14 interesting facts that stand NOUN out of conventional varsities

1. Nigeria’s Only Single-Mode Open and Distance Learning University: NOUN is the only university in Nigeria dedicated exclusively to Open and Distance Learning (ODL), allowing students to learn flexibly without attending regular on-campus lectures.

2. No Academic Strike Ever: Thanks to its flexible and non-residential structure, NOUN has never gone on strike meaning classes, exams, and graduations continue smoothly even when other universities are shut down.

3. Study Anytime, Anywhere: Students can study from anywhere in Nigeria or even abroad using NOUN’s online platforms, printed modules, and multimedia resources. It’s education that fits your lifestyle!

4. 100% Digitally Driven: NOUN is one of Nigeria’s first fully digitized universities registration, course materials, assignments, and even examinations are conducted online through the NOUN e-Learning portal.

5. No Hostel or Campus Accommodation: Unlike conventional universities, NOUN students don’t live on campus. This significantly reduces living costs and promotes independence and self-discipline.

6. Self-Paced Learning: Students progress at their own pace meaning you can finish your program faster or slower, depending on your personal schedule and level of commitment.

7. Over 100 Study Centres Nationwide: NOUN has study centres in every state of Nigeria, ensuring university education reaches even the most remote and underserved communities.

8. Designed for Working Adults: It’s the ideal university for professionals, parents, and entrepreneurs who wish to further their education without leaving their jobs, businesses, or families.

9. First in Africa to Join the OER Movement: NOUN is among the first African universities to adopt Open Educational Resources (OER) providing free and accessible learning materials for students and the general public.

10. Flexible Admission and Learning Structure: Admission into NOUN is open all year round. You can apply at any time and begin studies at your convenience no strict academic calendar or UTME restriction.

11. Multimedia Learning Experience: NOUN offers a diverse learning mix from radio and television broadcasts to online lectures and printed study guides catering to different learning styles and preferences.

12. Produces Leaders from All Walks of Life: From military officers and civil servants to clergy, artists, and entrepreneurs, NOUN graduates are shining examples of how education can fit around one’s career and lifestyle.

13. Easy and Transparent Payment System: All payments including admission, registration, and course fees are made safely online through the NOUN Remita payment platform, ensuring accountability and convenience. Students can pay in instalments and confirm payments immediately on the university portal.

14. Instant Admission Status Confirmation: After applying online, candidates can check their admission status instantly via the NOUN portal. Once admitted, they can immediately proceed with fee payment and course registration without waiting for lengthy admission lists

Glo spearheads broadband investment

Telecommunications giant, Globacom, has thrown its weight behind Nigeria’s digital development efforts at the ongoing Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC’s) business roundtable on Broadband Investment and Protection of Critical Information Infrastructure.

The roundtable began on Wednesday at the NCC Headquarters in Abuja with the theme ‘Right of Way and Protection of Broadband Infrastructure – The Road to Success in Broadband Investment and Connectivity’ featuring stakeholders from federal and state governments, the private sector, telecom operators, and regulatory bodies.

Industry pundits said the roundtable is a veritable forum for synchronising public and private sector interests in the bid to achieve Nigeria’s broadband targets, improving policy coordination, and closing existing digital gaps – especially in underserved and rural communities. In the same vein, the gathering will advance practical strategies for expanding Nigeria’s broadband footprint and strengthening infrastructure security across the country.

In a press release issued about the event, Globacom explained that its sponsorship and active participation were in tandem with its continued commitment to fostering a viable digital future for Nigeria.

Globacom is providing logistical and technical backing for the success of the two-day event in demonstration of its commitment to undertaking a connected, inclusive, and secure digital ecosystem.

Telecommunications giant, Globacom, has thrown its weight behind Nigeria’s digital development efforts at the ongoing Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC’s) business roundtable on Broadband Investment and Protection of Critical Information Infrastructure.

