Month: February 2025

By Aisar Fagge

The Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council (NERDC) has called for collaboration with the National Universities Commission (NUC) to enhance and streamline educational research efforts in Nigeria.

Speaking during a visit to the NUC headquarters in Abuja on Tuesday, February 25, 2025, NERDC Executive Secretary, Prof. Salisu Shehu, stated that the visit was both a solidarity gesture and an opportunity to explore potential areas of cooperation.

He stated that through collaboration, both organizations could contribute to national development, particularly in research.

Prof. Shehu noted that NERDC’s responsibilities extend beyond coordinating educational research programs in Nigeria.

He noted that the Council also aims to “identify educational problems in Nigeria in which research is needed and then, establish the order of priority therefrom.”

He further stressed the benefits of NERDC’s role as a repository of groundbreaking research in education, adding that such research should influence public policy.

According to him, “by our mandate, NERDC is supposed to serve as a repository of groundbreaking research in education. Such researches are supposed to inform public policies in the education sector through NERDC as the think tank of the Nigeria education. But this mandate has not been fully activated and critical findings from the faculties of education in our ivory towers are not reckoned with in the process of policy formulation in the education sector.

“I believe that, through an effective collaboration, we can harness the efforts of universities in educational research to improve our educational system. NERDC would want to see how we can work with your Commission to get this operational.”

Prof. Shehu also pointed out that NERDC is the only agency under the Federal Ministry of Education with a mandate that spans all levels of the education sector.

He identified curriculum development as another key area for collaboration and advocated for a platform where NERDC could regularly engage with deans of faculties of education and curriculum planners.

He explained that such engagements would better prepare future teachers by exposing them to curriculum frameworks, structures, philosophies, and implementation strategies.

Lamenting the shortage of qualified teachers for some trade areas, he stated that “in-spite of the implementation of the curriculum which began in 2011, we are still faced with the challenge of lack of qualified teachers in some of the trade areas; that we need the universities to fill this gap for the good of the nation. He added that the Council engages Professors as significant resource persons in our curriculum development, and hence, NUC can plan very strategic roles in this regard.”

Furthermore, he disclosed that the NERDC had developed the National Language Policy to preserve and promote Nigerian languages for economic growth and national development.

He also reiterated the need for collaboration between NERDC and NUC to ensure the effective implementation of the policy’s provisions.

In response, NUC Executive Secretary, Prof. Abdullahi Yusufu Ribadu, acknowledged that it would be beneficial between both organizations, particularly in research for national development.

According to Prof. Ribadu, “NUC, NERDC, TETFUND and NRF need to collaborate in the areas of research, share resources, harness ideas together for efficiency in research delivery in order to avoid duplicity of works and waste of scarce resources.”

He also praised NERDC’s contributions to language development and the preservation of indigenous Nigerian languages, noting that such efforts had helped prevent some languages from going extinct.

Prof. Ribadu assured NERDC of NUC’s readiness to collaborate, stating that he had taken note of the concerns raised and that the commission was committed to supporting the Council in the necessary areas of partnership.

The meeting was attended by senior management officials from both NERDC and NUC.

By Sa’adatu Aliyu 

The word ‘craze’ has often veered my mind towards fashion. It’s not uncommon to hear the noise of the latest, let’s say, designer clothing brands or accessories referred to as the “new craze” in town because of how it has people emptying their pockets and savings just to fit in with the vogue purchasing the latest brands.

Well, since cryptocurrency became a household name (to me) at least six years ago, there has been much obsession with it. 

For those who are unfamiliar with it, individuals involved in this believe that it was not merely introduced to benefit a larger segment of the global population, but rather created to empower people to take charge of their assets—in the form of their finances. For instance, the “Democratization of assets” refers to a situation whereby individuals have the authority to control their wealth. These same individuals argue that it decentralises their interactions with banks and similar institutions. 

Given the vocabulary used to explain this, it’s hard to resist. After all, who doesn’t want to grow wealth “fast” and “more”?

