By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

Former Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi has alleged that the economic policies of President Bola Tinubu’s administration contributed to the death of his mother, citing the rising cost of medicines.

Mr Amaechi, a former Rivers State governor and vice-presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, made the allegation on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Friday.

“Because policies are killing people. I’ve lost my mother,” he said.

When reminded that his mother died at the age of 82, Mr Amaechi questioned why she could not have lived longer, arguing that her health deteriorated after the administration’s economic policies took effect.

“You want me to mention my friends who are 90 or 92 years old? Why do you think my mother couldn’t live up to 92? Tinubu was the reason. Before Tinubu, my mother was healthy,” he said.

“Suddenly, by the time Tinubu came, it was difficult to buy drugs for my mother. I know most of you won’t believe this.”

Mr Amaechi said the rising cost of medicines had affected many Nigerian families, leaving some unable to afford essential healthcare for their ageing parents.

He cited figures he attributed to the National Bureau of Statistics, claiming Nigeria spent N200 billion on drug imports in the last quarter. He added that about 40 per cent of finished goods were imported, describing the situation as a sign of dependence on imported products.

Mr Amaechi has repeatedly criticised the Tinubu administration’s economic policies, especially the removal of the petrol subsidy, which he has linked to the rising cost of living.

He also expressed confidence that an administration led by former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar and himself would improve living conditions for Nigerians, saying citizens could begin to feel relief within a year.

By Hadiza Abdulkadir

US President Donald Trump has promised to give $5,000 to every adult American if Republicans win control of Congress in the November midterm elections.

Trump said the proposed payment, which he called a “Trump Dividend,” could be funded partly by revenue from tariffs.

However, the plan has not been approved by Congress. The proposed payments could cost about $1.2 trillion, meaning significant legislative and financial challenges remain.

For now, the $5,000 payment is an election promise and is not a guaranteed government benefit.

By Dr Umar Jibrilu Gwandu

It is common knowledge that the world is experiencing numerous challenges. The Global Peace Index Report of 2025 says that the world has become less peaceful for the 13th time in the last 17 years: more conflicts, more militarisation, and fewer resources for peacebuilding. 

Similarly, the 2025 report by the Institute for Economic and Peace says global peace is at its lowest level and that there are now over 122 million people who have been forcibly displaced due to conflicts globally.

In Nigeria, insecurity and economic hardship dominate public discourse. Figures from the Nigerian National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) revealed that 614,937 Nigerians were killed and 2,235,954 others were kidnapped nationwide within a single year in 2024.

Analysts confirmed that the number of people killed in Nigeria in 2024 was higher than the death toll in Israel’s war on Gaza, where over 40,000 had died. The figure is far more than the killings from the long-running Russian war on Ukraine, where 57,500 had been massacred as of December 2024

According to the World Food Programme’s August 2026 Country Briefing, an estimated 36.2 million people in Nigeria are acutely food insecure, with 2.1 million facing emergency levels of food insecurity. The 2022 NBS reports claimed that 133 million people living in Nigeria are multidimensionally poor. 

This situation calls for a national prayer to seek divine intervention to complement the efforts of Governments at the state and Federal levels, which have been launching noble initiatives, projects, and programmes to end lingering insecurity and improve the living conditions of Nigerians.

The Glorious Qur’an made it abundantly clear that many afflictions and tribulations are caused by the wrongdoings committed by men, as a test that, peradventure, men may turn to God, who promised them succour afterwards. “Chaos appears in the land and the sea because of the evil deeds which people’s hands have earned, in order to make them taste the flavour of some of their misdeeds – in order that they may come back” (Qur’an 30:41).

Muslims believe that prayer has the spiritual power to overcome compounding and complex situations. “Your Lord has said, ‘Pray to Me, for I shall answer your prayers'” (Qur’an 40:60). For instance, with a “single prayer”, Prophet Moses (A.S.) got comfort, food, accommodation, a job and thereafter a family (Qur’an 28:24 – 27). 

Allah has always assured the believers that “when My servants ask you about Me, then surely I am near: I answer the prayer of the suppliant when he prays to Me. So, let them respond to My call, and believe and trust in Me, so that they may be guided.” (Qur’an 2:186). 

To strengthen believers in the efficacy of prayer, the glorious Qur’an is replete with stories of Prophets like Zakariya, Ayyub, Yunus (A.S.), among others, who prayed for certain issues and had their prayers answered (Q21:83-90).

