News
Rep. Umaru Empowers Over 100 Teachers, Rewards Students with N10m in Education Initiatives
By Sunday John
Rep. Jeremiah Umaru (APC, Akwanga/Nassarawa-Eggon/Wamba Federal Constituency) has trained more than 100 primary and secondary school teachers across the 35 electoral wards of his constituency to enhance their capacity for effective service delivery.
Speaking during the event on Wednesday in Akwanga Local Government Area, Nasarawa State, Umaru said the training was part of his blueprint to invest in and promote the education sector.
He explained that the capacity-building program focused on improving school administration and integrating Information and Communication Technology (ICT) into teaching and learning to make educators more efficient and globally competitive.
The lawmaker pledged to sustain the initiative and extend it to all teachers in his constituency in line with international best practices.
Participants received training through papers and presentations on topics such as “The Role of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in Teacher Education,” “Effective School Leadership and Management,” “Financial Management in School Administration,” and “Drug Abuse and the Poor Performance of Students.”
In a related development, Umaru also presented more than ₦10 million in cash prizes to winners of the second edition of his constituency-wide secondary school debate competition.
Expressing satisfaction with the students’ performance, he commended their confidence, composure, and logical presentation of arguments. He also appreciated teachers for their dedication to mentoring and nurturing young minds.
“The debate aims to build networks among students and expose them to global standards in public speaking and academic competition,” Umaru said. “The connections and confidence they gain here will help shape their future aspirations.”
He added that the platform encourages peer review between public and private school students, noting that such competitions help strengthen intellectual and communication skills.
Umaru reaffirmed his commitment to initiating more developmental programs across sectors to empower his constituents and justify their support at the polls.
At the grand finale, Shepherd International College, Akwanga, emerged as the overall winner, while Government Science Secondary School, Wamba, and Our Lady of Fatima College, Ogba, Nassarawa-Eggon, came second and third, respectively.
The winning school received a ₦1 million cash prize and five laptops, the first runner-up got ₦700,000 and three laptops, while the second runner-up received ₦500,000 and two laptops.
Individual awards included ₦500,000 and a laptop for the best speaker, ₦250,000 and a laptop for the second-best speaker, and ₦150,000 and a laptop for the third-best speaker. Each of the remaining 32 participating schools received ₦200,000 and educational materials.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the debate competition, which began in August, brought together students from both public and private schools across the constituency.
The National Judicial Council (NJC) has recommended 28 candidates for appointment as judicial officers across five states and two appellate courts.
The recommendations were made at the council’s 112th meeting held on November 3, 2026, according to a statement issued on Wednesday by NJC’s deputy director (Information), Kemi Babalola-Ogedengbe.
Of the 28 candidates, 24 were recommended for appointment as judges of the High Courts of Kano, Ebonyi, Edo, Adamawa and Ogun states.
One candidate was recommended for appointment as Grand Kadi of the Plateau State Sharia Court of Appeal, while another was recommended as Kadi of the Adamawa State Sharia Court of Appeal.
Two other candidates were recommended for appointment as judges of the Adamawa State Customary Court of Appeal.
The council also included Ijeoma Agugua in the shortlist of candidates for appointment as substantive chief judge of Imo State.
The candidates recommended for the various courts include Tijjani Zololo for appointment as Grand Kadi of the Plateau State Sharia Court of Appeal.
For the Kano State High Court, the recommended candidates are Hassan Nafisan, Ahmad Halima, Bature Abdullahi and Umar Musa.
Amaga Dickson was recommended for appointment as a judge of the Ebonyi State High Court.
The candidates recommended for the Edo State High Court are Osawaru Benson, Omoruyi Taiye, Adamaigbo Dorathy, Usiobaifo Festus, Oiwoh Pius, Amune Majebi and Imuekemhe Emile.
Those recommended for the Adamawa State High Court are Sa’ad Aminu, Musa Ibrahim, Giwa Sadiq, Mijinyawa Musa, Ibrahim Japhet, Bakari Aliyu and Ahmadu Yakubu.
For the Ogun State High Court, the recommended candidates are Oke Olakulehin, Obienu Adebimpe, Daudu Fatimat, Kadiri Rafiat and Osho Oludotun.
Ishaku Abubakar was recommended for appointment as Kadi of the Adamawa State Sharia Court of Appeal, while Dimas Elsha and Pembi David were recommended as judges of the Adamawa State Customary Court of Appeal.
Nigeria’s Flying Eagles could be handed a lifeline in their quest to qualify for the 2027 FIFA U-20 World Cup following reports that the Confederation of African Football (CAF) is considering including the team in the 2027 Africa U-20 Cup of Nations.
The development follows Ghana’s reported removal as hosts of the continental competition, potentially creating an opening for Nigeria to secure a place in the tournament.
Sports247 reports that CAF has informed the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to keep the Flying Eagles on standby for a possible invitation to the 2027 U-20 AFCON.
Nigeria initially missed out on automatic qualification after suffering a disappointing 4-1 defeat to Burkina Faso in the final of the 2026 WAFU Zone B U-20 Championship.
Burkina Faso secured the region’s automatic qualification ticket, while Ghana were expected to occupy the second available place as hosts of the continental tournament.
However, Ghana’s reported failure to meet CAF’s hosting requirements has thrown the arrangement into uncertainty, with the continental governing body expected to appoint a new host.
The situation could work in Nigeria’s favour, with the Flying Eagles potentially considered for the place initially reserved for Ghana as tournament hosts, having finished runners-up in the WAFU Zone B competition.
Although CAF is yet to make an official announcement confirming Nigeria’s inclusion, the reported development has raised hopes of a second opportunity for the seven-time African champions.
The 2027 U-20 AFCON will carry additional significance as it will also serve as Africa’s qualifying competition for the FIFA U-20 World Cup.
According to CAF’s qualification format, the four semi-finalists will represent the continent at the global tournament.
Nigeria’s possible inclusion would therefore provide the Flying Eagles with another opportunity to compete for continental honours and keep their World Cup ambitions alive.
The West African giants have a proud history at the FIFA U-20 World Cup, having finished runners-up on two occasions, in 1989 and 2005.
For now, Nigeria will await CAF’s final decision, with the reported development offering renewed hope after their disappointment in the WAFU Zone B final.
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