Joseph Oloyede, a Nigerian traditional ruler and dual U.S. citizen, has been ordered to forfeit millions in cash and property following his conviction in a $4.2 million COVID-19 relief fraud case.

Oloyede, who holds the title of Apetu of Ipetumodu in Osun State, Nigeria, pleaded guilty on April 24 to 13 counts of fraud.

Although he is still awaiting sentencing, the U.S. government moved to seize assets tied to the case—a motion granted on May 5 by Judge Christopher Boyko of the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Ohio.

Among the assets forfeited is a property located in Medina County, Ohio, which was purchased in May 2021 under the name of his wife, Sherri Oloyede.

As part of a plea agreement aimed at minimizing his sentence, both Joseph and Sherri Oloyede agreed not to challenge the forfeiture.

Joseph Oloyede also waived his right to appeal the court’s decision.

Additionally, the court ordered the forfeiture of $96,006.89 from a JP Morgan Chase bank account held by Joseph Oloyede and Associates Ltd., also included in the plea deal.

Oloyede was arrested on May 4, 2024, after investigators uncovered his role in a fraudulent scheme involving six companies used to secure COVID-19 relief loans under false pretenses.

In June 2020 alone, he obtained more than $100,000 for four of those companies using fabricated information.

By October 2021, he had fraudulently secured another $1 million in loans through JO&A and Available Transportation.

His sentencing is expected later this year.

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo, Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State, and the Ooni of Ife, Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, have called for the urgent end to abject poverty across Africa.

Obasanjo insisted that if China could lift 700 million people out of poverty, Nigeria ought not to have anything to do with abject poverty. 

Speaking during Dele Momodu’s leadership lecture, ‘How to end hunger and poverty in Africa,’ Chief Obasanjo, in his keynote address, posited that “before we talk about food, security is key.”

While proffering a lasting solution to hunger across Africa, Obasanjo insisted that “education is one of the tools we can use to banish poverty. Where there’s no education, invariably, there will be poverty.

He posited that leadership is removed from banishing abject poverty: “In all works of life, we must have leaders whose characters display ‘communality’.

“Leadership is the greatest ingredient for ending poverty. There’s no human endeavour that does not thrive on leadership.

“To get it right, we must ensure no child is uneducated.

“Nigeria can eliminate hunger and poverty with integrity, discipline and good governance.

We can do it if China can lift 700 million people out of poverty.

“Nigeria should have no business with abject poverty. If we don’t take responsibility, we all sit on a gunpowder keg.

Until we banish poverty in Africa, international communities will not recognize us as a serious continent.” He said

While congratulating President Obasanjo on his submission, the Ooni of Ife urged everyone to be patriotic by collaborating with the government.

He said, “If we want to break poverty in this country, we have to be patriotic in all ramifications. From the food we eat to the clothes we wear. We may not get it right at first, but in a short time we would be the envy of the world.”

For his part, Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State, while congratulating Chief Momodu for his leadership centre in Ibadan, Oyo State, maintained that most political officeholders are too big to reach out to guardians.

“The problem we have is that people don’t have the fear of God. I invited President Obasanjo twice to Osun State to inspect the rapid development I am bringing there.

I am trying to build the Atlanta standard of spaghetti junction.” He said.

The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, has assured Nigerians that the military is dedicated to tackling the recent surge in insecurity, announcing key measures aimed at strengthening the country’s defence capabilities.

Speaking to State House correspondents after a closed-door meeting with President Bola Tinubu and other defence chiefs at the Aso Rock Villa, General Musa revealed that President Tinubu had approved the acquisition of additional air assets to bolster the fight against insurgency.

He confirmed that new equipment had already been procured to intensify efforts against terrorists, who have escalated their attacks, particularly in the northern region.

“Mr. President has given a directive on what to do next to intensify all efforts, and we are collaborating with all our neighboring countries. The porous nature of our borders is exacerbating the security issues,” General Musa said.

General Musa further explained that the ongoing efforts include enhancing military operations across various theaters, with a specific focus on acquiring air assets and other vital security equipment.

He highlighted that the government is equally focusing on non-kinetic measures, which include improving community development to combat insecurity at the grassroots level.

“The President is looking at engaging with governors to ensure that the dividends of democracy reach the people, which will help to reduce insecurity,” he added.