As a demonstration of patriotism embodied in spirituality and faithfulness, the Nigerian Supreme Council of Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), under the leadership of the President General and the Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, organised a national prayer for peace, unity and prosperity of our dear country, Nigeria.

The prayer session, preceded by the recitation of the entire Glorious Qur’an, was attended by Chief Imams of the Central Mosques from 36 states of the Federation, representatives of Islamic Organisations in Nigeria, and Muslim leaders from various spheres of life.

The event saw patriotic believers eschewing differences, stripping off their ranks and status, converging on one of the sacred places in the land in awe of God with reverence, praying to God, the Creator of all creation, to grant “our one request: help us to build a nation where no man is oppressed, and so with peace and plenty”

One of the Qur’an’s most powerful lessons is that faith is not passive. Islam does not teach believers to sit and wait without effort. Rather, it teaches Muslims to pray sincerely and act decisively. The central message is that as one raises hands in prayer, one is equally expected to roll up their sleeves and act.

Consider the example of Maryam (Mary) in Qur’an 19:25. In her moment of pain and distress, Allah tells her to shake the trunk of a palm tree. A weak woman, exhausted, shaking a strong tree—this action alone could not bring down dates. Yet Allah wanted to teach believers: make the effort, even when it seems small, and He will bring the result.

Likewise, when Musa (Moses) stood before the sea with danger behind him, Allah commanded him in Qur’an 26:63 to strike the sea with his staff. The sea did not part until Musa acted. Again, the lesson is clear: divine help comes alongside human effort.

Allah reminds us in Qur’an 13:11: “Indeed, Allah will not change the condition of a people until they change what is in themselves.” 

This is a call to responsibility. If we seek relief from hardship, we must turn to Allah with du‘a, while also striving to improve our condition.

The story of Nuh (Noah) reinforces the principle of pairing prayer with concrete and decisive action. In Qur’an 11:37, Prophet Nuh (A.S.) was commanded to build an ark long before any visible sign of the flood.

Despite ridicule from his people, he continued his work. His survival, and that of the believers with him, came not merely from prayer, but from obedient and sustained effort.

The Qur’an reassures believers in Qur’an 94:5-6 that “with hardship comes ease.” However, that ease is often reached through a combination of spiritual devotion, patience, and purposeful action.

Equally compelling was the account of Ayyub (Job), a symbol of patience in suffering. After enduring prolonged illness, he turned to Allah in supplication. Yet his healing was linked to action: in Qur’an 38:42, he was told to strike the ground with his foot, whereupon a spring emerged. The narrative highlights that even divine healing may come through human participation.

Beyond individual stories, the Qur’an lays down general principles. In Qur’an 13:11, it states: “Indeed, Allah will not change the condition of a people until they change what is in themselves.” This verse underscores personal and collective responsibility—change requires initiative.

Other prophetic examples expand this theme. Yusuf (Joseph) advised on long-term economic planning during a coming famine (Qur’an 12:47), while Dhul-Qarnayn organised the construction of a protective barrier with collective effort (Qur’an 18:95). Even military discipline is emphasised in the story of Talut (Saul), where restraint and obedience determine success (Qur’an 2:249). The command is to combine reliance with preparedness. Qur’an 8:60 teaches that even with trust in Allah, believers must prepare and act.

Yes, Muslims throughout the country responded positively to the call of His Eminence, the Sultan of Sokoto and offered the National prayer for our country. What is expected is that they would equally rally behind him to implement a carefully crafted action plan, guided by his sagacity and leadership acumen, in line with divine guidance and in conformity with extant laws of the land, for a peaceful and prosperous future that posterity would be proud of.

“Keep working: Allah will behold your works and so will His Messenger and the believers;” (Q9:105).

Dr Gwandu is the National Public Relations Officer of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

At least 20 people have died in a fatal road accident at Hawan Kibo community in Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State.

The crash occurred at about 5pm on Friday along the Hawan Kibo bend, a section of the road known for frequent accidents, according to eyewitnesses.

The Plateau State Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps, Corps Commander Adelaja Ogungbemi, confirmed the death toll in a telephone interview with The PUNCH in Jos.

He said, “Yes it is true. There was an accident this evening at the Hawan Kibo area in Riyom LGA of Plateau state. Our Officers are right there at the scene on rescue Operation.

” It was a terrible accident. They have evacuated many injured persons to the hospital and others are still being taken to the hospital right now. At the moment, I can confirm to you that 20 people have been confirmed dead from the accident ”

Ogungbemi attributed the crash to brake failure and urged motorists to ensure their vehicles are in good condition before embarking on journeys.

