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The Federal Government Girls College (FGGC), Abuloma, Rivers State, is wearing a new look all thanks to the Old Girls Association (OGA), who did a facelift of their alma mater.

Specifically, the group donated two fully equipped ICT/smart classrooms as well built a legacy park for their alma mater as part of the expansion project to mark the institution’s 50th anniversary.

The Association had earlier instituted a scholarship programme for indigent students of the school, while helping some of their old girls in the universities whose families are financially constrained to navigate through the phase smoothly, just as they equally instituted a mentorship programme to help them define a pathway for their life, the chairperson Board of Trustees (BoT), of the old girls Association, Mrs Ibim Semenitari said.

The celebration, heralded with fanfare, was a time of great reunion for classmates, hostel mates and school mothers/daughters after decades of separation.

Some of them who spoke to newsmen at the venue described the reunion and their coming back to the school after over 30 years of graduation as homecoming and nostalgic.

Each of the respondents described the get-together as a lasting memory, and regretted that some of their classmates they expected to see at the event have either passed away or did not attend, but expressed gratitude to God for those that came.

The school founded in 1975 has produced many prominent leaders and successful women making waves both in public service and in the organised private sector within national and global spheres.

The week-long event with the theme, ‘Roots to Golden Fruits: Remembering the Past, Celebrating the Present and Empowering the Future,’ ended on great notes of commendations and accolades from all and sundry.

The Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Alausa who delivered the keynote lecture commended the school and her Golden Fruits’ for the quality training, values inculcated in the thoughtfulness of the ‘Fruits’ to return, with gratitude to the Roots’ to enable her produce more quality fruits now and in the future.

Alausa who was represented by the Director/ Principal of FGGC-Abuloma, Mrs Inyang Ukpe, also lauded the school for maintaining the educational standards it adopted from the inception, 50 years after.

For many young Africans, studying abroad is more than just earning a degree – it’s about opening doors to the world. From the lecture halls of London to the labs of Toronto and the campuses of Paris, thousands of African students are chasing dreams of better education, stability, and global opportunity.

While the UK, US, and Canada remain popular, many African students are also branching out to new destinations that offer world-class education and a chance to build international careers.

Here’s a look at the top 12 African countries sending the most students abroad – and the unique stories behind their migration trends.

1. Nigeria

When it comes to studying overseas, Nigeria leads the way – by a wide margin. Tens of thousands of Nigerians are currently enrolled in universities across the U.K., U.S., and Canada, making the country one of the world’s top sources of international students.

Despite high tuition and visa costs, many Nigerians see foreign education as a ticket to stability, better opportunities, and global recognition. From tech entrepreneurs to medical professionals, Nigerian graduates are making their mark around the world.

2. Morocco

For Moroccans, studying in France is almost a tradition. With deep historical and linguistic ties, France has become the go-to destination for Moroccan students pursuing degrees in engineering, business, and law.

Many students appreciate the balance between quality education and cultural familiarity, making the French system a natural fit for Morocco’s globally-minded youth.

3. Egypt

Egypt has one of Africa’s largest student populations abroad. Egyptian students frequently head to Europe, the Gulf, and North America, focusing on fields like medicine, engineering, and business administration.

Armed with international degrees, many return home to take leadership roles in education, healthcare, and innovation – driving progress from Cairo to Alexandria.

4. Cameroon

In Cameroon, limited university slots and fierce academic competition have fueled a steady rise in international study. France and Canada remain the top choices, thanks to their French-speaking environments and accessible study pathways.

For many Cameroonian families, sending a child abroad is seen as an investment in future success.

5. Algeria

With a shared language and intertwined history, Algeria has long sent thousands of students to France each year. However, in recent times, Canada has also become an attractive alternative for Algerians seeking a blend of French culture and North American opportunity.

6. Ghana

Ghana’s middle class is expanding, and so is its ambition. A growing number of young Ghanaians are heading to the U.K., U.S., and Canada for degrees in tech, finance, and the creative industries.

Driven by a passion for excellence and a global mindset, Ghanaians abroad are helping put the country on the map as one of Africa’s most education-focused nations.

7. Kenya

Kenyan students are making waves across the U.S., Australia, and the U.K., with increasing numbers also exploring Canada and China.

