Education
Rugby School Launches in Nigeria, Partners with Eko Atlantic

Renowned for its academic excellence and rich heritage, Rugby School, one of the UK’s leading independent schools, is set to debut in Nigeria in September 2025.
Located in the vibrant Eko Atlantic City, Lagos, Rugby School Nigeria will initially offer a Sixth Form programme for day students aged 16 and above.
The curriculum will focus on academic excellence and a diverse array of extracurricular activities, preparing students for entry into leading global universities.
Starting September 2026, the school will expand to accommodate day and boarding students aged 11 to 18. Rugby School Nigeria’s curriculum will align with the standards of its UK counterpart, offering A-Level courses alongside exceptional programmes in sports, arts, leadership, and enrichment.
Nick Bacon, Chairman of Rugby School’s Governing Body, expressed excitement about the launch, saying:
“We are thrilled to bring our educational expertise to Nigeria, a country rich in culture, talent, and ambition, where we have enjoyed strong ties for decades. Rugby School Nigeria will embody the values, boarding ethos, and standards that have defined Rugby School for centuries, while embracing the opportunities of its dynamic location in Africa.”
This collaboration with Eko Atlantic marks Rugby School’s expansion into Africa, following successful openings in Thailand (2017) and Japan (2023).
Chairman of Eko Atlantic, Ronald Chagoury, described the partnership as a pivotal step in fostering global connections and establishing Rugby School Nigeria as a leader in educational excellence in West Africa.
Rugby School Nigeria’s arrival promises to redefine education in the region, nurturing future leaders and positioning Eko Atlantic as a hub for world-class learning.
Education
Tinubu’s Shake-Up at UNN Sparks Hope for Transparency in VC Appointments – Alumni

The recent leadership overhaul at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), has reignited optimism about transparency and accountability in the selection of Vice Chancellors across Nigerian universities.
A distinguished alumnus of UNN, Professor Barnabas Iliya lauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his decisive intervention, describing it as a bold step towards restoring integrity in the administration of tertiary institutions.
Speaking to journalists in Abuja yesterday, Prof. Iliya noted that the move reflects the President’s commitment to his Renewed Hope Agenda, aimed at revitalizing key sectors, including education.
“The reshuffling of university leadership signals that the Federal Government is serious about transforming Nigerian universities into true centers of learning and excellence,” Prof. Iliya said.
President Tinubu’s sweeping changes, announced last Thursday, affected several federal institutions, including UNN, Yakubu Gowon University in Abuja, and the University of Agriculture, Makurdi.
According to a statement from the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President dissolved the governing council of Yakubu Gowon University and appointed Professor Lar Patricia Manko as Acting Vice Chancellor, replacing Professor Aisha Sani Maikudi.
At UNN, Professor Polycarp Emeka Chigbu was relieved of his duties as Acting Vice Chancellor, with Professor Oguejiofo T. Ujam stepping in to lead the institution for the next six months.
Prof. Iliya praised the appointment of Prof. Ujam, describing him as a seasoned academic and disciplinarian with a track record of excellence. “We, the alumni of UNN, are thrilled by this development. Prof. Ujam’s previous efforts to reform the School of General Studies were commendable, and his appointment as Acting Vice Chancellor is a clear indication that the President recognizes and values merit,” he stated.
Reflecting on the events leading up to the changes, Prof. Iliya recalled that alumni had recently raised concerns about irregularities in the Vice Chancellor recruitment process. “Just two weeks ago, we sounded the alarm about the need to protect the integrity of UNN’s leadership appointments. We called for caution to maintain the academic stability and harmony that the institution is known for. Our concerns were driven by the controversies that marred similar appointments at Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, and Yakubu Gowon University.”
Prof. Iliya commended President Tinubu for swiftly addressing these concerns, emphasizing that his actions prevented potential unrest within the institutions. “This is a listening administration. The President’s prompt response demonstrates his commitment to upholding the values of fairness and transparency in our educational system. We urge the new leaders to embrace this mandate and lead with integrity.”
Concluding his remarks, Prof. Iliya expressed confidence in UNN’s future under Prof. Ujam’s leadership. “We are optimistic that UNN will soar to greater heights, driven by a renewed focus on excellence in both character and learning. This intervention is not just about leadership—it’s about safeguarding the future of Nigerian education and ensuring that our universities remain beacons of knowledge and integrity.”
Education
Abuja School Hosts Reading Marathon to Boost Students’ Love for Books

