UNILAG Professor Develops Patented Nanotech Coatings to Tackle Lead Risks in Paint

A University of Lagos professor has developed patented bio-based coating solutions using nanotechnology, opening a new research pathway for addressing health and environmental concerns linked to lead in paints while improving protection against microbial deterioration.

Prof. Olayide Obidi, Head of the Department of Microbiology at the University of Lagos, presented the work during her inaugural lecture, titled “From Micro to Nano: The Colourful Voyage of an Industrial Microbiologist,” at the Ade Ajayi Auditorium, UNILAG campus, Lagos, on Wednesday.

Obidi’s interest in paint research grew from her examination of challenges within Nigeria’s paint industry, including the use of lead to extend the shelf life of paints. She described lead as a cumulative neurotoxin associated with serious health consequences such as developmental problems, organ failure and death.

Her research subsequently introduced nanomaterials into the Nigerian paint industry. A comparative evaluation of conventional biocides and green-synthesised nanoparticles for microbial inhibition showed significant improvement in controlling paint microflora through nanotechnology.

“We have successfully produced the first bio-based solutions for coatings. These have been patented and are ready to be commercialised,” Obidi said.

The professor used the lecture to make a case for stronger links between universities and industry. She argued that scientific discoveries should progress beyond academic laboratories and become products and services capable of solving societal problems.

“There is a need to bridge the ever-widening gap between academia and industry. Therefore, research should not end in the laboratory. It should be commercialised and beneficial to humanity,” she said.

She also called for well-equipped laboratories to support innovative and groundbreaking research, alongside increased investment in protective nanocoatings technology.

According to Obidi, government, research councils and regional development agencies should align their efforts with technological research, while relevant stakeholders provide the financial and institutional backing required to move nanocoating technology into commercial production.

She said commercialising the patented solutions could strengthen Nigeria’s paint industry, provide safer alternatives and promote technological development in the country.

The wider scope of Obidi’s scientific work was highlighted by the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Lagos, Prof. Folasade Ogunsola, who described the lecture as a thought-provoking account of the progression of scientific inquiry from microbiology to materials science and nanotechnology.

Ogunsola said Obidi’s research had advanced understanding of paint spoilage, microbial deterioration and shelf life, particularly in relation to the growing use of water-based formulations.

Although water-based paints have environmental advantages over solvent-based formulations because of concerns about volatile organic compounds, their aqueous nature can make them more vulnerable to microbial attack. Ogunsola said this challenge provided an important basis for Obidi’s investigation of safer and more sustainable solutions.

The professor’s research has also extended into the marine sector, where she examined the effects of biofilms on hydrodynamics and the use of antifouling agents. Her work on industrial effluents, meanwhile, demonstrated the potential of biosynthesised nanoparticles for removing heavy metals.

Ogunsola described the movement of some of Obidi’s findings from laboratory research towards practical application, including patents arising from the work, as significant contributions to industrial development.

She also recognised Obidi’s contributions to teaching and student supervision and commended her establishment of the Society for Girls STEM Education, which encourages young girls to pursue opportunities in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

“Today’s inaugural lecture has offered us more than an account of scientific discoveries. It has shown us the possibilities that arise when research is connected to industry, environmental concerns, and the needs of society,” Ogunsola said.

She congratulated Obidi on what she described as an informative and excellent inaugural lecture, adding that the professor had made significant contributions to the Faculty of Life Sciences and the University of Lagos.

Obidi’s work demonstrates how research rooted in Nigeria’s own industrial challenges can produce technologies with wider applications. With the bio-based coatings already patented, the research now presents an opportunity to connect university innovation with industry and develop locally created solutions for safer and more sustainable paint production.

Burna Boy Hits 4 Billion YouTube Views, Sets New Record for Nigerian Music

A decade-plus into a career that has taken Nigerian music to some of the world’s biggest stages, Burna Boy has added another remarkable figure to his growing list of achievements: more than 4 billion views on YouTube.

The Grammy-winning Nigerian artiste has reportedly become the first Nigerian and the first artiste from Sub-Saharan Africa to cross the 4 billion total-view mark on the video-sharing platform.

The figure represents the combined views of videos published on Burna Boy’s official YouTube channel, where his music continues to draw audiences from Nigeria, Africa and markets around the world.

It is a milestone built over years of consistent global attention to his catalogue. Songs including “Ye,” “On The Low,” “Last Last” and “For My Hand” have each attracted millions of views, contributing to the enormous audience his music has developed on YouTube.

The significance of the latest achievement becomes clearer when measured against where Burna Boy was only a few years ago.

In 2021, he reportedly became the first Nigerian artiste to surpass 1 billion total views on YouTube. Five years later, that figure has grown to more than four times its previous level, underscoring the remarkable staying power of his music and the expanding international audience for Afrobeats.

The development also adds another digital landmark to Burna Boy’s already extensive record of achievements on the platform.

His rise further mirrors the international growth of Nigerian music, with Afrobeats increasingly finding audiences far beyond its traditional home. Burna Boy has been one of the artistes at the centre of that expansion, building a career that has turned Nigerian sounds into a major part of the global music conversation.

Crossing 4 billion YouTube views therefore goes beyond another impressive streaming statistic but another measure of how far a Nigerian artiste can now take a homegrown sound and how large the audience waiting for it has become.

Burna Boy latest record further strengthens his position as one of Africa’s most successful music artistes and places another historic figure beside the many milestones that have defined his career.

Nigerian-Born Dr. Gideon Christian Named Among Canada’s 25 Most Influential Lawyers for 2026

Nigerian-born Dr. Gideon Christian has been named one of Canada’s 25 Most Influential Lawyers for 2026 by Canadian Lawyer, earning recognition for his work at the intersection of artificial intelligence, law, racial justice and human rights.

Christian, an Associate Professor and Research Chair in AI and Law at the University of Calgary, was selected in the Human Rights, Advocacy and Criminal category alongside some of Canada’s leading lawyers, judges, academics and advocates.

Canadian Lawyer described him as “a trailblazer in the intersection of law and artificial intelligence,” a recognition that reflects his growing influence in the debate over how emerging technologies should be developed and governed.

A major focus of Christian’s research is AI bias against Black communities. His work examines how automated systems can reproduce existing inequalities and raises important questions about fairness, accountability and the protection of human rights as AI becomes increasingly embedded in everyday decision-making.

The issue has become particularly urgent as adoption of the technology accelerates across Canada. Canadian Lawyer’s 2026 report found that 69 per cent of Canadian legal professionals now personally use generative AI, more than twice the rate recorded a year earlier. AI adoption among Canadian law firms rose from 28 per cent in 2025 to 41 per cent in 2026, while corporate legal departments increased from 23 per cent to 47 per cent.

The rapid expansion has created a new challenge for the legal profession: ensuring that efficiency and innovation do not come at the expense of fairness and human judgment.

Christian has positioned his scholarship squarely within that challenge, examining the legal consequences of AI systems and the risks they pose to communities that have historically experienced discrimination.

Reacting to his recognition, Christian said the honour was particularly meaningful because of the work he has pursued across law, technology, racial justice and human rights. He said he remained committed to ensuring that AI technologies advance rather than undermine the values of equality and justice.

He also thanked Canadian Lawyer Magazine and its Editorial Board for the recognition, while expressing his determination to continue the work ahead.

His selection followed the 17th annual Canadian Lawyer Top 25 Most Influential Lawyers process, which attracted 451 submissions and 121 qualifying nominees. A total of 17,862 reader votes contributed to the selection before the publication’s Editorial Board chose the final 25 winners across five categories.

The publication says influence was assessed by the extent to which nominees had shaped the legal system through litigation, policy and legislative change, institutional leadership, mentorship or public advocacy, rather than through seniority or title alone.

Christian was one of five lawyers selected in the Human Rights, Advocacy and Criminal category. The other honourees were Elizabeth Bowker, Michael Rosenberg, Muneeza Sheikh and Stephanie Willsey.

Born in Nigeria and now established as a leading academic voice in Canada’s emerging AI-law field, Christian has built a body of work examining how technological advancement can be reconciled with equality and human rights.

His inclusion among Canada’s 25 Most Influential Lawyers for 2026 marks a significant recognition of that work and places his research on AI, racial bias and human rights among the legal issues shaping Canada’s next chapter.

