Category: Business Day

Stakeholders in the fight against substance abuse recently converged on Enugu in a renewed push to confront the rising tide of drug abuse among Nigerian youth.

The Enugu State stakeholders’ engagement was convened under the Anti-Substance Abuse Programme (ASAP), to chart a unified path against substance abuse.

‘The MTN Foundation’s investment in youth development and the fight against substance abuse aligns directly with our administration’s transformational agenda,’ Peter Mbah, Enugu State governor, stated.

Mbah, who was represented by Chidiebere Onyia, Secretary to the State Government (SSG), noted that the state’s transformation agenda is anchored in youth empowerment, education, healthcare, and human capital development. ‘Initiatives like ASAP are exactly the kind of partnerships that move the needle on national development.’

He further urged other private sector players to emulate the Foundation’s example, stressing that the scale of Nigeria’s drug abuse demands sustained collaboration between government, the private sector, development partners, and civil society.

Odunayo Sanya, executive director, MTN Foundation, stated that the ASAP initiative was designed to reduce first-time drug use among young Nigerians through awareness campaigns and school-based interventions.

‘We have reached over 50,000 students across the country and trained about 1,556 teachers as part of our efforts to create anti-drug ambassadors in schools and communities.’

According to Sanya, the consequences of substance abuse go beyond the individual and affect families, communities, and the nation at large. ‘For us at the MTN Foundation, saving even one young person from substance abuse is a worthwhile achievement.’

Looking ahead, she disclosed that the Foundation plans to reach more than 20,000 additional students in 2026 through expanded stakeholder engagements, school-based interventions, teacher training programmes, and community awareness campaigns.

Sanya described substance abuse as a major threat to families, communities, and national development, stressing the urgent need for collective action to shield young people from addiction.

According to her, the Foundation’s mission is rooted not just in numbers, but in human outcomes – the lives, families, and futures it helps preserve.

The Rivers State House of Assembly has passed the 2026-2028 Medium-Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) submitted to it for consideration by Siminalayi Fubara, the state governor.

Martin Amaewhule, speaker of the State Assembly, had, during Thursday’s plenary, acknowledged receipt of the MTEF from Governor Fubara, and the document was later laid before the House by Major Jack, the Majority Leader.

The Assembly reportedly deferred debate on the document to the next legislative day for ‘proper, detailed scrutiny.’

The lawmakers passed the MTEF on Friday.

The MTEF projected N1.84 trillion as the spending estimate for 2026, with over N400 billion in recurrent expenditure and over N1.4 trillion for capital expenditure.

Amaewhule said the document provides a financial blueprint for the state for the next three years. He, however, pointed out that the revenue projections were far below current economic realities.

He said: ‘Everything we wrote in this document is well below expectations, given the global economy. It assumes we are doing less, but the reality is that we are receiving far more than the document anticipates.’

Analysts say that the Assembly’s passage of the MTEF opens the way for the governor to present the long-awaited budget.

Alozie Charles, on his Facebook wall, described the MTEF as ‘a key financial planning document that must be presented and considered before any annual budget can be legally debated or passed. In simple terms, it serves as the foundation upon which the state’s budget is built.

‘With Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s MTEF now formally transmitted and read on the floor of the Rivers State House of Assembly, an important procedural hurdle has been crossed.

‘This development demonstrates the administration’s commitment to following due process and ensuring that the proposed 2026 budget moves through the proper legal channels.

‘Beyond the politics, the focus remains on creating a framework that will allow government projects, infrastructure development, and public services to continue uninterrupted for the benefit of Rivers people,’ he said.

Governor Fubara’s submission of the MTEF to the Assembly marks a significant engagement between the executive and legislative arms of government.

The Assembly last met in February 2026, when it screened and confirmed Fubara’s commissioner-nominees before adjourning indefinitely.

The group stage of the expanded 48-team FIFA 2026 World Cup has concluded, with the 32 teams that will compete in the knockout stage now confirmed.

The final round of group matches produced dramatic moments and surprise results as the Round of 32 lineup was completed.

The 2026 World Cup, jointly hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico, is the first edition to feature 48 teams. Under the new format, the top two teams from each of the 12 groups automatically qualify for the knockout stage, while the eight best third-placed teams also advance.

Only 32 nations remain in contention for football’s biggest prize after an action-packed group phase that saw several debutants impress and traditional heavyweights secure their places in the knockout rounds.

