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Banki and Bula Yobe Communities: How Soldiers’ Bravery, Coordinated Offensive Restored Hope for Resettled Families 

Banki and Bula Yobe Communities: How Soldiers’ Bravery, Coordinated Offensive Restored Hope for Resettled Families 

The resilience of communities rising from the ashes of displacement met the courage of Nigerian soldiers in Banki and Bula Yobe, Borno State, when ISWAP terrorists recently attempted a brutal invasion on September 18, 2025. For the more than 10,000 families who had only recently returned home after years in camps, the attack threatened to undo fragile progress in farming, rebuilding homes, and restoring normal life. But troops of Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), backed by the Air Component, repelled the coordinated assault, shielded women, children and the elderly from displacement once more, though at the cost of the loss of a soldier and civilian.  Chiemelie Ezeobi writes that this sacrifice ensured that the communities were not overrun or families forced back into exile

The plains of Banki and Bula Yobe in Borno State, once scarred by displacement and fear, are today standing as symbols of resilience thanks to the courage of Nigerian Army troops under Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK). On  September 18, 2025, the fragile peace of these resettled communities, now home to more than 10,000 families, came under grave threat when Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists launched a brazen assault.

The insurgents, in a coordinated move, sought to destabilise the hard-earned peace, drive thousands back into displacement camps, and reclaim territory where families had only recently returned after years of turmoil. But what unfolded was a demonstration of gallantry, tactical superiority and sacrifice.

A Robust Defence that Turned the Tide

Ground troops, supported by the Air Component of OPHK, mounted a robust defence that crushed the attackers. According to military reports, the terrorists suffered heavy losses in manpower and equipment and were forced to flee in disarray. The soldiers stood firm, denying the insurgents even the slightest ground even at the cost of the life of a soldier and a civilian. 

In Banki, troops reinforced by additional formations drew a protective cordon around vulnerable civilians, women, children, and the elderly inclusive, who would have been the prime victims of the attack. Their presence shielded communities that have endured years of hardship and displacement, ensuring that families could sleep under military protection rather than in terror.

In nearby Bula Yobe, soldiers displayed remarkable tactical discipline and courage, foiling repeated enemy attempts to breach security. The troops’ resilience was especially significant for farmers who had only recently returned to till their land and rebuild their livelihoods. Their heroic actions ensured that not a single community was overrun and that families remained safe.

Praise for Gallant Troops

During an operational visit to Banki on September 19, the acting General Officer Commanding, 7 Division and Commander Sector 1 OPHK, Brigadier General Ugochukwu Unachukwu, commended the troops for their extraordinary sacrifice. He confirmed that the terrorists had been dealt a decisive blow in the joint air and ground counteroffensive.

Brigadier General Unachukwu assured residents, humanitarian agencies, and other stakeholders providing services in the area that the Nigerian Army remains unwavering in its commitment to protect the people and their means of survival. His words were a reassurance to families who had risked everything to return home, as well as to humanitarian workers supporting their recovery.

The Price of Victory

The success, however, came at a cost. The Nigerian Army noted the loss of one gallant soldier who paid the supreme price and those injured in defence of thousands of families. “The sacrifice of the troops and that of many others before them stands as a testament to the Army’s resolve to guarantee peace, dignity and safety for every Nigerian returning home after years of displacement,” a military statement noted.

The Army further emphasised its determination to sustain ongoing operations. “Under the leadership of the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General OO Oluyede, we remain unwavering resolute to safeguarding lives and property while discharging our constitutional mandate within a joint and multi-agency operational framework.”

Heavy Losses for Insurgents as Air Power Tilts the Balance

While the defence of Banki and Bula Yobe protected more than 10,000 households, the Nigerian military also unleashed devastating counterattacks that left ISWAP severely crippled. Reports confirmed that troops called in air support after coming under heavy fire around 10:15 pm on the day of the attack. The assault targeted the Bula Yobe forward operating base, 152 Battalion, and the Divisional Police Headquarters in Banki.

The Air Component of Operation HADIN KAI was swiftly activated. Guided by intelligence and surveillance, two A-29 Super Tucano aircraft carried out multiple and successive interdiction strikes on the fleeing insurgents as they retreated northwards from Banki.

These precision strikes successfully engaged insurgents both on the move and regrouping at two assembly points where logistics were being coordinated. According to military accounts, the strikes neutralised more than 25 terrorists at the assembly areas and others fleeing the battlefield, bringing the total figure to 32.