Nigeria to Develop Homegrown Ranking System for Tertiary Institutions

Nigeria is set to develop a homegrown ranking system for tertiary institutions, with the Federal Government moving to establish a framework covering universities, polytechnics and colleges of education.

Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, disclosed this on Tuesday after meeting with the Nigerian University Ranking Advisory Committee (NURAC) and the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund). The announcement came shortly after the Times Higher Education (THE) 2026 rankings featured 24 Nigerian universities.

Alausa said international rankings remain important, but Nigeria needs a system that reflects its educational environment and national priorities.

“For years, we have looked to international rankings to tell us how our universities are performing. These rankings are important, but we also need a system that understands our own institutions, our environment and our priorities. That is what we are building,” he said.

The expanded framework will bring polytechnics and colleges of education into the national ranking exercise. NURAC will consequently become the Nigerian Tertiary Education Ranking Advisory Committee (NTERAC).

The committee will help institutional leaders understand ranking methodologies, data requirements and performance standards, while encouraging continuous improvement across the sector.

The framework will be integrated into the Nigeria Education Data Initiative (NEDI), creating a centralised database for institutional performance. Alausa said improved data collection and reporting would help more Nigerian universities compete for recognition in global rankings, including Times Higher Education.

“By improving how we collect, report and use institutional data, we can support more Nigerian universities to compete for recognition on global ranking systems such as Times Higher Education and others,” he said.

The minister commended the committee, led by Prof. Peter Okebukola, and TETFund for their contributions.

Participation in the national ranking exercise will be compulsory for all public and private tertiary institutions. Alausa urged vice-chancellors, rectors and provosts to cooperate, describing the initiative as part of efforts to raise academic standards and strengthen institutional competitiveness.

“Why shouldn’t Nigeria have the Oxfords and Cambridges of Africa? We have the talent. We have the institutions. Now, we must continue to raise the standard,” he said.

The move comes as the Federal Government reports more than N1 trillion invested in higher education over the past two years.

The spending includes N250 billion for new student hostels, more than N150 billion for rehabilitating hostels, classrooms and engineering workshops, over N130 billion for medical school upgrades, N52 billion for modern equipment in 18 medical schools, nearly N30 billion for 11 medical simulation laboratories, and about N110 billion for engineering workshops and equipment in universities and polytechnics.

The ranking reform also follows the launch of the “Hire from Nigeria” campaign, which seeks to connect Nigerian talent with global employers and create one million export-linked jobs within five years.

The programme, built around demand, supply and strategic partnerships, aims to position Nigeria as a leading hub for talent and service exports while allowing skilled Nigerians to work for international employers from within the country.

The move gives Nigeria an opportunity to judge its tertiary institutions by standards that speak directly to the country’s own needs, while still preparing them for scrutiny beyond its shores. With every public and private institution required to participate, the real test will be whether the new system produces reliable data, encourages genuine improvement and helps Nigeria build the world-class institutions its talent base deserves.

Nigeria’s Swimmers Return from Dakar with 35 Medals

Nigeria’s swimmers have posted their strongest Africa Zone 2 Swimming Championships result in more than a decade, winning 35 medals at the 2026 edition in Dakar, Senegal.

The team finished with 17 gold, 14 silver and four bronze medals from individual and relay events, giving the Nigeria Aquatics Federation (NAqF) a result it regards as a marker of the steady work being done to raise the standard of swimming in the country.

Both the junior and senior swimmers contributed to the medal tally, with coaches and technical officials also receiving commendation from the federation for their roles throughout the continental zonal competition.

NAqF President, Lekan Fatodu, said the performance was a source of pride for Nigeria and credited the athletes and support team for the outcome.

“The performance of our swimmers in Dakar is a thing of great pride for Nigeria. Winning 35 medals, including 17 gold medals, is a significant achievement and one that shows the commitment and hard work of our athletes, coaches and the entire technical crew,” Fatodu said.

The junior swimmers have another test ahead of them in the same city. Dakar will host the 2026 Youth Olympic Games from October 30 to November 13, and Fatodu said their showing at the Zone 2 championships offered the federation a useful measure of their current level.

The Dakar competition has therefore served two purposes for NAqF: competition at senior and junior levels and an assessment of the younger swimmers ahead of the Youth Olympic Games and other international meets.

Fatodu said the federation would maintain its development programmes, improve the preparation of its athletes and provide more opportunities for Nigerian swimmers to compete at the highest level.

The federation is also working towards a deeper pool of talent rather than relying on a handful of established swimmers. Its stated aim is to develop a strong pipeline capable of producing athletes who can hold their own at African and global competitions.

The 35 medals in Dakar give Nigeria’s swimming programme a strong platform to build on. With the Youth Olympic Games approaching and more international competitions ahead, the focus now is on turning this performance into sustained progress and producing a new generation of Nigerian swimmers ready to compete at the highest level.

Nigeria’s Cooking Gas Supply Hits 13-Month High as Domestic Sources Dominate

Nigeria’s liquefied petroleum gas market closed July 2026 with its strongest supply performance in 13 months, even as consumers continue to pay above the price level that regulators had envisaged for cooking gas.

Data from the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority showed that LPG supply reached 5,332 tonnes per day in July, up from 5,100 tonnes per day in June. It was the highest daily supply recorded in the 13-month period covered by the NMDPRA’s midstream and downstream statistics.

The figures also reveal a growing reliance on domestic sources. Local producers supplied 4,373 tonnes per day, representing about 82 per cent of the total July volume, while imports contributed 959 tonnes per day, or 18 per cent.

NLNG/SEPNU accounted for the largest share of the supply, delivering 2,031 tonnes per day through vessels, equivalent to about 38 per cent of total LPG supply during the month. Other processing plants supplied 1,513 tonnes per day through trucks, while the Dangote Petroleum Refinery contributed 829 tonnes per day.

The latest performance caps a year of considerable movement in Nigeria’s LPG supply. The country recorded 4,500 tonnes per day in July 2025, rising to 5,000 tonnes in August before falling to 3,900 tonnes in September. Supply recovered to 4,500 tonnes in October, reached 5,000 tonnes in November and climbed to 5,200 tonnes in December.

January 2026 opened at 5,100 tonnes per day, but supply fell to 4,700 tonnes in February and remained at that level in March. It declined again to 4,500 tonnes in April and 4,100 tonnes in May, before recovering to 5,100 tonnes in June and finally reaching 5,332 tonnes in July.

Despite the stronger supply position, the improvement has not yet brought cooking gas prices below N1,000 per kilogramme. Prices, which surged to as much as N2,400 per kilogramme in May, have since dropped to between N1,300 and N1,600 per kilogramme, depending on location.

The wide difference between supply prices and retail costs has also placed attention on the distribution chain.  

The July figures therefore present a stronger supply picture for Nigeria’s LPG market, with domestic sources now providing the clear majority of available cooking gas. The unresolved issue is whether that supply growth can eventually translate into lower prices for households, particularly as regulators work to address the distortions identified in the distribution chain.

Nine-Year-Old Nigerian Girl Takes Her Mathematics Lessons to TikTok

For Charlotte Muritala, a whiteboard, marker and smartphone are enough to turn a difficult mathematics question into a lesson for other children.

The nine-year-old JSS2 student from Offa, Kwara State, has attracted attention on TikTok for using the platform to teach mathematics, sharing lessons on subjects such as algebra, fractions and lowest common multiple.

Her approach is straightforward: take a complicated problem apart, deal with each section and work towards the answer one step at a time.

“First, I like breaking them into small part. That makes it easier for me. So I break it into small part, then I solve it,” Charlotte said during an interview with Channels Television on Monday.

The method is also what she relies on when she encounters questions she cannot immediately solve.

“Once I start solving the hard problem, if I am not getting it, I will go and choose the best method and start solving it step by step,” she said.

Charlotte’s interest in numbers began when she was about five years old. What started as a childhood fascination has grown into a strong academic interest and, now, a way of helping other young learners.

“I started liking mathematics since when I was small. I love mathematics because I enjoy numbers,” she said.

She does not regard the subject as something to fear.

“Mathematics is fun for me. Some questions are hard, but I like solving them,” Charlotte said.

Her mother has played an important role in taking that enthusiasm beyond school. Charlotte said her mother created another platform where she could share her knowledge with other children.

“My mum created another platform for me to share what I know to other children. I feel very happy and proud of myself,” she said.

At home, her father said, the commitment is evident in how much time Charlotte devotes to reading and learning.

“She’s always with mathematics. Every time, she’s always learning, reading every time,” he said.

