiar developer, but finding the right title takes time. This is where organized game-provider menus can make a difference. By grouping games according to their developers and categories, platforms such as kubet can create a more structured browsing experience. Instead of scrolling through an endless collection, users can narrow their choices and explore games that match their interests.

What Are KUBET Game Providers?

Game providers are the companies that develop and supply games for online gaming platforms. They are responsible for creating the software, designing the game mechanics, producing graphics, and, depending on the product, supplying features such as live dealer streams or progressive jackpots. A platform may host games from several different providers, giving users access to a wider variety of gaming styles in one place.

For example, one provider might specialize in video slots, while another focuses on live casino experiences or table games. Each developer often has its own design style, interface, and approach to gameplay. Recognizing these differences can help users understand what they are browsing.

The term KUBET providers refers to the game developers or suppliers associated with the ku net gaming platform. The exact provider lineup can vary depending on the platform’s current offerings, market, and licensing arrangements. Users should consult the official platform for its current list of providers rather than assuming that every game developer is available everywhere.

Why Provider Names Matter

Imagine walking into a large bookstore with no shelves, categories, or labels. You might eventually find a book you like, but the process would be unnecessarily difficult. Online game libraries face a similar challenge. Provider names act like recognizable shelf labels, helping users understand where particular titles come from.

If someone enjoys a certain developer’s visual style or game format, being able to locate that provider can make browsing more familiar. It also gives users another way to explore titles beyond searching by game name.

How the KUBET Menu Supports Game Discovery

A well-organized KUBET menu can help users move from general browsing to more focused exploration. Rather than presenting every title in a single long list, a menu can separate games into categories such as slots, live casino, table games, or other available formats.

The benefit is straightforward: users spend less time searching through unrelated titles and more time reviewing games that fit their interests. This is especially helpful for people who are unfamiliar with a platform and do not yet know which games they want to try.

Categories Make Browsing Easier

Categories provide a starting point for game discovery. Someone looking for a live dealer experience may not want to browse through hundreds of video slots first. Similarly, a user interested in table games may prefer to see blackjack, roulette, or baccarat options together.

A menu that separates these formats creates a clearer path through the platform. Users can begin with a broad category and then narrow their attention to specific titles or providers.

Provider Filters Add Another Layer

Category browsing answers the question, ‘What type of game am I looking for?’ Provider filters answer a different question: ‘Who made the games I want to explore?’

These two navigation methods work well together. A user might first select slots, then choose a particular provider, and finally review the available titles. This reduces unnecessary browsing and makes the game library feel more manageable.

Exploring Popular Game Providers on KUBET

Online casino providers can differ significantly in their approach to game design. Some are known for producing visually elaborate slots, while others concentrate on traditional table games or live dealer formats. The experience of browsing a provider’s catalog depends on the titles and features it offers.

Slot Game Providers

Slot developers commonly create games with different themes, bonus features, paylines, and gameplay mechanics. A provider menu can help users explore these variations without needing to search for every title individually.

For example, someone interested in adventure-themed slots may find it easier to browse a provider’s collection and compare several games with similar visual styles. Another user might prefer classic fruit-machine designs or games with particular bonus mechanics.

The important point is that a provider’s catalog offers a useful starting point, not a guarantee that every game will suit every player.

Live Casino Providers

Live casino providers generally focus on streamed dealer games, including formats such as blackjack, roulette, and baccarat. Their products may differ in presentation, table limits, available languages, and interface design.

Organized menus can help users identify live casino options and distinguish them from automated games. However, availability depends on the platform and region. Users should check the actual game lobby for current information.

Why Organized Menus Improve the Browsing Experience

The main advantage of a structured game menu is clarity. When a platform presents its content in a logical order, users can make decisions more easily. They do not have to remember the names of individual games or rely entirely on random browsing.

A useful menu also supports comparison. Users can look at several titles within the same category or provider and decide which ones interest them. This is particularly helpful when a platform contains a large and frequently changing library.

