The Nation Newspaper

Author: The Nation

  • Australian Open : Djokovic through to semi-finals after Musetti injury

    Australian Open : Djokovic through to semi-finals after Musetti injury

    Novak Djokovic‘s quest for a record Grand Slam title continued in dramatic circumstances after fifth seed Lorenzo Musetti quit their Australian Open quarter-final match with an injury after taking a two-set lead at Melbourne Park.

    Musetti’s retirement when leading 6-4 6-3 1-3 meant Djokovic pulled off a great escape at his most successful hunting ground, with the 10-times champion’s bid for a standalone 25th  major to break the tie with Margaret Court still alive.

    “I don’t know what to say, except that I feel really sorry for him and he was a far better player,” Djokovic said.

    “I was on my way home tonight. These things happen in sport and it’s happened to me a few times, but being in quarter-finals of a Grand Slam, two sets to love up and being in full control, I mean it’s so unfortunate.

    “I wish him a speedy recovery and he should have been the winner today, there’s no doubt.”

    The 38-year-old Serb returned to action after an extended break following fourth-round opponent Jakub Mensik’s walkover on Sunday, and his freshness showed during a sharp start where he brought plenty of variety and grabbed an early break.

    But some loose points thereafter allowed Musetti to level at 2-2 and the Italian then surged past Djokovic for the first time in the contest with an overhead shot before comfortably wrapping up the opening set on serve.

    “My strategy worked very well for the first couple of games and then it changed completely,” Djokovic said.”I had four winners in the first two games and no unforced errors and then the rest of the match I had another four winners and probably 40 errors. That’s what Lorenzo does to you, makes you play when you think the point is finished.

    “When you attack him you don’t know what to expect, whether it’s going to be a passing shot, a crosscourt or a short slice, or if he’s going to go full flat in your body or hit a looping ball to my weakest shot, which is overhead.

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    “I tried my best … I wasn’t feeling the ball today the first couple of sets but that’s also due to his quality and his variety in the game. I’m extremely lucky to get to get through this one.”

    Fiery winners from both flanks helped Musetti break in the opening game of the next set, and though the 23-year-old let the advantage slip immediately, he edged in front again and soon doubled his lead in the match, to leave Djokovic on the ropes.

    Djokovic soldiered on following treatment for a foot blister and went 2-1 up with a break in the third, when it was Musetti’s turn to call the trainer to the court for what appeared like a right thigh issue.

    Musetti looked to manage the problem and play on but he was far from 100% and threw in the towel a game later to gasps from the Rod Laver Arena crowd, handing Djokovic his 103rd match win at the tournament to eclipse Roger Federer’s mark.

    Djokovic faces the winner of the quarter-final between defending champion Jannik Sinner and Ben Shelton.

    “I’m going to double my prayers tonight, for sure, and show gratitude to God for giving me this opportunity,” Djokovic said.

    “I’m going to do my best in a couple of days to use it … Today I wasn’t happy with my performance but it’s another day in the office and hopefully in a couple of days, I can come out and be at my best, because that’s what’s needed.”

  • Sterling leaves Chelsea by mutual consent

    Sterling leaves Chelsea by mutual consent

    Raheem Sterling has left Chelsea by mutual consent after reaching an agreement to end his contract early.

    The 31-year-old had 18 months remaining on his £325,000‑a‑week deal.

    Sterling leaves after three-and-a-half seasons at Stamford Bridge following his move from Manchester City for £47.5m in 2022.

    “We thank Raheem for the contribution he made while a Chelsea player and wish him well for the next stage in his career,” Chelsea said.

    The England international made 81 appearances for the Blues but had not played a competitive match for Chelsea since May 2024.

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    He had been training separately with the so‑called “bomb squad” at the club’s Cobham base after failing to secure a move in the summer.

    Several clubs, including Juventus and Bayer Leverkusen, explored a deal for the England winger, while a potential switch to Fulham did not materialise.

    It is understood that Sterling, who started his career at Liverpool and has won 13 trophies in total, is keen to remain in London but is open to playing anywhere, either at home or abroad.

    Sterling signed a five-year £325,000-per-week contract in 2022, relocating his young family in the process.

    The £47.5m transfer was a statement of intent by Todd Boehly, who at the time was acting as sporting director, and Clearlake Capital.

    However, the people behind the deal are no longer in charge at the club.

