The Nation Newspaper

Category: Campus Life

LASU admits 14,893 of over 70,000 applicants as matric holds

The Lagos State University (LASU) has admitted no fewer than 14,893 of the over 70,000 candidates who sought admission in the institution.

Speaking at the institution’s matriculation ceremony at the main campus in Ojo, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello urged the freshmen to count themselves lucky, stressing that they should be serious with their studies.

“You must count yourselves very lucky to be among the very few admitted. It is on this note that I will advise you to face your studies,” she said.

The VC admonished them to eschew examination malpractice, corruption, hooliganism and other vice, adding that errant students would be dealt with in line with extant disciplinary measures.

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“As young men and women desirous of a brighter future, it is expected that you abide by the university’s rules and regulations and remain committed to your studies.

“Be regular in attending lectures, carry out all your assignments, shun deviant behaviours, avoid indecent dressing and carefully select your friends.

“Bad friends destroy good habits, and our university has zero tolerance for cultism,” she said.

She noted that her administration has zero tolerance for sexual and gender-based violence, culminating in the decision to establish the Directorate of Response and Prevention of Sexual and Gender-Based violence.

“Do not keep silent when you are harassed or assaulted in any manner. If you see something, say something,” she said.

Prof. Olatunji-Bello described the institution as a student-centred one committed to the development of generational leaders.

“As a hub of learning, it embodies the spirit of freedom, providing an environment that nurtures growth and excellence.

“Please be assured that your security in and around the university is paramount to the management; hence, we have put in place adequate security measures.

“I plead with you to report any suspicious activities to the university authority for immediate response,” she said.

December 4, 2025
‘Learn, grow and excel’
- By Precious Isaac
The Vice Chancellor of University of Delta (UNIDEL), Agbor, Delta State, Prof. Stella Chinenye Chiemeke, has urged freshmen of the institution to use every opportunity the school has to offer to grow, learn and excel.

She spoke at the institution’s fifth matriculation ceremony for the 2024/2025 academic session.

For the newly admitted students, the event was more than a formal induction. It marked a moment of identity, belonging and affirmation as they officially joined the university community.

UNIDEL is one of the state-owned universities established in 2021 by the Delta State Government as part of a broader effort to expand access to higher education. Despite being relatively young, the institution has grown quickly, carving out a presence in the state’s academic landscape and attracting thousands of applicants each year.

More than 15,000 applicants sought admission this year, with only 5,900 securing a place. For those who made it, the day carried a sense of achievement. Their excitement was evident in their smiles, chants and in the proud presence of family members who turned out in large numbers.

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Prof. Chiemeke urged them to conduct themselves responsibly throughout their time on campus. She stressed discipline, academic focus and good time management as essential habits.

“You are stepping into a new phase of life.

Use every opportunity UNIDEL offers to grow, learn and excel,” she said.

The keynote address was delivered by Rev. Fr. Mario David, who spoke candidly about the realities of university life. He outlined seven key principles—motivation, mentorship, communication, empowerment, effectiveness, growth and expansion—describing them as pillars for academic success and personal development.

Some of the fresh students, especially of the Department of Mass Communication, expressed delight at becoming bona fide student of the university.

The main campus was vibrant and visually striking. Friends, family, well-wishers and returning students arrived in colourful outfits, adding flair to the event and turning the grounds into a lively space filled with celebration and photography.
December 4, 2025
ACU’s don gets NSE Fellowship
- By Temitope Adejuwon
Engineers and prominent Nigerians from across the country converged on the International Conference Centre of the University of Ibadan for the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE) Conference on Monday to celebrate excellence, service, and decades of technical contribution to national development.

This year, the engineering body conferred its prestigious Fellowship (FNSE) on 481 accomplished professionals. Among them is a man whose journey reflects academic depth and field experience, the pioneer and incumbent Director of Works at Ajayi Crowther University (ACU), Oyo, Dr Oluwole Aderogba Olaniyi.

For Olaniyi, an associate professor of structures and materials, 2025 has been a year of professional affirmation.

