The initiative, known as the Gemini Student Offer, is valued at N92,400 per student and is available to students aged 18 and above enrolled in accredited universities, polytechnics and colleges of education across the country.

According to Google, students who benefited from the offer during the previous academic year can renew their subscription for another year after verifying their student status.

The subscription provides access to advanced artificial intelligence tools through the Gemini app, including higher usage limits, Gemini Live for real-time voice conversations, Deep Research for academic projects, custom practice quizzes, unlimited file uploads and 400GB of cloud storage.

Nigeria is among 27 countries in Sub-Saharan Africa where the initiative has been introduced.

Google’s Director for West and East Africa, Olumide Balogun, said the initiative was aimed at making AI-powered learning more accessible to Nigerian students by reducing financial barriers.

He said the offer would enable students to improve their understanding of complex subjects, develop digital skills and become more competitive in the global economy.

Google also said the initiative was designed to support learning rather than encourage academic dishonesty.

According to the company, Gemini’s Guided Learning mode functions like a tutor by using hints and guiding questions to help students understand concepts rather than simply providing answers.

The company said a Google DeepMind study involving 1,763 students in West African schools found that participants who used Guided Learning recorded learning gains equivalent to between 1.2 and 1.7 years within eight weeks.

Google added that more than 90 per cent of the interactions in the study focused on understanding concepts, while only two per cent resulted in direct solutions.

The AI tools can also be integrated with Google Classroom, allowing lecturers to keep Gemini in Guided Learning mode while ensuring that student and classroom data are not used to train Google’s AI models.

The free subscription also includes Gemini Study Notebooks, which can turn lecture notes and course materials into quizzes and lesson plans.

Students will further have access to Gemini Live and Deep Research for brainstorming and research, interactive 3D visualisations and Google Lens Homework Helper for solving equations and interpreting diagrams.

Eligible students can verify their enrolment through SheerID and claim the 12-month subscription through Google’s student offer portal.

punch

The Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, disclosed this on Wednesday while briefing journalists after the FEC meeting.

Alausa said the decision was approved by the council as part of efforts to strengthen NELFUND and enable it to meet its growing financial obligations.

He said the Federal Government had also approved the channeling of unclaimed dividends from the Capital Market Trust Fund and the Dormant Account Trust Fund to NELFUND.

According to the minister, the Attorney-General of the Federation was mandated to work with the Ministry of Education to develop the necessary legal framework and modalities for implementing the decision.

“The President, in his benevolence, has now directed that all funds recovered by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission be diverted to NELFUND,” Alausa said.

He, however, clarified that recovered funds currently subject to litigation would not be affected until the legal disputes surrounding them were resolved.

Alausa commended President Bola Tinubu for what he described as his commitment to transforming the education sector, saying the additional funding would help NELFUND meet its increasing obligations.

He also said the inclusion of unclaimed dividends and dormant funds would provide additional resources for the student loan scheme.

The decision is expected to provide NELFUND with additional funding to support eligible Nigerian students through its education loan programmes.

Rt. Rev. Udogu made the remarks when he led a delegation from the diocese on a courtesy visit to the Vice-Chancellor at his office.

The bishop, who is a former student of the university where he obtained his master’s and doctoral degrees, expressed delight over Prof. Anyaehie’s emergence and commended the transformation and restructuring efforts of his administration.

He said the visit was also an opportunity to thank God for the strength given to the Vice-Chancellor to lead the university and to pray for wisdom, strength and guidance as he takes on the responsibilities and challenges of his tenure.

Rt. Rev. Udogu assured Prof. Anyaehie of the continued prayers and support of the Anglican Diocese of Afikpo, noting that despite the high expectations surrounding his administration, the diocese was confident in his ability to meet and surpass them.

The bishop also presented copies of the Igbo Bible to the Vice-Chancellor, urging him to study and meditate on the word of God in accordance with scriptural teachings.

He expressed confidence that Prof. Anyaehie’s leadership would contribute positively to the growth and development of the university.

The decision was among several quota adjustments announced at the Council’s Third Quarter Hybrid Meeting held on Thursday, 13 August 2026, presided over by the Chairman of the Council, Chief Emeka Ngige, OFR, SAN, Life Bencher.

The expansion places Ajayi Crowther University among eight institutions granted upward reviews of their admission capacities.

The quota increase aligns with some of the Vice-Chancellor’s 10-point agenda, especially for academic excellence and programme expansion for ACU, and student-centric development and welfare, which ensures students come first, always.

The development also comes at the right time, as the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Ebunoluwa Oduwole, is preparing to celebrate her one year of transformational leadership at ACU.

