AFOLABI
Chinese shock automobile world, build floatable cars - Offer 10 yrs/1,000,000km warranty
IT is beginning to look as if cars are now built to last a life-time. Surprisingly, such cars are not even from established brands that you might be thinking of.
Ordinarily, most people would think that such cars are made in Germany, Britain, America, Japan or Korea. But they are wrong.
The cars that are giving world renowned automakers sleepless nights are from China.
Have you imagined that a car built in China could offer 10 years or 1,000,000 kilometer warranty? Or that a car could float on water in case of emergency? This is the new bar that the Chinese automakers are setting.
Leading this new technology exploits are the Jetour and BYD companies and other Chinese makers are gearing up to surpass the competition in no time.
For instance, the new Jetour T2 Sport Utility Vehicle is offering 10 years/one million kilometer warranty and a host of new technologies that could make renown automobile makers look like learners. This five seater SUV comes with array of features that are not common in its segment, thereby giving other traditional brands serious concern for worry. Roof rails, bulging wheel arches, striking tailgate and high-tech light signature, stand the SUV out.
Measuring about 4.78 meters long which is slightly shorter than the Hyundai Santa Fe, the Jetour T2 comes with imposing front end with its large grille, LED headlights and lower guards.
The T2’s clean cabin comes with 15.6-inch HD central screen as well as 10.25-inch instrumentation and a centre console that houses the gear selector and driving profiles. Ventilate and panoramic roof with snapdragon 8155 chip and 12-speaker Sony audio completes the luxury feelings in the T2.
Power is at your control with the 2.0 Turbo petrol engine which delivers 254 PS and 390Nm of peak torque. This engine is linked to a seven-speed DCT dual-clutch automatic gear and six generation BorgWarner all-wheel drive system.
Features such as remote parking, lane assist, 360 camera, adaptive cruise control with traffic jam guidance, fatigue detector, blind spot monitoring and automatic braking, are standard features of Jetour T2.
Another shocker from the Chinese automaker is the BYD Yangwang U8 SUV which delivers unrivalled off-road prowess and can be driven off-land too. It can float like a boat in flood even when the water gets up to the window level.
BYD revealed that the upcoming U8 Premium Edition was designed to withstand extreme weather conditions, including flash floods. If you’re ever caught in a flood, the SUV will elevate its suspension, turn off its engine (more on that in a bit), switch its HVAC system to re-circulation mode and seal its windows so that it can remain afloat up to 30 minutes, according to CarScoops. The vehicle can do more than just float, though. It can also drive forward at speeds of up to 1.8 mph. You’ll be able to maneuver around objects if necessary, too.
Water readiness is far from the U8’s only attractive feature. The full-size SUV is being pitched as a Chinese alternative to the ultra-chic Mercedes-Benz G-Wagon and Range Rover. Its unique hybrid power train, the U8 is an extended-range EV (EREV), which means it pairs a four-motor electric power train with a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that acts as a range extender. BYD says the setup produces 1,200 hp and has a range of 621 miles.
BYD isn’t the first company to think about making a land-based electric ride that can travel through water. Elon Musk has had the same idea for the Cybertruck. Last year, the company’s CEO posted on X, then known as Twitter, that the eagerly anticipated EV would be able to “serve briefly as a boat.” We’ve yet to see the finished Cybertruck—the examples that have rolled off the line have only been production candidates—so it remains to be seen if the ability will be available.
LP, PDP Reject US Claim That 2023 Polls Reflected Will Of Nigerians
The opposition Labour Party, LP, and Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, yesterday, expressed shock over how the United States 2023 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices arrived at its conclusion that the 2023 polls reflected the will of Nigerians, despite widespread irregularities.
However, the All Progressives Congress, APC, and the Presidency hailed the report but said the party did not need external validation of its victories at the polls.
The report published by the Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labour, US Department of State, highlighted human rights practices and violations in different countries, including Nigeria.
It said the last general elections in Nigeria reflected the will of the populace, despite widespread irregularities.
Picking holes in the conclusion, LP and PDP said they are committed to deepening democracy in Nigeria and averting a one-party state.
The report stated that supporters of the All Progressives Congress, APC, suppressed votes in Igbo-dominated areas during the March 2023 governorship election in Lagos.
“National elections were widely reported to have reflected the will of voters, despite technical and logistical difficulties, and some irregularities.
