Category: Business Day

Chocolate City Group has launched a $1 million Founders Fund targeting Nigeria’s creative startups at its 20th anniversary celebration.

Minister Hannatu Musa Musawa of the Federal Ministry of Arts, Culture, Tourism, and Creative Economy officially launched the fund before 500 creative industry stakeholders, international partners, and media representatives.

The fund will provide equity investment and operational mentorship to early-stage companies across music, film, and creative technology.

The initiative comes as Nigeria’s creative economy is projected to reach $15 billion in value by 2025, yet entrepreneurs continue to struggle accessing traditional financing.

Co-founders Audu Maikori and Paul Okeugo, both celebrating their 50th birthdays, structured the fund to address gaps they experienced building Chocolate City into one of Africa’s few successful independent entertainment companies.

‘The reality on ground is that financial institutions struggle to understand creative businesses. Investors want immediate returns, so young entrepreneurs with genuine potential get stuck,’ said Audu Maikori, Chairman of Chocolate City Group.

‘To solve this, we’re providing patient capital from people who’ve built sustainable creative businesses in this market. The fund targets companies that combine creative vision with business discipline.’

Paul Okeugo, Vice-Chairman, emphasised the operational support model.

‘Capital alone doesn’t build successful companies. We’re offering hands-on mentorship in rights management, contract negotiation, and sustainable business practices. These are the structures that allowed us to remain independent while competing globally.’

Minister Musawa welcomed the initiative. ‘Private sector investment is critical for creative economy development. Nigeria’s creative industries can contribute significantly to economic diversification and youth employment, but entrepreneurs need partners who understand both the creative and business dimensions. This fund demonstrates the leadership we need from successful Nigerian companies.’

Co-Creation Hub (CCHub), Africa’s leading creative ecosystem enabler, will serve as the programme and implementation partner for the fund, managing applications, due diligence, and ongoing portfolio support.

Ojoma Ochai, Managing Director of CCHub, outlined the partnership approach. ‘We understand what creative entrepreneurs need to scale sustainably. This partnership combines Chocolate City’s industry knowledge with our startup development infrastructure to create comprehensive support for creative entrepreneurs.’

Gbenga Hassan, Managing Partner of Argentil Capital Management Limited, described the investment thesis. ‘Nigeria’s creative economy shows strong fundamentals with 63 percent annual growth in music streaming revenue and increasing global market penetration. Nollywood alone produces over 2,500 films annually, making it the world’s second-largest film industry by volume, yet struggles to access structured financing.

‘The Founders Fund addresses this real market inefficiency where viable businesses in both music and film cannot access appropriate financing.’

Chocolate City has developed artists including M.I. Abaga, Ice Prince, CKay, Blaqbonez, and Young Jonn while maintaining operational independence and securing strategic partnerships with Warner Music.

Fund applications open later this month, targeting startups and companies with demonstrated traction, clear business models, and potential for job creation. Selection criteria prioritise sustainability over rapid scale, reflecting the founders’ two-decade experience building profitable creative businesses in emerging markets.

In a country where leadership should ideally embody integrity and honour, recent events have cast a troubling light on the moral compass guiding Nigeria’s public sphere.

The certificate forgery scandal involving Uche Nnaji, the ex-minister of innovation, science and technology is not an isolated lapse, it is a symptom of a deeper cultural decay.

As the country reels from yet another betrayal of trust, it becomes clear that the issue transcends one man. Nigeria appears to be entrenching a tradition where immoral values are not only tolerated but normalised, raising critical questions about accountability, societal values, and the future of ethical governance.

Right from primary schools, many pupils are engaged in examination malpractice, in some cases backed by their parents and teachers; thereby authenticating certificate racketeering and cheating as a moral value.

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission report indicated that between 2015 to 2018 not less than 721 members of staff of six federal government agencies secured employment using forged academic certificates.

The agencies affected are Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps, Nigeria Immigration Service, Nigeria Prisons Service, Pension Transition Arrangement Department, Federal Fire Service and National Identity Management Commission.

Certificate forgery may not be new in Nigeria but it took a frightening dimension since the restoration of civil rule in 1999 as desperate politicians across the nation seek quick and illegal avenues to upgrade their academic inadequacies while aspiring for public offices.

