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UBA Foundation Builds N13m Bridge for Sokoto Varsity

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By Modupe Gbadeyanka

UBA Foundation, the Corporate Social Responsibility Arm of Pan- African financial institution, United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc, has completed the construction of a pedestrian bridge primarily for students of the Usman Danfodiyo University, Sokoto State, thus bringing comfort to students of the institution.

The construction of the bridge, valued at about N13m was commissioned on Monday, by the Governor of Sokoto State, Mr Aminu Waziri Tambuwal,

For over four decades, the students of UDUS, especially those living off-campus had found it tedious to connect the campus as the area was impassable, especially during rainy season. They couldn’t get in and out of their dormitories and to the mosque easily and were going through an uncomfortably long route to get to lectures.

In August 2017, at the National Dialogue Series organised by the Students’ Union Government (SUG) of the school, Chairman of UBA Plc, Mr Tony Elumelu, acceded to the request of the students who had informed him of their plight and promised to assist them.  UBA Foundation came to their aid.

At the opening ceremony of the newly constructed bridge, the UBA GMD, Mr Kennedy Uzoka, expressed delight at the prompt completion of the project and reminded the students that UBA remained committed to easing the day-to-day challenges of  the citizens, and especially students living within and beyond its areas of operations, adding that the core values of the bank – excellence, enterprise and execution – is aimed at putting the customers and society first. This, he noted prompted the bank’s intervention, adding that ensuring customers’ satisfaction and giving back to the people were a focal point for the bank and the UBA Foundation.

He said, “As an institution, we are passionate about giving back to society through UBA’s Foundations’ components: Empowerment, Education and Environment. This construction falls under the area of education and environment.

“We want to be a role model with uniqueness not by coincidence but by physical commitment ‎and strengthening of our good will in advancing the course of humanity through our foundation. We have been doing this over the years by sponsoring essay competitions and indigent students to institutions across African countries where we operate.

“We believe in meritocracy, industry, entrepreneurship and mentorship of young students to become good ambassadors of the country in their endeavours,” he said.

Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, who was represented at the ceremony by Secretary to the State Government, Professor Bashir Garba commended Mr Elumelu, the bank and the UBA Foundation for the gesture that adds value to the institution.

Whilst calling for other stakeholders to emulate the actions of Mr Elumelu, he noted that education in itself is capital intensive that requires the participation and support of corporate stakeholders to succeed.

Vice Chancellor of the University, Professor Abdullahi Zuru, also noted with pleasure the philanthropic gesture of Elumelu in building hope and strengthening value-adding relationship to the institution and especially to the youths.

He explained that the edifice commissioned was vital to the day-to-day movement of students for their daily academic and other extracurricular activities.

According to him, for the past four decades, the students had not been finding it easy especially during the rainy season which affected their movement through the passage due to the mushy nature of the spot.

“We reached out to a number of organisations but thank God UBA heeded our call and came through for us in a big way. It is now the shortest way for our students particularly now. We deeply appreciate Mr Elumelu and the UBA family. The edifice which has side lights will serve us in no small way,” he stated.

In the recent past, UBA Foundation has intervened in the infrastructure development of universities across Africa with donation of ICT centres, hostels, recreational parks among many others.  Beneficiaries of such interventions include Universities of Ilorin, Benin, Lagos, Ekpoma and many others.

Modupe Gbadeyanka is a fast-rising journalist with Business Post Nigeria. Her passion for journalism is amazing. She is willing to learn more with a view to becoming one of the best pen-pushers in Nigeria. Her role models are the duo of CNN's Richard Quest and Christiane Amanpour.

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Education

Orire School Abduction: Oyo Teachers Begin Indefinite Strike

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Orire School Abduction

By Modupe Gbadeyanka

Teachers in Oyo State on Monday, June 1, 2026, commenced an indefinite strike to protest the abduction of their colleagues and some pupils about two weeks ago.

The teachers withdraw their services from schools until further notice in compliance with the directive of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT).

In a statement on Sunday, the group said the industrial action affects all public primary and secondary school teachers in Oyo State.

They are aggrieved over the continued captivity of abducted teachers and pupils, whose rescue and safe release remain uncertain.

According to the union, the prolonged detention of the victims has created fear and anxiety among teachers, discouraged parents from sending their children to school, and heightened tension across communities in the state.

The NUT said the industrial action is aimed at drawing the attention of government authorities to the urgent need to intensify efforts toward securing the safe release of the abductees without further delay.

It urged all teachers to comply fully with the directive, remain law-abiding, and stay safe in their respective homes throughout the period of the strike.

