From Noah Ocheni, Lokoja

The Federal University Lokoja (FUL) has matriculated 900 postgraduate students for the 2025/2026 academic session, with the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Ggenga Solomon Ibileye, reaffirming the institution’s commitment to expanding postgraduate opportunities and strengthening its research culture. Ibileye made the commitment during the postgraduate matriculation ceremony held at the university’s permanent site in Lokoja.

The Vice-Chancellor said research remained central to the value of postgraduate education and stressed the university’s commitment to maintaining and improving its academic standards.

He said postgraduate students would undergo prescribed coursework and examinations, while their projects, theses and dissertations would be subjected to originality and similarity checks. According to him, students would also be required to defend research proposals, participate in internal seminars and submit their work to external examiners.

“These processes ensure that the certificate eventually conferred by the university is worth the years a candidate will spend earning it,” he said. Ibileye said the university currently offers postgraduate programmes at the Postgraduate Diploma, Master’s and Doctor of Philosophy levels, covering both professional and academic disciplines.

He commended the Provost of the postgraduate college, Prof. Matthew Ola-Rotimi Ajayi, for his leadership and expressed confidence that the institution’s academic standards would continue to improve. The Vice-Chancellor congratulated the new students and welcomed them to the postgraduate scholarly community of the university.

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.