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Stakeholders back establishment of aviation university to tackle manpower shortage in industry

Stakeholders in Nigeria’s aviation sector have thrown their weight behind the proposed legislation to establish the African Aviation and Aerospace University (AAAU) in Abuja, describing it as a timely intervention to address the critical manpower shortage threatening the growth of the aviation and aerospace industry in Africa.

Speaking at a public hearing organised by the House of Representatives Committee on Aviation Technology on Wednesday, stakeholders from government, academia, and industry emphasized that the proposed university would position Nigeria as a continental hub for aviation research, innovation, and training.

The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Ibrahim Abubakar, described the proposed university as a visionary step that aligns with the ministry’s long-term agenda to make Nigeria a global aviation training hub.

He said the ministry initiated AAAU in 2023 to bridge the human capacity gap in the sector and promote indigenous research and innovation.

According to him, the proposed law would give the institution a firm legal foundation and autonomy to sustain its mandate.

‘The African Aviation and Aerospace University represents more than an educational institution; it is the future of aviation manpower development on the continent,’ Dr. Abubakar said.

He commended the National Assembly for its foresight in giving legislative force to the university’s establishment, saying it would ‘strengthen Nigeria’s position as Africa’s aviation and aerospace leader.’

Chairman of the university’s Governing Council, Alhaji Bukar Goni Aji, said the institution had recorded significant milestones since its inception and deserved full legal backing to consolidate its achievements.

He explained that the Federal Government had already allocated 200 hectares of land along Bill Clinton Drive, Abuja, as the permanent site of the university, with several structures completed and relocation already in progress.

‘The passage of this Bill will enhance confidence in the university’s credentials, attract global collaborations, and ensure sustainable funding mechanisms,’ Aji said.

‘It will also help Nigeria achieve its vision of becoming Africa’s leading aviation training and innovation hub.’

Registrar of AAAU, Dr. Mustapha Sheik Abdullahi, who represented the management, staff, and students, noted that the university had made remarkable progress since commencing operations in 2023 with executive approval from the Federal Government.

He said AAAU had secured necessary accreditations from the National Universities Commission (NUC) and the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), and currently runs over seven accredited programmes at undergraduate and postgraduate levels, with pioneer postgraduate students set to graduate this year.

Abdullahi disclosed that the university had also conducted executive capacity-building programmes for key aviation agencies, training over 300 staff of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), and the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB).

‘Our support for this Bill is total,’ he said. ‘It will provide the legal framework needed to expand our reach, attract global partnerships, and fulfill Nigeria’s and Africa’s aviation manpower needs.’

The Rector of the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT), Capt. Danjuma Ismail said the college fully supports the establishment of AAAU, describing it as a complementary effort rather than a competing one.

He noted that while NCAT focuses on professional pilot and technical training, AAAU would fill the academic and research gaps by offering advanced degrees and fostering innovation in the aviation industry.

‘Many aviation professionals lack access to postgraduate qualifications. The new university will provide that pathway.

‘We are already collaborating with AAAU by providing instructors and technical support, and we urge the National Assembly to pass the Bill without delay.’

Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Hasan Bala Abubakar, also supported the establishment of the university, stressing that aviation and aerospace disciplines require not just academic knowledge but also a strong institutional culture of discipline, compliance, and safety.

He said the Nigerian Air Force, with its long-standing experience in aviation education, recognized the strategic value of AAAU in advancing national security, economic growth, and Africa’s regional leadership in aerospace technology.

Quoting data from the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and Boeing’s 2024 forecast, Abubakar said Africa would require over 70,000 new aviation professionals between 2025 and 2044, including 23,000 pilots and 24,000 technicians, underscoring the urgency of capacity development.

‘The establishment of AAAU is not just desirable, it is imperative,’ he said. ‘But it must embed discipline in governance, curriculum, and student conduct to produce professionals who can meet global standards.’

Declaring the public hearing open, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas described the initiative as a ‘major step toward transforming Nigeria’s aviation landscape.’

He said the university would equip Nigerians with advanced skills, reduce dependence on foreign training, and encourage research that supports safety and innovation.

