By Modupe Gbadeyanka

A Sienna bus worth millions of Naira has been donated to the Ajayi Crowther University, Oyo State, by old students of the higher institution.

The vehicle was given to the school by its alumni on Wednesday during the 16th convocation ceremonies and Alumni Lecture held at the Folorunsho Alakija Law Faculty of the university.

It was stated that the bus was handed over to the institution to ease the movement and activities of its principal officers.

“To meet the increasing demand for quality education, the university urgently requires the support of its old students, to enhance the infrastructure on its campuses,” the president of the alumni association, Mr Busoye Ogunlade, said, noting that it was not the first time a similar gesture has been made by the group, revealing that under his leadership, it has purchased a set of computers for the Transcripts department to ease collection of transcripts for old students within and outside the country.

Mr Ogunlade, who also chairs the Oyo State Road Maintenance Agency (OYSROMA), promised that the association would continue to make contributions to the development of the university.

While handing over the bus to the Vice-Chancellor of the institution, Prof Timothy Adebayo, the alumni chief urged all old students to endeavour to contribute to the development of their alma mater, pointing out that the school authorities alone cannot provide all the needs of the institution.

Business Post reports that as part of the activities lined up to celebrate the university’s academic achievements and the strides made in nurturing excellence among its students, the group also awarded some selected staff of the institution for their dedication to the university.

He announced that the alumni website, to be launched in December 2024, would avail old students, both at home and in the diaspora, the opportunity to bond, towards achieving a greater goal as a body.

In his remarks, Professor Adebayo expressed gratitude to the Ajayi Crowther University Alumni for its contribution to the university’s development.

He affirmed that the association has been a worthy partner in progress since he assumed office nearly a few years ago, recalling the several donations made in the past.

“We are grateful to the university’s alumni for purchasing this bus. It is timely and we appreciate it,” the VC stated.

While explaining the numerous feats of the school in the last year, he said Ajayi Crowther University has signed many pacts with various bodies and institutions which have aided academic developments, stability, accreditation, and expansion of frontiers.

By Modupe Gbadeyanka

Six classrooms and the Head Teacher’s office at the Waziri Primary School in Minna, Niger State have been renovated by Stanbic IBTC Holdings Plc.

The company revamped the facilities as part of its Adopt-A-School initiative, which exemplifies its commitment to fostering better learning environments for Nigerian children.

The renovation and infrastructure upgrades carried out at the school reflect Stanbic IBTC’s dedication to sustainable educational development.

The project involved several key improvements, including the renovation of two classroom blocks; the Installation of 120 new pieces of classroom furniture; the construction of a modern computer laboratory; a modern block of 12 toilets; planting of 50 trees to enhance the school environment; and the development of a football area for recreation and physical education.

In addition to these infrastructural advancements, Stanbic IBTC provided essential learning materials to enrich the educational experience for both pupils and teachers.

These enhancements will directly benefit 1,000 students and 117 teachers; equipping them with improved resources to achieve their full potential.

This project marks another significant milestone in the Adopt-A-School initiative, which is already improving the learning conditions of those impacted in Ogun, Akwa Ibom, Ekiti, Sokoto, Borno, and Gombe states.

Through these efforts, Stanbic IBTC continues to reinforce its commitment to improving lives and shaping future generations.

Waziri Primary School is the seventh school benefiting from the organisation’s commitment to educational development in Nigeria.

At the commissioning of the project recently, the acting chief executive of Stanbic IBTC, Mr Kunle Adedeji, said, “The Adopt-A-School initiative is part of our broader mission to foster sustainable growth and development in Nigeria. We are dedicated to creating an environment where children can learn and thrive.”

In his speech, the chairman of Chanchaga Local Government, Mr Aminu Ladan, said, “It is essential to recognise and appreciate the individuals and organisations actively working to create a better future for our communities. Their efforts inspire hope and lay the groundwork for the next generation to achieve their dreams.”

