The Nation Newspaper

Author: The Nation

EkoUNIMED set for maiden convocation
- By Igbang Juliet Ikedie,
The Vice Chancellor of Eko University of Medicine and Health Sciences (EkoUNIMED), Ijanikin, Lagos, Prof. Gbadebo Awosanya, has announced that the institution will hold its convocation ceremony on January 29, 2026, marking the graduation of its first set of medical doctors.

Awosanya made this known on Monday during a pre-convocation press briefing held at the university’s main campus in Ijanikin, Lagos.

The VC explained that the briefing was organised to formally inform the public about the forthcoming convocation and to highlight key milestones achieved by the university since its establishment.

He disclosed that EkoUNIMED was granted a licence to operate in December 2016 and admitted its pioneer students at the 200-Level into medical-related programmes, including Medicine and Surgery and other basic medical sciences.

The VC noted that the university currently runs programmes from the 100-Level and has a student population of over 500. He added that EkoUNIMED is adequately staffed with qualified academic personnel and is well equipped with modern laboratories, lecture halls, hostels, and learning facilities.

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He added that the university operates two campuses, with its main campus located at Ijanikin, Lagos, while efforts are ongoing to expand its academic and infrastructural capacity.

The don also revealed that the institution is currently listed among recognised medical schools globally and is awaiting a response from the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG) in the United States. He explained that this recognition would enable EkoUNIMED graduates to sit for foreign medical examinations and pursue postgraduate training or professional opportunities outside Nigeria where necessary.

On academic expansion, he disclosed plans to introduce a Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) programme in Nursing, subject to verification and approval by the National Universities Commission (NUC) and the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria. He added that the university also plans to introduce programmes in Radiography and Medical Laboratory Science, as well as establish its own teaching hospital to enhance clinical training.

On affordability, the don said the university was founded by Chief Dr. Hammed Ibrahim Ayodele as a way of giving back to society. He explained that although EkoUNIMED is a private institution, its tuition fees are structured to be among the most affordable compared to other private medical universities in the country to make medical education accessible to Nigerians.

He also explained that the name “Eko” reflects the founder’s deep-rooted Lagos heritage and cultural identity, noting that the founder is a traditional Lagosian who holds his heritage in high esteem.

The VC confirmed that the convocation ceremony will be preceded by a convocation lecture to be delivered by a former Governor of Lagos State and former Minister of Works and Housing, Mr. Babatunde Raji Fashola, SAN. The lecture is entitled: “Medical Education: Yesterday, Today and the Nearest Future.”

He added that the university maintains academic affiliations and linkages both within and outside Nigeria, while reaffirming EkoUNIMED’s commitment to producing competent medical professionals through quality teaching, strong institutional standards, and continuous improvement.
January 22, 2026
YABATECH Rector harps on skills, industry partnership
- College seals training deal
- By Sanusi Opeyemi,
The Rector of Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH), Dr Ibraheem Abdul, has reiterated the college’s commitment to producing industry-ready graduates, stressing that skills acquisition, not paper qualifications alone, now defines success in the modern workplace.

Abdul stated this during a high-level engagement and signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between YABATECH and John Basil Mandilas Foundation at a forum that brought together academic leaders and industry experts.

He described the partnership as a milestone that aligns perfectly with YABATECH’s core mandate of empowering students with practical, market-relevant skills before graduation. According to him, the collaboration will kick-start a structured HVAC-R (Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning) training programme through the Mandilas Modulus Academy, combining classroom instruction with hands-on industrial exposure.

“As an institution, our vision is clear: by the time our students graduate, they must be fully trained, competent and confident to function in the world of work. This initiative aligns seamlessly with that vision because today, it is no longer about certificates alone, but about what you can do with your hands and your mind,” he said.

He explained that the selected students for the pilot phase would undergo one month of intensive classroom training followed by two months of industry-based practical experience, a structure he described as a model for bridging the gap between theory and practice.

The rector further disclosed that YABATECH would add value to the partnership by providing certified quality assurance assessors who would help align the Modulus Academy curriculum with the National Skills and National Professional Skills Qualifications frameworks, ensuring global relevance and local compliance.

“We are intentional about partnerships. Through our Centre for Linkages, Partnerships and International Relations and the Career Development Centre, we aggressively seek collaborations that will benefit our students and also support our partners. This relationship with Mandilas Group is designed to be symbiotic,” he added.

Abdul also highlighted YABATECH’s long-standing legacy, noting that the college, now in its 79th year, shares a similar heritage with Mandilas Group, which is marking about 75 years of engineering excellence. He described the partnership as a “timely union” focused on securing the future of the next generation, whom he fondly referred to as the institution’s “diamonds.”

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“Our goal is to polish these diamonds to the highest standards so that they become a reference point of excellence in the industry and society,” he said.

