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Modernization: Federal Government Calls for Establishment of Model Schools Across the Country

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Modernization: Federal Government Calls for Establishment of Model Schools Across the Country

By: Michael Mike

The federal government has called for the establishment of model schools across the country to encourage the knowledge of science and technology that would position Nigeria for modernization.

The call was made on Thursday by the Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Chief Uche Geoffrey Nnaji at the Annual Science Technology Engineering Art Math (STEAM) Fair hosted by the Nigerian Tulip International Colleges (NTIC), Abuja

Nnaji who was represented by the Director and Head of Department of Chemical Sciences, Technology and Development in the Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology, Mfon Bassey there is the need to have model schools in all parts of the country to boost the knowledge of young ones and build the road to the nation’s technological advancement.

The Minister while commending NTIC for being a pacesetter in the development of science and technology, said: “We pray that you would grow better and better and spread to other geopolitical zones of the country so that we begin to have model institutions that will boost the knowledge of our young ones across the country.”

He noted that various policies are underway to boost development in nanotechnology and other scientific and technological development in the country.

In his speech, the Managing Director of NTIC, Mr. Fevzullah Bilgin, explained that the STEAM Fair is a way to inspire and encourage students to pursue science-oriented concepts from primary to secondary levels.

He emphasized the importance of creativity and innovation in keeping up with the fast-changing technological age.

Bilgin further explained that NTIC STEAM Fair is an annual programme. ‘The S.T.E.A.M. Fair’ is a manifestation of our commitment to providing a platform for students to showcase their talents and explore their interests in scientific and artistic fields’.

2024 STEAM FAIR showcased various student projects, artistic displays, interactive sessions, medical check-ups, and educational advancement opportunities.

There were also interesting exhibition stands, including a water fountain, Aquaponi culture, Clinometer, Disposable Spoon Flower Vase, Fireworks in a Jar, Car prototypes, amongst others.

The fair was spiced up by a raffle draw that offered different gift items to students with the lucky number. For all the participants it was a great time for exploration, discovery, and celebration.

The fair was attended by over 1000 students from over 50 schools in Abuja, as well as distinguished dignitaries from Federal Ministry for Sports Development, Federal Ministry for Education, Ministry of Science and Technology and Secretary to Education and National Mathematical Center; parents, school administrators, and representatives in the technology and art industry were at the fair.

Modernization: Federal Government Calls for Establishment of Model Schools Across the Country

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Buni consoles Kalli over his wife’s demise

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Buni consoles Kalli over his wife’s demise

By: Yahaya Wakili

Governor Mai Mala Buni CON of Yobe state has condoled with the family of Alhaji Kashim Kalli Tijjani, permanent secretary protocol, over the passing of his wife Hajiya Hadiza.

Governor Buni described the death of Hajiya Hadiza as a sad and great loss to the family and the community.

“She will be remembered as a humble wife, a great mother, and a dedicated civil servant who handled all responsibilities assigned to her with diligence.”

Similarly, Governor Mai Mala Buni commiserated with the family of Alhaji Larema Baktama, who died recently in Damaturu.

The governor further condoled with the Mai Sanda family over the death of their mother and grandmother, Hajiya Ya-Kolo Lawan.

He prayed to Almighty Allah to forgive their shortcomings and grant them eternal rest in Aljannatul Firdausi.

“May Allah (SWT) admit their souls into Aljannatul Firdaus.

“May He grant members of their families the fortitude to bear the sad loss of their loved ones.

Buni consoles Kalli over his wife’s demise

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EU Says It’s Interested in Stable, United, Prosperous Nigeria

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EU Says It’s Interested in Stable, United, Prosperous Nigeria


…Inaugurates 25 Young People into Youth Sounding Board

By: Michael Mike

The European Union (EU) has explained that its main interest in Nigeria is to help in building a stable, united, prosperous, and sustainable future.

It made this revelation at the inauguration of the second cohort of the Youth Sounding Board (YSB) Nigeria, comprising 25 young people drawn from across the country.

Through the YSB Nigeria, the European Union provides a platform for young people to have an influence on the policies and programmes by the EU Delegation in Nigeria.