By Veronica Dariya
Berries World Montessori School, Bwari, Abuja, has taken a creative step to ignite a passion for reading among its pupils by organizing a five-day reading marathon aimed at instilling a strong reading culture in young learners.
The competition, which ran from Monday to Friday, challenged students to read as many books as possible from the school library, while also demonstrating comprehension and retention skills.
Speaking with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the proprietor of the school, Ms. Roseline Yuhe, said the initiative was borne out of her observation that many children struggle with purposeful reading unless they develop a genuine interest in it.
“I wanted to find a way to encourage children to read beyond just schoolwork. Many of them don’t read unless they are interested, so I thought of making reading fun through competition,” she explained.
Yuhe highlighted that the marathon was not just about speed but also about comprehension and analysis. Participants were required to summarize their readings, explain key points, and answer challenging questions to advance to the next stage.
“We didn’t just want them to read quickly. Each student had to summarize their books, define new words, and answer questions based on specific chapters or quotes,” she said.
The competition included students from Kindergarten to Junior Secondary School (JSS) and was scheduled daily at noon after regular class activities.
At the end of the contest, Samuel Benedict, a JSS 3 student, emerged the overall winner, having read and summarized seven books in five days. He received a ₦10,000 cash prize for his efforts.
The 13-year-old winner shared his excitement, saying his motivation was driven by the desire to learn new things and expand his knowledge.
“I have learned that every book holds valuable wisdom. Winning was great, but for me, the real prize is the knowledge I gained,” he said.
Ms. Yuhe urged parents to support their children’s reading habits by creating home libraries and limiting screen time.
“Reading improves vocabulary, attention span, and academic performance. Parents should invest in books for their children to help them grow intellectually,” she advised.
The reading marathon was widely regarded as a success, with all participants gaining valuable lessons in reading comprehension, discipline, and knowledge retention—essential skills for academic and personal growth.
Education
FG Disburses N116.18b to Nigerian Students Through Loan Scheme

***Allocates N58.4b for 2025
The Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) has disbursed ₦116.18 billion in institutional and upkeep loans to students across 176,252 beneficiary institutions as of January 2025.
This initiative, implemented under the Nigerian Student Loan Scheme, has benefited 680,658 students in universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education, according to the Managing Director of NELFUND, Akintunde Sawyer.
Speaking during a budget defense session before the National Assembly Joint Committee on Tertiary Institutions and TETFUND, Sawyer highlighted that the initiative aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which aims to remove financial barriers to education.
Of the total disbursed, ₦37 billion was allocated for institutional loans, covering tuition and fees, while ₦78 billion was provided as upkeep loans to support students’ living expenses. “This investment is transforming the lives of Nigerian students and their families,” Sawyer stated, adding that the scheme has eased the financial burden on families, improved academic outcomes, and helped stabilize academic calendars by reducing disruptions caused by financial challenges.
To ensure accessibility, NELFUND has conducted a nationwide sensitization campaign, resulting in 457,621 students registering their interest and 352,796 completing applications. Efforts are ongoing to increase awareness in underserved regions.
However, for the 2025 fiscal year, NELFUND was allocated a modest ₦58.4 billion budget. Of this amount, ₦12.2 billion is earmarked for personnel costs, ₦24.7 billion for overheads, and ₦21.4 billion for capital expenditure.
Presenting the 2025 budget proposal to the committee, Sawyer emphasized the importance of the agency’s role. “The ₦116.1 billion disbursed so far represents not just numbers, but a commitment to empowering the youth and building the nation’s future,” he said.
The joint committee, chaired by Senator Muntari Dandutse and Hon. Gboyega Isiaka, approved the budget proposal through a voice vote. Dandutse called for transparency in spending appropriations, emphasizing the agency’s critical role in bridging financial gaps for students.
“We will evaluate NELFUND’s financial plan for the upcoming fiscal year to ensure alignment with national educational goals and the growing demand for student loans,” Dandutse stated.
The approved budget is expected to bolster the agency’s efforts to expand access to education and support Nigeria’s youth in achieving their academic aspirations.
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