The precision of the air operations was instrumental in turning back what could have been a devastating invasion. By hitting both retreating fighters and regrouping cells, the strikes disrupted ISWAP’s plans for further attacks and cut off their supply chains.

A Community Mourns

Despite the successful defence, tragedy touched Banki when a soldier and a nine-year-old boy were killed during the confrontation. The minor’s death underscored the continued vulnerability of civilians caught in the crossfire of insurgency.

The remains of the fallen soldier was evacuated to the Headquarters of Operation HADIN KAI in Maiduguri, while the body of the slain boy was released to his family for burial according to Islamic rites. For residents of Banki, the grief of losing a child was a painful reminder of the fragile line between safety and tragedy in conflict-torn communities.

Reinforcements and Reassurance

In the wake of the attacks, military authorities confirmed that additional reinforcements have been deployed to stabilise Banki and its surroundings. These measures aim to strengthen security and reassure residents that their safety remains the Army’s top priority.

Stressing on the resilience and determination of the Nigerian Army to sustain ongoing operations, especially  under the current leadership, the army authorities also reiterated its resolve to guarantee peace and dignity for communities rising from the ashes of war.

Gratitude to the Fallen

For many Nigerians, the events in Banki and Bula Yobe highlight both the immense risks faced by soldiers on the frontlines and the resilience of communities striving to rebuild. “Nigerians owe the injured gallant troops and fallen heroes a debt of gratitude for keeping hope alive in communities rising from the ashes of war,” the Army stated.

Their sacrifices have secured not just land or territory but also the dignity of families who now dare to farm again, send children to school, and live in homes rebuilt from ruins. For the people of Banki and Bula Yobe, the recent victory symbolises more than a military success, it represents the defence of life, livelihood, and hope.

While ISWAP has been dealt a blow, security experts caution that the insurgency is far from over. The ability of militants to launch coordinated attacks, even after years of military pressure, underlines the persistent threat. Yet, the events of September 2025 also highlight how joint operations, intelligence-driven air power, and ground troops’ resilience can shift the balance in favour of communities.

For residents of Borno State, the defence of Banki and Bula Yobe sends a powerful message: they are not alone in their struggle to reclaim normal life from the grip of terror. The courage of Nigerian troops stands as a shield against fear, enabling families to look to the future with hope.

As the sun sets over the fields of Banki, farmers have returned to their crops and even children play in courtyards. Life, though fragile, continues under the protection of soldiers who have pledged to stand guard. And though the scars of war remain, so too does the determination to rise, rebuild, and resist and this rings true for all affected communities. 

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The resilience of communities rising from the ashes of displacement met the courage of Nigerian soldiers in Banki and Bula Yobe, Borno State, when ISWAP terrorists recently attempted a brutal

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Nigeria @ 65: How Globacom is Building a World Where Connections Know No Bounds 

Nigeria @ 65: How Globacom is Building a World Where Connections Know No Bounds 

As Nigeria marks 65 years of independence today, few companies exemplify the Nigerian spirit like Globacom, the indigenous telecommunications giant that has transformed the way Nigerians connect with one another and the world. From pioneering affordable SIM cards and Per Second Billing to launching state-of-the-art digital solutions, Glo has consistently been pro-Nigeria. In September 2025, Chiemelie Ezeobi writes that the company reinforced its commitment to Nigerians with two new offerings: Talkmasta, a tariff plan rewarding unlimited free talk time and data, and a revamped Welcome Bonus that gives new subscribers up to ₦2,000 in instant airtime and data, ensuring that staying connected is easier and more rewarding than ever

As Nigeria celebrates 65 years of independence on October 1, the story of her journey is incomplete without the role of indigenous businesses that have redefined entire sectors. Few companies embody this spirit more than Globacom, the telecommunications giant that has, since 2003, reshaped how Nigerians connect with one another and the wider world.

For a nation that once struggled with telephone access where a single SIM card could cost as much as ₦100,000, Globacom’s disruptive entry offered something rare: accessibility, affordability, and pride in a home-grown brand. By slashing SIM prices to about ₦200 and pioneering the Per Second Billing system, Glo democratised telecommunication in Nigeria, bringing millions of citizens into the digital fold.

More than two decades later, the green network is not just a telecom operator; it has become a symbol of possibility, showing how indigenous innovation can transform lives, break barriers, and set new benchmarks in Africa’s digital economy.

A History of Trailblazing

From the very beginning, Globacom approached Nigeria’s telecom sector with a mission to disrupt. It was the first to bring in Blackberry Services, Multimedia Messaging Service (MMS), prepaid roaming, inflight roaming, Glo TV, Glo Cloud and even innovative products like Glo Berekete, which quickly became household names.

