Union Charts Paths For Bridging Policy Practice Gaps in Psychology Education – Zamani

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01/11/2025

By Justina Auta

The Pan-African Psychology Union (PAPU) has reiterated commitment to strengthening psychology education across the continent by bridging the gap between policy formulation and practical application in the field.

Prof. Andrew Zamani, President, PASU , made this known at a press briefing ahead of the Union’s forthcoming 2025 Higher Education conference on Friday in Abuja.

Zamani said that the conference aimed at fostering collaboration among scholars, policymakers and practitioners to enhance the relevance and impact of psychology in addressing Africa’s socio-developmental challenges.

He said, ” the main goal for this is to ensure that we bridge knowledge and skills gap between the university and industry.

“To harmonise curricula that enable psychologists harmonise a basic minimum academic standard that enables them respond to the continents current developmental challenges and enhance leadership capacities that impact quality of life positively.”

According to him, 300 delegates from within Africa and the diaspora were expected to attend the conference scheduled for Nov. 4 to Nov. 8.

”By uniting educators, practitioners and policymakers, we aim to create a seamless integration of theory and practice in psychology education.

” Our collective efforts will not only enhance the quality of education but also prepare future psychologists to meet the evolving needs of our societies,” he added.

Areas to be explored during the conference include: academic mentoring; innovation, Patents and Copyrights Issues in Research, Publication and Psychotechnology.
Others are: artificial intelligence, machine-enhanced Learning and Application and regulating psychology education in Africa. NAN

Appreciation: NDAOWA Confers “Duke of Barracks ” On Community Leader Mohammed Thompson

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31/10/2025

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The Nigerian Defence Academy Officers’ Wives Association (NDAOWA), Kaduna Chapter, has conferred the honorary title of “Duke of Barracks” on a young community leader, Mr. Mohammed Thompson, in recognition of his outstanding contributions to youth empowerment within military communities.

Mr. Thompson, founder of the Beyond Barracks Project, was formally commended for his visionary community-driven initiatives aimed at equipping young people and families in military barracks with entrepreneurial skills, digital literacy, and socio-economic development opportunities.

In a letter signed by the NDAOWA Outgoing Coordinator, Mrs. Halima Yahaya Ibrahim, the Association commended Mr. Thompson’s commitment to promoting resilience and capacity building among youths and families residing in barracks.

“Through his visionary initiative, Beyond Barracks Project, Mr. Thompson’s has consistently demonstrated unwavering commitment to promoting entrepreneurship, digital skills acquisition, and community development,” the letter reads.

Mrs. Halima Yahaya Ibrahim noted that Mr. Thompson’s partnership with NDAOWA has led to impactful programmes that have benefited hundreds of young people and families in Kaduna and beyond.

She emphasized that the recognition of “Duke of Barracks” is a testament to Mr. Thompson’s role in inspiring hope, creating opportunities, and strengthening the social and economic foundation of military communities.

NDAOWA reaffirmed its support for ongoing collaborative efforts, expressing confidence that the project will continue to uplift military families and contribute to sustainable community development.

The aim of the proposed Trust Fund is expected to provide sustainable financial support, empowerment opportunities, and welfare interventions for the families of military and paramilitary personnel particularly widows, spouses, and dependents to enhance their economic resilience, promote entrepreneurship, and improve overall quality of life within barracks communities.

‎UN, Nigeria to Boost Inclusive Growth in Agriculture

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30/10/2025

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‎‎By Justina Auta

‎Stakeholders across Nigeria’s agribusiness sector have pledged their commitment to strengthen multi-stakeholder partnerships for youth skills development and inclusive growth in the agricultural sector.

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‎Mr Sadiq Rabiu, Special Assistant to the President on Capacity Development, (OSAP-CD) said this in a statement on Thursday in Abuja after receiving United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) delegation.
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L-R: Ms. Mercedes Alfa, Chief of Strategy and Partnerships, OSAP-CD; Mr. Sadiq Rabiu, Special Assistant to the President on Capacity Development; Dr. Ubon Udoh, MD/CEO of ASR Africa; Ms. Mihoko Kumamoto, UNITAR Director, Division for Prosperity

The UN delegation arrived from Geneva, Switzerland to meet with key stakeholders in Nigeria.