Her academic focus has not changed the fact that she is still a child. Her father noted that Charlotte plays like other children her age, even though she takes her studies seriously.

“So she’s a child and she’s still nine years old. Sometimes she plays, but when it comes to reading, she doesn’t joke with it,” he said.

Her mathematics teacher has also recognised her ability, describing Charlotte as “a brilliant and erudite student” and pointing to her exceptional skills in mathematics.

According to the teacher, Charlotte’s willingness to tackle mathematical problems is one of the qualities that distinguishes her in the classroom.

“She has passion for solving mathematical problems. In all, she is an excellent and outstanding student,” the teacher said.

The teacher believes children who demonstrate exceptional academic ability should be given the resources to develop their potential, including qualified teachers, scholarships and adequate funding.

“If you want students to have interest in mathematics, secure the services of qualified teachers, give them scholarships and proper funding,” the teacher said.

Charlotte has been described in some circles as a “maths genius” because of her online lessons and ability to explain mathematical concepts. However, that remains a media or social-media label, not a formally established assessment of her abilities.

For children who struggle with mathematics, Charlotte's own experience offers a simple lesson: difficulty should not be mistaken for defeat.

“My advice to them is to never give up. They should keep practising every day and don’t be afraid of mistakes,” she said.

At nine, Charlotte is already using something she enjoys to help other children learn, a small but striking example of how talent, encouragement and access to simple digital tools can open new possibilities for young Nigerians.

Jamiu Adeniji Dominates Ikorodu Boxing Championship, Named Best Boxer

Jamiu Adeniji has emerged as the standout performer at the Lagos Boxing Hall of Fame (LBHF) Ibile Divisional Championships in Ikorodu after delivering a commanding 5–0 victory in the men’s 50kg category.

Representing Agboyi Ketu LCDA, Adeniji faced Wahab Adiat of Ikorodu West LCDA at the Ikorodu Town Hall and controlled the contest from the opening round. His sharp jabs, well-timed uppercuts and sustained pressure left the judges with little doubt, resulting in a unanimous 5–0 decision in his favour.

The impressive victory earned Adeniji the Boxer of the Tournament award, marking him out as one of the competition’s leading young talents.

The promising fighter said the recognition has strengthened his determination to take his boxing career further, with a place in Nigeria’s national team and international competition among his ambitions.

“I am so excited to be named the best boxer. I know I can do more, and I hope with this kind of performance I can work my way into the national team and represent Nigeria in international tournaments,” he said.

Adeniji also praised the organisers and said he hoped to maintain his form ahead of the end-of-year tournament.

The Ikorodu event, held over the weekend, featured 10 bouts and was organised by the Lagos Boxing Hall of Fame in partnership with the Lagos Amateur Boxing Association. Two bouts ended in draws.

The championship is part of the LBHF’s grassroots amateur boxing programme, which was established in July 2009 and has continued with the vision and support of former Minister of Finance Wale Edun. Over the years, the initiative has provided a platform for young boxers across Lagos to develop their skills and compete at a higher level.

LBHF Director David Mohammed said the turnout in Ikorodu showed that the Ibile format was gaining stronger public interest across Lagos.

“We are happy that the Ibile format is pulling crowds and attracting interest across the five divisional areas of Lagos,” Mohammed said.

He expressed optimism that the grand finale later in the year would be more competitive and glamorous, adding that the quality of performances recorded so far could help several of the boxers earn opportunities with Nigeria’s national teams.

The competition featured fighters from Ikorodu Local Council, Ikorodu North LCDA, Ikorodu West LCDA, Igbogbo/Bayeku LCDA, Ijede LCDA, Ketu Agboyi, Ikosi Isheri and Imota LCDA.

The women’s division produced its own notable performances. Aishat Yisa of Ikorodu North LCDA defeated Abisola Agbolade, also representing Ikorodu North LCDA, 4–1 in the 50kg category. In the 54kg class, Oyindamola Kuseju of Ikorodu LGA defeated Basirat Kelani of Ijede LCDA by the same 4–1 margin.

Among the other men’s results, Kolade Ojo of Ikorodu North LCDA defeated Akinola Akingbade of Agboyi Ketu 5–0 in the 55kg category.

Shazilly Hamzat of Ikorodu West LCDA secured a narrow 3–2 victory over Waris Sanusi of Ikosi Isheri LCDA in the 60kg category, while Kingsley Gabriel of Ikorodu North LCDA also won 3–2 against Folagbade Ademola of Ikosi Isheri LCDA in the 65kg class.

With the LBHF programme building towards its grand finale later this year, Adeniji now has an early opportunity to turn his Ikorodu triumph into a bigger breakthrough on the Nigerian boxing scene.

Nigeria’s Private Sector Growth Hits 29-Month High as PMI Climbs to 54.3

Nigeria’s private sector recorded its strongest improvement in business conditions in 29 months in August 2026, as stronger customer demand, rising new orders and increased output lifted the Stanbic IBTC Bank Nigeria Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) to 54.3 points.

The latest PMI report, published on Tuesday, showed an increase from 52.5 points in July. The August reading was the joint-highest in just over two-and-a-half years, matching the level recorded in March 2025.

It also extended the expansion in business conditions to seven consecutive months. A PMI reading above 50 indicates an improvement from the preceding month, while a reading below 50 signals deterioration.

The survey, compiled by S&P Global and endorsed and adopted by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), was based on data collected between August 12 and 26.

New orders provided the biggest boost to August’s performance, increasing at their fastest pace since the beginning of 2024. Companies linked the stronger demand to improved customer interest and the launch of new products, while better availability of materials helped firms respond by increasing business activity at a much faster pace than in July.

Output also maintained its long-running growth streak, expanding for the 21st consecutive month. All four sectors covered by the survey recorded higher output, with agriculture and manufacturing posting particularly strong increases.

The rise in demand prompted companies to increase their purchasing activity at the fastest rate since November 2025. Inventory accumulation also reached a nine-month high as firms prepared to meet business requirements.

Employment increased for the 15th consecutive month, although hiring remained modest compared with the growth recorded in orders and output. Wholesale and retail businesses reduced their workforce, while employment increased in the other sectors surveyed.

At the same time, companies reduced their backlogs of unfinished work for the first time in seven months, indicating that firms were able to work through outstanding orders despite the stronger inflow of new business.

Muyiwa Oni, Head of Equity Research West Africa at Stanbic IBTC Bank, said the August result reflected continued expansion across Nigeria’s private sector.

“Private sector activity in Nigeria was in an expansionary territory for the seventh consecutive month, rising to 54.3 points in August from 52.5 points recorded in July,” Oni said.

Businesses remained positive about their prospects over the coming year, with plans to recruit workers, enter new locations, increase exports and attract more customers. However, overall confidence about future output fell to a three-month low.

The stronger activity was accompanied by higher input costs. Purchase cost inflation accelerated in August as businesses faced increases in fuel, transportation and raw-material prices, although the rate remained below its 2026 average.

Staff cost inflation eased to a nine-month low, but companies still passed part of their higher expenses on to customers, pushing selling price inflation higher. Agriculture recorded the fastest increase in charges among the sectors covered by the survey.

Oni also pointed to renewed pressure from food prices. Food inflation rose to 20.31% year-on-year in July from 17.52% in June, even as headline inflation declined from 15.91% to 15.43%.

Stanbic IBTC said PMI readings recorded so far in the third quarter point to stronger economic activity and could support GDP growth of 4.1% in 2026.

The bank expects the non-oil sector to grow by 4.11% this year, compared with 3.71% in 2025, while oil-sector growth is projected to slow to 3.45% from 8.50%.

Manufacturing is expected to receive the strongest growth boost, partly because of a low statistical base in 2025. ICT, trade, real estate, finance and insurance are expected to remain major contributors to services-sector growth.

The PMI figures come shortly after the National Bureau of Statistics reported that Nigeria’s GDP grew by 4.43% year-on-year in real terms in the second quarter of 2026, compared with 4.23% in Q2 2025.

The 4.43% growth represents a 0.20 percentage-point improvement from a year earlier, with agriculture and services providing stronger support to the economy. Industrial-sector growth, however, slowed significantly compared with the same period in 2025.

The August PMI therefore points to a Nigerian business environment that is gaining strength, with rising orders and sustained output growth supporting activity even as companies continue to navigate higher operating and food costs.

