News
IGP launches school protection squad in Edo
IGP launches school protection squad in Edo
The Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun,launched the Nigeria Police Force School Protection Squad for Edo in Benin on Friday.
Egbetokun, who launched the squad, during a stakeholders forum, said the initiative was part of efforts to ensure security and conducive learning environment for teachers and students
Represented by Salman Garba-Dogo, Assistant Inspector General (AIG) in charge of Zone 5, Benin, the police boss described the school protection squad as a milestone in the force’s ongoing commitment to safeguarding educational institutions in the country.
The theme of this forum is: “Strengthening Security Resilience and Integration of Host Communities in the Protection of Education”.
According to him, the squad will serve as a rapid response and preventive unit specifically trained to work with school communities, assess threats, respond to emergencies, and build trust between students and law enforcement agencies.
“Their role goes beyond protection, they will engage students, provide educational support on safety awareness and foster a culture of vigilance and partnership.
“Our goal is not just physical security but emotional reassurance for students, teachers and parents alike,” he said.
The initiative, the inspector general of police, said was developed in close collaboration with the ministry of education, government and the parents-teacher’s association
This is a reflection of our belief that school safety is a shared responsibility that requires unity, vigilance and compassion.
“Every child has the right to learn in an environment that is free from fear. We will not waver in our duty to protect that right,” he said
The police chief encouraged students/pupils, educators, and families to partner with the police, share concerns, report suspicious activities, and engage school officers.
He added that, “together, we can make our schools safer, stronger and more resilient.
Also speaking, Gov. Monday Okpebholo, said his administration was aligning with the Federal Government school protection’s vision and coming together to implement effective strategies that will protect our children and educators.
According to him, the initiative will ensure that every child in the state can learn, grow and thrive in a secure and nurturing environment.
The governor noted that education was not just a pillar of development, but the foundation upon which we build our future.
“So, as we seek to strengthen our educational system, we must first confront the escalating challenges threatening the safety of our children and their learning environments which includes schools.
“These challenges are not unique to Edo State, they are national in scope and therefore, demand a coordinated and inclusive response as provided by this forum,” Okpebholo
The governor, who was represented by his deputy Dennis Idahosa, said to enhance security across its educational institutions, his administration has embarked on construction of perimeter fencing of schools to provide physical protection
He said his government had also deployed State’s security Corps to the grassroots to tackle security threats in our schools, provided mandatory guidance and counselling offices across schools with constant checks on students among others.
On his part, the Commissioner of Police, Dr Abayomi Shogunle, who is the National Coordinator of School Protection Squad, described the initiative as a combative community peace strategy designed to protect schools, empower students and build trust between law enforcement, educators and family.
Shogunle disclosed that over 65 police officers from Edo State police command had been trained to respond, go on sensitisation regarding school safety initiative across the three Senatorial Districts of the state
“What the IGP is trying to do is to get everybody involved, because it is safer and cheaper to prevent crime from happening rather than being reactionary, to the security situation around schools,” he said
The senior police officer said the force had a dedicated call center dedicated to receiving calls from students, parents, teachers and people in the SOS community and ensuring to attend to their calls no matter the time of the day all over the country
He said the security and safety of schools and other learning environment attracted the Federal Government attention, as the nation had faced security challenges such as kidnappings, homicide related cases, and destruction of school infrastructure sometimes leading to school closures and negatively affecting the host communities. (NAN
200 Beneficiaries Receive NDDC Foreign Post Graduate Scholarship
The Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, has awarded Foreign Post Graduate Scholarships to 200 successful candidates for its 2025 scholarship programme.
The NDDC Managing Director, Dr Samuel Ogbuku, observed that the 200 beneficiaries underwent a qualification process that was free from political interferences or external influences.
He stated: “The panel, which was constituted to carry out this qualification process, worked hard to produce the best candidates. I want to commend the panellists for doing a great job. They raised the bar, leading to the best results”
Ogbuku announced that last year, one of the beneficiaries of the NDDC foreign scholarship programme produced the best results, which is an indication of quality in the selection process.
He added that, barring unforeseen circumstances, the Commission would consider resuming the award of scholarships for doctoral studies given the brilliant performance of the past beneficiaries.
He further described the programme as one of the NDDC’s obligations aimed at improving the successes of the Commission and exposing the people of the region to the experience and development of other civilisations.
