Did You Need an American High School Certificate to Study in the U.S. in the 1970s? Understanding U.S. University Admissions and the Tinubu Education Debate

Did You Need an American High School Certificate to Study in the U.S. in the 1970s? Understanding U.S. University Admissions and the Tinubu Education Debate

By ProlificX Premium Network

Few issues have generated as much public debate in Nigeria’s political history as President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s educational background. Questions about his academic records have resurfaced at different times, especially during election cycles. However, beyond the political arguments lies a broader educational question that deserves careful examination:

Did foreign students seeking admission into American universities in the 1970s have to possess U.S. elementary and high school certificates before they could be admitted?

Understanding how the American education system worked during that period helps separate educational policy from political rhetoric.

The Structure of the U.S. Education System

The United States generally divides formal education into three stages:

Elementary School (approximately Grades 1–6) Middle or Junior High School (depending on the state) High School (typically Grades 9–12) College or University

American citizens usually progress through these stages within the U.S. education system. Foreign students, however, have historically followed a different route.

How Foreign Students Entered U.S. Universities in the 1970s

Even in the 1970s, American universities admitted thousands of international students from Africa, Asia, Europe, and Latin America.

For these applicants, universities generally evaluated the highest level of education completed in their home country, rather than requiring them to repeat American elementary or high school education.

A Nigerian student who had completed secondary education in Nigeria, for example, could apply to an American university using Nigerian academic qualifications if the institution considered them equivalent to U.S. admission standards.

In most cases, universities requested documentation such as:

Secondary school certificates or equivalent qualifications. Academic transcripts. Proof of identity. Evidence of English-language proficiency where required. Financial documentation demonstrating the ability to pay tuition and living expenses. Student visa documentation after admission.

Admission requirements varied from one university to another, as they do today.

Was a U.S. Elementary or High School Certificate Mandatory?

Generally, no.

American universities did not require international applicants to first obtain U.S. elementary or high school certificates simply because they were foreigners.

Instead, admissions offices assessed whether the applicant’s previous education in their home country met the university’s entry requirements.

This remains a common practice in international higher education today, where universities evaluate foreign credentials for equivalency rather than insisting applicants repeat earlier stages of schooling.

Why This Matters in Nigeria’s Political Debate

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s educational records have been the subject of public discussion for many years. Questions have centred on aspects of his academic history, including records relating to his early education and his degree from Chicago State University.

These discussions have intensified whenever nomination documents or educational credentials have entered the public domain.

However, it is important to distinguish between legal, political, and educational questions.

From an educational perspective, the absence of American elementary or high school certificates does not, by itself, establish whether someone could or could not have been admitted to a U.S. university in the 1970s. Many international students were admitted on the basis of recognised qualifications obtained in their own countries or through other accepted educational pathways.

Whether any individual satisfied a university’s admission requirements depends on the records reviewed by that institution at the time.

Educational Policy vs Political Debate

Public debate often mixes educational procedures with political arguments. Yet these are separate issues.

Universities determine admission according to their academic policies, while electoral matters are governed by constitutional provisions and electoral laws.

Understanding this distinction is essential for informed public discourse.

The Importance of Public Education

As Nigerians continue to discuss the educational backgrounds of political leaders, experts say the conversation should also serve as an opportunity to educate the public about how international education systems operate.

An informed debate is one based on verified facts, historical context, and an understanding of university admission practices rather than assumptions.

Ultimately, knowledge of educational policy can help citizens engage more critically with public issues while promoting transparency, accountability, and respect for factual information.

 Can Chicago State University admit a foreign student without elementary and secondary school certificates?

Yes, it is possible, but the answer requires an important distinction between admission policy and what documents were actually submitted in a particular case.

Chicago State University, like other accredited U.S. universities, has historically admitted international students based on whether they met its admission requirements. Those requirements did not necessarily require applicants to have attended an American elementary school or American high school.

For international applicants in the 1970s, universities typically accepted educational qualifications from the applicant’s home country or other recognized institutions, provided the university determined they were equivalent to the required level for admission.

Generally, an international applicant would be expected to provide documentation such as:

A completed application. Academic records showing completion of secondary education or another qualifying educational pathway recognized by the university. Evidence of previous academic achievement, depending on whether the student was applying as a freshman or transfer student. Immigration and visa documentation after admission. Financial documentation where required.

Therefore, not having U.S. elementary school records or a U.S. high school diploma does not automatically mean someone could not be admitted. American universities have long admitted students educated outside the United States.

