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Democracy: TETFUND, NELFUND Revolutionising Education Sector – LASUED VC

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The Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFUND) and the Nigeria Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) are revolutionising Nigeria’s education sector, according to Prof. Bidemi Lafiaji-Okunneye, Vice-Chancellor of the Lagos State University of Education (LASUED), Oto-Ijanikin.Speaking to the Newsmen on Sunday, she lauded their impact under President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

Lafiaji-Okunneye highlighted that TETFUND had been instrumental in training over 35,000 teachers since 2023 in collaboration with the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB).
This enhanced access to TETFUND had also significantly improved infrastructure development and revitalized the research culture within institutions, she said.
.The Vice-Chancellor also praised the introduction of NELFUND, asserting that it has brought stability to Nigerian students and eased financial stress on parents.She noted that over two trillion naira had been disbursed to schools for student benefits since 2023.“NELFUND has aided students to concentrate on studies without the burden of some going to do menial jobs to pay school fees.“Availability of this fund has removed that social inequality that predisposes many into distractions that bears negatively on one’s performance.”According to Lafiaji-Okunneye, the fund has been “instrumental to the recent harvest of First Class graduates from the universities across board because students now internalise the research culture and are more focused”.She emphasised its “good social redeeming value” , which she said, fostered patriotism among beneficiaries and a sense of belonging among parents.Lafiaji-Okunneye further commended the administration’s investment in Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and technical education.She noted that students were embracing technological trends to produce commercially viable products, showcasing innovations from laboratories and technical workshops, such as metal waste bins, electronic voting systems, and “banking made easy” software.She urged the government to encourage institutions and innovators by facilitating the acquisition of patents for these products and supporting their commercial production.According to her, she believes it will enable institutions to delve into further research that can advance life and national development.Report says that the Tinubu administration, upon its inception in 2023, enhanced TETFUND’s operations and introduced NELFUND to help students pay tuition fees, with repayment commencing three years after graduation.(NAN)(

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Anyanwu Faction Calls for Implementation of Peace Committee Report

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By Johnson Eyiangho, Abuja

Three members of the Samuel Anyanwu Faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), who filed suit to stop the PDP conversation have called for the implementation of the recommendations of the party’s reconciliation Committee to bring lasting peace to the party.

They are Barr.

George Turna (PDP South-South Zonal Secretary), Hon.
Amah Abraham (PDP Chairman Abia) and Hon Austin Nwachukwu (Imo Chairman).

Addressing a news conference on Friday, the trio stressed that state congresses ought to have been concluded in almost all states — or at least a substantial number — to form the bulk of delegates to the national convention due to hold on Saturday and Sunday in Ibadan.

“Principal among our concerns was the conduct of state congresses. We believed that, by our procedures, state congresses ought to have been concluded in almost all states — or at least a substantial number — to form the bulk of delegates to the national convention.

“We looked forward to guidelines; none were issued. We expected a timetable; we couldn’t find any. We sought information on procedures, including purchase of forms; nothing was made available.

“Out of these frustrations, we approached the court to seek answers. It is now public knowledge that we obtained judgment in our favour, delivered by Honourable Justice James of the Federal High Court on 31st October 2025,” they said.

They denied acting as proxies to stop the PDP convention or tonundermine the party’s progress.

“We urge the leadership to quickly implement the recommendations, which will address our concerns and restore order. Many members are frustrated because the party is in disarray.

“We deserve commendation for having the courage to challenge illegality. We are guided strictly by the rule of law.

“If we truly love the PDP. We are ready to sit with anyone who respects the law. Political situations involve give-and-take. When we reach that bridge, we will cross it,” they added.

The trio made made available recommendations of the committee set up by the PDP BoT to reconcile the factions:

“Going ahead with the convention at this time must be subject to favourable legal status and disposition of INEC.

“However, considering the multiple court orders and judgements INEC is not likely going to monitor the Convention.

“Accordingly, an all inclusive Care Takers Committee (CTC) is recommended because a failed convention will incapacitate tenability of the party to field candidates at all levels nationally.

“For this to be effected, all the NWC should reverse to status quo ante immediately.

“Suspension orders should be lified and all parties brought together for genuine reconciliation.

“BOT must be given its prime position to be able to mediate and guide processes within the Party. On her part, the BoT must be seen to be neutral always.

“The constitution of the Party must be amended to accommodate some key issues.

“The intention to grant the Governors Forum status of an ORGAN of the party by constitutional amendment should not be done at this time.

“Above all, the Party constitution must be upheld always. Parly supremacy and discipline is core.

“There is therefore the need for the BoT , NWC, Governors Forum, and all critical stakeholders to come fogether and resolve all these issues to allow for a successful hitch free convention going forward.”

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Reps Move to Suspend 2026 WAEC’ Computers-base Exam Policy

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The House of Representatives has urged the Federal Ministry of Education and the West African Examination Council (WAEC) to suspend the planned computer-based examination policy billed to commence in 2026.

The call was sequel to adoption of a motion by Rep. Kelechi Nwogu (PDP-Rivers) at plenary on Thursday.

Nwogu, while moving that motion explained that WAEC is a body saddled with the conduct of higher education entry qualifying examinations for students of Senior Secondary Schools.

