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TETFund Warns Billions Invested in Digital Infrastructure May Be Wasted Without Adoption

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TETFund Warns Billions Invested in Digital Infrastructure May Be Wasted Without Adoption

The Executive Secretary of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), Sonny Echono, has raised concerns that billions of naira already invested in digital infrastructure across Nigeria’s tertiary institutions risk being wasted if schools fail to fully adopt and utilise the technology provided.

Echono issued the warning on Monday in Abuja during the opening of a two-day workshop on the adoption and usage of Blackboard/Tertiary Education, Research, Applications and Services (TERAS) in beneficiary institutions.

The workshop, organised by TETFund, brought together registrars, bursars, ICT directors, academic planners, and thesis repository managers from universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education across the country.

According to Echono, TETFund has invested heavily in modern learning platforms, ICT infrastructure, and digital tools to transform Nigeria’s higher education sector and align it with global best practices. However, he cautioned that unless institutions embrace these innovations and integrate them into teaching, research, and administration, the massive investments will fail to deliver their intended impact.

“Technology is no longer optional in education. It is at the heart of modern learning and research. If our institutions continue to operate with outdated practices, then the billions of naira invested in these facilities will simply not achieve their purpose,” Echono said.

He urged tertiary institutions to drive adoption of digital tools, not only to enhance the quality of instruction but also to expand access, improve research output, and strengthen Nigeria’s competitiveness in the global knowledge economy.

The workshop aims to build capacity among key academic and administrative officers, ensuring that digital resources provided by TETFund are fully integrated into the daily operations of tertiary institutions.

Education analysts say the warning underscores a persistent challenge in Nigeria’s education system, where infrastructure upgrades often fail to deliver results due to poor implementation, limited training, or resistance to change.

Yemi Alade Launches YemBeauty: A Bold New Chapter in African Glamour

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Yemi Alade Launches YemBeauty: A Bold New Chapter in African Glamour

Afropop sensation and style icon Yemi Alade, fondly known as Mama Africa, has officially stepped into the beauty industry with the launch of her highly anticipated cosmetics brand, YemBeauty. The debut product? A fiery lipstick kit named “Nairobi”—a tribute to bold African energy and unapologetic self-expression

About YemBeauty, YemBeauty is more than just makeup—it’s a celebration of African heritage, individuality, and confidence. Inspired by Yemi’s childhood memories of watching her mother get ready for events, the brand reflects her lifelong passion for beauty and her desire to create products that are vibrant, long-lasting, and inclusive.

The First Drop: Nairobi Lip Kit

  • Richly pigmented matte lipstick
  • Matching lip liner for precision
  • Hydrating formula with all-day wear
  • Designed to deliver the “perfect kiss” and a flawless finish

Yemi’s Vision “This brand is an extension of me—vibrant, authentic, and rooted in Africa,” Yemi shared during the launch. After four years of development, she described YemBeauty as her “first baby,” born from a dream to empower people to feel beautiful and bold.

Exclusive: Boko Haram Founder’s Son Arrested in Chad

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Exclusive: Boko Haram Founder’s Son Arrested in Chad

N’Djamena, Chad — Exclusive photographs obtained by counter-insurgency expert Zagazola Makama have confirmed the arrest of the 18-year-old son of late Boko Haram founder, Mohammed Yusuf, during a recent security operation in Chad.

The young suspect, identified as Abdrahman Yusuf, was captured alongside five other militants believed to be part of a jihadist cell linked to the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), a splinter faction of Boko Haram.

According to intelligence sources, Abdrahman was not just a recruit but the commander of the six-man unit, operating within the Lake Chad Basin. Photos obtained by Zagazola show him clad in a blue tracksuit, visibly younger and more slender than the other suspects, yet bearing a striking resemblance to his late father.

Security sources in Chad confirmed the detention of six suspected Boko Haram/ISWAP members but declined to disclose further details about their identities.

Intelligence reports further revealed that Abdrahman is the younger brother of ISWAP leader Habib Yusuf, widely known as Abu Mus’ab Al-Barnawi, strengthening suspicions of a continued family influence in the jihadist movement.

Mohammed Yusuf, the founder of Boko Haram, was captured by Nigerian forces in July 2009 but was later killed in police custody in Maiduguri. His death triggered a violent escalation that evolved into a regional insurgency spanning Nigeria, Chad, Niger, and Cameroon.

The younger Yusuf, believed to have been born in Nigeria before the insurgency erupted, was reportedly groomed into militancy from adolescence and recently surfaced as a rising field commander in ISWAP’s operations around Lake Chad.

“He and his team were arrested by Chadian security. They are six in number, and he was the head of the cell,” a regional intelligence officer disclosed.

Analysts view the arrest as a significant breakthrough in the fight against jihadist groups across the Lake Chad Basin, where ISWAP and Boko Haram factions continue to pose security challenges despite sustained military operations.

