NELFUND Applauds Dangote Foundation’s N100bn Annual Education Scholarship Programme

The Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) has commended the Aliko Dangote Foundation for launching a landmark N100 billion annual scholarship programme designed to support more than 1.3 million Nigerian students in public secondary and tertiary institutions over the next decade. The initiative was unveiled in Lagos, with Vice President Kashim Shettima representing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. NELFUND described the programme as a significant private-sector intervention that complements the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda and ongoing efforts to expand access to quality education nationwide. Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of NELFUND, Mr Akintunde Sawyerr, praised the Dangote Foundation for its visionary leadership and alignment with national education reform objectives. He noted that the scholarship scheme, which includes a strong focus on Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM), will help ease financial pressures on students while contributing to the development of a skilled, future-ready workforce. “On behalf of NELFUND, we commend President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for promoting collaborative approaches that strengthen Nigeria’s education sector,” Sawyerr said. “This landmark initiative will significantly boost national education financing and ensure that no Nigerian is denied access to education due to financial limitations.” NELFUND also expressed its readiness to collaborate with the Dangote Foundation and other stakeholders to guarantee transparency, efficiency and maximum impact in the implementation of the scholarship programme. The Fund emphasised the importance of strong partnerships between government, the private sector and development partners in building a sustainable and inclusive education system, in line with President Tinubu’s call for shared responsibility in national development. NELFUND congratulated the Dangote Foundation once again and expressed confidence that the initiative will have a lasting positive impact on Nigeria’s education sector.

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Bandits Use Advanced Technology To Evade Security, Says Bosun Tijani

Bosun Tijani, Nigeria’s minister of communications, innovation and digital economy, has disclosed that bandits are using advanced technology to evade surveillance, making it difficult for security agencies to track their activities. Speaking with Seun Okinbaloye on Channels TV’s Politics Today on Friday night, Tijani explained that monitoring the communications of these criminal groups is far more complex than most Nigerians realise. He said bandits deliberately route their calls through multiple towers, a tactic that allows them to stay ahead of security operatives. “The reason why the president actually pushed us to invest in towers in those areas is that we realised there was a special kind of technology that they were using to call,” Tijani said. “They were not using the normal towers; they bounce calls off multiple towers. That is why they enjoy living in areas that are unconnected.” The minister added that the federal government is also working to upgrade Nigeria’s satellites to enhance monitoring and intelligence gathering. “Because if our towers are not working, our satellites will work,” he said. Tijani stressed that the situation underscores the urgent need for significant investment in telecommunications infrastructure. “If you go to China, they have over four million 5G towers. The total number of towers we have in Nigeria is just about 40,000,” he noted. His comments come as insecurity surges across the country, particularly in the north, with recent incidents including the abduction of schoolchildren in Niger and Kebbi states and attacks on churches in Kogi and Kwara states. The ongoing wave of kidnappings and killings has sparked public concern, leading the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) to announce a nationwide protest set for December 17.

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Nicki Minaj Calls For Immediate End To Alleged Christian Persecution In Nigeria

Nicki Minaj has sparked widespread discussion online after taking to X to speak out against what she described as the persecution of Christians in Nigeria, calling for an immediate end to the killings. The rapper also broadened her message, urging that violence against Christians be stopped not only in Nigeria but across the world. Through a series of strongly worded posts, Nicki framed her message with faith-based language and urgent appeals. In one tweet, she referenced the popular Christian hymn On Christ the Solid Rock I Stand before demanding freedom for Christians in Nigeria and calling for the violence to stop. She followed up with another post expressing spiritual condemnation, stating that the Holy Spirit had been grieved and insisting the attacks must end immediately. In a further message addressed to nations globally, Nicki warned against further bloodshed, declaring that the blood of those who call on Christ’s name should no longer be shed. The posts quickly gained traction on social media, triggering mixed reactions. While many praised the rapper for using her global influence to highlight alleged religious persecution, others pointed to the complex nature of Nigeria’s security challenges and ongoing debates surrounding the violence.

