Education
Egbin Power Unveils Innovation Centre to Nurture Future Leaders
By Modupe Gbadeyanka
An innovation centre aimed to equip students with entrepreneurial, practical, and creative skills has been commissioned by Egbin Power Plc.
The state-of-the-art facility, located within the Powerfields Group of Schools in Ikorodu, owned by Egbin Power, a member of the Sahara Group, is part of the energy firm’s commitment to advancing education in the country.
The innovation hub, known as the Bright Gyimah Centre for Innovation, will allow students to learn skills needed to thrive in the modern educational landscape.
They will take courses in Information Technology (IT), and Artificial Intelligence (AI), exploring their creativity in arts, music, culinary, and hospitality.
The facility has an AI Laboratory for students to learn, create and deploy applications. The well-equipped Cooking Lab and Hospitality Room will enable the students to acquire professional training and skills in catering and hospitality. Other facilities at the centre are the Music Lab, IT Lab, Art Studio, Auditorium, etc.
According to the Administrator of Powerfields Group of Schools, Mr Ngozi Emezue, the centre will provide experiential learning, boost students’ confidence, and enable them to translate theoretical knowledge into practical applications.
“This centre represents a significant investment in the future, playing a key role in nurturing the next generation of leaders and innovators. The Governing Council and the Management are excited to witness the impact of the innovation hub on students, teachers and the community around us,” she said.
“It will also enhance the continuous professional development of the teachers. It has added to our value proposition, giving us a competitive advantage, because not so many schools have such facilities. Therefore, we want to commend everyone who has made this possible,” Ms Emezue added.
The Head of Corporate Communications and Branding at Egbin Power Plc, Mr Felix Ofulue, while commenting on the development, said the initiative aims to create a dynamic learning environment that fosters creativity and innovation.
“The facility will open doors to exciting career opportunities for learners, serving as a beacon of hope for comprehensive, quality education and has the potential to revolutionize education in our society,” he said.
“This initiative demonstrates our dedication to advancing education and highlights our readiness to continuously groom future leaders. The skills acquired here will enable learners to become architects of their success, supporting socio-economic growth,” he added.
Speaking on behalf of the Governing Council of Powerfields Group of Schools, the Director of Governance and Sustainability at Sahara Group, Ms Ejiro Gray, said, “At Sahara Group, sustainability extends beyond organizational boundaries to include positive societal impact. We aim to position students to compete globally, providing them with the right platform to learn and apply their skills.”
On his part, the Chairman of the Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) of the school, Mr Matthew Amadi, said, “The establishment of this centre for innovation further positions Powerfields School as an exemplary learning institution where students receive quality education, practical skills and also expand their horizon beyond the textbook, thereby giving them an edge and making them outstandingly creative and competitive globally.”
In her remarks, the daughter of Mr Bright Gyimah, Ms Caroline Uzoigwe, commended Egbin Power for naming the innovation centre after her late father, a former General Manager of the plant.
By Modupe Gbadeyanka
The monthly subvention to the Edo State University, Iyahmo, has been increased to N250 million from N100 million by the state governor, Mr Monday Okpebholo.
A statement issued on Monday by the Chief Press Secretary (CPS) to the Governor, Mr Patrick Akhere Ebojele, said a grant of N2 billion has also been approved to improve infrastructure in the institution.
Speaking at the commissioning of an e-library and the flagging off of a fitness centre and a health facility in the school, Mr Okpebholo said the funding support is to strengthen the institution’s capacity and improve learning conditions.
“Today is a great day for Edo State University, Iyamho. Since assuming office, our administration has remained committed to repositioning the education sector in Edo State.
“The Ehi Aganmonmen Business Administration E-Library, the Peter Omoh Dunia Fitness Centre, and the Edo State University Health Centre are clear symbols of progress, partnership, and shared responsibility in advancing education and health in Edo State,” he said.
Governor Okpebholo further acknowledged the collective support from stakeholders, including a parent who volunteered to sponsor the architectural designs and the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Adetimirin, who donated one month of his salary.
“If you, the vice chancellor, can donate your salary, why will the Edo state government not donate towards the university projects they are carrying out? On this note, the Edo State government will give you (the school) N2 billion,” he declared.
