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  • Google Unveils 10 Free AI Courses with Certification to Boost Digital Skills

    Google has introduced a suite of 10 free Artificial Intelligence (AI) courses, providing global learners with access to cutting-edge digital skills and free certificates upon completion.

    The initiative is aimed at equipping individuals with in-demand knowledge in areas such as generative AI, machine learning, large language models (LLMs), and responsible AI development.

    According to details published online, the courses are open to all categories of learners, including students, professionals, and beginners, with no prerequisite qualifications required.

    Interested applicants can access the programme through this link:
    Apply for Google AI Courses⁠

    The courses are designed to combine theoretical knowledge with practical application through hands-on labs, interactive tutorials, and real-world projects, enabling participants to build and deploy AI-powered solutions effectively.

    The organisers noted that the training is self-paced, allowing learners to study at their convenience while gaining insights from Google experts and industry practitioners.

    “Participants will gain practical experience in key AI domains including natural language processing, prompt engineering, and cloud-based AI tools,” the organisers stated.

    Upon successful completion, learners are awarded digital certificates or skill badges, which can be used to enhance their professional profiles and improve employability in the global technology ecosystem.

    Technology experts say the programme is a significant step towards bridging the global digital skills gap, particularly in developing countries where access to quality tech education remains limited.

    A technology analyst, Mr Ibrahim Sule, described the initiative as timely, noting that AI skills are increasingly becoming essential across industries such as finance, healthcare, education, and governance.

    “With the growing adoption of AI globally, initiatives like this will empower young people with the competencies needed to compete in the evolving job market,” he said.

    The courses form part of Google’s broader effort to expand access to AI education and prepare the workforce for the future of work, where digital and AI-driven skills are expected to play a central role.

  • Plateau Crisis: Kogi Moves to Evacuate Indigenes Studying in UNIJOS

    Governor Ahmed Ododo of Kogi State has ordered the evacuation of Kogi indigenes studying at the University of Jos (UNIJOS) following the recent wave of violence in Plateau State.

    The directive comes in response to heightened insecurity in Jos, which prompted the university management to shut down academic activities and direct students to vacate campus as a precautionary measure.

    In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media, Ismail Isah, the governor said the decision was taken to ensure the safety of students, particularly those living off-campus and in vulnerable areas.

    Ododo noted that the government could not afford to expose its citizens to avoidable risks amid the deteriorating security situation in parts of Plateau State.

    He disclosed that the Special Adviser on Youth and Students Matters, Mr Oladele Nihi, had been mandated to lead a delegation to Jos to coordinate the evacuation process and ensure that all affected students return safely to Kogi.

    According to him, necessary logistics, including transportation and security arrangements, have been put in place in collaboration with relevant agencies to guarantee a smooth and secure operation.

    The governor urged the students to remain calm, law-abiding, and cooperate fully with officials handling the evacuation.

    Ododo also commended the Federal Government and security agencies for their ongoing efforts to restore peace in Plateau, expressing optimism that normalcy would soon return to the affected communities.

    He further reassured parents and guardians that the safety and welfare of Kogi students remain a top priority for his administration.

    The evacuation directive follows recent attacks in parts of Jos, including the Angwan Rukuba area, where several lives were reportedly lost, leading to heightened tension across the state.

    Authorities say the situation is being closely monitored, with security agencies intensifying efforts to prevent further breakdown of law and order.

  • INEC Defends Compliance with Court Ruling, Rejects Removal Demands

    The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has defended its recent actions, insisting that its compliance with a court ruling was in line with constitutional provisions, while rejecting calls for the removal of its chairman.

    In a statement issued in Abuja, the commission said its decision was guided strictly by the need to uphold the rule of law, following a judgment by the Court of Appeal on a political party dispute.

    INEC maintained that adherence to judicial pronouncements is a constitutional obligation, stressing that failure to comply would amount to a violation of due process and could undermine Nigeria’s democratic framework.

    The commission further described calls for the removal of its chairman as unconstitutional, noting that the process for appointing and removing the head of the electoral body is clearly outlined in the 1999 Constitution (as amended).

    It emphasised that the chairman does not serve at the discretion of any individual, political party, or interest group, adding that any attempt to force such removal outside legal provisions threatens the independence of the commission.

