Economy

Adeyemi Okediran

MultiChoice Nigeria has announced that there will be an adjustment in the monthly subscription prices of its DSTV and GOTV packages effective from Saturday, March 1, 2025. A statement released by their Chief Executive Officer, John Ugbe, disclosed that the reason for the change in price is due to higher operational costs.The statement said in part: “Due to prevalent economic factors leading to increased operational costs, we have unavoidably had to adjust the prices of our DStv and Gotv subscription packages.” It noted that this was taken after serious consideration and in-depth analysis.This new subscription price increase will affect millions of Nigerians, especially those who are vulnerable to the present economic condition. It will also affect their socio-entertainment work-life balance as NCC has also approved a 50% increase in the price of airtime and data bundles in Nigeria which would have been an alternative for them to watch some of their favourite channels online. A Timeline of Past Price Hikes of DStv in NigeriaWith the new subscription prices, Nigerian households are expected to face another financial crisis, as it will add to the financial burden of their customers who are already struggling with the rising costs of living due to the current economic situation of the country.Over the past 9 years, Nigerians have dealt with a series of price increments on DStv subscriptions. The increments have become more frequent in recent times and the reasons for increment has always been due to the rising operational costs in the country. Dataphyte’s historical analysis of price changes over the years from their various packages shows a consistent increase with some packages experiencing 50% hikes within a year. The analysis revealed that the highest-tier package which is the premium has experienced a 394% increase from ₦9,000 in 2009 to ₦44,000 in March 2025. Other packages like Compact Plus, Compact, Confam, Yanga, and Padi have also witnessed price hikes over some time. According to the chart, the price increment for each subscription package in 2023 and 2024 stands out among others. The premium package subscribers were hit with a 51.23% increment in May 2023 with the price floating from ₦16,200 to ₦24,500. Later in the year, November to be precise the package witnessed another major increment of 20.41% which pushed the new price to ₦29,500.There was another shift in the price of the premium packages in May 2024, as the price moved to ₦37,000 which accounts for 25.42% while the latest adjustment which will take effect from Saturday, March 1, 2025, will be ₦44,500 marking an over 300% increase compared to 2015.These consistent price increases have a huge consequence on their subscribers as it makes it harder for an average-income earner to keep up with the subscription despite the introduction of the lower-tier plans because the majority have household budgets to deal with as inflation rates keep affecting the cost of goods in the market.Can Nigerians Keep Up with Rising Costs?Nigeria’s inflation rate is one of the highest in Africa with food prices, transportation costs, and rent frequently increasing despite the rebased Consumer Price Index (CPI) by the National Bureau of Statistics in 2025. The inflation rate dropped to 24.48% in January 2025, from 34.80% in December 2024 following the rebasing of the CPI index to effect changes in consumption patterns. Though the rebased inflation does not mean there is a decrease in the general price level, it does reduce the household purchasing power as the market price does not match the current inflation rate. For an average Nigerian household where every naira is accounted for, expenses such as TV subscriptions and internet usage are often the first to be reviewed when there is a financial crisis. As it is now, many households are left to prioritize necessities over leisure.Viewing Centers, Social Life at RiskWith the new prices, Nigerians’ access to information and entertainment might be reduced as many may not be able to adjust to the new price and opt out of subscriptions. Most especially Nigerians who depend more on international news platforms will have to port to our local news platform like NTA, and local radio stations to stay updated concerning happenings within their community. According to Reuters, 46% of Nigerians watch BBC News weekly, 37% watch CNN, and 32% watch Aljazeera. The new price adjustment could force many low-income families to either downgrade to cheaper plans with fewer news channels or cancel their subscriptions entirely, reducing their access to vital information.A recent analysis of trust levels in Nigerian and international news brands, based on data from the Reuters Institute and Dataphyte Research, shows that the majority of Nigerians trust international media outlets like BBC News exhibiting high levels of trust with 86% ratings.The ripple effect of this price adjustment will be felt more by the viewing centres business as they will be forced to increase entry fees due to factors like petrol price, and the new subscription fee. Many Nigerians might experience social and psychological issues because viewing centres which have become a place to watch games and connect with like minds might not be accessible again by some due to the new price. Even though many want to resort to digital alternatives such as Netflix and YouTube, the high cost of data will limit the opportunity. The Nigerian Communication Commission (NCC) has ordered the telecommunication operators in Nigeria to increase the cost of their data and calls by 50% which was less than the 100% demanded by some of the telecom operators. The Future of DSTV in NigeriaAs it stands now with the current economic situation, where people are struggling to feed due to the prices of goods in the market, DSTV may face dwindling subscriptions.The only way for it to remain afloat in the market could be to review the price model to reflect the realities of the Nigerian economy....

