馃嚦馃嚞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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Must ReadThe Federal Government of Nigeria is intensifying efforts to promote freer movement across Africa to boost trade, investment, and the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area AfCFTA. Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, stated that trade cannot thrive where entrepreneurs and investors face movement restrictions, emphasizing that easier movement of people, goods, and investments is crucial for unlocking opportunities under the AfCFTA. Nigeria is committed to removing barriers hindering trade and business mobility across African markets and is engaging through the AfCFTA Secretariat, African Union, and bilateral channels for simplified visa procedures, including visa-on-arrival arrangements and mutual recognition of business travel documentation. The Minister commended Togo for committing to remove visa requirements for African travelers and praised Rwanda's progressive visa policy for strengthening business travel, tourism, and regional investment. Nigeria is also addressing trade barriers through the AfCFTA Digital Trade Protocol and improved customs cooperation, with digital trade facilitation, transport connectivity, and better logistics expected to reduce business costs. Freer movement is anticipated to create opportunities for trade, investment, jobs, and economic growth across Africa, benefiting Small and Medium Enterprises SMEs, women-led businesses, and non-oil exporters. Nigeria has inaugurated the Nigeria-Uganda Air Car
Must ReadThe Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, has expressed sorrow over the death of Sgt. John Abena, a police officer who died during a joint security operation to rescue schoolchildren abducted in Oyo State. Disu also praised the bravery and success of the operatives involved in the rescue mission. Speaking on Friday while receiving the personnel, the IG noted that an officer made the ultimate sacrifice while working with other security agencies to free the abducted children. He highlighted that other officers injured during the operation are recovering well and assured continued support for their welfare and the family of the deceased officer. The IG explained that publicizing the deaths of officers killed in the line of duty is standard practice, emphasizing that police officers are human beings with emotions. He commended the collaboration among security agencies, stressing that no single agency is superior in the fight against insecurity, and appealed to the public to provide useful information. SP Abdulrahman Mohammed, an officer who participated, stated that the team viewed the abducted children as their own. Gunmen attacked three schools in Oriire LGA, Oyo State, on May 15, 2026, abducting 49 pupils, teachers, and a toddler, and killing a teacher. A multi-agency operation rescued 44 victims on July 10, 2026, after over a month of intelligence-led efforts, with Sgt. John Abena being among the security operatives who died.
Must ReadGhanaian TikToker Camilla Alhassan has been sentenced to one year in prison for offensive conduct and publishing false news. The 43-year-old admitted to making unsubstantiated claims in a series of TikTok videos that President John Mahama sacrificed 32 cows in a ritual to secure victory in the 2024 presidential election. She also alleged that the government's distribution of sanitary pads to flood victims was a cover-up for this act. Prosecutors stated that Alhassan, who has over 70,000 followers, made false and defamatory allegations that were widely shared. The court denied her request for a lighter sentence, emphasizing the need to deter the spread of misinformation on social media. This case has sparked renewed debate in Ghana regarding the balance between combating misinformation and upholding freedom of expression. It follows another instance last year where TikToker David Kwodwo Prah Afful was jailed for making death threats against President Mahama and Members of Parliament. The Mahama administration has consistently warned against the dissemination of false information online and is considering legislation to address misinformation while safeguarding constitutional free expression.