Over 850 Nigerians studying in Saudi Arabian universities – Official

No fewer than 850 Nigerian students are currently enrolled in various universities across the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, The Nation has learnt.

Vice President for Educational and Academic Affairs at King Khalid University, Prof. Saad M. Bin Dajem, disclosed this on Monday during the opening of the Forum of Saudi Arabia Universities Alumni in Nigeria and Neighboring Countries, held in Abuja.

According to Dajem, more than 3,200 Nigerians have graduated from Saudi Arabian universities over the past decade.

‘In Saudi Arabia, there are more than 850 students from this country (Nigeria) studying in Saudi universities. Already, for decades, there are more than 3,200 graduates from Nigeria,’ he said.

He added that Saudi Arabia remains open to admitting more Nigerians into its higher institutions, assuring that prospective students from Nigeria would continue to enjoy favorable admission terms and study conditions.

‘We are actually proud to accept more Nigerian students in our university in different disciplines, education, engineering, science, Arabic language, religious studies, and the medical sector. Hopefully, we will arrange a good acceptance rate for this country because it contributes a huge population to the African continent,’ he added.

He also revealed that his country has a scholarship scheme which is available to all, irrespective of religion.

The Khalid University Don said scholarships are for both Muslims and non-Muslims

He said, ‘According to our regulation, admission will be accessible to all, even with scholarships.

‘And we have King Abdullah University for Science and Technology, most of the scholarships for students are for Muslims and non-Muslims as well. And King Fahd University for Mineral and Petroleum also employs and accepts students from all cultures, all religions, all continents,’ he added.

Speaking on the forum, the Don said it is to open communication with alumni from Saudi Universities and see how they are impacting their environment.

He said, ‘We found them very active and we expect that when they come back to their country, they will contribute to sustainable development, either for personal living or in the country.’

On the prospect of Nigerian graduates in Saudi Arabia, Dajem said graduates who wish to pursue higher degrees after their first degree are allowed to continue, and also those whose skills are needed stand the chance to be employed.

‘Actually, when they graduated from Saudi University, they could continue their higher studies in a Master’s or PhD. And if they are well qualified, they will be hired by the university as a professor.

Minister of State for Education, Dr. Suwaiba Said Ahmad, in her opening remarks, commended the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for its long-standing commitment to educational cooperation and cultural institutions with Nigeria.

Ahmad said, ‘Such partnerships enrich our human capital and strengthen bilateral ties for mutual good. As we celebrate this gathering, I urge the alumni to continue to serve as ambassadors of knowledge, peace, and development.

She said, ‘Your role in mentoring young Nigerians, advancing intercultural understanding, and contributing to national development cannot be overstated. The Federal Ministry of Education will continue to support initiatives that harness alumni networks for national advancement, for educational advancement, and sustainable nation building.’

She also recognised the invaluable contributions of Nigerian alumni of Saudi universities to the national growth, peace, education, culture, and development of the country.

She added, ‘Beyond academic achievement, you embody the bridge of friendship, cooperation, and shared values between Nigeria and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Education, as we know, is the bedrock of progress.

‘The training and exposure you acquired in Saudi institutions have not only equipped you with knowledge but also instilled in you discipline, global perspective, and a strong sense of science. These qualities are critical to advancing Nigeria’s quest for inclusive and sustainable development. Indeed, many of you have become respected scholars, professionals, entrepreneurs, community leaders, and public servants whose influence continues to shape our society positively.’

On his part, Dr. Mohamed Munir Ilyas, Secretary of the Alumni, who was a graduate of the Islamic University of Medina, said since returning home, he has been contributing towards peaceful co-existence between the two major religious groups in Nigeria.

He stressed, ‘Of course, when you look at development, where there is no peace, it’s very hard to have development. We have been encouraging our members to be law-abiding citizens and peacemakers, peace builders, and peace keepers also. And also to make an impact as far as academics is concerned, as far as morals is concerned, as far as even earning a livelihood is concerned.’

Nigeria’s next drug control master plan must address emerging threats, says Marwa

Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brig Gen Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), has charged all stakeholders involved in the ongoing development of the next National Drug Control Master Plan (NDCMP 2026-2030) to ensure that the strategy document addresses new and emerging threats that sustain the illicit drug trade in Nigeria.

Marwa gave the admonition on Monday in Niger state in his opening remarks at a five-day workshop to develop the fifth National Drug Control Master Plan for the country, according to a statement by the Agency’s Spokesman, Femi Babafemi.