Security

Kehinde Ogunyale

In recent weeks, allegations have surfaced regarding the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) funding terrorist organizations, including Boko Haram. These claims have sparked reactions in various countries, especially Nigeria, where the group has waged an insurgency in several northern states.The recent revelation is a consequence of the freeze on foreign aid imposed by the United States following Donald Trump’s return to the presidency. According to Dataphyte Research, Nigeria has received approximately $7.8 billion in foreign aid from the U.S. over the past decade, supporting crucial sectors such as health, security, and humanitarian assistance.The allegations, made by U.S. Congressman Scott Perry, were refuted by U.S. Ambassador to Nigeria, Richard Mills. However, the effects of Boko Haram’s insurgency have plagued Nigeria for nearly two decades, dating back to the group’s first attack in July 2009.Over the years, the group has escalated its activities, moving from targeting government institutions to killing people in communities, schools, religious organizations, and kidnapping children. These attacks have forced millions to flee their homes, seeking refuge in other parts of Nigeria or neighbouring countries such as Chad, Cameroon, and Niger. At one point, several local government areas in the northwestern region were under the group’s control for years.This report analyzes data to provide a comprehensive overview of the impact of the terrorist group in Nigeria from 2009 to 2024. The data was sourced from the Armed Conflict Location & Event Database (ACLED), a non-profit organization specializing in the collection, analysis, and crisis mapping of disaggregated conflict data around the world.15 years of Boko Haram terrorism in NigeriaAlthough the group was founded in 2002, it launched its first attacks in July 2009, which included multiple kidnappings and the burning of churches within a span of four days. Over the past 16 years, these attacks have escalated to over 2,000 incidents linked to the terrorist group, averaging around 150 incidents each year.The group had its most significant impact in 2012, 2014, 2020, 2022, and 2024, with more than 200 incidents reported in each of these years. Noteworthy events from these years include the kidnapping of over 276 female students, aged 16 to 18, in Chibok, Borno State in 2014, and the abduction of more than 303 students from the Government Science Secondary School in Kankara, Katsina in 2020.The data also revealed that of the 2,400 incidents reported over the past 15 years, 1,371 were targeted at civilians. This means that 57 per cent of the attacks attributed to Boko Haram were directed at residents within the communities where the attacks took place.Deaths and states affected Over the course of its operations, data reveals that Boko Haram has directly caused 15,889 deaths. In the past 16 years, insecurity crises have resulted in 107,479 fatalities, with 15 percent of those attributed to Boko Haram. While this number is relatively low in comparison, the terrorist group’s attacks have affected at least 22 states and over 100 local government areas within the country. The data also shows that of the 15,889 deaths attributed to Boko Haram attacks, 12,329 were civilians. This accounts for nearly 78 per cent of the total fatalities recorded.When examined by states, Borno was by far the most affected with over 11,000 fatalities. It was followed by Yobe, Adamawa, and Kano respectively. These states also had the highest rates of civilian targeting by the group. While states like Lagos, Enugu, Benue, and Ondo reported incidents, no fatalities were recorded from these attacks. Meanwhile, Jigawa, Kogi, and Nasarawa had the lowest number of deaths attributed to the group but these states still suffer from violent attacks by other groups. Taking a broader look at insecurity crises in Nigeria, particularly in the northern region, Dataphyte’s findings revealed that Gombe State has consistently had one of the lowest fatality rates from violent attacks in the country, with only 570 people killed in various insecurity-related incidents reported in the state within last 14 years.Other countries affected by Boko HaramThe Boko Haram insurgency has extended beyond Nigeria, affecting neighbouring West African countries such as Chad, Niger, and Cameroon, all of which share borders with northern Nigeria. Over time, these regions have also experienced significant violence linked to the terrorist group. According to findings by Dataphyte, there has been a substantial number of attacks and deaths attributed to Boko Haram in these