    In addition to Boehly’s diminishing influence, Thomas Tuchel was the head coach who oversaw Sterling’s arrival.

    Then came Graham Potter, then Frank Lampard, and then Mauricio Pochettino, all within Sterling’s first two seasons at the club, in which he played 81 times and scored 19 times as Chelsea finished 12th  and then sixth.

    But two years into his contract Chelsea effectively ended his role as a first-team player when new manager Enzo Maresca decided Sterling was not in his plans.

    He did not play for the club again and spent last season on an underwhelming loan at Arsenal.

  • FIFA: International transfer spending hit $13.08 billion in 2025

    FIFA: International transfer spending hit $13.08 billion in 2025

     Clubs around the world completed a record 24,558 international transfers in men’s football in 2025, with total spending rising to $13.08 billion, world soccer’s governing body FIFA said in its Global Transfer Report published on Wednesday.

    The number represents an increase of more than 7% from 2024 and marks the highest volume of international men’s transfers ever recorded.

    Across all levels of the game – men’s and women’s professional soccer as well as amateur football – FIFA said an all-time high of 86,158 international player transfers were completed in 2025.

    Among the most expensive deals of the year was German midfielder Florian Wirtz’s move from Bundesliga club Bayer Leverkusen to Premier League champions Liverpool, one of several headline transfers involving major European clubs.

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    Liverpool signed the 22-year-old for a guaranteed 100 million pounds ($137.77 million) and up to 16 million pounds in potential bonuses.

    The top five international transfers also featured Hugo Ekitike (Eintracht Frankfurt to Liverpool), Jhon Duran (Aston Villa to Al-Nassr), Benjamin Sesko (RB Leipzig to Manchester United) and Nick Woltemade (VfB Stuttgart to Newcastle United).

    Women’s football saw another year of significant growth, with 2,440 international transfers completed in 2025, more than a 6% rise from the previous year. Total transfer spending reached a record $28.6 million, more than 80% higher than in 2024.

    One of the standout transfers was American side Orlando Pride signing Mexican winger Lizbeth Ovalle from Liga MX Femenil club Tigres for a women’s world-record transfer fee of $1.5 million.

    FIFA recorded 59,162 amateur players moving to clubs abroad in 2025, a new high and a 9.4% increase from the previous year.

  • VC lauds Fed Govt over approval of take-off grants

    VC lauds Fed Govt over approval of take-off grants

    By Temitope Adejuwon,

    The Vice Chancellor of the Federal University of Technology and Environmental Sciences (FUTES), Iyin-Ekiti, Prof. James Olugbenga Aribisala, has applauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for approving take-off grants for the new university, describing the intervention as timely and strategic.

    He spoke at the institution’s main auditorium during a special commencement prayer session organised by the university for  pioneer students.

    The prayer session was administered by Dr. Ezekiel Falade, General Overseer/Evangelist of the Gospel Faith Mission International, and brought together students, principal officers, staff members, representatives of the Governing Council, and members of the host community.

    The VC said: “I sincerely thank Mr. President for approving the take-off grants for FUTES. This approval will enable the university to commence critical projects, some of which will begin as early as next month.”

    He disclosed that he was currently in Abuja engaging with the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) and other relevant agencies to secure additional support for infrastructure, laboratories, and academic development.

    Aribisala praised both staff and students for their patience, resilience, and cooperation since the university commenced orientation activities.

    “Orientation started a few days ago and is ongoing. We urge our students to combine strong academic commitment with good character. Knowledge without character is incomplete,” he said.

    The VC reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to students’ welfare, announcing plans to provide vehicles to ease transportation challenges.

    He noted  that the  Senate will hold its meetings on the last Wednesday of every month, with the first Senate meeting scheduled to hold later.

    The don  announced that admission for the 2025/2026 academic session has been concluded, while recruitment into the university has also been completed for now.

    “Those seeking employment at the university should kindly wait for another recruitment window or look elsewhere for now,” he advised.

    Aribisala noted that as a university of technology and environmental sciences, FUTES requires significant investment in laboratories, equipment, research facilities, and infrastructure.

    He also urged transporters and landlords within the host community to desist from exploiting students through inflated transport fare and house rents.

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    The VC  thanked the Oluyin of Iyin-Ekiti, Oba Adeola Ajakaiye, and Senate Leader, Senator Michael Opeyemi Bamidele for their unwavering support and donations to the university.

