Nigeria News (Standard)
Extreme Heat Costs Nigerian Women Workers Billions in Annual Earnings, Report Reveals
New study highlights economic loss among low-income women due to rising temperatures; calls for urgent government intervention
New study highlights economic loss among low-income women due to rising temperatures; calls for urgent government intervention
A new report has revealed that extreme heat is causing significant financial losses for poor women workers in Nigeria and across the globe, with annual earnings dropping by over $57 billion. The findings, released on Thursday, underscore the disproportionate impact of climate change on women engaged in informal and low-wage sectors, particularly in urban centres such as Lagos and Kano.
The report points out that as temperatures continue to rise, many female workers—especially those working outdoors or in poorly ventilated environments—are forced to reduce their working hours or miss work entirely due to health risks associated with heatwaves. This reduction in productivity directly affects their daily income, compounding existing challenges faced by women in the labour market.
Experts say the issue is especially pressing for Nigeria given its large population of women engaged in informal trading, agriculture and domestic work. With limited access to cooling infrastructure and social safety nets, these women bear the brunt of lost earnings and increased health risks. The report urges governments at all levels to prioritise gender-responsive climate adaptation policies and invest in affordable cooling solutions for vulnerable communities.
According to the findings, without urgent intervention, the economic consequences of extreme heat will continue to widen gender inequality and hamper national development goals. Analysts are calling on federal and state authorities to collaborate with international partners to implement early warning systems, expand social protection programmes, and ensure access to health services for affected workers.
The study has sparked renewed debate among labour unions and advocacy groups who are demanding stronger policy action. As Nigeria continues to experience record-high temperatures, stakeholders warn that failure to address this issue could undermine ongoing efforts towards economic empowerment for women.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Lagos Investors Gain Access to 60 Global Brands as Luno Launches Tokenised Stocks
Fintech platform introduces fractional investments in global companies like Apple, Tesla, and Coca-Cola for Nigerian users
Fintech platform introduces fractional investments in global companies like Apple, Tesla, and Coca-Cola for Nigerian users
Nigerians in Lagos can now invest in over 60 international companies directly from their mobile phones, following the introduction of Luno’s Tokenised Stocks on Tuesday. The new offering allows users to gain exposure to major global brands such as Apple, Amazon, Microsoft, and Tesla through the Luno app without navigating foreign brokerage accounts or complex paperwork.
The launch marks a significant shift for Nigerian retail investors who have previously faced barriers to accessing international stocks, including high entry costs and regulatory challenges. With tokenised stocks, Luno offers fractional ownership and regulated custody through global partners like Kraken’s xStocks and Backed Finance, making it possible for users to start investing with smaller amounts and trade almost around the clock.
Luno said the service gives Nigerians a chance to build diversified portfolios that include household names shaping the world economy. According to the company, each tokenised stock is fully backed by the corresponding underlying share, ensuring investor protection under international standards. “Brands like Microsoft, Google (Alphabet), Berkshire Hathaway, NVIDIA, Meta and Netflix are now within reach for everyday Nigerians,” a company representative stated.
Financial analysts in Lagos say the move could drive greater participation in global markets by young investors seeking exposure beyond Nigerian equities. While some experts caution that international stocks carry their own risks and currency fluctuations can affect returns, they acknowledge that options for diversification are growing. “It’s an exciting step forward for financial inclusion,” said Uche Okafor, a fintech analyst based in Ikeja. The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is yet to issue a formal comment on Luno’s latest product as at press time.
Industry watchers expect other fintechs operating in Nigeria to follow suit if uptake is strong. For now, many see Luno’s tokenised stocks as an innovative way for Nigerians to participate in global economic trends from home—raising questions about which brands will become favourites among local investors.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Lagos Deputy Governor, UNILAG VC Receive Honours at STEM Awards Ceremony
Event recognises public officials and educators for advancing science, technology, engineering and mathematics in Lagos State
Event recognises public officials and educators for advancing science, technology, engineering and mathematics in Lagos State
The Deputy Governor of Lagos State and the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Lagos (UNILAG) were honoured on Thursday at a ceremony recognising contributions to science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education in the state. The awards event took place in Lagos and brought together stakeholders from the education sector and government.