In his remarks, the European Union Ambassador-designate to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Gautier Mignot, explained that through the programme, the EU hopes to enable active engagement and exchanges between young people and decision-makers.

He further stated that the YSB has been advising the EU Delegation on youth participation and empowerment across a broad range of topics, such as employment, education, environment and climate change, human rights and democracy, peace and security, digitalisation, technology, gender, and social inclusion.

He said: “Sometimes, the EU is asked what its interest, purpose, and objective are in cooperating with Nigeria. Our main interest is to help this country build a stable, united, prosperous, and sustainable future. This is also in our interest.

“Young people are the future. Now, there is a stronger inter-generational gap. This is because society has changed, technology has changed, and there are, perhaps, more differences between how young people are living their formative years compared to older generations,” he said.

Mignot further noted that the YSB was created to influence the EU Delegation’s interventions and its impact on local communities across Nigeria. “Only young people know what other young people expect, need, and yearn for. That is why the voice of young people is so important,” he added.

Speaking about the expectations for the new cohort of the YSB, he said, “Today, we welcome another group of 25 remarkable young Nigerians who remind us of the vast potential inherent within this country. The selection process started in May 2024. We received over 3,000 applications from young people across Nigeria. It was a very selective process, and we conducted three rounds of selection to identify the 25 individuals who now form this second cohort.

“Each of these 25 young people has a strong passion for youth inclusion and I am very hopeful that over the course of their tenure as members of the Youth Sounding Board, they will build on the results achieved by the first cohort and make their own mark in ensuring that the European Union’s interventions are increasingly youth-inclusive.”

Iswat Badmus, a youth development and engagement expert and a member of the pioneer cohort of the YSB Nigeria, said, “Being a YSB member has been eye-opening for me because, through my work as a Youth and Policy Advisor with the EU Delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS, I was able to understand the workings of the EU in Nigeria and also understand the struggles of young people in Nigeria when it comes to getting their voices heard and participating in decision-making processes.

“So far, my key contribution as a YSB member is amplifying the voices of young people—that is, acting as an intermediary between young people and the EU. I let the EU know what young people clamour for and how they can fully protect their interests when it comes to projects, policies, and programmes.

“To the incoming YSB members, I say congratulations to you. One key piece of advice I will give is to come in with huge energy, fresh perspectives, and innovations, and work as a team. Your team spirit is what will help you move forward and faster.”

EU Says It’s Interested in Stable, United, Prosperous Nigeria

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CISLAC Asks for Transparency and Openness in Handling Rebirth of Nigeria’s Mining Companies

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CISLAC Asks for Transparency and Openness in Handling Rebirth of Nigeria’s Mining Companies

By: Michael Mike

The Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC), has expressed concerns over potential irregularities in the procurement process for selecting a Transaction Adviser to revitalize the Ajaokuta Steel Complex Limited (ASCL) and the National Iron Ore Mining Company (NIOMCO) in Itakpe.

CISLAC’s Executive Director, Auwal Ibrahim Musa (Rafsanjani), in a signed statement, said in two separate letters addressed to the Minister of Steel Development and the Director General of the Bureau of Public Procurement, urged the government to ensure transparency and adherence to legal standards in the ongoing procurement process.

According to CISLAC, the strategic economic significance of ASCL and NIOMCO necessitates a rigorous and transparent process in selecting a qualified adviser.

The organisation emphasized that the process should uphold public trust by strictly adhering to due process to ensure the selection of the most competent adviser.
However, CISLAC pointed out that the Request for Proposal (RFP) failed to specify the weight assigned to quality and cost factors, as required by Section 51(1) of the Public Procurement Act, 2007, thus undermining fairness in the selection process.

CISLAC also noted that the technical scores of bidders were not disclosed before opening financial proposals, which violates Section 51(4) of the Act.

The absence of explicit evaluation criteria in the RFP also contravenes Section 46 (1)(e), potentially allowing arbitrary scoring.

CISLAC also highlighted that Sections 23-24 of the Act mandate the transparent publication of bid opportunities and contracts awarded, a standard that has not been met in this case.

CISLAC Asks for Transparency and Openness in Handling Rebirth of Nigeria’s Mining Companies

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