The Historica Nigeria

2025

Kano, News

Kano Declares Friday Work-Free Day

The Kano State Government has declared Friday, September 12, 2025, corresponding to 19th Rabi’ul Awwal, 1447 AH, as a public holiday to mark the 7th day of the birth of Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him), known as Takutaha. This was contained in a circular signed by the Permanent Secretary, Establishment Directorate, Salisu Mustapha, on behalf of the Head of Civil Service. According to the circular, the declaration is in continuation of the annual celebrations of the Prophet’s birth, with the government urging citizens to observe the holiday in peace and use the occasion for prayers. Read Also: Kano Govt to Host Maiden Startup Weekend in December “The government wishes the entire Muslim Ummah a joyous and peaceful celebration and enjoins all to use the period for reflection, to imbibe the virtues of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), and to pray for continuous peace, stability, and prosperity of the State and the country at large,” the statement read. The Takutaha celebration is a traditional part of the Maulud festival in Kano and other parts of Northern Nigeria. It is marked seven days after the Prophet’s birthday with special prayers, gatherings, and community activities that highlight the virtues and teachings of Islam. The government, while reaffirming its commitment to religious harmony, called on residents to remain law-abiding and extend the spirit of unity during the festive period.

Kano, News

Kano Govt to Host Maiden Startup Weekend in December

The Kano State Government has announced plans to host the maiden edition of the Kano Startup Weekend (KSW) 2025, a first-of-its-kind initiative aimed at igniting innovation and empowering entrepreneurs across the state. This was conveyed in a statement signed by the Director-General of the Kano State Information Technology Development Agency (KASITDA), Dr. Bashir Abdu Muzakkari, who disclosed that the two-day event is scheduled for December 13 and 14, 2025, at the Coronation Hall, Government House, Kano, under the patronage of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf. Organised by KASITDA, the programme is part of the state’s Digital Transformation Agenda (2025–2030), designed to address critical challenges faced by startups, including limited access to funding, mentorship, and modern business tools. Read Also: Nigerian Students Turn to AI as Study Companion, Google Data Reveals With the theme “Igniting Innovation, Empowering Entrepreneurs,” KSW 2025 is expected to attract over 1,000 participants ranging from startup founders, investors, and policymakers to industry leaders. Discussions and innovations will centre on the state’s priority HEAT sectors: Health, Education, Agriculture, and Transportation. Key highlights include a pitch competition where 20 startups will battle for seed funding and investment opportunities, expert-led sessions on scaling businesses and accessing finance, an innovation exhibition showcasing new products and services, and networking opportunities to connect investors with local talent. Dr. Muzakkari described the initiative as more than just a startup fair. “The Kano Startup Weekend is more than an event; it is a critical launchpad for the next generation of Kanawa entrepreneurs. It directly reflects His Excellency’s vision to build a knowledge-based economy and positions Kano as the leading hub for innovation in Northern Nigeria,” he said. The state government has invited startups, developers, investors, and corporate partners to participate, describing the weekend as an opportunity to contribute to the growth of Kano’s burgeoning tech ecosystem. Photo news:

Education, National, News

Nigerian Students Turn to AI as Study Companion, Google Data Reveals

As schools reopen across Nigeria, new Google Search data has revealed a dramatic shift in how students approach learning, with Artificial Intelligence (AI) emerging as their preferred study companion. Searches for “AI + studying” surged by more than 200 percent compared to last year, signaling a growing reliance on AI-powered tools for academic support. The trend reflects Nigeria’s broader surge in AI adoption, with national search interest in the technology reaching an all-time high in 2025—up 60 percent in just 12 months. Read Also: FG Introduces AI, Robotics, and Journalism into New Secondary School Curriculum Olumide Balogun, Google’s West Africa director, said: “It is inspiring to see Nigerian students embrace AI to support their learning journeys. The data shows they are not just seeking answers, but using AI to deepen understanding in complex subjects like chemistry and mathematics. This curiosity will help shape the next generation of innovators, and we remain committed to providing tools that empower them to learn, grow, and succeed.” Students are increasingly exploring practical applications of AI in their studies. For example, searches for “AI + lessons” rose 60 percent in the past year. Google’s data also highlighted subject-specific interest: AI + Chemistry (up 50 percent), AI + Maths (up 30 percent), AI + Languages (up 30 percent), and AI + Grammar (up 20 percent). Popular queries include “What is the best AI in the world for solving mathematical problems?”, “How to use AI to solve math problems?”, and “AI tutor for students.” Students are also searching for “free AI tools for studying” and “useful AI prompts for studying,” showing strong demand for accessible, subject-focused solutions. The AI wave extends beyond exam preparation. Nigerians are increasingly asking broader questions like “How to use AI” (+80 percent), “What is the full meaning of AI” (+80 percent), and “Who is the father of AI” (+70 percent), reflecting growing interest in understanding the technology itself. At the same time, concerns around academic integrity are rising. Searches for “AI detection” spiked by 290 percent in the past year, suggesting greater awareness of the ethical debates surrounding AI use in education. Career-focused queries are also on the rise. Generative AI has emerged as a breakout search term, often linked to professional certification. This indicates that students are not only using AI to succeed academically but also preparing to build careers in an AI-driven economy.

