Open World Foundation is a Ugandan non-profit organisation registered in 2023, dedicated to transforming the lives of vulnerable communities through interventions in health, education and livelihoods.

The meeting provided an opportunity to explore areas of collaboration between the Church of Uganda and Open World Foundation, particularly in strengthening support for vulnerable and disadvantaged children.

Speaking during the meeting, Rev. Richard Rukundo, Provincial Coordinator, shared about the work of the Directorate of Education and Children’s Ministry in reaching vulnerable children across Uganda. These include children in refugee settlements, orphanages, children with disabilities, and children requiring psychosocial support.

The Children’s Ministry Focus Theme for November 2026 is:

“Anchored in Christ: Investing in Children Today for a United, Peaceful and Stable Church and Nation Tomorrow.” Ephesians 2:14–17

The Focus Month provides an opportunity for the Church to renew its commitment to children and young people, strengthen local ownership and resource mobilisation, build strategic partnerships, and promote programmes that support the spiritual, physical, emotional, social and educational wellbeing of children.

On behalf of Open World Foundation, Ms Grace Namatovu, the Program Team Lead, expressed the Foundation’s commitment to supporting especially vulnerable children in urban communities. She highlighted potential support through scholarships, scholastic materials and menstrual hygiene needs, among other areas of intervention.

The meeting discussed opportunities for collaboration between the Church of Uganda and Open World Foundation is expected to contribute to reaching more vulnerable children and strengthening community-based support systems.

The discussions concluded with a shared commitment by Rev. Richard Rukundo and the Open World Foundation team to work together recognising that it is important to invest in children today for a better tomorrow.

The Vice-Chancellor of the university, Prof. Bond Anyaehie, disclosed this on Saturday in Abuja at the 2026 International Convention of the Nnamdi Azikiwe University Alumni Association.

The convention was held with the theme, “Innovation, Integrity and Inclusion: Rekindling the Zik Vision for a New Era.”

Anyaehie said the new digital clearance system would allow graduating students to complete the process from anywhere in the world and receive approval within five days.

He said the system was introduced to eliminate delays associated with the university’s previous manual clearance process.

The vice-chancellor also disclosed that the university had introduced an automated system for generating provisional certificates after students complete their clearance.

According to him, the certificates would contain barcodes that employers and other institutions could scan to verify their authenticity.

“Once you finish the clearance, the system generates a provisional certificate for you, which you can download online. It has a barcode, so when you apply for a job, they can scan the barcode, receive an authentication code and authenticate your certificate,” he said.

Anyaehie said the university had also digitised its transcript processing system to make it faster and more efficient.

He added that staff handling transcripts had been encouraged to ensure that students and graduates did not face unnecessary delays.

The vice-chancellor also announced plans to improve classroom facilities, saying students would no longer be expected to attend lectures in classrooms without adequate seating and other essential facilities.

He said the university was committed to repositioning the institution through collaboration with its alumni and other partners.

Anyaehie acknowledged the contributions of the university’s alumni chapters and other stakeholders, noting that their support had helped the institution execute projects and address some of its challenges.

“We are growing a university that fits the name and answers to its name. It is a journey; we have started and we can do more,” he said.

He added, “We will go far if we join our resources and efforts together.”

Prof. Oduwole made the revelation while speaking on the Advent Cable Network Nigeria (ACNN) Live programme, “Today on ACNN (Live),” held on Monday, 5 September, 2026.

Addressing the topic, “365 Days in Office: The Challenges, and the Agendas Ahead with Ajayi Crowther University VC,” Prof. Oduwole answered each question with accuracy, dexterity, and detail, wowing the interviewers and listeners alike.

The Vice-Chancellor, who is the 5th substantive and first female Vice-Chancellor of Ajayi Crowther University, stated that she had mixed feelings when she received the news of her appointment. According to her, “I was happy. Actually, I was crying. I cried. I called my family members and we all came together to give gratitude to God, praying.”

She noted that after the excitement, she decided to seek the face of God by travelling outside the country for almost one month for a personal retreat, as it dawned on her that the entire University Community expected a lot from her. She said she saw the appointment as an appointment from God and decided to behave like Solomon, who asked for wisdom.

Speaking on her key priorities upon assuming office, the Vice-Chancellor said she set out to have a good relationship with the Church of Nigeria Anglican Communion, the Supra Board West, the Board of Trustees led by Chief Wole Olanipekun, and the University Governing Council led by Dr. Olutoyin Okeowo.

