News

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 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 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.

By Hadiza Abdulkadir

Young education advocate Zuriel Oduwole has been nominated for the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize for her efforts to promote girls’ education worldwide. 

The 22-year-old filmmaker and activist has spent over a decade championing access to education, meeting with world leaders to push for policies that keep girls in school.

Oduwole, who was born in the United States to Nigerian and Mauritian parents, began her advocacy at the age of 10 through documentary filmmaking. 

Oduwole’s work has influenced discussions on education policy and earned her numerous accolades, including the Forbes Woman Africa Young Achiever Award.

While the Nobel Committee does not disclose nominations, news of Oduwole’s recognition has sparked widespread praise. If she wins, she would become one of the youngest recipients of the prestigious award. 

The 2025 Nobel Peace Prize laureate will be announced in October, and the official ceremony will be held in December in Oslo, Norway.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

The Federal University Dutsinma (FUDMA) in Katsina State has been closed following violent protests by students over the alleged killing of one of their colleagues.

Reports indicate that two students were shot by members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) operating in the area.

It was claimed that the CJTF members mistakenly shot the students, believing they were bandits’ informants.

One student died on the spot, while the other was injured and has since received medical attention.

In response to the incident, students took to the streets of Dutsinma, protesting violently. They blocked roads, set tyres on fire, and vandalized property.

The protests escalated, reaching the Dutsin-Ma–Katsina highway, where the students clashed with security forces.

Military and police personnel arrived to restore order, using a diplomatic approach to calm the situation without resorting to force.

The university’s Senate announced the closure of the institution, with students directed to go on a one-week mid-semester break starting from Monday, February 24, 2025.

The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Armaya’u Hamisu Bichi, urged students to vacate the campus by 6:00 p.m. the same day.

The Katsina State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abubakar Sadiq, confirmed the incident, stating that an official statement would be issued soon.