PAIMUN President Calls for Urgent Action to Bridge Digital Divide in Education

By: Michael Mike

The President of the General Assembly of the Premiere Academy International Model United Nations (PAIMUN) 2026, H.E. Timilehin Adewuyi, has called on governments, international organisations and private institutions to intensify efforts toward bridging the digital divide and expanding access to technology-driven education across the world.

Speaking during the second session of the PAIMUN General Assembly held at the United Nations House in Abuja, Adewuyi described digital transformation in education as a critical tool for achieving sustainable development and preparing future generations for global leadership.

Addressing delegates, diplomats and education stakeholders, the PAIMUN President said the world has entered an era where education can no longer remain dependent on traditional methods, stressing that technology has become central to building inclusive, innovative and sustainable societies.

“It is my profound privilege, as President of the General Assembly, to address this august gathering on the topic: ‘Digital Transformation of the Educational Sector as a Driver of Sustainable Development,’” he stated.

According to him, digital innovation has fundamentally changed the way knowledge is accessed, shared and applied globally, opening new opportunities for students to learn beyond geographical and economic limitations.

He noted that digital classrooms, virtual libraries, artificial intelligence and online learning platforms are equipping young people with critical 21st-century skills such as creativity, collaboration, problem-solving and digital literacy.

Adewuyi stressed that these skills are essential for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and positioning young people to compete effectively in the global economy.

Despite the growing opportunities presented by technology, the PAIMUN President warned that millions of students, particularly in developing countries, still face severe barriers due to poor internet connectivity, lack of electricity and inadequate access to digital devices.

He said sustainable development would remain unattainable if educational opportunities continue to be unequal across regions and social groups.

“Governments, international organizations, and private institutions must work collectively to bridge the digital divide and ensure that no learner is left behind in this technological revolution,” he said.

Adewuyi further described digital education as more than an innovation, calling it a strategic investment in humanity’s future.

He urged delegates at the conference to remain committed to policies that promote responsible and inclusive technology adoption in education systems worldwide.

“By embracing technology responsibly and inclusively, we empower the next generation to drive economic growth, social progress and environmental sustainability,” he added.

The PAIMUN conference, hosted by Premiere Academy, brought together student delegates simulating the United Nations General Assembly to debate global issues and propose solutions through diplomacy, dialogue and policy engagement.

The event focused extensively on how digital transformation can strengthen education systems, reduce inequalities and accelerate sustainable development across nations.

PAIMUN President Calls for Urgent Action to Bridge Digital Divide in Education

China Reaffirms One-China Principle, Criticizes Taiwan’s Foreign Engagements and Calls for Media Caution in Nigeria

By: Michael Mike

China has strongly reiterated its One China principle, insisting that Taiwan is an inseparable part of its territory, while criticizing recent international engagements involving Taiwan’s leadership and foreign media interactions, including visits by Nigerian journalists to Taipei-linked institutions.

The remarks were made during a policy briefing that combined historical arguments, diplomatic assertions, and warnings directed at international media over Taiwan-related reporting.

At the centre of the statement was the recent overseas diplomatic activity of Taiwan’s President Lai Ching-te, including a visit to Eswatini where he met members of the royal household. Beijing described the visit as part of efforts to expand Taiwan’s international presence and advance separatist objectives. Taiwan, however, continues to operate its foreign engagements as part of its self-governing system, maintaining unofficial relations with a limited number of countries.

Chinese officials also raised concerns over recent interactions between a small group of Nigerian journalists and Taiwan’s external affairs representatives, as well as discussions around strengthening Taiwan’s trade presence in Nigeria. Beijing argued that such engagements challenge established diplomatic arrangements between China and countries that recognize the One China principle.

China’s position is rooted in what it describes as centuries of historical governance over Taiwan. Officials cited early administrative links dating back to imperial China, arguing that the island has long been under Chinese jurisdiction in historical records.

Speaking at an occasion in Abuja, the Counselor, Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Nigeria Ms.Dong Hairong’s speech. referenced key Second World War-era agreements, including the Cairo Declaration (1943) and the Potsdam Proclamation (1945), which stated that territories taken by Japan, including Taiwan, should be returned to China following Japan’s defeat. Beijing maintains that Japan’s surrender and subsequent acceptance of these terms legally confirmed Taiwan’s restoration to Chinese sovereignty.

She said following the Chinese civil war and the establishment of two rival administrations in 1949, the government of the People’s Republic of China (PRC) asserted itself as the sole legal authority representing China. The opposing government retreated to Taiwan, leading to the long-standing political separation across the Taiwan Strait.

