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BYU-Pathway Worldwide opens Global Education Centre in Lagos, Nigeria

Published

10 months ago

February 16, 2025

Ochuwa Ibrahim

BYU-Pathway Worldwide opens Global Education Centre in Lagos, Nigeria

By: Michael Mike

The BYU-Pathway Worldwide has opened a state-of-the-art Global Education Centre in the heart of Lagos, Nigeria to serve the growing number of studentsp who wish to attain higher education certification online from BYU-Idaho and Ensign College.

With affordability at the centre of this initiative, BYU-Parthway Worldwide allows over 74,000 students in over 180 countries to gain access to spiritually based, United States of America-accredited degrees that can be completed online and in as little as three years. In Nigeria, the total cost to attaining this high quality education via BYU-Pathway Worldwide comes at only NGN379,579.

With sponsorship from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, BYU-Pathway Worldwide is on a mission to develop disciples of Jesus Christ who are leaders in their homes, congregations and communities. In addition to securing top-notch degrees, students get opportunities to do internships with global organisations remotely and upon graduation, secure full-time high-paying jobs with these organisations across all economic sectors.

At the official unveiling of the Global Education Centre at Opebi, Ikeja in Lagos, Nigeria, Elder D. Todd Christofferson, of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, noted that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints spends over a US$1billion annually funding the education of the rising generation. He expressed his happiness for the establishment of the Global Education Centre in Lagos and assured that this won’t be the last in Nigeria and Africa.

“We spend a great deal of money in furthering education and education opportunities of the rising generation. We spend over a US$1billion annually to create opportunities for them. But since it is prohibitively expensive to establish physical universities everywhere it is needed, how can we expand opportunities for higher education? This is what brought about the idea of online university closer to more and more people without the high cost of university fees and accommodation.

We are thrilled to do this and expand opportunities for the younger generation. My experience in Africa convinces me that Africans are intelligent, hardworking and disciplined. All they need are opportunities and that is what we are hoping to provide through this Global Education Centre from BYU-Pathway Worldwide,” he said.

Brian K. Ashton, President of BYU-Pathway Worldwide, noted that the Church introduced BYU-Pathway to bless everyone with an education and that is why the fees are heavily subsidized and anyone anywhere can apply to join and students can also enjoy scholarships of almost 50percent on tuition.

“The best part is, it is not reserved for only members of the Church but anyone can apply and benefit from this opportunity. The Church is not here to make a profit but to bless people’s lives. We believe that as we learn truth we become more like our father Jesus Christ and we are better able to serve people. BYU-Pathway is online and this allows us to serve everyone at the most affordable rates,” he added.

Elder Adeyinka A. Ojediran, 1st Counselor of Africa West Area Presidency, noted that the effort of the Church of Jesus Christ and Latter-day Saints to strengthen the rising generation is patterned after the earthly development of the Savior who as one reads in Luke 2:52 increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man.

“Our effort is to help our rising generation to grow in wisdom by gaining knowledge through education, grow in statute through support for healthy physical development and find favor with God in spiritual growth through gospel living. And lastly grow in favor with man as they increase their social capacity to live in peace and harmony with others and positively impact their communities and the world at large.
This building would serve as a place of learning to develop and strengthen our rising generation spiritually, socially, emotionally, educationally and professionally. The activities held in here will help to develop disciples of Jesus Christ who will become leaders in their homes, the Church, and their communities. They will gain and grow in one of the attributes of God, which is knowledge.

Knowledge is something that cannot be taken away from God’s children. It will progress with us into the next life. In the leadership of the church in West Africa, our vision for the young single adults is to encourage them to stay on the covenant path, qualify for gainful employment and be married for time and eternity in the temple,” he said.

Elder Ojediran noted that the Global Education Centre in Lagos is a place for wholesome activities and experiences that will bring every participant closer to one another and to God.

“It opens access to educational opportunities, provides a foundation for the development of leadership skills, and offers built-in mentoring and support options for members, especially our rising generation. The programmes in this facility are also open to non-members of our church, and we find significant numbers participating in the programmes.

