The Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) has granted scholarships to 12 Nigerian lecturers from its beneficiary institutions to pursue doctoral studies in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) disciplines in France. The scholarships are awarded under the TETFund Scholarship for Academic Staff Intervention (TSAS) programme. Arc Sonny Echono, the Executive Secretary of TETFund, announced the scholarship during a pre-departure briefing for the scholars in Abuja on Monday. He revealed that the Fund allocated over N63 million to sponsor each scholar for the three-year duration of the program, amounting to a total of over N761 million for the 12 selected scholars.…
Author: Editor Francis
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has taken a critical stance on President Bola Tinubu’s handling of the country’s security challenges, particularly the pervasive kidnappings occurring nationwide. Atiku, who contested against Tinubu in the 2023 presidential election, urged the president to step aside if he could not effectively address the worsening insecurity. Expressing concern over Tinubu’s recent private visit to France amid rising insecurity, Atiku emphasised the need for a proactive leader to confront the security crisis gripping the nation. Atiku questioned the President’s priorities, highlighting instances of recent kidnappings, including the tragic incident where kidnappers killed a nursing mother and…
In a special online briefing hosted by the U.S. Department of State’s Africa Regional Media Hub, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Administrator Michael S. Regan, shared insights from his recent mission to Mozambique and Ghana, emphasizing the EPA’s commitment to collaborating on environmental priorities in Africa. During the briefing, Administrator Regan highlighted various initiatives aimed at addressing environmental challenges across the continent. The EPA’s commitment includes sharing solutions on clean air protection, responsible mining practices, enhanced recycling efforts, and fostering cultural and environmental exchanges between American and Ghanaian schools. Administrator Regan announced significant developments from his visit, including the installation…
Unilever Nigeria PLC witnesses the departure of Mr. Jaime Aguilera, non-executive director, effective January 17, 2024. The Board officially accepted Aguilera’s resignation during its January 18, 2024 meeting, acknowledging and expressing gratitude for his substantial contributions that propelled Unilever Nigeria Plc towards sustainable and profitable growth. Following Aguilera’s departure, the Governance, Remuneration, and Risk Management Committee recommended and received Board approval for the appointment of two distinguished individuals, effective January 18, 2024. Firstly, Mr. Ben Langat, a seasoned professional responsible for Unilever’s operations in East and West Africa, steps in as the new Non-Executive Director. Hailing from a career that…
Dangote Refinery, owned by Africa’s wealthiest individual, Aliko Dangote, is set to diversify its crude oil sources by importing 2 million barrels of West Texas Intermediate Midland (WTI Midland) from the United States, marking the first instance of the refinery purchasing non-Nigerian crude. The deal, expected to be finalized for end-February delivery, is reported by Bloomberg, citing information from traders familiar with the matter. While the rationale behind a refinery in a major oil-producing nation turning to the US for crude remains unclear, industry sources suggest that pricing is likely a significant factor. West Texas Intermediate Midland barrels are known…
In an announcement on Sunday during the monthly program ‘Meet Your Governor,’ Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji disclosed that the state’s cargo airport is scheduled to commence operations by July 2024. The governor emphasized that the airport, with its intricate certification process by relevant authorities, is poised to significantly contribute to transportation and economic development in the state. Governor Oyebanji expressed enthusiasm about the transformative potential of the airport, stating, “The airport is going to be a game-changer in the running of our business and economy because it is the terminus for the Ekiti State Ring Road Phase One.” He…
The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), has injected a substantial sum of $500 million into the forex market. The Acting Director of the Corporate Communications Department at the CBN, Hakama Sidi-Ali, made this announcement in a statement on Monday. Sidi-Ali emphasized the CBN’s dedication to promptly addressing all legitimate foreign exchange backlogs. The statement also reassured Nigerians that the central bank is actively implementing a comprehensive strategy to enhance liquidity in the Nigerian foreign exchange markets across short, medium, and long-term periods. According to Sidi-Ali, this strategy is specifically designed to tackle fundamental issues that have historically impeded the effective…
The Federal High Court in Abuja has deferred the hearing of a suit filed by Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), against the Federal Government. The case, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/462/2022, alleges that Kanu was unlawfully abducted from Kenya and brought to Nigeria for trial. The court has scheduled the next hearing for April 22, 2024. In the suit, Kanu seeks an order for his release from the custody of the Department of State. Additionally, he demands N50 billion in damages from the Federal Government. Among the reliefs sought, Kanu questions the legality of trying him for…
From the Office of the United States Trade Representative, it has been disclosed that the United States and Kenya are set to conduct their third in-person round of negotiations under the Strategic Trade and Investment Partnership (STIP). The negotiations are scheduled to take place in Nairobi, Kenya, from January 29 to 31, 2024. Leading the United States delegation will be Assistant United States Trade Representative Constance Hamilton, along with representatives from various government agencies. The previous in-person round of negotiations occurred in October 2023 in Washington, D.C., and since then, both parties have continued to make strides in fostering mutual…
From the Office of the Spokesperson, it has been revealed that Under Secretary of States for Arms Control and International Security, Ambassador Bonnie D. Jenkins, is set to embark on a diplomatic visit to Rabat and Marrakech, Morocco, from January 29 to February 2. During this visit, she will head the U.S. Delegation to the Proliferation Security Initiative (PSI) African Political Meeting and Outreach Event. The PSI event, co-chaired by Under Secretary Jenkins and Moroccan Director for African Cooperation and Moroccan Expatriates Redouane Houssaini, aims to encourage African countries to endorse the PSI—an enduring global effort focused on preventing the…
In a recent development, the Medical and Dental Consultants Association of Nigeria (MDCAN), has decided to extend the ultimatum it had previously issued to the Federal Government by an additional six weeks. This decision was reached during the association’s National Executive Council (NEC), meeting held in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, on Sunday. The communique issued at the end of the NEC meeting, which was signed by MDCAN’s President, Prof Mohammad Mohammad, and Secretary-General, Dr. Daiyabu Ibrahim, highlighted the decision to grant a six-week extension to the ultimatum, originally set to expire on January 31, 2024. The extension is intended to…
In a significant development, a study funded by the U.S. Trade and Development Agency (USTDA), has culminated in a landmark tripartite agreement involving Nigeria’s Daystar Power Group (Daystar), the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC), and Nigerian company The Wood Factory. The agreement is set to facilitate the creation of Nigeria’s inaugural hybrid solar energy and grid-connected power system, specifically designed to power The Wood Factory’s operations. This innovative system aims to serve as a clean and reliable alternative to the company’s diesel backup generators, contributing to cost reduction and a substantial decrease in carbon emissions. USTDA Director Enoh T. Ebong…