Masari Honoured at UNIPORT’s 35th Convocation, Urges Varsity-Govt Synergy

Masari, Chairman of TETFund’s Board of Trustees and former Governor of Katsina State.

At its 35th Convocation and 50th anniversary, the University of Port Harcourt confers an Honorary Doctorate Degree of Science in Public Administration on Rt Hon Aminu Bello Masari, applauding his legacy in governance, public service, and education reform.

Masari, Chairman of TETFund’s Board of Trustees and former Governor of Katsina State, receives the accolade amid a gathering of dignitaries, scholars, and students at the institution’s milestone event, according to a statement signed by the  Director, Public Affairs, Abdulmumin Oniyangi.

In a convocation lecture titled “The Role of Universities in Nation-Building,” Masari challenges Nigerian universities to evolve into engines of innovation, research, and national progress. “Universities must rise beyond theory to influence real-world governance and economic growth,” he says.

He advocates stronger alliances between academia, government, and the private sector, noting that “the quality of a nation’s graduates determines its developmental trajectory.”

The University of Port Harcourt lauds Masari for transforming TETFund into a catalyst for academic excellence. The Vice-Chancellor highlights the honoree’s “visionary leadership that has elevated standards in Nigeria’s tertiary education system.”

Masari’s tenure as governor and strategic role in TETFund have been credited with expanding infrastructure, increasing research grants, and enhancing institutional performance across higher institutions in Nigeria.

The event not only honors past achievements but sets a tone for the future. As the university marks half a century of impact, Masari’s charge to academia signals a renewed urgency for universities to lead societal transformation.

“This honor is not just mine,” Masari concludes, “It’s a reminder that education remains the bedrock of any meaningful national development.”

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Al-Makura Vows Overhaul of Basic Education, Backs UBEC Reforms

New UBEC Chairman, Senator Umaru Tanko Al-Makura, has pledged a sweeping transformation of Nigeria’s basic education system, affirming his commitment to delivering results during his four-year term.

Speaking at the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) headquarters in Abuja, Al-Makura said his appointment by President Bola Tinubu signals a new era for foundational learning in the country. “I cherish this appointment because I am not just a politician—I am a trained teacher,” he said. “This is a return to my roots.”

Al-Makura, a former governor of Nasarawa State and ex-senator, brings a portfolio steeped in education. With qualifications including a Grade II certificate, NCE, and a Bachelor’s Degree in Education, he highlighted his early career as a teacher during his National Youth Service. “From my days in the classroom to the Senate UBEC committee, I have always been a stakeholder in qualitative education,” he added.

He pledged to collaborate closely with UBEC’s Executive Secretary, Hajiya Aisha Garba, describing her as “a determined reformer.” The two previously worked together when Garba led a World Bank education project in Nasarawa.

“She’s doing a commendable job already,” Al-Makura said. “But she needs total support to actualise UBEC’s mandate.”

Garba welcomed the Chairman’s arrival, describing him as a mentor and educationist. “President Tinubu told me to go and fix UBEC. With Senator Al-Makura as Chairman, I believe we will leave a lasting legacy,” she said.

The new leadership comes amid increasing calls for urgent reform in Nigeria’s basic education sector, which faces challenges including poor infrastructure, teacher shortages, and funding gaps.

Observers hope the Al-Makura-Garba partnership will inject needed momentum into UBEC’s operations.

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FG Moves WAEC, NECO Exams to Private CBT Centres Nationwide

The Federal Government is set to transition school-based WAEC and NECO exams to designated Computer-Based Test (CBT) centres starting in 2026, following a successful pilot run of NECO’s CBT Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE) in Abuja.

Education Minister, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, announced the plan on Tuesday after monitoring the pilot at Sascon International School, Maitama. He praised NECO’s digital leap, affirming that private and public CBT centres across Nigeria will now host future SSCE exams.

“WAEC and NECO exams will no longer be held in schools,” Alausa declared. “We have thousands of CBT centres nationwide. These entrepreneurs have invested billions; we must help expand their value chain.”

