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Sanya By Oyin Olugbile Clinches NLNG 2025 The Nigeria Prize For Literature

…New Prize category on Creative Arts introduced

By Winifred Bosa

Sanya by Oyin Olugbile has emerged winner of the 2025 edition of The Nigeria Prize for Literature, clinching one of Africa’s most prestigious literary honour valued at $100,000.

The announcement was made on Friday, 10th October 2025 at the Nigeria LNG Limited (NLNG) Grand Award Night in Lagos by the Chairman of the Advisory Board for the Prize, Professor Akachi Adimora-Ezeigbo, who revealed the winner out of 252 novels submitted for the NLNG-sponsored Prize.

According to Professor Akachi Adimora-Ezeigbo, Olugbile’s mythology retelling approach was distinct and daring for casting Sango as a female and for the projection of Yoruba mythology through a story that captivates and meanders into a fantastical world. She stated that Olugbile achieved this through lucid and straightforward language, making for easy reading.

“We were impressed by the quality of the shortlisted books written by three writers with diverse backgrounds and experiences. The books, Sanya by Oyin Olugbile; The Road to the Country by Chigozie Obioma, both published by Masobe Books; and This Motherless Land by Nikki May, published by Narrative Landscape, indicate an improvement in the quality of local publishing.

“After much careful assessments and deliberations, we concluded that very little separates the novels and each is a potential winner of the award. However, Oyin Olugbile’s Sanya slightly takes the edge and is therefore our pick as the winner of the 2025 The Nigeria Prize for Literature,” she stated.

She further announced Okwudiri Anasiudu as the winning entry for The Nigeria Prize for Literary Criticism. Anasiudu won for his submissions titled Afropolitan Identity and Afrodiasporic Otherness in Selected African Novels; Allegorical Conjectures in Helon Habila’s Measuring Time; and Mimetic designs in Helon Habila’s Oil on Water. The Nigeria Prize for Literary Criticism comes with a $10,000 prize money.

In his opening remarks, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of NLNG, Philip Mshelbila, highlighted the enduring influence of literature, describing The Nigeria Prize for Literature as “a reminder of the power of words to shape identity and deepen understanding. Winning the Prize is recognition of scaling the highest heights of literature. All the shortlisted books this evening are works of the highest calibre,” he said.

He also revealed that The Nigeria Prize for Science will be renamed “The Nigeria Prize for Science and Innovation.” He said the new name reflects NLNG’s belief that progress depends as much on creativity and fresh thinking as on technology and infrastructure.

In another revelation, Mshelbila announced that NLNG would be resting The Nigeria Prize for Literary Criticism and introducing a new Prize category “The Nigeria Prize for Creative Arts,” with focus on Documentary Film. He stressed that the new Prize would inspire a new generation of storytellers to inform, challenge, and connect Nigerians more deeply to who they are as a nation and who they can become.

On energy, he stated that, according to the International Energy Agency, Africa requires over $200 billion annually in energy investments to achieve its climate and development goals. He added that Nigeria has the capacity and responsibility to lead this effort. He added that every kilometre of pipeline, every processing plant, and every household gas cylinder represents opportunities.

He stated further that NLNG takes pride in what it produces and enables, adding that “Train 7, now over 80% complete, is a $10 billion demonstration of what happens when policy, planning, investment and execution align. It is proof that investment yields results. A clear example of Nigerian content development at work. And it is a signal that Nigeria can remain competitive in the global LNG market if we stay focused, coordinated and ambitious.”

During his speech, Mshelbila unveiled a new book “Voices of Our Leaders,” a commemorative book on NLNG’s history and progress over three decades. He noted that the book captures the voices of some of those who have guided NLNG’s journey from dream to reality.

The Honourable Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, in his keynote speech, remarked that while there was much to celebrate, it was equally important to pause and reflect. He noted that The Nigeria Prize for Science, with its theme “Innovations in ICT, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and Digital Technologies for Development,” had not produced a winning work in 2025. He said it was a reminder that without innovation, Nigeria cannot hope to compete in a digital future.