Less Time Searching, More Time Comparing

Search tools are useful when a user already knows a game’s name. Menus are more helpful when someone is still exploring. A person who does not know what to play can start with a category, browse providers, and discover unfamiliar titles.

This makes the process feel less like searching through a database and more like navigating a well-organized catalog.

A More Consistent User Experience

Consistency matters across desktop and mobile devices. If categories and provider names are presented clearly, users can more easily understand how the platform is organized.

A simple structure might look like this:

Game type: Slots, live casino, or table games.

Provider: Select a developer from the available list.

Game title: Review the individual games.

Game information: Check the displayed rules and relevant details.

The exact menu layout may differ across kubat versions, but the principle remains the same: organized information supports easier navigation.

Tips for Using KUBET Game Menus

When exploring a platform’s game library, start with the category that best matches your interests. If you are unsure, browsing a few categories can help you understand the available selection.

Next, use provider names to narrow your search. This can be useful when you recognize a developer or want to compare different collections. Pay attention to game descriptions and rules before making a choice.

For users who enjoy trying new titles, provider browsing can also introduce games they might not otherwise notice. However, discovering a new game does not mean it will be profitable or suitable for every player.

Conclusion

KUBET game-provider menus can make online game discovery more straightforward by organizing titles into recognizable categories and developer collections. Instead of navigating a confusing list, users can explore game types, compare providers, and find titles that match their preferences. A clear menu does not change the underlying game mechanics, but it can improve how easily users access information and move around the platform.

Whether you are browsing slots, live casino games, or table games, understanding the relationship between categories and providers gives you a more practical way to explore an online gaming library. Always check the official kubet platform for current game availability, provider information, and applicable rules.

FAQs

1. What are KUBET game providers?

KUBET game providers are the developers or suppliers responsible for creating and supplying games available through the platform. Their catalogs may include slots, live casino games, and table games, depending on the current offerings.

2. How does the KUBET menu help users find games?

The KUBET menu can organize games into categories and provider collections. This helps users narrow their search and browse titles without scrolling through an unstructured list.

3. Can I search for games by provider?

If the platform offers provider filtering, users can select a developer and browse its available titles. The exact filtering options depend on the current platform interface.

4. Are all online casino providers available on KUBET?

No. Provider availability varies by platform, market, and licensing arrangements. Check the official game lobby for the current provider lineup.

5. Does an organized game menu guarantee better results?

No. A well-organized menu improves navigation and discovery, but it does not guarantee winnings or change the odds of a game. Always review the rules and play responsibly.

Take your matriculation oath seriously, EKSU VC tells students

The Vice-Chancellor of Ekiti State University (EKSU), Ado-Ekiti, Professor Joseph Babatola Ayodele, has charged newly-admitted students of the institution’s sandwich programme to regard their matriculation oath as a solemn commitment to academic discipline, integrity, responsible citizenship and strict adherence to the university’s rules and regulations.

Professor Ayodele gave the charge at the 2026 bi-modal matriculation ceremony for the sandwich students, held at the EKSU campus, Moba Grammar School, Otun-Ekiti.

Represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Professor Williams Adebayo, the Vice-Chancellor urged the students to see their admission not as the end of an ambition but as the beginning of a demanding academic journey.

He said the students had been admitted because they demonstrated the potential to succeed, urging them to convert the opportunity into tangible achievements through discipline, diligence, determination and hard work.

‘Your admission is not a destination; it is the beginning of a journey. What you do with the opportunity before you will determine the quality of the destination you eventually reach,’ he said.

The vice chancellor also cautioned them against being discouraged by the challenges associated with university education, noting that they might encounter difficult courses, demanding assignments, examinations and competing responsibilities.

‘I, therefore, encourage you not to be intimidated by the challenges that may arise during the programme. There may be difficult courses, demanding assignments, examinations, competing responsibilities and moments when you may feel discouraged.