However, that is different from saying that a university admitted someone without any evidence of prior education. Accredited universities generally require applicants to demonstrate that they satisfy the institution’s academic admission standards, even if the documents come from another country or another educational route.

How this relates to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu

President Tinubu’s educational history has been the subject of political debate and legal proceedings. One point that often causes confusion is the absence of American elementary or high school records.

From an educational policy perspective alone:

The absence of U.S. elementary or high school certificates would not by itself prevent an international student from being admitted to Chicago State University. Whether a particular applicant met Chicago State University’s admission requirements depends on the records the university reviewed when making its admission decision. Unless Chicago State University itself states that it admitted a student contrary to its admission policies, it would not be accurate to conclude that the admission was improper solely because U.S. elementary or high school records are unavailable.

In other words, the key question is not whether the applicant attended an American elementary or high school, but whether the university determined that the applicant’s educational credentials satisfied its admission requirements at the time.

This distinction is important when discussing the issue in the context of Nigerian politics. Educational admission policies answer one question, while political and legal debates about a specific candidate’s records are separate matters.



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Yinusa Olamilekan Felix

STATEHOUSE PRESS STATEMENT FACTS, NOT FEAR: A POINT-BY-POINT RESPONSE TO ATIKU ABUBAKAR ON NIGERIA’S REFORM JOURNEY

Politics thrives on disagreement. Democracy demands it. But disagreements must be rooted in facts, not frozen snapshots of history. When yesterday’s data are presented as today’s reality, the public deserves context.

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, in his typical pastime, has accused the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of fiscal recklessness, citing excess borrowing in the 2024 budget, questioning the removal of fuel subsidy, criticising tax reforms, concocting an oil windfall of N7.98 trillion, and suggesting that Nigeria is drifting economically.

His concerns, though misplaced, deserve a response—not because criticisms should be silenced – but because Nigerians should have a fuller picture of where the country is today. Here are the real issues Atiku and his courtiers should apprise themselves of:

A Debate Anchored in 2024 Cannot Explain Nigeria in 2026

Perhaps the first observation is chronological. It is curious that in the middle of 2026, the opposition’s principal economic argument remains anchored to developments in the 2024 fiscal year. Economies are dynamic. Reforms are processes, not events. Judging a reform programme solely by its earliest and most painful phase is like judging chemotherapy by the nausea it induces while ignoring the remission it seeks to achieve.

The Nigerian economy that underwent painful adjustment in 2024 has evolved considerably. Following the exchange-rate reset, Nigeria’s dollar-denominated GDP fell to about $253 billion, reflecting the immediate effect of currency realignment. Since then, figures from statistics bodies and multilateral agencies like the IMF indicate that it has recovered significantly to approximately $377 billion, representing an increase of roughly 49 per cent from that post-adjustment trough. Likewise, Naira GDP has expanded from about ₦314 trillion in 2024 to around ₦530 trillion, a 69% increase reflecting both higher economic activity and price changes. These figures should continue to be assessed alongside real GDP growth, inflation, and household welfare. They do illustrate that the economy did not remain frozen at its most difficult moment.

The reforms were never advertised as painless. They were presented as necessary structural adjustments intended to correct long-standing distortions, including distortions created in the Obasanjo-Atiku years, 1999-2007.

Borrowing Must Be Judged Alongside Economic Capacity

On the matter of Nigeria’s debts, it is important to ask a broader question: What is Nigeria’s capacity to sustain her debt? For debt, in itself, is not the defining measure of fiscal health. What matters are the size of the economy; our revenue-generating capacity; debt servicing costs; the purposes for which funds are borrowed; and whether borrowed resources finance productive investments or recurrent consumption. Nigeria’s debts have been acquired for productive, long-term infrastructural and investment purposes – according to the law.

Nigeria’s debt-to-GDP ratio remains relatively modest (at barely 40%) compared with many peer economies and advanced countries (South Africa (85%), Egypt (80%), Ghana (60%), Kenya (75%), USA (130%), UK (110%), China (300% – unofficially), even though debt-service pressures have historically been significant. Still, the Tinubu Administration has seen a reduction in the debt service-to-revenue ratio, from a high of nearly 100% in December 2022 to less than 60% today. This is a remarkable achievement that shows that Nigeria’s revenue efficiency has improved, while debt management remains conservative and astute. All the same, the more meaningful question is whether borrowing finances investments that expand productive capacity and future revenues, rather than merely postponing difficult choices.

Where Did the Subsidy Savings Go?