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‎The stakeholders, while committing to collaborate on the Prosperity Futures Initiative (PFI), reiterated their commitment towards improving Nigeria’s agriculture sector.
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‎Rabiu, said the initiative would empower Nigeria’s agripreneurs to thrive in modern agriculture and value chain management.
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‎“The initiative aims to develop a pipeline of agripreneurs equipped with the technical, entrepreneurial, and digital skills to thrive in modern agriculture and value chain management.
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‎“Through UNITAR’s collaboration, we aim to establish structured pathways linking training to finance, ensuring that youths trained under this partnership framework can access support mechanisms for business expansion,” he said.
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‎He also said the visit would advance preparations for the official inauguration of PFI and for the rollout of the pilot phase that combines digital learning, expert-led in-person sessions, and community-based entrepreneurship support.
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‎He assured that partnerships such as that would translate into sustainable opportunities for Nigeria’s youth, contributing to national prosperity through agribusiness innovation, job creation, and inclusive economic growth.
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‎“The discussions highlighted a shared vision to build a sustainable ecosystem that supports agricultural innovation, enterprise development, and employment creation for young Nigerians,” he said.
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‎Ms Mihoko Kumamoto, Director, Division for Prosperity, UNITAR, described Nigeria as a nation brimming with promise and reiterated the body’s commitment to improving its Nigeria’s sector.
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‎“We are proud to support the people of Nigeria, especially youth, women, and persons with disabilities, in unlocking their full potential and forging successful paths in the agricultural sector,” she said.
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‎The PFI aims to empower youth, women and persons with disabilities, while strengthening local agricultural institutes across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones.
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‎The programme seeks to advance digital agribusiness, entrepreneurship, and institutional capacity building, with particular focus on inclusion. (NAN)

‎NGOs Urge Action to Save Pregnant, Breastfeeding Women From Malnutrition

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30/10/2025

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By Justina Auta

‎International NGOs (INGO) providing humanitarian and development assistance in Nigeria have urged expansion of targeted support for 800,000 pregnant and breastfeeding women at risk of acute malnutrition.

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‎They made the call at a news conference to commemorate the Africa Food and Nutrition Day organised by Save the Children (SCI) and other INGOs on Thursday in Abuja.
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‎Mr Thierno Diallo, Country Director, Action Against Hunger Nigeria, said there was significant decline in food and nutrition security across Nigeria during the 2025 lean season across 26 states and the FCT.
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‎This, he said, was according to Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) Nigeria Acute Malnutrition Analysis (May 2024-April-2025) as cited by the World Food Programine (WFP) and Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO).
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‎“Thirty-one million people are projected to the in acute food and nutritional insecurity during the 2025 Jean season while 5.4 million children suffer from acute malnutrition.
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‎“Similarly 3.5 million children under five suffer from Severe Acute Malnutrition SAML out of which 12 million require immediate life-saving treatment,” he said.
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‎Diallo said that from October to December 600,000 children under the age of five were estimated to be at risk of severe Acute malnutrition (SAM) in Adamawa Borms, Katsina Sokoto, Yobe and Zamfara.
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‎He added that without access to lifesaving treatment, 96,000 of those children were likely to die, with over 1,000 dying every day.
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‎He further said there was 32 per cent National Prevalence on Stunting among children under-fives, hitting more than 50 per cent in some areas in the northwest.
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‎“Over 800.000 pregnant and breastfeeding women are at risk of acute malnutrition.
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‎“Hunger is not just a risk; it is a crisis of rights. Food security and nutrition must be treated as nor negotiable for child survival growth, and future productivity,” he said.
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‎Also, Dr Helen Idiong, Director, Program Quality & Influencing, Plan International, called for increased funding for lifesaving nutrition commodities such as Ready-to-Use Therapeutic Food (RUTF) and Therapeutic Milk locally produced.
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‎Idiong also called for stronger political commitment and policy enforcement to treat food and nutrition security as a fundamental human right.
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‎“We need to expand targeted support for the 800,000 pregnant and breastfeeding women at risk of acute malnutrition to safeguard maternal and infant health.
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‎“We must leverage the Child Nutrition Fund (CNF) to ensure we double the impact or the lives of the vulnerable children will be at greater risk.
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‎She also advocated scaling up of food assistance, nutrition treatment, and livelihood support; local production of fortified foods.
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‎“In the next three months jointly with Nigerian government, we must prevent the estimated 600,000 children under the age of five that will be at risk of severe SAM in Adamawa, Borno, Katsina, Sokoto, Yobe and Zamfara.
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‎“Hunger is not just a lack of food-it’s a violation of dignity, health, and the right to the future.
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‎“Food and nutrition security must be treated as a non-negotiable right. We urge federal leaders, state governors, and international partners to act now.
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‎“No child should die from malnutrition, hunger or illness. These are preventable, treatable, and solvable.
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‎“No child should die of hunger. Not today. Not tomorrow. Not ever,” she said.
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‎Mr Duncan Harvey, Country Director, SCI, told newsmen that Nigeria was facing nationwide emergency due to escalating challenges of food insecurity and malnutrition, stressing the need to strengthen efforts to achieve food and nutrition security.
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‎“With more than 31 million people facing acute food insecurity in 2025 makes it the largest food crisis globally,” he said.
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‎Harvey, therefore, stressed the need to strengthen efforts towards achieving food and nutrition security. (NAN

