🇳🇬NigeriaWest Africa
Doctors On Call initiative to train 10,000 Nigerians in emergency response and telehealth
via Punch Nigeria3 min read
Adejobi Adeloye, Founder of the Doctors On Call Health Support Initiative, announced plans to train 10,000 Nigerians in emergency response, telehealth coordination, and healthcare support services. This initiative aims to strengthen emergency medical intervention and reduce preventable deaths across Nigeria. The announcement was made in Abuja during the unveiling of the “NovaDOC Integrated Emergency Response and Digital Health Ecosystem,” a new healthcare initiative designed to improve emergency response to road crashes, trauma cases, and other medical emergencies. The training program will equip participants with practical emergency response skills and create employment opportunities. Additionally, 1,000 certified facilitators will be produced to sustain nationwide emergency response training through the initiative’s digital learning platform. The NovaDOC ecosystem was developed to address gaps in Nigeria’s emergency healthcare system, particularly delayed responses in rural communities and along highways. The system combines emergency medical kits, telehealth services, emergency alerts, and responder coordination. Four categories of emergency healthcare kits—Car Kit, Wall Kit, Mall Kit, and Plane Kit—are tailored for different environments, equipped with life-saving supplies and linked to the NovaDOC platform. The digital platform will connect emergency responders, healthcare facilities, and Nigerian medical professionals in the diaspora for real-time consultations and guid
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President Bola Tinubu has appointed Professor Oluwatoyin Ogundipe, former Vice-Chancellor of the University of Lagos, as the new Chairman of the Governing Board of the National Universities Commission. The appointment, announced by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, aims to enhance quality, access, and integrity in the education sector. Professor Ogundipe succeeds Emeritus Professor Olufemi Aina, who resigned less than a year after his appointment. In his new role, Professor Ogundipe will focus on funding, global competitiveness, and academic stability within Nigeria's university system, aligning with the Renewed Hope Agenda. Professor Ogundipe, a professor of Botany with a PhD from Obafemi Awolowo University and an MBA from the University of Lagos, served as Vice-Chancellor of the University of Lagos from 2017 to 2022. He is currently the Pro-Chancellor of Redeemer’s University and a fellow of several professional bodies, including the Nigerian Academy of Science.
Must ReadThe Arewa Consultative Forum ACF and the Northern Elders Forum NEF have cautioned that Nigeria risks descending into anarchy if the Federal Government does not address the actions of Yoruba Nation agitator Sunday Adeyemo, also known as Sunday Igboho. This warning follows Igboho's reported ultimatum to Fulani leaders in Oyo State after the abduction of a pregnant woman and her relatives. Both groups, along with several Fulani associations, accused Igboho of ethnic profiling, stating that blaming an entire ethnic group for the actions of suspected criminals could escalate tensions, provoke retaliation, and undermine national unity. Igboho, however, defended his actions, asserting that his advocacy for improved security in the South-West targets criminal elements responsible for abductions, killings, and banditry, not any specific ethnic group. He emphasized that his focus is on protecting innocent lives and preserving peace, security, and justice, and that criminals should be prosecuted regardless of their ethnicity. The Oyo State police command and the Oorelope Local Government chairman dismissed reports that the abducted woman, Mrs. Kuburat Omowumi, and her relatives had been freed, confirming they remain in captivity and rescue efforts are ongoing. The controversy stems from a viral video where Igboho allegedly gave a two-hour ultimatum to Fulani leaders in the Igboho community, accusing unnamed Fulani men of kidnappings. The National Publicity Secretary of the ACF, Professo
Must ReadThe Nigerian Communications Commission has initiated consultations on a proposal to provide free internet access to approved educational platforms for millions of Nigerian students. This initiative, known as the Zero-Rated Data Access Project, aims to address digital exclusion by removing the affordability barrier for internet access in learning. The consultation, running from June 19 to July 9, 2026, seeks public input on a framework for this project, following President Bola Tinubu's call for unhindered connectivity to educational institutions. The committee is considering two main implementation options: a single mobile-friendly portal for one-click access to approved resources, or telecommunications operators whitelisting approved educational websites. Eligibility for the program is also under discussion, with options ranging from restricting access to senior secondary and tertiary students, to extending it to all students and teachers in both public and private schools, or a phased approach. The committee emphasizes the need for sustainability and is seeking financing options from stakeholders. Content eligible for free access would include structured digital materials supporting teaching, learning, skills development, and academic assessment, while excluding social media and entertainment platforms. Funding options include the Universal Service Provision Fund, government subsidies, development partners, public-private partnerships, and cost-sharing. The program might in