
FEATURES
International students at the University of Sussex, particularly those from Nigeria, are facing a tense situation regarding tuition fee payments.
The Students’ Union has accused the university of being insensitive to the economic hardships faced by students from the Global South, where inflation and currency devaluation are taking a toll on their ability to pay fees.
It said that the University sent emails on April 15th demanding full payment of outstanding fees by May 31st, adding that the ultimatum has caused distress among many students, with the SU reporting that over 1,000 students have outstanding debts.
One anonymous Nigerian student explained, “We’re willing to meet our obligations, but we’re pleading for the university to grant us some time.
“Since the exchange rate tripled, my monthly income of £800 is barely enough to cover the £182 weekly accommodation, leaving me struggling to survive.”
A similar situation faced by Nigerian students at Teesside University, who were reportedly removed from their courses due to difficulties paying fees.
The university maintains it takes student well-being seriously and has offered various forms of support, including a hardship fund, welfare loans, and access to well-being resources. However, the letter sent to students with outstanding fees mentioned potential consequences of non-payment by the deadline, including revoked access to IT and library services, withheld certificates, and potential debt collection.
“If payment of your fees remains outstanding after May 31 2024, the university may take action to permanently withdraw you from the university,” the letter read in part.
The most concerning consequence, as highlighted by the university, is the possible withdrawal of student visas by UKVI (UK Visas and Immigration) if the university reports their non-payment.
Riko Kunisue, the Students’ Union’s International Students’ Officer, emphasized the significant stress and fear students are experiencing and called for an extension on the deadline.
While acknowledging the challenges faced by some students, the university maintains it is being flexible and has proactively reached out to affected groups.
“No students have been or will be removed from their courses, or from university accommodation this academic year due to their debt.
“We take the wellbeing of our students extremely seriously and understand that some of our students are currently facing challenging circumstances.
“The university is being as flexible as possible and has proactively engaged with those student groups affected. We have also been offering wellbeing and other support, and signposting available financial support in our communications,” she added.
A Federal High Court, Abuja, on Wednesday, discharged the President of Miyetti Allah Kautal Kore, Alhaji Bello Bodejo, of an alleged terrorism charge filed against him by the office of the Attorney-General of the Federation, AGF.
Justice Inyang Ekwo, in a short ruling, discharged Bodejo after counsel for the AGF, Aderonke Imana, moved an oral application for the withdrawal of the three-count charge.
Upon resumed hearing, Imana informed the court that she had an oral application.
The lawyer said the application was pursuant to Section 108 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, ACJA, 2015.
She said the request was further predicated on the power of the AGF under Section 174 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).
“Consequently, the Honourable Attorney-General of the Federation has instructed me to withdraw this charge against the defendant in the interest of justice.
“That is our humble application my lord,” she said.
Bodejo’s lawyer, Ahmed Raji, SAN, did not oppose the application.
The senior lawyer thanked the AGF, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, for his “magnanimous gesture.”
“We urge your lordship to discharge the accused person under the sections referred to by the prosecutor,” Raji said.
Controversial media personality Saida Boj stirred up a storm by expressing her unconventional views on marriage and divorce.
Saida Boj, known for her outspoken nature and controversial opinions, boldly stated that she finds joy in women divorcing their husbands, citing her belief that men are plentiful and easily replaceable.
During the podcast, Saida Boj asserted her stance, explaining that she respects and even feels happy when a woman decides to end her marriage because it likely signifies her unhappiness in the relationship.
The influencer didn’t stop there. Saida Boj went on elaborate on her perspective, claiming that if she desired marriage, she would have tied the knot years ago, emphasizing her belief that men are not scarce commodities.
According to the influencer, men are “cheap,” and she proudly declared having numerous suitors filling her direct messages.
Saida Boj’s comments sparked controversy and divided opinions among listeners and social media users.
Prices of essential food items in Nigeria surged significantly in April 2024 compared to the same period last year, according to the latest Selected Food Price Watch report from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS).
The report revealed a concerning rise in the cost of staple foods across the board. Here’s a breakdown of the price increases:
- Rice: The average price of 1kg of local rice sold jumped a staggering 155.93 per cent year-on-year, reaching N1,399.34 in April 2024. This is compared to N546.76 recorded in April 2023. There was also a slight increase of 3.47 per cent from March 2024.
- Garri: Garri, another Nigerian staple, saw a significant year-on-year price increase of 134.98 per cent. A kilogram of white garri sold rose from N362.50 in April 2023 to N851.81 in April 2024. The price also increased by 13.59 per cent compared to March 2024.