But perhaps its boldest stroke was building Glo 1, a wholly owned submarine cable stretching from Nigeria to the United Kingdom and linking 14 West African nations, including landlocked countries. With this, Globacom not only lowered the cost of internet services but also placed Nigeria at the centre of Africa’s digital connectivity map.

The undersea cable has become a lifeline for businesses and governments, providing faster, more robust connectivity for voice, data and video. “Glo1 is credited with crashing the cost of internet services and is today the preferred cable system by global OTT providers,” the company noted.

By investing in infrastructure rather than shortcuts, Glo turned Nigeria into a hub for Content Delivery Networks (CDNs) and Over-The-Top (OTT) platforms, enabling regional growth far beyond its own subscribers.

Expanding the Digital Frontier 

Not content with its achievements, Globacom is pushing further with Glo 2, the first submarine cable in Nigeria to terminate outside Lagos. For oil platforms in the South-South, under-served communities in the South-East, and businesses across the Niger Delta, this promises a future where “digital oilfields” and inclusive connectivity become the norm.

Its fibre optic cable network, covering over 130 cities nationwide, provides businesses with low-latency, high-speed connectivity for voice, video and data. And in 2016, Glo again became a first mover when it launched Nigeria’s only nationwide 4G LTE network, later upgrading to a 4G LTE Advanced technology that combines three spectrums for stronger, faster internet.

The results are tangible: clearer voice and video calls, crisper picture quality, smoother gaming, and improved performance in fields like telemedicine and e-agriculture. Beyond mobile, Glo is also preparing to roll out satellite-based internet services to rural and under-served communities, which is another bold step to ensure no Nigerian is left behind in the digital era.

Value Beyond Connectivity

Globacom’s approach has never been just about network infrastructure; it has also been about empowering people. From WAN and leased lines that connect global businesses, to international private leased circuits (IPLCs) that give companies secure and dedicated links across continents, Glo has built solutions tailored for enterprises, SMEs, and governments.

At the consumer level, its prepaid and postpaid plans, international direct dialling packs, and mobility solutions reflect a philosophy of putting affordability at the centre of connectivity.

As the company itself says: “At Globacom, we offer a range of customized and community-driven voice and data connectivity solutions that help to manage complex networking systems. We also provide secured as well as verticalized IT solutions such as e-Health, Smart Cognitive Learning, Smart Energy, Industrial IoT and Cloud Applications.”

This blend of enterprise-grade services and consumer-friendly products underscores Glo’s integrated role in Nigerian life, from banking and agriculture to entertainment and family connections.

Two New Offerings: Talkmasta and Welcome Bonus 

That philosophy of empowerment found fresh expression in September 2025 when Globacom unveiled two new products: Talkmasta and Welcome Bonus at its headquarters, Mike Adenuga Towers, Lagos.

The Talkmasta tariff plan rewards customers with unlimited free talk time and data. “Under the plan, customers who make six minutes of local calls to any network will automatically receive six additional free minutes, which can be used to call any local network and free 50MB,” the company explained. Calls are charged at 30 kobo per second, SMS at ₦6, and both new and existing customers can enjoy the offer.

Equally exciting is the revamped Welcome Bonus. New customers who register a SIM, recharge with ₦100, and make their first call now receive a package worth up to ₦2,000, split between ₦1,000 airtime (25 minutes of calls across networks) and ₦1,000 data (1GB browsing), valid for seven days.

The company was emphatic about its goal: “With these packages, we are reinforcing our commitment to affordable and reliable services that keep Nigerians connected to the people that matter most.”

At the launch, Ande Abdulrazaq, Globacom Retail Cluster Head, Lagos set the tone with an address that underscored its mission: “We are thrilled to have you all here to celebrate the unveiling of two fantastic offerings which we believe will change the way our customers connect with their loved ones and business partners. It is not just another product launch; it’s a celebration of connections, a commitment to enhancing communication experiences, and a promise to deliver value that exceeds our customer’s expectations.”

The speech reminded Nigerians that for 22 years, Globacom has been a leader in innovation. From the first SIM crash to submarine cables and 4G LTE, the company has consistently added value to its subscribers.

“For the first one, whether you’re catching up with friends, sharing moments with family, or even closing that important business deal, we’ve designed this package with you in mind. At Globacom, every Naira you spend is maximised to give you more than just a conversation; it gives you value.”