‘This initiative will position Nigeria as a hub for aviation and aerospace in Africa,’ Abbas said. ‘I urge all stakeholders to support this Bill so we can build a robust and sustainable aviation ecosystem.’

Chairman of the House Committee on Aviation Technology, Hon. Tajudeen Abisodun, said the Bill represents a historic opportunity for Nigeria to lead the continent in aviation education, technology, and research.

He emphasised that the university’s governance structure provides for integrity, accountability, and autonomy, enabling it to meet global standards.

‘This university is not just for Nigeria, it is for Africa. It’s a bold declaration that we are ready to lead, innovate, and educate at the highest levels. Let us rise to this occasion with vision, unity, and purpose,’ Abisodun said.

Sola Oni at 65: A life of integrity, intellect, and impact

By 1997, the Nigerian Exchange (NGX) Limited (formerly the Nigerian Stock Exchange) had reached a pivotal point, recognising the need to fortify its public communications department. Under the visionary leadership of the late Apostle Hayford Alile, it launched a rigorous headhunt for a communications professional whose expertise and character aligned with its values, image, and evolving aspirations for corporate excellence. Eventually, the mantle fell on Olusola Jacob Oni (widely known in the industry as Sola Oni), a journalist at The Guardian, Nigeria’s media flagship. Indeed, it was a twist of irony or perhaps destiny for Oni to have emerged as the preferred ideal candidate by the Exchange. His consistent, insightful, and pungent reports on the capital market had become a tool for decision-making for capital market executives, which, in several instances, had also made the leadership on the Exchange uncomfortable.

The strength of Oni’s network of sources and insider access, coupled with his journalistic instinct and news presentation style, made him stand out.

However, Oni’s transition to the Exchange was expected by the broader capital stakeholders, who had already marked him out as a future player in the market beyond the media.

At one point, Oni was temporarily de-accredited by the management of the Exchange, a reaction to his unflinching reporting. The Exchange formally requested that The Guardian assign a new correspondent. However, the newspaper stood its ground. Recognising the depth, credibility, and insight Oni brought to capital market coverage, The Guardian’s management made a clear statement: whether officially granted access or not, Oni would continue to cover the beat. Confronted with this quiet resistance and fully aware of Oni’s influence in the financial press, the Exchange reversed its decision and reinstated his accreditation.

Oni joined the Exchange as a core financial journalist with a strong pedigree. But his transition into corporate communications was far from incidental; it was intentional. For many years, he worked under the tutelage of Mrs Yinka Idowu, a public relations virtuoso. Under her guidance, he blended journalistic precision with strategic messaging and corporate diplomacy.

On the Exchange, Oni donned his innate garment of intellect and strong work ethic like a camel in its natural habitat – the desert – and the water bears in the ocean. He continuously fired his intellectual projectile so high that within a short period, everyone in the organisation appreciated his contributions. He became a corporate champion, being sought after for troubleshooting.

By setting ambitious targets for himself, Oni rose to every challenge like a phoenix from the flames. He evolved into a high-stakes, reflective leader, widely seen as a future top executive. His performance spoke for itself, so much so that no one could question his merit. His bold and impactful contributions earned him rapid, successive promotions that were beyond dispute. It was only fitting, then, that he was entrusted with significant responsibilities, all of which he carried out with unwavering diligence.

Apostle Hayford Alile retired as Director General in 1999 and was succeeded by Professor Ndi Okereke-Onyuike (then Dr Okereke-Onyuike), who also recognised Oni’s potential. Some years later, she promptly endorsed Accenture’s recommendation, leading to his deployment to the Market Operations Directorate, a strategic move that positioned him for higher responsibilities.

For the thirteen years he spent on the Exchange, Oni’s performance was nothing short of exemplary. He poured his heart and soul into every task, leaving a lasting legacy that is still reverberating to date.

One of the qualities that defines Oni is his ability to navigate power circles untainted. Physically tall and morally upright, Oni’s stature mirrors his towering integrity index. He lives simply, remains content, and shows gratitude for what God has done for him. You can do business with him, shake hands, and sleep well – knowing no storm can shift his moral compass.

As an Ekiti man, he is well-cultured in tradition, universal ethics, and values. He earned people’s respect because he believes he owes them more in a relationship.