Reacting to the quota increase, Prof. Oduwole expressed appreciation to the Council of Legal Education for finding the University worthy of the increase, promising that ACU will not compromise on standards across all its academic programmes.

She especially thanked the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman, Governing Council of ACU, Dr. Olutoyin Okeowo and all members of the university council for their support towards making the university stand-out among equals.

The Vice-Chancellor also appreciated her management team for their unflinching support, the entire university staff, the Dean, Faculty of Law, Prof. Olanrewaju Onadeko SAN and staff members of the Faculty for their relentless efforts in churning out learned and well shaped law students.

In addition, she appreciated various Directorates and Units such as Works and Services, under the leadership of Engr. Dr. Oluwole Olaniyi; Directorate of Academic Planning team, led by Prof. Bolanle Ibojo and the Environmental Management Unit, led by Mr. Olugbenga Fashina, among numerous others for their contribution to the success recorded.

The meeting also reviewed the May 2026 Bar Final (Resit) Examination results, revealing that of 1,955 candidates, 885 passed (45.3%), while 983 failed (54.7%). Fifty-five candidates received conditional passes, 32 were absent, and 19 results were withheld.

SDG4 #SDG8 #SDG16 #AjayiCrowtherUniversity #ACULaw #AcademicExcellence

By Emeka S. Oluka

The examination body announced the release on Wednesday via its official X handle, urging candidates to generate their Personal Identification Number (PIN) before checking their results.

According to WAEC, 1,200,514 candidates, representing 61.54 per cent of the 1,950,726 candidates who sat for the examination, obtained credits in at least five subjects, including English Language and Mathematics.

Candidates can access their results by first generating a PIN and serial number on the WAEC portal before proceeding to the result-checking platform. The process requires candidates to provide their examination number, National Identification Number (NIN) used during registration, and contact details for OTP verification.

Approximately 1.96 million candidates from more than 24,200 secondary schools across Nigeria participated in the examination, which was conducted between April 21 and June 19, 2026.

While the majority of candidates wrote the examination using the traditional pen-and-paper format, WAEC noted that a significantly higher number of schools adopted the Computer-Based Testing (CBT) option compared to previous years.

The council had earlier indicated that the results would be released about 45 days after the conclusion of the examination.

The latest release comes months after WAEC published the results of the 2026 First Series Computer-Based WASSCE for Private Candidates.

JAMB disclosed in a notice on Wednesday that the handover ceremony is scheduled for Friday, July 31, 2026, at 10 a.m., adding that the event will be streamed live on its official social media platforms.

The board described the occasion as a significant milestone in its leadership transition and invited members of the public to follow the proceedings online.

The ceremony marks the expiration of Oloyede’s tenure as registrar and the formal commencement of Aina’s administration.

President Bola Tinubu had earlier approved Aina’s appointment as the new Registrar of JAMB, succeeding Oloyede. The announcement was made in a statement by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.

According to the Presidency, Aina is a Professor of Computer Engineering at Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, with extensive expertise in digital infrastructure, national examination systems and institutional reforms.

He holds a Bachelor of Engineering degree in Computer Systems Engineering from the University of Kent, a Master’s degree in Internet Computing and Network Security, and a PhD in Digital Signal Processing from Loughborough University, United Kingdom. He also completed the Senior Management Programme at Lagos Business School.

The Presidency said Aina has spent more than 15 years advising federal and state governments on digital transformation, institutional reforms and systems design. He has also served as a consultant to examination bodies, including the National Examinations Council (NECO) and the National Business and Technical Examinations Board (NABTEB), particularly on ICT systems and examination integrity.

The statement further noted that Aina is one of Nigeria’s youngest professors of Computer Engineering and will become the youngest Registrar in JAMB’s history.

President Tinubu expressed confidence that the incoming registrar would build on the reforms and achievements recorded under Oloyede’s leadership while strengthening the board’s operations.

PUNCH

The Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Prof. Igbekele Ajibefun, disclosed this on Friday in Akure during the grand finale of the fourth edition of the Digital Quiz Competition for secondary schools.

The competition was organised by the state government in partnership with Quickens Computer Limited, an Information and Communication Technology firm.

Ajibefun said the state was making substantial investments in digital education, adding that teachers had been equipped with digital skills which they would, in turn, pass on to their students.

According to him, the training programme is an ongoing initiative aimed at preparing schools for the full digital transformation of the education sector.

“The state government is investing heavily in digital education, with the training of our teachers and students in preparation for the digitalisation of our education system. The training is a continuous process,” he said.

