Category: Nigerian Tribune

Oyo State Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), Comrade Oladimeji Ismail Raji, has said that the educational policies of the governor of Oyo State, Engr Seyi Makinde are people-oriented and have influenced an array of achievements in the education sector.

The NUT boss who stated on Sunday at the 2025 edition of the World Teachers’ Day’ celebration of the Oyo State wing held at the Ibadan Civic Centre, Ibadan described the annual event as not just symbolic but historic, saying it provides a global platform to reflect on the invaluable contributions of teachers and recognition of their tireless impacts in nation building.

He added that it also draws attention to the challenges and prospects within the teaching profession for a timely retooling through a collaborative recasting which he noted this year’s theme was positioned to address.

Comrade Raji spoke on Sunday at the 2025 edition of the world teachers’ Day’ celebration of the Oyo State wing held at the Ibadan Civic Centre, Ibadan.

While he noted that this year’s edition of the annual event was particularly significant to him as it coincides with the winding up of his tenure as the chairman, he said, it was a moment to reflect and give an account of stewardship, reflect on collective engagements, struggles and rejoice at the modest achievement that had been recorded in the last three and half years.

He highlighted some of the achievements his tenure had witness to include recruitment of 20,000 teachers into Oyo State’s public primary and secondary schools, by the Governor Seyi Makinde, to curtail the noticeable shortage of teachers in schools; career progression through promotion of teachers and salary upgrade, improved welfare of staff, prompt salary payment of teachers, upward review of car and housing loans, infrastructure provision, integration of qualified primary schools teachers into full employment grid of TESCOM, among others.

‘While we celebrate our achievements, we must not lose sight of the challenges that persist such as inadequate funding of education, infrastructure deficits and the need for continuous capacity development of teachers,’ he stated.

He also requested the need to expedite action on approving the long-standing request of teachers seeking inter zonal transfer from other part of the state to Ibadan; approving the request of the remaining ‘secondment teachers’ who are yet to be fully integrated into TESCOM’s employment grid, hastening up of release of running grants to school heads and fulfillment of the promise a bus for the union by the governor, among others.

He appreciated Governor Seyi Makinde for his people-oriented policies that were education-driven, which he said culminated into the array of achievements and for elongating his tenure to make it conveniently complete his four years mandate in office.

Delivering this year’s anniversary lecture on the theme, ‘Recasting Teaching as a Collaborative Profession,’ the director of Career Development and Counselling Centre, University of Ibadan, Professor Adebayo Oluwole, the topic ‘resonates deeply within the context of the evolving educational landscape as it carries profound significance as we stand at a critical juncture in our journey as educators, not just in Nigeria, but globally.’

He said that in the face of numerous challenges and opportunities, the teaching profession must be re-envisioned as a space where collaboration, collective growth, and shared responsibility are the pillars upon which the future of education is built.

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He therefore charged educators not to work in isolation, but rather together as a team, learn from each other, and collectively shape the minds of tomorrow’s leaders.

‘Gone are the days when teachers were simply seen as transmitters of knowledge. Today, the role of a teacher extends far beyond delivering content in the classroom. We are mentors, counselors, facilitators, and guides who equip students with not just knowledge, but also the critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving skills necessary to navigate an increasingly complex world, he noted.

The All Progressives Congress (APC), Oyo State chapter, has admitted that there is gross indiscipline among the various cadres of its membership, and, therefore, resolved to constitute a disciplinary committee to address the issue.

This was noted in an eight-paragraph communique issued at the end of a Leadership Summit in Ibadan and signed by State Chairman, Alhaji Olayide Abas; Alhaji Tajudeen Olanite (Secretary), Chief Akin One, (former State chairman), Barrister Iyiola Okadokun, (Chairman, Oyo APC Elders Advisory Council) and Senator Ayo Adeseun.

It noted that some notable leaders and elected office holders are fond of engaging in acts capable of sabotaging the party.

The communique read, ‘We resolved to put in place every strategy to win all elections, presidential, Governorship, Federal as well as state legislatures.

‘We condemn in strong terms, the terrible condition of the 33 local governments under the present PDP administration.

‘We note that the Party is suffering from gross indiscipline. It is unfortunate that notable Party Leaders and even elected office holders are fond of engaging in acts capable of sabotaging the Party.

‘We therefore resolved that State Executive under the chairmanship of Alhaji Olayide Mushood Abass should constitute a Disciplinary Committee that will be saddled with the responsibilities of punishing erring Party members who henceforth engages in acts of sabotaging the Party in line with the Constitution of the All Progressives Congress, APC.

