Category: Nigerian Tribune

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has appointed Dr Wasiu Olanrewaju-Smart as the new Special Adviser to the President on National Assembly Matters (House of Representatives).

The appointment, which takes immediate effect, was announced in a statement issued by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.

According to the statement, Olanrewaju-Smart replaces Hon. Ibrahim Olanrewaju, who resigned to contest an elective position in his home state.

The Presidency described the new appointee as a policy expert with extensive academic and legislative experience.

Olanrewaju-Smart holds a PhD in Educational Management from Lead City University and a Master’s degree in Public Administration from Harvard University. He is also an Edward Mason Fellow in Public Policy at the Harvard Kennedy School.

He was a LEAPS Fellow at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), earned a Professional Diploma in Public Relations from the London School of Public Relations, and served as a Policy Fellow at Quantum Alliance AI in the United States, where he focused on artificial intelligence and civic technology.

Before his latest appointment, Olanrewaju-Smart built a career within the National Assembly, serving as Research and Media Assistant to the Minority and Majority Leaders of the House of Representatives during the 7th and 8th Assemblies.

He subsequently held key positions in the office of the Speaker of the House of Representatives, including Special Adviser, Deputy Chief of Staff and later Chief of Staff during the 9th and 10th Assemblies.

In October 2023, he joined the Presidency as Senior Special Assistant to the President on Intergovernmental Affairs, a position he held until his elevation.

The statement noted that Olanrewaju-Smart has contributed to public policy development and legislative research, including work on landmark laws such as the Interest-Free Student Loan Act.

Expressing confidence in the new appointee, the Presidency said Tinubu believes Olanrewaju-Smart will leverage his experience and expertise to strengthen collaboration between the Presidency, ministries, departments and agencies, and the House of Representatives.

The appointment takes immediate effect.

Governor Uba Sani has flagged off the distribution of 500 trucks of free fertilisers and tractors to 150,000 smallholder farmers for the third consecutive year, across the 23 local governments of Kaduna State.

It will be recalled that last August, the Governor had distributed 400 trucks of fertiliser free of charge to 100,000 smallholder farmers, with each farmer receiving two bags of the farm input.

Earlier, he had performed the largest-ever fertiliser distribution in 2024, where over 500 trucks were distributed to farmers, including other inputs, for dry season farming.

Speaking at the latest ceremony at Murtala Mohammed Square on Saturday, Governor Uba Sani disclosed that the distribution of free fertiliser in Kaduna State is ‘one of the most extensive fertilizer support programmes undertaken by any subnational government in Nigeria.’

The Governor recalled that ‘when this administration came into office in 2023, agriculture received only ?1.48 billion, representing about 0.4 per cent of the State budget.’

‘We considered that wholly inconsistent with the strategic importance of a sector that sustains millions of livelihoods and underpins our economy. Accordingly, we increased the allocation to ?23.40 billion in 2024, and further to ?74.02 billion in 2025.

‘In the 2026 Budget, we have gone even further by committing more than ?100 billion to agriculture and food security, representing approximately 11.65 per cent of total State expenditure; by far exceeding the 10 per cent benchmark of the Malabo Declaration,’ he added.

He argued that the objective of Kaduna State Government is ‘to ensure that escalating production costs did not translate into reduced cultivation, lower yields or greater food insecurity.’

The Governor disclosed that he was advised to sell the bags of fertiliser at subsidised prices, adding that ‘for example, if we buy the commodity at N56,000 per bag, we should sell to farmers at N20,000.’

Governor Uba Sani explained that ‘N20,000 is beyond the reach of most small holder farmers. And in any case, big time farmers will buy up the commodity and re-sell at exorbitant prices, thereby negating the essence of subsidy.’

‘Agriculture has become the backbone of Kaduna State’s economy, contributing about 43% to the state’s GDP and employing over 60% to 80% of the active workforce,’ he said.

The Governor, who commended the prevailing peace in Kaduna State, said that it has enabled farmers to return to the field, adding that ‘owing to the people’s cooperation and President Bola Tinubu’s support, we have reclaimed 5,000 hectares of farmlands.’

He pointed out that Kaduna State is blessed with a vast landmass and favourable agro-ecological zones, which ensures food security, raw materials for industries, and employment from agriculture.