Our paths crossed in 1991 in Gongola State (now Adamawa), where I was posted to the National Spectator Newsmagazine in Yola for my NYSC.

He was to be my immediate boss. However, I was redeployed to another location, and we lost contact.

But fate brought us together in 1998 when I was posted to the NSE as a market correspondent for The Punch newspaper, where Oni was already making waves. He has since then remained my mentor, benefactor, friend, and much more – my brother, from whom I am still learning.

Today, Oni is a multi-faceted, well-respected professional. He wears many hats: veteran journalist, integrated communications strategist, chartered stockbroker, commodities broker, capital market registrar, and member of the Chartered Institute for Securities and Investment (CISI), UK, amongst others.

As a prolific writer, Oni is now a voice in the capital market. His commentaries on capital market policy, structure, regulation, investor protection, transparency, and reputation management are well respected and regularly published in top media outlets.

At 65, Oni is not yet done. He is still steaming and incubating ideas, beaming with the energy common to a serial entrepreneur. Like Colonel Harland Sanders, the American who franchised Kentucky Fried Chicken at 62, Oni remains pregnant with possibility. He is the proprietor of Sofunix International Schools, the founder and CEO of Sofunix Investment and Communications, and the publisher of The Kernel Online Newspaper. These ventures reflect his passion for education, capital market development, and strategic communication. As a hybrid entrepreneur, he is regularly sought after by corporate giants for brand positioning, training, and communications strategy.

A devoted family man, Oni is married to Olufunke, a retired Director of Education, and they are blessed with children who reflect the same sense of discipline and responsibility. Faith is central to Oni’s life. He served on the Parish Council of St Augustine’s Anglican Church, Anthony Village, Lagos, for ten years and had previously served as chairman of the church’s Harvest Committee. His service in other churches also reflects his commitment to spiritual leadership and community.

As Oni turns 65 on October 20, we celebrate not just a man who has left his mark but one who continues to make a profound and lasting impact. Remember that age is merely a number.

We wish you more years of purposeful living, pursuing your passion, and continuing to shape the future.

Follow Who know road

The Road Not Taken, a 1916 poem by Robert Frost, is our necessary guide and guardrail as we navigate our way through the fork on the road to economic recovery. There was no easy way out of the economic abyss into which years of profligacy and misrule had led the country.

As the 2023 presidential election approached, different contestants suggested different roads to economic recovery. One contestant was touting unity and restructuring, while another was mouthing moving from consumption to production. Neither of them outlined a thorough path to the Utopia they sought to paint. Only one candidate had a coherent and convincing argument as to which road to take to recovery. It was encoded in a document, cod-named Renewed Hope 2023.

And the bus took off with Bola Ahmed Tinubu as the driver. Obviously, the riders were a little skeptical as shown on their faces, but the driver was confident, and the bus was steady in his hands. They went to the polls and made him President.

Tinubu knew that the road would be rocky, but it was the journey to redemption. Following who know road is putting one’s trust in the capacity of the driver of the vehicle. Using the fork in the road as an analogy of economic choices, Tinubu rightly deciphered that the old economic model had catastrophically failed to achieve sustainable development. A new route ‘the one less travelled’ must be followed. It would be the difference if we were to stabilize the economy, increase productivity, and lift millions out of poverty. He warned repeatedly that it would be rough at the beginning, and even for some time, which is why the passengers on the bus looked uneasy.

President Tinubu is trusted as the driver, because he has a proven record of accomplishments as a corporate accountant, a mentor of men and women, and a manager of resources. In conjunction with Wale Edun, Yemi Cardoso, and others, Tinubu used his understanding of the economy to reinvent Lagos.

It will be recalled that Lagos state went back to complacency, after the remarkable forward march under Governor Lateef Kayode Jakande (1979 to 1983). The Jakande years transformed the city of Lagos into a magnet. There was a massive influx of migratory and dependent labour from across the country, which came at a cost. There was pressure on every facet of social and economic life. If not contained, a combustible and possibly consuming social crisis was on the way.

