Stephen Olufemi Oni, Ilorin

In a move to prepare young learners for the opportunities of a technology-driven future, a nonprofit organisation, Webfala Digital Skills for All Initiative (WDSFAI) has partnered with the Kwara State government to establish Code Clubs in schools across the state.

The Code clubs are designed to teach children aged 8 to 16 essential digital skills, including coding and robotics, while also empowering them with creativity, problem-solving, and teamwork skills.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, the organisation’s executive director, Nafisat Bakare, said the programme, which is supported by the Raspberry Pi Foundation, will boost digital literacy and prepare young students for future opportunities in technology and innovation.

She described the partnership with the Kwara State government as a milestone in the organisation’s efforts to make digital skills more accessible to young learners.

“We are excited about our partnership with the Kwara State government on the establishment of Code Clubs in schools in the state. This milestone means a lot to us because it takes us one step closer to making STEM education more accessible to young learners, especially those from underserved communities.

“With Code Clubs, students will not only learn coding and robotics, but also creativity, problem-solving, and teamwork, which are skills that will prepare them for the future,” Bakare said.

Speaking on the development, the Director of Communications and Strategy for WDSFAI, Hameed Muritala, said the initiative would help nurture the next generation of innovators in Kwara State and beyond.

Muritala, who also serves as the Project Lead for the initiative, disclosed that the Code Clubs are expected to commence in selected schools across Kwara in the new academic session, which begins later this month.

He also disclosed that participating schools would receive free robotics kits, learning tools, teacher training, mentorship, and access to wider STEM opportunities.

“With this project, we are laying a foundation that empowers children with digital skills early enough, giving them the confidence to innovate and compete globally. We believe that the Code Clubs will be a game-changer in unlocking the creative potential of young learners, especially those from underprivileged backgrounds,” he noted.

The Kwara State Commissioner for Education and Human Capital Development, Dr. Lawal Olohungbebe, commended the partnership, saying that it aligns with the government’s vision for digital innovation and STEM-driven education.

“This initiative is in line with the state government’s commitment to equipping learners with relevant skills in STEM and digital innovation, thereby preparing them for opportunities in the technology-driven world.

“Our ministry will work closely with Webfala Digital Skills for All Initiative by facilitating access to schools and engaging relevant stakeholders to ensure the success and sustainability of the programme,” Olohungbebe said.

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The Abuja Leadership Centre (ALC) at the University of Abuja on Friday awarded Doctoral Degrees in Public Governance and Leadership to Ambassador Simeon Nicholas Uwa, the Executive Secretary of the International Summit Council for Peace (ISCP) – Africa, along with two other recipients. As well, a Master’s Degree was awarded to one more individual.

These academic awards were granted following the successful defense of their theses and dissertation, which took place on July 25, 2025.

In addition to Ambassador Uwa, the other recipients of Doctoral Degrees include Adams Echono, an Assistant Director at the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), and Kayode Tayo Tajudeen. While Ozemogie Raphael Emasealu received a Master’s Degree in the same field.

After the event, Prof. Dr. Bolade Thomas Adeyemo, the representative of the Dean of the Post Graduate School at the University of Abuja, congratulated the candidates on their academic achievements and praised the efforts of the Center in shaping current and future leaders in Nigeria through education.

Adeyemo expressed satisfaction with the events and improvements at the Center, commending ALC’s Director, Prof. Philip Dahida, for his dedicated efforts in training and graduating capable students. He noted that the University of Abuja aims to sustain the progress made by the Center and plans to admit more high-quality students, both locally and internationally, for master’s and doctoral degrees.

He added that the university anticipates that the leaders trained by the Center will occupy strategic positions and contribute meaningfully to the nation.

“The examination was conducted as scheduled, following the university’s guidelines. All four candidates performed well and made the best of the resources available to them. Therefore, both doctoral and master’s candidates rightfully earned their awards. Their presentations indicated that they engaged in fieldwork, and their findings will significantly contribute to the development of the institution and the country as a whole.

“The achievements you see today are the result of the Center’s consistent efforts in training and graduating students while ensuring they meet the required standards. The recent increase in the number of doctoral and master’s graduates reflects the deliberate approach taken by the Center and the Postgraduate School at the University of Abuja.

“We expect that over the next few years, these individuals will assume numerous strategic leadership roles across the country. The knowledge they acquired from this program will manifest to the benefit of Nigeria and humanity,” Adeyemo noted.

Ambassador Simeon Uwa also spoke about applying the knowledge gained from his doctoral programme in the public sector. He revealed that the program has broadened his knowledge and better equipped him to impact society.