The NSE honour comes just weeks after he was conferred with the Fellowship of the Nigerian Institution of Civil Engineers (FNICE) on October 22 during the body’s international conference in Kano. Earlier, on October 11, he received yet another professional milestone: the Fellowship of the Nigerian Institution of Safety Engineers (FNISafetyE) at a ceremony held at The Polytechnic, Ibadan.

These recognitions cement his standing as a multi-disciplinary asset in civil engineering, structures, and safety management.

Olaniyi’s journey into engineering began at the Federal Polytechnic, Ado-Ekiti, where he earned an OND in Civil Engineering in 2003. He proceeded to Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH), Ogbomoso, obtaining his B.Tech. and M.Tech. degrees in 2008 and 2014 respectively.

In 2023, he capped his academic pursuit with a Ph.D. in Civil Engineering from the University of Ilorin (UNILORIN), specialising in Structures and Materials, a field that blends scientific precision with practical problem-solving in building.

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While building his academic credentials, Olaniyi was equally active on construction sites, supervising multi-million-naira projects across Nigeria, including in the Federal Capital Territory.

In classrooms, he developed a reputation for mentoring young engineers who today occupy roles in both the private and public sectors. His early teaching career at LAUTECH later transitioned into international service when he joined the Technical Aid Corps (TAC) at the University of The Gambia.

There, he helped pioneer the establishment of the Civil and Electrical Engineering Departments and designed curricula that continue to influence engineering education in the West African country.

Olaniyi returned to Nigeria in 2020 and joined Ajayi Crowther University’s Civil Engineering Department. In September this year, he was appointed Associate Professor of Civil Engineering.

But his contributions to ACU extend far beyond the lecture hall.

From 2000 to 2024, he served as the institution’s Project Engineer, before being appointed its first Director of Works in October 2024. In that role, he has overseen major construction and redevelopment projects, including the Wole Olanipekun Lecture Halls, Professorial Office Complex, and the Registrar and Bursar’s Lodge.

A registered engineer with the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN), Olaniyi has been an active member of the NSE, NICE, and NISafetyE for more than a decade.

He currently serves as the General Secretary of the NSE Oyo Branch and has worked on several conference and technical committees, including the Venue Sub-Committee for the 2025 NSE International Conference/AGM and the Protocol/Technical Sub-Committee for the Engr. Olumuyiwa Ajibola FNSE Annual Lecture.

Beyond administrative and professional roles, Olaniyi remains committed to research. His works have appeared in peer-reviewed journals, and he has co-authored laboratory manuals widely used by engineering students.

Some of his notable papers include:

“Safety of Concrete Infrastructure in Nigeria: Steel Reinforcing Bars Perspective.”

“Compressive Studies of Steel, Bamboo, and Rattan as Reinforcing Bars in Concrete.”

“Price Trends and Geometric Size Patterns of Steel Reinforcing Bars in South Western Nigeria.”
December 4, 2025
Students hail free, fair SUG election
- By Rabiat Abdullahi
The Prince Abubakar Audu University (PAAU), Kogi State, has held her 2025/2026 Student Union Government (SUG) election. It held on the institution’s campus.

The voting commenced with the gathering of faculty representatives, departmental reps, aspirants, and the presiding officers, as well as the campus safety reassurance team. Dr. Okolo,

Chairman of Electoral Committee Executive Committee, Dr Okolo issued the voting slip, and by noon, voting concluded and the winner of the SUG election was announced.

The Public Relations Officer of the institution, Fr. Damian Amana, emphasised proper confirmation of information before posting or sharing news content online, to avoid uproar and chaos. He assured of the VC’s commitment to students’ and staff welfare and safety.

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The election was nothing short of free and fair. The attendees testified to this at the end.

A student in 100-level who craved anonymity said: “This is absolutely a conducive environment for learning. The organisation and cordial display of professionalism by the staff and students show that together we are united, and knowledge gained in this university is for self-reliance. The patrolling forces truly are a reminder that we are protected.”

Aspirant representatives declared satisfaction at the results, with Comrade Rilwan Abubakar was announced the winner with 570 votes against Comrade Agbene Fredrick’s 138.

