The Federal Ministry of Education, last week, introduced a new policy on Non-State Schools, which sets the minimum age for admission into Junior Secondary School at 12, following the completion of six years of primary education.
Non-State Schools—also known as independent, private, or non-government schools—are educational institutions that operate outside government control.
These schools are generally funded through tuition fees, along with donations from individuals, businesses, community groups, religious organisations, and foundations.
The policy notes that non-state schools are playing an increasingly significant role in delivering education across the country, despite noticeable disparities in the quality of education offered across different types of institutions.
Speaking on the age of enrolment, the Federal Ministry of Education said, “Nursery education shall be of three years’ duration.
“Children shall be admitted into Nursery One when they attain the age of three years, Nursery Two on attaining the age of four, and one year of compulsory pre-primary education (Kindergarten) on attaining the age of five years, in accordance with the specification of Section 2(17) of the NPE, 2013 Edition.”
Regarding the age of enrolment for junior secondary schools, the policy clearly outlines that basic education will span nine years—comprising six years of primary education and three years of Junior Secondary School (JSS). Children are to be enrolled in Primary One upon reaching the age of six.
“Every child must complete six years of primary education. They shall be admitted into Junior Secondary School (JSS1) when they have completed six (6) years of primary education, at around the age of twelve (12) years.”
If strictly implemented, the new policy suggests that Nigerian students would reach the appropriate age of 18 before becoming eligible for admission into higher institutions.
Debates have recently emerged over the required age for entry into tertiary education in Nigeria.
Former Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman, had declared 18 as the minimum age for university admission, but the current minister, Dr. Tunji Alausa, later reversed the policy, reinstating 16 as the qualifying age.
The Nigeria Education Digest 2022, published by the ministry, indicated that “Non-state schools outnumber state schools in at least 26 states of the federation at the Junior Secondary level, whereas at the primary level, state schools outnumber non-state schools in 19 states of the federation.
“The growth in the number of non-state schools between 2017 and 2022 (the last five years reported) has been faster than that of state schools.
“Non-state primary schools grew in number by 31.56 per cent between 2017 and 2022, while state schools grew in number by 3.3 per cent within the same period.
“At the Junior Secondary level, non-state schools grew in number by 35.06 per cent between 2017 and 2022, while state schools grew in number by 6.8 per cent only within the same period.”
FG Fix New Minimum Age For JSS1 Admission At 12 Years
Thai Leader Warns Cross-Border Conflict with Cambodia Could Spiral Into War
Thailand’s acting leader has sounded the alarm over ongoing hostilities with neighboring Cambodia, cautioning that the clashes, which have already led to at least 16 fatalities and the displacement of tens of thousands, could escalate into full-scale war.
Acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai stated that intense weaponry was now being used in the conflict and that the violence had extended to a dozen different points along the border.
Thai authorities further alleged that Cambodian forces had shelled civilian zones, prompting the evacuation of every village considered to be within reach of incoming fire.
Meanwhile, Cambodia leveled serious accusations against Thailand, claiming its military deployed cluster bombs — a controversial weapon banned in many parts of the world due to its wide and indiscriminate impact on civilians. Thailand has not addressed these claims publicly.
Despite growing calls for de-escalation, Thailand’s foreign minister asserted that the dispute does not yet warrant outside mediation, even as international leaders push for both sides to cease fire immediately.
Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, who leads ASEAN, previously extended an offer to help broker discussions between Thailand and Cambodia.
“I welcome the positive signals and willingness shown by both Bangkok and Phnom Penh to consider this path forward,” Anwar said in a Facebook post on Thursday evening.
However, Thai foreign ministry representative Nikorndej Balankura insisted that only a direct dialogue between the two nations can resolve the matter, asserting that Cambodia must halt its offensive strategies.
“I don’t think we need any mediation from a third country yet,” Nikorndej said.
These statements came as both governments updated casualty figures from the cross-border violence.
According to Thai officials, 14 civilians and a soldier have been killed so far. Meanwhile, Cambodian authorities from the province of Oddar Meanchey confirmed the death of one civilian.
The United States urged both parties to end hostilities and protect civilians.