“It was a brake failure. We will continue to advice that motorists should always check their vehicles before driving. And they should drive carefully especially when negotiating a bend,” he added.

An eyewitness, Moses Gyang, who arrived at the scene shortly after the incident, described the crash as severe.

“I was close by when it happened around 5pm. The vehicle lost control while descending the hill. It was a terrible sight, people were shouting for help,” the eyewitness said.

Another witness said the number of people who gathered at the scene made the rescue operation more difficult.

“We have never seen such an accident here in recent times. Many people were lying on the ground. FRSC officers came quickly and started carrying the injured to the hospital, but many had already died,” he said.

FRSC personnel remained at the scene as of the time of filing the report, where they continued rescue operations and evacuated injured victims to hospitals for treatment.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Fifteen farmers have been killed in a fresh attack by suspected Boko Haram terrorists in Marte Local Government Area of Borno State.

The victims were attacked on Wednesday evening while working on their farms and gathering firewood in Ala and Musune wards.

The Borno State Police Command confirmed the deaths and said it had launched a search for three other farmers whose whereabouts remained unknown.

The command’s Public Relations Officer, Nahum Daso, confirmed the incident to Saturday PUNCH on Friday.

“Yes, there was an attack in Marte. Fifteen people were killed while others are still missing. Efforts are ongoing to determine their whereabouts,” Daso said.

Daso said details of the attack were still limited, adding that the command would release further information as investigations progressed.

However, local sources said 18 farmers were attacked, with 15 bodies recovered from the scene and buried on Thursday according to Islamic rites.

The victims reportedly included young men, married men and elderly residents who had gone into the bush to work on their farms or collect firewood for their households.

A community source said the victims were ambushed by the attackers, tied up and killed at close range.

“They were ambushed by terrorists while carrying out their daily work, bound, forced to lie down, and executed at close range,” the source, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said.

The source also alleged that some of the victims were decapitated, which made identification difficult.

“So far, we have buried 15 out of the 18; we are currently searching for three persons,” the source added.

Amnesty International condemned the attack and described the killings as a serious violation of international humanitarian law.

In a statement issued on Friday, the organisation said the victims were residents who had entered the surrounding bush to gather firewood for income or household cooking.

“The victims, who were residents venturing into the surrounding bush to gather firewood to earn a living or cook for their families, were ambushed and targeted by a suspected Boko Haram group,” the organisation stated.

Amnesty International urged the Federal Government to take “immediate, transparent, and human rights-compliant measures” to protect communities across the North-East.

The police search for the three missing farmers was still ongoing as of Friday.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Families of 19 prospective National Youth Service Corps members abducted in Imo State have been thrown into panic after their captors reportedly demanded a total ransom of N950m for their release.

The graduates were travelling from Ibadan, Oyo State, to NYSC orientation camps in Abia and Akwa Ibom when gunmen intercepted two buses along the Owerri-Onitsha Road in Umunoha, Imo State, on Thursday.

The Managing Director of Uko Akwa Ibom Motors Nigeria Limited, Isiah Akpan, confirmed the incident on Friday and said the abductors demanded N50m for each victim.

According to Akpan, the affected buses belonged to his company and were carrying corps members heading to their respective orientation camps.

He said the vehicles left Bodija/Samonda Park in Ibadan on Wednesday but encountered traffic delays around Benin, Edo State, before reaching Onitsha, Anambra State, later that day.

Akpan explained that the drivers could not proceed with the journey because of the condition of the road and spent the night in Oba. They resumed the journey at about 5am on Thursday.

He said the buses had only just entered Imo State when armed men emerged from the bush.

“They blocked the two vehicles and took 19 passengers, all corps members, into the bush,” he added.

The drivers reportedly escaped and alerted security personnel at a nearby checkpoint, after which police and military personnel began searching for the victims.

Akpan, however, said the operation faced an initial setback after some villagers allegedly prevented security personnel from moving the abandoned buses from the scene.

The buses were eventually left at the location, with the passengers’ belongings still inside.

The Imo State Police Command had announced on Thursday night that 10 victims had been rescued. The command’s Public Relations Officer, Henry Okoye, said security agencies were pursuing the kidnappers and conducting a coordinated search for the remaining victims.

Okoye was, however, unable to confirm whether the rescued persons were among the abducted corps members.

Families Receive Ransom Demands

The development has increased anxiety among the victims’ relatives, with some families reportedly receiving direct ransom demands from the abductors.