Lagos State was fortuitously lucky. ‘Cometh the hour, Cometh the man’. The Tinubu administration in 1999 combined astute political maneuvering with a technocratic mien. It was a very productive combination. Very cleverly, they rebuilt trust in governance, by demonstrating the benefits of the state to the citizens through the creation of jobs and other political goods. There was a game changing perception of the role and function of the state, which led to a geometrical increase in revenue generation to the extent that even President Olusegun Obasanjo’s seizure of the Lagos state local government funds did not lead to the anticipated destruction of the fiscal stability of the state.

Tinubu managed to do this because he had constructed a shock absorber at a time other states had not, and even today have not done. It became a proven fact that fiscal strength and stability must underpin the long-term prospects of state viability

To be sure, Nigeria is not Lagos, but sound judgement prevails everywhere. This is what is now being done with the economic reforms at the national level. As stated in Renewed Hope 2023, the reforms stand on a tripod of (1) removal of fuel subsidy, (2) unification of foreign exchange, and (3) overhaul of the tax system. These were accompanied with other initiatives in infrastructure, education, health, agriculture, and social protection. It is a desirable road to take. And in local patois – the man wey dey drive the bus sabi road. He had driven that route before with beneficial effects.

The faces on the New Nigeria Bus appear to show worry, but the driver’s face shows confidence, determination, and focus. A time of transition is bound to be rocky at first. If in doubt, look at the records of the Action Group government led by Chief Obafemi Awolowo in the Western Region in the 1950s. The tax levy on all adult males was met with initial resistance. However, resistance later gave way to enthusiastic reception of the Universal Primary Education scheme launched in 1955 once farmers began to reap the rewards. But it took some time for these rewards to show up.

The federal government under Tinubu has a compelling historical duty to stick to the course. The man wey know road is already showing the efficacy of taking the road less traveled. It may take some time for the benefits to reach the kitchen table, but they are already showing up in improved terms of trade, rising export figures and, crucially, more fiscal stability. Inflation is falling, and prices are coming down here and there.

Yes, there are still bumpy rides in the short term, but in the long term, we will be participants in the historic journey to redemption and development. This journey is the obliteration of the failure of a process that led to underdevelopment and its attendant woes. Tinubu is determined to mend the potholes and uncompleted bridges on the road being taken so it could lead to sustainable development.

While we are still concerned about now, those who can look far into the future, including the World Bank, the IMF, and the WTO, found enough macro economic indicators to forecast a bright future, if the driver is allowed to stay the course.

The last verse of Frost’s poem with which I began this essay is very instructive:

I shall be telling this with a sigh

Somewhere ages and ages hence:

Two roads diverged in a wood, and I-

I took the one less traveled by,

And that has made all the difference.

Naija! Make una follow who know road o!

Bamidele Ademola-Olateju, a former Ondo Commissioner for Information, is Director of New Media and Corporate Services for the All Progressives Congress (APC)

Nigeria’s Youth: The Real Resource for a Brighter Future

As the Society for Performing Arts in Nigeria (SPAN) prepares to launch its inaugural Queen Esther Ball Gala, Founder and Director Sarah Boulos reiterates the importance of investing in the country’s youth. With two decades of experience in empowering young Nigerians through performing arts education, Mrs. Boulos believes that the next generation of leaders is ready to shine.

‘Nigeria’s creative talent is world-class,’ says Mrs. Boulos. ‘If provided with the right platforms, our youth will compete favorably on a global stage. SPAN is just a launching pad, and similar initiatives can be created in other industries like film, science, technology, and sports. What we need are resources and resilience.’

Mrs. Boulos’s conviction is rooted in SPAN’s remarkable journey. Over the past 20 years, the organization has nurtured over 10,000 students, producing alumni who are now making waves in the global performance arts scene. SPAN’s success story is a testament to the potential of Nigerian youth.

As the Queen Esther Ball Gala approaches, Mrs. Boulos emphasizes the need for continued investment in youth development. ‘We are celebrating where we have been and strategically using it as a launchpad for where we are going,’ she says. ‘The next 20 years will see SPAN deepen its impact, reach more students, and continue proving that investing in performing arts education is a profound investment in Nigeria’s future.’

With a focus on empowering young women and promoting creativity, the Queen Esther Ball promises to be an unforgettable evening of celebration, forward vision, and fundraising. As Nigeria looks to the future, it’s clear that its youth are the real resource for a brighter tomorrow.