And on the Welcome Bonus: “The second product is a welcome offer – a tantalising game-changer for every new subscriber joining the Globacom family. As you activate your Glo line, we’re rolling out an instant welcome gift for you, a massive instant bonus simply for choosing to be a part of the Globacom community. Whether you’re recharging with just a little amount or making your very first call, we want to show our gratitude with a welcome package that’s truly unmatched in the industry.

“This is more than just a bonus. It’s our way of saying, ‘Thank you for choosing Globacom. Welcome home.’ It’s a symbol of our commitment to you, not just as customers, but as valued members of the Globacom family.”

Abdulrazaq closed with a reminder of Glo’s founding vision in 2003 and its future aspirations: “This launch is not just about introducing new products. It’s about delivering on a promise. A promise we made at launch in 2003 that whenever you think of staying connected, either through a simple chat or text message or by engaging in a long conversation, you’ll think of Globacom. 

“All these years, we have always stayed committed to providing you with the best: the best service, the best value, and the best experience. And with these two offerings, we are taking that commitment to a whole new level.

“As we continue to redefine what it means to stay connected, we’re doing it with YOU in mind. These new packages are designed to fit seamlessly into your life, ensuring that you stay connected to what matters most to you, without worrying about the cost.

“Today marks a pivotal moment for us all. It’s the start of a new chapter in how you experience communication. As we march into the digital future, Globacom will not just be about technology or numbers, but also about people. Our mission is about connecting hearts, building relationships, and enabling dreams. With Globacom, you are never just a subscriber; you are part of a community. And with that, we invite you to be part of this journey with us. Stay connected, stay inspired, and together, let’s keep building a world where connections know no bounds!”

Glo Symbolism for Nigeria at 65

For many Nigerians, Globacom represents more than cheaper calls or faster internet. It is proof that a Nigerian company can compete with global giants, invest billions in infrastructure, and still put the consumer first.

As the country reflects on 65 years of independence, the story of Glo is inseparable from the nation’s story: a tale of resilience, innovation, and ambition. It is a reminder that while foreign investment is welcome, indigenous ingenuity remains central to Nigeria’s progress.

In the words of its mission, Globacom is not just about technology but about “connecting hearts, building relationships, and enabling dreams.” For a nation of over 200 million people, that is perhaps the most powerful independence gift of all.

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As Nigeria marks 65 years of independence today, few companies exemplify the Nigerian spirit like Globacom, the indigenous telecommunications giant that has transformed the way Nigerians connect with one another

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ON JUSTICE LIMAN, MAHMOOD YAKUBU AND THE NEXT INEC CHAIRMAN

ON JUSTICE LIMAN, MAHMOOD YAKUBU AND THE NEXT INEC CHAIRMAN

 Any fit and proper person has right to aspire to be INEC chairman, argues SEUN AWOGBENLE

In the last few days, there has been a sudden frenzy around who becomes the next chairman of Nigeria’s electoral body, INEC. This hysteria, which may be well intended in some quarters, has become another weapon of politics for those whose stock in trade is to exploit every national debate for political mileage.

I typically do not worry when I see people try to outmanoeuvre each other in politics; that is the nature of the game. But there is an emerging pattern that has become even more disturbing. That pattern first emerged with the economic reforms of the current government, where people who knocked the reforms were the same people who had either pledged the same commitment in the past or could not say anything tangible that they would do differently. The same pattern emerged during the tax reform bill, where people made it a ‘we vs them’ duel, giving it an ethnic dimension. We are now, once again, seeing the same pattern emerge with the appointment of the next INEC chairman. At the heart of this dangerous pattern is the weaponisation of fake news as an art form to spread fear, cause panic and mislead the public.

In principle, I believe that every Nigerian should be interested in who becomes the next chairman of INEC; moreover, as someone who has dedicated a major part of my time to advocating for electoral reforms, I am absolutely certain that this is evidently a settled matter. But raising the political temperature on such a critical issue does not help anyone. This is the sort of conversation that I believe should be beyond the remit of politics and should instead evoke a sense of patriotism and commitment to the truth.

In the last week, at least two patterns have supported this observation. The first one is from media scholar Prof. Farooq Kperoogi, who first spotlighted Justice Mohammed Abdullahi Liman, a retired judge, as a potential replacement for Prof. Mahmood Yakubu. In his notes from Atlanta, Kperoogi, who admitted he did not know enough about Liman to make a categorical comment, went on to describe him as a loadstone for controversies and attempted to support it with reports that were either inaccurate or deliberately concocted. I will return to some of these wild claims shortly.

