Metro
FG Considers Pegging Age of Varsity Admission at 18

The Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman, has hinted that the Federal government would review age requirement for admission into tertiary institutions in the country.
The minister, who pegged 18 years as benchmark for admission into universities, advised parents not to push their underage wards to higher institutions, especially university education, below the age of 18.
Mamman spoke to journlaits after monitoring the ongoing Unified Tertiary matriculation Examination, UTME, in some of the centres in Abuja.
The minister said he is not happy with the age of some candidates that applied to write the examination, noting that they are still far before required age to seek admission into universities.
He, however, applauded the conduct of the examination, describing it as peaceful just as he said irregularities where were visibly noticeable in the past, has drastically reduced.
He said: “The examination process is seamless. The environment is comfortable for students. That’s how it should be, especially with the use of technology in our affairs and the educational system. It makes life easy for everybody and seamless.
“As we know, this examination is going on throughout the country. It is being monitored everywhere seamlessly and from the report I have heard, the malpractice level is very low, just a 100 out of 1.2million.It is the use of technology that has made that happen, so this is very good.
“The other thing, which we noticed, is the age of those who have applied to go to the university. Some of them are really too young. We are going to look at it because they are too young to understand what the university education is all about.
“That’s the stage when students migrate from a controlled environment where they are in charge of their own affairs. So if they are too young, they won’t be able to manage properly.
“That accounts to some of the problems we are seeing in the universities.
“We are going to look at that. 18 is the entry age for university. But you will see students, 15, 16, going to the examination. It is not good for us. Parents should be encouraged not to push their wards, children too much.”
He hinted that beneficiaries of the Federal government students loan will cut across both higher education and skill acquisition, saying it was important that “students who are not being able to proceed to tertiary education, should be able to have a meaningful life even after secondary school, even primary education actually.”
According to him, the percentage of admission out of the registered number of candidates that applied, is “about 20 percent- universities, polytechnics and colleges of educations.”
He continued: “They are our children, our wards living with us. This is why the issue of skills acquisition is very important because, any students, who is not able to proceed to tertiary education, should be able to have a meaningful life even after secondary school, even primary education actually.
“The only solution to that is skill; by talking skills right from the time they entered school, for the primary school. Somebody should finish with one skill or another. That is part of the assumption of the 6-3-3-4 system.
“It is assumed that by the time a student finishes up to JSS level, he would have acquired some skills. If he does not proceed to senior secondary level, he would have acquired some skills that will help him navigate life and cease to be a burden on parents and society.
‘That is why skill is just the most important thing for us now. We are going to drive through the education sector for both public and private sectors, to empower the young ones.
“Tertiary education is encouraged but not every child needs to go to the university or polytechnic. It is mandatory and government is in support and there is a constitutional requirement to educate every Nigerian child up to that level of education. But with the introduction of the Student Loan Scheme, access will not be a problem.
“Parents will now be supported both for tertiary and even the skills we are talking about. That is one of the most important policies government has been able to provide,” he added.
Metro
Healthgarde Boosts Women Empowerment at Lagos Convention

Leading health and wellness company, Healthgarde International, celebrated its fifth anniversary and 2025 convention in Lagos, Nigeria on Saturday, February 15 with a splash of awards – products, cash and luxury packages – given to its sales heroes, all dressed in purple.
Speaking to newsmen at the convention, Healthgarde CEO, Mrs. Nneka Nwarueze, explained how the company was able to pull through the sudden economic challenges of 2024.
“We’ve come a long way since we started five years ago,” Nwarueze said. “We’ve learned to adapt to the changing business environment, and we’re particularly proud of our team members who have demonstrated exceptional performance, leadership, and commitment to our values. We are very happy to celebrate all of them today, especially our top achievers.”
The Healthgarde convention featured a purple affair awards ceremony to recognize outstanding performers across various categories. Mariam Oboh emerged Business Leader of the Year and Star of Africa, which came with double home use gadgets plus N500,000 cash prize, while Judith Amaogo came second, and Bolanle Aina third.
