Education

‘St Philomena College of Nursing Not Government-Owned’

Published

9 months ago

July 30, 2025

By Samuel Adeola

The Catholic Archdiocese of Benin City has refuted claims by Senator Adams Oshiomhole that the St. Philomena College of Nursing Sciences is owned and funded by the Edo State Government.

At a press briefing held in Benin City on Wednesday, July 30, 2025, the Director of Social Communications, Rev. Fr. Jude Orah, clarified that the College, located within St. Philomena Catholic Hospital, is a private institution established and run by the Catholic Church, not the government.

Fr. Orah was responding to a statement made by Senator Oshiomhole during a live interview on Arise News on July 26, where the senator alleged that the college was “built, equipped, owned and funded 100 per cent by Edo State Government.”

Describing the statement as false and misleading, Fr. Orah stressed that St. Philomena Catholic Hospital, including its School of Midwifery and College of Nursing Sciences, has always been a Church-owned institution. He noted that the facilities are financed by the Archdiocese and supported by donations from well-meaning individuals such as Mr. Peter Obi, who recently donated ₦15 million during a visit on July 7.

“This is not a government institution, nor has it ever received budgetary allocations or subventions from any level of government,” Fr. Orah said. “To say otherwise is misleading and unjust, especially when used to downplay genuine charitable gestures.”

The hospital, founded in 1941 by Catholic missionaries, has reportedly served the public regardless of religion or political affiliation through Church funding, the labour of priests and nuns, donor support, and modest fees.

Fr. Orah cautioned against political manipulation of facts and urged public figures to verify information before making public claims. He called on media outlets to fact-check all political statements to avoid misleading the public.

He concluded by urging Senator Oshiomhole to withdraw his statement and consult the Church for factual information, saying: “St. Philomena’s mission is built on truth, not politics. Its legacy is not for sale.”

Education

Oyelami Named Acting CEO of National Mathematical Centre

Published

2 months ago

February 25, 2026

Editor

By Omoniyi David

The Federal Government has appointed Professor Oyelami as Acting Chief Executive Officer of the National Mathematical Centre with immediate effect.

The appointment was announced in a statement by the centre’s Controller of Information and Public Relations, Onyekachi Njoku. He said the decision followed the elevation of the former CEO, Promise Mebine, as Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University Otuoke.

Njoku disclosed that the approval was conveyed in a letter signed by Rakiya Ilyasu, Director of University Education at the Federal Ministry of Education.

Professor Oyelami, a mathematician who joined the centre over two decades ago from Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, previously served as Coordinator of the Mathematics and Theoretical Physics programmes and as Deputy Director/Academic Planning Coordinator.

An alumnus of the University of Jos and Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, he holds a Second-Class Upper degree, MSc and PhD in Mathematics and has published widely in local and international journals.

The centre said his appointment would strengthen its mandate to promote research, innovation and capacity building in mathematical sciences.

Abuja Reports

UniAbuja Council Denies NELFUND Loan Diversion Claim

Published

2 months ago

February 15, 2026

Editor

By Patrick Idowu

The Governing Council of the University of Abuja has refuted allegations that the institution diverted funds provided by the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), for its students.

In a statement issued on Saturday, the council, chaired by Senator Olanrewaju Tejuoso, said no NELFUND money was diverted, misappropriated or unlawfully withheld by the university or any of its officials.

The denial comes a day after NELFUND also dismissed the allegation and cleared the university of wrongdoing.

The statement, signed by the Acting Registrar and Secretary to the Governing Council, Malam Sambo Mohammed, said the university operates within established financial regulations and maintains strict accountability in managing intervention funds.

The council urged the public to disregard what it described as a misleading media report, while reaffirming confidence in the university’s management led by Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Hakeem Babatunde Fawehinmi.

Education

JAMB Warns Candidates Against Infractions in 2026 UTME Registration

Published

2 months ago

February 9, 2026

Editor

By Onyeanya Ebere Immaculata

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has warned that candidates who violate registration rules or breach the attestation signed during the ongoing 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), registration will face severe sanctions.

JAMB Registrar, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, issued the warning on Monday as the registration entered its third week.

He said offenders could be barred from sitting for the UTME for up to three years, adding that the names of defaulters may be published in national newspapers and forwarded to other public examination bodies.

Oloyede also disclosed that candidates involved in serious offences could be handed over to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), or the Police for prosecution.

JAMB said the measures are aimed at protecting the integrity of the examination process and ensuring fairness for all candidates.