From Noah Ocheni, Lokoja

The Vice-Chancellor of Prince Abubakar Audu University (PAAU), Anyigba, Prof. Salisu Ogbo Usman, is participating in the 37th Annual General Assembly Conference of the Committee of Vice-Chancellors of Nigerian Universities (CVCNU).

According to a statement signed by the university’s Public Relations Officer, Uredo Omale, the conference began on Tuesday, August 18, 2026, at the University of Ilorin Auditorium.

The conference, themed “Building Resilient Universities for Nigeria,” brings together vice-chancellors and key stakeholders in the university system to discuss institutional challenges, policy innovation and strategies for strengthening the resilience and competitiveness of Nigerian universities.

The statement said the conference was declared open on behalf of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu by the Minister of State for Education, Prof. Suwaiba Said Ahmad.Prof. Usman joined other university leaders and education stakeholders at the gathering, which provides a platform for knowledge sharing, collaboration and the exchange of ideas on strengthening university education in Nigeria.

By Ogenyi Ogenyi, Uyo

More than 100 professional cyclists are expected to compete in the inaugural La Reine Cycling Marathon in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, as organisers seek to identify and develop young cycling talents in the state.The 100-kilometre race, scheduled for October 26 to November 1, 2026, is being organised by the Akwa Ibom State Cycling Association, with sponsorship from La Reine Spa and Wellness Ltd and support from the Akwa Ibom State Government.

Speaking during a briefing with the Local Organising Committee, the Managing Director of La Reine Spa and Wellness Ltd, Unaobong Umoh, said the event was designed to discover and groom young cyclists for state, national and international competitions. Umoh said the initiative aligns with the sports development objectives of the Umo Eno administration and would draw competitors from the state’s 31 local government areas through their respective cycling associations.

She said an online registration portal had been opened for interested participants, who must meet the required physical and medical fitness standards.Umoh added that the organisers were working with the Ministry of Sports and the State Cycling Association to ensure the competition meets the required standards. She said prizes would include cash, bicycles, cycling kits, medals and other equipment.

The winner will receive N1 million, a bicycle, cycling suit and other prizes, while the first and second runners-up will receive N700,000 and N500,000 respectively, alongside other rewards.The race will begin at Akwa Ibom Palm Resort and pass through parts of Uyo before finishing at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium.

By Jabiru Hassan

The Project Coordinator of the Danmodi Eye Care Initiative and Roger Casement Fellow at University College Dublin, Ireland, Dr Hafiz Muktar, has commended Jigawa State Governor Umar Namadi, saying his administration deserves further recognition for its development efforts.

Muktar made the remarks in a message to the governor and the Jigawa State Government following the presentation of a Blueprint Newspaper award to Namadi on Tuesday. The award was presented alongside recognitions given to ministers, governors, political leaders and other recipients.Muktar described Namadi as a committed leader whose administration was focused on improving the state’s development prospects.

“I am certain that His Excellency, Governor Umar Namadi, is doing great for our state, and his commitment to transforming Jigawa has been recognised since his election as governor,” he said. He expressed optimism that the governor’s development initiatives would continue to benefit residents and contribute to the state’s progress.

Muktar also commended the administration’s efforts in the healthcare sector, particularly its focus on improving healthcare delivery across Jigawa State. He said sustained investment in healthcare would contribute significantly to improving the wellbeing of residents and strengthening the state’s health system.