For decades, economists across ideological divides criticised Nigeria’s fuel subsidy as fiscally costly and poorly targeted. Even before the current administration, several international institutions had argued that the subsidy consumed resources that could otherwise support development. Nigerians suffered over the years as a vast proportion of our resources were deployed to pay fuel-subsidy merchants. An idea that was mooted in the early 1970s, when Nigeria saw her first oil boom in the aftermath of the Yom Kippur War, had become toxic and a drainpipe on the economy. It must be said that the government in which Alhaji Atiku was Vice President waded through that toxic phenomenon, and never did the needful. The current administration deserves commendation for being able to get rid of something that has become a lodestone around the neck of our collective patrimony.

The visible consequence of subsidy removal has been the sharp improvement in revenues accruing to states and local governments through the Federation Account. Higher statutory allocations have expanded fiscal space at the subnational level, enabling many states to increase spending on roads, schools, hospitals, salaries, pensions, and social programmes. Independent assessments, including those from the World Bank, have noted improvements in public revenues and subnational capital spending, which is another word for infrastructural development, following major fiscal reforms. This means that President Tinubu has tactically placed more responsibility for socioeconomic development on states and local governments, while providing requisite funding. This is true federalism and a bold statement on the much-vaunted subject of economic restructuring – another important issue gallantly avoided by the government in which Alhaji Atiku served and wielded great influence.

The Tax Reforms: Progressive, Not Punitive

Another of Atiku’s uninformed criticisms suggests that the Tinubu administration chose to tax Nigerians more. This is blatantly false, and the statement is an attempt to deceive and dissemble.

The objective of the tax reforms is not merely to increase collections but to create a broader, more equitable tax system. The reforms are intended to reduce the burden on many low-income earners (people earning N1 million per annum and below) and small businesses (with turnover of N100 million and below) while strengthening compliance among higher-income individuals and profitable enterprises – many of whom had avoided or evaded taxes under the cover of informality for decades. The underlying principle is that those with greater capacity should bear a larger share of the tax burden, while micro-enterprises and vulnerable households receive greater protection. Nigerians understand that to have a fine, working nation, we all must contribute to her prosperity. And we are on course.

Health: From Infrastructure to Access

Over the past three years, the Federal Government, working with states, has expanded efforts to rehabilitate and upgrade primary healthcare facilities, strengthen tertiary hospitals, improve access to essential medicines, and broaden maternal and child health interventions.

The administration has also publicised initiatives aimed at reducing the financial barriers to maternal care, including programmes that support access to caesarean sections for eligible indigent mothers through public facilities. Over 100 facilities across Nigeria provide free caesarean operations for indigent mothers. Thousands of women across the country, from Sokoto to Port Harcourt, have benefited. Three world-class cancer centres are operational in Kubwa, Enugu and Katsina, while cancer centres in 13 states have been expanded. As at April 2026, over 3,000 Primary Healthcare Centres have been revitalised, upgraded, and refurbished, while over 78,000 frontline workers have been retrained in 3 years. This is verifiable information, and no mean feat.

Education: Investing in Human Capital

Federal and state governments have undertaken school rehabilitation, investments in technical and vocational education, digital learning initiatives, and expanded access to tertiary education finance in the last 3 years. Specifically, over 11,000 projects have been embarked upon by the Universal Basic Education Commission, with collaboration from the federal and state governments. This can be regarded as one of the boldest moves in the history of Nigeria to reposition education at primary and secondary levels.

Among the flagship initiatives is the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), which has enabled hundreds of thousands of students to access loans for tuition and upkeep, reducing financial barriers to higher education. Over 1.64 million students have benefited across the country, with NELFUND disbursing over N303 billion through 300 higher institutions. Again, another unprecedented initiative touching lives positively. All over social media, Nigerians can see how relieved and jubilant Nigerian students have become. Add to this the fact that President Tinubu has seen to an end to strikes by university lecturers, such that a four-year programme does not go beyond four years, a great relief to students and parents.

Infrastructure: Building for Tomorrow

Nigeria’s infrastructure agenda continues across transport, energy, and public works, with ongoing projects in federal highways and bridges, rail modernisation, inland dry ports and logistics, power transmission and distribution, airport redevelopment, gas infrastructure, housing, and digital connectivity. Many state governments have simultaneously accelerated road construction, urban renewal, healthcare, and education projects, aided by stronger fiscal inflows. The cumulative effect is an increase in public investment aimed at reducing logistics costs and supporting private-sector growth, the triggers for the 49% leap in GDP since 2024 (in Dollar terms), and a 69% leap in Naira terms. There is a lot more to come.

