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Oluwo Urges Youths to Pair Degrees with Skills, Commends Westland University’s Excellence

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Oluwo Urges Youths to Pair Degrees with Skills, Commends Westland University's Excellence
Oluwo of Iwoland and Chancellor of Westland University, Iwo, Oba Abdulrosheed Adewale Akanbi

Oluwo Urges Youths to Pair Degrees with Skills, Commends Westland University’s Excellence

  • Monarch describes institution as one of Nigeria’s leading private universities, calls for skills-based education to tackle unemployment as he tasks wealthy Nigerians to invest in youth development

The Oluwo of Iwoland and Chancellor of Westland University, Iwo, Oba Abdulrosheed Adewale Akanbi, has described Westland University as one of Nigeria’s leading private universities, attributing its growing academic excellence to the dedication, passion, and teamwork of its management and workforce, while urging Nigerian youths to complement their academic degrees with vocational and entrepreneurial skills for career success and self-reliance .

The monarch made the remarks on Wednesday during an official visit to the institution in Iwo, Osun State, where he commended the university’s Governing Council, management, lecturers, and other members of staff for maintaining high academic standards and producing graduates with impressive academic performances . He expressed satisfaction with the quality of graduates produced by the institution, noting that the impressive number of students graduating with distinctions reflects the university’s commitment to academic excellence and its determination to produce well-rounded graduates capable of making meaningful contributions to society .

Although the university may not yet enjoy widespread national recognition, Oba Akanbi said its achievements have positioned it among Nigeria’s best institutions of higher learning, with the capacity to compete favourably on the global stage and attract students from across the country and beyond . “I am proud of this university because our students are graduating with distinctions. The lecturers, departments, Chairman of the Governing Council and everyone involved are doing an excellent job. Westland University is one of the best universities in Nigeria, and I believe it has what it takes to stand among the best in the world,” the Oluwo said, emphasizing that the institution’s trajectory points toward even greater achievements in the coming years .

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The monarch attributed the institution’s success to the spirit of unity and commitment among members of staff, describing the university community as one family working towards a common goal of producing graduates who are not only academically sound but also equipped with the practical skills needed to thrive in today’s competitive environment . He urged Nigerians to approach their various professions with dedication, patience, and integrity, stressing that genuine commitment to service remains the foundation of success in both the public and private sectors, and linking the same spirit of excellence to Westland University’s steady progress and rising profile .

Speaking on youth empowerment and unemployment, Oba Akanbi emphasised that academic qualifications alone are no longer sufficient in today’s competitive world, urging students and graduates to complement their certificates with vocational and entrepreneurial skills that would enable them to become employers of labour rather than job seekers . According to him, practical knowledge has become indispensable for career success and self-reliance, as employers increasingly value both academic credentials and practical competence in an era of rapid technological change and economic uncertainty .

“Degrees are important, but skills acquisition is equally important. Even after obtaining a degree or a master’s qualification, practical experience remains essential. Life is not only about theory; practical skills are indispensable,” he added, urging educational institutions to integrate vocational training into their curricula to prepare students for the realities of the job market . The Oluwo also tasked wealthy Nigerians to channel more resources into education and vocational development of young people rather than spending lavishly on luxury and extravagant social events that have little or no lasting impact on national development . “People should invest in education instead of spending hundreds of millions on luxury and parties that have little or no lasting impact. If we truly desire national development, we must invest in our young people because they are the future of this country,” he said, calling on the affluent to see youth education as a patriotic duty and a strategic investment in Nigeria’s future .

Also speaking during the visit, the Vice President of Westland University, Chief Dr Mrs Esther Adepoju, encouraged Nigerian youths to embrace education as a pathway to personal development and national advancement, stating that education instils discipline, builds character, and promotes integrity while discouraging involvement in criminal activities and other social vices that have become prevalent among young people . “Education may not automatically make one wealthy, but it liberates. An educated person understands the value of integrity and is less likely to engage in criminal acts that could destroy their future. Our youths should reject social vices and embrace education for a better tomorrow,” she said, emphasizing the transformative power of education in shaping responsible citizens and future leaders .

Chairman of the University’s Governing Council, Professor Oyekunle Oyelami of the University of Lagos, also underscored the importance of combining academic learning with practical skills, explaining that members of the Governing Council, drawn from different universities across the country, were committed to supporting the institution’s growth through voluntary service, mentorship, and academic guidance . Professor Oyelami noted that universities have three fundamental responsibilities—teaching, research, and community service—adding that academics must continually contribute to societal development by producing knowledge that addresses real-world challenges and preparing students to become agents of positive change in their communities .