    The electoral body also cautioned against the politicisation of its decisions, warning that such actions could erode public trust in the electoral system and weaken democratic institutions.

    INEC reiterated its commitment to neutrality, transparency, and fairness in the discharge of its constitutional responsibilities, assuring Nigerians that it remains focused on delivering credible elections.

    The development follows criticism from some political stakeholders who questioned the commission’s role in recent party leadership issues and called for accountability.

    Observers say the situation highlights ongoing tensions between political actors and electoral authorities, particularly as preparations intensify for future elections in the country.

  • UK NHS Sanctions Nigerian Dietician Over Use of ChatGPT During Job Interview

    Nigerian dietician has been sanctioned by authorities in the United Kingdom after reportedly using artificial intelligence tool, ChatGPT, during a job interview with the National Health Service (NHS).

    The development has raised fresh concerns over ethical standards and the growing misuse of artificial intelligence in professional recruitment processes, particularly within critical sectors such as healthcare.

    According to reports, the candidate participated in a virtual interview for an NHS role but was later found to have relied on real-time AI-generated responses to answer questions posed by the interview panel.

    Investigations into the incident revealed that the applicant’s conduct breached established guidelines governing fairness, transparency and independent assessment during recruitment exercises.

    UK health regulators subsequently imposed disciplinary measures on the dietician, noting that the use of external assistance during an interview constituted professional misconduct.

    The authorities stressed that healthcare professionals are expected to demonstrate competence, integrity and sound judgement independently, given the sensitive nature of patient care and clinical decision-making.

    It was further gathered that suspicions were raised after inconsistencies emerged between the candidate’s interview performance and subsequent evaluations, prompting a detailed review.

    Experts say the case underscores the need for clearer policies and monitoring mechanisms to regulate the use of AI tools like ChatGPT in formal assessments.

    They warned that while such technologies can support learning and professional development, their use in interviews or examinations could undermine merit-based selection processes if left unchecked.

    The incident has also sparked wider debate within the global medical community on balancing technological innovation with ethical compliance in professional environments.

    Observers believe the case may prompt stricter controls during remote recruitment, including enhanced verification systems and real-time monitoring to ensure candidates adhere to established standards.

  • UK Convenes 35 Nations on Restoring Hormuz Shipping Route

    The United Kingdom will on Thursday convene a meeting of about 35 countries to deliberate on restoring safe shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, a key global energy corridor disrupted by rising tensions in the Middle East.

    Prime Minister Keir Starmer disclosed this on Wednesday, noting that the high-level meeting would explore coordinated diplomatic and political measures to ensure the resumption of maritime activities in the strategic waterway.

    Starmer said the discussions would focus on securing freedom of navigation, safeguarding vessels and crew currently stranded, and facilitating the steady flow of essential commodities, particularly crude oil and liquefied natural gas.

    He added that the meeting would be hosted by the UK Foreign Secretary, bringing together countries that had earlier signalled willingness to support efforts to stabilise the maritime corridor.

    Participating nations are expected to include major economies across Europe and Asia, reflecting broad international concern over the disruption of the Strait of Hormuz, through which a significant share of global energy supplies is transported.

    The development comes amid escalating tensions involving Iran, the United States and Israel, which have heightened security risks in the region and impacted global oil markets.

    According to Starmer, military planners would also meet subsequently to consider strategies for ensuring the safety and accessibility of the route once diplomatic efforts begin to yield results.

    He, however, cautioned that restoring normalcy to the waterway would be complex, requiring sustained international cooperation and a blend of diplomatic engagement and security coordination.

    The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the world’s most critical oil transit chokepoints, accounting for a substantial portion of global petroleum shipments, making its stability vital to international energy security.

    The planned meeting underscores growing global efforts to contain the crisis and minimise its economic implications on energy supply chains and international trade.

  • Saidu Alkali Quits as Transport Minister, Eyes Gombe Governorship Seat

    The Minister of Transportation, Saidu Ahmed Alkali, has resigned from his position to pursue his political ambition of contesting the 2027 governorship election in Gombe State.

    Alkali’s resignation was confirmed in Abuja on Tuesday by sources within the Federal Ministry of Transportation, who said the move was in line with political conventions and the need to focus fully on his gubernatorial aspiration.