She also cited United Nations General Assembly Resolution 2758 (1971) as a decisive legal foundation for its position. The resolution recognized the People’s Republic of China as “the only legitimate representative of China to the United Nations” and expelled representatives of Chiang Kai-shek’s administration.

She argued that this resolution establishes the One China principle in international law and leaves no room for “two Chinas” or “one China, one Taiwan.” According to Beijing, more than 180 countries—including Nigeria—maintain diplomatic relations with China based on this framework.

She reaffirmed that national reunification remains a central long-term objective, describing it as part of the broader “national rejuvenation” strategy.

She accused Taiwan’s ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) of promoting “de-Sinicization” and separatist policies, while Taiwan continues to insist on its democratic governance and separate political system.

She noted that despite political tensions, policies encouraging cross-strait exchanges in trade, culture, education, and youth engagement are in place. She also referenced past evacuations of Taiwan residents from crisis zones with Chinese diplomatic assistance as evidence of practical cooperation between both sides.

The briefing placed strong emphasis on Nigeria’s relationship with China, noting that diplomatic ties established in 1971 were built on Nigeria’s recognition of the One China principle.

She stated that Nigeria has consistently affirmed that it recognizes the People’s Republic of China as the sole legitimate government of China and considers Taiwan part of Chinese territory. This position, it said, forms the foundation of bilateral relations.

While also highlighting expanding economic cooperation with Nigeria and Africa, including infrastructure projects and trade initiatives aimed at strengthening South–South relations. Recent developments include Chinese-supported regional institutions in Abuja and tariff reductions for African exports entering the Chinese market.

The Chinese official urged Nigerian journalists and international media organisations to adhere strictly to the One China framework in their reporting.

She cautioned against describing Taiwan in terms that imply statehood or recognizing official diplomatic titles inconsistent with Beijing’s position, warning that such portrayals could undermine diplomatic relations.

She said Beijing stance is based on historical records, international agreements, and United Nations resolutions, while Taiwan continues to operate as a self-governing entity with its own political system and foreign relations network.

A public affairs analyst and political strategist, Segun Showunmi, said Nigeria’s continued support for the One-China Principle remains central to the growth of diplomatic, economic and strategic relations between Nigeria and China in an increasingly multipolar world.

In a paper titled “The One-China Principle and the Next Phase of China–Nigeria Relations in an Emerging Multipolar World,” Showunmi argued that the relationship between both countries was built on mutual trust, sovereign respect and non-interference, principles he said have strengthened cooperation over the decades.

According to him, Nigeria formally embraced the One-China Principle in 1971 when diplomatic relations were established with Beijing, recognizing the government of the People’s Republic of China as the sole legitimate representative of China.

He traced the roots of the policy to the 1949 Chinese revolution led by Mao Zedong, noting that successive Chinese leaders transformed the doctrine into a central pillar of China’s foreign policy and international engagement.

Showunmi stated that Nigeria’s consistency on the issue created confidence between both nations, resulting in significant Chinese investments in infrastructure and strategic sectors across the country.

He highlighted projects such as the Abuja–Kaduna Railway, Lagos–Ibadan Railway, airport terminal expansions, road construction, telecommunications development, power projects and the Lekki Deep Sea Port as examples of Chinese-backed interventions that have contributed to Nigeria’s infrastructure modernization.

According to him, China has emerged as a major economic alternative for African countries seeking development partnerships without stringent political conditions, adding that Nigeria has also benefited from expanded trade opportunities, technology transfer, educational cooperation and diplomatic coordination in multilateral institutions.

The analyst, however, argued that the next phase of China–Nigeria relations must move beyond symbolic diplomatic solidarity to a more structured and strategic partnership capable of supporting industrialization and long-term development.

He called for the establishment of a China–Nigeria Strategic Economic Council to coordinate industrial policy, energy transition planning, artificial intelligence, critical minerals and advanced manufacturing.

Showunmi also urged the Nigerian government to negotiate stronger local content provisions in Chinese-funded projects to ensure the development of indigenous engineering expertise and domestic supply chains.

On his part, the Director of the Abuja School of Social and Political Thoughts and Dean of the Faculty of Law at Ave Maria University, Prof. Sam Amadi, urged African states to carefully calibrate their foreign policy on the One-China question, warning against formal diplomatic engagement with Taiwan while advocating continued trade within defined limits.

Speaking at a media salon on the One-China Principle held at the China General Chamber of Commerce in Nigeria, Amadi said the distinction between the One-China principle and One-China policy is often misunderstood in international diplomacy.