‘When such moments come, remember that success is the sum of small efforts, repeated day in and day out. Remain focused. Keep moving forward. Seek help when necessary, learn from your mistakes and never lose sight of the reason you began this journey,’ he said.

Speaking on the philosophy behind the sandwich programme, Professor Adebayo said it was established to provide teachers, professionals, workers and other members of the working population with opportunities to acquire university education while pursuing their careers and other responsibilities.

He urged the students to turn their working experience into an academic advantage rather than regarding it as a disadvantage.

‘Your experience in the workplace, your interaction with society and your responsibilities outside the classroom can enrich your learning experience,’ he said.

Adebayo charged the matriculants to make excellence, integrity and responsibility the three pillars of their academic journey, while advising them to use their time wisely and remain willing to learn from their lecturers and fellow students.

He further appealed to them to uphold the reputation of EKSU and avoid conduct capable of undermining the values and traditions of the institution.

The deputy vice chancellor commended the Oore of Otun-Ekiti, HRM Oba Adekunle Adeayo Adeagbo, the people of Otun-Ekiti, and the management and staff of Moba Grammar School for their cooperation and support for the University’s activities in the community.

He assured the people that EKSU would continue to collaborate with relevant stakeholders to maintain its academic standards, discipline, values and traditions at the Otun-Ekiti campus.

In separate goodwill messages, the Oore of Moba Land, Oba Adekunle Adeayo Adeagbo, and the President of Egbe Omo Otun Ekiti, Elder Ezekiel Olalere, urged the matriculants to remain focused and avoid distractions capable of derailing their academic pursuits during the period of their studentship.

The bi-modal nature of the ceremony enabled newly admitted students from affiliated institutions to participate virtually.

Among the participating institutions were the Federal College of Education, Okene, Kogi State; Ipere College of Education, Agyaragu, Nasarawa State; Moje College of Education, Erin-Ile, Kwara State; and Topmost College of Education, Ipaja, Lagos State.

The ceremony was attended by principal officers of the University, including the acting registrar, Mr Olukayode Akindele; the Bursar, Mrs Janet Ojobanikan; and the University Librarian, Mrs Aduke Aboyade, as well as other dignitaries from the Faculty of Education and the Directorate of Continuing Education Programmes.

UI sets new rules for certificate collection

The University of Ibadan (UI) says certificates left uncollected for more than 10 years will be shredded.

The university announced new guidelines governing the collection of Statements of Result and certificates by graduates.

NAN sighted the special bulletin containing the guidelines, dated Sept. 15, 2026, on Wednesday.

The Registrar, Mr Ganiyu Saliu, signed the bulletin outlining the new requirements for graduates.

The university said graduates must collect their Statements of Result within six months after being notified that the documents are ready.

‘Graduates who fail to collect their Statements of Result within the stipulated period will pay a non-collection penalty of N2,500,’ it said.

The institution said the penalty must be paid before the Statement of Result could be released.

It added that Statements of Result would remain valid for two years from their dates of issuance.

According to the university, the document would serve as an interim record pending collection of the graduate’s certificate.

It said certificates remained the university’s official and permanent evidence of graduation and qualification.

The guidelines require graduates to collect their certificates within the two-year validity period of their Statements of Result.

The university said certificates would be available from the date of convocation until one year afterwards.

It said collection during the initial one-year period would attract a statutory fee of N7,500 for issuance and collection.

Certificates not collected after the initial one-year period would attract additional non-collection penalties.

The university said certificates collected after one year but within five years would attract a N25,000 penalty.

It added that certificates collected after five years but within 10 years would attract a N50,000 penalty.

However, the university warned that certificates remaining uncollected beyond 10 years would be liable to shredding.

It clarified that the non-collection penalties were separate from the N7,500 statutory certificate issuance and collection fee.

The institution advised graduates and other relevant stakeholders to take note of the guidelines and comply with the requirements.