Nigeria is certainly not over-borrowed

The unvarnished truth is that Nigeria’s revenue-to-GDP ratio is still ranked among the lowest globally, limiting the government’s ability to fund public services without borrowing.

Recent reforms have started to improve revenue mobilisation, broaden the tax base, reduce leakages, and strengthen public financial management. Certainly, improvements in revenue collection are helping reduce fiscal vulnerabilities. But this is a process that has commenced. Viewed from this angle, it is evident that President Tinubu has taken the Nigerian economy down a path of unprecedented reinvention and rejuvenation.

The debt debate should, therefore, examine not only how much Nigeria borrows but also whether the country’s capacity to generate and manage revenue continues to improve. At a mere 40% debt-to-GDP ratio and less than 60% debt service-to-revenue ratio (improving), the argument of overborrowing is alarmist and does not stick.

Oil Windfall? Atiku and his handlers reveal analytical deficiency

There is no such windfall of N7.98 trillion. Any incremental revenue from higher oil prices is reflected in the monthly FAAC figures. While the average price for the half-year 2026 for Brent is around $90 compared to the $64.85 benchmark, the average daily production fell short at about 1.6m bpd compared to the forecast of 1.84m bpd. The production shortfall partly offset the price premium. In addition, some crude volume had been pledged for loans used to pay for the wasteful subsidy in the past, which the President was bold enough to remove, stopping the bleeding but not immediately translating into available revenue.

The convenient mistake many analysts make is to multiply the oil price by the daily crude production volume to determine revenue to the government. Such analyses ignore the cost of production, the share of crude belonging to the oil-producing companies and the impact of crude sale contracts such as forward contracts designed to hedge against price volatility.

Atiku will do well to show the workings for his N7.98 trillion oil windfall.

Conclusion: For Nigeria, Forward Ever!

History rarely remembers governments for the popularity of their decisions in the moment. It remembers whether those decisions ultimately strengthened or weakened the nation.

President Tinubu’s administration has chosen to dismantle several long-standing policy distortions that previous governments acknowledged but often deferred. The reforms have carried undeniable costs, and legitimate questions remain about implementation, inflation, and social protection. Yet describing the entire programme as “financial recklessness” overlooks the broader context of structural change, fiscal rebalancing, and efforts to improve macroeconomic stability.

A mature national conversation should move beyond slogans. It should assess reforms against measurable outcomes rather than isolated episodes. We welcome elevated discourses that examine the philosophical underpinnings of President Tinubu’s approach to the economy, not pedestrianism. Nigerians need elevated standards of living, which requires immediate sacrifices. But indeed, the worst is over, as the effects of the necessary economic chemotherapy were more severe in 2023 and 2024. All economic watchers are aware that in November 2025, inflation rates in Nigeria fell to 14.4%. Because of the disruption caused by the Middle East War, the rate shot up to 15.91%. But it has begun another descent as economic analysts project that inflation will trend towards 12% by the end of the year.

As part of measures to bring relief to Nigerians severely impacted by the economic reforms, the Federal Government recently launched the ward-centric NG-CARES, HOPE and SOLID programmes worth more than $3 billion to strengthen primary healthcare, basic education, and support for vulnerable communities. This is in addition to the Humanitarian Ministry’s cash transfers to 15 million vulnerable households, helping to lift them out of extreme poverty.

Nigeria’s economy is not yet where it aspires to be. But neither is it where it stood at the height of its structural distortions or in the bygone years of fiscal waste and slackness. The fundamental reforms will continue to expand opportunity, strengthen institutions, and deliver tangible improvements in the lives of Nigerians. That is the focus of President Tinubu. All else is an attempt by political carpetbaggers to gain attention.

Bayo Onanuga
Special Adviser to the President
(Information and Strategy)
August 2, 2026

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Reno Omokri: Tinubu Has Demonstrated Unprecedented Support for Nigeria’s Catholic Community

Reno Omokri: Tinubu Has Demonstrated Unprecedented Support for Nigeria’s Catholic Community



Former presidential aide and political commentator Reno Omokri has described President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as one of the strongest allies the Catholic community in Nigeria has had since the country’s independence, citing the President’s engagement with the global Catholic Church as evidence of his commitment to religious inclusion and peaceful coexistence.