“Many independent observers who assessed the results of the presidential, legislative, and state-level elections during the year reflected the will of voters despite reports of voter suppression and vote-buying, campaigning at polling stations, lack of ballot secrecy, violence, and intimidation.
“During the March 18 state election in Lagos, All Progressives Congress (APC) supporters reportedly intimidated and suppressed voters in Igbo-dominated areas, which Labour Party Presidential Candidate, Peter Obi, won in the February 25 national election.
“Viral videos on social media showed APC supporters in Ojo (LGA in Lagos) threatening to attack ethnic Igbo voters presumed to be pro-Obi.
“In Eti-Osa, APC supporters also attacked journalists and, in some cases, shut down voting and prevented non-Yoruba voters from accessing polls. They similarly destroyed property and physically blocked voters in Amuwo-Odofin.
“According to videos posted on social media, police officers were present but failed to respond to attacks,’’ the report read.
It said there was no evidence that individuals who perpetrated violence in Lagos during the election were arrested or prosecuted.
The report also stated that the Nigerian government has not “consistently” implemented anti-corruption laws.
It said there was “widespread” corruption across the country, including the judiciary.
“In August, President Tinubu appointed former Governor Abubakar Bagudu, the Minister of Budget, despite Bagudu’s widely reported history of helping then-President Sani Abacha steal hundreds of millions of dollars from the government in the 1990s,’’ the report stated.
However, the two main opposition political parties, the PDP and the LP, in reaction to the report, restated their commitment to the development of democracy in Nigeria, despite its shortcomings.
National Publicity Secretary of the PDP, Debo Ologunagba, in a telephone chat with newsmen said: “I am yet to read the report but one thing we, as a party, can assure Nigerians is that we remain committed to the advancement of democracy in our country.
“We are also committed to ensuring that our country does not become a one-party state or slide into dictatorship.”
Speaking in a similar vein, his counterpart in the Labour Party, Obiora Ifoh, said: “With all said and done, we take solace in the fact that the report was fair enough to admit that there were irregularities, including but not limited to vote buying, ballot box snatching, intimidation and physical attacks on our party supporters, especially in Lagos.
“The report was magnanimous enough to note that supporters of the All Progressives Congress, APC, suppressed votes in areas dominated by our supporters during the March 2023 governorship election in Lagos.
“To say the outcome of such an election reflects the majority view of Nigerians is left for the people to judge. Our commitment to the development of democracy in Nigeria remains unshakable.”
On its part, the ruling APC said while it welcomed the report, it does not need any external validation in that regard.
Deputy National Organizing Secretary of the party, Nze Chidi Duru, told Vanguard that the party had since moved on, concentrating on developing Nigeria’s electoral democracy.
He said: “It (report) is a welcome development but I want to restate that we do not need any external validation on the outcome of the 2023 general election.
‘’That election, as far as the party is concerned and as far as the people of Nigeria are concerned, is now behind us and we are looking forward to the 2027 general election.
“All the infrastructure of government at all levels, whether it is at the federal, state, local government or ward level, are already in place. Our councillors, National Assembly members and governors have been elected and are in place.
‘’Where there are issues arising from that election, those elections have been contested at the courts and we know that the courts have heard and given their well-considered ruling. So, we have gone beyond that.
“We also believe improvement, development and change are constant things and then as a government, we will continue to encourage and fund INEC in a way that empowers them to be able to further improve the electoral process in Nigeria.
“As we continue to march on the path of democracy, we hope to continue to conduct elections that would reflect the will of Nigerians.
“So, in a nutshell, as much as this is welcome, we do not need any external validation. Elections have been conducted and those elected have assumed offices and where there are disputes, they were taken to courts and the issues have been resolved.”
Speaking in like manner, the Presidency through the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, said INEC “conducted a free and fair election.’’
He noted that there is nowhere in the world the electoral umpire conducted a 100 per cent error-free election.
His words: “INEC conducted a free and fair election. We don’t need any foreign country to validate or make our election free and fair.
“The report doesn’t require any validation. As far as we are concerned, it was a free and fair election. We (the All Progressives Congress) won the election.”
The presidential aide also debunked the allegation of voter suppression in Lagos State.
16 CBN-Licensed Loan App Companies In Nigeria
The digital lending landscape in Nigeria has witnessed significant growth, with an array of licensed loan app companies offering credit facilities to both individuals and businesses.