‘We note that imposition of candidates for elective and party positions are unhealthy for peace, unity and cohesion within the party.

‘We therefore advocate for an all-inclusive, free, fair and transparent processes of electing party candidates and officials without external influences.

‘We note that the activities of some aspirants who are seeking elective positions have been floating and nurturing Groups and this is further causing divisions within the Party. We therefore, resolved that Party interests must take precedent over and above personal interests

‘In view of the above observation, we resolved further that every Aspirants who have been floating Groups within the Party must desist forthwith. Aspirants are enjoined to concentrate efforts on promoting the party instead of promoting group interests.

‘We note that there is a gross misuse of the social Media platforms by some party members and such misuse of social media platforms are further causing divisions within the party.

‘We therefore resolved that the use of Social Media as a means of passing information concerning the Party must be controlled.

‘We note that the absence of a rallying point is negatively affecting coordination within the Party, we hereby resolved that in the absence of a sitting Governor who is a member of our party, it is imperative that a collegiate leadership comprising of two nominees from the three senatorial zones be immediately put in place.

‘We note that some Aspirants have been campaigning and in the process, they are making inflammatory comments capable of further deepening the divisions within the Party. We therefore resolved that campaign activities are premature at the moment, most especially, taking cognizance of the INEC Guidelines.

‘We therefore caution Aspirants against making inflammatory statements and engaging in campaign activities against INEC Guidelines.

‘We note that Oyo state is shot changed in respect of appointments from Abuja despite our contributions to the successes of the Party in 2023.

‘We therefore resolved that the Party needs to make a strong representation to Abuja to address this unfair treatment’

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has advised the nominee for the office of Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Joash 0jo Amupitan, to look beyond the interest of the sitting President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

The opposition party in a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, urged Professor Amupitan to understand that his loyalty is with the Nigerian people, not the government. He said:’ We are cautious. But we expect the new INEC chairman to have a personal ambition to do better and restore the confidence of Nigerians and the world in Nigerian election. He must understand that his loyalty is with the Nigerian people, not the government. We are willing to give him the benefit of doubts based on his track record. But now he has the opportunity to make a good name for himself that his children would proud of, or to soil his record and end up with ignominy. He should bear in mind also that his tenure will ordinarily last beyond one electoral cycle. He should therefore look beyond the interest of those who have appointed him. ‘

Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has announced the appointment of the Oyo State Independent Electoral Commission (OYSIEC) and the Governing Council of the Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH) Teaching Hospital, Ogbomoso.

The appointments, which take immediate effect, were confirmed in letters signed by the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Otunba Segun Ogunwuyi.

The newly constituted OYSIEC board, responsible for overseeing local government elections in the state, is led by Comrade Adeniyi Afeez Babatunde as Chairman.

Other members appointed to the OYSIEC board include Olatunde Akintunde Theophilus, Mrs Adebayo Mariam Adepeju, Mr Olanrewaju Emmanuel, Chief Kunmi Agboola, Mr Remi Ayoade, Mr Sunday Falana, and Mr Babatunde Ige. For the LAUTECH Teaching Hospital Governing Council, Governor Makinde named Professor Banji Oyeyinka Oyelaran as Chairman, along with six other members who will oversee the affairs of the Ogbomoso-based institution.

The members of the LAUTECH Teaching Hospital Governing Council are Mr Olatunde Gabriel Oyelade, Dr Bello Adebayo Taiwo, Mrs Isola Agnes Bolanle, Dr Akintunde Kehinde Ayinde, Professor Olawale Adebayo Olakulehin, and Professor Adenike Olugbenga-Bello.

Former Abia State Governor and Senate Majority Whip, Orji Uzor Kalu, has stated that he would not mind becoming Nigeria’s president at the age of 78, drawing a comparison with United States President Donald Trump.

Kalu made the remark during an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Wednesday, where he also restated his confidence in his political experience and competence to lead the country.

‘I still have the ambition and I’m competent to be president of Nigeria. But not in 2027, I’m supporting president Tinubu,’ he said.

When the interviewer pointed out that at his current age of 65, he would be 78 if it took another 12 years before another southerner became president, Kalu maintained that age would not be a barrier to his ambition.

‘Why not, president Trump is 79. Yes, of course. If I’m healthy and God gives me life and good health. The question is not age, it’s competence. What is in my brain I need to deliver. It is not when or where it is how ready you are,’ Kalu said.