Mexico became the first nation to book a place in the Round of 32 after winning its group. They were soon joined by fellow co-hosts the United States and Canada, ensuring all three host nations progressed to the knockout stage. Former champions Argentina, Germany, France, Brazil, Spain and England also safely advanced.

Full list of countries qualified for the FIFA 2026 World Cup Round of 32:

Mexico

United States

Germany

Argentina

France

Norway

Colombia

Switzerland

Canada

Brazil

Morocco

South Africa

Bosnia and Herzegovina

Ivory Coast

Ecuador

Netherlands

Japan

Sweden

Australia

Spain

Cape Verde

Paraguay

Belgium

Egypt

Senegal

DR Congo

Portugal

Ghana

Croatia

England

Austria

Algeria

An exemplary Nigerian school, Slum2School Green Academy, has been named to the Top 10 shortlist for the World’s Best School Prizes 2026 for its approach to advancing learning for underserved children in Nigeria.

The school, which is a charity-run kindergarten and primary school in Epe, Lagos State, Nigeria, is advancing learning for 250 underserved children from eight riverine communities through a first-of-its-kind, climate-smart school with an experiential, inquiry-based learning model that helps students gain up to 3 years of learning in a single school year.

Vikas Pota, Founder of T4 Education and the World’s Best School Prizes, said that recognition of Slum2School Green Academy has shown that Nigeria’s schools truly stand among the best in the world.

Pota said that each one of these exemplary schools shortlisted for this global schools’ prize has, in its own unique way, helped prepare young people for a world that has never seemed so uncertain, adding that it is more important than ever that schools grow the leaders needed to face massive challenges from rising conflict and inequality to populism and climate breakdown.

‘In their classrooms, every day, these institutions show what works. And governments and schools across the world should learn from their shining examples,’ Pota said.

The Founder of T4 Education further said that the winners of the five World’s Best School Prizes – for Community Collaboration, Environmental Action, Innovation, Overcoming Adversity, and Supporting Healthy Lives – will be chosen by an expert Judging Academy based on rigorous criteria.

The Top 3 finalists and winners will be announced in November. In addition, all 50 shortlisted schools across the five Prizes will also take part in a Public Vote, which opened today, to determine the winner of the Community Choice Award.

The winners and shortlisted schools will then be invited to the World Schools Summit in London, UK, on January 16-17, 2027, where they will share their best practices and unique expertise and experience with policymakers and leading figures in global education.

Slum2School Green Academy, realising that a conventional school model would not be viable because of the environmental and logistical constraints, built a Green Academy using locally sourced natural materials such as bamboo and wood, allowing it to integrate with the environment and withstand local conditions.

Designed as a climate-smart, eco-friendly system that is largely self-sustaining, it is a living ecosystem where students learn in classrooms cooled by natural ventilation, drink clean water harvested on-site, participate in waste management and recycling, and grow food in school gardens.

The school’s pedagogy is built around the reality that most students are starting from little or no prior exposure to formal learning, with teaching structured around a blend of project-based, play-based and hands-on learning that allows students to build literacy and numeracy through experience instead of books. Lessons are intentionally designed to connect what the learners live in their day-to-day lives, using visual, physical and experiential approaches. The curriculum deliberately introduces global perspectives through digital tools, storytelling and guided exploration, giving children the chance to see themselves in a wider world, which builds their confidence and curiosity.

Additional resources within the school include a digital lab for computer learning and coding, as well as a library to support reading development.

Through the reimagined model, 96% of students have improved at least one proficiency level in literacy and more than 70% in numeracy. Over 90% are now reading at or approaching grade level, despite the majority starting without foundational skills. Attendance reached 80% within the first academic year.

In terms of environmental impact, the campus operates entirely on solar energy, generating approximately 28,000 kWh annually and eliminating an estimated 10-15 tonnes of carbon emissions. Rainwater harvesting systems provide up to 160,000 litres of clean water each year, waste-to-biogas systems are producing around 1,400 cubic metres of clean cooking gas annually, and student-led stewardship has reduced unmanaged waste on campus by 80%. More than 700 families now benefit from improved water access, sanitation practices and environmental awareness.

What makes the Slum2School Green Academy truly unique is its replicability as a scalable blueprint for Africa’s first network of sustainable, community-centred schools, where educational equity, climate action, and innovation can coexist even in the most challenging contexts.

Infinity Trust Mortgage Bank Plc has appointed Luqman Bakare as its substantive managing director and chief executive officer, marking a new phase in the bank’s growth and digital transformation agenda.

