EDUCATION AND CULTRE | AN EMBRACE FOR A BRIGHTER TOMORROW

-         SPECIAL REPORT -

Reimagining the Future: How Educational and Cultural Innovation Is Empowering Youth and Reshaping Creative Economies

From bustling tech hubs in Lagos to immersive art festivals in Delhi, the convergence of educational innovation and cultural creativity is sparking a global movement, one that is empowering young people, expanding digital access, and redefining how economies grow through art, learning, and design.

Innovation in Education: From Classrooms to Catalysts

Global Forums on Learning Transformation

July 2025 saw a series of influential conferences reshaping global education:

• At ICOIE 2025 in Hong Kong, educators championed open and flexible learning models, powered by AI, gamification, and inclusive pedagogies.
• The ITECONFERENCE 2025 in London invited global experts to reimagine curricula—highlighting digital equity, early childhood innovation, and machine-learning-assisted instruction.
• In Las Vegas, the Innovative Schools Summit addressed the urgent need to rebuild student engagement post-pandemic, with tools for resilience and behavior transformation.

NIGERIA’S NATIONAL CONSTITUTION SUMMIT – 2025 | HOW MUCH DO YOU KNOW ?

-SPECIAL REPORT-

NIGERIA’S NATIONAL CONSTITUTION SUMMIT – 2025 | WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW

The National Constitutional Summit held in Abuja from July 15–17, 2025, was a landmark event aimed at reshaping Nigeria’s democratic future. Convened by The Patriots, a coalition of elder statesmen and civic leaders led by Chief Emeka Anyaoku, the summit brought together over 700 delegates from across the country and the diaspora.

Key Objectives

• Replace the 1999 Constitution with a new, people-driven charter
• Restore true federalism and decentralize governance
• Create a Constituent Assembly through non-partisan elections
• Draft a new constitution to be ratified via national referendum

Major Reform Proposals

• Governance Structure
• Shift from the expensive presidential system to a more accountable model
• Restructure Nigeria into autonomous regions with genuine federal powers
• Streamline the legislature to reduce cost and improve efficiency

NEWSROUNDUP | 190725

The Global Pulse: Nigeria’s Momentum and the Triple Helix Shaping Our Future

As the world spins through turbulent headlines and digital revolutions, Nigeria holds its own amid shifting global tides. From art to athletics, from power plays to political pivots, this is a panoramic view of what’s shaping the moment, locally and globally.

Nigeria: Talent, Tensions & Transformation

Political Realignments and Rising Voices

• Obasanjo’s Call for National Unity Former President Olusegun Obasanjo decried Nigeria’s current trajectory, asserting that insecurity and hardship reveal a country in bondage. He emphasized the need for a leader who transcends tribal lines.
• NNPP Courts Obasanjo Ahead of 2027 Seeking strategic guidance, NNPP leaders met Obasanjo to foster unity and political vision for the upcoming elections.
• Push for Electoral Reform With Atiku’s recent party switch, PDP and ADC leaders are rallying for coalitions and reforms to challenge APC dominance.

2025 NATIONAL CONSTITUTION SUMMIT | A NECESSITY OF YESTERDAY

-       SPECIAL REPORT -

 Nigeria’s 2025 National Constitutional Summit: A Bold Step Toward Democratic Renewal

Held from July 15–17, 2025, in Abuja, the National Constitutional Summit marked a historic turning point in Nigeria’s democratic evolution. Spearheaded by The Patriots, a coalition of elder statesmen, legal experts, and civic leaders, this summit aimed to rewrite Nigeria’s governance blueprint by replacing the widely criticized 1999 Constitution with a truly people-driven charter.

Over 700 delegates from across Nigeria and its diaspora gathered with one common purpose: to set the stage for a reimagined federal structure, inclusive democracy, and accountable leadership.

