Africa’s most populous nation, Nigeria, faces a critical turning point: a growing youth population racing against a widening digital skills gap. Young Nigerians, like music producer Daniel Daniel, are investing in digital training to stay relevant in an evolving job market.
Wednesday, September 3, 2025
Video - Nigeria’s youth race to bridge the digital skills gap
Africa’s most populous nation, Nigeria, faces a critical turning point: a growing youth population racing against a widening digital skills gap. Young Nigerians, like music producer Daniel Daniel, are investing in digital training to stay relevant in an evolving job market.
U.S. defends visa revocations, cites security concerns as Nigerians face entry barriers
Responding to reports of visa revocations affecting Nigerian students, business travelers, and professionals who were asked to return their passports after being informed their visas were no longer valid, the U.S. Embassy in Abuja said the process was a security measure that falls within its legal mandate.
In an earlier report, Business Insider Africa disclosed that some Nigerians were being blocked from entering the U.S. after discovering at airports that their visas had been cancelled without prior notice.
The development was revealed by former NNPC spokesperson Femi Soneye, who said several Nigerians had reached out to him to complain about the cancellations, stressing that they came without any form of warning.
In an earlier report, Business Insider Africa disclosed that some Nigerians were being blocked from entering the U.S. after discovering at airports that their visas had been cancelled without prior notice.
The development was revealed by former NNPC spokesperson Femi Soneye, who said several Nigerians had reached out to him to complain about the cancellations, stressing that they came without any form of warning.
Embassy defends move to ‘secure borders’
A spokesperson for the Embassy told BBC News Pidgin that the revocations were being carried out on “a scale never seen before” as part of efforts to secure America’s borders.
Citing Section 221(i) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), the spokesperson noted that both the Secretary of State and consular officers are empowered to revoke visas at any time if there is “indication of a potential ineligibility.”
“The Trump Administration is protecting our nation and our citizens by upholding the highest standards of national security and public safety through our visa process,” the Embassy stated.
“Prohibiting entry to the United States by those who may pose a threat to U.S. national security or public safety is key to protecting U.S. citizens at home.”
Officials further explained that revocations may target cases involving visa overstays, violations of U.S. law, engagement in criminal activity, or alleged ties to terrorism.
While Nigeria is not on Washington’s formal list of banned or restricted countries, the revocations have nevertheless alarmed many Nigerians who argue that the process lacks transparency, given that most recipients were told only that “new information had come up.”
The controversy has fueled frustration among affected travelers, particularly students and professionals, who say the sudden withdrawals have disrupted their academic, business, and personal plans.
Still, Washington has made it clear that its stance is unlikely to soften, as it continues to emphasize security imperatives over diplomatic sensitivities.
A spokesperson for the Embassy told BBC News Pidgin that the revocations were being carried out on “a scale never seen before” as part of efforts to secure America’s borders.
Citing Section 221(i) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), the spokesperson noted that both the Secretary of State and consular officers are empowered to revoke visas at any time if there is “indication of a potential ineligibility.”
“The Trump Administration is protecting our nation and our citizens by upholding the highest standards of national security and public safety through our visa process,” the Embassy stated.
“Prohibiting entry to the United States by those who may pose a threat to U.S. national security or public safety is key to protecting U.S. citizens at home.”
Officials further explained that revocations may target cases involving visa overstays, violations of U.S. law, engagement in criminal activity, or alleged ties to terrorism.
While Nigeria is not on Washington’s formal list of banned or restricted countries, the revocations have nevertheless alarmed many Nigerians who argue that the process lacks transparency, given that most recipients were told only that “new information had come up.”
The controversy has fueled frustration among affected travelers, particularly students and professionals, who say the sudden withdrawals have disrupted their academic, business, and personal plans.
Still, Washington has made it clear that its stance is unlikely to soften, as it continues to emphasize security imperatives over diplomatic sensitivities.
By Solomon Ekanem, Business Insider Africa
Nigeria introduces new curriculum for schools, introduces trade subjects
The Nigerian government has introduced a new curriculum for schools that mandates Junior Secondary School (JSS 1) students to pick at least one trade subject to boost practical skills.
According to a document developed by the Nigerian Education Research and Development Council (NERDC), the six practical skills available are Solar Photovoltaic installation and maintenance, Fashion design and garment making, Livestock farming, Beauty and cosmetology, Computer hardware and GSM repairs, Horticulture and crop production.
