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Ateneo tops Philippines universities in THE world rankings

The Ateneo de Manila University topped the list of Philippine schools in the latest Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings.

Entering the 1,001-1,200 bracket, Ateneo is ahead of the University of the Philippines, which is in bracket 1,201-1,500.

With an overall score of 32.1-35.4, Ateneo garnered 27 in teaching, 11.2 in research environment, 64.7 in research quality, 23.8 in industry and 35.6 in international outlook.

UP received an overall score of 27.3-32 after obtaining 27.4 in teaching, 17.9 in research environment, 39 in research quality, 28.9 in industry and 38.6 in international outlook.

The University of Oxford in the United Kingdom retained its number one placement for the 10th consecutive year, with a total score of 98.2.

The Massachusetts Institute of Technology in the United States placed second, followed by Princeton University in the US and University of Cambridge in the UK, both in the top 3.

Four other Philippine schools joined the list, including De La Salle University, Mapua University, Mindanao State University-Iligan Institute of Technology and University of Santo Tomas, all in the 1501+ bracket.

China has five universities in the top 40, up from three last year.

Hong Kong occupied a record six spots in the top 200, while India has the second-highest number of universities ranked for the first time, behind the US.

‘I commend the entire University community for this achievement. It is a recognition of the hard work of students and faculty, researchers, support staff and administrators,’ Ateneo president Fr. Roberto Yap said.

In the QS World University Rankings released in June, Ateneo ranked 511.

Few PhD holders

Only 0.18 percent of 5.4 million degree holders in the Philippines are Doctors of Philosophy, according to the Commission on Higher Education.

At yesterday’s commencement speech before postgraduates of the Polytechnic University of the Philippines, CHED Chairperson Shirley Agrupis said education becomes the most decent form of ambition ‘in a country where opportunity is unequal, where merit is too often replaced by connections.’

Advanced learning is pursued to expand a person’s purpose and not to elevate their status, she stressed.

‘At a time when corruption, apathy and indifference still threaten the very soul of governance,’ the country needs leaders who remember that integrity is essential and not optional, Agrupis said.

State officials, contractors and engineers have been implicated in ghost and substandard infrastructure projects nationwide, as well as anomalous budget insertions.

Political crisis

We have a situation. We have found ourselves in a very difficult point in our history and the question is whether we, as a people, can make the change this country so desperately needs.

As the issues on corruption and transparency continue to grow, it is obvious that the country is facing significant instability. Why do I say this? In the tourism industry alone, the latest return on tourist investment (ROTI) is showing a real cause for concern. Compared to Vietnam’s rating of 1.94, Thailand 1.50, Malaysia 1.49, Singapore 1.37 and Indonesia 1.08, the Philippines’ sad 0.57 is a rather painful result and it has affected our economy, considering that in 2019, the Philippines had a record 8.2 million tourist arrivals. Today is certainly not looking like It’s More Fun in the Philippines, as the Department of Tourism under this administration has missed its target for 2024 of having 7.7 million tourists visit the country.

Then we have the issue of the stock market, which has lost about P1.7 trillion in value over the past three weeks based on reports, as flood control controversies continue to mount and fear over corruption marking the largest loss in absolute value since the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020. While I am certain that I have not cited the many other issues the country is facing today, fact is, we have a serious breakdown in trust.

Looking back in history, in the 1980s we had a debt crisis that fueled inflation during the Marcos administration and then the Asian financial crisis in 1997 and a global financial crisis in 2008. We then experienced the pandemic crash in 2020 due to fear and uncertainty, which was severely devastating for the markets and to date, we have been seeing how this current crisis is affecting investor confidence and market credibility due to the misuse of funds and trust over flood control projects.

Whether we like it or not, all this and more is brought about by the deepening political crisis our country is facing today and we need to work on a plan for stability in our country that is more urgent than ever before. Due to the worsening political upheaval in the past few months, it is becoming increasingly apparent that our economic woes are compounding.