The residential retreat is funded by the ECOWAS Commission and supported by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC).

The NDLEA boss, ‘The task before us over the next few days is both strategic and historic. The drug problem continues to evolve, and so must our response. The NDCMP 2026-2030 must be visionary yet practical; comprehensive yet targeted; and nationally owned yet regionally and globally aligned.

It must build on the achievements of the past while boldly addressing new and emerging threats, from synthetic drugs to dark-web trafficking, from poly-substance use to the illicit financial flows that sustain the drug trade.’

He reminded all the stakeholders that the workshop offers the rare opportunity to deliberate, analyse, and agree on strategic priorities that will shape the trajectory of Nigeria’s response for the next five years.

‘It is here that we will identify what has worked, acknowledge the gaps, and design innovative pathways for the future’, he added.

He urged all participants to bring to bear their expertise, experience, and commitment, adding that the workshop is not just about producing another document but about charting a collective vision to safeguard the health, security, and well-being of Nigerians.

He reaffirmed the Agency’s readiness to provide leadership, coordination, and technical support to ensure that the new Master Plan is not only developed but also effectively implemented.

‘I also pledge that we will continue to strengthen collaboration with our partners, both within Nigeria and across the ECOWAS sub-region, for we know that the drug challenge recognises no borders’, he stated.

He thanked ECOWAS Commission ‘for sponsoring this workshop, and all our partners – the European Union, UNODC, civil society organisations, professional bodies and the private sector – for their continued collaboration. Together, we are shaping a future where Nigeria and West Africa will be safer, healthier, and more secure.’

Speaking at the workshop, UNODC Country Representative, Cheikh Ousmane, who was represented by Dr. Akanidomo Ibanga, commended Nigeria’s drug control efforts so far.

‘Yet, we are all aware that the drug situation continues to evolve. Global and regional dynamics – whether related to new psychoactive substances, organized crime networks, or the impact of conflict and economic pressures – all shape local realities. Our response must therefore be adaptive, coordinated, and inclusive. The Master Plan is the instrument through which this can happen.

‘This workshop offers a unique opportunity to review the draft chapters, harmonize perspectives, and ensure that the priorities identified reflect both national realities and international standards, including those enshrined in the three international drug control conventions, the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, and the African Union Plan of Action on Drug Control’, he stated.

While commending the leadership of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and the Federal Ministry of Health, as well as all members of the inter-agency working groups, for the dedication and expertise they bring to the process, he said that their work will serve as a compass for coordinated action over the coming years.

Also speaking during the opening ceremony of the workshop, ECOWAS Commission Commissioner for Human Development and Social Affairs, Prof Fatou Sow Sarr, represented by Dr. Daniel Amankwaah, noted that Nigeria, as a key stakeholder in regional drug control efforts, has taken proactive steps to develop national strategies aligned with international best practices.

‘Nigeria’s current National Drug Control Master Plan (NDCMP) will expire this year, and a new plan needs to be developed to address the emerging drug threats, trafficking patterns, and the increasing burden of substance use disorders. The new NDCMP will effectively respond to current and future drug-related challenges.

‘The ECOWAS Commission, in line with its mandate to support Member States in addressing drug-related issues, is providing technical and financial assistance to Nigeria in the elaboration of the new NDCMP. This initiative aligns with the objectives of the ECOWAS Drug Prevention and Control Programme and the broader regional efforts to strengthen drug demand and supply reduction mechanisms.

‘This support is a strategic step toward strengthening Nigeria’s drug control framework and aligning it with regional and international best practices. The ECOWAS Commission remains committed to supporting Nigeria in this effort, ensuring that the new National Drug Control Master Plan is robust, evidence-based, and effectively addresses the country’s drug-related challenges’, the ECOWAS Commission chief assured.

Other stakeholders who spoke at the ceremony include representatives of the Federal Ministries of Education, Health, Agriculture, Budget and Planning as well as NACA, NAFDAC, EFCC, and NFIU.

FULL LIST: 10 BBNaija winners since inception

Imisi, the Big Brother Naija Season 10 champion, has joined the ranks of winners by securing the N150 million grand prize on October 5, 2025.

The 72-day season came to a thrilling conclusion as Imisi emerged victorious among the nine finalists, including Kola, Isabella, Sultana, Jason Jae, Mensan, Koyin, Kaybobo, Dede, and herself.

