'Nigeria's Mark Zuckerberg' Gossy Ukanwoke - Founder of Nigeria's First Private Online University

The moment I read this CNN article, I couldn't resist but post it on the blog. Success stories coming out of Africa such as this one I'm about to share, really gets me inspired and thinking about how I can make a difference in my field.

Most of the young entrepreneurial successes we've had lately in Nigeria have come from the entertainment industry - particularly music. The stories of Wizkid, Davido, Olamide, and the likes, has inspired lots of young people to delve into music in search of that song that will make them "blow." There's absolutely nothing wrong with that. I just wish that such successes can be replicated in other sectors, especially in technology.

Dubbed Nigeria's Mark Zukerberg, meet 25-year-old entrepreneur Gossy Ukanwoke, the founder of Nigeria's first private online university - Beni American University (BAU).

Read the article CNN wrote about him:

At 23, many people around the world are still at university -- at that age, Gossy Ukanwoke had already started one.

The young entrepreneur is the founder of Beni American University (BAU), Nigeria's first private online university. Launched in late 2012, the school allows students to access their classes at any time of the day with any internet-enabled device.

"We are providing executive programs for graduates who are looking for employment and want to build up their resumes, or managers who want to climb up the hierarchy of their companies," says Ukanwoke, now 25.

"We also have courses targeted at people who want to start their own business."

Ukanwoke's idea to start BAU came from his previous online venture called Students Circle, an educational social networking site he'd launched while in university that allows learners to interact and access free resources from leading schools.

"When I created Students Circle in 2010," explains Ukanwoke, "I found out that ... many were looking for certificates, hoping that they could get something they could use to maybe find employment or get a promotion in the workplace.

"There was a need for a new institution to be created in Nigeria," adds Ukanwoke, who was once described by Forbes as "Nigeria's Mark Zuckerberg."

Now, some 18 months into his new business endeavor, Ukanwoke has hired 10 instructors and has about 200 students, with an average age of 26.

But the startup's journey so far has not been without challenges -- Nigerian laws require universities to have a physical campus so last year Ukanwoke went and bought land in the country's Benue State with the goal to build a private campus that could accommodate some 10,000 students.

The project is expected to launch next year, but in the meantime the web courses are up and running -- a 12 week online program can cost between $100 and $300. Among the courses offered are corporate diplomacy, global marketing, leadership and management, digital journalism, project management and entrepreneurship and innovation, which is the university's most popular class.

"It's good because I have four kids," says Chinenye Madukwe, one of BAU's students. "I have opportunity to work at the same time, because I have a small interior design outfit."

Oo Nwoye, another BAU student, says he enrolled "for the knowledge."

"It is just helpful for my business and that is the most important thing to me," he explains.

Education is key

A son of two teachers, Ukanwoke says he is driven by his passion to use technology to solve social problems.

"I grew up within the framework where education was put at a very high level of importance, and entrepreneurship is something that I always wanted to do," he says.

"Without education I don't think we can do any progress," he adds. "It's not just about getting a certificate -- education is about teaching people how to make a living and teaching people how to live; how to interact with others, how to lead their lives and make something out of themselves," continues Ukanwoke.

"With education comes discipline and we need a lot of discipline in Nigeria as well, so education is really important."

Ukanwoke relies mainly on social media to advertize but says that it's student referrals that are increasing BAU's enrollment.

"We still have a long way to go, we have a lot of work to do, a lot of policy wrangling too," he admits. "But it's a work in progress and we are quite happy with where we are."

Written by Teo Kermeliotis and Jessica Ellis

Globacom To End Contract With Psquare For Splitting?

Since reports that Nigerian superstar, Psquare are breaking-up went viral, fans of the duo have been so concerned of what the outcome might be.

The latest news is that the twin brothers who have been Glo Ambassadors since 2010 are likely to have their deal terminated as the telecommunications giant, Globalcom Nigeria Limited may be forced to review its four-year contract with the pop twins should they decide to split.
According to the source who revealed this said: “Since Glo has a contract with P-Square, and not with Peter or Paul, their breakup will definitely lead to the termination of the contract.”
Although one of the twins, Paul Okoye took to his facebook to say a prayer for his family at this trying time, the other half, Peter is yet to make any comment.