“We are … gravely concerned by the escalating violence along the Thailand Cambodia border, and deeply saddened by reports of harm to civilians,” said U.S. State Department spokesperson Tommy Pigott during a briefing.
China, which maintains close diplomatic and strategic ties with both Bangkok and Phnom Penh, also voiced concern and encouraged the two nations to engage in peaceful discussions.
Australia, the European Union, and France joined the global chorus calling for restraint and dialogue.
The United Nations Security Council is scheduled to deliberate on the conflict this Friday.
In a written appeal to the council on Thursday, Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet called on the UN to take steps to “stop Thailand’s aggression.”
Both sides have blamed each other for initiating the flare-up on Thursday.
Thailand said the confrontation began when Cambodian forces deployed drones to monitor Thai troops operating near the border.
On the other hand, Cambodia accused Thailand of igniting the skirmish by breaching a previous agreement and approaching a sacred Khmer-Hindu temple located close to the contested boundary.
Tensions between the two countries have roots stretching back over a century, linked to the border demarcations made following France’s colonial rule in Cambodia.
Throughout the years, occasional outbreaks of violence have claimed lives on both sides — soldiers and civilians alike.
This latest round of hostility worsened in May, following the killing of a Cambodian soldier, triggering the sharpest deterioration in relations between the neighbors in over ten years.
At an emergency shelter set up in Surin province, Thailand, residents forced to flee — many of them elderly and young children — recounted the terror of the artillery shelling they witnessed on Thursday.
Some of the older evacuees, who also endured the civil conflict in Cambodia during the 1980s, said the recent violence was among the most severe they could recall.
Joi Phasuwan, a resident of Phanom Dong Rak, explained that she and her grandchildren “waited a long time” before they were finally relocated. She added that this time, they had to flee even farther than in previous incidents.
Remembering Hulk Hogan, Wrestling’s Greatest Icon
Terry Gene Bollea wasn’t born a legend, but he became one. Born in 1953 in Augusta, Georgia, and raised in Tampa, Florida, Hogan’s journey into the limelight began with a love for music and bodybuilding. It wasn’t until 1977 that he laced up his boots and entered the world of professional wrestling, a decision that would redefine both his life and the industry itself.
Donning a red-and-yellow persona, he transformed into Hulk Hogan, a name that would soon become synonymous with larger-than-life charisma, thunderous leg drops, and the unstoppable force of “Hulkamania.”
The Face of 1980s Wrestling
By the early 1980s, Hogan had become the poster boy for the World Wrestling Federation (now WWE). His popularity soared as he told fans, especially children, to “train, say your prayers, and eat your vitamins.” He embodied the classic American good guy, the “face” in wrestling lingo, as he battled iconic heels in the ring.
With six WWE Championship reigns and countless unforgettable promos, Hogan was instrumental in turning wrestling from a regional pastime into a global entertainment powerhouse. His catchphrase, “Whatcha gonna do when Hulkamania runs wild on you?”, became a rallying cry for millions.
The WrestleMania Trailblazer
Hogan wasn’t just a mainstay — he was the main event. He headlined the very first WrestleMania in 1985 alongside Mr. T, defeating Rowdy Roddy Piper and Paul Orndorff in a match that would set the tone for WWE’s biggest annual spectacle.
Over the years, he appeared in 10 WrestleMania matches and headlined eight of them, unmatched in the modern era. From slamming Andre the Giant at WrestleMania III to clashing with The Rock at WrestleMania X8, Hogan made the grandest stage of them all his personal coliseum.
In the mid-1990s, Hogan’s career took a shocking turn. Fans had grown weary of his heroic persona, and boos began to replace cheers. Sensing the shift, he joined rival company WCW and rebranded himself as “Hollywood Hogan.”
In 1996, he turned heel for the first time in his career and formed the New World Order (NWO) alongside Kevin Nash and Scott Hall. The move reinvigorated the wrestling world, sparked a ratings war between WCW and WWE, and proved that Hogan could dominate both as a hero and a villain.
Hogan in Hollywood: Crossing Over Into Pop Culture
Hogan’s fame transcended wrestling. He starred in movies like Rocky III, No Holds Barred, and Mr. Nanny, and appeared on TV shows such as Saturday Night Live, The Tonight Show, and the cult-favorite Thunder in Paradise. He wasn’t just a wrestler — he was a household name, a cartoon character, and a brand unto himself.