If one will recall, just last year, France called for a snap parliamentary election in the hope of gaining a clear majority, which sadly resulted in a divided parliament, with opposing factions unwilling to work together. How to proceed in spite of this now depends on French President Macron, who they say should be asking himself how far he can take the political pretense, considering that most recently, the prime minister quit after 26 days. While Macron says he will not step down before his term ends, some parties in France are clamoring for early elections, while others are pushing for him to go.

Although this is the French ‘situation,’ the Philippines has problems of its own but the effects of political crisis are the same. If one will recall, in 2009, the Greek economy crashed and Greece went into a severe recession and sadly, their financial crisis caused political unrest and the government was forced to call for an early election and lost power.

But looking at the bigger picture, studies have shown that, in countries that have high trust levels, economic crisis is less likely to cause political unrest; however, in countries where people feel less trusting of others, a failing economy is said to be more likely to result in a ruling party being voted out of power. Again, we have a situation and the situation involves trust. Considering that high trust countries did not vote governments out of office even after a recession shows how much they can bounce back from it and much faster than the ones that voted for a change in the ruling party. High trust countries also have more media freedom, higher incomes and a much stronger democracy that plays a big role in ‘bouncing back’ after crisis.

At the end of the day, our problems are all about trust. We have leaders who have failed us and caused us to lose our faith in their leadership yet, at the same time, we are more conscious than ever about trust. This is the main thing that we need to build together, as a political crisis that continues to stress us will bring us deeper into the pit of despair, making it difficult to bounce back and recover. As the saying goes, ‘there is nowhere to go but up’ and we Filipinos need to choose this path and rebuild our country on trust.

Our current political situation is causing so much unrest and suffering, leaving our people afflicted by depression and anxiety. We need to recover and that time is now. More importantly, we need to take action by building back our trust and confidence in our leaders so that they can fully lead us out of crisis. This can only happen if and only if we have the right leaders to lead our nation.

Lekoil praises Tinubu on new oil export terminal

Lekoil Nigeria Limited has attributed the success of the new oil export terminal to the favourable environment provided by the pro-business policies of President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

Chief Executive Officer, Lekoil Nigeria Limited, Lekan Akinyanmi said the commissioning of the Otakikpo Onshore Crude Oil Export Terminal, through which Lekoil evacuates crude oil from the Otakikpo field, marked a defining chapter in the company’s journey as a leading independent oil and gas company in Nigeria.

The strategic export channel was commissioned by President Bola Tinubu, represented by Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Heineken Lokpobiri.

According to him, the commissioning of the strategic export channel was in line with ongoing reforms to expand Nigeria’s production capacity towards Nigeria’s economic development.

‘The Otakikpo Onshore Crude Oil Export Terminal is not just infrastructure; it is a symbol of progress, credibility, and the determination of indigenous producers to deliver value on a global stage,’ Akinyanmi said.

He also commended the leadership of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) for creating an enabling environment.

He said the commissioning of the terminal represented a validation of the company’s commitment to consistency and building lasting value.

‘The commissioning of the Otakikpo Onshore Crude Oil Export Terminal is a proud moment for Lekoil. It validates our commitment to building lasting value as an indigenous producer, delivering our crude to the market reliably while supporting our host communities and Nigeria’s broader energy ambitions. This milestone is a clear indication that Lekoil represents resilience, responsibility, and results,’ Akinyanmi said.

He pointed out that Lekoil, along with Green Energy International Limited, its joint venture partner on the Otakikpo field (PML 11), has consistently demonstrated that indigenous oil and gas companies can operate at world-class standards, unlock resources, advance community development, and contribute to national production growth.

‘With the commissioning of the terminal, Lekoil can now maximise the potential of Otakikpo, widely regarded as a prolific area for oil and gas nestled in the southeastern part of the Niger Delta basin, and ensure secure, efficient evacuation and reinforce its reputation as a reliable supplier of Nigerian crude.

‘This achievement underscores Lekoil’s place as a trusted, responsible operator with a long-term commitment to Nigeria’s energy security and economic growth and its vision: to be the world’s leading exploration and production company focused on Africa. We celebrate this historic commissioning as a major step in Lekoil’s growth story, one that confirms our standing as a bonafide independent producer with the capacity, the partnerships, and the will to deliver,’ Akinyanmi said.

