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From Workshop to Wealth: NELFUND Backs Nigerian Tradesmen with Fresh Support

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The Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) has announced plans to collaborate with Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH) to expand access to Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), particularly for apprentices and tradespeople in the informal sector.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

The partnership was formalised during a high-level stakeholder engagement held at YABATECH on Thursday. NELFUND Managing Director/CEO, Mr. Akintunde Sawyerr, visited the institution to discuss the ongoing student loan rollout and explore innovative inclusion strategies for non-traditional learners.

Sawyerr reaffirmed NELFUND’s commitment to ensuring that financial support extends to all categories of Nigerian learners, including those in vocational and technical tracks outside conventional academic institutions.

“What YABATECH is doing through its Workplace Learning Centres is precisely the model we aim to support,” Sawyerr said. “If apprentices in places like Computer Village can receive structured, certifiable training, NELFUND is ready to provide the financial assistance they need to complete it.”

He emphasized that broadening access to loans beyond traditional tertiary education aligns with the Fund’s vision for inclusive human capital development.

“Education goes beyond lecture halls and degree certificates—it includes hands-on, practical skills. That’s why we’re looking into how best to fund technical and vocational pathways for Nigerian youth,” he added.

Sawyerr also addressed lingering concerns regarding delays in loan disbursements, fee refunds, and student complaints. He acknowledged that some students who paid tuition out-of-pocket before their loans were approved are now due for refunds, but many institutions lack a formal refund mechanism or students’ bank details.

“This is a new challenge for everyone. We’re actively working on resolving it,” he said.

In response to the ICPC’s recommendation to channel refunds into a recovery account, Sawyerr clarified: “This isn’t a recovery issue—no money was stolen. Refunds should go directly to students or be handled transparently through NELFUND. The integrity of this process must be safeguarded.”

On the issue of loan eligibility for students who have graduated before receiving disbursements, he said: “Graduation is not a disqualifier. As long as the application was submitted during their period of eligibility, we will disburse the loans. Many of them planned their finances around this support, and we intend to honour that.”

He added that supporting apprentices, tradespeople, and technicians with funding, training, and certification could uplift livelihoods and spur broader economic transformation.

YABATECH Rector, Dr. Ibraheem Abdul, also spoke at the event, revealing that the institution has already begun formalising informal apprenticeship systems through its Workplace Learning Centre in Computer Village, Ikeja. The centre targets youths engaged in unstructured training in ICT, mobile phone repairs, and computer maintenance.

“Many young people train informally and exit without any certification, which limits their employment opportunities and income potential. We brought the classroom to them through our Workplace Learning Centre,” Abdul said.

He explained that both apprentices and master craftsmen are now being trained under the Nigerian Skills Qualification Framework (NSQF), with a focus on preparing them for national certification.

“Certification boosts both confidence and earning capacity. With support from NELFUND, we can now provide financing that makes this training accessible to more people,” he added.

Dr. Abdul affirmed that YABATECH is a certified NSQF training provider with experienced assessors and a strong framework for skills development. He urged the Federal Government to continue investing in institutions bridging the gap between informal learning and formal recognition.

As the college prepares for a transition into a degree-awarding institution, he stressed that YABATECH remains committed to its legacy in technical education.

“While we are evolving into a university, our foundation in technical and vocational education remains intact and will only grow stronger,” Abdul said.

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‘Kwankwaso Is More Experienced Than Peter Obi’ – Buhari’s Ex-Aide Declares.

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Ahmad made the assertion in a post on his X handle, maintaining that Kwankwaso’s decision to accept the position of running mate should be seen as an act of political modesty rather than an indication that he is less qualified than Obi.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

According to the former presidential aide, the relationship between the two politicians should be viewed as one of equals rather than that of a superior and a subordinate.

“To be entirely candid, the political dynamic between Rabiu Kwankwaso and Peter Obi ought to be characterised as one of collegiality between peers, rather than a hierarchy of principal and subordinate,” he wrote.

He added, “The choice to assume a deputy role beneath Obi ought to be interpreted as a testament to political modesty.”

Making a case for Kwankwaso’s political experience, Ahmad recalled that the former Kano State governor served as Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives before Obi became a prominent figure in national politics.

He also noted that Kwankwaso governed Kano State, which he described as Nigeria’s most populous and politically influential state, for two terms and served as a federal minister.

“If we are assessing political experience, Sen. Kwankwaso probably has a longer and more impressive political background than Peter Obi,” Ahmad stated.

In contrast, the former presidential aide argued that Obi’s major public office experience was limited to his tenure as governor of Anambra State.

“Unlike other candidates, Peter Obi was just a former governor of Anambra State,” he wrote.

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‘I Have Stopped Impregnating Women’ – 2Baba Makes Shocking Revelation.

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Nigerian music star Innocent Idibia, popularly known as 2Baba, has declared that he no longer impregnates women.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

The singer made the statement on Saturday during a live performance at Rehab Lounge in Calgary, Canada.

While performing his hit song True Love, 2Baba paused to interact with the audience and playfully asked the women present to identify where his true love was.

He jokingly wondered whether she was standing at the back of the venue or somewhere in front of him before making a remark about his experiences with women.

The award-winning musician told the audience that he had stopped getting women pregnant, adding that he had been making the same confession wherever he performed recently.

He said, “For the purpose of this show, I will pretend like I’ve never seen anything before. Where’s my true love? Is she back there? Is she right here? Is she somewhere here? Where’s my true love? You people shouldn’t put out me for trouble.

“As I said, some ladies they fear to shout. See, everywhere I go these days, I make this confession. As I say, some ladies they fear to shout. I say, I don’t fear to shout. Because I don’t stop to dey give woman belle. Ask anyone, they’ll tell you, I don’t do such thing things again.”

The singer’s comment comes amid public interest in his personal life and relationships.

2Baba was previously married to Nollywood actress Annie Macaulay-Idibia. The couple announced their separation in January 2025 after having two children together.

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NPFL Cracks Down! Abia Warriors, Katsina United, Warri Wolves Hit With Sanctions.

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Abia Warriors were fined ₦3.2 million for failing to provide adequate security as agreed during the pre-match technical meeting ahead of their encounter with Niger Tornadoes.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Abia Warriors were fined ₦3.2 million for failing to provide adequate security as agreed during the pre-match technical meeting ahead of their encounter with Niger Tornadoes.

The Umuahia-based club was also found guilty of an attempt by one of its officials to disrupt the live broadcast of the match by harassing a crew member of the league’s broadcast partner.

As part of the disciplinary measures, Abia Warriors’ multimedia officer, Chidera Favour Igwe, has been suspended from all NPFL match activities for five matches.

Katsina United, meanwhile, were fined ₦2 million for failing to provide adequate and effective security during their home fixture against Plateau United.

The club was also sanctioned for allowing supporters to encroach onto the field of play during the encounter.

Warri Wolves Receive Heaviest Punishment

Warri Wolves have been handed the most severe sanctions following the unruly behaviour of their supporters during Sunday’s Matchday 10 clash against Kano Pillars in Ozoro.

The Seasiders were fined ₦4.2 million and docked three points and three goals from their accumulated tally. The club was also ordered to play its next three home matches behind closed doors.

According to the NPFL, Warri Wolves failed to provide adequate security at the stadium, resulting in an assault on match officials after the final whistle.

The league further disclosed that the second assistant referee sustained a nose injury and was left bleeding during the incident.

The NPFL stated that all three clubs have 48 hours from the date of notification to appeal their respective sanctions in accordance with the league’s disciplinary procedures.

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