The Governor, who said that Kaduna State is the leading producer of maize, tomatoes and ginger, added that ‘agriculture is far more than an economic sector. It is the meeting point of food security, industrial development, job creation, rural transformation and social stability.’

‘It is where the welfare of millions of households intersects with the growth of our economy. No nation can attain enduring prosperity if it cannot feed itself, supply its industries with raw materials, create wealth from the land, and provide its farmers with the opportunity not merely to survive but to prosper,’ he added.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in Ogun State, Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola, has awarded 5,513 students across the state with scholarship and bursary schemes.

Adeola, who is the Chairman, Senate Committee on Appropriations, while addressing the beneficiaries on Sunday at the event held in Abeokuta, said the bursary and scholarship programme is the third edition in the series.

He, therefore, called on the beneficiaries to utilise the funds for the purpose for which they were given and not on frivolities.

Adeola noted that the programme was established to lend a helping hand to indigent students across the state and prevent school dropouts due to financial challenges.

He described the initiative as part of his campaign promises and to complement Gov. Dapo Abiodun’s efforts to improve educational infrastructure across the state.

The lawmaker also explained that the programme aligned with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), supporting tertiary education financing.

Senator Adeola informed that 1,700 students benefited in the maiden edition in 2024, and 3,892 students received awards during the second edition in 2025.

He revealed that 1,735 were scholarship recipients while 3,577 received bursary awards, and that the beneficiaries were drawn from universities, polytechnics and colleges of education.

‘Let me emphasise that the funds provided should be spent on payment of your school fees, accommodation or similar issues and not free money to buy phones, bags, and clothes.

‘The whole idea is to assist students, parents and guardians and to ensure that no brilliant student of Ogun West extraction, and indeed Ogun State, drops out of school,’ he said.

The chairman of the Scholarship Board, Prof. Tope Popoola, in his welcome remarks said the initiative was aimed at supporting students and reducing the financial burden of education on their parents across the state.

He assured the public that the board maintained a transparent selection process, adding that applications found to contain false information were disqualified.

‘Usually, once such falsehoods are detected, such applications are stepped down. The board diligently carried out the selection process as expected.

‘The initiative will continue to grow and eventually become a comprehensive state-wide scholarship and bursary programme,’ he said.

Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, and the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Oyebamiji, have described renowned Ifa priest and Yoruba cultural icon, Araba Ifayemi Elebuibon, as a priceless custodian of African heritage whose contributions have continued to elevate Yoruba culture on the global stage.

The two leaders made the remarks during activities marking Elebuibon’s birthday and housewarming ceremony held at his Ogbeyonu House in Osogbo, where they separately commended his decades-long commitment to preserving and promoting Yoruba tradition.

Speaking at the event, Oyebamiji said Elebuibon’s vast knowledge of African spirituality, customs and history has made him an invaluable figure not only to the Yoruba people but to the entire African continent. He noted that personalities like the celebrated cultural ambassador deserve greater recognition for their role in preserving indigenous values.

The APC governorship candidate also called for increased investment in Osun’s tourism sector, stressing that the state possesses enormous cultural and historical assets capable of generating substantial revenue and creating employment opportunities if properly developed.

According to him, iconic sites such as the Osun-Osogbo Sacred Grove, Ayekunnugba Waterfall, Erin-Ijesa Waterfalls, the Ifa Temple, Oranmiyan Staff and several other heritage locations have the potential to transform Osun into a leading cultural tourism destination.

Representing Governor Adeleke at the ceremony, the Commissioner for Political Affairs and Intergovernmental Relations, Dr. Biyi Odunlade, described Elebuibon as a globally respected authority on Yoruba culture and traditions whose influence has brought international recognition to the state’s rich cultural heritage.

Odunlade said the Adeleke administration considers the traditional scholar a valuable cultural ambassador and remains committed to initiatives that will position Osun as a major centre for the promotion of African culture and tourism.

He added that the government would continue to support efforts aimed at preserving the state’s cultural identity while showcasing its heritage to the international community.

In his response, Elebuibon attributed his global recognition to his unwavering dedication to the Yoruba religion, culture and traditions, urging governments at all levels to give greater attention to Nigeria’s cultural resources.

He said the country’s rich cultural heritage remains one of its greatest untapped economic assets, stressing that deliberate investment in the preservation, branding and promotion of indigenous traditions would attract international tourists and stimulate economic growth.