Girls urged to dream big, stay focused

In commemoration of the International Day of the Girl-Child, Priceless Virtues International hosted the Lagos International Day of the Girl-Child Conference on Thursday, October 9, 2025, at First Baptist Church, Ikeja. The event brought together schoolgirls from across Lagos to be inspired, educated, and empowered to embrace their potential and live purpose-driven lives.

Themed ‘Reach for the Stars,’ the event focused on helping young girls rise above social limitations, distractions, and self-doubt.

Convener and Founder, Priceless Virtues International, Oluwatobi Ola-Adetimole, emphasised the importance of resilience and intentional living.

‘We are here to tell girls that it is possible to become their dreams, reaching for the stars may seem impossible, but it is doable. I once stood where they are-facing disappointments and uncertainty-but I turned my challenges into stepping stones.’

The conference featured a panel session where invited guests and female professionals from diverse fields shared personal experiences of overcoming setbacks to fulfill their dreams.

Keynote speaker Amarachi Ubani, Head of the Foreign Desk at Channels Television, emphasized the importance of documenting goals and staying committed to one’s purpose.

‘At age 10, I wrote in my diary that I would become a journalist and travel the world, now, over 30 years later, I see that dream fulfilled, that early act of journaling kept me aligned with my purpose, even when life got difficult,’ she said.

Ubani encouraged the girls to embrace self-discovery, understand their strengths and weaknesses, and seek divine direction.

She added, ‘Sometimes children have to raise themselves, because sometimes our parents, yes, they want the best for you, but they might not really be directing you in the way that you should go, so that’s why you need to know your strengths and you need to know your weaknesses.

And then you need to trust God to lead you in those directions. And then also pray that God will bring the people in your life that you need to help you to get to where you need to go to. It’s very important, and you pray to God to ask to bring the people in your life because there will be lots of distractions along the way.’

In a self elating session on sexual purity, Victoria Bamigbola, Coordinator of the Sexual Purity Academy – Lagos Community, challenged the girls to uphold purity as a form of self-respect and purpose preservation.

She said, ‘Sexual purity is not old-fashioned-it’s wisdom, when you choose purity, you protect your future. It’s not just about saying ‘no’ to pressure; it’s about saying ‘yes’ to your value and your destiny.’

She emphasized that purity is not merely a rule to follow, but a mindset that fosters dignity, focus, and long-term success.

Adding a fun and intellectually engaging twist to the event, the conference also featured a Spelling Bee Competition, where participating girls showcased their academic excellence. Winners, Imola Comprehensive High School and Legacy Villa schools received prizes as a reward for their effort and to further motivate a culture of excellence among peers.

Ola-Adetimole closed the conference with a compelling reminder, saying, ‘If you don’t stay focused, you’ll still grow old. But what story will you tell when you do? Choose now to live intentionally so you can inspire others with your journey in the future.’

Work begins on Calabar axis of coastal highway

Work has commenced on the Calabar axis of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway Project.

There is ongoing construction activity stretching through the Awi forest in Akamkpa Local Government Area of Cross River State.

The site, located off the Calabar-Ikom expressway near Odukpani junction, bears twin signposts announcing the project under the supervision of the Federal Ministry of Works and executed by HITECH Construction Company Limited.

The project area presents a challenging mix of topography-dense forests, hilly terrains, rocky formations, and swampy stretches.

Large trees have been felled and mangrove vegetation cleared to make way for the new road corridor linking Cross River and Akwa Ibom States.

Many heavy-duty machines, including excavators, bulldozers, and swamp buggies, are at work across the site, filling the air with the constant hum of engines and the rhythmic clatter of construction.

Despite the difficult landscape, engineers and workers have pressed on, carving through rock and levelling hills to prepare the ground for the concrete pavement.

When our reporter visited the site, about five kilometres of the roadbed had been graded and readied for base installation.

It was also observed that earthworks extend deep into the forest, where teams are clearing wider stretches to shape the highway alignment.

Workers at the site say operations continue daily despite the rainy season posing a major challenge.

