NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA
Social media, internet, negatively affect students’ performance, say experts

Social media, internet, negatively affect students’ performance, say experts

345 total views today

By Ijeoma Olorunfemi

Some educationists say that the internet and social media in spite of their positive impacts, when abused, negatively influenced students’ academic performance and reduced the quality of education in the country.

They said this in separate interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja.

They told NAN that the widespread use of social media and its misuse had made students become lazy and pay less attention to their studies.

Sadiq Mohammed, Associate Professor, Department of Agricultural and Bio-resources Engineering, Federal University of Technology, Minna, said social media had encouraged examination malpractices among students.

Mohammed said that social media, Artificial Intelligence, and other emerging technologies, though meant to help developing societies, were being misused, particularly in the education sector.

“With the way our education sector is going, we seem doomed because many students go to `magic centres` to write their examinations.

“You see a lot of them leaving the city centres to villages where pre-answered scripts will be passed around in exam halls.

“You realise that they gain admission into the university with fantastic results but along the line they find it difficult to measure up.

“With the coming of AI, most students now relax, they spend more time on their phones, using different applications to write examinations,’’ he said.

According to him, the government needs to empower the education sector on how to checkmate the misuse of AI by students.

Mohammed said that there was a need to implement measures that will guarantee the integrity of the education system.

He said this could be done by scrutinising research papers and addressing the prevailing challenge of copy-and-paste.

He called for an education system that would instil academic discipline among learners.

Mrs Judy Eke, a retired principal, said that it was unfortunate that many parents were encouraging their wards to indulge in examination malpractice through social media.

She said in some instances parents finance such anti-academic behaviour and even provide data for their wards to access the internet for the purpose of exam fraud.

“Parents too are helping to spoil the children by giving them money to go and register for examinations in faraway villages.

“It is so bad that even the educated ones hire machineries to write exams for their children.

“These practices are not helping the students; they no longer value hard work.

“Social media generally is helping to avoid hard work. They believe that every answer that comes from the internet is correct,’’ Eke said.

She further a situation whereby emphasis was placed more on academic qualification and grades instead of capability was encouraging reliance on the internet to perpetrate exam malpractices.

Eke said it was time for the government to declare a state of emergency in the education sector.

Mr Adebayo Adewole, a teacher, said that social media had created access to information, learning opportunities, global connectivity but was also a source of distraction for many students.

According to him, many social media contents misinform the public, especially students.

He said addiction to social media was also affecting students’ performance in both internal and external exams.

“Students spend up to four hours online, yet struggle to commit 30 minutes to their books.

“This is unlike in the past, when students were more focused. Today’s youth are more interested in social media trends than in their education,’ he said.

Adewole added that social media had encouraged cybercrime, exposed the young people to immoral behaviour and urged the authorities to regulate the social media space.

“The educational sector should also help in encouraging students to study the hard copy instead of the soft copy because students no longer study their books; they rely more on the internet.

“You see teachers give students assignments that ordinarily should be done with the aid of the textbook, but you see them going on the internet, making use of AI to do the assignments,’’ he said. (NAN)

Edited by Uche Anunne

Zulum announces scholarship for female indigenes with 250, above in UTME

Zulum announces scholarship for female indigenes with 250, above in UTME

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By Hamza Suleiman

Gov. Babagana Zulum of Borno has announced a full scholarship for all female indigenes of the state who scored 250 and above in the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).

The UTME is conducted by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) for candidates seeking admission into tertiary institutions after their secondary school education.

Zulum made the scholarship announcement on Saturday in Maiduguri.

He spoke during the inauguration of new executive members of the Association of Professional Women Engineers of Nigeria (APWEN), Maiduguri Chapter, and a scholarship programme facilitated by his wife, Dr Habiba Babagana Zulum.

The governor said the initiative was aimed at promoting girl-child education and encouraging female students.

He said it was to encourage them to pursue careers in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) as well as technical and vocational education.

“In order to encourage girl-child education in the state, I want to announce that all female indigenes who scored 250 and above in JAMB would be sponsored by the Borno State Government to study STEM or technical/vocational education,” Zulum said.