The association also reaffirmed its solidarity with the abducted teachers, pupils, and their families, stressing that lawful engagements with relevant government authorities would continue until the victims regain their freedom.

The NUT assured members that it remains committed to protecting the welfare and security of teachers and learners across the country.

A few weeks ago, some terrorists stormed the Orire Local Government Area of Oyo State and kidnapped dozens of children and teachers. They have remained in captivity, with the federal government only sending a delegation to the town on Sunday, May 31, 2026.

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Education

KolaDaisi University Hosts Career Fair June 10 in Ibadan

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KolaDaisi University Career Fair

By Modupe Gbadeyanka

On Wednesday, June 10, 2026, KolaDaisi University (KDU), in a bid to strengthen the talent-to-industry pipeline, will hold its inaugural Career Fair at its campus in Ibadan, Oyo State, with over 200 final-year students, alumni, and a diverse range of leading employers across multiple sectors expected to partake in the programme.

The one-day event, organised by the Directorate of Advancement and Alumni Relations, will feature participation from top-tier organisations spanning finance, consulting, technology, manufacturing, and other key industries.

Participating companies will engage directly with students, offering opportunities for graduate trainee programmes, National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) placements, internships, and entry-level employment.

In addition to recruitment opportunities, the Career Fair will include a series of industry-led sessions, panel discussions, and networking engagements designed to provide students with insights into workplace expectations, emerging career trends, and professional development pathways.

“At KolaDaisi University, we are deliberate about preparing our students for life beyond the classroom. This Career Fair represents a critical platform for fostering meaningful engagement between our students and industry leaders.

“It is not just an event, but a long-term investment in partnerships that will drive innovation, talent development, and economic growth,” the President of the Directorate of Advancement and Alumni Relations, Mrs Olasumbo Obaseki, stated.

The Career Fair underscores the university’s commitment to equipping its students with not only academic excellence but also the practical skills, professional exposure, and networks required for success in today’s competitive labour market.

It is put together in collaboration with key industry partners, including Chapel Hill Denham, Mobile Screens and Sound Limited, SKOT Communications, LEADWAY Assurance, HighlerLife Properties Consult Ltd, Idea Konsult, New Horizons Nigeria, alongside several other organisations committed to nurturing emerging talent.

These partnerships reflect a shared vision of developing a workforce that is both competent and responsive to evolving industry needs.

This impactful and timely initiative is an essential platform for aligning academic outcomes with industry expectations.

The initiative forms part of KDU’s broader institutional strategy to enhance graduate employability through sustained industry engagement, career readiness programmes, and alumni relations.

By creating structured opportunities for interaction between students and employers, the institution continues to position itself as a forward-thinking institution committed to producing globally competitive graduates.

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Education

Tinubu Appoints 39-Year-Old Prof Segun Aina as New JAMB Registrar

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prof segun aina JAMB

By Modupe Gbadeyanka

Professor Segun Aina has been appointed to replace Professor Is-haq Oloyede as the Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB). The two-term tenure of his successor expires on July 31, 2026.

Mr Aina was chosen for the position by President Bola Tinubu, and he is expected to bring to bear his vast experience, knowledge and practical insight into the operations of the board, to take the critical educational organisation beyond the laudable heights achieved by his predecessor.

According to a statement on Thursday by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Mr Bayo Onanuga, Professor Aina, who will be 40 in July, is a distinguished academic and systems expert with extensive experience in national examination systems, digital infrastructure, and public-sector institutional reform.

He holds a Bachelor of Engineering in Computer Systems Engineering from the University of Kent, an MSc in Internet Computing and Network Security, and a PhD in Digital Signal Processing, both from Loughborough University, United Kingdom. He has also completed the Senior Management Programme at Lagos Business School.

A Professor of Computer Engineering at Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Mr Aina began his career with JAMB during his National Youth Service, gaining foundational experience in national admissions and data-driven institutional processes. These insights have shaped his ongoing contributions to examination reform and systems optimisation.

With over 15 years of post-graduation experience, Professor Aina operates at the intersection of technology, policy, and institutional transformation, advising federal and state governments on system design, digital transition, and operational reform. At 39, he became one of Nigeria’s youngest Computer Engineering professors and will now make history as JAMB’s youngest registrar.

He has served as a consultant to major examination bodies, including NECO, NABTEB, and various State Ministries of Education, providing expertise on ICT systems, examination integrity, and digital process optimisation.

Professor Aina is a member of several professional bodies, including the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN), the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), and the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET).

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