Speaking at the 2025 International Conference of the African Curriculum Association hosted by the NERDC on Monday, the Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, described the new curriculum as ‘future-ready’ and noted it was streamlined to meet the skills demand of the 21st century.
Represented by the Minister of State for Education, Suwaiba Ahmad, a professor, Mr Alausa said the review for the basic education level has been completed, while that of the senior secondary level nears completion.
A separate statement by the education ministry’s spokesperson, Folasade Boriowo, indicated that the review was conducted in collaboration with the NERDC, the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), National Secondary School Education Commission (NSSEC), National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), and other key stakeholders.
According to a document developed by the Nigerian Education Research and Development Council (NERDC), the six practical skills available are Solar Photovoltaic installation and maintenance, Fashion design and garment making, Livestock farming, Beauty and cosmetology, Computer hardware and GSM repairs, Horticulture and crop production.
Speaking at the 2025 International Conference of the African Curriculum Association hosted by the NERDC on Monday, the Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, described the new curriculum as ‘future-ready’ and noted it was streamlined to meet the skills demand of the 21st century.
Represented by the Minister of State for Education, Suwaiba Ahmad, a professor, Mr Alausa said the review for the basic education level has been completed, while that of the senior secondary level nears completion.
A separate statement by the education ministry’s spokesperson, Folasade Boriowo, indicated that the review was conducted in collaboration with the NERDC, the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), National Secondary School Education Commission (NSSEC), National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), and other key stakeholders.
The new curriculum
The statement explained that the new framework balances subject offerings with more practical learning.
The ministry noted that at the primary level, pupils in Primary 1–3 will offer 9–10 subjects, while those in Primary 4–6 will take 10–12 subjects.
For Junior Secondary School, the range is 12–14 subjects; Senior Secondary students will take 8–9; and technical schools will offer 9–11 subjects.
The statement explained that the new framework balances subject offerings with more practical learning.
The ministry noted that at the primary level, pupils in Primary 1–3 will offer 9–10 subjects, while those in Primary 4–6 will take 10–12 subjects.
For Junior Secondary School, the range is 12–14 subjects; Senior Secondary students will take 8–9; and technical schools will offer 9–11 subjects.
Minister speaks
Mr Alausa said the new curriculum is expected to kick off soon.
“The review of these curricula is based on best practices and design approach following the requisite stages, criteria and involving a broad-spectrum of critical stakeholders,” the minister said.
He explained that the framework, structure and content of the curriculum are based on a competency and outcome approach and leveraged on the thematic, spiral-cyclical model.
He added that the content covers new areas pertaining to digital literacy, robotics and artificial intelligence, new technologies and subject-based skills.
Mr Alausa said the new curriculum is learner-centred and focused on 21st-century skills that are transferable and issues of values, national heritage, and effective citizenship.
“One thing we want to achieve in the curriculum reform process is to ensure content learnability and coverage, thereby improving learning outcomes across all subjects,” he said.
“Thus, the curricula and subject offerings have been scaled down drastically to align with global standards and engender effective learning at the various levels of primary and senior secondary education.”
Mr Alausa said the new curriculum is expected to kick off soon.
“The review of these curricula is based on best practices and design approach following the requisite stages, criteria and involving a broad-spectrum of critical stakeholders,” the minister said.
He explained that the framework, structure and content of the curriculum are based on a competency and outcome approach and leveraged on the thematic, spiral-cyclical model.
He added that the content covers new areas pertaining to digital literacy, robotics and artificial intelligence, new technologies and subject-based skills.
Mr Alausa said the new curriculum is learner-centred and focused on 21st-century skills that are transferable and issues of values, national heritage, and effective citizenship.
“One thing we want to achieve in the curriculum reform process is to ensure content learnability and coverage, thereby improving learning outcomes across all subjects,” he said.
“Thus, the curricula and subject offerings have been scaled down drastically to align with global standards and engender effective learning at the various levels of primary and senior secondary education.”
New subjects
According to the NERDC document, the subjects for Primary 1-3 pupils are: English Studies, Mathematics, Nigerian Languages (One Nigerian Language), Basic Science, Physical and Health Education, Christian Religion Studies (CRS) (For Christian Pupils Only) and Islamic Studies (For Muslim Pupils Only), Nigerian History, Social and Citizenship Studies, Cultural and Creative Arts (CCA) and Arabic Language (Optional).