Education, National, News

WAEC Extends Registration Deadline for 2025 CB-WASSCE Private Candidates

The West African Examinations Council (WAEC), Nigeria, has announced an extension of the registration period for the 2025 Second Series Computer-Based West African Senior School Certificate Examination (CB-WASSCE) for Private Candidates. In a statement released via its official X (formerly Twitter) handle, the Council said the new deadline is now Friday, September 19, 2025. “The registration period for CB-WASSCE for Private Candidates, 2025–Second Series has been extended to Friday, September 19, 2025. All prospective candidates are admonished to make good use of this opportunity,” WAEC stated. Read Also: FG Introduces AI, Robotics, and Journalism into New Secondary School Curriculum The CB-WASSCE Second Series is specifically designed for private candidates and is conducted later in the year, separate from the May/June examination for school candidates. The registration window was initially scheduled to close on September 5, 2025. WAEC introduced the Computer-Based WASSCE to modernize the examination process, curb malpractice, align with international best practices, and strengthen the credibility of its assessments. The maiden edition was held in 2024 using a hybrid format—questions were displayed on computer screens, while candidates submitted their answers with pen and paper. This transitional method was adopted to help candidates adjust to the new system while enabling WAEC to evaluate its feasibility. Building on lessons from the hybrid model, WAEC has now fully implemented a computer-based format for the 2025 CB-WASSCE for Private Candidates.

National, News

Tinubu to Address UN General Assembly September 24

President Bola Tinubu is set to address the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York on September 24. According to a revised provisional list of speakers, Tinubu will take the floor on the second day of the high-level general debate. He is scheduled to deliver his remarks during the afternoon session at about 8:30 p.m. local time (2:30 p.m. Nigerian time). Read Also: Tinubu Directs Regulators to Strengthen Oversight of Stablecoins, Digital Currencies The Nigerian president will be the 17th speaker on the day, the updated schedule shows. This year’s general debate will host 195 world leaders, including 98 heads of state, five vice-presidents, 44 heads of government, four deputy prime ministers, 37 ministers, one crown prince, and four heads of delegation.

National, News

Customs Kicks Off Recruitment Test September 14th

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has announced that 286,697 applicants have been shortlisted to participate in the next stage of its ongoing recruitment exercise. In a statement issued on Wednesday by the Service’s National Public Relations Officer, Abdullahi Maiwada, it was revealed that the shortlisted candidates were drawn from a total of 573,523 applications received nationwide. The Computer-Based Test (CBT), which marks the second stage of the process, will take place from September 14 to 21, 2025. Read Also: NAF Opens DSSC Course 34/2025 Recruitment – See How to Apply According to the NCS, the recruitment exercise is aimed at filling 3,927 vacancies across the Superintendent, Inspectorate, and Customs Assistant cadres. “Candidates shortlisted for the CBT are required to undertake the test at any location of their choice, provided there is reliable internet access,” the statement said. It added that applicants must use a laptop or desktop computer with a webcam and full-screen display, as the application is not mobile phone-enabled. Facial verification will also be conducted during login. The Service further cautioned that the CBT platform is sensitive to noise, body movement, and window switching, warning that such actions could lead to automatic logout or disqualification. To ensure smooth participation, a mandatory pre-test exercise will be conducted two days before the actual CBT to familiarise candidates with the system. Two separate links will be sent to all shortlisted applicants — one for the pre-test and another for the main examination. The NCS also disclosed that applicants for the Superintendent Cadre (Level 8) will undergo an additional CBT in the next phase of the recruitment, while those in the Inspectorate and Customs Assistant cadres will not. Reassuring candidates, the Customs Service emphasised that the recruitment exercise remains merit-driven, transparent, and free of charge, urging applicants to rely solely on its official platforms for updates.