Other winners were:
– Entrepreneur of The Year 2024: Cynthia Enete
– Rising Star of the Year 2024: Maryann Obi
– Social Media Star 2024: Eniola Emmanuel
– Staff of the Year 2024: Godwin Tosu
– Depot of the Year, 2024: Enugu Depot
– Performer Per Depot 2024: Judith Amaogo, Adeniyi Jones; Cynthia Enete, Ojota; and Chinamunwa Anumba, Port Harcourt.
– Top 3 Fast Start Recruiters of 2024: Benita Okonkwo, Ifeoma Idoko, and Judith Amaogo
– Top 3 Team Builders of 2024: Bolanle Aina, Judith Amaogo, and Mariam Oboh
– Top 3 Recruiters of 2024: Ifeoma Idoko, Judith Amaogo, and Mariam Oboh
– Top 3 Group Sales Volume (GSV): Maryanne Obi, Judith Amaogo, and Ebere Obodozie
– Top 3 Personal Sales Volume (PSV): Benita Okonkwo, Bolanle Aina, and Maryanne Obi
The event also featured a motivational talk by Pastor Ambrose Okwugha, who encouraged the entire sales-force to strive for success, and never give up; no matter despite the challenges they may face.
When asked about the challenges facing the company, Mrs. Nwarueze cited the unfriendly business environment, high cost of living, inflation, reduced purchasing power, and intense competition.
“Despite these challenges, we’re committed to providing quality products and services to our customers. We’re also investing in local manufacturing to reduce our dependence on imported raw materials,” she said.
The 2025 convention marked a significant milestone for Healthgarde International, and it witnessed an outpouring of consultants’ testimonies of how the multilevel wellness marketing business changed their lives and fortunes.
Metro
FRSC Boss Hails Sokoto Govt on Support, Reiterates Staff Welfare

The Corps Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Shehu Mohammed, has applauded the Sokoto State government for its sustained support and solidarity with the FRSC in the state, saying the goodwill will spur the staff towards greater service delivery.
He stated this, according to a statement signed by the Public Education Officer, Assistant Corps Marshal Olusegun Ogungbemide, and made available to the National Association of Online Security News Publishers (NAOSNP), at the Sokoto State Sector Command of the FRSC on Wednesday, while addressing the combined parade of staff of the Sokoto Zonal Command, Sector Command, Special Marshals and members of the Road Safety Club as part of his familiarization tour to the state.
The Corps Marshal specially noted the cordial relationship between FRSC and the state government, describing it as examplery. He further noted that the massive road construction and rehabilitation being undertaken by the state government has reduced incidences of route violation by drivers and consequent reduction in the rates of road traffic crashes in the state. “The donation of a patrol vehicle to the Sector Command by the state government and other promises of support made by the Governor point to the commitment of a state Governor that’s committed to supporting the FRSC in its efforts to reduce the menace of road traffic crashes in the country,” he stated.
The Corps Marshal expressed appreciation to the staff for their dedication, commitment and sacrifice which manifested in the successes recorded during the 2024 end of year special patrol. He restated the commitment of his Management to addressing issues of staff welfare, capacity development and regular promotion exercise, saying Management will continue to reward excellence and punish indiscipline.
Corps Marshal Shehu who tasked the staff on hardwork and quality service delivery, recalled his early days as a young officer in the state, stressing the need for everyone to build good legacy and embrace due process through diligence. He warned against indiscipline either on the road or in the office, saying everyone must take accountability very seriously. “Every staff must realize that there’s accountability in all that they do and work hard to excel in order to justify the trust invested by government and people of Nigeria,” the Corps Marshal added.
On the Federal Government’s support for safer road environment in the country, the Corps Marshal appreciated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for providing logistics support for the FRSC which he said has enhanced the success rate of the Corps and promised not to leave any stone unturned in his determination to reinvigorate the Corps for improved service delivery.
Corps Marshal Shehu Mohammed also thanked the critical stakeholders in the state and the media for standing firm with the Corps in creating public awareness on issues of road safety. He however expressed dismay at the rate of overloading and mix loading among some drivers in the state, saying the practice has been responsible for the avoidable loss of lives in road traffic crashes in the state.
While stressing the need for members of the public to join hands with the Corps in the ongoing campaign against tanker crashes and scooping of fuel whenever a tanker crash occurred, the Corps Marshal expressed sadness over the actions of people who run to scoop fuel at crash scenes knowing that petroleum products are inflammable. He called on all the stakeholders to rise to the occasion in the efforts to create public awareness on the matter.