In a statement shared on his social media platform, Omokri highlighted President Tinubu’s attendance at the inauguration Mass of Pope Leo XIV on May 18, 2025, at St. Peter’s Square, Vatican City. According to him, Tinubu became the first Nigerian leader since independence in 1960 to personally attend the inauguration of a newly elected Pope.



He argued that the President’s presence at the historic event reflected his respect for the Catholic faithful in Nigeria and his commitment to strengthening relationships with the global Christian community.



Drawing from his own family history, Omokri explained that his ancestral home of Iwere (present-day Warri) has one of the oldest Catholic traditions in Nigeria. He noted that his ancestor, Olu Oyenakpagha, who was baptised as Antonio Domingos, was among the earliest traditional rulers in West Africa to embrace Roman Catholicism and formally request Catholic missionaries from the Vatican.



He further stated that the Catholic faith has existed in Iwere for more than four centuries and that St. Anthony’s Catholic Church, built in 1692, remains one of Nigeria’s oldest Catholic church buildings.



Based on this historical background, Omokri maintained that President Tinubu’s relationship with the Catholic Church represents a significant gesture of goodwill toward the Christian community.



According to him, the Tinubu administration has demonstrated a commitment to promoting religious harmony, mutual respect, and peaceful coexistence among Nigerians of different faiths.



Omokri concluded by expressing confidence that President Tinubu would continue to support policies that encourage religious tolerance, national unity, and inclusive governance, describing him as a leader who has extended a hand of friendship to the Catholic Church and the broader Christian community.


Source: Statement by Reno Omokri.

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Oba Femi Conquers Brock Lesnar in Epic Hell in a Cell War at SummerSlam 2026

Oba Femi Conquers Brock Lesnar in Epic Hell in a Cell War at SummerSlam 2026



Nigerian WWE superstar Oba Femi delivered the biggest victory of his career after defeating former world champion Brock Lesnar in a brutal Hell in a Cell match at WWE SummerSlam 2026, cementing his status as one of the company’s fastest-rising stars.



The highly anticipated encounter lived up to expectations, with both competitors unleashing relentless punishment inside the unforgiving steel structure. Lesnar, renowned for his unmatched power and aggression, dominated large portions of the contest, repeatedly driving Oba Femi into the steel cage and launching a series of devastating attacks designed to end the match.



Despite the punishment, the Nigerian powerhouse refused to stay down, displaying remarkable resilience and determination that kept the WWE Universe on the edge of their seats.



As the match reached its climax, Oba Femi mounted an incredible comeback. He countered one of Lesnar’s signature attacks before seizing control of the contest with a powerful offensive display.



The defining moment came when Oba Femi connected with his devastating Fall From Grace finishing move, leaving Brock Lesnar unable to recover. The referee counted the decisive three-count, handing the Nigerian star one of the most significant victories of his professional wrestling career.



The victory sparked a huge celebration inside the arena, with fans applauding Oba Femi’s resilience and performance against one of WWE’s most accomplished competitors.


The result is expected to elevate Oba Femi’s profile within WWE, strengthening his claim as a future main-event superstar and one of Africa’s biggest exports to the global wrestling stage.



For many Nigerian sports and wrestling fans, the triumph represents another proud moment, as Oba Femi continues to showcase his talent on one of the world’s biggest entertainment platforms.

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Shehu Sani Weighs In on Obasanjo–Atiku Feud, Says Political Rivalry Has Lasted Two Decades

Shehu Sani Weighs In on Obasanjo–Atiku Feud, Says Political Rivalry Has Lasted Two Decades



Former Senator representing Kaduna Central, Shehu Sani, has shared his thoughts on the long-standing political rift between former President Olusegun Obasanjo and his former deputy, Atiku Abubakar, describing it as one of the most enduring rivalries in Nigeria’s democratic history.



In a post shared on his official X (formerly Twitter) account, Sani reflected on the prolonged disagreement between the two political heavyweights, noting that the feud has spanned generations and continues to dominate national political discourse.



According to him, the disagreement dates back to the mid-2000s and has persisted for nearly two decades despite several changes in Nigeria’s political landscape.



“The Obasanjo–Atiku feud began when many members of Generation Z were still in nursery and primary school. Today, that same generation has graduated from universities, started families, and had children, yet the political battle continues,” Sani remarked.



Using a military analogy to illustrate the intensity of the exchanges between both men, Sani wrote:



“Since Atiku threw a devastating bomb at OBJ, he has been receiving OBJ’s hypersonic missiles for two decades.”



