🇳🇬NigeriaWest Africa
Ireland introduces new long-term study visa requirements for international students
via Punch Nigeria2 min read
Ireland's Immigration Service Delivery has issued new guidelines requiring non-European Economic Area nationals planning to study in Ireland for over three months to obtain a long-term study visa before traveling. Applications must be submitted from their home country or country of legal residence up to three months before the intended travel date. The process involves completing an online form, printing and signing the summary, paying fees, and submitting supporting documents. Required documents include a valid passport, photographs, private medical insurance, an application letter, a letter of acceptance from an educational institution, proof of tuition fee payment, academic qualifications, language proficiency, and evidence of sufficient funds. Applicants must disclose any previous visa refusals, and students under 18 may need parental consent and accommodation details. Incomplete or misleading applications can lead to refusal and a potential five-year visa ban. Applications are processed in order of receipt, and additional information may be requested. Students are advised not to make travel arrangements until their visa is approved. A valid visa does not guarantee entry, as students must satisfy immigration officials upon arrival. Extensions of stay are possible only in rare and exceptional circumstances and must be requested before existing permission expires. The ISD emphasizes careful and accurate application preparation to avoid delays or refusals.
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Punch Nigeria.
Must ReadThe main airport in Bunia, Ituri province, Democratic Republic of Congo, reopened on Tuesday after a 10-day closure. The closure was implemented for safety reasons related to the ongoing Ebola outbreak in the region. Authorities had previously suspended all commercial flights, permitting only medical and humanitarian planes, to allow for the implementation of health measures to protect travelers. The transport ministry stated that conditions are now in place for a gradual and safe resumption of flights. The DR Congo is currently battling a significant Ebola epidemic, with the African Union's health agency, Africa CDC, reporting at least 246 suspected deaths in the country and neighboring Uganda.
Former Senate President Senator Adolphus Wabara, also the Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Peoples Democratic Party, has called for political unity against what he describes as bad leadership in Nigeria. Marking his 78th birthday, Wabara stated that the country's survival hinges on the choices made in the 2027 general elections, identifying poor leadership as a major challenge. He criticized successive administrations, particularly the ruling All Progressives Congress, for squandering human and natural resources. Wabara urged opposition parties to overcome differences and form a common front to address economic mismanagement, democratic decline, and worsening insecurity, arguing that the nation's fortunes have deteriorated since the APC took power in 2015. He highlighted the soaring cost of living, declining purchasing power, rising unemployment, and a growing sense of hopelessness among Nigerians, asserting that the country's problem is bad leadership, not a lack of resources. Wabara accused the APC of failing to fulfill its promises and warned that its continued rule beyond 2027 could endanger the nation's future. He emphasized the importance of a vibrant opposition for democratic development and urged for a broad coalition of patriotic Nigerians to rescue the country.
Lieutenant General Tukur Buratai rtd, a former Chief of Army Staff and former Nigerian Ambassador to Benin Republic, has challenged the assertion that security agencies cannot locate bandits and kidnappers, despite these criminals openly sharing videos and communicating from their hideouts. Speaking on TVC, Buratai stated his belief that authorities possess the capability to track such individuals, questioning why they can locate ordinary citizens but not criminals who publicize their activities. While not directly criticizing security agencies, he suggested there might be underlying reasons for their operational decisions. Buratai emphasized the need to strengthen Nigeria’s security architecture through continuous training, recruitment of more operatives, and improved welfare for security personnel, including better accommodation. He affirmed that the Nigerian armed forces have specialized units, such as the Nigerian Navy’s Special Boat Service and the Nigerian Army’s Special Forces, trained for high-risk hostage rescue and VIP protection missions. However, he acknowledged that operational decisions in kidnapping cases are often influenced by concerns for hostage safety and the risk of collateral damage. He also advocated for expanding the National Counter Terrorism Centre under the Office of the National Security Adviser, proposing the establishment of state branches equipped with advanced technology and operational facilities to enhance coordination among security agencies
Professor Saleh Yuguda, Director-General of the National Blood Service Agency, has urged for more voluntary blood donations as World Blood Donor Day 2026 approaches. The World Health Organization's slogan for this year's campaign is "One Drop of Humanity. Give Blood. Save Lives." Yuguda emphasized that the campaign aims to strengthen global efforts for a safe, sustainable, and adequate blood supply through regular voluntary donations. He noted that the initiative will also celebrate blood donors' contributions and promote the values of solidarity, compassion, and humanity. Yuguda called on governments, development partners, and stakeholders to increase support for national blood programs to ensure universal access to safe blood transfusion services. The 2026 campaign will focus on community integration and grassroots engagement, involving traditional institutions, community leaders, youth groups, and faith-based organizations to promote voluntary blood donation and foster community ownership of blood services. This community-based approach seeks to enhance public understanding, address misconceptions, and build sustainable donor pools to meet national blood requirements. World Blood Donor Day, observed annually on June 14, recognizes voluntary blood donors and advocates for robust blood systems to meet transfusion needs for emergencies, maternal healthcare, surgeries, and various medical conditions.