The Delta State Security Trust Fund has received a ₦10 billion donation from High Chief Government Ekpe Tompolo, also known as Tompolo, the Chairman of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited (TSSNL).
At the Trust Fund’s formal launch at Government House in Asaba, Tompolo made the announcement.
The occasion was attended by community leaders, security chiefs, key government officials, and Governor Sheriff Oborevwori.
According to reports, the TSSNL Chair’s investment is among the biggest private contributions to a state security project in Nigeria, enhancing his standing as a leading proponent of stability and growth in the Niger Delta.
The Delta State Security Trust Fund is a collaborative effort between the government and the private sector to address security challenges and foster a peaceful environment for growth and progress.
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The revised National Guidelines for entry criteria into Nigerian Tertiary Institutions state that candidates no longer need to pass mathematics in their Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE) to be admitted to the faculties of arts in Nigerian universities.
Folasade Boriowo, the Ministry of Education’s spokesperson, said in a statement that the updated guidelines, which were made public on Tuesday, are intended to empower Nigerian youths, democratize access to higher education, and remove obstacles.
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The new framework applies to institutions of education, universities, polytechnics, and Innovation Enterprise Academies (IEAs) nationwide, according to the announcement.
It further stated that the National Diploma (ND) will gradually replace the National Industrial Diploma (NID), which was formerly offered by Innovation Enterprise Academies.
This, it said, is to ensure uniformity, credibility, and progression opportunities for graduates.
“The National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) is currently re-accrediting all IEAs nationwide to align with the new ND standards. Institutions that fail to transition to full accreditation will be de-accredited,” the statement added.
The statement quoted the Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, saying that the reform has become necessary after years of restricted access that left many qualified candidates unable to secure admission.
“Every year, over two million candidates sit for the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), yet only about 700,000 gain admission,” Mr Alausa said.
This imbalance, he notes, is not due to a lack of ability but rather to outdated and overly stringent entry requirements that must give way to fairness and opportunity.
Previously, all candidates were required to secure a minimum of five credits, including English and Mathematics as a prerequisite for admission into the tertiary institutions.
