Author: TheLagosianMagazine

By Peter Omopo The National Universities Commission (NUC) has issued new guidelines regulating the conferment of honorary degrees in Nigerian universities, including a directive prohibiting recipients from using the title “Dr.” before their names. The commission said the move is aimed at curbing what it described as the indiscriminate award of honorary titles and preserving the integrity of academic honours within the Nigerian university system. Under the new rules, only universities that have successfully graduated their first set of PhD students are eligible to confer honorary degrees. The NUC also stated that recipients must use appropriate post-nominal designations such as…

By Peter Omopo Key political figures, including David Mark, Peter Obi, and Rotimi Amaechi, have arrived in Kano ahead of the formal defection of former presidential candidate Rabiu Kwankwaso to the African Democratic Congress (ADC). Kwankwaso, who was the presidential candidate of the New Nigeria People’s Party in the 2023 general elections, had earlier announced his resignation from the party, citing the need for what he described as a “strategic realignment” in response to the country’s evolving political landscape. In a statement released on Sunday, the former Kano State governor expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve as the party’s…

By Peter Omopo The United States Embassy in Nigeria has reiterated that visa restrictions imposed by the U.S. government are not permanent, stressing that travel policies are subject to periodic review. In a statement shared on its verified X handle on Monday, the embassy noted that visa decisions are continuously reassessed in line with evolving security and immigration standards, adding that such measures can be adjusted or lifted over time. According to the embassy, strengthening systems around screening, vetting, identity management, and information-sharing remains central to ensuring safer and more efficient travel processes. The clarification comes amid ongoing global concerns…

By Peter Omopo The family of the late Oluwakemi Oyeteju James has announced the burial arrangements for the businesswoman, who passed away on March 12, 2026. In a statement released on Sunday by her husband, Michael James, a journalist and Senior Special Assistant (Lagos Liaison) to the Akwa Ibom State Governor, the funeral rites are scheduled to hold over two days, March 31 and April 1, 2026. According to the statement, a Service of Songs will take place on Tuesday, March 31, at the Stella Hall of Daystar Christian Centre, located on Ikosi Road, Oregun, Lagos, between 4 p.m. and…

By Asiwaju Dele Taiwo In today’s hyper-connected world, our words travel faster than ever. One post or comment can uplift hearts or wound souls. The legacy we leave online is shaped by what we say because negativity, gossip, and careless words don’t just harm others; they also affect our relationships, reputation, and inner peace. Every word is a seed: plant bitterness and it grows, sow encouragement, and joy blooms. Social media is a platform of influence, not destruction, so let your voice uplift, heal, and bring light. Choose kindness over criticism, speak life instead of poison, and use your words…

By Peter Omopo Veron Mosengo-Omba, General Secretary of the Confederation of African Football (CAF), has resigned from his position amid growing controversy surrounding recent decisions involving major continental tournaments. Mosengo-Omba announced his retirement in a statement on Sunday, noting that he was stepping down after addressing allegations and controversies that had trailed his tenure. His exit comes at a time when CAF is grappling with a crisis of confidence following disputes over the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final and the postponement of the women’s tournament. The outgoing secretary general, who served as deputy to CAF President Patrice Motsepe,…

By Peter Omopo The political relationship between former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has undergone a dramatic shift, evolving from years of rivalry to strategic alliance and eventually a deep rupture marked by political and legal tensions. Before the 2023 general election, El-Rufai was known as a vocal critic of Tinubu, frequently opposing his influence within the All Progressives Congress (APC). His alignment with former President Muhammadu Buhari strengthened his standing within the party and positioned him as a counterweight to Tinubu’s dominance, particularly in Lagos politics. In 2019 and 2020, El-Rufai publicly criticised what…

By Peter Omopo The remains of Hajiya Umma El-Rufai, mother of former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, have arrived in Nigeria ahead of her burial scheduled for 1 p.m. on Sunday in Abuja. The development was confirmed in a statement shared on social media by her grandson, Mohammed Bello El-Rufai, who announced that the body had safely landed in the Federal Capital Territory. According to the statement, funeral prayers will be held at the National Mosque Abuja, after which she will be laid to rest at the Gudu Cemetery. Hajiya Umma passed away on Friday in Cairo, Egypt, following a…

By Peter Omopo The Chairman of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, has congratulated Thelma Ekiyor-Solanke on her appointment as the first Black International Chief Executive Officer of Women for Women International. In a statement issued on Sunday, Dabiri-Erewa described the appointment as a defining moment for Nigeria and the global diaspora, noting that it reflects the growing influence and excellence of Nigerians on the world stage. The statement, signed by Abdur-Rahman Balogun, Head of Media, Public Relations and Protocol Unit of the commission, highlighted Ekiyor-Solanke’s extensive experience in economic empowerment, gender advocacy, and sustainable development. According to Dabiri-Erewa,…

By Peter Omopo Vice President Kashim Shettima, Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke, and Ebonyi State Governor Francis Nwifuru have joined other prominent Nigerians in celebrating President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on his 74th birthday, highlighting achievements recorded under his administration. In a statement issued on Sunday, the Vice President commended the President’s leadership, noting that the Renewed Hope Agenda has continued to reposition the country for sustainable economic growth and stability. He pointed to improvements in key economic indicators, including GDP growth, declining inflation, and increased foreign direct investment. Shettima also praised the President’s commitment to infrastructure development, describing it as…