    The monarch   thanked God for the establishment of the university, describing it as a historic blessing to the town and Ekiti State at large.

    The monarch noted that the name “Iyin” itself signifies praise, and that the university’s presence further affirms divine purpose.

    The Oluyin assured students and staff that they would not face hostility or hardship in the community.

    “There may be challenges at the beginning, but with time, they will be resolved,” he said.

    He disclosed that the palace was not unaware of concerns surrounding house rents and transportation, adding that a committee has been constituted to address and mitigate these issues to ensure a conducive academic and living environment for both students and staff of the university.

    He urged students to focus squarely on their studies, shun all forms of sharp practices, remain security-conscious, and conduct themselves as worthy ambassadors of the university.

  • ABSU fixes Feb. 27 for 44th matriculation

    ABSU fixes Feb. 27 for 44th matriculation

    By Caleb Okechukwu,

    Abia State University (ABSU), Uturu, has announced Friday, February 27, 2026, as the date for its 44th matriculation ceremony, marking the earliest matriculation exercise the institution has held in several academic sessions.

    The announcement was contained in an official circular dated January 20, 2026, and signed by the University Registrar, Dr Acho Elendu.

    According to the notice, the matriculation ceremony will take place at the university pavilion by 11:00 a.m.

    Those expected to matriculate include postgraduate students who are not graduates of ABSU, all first-year undergraduate students of the Regular programme and the Institute for Continuing Education (ICE) who have paid their school fees, as well as other duly admitted and cleared students who, for valid reasons, could not matriculate in their year of admission.

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    The university also announced that the cost of hiring matriculation regalia (gown and cap), alongside the brochure, is N15,000, payable strictly at the ABSU Microfinance Bank, Uturu. Payment must be completed on or before Tuesday, February 24, 2026, as issuance of matriculation materials is scheduled to commence on Wednesday, February 25, 2026.

    The school further emphasised that matriculation is compulsory for all fresh students, noting that only bona fide students who have accepted their offer of admission, paid the required fees, and duly registered their courses will be eligible to participate in the ceremony.

    Notably, the February 27 date represents a significant shift from recent trends, as ABSU matriculation ceremonies in previous sessions were held much later in the academic calendar. For instance, the 2024/2025 academic session matriculation took place on Friday, April 11, 2025, while that of the 2023/2024 session was held on Friday, August 16, 2024. Similarly, the 2022/2023 matriculation ceremony occurred on Friday, August 25, 2023.

    The earlier scheduling has been widely interpreted as an indication of improved academic planning and administrative efficiency by university authorities.

    Students affected by the notice have been advised to comply strictly with the outlined guidelines and timelines.

  • College governing council appoints chair

    College governing council appoints chair

    By Adekunle Gbadebo,

    The Governing Council of the Chartered Institute of Administration (CIA) of Nigeria, has appointed Dr Deji Patricks Bolusemihi

    as the chairman, College of Fellows, effective January 5th, 2026.

    The Governing Council affirmed that Dr Bolusemihi’s appointment is aimed at providing the strategic leadership required to guide the College of Fellows and ensure the effective management of its affairs and resources in accordance with the college’s constitution.

     The council commended his longstanding commitment to professional excellence and expressed confidence in his capacity to lead with distinction.

     Bolusemihi brings to this esteemed role a rich and diverse professional background spanning accounting, insurance, oil and gas, banking, telecommunications, risk management consulting, and diplomacy.

    His academic journey includes studies at the University of Lagos, the University of Ilorin, and a Doctorate from the Swiss School of Business and Management, Geneva.

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    He is a distinguished member and fellow of numerous reputable professional bodies, including the Chartered Institute of Insurance of Nigeria, Chartered Institute of Arbitration (UK), Chartered Risk Management Institute, Chartered Institute of Directors of Nigeria, Chartered Institute of Marketing (UK), and the Certified Management Consultants.

     He also holds fellowships with the Africa Business School, Commonwealth Academy of Leadership & Management (UK), Africa Institute of Information Management, Institute of Fraud Examiners, Nigerian Institute of Management, Chartered Institute of Peace and Governance (USA), and the Chartered Institute of Administration, among others.

    His appointment stands as a testament to his professional depth, ethical leadership, and unwavering dedication to administrative excellence.