By providing opportunities for young Nigerians to develop their talents and skills, we can unlock a wealth of potential and creativity that will drive the country’s progress. As Mrs. Boulos aptly puts it, ‘Nigeria’s youth are its greatest asset.’

Fintech promises more creativity after award win

Page Financials, fintech firm, has been honoured for the seventh consecutive year at BusinessDay Banks and Other Financial Institutions (BAFI) Awards.

The firm won two awards: Finance Company of the Year and Most Innovative Financial Institution of the Year.

Representing the Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Ikem Nweke, at the event, Chief Operating Officer, Chinelo Awotoye, lauded the awards.

‘We are excited about this recognition and the excitement comes with a burden to do more. We want to be back next year to collect these awards again,’ he said.

On the firm’s approach to innovation, he said the culture of creativity and speed is at the heart of everything we do.

‘We have built an environment where innovation is not just encouraged but celebrated. Every month, we dedicate a day to what we call Innovation Day. It is a day our people think outside the box and bring forward fresh ideas that help us grow, improve customer experience, and stay ahead,’ he explained.

In addition to innovation, the company is committed to delivering fast and seamless services. Once a customer’s documents are approved, loan disbursement happens instantly. This focus on speed, simplicity, and service excellence set Page apart in the sector.

In another remarkable moment of recognition, Page Financials has been honoured for the seventh consecutive year at the prestigious BusinessDay Banks and Other Financial Institutions (BAFI) Awards. The company once again walked away with two major accolades: Finance Company of the Year and Most Innovative Financial Institution of the Year, reinforcing its position as a trusted leader in Nigeria’s financial services industry.

Representing the CEO at the event, Mr. Ikem Nweke, the Chief Operating Officer of Page Financials, expressed heartfelt appreciation for the awards. ‘We are excited about this recognition and the excitement comes with a burden to do more. We want to be back next year to collect these awards again,’ he said with confidence and pride.

Speaking on the company’s approach to innovation, Mr. Segun Akintemi, the CEO of Page Financials, shared that the culture of creativity and speed is at the heart of everything they do. ‘We have built an environment where innovation is not just encouraged but celebrated. Every month, we dedicate a day to what we call Innovation Day. It is a day when our people think outside the box and bring forward fresh ideas that help us grow, improve customer experience, and stay ahead,’ he explained.

In addition to innovation, the company is deeply committed to delivering fast and seamless services. Once a customer’s documents are approved, loan disbursement happens almost instantly. This focus on speed, simplicity, and service excellence continues to set Page Financials apart in the financial sector.

Ola Moses, the Head of Marketing and Corporate Communications, also highlighted what makes this recognition so meaningful. ‘Winning for seven years is not just about the award itself. It is proof of consistency, innovation, and trust. It reflects the everyday work that goes into making sure our customers experience convenience and speed,’ he said.

The awards are a strong reminder of Page Financials’ unwavering dedication to innovation, excellence, and customer satisfaction. With its bold vision, agile culture, and customer-first approach, the company remains committed to raising the bar in Nigeria’s financial services space.

Uyo varsity unveils policy against sexual harassment

The University of Uyo has formally launched its institutional policy against sexual harassment, warning culprits against stiff punishment.

The unveiling ceremony, which drew dignitaries from diverse sectors, was held at the University TETfund Hall at the University main campus recently.

Nyaudo Ndaeyo, Professor and Vice Chancellor of the University, said the policy had declared no tolerance on all forms of sexual molestation.

Ndaeyo stressed that the policy would serve as deterrent to potential offenders and a commitment to justice for victims.

He reaffirmed the university’s dedication to accountability, transparency and protection of all members of the academic community.

Uduakabasi Ndaeyo, Wife of the Vice Chancellor, lauded the initiative as a necessary step in confronting societal evil that had lingered for too long. She stated that such effort would help address the scourge of sexual harassment in Nigerian tertiary institutions.

Valerie Asanwana, Chairperson of the Board of the Centre for Gender Studies, reiterated the University’s commitment to equity, excellence and respect for all.