Emphasising attitude and work ethics, the rector noted that beyond technical competence, students must imbibe positive values early through exposure to real work environments. He expressed confidence that the collaboration would instil professionalism, discipline and a strong work culture in participating students.

He reaffirmed the college’s readiness to expand the partnership into other technical areas, including mechanical and electrical engineering, while aligning training with global skills frameworks and competence-based certifications.

“We are committed to making this relationship a success,” he said. “Together, we can build graduates who are not only educated but fit for the world of work, capable of driving industrial growth and national development.”

The Executive Vice Chairman of Mandilas Trust Company Limited, Ola Ayo-Adeloye, described the partnership as a practical response to Nigeria’s urgent need for skills-driven education and sustainable industrial growth.

“This collaboration is founded on a shared belief that education, when aligned with practical application, becomes one of the most powerful drivers of national development,” she said.

She noted that the Mandilas Academy was structured to complement YABATECH’s strong academic foundation by providing students with hands-on training, industry-aligned certifications and exposure to modern HVAC-R technologies, ensuring graduates are not only academically sound but confident, competent and workplace-ready.

She thanked the rector, governing council and staff of the school for embracing the partnership, noting that the collaboration represents a model capable of delivering lasting value to students, industry and the nation at large.
January 22, 2026
Don restates commitment to research,others
- By Temitayo Seidu,
A Professor of International Economic Relations at Baze University in Abuja, Dr Mahmoud Alfa has reiterated his commitment to academic research on economic development and international policy, shaping young minds and mentoring future leaders.

In his drive for impact, he played a role in drafting Nigeria’s climate change legislation and shaping renewable energy strategies that brought solar power to schools and health centres across northern Nigeria.

In the public sector, he has served as a political economy adviser to the World Bank on Nigeria’s power sector recovery programme. He has led governance reform initiatives under DFID and Adam Smith International. He has advised state governments on budget reforms, infrastructure policy and energy development.

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On leadership, the don noted that quality representation anchored on competence, credibility and results is quite important, adding that a leader should understand the dynamics of policy and the power of strategic investment.

The don who stressed that academics can provide quality representation in the country said: “I am not here because of ambition alone. I am here because I believe Kogi East deserves a new kind of representation. One that understands policy. One that attracts investment. One that speaks with credibility in Abuja. And one that never forgets the people at home.”
January 22, 2026
Still on the new tax laws
- By LaBode Obanor
Pay more for what? It is a question asked quietly in market stalls and loudly on social media, whispered in offices and debated in living rooms across Nigeria and its diaspora. It cuts through official explanations, press briefings, and glossy policy documents with stubborn clarity. As the Nigerian government rolls out a sweeping new tax reform agenda, urging citizens at home and abroad to be more compliant, more attentive, and ultimately to pay more, this single question refuses to go away.

On the surface, the government’s objective sounds reasonable. Nigeria needs revenue. A growing population, coupled with a strained economy and expanding social needs, demands a more efficient and modern tax system. Few serious observers dispute this. However, what has unsettled many Nigerians is not the idea of taxation itself, but the premise that citizens should contribute more to a system that has yet to demonstrate, in clear and tangible terms, what it does with what it already collects.

This skepticism is not born of ignorance, civic laziness, or a coded appeal to evade tax. It is the voice of a population shaped by experience. Nigerians have learned, often the hard way, to be cautious when asked to sacrifice more for a country that has struggled to translate revenue into visible public value.

To be fair, the new tax law is not without merit. On paper, it is ambitious and, in some respects, progressive. It consolidates outdated statutes, broadens the tax base, introduces exemptions for low-income earners and small businesses, and seeks to modernise collection in an economy increasingly shaped by digital activity and informal labour. Without question, these objectives are defensible. Some are even necessary. But tax policy does not exist in isolation. It must be relational, and Nigeria’s central challenge is not the absence of sophisticated tax law, but the erosion of trust between the government and its citizens.

For decades, Nigerians have been told that sacrifice today will yield dividends tomorrow. Yet tomorrow has remained stubbornly out of reach. Our roads remain treacherous, electricity supply remains unreliable, public hospitals remain under-resourced, and schools, from primary to tertiary levels, struggle amid chronic underinvestment. Politicians announce record budgets, but citizens experience little more than record hardship. Year in year out, the level of suffering increases, reaching a state of fatigue. In this context, skepticism toward new tax demands is not an attempt to subvert it, but a rational civic behaviour in a system burdened by a severe trust deficit.

At this point, the debate stops being about revenue and becomes about legitimacy.

