General News
Ochefu, Bala-Usman, Chukwu line up for GOCOP 2023 conference

A line up of seasoned professionals are now ready to speak as panelists at the 2023 annual conference of the Guild of Corporate Online Publishers (GOCOP) holding on Thursday, October 5, 2023 at Abuja Continental Hotel (Old Sheraton Hotel) Abuja.
This line-up according to the chairman of the GOCOP 7th Conference Planning Committee and deputy president, Mr Danlami Nmodu, mni, include the Secretary-General, Committee of Vice-Chancellors of Nigerian Universities (CVCNU), Prof. Yakubu A. Ochefu; Special Adviser to the President (Policy Coordination) Hajia Hadiza Bala-Usman, and Chief Executive Officer, Cowry Assets Management Ltd, Mr. Johnson Chukwu.
The GOCOP Publicity Secretary, Mr. Remmy Nweke, in a press statement, also noted that the conference would be presided over by the Registrar and Chief Executive Officer, Join Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, while the first Nigerian professor of Capital Market, Prof. Uchenna Joseph Uwaleke, has been confirmed as the keynote speaker.
Danlami was also quoted that the conference would focus on the theme: “Nigeria: Roadmap for Socio-Economic Recovery and Sustainability” pointing out that the choice of the topic is informed by the current socio-political and economic realities facing Nigeria, post-2023 general elections.
Further, Nweke recalled that Professor Yakubu Aboki Ochef is an academic, university administrator and entrepreneur. He holds a B.A and PhD degrees in History and Economic History from the University of Calabar, and an M.A in Political Economy from the University of Birmingham.
Ochefu began his academic career in 1985 at the University of Calabar and later transferred to the Benue State University Makurdi in 1993. In 2003, he was promoted to the rank of Professor of Economic History and Development Studies. At the Benue State University, he held various positions such as Head, Department of History, Dean Students Affairs, Deputy Vice-Chancellor, and Director of Consultancy Services. From 2012 to 2017, he was Vice-Chancellor of Kwararafa University, Wukari in Taraba State. He was in 2019 appointed Secretary-General of the Committee of Vice-Chancellors of Nigerian Universities, and Committee of Pro-Chancellors of Nigerian Federal Universities.
Hadiza Bala Usman is a Nigerian politician who served as managing director of the Nigerian Ports Authority from 2016 to 2021. Previously, she served as the chief of staff to the governor of Kaduna State from 2015 to 2016 and was appointed special adviser on policy coordination to President Bola Tinubu in June 2023.
Since 2014, she is one of the co-founders of the Bring Back Our Girls campaign and in year 2000, she graduated with a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the Ahmadu Bello University in Zaria and later received a master’s degree in development studies from the University of Leeds in 2009.
Whereas, Mr. Johnson Chukwu, the chairman and founder, Cowry Assets Management Ltd, and prior to the establishment of Cowry Asset Management Limited, has been actively involved in the Nigerian capital market and was instrumental to the establishment of one of the most vibrant capital market operator, as the pioneer General Manager/Chief Executive Officer of Guardian Express Trust Limited (now Spring Capital) – a subsidiary of Guardian Express Bank Plc (now Spring Bank Plc).
Before joining Cowry Asset Management Limited on a full-time basis in October 2007, Mr. Chukwu was between February 2006 and September 2007 a Deputy General Manager and Group Executive, Operations of Spring Bank Plc.
Mr. Chukwu is a Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) second class upper degree holder in Accounting and a University of Lagos Scholar. He also holds an MBA from Lagos Business School (Pan African University).
Preceding speakers at GOCOP annual conference, he said, include the chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Yakubu Mahmood, who in 2022, spoke on ‘2023 Elections: Managing the Process for Credible Outcome’; Most Rev. Matthew Hassan Kukah, the Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Sokoto, who delivered the 2019 lecture on: “Economy, Security and National Development: The Way Forward.”
While in 2021, he said, Mr. Boss Mustapha, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, keynoted the conference in his capacity as Chairman of the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19, on “Post COVID-19 Pandemic: Recovery and Reconstruction in Nigeria.”
General News
Senate Orders Full Probe into N1.3 Trillion CBEX Ponzi Scandal

The Senate Wednesday launched a full-scale investigation into the operations of Ponzi schemes in the country. The development followed the catastrophic collapse of the Crypto Bullion Exchange (CBEX), a digital investment platform that allegedly defrauded Nigerians of over N1.3 trillion ($847 million), making it one of the most devastating financial scams in the nation’s history.
The motion, sponsored by Senators Mukhail Adetokunbo Abiru (Lagos East) and Osita Izunaso (Imo West), received overwhelming support from lawmakers during the debate at plenary.
The federal lawmakers unanimously described the proliferation of such schemes as a direct threat to national security, economic stability and public trust in government institutions.