The CDS linked the rise in insecurity to a broader global effort by terrorists and jihadists operating in the Sahel region, noting that Nigeria’s porous borders are a contributing factor to the growing threat.

He emphasized that the ongoing discussions with President Tinubu were aimed at reviewing and addressing the country’s security challenges.

“Mr. President is deeply concerned about the current developments and is determined to resolve them. We, the security chiefs, have assured him of our commitment and continuous efforts to bring the situation under control,” General Musa stated.

General Musa urged Nigerians to continue supporting the security agencies in their efforts to combat insurgency. He also warned citizens to remain cautious about fake news, pointing out the circulation of videos from other countries on social media falsely depicting events in Nigeria.

“It is important that we all cooperate with the members of the Armed Forces and security agencies. If we see something that is going wrong anywhere in the country, let us report, action will be taken, including our own personnel.

“If we see them doing what is not supposed to be done, we should report and action will be taken,” he said.

Chairman of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Abike Dabiri-Erewa, has urged the Federal Government to take action against human trafficking in Nigeria.

Naija News reports that in a statement on Friday, signed by the Media, Public Relations and Protocols Unit, Gabriel Odu, Dabiri-Erewa, during a strategic meeting with the Director-General, National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), Binta Adamu Bello, at NiDCOM Headquarters in Abuja, said while progress has been made towards stopping human trafficking, more needs to be done.

She stressed that traffickers should be named and shamed, while stricter penalties should be enforced to serve as a deterrent to other criminal actors.

Dabiri-Erewa said NAPTIP cannot work alone and called for closer collaboration with NiDCOM, the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI), and other sister agencies, to curb the menace of human trafficking.

The NiDCOM boss appreciated the support of the First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, the International Organization for Migration (IOM), neighbouring governments, Nigerian Diaspora Communities, and NGOs for helping to rescue and reintegrate trafficked victims.

While commending the NAPTIP DG for her dedication and continued support, Dabiri-Erewa added, “We will continue to do our best to save these young ones and encourage safe and regular pathways for migration”.

On her part, Bello thanked Dabiri-Erewa for NiDCOM’s support, especially in the recent rescue of 231 young Nigerians from Ghana.

According to her, tackling human trafficking requires joint action from the government, society, and key stakeholders.

Bello assured that the Agency will continue to protect the rights and dignity of Nigerians against trafficking in persons.

She added, “We rescued last week 19 girls all pregnant for one man in an estate in Abuja, received 9 girls from Cote D’ivoire, and other sordid stories to mention here.”

Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, has attributed the recent resurgence of Boko Haram and ISWAP attacks in the country’s northeast to a “global push by terrorists and jihadists” across the Sahel region.

Speaking to correspondents on Friday after a meeting with President Bola Tinubu at the State House in Abuja, Musa assured Nigerians that security forces were “on top of our game” despite the recent spate of attacks.

“What has happened of recent is that there’s a global push by terrorists and jihadists all over the Sahel area, and that pressure is what actually came into Nigeria because of the nature of our porous borders,” Musa explained.

President Tinubu is believed to have convened the meeting in response to a series of attacks by Boko Haram and ISWAP insurgents in Borno State earlier this week.

Between Monday and Tuesday, insurgents reportedly attacked four military bases, killed soldiers and seized military equipment.

In Marte, late Monday night, suspected ISWAP members reportedly killed seven soldiers and seized three gun trucks.

Less than 24 hours later, insurgents launched attacks on three additional military bases in Dikwa, Rann, and Gajiram.

Musa revealed that President Tinubu has issued directives to intensify security efforts and enhance collaboration with neighbouring countries to address the cross-border nature of the threat.

“Mr. President has given directives as to what to do next for us to intensify our efforts, collaborate with all our sister countries around, because it is the porous nature that is coming there that is actually aggravating our own issues on the ground,” he said.

The CDS also disclosed that the president has approved the acquisition of new air assets and other security equipment to strengthen the military’s capabilities.

Musa said that beyond military action, the administration is also focusing on non-kinetic approaches, including extending “dividends of democracy” to affected communities.

“The president is also looking at the aspect of also discussing with the (state) government for their own support, buying in, ensuring that dividends of democracy also extend to the communities to be able to stamp down the issue of insecurity,” he said.

The CDS further urged Nigerians to be wary of fake news, noting that many videos being circulated are either from other countries or old footage being presented as current events.