Many who venture into this immoral act are led by the desperation to make ends meet.

In a country with high unemployment rates and limited opportunities, a forged certificate can be seen as a way to escape poverty and improve one’s life chances.

Friday Erhabor, the director of media and strategies at Marklenez Limited said the nefarious act thrives because of lack of political will to enforce laws prevalent in the system.

‘The major problem in Nigeria is not lack of laws, but the political will to enforce our laws. As it is with traffic laws, electoral laws, anti-corruption laws, that’s how it is with certificate forgery.

‘When laws are not enforced, it embolden criminals to commit more crimes. But once someone is caught for forging certificate and the person is arraigned and convicted, it sent strong message to other criminals,’ he said.

Imagine a country, where even candidates for presidential office struggle to present original certificate. In fact, Nigerians have adopted a detrimental attitude to certificate forgery among politicians to the extent of insisting that it does not matter if one has a genuine certificate, provided he or she is from our tribe, he is the best.

Nigeria has had a president without a proven certificate, and his leadership quality was there for all to see; because a man cannot give with what he does not have.

Christian Agu, a parent, sees the surging instances of certificate forgery as fueled by the unhealthy emphasises placed on certificates qualification in Nigeria.

‘A student is expected to obtain a credit pass in five subjects including English Language and Mathematics to be admitted in universities, and even in some institutions, this must come in one sitting.

‘At employment cadre, especially with the civil service, little or no attention is given to what one can do, but the credentials. That’s why we have degree holders that can’t construct a good sentence,’ he said.

This culture of immoral values can be said to have fueled the instance where some NYSC candidates were delisted for allegedly forged called-up letters.

Curbing the menace

Experts believe the way Nigeria can curb the menace of certificate forgery is to put in place a strict verification, transparency, and institutional reform.

Gift Osikoya, a teacher, said there is a need for the government to ensure that all appointments, from ministers to local officials, go through an independent and digital certificate verification process.

‘There should be public access to the credentials of public officials should encourage accountability and build trust. Besides, the government should strengthen penalties for forgery and enforce them without bias or political influence.

‘The government should encourage tertiary institutions to fully digitise students’ records and certificates, to make forgery nearly impossible,’ she said.

Erhabor said the DSS should be made to screen nominated ministers and authenticate their claims.

‘Certificates of appointed government agencies and top political posts must have their certificates properly verified before they assume office. One day, somebody with a forged certificate can become our CBN governor,’ he said.

A new player is emerging in Africa’s growing beauty-tech space. Dorasilk, founded by entrepreneur Onaopemipo Monica Akintunde, has unveiled what it calls the first Wig Revamp Ritual System, a structured care process designed specifically for wigs and donor hair.

Positioned at the intersection of science and beauty, Dorasilk’s approach applies technology and research to a segment often overlooked in the wider hair care industry. The system aims to help users maintain the quality, texture, and lifespan of their premium hairpieces.

‘We’re merging African beauty traditions with modern cosmetic science to create a new experience for women who invest in quality hair,’ Onaopemipo said. ‘Dorasilk is built on research and a commitment to make luxury care more accessible.’

According to market data, Africa’s wig and hair extension industry is valued at over $6 billion and continues to grow rapidly. Dorasilk’s patent-pending ritual system, registered with the UK Intellectual Property Office (UKIPO), positions it among the few beauty brands in the region focused on innovation-led formulation and user education.

Onaopemipo, who launched the brand after years of frustration with limited wig care solutions, says her experience as both a consumer and researcher shaped Dorasilk’s creation. The company is headquartered in Abuja, which she describes as ‘a rising hub for African beauty innovation.

Dorasilk is currently raising $2 million in growth capital to support restocking, research and development, marketing, and distribution. The company says the funds will enable it to meet early demand, advance its proprietary complexes, and expand access across key African cities.

The brand has attracted significant early interest, with hundreds joining its waitlist within weeks of pre-launch. Dorasilk’s first retail collection is expected to roll out by November 2025.

Dorasilk is a beauty-tech company based in Abuja, Nigeria, developing technology-powered rituals for wigs and donor hair. The brand combines research, formulation science, and accessible luxury to create structured systems for hair maintenance and longevity.

