***Insists, no Students, No Meeting

The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has issued a final ultimatum to the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), demanding immediate student representation on its board.
The association has vowed to shut down the upcoming board meeting if its demand is ignored.
In a letter dated February 13, 2025, addressed to NELFUND’s Managing Director, Akintunde Sawyerr, and Board Chairman, Jim Ovia, NANS President Lucky Emonefe condemned the exclusion of students as “completely unacceptable.”
Emonefe indicated that excluding students from the NELFUND Board is tantamount to shaving a man’s head in his absence emphasizing that decisions about student loans should not be made without their input.

Representing over 50 million students nationwide, NANS insisted that students, as the primary beneficiaries of the fund, must have a seat at the table.
The letter warned that failure to comply would result in a mass mobilization to prevent the board meeting from taking place.

“This is not an appeal; it is a final warning. Nigerian students refuse to be spectators in decisions that shape their future. No student, no meeting!” the letter concluded.

With tensions rising, all eyes are now on NELFUND’s leadership to see whether they will yield to NANS’ demands or risk a major student uprising.

By James Ojochegbe

As September approaches, excitement continues to build around Rugby School Nigeria, a prestigious institution set to redefine secondary education in West Africa.
With its campus rising in Eko Atlantic City, Lagos, and preparations in full swing, the school’s leadership remains committed to delivering an elite academic experience rooted in the traditions of its UK counterpart.

International Development Director of Rugby School Global,
Ian McIntyre, recently toured the campus and expressed confidence in meeting the projected launch date.
“The facilities here will reflect the highest standards of excellence and innovation,” he remarked, underscoring the institution’s goal of blending academic rigor with holistic student development.

While the school’s full senior program will open in 2026, its debut this year will focus on an advanced Sixth Form curriculum designed to propel students into the world’s top universities.
The program, led by expert instructors, covers a diverse range of subjects, from Mathematics and Sciences to Business Studies and the Arts.

James Whitehead, Director of Education at Rugby School Global, highlighted the school’s unique approach: “At Rugby School Nigeria, we embrace the ‘Whole Person, Whole Point’ philosophy, ensuring students not only achieve academic excellence but also develop key life skills.”

Beyond academics, Rugby School Nigeria aims to cultivate leadership, creativity, and resilience—qualities that will prepare students for success in an evolving global landscape. As enrollment begins, families across the region are eager to secure a place in what promises to be a transformative educational institution.
In a deal sealed by
Nick Bacon Chairman, Governing Body of Rugby School and Mr Ronald Chagoury, Chairman of Eko Atlantic, Rugby School Nigeria will initially offer a Sixth Form programme for day students aged 16 and above, emphasizing
academic excellence and a diverse range of extra-curricular activities, preparing students for entry to the world’s
leading universities.
With the school set to welcome its first A Level students this September, and the full senior school opening in September 2026, excitement has continued to build around this transformative educational institution for aspiring students from across West Africa.
Expressing his excitement at the progress made so far,
Ian McIntyre, said,
“It is truly inspiring to see the remarkable progress being made on the world-class campus of Rugby School Nigeria. The facilities here will reflect the highest standards of excellence and innovation, ensuring that students will experience an education that is both academically rigorous and holistically enriching.
“With the launch of our full A-level programme this September and the full opening of the senior school in 2026, we are excited to bring the proud heritage and values of Rugby School to Nigeria. This campus will undoubtedly become a beacon of learning in West Africa.”

According to the statement from Rugby School Global, the A-Level students will benefit from expert instruction by specialist teachers in a broad range of subjects, including: English Literature, Mathematics & Further Mathematics; Biology, Chemistry, Physics; History, Geography, French; Art, Economics, Business Studies; Physical Education, and Computer Studies.
James Whitehead, Director of Education at Rugby School Global, equally highlighted the school’s distinctive philosophy
“At Rugby School Nigeria, we embrace the ‘Rugby Way’ teaching & learning philosophy and the ‘Whole Person, Whole Point’ approach—ensuring that students not only excel academically but also grow holistically, preparing them for the world’s top universities and life beyond.”
The first phase of the school campus will include a reception and welcome area, numerous classrooms, sports and social spaces and a sixth form centre.
The statement further urged ”
prospective families to register their interest and “secure a place for their child at this groundbreaking educational institution. ”

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.”