Borno, Humanitarian

ICRC, AfDB Unveil Masterplan to Tackle Water Crisis in Maiduguri

Efforts to address Maiduguri’s chronic water shortages received a major boost on Wednesday as the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and the African Development Bank (AfDB) pledged to support the city’s Urban Water Supply Masterplan. The initiative, formally endorsed by the Borno State Government in 2023, outlines a phased roadmap to rehabilitate and expand Maiduguri’s water system to meet the needs of an estimated 2.5 million residents by 2030. At a high-level roundtable in Abuja, co-convened by the ICRC and AfDB in partnership with the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and the Borno State Government, about 40 participants — including senior government officials, humanitarian actors, development partners, and technical experts — deliberated on ways to fast-track implementation. The Secretary to the Borno State Government, Malam Bukar Tijani, represented Governor Babagana Zulum at the meeting. Read Also: ICRC Registers Over 284,000 Missing Persons Globally, Raises Concern Over Nigeria “Maiduguri’s water system is a lifeline that must be secured,” said ICRC Head of Delegation in Nigeria, Doris El Doueihy. “In today’s world of protracted crises, we must respond to urgent needs while investing in long-term resilience.” Years of conflict and climate shocks have strained the city’s limited infrastructure. Between 2006 and 2021, Maiduguri’s population more than doubled, forcing many households to rely on unsafe and costly private boreholes. Floods in 2024 further exposed the system’s vulnerability to climate change. In response, the ICRC has supported repairs and rehabilitation of boreholes and urban water facilities, improving access for over 150,000 residents. The new masterplan aims to scale these efforts, focusing on sustainability and resilience. AfDB Director General for Nigeria, Dr. Abdul Kamara, underscored the link between water, peace, and development. “Through initiatives like this, we aim to help northern Nigeria move from recurring humanitarian crises to a future of stability, resilience and sustainable development,” he said, noting that the bank has invested more than $805 million in water and sanitation projects across Nigeria over the past decade. At the close of the roundtable, stakeholders issued a joint call for urgent action. The Borno State Government committed to set up a steering committee, mobilize resources, and work with development partners to deliver the masterplan.

National, News, Politics

INEC Confirms David Mark as ADC Leader Ahead of 2027 Elections

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Wednesday officially recognized former Senate President David Mark as the new leader of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), bringing an end to months of internal restructuring within the opposition party. The recognition followed the submission of an updated list of national officers to the commission, positioning the ADC to consolidate its ranks ahead of the 2027 general elections. Among those also acknowledged by INEC were former Osun State governor Rauf Aregbesola, who assumes the role of national secretary; Dr. Ibrahim Mani, treasurer; Akibu Dalhatu, financial secretary; and Professor Oserheimen Osunbor, former Edo State governor, who will serve as legal adviser. Read Also: Tinubu’s Record Driving Defections to APC, Says Yilwatda The commission’s decision is expected to pave the way for the ADC leadership to launch a nationwide reconciliation and mobilization drive as it works to strengthen the party’s foothold in Nigeria’s increasingly competitive political landscape. The development comes at a time when opposition parties are recalibrating their strategies, with the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) already locked in early maneuvering for dominance ahead of the 2027 polls.

Kebbi, News

Kebbi Politician Ahmad Musa Jega Slams Skit Maker Danbello Over Alleged Misrepresentation of State Government

Prominent Kebbi politician and All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain, Ahmad Musa Jega, has publicly called out popular skit maker Danbello, accusing him of tarnishing the image of Kebbi State and its government through controversial online content. In a press statement issued to journalists, Jega expressed deep concern over what he described as Danbello’s “increasingly provocative” skits, which he claims have ridiculed respected figures and institutions across northern Nigeria. According to Jega, the skit maker’s content has not only mocked religious scholars (Ulamas) and dignitaries from his native Kano State but has also extended its reach to Kebbi, portraying the state and its leadership in a negative light. Read Also: Malami Condemns Attack on Convoy by Suspected Thugs in Birnin Kebbi Danbello’s skits have crossed the line from satire into slander,” Jega stated. “We will not sit back and watch him continue to dent the image of our people and the government of Kebbi State, led by Governor Nasir Idris.” Jega’s remarks come amid growing debates over the role of satire and comedy in Nigerian public discourse. While Danbello has gained popularity for his bold and humorous takes on societal issues, critics argue that his approach often veers into disrespect, especially when targeting cultural and religious sensitivities.

National, News

Nigeria’s Grid Collapses, Power Drops to 1.5MW

Nigeria’s electricity grid collapsed on Wednesday, marking the first nationwide outage of the year. Data from the Independent System Operator (ISO) showed that power generation plummeted from 2,917.83 megawatts (MW) to just 1.5 MW between 11 a.m. and 12 p.m. Confirming the incident in a post on X (formerly Twitter), the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) said the collapse resulted in a total loss of supply across its franchise areas. Read Also: Meet Engr. Abdullahi Garba Ramat, NERC Chairman “Please be informed that the power outage currently being experienced is due to a loss of supply from the national grid at 11:23 a.m. today, affecting electricity supply across our franchise areas,” AEDC stated. “Rest assured, we are working closely with the relevant stakeholders to ensure power is restored once the grid is stabilized. Thank you for your patience and understanding.” The latest incident comes after months of relative stability. On February 12, several parts of the country were thrown into darkness following a grid collapse, though the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) denied reports that the system had failed twice in one day. In July, the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) confirmed that no grid collapse had been recorded in the first quarter of 2025, but advised system operators to strengthen coordination to prevent outages. Nigeria’s power grid remains fragile, having recorded 11 nationwide collapses in 2024 alone, each leaving millions of homes and businesses without electricity.

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