Category: Nigerian Tribune

Every October 5, the world marks World Teachers’ Day. This is a moment to appreciate those who nurture dreams and build the foundation of every nation’s progress.

In Nigeria, teachers do more than teach. They inspire, improvise, and persevere, often in conditions that would break many others. They are the silent builders of tomorrow’s leaders.

In this article, Tribune Online takes a look at five reasons why Nigerian teachers need to be celebrated today.

1. Teachers Find Creative Ways to Teach Even With Limited Resources

Many Nigerian schools, especially in rural or underprivileged areas, face shortages of textbooks, laboratory equipment, and even stable electricity. Yet, many teachers continue to find creative ways to make learning possible.

They draw diagrams on chalkboards, reuse materials, and turn everyday objects into teaching aids. Many teachers improvise learning tools from bottle caps, sticks, and recycled paper to help pupils understand complex subjects.

This level of creativity keeps classrooms alive and ensures that learning continues, even when resources are scarce.

2. They Build Character, Not Just Careers

Beyond academics, teachers shape the values, discipline, and confidence of their students.

They are often the first to notice a struggling child, offer guidance, or encourage a shy student to speak up. In communities where mentorship is limited, teachers step in to fill that role, helping young people believe in themselves and their dreams.

Their influence extends far beyond the classroom. It ripples into society through every student whose life they have touched.

3. They Are Role Models of Dedication

Despite delayed and low income salaries, heavy workloads, and difficult working conditions, Nigerian teachers remain steadfast. Many still arrive early, conduct extra lessons, and mentor students long after school hours.

Their dedication is remarkable. It takes deep passion to keep teaching in the face of neglect or frustration. Yet they do it, not for applause, but because they understand the power of education to change lives.

This determination to teach, inspire, and persevere makes them true heroes in Nigeria’s development story.

4. They Are Innovators Shaping the Future

From digital classrooms to creative learning projects, Nigerian teachers are embracing innovation like never before.

One shining example is Olasunkanmi Opeifa, an English teacher from Abuja, who gained international recognition after being shortlisted among the Top 10 Finalists for the Global Teacher Prize. He used technology and storytelling to make English lessons engaging and fun.

Across the country, teachers are now integrating digital tools into their lessons, using WhatsApp for assignments, virtual quizzes, and interactive teaching methods. Nigerian teachers are not just adapting to a changing world; they are leading the transformation.

5. They Leave Lasting Legacies

Every great Nigerian success story begins with a teacher. From doctors and journalists to engineers, governors, and innovators, many leaders often recall one teacher who believed in them when no one else did.

Teachers may not get the loudest applause or the biggest paycheques, but their legacy endures through generations. They plant seeds that grow long after the school bell stops ringing.

Their work may seem ordinary, but its impact is extraordinary – shaping minds, building futures, and sustaining the hope of a better Nigeria.

In the wake of the tragic boat mishap on River Niger that claimed over 100 lives in Ibaji, Kogi State, the community has appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to construct a modern market and rehabilitate the Idah-Ibaji-Anambra federal highway.

The incident occurred when a large wooden boat transporting traders from Ibaji to the Ilushi market in Edo State capsized, resulting in multiple fatalities.

In a statement made available to journalists in Lokoja on Saturday, the Coterie of Ibaji Youths of Nigeria (COIYN) made a passionate appeal to President Tinubu to approve the establishment of a modern farm produce market in Ibaji and the reconstruction of the dilapidated Idah-Ibaji-Otuocha highway.

The group attributed the tragedy to the absence of critical infrastructure in Ibaji, including a standard market and accessible roads, which compel residents to rely on dangerous waterways to transport their farm produce.

The statement, jointly signed by the Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Tony Edike, and the National Coordinator, Jerry Nwuchola, lamented the prolonged neglect of Ibaji Local Government Area and called for urgent federal intervention.

The group appealed for the construction of a centrally located, functional market that would reduce the risks faced by traders travelling long distances across perilous rivers to sell their goods.

