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Nestlé Nigeria Graduates 20 Trainees as Technical Training Initiative Marks 15 Years

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Graduates of Nestlé Nigeria’s Abaji Technical Training Centre during the 15th anniversary ceremony.

Nestlé Nigeria has graduated 20 trainees from its Technical Training Centre in Abaji, Abuja, as the company concludes celebrations marking 15 years of its technical and vocational training initiative in Nigeria.

The latest graduation ceremony comes weeks after a similar event at the company’s Flowergate Factory in Sagamu, Ogun State, highlighting Nestlé’s continued investment in youth employability and industrial skills development in Nigeria.

The programme, which began at Nestlé’s Agbara factory in 2011, has expanded to Abaji and Flowergate, with the company saying it has invested more than ₦6 billion into the initiative over the past 15 years.

Why the programme matters

Nigeria continues to face rising youth unemployment and widening skills gaps in technical industries, particularly in manufacturing and engineering.

Nestlé Nigeria says its Technical Training Initiative is designed to bridge that gap by equipping young Nigerians with practical vocational skills and internationally recognised certifications.

The 18-month programme combines classroom learning with hands-on industrial experience in food technology, engineering, and manufacturing operations. Graduates receive the City & Guilds of London Technicians’ Certification, a qualification recognised internationally.

According to the company, 289 young Nigerians have graduated from the initiative since inception.

Nestlé also said it has maintained a strong employment transition rate, with about 98% of graduates moving into roles within the company after completing the programme.

Nestlé CEO urges graduates to embrace lifelong learning

Speaking during the graduation ceremony, Nestlé Nigeria’s Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Wassim Elhusseini, encouraged the graduates to remain resilient and adaptable in a changing industrial environment.

“As you graduate today, you are stepping into an industry that depends on skill, discipline, innovation, and excellence,” he said.

“The skills you have gained through this programme provide a strong foundation, but your success will depend on your willingness to keep learning, adapting, and applying yourselves.”

He added that meaningful careers are built gradually through “resilience, curiosity, and consistent performance”.

Equal gender representation praised

This year’s graduating class included 10 women and 10 men, a balance that drew praise from Switzerland’s Ambassador to Nigeria, Patrick Egloff.

Speaking at the event, he described the equal representation as an important signal for inclusion in technical education and industrial careers.

“One of the most inspiring aspects of today’s ceremony is the clear demonstration that technical excellence belongs equally to young women and young men,” he said.

“The equal representation we see among the graduates today is a powerful message about inclusion, opportunity, and the future of technical professionals.”

Industry groups back technical education push

Nestlé’s Country Human Resource Manager, Shakiru Lawal, described the programme as part of the company’s long-term commitment to youth development and workforce readiness.

“At Nestlé, youth development is not a one-off intervention; it is a long-term commitment to building skills, expanding opportunity, and preparing young people for the future of work,” he said.

Lawal said partnerships with organisations including the Industrial Training Fund (ITF), the Nigerian Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA), and the Swiss Embassy have helped strengthen the programme.

Director-General of the Nigerian Employers’ Consultative Association, Adewale-Smatt Oyerinde, also reaffirmed support for continued collaboration with Nestlé Nigeria to improve technical skills training in the country.

Representatives from City & Guilds, government ministries, and traditional leaders from Abaji also attended the event and commended the company’s investment in youth empowerment and community development.

Youth employment remains a major challenge

The graduation comes at a time when youth employment and vocational education are receiving growing attention across Nigeria.

Experts say technical training and apprenticeship programmes are becoming increasingly important as industries seek workers with practical, job-ready skills.

Nestlé said the Technical Training Initiative forms part of its global “Nestlé Needs YOUth” programme launched in 2013, which aims to support 10 million young people worldwide by 2030.

In Nigeria, the company also runs programmes such as Nesternship, the Youth Development Programme, and Alliance for YOUth.

What’s next?

Nestlé Nigeria says it plans to continue expanding opportunities for young Nigerians through technical education, internships, and employability programmes.

Industry observers say private-sector investment in vocational training could help reduce unemployment while strengthening Nigeria’s manufacturing sector.

Education

Maltina Nourishment Tour Visits Tomike Adeoye’s Former School as Brand Marks 50 Years

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Students gathered around a science demonstration during the Maltina Nourishment Tour in Ibadan.

Maltina has expanded its nationwide Nourishment Tour to Maverick College in Ibadan, the alma mater of brand ambassador Tomike Adeoye, as the malt drink brand continues activities marking its 50th anniversary in Nigeria.

The event, held on 4 May 2026, combined science education, nutrition awareness, and entertainment, with students participating in interactive STEM-based learning sessions focused on healthy nourishment and cognitive development.

According to Maltina, the Nourishment Tour has already reached more than 227,000 students across Nigeria through school visits and popup activations, as the company works toward its target of impacting one million young Nigerians.