The governor directed the acting Chief of Staff, the State Scholarship Board, Ministry of Education and APWEN to identify and screen eligible candidates for the scholarship scheme.

He commended his wife for her efforts in supporting education and acknowledged APWEN’s role in promoting the engineering profession among women and girls in Borno.

The governor’s wife delivered a paper titled, “The Role of Mentorship in Encouraging Girls to Pursue Engineering Careers in Nigeria”.

She emphasised the importance of mentorship in enhancing both personal and professional development among young girls.

Dr Zulum noted that women made up only 14 per cent of Nigeria’s STEM workforce, which should be improved upon.

“Mentorship is critical to shaping the minds and future of upcoming generations,” she said.

She highlighted its role in building confidence, breaking stereotypes, fostering critical thinking and creating access to opportunities.

In her remarks, the outgoing APWEN Chairperson, Kori Shettima, expressed pride in the association’s achievements, particularly in advocacy and mentorship for girls in STEM fields.

“I am proud of the progress we have made, the lives we have touched and the young minds we have inspired,” Shettima said.

Highlights of the event included the inauguration of the 4th Chairperson of APWEN, Maiduguri Chapter, Engr. Hajju Tijjani Gazali.

It also featured the presentation of scholarships – N200,000 each to six top-performing female pupils of Wulari Primary School and N300,000 each to six best science students of Federal Government Girls College, Monguno. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Oluwole Sogunle

NSF Day 7: Team Delta soars to 103 medals

NSF Day 7: Team Delta soars to 103 medals

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By Peter Amine

Team Delta has soared to 103 medals after Day Seven of the ongoing 22nd National Sports Festival (NSF) tagged ‘Gateway Games’ in Ogun.

Delta won 44 gold, 19 silver and 40 bronze, bringing the state’s total medals haul to 103.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the official medals table of the NSF tagged ‘Gateway Games 2024’ indicated that Bayelsa maintained its second position with 33 gold, 23 silver and 23 bronze medals, totalling 79.

Meanwhile, Rivers remained third with 26 gold, 21 silver and 26 bronze medals.

Team Ogun garnered 25 gold, 16 silver and 24 bronze medals to consolidate in the fourth position, while Oyo tightly held onto to the fifth with 14 gold, 17 silver and 21 bronze medals.

The table at the time of filing this report showed that a total of 709 medals have so far been won.

NAN reports that Taraba is the latest state to join the medals table with one silver.

The NSF is a biennial multi-sport event organised by the Federal Government.

It brings together athletes from all 36 states and the FCT to compete in various sports, promoting national unity, sportsmanship, and excellence across Nigeria.

STATE TEAM GOLD SILVER BRONZE TOTAL

1. Delta 44 19 40 103

2. Bayelsa 33 23 23 79

3.Rivers 26 21 26 73

4.Ogun 25 16 24 65

5.Oyo 16 17 21 54

6. Edo 14 48 45 107

7. Lagos 11 11 25 47

8. Osun 10 1 4 15

9. Abia 6 8 21 35

10.Plateau 4 3 11 18

11.Akwa Ibom 4 3 4 11

12.FCT. 3 2 6 11

13.Cross River 3 1 1 5

14.Invited Junior Athletes (IJA) 2 5 2 9

15. Anambra 1 5 5 11

16.Imo 1 4 7 12

17.Niger. 1 3 2 6

18.Kwara 1 2 3 6

19.Nasarawa 1 1 7 9

20. Kano 0 3 6 9

21. Borno 0 3 1 4

22.Benue 0 1 6 7

23.Ekiti 0 1 3 4

24. Ondo 0 1 2 3

25. Bauchi 0 1 1 2

26. Kaduna 0 1 1 2

27. Taraba 0 1 0 1

28. Kebbi 0 0 1 1

TOTAL. 206 205 298 709 (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Joseph Edeh

Families crucial in schizophrenia care – Nigerian institute

Families crucial in schizophrenia care – Nigerian institute

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By Folasade Akpan

The Nigerian American Institute for Mental Health emphasises that families play a vital role in the successful management of schizophrenia, serving as a primary support system and significantly influencing treatment outcomes.

Dr Azubuike Aliche, Secretary of the institute, said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on the occasion of World Schizophrenia Day 2025, commemorated globally on May 24.