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LASU Issues Warning Against Unauthorised Skits, Requires Approval For Filming On Campus

Lagos State University (LASU) has issued a stern warning to students, staff, and visitors against producing offensive or unauthorised skits on campus, following a prank video that simulated a bandit attack. The incident on December 5, titled “Bandits Prank on Lasuites,” showed individuals dressed as bandits storming the Ojo campus, causing panic among students and passersby before it was later confirmed to be staged. In a statement on Friday, LASU spokesperson Oluwayemisi Thomas-Onashile expressed concern over the rising use of university premises for content that is inappropriate, offensive, or misrepresents the institution’s values. “The Lagos State University has observed with concern the increasing unauthorised use of its campuses and facilities for content creation activities, particularly by students. While the university encourages creativity and responsible self-expression, some of the content being produced is offensive, inappropriate, and misrepresents the values and image of the institution,” the statement read. The university stressed that such activities could harm its reputation and undermine its standing as a centre of learning and character development. LASU has directed that anyone wishing to conduct filming—whether skits, short films, promotional videos, or any audiovisual recordings—on campus, hostels, or adjoining facilities must first obtain approval from the Centre for Information and Public Relations. Additionally, the university banned the use of drones on campus without formal authorisation from its security department, citing safety and privacy concerns. “As a responsible institution committed to maintaining the sanctity of the university environment as a hub of knowledge, research, and innovation, all cinematographic activities on LASU campuses now require prior approval,” the statement concluded.

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Nigeria Immigration Service To Suspend Passport Digital Platform Temporarily For Maintenance

The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has announced that its Passport Digital Platform will be temporarily unavailable due to scheduled maintenance. Spokesperson Akinsola Akinlabi said on Friday that the maintenance will run from 12:00 a.m. on December 12 to 6:00 a.m. on December 14, 2025 (GMT). “The Nigeria Immigration Service is conducting routine maintenance on its Passport Digital Platform to improve system performance and enhance the user experience. During this time, users may encounter service interruptions, slower response times, or limited access to certain NIS Passport Services,” the statement read. The NIS urged the public to exercise patience, noting that the maintenance is necessary to ensure a secure and efficient digital passport system.

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Carter Efe Overexcited After Hearing About Possible Davido Collaboration

Comedian Carter Efe has stirred excitement online with his dramatic reaction to the possibility of collaborating with music star Davido. In a trending video, Efe is seen screaming, jumping, and even scooping sand in sheer excitement, completely overwhelmed by the news. His over-the-top display has delighted fans, who have flooded social media with comments praising his authenticity. Many described it as one of the funniest and most relatable reactions to a major career breakthrough. Davidoooo 001 don show love😭😭😭😭😭 pic.twitter.com/WhSA0NYfg8 — CARTEREFE (@carterefe__) December 12, 2025

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Don Jazzy Shocked After Woman Requests Debt Payment And Funding For Kidney Charity

Don Jazzy was stunned after a woman on X went from making a lighthearted Christmas wish to requesting help with paying off a debt and funding her charity, the “Mercy Foundation,” which supports kidney patients. The woman had posted, “I wish @DONJAZZY would ask me what I need for Christmas,” and Don Jazzy jokingly replied, “lol Oya na what do you want?” She then revealed she needed help settling a debt and wanted support to kickstart her foundation, inspired by her brother who died of kidney disease. Caught off guard, Don Jazzy responded, “Ahhh Sister, this your request is giving everlasting expenses on another person’s pocket o. You suppose pity this boy.”

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Aliko Dangote Becomes First African To Reach $30 Billion Net Worth

Aliko Dangote Pledges 25% Of His Wealth To Foundation, With Family Approval If He Passes

Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote, has announced plans to donate 25% of his wealth to the Aliko Dangote Foundation, reinforcing his role as a leading philanthropist. The pledge was made during the launch of the Foundation’s new education initiative in Lagos. Dangote said his family, including his mother and three children, have approved the arrangement to ensure the commitment continues in the event of his passing. “My mother and my three children have already signed off on this deal should anything like death happen to me,” he stated. As part of the initiative, Dangote plans to invest ₦100 billion in 2026, supporting more than 155,000 learners across Nigeria. He will also provide ₦590 million annually to a school for orphaned girls in Maiduguri to guarantee its ongoing operation.

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