EDUCATION
InterswitchSPAK 5.0: Celebrating Another Milestone in Supporting STEM Education
In the dynamic world of STEM education and innovation, one remarkable initiative, InterswitchSPAK National Science Competition, continues to ignite the passion for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) among secondary school students in Nigeria and beyond.
From its inception, InterswitchSPAK, an initiative of Interswitch Group, has grown to become a beacon of inspiration for young African minds, nurturing their talent and encouraging them to explore the wonders of STEM as the key to delivering the Africa of their dreams. Following the completion of a successful first edition in Nigeria in 2018, the initiative was introduced to schools in Kenya the following year.
This year’s edition – InterswitchSPAK 5.0 marks a significant milestone in the timeline of this laudable initiative which has played a crucial role in encouraging young students to pursue STEM careers, providing a platform for them to showcase their talent and compete for exciting prizes, including university scholarships.
The success of past winners is a testament to the profound impact of the InterswitchSPAK competition. From the University of Lagos to Texas A&M University and Howard University, both in the USA, winners of the competition continue to shine like bright stars across the globe, spurred on by their passion and drive, and by the support they have received from Interswitch.
InterswitchSPAK 5.0 promises to be even more impactful with an expanded prize pool. The competition is open to all senior secondary school students between the ages of 14 and 17, currently enrolled in public and private schools in Nigeria. Contestants will go through various qualifying rounds, including online assessments, leading up to the grand finale where the finalists will compete for the ultimate prize.
The winner of InterswitchSPAK 5.0 will receive the grand prize of N7.5 million in scholarships for a five-year period, a laptop, and monthly stipends. The second-place winner will be awarded N4 million in scholarships for three years, a laptop, and monthly stipends. In addition, the third-place winner will receive N1 million in scholarships for one year, along with monthly stipends and a laptop. The top three winners will also be entitled to mentoring and internship opportunities at Interswitch, as well as other exciting prizes.
Interswitch Group continues to showcase its unwavering dedication to promoting STEM education in Nigeria and across Africa. By celebrating five years of excellence in advancing STEM, Interswitch Group exemplifies its vision of an Africa empowered by young innovators.
As the remarkable journey continues, Interswitch eagerly anticipates the success stories that will unfold from this year’s competition. The impact these young innovators will have on the future of Nigeria and beyond is immeasurable, and Interswitch Group is proud to be a part of their journeys.
Registration for the competition is on until the 16th of June. For registration details, click here.
EDUCATION
Alleged Plan To Abolish TETFund, NOTSUP Appeal
The Non-Teaching Staff Union of Polytechnics (NOTSUP) has appealed to Federal Government not to systematically phase out TETFund which derives its funding from consolidated revenue from company income tax.
The union National President , Comrade Shaba Nakorji, who made the appeal during an interaction with our correspondent at NOTSUP Secretariat said almost 90% of the physical structures around all Federal and State government owned Polytechnics, Universities and Colleges of Education are products of TETFUND.
Nakorji said rather than to use Tetfund money to fund the Nigeria Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), the Federal Government should take 1% or 2% of VAT to fund NELFUND.
NELFUND recently introduced to disburse student loans is a good initiative, but cannot be a replacement for TETFund, he said.
The NOTSUP President said any plan to phase out the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) is harmful to Nigeria tertiary education system and i appeal to the Federal Government to allow the Tetfund to stay and give more allocation to education budget.
EDUCATION
Yabatech Governing Council Appoints New Registrar And Bursar
The Governing Council at its meeting of 10th December 2024, approved the appointment of Mrs. Henrietta Badejo as Registrar and Dr. John Olusola Dada as Bursar. Their appointments take effect from January 2, 2025.Mrs. Henrietta Badejo joined the College’s service in 2001 as an Administrative Officer I and steadily rose through the ranks to become Deputy Registrar in 2017. Until her recent appointment, she served as Deputy Registrar, (Rectory), where she demonstrated exceptional administrative competence and dedication.A distinguished professional, Mrs. Badejo is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Personnel Management (CIPM) and a full member of the Nigerian Institute of Management (NIM). Her academic qualifications include:• Diploma in Computer Science• Master of Science in Geography• Bachelor of Science in Education and Geography•Nigerian Certificate in Education (Biology/Geography)Dr. John Olusola Dada brings over three decades of experience spanning the polytechnic, university, and private sectors. He is a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (FCA) and an Associate Member of both the Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria (ACTI) and the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants of Nigeria (ACIMA).Dr. Dada holds the following academic qualifications:•Postgraduate Diploma in Financial Management, University of Ado-Ekiti•BSc in Accounting, Babcock University•HND in Accountancy, Federal Polytechnic Ado-EkitiDr Dada was Instrumental in securing major grants for YABATECH, including: • $200,000 Ford Foundation Grant for establishing an art museum and producing a sexual harassment policy. • $1,000,000 FCDO/UNICEF GESP grant for training 5,750 girls in TVET-related skills.Prior to his appointment, he served as Chief Accountant, Busary Unit and Head of Department, Final Accounts alongide TETFund Desk Officer. The entire YABATECH community congratulates them and wishes them success as they take on their new roles.
EDUCATION
KWSG cautions against political branding of public school materials
Kwara State Government has again frowned at a culture of people branding materials to be donated to public school children with subtle or obvious political messages and indoctrination. “This practice, which includes emblazoning the picture of the donor on such books or school materials, should stop,” according to a statement by the Commissioner for Education and Human Capital Development Hajia Sa’adatu Moddibo Kawu.“While every support for public school is welcome and appreciated, the government has a standing policy that such materials do not come with political branding of any kind. “It is on record that education materials that the state government donated to school children between 2019 and now usually do not come with the picture of His Excellency the Governor, who feels such practices are not healthy for young children. “Public officials and private individuals should kindly take note of this. Again, the government thanks everyone who gives any form of support for public education.”
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