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FG to Boost Internet Connection in OAU, Unilag, Unilorin, and 14 Other Institutions

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Broadband Penetration - Investors King

The federal government has approved a sum of N400 million each to boost internet connection in Obafemi Awolowo University, University of Lagos, University of Ilorin, and 14 other institutions across the country.

The approval which was disclosed by the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Prof. Isa Pantami, is aimed to increase broadband penetration in Nigeria. 

Investors King understands that this is in addition to the agreement which the ministry sighed with top tech company, Microsoft to train 5 million Nigerians on high-demand digital skills. 

Speaking during the award of the contracts letters in Abuja, Pantami noted that Nigeria is on course to achieve 70 percent broadband penetration by 2025. 

While highlighting the benefits of the broadband project to include improving the quality of education and overall growth of the beneficiary institutions, the minister stated that three higher institutions were selected from each geo-political zone of the country.

On the list of beneficiary institutions include Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife; University of Lagos and University of Ilorin, University of Nigeria, Nsukka; Federal University of Technology, Owerri; Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka; University of Calabar; University of Benin; and the University of Port Harcourt.

Others are Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria; Bayero University, Kano; Umaru Musa Yar’Adua University, Katsina; Borno State University; Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi; Gombe State University; Federal University of Technology, Minna; University of Ilorin; University of Abuja; and College of Education (Special), Ibadan.

In the same development, Pantami added that 20 markets, 3 each from the six geo-political zones will also benefit from the broadband projects. 

The markets include the famous computer village In Lagos, the highly patronised Wuse market in Abuja; Bodija Market in Ibadan, Kantin Kwari Market, Kano; Central Market, Lafia, Nasarawa State; Mandate Market, Ilorin; Jos Main Market, Plateau State; Jimeta Central Market, Yola; New Market, Gombe.

Others are Oja Oba, Akure, Ondo State; Kuto, Abeokuta, Ogun State; Ariaria International Market, Aba, Abia State; International Modern Market, Owerri, Imo State; Main Market, Onitsha, Anambra State; Watt Market, Calabar, Cross River; Oba Market, Benin, Edo State; and Swali Market, Yenegoa, Bayelsa State.

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Unity Bank Upgrades Corpreneurship Prize Money to N16M Per Stream as 30 New Winners Emerge

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In a bid to boost start-up capital and place more resources at the disposal of aspiring young entrepreneurs in Nigeria, retail lender, Unity Bank Plc has increased the prize money for winners of its flagship Entrepreneurship Development Initiative, known as Corpreneurship Challenge to 16 million Naira per stream.

Consequently, participants who emerge winners in the business pitch will henceforth win N800,000, N500,000, and N300,000 Business grants for the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd positions respectively as against the previous editions in which the sum of N500,000; N300,000 and N200,000 were handed out to respective winners in the Corpreneurship Challenge.

Launched in 2019 with pilots in 4 states – Lagos, Edo, Ogun, and Abuja and scaled to 10 States in 2020, the Corpreneurship Challenge initiative is promoted in partnership with the NYSC Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development, SAED. The initiative features a business pitch presentation where participants have the opportunity to present their business plans and stand a chance to win business grants.

At the recently concluded edition of the Corpreneurship Challenge for 2024 NYSC Batch A, Stream 1 NYSC service, 30 winners emerged including upcoming entrepreneurs developing innovative solutions in several business value chains such as Poultry farming, Fashion, and Pastries, among others, after participating in the business pitch that took place across the 10 NYSC Orientation Camps in Rivers, Delta, Anambra, Abia, Oyo, Ogun, Kebbi, Niger Sokoto and Zamfara States.

At the Delta State NYSC Orientation Camp in Issele-Uku, Folorunsho Kolade who pitched a Poultry farming business plan emerged as the overall winner to claim the N800,000 grand prize; Samuel Ayodotun. J. whose innovative footwear venture idea, Basky Footprint took the second spot to win the N500,000 cash prize; while another corps member, Udoji Chibuike Peter, whose venture plan on the footwear fashion value chain also emerged as the second runner-up to claim the N300,000 grant.

Also, at the NYSC Orientation Camp at Nonwa Gbam Tai, Rivers State, Dan Betobong Samuel’s business plan on food production claimed the top spot to clinch the N800,000 grand prize; while Linda Christopher’s Lily Pastries’ business plan emerged as the first runner-up to claim the N500,000 grant. Esther Jacob’s business pitch on the poultry value chain emerged as the second runner-up to win the N300,000 cash grant.

Speaking at the NYSC Orientation Camp in Rivers State, the Divisional Head, Retail and SME Banking, Mrs. Adenike Ambimbola commended the participating Corps Members for the quality of their business plans and pledged the Bank’s commitment to sustaining the Entrepreneurship Development Scheme.

