🇳🇬NigeriaWest Africa
Stakeholders advocate for prioritizing teacher welfare and professional development in Nigeria
via Punch Nigeria4 min read
Education stakeholders, government representatives, and development partners convened in Abuja for the Let There Be Teachers Conference 2026, advocating for sustained investment in teachers' welfare, motivation, and professional development to achieve meaningful education reform. The conference, supported by the Federal Ministry of Education, aimed to move beyond symbolic recognition to structural reforms that prioritize the teaching profession. Oluwaseyi Anifowose, the conference convener, highlighted the initiative's focus on restoring dignity to teaching and addressing the daily realities of teachers across Nigeria. He announced a movement to mobilize at least 200,000 teachers nationwide, with 5,000 in every state and 20,000 in the Federal Capital Territory, to take responsibility for their classrooms and the future. This mobilization will culminate in teachers taking the National Teachers’ Professional Pledge in October 2026, repositioning them as active drivers of educational transformation. Sola Adeola, the Executive Director, emphasized the program's goal to amplify teachers' voices and address long-standing structural challenges, stating that education cannot rise above the quality, visibility, and dignity of its teachers. Rhoda Odigboh, the Project Director, added that the initiative aims to strengthen teacher agency and ensure educators are included in national education reform conversations. Uchenna Uba, Director of the College of Education, Federal Ministry of Edu
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Punch Nigeria.
The Allied People's Movement APM has accused the Nigerian Presidency, led by President Bola Tinubu, of misleading citizens by portraying a letter from United States President Donald Trump as an endorsement of its counter-terrorism performance. The APM argues that Trump's letter merely acknowledged President Tinubu's resolve and commitment to addressing insecurity, rather than commending any concrete achievements in the fight against terrorism. Abubakar Yusuf, APM National Publicity Secretary, challenged the Presidency to identify any part of Trump's letter that praised Tinubu for tangible results. The Presidency had announced on Wednesday that Trump commended Tinubu's administration's security efforts, with Tinubu's Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, stating that Trump also mentioned the deployment of US Special Operations Forces to train the Nigerian military. The APM, in a statement released on Thursday, described the Presidency's interpretation as an attempt to create a false impression of the country's security situation. The party quoted Trump's July 6, 2026, letter, which read, "Thank you for your thoughtful letter. Your kind words mean a great deal to me, and I appreciate your decisive leadership on behalf of the Nigerian people. I applaud your resolve to tackle the issues plaguing your nation, especially the violence affecting Christian communities..." The APM reiterated that the letter speaks of resolve and commitment, not specific achievement
The Christian Association of Nigeria CAN, South-West region, has opposed a proposed ban on preaching inside commercial vehicles, stating it could infringe on citizens' constitutional rights. This stance follows the Senate's passage of the Federal Road Safety Corps Amendment Bill, 2026, which includes a N50,000 fine for preaching, hawking, or trading in commercial vehicles. Bishop Barnabas Akinsanya, South-West Chairman of CAN, issued a statement acknowledging the government's commitment to road safety but expressed concerns that the bill's provisions might restrict fundamental freedoms such as thought, conscience, religion, and expression. CAN argues that prohibiting religious preaching without direct evidence of a public safety threat could be seen as an unnecessary restriction on religious freedom and lead to public tension. The association also highlighted that many Nigerians rely on informal trading for survival and urged the government to prioritize policies that create employment and reduce poverty instead of worsening economic hardship. CAN appealed to the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to withhold assent to the bill in its current form and to consult with stakeholders, including religious bodies and civil society organizations, to create legislation that balances road safety with constitutional rights and national unity.
Arsenal is reportedly preparing a £70m offer for Newcastle United captain Bruno Guimaraes to strengthen their midfield for the upcoming season. The Brazil international is a priority target for the Premier League champions, who aim to add quality and experience to their squad. Guimaraes is believed to be open to joining Arsenal, and Newcastle is aware of his preference for the North London club. While talks have intensified, it is uncertain if the £70m bid will be sufficient for Newcastle to release their captain. Arsenal is maintaining a strict approach to transfer valuations, unwilling to exceed their assessment of a player's worth, as seen with their previous interest in Aston Villa forward Morgan Rogers, where they refused to match Chelsea’s £117m offer. Arsenal is also prioritizing defensive reinforcements, with Aston Villa defender Ezri Konsa as their first-choice target, and has made inquiries about his availability. Como defender Jacobo Ramon is also on their shortlist, though contract clause complications could hinder a deal. After failing to sign Rogers, Arsenal is still seeking attacking additions, with Atletico Madrid forward Julian Alvarez considered a dream target, despite potential cost and his reported preference for Barcelona. The Gunners have also explored a move for Paris Saint-Germain winger Bradley Barcola as manager Mikel Arteta continues to build a competitive squad.