As intriguing as this may sound from personal observation and experience, I would argue that this venture has very little to do with what it claims as its intention. At least, its true intentions seem to have been hijacked by unscrupulous individuals who view this as an easy means of facilitating money laundering or engaging in a classic case of robbing Peter to pay Paul. This means rallying the masses to invest in a venture that ultimately benefits the wealthy more than the impoverished, turning a few into the rich while further impoverishing those already in need. This is unmistakably a form of exploitation that the poor will undoubtedly bear the brunt of. Thus, in the spirit of Marxism, I believe this will only exacerbate the imbalance between the rich and the poor in our society, rather than promote financial liberation, at least not for the latter.

This reflects the reality of many instances I have observed. Suppose there is any reward reaped by those who invest time and energy in this. In that case, it is typically only a tiny fraction of people who have succeeded, most likely by promising others definite rewards if they partake in one training or another that offers the secret to unlocking wealth within the crypto venture. For this group, the lies never cease, and for their victims, they cling to the hope that this one more book purchase, class, training, or crypto platform could bring them a step closer to becoming wealthy. 

Consequently, they ensnare people in a cycle of addiction that has driven many to make desperate decisions to “salvage” their so-called wallet or invest further. Among other instances, I have heard of a mother who arranged for the kidnapping of her daughter and used it to solicit donations from the public, which she planned to use to invest in one of these ventures after incurring some losses. 

Another story is of a man who invested all his life’s savings while his family slowly died of hunger. Yet, their breadwinner threw the gospel of their action as driven by a desire to create generational wealth or their long-term investment. This is the habit of a gambler, which inevitably reminds me of the character Isaac Solar in the Telemundo programme Price of Fame, who was a chronic gambler who betrayed his family’s famous Music record label due to his gambling addiction, which eventually led him to the killing of his brother Julio Casear.

So, how is the cryptocurrency scenario any different from gambling–only that it is a digitalised form of gambling that has succeeded in throwing everyone into the loop of addiction? 

Evidently, the actors behind this have tapped into humanity’s psychology regarding the desire for wealth, particularly in our time—it is the new craze of society that we have come to believe can be earned by any means, thereby keeping us on a constant hamster wheel in pursuit of riches. Our attention is drawn to every word, every instance where money is mentioned, casting doubt on its legitimacy. And I could go on. 

So, ultimately, what I set out to say is

People fail to see these mining and crypto-related ventures for what they truly are. To me, they represent another form of gambling, albeit not in the traditional sense we know. Yet, we remain blind to this fact, and even more so, our ears are deafened, as those who have set out to swindle the masses in order to amass wealth for themselves have not only studied the psychology of individuals but have also mastered the art of using language to mislead the world into perceiving this as a reasonable and profitable venture. 

All this does to the poor, however, is rip them of their little savings and, of course, their peace of mind. Many have starved their families just so they could invest in something that yields neither results nor returns; they have gained depression after borrowing and pouring all their life savings into ventures, waiting years for nothing. And let’s not even start with the “it’s a long-term investment” nonsense because that’s rubbish. 

What happens if the investor dies? Can his or her family retrieve the funds? If I need money urgently, can I access my money quickly to address an immediate need? The answer is a definitive no! At least with banks, I can do all of the aforementioned. Therefore, due to the tendency of cryptocurrencies to fluctuate, which keeps you on edge and causes anxiety, I believe banks are more certain alternatives. 

We know for a fact that one of the plagues of the 21st century is the tendency to use language to glamourise the abnormal, turning it into something attractive—the era of double-speak, or what is infamously known as Orwellian language. Where gluttony is called cravings, bleaching is termed toning, being selfish is referred to as self-care, and, of course, in this regard, gambling is portrayed as trading or investment.

Fortunately, few people have gained from these ventures compared to those who spend good time and money but reap nothing over the years. 

It is obvious that after investing, there is no way to retrieve one’s capital in case one no longer finds the venture profitable. It is just dormant, so-called wealth that can’t be retrieved. Let’s not talk about how one’s family cannot retrieve their loved one’s investment after his/her demise. 