He explained that ICT teachers in public secondary schools recently underwent a week-long intensive training organised by the government and its technical partners.

“At least last month, with our technical partners, our ICT teachers in public schools were trained for a whole week on digital education, and this is a continuous exercise. It started last year, and it will continue.

“For the students, when you train the teachers, indirectly you are training the students because the teachers will return to train them,” he added.

The former Vice-Chancellor of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko, also revealed that no fewer than 50 public secondary schools had received digital equipment through one of the state’s technical partners.

“Digital equipment has been supplied to our educational institutions, particularly secondary schools. About three weeks ago, one of our technical partners, in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, supplied computer equipment to 50 public schools in the state,” he said.

Speaking on the Digital Quiz Competition, Ajibefun described it as an initiative designed to improve digital literacy, promote academic excellence and prepare students for opportunities in a technology-driven world.

“The world is rapidly evolving into a digital society where knowledge, innovation and technological skills have become indispensable tools for national development. As a government, we recognise that the future belongs to individuals who can effectively leverage technology to solve problems, create opportunities and contribute meaningfully to society,” he said.

He added that the competition was created to encourage students to embrace technology not just as users but as innovators and future leaders.

Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Education, Akindele Ige, said the competition was aimed at strengthening digital literacy and critical thinking among students.

“The Ondo State Digital Quiz Competition is more than an academic contest; it is a platform for nurturing critical thinking, creativity, innovation and digital literacy among our young learners. Through initiatives such as this, we are equipping our young people with the skills and values required to succeed in a technology-driven world,” he said.

Among the schools that participated in the competition were Fiwasaye Girls’ Secondary School, Akure; Oyemekun Grammar School, Akure; and Greater Tomorrow Secondary School, Arigidi Akoko, among others.

The achievement was announced on Sunday by the Nigeria Spelling Bee through a post on its official Facebook page.

“Team Nigeria has won the Gold Award in the Middle School Group Category at the Spelling Bee World Cup in Shanghai, China,” the organisation wrote.

Also celebrating the feat, Ar-Raheem International College, Ilorin, confirmed that two of its students, Maryam Yusuf and Abdurrahman Yusuf, were among the medal winners at the international competition.

The school stated, “Ar-Raheem International College students Maryam Yusuf and Abdurrahman Yusuf won medals at the Spelling Bee World Cup final in Shanghai, China 2026.”

The victory comes during Nigeria’s maiden appearance at the Spelling Bee World Cup after qualifying through the Nigeria Spelling Bee and the African Spelling Bee Championship.

The Nigerian team comprised Oluwadamilola Adeolu of St. Lawrence Metropolitan College, Ado-Ekiti, Abdurrahman Yusuf and Maryam Yusuf of Ar-Raheem International College, Ilorin, and Chinedu Okediachi of Madonna International Schools, Asaba.

Before the tournament, the Nigeria Spelling Bee described the country’s qualification as a historic achievement.

“For the first time ever, Nigeria will be represented at the Spelling Bee World Cup, as four outstanding young spellers prepare to compete in Shanghai, China, from July 10 to 20, 2026,” the organisers said.

They noted that the students had progressed from the Nigeria Spelling Bee to the African Spelling Bee Championship in Harare, Zimbabwe, before earning a place on the world stage.

The organisers added that the team was representing not only Nigeria but the entire African continent.

“As they compete against the world’s finest young spellers, they carry with them the hopes of a nation and the pride of an entire continent. Join us in wishing Team Nigeria a successful outing as they make history at the Spelling Bee World Cup 2026,” the statement read.

Ahead of the competition, Adeolu expressed optimism about representing Nigeria globally.

“I am proud to be part of the Nigerian Spelling Bee and African Spelling Bee delegation travelling to the Spelling Bee World Cup in Shanghai, China, to represent Nigeria,” she said.

She added that she looked forward to competing with top young spellers from around the world, improving her vocabulary and confidence, and bringing the championship trophy back to Nigeria.

Adeolu qualified for the World Cup after winning the Junior category at the African Spelling Bee Championship in Harare, Zimbabwe, where she outperformed contestants from more than 30 African countries.

At the same continental competition, Abdurrahman Yusuf finished third, while Team Nigeria emerged as the second-best overall team, further cementing the country’s growing reputation in international spelling contests.

PUNCH

The examination body made the clarification on Friday in response to allegations that surfaced after gunmen abducted five persons, including examination officials and candidates, during the ongoing 2026 NECO SSCE.