According to a statement by the bank, the appointment, which took effect on June 8, 2026, is subject to the requisite approval of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

Bakare succeeds Ngozi Chukwu, who had been serving as the bank’s acting managing director and chief executive officer.

The new MD brings more than 35 years of experience in Nigeria’s banking, manufacturing, and oil and gas sectors. Before his appointment, he served as general manager and regional executive (Lagos) at First Trust Mortgage Bank Plc, where he played a key role in business development and strategic operations.

An alumnus of the University of Ibadan, Bakare holds both Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degrees in Economics, with specialisations in Monetary, Energy and Petroleum Studies.

He has also attended several professional courses within and outside Nigeria and is an Honorary Member of the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria as well as a Fellow of the Institute of Credit Administration.

Founded in 2002, Infinity Trust Mortgage Bank has grown from a regional mortgage institution headquartered in Abuja into one of Nigeria’s leading national primary mortgage banks, with a focus on expanding access to affordable housing.

The leadership transition comes as the bank pursues an ambitious transformation strategy aimed at strengthening its market position. As part of the plan, Infinity Trust Mortgage Bank announced its intention to raise N50 billion in fresh capital to support its transition into a full-fledged digital commercial bank, with a focus on serving underserved micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and the unbanked population.

The bank has also made significant contributions to Nigeria’s housing sector, having financed more than 20 modern housing estates and facilitated homeownership for over 10,000 families across the country.

Bakare’s extensive experience in financial services and strategic management is expected to support the bank’s expansion plans and drive its next phase of growth.

Oyo State is set to partner with the Consultative Group for International Agricultural Research (CGIAR), the world’s largest publicly-funded agrifood research network, which has the International Institute for Tropical Agriculture (IITA) as one of its research centres, on advancing the cassava and cocoa value chain.

Sandra Milach, Chief Scientist of the CGIAR and the Deputy Director-General of the IITA, Bernard Vanlauwe, stated this on Friday, shortly after a meeting with the Governor, ‘Seyi Makinde of Oyo State noting that the state has great potential in agriculture and that having invested in processing and value addition, it will benefit from the partnership, which is aimed at developing plans on how to advance cassava and cocoa value chains.

Speaking with newsmen shortly after the meeting, which had in attendance, Debo Akande the Director-General of the Oyo State Agribusiness Development Agency (OYSADA) and Bayo Lawal the Senior Executive Assistant on General Duties, Milach noted that the partnership would enable Oyo State, as one of the major producers of cassava and a state with potential in cocoa production, to understand what is important as well as the bottlenecks of the value chains the state is working on and how it can be assisted to find solutions.

She added that the CGIAR will work hand-in-hand with the Oyo State Government to help to understand and come up with solutions on the processing industry’s roles in helping farmers adopt better varieties of cassava and cocoa, and connecting the value chain from end to end to ensure food security, boost agribusiness and uplift farmers.

‘We just met the governor, and we talked especially about cassava. We know Oyo State is one of the major producers and it is also investing in processing and value addition. And we talked about cocoa. So, these are the two crops that IITA has a lot of expertise in. And we have agreed to develop plans together with the governor, on how we can advance both value chains,’ Vanlauwe said while corroborating Milach on the purpose of the meeting with the governor.

Earlier, Milach said: ‘I lead the science of CGIAR, we are the largest global agriculture public goods organisation. We have a very important mission, which is how to continue helping farmers and communities across the globe in transforming food systems, water, land as well as systems. Our focus is to create food security for the African continent and for other parts of the globe as well. But Africa is a very important continent for us.

‘So that is why I am here, spending a full week with my colleague, Bernard, and with other important partners, and it has really been a very important week of learning.

‘You have a wonderful country, and Oyo is a wonderful state, with a lot of potential for agriculture, for food transformation. We are very aligned with the governor and with the leadership of Nigeria in this mission.’

She added that the partnership would equally help the state to bolster its achievements in agribusiness development, as according to her, science has an important role to play in raising value proposition of agribusiness.

She said, ‘In CGIAR, we are really on this mission of asking the question, how can we turn all the science we do into a real value proposition, real business? We see a very important role for our science to help to raise the value proposition of business.

‘So, this is what we are here for. Just to help to raise that proposition, working hand-in-hand with the state, the governments, to understand what really is important; what really are the bottlenecks of the value chains that you are working on.