Their elder brother/manager, Jude Okoye since his tweet which says: “After 10 years it’s over. Am done”, he is yet to make any further comment.
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Two Communities Clash Over A Girl

There was pandemonium in Agaka and Adabata communities of Ilorin, Kwara State, on Wednesday following a brawl that ensued between two groups over a girl

The clash which generated into a free-for-all left economic activities in the community crippled as traders scamper for safety.
An eyewitness who spoke on condition of anonymity said, the fight broke out over alleged snatching of a girlfriend from a member of one of the the group.
According to him, members of the two groups were in a party when a member of one of the groups accused another man from a rival group of snatching his girlfriend.
He said the allegation ushered in a heated argument which resulted to a brawl, adding that both groups freely used axes, cutlasses and other dangerous weapons on themselves.
The witness revealed that the hoodlums pelted police vehicles with stones when they arrived the scene to restore order.
"The vehicle was conveying police officers from the Kwara State Police Command, which had gone there to restore normalcy" he said.
When contacted, the Kwara State Police Public Relations Officer, Ajayi Okasanmi, confirmed the incident, and assured that the culprits would be brought to book. (Naij)
READ MORE:  http://news.naij.com/65182.html


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Have You Ever Forgiven a Cheating Boyfriend?

Hello Happiness, please help me. I have never been this depressed and I fear it's going to kill me.  

I recently caught my boyfriend of 2 year2 plus now, right in the act cheating on me. With one of his neighbours. I had gotten a half day off from work that day and was in high spirits. So I decided to surprise my boyfriend. My plan was to go to his house, he was also supposed to be at work, he's a sales rep for a company. So my plan was to visit him, prepare a delicious meal, set up the house for a romantic, relaxing night rest and wait till he gets home from work.  

Since I had my own key to his house I just went straight to the market, bought stuff I
needed and headed for his house without calling him. I got there, as usual I opened the door and walked in. Only to be confronted with soft moans coming from our bedroom. I was confused! At first I paused but curiosity got the best of me and I headed towards the direction of the noise. What I saw made me nearly collapse in complete shock. My boyfriend was in bed with his neighbor, who knew very well about me. 

 He saw me and immediately got off.  I was speechless. I couldn't believe it! When I finally regained consciousness, I just quickly left, weeping and shaking violently. My supposed darling boyfriend chased me and was saying all this stuff how he was sorry and that she meant nothing to him. That it was just a one time thing. I was just screaming in shock.  

It's been two weeks now. My boyfriend has also cried his eyes out to me since I caught him, sent everybody imaginable to come beg me and won't leave me alone but the hurt and the pain of being betrayed like this has been too much for me to bear.  

Have you ever forgiven someone who cheated on you? Why did you take them back? And did it work out the second time? Are you guys still together? Or is forgiving a cheater something you would never ever do again? At this point, I don't even see myself in that house again. But I really loved my boyfriend. I really loved this man. Why would he do this to me? Why?! The tears won't stop pouring.

Prophet Predicts Nigeria's Future In 2015

The leader of Divine Intelligence Ministry, Prophet George Fakolade, on Wednesday claimed he has seen Nigeria's future in 2015.

Speaking to newsmen about his prophecy for Nigeria, Fakolade said that there is going to be a change of government in 2015, adding that a new government that would transform Nigeria for the better will be ushered in.
The cleric, who was optimistic that the suffering of Nigerians would come to an end, noted that the new government will bring about abundance.
According to him, the world is governed by divine intelligence as directed by God, adding that Nigeria cannot be able to ignore this fact and remain stagnant.
Fakolade claimed that he has been directed by God to solve the problems facing the country in less than 20 days.
The prophet whose several prophecies about political events in the country have materialised, insisted that there is going to be a great divine change in the country come 2015 because new governors would come on board.
The clergyman acknowledged that Nigeria is the richest country in the world in all aspects as created by God, but noted that bad leadership has made it stagnant.
He further reiterated that the end has come for bad leadership in Nigeria.
"Lt. General T. Y Danjuma would be part of the government; God has decreed it since the year 2000, and it is going to be a divine appointment of a divine regime. It is an unchangeable decree from God. People asked me why T. Y. Danjuma; I told them that God has a covenant with him. God is a covenant keeping God; when He says something, it is going to happen; we just have to be prepared" Fakolade said.