Few athletes in history have managed to so completely bridge the gap between sport and entertainment, and even fewer did it wearing a feather boa and ripped tank top.
Hall of Fame Inductions and the Final Bow
Hogan’s contributions to wrestling were undeniable. He was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame twice, first in 2005 as an individual, and again in 2020 as part of the NWO faction.
Even after retirement, Hogan never strayed far from the spotlight. In 2021, he co-hosted WrestleMania 37 alongside Titus O’Neil. In 2023, he married Sky Daily, and just a year later, he made a surprise appearance at the Republican National Convention to endorse longtime friend and President Donald Trump.
A Final Farewell
On July 25, 2025, the world lost The Immortal One. Hulk Hogan died at age 71 in Clearwater, Florida, after suffering a cardiac-related medical emergency. Tributes poured in from all corners, fans, celebrities, presidents, and wrestling peers.
President Donald Trump remembered him as “strong, tough, smart, with the biggest heart,” while Vince McMahon called him “the greatest WWE Superstar of all time.”
Hogan is survived by his wife Sky Daily and two children, Brooke and Nick, from his first marriage.
Hulk Hogan wasn’t just a wrestler; he was a phenomenon. His charisma built an empire, his style defined a generation, and his story, with all its highs and lows, is forever etched in the annals of sports entertainment.
Though the man behind the character has passed, Hulkamania will live forever.
Who Is Nentawe Yilwatda? APC’s New National Chairman
In a move that signals a strategic shift within Nigeria’s ruling party, the All Progressives Congress (APC) has elected Professor Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda as its new National Chairman. His emergence follows the resignation of Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje and was ratified by the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) during a high-level meeting in Abuja on July 24, 2025.
Yilwatda’s ascension is being hailed as a bold step toward repositioning the APC with a more technocratic, inclusive, and forward-thinking leadership ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Early Life and Educational Background
Born on August 8, 1968, in Dugung, a small community in Kanke Local Government Area of Plateau State, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda hails from the North Central region of Nigeria. He belongs to the Ngas ethnic group and was raised in a modest Christian home.
A brilliant student from a young age, he earned a degree in Engineering from the Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi. He later pursued advanced studies and holds a PhD in Electronic Engineering, with specialization in Artificial Intelligence and Digital Communications.
His solid academic background would later influence both his professional and political trajectory.
Academic and Professional Career
Before entering politics, Yilwatda carved out an impressive career in academia and the public service.
- He served as a Lecturer and later Director of ICT at the Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi, where he led digital transformation projects across departments.
- His commitment to innovation and education saw him participate in several national and international ICT projects, contributing to Nigeria’s digital modernization efforts.
He is also a member of professional bodies including the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) and the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE).
INEC Tenure: Reforms and Impact
In 2017, President Muhammadu Buhari appointed him as the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) for Benue State under the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). He served in this capacity until 2021.
During his tenure at INEC, Yilwatda championed several reform-driven initiatives:
- Pioneered the inclusion of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) and Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) in the electoral process.
- Advocated for and deployed technology-enabled voting procedures, particularly in rural areas.
- Was instrumental in voter education and strengthening democratic participation in Benue and surrounding regions.
His reputation for transparency and efficiency gained him nationwide recognition.
Political Ambitions: The 2023 Gubernatorial Race
In 2021, Yilwatda resigned from INEC and declared his interest in politics. He contested for the governorship of Plateau State on the platform of the APC in the 2023 general elections.
His campaign was anchored on the theme “The Generation Next Movement”, focusing on:
- Youth empowerment
- Agricultural innovation
- Security and peacebuilding
- Good governance driven by data and technology
Despite his dynamic campaign, he narrowly lost the election to the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). However, the run gave him greater visibility and strengthened his political profile.
Ministerial Appointment
Recognizing his leadership potential, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu appointed him Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development in October 2024.
During his brief ministerial tenure:
- He improved the coordination of humanitarian responses in crisis-prone areas like the North-East.
- He launched a national digital database for tracking relief materials and vulnerable groups.
- He strengthened collaboration with local and international humanitarian organizations.