It’s sad that many of us have fallen into this trap. Though I’m no Sheikh or Ustaz, whenever I see the craze over cryptocurrency, these are some of the prophets’ sayings that come to my mind.

There is much controversy about the legitimacy of mining or crypto, which is enough reason to avoid it. The prophet SAW has advised us to avoid anything that is ambiguous. 

I come in peace.

 A verse of Allah to reflect upon: 

(2:275) “As for those who devour interest, they behave as the one whom Satan has confounded with his touch. Seized in this state, they say: “Buying and selling is but a kind of interest,” even though Allah has made buying and selling lawful and interest unlawful. Hence, he who receives this admonition from his Lord and then gives up (dealing in interest) may keep his previous gains, and it will be for Allah to judge him. As for those who revert to it, they are the people of the Fire, and in it shall they abide.”

 And the Hadith of the prophet:

Messenger of Allah ﷺ said, “Verily, there is a Fitnah (trial) for every nation, and the trial for my nation (or Ummah) is wealth”. At-Tirmidhi.

Instead of viewing cryptocurrency and its likes as another innovational breakthrough or digital economic revolution, let’s reflect on it from the perspective of the end of times.

Saadatu is a writer and lecturer at the ABU Distance Learning Centre. She can be reached at: Saadatualiyu36@gmail.com

By Maryam Ahmad

Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah has etched his name deeper into Premier League history with a series of record-breaking achievements during the 2024/25 season. This is contained in a statement posted by the Premier League via its official X account. 

Salah has now scored and assisted in 42 Premier League matches, the most by any player in history. He also became the first player to be involved in 40+ goals in two different seasons.

Salah has scored and assisted in 11 league matches this season, more than any other player. His consistent goal-scoring form has seen him rise to 6th place on the all-time Premier League top scorers list. He now ranks as the 10th all-time assist provider in the competition’s history.

Salah’s impact has been particularly significant in away fixtures. He holds the joint record for most away goals in a single Premier League season (16) and most away assists (11). His combined tally of 27 away goals and assists in a season is also unmatched.

Salah has solidified his status at Anfield as a club legend, becoming the fourth player to score 100+ Premier League goals at a single venue. 

Overall, Salah has now contributed to 264 Premier League goals for Liverpool, a feat surpassed by only two players in the club’s history.

In December 2024, Salah played a crucial role in Liverpool’s campaign. He scored 14 league goals—the joint-most by any player in a single month. His seven assists in the same period also equalled the Premier League record.

Furthermore, Salah became the first player in Premier League history to score and assist in both matches against the reigning champions in a season. 

He also set another landmark by reaching double figures for both goals and assists before Christmas, a feat never achieved before.

With these extraordinary milestones, Salah continues to cement his legacy as one of the greatest players the Premier League has ever seen.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has annulled all import declarations made during the implementation of the now-suspended four percent Free-on-Board (FOB) charge on imports.

In a statement released on Monday in Abuja, NCS spokesperson Abdullahi Maiwada confirmed the cancellation, adding that the decision followed the suspension of the charge on February 11.

The FOB charge was previously calculated based on the total value of imported goods, including transportation costs up to the port of loading.

However, the policy faced widespread criticism from industry experts and stakeholders, who warned that it could worsen economic conditions and contribute to inflation.

According to Maiwada, the annulment of these import declarations was necessary to “ensure clarity, maintain consistency in customs operations, and prevent disruptions in the clearance process.”

He added that all affected importers, customs agents, and stakeholders must recapture their declarations to proceed with clearing their goods.

“Affected importers, customs agents, and stakeholders are required to recapture their declarations to proceed with the clearance of their goods,” the statement read.

To facilitate the process, NCS has instructed its commands nationwide to provide necessary assistance and clarifications to importers and agents.

Maiwada noted that the service remains committed to enforcing government fiscal policies under the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023 while maintaining continuous consultation with stakeholders.

He also revealed that the decision aligns with the NCS’s broader objective of improving service delivery and fostering a public-centric approach.