“Our responsibility is to ensure that Westland University becomes one of the highest-ranking universities in the world. The facilities here are world-class and compare favourably with those of many universities within and outside Nigeria. We invite young people across Nigeria and beyond to choose Westland University as a place where they can receive quality education, acquire practical skills and develop the capacity to make meaningful contributions to humanity,” he said, inviting prospective students to take advantage of the institution’s world-class facilities and commitment to holistic education . The Oluwo’s latest call aligns with his long-standing commitment to youth empowerment and vocational development, as he had in April 2024 empowered youths in Iwoland with a multi-million naira cash gift aimed at promoting vocational skills and business development among young people who had completed apprenticeships in their respective crafts, expressing hope in the ability of the beneficiaries to multiply the grant in their various investments .

Oluwo Urges Youths to Pair Degrees with Skills, Commends Westland University’s Excellence

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FG Opens N2.5bn Grant Window For 50 Student Innovators Under “Next Moonshot Initiative”

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September 6, 2026

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FG Opens N2.5bn Grant Window For 50 Student Innovators Under "Next Moonshot Initiative"

FG Opens N2.5bn Grant Window For 50 Student Innovators Under “Next Moonshot Initiative”

The Federal Government has opened applications for the second cohort of its Student Venture Capital Grant (S-VCG), with 50 outstanding student-led ventures set to receive up to N50 million each in equity-free funding.

The initiative, also known as the “Next Moonshot Initiative,” is being implemented under the Federal Ministry of Education as part of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. The programme is designed to help student entrepreneurs with Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics and Medicine (STEMM)-based business ideas develop and scale their ventures without surrendering equity or ownership.

The National Coordinator of the Special Programme Operations and Implementation Unit at the Federal Ministry of Education, Adebayo Onigbanjo, announced the opening of the application portal at a news conference in Abuja on Friday. He stated that applications will be received from September 6 to September 30, 2026.

A nationwide campus mobilisation campaign will run concurrently from September 6 to September 30, 2026, to take information on eligibility and the application process directly to students across the country. The S-VCG team will visit nine tertiary institutions across the six geopolitical zones. The institutions include the University of Abuja, Nile University, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University in Bauchi, Bayero University Kano, Kano University of Science and Technology in Wudil, Federal Polytechnic Kaduna, Ambrose Alli University in Ekpoma, the University of Lagos and Covenant University in Ota. A Campus Ambassador Programme will also be activated in 20 additional institutions to extend awareness to more students.

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Onigbanjo encouraged Vice-Chancellors, Rectors, Provosts, lecturers and student leaders to identify promising innovators within their institutions and encourage them to apply. He stressed that tertiary institutions should move beyond their traditional academic functions and become incubators for innovation, enterprise and problem-solving. “Nigeria does not lack innovative young people. What many lack is the opportunity and capital to take these ideas further,” he said. “Our universities, polytechnics and colleges of education must increasingly become places where ideas are developed, solutions created and businesses born.”

To qualify, applicants must be currently enrolled in a Nigerian university, polytechnic or college of education and must be at least 300 level or its equivalent. Students below 300 level may participate as members of teams led by qualifying students. Applicants must also have a Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC)-registered business name or company, while their projects must have progressed beyond proof of concept and demonstrate real-world potential. The programme is open to students developing solutions in health, agriculture, education, technology, energy, logistics, e-commerce and other STEMM-related fields.

For the second cohort, the selection process has been strengthened. Applications will undergo Artificial Intelligence-assisted screening and assessment by 10 human evaluators. Shortlisted applicants will make virtual presentations before an Evaluation Committee, while finalists will proceed to a three-day bootcamp and in-person pitch session. A major addition to the second cohort is a six-month mentorship programme for successful beneficiaries, aimed at helping student entrepreneurs navigate the practical challenges of building and scaling businesses. Through the initiative, student entrepreneurs will be connected with experienced organisations and business leaders across technology, logistics, e-commerce, health, education and other sectors. Supporting organisations include Lafarge, Chowdeck, Powerhouse, HostAfrica, Klasha, LifeBank, Future Africa, GetEquity and OneHealth, among others.

