LIVE
Home Blog Page 105

Ex-Epstein Lawyer Urges Release Of More Case Files

Ohiomoje Margaret
-
1
Ex-Epstein Lawyer Urges Release Of More Case Files

A previous legal representative of Jeffrey Epstein is now pushing the U.S. Department of Justice to make more documents public from its investigation into the disgraced financier’s sex trafficking case. He also suggested the government should offer immunity to Epstein’s former partner so she can provide testimony.

During his appearance on Fox News Sunday, Alan Dershowitz stated that while he supports unsealing the grand jury transcripts requested by Attorney General Pam Bondi, they likely won’t contain the information many of President Donald Trump’s supporters are hoping to uncover—such as the names of individuals who may have been involved with Epstein.

“I think the judge should release it, but they are not in the grand jury transcripts,” Dershowitz said on Fox.
“I’ve seen some of these materials. For example, there is an FBI report of interviews with alleged victims in which at least one of the victims names very important people,” he said, adding that those names have been redacted.

There has been increasing demand among Trump’s base for deeper transparency regarding Epstein’s connections, particularly after his death in a Manhattan correctional facility in 2019, which was officially ruled a suicide while he was awaiting trial.

Earlier this year, Bondi committed to making more evidence available to the public, promising that it would include “a lot of names” and records such as flight logs. However, those expectations were tempered earlier this month when a joint memo from the DOJ and FBI downplayed the existence of any client list or blackmail materials, effectively dismissing widely circulated conspiracy theories.

That same memo reaffirmed the conclusion of a prior inquiry that determined Epstein’s cause of death was suicide, not homicide.

Bondi and FBI Director Kash Patel have come under heavy criticism from Trump-aligned groups in the wake of the memo’s release. In response, Trump instructed the Justice Department to petition the courts for access to sealed grand jury records connected to both Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell.

On Friday, a legal motion was submitted to a federal court in Manhattan to request the release of those transcripts.

Maxwell, who was convicted in 2021 on multiple federal counts for her involvement in Epstein’s abuse of minors, is currently appealing her sentence, which includes two decades in prison, to the U.S. Supreme Court.

Despite the push for more transparency, legal experts have warned that even if the court unseals the transcripts, the material may not include the full extent of the evidence Trump’s supporters are hoping to see.

Dershowitz on Sunday told “Fox News Sunday” that the information that Bondi did not request to be unsealed would be “far more informative and far more relevant.”

He added that the government should also grant Maxwell immunity so that she could testify before Congress about what knowledge she has of Epstein’s alleged crimes.
“She knows everything. She is the Rosetta Stone,” he said of Maxwell.
“If she were just given use immunity, she could be compelled to testify.”

How Abandoning Indigenous Foods Is Feeding A Health Crisis in Nigeria

Tosin Onisuuru
-
0
How Abandoning Indigenous Foods Is Feeding A Health Crisis in Nigeria

In today’s Nigeria, chronic illnesses are rising, not just from the foods we eat, but from what we’ve forgotten to eat. As we trade our traditional diets for ultra-processed convenience, we unknowingly step away from the wisdom that kept our ancestors alive and well for centuries. This isn’t just a matter of nutrition; it’s a cultural crisis.

The meals once seen as sacred, healing, and purposeful have been labelled primitive and unworthy. But the truth is clear: what we abandoned in the name of progress may be the very thing that could save us.

Most of the chronic diseases troubling Nigerians today didn’t come from our soil.

They came from our silence.
From the things we stopped eating.
From the foods we abandoned in our pursuit of status.

We had everything.

Bitterleaf and ogbono.
Acha, ofada, tigernuts, baobab, African oil bean, locust beans.
We fermented, roasted, sun-dried, and slow-cooked meals that healed the gut and kept the liver sharp.

But somehow, someone convinced us that the very foods that kept our ancestors alive were dirty, local, primitive, and “not balanced.”

And that’s where the problem began.

Foods

Walk into most homes in Lagos or Abuja today and ask a child, “What did you eat for breakfast?”
The common answers? Bread and tea. Cornflakes and milk. Chocolate-spread sandwich.