In a statement signed by its Acting Director of Information and Public Relations, Azeez Sani, NECO described the allegation as false, stressing that the school is owned by the Kogi State Government and has operated for more than 40 years.

“The National Examinations Council categorically denies the allegation that the examination centre at Government Secondary School, Olowa, Dekina Local Government Area of Kogi State, where five persons were abducted on Tuesday, is a ‘miracle centre’,” the statement read.

While sympathising with the victims, the council commended the Kogi State Government and security agencies for rescuing four of those abducted.

NECO also disagreed with comments attributed to the Kogi State Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Fanwo, who reportedly described the school as a miracle centre.

According to the council, Government Secondary School, Olowa, has been in existence for over four decades and has consistently presented candidates for NECO examinations over the past 26 years.

The council disclosed that the school’s principal, Elder Daniel Iyamaa, who was abducted during the attack, is a Grade Level 17 officer in the Kogi State Civil Service, while the kidnapped external supervisor, Mr. Solomon Audu, is a Grade Level 12 officer employed by the state government and posted to Community Secondary School, Effin.

NECO further stated that all 28 candidates registered by the school for the 2026 SSCE are duly enrolled students and not external candidates.

“Available records also show that the abducted candidates are duly registered students of Government Secondary School, Olowa, who were presented for the 2026 NECO SSCE by the school in conjunction with the Kogi State Government.

“The Council’s records further indicate that the 28 candidates registered by the school for the 2026 SSCE are bona fide students and not external candidates, contrary to the impression created by the Honourable Commissioner,” the statement added.

To reinforce its position, the council released the school’s SSCE enrolment figures over the past five years, showing that 21 candidates sat the examination in 2021, 20 in 2022, 28 in 2023, 40 in 2024 and 20 in 2025.

It also revealed that the Kogi State Government paid the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) fees for 51 students from the school in the recently concluded 2026 examination.

NECO said it had taken proactive steps to improve security at examination centres, noting that its Kogi State Coordinator had written to security agencies before the commencement of the 2026 SSCE to request enhanced protection.

According to the council, the move followed an earlier attack on Government Secondary School, Iluke, in Ijumu Local Government Area during the 2026 WASSCE.

Reaffirming its commitment to credible examinations, NECO said it maintains zero tolerance for examination malpractice and has implemented wide-ranging reforms under the leadership of its Registrar and Chief Executive, Prof. Dantani Ibrahim Wushishi.

The council said the reforms have significantly reduced reported cases of examination malpractice over the past five years and urged public officials and stakeholders to verify facts before making statements capable of undermining public confidence in educational institutions.

The controversy followed Tuesday’s abduction of the principal of Government Secondary School, Olowa, an external examination supervisor and candidates during the ongoing 2026 NECO SSCE. Four of the victims were later rescued by security agencies.

Owoeye announced the scholarship in a Facebook post on Wednesday, expressing gratitude to the Ekiti Parapo in Indiana, United States, for the award and appreciating her family, friends and other well-wishers for celebrating her achievement.

She described the event as a memorable occasion and said she was deeply touched by the love and support she received.

“It was truly a memorable and heartwarming moment to be celebrated and surrounded by the love of family, friends and well-wishers. My heart is filled with profound gratitude,” she wrote.

She particularly thanked the Ekiti Parapo in Indiana, USA, for its generosity, support and encouragement, saying their kindness made the occasion even more special.

Owoeye also expressed appreciation to the Obaleo of Erinmope-Ekiti, Oba Dr. Sunday Aikuirawo Aniyi Amoyimade Atayese I; the President of Ekiti Parapo, Hon. Awoniyi; her parents, family members and everyone who attended the celebration.

According to her, the prayers, gifts, encouragement and goodwill she received made the event unforgettable.

She prayed for everyone who supported her, asking God to reward them with joy, peace, good health, favour and abundant blessings.

“I am deeply humbled by every act of kindness shown to me. May the Almighty God richly reward you all for your generosity and thoughtfulness,” she added.

PUNCH Online had earlier reported that Owoeye, an indigene of Erinmope-Ekiti in Moba Local Government Area of Ekiti State, emerged as the highest scorer in the 2026 UTME with an aggregate score of 372 out of 400 after sitting for the examination in Ogun State.

The 16-year-old scored 98 in English Language, 98 in Chemistry, 94 in Physics and 82 in Biology. She is seeking admission to study Medicine and Surgery at the University of Lagos.

Speaking with PUNCH Online after the release of the results, Owoeye attributed her success to early preparation, consistency and smart study techniques. She said she relied on past questions, CBT applications, online tutorials and study groups while consistently working on her weak areas throughout her preparation.