He said that higher education institutions made it mandatory for any candidate seeking admission to have at least five credits including English and Mathematics in WAEC or its equivalent.

The lawmaker observed that the 2025 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) result portal was shut down due to technical glitches, with the candidates suffering the consequences.

According to him, the Federal Ministry of Education planned to conduct the 2026 WASSCE in March, using the Computer-Based Examination (CBE).

“We are disturbed that in spite of the outcry by the National Union of Teachers and heads of schools, both public and private, especially those in rural areas hosting more than 70 per cent of the students, the Federal Ministry of Education has declared that there is no going back.

“Cognisant that computer-based examination requires a fully furnished hall with functional computers, internet facility, constant electricity supply, be it from the national grid or standby generators.

“Aware that about 25,500 schools across the country have candidates to write the 2026 examination, expected to be conducted simultaneously for four months starting from March to July.

“Also aware that most schools in the urban areas and talk less of schools in the rural areas do not have functional computers, nor computer teachers and as a result they have not used computers before,” he said.

Nwogu said that unlike JAMB, no candidate is expected to write less than nine subjects including practical, objectives, and theory questions.

He said that it was wrong to start the policy now without adequate preparation, suggesting that the Federal Ministry of Education and the Examination body should have at least three years’ projection to commence the policy by 2029/2030 academic year.

The rep said that the 2026 WAEC result of students, considered to be leaders of tomorrow will be devastating if the CBE policy is allowed to commence as it will lead to massive failure, frustration, drug abuse among other social vices.

The house urged the Federal Ministry of Education in collaboration with its state counterparts to include the recruitment of computer teachers and all necessary infrastructure in the 2026, 2027, 2028 and 2029 budgets.

The Green Chamber also resolved that proper monitoring of adequate provision in private schools must be done before commencement of the policy in 2030.

The house mandated the Committees on Basic Examination Bodies, Digital and Information Technology, Basic Education and Services among other relevant committees to ensure compliance and report back within four weeks for further legislative action.

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Bayelsa Female Automobile Service Provider Appeals to NCDMB for Retainership

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From Mike Tayese, Yenagoa

Bayelsa State Secretary of Women in Energy, Oil and Gas (WEOG) and Managing Director of Fudons Automobile Nig Ltd, Yenagoa, Nursere Doris Ndoboke has appealed to the Executive Secretary of Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) to consider her company for Retainership in Automobile repair.

Speaking with journalists in Yenagoa on Wednesday, Nursere Doris Ndoboke expressed concerns over delayed Retainership agreement with NCDMB after rendering Automobile Services to the board for about ten years only to be pushed aside from the system for no reasons.

Hence, she is calling on the Executive Secretary to intervene and consider her company for Retainership.

“I am already in the industry and can’t be pushed outside like that.

Kindly intervene to restore my only source of livelihood for we have served NCDMB for 10 years as an automotive engineering company certified by COREN.

“We have created several employment opportunities for Bayelsans with over 10 staff on our company payroll. In addition, we regularly engage students on IT attachment/training, Association of Professional Women of Nigeria (APWEN), Niger Delta University (NDU), Federal University Otuoke (FUO), Federal Polytechnic EKOWE, other tertiary institutions and even train apprentices without any state government’s support.

“I ventured into a male dominated business for survival because I have 15 years of working experience in the automotive industry in Port Harcourt. Please, my only source of livelihood can’t be taken away from me in my own state. Please, justice should be done speedily to do the needful.  I am a local content that NCDMB should build my capacity.

“Fudons Automobile has all the certifications to operate in the Oil and Gas industry, e g. NCDMB NOGIC JQS Certifications as Automobile Services provider, NUPRC LICENSE to operate in the Industry of which NCDMB is propagating for Women inclusivity in the OIL and Gas industry.

It is a sad commentary that Nursere Doris Ndoboke, a female entrepreneur and Managing Director, her own automobile services firm, could be facing such challenges in securing a retainership agreement with NCDMB despite providing quality services for 10 years.

Fudons Automobile has been a trusted service provider to NCDMB, offering automobile repair services.

Nursere Doris Ndoboke is also the Bayelsa State Secretary of Women in Energy, Oil and Gas (WEOG), promoting women’s participation in the oil and gas industry.

Our findings indicate that despite much appeals, NCDMB has not responded to Fudons Automobile’s application for a retainership agreement despite meeting the required certifications and qualifications.

Nurse-ere believes she is being pushed out of the system due to her gender, as she operates in a male-dominated industry.

Nursere Doris Ndoboke is worried about the silence from NCDMB officials on her request for Retainership after 10 years of business engagement with the organisation. The other issue is about her outstanding payments, amounting to over N15 million which is affecting her company’s operations while she has created jobs for over 10 Bayelsans in addition to carrying out manpower training and development programmes.

The company provides training and IT attachments to students from various institutions.

Fudons Automobile holds the necessary certifications, including NCDMB NOGIC JQS Certifications and NUPRC LICENSE.

We hope that the Executive Secretary will listen to her appeals and consider Fudons Automobile for retainership, as her company is making meaningful contributions to the local community and the oil and gas industry.

This situation further highlights the challenges faced by women entrepreneurs in male-dominated industries and the need for support and inclusivity in the oil and gas sector.

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