Author: Val Kosi

NANS Opposes NECO’s N50,000 Certificate Reprint Fee

The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has strongly opposed the new N50,000 fee imposed by the National Examination Council (NECO) for certificate reprints, Okay.ng reports.

In a reaction to the new fee, NANS clerk of the Senate, Abdulyekinn Odunayo, in a statement described the decision as outrageous and a commercialisation of education.

The student body believes that the fee places an unjust burden on students, particularly during a time of economic hardship.

NANS has expressed concerns about the lack of transparency in NECO’s fee structure and policies, and has called for an immediate reversal and reduction of the fee to a more affordable amount.

NANS also advocates for an extension of the reprint request deadline to 5 years and urges for stakeholder engagement to ensure decisions that prioritize the needs of students.

October 30, 2024
Ogun Commissioner Salutes Teachers’ Resilience

The Ogun State Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Prof Abayomi Arigbabu, has expressed his admiration for the resilience and courage of Nigerian teachers in the face of various challenges as World Teachers’ Day is celebrated, Okay.ng reports.

The commissioner emphasized the importance of this year’s theme, “Valuing Teachers’ Voices: Towards a New Social Contract for Education,” highlighting the crucial role that teachers play in shaping the future of society.

In a statement issued on Saturday, Arigbabu commended the teachers in the state and emphasized the crucial role they play in shaping the future of society.

He extended his heartfelt appreciation to every teacher in Ogun State, recognizing their dedication, passion, and sacrifice.

The commissioner acknowledged the challenges faced by teachers and assured them of the state’s continuous support to help them deliver their best to the learners.

Arigbabu also called on all stakeholders to work together with the government in building an education system that values and uplifts teachers’ voices for a brighter future for all.

October 30, 2024
World Teachers’ Day: Sanwo-Olu Expresses Heartfelt Gratitude to Lagos Teachers

The Executive Governor of Lagos State, his Excellency Babajide Sanwo-Olu has expressed his heartfelt gratitude to all teachers within the state, Okay.ng reports.

This was done in celebration of World Teachers’ Day 2024 with the theme: “Valuing Teachers’ Voices: Towards a New Social Contract for Education.”

The Governor made his gratitude known to all teachers in the State through his verified facebook page on Saturday, October 5, 2024.

He stated: “As we celebrate World Teachers’ Day, I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to all teachers in Lagos State.”

“Today, we honor not just the profession of teaching, but the profound impact that teachers have on the lives of our children and the future of our society.

You inspire, nurture, and shape the minds of the next generation, empowering them with knowledge and skills that will serve them for a lifetime. Your dedication, resilience, and unwavering commitment to excellence are commendable, especially in these challenging times.”

The Governor further reiterates the role of teachers as beyond the classroom.

“The role of a teacher extends far beyond the classroom. You are mentors, role models, and guiding lights for our youth. Your influence helps to build a more educated, informed, and compassionate society.”

Sanwo-Olu ended his gratitude to all teachers in Lagos State by requesting for investment in the future of education in the state.

“Together, let us invest in the future of education in Lagos State, creating an environment where teachers can flourish and students can achieve their fullest potential.”

“Thank you for your invaluable contributions and for being the change-makers in our communities.” Sanwo-Olu Stated

October 30, 2024
Covenant University Tops Nigeria’s List in THE 2025 Rankings [Full List]
Covenant University (CU), a private institution in Nigeria, has been ranked as the country’s best university in the Times Higher Education (THE) 2025 Rankings.

The rankings, published annually by Times Higher Education, offer a comprehensive evaluation of universities worldwide.

The 2025 edition features data from 1,907 universities across 108 countries and regions, assessing them on 18 indicators related to teaching, research environment, research quality, industry interaction, and international outlook.

This year’s analysis involved over 134 million citations across 16.5 million research publications and included responses from 68,402 scholars globally.

