….Ministry Denies Sponsorship Request for 15-Year-Old Maths Prodigy
The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has confirmed that it is currently in negotiations with the Federal Government’s Renegotiation Team, led by Yayale Ahmed, as the union’s ongoing two-week warning strike enters its seventh day.
According to a bulletin dated October 19, 2025, and obtained by The Guardian, ASUU President, Prof. Christopher Piwuna, said progress has been made on five of the union’s seven key demands.
The areas of progress include:
Release of third-party deductions
Payment of promotion arrears
Mainstreaming of Earned Academic Allowance (EAA)
Resolution of land confiscation issues at the University of Abuja (UNIABUJA)
Addressing the victimisation of members in Prince Abubakar Audu University, Lagos State University (LASU), and Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO)
In the bulletin titled “Strike Bulletin No. 2,” ASUU acknowledged efforts by some notable Nigerians to mediate the crisis, stressing that engagements were ongoing on all elements of the draft renegotiated 2009 FGN-ASUU Agreement, guided by the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) principles.
“We commend the resilience and courage of our members in various branches, but we should remain united and steadfast in the days ahead,”
Piwuna stated.
“The branch chairperson remains the only reliable source of information at all times; members are advised to attend branch congress meetings promptly.”
The ASUU president reaffirmed that the union’s members were strictly implementing the National Executive Council (NEC) resolution of September 28, 2025, which mandated the ongoing warning strike.
Ministry Denies Knowledge of Sponsorship Request for Maths Prodigy
In a separate development, the Federal Ministry of Education has denied receiving any sponsorship request for 15-year-old Agbo Adoga, a student of Graceland International School, Port Harcourt, who reportedly qualified to represent Nigeria at the International Mathematics Olympiad in China.
The denial follows social media criticism after Alex Onyia, CEO of Educare, accused the ministry of refusing to sponsor the student due to lack of funds.
Reacting via X (formerly Twitter), Onyia (@winexviv) wrote:
“Graceland International School, Port Harcourt, just informed me that Adoga qualified to represent Nigeria in the International Maths Olympiad in China. But the Ministry of Education officials said they don’t have money to sponsor anybody. So he will not attend. Nigeria lost again!”
The post sparked outrage online, with many Nigerians condemning what they described as the government’s negligence and failure to support exceptional young talents.
However, in a swift reaction, the ministry, through its spokesperson Folasade Boriowo, denied any knowledge of the alleged sponsorship request.
“The ministry affirms that there is no record or correspondence in its files indicating any such request for sponsorship from any recognised body,”
Boriowo stated.
“Accordingly, any relevant or verifiable information regarding this matter should be formally presented to the ministry for necessary action.”
She added that the public should disregard unverified claims and ensure all education-related issues are confirmed through official communication channels.
“The Federal Ministry of Education remains committed to encouraging and supporting outstanding students through due process and transparent procedures,” she added.