Nigeria: Stakeholders Call For Accountability In Public Infrastructure Management

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News Editor

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30/10/2025

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By Martha Agas and Kennedy Sheyin

Stakeholders have called for greater accountability in the management of public water infrastructure, power and waste management in Nigeria.

The stakeholders, drawn from trade unions and Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), made the call at the National Public Utilities Summit held on Wednesday in Abuja.

The summit, themed ‘Promoting Transparency and Decent Work in Supply Chains in Electricity, Water, and Waste Services in Sub-Saharan Africa’, was organised by Public Services International (PSI) in collaboration with DGB Bildungswerk Bund (DGB BW).

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event reviewed the impact of the PSI-DGB project on promoting decent work and addressing privatisation in the water, electricity, and waste sectors.

Mr Philip Jakpor, Executive Director of the Renevlyn Development Initiative (RDI), said that adopting Public-Public Partnerships (PuPs) would improve the management of public utilities by promoting transparency, accountability and quicker responses to public concerns.

NAN also reports that RDI is among the CSO partners of the Amalgamated Union of Public Corporations, Civil Service Technical and Recreational Services Employees (AUPCTRE) and the National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE) under the PSI-DGB project.

Jakpor urged governments to suspend privatisation of public utilities and focus on strengthening public water infrastructure through political commitment.

“The public utilities can work if government has the political will and is ready to ensure that there is transparency and accountability,” he said.

Jakpor said some countries Nigeria was modelling from under its Public-Private Partnership (PPP) scheme were taking back their utilities from private companies due to corruption and compromised standards leading to water pollution.

According to him, adopting PPPs to manage waterworks and power plants built with public money is not a guarantee that they will be managed well.

“The power sector was handed over to private companies and 13 years down the line, the argument for which the government sold this institutions is defeated.

“ There is no electricity and Nigerians are paying for it. We have had more national grid collapse between 2013 till today, we have over 150 grid collapse, he said.

Jakpor added that private companies did not invest anything tangible to move from 12,500 MW to the 70,000–100,000 MW that Nigeria actually requires.

“Infact out of the installed capacity of about 12,000MW, the distribution is only in the range of 4000 and it sometimes collapse to 2000, 1500,” he said.

Similarly, Jaiye Gaskia, Director of the Centre for Transformative Governance (CTG), said the constitution provides that essential public services should be delivered by public institutions instead of being outsourced.

Gaskia stated that private companies prioritise profit over service, making it necessary to seek the reversal of privatisation in the electricity sector.

In his remarks, Abiodun Bakare, PSI National Project Coordinator (Value Chains), called for the adoption of PuPs as a better approach to managing public utilities than privatisation, particularly in the electricity, water, and waste sectors.

Bakare said the summit brought together experts, including public affairs analysts and trade union organisations, to explore alternatives to the privatisation of public utilities.