He emphasised that Nigeria must deepen its investment in science, particularly in artificial intelligence and digital technologies, which he described as key to addressing many of the country’s developmental challenges. Concluding his remarks, he called on Nigerians to rededicate themselves to the broader national vision of nurturing both science and art, strengthening education, investing in digital technologies, and powering the engines of sustainable energy.

In September 2025, the Advisory Board of the Nigeria Prize for Science announced a no-winner verdict for the Prize.

Through The Nigeria Prizes, NLNG continues to reaffirm its enduring commitment to inspiring a sustainable future.

Collecting Now Exhibition : Yemisi Shyllon Museum Of Art Presents Its Second Edition

Participating Collectors and Exhibition Insurance Partner at the Opening Event of Collecting Now 1. L-R Mr Adeniyi Adenubi, Mrs. Eyamba Dafinone, Mr. Stanley Evans, Mr. Adedotun Sulaiman, Dr. Jess Castellote
Works on Display at the Olori Funmilayo Exhibition Gallery of the YSMA

By Winifred Bosa

The Yemisi Shyllon Museum of Art (YSMA), Pan-Atlantic University, is proud to announce the public unveiling of the second edition of its landmark exhibition, Collecting Now.

 Opening on October 11, 2025, the exhibition presents 90 significant works on loan from six distinguished Nigerian collectors – Olufemi Akinsanya, Ifeyinwa Momah, Tayo Odunsi, Nonso Okpala, Bimpe Nkontchou and Yemi Ogunbiyi – offering audiences privileged access to a diverse range of traditional, modern and contemporary art rarely seen outside private collections.

Following the success of its maiden edition in 2024, Collecting Now has become an important platform for highlighting the practice of art collecting in Nigeria and its role in sustaining the country’s cultural and creative economy. Featuring works across painting, sculpture, photography, and mixed media, the exhibition illuminates the interplay between individual taste and collective heritage.

This year’s showcase is particularly notable for spotlighting two women collectors whose perspectives illustrate the multifaceted power of collecting—as a way of living and as an act of advocacy.

“The Collecting Now series reinforces YSMA’s role as a pioneering institution that brings private visions into public spaces,” said Dr. Jess Castellote, Director of the Yemisi Shyllon Museum of Art. “We are not only presenting exceptional works of art but also shaping a critical conversation about collecting as a cultural practice that ensures continuity, strengthens our art ecosystem, and connects Nigeria’s artistic legacy with future generations.”

Reflecting on her participation in the exhibition, one of the featured collectors, Ifeyinwa Momah, shared: “For me, art is everyday living—it fills my spaces, shapes my memories, and inspires how I see the world. This exhibition is deeply meaningful because it allows these personal experiences to be encountered publicly, sparking conversations that affirm the value of art in our daily lives. I am proud to stand alongside fellow collectors in sharing our journeys through this platform at YSMA.”

The exhibition enjoys the continued support of Ark Insurance Brokers, who, for the second time, are sponsoring the insurance of the entirety of works on display.

 Their renewed partnership underscores their position as a leading brokerage provider for the arts in Nigeria, with a longstanding commitment to supporting culture and creativity alongside their broader insurance expertise.

“Our partnership with YSMA for Collecting Now reflects our enduring belief that Nigerian art is a national treasure worthy of world-class protection,” remarked Kayode Awogboro, Managing Director of Ark Insurance Group. “As a trusted name in insurance, we take pride in safeguarding collections of immense cultural value, while affirming our commitment to the arts as part of the fabric of society.”

Through this initiative, YSMA affirms its position as a pioneering institution dedicated to advancing cultural scholarship, deepening public access to art, and celebrating the vision of Nigerian collectors as curators and preservers of history and heritage.

