Education
Ariella Anwana Wins Zedvance-Sponsored Bookville Reading Competition

By Aduragbemi Omiyale
A student of Aladumo International School, Rivers State, Ariella Anwana, has won the fourth edition of the Bookville Reading Competition, organized by one of the foremost bookstores in Nigeria, Bookville World and sponsored by leading consumer finance company, Zedvance Finance Limited.
The Book Reading Competition, initiated to encourage reading for pleasure as an avenue to spice up literature as well as give children an incentive to open a book, was held from May 8 to June 19, 2021, in Port Harcourt, Rivers State and had over 100 entries.
The first runner-up of the contest was Onyeka-Daniel Ivana Blessing of Federal Government Girls College Abuloma, while Nekuojo Osahenrumwen Omelikamu of Teko School was the second runner-up.
At the grand finale held on Saturday, June 19, 2021, Umeji Chiagozim Joan of Helms Bridge School bagged the award of the Most Resilience Contestant, while Nwachukwu Kelechi of Oginigba Secondary School won the Most Improved Contestant award.
Other winners were Virtue Izontimi of Aladumo International School, Chibuzor Larry Madueke and Bamidele Oluwatobi from Ndubuoke Citadel Schools.
The acting Managing Director of Zedvance Finance, Mr Ever Obi, explained that the company’s decision to sponsor the competition was to promote reading culture amongst Nigerian students and encourage parents and the society at large to prioritize primary and secondary education for their wards as it is pivotal to our nation-building.
“Part of the goals of United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development is quality education (Goal 4). The objective is to eliminate gender disparities in education and ensure equal access to all levels of education and vocational training for the vulnerable, including persons with disabilities, indigenous peoples and children in vulnerable situations before 2030.
“As a corporate organization, we have decided to launch a campaign themed ‘Readers are Leaders’ to support and drive the actualization of SDG 4 (quality education). Between 2019 and 2021, we have provided writing materials, television sets, fans and other academic items for many public schools across Nigeria. We have also done the same for students at special education schools.
“Before the coronavirus crisis, projections showed that more than 200 million children would be out of school, and only 60 per cent of young people would be completing upper secondary education in 2030. Before the coronavirus crisis, the proportion of children and youth out of primary and secondary school had declined from 26 per cent in 2000 to 19 per cent in 2010 and 17 per cent in 2018. This is an indication that we still have a lot of work to do as a society.
“At Zedvance Finance, part of the products offering include Back-to-School loans to enable parents to send their wards back to school without worries. They are collateral-free, flexible and convenient loans that they can pay back within 6 to 12 months. This is part of our contributions to ensure that every child has access to education,” he said.
Mr Obi also called on other corporate organizations, philanthropists and non-government organizations to show more support for SGD 4, stressing that is imperative to our collective growth and development as a people.
Speaking during the grand finale, Chief Executive Officer of Bookville Integrated Resources Limited, Mrs Nkem Asoka commended Zedvance Finance for its efforts towards the promotion of quality education, financial inclusion and bridging the credit gap in the country. She urged corporate organizations to also give more support to the education sector.
Zedvance loans are available to salary-earners and none salary-earners in Nigeria with qualifying customers receiving loans in less than three hours (for already existing customers) and less than five hours (for new customers).
Customers can access Zedvance loans through self-service digital channels including WhatsApp, by chatting with Zee on 09095017151; online, at www.zedvance.com; MoneyPal app (available on Google Play) and phone call to the Customer Service Centre on 07001001000.
Education
International Scholars to Chronicle Life of Nigerian Historian Kenneth Dike

By Adedapo Adesanya
The duo of Emmanuella Agayapong, an industrial economics expert from Accra, Ghana, and Jy’Quan Stewart, an American writer and historian, are co-authoring a new biography titled The Biography of Kenneth Dike: Nigerian Pioneer in a rare cross-continental collaboration effort.
This forthcoming work aims to illuminate the life and legacy of Kenneth Onwuka Dike, a seminal figure in African historiography and Nigeria’s first indigenous Vice-Chancellor.
Kenneth Onwuka Dike (1917–1983) was instrumental in redefining African historical studies. He championed the decolonization of African history, emphasizing the importance of indigenous perspectives and oral traditions in historical research.
Dike’s tenure as the first Nigerian Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ibadan marked a significant milestone in the nation’s academic development.
His efforts led to the establishment of the Nigerian National Archives and the Historical Society of Nigeria, institutions crucial for preserving the continent’s rich heritage.
The biography will delve into Dike’s early life in Awka, Nigeria, his academic pursuits across institutions like Fourah Bay College and the University of Aberdeen, and his pivotal role in promoting African leadership in scholarly works.
By chronicling his journey, the authors aim to shed light on Dike’s enduring impact on African historiography and higher education.
Emmanuella Agayapong brings a unique analytical perspective to the project, intertwining her expertise in industrial economics with a deep-seated passion for history and economic development. Jy’Quan Stewart, known for his dedication to uncovering unsung stories, contributes his extensive experience in historical research and advocacy.
Their partnership exemplifies an innovative approach to self-publishing, aiming to reach a global audience and inspire future generations.
This collaboration not only honors Kenneth Dike’s legacy but also sets a new precedent for international literary partnerships. By combining diverse perspectives and expertise, Agayapong and Stewart are poised to offer readers a comprehensive and insightful narrative of a man who reshaped the understanding of African history.
Emmanuella Agayapong is an industrial economics expert based in Accra, Ghana. With a passion for history and economic development, she brings a unique analytical perspective to the book.
Jy’Quan Stewart is an American writer and historian dedicated to uncovering unsung stories. His experience in historical research and advocacy makes him a vital voice in documenting Kenneth Dike’s legacy.
Together, Agayapong and Stewart are breaking new ground in self-publishing, demonstrating the power of international collaboration in historical literature.
Education
Hydrogen Donates to Ikosi High School Lagos

