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How to Save Money for College

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How to Save Money for College

Everyone knows that college is an important step in the life of any person. It is one of the main goals, the accomplishment of which offers high hopes for a successful future.

However, it is not a big surprise that higher education comes at a considerable cost, with tuition fees getting higher each year.

Forward-looking parents who want to ensure future prosperity for their children usually start saving for college as soon as their babies have managed to make the first step.

Even more prudent parents are sure to have a definite plan of making savings for their offspring’s studies. Even if you haven’t started yet, and your child is about to mail out application letters, it is never too late.

Nevertheless, a good plan is always a beneficial strategy, especially in financial endeavours. Here are some tips on how to save money for college.

Set a Definite Goal

That is the place to start from. To plan something, you need to know what exactly you are planning for. Assess your needs and define what sum is required for them. Answer some questions:

  • For how many children are you going to pay?
  • How much time is left before they go to college?
  • For how many years will they study?
  • Are you going to fund all this period or only half?
  • What college do you have in mind? Public, private, or community? In- or out-of-state?
  • What are the projected expenses for accommodation and transportation?

Of course, some of these questions may have no definite answer so far. Thus, it would be prudent to have several possible scenarios. But in any case, at least approximate calculations can help to see the final picture and define the further plan. Conduct some research based on your goals derived from the answers and make use of online financial calculators to help you with estimates and budgeting.

Define the Way of Saving

When the definite goal is set and you know what sum (at least approximate) you’ll need to cover, you have to decide on the saving and investment vehicle that will help you achieve your objectives. There are a number of options, some of which offer rather attractive tax-saving benefits.

As some of the examples, you may use section 529 plans, Coverdell Education Savings Accounts (ESAs), Individual Development Accounts (IDAs), or taxable mutual fund or brokerage accounts. Each of them comes with its pros and cons, of course. Make some online research to learn more about each available option to decide which one is the most beneficial for you.

Start Saving

Of course, it is more than obvious that the earlier you start saving, the more money you will get at the end. But even if you started a bit late, you still have good chances with an advantageous plan. Just remember to keep discipline in setting aside some amount regularly.

Make it a part of your monthly household budget like utility bills or sign up for automated regular contributions to the savings account if needed. By the way, some savings plans may be open for other parties, so do not hesitate to involve other relatives or friends who want to contribute.

Consider cutting on your daily expenses. Analyze your family budget and think about where you could save more without creating a considerable strain on your everyday lives. Make use of all the possible bonuses, loyalty programs, and wage rises. Every penny matters for your precious child and their prospects in life.

Consider Financial Aid

Undoubtedly any assistance from outside will be useful, so consider all the possible options.

Scholarships and grants take the first position on the list. If your children do not qualify for need-based ones, pin your hopes on merit-based awards. Encourage your kids to strive for higher achievements in studies and extra-curricular activities and help them succeed at every step they take. Explain to them that this is a good helper in planning for their future, but do not get overly demanding though. Psychological traumas will not pave their way into college.

Student loans are another way of financial aid that you as a parent may get for your children’s college education.  Start with filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at the Department of Education, which will consider if and how much federal aid you may qualify for.

If you have no other way out but for borrowing, try all the possible federal loan options in the first place. Banks and credit unions offer private student loans but usually with much higher rates. In any case, you should research and study this issue thoroughly and carefully before signing any deals, assessing the sum you can afford to borrow, and examining all the possible repayment options.

One more viable option to help you save for your children’s college is engaging them in the endeavour and encouraging them to get a part-time job. While still in high school and after having been admitted to a college, your kid can perform a myriad of jobs. They can work in a local library, store, or cafeteria, write Pro-papers for their peers, deliver mail or pizza, or even get employed as a junior assistant in your company.

In addition to helping you bridge the financial gap, such a move will teach them independence and responsibility from a young age. They should understand that investing in their future and relieving their parents from the burden at least partially is very honourable.

Bottom Line

Of course, college for your children demands a lot from the parents. It is not a surprise for anyone that ensuring your kids’ bright future is a costly pursuit. However, a security plan and your firm resolve can help you remove mountains. Plan and start saving as early as possible to get more opportunities for yourself and your children.

Dipo Olowookere is a journalist based in Nigeria that has passion for reporting business news stories. At his leisure time, he watches football and supports 3SC of Ibadan. Mr Olowookere can be reached via [email protected]

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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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