He added that the recommendations would be presented to the government as part of their advocacy for Public-Public Partnerships (PuPs).

NAN reports that the meeting brought together trade unions and civil society organisations from Nigeria, Kenya and Uganda.

‎AYLI-Gambia Alumni Denounce Western College of Nassau’s Unauthorized Certificate Issuance

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30/10/2025

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‎The Africa Youth Leadership Institute Alumni – The Gambia Chapter has cautioned all Gambian students and alumni affiliated with the Institute that the entity known as the Western College of Nassau (WCN), which claims to be based in The Bahamas and to operate under Central State University (CSU), Ohio, USA has no ongoing or legitimate affiliation with the Africa Youth Leadership Institute (AYLI).
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The warning is contained in a statement issued by ‎Muhammed K Saidy, ‎President of ‎AYLI-Gambia Alumni Chapter.

“‎Our attention has been drawn to disturbing reports that WCN is issuing Certificates via email to some students who were originally enrolled in a so-called “tuition-free Associate Degree Program” coordinated through AYLI.
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“‎The AYLI Executive Council has clarified that this act violates the original Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between AYLI and WCN. The signed agreement clearly stipulated a two-year Associate Degree Program, not a short-term certificate course. Following multiple breaches of professionalism and ethics on WCN’s part, the partnership was officially terminated by AYLI.
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“‎After an emergency consultation with AYLI’s Executive Council and Alumni representatives, the AYLI-Gambia Chapter strongly advises all Gambian alumni not to accept or acknowledge any certificates issued by WCN. Accepting such unauthorized documents could compromise your academic integrity and expose you to reputational risks.
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“‎AYLI remains steadfast in its mission to build credible educational and leadership partnerships that truly empower young Africans through ethical learning, innovation and service.
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“‎It is important to note that WCN had previously accused some students of using Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools in their academic work. Instead of following the procedures outlined in the MOA or consulting AYLI as the legitimate partner, WCN abruptly terminated the partnership through an email signed by its president, Mr. Terron Dames, a move that violated the six-month notice clause stated in the agreement.
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“‎Subsequent independent verification revealed that WCN is not registered or accredited in either The Bahamas or the United States and has no official affiliation with Central State University (CSU) as it had claimed. Its website has since been deactivated, further raising credibility concerns.
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“‎Given these findings, AYLI considers WCN’s actions misleading, unethical, and damaging to the reputation of both the Institute and its alumni. It is contradictory that WCN now issues certificates to students it previously accused of misconduct an act that further questions its professionalism and intent.;
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“‎In response, AYLI’s Executive Council has formally removed Mr. Teron Dames from its Board of Directors for misrepresenting the organization and engaging in actions inconsistent with AYLI’s core principles and reputation.
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“‎The AYLI-Gambia Alumni Chapter therefore urges all Gambian alumni and students to disregard any communication, certificate, or claim coming from WCN or its representatives under the name of AYLI. The Institute continues to collaborate with relevant authorities in The Bahamas and the United States to pursue this matter legally and diplomatically.
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“‎AYLI deeply regret any inconvenience caused and reaffirm their unwavering commitment to protecting the academic integrity of our members while fostering authentic and transparent partnerships across the continent”, the statement concludes..

Nigeria: Sen. Nenadi, Hon.Saidu Are Leaders Of Coalition In Kaduna, Not Leaders Of ADC -Ambut Clarifies

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29/10/2025

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Following the misconception on the role of Senator Nenadi Usman and Hon.Bashir Saidu in the coalition process of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), the Kaduna state Chairman of the party, Elder Patrick Ambut, has cleared the air on the role of the duo.

A statement he made available to newsmen in Kaduna on Wednesday says “the attention of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Kaduna State Chapter, has been drawn to certain misrepresentations surrounding the recent appointments of Chairman and Co-Chairman made by the Coalition Partners in Kaduna State.

“For the avoidance of doubt, the ADC as a political party maintains its duly elected leadership structure, which remains intact and unaffected by the appointments made by the coalition partners.

“The Coalition Partners is an alliance of individuals, political parties, and interest groups who have come together in a collective, patriotic effort to rescue Nigerians from the current hardship and maladministration of the rudderless APC government.