- Tomatoes: The cost of tomatoes also skyrocketed, with a year-on-year increase of 131.58 orr cent. The average price of 1kg of tomatoes reached N1,123.41 in April 2024, compared to N485.10 in April 2023. Additionally, there was a month-on-month rise of 17.06 per cent from March 2024.
- Beans: Similar trends were observed for beans, with a year-on-year price increase of 125.43 per cent. The average price of 1kg of brown beans sold rose from N615.67 in April 2023 to N1,387.90 in April 2024. The price also saw a 12.44 per cent increase compared to March 2024.
- Yam: Yam, a popular root vegetable, was not spared either. The average price of 1kg of yam tubers increased by 154.19 per cent year-on-year, reaching N1,130.37 in April 2024 from N444.69 in April 2023. The price also saw a modest increase of 5.76 per cent compared to March 2024.
These sharp price hikes are likely to put a strain on Nigerian households, especially those with low incomes.
The government may need to consider implementing measures to address the rising cost of food staples and ensure food security for Nigerians.
Nigeria’s first professor of capital market studies, Uche Uwaleke said the inflationary pressure in Nigeria today is more on the food component reflecting the impact of cost push factors arising, especially from high cost of electricity and fuel as well as flooding and insecurity, which continue to impact food supply.
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He said, “There’s also the demand side occasioned by increasing money supply from rising FAAC allocations, fiscal dominance, and CBN’s Ways and Means, which feed into high exchange rates.
“Given these demand and supply inflation dynamics in Nigeria, both monetary, fiscal, and trade policies must be properly coordinated in order to boost production and tame inflation.
“State governments should endeavour to apply the increase in FAAC allocation due to naira devaluation on productive activities.
“The current effort by the government in boosting agriculture through the cultivation of 500,000 hectares of land, including the plan for Agric mechanisation, is a step in the right direction. I equally applaud the plan to set up special security teams to rid our forests of bandits, kidnappers, and insurgents.
“On its part, the CBN should ensure that direct advances to the FG in the form of Ways and Means are curtailed within the ceiling specified in the CBN Act.”
Famous content creator Ogechi Ukonu, popularly known as Caramel Plugg, has captivated her fans with stunning photos as she celebrates her 24th birthday.
The social media influencer took to Instagram to share her joy and reflect on her journey with a heartfelt letter addressed to herself.
In the emotional post, Caramel Plugg expressed deep gratitude and self-pride, thanking God for the strength, grace, and determination that have seen her through challenges.
She prayed for continued blessings, wisdom, peace, and prosperity as she steps into a new year.
The influencer went on to share a series of heartfelt prayers and wishes for herself.
In her words: “DEAR OGE,
I can’t start to explain how proud I am of you. Your strength, grace and determination to carry on regardless can only be from God. This is another year around the sun and The world won’t stop until it meets you, one step a time!
May the heavens continue to pour out blessings
May the angels never leave my sides
May Gratification never depart from my lips
May this new year bring blessings and joy!
May I continue to be the salt of the earth
May the favour of God be at my beck and call
May the blood that was shed on the cross stand for me all my life
May this new age bring me wisdom, peace, happiness and prosperity.
May I never lose my smile and cheerful heart ?
—————-
Happy birthday to me!!!!! ???#24 ?
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Big Brother Naija reality star Alexandra Asogwa, popularly known as Alex Unusual, has left fans in shock with her latest revelation.
Taking to her Snapchat page recently, Alex Unusual shared a surprising detail about herself.
The screen goddess disclosed that she was still a virgin at 28.
Sharing a drink on her Snap, she wrote: “This drink is still a virgin like me.”
Her claims elicited mixed reactions, with many taking to the comment section to express their shock at her statement while others commended her for keeping her virginity intact.
Alex has not been publicly known to be in any romantic relationship since her breakout in 2018 after her appearance on the Big Brother Naija Season 3 reality show.
Recently, there were rumours that she is having an affair with popular comedian, Ayo Makun, aka AY.
However, she debunked the rumours including reports that she is pregnant with AY’s child.
Nollywood actor Mofe Duncan has taken to social media to celebrate his 41st birthday, sharing his gratitude and excitement for the future with fans and followers.
The renowned actor took to his Instagram page to share a photo of himself, capturing the essence of the day and expressing gratitude for the journey so far.
In the heartfelt post, Duncan reflected on the transformative power of time, emphasizing that a lot can happen within a single year, let alone over four decades.
He shared his appreciation for the experiences and growth he has encountered, acknowledging that each year brings its own set of challenges and triumphs.
The actor then extended warm wishes to himself, celebrating what he considers to be the best version of himself yet.