Deputy Vice Chancellor (Administration), Prof. Johnson Orugun, urged students to avoid late nights, adding that the management remains fully committed to ensuring a safe and secure environment for all members of its community.
December 4, 2025
‘Inclusive economic devt. agenda vital for prosperous Africa’
- By Sanusi Opeyemi
Deputy Vice Chancellor of Anglia Ruskin University in the United Kingdom,Prof. Kamil Omoteso, has said an inclusive economic development agenda was imperative for a prosperous future for Africa.

He delivered a paper at the 2025 Annual Conference organised by the Faculty of Management Sciences, Lagos State University, on the main campus in Ojo.

The conference had the theme: “Institutional Dynamics, Innovation and Inclusive Economic Development In Africa”.

According to him, Africa is lagging behind in all areas of economic development with its abundant mineral resources.

Omoteso noted that half of the world’s gold was in South Africa, Ghana, Tanzania, Mali and Democratic Republic of Congo while one third of all mineral resources were in Africa.

He highlighted corruption, inter tribal wars and mismanagement of resources as the bane of Africa, adding that a new idea, method or approach was required to move Nigeria and the continent forward.

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The don noted that educational and research institutions such as LASU must come up with strong and purposeful research and collaborate with the government to aid economic development.

The Special Adviser to Lagos State Governor on Central Internal Audit, Dr. Opeyemi Ayoola emphasised the need for countries in Africa to synergise, stressing the need for robust institutional dynamics that will regulate the continent, promote innovation and creativity and transform the current economic growth and development narratives.

The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello,represented by the Dean, Faculty of Education, Prof. Olugbenga Akindoju, described the theme of the conference as not only timely but strategic.

She said to fully harness its opportunities, Africa must interrogate and strengthen institutional frameworks, rethink policy direction and encourage innovation as a driver of competitiveness and inclusive growth.
December 4, 2025
Foundation gives free forms to students
- By Erinjogunola Femmy
Students in the Ipokia Kingdom, Yewa South, Ogun State, were filled with joy as the I’m Somebody Foundation, founded by Nigerian-American musician Dr Yinka Al-Hassan has donated educational materials and free WAEC forms to more than 20 students in the area.

The outreach, held in partnership with his wife, Dr. Ugonna Hassan Adeola, Yeye Bobadara of Ipokia Kingdom.

More than 300 others received exercise books and pens. Beneficiaries were drawn from Community Senior Secondary School and District High School, Ipokia.

Speaking on the motivation behind the gesture, Al-Hassan said his humble beginnings shaped his desire to support students facing financial challenges. “As someone who started from a humble beginning, I understand how it feels to be in need. I hope and wish to do more for Ipokia and other related communities,” he said.

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Principals and vice principals of the benefiting schools received the forms on behalf of the students and thanked the donor for the timely intervention. They also praised the Onipokia of Ipokia Kingdom, Oba Olusola Olaniyan, for his continued advocacy for education and community development.

The foundation’s delegation was led by its President, Hassan Olaide Kafilat, alongside executives Taofik Afolabi, Odejinmi Opeyemi, Jamiu Akinlawon, Ajoke Balogun and Erinjogunola Femmy.

Kafilat reiterated that the NGO was established to support the less privileged, particularly students struggling to pay examination fees.

Senior Prefect of Community Senior Secondary School, Arowolo David, described the support as life-changing.

“I am very glad to be among the beneficiaries of this amazing opportunity from I’m Somebody Foundation. I want to thank the founders and also urge wealthy individuals to learn from their generosity,” he said, noting the shortage of teachers and absence of a library or laboratory in the school.

The event ended with cheers and prayers as students, teachers and community members celebrated the foundation’s commitment to empowering young people through education.
December 4, 2025
An appeal to President Bola Tinubu
- By LaBode Obanor
Your Excellency, Nigeria stands at a fragile and consequential moment in its history. Across every region of our country, tension, distrust, and insecurity have reached deeply troubling levels. The nation is confronted with violent extremism, ethnic tension,etc. Amid all these, the continued detention and recent sentencing of Mr. Nnamdi Kanu have become a symbol of division that threatens to deepen the national fault lines we can no longer afford to ignore.