He added that shifting exams from schools to secure CBT centres would curtail malpractice and elevate educational standards. “We must stop this madness of leaked questions and cheating. This reform will protect the future of our youth.”

NECO’s Registrar, Prof. Dantani Wushishi, expressed confidence in the Council’s readiness. “We’re professionally equipped to administer exams via CBT. While infrastructure remains a challenge in remote areas, we are committed,” he said.

According to him, 1,367,210 candidates registered for this year’s SSCE—the highest ever—with Kano leading in enrollment and Jeddah’s Nigerian International School posting the lowest at eight students.

Lawmakers who monitored the pilot praised NECO’s efforts. Senator Ekong Samson, Vice Chair of the Senate Committee on Basic Education, assured legislative support for digital transition. “We are committed to aligning Nigeria’s education system with global standards,” he said.

House Committee Chair on Examination Bodies, Hon. Oboku Oforji, also applauded the process. “NECO is our own, and we are proud of its progress,” he stated after touring Federal Government Boys College, Apo.

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UNDP, TETFund Unite to Power 68 Innovation Hubs in Nigeria

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has partnered with Nigeria’s Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) to establish and scale university-based innovation hubs across the country.

During a high-level meeting in Abuja on Monday, UNDP’s Resident Representative, Ms Elsie  Attafuah, described the collaboration as a strategic move to empower Nigeria’s youth and drive technological advancement.

“We are not just here to build hubs. We are here to co-invest in Nigeria’s future,” Attafuah said. “By September, we will have eight hubs operational. But the vision goes beyond that — it’s about de-risking innovation, improving access to capital, and linking technology to jobs, trade, and livelihoods.”

TETFund Executive Secretary, Arc. Sonny Echono, reaffirmed the Fund’s commitment to innovation, revealing that over 60 hubs are already in development across tertiary institutions.

“We began with 18, and this year, we’re scaling up to 68. Nigeria’s youth are brilliant and inventive — our duty is to equip them with the tools, infrastructure, and environment to succeed,” Echono stated.

He noted that the initiative also aligns with structural reforms, renewable energy adoption, and commercialization of research. “We’re investing in energy efficiency in nine universities, building six regional labs, and integrating practical skills from local industry hubs like Kaduna’s Panteka and Lagos’ Computer Village,” he added.

Attafuah praised TETFund’s strategic direction, noting that the funding behind these hubs is largely from Nigeria’s own federal allocations channeled through the UN system. “This is Nigeria’s money working for Nigerians. We want shared governance and co-investment to scale results,” she said.

The partnership also includes Nigeria’s first AI Core at the University of Lagos — a milestone toward preparing young Nigerians for a tech-driven global economy.

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TETFund Earns Praise as Nigeria’s Most Transparent Education Agency

The Colleges of Education Academic Staff Union (COEASU) has lauded the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) as one of Nigeria’s best-managed government institutions, applauding its transparency and impact on tertiary education.

Speaking during a courtesy visit by a delegation of students from Colleges of Education across Nigeria, COEASU President, Dr. Smart Olugbeko, praised TETFund’s leadership under Arc. Sonny Echono. “TETFund has transformed into a beacon of excellence in public service,” he said, “handling large sums with integrity and welcoming union oversight.”

The students, led by Comrade Ahmed Akande, commended COEASU for championing the Federal Government’s approval of the Dual Mandate that allows Colleges of Education to award degrees. Akande, however, urged the Union to push for the payment of monthly stipends to education students on teaching practice, similar to the allowances given to medical and engineering interns.

Dr. Olugbeko responded by urging the students to appreciate President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for signing the Dual Mandate bill into law and expressed optimism about the teaching practice stipend. “The involvement of TETFund in the implementation process is a guarantee of its successful execution,” he assured, citing the agency’s transparency and proactive engagement with stakeholders like COEASU, ASUU, and ASUP.

He further applauded Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, for his reforms, stating that the Ministry is steering Nigeria’s education sector toward transformation.