The renowned cultural enthusiast further called on stakeholders to work together in projecting Nigeria’s cultural identity to the world, saying the nation’s heritage should be presented as a unique attraction capable of boosting tourism and enhancing its global image.

The University of Ibadan (UI) has inaugurated the Dr T. Abayomi Oshin Heritage Museum, a first-of-its-kind repository dedicated to preserving the history of physiotherapy in Nigeria and Africa. The institution described the facility as a lasting tribute to one of the continent’s foremost healthcare pioneers.

Commissioning the museum at the Department of Physiotherapy, College of Medicine, the vice-chancellor, Prof. Kayode Adebowale, said the museum represents far more than a physical structure, noting that it preserves the story of a profession built on courage, vision and pioneering leadership.

According to him, the museum immortalises the extraordinary contributions of Dr Thomson Abayomi Oshin, whose groundbreaking achievements laid the foundation for physiotherapy education and practice in Nigeria.

‘We are not merely opening a building; we are opening a window into the history of a profession and the inspiring story of a man who dared to break boundaries,’ Adebowale said.

He described the University of Ibadan as a place where enduring legacies are built, adding that Dr Oshin’s career epitomises the institution’s commitment to excellence, innovation and national development.

Adebowale recalled that in 1954, Dr Oshin became the first African physiotherapist to qualify in London. He returned to Nigeria at a time when the profession was largely dominated by expatriates and went on to establish what has become one of Africa’s strongest physiotherapy traditions.

He noted that the late pioneer later became the first Head and Consultant Physiotherapist at the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, before establishing Nigeria’s first Bachelor of Science degree programme in Physiotherapy at the University of Ibadan in 1966.

‘The Department of Physiotherapy stands today on the foundation he laid. It has evolved into a leading centre for physiotherapy education in Africa, producing graduates who have gone on to lead academic departments, strengthen professional regulation and advance healthcare delivery across Nigeria and beyond,’ the Vice-Chancellor said.

Adebowale also acknowledged Dr Oshin’s commitment to preserving the history of the profession, describing the heritage museum as the culmination of a lifelong effort to document the evolution of physiotherapy in Nigeria.

He commended the Thomson Abayomi Oshin Health and Education Foundation and members of the Oshin family for donating the museum to the university, describing the gesture as a significant contribution to scholarship and institutional memory.

He urged students and young professionals to draw inspiration from Dr. Oshin’s life of purposeful service and courageous decision-making.

‘Dr Oshin chose the path less travelled. His life reminds us that excellence is built on deliberate choices, resilience and an unwavering commitment to serving humanity. This museum challenges every student and practitioner to uphold those same values,’ he said.

Mrs Olapeju Nwuga, Chairperson of the commissioning ceremony for the Dr T. Abayomi Oshin Heritage Museum, said reaching a century of life distinguished by integrity, service, excellence and compassion is a rare achievement. She added that true greatness is measured not by longevity alone but by the positive impact one leaves on society.

Mrs Nwuga commended the Oshin family for donating the state-of-the-art physiotherapy building that houses the museum to the Department of Physiotherapy, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, describing the gesture as a remarkable act of philanthropy and a major contribution to education, healthcare and national development.

Other eminent speakers at the occasion, including the Provost of the College of Medicine, Prof. Temidayo Ogundiran; the Chief Medical Director of the University College Hospital, Prof. Jesse Otegbayo; and the President of the Ibadan College of Medicine Alumni Association (ICOMAA) Worldwide, Prof. Samuel Omokhodion, described the Dr T. Abayomi Oshin Heritage Museum as a fitting tribute to Dr Thomson Abayomi Oshin’s pioneering contributions to physiotherapy education and practice in Nigeria and Africa.

Congratulating the department on the successful commissioning of the museum, Prof. Omokhodion expressed confidence that the facility would serve as a lasting centre for learning, historical preservation and professional inspiration for future generations of physiotherapists.

Prof. Otegbayo described the museum as a living monument to Dr Thomson Abayomi Oshin’s vision, integrity, selfless service and immense contributions to healthcare in Nigeria and across Africa.

He said the facility marks the beginning of preserving and telling the story of physiotherapy in Africa, where the profession took root in Ibadan, and will serve as a beacon of heritage, knowledge and professional pride, inspiring generations to emulate Dr Oshin’s enduring values of hard work, philanthropy, leadership and service to humanity.

