Education
UNILAG makes history, signs training agreement with Nord
History was made yesterday, at the University of Lagos as the university signed a Memorandum of Agreement with an indigenous auto company, Nord Motors, for practical training of willing and qualified students of the school in the act of assembling of cars, repair, service and maintenance of automobiles.
Speaking at the MOA signing ceremony, UNILAG Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Oluwatoyin Ogundipe, said it was the first time such type of collaboration between the university and an automobile company in Nigeria would be sealed.
He described it as a Triple Elite Model by bringing the government, the industry and university together.
“What we are doing today is innovation Triple Elite Model in which we are bringing the industry to the campus. This should be the first time this type of thing will be happening in the university in Africa. This will be a great opportunity for our students in different departments to contribute to the development of automobile in Nigeria.”
According to him, education has gone beyond dishing out theory to the students, adding that there is an absolute need for the practical application of the studies “so that our students will be able to do their IT in and outside the university. Whatever they are able to learn, they will apply it in other areas.
“This can give rise to the evolution of having a department of automobile engineering in the University of Lagos.”
Prof Ogundipe stated that the university had in abundance experts in relevant departments to support the project in the area of research and cognitive development.
He commended the Nord team for the initiative and congratulated the university’s council, members of staff and students as well as all the stakeholders associated with UNILAG for the feat and past achievements
The Chief Executive of Nord Motors, Mr Oluwatobi Ajayi, said the initiative could be the beginning of industrial revolution in Nigeria, where students would not only see how vehicles are made but be part of the production process.
“By this time in two months, you will be seeing a beautiful showroom and a working assembly plant on the UNILAG campus.”
He stressed that Nigerians need to show the world that “we are not just consumers of good things but creators of good things.”
Ajayi said having worked in some of the biggest auto industries in the world before starting the Nord company, he felt compelled to give the best to the country and allow willing young Nigerians to get the practical experience about auto making and business.
“Our vehicles are of international standard but 40 per cent lower in prices than what is sold elsewhere,” he said.
Deputy Vice-Chancellor, (Development Services) at UNILAG, Prof. Ayodele Atsenuwa, had earlier given the background of the project.
She recalled having the CEO of Nord Motors, Mr Ajayi, as one of the judges at an innovative engineering event with potential investors at the UNILAG last year, where he expressed interest in the quality of presentations that the students who pitched put forward.
She said, “From there, we started to talk. We said we would like our students studying mechanical engineering to come as interns to Nord Motors to have hands-on experience.
“Nord in its reply said if we do not mind they could put up a work station on our campus to enable the students to learn practically the business of automobile.
“We have put together a Memorandum of Agreement with details of how we will partner Nord Motors to the benefit of the faculty and the students.
“Under the agreement, we have the following objects: to facilitate and develop a platform for willing and qualified students of UNILAG in the act of manufacturing and assembling of cars in conjunction with Nord Motors; create a skill development drive of resolving unemployment crisis among youths that are employable to develop a career way with Nord Motors; to create a situation where UNILAG can play in the value chain in the car manufacturing business in Nigeria.
; to create an opportunity to train at least 15 students annually in the University of Lagos to study and acquire automobile skills at no cost; to provide automobile services, maintenance at the UNILAG for the staff and students at discounted prices, among other things.”
According to her, the project will be a major step towards achieving university-industry collaboration for the benefit of the the country.
Kogi State Governor Usman Ododo ends the controversial tax clearance policy, ensuring students’ education rights remain protected
Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Usman Ododo, has ordered an immediate halt to the policy requiring parents to present Tax Clearance Certificates (TCC) for their children’s enrollment in state-owned tertiary institutions.
This decision follows public outcry and protests led by civil society groups, who argued that the policy infringed upon the right to education.
Announcing the directive during a media briefing in Lokoja, the Chairman of the Kogi State Internal Revenue Service (KGIRS), Alhaji Sule Enehe, stated that the move reflects the governor’s commitment to accessible education.
“The governor responded swiftly to public concerns, emphasizing that education must remain accessible to all Kogi State students,” said Enehe.
The policy, introduced to encourage tax compliance, drew criticism for potentially denying access to education for students whose parents were unable to provide TCCs.
With the directive now revoked, students can register and gain admission without the previously mandated requirement.
Enehe, however, reminded residents of their constitutional duty to pay taxes, noting that non-compliance could restrict access to benefits such as bursary allowances.
