News
Oyo, Microsoft Partner to Provide 800 Computers for Digital Literacy
The Oyo State Government yesterday disclosed that it is partnering Microsoft and Signal Alliance on its digital literacy programme, saying that 800 computers will be provided across eight centres as the pilot scheme.
The government disclosed these during a press conference attended by representatives of Microsoft Nigeria, Signal Alliance, tertiary institutions, schools governing boards and other stakeholders held at the Film Theatre of the State Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism in Ibadan.
Speaking at the conference, Dr Bisi Akin-Alabi, Special Adviser to Governor Abiola Ajimobi on Education, stated that the state would launch digital literacy centers to prepare the state towards producing a knowledgeable competent workforce in the country.
She explained that the state government alliance with Microsoft and Signal Alliance would give birth to eight centres with 100 computers each, stressing that four centres would be in Ibadan, two in Oke Ogun, 1 for Oyo Ibarapa Zone and One for Ibarapa zone.
Dr. Akin-Alabi said that every student is expected to benefit from the digital literacy, noting that Microsoft has promised to give the state 700 computers every year to complement the state government’s efforts until each school in the state is covered.
According to her, “This digital literacy project was put on ground towards the Sustainable Development Goals in education in order to ensure wholesome offerings for all and to demonstrate government’s commitment to delivery of the Sustainable Development Goals 4 (SDG), to bridge gaps in education provision.
Oyo State government is collaborating with Microsoft and Signal Alliance to launch the digital literacy and cluster learning centers in the State.
Initially, the government wanted to provide 3 Cluster Learning Centre, CLC, as a pilot scheme but the partnership with Microsoft and Signal Alliance increased it to eight. This is to improve access to qualitative education in the State by all private and public pupils.
The Senator Abiola Ajimobi-led administration in Oyo State is set to launch a 21st Century Compliant digital literacy drive. This is another unprecedented move by the administration to prepare Oyo State for a knowledge-based future and make the State a hub for producing a knowledgeable competent workforce in Nigeria”.
In her comments, the Microsoft Head of Education Programs in Nigeria, Ms Jordan Belmonte said that the programme was built towards making Oyo State meet the global technological pace, saying that this project could put Nigeria on the digital technological map through the state.
Belmonte pledged Microsoft’s commitment to lifelong education by providing education solutions and at the same time, promoting adoption of ICT in schools. She stressed that the project will lead to institutional change and students can get certification which is recognized globally thereby giving Nigerian companies the opportunity to find the needed talents from their host community.
She stated, “We are delighted to partner the Oyo State Government and Signal Alliance we believe that investment in education is a critical component of preparing youths for the global workforce and it is directly tied to a country’s economic growth.
Our mission is to ensure that we support this advancement in learning and the benefits it provides for Nigerian students. Microsoft Nigeria is committed to promoting lifelong learning by providing affordable access to education solutions and promoting the adoption of ICT in schools.”
Mrs. Adamma Onoegbu, representative of Signal Alliance, said it was important to prepare graduates before joining the workforce so as to be sure of quality input into the nation’s economy.
She said that technology should reach everywhere in Nigeria, hence the need to support the digital literacy drive of the Oyo State Government. He assured that the company will ensure that the objectives of the programme are realized.
The press conference was attended by Prof. Adeniyi Olowofela, State Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Mr. Toye Arulogun, Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism, Mrs Aderonke Makanjuola, Chairman, Oyo State Universal Basic Education Board, SUBEB, among others.
National Orientation Agency (NOA) has revealed that an investigation by its Community Orientation and Mobilisation Officers (COMO) uncovered unethical practices by some tertiary institutions, in collaboration with certain banks, that are depriving students of their rightful access to the Federal Government Student Loan Fund.
Paul Odenyi, deputy director of Communications and Media, in a statement Sunday, disclosed that several universities and financial institutions have been found engaging in fraudulent activities that prevent students from receiving the loans allocated to them.
Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu, director general, NOA, shared these troubling findings following a high-level meeting with Mr. Akintunde Sawyerr, managing director, Nigeria Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), over the weekend.
According to NOA, preliminary reports led to an urgent intervention from NELFUND after it was discovered that some university officials had deliberately withheld critical details about student loan disbursements.
Further feedback from NOA confirmed that certain institutions, in collusion with banks, have intentionally delayed payments to approved applicants for dubious financial gain.
