
Education
FG unveils free AI academy for Nigerian youths, civil servants


Photo: Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Uche Nnaji
The Federal Government has unveiled a free Artificial Intelligence (AI) Academy with the aim of positioning Nigeria as a leader in the global digital economy.
The Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Chief Uche Nnaji, who inaugurated the AI Academy on Thursday in Abuja, said the programme was set up in partnership with the Commonwealth Secretariat and Intel Corporation.
While emphasising that the online programme was free, the minister called on all Nigerians particularly students, youths and civil servants to avail themselves of the opportunity to be part of a movement that would redefine the future of the nation.
“The AI Academy is free and the registration is open from today and will run until Jan. 30, 2025.
“I encourage you to visit our website at https://scienceandtech.gov.ng/academy and seize this chance to acquire cutting-edge AI skills.
“The AI Academy is not just a training platform but a transformative opportunity for Nigerians–students, youths and civil servants–to acquire critical skills in AI.
“In a world where AI is reshaping industries, solving complex problems and creating new economic frontiers, it is imperative that Nigeria not only keeps pace, but leads the charge.”
The minister said that the programme would provide participants with access to self-paced courses on AI fundamentals, ethics, tools and real-world applications.
He said that beyond learning the AI Technology, it offered opportunities to compete for AI ambassadorial roles and internships with Intel Corporation as well as ensuring hands-on global experience.
Nnaji said that the role of AI in nation-building could not be over emphasised as AI was no longer a distant concept.
He said that it was a transformative tool that could drive progress in agriculture, healthcare, education, security and many other sectors.
“By equipping Nigerians with these skills, we are not just preparing individuals for jobs but creating a pipeline of innovators, problem-solvers and leaders who will shape Nigeria’s technological and economic destiny.
“Most importantly, AI will go a long way to help us develop innovative solutions for the unique challenges we face as a nation.’’
Nnaji expressed gratitude to the Commonwealth Secretariat and Intel Corporation for their unwavering support in bringing the vision to life.
He said that the collaboration reflected the power of international partnerships in driving innovation and sustainable development.
“Together, we are showcasing the power of collaboration between government, industry and international organisations.
“As we unveil the AI Academy, we are laying the foundation for a new era of innovation; one where Nigeria takes its rightful place as a leader in the global digital economy,” he said. (NAN)
Education
ESCET admits over 500 new students, warns against indulgence in anti-social vices


Newly admitted students of Enugu State College of Education (Technical), ESCET, have been urged to embrace academic discipline saying any student who indulges in anti-social vices would be rusticated.
The institution which is affiliated to the University of Nigeria Nsukka ( UNN) made this known at the weekend during the 19th matriculation ceremony for over 500 new students admitted into the various programmes of the college including National Certificate of Education, NCE, Degree, Professional Diploma in Education (PDE) and Outreach.
Provost of the College, Dr. Stella Chinweudo Ekwueme, in her address at the occasion, congratulated the students and urged them to take their academic journey seriously.

ESCET Provost, Dr. Stella Chinweudo Ekwueme
She emphasized the importance of regular class attendance, timely completion of assignments and extensive use of the College Library.
“I urge you to embrace academic discipline, personal integrity, and responsible conduct. Cultism, drug abuse, and other vices have no place in our academic environment,” the provost said.
Dr Ekwueme told the students that the College maintains strict zero-tolerance policy on such matters, encouraging them to contribute meaningfully by upholding high moral standard while in the institution.
Vice Chancellor of UNN, Prof. Oguejiofo T. Ujam, represented by the Director of Academic Planning, Prof. Anthony Attama, also addressing the students, reemphasizes the need for strict adherence to institution’s laid down rules and regulations.
He assured them of the University’s commitment to creating a conducive academic environment for all and encouraged them to report any form of exploitation from any staff to the appropriate authority through the office of the Dean Students Affairs.
He also cautioned against involvement in cultism warning that “any student found to be involved in secret cult activities will be rusticated”.
The Vice Chancellor condemned cybercrime, stating that the university “frowns at all forms of ICT-assisted crimes.
In a show of government support, the Hon. Commissioner for Education, Prof. Ndubueze Mbah in a speech presented by His Special Adviser, Dr. Obinna Muouh, assured the College Community of the unwavering support of Governor Peter Mbah to the College.
He reaffirmed the state government’s commitment’s to enhancing the welfare and development of the institution.
The well-added ceremony was marked under a convivial atmosphere as newly admitted students took their matriculation oaths symbolizing the official commencement of their academic pursuit at the College.
Education
UTME: 16-year old scores 98 per cent in maths, 336 overall


Aderibigbe, a student of Starville International School, Jabi, Abuja, also scored 86 in Physics; 68 in English and 84 in Economics.
The Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, while giving a breakdown of the 2025 UTME statistics, noted that 12,414 of the over 1.9M who sat the UTME scored 300 and above, with only 4,756 scoring 320 and above.
Last year, out of 1.9 million candidates who sat the 2024 UTME, only 8,000 candidates, or 0.5 per cent, scored above 300 points in the examination.
The 2025 UTME results were officially released to the public on Friday, with over 1.5 million candidates scoring below 200, which is considered the average benchmark.
The UTME, which is scored over a total of 400 marks, tests candidates across four core subjects.
While the Use of English is mandatory for all, candidates are allowed to choose three other subjects relevant to their intended course of study.
Reacting to the performance data, the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, said the results reflect the effectiveness of government efforts to curb exam malpractice.
Speaking with our correspondent on Saturday, Olamide’s father, Niran Aderibigbe, expressed gratitude to God over the result of his son.
“He hopes to study Architecture at Covenant University or the University of Ibadan.”
The PUNCH
Education
JAMB: Over 1.5m candidates score less than 200 in 2025 UTME


The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, JAMB, has released a comprehensive statistical breakdown of the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination, UTME, results.
The breakdown offers a full picture of the performances by Nigerian candidates in the examination conducted across the country.
According to JAMB, out of 1,955,069 candidates who sat for the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination, UTME, over 1.5 million of them scored less than 200 in the exam.
It, however, announced that 4756 candidates scored above 320, 7658 candidates scored between 300 and 319.
In the statement accompanying the data, the Board said that 40,247 underage candidates were permitted to demonstrate their exceptional abilities.
JAMB further stated that only 467 of these candidates (1.16%) achieved scores that meet the threshold for exceptional ability as defined for the UTME, with their performance in the subsequent three stages still pending.
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