Category: Nigerian Tribune

The good news is that you do not have to spend a fortune to learn the skill. Several reputable organisations offer free prompt engineering courses, and some provide certificates that can strengthen your CV and LinkedIn profile.

In this article, Tribune Online highlights free AI prompt engineering certification courses worth considering.

Google prompting essentials

Google’s Prompting Essentials is designed for beginners who want to learn how to communicate effectively with AI tools. The course explains how to write better prompts, refine AI-generated responses and use generative AI to improve productivity at work. Learners who complete the programme receive a certificate that can be added to their professional profile.

Microsoft AI skills fest

Microsoft offers free AI training through its AI Skills Fest and the Microsoft Learn platform. The courses cover topics such as generative AI, prompt engineering, responsible AI and Microsoft Copilot. Some learning paths award badges or certificates after completion.

AWS Educate

Amazon Web Services (AWS) provides free AI learning materials through AWS Educate. Learners can explore the basics of generative AI, prompt engineering , cloud computing and machine learning while earning digital badges for selected courses. The platform is suitable for students and beginners who want to build cloud and AI skills.

IBM SkillsBuild

IBM SkillsBuild provides free online courses on artificial intelligence , including prompt engineering and generative AI. The platform is designed for students, job seekers and professionals who want practical digital skills. Many of the courses come with free digital credentials after successful completion.

LinkedIn Learning

LinkedIn Learning occasionally offers free access to selected AI and prompt engineering courses during promotional periods or through trial access. Completing these courses can help to demonstrate continuous learning and improve your professional profile.

OpenAI Academy

OpenAI Academy provides learning resources, webinars and training materials to help users understand AI tools and use them effectively. While offerings may vary, it is a useful platform for anyone looking to improve their AI knowledge using resources from the company behind ChatGPT.

Learn Prompting

Learn Prompting is a free, open-source educational platform dedicated to prompt engineering. It covers prompt-writing techniques, prompt security, AI safety and practical examples for beginners and advanced users. It is widely used by learners who want a deeper understanding of prompt engineering.

The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has foiled an attempted theft at its 330/132kV transmission substation in Bauchi on Friday, 24 July 2026, at about 9:34 p.m.

Security personnel at the substation intercepted suspected vandals attempting to remove critical tower members, but the suspects fled the scene after sighting the guards.

An inspection of the area led to the recovery of 12 transmission tower angle irons, one heavy-duty metal measuring scale and a white pickup truck believed to have been used in the operation.

The recovered items and the vehicle have been handed over to the Railway Division Police Station, Bauchi, for further investigation.

No equipment was carted away, and no injuries were recorded during the incident.

TCN commended the prompt response of its security team, whose vigilance prevented the theft of or damage to critical transmission infrastructure.

TCN reiterated the need for host communities to report suspicious activities around power installations to security agencies or the nearest TCN office.

This was contained in a statement signed by Ndidi Mbah, General Manager, Public Affairs, and made available to journalists on Monday.

As part of the move to ensure a coherent contest in the 2027 general elections, the Reconciliation Committee of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) for Bauchi, on Monday, commenced its assignment by meeting with all aspirants who contested for tickets of the National Assembly in the last primaries of the party.

The meeting is aimed at consolidating the party as one entity ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The engagement, held at the APC State Secretariat in Bauchi, was chaired by the Committee Chairman and former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Yakubu Dogara.

The meeting focused on healing wounds, removing divisions, fostering mutual respect, and presenting a united front capable of delivering victory for the party at the polls, in order to avoid a repeat of 2019 and 2023.

While addressing the aspirants, Yakubu Dogara called for setting aside every personal interest in the overall interest of the party.

He also urged all those who aspired for the National Assembly tickets but could not get one to bury their differences, embrace reconciliation, and rally behind whoever emerged as the party’s candidate through a transparent process.

According to him, the strength of the APC in Bauchi lies in cohesion, stressing that the time to close ranks is now.

The Committee noted that the meeting with NASS aspirants was part of a broader reconciliation drive across the state.

A similar engagement had earlier been held with aspirants for the State House of Assembly, where the same message of unity, discipline, and commitment to collective goals was emphasized.

The aim, the Committee said, is to ensure that no aggrieved stakeholder is left behind as the party prepares for the electoral contest.

The session drew key party stakeholders including the Bauchi State APC Chairman, Alhaji Mohammed Hassan Tilde, Senator Salisu Matori, State Secretary, Aminu Na’iya, and former Federal Lawmaker, Malam Ahmed Yarima.

Also in attendance were former Speakers Hon. Yahaya Miya, Hon. Kawuwa Shehu Damina, and Hon. Abdulmumini Kudak, alongside other leaders and stakeholders from across the state.

With the renewed push for reconciliation, the APC in Bauchi State is signaling its readiness to approach the elections as one family.