Imisi’s win marked another milestone in the history of the reality show, which has consistently delivered drama, strategy, music, and cultural moments since its inception in 2006.

With her charismatic personality, creativity, and authenticity, Imisi won the hearts of fans and earned her place among the show’s esteemed winners.

She also joined an elite list of Big Brother Naija winners who have shaped the entertainment industry.

1. Katung Aduwak – Season 1 (2006)

2. Michael Efe Ejeba – Season 2 (2017)

3. Miracle Igbokwe – Season 3 (2018)

4. Mercy Eke – Season 4 (2019)

5. Olamilekan ‘Laycon’ Agbeleshe – Season 5 (2020)

6. Hazel ‘Whitemoney’ Onou – Season 6 (2021)

7. Ijeoma ‘Phyna’ Otabor – Season 7 (2022)

8. Ilebaye Odiniya – Season 8 All Stars (2023)

9. Kingsley ‘Kellyrae’ Sule – Season 9 (2024)

10. Imisioluwa ‘Imisi’ Ayanwale – Season 10 (2025)

Sunmisola Agbebi, Yinka Okeleye end Dominion City conference with powerful worship

The final day of Dominion City’s transformative ‘The Next Level Conference’ culminated in an extraordinary display of faith and unity, as acclaimed worship leader Sunmisola Agbebi and her husband, Yinka Okeleye, took the stage together to usher in a celestial worship experience.

Their powerful joint ministration served as a profound finale to a conference featuring impactful sessions from esteemed global leaders, including Lead Pastor Dr. David Ogbueli, Bishop Titus Masika, Apostle Ben Ndobe, and David Sseppuuya.

The atmosphere, already charged with spiritual anticipation, reached new heights the moment the anointed husband-and-wife duo began to minister. Sunmisola Agbebi, known for her deeply soulful and penetrating vocals, soared through the venue, while her husband, Yinka Okeleye, provided a steady, profound, and complementary presence.

‘There is an undeniable, unique power in witnessing a husband and wife ministering together,’ a representative for the event noted. ‘Sunmisola and Yinka are a vivid testament to this. Their unity on stage is palpable-a beautiful, seamless flow of two spirits joined in a single, divine purpose.’

Their performance was characterized by more than just musical harmony; it was a demonstration of deep marital and ministerial partnership. Their non-verbal cues, shared glances, and the way their voices intertwine illustrate a profound connection that transcends their music, creating a unified sound that amplifies the anointing and impacts the congregation. Together, they crafted an experience that was simultaneously deeply intimate and corporately powerful.

The ministry of Sunmisola Agbebi and Yinka Okeleye served as the perfect final impartation, sealing the teachings, prophetic words, and transformations that occurred throughout the week-long conference. It was a fitting, glorious end to a transformative gathering.

For those who experienced their powerful union or are eager to witness their joint ministry, the duo will be ministering together again soon. Sunmisola Agbebi and Yinka Okeleye are scheduled to appear at The Gathering with Warehouse Worship in Manchester, UK, promising another unforgettable encounter in the power of unified worship.

Motherland 2025 celebrates Nigerian pride at NYC Independence Day Parade

Motherland 2025, Nigeria’s global homecoming festival, designed to connect Nigeria with its diaspora base, participated in the Nigerian Independence Day Parade in New York City as part of its ongoing international roadshow.

This latest appearance from the Motherland team at Africon in Atlanta and the United Nations General Assembly highlighted the energy and pride of Nigeria’s vibrant community in New York City.

The Motherland Roadshow is making its way through key global cities, including Atlanta, New York, Houston, Washington, DC, and London. At each stop, the team is sharing the festival’s vision while spotlighting Nigerian creativity, innovation, and economic opportunities.

Activities include community engagements, networking events, and cultural showcases aimed at strengthening ties between Nigerians abroad and at home.

In New York, founding team members Chidimma Nwankwo and Sandra Oboh joined the New York Nigerian community to celebrate Nigeria’s heritage and emphasised the importance of cultural exchange and deepening ties ahead of the inaugural Motherland festival in December in Abuja and Lagos.

At the parade, the Motherland team distributed hundreds of early-access passes, sparking a wave of excitement. Attendees shared their enthusiasm, with many already confirming travel plans.

‘Motherland is about creating lasting bridges and creating space for Nigerians at home and abroad to celebrate and promote our culture,’ said co-founder Chidimma Nwankwo.

