The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has awarded scholarships to 12  academically outstanding but financially disadvantaged indigents students across its Bauchi Zone.

The Bauchi Zone includes: Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University (ATBU), Sa’adu Zungur University (SAZU) Bauchi.

Others are Gombe State University, Federal University Kashere, University of Jos and Plateau State University Bokkos.

During the presentation held at the ASUU Secretariat, SAZU Bauchi on Saturday, the 12 beneficiaries received cheques worth ₦200,000 each from the national body of the Union.

Prof. Christopher Piwuna, Convener of the ASUU Grant, Research and Publications Committee was represented by Prof.

Lawan Abubakar, the immediate past Zonal Coordinator.

Piwuna explained that the scholarships aimed to support brilliant students who were hindered by financial hardship.

“This initiative was born out of the need to counter the government’s rising imposition of school charges, which continues to burden students and their families,” he said.

Piwuna added that ASUU believed that such financial aid should be a grant, not a loan, noting: “We don’t expect any repayment from the beneficiaries or their parents.”

Prof. Namo Aku, the Zonal Coordinator, said that while the national body supported 12 students, the six universities in the zone collectively sponsored  additional 18 indigenous students.

“ATBU and Gombe State University sponsored five students each, Plateau University and University of Jos sponsored two each, while SAZU and Federal University Kashere sponsored two students apiece,” he said.

Aku emphasized that ASUU’s mission includes supporting the less privileged through collective contributions from lecturers who are passionate about students’ success.

Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, Bappa Salisu, a Pharmacy student at SAZU, expressed gratitude to the Union.

“We are deeply thankful for this opportunity. It motivates us to work harder and live up to the expectations of those who believe in us,” he said

By Tony Obiechina Abuja 

In a groundbreaking leap for Nigeria’s healthcare and education sectors, Nigeria has reached a transformative milestone in healthcare education. 

This is just as annual nursing enrollment has surged from 28,000, as it was on May 28th 2023 when the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu led-administration was inaugurated, to an unprecedented 115,000 as a result of Mr.

President’s initiative.  

The Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Olatunji Alausa, reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, focusing on revitalizing the education and health sectors.

In line with the administration’s emphasis on Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics and Medical Sciences (STEMM), the Federal Ministries of Education and Health & Social Welfare, under the leadership of Dr.

Alausa and his counterpart, Coordinating Minister of Health & Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, have successfully surpassed the initial set out target of 110,000 nursing students annually enrolled at our nursing colleges to 115,000. 

The Minister thanked stakeholders, industry leaders, the Nigerian Council of Nurses and Midwifery, teaching hospitals, and Ministry staff for their contributions towards this great achievement.

According to a statement by Mrs Folashade Boriowo, Director of Press and Public Relations on Monday, “This increased enrollment capacity signals a transformative era for nursing education in Nigeria, positioning the country to meet domestic and global demands for qualified healthcare professionals” 

By Lucy Osuizigbo-Okechukwu

Awka, April 24, 2025 (NAN) The 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) officially started on Thursday at multiple Computer-Based Test (CBT) centres in Awka, the capital of Anambra.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) correspondent who monitored activities at several centres in Awka and surrounding areas, observed that the examination was going on smoothly.

Some of the centres visited are the Integral Development Konsult(IDK) on Enugu/Onitsha Expressway, White House in Awka, Grafil Centre and Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka.

Others included St. John of God ICT Hub, Awka and Kachukwu Ventures Staff Development Center, behind Government House in Awka.

(NAN)

NAN also reports that the examination centres take candidates in three batches: 7.00 a.m., 10.00 a.m. and 12.00 p.m.

At the St. John of God ICT Hub, candidates described the process as smooth and free of any major hitches.

Miss Ifeoma Mbah, a candidate who took part in the examination, praised the officials at the centre and JAMB for creating a peaceful and conducive environment for the exercise.

“This is my first time writing the UTME, and I’m really pleased. The computers functioned properly, everything was well-organised, and the calm atmosphere helped me concentrate. I did my best,” she said.

At the Grafil Centre, the examination was observed to be proceeding smoothly, with the exception of a few candidates who missed their scheduled time.

Michael Nnaji, a candidate, explained that he traveled from a distant town and faced transportation challenges, which caused him to arrive late at the centre.

“The exam had already started by the time I got here. I’m really hoping and praying that the officials will reschedule it for me,” he said.

Another candidate, Ezekiel Okpala, said this was his second time taking the UTME, and he remained hopeful about gaining university admission.

“This is my second attempt at the UTME. With the experience I’ve gained, I was able to handle the questions better.

“I”m very optimistic that I’ll pass and secure admission this time,” he said.

NAN reports that no fewer than two million candidates are expected to write the JAMB UTME, which commenced on April 24 and would end on May 5.

Officials of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps were seen monitoring and securing the accredited Computer-Based Test (CBT) centres.