One parent, who requested anonymity for security reasons, said the kidnappers contacted her through her son’s telephone.

“The kidnappers called with my son’s phone this morning (Friday) and demanded N50m for his release. The N50m is for only my son,” she said.

Another parent, Mrs Oladosu, said her daughter, Greatness, was among those travelling to Uyo. She said the abductors briefly contacted the family using her daughter’s phone.

Friends Seek Help Online

Friends of some of the missing graduates have launched social media campaigns to draw attention to the abduction and seek assistance for their release.

One of the victims was identified as Precious Oladipupo, a graduate of Obafemi Awolowo University.

Another individual, Adebayo (@Adebayoakim1), appealed on X for support for Wahab Ayandare, whom he identified as another victim of the attack.

A friend, Akinlabi Abayomi (@Mubiiiiin), also appealed for assistance for Oyindamola Adeoye. He said the kidnappers had demanded N50m for her release.

Oyo Government Reacts

The Oyo State Government condemned the abduction and described it as distressing and reprehensible.

The Commissioner for Information, Dotun Oyelade, said the state government was communicating with security agencies, the Imo State Government and NYSC authorities over the incident.

He said Governor Seyi Makinde had directed that all necessary resources be deployed towards securing the victims’ safe return.

“We are fully committed to securing the safe release of our children and will stop at nothing to ensure that they are reunited with their families without harm,” the statement read.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Former Rivers State Governor and African Democratic Congress vice-presidential candidate, Rotimi Amaechi, has said an administration led by Atiku Abubakar would reduce the cost of fuel, transportation and food within its first year in office.

Amaechi made the claim on Friday during an appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today, where he criticised President Bola Tinubu’s economic policies and outlined some of the measures he said the ADC would introduce if elected in 2027.

He attributed the rising cost of living to the removal of petrol and electricity subsidies, saying Nigerians were struggling to afford basic necessities.

“Everybody is suffering, everybody is looking for food to eat. People can’t buy fuel or travel. The airlines are threatening to increase the cost of transportation; everything is skyrocketing,” he said.

Amaechi also criticised the Tinubu administration over electricity supply and said Nigerians were still waiting for improvements promised by the President.

“For Christ’s sake, President Tinubu does not have the right to speak; he doesn’t. He promised power and said if he doesn’t give power, they should not vote for him. Nigerians are waiting to vote him out,” he said.

According to Amaechi, Atiku has pledged to reintroduce subsidy measures as part of his plan to reduce the financial burden on Nigerians.

“Atiku said I should tell you people that he will bring back the subsidy. Tinubu removed subsidy for electricity bill. He said Band A, B and C,” Amaechi said.

He cited the increase in his household electricity bill as an example of the impact of the current tariff structure.

“My house electricity bill was N500,000; now I pay N4 million. Atiku said if he comes, I will go back to N500,000. No more Band A and B because government will subsidise it,” he said.

Amaechi also linked higher food and transportation costs to the removal of petrol subsidy.

“He just held microphone and didn’t care. He just said remove subsidy. Since he removed subsidy, transportation increased, food prices increased, tomatoes, corn, everything,” he said.

He added, “Atiku said he will bring back subsidy. If Atiku brings back subsidy, everything will come down.”

Amaechi clarified that the ADC was proposing a production subsidy rather than a return to the former consumer subsidy arrangement.

“The greatest asset you have is that the presidential candidate has said, I will bring back subsidy. We are not saying we are putting back consumer subsidy. We say we are putting back production subsidy,” he said.

On education, Amaechi claimed that the number of out-of-school children had risen from 12 million to 20 million under the Tinubu administration, while putting the number of illiterate Nigerians at 92 million.

“The number of out-of-school children has risen from 12 million to 20 million under Tinubu,” he said.

He also linked worsening insecurity to difficulties faced by farmers in accessing their farmlands.

“Insecurity also increased. You no even fit go farm, and government doesn’t care,” he said.

Explaining his decision to contest the 2027 election, Amaechi said his motivation was based on his understanding of Nigeria’s challenges.

“I don’t care who else is running. I’m running because I’m a Nigerian candidate. Because I know the Nigerian problem. And I can solve the Nigerian problem,” he said.

He also expressed confidence in the ADC’s chances if the party appears on the ballot in 2027, saying:

“Whether free and fair or not free, if we [ADC] are on the ballot, President Bola Tinubu will lose the election,” Amaechi added.