‘How can we assist you in creating evidence for what needs to be done? How can we bring science to you, so that you can really find solutions?’

Addressing how the partnership will specifically help people in agribusiness and farmers seeking economic empowerment through agriculture, Milach added: ‘First of all, we need to understand the problem we are trying to solve. In the conversation with the governor, we saw that the chance is very real on how we produce cocoa in Oyo State and Nigeria, and how to produce more. Understanding that chance is the first step. But it is equally important to understand within the cocoa production value chain what the bottlenecks are, because sometimes, you can have science, technology, but the bottlenecks will slow everything down.

‘How can we understand what the bottlenecks are, is it in the processing, is it in the infrastructure, roads and all that? All these we have to understand. There is also an important role for the processing industry to help farmers to adopt better varieties, because they need to have a clear understanding of what types of varieties of cocoa or cassava they need and the yield they are willing to have. That pull from the processors will help to uplift the farmers and help them to get real markets and real sales of their produce, because if you produce something that people are not willing to buy, there is a problem.

‘So, how to connect that value chain from end to end is important; understanding the problems from the farmers’ side to what the industries are requiring will help us to make this value proposition for the value chain.’

The delegation was led by, Simeon Ehui. Director-General of IITA-Cigar. Others on the delegation include Tahirou Abdoulaye, Ibnou Deng, and Toyin Oke.

As the global maritime community commemorated the Day of the Seafarer, mariner and research journalist Mujahid Al-Ibenu paid tribute to seafarers across the world, describing mariners as the silent backbone of global commerce and indispensable drivers of international trade.

In his message marking the occasion, Al-Ibenu emphasised that global trade remains heavily dependent on the maritime sector, with sailors and seafarers playing critical roles in sustaining supply chains, facilitating international commerce, and ensuring the uninterrupted movement of goods across continents.

According to Al-Ibenu, more than 80 percent of global trade by volume is transported through sea routes, making the contribution of mariners central to global economic growth, trade stability, and international development.

‘Mariners remain among the most strategic yet underappreciated professionals in the global economy,’ Al-Ibenu stated. ‘From energy transportation to food supply chains and industrial logistics, the work of seafarers remains vital to the functioning of modern society.’

He noted that despite the strategic importance of the profession, sailors often operate under demanding conditions, including extended periods away from family, occupational hazards, security risks, and the mental demands associated with life at sea.

Read also: Nigeria LNG commissions DFDE vessels for mariners’ training

Reflecting on his professional journey, Al-Ibenu expressed deep appreciation to the maritime institutions and professionals who contributed to his academic and professional development, particularly in Pakistan.

He commended both the Pakistan Marine Academy and the Maritime Training Institute, Karachi, praising the institutions for their commitment to maritime excellence, discipline, and globally competitive professional training standards.

Al-Ibenu specifically acknowledged Captain Rashid Anwer, his instructor and Principal Officer of MTI, who formerly served as Director of ISPS at Pakistan’s Ministry of Maritime Affairs, for his exemplary leadership and significant contributions to maritime education and security. He also recognised Captain Muhammad Iqbal, Senior Nautical Instructor, Captain Afzal Shaikh, Head of Nautical, Muzammil Khan, and Dr. Syed Ahmed Mahmoodi, Director of the Maritime Training Institute, Karachi, for their continued dedication to developing future maritime professionals.

He further extended appreciation to the academy’s staff, officers, instructors, and cadets, noting that the institution continues to play an important role in producing competent maritime professionals for the global shipping industry.

‘The academy gave me valuable professional training, discipline, and exposure that continue to shape my maritime career,’ Al-Ibenu said. ‘I remain proud to be associated with the institution as an alumnus.’

He added that institutions and nations that invest in people ultimately shape the future, stressing that such investments create a moral responsibility on beneficiaries to give back meaningfully.

‘A country or institution that has given so much deserves appreciation,’ he said. ‘It is the responsibility of he who has received to give back in service, in value, and in contribution.’

Al-Ibenu also expressed gratitude for the hospitality and support he received during his time in Pakistan, describing the country as one that offered him warmth, respect, and meaningful professional relationships.

Among those he acknowledged were Dr. Syeda Rehana and her husband Mr. Aziz of the Pakistan People’s Party Women Wing for their goodwill and support; Istaiq Baiq, Consul General of Morocco, for his warmth and hospitality; Dr. Noor Hussein; Engr. Taimul Ali Siyal; Jameshed Hussein, Chairman of the Pakistan Human Rights Council; Suraya Bibi, Deputy Speaker of the Provincial Assembly of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa; and Abdul Moiz, Executive Director of Peace Youth and Leadership.