Meet Moses Itauma: The Heavyweight Hope with Nigerian Blood and Slovakian Soul

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Meet Moses Itauma: The Heavyweight Hope with Nigerian Blood and Slovakian Soul

Moses Itauma may be hailed as the future of British boxing, but his roots tell a far more compelling story. Born on December 28, 2004, in Kežmarok, Slovakia, Itauma is the son of a Nigerian father and a Slovakian mother—making him a Nigerian-born Slovakian, not British by birth.

Nigerian Heritage His father’s Nigerian lineage has always been a source of pride for Itauma, who often speaks about the strength, discipline, and cultural richness he inherited from his African background. Despite growing up in Europe, Itauma has never shied away from embracing his Nigerian identity, calling it a key part of his fighting spirit and personal journey.

Slovakian Beginnings Raised in Slovakia until the age of four, Itauma’s early life was shaped by both cultural diversity and adversity. His family faced racial discrimination in Slovakia, prompting a move to the UK in 2008. Though he now resides in England and represents British boxing professionally, his birthplace and heritage remain Slovakian and Nigerian.

Not Just British While British media and promoters often label him a “British heavyweight,” it’s important to recognize that his national identity is layered. He is Slovakian by birth, Nigerian by blood, and British by residence and representation. This multicultural background has shaped his unique style—combining raw power, tactical finesse, and a global mindset.

Tacha Set to Break Guinness World Record with 24-Hour Makeover Marathon

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Tacha Set to Break Guinness World Record with 24-Hour Makeover Marathon

Reality TV star and media powerhouse Anita Natacha Akide, popularly known as Tacha, is gearing up to make history as she attempts to break the Guinness World Record for the most makeovers in 24 hours. The bold challenge will be the centerpiece of her upcoming 3-day beauty festival, scheduled to take place from October 10th to 12th, 2025, in Lagos.

What’s the Record? Tacha aims to complete the highest number of full makeovers—each involving hair, makeup, and styling—within a single 24-hour period. It’s a feat that demands not just speed and skill, but endurance, precision, and a whole glam squad on standby.

Tacha shared the news via Instagram, calling on fans, makeup artists, and beauty lovers to join her in what she describes as a “festival of glam, grit, and greatness”.

President Bola Tinubu Commissions New LPG Carrier, Reaffirms Nigeria’s Clean Energy Drive

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President Bola Tinubu Commissions New LPG Carrier, Reaffirms Nigeria’s Clean Energy Drive

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has commissioned a new 40,000 cubic metre Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) carrier built for West Africa Gas Limited (WAGL), underscoring Nigeria’s commitment to advancing clean and sustainable energy solutions across Africa.

The announcement was made on Monday in a statement shared by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) on its official X (formerly Twitter) account.

Speaking at the ceremony on behalf of the President, the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Rt. Hon. Ekperikpe Ekpo, praised WAGL Energy Limited, NNPC Limited, and Sahara Group for their strategic foresight, technical expertise, and dedication to strengthening Africa’s presence in the global clean energy market.

Tinubu noted that the commissioning of the carrier represents more than an expansion of Nigeria’s gas infrastructure. It highlights the country’s ambition to become a leader in clean energy adoption while ensuring energy security for its citizens and regional neighbors.

WAGL, a joint venture between NNPC Limited and Sahara Group, has played a crucial role in expanding LPG distribution across West Africa, reducing dependence on traditional fuels, and promoting cleaner alternatives for households and industries.

Industry observers say the new vessel will not only enhance Nigeria’s capacity to transport LPG but also position the country as a regional hub for clean fuel supply, aligning with broader energy transition goals across the continent.

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Nigeria Deports Dozens of Foreign Cybercrime Convicts in Major Crackdown

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Nigeria Deports Dozens of Foreign Cybercrime Convicts in Major Crackdown

Nigeria has begun deporting foreign nationals convicted of cybercrime and Ponzi scheme offences, in what authorities describe as one of the country’s largest anti-fraud operations to date.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) confirmed that 42 of 192 Chinese and Philippine nationals have already been repatriated, with more deportations expected in the coming weeks.

The development follows a sweeping raid in December 2024 on a Lagos-based cybercrime syndicate that led to the arrest of nearly 800 suspects, including Nigerians, Chinese, Filipinos, and other foreign operatives.

Investigations uncovered a sophisticated fraud ring that laundered illicit funds through cryptocurrency vendors and trained Nigerian recruits to impersonate foreign identities. Many were instructed to pose as women online, targeting unsuspecting victims across the United States, Canada, Mexico, and several European countries.

During the raid, EFCC operatives discovered a disturbing scale of operations. In one building alone, officers recovered about 500 SIM cards, believed to have been used in large-scale identity theft and internet scams.

The crackdown and deportations mark a significant step in Nigeria’s broader fight against international cybercrime networks, which have increasingly drawn in both local actors and foreign collaborators.

Authorities say that beyond deportations, Nigerian suspects will face prosecution under the country’s cybercrime laws, with emphasis on dismantling the recruitment pipelines that fuel such schemes.