The general public is invited to see Collecting Now II between October 11, 2025 to February 9, 2026 at the Olori Funmilayo Shyllon Exhibition Gallery of the YSMA at Pan-Atlantic University.
Democratizing Education – Airtel’s Oremeji Example

Fourteen years ago, as Head of Corporate Communications & CSR at Airtel Nigeria, my team and I visited the famous Tolu Complex in Ajegunle, Lagos – a cluster of over 20 public schools serving thousands of children in one of Nigeria’s most underserved communities.
What we saw that day changed us forever. Children between 6 and 12 sat on the bare ground under a tree, their teacher using the cracked wall of a collapsed classroom as a blackboard. Some of us shed tears.
Right there, we made a decision: we would adopt and rebuild Oremeji Primary School 2.
From Collapse to Catalyst
In just six months – cutting through layers of government bureaucracy, battling security challenges, and even replacing stolen ceiling fans on commissioning day! – we delivered a modern school building:
•Six fully furnished classrooms with whiteboards
•An office for the head teacher
•Toilets for boys, girls, and staff
•A borehole with water reservoir
•Power supply
We didn’t stop there. We gave every child uniforms, shoes, books, and school bags. Later, through our Airtel Employee Volunteer Scheme, staff donated a mini-library, taught classes, and inspired students with career talks. An ICT lab soon followed, with computers and access to free, government-approved learning materials.
The Ripple Effect
Enrollment rose. Academic performance improved. Teachers began winning laurels. Most importantly, the small spark ignited bigger change: the then First Lady of Lagos, Mrs. Folasade Fashola, apparently persuaded her husband to rehabilitate other contiguous schools in the complex. Over time, the Lagos State Government transformed the entire landscape with massive new school blocks.
When I revisited Oremeji Primary School 2 last week, during a working tour of Nigeria, I was overwhelmed. Oremeji – once the pride of the complex – now looked modest, surrounded by gigantic, ultramodern buildings. And that’s exactly the point.
A Lesson in Development
What started as one bold corporate initiative grew into sustainable, government-backed transformation. Development truly begets development. No amount of darkness can cover the light of a single candle, it’s said.
That’s the power of partnerships, purpose, and persistence. The Airtel Adopt a School Program embodies all the aforementioned attributes.
And that’s why democratizing access to education must remain a collective mission – because the children of Ajegunle, and millions like them, are our future leaders.
It’s truly heartwarming that the major item on the agenda during my visit to Nigeria was a joint Media Briefing by Airtel Africa plc and Airtel Africa Foundation, where it was announced, amongst other things, that the Foundation, which is sponsored by Airtel, will adopt 100 schools across its 14 markets in Africa (10 in Nigeria) over the next 12 months, for a start.
By Emeka Oparah , the Vice President, Corporate Communications & CSR, Airtel Africa plc.
NLNG :  Community Secondary School, Igboh Etche, Emerge Winner Of 2025 Science Quiz Competition

 

By Winifred Bosa

Eight schools reached the climax of the 2025 NLNG Science Quiz Competition on Saturday, showcasing brilliance, speed, and scienti’c prowess in a ‘ercely contested ‘nale, with Community Scondary School, Igboh Etche, emerging victorious over seven other schools to clinch the championship.

 

 

Held in Port Harcourt, the competition drew students from across Rivers State in a bid to crown this year’s top science students under the theme “Renewable Energy Solutions.”After rounds of intense intellectual display, Community Secondary School, Igboh Etche emerged as the winner in the Senior Secondary (SS 2) category.

 

 

Their victory marked the conclusion of a rigorous three-phase contest comprising the Championship, Science Project Exhibition, and Grand Finale.

 

 

The school distinguished itself through accuracy, composure, and a strong grasp of science concepts related to clean energy.In the Science Project Exhibition, Oginigba Comprehensive Secondary School, Oginigba, secured the top position, followed by Bonny National Grammar School (Senior) in second place, and Community Secondary School, Kira Tai, in third place.

 

In the Senior Secondary 1 (SS1) category, the competition concluded at the Championship stage. Birabi Memorial Grammar School, Bori, Khana claimed the top position, while Niger Delta Science School, Obio/Akpor, secured second place, and Government Secondary School, Abua, came third after a closely contested challenge among peers from across Rivers State.

