Financial Literacy: NNPC Foundation Trains Batch A Stream 2 Corps Members

In continuation of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives on financial literacy, the NNPC Foundation Ltd./Gte has conducted its second 2026 National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) skills empowerment training for Batch A, Stream 2 corps members at the FCT NYSC Orientation Camp, Kubwa, Abuja, over the weekend.

Delivered in partnership with the NYSC Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) scheme, the programme covers financial literacy, entrepreneurship, and business development. Its training structure also includes a financial literacy test, a “Kick Start My Business” course, and business proposal pitching.

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Managing Director of NNPC Foundation, Emmanuella Arukwe, who was represented by the Head, Programme Management, Rose Okonkwo, noted that over one million corps members have been trained nationwide through the programme.

Acting Director of SAED, Usman Yahaya, commended the NNPC Foundation for its consistent support, urging the corps members to acquire multiple skills during their service year in order to position themselves as job creators and not job seekers.

NNPC, NYSC

It would be recalled that last year, 531 youths received Starter Packs and financial support to help them launch their businesses, with most beneficiaries recording measurable progress across their various enterprises.

The NNPC Foundation Ltd./Gte has, through the financial literacy programme, sustained its commitment to preparing young Nigerians towards sustainable careers and self-reliance, contributing to national economic growth and development.

Olukoyede Tasks Universities On Use Of Artificial Intelligence In Ethical, Financial Management

The Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Mr. Ola Olukoyede, has called on universities across the country to urgently integrate Artificial Intelligence, AI, into their ethical and financial management systems as a transformative tool to combat corruption, enhance accountability and restore public trust.

Olukoyede made the call in Kano on Tuesday April 28, 2026 in a Keynote Address at the opening ceremony of the 8th Biennial Conference of the Committee of Pro-Chancellors of State Universities in Nigeria, COPSUN.

Describing AI as a necessary defence,” the EFCC boss warned that the Nigerian university system cannot afford to be left behind in the global shift toward technology-driven governance.

The EFCC Chairman noted that Nigerian universities manage multi-billion-naira budgets, tuition fees, TETFund interventions, and research grants, yet accountability issues persist.

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“The EFCC has investigated cases involving inflated contracts, ghost workers, and diverted students’ fees in tertiary institutions across the federation. Each case represented not only a loss of public funds but also a betrayal of the trust that Nigerian parents, students, and taxpayers have placed in the university system”

“A university that lacks financial accountability cannot credibly train future accountants and auditors, and one that tolerates fraud cannot produce the ethical professionals our economy needs. The university’s integrity is thus a matter of national security, and AI offers transformative tools to defend it”, he said

The anti graft czar outlined specific areas where AI can strengthen ethical and financial management. These include, fraud detection, automated auditing, payroll integrity, procurement oversight, and academic integrity.

He cited notable operations where AI proved decisive at the EFCC such as “Operation Eagle Flush (December 2024) where the EFCC arrested 792 suspects including 193 foreign nationals (114 Chinese, 40 Filipinos, two Kazakhs, one Pakistani, and one Indonesian) in a seven-storey building in Victoria Island, Lagos. The syndicate operated cryptocurrency investment fraud and romance scams targeting victims in the United States, Canada, Mexico, and Europe.”

Olukoyede urged university governing councils to act decisively by adapting AI technologies to day-to-day running of their systems

“I will recommend that you establish an AI and Digital Governance Committee within each Governing Council to drive responsible AI adoption. Create a Digital Integrity Strategy for finance, academic, and data protection within your institutions. Invest in digital infrastructure, broadband, cybersecurity, and cloud systems”, he said.

He also called for partnership with the EFCC and other agencies for joint training and intelligence exchange, and for adoption of an AI Code of Ethics to safeguard privacy, prevent bias, and protect academic freedom.