“A lot of fake news has been spread out, making it look, most of the videos being circulated are videos from other countries, or old videos, making it look as if it is new,” he cautioned.

The CDS assured residents of affected states, including Borno and Plateau, that security agencies are working closely with state governors to address security challenges.

“Everyone has a role to play in ensuring that there’s peace in Nigeria. And that’s what we try to push and that’s what we’re doing,” he added.

On Tuesday, the Senate urged the military to swiftly redeploy sufficient personnel to the North-East following the killing of soldiers in Marte town of Borno.

The upper chamber asked the military to ensure that they are adequately equipped with modern technology to effectively address the resurgence of Boko Haram.

It also mandated the Committee on Army and Air Force to ensure compliance.

Resolutions of the Senate on Tuesday were sequel to a motion titled, “The Resurgence of Boko Haram in Borno and Yobe”.

The motion was moved by the Senate Chief Whip, Senator Mohammed Monguno from Borno State, and co-sponsored by other Senators from Borno and Yobe.

In his presentation of the motion, Monguno noted that a few years ago, two-thirds of the Local Government Areas in Borno were under the control of Boko Haram.

“But with the concerted efforts of the military and Civilian Joint Task Force, the areas were reclaimed, restoring freedom and liberty for the residents.

“After that, relative peace was restored in Borno and Yobe, the military relocated their tactical command of operations to the North-West to address issues of kidnapping and banditry in the region.

“On Monday, May 12, the insurgents attacked and killed more than 12 soldiers in Marte town of Marte Local Government Area,” he said.

He expressed concerns that the country is experiencing a resurgence of Boko Haram, marked by increased attacks targeting communities, including those recently resettled, and regaining strength after years of conflict.

“The insurgents have employed more modern technology, including the use of drones, to unleash attacks on villages and communities in the states.

“The sect has resorted to planting Improvised Explosive Devices (IED) at strategic areas, which, when they explode, always result in high casualties and obstruct vehicular movement,” he noted.

Monguno said there was a need to return military operations in full force to Borno and Yobe and equip them with the needed technology to counter the nefarious activities of insurgents.

“A strong presence of the military in the North-East zone will effectively curb a resurgence of Boko Haram,” he said.

The Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) has distributed a total of N1.681tn as revenue generated in April 2025 to the Federal Government, 36 states, and 774 local government councils.

This was disclosed in a communiqué issued after the FAAC meeting held in Abuja on Friday.

According to the statement from the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation, the shared amount comprises statutory revenue of N962.88bn, Value Added Tax (VAT) revenue of N598.07bn, Electronic Money Transfer Levy (EMTL) revenue of N38.86bn, and Exchange Difference of N81.4bn.

The communiqué revealed that the gross revenue available for April stood at N2.848tn, from which N101.051bn was deducted for the cost of collection, and N1.066tn accounted for transfers, interventions, refunds, and savings.

Gross statutory revenue for April rose to N2.085tn, showing an increase of N365.595bn compared to the N1.719tn recorded in March 2025. Similarly, VAT revenue rose slightly from N637.618bn in March to N642.265bn in April, an increase of N4.647bn.

From the total distributable revenue of N1.681tn, allocations were made as follows: Federal Government (N565.307bn), State Governments (N556.74bn), Local Government Councils (N406.62bn) and 13 per cent Derivation Revenue to Oil-Producing States (N152.55bn)

Of the statutory revenue of N962.882bn, the Federal Government received N431.307bn, states received N218.765bn, local governments received N168.659bn, and oil-producing states received N144.151bn as derivation revenue.

Under the N38.862bn EMTL, the federal government received N5.829bn, the states got N19.431bn, and local governments received N13.602bn.

President Bola Tinubu on Friday highlighted education and healthcare as central priorities for his administration during a meeting with the newly crowned 46th Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Owoade I, at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.

Naija News reports that the President also stressed the crucial role of traditional institutions in Nigeria’s development and called for greater collaboration to implement policies that directly benefit the populace.

In a statement issued by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu expressed his heartfelt congratulations to Oba Owoade I on his ascension to the throne.

Tinubu referred to the royal ascension as a historic moment, underscoring that it was not only the will of God but also the desire of the people.

“It is a great joy for me and a great honour. Your ascendancy to the throne of your fathers is historic. It is the will of God and the heart of the people,” Tinubu remarked during the meeting.