On the global stage, the University of Oxford continues its dominant streak, securing the top spot for the ninth consecutive year, making it the longest-running reign in the history of the rankings, surpassing Harvard’s eight-year streak.

Global Top-10 Best Universities in THE 2025 Rankings:

University of Oxford, UK

Stanford University, US

Massachusetts Institute of Technology, US

Harvard University, US

University of Cambridge, UK

Princeton University, US

California Institute of Technology, US

Imperial College London, UK

University of California, Berkeley, US

Yale University, US

For Nigeria, Covenant University emerged as the top-ranking institution, placing within the 800-1000 range globally, sharing this spot with the University of Ibadan (UI).

Nigeria’s Top Universities in THE 2025 Rankings:

Covenant University

University of Ibadan

Federal University of Technology Akure

University of Lagos

Bayero University

University of Ilorin

University of Nigeria, Nsukka

Afe Babalola University

University of Benin

Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta

Ladoke Akintola University of Technology

Lagos State University

Nnamdi Azikiwe University

Obafemi Awolowo University

University of Port Harcourt

Abia State University

Akwa Ibom State University

Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu-Alike

Babcock University

Baze University

Bells University of Technology

Benson Idahosa University

Delta State University, Abraka

Edo State University, Uzairue

Edwin Clarke University

Elizade University

Evangel University, Akaeze

Federal University of Kashere

Federal University of Petroleum Resources, Effurun

Federal University of Technology, Minna

Federal University of Technology, Owerri

Fountain University

Landmark University

Nasarawa State University, Keffi

Niger Delta University

Plateau State University, Bokkos

Thomas Adewumi University

Veritas University, Abuja

Yusuf Maitama Sule University, Kano
October 30, 2024
Reps Seek Creation of Bola Tinubu University

The House of Representatives has taken the first step towards creating the Bola Ahmed Tinubu Federal University of Nigerian Languages, with the bill passing its first reading, Okay.ng reports.

The bill, sponsored by the Deputy Speaker, Benjamin Kalu, and eight others, aims to create a university for the promotion of learning of Nigerian languages and cultures, offering academic and professional programs to produce socially mature persons who can communicate, understand, and use Nigerian languages for national development.

Additionally, the President, as the visitor to the university, will have the power to conduct visits and remove council members, except for the pro-chancellor and vice-chancellor, on grounds of misconduct or inability to perform their duties.

This new university bill is expected to undergo a second reading and public hearing in the coming weeks to gather stakeholders’ input.

October 30, 2024
FirstBank, JAN Crown Winners of 2024 National Company of the Year Competition

FirstBank, in collaboration with Junior Achievement Nigeria (JAN), has announced the winners of the 2024 National Company of the Year (NCOY) competition.

The event, which took place on Friday in Lekki, Lagos, brought together 12 schools representing various states, who were finalists from an earlier round of competition.

FirstBank Managing Director, Olusegun Alebiosu, speaking at the event celebrated a significant milestone, revealing that with the announcement of the 2024 winners, the initiative has produced 1.5 million student entrepreneurs.

Alebiosu, represented by the General Counsel of the bank, Raymond Mgbeokwere, noted that this year’s edition also marked the 25th anniversary of the competition, which began in 1999.

He highlighted the purpose of the program as a means to inculcate entrepreneurship knowledge and practice among senior secondary school students.

The competition, he explained, would help participants understand business organisation and operations, as well as how to apply innovative solutions to real-world challenges.

“This is why FirstBank, for the past 10 years, has been fully committed in its partnership with JAN and sponsorship of the National Company of the Year competition,” Alebiosu stated.

The FirstBank boss also emphasized how the initiative aligns with the bank’s FutureFirst Initiative, a programme designed to promote financial literacy and career counselling among Nigerian youth.

Through this initiative, over 1.5 million students from 2,500 schools have been positively impacted.

Alebiosu praised the innovations presented at the competition, noting that the theme for the 2024 edition, “Greenovation,” encouraged students to develop innovative solutions for environmental challenges.