Reaffirming COEASU’s commitment, Dr. Olugbeko charged the students to uphold integrity. “As teachers in training, you must demonstrate the good qualities of teachers in all your endeavours,” he advised.

The Union pledged to continue engaging the government and agencies to improve students’ welfare and reposition teacher education nationwide.

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NELFUND Launches Job Portal, Vows No Student Left Behind

The Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) is developing a centralised job portal to connect loan beneficiaries with employment opportunities both within and outside Nigeria.

Managing Director of NELFUND, Akintunde Sawyerr, revealed this today at a media engagement in Abuja to mark one year of the scheme’s launch. He noted that while NELFUND does not guarantee jobs, the portal will aggregate vacancies from public, private, and international employers.

“We don’t just give a loan and leave students on their own,” Sawyerr said. “This job portal is our way of supporting their journey toward economic stability.”

Sawyerr reiterated that loan repayment only begins after employment is secured, and only after the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC). “If you don’t have a job, you don’t pay,” he stressed. “Once employed, 10 per cent of the beneficiary’s monthly salary is deducted automatically by the employer and remitted to NELFUND.”

He added that repayment pauses if the beneficiary is laid off or resigns, and the loan is written off in the event of death. “The family is not harassed,” he assured.

On complaints about students being denied refunds after NELFUND covered their fees, Sawyerr condemned the actions of some institutions. “It’s disappointing that some schools have ignored this responsibility,” he said. “They have a moral and professional duty to return this money.”

He confirmed that anti-corruption agencies like the ICPC and EFCC are probing institutions that delay refunds. “If they can’t pay the student, they should return the funds to us—we will handle the disbursement,” he stated.

Executive Director of Operations, Mustapha Iyal, said NELFUND currently manages 3.2 million student records and projects 1 million new applications before the end of 2025. “We aim to ensure no student drops out due to financial hardship,” he said.

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NELFUND Resumes Upkeep Payments for Students

The Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) has resumed the disbursement of upkeep allowances to student beneficiaries who recently updated their bank account details from digital wallets to conventional commercial bank accounts.

In a statement issued on Friday by the Fund’s Director of Strategic Communications, Mrs. Oseyemi Oluwatuyi , NELFUND confirmed that over 3,600 students who had previously registered using digital-only banking platforms have now received their backlog of upkeep payments after updating their details via the agency’s portal.

The Fund thanked students for their patience during the delay, describing the development as a major step in improving the efficiency and transparency of its student support services.

Students still awaiting payment and using digital wallet accounts have been advised to raise a support ticket through the official NELFUND portal to request access for updating their bank details. Alternatively, affected students may report through their institution’s IT office for onward transmission to NELFUND.

The agency assured that no eligible student would be left behind in the upkeep disbursement process. It also urged students to use only official NELFUND communication channels for updates and enquiries.

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UBEC Chief Hails Kaduna’s Gains in Reducing School Dropouts

UBEC, ES Garba

The Executive Secretary of the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), Aisha Garba, has commended Kaduna State for its remarkable strides in reducing the number of out-of-school children, describing it as a model for educational transformation in Nigeria.

Speaking at the KADA EduPACT International Summit 2025 in Kaduna on Wednesday, Garba praised the state government’s “purposeful leadership” and commitment to expanding access to education, particularly for vulnerable children.

“More children—especially from disadvantaged backgrounds—are now enrolled and learning in school because of deliberate, strategic efforts,” she said.

Garba emphasized UBEC’s pivotal role in building a resilient and inclusive education system, noting that partnerships like the one with Kaduna State are essential in tackling systemic challenges. “Collaboration, innovation, and strategic planning are at the heart of what we do,” she asserted.

She informed summit participants of a suite of ongoing national reforms aimed at improving the effectiveness of UBEC’s interventions. These include curriculum renewal, teacher capacity development, stronger accountability structures, and the integration of technology in classrooms.