These companies, licensed by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), play a crucial role in providing financial services to the informal sector.
The Limited Interim Regulatory Framework and Guidelines for Digital Lending, spearheaded by the FCCPC, have led to the registration and approval of over 260 digital lenders that meet the required standards. However, it’s noteworthy that only a fraction of these lenders are licensed by the CBN, subjecting them to stringent guidelines and ethical practices in loan recovery.
Here are 16 CBN-licensed loan app companies actively operating in Nigeria’s digital lending space:
- Fast Credit Limited (FCL): Offers investment and loan products to individuals and SMEs, including micro and nano loans via its mobile app and USSD service.
- Baines Credit Microfinance Bank Limited: Provides quick digital loans and salary advances for various sectors, including salary earners and MSMEs.
- Greenbond Finance Company Limited: Facilitates instant loan services through its app Apply 24/7, offering salary advances and asset finance without collateral or guarantor requirements.
- Ekondo Microfinance Bank: Focuses on credit facilities tailored for clients in the South-South region, offering civil servant loans, salary advances, and fast cash.
- Accion Microfinance Bank: Offers personal and business loans, including a School Fees Loan for easy payment facilitation.
- Newedge Finance Limited: Provides instant loan services through multiple apps such as Palm Credit, New Credit, Easy Buy, Xcross Cash, and Xcash.
- Shepherd Trust Microfinance Bank: Offers savings, investment, and loan products to MSMEs, with individual loans available to qualifying salary earners.
- Firmus Microfinance Bank: Provides financial services to individuals and SMEs, offering various loans through its mobile app, including personal, house, school, and car loans.
- Cashbridge Microfinance Bank: Offers business loans, school fees loans, and home loans, among others, designed to fulfill customers’ financial goals.
- Zedvance Finance Limited: Provides instant collateral-free loans through its MoneyPal App, tailored to customers’ specific needs.
- Credit Direct Limited: Focuses on quick turnaround loans with minimal documentation and efficient processes, emphasizing customer service.
- FairMoney: Processes instant loans of up to one million naira, along with banking services, for individuals and businesses.
- Branch International Financial Services: Offers personalized loan offers through its mobile app, with loan eligibility determined using smartphone data.
- Carbon Finance and Investments Limited: Provides a range of financial services, including personal and business loans, payments, credit scoring, savings, and investments.
- Renmoney Microfinance Bank: Grants personal and micro-business loans ranging from N50,000 to N6 million, alongside savings and banking services.
- Links Microfinance Bank: Provides a one-stop approach to banking services, including savings, loans, and investments through its Sofri mobile app.
Dana Air: FG Orders Audit Of All Domestic Airlines In Nigeria
The federal government has directed the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) to conduct a thorough audit of all domestic airlines operating in the country.
This was made known on Thursday by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, who emphasized the need to ensure the safety of passengers.
Fortunately, no casualty was recorded in the incident, which happened on Tuesday, 23rd April.
Against the backdrop of the incident, Keyamo said during an appearance on Channels TV that in addition to suspending Dana Airlines and conducting an audit of the airline, all other airlines in the country will undergo audits to ensure the safety of passengers and the sustainability of the civil aviation sector.
FAAN Reopens Lagos Airport Runway After Dana Air Incident
The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has officially declared the reopening of runway 18L/36R at Murtala Muhammed Airport in Lagos.
Naija News understands that the runway was temporarily closed earlier on Tuesday following a Dana Air plane skidding off it.
A press release signed by FAAN’s Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Obiageli Orah, on Wednesday, stated that the runway is now safe for operation following a joint inspection by the FAAN Operations Division and the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency.
FAAN also recognized the need for extensive cleaning efforts in the muddy area affected by the overshoot to ensure safety is restored.
Northern Nigerian Universities Refuse To Allow Christian Worship Centres - Bishop Kukah Alleges
The Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Matthew Kukah, has expressed his concern about the growing prevalence of ethnic and religious prejudices in Nigerian universities, especially in the northern region of the country.
Speaking during an interview with Arise TV on Thursday, Kukah alleged that most universities in the North have refused to allow the Christian community to establish worship centres on the school premises.
Bishop Kukah also criticized the diminishing diversity and merit-based practices in academic institutions in the region.
He said: “A mosque was constructed at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka. I delivered a convocation lecture in Calabar three weeks ago. After my lecture, the Chief Imam of the University came to congratulate me.