Amaechi’s comments came on the same day he said he would withdraw from Atiku’s ticket and campaign for Tinubu if petrol falls to N600 per litre, according to Channels Television’s report of the interview.

By Uzair Adam

The Kano State Police Command has reiterated its enforcement of the ban on Durbar, horse-riding, and other animal-riding activities across the state, warning individuals, institutions, and organisations against violating the directive.

The command said the Kano State Government, in consultation with relevant security agencies, kept the restriction in force as part of measures to preserve public peace and maintain security across the state.

Commissioner of Police, Kano State Command, CP Ibrahim Adamu Bakori, said this on Friday, October 2, 2026, during a joint security press briefing at the Bompai Police Headquarters in Kano.

Bakori said security agencies had received reports of possible breaches of the directive, stressing that the security concerns that led to the ban remained unresolved.

“The Kano State Police Command, in conjunction with relevant security agencies in the state, hereby reiterates that these executive security directives regarding the ban on Durbar/horse-riding activities are still in force and binding on all persons in the state, irrespective of status or position,” he said.

The latest directive comes amid renewed controversy over horse-riding activities involving supporters of Kano’s two rival emirate camps.

The state government imposed the restriction after a public procession by the 15th Emir of Kano, Aminu Ado Bayero, on September 27, citing security concerns and the risk of confrontation between supporters of rival camps.

However, on Thursday, October 1, Emir Muhammadu Sanusi II rode on horseback to the Sani Abacha Stadium in Kano to attend the Independence Anniversary celebration, despite the government’s ban on horse-riding.

Horse-riding has traditionally been associated with Kano’s Durbar culture. However, authorities have previously imposed restrictions due to concerns about indiscriminate riding in public places.

In 2020, the Kano Emirate Council announced a ban on indiscriminate horse-riding and unofficial Durbar activities within the metropolis, citing reports of injuries, deaths, property damage and alleged criminal activities involving some riders.

Speaking on the current security situation, Bakori said law enforcement and security agencies’ primary responsibility was to maintain public peace, safety, and order.

He stressed that the authorities would not allow activities capable of undermining public safety, adding that security agencies had agreed on additional measures to ensure proper coordination and coverage.

“For the avoidance of doubt, in order to strengthen security coordination and to ensure proper security coverage, this Joint Security Meeting has resolved” that any person, institution or organisation seeking to undertake any form of Durbar or horse/animal-riding activity in a public place must give at least 72 hours’ prior written notice to the Kano State Police Command.

He explained that the notice must be submitted through the Office of the Commissioner of Police to enable security agencies to conduct the necessary security assessment and make appropriate arrangements for public safety and order.

“All concerned are therefore urged to comply strictly with all lawful security directives and to cooperate with the security agencies,” Bakori said.

The Commissioner assured residents that law enforcement and security agencies remained united and committed to enforcing the law and safeguarding public peace and order across Kano State.

He added that the directive applied to everyone in the state, irrespective of status or position.

By Muhammad Sulaiman

Saudi authorities have denied reports circulating on social media that a suicide bomber was arrested at the Grand Mosque in Mecca.

The Saudi security authorities said a man was arrested after allegedly harassing passersby and causing fear and panic among people at the holy site. He was dealt with immediately, and legal procedures were initiated before the case was referred to the Public Prosecution.

Authorities stressed that there was “no truth” to the claims that the incident involved a suicide bomber or an attempted attack.

The clarification followed the circulation of videos and social media posts alleging that a man wearing an explosive vest had approached the Kaaba before being apprehended by security personnel. Saudi authorities did not provide further details about the arrested man.

The incident highlights the need to verify reports about events at the Grand Mosque with official sources before sharing them on social media.

By Haroon Aremu 

Across the world, nations that once struggled with fragile economies are rewriting their stories through a powerful tool: education. From Southeast Asia to parts of Europe, education is no longer treated merely as a social service but as a strategic economic asset capable of generating national wealth, global influence, and technological advancement. One of the most striking examples is Malaysia.

Over the past three decades, Malaysia has deliberately transformed its education sector into a global export industry by positioning itself as an international education hub. The country now attracts thousands of foreign students from Africa, the Middle East, and Asia. 

Universities are integrated with research, innovation, and industry partnerships, making education both a knowledge enterprise and a revenue-generating sector. Education, in Malaysia’s model, is not just about producing graduates; it is about building a knowledge economy.

