By Aduragbemi Omiyale

Approval has been given to Summit University, Offa, Kwara, to operate a Campus FM Radio State, the chancellor of the higher institution of learning, Mr Sulaiman Adebola Adegunwa, said.

Speaking at the combined 5th and 6th convocation ceremony of the school at the Alhaja Adiat Abegbe Makanjuola Lecture Theatre, Mr Adegunwa, who doubles as the chairman of Rite Foods Limited, disclosed that the “notification was received a few days ago.”

“This development will help us reach our community more effectively and position the university as a champion of the knowledge economy.

“It will empower us to combat knowledge, poverty and the rising challenge of misinformation in society,” he noted.

He also identified investment in quality education as a catalyst for sustainable socio-economic development, adding that the dedication and financial commitment of stakeholders have continued to strengthen the university’s foundation and growth trajectory.

He appealed to well-meaning individuals to support the institution in its drive for sustainable development.

“This event marks a key milestone for our university. It honours our graduates and celebrates our shared success. An investment in knowledge pays the best dividend. The journey we have embarked upon with Summit University stands as one of the most rewarding investments.

“Our dividend from this investment is not only for today; it is also for posterity. Let us join hands to lift Summit University high, open doors to quality education, and change the world for the better,” he said.

Reflecting on the institution’s progress, the chancellor noted that the school has experienced remarkable growth since he assumed office as the pioneer chancellor in December 2023.

“Since the last convocation, undergraduate programmes have increased from eight to 16. Additionally, six academic programmes recently underwent reaccreditation, and full accreditation was secured from the National Universities Commission (NUC).

“I commend the university management, governing council, and board of trustees. The growth we see today is a testament to your hard work and strategic planning. Your commitment has strengthened the foundation of this university,” he said.

Mr Adegunwa highlighted the significant infrastructural advancement that had taken place in the University since its last convocation ceremony in 2023, adding that foundation for four major building was laid and one was already completed and ready for use while two were nearing completion.

“At this point, I sincerely appreciate Mosun Belo-Olusoga and other donors whose support continues to strengthen this university. Your generosity is a catalyst for our progress. May Almighty Allah bless you abundantly,” he said, revealing that preparations were underway for the verification of the university’s resources for new programmes in the College of Law and the College of Health Sciences.

“All documentation and agreements have been concluded, and we are hopeful that by the next convocation, both colleges will be fully operational,” he disclosed.

At the convocation ceremony, the school conferred honorary doctorate degrees (Honoris Causa) on Aderemi Muyideen Makanjuola and Lateefat Olufunke Gbajabiamila, as well as a posthumous honorary doctorate degree in Business Administration on the late Tiamiyu Adebisi Olatinwo, among other awardees.

In his remarks, the Vice Chancellor and Chief Academic Officer, Prof. Abiodun Musa Aibinu expressed appreciation to the Chancellor for donating the ongoing Senate Building project, which he said is now 30 per cent completed, noting that upon completion, the structure would significantly enhance the university’s infrastructure.

He announced that a total of 319 students graduated: 26 with first-class honours, 164 with second-class upper division, 108 with second-class lower division, 25 with third-class, and one with a pass.

By Aduragbemi Omiyale

Scores of qualified students from host communities in Ijebu-Igbo, Ogun State have been awarded bursaries by Dangote Granite Mines, a subsidiary of Dangote Industries Limited (DIL).

This initiative underscores the company’s unwavering commitment to youth empowerment, community upliftment, and sustainable development.

It also reinforces the Dangote Group’s dedication to fostering academic excellence and easing the financial burdens on local families.

It was gathered that the beneficiaries were chosen from the four major host communities of Ayebandele, Olorunmodu, Saliu Babarisi, and Idi Omo, reflecting the organisation’s dedication to inclusive growth.

The General Manager for Community Relations at Dangote Granite Mines, Mr Joseph Alabi, reaffirmed the mining firm’s long-standing commitment to social responsibility.

He disclosed that the beneficiaries include 40 tertiary-level students and 20 secondary school students, thus signalling Dangote Granite Mines’ robust commitment to both higher education and foundational learning.

He stated that the bursary scheme is part of a wide range intervention in Ijebu Igbo, which included the renovation of classrooms, development of health centres, the installation of solar-powered boreholes as well as social investments in sustaining cultural heritage of the people.

“The uniqueness of our bursary is such that it doesn’t stop as a one-off gesture; we continue to support the students throughout their study period,” Mr Alabi stated.

In his remarks, Mr Ademola Ariyo, who represented the paramount ruler, the Sopinlukale of Oke—Sopin, Ijebu-Igbo, Oba Mufutau Adesesan Yusuf, lauded the Dangote Group for its consistent dedication to community development.

“When you invest in the education of our children, you invest in the future of Ijebu Igbo,” the monarch said.

One of the recipients, Ms Zainab Ontilo, said, “This money would go a long way in ensuring I complete my tertiary education seamlessly.”

By Adedapo Adesanya

The Minister of Education, Mr Tunji Alausa, has tasked Nigerian students to take advantage of the Student Venture Capital Grant (S-VCG), which offers Nigerian students the opportunity to access up to N50 million in investment funding for their businesses.

Speaking at the official launch of the S-VCG, in Abuja on Monday, Mr Alausa said the scheme, is part of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, aimed at empowering youth and fostering innovation.

Mr Alausa described the S-VCG as a government initiative designed to support student-driven innovations and startups through funding, mentorship, and visibility.

“Beneficiaries of the Student Venture Capital Grant will receive a comprehensive support package tailored to increase their chances of building viable, scalable ventures,” he said.

“This includes up to N50 million in equity-free seed investment, an intensive incubation programme, and mentorship from seasoned entrepreneurs and industry leaders.

“The programme is open to students of all federal, state, and private tertiary institutions, including undergraduate students in their third year and above, as well as master’s and PhD students.

“Your businesses must be CAC-registered, and the projects must fall within STEMM fields—Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, and Medical Sciences.”

The S-VCG application portal opened on November 17, 2025, inviting students from federal, state, and private institutions to submit their applications.

Eligible students must be in 300-level or higher, have projects related to Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, and Medicine (STEMM) and ensure their businesses are CAC-registered.

Selected applicants will advance to a second stage, where they will pitch their ventures to a 12-member panel of industry professionals. The application portal closes on January 23, 2026.