By Tambaya Julius, Abuja

The Nasarawa State University, Keffi (NSUK) Alumni Association has restated its commitment to supporting indigent students and contributing to the overall development of the university following the successful hosting of its 2026 Global Delegates Conference and General Assembly.

The conference, held at the association’s newly built Secretariat (H.

E. Sen. Abdullahi Adamu Building) within the university campus in Keffi, brought together alumni members, stakeholders, and invited guests to deliberate on the future of the association and its role in advancing the institution.

During the event, the National President of the Alumni Association, Barr. Nuhu J. Egya, said members adopted several resolutions aimed at strengthening student welfare programmes and repositioning the association for greater impact.

He emphasised that the association would continue to prioritise charitable initiatives, especially support for indigent students of the university.

“We must ensure that every indigent student of Nasarawa State University, Keffi, is adequately supported and taken care of by the Alumni Association whenever the need arises. This remains one of our core responsibilities and forms part of the resolutions adopted at this conference,” he said.

Barr. Egya noted that members extensively deliberated on issues affecting the association and approved amendments to its constitution to encourage broader participation, progressive ideas, and improved service delivery.

He also announced the appointment of a Funds Mobilisation Committee and other sub-committees, chaired by the association’s former president, Alhaji. Muhammed Oshafu. He described Oshafu as a seasoned and capable leader, expressing confidence in the committee’s ability to attract support and enhance the association’s growth.

The President urged members to remain united and actively participate in alumni activities, stressing that collective contribution remains central to the association’s mission.

He commended the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Sa’adatu Hassan Liman, for her transparent leadership and commitment to institutional development, noting that her administration had inspired accountability and service-oriented leadership across campus bodies.

The president highlighted recent interventions by the association, including the donation of drugs, medical equipment and supplies to the university medical centre, as part of its ongoing support for students and the institution.

He further disclosed that the association had launched a hostel project capable of accommodating over 200 students as part of efforts to give back to the university community.

Barr. Egya also outlined key achievements of his administration since June 2025, including the donation of a vehicle to the association by Senator Ahmed Aliyu Wadada and the completion of the alumni secretariat building.

He appreciated Ambassador Yakubu Musa, Deputy Dean of the Postgraduate School, Dr. Shaibu, and others for their contributions toward the completion of the secretariat project.

He also thanked the Visitor of the university, Governor Abdullahi Sule, the Pro-Chancellor, the Emir of Keffi, and other stakeholders for their continuous support for the growth of both the university and the association.

Delivering a keynote lecture titled “Sustaining Institutional Development Through a Responsive Alumni System,” Ambassador Victor Udoh highlighted the importance of alumni associations in driving institutional progress.

He said alumni bodies must go beyond internal interests to focus on meaningful contributions to their alma mater through scholarships, mentorship programmes, counselling, seminars, and infrastructure development.

He noted that strong alumni networks play a significant role in enhancing the reputation and growth of educational institutions globally.

Ambassador Udoh urged NSUK alumni to see themselves as ambassadors of the university and to actively contribute to its continued development.

In his remarks, the Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Dr. Abbah John Michael, commended the leadership of the association for its achievements and urged members to sustain their support for the current administration.

He described the establishment of the alumni secretariat as a landmark achievement, noting that it provides a permanent base for operations and strengthens the association’s capacity.

Dr. Abbah further called for unity, teamwork, and collective commitment among members, stressing that these values are essential for the future success of the association

From Attah Ede, Makurdi

Benue State Governor, Rev Fr .Hyacinth Alia has approved the appointment of Dr. Ihu Eunice Ogbenyi as new Acting Head of Service (HoS) of Benue State.

The appointment followed the unfortunate demise of Dr.

Agbogbo Ode who was Head of Service from 2023 – 2026.

The acting HoS, Dr. Ogbenyi hails from Oju Local Government Area of Benue and was born on the 12th June 1973.

Before her appointment, she was Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Lands and Survey.