Nigeria Turns Its Skilled Workforce Into a Global Export Opportunity With “Hire from Nigeria” Campaign

Nigeria is opening another front in its push to earn from the global economy, this time by taking its skilled workforce to international markets.

The Federal Government has launched the “Hire from Nigeria” campaign, a national effort to connect Nigerian professionals with employers and clients around the world while enabling them to work from home.

The target is one million export-linked jobs within five years. Beyond employment, the government expects the initiative to attract foreign exchange, increase tax revenues and strengthen Nigeria’s presence in the global market for talent and services.

Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, announced the campaign on Monday at a news conference in Abuja, describing Nigerian talent as a resource capable of competing far beyond the country’s borders.

“With the right skills, infrastructure, professional standards, and access to markets, Nigerians can live and work and earn here at home, while providing valuable services to clients and employers worldwide,” Idris said.

“The world should look to Nigeria,” he added.

The scale of the opportunity is reflected in the demand for skilled workers abroad. Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, cited 2025 UNESCO data showing approximately 2.3 million vacancies globally across seven technology-related fields.

Nigeria is now working to ensure that more of its young people are equipped to take up a share of those opportunities.

Alausa said 35,000 Nigerians will undergo six months of training through the Digital Technology Academy. The Federal Government is funding international certifications through Coursera, AWS, Microsoft and Huawei, among other platforms, and has already purchased the necessary licences for the training and certification programmes.

The initiative also draws on the 3 Million Technical Talent programme and the Digital Technology Academy to build a workforce with skills that meet industry requirements and international standards.

For the government, the objective is not another wave of emigration. The idea is to give Nigerians access to international jobs without requiring them to relocate.

That could allow a Nigerian professional to serve a company in another country, earn from an overseas client and continue living and working in Nigeria.

Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, sees the campaign as part of a shift in the country’s export strategy.

Nigeria’s exports have traditionally been associated with oil and physical commodities. The government is now placing skills and digital services alongside those conventional exports, treating the knowledge and expertise of Nigerians as economic assets that can be sold across borders.

The framework brings together the Federal Ministries of Industry and Education, the National Talent Export Programme, the Bank of Industry’s iDICE programme, as well as domestic and international private-sector partners.

“Hire from Nigeria” is an attempt to turn human capability into a sustained source of economic value, allowing international businesses to tap Nigerian expertise while more of the resulting income remains within the country.

Nigerian Scholar Leo Igwe Makes History as First Nigerian Elected Vice-President of Humanists International

Nigeria has secured a new place on the global humanist stage with the election of scholar and rights advocate Dr Leo Igwe as Vice-President of Humanists International.

The appointment makes Igwe the first Nigerian and only the second African in the organisation’s history to rise to the position, following the tenure of Ghanaian humanist Roslyn Mould, whom he succeeds.

Igwe’s election took place during the Humanists International World Congress and General Assembly in Ottawa, Canada, held from August 7 to 9, 2026.

For a Nigerian who has spent more than two decades challenging harmful beliefs and defending vulnerable people, the international recognition represents another major chapter in a career built around advocacy, scholarship and the promotion of reason.

Igwe is the Director of Advocacy for Alleged Witches (AFAW) and founder and chair of the Humanist Association of Nigeria. He is also widely known as a scholar of religion and a strong advocate for critical thinking, secular ethics and the protection of people exposed to abuses linked to religious practices and superstition.

His advocacy has taken him across Nigeria and beyond its borders, with much of his work centred on witchcraft accusations, religious extremism and other forms of abuse associated with superstition.

Through these efforts, he has promoted human rights, freedom of thought, evidence-based approaches to social problems and the use of reason in confronting practices that place vulnerable people at risk.

Taking on the new international role, Igwe said he would focus strongly on the challenge posed by religious nationalism and extremism while advancing humanist alternatives.

“As the Vice President I will relentlessly work to ensure that Humanists International effectively addresses the threat of religious nationalism and extremism and provides a robust alternative to dogmatic religions and supernatural faiths to all who subscribe to humanist values, ethics and cosmology around the globe,” he said.

Founded in 1952, Humanists International is a global umbrella organisation representing humanists, atheists and agnostics. It works to create a community for people who seek to live happily, ethically and responsibly without religion or belief in a deity.

Igwe’s emergence adds a Nigerian voice to the organisation’s international leadership at a time when African humanists are making a growing contribution to the global movement.

Organisers described the election as a milestone for African humanism, underscoring the increasing role of African advocates in shaping conversations around human rights, freedom of thought, ethics and reason on the global stage.

For Nigeria, Igwe’s elevation is another example of a Nigerian professional taking an advocacy built at home to an international platform and emerging with a leadership mandate.

Nigeria’s Remittance Inflows Hit $3.8bn in Seven Months, Nearing $1bn Monthly Target

Nigeria is moving closer to a major milestone in diaspora remittances, with $3.8 billion received through international money transfer operators (IMTOs) between January and July 2026.

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) said the figure represents a 50.2 percent increase from the corresponding period in 2025, pointing to stronger remittance activity through formal channels.

July produced the strongest monthly result so far. Nigerians abroad sent about $947 million through IMTOs, the highest monthly inflow recorded through formal channels and just $53 million below the $1 billion monthly target set by CBN Governor Olayemi Cardoso nearly two years ago.

“When we set a clear ambition to reach US$1 billion a month in remittance inflows through formal channels nearly two years ago, some people thought we were dreaming,” Cardoso said.

“At $947 million in July, we are now approaching that milestone.”

The improvement follows a series of measures by the apex bank to make formal remittance channels more competitive, transparent and accessible.

Among the reforms are the move towards a more market-determined exchange rate, changes to the regulatory framework for IMTOs and the introduction of the non-resident bank verification number (NRBVN).

The CBN has also strengthened engagement with IMTOs, banks and Nigerian diaspora communities across major remittance corridors. More recently, it tightened requirements for remittance transactions to be routed through designated settlement accounts with authorised dealer banks.

According to the apex bank, greater use of formal channels could strengthen foreign exchange liquidity and transparency while supporting households, investment and Nigeria’s external financing position.

The CBN said it will continue working with diaspora communities, IMTOs, banks and other financial-sector stakeholders to reduce transaction frictions and encourage more remittances through official channels.

For Cardoso, the July result is significant, but the larger objective is to build a system capable of maintaining higher inflows.

“July is an important marker, but our focus is not on a single month. It is on creating the conditions for sustained growth in formal remittances,” he said.

The governor added that the CBN “expects to keep seeing improvement and believes Nigeria can reach and ultimately sustain monthly inflows above $1 billion”.

Cricket: Nigeria U-19 Girls Begin World Cup Qualifiers With Uganda Victory

Nigeria’s Junior Female Yellow Greens have taken an important first step towards the 2027 ICC U-19 Women’s T20 World Cup after defeating Uganda U-19 Women by four wickets in their opening Africa Qualifier Division 1 match in Tanzania.

The victory puts Nigeria in a strong early position in a competition where finishing among the top two teams in their group is enough to secure a place in the semi-finals.

Nigeria will face Malawi today, Monday, August 31, before closing their group campaign against hosts Tanzania on Wednesday, September 2. A strong finish in those matches would move the young Nigerians closer to their target of returning to the World Cup after their record-breaking appearance in Malaysia last year.

Against Uganda, Nigeria’s bowlers set the tone by restricting their opponents to 59 for seven in 20 overs after Uganda won the toss and chose to bat.

Shadiah Gilingish Nabulime led Uganda’s scoring with 22 runs from 34 balls, while Jimia Abdallah Mohamed made 13 from 25 deliveries.

Chisom Okpe was Nigeria’s most economical bowler, taking two wickets for only four runs in her four overs. Peace Usen also claimed two wickets, conceding 12 runs.

Needing 60 to win, Nigeria appeared to have the chase under control before Uganda’s Tino Sarah produced a remarkable spell. She claimed five wickets for 13 runs in four overs, including two maiden overs, and turned a seemingly comfortable chase into a tense contest.

Nigeria’s batters responded with composure. Omosigho Eguakun top-scored for the side with a patient 24 from 29 balls, while captain Christabel Chukwuonye added a brisk 13 from 10 deliveries, including three boundaries. Their contributions helped Nigeria complete the chase with four wickets remaining.

Should the Junior Female Yellow Greens finish in the top two of their group, they will advance to the semi-finals against one of the qualifiers from Group B, which contains Kenya, Namibia, Rwanda and Zimbabwe.