According to Al-Ibenu, his experiences in Pakistan reinforced his belief in the importance of international collaboration, cultural understanding, and strategic global partnerships within the maritime sector.

He further stressed that maritime education must continue evolving to meet modern global demands, particularly in areas such as maritime security, digital navigation, sustainability, and international shipping operations.

As the maritime industry continues to evolve amid growing global challenges, Al-Ibenu maintained that greater investment in maritime education and seafarer welfare remains essential for the future of global trade.

He argued that recognising and supporting mariners is critical not only for the maritime industry but also for the long-term resilience of the global economy.

‘As we celebrate seafarers around the world, we must recognise their sacrifice, resilience, and immense contribution to humanity,’ he said. ‘The world moves because mariners keep global trade moving.’

Al-Ibenu expressed optimism about the future of the maritime industry and reaffirmed his commitment to advancing maritime development, professional excellence, and stronger international collaboration within the sector.

Real Estate Developers Association of Nigeria (REDAN), Lagos Chapter, has attributed the recurring incidents of building collapse across the country to regulatory compromise, weak enforcement of building standards and institutional failure.

Tony Aspire Kolawole, chairman of the chapter, has urged governments to prosecute offenders rather than merely demolish defective structures.

Kolawole’s intervention follows the collapse of a five-storey building in Rivers State on June 24, 2026 and a three-storey building in the Alakija area of Lagos on June 25, 2026, incidents that have renewed concerns over compliance with building regulations and public safety.

In a statement issued recently, the REDAN Lagos chairman described the two incidents as avoidable tragedies, arguing that they reflected systemic failures in the country’s building control regime rather than unavoidable accidents.

According to him, persistent disregard for professional standards, the use of substandard materials, compromised approval processes and inadequate regulatory oversight have continued to expose Nigerians to preventable disasters.

‘Buildings do not collapse by accident. They do because individuals deliberately cut corners, substitute quality materials with substandard ones, manipulate approval processes, ignore professional advice and evade statutory inspections. Every building collapse is a tragic indictment of failed regulation, failed ethics and failed enforcement,’ he said.

Read also: Cement: REDAN worries as surging prices stall projects, push up rents

Kolawole warned that unless governments moved beyond what he described as ‘reactive governance without accountability,’ incidents of building collapse would continue to claim lives and destroy property.

He called on the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA) and other building control agencies nationwide to intensify structural integrity inspections, particularly in densely populated urban communities where ageing buildings and weak compliance pose significant risks.

The REDAN chairman also urged state governments to ensure the criminal prosecution of developers, contractors, consultants, property owners and public officials found culpable of violating building regulations.

According to him, demolition of defective structures without corresponding legal sanctions has failed to serve as an effective deterrent.

‘Demolition alone is not justice. Until those whose actions or negligence led to these disasters are prosecuted and convicted, others will continue to treat human lives as expendable,’ he stated.

Kolawole further called on the Lagos State House of Assembly to review existing building control legislation with a view to strengthening regulatory oversight, prescribing stiffer penalties for violations and eliminating loopholes that undermine compliance with building standards.

He noted that the legislature had a critical role in supporting reforms capable of improving accountability within the construction sector and restoring public confidence in the state’s regulatory framework.

Addressing members of the real estate industry, he urged developers and other built environment professionals to uphold ethical standards and prioritise public safety.

‘Our responsibility is to provide safe and durable shelter, not death traps. Every professional who knowingly compromises standards betrays the trust of the public and endangers lives,’ he said.

Kolawole also advised prospective property buyers and tenants to demand approved building plans, structural integrity certifications and evidence of developers’ professional credentials before committing to any transaction.

While noting that REDAN had consistently advocated stronger regulatory enforcement, mandatory certification of developers and reforms to the building approval process, he maintained that recent incidents underscored the need for governments and regulatory agencies to move from policy discussions to effective implementation.

He expressed condolences to families of the victims, wished the injured a speedy recovery and called for sustained rescue efforts for those still trapped beneath the collapsed structures.

Kolawole added that the recurring building collapses should serve as a wake-up call for governments, regulators, lawmakers and industry stakeholders to implement comprehensive reforms aimed at strengthening compliance, improving enforcement and safeguarding lives across the country.

