Don’t Japa – Health Minister Tells Newly Recruited Staff
The Minister of State for Health, Dr Adekunle Salako, has urged newly recruited staff at the National Orthopedic Hospital, Benin, to remain in Nigeria and contribute to national development rather than seeking opportunities abroad. He encouraged them to demonstrate patriotism, warning that Nigeria’s progress depends on collective efforts. The hospital’s Chief Medical Director, Dr Philip Ugbodaga, also underscored the importance of healthcare investment for national development. Read more
Athena Commentary: Dr Salako’s appeal to newly recruited medical staff is a reflection of Nigeria’s ongoing struggle with brain drain, particularly in the healthcare sector. While patriotism is a noble call, the reality is that healthcare professionals leave the country due to inadequate remuneration, poor working conditions, and limited career advancement opportunities. Without addressing these fundamental issues, emotional appeals alone are unlikely to reverse the Japa trend. For Nigeria to retain its medical talent, concrete policies must be implemented to make the healthcare sector competitive. This includes improved salaries, better working environments, access to modern medical equipment, and structured career development plans.
CBN Introduces N100, N500 Charges on ATM Withdrawals
The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has announced a significant increase in charges on ATM withdrawals, effective March 1, 2025. Under the new policy, customers will no longer enjoy three free withdrawals per month from other banks’ ATMs. Instead, every withdrawal of N20,000 will attract a N100 charge for transactions within bank premises and N600 for off-site ATMs. The CBN justifies this move as a response to rising operational costs and a strategy to improve banking efficiency. Read more
Athena Commentary: The CBN’s decision to increase ATM withdrawal charges raises important questions about financial inclusion, consumer burden, and the digital transition of Nigeria’s economy. On one hand, the policy may encourage greater adoption of digital banking and reduce reliance on cash transactions, aligning with the broader goal of a cashless economy. But the impact on everyday Nigerians – especially those in rural areas with limited digital banking access – cannot be ignored. Given the existing economic hardships, this policy could place further strain on individuals and small businesses that depend on cash transactions.
UNIZIK Student Attacks Lecturer for Interrupting Dance Video
A female student of Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), Awka, sparked controversy after physically attacking a lecturer who interrupted her while she was recording a dance video. The viral incident reportedly occurred inside a school hall, where the lecturer tapped the student to get her attention. When he requested that she delete the video—claiming his face was captured—the situation escalated. The student allegedly bit him multiple times, tore his clothes, slapped, and scratched him as witnesses looked on. Despite attempts to restrain her, she continued the attack, causing a scene within the university. Reports indicate that her mother is also a lecturer in the institution’s Engineering department. Read more
Athena Commentary: This incident of a Unizik student attacking a lecturer for interrupting her Tiktok video points at a growing concern about discipline and values in our educational institutions. Universities are meant to instil knowledge, respect, and character, but when students feel emboldened to physically assault lecturers over trivial matters, it raises serious questions about the moral fabric of our society. The increasing prioritisation of social media validation over academic decorum is alarming. While students should have creative freedom, it must not come at the expense of respect for authority and order. Institutions must reinforce discipline, ensure consequences for misconduct, and promote values that uphold the dignity of education.
Compiled by
Aliyu Jalal
Kesiena Jaspar EVAGBERIEN