The former lawmaker suggested that the rivalry has become a defining feature of Nigeria’s political history, adding humorously that it may only come to an end when one of the two elder statesmen is no longer alive, after which the survivor may eventually pay glowing tribute to the other.



The relationship between Obasanjo and Atiku deteriorated significantly in 2006, following disagreements over governance and allegations surrounding a proposed third-term agenda. The crisis escalated after Atiku parted ways with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), prompting then-President Obasanjo to declare the office of the Vice President vacant.



The decision sparked a constitutional dispute that eventually reached the Supreme Court, which ruled in Atiku’s favour, affirming that the President has no constitutional authority to remove a duly elected Vice President from office.



The renewed attention to their political rivalry follows recent public exchanges between the two leaders, with both men revisiting past disagreements and defending their respective roles during the Obasanjo administration.
                    

                       

Sani’s remarks have since generated reactions on social media, with many Nigerians describing his analogy as both humorous and reflective of one of the country’s most enduring political rivalries.

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AKOKO NORTH WEST YOUTHS DECLARE TOTAL SUPPORT FOR THE CONTINUITY OF THE RENEWED HOPE AGENDA

AKOKO NORTH WEST YOUTHS DECLARE TOTAL SUPPORT FOR THE CONTINUITY OF THE RENEWED HOPE AGENDA

The youth of Akoko North West Local Government Area have reaffirmed their unwavering commitment to the continuity of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, pledging to mobilise massive grassroots support ahead of the next electoral cycle.

United under the banner of the Akoko North West Youth Coalition for PBAT, the group says it is fully organised and prepared to engage communities across every ward, promoting the administration’s vision of sustainable development, economic growth, youth empowerment, and national progress.

According to the coalition, the achievements recorded so far under President Tinubu’s leadership provide a solid foundation for greater opportunities in education, employment, entrepreneurship, infrastructure, and inclusive governance.

The coalition also called on young people throughout Akoko North West to remain actively involved in the democratic process and continue supporting policies that foster peace, unity, and development.

With renewed determination and a shared vision, the coalition expressed confidence that collective action at the grassroots will strengthen the Renewed Hope Agenda and contribute meaningfully to Nigeria’s future.

Together, we stand. Together, we mobilise. Together, we move Nigeria forward.

Renewed Hope Continues!
Akoko North West Youth Coalition for PBAT… Ready, United, and Committed!

#RenewedHope #PBAT #AkokoNorthWest #YouthCoalition #Continuity #GrassrootsMobilisation

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Tinubu Risks ‘Embarrassing Defeat’ for Ignoring Catholic Bishops, Says Timi Frank

• 2027: Timi Frank Urges Tinubu to Heed Catholic Bishops’ Warning or Risk Electoral Setback

Former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Timi Frank, has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to take seriously the concerns recently raised by the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN), warning that ignoring their message could have significant political consequences ahead of the 2027 general election.

In a statement issued on Sunday in Abuja, Frank praised the Catholic bishops for what he described as their courage in speaking openly about the country’s economic difficulties, governance challenges, and the need to safeguard Nigeria’s democratic institutions.

According to him, the clerics demonstrated uncommon boldness by addressing national issues directly and offering what he believes are sincere recommendations aimed at improving the country’s situation.

Frank said the bishops’ intervention should not be viewed as criticism for its own sake but as constructive advice intended to guide the nation’s leadership toward better governance.

He commended the religious leaders for their willingness to speak truth to power, noting that such frank interventions have become increasingly rare among religious institutions in Nigeria.

“We have not witnessed this level of courage from religious leaders in recent times. They spoke frankly about the realities facing Nigerians and challenged the government to take decisive action,” he stated.

The former APC spokesperson urged President Tinubu to carefully consider the bishops’ observations and recommendations, arguing that addressing the concerns they highlighted would not only improve governance but also strengthen public confidence in his administration.

Frank further appealed to other faith-based organisations across the country to emulate the Catholic bishops by contributing constructively to national discourse and promoting accountability among public office holders.

He maintained that listening to credible voices from religious and civil society groups would help foster national unity, strengthen democratic values, and improve the relationship between government and citizens.

Concluding his remarks, Frank warned that failure to respond positively to the growing concerns expressed by respected national stakeholders could affect the administration’s political fortunes as the 2027 elections approach.

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FG Urges Nigerian Students to Master AI, Coding and Robotics, Says Digital Skills Are the Future

­FG Urges Nigerian Students to Master AI, Coding and Robotics, Says Digital Skills Are the Future

The Federal Government has called on Nigerian students to embrace Artificial Intelligence (AI), coding, robotics, cybersecurity, and other digital skills as part of a broader strategy to prepare the country’s youth for opportunities in the global digital economy.