The 2025 theme is “Rethink the Label: Reclaim the Story.”

Aliche explained that the theme was a reminder that labelling people with mental illness fostered stigma and hindered access to help and treatment.

He stressed the importance of sharing the real-life experiences of those affected by mental illness to foster understanding and compassion.

According to him, the family is crucial because it provides practical, emotional, and treatment-related support that can significantly improve both the individual’s recovery and the overall well-being of the family unit.

“Family members who assist with medication management, offer encouragement, and help reduce relapse rates, contribute to better health outcomes.”

Describing schizophrenia, Aliche said it was a chronic mental disorder that disrupted thought processes, perceptions, and emotional responses.

“Symptoms include delusions, hallucinations, disorganised thinking, and negative symptoms such as reduced emotional expression, decreased speech, loss of motivation, and social withdrawal.

“Other potential symptoms include paranoia, suspiciousness, depression, anxiety, substance use, difficulty with personal hygiene, and social isolation.

“Symptoms can vary in intensity and duration, and the specific symptoms experienced can differ from person to person,” he added.

He estimated the prevalence of schizophrenia in Nigeria at about 0.4 per cent, translating to approximately 1.86 million people living with the condition.

On the comparison between schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, Aliche clarified that both were psychiatric illnesses but differ significantly in core symptoms and manifestations.

“Schizophrenia is primarily characterized by psychosis, while bipolar disorder involves mood swings between mania and depression.

“Psychosis can occur in bipolar disorder but only during extreme mood states.

“Research has shown that early diagnosis, antipsychotic medication, reduced family stress, talk therapy, and stable living conditions can all contribute to a successful recovery,” he said.

Aliche lamented the lack of adequate research funding for schizophrenia compared to physical illnesses like heart disease or cancer, in spite of the significant body of evidence guiding treatment.

According to him, effective management of schizophrenia in Nigeria is further hindered by widespread beliefs in supernatural causes of mental illness.

“This often leads families to seek help in traditional healing centre or prayer houses, where patients may suffer human rights abuses.”

He urged the development of national policies that directly address schizophrenia and other mental health conditions.

Aliche also called for more platforms for people living with schizophrenia to share their own stories, which would help society better understand and support them. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Collins Yakubu-Hammer/Abiemwense Moru

Team Edo’s Ezeaku wins gold in Men’s 100m

Team Edo’s Ezeaku wins gold in Men’s 100m

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By Olanrewaju Akojede

Team Edo on Saturday  dominated the 100m sprint at the ongoing 22nd National Sports Festival (NSF) held at the mainbowl of the MKO Abiola Sports Arena in Abeokuta, Ogun.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Chidera Ezeaku returned in an unofficial time of 10:27 to win the gold medal.

On Ezeaku’s heel for the silver medal were his compatriots from Edo, Enoch Adegoke and Emmanuel Taiwo from Rivers who won the bronze medal.

Speaking after his victory, Ezeaku attributed the victory to intense preparations for the race.

“I can say that I was well prepared for the sports festival, what I need to win the race is to get good from the blocks and maintained the first 60seconds and off I go.

“I have gone through lots of training with my coach which is not an easy one, I really need to get this done which eventually came through.

“I am not scared of any of the athletes, what I will do now is to go home and get my body fixed to push further.

“I have to prepare for the 4×100 race which I believe is going to be gold medal for Team Edo,” he said.

On what the future holds after his emergence as Nigeria’s fastest man, Ezeaku said he looked forward to greater challenges.

“This time around it is a great future for me, I am not under any pressure, I just need to be focused, get everything done and I’m good.

“Big thanks to Team Edo, they have been behind since and now behind them, giving them the gold is not an easy feat because that was what I have promised from the day one.

“The next thing  for me now is the world championship and that is my focus for now,” he said.

NAN reports that a U.S. based medal hopeful, Favour Ashe, from Delta, was disqualified from the race over an alleged infraction. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Joseph Edeh

Alausa condemns viral Asaba exam video

Alausa condemns viral Asaba exam video

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By Funmilayo Adeyemi

The Federal Ministry of Education has condemned the incident in which candidates sat the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) at night using torchlights.

