Update on August 16 as at Sunday, 17 August – 2.38pmBy-Elections17 August 2025 Today, the Athena Election Observatory (AEO) releases the first edition of its Election Tracker, a new series of real-time updates and analyses that will serve as an authoritative voice during Nigeria’s elections. The Tracker will provide Nigerians and the international community with […]
AEO Election Tracker Read More »
Download the full edition: Executive Summary Nigeria’s basic education system faces a deepening teacher shortage that threatens learning outcomes and long‑term national development. Only 915,000 teachers currently serve 31.8 million pupils, resulting in a teacher–pupil ratio of 1:35, well above the UNESCO benchmark of 1:25. Recruitment has stalled, with eighteen states failing to hire
Tackling Teacher Shortages in Nigeria: Recruitment, Training, and Retention Strategies Read More »
Download the full edition: Executive Summary Nigeria’s democracy faces significant threat from the escalating trend of political defections, particularly the mass exodus of opposition figures to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). This policy brief, From Political Pluralism to Party Predominance: Rethinking Defections in Nigeria’s Democracy, highlights how this anomaly undermines political pluralism, weakens institutions, and
By Osita Chidoka In a democracy, citizenship is not negotiable. It is not subject to political clearance or gubernatorial discretion. Yet, recent events in Nigeria suggest that some state actors have either forgotten this truth—or have chosen to disregard it. In July 2025, Governor Monday Okpebholo, the All Progressives Congress (APC) Governor of Edo State,
Why the Threat from Governor Okpebholo Against Peter Obi Requires a National Response Read More »
Download the full edition: Introduction Despite years of policy dialogue and global frameworks, Nigerian women still face formidable hurdles in political inclusion, economic opportunity, and access to education. These gaps are not merely gender issues; they represent fundamental development failures. With women holding only 3.9% of seats in the House of Representatives and 3.1% in
Rethinking Women’s Empowerment in Nigeria: From Rhetoric to Reform Read More »
Download the full version Executive Summary This paper explores the complex interplay between mining activities and school dropout rates in Bauchi and Plateau states, Nigeria. Mining is a significant economic activity, yet its social and environmental impacts often go unaddressed. In rural and peri-urban communities, mining displaces families, exposes children to labour, and compromises access
Watch the full interview Bolaji Abdullahi, Interim National Publicity Secretary of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), has offered insights into Nigeria’s evolving opposition landscape ahead of the 2027 general elections. During a conversation on the latest edition of Athena Voices, hosted by Clearpath Media TV and themed “2027: Opposition and the ADC Move – Saving
Miango, Plateau State The Government of Plateau State has commenced a transformative retreat for local government chairmen and executive councils in partnership with the Athena Centre for Policy and Leadership. The event, held under the theme “That Plateau May Shine”, was declared open by His Excellency, Governor Caleb Mutfwang, and featured a keynote address by
Plateau State and Athena Centre Partner to Strengthen Local Governance Capacity Read More »
Download the full edition: The 2023 general elections were meant to renew hope in Nigeria’s democracy. Instead, they deepened public doubt. What should have been a celebration of progress became a reminder of how fragile the system still is. With only 27% of registered voters turning out, the lowest since the return to civilian rule
The State of Democracy in Nigeria: Assessing Progress and Challenges Read More »
What happened between Senator Adams Oshiomhole and Air Peace at Lagos airport was an unfortunate altercation. It was a loud national reminder that Nigeria’s institutions of redress are failing and when institutions fail, the powerful take matters into their own hands, while the public watches, helpless. Senator Oshiomhole claims he was denied boarding despite checking
Between Oshiomhole and Air Peace: A Missed Opportunity Read More »