Pap, yam and oil, abacha, moi moi, or okpa have now been reduced to “village food.”
Yet these were the same meals that built strong teeth, fertile wombs, and clean arteries for generations.

So what really changed?

It wasn’t just colonialism, it was mental colonization.
The kind that continues today through food ads, Western medical policy templates, and shelves stacked with boxed and packaged meals.

And now we’re seeing the results:
confused diets, weak immunity, hormonal disruption, stunted metabolism, and chronic inflammation from childhood.

We’ve even changed how often we eat.
People now eat three to four times a day while moving less than 1,000 steps daily.
They wake, sit in traffic, sit at work, get home, sit again, and still believe they must eat something every few hours to “stay strong.”

Our ancestors walked to the stream, tilled the ground, fetched firewood, ground melon with stones, and trekked markets on foot.
Their meals were earned. Their digestion was natural. Their energy, clean.

Today, we mistake laziness for luxury.
We stop our children from sweating and call it love.
We buy them sugar-coated snacks, fast food, and flavoured drinks thinking it’s care.
Meanwhile, prediabetes, insulin resistance, and fatty liver are already developing quietly in many under-18s.

Open the average Nigerian fridge today.
Soda. Instant noodles. Sausages. Ice cream. Bread. Yoghurts with corn syrup. Chocolates.
All ultra-processed. All pro-inflammatory. All slowly damaging the brain, liver, and gut microbiome.

Professor Carlos Monteiro, from the University of São Paulo, coined the term ultra-processed foods in 2009.
He warned that these items are not merely unhealthy, they are industrially modified substances designed to be addictive and nutrient-empty.

And he was right.

In 2023, The British Medical Journal published a sweeping review of 45 meta-analyses covering 9 million participants.
The results?
Clear associations between ultra-processed food consumption and 32 major health problems, including cardiovascular disease, depression, type 2 diabetes, and premature death.

But in Nigeria, these same foods are branded as premium.
Imported equals superior.
Processed equals civilized.
And native equals backward.

Even worse, our policymakers follow the same logic.

Most African dietary guidelines are borrowed from the U.S. Food Pyramid or British medical templates.
We wait for WHO, CDC, or USDA to validate the food growing in our backyard.
We ignore the science our grandmothers lived by, science rooted in soil, in climate, in memory.

This is not just a public health issue.
It is a cultural amnesia.

The late Prof. Catherine Acholonu once said, “Our ancestors did not just eat to fill their stomachs they ate to align with nature.”
That’s not superstition.
That’s bio-adaptive nutrition.
That’s metabolic intelligence passed down across time.

And yet, we now look for imported keto kits, foreign wellness apps, and pharmaceutical supplements to solve problems that our food heritage already knows how to prevent.

Dr. Barry Popkin of the University of North Carolina described this global shift as the Nutrition Transition.
He divided it into five stages.
Africa, right now, is in Stage 4—marked by excessive sugar, seed oils, refined flour, and sedentary living.
What comes next is an epidemic of degenerative diseases.

So let’s be clear:
We’re not just eating wrong.
We’re thinking wrong.

You don’t eat what’s trending, you eat what your DNA understands.
You eat to reduce inflammation.
You eat to support your organs, not to stuff your fridge.

And when sickness finally knocks, the options are fewer.
That’s why prevention is no longer advice, it’s survival.

Self-care is no longer luxury, it’s a return to memory.

The healthiest food you can ever eat is the food your ancestors survived on.
It’s coded in your enzymes.
It’s aligned with your gut flora.
It’s built into your bones.

Eat with sense. Not with shame.
Protect your children from food confusion.
Let them grow up knowing that agidi is not lesser than croissant, and that ogi can nourish better than milk from a tin.

We don’t need another diet plan.
We need cultural clarity.
We don’t need to import everything.
We need to remember.

Because what kept us alive for 1,000 years is not backward,
…it’s what will save us now.

