By Modupe Gbadeyanka

Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has been commended for recruiting about 19,500 teachers since he assumed office about five years ago.

This commendation came from the Oyo State chapter of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) through a statement signed by its chairman, Mr Oladimeji Raji; and its secretary, Mr Salami Olukayode.

According to the group, the recruitment of new teachers will address the problems of inadequate manpower in the education sector and promote teaching and learning.

The leadership of the union thanked the Governor for employing 14,500 qualified teachers within one and a half years of his second term, and 5,000 teachers in his first term, into the teaching service of Oyo State through Oyo State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) and the Teaching Service Commission (TESCOM).

“Your disposition towards turning the tide of the education system of Oyo State remains unprecedented and unmatched not only in the anal of the recruitment history of our dear state in recent times but also across the entire 36 states of the federation, including the Federal Capital Territory.

“Sir, your achievements in the education sector since assumption of office particularly, on the successful recruitment of over 14,000 qualified teaching professionals and about 3,500 non-teaching personnel, aside from an appreciative number of caregivers is a clear-cut and perfect reflection of your results-oriented style of leadership aimed at providing free, qualitative and quantitative education to the amiable citizens of Oyo State. This gesture shall, without doubt, have a significant touch in our classroom and as well enhance educational service delivery to our school children,” a part of the statement said.

Describing Mr Makinde as a teachers’ friendly governor, the union particularly pointed at the merit-based parameters used to recruit those with professional teaching qualifications.

“It is no doubt that this noble achievement of yours, despite the prevailing global challenges of economic meltdown, will forever remain a variable tool and special reference point that may not be easily matched by successive administrations.

“Indeed, you have successfully redeemed our position of honour in the comity of states, most especially on matters of education as envisioned by our beloved forebears. Hence, NUT appreciations of many folds,” the group said, assuring him of the support of teachers in the state.

By Adedapo Adesanya

Top cryptocurrency exchange, Binance, has announced a partnership with AltSchool Africa to provide full-tuition scholarships to 500 young Africans for next year.

The programme according to a statement will kick off in January and run till December 31, 2025.

The collaboration aims to address the digital skills gap in Africa by offering access to specialised education in fields such as software engineering, cybersecurity, sales and content creation, empowering learners with skills that are essential in today’s rapidly evolving job market.

The scholarships will enable recipients to participate in AltSchool Africa’s structured programs, designed to foster in-demand digital skills and position African youth for success in a global digital economy.

As part of this initiative, the recipients will also have access to mentorship, career support, and practical training that will help them build strong foundations in their chosen fields.

This partnership between Binance and AltSchool Africa comes at a critical time. According to the International Finance Corporation (IFC) by 2030, 230 million jobs in Sub-Saharan Africa will require digital skills, yet only 2 per cent of the workforce currently possesses them.

“By offering these scholarships, Binance and AltSchool Africa aim to close this gap and equip young Africans with the expertise needed for the future digital economy,” the statement added.

Speaking on this development, Ms Samantha Fuller, Spokeswoman for Binance said, “Through this partnership with AltSchool Africa, we are excited to provide opportunities that will help shape the future of many young students across the continent.”

“Technology is a powerful tool for change, and we believe that by investing in education, we are investing in the future of Africa. Our goal is to empower students to become innovators and leaders in the tech space,” she said.

Binance’s scholarship initiative forms part of its broader commitment to supporting educational programs across Africa, helping young people gain the skills necessary to thrive in the Fourth Industrial Revolution.

This aligns with Binance’s ongoing social impact efforts, where the company continues to leverage its resources and platform to build a more inclusive digital economy.

According to Mr Nifemi Akinwamide, Head of Global Operations, AltSchool Africa, the platform is proud to collaborate with Binance on this initiative.

“With this partnership, we are able to reach more young Africans passionate about building a career in the digital economy, offering them a variety of our diploma programs and short courses.

“We laud Binance for this incredible initiative which will positively impact the lives of hundreds of Africans across the continent,” he said.

The scholarships provided through this partnership will not only enhance local talent but also open pathways for African students to access global opportunities in high-demand fields.

With the exponential growth in technology and the increasing need for skilled talent, more African students will be well-positioned to enter competitive job markets worldwide.

By Aduragbemi Omiyale

A student of Glorious Covenant School, Rivers State, Ikenna Ikechukwu, has won the 2024 edition of the MTN Nigeria mPulse Spelling Bee Competition.

At the grand finale held on Saturday, November 30, 2024, in Lagos, the winner impressed the audience and judges by correctly spelling the winning word, Cornucopia, within six seconds to go home with a N5 million scholarship, a laptop, a smartphone, mPulse goody bag, and a chance to serve as chief executive of the company for a day.

The contest, in its fifth edition, started in September with thousands of participants across Nigeria and 20 top young spellers converging over the weekend to slug it out for the grand prize, which was taken by Ikechukwu, who thanked MTN “for this amazing platform that helps students learn, play, and shine,” noting that “this opportunity has been truly life-changing.”

In addition to the individual prizes, the champion’s school, Glorious Covenant School, was awarded an ICT lab equipped with 10 laptops and MTN 5G routers, while the student’s teacher received N500,000 in cash.

The second and third-place winners, Ayomide Ibigbemi and Munachimso Opara, also received significant prizes, including scholarships, laptops, and smartphones, reinforcing MTN’s focus on rewarding excellence in education.

For the first time, the grand finale was streamed live on the mPulse website mpulse.mtn.ng, myMTN app, and on Event channels 198 and 49 on both DSTV and GOTV, allowing Nigerians nationwide to witness the brilliance of these young spellers.

The livestream attracted thousands of viewers, who cheered and celebrated the contestants from the comfort of their homes.

Speaking at the event, the Chief Risk and Compliance Officer of MTN Nigeria, Obiageli Ugboma, said, “This year, over 40,000 young spellers competed for the chance to stand here today.

“It is inspiring to see the incredible effort these 20 finalists have put in to make it this far. At MTN, we are deeply committed to education and nurturing young talents.

“The mPulse Spelling Bee reflects our belief in empowering the next generation. Today isn’t just about winning; it’s about celebrating effort, resilience, and the role models these students have become for their peers.”

The mPulse Spelling Bee has grown into a hallmark event for Nigerian primary and secondary students, creating a lasting impact on participants and their communities.