🇳🇬NigeriaWest Africa
American University of Nigeria's impact on Northern Nigeria
via Punch Nigeria11 min read
Margee Ensign, former President of the American University of Nigeria AUN, Yola, detailed the university's mission as "Africa’s development university" and its commitment to benefiting the local community. Ensign, who led AUN from 2010 to 2017 and again from 2021 to 2022, highlighted how the institution's focus on community engagement was crucial for its survival amidst threats from Boko Haram. AUN, located in rural northeastern Nigeria, established the Adamawa Peace Initiative in 2012, bringing together Muslim and Christian leaders, businesspeople, and youth leaders. This initiative focused on engaging youth, promoting religion as an instrument of peace, empowering women, and emphasizing education as the foundation of society. Programs like Feed and Read aimed to reduce hunger and increase literacy among street children, while Peace through Sports united youth from diverse backgrounds. The Technology-Enhanced Learning for All initiative helped over 20,000 internally displaced children learn to read via radio. AUN also provided the Library on a Flash program to local hospitals for medical research access. The university granted scholarships to 21 young women who escaped Boko Haram. When 300,000 refugees arrived in Yola in 2014, AUN utilized its community relationships to provide food and housing, and opened its facilities to students from a destroyed university. Ensign noted that every department at AUN integrated community-based projects into its curriculum, including entrep
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Wema Bank and EIB Global, the European Investment Bank’s development arm, have signed a €50m financing agreement to enhance credit access for Small and Medium-sized Enterprises in Nigeria. The facility, signed on June 19, 2026, at Wema Bank’s Lagos headquarters, is the first transaction between the two entities. It aims to support eligible Nigerian businesses, with at least 50 percent of the loans designated for youth-owned enterprises to foster entrepreneurship and job creation. The remaining 50 percent will target businesses owned, managed, employing, or primarily serving women. This initiative is supported by the European Union’s Global Gateway programme and aligns with Nigeria’s Financial Inclusion Strategy. EIB Global will also provide technical assistance to Wema Bank through its Greening the Financial Sector programme to strengthen climate-related lending and promote environmentally sustainable investments. Beneficiaries include qualifying Wema Bank customers and graduates of selected accelerator programs, such as the Investing in Young Businesses in Africa initiative. EIB Vice President Ambroise Fayolle stated the agreement promotes youth employment and gender inclusion, while Wema Bank Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Moruf Oseni highlighted the facility’s role in deepening support for underserved economic segments and addressing gender gaps. The partnership reflects a shared commitment to youth employment, gender equality, access to finance for women en
Must ReadA Federal High Court judge, Peter Lifu, ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission to deregister five opposition political parties: Accord Party, Action Alliance, Action Peoples Party, African Democratic Congress, and Zenith Labour Party. This ruling occurred despite a May 22 stay of execution order from the Court of Appeal, which had prevented the Federal High Court from delivering its judgment on June 5. The National Forum of Former Legislators brought the case, arguing that these parties failed to meet constitutional electoral performance thresholds outlined in Section 225A of the 1999 Constitution, the Electoral Act 2022, and INEC regulations. The NFFL contended that allowing these parties to participate in the 2027 elections would undermine electoral integrity, as they did not secure 25 percent of votes in the 2023 general elections and subsequent polls. The Punch Editorial Board views this high court ruling as an act of insubordination, questioning its timing and potential to further destabilize the political landscape, especially given perceptions of a drift towards a one-party state. The deregistration could be seen as an attempt to exclude strong opposition candidates, such as former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar of the ADC and Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke of Accord. The Court of Appeal's stay of execution aimed to allow the higher court to adjudicate the suit and prevent confusion in upcoming elections. INEC has since approached the Court of Appeal
Last Sunday, churches across Nigeria celebrated Father’s Day with special prayers and tributes, with some fathers participating in services. Political leaders and social media also shared goodwill messages, praising fathers as pillars of families and role models. However, amidst the celebrations, there were subtle reminders that not all fatherhood stories are fulfilling, with some women expressing feelings of abandonment by men who should have played active roles in their children's lives. The article emphasizes that fatherhood is more than biological parenthood, encompassing roles as providers, protectors, mentors, moral guides, and discipline enforcers. It highlights the critical role of fathers in nation-building, as strong families contribute to responsible citizens and social stability. The text notes that many societal challenges can be traced to broken homes and failed parenting, and criticizes "crime-enabling fathers" who condone or profit from their children's criminal activities. The article also acknowledges the significant economic burden on responsible fathers, who often work multiple jobs and make personal sacrifices to support their families amidst rising costs. It calls for year-round recognition of these sacrifices and urges fathers who have fallen short of their obligations to reconnect with and support their children, stressing that emotional support is as crucial as financial support. The piece concludes that the quality of fathers in a society often deter