Youth Power Reshaping Nigeria’s Classrooms — UNICEF

By Tada Jutha, Maiduguri

The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has identified young people as the driving force behind innovation, technology and leadership in Nigeria’s education system, noting that they are increasingly shaping how learning happens in schools and communities, particularly in the Northeast.

UNICEF declared this on Tuesday in Maiduguri, Borno State, during activities to mark the 2026 International Day of Education. UNICEF’s Resilience Manager, Atthawoot Sangkharat, represented the agency’s Chief of Maiduguri Field Office, Francis Butichi, in delivering the message.

Speaking at the event, Mr Sangkharat said the day was not only a celebration of education, but a recognition of the growing role of young people in defining the future of learning in Nigeria.

“Today is not just about education,” he said. “It is about young people shaping the future of education and the learning process.”

He explained that education becomes more effective when youths are not treated solely as recipients of knowledge but as active partners, innovators and leaders within the system. According to him, this approach reflects the theme of this year’s International Day of Education, ‘The Power of Youth in Co-Creating Education’.

A UNICEF official said the theme underscores a simple reality: learning works best when young people are meaningfully involved in designing solutions, driving ideas and leading change across schools and communities.

Mr Sangkharat noted that this vision is already translating into tangible outcomes through Generation Unlimited Nigeria, also known as GenU 9JA, a national youth empowerment platform led by UNICEF in partnership with the Federal Government.

He disclosed that since its launch in 2021, GenU 9JA has reached more than 11 million young Nigerians nationwide, providing them with diverse skills aimed at empowerment and education continuity.

According to him, the initiative reflects the Federal Government’s commitment to supporting young people as they transition from learning to earning and from ideas to real impact.

Beyond conventional learning, he said UNICEF is also equipping youth with digital and foundational skills through platforms such as the Nigeria Learning Passport, as well as programs focused on literacy and numeracy for work and self-reliance.

Mr. Sangkharat also highlighted UNICEF’s collaboration with the Borno State Government and the University of Maiduguri, where young people and students are actively involved as educators in non-formal learning centres.

Through this partnership, he said, thousands of out-of-school children are being supported to return to learning, while the young educators gain practical experience, confidence and relevant skills aligned with the Generation Unlimited agenda.

He stressed that empowering youths as co-creators of education is restoring learning opportunities in conflict-affected communities and building a new generation of leaders capable of transforming Nigeria’s education landscapehttp://ournigerianews.com

Security Service, Statesmanship: OurNigeria News Names Musa Man of the Year

By Auwal Ahmad Umar

Our Nigeria News Magazine has named the Honourable Minister of Defence, General Christopher Gwabin Musa (rtd), as its 2025 Man of the Year, citing his exceptional leadership, patriotic commitment and far-reaching contributions to Nigeria’s security and humanitarian efforts.

The magazine said the honour followed extensive consultations and feedback from readers and correspondents across the country, as well as the endorsement of its board, management and award planning committee.

According to the organisers, General Musa stood out for his “distinctive performance,” strategic leadership, statesmanlike dispositions, unwavering loyalty, and selfless service to the nation.

In a letter dated December 22, 2025, and signed by the Chairman of the Award Planning Committee, Sir AK Peters, OurNigeria News formally notified the Defence Minister of his selection. The letter described the award as a recognition of his impact in public service and his role in shaping national leadership at a critical time.

The 2025 award ceremony, themed “Providing a Podium for Unsung Heroes”, is part of the magazine’s annual initiative to spotlight Nigerians whose contributions to national development and humanity often go uncelebrated. The event is expected to attract top government officials, policymakers, and other prominent personalities.

The Ministry of Defence has since acknowledged the honour. In a response dated December 23, 2025, the Ministry confirmed that the Minister had been duly informed and that arrangements were being coordinated with the organisers.

The organisers have scheduled the award ceremony for January 31, 2026, in Abuja, where General Musa will receive formal recognition alongside other distinguished Nigerians.

A former Chief of Defence Staff, General Musa, has earned widespread respect for his efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s defence and security architecture, promote national unity, and advance professional service delivery—qualities OurNigeria News said were central to its decision to name him Man of the Year 2025.

IPC Condemns Arrest of Journalist’s Wife and Baby, Warns of Growing Threat to Press Freedom

IPC Condemns Arrest of Journalist’s Wife and Baby, Warns of Growing Threat to Press Freedom

Arrest Sparks Fresh Concerns Over Media Safety

The International Press Centre (IPC), Lagos, has condemned the arrest of Mrs Adenike Atanda, wife of investigative journalist Sodeeq Atanda, alongside her nine-month-old baby by officers of the Nigeria Police Force.

According to IPC, the incident occurred on Monday, December 22, 2025, in the Owutu area of Ikorodu, Lagos State. At the time, police officers tracked the family to their neighbourhood and arrested the mother and child.

As a result, IPC described the action as unlawful and alarming. Consequently, the organisation warned that such conduct poses a serious threat to press freedom in Nigeria.

Police Allegedly Used Family to Lure Journalists.

According to information from IPC’s Safety and Protection of Journalists (SPJ) Hub, police officers allegedly used the journalist’s family as bait.

Specifically, officers detained Mrs Atanda and her baby for more than five hours at the Owutu Police Station. During the detention, officers allegedly forced her to place a call to her husband.

Furthermore, IPC stated that the officers instructed her to falsely claim that her baby was critically ill and hospitalised. According to the organisation, the police intended to use the call to lure and arrest the journalist.

Journalist Previously Detained in Ekiti

Notably, IPC said this was not the first time Sodeeq Atanda had faced police harassment.

Earlier, on September 9, 2025, the Ekiti State Police Command detained the journalist for more than eight hours after he honoured a police invitation to Ado-Ekiti.

According to IPC, the Ekiti State Commissioner of Police, Joseph Eribo, ordered the detention. Therefore, the organisation said the pattern raises serious concerns.

IPC Warns of Growing Pattern of Intimidation

Meanwhile, IPC warned that repeated actions against Atanda reflect a growing pattern of intimidation against journalists.

In addition, the organisation stated that targeting journalists’ families places innocent lives at risk. More importantly, it stressed that democracy cannot thrive where journalists work under fear and pressure.

IPC Director Recalls Dark Military Era

Reacting to the incident, IPC Executive Director Mr Lanre Arogundade compared the development to abuses during Nigeria’s military era.

For instance, he recalled how security agents under the Abacha regime arrested Mrs Ladi Olorunyomi and her infant son while placing a bounty on her husband, journalist Dapo Olorunyomi.

According to him, the latest incident mirrors that dark chapter in Nigeria’s history. Therefore, he said such actions have no place in a democratic society.

Police Urged to Uphold Constitutional Duties

Finally, the SPJ Hub reminded the Nigeria Police Force of its constitutional duty to protect lives and property.

In contrast, IPC stated that arresting journalists’ family members violates that responsibility. Accordingly, the organisation urged police authorities to end all forms of harassment against journalists and their families.

In conclusion, IPC also called for accountability for officers involved in the incident.