The tournament winner will join South Africa as Africa’s representatives at the 2027 ICC U-19 Women’s T20 World Cup. South Africa already have one of the continent’s qualification places after finishing among the top four teams at the previous edition, won by India.

For Nigeria, the focus now shifts to Malawi, with another victory capable of strengthening their route to the semi-finals and keeping their World Cup hopes moving forward.

Cross River Tests Bebi Airstrip as Obudu Mountain Resort Revival Gathers Momentum

Cross River State has taken a significant step towards reopening one of Nigeria’s most recognisable mountain tourism destinations, with a successful test flight conducted at Bebi Airstrip in Obanliku Local Government Area.

The flight, carried out on Thursday, is part of preparations for the rehabilitation and reconstruction of Obudu Mountain Resort and its supporting facilities. Sunday Michael, Special Adviser to the Cross River Governor on Obudu Ranch, confirmed the development in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Calabar on Saturday.

The development could help tackle one of the major challenges that has affected the resort over the years: accessibility. Bebi Airstrip had been closed for a prolonged period following safety concerns, regulatory restrictions and the withdrawal of essential services by the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) over unpaid debts.

Commercial flights have not yet resumed, but the successful test provides an important indication that air connectivity could return as the state advances its plans for the mountain destination.

The state government intends to temporarily close the resort from September 1 to commence work covering the Obudu Mountain Resort, Waterpark, Safari Lodge and Bebi Airstrip. The programme is designed to modernise the facilities, improve supporting infrastructure and provide visitors with a stronger tourism experience.

Michael said the goal is to create “a tourism destination capable of competing favourably with leading destinations in Nigeria and across the world.”

The renewed attention on Obudu comes after years of decline at a destination that once stood among Nigeria’s most celebrated tourist attractions. Originally developed in 1951 as Obudu Cattle Ranch, the facility gained greater prominence during the administration of former Cross River Governor Donald Duke between 1999 and 2007, when investments were made in roads, chalets, cable cars and other facilities.

The resort subsequently deteriorated amid inadequate maintenance and limited investment, prompting successive efforts to restore its fortunes.

One of the more recent developments came in March 2025, when the Cross River State Government revoked a 25-year concession awarded to CIBA Construction Company Limited in 2017. The state cited the company’s failure to meet key contractual obligations, including investment in renovating the resort’s hotel and other infrastructure.

Under the public-private partnership, CIBA was expected to design, finance, build, operate and maintain the resort. The state government said repeated breaches continued despite opportunities for the company to address them, leading to the termination of the agreement.

Obudu is now part of a tourism investment strategy by the Cross River Government. In July 2025, the state approved N18 billion for the rehabilitation and upgrading of major tourism assets under Governor Bassey Otu’s “Season of Sweetness” initiative.

The funding covers the Tinapa Business and Leisure Resort, Marina Resort, Obudu Mountain Resort and Kwa Falls, as well as the remodelling of Amber Tinapa Hotel and Studio Tinapa.

The state has also planned an “Experience Calabar” tourism campaign and Heritage Market to promote local arts and culture. To strengthen connectivity, Cross River acquired two CRJ 1000 aircraft for Cally Air.

For Obudu, the combination of renewed investment and improved access could give the mountain destination an opportunity to reclaim its place in Nigeria’s tourism landscape. Its cool climate, scenic mountain terrain and distinctive environment have historically attracted domestic and international visitors.

With Bebi Airstrip now tested and work scheduled to begin on September 1, Cross River is positioning Obudu for a new chapter after years of decline.

FG Opens N10bn TETFund Research Grant for Nigerian Public Tertiary Institutions

The Federal Government has approved N10bn for the 2026 National Research Fund Grant Cycle of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund, creating a fresh funding opportunity for lecturers and researchers in Nigeria’s public tertiary institutions.

The grant will support research across 30 priority thematic areas covering Humanities and Social Sciences; Science, Engineering, Technology and Innovation; and Cross-Cutting research. The 2026 cycle follows the successful completion of the 2025 programme, which resulted in the award of a little over N6.09bn to 174 research projects.

TETFund said the application process will begin with the submission of concept notes by Principal Investigators of proposed research projects. Only Principal Investigators whose concept notes are evaluated and considered fundable will be invited to submit full proposals.

Lecturers in public tertiary institutions in Nigeria are eligible to apply, while multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary research involving researchers from different fields is encouraged. The Principal Investigator will lead the research team and remain responsible and accountable for the conduct of the project.

The Principal Investigator must also be institution-based, with the institution serving as the coordinating institution and guarantor of the proper application of funds for the project.

Applications will be made entirely online through the TETFund National Research Fund portal at nrf.tetfund.gov.ng. Applicants will be guided through the submission of their concept notes and, where successful, the preparation and submission of their full research proposals. TETFund has advised prospective applicants to study the Research Brief and application Guidelines before submitting their concept notes.

All concept notes will be evaluated by the National Research Fund Screening and Monitoring Committee. Principal Investigators whose submissions are successful will be notified and invited to submit full proposals online.

For proposals that are screened and adjudged fundable, the Principal Investigator and at least one member of the research team will be invited to defend the proposal before the committee. Proposals that successfully pass the process will then be presented to the TETFund Board of Trustees for approval and disbursement of funds.

The portal will open for concept-note submissions on August 31, 2026, with the deadline set for October 15, 2026, Nigerian time. TETFund has stressed that there will be no extension.

The 30 priority research areas cover a wide range of issues relevant to Nigeria’s development. Under Humanities and Social Sciences, researchers can apply in Citizenship and National Integration; Conflict, Defence and Security; Economic Development and Globalisation; Education and Human Capital; Gender, Equity and Social Inclusion; Governance, Politics, Law and Ethics; History, Culture and Identities; Humanities, Social Sciences, Technology and Business Interface; Languages, Literatures and Media; Population and Migration; Social Development and Welfare; and Tourism, Sports and Recreation.

The Science, Engineering, Technology and Innovation category includes Agriculture and Food Security; Geosciences; Health and Social Welfare; Industry and Innovation; Information Technology, Computing and Telecommunications; Power and Energy; Science and Engineering; Space Science and Technology; Sustainable Use of Natural Resources and Terrestrial Ecosystems; Transport and Infrastructure; and Water and Sanitation.

The Cross-Cutting category comprises Blue Economy; Clean and Affordable Energy; Entrepreneurship and Wealth Creation; Environment, Housing, Urban and Regional Development; Innovation and Technology in National Defence Capabilities; Resource Governance; and National System of Innovation.

The broad spread of the research themes covers areas ranging from agriculture, health, energy and technology to governance, education, national security, environmental sustainability and wealth creation, reflecting the scope of research needed to strengthen Nigeria’s knowledge economy and address national priorities.

The call was signed by the TETFund Executive Secretary, Arc. Sonny S. T. Echono, PhD, FNIA, OON.

Applicants seeking enquiries can contact the TETFund NRF Secretariat through zanginas@tetfund.gov.ng, odoju@tetfund.gov.ng, ukimci@tetfund.gov.ng and ugwubs@tetfund.gov.ng.

With N10bn set aside for the 2026 cycle, the funding programme gives researchers in Nigeria’s public tertiary institutions a new opportunity to develop studies across critical fields and turn academic research into knowledge and solutions with potential national impact.

Nigeria Launches N365m National Prize to Put Outstanding Academic Research in the Spotlight

Nigeria is creating a new national platform for its brightest academic minds, with the Federal Government opening applications for a N365 million prize designed to recognise exceptional research, innovation and intellectual achievement across the country’s tertiary institutions.

The National Laureate Prize, announced by Minister of Education Tunji Alausa, is an annual initiative aimed at rewarding outstanding academic work while giving students and researchers a bigger national stage for work produced in Nigeria’s universities, polytechnics, monotechnics, colleges of education and other eligible tertiary institutions.

It covers six fields, science, engineering and technology; medicine and health sciences; arts and social sciences; agriculture; law; and teaching innovation, with awards available at undergraduate, master’s and doctoral levels.

At each academic level, three national thematic laureates will be selected across the six fields, producing 18 laureates altogether. Three of the successful candidates will receive the star prizes, while the other outstanding entrants will be recognised within their respective thematic categories.

The competition is open to a wide range of academic research. Undergraduate dissertations and recognised equivalents, master’s theses and doctoral theses are eligible, alongside equivalent research works from polytechnics, monotechnics, colleges of education and similar institutions.