 

 

The remaining ‘nalists in the competition included Government Secondary School, Eneka (4th); Niger Delta Science School, Obio/Akpor (5th), Nigerian Navy Secondary School, Port Harcourt (6th), Birabi Memorial Grammar School, Bori, Khana (7th) and Government Secondary School, Abua (8th).Speaking at the ‘nale, Sophia Horsfall, General Manager, External Relations and Sustainable Development at NLNG, emphasised the company’s commitment to nurturing scienti’c excellence and promoting sustainability.

 

 

“The world is moving fast towards cleaner, greener energy. NLNG is proud to be leading this shift by exporting LNG, a cleaner fossil fuel, and supplying LPG to Nigerian homes. Through this quiz, we are not only investing in education, but inspiring the scientists, engineers, and innovators of tomorrow,” she stated.

 

 

“Science is the heartbeat of progress. That’s why we support platforms like this, where young minds can discover their potential. Since inception, over 200 public schools have bene’tted from this competition, proving that when given the opportunity, our students will shine,” she added.

 

 

In her remarks, the Permanent Secretary of the Rivers State Ministry of Education, Dr. Azibaolanari Uzoma-Nwogu, represented by Tam Job Inise’ekabo, stated that the theme was both timely and signi’cant.

 

 

NUC Grants Full Accreditation To 18 Academic Programmes At Ekiti State University

Ekiti State University (EKSU), Ado-Ekiti, has recorded another major academic milestone with the full accreditation of 18 academic programmes by the National Universities Commission (NUC), following its October/November 2024 accreditation exercise.

 

The confirmation of the accreditation was conveyed in a letter dated April 30, 2025, and signed by Engineer Abraham Chundusu, Acting Director of Accreditation, on behalf of the Executive Secretary of the NUC. The letter was addressed to the Vice Chancellor of Ekiti State University.

 

The newly accredited programmes cut across six faculties, reaffirming EKSU’s commitment to academic excellence and its strategic focus on expanding access to quality education in critical fields. The accredited programmes include:

 

Faculty of Administration

•     M.Sc. Business Administration

•     Master of Personnel Management

•     M.Sc. Finance

•     Master of Public Administration

•     Master of Business Administration

 

Faculty of Arts

•     Arabic Studies

•     Islamic Studies

•     Philosophy

 

Faculty of Education

•     Building and Woodwork Technology Education

•     Electrical and Electronic Technology Education

•     Metal and Auto Mechanic Technology Education

•     Education Christian Religious Studies

 

Faculty of Engineering

•     Civil Engineering

•     Electrical and Electronic Engineering

•     Computer Engineering

 

Faculty of Law

•     Law

 

Faculty of Sciences

•     Geology

 

Faculty of Social Sciences

•     Psychology

 

Reacting to the development, the Vice Chancellor of Ekiti State University, Professor Joseph Babatola Ayodele, described the full accreditation as “a dream come true” and a testament to the tireless efforts of the university’s academic and administrative staff.

 

“This achievement underscores our continued commitment to delivering globally competitive education and producing graduates who are equipped to solve contemporary challenges,” Prof. Ayodele said. “We are more prepared than ever to meet the educational needs of Nigerian youth in relevant and future-facing disciplines.”

 

He further attributed the success to the unwavering support of the university’s leadership, expressing deep appreciation to the Governor of Ekiti State and Visitor to the University, His Excellency, Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji, who is also an alumnus; the Chancellor, Dr. Tunji Olowolafe; and the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Governing Council, Professor Akin Oyebode, for their pivotal roles in the advancement of EKSU.

 

This development comes on the heels of EKSU’s recognition as the best state university in Nigeria, as ranked by Times Higher Education 2025, cementing its reputation as a centre of academic distinction.