He wrote;
“41 ?A lot can happen in ONE YEAR, now imagine what can happen in FORTY-ONE!. Happy Birthday to the best version of myself yet…”
His caption resonated deeply with his fans and followers, who flooded the comment section with messages of support and admiration.
Many expressed their joy at being able to celebrate this milestone with the beloved actor and praised him for his talent, resilience, and positive outlook.
Actress and producer Ruth Kadiri speaks out about the lack of vaccines for babies in Nigerian hospitals, expressing her frustration and concern.
Ruth Kadiri revealed that her daughter has gone more than a year without being vaccinated, as hospitals continue to face shortages of essential immunization vaccines.
The Nollywood star highlighted that this is a nationwide issue, with mothers across the country struggling to access vaccines for their children.
With a sense of urgency, Kadiri called on the federal government to address this pressing vaccination issue and ensure that all babies receive the necessary immunisations.
Taking to her Instagram account, Kadiri shared her plea:
“My nurse just informed me there are no vacancies for babies at the hospital! Mothers are facing the same vaccination issues.
“Federal Government, please look into this. My daughter needs her immunisation. Over one year and counting. Help our babies o!”
Few months ago, Ruth Kadiri cried out to her fans to help her get her money from a company that wants to advantage of her financial situation.
According to her, she had a business transaction with a body shaper and waist trainer manufacturer, but her items were never delivered, despite her best attempts.
Given the state of the economy, Ruth implored the business to either refund her money or deliver the merchandise.
She bemoaned her frustration and sadness at falling prey to scammers, expressing how difficult it is to gain trust these days and said that none of her communications had been answered.
The distraught actress made her plea to her fans on social media, hoping that they can help her retrieve her money.
With the receipt of transfer made to the company.
Renowned Nigerian actress and comedian Helen Paul recently opened up about her experience securing a visa to move to the United States after facing rejection earlier.
During a conversation with media personality Daddy Freeze, Helen Paul got into the specifics of her relocation to America, shedding light on the challenges she encountered along the way.
She stated that her initial intention was solely to obtain a visiting visa to accompany her husband to see her godfather in Chicago. To her surprise, her visa application was rejected on the same day as her graduation from the University of Lagos.
“”I didn’t know that I was going to relocate, I had only applied for my visiting visa but I got rejected. For what reason? I wasn’t sure, and it was the same day as my PHD graduation from the University of Lagos. My husband wanted us to visit my Godfather in Chicago to celebrate, so when I got the rejection I was surprised and then we spoke to my father who said to get me a lawyer to re-appeal” she recounted.
Upon further investigation, Helen Paul discovered that her previous visa denial was due to her engagement in work during a prior visit to the US.
“When he got us a lawyer the lawyer said ‘I’m going to call you back’ and when she called back she said, ‘I see that you’ve been doing some jobs, you have an account and you haven’t been paying tax.‘” she admitted.
Reflecting on the situation, Helen Paul admitted to her lack of awareness regarding the implications of her work activities while in the US.
“As entertainers, we often lack information on the technicalities of taxes and work permits. Sometimes, we accept gigs abroad without considering the legal consequences, only to face repercussions later on,” she explained.
Ultimately, after revisiting her options with the assistance of her lawyer, Helen Paul was presented with an opportunity for an entertainer visa, which allowed her to stay in the US for one to two years. Encouraged by her godfather’s support, she decided to go ahead with the application.
“I was like ‘Is that it?’ because most times as entertainers we don’t have the information. We come abroad with a visiting visa and we put it on Facebook or Instagram and then we have people calling you to say ‘Come to our bar, party or birthday,’ But when they are paying you, some of them are innocently wicked or they don’t know, they would put your name and account on their tax as a record that they’ve given you a job.
“So we were told to do the visa for entertainers called the J1 visa, it’s a one or two years green card. And then the lawyer called me back saying ‘Congratulations, from your resume you have a PhD from one of the best universities in Nigeria,’ and I said yes. When she got everything from me and we started exchanging emails and my godfather told me to try for it and I did” she concluded.
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Ahead of the first anniversary of President Bola Tinubu’s administration, a group of 84 local and international Civil Society Organisations says at least 4,416 persons were killed.
In contrast, 4,334 others were abducted in incidents of mass atrocities across the country, in the last year, the CSOs said.
The groups said the numbers did not account for the regular crimes like armed robbery and other forms of crime committed in the period, adding that the situation had reduced the citizens’ right to life and dignity guaranteed under Sections 33 and 34 of the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria (as amended), to a mere inscription.