The senator representing Abia North also insisted that he remains the most important politician from the South-East, not the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi.

Kalu said, ‘He’s not my leader, I am the most important politician from that zone. ‘I ran for president before, my 4.9 million votes in 2007 are still there. We achieved a lot with PPA. We had ministers, ambassadors, and other appointments under President Yar’Adua.’

He, however, refused to discuss Obi extensively, saying he would only do so if the Labour Party candidate were present for a debate.

‘I’m a member of the APC and I don’t want to discuss Peter Obi.

‘Each time you mention him, I become uncomfortable because I’ve told you before – any day you want to discuss Peter Obi with me, give us two hours, put him there, and put me here. Then we’ll sort it out,’ Kalu said.

The Kebbi State Area Command of the Nigeria Customs, as at the end of September, generated a total revenue of N25.66 million, the Controller in charge of the Command, Controller Matawale Mahmud Ibrahim, has said.

Ibrahim, who disclosed this at his maiden press conference at the Command Headquarters in Birnin Kebbi on Wednesday, stated that the cross-border initiatives he established with his Benin Republic counterpart had largely enhanced the revenue generation capacity of the Command compared to previous months.

‘Upon assuming duty in the month of September, I closely reviewed the revenue generation structures of the Command and introduced new modalities to strengthen our performance,’ he said.

The Controller added that the suppression of smuggling remained one of the core mandates of the Nigeria Customs Service, noting that his Command had leveraged intelligence sharing, inter-agency cooperation and collaboration with other Customs Units to curb illicit trade activities.

‘Within the past one month, the Command has recorded seizures of 100 bales of second-hand clothing, 444 laptop-sized wraps of cannabis sativa, 143 mini sacks of donkey meat, 140 cartons of foreign spaghetti, 100 bags of foreign parboiled rice, and 26,835 litres of petrol – all with a total street value of N109.57 million,’ he said.

In a bold move to expand access to technology education across the continent, Axia Africa has announced the launch of its ninth learning cycle, Cohort 9, alongside a groundbreaking new initiative – the AxiaTech4All Scholarship, which aims to empower 100,000 young Africans to pursue careers in technology.

The program, now open for applications, will provide 10,000 fully funded scholarship slots to deserving learners, giving them access to premium tech training without the financial burden of tuition fees.

Building on the success of Axia Africa’s previous women-focused scholarship, which attracted over 21,000 applications and produced 2,000 successful graduates- this new phase represents a wider, more inclusive approach. AxiaTech4All opens opportunities to young Africans of all genders, backgrounds, and skill levels, reaffirming the organisation’s mission to democratize access to quality tech education.

Participants in Cohort 9 will have the opportunity to learn in-demand digital skills across key disciplines such as data analytics, product design, product management, and software development. Each course will include hands-on projects, mentorship from industry experts, and certifications through Axia Africa’s U.S.-accredited partner institutions.

Speaking on the launch, Olawale Samuel, CEO of Axia Africa, emphasised the organization’s commitment to inclusivity and impact.

‘The AxiaTech4All Scholarship is our commitment to ensuring that no young African with a dream in tech is left behind due to financial barriers,’ he said.

Since its inception, Axia Africa has positioned itself as a leading edtech organization focused on equipping Africans with future-ready skills through accessible, world-class education. With the introduction of the AxiaTech4All initiative, the organization aims to scale its reach and empower a new generation of innovators capable of driving Africa’s digital transformation.

Applications for Cohort 9 and the AxiaTech4All Scholarships are now open across Axia Africa’s official channels, with thousands of aspiring learners already signing up to begin their journey in technology.

Gbenga Akingbulere, a leading figure in secure software engineering, has been honoured with the prestigious NOVA Award at the United Nations for his outstanding work in digital security and inclusive innovation.

The award was presented during the Beyond Beijing 30 Summit, organised by Sanicle Cloud in partnership with UNA Nigeria, the UNESCO Centre for Peace, and other global organisations.

The recognition celebrates professionals who use technology to promote equity, safety, and social progress. For Gbenga, it represents both an honour and a reminder of his mission to build systems people can trust.

‘Technology should never just be smart, it should be safe, fair, and human-centred,’ he said. ‘That has been my guiding principle from day one.’

Over the years, Gbenga has led major projects that support banking and cybersecurity operations across various regions. One of his key contributions includes the development of a modular core banking system now used by financial institutions in multiple countries. The platform enhances financial access and operational efficiency while helping institutions deliver faster, safer, and more transparent services.