Additionally, some universities do not acknowledge the disbursements made by NELFUND to students.
Sawyerr confirmed that certain institutions have withheld information about loan payments issued in students’ names while still demanding tuition fees from them.
He warned that NELFUND is ready to take legal action against institutions found guilty of engaging in fraudulent practices.
He stated, “Recent findings by NELFUND have shown that some institutions have received student loan disbursements directly into their accounts yet neglect to inform the affected students or record the payments in their financial records, leading to unnecessary confusion.
“Withholding critical financial information from students is not only unethical but also a breach of the principles on which NELFUND was founded.
“We are prepared to take legal action against any institution engaged in such deceptive practices.”
The investigation revealed that in some instances, universities continued to demand full tuition payments from students, despite having already received the loan funds intended to cover those fees.
According to the NOA, this constitutes a gross violation of student rights and a betrayal of public trust.
Issa-Onilu, therefore, issued a strong warning to the institutions and collaborating financial institutions, demanding an immediate end to these actions.
He also directed all NOA state directorates to intensify feedback collection from students nationwide to aid the Federal Government in identifying and penalising the erring parties.
The NOA emphasised its commitment to transparency, accountability, and ensuring that students benefit fully from the government’s intervention in education financing.
The statement added that the investigation remains ongoing, and further actions are expected in the coming weeks.
Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has announced a remarkable $6.83 billion balance of payments surplus for 2024, marking a decisive turnaround from deficits of $3.34 billion in 2023 and $3.32 billion in 2022.
This achievement reflects the impact of sweeping macroeconomic reforms, stronger trade dynamics, and renewed investor confidence in the nation’s economic direction.
Speaking at the 36th Enugu International Trade Fair, Acting Director of Corporate Communications, Mrs. Hakama Sidi Ali, highlighted the CBN’s commitment to addressing economic challenges and fostering productivity, particularly for SMEs.
She emphasized the importance of robust financial systems, foreign exchange stability, and collaboration between monetary and fiscal authorities in achieving industrial development and global recognition.
The President of the Enugu Chamber of Commerce, Sir Odeiga Jideonwo, commended the CBN’s efforts but expressed concerns over the recent hike in interest rates, cautioning that it could hinder access to credit for businesses.
This surplus signals a positive trajectory for Nigeria’s economy, benefiting investors, businesses, and citizens alike.
News
Senate Committee Partners with Kuda Bank to Tackle Compliance Crisis as Nigeria Loses ₦3.4 Trillion
Over ₦3.4 trillion in financial infractions were uncovered across federal Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) in 2021, according to the Auditor General’s report — a staggering figure that highlights Nigeria’s deepening compliance crisis and the urgent need for stronger oversight in public institutions.
In response, the Senate Committee on Legislative Compliance is hosting a high-level workshop to address the root causes of weak oversight and institutional gaps. The two-day event, with the theme ‘Consolidating Strategies for Strengthening Legislative Compliance by MDAs’, will take place on April 15 and 16, 2025 at NAF Suites, Abuja, bringing together lawmakers, regulators, and over two hundred representatives from federal MDAs.
Kuda Microfinance Bank is co-sponsoring the workshop as part of its commitment to supporting responsible innovation, governance, and regulatory alignment in Nigeria’s financial ecosystem.
Rasaq Kadri, Kuda’s Head of Compliance, will deliver a keynote address on the second day of the event, highlighting the efforts of Nigeria’s fintechs to promote inclusion and financial literacy without compromising on compliance best practices.
“When public funds go unaccounted for, it doesn’t just damage government credibility, it affects the entire financial ecosystem, including fintechs,” said Kadri. “We can’t build trust-driven products in a trust-deficient environment. Every time compliance is treated as a box-ticking exercise, we miss the chance to build something that lasts. Fintechs have the tools and perspective to support better governance, but more importantly, we have a responsibility to be part of the solution.”
As a sponsor, Kuda will take the workshop to engage directly with key stakeholders in Nigeria’s regulatory and public service ecosystem.
Plenary sessions will be chaired by the Honourable Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi SAN, and the Honourable Minister of Finance, Wale Edun. Conversations will focus on closing compliance gaps, strengthening institutional transparency, and promoting cross-sector collaboration.
The Senate Committee on Legislative Compliance Workshop is a unique platform for dialogue, knowledge-sharing, and collaborative action.
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