According to her, the policy represents a significant step towards creating a campus culture, where sexual misconduct is neither tolerant nor ignored.

Asanwana disclosed that the policy outlines clear procedures for reporting investigating and resolving cases of sexual harassment in a transparent and victim -centered manner.

Providing a detailed overview, Luke Eyo, a member of the University’s Gender Advisory Board, said its contents and operational framework, underscores its role in ensuring justice and institutional integrity.

Sultan, Yari, Muslim leaders seek urgent action against social media abuse, rising insecurity

Top Islamic leaders and lawmakers in Northern Nigeria have raised fresh concerns over rising insecurity and the growing misuse of social media, warning that the nation risks sliding into chaos if decisive action is not taken.

Speaking at a special summit of Northern Ulamas in Kaduna, the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, represented by the Emir of Zazzau, Amb. Ahmad Nuhu Bamalli called for urgent regulation of social media, which he said is being used to spread division and hatred.

‘This is the time to unite the Muslim Ummah,’ the Sultan urged. ‘Our clerics must preach peace, tolerance, and national unity in line with Islamic teachings.’

House Leader, Hon. Alhassan Ado Doguwa, who also addressed the summit, called for stronger collaboration between Islamic leaders and lawmakers to shape policies that promote peace and good governance.

‘Security is everyone’s business,’ Doguwa said. ‘We in the National Assembly will support any initiative that unites our people and upholds Islamic values.’

Senator Abdulaziz Yari (Zamfara West) echoed similar concerns, noting that insecurity has deep roots in the North, especially in mineral-rich communities.

‘Insecurity started in Muslim-dominated areas,’ Yari said. ‘We can’t blame the government alone. The solution lies in our hands – in unity, action, and honest dialogue.’

He warned against the region’s worsening economic gap, saying: ‘We’re sleeping in our rooms and expecting to become billionaires. It doesn’t work that way. We must address economic realities.’

On the issue of social media, Yari was blunt, ‘Social media doesn’t spare anyone – rich or poor. We are all victims of its abuse. It’s time to regulate it and use it responsibly, like other nations do.’

Prominent cleric, Sheik Ahmad Abubakar Gumi, called for dialogue among Islamic sects to tackle poverty and banditry, which he said are being exploited by external forces.

‘Banditry is being fueled by outsiders who covet our mineral wealth,’ Gumi warned. ‘They use uneducated herders as pawns in a larger game. We must talk among ourselves and end it internally.’

He urged a review of existing laws to curb social media defamation without stifling freedom of expression. ‘This summit is not against anyone,’ he said, ‘but about the unity and progress of Nigeria.’

The summit ended with a collective call for inter-sect cooperation, peaceful dialogue, and stronger religious leadership to address insecurity, disunity, and economic hardship across the North.

NEPC storms PH with AfCFTA’s GTI strategies, reveals products that trade fast in Africa

The Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) has moved to the south-south with strategies to mobilise the region for participation in the Guided Trade Initiative (GTI) of the African Continental Trade Agreement (AfCFTA).

This is as the Council also revealed products that move fast in intra-Africa trade.

These were highlighted in the keynote speech presented by Nonye Ayeni, the Executive Director/Chief Executive Officer of the NEPC, at the AfCFTA GTI workshop in Port Harcourt on Onboarding Nigerian Exporters into the AfCFTA through the GTI.

The keynote address, which was delivered on CEO’s behalf by Arnold Jackson (Director, State Offices Coordinating Department, NEPC Headquarters), said Nigeria has joined in the GTI which now has 24 countries after the initial group of five.

She said the last Intra-Africa Trade Fair (IATF) held in Algiers (Algeria), Nigerian enterprises generated millions of Dollars in signed deals and Nigeria won the ‘Best Pavilion for Doing Business’.

She said the range of products being prioritized under the expanded GTI are value-added agricultural products, manufactured products, garment and textile, pharmaceuticals, automobiles, and services, all of which are in abundance in Nigeria.

Ayeni said the day’s focus was to ensure that Nigerian exporters were not left behind. ‘We must actively position our businesses especially SMEs to seize the early mover advantages that GTI offers.’