The second one is a report from Sahara Reporters, titled ‘Tinubu Directs INEC Chairman Yakubu to Immediately Proceed on Leave For “Betraying APC”, Set to Nominate Successor’. In the said report published on September 24, the author made a poor attempt at fiction by claiming, of its own imagination, that Prof. Yakubu has been asked to go on compulsory leave and that therefore this may be an attempt to force out the INEC chairman, whose end of tenure is just about a month away. I will also return to this shortly. But it is worth noting that these two publications were made within days of each other. Striking.

But what are the main issues here? Sections 154(1) and 153(1) establish the power of the President to appoint the Chairman of INEC and the heads of other similar agencies. There has never been a time in the history of Nigeria where whoever was president that attempted to exercise these powers did not face a pushback. For the simple reason that the President has the constitutional right to appoint anyone at his own discretion, and because in some cases the appointed INEC Chairman could potentially preside over an election where the same president is also a candidate.

Some have argued that this power may limit the ability of whoever is the chairman of INEC to function with autonomy and independence. But this debate is not new; it has been on since 2007, when the Justice Uwais-led committee recommended that the power to appoint the INEC chairman be transferred from the president to the National Judicial Council (NJC). However, that recommendation, till today, is yet to undergo any legislative process. Therefore, anyone who is interested in this amendment should be looking to engage the NationalAssembly.

It is with the same token that I find it uncharitable that anyone would suggest that the government may be trying to force out the outgoing chairman. Prof. Mahmood Yakubu was first announced as INEC Chairman on October 21, 2015, before he was confirmed on October 29, 2015. He completed his first term in November 2020 and was renominated and confirmed for a second term in December 2020.

The constitution allows a two-term limit of a maximum of 10 years for anyone serving as INEC Chairman. In November, Prof. Yakubu would have served out his tenure and would effectively be statute-barred from reappointment. If this is anything to go by, let’s assume, but not concede, that the INEC chairman was asked to proceed on leave; this, in my opinion, would be standard civil service procedure. But attempting to frame it in the manner that the author in the Sahara Reporters report has done is oversimplifying an issue that requires a lot more seriousness. For a moment, we can put jokes aside.

For all his faults, Prof. Yakubu, in the last ten years as INEC Chairman, worked together with civil society organisations to deliver Nigeria’s most consequential Electoral Reform Act in 2022. The landmark reforms in the electoral act opened a new chapter in our election management. Part of the gain is how we have managed to deepen our electoral process with the functionality of technology. From the IREV to BVAS, these are all examples of the modest gains we have recorded. As someone who held leadership positions, I am not one to dismiss any effort. For this, I say fare thee well, Prof. Yakubu.

It is not often that I find myself disappointed in Prof. Farouq Kperoogi. But in this particular instance, I found his judgement questionable. In the same article on INEC and Justice Liman, Prof. Kperoogi made several claims; one of them was specifically about a past judgement, where he claimed that Justice Liman stirred outrage when, in a corruption trial, “the principal defendant walked away with fines while his co-defendant got 20 years”.

The matter in this instance was the one involving a certain Michael Igbinedion and Patrick Eboigbodin of PML Nigeria Limited. The judge (Justice Liman) convicted Eboigbodin for money laundering on counts 50-59, while Igbinedion was convicted on counts 79-81. Igbinedion was sentenced to an option of N1 million fine on each of the three counts and, in default, two years imprisonment. While Eboigbodin was sentenced to two years in prison without an option of a fine.

I do not think that Prof. Kperoogi was expecting two people who were convicted on different counts to get the same judgement. The question, therefore, is where Prof. Kperoogi found the 20 years he amplified in his opinion. Was this an omission or deliberate misinformation? I would think that a scholar of his stature would know better than to mislead the public for whatever reason.

I have never met the judge from Nasarawa, but I would want to believe that if he were truly in the mind of the president for this position, one of the reasons he may be under consideration is because he is from North Central, which has in fact never recorded a chairman of INEC from the region. Moreover, as it stands today, there is no serious contender for the presidency in 2027 from North Central. Amidst all the desperate attempts to paint a picture of a bad judge, Justice Liman retired without blemish.

Everyone should be interested in who becomes the INEC Chairman, because the person carries with them the expectation of every Nigerian, who continues to demand accountability in our election management. But I also believe that those demands should be done with a commitment to the truth. That is the least we expect of those who insist on being seen as the voice of conscience.

 Awogbenle, a Development and Public Policy Professional, writes from United Kingdom. He can be reached via seunawogbenle@gmail.com.

