Youths Take the Lead: Over 1,000 Students to Convene in Maiduguri for High-Level Peacebuilding Summit

By Our Reporter

Maiduguri, Borno State — In a bold step towards ending violent extremism and fostering sustainable peace in Northeast Nigeria, the Kalthum Foundation for Peace (KFP), in collaboration with the Network of Civil Society Organisations Borno State (NECSOB) and the Borno Youth Parliament, will host a groundbreaking one-day multi-sectoral engagement focused on countering violent extremism, terrorism, and promoting peace.

The event, which will hold on June 28, 2025, at the prestigious Indimi Hall, University of Maiduguri, is expected to bring together more than 1,000 students and youths from Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe States. It is strategically designed to empower the younger generation with practical tools for community engagement, conflict resolution, and peacebuilding — key elements of the Counter-Insurgency (COIN) strategy.

Themed “Countering Violent Extremism, Terrorism, and Peacebuilding: A Youth-Driven Multi-Sectoral Dialogue,” the summit will serve as a melting pot of ideas, collaboration, and inclusive engagement between young people, security agencies, traditional rulers, academia, and civil society leaders.

High-profile dignitaries are expected to grace the occasion, including the Executive Governor of Borno State, Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum, who will serve as the Special Guest of Honour. Also expected is the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, as Distinguished Guest of Honour. Their presence highlights the strategic importance of youth inclusion in peace and security efforts.

Other notable guests include the Shehu of Borno, HRH Dr. Abubakar ibn Garbai el-Kanemi; Speaker of the Borno State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Abdulkarim Lawan; Theatre Commander, Operation Hadin Kai, Major General Abdulsalam Abubakar; GOC 7 Division, Brigadier General Ugochukwu Unachukwu; National Coordinator for Counterterrorism, ONSA, Major General AG Laka; and Professor Ibrahim Umara of the University of Maiduguri.

According to the Founder/CEO of KFP, Ambassador Ummu Kalthum Muhammad Rabiu, “This summit is not just a meeting; it’s a movement. It’s about shifting the narrative and ensuring that our youths are seen as active agents of peace, not as passive victims of conflict.”

The Executive Director of NECSOB, Comrade Bulama Abiso, emphasized the role of civil society in bridging gaps and sustaining peace at the grassroots. “Through platforms like this, we can create long-lasting impacts that resonate beyond just dialogue — we build understanding, networks, and community resilience.”

Echoing similar sentiments, the Speaker of the Borno Youth Parliament, Rt. Hon. Abubakar Usman, stated, “This is our moment. Our generation must rise to lead the charge for peace. No one understands our struggles like we do.”

With its blend of experienced policymakers, traditional authorities, and passionate youths, the summit is set to be a landmark event in shaping a new narrative of peace and resilience across the Northeast region.

BuildingPeaceTogether #YouthsForPeace #SayNoToExtremism

Youths Take the Lead: Over 1,000 Students to Convene in Maiduguri for High-Level Peacebuilding Summit

Exclusive: Professor Ahidjo explains why UMTH established the ICT Center

By: Our Reporter

The Chief Medical Director, University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, Professor Ahmed Ahidjo, has said the primary objective of establishing the ICT Center at University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital (UMTH) is to enhance human capacity development specifically within the realm of medical ICT. 

According to the CMD, this initiative aims to equip healthcare professionals and students with essential digital skills required for efficient healthcare delivery and management. Interestingly, by integrating advanced ICT tools and training programs, UMTH seeks to foster a workforce capable of leveraging technology to improve patient outcomes and streamline medical processes. 

“Human capacity development through the ICT Center involves providing formal training, access to resources, and practical exposure to current technological advancements in medicine. This aligns with findings from similar educational contexts where formal ICT training significantly improves knowledge and utilization among medical students, thereby enhancing their professional competence. Consequently, the center not only supports individual skill enhancement but also contributes to institutional growth by promoting a culture of continuous learning in medical informatics.” He explained. 

NEWSng reports that the UMTH ICT Centre serves as a pivotal platform for building proficient healthcare personnel adept in medical ICT. Its establishment reflects an understanding that modern healthcare increasingly depends on digital literacy and technological innovation, reinforcing UMTH’s commitment to advancing health service quality through human capital development.

Speaking to the CMD, he explained that it has been observed that newly employed ICT graduates from universities and polytechnics often require a significant adjustment period to fully comprehend the specific ICT systems and operational needs within a hospital environment. This delay he observed can be attributed to the unique demands of healthcare settings, which differ substantially from general ICT applications taught in academic institutions. The complexity of hospital information systems, he also said, includes patient data management and medical device integration, adding that this necessitates specialized knowledge beyond standard ICT curricula.