ABUJA IN THE LAST ONE WEEK | POLITICS, URBAN DEVELOPMENTS & MORE

Abuja in Focus: Coalition Politics, Urban Renewal, and the Capital's Rising Voice

Abuja, Nigeria As the political heartbeat of Nigeria, Abuja never sleeps, and this past week was no exception. From strategic opposition alliances to sweeping economic conversations, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) played host to a series of developments that echo far beyond its skyline.

Power Plays and Political Reconfigurations

The nation’s capital saw a convergence of heavyweights, Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, Nasir El-Rufai, and Rotimi Amaechi, in a meeting that many are calling the start of an “opposition renaissance.” With whispers of a united front to challenge the ruling APC in the 2027 elections, analysts say this “coalition of veterans” could redefine Nigeria’s political map.

Family in shock after discovering their ‘’female’ househelp is actually a man

 

- SPECIAL REPORT -

Deception, Dignity, and Desperation: Unpacking the Househelp Identity Scandal in Nigeria

A Nigerian family was left stunned after discovering that their “female” househelp was, in fact, a man. The revelation, captured in a viral video, showed the individual removing a silicon bra and skirt, exposing his true identity. The incident has sparked widespread debate across social media, touching on issues of deception, human rights, poverty, and public ethics.

The Incident

The househelp had been living and working in the household while presenting as female. Upon suspicion, the family asked him to undress, revealing male genitalia. The video of this moment was shared online, triggering a firestorm of reactions.

398th Inaugural Lecture: Professor Kikelomo Adebanke Kolawole

Prof. Kikelomo Kolawole

A Threefold Cord That Is Not Quickly Broken: Rethinking Dental Health and Human Dignity

On May 27, 2025, Professor Kikelomo Adebanke Kolawole, a distinguished orthodontist and academic at Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), delivered the university’s 398th Inaugural Lecture titled “A Threefold Cord That Is Not Quickly Broken: The Kinship of the Face, the Teeth and Quality of Life.”

Professor Kikelomo Adebanke Kolawole's Inaugural Lecture explores the intricate relationship between facial structure, dental health, and overall well-being are interwoven, and why this matters for public health, cultural identity, and human dignity.

INAUGURAL LECTURE | BLOOD IS HEALTH: OUR BLOOD MIRRORS OUR BEING | LATEEF SALAWU

Prof. Lateef Salawu

Blood Is Health: Our Blood Mirrors Our Being

On June 24, 2025, Professor Lateef Salawu, a distinguished and renowned scholar in Haematology and Immunology, delivered the 400th inaugural lecture at Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife. Titled “Blood is Health: Our Blood Mirrors Our Being,” the lecture was not only a celebration of academic excellence but a profound exploration of blood as both a biological substance and a symbolic reflection of human vitality, identity, and health.

·     A Landmark and Transformative Lecture

Blood: The Mirror and the Message

Professor Salawu described blood as a living archive, a fluid that carries genetic information, immune responses, and cultural meaning. He detailed the roles of red and white blood cells, platelets, and plasma, emphasizing their diagnostic, forensic, and therapeutic significance.

The Shopping Mall Tragedy | Irag | Over 60 Fatalities

A Blaze of Awakening: How a Shopping Mall Tragedy Could Reshape Iraq’s Cities

When flames engulfed the Corniche Hypermarket in Kut, Iraq, just five days after its grand opening, the tragedy unfolded into more than just a devastating accident. It became a catalyst for nationwide reckoning with outdated safety standards, inadequate infrastructure, and fragile governance. The blaze, which claimed at least 61 lives, many from suffocation in locked bathrooms, has triggered widespread mourning, and, crucially, a call for change.

Grief, Anger, and Urgent Responses

The inferno shocked the nation. Social media showed frantic rescues from rooftops and corridors filled with smoke. President Abdul Latif Rashid expressed “great sorrow”, while Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani urged swift support for the injured. Wasit Governor Muhammad Jamil al-Miahi not only declared three days of mourning but also pursued legal action against the mall owners.