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 Any fit and proper person has right to aspire to be INEC chairman, argues SEUN AWOGBENLE In the last few days, there has been a sudden frenzy around who becomes

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EDUCATION FIRST, POLITICS ASIDE

EDUCATION FIRST, POLITICS ASIDE

Nigeria’s education sector remains vulnerable to the short term calculations of politics rather than the long term needs of learners, contends JOAN OSA OVIAWE

When I first reviewed exam enrollment data as Commissioner for Education in Edo State, what I saw was not just statistics on a page but the story of children being lost at every step of their education. The data showed how a system that begins with hope at Primary One ends in disappointment for far too many by the time of WAEC. Edo had more than 1,000 public primary schools, yet only about 300 public junior secondary schools, fewer than 300 public senior secondary schools, and just five technical and vocational schools. The exam candidates, drawn from both public and private schools, reflected these gaps starkly – nearly 100,000 sat for the Primary Six exam, but only 60,000 made it to JSS 3, and by the time of WAEC fewer than 35,000 remained. Thus, only 1 in 3 survived the journey from primary to senior school.

Behind each of these figures is a child whose future narrows too soon. Some are forced out by poverty, others by early marriage, and many more by the simple absence of schools to continue their education. Together, the numbers expose the weak transitions, underbuilt secondary infrastructure, and policy neglect that fuel Nigeria’s crisis of out-of-school children.
And yet, new primary schools keep springing up, often not because communities need them but because they are politically expedient. According to INEC, Nigeria has more than 176,000 polling units, many of them in or around primary school premises, making these schools highly visible during campaigns. In many communities, they stand less as centers of learning and more as political monuments with politicians prioritizing them as constituency projects, while secondary schools remain neglected. This is not only an Edo story, it is a Nigerian story.

At independence in 1960, Nigeria inherited a dual system of education; the community based training that had long sustained families and apprenticeships, and the literacy driven model introduced by colonial authorities, which created sharp divides in opportunity. With a population of 45 million, less than 1 in 4 children were enrolled in primary school, barely 1 in 100 advanced to secondary, and university education was the preserve of only a few thousand (Fafunwa, 1974).
The leaders of that era understood that education was central to national development. They launched ambitious programs like the Universal Primary Education scheme of 1976 and, later, the Universal Basic Education programme of 1999, both aimed at expanding access and closing the gaps left by colonial rule. But these initiatives soon became hostage to politics. Oil booms and busts, military coups, and shifting party agendas repeatedly interrupted reforms, while successive governments often chose to abandon or rebrand the work of their predecessors rather than build on it. What could have been steady progress became a cycle of expansion and collapse, leaving classrooms overcrowded, teachers poorly trained, and infrastructure uneven.

The impact of these policy discontinuities has been profound. Nigeria’s education sector remains vulnerable to the short term calculations of politics rather than the long term needs of learners. Each change of government has too often meant a change of priorities, a reshuffling of programs, and the loss of continuity that effective education systems depend on. The result is that, 65 years later, millions of children are still being left behind.
Today, Nigeria has about 20 million out of school children and youth, more than the entire population of at least 22 African countries. Even for those in school, learning is not guaranteed, UNICEF and the World Bank report that 70% of children cannot read and understand a simple text by age 10. This silent emergency, known as learning poverty, is a national crisis hiding in plain sight.

In Edo, we tackled this through the Edo Basic Education Sector Transformation (EdoBEST) reforms. As a result of measurable learning gains and improvements in foundational literacy and numeracy, the state was recognized as part of the global network of Accelerator Countries, even though we are a sub national. This select group includes Brazil, Ecuador, Kenya, Morocco, Mozambique, Niger, Pakistan, Rwanda, Sierra Leone, and Edo State. Edo’s inclusion placed it alongside these reformers, showing that with the right mix of political will, teacher support, and accountability, progress is possible even in difficult contexts.
Working with then Governor Godwin Obaseki, we revived the largely neglected disarticulation policy of the Federal Government, first introduced in 2004 but left dormant nationwide, with the aim of closing the gaps in access and progression. We built a plan through wide consultations, where civil servants, unions, headteachers, civil society, parents, and even learners had a voice. Together we mapped out four phases and also built additional classroom blocks in junior secondary schools as part of the inventory of over 500 primary and junior secondary schools renovated or rebuilt. Phase 1 was to merge underutilized primary schools in communities with too many and convert them into junior secondary schools, which would have raised the number of JSS from barely 300 to over 450 at minimal cost. Phase 2 was to physically separate junior secondary schools from senior secondary schools, giving learners clearer pathways. Phase 3 was to revive moribund secondary schools in rural areas, build new ones where none existed, and require all new basic schools to provide 9 years of basic education plus early childhood learning in one compound. Phase 4 was to build at least 1 TVET school in every Local Government Area, with the more populous LGAs hosting at least 3, and to partner with leading corporations to build TVET institutions as part of corporate social responsibility or through tax credits.