The appeal was made during the Renewed Hope Students’ Engagement and Digital Acceleration Programme for the South-East Zone, held at the University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus (UNEC). The programme also featured the distribution of laptop computers to selected students to support digital learning, innovation, and entrepreneurship.

The event brought together government officials, student leaders, academics, innovators, and development partners to discuss youth empowerment, technological advancement, and education financing under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

Representing the Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Dr. Kingsley Udeh, the Public Relations Officer of the Projects Development Institute (PRODA), Dr. Ijeoma Eze, stressed that Nigeria must invest aggressively in innovation, research, and technology to remain competitive on the global stage.

According to the minister, the Tinubu administration is focused on transforming Nigeria into a technology-driven and innovation-powered economy through strategic investments in education and digital development.

He highlighted several government initiatives designed to improve access to education and enhance human capital development. These include the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), HOPE-EDU, Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), the National Education Sector Renewal Initiative (NESRI), Universal Basic Education (UBE), and the Nigerian Learning Passport.

“The greatest strength of any nation lies not only in its natural resources but in the creativity, intelligence, and innovative capacity of its people, especially the youth,” he said.

The minister also disclosed that the Federal Government had launched the third phase of the YouthCred Initiative, aimed at providing collateral-free loans ranging from ₦200,000 to ₦2 million to about 500,000 young entrepreneurs, enabling them to establish and expand businesses.

Encouraging students to prepare for the future, he urged them to move beyond the pursuit of academic certificates alone and develop practical digital competencies.

“The future belongs to innovators, creators, entrepreneurs, and problem-solvers,” he said.

He challenged students to take advantage of modern technology by learning software development, mastering Artificial Intelligence tools, building digital products, acquiring cybersecurity expertise, exploring robotics, and creating innovative solutions capable of addressing local and global challenges.

He further called for stronger collaboration among universities, research institutions, and industries to ensure research findings are commercialised and transformed into wealth, employment, and sustainable economic growth.

Earlier, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Students’ Engagement, Comrade Sunday Daya, said the initiative was designed to strengthen engagement between the Federal Government and Nigerian students while preparing young people for emerging opportunities in the digital economy.

According to him, President Tinubu believes Nigeria’s greatest asset is its youthful population, making investment in education and digital innovation a national priority.

“Our goal is to ensure Nigerian students are not merely consumers of technology but innovators, entrepreneurs, and creators of solutions that will transform society,” Daya stated.

One of the highlights of the programme was the presentation of laptop computers to outstanding students to enhance learning, innovation, and entrepreneurial development.

Speaking at the event, the Managing Director of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), Akintunde Sawyerr, revealed that more than 1.7 million students have applied for the Federal Government’s student loan scheme since its introduction.

He disclosed that approximately 1.5 million applications have already been processed, while the agency has disbursed over ₦282 billion to beneficiaries across 288 tertiary institutions nationwide.

According to him, more than ₦183 billion has been paid directly to institutions to cover tuition fees, while nearly ₦98 billion has been released to students as upkeep allowances.

Sawyerr clarified that the student loan scheme is interest-free, and beneficiaries are only expected to begin repayment after securing employment. He added that repayments automatically stop if a beneficiary loses his or her job, stressing that the programme was designed to reduce the financial burden on parents and improve access to higher education.

He also announced plans to significantly expand the programme through collaboration with the National Assembly, increasing the number of beneficiaries to approximately seven million by extending coverage to vocational institutions and skills acquisition centres.

The NELFUND boss acknowledged that while the initiative continues to grow, discussions remain ongoing regarding institutional fee structures and refund mechanisms as the government works to strengthen the programme.

The Federal Government reaffirmed its commitment to equipping Nigerian students with the digital knowledge and practical skills needed to compete successfully in an increasingly technology-driven global economy.

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INEC Unveils Final 2027 Candidates’ List as Jonathan, Nwoko, Goje and Other Political Heavyweights Miss Out

INEC Unveils Final 2027 Candidates’ List as Jonathan, Nwoko, Goje and Other Political Heavyweights Miss Out

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has officially released the final list of candidates for the 2027 general elections, bringing an end to months of political negotiations, party primaries, and internal appeals across the country’s major political parties.

The publication of the list has produced several notable surprises, with a number of high-profile politicians absent despite earlier speculations about their participation in the elections.