While congratulating the winners, Mrs. Ambimbola said, “Unity Bank is proud to associate with the Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) scheme of NYSC in providing interventions and support to budding entrepreneurs with promising ventures through the business grants to help turn these ideas into reality. We recognize the importance of investing in our youths and empowering them to drive positive change within our economy.”

Also speaking at the grand finale held in Delta State NYSC Orientation Camp, Dr. Opeyemi Ojesina, Head of SME Banking, Unity Bank expressed delight at the Unity Bank Corpreneurship Challenge’s growing profile as a leading business incubation platform and catalyst for entrepreneurship development in Nigeria.

He said, “Over the past five years, Unity Bank has steadfastly supported the Corpreneurship Challenge, witnessing its profound impact on youth empowerment and job creation nationwide. The programme has earned a reputation for its innovative approach, seamlessly integrating financial backing, mentorship, and skill development to nurture aspiring entrepreneurs.”

Ojesina further underscored the invaluable mentorship offered to participants, connecting them with seasoned professionals who provide crucial insights, guidance, and a roadmap for success. He emphasized Unity Bank’s belief that true empowerment extends beyond financial aid to the cultivation of entrepreneurial acumen.

So far, Unity Bank has invested over N120 million in the initiative, which has now produced 369 winners since it was launched in 2019.

In 2021, the leadership of the NYSC bestowed on Unity Bank the “Icon of Youth Empowerment” award in recognition of the impact of the initiative.

The Corpreneurship Challenge continues to elicit growing interest among the corps members, attracting over 4,000 applicants and participation in every edition.

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WAEC: Over 8,000 Candidates Register for First Series of Computer Based-WASSCE in Nigeria

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WAEC results

Over 8,000 candidates have registered for the inaugural Computer Based-West Africa Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) in Nigeria.

Dr. Amos Dangut, the Head of National Office for the West African Examinations Council (WAEC), made this announcement during a press conference held in Lagos.

Scheduled to commence from January 31 to February 17, 2024, the Computer Based-WASSCE for private candidates represents a significant shift in examination methodology.

WAEC, in November 2023, had revealed its plans to conduct the WASSCE for private candidates using a computer-based model.

Dr. Dangut, while addressing the media, expressed WAEC’s commitment to implementing this innovative approach despite initial resistance.

He noted that the acceptance of the innovation, as evidenced by the substantial number of entries received, bolstered the council’s resolve to move forward with the computer-based examination.

Out of the 8,285 candidates registered, 47.66% are male, while 52.3% are female, indicating a relatively balanced representation across genders.

The examination will cover 19 subjects comprising 26 papers in a hybrid mode, blending objective and multiple-choice questions with essay and practical components.

Dr. Dangut urged candidates to familiarize themselves with the requirements for the CB-WASSCE by accessing WAEC’s e-learning portal.

He underscored WAEC’s collaboration with educational authorities, security agencies, and stakeholders to ensure the seamless conduct of the examination and maintain its credibility.

The advent of the Computer Based-WASSCE heralds a new era in standardized testing in Nigeria, marking a significant stride towards modernization and adaptability in the education sector.

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Canada Raises Cost-of-Living Requirement for Study Permit Applicants

IRCC Announces Adjustments to Financial Guidelines and Student Work Hours Effective January 1, 2024

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EU-Canada Trade Deal

The Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has revealed changes to the cost-of-living requirement for study permit applicants, effective January 1, 2024.

The new requirement, set at $20,635 for a single study permit applicant, more than doubles the existing amount of $10,000 established in the early 2000s.

The adjustment aims to align with the rising cost of living in Canada, preventing instances where students’ funds fall short of covering their expenses.

This financial guideline applies to study permit applications received on or after January 1, 2024, and is in addition to the first-year tuition and travel costs.

Furthermore, IRCC states that the cost-of-living requirement will now be annually adjusted based on Statistics Canada’s updates to the low-income cut-off (LICO), reflecting the minimum income necessary in Canada.

In addition to the financial adjustments, IRCC has extended the waiver on the 20-hour-per-week work cap for international students until April 30, 2024.

This extension applies to students currently in Canada and those who submitted a study permit application by December 7, 2023.

The waiver, initially introduced on November 15, 2022, allows students to work more than the standard 20 hours per week during the academic term.

Minister Miller also announced two updates related to the Post Graduation Work Permit (PGWP).

The provision allowing international students to include online study terms toward their future PGWP, as long as it doesn’t exceed half of the total program duration, will be extended until September 1, 2024.

However, there will be no further special extensions for PGWPs beyond this period, emphasizing IRCC’s commitment to maintaining clarity and stability in its policies.

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