He further likened Oba Owoade’s rise to the throne to his own presidency, stating, “The inherited tradition is the making of the Almighty God. Your ascendancy to the throne, like my becoming a president, is the divine will of the Almighty God.”

President Tinubu acknowledged the challenges faced by both himself and the Alaafin in their respective journeys to their high offices, calling them part of the preparation for their leadership roles.

He commended the traditional council for the smooth nomination and crowning of Oba Owoade I, following the passing of Oba Lamidi Adeyemi in April 2022.

“I am happy that you have shown character and discipline and uplifted your people’s name, values, and culture, even when you were in Canada. I am glad you have become a hope of sustaining the Yoruba race,” he said.

The President reiterated his administration’s commitment to working closely with traditional institutions to improve the lives of citizens, emphasizing the need for inclusiveness in national development.

“The peace and stability of our nation require inclusiveness. This job is not one you can do alone. We have to pull ourselves together to build a nation of prosperity,” Tinubu stated.

He concluded by reaffirming that the administration’s priority would remain “education and Medicare. We want to uplift education and cultural values. Our door is open for participation.”

Oba Owoade Assures Tinubu Of Traditional Support

In his remarks, Oba Owoade assured President Tinubu of the traditional council’s full support in helping to achieve his mandate for the Nigerian people.

“Today, I speak not just as the custodian of culture and tradition but as a voice for my people, who are deeply honoured by the audience you have granted us here at the heart of the national leadership,” the Alaafin said.

He praised the President’s character, noting, “Your gracious reception is more than protocol. It is a mark of your character, statesmanship, and enduring regard for the traditional institutions.”

Oba Owoade also spoke highly of Tinubu’s journey, recalling the President’s rise through political struggle and his wide-reaching influence. “You won many hearts as an activist, strategist, bridge builder and now as the nation’s foremost leader,” the Alaafin said.

The monarch emphasized the country’s expectations for the President’s leadership, saying, “Nigeria looks up to you, not only for leadership but for restoration. For a new vision rooted in justice, equity and inclusive progress. It is in that spirit that I have come to seek your collaboration. Oyo is ready, Yoruba are ready, and Nigerians are ready.”

Oba Owoade further lauded Tinubu for his bold economic reforms, infrastructural development, social welfare initiatives, youth empowerment, security improvements, and investments in agriculture.

He concluded by stressing the importance of collaboration between traditional and modern governance, stating, “We understand that national transformation is not by government alone. It is built when ancient wisdom meets modern governance. When institutions, old and new, work hand-in-hand.”

The Senate President, Godwill Akpabio on Friday said the The Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) umbrella can no longer protect the people, stating that there will be no political party in Akwa Ibom come the 2027 general election.

The Senate President said this during his midterm empowerment briefing held at Ikot Ekpene township stadium.

“As I speak with you, there is nothing like a political party in 2027 in Akwa Ibom State again. For the Senate of Ikot-Ekpene Senatorial District, all political parties have collapsed to vote for Senator Godswill Akpabio. For the office of the governor in 2027, all political parties have agreed to vote for Governor Umo Eno. Akwa Ibom has moved to vote for President Bola Tinubu, Eno for governor of Akwa Ibom State, and Senator Akpabio for Senate.

“The Peoples Democratic Party is in shreds and the umbrella can no longer protect,” he said.

Akpabio represents Akwa Ibom North West Senatorial District in the Nigerian Senate.

The Federal Government has commenced a revalidation exercise of the National Social Register as part of efforts to strengthen the ongoing conditional cash transfer programme aimed at cushioning the impact of economic reforms.

So far, a total of 2.3 million households have been confirmed and cleared for payment under the renewed scheme.

The Director General of the National Identity Management Commission, Abisoye Coker-Odusote, disclosed this at a recent press briefing held at the agency’s headquarters in Abuja.

The revalidation exercise comes amid concerns raised by the World Bank over the slow implementation of the cash transfer programme, which was launched in 2023, following the removal of petrol subsidy and unification of the foreign exchange market.

In its latest Nigeria Development Update report titled “Building Momentum for Inclusive Growth”, the global financial institution noted that only 37 per cent of the intended 15 million households, approximately 5.6 million had received payments two years after the programme was launched.

The World Bank had approved a $800m loan for the initiative, out of which $530m had been disbursed as of April 30, 2025.

