Event recognises public officials and educators for advancing science, technology, engineering and mathematics in Lagos State

The Deputy Governor of Lagos State and the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Lagos (UNILAG) were honoured on Thursday at a ceremony recognising contributions to science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education in the state. The awards event took place in Lagos and brought together stakeholders from the education sector and government.

The event highlighted the achievements of prominent figures in promoting STEM education, with a focus on acknowledging leaders who have supported initiatives aimed at developing young talent in these critical fields. Both the Deputy Governor and UNILAG Vice-Chancellor were presented with awards for their roles in fostering innovation and research-driven learning environments within Lagos State institutions.

Organisers of the ceremony stated that honouring such individuals is key to encouraging further investment in science and technology education across Nigeria. According to them, recognising these efforts would serve as motivation for other public officials and educational leaders to prioritise STEM development. The awards come amid renewed calls for greater emphasis on science-based curricula in Nigerian schools as part of efforts to boost national development.

While accepting their awards, both recipients expressed appreciation for the recognition, describing it as an encouragement to continue supporting educational advancement. The Deputy Governor noted that Lagos State government remains committed to funding STEM programmes and expanding access to quality education. Similarly, the UNILAG Vice-Chancellor reaffirmed the university’s drive towards research excellence and innovation-led growth.

Stakeholders present at the event urged government at all levels to increase support for STEM initiatives, noting that sustained investment is necessary if Nigeria is to compete globally in technological advancement. Organisers added that plans are underway to extend similar recognition programmes to other states in future editions.

Source: https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/top-news/890720-lagos-deputy-governor-unilag-vc-honoured-at-stem-awards.html

National Mathematical Centre blames chronic budget shortfalls as Education Ministry faces criticism for neglecting gifted youths

Nigeria has been officially delisted from the 2026 International Mathematical Olympiad (IMO) in Shanghai, China, after repeated funding failures by the Federal Government through the National Mathematical Centre. The decision, announced this week, means Nigerian secondary school students will not participate as competitors in the world’s most prestigious maths contest for the first time in recent history.

Organisers of the 67th IMO confirmed Nigeria’s downgrade to observer status after the country failed to send full student delegations and conduct adequate preparations over multiple years. Sources at the NMC said chronic budgetary deficits since 2022 have undermined efforts to fund training camps and secure travel arrangements for students selected to represent Nigeria.

The development has reignited concerns about Nigeria’s commitment to nurturing academic talent, especially after last year’s controversy involving Agbo Adoga, a 15-year-old student who achieved a perfect SAT score of 1600 but reportedly missed out on IMO participation due to lack of sponsorship. Education advocate Alex Onyia alleged that Adoga had qualified for the global competition but could not attend because government support was unavailable. While the Federal Ministry of Education under Minister Tunji Alausa denied receiving any formal request for Adoga’s sponsorship, internal NMC officials acknowledged persistent funding problems affecting Olympiad programmes.

“This delisting is a sad reflection of how we treat our brightest students,” said one Abuja-based mathematics educator who asked not to be named. “Other countries are investing heavily in their best minds while we are struggling with basic logistics.” Many parents and teachers have expressed disappointment on social media, arguing that Nigeria’s absence from such a high-profile academic event could further discourage exceptional students from pursuing excellence in mathematics and sciences.

The International Mathematical Olympiad is widely regarded as the top mathematics competition for secondary school pupils globally, with over 100 countries competing annually for medals and recognition that can lead to scholarships or admission into leading universities. Stakeholders say Nigeria’s inability to participate this year raises questions about long-term government strategy for identifying and supporting gifted youths. As teams prepare to compete in Shanghai this July, observers warn that without urgent reforms and sustained funding commitments, more Nigerian talents risk missing out on opportunities to shine internationally.

Source: https://www.pulse.ng/story/nigeria-delisted-international-mathematical-olympiad-agbo-adoga-2026062517561387621

State officials refute allegations, say no funds were allocated for criminal elements to attend religious events

Katsina State Government has firmly denied claims that it sponsored a group of bandits to participate in a religious pilgrimage, dismissing the allegations as baseless and unfounded. The denial was issued on Thursday in Katsina following widespread reports and public concern over purported state involvement in funding criminal elements’ travel.

The controversy started earlier this week after rumours circulated alleging that the state administration had approved funds for certain individuals linked with banditry to embark on a pilgrimage. These claims quickly gained traction on social media, sparking outrage among residents who demanded clarification from government authorities.

Katsina, situated in Nigeria’s North-West region, has faced persistent security challenges in recent years, with armed groups carrying out attacks and kidnappings across several local government areas. As such, the reported sponsorship of bandits drew significant criticism, given ongoing efforts by both state and federal security agencies to restore order in the region.

In an official statement released on Thursday, state officials maintained that there was no truth to the reports. The government emphasised that at no point were public funds allocated for any such purpose. “We want to categorically state that Katsina Government did not sponsor any individuals associated with banditry for pilgrimage or any other activity,” a spokesperson said. The statement further urged members of the public to disregard the rumours and avoid spreading misinformation.

No opposition or civil society group had issued an immediate response as at press time. However, some residents have called for increased transparency around government spending and further reassurance regarding the selection process for official delegations on religious trips.

The government said it remains committed to supporting security agencies in tackling insecurity across Katsina State and reiterated its stance against negotiating or collaborating with criminal groups. Officials also warned that anyone found peddling false information could face prosecution under extant laws governing public communication.

Source: https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/top-news/890727-katsina-denies-alleged-sponsorship-of-bandits-pilgrimage.html