Although Olukoyede strongly pointed to the technological leeway AI tools are capable of offering universities, he cautioned that technology alone is not enough. “No matter how sophisticated the technology might be, its effectiveness ultimately depends on the integrity of the human beings who will utilise the tools. AI will therefore not work magic for the ivory towers if the integrity deficit that is palpable among the workforce is not addressed”, he said.

Olukoyede Tasks Universities On Use Of Artificial Intelligence

He also warned of potential downsides, including over‑reliance eroding professional judgement, loss of institutional autonomy, and cybersecurity risks from weak data stewardship.

“The fight against corruption is a national project that depends on the integrity of every institution, especially our universities.

The EFCC is ready to collaborate with you in training and intelligence sharing in the unwavering belief that integrity will lead Nigeria to greatness and transparency. This is possible. It is achievable”, he said.

FG Applauds Saudi Arabia For 50-Students Petroleum Scholarship Offer, Reaffirms Strong Bilateral Ties

The Federal Government of Nigeria has commended the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for offering fully funded scholarships to 50 Nigerian students in petroleum and mineral studies, describing the gesture as a strategic investment in Nigeria’s human capital development and a testament to the enduring bilateral relationship between both nations.

The Honourable Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, gave the commendation while receiving the Ambassador of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to Nigeria, Yousef Bin Mohammed Al-Balawi, during a courtesy visit to his office in Abuja on Monday, 27 April, 2026.

Speaking during the meeting, the Minister expressed Nigeria’s deep appreciation for the scholarship initiative, noting that it aligns with the Federal Government’s priority to strengthen critical sectors of the economy through capacity building. “This is not just a scholarship programme; it is a strategic investment in Nigeria’s future, particularly in key sectors such as petroleum and solid minerals that are central to our economic growth and diversification,” the Minister stated.

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He highlighted the significance of the initiative, noting that the programme is expected to be sustained annually, thereby creating a long-term impact. “The fact that this initiative is designed to be continuous, with 50 Nigerian students benefiting year after year, makes it even more impactful. It guarantees a steady pipeline of skilled professionals for our critical industries,” he said.

Idris further assured Ambassador Al-Balawi of Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening bilateral ties and to fast-tracking existing agreements between the two countries. “We are committed as a government to deepening this partnership and ensuring that all existing agreements, including the pending Memoranda of Understanding in broadcasting and other sectors, are fully implemented for mutual benefit,” he said.

The Minister also used the occasion to convey Nigeria’s solidarity with Saudi Arabia amid ongoing tensions in the Gulf region, expressing hope for peace and stability. “Let me also take this opportunity, on behalf of the Federal Government of Nigeria, to express our solidarity with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia at this time of tensions in the Gulf region. We sincerely hope for continued peace, stability, and diplomatic resolution of all issues,” he stated.

Earlier in his remarks, Ambassador Al-Balawi conveyed the Saudi leadership’s appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his show of solidarity, noting that it reflects the strength of relations between the two nations.

He announced that the scholarship offer was conveyed through an official communication from the King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals, and that the package includes tuition, travel tickets, accommodation, and monthly stipends. “This initiative reflects the genuine and strong relationship between Saudi Arabia and Nigeria. It is about real cooperation and real investment in the future of Nigerian youth,” Ambassador Al-Balawi said.

Saudi Arabia

Ambassador Al-Balawi also highlighted ongoing efforts to expand economic cooperation, particularly in trade and investment, describing Nigeria and Saudi Arabia as key regional economic powers with vast partnership potential.

Those present at the meeting were the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation, Dr. Binyerem C. Ukaire; the Director, Public Communications and National Orientation, Barr. Henshaw Ogubike, the Director, Production, Publications and Documentary, Mr. Okunnu Ibidapo; the Director, Public Relations and Protocol, Dr. Suleiman Haruna, alongside other senior officials of the Ministry.

Rabiu Ibrahim, mnipr

Special Assistant (Media) to the Honourable Minister of Information and National Orientation

27th April, 2026