Development in the Niger Delta must be tech-driven, and the drive must begin at home, the tech must have roots in the institutions in the oil region.

This is hallmark of a tech drive unveiled by the Rivers State University (RSU), which actually was the Rivers State University of Science and Technology (RSUST), which was the dream of the founding fathers when it was established as the Rivers State College of Science Technology in 1972 before transforming to Nigeria’s pioneer University of Science and Technology (UST) at the back of discovery of oil in the region.

The tech backbone was unveiled as Rivers State Digital Initiative (RSDI), a broad-based ICT system that would transform the RSU into a smart university with what is called connected campus which is to be paperless.

The event which attracted top educationists, professors, and the tech community took place at the Senate Building of the RSU in Nkpolu/Oroworokwo in the heart of the Garden City. Present, most importantly, was Bariname Beke Fakae (simply called BB Fakae), the one-time vice chancellor credited with the foundation of the ICT drive of the then UST.

The RSU seems to fight on two fundamental fronts with the Digital Initiative: it wants to drive development in the oil region which is hub of the hydrocarbon industry; and compete in the global academia hoping to climb into the top 100 best universities in the world, top 20 in Africa, and top 3 in Nigeria.

By this declaration, the RSU wants to rub shoulders with and take after the likes of Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Cambridge, MA, USA; University of Oxford, Oxford, UK; Imperial College London, UK; Harvard University Cambridge, MA, USA; Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA; University of Cambridge, UK; and California Institute of Technology (Caltech) Pasadena, CA, USA.

Back home, the Rivers State University eagerly wants to climb to at least number 3 to join Nigeria’s top 5 universities such as University of Ibadan (UI) – Ibadan, Oyo State; University of Lagos (UNILAG) – Lagos; Bayero University, Kano (BUK) – Kano, Kano State; Covenant University – Ota, Ogun State.

Before stepping into the Senate Building, Isaac Zeb-Obipi, the Vice Chancellor, a management professor, told newsmen at the Red Carpet that the unveiling marks takeoff of the journey to a smart university. He allayed fears of managing digital complexities, saying they were prepared to adjust as they travel along the digital highway.

He said there is no innovation without challenges. ‘In fact, the challenges will enable us improve the system and make it perfect. We have already anticipated some, and we have provided for them. Of course, the world is going technological, so we leverage technology to facilitate the things we are doing.

‘For example, if you look at the sponsor’s link, we have experiences of parents and guardians not knowing whether their wards are actually students of this university or not. The sponsor’s link now provides parents and guardians the opportunity to keep a tab on the registration, fees payment, and academic performance of their students. So, the challenges of technology should not deter us from experimenting it. And whenever we have hitches, we review the system and we improve upon it.’

The RSU’s hunger for academic excellence through digital tech was further unveiled by Idayingi Daminabo, registrar of the university, who welcomed the guests by saying the event marks a significant milestone in their collective journey toward academic excellence, administrative efficiency, and institutional relevance in a rapidly evolving world. ‘It represents a bold and strategic transition into a new era, an era defined by innovation, technology, and purposeful leadership.’

She pointed at what she called digital leadership of the vice chancellor, saying it has continued to drive the transformation of the RSU into a modern, responsive, and globally competitive institution. ‘This digital direction is both timely and necessary, as universities across the world leverage technology to improve learning, research, administration and general governance.

‘Digitization is central to this transformation. It simplifies processes, enhances transparency, improves turnaround time, and ensures that services are delivered with greater ease and efficiency. More importantly, it fosters ease of understanding and acceptance among users, staff, students, and stakeholders alike, because systems that are intuitive, accessible, and reliable naturally encourage participation and ownership.

‘They are enablers of a new culture and a new time in our university, one that embraces innovation, promotes accountability, and supports seamless interaction within our university community.

‘The challenges within this region require smart, scalable, and technology-driven solutions. This new era of digital transformation initiatives will position the university in its rightful place of an ‘e-varsity’, which not only aligns with global best practices but also helps us claim our rightful place as a hub of digital excellence, creativity and problem-solving in this region.’

She however warned that technology alone cannot transform an institution; ‘It requires people who are willing to adapt, to learn, and to embrace change. I therefore encourage every member of the University community to take ownership of these initiatives and actively engage with the systems and programmes being introduced.

‘We seek a future where Rivers State University stands as a model e-varsity, defined by excellence, creativity, efficiency, innovation, and impact.’