Emergence as APC National Chairman
Yilwatda’s election as APC National Chairman in July 2025 was the outcome of weeks of internal consultation between President Tinubu, APC governors, and other party stakeholders. His nomination was presented and adopted unanimously at the NEC meeting, signaling broad-based support.
Why He Was Chosen
- Zoning and Balance: His emergence satisfies regional and religious balancing within the party’s leadership, coming from the North Central zone and being a Christian.
- Technocratic Edge: He represents a break from traditional political power brokers, his academic and reformist background resonates with the youth and intellectual class.
- Integrity and Credibility: His unblemished record in INEC and the public service positioned him as a trusted figure to manage internal party affairs.
- Vision for Unity: Party stakeholders believe he can reconcile factions and rejuvenate the party’s grassroots structures ahead of the 2027 elections.
Yilwatda’s Vision as APC Chairman
Upon taking office, Yilwatda delivered a message centered on reconciliation, restructuring, and renewal. He vowed to:
- Rebuild trust within the party through inclusiveness and dialogue.
- Strengthen internal democracy by conducting transparent congresses and primaries.
- Focus on grassroots mobilization, ensuring that party decisions are reflective of members’ aspirations.
- Promote digital governance and data-driven decision-making within party structures.
He also emphasized the importance of emulating President Tinubu’s leadership style, describing him as “a tough man with a gentle tone.”
Personal Life
Professor Nentawe Yilwatda is married to Dr. Martina Goshwe Yilwatda, a medical professional, and they have children together. He is deeply religious, committed to Christian values, and has been involved in various humanitarian and youth mentorship programs.
The emergence of Professor Nentawe Yilwatda as APC’s new National Chairman is more than just a political appointment, it represents a calculated shift toward youth inclusion, data-driven governance, and a new political era within the ruling party.
With Nigeria’s 2027 general elections looming on the horizon, all eyes will be on whether Yilwatda can unite the APC, rebuild its public image, and restore confidence in its internal democratic processes.
Only time will tell if this former professor-turned-politician will truly redefine party leadership in Africa’s largest democracy.
What It Means As Eight Banks Meet CBN’s Forbearance Requirements
In a major development for Nigeria’s financial system, the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mr. Olayemi Cardoso, has disclosed that eight Nigerian banks have successfully met the apex bank’s minimum forbearance-related requirements.
This announcement comes at a time when the CBN is intensifying its supervisory oversight and pushing for a stronger, more resilient banking sector that can support the country’s economic transformation agenda.
“We have conducted detailed stress tests and reviewed the risk profiles of banks. As of now, eight banks have met the minimum thresholds for forbearance as established by the CBN,” the Governor said during a policy dialogue in Abuja.
Understanding Forbearance in Nigeria’s Banking Context
Forbearance refers to temporary regulatory relief granted to banks, allowing them to manage distressed assets, credit losses, and capital buffers during challenging macroeconomic periods. This is often used during crises to ensure financial system stability while giving institutions time to recover.
In Nigeria’s case, forbearance policies were introduced to help banks navigate post-pandemic recovery, manage foreign exchange volatility, and withstand rising inflation, all of which have impacted asset quality and capital adequacy ratios.
The CBN’s approach to forbearance has included:
- Allowing the restructuring of non-performing loans (NPLs),
- Offering capital relief for certain loan classifications,
- Granting temporary latitude on provisioning requirements.
Meeting forbearance thresholds signals a bank’s ability to manage risk proactively, maintain adequate capital buffers, and adapt to evolving regulatory demands.
Why This Matters
The CBN’s confirmation is viewed by analysts as a confidence-boosting move for investors, depositors, and international stakeholders. It sends a clear message that despite recent economic headwinds, a segment of Nigeria’s banking sector remains fundamentally sound.
Key implications include:
- Reinforced investor trust in the Nigerian banking system.
- A signal of prudent risk management practices by compliant banks.
- A green light for those banks to participate more actively in future economic interventions and credit expansion.
Moreover, this comes as the CBN continues to push for recapitalisation across all Nigerian banks, with new capital requirements expected to be enforced by 2026. Meeting forbearance thresholds could give these eight banks an early-mover advantage in adapting to this policy shift.