Many focus on STEM and innovation-driven fields, often returning home to launch startups, lead research projects, or contribute to Kenya’s growing tech ecosystem – from Nairobi’s Silicon Savannah to the global stage.

8. Tunisia

Proximity plays in Tunisia’s favor. Its closeness to Europe allows thousands of Tunisians to pursue degrees in France, Germany, and Italy, especially in engineering, design, and architecture.

Tunisia’s new generation of graduates are blending European innovation with North African creativity, fueling progress across industries.

9. Zimbabwe

Despite facing tough economic realities, Zimbabwean students continue to excel abroad. Many head to South Africa, the U.K., and the U.S., supported by scholarships and strong diaspora networks.

Their academic excellence and determination have earned Zimbabweans a reputation for resilience, discipline, and brilliance wherever they go.

10. Sudan

Rounding out the list is Sudan, where more students are heading to Egypt, Malaysia, and Gulf countries in search of stability and career growth. For many, studying abroad is not just about education – it’s a path to safety, dignity, and a better life.

11. Ethiopia

Ethiopia has seen a steady rise in students relocating abroad, particularly to China, India, and the United States.

Driven by a passion for science and technology, Ethiopian students are building global reputations for excellence. Many return home to contribute to the nation’s growing innovation and education sectors.

12. South Africa

Although South Africa attracts students from across Africa, more South Africans are now heading abroad for advanced education. Popular destinations include the U.K., U.S., and Australia, where they pursue postgraduate programs in law, business, and technology.

These students bring back world-class expertise that strengthens South Africa’s leadership on the continent.

Minister of Works, David Umahi, has said that President Bola Tinubu is committed to constructing quality roads across the country that meet international standards.

Umahi stated this during an inspection tour of the ongoing expansion of the Ore-Ondo-Akure road project in Ondo State.

Represented by the Federal Controller of Works in Ondo State, Engr. Hussein Olajide, the minister explained that the Tinubu-led administration was introducing a new standard for sustainability and connectivity in road construction across the nation.

‘It is a very standard road built according to international standards. Initially, the road was built using asphalt, but now, the ministry’s policy is to construct all new roads with Continuous Reinforced Concrete Pavement (CRCP) technology, which stands a better chance of lasting longer than asphalt,’ he said.

Umahi reaffirmed the commitment of the Federal Ministry of Works to delivering good, safe, and cost-effective roads nationwide, adding that the Ore-Ondo-Akure road was one of such priority projects under President Tinubu led administration.

The minister also commended the contractor, CBC Global Civil and Building Construction Limited, for the quality of work being executed on the 86.43-kilometre carriageway.

He noted that the reinforced concrete pavement design would ensure the road’s durability for at least 50 years and dismissed criticisms about the quality of materials being used.

‘We have a mandate from our ministry that all contractors must follow the engineering designs and specifications given to them.

‘We have already told the whole nation that the roads being constructed now will last 50 years and above. So adequate supervision is already on the ground,’ Umahi said.

According to him, the ongoing project is divided into two parts, comprising a 7.3-metre-wide main carriageway on each side and a 2.75-metre outer shoulder to enhance traffic flow along the busy corridor.

Explaining the structural design, he said, ‘There is a functional difference between the main carriageway and the outer shoulder, and that difference is reflected in their construction. The main carriageway is the central part of the pavement that carries continuous heavy traffic – trailers, trucks, buses, and other articulated vehicles – and therefore experiences high flexural stresses.

‘The outer shoulder, on the other hand, is expected to carry only occasional loads – for diversions, vehicle breakdowns, or short stops – and is designed with minimal reinforcement. The use of A142 wire mesh on the shoulder is standard practice globally.’

Umahi stressed that the same engineering standard was being applied to similar projects nationwide, emphasizing that the Ore-Ondo-Akure road followed both Nigerian and international specifications.

While clarifying that the ongoing construction was not a dualisation project, the minister said it was a single carriageway with added shoulders.

‘The current condition of the road before this construction had no shoulder, and in few cases where there was one, it was only surface-dressed. Now, the government has introduced a full 2.75-metre shoulder on each side,’he said.

Umahi added that the project, which has a four-year duration, was on schedule and expected to be completed ahead of time.

‘The contractor is fully on course and poised to complete before the end of the four years,’ the minister added.

