UBEC Partners With Private Sector To Strengthen Basic Education In Nigeria

UBEC partners with private sector to strengthen basic education in Nigeria. The Executive Secretary of the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), Hajia Aisha Garba, had series of meetings with Private Sector including the Head of Oando Foundation, Tonia Uduimoh, to discuss strengthening private sector partnership in delivering basic education services, a key priority in UBEC’s new strategic blueprint.

Oando Foundation highlighted its investments in infrastructure rehabilitation, teaching and learning materials provision which have contributed to improving access and education quality across Nigeria.

Universal Basic Education

Discussions also explored potential collaborations with the Education Cluster of the Private Sector Advisory Group for the SDGs to drive increased private sector investment in education through innovative financing mechanisms.

The Executive Secretary committed to reviewing the proposed framework by private sector and to establish a platform for PPP and other sustainable models for private sector investment in advancing Nigeria’s basic education sector.

NIGCOMSAT Launches Space Tech Training For Youths In Nigeria

NIGCOMSAT launches space tech training for youths in Nigeria. It will be held in Dutse, Jigawa, from April 7 to 11. Participants include start-ups, local innovators, and students from across the region.

The Nigerian Communications Satellite Limited is set to launch an empowerment programme for youths across seven states in the North-West region. This was announced in a statement.

The programme focused on a Space-Tech Hackathon and Very Small Aperture Terminals training targeting youths from Kaduna, Kano, Zamfara, Sokoto, Kebbi, Katsina, and Jigawa.

It will be held in Dutse, Jigawa, from April 7 to 11. Participants include start-ups, local innovators, and students from across the region.

The statement urged interested students to register via the NIGCOMSAT Ltd website.

It explained that the initiative aims to engage and empower young Nigerians, particularly university students, innovators, and professionals from the North-West.

According to the statement, the goal is to promote innovation and develop creative solutions to real-life challenges through space technology.

Similarly, NIGCOMSAT managing director Jane Egerton-Idehen said, “The hackathon allows participants to identify challenges, create ideas, build prototypes, and receive mentorship using satellite technologies.”

“The winning team will join the NIGCOMSAT Accelerator Programme Cohort 2025 to further refine and implement their project.”

Additionally, 100 youths will be trained in installing VSAT systems, which deliver broadband connectivity in remote areas. Ms Egerton-Idehen noted that this certification provides participants with technical skills, enhancing job prospects.

NIGCOMSAT

She said they could explore lucrative careers or entrepreneurial paths within the ICT sector. The North-East hackathon and VSAT training took place in Yola from February 24 to 28.

“The aim of SpaceTech Hackathons and VSAT Training is to inspire innovation, solve community challenges, and tackle youth unemployment nationwide.

“The North-West Hackathon and VSAT training will be jointly hosted by Jigawa and NIGCOMSAT Ltd.,” Ms Egerton-Idehen said.

Government Revokes 2024 Billboard Licences In Kwara

Government revokes 2024 billboard licences in Kwara. He said that no new registration or renewal of signage and billboard licences would be processed until further notice.

The Kwara government has announced the immediate revocation of 2024 signage and billboard licences across the state.

This is contained in a statement signed by Ibrahim Garba, the secretary, task force committee on illegal billboards and signage in Kwara on Sunday. Mr Garba said the announcement followed an earlier notification on the suspension of all billboard licences in the state.

He said that identifications were ongoing while removal enforcement would commence on March 17. “The revocation is necessary to facilitate the removal of all unauthorised and improperly erected billboards, posters and light pole banners across Ilorin metropolis and other urban centres,” he said.

Mr Garba explained that the initiative aligned with the urban renewal programme of Gov. AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq-led administration, aimed at transforming Kwara into a modern and visually appealing state.

He said that no new registration or renewal of signage and billboard licences would be processed until further notice.

Kwara

“This temporary measure will allow the state to finalise a new regulatory framework for outdoor advertising.

“The identifications of billboards are ongoing; we therefore call on owners of unidentified boards across the state to remove them with immediate effect.

“Government’s taskforce is currently identifying non compliant structures, and enforcement will commence next week,” Mr Garba said.