Each year, June 12 reminds Nigerians of a bitter betrayal, the annulment of the freest and fairest election in our nation’s history. It was on that day in 1993 that Moshood Kashimawo Olawale (M.K.O.) Abiola emerged victorious in a presidential election that transcended ethnic and religious lines, only for the military regime to shamelessly abort the people’s will. Although Nigeria now officially commemorates June 12 as Democracy Day, the question lingers: Have the wounds truly healed? The 2025 celebration has come and gone with the usual fanfare. Speeches were made, wreaths laid, and calls for unity echoed across the country.…
Author: Abdallah el-Kurebe
It is a landmark moment in Cameroon’s scientific journey as a third-year student, Victor Epombo Eboko Dinde at the National Polytechnic School of Douala, successfully launched its first experimental rocket. Victor, who studies Electrical Engineering and Intelligent Systems, led the project under the sponsorship of the institution’s Director, Professor Ruben Mouangue. The rocket, weighing 8 kilograms and equipped with two onboard cameras for video capture, marks a significant step forward for student-led innovation in the country. ALSO READ Namibian teen invents SIM‑free phone, sparking connectivity revolution ALSO READ US-based Nigerian researcher wins $300,000 Dan David Prize “We did the first…
A 19‑year‑old electronics student from Abraham Iyambo Senior Secondary School in Ohangwena Region of Namibia, Simon Petrus has created a pioneering mobile phone that functions without a SIM card or airtime. The device relies solely on radio‑frequency transmissions, allowing calls wherever sufficient signal exists, and was built from spare telephone and television parts over two years, funded by his unemployed parents with about N$2 000 (~US $120) in support . The prototype, housed in a sizeable box powered by a radiator system, connects to radio waves directly. In addition to voice calls, it features a TV receiver, a light bulb, a fan, and a…
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…
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…