The Minister of State for Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, expressed his displeasure in a statement issued on Saturday in Abuja by the ministry’s Director of Press and Public Relations, Folasade Boriowo.

Boriowo quoted the minister as outlining the situation captured in the widely circulated video as “completely unacceptable”, adding that all necessary measures would be taken to prevent a recurrence.

He reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to ensuring a conducive environment for learning and assessment.

Alausa criticised the poor conditions under which the examination was conducted at Unity Secondary School in Asaba, Delta, under the supervision of the State Ministry of Education.

“The ministry’s attention has been drawn to the conduct of an examination in an unsuitable environment, as seen in footage circulating on social media.

“This reveals an inappropriate setting for such a critical academic exercise, and it occurred under the oversight of the Delta State Ministry of Education”.

The minister stated that the ministry is working in collaboration with the Delta government and the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) to investigate the matter and ensure appropriate corrective measures are taken.

“The outcome of the investigation will be made public as necessary,” he added.

Alausa reiterated his commitment to improving educational infrastructure and ensuring that students across the country have access to safe and enabling environments for teaching, learning, and assessment. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Tosin Kolade

NAHCON Ulama team holds prayer for Tinubu, Nigeria in Madina

NAHCON Ulama team holds prayer for Tinubu, Nigeria in Madina

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By Deji Abdulwahab

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) Ulama Team has organised a special prayer for President Bola Tinubu and Nigerian leaders for Allah to assist them to curb insecurity and transform the country.

Sheikh Afini Yusuf AbduIbari, Chairman, Council of Imams and AIfas, Etiosa, Lagos State, disclosed this while speaking with newsmen in Madina.

AbduIbari said that the purpose of the prayer was to pray for the nation and its leaders, particularly the President, for the good work that he has been doing.

“The President has hit the ground since he assumed the office, and he has not shown any sign of tiredness today. So, we need to continue to pray for him, and that is the purpose we are here.

“We also pray for Almighty Allah to help us against insecurity in the nation. We pray for all his team and all the political officers,” he said.

According to him, these are ulamas chosen for pilgrims’ enlightenment from the South-West by NAHCON.

“We are chosen as ulamas from various parts of the South-West. We are here from Lagos, Osun and Oyo States. All of us are here. So, we gather to pray as ulamas,” he said.

AbduIbari, a member of the Council of Imams in Lagos State, also commended the NAHCON’s airlift operation, especially the feat recorded by its Madina office in areas of pilgrims’ reception, hotel accommodations and feeding.

He said that the airlift operation had moved a step forward with better coordination.

“By now, we know all the pilgrims that have come to Medina and those who have gone back to Mecca.

“They are almost 40,000 already. That tells you that the operation is smooth,” he said.

Speaking on the responsibilities of the ulamas, AbduIbari said that the ulama have been enlightening pilgrims on the rudiments and purpose of the pilgrimage.

“That has been carried out deeply in Medina here, and when we get to Makkah, we will continue to enlighten the pilgrims.

“Specifically, the pilgrims have been made to know that they have been called upon to come and perform pilgrimage by Almighty Allah.

“It means that they are fortunate. If you are not being called, you will not be here. So, we have sensitised them, we have let them know what they are supposed to do.

“Today, I am able to tell you that the visitations that we are supposed to do here to the Prophet Mosque, we are in the Prophet Mosque now where we are holding the prayer.

“All the important holy places have been visited. So, we have carried out our duty,” he said.

Also speaking, Sheikh Ridwan Mustapha Sunusi, said that the ulama organised the special prayer to complement the government’s efforts toward transforming the country.

Sunusi said, “We see that the government is trying all its efforts. So, what remains for us is just the prayer so that Nigeria will be good.”

He urged pilgrims to abide by the law and regulations of the Saudi Arabia authorities.

According to him, they must abide by the law and regulation of Islam, and they must abide by the law and regulations of the Nigerian government. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Kadiri Abdulrahman

Uzodinma advocates smarter integration of air assets into African security architecture

Uzodinma advocates smarter integration of air assets into African security architecture

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By Oladapo Udom

The Governor of Imo, Mr Hope Uzodinma, has advocated for smarter integration of African air assets into a collective security architecture to further contain challenges that emerge from evolving trans-border threats.

