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FG Releases N9.5bn For Payment Of Scholarship Allowances Arrears

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7 years ago

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The Federal Government says it has released N9.5 billion for the payment of backlog of scholarship allowances owed Nigerian students at home and abroad up to December 2018.
The Minister of Education, Malam Adamu Adamu, who was represented by Alhaja Asta Ndajiwo, the Director, Federal Scholarship Board, disclosed this during a press conference in Abuja at the weekend.
Adamu said that the government of President Muhammadu Buhari had already expended over N800 million in 2018 for the payment of scholarship stipends to students at home and abroad.
According to him, with the current release, the administration will be spending a total of N10 billion for payment of scholarship to students in the 2018 budget “and we are determined to do more’’.
“Let me use this opportunity to direct the scholarship board to immediately undertake all due processes required to clear the backlog of scholarship allowances owed Nigerian students both home and abroad.
“The Federal Government has already released the sum of N9, 752, 000 for this purpose.
“In the third edition of our weekend press briefing, I informed you that the government of President Muhammadu Buhari has already expended over N800 million in payment of scholarship stipend.
Adamu said that the board had inherited scholarship liabilities from the scheme operated by the National Universities Commission (NUC).
He said that these liabilities should be thoroughly verified before payment, adding that the board must ascertain that the admissions of such scholars were still valid and that the scholars were still currently pursuing their programmes.
He said that the number of scholarship applicants had risen to 30,000 as against the usual 12,000 applicants for the four scholarship schemes.
The minister therefore appealed to the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) and Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP) to call off their prolonged strikes in the interest of Nigeria, parents and students. Our correspondent reports that Nigeria has four scholarship opportunities which can be enjoyed by students to further their academic pursuits. They are the Commonwealth scholarship, the Bilateral Education Agreement (BEA) scholarship, the Federal Government scholarship and the Sustainable Development Goals scholarship.
However, the qualifying examination for the commonwealth scholarship had just taken place in Abuja on January 17.

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Education

Chief Judge  Pledges inmate’s academic Sponsorship 

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6 days ago

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March 9, 2026

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The Chief Judge of Niger State, Justice Halima Ibrahim Abdulmalik, has taken full responsibility for the education of a teenage inmate, Gabriel Sillas, currently serving a jail term at the Minna Correctional Centre, pledging to sponsor him up to university level.
She made the gesture during her annual working visit to correctional facilities across the state, aimed at decongesting custodial centres and reviewing inmates’ cases.
Sillas, who was described by officials as one of the most obedient inmates at the facility, reportedly earned the sympathy of the Chief Judge
Justice Abdulmalik, visibly moved by the teenager’s disposition during her visit to the Minna Children’s Remand Home, described his situation as a product of avoidable circumstances and lack of adequate parental support.
“The circumstances that brought him here could have been avoided if he had good support from his mother. I can see talent in him. With proper support, he will be useful to society. I cannot allow him to waste his life at this age,”she said.
She therefore announced that she would personally sponsor his education from now through university, stressing that the young inmate deserves a second chance to harness his potential.
“I will sponsor his education up to university level. He needs support to put his talent to proper use,” she added emotionally, reaffirming her commitment to ensuring he builds a better future.
Sillas was sentenced to three years imprisonment alongside Isah Tanimu for criminal trespass, mischief and theft, offences that contravene Sections 228, 327 and 348 of the Penal Code Law.
In a further act of clemency, Justice Abdulmalik granted pardon to Isah Tanimu and pledged to assist with part of the fine options attached to their conviction.
Beyond individual interventions, the Chief Judge also donated ?500,000 to the Suleja Medium Security Custodial Centre to support the upgrade of its skills acquisition centre, reinforcing her commitment to rehabilitation and reintegration of inmates.
Her visit underscored the judiciary’s growing emphasis on correctional reform, rehabilitation and the belief that, with timely support, even those who stumble can still rise to become productive members of society.
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Federal University Dutse Expels 20 Students, Rusticates 15 Over Exam Malpractice