countries, worsening regional instability.Between 2009 and 2024, Cameroon alone reported 3,986 violent incidents related to Boko Haram, which led to the deaths of 5,284 people. Chad saw 1,478 incidents during the same period, resulting in 5,169 fatalities, while Niger recorded 523 incidents, claiming 1,183 lives.These figures highlight the widespread and devastating impact of the insurgency across West Africa, with neighbouring countries suffering heavily from the violence and its aftermath. For instance, in Niger, 378 of the attacks were directed at civilians. Similarly, in Chad and Cameroon, 421 and 1,720 incidents, respectively, specifically targeted civilians.Why does insecurity persist?Over the years, there has been a long list of reasons for the persistence of terrorism in Nigeria. For example, the crises have matured into a commercial hub for perpetrators with over ₦9.8 billion paid by kidnap victims as ransom between 2011 and 2024 according to reports by SBM Intelligence. Meanwhile, within the security arm, funding for the security units by the federal government has been significantly low. Dataphyte findings showed that between 2020 and 2024, the federal government approved a total of ₦9.17 trillion for seven security agencies. These units are the Nigerian Army, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), the Nigeria Airforce, the Nigeria Navy, the Ministry of Police Affairs, the Defence Headquarters and the Ministry of Defence Headquarters whose mandate aligns with protecting lives and property within the country. A report claimed that 15.30 million households experienced at least one crime between May 2023 and April 2024. For instance, a decade’s overview of the budget to the Ministry of Defence showed that less than 10 percent of the annual budget was allocated to defence. The proposed 2025 budget had just six per cent of the budget allocated to the ministry. However, to end the insecurity crisis plaguing the country, Oluwadara Akingbohungbe said in a report that if there is a heavy presence of ‘capable’ security forces in strategic locations of danger within Nigeria there will be no strike by the terrorists because with the advent of technology the security forces will be able to counter the effort of those that try to strike. Over fifteen years since their first attack, Boko Haram remains a clear and present danger to the lives and livelihoods of Nigerians, despite several pledges by the government to end the threat of the group. Section 14(2)(b) of the Nigerian Constitution of 1999 [as amended] provides that, “the security and welfare of the people shall be the primary purpose of government”. It is important for the government to live up to this responsibility for the benefit of all Nigerians....

Health

kafilat Taiwo

Sadiya Abubakar, 42, and her husband Shettim live in the Lafia community in Nasarawa state. In 2019, her husband, Mr Shettim was weighed down by an unknown sickness. During that period, Mrs Sadiya was a businesswoman selling food items at Lafia park. Mr Shettim Abubakar didn’t recover from the illness despite several self-medications and visits to nearby pharmacists. The sickness persisted until the following year when he was taken to a nearby government hospital for proper treatment. On getting there, the health worker advised them to visit the state’s hospital to examine his condition. Mrs Asibi Omeri: Founder of Source of Hope Foundation and Sadiya AbubakarIn November 2020, he was taken to the state’s hospital where he was diagnosed with HIV, placed on drugs and told to come for regular checkups. ‘‘My husband before his demise was seriously sick. We spent a lot on drugs so he could survive but when we got to General Hospital, Nasarawa, we were told he tested positive for HIV. Being his wife, I was tested too but I was negative and that could have been as a result of my change of environment since I started my food business.’’However, Mrs Asibi Omeri a retired civil servant at the Nasarawa State Ministry of Women Affairs and the founder of Source of Hope Foundation decided to lend a helping hand to the less privileged who have no access to public health treatment by providing them with adequate knowledge and services that will ease the burden and ensure that they are looked after. According to her, people in the communities where the Source Of Hope outreach started lacked basic health knowledge, especially on HIV/AIDS. Most of them engage in self-medication which has done more harm than good to them. Also, they empowered both young and old to keep them busy.