Author: Gabby

The United Kingdom has announced a tightening of its immigration policies, which could lead to universities losing their ability to enroll international students, including those from Nigeria, if they do not meet stricter compliance benchmarks.

On Friday, the UK Home Office released a statement outlining the reforms, which are designed to curb visa misuse in study, work, and tourist categories that have been linked to a surge in asylum applications.

Under the revised rules, higher education institutions may lose their sponsorship licenses if more than 5% of student visa applications are rejected—down from the previous allowance of 10%. The Home Office further stated that schools will be evaluated based on their performance, including a required 95% enrollment rate and a 90% course completion rate, up from earlier targets of 90% and 85%.

The Home Office warned that failure to meet these benchmarks could result in penalties, including the revocation of permission to admit foreign students. It noted that high dropout rates often indicate that students are entering the illegal workforce rather than focusing on their studies, while high visa refusal rates or low enrollment suggest that some institutions are not adequately vetting applicants.

This move comes after earlier restrictions on study visa applicants from countries such as Afghanistan, Cameroon, Myanmar, and Sudan. The government also reported a 30% drop in asylum claims from international students following stricter enforcement measures.

Approximately 306,000 students whose visas are expiring have been advised to leave the UK or face deportation if they file unfounded asylum claims.

The Kano State Police Command has issued a stern warning to residents, particularly young individuals, regarding the hazardous trend of roller skating on highways, bridges, construction sites, and other off-limits locations in the Kano metropolis.

In a statement released on Friday, Police Public Relations Officer CSP Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa expressed deep concern over the rising number of minors skating on main roads and even clinging to moving cars for excitement. This behavior, he emphasized, is extremely dangerous and poses serious risks to both skaters and other road users.

While acknowledging that roller skating is a legitimate recreational pursuit, the police underscored that major roads are built for vehicles, not for leisure activities. They highlighted that skaters have limited control and braking capabilities in heavy traffic, making collisions with cars and trucks highly probable.

The command noted that many roads and bridges currently under construction lack dedicated lanes for skating or similar activities, which further elevates the risk. It also condemned the reckless act of latching onto moving vehicles for thrill, noting that such behavior has already led to fatal accidents elsewhere in the country.

The police urged parents, guardians, school authorities, and community leaders to take proactive steps in educating children and wards about the dangers of engaging in these risky practices. The Commissioner of Police warned that anyone caught obstructing traffic, endangering public safety, or participating in harmful activities will be arrested and prosecuted.

Residents are encouraged to report instances of reckless skating to the nearest police station or via emergency hotlines for immediate action.

Former Ekiti State Governor, Kayode Fayemi, has raised alarm over the growing proximity of terrorists to Government Houses across Nigeria. Speaking on Friday during an interview on State Affairs, a podcast hosted by Edmund Obilo, Fayemi addressed the escalating insecurity crisis gripping the nation.

He stated, “Terrorists are gradually getting closer to Government Houses. The Jihadists are not far from us. They are already at our borders.” Fayemi emphasized the urgent need for Nigeria to reassess its security strategies, noting that jihadist elements are active in neighboring countries such as Benin Republic, Togo, and Burkina Faso.

The former governor called for a more robust foreign relations approach, stressing that national interest must be prioritized to counter the threat. “We must be interested in how to salvage this because of our own national interest. They are not far from us. That’s why we need to re-strategise and ensure that our foreign relations is more robust,” he added.

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has strongly criticized former Ekiti State Governor Ayodele Fayose for alleging that Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde orchestrated the recent abductions in the state to embarrass President Bola Tinubu. In a statement, the party’s Southwest Publicity Secretary, Sanya Atofarati, labeled Fayose’s comments as reckless, insensitive, and a threat to political stability.

Atofarati argued that Fayose’s accusation not only demonstrates irresponsibility and provocation but also reveals his hypocrisy on security issues and public accountability. He emphasized that at a time when Nigerians face killings, abductions, and displacement by criminals, it is shameful for a former governor to exploit a national tragedy for political gain.

The PDP spokesperson called on Nigerians to reject attempts to weaponize insecurity for partisan interests, affirming the party’s support for Makinde and the people of Oyo State. He commended the governor’s dedication to security and welfare, urging unity and collaboration instead of inflammatory rhetoric driven by personal agendas.

Recall that Fayose, during a television interview, questioned the Oyo State Government’s response to the kidnappings, suggesting political motives influenced their handling. The PDP’s rebuttal underscores the party’s stance against divisive statements that jeopardize national security efforts.