Military Jet Crashes into Dhaka School Grounds, Leaving 19 Dead

Ohiomoje Margaret
-
1
Military Jet Crashes into Dhaka School Grounds, Leaving 19 Dead

A tragic crash involving a Bangladesh Air Force jet claimed the lives of at least 19 individuals after the aircraft struck a school compound in Dhaka on Monday, according to emergency response officials.

More than 50 others, both adults and minors, sustained burn injuries and were rushed to hospitals for treatment, a medical professional from a specialized burns center reported.

The collision took place at Milestone School and College, situated in the Uttara district of the capital city, as confirmed by local authorities.

The aircraft involved was an F-7 BGI training jet belonging to the Bangladesh Air Force. It had taken off at 1:06 p.m. local time (0706 GMT) before the crash occurred, according to a statement from the military’s communications office.

Footage captured shortly after the crash showed flames erupting near a grassy area, with thick black smoke rising into the air while bystanders stood at a distance in shock.

Fire personnel were seen dousing the aircraft debris with water. The jet appeared to have slammed into part of a building, smashing through metal barriers and leaving a large breach in the structure.

“A third-grade student was brought in dead, and three others, aged 12, 14 and 40, were admitted to the hospital,”
— Bidhan Sarker, head of the burn unit at the Dhaka Medical College and Hospital

Additional visuals captured scenes of people weeping and comforting one another amid the chaos.

“When I was picking (up) my kids and went to the gate, I realised something came from behind…I heard an explosion. When I looked back, I only saw fire and smoke,”
— Masud Tarik, a teacher at the school

In an official statement, the country’s caretaker leader, Muhammad Yunus, vowed a thorough probe to determine what led to the crash, promising full support to those affected.

“The loss suffered by the Air Force…students, parents, teachers and staff, and others in this accident is irreparable,”
— Muhammad Yunus.

This devastating event follows just weeks after a deadly crash in India, where an Air India aircraft collided with a college dormitory, causing over 260 deaths and marking one of the deadliest air disasters in recent history.

Harvard Battles White House In Court Over Terminated Research Grants

Ohiomoje Margaret
-
1
Harvard Battles White House In Court Over Terminated Research Grants

Harvard University is set to appear before a federal judge on Monday in a legal attempt to restore approximately $2.5 billion in federal research funds that were recently revoked by President Donald Trump’s administration, and to halt further funding cutoffs aimed at the university.

The hearing, taking place before U.S. District Judge Allison Burroughs in Boston, represents a major development in the intensifying dispute between the White House and Harvard. Tensions escalated after the university refused to comply with demands issued in April regarding its leadership structure, staff recruitment, and student admissions.

University officials warn that hundreds of ongoing research efforts, covering critical areas like cancer therapy, infectious diseases, and neurological disorders such as Parkinson’s—are at risk unless the funding terminations are ruled invalid.

The Ivy League institution has emerged as a focal point in the administration’s broader campaign to reshape higher education through financial pressure. President Trump has accused many elite academic institutions of harboring antisemitic views and promoting far-left ideologies.

“The Trump administration’s proposition is simple and commonsense: Don’t allow antisemitism and DEI to run your campus, don’t break the law, and protect the civil liberties of all students,” — White House spokesperson Harrison Fields

The initial action taken against Harvard involved the cancellation of numerous grants. The administration claimed that the school inadequately addressed incidents involving the harassment of Jewish students.

Subsequent measures included proposals to block international students from enrolling, threats to revoke Harvard’s accreditation, and additional funding cuts tied to alleged violations of civil rights laws.

As part of a revised tax plan signed under Trump, the tax on revenue generated from Harvard’s endowment, valued at $53 billion, was increased from 1.4% to 8%. This income supports nearly half of the university’s annual operations.

Last week, Harvard President Alan Garber stated that if current policies remain in place, the university could lose close to $1 billion each year, potentially resulting in staff layoffs and a freeze in new hiring.

Harvard has responded by highlighting the actions it has taken to improve the campus climate for Jewish and Israeli students, particularly after reports of “vicious and reprehensible” behavior surfaced in the wake of the 2023 Israel-Hamas conflict.