‘‘Before the intervention of our foundation, residents did not have adequate knowledge of what HIV/AIDS was and how it can be cured or transmitted. My assistant and I had to go from one house to another to educate the people. ‘‘People started taking the issue seriously after some communities recorded deaths of their loved ones due to unknown health issues. To us, we were able to make findings”. The foundation brought about free tests and programs to help reduce the spread of HIV/AIDS and cases of teen pregnancy in Nasarawa communities.For instance, Mrs Abdallah Hassan, a patient living with HIV who resides in Nasarawa, through the Source of Hope Foundation got a free transport allowance to receive free drugs at the Federal Medical Centre, Keffi.‘‘Since I tested positive for HIV, there was no way I could go to the hospital due to fear of stigmatisation. The same result came out after the Source of Hope Foundation came for outreach and conducted the test for us. The team volunteered to sponsor my transportation whenever I was going to the hospital in Keffi after I told them I couldn’t afford the money.’’Mission to Reduce HIV Prevalence in NigeriaHIV remains a major global public health issue, having claimed an estimated 42.3 million lives to date. Transmission is ongoing in all countries globally.According to the W.H.O., an estimated 39.9 million people were living with HIV at the end of 2023, 65% of whom are in the WHO African Region.In 2023, an estimated 630,000 people died from HIV-related causes and an estimated 1.3 million people acquired HIV.As of 2021, 1.9 million people in Nigeria were infected with HIV. About 90 per cent of them were receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART). Between 2010 and 2021, the share of people on ART grew consistently. Generally, the number of people living with HIV in Nigeria has been growing in the past years.Approximately 260,000 children aged 0-14 years were living with HIV in Nigeria in 2015, with 41,000 new infections occurring among children, and only 17 percent of children living with HIV having access to antiretroviral therapy (ART). In Nigeria, there are 1900 per 1000 people living with HIV. Out of this number, there are 1100 per 1000 female adults between the ages of 15 years and above who are currently living with HIV in Nigeria. Also, there are 630 per 1000 male adults between 15 years and above who are living with HIV, while 170 per 1000 children between a day and 14 years are living with HIV in Nigeria. Although there is no cure for HIV infection, with access to effective HIV prevention, diagnosis, treatment and care, including for opportunistic infections, HIV infection has become a manageable chronic health condition, enabling people living with HIV to lead long and healthy lives.In 2018, a Nigeria HIV/AIDS Indicator & Impact Survey (NHIIS) showed that Nasarawa State, after Benue State, is the second highest state in the North-Central with a high HIV/AIDS prevalence in the region with 71.3% of cases. The Source of Hope Foundation came into the limelight in 2019 to help populations in desperate need by supplying sustainable aid including food, water, health care and education to the vulnerable residing in rural areas who are mostly affected due to poor access to healthcare and information. Also, the foundation aims to fund projects in countries with large impoverished populations, researching improved paradigms for delivering humanitarian aid. They also provide relief following catastrophic natural disasters, as well as aid to distressed populations in the United States.A Transformative InitiativeThe purpose of the initiative is to provide solutions to issues facing the vulnerable, especially in health and education, and provide opportunities for adults and youth through empowerment programs.The foundation serves as the voice of the voiceless by collaborating with other Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) and Governmental agencies by advocating for a sustainable and healthy society. For instance, Mr Bawa Idrisu, a Tuberculosis survivor and a beneficiary of the foundation explained how he has benefitted from the program despite his health challenges. He explained how he has been getting free drugs, and how empowered he became after he had attended several training sessions.‘‘The foundation has been helpful because I no longer need to go to the hospital for my drugs. We have people come to give us free drugs and money sometimes. Also, my family and I have enjoyed free food service and other programs organised by mummy and her people.’’Mr Bawa IdriyisuMrs Fatia Abdulsalem, a widow, who benefited from the Source of Hope women empowerment scheme, experienced a life-changing opportunity when the foundation gave her a grinding machine in 2022.