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Taxation, at its core, is not merely a fiscal instrument geared towards encouraging economic activities. It is a social contract. Citizens surrender a portion of their income in exchange for security, infrastructure, and the collective goods that make social life possible. In societies where this exchange is visible and consistent, compliance follows naturally. People are willing to pay because they see reciprocity. They see what their tax naira is doing. However, where the effects are absent, enforcement steps in, often clumsily, and at great political cost.

Nigeria’s tax-to-GDP ratio, estimated at roughly 10–11 percent, is frequently cited by officials as evidence that the country is undertaxed, especially when compared to African and OECD averages. But many Nigerians see the issue differently. In their eyes, the problem is not low tax payments, but a return deficit. Taxes are collected, yet services remain scarce, uneven, or completely inaccessible. Nigerians provide for themselves basic services and infrastructure that are typically the responsibility of the government.

Individuals and businesses rely heavily on private generators for power, they sink boreholes or wells to get clean water, communities and neighbourhoods depend on local vigilance groups and neighbourhood watch for security and protection, they organise or pool resources to build or rehabilitate rural feeder roads, their major avenue for healthcare is usually private and often expensive clinics, the only reliable education they can access is private expensive schools for their children, they organise their own system of trash, solid waste, and sewage, on and on Nigerians continue to do these things for themselves with the government playing little or no role. Revenue enters the system, but its outcomes are difficult to trace in everyday life.

This disconnect explains the resistance now confronting the reform. Despite sustained media appearances by government officials attempting to clarify the law’s provisions, public acceptance has remained limited. Nigerians, by nature, are not opposed to paying taxes or paying more for anything. They have done so, directly and indirectly, since the country’s founding. What they oppose is paying into a system where money disappears into a bureaucratic fog, resurfacing only as press releases and promises. Overinflated budget figures do not count as outcomes. Appropriations are not services. Without measurable, lived impact, they are indistinguishable from waste.

The central question remains unanswered: what, exactly, should citizens point to and say, this is what our taxes built?

The danger here is not abstract or philosophical but practical and immediate. A tax system that expands enforcement without restoring legitimacy will, assuredly, invite resistance. Compliance extracted without consent will breed evasion, entrench informality, and deepen citizen withdrawal from the state. What begins as a revenue challenge can quickly metastasize into a crisis of governance. And this is what the Nigerian government doesn’t want. However, this is what they will get because history offers little mercy to governments that confuse coercion with authority.

Nigeria has seen this before. Aggressive tax collection strategies that ignore socioeconomic context tend to fall hardest on those least equipped to absorb economic shocks such as the informal traders, artisans, market women, and small-scale entrepreneurs. These groups already bear heavy indirect burdens through inflation, currency instability, and inadequate infrastructure. When they are then required to demonstrate formal compliance within a system they perceive as unreliable or unresponsive, frustration deepens.

If the government is serious about rebuilding confidence, accountability must move from rhetoric to structure. Transparency cannot remain a slogan. It must become operational. Citizens do not need more speeches about reform. They need traceability. They need to see, in plain language, where tax revenue goes and what it produces. Which roads were fixed this quarter? Which hospitals were equipped? Which schools were renovated? At what cost, and on what timeline?

Measures such as public dashboards that link revenue to specific projects, independent audits presented in accessible formats, and local service benchmarks that allow communities to track progress should be in place as part of the reform. At a minimum, these mechanisms are prerequisites for voluntary compliance in a democratic society.

Government officials often contend that accountability mechanisms are already in place. On paper, this may be accurate. Yet accountability that citizens cannot see, access, or independently verify does not garner trust; it instead fosters suspicion. In the absence of visible evidence, people default to doubt because experience has conditioned them to be cautious. Thus, the heavier burden, therefore, rests with the government. Citizens have obligations, but governments must first earn the confidence they seek to command. That confidence is built through transparent spending, verifiable results, and disciplined governance that demonstrably serves the public good.

Nigeria’s tax reform still has a chance to succeed. But success will depend on whether it repairs the broken relationship between the government and its citizens. Until that happens, the question “Pay more for what?” will continue to echo across the country. And until the government can answer it with evidence rather than assurances, reform will remain on shaky ground.

. Obanor wrote in from UNILAG
January 22, 2026
A commitment to citizens’ prosperity
- By Bunmi Obakoya
The recently enacted tax reforms have continued to spark nationwide discussion, cutting across political, economic, and social spheres. Given Nigeria’s decades-old tax framework, the heightened attention is hardly surprising.

Economic analysts and public commentators have weighed in extensively, offering diverse perspectives. Beyond the noise, however, several seasoned voices have stepped forward to provide measured and forward-looking insights.

Nigerians should approach the reforms with optimism, it is a transformative policy shift with long-term generational benefits.

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I fully understand the anxiety and concerns being expressed. Such reactions are natural, especially considering that many Nigerians are unfamiliar with reforms of this scale.