Recognition will however depend on more than the quality of an idea. The Ministry of Education says nominated works must meet established standards of research integrity and originality. Each work must also be deposited on the National Research and Development Portal (NERD) and issued a valid national document number before it can enter the selection process.

The initiative is part of the Federal Government’s effort to support student excellence and build a stronger culture of research and innovation within Nigeria’s tertiary education system.

The prize therefore creates an important link between academic achievement and national recognition. A dissertation, thesis or research project that might otherwise remain known mainly within an institution can now compete for recognition on a national platform.

Applications are now open through the official National Laureate Prize portal at https://nationallaureate.ng/.

With N365 million committed to the prize pool and 18 national thematic laureates to be selected across three academic levels, the programme represents a golden opportunity for Nigerian students and researchers whose work is pushing the boundaries of knowledge, problem-solving and innovation.

Nigerian Student Wins Global Third Place in Chinese Language Competition After Just 17 Months of Study

Faith Emmanuel Mba had only been learning Chinese for 17 months when she found herself competing against some of the strongest Chinese-language students from around the world.

By the end of the competition, the Nigerian had secured third place globally.

Mba, whose Chinese name is Lu Xingyao (陆星瑶), represented Nigeria at the global finals of the 25th “Chinese Bridge” Chinese Proficiency Competition for Foreign College Students in Xiamen, Fujian Province, China, finishing with the Global Third Prize.

Her result came after a remarkable rise that began at the UNIZIK Confucius Institute in March 2025, when she started learning Chinese from scratch.

She subsequently progressed through Nigeria’s national stage and the African competition before earning the opportunity to represent the continent at the global finals. There, she competed alongside outstanding Chinese-language learners from five continents.

Among this year’s 157 contestants from 138 countries, Mba stood out not only for her performance but also for the speed of her progress. She was the contestant with the shortest Chinese-learning experience in this year’s competition.

Her achievement is particularly notable because Chinese is a demanding language that ordinarily requires sustained study and extensive practice to master. Yet, within one year and five months of beginning from zero, Mba had reached the highest international stage of the competition.

The feat adds another distinction to an already significant academic chapter for the Nigerian. Mba recently completed her bachelor’s degree in History and International Studies at Nnamdi Azikiwe University, where her language journey began at the university’s Confucius Institute.

Her success was also shared by her instructor, Ms Qin Fangfang, who received the Outstanding Instructor Award at the global event.

The scale of the competition puts Mba’s achievement into wider perspective. Now in its 25th year, the “Chinese Bridge” programme has expanded to more than 160 countries and regions and has attracted over 1.8 million young participants worldwide. Its international reach has earned it the description of the “Olympics” of the Chinese language.

For the UNIZIK Confucius Institute, Mba’s latest result adds to a growing international record. She is the third university-category contestant from the Institute to win a Global Third Prize. Since 2018, students from its university and secondary-school categories have collectively won 12 major honours in “Chinese Bridge” competitions.

That haul includes three African championships, four Global First Prizes and five Global Third Prizes.

Mba’s journey also offers a glimpse into what can happen when language education extends beyond the classroom. The Institute’s approach combines classroom teaching, dedicated instructor guidance, cultural immersion and practical experience, giving students opportunities to develop their language abilities in real-world settings.

What began for Mba as a new language learnt from scratch in March 2025 has now become an international achievement: a Nigerian university graduate standing on the global podium in one of the world’s largest Chinese-language competitions.

Her Global Third Prize is therefore another international achievement by a young Nigerian and another strong entry in UNIZIK’s growing record on the global academic stage.

Nigerian Sisters Make Academic History in UK with First Class Honours

Two Nigerian sisters have given their family and community another reason to celebrate after both graduated with First Class Honours from leading universities in the United Kingdom.

Stephanie and Isabel Offor, who are from Corby, UK, completed their university education in the same academic year, but in very different fields. Stephanie studied mechanical engineering at the University of Leicester, while Isabel graduated from the Faculty of Law and Business at Nottingham Trent University.

Both emerged with First Class Honours.

It is the kind of achievement that stands out even in a family of high achievers. The sisters have been raised in a community of church families, cultural groups and friends in Nigeria and Britain who have watched their journey and celebrated their progress.

The scale of their accomplishment was captured by Ogo Ogbata, Director of Creativity and Sense Consulting, who attended the sisters’ graduation celebration.

“Having two sisters graduate with First Class Honours in entirely different, rigorous disciplines (mechanical engineering and law with business) is an incredibly rare academic double feat,” Ogbata said.

Stephanie’s success did not begin with her graduation. During her placement year, she distinguished herself sufficiently to win the Goldsmith Prize 2025, an award recognising the excellent work she completed during the placement.

Her next step will take her into the engineering industry where Stephanie is set to begin work as a manufacturing engineer with Caterpillar, a major manufacturer of construction and mining equipment.

Her sister Isabel has also recorded an impressive academic milestone of her own.

At Nottingham Trent University, only 11 of the 47 students in her cohort graduated with First Class Honours. Isabel was one of them.

Behind the certificates and distinctions are parents who watched two daughters pursue demanding academic paths and steadily turn years of work into results.

Their father, Chidi Offor, recalled that the family had been informed that both daughters were on course for First Class Honours. Still, he said the achievement did not truly become real until letters from the two universities arrived confirming the results.

Their mother, Oluchi Offor, expressed the depth of her pride in a simple but powerful statement, saying her daughters had given her “wings to fly.”

Now, the sisters are moving from the lecture halls into new professional chapters.

Stephanie is preparing to take up her manufacturing engineering role at Caterpillar, while Isabel looks ahead to the next stage of her career following her studies in law and business.

Perhaps the most enduring part of their achievement is the message Isabel has shared with others: dream boldly, work hard and never allow anyone to make you feel inadequate.

From a Nigerian family in Corby to First Class graduation honours in two demanding disciplines, Stephanie and Isabel Offor have shown what can happen when ambition is matched with discipline and persistence.

Their story is a proud reminder that Nigerian excellence continues to find expression wherever Nigerians build, study and compete, and sometimes, it arrives in pairs.

Nigeria’s Tamunosoye Karibi-George Wins Miss World Africa Top Model, Advances to Top 40

Nigeria has secured another strong showing on the global stage as 26-year-old Tamunosoye Karibi-George, the country’s representative at Miss World 2026, won the Africa Top Model title at the ongoing competition in Vietnam.

The victory, recorded on Thursday during the Vietnam Beauty Fashion Fest XVII, immediately placed Karibi-George among the contestants guaranteed a place in the Top 40 quarterfinals of Miss World 2026.

The Top Model contest, held under the theme “Soul of Heritage”, brought together representatives from across the continent. Karibi-George finished ahead of contestants from Equatorial Guinea, Botswana, Kenya and South Africa to emerge as Africa’s continental winner.

Her success means Nigeria is now represented among four continental Top Model winners who have earned automatic Top 40 places. The other winners are contestants from the Dominican Republic for the Americas and Caribbean, France for Europe, and Vietnam for Asia and Oceania.

The Miss World Organisation confirmed the result, congratulating the four continental winners and noting that each had stood out during the Top Model competition at the Vietnam Beauty Fashion Fest XVII.

There is, however, another prize still within reach as the four continental winners will compete for the overall Top Model crown, with the eventual winner receiving a direct passage into the Miss World Top 20.

The Top 40 itself will feature 10 contestants from each of the four continental groupings: Africa, the Americas and Caribbean, Asia and Oceania, and Europe.

Beyond the Top Model contest, the remaining positions in the Top 40 will be decided through other Miss World challenge categories, including People’s Choice, Beauty With a Purpose, Head-to-Head and Multimedia.

Karibi-George has already made an impression in other competition category. She advanced to the African finalists in the Head-to-Head Challenge, although South Africa’s Romanda Hombir eventually won the continental round and claimed the automatic Top 40 qualification from that category.

Her latest achievement adds another chapter to a journey that began with her being crowned Miss World Nigeria 2026 on June 6. She emerged from a field of 20 finalists at the Balmoral Hall of the Federal Palace Hotel in Lagos.

Although Karibi-George is from Port Harcourt, Rivers State, she represented Bayelsa State at the national pageant. She succeeded Joy Mojisola Raimi, who represented Nigeria at the previous Miss World competition and advanced to the Top 20.

