By Tony Obiechina, Abuja

The Federal Government has reaffirmed its strong commitment to revitalising Unity Schools across the country. This was disclosed by the Minister of state for Education, Professor Suwaiba Sa’id Ahmad, during an unscheduled visit to Federal Government College (FGC), Kano, and Federal Government Girls College (FGGC), Kazaure, as part of efforts to assess infrastructure, teaching standards, and student welfare in these institutions.

During the visits, Professor Suwaiba engaged directly with school leadership, teachers, and students, gaining first-hand insights into the conditions of the schools and the challenges they face. She explained that the inspection was not ceremonial but a deliberate effort to align government policies with realities on the ground.By listening and observing operations in real-time, the Ministry seeks to implement more targeted and impactful interventions. Professor Suwaiba announced that the Federal Government has earmarked over N80 billion for the renovation and upgrade of more than 100 Unity Schools across the nation. She explained that this investment reflects the government’s determination to improve the quality of education through the provision of modern and conducive learning environments.She further revealed that the Ministry is developing a national digital platform for teacher training. This platform will enable teachers nationwide to access contemporary instructional resources and professional development opportunities, regardless of their location.According to her, empowering teachers with up-to-date pedagogical skills is central to achieving sustainable improvement in education delivery.In addition, the Minister highlighted the importance of maintaining appropriate student-teacher ratios, implementing regular quality assurance assessments, and promoting inclusive education. She noted that Conditional Cash Transfers (CCTs) remain a vital tool in supporting students from disadvantaged backgrounds, improving access to education and reducing dropout rates.In a statement by spokesperson of the ministry, Folashade Boriowo the minister engaged directly with school leadership, teachers, and students, gaining first-hand insights into the conditions of the schools and the challenges they face. She explained that the inspection was not ceremonial but a deliberate effort to align government policies with realities on the ground. By listening and observing operations in real-time, the Ministry seeks to implement more targeted and impactful interventions.At FGC Kano, the Minister was received by the principal, Hafsat Adebayo, who expressed appreciation for the visit, describing it as timely and encouraging. Professor Suwaiba addressed the students, urging them to pursue academic excellence while cultivating values such as discipline, honesty, and integrity. She cautioned against examination malpractice and reminded them that education should shape not only what they know but who they become.The inspection continued at FGGC Kazaure, where the Minister not only assessed facilities including classrooms, laboratories, and the ICT centre but tasted the food prepared for the boarding Students. She expressed concern over the state of some infrastructure, particularly the lack of internet connectivity in the ICT centre, and assured the school management that such challenges would be prioritised. The principal of the college, Feniah Vokito, outlined key areas requiring urgent attention and commended the Minister for her proactive engagement.Professor Suwaiba described the Unity Colleges as pillars of national unity and academic excellence, stating that the Federal Government remains committed to strengthening their capacity and relevance. She emphasised that investment in infrastructure must be complemented by investments in human capital, strong leadership, and continuous policy support to ensure these institutions fulfill their foundational mandate.The inspection tour marks a proactive shift in the Ministry’s approach to governance, rooted in transparency, accountability, and stakeholder collaboration. It reflects the resolve of the Federal Ministry of Education to transform Unity Schools into centres of excellence capable of nurturing future generations and advancing national development.

By Tony Obiechina, Abuja

President Bola Tinubu has approved the appointment of Disun Holloway as Chairman of Theatre Partners, the entity charged with overseeing the operations and revitalisation of the National Theatre, Lagos.The facility has been renamed the Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and the Creative Arts.

Holloway, who formerly served as Lagos State Commissioner for Tourism and Intergovernmental Affairs, brings to the role decades of leadership in culture, governance, and the creative economy. A respected advocate for the arts, he has consistently championed initiatives that bridge cultural preservation with economic opportunity.This appointment comes at a pivotal time for the National Theatre, which has recently undergone a landmark transformation into a world-class cultural facility.The renovation, undertaken by the Bankers’ Committee under the leadership of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), represents a N68 billion investment aimed at restoring the historic venue to its former glory and unlocking its future potential.Originally expected to take nine months, the renovation ultimately spanned six years, due to a significant underestimation of the scale and complexity of work required, as well as interruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.The result is a rejuvenated National Theatre that stands ready to serve as a premier destination for the performing arts, cultural exchange, and creative enterprise.As Chairman of Theatre Partners, Mr. Holloway will lead efforts to ensure the sustainable management of this national asset, working closely with government agencies, the private sector, and creative industry stakeholders to fully activate the Theatre’s potential as a hub for artistic innovation and economic development.The appointment marks a renewed commitment to Nigeria’s cultural renaissance and the power of creative industries to drive inclusive growth.

By David Torough, Abuja

The National Director, Mobilization and Contact, Nigeria Liberty Movement( NLM), Alhaji Suleiman Yunusa has said there is need for every stakeholder in Allied Peoples Movement (APM) and Nigeria Liberty Movement to collaborate in a way that would see to the fruitfulness of the NLM political ideology.

The Leader, who has been in the forefront of grassroots mobilization for NLM made this statement during an official merger and release of the Independent National Electoral Commission, certificate by APM to NLM in Abuja recently. Yunusa, while commending the wisdom of the leadership and stakeholders of APM to merge with NLM said, “as the historic event of today has put the necessary power in the hands of NLM to fully partake and participate in any future political activities in Nigeria, we now need to put NLM ideology of creating a new breed of leadership to full motion and be in a continual collaborative synergy that will see to the empowerment of the downtrodden.”He called for continued support and commitments of its mobilization team members, stakeholders and well-wishers across the country to go all out for grass root mobilization as this is a national call to action.Yunisa whose appointment was earlier confirmed shortly before the event also said, “I thank the Founder and the incumbent Chairman of the Allied Peoples Party, APM, Alhaji Muhammadu Musa Bagana, for his leadership and wisdom in merging with Nigeria Liberty Movement, NLM.”“I also thank the National Chairman, Ambassador mesach Thompson, the National Director, Coalition, HRH, Ogah Attah Alhaji Tijani Musa and the National Director of Operation, Otunba Kingsly Adejumo for your sagacity and doggedness in seeing that the merger is a success”.“I also each and everyone here that leave whatever you are doing and be here today to witness this epoch-making event as it unfolds.”, he continued.Meanwhile, Alhaji Muhammadu Musa Bagana, Founder and the incumbent Chairman of the Allied Peoples Party, APM said it is time to focus and dump any selfish interest now that the merger has put the necessary political power in the hands of NLM.Bagana that is ably represented by APM National Organising Secretary/Personal Assistant to The Chairman, APM, Pastor Frank Oluwa said, “we are now full members of NLM and we ceased to operate as APM and I am saying this with full authority in the power vested on me.”“I have the full authority to speak here today on behalf of the National Chairman and I am ably representing him here today. And if you are in doubt, you can call him and confirm what somebody is saying now.”He further admonished the leadership of Nigeria Liberty Movement to make judicious use of the merger as the certificate is released to NLM on a platter of Gold.