‘New York has a vibrant Nigerian community, so it was important for us to include NYC on our roadshow schedule.

‘By joining events like the Nigerian Independence Day Parade, we are reaffirming our commitment to global Nigerians and inviting them to be part of the Motherland movement.

‘The buzz for Motherland 2025 is growing, and we are excited to open our doors to everyone visiting Lagos and Abuja this December. Today alone, we had hundreds of New Yorkers sign up to join us.’

39 Nigerian artisans depart for Belarus under NDE’s global job placement scheme

Thirty-nine Nigerian artisans have departed for the Republic of Belarus under the National Directorate of Employment’s (NDE) International Job Placement Programme, a federal government initiative designed to promote safe and regular migration pathways for skilled workers.

The beneficiaries, all from Benue State, will take up employment opportunities in Belarus’s construction sector as part of the government’s effort to create decent jobs and reduce irregular migration.

Speaking at a pre-departure ceremony in Abuja on Monday, Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Nkiruka Onyejeocha, hailed the programme as evidence that Nigerian talent is globally competitive and in high demand.

She noted that the initiative, which is a product of collaboration between the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, the Benue State Government, the NDE, the Benue State Bureau of Entrepreneurship and Wealth Creation, and Enhanced Entrepreneurs Belarus Nig. Co. Ltd., reflects the value of coordinated partnerships in achieving real progress.

Onyejeocha advised the departing workers to honour their contracts, respect their hosts, and let their professionalism and excellence serve as a positive reflection of Nigeria’s resilience and skill.

Onyejeocha said, ‘As a Ministry, our mission under the Renewed Hope Agenda is clear: to ensure every Nigerian can access decent, safe, and sustainable work. The International Job Placement Programme embodies that vision, proving that Nigerian talent is not only capable but globally competitive.

‘But this is just the beginning. The world of work is changing rapidly. To stay ahead, Nigeria must deepen international partnerships that promote knowledge transfer, technology exchange, and exposure to best practices. Programmes like this equip Nigerian professionals with global insights that strengthen our domestic capacity and competitiveness.

‘By engaging globally, we exchange innovation and standards that uplift our workforce and position Nigeria as a trusted player in the global labour economy. To our departing artisans, you carry the pride of our nation. Let your professionalism and integrity speak loudly. Honour your contracts, respect your hosts, and let your excellence tell the Nigerian story of resilience and skill. Remember, success abroad must translate into growth at home.’

The Director – General of NDE, Silas Agara, commended the Benue State Government for its confidence on NDE and its partners, both within and outside Nigeria, in ensuring that qualified Nigerians access decent jobs abroad with dignity.

He said: ‘We are collectively declaring here today that young Nigerians no longer need to undertake the dangerous journeys across the Sahara Desert or risk drowning in the Mediterranean Sea to reach Europe.

‘All they need now are skills, competency, and the support of any subnational government to benefit from the International Job Placement Programme.’

Agara explained that beyond its role in creating mass employment for the unskilled and unemployed, the NDE also has a statutory mandate to facilitate job linkages.

He said that the collaboration between NDE and Enhanced Entrepreneurs Belarus Nig. Co. Ltd., which began in 2019, has successfully secured employment opportunities for Nigerian artisans in various construction fields in Belarus.

‘We reached out to all State Governments to partner with EBNC in exploring opportunities in the booming construction sector in the Republic of Belarus for the benefit of our skilled artisans.

‘Beyond the immediate advantage of decent jobs, this programme offers Nigeria an open door to the smooth transfer of skills and technology, as the participants will be exposed to world-class standards in construction skills and practices which they can transfer to Nigeria eventually,’ he said.

Agara expressed confidence that the artisans, who are the pioneer beneficiaries of the initiative, would uphold their contractual obligations and serve as worthy ambassadors of both Benue State and Nigeria.

‘I cannot overemphasize the need for them to show themselves as worthy ambassadors of Benue State and the Nigerian Nation in the diligent discharge of their duties and general conduct in Belarus,’ he stated.

Nigeria to hit 1.8mn bpd oil production by year-end – Ojulari

The Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Bayo Ojulari, has said that Nigeria’s crude oil production is on course to reach 1.8 million barrels per day (bpd) before the end of 2025, following months of consistent growth and strategic maintenance interventions across production facilities.

Ojulari disclosed this after briefing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at his Lagos residence on the company’s performance and ongoing developments in the oil and gas sector.