One worker explained: ‘The terrain is difficult, but progress is steady.

‘The teams, including expatriate engineers, resume each morning accompanied by security personnel and work until evening.’

The contrast between this section and the Lagos axis of the highway is evident in the pace of progress.

While the Lagos side advances faster on flat terrain, the Calabar end moves more slowly due to its rugged landscape.

Commissioner for Works in Cross River State, Ankpo Pius Edet, told doubters that the project is ongoing at point 001 in Cross River.

He described it as evidence of the Renewed Hope Agenda in Cross River.

Edet said President Tinubu had demonstrated his creative mind by opening up an area that had no road before.

On construction difficulties, he said: ‘These challenges will affect the timeframe of the project.

‘These challenges are natural and inevitable. But they are pushing.

‘People should understand the differences in terrain.

‘The contractor is also complying with the local content aspect of the project because our people are participating in the project.

‘The people of Cross River are also participating in the project.’

‘Some are supplying sand, and others are artisans.

‘HITECH has been here for over 20 years, so they understand the terrain.’

A HITECH official, who identified himself simply as Engr. Elias told our reporter: ‘We have gone far on the project.

‘If you come in a few weeks, you will see more.’

PDP to Senate: credibility of elections depends on thorough screening of INEC chairman

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has cautioned the Senate against hastily confirming the nomination of Prof. Joash Amupitan as Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), stressing that the integrity of Nigeria’s electoral process depends on how the screening is conducted.

Speaking shortly after inaugurating the Venue Sub-Committee for the party’s upcoming Ibadan elective convention, PDP’s National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, said both Nigerians and the international community are watching closely to see whether the Senate will conduct a transparent and merit-based confirmation process.

He urged lawmakers to resist the temptation of ‘rubber-stamping’ the nomination, warning that a politically motivated or rushed approval could further erode public confidence in the electoral system already weakened by controversies surrounding the 2023 general elections.

Ologunagba said, ‘We recognise the constitutional process that allows the President to nominate through the Council of State. The next step is for the Senate to conduct a thorough confirmation hearing on behalf of the Nigerian people.’

Reiterating the PDP’s stance on strengthening democratic institutions, he added that when institutions function effectively, ‘it matters little who heads them because the system ensures accountability.’

He warned that another era of technical glitches and inconclusive elections could deepen voter disillusionment and threaten democratic stability.

The PDP spokesman also dismissed rumours of defection by some of its governors, describing them as distractions from the party’s ongoing efforts to rebuild and reposition itself ahead of the Ibadan convention.

He said, ‘If the nominee is confirmed, he must recognise that he carries a heavy responsibility for democracy’s future in this country. Nigerians, and indeed the world, are watching. There can be no repeat of the glitches, inconclusive elections, and excuses of the past.

‘Democracy thrives when the process of producing leaders is transparent, credible, and trusted by the people. That legitimacy is what makes the government responsive to its citizens. We therefore hope the Senate will do justice to this nomination in the interest of democracy and good governance’.

Ologunagba assured of PDP’s internal readiness and adherence to due process as it prepares for its 2025 Elective National Convention, which he said is a test of the party’s ability to present itself as a disciplined and credible alternative.

‘We are here today to present our plans and to let you know that the party is ready. The PDP is fully prepared, and we are moving ahead, embracing digital systems and innovation. Nigerians are excited because they know the PDP remains the only hope for this country,’ he said.

While dismissing speculation about defections and internal wrangling, Olugunagba described such reports as ‘manufactured distractions’ orchestrated to weaken the opposition’s momentum.

‘Talks about defections are distractions. Many of those alleged defections are driven by coercion, intimidation, and inducement, a hallmark of the APC’s style of politics. But Nigerians have not defected from hunger, insecurity, or hardship. They seek relief, and the PDP represents hope and prosperity based on our record of performance,’ he explained.

He said the PDP’s preparations are not only in line with INEC’s guidelines but also designed to demonstrate that the party can model the very transparency it demands of others, saying, ‘Our national convention is on course.

‘Every step we have taken has been deliberate and in line with our constitution. INEC, as our regulator, has been invited to all major meetings and is aware of every stage of the process. So, any attempt to challenge our process in court will not hold water.

