The Minister of Education, Dr Maruf Alausa, on Wednesday, announced the release of N50 billion by the Federal Government to the academic and non-academic staff unions of federal universities for the settlement of earned allowances, as promised by President Bola Tinubu.

This  was disclosed in a statement titled “FG Releases N50bn Earned Allowances to Varsity Unions, Tinubu Reaffirms Education Priority”, issued by Folasade Boriowo, Director of Press at the Federal Ministry of Education.

Boriowo stated that the move “stands as yet another testament to Tinubu’s unwavering commitment to fundamentally transform Nigeria’s education sector. It reflects the administration’s bold resolve to transition the nation from a resource-based to a knowledge-based economy through strategic investments in education, infrastructure, and human capital.”

According to the Minister, “This intervention is not just a financial transaction—it is a reaffirmation of our President’s belief in the capacity of Nigerian youth and the invaluable role that academic and non-academic staff play in nurturing them.

“By prioritising their welfare, we are laying the foundation for a future where every Nigerian child receives highly qualitative and globally competitive education.”

The Minister expressed President Tinubu’s heartfelt appreciation to both academic and non-academic unions for their sustained trust in his administration and for fostering an atmosphere of peace and cooperation across Nigeria’s federal institutions.

“Notably, the country is currently experiencing one of the longest uninterrupted academic sessions in recent history—a feat attributed to the mutual understanding and shared commitment between the government and the university community,” the statement added.

The President reiterated: “The youth are the heartbeat of our country. Their future is extremely important to me and my administration. Keeping our children in school is not negotiable. It is my commitment that strikes
in our institutions will soon become a thing of the past.”

Recall that university-based academic unions have been at loggerheads with past governments over the failure to release earned allowances, among other demands.

The Management of Enugu State College of Education (Technical), ESCET, has dismissed as totally false claims by some disengaged staff of the college that they were unjustly denied access to TETFUND scholarship.

The institution said TETFUND sponsored scholarships were meant for staff of the beneficiary institution and not those who had been disengaged.

The TETFUND scholarship is a federal government initiative aimed at promoting academic excellence in tertiary institutions. The fund is disbursed to beneficiary institutions, which are responsible for selecting and supporting eligible staff members pursuing postgraduate studies.

But some disengaged staff of the college who are no longer on the payroll of the college have continued to insist that they were entitled to the  scholarship fund even after they were laid off.

The ESCET management in a statement by its  Public Relations Officer, Comrade Chinwe Ani, at the weekend, however, dismissed the misinformation circulating on social media regarding the disbursement of TETFUND scholarship to certain individuals who were disengaged from the institution.

The statement reads in part: “The affected individuals were among the 94 College Staff who were disengaged following the directive by the Enugu State Government due to the fact that their employment was not duly approved by the government when they were engaged by the previous management, as discovered by the seven- member investigative Committee set up by the State Government to examine allegations of mismanagement and corrupt practices within the College.

“There is no credible evidence to support claims that the government intend to replace them with preferred individuals. The primary issue was lack of proper authorization in the hiring process.

“As a result of their disengagement, they are no longer on the College payroll which makes it administratively difficult to facilitate their access to TETFUND sponsored scholarship.

”It is important to emphasize that TETFUND intervention is specifically designed to support staff members who are duly recognized and currently serving in beneficiary institutions. Since these individuals are no longer part of the College’s workforce, they do not meet the eligibility criteria to access the scholarship.”

The statement urged the general public “to disregard any misleading report by some enemies of the College trying to destroy the good image of the institution or portray the government of Enugu State in bad light.”

“Enugu State College of Education Technical still remains committed to ensuring that all eligible staff members benefit from such intervention in line with TETFUND  guidelines and government policies,” the college assured, while advising those who need further clarification on the issue to reach out to the college through its official channels.

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)