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Nigeria Needs Thinkers and Builders, Not Spectators – Speaker Abbas

Published

3 months ago

February 1, 2025

Gloria Ikibah

…highlights youth as key to progress

By Gloria Ikibah

Speaker House of Representatives,Rep. Tajudeen Abbas, has emphasised the need for Nigeria to have active thinkers, builders, and leaders rather than passive observers.

Giving a Convocation Lecture at the Federal University of Technology, Minna (FUT Minna), Speaker Abbas described Nigerian youths as the country’s most valuable assets, urging them to embrace innovation and technology to drive national development.

His lecture, titled “From Crisis to Prosperity: Harnessing Technology to Drive Nigeria’s Transformation,” focused on the role of technology in shaping the country’s future.

He said: “In an age characterised by rapid technological advancements that are fundamentally altering economies and societies, it is imperative for Nigeria to seize opportunities for growth and innovation. By strategically leveraging technology, the nation can effectively confront pressing challenges, stimulate economic development, and improve the overall quality of life for its citizens.”

Speaker Abbas explained how the strategic adoption and implementation of technological solutions can transition Nigeria from its current crises toward a trajectory of sustainable prosperity.

He noted that in Nigeria, there exists a pervasive belief that university degrees are inherently superior to diplomas from technical polytechnics and colleges.

“As Africa’s most populous nation and largest economy, Nigeria faces many socioeconomic challenges that hinder its development trajectory. Addressing these issues is crucial for the nation’s progress. This lecture focuses on how technology can transform Nigeria from a state of crisis to one of prosperity, offering innovative solutions to longstanding problems.

“This perception has led to an overwhelming demand for university admissions, often at the expense of technical and vocational education,” he said.

Abbas further noted that there is an erosion of technical skills essential for industrial development.

“Ironically, many university graduates find themselves pursuing vocational skills after graduation, such as hairdressing, makeup artistry, and catering, which could have been more comprehensively acquired through technical education.

“In contrast, countries like the United Kingdom and Germany have robust technical education systems, where polytechnics and vocational schools are integral to driving industrial innovation. Nigeria must learn from such models by strengthening its technical education sector to meet industry demands.

“The declining quality of graduates from Nigerian universities, is a reflection of broader systemic issues, particularly the insufficient number and lack of quality of academic staff. Nigeria faces a significant shortage of qualified lecturers, with the lecturer-to-student ratio far exceeding global standards.

“This overcrowding severely limits the ability of lecturers to provide personalised attention and quality instruction, undermining the learning experience for students,” he stated.

Speaker Abbas also noted that there was a shortage of qualified academic staff, which he said is further aggravated by inadequate remuneration and limited opportunities for professional development.

“Compounding these challenges is the commercialisation of education, which has led to unethical practices such as exchanging grades for money or sexual favours. These practices not only tarnish the integrity of academic institutions but also erode public trust in the quality of education being delivered.

“The consequences of these systemic issues are evident in the poor performance of Nigerian universities in global rankings”, he asserted.

To address these challenges, the Speaker said there was an urgent need for targeted interventions, including increased funding for higher education, improved remuneration for academic staff, and expanded opportunities for professional development.

Additionally, he said stricter enforcement of ethical standards and the implementation of transparent evaluation systems could help curb academic corruption and restore the integrity of Nigerian universities.

“Nigerian universities face chronic underfunding, which has severely impacted infrastructure, research capabilities, and overall educational quality. While the expansion of universities aims to increase access to higher education, it often leads to stretched resources and diminished quality.

“A more strategic approach would focus on enhancing existing institutions through improved funding and resource allocation, drawing lessons from successful funding models employed by universities globally and within Africa”, Speaker Abbas said.

While noting that globally, universities adopt diverse funding models that reduce reliance on government allocations, the Speaker said Nigerian universities must rise to this challenge by envisioning and developing a ‘Nigerian Innovation Corridor’ that fosters collaboration between academia, industry, and government.

Speaker Abbas added that by positioning themselves as drivers of technological transformation, Nigerian institutions can create a thriving ecosystem that competes globally and propels the nation into a future powered by innovation.

The youths of Nigeria represent an invaluable assets to the nation. They exemplify qualities of intelligence, resilience, and a strong inclination towards innovation, particularly in the realm of technology. It is essential to leverage digital tools for personal development and entrepreneurial ventures.