These reforms were rooted in hard data and in the lived experiences of families, and they were designed to ensure that learners would not be stranded between primary and secondary school. Reform is not a project to be completed in one tenure, it is an ongoing process that requires several years of consistency and protection from policy disruptions to achieve full disarticulation, and what we started remains a blueprint for how to realign infrastructure, policy, and access with the needs of learners.

The deeper challenge lies in Nigeria’s governance culture. Civil servants were once trained to end memos with “awaiting further directives, please,” a habit of passivity that lingers. In Abuja, every crisis seems to trigger the creation of yet another agency, commission, or board. Over time, this forest of institutions has grown unwieldy, consuming scarce resources in bureaucracy instead of delivering to learners. What is needed is not new structures but continuity, coordination, and sharper focus. Edo’s experience showed that when resources flow directly into classrooms, teacher training, and learning materials, results follow.

Depoliticizing education does not mean ignoring politics. It means agreeing across party lines that no child’s future should depend on who holds office. Education must be treated as national infrastructure, not a bargaining chip. Programs should be enshrined in law and shielded from turnover, budgets must be steady and predictable, and teachers recruited and promoted on merit. Parents and communities should be partners in accountability, and above all, learners must sit at the center of every decision.

At 65, Nigeria must ask what independence truly means if our children remain trapped in cycles of poverty because we failed to educate them. Political freedom without educational sovereignty is hollow. Education is the ultimate independence project: it is how a girl in Sokoto can dream of becoming a doctor, how a boy in Borno can imagine life beyond the street corner, how a teacher in Edo can rediscover pride, and how a headteacher in Lagos can stand tall knowing she is shaping the next generation.

The children of Nigeria are not waiting for us to resolve our politics. They are waiting for us to rise above it. If we can build a bipartisan compact that puts education first, then at 65 Nigeria will not just be counting years of independence, it will be laying the foundation of a nation where the promise of freedom is matched by the power of learning.

 Oviawe, PhD, is an education reform advocate and former Commissioner for Education in Edo State (2021-2024). joanoviawe@yahoo.com

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Nigeria’s education sector remains vulnerable to the short term calculations of politics rather than the long term needs of learners, contends JOAN OSA OVIAWE When I first reviewed exam enrollment data

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TINUBU ASKED FOR THE JOB; YOU TOO CAN 

TINUBU ASKED FOR THE JOB; YOU TOO CAN 

The President’s job is paying off, argues

 RAHEEM ADEDOYIN

” I asked for the Job. “

 That’s Nigeria President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s famous soft jab to his critics. 

 It is both a retort and a reminder of his readiness for the tough job. 

 So, if you are hammering the President with a barrage of criticisms, your punches go well with the demands of his job. Bring it on, No shaking. 

It is no mean feat to be the first real politician to be elected President in modern Nigeria; a viable aspirant to become a viable candidate without being sponsored and a rare candidate to be elected President without Godfathers tying the noose on his neck. 

But ” I asked for the job ” also takes a positive tone within the context of the President knowing the complexity of the job – the hurdles to cross and the determination to succeed. 

Those trenchant critics of the President had their job cut out for them from the beginning. The president fired the first salvo on his inauguration day with a preemptive strike. ” The subsidy is gone”, he announced with gutso to a bewildered nation. Not that Nigerians were ignorant of the ruinous fuel subsidy regime but they were not prepared for the immediacy of the effect of the removal. 

In quick succession, the President fired another missile by announcing the floating of the Naira. While the removal of the fuel subsidy led to a monstrous increase in fuel prices, the floating of the Naira led instantly to a deep depreciation of the naira with the attendant negative effects on Nigerians’ purchasing power .

But here comes the positive side of ” I asked for the job”: Empathy. Readiness. Focus.

Yes, the president asked for the job, he was prepared for the job and he was ready for the tough challenges. 

He unveiled a Renewed Hope Agenda with particular focus and urgency on economic reforms, infrastructural development, security and a new governance culture . 

The agenda set out a clear road map for financial and economic prosperity. While the pains, and groans of the adverse effects of fuel subsidy removal and foreign exchange policy are undeniable, there is gradual economic rebound. 