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6 days ago

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March 9, 2026

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The Senate of Federal University Dutse in Jigawa State has approved the expulsion of 20 students and the rustication of 15 others for their involvement in examination malpractice.
The decision was announced in a statement issued on Wednesday by Abdullahi Yahaya-Bello, the university’s director of public affairs. According to him, the disciplinary action followed the recommendations of the senate committee on examination misconduct for the second semester of the 2024/2025 academic session.
Yahaya-Bello explained that the senate also cleared two students of wrongdoing after investigations, while three others were issued written warnings.
He noted that the penalties were imposed in line with the university’s regulations governing offences and punishments for both undergraduate and postgraduate students. Those affected, he added, were drawn from different faculties and departments within the institution.
The development comes amid a wave of disciplinary actions across Nigerian universities over academic misconduct.
In February, the University of Abuja expelled 28 students for various offences, including alleged examination malpractice, cultism, and falsification of academic results. The decision followed the consideration of a report by the university’s student disciplinary committee during a senate meeting.
Similarly, the University of Calabar recently suspended nine students over allegations of examination malpractice and result forgery after deliberations at its 252nd senate meeting.
University authorities across the country have continued to warn that strict disciplinary measures will be enforced against students found guilty of academic misconduct in order to maintain the integrity of the educational system.
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FG Needs Assessment Committee Visits Bonny Poly

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6 days ago

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March 9, 2026

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A high-powered  assessment committee from the Federal Ministry of Education Abuja on Wednesday visited the Federal Polytechnic of Oil and Gas, Bonny in Bonny local government area of Rivers state, as part of a needs assessment for 2026 exercise to the institution
The team, led by Prince Dr. Murtab Aliyu S.,a  Director with the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), include Mr. Mohammed Yusha’u, Mr. Lawani F. Jimoh of ASUP, and June, Patience G. from the Ministry.
The visit is aimed to identify gaps between the institution’s current and desired states, guiding strategic decisions and resource allocation.
According to a statement  by
Reported by Anthony Ogbe , SAR/Public Relations Officer of the polytechnics and made available to tide said
the committee’s findings will inform targeted interventions and support from the Federal Government to enhance the polytechnic’s infrastructure, academic programs, and overall development.
“The institution is known for academic excellence and collaborative engagements, making it a sought-after partner for development initiatives. The polytechnic has been making strides in oil and gas education, producing graduates who are highly sought after by industries.”
The needs assessment committee’s visit is expected to further boost the institution’s growth and development.
The  statement also quoted as saying that the team later interacted with various stakeholders, including staff and students, to get firsthand information on the institution’s needs.
The committee expressed satisfaction with the polytechnic’s progress and assured the Management of the Federal Government’s support and commended Dr. Okolobah’s leadership and the institution’s commitment to academic excellence
The visit underscores the polytechnic’s commitment to growth and development. The institution is poised to leverage this opportunity to address its needs and further enhance its academic programs.
The statement averred that the Management of the Federal Polytechnic of Oil and Gas, Bonny, led by Dr. Victor Okolobah, received the committee and briefed them on the institution’s strengths, challenges, and stakeholder needs.
He further stated that Dr. Okolobah’s leadership has fostered strong relationships with key agencies, benefiting the polytechnic , adding that
the institution is known for academic excellence and collaborative engagements, making it a sought-after partner for development initiatives.
“The polytechnic has been making strides in oil and gas education, producing graduates who are highly sought after by industries.”
“The Federal Polytechnic of Oil and Gas, Bonny, has been making waves in academic circles, and this visit is expected to further boost its reputation. With purposeful leadership and strategic partnerships, the institution is set to achieve greater heights.
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“The institution’s success is attributed to its strong leadership, dedicated staff, and commitment to academic excellence. As it continues to grow and develop, the polytechnic remains committed to producing skilled graduates who can contribute to Nigeria’s development.”
By: Akujobi Amadi
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