  • Babcock University strengthens industry partnership

    Babcock University strengthens industry partnership

    By Adekunle Gbadebo,

    Babcock University has reinforced its commitment to producing globally relevant and industry-ready graduates through strengthened partnerships with key professional and media institutions.

    The President/Vice Chancellor, Prof. Afolarin Ojewole, disclosed this during courtesy visits to Lagos Television (LTV) and the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN), as part of efforts to align academic training with industry expectations.

    Ojewole said the initiative is driven by the university’s vision to nurture graduates capable of research-driven innovation, entrepreneurship, and global competitiveness.

    According to him, sustained collaboration between higher institutions and industry remains critical to preparing students for contemporary workplace realities.

    “We want our students to gain practical industry exposure while still in school,” he said. “Such engagement will help bridge the gap between theory and practice and ensure that our graduates are well prepared for life beyond the classroom.”

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    The don accompanied by the Associate Vice President, Communication, Media and Branding, Dr  Babafemi Akintayo, and other senior officials, held discussions with the General Manager of Lagos Television, Mrs. Adesola Kosoko, and members of her management team.

    Kosoko welcomed the university’s delegation and expressed LTV’s willingness to collaborate in training and mentoring future media professionals through structured industry engagement.

    Beyond internship opportunities, the university is also expanding its academic framework to incorporate professional certifications and capacity-building programmes aimed at improving graduates’ visibility and employability in both local and global markets.

    The initiative, it noted, forms part of its broader strategy to strengthen town-and-gown relationships and reposition its graduates for leadership, innovation, and societal impact.

  • Ododo unveils PAAU projects, receives Honorary Doctorate

    Ododo unveils PAAU projects, receives Honorary Doctorate

    By Rabiat Abdullahi,

    Prince Abubakar Audu University (PAAU), Anyigba, on Saturday witnessed the inauguration of major projects and the conferment of honorary degrees at the grand finale of its 7th Combined Convocation Ceremony and 25th anniversary.

    Kogi State Governor and Visitor to the university, Alhaji Usman Ahmed Ododo, graced the occasion and inaugurated  all projects executed by the Vice Chancellor, Prof.  Marietu  Tenuche.

    The projects included,  Patrick Adaba Road; Bassa Avenue East and West; the University Stadium pitch; the University Clinic; the fully equipped Central Research Laboratory; and renovated academic infrastructure.

     The university also delivered landmark projects, including the Faculty of Agriculture Academic Office Block; Faculty of Arts and Humanities Academic Office Block; College of Health Sciences Classroom Block; a 500-seater Lecture Theatre for the College of Health Sciences; and the New Senate Building, currently under construction.

    Prof. Tenuche, on the authority of the University Senate and Governing Council, also  conferred honorary doctorate degrees on eminent personalities.

     Ododo received a Doctorate Degree in Public Relations.

    He praised his predecessor and founder of the university, the late Prince Abubakar Audu, for his vision and commitment to education.

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    “For this, we are eternally grateful—his conviction to believe deeply in the power of education to transform society, empower generations and break chains of limitation,” the governor said.

    He noted that although the pioneer is late, his vision remains alive in the thousands of students whose aspirations are shaped within the university. He also praised the institution’s growth in infrastructure, a stable academic calendar, and the expansion of research structures.

    Ododo highlighted special intervention programmes aimed at ensuring access to education, stressing that financial constraints should not deny students the opportunity to pursue their dreams.

    “No student should forfeit their dreams because of circumstances beyond their control,” he said.

    He added that the university should be more than a centre for lectures and examinations, describing it as a community of ideas and a home of inspiration.

  • NBTE, YABATECH push data-driven policy shift, others

    NBTE, YABATECH push data-driven policy shift, others

    By Sanusi Opeyemi,

    Stakeholders in the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) sector have called for a decisive shift towards evidence-based and data-driven policy making, as the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) rolled out key digital platforms aimed at strengthening regulation, planning and institutional accountability.

    The call was made at a high-level capacity-building workshop hosted by Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH), where the Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system, NBTE Digital Quality Assurance Platform and Data Management and Visualisation tools were presented as policy enablers for effective governance of TVET institutions nationwide.

     Rector of YABATECH, Dr Ibraheem Abdul, said sustainable education policy can no longer be built on fragmented, manual and unreliable data, stressing that digital infrastructure is now central to institutional effectiveness and national development planning.