ON YOUR MARKS | GET SET | YOUR WEEKEND STARTS NOW

Nigeria and Global Weekend Events Roundup: July 18–21, 2025

As Nigeria embraces a bustling July weekend, cities across the nation, from Lagos to Uyo, are lighting up with a colorful spectrum of events: from tech summits and youth empowerment camps to cultural festivals and faith-based revivals. Globally, sports arenas, innovation labs, and music stages are welcoming crowds for unforgettable experiences. Here’s your curated guide to what’s happening across Nigeria and the world.

Major Nigerian City Events

Lagos

• Spirit of Praise 14.0 (Ikeja): Gospel music experience with worship leaders. – 18 July, 10:00 PM
• Beach Hangout (Barracuda Beach, Lekki): Games and music by the ocean. – 19 July, 6:00 PM
• AI Nexus Lagos (Oriental Hotel, VI): AI community forum shaping Africa’s future. – 20 July, 10:00 AM
• July RealGlow Pop-Up (Mainland): Fashion, beauty, and lifestyle showcase. – 18 July, 7:00 PM

Beyond Jungle Justice, Nigeria’s Struggle for Humanity and Rule of Law

Jungle Justice in Nigeria,  A Grim Reflection of Lawlessness

  A Nation Torn Between Fear and Justice

In streets and market squares across Nigeria, mobs rise with vengeance, acting as judge, jury, and executioner for alleged crimes, often petty theft, suspicion of internet fraud, or unfounded ritual accusations. The term “jungle justice” barely contains the horror. These acts reflect not only lawlessness but a deeper fracture in trust, empathy, and national cohesion. The Punch Editorial Board recently sounded alarm bells, labeling this scourge as barbarism.

The article confronts the harrowing reality of jungle justice, mob-led violence against suspected criminals, in Nigeria. It opens with a shocking account of a man brutally attacked near a Lagos police station for allegedly stealing groundnut oil. Instead of being handed over to authorities, he was tortured and abandoned, exemplifying how mob violence has supplanted due process.

A MAJOR AUDIT | JAMB | 9,469 ILLEGAL ADMISSIONS | WHAT NEXT

Inside Nigeria’s Illegal Admissions Crisis: What the Numbers Reveal, Who’s Accountable, and What Comes Next

Reporting from The Punch

In a major audit, the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) flagged 9,469 unauthorized admissions carried out across 20 tertiary institutions in Nigeria during the 2024 academic cycle. These admissions bypassed the Central Admission Processing System (CAPS), a digital platform created to enforce transparency, monitor quotas, and validate student credentials.

This discovery pulls back the curtain on a persistent education challenge rooted in weak institutional oversight, economic pressures, and candidate desperation.

LECTURES | SEMINARS | MORE - Coming Soon

LECTURES | SEMINARS | MORE | COMING SOON - SEB

Public Lectures, Innaugural Lectures, Seminars and the likes are usually a platform to redefine and renavigate our lives across spheres of humanity. As such, SEB is proudly associated and set to capture Public Lectures, Seminars, and Workshops as they unfold within and outside the country to enable you leverage on your edge in your choice of endeavour. So, we urge you to stay with SEB and don’t miss any of the publications.

 

The SEB Team

Muhammadu Buhari | A Legacy of Discipline, Division, and Determination

Muhammadu Buhari: A Legacy Etched in Discipline, Division, and Determination

On July 13, 2025, Nigeria bid farewell to one of its most consequential and polarizing leaders, President Muhammadu Buhari, who passed away in London at the age of 82. His death has triggered a wave of tributes, critiques, and soul-searching across the nation, as citizens and analysts grapple with the meaning of his legacy.

A Life of Service and Simplicity

Born in Daura, Katsina State, Buhari’s journey from a young military cadet to Nigeria’s Head of State, first as a military ruler (1983–1985) and later as a democratically elected president (2015–2023), was marked by a reputation for discipline, modesty, and incorruptibility. Even in retirement, he lived quietly in Daura, eschewing the limelight and embracing a life of simplicity.