“These graduates may lack practical exposure to healthcare workflows during their training, resulting in an initial gap between theoretical knowledge and real-world application. Bridging this gap involves targeted on-the-job training and mentorship tailored to hospital-specific technologies. The establishment of the ICT center, therefore, in addressing these challenges, is crucial for improving system efficiency and ensuring that ICT professionals can effectively support critical healthcare operations at UMTH.” The CMD said. 

Professor Ahmed Ahidjo explained that the UMTH has resolved to establish a Diploma Course in Medical Information and Communication Technology (ICT) to address the growing intersection between healthcare and technology. This program aims to equip students with foundational knowledge in both core ICT competencies and essential medical sciences, fostering interdisciplinary expertise crucial for modern healthcare environments.

“The curriculum will integrate modules covering computer systems, data management, and software applications alongside medical subjects such as anatomy, physiology, and healthcare ethics. This balanced approach ensures graduates are proficient in managing health information systems while understanding clinical contexts, thereby enhancing their ability to support digital health initiatives effectively. Furthermore, embedding practical training within clinical settings will enable students to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world scenarios.

“This diploma course at UMTH is designed to prepare competent professionals who can navigate the complexities of medical ICT. By combining rigorous ICT education with relevant medical courses, the program addresses current workforce demands in healthcare technology integration.” He added. 

He explained that there is a strategic initiative to offer conversion courses aimed at medical personnel interested in information and communication technology (ICT). This interdisciplinary approach seeks to equip healthcare professionals with digital skills essential for addressing evolving global health demands. Integrating ICT into medical practice can enhance data management, improve patient care, and foster innovation in telemedicine, which is critical in today’s interconnected world. 

According to him, the rationale behind these conversion courses lies in bridging the gap between healthcare expertise and technological proficiency. As digital transformation reshapes various sectors, including agriculture and health, equipping medical personnel with ICT competencies aligns with global trends toward digitization. Such education empowers practitioners to contribute effectively to healthcare digitization initiatives and respond adaptively to emerging challenges.

“Overall, UMTH’s commitment reflects a forward-thinking educational model that addresses global needs by fostering cross-disciplinary knowledge. By preparing medical personnel for ICT integration through conversion courses, UMTH positions itself as a leader in cultivating professionals capable of leveraging technology for improved health outcomes.” He said. 

Exclusive: Professor Ahidjo explains why UMTH established the ICT Center

Chairman Amana Farmers urges the government to provide modern farming technology in Yobe

By: Yahaya Wakili

The new chairman of the Amana Farmers and Grains Suppliers Association of Nigeria (AFGSAN), Yobe State chapter, Alhaji Umar Adam Mamudo, has called on the Yobe State government to provide modern farming technology implements to farmers in the state in order to boost the agricultural activities as well as to produce more food security in the state.

The chairman disclosed this to newsmen in Damaturu. He said, “For now, I will try to make some necessary introductions to some government parastatals so that the association will be well known in the state, and I promise to make some changes in the association with a view to moving the association forward.”

He commended His Excellency, Governor Mai Mala Buni, CON, for the purchases and distributions of the multi-billion naira agricultural empowerment implements to farmers last year. These, he said, have encouraged many people to engage fully in farming activities in the state, adding that these efforts of His Excellency have also stimulated economic growth in the state as well as produced enough food security in Yobe State and Nigeria as a whole.

Mamudo revealed that the association is a combination of farmers and those that deal with grains, and we are also farmers and aggregators, and we know farmers very well—more than anybody—because we are the ones that buy from the farmers either in the market or in the farm or store outside the market.

“Sometimes the government used to give some assistance to farmers, but that assistance most of the time did not go to the real farmers directly; it used to go to some politicians, but I, as a grain dealer, and my colleagues, we know those that are the genuine farmers, the ones that are expected to receive that assistance from the government in order to boost their agricultural activities,” Mamudo said.

“But the way things are going, sometimes when you hear that there is some assistance related to agricultural activities, when you go there, many women and youths, most of whom are not farmers, will collect it and sell it immediately. We are not content with that kind of habit. That is why this is among the plans that I am trying to see how I can go over it.

“Once the association is well known to the government, I know the government will contact us before providing such assistance to the farmers, and we can try our best and put it in the right way, especially by giving it to the genuine farmers, and call on the state government to use how it can boost agricultural activities in the state.

He said, “Although we serve as advisers to the farmers, because most of the time farmers used to contact us about some new seeds or other things that came to them, we give them advice related to any new technology that comes into the farming activities.”

The chairman called on the farmers whenever a new innovation was developed to let them use it in the right way, because without having good advice or following the right guidelines, some of this new innovation, if the farmers did not use it in the right way, would end in loss instead of profit. Farming activities are like agribusiness; most of the farmers are doing it for business, not only for consumption.

Mamudo urged its members, either farmers or grain aggregators, to come together so that we can see how we can make our daily activities in farming and in the grain business perfect, so I solicit their contributions, support, and cooperation to move the association forward.

Chairman Amana Farmers urges the government to provide modern farming technology in Yobe