Still, Garber has emphasized that the administration’s approach extends far beyond curbing antisemitism. He claims it aims to impose external control over the university’s academic environment, including decisions on personnel and curriculum.

The April 11 letter from a federal task force included sweeping directives for Harvard to revamp its leadership system, revise hiring and admissions procedures to reflect ideological diversity, and eliminate certain academic initiatives.

After rejecting these terms, Harvard accused the administration of retaliating by unlawfully revoking essential federal support, violating First Amendment protections around freedom of expression and academic independence.

Judge Burroughs, who was appointed during the Obama administration, has already ruled in a separate matter that the federal government could not stop Harvard from hosting international students.

President Trump has expressed hope that a resolution could be reached. Fields, speaking on Friday, said that “a good deal was more than possible” and that officials are “confident that Harvard will eventually come around and support the president’s vision.”

In its legal filings, the administration has claimed the court has no jurisdiction over the matter, and that the canceled grants were lawfully terminated, as they failed to align with the federal government’s policy goals.

Eritrean President Warns Ethiopia Against Renewed Conflict

Tosin Onisuuru
-
1
Eritrean President Warns Ethiopia Against Renewed Conflict

Eritrean President Isaias Afwerki has issued a stern warning to neighboring Ethiopia, cautioning against actions or rhetoric that could trigger a renewed conflict in the Horn of Africa. His comments follow recent public statements by Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed asserting Ethiopia’s need for direct access to the Red Sea, remarks that have raised alarms across the region and drawn international attention.

Afwerki’s statement comes at a particularly delicate time in the region’s history. Although Eritrea and Ethiopia were on opposing sides for much of the early 2000s, the two nations realigned during the 2020–2022 Tigray War, briefly partnering militarily against the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF). However, the alliance was largely tactical, and underlying disputes between the two countries, particularly concerning port access, historical grievances, and regional dominance, remain unresolved.

Prime Minister Abiy’s recent remarks about Ethiopia’s geopolitical imperative to gain access to the Red Sea have revived tensions, with observers noting that such aspirations could be interpreted as veiled territorial ambitions. Eritrea, which controls a significant portion of the Red Sea coastline, views these overtures as a direct threat to its sovereignty and regional stability.

President Afwerki warned that any attempt to alter existing borders or impose unilateral solutions would risk plunging the region into further turmoil. “History has shown that coercion and unilateralism in this region yield nothing but suffering,” Afwerki reportedly said. He called on Ethiopian leaders to engage in dialogue and respect international norms while acknowledging the complex economic and security realities facing landlocked Ethiopia.

The situation is further complicated by the slow and partial implementation of the 2018 peace agreement between the two nations. While the deal formally ended a two-decade-long war, key issues such as border demarcation and economic cooperation remain unresolved. The fragile peace has often been characterized by mistrust and political posturing rather than meaningful reconciliation.

Analysts warn that the Horn of Africa, a region already plagued by instability, humanitarian crises, and competing foreign interests, cannot afford another round of conflict. Any military escalation between Eritrea and Ethiopia could have ripple effects across the Red Sea corridor, potentially drawing in neighboring states and disrupting international trade routes.

President Afwerki’s comments have been interpreted as both a warning and an appeal for diplomatic caution. He emphasized Eritrea’s commitment to peace but reaffirmed that the country would defend its territorial integrity if provoked.
International observers, including the African Union and the United Nations, have yet to comment formally on the escalating rhetoric, but sources indicate growing concern about the deteriorating tone of regional diplomacy.

As tensions simmer, the path forward appears uncertain. Much will depend on whether Ethiopia pursues its Red Sea aspirations through negotiation or confrontation, and how Eritrea and other regional actors respond in the weeks and months ahead.

Kenyan Activist Boniface Mwangi Charged with Unlawful Possession of Ammunition

Enyosa Favour
-
1
Kenyan Activist Boniface Mwangi Charged with Unlawful Possession of Ammunition

Boniface Mwangi, one of Kenya’s most prominent human rights activists, has been formally charged with unlawful possession of ammunition following his arrest over the weekend. The charges, detailed in court papers seen by Reuters, come in the wake of renewed anti-government protests and growing concerns about the suppression of dissent in the country.