The roundtable began on Wednesday at the NCC Headquarters in Abuja with the theme ‘Right of Way and Protection of Broadband Infrastructure – The Road to Success in Broadband Investment and Connectivity’ featuring stakeholders from federal and state governments, the private sector, telecom operators, and regulatory bodies.

Industry pundits said the roundtable is a veritable forum for synchronising public and private sector interests in the bid to achieve Nigeria’s broadband targets, improving policy coordination, and closing existing digital gaps – especially in underserved and rural communities. In the same vein, the gathering will advance practical strategies for expanding Nigeria’s broadband footprint and strengthening infrastructure security across the country.

In a press release issued about the event, Globacom explained that its sponsorship and active participation were in tandem with its continued commitment to fostering a viable digital future for Nigeria.

Globacom is providing logistical and technical backing for the success of the two-day event in demonstration of its commitment to undertaking a connected, inclusive, and secure digital ecosystem.

The roundtable, said Globacom, is equally an opportunity to strengthen public-private partnerships, explore innovative funding models, and advocate for equitable digital access. This aligns with Globacom’s long-standing commitment to digital inclusion, empowering millions of Nigerians through affordable and reliable connectivity solutions.

‘We believe that digital transformation must be inclusive and secure. Our participation in this roundtable is a continuation of our mission to support national development through technology. A resilient broadband infrastructure is critical to Nigeria’s economic growth and global competitiveness’, Globacom stated’, the network further added.

The digital solutions provider noted that its role at the ongoing roundtable was not only as a telecoms provider but largely, as a trusted partner in the country’s drive towards a fully digitised, economically empowered, and secure future.

Similarly, Globacom’s contributions to the Critical National Information Infrastructure Protection Plan (CNIIPP) will help forge a coordinated national framework for telecom security in order to safeguard Nigeria’s defences against cyber threats and infrastructure sabotage.

Navigating compliance and avoiding sanctions with 1win affiliate

In today’s global digital market, affiliate partners must carefully navigate different rules and expectations. Working with an international platform like 1win.run opens up opportunities but also calls for a clear understanding of responsible practices. Knowing how to present offers, target the right audiences, and respect local laws is essential to keeping your campaigns safe and compliant. This introduction explores how to approach the 1 win Affiliate Program with confidence and awareness.

The 1 win affiliate program is designed to give partners powerful tools and attractive revenue models. However, as with any online venture, there are regulations that vary by country. Affiliates need to be proactive about understanding advertising standards, avoiding restricted territories, and ensuring their campaigns do not breach regional rules. By taking a strategic, informed approach, it’s possible to grow your traffic while minimizing risks.

Building a transparent partnership also means communicating openly with the affiliate managers provided by 1win.run. They can offer guidance on which markets are recommended, how to structure promotions, and which compliance standards apply. This support helps affiliates maintain a strong reputation and avoid potential penalties or restrictions, making the program more sustainable over time.

Finally, adopting ethical marketing practices sets affiliates apart from competitors and strengthens the relationship with the platform. By focusing on legitimate channels, accurate information, and respecting local regulations, you can maximize the benefits of working with 1win.run while steering clear of sanctions. This approach creates a foundation for long-term success and a trustworthy reputation in the global affiliate space.

When working with a global affiliate platform, understanding what not to do is just as important as learning how to promote effectively. Many partners underestimate how easily small missteps can escalate into major issues. On 1win.run, strict compliance standards exist to protect the platform, players, and affiliates alike. By recognizing the most common mistakes early, you can safeguard your account and maintain a steady stream of revenue without disruption.

Affiliate marketers sometimes overlook the fine print or assume that all traffic sources are acceptable. This assumption can result in serious penalties or even a permanent ban. The following list highlights the most frequent errors that trigger sanctions, offering a clear picture of what to avoid before launching any campaign on the 1win Affiliate Program.