Why the initiative matters

Nutrition experts and educators have increasingly linked proper nourishment to improved concentration, memory retention, and academic performance among school-age children.

Maltina’s latest activation sought to simplify those ideas for students through practical science demonstrations conducted in partnership with STEM Africa.

Students at Maverick College participated in experiments designed to show how nutrients support focus, growth, and learning outcomes. Organisers said the approach was aimed at helping students connect everyday nutrition choices with classroom performance and personal development.

The programme also highlighted nutrients such as Vitamins A, B, and C, alongside Calcium, which Maltina says are contained in its beverage products.

Tomike Adeoye returns to her former school

For many students, the highlight of the event was the appearance of Tomike Adeoye, who returned to her former school as part of the campaign.

Known for her energetic online presence and youth-focused content, Adeoye encouraged students to participate actively throughout the sessions, while speaking about confidence, learning, and healthy lifestyle habits.

Her involvement reflects a wider trend among Nigerian brands using influencers and public figures to strengthen engagement with younger audiences, particularly in education and lifestyle campaigns.

“The impact we are seeing across schools reflects the power of using STEM engagement to explain the science of nourishment makes learning come alive and easy to understand,” said Elohor Olumide-Awe, Portfolio Manager, Non-Alcoholic Brands at Nigerian Breweries Plc.

“Across the different schools we have visited, the level of curiosity and engagement from the students has been remarkable. And as Maltina marks 50 years, initiatives like the Nourishment Tour remain central to our commitment to helping young Nigerians understand the strong link between nourishment, Science and the learning outcomes.”

Growing competition around youth engagement

The campaign comes at a time when consumer brands in Nigeria are investing more heavily in school-based engagement programmes and experiential marketing to connect with younger audiences.

Industry analysts say brands are increasingly combining education, entertainment, and social impact messaging to remain relevant among families and Gen Z consumers.

For Maltina, the Nourishment Tour also reinforces its long-running positioning around family wellbeing and healthy living, while strengthening visibility during its 50th anniversary celebrations.

Parents and schools have been encouraged to register or nominate schools for future activations through the official Maltina platform.

What happens next?

Maltina says the Nourishment Tour will continue across different states in Nigeria in the coming months, with additional school activations planned as part of the company’s broader anniversary campaign.

The company said it intends to expand participation levels while promoting science-based learning experiences tied to nutrition and wellbeing.

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9-Year-Old Lagos Author Launches Tola The Bully to Fight Bullying in Schools

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Young Nigerian author Adedoyin Precious Shanu at the launch of her anti-bullying book Tola The Bully in Lagos.

Nine-year-old Nigerian author, Adedoyin Precious Shanu, has officially launched her debut book, Tola The Bully, a children’s story aimed at promoting kindness, courage and respect among young people.

The launch event, held in Baruwa, Ipaja area of Lagos, drew parents, teachers, classmates and education advocates who praised the young writer for addressing bullying and poor behaviour among children through literature.

The 60-page book, which contains 10 chapters and review questions at the end of each chapter, follows the story of a wealthy girl named Tola who mistreats classmates, teachers and domestic workers before eventually changing her behaviour.

The story explores themes of parenting, empathy, discipline and personal transformation.

A Young Author Using Stories to Inspire Change

Speaking during the launch, Adedoyin said the book was inspired by the growing problem of bullying among children.

She explained that she wanted young readers to understand the importance of standing up for what is right and treating others with kindness.

“Children should stop bullying, stand up for the right things and be kind and courageous,” she said.

The young author also revealed that children themselves inspired her writing journey and disclosed plans to write more books in the future.

The back cover of the book describes Tola The Bully as “a story of kindness, courage and change,” while encouraging children to reject bullying and embrace compassion.

Inside the Story of Tola The Bully

The colourful cover design features a school setting with illustrations of students, visually reinforcing the book’s anti-bullying message.

The main character, Tola, is portrayed as a wealthy and beautiful girl who believes her family’s status places her above others.

According to reviewers at the launch, the character frequently bullies classmates and domestic staff while displaying disrespectful behaviour both at home and at school.

But the story takes a different turn after Tola is suspended from school and her parents realise they have neglected her emotional and moral development.

With guidance from a therapist, Tola begins to change her behaviour and eventually becomes an advocate against bullying.

Education commentator, Ms Winning Harry described the story as a strong reminder that parental involvement is essential in raising responsible children.

She said the book highlights how career pressures and absentee parenting can contribute to behavioural problems in children.

“People can change with proper guidance and support,” she noted.

Another reviewer, Ms Annabelle Uduaghan, praised the book for addressing bullying and social bias in a way children can easily understand.

“The positive aspect of the story is that Sala was able to change,” she said. “It shows that people can improve and become better.”

She also commended the visual presentation of the book, saying the cover and illustrations make it attractive and engaging for young readers.