When we talk about crisis preparedness, we often think about water, flashlights, and first aid kits. But what about the specific things that keep girls safe, informed, and empowered when everything falls apart?

International Day of the Girl Child, observed every October 11th, highlights the unique challenges girls face worldwide-and this year’s theme, ‘The girl I am, the change I lead: Girls on the frontlines of crisis’, hits differently when you realize how unprepared most communities are for girls’ specific needs during crisis. Whether it is climate disasters, conflict, or sudden attacks, girls are not just surviving these moments, they are leading through them. But they need the right tools first.

Here is what every girl deserves to have in place before a crisis hits.

A trusted adult outside your household

Natural disasters and emergencies can separate families in an instant. Every girl should have at least one trusted adult-an aunt, teacher, family friend, or mentor-who knows her well and lives in a different location. Exchange contact information, discuss emergency meeting points, and make sure this person knows they are your backup. It is not paranoia; it is having a safety net when you need it most.

Basic financial literacy

Money talks, especially in a crisis. Understanding how to budget, save, and manage resources is not just adult stuff, it is survival. Keep a small emergency fund if possible, even if it is just ?100 hidden safely on a daily basis. Know where important financial documents are stored. If you are old enough, have your own bank account. When systems fail, girls with financial knowledge can help their families make critical decisions.

Menstrual products (and knowledge about alternatives)

Period poverty becomes a crisis within a crisis. Stock up on menstrual products as part of your emergency kit, but also learn about reusable options like menstrual cups or period underwear that do not rely on supply chains. Know how to improvise safely if needed. Your period does not pause for emergencies, and you should not have to sacrifice dignity or health because no one thought to include this in disaster planning.

A network of peers who have your back

Your friends are not just for fun, they are your crisis response team. Build genuine connections with other girls and young people in your community. Exchange multiple ways to contact each other beyond social media. During emergencies, peer networks often mobilize faster than official systems. Girls who organize together protect each other, share resources, and create solutions that adults might overlook.

Self-defense skills and body autonomy knowledge

Unfortunately, crises can increase risks of violence and exploitation. Every girl deserves basic self-defense training and a deep understanding of bodily autonomy. Know that you have the right to say no, to set boundaries, and to ask for help. Recognize warning signs of unsafe situations. Understand that your safety matters, and seeking protection is not weakness.

Essential documents (copies and digital backups)

Identity documents, medical records, school certificates, these pieces of paper prove who you are and open doors when you are rebuilding. Make copies of everything important and store them separately from originals. Take photos of documents and save them in a password-protected cloud account. Girls without documentation become invisible in humanitarian systems, losing access to education, healthcare, and protection.

Basic medical knowledge

Know your blood type, allergies, and any medical conditions. Learn CPR and basic first aid. Keep a small kit with any prescription medications, glasses, or specific health supplies you need. If you manage a chronic condition, or need mental health support, have at least a week’s supply of whatever keeps you functioning. Medical systems collapse quickly in disasters, and girls are often last in line for care.

Practical skills that do not require electricity

Can you start a fire safely? Cook without modern appliances? These are not old-fashioned skills, they are crisis essentials. Learn basic repairs, knot-tying, food preservation, and other practical knowledge. Girls with these skills become community leaders during emergencies, not dependents waiting for rescue.

Voice and permission to use it

This might be the most important thing on the list. Practice speaking up in normal times so you can do it when stakes are high. Know that your ideas matter, your concerns are valid, and your leadership is valuable. Too many emergency responses ignore girls completely. Don’t wait for someone to ask your opinion-offer it. Your perspective as a young person experiencing the crisis firsthand is exactly what response teams need to hear.

The Yoruba Studies Association of Nigeria (YSAN) has conferred an Honorary Fellowship Award on Olatunde Isaac (Honoris Causa), marking a historic milestone as one of the first-ever Honorary Fellowships to be bestowed in the Association’s over five-decade history.

Another recipient of the Honorary Fellowship Award is Alagba Alao Adedayo, publisher of Alaroye Newspaper, a leading Yoruba-language publication.