The KAP Film and Television Academy marked a landmark moment with its Graduation Ceremony for the Filmmaking Residency Program made possible in partnership with the Oyo State Government

The event held on Wednesday at the picturesque KAP Film Village and Resort in Igbojaye, Oyo State, showcasing exceptional creativity of 165 emerging filmmakers drawn meticulously from all 33 local government areas of Oyo State.

The participants completed a 10-day intensive filmmaking residency programme at the resort supported by SONY and Kontakt Pro Nigeria, the initiative provided participants with practical, hands-on training across the core aspects of filmmaking, including screenwriting, directing, cinematography, producing, editing, and sound design.

A major highlight of the event was the screening of eight short films produced by the residency groups. Each film reflected storytelling, collaboration.and authentic depictions of local culture, earning heartfelt applause from guests and faculty members alike.

At the ceremony, Oyo Governor Seyi Makinde, represented by Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Dr. Wasiu Olatunbosun, lauded the programme as a significant economic and cultural development milestone for the state.

He commended Kunle Afolayan and the KAP team for establishing a creative ecosystem that promotes film, talent, and tourism in Oyo State.

He also congratulated the students for their dedication, passion, and craftsmanship, describing their work as ‘a true representation of Oyo’s cultural pride and creative excellence.’

Founder of KAP Film and Television Academy and visionary behind the KAP Film Village and Resort, Kunle Afolayan, commended the State Government’s efforts in providing a viable platform for economic empowerment of the youth in the state, he went further to admonish the students on the importance of discipline, creativity, and cultural identity in filmmaking.

‘Attention to details and commitment to creativity are non-negotiable for great filmmakers. These students have shown that talent, when nurtured in the right environment, can flourish into excellence. I encourage them to keep making films together and continue telling our stories with pride,’ he said.

The graduating students also received constructive feedback from the distinguished industry experts and panel of the faculty including Tunde Kelani, Joke Silva, Kemi Adesoye, Rotimi Fakunle and Lola Maja, who all commended their storytelling, teamwork, and technical growth over the course of the program.

The Oluigbo of Igbojaye, Oba Zaccheus Olatunji Oyeleke Alobaloke III, expressed satisfaction at another exciting fulfilment of set objectives of KAP Film Village and Resort as envisaged when he gave his royal blessing for the Film Village to be established.

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has stormed Apo-Dutse District in Abuja, where 11 duplexes built by the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) under high-tension power lines were demolished.

Wike condemned what he described as a brazen abuse of power by the police, following the arrest and detention of FCT Development Control enforcement officials who carried out the demolition.

The minister said: ‘Government is here to enforce rules, not to break them. How can anybody take such a risk, building directly under high-tension lines?

‘Even if there were no high tensions, once Development Control says no approval, nobody has the right to take the law into their hands just because they have force.’

According to him, the Nigeria Police had earlier applied for approval to develop the land, but the request was turned down on safety grounds.

‘They refused to stop, they went ahead. When Development Control came here to do the right thing, the officers were arrested. That is unacceptable.

I will take this up with the appropriate authorities, because this cannot stand,’ Wike vowed.

He expressed shock that an institution charged with enforcing the law would openly violate planning regulations and endanger lives.

Wike assured residents that the FCT Administration would not hesitate to enforce planning laws, regardless of the status of the violator.

Imagine the danger if these duplexes had been completed and people started living here. One spark and hundreds of lives would be lost. We cannot fold our arms and allow impunity in the name of development,’ Wike warned.

The minister promised to formally raise the matter with the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, who he said was out of town and might not be aware of the development, insisting that Abuja’s master plan must not be compromised under any guise.

The Director of Development Control, Mukhtar Galadima, who accompanied the minister, disclosed that the disputed land – Plot 189, Cadastral Zone B14, Dutse – was allocated to the Police in 2018 for institutional development.

He explained that the department denied approval after observing that the plot fell directly beneath high-tension transmission lines and also within the route of a proposed flood-control bridge.

‘We wrote to them clearly stating why we could not grant approval. They ignored our letters and notices, proceeded with excavation and construction, and even after we attached a copy of a letter from the Department of Engineering about the bridge, they still defied us.

‘Yesterday, we had no option but to move in and enforce compliance. Unfortunately, our officials were detained by the police until the minister intervened.’

The Administration had on Thursday demolished the 11 duplexes for blatant violation of city planning regulations, warning that developers who ignore official directives will not only lose their investments but also face stiff penalties.

