Keystone Bank Limited has commended Governor Lawal’s giant strides in human capital development in Zamfara State.

The bank’s Managing Director, Hassan Imam, led top management officials on a courtesy visit to the governor on Saturday at the Government House in Gusau.

A statement by the governor’s spokesperson, Sulaiman Bala Idris, revealed that the bank is renovating Sarkin Kudu Primary School and Sambo Secondary School, all in the state capital, as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR).

While addressing the bank’s management, Governor Lawal praised Keystone’s efforts and committed to making Zamfara State a favorable environment for all businesses.

“It is well known that we inherited a highly dysfunctional system in Zamfara State. However, this does not serve as an excuse for failing to perform.

Instead, we are focused on finding the best ways to advance the state, and that is precisely what we are doing.

“Education is essential to everything we do in life today. It forms the backbone of a better society. In my administration, education is the second priority after security.

“I want to express my gratitude for this gesture. As I mentioned, this intervention will go down in history as a testament to your bank’s role in our success story.

“Insha’Allah, Zamfara will become an even greater state. I am committed to ensuring that we compete with other states in Nigeria in every aspect.

“I look forward to commissioning these schools shortly upon their completion. Thank you very much for this intervention.

Earlier, the Managing Director of Keystone Bank, Hassan Imam, disclosed that the management deliberated on the intervention area before deciding to focus on the complete renovation and overhaul of schools as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility.

“What you have achieved in just 17 months has surpassed what others have accomplished in over 20 years.

You have excelled in education, health, and infrastructure. I don’t have enough time to list everything you have done for Zamfara State, but anyone visiting will witness the multi-billion-dollar construction of the metropolitan road.

“We are here to support you because we recognize the hard work you’re putting in. After much discussion, we decided to focus on education and chose two primary and secondary schools.

We are conducting a complete renovation and overhaul of Sarkin Kudu Primary School and Sambo Secondary School, located in the state capital.

“As we speak, the contractors are already on site, and the work has commenced,” he said.

SULAIMAN BALA IDRIS
Spokesperson for the Zamfara Governor
November 09, 2024

University fees in the UK are set to increase in 2025, breaking an eight-year cap on the rates for domestic students.

Fees for domestic undergraduate students have been capped at £9,250 per year in the United Kingdom since 2017.

The UK’s department for education says the cap for full-time student fees will now go up by £285, putting the max payable fee at £9,535.

It said the maximum cap for part-time student fees will go up by £210 making the yearly maximum fee limit cost £7,145.

The maximum cap for accelerated student fees is also set to go up by £340 making the yearly maximum fee limit cost £11,440.

The inflation-linked increase, set to take effect in October 2025, was approved by ministers after warnings of a deepening financial crisis in the UK’s university sector.

Bridget Phillipson, the secretary of state for education, said the UK government will implement a parallel increase to student maintenance loans by providing up to £414 extra for the 2025/2026 academic year.

She said this will serve to support students from the lowest-income families.

Addressing members of parliament, Phillipson echoed that significant financial concerns have resulted from frozen domestic tuition fees.

“Universities have suffered a significant real-time decline in their income,” the minister of state said.

“Increasing the fee cap has not been an easy decision, but I want to be crystal clear that this will not cost graduates more each month as they start to repay their loans.

“Universities are responsible for managing their finances and must act to remain sustainable. But members across this house will agree that it is no use keeping tuition fees down for future students if the universities are not there for them to attend.”

Lately, foreign nationals have been on the receiving end of some policy changes that have also impacted the finances of UK universities.

In September 2024, the amount a foreign national must show as “proof of funds” to study in the UK was increased.

Foreign nationals have also been banned from bringing family members to live with them while they study in the UK.

Author and accomplished newspaper editor/ journalism prizeman, Dayo Oketola, is set to embark on an international book tour taking off on November 15 with a book reading and signing event in Abuja.
 
Oketola has authored a book titled, ‘The Catalyst: Nigerian Tech Evolution Through a Journalist’s Lens’, presented to the public on September 17, 2024, at the Muson Centre in Lagos during an Exaugural Lecture marking the end of his tenure as Editor, The PUNCH. 

The book was unveiled by former President Olusegun Obasanjo and other dignitaries.
 
The author expressed heartfelt gratitude on the incredible support and accolades that have followed the release of the book and announced an international book tour, beginning in Abuja and continuing to Lagos, Akwa-Ibom, Delta, as well as the UK, US, and Canada, among other locations.
 
He said, “The book reading and signing event, hosted by RovingHeights Bookstore in Abuja, will mark the start of the international “Catalyst Book Tour.” This tour will include readings, book signings, fireside chats, and interviews, serving as a platform to share insights from my 20 years in journalism while celebrating my contributions to the telecom industry’s knowledge base. It will also provide a chance to connect with friends, colleagues, critics, and fellow book lovers, both locally and internationally.”
   
Speaking on the book, the author explained that the 352-page compendium structured into 14 chapters celebrates remarkable industry achievements while critically addressing the persistent gaps that hinder its full potential.
 
He said,  “Blending personal narratives with meticulous industry analyses, ‘The Catalyst: Nigerian Tech Evolution Through a Journalist’s Lens’ offers a profound exploration of Nigeria’s telecommunications evolution,  which began with the introduction of GSM in 2001, to the vibrant and competitive industry we witness today.  It also highlights the bold initiatives that opened the sector to private investment, leading to over $70 billion in capital inflow and the creation of over 500,000 jobs in over 20 years.
“From emphasising how advancements in telecommunications, fintech, and infrastructure have catalysed Nigeria’s national development, the book delves into strategic planning and governance, showcasing successful projects that highlight the importance of foresight in harnessing technology for societal growth. Through real-life stories and case studies, readers will witness the transformative power of innovation in various sectors, from agriculture to education, among others.”

In the chapters dedicated to inclusivity in technology, the author confronts the marginalisation of vulnerable groups, particularly persons with disabilities (PWDs) and women. By exploring initiatives aimed at fostering inclusivity, the book advocates for equitable access to technological advancements, emphasising the need for diverse voices in shaping the digital future.

According to Oketola, the book further examines the roles of regulatory agencies in shaping the telecoms and fintech sectors. It identified both the successes and failures of existing regulatory frameworks, shedding light on how these have influenced industry innovation and equipping readers with a deeper understanding of the complexities at play in Nigeria’s tech ecosystem. 
The author equally investigates the operational challenges faced by NigComSat-1R, Nigeria’s multi-million dollar communication satellite, while looking into the future by examining the government’s initiatives aimed at unlocking Nigeria’s digital economic potential through broadband expansion, infrastructure development, and the rise of 5G technology.
According to him, the book is a collector’s item for ICT sector stakeholders, policymakers, researchers, lecturers, STEM students, university libraries and those interested in understanding the dynamic intersection of technology, policy, and social impact in Nigeria.
 

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