She said Nigerian exporters now have access to a continental market where over 90% of tariffs will gradually be eliminated. ‘This means reduced costs and increased competitiveness for Nigerian products and services.’

She said many FG agencies were poised to help Nigerian entrepreneurs to play big in AfCFTA. The NEPC boss mentioned ways of supporting SMEs to hook up bigtime in AfCFTA, such as capacity building through training exporters on AfCFTA protocols, rules of origin, standards, and market requirements; etc.

She also talked about export financing including expanding access to financing instruments that help exporters scale production and meet demand; digital platforms such as leveraging technology for market intelligence, e-certificates of origin, and trade documentation.

She said the opportunities offered by AfCFTA were in form of give-and-take, for Nigeria to fully benefit, exporters must rise up to the challenges by ensuring compliance with quality standards and certification. It also requires building competitiveness through innovation and value-addition; collaborating across sectors to create regional value chains; and actively engaging with NEPC and other agencies to address challenges encountered during GTI participation.

She said: ‘In conclusion, the Guided Trade Initiative is the Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) to the African Continental Free Trade Area. Let us be the generation of Nigeria business leaders who looked out at the continent and saw not barriers, but boundless opportunities. Let us be the ones who moved from aspiration to operation, who turned the promise of 1.4 billion people into prosperity for our people.

‘Together, let us make the Guided Trade Initiative the springboard for Nigeria’s exporters to conquer African markets and beyond.’

Arnold added that NEPC wants to mainstream the initiative because each of the 774 local government areas in Nigeria has one thing to produce and export.

In a welcome address, Benedict Itegbe, the NEPC regional coordinator, harped on the need for Africans to trade among themselves to unlock the major opportunities that are available in the continent. To that extent, he said, AfCFTA Nigeria has been able to create structures and platforms that would facilitate trading among African nations with the GTI.

He said: ‘First stage was a huge success, second stage is ongoing and today we have the privilege of having some experienced professionals in the venue to explain the processes with all round information on the opportunities.

‘We have a lot of women in our midst. We are committed to empowering women in non-oil export. We are all aware of our latest partnership with World Trade Centre (WTC) and the World Trade Organisation (WTO) headed by our own sister (Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala) and a lot have been done to empower women through discoveries and grant.’

Promotion of non-oil export has been intensive in the Niger Delta in recent years.

Fed Govt, GenCos agree on payment of N4tr debt

The Federal Government has finalised implementation frameworks for N4 trillion in government-backed bonds to settle verified arrears owed to power generation companies (GenCos) and gas suppliers.

The Special Adviser to the President on Energy, Olu Verheijen, disclosed this in a statement signed by the Head of the media and communications unit in the SA’s office, Senan Murray, yesterday.

The meeting was attended by the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, Minister of Power, Bayo Adelabu, and Ms Verheijen.

According to the statement, the agreement was reached at a meeting between federal government officials and the senior executives of GenCos to review settlement modalities for the outstanding debt.

‘The meeting concluded with a consensus on the way forward, which includes conducting bilateral negotiations to finalise full and final settlement agreements that balance fiscal realities with the financial constraints of the GenCos.

‘This intervention- the largest in over a decade, addresses a legacy debt overhang that has constrained investment, weakened utility balance sheets, and hindered reliable power delivery across the country. ‘

This is a major step by the Federal Government toward restoring financial stability and investor confidence in the electricity market,’ the statement said.

It explained that the agreement followed a landmark initiative approved by President Bola Tinubu and the Federal Executive Council (FEC) to address structural bottlenecks and lay the groundwork for large-scale private sector-led investment and sustained economic growth.

According to Murray, at the meeting, Ms Verheijen said the Federal Government’s focus was on creating the right conditions for investment by modernising the grid, improving distribution and scaling embedded generation. The step would also help in closing metering gaps, aligning tariffs with efficient costs, improving subsidy targeting to support the poor and vulnerable, and restoring regulatory trust.

‘The sector is shifting from crisis response to sustained delivery and building the confidence needed to attract large-scale private capital,’ she said.

Also at the meeting, Edun said the reforms were beyond liquidity, as it would help in ‘rebuilding the fundamentals so that Nigeria’s power sector works for investors, for citizens and for the next generation.