This is written with a sincere commitment to the unity and stability of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. I respectfully urge you to consider granting a presidential pardon to Mr. Kanu, as a strategic national decision grounded in history, security considerations, and the urgent need for reconciliation.

Nigeria has faced similar moments in the past where bold acts of forgiveness and reconciliation helped prevent further conflict. Allow me to cite some historical precedents for this act of presidential gesture. On May 18, 1982, President Shehu Aliyu Usman Shagari pardoned Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu. After the Biafran conflict, while Ojukwu was in exile, President Shehu Shagari extended a pardon that allowed Ojukwu to return home and reintegrate into national life. That decision helped calm tensions at a time when the Southeast could have descended into prolonged rebellion.

During the early years of the Fourth Republic, presidential pardon and clemency were used to lower political tensions and reintegrate aggrieved actors into the democratic process. On March 4, 1999, the transitional military government of General Abdulsalami Abubakar ordered the release of Lt. Gen Oladipo Diya, who had been imprisoned under General Sani Abacha’s regime for an alleged coup plot. This move was widely seen as a significant gesture of national reconciliation and a step towards ending the cycle of political imprisonment that characterised military rule.

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Shehu Musa Yar’Adua, Obasanjo’s former deputy during his first military rule, implicated in a coup plot and died in prison under the Abacha regime, was granted a posthumous pardon by President Obasanjo. This was intended to honour his memory and reconcile with his political allies and the broader northern political elite.

In November 2002, on the first anniversary of his presidency, Obasanjo also announced a pardon for 80 former soldiers who had fought for the secessionist state of Biafra during the Civil War. These soldiers had been dismissed from the Nigerian armed forces and stripped of their benefits. The clemency converted their dismissals into formal retirements, making them eligible for pensions and wiping out the stigma, which was a significant step toward healing historical civil war grievances and fostering national unity.

In June 2009, President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua declared an unconditional amnesty for the Niger Delta militants. Through that gesture, a region that had become ungovernable experienced a dramatic reduction in violence. The alternative was endless combat. Instead, a political solution delivered national economic and security benefits.

Your Excellency, sir, these examples demonstrate that Nigeria has never relied on force alone to achieve peace when political grievances are involved. The pardon power has historically been used to pull the country back from the brink. Today’s situation calls for a similar statesmanlike intervention.

The Southeast remains deeply unsettled. For many in the region, the incarceration of Mr. Kanu is not viewed as a legal matter alone but as a political symbol of marginalisation. Whether or not this perception is accurate, it is real, and it is fueling heightened anxiety, increased mistrust of the federal government, growing sympathy for separatist narratives, sporadic violence, and shutdowns that damage the local economy. A pardon in this present situation does not validate past actions. It acknowledges that the country needs healing more than it needs escalation. It signals to millions of citizens in the Southeast that the concerns of their region matter to the federal government.

Your Excellency, unity cannot be enforced with force alone. Sometimes unity is advanced through magnanimity.

Across the world, separatist and ideological movements gain momentum when their leaders are seen as martyrs or victims of oppression. This dynamic is already visible in parts of the Southeast. The continued imprisonment of Mr. Kanu strengthens the emotional and symbolic power far more than it weakens the movement. A pardon removes the mystique and places the burden of leadership back on the civilian population and regional elders. It is easier to negotiate peace with a free man than with a symbol turned into a grievance. As long as Mr. Kanu remains imprisoned, genuine dialogue with Southeast leaders, youth groups, and civil society is stalled. A pardon opens the door to (1) structured dialogue, (2) a regional reconciliation process, (3) a peace pathway that restores normalcy to communities, and (4) stabilising the economic and security situation.

Your Excellency’s administration has repeatedly committed to national unity, security, and economic recovery. A pardon, issued in the spirit of reconciliation, would be one of the most powerful steps toward rebuilding trust across regions. Such an act would not weaken the state. It would strengthen it. It would demonstrate that Nigeria is mature enough to rise above division and that leadership is defined by wisdom and restraint rather than force alone.