Misleading advertising: using fake bonuses, exaggerated claims, or deceptive landing pages can violate compliance rules and lead to immediate suspension

Promoting in restricted regions: sending traffic from countries where 1win.run does not operate legally can trigger automated account reviews and potential bans

Using unauthorized creatives: publishing banners, logos, or promotional materials that have not been approved by 1win Affiliate may breach brand guidelines and result in warnings or penalties

Incentivizing risky behavior: encouraging players to gamble irresponsibly or using cash incentives to sign up violates ethical standards and can shut down your affiliate access

Fraudulent or fake leads: generating sign-ups with bots, stolen data, or manipulated tracking links undermines the integrity of the program and leads to instant termination

Spamming and aggressive outreach: blasting unsolicited emails, SMS, or social messages without consent can harm the brand reputation and force account suspension

Ignoring reporting discrepancies: failing to address suspicious spikes or irregular activity in your stats may appear as complicity in fraud and result in a freeze on commissions

By familiarizing yourself with these pitfalls, you create a proactive defense against accidental non-compliance. Each point in the list represents a real-world trigger that can flag your account for closer inspection. The fewer red flags you raise, the smoother your experience with 1win.run will be.

Furthermore, making compliance a routine practice-double-checking your traffic sources, updating creatives, and maintaining transparent communication with your affiliate manager-helps establish trust. In the long run, this disciplined approach not only prevents account blocks but also positions you as a reliable partner who benefits from higher payouts, better support, and exclusive offers.

Staying compliant with 1win.run’s rules and policies is the cornerstone of a stable and profitable affiliate business. The platform offers clear guidelines, but it’s up to each partner to integrate them into daily operations. Understanding these principles not only protects your account from sanctions but also builds a stronger reputation with your affiliate manager and the wider industry.

Because the 1win Affiliate Program operates globally, each region may have its own advertising, data protection, and consumer protection standards. Affiliates who plan ahead, study the rules carefully, and implement reliable monitoring systems dramatically reduce their risk exposure. The table below summarizes actionable advice that can help you stay aligned with the platform’s expectations and avoid compliance issues.

Tip Explanation

Use only approved creatives rely on official banners, logos, and landing pages provided by 1win Affiliate to maintain brand consistency and avoid copyright problems

Verify traffic sources regularly audit your channels to ensure no unauthorized regions or prohibited methods are used, protecting your account from accidental breaches

Be transparent with players present offers, bonuses, and terms clearly without hidden conditions to build trust and prevent complaints

Stay updated on policies monitor the affiliate dashboard and newsletters for policy changes so you can adjust your campaigns quickly

Maintain secure data practices handle user information according to privacy laws and avoid sharing credentials with third parties

Communicate with affiliate managers ask for clarification or pre-approval before launching new campaigns or testing new traffic methods

Track and resolve anomalies promptly investigate sudden spikes or drops in stats to prevent false positives or fraud suspicions

Each of these recommendations targets a critical aspect of affiliate compliance. Following them creates a clear operational framework where risks are minimized, and all marketing efforts are aligned with the platform’s expectations. This approach also gives you leverage when negotiating for better commissions or exclusive deals.

Furthermore, integrating compliance checks into your regular workflow ensures long-term sustainability. By combining these best practices with ongoing education about emerging regulations, you secure a competitive advantage. As the online gaming market evolves, the affiliates who treat compliance as a strategic asset-rather than a burden-will be the ones enjoying consistent growth and stable earnings with 1win.run.

Building a sustainable future with 1win affiliate

The journey through our article has shown that success with 1win.run depends on more than just traffic. It requires a proactive mindset, strong compliance habits, and an appreciation of the platform’s global reach. By understanding the rules and identifying common mistakes, affiliates can protect their accounts and build a steady income stream over time.

Staying compliant is not simply a box to check; it is a strategy for long-term growth. Whether you are avoiding misleading advertising, respecting territorial restrictions, or using only approved materials, each good practice adds resilience to your business model. This discipline turns your campaigns into reliable assets rather than risky experiments.

Another key takeaway is the importance of communication and transparency. Affiliates who engage with their managers, ask for pre-approvals, and act on feedback tend to enjoy smoother operations and better support. This trust-based approach can also open the door to higher commission rates and exclusive promotions within the 1win Affiliate Program.