Away from the pageant stage, Karibi-George has built a professional identity in communications and public service. She is an associate of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations and founded Beyond Labels, an initiative dedicated to inclusion, dignity and empowerment for children with special needs.

Her international pageant record also predates her Miss World Nigeria victory. In 2024, she won the Miss Africa International title in Accra, Ghana.

Now, with an Africa Top Model crown and a confirmed place in the Miss World Top 40 already secured, Karibi-George carries Nigeria’s hopes further into one of the world’s most prominent beauty competitions.

The road to the Miss World crown continues, but Nigeria has already made its presence felt in Vietnam.

Nigeria Rejoins Global Frontier Market Index as FTSE Russell Sets September 21 Return

Nigeria will officially return to FTSE Russell’s Frontier Market universe on September 21, 2026, following confirmation that its reclassification from “Unclassified” to “Frontier Market” will take effect at the opening of trading that day.

FTSE Russell announced the decision in a market notice published on Thursday, August 27, 2026, bringing months of review to a close and marking a significant development for Nigeria’s capital market.

The new classification is expected to raise the profile of Nigerian equities among international investors and create greater scope for global institutional participation. For the Nigerian market, the bigger opportunity will be turning that renewed attention into stronger liquidity and improved access to capital for local businesses.

The decision follows a review triggered by Nigeria’s switch from a T+2 to T+1 securities settlement cycle on June 1, 2026. While the shorter settlement period was introduced to improve market efficiency, some international market participants raised concerns that it could effectively require overseas institutional investors to prefund transactions in Nigerian securities.

FTSE Russell subsequently paused the reclassification and undertook further assessment, with NGX Group, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), global custodians and international institutional investors involved in the engagement.

In July, an NGX Group delegation travelled to London to meet global custodians and institutional investors. The delegation explained how the T+1 framework operates, presented evidence from its implementation and addressed concerns about settlement, funding and market operations.

The engagements provided FTSE Russell with additional evidence on the functioning of Nigeria’s settlement infrastructure. Following its assessment, the FTSE Equity Country Classification Advisory Committee found no material settlement, operational or funding issues since the introduction of T+1.

“Following engagement with the Nigerian market authorities and feedback from the FTSE Equity Country Classification Advisory Committee, which indicated that no material settlement, operational, or funding issues have been observed since the implementation of the T+1 settlement cycle, the FTSE Russell Index Governance Board is pleased to confirm that Nigeria’s reclassification from Unclassified to Frontier market status will proceed, effective from the market open on Monday 21 September 2026,” FTSE Russell stated.

Nigeria’s return has been in the making since October 2025, when FTSE Russell placed the country on its Watch List for potential reclassification following improvements in foreign exchange liquidity, capital repatriation and market accessibility. In April 2026, it announced the return to Frontier Market status and set September 21 as the effective date before the subsequent pause over the T+1 review.

Temi Popoola, Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of NGX Group, said the development should be viewed as more than an index milestone.

“This is an important moment for Nigeria’s capital market but the real significance of returning to Frontier Market status is the opportunity it creates for the next phase of our market’s development,” he said.

Popoola added that Nigeria’s ambition should be to build a market that is more globally competitive and increasingly relevant to economic growth, while acknowledging the continued support of the Federal Government and the commitment of stakeholders across the market.

FTSE Russell’s decision comes as Nigeria attracts attention from another major index provider. In July 2026, S&P Dow Jones Indices placed the country on its Watch List for possible reclassification to Frontier Market status under its 2027 Country Classification Annual Review.

S&P DJI said Nigeria’s regulatory environment had undergone significant modernization aimed at improving market transparency, enforcement and integrity. It will continue monitoring the country through the rest of 2026 before making a final decision in 2027.

With the FTSE Russell confirmation now secured, September 21 will mark a new chapter for Nigeria’s capital market, putting its equities back on the radar of the international investment community and creating an opportunity to build on the reforms that made the return possible.

Two Brothers, Two Distinctions, One Remarkable LASU Story

Taiwo and Kehinde Ajitokewu have turned their university journey into a remarkable record of academic excellence, leadership and service at Lagos State University (LASU).

The twin brothers, who grew up in Isale Eko, Lagos Island, graduated from the Department of Science and Technology Education, Faculty of Education, with different but equally significant distinctions.

Taiwo earned First-Class honours in Biology Education, while Kehinde emerged as the Best Graduating Student in Computer Science Education.

Their success came as LASU graduated 20,604 students from the 2024/2025 and 2025/2026 academic sessions at its 29th and 30th combined convocation ceremonies.

The university recorded 494 First-Class graduates across the two sessions — 262 in 2024/2025 and 232 in 2025/2026.

For the Ajitokewu brothers, academic excellence was only one part of their university experience.

They secured two national scholarships, four local scholarships, three international award recognitions and two professional mentorship opportunities. They were also selected as Millennium Fellows for the Class of 2025 at LASU.

The Millennium Fellowship is a global leadership initiative run by United Nations Academic Impact and the Millennium Campus Network. More than 60,000 young people applied for the 2025 cohort from 7,000 campuses across 170 countries, with over 4,500 fellows eventually selected from more than 290 campuses worldwide.

Taiwo, identified on the fellowship platform as Ajitokewu Muhaimin Taiwo, contributed to a sustainability project focused on waste management. The initiative promoted recycling, reuse, composting and efforts to reduce the generation of biodegradable and non-biodegradable waste.

He also served as a LASU SDGs Youth Ambassador and Cowrywise Campus Ambassador, building on leadership positions he previously held at Dolphin High School, Lagos Island.

In 2020, he obtained the Bronze Standard of the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award.

Kehinde, whose fellowship profile identifies him as Ajitokewu Mutmohinu Kehinde, worked on a digital infrastructure project aimed at supporting sustainable development.

The project promoted digital literacy, community-based digital hubs and capacity building for educators, with the wider aim of narrowing the digital divide and encouraging innovation and entrepreneurship.

His leadership experience includes serving as Assistant Senior Prefect and Science Lab Prefect at Dolphin High School. At LASU, he served as an SDG Youth Ambassador, Cowrywise Campus Ambassador and Assistant General Secretary of the Muslim Students’ Society of Nigeria, LASU.

For Kehinde, the brothers' achievements carry a nostalgic meaning because of where their journey began.

He described Isale Eko as a historic community celebrated for its cultural heritage but also affected by congestion and other social challenges. Yet, he said, their surroundings never became a measure of what they could achieve.

“From the very community many underestimated emerged a First Class graduate in Biology Education (Taiye) and the Best Graduating Student in Computer Science Education (Kẹ́hìndé) from one of the most demanding departments in the Faculty of Education, the Department of Science and Technology Education (STEM), Lagos State University,” he wrote.

He attributed their progress to dedication, resilience and faith rather than talent alone.

“Never allow your environment to place a limit on your potential. Your background may shape your story, but it does not have the authority to write your future,” Kehinde said.

Taiwo similarly described consistency as central to their academic journey.

“Excellence is the reward of steadfastness and consistency,” he wrote.

Both brothers acknowledged the role played by their parents, siblings, teachers, lecturers, mentors and friends, saying their graduation was also a celebration of the people who supported them along the way.

As they begin the next phase of their careers, Taiwo and Kehinde are open to opportunities in Nigeria and internationally.

Their story is a reminder that a young person's starting point does not have to become a limit. With discipline, purpose, resilience and faith, the possibilities can extend far beyond the circumstances in which the journey began.

100 Electric Buses Set to Transform Civil Servants’ Daily Commute

Federal civil servants are set to have a new commuting option as the government rolls out 100 electric buses under the Renewed Hope Mass Transit Programme.

The fleet was commissioned at Eagle Square, Abuja, on Wednesday, with 37 buses forming the first batch. Acquired through the Renewed Hope Infrastructure Development Fund, the scheme is intended to provide more affordable and dependable transportation for federal workers.

Each of the 100 buses can carry up to 200 passengers and travel a minimum of 200 kilometres on a full charge.

For Mrs Didi Esther Walson-Jack, Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, the project marked a significant final milestone in her tenure. With less than 24 hours before leaving office, she described it as her “parting gift” to federal civil servants.

“What we have here is 37 buses, being the first instalment of the 100 Electric Buses,” she said.

Walson-Jack said the daily journey to work has benefits as it pertains to workers’ finances, safety, punctuality and productivity. She expects the new service to reduce commuting costs and risks while helping workers arrive at their duty posts better prepared for the day.