She obtained her Nigeria Certificate in Education (NCE) Maths/Physics in 1996 from College of Education, Oju and further obtained B.Sc. 2005, Masters 2010 and Ph.D 2021 all in Mathematics Education at the Fr. Adasu University, Makurdi.

She was employed into the Benue State Teaching Service Board as Principal Assistant Education Officer (PAEO II) in 1998.

Her service was deployed in February 2012 to the Benue State Ministry of Education.

She later served variously as Deputy Director Education (DDE) in the department of Planning, Research and Statistic (DPRS) heading Joint Consultative Committees on Education/National Council on Education (JCCE/NCE) unit and assistant Head of Education Management Information System (EMIS) unit.

While congratulating the Acting HoS, Governor Alia stated that “As you assume this critical role, I charge you with the responsibilities, principles, and priorities that will guide your stewardship and ensure continuity, professionalism, and service to the public.

“You must ensure your official actions conform with the vision and principles of this administration to continue with the reforms in the civil service and uphold at all times the sanctity and dignity of your office.

“You must ensure in all your official dealings that the interest of the state comes first”.

The governor in a statement by his chief press secretary Kula Tersoo, said the appointment takes immediate effect.

By Laide Akinboade, Abuja

The Christian Association of Nigeria, (CAN,) has tasked Nigerian leaders, three tiers of government and security agencies in Nigeria to make protection of schools and children as an urgent national responsibility.

President CAN, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, stated this in a message to commemorate the 2026 Children’s day in Abuja.

Okoh lamented that CAN deeply concern over the growing dangers confronting children across the country.

Adding that this is not acceptable due to the spate of kidnapping and abductions of children in schools in Oyo state.

The CAN President, therefore called for the immediate release of the children and teachers, in captivity.

The message reads, “This year’s celebration comes at a painful time for many families following recent attacks on schools in Oyo State, where pupils and teachers were abducted by gunmen, leaving parents traumatised and communities shaken. For many Nigerians, the incident has once again raised painful questions about the safety of children and the future of education in an atmosphere of worsening insecurity.

“CAN is deeply troubled by the plight of children who remain in captivity and by the emotional agony their families continue to endure. No child should have to experience fear and violence in a place meant for learning, protection and hope.

“We are equally concerned for the teachers caught in these tragic situations alongside their pupils. Teachers do far more than teach lessons in classrooms. They guide, protect, encourage and nurture children entrusted to their care every day. In many ways, they become trusted guardians and second parents to the young lives they help shape.

“The thought of teachers facing fear and uncertainty together with the children they were trying to protect should weigh heavily on the conscience of the nation”.

Okoh decried the facts that parents are now scared to send their children to school in Nigeria and this is unacceptable.

“A country where parents are afraid to send their children to school and teachers are uncertain about their safety cannot claim to be securing its future”.

He lamented the level of hunger, insecurity, poverty, in the country,
“Beyond insecurity, millions of Nigerian children continue to struggle with poverty, hunger, abuse, trafficking, child labour and limited access to quality education and healthcare. These challenges are steadily denying many children the stability, dignity and opportunities they deserve”.

CAN therefore calls on governments at all levels and security agencies to treat the protection of schools and children as an urgent national responsibility. Children must never become victims of a failing security system or repeated targets for criminal violence.

“We also urge leaders to recognise that every attack on a school damages public confidence, weakens national development and leaves emotional scars that can shape the future of a generation.

“Parents, faith communities, traditional institutions, schools, media organisations and community leaders must also work together to protect children, strengthen moral values and create environments where young people can grow without fear.

“To every Nigerian child living under difficult conditions or in communities troubled by insecurity, CAN encourages you not to lose hope. Your future remains important, your lives have value and your dreams deserve protection and support”, he said..

The CAN President prayed, *As the nation marks Children’s Day 2026, may this occasion awaken a deeper sense of responsibility among leaders and citizens alike to build a Nigeria where every child can live, learn and grow in peace, safety and dignity”.

CAN therefore reiterated its commitment in advocating for justice, responsible leadership and policies that protect the welfare and future of every Nigerian child.