Addressing journalists at a press conference held in Abuja on Tuesday, to mark the 2024 National Day of Mourning, said the insecurity in the country had earned Nigeria a place as one of the most insecure countries in the world, ranking 144th out of 163 countries on the Global Peace Index in 2024.
“Since the commemoration of the last National Day of Mourning #NDOM2023 on May 28th, 2023, and President Tinubu’s first year in office, our records show that at least 4416 people were killed and at least 4334 were abducted in incidents of mass atrocities across the country.
“These numbers do not account for the regular crimes of armed robbery and other forms of crimes within that range.
These incidents of violence have reduced the citizens’ right to life and dignity guaranteed under Sections 33 and 34 of the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria (as amended) to a mere inscription.
“The frequency of these atrocities has kept Nigerians in a state of perpetual fear and uncertainty and is impacting social cohesion, the economy, public health, and education across the country,” the CSOs said.
The press conference was addressed by Lois Auta, Founder of Cedar Seed Foundation; Martins Obono, Executive Director of TAP Initiative; and Frank Tietie, the Executive Director of Citizens Advocacy for Social and Economic Rights, who said the frequency of the atrocities had kept Nigerians in a state of perpetual fear and uncertainty, and impacting social cohesion, the economy, public health, and education across the country.
They further stated that the Northern Central region had accounted for the highest number of fatalities, with at least 1600 lost, the North West came in second place with at least 1,136 fatalities, with Maradun Local Government, a community in Zamfara state, being the most hard-hit after enduring at least five separate incidents of terror in 2023, with at least 118 lives lost.
“While no region of the country has been spared in the past year, the North Central region has accounted for the highest number of fatalities from mass atrocities, with at least 1600 lives claimed in terror pillages, communal clashes, and herdsmen attacks.
“With at least 1,136 deaths, mostly from terror-pillage attacks(banditry), the Northwest came in second.
Particularly hard-hit were communities like Maradun Local Government Area in Zamfara State, which endured at least five separate incidents of terror pillages in 2023 in a series of attacks that claimed at least 118 lives.
“At least 904 people were killed in the Northeast in the past year. Boko Haram/ISWAP activities still account for the highest number of atrocious killings in the Northeast, particularly in Borno State, with pockets of incidents in Yobe and Adamawa states.
“We also noted an upsurge in insurgent group clashes. For example, at least 82 Boko Haram insurgents were killed in an inter-insurgent group clash in Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno State,” the CSOs asserted.
The Southeast recorded the highest number of killings in the Southern part of the country with at least 344 killed, with most of the massacres occurring in Imo and Anambra states.
The groups also noted that the state security personnel also fell victim to violence, with at least 262 personnel killed on active duty, with the number including 110 military and 126 police officers.
They, however, warned President Bola Tinubu, the security service chiefs, and the representatives at the National Assembly that their continued failure to fulfill their constitutional duty would result in our passing a loud and consequential vote of no confidence in them.
The CSOs urged the government to fulfil its constitutional obligations under Section 14(2)(b) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as amended and ensure the security of Nigerians’ lives and property.
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Yunusa Tanko, the spokesman for the Labour Party’s (LP) presidential candidate in the 2023 election, Peter Obi has said that the party has no interest in merging with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
He explained that the party would rather consider allying with the PDP to unseat the current All Progressives Congress-led Federal Government.
According to him, the PDP presidential candidate in the 2023 elections, Atiku Abubakar and Obi must first develop strategies for moving forward, before involving their respective parties.
Tanko stated this in an interview with Punch.
Recall that some weeks back, Obi had met with Atiku in a closed door meeting in Abuja.
Speaking on the development, Tanko argued that any potential merger must adhere to the fundamental principles of the political parties.
He said, “That (merging) would take a technical level and technical vision, and the technical discussion will be done at the party level. But this particular discussion is discussed at the highest level of interest. ‘You are a presidential candidate, I am a presidential candidate, let us reason together on how to solve the problem.’
“So that will dovetail into the issue of merger, then the technical issue of political parties will be done.”
The presidential candidate’s spokesman, however, said merging of political parties requires considering the technicalities, adding that for now, it remained a discussion between two leading candidates.
“Because a merger means that people will leave their political party and be subjected to scrutiny or leave this particular banner, the logo, and their names and adopt new names, logos, and others.
“But an alliance means that you just work together and meet with each other. This is your strength, this is my strength. Let’s do it together and see how it works.
“So, two things happen. Let the leaders first of all agree on that, after which they can drag their political parties into it,” he added.
A lead pastor and founder of an evangelical ministry based in Lagos State, identified simply as Akintunde, has been accused of assaulting his wife, Modupe, who now seeks a dissolution of their union.