The Head of the Department of Physiotherapy, University of Ibadan, Prof. Adesola Odole, urged students to see the museum as ‘a classroom without walls’ that teaches discipline, sacrifice, continuous learning and service. She also called on physiotherapy professionals to deepen their commitment to evidence-based practice, innovation, ethical leadership and impactful research.

Congratulating the Oshin family, the University community and all contributors to the project, Prof. Odole said the greatest tribute to Dr Oshin would be to ensure that the profession he pioneered continues to flourish and remains at the forefront of healthcare delivery in Nigeria, Africa and beyond.

Dr Nse Odunaiya, Project Coordinator of the Dr T. Abayomi Oshin Heritage Museum, said the idea for the museum originated from Dr Thomson Abayomi Oshin himself during the construction of the physiotherapy building in 2022, when he requested that a room be dedicated to preserving the history of physiotherapy for future generations.

The inauguration of the Dr T. Abayomi Oshin Heritage Museum formed part of activities marking the centenary of the celebrated physiotherapist, widely regarded as the doyen of physiotherapy in Africa.

The facility is expected to serve as a centre for research, learning and historical preservation, documenting the evolution of physiotherapy education and practice in Nigeria while inspiring future generations of healthcare professionals.

Reaching this milestone fills my heart with immense gratitude. What started as a vision to make mental health conversations simple, relatable and accessible has grown into one hundred weekly conversations in the Tribune. I do not take this privilege for granted.

My sincere appreciation goes to the management of the Tribune for providing a platform where mental health can be discussed openly and consistently. I am especially grateful to the Executive Director for believing in this vision, and to my Sunday Editor for his support and encouragement.

To the many readers who have taken the time to send a WhatsApp message, make a phone call, send an email or stop me in person just to say, ‘I read your article today,’ thank you. Your words of encouragement, your feedback, your personal stories and even the questions you ask remind me that these conversations are making a difference.

To my mentors, who faithfully read the column week after week and never fail to send a message of encouragement or constructive advice, thank you for believing in me and for continually inspiring me to keep raising the bar. Your support has been invaluable.

To everyone who has chosen to see me as a role model, thank you for believing in me. Knowing that my words and actions can influence others is both a privilege and a responsibility that I never take lightly. Your confidence continually reminds me to keep learning, growing and becoming a better version of myself.

To my family, thank you for your unwavering love, patience and support. Behind every article is the quiet sacrifice of people who understand the time, effort and passion it takes to keep showing up every week.

Finally, to everyone whose support, encouragement, prayers, recommendations, constructive criticism and kindness have contributed to this journey, I am deeply grateful. Your words have become part of what keeps me going.

This milestone belongs to all of us. Thank you for walking this journey with me. Here’s to many more meaningful conversations, greater impact and a future where mental health is understood, valued and prioritised.

As we celebrate this milestone, I cannot help but smile because, in many ways, one hundred articles is just the beginning. It is the tip of the iceberg. There is still so much to learn, so much to unlearn, and so many important conversations waiting to be had. Mental health is not a destination; it is a lifelong journey, and I am excited about where this journey is taking us.

In the weeks and months ahead, we will explore the fascinating workings of the human mind and brain in ways that are simple, practical and relatable. We will challenge common myths, answer everyday questions, unpack the psychology behind our thoughts, emotions and behaviours, and examine the science that shapes how we live, love, learn and lead. My goal remains the same: to bridge the gap between science and everyday life, making mental health knowledge accessible to everyone, one conversation at a time.

So, fasten your seatbelts because we’re just getting started. The next chapter of the Mental Health Diary promises to be even more insightful, more engaging and, I hope, even more impactful.

And what better way to begin this new chapter than by exploring the most powerful tool we all possess, yet often understand the least: our minds?

Have you ever been convinced that someone was upset with you, only to discover they were simply having a difficult day? Have you replayed a conversation over and over in your head, imagining all the things you should have said? Have you ever expected the worst, only to realise later that your fears never came true?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, you are not alone. The human brain is extraordinary, but it is not perfect. To help us navigate life quickly, it often relies on mental shortcuts. Most of the time, these shortcuts are helpful. Sometimes, however, they can distort reality, influence our emotions and shape our decisions in ways we don’t even realise.