The Fellowship Award was also conferred on Emeritus Professor Ayo Bamgbose, a renowned linguist and Fellow of the Nigerian Academy of Letters; Professor Oladele Awobuluyi, former Acting Vice-Chancellor of Adekunle Ajasin University; and distinguished scholars including Professor Oluyemisi Adebowale, Professor Adebisi Ogunsina, Professor Duro Adeleke, Professor Jibola Abiodun, and Professor Adedotun Ogundeji.

The historic award, presented during YSAN’s Annual Conference in Ilorin, celebrates Dr. Olatunde’s exceptional contributions to the promotion of Yoruba language, culture, and scholarship.

Founded in 1970, YSAN remains Nigeria’s foremost scholarly body committed to the study, preservation, and advancement of Yoruba language, literature, and culture. This year’s ceremony marked a significant moment in its legacy as it honored individuals who have bridged traditional scholarship with modern innovation.

A respected scholar, community leader, and Wikimedia advocate, Olatunde Isaac was recognized for his pioneering efforts in Yoruba language revitalization through research, digital documentation, and community engagement.

As a leading figure in the Yoruba Wikimedia community, he has spearheaded initiatives expanding access to free knowledge in Yoruba, significantly contributing to the growth and visibility of the Yoruba Wikipedia, one of Africa’s most-read small-language Wikipedias.

In his remarks, YSAN President, Olumuyiwa Temitope, who also serves as Dean, Faculty of Arts, Adekunle Ajasin University, described the recognition as an acknowledgement of Isaac’s trailblazing role in Yoruba language promotion, noting that, ‘Olatunde Isaac stands out for bridging the gap between academia, technology, and cultural heritage.’

While receiving the award, Olatunde expressed heartfelt gratitude, dedicating the honour to volunteers contributing to Yoruba Wikipedia and other Wikimedia projects. ‘This award is not just a personal achievement but a call to do more for our language, our people, and our shared heritage,’ he stated, reaffirming his commitment to advancing research, partnerships, and mentorship for young Yoruba scholars.

The conference also featured scholarly paper presentations, cultural displays, and panel discussions on strengthening indigenous language education and research in Nigeria.

With this honor, Olatunde Isaac joins the ranks of YSAN’s first-ever Honorary Fellows, a recognition that underscores his exceptional contributions to Yoruba language promotion and cultural advancement.

Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have killed nine Boko Haram terrorists and recovered more than N5 million during separate counter-terrorism operations in Magumeri and Gajiram areas of Borno State.

In a statement issued by Sani Uba, Lieutenant Colonel, Media Information Officer Joint Task Force, North East Operation Hadin Kai to newsmen in Maiduguri on Saturday.

According to military sources, the operations were conducted on October 10 following intelligence reports about terrorist movements around Goni Dunari in Magumeri Local Government Area.

The insurgents, reportedly moving in two vehicles with 24 fighters on foot, were said to be setting houses on fire and threatening residents in the area.

‘In continuation of ongoing counter-terrorism operations in the North East, troops of Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) conducted a successful fighting patrol in response to credible intelligence on the movement of Boko Haram terrorists around Goni Dunari in Magumeri LGA of Borno State on 10 October 2025.

‘The terrorists, reportedly moving on 2 vehicles and 24 foot fighters, were observed setting houses ablaze and terrorising locals. Acting swiftly, own troops launched an aggressive fighting patrol to intercept the threat.

‘As troops advanced towards the objective, the terrorists attempted to flee towards Damjiyakiri village. Vehicle-borne fighters dispersed to an unknown location, while foot fighters were pursued over a distance of approximately 92 km.

‘After about 4 hours of tactical pursuit, troops established contact with the fleeing terrorists. A frontal attack was immediately launched, and troops engaged the terrorists with a heavy barrage of fire, resulting in the neutralization of 5 terrorists, while the remaining 19 dispersed in disarray. Some were wounded as blood trails were observed at the contact scene.

‘Items recovered from the engagement include: 1 x AK-47 rifle (Reg. No. 06798),

5 x Magazines (3 empty, 2 loaded),

31 x 7.62mm rounds, 1 x Itel mobile phone, and 1 x Dagger. ‘Notably, no casualties or equipment losses were recorded by OPHK troops during the operation.’

In a similar development along the Gajiram – Bolori – Mile 40 – Gajiganna axis, troops mounted on motorcycles, engaged Boko Haram fighters near Zundur village.

