Education

FG releases N292.6bn for varsities, polytechnics, colleges of education

Published

4 years ago

August 24, 2021

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The Federal Government, through the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFUND), has approved the sum of N292.66 billion for disbursement to some public universities, polytechnics and colleges of education.

Executive Secretary of TETFund, Prof. Suleiman Bogoro, said the intervention, which has been okayed by the Federal Government, would be spread to higher education institutions in each of the six geo-political zones.

At least one university from each of the six- geo-political zones would receive N906.8 million, while about N628.4 million will go to one polytechnic and one college of education from each of the six geo-political zones.

Bogoro made these known on Tuesday while welcoming all heads of beneficiary institutions to a one-day stakeholders’ meeting at the Nigeria Air Force Conference Centre, Abuja.

At the meeting, Bogoro explained that the responsibility of completing the national headquarters of National Library of Nigeria project has been handed over to TETFund by the FG.

He said the library project represented an important national asset that should not be ignored on account of funding challenges.

Bogoro also stressed the importance of research to national development, saying the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari has been consistent in approving funds to see that academics churn out quality research that would address emerging challenges bedeviling the country.

He said this accounted for the setting up of the National Research Fund, which has increased from N3 billion to N8.5 billion in recent times.

Bogoro, who expressed delight that Nigeria is moving closer to an emergence of a National Research and Development Foundation, challenged academics to turn around the fortunes of the country through cutting- edge research.

On the 2021 research grants to lecturers, Bogoro called on the nation’s academics to live up to expectations by churning out good proposals, saying that the Fund is always ready to finance such academic exercise.

“I have signed the letters of allocation for the research grants that we are issuing out, 217. This is the highest research grant ever. It has never gone beyond 200. We have 217 research grants that have recently been approved,” Bogoro said.

Speaking on the recent special allocations by the TETFund’s Board of Trustees (BoT), Bogoro revealed that N5 billion each was approved for University of Lagos (UNILAG) and Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria for massive infrastructural projects development.

The TETFund boss said N1 billion was also approved as funds for the completion of special intervention projects for Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife and another N1 billion for Imo State Polytechnic, Umuagwo, adding that more tertiary institutions would benefit from the special allocations soon.

Bogoro said TETFund is also providing support to boost research activities in Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON), among others, to address the nation’s security challenges.

The executive secretary said the Board of TETFund has approved the review of overseas masters and PhD courses/specialisation.

According to him, more emphasis would now be placed on Masters or PhD programmes that are science-based.

Among the overseas masters and PhD courses specialisations with effect from August 2021 include: Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering, Biosciences, Biomedical Engineering, Material Science and Engineering, Industrial Systems and Engineering, Geosciences, Behavioural Sciences, Nuclear Engineering, Oceanography, Mathematics and Mechanical Engineering.

Related Topics:HIGHER INSTITUTIONS TETFUND

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Top Seven most competitive courses in Nigeria (2025) and their cut-off marks

Published

8 months ago

June 26, 2025

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With the race for admission into Nigerian universities getting more competitive, certain courses continue to dominate as a result of their high demand and limited slots. These programmes not only require top-tier performance in the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) UTME but also excellent O’level results.

In 2025, these seven courses remain the most competitive in Nigeria, drawing thousands of high-performing applicants.

1. Medicine and Surgery

Medicine and Surgery consistently ranks as the most competitive course in Nigeria. With thousands aspiring to become doctors and limited admission slots, it remains a top choice.

Expected UTME Cut-Off: 280+

O’Level Requirements: Credits in English Language, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics.

2. Law

Law is highly sought-after for the prestige, career opportunities, and societal respect it offers. Admission is tough due to its popularity and limited intake capacity.

Expected UTME Cut-Off: 270+

O’Level Requirements: Credits in English Language, Literature-in-English, Government or History, and other related subjects.

3. Pharmacy

Pharmacy attracts candidates seeking a stable, well-paying career in healthcare. With roles in hospitals, industry, and research, it offers excellent job prospects.

Expected UTME Cut-Off: 270+

O’Level Requirements: Credits in English Language, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics.

4. Nursing Science

Nursing is one of the fastest-growing professions in Nigeria, with global demand and solid financial benefits.

Expected UTME Cut-Off: 260+

O’Level Requirements: Credits in English Language, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and Mathematics.

5. Accounting

Accounting remains a top choice due to its versatility and strong job market. It also provides a pathway to professional qualifications like ICAN and ACCA.

Expected UTME Cut-Off: 250+

O’Level Requirements: Credits in English Language, Mathematics, Economics, Financial Accounting, and any relevant subject.