‘‘In 2022, I was part of the 25 widows that benefited from the empowerment program. We were given a grinding machine and a sum of ₦20,000 as a means of helping widows.’’Also, residents of Keana local government benefited from the outreach program organised by the Source of Hope program to help the vulnerable living in the local government area. Beneficiaries from Keana local governmentMission to Build Hope To build hope among the less privileged people living in the Nasarawa state, Mrs Ogoshi joined the Source of Hope Foundation as a volunteer in 2019. Due to her level of commitment to the foundation, the founder employed her as one of the staff in the organisation.“I joined voluntarily in 2019, and after I joined, my madam, who is the owner of the foundation, employed me as one of the staff. I currently work as her assistant where I sometimes act on her behalf when needed”. Zainab Abdullahi Ogoshi, foundation assistantAlso, Godwin John, a 25-year-old graduate of Computer Science from the Nasarawa State University works as an ICT volunteer in the foundation. He doubles as the foundation’s photographer.‘‘I have been volunteering since my undergraduate days since mummy brings people to empower members of my community at Kiana. Since then, I have shown interest in partaking in all kinds of activities to ensure people enjoy the service we provide.’’Folorunsho Marvellous Darasimi, a graduate of Agricultural Science from the Nasarawa State University is a serial volunteer who works as a communications officer at the Source of Hope Foundation.Folorunsho Marvellous‘‘I’m passionate about helping people, especially the less privileged. I work with the team to cater for people at the grassroots level. Also, we have recorded many positive testimonies from our outreach.’’LimitationsThe Chief Executive Officer of Source of Hope Foundation, Mrs Omeri, narrated some of the challenges the foundation is facing. Despite the foundation’s effort to ensure that the health of the vulnerable people is catered for, there is less effort from the government side. Also, the fear of stigmatisation by people based on their past experiences in some of the health facilities is a major barrier as they see the foundation as an extension of those facilities. Mrs Asibi Omeri and a Beneficiary‘‘The challenge we have is the fear of stigmatisation among the people and funding. We go the extra mile to ensure that the people are doing well. We provide healthcare services, sponsor education of the less privileged and advocate for equality. All these require funding which sometimes delays our work but the moment we partner with other like-minded people, we put smiles on our people’s faces. Reducing HIV/AIDS in NigeriaDr Salem Alabi, Executive Secretary, Kwara State National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA), advised on how HIV can be prevented and how carriers can be saved. ‘‘The spread of HIV and AIDS is both a threat and a challenge to development programs in developing countries. A person with HIV and AIDS can completely look okay, but deep down if such a person is not given adequate care, there is a high chance of him transmitting it around. ‘‘Also, the government should provide prompt health education for the general populace on how HIV which leads to AIDS can be prevented.’’ Yusuf Hassan Wada, a member of the International AIDS Society, says that certain factors are hindering people from knowing their HIV status. Factors such as financial disparities; unequal cultural, social and economic status; stigma and discrimination.“Restricted social autonomy and gender inequality in education among women leads to zero or low access to sexual health services including testing for HIV. Unequal cultural, social and economic status in society has also meant they are unable to enquire and access those services in the community or hospitals and are unable to afford testing kits such as the self-test. They also face stigma and discrimination in asking for testing which further exacerbates inequality in HIV testing and undermines the response to the epidemic. Showing up for testing in our society acknowledges that a woman has been around somebody or been with somebody who could have the disease. Wada proffered some solutions towards bridging the awareness gap between men and women. He opined that there should be gender equality in the assessment of HIV prevention and treatment measures. Also, gender violence against women should be curbed to encourage total participation in critical health issues. This story was produced with the support of the Solutions Journalism Network and the Nigeria Health Watch....