Mwangi, 42, was arrested on Saturday after authorities raided his residence. According to the police, items recovered during the search included three unused teargas canisters, a 7.62mm blank round, two mobile phones, a laptop, and several notebooks. The charge sheet states that Mwangi was “found in possession of noxious substances to wit three teargas canisters without lawful authority,” as well as a single round of blank ammunition, both considered offences under Kenyan law.

On Monday, Mwangi appeared in court in Nairobi, where the courtroom was packed with supporters, fellow activists, and members of civil society — many donning Kenyan flags and chanting in solidarity. His appearance marks the latest development in a series of confrontations between the Kenyan government and civil society actors who have been vocal about rising cases of police brutality, corruption, and shrinking civic space.

Boniface Mwangi, who has built a reputation over the years for fearless activism and speaking out against government excesses, once ran for parliament on an anti-corruption platform. His arrest has drawn sharp criticism from local and international rights groups who view the charges as politically motivated and aimed at intimidating dissenting voices.

The broader context of Mwangi’s arrest lies in the resurgence of nationwide protests in Kenya, particularly following the controversial death of political blogger Albert Ojwang in police custody last month. While initial police reports suggested Ojwang had taken his own life, an independent autopsy revealed injuries consistent with physical assault, prompting public outrage and further protests. Police later issued an apology, but activists have continued to demand accountability and reform.

Mwangi has also faced challenges outside Kenya. In May, he was arrested and deported from Tanzania, where he had travelled to observe the trial of opposition leader Tundu Lissu. Following the incident, he alleged that both he and Ugandan journalist Agather Atuhaire were subjected to sexual assault and harassment by Tanzanian security personnel during their detention.

With Kenya’s political temperature rising and civic tensions running high, Mwangi’s prosecution is being closely watched. Observers warn that it may further inflame an already volatile atmosphere, particularly among Kenya’s youth and activist community.

Human rights organisations have called on the Kenyan judiciary to ensure that due process is followed and that Mwangi’s rights are respected throughout the legal proceedings. As the case unfolds, many see it as a litmus test for Kenya’s democratic values and its commitment to upholding civil liberties amid increasing state pressure on dissent.

China Breaks Ground On Massive Hydropower Project

Ohiomoje Margaret
-
2
China Breaks Ground On Massive Hydropower Project

Construction has commenced on a colossal hydroelectric facility in Tibet by China, set to become the most powerful dam globally, a development that has triggered unease in India and Bangladesh over water security and ecological impact.

Premier Li Qiang officially launched the project on Saturday during a visit to the Yarlung Tsangpo river, which winds through the Tibetan Plateau before crossing into South Asia.

The initiative, situated in a geopolitically sensitive region, has drawn backlash due to fears that it may affect the livelihoods of millions living downstream and potentially harm the local ecosystem and Tibetan communities.

Chinese officials maintain that the dam’s construction will emphasize environmental preservation while also fostering economic growth in the surrounding area.

Once completed, the Motuo Hydropower Station—carrying a price tag of roughly $1.67 billion—is expected to eclipse the Three Gorges Dam in scale, generating energy output three times higher than its predecessor.

Analysts warn that the structure could allow Beijing greater control over the transboundary Yarlung Tsangpo, which feeds key river systems in India’s Arunachal Pradesh and Assam states, eventually flowing into Bangladesh.

A past report from 2020 stated that “control over these rivers [in the Tibetan Plateau] effectively gives China a chokehold on India’s economy.”

Concerns have also emerged from local leaders. In a recent interview, Arunachal Pradesh’s chief minister Pema Khandu warned that “the Siang and Brahmaputra could ‘dry up considerably’ once the dam was completed.”

He went on to say the project “is going to cause an existential threat to our tribes and our livelihoods. It is quite serious because China could even use this as a sort of ‘water bomb’.”

“Suppose the dam is built and they suddenly release water, our entire Siang belt would be destroyed,” he said. “In particular, the Adi tribe and similar groups… would see all their property, land, and especially human life, suffer devastating effects.”

