Education
Analytical Chemistry Training Holds In Ethiopia
By Dipo Olowookere
A week-long training workshop for analytical chemists in Africa, supported by GlaxoSmithKline and the Royal Society of Chemistry, has commenced in Addis Ababa, the Ethiopian capital.
The programme, which first started in 2004, in Kenya, by Professor Anthony Gachanja and Dr Steve Lancaster, is holding at the Addis Ababa University from October 3–7, 2016.
It is to train African scientists in the practical application of Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS), a widely-used analytical technique, which is crucial in everything from environmental monitoring to drug development and combating counterfeit drugs.
Now, with the help of a new five-year partnership between GSK and the Royal Society of Chemistry’s Pan Africa Chemistry Network (PACN), this training is being rolled out to Ghana, Nigeria and Ethiopia and will train more than 400 scientists, with participants attending from countries across the continent.
Zoe Zeliku, a volunteer from GSK, first went to Ethiopia in 2010, to work with the Centre for National Health Development in Addis Ababa. Now, she is returning as a trainer to share her expertise and enthusiasm for analytical chemistry.
“I’ve always enjoyed training people, and my background is analytical chemistry”, she says.
This training is crucial in Ethiopia and other African countries, because analytical chemistry is so important and specialised.
The economy is growing and there’s more manufacturing, so it’s important that the scientists in the country themselves have the expertise. Not only will the training help with their current research, but if they’re going to start manufacturing their own medicine then it will be beneficial to have analytically trained scientists to back up the quality control process.
Dr Yonas Chebude, Associate Professor of Inorganic Chemistry at the University of Addis Ababa, who is hosting the workshop, explains what makes this scheme unique:
Two colleagues, one from Addis Ababa University and one from Bahir Dar University have volunteered to be trainers themselves. After the completion of the scheme, these trainers of trainers are expected to run their own training programs, passing on their skills to colleagues and students in other universities and institutions in Ethiopia and across Africa.
By training local chemists to train others, the scheme will leave a self-sustaining programme and lasting legacy in African science, building a network of in-country expertise and expertise sharing between countries.
Empowering our scientists with practical and analytical skills to solve our African problems is indeed aligned to meeting the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals. In addition the programme is sustainable as the trainers are in the region therefore the needs of the scientific fraternity will be addressed. This is indeed a beneficial partnership in our region as it builds on the capacity and capability in our institutions”, said Brook Worku, Enterprise General Manager, GlaxoSmithKline Ethiopia.
This course in Ethiopia attracted over 160 applications from 17 different countries across Africa, from researchers at all career stages. Of these a local committee and a trainer from GSK have selected 15 delegates who they feel will benefit most from the scheme. As well as attendees from Ethiopia, delegates are travelling across Africa to attend, from Tanzania, Uganda, South African and Sudan.
Dr Helen Driver, Senior Programme Manager, Africa, at the Royal Society of Chemistry, who manages the programme, is travelling to Ethiopia to attend the workshop. She says she’s most looking forward to seeing the participants get the opportunity to get hands-on with the equipment.
The real advantage of this course is that the trainees get the opportunity to take the instrument apart and put it back together”, says Helen.
This course will really give participants the confidence to do that. It’s important to not be afraid of the equipment. When they return to their institutions they will be able to use their new-found knowledge to maintain the instruments themselves, instead of relying on help from elsewhere.
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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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