The second cohort builds on the strong response recorded during the inaugural S-VCG cycle, which attracted 17,914 registrations from 404 institutions across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory within three weeks of opening in November 2025. Of the institutions represented, 348 were public institutions and 56 were private institutions, while male participants accounted for 52 per cent and female participants 48 per cent. A total of 3,014 completed applications underwent AI-assisted screening and review by 10 human evaluators, while 65 finalists advanced to a three-day S-VCG Bootcamp held from March 27 to 29, 2026, where they presented their ventures to a panel comprising venture capitalists, industry experts and academic leaders. The first cohort selected 45 beneficiaries who received up to N50 million each in equity-free funding.

The S-VCG is implemented in partnership with the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), Bank of Industry (BOI) and Afara Initiative. Onigbanjo added that the ministry, led by the Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, will continue to strengthen partnerships with tertiary institutions, development partners and the private sector to expand opportunities for student innovators and support them to take ideas from the classroom to the marketplace.

FG Opens N2.5bn Grant Window For 50 Student Innovators Under “Next Moonshot Initiative”

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JAMB Releases Underage UTME Results, Sets Strict Conditions for Admission

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September 5, 2026

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JAMB Releases Underage UTME Results, Sets Strict Conditions for Admission

JAMB Releases Underage UTME Results, Sets Strict Conditions for Admission

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has officially released the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) results for candidates under the age of 16. However, the board has made it clear that these results are for viewing purposes only and do not guarantee admission into any tertiary institution.

In a statement issued on Saturday in Abuja, JAMB’s Public Communication Adviser, Dr. Fabian Benjamin, explained that while the results are now accessible, only a select group of exceptionally performing underage candidates who meet strict requirements will be considered for admission.

For the 2026 admission cycle, JAMB defines an underage candidate as any applicant who will be less than 16 years old by September 30, 2026. This age benchmark is non-negotiable and serves as the foundation for all admission eligibility decisions regarding younger candidates.

According to the board, the primary reason for releasing the results is to allow candidates, parents, and guardians to view their performance. This transparency is intended to help families assess academic progress and make informed decisions about next steps. However, JAMB stressed that the release does not confer automatic eligibility for admission. The results cannot be used for admission or any other official purpose unless the candidate meets the prescribed conditions for exceptional consideration.

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Candidates can check their results by sending the word “RESULT” via SMS to 55019 or 66019. This must be done using the same phone number and SIM card that were used during the UTME registration process. No other method has been authorized for result viewing.

JAMB has outlined a rigorous, multi-stage process for underage candidates who wish to be considered for admission. The requirements are intentionally strict to ensure that only genuinely exceptional candidates are admitted. To qualify, an underage candidate must meet all of the following: a minimum UTME score of 320 out of 400; at least 80% performance in relevant Senior Secondary School Certificate Examination (SSCE) subjects, where applicable; compliance with the Post-UTME requirements of their chosen institution, even if the general Post-UTME exercise has been suspended; and successful completion of a final assessment by experts, designed to evaluate academic maturity and readiness for tertiary education. Dr. Benjamin explained that these measures are in place to distinguish truly gifted candidates from those who may have simply performed well in the UTME but lack the overall academic maturity for university-level studies.

Not yet. JAMB has confirmed that the admission process for exceptionally performing underage candidates is still ongoing. The board is currently awaiting the release of this year’s National Examinations Council (NECO) results to allow candidates awaiting these results to present them for verification. A date for the final stage of assessment will be announced as soon as the NECO results are released. JAMB emphasized that no candidate will be admitted until all stages of assessment and verification are concluded.

JAMB has issued a strong advisory to parents, guardians, and candidates: do not present underage UTME results to any institution for admission unless you meet the exceptional criteria; and beware of fraudsters who claim they can secure admission for underage candidates outside the official process. The board reiterated that participation in the UTME does not guarantee admission, especially for candidates who have not attained the prescribed age. The board also noted that in the 2025 admission cycle, only 85 out of over 41,000 underage applicants qualified for exceptional admission, underscoring how competitive and selective the process truly is.

JAMB has assured the public that the exceptional admission process will remain transparent, rigorous, and merit-based. The board is committed to protecting the integrity of the admission system and ensuring that only candidates who genuinely satisfy all established requirements are admitted.