6. Computer Science

As the tech industry booms, Computer Science has become one of the most in-demand courses. Career options range from software development to cybersecurity.

Expected UTME Cut-Off: 250+

O’Level Requirements: Credits in English Language, Mathematics, Physics, Computer Studies, and one other science or social science subject.

7. Economics

Economics is competitive due to its relevance in both the public and private sectors. Graduates enjoy diverse career paths in banking, policy, and business.

Expected UTME Cut-Off: 250+

O’Level Requirements: Credits in English Language, Mathematics, Economics, and two other related subjects like Government, Commerce, or Geography.

Education

Oando awards scholarships to 100-level university students

Published

10 months ago

April 25, 2025

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The Oando Joint Venture (JV), consisting NNPC Exploration and Production Limited (NEPL) /Oando Energy Resources Nigeria Limited (OERNL), in demonstration of its commitment to Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), has launched the 2025/2026 applications for its Tertiary Scholarship Scheme.

This initiative, targeted at both the JV’s Host Communities and the country at large,aims to build the next generation of leaders by supporting the academic aspirations of undergraduates in Nigerian tertiary institutions.
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The scholarship application, which opened on Thursday, March 27, 2025, will close on Wednesday, April 30, 2025. It offers two categories of awards: the Host Communities Merit Award specifically for students who are indigenes of Oando’s host communities in Rivers, Bayelsa, Delta, and Imo States; and the National Merit Award open to students from across Nigeria, excluding Oando’s host communities, who are pursuing studies in Engineering, Geology, Geosciences, and Agricultural Sciences.

This inclusive approach ensures that talented students from all over Nigeria have the opportunity to benefit from this program.

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To be eligible for consideration,applicants must be registered full-time undergraduates in a Nigerian tertiary institution and be certified 100-level students at the time of application.

The scheme explicitly excludes 200-level students and above, current beneficiaries of similar awards from other companies and agencies, and dependents of staff of Oando PLC and its subsidiaries.
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This scholarship program underscores Oando’s unwavering commitment toinvesting in the future of Nigeria, particularly its host communities, and contributing to the development of the country’s human capital.

By focusing on education, a cause the company is deeply passionate about and champions through its foundation, Oando Foundation, Oando aims to empower young people and equip them with the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed. The company views this as a crucial aspect of its social responsibility, fostering sustainable development.
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The selection process includes an online aptitude test, which only shortlisted candidates will be contacted to take. Candidates must achieve a minimum of 50% in the aptitude test to be considered,and the results will be published on noticeboards in all Oando locations nationwide.
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The Tertiary Scholarship Scheme, initiated by the Joint Venture in the 1992/1993 academic session, currently supports the education of over 350 beneficiaries.

Its continuation, following Oando’s acquisition of the interests of Nigerian Agip Oil Company (NAOC) in August 2024, demonstrates the company’s steadfast belief in leaving its communities better than it met them and its role in nurturing Nigeria’s next generation.
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Interested and qualified students are encouraged to visit candidate.scholastica.ng/schemes/oandoscholarship2025to apply before the deadline.
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As a proudly indigenous company with a Nigerian workforce, Oando recognizes that investing in quality education is paramount to developing the nation’s future talent pool. This scholarship program empowers young Nigerians with the tools they need to contribute to the country’s growth and prosperity.

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PHOTOS: Bandit leaders ‘surrender’ to troops in Katsina, ‘free’ hostages

Published

12 months ago

February 12, 2025

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Several notorious bandit leaders terrorising Batsari, Safana, and Jibia LGAs of Katsina, have reportedly surrendered to the troops of the Nigerian Army.

Zagazola Makama, a counter-insurgency publication focused on the Lake Chad region, identified those who surrendered as Abu Radda, Umar Black, Abdullahi Lankai, Jijjige, and Dabar Musa Dan Gandu, who have all operated from the Jibia axis.

The publication quoted security sources as saying the bandits embraced the peace deal and surrendered following sustained military operations in the region.

Makama said the repentant bandits handed over their weapons to the troops and released several hostages they had abducted.

According to the publication, the former bandits appealed to the government to provide them with alternative means of livelihood, requesting engagement in the construction of markets and hospitals.

They vowed to embrace peace and end their involvement in criminal activities, it added.

Their surrender was reportedly facilitated by the National Community for Security and Societal Advancement in Katsina (NCSOSACK), led by Hamisa Batsari.

On Monday, the defence headquarters (DHQ) said 800 former Boko Haram fighters who surrendered to the military are currently undergoing deradicalisation for onward reintegration into society.

Below are photos