Age Falsification in Nigeria | A Lost of Self Identity

The Anatomy of Age Falsification in Nigeria: A Multi-Lens Exploration

The Punch Editorial titled "Wanted: Stiff penalties for age falsification" calls for stronger legal consequences to curb the widespread practice of falsifying age records in Nigeria. The editorial highlights recent scandals, particularly within the judiciary, where multiple judges were found to have altered their birth dates to extend their tenure or gain appointments.

Key Points from the Editorial

·       Systemic Abuse: Age falsification is rampant across sectors, including the judiciary, civil service, and law enforcement4.

·       Judicial Integrity at Risk: The National Judicial Council (NJC) recently recommended the compulsory retirement of several judges in Imo State for falsifying their birth records.

·       Civil Society Pressure: Groups like the Civil Society Engagement Platform have petitioned the NJC, presenting documentary evidence against 18 judges.

·       Legal Loopholes: The editorial criticizes the lack of stringent laws and enforcement mechanisms to deter age falsification.

·       Call to Action: Punch urges lawmakers to introduce stiff penalties, including criminal prosecution and forfeiture of benefits, to restore integrity in public institutions.

The Legacy and Passing of Muhammadu Buhari

The Legacy and Passing of Muhammadu Buhari: A Nation Reflects

On July 13, 2025, Nigeria bid farewell to one of its most consequential and controversial figures, President Muhammadu Buhari, who passed away at the age of 82. His funeral, held in Daura, Katsina State, was both solemn and politically symbolic, attended by dignitaries from across Africa and beyond. Yet his death did not just mark the end of a life, it reawakened decades of debate about his leadership, policies, and impact on Nigeria’s socio-political landscape.

From Soldier to Statesman

Buhari’s journey to power began with military boots. In 1983, he overthrew the democratically elected government of President Shehu Shagari, citing rampant corruption and national decline. His military regime, though short-lived (1983–1985), was marked by:

• The War Against Indiscipline (WAI), aimed at restoring civic responsibility.
• Economic austerity policies that intensified public hardship.
• Controversial decrees restricting press freedom and civil liberties.
• Attempts to kidnap exiled officials, straining international relations.

FCMB Millionaire Promo | Over 3,000 Customers Rewarded

From left: Branch Manager, FCMB Ughelli, Mr. Paul Onoroha; N1 million winner in the 5th draw of the FCMB Millionaire Promo Season 10, Mr. Israel Oruma; and Branch Manager, FCMB Warri 1, Mr. Henry Emelife, at the cheque presentation ceremony held in Ughelli, Delta State

 FCMB Millionaire Promo Transforms Lives: Over 3,000 Customers Rewarded

First City Monument Bank (FCMB) continues to empower Nigerians through its Millionaire Promo Season 10, enriching the lives of 3,016 savers nationwide with cash prizes and renewed financial hope.

A Windfall for Thousands

Between January and June 2025, FCMB conducted nationwide electronic draws open to both new and existing savings account holders. The result?

• 12 customers won ₦1 million each
• 3,004 others received cash rewards ranging from tens to hundreds of thousands of naira

The bank’s initiative has sparked excitement and optimism across the country, proving that saving can truly pay off.

Between Culture and the Constitution | Amanda Chakanyuka and Zimbabwe’s Struggle for Justice

Between Culture and the Constitution: The Case of Amanda Chakanyuka and Zimbabwe’s Struggle for Justice

A Shocking Ordeal

On July 12, 2025, Harare was rocked by a disturbing case involving 26-year-old Amanda Chizanga Chakanyuka, who allegedly kidnapped her ex-boyfriend, Linos Gapanga, with five unidentified accomplices. According to police reports and eyewitness accounts, Amanda accused Gapanga of rape and impregnation and then forcibly took him to a lodge in Highfield, where he was physically assaulted and coerced into unprotected sex to “remove rituals.” Following the act, the group stole his wallet and bank cards.

Amanda has been arrested, while her five male accomplices remain at large. The case, still under investigation, has generated intense public debate and media scrutiny, especially given its intersection of cultural belief, sexual violence, and legal boundaries.