Should the government choose a conditional pardon, it may include reasonable and enforceable terms such as a commitment to non-violence, a prohibition on any form of incitement, participation in peace-building dialogues, and cooperation with federal peace initiatives. These conditions ensure accountability while still advancing reconciliation.

Finally, sir, the question before the nation is simple: will Nigeria gain more from punishment or from peace? A pardon at this moment would not erase the past. Instead, it would chart a new course for the future, demonstrate national maturity, de-escalate tension, and deny extremists the fuel they seek. And most importantly, it would bring the Southeast and the rest of Nigeria one step closer to the unity we so desperately need.

The country is at a crossroads. A gesture of reconciliation from the highest office in the land may be the difference between further fragmentation and renewed nationhood. With utmost respect, I urge Your Excellency to consider granting a presidential pardon to Mr. Nnamdi Kanu as a bold step towards healing, stability, and a more united Nigeria.

.Obanor is President, League for Social Justice
December 4, 2025
Depressing security outlook
- By Michael Oyewole
“Nigeria’s security outlook is depressing. The unending attacks suggest a failure of intelligence. Government must rethink its strategy now.”

— Bola Ahmed Tinubu, 14 April, 2014

Nigeria is bleeding. The country is currently experiencing one of the most challenging periods in its history. The violence that once appeared isolated has now become a nationwide epidemic, crossing state boundaries, social classes, religious groups, and ethnic communities. From acts of terrorism, banditry to kidnapping, cult-related killings, and urban crime, insecurity now characterises the Nigerian experience. From the farms of Benue to the villages of Zamfara, from the suburbs of Kaduna to the creeks of the Niger Delta, death has become ordinary. Farmers are slaughtered in their sleep, schoolchildren abducted in broad daylight, travellers burned alive on highways, worshippers gunned down in churches and mosques. The statistics are numbing: thousands of Nigerians lost their lives to violence, thousands more displaced, entire communities erased.

These are not “incidents.” This is a collapse of the most basic duty of any state, protecting the lives of its citizens. Non State actors ride into villages on hundreds of motorcycles, armed with AK-47s and rocket launchers, and operate for hours without a single military jet or helicopter in sight. Terrorists collect taxes, impose curfews, and appoint emirs where governors are powerless. Kidnappers run industrial-scale hostage businesses while security forces claim they “lack intelligence.”

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Kidnapping has evolved into an organised industry of extortion, with families often compelled to gather ransom payments overnight amid fears that the state cannot guarantee their loved ones’ safety. When public confidence in government protection diminishes, the social contract begins to deteriorate.

As Commander-in-Chief of the armed forces, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu bears the constitutional responsibility to protect lives and properties. The nation requires resolute leadership grounded in empathy and decisive intervention.

Mr. President swore an oath to defend the lives and properties of every Nigerian—Muslim, Christian, northerner, southerner, farmer, herder, man, woman, child.

Insecurity is no longer a northern problem or a rural problem—it is an existential threat to Nigeria itself.

When citizens lose faith that the state can protect them, they will protect themselves—by any means necessary. That road leads only to chaos.

The Constitution clearly stipulates that the security and welfare of the people are the primary responsibilities of government. Without security, economic reforms, infrastructure development, and foreign investment cannot succeed.

A nation in which citizens are afraid to travel, farm, or run businesses cannot experience sustainable prosperity.

The President must recognise that insecurity is not solely a law-and-order issue; it constitutes an existential threat to national unity, food security, and investor confidence.

Overhaul Nigeria’s security infrastructure by implementing modern intelligence systems, fostering inter-agency collaboration, deploying advanced surveillance technologies, and empowering states and communities with decentralised security models. Treat kidnapping and banditry as acts of terrorism by dismantling their financing networks, blocking supply routes, and deploying specialised units to protect major highways and vulnerable rural areas. Ensure the security of agricultural zones through safe farming initiatives, expansion of agro-ranger programmes, and strengthened rural policing. Strengthen the justice system by guaranteeing swift trials for violent crimes and imposing strict sanctions on illegal arms trafficking. Build trust within communities by leveraging local intelligence, providing compensation for victims, and delivering visible developmental projects in high-risk areas.

