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InterswitchSPAK 6.0 Winner Gets N15m Scholarship, Others

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InterswitchSPAK 6.0 Winner Henry Ndudu Ekong

By Aduragbemi Omiyale

The winner of the sixth edition of the InterswitchSPAK, Henry Ndudu Ekong, has earned a university scholarship valued at N15 million, awarded over five years, including a monthly stipend and a new laptop to support his academic journey.

This has made the student of Pegasus School, Akwa Ibom State, as the best STEM student in Nigeria, beating the other competitors at the just-concluded of the famed national science competition.

The first runner-up was Eric Denyefa Omare from St. Gregory’s College, Lagos and received a N10 million scholarship awarded over three years along with a laptop, while the second runner-up was David Umeojiaka from Graceland International School, Rivers State, receiving a N5 million scholarship for one year and a laptop as well.

Cash prizes were also awarded to students placing fourth through ninth, while the top 18 semi-finalists and 27 dedicated teachers received special recognition awards.

Additionally, the top 200 preliminary qualifiers were granted JAMB e-PINS, enabling them to register for the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) exams at no cost.

This year, Interswitch increased the total prize pool significantly, raising it to over N30 million, representing a 140 per cent increase from the previous N12.5 million, reinforcing Interswitch’s commitment to advancing education.

InterswitchSPAK 6.0 saw laudable participation, with more than 16,000 students registered nationwide at the start of the competition.

This landmark competition highlights Interswitch’s ongoing efforts to inspire, support and empower Nigeria’s next generation of thinkers and innovators.

As the competition continues to grow, Interswitch remains dedicated to driving the country’s advancement in science and technology by investing in initiatives that foster academic excellence and innovation, ensuring that Nigeria's brightest minds have every opportunity to contribute to a more prosperous and technologically driven nation.

Commenting on the competition, the Executive Vice President for Group Marketing and Communications at Interswitch, Ms Cherry Eromosele, emphasized the critical role of STEM education in Nigeria’s growth and Interswitch’s dedication to cultivating young talent and driving meaningful innovation.

“At Interswitch, we believe that Nigeria’s future lies in the hands of our youth, especially those who are passionate about science and technology.

“InterswitchSPAK 6.0 exemplifies our commitment to empowering these bright minds by providing them with the tools, skills, and resources they need to innovate and excel.

“Our investment in STEM education not only fuels individual success but also drives economic growth and societal progress, building a brighter future for Nigeria,” she said.

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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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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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