India’s external affairs ministry had earlier relayed its disapproval to China regarding large-scale dam projects, urging them to “ensure the interests of downstream states” and stressing the “need for transparency and consultation with downstream countries.”

As a countermeasure, India is working on its own dam along the Siang River to mitigate any potential flooding from China’s side.

Beijing’s foreign ministry had responded in 2020, insisting that China had a “legitimate right” to pursue hydropower development and had taken downstream consequences into account.

Bangladesh has also sought clarity on the implications of the project, with officials reportedly reaching out to Beijing for further details earlier this year.

The selected dam site, located in Tibet’s remote terrain, lies within a vast gorge known for being both the deepest and longest land canyon. Here, the river curves sharply around the Namcha Barwa mountain, a geological feature referred to as “the Great Bend.” At this point, the river’s elevation plunges significantly.

Earlier plans outlined the excavation of multiple 20-kilometre tunnels through the Namcha Barwa range to divert water for the facility.

Over the weekend, a report mentioned that engineers would implement “straightening” work and ‘divert water through tunnels’ to build five cascading power stations.”

The electricity generated is expected to be exported to other regions of China, although some supply will remain to support local demand in Tibet.

China’s pursuit of energy in the country’s less-developed western regions is part of a national agenda to harness resources from Tibet to meet the needs of energy-intensive cities in the east—a policy known as “xidiandongsong”, or “sending western electricity eastwards.”

Chinese authorities describe the initiative as an eco-friendly way to reduce carbon emissions and provide economic benefits to Tibetans.

However, critics argue that the project represents a broader pattern of resource exploitation in the region. Past demonstrations by Tibetan residents against similar projects have often met with harsh crackdowns.

Last year, authorities detained numerous Tibetan protesters opposing another dam. Reports confirmed that arrests and beatings occurred, leaving several injured.

Environmentalists also warn that flooding in Tibet’s biologically rich valleys and the risks associated with constructing dams in earthquake-prone zones remain major causes for concern.

France Ends Permanent Troop Presence in Senegal

Tosin Onisuuru
-
1
France Ends Permanent Troop Presence in Senegal

France has officially ended its permanent military presence in Senegal, a symbolic move that marks the closing of a significant chapter in the long and complex relationship between the two countries. On Thursday, France handed over control of its last major military base in Senegal, Camp Geille in Ouakam, Dakar, bringing an end to more than two centuries of French armed presence in the West African nation.

During a ceremonial handover, General Pascal Ianni, commander of French forces in Africa, handed over a ceremonial key to Senegalese officials. As Senegalese troops raised their national flag and the anthem echoed through the base, the moment underscored a peaceful yet powerful assertion of national sovereignty.

“Today’s transfer of Camp Geille marks a new stage in the evolution of the partnership between our two armed forces,” General Ianni said. “It is a response to the Senegalese authorities’ wish to no longer have permanent foreign forces present on their territory.”

The withdrawal comes after Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, elected on a platform of reform and sovereignty, declared last year that the continued presence of French military bases was incompatible with Senegal’s full independence. The two governments agreed to a gradual and orderly process, which began in March with the handover of two other French military installations in Dakar.

Unlike the strained exits of French forces from other former colonies—such as Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, where new military governments expelled French troops and welcomed Russian security assistance—Senegal’s transition has been relatively smooth and diplomatic. France and Senegal have opted to maintain their military partnership in a revised form that focuses on cooperation rather than control.

General Mbaye Cissé, head of the Senegalese armed forces, affirmed that the end of France’s permanent base would not mean the end of collaboration. “The new agreement will allow Senegal to continue benefiting from training and the exchange of information,” he said. He also wished the departing French troops and their families a safe journey home and acknowledged the historical ties that bind the two nations.

France’s presence in Senegal traces back more than 200 years, beginning during colonial times when Dakar became a central hub for French West Africa. While France officially granted Senegal independence in 1960, its military footprint in the country persisted through strategic bases and bilateral defence agreements—something that has drawn increasing scrutiny from Senegalese citizens and civil society groups over the years.

