Education

Stakeholders advocate for poverty eradication through good governance

Published

1 month ago

September 3, 2025

Joel Ajayi

Stakeholders and Nigerians have advocated for good governance aimed at eradicating poverty in accordance with UN’s Strategic Development Goal (SDG) number one, “Ending Poverty in all its forms everywhere.”

This is contained in a statement by the convener, Gilbert Onyemaelu Leadership and Diversity (GOLD) public lecture, Engr. Augustine Okeke in Abuja on Wednesday.

Speaking at the 4th GOLD public lecture and Stakeholder forum organized by Augustine Elochukwu Okeke (AEO) Foundation, Dean, Lagos Business School, Prof.Olayinka David-West called for leveraging on practical applications of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to impact multi-sectors.

David-West who was the keynote speaker, on the theme, “Harnessing Artificial Intelligence (AI) for Sustainable Poverty Alleviation in Nigeria,” emphasized the imperatives of achieving self-sufficiency and prosperity.

Earlier, the Chairman of the event, the Chancellor of BAZE University, Sen. Datti Baba-Ahmed, PhD., called for Harnessing AI to impact education and learning.

Also the Guest of Honour, the DG of National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) Kachifu Inuwa Abdullahi, enlightened the audience on government initiatives on AI including the launch of the National AI Strategy (NAIS).

Also speaking, the Managing Director, Ingryd Academy, Khadijat Abdukadir, threw light into the multi-dimensions of AI and poverty Alleviation.

The Chairman of Flexip Group, Engr. Rex Mafiana called for entrepreneurial engagement of citizens while leveraging on AI to achieve poverty reduction.

The Managing Director, Nigerian Communications Satellite Limited (NIGCOMSAT), Mrs Jane Egerton-Idehen advocated for rural impact of AI to tackle poverty.

Also speaking, the Director Compliance Institute, Dr Wence Nwoga expressed the need for the use of data as a critical component in achieving poverty eradication.

The President, Association of Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria (ATCON), Tony Izuagbe Emoekpere, explained how AI can leverage on infrastructure for a prosperous and economically viable society.

The Chairperson, Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) Nigeria Section, Engr. Prof. Ifeyinwa Achumba, called for a connection between education, AI and poverty Alleviation.

Academic Researcher, ALERT Group, Middlesex University, Dr, Uchenna Nnawuchi emphasized on the AI applications and ethical consideration conundrum.

The highlight of the event was unveiling two strategic initiatives of Augustine Elochukwu Okeke (AEO) Foundation thus: Leading with Integrity and Valuesin Enterprise (LIVE) Community and Youth Leadership EnhancementAnd Development (YLEAD) Programme.

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Education

Inclusive Education Boost as Deaf-Tech, Federal University of Lafia Roll Out Master’s in Disability Studies

Published

1 week ago

September 26, 2025

The Gleamer

Joel Ajayi

In a major step toward advancing inclusive education in Nigeria, Deaf-in-Tech, an initiative of Data-Lead Africa, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Federal University of Lafia (FULAFIA) to establish a Professional Master’s Degree in Disability Studies.

The signing ceremony, held at Deaf-in-Tech’s headquarters in Abuja, featured a goodwill message from Prof. Adaka Terfa Ahon, Director of the Centre for Disability Studies, who represented FULAFIA’s Vice Chancellor, Prof. Shehu Abdul Rahman. He reaffirmed the university’s commitment to championing disability and inclusion in its academic innovation and planning.

The new Master’s programme will adopt a hybrid learning model, with online classes complemented by in-person sessions at Deaf-in-Tech’s training facility in Abuja. It is designed to build expertise in disability-inclusive governance, education, and development across sectors.

Executive Director of Deaf-in-Tech and Co-Founder of Data-Lead Africa, Dr. Arowolo Ayoola, described the collaboration as a “structural shift” in how institutions and professionals engage with disability issues. “The inclusion journey must begin with knowledge, and we are proud to partner with a progressive university like FULAFIA,” he said.

Beyond the postgraduate programme, the partnership will also establish a Deaf-in-Tech Club on FULAFIA’s campus — the first of its kind — to empower Deaf students with technology skills, mentorship, and innovation opportunities. Additional initiatives include a ₦1 million academic excellence reward for any Deaf student who graduates with a First Class, as well as the development of a disability-accessible website and digital database for the Centre for Disability Studies, built to WCAG 2.1 global accessibility standards.

The alliance underscores both institutions’ commitment to building inclusive systems and celebrating excellence, while positioning Deaf-in-Tech as a catalyst for bridging the gap between disability and the digital economy.

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