The Nigeria Police Force has announced with deep sorrow the demise of Assistant Inspector-General of Police Kanayo V. Uzuegbu. The news was confirmed by police authorities, marking the end of a distinguished career spanning over three decades.

Throughout his service, AIG Uzuegbu earned accolades for his exceptional professionalism, unwavering dedication, and commitment to ensuring public safety. He joined the force in 1992 as a Cadet Assistant Superintendent of Police after completing training at the Police Academy in Kaduna.

A native of Umuaka Community in Njaba Local Government Area, Imo State, he held a Bachelor of Arts (Hons) in Philosophy from the University of Port Harcourt, a Higher Diploma in Strategic Studies from the University of Maiduguri, and a Master of Science in Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution from the University of Nigeria. His training also included courses in counter-terrorism, human rights, law of armed conflict, and strategic leadership.

Over the years, AIG Uzuegbu served in numerous capacities, including Squadron Commander of No. 15 PMF in Ilorin, Area Commander in Owerri and Karu, Director of the Central Planning and Training Unit at Police Staff College in Jos, Commissioner of Police for Operations Communication at Force Headquarters, and Commissioner of Police for Enugu State Command. He also commanded Sector 8 of the African Union Peacekeeping Mission in El-Daein, Darfur, Sudan.

In a statement released by DCP Anthony Okon Placid, the force leadership extended heartfelt condolences to the family of the late senior officer, describing him as a man who brought honor to the police and served the nation with admirable devotion. The Nigeria Police Force prayed that Almighty God grants his soul eternal rest and gives his family the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss.

The Chartered Institute of Personnel Management of Nigeria (CIPM) has urged stakeholders to adopt artificial intelligence (AI) in a responsible manner, highlighting the importance of blending technological progress with ethical considerations, accountability, and human-centric principles as AI continues to reshape professional environments.

This message emerged during the CIPM 3rd International Academic Conference, held jointly with the Department of Employment Relations and Human Resource Management at the University of Lagos. The event was themed “Artificial Intelligence in Academia, Industry and Government: Navigating Ethics, Innovation and Impact.”

Ahmed Ladan Gobir, President and Chairman of the Governing Council of CIPM, stressed that discussions about AI should move beyond whether the technology will alter society, focusing instead on how to steer that change responsibly. He warned that innovation divorced from ethics could be harmful, making it essential for organizations to prioritize human dignity, fairness, transparency, inclusion, and accountability when integrating AI.

“Algorithms do not build trust; people do. Machines do not create culture; people do,” Gobir stated, underscoring that organizations succeed not because of cutting-edge technology but due to having the right individuals with appropriate skills and values.

Keynote speaker Prof. Sunday Adebisi described AI as the world’s new infrastructure, shaping learning, production, governance, and communication. He pointed out that while AI offers vast opportunities, Africa faces hurdles such as poor digital infrastructure, ICT skill shortages, regulatory issues, ethical dilemmas, and unequal access to technology. If left unaddressed, these challenges could exacerbate employment concerns on the continent.

Another keynote speaker, Mr. Henry Onukuba, FCIPM, called AI one of the most transformative forces of modern times, capable of revolutionizing service delivery, productivity, and knowledge access. He argued that the real question for institutions is not whether to adopt AI, but how to integrate it without compromising fairness, accountability, public trust, or human dignity. He noted AI’s potential to democratize education, allowing students in remote areas to access the same information as those in urban centers, and to address faculty shortages in Nigerian universities.

“AI will not take over your job. Your job will be taken over by someone who knows how to work smarter and more effectively with AI,” Onukuba remarked.

Prof. Oluseyi Shadare, Chairman of the Academic Conference and Head of the Department of Employment Relations and Human Resource Management at UNILAG, emphasized that the conference theme was highly relevant given the rapid changes of the Fourth Industrial Revolution. He observed that while AI creates opportunities for innovation and competitiveness, it also raises concerns about job displacement, privacy, inequality, and responsible technology use. He called for stronger collaboration among academia, industry, and government to develop AI systems that are innovative, transparent, fair, and human-centered.

Representing UNILAG’s Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Folasade Ogunsola, the Dean of the Faculty of Management Sciences, Prof. Abdul-Hameed Sulaimon, praised CIPM and the department for organizing the conference and encouraged participants to implement the insights gained.

The conference also celebrated research excellence. Out of 47 abstracts submitted, 38 progressed to full paper presentations after rigorous review. Dr. Aramide Kuforiji was named overall best researcher, followed by Prof. Sam Bodunrin (second) and Dr. Ifeanyi Enukorah (third). These awards highlighted the conference’s dedication to academic excellence, innovation, research integrity, and evidence-based contributions to human resource management and the future of work.