The driving force behind the policy is the government’s focus on sustainable prosperity and the socio-economic well-being of citizens.

A simple review of ongoing projects across the country shows a deliberate commitment to infrastructure development aimed at improving livelihoods and economic growth.

Reflecting on the broader picture, on a philosophical note: “After the rain comes the sunshine.”

• Obakoya wrote in from Unilag
January 22, 2026
The inspiring art of sculpting
- By Adejuwon Temitope
The legacy of the late Nigerian master sculptor Reuben Ugbine continues to resonate across generations and continents, as his family and the wider creative community celebrate a life devoted to art, culture, and national heritage.

Born on November 24, 1956, in Anponya, Ghana, to Nigerian parents, Reuben Ugbine emerged as one of Nigeria’s most respected sculptors, renowned for preserving and interpreting indigenous culture through monumental and figurative works. Drawing inspiration from folklore, traditional life, and communal values, his sculptures became visual narratives of the Nigerian experience.

Ugbine discovered his talent for wood carving while at Warri Secondary School, a passion that shaped his academic and professional path. He went on to refine his craft at Auchi Polytechnic and later Yaba College of Technology, where he earned a Higher National Diploma (HND) in Sculpture, distinguishing himself for technical excellence and cultural depth.

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In 1982, Reuben Ugbine pioneered a distinctive terracotta figurative style, rooted in storytelling and traditional symbolism. This approach would become a defining element of his practice.

By 1987, he had committed fully to life as a professional artist, joining Creative Hands in Benin City, where he worked extensively with materials such as ebony, iroko, and terracotta, producing works celebrated for their detail, emotion, and authenticity.

His art gained international recognition, with exhibitions spanning Nigeria, London, and South Africa, and his works finding homes in prestigious collections. In 2018, his sculptures were acquired by the British Museum, cementing his status as a globally recognized Nigerian artist. Among his most notable public commissions are the iconic “Eagle on Eggs” sculpture for Niger State and the sculptural gates of the Federal Polytechnic, Bida.

Beyond his studio practice, Reuben Ugbine played a significant role in shaping Nigeria’s art ecosystem. He was an influential member of the Society of Nigerian Artists (SNA) and the Guild of Professional Fine Artists of Nigeria, contributing to the growth and professionalization of the visual arts sector.

Reuben Ugbine passed away on September 6, 2021, in Benin City, Edo State, leaving behind a powerful artistic legacy that continues to inspire artists, scholars, and cultural institutions.

Speaking on the significance of his father’s life and work, Karo Ugbine described the journey as one of responsibility and tribute.

“My father’s sculptures were more than objects; they were the heartbeat of our culture,” he said. We are committed to nurturing new talents, preserving his works, and ensuring that his contribution to Nigerian and global art history is never forgotten.”

Reuben Ugbine stands as an iconic sculptor, celebrated for his unparalleled and original artworks that resonate with deep cultural significance. Each piece is a testament to his mastery, offering more than mere aesthetics: they preserve history and embody a legacy of profound artistic impact. Owning one of Reuben’s sculptures means bringing a piece of timeless art and cultural heritage into your space.

He added: “Through his masterful wood carvings and terracotta sculptures, my father preserved culture, told stories, and inspired audiences across the world, from Nigeria to the United States of America and the United Kingdom.I am honored to continue his legacy—supporting new talents and keeping his memory alive. This tribute celebrates a life devoted to art, heritage, and lasting impact.”

As Nigeria continues to assert its cultural voice on the global stage, the life and art of Reuben Ugbine stand as a timeless reminder of how creativity can preserve identity, tell stories, and connect generations across borders.
January 22, 2026
Stakeholders differ on ban of graduation ceremony for pupils

The announcement by the Federal Government, banning graduation ceremonies for certain categories of pupils has been welcomed by some education stakeholders, unions, parents and school owners. However, the National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools (NAPPS) Nigeria said the ban would take away the sense of achievement, confidence, and motivation to aspire higher in pupils. VICTORIA AMADI reports

School graduation ceremony was meant to celebrate students/pupils academic milestone and feats. It mostly represents transition into another phase of life. Parents, loved ones and guardians look forward to it.

Some years back, graduation ceremonies were only held for primary 6 and Senior Secondary school (SS3) pupils transitioning into another phase. The expenses incurred on parents were minimal, compared to today’s practice, hence, sparking complaints.

Also, some schools have over the years, abused its original essence by extorting parents using the medium of graduation, thereby leading to querying of its authenticity and purpose. Some private schools often make graduation fees mandatory for all pupils, including those not graduating from an exit class, by incorporating the cost into the general school fees breakdown, thereby mounting financial pressure on parents, and sometimes with little or nothing to show for the expenses.