The 6th edition of the InterswitchSPAK TV show is lighting up screens across the country, putting Africa’s brightest young science minds in the spotlight. Since the season premiere on Sunday, October 20, 2024, the competition has been a thrilling display of jaw-dropping brilliance, unrelenting determination, and groundbreaking innovation, as Nigeria’s top science students vie for the ultimate STEM crown.

The competition has been nothing short of electric, brimming with suspense, drama, and unforgettable moments as 18 exceptional semi-finalists have emerged after six thrilling episodes.

These young stars have brought their A-game, proving that African talent is ready to take on the world. With impressive displays of speed, accuracy, knowledge, and problem-solving prowess in STEM subjects, they’ve showcased just how sharp and innovative they truly are.

The contestants are rewriting the narrative of what it means to be a STEM genius in Africa. As the weeks roll on, the stakes climb higher, and the excitement intensifies, offering us a front-row seat to watch these future trailblazers leave their mark.

The 18 semi-finalists who have emerged thus far from the intense competition include Ayomiposi Igbaroola of Greater Tomorrow International College, Ondo State; Nifesimi Itamuseye from Fountain International High School, Ekiti State; Divine Hosea representing Peace College, Iju, Lagos; Elvis Ekwelem of Graceland International School, Rivers State; Chidera Ejidike from St. Gregory College, Ikoyi, Lagos; Damilare Fakorede and King David Odey, both from Greater Tomorrow International College, Ondo State; David Babalola of Brainfield College, Salolo, Lagos; Chinaza Ejeahalaka from Marist International Secondary School, Owerri, Imo State; Samuel Ayano of Apt Scholars Universal College, Ogun State; Chimfumnanya Aghaduno from Penny International College, Lagos State; and Chimamanda Agbanusi from Rainbow College, Ogun State.

Also making the cut are Nwachukwu Ebubechukwu from Marist Brothers’ Juniorate B, Abia State; ThankGod Onyekachi Madu from His Grace High School, Enugu State; Ndudu Ekong Henry from Pegasus High School Eket., Akwa Ibom State; Denyefa Omare from St. Gregory’s College, Ikoyi, Lagos State; Jane Onwuli from Graceland International School, Rivers State and Emmanuel Olabiyi from Apt Scholars Universal College, Ogun State.

The competition heats up as the semi-finalists gear up for the next stage, battling fiercely for a coveted spot in the top 9. With the stakes higher than ever, they inch closer to the ultimate prizes, hoping to claim the glory and the grand rewards.

Here’s what’s in store for this year’s top contenders:

    1st Place: N15 million tertiary scholarship (spread over five years), a laptop, and a monthly stipend.

    2nd Place: N10 million scholarship (spread over three years) and a laptop.

    3rd Place: N5 million scholarship (for one year) and a laptop.

    4th to 9th Places: Impressive cash rewards for their remarkable efforts along with laptops.

    Top 18 Semi-Finalists: Cash prizes awarded to recognise their achievements.

    Top 27 Contributing Teachers: Cash rewards to honour their dedication and impact.

Through InterswitchSPAK, Interswitch has inspired approximately 100,000 students to pursue STEM careers, awarded millions in scholarships, and nurtured a vibrant community of young innovators and change makers.

With six episodes aired so far this season, the drama is far from over. The semi-finalists have shown exceptional promise, but only one will emerge as the champion, claiming the grand prize and the glory of being Africa’s next STEM prodigy.

As the competition heats up, don’t miss any of the thrilling moments. Tune in to catch all the action every Sunday at 5:30 p.m. on AIT Network and 6:00 p.m. on DSTV Africa Magic Family Channel 154, with repeat broadcasts on Wednesdays at 1:00 p.m. on the same channel.

Stay tuned for more thrilling episodes of InterswitchSPAK 6.0 and bask in the brilliance and intrigue as the journey to finding Africa’s next STEM champion continues!