Education
Omari Gomba’s Grit Wins NLNG Prize for Literature

By Adedapo Adesanya
Mr Obari Gomba, a playwright, has been announced as the winner of the $100,000 Nigeria Prize for Literature for the 2023 cycle on Drama for his work titled Grit.
The prize, sponsored by Nigeria LNG Limited (NLNG), was announced on Friday by Professor Akachi Adimora-Ezeigbo, the Chairperson of the Advisory Board, at the Grand Award Night ceremony in Lagos, themed Redefinition.
She also announced Eyoh Asuquo Etim’s entry Herstory versus ‘History’: A Motherist Rememory in Akachi Ezeigbo’s The Last of the Strong Ones and Chimamanda Adichie’s Half of a Yellow Sun as the 2023 winner of The Nigeria Prize for Literary Criticism, which comes with $10,000 prize money.
The winning book beat two other books on the shortlist of three, The Ojuelegba Crossroads by Mr Abideen Abolaji Ojomu and Yamtarawala – The Warrior King by Mr Henry Akubuiro. The book competed against 143 plays submitted for the competition in 2023.
Professor Hippolite Amadi, the 2023 winner of The Nigeria Prize for Science, also sponsored by NLNG, was also awarded the prize money of $100,000 for his ground-breaking work on respiratory technologies for keeping Nigerian newborn babies alive. He was announced the winner in September by the Advisory Board led by Professor Barth Nnaji.
In his welcome address, NLNG Managing Director, Mr Philip Mshelbila, emphasised the need for redefinition in a rapidly changing world characterised by pandemics, geopolitical events, climate change, technological advancements, and more.
He stated that redefinition involved looking at things in new ways, whether at a national, communal, or personal level, which often begins with re-evaluation, reassessment, and revision of established positions.
He expressed excitement about Nigeria’s prospects in the energy transition journey, particularly with natural gas as an enabler, highlighting NLNG’s support for the Decade of Gas policy.
“In NLNG, we supported the declaration of the Decade of Gas, which the federal Government launched in 2021 to help Nigeria achieve industrialisation, economic prosperity, and tackle energy poverty by using gas as an enabler which aligns with NLNG’s vision to be a globally competitive LNG company helping to build a better Nigeria.
“I have expressed optimism in several fora that the Decade of Gas policy would enable the country to catch up with the industrialised countries of the world if successfully implemented as planned, while at the same time decarbonising our ecosystem.
“The energy transition journey is, in itself, a redefinition. And we are quite excited about the prospects for Nigeria, especially as we see natural gas enabling this transition! Opportunities abound, and I call on all, to seize them,” he said.
“Our bid for redefinition is further contextualised through the sponsorship of the Nigeria Prizes: the Nigeria Prize for Science, Literature, and Literary Criticism. This year, the theme of the science prize is Innovation for Enhancement of Healthcare Therapy.
“We need our people to be in their best form—physically, mentally, and emotionally—to tap into the wealth attainable through Nigeria’s reasoned potential. Likewise, the genre for the 2023 NLNG Prize for Literature is drama. As is apparent, drama has an adept way of communicating themes and messages for our deeper reflection,” he stated.
Speaking on the theme of the event, the Special Guest of Honour, His Highness Muhammad Sanusi II, stated that the theme transcends science and literature and that it was time for Nigeria to redefine itself.
He stated further that NLNG has the potential to redefine the Nigerian economy by helping the country transition from oil to gas, which could cut energy costs by 50 per cent to 60 per cent in the country, significantly impacting inflation, people’s livelihoods, and the nation as a whole.
According to Professor Adimora-Ezeigbo, the winning book, Grit, is a dramatic journey into the destructive impact of soul-less politics of power and profit which brings out the beast in man.
She stated that the play builds the motivations for the actions of every character in a lifelike manner “with apt characterisation and purposeful manipulation of plot and conflict.
“The play is filled with conflicts that create the mood of the inevitability of tragedy and the language is full of twists that entertain in the midst of pain.”
Education
Tax Clearance Certificate Required to Enjoy Free Education in Lagos—LIRS

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.
Education
LASRIC Unveils Opportunities to Empower Innovators, Researchers

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.
Education
Winners Emerge in 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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