The Committee expressed confidence that the spirit of dialogue and compromise witnessed at the meeting will translate into stronger mobilisation, better coordination, and ultimately, victory for the party across all elective positions in the state.

Big Brother Naija Season 11 housemate, Abisola Ayoola, popularly called Abi, has revealed that her husband initially opposed her decision to participate in the reality television show.

Speaking during her introduction with the show’s host, Ebuka Obi-Uchendu, on Sunday, the Osun State-born chef and model said her husband questioned her decision to enter the Big Brother house and was reluctant to support the move.

Abi said; ‘When my husband heard I was coming to the show, he actually fought with me, asking what I was going to do there. Initially, he didn’t support me’.

However, moments after her introduction, her husband, identified as Alex Salgarella, appeared in a video that has since gone viral on X, enthusiastically cheering her on.

‘Oh my God, my wife! Oh my God! Oh my God, I love you, baby! I love you, baby! Oh my God, yes! I love you! Go, baby! Go, go, go, go!’ he exclaimed.

Abi said her husband has since embraced her decision and is now fully supportive of her participation in the competition.

‘He was a bit nervous in the beginning, but now he’s fine. I’m just going to have fun, the way I always do,’ she said.

The married housemate added that she intends to enjoy the experience, maximise the opportunities the platform offers and make the most of her stay in the Big Brother Naija house.

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has vowed to clamp down on illegal car racing in residential neighbourhoods across Abuja, warning that such activities pose a significant threat to public safety and the lives of innocent citizens.

Speaking with journalists during a routine project inspection on Monday, Wike acknowledged that while the newly constructed and smooth road networks across the capital territory had attracted praise, motorists and thrill-seekers must not convert residential streets into racing tracks.

Addressing reports of reckless driving and organised street racing in residential areas, the minister emphasised that civic rights have limits when public safety is compromised.

‘First of all, they are trying to show how beautiful the roads are, but then they forget there are aspects of it that also pose danger to innocent citizens.

‘I appeal to them to understand that their rights have limitations, and life is more important,’ he stated.

While noting that the administration had not yet received a formal written petition regarding specific locations, Wike assured residents that immediate action would be taken through internal enforcement channels.

The minister promised to engage the FCT Traffic Management Department to enforce compliance.

He reiterated that high-speed car racing in residential neighbourhoods would be strictly prohibited.

According to him, motorsport enthusiasts must restrict speed events to designated motorsport tracks or approved non-residential areas.

‘Rest assured that we will do everything possible to see that we don’t allow car racing within residential areas.

‘But if it is on the highway, well, we will not stop,’ Wike added.

The FCT Administration is expected to coordinate with law enforcement and traffic regulatory bodies in the coming days to increase patrols and monitor high-risk zones across residential districts.

Kogi State Polytechnic, Lokoja, has suspended seven lecturers over alleged misconduct amid fresh allegations of sexual harassment, cult activities and other disciplinary concerns raised by students.

The allegations have stirred anxiety within the institution, coming months after the appointment of a new rector.

Some female students, who spoke separately on condition of anonymity, alleged that disciplinary measures put in place under the immediate past Rector, Prof. Salisu Usman, had weakened, allowing practices such as sex-for-marks and other misconduct to resurface.

They claimed that some lecturers demand sexual favours or money from female students in exchange for grades or protection from academic failure.

According to the students, two lecturers from the Public Administration and Graphics Design departments allegedly demanded between ?70,000 and ?80,000 from female students and threatened to fail those who refused to comply.

One student alleged that a lecturer instructed a female student to book and pay for a hotel room before a scheduled meeting.

The student claimed that after reporting the incident to a management official, she faced intimidation instead of receiving protection or seeing disciplinary action initiated.

‘The disciplinary structure has collapsed. Corrupt lecturers are getting emboldened while female students are suffering in silence for fear of rustication,’ one of the students told NAN.

Another student also claimed that cult-related activities had resurfaced on campus, alleging that suspected cult members held a meeting near a female hostel between 2am and 3am about two weeks ago.

According to her, security personnel reported the incident to the management, but no action had been taken against those allegedly involved.

The students further complained about the alleged abandonment of the institution’s dress code and compulsory identity card policy, as well as the reported return of banned handout sales.

They also expressed concerns over a reported increase of more than 200 per cent in school fees, saying it had worsened the financial burden on students.

The students appealed to Governor Usman Ododo to intervene, alleging that discipline and academic standards in the institution had deteriorated.

Responding to the allegations, the Polytechnic said disciplinary action had already commenced against lecturers found to have violated institutional regulations.

The institution’s Public Relations Officer, Mr. John Onimisi, confirmed that six lecturers were suspended on Wednesday over the alleged unauthorised sale of handouts and textbooks.