As part of the Corps Marshal’s activities in the state, he addressed stakeholders and members of the media where he harped on the shared nature of road traffic management and called on everyone to get involved.
The two days visit to Sokoto state continued on Thursday with the visit to the State Governor and the Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence, Alhaji Saad Abubakar III
Metro
Nestlé Launches Dairy Demonstration Farm, Invests ₦1.8bn in Dairy Development

Nestlé Nigeria has launched a dairy demonstration farm in Paikon Kore, marking a significant milestone in the company’s commitment to enhancing the local dairy industry through the Nestlé Nigeria Livestock Development Project (NLDP, inaugurated in 2021. The NLDP is structured around three pillars: Better Milk, Better Feed (fodder), and Resilient Communities. It is supported by the Federal Capital Territory Administration and delivered in collaboration with CBI Innovations Limited (CBiIL) and 2Scale.
Nestlé Dairy Demonstration Farm is designed to build on the success of the NLDP by serving as a practical model for implementing best dairy practices. It will showcase how to enhance the productivity of local cattle breeds from an average yield of 1 liter per cow per day to potentially over 10 liters through effective breeding programs. The farm also aims to showcase the practical application of best dairy practices to maintain herd health, nutrition, and hydration to transform local dairy production.
At the launch event, Wassim Elhusseini, Managing Director and CEO of Nestlé Nigeria said, “Since 2019, Nestlé Nigeria has invested over ₦1.8 billion in improving the livelihoods of pastoralists in and around the Paikon Kore and Kachia grazing reserve. We are happy to report that the milk producers participating in this program have experienced a substantial increase in their household income which rose from ₦70,000 in 2021 to ₦250,000 in 2024. This growth is attributed to increased productivity driven by improved dairy practices and provision of the enabling infrastructure within the communities.”
Daily milk collection increased from an initial 200 liters in June 2021 to an average of 6,000 liters per day at the Milk Collection and Cooling Centre, aggregating over 1 million liters of raw milk to date. This success benefits approximately 3,000 milk producers who are part of the 83 dairy cooperatives established under the NLDP.
Also commenting on the demonstration farm, Mr. Soji Apampa, CEO of CBI Innovations said, “We are excited about the opportunities ahead. Nestlé Demonstration Dairy Farm is not merely a project, it catalyzes the positive change we are dedicated to through sustainable farming practices that protect our environment, animal welfare, and the well-being of our communities. We envision a future where this dairy farm serves as a model of excellence and an inspiration for others in the industry. We will continue to innovate, learn, and grow, always maintaining an unwavering focus on quality, sustainability, and community.”
In his address, the Honorable Minister of Livestock Development, Alhaji Idi Mukhtar Maiha said, “The establishment of this model dairy farm demonstrates Nestlé’s unwavering commitment to contributing to the nation’s backward integration goals and aligns seamlessly with our national agenda for livestock development. By introducing modern farming practices, supporting local dairy farmers, and ensuring the production of high-quality dairy products, this project will not only boost our domestic dairy supply but also reduce reliance on imports, thereby strengthening our economy. In view of this, the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development is fully committed to creating an enabling environment for investments like this to thrive.”
The community members expressed their excitement with the location of the farm. Sulaiman Ahmed said on behalf of the Apex Union Leaders, “We are delighted that in addition to raising awareness about dairy farming, the demo farm will bring many benefits to our community. It presents us with the opportunity to access crossbreeds and serves as a training site for adopting modern dairy farming practices, particularly in feeding methodologies. The farm will also create more visibility for our community by attracting visitors and potential business partners.”
Nestlé Dairy Development Farm situated on 4 hectares within the Paikon Kore Grazing Reserve is equipped with cattle sheds, a calf pen, maternity and sick bay. It also has a holding area and dip-tank, an automated milking system, and a hay barn. The farm has adopted sustainable practices including the use of solar power, and the establishment of a biogas system for waste management. It will serve as a training facility not just for the farmers within the NLDP project, but also for a wider range of stakeholders, including practitioners, academia and pastoralists.
This initiative is part of Nestlé’s Creating Shared Value (CSV) strategy, which works with stakeholders and partners to create value for society while growing its business.