‘Despite being a major producer of rice, yams, cassava, fish, and vegetables, Ibaji lacks electricity, asphalted roads, good schools, and health facilities, forcing people to travel dangerously by overcrowded boats to sell produce. We hereby passionately appeal to the government to construct a centrally located large market in Ibaji LGA, worthy of the produce Ibaji contributes to the national economy,’ the statement read.

The COIYN also called on the President to revive the abandoned Idah-Ibaji-Otuocha Federal Highway project, noting that the road would shorten travel time between Anambra and Abuja while enhancing economic activity in the region.

According to the group, the construction of a modern market and the rehabilitation of the highway would help prevent future tragedies, promote trade, and generate employment opportunities for the people.

‘Your Excellency Sir, we acknowledge your commitment to the Renewed Hope Agenda. Hope is our lifeline, not just a slogan. Today, we hold onto it tightly. We urge you, as the father of our great nation, to immortalize the innocent souls lost in this latest tragedy by ensuring that such bloodshed is never repeated due to infrastructural neglect,’ the group added.

President Tinubu had earlier expressed condolences to the government and people of Kogi State over the incident, describing it as ‘shocking and unfortunate.’

The COIYN expressed optimism that the President’s Renewed Hope Agenda would extend to the people of Ibaji, ending decades of neglect and infrastructural decay.

The group maintained that the development of a modern market and reconstruction of the highway would reflect the President’s commitment to responsive and compassionate leadership.

Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has declared that the era of branding Nigeria as the ‘most corrupt country’ in the world has come to an end.

The First Lady made the remark during her official working visit to Gombe State, where she commissioned several health facilities, including the newly established Federal Medical Centre (FMC) in Kumo.

She urged Nigerians to refrain from running down the country’s image, noting that the world now views Nigeria as a nation of opportunity and rising global relevance, owing to the reforms of the current administration led by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

During the visit, Remi Tinubu paid homage to the Emir of Akko in his palace, stressing that ‘the era when Nigeria was branded the most corrupt country is over.’

According to her, the international perception of Nigeria is changing positively, and citizens must begin to show national pride by speaking well of their country.

The First Lady stated, ‘Calling on us as Nigerians, stop badmouthing your nation. Gone are the days when they say Nigeria is the most corrupt country. You won’t hear that again.’

‘Even when I go abroad, when they hear you’re from Nigeria, everybody’s interested. They want to come to Nigeria. Nigeria is the next destination,’ she added.

She commended the natural beauty of Gombe State, describing its landscape as comparable to that of the English countryside.

According to her, ‘We have to be proud. Your landscape is beautiful. I’ve never seen anything like that. You see that in the London countryside, but I’m seeing it here in Gombe and in other states too.’

Remi Tinubu linked her call for national pride to the administration’s ongoing reforms in security, education, and grassroots development, noting that traditional and religious leaders play vital roles in shaping citizens’ attitudes.

She explained that her work as First Lady is driven by a desire to leave Nigeria better than she met it after her husband’s tenure.

She stressed, ‘I’m 65 years old now, I pray I live long. But I’m working so hard so that when my husband finishes his tenure, me too I can walk around safely. That is what drives me.’

The First Lady urged Nigerians to be proud of the country’s progress and to support the present administration as it continues its efforts to restore Nigeria’s lost glory and strengthen its standing in the comity of nations.

Preventive healthcare remains one of the most effective strategies for reducing global disease burdens. Nigerian nurse researcher Amarachi Igwilo has built her career around this vision, with studies spanning cancer prevention, infection control, maternal health, and, more recently, the intersection of maternal health and mental wellbeing.

Her recent study, Assessment of Knowledge and Utilization of Malaria Prevention Strategies Among Pregnant Women in Ogun State, exposed the gaps between awareness and actual preventive practices. While most women understood malaria’s dangers, far fewer consistently used insecticide-treated nets or adhered to preventive drug regimens.

‘Prevention is only effective when it is practiced. Our findings show that barriers are not just medical but also social and economic,’ Igwilo explained.