Fed Govt’s directives on ban of graduation ceremony for pre-primary 6, JSS3 and SS3

Last week, in a bid to ease the financial burden on parents, improve learning outcomes, and promote sustainability in schools, the Federal Government announced a streamlining of graduation ceremonies. Under the new directive, only pupils and students completing Primary 6, Junior Secondary School 3 (JSS3), and Senior Secondary School 3 (SSS3) are permitted to hold graduation ceremonies.

The Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, and the Minister of State for Education, Prof. Suwaiba Ahmad, jointly unveiled the policy as part of ongoing reforms to reposition Nigeria’s education sector and to ease financial pressure on families.

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The ministers noted that this initiative would prioritise the use of standardised, durable textbooks designed to last between four and six years, while also prohibiting the bundling of disposable workbooks with textbooks in schools.

They noted that this approach is intended to ensure that learning materials can be reused across multiple academic sessions, adding that the measure would allow siblings to share textbooks, significantly lower recurring education costs for parents, and reduce waste within the school system.

The policy also introduced limits on the number of approved textbooks per subject and grade level, in line with international best practices observed in countries such as Japan, Kenya and Tanzania.

They explained that the reforms address longstanding concerns over frequent but cosmetic textbook revisions, weak ranking standards, and practices that force parents to buy new textbooks yearly without corresponding improvements in content or learning outcomes.

A key provision of the policy is the introduction of structured and meaningful revision cycles. Textbook updates now reflect substantive improvements in content rather than minor changes in layout or pagination, extending the lifespan of approved materials and ensuring better value for money.

“This measure is expected to improve quality, reduce market saturation, and simplify textbook selection processes for schools and education authorities.”

“The Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council (NERDC) will continue to play a central role in assessing and assuring the quality of instructional materials, working with relevant agencies to ensure that only curriculum-aligned textbooks are approved for use in schools.”

States that earlier implemented the policy

Before the Federal Government’s directive Imo, Benue, Edo, Ondo, had in 2025 banned graduation parties for kindergarten, nursery and junior secondary school pupils, allowing graduation only for completion of Basic Education (Primary 6) and Senior Secondary 3 (SSS 3) levels.

The states also ordered the ban on annual change of textbooks, directing that approved textbooks be used for a minimum of four years to allow siblings reuse books, ease financial strain on families, and promote consistency in teaching.

Some education stakeholders, unions, parents and school owners have weighed into the issues.

Right step in the right direction, says TG

The Tutor General/Permanent Secretary of Lagos State Education District 3, Mr. Olusegun Osinaike, said that a lot of time and resources get wasted by parents on graduation ceremonies. He added that parents are pressurised by their wards to buy new clothes and other accessories just for the ceremony.

Osinaike revealed that a lot of students get initiated into social vices, such as alcoholism, drug abuse, cultism and other immoral acts before, during and after this ceremony.

According to the TG/PS, sexual immorality becomes the order of the day whenever these students have the opportunity of having such unsupervised social gatherings.

NCNSS: we are ready to partner with the Fed Govt

The President of the National Coalition of Non- State Schools (NCNSS) affirmed its readiness to partner with the Federal Government and other stakeholders in driving these reforms.

“We believe that by working together, we can safeguard educational standards, reduce costs for parents, and ensure that learners across Nigeria benefit from high‑quality, sustainable, and effective teaching and learning practices,” he said.

CONUA endorses policy

The Congress of University Academics (CONUA) has declared its unwavering support for the Federal Government’s policy framework for basic and secondary education.

The union views the reforms as principled and timely steps toward restoring standards, credibility, and public trust in Nigeria’s education system. It described the measures as evidence-based and clearly aligned with internationally recognised best practices.

It also commends the rationalisation of graduation ceremonies and the transition to durable, reusable textbooks, which signal a deliberate shift towards cost-efficiency, instructional quality, and learning outcomes. It added that enforcing multi-year textbook lifespans and discontinuing the bundling of disposable workbooks, would protect low and middle-income households from exploitative recurring costs while refocusing attention on teaching, learning, and meaningful assessment.

NGO lauds policy

The Founder of IA-Foundation, Mrs. Ibironke Adeagbo, also lauded the Federal Government for the reforms towards graduation ceremonies and promotion of the use of durable, reusable textbooks in schools. She noted that the policy would reduce unnecessary financial burdens on families, allowing resources to be better invested in learning.

The NGO also welcomed the focus on high-quality, curriculum-aligned textbooks designed to last 4–6 years. An approach, it said, would promote equity, supports effective teaching, and ensures siblings and students from low-income families can access essential learning materials.

“As an educational NGO, we support these measures and stand ready to collaborate with schools, communities, and partners to ensure the successful implementation of these reforms, ultimately enhancing learning outcomes and fostering a sustainable, inclusive education system for all Nigerian children,” she noted.