‘This is how we create the enabling conditions for sustained private investment and transform reliable power into a catalyst for economic growth. Complementary efforts to scale renewable energy, leverage domestic gas as a transition fuel, and build local technical and institutional capacity will position Nigeria not just for energy security, but for energy sovereignty, creating one of Africa’s most attractive power markets,’ he said.

The Chairman of Heirs Holdings and Transcorp Power, Tony Elumelu, noted that for the first time in years, the sector is seeing a credible and systematic effort by the government to tackle the root liquidity challenges in the power sector. He commended President Tinubu and his economic team for the bold and transformative step.

Speaking in the same vein, Goup Managing Director of Sahara Power Group, Kola Adesina said the initiative was significant in every respect.

According to him, it renews confidence in the reform process and is a clear signal that the government is serious about building a sustainable power sector. Adesina noted that, beyond clearing arrears, the debt reduction plan signalled a strategic reset of Nigeria’s electricity market. The Presidential Power Sector Debt Reduction Plan is being jointly implemented by the Federal Ministry of Finance, the Federal Ministry of Power, and the Office of the Special Adviser to the President on Energy, in collaboration with the Nigerian Bulk Electricity Trading (NBET) Plc and other key stakeholders.

Industry needs demand result-oriented degrees, experts urge

Experts are emphasising the urgent need for academic programmes to adapt to the evolving demands of the job market, advocating for result-oriented degrees that equip graduates with practical skills and industry-relevant knowledge.

They argue that bridging this gap is essential to addressing Nigeria’s youth unemployment and ensuring that graduates possess the skills relevant to today’s industries.

Olayinka David-West, dean of the Lagos Business School, represented by Henry Ogundolire, who spoke on ‘Degree with Direction’, at the 2025 Global Education Conference, held in Lagos, said a degree without direction is a journey without a map.

David-West explained that a degree gives a student little more insight into their direction if they are only curious and think about things a little more than ordinary students who believe a degree is all that is required to succeed in life.

‘So if you’re going to have degrees, you’re going to have a degree with direction which requires thinking.

‘If you think critically about a course, that will definitely give you an understanding about your destination with clarity, courage, and purpose,’ he said.

Besides, he emphasised that in the contemporary era, the most critical skill people need to pay attention to is learning.

‘We live in an era where the correlation between education and opportunity is being redefined. This is the world of AI. Having a degree is certainly no longer the final destination. It’s just the foundation.

‘What really matters is what you can do with what you know, so think about it this way, every course you study is not just about mastering content, it’s about building capabilities,’ he noted.

Mary Agbu, the country director for StudyIn Nigeria, the organisers of the 2025 Global Education Conference, was predicated on giving students studying in international destinations and Nigerian universities support, and to bridge the knowledge gap, and help them become more purposeful and intentional in their study journey.

‘Most students lack the skills employers are for, as entrepreneurs complain about skills mismatch in the workplace.

‘Besides, students complain of not having a good forum where they can actually make inquiries, have somebody listen to them carefully and give them correct answers, and also bring up a platform for matching the two aspirational stakeholders,’ she said.

Agbu called on all stakeholders to collaborate to change the whole concept of career, education, and to begin to embrace the concept of understanding what works for people.

We have a separate segment, which is on the other side, what we call the family, and we have quite a number, a total of 17 universities.

No fewer than 17 universities from across the world were on the ground to engage with parents and students on what it takes to study outside of Nigeria and especially in their institutions.

She emphasised that the engagement would be a deliberate one to expose potential students to the benefits and challenges ahead, and the career pathways that could help students achieve their aspirations.

‘So, intentionality is actually the key factor of the kind of engagement we’re looking for with delegates.

‘It’s no longer the old pattern where the degrees are crossing, the students haven’t even worked it down, haven’t asked very deep questions, hence, this time around, we’re actually pushing for ideal engagement,’ she noted.

Zahra Parker, an infectious disease public health scientist, said bridging the gap between education and employability demands that students acquire some sort of experience in their career interest areas.

‘As a student, you can go to school and have all the technical know-how, but you need to have practical experience that will make you attractive to an employer.

‘The huge factor in bridging the gap is gaining hands-on and practical knowledge,’ she said.