Lotus Bank, in strategic partnership with Heckerbella, has unveiled the Smart ID Project at the University of Lagos (UNILAG).

The Managing Director of Lotus Bank, Dr Isiaka Ajani-Lawal said ”the initiative brings in a new identification system that combines campus ID and secure debit card features in one.

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Ajani-Lawal emphasized that the initiative reflected the Bank’s broader commitment to advancing financial inclusion and delivering integrated, secure digital banking solutions tailored to institutional ecosystems.

“The Smart ID Project represents a forward-thinking collaboration that merges identity management, access control, and financial services into a single secure platform.

”In partnership with UNILAG and Heckerbella, we are delivering a solution that enhances convenience, strengthens security, and accelerates the transition toward a modern, cashless campus.”

According to him, the Smart ID Card is designed as a dual-function solution — serving as the university’s official identification credential while also operating as a secure debit card powered by Lotus Bank.

”The innovation enables seamless identity verification, efficient access control, and safe financial transactions both within and beyond the campus environment.

”The Smart ID Project is expected to streamline administrative processes, improve operational efficiency across faculties and departments, and deepen financial literacy and inclusion among students.

”With embedded debit functionality, the card supports secure, cashless transactions while reinforcing the University’s transition to a technology-driven academic ecosystem.”

According to him, as technology and implementation partner, Heckerbella is responsible for comprehensive data capture for students and staff, as well as the secure production and issuance of the Smart ID Cards.

”The process is built to ensure data accuracy, robust security standards, and operational efficiency throughout deployment.”

The ceremony featured the University’s leadership, faculty members, students, senior executives from Lotus Bank and Heckerbella, and key stakeholders

During the event, the Vice Chancellor of the university, Prof. Folasade  Ogunsola, formally presented the Smart ID Cards to students and staff, marking a defining milestone in UNILAG’s digital transformation journey.

In her remarks, the vice chancellor reaffirmed the university’s commitment to innovation and strategic partnerships that enhance service delivery and elevate the overall campus experience.

Speaking during the card unveiling, the Managing Director of Heckerbella, Yemi Keri, highlighted the importance of secure identity infrastructure in modern institutions.

She noted that her firm’s collaboration with Lotus Bank on the project demonstrates how technology, banking, and education can converge to deliver practical, future-focused solutions.

Lotus Bank is a full-fledged non-interest commercial bank committed to ethical banking, financial inclusion, and innovative digital solutions for individuals, businesses, and institutions across Nigeria.

The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA),  has renewed its strategic capacity development partnership with the World Maritime University (WMU), Malmö, Sweden, through the signing of a four-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s maritime human capital and institutional capacity.

 Speaking at the MoU signing ceremony, the Director General of NIMASA, Dr.

Dayo Mobereola described the partnership as a critical pillar in NIMASA’s human capital development framework and a strategic investment in Nigeria’s maritime future.

“This collaboration has significantly strengthened our technical and regulatory capabilities over the years.

Officers trained at WMU have enhanced our effectiveness in maritime safety administration, environmental compliance, maritime law, and shipping management. Their expertise has also reinforced Nigeria’s participation at the International Maritime Organization and other international maritime platforms,” he stated.

 Under the renewed MoU, which was first signed in 2022, NIMASA will sponsor at least ten officers annually for the 14-month Master of Science programme at WMU in Malmö for the 2026–2029 intakes, as well as at least one officer for the Master of Philosophy (MPhil) programme jointly delivered by WMU and the International Maritime Law Institute (IMLI), Malta.

The MoU also provides for distance learning, executive professional development courses, research collaboration and technical assistance to strengthen NIMASA’s capacity in maritime safety, environmental management, seafarer certification and implementation of international maritime instruments. WMU will further seek additional fellowships from international donors for qualified NIMASA candidates.

 Dr. Mobereola endorsed the MoU on behalf of NIMASA with the President of WMU, Professor Maximo Q. Mejia Jr signing on behalf of the University while Executive Director Finance and Administration NIMASA Chudi Offodile and the Registrar of WMU, Mr. Peter Marriott both signed as witnesses.

Established in 1983 by the International Maritime Organization, WMU was mandated to strengthen global maritime capacity, particularly in developing countries. The University has since become a leading centre of excellence, and Nigeria has benefited significantly through the training of NIMASA officers who continue to enhance national maritime governance and international engagement.

From Dan Amasingha, Minna.

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) at the Federal University of Technology, Minna (FUTMINNA) has strongly condemned what it described as a desperate and unlawful attempt by the Niger State Government to take over the institution’s historic Bosso Campus.

The protest, which took place at the entrance gate of the Bosso Campus, saw lecturers and students marching in solidarity under the leadership of ASUU and the Student Union Government, warning that any attempt to forcefully acquire the land would disrupt academic activities and violate federal laws.

Speaking to journalists after the demonstration, the FUTMINNA ASUU Chairperson, Comrade Professor Lukman Kunle Oyewobi, described the alleged move as “an unholy act,” insisting that the university community would resist any plan to dispossess the institution of its facilities.

Oyewobi disclosed that state government officials had reportedly visited the campus to initiate acquisition procedures without the consent of the university, prompting the emergency protest.

He rejected claims that the land was under temporary lease, citing a 1983 purchase agreement in which the Federal Government allegedly paid ₦2.8 million for full ownership of the property.

 According to him, the campus  originally a Roman Catholic missionary school handed to the state and later sold to FUTMINNA  is now a vital federal asset.

“This property belongs to the Federal Government. It is not idle land for political grabs,” Oyewobi said, adding that the campus houses more than 25 research centres, advanced science laboratories, staff quarters, hostels, clinics, libraries, and religious centres.

Pioneer student and Professor of Animal Production, Abdubanji Tijani, also challenged the state’s legal claim to the land, maintaining that the property was lawfully acquired in 1982 and cannot be reclaimed by the state government.

The controversy is believed to be linked to an alleged plan by the state government to establish a state-owned medical school on the Bosso Campus. 

However, the university community pointed out that FUTMINNA has already launched its own medical school using facilities within the same campus.

Dean of Student Affairs, Professor Bashir Ganiyu, expressed concern over reports that students, particularly female undergraduates, had been asked to vacate their hostels. With a total student population of about 25,000 and accommodation space for only about 5,000 students across campuses, he questioned the feasibility and safety implications of such a directive.

“Where do they want these students to go? Are they to be chased into the streets?” he asked.

Similarly, Mohamed Ramas, a 500-level student and Vice President of the Student Union, raised alarm over the safety of female students if evicted abruptly.

“We don’t have alternatives. Where do they want us to go? We are ladies. They cannot toy with our safety,” she lamented.

ASUU called on the National Assembly, the National Universities Commission (NUC), and civil society organisations to intervene and halt what it termed an assault on academic freedom and constitutional rights.

The union also urged Governor Mohammed Umar Bago, an honorary doctorate recipient of the university, to reconsider the move and seek alternative sites within the state, which is Nigeria’s largest by landmass.

Efforts to get official reaction from the Niger State Government were ongoing as of the time of filing this report.