Lakurawa Attacks: Normalcy Returns To Kebbi, Sokoto Communities
The Nigerian Army’s decisive offensive against the newly-emerged Lakurawa terror group has restored relative peace to communities across seven local government areas in Kebbi and Sokoto states. Lakurawa, reportedly comprising militants from Mali and Burkina Faso, infiltrated these areas under the guise of enforcing Islamic fundamentalism. Key military operations, coupled with government collaboration at state and federal levels, dismantled the group’s strongholds, enabling displaced residents to return home. Read more
Athena Commentary: The Nigerian Army’s offensive against Lakurawa underscores the country’s progress in combating insurgency but also reveals lingering challenges in regional security. In developed nations, such threats are typically mitigated through robust intelligence networks, integrated security frameworks, and international collaboration. Nigeria’s reliance on decisive military action reflects a reactive approach, whereas proactive measures like counter-radicalization programs, technological surveillance, and community integration—hallmarks of developed nations—are essential to achieve lasting peace and stability.
Oyo Moves Against Illegal Arms, Weapons, Migrants
Oyo State has intensified efforts to combat the proliferation of illegal arms, weapons, and unlawful migration through its border towns. Governor Seyi Makinde, through his Special Adviser on Homeland Security, Segun Adegoke, led a multi-agency team on a sensitization tour, urging border communities, traditional rulers, and security agencies to collaborate. The initiative, prompted by recent interceptions of illegal arms and migrants, aims to strengthen border control, enhance surveillance, and foster community cooperation to ensure safety and sustainable development. Read more
Athena Commentary: Oyo State’s proactive measures to curb illegal arms and migration reflect a growing recognition of the link between border security and internal stability. In contrast, developed countries often employ advanced surveillance technologies, biometric systems, and interagency cooperation to secure borders effectively. Oyo’s reliance on community engagement and incentivized reporting aligns with global best practices, fostering local collaboration. However, addressing root causes such as socio-economic inequalities and weak enforcement mechanisms remains crucial for long-term impact
5% Kano Primary Schools Have Only 1 Teacher For All Six Grades – Report
A recent report by the UK-funded PLANE program reveals alarming teacher shortages in Kano State, with 25% of primary schools relying on a single teacher for six grades. This creates an average pupil-teacher ratio of 131:1—nearly four times UNESCO’s recommendation. While literacy and numeracy have improved in PLANE-supported areas, systemic challenges like teacher deployment, absenteeism, and resource gaps persist. Stakeholders emphasized collaborative efforts to address these issues and scale up progress statewide. Read more
Athena Commentary: The revelation by PLANE that 25% of Kano primary schools have only one teacher for all six grades highlights a glaring inequity in Nigeria’s education system. In contrast, developed nations like Finland or Germany maintain strict adherence to UNESCO’s recommended Pupil-Teacher Ratio, ensuring quality education through well-funded systems. The persistent teacher shortages in rural areas emphasize Nigeria’s urgent need for systemic reforms, equitable resource allocation, and strategic teacher redistribution to bridge the education gap.
Increasing retirement age of health workers will address brain drain, says NMA
The Nigeria Medical Association (NMA) has advocated for raising the retirement age of health workers from 60 to 65 years, emphasizing its potential to curb the brain drain in the sector, often referred to as “Japa.” During a visit to Hon. Wale Ahmed, sponsor of the bill, the NMA highlighted that the policy would retain experienced professionals, enhance healthcare delivery, and improve training for younger practitioners. The bill, which has passed its second reading in the House of Representatives, also proposes increasing the pensionable years of service from 35 to 40. Read more
Athena Commentary: The move by Nigeria’s National Assembly to consider increasing the retirement age of health workers from 60 to 65 years mirrors strategies employed in developed nations to retain skilled professionals in critical sectors. For instance, countries like Germany and the United States have adapted flexible retirement policies to address workforce shortages, especially in healthcare. While this measure is a step toward mitigating Nigeria’s brain drain, sustainable reforms—such as better remuneration, working conditions, and infrastructural investments—remain essential to retain and attract medical talent.
Compiled by:
Nonso Momah