That is where our new series begins.

Over the next few weeks, we will uncover the fascinating ways our minds work, the hidden thinking traps that affect all of us, and how understanding them can help us make better decisions, build healthier relationships and improve our mental well-being. You may discover that some of the greatest battles we fight are not always with the world around us, but with the stories our minds quietly tell us.

I invite you to join me next week as we begin Episode 101 and the first article in this exciting new series. I have a feeling this journey will challenge the way you think, deepen the way you understand yourself and others, and remind you that one of the most powerful conversations you will ever have is the one you have with your own mind. See you next week!

Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) has commenced the payment of outstanding June and July 2026 upkeep allowances to eligible student beneficiaries nationwide, with each beneficiary receiving ?40,000 to cover the two-month backlog.

The latest disbursement clears the outstanding upkeep arrears after many beneficiaries received their ?20,000 May allowance within the last two weeks, bringing relief to thousands of students enrolled in the Federal Government’s student loan scheme.

The delay in the payment of the monthly upkeep allowance had generated concerns among beneficiaries, prompting the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) to intervene.

NANS President, Comrade Akinteye Babatunde Afeez, had earlier urged the relevant authorities to ensure the prompt payment of the allowances, noting that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu introduced the student loan scheme to ease the financial burden on students and their parents.

The commencement of the June and July payments has triggered excitement across campuses, with beneficiaries sharing bank alerts on social media and expressing relief after months of waiting.

Students from universities, polytechnics and colleges of education described the payment as a timely intervention that would help them meet pressing academic and personal needs, including feeding, transportation, study materials and other essential expenses.

Many beneficiaries commended President Tinubu for introducing the student loan programme, saying it has restored hope to thousands of Nigerian students pursuing higher education despite prevailing economic challenges.

They noted that the initiative has significantly reduced the financial pressure on parents and guardians while enabling students to remain focused on their studies.

They also hailed the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of NELFUND, Mr. Akintunde Sawyerr, for ensuring the outstanding payments were released, describing his leadership as responsive and committed to the welfare of Nigerian students.

According to the students, the simultaneous payment of the June and July upkeep allowances demonstrates NELFUND’s determination to address previous delays and improve the efficiency of the disbursement process.

Despite the latest payments, some beneficiaries expressed concern over the prolonged delays that preceded the disbursement, saying the situation disrupted their ability to meet basic needs such as feeding, transportation, and the purchase of academic materials.

They appealed to NELFUND to establish a more predictable payment schedule and improve communication with beneficiaries whenever delays occur, expressing hope that the clearance of the backlog would usher in more regular monthly disbursements.

Reacting to the development on Sunday, NANS assured students that all outstanding upkeep arrears would be settled as payments continue in batches.

In a statement, NANS President Akinteye Babatunde Afeez said the association had received assurances that no eligible beneficiary would be left out of the payment process.

‘The payment of June and July NELFUND upkeep allowances has officially commenced. As I assured you, every outstanding backlog will be paid. We remain committed to ensuring that no eligible Nigerian student is left behind,’ he said.

He appealed to students who were yet to receive their allowances to remain calm and patient, explaining that the disbursements were being processed in batches.

Afeez reiterated NANS’ commitment to safeguarding the welfare and interests of Nigerian students, pledging to continue engaging relevant stakeholders to ensure the seamless implementation of the student loan scheme.

Meanwhile, the NANS President has called for urgent intervention over complaints by students of the University of Uyo (UNIUYO), who alleged that they had not received their NELFUND upkeep allowances since January.

According to Afeez, the matter has been formally escalated to the leadership of NELFUND for immediate attention.

‘Following the concerns raised by students of the University of Uyo regarding their NELFUND upkeep payments, I have formally escalated the matter to the leadership of NELFUND for urgent attention.

‘I want to assure all affected UNIUYO students that the issues surrounding their upkeep, which they claim has not been paid since January, are receiving the necessary attention. I have been assured that efforts are being made to resolve the situation as quickly as possible.

‘I therefore urge all affected students to remain calm and hopeful while the process is being concluded. NANS will continue to engage all relevant stakeholders until every legitimate concern is addressed and every deserving beneficiary receives their entitlement.

‘The welfare of Nigerian students remains our priority, and we will not relent in ensuring that their rights and interests are protected,’ he stated.

