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FG to provide starter packs for TVET graduates — Minister

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Federal Government says it will provide starter packs to graduates of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programmes as part of efforts to promote skills development and enhance youth employability.

The Minister of State for Education, Prof. Suwaiba Ahmad disclosed this on Monday during an inspection visit to Bayero University, Kano (BUK), where she assessed ongoing vocational training initiatives supported by the ministry.

She said the initiative was designed to ensure that beneficiaries of the TVET programme become self-reliant, job creators and active contributors to the nation’s economic growth.

According to her, the provision of starter packs will complement the Federal Government’s drive to reduce unemployment and address the persistent skills gap in the country.

“The administration of President Bola Tinubu is committed to strengthening technical and vocational education because it remains a critical pathway to empowering young Nigerians.

“Providing starter packs will enable our youths to put their training into practical use immediately,” she said.

The Minister also commended President Bola Tinubu for approving the programme, which covers about 25 vocational trades, including carpentry, leather works, tailoring, ICT skills, cosmetology, welding, solar installation and other technical areas.

She urged beneficiaries to take full advantage of the initiative, adding that the programme aligns with the administration’s commitment to reducing youth unemployment, promoting self-sufficiency and driving national development.

Ahmad commended BUK for its commitment to implementing the programme, noting that the ministry would continue to partner institutions that promote innovation, productivity and entrepreneurship.

Also speaking, the Vice Chancellor of the university, Prof. Haruna Musa, said the programme was timely as the country continued to grapple with low employability, reduced productivity and slow economic growth due to inadequate skills among its youth population.

Represented by the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic), Prof. Ahmad Tsauni, said the programme was designed to equip young Nigerians with practical and entrepreneurial skills that would enhance job creation, innovation and national development.

Musa encouraged participants to take full advantage of the opportunity by learning diligently and transforming themselves into agents of positive change in their communities.

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NUC Assesses FCE (T) Bichi for Take-off of Dual Mandate Degree Programmes

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The Federal College of Education (Technical), Bichi, has hosted a ten-member panel from the National Universities Commission (NUC) as part of the assessment process for the implementation of the Federal Government’s Dual Mandate Policy.
The policy empowers Colleges of Education to offer both Nigeria Certificate in Education (NCE) and Degree programmes concurrently.
Speaking at the event held on Monday, the Provost of the College, Dr. Bashir Sabo Abubakar, expressed delight over the delegation’s visit and lauded the Federal Government for signing the dual mandate policy into law.
Abubakar described the policy as a landmark reform in Nigeria’s teacher education system and a major step toward improving access to tertiary education.
He reaffirmed the College’s commitment to the success of the national assignment, noting that FCE (T), Bichi currently runs 16 degree programmes in affiliation with Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University (ATBU), Bauchi, and the University of Jos.
According to him, the College has presented all 16 existing degree programmes along with seven additional ones—making a total of 23—for the NUC’s resource verification exercise.
The Provost appealed to the NUC to support the College in actualising the initiative, assuring the panel of management’s dedication to meeting all required standards for the commencement of full-fledged degree programmes.
Responding, the leader of the NUC team, Dr. Abubakar Muhammad Girei, who is also the Director of Academic Programmes at the Commission, said the visit was aimed at assessing the institution’s human and material resources ahead of the take-off of the dual mandate.
He explained that the verification exercise was part of efforts to ensure quality assurance in teacher education and to maintain uniform standards across institutions implementing the policy.
During the exit briefing, Dr. Girei commended the College management for its high level of preparedness and pledged the Commission’s continued support for the implementation process.
In a statement, the Director of Information and Public Relations of the College, Mrs. Fatima Hassan Ahmad, quoted the Provost as assuring the visiting team of the College’s full compliance with NUC’s regulations and standards.

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Prof. Bunkure Seeks Staff Support to Revitalize Federal University of Education, Zaria

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The newly appointed Vice Chancellor of the Federal University of Education, Zaria, Professor Isa Yahaya Bunkure, has called on both academic and non-academic staff to offer their full support as he embarks on a mission to reposition the university for excellence.

Speaking during his inaugural address at the university campus, Prof. Bunkure expressed deep appreciation for the warm reception he received upon assuming office, describing it as overwhelming and a reflection of the unity and optimism that exists within the institution.

“I am truly honored by the trust and confidence placed in me by this great community,” he stated. “I assure you that I will not betray this trust. Together, we will elevate this university to greater heights.”

Highlighting his vision for the institution, Prof. Bunkure revealed that he has developed a series of strategic plans aimed at improving the quality of teaching and learning across all faculties.

A key part of his administration’s agenda, he said, is ensuring the university continues to produce highly competent and qualified teachers capable of transforming Nigeria’s education sector.

In addressing some pressing concerns of students and alumni, Prof. Bunkure noted that the issue of students who have completed their Nigeria Certificate in Education (NCE) program but have not received their certificates will be given prompt attention.

He assured that a comprehensive audit and review process will be carried out to resolve such cases.

“From now on, any student who successfully completes their examinations and fulfills all institutional requirements will receive their results and certificates without unnecessary delays,” he added.

On the matter of the Nigeria Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) and other scholarship initiatives introduced by the Federal Government, Prof. Bunkure pledged that the university administration will ensure transparency and efficiency in the disbursement of such funds.

“We will not hesitate to facilitate the immediate release of funds to all eligible students once the federal government has made the necessary provisions. No student will be left behind due to financial constraints,” he affirmed.

Concluding his remarks, the Vice Chancellor appealed to all staff members to remain committed and united in pursuit of the university’s goals.

“This journey requires the dedication and cooperation of everyone. I call upon both teaching and non-teaching staff to join me in this mission of transformation. Together, we can build a university that is not only respected nationally but admired internationally,” he said.

The address was met with applause and optimism, as many within the university community expressed confidence in Prof. Bunkure’s leadership and vision.

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New FUE Zaria VC Seeks Emir’s Support for Institutional Renewal

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By Aminu Garko

The newly appointed Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University of Education (FUE), Zaria, Prof.Yahaya Isa Bunkure,Makaman Rano on Tuesday presented his appointment letter to the Emir of Zazzau, Malam Ahmad Nuhu Bamalli, CFR.

During the courtesy visit, Prof
.Bunkure sought the Emir’s counsel and support for plans to strengthen the university as a center of teaching, research, and community engagement.

He told the Emir that the university’s priorities are to improve teaching and learning environments, enhance staff development, boost student welfare and safety, and deepen partnerships with local communities.

The Emir welcomed Prof. Bunkure and pledged the palace’s readiness to partner with the university.

He emphasized the importance of institutions remaining connected to their host communities and encouraged the VC to prioritize programs that benefit local people.

The Emir also urged Prof. Bunkure to involve traditional leaders in matters affecting student conduct and town-campus relations.

The meeting marked a significant step in fostering collaboration between the university and the community.

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