For Primary 4-6, the subjects are: English Studies, Mathematics, Nigerian Languages (One Nigerian Language), Basic Science and Technology, Physical and Health Education, Basic Digital Literacy, CRS (For Christian Pupils Only) and IS (For Muslim Pupils Only), Nigerian History, Social and Citizenship Studies, Cultural and Creative Arts (CCA), Pre-vocational studies, French (Optional) and Arabic Language (Optional).
The subjects for Junior Secondary School 1 – 3 are: English Studies, Mathematics, Nigerian Languages (One Nigerian Language), Intermediate Science, Physical and Health Education, Digital Technologies, Christian Religious Studies (CRS) (For Christian Pupils Only), Islamic Studies (IS) (For Muslim Pupils Only), Nigerian History, Social and Citizenship Studies, Cultural and Creative Arts (CCA), Business Studies, French (optional), Arabic Language (Optional) and one of the six available Trade subjects.
Meanwhile, Senior Secondary School students are to take five compulsory subjects, including one of the trade subjects and the others from their preferred area of specialisation – sciences, humanities, or business.
The compulsory subjects are: English Language, General Mathematics, One Trade subject, Citizenship and Heritage Studies, and Digital Technologies.
Students in the Sciences are to take: Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Agriculture, Further Mathematics, Physical Education, Health Education, Foods & Nutrition, Geography, Technical Drawing.
For Humanities: Nigerian History, Government, Christian Religious Studies, Islamic Studies, one Nigerian language, French, Arabic, Visual Arts, Music, Literature in English, Home Management, Catering craft Business: Accounting, Commerce, Marketing, and Economics.
According to the NERDC document, the subjects for Primary 1-3 pupils are: English Studies, Mathematics, Nigerian Languages (One Nigerian Language), Basic Science, Physical and Health Education, Christian Religion Studies (CRS) (For Christian Pupils Only) and Islamic Studies (For Muslim Pupils Only), Nigerian History, Social and Citizenship Studies, Cultural and Creative Arts (CCA) and Arabic Language (Optional).
For Primary 4-6, the subjects are: English Studies, Mathematics, Nigerian Languages (One Nigerian Language), Basic Science and Technology, Physical and Health Education, Basic Digital Literacy, CRS (For Christian Pupils Only) and IS (For Muslim Pupils Only), Nigerian History, Social and Citizenship Studies, Cultural and Creative Arts (CCA), Pre-vocational studies, French (Optional) and Arabic Language (Optional).
The subjects for Junior Secondary School 1 – 3 are: English Studies, Mathematics, Nigerian Languages (One Nigerian Language), Intermediate Science, Physical and Health Education, Digital Technologies, Christian Religious Studies (CRS) (For Christian Pupils Only), Islamic Studies (IS) (For Muslim Pupils Only), Nigerian History, Social and Citizenship Studies, Cultural and Creative Arts (CCA), Business Studies, French (optional), Arabic Language (Optional) and one of the six available Trade subjects.
Meanwhile, Senior Secondary School students are to take five compulsory subjects, including one of the trade subjects and the others from their preferred area of specialisation – sciences, humanities, or business.
The compulsory subjects are: English Language, General Mathematics, One Trade subject, Citizenship and Heritage Studies, and Digital Technologies.
Students in the Sciences are to take: Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Agriculture, Further Mathematics, Physical Education, Health Education, Foods & Nutrition, Geography, Technical Drawing.
For Humanities: Nigerian History, Government, Christian Religious Studies, Islamic Studies, one Nigerian language, French, Arabic, Visual Arts, Music, Literature in English, Home Management, Catering craft Business: Accounting, Commerce, Marketing, and Economics.
Nigeria’s Asisat Oshoala leaves Bay FC for Saudi Women’s Al-Hilal
Terms of the agreement were not disclosed. The 30-year-old Nigerian international signed a two-year contract with Al-Hilal.
Oshoala joined Bay FC before its inaugural season in 2024 from Barcelona, where she won two Women’s Champions League titles. She scored a team-high seven goals in her first year with the San Francisco Bay Area team.
The 30-year-old scored Bay FC’s first franchise goal on March 17, 2024, in the 17th minute of a match against Angel City.
