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BUK Convocation Lecture: NASENI Boss Emphasizes Innovation for National Development

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Mr. Khalil Suleiman Halilu, the Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), delivered the 39th Convocation Lecture at Bayero University, Kano (BUK) on Friday, 14th February, 2025.

Notably, Mr. Halilu, at a relatively young age, became the youngest convocation lecturer in the history of Bayero University, underscoring his exceptional leadership and contributions to Nigeria’s science and engineering landscape.

Chaired by Chief Uche Geoffrey Nnaji, the Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, the lecture was attended by distinguished personalities, including Alh. Suleiman Halilu, the father of the convocation lecturer, as well as former vice-chancellors, registrars, traditional rulers, and members of the academic community from BUK and other tertiary institutions.

Titled “Innovation and Entrepreneurship: A Pathway to National Development,” Mr. Halilu’s lecture emphasized the urgent need for Nigeria to harness its youthful population and leverage technology-driven entrepreneurship to drive economic growth and global competitiveness.

Highlighting Nigeria’s demographic challenges and opportunities, Mr. Halilu noted that the country’s projected population of 264.1 million by 2030 presents a critical challenge: how to turn its demographic strength into an economic advantage. He stressed that Nigeria must produce a generation of skilled leaders equipped to navigate the fourth industrial revolution.

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The NASENI boss also underscored the importance of innovation and entrepreneurship in driving economic prosperity, citing global data showing that high-income nations boast significantly higher entrepreneurial density than developing economies.

To address Nigeria’s development challenges, Mr. Halilu recommended that the government recalibrate its policies to support innovation and entrepreneurship, citing global success stories such as Estonia’s e-Residency program. He also emphasized the need for universities to align with global trends, adopt multidisciplinary curricula, and enhance partnerships between academia, industry, and government.

In his remarks, Chief Uche Geoffrey Nnaji, the Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, described the lecture as timely, aligning with the Federal Government’s intensified efforts to tackle poverty, unemployment, and infrastructure deficits. He emphasized that while Nigeria is endowed with abundant talent and resources, the real challenge lies in effectively harnessing them.

Bayero University’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Sagir Adamu Abbas, highlighted the significance of the lecture, emphasizing NASENI’s pivotal role in addressing Nigeria’s scientific and technological challenges.

The lecture concluded with Mr. Halilu offering five lessons to the graduands, emphasizing self-determination, continuous learning, and the power of networking. He urged them to be adaptable, entrepreneurial, and solution-driven, and to never underestimate the value of their skills and knowledge.

As the youngest convocation lecturer in BUK’s history, Mr. Halilu’s address will undoubtedly inspire a new generation of leaders, innovators, and entrepreneurs to drive Nigeria’s development and global competitiveness.

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Excessive Heat Blamed for Explosion at Giwa Barracks, Army Confirms

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. The Nigerian Army has attributed the explosion at Giwa Barracks to the soaring temperatures in Maiduguri, dismissing speculations of an attack.

In an official statement issued by Captain Reuben Kovangiya, Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations at Headquarters Theatre Command Operation HADIN KAI, the army confirmed that the incident involved the explosion of ordnance stored in one of their ammunition facilities. “The explosion was due to the current high temperatures in Maiduguri, which led to the detonation of some munitions,” Kovangiya stated.

Authorities were quick to contain the situation, deploying multiple fire response units to prevent further damage. “The situation has, however, been brought under control with the combined efforts of the Borno State Fire Service Department and fire trucks from various security agencies,” Kovangiya assured the public in his statement.

In addition to firefighting efforts, troops from Operation HADIN KAI have been mobilized to secure the area and prevent any form of exploitation by miscreants. “Troops have been deployed to protect the public and prevent miscreants from taking advantage of the situation,” Kovangiya emphasized, highlighting the army’s swift response to secure the affected region.

The army has also urged residents of Maiduguri Metropolitan Council to remain calm and disregard any unfounded rumors of an attack. “The general public is therefore urged to please discountenance any speculation of an attack and remain calm,” the statement concluded.

As investigations continue into the incident, authorities are expected to assess the impact of extreme weather conditions on military storage sites to prevent similar occurrences in the future.

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Viral Video Misattributed to ISWAP Sparks Misinformation Concerns

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A video circulating widely on social media has sparked controversy and confusion, as it is being falsely linked to ISWAP (Islamic State West Africa Province) and attributed to a recent comment by Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno State, Nigeria. However, security analyst Zagazola Makama has debunked these claims, clarifying on his verified Facebook page that the footage has no connection to Borno State or Nigeria.

According to Makama, the video in question originates from Burkina Faso and features members of JNIM (Jama’at Nasr al-Islam wal Muslimin), a militant group active in the Sahel region. The misrepresentation of this footage is not only misleading but poses significant risks, as it can fuel unnecessary tension and undermine trust within communities.

Makama emphasized the importance of verifying information before sharing it online, especially in sensitive matters like security and governance. “It’s unfortunate how quickly misinformation spreads, especially when people don’t take time to verify facts,” he stated.

The incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of misinformation in the digital age. As social media continues to play a pivotal role in shaping public opinion, users are urged to exercise caution and responsibility in consuming and sharing content. False narratives, particularly in matters of national security, can have far-reaching consequences, including heightened anxiety and strained relationships between communities and authorities.

Governor Zulum has not commented on the video, but the clarification from Makama highlights the need for vigilance and critical thinking in the face of viral content. As Nigeria and other nations grapple with security challenges, the spread of unverified information only adds to the complexity of addressing these issues effectively.

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Gombe Commences building of NYSC Lodge to Accommodate Corpers – Education Commissioner

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National Youth Service Corp’s (NYSC ) members deployed to Gombe State have been urged to avail themselves with the massive on going transformations in the State.

The call was made by the Honourable Commissioner of Education, Professor Aishatu Umar Maigari while addressing the Corp members during their routine daily briefing at NYSC Orientation camp in Amada, Akko Local Government.

Prof Aishatu Maigari said in support to the contributions of the NYSC in the state, Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya’s administration is building in the first phase self contained houses that can accommodate over 100 corp members across public schools.

She therefore, urged the members of the scheme to feel at home throughout their service year as people of Gombe State are peace loving and hospitable in addition to the conducive environment created by the present administration in the state.

Responding, the Gombe State Coordinator of the NYSC Mrs Chinwe Nnanne Nwachukwu commended the giant transformative drive of Governor Inuwa Yahaya and the innovations taking place in the education sector of the state.

The NYSC Coordinator also appreciated the Commissioner for attending the daily briefing which is a moral boaster to Corp members.

More than 1500 Youth Corp members are currently at the camp and will soon be posted to their various places of primary assignment for the service year.

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