Nafisa, World’s Best in English, Launches Campaign to Stop Vernacular Speaking and Promote English in Northern Schools

Nafisa Abdullahi Aminu, celebrated winner of the prestigious TeenEagle3 English Language Global Finals, has unveiled a bold new campaign to promote the exclusive use of English in Northern Nigerian schools, advocating for the gradual phasing out of vernacular in classrooms.

Speaking on behalf of her peers at Nigerian Tulip International College (NTIC) during a recognition visit by the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) and Zenith Bank, Nafisa expressed deep appreciation for the honour accorded to the students.

According to Nafisa, “English Language is more than just a subject; it is a gateway. For students, fluency in English opens doors to higher education, global resources, and academic breakthroughs. On the other hand, a weak command of English can become a barrier, closing opportunities and limiting the ability to compete on equal ground in examinations, research, and international engagements.”

She unveiled her campaign, tagged “Always Speak English: No More Vernacular in Schools,” under her new initiative, English Language for Peace and Development. The project aims to strengthen literacy, improve educational outcomes, foster peacebuilding, and expand economic opportunities for Northern students through mastery of English.

The Global Champion described the ACF’s engagement as a strong demonstration of its commitment to youth development, educational advancement, and the future of Northern Nigeria.

Nafisa further called on Northern leaders to build stronger partnerships with institutions like Nigerian Tulip International College, which, she noted, combines academic excellence with character development.

The Arewa Consultative Forum expressed readiness to support Nafisa’s campaign, recognising its alignment with the Forum’s broader vision of advancing education and promoting peace across the region.

Nafisa concluded with a prayer for the leaders, reaffirming her generation’s commitment to using education as a tool to reshape the region’s future.

Signed
Hassan Salihu
Media Advisor to
Nafisa Abdullahi Aminu
27th September, 2025

Nigerian National School Awards 2025 (NNSA) Now Holds On Saturday November 29th 2025

All is set for the Nigerian National School Awards 2025 (NNSA)

The highly anticipated event initially slated for the 22nd of October 2025 would now hold on the 29th of November 2025 at the same venue, the Lagos Chambers of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), Conference and Exhibition Centre, 10 Nurudeen Olowopopo Street, Behind Maruwa Garden, Alausa, Ikeja, Lagos. Time : 10am.

According to the convener of the Nigerian National School Awards 2025, Mr. Okpe Anthony Okpe, CEO of Tony Okpe Communications apologize for any inconveniences this change of date must have caused and assured all recipients and anticipated sponsors that the event would now take place on the 29th of November 2025 as announced

Mr. Okpe Anthony Okpe who further said we are celebrating and honoring and presenting over 50 awards making it the largest gathering of schools, students, teachers, parents, service providers, individuals and corporate organisation in Nigeria

Meet 100+ exhibitors showcasing the latest in educational materials and technology

Connect with top schools and service providers in one roof

Schools/ Service Providers: – Providing Elementary and Secondary Education, Alternative/Special Education Services, Education Management Organizations, Charter Schools, Virtual Schools, and Proprietary Schools.
Supplemental Education Service Providers: Providing Higher Education, Vocational Education, Learning Centers, Tutoring Services and Assessment Services.
Educational Products & Services Sector: Production and supply of educational material and products including Educational Products, Publishing, and Supplemental Products.
Education Support Services Sector: – Providing support and ancillary services to the education industry including Education Consultants, Education Information and Research, Education Investment Services, Education Policy Specialists, and Technology Services.

Education is often identified as the cornerstone of a society’s progress and the key to nurturing the leaders of tomorrow. The education sector indeed plays a vital role in shaping individuals into well-rounded, knowledgeable and skilled individuals who can contribute meaningfully to their communities and nation. From instilling essential academic knowledge to fostering critical thinking, leadership skills and emotional intelligence, education serves as a powerful tool in preparing well-rounded personalities for leadership roles and active participation in the development of their country.

Equipping individuals for a complex world

One of the fundamental aspects of the education system is its role in imparting knowledge and skills that are essential for individuals to succeed in an increasingly complex and interconnected world. Through a well-rounded curriculum that includes subjects ranging from mathematics and science to literature and history, students are equipped with the knowledge necessary to understand the world around them and make informed decisions, besides being empathetic and compassionate towards the less fortunate in society.

Beyond facts and figures: cultivating critical thinkers

Moreover, education goes beyond the mere transmission of facts and figures. It also plays a crucial role in developing critical thinking and problem-solving skills among students. By encouraging students to question, analyse and evaluate information, the education provider helps cultivate independent and creative thinkers who are capable of finding innovative solutions to the dynamic challenges facing society.

Furthermore, education plays a pivotal role in nurturing leadership qualities among individuals. By providing opportunities for students to engage in extracurricular activities, such as student government, hobby clubs, sports, and community service, the education sector helps students develop essential leadership skills such as communication, teamwork, decision-making and conflict resolution. These experiences not only prepare students for leadership roles in the future but also instill in them a sense of responsibility, empathy and ethical values.

Emotional intelligence: the mark of a compassionate leader

In addition to academic and leadership skills, education is also instrumental in fostering emotional intelligence and empathy among individuals. Through social-emotional learning programs, students are taught important skills such as self-awareness, self-regulation, empathy and interpersonal skills. These skills are vital for individuals to navigate relationships, work collaboratively with others and become compassionate and ethical leaders.