Maternal health specialists see her work as timely. ‘Malaria remains a leading cause of death for pregnant women. Amarachi’s research offers policy-relevant insights that could strengthen Nigeria’s maternal health programs,’ said Dr. Emmanuel Adesina, an obstetrician.

In addition to physical risks, Igwilo has raised awareness about the mental health pressures faced by expectant mothers. Stress, depression, and anxiety during pregnancy often go undetected in Nigeria’s maternal care system, despite their long-term effects on both mothers and infants. Her preventive health model calls for integrating psychosocial support into existing malaria and maternal health programs, ensuring that women are treated holistically.

Each year, an estimated 11 million pregnancies in sub-Saharan Africa are exposed to malaria, leading to maternal anemia, stillbirth, and neonatal mortality. The World Health Organization recommends a combination of preventive drugs (IPTp-SP) and insecticide-treated nets, yet uptake remains uneven across communities.

Beyond malaria, Igwilo has contributed to cancer and infection prevention research that has been cited internationally. Her cross-cutting approach-linking disease prevention with mental health resilience-reflects a broader movement in public health nursing: building systems that protect both body and mind.

With these multi-faceted contributions, Igwilo is emerging as part of a new wave of Nigerian nurse researchers pushing for policies that recognize prevention not just as a medical necessity but as a social and psychological one.

Opeyemi Ayanwale, popularly known as Imisi, has been declared the winner of Season 10 of the Big Brother Naija reality television show, themed ’10/10′, while Dede emerged as the first runner-up.

The show host, Ebuka Obi-Uchendu, announced Imisi as the winner on Sunday after she secured the highest number of votes in the final week.

She defeated fellow finalists Dede, Koyin, and Sultana to claim the ?80 million grand prize in the ’10/10′ edition of the reality show.

A total of 29 housemates participated in the show, which premiered on July 26 and 27, 2025.

Imisi has now become the fourth female housemate to win the show.

She joins the exclusive list of past winners of the reality television show, namely Katung Aduwak, Efe Ejeba, Miracle Igbokwe, Mercy Eke, Olamilekan Agbeleshebioba (Laycon), Hazel Oyeze Onou (Whitemoney), Ijeoma Josephina Otabor (Phyna), Ilebaye Odiniya, and Kingsley Sule (Kellyrae) of Seasons 1-9, respectively.

Season 10 of the reality show, which ran for 72 days, was hosted by Ebuka Obi-Uchendu, who returned as the show’s host for the ninth consecutive time.

A young Nigerian Scientist, Dr Ayodeji Amobonye Emmanuel, has been recognised in the top 2% of Scientists in the World for his work in Biotechnology at the Durban University of Technology, South Africa.

The award was published by Stanford University in collaboration with Elsevier that identifies researchers whose publications have made the highest impact across 22 fields and 174 subfields of science.

Amobonye had obtained his PhD from the Durban University where he was also a lecturer/ researcher and presently a research fellow in the Kaunas University of Technology in Lithuania. Not resting on his oars, Amobonye said he would continue to push the frontier of research in Biotechnology.

Expressing surprise at the recognition, he attributed it to the grace of God. ‘I was just in my laboratory doing what I love doing,’ he said.

He expressed joy that, by the recognition, he was able to join in the elevation of the good image of the country, in diaspora.

His citation described the award as ‘a powerful statement about the shifting geography of knowledge production.’

It continued that ‘in a world where African researchers often contend with limited resources, underfunded laboratories and uneven access to International networks, such recognition underscores the ability of talent and perseverance to transcend systemic barriers.’

Amobonye obtained his first degree from Federal University of Technology, Minna, Masters at Federal University of Technology, Akure and was a staff of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC).

In a move to bolster Nigeria’s Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSME) sector, the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) and the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) have unveiled a nationwide drive to provide free business registration for 250,000 MSMEs across the country.

The initiative, launched in Abuja on Friday, September 26, follows the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the two agencies.

The initiative aligns with the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which aims to promote economic inclusion and ease the cost of doing business for young entrepreneurs.