    A member of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Alkali is seeking to succeed the incumbent Governor of Gombe State, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, whose tenure is expected to end in 2027.

    Political observers say Alkali’s entry into the race may reshape the political landscape in the North-East state, given his longstanding involvement in public service and party politics.

    Before his resignation, Alkali supervised key transportation projects, including railway modernisation and road infrastructure initiatives aimed at improving connectivity across the country.

    In a brief remark, a senior government official noted that Alkali had formally communicated his decision to step down in order to comply with political and ethical standards guiding public office holders seeking elective positions.

    “He has shown respect for democratic principles by stepping aside to pursue his ambition without conflict of interest,” the source said.

    Party stakeholders in Gombe have begun consultations ahead of the primaries, with analysts predicting a keenly contested race among aspirants within the APC.

    Meanwhile, efforts to get official confirmation from the Presidency were ongoing at the time of filing this report.

  • JNI Confirms Four Muslims Killed, 10 Missing in Plateau Attack

    The Plateau State chapter of the Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI) has confirmed that four Muslims were killed, while 10 others remain missing following a recent attack on Angwan Rukuba community in Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau.

    The Secretary of JNI in the state, Salim Umar, disclosed this in a statement issued on Tuesday in Jos.

    Umar said the figures emerged after investigations and reports collated from affected Muslim communities in the area.

    According to him, the victims were part of those affected in the Sunday night attack, which reportedly claimed several lives and left many others injured.

    “The Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI), Plateau State Chapter, regrets to confirm the death of four Muslims and reports 10 others missing following the recent attack on Angwan Rukuba community,” he said.

    He added that some of the victims’ bodies had been identified at the Jos University Teaching Hospital, while the missing persons had not been contacted since the incident, with their phone lines unreachable.

    The JNI secretary noted that two survivors of the attack were currently receiving treatment at the hospital, adding that the organisation was in contact with families of the victims.

    He expressed condolences to the bereaved families and urged residents to remain calm, while commending efforts by the state government and security agencies in containing the situation.

    The incident is part of a series of violent attacks in Plateau State, where gunmen recently invaded communities in Jos North, leading to multiple casualties and heightened security concerns.

    Security agencies have yet to provide a comprehensive update on the number of casualties, although previous reports indicated that several persons were killed during the assault.

    Meanwhile, stakeholders have continued to call for improved security measures to prevent further attacks in the state.

  • Telecom Subscribers Seek Compensation Over Network Disruptions

    Telecommunications subscribers across Nigeria have called for adequate compensation from service providers following persistent network disruptions affecting voice calls, data services and digital transactions nationwide.

    The subscribers made the call in separate interviews with the Sources on Monday in Abuja, expressing frustration over frequent service outages, poor connectivity and inconsistent internet speeds.

    Some of the respondents said the disruptions had negatively impacted their businesses, communication and access to essential online services, including banking and remote work.

    “I rely heavily on mobile data for my online business, but the network has been unreliable for weeks. It is only fair that providers compensate us for the losses incurred,” a subscriber, Mrs. Halima Sani, said.

    Another respondent, Mr. Chinedu Okafor, said telecom operators should be held accountable for service failures, noting that subscribers continue to pay for services that are not optimally delivered.

    Industry stakeholders, however, attributed the disruptions to multiple challenges, including infrastructure vandalism, power supply constraints and high operational costs.

    A telecom analyst, Mr. Tunde Adebayo, explained that while compensation demands were justified, systemic issues affecting the sector must also be addressed.

    “Operators are grappling with rising costs of diesel, foreign exchange volatility and security challenges affecting infrastructure. These factors inevitably impact service delivery,” he said.

    The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), the sector’s regulator, has reiterated its commitment to protecting consumer rights and ensuring quality of service.

    In a recent statement, the NCC said it had mechanisms in place for monitoring service quality and addressing consumer complaints, adding that operators found wanting could face sanctions in line with regulatory provisions.

    The commission also urged subscribers to report service issues through official complaint channels to enable prompt resolution and regulatory action where necessary.

    Meanwhile, telecom operators have appealed for patience, assuring customers that efforts were underway to improve network performance through infrastructure upgrades and increased investment.