In addition, she sought to have a formidable management and a robust Senate where ideas would be generated in an atmosphere of love and friendship, as well as good relationships with staff, food vendors, shop owners, and students. “By the grace of God, today I have a good relationship with them. The students call me ‘Auntie Ebun’, and I’m proud of that,” she said.

Prof. Oduwole also acknowledged her predecessors, including Prof. Olajire Olaniran, Prof. Emeritus Kolawole Jaiyeoba, the Right Reverend Prof. Dapo Asaju, and Prof. Timothy Adebayo, stating that they all gave her a solid foundation to continue to build on.

She noted that within her 365 days in office, the management had made an impact on the three other campuses of the university: the Offa Meta campus, the Awe-Kieseni campus, and the Osoogun campus. Adding that the Offa Meta campus houses the Faculty of Nursing, Engineering, Basic Medical, Pharmacy, and the MBBS programme, with a new hostel under construction and upgraded facilities.

She further said that the Faculty of Agriculture had been moved to the Awe-Kieseni campus, which is now live, while the Osoogun campus has become a tourist centre, featuring the baobab tree to which Samuel Ajayi Crowther was tied and his family house.

The Vice-Chancellor disclosed that the University had signed an MOU with the Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria (CRIN) for an agricultural facility and cashew germplasm at the Osoogun campus. Revealing that the University received positive verification from the National Universities Commission (NUC) to start MBBS and PharmD programmes, launched Distance Learning and Part-Time Studies, established a Research and Innovation Office, and rehabilitated hostels and road networks.

On staff welfare and capacity, Prof. Oduwole said a successful promotion process had been carried out, staff and students were motivated, and a lot had been done on digitalisation, ICT, and the spiritual rebirth of the University community. She noted the University was working towards powering all buildings with solar energy, appreciating the Faculty of Engineering for ensuring all buildings are solar-powered.

Speaking on what ACU is doing differently, Prof. Oduwole said the institution’s focus is to raise Godly Intellectuals with knowledge and probity, with zero tolerance for drugs, cultism, and truancy. She stated that apart from JAMB courses, students obtain three other certificates in mind education, artificial intelligence, and entrepreneurship, noting a partnership with a university in Korea for mind education.

Reflecting on what the position has taught her, the Vice-Chancellor said she had learned to carry a lot of weight, adding that she could be in the students’ hostel at any time because she sees them as her children. She emphasised that as a woman, she does not need to compromise standards, maintaining her principles at all times while relying on God spiritually.

Prof. Oduwole advised married women on how to navigate being a mother, a wife, and a Vice-Chancellor, saying, “You do not see yourself as a woman. You see yourself as a human being. She stressed the importance of surrounding oneself with the right people who believe in and encourage one, adding that she had the support of her husband and children.

She however described her journey so far as one of resilience, integrity, and believing in God, handing over everything to Him.

By Emeka S. Oluka

Archbishop Ndukuba, who is the Metropolitan and Visitor to the institution, gave the charge during the college’s 60th anniversary and 38th convocation ceremony in Wusasa, Zaria.

A total of 119 students graduated across theology and education disciplines, receiving degrees, diplomas, and certificates.
The Convocation Address was delivered by the Rt. Rev. Dr. Yusuf Ishaya Janfalan, Bishop of the Anglican Diocese of Ikara, setting the tone for the milestone celebration.

Highlighting the historic footprint of Wusasa, Archbishop Ndukuba noted that the college began as a modest Discipleship Training Centre before growing like a “mustard seed” into a major theological institution. He pointed out that key national figures associated with Wusasa—such as former Head of State General Yakubu Gowon, General Theophilus Danjuma, and renowned educationist Professor Ishaya Audu—have left indelible marks on Nigerian governance, security, and education.

“You cannot talk of the North without thinking of those key players that have shaped, not only in the past but also into the future, the destiny and direction of this nation,” Ndukuba said.

Addressing current societal trends, the Primate noted that God is actively seeking ethical leaders to confront the erosion of values: “Bear the torch and light of Jesus and strive for what is right as you shape the future of this country.”
To support the institution’s academic expansion, Archbishop Ndukuba announced a ₦10 million donation to flag off the construction of a new modern library. Describing the gesture as an opportunity to give back to an area that helped form his own journey, he urged alumni and stakeholders to follow suit.