He admonished the beneficiaries to refrain from criminality and any other act that could tarnish the image of the Commission and the country as a whole.
The programme consultant, Chief Godson Idozo, in his remarks, hinted that 30,000 persons applied for the programme, and 6,000 were shortlisted for the aptitude test. At the same time, 200 applicants hit the foreign scholarship award merit lists.
The NDDC Director of Education, Health, and Social Services, Dr George Uzonwanne, congratulated the beneficiaries for passing through the various stages of the examination process, while urging them to remain focused and determined in their academic pursuits.
The Chairman of the NDDC Governing Board, Mr. Chiedu Ebie, and the Managing Director took turns to present award letters to the successful candidates.
Seledi Thompson-Wakama
Director, Corporate Affairs
June 19, 2025
News
Ogun College Of Nursing Begins Sale Of 2025 Post-UTME Forms, Application Period Runs From June 16 To July 25
Ogun College Of Nursing Begins Sale Of 2025 Post-UTME Forms, Application Period Runs From June 16 To July 25
The Ogun State College of Nursing Sciences has commenced the sale of application forms for the 2025 Post-UTME Computer-Based Screening into the 2025/2026 academic session.
According to a release signed by the Ogun State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Tomi Coker, the application window opened on Monday, June 16 and will close on Friday, July 25, 2025.
The statement outlines that prospective candidates must be at least 16 years old by August 6, 2025, and must have selected Abeokuta, Ijebu-Ode, or Ilaro campus of the College as their first choice during JAMB and Post-UTME registration.
Alternatively, candidates must effect a change of institution before the screening date. A minimum JAMB score of 180 is also required for eligibility.
In addition, applicants must possess a WASSCE, NECO, or GCE result with at least five credits in no more than two sittings. The compulsory subjects include English Language, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, and Biology.
The application fee is Twenty Thousand, Seven Hundred Naira (₦20,700) and must be paid online via the College’s official application portal at apply.ogcon.edu.ng.
The release also strongly cautioned prospective applicants against dealing with touts or fraudsters, stating that the College does not appoint admission agents, either online or in person. For further enquiries, candidates are advised to contact the College directly via [email protected].
News
Arase Foundation Awards Scholarships to Outstanding Students, Honours Legacy of Service and Excellence
Arase Foundation Awards Scholarships to Outstanding Students, Honours Legacy of Service and Excellence
The Solomon Ehigiator Arase Foundation (SEAF) has reaffirmed its steadfast commitment to education, youth empowerment, and social impact with the hosting of its Annual Scholarship Grant ceremony.
The initiative celebrates academic excellence while providing financial support to deserving Nigerian students, particularly from underserved backgrounds.
This year’s beneficiaries include high-achieving students enrolled in tertiary institutions across Nigeria, selected for their academic merit, leadership potential, and community engagement. The scholarship also specifically supports children of deceased rank-and-file police officers as well as students from the seven Local Government Areas in Edo South—a nod to Dr. Solomon Ehigiator Arase’s roots and values.
The Foundation, established on the pillars of integrity, service, and excellence—principles that have defined Dr. Arase’s illustrious career in public service—continues to expand its impact by nurturing a new generation of changemakers.
“This is more than a financial award,” a spokesperson from the Foundation noted. “It is a seed of hope, a recognition of hard work, and a call to leadership.”
This year’s grant spans a wide range of academic disciplines, underscoring the Foundation’s inclusive approach to development. The breakdown of the scholarship recipients is as follows:
the scholarship recipients is as follows:
Medicine & Surgery – 13
Dentistry – 1
Mechanical Engineering – 1
Political Science – 1
Remote Sensing & Geoscience Information System – 1
Business Administration – 1
Agricultural Economics & Extension – 1
Criminology & Security Studies – 1
Guidance & Counseling – 2
Biology Education – 1
Pharmacy – 1
History and Diplomatic Studies – 1
Language & Linguistics – 1
Microbiology – 1
Science Laboratory Technology – 1
Human Nutrition & Dietetics – 1
The scholarship grant not only eases financial burdens for the recipients but also inspires them to strive for excellence and societal impact, mirroring the values of the man in whose name the Foundation was created.
SEAF’s annual initiative remains a vital instrument in promoting equitable access to higher education, with the long-term goal of building a more inclusive and prosperous Nigeria.
“By investing in these young minds today,” the Foundation asserts, “we are building the architects of tomorrow’s Nigeria.”
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