🇳🇬NigeriaWest Africa
Oyo State approves N650 million grant for LAUTECH Iseyin Campus research farm
via Punch Nigeria4 min read
The Oyo State Government has approved a N650 million take-off grant for the Teaching and Research Farm at the Ladoke Akintola University of Technology LAUTECH, Iseyin Campus. This grant is part of broader investments in infrastructure, ICT, healthcare, housing, and mobility support for the campus. Governor Seyi Makinde, represented by his deputy Bayo Lawal at the institution's 18th convocation ceremony, stated that the approval aims to elevate LAUTECH into a globally competitive center for innovation, research, and development. He emphasized that the campus's development aligns with the state's economic agenda, focusing on agriculture, food security, youth employment, and agribusiness. Makinde also highlighted the university's improved stability and uninterrupted academic calendars since the resolution of ownership issues. Prof Olu Aina, Chairman of the Governing Board of the National Universities Commission, recounted the diplomatic efforts that resolved the protracted ownership dispute between Oyo and Osun states over the institution. He urged graduates to prioritize character alongside their qualifications. Vice-Chancellor Prof Razaq Kalilu encouraged postgraduate graduands to continue seeking knowledge and striving for excellence, while Pro-Chancellor Prof Ayodeji Omole noted the university's sustained position as a leading state university despite operational challenges.
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Punch Nigeria.
Kano State Governor Abba Yusuf has signed executive orders prohibiting the sale, trafficking, and abuse of illicit substances and unregistered pharmaceutical products without valid prescriptions. The new measures also include a movement restriction from 6 pm to 10 am in areas identified as centers of drug abuse and criminal activities. Governor Yusuf stated that these actions are in response to drug abuse being a significant threat to public safety, security, and social stability in Kano. Security agencies have been authorized to stop, search, arrest, and prosecute offenders, with the possibility of revoking Certificates of Occupancy for properties used in illicit drug trafficking. A Multi-Agency Anti-Substance Abuse Task Force has been inaugurated to enforce these directives, coordinate intelligence gathering, conduct enforcement operations, and implement public enlightenment campaigns and rehabilitation programs. The task force, led by Muhuyi Rimingado, includes representatives from various security agencies, traditional institutions, religious bodies, civil society organizations, and the business community, and is mandated to dismantle criminal hideouts and drug dens across the state.
Must ReadThe Federal Government of Nigeria plans to continue phasing out electricity subsidies and transitioning to cost-reflective tariffs across the power sector. Special Adviser to the President on Power Infrastructure, Sadiq Wanka, stated that vulnerable Nigerians will receive targeted support, possibly through a proposed Power Consumer Assistance Fund. Wanka acknowledged that cost-reflective tariffs are a challenging topic but affirmed the government's commitment to the policy, expecting the transition to occur within the next year or so. He highlighted that Nigeria's electricity sector lags behind many emerging economies in per capita consumption and infrastructure, requiring about $9 billion to $12 billion annually in investments through 2045, significantly more than the current $1 billion. The Electricity Act 2023 has liberalized the sector, creating new investment opportunities, particularly in embedded generation, mini-grids, industrial clusters, and renewable energy sources like solar and hydropower, which are projected to constitute 80% of installed capacity by 2045. Executive Director of Governance and Sustainability at Sahara Group, Ejiro Gray, emphasized the need for African journalism to critically examine energy transition narratives rather than merely echoing external assumptions.
Must ReadFormer Miss Universe Nigeria, Chidimma Adetshina, encountered anti-immigrant chants outside a South African court on Monday during her appearance in a case challenging her deportation. Adetshina was arrested in Cape Town last month for allegedly residing in the country illegally and is seeking to prevent the South African Department of Home Affairs from deporting her. The Cape Town Regional Court adjourned the matter until August 19. A video circulating on social media shows women shouting remarks such as “Go home, Nigeria is your home. We wouldn’t accept you in South Africa” at Adetshina as she left the court. This incident has sparked online reactions, with many users condemning the remarks as xenophobic, and occurs amidst ongoing debate regarding immigration and the treatment of foreign nationals in South Africa.