By Tony Obiechina, Abuja

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has issued a public advisory urging Nigerians to use U.S. entry visas responsibly, following concerns raised by the United States government over visa misuse.The NCS emphasized that Nigerian travelers must adhere strictly to the purpose stated in their visa applications, warning that engaging in activities inconsistent with their visa classification could lead to revocation.

From Sylvia Udegbunam Enugu 

Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah, says his administration is poised to establish two new universities as part of his administration’s efforts to entrench the state as a knowledge centre and diaspora innovation hub.

Mbah stated this at the State House, Abuja, on Monday during the launch of Diaspora Bridge Platform, a digital innovation for connecting Nigerian professionals in the diaspora with local tertiary institutions for collaboration in research, teaching, innovation, and capacity building.

The platform seeks to leverage on the expertise of Nigerians abroad to promote national development goals in education, science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and medicine (STEM-M).

The governor added that apart from the ongoing construction of 260 Smart Green Schools that would take off in September, his administration had consistently dedicated over 33 per cent of the state’s budget to education, well aware that human capital remained the true measure of the wealth of any nation. 

“Enugu State is ready to host and lead diaspora collaborations. In addition to expanding our seven public tertiary institutions, we are establishing two new universities soon – the Enugu State University of Education and Technology (ESUET), and the Enugu State University of Agriculture and Technology (ESUAT).

“Because innovation is the language of the 21st Century, we are also establishing eight Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges across Enugu State – one in each Federal Constituency.

“Our vigorous investment in innovation in Enugu State tertiary institutions is intended to complement our modest effort to reform our pre-tertiary Basic, TVET, and Senior Secondary education system, drive innovation, and leverage Artificial Intelligence, Simulation, and Virtual and Augmented Reality to ensure applied learning in ways that exceed the milestones of the Sustainable Development Goals.

“Through our Center for Experiential Learning and Innovation (CELI), we are making skill development the focus of our education transformation. We are talking about foundational, life, digital, and job-specific skills for industry, innovation, technology, science, and medicine. When you think STEM-with Double MM (STEMM), think of Enugu State, come to Enugu State, give Enugu State a chance,” Mbah stated.

He commended the Federal Ministry of Education for the Diaspora Bridge initiative to leverage Nigeria’s diaspora communities, describing education as “the single most important sector upon which our nation’s socio-economic fate depends.”

He extolled the initiative answered to “an urgent call to reconnect global expertise with local purpose.”

“For years, our understanding of the role of the Nigerian diaspora has mostly been via the basic economic lens of their remittances.

“Seldom do we also contemplate how to galvanise their support towards causes with more enduring ends, beyond medical outreaches that are often few and far between.

“Our various diaspora communities across the world represent Nigeria’s most critical human resource. What has been lacking is a formal platform where their expertise and collective financial clout could be wholesomely tapped.

“Today, we take the important first step towards that goal under the banner of the Diaspora Bridge, convened by the visionary Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa,” he stated.

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The Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) is intensifying efforts towards eliminating the circulation of substandard electrical products in the country.

The Director- General of SON, Dr Ifeanyi Okeke, said this at a Stakeholders Sensitisation Forum for manufacturers, importers and vendors at the Zuba Electrical and Electronics Market on Monday in Abuja.

The theme of the event was “Driving Economic Growth in the Electrical/Electronics Sector through Standards and Quality Assurance.

Okeke was represented by Dr. Marline Waziri, North Central Coordinator for SON.

He commended members of the Abuja Electrical Materials Dealers’ Welfare Association for their efforts towards ensuring standards in the subsector.

He applauded the association’s recent decision to prohibit the sale of fake and substandard electrical items among its members.

The director-general described the decision as a bold and patriotic move that aligns with SON’s mandate on standardisation and consumer protection.

“This engagement is particularly significant as it reflects our collective responsibility to ensure that only safe, quality and standard electrical materials are distributed and sold across Nigerian markets,” Okeke said.

He said that the workshop was designed to enlighten stakeholders on SON’s regulatory tools, including product registration, authentication and market surveillance strategies.

“These mechanisms help genuine businesses thrive, protect consumers and promote confidence in Nigeria’s manufacturing ecosystem,” he said.

The SON boss also reiterated the Federal Government’s “Nigeria First Policy,” which he said promotes the patronage of locally made and approved products that meet quality benchmarks.

“By choosing standard electrical products, you are not only protecting lives and property but also strengthening local industries and boosting job creation,” he said.

According to him, the collaborative initiative is expected to significantly reduce the circulation of substandard electrical and electronic products in Abuja and environs, while also improving compliance and revenue generation.

Okeke, however, said that the fight against fake products could not be shouldered by SON alone, calling on market leaders, distributors and consumers to join hands in upholding the values of quality and safety.

“The eradication of substandard products is not a task for SON alone. It requires the active partnership of stakeholders like you, dealers, distributors, consumers and the general public.

“Your understanding, cooperation and commitment are essential to safeguarding lives and property, boosting investor confidence, and enhancing the reputation of your businesses,” he said.

He urged participants to take full advantage of the workshop and remain committed to the ongoing national campaign against substandard goods.

Vice President, Zuba International Electronic Market, Chike Nwasa, urged the Federal Government to provide the dealers with guidelines on how to go about their business and ensure standardisation of products.

Nwasa also called for government intervention in the area of infrastructure, especially the access road to the market.

Secretary of the Association, Godwin Hassan expressed excitement over the sensitisation exercise, describing it as timely and enlightening for market stakeholders.

Hassan commended SON for engaging directly with traders to explain the difference between standard and substandard electrical products, which he said would help dealers make better-informed purchasing decisions.

The secretary called for sustained collaboration between SON and the association to curb the incidents of fire outbreaks and death in the country.

He urged the government and the media to intensify public awareness on the dangers of substandard products.

He reaffirmed the market’s commitment to supporting the fight against fake electrical goods and promoting quality standards across the country.

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