According to Modupe, her husband assaulted her after she accused him of infidelity at their home in the Onosa community, Ibeju-Lekki Local Government Area of the state.
The couple’s marriage, blessed with five children, started experiencing challenges when Modupe, on separate occasions, accused her husband of having a romantic affair with two church members, Punch reports.
Modupe claimed that her husband slapped and beat her up for making the accusations and she was hospitalised after losing consciousness during one of the attacks.
She told the publication that her marriage had collapsed as her husband, who accused her of influencing church members to quit as a result of the adultery allegations, had sent her packing from their matrimonial home. As a result, she is seeking a divorce.
Modupe said, “What caused the fight was because I accused him of adultery with female church members. I discovered he had an illicit affair with two female church members but when I confronted him, he threatened and beat me up.
“The first time that I got to know that he was having an illicit affair with a female church member was when I contracted an infection from him. I confronted him about the infection and he told me he was also experiencing similar symptoms.
“We called our nurse and she treated us. The same nurse also treated a female church member for the same infection and informed me about it. That was how I got to know about their romantic affair.”
Modupe said after confronting her husband, their relationship worsened, adding that instead of doing things to improve the condition, the pastor allegedly got into another illicit romantic relationship with another female church member.
She said, “This second incident of confronting my husband over alleged adultery with another female church member happened last year. The fiancé of the female church member got to know about the illicit affairs and he informed some members who stopped worshipping at our church.
“My husband started saying I was using the adultery allegations to influence the church members to leave, whereas it was the fiancé of the church member he was romantically involved with. He became angry and ordered me to pack out. I disagreed because there was no place for me to go.
“But for my safety, I was advised to give him space. I left with some loads and returned around December 2023 to spend the festive period with my children. When he realised I was at home, he locked me in one of the rooms for two hours, despite one of my children begging him.”
The midwife said she left the house and returned in January 2024, adding that sometime in April, she was at her matrimonial home when she took delivery of a lady’s child and her husband, who was bent on her leaving the house, allegedly attacked her till she fainted.
She said, “He slapped me and pressed my neck till I fainted. I woke up with water all over my body. I also saw that people had gathered around me. He kept saying I had overstayed in the house and he wanted me to leave, whereas it was not only his money we used to build the property. I also contributed my money when we started building the property and the church.
“I have left the house to treat myself. I spent a week in hospital and as I am speaking with you, I am still going to the hospital for treatment from home. It has not been easy eating because my neck is still hurting. It was our neighbours who called my family members, who came to take me to the hospital after I regained consciousness.”
Akintunde denied the allegations but said that efforts were on to divorce his wife.
He said, “I didn’t attack her; she was the one who wanted to injure and kill me on that day and I have my evidence. She wanted to cut my private parts. She once told me that if my organ is not working for her, it won’t work for anybody again.
“She reported the case at the Epe Division; she should sue me in court, I have my evidence. We went to the Epe Division and when we were asked to meet at the court on Monday, May 6, 2024, I went there but she and her family members didn’t come.”
Regarding infidelity allegations with female church members, Akintunde said, “I am a pastor and I have a congregation and she used to bully everyone that she saw me with. I wanted to divorce her and she had already packed her load out of the house but she later returned her load.”
Reacting to the allegation about contracting an infection from a nurse and infecting her, Akintunde said, “She is not well. Thank God the nurse is still alive. She is going beyond her capacity. If not for our children, I would have taken her to a criminal court. I want to divorce her and the case is already in court.”
The state Police Public Relations Officer, Benjamin Hundeyin, confirmed to the publication that the case had been charged to court.
He said, “The case was charged to court last Thursday. There was evidence he (Akintunde) assaulted his wife and it was on that basis that we charged the case to court.”



The appointments were made public in a statement issued on Tuesday by the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi.
The statement noted that the posting of the two senior officers to strategic positions within the Police Force is part of ongoing efforts to bolster the efficiency of the Force and multinational approach to tackling crimes.
In her new capacity, AIG Longe will oversee the secretarial functions of the Force Headquarters, ensure that the IGP’s policies and directives are implemented effectively, and coordinate the affairs of senior police officers.
AIG Owohunwa, on his part, will work on enhancing international police cooperation and ensuring that Nigeria fulfills its obligations within the global INTERPOL framework.
According to the statement, “The Inspector General of Police while commending the senior police officers for their dedication and service to the Nigeria Police Force, emphasized that their new assignments is a proof of their exceptional abilities and the trust the Force places in their capabilities.”
Adejobi said the postings are with immediate effect and follow the retirement of their predecessors.