Nigeria faces a profound loss of lives and shattered dreams, with families mourning their loved ones. Government must rise to the occasion. The nation demands action and solutions. The true measure of this administration will be its capacity to ensure the safety and security of its citizens.

On the issues of security, Mr. President have always posited very strong views, he once said and I quote: “But if you control the armed forces and you are the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic, why should any part of this country be under occupation? And you give us excuses every day. In any civilised country, Jonathan should resign.”

Leadership in governance must be both visible and impactful. Citizens simply desire the right to live without fear; to travel, farm, send children to school, operate businesses, and sleep peacefully.

.Oyewole contributed this piece from Ilogbo-Ekiti and can be reached via oyewolemichael9@gmail.com
December 4, 2025
Global Scientist Leads Breakthrough Study on Blood Flow and Advanced Cancer Treatment

Dr. Adebowale Martins Obalalu is redefining the future of medical science through groundbreaking research that transforms mathematical theory into real-world innovation. At a time when the world is seeking more precise and technology-driven solutions to major health challenges, he is demonstrating how advanced mathematical modelling can reshape the understanding and treatment of complex diseases on a global scale. An internationally recognized researcher from Kwara State University, Dr. Obalalu has built a reputation for applying high-level mathematics to healthcare, energy systems, and technological development worldwide. His work sends a clear message: mathematics is not just a classroom subject, it is a global engine for scientific, biomedical, and industrial progress. His recent study titled “Dissipative heat transfer in blood-based ternary hybrid nanofluids through a parallel channel with entropy optimization: The case of biomedical applications” represents a major leap forward in cancer research. By combining fluid dynamics, thermodynamics, and magnetic nanotechnology, he explores how cancer alters the thermal and physical behaviour of blood at the microscopic scale, opening the door to more precise therapies and new frontiers in biomedical engineering.

Redefining Cancer Through Mathematics

Using advanced non-Newtonian blood-flow models, Dr. Obalalu has developed simulations that show how tumors alter viscosity, pressure gradients, and temperature distribution inside arteries. These models capture hidden biological patterns that medical imaging alone cannot reveal, offering an unprecedented view of how cancer reshapes the circulatory system. Through cutting-edge computational fluid dynamics, his work identifies regions of high stress, predicts drug dispersion, and analyzes heat transfer under realistic physiological conditions. This enables more accurate drug delivery, reduces harmful side effects, and improves treatment outcomes in hospitals across the world. His approach sets the foundation for truly personalized medicine guided by predictive mathematical modeling.

Magnetism and Nanoscience at the Cellular Level

One of the defining innovations in Dr. Obalalu’s work is the integration of magnetic nanoparticles into dynamic blood-flow models. By applying controlled magnetic fields, he demonstrates how therapeutic nanoparticles can be guided directly to malignant cells with exceptional precision. This minimizes drug loss to healthy tissues and enhances the effectiveness of cancer therapy.

Transforming Science into Global Strength

Dr. Obalalu’s work goes beyond scientific discovery. His models incorporate region-specific physiological data from various global populations, capturing real differences in blood composition, environmental exposure, and thermoregulatory behaviour.

Equations That Save Lives

For Dr. Obalalu, mathematics is the foundation of progress worldwide. Each equation he develops translates into improved technologies, optimized systems, and life-saving medical breakthroughs. His cancer-related blood-flow model has the potential to reduce treatment delays, improve survival rates, and support artificial intelligence tools used in modern hospitals around the world. He has demonstrated that mathematical modelling is not an abstract academic exercise. It is the essential bridge between scientific discovery and patient recovery, between technological innovation and global well-being. His work illustrates how nations can use knowledge, computation, and scientific precision to build healthier, stronger societies.

