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NANS Awards Rep. Akinlayo, Scores NELFUND 80%, Raises Concern Over AI Abuse in Schools

Published

2 weeks ago

May 1, 2026

Cyril Ogar

The National Association of Nigerian Students has rated the Federal Government’s student loan initiative, Nigerian Education Loan Fund, at 80 per cent, even as it honoured Davidson Akinlayo Kolawole, a member of the House of Representatives, for his contributions to student welfare and development.

The rating and discussions around student-focused policies took place during the presentation of the 2026 NANS Excellence in Leadership, Service and Community Impact Award to the Ekiti North II federal lawmaker in Abuja.

Speaking at the event, NANS President, Olusola Oladoja, said the assessment of NELFUND was based on independent findings and feedback from students across the country, noting that millions have already benefited from the initiative.

“I will rate it 80 per cent because it still has lapses. But it is the first time Nigerian students are enjoying this level of support,” he said, adding that the scheme has significantly eased the burden of tuition, accommodation and upkeep.

He, however, raised concerns over delays and alleged mismanagement in some institutions, warning that erring officials could face sanctions, including petitions to anti-graft agencies.

Oladoja explained that Akinlayo’s selection for the award was based on independent research, which found him outstanding in youth and student-focused interventions, particularly within his constituency.

“In recognition of your exemplary leadership, selfless service to the nation, and remarkable contributions to community development and social impact,” he said, noting that 45 distinguished Nigerians were selected for the honour as part of activities marking NANS’ 45th anniversary.

Responding, Akinlayo expressed appreciation for the recognition, describing it as a motivation to do more at a critical time in Nigeria’s development.
“I am honoured to receive this award at a time when efforts are ongoing to make Nigeria great again,” he said.

The lawmaker highlighted key interventions, including bursary awards for students in his constituency and an additional N100,000 incentive for undergraduates with a CGPA of 3.5 and above to promote academic excellence. He also noted his role in supporting initiatives like NELFUND.

Amid growing reliance on technology in education, Akinlayo cautioned students against the misuse of artificial intelligence and digital tools, warning that overdependence could undermine academic excellence.

“AI should be used positively, not to replace thinking. You should be able to think for yourself,” he said.

He stressed that while digital tools are designed to improve productivity and learning outcomes, their misuse has led to declining academic standards, with some students relying on them for assignments and tests instead of engaging in independent study.

“With modern tools, students should perform better, but that is not always the case because they are being used the wrong way,” he added.
The lawmaker also raised concerns about the misuse of technology for fraudulent activities among some students, attributing it to poor moral upbringing and calling for stronger parental and educational guidance.

“We must revive proper home training, ensure discipline and accountability. That is how we can build better students and a better society,” he said.

NANS reaffirmed its support for the lawmaker, noting that his continued investment in student welfare and advocacy for impactful policies aligns with the association’s vision for sustainable development in Nigeria’s education sector.

Despite acknowledging operational gaps, the student body maintained that NELFUND remains one of the most impactful education policies in recent years, with the potential to transform access to higher education across the country.

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FG Commits To National Development With Major Contract Agreements — Umahi

Published

13 hours ago

May 14, 2026

The Gleamer

Joel Ajayi

The Federal Government, through the Federal Ministry of Works, has again signed landmark contract agreements with four (4) construction firms to execute critical road projects across the country, in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR. The contract signing ceremony, held on Thursday at the Ministry’s Headquarters in Mabushi, Abuja, marks another major step in the Federal Government’s commitment to delivering durable, sustainable road infrastructure that enhances connectivity, stimulates economic growth, and improves the quality of life of Nigerians.

The four contractors and their respective projects are as follows:

1. Messrs J. Patel and Sons Nigeria Limited – Reconstruction of Mando (Kaduna) – Birnin Gwari Road in Kaduna State,

2. Messrs JRB Construction Company Limited – Dualisation of Ibadan–Ijebu Ode Road in Oyo and Ogun States,

3. Messrs Truecrete Solutions Limited – Construction of Osogbo–Ikirun–Akoda Road in Osun State and

4. Messrs Peculiar Ultimate Concerns Limited – Construction of Osogbo–Iwo–Ibadan Road in Osun and Oyo States.

Speaking during the event, the Honourable Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi, CON, FNSE, FNATE, described the projects as strategic national infrastructure designed to boost economic activities, improve transportation efficiency, and strengthen national integration. He noted that the reconstruction of the Mando (Kaduna) –Birnin Gwari Road in Kaduna State holds special significance, as it was one of the key infrastructure development commitments made by His Excellency, President Tinubu during the 2022/2023 electioneering campaigns. According to the Minister, the present administration remains resolute in its determination to deliver world-class infrastructure that will stand the test of time. “Our vision is to build roads that will last for generations. Under the Renewed Hope administration, we are determined to deliver infrastructure that can serve Nigerians for up to 100 years through the adoption of rigid pavement (concrete) technology,” Umahi stated.

The Minister commended the selected contractors for their competence, track records, and proven capacity, emphasising the Federal Government’s confidence in indigenous contractors. He particularly praised Messrs JRB Construction Company Limited, Truecrete Solutions Limited, and other indigenous firms for their commendable performances on previous projects across the country.

Umahi charged all contractors to mobilise to their respective project sites immediately and commence work without delay, stressing that the Ministry expects measurable progress within the stipulated timelines.

Earlier in his remarks, the Permanent Secretary, Mr. Rafiu Olarinre Adeladan, who formally signed the contract agreements, described the occasion as the successful completion of the procurement process and the official commencement of project implementation.

He commended the leadership of the Ministry for its commitment to ensuring that projects reached the execution stage and reaffirmed the Ministry’s dedication to effective monitoring, quality assurance, and timely delivery.

Also speaking, the Director of Highways, Construction and Rehabilitation, Mr. Clement Ogbuagu, presented details of the awarded contracts as follows:

1. Reconstruction of Mando–Birnin Gwari Road, Kaduna State

Contractor: Messrs J. Patel and Sons Nigeria Limited

Contract Sum: ₦178,116,787,162.00

Length: 122 Kilometres

2. Dualisation of Ibadan–Ijebu Ode Road, Oyo and Ogun States

Contractor: JRB Construction Company Limited,

Contract Sum: ₦295,996,609,992.77

Length: 114.5 Kilometres (Single Carriageway Equivalent)

3. Construction of Osogbo–Ikirun–Akoda Road, Osun State

Contractor: Truecrete Solutions Limited

Contract Sum: ₦101,806,585,825.90

Length: 70 Kilometres (Single Carriageway Equivalent) and

4. Construction of Osogbo–Iwo–Ibadan Road, Osun State

Contractor: Peculiar Ultimate Concerns Limited

Contract Sum: ₦114,854,477,607.93

Length: 73 Kilometres

All the projects will be executed using Continuously Reinforced Concrete Pavement (CRCP) technology, in line with the Federal Government’s commitment to building durable, cost-effective, and sustainable road infrastructure nationwide.

The ceremony represents another significant milestone in the Federal Government’s drive to modernise Nigeria’s road network and accelerate national economic development.

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