NAPPS Nigeria: graduation ceremony is a moment to celebrate milestone

According to the National President of National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools (NAPPS) Nigeria, Mr. Yomi Otubela, graduation ceremonies at the early years’ level go beyond being mere social events. They hold symbolic and psychological value for the child, the parents, and the school community. For the child, they reinforce a sense of achievement, boost confidence, and nurture the motivation to aspire to higher levels of learning. For parents, such events provide a moment to celebrate milestones in their child’s educational journey. For schools, they help to foster a culture of recognition, encouragement, and motivation.

While commending the policy, NAPPS Nigeria boss, however, advised that the ceremonies should be modest, purposeful, and child-centred, adding that once they become overly elaborate or financially demanding on parents, they lose their true essence.

“Therefore, yes, I believe they should be encouraged, but in a way that remains meaningful, affordable, and educationally beneficial,” he said.

Representatives from schools and education associations must ensure compliance, says AFED

The National President of Affordable Formidable Educational Development (AFED) Mr. Emmanuel Kanu Orji, supported the development, describing it as a long-overdue step towards making education more affordable and accessible.

“As AFED, we’ve always advocated for affordable education, and this policy aligns with our mission,” he said.

The AFED boss stressed that the ban on graduation ceremonies for certain classes and the introduction of reusable textbooks will significantly reduce costs for parents.

He, however, reiterated that implementation is key, while urging the government to establish a team comprising representatives from schools and education associations to monitor implementation, disseminate information, and ensure compliance.

This team, he advised, should also verify textbook compliance with the new policy in order to ensure it translates into tangible benefits for students and parents, rather than just being another published news item.

January 22, 2026
Student, others get AI-smart hearing aid

A tech innovator, Hanu Fejiro Agbodjie, has donated AI-powered smart glasses to some hearing-impaired Nigerians, as part of efforts at expanding access to opportunities and social inclusion for persons living with disabilities.

Sodiq Olopade, a student of Bayero University, Kano (BUK), and Joylyn Jacobson, a video production assistant, were among the early beneficiaries who received the innovative hearing aid in company of their relatives in Lagos.

With a 270-degree speech recognition range, the AI-smart glasses are designed to capture spoken conversations and ambient sounds happening around the user; and transcribe them in real time into readable text that are displayed on the lenses, without requiring sign language interpreters or lip-reading.

The innovative glasses come in an ergonomic lightweight design that makes them comfortable for all-day use, while operating via Bluetooth connectivity and a mobile application that allows for user customisation and software updates.

Speaking on the initiative, Hanu said that the gesture goes beyond giving out glasses, but more about advancing what technology is expected to do.

“Today represents what’s possible when technology meets purpose. We are entering a world of accelerated growth with AI and I believe there has never been a better time than today, to build a world where disability is no longer a permanent sentence; a future where limitations are not defined by the body or circumstances you are born with, but by how bold we are in building solutions with today’s technology.

“I believe technology should give people a second chance at living freely, and fully.

He continued. “I believe technology can restore dignity, independence, and access to possibilities. Today, that future starts with Joylyn and Sodiq,” he stated

For Joylyn, who works behind the scenes in the creative industry as a video production assistant and content creator, everyday conversations have often been exhausting and isolating.

“I miss out on instructions, jokes, and even simple interactions at work because I can’t always hear clearly. And it’s been truly difficult, especially with my clients and in relationships. But with these glasses, I can actually see conversations happening around me. This changes how I work, how I relate with people, and how confident I feel. I’m so happy”, she said.

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Sodiq, who is pursuing his studies at Bayero University, described the device as life-changing: “As a student, not hearing clearly affects lectures, group discussions, and friendships. These glasses make me feel included again. I can follow conversations without embarrassment r dependence on others. It’s going to help very much. It will make communication much better”, he said.

Family members of the recipients also expressed relief and optimism, noting the emotional toll hearing impairment often takes.

“We have watched Joylyn struggle silently for years, withdrawing more inward and away from socializing. This is more than a device; it is freedom and confidence returning to her life”, Christiana, Joylyn’s cousin said.

Medical professionals have also endorsed the innovation. Dr. James Nnowaluem, who coordinated the outreach exercise described the smart glasses as a breakthrough in assistive technology. “Hearing loss is not just a medical condition; it affects mental health, productivity, and social belonging. This devise will bridge the communication gap in real time and significantly improve quality of life”, he noted.

Dr. Johnson Ukeje, an E.N.T. specialist, added that the AI glasses complement traditional hearing solutions: “Not everyone benefits fully from hearing aids, this real-time transcription technology offers a reliable path to inclusion for the hearing impaired in our environments”, he said.

On his part, K.D. Ibitoye, a clinical audiologist, expressed his belief that many people with profound hearing loss will benefit greatly from the innovation.