Speaking at the event, CAC Registrar-General, Hussaini Ishaq Magaji, SAN, described the scheme as ‘a deliberate effort to remove barriers that keep many businesses in the shadows of informality.’ He explained that the free registration would enable small businesses to ‘gain access to credit, markets, and government interventions previously out of reach.’

On his part, Dr. Charles Odiil, Director-General of SMEDANi, said the collaboration marks a turning point in Nigeria’s MSME development journey.

According to him, ‘Formalization is the gateway to support. Once a business is registered, it becomes visible and can easily benefit from aftercare services such as grants, training, and market linkages.’

The partnership seeks to tackle long-standing challenges such as cost, bureaucracy, and lack of awareness, factors that have kept millions of entrepreneurs in the informal sector. Under the new scheme, CAC will forgo about N3 billion in registration fees, while SMEDAN will manage post-registration support through its comprehensive MSME database.

Businesses registered under the programme will enjoy access to technical support, funding opportunities, and capacity-building programmes designed to enhance sustainability and competitiveness.

Both agency heads reaffirmed their commitment to driving the initiative to every state, ensuring that no genuine entrepreneur is left behind. ‘This collaboration gives practical meaning to President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope vision,’ they jointly stated, emphasizing that the scheme represents a major investment in Nigeria’s economic future.

CAC: How to Apply

Interested MSMEs are advised to register via the SMEDAN portal. Applicants are to sign up, select ‘No’ when asked if they already have a CAC number, and submit their details. Successful applicants will be contacted with further steps to finalize their free registration.

Meanwhile, MSMEs already listed on SMEDAN’s database but without CAC registration will automatically qualify for the free scheme.

The CAC-SMEDAN partnership, analysts say, could be a game-changer for Nigeria’s informal sector to unlock access to funding, mentorship, and the formal economy for thousands of small businesses nationwide.

The House of Representatives, through its Committee on Constitution Review, is set to hold a high-level consultation with the leadership of all registered political parties in Nigeria.

Chairman of the House Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Rep. Akin Rotimi, disclosed this in a statement made available to Parliamentary Correspondents. He explained that the consultative meeting is scheduled for Monday, 6th October 2025, in Abuja.

He noted that the proposed engagement forms part of the broad-based stakeholder consultations by the 10th Assembly in its ongoing review of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended).

‘It is a key component of the Committee’s outreach to critical stakeholders to ensure that the amendment process reflects the voices and aspirations of Nigerians.’

According to him, leaders of registered political parties invited to participate include National Chairmen, National Secretaries, and National Women Leaders.

The session will feature deliberations on priority areas such as Special Seats for Women, Judicial and Electoral Reforms, Independent Candidacy, Local Government Reforms, State Policing, Human Rights, and Justice.

It will also provide political parties with an opportunity to make inputs, share perspectives, and contribute meaningfully to discussions on key national issues.

Speaking ahead of the engagement, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives and Chairman of the Constitution Review Committee, Hon. Benjamin Kalu, described the meeting as a strategic platform for political parties to bring their experience and institutional insight to the process.

He stated that: ‘political parties remain the engine room of our democracy, and their active participation in this consultation is vital to achieving constitutional amendments that are inclusive, credible, and reflective of the collective aspirations of Nigerians.’

‘A summarised compendium of the bills currently under consideration by the Committee has been prepared to guide discussions during the engagement. The document is available for download at hccr.gov.ng.’

Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, has called for a bold new vision to transform Africa from a mere supplier of raw minerals into a global hub for mineral processing, innovation, and green industrialisation.

A statement by the Senior Special Assistant on Media to the Minister, Segun Tomori, quoted the Alake saying ‘Africa’s minerals have powered industrialisation elsewhere while our own economies remain under-industrialised. This paradox must end. Our vision must be clear: to move from extractive dependence to transformative industrialisation.

‘With these words, the Minister of Solid Minerals Development and Chairman of the African Minerals Strategy Group (AMSG) Dr Dele Alake made a case for a bold new vision to transform Africa from a raw minerals supplier to a global hub for mineral processing, innovation, and green industrialisation.