“Under the leadership of Comptroller General Adewale Adeniyi, the service is committed to openness and transparency,” he stated.

Maiwada urged traders to take advantage of this adjustment to avoid delays in clearing their consignments.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has filed a defamation lawsuit against the President of the Nigerian Senate, Godswill Akpabio, demanding N1.3 billion in damages.

The lawsuit, lodged at the Federal Capital Territory High Court on February 25, 2025, also includes Akpabio’s Senior Legislative Aide, Mfon Patrick, as a defendant. 

Akpoti-Uduaghan, represented by her lawyer, Victor Giwa, claims that defamatory remarks made by Akpabio and posted by his aide on Facebook damaged her reputation.

The post, titled “Is the Local Content Committee of the Senate Natasha’s Birthright?” included a statement suggesting Akpoti-Uduaghan believed being a lawmaker was only about “pancaking her face and wearing transparent outfits to the chambers.”

Akpoti-Uduaghan describes the words as degrading, inflammatory, and harmful to her dignity, both in the eyes of her colleagues and the public.

The lawsuit seeks a declaration that the statement is defamatory, a permanent injunction barring further publication of such comments, N100 billion in general damages, and N300 million for legal costs.

By Uzair Adam 

Kano State Government has approved Friday, 28th February 2025, as the official date for the second-term vacation for all day and boarding public and private primary and post-primary schools in the state.  

This was disclosed in a statement issued by Balarabe Abdullahi Kiru, the Director of Public Enlightenment at the State Ministry of Education.  

According to the statement, “Parents and guardians of pupils and students in boarding schools are expected to convey their wards home by the early hours of Friday, 28th February 2025.”  

It further clarified that “boarding school pupils and students are to resume on Sunday, 6th April 2025, while day students are to resume on Monday, 7th April 2025.”  

The statement also quoted the Commissioner for Education, Dr Ali Haruna Abubakar Makoda, urging parents and guardians to comply with the resumption dates.  

“I urge all parents and guardians to adhere strictly to the resumption dates, as any student who fails to comply will face appropriate disciplinary action,” said Makoda.  

The commissioner appreciated the cooperation and support given to the ministry and wished the students and pupils a successful and hitch-free Ramadan holiday.

By Anas Abbas

The United States has unveiled its list of countries eligible for the 2025 Visa Waiver Programme (VWP), notably excluding all African nations except the United Kingdom. 

While the UK retains eligibility under certain conditions, countries like Nigeria, Ghana, and South Africa are excluded from this visa-free travel initiative.

Among the updates, Romania has been welcomed as a new participant in the 2025 VWP, which largely maintains the existing roster of eligible nations. The US government has focused on enhanced security measures and prioritized countries that demonstrate strong diplomatic relationships and robust border security practices in its selection criteria.

The Visa Waiver Programme, as outlined by the US Bureau of Consular Affairs, allows citizens from participating countries to visit the United States for tourism or business purposes for stays of up to 90 days without needing a visa. 

However, travellers must first secure a valid Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) prior to their journey and meet all other stipulated requirements. Those who prefer to have a visitor visa can still apply for one.

The 2025 programme introduces several policy updates regarding eligibility, adjustments to the list of participating countries, and new travel regulations to streamline visa-free entry for millions of travellers globally.

The list of 40 countries whose citizens can travel to the US without a visa under the 2025 VWP includes: Andorra, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Chile, Czech Republic, Croatia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Israel, Japan, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, San Marino, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, and Romania.

By Anwar Usman

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Katsina Command, has killed four suspected terrorists in the Dutsinma Local Government Area of the state.

This was confirmed in a statement released by the command’s Public Relations Officer, SC Buhari Hamisu, on Monday, stating that two separate attacks were foiled.

According to him, operatives repelled an attack by suspected armed bandits who stormed the permanent site of the Federal University Dutsinma on February 21.

“The gallant men of the NSCDC attached to the university successfully neutralized three criminals, including the notorious Ayuba Buzaru, who stormed the institution using it as their route”.

The spokesperson further revealed that the team also rescued three kidnapped victims and recovered some rustled goats.