Uwa urged current and aspiring leaders to enroll in the school to acquire knowledge in leadership and public governance, at both the master’s and doctoral levels, emphasizing that this education will prepare them for optimal performance. He identified poor leadership as a major barrier to national development, stating, “With the proper grooming of individuals by the Abuja Leadership Center, Nigeria will undoubtedly improve.”

“I will apply the knowledge I gained in the public sector. This program has enhanced my capabilities because I have acquired new insights and will contribute more to society. I am committed to giving back to the community based on what this institution has equipped me with through my learning.

“I strongly recommend that current leaders and aspiring leaders take part in this program, regardless of its duration, to gain additional knowledge on how to improve society,” Uwa stated.
Similarly, senior public servant Adams Echono praised the Center for its impactful knowledge-sharing, noting that the programme has refined his understanding of life and leadership and highlighted the importance of providing good governance.

Echono described the programme as “wonderful” and suggested that the institute collaborate with the National University Council to integrate relevant courses into the undergraduate curriculum. He encouraged Nigerians to seize the opportunity to gain knowledge from the Abuja Leadership Center.

“I have learned a great deal; the program has reshaped my perspective on life and leadership, and expanded my view on the necessity of providing effective governance,” he remarked. “The doctoral program is excellent, and I advocate for collaboration between the institute (ALC) and the Nigerian University Council to develop it as part of the curriculum at the sub-degree and undergraduate levels, facilitating the cultivation of future leaders.

“I encourage everyone to take advantage of the opportunity to acquire the knowledge and experience available. Given the Center’s trajectory, I am confident it will become one of the best in the country,” Echono advised.

The Abuja Leadership Center (ALC), established at the University of Abuja, is a TETFund Center of Excellence in Public Governance and Leadership, dedicated to enhancing public governance and leadership both in Nigeria and beyond.

The Executive Secretary of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), Sonny Echono, has been awarded a doctoral degree in Public Governance and Leadership by the Abuja Leadership Center (ALC) at the University of Abuja.

Echono’s academic achievement follows his successful thesis defense on July 18, 2025, fulfilling the requirements for the doctorate programme.

After the thesis defense and the conferment of the doctoral degree, Prof. Philip Dahida, the Director of the Center, commended Echono for his excellent presentation, courage, and relentless effort in navigating the challenges of the doctorate programme despite his busy schedule as a public office holder in Nigeria.

Prof. Dahida praised the Post Graduate School of the university, as well as the external and internal examiners, and the staff of the Center. He assured everyone of the institute’s commitment to equip the elite and ruling class in the country with essential knowledge in governance, leadership, and policy.

“I congratulate the Executive Secretary of TETFund for demonstrating excellence and successfully defending his research work. He has shown capacity and dedication, even amidst the sensitive and demanding position he holds in the country,” said Prof. Dahida.

He further commended the leadership of the Post Graduate School, both internal and external examiners, and the entire staff of the Center for their roles in making this achievement possible. “Rest assured, the Abuja Leadership Center is committed to supporting high-profile candidates and helping them achieve their best through education. Our doors are open as we continue to advance education among the elite and ruling class,” he added.

In response to receiving the doctorate award, Echono expressed gratitude to the institution for fulfilling its mandate of enhancing the knowledge base of citizens. He revealed that the knowledge acquired from the doctorate programme is critical in addressing issues related to the selection processes in universities, which have become significant sources of conflict across the country.

Echono urged those in leadership positions, especially in the public sector, to be transparent and inclusive in their decision-making, while stating that his research is relevant to moving the nation forward.

“The surest way to create a better country and university system for young people is to prioritize public interest over personal ambitions and short-term goals,” he emphasized.

He stated, “The knowledge I’ve gained during my research is directly relevant to the selection processes, which have caused conflicts between governing councils and university administrations, as well as between ministries and governing bodies. There persist issues of localization and the influence of politics and nepotism. By implementing a transparent and accountable template that involves stakeholders, while also incorporating checks and balances and rewarding performance, we can make progress.”

Echono further noted that applying this knowledge can enhance university rankings, allowing institutions to become globally relevant and better equipped to fill skills gaps. This, in turn, would produce graduates who are employable or capable of creating jobs.

“For our leaders, it is crucial to adopt a more transparent and inclusive approach—engaging everyone in decision-making processes. Leaders should consider long-term interests rather than personal or short-term gains. If we implement these changes, we will build a better country and university system that our youth can be proud to inherit,” Echono concluded.