Today, international students contribute billions of dollars to Malaysia’s economy annually through tuition, research partnerships, and educational tourism. Countries like Australia, the United Kingdom, and Canada have also built thriving economies around their universities.

But as the world evolves into a digital and artificial intelligence driven era, the very meaning of education itself is undergoing a transformation.

The question then becomes urgent for Nigeria. Are we preparing for the future of education, or are we clinging to an outdated system?

The crumbling pillars of Nigeria’s education system is becoming a reality and more visionable to all. Our education sector, once regarded as one of the strongest in Africa during the 1960s and 1970s, now faces numerous challenges. 

Underfunding, outdated curricula, infrastructure decay, brain drain, and frequent industrial actions have weakened the foundation of tertiary education.

Universities struggle to keep pace with global academic trends, while graduates often emerge with skills misaligned with the demands of the digital economy.

Ironically, Nigeria possesses one of the largest youth populations in the world—an enormous demographic advantage that could power economic growth if properly harnessed through quality education.

Yet, many institutions remain trapped in a rigid academic structure designed for an industrial age rather than the knowledge and innovation economy of the 21st century. 

Artificial Intelligence and the guture of learning is now getting interwoven and there is a rapid growth and development which we must embrace. The rise of AI is rapidly redefining the nature of knowledge acquisition.

Tools such as AI assistants, machine learning platforms, and automated research systems are reshaping how people access and process information. In the near future, many routine intellectual tasks may be handled by intelligent systems, raising a critical question: Will traditional university education remain as relevant as it once was?

Some analysts argue that the future of education will place less emphasis on memorization and rigid academic certification, and more on critical thinking, creativity, innovation, and digital adaptability.

In this new era, literacy may extend beyond simply reading and writing to include digital literacy, algorithmic understanding, and technological fluency.

Education, therefore, must evolve beyond lecture halls into dynamic ecosystems of continuous learning, innovation, and practical problem-solving.

Reimagining education through African roots should be our mission and vision and we have to explore all the crucial features in it. For Africa, the challenge is not only modernization but also identity.

Colonial education systems were largely designed to produce clerks and administrators for imperial bureaucracies. As a result, many African curricula remain detached from indigenous knowledge systems, local realities, and cultural heritage.

A truly transformative education reform must therefore embrace a hybrid approach—one that blends African intellectual traditions with modern technological advancements.

African societies possess rich reservoirs of indigenous knowledge in agriculture, medicine, governance, environmental sustainability, and communal development. Integrating these systems into modern curricula could produce a more holistic and relevant educational model.

Imagine a Nigerian education system where students study artificial intelligence alongside indigenous conflict resolution methods, digital agriculture alongside traditional ecological knowledge, and technological entrepreneurship alongside African philosophy.

Such an approach would not only modernize education but also reclaim intellectual sovereignty.

To the Honourable Minister of Education Dr. Morufu Olatunji Alausa. Think about turning Nigerian education into an economic sector and redeeming the popular image and believe that “school na scam”. We need to redefine this narrative and give it a befitting standards.

If properly restructured, Nigeria’s education sector could become a major economic driver. With over 200 million people and a strategic location in Africa, Nigeria has the potential to attract international students from across the continent. However, this would require serious reforms.

Massive investment in university infrastructure and research, digital transformation of teaching and learning, industry–university collaboration, innovation-driven curricula and academic autonomy and merit-based leadership will be required. 

Nigeria could develop specialized education hubs in areas such as technology, public policy, African studies, renewable energy, and creative industries, attracting students globally.

Such a transformation would position education not just as a pathway to employment, but as a pillar of national development and economic diplomacy.

In a rapidly changing world, education can no longer be confined to the early stages of life. The future belongs to societies that embrace lifelong learning.

As technology continues to evolve, individuals will need to continuously update their skills, adapt to new industries, and navigate emerging knowledge landscapes.

For Nigeria and Africa at large, the challenge is clear: education must evolve from a rigid institutional process into a flexible, lifelong journey of intellectual growth and innovation.

Nigeria stands at a critical crossroads. If the country continues with its current education trajectory, it risks falling further behind in a world driven by knowledge and technology. But if bold reforms are undertaken, the education sector could become one of Nigeria’s most powerful engines of national transformation.

The future of Nigeria’s economy may not lie only beneath its soil in oil reserves, but within its classrooms, laboratories, and digital learning platforms.

Because in the 21st century, knowledge is not merely power it is prosperity.

Haroon Aremu Abiodun is a developmental writer and wrote from Abuja via exponentumera@gmail.com.