Rising in support of the motion, senators from across the country decried the systemic regulatory failure that allowed CBEX and similar fraudulent platforms to operate unchecked.
They lamented that the fraudulent operators leveraged on technology, social media influence, fake testimonials, and referral commissions to lure millions into financial ruin.
Presenting the lead debate, Senator Abiru detailed how CBEX capitalized on weak oversight by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU), and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to dupe unsuspecting investors.
He warned that beyond financial losses, such platforms are fueling depression, suicides and the erosion of public confidence in legitimate financial institutions.
“Over N1.3 trillion was lost to CBEX alone. This is not an isolated incident. It is a continuation of a troubling pattern, from MMM in 2016 to MBA Forex in 2020. Nigerians are being robbed, again and again,” Abiru said.
Senator Tahir Monguno (Borno North) called the situation “alarming” and stressed that existing laws must not only be amended but “strengthened” to prevent further exploitation.
He said: “These operators prey on vulnerable and gullible citizens. Some victims have died by suicide. It is time we acted decisively.”
Senator Sadiq Suleiman Umar (Kwara North) emphasized the trust Nigerians place in their government and urged agencies to live up to their mandate.
“People trust that the government will protect them. We must ensure that SEC, CBN, EFCC and others never allow such lapses again,” Umar said.
Senator Solomon Adeola (Ogun West) lamented the regulatory gap in Nigeria’s rapidly evolving fintech space. He warned that many digital platforms operate under the radar.
He said: “It’s not just Ponzi schemes. There are several other unregulated online payment platforms riding on fintech buzzwords. CBN must tell us what rules are in place.”
Senators Abdul Ningi (Bauchi Central) and others urged the National Assembly to utilize its constitutional powers under Sections 88 and 14 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) to hold regulatory agencies accountable.
“These laws exist, but for too long we’ve failed to enforce them. The people are suffering,” Ningi declared.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio recounted a personal experience from the early 1990s involving a now-defunct Ponzi scheme in Port Harcourt, drawing parallels with today’s CBEX.
Akpabio said: “That scheme collapsed. People lost everything. History is repeating itself, only now on a bigger scale—N1.3 trillion gone. Students, civil servants, even pensioners were affected. This is an emergency.”
He backed calls for nationwide public sensitization and zonal public hearings.
According to the Senate President, “We must educate our people. Many of these victims are not literate in financial matters. If it doesn’t concern you directly, it will affect someone close to you.”
In its resolution, the Senate mandated a joint investigation by its Committees on Capital Market; Banking, Insurance and Other Financial Institutions; Anti-Corruption and Financial Crimes; and ICT & Cybersecurity.
The committees, to be led by that of Banking and Finance, are expected to conduct a comprehensive investigative hearing, including public sessions, and submit their report within four weeks.
The inquiry, according to Akpabio, will focus not only on CBEX but also on the broader Ponzi ecosystem, regulatory lapses and proposals for legislative and administrative reforms.
The Senate also called for immediate steps to educate the public, especially the youth and rural populations on the dangers of fraudulent investment schemes.
As the motion passed unopposed, Senator Akpabio declared: “We cannot sit back while Nigerians are being robbed blind. “We must act to prevent more suicides, restore trust, and reclaim our economy from digital predators.”
General News
UpSkill Universe Launches ‘Skills for Business’ to Empower 10,000 African SMEs, in Collaboration with HP and Google

UpSkill Universe has announced the launch of the Skills for Business programme, a new initiative to help 10,000 small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Nigeria and South Africa build critical digital and business skills for economic and business growth.
Delivered in collaboration with Google, HP Inc and UpSkill Universe, the programme is designed to equip entrepreneurs with practical tools to thrive in an increasingly digital economy, in addition to having access to a range of courses on the HP LIFE platform.
UpSkill Universe, a leading digital skills training provider, will manage programme delivery and partner engagement. “Entrepreneurs and business owners throughout Africa are already leading change within their communities,” said Gori Yahaya, CEO of UpSkill Universe.
“We understand the challenges SMEs face as they navigate a difficult business landscape, prevalence of AI, and rapidly changing customer behaviour. Through collaboration with HP Inc. and Google, we see an immense opportunity to empower businesses with the practical tips, tools, and technology – including AI – they need to grow, scale, and succeed.”
Building on the success of the Hustle Academy Business Bootcamp, which has supported over 15,000 SMEs across Africa since 2022, this new initiative will focus on action-oriented learning. Participants will gain hands-on skills through modules such as Unlock growth with practical skills in AI, digital marketing, and e-commerce, which are designed to help SMEs boost their productivity, attract more customers, and grow their businesses online, complemented by access to HP LIFE – the HP Foundation’s free global online business skills training program.
The programme is also committed to inclusivity, with a goal of at least 50% participation from women-owned businesses.