According to him, production hit 1.68 million barrels per day in September-the highest level in about five years-while gas output also reached a record 7 billion cubic feet (BCF) per day.

‘With the turnaround maintenance completed in August and September now coming back onstream, we expect that before the end of the year, we should be clocking at least 1.8 million barrels per day, all things being equal,’ Ojulari said.

He noted that the achievement aligns with the President’s directive to ramp up production to at least 2 million barrels per day by 2027 and 3 million barrels by 2030 under the Renewed Hope energy roadmap.

However, the NNPCL boss lamented the recent losses occasioned by the industrial action involving the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) and the Dangote Refinery.

‘It was quite unfortunate that the Dangote and PENGASSAN issue led to the strike. As you know, whenever critical staff manning key facilities are unavailable, operations are disrupted. We actually lost significant production of over 200,000 barrels per day and also experienced deferred gas output, while about 1.2 megawatts of power generation was affected,’ he explained.

Ojulari commended the Federal Government for swiftly intervening through the Minister of Labour and Employment, Muhammad Maigari Dingyadi, with full support from the National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, to broker peace.

‘Everyone was brought to the table, and a communiqué was agreed on the way forward. We are very hopeful that all parties will abide by it,’ he said, adding that production had largely been restored to pre-strike levels, with only minor areas still catching up.

Responding to public concerns over recent gas price spikes, the NNPCL helmsman attributed the rise to temporary supply chain disruptions during the strike.

‘The increase you saw was relatively artificial. For the period of the strike, loading and movement were delayed by about two or three days, and that created a temporary scarcity. Some marketers exploited the situation to raise prices. Now that things are back to normal, prices should return to what they were before the strike,’ he assured.

Ojulari reaffirmed NNPCL’s commitment to meeting the President’s production and investment targets, assuring that ongoing reforms and new partnerships would sustain growth in both the crude and gas value chains.

Relocating abroad doesn’t guarantee success – Bright Chimezie

Veteran highlife musician Bright Chimezie has expressed concerns about the growing trend of Nigerians relocating abroad in search of better opportunities.

Chimezie, who spoke during an appearance on The Honest Bunch Podcast, said this trend is misguided, saying that the grass is not necessarily greener on the other side.

In his view, many Nigerians who migrate overseas often face unexpected struggles, despite their high hopes for a better life.

Chimezie emphasised that those who relocate abroad often start from the bottom, taking on low-paying jobs just to survive.

He cited his own experiences of traveling extensively and noted that opportunities abroad are not as abundant as many people might think.

He encouraged Nigerians to explore and invest in local opportunities, which he stated are valuable and worth developing.

‘Our problem is right here. We keep helping people over there because we think the grass is greener on the other side. But it’s not. I’ve travelled quite a bit, and I can tell you there are no more opportunities there. When you get there, you start from the bottom, sometimes even washing toilets just to survive,’ he said.

The musician also attributed Nigeria’s current mindset to the legacy of colonialism, which he said has led many citizens to undervalue their nation and themselves.

Chimezie lamented that if Nigerians applied the same dedication they have for their faith to areas like science and technology, the country would be far better off.

‘When the white people came, it affected our mentality and development. If we studied biology and mathematics with the same passion we use to read the Bible, our society would be far better,’ he lamented.

FAAN launches cashless policy at Abuja airport to block revenue leakages

The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has launched a ‘go cashless policy’ at the Nnamdi Azikwe International Airport, Abuja, to block revenue leakages and improve seamless operations.

FAAN also stated that it will be phasing out physical cash payments at all FAAN revenue points, including access gates, car parks, and VIP lounges, by Q1 of 2026.

The Managing Director of FAAN, Mrs Olubunmi Kuku, said the initiative means faster, more secure transactions, an end to delays of cash handling and long queues.

Speaking during the launch at the Abuja airport on Monday, Mrs. Kuku said continued reliance on physical currency causes delays, operational inefficiencies, and vulnerabilities in revenue collection.

Kuku, represented by the Director of Commercial and Business Development, Ms. Adebola Agunbiade, outlined the policy’s benefits.

She said, ‘Effective September 29th, 2025, we have started phasing out physical cash at all FAAN revenue points, including access gates, car parks, and VIP lounges.

‘The benefits are clear. A faster, smoother journey from the access gate to the parking lot for passengers and enhanced security, as you no longer need to carry large amounts of cash.