“The One-China principle and One-China policy are clear, but difficult to operationalise,” he said, adding that while the terms appear similar, “from a diplomatic perspective, they look the same, but they’re not exactly the same.”

The former foreign affairs adviser under President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua explained that the One-China principle, as advanced by Beijing, asserts that there is only one China, governed by the Communist Party of China, and that Taiwan is part of China under eventual reunification.

He noted that many countries adopt what he described as “strategic ambiguity,” allowing them to recognize Beijing officially while still maintaining informal economic and trade relations with Taiwan.

“The problem has always been: how do you acknowledge Beijing’s claim and deal with the real-world situation of engaging with Taiwan?” he said.

Amadi argued that Africa’s traditional emphasis on territorial integrity aligns broadly with China’s position, but acknowledged that modern diplomatic and economic realities complicate strict interpretations.

“Africa has a history with keeping territories intact… internal disagreement should not be taken to represent separate statehood,” he said.

However, he warned against what he termed “sovereignty for rent,” describing situations where diplomatic recognition is exchanged for economic or political incentives.

“One of the things Taiwan is doing is what we call sovereignty for rent—you pay, you acknowledge our sovereignty,” he said.

Outlining policy options, Amadi said African states currently fall into different camps ranging from full alignment with Beijing to mixed and ambiguous engagement strategies.

“My position is that African countries should never have diplomatic engagement with Taiwan, but should calibrate trade agreements carefully,” he stated, emphasizing the need for consistency with the One-China framework while acknowledging global economic realities.

China Reaffirms One-China Principle, Criticizes Taiwan’s Foreign Engagements and Calls for Media Caution in Nigeria

UK Reaffirms Long-Term Development Partnership With Kano, Jigawa

By: Michael Mike

The United Kingdom has reaffirmed its long-term commitment to supporting development and governance reforms in northern Nigeria following high-level engagements with the governments of Kano and Jigawa states.

The British High Commission in Abuja disclosed on Wednesday that the Head of Development Cooperation, Ms. Cynthia Rowe, held strategic meetings with governors, senior government officials and civil society leaders in both states as part of efforts to deepen bilateral cooperation and strengthen ongoing reforms.

According to the Commission, the engagements reflected the UK’s modern development approach anchored on partnership, state-led ownership and sustainable development driven through investment, trade, climate financing, technical support and shared accountability.

The UK described Nigeria as one of its most significant global development partners, noting that the discussions further reinforced the growing bilateral relationship between both countries following the recent UK-Nigeria State Visit.

In Kano State, Rowe met with Deputy Governor Alhaji Murtala Sule Garo, the newly confirmed Head of Civil Service, the Secretary to the State Government and other top officials.

The discussions highlighted Kano’s progress in climate finance, healthcare reforms and private sector investment initiatives supported through UK-backed technical assistance programmes.

In Jigawa State, Rowe held talks with Governor Umar Namadi and heads of ministries, departments and agencies, where both sides reviewed over 25 years of UK-Jigawa development cooperation described as one of the longest-running subnational bilateral partnerships in Nigeria.

The meeting focused on achievements recorded in healthcare delivery, agriculture and governance reforms, as well as future collaboration under ongoing UK-supported technical assistance initiatives.

The British High Commission also spotlighted the impact of the Partnership for Learning for All in Nigeria (PLANE) programme, which since 2022 has supported Kano, Kaduna and Jigawa states in strengthening education delivery systems through ministries of education and relevant agencies.

According to the Commission, PLANE’s RANA+ foundational learning packages have reached about 1.4 million pupils across the three states between 2022 and 2026.

Speaking at the end of the visit, Rowe said the UK remained committed to working with Nigerian states to drive inclusive growth and sustainable development.

“For more than 25 years, we have worked side by side with state governments including Jigawa and Kano states, their communities, and civil society to build stronger health systems, improve learning outcomes for millions of children, support farmers to grow their businesses, and help states attract the investment they need to thrive,” she said.

She added that the visits strengthened confidence in the future of the partnership and the potential for deeper collaboration in delivering lasting development outcomes across northern Nigeria.

The British High Commission further noted that its Propcom+ agriculture programme is currently supporting agribusinesses to improve food security and expand market opportunities for smallholder farmers, while the PACE programme continues to provide technical support on climate governance, revenue generation and private investment from its regional hub in Kano.

It added that the UK also remains a major contributor to the HOPE-Edu, HOPE-Gov and HOPE-PHC World Bank-supported programmes focused on reforms in education, governance and primary healthcare delivery across participating states.

UK Reaffirms Long-Term Development Partnership With Kano, Jigawa