Education

Babatunde

The two sides of free education in Oyo State“I have a younger brother and sister who attend private school, so, attending a free public school has relieved the financial burden on my parents.” A student at Iseyin District Grammar School, Iseyin (IDGS), Oyo State, Kamorudeen Soliat commented on how the free education in the state has lessened the amount her parents spend on her and her siblings.Another student, Alatise Hannat, shared a similar story.”My mother used to pay my school fees, but she feels much more relieved now that I attend a school where I don’t have to pay tuition”. Hannat was moved from a private school to a government-run school due to financial constraints but since she started school at IDGS, she no longer pays tuition fees because of the free education initiative offered by the state government.Similarly, Olaosebikan Rohimot said, “The free education system has reduced the money my parents spend on me and my siblings.”In Ogbomosho, the same narrative was repeated by beneficiaries of the free education initiative in the state. A parent in the Odokoto area of Ogbomosho in Oyo State, Mrs. Ajao Cecilia affirmed that the free education initiative has helped in reducing the financial burden on her, especially as she has children who attend public schools. She said “The free education initiative is helping to reduce the financial responsibilities of parents”.The comment was a bit different for Mr Matthew Adebayo who lives in the same area of Ogbomosho and has children in government-owned secondary school. He said, “The students are not paying school fees but they are paying for other expenses like security fees which costs ₦500, and others like graduation fees.”Mr. Matthew Adebayo at Odokoto area of Ogbomosho, Oyo StateWhile the factors contributing to children being out of school are multifaceted, successive governments in Oyo State have introduced several initiatives over the years, including the current administration’s free education initiative, to address this challenge. Anambra and Abia are the states that currently run a free education initiative or have at one point introduced it. The debate over whether education should be free for citizens in Nigeria has been a contentious one. Some argue that education is a vital social service aimed at eliminating illiteracy and fostering national development, so it should be accessible to all without charge. On the other hand, some believe that education should not be free, contending that anything provided for free tends to lack quality.According to the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF), an estimated 8.9 million primary school-age children and 3.9 million junior secondary school-age children in Nigeria were out of school in 2023. At the senior secondary level, the estimated number is about 4.9 million. These represent 25%, 26%, and 34% respectively. The menace of out-of-school children is a global challenge and it stems from multiple factors, which include poverty, peer influence, family history, culture, conflict, and displacement due to natural disasters and war. Consequently, children roam the streets and are vulnerable to bad influences and all forms of abuse, leading to an increase in crime, economic loss, and the proliferation of young people who become a burden to the family and society at large.Nigeria’s Multidimensional Poverty Index 2022 shows that Oyo state has an estimated 360,000 out-of-school children out of 1.72 million school-age children, representing the 11th lowest out-of-school children rate.Similarly, in the UNICEF Education factsheet, 8% of children at the primary education level are out-of-school children in Oyo State, 11% at the lower secondary school, and 18% among children in upper secondary. While the rate of out-of-school children in Oyo state is not the lowest, it is lower than the national average and Oyo is one of the fifteen states with the lowest rate of out-of-school children across primary, lower, and upper secondary school levels in the country. This is alongside Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Bayelsa, Abia, Lagos, Ekiti, and Imo among others. A 2018 survey on Out-of-School Children (OOSC) conducted in Oyo State reveals that financial constraints, distance, special needs, marriage, cultural/religious beliefs, orphan/ vulnerable children, domestic/farming, street begging, and apprenticeship are some of the major reasons for out-of-school children in the state. In the survey, financial constraints rank as the highest barrier to school attendance among school-age children who are currently out of school. This represents a huge 65% among urban dwellers and 40.3% among rural dwellers. Other factors include distance, special needs, teen marriage, and cultural and religious beliefs among others. In some instances, children drop out of school due to a combination of financial, social, and environmental constraints, further complicating the efforts to increase enrollment and ensure sustained educational participation.Reasons for Out-of-School Children in Oyo State: Out-of-School Children Survey (OOSC), 2018From the 1950s to the 1980s, Oyo State played a leading role in Nigeria’s educational development, with the Ministry of Education overseeing educational matters. The Western Region, of which Oyo was a part, made history by introducing Free Primary Education in 1955. Successive governments in the state have since implemented free education in the state both at the primary and secondary levels. The Oyo State Commissioner for Education, Prof. Salihu Adelabu emphasised the state government’s commitment to its Sustainable Development Agenda, highlighting that education is the cornerstone of any development.“Education, therefore, plays a crucial and central role in the current administration’s efforts,” he said. The commissioner explained that the administration has been focusing on improving infrastructure by constructing model schools and reducing student numbers in each school.