Anambra bans students from using phone
The Anambra State Government has banned students from using mobile phones in secondary schools across the state. Prof. Nkechi Ikediugwu, Chairman of Post Primary Schools Service Commission, announced this decision to curb distractions and enhance academic performance. Principals and teachers are now authorized to confiscate mobile phones brought to school by students. This move aims to promote discipline and focus in learning environments. Read more
Athena Commentary: The Anambra State Government’s ban on mobile phones in secondary schools is an interesting move. In contrast, many developed countries like the US, UK, and Australia have taken a more nuanced approach. Instead of banning phones outright, they’ve implemented policies that promote responsible phone use during school hours ¹. Some schools even incorporate phones into their learning environments, using them as tools for interactive learning and research. This approach acknowledges the importance of technology in modern education while also teaching students how to use phones responsibly.
Nigeria spent $5.47bn on foreign debt servicing, says CBN
Nigeria spent a whopping $5.47 billion on foreign debt servicing between January 2024 and February 2025. This huge expense is putting pressure on the country’s foreign exchange reserves. In fact, debt servicing took up about 63.66% of Nigeria’s international payments during this period. The government’s debt servicing costs are expected to remain high, with N14.32 trillion allocated for debt servicing in the 2025 budget. Read more
Athena Commentary: Nigeria’s $5.47 billion foreign debt servicing bill is staggering, especially when compared to other countries. In better-managed economies, debt servicing costs typically range between 10% to 20% of international payments. Nigeria’s 63.66% is unusually high, indicating a significant burden on the country’s finances. This expense could be better spent on essential public services like education, healthcare, and infrastructural development.
INEC plans for 2027 polls
Nigeria’s Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is already planning for the 2027 general election. They’re creating an Election Project Plan to improve efficiency and reliability, using lessons learned from the 2023 election. The commission is also updating its election templates and producing a new Strategic Plan for 2027-2031. This comes after INEC faced logistical and technical challenges in the 2023 election, including delays in uploading presidential results. Read more
Athena Commentary: Nigeria’s INEC is taking a proactive approach by planning early for the 2027 general election, which is commendable. However, compared to more developed countries, Nigeria’s electoral process still has room for improvement. Countries like the US, UK, and Australia have more robust and efficient electoral systems, with minimal logistical and technical issues. For instance, these countries have implemented electronic voting systems, which reduce the risk of human error and delays in result uploads.
Fubara in limbo as lawmakers suspend sitting indefinitely
Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s plan to re-present the 2025 Appropriation Bill has hit a snag. The state House of Assembly, led by Speaker Martin Amaewhule, adjourned its sitting indefinitely, putting Fubara’s budget presentation on hold. Fubara had written to the lawmakers, expressing his intention to present the budget on March 19 or any other day in March. The adjournment has deepened the political face-off between Fubara and the lawmakers. Read more
Athena Commentary: In more developed countries, the budget presentation process is typically smoother and less politicized. For instance, in the US, the President submits a budget proposal to Congress, which then reviews and debates it before approval. This process is guided by clear rules and timelines, minimizing the risk of indefinite adjournments. In contrast, the Rivers State House of Assembly’s indefinite adjournment has created uncertainty and highlights the need for clearer budgeting processes in Nigeria.
Compiled by Chinaza Igwe