Nigeria News (Standard)
Miva Open University Pro-Chancellor Calls for Overhaul of Higher Education in Lagos
Dr. Tunji Olowolafe urges adoption of open learning model at maiden convocation, citing need for wider access nationwide
Dr. Tunji Olowolafe urges adoption of open learning model at maiden convocation, citing need for wider access nationwide
Dr. Tunji Olowolafe, Pro-Chancellor of Miva Open University, has called for a comprehensive overhaul of higher education delivery in Nigeria, emphasising the importance of making quality education accessible to all citizens regardless of location or financial status. Olowolafe made this statement on Thursday during the university’s first convocation ceremony held in Lagos.
Addressing graduands and stakeholders at the event, Olowolafe highlighted that open and distance learning had emerged as a practical tool for broadening access to tertiary education while maintaining high academic standards. He noted that many Nigerians seeking higher education are often constrained by work commitments, family responsibilities, or geographical barriers that limit their ability to attend conventional universities.
According to Olowolafe, universities across the country must evolve and adopt flexible systems that allow students to learn without compromising quality. He referenced historical efforts by leaders such as Chief Obafemi Awolowo to expand educational opportunities through initiatives like free education and educational broadcasting, stating that the philosophy behind open learning aligns with these past innovations.
“We should not expect learners to fit into rigid traditional models. Rather, our institutions must adapt and provide flexible options that reflect the realities faced by modern students,” Olowolafe said at the ceremony. He dismissed claims that open and distance learning offers an inferior educational experience, insisting that Miva Open University graduates had undergone rigorous academic processes similar to those in traditional institutions.
Olowolafe also identified sustaining quality assurance as a key challenge for open universities and called on government agencies, regulators, and stakeholders in the education sector to support efforts aimed at strengthening alternative models for delivering higher education across Nigeria.
Source: https://guardian.ng/news/nigeria/metro/olowolafe-seeks-overhaul-of-higher-education/
Nigeria News (Standard)
Nigerian Army Redeploys Top Generals in Major Shake-Up Across Commands
Nationwide postings affect senior officers as Army leadership moves to enhance operational effectiveness and security response
Nationwide postings affect senior officers as Army leadership moves to enhance operational effectiveness and security response
The Nigerian Army has implemented a significant redeployment of top generals across its formations and commands nationwide, according to information available on Saturday. The shake-up, which affects several senior officers, is aimed at boosting operational capacity and responding to emerging security challenges across the country.
The latest postings see high-ranking officers transferred to new assignments in key strategic locations, though details of the affected generals and their new positions were not publicly listed as at press time. The changes are part of routine administrative adjustments undertaken by the military hierarchy to address national security imperatives and optimise command structures.
Army sources indicate that such redeployments are standard practice, especially in periods where the security environment demands fresh approaches. The move is expected to impact ongoing operations in conflict-prone areas including the North-East and North-West, where troops are engaged in counter-insurgency and anti-banditry campaigns.
There was no official statement from Defence Headquarters or Army Public Relations as at Saturday evening regarding the specific rationale or expected outcomes of the postings. However, military observers note that similar exercises in the past have been linked to efforts to inject new leadership perspectives into critical commands. Stakeholders within the defence sector are watching closely for further clarification from army authorities on the scope and objectives of this latest exercise.
The redeployment comes at a time when national attention remains focused on security reforms and military accountability. Nigerians will be keenly observing how these changes translate into improved safety and stability across states facing persistent threats.
Nigeria News (Standard)
WFP, FAAN Launch ₦4.7bn Humanitarian Aviation Facility at Maiduguri Airport
UN-backed project aims to boost humanitarian access in North-East; UK government provides funding through UNHAS initiative
UN-backed project aims to boost humanitarian access in North-East; UK government provides funding through UNHAS initiative
The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP), in partnership with the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), on Thursday unveiled a new humanitarian aviation facility valued at $3.4 million (₦4.7 billion) at Muhammadu Bukarti International Airport, Maiduguri, Borno State. The project, funded by the United Kingdom’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDC) via the United Nations Humanitarian Air Services (UNHAS), is designed to support relief operations for vulnerable populations in North-East Nigeria.