As more Nigerians seek reliable and seamless travel experiences for religious obligations, business and leisure, the Managing Director of Al-Yusuff International Travels and Tours Ltd., Alhaji Mojeed Oladele Yusuff, has attributed the steady growth of his company to an unwavering passion for service, integrity and customer satisfaction.

Founded in 2016, Al-Yusuff International Travels and Tours Ltd. was established to provide professional, transparent and affordable travel solutions, with a strong emphasis on Hajj and Umrah services.

According to Yusuff, the vision was born out of a desire to make the pilgrimage experience easier, more comfortable and stress-free for intending pilgrims while also offering world-class travel services to other categories of travellers.

‘My passion for helping people fulfil their travel dreams, especially those embarking on Hajj and Umrah, has been the driving force behind this journey. Seeing the joy and satisfaction on the faces of our clients after every successful trip continues to inspire me to do even more,’ he said.

Beyond pilgrimage services, the company offers international and local flight bookings, visa processing, travel documentation, holiday and tour packages, hotel reservations, airport transfers, travel consultation and other advisory services.

Reflecting on the company’s formative years, Yusuff admitted that establishing credibility in the highly competitive travel industry was not easy. He said the business relied heavily on consistency, honesty and quality service to earn the trust of clients, a strategy that has continued to sustain its growth.

He noted that the company has weathered several industry challenges, including changes in government travel policies, visa processing delays, foreign exchange fluctuations, the disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and increasing competition. Despite these obstacles, he said the company remained resilient by prioritising professionalism and customer satisfaction.

According to him, what distinguishes Al-Yusuff International Travels and Tours Ltd. is its personalised approach to service, ensuring every client receives proper guidance from the planning stage until they safely return from their journey.

‘Our clients are not just customers; we treat them like family. We are committed to transparency, professionalism and ensuring that every traveller enjoys a smooth and memorable experience,’ he added.

Yusuff described the company’s breakthrough as the period it became widely recognised as a trusted Hajj and Umrah operator, successfully organising pilgrimages for hundreds of satisfied clients and growing its business through referrals and repeat patronage.

Looking ahead, he said the company’s five-year vision is to become one of Nigeria’s leading travel management firms by expanding its operations across the country and beyond, strengthening its Hajj and Umrah services, embracing digital innovation, creating employment opportunities and delivering even better travel experiences for clients.

The Students’ Union Government (SUG) of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko (AAUA), has issued a 72-hour ultimatum to the Ondo State Government to take decisive steps towards resolving the ongoing industrial action by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU).

The students warned that failure by the Ondo State Government to act within the 72-hour ultimatum would leave them with no option but to embark on lawful, peaceful and democratic actions to press home their demands.

The union said the strike, which has entered its 14th day, has brought academic activities at the state-owned institution to a complete standstill, disrupted the university’s academic calendar and thrown thousands of students into uncertainty.

According to the students, the prolonged shutdown has forced many undergraduates to leave the campus due to the absence of a clear timeline for the resolution of the dispute, while those who remain continue to endure emotional, psychological and financial hardship as they await the resumption of academic activities.

In a statement jointly signed by the Students’ Union President, Folagbade Greatness, and the General Secretary, Amos Oluwatimileyin, the students described the situation as deeply unfortunate and unacceptable, saying it has subjected students to unnecessary hardship and uncertainty.

According to the statement, the continued closure of classrooms has forced many students to leave the university community due to the absence of any indication of when lectures would resume.

The union added that students who remain on campus are grappling with emotional, psychological and financial challenges as they continue to wait for a resolution of the dispute between the lecturers and the state government.

The students’ leadership noted that every additional day of the strike further erodes students’ confidence in the education system, delays graduation, distorts academic planning and imposes extra financial burdens on parents and guardians who continue to fund an interrupted education.

The students stressed that education remains a fundamental right and a critical instrument for the social and economic development of Ondo State and Nigeria, insisting that the current impasse requires immediate attention from all stakeholders.

The statement read: ‘We strongly believe that the issues responsible for this industrial action can be resolved through sincere dialogue, commitment and decisive intervention by the Ondo State Government,’

The union appealed to the state governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, to urgently intervene by convening discussions with the leadership of ASUU-AAUA and other relevant stakeholders to ensure a prompt and lasting resolution of the dispute.