Uzodinma said this at the closing ceremony of the Fourth African Air Forces Forum at Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos.

The governor said that air power remained one of the most versatile tools of modern defence offering speed, reach, data base and intelligence superiority.

“Across Africa, we are presently being confronted by the complexity of trans boundary threats from terrorism to banditry, cyber incursions to resources-based conflicts.

“Air space defines sovereignty, it also shapes a nation’s survival.

“Models or guidelines do not contain these challenges and the threats continue to evolve.

“So, our responses must be in actionable precision and collaborative efforts,” he said.

Uzodinma said that African nations had built impressive capabilities citing Egypt as an example with over 1,000 aircraft, Algeria, over 600 aircraft and Nigeria with 63 aircraft.

“However, these numbers alone are insufficient, we do not need only more aircraft but smarter integration of our air assets into a collective security architecture,” he said.

The governor said that collaborative efforts could not be overemphasised towards fighting threats mentioning the Multinational Joint Task Force (MJTF) established by the Lake Chad Commission as a good example of such collaboration.

“MJTF was established in 2014 by the Lake Chad Commission in response to the threat of Boko Haram around our sub region.

“Nigeria, Republic of Benin, Cameroun, Chad and Niger made up the joint task force and through their joint operations, we have achieved gains in our efforts to secure our countries.

“We have neutralised terrorists, strongholds, restored communities and enabled safe resettlement,” he said.

Uzodinma, however, said that more needed to be done in terms of operational interoperability and shared logistics which must be addressed not in theory but through mechanisms which would be built together.

He said that Africa remained largely dependent on external suppliers for critical aerospace and defence needs but noted some impressive development already taking place in Africa.

“This reliance leaves us vulnerable to both market volatility and strategic manipulations, yet across the continent, signs of transformation are emerging.

“Nigerian Defence Industry Corporation is producing small arms and experimenting with advanced platforms.

“Some private firms are manufacturing world-class mine resisting protective vehicles which already has been deployed to countries like Chad, Niger and Rwanda,” the governor said.

Uzodinma said that South Africa had doubled its defence exports since 2020 supplying advanced systems and warfare equipment.

“Morocco has become a trusted aerospace manufacturing hub producing airbus and other global revolutionary equipment manufacturers.

“Egypt and Algeria maintain mature domestic defence industries while Ethiopia and Zambia are well known for self sufficiency and technology integration,” he said.

The governor said that over $25 billion have been spent in Algeria, $13.4 billion in Morocco, $3.1 billion in Nigeria towards improving the defence architecture of their countries.

“It shows that we are willing to invest, however, we must align these investments with coherent goals such as technology transfer, indigenous innovation and world class development.

“South Africa and Morocco have shown more aerospace progress, economic growth and job creation, which we must take a cue from,” he said.

Uzodinma said that the leadership of the NAF had adopted a self reliant approach by renovating more abandoned aircraft, deploying totally developed Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) and incorporating academic research into nation planning and system designs.

“This shift is amplifying the scope of African led innovation in defence and I commend the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, for this innovative shift that he has brought today.

“This forum now bears a new doctrine, an African aerospace doctrine, one that is rooted in total capacity, governed by shared standards and fuelled by political commitments.

“I urge this distinguished body and participants to move from principles to policies. Africa skies must not remain unprotected and African solutions can no longer wait,” the governor said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Augusta Uchediunor/Vivian Ihechu

AON congratulates Keyamo on appointment as Chairman of BAG

AON congratulates Keyamo on appointment as Chairman of BAG

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By Itohan Abara-Laserian

The Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) has congratulated the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr Festus Keyamo (SAN), on his appointment as Chairman of the Council of Ministers of the Banjul Accord Group (BAG).

This is contained in a statement signed by the President of AON, Alhaji Abdulmunaf Yunusa, and the Vice President, Dr Allen Onyema, on Saturday in Lagos.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Keyamo was appointed BAG Chairman on May 22 at the fourth meeting of BAG in Abuja.

BAG is a coalition of seven West African countries committed to the advancement of civil aviation in the sub-region.