‘For FAAN and the nation, it means optimised revenue collection, significantly reduced leakage, and a robust financial accountability system.

‘We have begun this rollout strategically, starting with the access gates and lounges at the beginning, and subsequently, to all FAAN-managed airports across the country.’

On when the initiative will be fully operational, she said, ‘The card is being activated for only FAAN-managed revenue points and within this first pilot phase, we expect to increase our revenue by 50 per cent. By the time we go fully cashless, we expect to be doing between 75 per cent and 100 per cent growth on the revenue we currently do today.

‘Everybody sees our figures; they are not hidden. What we are trying to do is to ensure that we are collecting 100 per cent of all the revenue for the federal government.

‘Today, between Lagos and Abuja, we have roughly about 300,000 motorists who go through our access gate. That gives you a vague idea of what we generate from just the access gate. We haven’t considered the car parks, we haven’t considered the lounges.

‘So rest assured that by the time we roll out this program fully, which we hope will be by Q1 next year, we should be able to double the revenue we are currently making from it.

‘We have given ourselves a target of six months. And we hope that by the end of Q1, we will have phased out, totally, cash collections within the airport. So by Q1 next year, we’re totally phasing cash out at FAAN.’

2025 Teachers Day: Sanwo-Olu, NUT urge collaborative teaching to enhance learning in Lagos

Lagos State Governor, Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, has called for stronger collaboration among teachers, parents, policymakers, and communities to make learning more impactful and meaningful across the state.

Speaking at the Lagos State Teachers’ Day celebration organised by the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) at the Teachers’ Pavilion in Ikeja, Sanwo-Olu-represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Mrs. Bimbola Salu-Hundeyin-commended teachers for their dedication and invaluable role in shaping the minds and characters of future leaders.

Addressing the theme of this year’s celebration, ‘Recasting Teaching as a Collaborative Profession,’ the Governor said teaching should no longer be viewed as an isolated effort. He described teachers as the ‘lifeblood of society,’ who awaken curiosity, nurture potential, and inspire students to dream beyond their limits.

‘So, every day, through your patience and commitment, you shape destinies and build the foundation of our society. Today is your day to pause, reflect, and celebrate the immense value you bring to the lives of our children and to the future of our State and our nation,’ Sanwo-Olu said.

In his remarks, the Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Mr. Jamiu Alli-Balogun, urged teachers to continually develop themselves by acquiring new knowledge and technical skills to remain relevant in a fast-changing world.

He further advised teachers not to depend solely on government initiatives but to take personal responsibility for improving their teaching practices and embracing modern learning tools.

‘You cannot afford to fall behind on ICT if you want to effectively teach digitally savvy students. Today’s students are internet experts, masters of computers and ICT gadgets. As their teachers, you need to step up, stay ahead, and acquire the skills to teach this tech-savvy generation.

‘I challenge you, as educators, to proactively seek out knowledge on trending issues, processes, and procedures, and apply them effectively to enhance the school system.

Moving forward, just as this year’s theme affirms, I advocate for a collaborative approach within the school system, fostering symbiotic relationships among principals, staff, and teachers across districts,’ he advised.

NUT Lagos state chairman, Hassan Akintoye, said to truly succeed, teaching must become a collaborative profession, where teachers work not in isolation, but in synergy with one another, with parents, with government, with technology innovators, and with society at large.

‘So, collaboration means mentorship, sharing best practices between colleagues, teachers, and policymakers to co-create education reforms, teachers and parents work as true partners in child development, and so forth’.

However, called on the state government again to do better for teachers by seeing teachers to be seen as not just implementers, but as partners. ‘The future of education in Lagos requires policies that place collaboration at the core of teaching.

‘Let us build schools where teachers do not compete, but collaborate, build a system where teachers, parents, and leaders are allies.

Let us also create platforms where every teacher, from the entrant to the most senior, has a role to play in shaping our collective future,’ he said.

He promised that teachers would redouble their efforts as they look forward to another celebration next year.

Among other top state government functionaries at the event are the deputy governor, Dr Kadri Hamzat, who was represented by the Executive Chairman of the state’s SUBEB, Dr Hakeem Shittu; the Head of Service, Mr. Olabode Agoro, represented by the TESCOM chairman, Mrs. Victoria Peregrino, and the Tutor-General-Perm Secretary of Education District 5, Mr. Abiodun Hassan, and so forth.