The students said they had exercised patience since the commencement of the strike but warned that such patience was gradually running out as their academic future remained uncertain.

‘In the interest of preserving the academic future of AAUA students, we have exhausted the two Cs of Aluta, and we are left with no other option but to include the last C of Aluta.

‘The time for decisive intervention is now. The future of thousands of AAUA students depends on it,’ the union declared.

Consequently, the union issued a 72-hour ultimatum to the Ondo State Government to provide what it described as a clear, practical and satisfactory response towards ending the strike.

It warned that failure by the government to demonstrate genuine commitment within the stipulated period would compel the Students’ Union to mobilise students across the institution to embark on lawful, peaceful and democratic actions aimed at defending their educational rights.

The union, however, maintained that its position should not be interpreted as a threat to the government but rather as a passionate appeal on behalf of thousands of students whose academic aspirations have been put on hold.

It reaffirmed its commitment to constructive engagement, dialogue and peaceful resolution of the dispute but insisted that it could no longer watch students’ future being jeopardised by prolonged inaction.

The strike by the AAUA chapter of ASUU has grounded teaching and other academic activities at the institution, with students anxiously awaiting a resolution between the union and the Ondo State Government.

The latest ultimatum by the Students’ Union is expected to increase pressure on the government to intervene and bring the dispute to an end before it escalates into mass student demonstrations.

THE i-Scholar Initiative (iSI) has officially welcomed 100 new scholarship awardees during its 2026 virtual onboarding event, reaffirming its commitment to mentoring and empowering young African students to pursue academic excellence through fully funded scholarship opportunities.

The event, themed ‘Unlocking Your Potential to Rise Beyond Barriers’, brought together board members, management officials, mentors, partners, beneficiaries, and newly selected scholars from around the world.

Speaking during the meeting, Chair of the Board of Trustees at iSI, Mrs. Tolulope Ewherido, described the initiative as a family committed to creating opportunities for talented students.

‘We know that talent is universal, but opportunity is not. What we do is invest our time and resources to create a bridge to the dreams and aspirations of our scholars,’ she said.

Mrs. Ewherido commended the Board of Trustees, the management committee, volunteers, and partners for their dedication to the organisation’s mission, noting that their contributions continue to transform lives across Africa.

Providing an overview of the organisation, President of iSI, Mr. Victor Ogunmola, explained that iSI was established in 2019 as a non-profit organisation in Nigeria and the United States with the vision of nurturing a self-driven generation for future leadership.

‘Our mission is to mentor and empower young African students in pursuing academic excellence at world-class universities through fully funded scholarships,’ he said.

He added that the organisation is run entirely by volunteers who contribute their time, expertise, and resources to support scholars.

Speaking on the impact of the initiative, Dr Seyi Ajayi highlighted the importance of supporting talented students who often face financial barriers to achieving their academic goals. He noted that iSI provides funding for standardised tests, application fees, mentorship opportunities, and moral support to scholars seeking admission into international universities.

The event also featured testimonials from past beneficiaries who shared how the programme had positively influenced their educational and professional journeys.

One of the beneficiaries, Esther Oyedele, a graduate student in Geology, shared how the initiative supported her financially and connected her with experienced mentors.

‘I have benefited from mentorship provided by seasoned professionals across the world. I have also had the opportunity to give back by mentoring upcoming scholars,’ she said.

Another award recipient, Rukaiya Oladusu, a graduate of the University of Lagos, expressed appreciation to the organisation for believing in her dreams.

‘This opportunity has made a goal that once seemed distant feel much more attainable. I am grateful for the investment in my future and look forward to contributing to the community,’ she said.

Vice President of Operations, Hanatu Kadir-Banjoko, officially unveiled the 2026 scholarship class and commended the awardees for their outstanding academic achievements, leadership qualities, community service, and strong performance during the selection process.

‘These scholars worked hard, submitted strong applications, and distinguished themselves throughout the interview process. We are proud to welcome them into the i-Scholar Initiative family,’ she said.

The onboarding session ended with words of encouragement from alumni and mentors, who urged the new scholars to maximise the opportunities available through the initiative, remain committed to excellence, and give back to society as future leaders.

The i-Scholar Initiative continues to support African students through mentorship, career development, and scholarship opportunities, helping them gain admission into leading universities globally.