He added, “Parents must play their part by paying taxes to support state education and other social amenities.”
Highlighting further reforms, Enehe disclosed that KGIRS has ramped up efforts to eliminate illegal tax practices. Since the crackdown began, 43 illegal tax collectors have been prosecuted, while several corrupt staff members have been dismissed.
To streamline operations, the revenue service has digitised tax payment systems, allowing individuals and businesses to fulfil their obligations more efficiently.
KGIRS reported steady revenue growth in recent years, with collections rising from ₦17 billion in 2021 to ₦27.7 billion in 2024.
The service has set an ambitious target of ₦35.1 billion for 2025, aiming to sustain the state’s developmental initiatives.
Governor Ododo’s administration continues to prioritise education, as seen in the establishment of three state-owned universities.
The governor’s directive aligns with the broader goal of ensuring that financial barriers do not hinder educational access for Kogi State students.
This decisive action signals the government’s resolve to balance tax compliance with the constitutional right to education, fostering both development and inclusivity.
Students of the University of Calabar appeal for extended registration and fee payment deadlines due to delays in receiving education loans.
Students of the University of Calabar (UniCal) have made an urgent appeal to the university’s management, requesting an extension for course registration and school fee payments.
This appeal follows delays in the disbursement of loans from the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), which many students had applied for but have not yet received.
The appeal, made by Mr Johnson David, a 200-level student, was obtained by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN). In the letter, David expressed concern that many students had applied for the NELFUND loan, with some applications verified, while others were still awaiting confirmation. Despite this, no funds had been disbursed, leaving students unable to pay their school fees on time.
David also highlighted that other financial support avenues, such as the Clement Joshua School Fees Empowerment and various scholarship opportunities, were still pending approval.
“We are yet to receive the disbursement of the NELFUND loan, which has affected our ability to meet the school fee deadline. Additionally, some of us are still waiting for confirmation on other scholarships that could aid in our fee payments,” David said in the letter.
He acknowledged the efforts of the Students Union Government and the university management in addressing the students’ concerns and expressed hope that with their continued support, the students would overcome this financial challenge and focus on their studies.
In response to the students’ appeal, the management of UniCal provided an update, confirming the receipt of over N182 million in disbursements as of 3 December 2024. These funds were allocated to 1,926 students.
In a statement signed by the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Florence Obi, the management requested that the details of the beneficiaries and the amounts credited to each student be sent to them for record-keeping purposes.
The university’s management has yet to comment on whether the deadline for registration and fee payment will be extended, but students remain hopeful that their concerns will be addressed promptly.
NELFUND’s commitment to providing interest-free loans for Nigerian students has been emphasised by its Managing Director, Akintunde Sawyerr, at a meeting in Maiduguri.
The Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) has reiterated its dedication to improving education in the country through its student loan programme, aimed at reducing unproductivity and providing financial relief for students in higher education.
The initiative, launched as part of President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, seeks to empower students by easing the financial burdens that often hinder their academic success.
Also read: NELFUND confirms receiving N50bn from EFCC to boost student loan scheme
Speaking at an engagement meeting in Maiduguri, Borno State, Akintunde Sawyerr, Managing Director of NELFUND, explained the modalities of the loan programme, which is designed to be accessible and flexible for students.
He highlighted that applicants would need to create an online profile as part of the application process. Importantly, the loan is interest-free and does not require a fixed repayment period, making it an attractive option for students who may face financial challenges.
Sawyerr also underscored the programme’s goal of reducing unproductivity among Nigerian students by providing them with the resources needed to focus on their studies without the burden of financial insecurity.
Lawan Wakilbe, Borno State Commissioner for Education, Science, Technology, and Innovation, voiced his support for the initiative and announced the appointment of a dedicated desk officer to facilitate the loan application process for students in the state.
This officer will work closely with the Special Adviser to Governor Zulum on Higher Education to guide students through the application process and ensure they understand the benefits of the loan.
Wakilbe described the loan as a low-risk grant, available to all eligible students, and encouraged them to take full advantage of the opportunity.
NELFUND’s initiative aims to provide students from all higher institutions in Nigeria with the financial means to pursue their educational goals.
By making the loan programme accessible, President Tinubu’s administration hopes to create a more productive and educated generation of young people who will drive the nation’s progress.
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