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FG Sets Up National Laureate Committee, Introduces ₦365 Million Annual Research Awards

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FG Sets Up National Laureate Committee, Introduces ₦365 Million Annual Research Awards
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By Rukevwe Odeh

The Federal Government has inaugurated the Tertiary Institutions National Laureate Committee as part of a new initiative aimed at encouraging academic excellence, research and innovation across Nigeria’s higher education institutions.

Speaking during the inauguration in Abuja, the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, said the National Laureate Programme is intended to place outstanding scholarly achievements on the same pedestal as excellence in other sectors. He noted that the initiative would also promote the commercialisation of research and inspire students to develop practical solutions capable of driving national growth.

According to the minister, the programme will reward exceptional undergraduate dissertations, master’s theses and doctoral research while encouraging innovation that can strengthen Nigeria’s competitiveness in the global knowledge economy. He stressed that the country must deliberately celebrate intellectual accomplishments if it hopes to build a future driven by ideas and technology.

The newly inaugurated committee is chaired by Emeritus Professor Abubakar Sambo, President of the Nigerian Academy of Science. Other members were drawn from universities and key education agencies, including the National Universities Commission (NUC), National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), National Commission for Colleges of Education (NCCE), TETFund and the Federal Ministry of Education.

Its responsibilities include developing transparent eligibility and assessment guidelines, supervising the selection process, managing the annual prize fund and ensuring that the programme maintains credibility, fairness and international best practices. The committee is also expected to engage tertiary institutions nationwide ahead of the maiden awards scheduled for November 2026.

Under the prize structure, the best undergraduate dissertation will receive ₦35 million, while the top master’s thesis will attract ₦50 million. The winner of the doctoral research category will receive ₦100 million. In addition, six excellence awards valued at ₦30 million each will recognise outstanding contributions in Medicine and Health Sciences, Engineering and Technology, Agriculture, Law, Arts and Social Sciences, as well as Teaching Innovation, bringing the annual prize pool to about ₦365 million.

Dr. Alausa also announced the establishment of the Dr. Stella Adadevoh Excellence Award in Medicine and Medical Innovation to honour the late physician whose decisive actions helped prevent the widespread transmission of Ebola in Nigeria during the 2014 outbreak.

Responding on behalf of the committee, Professor Sambo described the initiative as a major milestone for Nigeria’s education sector. He pledged that the selection process would remain transparent, merit-driven and free from institutional bias, assuring that every qualified student would have an equal opportunity to be recognised regardless of their institution or location.


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Amb. Tom Willy Congratulates Kestin Pondi on PhD Achievement

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Amb. Tom Willy Congratulates Kestin Pondi on PhD Achievement
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By Derick Peretengboro

Amb. Tom Ebiakpo Willy has congratulated High Chief Engr. Kestin Pondi on his successful attainment of a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree in Public Administration from the University of Benin.

In a congratulatory message, Amb. Willy described the academic achievement as well deserved, noting that it reflects Pondi’s dedication to knowledge acquisition, excellence and service to humanity.

He said the milestone should serve as an inspiration for greater contributions to leadership, societal development and the advancement of the Niger Delta and the wider society.

“Congratulations, High Chief Engr. Kestin Pondi, on your well-deserved accomplishment of a PhD in Public Administration from the University of Benin,” Willy stated.

He further wished the newly conferred scholar continued success, expressing optimism that his academic accomplishment would strengthen his capacity to make meaningful contributions to leadership and development.

Amb. Willy concluded by congratulating High Chief Engr. Kestin Pondi once again on the significant academic milestone.


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MK Party Unveils Mayoral Candidates, Activates Election War Room Ahead of Local Polls

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MK Party Unveils Mayoral Candidates, Activates Election War Room Ahead of Local Polls
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By: Miracle Orumor

The uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party has stepped up preparations for the upcoming local government elections, unveiling its mayoral candidates and activating a dedicated election war room.

The move signals the party’s determination to mount a strong and coordinated campaign as political parties begin positioning themselves for control of key municipalities.

The MK Party said its selected candidates will spearhead its campaign at the local level, while the newly established war room will coordinate election strategies, monitor campaign activities and mobilise support across targeted areas.

Party leaders expressed confidence that the new campaign structure and mayoral candidates would strengthen the party’s presence and improve its chances at the polls.

With the local government elections approaching, the latest development places the MK Party firmly in campaign mode as it seeks to expand its political influence and challenge rival parties for control at the grassroots level.


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Nepal Floods: Gift of the Givers on Standby as Six South Africans Remain Missing

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Nepal Floods: Gift of the Givers on Standby as Six South Africans Remain Missing
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By: Miracle Orumor

Humanitarian organisation Gift of the Givers says it is ready to step in and provide emergency assistance following devastating floods in Nepal, as the search continues for six South Africans who remain missing.

The severe flooding, triggered by heavy rainfall, has caused widespread destruction across parts of Nepal, leaving communities stranded, damaging infrastructure and complicating ongoing rescue operations.

Gift of the Givers has confirmed that it is closely monitoring the unfolding humanitarian crisis and remains on standby to provide assistance where needed.

Meanwhile, concern is growing over the fate of six South Africans who have yet to be located following the disaster. Search and rescue teams are continuing efforts to find those missing despite difficult weather conditions and challenging terrain.

The floods have left several communities facing uncertainty as emergency responders work to reach affected areas and assess the full scale of the destruction.

Authorities are expected to provide further updates as rescue operations continue and efforts intensify to locate survivors.

The unfolding disaster once again highlights the growing threat posed by extreme weather events and the devastating impact they can have on vulnerable communities.


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