Vice Chancellor lays the new digital canvas:

Zeb-Opibi unveiled the various tools that would transform the RSU into an e-varsity. ‘Our goal is simple yet profound: to create a connected campus that empowers every stakeholder, students, staff, sponsors, alumni, and partners.’

Championing a Connected Campus

The RSU Digital Initiatives represent a collective vision, a suite of platforms and systems designed to enhance service delivery, improve efficiency, and enrich the University experience for all. Let me take a moment to highlight the transformative power of each solution.

V-Learning – The Virtual Learning Management System is to help redefine education delivery. Lecturers can now teach, assess, and engage students virtually, while students enjoy flexible access to learning materials anytime, anywhere. This system integrates registered courses automatically, supports live classes, and provides analytics to track performance. For our students, it means freedom to learn beyond the classroom. For our lecturers, it means tools to teach smarter. For RSU, it means a leap toward global competitiveness.

FiriX – Workflow and Document Management System helps to say goodbye to the inefficiencies of paper-based administration.

CAP-Computer for All Programme: This ensures that every student and staff member can own a personal computer through affordable installment plans. This initiative bridges the digital divide, promotes ICT-driven learning, and empowers our community to participate fully in the digital age. It is a step toward equity in access to technology.

RSU e-Campus Aspire Mobile App: This brings RSU to your fingertips. From fee payments and course registration to result checking and notifications. Students can now manage their academic life on the go.

SponsorsLink: Through this, we are strengthening accountability and trust. Sponsors, parents, and guardians can now monitor their wards’ academic progress and financial obligations in real time.

RSU Innovation Hub and Creative and Innovation Academy (CIA): These are the beating heart of creativity and entrepreneurship at RSU. Here, students and staff will learn software development, data science, animation, product design, cybersecurity, and digital media, skills that prepare them for global opportunities. It is a space where ideas become solutions, and solutions become enterprises. RSU is not just producing graduates; we are nurturing innovators and job creators.

Campus-wide Internet Infrastructure: This reliable, high-speed internet is the backbone of a digital university. Our pilot deployment at the Senate Building is the first step toward a fully connected campus.

Digital Information Display System across campus will ensure that information flows instantly and efficiently. Announcements, events, and updates that reach everyone in real time.

MedixTrak – Health Management Information System helps to digitize healthcare delivery at the RSU Medical Centre. Patient records, prescriptions, and laboratory results are now securely managed online.

RSU Alumni Website will bring all past students together once again. It is a digital hub for networking, mentorship, career opportunities, and lifelong engagement. Through this platform, our alumni will continue to contribute to the growth and global reputation of Rivers State University.

e-Payslips

Staff monthly pay advice in staff personal university mail account; ensuring easy access to their monthly payslips for a variety of purposes.

He said: ‘Ladies and gentlemen, a digital university is only as strong as the people who power it. Technology becomes meaningful only when the people behind it are empowered to use it effectively. Therefore, I am pleased to announce that following today’s launch, all staff of Rivers State University will undergo a mandatory ICT training and capacity development programme. This programme will cover: General ICT proficiency; Digital literacy for modern administration; Hands-on training on all the new RSU digital platforms; Best practices for digital service delivery.

‘For the avoidance of doubt, please note: This is a certified course fully sponsored by the University, in partnership with Cinfores Limited; No staff member will bear any cost. This is our investment to you, for your growth, confidence, and capability to deliver a world-class service in a digital environment; This training ensures that every Faculty, department, and administrative unit is fully equipped to operate efficiently within our new digital ecosystem. It ensures that RSU’s transformation is not just technological-driven, but human-centered.’

He poured more encomiums on Fakae, saying: ‘It is important to at this point pay a debt of gratitude to Prof. B. B. Fakae who laid the foundation of our e-University and our Governing Council for its support.’

He went on: ‘As we launch these digital solutions today, we are not just unveiling technology, we are unveiling possibilities. We are building a university where innovation thrives, where access is universal, and where excellence is the standard.

‘As we launch these platforms today, I encourage all members of our university community to actively engage with them. The success of these solutions depends not only on technology but on how effectively we adopt and integrate them into our daily activities. Let this launch mark the beginning of a new chapter for Rivers State University, a chapter defined by innovation, efficiency, excellence, and a truly enhanced university experience.

‘It is our expectation that we will all embrace this transformation with pride and purpose. Let us work together to ensure that Rivers State University remains a beacon of knowledge, creativity, excellence, and progress, not only in Nigeria but across the world.’

