By Modupe Gbadeyanka

The first 30 beneficiaries of the N2 billion Beyond Education Scholarship of Sterling Bank Limited have been revealed, with nominations for the next round of candidates paused until September 2025.

However, voting remains open and verified nominees have been encouraged to continue engaging their communities as the next cohort will be selected in the coming weeks.

The N2 billion education fund is designed to pay for university education of 600 exceptional young Nigerians and connect them to future careers in high-impact sectors.

The initiative, launched in June 2025, is built not just to provide scholarships, but to create real-world pathways to employment and socio-economic mobility.

Unlike conventional scholarship programs, Beyond Education is intentionally designed to support Nigeria’s critical development agenda.

It aligns with Sterling’s HEART strategy, an investment framework focused on Health, Education, Agriculture, Renewable Energy, and Transportation, and the goal is to build a talent pipeline for sectors that are vital to the country’s future.

The first 30 scholars were selected through a transparent, community-driven voting process open to Sterling Bank account holders. All nominees were thoroughly vetted to ensure they met admission requirements at the partner universities.

While the scholarship covers full tuition, recipients are responsible for associated costs such as internet access, learning materials, and living expenses, a structure designed for sustainability and scale.

The programme fully covers undergraduate tuition at two forward-looking, accredited institutions, Miva Open University, Nigeria’s first licensed online private university, and Hillside University of Science and Technology (HUST), a STEM-centered campus in Ekiti State.

The recipients are Abdulahi Afolabi, Damilare Tijani, Abdulwahab Eniafe, Abubakar Isah, Tahir Enesi Ibrahim, Julius Agbene Agbo, Chinedu Kelechi Patrick, Ayomide Ojo, Fyneseed Nwogu, Miracle Woyinmomoemi Daniel, Serene Clinton, Temiloluwa Orekunrin, Udeme Umoh, Victor Esogwa, Rosemary Kosipre, Ali Mohammed, Usman Isiaka Ololade, Kayode Aikulola, Saviour Philip, Ademola Afolabi, Emmanuel Enekwa, Bashir Sani Ibrahim, Ezekiel Adeseye, Deborah Umeaku, Abba Kaka Lawan, Haisam Sunusi Mahmuda, John Gumuan, Afan Ajiji, Bajepade Kehinde, and Chioma Igwe.

Commenting on the announcement of the first 30 scholars chosen for the initiative, the Growth Executive for Consumer and Business Banking at Sterling Bank, Obinna Ukachukwu, said, “This is more than a scholarship; it’s a national development strategy.

“We’re closing the gap between education and employability. Our mission is to prepare young people for the future of work in sectors that matter most to Nigeria’s progress.”

With 570 scholarships still to be awarded, Sterling Bank says it remains committed to expanding access to quality education and helping shape a future-ready workforce for Nigeria.

By Adedapo Adesanya

West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has temporarily withdrawn the 2025 WASSCE results following multiple reports of technical glitches reported during the conduct of the exam.

On Monday, the examination body released the 2025 results, which showed that only 38.32 per cent of the 1,969,313 candidates who sat the 2025 WASSCE obtained credits and above in five subjects, including English Language and Mathematics, the worst performance recorded in a decade.

This development has sparked outrage, raising similarities with the glitch issue which affected candidates during the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTM) organised by the Joint Administration Matriculation Board (JAMB).

In a notice issued by the Acting Head of Public Affairs for WAEC in Nigeria, Mrs Moyosola Adesina, on Thursday, it was revealed that an internal review showed that there were some issues.

The body said these issues arose from a newly introduced paper serialization process aimed at curbing exam malpractice in subjects such as Mathematics, English Language, Biology, and Economics.

“[WAEC] sincerely regrets to inform the general public of technical issues discovered during the internal review of the recently released results of the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) for School Candidates, (SC) 2025.

“As part of our efforts to curb examination malpractice, the Council embarked on an innovation (paper serialization) already deployed by a national examination body. It is also worth noting that this is in line with best practices in assessment. The paper serialization was carried out in Mathematics, English Language, Biology and Economics. However, an internal post result release procedure revealed some technical bugs in the results,” the statement said.

As a result of the glitches, access to the results has been temporarily suspended on the result checker portal while corrections are made.

WAEC apologized to all affected candidates and the general public, urging patience and understanding.

Candidates are advised to re-check their results after 24 hours, as the council works to resolve the problem with urgency and transparency.

“We extend our deep and sincere apologies to all affected candidates and the general public. We appreciate their patience and understanding as we work diligently to resolve this matter with transparency and urgency within the next twenty-four (24) hours. On this note, candidates who have previously checked their results are advised to re-check after 24 hours from now.

“WAEC remains committed to upholding excellence, fairness and transparency in all our assessment processes,” the statement added.

By Aduragbemi Omiyale

Young music enthusiasts intending to hone their skills for contribution to the growth of the arts and culture sector in Nigeria have been given another opportunity to enter for a programme put together by MTN Foundation, in partnership with the Musical Society of Nigeria (MUSON).

The initiative, known as the MTN MUSON Music Scholars Programme, is a fully funded scholarship that offers comprehensive music training at the prestigious MUSON School of Music in Lagos.

The scholarship covers tuition, books and transportation, ensuring that aspiring musicians have the support they need to hone their skills and pursue their passion.

For the 2025/2026 session, the organisers said applicants must possess a Senior Secondary School Certificate (SSCE) or General Certificate of Education (GCE) with at least credits in five subjects, including English Language.

In addition, they are required to have a higher pass certificate of music (Practical and Theory) from a recognized examination body such as MUSON, ABRSM or Trinity.

It was emphasised that applicants who possess practical or theory certificates may also satisfy the GCE (O/L) or SSCE requirements.

This includes Grade five or higher pass certificate of The MUSON School of Music or any other music examining body recognised by the MUSON School.

However, applicants who do not meet the theory requirement but demonstrate outstanding practical ability may be considered. Such students must undertake a remedial theory course and pass the required examination within their first year.

In a statement, prospective candidates were encouraged to apply for the programme, which offers a rigorous curriculum designed to develop well-rounded musicians.

The application deadline for the 2025/2026 academic year is August 25, 2025, and shortlisted candidates will be invited for auditions and interviews at the MUSON Centre in Lagos.

The programme is open to talented young Nigerians who wish to improve their musical skills. Applicants must meet the following minimum academic qualifications:

“We are incredibly proud of our long-standing partnership with MUSON and the profound impact this scholarship programme has had on the lives of young Nigerians

“At MTN, we believe in the power of youth and the transformative potential of education. This programme is a demonstration of our dedication to fostering talent and building a sustainable future for the creative arts in Nigeria,” an Executive Director at MTN Foundation, Odunayo Sanya, stated.

Since its inception, the programme has empowered numerous young Nigerians, enriching their lives and contributing significantly to the vibrant Nigerian music scene. Graduates have gone on to achieve success across various areas of the music industry, both locally and internationally.