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Recognition and Excellence

A graduate of Kwara State University with a BSc, MSc, and PhD in Applied Mathematics, Dr. Obalalu is widely respected internationally for his contributions to nanofluid research, heat-transfer analysis, and computational modelling. With over 150 peer-reviewed publications, more than 2550 citations, and an h-index of 31, he is recognized as one of the leading mathematicians of his generation. His influence has earned him a place on the World’s Top 2 Percent Scientists list compiled by Elsevier and Stanford University for 2024 and 2025. These distinctions highlight his exceptional contribution to science and his role in shaping the future of mathematical research.

A New Scientific Vision for the World

The core of Dr. Obalalu’s mission is to demonstrate how mathematics, when applied with precision and grounded in real data, can transform global healthcare. He envisions a world where hospitals rely on advanced computational models to predict disease progression, personalize drug dosages, and reduce diagnostic uncertainty. His research proves that the same mathematics used to guide satellites and power engineering systems can also guide life-saving decisions in medicine. Through his pioneering work in cancer modelling, Dr. Adebowale Martins Obalalu has achieved more than a scientific breakthrough. He has provided a blueprint for a world where medical independence, technological innovation, and scientific excellence form the foundation of healthier societies everywhere.

December 1, 2025
SEC Nigeria: Building a sustainable capital market for economic prosperity

By Ayodeji Komolafe

The Nigerian capital market has long been recognided as the barometer of the nation’s economic health and a critical engine for growth. Under the strategic leadership of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC Nigeria), this engine is being meticulously retooled, refined, and accelerated.

The Commission is no longer just a regulator; it is a visionary architect, constructing a market that is resilient, inclusive, innovative, and globally competitive.

This multi-faceted transformation, focused on sustainability and economic prosperity, is evident in several landmark initiatives.

The Cornerstone: The Investments and Securities Act (ISA) 2025

A robust legal framework is the bedrock of any thriving capital market. And recognising that the previous Act was struggling to keep pace with a rapidly evolving financial landscape, the SEC championed the groundbreaking Investments and Securities Act (ISA) 2025. According to market stakeholders, this is not merely an amendment. it is also a comprehensive overhaul designed for the future.

Key innovations of the ISA 2025 include:

· Enhanced Regulatory Powers: It grants the SEC sharper teeth to proactively address complex market abuses, cyber-security threats, and the cross-border nature of modern finance.

· Embracing FinTech and Digital Assets: The Act provides clear regulatory certainty for digital assets, including cryptocurrencies and tokenized securities, fostering innovation while ensuring investor protection.

· Strengthening Corporate Governance: It introduces stricter governance codes and accountability measures for publicly listed companies, enhancing market integrity and attracting quality listings.

· Streamlined Dispute Resolution: The Act establishes more efficient mechanisms for resolving investor grievances, bolstering confidence in the market’s fairness.

The ISA 2025 is the strategic blueprint that empowers all other initiatives, positioning Nigeria as a forward-thinking jurisdiction for investment.

Protecting the Investor: The unrelenting clampdown on Ponzi schemes

The scourge of Ponzi and other illegal investment schemes has eroded the savings of countless Nigerians and dented public trust. However, the SEC, under its “Operation Know and Verify” campaign, has moved from advisories to aggressive action.

Leveraging the enhanced powers of the ISA 2025, the Commission is:

· Employing Advanced Surveillance: Utilizing technology and data analytics to identify and track the digital footprints of illegal fund managers.

· Enforcing Swift Sanctions: Perpetrators now face severe penalties, including asset forfeiture and prosecution, serving as a strong deterrent.

· Massive Public Enlightenment: A relentless campaign across traditional and social media educates citizens on how to identify and report these schemes, making the public the first line of defence.

This unwavering commitment to cleansing the market ecosystem is fundamental to preserving its integrity and protecting the hard-earned money of Nigerians.

Deepening Inclusivity: The strategic promotion of non-interest finance

In a bid to tap into a vast pool of domestic and international capital, the SEC has placed a strategic focus on growing the Non-Interest Finance (NIF) segment. Understanding its appeal beyond religious considerations to include ethical and alternative financing, the Commission has:

Developed a Robust Regulatory Framework: Creating clear guidelines for the issuance of Sukuk, Islamic funds, and other NIF products.