During the firefight, 4 terrorists were neutralized, while others dispersed into surrounding bush. Troops also successfully rescued Mr. Modu Kinnami (55 years old) and Mr. Bukar (57 years old), both from Guzamala, along with a sack containing Seven Hundred and Fifty Thousand Naira (N750,000). Preliminary investigations revealed that Boko Haram fighters had demanded a ransom of Two Million Naira (N2,000,000) and 2 new Tecno button phones for the release of the captives brother.

Troops recovered the following items from the terrorists: 1 x Blue pickup vehicle (Reg No: GUB 327 XA), 2 x New Tecno button phones, 1 x Jerrycan containing 30 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS). A total sum of Four Million, Three Hundred and Fifty-Five Thousand Naira (N4,355,000).

Further operations are ongoing in all fronts to maintain pressure on the terrorists and deny them freedom of movement.

Industry leaders and government representatives have urged young innovators to transform their clean-energy ideas into scalable, sustainable businesses capable of driving Africa’s transition to a green economy.

The call came as the Consumer Advocacy and Empowerment Foundation (CADEF) and Jacob’s Ladder Africa (JLA) celebrated the graduation of the inaugural cohort of the GreenLabs Renewable Energy Innovation Challenge in Lagos.

Prof. Chiso Ndukwe-Okafor, executive director, CADEF, while delivering her keynote address, praised the graduates for their creativity and commitment to building sustainable solutions that address Nigeria’s energy and environmental challenges.

‘This embodies my vision of a Nigeria where we become producers, not just consumers; innovators, not imitators. We must go beyond the narrative and become the narrative leading innovation that drives sustainable growth across our country’, Ndukwe-Okafor said.

She announced that applications for Cohort 2 of the GreenLabs Innovation Challenge Incubator will soon open under the theme ‘Food Systems – Green Energy, Green Economy, and Food Security.’

Engr. (Mrs.) Ibilola Olufolake Kasunmu, the permanent secretary of the Lagos State Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology, congratulated the graduates for their creativity and encouraged them to keep developing technologies that support Lagos State’s green economy and smart city agenda.

‘Your contributions are vital to Lagos’ vision of becoming a smart, energy-efficient city,’ Kasunmu, who was represented by Engr. Kanike Ahmed Abayomi, assistant director, engineering and IT infrastructure unit, affirmed.

Mrs. Sorun Sayo Olohejeveri, deputy director, Lagos state Ministry of Youth and Social Development, delivered the goodwill message of Pharm. (Mrs.) Toyin Oke-Osanyintolu, the permanent secretary. Oke-Osanyintolu commended the graduates’ commitment to mastering renewable-energy skills and positioning themselves as leaders in Nigeria’s sustainable future.

‘Renewable energy is not just beneficial, it is essential,’ she said, assuring participants of the Ministry’s continued support in fostering youth-driven innovation and entrepreneurship. In her remarks, Sellah Bogonko, co-founder and chief executive officer of Jacob’s Ladder Africa (JLA), hailed the graduates as pioneers of Africa’s green future.

‘Africa’s greatest resource is its people especially its young innovators. What we are seeing here today is not just a graduation; it is a movement of young Africans designing the future of clean energy and sustainability,’ Bogonko said.

She reaffirmed JLA’s commitment to scaling the GreenLabs model across Africa, empowering youth to transform ideas into sustainable businesses that drive green growth and climate resilience.

Adding a private-sector perspective, Mr. Olufunsho Peters, chief executive officer of Infinion Technologies Limited, delivered a deeply inspiring address that resonated with the young entrepreneurs. He described the graduates as energy architects with the potential to reshape Nigeria’s renewable-energy landscape, urging them to approach their next phase with innovation, resilience, and agility.

‘Your graduation today is not an ending, it’s the beginning of a new sprint. Every business must evolve. Keep innovating, because the market will catch up faster than you expect,’ Peters said.

Reflecting on his own entrepreneurial journey, Peters shared how starting a tech business in Lagos years ago without structured incubation or mentorship came with daunting challenges, from limited funding and infrastructure to a lack of business guidance. He explained that initiatives like GreenLabs are now bridging those gaps by providing mentorship, exposure, and access to networks that help startups succeed faster and smarter.