“The Hustle Academy training reshaped how we connect with customers online,” shared one SME from Lagos. “These skills make a real difference for us.”
Small businesses are the backbone of Africa’s economy, accounting for nearly 80% of jobs across the continent. Yet despite their significance, many still face barriers to accessing the digital skills and tools needed to compete and grow in a changing marketplace.
The Skills for Business programme aims to bridge this gap by providing entrepreneurs with practical, locally relevant training that meets the real-world demands of today’s market.
Google’s involvement brings additional expertise in digital growth and strategy for small businesses.
“Small businesses are a driving force for progress across Africa and beyond. It’s more critical than ever to help them access the skills and tools they need to grow, especially as digital technologies transform business operations,” said Kristy Grant, Google SSA’s Head of B2B & Brand Marketing. “We are proud to collaborate on initiatives like this that enable entrepreneurs to translate their ambitions into lasting positive impact for their communities and economies.”
At the heart of the initiative is HP LIFE, the HP Foundation’s free global business skills training program, which is available in eight languages online, via mobile app, and offline. Small business owners and their employees will gain access to more than 30 practical training modules covering topics such as boosting productivity with AI, digital marketing essentials, and starting an e-commerce journey.
This will be delivered alongside expert-led virtual workshops by Google and UpSkill Universe to ensure that SMEs can build the capabilities needed to grow their customer base, strengthen operations, and drive long-term success.
“When small businesses thrive, entire communities thrive with them. The Skills for Business program is about empowering entrepreneurs to access the future of work.” said Michele Malejki, Global Head of Social Impact, HP Inc. and Executive Director, HP Foundation.
“Since 2021, HP has been on a journey to accelerate digital equity for 150 million people by 2030 by providing access to technology and digital skills content that enhances skills and economic opportunity. We are very proud to support this deeply impactful program, which will provide the support SMEs need to grow, scale, and succeed.
The Skills for Business programme aims to directly train 10,000 SMEs and indirectly impact an additional 59,000 individuals by the end of 2025, demonstrating the powerful role of partnerships in advancing Africa’s digital transformation and economic development.
General News
FG Declares Admissions outside CAPS Illegal

Federal government has declared that any admission into tertiary institutions conducted outside the Central Admissions Processing System (CAPS), will be deemed illegal.
Dr Tunji Alausa, minister of Education, gave the directive in Abuja on Tuesday at the 2025 policy meeting of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB).
Alausa, therefore, warned universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education across the country against illegal admission.
He said institutions and individuals involved in such practices would be prosecuted and severely sanctioned.
“Any admission conducted outside CAPS, regardless of its intentions, is illegal.
“Both institutions and the candidates involved in such practices will be held accountable.
“Sanctions may include withdrawal of institutional assets and prosecution of culpable officers or governing council members,” he said.
CAPS, introduced in 2017, automates the admission process to eliminate human interference and administrative bottlenecks.
Alausa, however, reiterated the government’s commitment to strengthen transparency, fairness, and accountability in the nation’s tertiary education system.
He explained that while the responsibility for initiating admissions rests with the academic boards of each institution, JAMB, as a statutory regulatory body is mandated to oversee and regulate the process to ensure fairness and equity.
The Minister urged vice-chancellors, rectors, provosts, and governing councils to intensify oversight functions to prevent unauthorised practices.
He assured that the Ministry would monitor compliance closely in collaboration with JAMB.
The minister also reaffirmed the policy mandating integration of the National Identification Number (NIN) into the JAMB registration process.
“The NIN requirement has proven vital in safeguarding the integrity of our admission system by curbing identity fraud and multiple registrations.
“Any abuse of the NIN system will be identified and punished,” he said.
He highlighted the need for data-driven policies in the admission processes.
The Minister also presented statistics showing a mismatch between available admission quotas and actual student intake across many programmes, especially in agriculture, education, engineering, and the health sciences.
“We have capacity, but we are not admitting enough students.
“We need to start closing the gap, so that more children can access tertiary education,” he said.
He also criticised the proliferation of underutilised institutions, revealing that over 120 universities in Nigeria received fewer than 50 applications in the current admission cycle.
“The problem is not about access, it’s about alignment and capacity.
“We don’t need to open new tertiary institutions in every ward. Instead, we must expand and strengthen the capacity of existing ones,” he said.
On his part, Sen. Shuaib Salisu, chairman, Senate Committee on ICT and Cybersecurity, called for stricter sanctions against institutions and administrators who undermine Nigeria’s admission process.
Salisu proposed the criminalisation of fraudulent admission practices.
He also warned institutions that exploit loopholes in the admissions system, allowing students to unknowingly pursue flawed admissions for years to desist from such practices.
He assured that the Senate Committee would explore legislation to criminalise such fraudulent practices, holding admission officers and institutional management accountable.
Salisu also called for an inclusive education system that drives peace and economic growth.
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