Education

President Tinubu Urges Policy Makers to Drive Nigeria’s Digital Transformation at NIPSS Course 46 Graduation

Published

1 year ago

March 2, 2025

Preport

At the graduation ceremony of the Senior Executive Course 46 of the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS) in Kuru, Plateau State, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu charged policy makers to spearhead Nigeria’s digital transformation and tech-driven economic growth.

Represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, the President emphasized the administration’s commitment to revitalizing NIPSS by digitizing its operations, developing an advanced e-library, and establishing virtual learning platforms to enhance executive education.

President Tinubu highlighted that the theme of this year’s course, “Digital Economy, Youth Empowerment, and Sustainable Job Creation in Nigeria,” aligns with his administration’s priorities. He underscored the importance of policy research, youth empowerment, and technological innovation in shaping the country’s future.

“The task ahead is not an easy one, but I do not doubt that you are equal to it. You must return to your organizations and communities with a renewed sense of purpose, knowing that the future of our nation rests, in part, on the quality of leadership you provide,” he stated.

President Tinubu stressed the need to leverage Nigeria’s youthful population—over 60% of the total demographic—to propel economic transformation.

“Young people are our greatest asset. Their energy, creativity, and technological prowess must be fully harnessed to propel our country into a new era of economic transformation. This is an investment we cannot afford to take for granted,” he said.

To maximize the potential of young Nigerians, the administration plans to expand broadband infrastructure, foster digital entrepreneurship, and implement the National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy.

The President reaffirmed his administration’s dedication to strengthening policy research institutions like NIPSS, which he described as the “fulcrum of strategic thought” in national development.

“No nation that cares about its future underfunds the very institution that provides strategic insights and policy direction for national development,” he added.

He announced plans to revamp NIPSS’s digital infrastructure, including the establishment of an advanced e-library and virtual learning platforms, ensuring that executive education remains accessible and cutting-edge.

Additionally, he highlighted the federal government’s recent approval of the takeover of the Oba Adetona Post-Graduate School of Policy and Governance Studies, reinforcing the administration’s commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s policy research ecosystem.

President Tinubu reiterated ongoing efforts to empower young Nigerians through vocational training and support for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

“Through initiatives like the Renewed Hope Skills Acquisition Programme, we are equipping young Nigerians with practical skills in technology, construction, and the creative industries,” he said.

Governor of Plateau State, Barrister Caleb Mutfwang, expressed the state’s dedication to increasing female participation in NIPSS programs. He also appealed for more admission slots to accommodate the growing demand for policy training in the state.

“I want to congratulate you on having gone through this course, and I hope that what you have learned here will add value to our national progress,” Governor Mutfwang said.

A notable highlight from the graduating class was the development of two humanoid robots using locally sourced materials at the National Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics (NCAIR), a subsidiary of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA).

Monitor-General for Course 46, Colonel Fakandu Mohammed Bala, stated, “The essence is to show that we have the capacity and ability to drive our developmental processes with homegrown technologies. The two robots are designed to improve the efficiency of workplaces such as hospitals and government offices.”

The graduation ceremony was graced by notable dignitaries, including former Plateau State Governors Joshua Dariye and Major General Lawrence Onoja (rtd), APC National Chairman Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, members of the National Assembly, Plateau State House Speaker Hon. Gabriel Dewan, state legislators, security heads, traditional rulers, and other government officials.

As Nigeria moves forward in the digital age, the call for policy makers to embrace and drive technological advancements remains crucial in achieving economic sustainability and growth.

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Education

30 days after, teacher lies beheaded, Oyo schoolchildren languish as Tinubu, Makinde chase presidential ambition

Published

1 week ago

June 15, 2026

Preport

30 days after teacher lies beheaded Oyo schoolchildren languish as Tinubu Makinde chase presidential.png

A month after the mass abduction of 46 Oyo schoolchildren and teachers by terrorists on May 15 and the decapitation of a teacher, the captives remain in the forest despite military claims and political promises from President Bola Tinubu and Governor Seyi Makinde.

The terrorists kidnapped the students and staffers after invading schools in the Esienle and Yawota communities in Orire local council in Oyo state.

Days after the abduction, one of the teachers, Michael Oyedokun, was beheaded by the terrorists, pressuring the government to meet their demands for the release of the abductees.

On May 19, four days after the abduction, the Defence Headquarters, in a statement by its spokesperson, Michael Onoja, said, “Troops are currently deployed and actively operating within the forest in pursuit of the perpetrators and in search of the abducted victims.”

“Troops made contact with the criminal elements two days ago, have since reorganised, and are continuing the search and pursuit operations with full determination.”

The military and the government cited collateral damage as a reason for not taking out the terrorists.

While the schoolchildren and their teachers languish in captivity, Messrs Tinubu and Makinde have been engaging in electioneering as they chase their presidential dreams, both emerging as their party’s candidates for the 2027 election.

On May 31, Mr Makinde visited the hostages’ communities, promising their families the safe return of those abducted.

“This is not the time to start trading blame on who should be responsible for the release of these children between the state and federal government. This is just the time to come together to rescue our children and their teachers, Mr Makinde told the families of abductees. “All I need is your cooperation. Please trust us. I cannot speak much because it has security implications. I know your hearts are bleeding. My heart is also bleeding. Please trust us. We will secure their release.”

Similarly, a delegation representing Mr Tinubu, led by his chief of staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, visited the families and made a similar promise.

In a video released by the terrorists, Rachael Alamu, one of the hostages and the principal of Community High School Esinele, begged Messrs Tinubu and Makinde to negotiate with the terrorists to secure their release.

Meanwhile, the Oyo State House of Assembly has opposed negotiating with the terrorists.

Debo Ogundoyin, the speaker of the assembly, said the state would not pay ransom, give weapons to terrorists or change laws to accommodate the kidnappers.

Several protests have followed the government’s failure to rescue the hostages.

Amid public outrage and discontent, many Nigerians protested across several states, including Oyo, Lagos, Ogun, Bayelsa, Plateau and the Federal Capital Territory, demanding the immediate rescue of the hostages.

In his Democracy Day speech on June 12, Mr Tinubu said, “Though this year’s mood is dampened by the abduction of our children in Oyo and Borno, we remain hopeful for their safe return. Democracy without security is not solid enough.”

The president urged terrorists and bandits across the country to lay down their arms or face the wrath of his administration.

Education

Plateau Teachers Protest Abduction of Oyo School Pupils, Demand Swift Rescue

Published

2 weeks ago

June 8, 2026

Preport

The Plateau State chapter of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) has joined its counterparts across the country in protesting the abduction of pupils and teachers from a primary school in Oyo State.

Hundreds of teachers staged a demonstration in Jos, the Plateau State capital, carrying placards and banners to express their anger over the continued captivity of the victims several weeks after the incident.

The protesters called on the Federal Government and security agencies to intensify efforts to secure the immediate and safe release of the abducted pupils and teachers, stressing that schools must remain safe spaces for learning.

They also expressed concern over the growing trend of school-related abductions in parts of the country, warning that such incidents could discourage parents from sending their children to school if not urgently addressed.

The union urged authorities to strengthen security around educational institutions and ensure the safe return of all victims still in captivity.