Education as a tool for social mobility

Moreover, education serves as a powerful tool for promoting social mobility and reducing inequality within society. By providing all individuals, regardless of their background, with access to quality education, the education sector enables individuals to achieve their full potential and pursue opportunities that were previously out of reach. This, in turn, leads to a more diverse and inclusive leadership that better represents the population it serves.

Conclusion

In conclusion, we can say that the education sector plays a multifaceted and crucial role in building the leaders of tomorrow and preparing them to contribute meaningfully to the nation. Through its emphasis on knowledge, critical thinking, leadership skills, emotional intelligence and social mobility, education equips individuals with the tools they need to succeed both academically and personally. By investing in education and ensuring access to quality learning opportunities for all individuals, we can create a future generation of empowered and capable leaders who will be the engines of change in progress, innovation, and positive approaches in society.

The Award presentation ceremony would be broadcast and televised live to the world on all our social media channels

You also have an opportunity to exhibit and showcase your schools, students, quality of teachers and products to the audience on our digital screen at the award presentation ceremony.

This Maiden edition of NNSA 2025 is tailored to honour and celebrate Schools, Students, Teachers and organizations that have exemplified those virtues in the course of the year under review.

In the same vein, the Guest Speaker in set to deliver the keynote speech on the Theme: Empowering Tomorrow’s Leaders: The Crucial Role of Education in National Development

Participants would be required to provide a HD short video, not more than one minute or HD pictures in a flash drive of schools and learning materials, technology and products Et ce tera to be televised to the world and audience on the award presentation day and it is also a gathering to speak with parents.

Don’t miss this profit-making and life-transforming opportunity

Date: Saturday, November, 29th, 2025|10am.

Venue: Lagos Chambers of Commerce and Industry (LCCI)– Alausa. Ikeja.

For Enquiries – Call – 08060429096, 09121749669

email:[email protected]

For more update – Visit →www.nationalschoolwatch.com

Sterling Bank Names First Beneficiaries of ₦2B ‘Beyond Education’ Fund

Lagos, Nigeria – August 7, 2025 – Sterling Bank, Nigeria’s leading financial institution, has announced the first recipients of its ₦2 billion Beyond Education Scholarship, a groundbreaking nationwide initiative designed to fund university education for 600 exceptional young Nigerians and connect them to future careers in high-impact sectors.

The announcement reflects a major step in the Bank’s commitment to long-term, inclusive national development through strategic investment in human capital.

At its core, the Beyond Education program is built not just to provide scholarships, but to create real-world pathways to employment and socio-economic mobility.

Launched in June 2025, Beyond Education is Sterling Bank’s most ambitious education-focused intervention to date. The scholarship fully covers undergraduate tuition at two forward-looking, accredited institutions, Miva Open University, Nigeria’s first licensed online private university, and Hillside University of Science & Technology (HUST), a STEM-centered campus in Ekiti State.

Unlike conventional scholarship programs, Beyond Education is intentionally designed to support Nigeria’s critical development agenda. It aligns with Sterling’s HEART strategy, an investment framework focused on Health, Education, Agriculture, Renewable Energy, and Transportation.

The goal is to build a talent pipeline for sectors that are vital to the country’s future.
“This is more than a scholarship. It’s a national development strategy,” said Obinna Ukachukwu, Growth Executive for Consumer and Business Banking at Sterling Bank. “We’re closing the gap between education and employability. Our mission is to prepare young people for the future of work in sectors that matter most to Nigeria’s progress.”

The first 30 scholars were selected through a transparent, community-driven voting process open to Sterling Bank account holders. All nominees were thoroughly vetted to ensure they met admission requirements at the partner universities.

The inaugural winners are:
Abdulahi Afolabi, Damilare Tijani, Abdulwahab Eniafe, Abubakar Isah, Tahir Enesi Ibrahim, Julius Agbene Agbo, Chinedu Kelechi Patrick, Ayomide Ojo, Fyneseed Nwogu, Miracle Woyinmomoemi Daniel, Serene Clinton, Temiloluwa Orekunrin, Udeme Umoh, Victor Esogwa, Rosemary Kosipre, Ali Mohammed, Usman Isiaka Ololade, Kayode Aikulola, Saviour Philip, Ademola Afolabi, Emmanuel Enekwa, Bashir Sani Ibrahim, Ezekiel Adeseye, Deborah Umeaku, Abba Kaka Lawan, Haisam Sunusi Mahmuda, John Gumuan, Afan Ajiji, Bajepade Kehinde, and Chioma Igwe.

While the scholarship covers full tuition, recipients are responsible for associated costs such as internet access, learning materials, and living expenses, a structure designed for sustainability and scale.

To ensure effective rollout, nominations for the next round of candidates will pause until September 2025.

However, voting remains open, and verified nominees are encouraged to continue engaging their communities as the next cohort will be selected in the coming weeks.

With 570 scholarships still to be awarded, Sterling Bank remains committed to expanding access to quality education and helping shape a future-ready workforce for Nigeria.

About Sterling Bank
Sterling Bank is a leading Nigerian financial institution recognized for its innovative HEART strategy, which channels investment into Health, Education, Agriculture, Renewable Energy, and Transportation. The Bank is widely known for its inclusive banking models and purpose-led initiatives that deliver measurable impact. Learn more at www.sterling.ng.