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ExxonMobil, JA Africa Launch $300,000 STEM Initiative for Students in Nigeria, Others

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By Adedapo Adesanya

The ExxonMobil Foundation and JA Africa have launched the ExxonMobil STEM Africa initiative, a $300,000 programme to promote science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) for approximately 3,000 African students across Nigeria, Namibia, Angola and Mozambique.

The ExxonMobil Foundation is the primary philanthropic arm of Exxon Mobil Corporation in the United States. The foundation engages in a range of philanthropic initiatives in areas where the company operates around the world, with a strategic focus on science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) education.

Through this programme, it will prepare middle and high school students for future careers in STEM through immersive quizzes and hands-on experiences at innovation camps.

The camps, delivered by JA Africa, will teach new approaches to addressing STEM-related challenges. JA Africa, with over presence in 16 Sub-Saharan Africa countries delivers hands-on, immersive learning in work readiness, financial health, entrepreneurship, sustainability, STEM, economics, citizenship, ethics, and more.

Speaking on this, ExxonMobil Foundation President Alvin Abraham said the foundation is focused on growing students’ STEM skills, which is key in developing the next generation of problem solvers across Africa.

“We’re excited to see how these young minds apply what they’ve learned through our programme,” he said.

Teams who present the best STEM solutions will represent their countries at a major regional industry conference in Cape Town, South Africa. Students will gain cross-cultural exposure, learn about energy from a global perspective and showcase their ideas while connecting with industry leaders.

“In an era where technology and innovation propel the global economy forward, Africa’s position at the forefront of technological advancements is crucial for maintaining competitiveness and sustainable development,” said JA Africa President and CEO, Mrs Simi Nwogugu.

“We are grateful to the ExxonMobil Foundation for this partnership to nurture STEM competencies to shape Africa’s future,” she added.

Adedapo Adesanya is a journalist, polymath, and connoisseur of everything art. When he is not writing, he has his nose buried in one of the many books or articles he has bookmarked or simply listening to good music with a bottle of beer or wine. He supports the greatest club in the world, Manchester United F.C.

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Education

Tax Clearance Certificate Required to Enjoy Free Education in Lagos—LIRS

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Educational System

By Modupe Gbadeyanka

For children to access free education from kindergarten to SS3 in Lagos State-funded schools, their parents must provide a Tax Clearance Certificate (TCC), the Lagos State Internal Revenue Service (LIRS) has reiterated.

According to the chairman of the tax agency, Mr Ayo Subair, “It is standard procedure to require a Tax Clearance Certificate (TCC) to access government services.

“To obtain a TCC, individuals must file their annual tax returns for the applicable assessment year and ensure their tax payments are currently based on their declared income,” Mr Subair stated.

He highlighted that this requirement has been in practice for a long time and aligns with Section 85 of the Personal Income Tax Act (PITA) 2004 (as amended).

He disclosed this initiative, part of the THEMES PLUS agenda, is included in the government’s broader efforts to provide essential services such as affordable housing, efficient transportation, free healthcare, youth and small business empowerment programs, enhanced security, and better road infrastructure, among others.

The tax chief emphasised that every resident of the state, whether in formal employment or not, is required by law to file annual tax returns, declare their income and pay any taxes due.

This requirement is backed by the Nigerian constitution; it is also the law, as stipulated in the PITA and part of the social contract between the government and residents, he stressed.

According to him, requiring a TCC for access to free services is not a new policy but a longstanding practice intended to foster fairness and transparency in using public resources, noting tax revenues help fund various public programs that benefit millions of Lagos residents.

For informal sector taxpayers, who might not have detailed financial records, the government has introduced a presumptive tax of N10,100 (comprising N10,000 in annual tax and a N100 development levy) to facilitate their inclusion in the tax net.

Mr Subair explained that tax compliance is essential for the sustainability of public programs and services, emphasising that the Lagos State government is dedicated to offering quality and efficient services to its residents.

As part of this mission, it mandates that all taxable individuals register with the tax authority, submit their returns, and pay applicable taxes to maintain an updated TCC.

To enhance the convenience and streamline the process, LIRS has deployed staff and agents to markets and schools, establishing one-stop centres where individuals can obtain their TCC without needing to visit tax offices.