    Analysts note that compensation frameworks in the telecommunications sector remain limited, with calls growing for clearer policies that would mandate service credits or refunds during prolonged outages.

    They emphasised that improving service quality and ensuring accountability would boost consumer confidence and support Nigeria’s growing digital economy.

  • Experts Call for Mass Adoption of HIV Prevention Injection to Reduce Burden

    Health experts have called for the widespread adoption of a long-acting Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) prevention injection as a critical step toward reducing new infections and easing the disease burden in Nigeria.

    The experts said the injectable preventive drug, known as lenacapavir, offers a promising alternative to daily oral pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), particularly for individuals who face challenges with adherence to routine medication.

    They explained that the injection, administered twice yearly, ensures sustained protection against HIV infection, thereby addressing gaps associated with missed doses common with daily regimens.

    A Director of Research at the Nigerian Institute of Medical Research (NIMR), Prof. Oliver Ezechi, said that the effectiveness of the intervention would largely depend on its acceptance and consistent use among target populations.

    Ezechi noted that increased uptake of the injection could significantly reduce transmission rates, especially in high-risk communities.

    “If widely adopted and properly implemented, this innovation has the potential to drastically cut new HIV infections in the country,” he said.

    He added that the long-acting nature of the drug could improve retention in prevention programmes and enhance overall outcomes in the fight against HIV/AIDS.

    According to him, Nigeria continues to grapple with a high HIV burden, with millions of people living with the virus despite ongoing prevention and treatment efforts.

    Also speaking, a Professor of Infectious Diseases Epidemiology at Ebonyi State University, Prof. Lawrence Ogbonnaya, described the injection as a major advancement capable of improving compliance among users.

    Ogbonnaya said the twice-yearly dosage reduces the likelihood of default, which has been a major challenge in HIV prevention strategies relying on daily medication.

    Similarly, the National President of the Association of Nigerian Private Medical Practitioners, Dr Kayode Adesola, emphasised the importance of ensuring accessibility and affordability of the injection.

    He called for increased domestic investment in HIV programmes, warning that reliance on foreign funding could undermine sustainability.

    Adesola also advocated for local production and technology transfer to guarantee steady supply and reduce costs.

    The Federal Government had earlier announced plans to deploy the injection in selected states, including the Federal Capital Territory, as part of efforts to strengthen the national HIV response.

    The experts, however, stressed that beyond availability, success would depend on public awareness, community engagement, and integration of the injection into existing healthcare systems.

    They reiterated that a coordinated approach involving government, healthcare providers, and development partners would be essential to achieving meaningful reduction in new HIV infections.

  • Lebanon Condemns Killing of Three Journalists in Israeli Strike

    The Lebanese government has strongly condemned the killing of three journalists in what it described as an Israeli airstrike, heightening tensions amid ongoing hostilities along the country’s southern border.

    In an official statement issued on Saturday, Lebanese authorities accused Israel of deliberately targeting media personnel, describing the attack as a “flagrant violation of international law” and press freedom.

    The journalists, whose identities were yet to be officially released at the time of filing this report, were reportedly covering developments in southern Lebanon when the strike occurred.

    Lebanon’s Ministry of Information said the incident underscored growing risks faced by journalists operating in conflict zones and called on the international community to hold those responsible accountable.

    “This act constitutes a direct assault on freedom of expression and the safety of journalists carrying out their professional duties,” the statement said.

    The ministry further urged relevant international bodies, including the United Nations and global press freedom organisations, to launch an independent investigation into the incident.

    Meanwhile, emergency responders were said to have rushed to the scene shortly after the strike, recovering bodies and transporting the injured to nearby medical facilities.

    Tensions between Lebanon and Israel have escalated in recent months, with intermittent cross-border exchanges raising fears of a broader regional conflict.

    Observers say journalists have increasingly found themselves at risk as they attempt to cover developments in volatile border areas, often without adequate protection.

    There has been no immediate response from Israeli authorities regarding the incident as of press time.

    Media advocacy groups have repeatedly warned about the dangers faced by reporters in conflict zones, urging all parties to respect international humanitarian laws that guarantee the protection of civilians, including journalists.

    The latest incident adds to growing concerns over the safety of media workers in the Middle East, as calls intensify for stricter enforcement of laws safeguarding press personnel in war zones.

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