A powerful open letter, endorsed by current and former directors, as well as members of WHO Collaborating Centres, has called for urgent global solidarity and support for the World Health Organization (WHO), warning that the sudden freeze in health funding is jeopardising millions of lives worldwide. The letter [HERE] expresses deep concern over the abrupt reduction in official development assistance, which has triggered massive disruptions across WHO country offices. According to a recent rapid survey by the global health agency, a staggering 80% of its field offices have reported interruptions in at least one key area of operation. Critical health…
Author: Abdallah el-Kurebe
The Niger State Government has called on the Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) project to accelerate the stabilization of gully erosion sites in Mokwa Local Government Area. The appeal was made during a special dinner hosted for the ACReSAL World Bank team at the Hauwa Wali Multipurpose Hall, Government House, Minna. Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago, represented by his Deputy Chief of Staff and State Coordinator for all World Bank projects, Sadiq Yusuf, expressed optimism that the stabilization work in Mokwa would bring relief to communities long burdened by the environmental hazard. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting all…
The South West geopolitical zone has emerged as the region with the highest number of licensed universities in Nigeria, according to fresh data released by the National Universities Commission (NUC) as of May 2025. Out of the 298 licensed universities nationwide, the South West leads with 80 universities, followed by North Central with 59, and the South South with 53. The North West has 46, South East records 39, while the North East trails with 21. By region: South West — 80 North Central — 59 South South — 53 North West — 46 South East — 39 North East…
Parlange warns that weakening support for research universities endangers innovation, economic competitiveness, and global leadership. His Science editorial is both a rallying cry and a call to action—urging reinvestment and reaffirmation of academic freedom before it’s too late.
Despite remarkable efforts and high-level community involvement in polio eradication, Sokoto state still accounts for 20% of Nigeria’s confirmed variant poliovirus cases, according to startling new data shared by the State Commissioner of Health, Dr. Faruk Umar Abubakar. The media dialogue was facilitated by and held at the UNICEF Office on June 12. The Commissioner praised the April polio vaccination campaign as a major success story, thanks to strong collaboration across all levels of society, from the media to the First Lady of Sokoto, Fatima Aliyu, to traditional rulers, LGA Chairmen and their spouses, and the frontline health workers. “Our…
The Republic of Guinea has officially launched its first-ever cooking gas cylinder manufacturing plant in the capital, Conakry. The facility, developed in partnership with a Chinese firm, marks a major milestone in the country’s energy sector. Built on a sprawling 20-hectare site, the factory is equipped to produce up to one million gas cylinders annually, translating to a daily output of 3,000 to 3,500 units. The plant operates two dedicated production lines for 6kg and 12.5kg cylinders, catering to household and commercial needs. Government officials hailed the launch as a breakthrough that will not only reduce the nation’s reliance on…
Enugu has been named the city with the best environment in 2025, according to the Open Evaluation of Government Cities Index (OEGCI) by Statisense. The index highlights cities excelling in air and water quality, waste management, green spaces, and environmental governance. This year’s list underscores a growing shift toward eco-conscious leadership and community-driven environmental reform across regions. Top 18 cities with the best environment — 2025 Enugu (South East) Lagos (South West) Abeokuta (South West) Ilorin (North Central) Onitsha (South East) Sokoto (North West) Ogbomosho (South West) Ibadan (South West) Owerri (South East) Maiduguri (North East) Abuja (North Central) Zaria…
Sokoto has been named Nigeria’s best-governed city in 2025, according to the Open Evaluation of Government Cities Index (OEGCI) released by Statisense. The ranking, based on governance efficiency, public service delivery, infrastructure, innovation, and citizen satisfaction, places Sokoto ahead of some of Nigeria’s more traditionally celebrated urban centers. Here’s the full top 18 list of Nigeria’s best-governed cities: Sokoto (North West) Enugu (South East) Lagos (South West) Abeokuta (South West) Ilorin (North Central) Onitsha (South East) Ogbomosho (South West) Ibadan (South West) Owerri (South East) Maiduguri (North East) Abuja (North Central) Zaria (North West) Aba (South East) Port Harcourt (South…
A new report from the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), released in June 2025, warns that the world is facing a global fertility crisis, not due to personal preferences, but because of systemic barriers like financial hardship, health challenges, and social inequality. The State of World Population 2025 report, based on a 14-country survey conducted with YouGov, reveals economic pressure, health barriers, and social inequality as key reasons millions are unable to fulfil their reproductive goals – thereby providing a growing gap between the number of children people want and what they have. “The real crisis is not overpopulation or…
The University of Bristol will offer fully funded master’s scholarships in Artificial Intelligence (AI) to both international and UK students beginning in October 2026. The initiative is part of the UK government’s new Spärck AI Scholarships, aimed at developing a world-class AI workforce through its £17.2 million AI Opportunity Action Plan. The scholarships will cover tuition fees and living expenses for students from low-income and underrepresented backgrounds. Bristol is one of nine top UK universities selected to deliver this prestigious programme, alongside Cambridge, Oxford, Imperial College London, and others. To support the scheme, Bristol is launching four new AI-focused MSc…