The World Bank said, “Only 5.6 million households—around 37 per cent—have received at least one tranche of direct transfers. Further expansion of the programme remains dependent on biometrically verifying at least one adult member of the household with a foundational digital identity. Also, efforts to urgently provide support to the poorest and most economically at-risk households should be redoubled and expanded,” the bank noted.

However, Coker-Odusote, who is a member of the inter-agency task force overseeing the identity verification process for the programme, stated that the revalidation was being carried out under the National Social Safety Nets project to ensure that only eligible Nigerians benefit from the government’s palliative initiative.

“The Federal Government is currently conducting a revalidation exercise on the national social register under the National Social Safety Net, so that they are able to carry out the payment,” she said.

“As of Tuesday, we have been able to revalidate 2.3 million persons and will soon be able to start making the necessary payments. Our job is to ensure the number of people validated, and we are doing that in conjunction with other agencies to make sure that the money goes to the right people.”

She stressed the importance of accurate identity verification in delivering targeted interventions, noting that the exercise is rigorous to avoid misallocation of funds.

“We don’t want to pay people who no longer exist in this world. So, the right thing must be done, and I want to emphasise that.

“This is the reason for identity, ensuring there is a verifiable source of truth and identity credentials that you can use to validate the identity of someone, and that person can also use it to authenticate who he or she says, they are in real time,” she added.

Also commenting on the issue, Special Adviser to President Tinubu on Economic Affairs, Tope Fasua, in an interview with Arise TV, attributed the slow progress of the programme to the need for biometric validation, a step he described as necessary to ensure transparency and prevent fraud.

“If you know how the World Bank disburses its funds, they are very careful, and indeed, some persons would even argue that it creates some sort of bottlenecks.

“The reason why only 37 per cent of households have been reached is because of the need to have biometric confirmation. The truth is, the finance ministry has records of disbursements and the indigent beneficiaries. The only issue is scaling it up, but it is better to be careful than sorry. Going forward, the process will be tidied up even better,” Fasua said.

Fasua urged patience, stating that the integrity of the process was more important than speed, particularly when dealing with public funds meant for vulnerable citizens.

The dream of some Nigerian youths to relocate to the United Kingdom for work or academic pursuits is turning into a mirage following the recent unveiling of a controversial White Paper by the British government aimed at curbing net migration.

The proposed reforms, which have triggered reactions across the globe, are forcing a major rethink among prospective immigrants and those already navigating life in the UK.

The British Prime Minister, Keir Starmer, on Monday, presented the 2025 Immigration White Paper, titled, ‘Restoring Control over the Immigration System.’

The policy document outlines ambitious plans to slash net migration by 100,000 annually, with significant changes impacting work, study, family, and asylum routes. 

According to the document, prospective and current immigrants will face an extended settlement period, a higher skilled worker threshold, a shortened post-study work visa duration, and more stringent English language requirements.

The White Paper is not yet a policy.

A bill is expected to be drafted based on feedback from the document, which will go through the parliament for consideration before it is passed into law and implemented.

However, the document has been met with widespread dismay, as many Nigerians lamented that the window for relocation is rapidly closing.

A particularly concerning clause in the paper states, “Legislation will be brought in to make clear that the government and parliament, not courts, determine who should stay, tackling misuse of Article 8 (right to family life) to block deportations.”

Tougher conditions for workers, students

In a bid to reduce work-related migration, the UK government will now mandate that skilled workers possess university certificates and meet new, higher salary thresholds to qualify for visas.

The White Paper noted that the UK was turning into an “Island of strangers,” and announced that the “Immigration Skills Charge, paid by sponsors, will rise by 32 per cent for the first time since 2017, in line with inflation.”

The social care sector, a significant employer of Nigerian immigrants, also faces a severe clampdown.

The paper states, “Social care visas will close to new overseas applicants; people already in the UK with work rights can extend or switch visas until 2028, subject to review.”

International students and their sponsoring universities are not spared. Graduates will now only be permitted to stay in the UK for 18 months post-study, down from the current two years.

A levy on income from international students is also under consideration, with funds potentially redirected towards domestic skills training.

Sponsoring institutions will face stricter compliance, needing to demonstrate at least a 95 per cent course enrolment rate and a 90 per cent completion rate.

Furthermore, the default route to permanent settlement will be extended to 10 years, unless an individual makes “notable economic or social contributions.”

