Education

United by love for the sky: The story of three pilot sisters

Published

4 years ago

November 11, 2022

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The story of the Makinde sisters is one that any motivational speaker would love to use to motivate the girl-child. In a society where the male child is most times, if not always expected to take after the father, the Makinde pilot sisters, Mopelola, Oluwaseun and Oluwafunmilayo have shown that the girls no pushovers.

The three sisters are not only bonded by the love of flying, which they took after their dad, they are also keen sportswomen and are billed to participate in the 2022 Lagos Women Run on November 12.

This year, the 10 km road race “will be going on a loop starting from TBS, towards Awolowo Road, Falomo Bridge through Olusola down and finishing at Onikan,” according to Tayo Popoola, the coordinator of the event. “We are expecting about 25,000 runners in the categories of the elites and the fun runners,’’ she said.

The event, which has a one-million-naira prize money for the winner, transcends sports. The organisers say it provides a platform for the advancement of women in society, and describe it as one of its kind among global races. Support from the Lagos State government underlines the significance of the race.

The participation of the Makinde pilot sisters, Mopelola, Oluwaseun and Oluwafunmilayo, is good for the women’s cause. As female pilots, they will be helping to send a strong message to encourage women, and especially girls, who continue to face challenges related to negative gender stereotypes in a male-dominated environment.

”As much as I want people to learn from me, that’s me pouring out. I also want to learn from others… I am looking forward to meeting other women in other sectors to also learn from them,” Oluwafunmilayo Makinde-Marcus, a corporate pilot, said. Other women whose careers can inspire womenfolk are expected to enrich the event. Perhaps the beauty of this unique road race is its power to empower females by inspiring them to soar above gender-based limitations created by the male-controlled society.

Female pilots are still rare, especially in Africa. In 2021, only six percent of pilots globally were women, according to the Ninety Nines International Organisation of Women Pilots, the oldest group of women pilots with about 6,000 members from 44 countries worldwide.

This shows why the pilot sisters are special. Oluwafunmilayo, in particular, is different. She is a fixed-wing pilot. Her father and two sisters are helicopter pilots. She is the youngest of her parents’ seven children who are all females.

“I would run out of the house when I heard the sound of a plane… it was so beautiful to behold,” she said in an interview. That’s how the dream started, “to be a pilot of planes specifically.” Her biggest inspiration was her mother who “encouraged me not to give up on my dream despite the odds.”

After earning a first degree in Computer Science at Covenant University, Ota, Ogun State, she had a stint in the Fin Tech/ Technology sector before deciding on a career switch. She was relatively comfortable, she said, and many people who knew her were surprised, partly because she chose to move to the aviation sector. ”But a dream is a dream, and passion is passion,” she stressed. She went to flying school, and became a pilot.

Factors that contributed to her success include parental support, education, passion, determination, courage, and self-belief. This may well be true of her two sisters who are also pilots. Their stories are inspirational, and teach positive lessons.

The importance of education in the mix needs to be emphasised. On the International Day of the Girl Child on October 11, the United Nations notably observed that “Girls around the world continue to face unprecedented challenges to their education.” The situation is grave in Nigeria, which is said to account for more than one in five out-of-school children anywhere in the world.

The international body advocates engagement with government officials, policymakers and stakeholders ”to make more targeted investments that tackle inequalities experienced by girls.” It also calls for engagement with “key female influencers across industries to be the face of change we want girls to see as possible.”

The three pilot sisters can be seen as positive role models. It is commendable that they are playing a noteworthy role in advancing the women’s cause in Nigeria.

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

1 year 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.