 

JAMB Admits Mistake, Candidates In 157 Centers To Retake Exams

Breaking News: JAMB Admits Error That Affected 157 Centres - EduTimes AfricaThe Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has admitted errors in the results of some candidates who took the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examinations (UTME).

On Tuesday, the board commenced the review of the candidates’ results with some stakeholders after widespread complaints of low scores by candidates who have a track record of better performance.

Speaking on the outcome of the review on Wednesday, JAMB Registrar Is-haq Oloyede, a professor, apologised to the candidates and admitted some errors.

Mr Oloyede said the board has decided that all candidates affected in 157 out of 882 centres will be contacted to retake their examinations starting Friday, 16 May.

A total of 379,997 candidates across the 157 centres in Lagos and the South-east would retake their examinations.

“So, I appeal to the candidates and those affected by the error of our system to accept this explanation as the truth of the matter without embellishment, Please. I apologise and take full responsibility, not just in words,” he said.

Mr Oloyede said affected candidates would be contacted by JAMB through text messages sent to their registered phone numbers, email addresses, profiles, and phone calls.

He directed them to reprint their examination slips for the rescheduled examination dates.

He said the board has contacted the West African Examinations Council (WAEC), which is currently holding its West African Senior School Certificate Examinations (WASSCE), to allow JAMB some slots for candidates to take the exams, and WAEC has agreed.

“Any candidate with a clash of timetable, particularly for Agricultural Science on Friday, would be rescheduled,” Mr Oloyede said.

“However, we have endeavoured to ensure that no such exist. Most, if not all, such candidates are scheduled for Saturday. Fortunately, the prescribed texts for SSCE are also the prescribed texts for UTME, apart from the reading text of the UTME, which carries just 10 marks in our Use of English test.”

Magnitude of error
Mr Oloyede explained that the errors happened in 157 centres – 65 centres in the Lagos zone and 92 centres in the Owerri zone.

Lagos zone comprises only Lagos State but Owerri zone comprises the five South-east states: Abia, Enugu, Imo, Ebonyi and Anambra.

While 206,610 candidates were affected in the 65 centres in Lagos zone, 173,387 candidates were affected in 92 centres in Owerri zone.

He said the reviewers examined samples from across the country, but no sign of any abnormality has been detected in any centre other than the ones mentioned.

He added that the exercise continues.

How the error occurred
Mr Oloyede explained that JAMB groups the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) into ‘KAD vehicle’ and ‘LAG vehicle’ to manage operations efficiently and in a balanced way.

 

KAD vehicle comprises all South-south states and most Northern states except Kano, Katsina, Jigawa, Niger, Kogi, and Abuja.

LAG vehicle comprises all states in the South-west and South-east as well as Kano, Katsina, Jigawa, Niger, Kogi, and Abuja.

He explained that the mixed grouping is deliberate and is meant to prevent any regional bias in how the examinations are organised across regions.

What went wrong
Mr Oloyede noted that after the mock exams, the board noticed that the exam questions were not properly shuffled in the LAG category. The board shuffles questions so candidates have different questions, which makes it harder to copy or cheat.

The board corrected this problem and tested the fix ahead of the actual UTME.

“However, on Friday 25 April, the second day of the actual UTME, JAMB found that there were omissions in the LAG category.”

Mr Oloyede said corrections were made instantly and tested on Saturday, Sunday and Monday before they were applied after 12 a.m. on Tuesday.

“That was why all the examinations from Tuesday till the end of UTME had no problem,” he said.

The correction that never worked
The JAMB Registrar said to correct and re-upload the results from LAG for the glitch from Thursday to Monday, the service providers concerned with the ‘LAG vehicle’ were deployed to effect the patch.

He said, unfortunately, the errors were still found in two locations –Lagos zone and Owerri Zone–, resulting in errors in the candidates’ results.

“In clear terms, in the process of rectifying the issue, the technical personnel deployed by the Service Provider for LAG (Lagos and South-east zones) inadvertently failed to update some of the delivery servers,” he explained.

“Regrettably, this oversight went undetected prior to the release of the results.”

Source: Premium Times