🇳🇬NigeriaWest Africa
Queens College forum advocates for stronger history education in Nigerian schools
via Punch Nigeria3 min read
An education engagement at Queens College, Yaba, Lagos, brought together diplomats, educationists, and alumni to discuss the importance of teaching history in schools. The event, which included the launch of the ASIRI Magazine/HerStory of Nigeria Project, highlighted history's role in identity formation, critical thinking, and nation-building. Simon Field, Deputy Head of Mission at the British High Commission in Lagos, emphasized that history is crucial for understanding the present and shaping the future, advocating for increased focus on female education and empowerment. He cited Queen Elizabeth II's life as an example of how historical figures influence contemporary realities and foster critical thinking. Bola Atta, Chief Executive Officer of the UBA Foundation and a Queens College alumna, stressed that neglecting history could negatively impact future generations, asserting that history provides identity, memory, and guidance. She encouraged students to critically engage with historical narratives and mentioned Nigerian women like Queen Amina of Zazzau and Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti as figures whose contributions should be better documented. Oludamola Adebowale, Creative Director of ASIRI Magazine/Herstory of Nigeria Project, stated that the initiative aims to address gaps in historical documentation, particularly regarding women's contributions, by creating a central repository of women's history. The project seeks to expose young girls to inspiring role models and will expa
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Punch Nigeria.
Gebeya Inc., through its Dala Studio platform, has partnered with Miva Open University in Nigeria to provide 25,000 students with artificial intelligence tools for building digital businesses. This collaboration aims to bridge the gap between academic instruction and the practical skills needed for employment and entrepreneurship in Africa. All Miva students will gain access to Dala Studio’s AI-powered creation platform, enabling them to develop applications, websites, games, and automated agents without coding. Gebeya Chief Executive Officer, Amadou Daffe, stated that the partnership will empower Nigerian students to launch businesses from an idea to a working model using a single platform, without requiring technical expertise or external funding. The initiative also includes an ambassador program where selected students will lead workshops and promote the platform across campuses. Graham Ekoh, Senior Manager for Projects and Partnerships at Miva Open University, highlighted that the collaboration will shift students from theoretical learning to hands-on creation, allowing them to move from idea to product and income within one platform. Dala Studio, described as an “all-in-one creator engine,” supports local languages and integrates with African payment systems to lower barriers for first-time entrepreneurs. This partnership represents a strategic expansion for Gebeya into the education sector and reflects Miva Open University's focus on skills-oriented learning to prepare
Abdulrahman Mohammed, head coach of Maktown Flyers, Nigeria's representative in the Basketball Africa League, expressed confidence in his team as they prepare for their debut. The Maktown Flyers will start their Sahara Conference campaign against JCA Kings on Saturday at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Sports Complex. Mohammed, a former assistant coach with Rivers Hoopers, acknowledged his players' limited BAL experience but believes their desire to succeed can overcome this. He highlighted the team's focus on building chemistry among players from diverse backgrounds during their short preparation period. Drawing on his experience as a former international player and coach for Nigeria's D'Tigers, Mohammed has emphasized mental toughness and pride in representing their team on a continental platform. This season, national league champions from seven countries automatically qualified for the BAL, with five other teams qualifying through Road to BAL tournaments. Each conference will feature a 15-game group phase, with eight teams advancing to the playoffs in Kigali.
The Nigeria Football Federation NFF has reportedly contacted Newcastle striker William Osula regarding a potential invitation to the Super Eagles. Osula, born in Denmark to a Nigerian father and Danish mother, has represented Denmark at the U-21 level and was recently called up to their national team, though he has not yet made his senior debut. Danish journalist Farzam Abolhosseini stated that the NFF reached out to Osula through his backroom staff, aiming to secure his commitment to Nigeria. This development occurs as Osula is in strong goal-scoring form for Newcastle United in the English Premier League, having scored three goals in his last four games, including against Manchester United and Bournemouth. Denmark coach Brian Riemer has praised Osula's speed and pressing abilities. Both Nigeria and Denmark did not qualify for the 2026 World Cup. The NFF has upcoming fixtures, including the Unity Cup and international friendlies, but Osula's participation in the Unity Cup would depend on his decision, as it does not fall within the FIFA international window. Neither the NFF nor the Denmark Football Federation has commented on the player's status.
Eleven-year-old golfer Toluwalashe Balogun emerged as the overall ladies' winner at the Golf for Peace tournament held at Ikoyi Club 1938. Balogun achieved a net score of 66 in the 18-hole tournament. Abiodun Adesina secured the overall men's title with a net score of 70. The fifth edition of the tournament, initiated by Kemi Olowoyo-Otegbade, aims to promote friendly competition, diplomatic dialogue, and social impact through sports. Olowoyo-Otegbade highlighted that Balogun's win amplifies the tournament's message of golf as an inclusive sport for all ages. Chairman of the planning committee, Abimbola Ajinibi, noted the event's non-kinetic approach to tackling insecurity by fostering peaceful problem-solving. Balogun herself emphasized participation over pressure, stating, "I just keep my eyes on the ball, stay calm without pressure and believe that the next hole will always be better than the last." Her father, Afolabi Balogun, who is also the Captain of the Ikoyi Club Golf Section, reflected on golf's ability to provide peace of mind. The tournament saw 120 players from various clubs participate, and the Lagos State Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Mobolaji Ogunlende, along with his transport counterpart, Oluwaseun Osiyemi, officially opened the event. Ogunlende underscored sports' role in fostering connection, understanding, and collective progress towards a more inclusive and peaceful society.