Nigerians eye alternative destinations

A senior lecturer at Nottingham Trent University, England, Dr. Oyedele Ogundana, advised Nigerians to critically reassess their UK plans in light of the stricter requirements.

He said, “Given the UK’s new immigration policies, such as extending residency requirements from five to 10 years, stricter English language criteria, and halting new social care visas, Nigerians should reassess their plans.”

“Countries like Germany, Portugal, Australia, and Canada offer more accommodating immigration policies. Germany is actively recruiting skilled workers; Canada and Portugal have a welcoming environment for African immigrants; Australia offers favourable conditions for skilled migrants and students.”

For those already in the UK, Ogundana recommended seeking legal counsel to understand their rights under the proposed policy.

Despite the stringent measures, some believe Nigerians in the UK can still adapt.

A London-based Nigerian attorney, Mrs Efuru Nwapa, noted that Prime Minister Starmer was under considerable pressure to regulate immigration.

“The British PM is under pressure to control immigration, and one of the strategies is to limit the number of legal migrants, which would, in turn, ease the pressure on public services,” she explained.

“Nigerians who want to relocate to the UK through the skilled worker route should ensure they meet the eligibility criteria, such as having at least a degree qualification.

“I do not believe that the contracts of Nigerians already in the UK working in relevant sectors would be terminated, but the contracts may not be renewed. Therefore, they should enrol in courses to meet the new eligibility criteria.”

A travel agent in London, Mrs. Elizabeth Nwachukwu, suggested that the policy might face review due to backlash from immigrants.

“I understand the panic among those affected, but the policy could still be thoroughly examined if more people stand against it. Meanwhile, Luxembourg and Scotland have fairer social care worker schemes, which Nigerians can explore.”

Upskilling and strategic planning

The President of the American Academy of Optometry, African chapter, Dr Uchechukwu Osuagwu, emphasised the importance of upskilling.

He advised Nigerians to “focus on high-demand and high-skilled professions that remain open to international recruitment, particularly in technology, engineering, and healthcare,” and to “pursue further education or certifications that align with the UK’s skill requirements.”

For social care workers already in the UK, he suggested they “engage with employers about sponsorship options and consider upskilling themselves to transition into roles less affected by policy changes.”

With the residency period extended, Dr Osuagwu stressed that “maintaining a good record of contributions to society is critical to strengthen future applications. Always pay taxes and keep records transparent and clean.”

He also recommended Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Germany, and Ireland as alternatives.

“Germany just introduced the Skilled Migration Act, which allows easy access for qualified professionals, especially in engineering and IT,” he noted.

‘Stay in your country’

A Nigeria-based immigration lawyer, Yemi Opemuti, predicted that the policy could reduce Nigerian emigration to the UK by 50 per cent or more.

He described it as a reflection of a broader Western trend to “reduce the influx of legal migrants by imposing stricter conditions and discouraging long-term settlement by foreign nationals, especially from developing countries like Nigeria.”

Opemuti highlighted the severe restrictions on the student visa route.

“Before now, the reservation fund for international students used to be between £28,000 and £29,000, but it has increased to £38,000 or £39,000. The implication is that a Nigerian hoping to study in the UK may now need between N15m and N20m as a reservation fund,” he explained.

“Now, it’s going to almost N45m or N50m, which will make it harder for Nigerians to travel to the UK through the study route.

“To me, what this is telling us is that these countries want us to stay in our country,” Opemuti stated, acknowledging that determined individuals would likely seek opportunities in EU countries like Germany and France, or even Australia and parts of Asia.”

He advised Nigerians to focus on building sustainable livelihoods at home before considering relocation amid such challenging global immigration climates.

Some Nigerian youths, who took to social media, criticised the move by the Labour Party.

On X, one J Adams wrote, “The same people who colonised us, exploited our resources, and reshaped our systems are now the ones setting up hurdles for our freedom of movement. History has a way of repeating itself, just in different forms.”

According to Allan Lawrence on Facebook, “They need your school fees, which you will pay to study, but they don’t need you to live in their country to work.”

“It is not negotiable to develop our continent. It is staring at us now. No hiding place anymore,” Oyinbo Adeniyi said on Facebook.

Another Facebook user, Ade BusyTee, said there was nothing unusual in the plan.

“Same with care and studying. Don’t worry, they will come back to reverse it again. Those employed to give care can’t survive 10 years in care homes with the loads of work and pay. They will come back for more soon,” he added.