The donor, Hanu revealed that the donation is aimed at improving the quality of life for the beneficiaries. He reaffirmed his intention to continue investing in tech-driven innovations and deploying such for good, stressing that innovation must be measured by impact on relationships, employability, and overall social inclusion, not just in terms of money, mobile applications, and social media.

January 22, 2026
500 UNILAG graduates inducted into Lagos NSE

Five hundred graduates from the Faculty of Engineering, University of Lagos, were on Monday inducted into the Nigerian Society of Engineers, Lagos Branch.

The guest speaker, President and Managing Director, Schneider Electric, Engr Ajibola Akindele, represented by Nurudeen Oyedeji, an engineer, spoke on the topic: ‘Building A Striving Nation Through Engineering’, emphasizing that engineering is the bedrock of any striving, developing, sustainable nation and growing economy.

Oyedeji cited the example of a mother’s delivery through CS operation, where engineers play a crucial role in ensuring the operation’s success.

The power supply, equipment, instruments, and other options are silent background work of engineers but at the end of the day, which are attributed to the doctor.

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He encouraged the graduates to remain committed, resilient, and to create opportunities in Nigeria rather than seeking them abroad.

Oyedeji also stressed the importance of believing in solving problems and creating solutions rather than just looking for jobs.

Further, he emphasized the need for graduates to always put end users in mind and to incorporate digitalization and automation into their work to ensure scalability and efficiency.

Engr Ayotunde Ogunnoiki, representing the President of the Society, commemorated the milestone and, in particular, the graduation of University of Lagos Engineering graduates, urging them to harness engineering innovation and propel Nigeria’s progress.

He advised the graduates to uphold professionalism, ethics, and lifelong learning, leveraging their talents, pushing boundaries, and serving society, emphasizing the significance of their contributions.

Ogunnoiki sought the support of lecturers, parents, and guardians to enable the graduates to achieve the goal.

The immediate chairman of the branch, Engr Adekunle Bello, characterised the engineering profession as dynamic, requiring innovative thinking.

He noted that, having completed theoretical studies, the graduates must now demonstrate their capabilities, thinking outside the box, and showcasing their ingenuity.

He stressed the need for the graduates to serve as exemplary ambassadors of the University of Lagos and engineering profession.

The ceremony concluded with the graduates taking oath, administered by Engr. Ayotunde Ogunnoiki.

January 22, 2026
Central Gaming Bill: A settled matter
- By Bashir Are
Nigeria has crossed an important constitutional threshold. With President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, formally declining assent to the Central Gaming Bill, the country has moved decisively from legislative uncertainty into a phase of constitutional clarity. What remains is not debate, but responsibility—to explain the constitutional basis of that decision, educate the public, and guide future legislation in an era where digital transformation is too often mistaken for a jurisdictional mandate.

This issue is not merely about gaming. It is about preserving Nigeria’s federal balance in the digital age. President Tinubu’s decision reflects a continuity of constitutional vision traceable to 2004, when, as Governor of Lagos State, he established the Lagos State Lotteries Board. That framework pioneered a modern approach to gaming regulation—one that recognised gaming as a socially sensitive economic activity whose externalities must be mitigated. Levies from gaming operators were deliberately channelled into education, healthcare, youth development, sports, public enlightenment, and responsible gaming advocacy as an intervention trust fund. Regulation was designed not only for revenue extraction but primarily for social balance and community reinvestment.

This philosophy reflects the core principles of cooperative federalism. Cooperative federalism is not a struggle for dominance between levels of government, nor is it a fragmentation of authority. It is a constitutional partnership—where powers are clearly allocated, respected, and exercised with restraint, while governments collaborate voluntarily to achieve national coherence. It rejects coercive centralisation and destructive fragmentation alike. Instead, it promotes collaboration without domination, harmonisation without subjugation, and unity in diversity.

In the digital age, cooperative federalism offers a disciplined response to technological change. Technology may alter delivery channels, but it does not alter constitutional competence. Digital platforms should enhance regulatory cooperation, not serve as excuses for jurisdictional displacement.

Gaming regulation is a classic case for cooperative federalism. While online platforms transcend geography, the social consequences of gaming—addiction, consumer harm, youth exposure, and community impact—remain profoundly local. States are best positioned to regulate these effects, while cooperating nationally on standards, data sharing, and enforcement. Nigeria’s Constitution anticipates this model. Lotteries, betting, and gaming appear on neither the Exclusive nor Concurrent Legislative Lists. By operation of Section 4(7) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), they are residual matters reserved exclusively for the states.

This position was conclusively affirmed by the Supreme Court of Nigeria in November 2024. The Court held unequivocally that the National Assembly lacks legislative competence over gaming and lotteries. Judicial authority was clear: cooperation is permissible; constitutional overreach is not.