He also directed the creation of a digital tax payment platform for a Central African government, a project that simplified how citizens and businesses pay taxes while improving transparency and accountability in revenue management. ‘Innovation means little if it does not solve real problems for real people,’ Gbenga said. ‘Our work is most meaningful when it helps citizens trust the systems that serve them.’

Another notable achievement under his leadership is an advanced anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing solution adopted by a leading African payment processor.

The system uses artificial intelligence and real-time data analysis to monitor millions of transactions daily, helping financial institutions detect potential threats more efficiently and reduce false alerts. By automating compliance processes it has strengthened transparency and reliability in the financial technology sector.

Beyond his technical expertise, Gbenga is deeply committed to mentorship and youth empowerment. He has trained and supported many young developers, especially women pursuing careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

His mentorship programs have encouraged many to pursue innovation-driven paths in technology and leadership. ‘I have learned that innovation only scales when opportunity does,’ he said. ‘If girls can see themselves in technology early, they will start building solutions we have not even imagined yet.’

Gbenga’s work continues to reflect his belief that technology should improve lives, not just systems. His approach combines innovation with empathy, proving that technical excellence and human values can coexist. Whether developing advanced security solutions or guiding emerging tech leaders, he continues to show that technology built with integrity can both protect data and empower people.

His recognition at the United Nations stands as a testament to his vision that true innovation can secure systems while strengthening society.

The Federal Polytechnic, Ilaro, has emerged first position in the latest national ranking of higher institutions in Nigeria.

The ranking, which was conducted by an international evaluation body, Pole Global Marketing, was held based on blackboard implementation and adoption, as directed by the Federal Ministry of Education.

The comprehensive evaluation covered over 180 institutions, including universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education across the country.

The ranking assessed institutions on key performance indicators such as academic excellence, innovation, institutional management, and community impact.

In a chat with journalists, the Rector of the Federal Polytechnic Ilaro, Dr. Mukail Aremu Akinde, expressed joy over the remarkable feat.

Akinde, who spoke on behalf of the Governing Council and the entire Polytechnic community, described the news as a timely and uplifting recognition, especially as the present administration marks its third year in office.

Akinde commended the management team, staff, and students of the institution for their collective efforts in achieving the success.

He specially lauded the Centre for Information and Communication Technology (CICT), headed by the Director, Dr (Mrs) Jumoke Soyemi, for their unwavering collaboration and continuous innovations within the institution.

The Rector, however, stressed that the achievement is not just a celebration but a call to greater commitment, excellence in service delivery and sustained innovation in all areas of institutional growth.

Labour Party national leader, Peter Obi, has said that certificate forgery among public officials undermines Nigeria’s democracy, stressing that the integrity of leaders begins with honesty in their academic and professional claims.

Obi stated this while reacting to the resignation of the Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, Uche Nnaji, who stepped down following controversies over alleged discrepancies in his academic credentials.

Nnaji, appointed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in August 2023, resigned earlier this week after an investigative report by Premium Times alleged that he submitted forged academic and National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) certificates to the Senate during his ministerial screening. In a statement shared on his X (formerly Twitter) handle on Thursday, Obi commended the minister’s resignation, describing it as ‘a decent and honourable step’ that reinforces accountability in public office.

‘It is commendable that the Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, Mr Uche Nnaji, has resigned following the controversy surrounding discrepancies in his academic certificates. That is a decent and honourable step. These instances remind us that such matters are not trivial; they constitute serious criminal offences,’ Obi stated.

Obi called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and relevant agencies to begin verifying the academic and professional certificates of all political candidates ahead of the 2027 general elections to prevent further certificate forgery scandals.

He urged that the verification process should cover all elective offices – from the presidency down to local government councillors – insisting that dishonesty and forgery should have no place in leadership.

‘As a matter of urgency, this is the time for a comprehensive national review of the qualification and background verification process for all public office holders.

‘Other nations, like Ghana, have set an example by thoroughly cross-checking the educational claims and credentials of all candidates before elections. Nigeria must not do less.

‘Continuous discrepancies, false declarations, and forged credentials undermine the credibility of our democracy. If we truly desire a free, fair, and credible 2027 election, the process of integrity must begin now,’ he said.

Obi further called for public access to the academic records of all incumbent and aspiring public officials, noting that transparency remains the foundation of credible leadership.

‘Let truth, transparency, and accountability form the foundation of leadership in our dear country. Only then can we build a Nigeria where public service is anchored on honour, not deceit. We must get it right,’ he concluded.