Flexible payment options, including instalment plans, are also available, though full payment must be completed before the TCC is issued, adding that the TCC of guardians will be accepted from students who do not reside with their biological parents.

“The aim is fairness, accountability, and sustainability. This policy is not about inflicting hardship, but rather ensuring that everyone, including those in the formal sector, contributes their fair share to sustain the provision of essential services,” the LIRS chief stated.

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Education

LASRIC Unveils Opportunities to Empower Innovators, Researchers

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Lagos State Science Research and Innovation Council LASRIC

By Adedapo Adesanya

The Lagos State Science Research and Innovation Council (LASRIC) has announced the launch of three programmes designed to foster innovation, advance scientific research, and inspire technological breakthroughs.

According to a statement released over the weekend, these initiatives aim to position Lagos State as a hub for innovation and empower the people to be trailblazers shaping the future of the State collaboratively.

The Innovation Challenge, designed for bold thinkers and startups, seeks groundbreaking solutions in agritech, circular economy, and disruptive emerging technologies.

Participants will gain access to funding and mentorship opportunities to refine their ideas into scalable and impactful solutions.

Also, high-value innovations will also secure equity investment opportunities from LASRIC, further solidifying Lagos State’s commitment to innovation and entrepreneurship.

The STEM Challenge is tailored to drive educational impact by supporting fund-ready solutions that deepen STEM knowledge among students from primary schools to tertiary institutions.

This programme will focus on areas such as AI/robotics, GreenTech, EdTech, and inclusivity tech – empowering innovators with the tools to enhance tech skills and capacity building for the next generation.

The Request for Research Proposal initiative targets higher education researchers and innovators ready to produce groundbreaking R&D projects that address critical societal challenges.

Spanning sectors like public service, circular economy, and emerging technologies, the program encourages collaboration among academic institutions and research entities to produce results with tangible economic and social benefits for Lagos State and beyond.

LASRIC’s mission is to empower individuals and institutions with the resources and support needed to transform ideas into groundbreaking solutions that benefit the state.

With these programmes, LASRIC reiterates its mission to support innovators, researchers, and entrepreneurs as they tackle pressing challenges, enhance the quality of life, and contribute to the economic development of Lagos State.

Interested applicants are encouraged to visit lasric.lagosstate.gov.ng/apply  to learn more and submit their applications. The deadline for all programmes is Friday January 31st, 2025.

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Education

Winners Emerge in Airtel Essay Competition for Primary Schools

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Airtel Essay Competition for Primary Schools

By Dipo Olowookere

Winners have emerged in the essay competition organised by Airtel Nigeria for primary schools in Nigeria to celebrate the International Day of Education.

This is an initiative of implemented under the company’s Employee Volunteer Scheme (EVS) designed to enhance writing skills, foster critical thinking, and encourage self-expression among pupils.

The competition is for children in pupils Basic 4, 5 and 6, with themes focusing on education, technology, and community development.

This year’s event took place at Airtel’s adopted schools across Nigeria and forms a vital part of the telco’s Adopt-a-School program, a flagship Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative focused on driving educational development in underserved communities.

Through this program, Airtel is committed to creating lasting value by equipping students with the skills and confidence needed for a brighter future.

The participating schools included Oremeji Primary School II, Ajegunle, Lagos; St John’s Primary School, Ijebu-Igbo, Ogun State; Iyeru-Okin Primary School, Offa, Kwara State; Community Primary School, Ezinihite Mbaise, Imo State; Presbyterian Primary School, Ediba, Cross River State; Yahaya Hamza Primary School, Zaria, Kaduna State; and Government Day Primary School, Pantami, Gombe State.

After a rigorous selection process, the top participants from each school competed in the final round, guided and mentored by Airtel employees who served as judges and facilitators.

The final stage of the competition saw 15 top participants from each school present their essays before a panel of judges.

Ultimately, a winner and runner-up were selected from each school to make a total of 14 champions nationwide. Prizes presented to the winners by Airtel included books, digital tablets, mathematical sets, writing instruments, among others.

“This essay competition is a testament to Airtel’s dedication to nurturing creativity and academic excellence among young learners.

“We aim to empower them to achieve their full potential and inspire positive change within their communities, by providing a platform for these students to share their ideas,” the chief executive of Airtel Nigeria, Mr Dinesh Balsingh, said.

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