Ultimately, a sustainable partnership with 1win.run is built on clarity, ethics, and continuous improvement. By treating compliance as an ongoing process rather than a one-time task, affiliates can achieve lasting success. This conclusion marks not an end but a starting point for a smarter, safer, and more profitable affiliate journey.

Nigeria since the return to democratic governance

General Olusegun Obasanjo came back to power in 1999 when General Abubakar Abdul Salami after a rapid transition and transfer of power to what looked like a civilian regime. Obasanjo appeared to be divinely chosen to impose some form of disciplined stability on the country having suffered and survived Abacha’s humiliation and possible plot to get rid of him permanently, but the problem however strong he might have been, seemed to defy solution. He assembled a team of experienced people some of them with global financial experience and expertise and also local experience. He succeeded to get rid of the debt overhang that made reforms difficult. He also brought into being special anti-corruption organizations like the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC) and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). There were other fighting instruments in the police and other bodies but the two new committees were established to give teeth to the president’s fight against corruption. The president also got a reduction of Nigeria’s external debt by substantial reduction while paying off what was left so that Nigeria could begin all over again. In the eight years of the regime, all seemed well even though the internal infrastructure of the country appeared to have been neglected and in the euphoria of not having been bogged down by the debt overhang, the president seemed to have been obsessed with getting the whole of Africa along with his development scheme with his South African colleague Thabo Mbeki forming institutions to pull Africa toward development.

Ironically the scheme was tied substantially to western financial development grants and foreign direct investment if Africa cleaned up its administrations, purged of corruption and policed by African governments calling corrupt regimes to order. This was to be called New Partnership for African Development (NEPAD) which was to ensure the flow into Africa of billions of dollars. Some $60 billion was estimated as what Africa needed in investment and grants to develop its primitive infrastructure.

It was premised on Africa attracting this huge amount for ten years. At the end of one year, little came in since the capitalist western world must have laughed at this ambitious program running into billions of dollars yearly for say about 10 years to develop African infrastructure while African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM ) was designed to monitor each country’s performance and call to orders the guilty or laggard.

Much time was needed for the maturation of this grandiose new scheme. Not much investment came in the first year and soon the program ceased being a serious scheme as soon as Obasanjo and Mbeki left the stage followed by a sick but well-meaning Umaru Yar’Adua in Nigeria.

He was succeeded in office following a national movement led by Pastor Tunde Bakare that Yar’Adua’s vice president Goodluck Jonathan should be made to succeed the deceased President Umaru Yar’Adua. The Jonathan regime’s unsure hold on power made it dependent on pressure groups mostly from the East and the North without solid national support until edged out in 2015 by General Muhammadu Buhari whose eight years of its stay in power was remarkable for its corruption, effeteness and additional burden for the future by borrowing foreign loans with little to show for them. The president was not in control of his government because he was hobbled down by illness and constant traveling to London sometimes for months.

It is too early to pass judgement on the Bola Ahmed Tinubu government except to say if it succeeds on its infrastructure drive of building trans-Nigerian roads from Lagos to Calabar and Badagry to Sokoto, it would have made serious impact on the economic development where its current record of stabilizing the national economy and the Naira marks a great departure from the free fall of the economy during the Muhammadu Buhari era. There is however the challenge of making this macro-economic success translate into micro-economic success and money in the pockets of Nigerians.

Unfortunately the two recurring decimals of corruption and tribalism are as high as in previous years. There is also an attempt to create regional bodies to diffuse more power from the centre to the periphery but it is on top of the 36 states and the 774 local governments administration areas creating another layer of administrative organs in already over bureaucratized country all dependent on federal funding and whose staffing demonstrate all the signs of political jobbery. What this shows is that there is a need for wholesale review of the present constitution to move away from the concentration of power into the hands of a pooh-bah in a plural country. There is so much emphasis on politics in this country and little or no emphasis on the economy.