‘What you have today, the structure, mentorship, and support are game changers. Use them well. Technology and innovation will keep redefining industries. The ability to adapt, reinvent, and collaborate will determine who leads the future,’ he advised.

Peters encouraged the graduates to embrace lifelong learning and to use technology as a tool for solving Africa’s most pressing energy and development challenges. ‘Don’t wait for ideal conditions. Innovation thrives on imperfection. Build, fail fast, learn faster, and keep pushing boundaries,’ he added.

Joe Biden, former United States president has begun radiation therapy as part of treatment for prostate cancer, his office confirmed on Saturday.

Biden, 82, was diagnosed in May with what doctors described as an ‘aggressive’ form of the disease that had already spread to his bones. The diagnosis followed medical tests after he reported urinary symptoms earlier in the year. Kelly Scully, his media aide, said the former president is ‘undergoing radiation therapy and hormone treatment as part of a comprehensive plan for prostate cancer care.’ The radiation therapy is expected to last about five weeks, according to reports by NBC News.

In May, Biden’s office revealed that he had been diagnosed with prostate cancer ‘characterised by a Gleason score of nine (Grade Group 5) with metastasis to the bone.’ A Gleason score of nine indicates a high-grade form of cancer, meaning the cells are more likely to grow and spread quickly.

Despite the seriousness of the diagnosis, doctors noted that Biden’s cancer is hormone-sensitive-meaning it can respond well to hormone therapy designed to slow its growth. Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers among men, particularly older men. According to the American Cancer Society, about one in eight men will develop prostate cancer during their lifetime, while the US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that 13 out of every 100 men will be diagnosed at some point.

Biden’s medical history includes several other health challenges in recent years. Last month, he underwent Mohs surgery to remove cancerous cells from his skin. In February 2023, doctors removed a small lesion from his chest that was identified as basal cell carcinoma-a common and typically non-aggressive form of skin cancer. Earlier, in 2021, he had a benign but potentially pre-cancerous polyp removed from his colon. The former president, who turns 83 next month, left office in January as the oldest person ever to serve as US president. Concerns about his health and age were a recurring issue during his first term,

eventually prompting him to end his re-election campaign earlier this year. His former vice-president, Kamala Harris, went on to represent the Democratic Party in the presidential race but lost to Donald Trump, the current US president.

Biden has long made cancer research one of his defining causes. In 2022, he and his wife, Jill Biden, relaunched the ‘Cancer Moonshot’ initiative, an ambitious programme aimed at cutting the cancer death rate in half over 25 years and preventing more than four million deaths by 2047.

His commitment to the cause is deeply personal. In 2015, Biden lost his eldest son, Beau Biden, to brain cancer-a tragedy that profoundly shaped his outlook on public service and medical research.

Speaking shortly after his own diagnosis earlier this year, Biden reflected on the shared experience of illness, saying, ‘Cancer touches us all.’

In recent months, the former president has kept a low public profile as he continues treatment and recovery.

Prostate cancer primarily affects older men, with research suggesting that up to 80 percent of men over the age of 80 may have cancerous cells in the prostate gland-though many cases remain slow-growing and harmless.

Medical experts stress that early detection and access to advanced treatment options like radiation and hormone therapy can significantly improve outcomes, even in high-grade cases like Biden’s.

While the coming weeks of treatment will likely be demanding, doctors say the combination of radiation and hormone therapy remains a proven, effective approach for managing prostate cancer, especially when caught before it becomes resistant to treatment.

The federal government has taken a step toward transforming classroom learning with the launch of the Digitalisation of Public Schools Initiative and the nationwide distribution of Interactive Smart Boards to public schools.

According to a statement signed by Boriowo Folasade, director, press and public relations, ministry of education, the initiative was unveiled by Maruf Tunji Alausa, minister of education, at Queen’s College, Lagos.

Speaking at the launch, Alausa, described the initiative as a bold declaration that Nigeria is ready to embrace the future of learning. He emphasised that the project represents more than a technological milestone; it is a transformation of how teaching and learning will be experienced in Nigerian classrooms.

‘The shift from chalkboards to smart boards represents a transition from traditional directional learning to dynamic, interactive, and technology-enabled classrooms.

‘Every child, regardless of background or location, will now have access to modern, quality education that prepares them for the knowledge-driven global economy,’ he stated.