The duplexes, located along Garba Duba Street in Apo-Dutse District, were erected directly under high-tension electricity lines and across stream channels, raising serious safety and environmental concerns.

Galadima, who led the enforcement team, had said the owners were repeatedly warned but chose to defy the law.

Reality TV star Natacha Akide popularly known as Tacha has said she prioritises financial status over love following her experience as a former BBNaija housemate.

In an interview with Yanga FM Lagos, the self-described millionaire declared that she can no longer marry solely for love, insisting her future husband must be a billionaire.

‘I can’t marry just because of love. I’m looking for a billionaire. I’m a millionaire, so my potential husband should be richer than me. I’m certain I can’t marry for love. If I was before Big Brother Naija, maybe, it would have been an option. But right now, it’s a No,’ she stated.

The 2019 BBNaija star, known for bold persona and thriving media career, emphasised that marriage is not currently a priority.

According to her, she is focused on advancing her professional endeavors, leveraging her platform to solidify her brand.

Tacha completed an ambitious Guinness World Record attempt for the most cosmetic makeovers by an individual in 24 hours during her inaugural Tacha Beauty Festival in Lagos, finishing 145 makeovers and surpassing the previous record of 113.

Following her attempt, Tacha now awaits official verification from Guinness World Record.

Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, yesterday described a report circulating online that he will run against President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election as falsehood and blackmail.

Senior Special Assistant (SSA) on Public Communications and Social Media to the minister, Lere Olayinka, in a statement said: ‘As far as Wike is concerned, it is President Bola Ahmed Tinubu till 2031’.

He said the report circulated by an online platform, which he said is notorious for falsehood and blackmail, that a meeting was held by some leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to ‘push’ the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister to run for President in 2027 has been described as ‘another lie from idle minds who have nothing to contribute to the development of the country.’

The FCT Minister’s spokesperson said it was shameful that the ‘pull Wike down’ elements could not reason beyond such kindergarten tactics, adding that it was clear that they need better brains to think for them.

‘Wike does not function in hiding. He does what he says, and says what he does.

The Minister has made it clear where he stands as far as the 2027 Presidential election is concerned. He is with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,’ Olayinka said.

He said the only meeting that took place on August 20, 2025 was that of PDP stakeholders from Southern part of Nigeria, and the purpose was the meeting scheduled for Lagos on August 21, 2025, by some elements to rubber stamp a decision to micro-zone party positions zoned to the South.

Outcome of the meeting was made public via a press statement titled; ‘Re: Purported Meeting Of PDP Southern Zoning Consultative Summit,’ signed by State Party Chairmen of Imo, Abia, Cross River, Akwa Ibom and Rivers, Austin Nwachukwu, Abraham Amah, Barr. Venatuis Ikem, Rt. Hon Aniekan Akpan and Aaron Chukwuemeka respectively, as well as the National Vice Chairman (South-East), Hon. Chidiebere Egwu Goodluck, and Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, Hon O. K. Chinda.

‘Others who signed the press statement were Senators Igwe Nwagu, Mao Ohuabunwa, George Sekibo, Mike Ama Nnachi, former National Secretary, Rt. Hon. Onwe S. Onwe, Deputy National Legal Adviser, Barr. Okechukwu Osuoha, former Ebonyi State Legal Adviser, Barr. Mudi Erhenede, and others.

‘Obviously, the above names were picked from the press statement published in all major newspapers and aired on national television stations, to advance the latest mischief.

‘We know their intention though. But unfortunately for them and the platform they are using to propagate their idle plots, the person and character of the FCT Minister is known to everyone – he does not do anything in hiding.

‘He has said it clearly that from now till 2031, it is on the mandate of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu that he will stand.

‘To ensure the success of the President’s reelection, Wike will continue to deliver on the Renewed Hope Agenda in the FCT by actualizing the visions of the President for a federal capital city that can compete with other capital cities in the world in terms of infrastructural development.’

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has arrived in Abuja after a week away in Rome, the capital of Italy, where he had taken part in the Aqaba Process Heads of State and Government meeting.

Tinubu, whose aircraft touched down at the Presidential Wing of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport at about 7:30pm, had participated in the high-level meeting aimed at strengthening regional and international collaboration in combating terrorism and violent extremism, with special focus on West Africa.