There is ever a thriving discussion on sharing of the national cake and very little discussion on baking the cake and yet it is clear to all intelligent observers that if we expand the economy and there is work for those who want to work, it would not matter who occupies what office because people will be too tired after work that what they need is rest after a hard day’s work. What we have in today’s Nigeria is that we abdicate the demands for work and pray for breakthrough in our churches and mosques and we talk about making heaven when we have not made a much easier success on earth!

The founder of the CITADEL Church publicly presented a plan for economic development for this country in which he emphasized the role of Biblical Joseph in saving ancient Egypt at the time of global famine. It was based on dividing the country into economic zones and each zone producing on the basis of economic advantages. It made so much impression on me that I hope the managers of our economy would factor it into their plan for economic revival of our country. There is much to be done in this country and little time left for us to do it. We should learn from countries like India, Russia and Canada whose vast territories and complex linguistic diversity did not hinder their development and countries like Germany and Japan which were destroyed by the Western allies during the Second World War and having no natural resources but depending on the grey matter of their people and their grit and determination, pulled out of economic ruin because they paid more attention to merit than any other consideration.

Nigeria is not devoid of this and we owe it to our people and those coming after us that there is nothing wrong with our stars but only with us. We can do it only if we plan to succeed. We may be an artificial country yet most countries are like us, there are very few countries that were created naturally. Think about this.

Finally I have decided to leave the issue of our country’s relevance in the comity of nations till the last on the basis of the fact that a country’s foreign policy, power or influence is linked with how the country is doing at home; in other words, there is a link between the domestic power of a country and its influence abroad. When Nigeria fought the civil war, substantial portions of the international community were appalled at the suffering of children, women and the elderly. The French under General Charles de Gaulle was so touched that but for the British pressure, France would have recognized Biafra. The British were on Nigeria’s side because of the economic ties between Britain and Nigeria and the influence Nigeria’s presence in the Commonwealth of nations. But for British influence on our side, President Richard Nixon of America would have swung to the side of Biafra because of the powerful influence of Biafran propaganda in the west. The Egyptian pilots who flew the MIG29 jets sold to us by the Russians were probably driven by Islamic motive. Whatever were the motives of each nations involved in the Nigerian-Biafran civil war, the underlying work of diplomats was very important. It is true that global communication advances are eroding the traditional influence of diplomatic representations but we must not completely cut off ourselves from showing the flag where it truly matters. The current economic situation in our country may not make full diplomatic representation at the highest level wise but we can rationalize our representation to our traditional trading partners and to the capitals of the greatest powers in the world starting from the capitals of all members of the Security Council of the United Nations and to the UN itself. We can reduce the crowd of representatives in African countries and have double representation – accreditation in most of them on regional basis.

I do not believe that we should leave all our embassies manned by charge d’affaires ad interim. It sends the wrong signals that our country is bankrupt and cannot be taken serious by economic actors where it really matters. At our level of development, we cannot afford to be taken as a basket case.

The reasons why the Tinubu administration does not have principal representatives of the country is understandable but not overwhelming. Our African brothers are beginning to lose interest in us and we cannot afford this at the same time we are batting for influence in the world and claiming that a reformed UN must have African representation on the UN Security Council. We have put our country forward as the natural African leader. We have to work to earn the leadership of Africa and the Black world.

League unveils scholarship for the poor

League of Anambra Professionals (LAP) has launched its Future Forward Scholarship Programme, an educational support initiative, to assist brilliant but financially disadvantaged students of Anambra origin in pursuing higher education.

The group said the scheme is for candidates who passed their JAMB examinations but are unable to proceed to the university due to a lack of funds. The programme, one of the group’s flagship Social Responsibility projects, gives hope to young NdiAnambra and strengthen the state’s human capital through education.

Eligibility requirements include proof of indigent status, strong WAEC/JAMB results, testimonial of good behaviour from school or evidence of extra-curricular engagement, confirmation of indigene status from the applicant’s m,onarch or town union president-general, a one-page statement by the candidate and a supporting letter from a parent or guardian.