He also disclosed that another lecturer had been suspended over an allegation of sexual harassment.

‘The disciplinary committee of the Polytechnic is already investigating the allegations and the outcome will be made available to journalists,’ Onimisi said.

However, he did not comment on the allegations of renewed cult activities on campus.

The development has prompted renewed calls by students and parents for transparent investigations, stronger disciplinary measures and sustained efforts to ensure a safe and conducive learning environment.

THE Ajilo Campaign Organisation has slammed a politically inclined group, The Ham Volunteers, for asking Dr Michael Akintomide Ajilo to stop parading himself as the House of Representatives candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), for Ondo East/West Federal Constituency in the 2027 general elections.

The organisation, in a statement made available to journalists, described the call as unnecessary and without legal or political consequence.

It noted that, political declarations and media statements do not determine the status of a party’s candidate, adding that such matters are governed by the decisions of the appropriate organs of the party and the applicable provisions of the law.

The statement reads: ‘For the avoidance of doubt, Dr. Michael Akintomide Ajilo, remains confident in the legitimacy of his position and will continue to conduct himself with dignity, respect for party supremacy and unwavering commitment to the people of Ondo East/West Federal Constituency.

‘We also categorically deny the allegation that Dr. Ajilo or anyone acting on his behalf has attempted to influence any individual through financial inducement. Such allegations are baseless and those making them should present credible evidence or refrain from circulating unsubstantiated claims capable of misleading the public and creating unnecessary tension within the party.’

The Ajilo Campaign Organisation, noted that Dr Ajilo, remains focused on engaging party members, promoting unity and preparing for the tasks ahead rather than being distracted by exchanges in the media. His priority is to strengthen the APC and work with all stakeholders in the collective interest of the party and the people of Ondo Kingdom.

‘We, therefore, urge party members and the general public to disregard speculative claims and remain calm. We encourage everyone to allow the appropriate party structures and lawful processes to speak for themselves.

‘The mandate entrusted to Dr. Michael Akintomide Ajilo was earned through the party’s primary and internal process and he remains committed to serving with humility, integrity and respect for the APC and its leadership.

Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has recorded another milestone in its fleet modernisation programme with the successful completion of the Factory Acceptance Test (FAT) for the first batch of three M-346 Fighter Attack (FA) aircraft at Leonardo Aircraft Division’s facility in Venegono, Italy.

The development was disclosed in a statement issued on Monday in Abuja by the Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame.

According to the statement, the acceptance exercise, conducted between June 29 and July 9, 2026, by a joint delegation of the Nigerian Air Force and the Ministry of Defence, marked the completion of all contractual acceptance requirements ahead of the aircraft’s delivery to Nigeria.

The Air Force said the milestone aligns with the Chief of the Air Staff’s command philosophy of building a highly motivated, professional and mission-ready force capable of delivering decisive air power in synergy with ground forces.

It stated that the three aircraft, designated NAF 01, NAF 02 and NAF 03, successfully met all contractual, technical and airworthiness requirements following comprehensive inspections by representatives of the NAF, the Ministry of Defence and Leonardo Aircraft Division.

The aircraft have now been formally certified for delivery and will soon be inducted into the NAF’s growing inventory of modern combat platforms.

Beyond the acceptance process, the delegation also held discussions with Leonardo Aircraft Division on pilot and maintenance training, logistics support and long-term fleet sustainment.

The team inspected the Full Mission Simulator, virtual reality-enabled training systems and other ground-based facilities designed to prepare NAF pilots and technical personnel for the effective operation and maintenance of the M-346 fleet.

According to the statement, these investments will strengthen indigenous training and technical capacity, enhance operational self-sufficiency and sustain mission readiness over the long term.

Commenting on the development, the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, described the acquisition of the M-346 Fighter Attack aircraft as another strategic step towards strengthening the Nigerian Air Force’s operational capabilities.

He said the aircraft’s combination of advanced pilot training and frontline combat capability would significantly improve the Air Force’s ability to produce combat-ready aircrew while expanding its capacity to undertake precision strikes, close air support, air interdiction and other combat missions in response to Nigeria’s evolving security challenges.

The statement added that the successful Factory Acceptance Test reflects the Federal Government’s commitment under the administration of President Bola Tinubu to enhancing the operational capabilities of the Armed Forces through the acquisition of modern, technologically advanced and mission-ready platforms.

It noted that the M-346 programme represents a major investment in national defence, strengthening Nigeria’s capacity to protect its sovereignty while positioning the Nigerian Air Force among Africa’s leading operators of advanced multi-role combat aircraft.

The Court of Appeal sitting in Akure, Ondo State, has affirmed the appointment of Professor Sunday Amuseghan as the Kalasuwe of Apoiland and Oba of the Ijaws, dismissing an appeal filed by Prince Joseph Orire David challenging his emergence.

