Education

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

Published

2 years 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

South Africa: 11-Year-Old Boy Assaulted, Circumcised by Four Schoolmates in Toilet

Published

2 weeks ago

September 3, 2026

Preport

An 11-year-old pupil at Sinqobile Primary School in Soshanguve, South Africa, was allegedly dragged into a school toilet and forcibly circumcised by four older students during break time.

The Grade 5 pupil was reportedly attacked by four Grade 7 students, who allegedly pinned him down before one of them used a sharp blade to remove his foreskin.

The boy was also allegedly threatened with violence if he disclosed the incident to anyone.

According to his mother, the child returned home after the incident but initially refused to tell her what had happened. She later noticed that he was walking unusually and, days later, discovered that he was in severe pain.

The mother said her son eventually showed her his swollen private parts, prompting her to rush him to a doctor.

“He then showed me his swollen private parts and I rushed him to the doctor and it was then that we learned four pupils had circumcised him,” she said.

She said her son told her that the older boys had attacked him in the school toilets during break and threatened to beat him if he told anyone.

The mother subsequently opened a criminal case and refused to allow her son to return to school. Police later persuaded the boy to attend an identity parade, where he reportedly helped identify the four students.

South African Police Service spokesperson, Captain Tintswalo Sibeko, confirmed that a case of assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm was being investigated.

“Our Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit are investigating and no arrests have been made at this stage,” Sibeko said.

The Gauteng Department of Education also confirmed that the matter was under police investigation, while saying the school had not reported any similar circumcision attacks.

Deputy Principal George Mahlungu said the school was shocked by the incident.

“We are perplexed by what happened. This school is a place where a child should be safe,” he said.

The school has about 2,050 pupils between the ages of seven and 15.

A doctor who examined the boy reportedly said the procedure appeared to have been carried out in a manner similar to traditional tribal initiation practices. However, the doctor said a full diagnosis could not be made until the swelling subsided.

The boy’s mother said her son had become traumatised by the incident and was afraid to return to school.

Police investigations are ongoing, and no arrests had been made as of the latest report.

Business

Plateau Strengthens Technical Education, Prepares NITT Centre for September Take-Off

Published

4 weeks ago

August 19, 2026

Preport

The Plateau State Government has taken a major step towards expanding access to specialised transport education and practical technical training with the handover of facilities at the Government Science Technical College, Bukuru, to the Nigerian Institute of Transport Technology (NITT), Zaria.

The facilities, comprising part of the college’s Mechanical Workshop, five classrooms and a residential quarter, will serve as the NITT Learning Centre and Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) Conversion Centre, providing students, technicians and professionals with opportunities to acquire practical skills in modern transportation technology, CNG conversion and logistics.

The Plateau State Government was represented at the handover ceremony by the Commissioner for Transport, Hon. Davou Gyang Jatau, who said the initiative reflects the administration’s commitment to strengthening technical education, skills development and the adoption of modern transportation technologies.

Jatau said the Mechanical Workshop would provide a practical environment for CNG conversion training, while the classrooms would support theoretical instruction, professional development and capacity-building programmes.

He added that the residential accommodation would improve the welfare of personnel and learners who would be associated with the centre.

The commissioner expressed confidence that NITT would make effective and sustainable use of the facilities to expand educational and technical opportunities for people in Plateau State.

“We are confident that NITT Zaria will make effective and sustainable use of these facilities for the benefit of Plateau State and Nigeria at large.”

Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Transport, Mrs Jummai Shekarau, described the handover as an investment in technical education, innovation and human capital development, rather than simply the provision of infrastructure.

She said the CNG Conversion Centre would provide young people with practical skills that could improve their employability and enable them to take advantage of opportunities emerging in the CNG value chain.

According to her, the centre would also encourage entrepreneurship and job creation while supporting the transition from petrol and diesel to cleaner and more affordable energy alternatives.

The Registrar of NITT, Zaria, Dr Maina Williams Tarfa, commended the Plateau State Government for providing facilities beyond what the institute had initially requested.

Tarfa said the intervention would enable NITT to establish a strong educational presence in Plateau State and bring specialised transport training closer to residents.

He expressed confidence that the centre would commence operations by September, providing training opportunities for local government technicians and other professionals across the state.

He explained that NITT would introduce programmes including Advanced Diploma, Graduate Diploma and Master’s programmes in Transport and Logistics, while deploying its technical experts to deliver quality training and practical services.

Tarfa said the centre would help bridge the gap between theoretical education and practical skills by giving learners direct exposure to modern transport technologies.

Dr Sani Barau, Special Adviser to the Director General/Chief Executive of NITT, said the handover marked the transition from planning to implementation after concerted efforts to secure and prepare the facilities.

Barau stressed the need for a clear and speedy activation plan to ensure that the centre becomes operational as soon as possible.

He said the initiative would involve local technical stakeholders, create investment opportunities and strengthen the skills base required for the development of Plateau State’s transport sector.

The officials subsequently toured the facilities to inspect the progress of rehabilitation works at the institution ahead of the planned commencement of operations in September.

The establishment of the NITT Learning Centre is expected to strengthen technical and vocational education in Plateau State, giving students, technicians and professionals access to practical training and advanced qualifications in transport, logistics and emerging vehicle technologies.