Among the most prominent names missing is former President Goodluck Jonathan, whose purported nomination by a faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), led by Tanimu Turaki, was not reflected in INEC’s final publication.

Also absent from the list are Senator Ned Nwoko (Delta North), former Ogun State Governor Gbenga Daniel (Ogun East), former Gombe State Governor Senator Danjuma Goje (Gombe Central), and Senator Garba Maidoki, who represents Kebbi South.

Ned Nwoko Misses Out as Okowa Emerges

In Delta State, INEC’s published list confirmed that former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa secured the APC senatorial ticket for Delta North, effectively ending Senator Ned Nwoko’s bid to return to the Senate under the party’s platform.

The development validates the outcome of the APC primary election, where Nwoko was unsuccessful in his quest for the party’s nomination.

Goje Loses APC Ticket in Gombe

Another major political figure affected by the final list is former Gombe State Governor Danjuma Goje, who failed to secure the APC ticket for Gombe Central Senatorial District.

The party instead nominated retired Deputy Commissioner of Police Mohammed Ahmed as its candidate for the seat.

On the PDP side, former Governor Ibrahim Hassan Dankwambo emerged as the party’s senatorial candidate for Gombe North, while Senator Anthony Siyako clinched the ticket for Gombe South.

Bauchi Lawmakers Absent from Final List

In Bauchi State, two serving federal lawmakers also did not make the final list released by the electoral commission.

They include Senator Shehu Buba, who represents Bauchi South, and Hon. Mansur Soro, representing Darazo/Ganjuwa Federal Constituency.

Political developments within the state indicate that Senator Buba will not seek another Senate term after leaving the APC for the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP), where he secured the party’s governorship ticket.

Meanwhile, Mansur Soro had earlier announced his decision not to contest either for the Bauchi Central Senatorial seat or another term in the House of Representatives.

APC Review Restores Some Senators

Although several influential politicians lost out, the APC’s internal review process resulted in the reinstatement of six serving senators after the party’s National Working Committee considered recommendations from its Primary Election Appeal Committee.

The review covered disputes from nine states, including Kogi, Benue, Taraba, Ondo, Abia, Niger, Kwara, Kaduna, and Ebonyi.

The lawmakers reinstated by the party include:

Senator Sunday Karimi Senator Emmanuel Udende Senator Titus Zam Senator Shuaibu Isa Lau Senator Adeniyi Adegbonmire Senator Olajide Ipinsagba

In Abia State, Prince Paul Ikonne also emerged as the APC candidate for Abia South, replacing Edinburgh Uchenna Erondu.

One of the most significant outcomes of the review was the reversal of former Benue State Governor Gabriel Suswam’s earlier victory, with the APC restoring the ticket to incumbent Senator Emmanuel Udende.

Political Landscape Takes Shape

With the publication of the final candidates’ list, attention now shifts to campaigns ahead of the 2027 general elections as political parties intensify efforts to secure victory at the polls.

The list also signals the conclusion of internal party disputes over nominations, although analysts expect some aggrieved aspirants may still explore legal options where applicable.

Courtesy: Sunday PUNCH

Published by: ProlificX Premium Network

NEW WEEK MESSAGE OF HOPE AND PROGRESS

1. NEW WEEK MESSAGE OF HOPE AND PROGRESS

By Hon. Olakusibe Morakinyo Obayan
Executive Council Member, Abuja Chamber of Commerce & Industry (ACCI) | CEO, PROLIFICX Group | CEO, Monaco Arena | Founder & CEO, Pennycounts

To my esteemed supporters, political allies, friends, and members of our great team,

As we begin this new week, I pray that it brings you renewed strength, divine favour, fresh opportunities, and abundant blessings. May every challenge before you become a stepping stone to greater success, and may your efforts yield remarkable results.

Let us continue to remain united, hopeful, and committed to the progress of our communities and our nation. Together, we will continue to support initiatives that promote peace, development, prosperity, and a brighter future for all Nigerians.

May this week be filled with good news, open doors, sound health, lasting joy, and uncommon breakthroughs for you and your family.

Have a blessed and productive New Week!

May God bless you all.
May God bless our supporters and political family.
May God bless Ondo State.
May God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Signed:
Hon. Olakusibe Morakinyo Obayan
Executive Council Member, Abuja Chamber of Commerce & Industry (ACCI)
CEO, PROLIFICX Group | CEO, Monaco Arena | Founder & CEO, Pennycounts

Media Team:
Yinusa Olamilekan Felix