By Modupe Gbadeyanka

Notable financial institution, Moniepoint Incorporated, reaffirmed its commitment to nurturing Africa’s future leaders by supporting the 5th edition of the NextGen Connect Interschool Oratory Competition in Asaba, Delta State.

The competition, which was held commemoratively to celebrate this year’s International Day of the Boy Child, brought together SS2 students from across Delta State to address the critical theme The Role of Financial Inclusion and Technology in Shaping a Brighter Future for Young People in Africa.

The contest, organised by Mega Impact Foundation, was supported by Moniepoint to showcase its unwavering commitment to youth empowerment and human capital development across the African continent.

It also received additional support from the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, Delta State, highlighting the collaborative approach required to nurture young talent effectively.

Through its support of the NextGen Connect Conference and Tech-In-School conversations, Moniepoint is fostering an environment where youth can develop critical thinking skills, build confidence, and engage with pressing societal issues.

“At Moniepoint, we believe that driving sustainable innovation begins with future-proofing and expanding the talent pool by empowering the next generation with the tools that they need to succeed especially basic literacy skills which remain fundamental pillars in socio-economic development.

“These young voices represent the future of African leadership, and their insights into financial inclusion and technology demonstrate the remarkable potential that exists within our communities.

“Through our various educational and developmental initiatives such as the CAD/CAM lab we donated to OAU last year or the Moniepoint DreamDevs programme, we are betting big on an investment in Africa’s future,” the chief executive of Moniepoint, Mr Tosin Eniolorunda, said.

On her part, the founder of Mega Impact Foundation, Ms Florence Ogonegbu, said, “We reaffirm our commitment to building an Africa where every young person has simplified access to sustainable education, capacity building, and empowerment.

“By leveraging technology and local initiatives, we are creating platforms that enable our youth to thrive and transform their communities.

“Together with partners like Moniepoint, we are not just shaping futures—we are driving a movement for social development that will resonate globally. Every boy, every young person, deserves the opportunity to unlock their full potential and drive lasting impact across our continent.”

Business Post reports that the oratory competition in Delta State showcased exceptional talent among Nigeria’s youth, with Otovo Praise of Crystalloid International School emerging as the champion.

His outstanding performance earned him a full-year scholarship through the Tosin Eniolorunda STEM Foundation, reflecting Moniepoint’s philosophy of investing in educational excellence.

Second-place winner Audi Innocent of St Patrick’s College received N300,000, while third-place winner, Asher David of Glorious Kids Academy was awarded N200,000.

By Adedapo Adesanya

As Pearson Test of English (PTE) continues to gain increased recognition in the Nigerian market, the PTE Club has been established to remove barriers and ease access to international study and work.

The PTE Club, launched in partnership with Lu Gold Educational Consulting in Lagos, is crucial as Nigerians increasingly pursue international education, work opportunities, and seek greater global mobility.

According to Mrs Eugenia Yeboah, Business Development Specialist at Pearson’s PTE covering West Africa, the demand for reliable and efficient English language proficiency assessments have soared and one of such recognised is Pearson’s exams.

In response to this growing need, the PTE Club has emerged as a community that will help facilitate proficiency tests and help liberalise access to scholarships while promoting other opportunities for prospects and candidates.

She noted that the PTE Club which will pilot with Nigeria will be expanded to other African countries later.

“So we are hoping that we will be able to help many people in Nigeria as possible to get parts of the scholarship opportunities, we also want to assess them on their English language proficiency.”

She also revealed that Nigeria has the cheapest options available ($150) as part of strategy to make the test affordable and accessible.

On his part, Mr Lucuis Gab-Umoden, chief executive at Lu Gold EDC and founder of the PTE Club, added that the community will be beneficial to all ranging from students to teachers to companies and universities.

“The idea was to make it open to all. So students get access to scholarships, teachers get access to accreditation, and schools get access to opportunities including partnerships. This is the benefit of the PTE Club, which we are building around Pearson Test of English.”

Unlike traditional paper-based exams, PTE offers a computer-based format with rapid results, typically available in two days. The assessment evaluates all four language skills – listening, reading, speaking, and writing – in a single, integrated test, and its AI-powered scoring ensures fairness and accuracy for all test takers at all levels.

Accepted by 3500+ of universities globally, PTE exams can be taken by the Nigerian students seeking undergraduate and postgraduate programs in countries like Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, and the United States. In addition to academic admissions, PTE, the English proficiency test, is recognized by the US State Boards of Nursing for work visas and by UK Higher Education Institutions for degree-level courses.

By Modupe Gbadeyanka

Steps are already being taken by Oando Foundation to identify and reintegrate out-of-school children into the formal education system.

This information was revealed by the Head of the organisation, Ms Tonia Uduimoh, during the official handover of over 1,000 back-to-school materials to newly-enrolled out-of-school children in Jos, Plateau State.

The group donated the items under its LEARNOVATE-FLIP (Foundational Learning Improvement Programme) initiative.

“Education is fundamental — and as a Foundation committed to social impact, we believe it’s our responsibility to complement government efforts where it matters most.

“Since 2023, our work has been anchored on the LEARNOVATE strategy, with a strong focus on improving foundational literacy and numeracy.

“When a child gains basic reading and math skills early, it doesn’t just prepare them for the next grade — it sets them up for lifelong learning. But we also know that too many children, especially those on the margins of society, are being left behind.

“Under the LEARNOVATE-FLIP programme, we’re not only supporting children already in school — we’re also working to identify and reintegrate out-of-school children into the formal education system.

“What you’re seeing today in Plateau State is a direct result of that effort. Over 4,000 children have been mobilized so far and integrated into formal education across Plateau, Sokoto, and Ebonyi States. What we are doing is to provide basic resources and support, and we are committed to ensuring every child succeeds,” Ms Uduimoh stated.

In her remarks, the Deputy Governor of Plateau State, Ms Josephine Piyo, commended Oando Foundation for the gesture, describing it as a vital support for children who have been excluded from educational opportunities, aligning with the state’s commitment to expand access to inclusive and equitable basic education.

“Today marks a significant step in our collective efforts to improve the quality of education in Plateau State. It is heartwarming to witness the commitment of organizations like the Oando

Foundation in supporting the education sector. Education is the key to unlocking the potential of every child and paving the way for a brighter future.

“By providing back-to-school learning materials to enrol out-of-school children, we are giving them the tools to succeed in life. I express my gratitude to the Oando Foundation for their generous support in organizing this event.

“This distribution of learning materials will have a profound impact — not only enhancing learning but also instilling a sense of confidence and belonging in every child reached.”