Sector Response and Future Outlook
While the CBN did not name the banks that have met the requirements, industry experts speculate that several Tier-1 banks, known for stronger capital positions and robust risk frameworks, are among the compliant institutions.
In a statement accompanying his remarks, Cardoso emphasized that regulatory support does not imply complacency. The apex bank, he said, will continue to monitor compliance levels and take action against weakly governed banks.
“Meeting forbearance requirements is just the beginning. All banks must work towards full compliance with capital adequacy, asset quality, and liquidity benchmarks as we build a safer, more inclusive financial system,” he said.
The apex bank’s posture reflects a broader regulatory shift, one focused not just on crisis management, but on long-term banking sector transformation, digital integration, and improved financial access for Nigerians.
As Nigeria seeks to deepen its financial sector and improve economic resilience, the CBN’s announcement offers a glimmer of reassurance. Eight banks meeting forbearance requirements marks a critical step in stabilizing the system, even as broader reform efforts continue.
The onus now lies on other financial institutions to strengthen their balance sheets, improve transparency, and prepare for the next phase of Nigeria’s banking evolution.
Coeasu Commends Tetfund for Transparency and Impact
The Colleges of Education Academic Staff Union (COEASU) has praised the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) for its outstanding performance under the leadership of its Executive Secretary, Arc. Sonny Echono.
President of COEASU, Dr. Smart Olugbeko, made the remarks while addressing a delegation of Nigerian students from Colleges of Education who paid a courtesy visit to the Union’s leadership in Abuja.
Dr. Olugbeko commended TETFund for its transparency, efficiency, and consistent commitment to the development of tertiary education across the country. He noted that the Fund has managed and disbursed large sums of money with accountability, and that its interventions are being felt nationwide.
He also revealed that the Federal Government is working on implementing teaching practice stipends for education students, with TETFund positioned as a key stakeholder in the process. He expressed confidence in the Fund’s ability to handle the initiative with the same level of integrity and competence it is known for.
In his remarks, Dr. Olugbeko also lauded the Minister of Education, Dr. Yusuf Sununu, for his transformative leadership. He particularly praised the Minister’s support for the implementation of the Dual Mandate in Colleges of Education, which he described as a major step forward in advancing teacher education in Nigeria.
The COEASU president reaffirmed the Union’s commitment to promoting the welfare and interests of students, assuring them that their concerns remain a priority.
He further advised the students to shun all forms of misconduct and uphold the values expected of future educators. “As teachers in training, you must carry yourselves with dignity and discipline. Be good ambassadors of your institutions and always reflect the best qualities of the teaching profession,” he said.
Nigeria heads to Algeria for school sports event
A 60-member team of student-athletes has departed Nigeria for Annaba, Algeria, to participate in the inaugural African School Sports Championship, scheduled to take place from July 26 to August 5, 2025.
The Nigerian delegation will compete in 10 different sports, including athletics (12 athletes), swimming (8), football (18), taekwondo (4), beach canoe (4), badminton (3), basketball 3×3 (3), beach volleyball (2), cycling (2), and table tennis (2).
Director General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Hon. Bukola Olopade, described the competition as a landmark event in Nigeria’s grassroots sports development journey.
“This championship means a lot to us because it is about planting seeds. These student-athletes are ambassadors of our future. We are deliberate in creating pathways from the classroom to the global stage,” he said.
Before their departure, the team was camped at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja for intensive training and final preparations.
The championship, organised by the Association of National Olympic Committees of Africa (ANOCA), is designed to promote Olympic values among African youth and serve as a platform for talent discovery and development at the grassroots level.
In line with tournament regulations, all athletes submitted valid school certificates, while the NSC, in partnership with the Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC), ensured that parental authorisations were obtained for all underage participants.
Nigeria’s participation in the continental event is part of the federal government’s broader agenda to invest in grassroots talent development. It also aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s vision to build a vibrant and sustainable sports ecosystem that nurtures young talent and prepares them for elite-level performance.
Dozens Feared Dead As Russian Passenger Plane Crashes
Tragedy struck in Russia’s Far East as a Soviet-era Antonov An-24 passenger plane operated by Angara Airlines crashed in a remote forested area of the Amur region, with nearly 50 people feared dead, according to Russian emergency officials.
