Index to Nigerian Newspapers

During the National Children’s Day celebrations, President Bola Tinubu and his wife, Oluremi Tinubu, joined state governors and prominent leaders to advocate for the safety and protection of Nigerian children, focusing on the theme of building a bullying-free generation. President Bola Tinubu expressed deep concern over high rates of physical and psychological aggression among school-age children, asserting that violence and neglect have no place in the nation. He emphasized the government's commitment to child protection through the National Plan of Action on Ending Violence Against Children and noted that all thirty-six states have domesticated the Child Rights Act. Supporting this vision, Oluremi Tinubu called on stakeholders to actively protect children from the lasting emotional and academic wounds caused by bullying.Across various states, leadership echoed these sentiments while outlining localized development agendas. Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji and Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa both urged parents and teachers to decisively combat child abuse, exploitation, and intimidation. In Edo State, Governor Monday Okpebholo warned families against the dangers of cultism, while Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq highlighted his administration’s legislative actions against violence alongside advancements in basic healthcare and education. Additionally, Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara validated the dreams of the state's youth, Senator Sharafadeen Alli advocated for stronger educational rights, and Nasarawa State Speaker Danladi Jatau called for an end to child labor and street begging. Political chieftain Segun Showunmi, alongside religious and foundational leaders Akinpelumi Ojo and Esther Balogun, further inspired the children to remain focused, reject despair, and stay vigilant against abuse.

Pro-Chancellor and Governing Council Chairman of the Federal University of Technology and Environmental Sciences, Iyin Ekiti, Senator Binta Garba, stated that President Bola Tinubu’s education reforms and the creation of specialized universities are strategic steps to place Nigeria at the forefront of technology and environmental sciences in Africa. Speaking during the council’s second meeting at the newly established institution held in Iyin Ekiti, Garba noted that the president’s commitment to building high-impact research and innovation centers would boost Nigeria’s global competitiveness and positively impact national development. This follows President Bola Tinubu’s assent on February 20, 2025, to two separate bills establishing the Federal University of Technology and Environmental Sciences, Iyin Ekiti and the Federal University of Agriculture and Development Studies, Iragbiji, Osun State, to address educational needs, drive research, and train science and technology professionals. Garba expressed satisfaction that the institution was ready for a seamless takeoff next month and assured stakeholders that the university would break barriers to become a global leader in environmental science education. Acknowledging that education funding should not be left to the government alone, she called for infrastructural and financial support from well-meaning individuals and corporate organizations. Garba also praised the Vice Chancellor, Professor Gbenga Aribisala, and his team for setting a culture of academic excellence and preparing students to become future job creators, while thanking the host community for its friendliness. Professor Aribisala confirmed that students have already been admitted and that academic activities will fully begin by December after an online recruitment and examination process for both teaching and non-teaching staff, which will adhere to federal character principles. Furthermore, the Oluyin of Iyin Ekiti, Oba Adeniyi Ajakaye, lauded the president and assured the university that the community would provide a highly conducive and supportive environment for its smooth operation.