‘Delivering the keynote address at the African Mining Week in Cape Town, South Africa themed, ‘Vision and Strategy – Setting the stage for Minerals Industrialization, Dr. Alake underscored the continent’s strategic role in powering the 21st-century economy through its vast mineral wealth.’

He noted that Africa is home to some of the richest mineral deposits in the world, stressing that these resources are critical to clean energy, digital technologies, advanced manufacturing, and global security.

‘Our youth should no longer seek jobs abroad while opportunities lie buried beneath their feet. The time to industrialise is now. Let us set the stage for an Africa that is not just a participant in the global minerals economy, but a driver of its future,’ the Minister asserted.

Throwing light on ongoing reforms in Nigeria’s mining sector, the minister, represented by Permanent Secretary, Farouk Yabo stated that the nation is incentivising local beneficiation from gold refining to Lithium processing; Revoking dormant licenses to promote serious investment; Strengthening governance and transparency to attract credible global partners, and building a national critical minerals strategy.

In a related development, the minister addressed the ministerial roundtable of the African Minerals Strategy Group (AMSG) on the sidelines of the mining week, highlighting Nigeria’s efforts to create a $1 trillion economy by 2030.

His words, ‘We are investing in digitising mining processes from data accessibility to mineral traceability. We are also focusing on bequeathing strong institutions and the right policies to drive reforms, hence the ongoing efforts to amend the 2007 Minerals and Mining Act to provide a more robust legislative framework that will propel investments in the mining sector’.

He emphasised Nigeria’s commitment to ensure traceability from mining to monetization, affirming that the nation’s minerals are set to come from two sources: licensed holders or a seller and supplier buying from Artisanal and Small-scale Miners (ASM) who are registered and formalized.

Echoing the sentiments expressed by the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Alake stressed that African countries must prioritize mapping their mineral resources to better understand the location and scale of deposits.

‘After national mapping, it is the duty of countries to ensure only licensed operators are mining. We must also build adequate capacity for effective supervision,’ he said.

Nigeria was also ably represented at the country spotlight session where the Permanent Secretary gave a presentation on Investment opportunities in the solid minerals sector, highlighting key reforms, incentives for investments, and a synopsis of the nation’s mineral endowments.

The African Mining Week was attended by Mining and Minerals Ministers from DRC, Zimbabwe, and Sierra Leone. Nigeria, Gambia, and Ghana sent representatives whilst major private sector players on the continent also graced the conference.

Kaduna State Governor, Senator Uba Sani, CON, has approved the release of ?2.321 billion for the settlement of pension entitlements, gratuities, and death benefits to retirees and families of deceased civil servants across the state.

The disbursement covers Accrued Rights under the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS) and Gratuity/Death Benefits under the old Defined Benefit Scheme (DBS). With this payment, Kaduna State has now disbursed ?6.678 billion in 2025 and a total of ?13.5 billion in the last two years of the present administration.

Kaduna State Commissioner for Information, Malam Ahmed Maiyaki, said the welfare of pensioners remains a top priority of the government, stressing that regular and timely payments will continue to ease the hardship faced by senior citizens.

According to the Executive Secretary of the Kaduna State Pension Bureau, Ibrahim Balarabe, the latest batch of payments will benefit 661 retirees and families across the state and local governments – with ?1.736 billion allocated for the Accrued Rights of 511 retirees under the CPS, and ?585 million for gratuities and death benefits to 315 pensioners and next-of-kin under the DBS.

The Bureau further explained that beneficiaries under the Contributory Pension Scheme will have their Accrued Rights credited directly into their Retirement Savings Accounts (RSAs) with their respective Pension Fund Administrators, while pensioners under the Defined Benefit Scheme will soon be invited for screening and verification before payment.

Governor Uba Sani has consistently maintained that ensuring dignity for retirees is not merely a statutory obligation but a moral responsibility of government.

The statement concluded that the approval underscores the administration’s commitment to safeguarding the livelihoods of pensioners, upholding their rights, and strengthening the trust of the Kaduna State workforce.