“Our approach involves splitting schools to ensure that principals are tasked with a manageable number of students. We are also expanding recruitment efforts in both basic and secondary education,” he added.The challenges of delivering free educationDespite introducing free education in the state, pundits have identified some weaknesses that hinder its effectiveness. A senior teacher at Ogbomosho Baptist High School said “This is a public school. Under normal conditions, there should be 30 students in a class but with the influx of students due to the free tuition initiative, there are now classes with 100 students leading to overcrowding. This necessitates more facilities like classroom structures and laboratories to accommodate new entries.” Another teacher in the school said there is a huge increase in student enrolment but no commensurate infrastructure, and number of teachers.A teacher at Army Children Primary School, Iwo Road, Ibadan affirmed that, while the free education in the state is a good initiative, the surge in student enrolment as a result of the initiative has not matched infrastructural development. “Although the government is making an effort, the school’s infrastructure is insufficient, as the increased number of students has put a strain on the existing facilities,” the teacher noted.Another teacher at IDGS who spoke on the condition of anonymity said “I have reservations about the free education system. It is good because it is helping children from vulnerable homes but it is making the students take their education with levity. There is also a lot of indiscipline among the children. The students see education as Plan C, not even Plan B or A. Aside from free education for students, there should be incentives for teachers like car loans.”He also noted that the current facilities are insufficient to accommodate the growing number of students enrolling, but he pointed out that the school manages to cope thanks to the contributions of the alumni association, which supports the school’s infrastructure development.A renovated classroom at Iseyin District Grammar School, Iseyin (IDGS), Iseyin, Oyo StateAccording to two teachers at Bashorun High School 2, Ojoo, Ibadan, the student population has grown significantly since the introduction of the free education initiative. They mentioned that the increase has placed a greater workload on teachers and has also led to a heavier infrastructural burden, as the rise in student numbers has not been matched by an expansion in facilities.They also pointed out that certain behavioural attitudes from parents are further hindering the effectiveness of the free education initiative. ‘While teaching in the classroom, it is often challenging to ensure that students have all the necessary exercise books for each subject. This issue stems from a growing complacency among parents, who assume that, since they no longer pay tuition fees and the government provides some learning materials, they no longer need to actively participate in their children’s education. Consequently, some parents may take this as an opportunity to relinquish their responsibilities entirely, shifting the burden of providing essential resources to others,’ both teachers observed.A teacher made a similar comment at Community Grammar School, Iwo Road. He said, “The free education initiative has helped parents to send their children to school. However, the intervention has caused laxity on the part of the parents. The initiative is working but parents should not leave everything for the government.”A senior teacher at Ogbomosho Baptist High School said the free education initiative in the state has increased the number of students enrolled in the school. He said, “We have been experiencing high enrolment of students. At least 10 new students join the school per term.”One of the teachers in the schools visited, Mrs Laniyan, corroborated the fact that the free education initiative has increased the entries of children in the school but it has also increased teachers’ responsibility because there is now much work to do. She mentioned, “Many students have enrolled in the school since admission is now free, but it has increased teachers’ workload.” While commenting on the comments on the infrastructural challenge that has burdened the education sector in the state, the Information Officer to the Ministry of Education, Ismail Fasasi said “The state government has just completed almost 105 Schools, both renovation/reconstruction. Presently, the state government, in partnership with Better Education Service Delivery for All (BESDA) and the Global Partnership for Education (GPE) through the World Bank, has just completed the renovation of 105 primary schools across the state’s three senatorial districts.”Mr Fasasi also mentioned that to address the incommensurate number of teachers compared to the number of students, the state government recently employed teachers as seen here.Experts ReactDataphyte spoke with the Education Consultant, CEO, Soams Creative Education, Mrs. Oyindamola O. Sonola for her assessment of the free education initiative in the state. She mentioned that the different views from parents on the impact of the initiative may be traced to the level of education of each parent. “Those who are educated and are conversant with the learning progress made by their children will be able to evaluate the impact of free education on the education of their kids. Parents who are not fully educated may not be able to carry out this type of evaluation. I believe that those who are closely involved with the education of their children will not struggle to provide the additional educational resources that children require in school like reading and writing materials.”In an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria, Dr. Muyiwa Bamgbose, the CEO of the Education Advancement Centre, acknowledged that while the free education initiative is beneficial, it also presents certain challenges. He stated, “This free education policy is a double-edged sword. It brings with it negative effects on both parental attitudes and learning outcomes.”This story was produced with the support of the Solutions Journalism Network and the Nigeria Health Watch in partnership with Dataphyte....