Nigerians, are no longer at the mercy of unconscionable fuel subsidy rogues; fuel queues have become history and the government no longer promotes illicit sweet dollar deals.

Food prices are crashing while Naira is gaining gradually. The government is harvesting more money even if there are worries about how the three tiers of government utilise the financial windfall. 

Mr. President asked for job; he is living with the stress that goes with it but he is also conscious of the people’s expectations on the positive impact of his reform agenda. 

The President’s team seems to have cut the “I asked for the job” bug too. No one exemplifies this more than Lanre Issa- Onilu, the Director General of the National Orientation Agency ( NOA). He asked for the job and is delivering on the promises he made to the president to reposition NOA as a vehicle for public advocacy on citizens rights, duties and good governanance. 

I was curious about Issa-Onilu’s choice when he first told me about it because I knew he was well-positioned for a juicier and more glamorous Job in a Tinubu Administrstion.

NOA was a complete mess but the turn around in effective public communication is obvious and endearing. 

Voice of Nigeria ( VON), headed by ace journalist, Jibrin Ndace has also transformed into a viable national voice on the international plain. 

I do not know if members of the presidential media team asked for the jobs they are now doing. Mr. Bayo Onanuga, the fiery media leader hits hard and gets hit harder. His messaging and style irritate and offend the administration’s harsh critics but the dexterity in his work is undeniable. 

The minister of Information and National Orientation, Mallam Idris Mohammed, wield a soft power. An accomplished newspaper publisher, immediate past Secretary General of the Newspapers, Proprietors’ Association of Nigeria( NPAN) and a leading member of the International Press Institute ( IPI), his media influence and tremendous goodwill serve the administration well.

The President is lucky to have a job that he asked for, a job that he worked for and a job that is paying off for the nation. That is a food for thought for his country men and women. 

The President has set the tone for something that may well become a national creed. Ask for the job and do the job. 

Happy Independence Anniversary. 

 Adedoyin writes from 

Vienna, Austria

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The President’s job is paying off, argues  RAHEEM ADEDOYIN ” I asked for the Job. “  That’s Nigeria President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s famous soft jab to his critics.   It is

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A NATION IN DIRE NEED OF REFORMS

A NATION IN DIRE NEED OF REFORMS

As Nigeria marks her 65th independence anniversary, many citizens roll out the drums in celebration of nationhood. Yet beneath the celebrations lies a sobering truth: this country is in dire need of urgent and comprehensive reforms. From the economy to security, infrastructure, politics, education, and governance, the challenges are glaring, and the calls for transformation have never been louder.

Successive administrations, both military and civilian, have made their contributions to the Nigerian project. However, the reality is that Nigerians deserve better than what they have been offered over the decades. Today, expectations are high under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, a man whose name is etched in the nation’s democratic struggle. As a leader hailed as a true democrat, the burden rests heavily on his shoulders to unite a country whose voices of disunity continue to echo from different regions.

Nigeria’s political system requires a total reform. The security architecture must be urgently strengthened, as kidnappings, banditry, terrorism, and armed robberies have become every day occurrences, sparing no part of the nation. The road networks, many of which are in deplorable condition, demand immediate intervention to ease movement, trade, and economic growth.

Equally critical is the power sector, which has for decades defied all solutions. Nigeria cannot industrialize or diversify her economy without stable electricity. A complete overhaul of this sector is long overdue if the nation must compete in the global economy. The education sector, though not entirely broken, still requires deliberate investment and reform to produce a generation equipped to drive Nigeria’s future.

The 1999 Constitution, often described as flawed, should be revisited and reworked by the National Assembly to accommodate the voices and aspirations of all Nigerians. The judiciary too must not be left out. The Chief Justice of Nigeria has a duty to purge the judicial system of bottlenecks and obstacles that hinder the speedy dispensation of justice, ensuring that the courts truly remain the last hope of the common man.

It is also imperative for state and local governments to actively join hands with the federal government in this reform process. Development must not be centralized in Abuja alone; governance should reflect the principles of true federalism where every tier of government delivers value to its people.

At 65, Nigeria stands at a crossroads. The challenges are daunting, but they are not insurmountable. With strong political will, sincere leadership, and collective responsibility, Nigeria can rise above her troubles and fulfill the dreams of her founding fathers. For the sake of generations to come, Nigeria must succeed.

 Tochukwu Jimo Obi, jimobi83@gmail.com

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As Nigeria marks her 65th independence anniversary, many citizens roll out the drums in celebration of nationhood. Yet beneath the celebrations lies a sobering truth: this country is in dire need of urgent