“Young Nigerians are encouraged to utilise online learning platforms, engage in coding boot camps, and participate actively in technology communities to enhance their skills and entrepreneurial capabilities. The imperative for youth engagement is more pressing than ever, particularly in a rapidly evolving global economy driven by technology and innovation.

“The Nigerian government, under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, has demonstrated its commitment to fostering an environment that supports young innovators through various initiatives. These initiatives aim to promote technological advancement by implementing policies that facilitate access to funding, mentorship programs, and platforms that stimulate innovation and entrepreneurship”, he added.

By prioritising youth engagement and increasing funding for technology and innovation, Speaker Abbas said the Nigerian Government is laying the foundation for a more inclusive and dynamic economy.

“These initiatives empower young Nigerians to harness their creative potential and position the country as a hub for innovation and entrepreneurship in Africa,” he said.

Related Topics:Nigeria Nigerian students Tinubu universities

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TETFUND threatens to cut financial support to non-performing institutions

Published

3 hours ago

May 13, 2025

Admin

The Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFUND) has threatened to cut financial support to beneficiary tertiary institutions that fail to meet performance benchmarks or mismanage allocated funds.

The agency said it would de-list such tertiary institutions from its support programmes.

Executive Secretary of TETFUND, Sonny Echono gave the warning at a one-day strategic engagement with heads of institutions, bursars, and heads of procurement of the agency’s beneficiary institutions in Abuja on Monday.

Echono said the policy was not meant to punish, but rather safeguard the credibility and impact of TETFUND interventions.

He said: “Let me be clear, institutions that consistently fail to access, utilise or retire funds appropriately, or that fall short of enrollment and academic performance thresholds, risk being delisted as TETFUND beneficiary institutions.”

He also disclosed the intention of TETFUND to ensure that its resources were directed towards institutions that were committed to high standards of governance, transparency, and accountability.

Echono said the strategic engagement was targeted at addressing recurring challenges in Nigeria’s tertiary education sector, improving project execution, and enhancing the quality of education.

A key focus, he said, was the Academic Staff Training and Development (AST&D) intervention.

He said due to rising costs and incidents of scholars absconding, the foreign component of the TETFUND Scholarship for Academic Staff (TSAS) was suspended as of January 1, 2025 with emphasis now shifted to cost-effective, locally driven training.

Echono said this year’s intervention budget prioritises consolidation, sustainability, and the completion of abandoned projects.

He added: “This engagement is not merely a meeting but a strategic convergence. It is designed to address recurring issues of concern, streamline project implementation, and enhance the overall quality of tertiary education delivery in our nation.

“As we move forward, let us approach today’s discussions with openness, collaboration, and a shared vision to elevate our institutions and the students we serve.

“Together, we can strengthen accountability, drive innovation, and ensure that the legacy of TETFUND remains impactful, equitable and enduring for generations to come.”

Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission (NUC), Professor Abdullahi Ribadu emphasised the importance of the meeting for evaluating the implementation and impact of TETFUND – supported projects in higher education institutions.

The NUC chief, who was represented by Dr. Joshua Atah appreciated TETFUND’s vital role in improving infrastructure, research, staff development, and academic quality, stating that without its support, public education would struggle to survive.

Prof. Ribadu acknowledged the adaptability of TETFUND’s policies, such as suspending international scholarships to reallocate resources more effectively.

He urged tertiary institutions to be more responsive and ensure that interventions were relevant and efficiently executed.

Ribadu encouraged judicious and timely use of funds and called for open and constructive dialogue during the engagement.

“This calls for greater responsiveness also on the part of the institutions. This responsiveness also includes the areas of the design and implementation of these interventions to ensure that they remain relevant, impactful, and aligned with the future of education in Nigeria.

“It’s also important that we judiciously utilise these resources, and not just judicious utilisation but also in a timely manner so that we don’t lose the fund,” he said.

News

Again, Boko Haram reportedly attack military base in Borno

Published

3 hours ago

May 13, 2025

Admin

Suspected Boko Haram terrorists have attacked a Nigerian Army base in Marte , the headquarters of Marte Local Government Area of Borno State with casualties

The terrorists attacked the 153 Task Force Battalion’s Forward Operation Base (FOab) at around 3am on Monday, according to the locals and security sources.