Mother Says Writing Talent Started at Age Four

Adedoyin’s mother, Mrs Lola Valentine Shanu, said her daughter began showing signs of exceptional creativity from an early age.

According to her, the young author often preferred writing stories to watching cartoons or playing games.

“She would stay up writing late into the night,” Mrs Shanu said, adding that she first noticed her daughter’s storytelling abilities at about four years old.

The idea to publish a book became stronger after they attended another child’s book launch several years ago.

Mrs Shanu encouraged parents to identify and nurture their children’s talents early.

“Pay attention to your children’s gifts and help them develop those talents,” she advised.

She expressed hope that her daughter would continue writing books that inspire future generations.

School Proprietress Calls for Wider Adoption in Schools

The Proprietress of Green Apple School, Baruwa, Mrs Bunmi Ola-King, described Adedoyin as an exceptional child who has displayed unusual intelligence since infancy.

She said the school operates a strict anti-bullying policy and actively teaches kindness and empathy among pupils.

According to her, bullying remains a major concern in schools and society, making books like Tola The Bully especially relevant.

“Children should respond with kindness, not violence,” she said.

Mrs Ola-King also urged education authorities in Lagos State to consider recommending the book for use in primary schools.

She said the story could help children better understand the emotional impact of bullying and encourage healthier relationships among classmates.

Why the Story Matters

Bullying has become a growing concern in schools globally, with educators and child psychologists warning about its long-term effects on children’s mental health, confidence and academic performance.

Experts say storytelling remains one of the most effective ways to teach moral lessons to young readers because children often relate emotionally to fictional characters.

By writing Tola The Bully, Adedoyin joins a growing number of young Nigerian creatives using literature to address social issues affecting children and families.

The book’s emphasis on parental presence, emotional support and behavioural guidance also resonated strongly with parents at the launch event.

What’s Next for the Young Author?

Adedoyin said she plans to continue writing and hopes her stories will inspire more children to choose kindness over cruelty.

Those close to the family believe Tola The Bully could be the beginning of a promising literary journey for the young Lagos author.

To purchase a copy of the book, do visit Amazon to get a copy for yourself and loved ones.

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Police, JAMB Arrest Three Over Alleged UTME Exam Hacking Syndicate in Delta

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The Nigeria Police Force and the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) say they have uncovered a sophisticated examination malpractice syndicate accused of compromising the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) in Delta State.

According to authorities, three suspects were arrested following intelligence-led operations linked to alleged cyber-assisted examination fraud at the College of Education, Warri.

Police said the suspects are currently in custody while investigations continue into what officials described as a wider network targeting Nigeria’s computer-based examination system.

How the alleged malpractice was uncovered

In a statement issued on Thursday, Force Public Relations Officer, DCP Anthony Placid, said investigators discovered that unauthorized remote access was gained into candidates’ computer systems during the examination.

The operation, carried out jointly with JAMB, reportedly followed digital forensic investigations into attempts to manipulate the examination process.

“Unauthorized remote access was illegally gained into candidates’ computer systems while the exercise was ongoing,” the statement said.

Authorities believe additional examination centres may also have been involved in similar activities.

As a result, JAMB has withdrawn results from affected centres pending the outcome of investigations.

Candidates affected by the decision are expected to sit for a mop-up examination in line with existing procedures.

Why it matters

The UTME is Nigeria’s main entrance examination for admission into universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education.

Any breach of the examination system could affect thousands of students and raise broader concerns about the integrity of computer-based testing in the country.

In recent years, JAMB has invested heavily in technology and biometric verification systems to reduce impersonation and examination malpractice.

However, cyber-assisted fraud and remote system manipulation remain emerging threats as criminal networks adopt more sophisticated digital methods.

Education analysts say the latest development highlights the growing need for stronger cybersecurity measures in Nigeria’s examination system.

Reactions and public concerns

Parents and students have expressed concerns online over the withdrawal of examination results, particularly for candidates who may not have been directly involved in malpractice.

Some education stakeholders have also called for transparency in the ongoing investigations to ensure innocent candidates are not unfairly penalised.

Police warning to examination centres

The Nigeria Police Force warned candidates, operators of examination centres, and collaborators against engaging in examination malpractice or cyber-related fraud.

“The Nigeria Police Force remains committed to identifying, dismantling, and prosecuting criminal networks seeking to undermine the credibility of Nigeria’s educational system,” the statement added.

The police did not disclose the identities of the arrested suspects or provide details of the specific technology allegedly used in the operation.

What happens next?

Investigations are ongoing, with authorities expected to determine the full scope of the alleged malpractice network.

JAMB is also likely to intensify monitoring and cybersecurity checks across examination centres nationwide ahead of future examinations and mop-up tests.

For affected candidates, the board says rescheduled examinations will be conducted according to established procedures.

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