‘The convention train is already in motion-it’s in Ibadan, and no force can stop it. We are going to have one of the most successful and well-organised conventions in Nigeria’s political history.’

Speaking during the inauguration, Chairman of the Venue sub-committee and Deputy Governor of Oyo state, Adebayo Lawal, spoke of discipline and diligence, describing the committee as the backbone of the convention’s success.

‘From my experience in such assignments, I must appeal for minimal movement during our sessions. The success or otherwise of the convention depends greatly on the work of the Venue Committee. If the venue is properly organised, other sub-committees will be able to carry out their duties effectively because we provide the platform upon which others will operate.

‘The PDP cannot afford to fail by any standard or means. With the benefit of our party’s antecedents, we can get it right and once again take our place at the forefront of Nigerian politics. The PDP has done it before and can do it again.’

Club sinks borehole, eases water shortage

Rotary Club of Egbe in Lagos State has inaugurated a borehole project in Bolorunpelu, Ikotun, to alleviate the area’s water scarcity and enhance access to clean water.

The project, executed under the President, Nneka Anaemena, was inaugurated during the visit of the District Governor of Rotary International District 9111, Henry Akinyele, at Egbe Road, Ejigbo.

Anaemena said the initiative was conceived following a needs assessment by the club in communities and schools.

She said the survey showed that Bolorunpelu had no functional water source, leaving residents dependent on vendors.

‘We discovered this community did not have good water; in fact, they had no water because the well they had dried up. The only way they got water was by paying Mallams to fetch water for them. So, we concluded that they needed a borehole in Bolorunpelu,’ Anaemena said.

She added that the club had taken measures to ensure sustainability of the project by handing it over to the community’s Baale, for proper management and maintenance.

‘We wanted a project that would last long in the community. The people are excited about it, and we are happy to see their joy,’ she added.

The Baale of Bolorunpelu, High Chief Sanni Lateef Babatunde (Ogunyomi Asambe I), expressed gratitude to the Rotary Club of Egbe for what he described as a compassionate and impactful intervention.

‘We thank Rotary for this project. It will go a long way in easing our water challenges and improving our quality of life,’ the Baale stated.

In his address, District Governor Akinyele commended the Rotary Club of Egbe for its commitment to community service and for implementing projects that address pressing social needs. He reiterated Rotary’s mission of advancing sustainable development and improving living conditions across communities.

The event also featured economic empowerment activities aimed at supporting residents’ livelihoods, underscoring Rotary’s dedication to fostering community growth through humanitarian initiatives.

Vatsa’s family hails Tinubu for granting posthumous state pardon

The family of the late General Mamman Jiya Vatsa has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for granting a state pardon to the former Federal Capital Territory (FCT) minister, describing the gesture as a long-awaited vindication of his innocence.

The Council of State, on Thursday, approved the presidential prerogative of mercy for 175 persons across various categories, including the late General Vatsa.

The approval followed a presentation by the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), who conveyed President Tinubu’s recommendations based on the report of the Advisory Committee on the Prerogative of Mercy.

General Vatsa was executed in 1986, alongside nine other military officers, for an alleged coup plot against the regime of General Ibrahim Babangida.

In a statement issued in Minna on Friday, the family’s spokesperson, Jonathan Vatsa – a former Niger State Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism, and a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) – said the presidential pardon has brought immense relief and joy to the family after 39 years of sorrow.

He described the decision as an act of statesmanship that has ‘wiped away the tears of the family’ and restored hope to the Gulu-Vatsa community in Lapai Local Government Area and the entire Niger State.

‘Today is the happiest moment in the life of our family after 39 years of grief following the killing of our father, brother, and uncle. Though nothing can bring him back, we are consoled by President Tinubu’s compassion. He has written his name in gold, and history will forever remember him,’ Vatsa stated.

He maintained that the alleged coup was a setup, claiming that the trial was ‘stage-managed’ to eliminate General Vatsa out of envy and rivalry. He recalled that the late General Domkat Bali once admitted in an interview that the evidence against Vatsa was weak and that his execution was unjustified.