The event also featured special award presentations recognizing church and public figures who have contributed significantly to the college’s growth, including Rev. Joseph Hayyab, Chairman of the Northern Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN).

Earlier, the Emir of Zazzau, Ambassador Ahmed Nuhu Bamalli—represented by the Chief of Wusasa, Engr. Isiyaku D. Yusufu—congratulated the college on reaching its diamond jubilee. Commending the institution’s balance of academic excellence and character formation, the Emir urged the new graduates to serve as builders, peacemakers, and ambassadors of tolerance across Nigeria.

Reviewing institutional progress, the Acting Rector, Ven. Dr. Timothy Bako, revealed that the college has secured approval from the National Commission for Colleges of Education (NCCE) to operate independently as St Francis College of Education, with NCE program accreditation as the immediate next phase. He added that the college continues to expand access to tertiary education via its Bachelor of Education affiliation with Ajayi Crowther University, Oyo.

Bako outlined recent infrastructural improvements—including a 50KVA transformer, a laboratory tailored for NCCE requirements, and solar power installations supported in part by 10 solar panels donated by House of Representatives Speaker Tajudeen Abbas.

However, the Rector cited funding for program accreditation, hostel accommodation, staff welfare, library and laboratory equipment, and perimeter fencing amid regional security concerns as pressing hurdles. He appealed to dioceses with outstanding assessments totaling over ₦10 million to clear their arrears to sustain the institution’s momentum into its next decade.

This landmark achievement marks a defining moment in the history and development of the University on the Niger and represents the successful completion of its probationary period following initial licensing and commencement of academic activities in 2023.

The grant of the Full Statutory Licence follows the University’s successful participation in the rigorous institutional assessment and accreditation processes conducted by the National Universities Commission in April 2026. The assessment included a comprehensive evaluation of the University’s academic programmes, quality of faculty, governance structures, infrastructure, library and learning resources, quality assurance systems and overall capacity to sustain university education in accordance with global standards.

The transition from a Provisional Licence to a Full Statutory Licence is a significant affirmation of the University’s institutional development, academic standards, governance systems, quality assurance mechanisms and commitment to the provision of qualitative higher education.

Established by the Diocese on the Niger, Anglican Communion, University on the Niger was conceived as a distinctive institution committed not only to the acquisition and advancement of knowledge but also to the formation of character, leadership, entrepreneurship and service. Its philosophy is to provide and enhance qualitative education with godliness, producing skilful, entrepreneurial and globally competitive graduates capable of contributing meaningfully to the resolution of societal problems.

The achievement of full statutory licensing, barely three years after establishment, represents a significant milestone in its institutional journey. It reflects the University’s commitment to building a sustainable institution founded on academic excellence, integrity, innovation, character formation and service to humanity.

With the grant of the Full Statutory Licence, University on the Niger is now positioned to consolidate its achievements, deepen its academic and research capacity, expand its contribution to national development and pursue its vision of becoming a leading tertiary institution in knowledge dissemination, character building and leadership.

#LuxFiatViaSapientia

The decision was reached at a meeting involving the leadership of the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria, ASCSN and zonal coordinators of the Unity Schools in Kano on Tuesday.

According to a communiqué issued on Wednesday, the union leaders agreed to suspend the industrial action to allow a seven-member committee to review the concession document for King’s College.

The suspension comes about two weeks after the ASCSN and the Parent Teacher Association shut down the Federal Unity Colleges over the concession of King’s College to its Old Boys Association.

The colleges were initially scheduled to resume on September 13, but workers under the ASCSN directed their members to boycott the resumption, arguing that the concession arrangement could affect the future of the Federal Unity College system.

The union leaders, at Tuesday’s meeting, reviewed the agreement reached between organised labour and the Federal Ministry of Education, as well as the concession document for King’s College.

They subsequently resolved “to suspend the ongoing strike action in the Unity Colleges to enable the seven (7) man Committee to review the Concession document.”

The union said the decision was also influenced by the fact that the implementation of the King’s College concession had been put on hold pending the outcome of the committee’s work.

The ASCSN has two representatives on the seven member committee.

“Considering the above, the Zonal Coordinators of the Unity Schools agreed with the National Leadership of the ASCSN that the strike be suspended immediately while awaiting the report of the committee,” the communiqué stated.