During the commissioning ceremony in Maiduguri, WFP Country Director—represented by Emmanuel Begenimana—explained that the new complex would enhance humanitarian access across the region. According to Begenimana, “UNHAS infrastructure development for an enhanced humanitarian access to the vulnerable populations in North-East Nigeria.”
The facility comprises a dedicated passenger terminal, office building, cargo office, flight planning centre, as well as upgraded security systems and sustainable energy infrastructure. WFP said these investments are expected to improve the speed, safety and reliability of humanitarian flights within the crisis-affected region while also contributing lasting assets to Nigeria’s aviation sector.
Begenimana noted that the modern complex was built specifically for humanitarian operations and would strengthen coordination among agencies responding to ongoing needs in Borno and neighbouring states. He stated, “The investment in this facility improves the speed, safety and reliability of humanitarian air services while leaving a lasting legacy for Nigeria’s aviation sector.”
FAAN officials commended the partnership with WFP and international donors for supporting relief efforts amid persistent security challenges in North-East Nigeria. Stakeholders at the event expressed hope that similar collaborations would be replicated across other crisis zones to facilitate timely delivery of aid.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Lagos Fashion Week Launches Africa’s First Regenerative Fashion Manifesto at London Climate Action Week
Omoyemi Akerele says new blueprint urges African ownership as sector exports ₦22.1trn textiles but imports finished goods
Omoyemi Akerele says new blueprint urges African ownership as sector exports ₦22.1trn textiles but imports finished goods
Lagos Fashion Week unveiled ‘The Blueprint for a Regenerative Fashion Future’ in London on Thursday, presenting Africa’s first comprehensive manifesto aimed at transforming the fashion industry through sustainability and local ownership. The landmark document was launched during London Climate Action Week by the African Fashion Coalition, with support from Lagos Fashion Week and The Earthshot Prize.
The event brought together leading African designers, sustainability advocates, educators and entrepreneurs to develop a framework centred on circularity, inclusion and climate resilience. According to organisers, the manifesto builds on centuries of African knowledge in craftsmanship and community innovation, advocating for a shift towards regenerative production systems that benefit both people and the environment.
Speaking at the launch, Omoyemi Akerele, Founder and Executive Director of Lagos Fashion Week—and a recipient of the 2025 Earthshot Prize—emphasised Africa’s historical contribution to global fashion. She noted that while the continent exports about US$15 billion (₦22.1trn) in raw textiles annually, it still imports more than US$23 billion (₦33.9trn) worth of finished clothing and footwear. Akerele described this gap as an issue of ownership rather than talent: “The resources are ours. The value is theirs. We are celebrated as a source of inspiration but shut out of the industry we inspire,” she said at the event.
The Manifesto emerged from extensive workshops and stakeholder consultations led by Lagos Fashion Week and The Earthshot Prize. Contributors included key figures such as Simone Smit, Director of Africa at The Earthshot Prize; Jackie May, Founder of Twyg; Adama Paris, Founder of Dakar Fashion Week; Mahlet Teklemariam, Hub of Africa Fashion Week; Liz Ricketts, The OR Foundation; Renee Neblett, Kokrobitey Institute; and Sunny Dolat from The Nest Collective.
Simone Smit stated that Africa is now leading in environmental innovation within fashion: “Earthshot solutions are right at the heart of it. The most impactful responses combine innovation with local knowledge,” she said.
The document outlines ten pillars—including cultural heritage preservation, intellectual property protection, waste justice, infrastructure development and conscious consumption—to guide investments and policy towards a more resilient sector across Africa. The coalition is inviting individuals and organisations to endorse the blueprint by signing up on www.lagosfashionweek.com.
