By Tambaya Julius, Abuja

The Nasarawa State University, Keffi over the weekend celebrated its 25th silver jubilee anniversary and combined 8th convocation ceremony, where over 25,000 students were awarded with various academic degrees.

The grand event, held over the weekend at the school main Campus Keffi, was confirmed and honoured with Doctor of Philosophy (PhDs), Master’s degrees, First Degrees, and Postgraduate Diplomas on graduating students across different faculties.

The ceremony also confirmed honorary doctorate degrees on prominent personalities for their contributions to global leadership, business, and development.

Among the prominent personalities honoured were the President of Tanzania, Samia Suluhu Hassan; Abdul Samad Rabiu, Chairman of BUA Group; and Mahmood Ahmad.

The awards recognised their outstanding contributions to global leadership, development, and their roles in advancing socio-economic development both within Africa and globally.

During the ceremony, the Governor of Nasarawa State, Abdullahi Sule, awarded a cash prize of five hundred thousand Naira (N500,000) each to 82 first-class graduates, while the overall best graduating student was awarded N1 million.

The governor explained that the initiative was designed to promote excellence among students and aligns with the state government’s broader agenda of investing in education and human capital development. According to him, recognising academic achievement is essential in inspiring younger generations to pursue excellence.

Sule emphasised that rewarding hard work and dedication would encourage students across the state to strive for distinction in their academic pursuits. He noted that such incentives serve as a catalyst for improved performance and a stronger educational system.

As part of activities marking the institution’s 8th convocation and 25th anniversary celebrations, the governor commissioned several infrastructure projects at the University.

The newly inaugurated projects include the Alumni Secretariat, the Department of Accounting Postgraduate E-Library, as well as the university’s second gate and access road. He commended the university management for its commitment to infrastructural development and academic excellence.

The two-day celebration attracted a wide array of dignitaries from across Nigeria, including Governors, Ambassadors, Vice-chancellors, professors, traditional rulers, Business Men, and key stakeholders in the education sector.

In her address, the Vice-Chancellor of Nasarawa State University, Keffi, Prof. Sa’adatu Hassan Liman, warmly welcomed guests and expressed appreciation to the university’s leadership for their continued support.

She specifically acknowledged the Chancellor, HRH. Shehu Chindo Yamusa the Emir of Keffi, as well as the Pro-Chancellor, Prof. Atahiru Jiga, and members of the governing council for their impactful leadership.

Liman credited the institution’s progress to strong governance and visionary leadership, noting that both staff and students have benefitted from an enabling academic environment.

“I have acquired knowledge and experience in this institution due to impactful and good leadership,” she said.

She further urged students to prioritise their education and draw inspiration from the leadership and values upheld by the university. According to her, such commitment is essential for contributing meaningfully to Nigeria’s academic advancement and global competitiveness.

“Apply your knowledge positively, contributing to the advancement and educational success of Nigeria and the global community,” she appealed.

OPay, a leading financial institution in Nigeria, has been awarded The Most Trusted Quality Mobile Money and Digital Financial Services Company of the Year at the 2026 ISO World Corporate Brand of the Year Award. This recognition reaffirms OPay’s strong reputation and the trust tens of millions of Nigerians have in its services.

The organisers, ISO World Consult, noted that the selection was based on an outstanding 4.6 from online referrer rating and also highlighted OPay’s strong track record and its role in improving financial services across Nigeria.

This recognition further shows that OPay continues to make financial services simple, secure and reliable for everyday

Nigerians. From sending money to paying bills and supporting businesses, OPay has become a trusted part of daily life.

Chukwudinma Okafor, Chief Compliance Officer, OPay, said: “This award is a strong validation of the trust our customers and partners place in us. We are committed to maintaining high standards in compliance, risk management, and service delivery. Our goal is to keep building a platform that supports growth, protects users, and contributes positively to the financial system.”

OPay remains focused on expanding access to financial services and helping more Nigerians take part in the digital economy.

About OPay

OPay was established in 2018 as a leading financial institution in Nigeria with the mission to make financial services more inclusive through technology. The company offers a wide range of payment services, including money transfer, bill payment, card service, airtime and data purchase, and merchant payments, among others. Renowned for its fast and reliable network and strong security features that protect customer’s funds, OPay is licensed by the CBN and insured by the NDIC with the same insurance coverage as commercial banks.

From Joseph Amedu, Lokoja

The Kogi State Government has responded to a viral voice note allegedly recorded by a female civil servant, dismissing claims of ethnic exclusion in employment while reaffirming its commitment to fairness, inclusivity and merit in the state civil service.

In a press release issued and signed by Kingsley Femi Fanwo, Commissioner for Information and Communications on Saturday, the government said it had observed the voice note and a related video that sparked reactions, particularly over allegations that Ebira youths were being sidelined in recruitment processes.

The statement emphasized that Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo remains committed to inclusive governance, describing him as a servant-leader who prioritizes active listening, constructive engagement, and responsiveness to citizens’ concerns.

While acknowledging that the views expressed in the voice note were personal, the government stressed that civil servants are expected to follow established channels for communication and redress. It, however, maintained that the administration would uphold freedom of expression and would not victimise any citizen for peacefully sharing their opinions.

The government expressed concern over what it described as attempts by some individuals and groups to sensationalise the issue, warning that such actions could inflame public sentiment unnecessarily. It noted that the matter should be handled through institutional mechanisms and constructive dialogue.

According to the statement, Ododo has directed that the civil servant involved be provided with adequate protection. He also mandated the civil service to strengthen its internal feedback systems to ensure grievances are addressed promptly and effectively.

Reiterating its stance, the government said recruitment into the civil service would continue to be based on competence, capacity, and available resources, while ensuring equitable representation across the state.

The administration further called on residents to remain calm and disregard misinformation, assuring citizens of its commitment to transparency, public enlightenment, and continuous engagement.

The statement concluded by affirming that the voices of all citizens matter and would always be treated with respect, adding that dialogue and due process remain central to the state’s development.