News
Wike Harps On the Use of ICT to Develop Education

Chief Nyesom Wike, minister of Education, has urged stakeholders in education to create and exploit local and global opportunities in the deployment of ICT for sustainable development of the sector.
Wike gave the charge in Abuja at a two-day National Conference on ICT in Education with the theme: “Technology-Driven Education: Trends, Challenges and Opportunities”.
“The present state of ICT in education in the country must be improved, if we must attain sustainable development and global competitiveness. Our policies should address the realities of our country even as they align with global trends. We should ensure that education goals and priorities drive our choice of technology. We should use ICT, not only for the acquisition of basic skills, but to foster the development of critical thinking, problem-solving and communication skills,” the minister said.
The minister was represented by Mr Obi Ikibi, director, Human Resource Management in the Ministry.
He urged the conference to ensure the development and sustenance of ICT manpower needed to achieve the human capital requirement for the country.
Wike recommended the use of appropriate technology with local content to be designed for use by the people in local languages and under local conditions.
“Furthermore, we should open up access to research and development; provide appropriate legal, regulatory and security frameworks to ensure that standards set for ICT in education are enforced,’’ he said.
The minister also challenged stakeholders to create financing models for ICT in education and to exploit public-private partnerships to increase funding for ICT in education.
He pointed out that traditional budgeting by government alone had become inadequate for dealing with problems in the education sector.
Wike described the conference as very strategic considering that it was aimed to evolve strategies for effective implementation of ICT in education.
He said it would also facilitate exchange of experiences in the use of ICT in education among stakeholders and provide concepts and tools for formulating viable ICT in education policies.
“We believe that successful contributions to meeting the Millennium Development Goals and Education For All goals are most likely to be made through the development and deployment of ICT in education,” he added.
Dr McJohn Nwaobiala, permanent Secretary in the Ministry, said concerted efforts were being made by the ministry to identify challenges that were thwarting the development and deployment of ICT for human capital development.
Nwaobiala, who was represented by Mrs. Hindatu Abdullahi, director Tertiary Education, said the ministry placed high premium on the attainment of high academic standards for all Nigerians.
In a goodwill message, the Director of Education, British Council, Mr. Brown Wilson, said the council was passionate about Nigerians achieving the best possibilities in education.
Brown said the conference would be focusing on learning and sharing using ICT in the deployment of educational tools.
News
UK Minister for Africa Visits Nigeria to Deepen Strategic Partnership

The United Kingdom’s Minister for Africa, Lord Collins of Highbury, has concluded a three-day visit to Nigeria, aimed at reinforcing the UK-Nigeria Strategic Partnership.
He reaffirmed the UK Government’s strong commitment to deepening trade and investment ties between the United Kingdom and Nigeria.
During his visit, Lord Collins met with senior Nigerian government officials, business leaders, civil society representatives and United Nations agencies.
These engagements underlined the UK’s long-term drive to support Nigeria’s prosperity and stability while deepening bilateral cooperation for transformative growth across our shared priorities.
A key highlight of the visit was Lord Collin’s bilateral meeting with Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, in which both parties reaffirmed their unwavering commitment to strengthening economic ties and promoting regional security. The Minister was joined by the UK’s Trade Envoy to Nigeria, Florence Eshalomi MP.
Lord Collins also met with Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Benjamin Kalu, and discussions focused on opportunities to strengthen engagement between UK’s parliament and Nigeria’s National Assembly and the importance of furthering women’s participation in politics.
Speaking on his visit, the UK Government’s Minister for Africa, Lord Collins said: “Nigeria and the UK share a rich, ambitious relationship: one that is deeply rooted in respect.
“Our Strategic Partnership is at the forefront of this, and my visit has focused on how our countries can continue deepening our cooperation on key issues such as trade and investment to drive economic growth and deliver prosperity for us all.”
The Minister held discussions with United Nations representatives on the ongoing reform of the UN system, its implications for Nigeria and how the reform can effectively support those most in need, particularly in Northeast Nigeria, whilst also contributing to global humanitarian efforts.
Lord Collins also met with civil society leaders to discuss electoral integrity and governance reforms, reinforcing the UK’s commitment to democratic values and community empowerment.
He later visited Nigeria’s Anti-Kidnap Fusion Cell: a key security initiative supported by UK expertise through the National Crime Agency and the Integrated Security Fund, which plays a vital role in enhancing local safety and combating serious crime.
Also commenting on the visit, the British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Dr Richard Montgomery, said: “Driving growth is central to the UK’s foreign and development policy. Lord Collins’ visit to Nigeria underscores the UK’s unwavering commitment to deepening our shared prosperity through expanded trade and investment. We are proud to stand alongside Nigeria as it forges a resilient and dynamic economy.”
This visit underscores the UK’s enduring partnership with Nigeria – built on mutual respect, shared goals, and a vision for a prosperous future for both nations.
News
PalmPay Launches CSR Initiatives to Empower Women, Foster Financial Literacy in Northern Nigeria

In a strategic move to expand financial inclusion in Nigeria, leading mobile banking platform, PalmPay has launched a series of CSR programs across Kano and Kaduna. The CSR initiative named “Passing the Baton” represents the brand’s commitment to passing on knowledge and providing the resources individuals and businesses need to achieve financial independence and drive economic empowerment.
This initiative is a bold move by PalmPay to bridge the opportunity gap in the North by providing financial literacy training and micro-business branding support to 5,000 women-owned businesses in Kano and Kaduna. This strategic initiative reaffirms PalmPay’s commitment to inclusive development and economic empowerment, particularly in underserved regions.
“At PalmPay, we believe that real financial inclusion must be far reaching and cover the grassroots,” said Chika Nwosu, Managing Director of PalmPay. “Our new CSR program is focused on supporting gender equity by equipping women with the knowledge, tools, and visibility they need to thrive as entrepreneurs in their communities.”
Through this initiative, beneficiaries will receive free health insurance, hands-on training workshops, enhanced store branding to boost visibility, and branded merchandise to strengthen their business presence.
The initiative is part of PalmPay’s broader strategy to extend its innovative solutions, expand its footprint in Northern Nigeria, while building sustainable partnerships with local stakeholders for long-term impact.
In a show of support, His Royal Highness, the Emir of Kano, Dr. Muhammadu Sanusi II, has endorsed the initiative, calling on other stakeholders to join forces with PalmPay in ensuring the North benefits fully from the growing digital economy. PalmPay has received commendation from community stakeholders, as the initiative aims to serve as a model for similar projects across other northern states.
As PalmPay continues to scale across Nigeria, the company remains committed to bridging the financial inclusion gap and empowering underserved groups, particularly women and youth, through its innovative solutions and impact initiatives.
News
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