READ MORE:  http://news.naij.com/65175.html

Wife Accuses Husband, Pastor Chris Okafor, of Assault

                    Bessem with torn clothes
                    credits: Comfort Oseghale

Bessem Okafor, the estranged wife of the pastor of Mountain of Liberation Miracles Ministires, Dr. Chris Okafor, has accused her husband of beating her up at their home in Magodo, Lagos.

According to Punch, Bessem who left her home in 2012, said she had, a few weeks ago, gone to visit her four children who were in the custody of their father. The visit was said to have been arranged by a lawyer from the Office of the Public Defender, Lagos State Ministry of Justice, and her husband’s lawyer, Mr. Onyechukwu Ubani.
She said:

“I have not seen my children for nine months and our lawyers agreed that I could come see them at home after school hours by 5pm. I went to the house at the appointed time, but my children were not there.

I had to wait outside in the compound until 10pm before my husband arrived; the children were not with him. They were later brought home by the driver about 12am. By then it was clear I couldn’t leave again, I had to spend the night.  

The following morning, I bathed and dressed them for school. They pleaded with me to stay back until they returned and since I hardly spent time with them the day before, I agreed.”

A few hours after her children had left for school, Bessem received a phone call from Chris who had also left the house. He allegedly questioned her presence in the house and ordered her to leave.
When Bessem insisted on staying till her children returned from school, Chris allegedly sent a policeman who was part of his entourage to the house.
She said:

 “The policeman told me to leave the house. At that time, I was wearing only my dress. I had washed my undies and spread them to dry since I didn’t come with extra. I told the policeman that I would leave after my children returned from school. Later, Chris came in and on seeing me, he started beating me and dragged me out of the house.”

She said some policemen came to arrest her, but could not go with them because her clothes were torn.

The following day after making a complaint of assault at the Isheri Police Division, she was hospitalised at the Solid Rock Hospital, in the Ojodu/Berger area.

A copy of her medical report made available to PUNCH Metro said Bessem was brought in for treatment after a brawl with her spouse.
It reads in part:

Examination revealed a middle aged woman in distress with multiple bruises, BP 140/80mmhg and pulse rate 104bpm. There was inflammation around the left knee and tenderness along the spine. She was subsequently admitted, placed on intravenous fluids and managed as case of multiple trauma secondary to domestic violence.

The report was signed by one Dr. Ametepee T. M.

Chris, when contacted, did not respond to calls and a text message to his phone. Punch's correspondent visited his church at Ojodu on two occasions, but his aides said he was not available for comment.

When PUNCH Metro contacted the Lagos Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Ngozi Braide, she did not respond to calls and text messages to her phone.
However, Chris' lawyer, Ubani, said:

“Bessem has made all sorts of allegations against her husband,  but what she has failed to tell you is that she left her marriage of her own volition. She ended her marriage with her infidelity. She would leave her house, come back at late hours and would not tell her husband where she has been. 

The couple are already in court for divorce. This particular incident you are asking about, it was Bessem who tore her own clothes. Chris never laid a hand on her. Why did she not get a medical report from a government hospital? If she was truly assaulted she would have gone to the station to make a report. Then they would give her a paper to take to a public hospital. That of the private hospital is not admissible in court. Chris never refused her access to her children; they were simply brought to the church because his mother and cousin were not at home. After bringing some policemen from Isheri to arrest Chris while he was at the pulpit, she still went ahead to Zone 2 to make another report.”

The PPRO Zone 2, SP Lewi Suleimann, when contacted said:

“We are still waiting to get the file transferred from the Isheri Police Station. I would not like to comment much before we get the file.”

Lola Omotayo reacted to the allegations that she is behind P-Square's Breakup

Since the rummoured breakup of P-Square sprung, there have been tales that the wife of Peter Okoye, Lola Omotayo, was responsible for it. Some people accused the woman of instigating Peter against his brothers.

Lola has now reacted to the allegations, stating that she is not behind the issue as being widely speculated.

"I'm a lady of substance, though I have my shortcomings. I might not be loved by everyone, but the people that matter to me hold me in high esteem and that's enough for me," she said.

Lola has two children for Peter, all given birth out of wedlock.
 

Actress Clarion Chukwurah Spotted With Mike Ezuruonye And Moyo Lawal, While Emeka Ike Starts Fresh War With Her

Ageless and beautiful Nollywood actress Clarion Chukwurah is busy on set and pretty much having fun with Actor Mike Ezuruonye and Moyo Lawal. It was rumoured recently that the actress is planning on becoming the next female AGN president after Ibinabo Fiberisima, and as usual Emeka Ike is on her case again.