Applicants are to complete online application at www.league ofanambra professionals.org. Deadline is end of October.

President, Sir Nnamdi Obi, noted: ‘Future Forward Scholarship Scheme is part of our efforts to empower youths who are denied higher education. By investing in these young people, we are investing in the future of Anambra State.

Who are they?

Executive Chairman of Geregu Power PLC, Mr Femi Otedola, has urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to release the full report of the Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede panel that looked into the issue of fuel subsidy fraud. The panel was set up by the Goodluck Jonathan administration.

Otedola made the appeal in a statement reacting to the allegation by Umar Sani, a former Special Adviser (Media) to ex-Vice President, Namadi Sambo. Sani had claimed that Otedola’s (then) Zenon Petroleum and Gas Ltd. benefitted from the scam he is now criticising.

‘I implore President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to release the full Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede report on subsidy fraud as Nigerians deserve to know the truth’, Otedola said. Apparently having set up the panel, the government lost the courage to see it through.

‘It is on record that the Presidency at the time called on the late Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) Chairman, Ibrahim Lamorde, to halt the investigation. Let the report be made public so the real subsidy thieves can be unmasked,’ Otedola pleaded.

Although it was what Otedola saw as a malicious claim by Sani that brought the issue of the subsidy fraudsters to the fore this time around, that is not our concern here. Otedola said he has instructed his lawyers to slam a N1 billion defamation suit against Sani, since his company then, Zenon Petroleum and Gas Ltd. never benefitted from the subsidy scam for the simple fact that the company only imported diesel which enjoyed no subsidy as the diesel market had long been deregulated before then.

We leave how that pans out to the courts.

What interests us, as indeed millions of Nigerians, is the issue of subsidy fraud and the need to unmask the thieves, retrieve our stolen patrimony from them and also serve them their due desert.

Nigerians have come a long way about this matter and there is the need to bring closure to it. As Otedola himself noted, the Aig-Imoukhuede panel was not the first to be set up to unravel what actually happened during the subsidy regime. Before it was the Farouk Lawan committee.

Unfortunately, the committee could not conclude its assignment because the chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on the probe, headed by Farouk Lawan, was compromised in a sting operation organised by the Department of State Security (DSS) and Otedola. Otedola said he became a subject of victimisation by subsidy fraudsters when they discovered he was the one behind the probe.

Lawan fell for the marked money used for the sting operation and was arrested and prosecuted. He was subsequently convicted and sentenced to five years imprisonment for bribery.

It was after this that the Aig-Imoukhuede panel was set up.

Whilst the Lawan committee uncovered fraudulent payments over three years of about N1.7 trillion, Aig-imoukhuede ‘s committee indicted 21 companies for allegedly collecting N382 billion in one year (2011), in subsidy payments for fuel that was allegedly never delivered.

What is clear from both reports is that a lot of underhand dealings took place during the subsidy regime.

It is instructive that successive Nigerian governments, including even military regimes, shied away from subsidy removal in spite of its criticism in some quarters, like the World Bank that described the subsidy regime as ‘opaque, costly, unsustainable, harmful, and unfair.’

Nobody wanted to dare the civil society groups that always staged protests whenever any attempt was made either to remove or reduce fuel subsidy.

It took the Bola Tinubu administration the courage to do the rightful even though it has come with some pains to Nigerians.

This is why we agree with Mr Otedola that the government should open the book of rememberable as it concerns the fuel subsidy, as documented by the Aig-Imoukhuede panel.

The government should at least name and shame those who brought Nigerians to this sorry pass. It is the least it can do to assuage the pains of Nigerians.

U17 WWC: Taribo West challenges Flamingos as Nigeria’s girls hit Morocco

Former Super Eagles defender Taribo West has challenged Nigeria’s U-17 women’s national team, the Flamingos, to remain disciplined and focused as they begin their quest for glory at the 2025 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco.

The ex-Inter Milan and AC Milan centre-back met the team at the airport yesterday, where he delivered a heartfelt message of encouragement.