“Our reforms are designed not just to align with national priorities but to respond to the diverse local realities of learners and educators,” she noted.

Garba’s remarks underscored UBEC’s unwavering commitment to ensuring that every Nigerian child has access to quality basic education. She reaffirmed that the Commission will continue to work with state governments, communities, and education stakeholders to bridge gaps and drive lasting change.

“Together, we can build an education system where no child is left behind,” she concluded.

The summit, which brought together education leaders and innovators, spotlighted actionable strategies for transforming basic education across Nigeria.

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NECO Releases 2025 BECE Results, Resit Set for July 23

The National Examinations Council (NECO) has released the 2025 Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) results, with over 179,000 candidates registered across 12 subjects.

The examination, which began on 12 May and ended on 23 May, marked another major milestone in Nigeria’s basic education assessment calendar. The results were officially released after the BECE Award Committee concluded its meeting at NECO headquarters in Minna, Niger State.

Chairperson of the Award Committee, Dr (Mrs) Folake Olatunji David, Director of Basic Education at the Federal Ministry of Education, commended the transparency and efficiency of the process.

“We are pleased with the conduct of the examination and the integrity of the marking and collation processes. This year’s results reflect improved coordination and fairness,” she stated.

NECO confirmed that 179,201 students sat for the exams, which are mandatory for completing basic education and transitioning to senior secondary school in Nigeria.

The Award Committee meeting was attended by secondary school principals from across the country and senior NECO management officials. Discussions also focused on the BECE resit schedule.

Students who did not meet the required pass mark in core subjects will have an opportunity to retake Mathematics and English Studies on 23 and 24 July 2025. The timetable for the resit has already been approved and circulated to schools nationwide.

Speaking on behalf of the council, Acting Director of Information and Public Relations, NECO. Mr. Azeez Sani, said: “We urge candidates to check their results on the NECO portal and prepare adequately for the resit exams. NECO remains committed to academic excellence and fairness.”

The BECE serves as a gateway to senior secondary education, and NECO’s efficient administration continues to draw commendation from stakeholders in the education sector.

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TETFund Pushes Bold Energy, Agric Reforms to Power Nigerian Campuses

The Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) is rolling out two transformative initiatives to tackle the twin challenges of energy insecurity and food insufficiency in Nigeria’s tertiary institutions.

Following months of nationwide energy audits, a high-powered committee convened by TETFund has recommended hybrid solar photovoltaic systems integrated with battery storage, grid connections, and gas-powered backup as the most sustainable and cost-effective solution for tertiary campuses.

“Diesel generators are no longer sustainable. We must pivot to resilient, cleaner energy models tailored to each region’s resources,” said Hon. Sonday Adepoju, Chair of the Steering Committee on Alternative Energy Solutions, while presenting the report Monday in Abuja.

The committee’s assessment, carried out with the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), covered institutions nationwide. Site visits to successful installations at institutions like the University of Abuja and Lagos State University informed the strategy. Ten pilot institutions have now been selected for the implementation phase, including LASU, UNILAG, Ambrose Alli University, and Federal Polytechnic Ilaro.

In a separatedevelopment, TETFund has inaugurated a new five-member Agricultural Commercial Farms Evaluation Committee to select ten universities for its mechanised agriculture and livestock development programme under the 2025 intervention.

“Tertiary institutions with strong agricultural faculties, at least 50 hectares of unencumbered land, and existing value-chain activity are eligible,” said Rt. Hon. Aminu Bello Masari, TETFund Board Chairman, who inaugurated the team.

Masari emphasized agriculture’s centrality to Nigeria’s development. “We must return agriculture to its place of pride through mechanisation, precision farming, and applied research,” he declared.

The evaluation committee, chaired by Mr. Ewara E. Bassey of the Ministry of Agriculture, will screen institutions and recommend beneficiaries within two weeks.

Executive Secretary Arc. Sonny Echono hailed both committees for their diligence and patriotic service. “These initiatives signal our unwavering commitment to innovation and self-reliance in education,” he said.

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