Author: Dr. Olaoluwa Vincent Ajayi

Lagos, Nigeria—In a move that has stirred significant debate, the Nigerian government has recently instituted a policy mandating that students must be at least 18 years old to sit for the national exams, including the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) and the National Examinations Council (NECO). This decision, aimed at standardizing educational oversight and ensuring a consistent academic trajectory for students across the nation, has raised questions about its impact on students’ long-term success. The Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman, defended the policy, outlining a structured educational timeline that begins with pupils entering primary school at age six. Under…

Concerning public health development, the Osun State Government confirmed on Monday that two cases of monkeypox have been detected within the Ilesa West Local Government Area. The patients, two males aged five and twenty-five, are currently under medical care at the State Hospital in Ilesa West, where they are receiving the necessary treatments to manage their symptoms.Mr Jola Akinola, the State Commissioner for Health, shared details of the outbreak during a press briefing, urging the community to stay calm and informed. “We are on top of the situation and are taking all necessary measures to contain the virus,” Akinola assured,…

The Federal Government of Nigeria has announced new age requirements for students wishing to sit for the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) and the National Examinations Council (NECO) exams. Candidates under the age of 18 will no longer be eligible to participate in these secondary school leaving examinations.The Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman, disclosed the directive recently on Channels Television’s ‘Sunday Politics’ program. The move aims to standardize the educational journey and ensure that students meet the maturity level deemed necessary for higher education and beyond.”This year will serve as a transitional period where the Joint Admissions and Matriculation…

ABUJA — President Bola Tinubu has initiated a significant reshuffle within Nigeria’s intelligence sector by appointing new leaders for the National Intelligence Agency (NIA) and the Department of State Services (DSS). This was announced on Monday by Ajuri Ngelale, Special Adviser to the President. Ambassador Mohammed Mohammed steps in as the new Director-General of the NIA, bringing extensive experience from international diplomacy and intelligence. Concurrently, Mr. Adeola Oluwatosin Ajayi has been appointed to lead the DSS, marking a new era for the country’s domestic intelligence operations. These appointments follow the unexpected resignations of the former heads of these crucial agencies.…

In a recent event that has caught the public eye and stirred considerable debate, Seyi Tinubu, son of the Nigerian President, was seen seated in a section typically reserved for cabinet members during the swearing-in of Justice Kekere-Ekun as the acting Chief Justice of Nigeria on August 22, 2022. This incident has triggered widespread dissatisfaction among Nigerians, prompting discussions about the appropriateness of his presence in such a significant governmental function. Justice Kekere-Ekun took over from Olukayode Ariwoola, who retired on Thursday after reaching the mandatory age of 70. The transition was overshadowed by the reactions following the circulation of…

A fully loaded Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) bus overturned on the Lagos-Abeokuta Expressway near Iyana-Ipaja on Friday morning, injuring 11 passengers. The accident, reported by the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), occurred around 7:45 AM. Emergency teams responded swiftly, providing medical aid at the scene before transporting the injured to nearby hospitals. The extent of their injuries has not yet been confirmed. According to LASTMA, the bus had just left the BRT park at Iyana Ipaja when it collided with an abandoned pedestrian bridge foot, causing it to tip over onto its side. The accident is believed to have…

In a move that has drawn sharp international condemnation, the Taliban has issued new restrictions on women, further eroding the already limited rights of Afghan women under its rule. The new orders, part of a 114-page document made available to public, prohibit women from looking at men they do not know, speaking loudly in public or at home, and impose strict dress codes and behavioural restrictions that have sparked outrage across the country. Among the most severe of the new decrees is the prohibition against women looking at men who are not their immediate family members. Women are also required…

President Bola Tinubu is set to officially swear in Justice Kudirat Motonmori Olatokunbo Kekere-Ekun as the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) on August 23, 2024. The ceremony is scheduled to take place at the State House Council Chambers in Abuja, with dignitaries from across the country expected to attend. Justice Kekere-Ekun, born on May 7, 1958, hails from Lagos State. Her father, Alhaji Senator H.A.B. Fasinro, was a notable legal practitioner and politician, while her mother, Mrs. Winifred Layiwola Ogundimu, was a dedicated public health nurse. Educated at prestigious institutions, Justice Kekere-Ekun earned her law degree from the University of…

Fatty liver disease, an increasingly common condition, is now recognized as a significant public health issue, particularly among those dealing with obesity. Recent data indicate that one in ten people globally suffer from this condition, with African American/Black men facing a 60% higher risk of developing liver and intrahepatic bile duct (IBD) cancer compared to non-Hispanic white men. This alarming disparity underscores the need for increased awareness and preventive measures. The liver, the largest internal organ, is crucial in detoxifying the body and processing nutrients. However, when excess fat accumulates often due to factors like obesity, diabetes, or high triglycerides—the…