The minister highlighted several federal initiatives that complement this transformation, including the Nigeria Education Data Initiative (NEDI) for evidence-based planning, the Nigeria Education Repository and Databank (NERD) for certificate authentication, and the $40 million Blueprint-ICT-Dev Project with the Agence Française de Développement (AFD) to strengthen ICT infrastructure in 10 universities and expand hybrid learning.

He added that through the Universal Basic Education Commission UBEC, the Ministry is ensuring that the benefits of digital education extend to basic and secondary levels, with broadband connectivity, teacher training, and the distribution of digital tools across all states.

‘Through initiatives such as the National EdTech Strategy, digital literacy training for teachers and learners, and the integration of Artificial Intelligence and robotics into our curriculum, we are building an education system that meets the demands of the digital economy,’ he said.

In her remarks, Aisha Garba, executive secretary of UBEC, reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to ensuring that technology serves as an enabler of inclusive and equitable education.

She explained that the Commission is leading efforts to digitalize teaching and learning across basic schools nationwide. ‘Interactive Smart Boards will transform the classroom experience by making lessons dynamic, visual, and participatory. Teachers will integrate multimedia content, while students will engage through touch and interaction, making learning a true experience of discovery,’ she noted.

She further outlined UBEC’s ongoing interventions, including the distribution of over 60,000 tablets to teachers under the BESDA-AF project, collaboration with NITDA to develop a Digital Literacy Curriculum, and establishment of Digital Learning Centres across all geopolitical zones.

She also mentioned the creation of a Department for Data and AI in Education and the upgrading of the UBEC Digital Resource Centre in Abuja into a national hub for digital content development and teacher support.

Also speaking, Hakeem Babatunde Shittu, chairman of Lagos State SUBEB commended the Federal Ministry of Education and UBEC for their proactive partnership with state governments, describing the initiative as a landmark step in aligning national and sub-national efforts to bridge the digital divide.

He noted that Lagos State’s existing Innovate Eko STEAM Programme provides a strong foundation for this collaboration, which will further strengthen digital learning infrastructure nationwide.

On her part, Obabori, principal of Queen’s College, Lagos, expressed appreciation to the Federal Government, UBEC, and all partners for their leadership and vision in championing this transformation.

She commended teachers and students for their enthusiasm in embracing the new digital tools and urged continued collaboration to ensure sustainability and impact.

‘The digitalisation of public schools represents the government’s enduring commitment to innovation, data-driven education, and social inclusion not just an initiative but a new era in Nigerian education, one that promises renewed hope for every student, empowered teachers, and stronger institutions ready to drive national development,’ the statement read.

Nigeria’s U17 girls, the Flamingos, saw their impressive 10-game unbeaten streak ended on Saturday night in Casablanca with a 4-3 defeat to New Zealand in a thrilling friendly encounter ahead of the 2025 FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco.

Despite the defeat, their first in 11 tune-up games, the Flamingos produced a spirited performance, showing attacking flair and resilience that will serve them well when the tournament begins later this month.

Nigeria made a bright start, earning an early corner and dominating possession. Captain Shakirat Moshood was lively in attack, while goalkeeper Elizabeth Boniface made a crucial early save to deny New Zealand a free kick.

Their early pressure paid off in the 13th minute when Queen Joseph opened the scoring with a composed finish after a well-timed through ball.

New Zealand responded in the 25th minute through Laura Bennett, who became the first player to score against Nigeria in their preparatory matches.

Though the Kiwis briefly thought they had taken the lead, their second strike was ruled offside. Moshood then restored Nigeria’s advantage with a brilliant long-range goal in the 42nd minute, sending the team into halftime 2-1 ahead.

The second half was end-to-end. Joseph almost made it 3-1 but struck the post before Bennett equalised again in the 55th minute.

She completed her hat-trick in the 74th minute to put New Zealand 3-2 in front, but Nigeria quickly levelled through Ayo’s powerful effort from distance.

However, just as the Flamingos looked to be back in control, Candy Sienna scored a stunning winner in the 80th minute to give the Kiwis victory. Nigeria created several late chances but couldn’t find the equaliser.

The Nigerian side will next face Paraguay in another warm-up game before heading to Rabat for the World Cup.