“I also understand that a parent has offered to sponsor the designs, and our amiable Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Adetimirin, has donated his one-month salary to support the projects. These are not small things — these are sacrifices that speak louder than words,” he added.
On healthcare infrastructure, the Governor expressed support for the university’s plan to upgrade its medical facility.
“I commend the university for the new Health Centre to replace the existing sick bay. This is an important step toward providing better healthcare services to our university community. I assure you of our continued support as we work together to bring this vision to reality,” the Governor said.
He charged students of the institution to use the facilities well, and tasked the university management to “ensure proper maintenance and sustainability of these facilities.”
By Adedapo Adesanya
Forty-five student-led ventures emerged as beneficiaries of a total pool of N2.2 billion in grants at the 2026 Student Venture Capital Grant (S-VCG) Finalist Bootcamp.
The programme of the federal government marks a significant boost to youth innovation under its entrepreneurship drive, announced earlier this year.
At the bootcamp’s closing ceremony and awards presentation held at the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) office in Ikoyi, Lagos, the winners emerged after a rigorous selection process involving 65 finalists and assessment by a 12-member expert panel.
Speaking at the event, the Minister of Education, Mr Tunji Alausa, said the initiative underscores the government’s commitment to transforming tertiary institutions into centres of innovation, entrepreneurship and practical problem-solving.
He described the S-VCG programme as a key pillar of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, aimed at enabling students to convert ideas into viable businesses.
Mr Alausa noted that each beneficiary can access up to N50 million in equity-free funding, alongside mentorship, incubation support and digital tools.
He added that the programme attracted more than 30,000 applications from 404 tertiary institutions nationwide, reflecting the growing culture of innovation among Nigerian youth.
Also speaking, the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Mr Bosun Tijani, commended participants for leveraging technology to develop solutions to real-world challenges.
He urged them to build scalable, tech-driven ventures capable of contributing to national development.
Also speaking, Minister of State for Education, Mrs Suwaiba Sa’id Ahmad, praised the finalists’ resilience and creativity, noting that initiatives like S-VCG are critical to nurturing problem-solving skills and fostering an entrepreneurial mindset among students.
Chairman of the Senate Committee on Tertiary Education and TETFund, Mr Muntari Dandutse, called for sustained investment in youth innovation to strengthen Nigeria’s knowledge-based economy.
On his part, the National Project Coordinator of the Special Programmes Operations and Implementation Unit, Mr Adebayo Onigbanjo, outlined the structure and long-term objectives of the programme, stating that it is designed to equip students with the resources and confidence needed to build sustainable ventures.
By Adedapo Adesanya
The University of Jos has suspended all examinations scheduled for Monday and Tuesday following growing tension in Jos, after a deadly attack in Anguwan Rukuba, Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State.
The management of the institution also advised students and staff to remain indoors and stay vigilant.
According to reports, the attackers, who rode on motorcycles, stormed the community at about 7:30 pm while residents were going about their normal activities, firing indiscriminately and causing panic.
Many people were killed, while several others sustained injuries in the attack.
“The attackers just rode past and started shooting sporadically. People were running in different directions,” a source told Channels Television.
The broadcaster also reported that in the aftermath of the attack, angry youths reportedly blocked major roads within the community, raising fears of escalating tension.
UniJos, in a statement issued on Sunday by the Deputy Registrar, Information and Public Relations, Mr Emmanuel Madugu, said the incident had heightened tension, necessitating the decision.
“In view of the late evening fatal attacks by unknown gunmen on residents of Angwan Rukuba (an area that hosts many staff and students of the University), and the consequential tensions it has generated in and around the area and environs.
“The Vice Chancellor has directed that all examinations scheduled to hold on Monday, March 30, and Tuesday, March 31, 2026, are postponed, and will be rescheduled accordingly. That members of the University community be advised to be very vigilant and extra careful with their movements (On and off Campus) with IMMEDIATE EFFECT.
“For emphasis, members are strongly advised to AVOID COMING OUT VERY EARLY IN THE MORNING, and should REPORT IMMEDIATELY any sign or shadow of breach of the public peace to the University Security Division on 08035895323.
“University Management is actively liaising with the relevant Security agencies and monitoring the situation to ensure the safety of the lives of members of the University community. Further relevant updates will be communicated in due course,” the deputy registrar added.
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