Education

Babatunde

The advancement in digital technology and its adoption across areas of human endeavors has transformed the ways works are done, increasing efficiency and workflow. Universities and other higher institutions are also integrating technology or Information Communication and Technology into their workflow for the day-to-day operation of the institution, research, record keeping, and general teaching and learning processes. While this presents opportunities for students to access knowledge, keep up with learning trends, and connect with peers, there is a critical concern about digital rights, data privacy, and security. To regulate the increasing deployment of ICT in tertiary institutions in Nigeria and to safeguard the personal data of students that may be at stake in the process usage, the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) Framework for ICT Procurement in Tertiary Institutions provides guidelines for ICT adoption in Nigerian universities, polytechnics, and colleges. Among its many provisions, it outlines key principles that students must be aware of to protect their digital rights and ensure responsible ICT usage. First of all, what are digital Rights in Higher Education?Digital rights refer to the freedoms and protections students have while using online platforms and digital resources provided by their institutions. These include: Right to Privacy: Students personal data, academic records, and online activities should be safeguarded from unauthorised access. Right to Secure Access: Institutions must ensure that students can securely access the internet, emails, and digital learning platforms without exposure to cyber threats. Right to Digital Inclusion: All students, regardless of location or background, should have equal access to digital learning tools and resources. Right to Intellectual Property Protection: Students’ creative works, research, and digital submissions should not be used without their consent. In case of any breach of confidentiality through accidental or negligent disclosure of students personal data and information, the framework recommended that disciplinary action be taken against the user.According to the NITDA framework, tertiary institutions must establish cybersecurity policies to protect students from hacking, data breaches, and misuse of institutional ICT resources. However, students also have a role to play: When using the institutions’ internet, use strong passwords and never share login details. Making unauthorised copies of tertiary institution-owned software or soft documents is prohibited. Avoid using pirated and unauthorised peer-to-peer software on tertiary institution computing systems or devices. Be cautious when downloading files or clicking links to prevent malware infections.Report suspicious online activity to the ICT Directorate of your institution. Refrain using tertiary institution’s e-mail account for spamming or commercial purposesAvoid using unethical language in e-mails or using the institution’s email account for disseminating offensive materials relating to ethnicity, religion, or gender;Managing Personal Data and Online Identity Higher institutions collect and store a lot of student data, from admission records to academic performance. The framework emphasises data confidentiality and requires institutions to secure student information. However, students should also take steps to protect their personal data: Limit personal details shared on public university websites or social media platforms. Regularly update passwords and avoid using university email for personal accounts. Be mindful of what you upload on institutional platforms, as your digital footprint matters. Access to Digital Learning Resources The framework encourages the use of open-source software, e-learning platforms, and digital libraries to enhance learning. Students should: Take advantage of university-provided digital resources including online databases, e-journals/conference proceedings, and e-books to enhance their learning processThe tertiary institution Library is responsible for creating and making available electronic-based library information resources under the supervision of the ICT Directorate. The tertiary institutions with a functional ICT center are expected to conduct mandatory training in basic and essential ICT skills for all cadres of staff and students;Learn about fair use policies to understand how to legally use digital materials for academic purposes. Reporting Violations of Digital Rights Students must be proactive in identifying and reporting violations of their digital rights. If you experience: Unauthorised access to your emailsUnauthorised disclosure of academic data, Unfair restrictions on internet access within the institutionAs universities become increasingly digital, students must understand and defend their digital rights. The NITDA framework provides a foundation for ICT governance in higher education, but awareness and responsible usage remain key. By being informed, students can responsibly use digital resources provided by their institutions and demand digital protections when their digital right is violated. ...