Author: Ismail Abdulaziz

I’ll turn around fortunes of FUT, Minna- Pro-chancellor
I’ll turn around fortunes of FUT, Minna- Pro-chancellor
FUT
By Ismail Abdulaziz
Minna, June 17, 2024(NAN) The new Pro-chancellor of the Federal University of Technology (FUT), Minna, Dr Mohammed Santuraki, has pledged to turn around the fortunes of the institution.
He said his wealth of experience as an education administrator would be deployed to ensure that the institution retains its pride of place.
In an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday in Minna, Santuraki said FUT, Minna would also maintain its academic excellence.
‘’FUT, Minna is one institution that has been a rallying point for not only people of Niger or the North but for all Nigerians.
‘’It is a microcosm of the country where youths are engaged in inventions, innovations and technology development with one common cause of realising the dream of a better Nigeria.
”Nigeria youth deserve to be encouraged to realise their full potential especially in a conducive educational environment,’’ he said.
NAN reports that President Bola Tinubu approved the appointment of Santuraki as the Pro Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of FUT, Minna a fortnight ago.
He is a seasoned tertiary education administrator having served earlier in the same position at the Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University (IBBU), the Niger University.
Santuraki also served as the Vice Chairman of the Committee of Pro-chancellors of State-owned Universities in Nigeria.
The new pro-chancellor said that the appointment of the new boards of tertiary institutions would accelerate the Renewed Hope Agenda of Tinubu in the education sector.
He said that the education sector of the country would be revitalised with a strong board comprising men and women with wealth of experience and passion to make positive changes.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
IS/BRM
=============
Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani
June 17, 2024
Clean energy: 3 Nigerian coys receive $17m support from UK
Clean energy: 3 Nigerian coys receive $17m support from UK
Support
By Ismail Abdulaziz
Abuja, June 5, 2024 (NAN) Three Nigerian companies have received 17 million dollars in UK investment to strengthen the clean energy sector.
A statement by Ndidiamaka Eze, Senior Press and Public Affairs Officer/Communications Lead, Prosperity and Economic Development, indicated that the support was given to the companies under the UK-funded Manufacturing Africa Programme.
She said that the companies in the programme’s portfolio are Arnergy, Koolboks, and BURN Manufacturing.
She added that the fund would boost Nigeria’s efforts to expand access to renewable energy solutions.
“These investments will provide energy for more Nigerians, reduce carbon emissions, lead to the creation of 1,100 jobs, and support thousands of livelihoods.
“The three companies are sustainability trailblazers,” she said.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that BURN Manufacturing is at the forefront of clean cook-stove innovation.
It secured 12 million dollars in carbon investment from Key Carbon Ltd.
Their new local assembly facility in Dawakin Kudu, Kano state will boost distribution efforts of electric cook stoves and biomass stoves across East and Central Africa.
Arnergy is a leading renewable energy company in Nigeria that specialises in designing and manufacturing technology-enabled solar micro-grid and rooftop solutions.
With a recent 3 million dollars bridge-financing from a Shell-backed impact investment company, the company has already raised 7.5 million dollars in their Series B fundraising.
Koolboks is revolutionising access to refrigeration services, particularly for underserved communities and women entrepreneurs through its solar-powered cooling systems.
Their pay-as-you-go technology and accessible business model have attracted a 1.5 million Euro subsidy from Beyond the Grid Fund for Africa (BGFA), for launch and expansion in Uganda.
At the ceremony, the British Deputy High Commissioner in Lagos, Jonny Baxter, stated that the UK government supports Nigeria’s Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu.
Baxter said the fund would enhance Nigeria’s commitments toward boosting private-sector-led economic growth.
“We’re funding the Manufacturing Africa programme to provide free advisory services to companies raising finance to expand their capabilities and create new jobs in Nigeria.
“It’s great to see these companies realise their goals with UK support,” Baxter said.
Lolade Alonge, Business Communications Manager at Koolboks said: “Manufacturing Africa’s financial advisory support when raising our ‘Series A’ came in very handy and has helped us secure funds that will assist with our expansion plans.”
He said Manufacturing Africa has supported 31 Nigerian companies in boosting investment in many sectors including agro-processing, industrial parks, pharmaceuticals, vehicle manufacturing, e-mobility, and renewable energy.
The programme has also helped to attract 85 million dollars into Nigeria’s manufacturing sector since 2020. (NAN)
IS/VIV
=====
Edited by Vivian Ihechu
June 5, 2024
NLC/TUC suspends strike
NLC/TUC suspends strike

Strike
Abuja, June 4, 2024(NAN) The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) have suspended their two-day industrial action.

Mr Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, disclosed this on Tuesday in Abuja.

Onanuga said that the two unions suspended the strike for one week.

He said that this was in consonance with the agreement reached with the Federal Government and the Tripartite Committee on Monday.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the NLC and TUC are on strike over the National Minimum Wage, Electricity rate increase and band categories among others.

The strike started on Monday.
More details later.
June 4, 2024