“But as I speak to you, Usman Dan Fodio, who is over 40 years old, Bayero University, and other universities in Northern Nigeria have decided to close their doors to the possibility of churches being built in the universities across this country.
“All this fanaticism we are seeing is expressed in public life. If students in the university or at the point of their growing up are not allowed to integrate and interrelate, and if churches or mosques cannot be built across this country, then there is a problem.”
The Catholic Bishop emphasized that diversity and meritocracy in Nigerian universities are on the decline, with ethnic and religious factors taking on a more prominent role.
“There was a time when Ahmadu Bello University had lecturers from different parts of the world. Now, look at what has happened to our universities across Nigeria. Our universities have become just mere incubators of ethnic jingoism.
“So, I do not know which funded Federal University that you will name that has a Vice Chancellor that is not a local boy.
“So the universities themselves have become playgrounds for the ambitions of the local elite. The question is, why should a place of worship be a problem for a university? Whether it is for the Muslim students in Calabar or the Christian students in Sokoto.
“I approached the Minister of Education about this. I have a letter from the Nigerian University Commission. The universities in northern Nigeria have refused to implement this recommendation,” Bishop Kukah said.
NYSC Service Not A Disqualification For Ministerial Appointment - Court Dismisses Suit Challenging Musawa’s Appointment As Minister
A Federal High Court, Abuja, has dismissed a suit seeking to reverse the appointment of Hannatu Musawa as Minister of Art, Culture and Creative Economy by President Bola Tinubu.
Justice James Omotosho, in a judgment, held that the plaintiffs lacked locus standi (legal right) to institute the suit.
Justice Omotosho also held that even where the plaintiffs were vested with the legal right to file the matter, the suit, itself, lacked merit.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had, on July 27, 2023, transmitted Musawa’s name, among names of minister-designates, to the Senate for confirmation.
Musawa, a lawyer and immediate-past Presidential Adviser on Culture and Entertainment Economy, was screened by the Senate on Aug.1, 2023, and was sworn in as minister on Aug. 21, 2023.
At the time, the minister who hails from Katsina State was appointed, she was alleged to be a serving National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member.
Against this backdrop, the Incorporated Trustees of Concerned Nigeria, Chief Dr Patrick Eholor and Thomas Marcus, who were 1st to 3rd plaintiffs respectively, filed the suit before Justice Omotosho.
In the suit marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/1198/23 filed Aug. 30, 2023, the plaintiffs sued President Tinubu, the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and Musawa as 1st to 3rd defendants respectively.
They prayed the court to determine whether by provisions of Section 2(1) and (3) of the NYSC Act and Section 4(9) of the NYSC Bye-Laws (Revised 2011), Musawa, who was a corps member at the time, was not prohibited from becoming a federal minister.
They also urged the court to determine “whether by the provisions of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), whether the same qualification of a member of House of Representatives is not also the same qualification for the appointment of 3rd defendant (Musawa) as a minister and whether the same qualification is not mandatory for her to be a federal minister of Nigeria.”
Upon favourable resolution of the questions, the plaintiffs sought an order nullifying the initial recommendation, resolution to be a minister, appointment and swearing in of Musawa as a minister.
They sought an order setting aside the swearing-in of the minister.
They equally sought an order of mandatory injunction setting aside all official actions as may be carried out by her acting in any official capacity from the commencement of and swearing in of the minister to the final conclusion of the suit.
They also prayed the court to make an order for payment of general damages in the sum of N100 million against all the defendants.
In their affidavit, they argued that Musawa was mistakenly screened by the Senate and appointed as a minister to supervise the Ministry of Culture.
But the 1st and 2nd defendants in a joint preliminary objection dated and filed Feb 15, sought a dismissal of the suit for want of jurisdiction.
They argued that her appointment was done in line with extant laws as she was duly nominated, screened by the Senate and appointed by the president.
According to them, there is no law that hinders the 1st defendant from appointing a person still serving as an NYSC member as a minister.
They further argued that the only qualification is the same as a person contesting for the post of a member of the House of Representatives.
They submitted that the NYSC certificate or completion of NYSC is not amongst the basic requirements for appointment as a minister, urging the court to dismiss the suit on the grounds that the plaintiffs are incompetent to institute this suit.
On her part, Musawa, through her lawyer, argued that the 1st plaintiff was a non-existent entity and thus, not a juristic person to institute the action.