“It is a matter of public record that leaders and stakeholders of several political parties, including the Labour Party, have been part of this coalition movement from inception. In order to coordinate coalition activities more effectively in Kaduna State, it became necessary to designate leadership positions within the coalition, hence the appointment of a Chairman and Co-Chairman.

“These appointments are entirely separate and distinct from the leadership structure of the ADC in Kaduna State. It’s mainly to provide leadership to unite all opposition political leaders in the state. The elected State Executive Committee of the ADC remains in full charge of the party’s affairs and operations within the state.

“Accordingly, the appointment of Senator Nenadi Usman, the Interim National Chairman of the Labour Party, as Chairman of the coalition efforts in Kaduna State, aligns perfectly with her party’s commitment to the coalition. It is well known that the Labour Party leadership, stakeholders, and even its 2023 presidential candidate have been active participants in this collective rescue mission aimed at liberating Nigerians from the grip of the APC.

“This clarification has become necessary to dispel the false narrative being circulated in some quarters that Senator Nenadi Usman has defected to the ADC. That claim is entirely false.”

Committee Backs Joint Management of Basic Health Care Fund

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29/10/2025

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By Martha Agas

The Health Anti-Corruption Project Advisory Committee (HAPAC) has endorsed the joint management of Nigeria’s Basic Healthcare Provision Fund (BHCPF) to promote transparency and accountability.

HAPAC, which includes experts, civil society organisations, and media representatives, is a coalition focused on fighting corruption in Nigeria’s health sector.

The Chairperson of HAPAC, Dr Idris Muhammad, declared this support in a statement on Tuesday in Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Prof. Muhammad Pate, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, urged stakeholders in the community to be actively involved in managing resources allocated to their facilities.

The call came following the release of the BHCPF’s N32.9 billion for the third round this year, emphasised that communities should take ownership of their health facilities and monitor plans.

It also called on community members to ensure transparency and celebrate progress to safeguard the effective use of funds for their well-being.

Dr Muhammad said the call for greater vigilance in the use of the BHCPF by the health minister was crucial to addressing corrupt practices.

This, he said, was in addition to enhance primary healthcare delivery, alongside providing health insurance for the poor and vulnerable.

He highlighted findings from HAPAC’s investigation into corruption within the BHCPF, including collusion between community monitors and facility officers to divert funds.

He also noted cases where facility managers used a single receipt to obtain funds from two different gateways.

HAPAC’s Chairperson said healthcare staff were found falsifying community stakeholders’ signatures to access funds without their knowledge.

He cited the report revealing that since 2018, the Federal Government had invested over N110 billion, or more than 68.3 million U.S. dollars, in primary healthcare.

He said this amount excluded the recent disbursement of N32.9 billion (about 22 million U.S. dollars) to 13,000 primary healthcare centres (PHCs) nationwide, which led to the well-known “red letter” from the health minister advocating accountability.

On his part, HAPAC’s Convener, Prof. Obinna Onwujekwe, said that corruption issues linked to the BHCPF also involved the State Primary Healthcare Development Agencies (SPHCDAs).

According to Onwujekwe, evidence shows SPHCDAs directing facility managers on how and when to spend their funds, even providing specific bank details for payments.

“Furthermore, they procure medicines for facilities, which violates BHCPF guidelines and their procurement processes do not adhere to Nigeria’s procurement regulations,” he said.

HAPAC recommended establishing direct links between health facilities and anti-corruption officials at the health ministry and national anti-corruption agencies to tackle corruption issues in the BHCPF.

It called for training and retraining of health workers and managers on procurement guidelines and ethics, and for imposing enforceable penalties for violations of BHCPF rules.

It added that revamping the central medical stores for centralized medicine purchases could facilitate easier tracking of expenditures.

This, it explained, would also promote transparency in the cost of medicines at health facilities and help address concerns about counterfeit and substandard drugs obtained from the open market.

NAN reports that HAPAC is a coalition challenging health sector corruption based on evidence, composed of members from academia, civil society, media, anti-corruption agencies, and health practitioners.(NAN)

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