Against this backdrop, the President’s pronouncement reflects a considered political judgment exercised in faithful obedience to the Constitution. It demonstrates statesmanship rooted in respect for constitutional limits. The refusal to assent was therefore not an act of policy preference, but a necessary affirmation of constitutional order and judicial finality.

The claims that online platforms confer federal jurisdiction are legally flawed. Jurisdiction flows from constitutional authority, not from technology. Consider a case initiated at the Kano State High Court, conducted entirely online. The virtual nature of the proceedings does not strip the court of its constitutional jurisdiction, nor does it transform it into a federal court matter. The court’s jurisdiction is determined by the Constitution, not by the platform used to conduct its business. Globally, federations have embraced cooperative solutions. In the United States, Canada, Germany, India, Australia, Switzerland, and South Africa, gaming regulation remains subnational, coordinated through inter-state or interprovincial frameworks rather than federal takeover.

How Cooperative Federalism Works in Practice

To further inform public understanding and guide sound legislative reasoning, it is useful to describe—more concretely—how leading federations structure subnational cooperation in gaming regulation, particularly in Switzerland, the United States, Germany, and Canada.

Switzerland: GESPA and the Intercantonal Agreement on Gambling (GSK)

Switzerland is one of the clearest examples of cooperative federalism in action. The Swiss state is a federation of 26 cantons, and cantonal autonomy is a constitutional cornerstone. Because gambling has significant social implications—public order, youth protection, addiction prevention, and community welfare—Switzerland has long treated it as an area where local sensitivity matters.

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The cantons cooperate through an inter-cantonal legal instrument commonly referenced as the Intercantonal Agreement on Gambling (GSK). Switzerland did not respond to crossborder gaming by transferring jurisdiction to the federal level. Instead, it created a cooperative mechanism preserving cantonal sovereignty.

United States: MUSL and Interstate Compacts

In the United States, gambling and lottery regulation is overwhelmingly state-based. States determine licensing, taxation, and enforcement. The Multi-State Lottery Association (MUSL) enables cooperation without stripping states of authority.

Germany: Länder Cooperation

Germany relies on state-to-state coordination through interstate treaties. Digitalisation drives harmonisation, not federal takeover.

Canada: Provincial Authority

Gaming regulation in Canada is largely provincial. The Interprovincial Lottery Corporation (ILC) enables collaboration while preserving provincial autonomy.

Nigeria has already internalised this approach through the Federation of State Gaming Regulators of Nigeria (FSGRN). The FSGRN enables reciprocity licensing, harmonised standards, shared compliance intelligence, and coordinated responsible gaming initiatives—without displacing state authority.

The proposed Remote Gaming Licence under the rejected Central Gaming Bill posed a structural risk. It would have allowed offshore operators to bypass state regulation, undermining jobs, weakening consumer protection, and diverting social mitigation revenues away from communities.

Gaming operators already contribute through Corporate Income Tax, Education Tax, ITF levies, Police Trust Fund contributions, NITDA levies, Capital Gains Tax, and related obligations. State gaming levies are purpose-built social instruments. This legislative episode matters beyond gaming. It establishes how Nigeria will govern digital transformation across sectors—fintech, education, healthcare, transport, and the creative economy.

Conclusion

Ultimately, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s decision to decline assent to the Central Gaming Bill stands as a reaffirmation of cooperative federalism as Nigeria’s governing philosophy in an increasingly digital age. It reflects a deliberate choice to uphold constitutional boundaries, respect judicial authority, and preserve the carefully balanced allocation of powers that underpins Nigeria’s federal structure. While political in form, the decision was anchored in constitutional obedience and demonstrates statesmanship guided by fidelity to the rule of law.

This moment carries significance far beyond the gaming sector. It clarifies an essential principle for Nigeria’s digital future: technology may reshape markets, delivery channels, and consumer behaviour, but it cannot and must not be allowed to rewrite constitutional competence. Online platforms do not dissolve federal boundaries, nor do they convert residual matters into federal subjects by virtue of scale or reach. Where digital activity produces local social consequences—as gaming undeniably does—regulation must remain closest to the communities affected, even as governments collaborate nationally to promote coherence, integrity, and shared standards.

Bashir A. Are is the Chief Executive Officer of the Lagos State Lotteries and Gaming Authority and Chairman of the Federation of State Gaming Regulators of Nigeria (FSGRN). He is a Trustee of the International Association of Gaming Regulators (IAGR) and a Member of the Chartered Institute of Directors of Nigeria. He writes from professional experience in gaming regulation, cooperative federalism, business processreengineering, strategy, and technology-enabled governance.

•Are is CEO-Lagos Lotteries & Gaming Authority
January 22, 2026