🇳🇬NigeriaWest Africa
Kwara State University and CRC Credit Bureau partner for credit access and economic growth research
via Punch Nigeria3 min read
Kwara State University KWASU and CRC Credit Bureau Limited have formed a strategic partnership to improve access to credit and stimulate economic growth through data-driven research and financial infrastructure development. A Memorandum of Understanding MoU was announced, allowing KWASU to access anonymized credit data for research and policy innovation. The collaboration, organized by the Faculty of Management and Social Sciences and the Centre for Advancement and Industrial Collaboration, brought together academics and industry experts to discuss finance, entrepreneurship, and data-driven credit systems. Dr. Ahmed Popoola, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of CRC Credit Bureau Limited, emphasized finance as a key driver of entrepreneurship, noting that limited credit access hinders many Nigerians. He highlighted that credit can unlock opportunities, citing examples of individuals and businesses growing significantly with accessible financing. Popoola lamented that many entrepreneurs are excluded from formal financing due to a lack of credit history. He stressed the importance of credit bureaus, digital identity systems, and open banking frameworks in bridging information gaps and expanding financial access. Nigeria's credit penetration is low at about 13% compared to a global average of 91%, necessitating stronger policy frameworks and deeper data integration. Popoola argued that government interventions alone are insufficient, advocating for market-driven solut
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Dr. Mrs. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, wife of the Lagos State Governor, has announced a N70 million endowment fund to support indigent pediatric surgical patients across Lagos State. This fund, established under the Orunsii Welfare Foundation, aims to improve access to life-saving care for vulnerable children and will cater to patients in 14 public health institutions, including 12 general hospitals, the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, and the National Orthopaedic Hospital. Mrs. Sanwo-Olu stated that the initiative is rooted in compassion and collective responsibility, describing it as a targeted intervention to bridge gaps in access to critical healthcare for children. The foundation focuses on mental health awareness advocacy, care of the elderly, pediatric surgical support, and environmental sustainability, with interventions designed to complement government efforts. The endowment was created from N70 million of the N180 million realized during her 59th birthday in January 2026, when well-wishers were encouraged to donate to the foundation instead of presenting gifts. The fund will be managed through a structured financial model incorporating banking-led medical financing systems to ensure sustainability and generate returns. As a pilot disbursement, N1 million will be immediately provided to each participating hospital. Medical directors commended the initiative as timely and impactful, noting its potential to ease the burden on vulnerable families and support the health
Must ReadNigeria's healthcare system is experiencing a worsening crisis due to a severe shortage of doctors, with ratios as high as one doctor to 9,000 patients, significantly below global standards. Experts attribute this gap to various factors, including a stark disparity in remuneration compared to doctors abroad. For instance, a House Officer in Nigeria earns between $124 and $161 monthly, while their counterpart in the United Kingdom earns $4,303. This financial disparity acts as a powerful push factor, driving Nigerian doctors to seek better pay and working conditions elsewhere. Kay Adesola, National President of the Association of Nigerian Private Medical Practitioners, states that the standard should be one doctor to 600 patients, highlighting that Nigeria has far exceeded globally acceptable standards. The problem is exacerbated by uneven distribution, with most doctors concentrated in urban centers like Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt, leaving rural communities underserved. Dr. Jane Orizu-Chiedu, a Principal Medical Officer, notes that the departure of many doctors has left the remaining workforce overwhelmed and chronically fatigued, affecting performance and decision-making. Dr. Alex Nnadozie, from a surgery department, explains that both "push" and "pull" factors make migration attractive, leading to a dramatic reduction in staffing levels. The National Prescription Medical College of Nigeria reported that about 50 percent of doctors, approximately 8,000, have left the co
The Federal Government of Nigeria has announced that junior civil servants risk losing their jobs if they fail their compulsory promotion examination three consecutive times. This directive, issued by the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation and signed by Permanent Secretary, Career Management Office, Dr Binyerem C. Ukaira, aims to enforce discipline and improve performance in the public service. The circular states that the compulsory confirmation/promotion examination is a requirement for career advancement and continued employment. An officer who fails the examination after three consecutive attempts will be required to resign or withdraw from service. Additionally, an officer who fails to take the confirmation examination after three years of their first appointment will be required to resign. The policy is backed by existing Public Service Rules and must be enforced across all ministries, departments, and agencies. The 2026 COMPRO examination, a Computer-Based Test, targets newly recruited officers on Salary Grade Levels 01 to 06. Registration for the examination has commenced, with eligible officers needing to register online and submit documentation through their respective MDAs. Candidates must have served for at least six months and be formally nominated by their MDAs. The examination will cover areas such as English Language, Public Service Rules, Financial Regulations, General Paper, and Computer Literacy. This directive signals a renewed effor
Troops from the 82 Division and the Joint Task Force South-East have arrested a suspected member of the Indigenous People of Biafra IPOB and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network ESN, during clearance operations in Imo State. The suspect, identified as 28-year-old Mr. Onyebuchi Dara from Etinasa community in Orsu Local Government Area, was apprehended at Ehioma Junction based on intelligence related to previous attacks on security personnel. Mr. Dara had reportedly benefited from an amnesty program before going underground due to fears of attacks from a suspected armed group leader. Preliminary interrogation suggests he admitted to being present during the 2022 killing of two soldiers, retired MWO Linus Musa and Pte Gloria Matthew, at Ubaha–Orsu. He is currently in custody as investigations continue to track other suspects. In a separate operation along the Akwu–Udah axis, troops discovered and safely neutralized five Improvised Explosive Devices IEDs that had been abandoned for years. Additionally, military and vigilante uniforms, boots, and other items suspected of being used for impersonation and operational support by criminal elements were recovered. Operations are ongoing to degrade hostile networks and restore security in the South-East.