“Asisat has been an incredibly important part of Bay FC history, not only with her impact on the pitch but also through the energy, professionalism, and kindness she brought every day,” Matt Patter, Bay’s sporting director, said in a prepared statement Tuesday.
“She is a world-class player and an even better person, and we are grateful for everything she contributed to our club in its first season.”
A six-time African player of the year, her last being in 2023, Oshoala was on the Nigerian team that won its 10th Africa Cup of Nations title in July.
Born in Ikorodu, Oshoala was also the first African woman to be nominated for the Ballon d’Or award, the title regarded as representing the best player in the world each year.
She missed out on the 2022 award to Alexia Putellas of Spain. That year also marked her sixth and last African Women’s Player of the Year award.
Oshoala joins fellow Nigerians, Ashleigh Plumptre and Francisca Ordega, at Al-Hilal.
Tuesday, September 2, 2025
Olympic sprinter Favour Ofili confirms controversial nationality switch from Nigeria to Turkey
"I'm starting a new chapter representing Turkey," Ofili, who ran for LSU Tigers, said in a statement on her Instagram page on Monday. "I am proud to have represented Nigeria for many years in a highly successful way.
"Having won six gold medals, two silver medals and two bronze medals in championship meets and experiencing the biggest disappointment from AFN and NOC for their negligence towards me in two Olympics (Tokyo and Paris), I have made this decision."
The switch was confirmed by AFN President Tonobok Okowa, who told ESPN: "They have officially informed us. Both World Athletics and the athlete herself."
However, Okowa claimed that contrary to Ofili's statement, her reasons for switching were purely financial and not due to the incompetence of Nigeria athletics officials.
"Ofili herself knows the whole truth," Okowa said. "This is all about money. Herself and her coach, they are trying to make some money. I don't see anything wrong with that, but as far as I am concerned, if she wants to go, it's okay. She's an adult but she should stop using these reasons as her excuse.
"Okay, the Kenyans and Jamaicans that are going to Turkey, what reasons do they have? Let her go in peace. She's an adult, she has the right to make her decision if she wants to switch allegiance or not."
"This change comes from my heart, not from financial motives," she said.
Ofili was one of a number of Nigerian athletes who were excluded from the Tokyo Olympics due to the AFN's errors. Then, four years later, her name was not included in the 100m race, which left her in tears at the Paris Games.
Ofili said she received no compensation or apology from Nigerian officials for the missed opportunities. "They are all still in office. They said I was paid compensation. I got nothing from anyone at all, not even an apology," she said.
Okowa denied that the AFN was responsible for the Tokyo Olympics debacle, telling ESPN that the responsibility lay with the athlete: "As far as I am concerned, the first Olympics, she did not complete her out of competition test.
"And Nigeria cannot be held responsible. At that time, I was not even the president then, we just came in two weeks after. Her preparation was done by the former administration.
"But an athlete is supposed to fill her whereabouts, to enable the testing officers get to him or her. Unfortunately she did not complete her three out of competition tests, and that was why some of them were not allowed to compete. That is not the AFN's problem."
On not being entered for the 100m in Paris, Okowa said it was not the AFN's fault either, as they did what they were supposed to do: "The technical department said they put her name, and truly I was sure that her name was there.
"The list that I saw last that we signed off, her name was there. So I don't know where down the line that the name got missing in transit."
However, he argued that the athlete may not have performed well in the event anyway: "The other two athletes that were registered for the 100m, Tima Godbless and Rosemary Chukwuma, had better qualifying times. Ofili barely managed to qualify during our trials.
"Technically, she may not have been able to handle both of them. In the final race for the 200m, she was already tired, and was shutting down. It is possible that the technical department decided to give her just the 200m because it was decided that she would not be able to do both, but I doubt if that is what it was."
For now, World Athletics' website still lists Ofili as representing Nigeria. The governing body have previously confirmed receipt of four transfer applications from the Turkish federation -- including presumably Ofili's, but there has yet to be any official confirmation of approval from the Nationality Review Panel (NRP).
Under current rules, athletes must wait three years after their last competition for a country before competing for another nation, unless a waiver is granted for "exceptional circumstances" such as administrative negligence, the kind Ofili is citing.
Ofili confirmed that she will sit out this year's world championships in Tokyo while awaiting clearance.
She said: "While that means sitting out this year's championships in Tokyo, I'm truly grateful to have discovered a new home in Turkey."
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