The meeting was hosted at the National Gallery of Modern and Contemporary Art, Rome.

The Aqaba Process, launched in 2015 by King Abdullah II of Jordan, is co-chaired by the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan and the Government of Italy.

Since its inception, it has convened 33 meetings across different levels, from technical expert sessions to summits of Heads of State and Government, with its agenda built around prevention, coordination, and closing operational gaps in counterterrorism efforts.

The Rome session was attended by several world leaders, including King Abdullah II, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, and the Presidents of Nigeria, Chad, Paraguay, Sierra Leone, and Togo.

Algeria’s Upper House President, Azouz Nasri, as well as delegations from Côte d’Ivoire, Kazakhstan, Mauritania, Senegal, and Uzbekistan, joined the deliberations, which were held behind closed doors.

On the sidelines of the conference, President Tinubu held a series of bilateral meetings-first with Prime Minister Meloni on enhancing Nigeria-Italy economic and security cooperation; then with Massad Boulos, Senior Adviser to U.S. President Donald Trump on Arab and African Affairs, who reaffirmed Washington’s support for Nigeria’s efforts to resolve internal conflicts and fight terrorism.

The Nigerian leader also met privately with the Vatican’s Secretary of State, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, where discussions centred on promoting religious harmony and addressing disinformation campaigns that falsely portray Nigeria as intolerant of faith diversity.

President Tinubu was received on arrival by senior government officials, including the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume; Chief of Staff to the President, Hon Femi Gbajabiamila and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Chief Nyesom Wike.

Singer, Abolore Adegbola Akande aka 9ice, has called for renewed efforts to correct the misrepresentation of African traditional religion, saying years of colonisation have distorted the true essence of African spirituality and cultural identity.

The ‘Gongo Aso’ singer made this known while reflecting on the erosion of African beliefs and the growing need to re-educate the younger generation on indigenous values and spiritual heritage.

According to 9ice, colonisation didn’t just change Africa’s political and social landscape; it also reshaped people’s perception of faith, turning what was once sacred into superstition.

‘As Africans, we’ve passed through so many processes and changes because of colonisation,’ 9ice said. ‘It changed us as a people, our religion, and our background. Ifa is now becoming a new thing to us, but it was our beginning before the white man came, so we need to preach more about it.’

The award-winning singer further criticised the way Nollywood has portrayed African deities and spirituality over the years, blaming filmmakers for reinforcing stereotypes that demonise traditional religion.

‘For instance, they said Esu is Satan, which isn’t so. Esu is actually the one who has mercy in his hands,’ he explained. ‘Nollywood also played a major role in the misinterpretation of our African religion because most of those making those movies know little or nothing about it.’

The Adamawa House of Assembly has taken the social protection bill before for public hearing with the assertion that development initiatives of government which the bill seeks to encourage, requires legal provisions for sustainability.

The Adamawa State Social Protection Bill was developed through the support of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development, (BMZ) and the European Union under the Supporting Sustainable Social Protection, Participation and Economic Resilience in North East Nigeria (SEPIN SUSI) program implemented by GIZ.

The bill was refered to the House of Assembly Committee of Women and Social Development for further treatment after it scaled second reading in the Assembly. The bill has just been subjected to public hearing.

Chairman of the Committee and sponsor of the bill, Hon Kate Mamuno, explained that the hearing was a platform for government agencies and development partners and citizens to contribute to the perfection of the bill.

The committee chairman, who is also the Majority Leader of the Assembly, appreciated Governor Ahmadu Fintiri for the social protection programs his government is implementing but said such programs require a coherent legal framework to ensure sustainability and long-term impact and to ensure that interventions reach those who need them most, hence the social protection bill.

The public hearing featured a delegation from Borno State which is also in the process of establishing a social protection law under the SEPIN SUSI programme.

Borno Speaker, Abdulkarim Lawan, said through member representing Maiduguri metropolitan constituency, Hon Ali Kotoko that the experience of Adamawa State so far is a lesson that Borno State is keen to learn towards doing its own social protection law.

In a goodwill message, the Deputy commission manager for PETRA-DEP, one of GIZ’s programmes in the Northeast region, Mr Mahamane Brimaka expressed appreciation to all the stakeholders who have contributed to the progress of the Adamawa State Social Protection Bill so far.