Education

Otedola marks 60th birthday in style with N2.2billion yacht

Published

4 years ago

November 3, 2022

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Billionaire Femi Otedola clocks 60 on Friday, November 4. Expectdly, he will not go the way of the ordinary Nigerian to celebrate such a milestone.

As a man of cash, he has finalised arrangements to spend about three weeks on the iconic super yacht, Christina, owned by the late Greek billionaire shipping magnate, Aristotle Onassis.

According to sources, his wife, Nana and children were ferried in a private jet from London to Venice, Italy. From there, they would likely visit the typical cruising regions of the yacht like Antigua, Bahamas, Cuba, Mykonos, Ibiza, Saint Martin, St Barts, Virgin Islands, and Costa Rica among others.

Already, the self-styled ‘Gentleman of Leisure’ has shelled out about €3million to hire the luxury yacht, which costs a staggering €750, 000 per week and comes complete with every amenity that makes life worthwhile. He is the first African to hire the Christina for use. The Otedolas will have it for three and a half weeks. The Epe-born chairman of Geregu Power Plant Plc toured the yacht recently. A video of the tour exclusively obtained by The Capital sees him being shown around the Christina named after Onassis’ first daughter, Christina.

The yacht has a master suite, 18-passenger staterooms, and numerous indoor and outdoor living areas, all connected by a spiral staircase. The number of living areas is large, and the amount of outdoor deck space is generous while the aft main deck has an outdoor pool with a minotaur-themed mosaic floor that rises at the push of a button to become a dance floor.

The exterior of Christina O easily stands out among other super yachts thanks to her distinctive clipper bow, long sheer line, rounded superstructure, and dazzling white topsides, not forgetting her trademark, vibrant yellow funnel. A variety of vast open-air spaces offer a multitude of options for lounging and socialising. The top level of the yacht, known as the compass deck, is well-primed for sunning, with a line of chaise loungers and a bar, while the spacious promenade deck below features an aft spa pool, and alfresco dining and bar setup.

Starting life in World War Two as a Canadian frigate, Christina O was purchased in 1954 by Onassis, who transformed her into the most luxurious private yacht of her time. She played host to many illustrious guests, ranging from Marilyn Monroe and Frank Sinatra to John F Kennedy and Winston Churchill among others. Churchill gifted Onassis his1921 landscape painting titled The Moat Breccles, which used to occupy a pride of place on the yacht until it was auctioned last year.

Onassis epitomised the life of the super yacht elite, garnering a reputation as the original jetsetter, but following his death in 1975, Christina O fell into disrepair. Luckily, a meticulous restoration project led by a family friend of Onassis was completed in 2001 and, today, charterers can enjoy the resonance of her unique past with the ultimate in luxurious accommodation and on-board service.

Now, this is where it gets interesting. Otedola considers Onassis, who died in 1975, as a role model. In his lifetime, Onassis amassed the world’s largest privately-owned shipping fleet and was one of the world’s richest and most famous men. At a time, too, Otedola was the largest ship owner in Nigeria. He also owns a yacht, the lust-inducing ‘Nana’, which is always at shore, lazing languidly to the cadence of the sea. They also share a mutual love for luxury living.

After living in Europe’s luxury cities, Otedola recently joined the increasing exodus of billionaires ‘relocating’ to the desert sheikhdom of Dubai where he splurged on a sprawling multi-million dollar mansion.

The pristine, white multi-storeyed building sits atop a wide expanse of land and comes complete with a swimming pool and many other luxury accoutrements. It has breathtaking views and surrounding greenery. Its elaborate decor and interior effortlessly ooze panache and prosperity. Otedola reportedly bought the property last April and has been operating from there because of the ease of connecting Africa or Europe for business or routine junkets.

News

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

Published

1 year 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

1 year 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.

Metro News

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

Published

2 years 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