‘You girls have great potential. Stay united, follow your coaches’ guidance, and play with one heart. If you do that, you can go far and even grow into the future Super Falcons,’ West reportedly told the players.

He urged the team to pay attention to details and execute their coaches’ instructions with precision, stressing that discipline and teamwork would define their success on the world stage.

He expressed optimism about the team’s quality and predicted that with consistent development, many of the current players could graduate to the Super Falcons in the future.

The Flamingos departed Abuja yesterday morning aboard a flight to Casablanca, arriving at Mohammed V International Airport after a smooth 4-hour, 20-minute journey. On arrival, they checked into Ibis Hotel, Casablanca, where they later held a light training session to shake off travel fatigue.

While in Morocco, the team will play two friendly matches – against New Zealand and Paraguay – as part of their final build-up to the tournament.

Drawn in Group D alongside Canada, France, and Samoa, the Flamingos will open their campaign on October 17.

The Nigerian girls are in fine form, having scored 44 goals and conceded none in 10 preparatory matches – a record that has boosted confidence ahead of the global showpiece.

Toromade, others bag professor of practice at Omniversity Imperial College

Omniversity Imperial College, Missouri, USA has conferred Doctor of Practice and Professor of Practice degrees, on some multi-talented, highly resourceful, erudite and impact -making innovators .Appointment of the President, Chairman Board of Trustees of the Governing Council was also made by Prof. Tokunbo Akeredolu-Ale

The event which was held at the De Rembrandt Hotel and Suites, Ikeja, Lagos, was tagged: ‘2025 African Education Roundtable and Qualifications Conferment’.

It had as its thought-provoking theme: ‘Recognizing Competence: Practice -Based Qualifications, Accreditation of Prior Experimental Learning ( APEL ),Skill Recognition ( SR ) and ISO-Certified Credentials (ICC) as Tools for African and Economic Revamp’.

The event doubled as a gathering of intellectuals and a call to action for educational reform, economic advancement and the recognition of Africa’s unique contribution to global development.

Akeredolu -Ale, highlighted the vision of the university in creating platforms where knowledge, leadership and practical experience converge to inspire excellence.

‘That brings to the public sphere the importance and imperative of the new narrative of what true knowledge should entail, outside the four walls of the citadels of theoretical knowledge so that its practical demonstration and more so, the impact such makes on the human development index or the quality of life of the beneficiaries and eventually the Nigerian nation and the society at large.

‘Incidentally, these defined the core values and prime objectives of the Omniversity which includes to promote the recognition of competence and experiential learning. Others encapsulate the advancement of ISO-certified educational practices across Africa, fostering discussions on leadership, certification and of course, innovation in education. Not left out are that of creating opportunities for professional recognition through honorary awards and practice based titles, as was brilliantly done today. And the larger picture is to contribute to Africa’s economic and educational revamp through competence validation,’ he stated.

Akeredolu -Ale noted that all the awardees successfully went through a rigorous evaluation process as conducted by the Accreditation Committee that verified the educational quality and equivalency, through the required framework for quality evaluation and assessment assurance and they were able to defend their new qualifications with brilliant submissions and empirical evidence.

In a similar vein, others who bagged Professor of Practice include, Dr Anthony Abiola Allen in Forensic Criminology and Investigation, Dr Happiness Ndidi Obioha in Cybersecurity, Dr Priscilla Ndu in Management Finance, and Ladi Akeredolu-Ale in Broadcast Journalism.

Others include Celestine Achi, who bagged Doctor of Practice in AI-powered Public Relations; Samson Sokoya in Integrated Marketing Communications; Oginaike Adedayo in Security Administration and Management; Adedamola Olubode in Environmental Management and Water Innovation Jerome Obada in AI, Data Science, Enterprise Systems and Strategic IT Management and Daisy Ibalafa Jaja in Global Business Leadership and Decision Making.

