News

Deputy Speaker Kalu, 3 Others Bag PhD in Policy and Strategic Studies

Published

3 months ago

August 8, 2025

Jeph Bisi

Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Benjamin Kalu, along with three other individuals, has been awarded a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Policy and Strategic Studies. The degrees were conferred at the Abuja Leadership Centre (ALC) of Yakubu Gowon University, formerly the University of Abuja.

According to Prof. Philip Dahida, the Director of the Center, the academic achievements were granted after the candidates successfully completed all requirements, including the defense of their theses on August 7, 2025.

In addition to Deputy Speaker Kalu, the other recipients are Ugonna Obi Emeruwa, Abubakar Saddiq Musa, and Ahmed Umar Bolori, all of whom received doctoral degrees in the same field.

Speaking after the event, Prof. Patricia Manko Lar, the Acting Vice Chancellor of the university, praised Kalu for his commitment and determination to pursue education despite his busy schedule as a public official. She underscored the importance of Kalu’s research work and doctoral thesis titled “Government Capacity to Integrate International Climate Adaptation Strategies and Policies in Nigeria,” which aims to address significant gaps in that area.

Prof. Lar encouraged political elites to recognize the university’s capacity to deliver high-quality academic knowledge and contribute to national development.

In his remarks, Kalu expressed his gratitude to Prof. Dahida and the university community. He stated that the education he received has better equipped him to contribute to Nigeria’s growth and development. He emphasized that he was treated no differently than other students and that at no point was he asked for bribes or favors in exchange for assistance. Kalu, however vowed to apply the knowledge he gained and to strengthen legislation on climate change in Nigeria.

“I did not come to the University of Abuja to acquire a title. I came to gather tools that would aid in nation-building efforts. I focused on climate change because I know Nigeria is losing significantly due to our inability to integrate international policies and strategies into our national framework. I am declaring this university a solution hub for the multifaceted problems facing Nigeria,” he stated.

“As a lawmaker, I intends to use legislative measures to address identified gaps in the system, proposing the establishment of a Climate Adaptation Council to integrate existing bodies relevant to this issue.

“We will review current laws, possibly amending the Climate Change Act or creating new legislation that provides a stronger framework for capacity building for those addressing climate change,” he assured.

Kalu also urged Nigerians to consider local institutions for further education, emphasizing their potential to foster national growth.

“While studying abroad is an option, we must not overlook the institutions we fund as a government. Supporting local universities increases their credibility and integrity.

“I aim to inspire those who think they cannot study because they cannot obtain visas to go overseas. What they seek is available here. I have studied at institutions around the world and can attest to the quality of education provided.

“I did not attend classes as Deputy Speaker. Many students were unaware of my position until the end of my studies because I chose to blend in—wearing a cap and T-shirt, sitting at the back of the classroom to be treated like everyone else,” the lawmaker concluded.

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News

Nentawe Is a Unifier, Not a Fractionalizer

Published

3 hours ago

November 3, 2025

The Gleamer

Cyril Ogar

The North Central Youth Coalition for Asiwaju (NCYCA) wishes to address recent misguided comments and actions by certain unscrupulous elements attempting to undermine the National Chairman of our great Party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), Prof. Yiltwalda Nentawe, and destabilize the harmony currently enjoyed within our ranks.

In a statement released on Monday in Abuja and signed by the National Coordinator of NCYCA, Mr. James Iorkusah, the group condemned these detractors and reaffirmed its unwavering support for the leadership of Prof. Nentawe.

According to the NCYCA, some so-called “support groups” — notably the All Progressives Congress Youth Solidarity Network (APC-YSN) — are not recognized by the official APC structure and therefore lack the legitimacy to speak for the Party. The statement described the APC-YSN as a fringe coalition of political opportunists bent on sowing division and confusion within the Party for the selfish interests of their sponsors.

“The public should not take these impostors seriously,” the statement read.

Contrary to the false narratives being peddled, the NCYCA emphasized that Prof. Nentawe’s leadership is anchored on unity, inclusion, and progress. His actions and policies have consistently demonstrated a sincere commitment to bridging internal divides, fostering collaboration, and promoting a shared vision for the future of the APC.

Since assuming office, Prof. Nentawe has worked tirelessly to strengthen internal cohesion, reconcile differing interests, and ensure that every member of the APC feels heard and valued. It is therefore unthinkable for any genuine stakeholder to call for his resignation on the baseless accusation of being a “disrupter.”

As a recognized youth support organization within the North Central region, the NCYCA urges all Party stakeholders to rally behind Prof. Nentawe in his quest to advance unity, inclusivity, and the expansion of the APC membership base — welcoming all Nigerians of goodwill, including Governor Caleb Mutfwang, whose name has been mischievously used by political saboteurs to stoke division.

Under Prof. Nentawe’s leadership, the APC has grown stronger, more participatory, and more representative — providing every member with a voice and an avenue for both personal and community growth.

The NCYCA deeply appreciates Prof. Nentawe’s unwavering dedication to the ideals of the All Progressives Congress and looks forward to continued partnership in building a more united, dynamic, and progressive Party.

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