In his goodwill message, Fakae, a researcher renowned as one of Africa’s foremost professors of veterinary parasitology and entomology, described the day as a milestone that signifies not only progress, but also continuity, vision, and institutional maturity.

‘As one who had the privilege of laying the early foundations for a digital culture in this University, I am deeply gratified to witness how those seeds have grown into a robust ecosystem of innovation.

‘What we began years ago as a bold aspiration-to reposition RSU as a technologically-driven, globally-competitive institution-has today evolved into a comprehensive digital framework that enhances teaching, learning, research, administration, and service delivery.’

He commended the Vice-Chancellor and the entire University Administration for sustaining and advancing the vision. ‘By preserving and strengthening the legacy of an e-Varsity, you affirm the foundations that have shaped RSU’s modern identity.

‘The introduction of platforms such as the Learning Management System, FiriX Workflow, CAP, the RSU Mobile App, SponsorsLink, and the Creative and Innovation Academy (CIA) reflects forward-thinking leadership committed to excellence, efficiency, and the future of education.

‘Digital transformation is not a one-time event; it is an ongoing journey. Today’s launch is a powerful reminder that RSU is not only keeping pace with global developments, but is also positioning itself to lead.

These initiatives will undoubtedly enhance student experience, strengthen administrative efficiency, deepen research capabilities, and establish the University as a model within and beyond Nigeria.’

He said the future belongs to institutions that innovate-and to individuals who are willing to learn, adapt, and lead.

‘As we celebrate this new chapter, I reaffirm my unwavering goodwill and continued support for the University. May this initiative open greater opportunities for growth, collaboration, and global relevance for Rivers State University.’

Highlight of the event was the presentation of the CINFORES team that built the backbone, led by Ibifuro Asawo, who said the team took one year to build the Digital Back Bone.

He said the organization began with one product but now have over 10, including the e-voting platform.

The Imo State Government has commended the Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC) for its role in taking the ‘Financial Literacy Day’ campaign to secondary school students nationwide, especially the secondary schools in the state.

Bernard Thompson Ikegwuoha, the Imo State commissioner for Secondary and Primary Education, who was represented by Okereke Livinus, a reverend, and staff of the ministry, during the NDIC Financial Literacy Day, held at the Government Secondary School, Owerri, with the theme, ‘Smart Money Talks,’ expressed satisfaction, especially the NDIC programme of reaching out to the students to teach them the knowledge of financial management nationwide.

According to him, ‘the NDIC comes in to save, to protect depositors and other financial institutions from loss’, and that the role puts the trust of Nigerians in the Nigerian banking sector.

‘What NDIC is doing is to teach our young minds, to catch them young, so that they will know what is called financial management. But you cannot manage your finance well when you do not earn it, and you don’t work.

‘They are in our schools to input to us the attitude of hard work, that mind of earning your own income, and how to grow your money by way of savings and investments,’ he said.

Okereke however, decried the attitude amongst the students to consume all that has been earned or given to them immediately without savings. And while stressing on hard work, and imbibing the attitude of savings and consuming less, he said: ‘The money you earned is sweeter than the money dashed to you by others.’

He advised the Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation to take the knowledge of financial literacy campaigns to the senior primarily students, and to include the students in the rural areas in Imo State in the ‘Financial Literacy Day’ campaign.

In his remarks, Chris Uzoigwe, the principal of Government Secondary School, Owerri, where the event was held, expressed satisfaction on the number of schools and students, including the students of Government Secondary School, Owerri, who came to acquire the knowledge of financial literacy, according to himself, ‘that means that NDIC wants this knowledge to spread out’.

And based on that ‘I want everybody to listen and listen attentively, because they came to teach us how to manage our finances, the way we manage our finances to grow, and by this, it could be possible to achieve a lot.

‘Again, to teach us how we should be prudent in using our money, and by doing so, we can invest wisely. I hope and expect that everybody that is here will listen attentively,’ he said.

He further commended NDIC for bringing the knowledge to the students.

‘Please, while teaching the students, I want you to put it in a way that they will understand so that they will appreciate it’.

He informed them of some of the reasons why the Central Bank of Nigeria and the Ministry of Finance established the NDIC, adding that ‘they have come to ‘teach us how to earn money, and be prudent in using our money and using it wisely.’

Meanwhile, Onwuegbuakuko Paul Chinonso, a student of Brainy Polymaths International School and others expressed their happiness over what they learned, saying, ‘we are going to practise them and teach others too’.