NMA gets one week extension on Kanu’s health status

A Federal High Court in Abuja has granted a week’s extension to the medical panel set up by the President of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) to assess the health status of detained leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu.

The time extension is meant to enable the panel to conclude its assignment.

The extension of time became necessary owing to the panel’s inability to conclude its assignment within the eight days allocated to it by the court.

In a ruling on September 26, Justice James Omotosho ordered the NMA president to, among others, set up a team of medical experts to examine Kanu’s health status and ascertain whether or not he is still fit to undergo his ongoing terrorism trial.

The judge said it was necessary to require the NMA, which is the body of medical practitioners in the country, to nominate experts to ascertain the defendant’s health status in view of the conflicting claims by the defence and prosecution on the state of Kanu’s health.

At the mention of the case yesterday, counsel to the prosecution, Suraj Sa’ada (SAN), told the court that he was informed that the medical panel was yet to conclude its assignment.

Sa’ada said the panel planned to do a thorough job and should be given adequate time.

He suggested that the panel be given another week to enable it to conclude its task.

The defence lawyer, Onyechi Ikpeazu (SAN), did not object to the one-week adjournment the lawyer to the prosecution sought.

Justice Omotosho adjourned till October 16 for the NMA team to submit its report and determine what next steps to take on the case.

In the September 26 ruling, Justice Omotosho had ordered the NMA president to set up a team of between eight to 10 members to determine whether or not Kanu’s health status made him unfit to continue to stand trial.

The ruling was on Kanu’s application in which he sought to be transferred to a private ward in the National Hospital for urgent medical attention for alleged life-threatening ailments.

The judge ordered that the team, to be constituted by the NMA’s president, should assess the health facilities of the Department of State Services (DSS) to determine if they were adequate to effectively take care of Kanu’s ailments.

According to the judge, the team is also to determine whether or not it was necessary to transfer Kanu to the National Hospital, as he requested, and if Kanu’s medical status was such that could make him unfit to continue to stand trial.

Justice Omotosho also ordered that the Chief Medical Director (CMD) of the National Hospital or his representative be made a member of the team because the National Hospital is the defendant’s choice.

The judge also ordered that the report of the team’s findings be signed by both its Chairman and Secretary and should be filed in the court’s registry within eight days from today, which became impossible yesterday.

Fed Govt to bond students sponsored abroad

The Federal Government has said it is developing a framework for bonding students sponsored abroad, to ensure they return to contribute to Nigeria’s development after completing their studies.

Mr. Sonny Echono, Executive Secretary, Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) disclosed this on Wednesday in Abuja while delivering his welcome address at a maiden edition of TETFund National Town Hall Meeting.

Minister of Education Dr. Tunji Alausa recently raised the concern that 85 per cent of Nigerian students sent abroad on government scholarships never returned to contribute to national development.

Echono said this move would encourage Nigerians on government scholarship to come back and make meaningful impact to the progress of the country.

He described the trend as a major setback to national development.

Echono highlighted President Bola Tinubu’s ongoing reforms to strengthen the education sector and retain skilled manpower within the country.

He said the President had directed the relevant ministries and agencies to develop a framework to check the ‘brain drain’ phenomenon, particularly among beneficiaries of government-sponsored academic training overseas.

‘Mr. President complained that so many of the people we send abroad for studies do not return, and he felt it was unfair.

‘He has therefore instructed that we must put measures in place, not to stop training abroad entirely, but to ensure that those who go are properly bonded and return to contribute their knowledge to national development,’ he said.

The TETFund boss explained that the government would identify critical sectors where Nigeria needs to compete globally and ensure that scholars trained in those areas return to apply their expertise locally.

He stressed that the initiative was not meant to punish beneficiaries but to safeguard national investment in human capital.

‘When we train people, they must come back to put their knowledge to use here and help build our economy,’ he said.

He also highlighted the President Bola Tinubu’s decisive actions, including the increase in education tax from 2.5 per cent to 3 per cent.

Echono added that the President’s firm rejection of proposals to reverse the increment was a demonstration of his priority for human capital development.