Amuseghan, a retired Professor of English at Adekunle Ajasin University and a member of the Ebeli Idumu Ruling House, was appointed Kalasuwe of Apoiland by the Ondo State Government in 2018.

Dissatisfied with the appointment, Prince David, through his counsel, Omolegbon Odusola, instituted Suit No. HOK/10/2018 before the Ondo State High Court.

He argued that he had earlier been selected by a majority of the nine kingmakers and was only awaiting approval by the Ondo State Executive Council before Amuseghan’s appointment.

In response, counsel to Professor Amuseghan, Chief Sola Ebiseni, raised a preliminary objection challenging both the competence of the suit and the jurisdiction of the court.

He argued that the claimant lacked the legal standing (locus standi) to institute the action because he belonged to the same Ogele Idumu Ruling House as the immediate past monarch, Oba Samuel Adetimehin Oladiran.

Ebiseni contended that the registered declaration governing the chieftaincy recognises only two ruling houses-Ogele Idumu and Ebeli Idumu-and provides for the stool to rotate between them.

Ebiseni, who told the court that the immediate past monarch came from the Ogele Idumu Ruling House, argued that only a candidate from the Ebeli Idumu Ruling House was eligible to contest the vacant stool.

The High Court upheld the preliminary objection and dismissed the suit, prompting Prince David to appeal the decision.

In its judgment, the three-member panel of the Court of Appeal, led by Justice N.U. Okaisabor, with Justices S. Nwaka Gbagi and P.O. Affen concurring, dismissed the appeal and affirmed the judgment of the High Court.

The appellate court held that both parties agreed the chieftaincy was regulated by a registered declaration made pursuant to the Chiefs Law, which clearly governs eligibility to the stool.

The court ruled that since the appellant admitted he belonged to the same Ogele Idumu Ruling House as the immediate past traditional ruler, he was ineligible to contest the stool under the rotational arrangement and therefore lacked the locus standi to challenge Professor Amuseghan’s appointment.

The court further held that, as an aggrieved party, the appellant ought to have complied with the provisions of Section 13 of the Chiefs Law before approaching the court, a requirement it found he failed to meet.

With the judgment, the Court of Appeal effectively upheld Amuseghan’s appointment as the Kalasuwe of Apoiland, a first-class traditional stool in Ondo State, also known as the Oba of the Ijaws.

A former students’ leader and youth inclusion advocate, Comrade Adesina Julius, popularly known as Prestige, has congratulated the Chief of Staff to the Executive Chairman of the Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS), Hon. Tayo Koleosho, on his birthday.

Adesina described Koleosho as a public servant whose commitment to youth empowerment and leadership development has positively impacted many lives.

In a goodwill message, Adesina said Koleosho has consistently demonstrated a genuine passion for creating opportunities for young people and preparing them for leadership positions, adding that his contributions to youth development have earned him admiration across Oyo State and beyond.

According to him, Koleosho’s public service record reflects a commitment to good governance, people-centred leadership and community development.

He cited Koleosho’s previous roles as Special Adviser on Information and Communications Technology (ICT) and Commissioner for Integration and Inter-Governmental Affairs during the administration of the late former Oyo State Governor, Senator Abiola Ajimobi, as examples of his dedication to public service.

Adesina said Koleosho has remained a source of inspiration to many young Nigerians through mentorship, guidance and support, noting that his efforts have helped many youths build careers and contribute meaningfully to their communities.

‘Hon. Tayo’s dedication to ensuring young people have a better future and attain leadership positions speaks volumes about his genuine love for the progress of the younger generation,’ he said.

He described Koleosho as a leader who believes in investing in people, adding that his willingness to support young talents has made him a respected figure among youth groups and emerging leaders.

‘True riches are not found in castles or chariots, but in the number of lives impacted, and Oga Tayo Koleosho is a rich man by this standard. He has been a beacon of hope to young people and a promoter of their interests.

‘His penchant for nurturing and positioning young minds is unparalleled. Through his support, many young minds have secured a future, and his continued mentorship ensures they blossom and impact their respective communities,’ Adesina stated.

He further described Koleosho as a role model whose humility, resilience and integrity continue to inspire those aspiring to leadership and public service.

Adesina also praised Koleosho’s generosity and readiness to help others, saying his belief in the potential of individuals has left a lasting impact on many people.

‘As he marks another year today, I pray that God grants him sound health, long life, and continuous wisdom to keep steering the wheels of impactful leadership. Happy Birthday, sir!’ he added.

Koleosho has served in several public offices in Oyo State and currently serves as Chief of Staff to the Executive Chairman of the Nigeria Revenue Service, where he continues to support administrative and policy initiatives within the agency.