    “Policy decisions in today’s education ecosystem demand instant access to credible data, verifiable records and measurable outcomes. Without this, institutions risk falling out of regulatory alignment and losing relevance in meeting Industry and national skills priorities,” he said.

    Abdul explained that beyond improving administration, integrated digital systems provide policymakers with real-time insights into student enrolment, graduation rates, staffing and skills outcomes – critical indices for informed decisions on funding, accreditation and workforce planning.

     He noted that digitalisation also reduces discretionary human interference, thereby strengthening transparency and curbing corruption in the system.

    He hailed NBTE for providing a regulatory framework that aligns digital transformation with skills development, noting that technology, when properly deployed, enhances rather than replaces hands-on training and skills acquisition.

    Director of Academic and Strategic Planning, NBTE, Malam Lemu, described the workshop as a deliberate policy intervention designed to harmonise institutional data flows with national education objectives.

    According to him, the introduction of ERP represents a strategic consolidation of NBTE’s multiple operational portals into a single policy-support architecture capable of generating consistent and comparable data across institutions.

    “With ERP, accreditation, quality assurance, staffing, student records and service portals are brought under one platform. This allows regulators and policymakers to identify trends, gaps and emerging needs, rather than responding to issues on an ad-hoc basis,” he said.

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    Lemu added that the establishment of Data Management Units across institutions, in line with federal directives, was intended to institutionalise data governance and ensure that policy formulation at both institutional and national levels is driven by validated information rather than estimates.

     Executive Secretary, NBTE, Prof. Idris Bugaje, said the board’s digital reform agenda was anchored on the need to rebuild trust in TVET data and restore confidence in policy outcomes.

    He noted that manual data processes had historically weakened planning, accreditation and international credibility of Nigeria’s TVET system, adding that digital platforms now provide policymakers with traceable, auditable and real-time information.

    Prof. Bugaje, who was represented by his Technical Adviser on ICT, Dr Babaginda Albaba, said: “Policy fails when data is unreliable. With these platforms, we can plan accurately, monitor compliance, evaluate impact and make informed decisions that truly reflect the realities of our institutions.”

    Participants at the workshop, including registrars, ICT directors and data management officers from TVET institutions across the South-West, were charged to serve as policy enablers by ensuring accurate data capture and compliance at institutional levels.

  • ‘Teamwork, unity vital among varsity unions’

    ‘Teamwork, unity vital among varsity unions’

    LASUSTECH hosts SSANU zonal meeting

    National Vice President of the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) Dr Abdussobur Olayiwola Salaam, has emphasised the need for teamwork among the three major unions in the nation’s universities—SSANU, Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU) and the Academic  Staff Union of Universities (ASUU). He stressed that unity among unions was essential for advancing staff welfare and sustaining harmony in the higher education sector. 

    He spoke at the 78th Zonal Executive Council (ZEC) Meeting of SSANU which held at the Lagos State University of Science and Technology (LASUSTECH), Ikorodu campus. This was part of activities of the LASUSTECH SSANU Week.

    The meeting featured robust deliberations on staff welfare, inter-union relations, and administrative challenges within universities. Delegates shared practical insights and reaffirmed their collective resolve to protect the rights and interests of senior staff across institutions. 

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    Declaring the meeting open, the Vice Chancellor of LASUSTECH, Prof. Olumuyiwa Odusanya, represented by the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academics), Prof. Abiodun Denloye, congratulated SSANU members and praised the union for fostering peace and unity between school authorities and staff during challenging times. He described SSANU as a vital partner in maintaining stability within the university system. 

    LASUSTECH SSANU Chapter Chairman, Mrs. Janet Oluremi Folorunso-Odunuga, expressed appreciation to university authorities for their  continuous support in making the SSANU Week a reality. She stressed the importance of collaboration in strengthening union activities and advancing staff welfare. 

    Earlier, SSANU Week commenced with a symbolic opening walk from the library car park to the podium, reflecting the union’s belief that “health is wealth.” The walk set the tone for a week of sports, games, and fellowship, underscoring SSANU’s commitment to wellness, unity, and camaraderie among members. 

    Participants and observers described the 78th ZEC Meeting and SSANU Week as resounding successes, reinforcing SSANU’s dedication to effective leadership, accountability, and the pursuit of fairness and stability in the nation’s universities. With vibrant participation from executives, delegates, and the planning committee, the event further strengthened SSANU’s role as a pillar of unity and progress in the nation’s higher education system.