Education
12-year-old wins MTN spelling bee
12-year-old Daniel Nkanu has been announced as the winner of the 2023 edition of the MTN mPulse Spelling Bee competition.
Daniel, a student of Intimacy with Christ International, Nasarawa, won the competition after spelling eight words correctly in a spell-off against 11-year-old Oluwadamilola Adeolu in the finale, which was held at the MTN Head Office in Ikoyi, Lagos State.
The mPulse Spelling Bee Competition aims to encourage academic growth and self-improvement for students in primary and secondary schools between the ages of 9 and 15. It began in August 2023, with participation from over 30,000 students across the country.
Nkanu will assume leadership of MTN Nigeria for a day and become the face of mPulse for a year, a statement said on Tuesday.
Speaking at the event, the Chief Risk and Compliance Officer, MTN Nigeria, Obiageli Ugboma, congratulated the contestants for making it into the finals.
Ugboma, who reiterated MTN’s commitment to promoting digital literacy in Nigeria, said, “The mPulse Spelling Bee Competition is a platform that empowers young Nigerians to become great spellers, and public speakers and attain their full potential. As the next set of frontrunners from this initiative, we are proud of your brilliance and excited about the impact you will have on other young ones. It is our hope to see you thrive individually and contribute collectively to the growth of Nigeria and the broader African development story.”
Daniel will receive a N2.5m scholarship grant, laptop, smartphone, and an MTN goody bag in addition to being MTN Nigeria’s CEO for a day.
The spelling bee champion’s school will also receive cutting-edge ICT devices, including 10 laptops and 10 Hynet Modems, while her spelling coach/teacher will receive a cash prize of N500,000.
Sharing his excitement at emerging triumphant, Daniel, beaming with joy, said, “It feels like a dream to me, I am speechless. It was a tough competition, but I am very happy I came this far and won in the end.”
Alongside Daniel, the first and second runners-up, Oluwadamilola Adeolu and Ajibola Flourish, both from St Lawrence Metropolitan College, Ado Ekiti, and other finalists received prizes totalling over N10m as well as numerous goody bags.
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.
Osun West APC leaders push for governorship ticket in 2026
Father of late singer Mohbad credits improved life to divine, spiritual assistance
AS Roma eye Nottingham Forest star Ola Aina amid transfer interest
-
Celebrities3 years agoTikTok star, Bhadie Kelly, reacts over alleged adult tape
-
Lifestyle3 years agoAkwa Ibom varsity student in viral s*x video apologises
-
Lifestyle3 years agoTwitter in tears as Nigerian Tiktok queen nudes, videos deface social media (Videos, Photos)
-
Lifestyle3 years agoGeneral Oladipupo Diya: Dr Babatunde Diya pays tribute to father at 78
-
News3 years agoGroup Expresses Displeasure Over Hike In Banks’ Cash Reserve Ratio
-
Celebrities3 years agoShade Okoya becomes a grandma at 45
-
Entertainment2 years agoNaira Marley’s Sister Shubomi Causes A Stir With Eye-catching Photos Of Herself On Instagram
-
Business3 years agoNigerian Banks And Their Customer Care Numbers