According to the statement, the appointment is a testament to the minister’s exceptional leadership, bold reforms and tireless dedication to repositioning Nigeria’s aviation sector.

It added that the appointment showed Nigeria’s growing influence in shaping the future of aviation in Africa and the entire world.

It said that Keyamo had championed far-reaching reforms that revitalised the aviation industry  –  from championing a revised regulatory framework for leased aircraft insurance, to ensuring Nigeria’s proactive engagement with the global Aviation Working Group.

The statement noted that Keyamo’s efforts had significantly improved investor confidence, aircraft financing options, and ease of doing business for indigenous airline operators.

“Under his stewardship, Nigerian airlines have achieved new milestones, including the historic Lagos-to-London flight by Air Peace.

“Aso Nigeria’s strategic participation at the prestigious Aviation Finance Conference in Dublin has placed the nation firmly on the global aviation map.

“Minister Keyamo’s commitment to safety, efficiency and sustainable growth is evident in his continuous push for infrastructure investment.

“Also, his successful advocacy for the Cape Town Convention’s full implementation has enhanced Nigeria’s international aviation standing.”

According to the statement, AON thanked President Bola Tinubu for visionary leadership and consistent demonstration of exceptional ability to put round pegs in round holes.

“The appointment of Keyamo is proof that when competent hands are entrusted with responsibility, the results speak for themselves.

“Under the Renewed Hope Agenda, Nigeria’s aviation industry is experiencing a golden era of policy clarity, institutional reforms and global relevance unparalleled in over two decades,” it said.

It said that AON was confident that Keyamo would remain committed to innovation and excellence, as well as dedicated at BAG in advancing regional cooperation and driving sustainable aviation development. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Ijeoma Popoola

Coalition urges action to end gender gaps in employment

Coalition urges action to end gender gaps in employment

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By Aderogba George

A coalition under the Nigeria Women in Leadership (WIL) Cohort has urged Nigeria’s private sector and labour policymakers to take urgent, concrete steps to end women’s exclusion from formal employment.

The coalition made the call through Hannatu-Favour Asheolge, Media Contact for Gatefield, an advocacy organisation.

According to the group, the appeal follows the release of new data from the Women in the Workplace 2024 report by McKinsey & Company.

The report reveals that women occupy only one in three entry-level positions in Nigeria’s private sector.

The findings, based on gender representation data from 65 companies in Nigeria, Kenya, and India, show that Nigerian women hold just 33 per cent of entry-level private sector roles, in spite comprising nearly half of the country’s workforce.

“The data paints a sobering picture of the challenges facing Nigerian women in formal employment.

“While women make up nearly half of the labour force, their representation in private sector jobs remains alarmingly low and it declines even further up the corporate ladder”.

In the finance sector, the coalition pointed out, the proportion of women drops by 19 percentage points between entry-level and executive roles.

Omowunmi Akingbohungbe, Executive Director of Women in Management, Business, and Public Service (WIMBIZ), said the report reflects the lived reality of many Nigerian women.

“The real problem begins with the entry-level hiring process. If we are serious about growth, we must build systems that guarantee equal opportunity for women from the start and provide the support they need to rise”.

Akingbohungbe argued that companies which fail to harness the full talent pool are hindering their own progress.

She added that civil society groups are calling on companies to adopt gender-equal recruitment targets at entry level and publicly report on progress towards achieving gender equity.

The coalition also urged government and regulatory bodies to develop stronger policies to facilitate women’s advancement in the workplace and promote compliance across board.

Abosede George-Ogan, Founder of Women in Successful Careers (WISCAR), said there is an urgent need to review and strengthen Nigeria’s labour policies to address gender-based workplace inequalities.

“Women need protection from discrimination, assurance of equal pay for equal work, and enforcement of maternity protections as well as inclusive, safe work environments.

“The laws must be updated to reflect the current realities facing women in the workforce”.

Shirley Ewang, Advocacy Lead at Gatefield, also noted the imbalance in leadership representation.

“While 29 per cent of C-suite roles in Nigeria’s formal private sector are held by women, a figure that compares well globally, this statistic masks a deeper issue.

“Too few women are being recruited into formal roles to begin with, and even fewer are supported to advance,” she said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Tosin Kolade

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