Author: Ayobami Ogungbemi

On Tuesday, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio ordered a suspension of student and exchange visa processing. A leaked cable directed embassies to stop all new appointments until further notice. This move is part of a broader crackdown on foreign students, especially those protesting the war in Gaza. The White House accuses them of supporting Hamas. Trump Administration Targets Harvard Over Foreign Students The Trump administration recently revoked hundreds of student visas. It also moved to block Harvard from admitting international students. The government is increasing surveillance, including screening social media profiles of international applicants. Protests Erupt After $100M in…

President Bola Tinubu has reiterated his administration’s firm stance against corruption, emphasizing that Nigeria will be a no-go zone for corrupt activities. Speaking at the Ministry of Justice Asset Recovery Summit in Abuja, themed “Synergising Towards an Effective Assets Recovery and Management,” Tinubu stressed that asset recovery remains a cornerstone of Nigeria’s anti-corruption strategy. Represented by Permanent Secretary Madugu Gagare, Tinubu highlighted the importance of restoring public trust by ensuring recovered funds benefit all Nigerians. He noted corruption’s negative impact on key sectors like health, education, and infrastructure, stressing the urgent need to reinvest repatriated assets into critical national projects.…

Market Shutdown and Counterfeit Drug Raid The popular Ogbo-Ogwu Drug Market in Onitsha, Anambra State, has been closed since February 15, 2025. The closure followed a raid by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), which seized and destroyed over 10 trucks of counterfeit drugs valued at more than N1 trillion. Traders Allege N700,000 Levy Traders at the market have suffered severe economic hardship since the closure. They allege that NAFDAC imposed a N700,000 levy on each shop owner before granting access to their shops. Over 1,000 traders reportedly paid the fee. However, NAFDAC denies these…

The Lagos State Government will fully ban the use and sale of single-use plastics (SUPs) starting July 1, 2025. This move aims to tackle environmental damage caused by plastic waste. Background of the Plastic Ban The announcement was made by Tokunbo Wahab, Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, during a visit from TETRA PAK West Africa Limited. Lagos had already banned styrofoam and some single-use plastics in January 2024. Wahab explained the ban targets the harm caused by non-biodegradable plastics, especially styrofoam. The policy protects Lagos’ coastal environment and urban areas. Why Lagos Is Acting Lagos covers 3,575 square kilometers…

Inter Miami’s struggles in MLS continued with a 3-0 home defeat against Orlando City in the Florida derby on Sunday. This loss leaves Miami with just one win in their last seven games across all competitions. They have slipped to sixth place in the Eastern Conference, while Orlando City moved above them. Messi’s Poor Form Reflects Team Struggles Lionel Messi managed only two shots on target and missed a free-kick. His frustration was clear as both his and the team’s form declined. After the match, Messi stressed the need for unity in tough times.”When things are hard, we must be…

Minna, Niger State, Newgate University Minna (NUM) has received full accreditation for its undergraduate programs from the National Universities Commission (NUC). The evaluation took place in October and November 2024, with official accreditation granted in early 2025. Mrs. Usman Yamman, Director of Academic Planning at NUM, confirmed that programs like Software Engineering, Mass Communication, Accounting, Nursing Science, and Public Health scored above 90%. NUC also approved two new programs: Doctor of Physiotherapy (DPT) and Bachelor of Laws (LL.B). These programs address growing demand in health sciences and law. The university’s programs scored an average of 86.9%, based on academic standards,…

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) will release the results of 379,000 candidates on Wednesday. These candidates sat for the rescheduled Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) between Friday and Monday. JAMB had to reschedule the exams after widespread technical failures and poor performance. The issues were most severe in Lagos and South-East states, where candidates faced system errors and disruptions. Out of 1.9 million candidates in the 2025 UTME, over 1.5 million scored below 200. The low pass rate sparked national concern and calls for accountability. JAMB Registrar, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, admitted fault. He said both human and technical…

Governor Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi State has officially announced a substantial increase in the monthly salaries and allowances for newly recruited medical doctors in the state, raising the amount from N150,000 to N500,000. This significant boost aims to improve the welfare of doctors and enhance healthcare delivery across Ebonyi. The announcement was made during the inauguration of the state’s health activation programme in Abakaliki, which serves as preparation for the upcoming Drug Revolving Fund (DRF) scheme. Alongside the salary revision, Governor Nwifuru also inaugurated new hospital equipment valued at billions of naira, further demonstrating his commitment to upgrading the state’s…

President Bola Tinubu has approved key licences for the Kolmani Integrated Development Project. This project is a multi-billion-dollar oil exploration in Bauchi and Gombe States. The news was shared by Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil). He spoke during the groundbreaking of the Bauchi Oil and Gas Academy in Alkaleri LGA. A statement by his media aide confirmed the approval. The move is part of plans to increase oil production nationwide. “President Tinubu approved all needed licences to unlock the Kolmani project,” Lokpobiri said. Energy Sector to Drive Jobs and Growth The minister said the government…

For the first time, Africa Day will be celebrated in China. The event aims to showcase a vibrant and authentic image of Africa to a global audience. Organized by the Center for China-Africa Discourse Studies, the celebration will take place on May 23, 2025, at the Marriott Hotel in Beijing. According to Communications Director Queen Modestus, the event is led by Africans living in China and promises to be the largest celebration of Black culture in Asia. Strong Support from African Brands Notably, the event has major backing. A leading Nigerian bank and the national airline of an East African…