Also, she argued that none of the plaintiffs had shown how they had suffered special injury to the exclusion of all Nigerians to qualify them to maintain the suit.
In the judgment delivered on Tuesday by Justice Omotosho and the certified true copy of it sighted on Thursday, the judge agreed that for a person to be qualified for appointment as a minister, he must fulfil the conditions in Section 147 (5) of the 1999 Constitution.
According to him, Section 147 (5) says no person shall be appointed as a minister of the Government of the Federation unless he is qualified for election as a member of the House of Representatives.
“It is clear from the above that the qualification for being a member of the House of Representatives will guide the qualification for being a minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” he said.
The judge said that based on Section 65, and subject to Section 66, a person shall be qualified for election as a member of the House of Representatives if he is a citizen of Nigeria and has attained the age of 30 years.
He said it equally provided that a person shall be qualified for election under Subsection (1) of this section if he has been educated up to at least school certificate level or its equivalent; and he is a member of a political party and is sponsored by that party.
“The constitution has made it crystal clear the qualifications and grounds for disqualification as a minister and being a serving corp member is not one of such grounds.
“As a matter of fact, a person to be appointed as a minister only needs to show that he has been educated up to secondary school level.
“Thus the National Youth Service Corps Certificate which can only be attained by graduates who have completed the scheme is a surplusage to the basic requirements to be a minister.
“I therefore hold that there is nothing stopping the 1st defendant (Tinubu) from appointing the 3rd defendant (Musawa) as a minister as she is eminently qualified to be so appointed.
“In final analysis, the plaintiffs lack locus standi to institute this action.
“Even where they are vested with locus standi, the suit lacks merit — same is hereby dismissed,” Justice Omotosho declared.
Mohbad’s Toxicology Result Ready As Pathologist Begins Interpretation
The toxicology tests to determine the cause of death of the popular Nigerian music star, Ilerioluwa Aloba, known professionally as Mohbad, have been completed, with results now forwarded to the Lagos State police.
The tests, conducted in the United States, aim to provide clarity on the circumstances surrounding the singer’s untimely demise.
The recent completion of this test marks a significant advancement in the investigation.
An official from the Lagos State government, preferring to remain anonymous due to restrictions on public communications about the case, informed Punch that the toxicology results were received by the state’s DNA and Forensic Centre last week.
The results were then transmitted to the police earlier this week to assist with further investigations.
The source said, “The toxicology test is ready and given to the police. We projected 10 weeks from the outset but it came in before then. It was received by the DNA and Forensic Centre last week and has been sent to the police.”
A source in the Lagos State Police Command who also spoke on condition of anonymity as he was not permitted to speak to the press confirmed the receipt of the result.
The source said, “The toxicology report is with us. It arrived on Monday but it is medical jargon for us. We don’t understand what it is. So it has been sent to the pathologist that carried out the autopsy to analyse and interpret it.”
The Director of Lagos State DNA and Forensic Centre, Richard Somiari, on March 20, said that the toxicology result would be ready in the next three to four weeks.
Somiari, while testifying during a coroner’s inquest into the death of the singer, said, “We expected to get the first set of autopsy results in three to four weeks and re-confirm to authenticate the cause of the death.”
He said, “We searched for multiple possibilities, to check if poison was involved in the death of Mohbad since no actual cause was mentioned.”
The forensic expert assured the public of adequate security and monitoring of samples for the autopsy.
He said, “We have a place where items are stored for safety and security of results. There is a procedure for monitoring samples moved abroad.”
Mohbad died at the age of 27, on September 12, 2023, with circumstances surrounding his death sparking controversies on social media.
Air Peace To Commence Abuja-London Flights – Keyamo
Air Peace, a leading Nigerian airline, is set to expand its international flight operations by adding a new route from Abuja to London, according to the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo.
Speaking on Channels Television’s “Politics Today” program on Thursday, Keyamo announced that he has approved the new route, signaling a significant step for the local aviation sector.
The move was part of a reciprocal action against the previously lopsided Bilateral Air Service Agreement (BASA) between Nigeria and the United Kingdom, aimed at enhancing fairness in international air travel between the two nations.
The entry of Air Peace into this market has been met with positive responses from industry observers and has spurred competition among international carriers.
Previously, international flight tickets on the Lagos-London route reached highs of N3.5 million.
