By Adedapo Adesanya

An education technology-based platform known as Aahbibi has officially rebranded as Hallos, also launching more than 5,000 self-paced courses aimed at strengthening knowledge transfer, accelerating skill acquisition, and improving literacy among everyday learners across Africa and beyond.

According to a statement on Thursday, the new identity signals a renewed commitment to building an inclusive, creator-driven learning ecosystem that equips individuals with practical, relevant skills for today’s economy.

Positioned as a creator-economy engine, Hallos brings together education, entertainment, and commerce within a single digital platform. It integrates live classes hosted by creators, social commerce and merchandising, podcast-driven learning, and quiz-based gamification. This blended approach is designed to deepen understanding, boost engagement, and promote fast, practical learning experiences for users at every level.

With creators already active on the platform from Kenya, Ghana, Côte d’Ivoire, Lagos, the United States, and Dubai, Hallos is cultivating a truly global community rooted in African creativity and innovation. Its expanding international network offers diverse perspectives, practical insights, and culturally relevant content that resonates with learners across regions.

Beyond online learning, Hallos is also emerging as a creative economy powerhouse, driving engagement through physical and hybrid experiences.

Upcoming initiatives include the Learning247 Creator Summit at the University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus (UNEC), and a major exhibition at the Enugu Technology Festival. These events are designed to connect creators, learners, and industry stakeholders, fostering collaboration, showcasing innovation, and expanding opportunities in the creative and digital sectors.

At the heart of Hallos’ mission is a four-pillar strategy focused on long-term social and economic impact. The platform is dedicated to supporting women in technology, advancing massive open connected education, and positioning Africa as a global production hub through market-ready skills development. By empowering individuals with practical knowledge, Hallos aims to strengthen the labour market and unlock new economic opportunities across the continent.

Hallos is also introducing a social impact course that encourages collective participation in Africa’s transformation. The initiative invites individuals, creators, and organisations to help reshape narratives, broaden opportunities, and drive the continent toward greater prosperity.

With its new brand identity and expanded course catalogue, Hallos says it is charting a bold future for learning — one where creators lead, communities thrive, and practical knowledge is accessible to all.

By Aduragbemi Omiyale

An administrative building at the Community Secondary School, Enugwuabo Ufuma, in Orumba North Local Government Area of Anambra State has been renovated by Fidelity Bank Plc.

The project underscores the bank’s long-standing commitment to investing in education as a catalyst for sustainable development, according to the Regional Bank Head for Fidelity Bank, Mr Nosa Orumwense, at a ceremony to officially hand over the building to the school’s leadership.

It was gathered that the leading financial institution comprehensively renovated the one-storey administrative block to address infrastructural challenges faced by the school.

“For us at Fidelity Bank, this project represents more than a building. It represents opportunity, progress, and a shared commitment to building a better future for our youths here in Enugwuabo Ufuma and beyond.

“By improving the educational infrastructure of this community, we are providing students and teachers with an environment that promotes learning, discipline, and pride,” Mr Orumwense stated.

On her part, the Commissioner for Education, Professor Ngozi Chuma-Udeh, who represented the Governor of Anambra State, Professor Chukwuma Soludo, described the project as a true demonstration of corporate social responsibility.

“Corporate social responsibility is what gives an organisation its human nature. What Fidelity Bank has done reflects compassion and a genuine commitment to touching lives,” she said.

“This school was earlier placed on an emergency list due to the deplorable condition of its buildings. During my last visit, I was genuinely concerned about the safety of both students and teachers. Today, the school wears a new look, thanks to Fidelity Bank’s support,” she added.

The Commissioner also expressed the state government’s appreciation to Fidelity Bank, saying, “We thank Fidelity Bank for this intervention, which clearly demonstrates the true meaning of corporate social responsibility – making tangible impacts that improve lives and strengthen communities.”

By Modupe Gbadeyanka

A student of Adedokun International Schools, Ota, Ogun State, Saint Riman, has emerged as the overall winner of the InterswitchSPAK National Science Competition.

The 16-year-old student was crowned Nigeria’s Best STEM Student, receiving a N15 million scholarship in the InterswitchSPAK 7.0 grand finale.

InterswitchSPAK is the flagship Corporate Social Responsibility initiative of Interswitch, one of Africa’s leading integrated payments and digital commerce companies.

The programme is Nigeria’s largest STEM competition for senior secondary school students. It concluded on a high note after months of nationwide assessments, problem-solving challenges, and competitive stages involving over 18,000 registered participants.

Business Post reports that David Okorie of Caleb International College, Magodo, Lagos State, was the first runner-up, getting N10 million in scholarship, while David Solomonezemma of Deeper Life High School, Enugu State, was the second runner-up, bagging a N5 million scholarship. All winners also received brand-new laptops in addition to other exciting prizes.

While presenting the awards, the Group Marketing and Communications for Interswitch, Ms Cherry Eromosele, commended the students for their discipline, resilience, and exceptional intellectual performance.

“InterswitchSPAK was created to inspire and reward excellence in STEM education while equipping young Africans with the skills to tackle real-world challenges.

“These winners have demonstrated remarkable promise, and by supporting their education, we are reaffirming our belief in the power of young people to shape Africa’s future through innovation and science,” Ms Eromosele said.

Beyond the top three winners, other finalists received brand new laptops and exciting cash rewards for outstanding performance, alongside their teachers who were also celebrated and rewarded for their critical role in nurturing talent. This holistic approach reinforces Interswitch’s commitment to sustainable educational development through collaboration between students, educators, and institutions.

Now in its seventh year, InterswitchSPAK has become a highly respected platform, serving as a pipeline for discovering, developing, and empowering the next generation of scientists, engineers, technologists, and innovators. Through this initiative, Interswitch continues to highlight how strategic private sector investment in education can drive innovation, reward merit, and contribute meaningfully to national development.

The successful conclusion of InterswitchSPAK 7.0 underscores Interswitch’s leadership in advancing STEM education as a catalyst for socio-economic growth, preparing Nigerian students to compete confidently on the global stage while shaping Africa’s innovation-driven future.