JAMB Releases Underage UTME Results, Sets Strict Conditions for Admission

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From University of Lagos to Canadian Dean: Nigerian Scholar Appointed Law Dean at USask

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September 5, 2026

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Ibironke Odumosu-Ayanu

From University of Lagos to Canadian Dean: Nigerian Scholar Appointed Law Dean at USask

The University of Saskatchewan College of Law in Canada has appointed Nigerian-born legal scholar Dr. Ibironke Odumosu-Ayanu as its new dean for a five-year term beginning October 1, 2026. She succeeds Martin Phillipson, who completed two five-year terms as dean and began administrative leave on July 1, 2026. The appointment was announced by Patti McDougall, interim provost and vice-president, academic at the University of Saskatchewan, who also chaired the search committee for the new dean. McDougall praised Odumosu-Ayanu’s academic record and leadership qualities, stating: “Dr. Odumosu-Ayanu’s appointment as dean reflects a distinguished record of academic excellence, collaborative leadership, and dedication to advancing research and graduate education. Her work as dean will continue to build on the College of Law’s strong reputation for excellence in legal education and research, while strengthening its leadership in Indigenous legal scholarship and engagement with local and global communities”.

Odumosu-Ayanu grew up in Lagos, Nigeria, where she developed an early interest in reading and writing. Although she initially considered pursuing communications, encouragement from her teachers and support from her parents led her towards law. By the end of secondary school, she had decided to study law and enrolled at the University of Lagos (UNILAG), where she earned her Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree. She later moved to Canada to pursue a master’s degree at the University of Calgary, drawn by its research strengths in natural resources, energy and environmental law. She obtained her LLM from the University of Calgary in 2005. Reflecting on this decision, she noted: “Since I started law school, I always knew that I wanted to do a master’s and to do one abroad. But I always thought I would go to England”. Odumosu-Ayanu initially intended to return to Nigeria after completing her master’s degree and practise as a lawyer. However, she continued her academic journey by pursuing a PhD at the University of British Columbia, which she completed in 2010. She said a doctorate was not part of her original plan, but she eventually embraced the academic path.

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Odumosu-Ayanu joined the University of Saskatchewan’s College of Law in 2008 as an assistant professor and has been a member of the faculty since then. Before her appointment as dean, she served as associate dean for research and graduate studies at the college, a position she assumed on July 1, 2025. Prior to joining USask, she was a sessional lecturer at the University of British Columbia Faculty of Law and at the Canadian Institute of Resources Law in Calgary. She is also a barrister and solicitor of the Supreme Court of Nigeria. Before Odumosu-Ayanu assumes office, Professor Doug Surtees, who has been serving as interim dean since July 1, 2026, will continue in the position until September 30. Surtees was appointed interim dean to provide stable leadership during the transition as the search for the next dean continued.

Odumosu-Ayanu is internationally recognised for her research focusing on business and human rights, as well as the intersections of natural resource development, international law on foreign investment, and socio-economic development. Her current research interests focus on local communities and Indigenous peoples and their interactions with legal systems. A recipient of several competitive research grants, including grants from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC) , her research has been published in several leading international journals and books. She has coedited books and journal issues, including the 2025 volume Contested Consultations in the Extractive Industries: Rights, Processes and Tensions published by Routledge. She has spoken at numerous international conferences across several continents, delivered invited lectures at leading universities, and co-convened workshops and conferences with leading experts. Her recent publications include “Local Communities, Indigenous Peoples, and Reform/Re-Definition of International Investment Law” in the Journal of World Investment and Trade (2023) and contributions to the Oxford University Press volume Rethinking Investment Law: Perspectives and Prospects.

Beyond her research contributions, Odumosu-Ayanu has developed a strong record in teaching and mentorship, regularly supervising graduate students in law and interdisciplinary programmes. She teaches Contracts, Business Organizations I, Law Development and the International System, and Advanced Law Development and the International System. Her contributions to student support and teaching have earned her several recognitions, including the Provost’s College Award for Outstanding Teaching in 2012 and the USask InterD Advisor Award in 2026. She is also a contributor to one of Canada’s leading contracts law casebooks.

Odumosu-Ayanu has been actively involved in academic and community organisations across Saskatchewan and Canada. She has served on the boards of professional associations, academic journals and community organisations, including the Saskatchewan Intercultural Association. She serves or has served on the editorial/advisory boards of the Business and Human Rights Journal, Law and Society Review, Journal of African Law, African Journal of International Economic Law, and the African Yearbook of International Law. She was co-chair of the Midwest Interest Group of the American Society of International Law and a vice president of the Canadian Law and Society Association. She has also served as a consultant for the United Nations University, chair of a SSHRC committee, and reviewer for granting agencies including SSHRC, as well as external examiner and reviewer for publishers, journals and universities including the University of Oxford and the University of Victoria. Her appointment adds her to the growing list of Nigerian academics who have risen to senior leadership positions within Canadian universities, building on an academic career that has spanned legal education and research in both Nigeria and Canada.

From University of Lagos to Canadian Dean: Nigerian Scholar Appointed Law Dean at USask

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