Olusegun Agagu University of Science and Technology (OAUSTECH) has graduated 1,452 students for the 2024/2025 academic session, including 50 First Class graduates, during its 9th convocation ceremony.

The Vice-Chancellor, Temi Ologunorisa, said the graduating class included 594 students with Second Class Upper, 691 with Second Class Lower, and 115 with Third Class honours.

He also confirmed that the university produced its first PhD graduate, from the Department of Mathematics.

The overall best graduating student, Mr Agboola Wale Isiah from the Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering, graduated with a CGPA of 4.90.

Why It Matters

University authorities say the convocation reflects rapid institutional growth in recent years.

According to Prof Ologunorisa, student population increased from fewer than 5,000 in 2022 to about 12,000.

He added that the institution admitted about 4,500 new students for the 2025/2026 academic session, the highest in its history.

“Through all these and more we were able to rebrand and reposition the University in all ramifications and have consistently gaining parents and public confidence over the years,” he said.

The Vice-Chancellor said the university has also expanded its academic structure from three faculties to seven, while introducing new programmes and strengthening international partnerships.

Research Breakthroughs and Global Recognition

The university said some of its lecturers have gained global recognition for their research.

Several academics from the institution have been ranked among the world’s top 2% scientists by Stanford University and Elsevier.

Among them are Dr Adeleke Bartholomew Saanu of the School of Science and Dr Akinyele Daniel Oluwaseun of the School of Engineering and Engineering Technology.

Prof Ologunorisa also highlighted a medical innovation by Dr Cecilia Oluwamodupe, Acting Director of Academic Planning.

According to the university, she developed a medicine called “Fix It,” which boosts the immune system and treats impotence.

The Vice-Chancellor said the medicine has already been patented by the Federal Government of Nigeria.

Government Support

Prof Ologunorisa commended the governor of Ondo State, Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, for supporting the institution.

He said the restoration of electricity to the Southern Senatorial District has improved power supply to the university.

“I assure you that all our programmes in the University are fully accredited. The days of interim accreditation for some programmes are gone.”

Blue Economy and Maritime Education

The Vice-Chancellor also linked the university’s future development to the blue economy, an emerging sector focused on ocean resources.

He said OAUSTECH plans to establish a School of Maritime Transport and Logistics.

The proposed programmes include:

BSc Port Management

BSc Maritime Transport and Logistics

BSc Maritime Economics and Finance

The move comes as Ondo State pushes ahead with plans to build a seaport in Ilaje Local Government Area.

University officials say the institution’s coastal location gives it an advantage for maritime research and training.

Convocation Lecture

The convocation lecture was delivered by Andrew Spencer, President of the Caribbean Maritime University in Jamaica.

His lecture, titled “Strategies for Developing Blue Economy: Lessons from the Caribbean,” explored how maritime resources can drive economic growth and employment.

National Education Policy

The Vice-Chancellor also praised Bola Ahmed Tinubu for introducing the NELFund student loan programme.

He described the initiative as one of the most impactful policies aimed at expanding access to higher education in Nigeria.

Industry Reaction

Education analysts say Nigeria’s growing university enrolment reflects increasing demand for tertiary education.

However, they warn that funding, research infrastructure and graduate employment opportunities remain critical challenges.

Experts say programmes linked to the maritime sector and blue economy could create new career opportunities for graduates if properly implemented.

What’s Next

University authorities say the institution will focus on expanding postgraduate programmes, strengthening research output, and developing maritime education.

They also hope new infrastructure projects, including the proposed Ondo State seaport, will boost academic collaboration and economic development in the region.

Nigeria’s customs chief has urged Nigerians to strengthen unity and national service during the holy month of Ramadan.

The Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Adewale Adeniyi, made the call while hosting Ramadan Iftar gatherings with government officials, diplomats, and industry leaders in Abuja.

The events were organised as part of Ramadan activities aimed at promoting reflection, collaboration, and shared values among Customs officers and stakeholders.

A Ramadan message on unity

The first gathering took place on 4 March 2026 at Dunes Hotel.

It brought together senior government officials, diplomats, security chiefs, captains of industry, and both serving and retired Customs officers.

Representatives of other security agencies and senior media executives also attended.

Speaking at the event, Adeniyi said Ramadan should inspire deeper commitment to faith and service.

“Ramadan is a period that requires absolute dedication to faith. It is a time when we turn to God in prayer and seek guidance in all that we do,” he said.

He urged Nigerians to apply the lessons of the fasting period to their everyday responsibilities.

“I encourage all of us to carry the lessons of this season into our daily lives, in our interactions with one another, with our families, in our businesses and most importantly, in our service to the nation.”

Adeniyi added that the country’s progress depends on unity and shared responsibility.

“This period calls for total dedication to the service of the country. We must remain united in our commitment to national unity, in our pursuit of economic prosperity and in our determination to strengthen peace and progress in Nigeria.”

Why it matters

Ramadan gatherings within public institutions often serve as opportunities to strengthen relationships between government agencies, businesses, and civil society.

For the Customs Service, these engagements also help build trust with stakeholders involved in trade, revenue collection, and border security.