‘The family still maintains that the late Vatsa was innocent of the coup. Justice can be delayed but not denied, and truth never expires,’ he said.

While expressing gratitude to President Tinubu, Vatsa lamented that the late General’s wife and some of his children did not live to witness the vindication, but thanked God that some of his children and grandchildren are alive to see this long-awaited moment.

Customer service week: How FIRS boss put Nigerians first

This week has been Customer Service Week across the world, and as always, it is a time to celebrate customers and appreciate those who serve them. At the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), the celebration has been full of colour, excitement, and unity. From themed dress days to fun activities, staff across the country took time to appreciate the people who make their work meaningful, the taxpayers.

But beyond the glamour and celebration, this year’s Customer Service Week has given everyone at FIRS another reason to reflect on the kind of leadership the agency has been blessed with. Since Dr. Zacch Adedeji, Executive Chairman, came on board, he has shown that leadership is not just about policy but about people, and when I say people, I mean the people of Nigeria. He has brought a human touch to tax administration and changed the way many Nigerians perceive the agency.

Today, FIRS is not just an agency collecting taxes across Nigeria; it is a people-driven institution that listens, understands, and responds. Through innovations such as the TaxProMax platform, electronic invoicing, and an active online presence, people and businesses can now file returns, make payments, or access information with ease.

Every transaction is secured and verifiable through a unique Invoice Reference Number and QR code, while taxpayers without internet access can conveniently use the *829# USSD code to retrieve their TIN, verify tax clearance certificates, locate nearby offices, or make quick inquiries. It is now easy for anyone to pay taxes or ask questions, as FIRS experts are always ready to assist through the website, social media, or call centers.

The Tax Boss is a man who knows his onions and leads with direction and purpose. FIRS has built a strong culture of courtesy and service excellence. Staff are reminded that taxpayers are partners in progress and that respect, fairness, and timely service are necessary to good governance.

This change has increased public trust and strengthened the agency’s reputation as a responsive institution. Today, if you ask ten Nigerians, nine will tell you they now understand taxes better and why they are important. We have never had it this good.

His calm confidence, intelligence, and people-first approach have changed the atmosphere within the Agency. Staff now take pride in serving, knowing that their work makes life easier for millions. Taxpayers, too, are beginning to see FIRS differently, not as a burden, but as an institution they can trust.

As this year’s Customer Service Week comes to an end, with the theme ‘Mission: Possible,’ Nigerians can agree that Dr. Zacch has made it more than just a theme; he has made it our reality. He has shown that change is possible in public service. He leads by example, puts people first, and ensures that FIRS has become a true model of what responsive governance should look like.

At the end of the day, Dr. Zacch is a tactical leader whose results speak louder than words. What he has built at FIRS tells its own story. It is a system that works, a team that serves, and a nation that believes again. Nigerians can now see that the mission is truly possible.

Happy Customer Service Week to the Tax Boss, the entire FIRS team, and the ever-supportive taxpayers across Nigeria. Together, we keep building a better country for everyone.

Produce fleeing Amotekun commandant for prosecution – APM tells Adeleke

The Allied Peoples Movement (APM) has called on Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, to produce the fleeing Commandant of the Osun Amotekun Corps, Isaac Omoyele, in connection with the alleged killings carried out by his operatives in Akinlalu community.

In a statement issued by the party’s Osun State Chairman, Hon. Adewale Adebayo, the APM warned that the governor must not obstruct the efforts of the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) to ensure justice for the slain victims.

He described it as disturbing that Governor Adeleke has remained silent while members of a state security outfit under his administration are allegedly involved in acts of violence against the very residents he swore to protect.

‘Omoyele had been invited by the police after his corps killed about 10 people in Osun community market square and tagged them bandits. Instead of honoring the police invite, the police claimed that he staged his assassination attempt to escape Justice.’

‘We learnt that since his script of staged assassination has been known, he has relocated to Government House to evade arrest and prosecution.

‘As a party, we urge Governor Ademola Adeleke to produce Omoyele for arrest and prosecution. This is the oath of office the governor sworn to protect.’