She also cited other measures aimed at improving civil servants’ welfare, including the upward review of the national minimum wage, wage awards following the removal of the petrol subsidy, digitalisation of government services, improved pensions, promotions, employee compensation and health insurance.

The buses will initially operate on selected routes under a pilot scheme before a much larger rollout. They are also expected to serve Federal Secretariats across the states.

Walson-Jack called for proper maintenance, transparent route management, safety measures and effective monitoring. A Special Purpose Vehicle has been established to manage the fleet and oversee its long-term sustainability.

Beyond easing the commute, the project has been linked to Nigeria’s ambition to build a stronger domestic automotive industry.

Senator John Owan Enoh, Minister of State for Industry, Trade and Investment, said the electric-bus programme brings transportation, technology, productivity and industrial development into the same policy frame.

He said the buses would offer federal workers safer, more affordable and dignified transportation while reducing pressure on household incomes.

Enoh also stressed that Nigeria’s electric-mobility push must go beyond putting electric vehicles on the road. The country, he said, needs capacity in battery technology, charging infrastructure, power electronics and modern vehicle systems.

“Nigeria must produce more. Nigeria must manufacture more. Nigeria must create more jobs at home,” he said.

The major goal is to position Nigeria as an automotive manufacturing hub for Africa, with local factories producing vehicles and components and creating opportunities for young Nigerians.

Enoh commended the National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC) and other stakeholders involved in the project. He urged local manufacturers to invest in factories, deepen local content and develop products that can compete in international markets.

He also commended Walson-Jack for seeing the project through, describing it as one of the lasting contributions of her tenure.

“As you prepare to conclude your distinguished tenure as Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, there is something particularly meaningful about leaving behind an intervention that will continue serving civil servants every working day,” he said.

The 37 buses now entering service mark the first step in a 100-bus programme. Its success will rest on disciplined management, reliable operations and the ability to turn electric mobility into a platform for stronger local manufacturing.

For the Federal Civil Service, the immediate gain is a new transport option and for Nigeria’s automotive sector, the bigger opportunity is to ensure that the technology, infrastructure and industrial capacity behind that transition increasingly take root at home.

Nigeria Takes Another Step Into the Future of Robotic Surgery

Nigeria’s healthcare story is gaining a new dimension as Redeemer’s Health Village in Lagos moves advanced robotic surgery from an idea into clinical practice.

The 300-bed multispecialty hospital, founded by the Redeemed Christian Church of God, has unveiled a robotic surgery programme in partnership with RoboMed Global Inc., USA, committing $4 million to the initiative.

The bigger story is not the machine but the attempt to build the people, knowledge and healthcare infrastructure that will allow Nigeria to perform complex procedures locally rather than continually sending patients overseas.

That ambition is also reflected in the pricing strategy. Dr Adedamola Dada, Chief Executive Officer of Redeemer’s Health Village, said robotic procedures at the hospital are expected to cost about five per cent of what similar procedures cost in the United States and Europe. The facility is also targeting patients across the West African sub-region.

“We’re going to be doing this surgery at maybe about 5% of the cost. We are targeting the entire West African sub-region,” Dada said.

The initiative was unveiled in Lagos in the presence of senior figures from the health sector and Nigerian public life, including the Minister of State for Health, Dr Iziaq Salako; former Minister of State for Health, Senator Adeleke Mamora; Consultant General and Laparoscopic Surgeon at LASUTH, Prof. Mobolaji Oludara; National Chairman of the Afenifere Renewal Group, Hon. Olawale Oshun; and RoboMed Global Chief Executive Officer, Prof. Obi Davies-Ekwenna.

From importing expertise to building it at home

For Nigeria, the real measure of the programme may ultimately be the number of Nigerian professionals who become capable of operating, supporting and advancing robotic surgery.

RHV plans to address that challenge through the RHV Robotic Academy, which Dada said will commence on October 22.

The academy will use a five-stage training pathway covering didactic lectures, dry laboratory training, wet laboratory training involving cadaver and animal models, human training, followed by examination and credentialing.

The objective is to create a sustainable pipeline of Nigerian robotic surgeons and other professionals instead of depending on specialists brought in from abroad.

“We do not want a situation where we bring people from abroad. We want to create a pipeline of Human Resources,” Dada said.

He explained that locally trained professionals would not only perform procedures but also monitor patients and provide follow-up care. The longer-term ambition, he added, is to develop robotic surgeons across Nigeria.

“This is where the rest of the world is going, and as a country we cannot afford to take the backstage,” he said.

Why the technology matters

Robotic-assisted surgery can offer greater precision during complex procedures, while potentially reducing blood loss and shortening patients’ recovery periods.

Those advantages are part of the reason health sector stakeholders see the development as an opportunity to strengthen Nigeria’s capacity for advanced medical care.

Dr Salako described the arrival of robotic surgery at RHV as a development capable of saving lives and adding value to the Nigerian healthcare system.

“The vision of robotic surgery that is being translated into reality today will no doubt help to save lives and add value to the country,” he said.

According to the minister, the programme aligns with two of the four pillars of the Federal Government’s health transformation agenda: improving health outcomes and unlocking the healthcare value chain.

He also connected the development to the government’s objective of changing Nigeria’s medical tourism pattern from outbound to inbound, thereby reducing the foreign exchange lost when Nigerians travel abroad for treatment.

The structured training programme, Salako noted, should also help Nigerian surgeons acquire the necessary skills and certification to practise robotic surgery safely and under controlled conditions.

He described the initiative as a commendable route for updating the clinical skills of Nigerian surgeons as medical technology evolves.

Salako urged stakeholders across the healthcare value chain to work towards a system anchored on equity and affordability and capable of meeting the health needs of Nigerians at any point in time.

The machine is only the beginning

Former Minister of State for Health, Senator Adeleke Mamora, welcomed the RHV initiative but offered a perspective on what will determine its success.

His message was straightforward: acquiring a robot is not the same thing as creating a robotic surgery programme that can endure.

“Buying a robot is the easy part. Building an ecosystem is the real challenge,” Mamora said.

That ecosystem, he explained, must extend well beyond surgeons. It requires trained anaesthetists, theatre nurses, biomedical engineers, information technology specialists and maintenance support.

It must also include quality assurance systems, clinical governance, sustainable financing and continuous professional development.

Mamora further stressed that no single institution can build such an ecosystem on its own.

Government, private healthcare providers and faith-based institutions all have roles to play, with long-term success depending on partnerships founded on trust, shared objectives and sustained commitment.

For him, the technology also presents an opportunity to tackle brain drain by ensuring that more sophisticated surgical procedures can be performed safely and successfully inside Nigeria.

A partnership aimed at keeping patients in Nigeria

Prof. Obi Davies-Ekwenna, CEO of RoboMed Global, said the organisation’s partnership with RHV is driven by the need to ensure that Nigerians requiring advanced surgical care do not have to leave the country to obtain it.

RoboMed Global intends to expand access to world-class surgical services by developing sustainable robotic surgery programmes, training local surgeons and strengthening healthcare systems across West Africa.

If the programme develops the required pool of surgeons and supporting professionals, it could create a foundation for robotic surgery to spread to other parts of Nigeria and eventually strengthen the country’s capacity to serve patients from neighbouring West African countries.

Technology with a human purpose

The RCCG leadership has equally framed the initiative around service, research and the preservation of life.

Pastor Enoch Adeboye, General Overseer of the RCCG, said the programme would contribute to training Nigerian surgeons, supporting research and reducing the need for Nigerians to travel abroad for advanced medical procedures.

Pastor Adeboye, represented at the launch by RCCG First National Overseer Pastor Joseph Olayemi, said the combination of surgical expertise, robotic precision and the responsible application of technology could help save lives.

“We believe that knowledge, science and technology, when responsibly and compassionately deployed with the fear of God, are powerful instruments for preserving life and alleviating human suffering,” Olayemi said.

The launch of robotic surgery at Redeemer’s Health Village therefore places Nigeria at an important intersection of medicine, technology and local capacity development.

The immediate milestone is the introduction of robotic-assisted procedures. The more consequential objective is to ensure that the expertise required to use the technology does not remain foreign.

With a $4 million investment, a dedicated training academy, a five-stage professional development pathway and a target of serving Nigeria and the West African market, RHV is betting that the future of advanced surgery in the region can be built here by Nigerian professionals, for patients who should not have to cross borders to receive world-class care.