By Modupe Gbadeyanka
A company fostering financial and technological inclusion, Hydrogen Payment Services Company Limited, has donated some items to Ikosi Senior High School, Ketu, Lagos.
The company partnered with the Lagos State Ministry of Education, Education District II to provide a 5KVA solar-powered inverter system to the school.
In addition, the school had its water outlet area renovated to improving both its aesthetics and hygiene in line with Hydrogen’s commitment to enhancing learning environments.
Further, it donated some textbooks to the school library, ensuring they have the academic resources needed for a well-rounded education.
Also, the firm invested in the future of the students by equipping them with essential digital skills to thrive in a rapidly evolving world.
Through expert-led, interactive sessions, students were introduced to key tech-driven career paths, including Cybersecurity, Data Analytics, Software Development, Payment Technology, Product Management and Design, Sales and Business Development, Customer Experience, Digital Marketing, and Project Management.
According to Hydrogen, this comprehensive initiative reinforces its commitment to bridge the digital divide, fostering financial and technological inclusion, and preparing the next generation for the future of work, calling on all stakeholders to join in igniting potential, fostering financial and technological inclusion, and shaping the future of Africa’s digital economy.
It stated that by merging sustainability with digital education and academic support, it is ensuring students not only have access to reliable infrastructure and learning materials but also the knowledge and skills to navigate the global digital economy.
“At Hydrogen, we believe sustainability is about more than just environmental responsibility, but about investing in people, communities, and the future we are building together.
“This initiative is a comprehensive investment in young minds, ensuring they have both the resources and the skills to lead Africa’s digital transformation,” the Business Head for Payment Switching and Processing at Hydrogen, Fiyinfoluwa Olorunsola, said.
Education
GOMYCODE Offers Master’s Degree in Software Engineering in Nigeria

By Aduragbemi Omiyale
A leading technology education provider, GOMYCODE, has partnered with a global collegiate higher education institution, Woolf University, to offer a Master of Science in Computer Science with a Specialization in Software Engineering.
This provides an opportunity for aspiring and established tech professionals in Nigeria to hone their skills at GOMYCODE, with a globally recognised certificate to show for it.
The institution disclosed that the program’s online and flexible structure caters to the demands of working professionals, enabling them to balance their studies with existing commitments.
Students will benefit from Woolf University’s rigorous academic standards and GOMYCODE’s practical, industry-relevant approach to learning.
This is because the Master’s program is designed to empower busy professionals and ambitious individuals with advanced skills and qualifications, opening doors to global job opportunities and facilitating potential emigration for those seeking international careers.
This Master of Science in Computer Science with Specialization in Software Engineering program is ideal for tech professionals seeking to enhance their qualifications, individuals aiming for global job opportunities, those considering emigration and requiring advanced degrees, and ambitious individuals looking to accelerate their career growth.
“In today’s competitive tech landscape, advanced degrees are increasingly essential. This partnership allows us to provide a flexible, world-class education that empowers our students to achieve their career aspirations, whether they seek to excel locally or on a global stage,” the co-founder of GOMYCODE, Yahya Bouhlel, stated.
Also commenting, the Head of Strategy and Growth at Woolf University, Naveen Jangir, said, “Our mission is to democratize education, and this partnership aligns perfectly with our goal of providing accessible, accredited degrees to learners worldwide. We believe this program will equip Nigerian tech professionals with the skills and credentials they need to thrive in the global economy.”
On his part, the Country Head of GOMYCODE in Nigeria, Mr Babatunde Olaifa, said, “By offering a globally recognized Master’s degree, we are empowering our professionals to compete on a global scale, giving people an opportunity to level up their careers, and to open doors that they previously thought were closed. We are very excited to see the impact that this program will have on the lives of our students and the broader Nigerian tech community.”
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