By Idris Olorunnimbe There is a moment in every generation when a country gets the chance to make a decision that reshapes the trajectory of millions of lives. Nigeria is at that moment now, and the decision is simpler than most people think. Zero-rate educational websites. Make learning data-free. Let’s do it now. When ALTON paid me a courtesy visit recently at the NCC’s Ikoyi office, I used the occasion to issue a clear charge: telecom operators must prioritise the zero-rating of credible educational platforms as a near-term, high-impact intervention. The response was encouraging. But encouragement is a starting point.…
Author: Elvis Eromosele
The Bank Directors Association of Nigeria (BDAN) has appointed Dr. Oluwayemisi Olorunshola as Chairman of its Board of Directors, following the retirement of Mustafa Chike-Obi after completing his tenure. Dr. Olorunshola currently serves as Chairman of Wema Bank Plc and brings over 25 years of experience spanning supply chain management, business leadership, and corporate governance. Her career includes more than 15 years in a multinational organisation and over a decade as a business manager, with expertise in production planning, procurement, distribution, logistics, and import-export operations. She joined BDAN’s Board in January 2023 and has played an active role in advancing…
Traffic chaos persisted on Monday at the toll gates leading to the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) following the full rollout of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria’s (FAAN) “Go Cashless” card system. Motorists without the mandatory access cards were denied entry and directed to park and register at designated points near the gates, worsening congestion along Airport Road. Traffic reportedly built up from the 7 & 8 bus stops early in the morning, stretching toward the toll plaza. Although Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) had previously announced that cash payments would end on February 28, many drivers said…
Global energy markets jolted on Monday after QatarEnergy suspended liquefied natural gas (LNG) production following drone strikes on its facilities, triggering a nearly 50 per cent surge in European gas prices. In a statement, QatarEnergy said it halted LNG and associated output after military attacks targeted operations in Ras Laffan Industrial City and Mesaieed Industrial City. Qatar’s Ministry of Defence confirmed that two drones launched from Iran struck a water tank at a Mesaieed power plant and an energy facility in Ras Laffan. Authorities reported no casualties, adding that damage assessments are ongoing. The disruption has raised concerns over global…
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has announced that 2,243,816 candidates have registered for the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME). The figures were disclosed in the Board’s latest bulletin signed by its Public Communication Advisor, Fabian Benjamin, as registration nears its March 26 deadline. The examination is scheduled to hold nationwide from April 16 to April 25, 2026. At a press briefing, Is-haq Oloyede, JAMB Registrar, revealed that the Board uncovered syndicates using AI-generated images and videos of senior officials to defraud candidates. He said, with the approval of the Minister of Education, at least 100 registrations linked…
The Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) has extended the deadline for its Student Loan Application Portal following a surge in applications nationwide. The extension was announced in a statement by Mrs. Oseyemi Oluwatuyi, the Fund’s Director of Strategic Communications, after the portal was initially scheduled to close on February 27, 2026. According to NELFUND, the additional days will allow more eligible students to complete their applications, particularly those who became aware of the scheme during recent nationwide sensitisation campaigns, institutions newly commencing the 2025/2026 academic session, and schools yet to submit verified student lists. Akintunde Sawyerr, Managing Director and Chief…
The Federal Government has approved N4 billion for each of 12 selected universities to rehabilitate engineering workshops and procure modern equipment. Tunji Alausa, Minister of Education, announced the intervention in Abuja during the inauguration of the Implementation Committee on Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) Special High-Impact Projects. The initiative targets Faculties of Engineering and Technology in Federal Universities of Technology and other conventional universities nationwide. According to Alausa, the funds will upgrade existing laboratories and workshops or support the construction of new facilities where required. He stressed that the success of the project depends on strict adherence to standards, transparency,…
Nigeria’s net foreign exchange reserves climbed to $34.80 billion at the end of 2025, up from $23.11 billion in 2024, according to Olayemi Cardoso, Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria. The $11.69 billion increase within one year marks a sharp improvement in the country’s external liquidity position. The figure also represents a significant recovery from $3.99 billion recorded at the end of 2023, reflecting what the apex bank described as stronger reserve quality over two years. Cardoso disclosed that Nigeria’s gross external reserves rose from $40.19 billion at end-2024 to $45.71 billion at end-2025, a $5.52 billion increase. As…
Saudi Arabia’s state oil giant, Saudi Aramco, has suspended operations at its 550,000 barrels-per-day Ras Tanura refinery following a drone strike linked to Iran’s retaliatory actions across the Gulf, according to Reuters. The Ras Tanura complex, located in the kingdom’s Eastern Province, is one of the Middle East’s largest refineries and a critical crude export terminal. Industry sources said operations were halted as a precaution after the strike, adding that the situation was under control at the time of the shutdown. The refinery closure comes amid escalating regional tensions after the United States and Israel carried out coordinated strikes on…
Before sunrise at Ojo Bus Terminal in Ibadan, engines warm up and journeys begin. Commuters move quickly, drivers prepare for long hours on the road, and traders set the tone for the day ahead. It is within this rhythm of urgency and ambition that NESCAFÉ is deepening its everyday presence. As Nigeria’s leading coffee brand, NESCAFÉ has introduced a new kiosk at Ojo Bus Terminal in Ibadan, Oyo State, bringing its signature blend of taste and momentum to helping Nigerians start strong and finish strong. In Nigeria, the day often begins in motion, at bus parks, markets, and commercial centres…