News

UK-based Schools To Host Exhibition In Abuja, Lagos

Published

1 year ago

January 12, 2025

Editor

A selection of award-winning schools from the United Kingdom is set to host the UK Boarding Schools Week in Abuja and Lagos this month.

The exhibition, organised by Mark Brooks Education in collaboration with the UK’s Department for Business and Trade, will take place at the
Transcorp Hilton in Abuja and The Wheatbaker Hotel in Ikoyi, Lagos, from Thursday, January 16, to Sunday, January 19.

According to a statement from the organisers on Sunday, the event marks 17 years of connecting Nigerian families with top-tier educational opportunities in the UK.

The exhibition will showcase schools renowned for exceptional academic results, boarding facilities, pastoral care, and a strong commitment to welcoming Nigerian students.

“Families are invited to explore schools offering outstanding academic results, world-class boarding facilities, and a proven commitment to welcoming Nigerian boys and girls. The event will also celebrate the extraordinary accomplishments of Nigerian students at leading UK schools,” the statement read.

Participating schools include Aldro Preparatory School, Bromsgrove School, Cardiff Sixth Form College, Concord College, Glenalmond College, Lancing College, Malvern St James Girls’ School, and Queen Ethelburga’s Collegiate.

Others are St Peter’s School, York, The King’s School, Canterbury, and Wellington School.

The head of Concord College, Dr Michael Truss, highlighted the remarkable achievements of Nigerian students, stating, “Nigerian students absolutely thrive and have a fantastic time here at Concord. Our experience is that they do very, very well, achieving top A-level grades and securing places at leading universities.”

Diana Cree of Lancing College also praised the drive and accomplishments of Nigerian students.

“They come with charm, warmth, and determination. Three Nigerian upper-sixth students have risen to leadership roles and excelled in academics, sports, and debating,” she said.

Similarly, Henrietta Lightwood from Cardiff Sixth Form College emphasised the contributions of Nigerian students, stating, “Nigerians contribute so much to school life, and they are attracted to Cardiff for its academic results and access to top universities.

“For example, one Nigerian student recently progressed to the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, while another is now studying engineering at Cambridge.”

The founder of Mark Brooks Education and co-organiser of the event, Mark Brooks, described the exhibition as an opportunity for parents to invest in their children’s education.

“These schools demonstrate a strong commitment to Nigerian families, with many having a Nigerian student as their head boy or head girl in recent years. These events provide parents with the chance to explore how they can secure an outstanding education for their children,” he said.

PUNCH

News

Transfer: Premier League Clubs Scramble For Dele-Bashiru

Published

59 minutes ago

May 6, 2026

Editor

Lazio midfielder, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru is a subject of interest from three Premier League clubs, according to Sky Sports.

Lazio reportedly rejected offers from Nottingham Forest and Bournemouth for the Nigeria international in January.

La Biancolesti are bracing for more interest in Dele-Bashiru ahead of the summer transfer window, according to Sky Sports.

The 24-year-old has two years left on his contract with the Serie A club.

The attacking midfielder joined the Rome-based club from Turkish Super Lig outfit Hatayspor in 2024.

He has been a regular feature for Lazio this season.

News

Xenophobic Attacks: Nigerian Students To Picket MTN, MultiChoice, Other Businesses

Published

1 hour ago

May 6, 2026

Editor

The leadership of the National Association of Nigerian Students, NANS South-West Zone D, has announced plans to picket South African companies in Nigeria following the ongoing xenophobic attacks in the country.

DAILY POST reports that some Nigerians were recently killed in South Africa over the violent attacks.

A statement issued to newsmen by Comrade Adeyemo Josiah Kayode, Coordinator, NANS South-West, Zone D, said that the association is mobilizing to take decisive and lawful action by organizing peaceful picketing and mass advocacy against South African business interests operating in Nigeria.

“We categorically state that the continued targeting of Nigerians under any guise is unacceptable and must come to an immediate end.

“This will include major corporations such as MTN Group and MultiChoice Group. It is morally indefensible for businesses to thrive in an environment where the lives of Nigerians are protected, while Nigerians are subjected to fear and violence elsewhere.

“This contradiction will no longer be tolerated,” the statement said.

News

N5m, N10m Zero-interest Loans: SheVentures Opens Applications For Women Entrepreneurs

Published

4 hours ago

May 6, 2026

Editor

First City Monument Bank (FCMB) has opened a new round of applications for its SheVentures proposition, offering zero-interest loans of up to ₦10 million to women entrepreneurs to ease access to working capital and support business growth.

The facility provides loans ranging from ₦500,000 to ₦5 million under a general category, and ₦5 million to ₦10 million for sector-specific businesses, with funding capped at up to 50% of an applicant’s average monthly turnover.

At the centre of the offering is a 0% interest rate, with all charges embedded in a transparent structure.

Repayment is structured over four or six months, allowing businesses to match obligations with their cash flow cycles.

Yemisi Edun, Managing Director and Chief Executive of First City Monument Bank (FCMB), said the initiative reflects a deliberate approach to inclusive growth.

“Inclusive growth requires access to capital and the right conditions for businesses to deploy that capital effectively.

“Women-led enterprises are critical to economic activity, yet they face structural barriers.

This intervention aims to help close that gap by providing financing that supports job creation, business expansion, and long-term sustainability for women entrepreneurs.”

“Access to affordable finance remains a major constraint for women entrepreneurs,” said Nnenna Jacob-Ogogo, Group Head, SheVentures and Impact Segments at First City Monument Bank (FCMB).

“By removing the cost barrier and offering quick, flexible funding, this zero-interest loan is designed to safeguard existing jobs, enable businesses to invest in growth initiatives, and foster resilience in challenging economic conditions.”

Women-owned businesses account for a significant share of Nigeria’s small and medium-sized enterprises but continue to face high borrowing costs and limited access to credit.

Through these efforts, SheVentures tackles persistent financing gaps facing women-led businesses, combining targeted funding with broader support to empower women entrepreneurs, encourage business innovation, and enhance their ability to compete on a national scale.

Applications for the zero-interest loan are now open.Apply now.