A key takeaway from the conference was that although AI may shape the future, people will determine its impact. The challenge for academia, industry, and government is not merely to adopt AI, but to guide its evolution and application in ways that uphold human dignity, foster innovation, and build a more inclusive and prosperous future for all.

Retired Vice Admiral Dan Preston Omatsola, a former Chief of Naval Staff, has issued a stark warning about the deteriorating situation in Nigeria, emphasizing that without immediate corrective measures, the country could face even graver difficulties. Speaking at an event organized by NNS Delta to commemorate the Nigerian Navy’s 70th anniversary, he highlighted the critical role of the armed forces in maintaining national cohesion and stability.

According to Omatsola, the military remains the cornerstone of Nigeria’s unity, and it would be disastrous to underestimate the importance of security institutions. He stated, “The Navy and the Armed Forces, based on my experience, are the bedrock of Nigeria’s unity.” The retired officer expressed deep concern over the current trajectory, saying, “Things are going very wrong in the country. If we are not careful, it will be worse.”

He urged military, paramilitary, and other security agencies to steadfastly fulfill their constitutional duties, noting that escalating insecurity and public fear are driving communities to demand more robust security measures. Omatsola attributed many of the nation’s problems to a lack of discipline, which he described as the bedrock of effective leadership and national development. “Discipline has been absent. If I lack discipline, I cannot guide my wife or my family,” he remarked.

The retired naval chief cautioned against crafting policies or laws out of fear, arguing that decisions made under duress rarely tackle the underlying issues. “You cannot accomplish anything through fear. A law made out of fear will not endure. When creating a law, one must not be afraid,” he added. He called on Nigerians to adopt discipline, patriotism, and collective responsibility to protect the nation’s unity and prevent further security decline.

The Nigerian Navy’s 70th anniversary celebrations include various events recognizing its contributions to national security, maritime safety, and the defense of the country’s territorial waters.

During a pre-dawn assault on Friday, terrorists attempted to overrun a military base in Borno State but were met with fierce resistance from Nigerian troops. The attack, which began around 3:00 a.m., exploited heavy rain and low visibility to approach the Forward Operating Base in Mandaragirau. However, soldiers from the 25 Brigade, under Operation HADIN KAI, swiftly countered the incursion, resulting in multiple insurgent fatalities.

According to Lieutenant Colonel Haruna M. Sani, the Acting Media Information Officer for the Joint Task Force (North East), the exchange of gunfire and close-quarters combat was intense. Despite successfully repelling the assault, the military suffered losses: five soldiers and three members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) lost their lives. Several others sustained injuries and have been airlifted to medical facilities, where they are reported to be in stable condition.

The statement noted that some equipment was damaged during the firefight. However, troops remain in firm control of the base and have launched clearance operations in the surrounding areas. The military views the attack as evidence of growing pressure on terrorist groups in the North-East and has deployed additional forces to sustain ongoing operations. Efforts to enhance security around vulnerable communities and maintain the offensive against insurgents continue.

The Chartered Institute of Personnel Management of Nigeria (CIPM) has detailed impressive advancements in membership numbers and technology adoption during its 57th Annual General Meeting. The event saw Mallam Ahmed Ladan Gobir re-elected as President and Chairman of the Governing Council with 2,784 votes, alongside the re-election of Vice President Mrs. Chidinma Justina Obiejesi, who garnered 1,469 votes. Mr. Adeyemi Ajayi also secured the National Treasurer position with 1,785 votes.

Gobir presented a scorecard highlighting key successes, including a surge in inducted members from roughly 1,700 in 2023 to over 3,000 in 2025, and a total membership count reaching 27,000. He attributed this growth to deliberate efforts to enhance professionalism and expand the institute’s footprint across Nigeria.

Digital transformation was a major focus, with the deployment of several platforms such as a new examination portal, membership application system, e-voting tool, upgraded members’ portal, learning and conference portal, HRPL portal, CIPM mobile app, and the integration of a competency and knowledge framework.

The institute also strengthened its global ties through partnerships with international bodies like CIPD UK, CPHR Canada, the African Human Resources Confederation, and the World Federation of People Management Associations. These collaborations are expected to provide members with more opportunities and boost the institute’s international standing.

Members at the AGM praised the leadership for increased media visibility and the mutual recognition agreements with CPHR Canada and CIPD UK, which they believe aid Nigerian HR professionals in pursuing global careers. They called for continued advocacy to ensure HR practitioners obtain professional certification and comply with regulatory standards. The meeting concluded with strong support for the institute’s direction in fostering professionalism, regulatory compliance, digital innovation, and global positioning.