However, with Air Peace setting the return economy class ticket price at N1.2 million, major foreign airlines such as British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, and Qatar Airways have been compelled to reduce their prices to remain competitive.
The addition of the Abuja-London route is expected to offer more options for travelers, contribute to reducing airfare costs, and stimulate further growth in Nigeria’s aviation sector.
UK Skilled Work Visa Job Categories Get 48% Pay Rise (FULL LIST)
The UK government has announced a 48% increase in the minimum salary requirement for foreign nationals arriving on a Skilled Worker visa, including Nigerian immigrants.
The Home Secretary, James Cleverly, announced on behalf of the UK government that the minimum salary requirement for immigrants has increased from £26,200 to £38,700.
In line with the information updated on April 4, 2024, UK businesses are now obligated to provide substantially higher salaries to overseas workers entering the country on Skilled Worker visas.
Cleverly said: “It’s time to turn off the taps and end the flow of cheap workers from abroad.
“Mass migration is unsustainable, and it’s simply not fair. It undercuts the wages of hard-working people who are just trying to make ends meet.
“We are refocusing our immigration system to prioritise the brightest and best who have the skills our economy needs, while reducing overall numbers.
“I promised the British people an immigration system that serves their interests, and to bring numbers down – these tough measures deliver on that commitment. Employers must also play their part and put British workers first.”
The UK has listed the criteria for the various categories of jobs under the skilled work visa scheme.
For salary requirements, it reads: “You’ll usually need to be paid the ‘standard’ salary rate of at least £38,700 per year, or the ‘going rate’ for your job, whichever is higher.
“Your salary is £39,000 per year, but the annual going rate for the job you’ll be doing is £45,000. You do not meet the usual salary requirements for this visa.
“Each occupation code has its own annual going rate. Check the going rate for your job in the going rates table.”
The statement outlined that different salary rules apply to healthcare or education jobs, which are based on national pay scales.
However, for those not in these fields, eligibility for the visa may still be possible if the salary is at least £30,960 per year.
Below are some of the jobs and their corresponding codes listed under the skilled work visa:
1111 Chief executives and senior officials
1121 Production managers and directors in manufacturing
1122 Production managers and directors in construction
1123 Production managers and directors in mining and energy
1131 Financial managers and directors
1132 Marketing, sales and advertising directors
1133 Public relations and communications directors
1134 Purchasing managers and directors
1135 Charitable organisation managers and directors
1136 Human resource managers and directors
1137 Information technology directors
1139 Functional managers and directors not elsewhere classified
1140 Directors in logistics, warehousing and transport
1150 Managers and directors in retail and wholesale
You can view more job listings and their corresponding codes by clicking on the link.
FG Begins Upgrade Of 50 Selected Secondary Schools
The Federal Government has commenced the upgrade of 50 selected senior secondary schools across the country.
The Executive Secretary of the National Senior Secondary Education Commission (NSSCE), Dr. Iyela Ajayi, stated this in Nasarawa State when he paid a courtesy visit to the state’s Commissioner of Education, Dr. John Mamman.
The Executive Secretary in a statement signed by NSSCE’s Head of Public Relations and Protocol, Fatima Ahmed Bappare, also disclosed that Government College, Nasarawa, was among the selected schools for the upgrade.
He further added that President Bola Tinubu has placed high priority on the development of the education sector as evident in the budget allocation to the sector in the 2024 appropriation Act.
“Upgrade of the 50 selected senior secondary schools across the nation, which was captured in the 2024 budget, is a clear testimony of this administration’s commitment to the development of Senior Secondary Education in the country,” he said.
He further called for cooperation between the Nasarawa State Ministry of Education and the consultant that will be on site for a smooth take off during the upgrade.
Responding, the Permanent Secretary, Nasarawa State Ministry of Education, Mal. Mohammed Sani Bala who represented the Commissioner of Education, expressed appreciation for selecting the state amongst the pullout states, and promised to give every necessary support needed for the success of the upgrade.
He also assured NSSEC of composition of Nasarawa State Senior Secondary Education Board by the state House of Assembly.
Also speaking, the Principal of the College, Mal. Gambo Suleiman, expressed confidence that the upgrades would be a success.
He further listed other areas in the college that needed intervention, like the school perimeter fence, E-library and conventional library, multi-purpose hall, students’ hostels, classrooms and staff quarters for teachers.