ECOWAS Chairman Maada Bio Moves to Reintegrate Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger

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ECOWAS Chairman Maada Bio Moves to Reintegrate Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger

Newly elected ECOWAS Chairman and President of Sierra Leone, Julius Maada Bio, has launched efforts to bring Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger back into the West African regional bloc following their withdrawal earlier this year.

The three countries, now aligned under the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), exited ECOWAS in January 2025 after a series of military takeovers strained relations with regional leaders. Their governments accused ECOWAS of siding with foreign powers and enforcing punitive sanctions that deepened economic hardship.

Since assuming the chairmanship, Bio has emphasized diplomacy, unity, and regional stability as central to his leadership. On a recent tour of West African capitals, he signaled his intent to use personal ties and dialogue to repair the rift and restore cooperation.

ECOWAS has also kept the door open for reconciliation. Despite the political split, the bloc has continued mediation efforts and extended invitations to the three Sahelian states for the 2025 West Africa Economic Summit, underscoring the importance of trade, security collaboration, and free movement in the sub-region.

Analysts say Bio’s push could test ECOWAS’ ability to balance accountability with inclusivity, as the bloc navigates tensions between democratic governance and military-led regimes. For citizens across West Africa, however, the priority remains economic stability and the free flow of goods, people, and opportunities.

 

Isuzu Motors South Africa Eyes Role as Africa’s Truck Production Hub

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Isuzu Motors South Africa Eyes Role as Africa’s Truck Production Hub

Isuzu Motors South Africa is stepping up its ambitions to position the country as a central hub for truck manufacturing on the continent. The company, which already exports pickup vehicles to more than 30 international markets, has unveiled plans to expand its truck export footprint, with a particular focus on West Africa.

At present, African production accounts for just 23% of Isuzu’s output. The company hopes to raise that figure to 45%, a move that would strengthen local manufacturing, create jobs, and reduce the region’s reliance on imported trucks.

The strategy comes at a difficult time for South Africa’s broader automotive sector. Over the past two years, the industry has been battered by weak domestic sales and a surge in cheaper imports, forcing the closure of 12 auto plants and resulting in the loss of around 4,000 jobs.

Adding to the pressure are newly imposed U.S. tariffs on vehicle imports, which have hit South African manufacturers hard. Exports to the American market have plunged by more than 80% in 2025, undermining one of the industry’s key revenue streams.

For Isuzu, however, the focus is on turning challenges into opportunity. By scaling up production within Africa and building stronger regional markets, the automaker hopes to secure long-term resilience while positioning South Africa as a leader in the continent’s automotive value chain.

Analysts note that if successful, the strategy could not only support South Africa’s struggling auto industry but also reshape Africa’s manufacturing landscape.

 

From Benin City to the Frontiers of Space: The Story of Dr. Osatohanmwen Osemwengie

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From Benin City to the Frontiers of Space: The Story of Dr. Osatohanmwen Osemwengie

In the bustling streets of Benin City during the 1970s, few could have imagined that one of their own would one day help design drones for the U.S. military and contribute to a rover that touched down on Mars. Yet, that is the journey of Dr. Osatohanmwen Osemwengie, a Nigerian son whose name is now etched in the annals of global technology.

Often called the “U.S. Drone Architect,” Dr. Osemwengie is not only an engineer but also a scholar of unusual distinction. After leaving Nigeria in the 1980s, he pursued higher education with relentless determination, eventually earning seven master’s degrees and four PhDs. Each academic milestone added to his arsenal of knowledge, equipping him for the groundbreaking projects that lay ahead.

His fingerprints are on some of the most advanced drone technologies deployed in U.S. military surveillance and operations. Beyond the battlefield, his genius stretched into the stars. As part of a NASA team, he contributed to the Mars Curiosity Rover project, a mission that expanded humanity’s understanding of the Red Planet and showcased the role Africans can play in global innovation.

But Dr. Osemwengie’s story is not only about machines and space science. It is also about people. As founder of Open Robotics University, he has dedicated himself to making engineering education accessible to students across the world, particularly those in Africa who may not have the privilege of elite institutions. In his role as CEO of Ubiquity Interface Inc., he continues to develop cutting-edge drone systems while inspiring a new generation of problem-solvers.

Despite his achievements abroad, he has never lost sight of his roots. Proudly Nigerian, Dr. Osemwengie often speaks of his heritage as the foundation of his discipline and resilience. His journey reminds young Africans that brilliance is not confined by geography — it can emerge from Benin City, Lagos, Nairobi, Accra, or anywhere determination is matched with opportunity.

In a world where technology often defines progress, the story of Dr. Osatohanmwen Osemwengie is both a beacon and a challenge: a beacon of what is possible when talent is nurtured, and a challenge to African nations to invest in the potential of their brightest minds.

From the classrooms of Edo State to the laboratories of NASA, his path proves that the dreams of a young Nigerian can indeed reach the skies — and even Mars.

Would you like me to also prepare a shorter inspirational version (around 200–250 words) that can fit into lifestyle or tech magazines, with quotes and a more emotional hook for young readers?

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