The communiqué was signed by the zonal coordinators of the Unity Schools, including Omidiji Kunle, Lagos Zonal Coordinator; Abubakar Muhammad, North-West Coordinator; Yusuf S.A., South West Coordinator; Tanko Augustine, North-East Coordinator; Udop Ogbodim, South-South Coordinator; Nosike F.O., South-East Coordinator; and Amodu Isiaka, North-Central Coordinator.

Following the suspension, the Parent Teacher Association of the Federal Unity Colleges proposed Sunday, September 27, 2026, for students to return to their schools.

The parents welcomed the suspension of the strike, describing it as an opportunity for the Federal Government, labour and other stakeholders to continue discussions over the King’s College concession.

In a statement signed by Farmer Ayopo Somefun, the South-West Zonal Coordinator of the PTA Chairmen Association of Federal Unity Colleges, FTC, Ijebu Mushin, Ogun State, the parents said they were ready to support the immediate resumption of academic activities.

However, they said the proposed September 27 date was subject to confirmation by the Federal Ministry of Education.

“We therefore call on the Federal Ministry of Education to urgently communicate its position on the proposed 27th September 2026 resumption date,” the parents stated.

The PTA said early confirmation was necessary to enable parents and other stakeholders to make adequate arrangements for students to return to school.

The parents also urged the Federal Government, labour, school authorities and other stakeholders to sustain dialogue while the seven-member committee carries out its assignment.

They further called for the release or restoration of PTA staff affected by government action, saying the issue should be addressed before the schools fully resume.

The parents appealed to the government and labour to allow the committee to complete its review without pressure.The controversy over King’s College intensified after the Federal Ministry of Education, in a September 4 letter, directed the immediate handover of the institution to the King’s College Old Boys Association following the conclusion of the concession agreement.

The ministry had said a transition committee would complete the handover within six months, after which Federal Government funding of the college would cease.

The government, however, maintained that the arrangement did not amount to the sale or privatisation of King’s College.

The Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, said the Federal Government retained legal ownership of the 117-year-old institution, while the Old Boys Association would be responsible for financing, rehabilitating, modernising, operating and maintaining the school.

The ASCSN and other workers rejected the concession, extending their opposition to the reopening of the Federal Unity Colleges until the issue was addressed.

The dispute later escalated when members of the King’s College Old Boys Association, accompanied by police personnel, entered the school premises despite resistance from protesting staff.

On September 16, the Federal Government and organised labour reached an agreement to suspend the implementation of the King’s College concession for two weeks.

The agreement also provided for the seven-member committee to review the concession document and address concerns raised by the unions.

However, a faction of the ASCSN led by its National President, Shehu Mohammed, rejected the suspension at the time and maintained that the strike remained in force.

With the latest decision by the union leadership and the zonal coordinators, the strike has now been suspended pending the outcome of the committee’s review.

Adigun made the call on Thursday in Ado Ekiti during an interactive multicast organised by the Ekiti State Bureau of Community Communications.

He urged teachers to remain committed to their profession and strive to make a positive impact on the lives of their students.

The ASUSS president described teachers as guardians and mentors who work with parents and government to guide and nurture students.

He also called on parents to take an active role in their children’s upbringing by providing the necessary care, guidance and support.

Adigun urged students to remain focused on their education, work hard towards achieving their goals and avoid cultism and other social vices.

He said a shared responsibility among teachers, parents and government was necessary to address some of the challenges facing the education sector.

The union leader commended Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, for his administration’s interventions in education, particularly in the areas of teachers’ welfare, infrastructure, salary payments and students’ welfare.

He also praised the state government for increasing the amount available to workers under its car and housing loan scheme, describing the initiative as a significant step towards improving teachers’ welfare.

Adigun further commended the provision of free buses for transporting teachers and students to schools, especially following the removal of the fuel subsidy, saying the initiative had provided relief for workers.

He, however, said more could still be done to strengthen the education sector.

The ASUSS president called for continuous training and retraining of teachers to improve their professional skills and enhance the quality of teaching.

He also urged the government to sustain improved payment of leave bonuses to teachers and other workers, saying better welfare and working conditions would complement the progress already recorded in the state.

The Academic Staff Union of Universities, UNIZIK branch, announced the withdrawal of services on Monday following a congress meeting of the union.

In a statement signed by the branch Chairperson, Innocent Nnubia, and Secretary, Osita Nnajiofor, ASUU said the decision was in line with the standing resolution of its National Executive Council on the non-payment of salaries.