He stressed the importance of sustainability and urged for collaboration in tackling environmental issues such as pollution and waste disposal through recycling and upcycling.

“The various innovations showcased today reveal that there is hope for Africa,” Alebiosu added.

Darun Noor Intercontinental School, Kano, emerged as the overall winner of the 2024 competition with their company, Smart Sprout Solutions, which invented a Smart Sprinkler for farmers.

The school received a cash prize of N500,000 from FirstBank and will represent Nigeria at an upcoming African competition in Mauritius.

In second place, Innovative Heritage School, Nasarawa, earned recognition for their company, De-Amazons, which created organic marker ink from coconut shells, charcoal, and used engine oil.

Ibesikpo Secondary Commercial School, Akwa Ibom, placed third with their company, Green Cycle, which produced fashionable bags from recycled plantain stems.

The event also featured several special awards, including Best Female Leadership, CEO of the Year, Best Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), and the Public Choice Award.

Olaolu Akogun, Senior Programmes Manager at JAN, explained that the businesses presented by the students were carefully assessed based on their ideas, financial reports, presentations, and exhibitions before winners were selected.

He also noted the long-term impact of the programme, which has equipped over 1.5 million young Nigerians with entrepreneurial skills.

“We’ve raised 1.5 million young people that have what it takes to own their economic future,” Akogun added.

October 30, 2024
Kebbi Closes Health College over Violent Students Protest

The Kebbi State Government has closed the College of Health Technology in Jega due to a violent students protest, Okay.ng reports.

The students were upset about several issues, including the college’s lack of federal accreditation, which means their diplomas wouldn’t be recognized nationally. This was the main reason for the unrest, but other grievances included inadequate facilities, such as no toilets or potable water, poor sanitation, and ineffective leadership.

The protest turned violent, with the students targeting the provost, burning his house and vandalizing his car.

The Divisional Police Office had to intervene to rescue the provost, who would have been lynched otherwise.

The college will remain closed for three to four weeks, and when it reopens, students will be required to return with their parents and sign an undertaking.

October 30, 2024
WAEC Announces Start Date for Computer-Based WASSCE for Private Candidates

The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has announced that the Computer-Based West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) for Private Candidates is scheduled to commence on Friday, October 25, 2024.

The Second Series of the examination will run from October 25 to December 20, 2024.

In a statement released on Tuesday, WAEC also revealed an extension of the registration period, giving candidates until Tuesday, October 29, 2024, to complete their registration.

“The examination will adopt the hybrid mode of delivering the examination, which implies that the objective questions would be answered on screen, while on-screen essay and practical questions would be answered on the booklets provided,” the statement explained.

“On this note, the Council wishes to inform all candidates that the registration period has been extended to October 29, 2024.

“The final timetable for the examination is available for download on the WAEC Nigeria website.”

October 30, 2024
“The most genius thing I have done in my life was being able to spot the passion and resilience in him” – Don Jazzy appoints new President and COO of Mavin

Music executive Don Jazzy has made a huge announcement as he appoints Tega Oghenejobo as President and COO of his record label, Mavin.

In a post on his Instagram page, the highly respected music mogul noted how he is always praised for being able to spot and raise superstars, but he can proudly say the most genius thing he has done in his life was being able to spit the passion and resilience in Tega.

He said that from the early days, he has watched Tega be curious about the business, build teams, develop executives, and ensure their talents have sustainable careers from the start. According to Don Jazzy, Tega’s commitment to growing Mavin and shaping the future of African music has been relentless, and he is confident that with him in this new role, they will continue to break new ground and achieve even bigger milestones for their artists and company.

“I’m proud to announce Tega’s expanded role as President and COO of Mavin. I am often praised for being able to spot and raise superstars, but I can proudly say the most genius thing I have done in my life was being able to spot the passion and resilience in Tega. From the early days, I’ve watched him be curious about the business, build teams, develop executives, and ensure our talents have sustainable careers from the start. His commitment to growing Mavin and shaping the future of African music has been relentless, and I’m confident that with him in this role, we’ll continue to break new ground and achieve even bigger milestones for our artists and company. Congratulations @tegamavin”.