There are also lingering demands for France to fully acknowledge and investigate historical injustices, including the massacre of African soldiers in 1944. These soldiers, known as “Tirailleurs Sénégalais,” fought for France during World War II but were executed by French forces in Thiaroye after protesting unfair treatment.

As France continues a broader military retreat from the Sahel and West Africa amid growing regional skepticism of foreign influence, the handover of Camp Geille represents more than a logistical shift—it is a statement of changing geopolitical priorities in Francophone Africa. Yet, both sides hope their long and complex history can form the basis of a modern, mutual partnership built on respect, rather than residual colonial dynamics.

Why Japan’s PM Ishiba Refuses To Resign After Election Loss

Ohiomoje Margaret
-
1
Why Japan’s PM Ishiba Refuses To Resign After Election Loss

Japan’s Prime Minister, Shigeru Ishiba, has announced that he will remain in office even after his ruling coalition suffered a major setback in the recent upper house election.

The Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), along with its partner Komeito, won a total of 47 seats: three short of the 50 needed to keep control of the 248-member House of Councillors. Although they still hold 122 seats, the loss has led to internal debates about Ishiba’s leadership.

Why Ishiba Says He’s Not Stepping Down

At a press briefing, Ishiba acknowledged the poor election results but emphasized the importance of stability during challenging times. He mentioned that issues like rising prices, trade talks with the United States, and the global political climate cannot wait for internal political changes.

“Although I’m aware of our responsibility for the results, I believe it’s my duty to keep moving forward and listen to the voices of the people,” Ishiba said.

Far-Right Sanseito Party Gains Traction

A surprising twist in the election was the rise of the Sanseito Party, a far-right group that moved from the political fringe to winning 14 seats, in addition to their only existing seat.

Led by Sohei Kamiya, a former teacher and supermarket manager, Sanseito gained support by tapping into public frustration over Japan’s inflation, immigration concerns, and promises of tax cuts and better social welfare.

Kamiya has made controversial statements in the past, including conspiracy theories and strong nationalist rhetoric. However, he defended his “Japanese First” slogan, stating it was about protecting Japanese citizens, not attacking foreigners.

What the People Are Really Worried About

Although Sanseito stirred fears about immigration, polls show that only 7% of Japanese voters see immigration as a top issue. Most citizens are more concerned about the soaring cost of food, especially rice, and Japan’s declining birthrate.

What’s Next for Ishiba and Japanese Politics?

Political experts believe Ishiba may remain in power for now due to a lack of strong alternatives within his party. However, internal party battles and increasing public pressure could challenge his leadership in the coming months.

The election outcome has also opened the door for new voices and ideas in Japan’s political space, with Sanseito’s success marking a shift in how some voters feel about the country’s future.

Japan’s political scene is changing. While Prime Minister Ishiba stays in power for now, growing voter dissatisfaction and the rise of far-right parties like Sanseito suggest that big shifts may be ahead, both for leadership and national policies

Universities That Accept NECO, GCE As Entry Criteria In 2025

Ohiomoje Margaret
-
3
Universities That Accept NECO, GCE As Entry Criteria In 2025

For many Nigerian students, securing admission into a university is a major milestone. The Senior Secondary Certificate Examination (SSCE), such as the National Examinations Council (NECO) and the General Certificate of Education (GCE), plays a critical role in this journey.

These exams serve as key qualifications for gaining entry into higher institutions in Nigeria and, in some cases, abroad.

In 2025, the good news is that many universities continue to accept NECO and GCE results, either individually or as combined results, to meet their admission requirements. This flexibility is a lifeline for students who may have faced challenges in one exam but excelled in another.

In this article, we’ll explore the latest updates on universities in Nigeria and beyond that accept NECO and GCE as part of their entry criteria for the 2025 academic year, helping you make informed decisions about your educational future.

The National Examinations Council (NECO) conducts the SSCE for both internal (school-based) and external (private) candidates, with the NECO GCE being the external version offered in November/December. Similarly, the GCE, often associated with the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE), is another option for private candidates. Both qualifications are widely recognized in Nigeria, and many universities allow students to use them individually or combine them to meet the required five O’level credits, including core subjects like English Language and Mathematics.