· Catalyzed Market Activity: The success of sovereign Sukuk issuances for infrastructure development has demonstrated the viability of the asset class, paving the way for corporate issuers.

· Fostered Capacity Building: Working with market operators to build expertise in structuring, distributing, and managing NIF products.

This focus is not just about inclusion; it is also bout unlocking billions of dollars in ethical capital for national development, funding critical projects in infrastructure, housing, and agriculture.

Going Global: Strategic international engagements and partnerships

No capital market is an island. The SEC has proactively re-engaged with the global financial community to attract foreign investment, share best practices, and enhance Nigeria’s standing.

· Membership in International Bodies: Active participation in organizations like the International Organization of Securities Commissions (IOSCO) ensures Nigeria’s voice is heard and its regulations are aligned with global standards.

· Roadshows and Investor Meetings: Targeted engagements in key financial hubs like London, New York, and Dubai are showcasing the reformed Nigerian market and its attractive investment opportunities.

· Signing of MoUs: Bilateral agreements with other capital market regulators facilitate cross-border supervision and information exchange.

The Proof is in the Numbers: Significant Growth in Market Capitalization

The tangible outcome of these strategic reforms is a market experiencing remarkable growth. The Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX) has witnessed a significant surge in market capitalisation, breaching historic milestones.

For instance, the stock market section of the Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX) gained 45.5 per cent or N28.52 trillion to hit N91.286 trillion as at the end of November, up from N62.763 trillion at the end of 2024.

Similarly, the NGX All-Share Index closed November. 2025, at 143,520.53 basis points, up by 39.44 per cent, from the 102,926.40 basis points at the close of 2024.

This growth is driven by:

· Increased Investor Confidence: Both local and foreign investors are responding positively to the enhanced regulatory environment.

· New Listings: Attracting major domestic companies to list and rewarding them with higher valuations.

· Robust Performance of Key Sectors: Banking, telecommunications, and consumer goods have shown impressive resilience and growth.

This rising capitalization is a direct vote of confidence in the SEC’s stewardship and a powerful indicator of the market’s vital role in wealth creation.

Collaborating for development: The World Bank, IFC, and FSD Africa

Recognizing the value of strategic partnerships, the SEC has deepened its collaboration with development finance institutions. Working closely with the World Bank, the International Finance Corporation (IFC), and FSD Africa has been instrumental in:

· Technical Assistance: Building internal capacity for risk-based supervision and developing new market segments like green bonds.

· Market Development: Supporting initiatives to deepen the corporate bond market and enhance liquidity.

· Investor Education Programs: Co-funding nationwide campaigns to improve financial literacy.

These partnerships provide not just funding, but world-class knowledge and technical expertise, accelerating the market’s development trajectory.

The landmark move: Transitioning from T+3 to T+2 settlement

In a landmark move for market efficiency, the SEC successfully orchestrated the transition from a T+3 to a T+2 settlement cycle. This means trades are now settled two business days after the transaction date, instead of three.

The implications are profound:

· Reduced Counterparty Risk: Shorter settlement times mean less exposure to default risk for buyers and sellers.

· Enhanced Liquidity: Investors get access to their funds and securities faster, improving capital efficiency.

· Global Competitiveness: The T+2 cycle aligns Nigeria with leading global markets like the United States and Europe, making it more attractive for international investors.

This technical achievement, though complex in its execution, demonstrates the SEC’s commitment to building a market that is not only large but also efficient and modern.

A market reimagined for a prosperous future

The journey of the Nigerian capital market under the current leadership of the SEC is a compelling narrative of transformation. By strengthening its legal foundations with the ISA 2025, protecting investors, promoting inclusive finance, engaging globally, fostering strategic partnerships, and enhancing operational efficiency, the Commission is building more than just a market—it is building a sustainable platform for long-term economic prosperity.

The significant growth in market capitalization is the resounding echo of these efforts. As Nigeria continues on its path of economic diversification and development, a dynamic, transparent, and robust capital market, as championed by the SEC, will undoubtedly be its cornerstone.

– Ayodeji Komolafe, an economist and investment banker, writes from Lagos.

December 1, 2025