They said the terrorists also burnt armoured tanks and seized arms and ammunition from the base during the attack.

“ISWAP has taken over Marte. An unspecified number of soldiers were killed, some captured, and many others fled towards Dikwa.

“They are currently at the 24 Task Force Brigade in Dikwa,” a source said.

Recent terrorist attacks have targeted several military formations in Borno and Yobe, including Sabon Gari and Buni Yadi, with the latest being the attack on the 153 Task Force Battalion.

Attempts to reach Maj-Gen Markus Kangye, Director of Defence Media Operations, were unsuccessful as he didn’t answer calls or respond to text messages.

News

Taraba Woos Global Investors Ahead of Landmark Economic Summit

Published

3 hours ago

May 13, 2025

Gloria Ikibah

…Taravest 2025 to Unlock Opportunities in agric, energy, mining

…as state offers peace, resources, incentives

By Gloria Ikibah

The Federal Government and Government of Taraba State have called on the international community and private sector players to partner with Taraba in unlocking the state’s massive investment potentials across agriculture, energy, mining, and tourism.

This call comes ahead of the Taraba International Investment Summit (Taravest), with the theme: “Unlocking Taraba’s Investment Potentials, Advancing Agriculture, Energy, Mining and Industrialization for sustainable development “, scheduled for May 21, 2025, in Jalingo, Taraba state.

Speaking at the diplomatic preparatory briefing in Abuja, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, who was represented by Ambassador Anderson Madubike commended the initiative, describing it as a platform that aligns with Nigeria’s economic diplomacy agenda.

“I wish to commend His Excellency and indeed the Government of Taraba State for convening this timely summit, particularly at this time when the whole world is in need of creating a travelling investment climate through co-location. There is therefore the need for partnership between governments, private sector players, and civil societies,” the Minister stated.

He emphasised that Taravest represents “a collective pursuit of development and prosperity, not only for Taraba State, but indeed for the whole world.

“They have enormous resources—we’re talking about gold, we’re talking about uranium, and many others, and of course agriculture, fertile land, which you know, food, is the way to go”, he added.

Ambassador Madubike noted that the theme for the summit, themed “Unlocking Taraba’s Investment Potentials: Advancing Agriculture, Energy, Mining, and Industrialization for Sustainable Growth,” is expected to attract both local and international stakeholders.

“Our presence here signifies a commitment to making Taraba a model of investment and sustainable development,” he said.

In his address, the Executive Governor of Taraba State, Dr. Agbu Kefas, expressed gratitude to the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs and extended an open invitation to diplomats and investors.

Dr. Agbu highlighted the significance of the summit as the first of its kind since the state was created in 1991, and laid out three clear objectives.

“It is my great honor to welcome you to the Paivota Preparatory Meeting for the Taraba State International Investment Summit, Taravest 2025, in just nine days to come.

“To orient you to Taraba’s untapped potentials and the structure of the summit; to inspire your confidence in our security, infrastructure, and business environment; and to enlist your support in rallying investors, technical partners, and development agencies”, the governor said.

He emphasised Taraba’s strategic strengths, citing five core advantages, this is as he reassured guests about the state’s security readiness.

“Peace and security, over 44,000 km² of fertile land for agriculture, massive hydropower and solar capacity, rich mineral reserves including gold, barite, and lithium, and growing opportunities in tourism and the digital economy.

“I want to assure you that we have coordinated with the state security services, the Nigerian military, the Nigerian police, and our traditional rulers… to guarantee your safety”, he added.

The summit, he explained, will feature B2B and B2G matchmaking, policy dialogues, PPP frameworks, and guided site visits to model farms and mining zones.

“Taravest 2025 is more than a conference. It is a statement of fact that Taraba is open for transformative partnership. I invite you to leverage your good offices to mobilize your government and business communities,so that together we will convert promise into progress and unlock a future of shared prosperity”, Dr. Agbu added.

He also urged embassies to submit the names of participating investors and delegates by May 16, 2025, to ease logistics.

Taravest 2025, which will hold at the Banquet Hall of the Government House in Jalingo, aims to attract capital, expertise, and innovation to transform Taraba into a thriving investment destination and economic powerhouse.