Personality in Focus
WAEC Announces Amos Dangut As New Head of National Office
The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has appointed Dr. Amos Josiah Dangut, MSTAN, MNIM, as the Head of the Nigeria National Office. Dr. Dangut succeeds Patrick Ehidiamen Areghan, FCGP.
Dr. Amos Josiah Dangut was born on October 2, 1967, in Mbar District of Bokkos Local Government Area, Plateau State. He attended Government Secondary School, Riyom (1981 to 1983) and Government Science School, Kuru (1983 to 1986), where he obtained his WASC/SC in 1986), both in Plateau State; from there, he proceeded to the University of Agriculture, Makurdi, Benue State, where he bagged the award of Bachelor of Agriculture in Animal Production in 1991.
Having bagged a Bachelor’s Degree, as a man whose thirst for learning can never be quenched, he proceeded further to undertake some studies leading to the awards of Master of Science in Animal Science in April 1994 from the prestigious University of Ibadan, Doctor of Philosophy (Animal Science, 2017), from Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi and finally, Master of Education (Administration and Planning) in 2020 from the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN).
He showed a glimpse of what he is made of, at the earlier stage of his career, during his National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) programme in 1991/1992, through innovative teaching and empowering farmers to improve their productivity, he was conferred with the prestigious Award for Meritorious Service by both the Ondo State Government and Akoko South-West Local Government.
He joined the services of the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) in 1998 as an Assistant Registrar (AR) II. He rose through the ranks to become a Deputy Registrar in April 2018. He won the Nigeria Examinations Committee’s (NEC) commendation for transparent conduct of examination between 2000 and 2006.
He served as an Assistant Registrar/Subject Officer, Test Development Division, WAEC, Lagos (July, 1998 – January, 2005); Senior Assistant Registrar/Head of Examinations Security and Deputy to the Branch Controller, Uyo Branch Office (January, 2005 – January, 2008); Senior Assistant Registrar/Head of Examinations Security and Deputy to the Branch Controller, Bauchi Branch Office (January, 2008 – December, 2011); Senior Assistant Registrar/Branch Controller, Yola Branch office (December, 2011 – January, 2019); Deputy Registrar/Controller, Post Examinations Department (January, 2019 – October, 2020); Deputy Registrar/Zonal Coordinator, Ikeja Zonal Office.
For the past twenty-five years, he has leveraged Information and Communications Technology to innovatively improve processes in Test Development, Test Administration and Post Test Activities.
Dr. Dangut is an astute scholar with various educational publications in international and national journals. He has also presented numerous keynotes and other papers at international and national conferences/fora. He is an active member of the Science Teachers Association of Nigeria (STAN) and the Nigeria Institute of Management (NIM).
Until his appointment as the Head of the Nigeria National Office of WAEC, Dr. Dangut was the Deputy Registrar/HNO’s Office.
He is married and has children.
The family of Bolaji Olarewaju, popularly known as Big Bolaji has confirmed the passing of the singer following a brief illness.
According to a statement signed by the Family on Saturday, Bolaji died on Easter Saturday.
The statement said, “It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Bolaji Olarewaju, affectionately known as “Big B,” a cherished father, husband, brother, and an esteemed figure in both the church community, an ordained Pastor in the RCCG and a giant in the music industry and our community. Bolaji left us on Easter Saturday, 19th April 2025, after a brief illness.
“His departure leaves a void in our hearts that can not be filled.
“Bolaji’s life was a testament to his passion for music, his unwavering faith, and his dedication to uplifting those around him. His legacy is not only in the melodies he created but in the lives he touched and the unquantifiable joy he spread.
“We take solace in knowing that his absence with us is his presence with the Lord, and the indelible mark he left on all who had the privilege of knowing him will not be erased.
“As we navigate through this time of loss, we kindly request privacy to mourn as a family. We are deeply grateful for the outpouring of love and support we have received and ask that you continue to keep us in your prayers.
“Details regarding the obsequies will be shared in due course as we come together to celebrate Bolaji’s remarkable life and legacy.
“Thank you for respecting our wishes during this incredibly difficult time. With gratitude, The Family of Bolaji Olarewaju.”
Pascal Dozie, a renowned Nigerian entrepreneur and business leader has died. He was 86.
According to sources close to the deceased, Dozie died a battle with old age-related illness.
Dozie, was a man of many parts, best known for founding Diamond Bank and serving as chairman of Pan-Atlantic University.
He was born on April 9, 1939, in Egbu, Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria. Dozie’s educational background includes a degree in Economics from the London School of Economics and a master’s in Administrative Science from City University in London.
Dozie also founded theAfrican Development Consulting Group, which worked with notable clients like Nestle and Pfizer. He served as MTN Group chairman but later resigned and was succeeded by Ernest Ndukwe.
Dozie received the prestigious National Award of the Order of the Niger (OON) for his contributions to Nigeria’s banking industry.
Dozie is survived by his wife Chinyere Dozie, and five children among other relatives.
A former governor of Oyo State, Dr. Victor Olunloyo, is dead.
According to a statement by his family on Sunday, he died a few days before his 90th birthday.
The statement titled ‘Victor Olunloyo goes home’ was signed by Oladapo Ogunwusi on behalf of the family.
It read, “With a heavy heart but gratitude to the Almighty, we announce the passing into glory of Dr. Victor Omololu Olunloyo, former governor of Oyo State, mathematician and engineer and renowned technocrat, a few days before his 90th birthday.
“The Balogun of Oyo and Otun Bobasewa of Ife, Dr. Olunloyo was first Rector, Ibadan polytechnic and first Rector, Kwara State Polytechnic among other notable appointments.
“His long record of service to the nation and humanity is a source of pride to his family and associates even as we come to grip with this devastating event.
“The Olunloyo family will appreciate the understanding of the press and the public as they commence efforts to give him a befitting burial.
“Even from everlasting to everlasting, He is God.”
About a year ago in April 2024, the rumour of the death of the elder statesman was reported by some news platforms.
But speaking with The PUNCH correspondent who visited his Molete residence in Ibadan, the state capital, he debunked the rumour, saying he was hale and hearty.
“I’m still here, not yet gone,” he declared then.
He also expressed worry over the rumour and asked who would live forever, stressing, “Those breaking death news and the person presumed dead will all die one day.
“I’ve been lucky. My father died at 42, while my mother died at 102. I’m 89. I’ve crossed the expected life age.”
The elder statesman also illustrated how the rumour of his death hit several news platforms on June 7, 2022.
He noted that the rumour mongers claimed that he died at the University College Hospital, Ibadan.
A few days later, the family issued a statement, declaring that he was not dead but suffering from old age ailment and asked Nigerians to pray for him to survive the health complications.