From here, we will raise leaders who will build and strengthen families, the church, our communities and the nation at large. I admonish these leaders of today, as many are currently serving in leadership callings and those of tomorrow to be humble in their accomplishments and be selfless in their service to humanity.”

Honourable Prof Lilian Oby Orogbu, Member, representing Awka North/South Federal constituency and Cecilia Ezeilo, Former Deputy Governor, Enugu State assured the Church of a deeper collaboration between the Church and society. They both urged the youth to take advantage of this opportunity and improve their lives and those of their friends and family.

Dignitaries present include Elder Alfred and Sister Lucie Kyungu, of the Seventy and Africa West Area President; Elder Michael T. and Sister Rosaline Ringwood, Presidency of the Seventy; Elder Isaac K. and Sister Hannah Morrison of the Seventy and member of the Africa West Area Presidency; Bishop W. Christopher and Sister Carol Waddell, Presiding Bishopric; Victor Ukorebi, Senior Area Manager for Africa, BYU Pathway Worldwide; Matt Downs, Chairman of Career Advisory Board of BYU Pathway Worldwide; and J.D. Griffiths, Vice President, BYU Pathway Worldwide in charge of Global Education Centres.

BYU-Pathway Worldwide is sponsored by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and serves more than 74,000 students in 180 countries annually. Its mission is to develop disciples of Jesus Christ who are leaders in their homes, congregations, and communities.

In partnership with BYU-Idaho and Ensign College, BYU-Pathway provides access to spiritually based, U.S.-accredited degrees that can be completed in as little as three years-online and at a significantly reduced cost.

BYU-Pathway Worldwide opens Global Education Centre in Lagos, Nigeria

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Nigeria Condemns Attempted Military Takeover of Government in Benin

Published

24 hours ago

December 7, 2025

Ochuwa Ibrahim

Nigeria Condemns Attempted Military Takeover of Government in Benin

By: Michael Mike

Nigerian government has condemned the attempted military takeover of government in neighbouring Benin Republic.

A statement by the spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa read: “The Government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria has received with grave concern and unequivocally condemns in the strongest possible terms the attempted forcible seizure of power in our friendly neighbour and brotherly nation, the Republic of Benin in the early hours of Sunday 7th December, 2025.

“This act of destabilization represents a direct assault on democracy, constitutional order, and the collective will of the Beninese people, who have consistently demonstrated their commitment to peaceful political transitions.

“Nigeria stands in firm solidarity with the Government and people of the Republic of Benin, and applauds the swift action taken by Beninese authorities to protect its legitimate institutions and preserve the peace.”

“We commend the courage and professionalism of the Beninese security forces in defending the constitutional order and guaranteeing the safety of the President. Their dedication ensured that the unfortunate attempt to subvert democracy was decisively repelled,” the statement added.

The statement further read: “Nigeria reiterates its strong commitment to the principles of democracy, good governance, and the rule of law as fundamental pillars for peace, development and regional stability. Unconstitutional changes of government are an unacceptable and retrogressive step that threatens the hard-earned democratic gains and socio-economic progress of our sub-region.

“As a steadfast partner within the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the African Union, Nigeria calls on all member states and the international community to unite in condemning this act and in reaffirming our shared commitment to the African Union’s Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance, and the ECOWAS Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance.

“We urge all parties in the Republic of Benin to remain calm, uphold the rule of law, and continue to channel any political discourse through peaceful, constitutional, and democratic means.

“The Federal Government of Nigeria reassures the Government of the Republic of Benin of its full support and continued cooperation as we work together, as brothers and partners, to deepen democracy and ensure lasting peace and prosperity for our peoples and the entire West African region.”

Nigeria Condemns Attempted Military Takeover of Government in Benin

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ECOWAS Condemns Attempted Military Takeover in Benin

Published

24 hours ago

December 7, 2025

Ochuwa Ibrahim

ECOWAS Condemns Attempted Military Takeover in Benin

By: Michael Mike

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has condemned the attempted military takeover of government in Benin Republic

A statement on Sunday by the ECOWAS office in Abuja read: “ECOWAS Commission has received with consternation reports of an attempted military take-over in the Republic of Benin.