The Service plays a major role in Nigeria’s economy by generating revenue and facilitating international trade.

Experts say stronger collaboration between government and industry is key to improving customs efficiency and reducing trade bottlenecks.

Industry reactions

A senior official at the Federal Ministry of Finance, Ali Muhammad, praised the Customs leadership for driving reforms aimed at strengthening trade administration.

He said the agency’s increasing use of technology is improving transparency and cargo clearance.

Muhammad highlighted the indigenous digital trade platform B’Odogwu Digital Trade Platform as a significant innovation.

According to him, the platform aligns with the federal government’s economic recovery agenda.

He said it would help reduce delays at ports, improve efficiency, and boost Nigeria’s competitiveness in global trade.

The Managing Director of Trade Modernisation Project Limited, Jummai Umar-Ajijola, also praised the Customs Service for embracing innovation.

She noted that the B’Odogwu platform attracted international attention at a recent technology conference in Abu Dhabi.

According to her, global participants commended the Nigerian-developed system for its technology-driven approach to customs administration

Customs officers reflect during Ramadan

As part of the Ramadan activities, the Customs management also hosted another Iftar dinner on 5 March 2026 at the Service headquarters in Maitama, Abuja.

The event was organised by Trade Modernisation Project Limited and attended by officers and personnel of the Service.

It created a moment of reflection for Muslim officers observing the breaking of their fast.

Adeniyi used the opportunity to remind officers about the spiritual significance of the season.

“I pray that the Almighty will answer all our prayers. We pray that during the remaining days of Ramadan and Lent, all our supplications will be accepted,” he said.

He also encouraged officers to promote compassion and unity within the Service.

“We should also be reminded that during this period, we are expected to demonstrate love and affection for each other. I want to wish you a remarkable and memorable fasting period, and may we witness many more Ramadans and Lenten seasons.”

What’s next

The Nigeria Customs Service is expected to continue rolling out digital trade reforms and stakeholder engagement programmes.

Officials say initiatives such as the B’Odogwu platform are part of broader efforts to modernise customs operations and improve trade facilitation in Nigeria.

Analysts believe sustained collaboration between Customs, industry players, and government institutions will be critical to achieving these goals.

Police in Delta State say they have recovered six locally made firearms and several hard drugs during a series of intelligence-led operations targeting illegal weapons production and drug trafficking.

The Nigeria Police Force said the raids also led to the arrest of a suspected gun fabricator and a suspected drug dealer as officers stepped up efforts to curb crime across the state.

Officials say the operations are part of a broader strategy to dismantle criminal networks involved in arms production and narcotics distribution.

Gun fabrication suspect arrested

Police said operatives from the Raiders Squad raided a suspected illegal firearms workshop in Emuhu Community in the early hours of 6 March.

The operation was led by the Raiders Squad Commander, SP Akanya Agbogha.

A 59-year-old suspect, Friday Ojei, was arrested during the raid.

Officers recovered four locally made guns along with equipment allegedly used for manufacturing firearms.

The tools included a welding machine, drilling machine, grinding machine and metal pipes believed to be used in gun fabrication.

Police said investigations are ongoing to identify other members of the suspected firearms production network.

Gun recovered during patrol

In a separate operation, officers from the Nigeria Police Force carried out a stop-and-search patrol along Film Hall Road.

The patrol team included anti-cult volunteers and local hunters assisting the police.

Authorities said several suspected hoodlums fled the area when they noticed the security team.

During the pursuit, the suspects abandoned a black bag which officers later searched.

Inside the bag, police said they found a locally made short gun.

The firearm has been secured as evidence while efforts continue to track down the fleeing suspects.

Suspected drug dealer arrested

Police also arrested a woman during a raid on a suspected drug distribution point along Oruworowh Road.

The suspect, 43-year-old Esther Etafo, was detained after officers searched the premises.

Police say they recovered several substances believed to be illicit drugs, including cannabis, “kolos”, “ice”, and “loud”.

Three blenders believed to be used in processing the drugs were also found at the scene.

Officers also seized ₦55,000 in cash which investigators suspect may be proceeds from drug sales.

The suspect is currently being interrogated while further investigations continue.

Why it matters

Security analysts say illegal firearms manufacturing and drug trafficking are key drivers of violent crime in parts of southern Nigeria.

Locally fabricated weapons are often cheaper and easier to obtain than imported arms, making them a growing concern for law enforcement agencies.

Crackdowns such as these, analysts say, can disrupt criminal supply chains if sustained and supported with intelligence from the public.

Police response

The Commissioner of Police in Delta State, Aina Adesola, praised officers involved in the operations.

He said:

“The Command commends the professionalism and vigilance displayed by the operatives involved in these operations.”

The commissioner also urged residents to support police efforts with timely information. “Members of the public should continue supporting the Police with credible information that will aid our efforts to rid the state of criminal elements.”

Police say the command remains committed to protecting lives and property across the state.

What’s next

Authorities say investigations are continuing to uncover other suspects linked to the firearm fabrication operation.

Police are also working to trace possible supply networks connected to the seized drugs.

Security agencies say additional intelligence-driven operations are planned across Delta communities.