By Samson Adeyanju

Twenty finalists from across Nigeria have begun the final stage of the fourth edition of the National Essay Competition in Abuja, following an orientation session designed to prepare them for the decisive examination.

The finalists arrived in the Federal Capital Territory for a four-day, all-expenses-paid programme featuring the essay examination, institutional tours and opportunities for learning and networking.

The competition, the brainchild of Mr Foluso Ojo, is sponsored by the Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS).

Ahead of the examination, the finalists participated in an orientation session led by Professor Omotosho Borisade of Ekiti State University, who serves as the competition’s umpire.

The session familiarised participants with the competition’s rules and regulations, examination guidelines and assessment criteria, helping them understand the requirements of the final stage.

The essay examination is scheduled to begin today at 9 a.m., after which the finalists are expected to embark on institutional tours around Abuja.

The programme is designed to extend beyond the contest itself, exposing the finalists to new learning opportunities, professional connections and experiences in the nation’s capital.

The competition brings together young Nigerians to demonstrate their writing ability, knowledge, creativity and critical-thinking skills as they compete for the top honours.

With the finalists prepared for the examination, attention now turns to their performance and the eventual emergence of the competition’s champion.

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.

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.