Don Jazzy started the MAVIN record label on his own after he left Mo’Hits Records, which he co-founded with D’banj. The music executive has grown to become highly respected in the music industry, and entertainment as a whole. He has received several awards owing to his work as a record label boss and a producer.

Over the past few years, Don Jazzy has promoted a lot of upcoming artists on social media. He has made himself quite accessible online, and this has created a huge platform for budding artists to showcase their talents. Not forgetting his signees, Don Jazzy constantly promotes their music on social media, and this has helped boost their individual careers.

In February, Don Jazzy revealed that Mavin Records had partnered with Universal Music Group to bring more innovation and opportunities, allowing them to showcase their African talent worldwide. He said that this partnership was a milestone that recognizes their collective talent, and hard work while aiming to elevate African music on the global stage. Expressing excitement at the partnership, he added that this step forward was a testament to the dedication of his artists, staff, and, importantly, their fans.

In May, the record label boss celebrated the twelfth anniversary of MAVIN. He shared clips of his past and present signees, alongside their achievements on streaming platforms, as he thanked everyone for supporting them for twelve years.

Last year, Mavin Records celebrated its 11th year of establishment and Don Jazzy penned an emotional note. He recalled the lovely moments created by Mavin, and how it kept growing from strength to strength, breaking boundaries, and impacting positively.

The proud Mavin CEO appreciated his fans, brand partners, and well-wishers who supported the record label with love and made it one of the best. He also appreciated his signees who are doing well to represent the brand across the globe.

In a past interview, Don Jazzy revealed how he uses controversial singer, Portable and not Buju to train his artists. The Mavins founder noted how Portable’s controversial lifestyle has kept him in the spotlight, unlike, Buju, who despite his talent doesn’t receive publicity like Portable. He used the artists’ different Instagram followers to further prove his point, as he added that he continues to ring it into his artists’ heads, to follow Portable’s strategy.

October 30, 2024
”A man will only stay if he wants to” – Uriel Oputa with some relationship advise

Uriel Oputa is dishing out relationship advise, with regards to women who put a lot of effort into relationships that have no headway.

The reality star spoke extensively about what men think about in relationships, and what motivates them to choose a lover in the first place.

In her post, Uriel wrote;

“”Sometimes, I really pity some women. I had to learn the hard way. Look at all the effort some girls put in just to prove they’re good girlfriends.

Here’s the truth: a man knows from day one if he sees a future with you. If he’s serious, you
don’t need to break your back washing, cooking, or running errands to prove your worth.

Go clean his entire house, even his grandparents’ house, it won’t make him stay if he doesn’t want to. As for me, don’t meet me expecting me to cook or play house. I know my
worth.

Men know I can cook, but that doesn’t mean I’m going to start doing wifey duties for free. It’s a lesson many learn too late – all the washing and bending over backward won’t
change a thing if he’s not serious. Take note, ladies!. I have four brothers, I hear inside gist”

Going forward, Uriel went into an in-depth explanation of what will keep a man, and what drives their decisions.

‘”A man will only stay if he wants to stay. No amount of nagging, pleading, or intimacy will change that.

Why? Let me explain. Men are wired differently when it comes to commitment,psychologically, they tend to be more straightforward in how they make decisions about relationships.

While women often weigh emotions, shared
experiences, and long-term dreams, men generally take a more binary approach: they’re either in or out from the start.

Men are biologically predisposed to focus on solutions and outcomes, and this affects how they see relationships too.

Their commitment often comes down to what they’ve decided early on-no amount of bending over backward will change their mind if they’ve already made up their mind.

So, ladies, remember: you can’t ‘convince’ someone to love you or stay if it isn’t what they already feel or want.”

October 30, 2024