He added that NSCDC personnel, in a joint operation with the police, repelled another attack on Sunday, February 23, at the Federal Government Special Grains Reserve (Silo) in Darawa.

NAN reports that the bodies of the suspected criminals had been deposited at General Hospital Dutsinma.

“The armed bandits have been attempting to attack the silo, which stores grains distributed to people in Katsina, Zamfara, and Sokoto,” he added.

The corps personnel also dispersed another group of suspected armed bandits at Gago Village, near Isah Kaita College of Education in Dutsinma.

“The command remains dedicated to promoting safety and security for the people of the state and Nigeria as a whole while protecting critical national assets and infrastructure,” he said.

By Jamil Jetta

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has noted the recent decamping of some of its stakeholders in Kaduna State to the All Progressives Congress (APC). While this move has been long anticipated, it comes as no surprise given the lack of credibility, political momentum, and true patriotic zeal exhibited by these individuals in their various constituencies. It is remarkable to understand that some of the decampees have left the Party since 2024.What happened was just a political Circus show put forward by the APC to mask its dwindling fortunes.

The PDP remains unshaken by this development, as the party continues to enjoy the unwavering support of the majority of the people of Kaduna State who recognize its commitment to good governance, national unity, and sustainable development. The decamping of these individuals, many of whom have struggled to maintain relevance in their political careers, only reinforces the PDP’s position as the party of choice for the people of Kaduna State who value integrity and progress.

For those decamping from Southern Kaduna, it is important to remind them that the zone has always been a traditional PDP stronghold. Their departure will not alter the fact that the PDP remains the preferred party of the people in this Zone.The voters of Southern Kaduna are politically astute and have consistently demonstrated their loyalty to the PDP, a trend that will continue in future elections.

To those decamping from other Senatorial Zones, the PDP wishes to remind them that the political opportunities they have enjoyed were made possible by the party. Without the platform provided by the PDP, many of these individuals would not have attained the positions they hold today. Their decision to abandon the party that nurtured their political careers is a testament to their lack of gratitude and foresight.

The PDP reiterates that politics is ultimately a game of numbers, and the majority of actual voters remain loyal to the party. These voters, who are the backbone of Kaduna State’s democracy, have consistently voted along the lines of integrity, development, and good governance – values that the PDP embodies. The decamping of a few individuals will not sway the resolve of the millions of Nigerians who continue to stand with the PDP.

The PDP remains committed to its mission of delivering a brighter future for all the people of Kaduna. The party is confident that its track record of achievements and its vision for a better Nigeria will continue to resonate with the electorate. As we approach future elections, the PDP is more determined than ever to consolidate its support base and emerge victorious.

The PDP urges its members and supporters across the country to remain steadfast and focused. The party’s strength lies in its people, and together, we will continue to champion the cause of democracy and development in Nigeria.

Piquantly,the People Democratic Party (PDP) is one of Nigeria’s leading political parties, committed to promoting democracy, good governance, and sustainable development. With a rich history of achievements and a vision for a better Nigeria, the PDP remains the party of choice for millions of Nigerians.

Honorable Jamil Shuaib Jetta, a former aspirant for the Kaduna State House of Assembly, wrote in from Kaduna and can be reached via jamilshuaib57@gmail.com.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

Ugandan police are investigating the tragic death of Nigerian footballer Abubakar Lawal, who fell from the third floor of Voicemall Shopping Arcade in Kampala early Monday.

The 29-year-old striker, who played for local club Vipers, had been visiting a Tanzanian friend residing in one of the mall’s apartments. According to the friend, she left Lawal alone shortly before the incident occurred.

Authorities are reviewing CCTV footage and conducting interrogations to determine the cause of the fall.

The Vipers Sports Club issued a statement expressing their grief, saying: “We are deeply saddened to announce the sudden and untimely passing of our beloved player, Abubakar Lawal.

Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, fans, friends, and loved ones during this difficult time.”

Lawal joined Vipers in July 2022 after two years with AS Kigali in Rwanda.