Emeka who describes himself as the legal AGN president gave 99 reasons why Clarion Chukwurah is not qualified, citing her many legal battles as one if them. But anyway the beautiful actress is having fun and showing it off on her Instagram page. See more photos inside... 

Agless and beautiful Nollywood actress Clarion Chukwurah is bussy on set and pretty much having fun with Actor Mike Ezuruonye and Moyo Lawal. It was rumoured recently that the actress is planning on becoming the next female AGN president after Ibinabo Fiberisima, and as usual Emeka Ike is on her case again.

Emeka who describes himself as the legal AGN president gave 99 reasons why Clarion Chukwurah is not qualified, citing her many legal battles as one if them. But anyway the beautiful actress is having fun and showing it off on her Instagram page. See more photos inside... - See more at: http://www.gosippme.com/2014/04/actress-clarion-chukwurah-spotted-with.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+blogspot%2FMvNQe+%28GossippMe+Blog%29#.U0_yc6Khnct

Cow And Bull Get Married In Wedding Ceremony Costing $17,000

More than 5,000 villagers turned up to watch sacred cow Ganga and Prakash get hitched during the 1 million rupee Hindu ceremony held near Indore in Madya Pradesh.


A cow and a bull have been married off in a lavish Indian wedding - costing $17,000.
The nuptials were organised by Ganga's guardian, Gopal Patwari, to save the region's harvest from a 'natural disaster'.
He said: "Natural calamities like hailstorms and heavy rain occurred in nearby areas, destroying their crops.
  
To prevent this from happening to our villages we organised this wedding on the advice of Sadhus and holy men.
We have been told this will maintain peace in our village."
The wedding took two months to organise and invitations were sent to 10,000 residents of three closely connected villages, encouraging them to donate what they could spare.
Most are farmers growing wheat, barley, beans and cotton and so heavily depend on a good harvest to survive
 
So it was no surprise when more than 5,000 arrived in droves on Monday, April 14, to witness the no-expense-spared wedding - and few left disappointed.
CowGanga, who is considered sacred in the Hindu religion, arrived early dressed in a red custom-made bridal saree, jewels, dyes and a garland.
The bull Prakash arrived in a decorated bugee and draped in a multicoloured sherwani and orange turban.
 
The ceremony started with Mr Patwari giving Ganga away before a Sadhu performed all the traditional rituals.
This included Haldi, Ganesh Pooja, Mandap and Fera - where the couple are led around a sacred fire to affirm the marriage.
Mr Patwari looked overjoyed as they were finally announced a couple, sparking hours of feasting and dancing to a DJ.
He said: "I am happy. People around me are happy. Everyone is happy.
From here on we hope Ganga and Prakash lead a happy life together, just like a normal man and wife. 
 
They will go on and have children who will be happy and prosperous.
We expect Hindus of our village not to forget our holy cow and remember their religion.
The next generations especially should not forget. We want more weddings like this to take place in the future."
READ MORE:  http://news.naij.com/64755.html

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Happy Birthday - Happiness Chidinma Opara's Blog Beautiful Reader

She's definitely smoking hot!! Congratulations, Chika dear.

Chika-keshy! born this day the April 18th in the early 80's to the family of Chief and Lolo N.B Okeke hail from Ihuoma in Orlu LGA of Imo state. The 4th of 6 children, Married and blessed, was raised in an Anglican background. Loving, caring, good spirited, friendly and God fearing. A public speaker, writer and a renowned orator, inspires and motivates people as a chosen way of life. Have a good sense of humor and lifts the spirit of every one around her.

Academic History: Studied Accounting BS. Accounting and Finance MS (in view). ICAN 2007 till date. Member National Institute of management 2009 till date..
Work History: GTB Bank 2004-2006. Ministry of Finance 2010. Human Service personnel 2011 till date.
Experiences: Served in the Prayer wing unit of EFAC Mid 90's. Served in the Scripture Union choir Mid 90's. Served in the NIFES Calvary love theatre group Nekede Chapter 2004. Served as the state publicity secretary NFCS Gombe state 2008. Currently writing two christian literatures in retrospect. To mention but a few.

What a Beauty with Brain!!!!!

We wish you a blast as you celebrate Today. May you continue to find Favour before God and Man!
Cheers Pretty........