The aircraft, built in 1976, vanished from radar while en route on a scheduled flight from Blagoveshchensk to Tynda. The plane lost communication with air traffic control as it neared its destination, Tynda, a secluded town near Russia’s border with China.
Initial reports from Governor Vasily Orlov indicated that 43 passengers, including five children, and six crew members were on board. However, Russia’s Emergency Ministry later revised the total number of people on the flight to around 40.
Wreckage was located roughly 15 kilometers (10 miles) from Tynda by a Mi-8 search helicopter from Rossaviatsiya. The helicopter crew reported discovering the burning fuselage deep within a wooded area. Emergency response teams are currently facing challenging terrain as they attempt to access the crash site.
Disturbing, unverified footage circulated on social media appears to show the charred remains of the aircraft nestled in dense forest, prompting fears that there may be no survivors.
Emergency official Yuliya Petina confirmed via Telegram:
“During the search operation, a Mi-8 helicopter belonging to Rossaviatsiya discovered the fuselage of the aircraft, which was on fire. Rescuers continue to make their way to the scene of the accident.”
An official investigation is now underway to determine the cause of the crash, renewing concerns over the safety and longevity of aging aircraft still in operation across remote regions of Russia.
President Kagame Appoints Justin Nsengiyumva as Rwanda’s New Prime Minister
In a surprise cabinet reshuffle, Rwandan President Paul Kagame has named Justin Nsengiyumva, a seasoned economist and former deputy governor of the central bank, as the country’s new prime minister. Nsengiyumva replaces Edouard Ngirente, who had held the position since 2017.
The announcement was made late Wednesday through an official post on X (formerly Twitter) by Rwanda’s government spokesperson. No official reason was provided for the leadership change, and President Kagame has yet to comment publicly on the decision.
Departing Prime Minister Ngirente, while not disclosing details of his exit, took to social media to express appreciation, stating: “This journey has been deeply enriching.”
Justin Nsengiyumva brings with him an impressive résumé, including a PhD in Economics from the University of Leicester and prior experience working with the British government. His technocratic background positions him as a strategic choice to steer Rwanda’s economic and governance agenda.
As Prime Minister, Nsengiyumva will oversee the day-to-day operations of the government, playing a key role in implementing Kagame’s long-term development vision. The appointment comes nearly a year after Kagame’s landslide re-election in the 2024 presidential election, where he secured 99.18% of the vote, extending his leadership of Rwanda which began in 2000.
Political analysts and international observers are now closely monitoring how Nsengiyumva’s leadership will influence Rwanda’s economic policy, governance reforms, and regional diplomacy in the years to come.
Tetfund, UNDP Partner to Boost Innovation in Nigerian Universities
The Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) are strengthening their collaboration to expand innovation hubs and boost youth-led innovation in Nigerian universities.
This renewed partnership was reaffirmed during a visit by a UNDP delegation to TETFund headquarters in Abuja, where both parties agreed to align efforts in innovation, research commercialization, and infrastructure development across tertiary institutions.
Executive Secretary of TETFund, Sonny Echono, said the partnership is timely, given Nigeria’s young and innovative population. He noted that TETFund is currently supporting over 60 innovation hubs and aims to integrate them with UNDP-backed centres for greater impact.
“We started with 18 and are scaling to 68 this year. We’re working with institutions to integrate local industries like Panteka in Kaduna and Computer Village in Lagos for practical training. This aligns perfectly with your eight hubs,” he said.
Echono added that the collaboration will also target research commercialization, campus energy infrastructure, and technical skills training. He revealed that six regional laboratories are being built across geopolitical zones, and energy efficiency projects are ongoing in at least nine universities.
UNDP Resident Representative in Nigeria, Ms. Elsie G. Attafuah, praised TETFund for its vision and commitment. She said UNDP is supporting innovation centres in eight universities, all expected to be operational by September.
“We are here not just to admire, but to partner in scaling innovation and investing in Nigeria’s future. We must de-risk innovation and improve access to capital for youth-led ventures,” she said.
Both organizations see this partnership as a strategic step toward creating an enabling environment for young innovators and positioning Nigerian universities as drivers of sustainable development and economic transformation.