The union said its members had not received their complete August salaries as of September 7, which it described as a violation of the condition under which branches could withdraw their services.

According to the statement, ASUU-NEC empowers its branches to suspend services when salaries remain unpaid after the third day of the following month.

The union said the incomplete payment had occurred more than three times, describing the situation as frustrating for its members.

ASUU therefore directed all its members to immediately withdraw their academic and administrative services.

The union said the strike would continue until all members received their complete August 2026 salaries.

It also appealed to the university management and the Visitor to the university, President Bola Tinubu, to urgently intervene and ensure the outstanding salaries were fully paid.

“The sole reason for this action is the non payment of the complete salary of August 2026,” the union said, urging the authorities to ensure that the situation did not recur.

When contacted for a reaction, the university’s Director of Information and Public Relations, Aloysius Attah, declined to comment on the development.

The Head of WAEC’s Nigeria National Office, Dr Amos Dangut, dismissed claims that technical glitches affected the results, saying the council’s marking, processing and moderation procedures remained credible.

Dangut spoke on Thursday during a virtual dialogue organised by the Education Writers Association of Nigeria, themed “Addressing Concerns Over 2026 WASSCE Results, Other Matters.”

He urged schools, parents and other stakeholders with concerns about candidates’ results to approach WAEC directly for clarification rather than relying on unverified claims circulating on social media.

According to him, the council introduced several technological innovations in the conduct and processing of the examination, including computer based assessment, as well as the randomisation and serialisation of questions.

He said the reforms had helped reduce examination malpractice and strengthened the credibility and transparency of the examination process.

Dangut disclosed that examination malpractice declined from 9.97 per cent in 2025 to 8.59 per cent in 2026, describing the reduction as one of the positive outcomes of the reforms.

However, some schools and parents have questioned the 2026 results, particularly the low grades recorded by candidates in English Language and Mathematics.

The concerns arose after some schools said their students’ WASSCE performances were inconsistent with their previous academic records, mock examination results and achievements.

Some stakeholders consequently called on WAEC to review the results of candidates whose performances appeared significantly different from their established academic records.

Speaking during the dialogue, the Principal of Babcock School, Remo, Ogun State, Mr Fatola Samson, described the 2026 WASSCE results as the worst recorded by the school in its 31-year history.

Samson said 190 students from the school sat for the examination, but only 27 obtained satisfactory results, while several candidates failed subjects including Mathematics, Physics and Chemistry.

The development has prompted calls for greater clarification from WAEC, particularly on concerns surrounding the processing of results and the performance of candidates whose grades differ sharply from their previous academic records.

WAEC, however, maintained that its examination procedures remained credible and urged stakeholders to seek official clarification on individual cases rather than rely on unverified reports.

The Registrar and Chief Executive Officer of NABTEB, Dr Aminu Mohammed, announced the release on Wednesday during a press conference in Benin, Edo State.

Mohammed said 79,503 candidates, representing 81.24 per cent of the 97,863 candidates graded, obtained five credits and above, including English Language and Mathematics.

He said the result represented a significant improvement over the 68.18 per cent recorded in the 2025 examination, when 61,104 candidates achieved the same benchmark.

“The improvement recorded in the 2026 examination is encouraging and demonstrates the collective efforts of candidates, teachers, schools, parents and the wider education system,” he said.

The NABTEB boss added that 89,580 candidates, representing 91.53 per cent, obtained five credits and above, with or without English Language and Mathematics, compared with 83.28 per cent recorded in 2025.

He disclosed that 100,069 candidates registered for the 2026 examinations, while 97,867 sat for the papers, representing a 97.80 per cent attendance rate.

According to him, 24,128 candidates, representing 24.65 per cent of those graded, were certified as craftsmen.

Mohammed said the results were released 52 days after the final paper, describing the development as part of the board’s commitment to timely service delivery.

On examination malpractice, he disclosed that 847 candidates were involved in 1,554 reported incidents, representing 1.55 per cent of the candidates who sat for the examinations.

He said the figure was lower than that recorded in 2025, attributing the improvement to measures introduced by the board to curb malpractice.

Mohammed, however, warned candidates against falling victim to individuals claiming they could alter or upgrade examination results.

“No individual has the authority to change a candidate’s legitimately awarded result,” he said.

He advised candidates to check their results only through NABTEB’s official result-checking platform and urged them to disregard fraudulent offers to manipulate their results.

NAN