Education
ERGAF-AFRICA, Miva University partner to drive knowledge, innovation
By Aliyu Musa
The Erudite Growth and Advancement Foundation (ERGAF-AFRICA) and Miva Open University have entered into a strategic partnership through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to commemorate the 2025 United Nations World Development Information Day under the theme “Information for Development: Bridging Knowledge and Action in Africa.”
The ceremony, which drew participants from academia, public and private sectors, policymakers, students, and members of the public, marked a bold commitment by both institutions to deepen collaboration in research, innovation, capacity building, and policy engagement across the continent.
Presenting the World Development Report (WDR) 2025 virtually at the event, the President of ERGAF-AFRICA, Dr. Chibuzo Okereke underscored that the report focused on the centrality of standards as drivers of sustainable development.
He articulated the taxonomy of standards highlighted in the WDR 2025—transitioning from absence or weak standards to adoption/adaptation, and ultimately to authorship—as a critical pathway for national progress.
Drawing parallels with Africa’s current trajectory on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Dr. Okereke emphasized that “He who owns the standards owns the market,” urging African governments to transform SDG targets into clear, measurable standards and to invest in robust standards governance infrastructure to enhance development outcomes.
In his remarks, the Vice-Chancellor of Miva Open University, Professor Tayo Arulogun, commended ERGAF-AFRICA’s forward-thinking approach to knowledge-driven development and reaffirmed the university’s commitment to fostering partnerships that merge data, information, and policy for the advancement of society.
Similarly, the Head of Department, Public Policy and Administration, Professor Sam Oni, emphasised that evidence-based policymaking remains the bedrock of effective governance, adding that data and information are indispensable tools in shaping inclusive development.
Mrs Jennifer Okereke, Board of Trustees Member of ERGAF-AFRICA, while delivering goodwill message, described the partnership as a historic and welcome development, commending Miva Open University for its excellence in research, innovation, and technology-driven learning.
The partnership, according to him, symbolises a shared vision to use education, research, and technology as instruments for societal transformation.
The high point of the occasion was the formal signing of the Memorandum of Understanding between both institutions. Professor Tayo Arulogun, supported by Professor Sam Oni, signed on behalf of Miva Open University, while Mrs. Obidiya Jennifer Okereke signed on behalf of the Board and Management of ERGAF-AFRICA, assisted by Mr. Raphael Tarbo, Senior Data Analyst; Precious Chidokwe; and Jennifer Luke of ERGAF-AFRICA.
Under the terms of the MoU, both organisations agreed to collaborate in the following key areas: Capacity building and professional development; Joint research, learning, and innovation using data and technology; Organisation of conferences, workshops, mentorship, and fellowship programmes.
“Policy engagement and advocacy initiatives to bridge knowledge and action gaps; Strengthening grassroots participation in governance; and Providing technical support for legislative institutions and governance systems”.
By Felix Umande, Makurdi
Governor Hyacinth Iormem Alia of Benue State has approved the appointment of Prof. Timothy Terseer Alabar as the new Vice Chancellor of Father Adasu University, Makurdi (FAUM).
The appointment, which takes immediate effect, was made following a rigorous selection process conducted by the university’s Governing Board and other relevant stakeholders.
Prof. Alaba, a seasoned academic and administrator, is currently the Dean of the Postgraduate School at FAUM. A native of Ukum Local Government Area of Benue State, he has been a key player in the university’s growth since joining the institution in 1999.
He has held various leadership positions, including Dean of the Faculty of Administration and Management, Acting Vice-Chancellor, and Head of the Department of Business Management at Benue State University.
Governor Alia has charged Prof. Alaba to provide visionary, ethical, and inclusive leadership that will drive academic excellence, foster cutting-edge research, and nurture character and competence.
The Governor also urged the new Vice Chancellor to uphold the autonomy and integrity of the university, promote a culture of merit, innovation, and accountability, and ensure prudent stewardship of human and material resources.
Prof. Alaba’s appointment has been welcomed by members of the university community, who are eager to see the institution continue to thrive under a new leadership.
With his wealth of experience and expertise, Prof. Alaba is expected to take the State-owned university to greater heights in Nigeria.
By Aliyu Musa
Wife of the President and First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu has said that education remained the most powerful means of acquiring knowledge, values and other virtues.
She stated this on Sunday in her comments in commemoration of the International Day of Education 2026.
“On this International Day of Education 2026, I call on us to reflect on this years’ theme “AI and Education: Preserving Human Agency in a World of Automation.”
Education remains the most powerful tool for acquiring knowledge, values, creativity, and ethical judgment needed to thrive in a rapidly evolving, technology-driven world.
As we embrace artificial intelligence and innovation, we must ensure that technology serves humanity, not the other way around.
Humans must remain the drivers of AI, harnessing innovation while preserving the values that define us and sustain development.
“In Nigeria, our priority is to invest in quality, inclusive education that empowers our children and youth to think critically, act responsibly, and embrace the future with confidence and compassion. Happy International Day of Education 2026.”
By Adams Oche
The National Universities Commission (NUC) has approved six new academic programmes for Cosmopolitan University, Abuja with effect from the 2025/2026 academic session.
The approval, contained in a formal letter issued on behalf of the NUC Executive Secretary, followed a resource assessment and verification visit by NUC-appointed panels, which adjudged the university’s human and material resources satisfactory.
A statement released by the Office of Strategic Communications, Cosmopolitan University, Abuja on Saturday described the approval as a significant milestone that strengthens the institution’s academic portfolio and positions it to respond more effectively to Nigeria’s workforce and development needs, particularly in business leadership, security studies, healthcare, and agriculture.
With the development, Cosmopolitan University would commence full-time delivery of the following programmes at its main campus: Master of Business Administration (MBA); M.Sc. Intelligence and Security Studies; B.Sc. Radiography; B.Sc. Agronomy; B.Sc. Agribusiness; and B.Sc. Agricultural Extension.
Speaking on the development, the Vice-Chancellor of Cosmopolitan University, Prof Carl Adam said the NUC approval marks “a significant step forward in the university’s mission of delivering globally competitive, socially relevant, and professionally grounded education.”
Adam noted that the newly approved programmes were carefully aligned with national development priorities and emerging global trends.
The Vice-Chancellor further reaffirmed the university’s commitment to strict compliance with regulatory standards, academic excellence, and the production of highly skilled graduates equipped to compete in the global market.
The approval adds to the growing profile of Cosmopolitan University, Abuja, as it continues to expand its academic offerings and strengthen its contribution to human capital development in Nigeria.
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