A Deep Dive of Transformation | FCT

Transforming Abuja: A Deep Dive into Housing, Education, and Healthcare in Nigeria’s Federal Capital Territory

Abuja, Nigeria’s gleaming capital, is witnessing a transformation that stretches beyond concrete structures and ceremonial milestones. As the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) expands, its commitment to housing, education, and healthcare is shaping the fabric of communities and redrawing the boundaries of possibility. But beneath the headlines and commissioning ceremonies lie deeply human stories of hope, resilience, and challenge.

Housing: A Tale of Two Cities

Driven by national agendas and local innovation, housing development in the FCT is booming—with projects like the Renewed Hope Cities & Estates Programme and FHA expansions in Zuba and Lugbe promising thousands of units. The FCT Mass Housing Policy, crafted around Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs), aims to make homeownership more accessible.

ReviewsNetwork@DEMOCRACYTODAY.NG | Current Political Issues - Showunmi Speaks

Shegun Showunmi, Nigerian Politician

The ADC Coalition Conundrum: Can Unity Trump Ambition Ahead of 2027?

In the evolving drama of Nigeria’s road to the 2027 general elections, the opposition African Democratic Congress (ADC) coalition has emerged as an ambitious but precarious alliance of political juggernauts. Prominent figures like Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi headline the group, joined by other defectors from traditional party strongholds. Yet, in a blistering critique, Segun Showunmi, convener of The Alternative movement, warns that the coalition risks becoming another hollow alliance, doomed by ego and inconsistency.

Showunmi’s Red Flags: Commotion, Not Coalition

During his interview on Democracy Today, Showunmi labeled the ADC coalition a “coalition of commotion, confusion, and corruption.” His criticisms were pointed:

• The alliance lacks ideological alignment and a unifying purpose.
• Every major player is fixated on the presidency, making consensus unlikely.
• He predicted the coalition would implode under the weight of competing ambitions.

NewsRoundUp | 090725

Nigeria at a Crossways: Education Reforms, Health Warnings, Political Alliances, and Solar Power Gains

As Nigeria edges into the second half of 2025, the country finds itself at a pivotal intersection of reform, reckoning, and renewal, from sweeping policy changes in the education sector to bold moves in healthcare, politics, and renewable energy.

Government Cracks Down on Illegal University Admissions

In a decisive move to restore order and transparency in Nigeria’s tertiary education sector, the Federal Government has set the minimum admission age at 16 years and warned that any admissions outside the Central Admissions Processing System (CAPS) will now be deemed illegal.

The announcement, made during the 2025 JAMB Policy Meeting, spells serious consequences for violators, including license revocation and prosecution. With over 120 universities receiving fewer than 50 applications this year, the crackdown has ignited a broader conversation around access, relevance, and regulation in the country’s rapidly expanding academic landscape.

FEEL MY PULSE | 090725

Global Echoes: How Youth, Faith, and Civil Movements Are Reshaping Reactions to Global Crises

In today’s connected world, the resonance of global events isn’t confined to government chambers or diplomatic cables. It pulses through the chants of youth-led protests, the sermons of faith leaders, and the petitions of grassroots organizations. From the bustling streets of Lagos to the mountain cities of Chile, communities are rising to meet some of the world’s most urgent challenges, with hope, resistance, and a hunger for justice.

Ceasefires and Civil Disobedience: The Gaza Conflict Unites a Global Chorus

As ceasefire negotiations intensify between Israel and Hamas, fueled by mediation efforts from the U.S., Egypt, and Qatar, the response on the ground is emotional, divided, and powerful.

In Africa, especially South Africa, the memory of apartheid is fueling solidarity. Young activists are organizing protests echoing anti-apartheid slogans, while President Ramaphosa publicly condemned Israeli actions. Civil society organizations like Afrika4Palestine and South African Jews for a Free Palestine warn that a ceasefire isn’t enough, justice must follow.