The event highlighted the achievements of prominent figures in promoting STEM education, with a focus on acknowledging leaders who have supported initiatives aimed at developing young talent in these critical fields. Both the Deputy Governor and UNILAG Vice-Chancellor were presented with awards for their roles in fostering innovation and research-driven learning environments within Lagos State institutions.
Organisers of the ceremony stated that honouring such individuals is key to encouraging further investment in science and technology education across Nigeria. According to them, recognising these efforts would serve as motivation for other public officials and educational leaders to prioritise STEM development. The awards come amid renewed calls for greater emphasis on science-based curricula in Nigerian schools as part of efforts to boost national development.
While accepting their awards, both recipients expressed appreciation for the recognition, describing it as an encouragement to continue supporting educational advancement. The Deputy Governor noted that Lagos State government remains committed to funding STEM programmes and expanding access to quality education. Similarly, the UNILAG Vice-Chancellor reaffirmed the university’s drive towards research excellence and innovation-led growth.
Stakeholders present at the event urged government at all levels to increase support for STEM initiatives, noting that sustained investment is necessary if Nigeria is to compete globally in technological advancement. Organisers added that plans are underway to extend similar recognition programmes to other states in future editions.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Federal Government Delisted From 2026 Maths Olympiad Over Funding Gaps, Excludes Nigerian Students
National Mathematical Centre blames chronic budget shortfalls as Education Ministry faces criticism for neglecting gifted youths
National Mathematical Centre blames chronic budget shortfalls as Education Ministry faces criticism for neglecting gifted youths
Nigeria has been officially delisted from the 2026 International Mathematical Olympiad (IMO) in Shanghai, China, after repeated funding failures by the Federal Government through the National Mathematical Centre. The decision, announced this week, means Nigerian secondary school students will not participate as competitors in the world’s most prestigious maths contest for the first time in recent history.
Organisers of the 67th IMO confirmed Nigeria’s downgrade to observer status after the country failed to send full student delegations and conduct adequate preparations over multiple years. Sources at the NMC said chronic budgetary deficits since 2022 have undermined efforts to fund training camps and secure travel arrangements for students selected to represent Nigeria.
The development has reignited concerns about Nigeria’s commitment to nurturing academic talent, especially after last year’s controversy involving Agbo Adoga, a 15-year-old student who achieved a perfect SAT score of 1600 but reportedly missed out on IMO participation due to lack of sponsorship. Education advocate Alex Onyia alleged that Adoga had qualified for the global competition but could not attend because government support was unavailable. While the Federal Ministry of Education under Minister Tunji Alausa denied receiving any formal request for Adoga’s sponsorship, internal NMC officials acknowledged persistent funding problems affecting Olympiad programmes.
“This delisting is a sad reflection of how we treat our brightest students,” said one Abuja-based mathematics educator who asked not to be named. “Other countries are investing heavily in their best minds while we are struggling with basic logistics.” Many parents and teachers have expressed disappointment on social media, arguing that Nigeria’s absence from such a high-profile academic event could further discourage exceptional students from pursuing excellence in mathematics and sciences.
The International Mathematical Olympiad is widely regarded as the top mathematics competition for secondary school pupils globally, with over 100 countries competing annually for medals and recognition that can lead to scholarships or admission into leading universities. Stakeholders say Nigeria’s inability to participate this year raises questions about long-term government strategy for identifying and supporting gifted youths. As teams prepare to compete in Shanghai this July, observers warn that without urgent reforms and sustained funding commitments, more Nigerian talents risk missing out on opportunities to shine internationally.