“ECOWAS strongly condemns this unconstitutional move that represents a subversion of the will of the people of Benin.

“ECOWAS calls for the full respect of the Constitution of Benin and salutes the efforts of the Government and the Republican Army in bringing the situation under control.

“ECOWAS holds the leaders of the plot both individually and collectively responsable for

any loss to life and property occasioned by their action.

“ECOWAS will support the Government and the people in all forms necessary, including

the deployment of the regional standby force, to defend the Constitution and the territorial integrity of Benin.”

ECOWAS Condemns Attempted Military Takeover in Benin

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NSCDC Arrests Three for Vandalization of Telecommunications Tower in Yobe

Published

2 days ago

December 6, 2025

Ochuwa Ibrahim

NSCDC Arrests Three for Vandalization of Telecommunications Tower in Yobe

By: Michael Mike

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has arrested three suspects allegedly involved in the vandalization of a vital telecommunications tower in Yobe State.

A statement on Friday by the spokesman of NSCDC, Afolabi Babawale said the Commandant General’s Special Intelligence Squad (CG’s SIS) of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has achieved a major breakthrough with the arrest of three suspects allegedly involved in the vandalism of a vital telecommunications tower in Yobe State.

He revealed that the operation was executed following a credible intelligence report that indicated unscrupulous elements were conniving with a terrorist group to vandalize a live telecommunications tower located at Savannah, in Potiskum Local Government Area of Yobe State.

He noted that the SIS operatives swiftly responded, resulting in the arrest of the suspects at the scene. The arrested suspects, all from Yobe State, are Ibrahim Jibrin, 44, from Damaturu; Dahiru Ibrahim Isa, 38, from Babban Layi, Potiskum; and Usman Ali Isa, 27, from Dabar Mai Chafa, Potiskum.

He said ongoing investigation has revealed that Mr. Ibrahim Jibrin, who specializes in the act, was allegedly hired to decommission the mast for N800,000 and had received an initial payment of N200,000 from an accomplice identified as Alhaji Kabiru from Kano before his arrest. Exhibits recovered from the suspects include vandalized components of the tower and various tools used in the criminal operation.

Babawale said in line with the Corps’ renewed mandate to confront criminality, the SIS also made several other arrests across different locations. Acting on intelligence received on November 15, 2025, concerning criminal elements snatching motorbikes and phones in the Kuje and Tungan Maje axis, SIS operatives arrested two suspects, David Moses and Nuhu Inusa, in the Gui suburb of Abuja. Stolen phones were recovered, and the duo confessed to the crime, revealing their mode of operation and naming an accomplice who paid them with two Bajaj motorbikes (valued at N400,000 and N350,000 respectively) in exchange for stolen items.

He revealed that three additional suspects Akawe Uter, Sunny Obasi, and Ezugwu Godwin were apprehended in connection with an earlier arrest of one George Nyitamen. Their charges relate to unauthorized connection and distribution of power,tampering with electrical installations, and harassment of Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) staff.

Babawale said following a distress call, Vincent Haliru Maigari, 27, was arrested for stealing plumbing materials from an apartment he was contracted to fix, which was intended to be converted into a hotel near Didi/Madiba Casa Estate. Maigari confessed to the theft, and some of his accomplices who fraudulently purchased the stolen items have also been arrested.

He noted that the Corps Commandant General, Prof. Ahmed Audi has directed all specialized units to intensify efforts against critical infrastructure vandalism and various forms of economic sabotage.

Meanwhile, the Commander of the SIS, Commandant of Corps Samu Appollos Dandaura,l expressed strong optimism that with the sustained collaboration of the public, the Corps will discharge its mandate maximally, promising that all arrested suspects will be charged to court upon the completion of diligent investigation.

NSCDC Arrests Three for Vandalization of Telecommunications Tower in Yobe