Nigerian Universities Accepting NECO And GCE In 2025

Based on the latest information, most Nigerian universities: federal, state, and private, accept NECO and GCE results for admission into various programs. Below are some prominent institutions that have consistently accepted these qualifications, with updates relevant to 2025:

University Of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN)

UNN, a leading federal university in southeastern Nigeria, accepts NECO, GCE, or a combination of NECO and WASSCE results. With its four campuses in Nsukka, Enugu, Aba, and Ituku-Ozalla, UNN offers a wide range of programs, from Medicine to Arts, and remains a top choice for students with these qualifications.

University Of Ibadan (UI)

As Nigeria’s oldest university, UI continues to accept NECO and GCE results for admission in 2025. Located in Ibadan, Oyo State, UI is known for its prestigious faculties, including Law, Medicine, and Engineering. However, students applying for competitive courses like Medicine may need to confirm if combined results are accepted, as some programs have stricter requirements.

Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU)

OAU, located in Ile-Ife, Osun State, is another federal university that accepts NECO and GCE results. Students can apply with either a single sitting of NECO or GCE or a combination of both to meet the O’level requirements for programs like Dentistry, Engineering, and Social Sciences.

University Of Benin (UNIBEN)

UNIBEN, based in Benin City, Edo State, accepts NECO and GCE results for its undergraduate and diploma programs. The university, known for producing notable alumni, offers flexibility for students combining results to meet admission criteria.

Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK)

Located in Anambra State, UNIZIK accepts NECO and GCE results for its diverse academic programs. With campuses in Awka, Nnewi, and Agulu, the university is a popular choice for students in southeastern Nigeria.

University Of Abuja (UNIABUJA)

UNIABUJA, situated in the Federal Capital Territory, accepts NECO and GCE results across its 12 faculties, including Health Sciences and Law. This makes it an accessible option for students in northern Nigeria and beyond.

Other Notable Institutions

Other universities that accept NECO and GCE in 2025 include Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), University of Jos (UNIJOS), Kwara State University (KWASU), Covenant University, and Babcock University. Private universities like Covenant and Babcock are particularly open to NECO and GCE results, provided candidates meet their specific admission criteria.

However, acceptance varies by institution and program. Students are advised to visit the official websites of their chosen universities to confirm specific entry requirements and whether combined results are allowed.

Key Considerations For 2025

Combining Results: Many Nigerian universities allow students to combine NECO and GCE results to meet the minimum requirement of five O’level credits. However, for competitive courses like Medicine or Law, some institutions may prefer a single sitting or have higher grade expectations. Always check the JAMB brochure or the university’s admission portal for clarity.

Verification: International universities often require official transcripts from NECO to verify results. Ensure your results are authentic and accessible through the NECO portal.

Registration Updates: For NECO GCE 2025, registration began on July 7, 2025, and will end on November 18, 2025, with late registration incurring an additional fee of ₦5,000. The exams will run from November 26 to December 13, 2025, and will be computer-based for 16 selected subjects. Candidates should complete their registration via the official NECO portal (www.neco.gov.ng) (www.neco.gov.ng) and ensure biometric capture is done accurately.

Preparatory Programs: For students whose NECO or GCE results fall short, some universities offer foundation or pre-degree programs that may not require O’level results initially but will require them before advancing to degree programs.

In 2025, NECO and GCE remain vital pathways for Nigerian students seeking admission into universities both at home and abroad. Prestigious institutions like UNN, UI, OAU, UNIBEN, and UNIABUJA, among others, continue to accept these qualifications, offering flexibility for students to combine results where necessary.

To make the most of these opportunities, students should research specific university requirements, verify their results, and complete registrations on time.

By staying informed and prepared, you can confidently take the next step toward your academic dreams with your NECO or GCE results in hand. For the latest updates, always check the official websites of NECO, JAMB, or your chosen university.

1...104105106...2,556Page 105 of 2,556
Kingschat

© 2025 LN247. All Rights Reserved