The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has issued a public advisory urging Nigerians to use their U.S. visas responsibly and strictly in line with the purpose stated during their visa application.
This advisory comes in response to concerns raised by the U.S. Government regarding the misuse of visas by some Nigerian nationals.
In a statement released on Saturday in Abuja, the Service Public Relations Officer (SPRO), Akinsola Akinlabi, emphasized that all Nigerian holders of U.S. visas must comply with the terms and conditions under which their visas were issued.
“The Nigeria Immigration Service wishes to inform the general public of concerns raised by the United States Government regarding the misuse of U.S. visas by Nigerians.
“All visa holders are advised to strictly adhere to the purpose stated in their visa applications.
“U.S. authorities conduct security screening beyond the initial point of entry into the country. Any breach of immigration or other laws can lead to visa revocation or deportation.
“Breach of visa conditions, including overstaying, may attract severe penalties, including removal from the U.S. and permanent ineligibility for future travel,” he said.
According to him, the U.S. remains committed to maintaining a secure and transparent visa process and expects all visa holders to comply fully with its immigration regulations.
He also advised Nigerian students in the U.S. to remain in active study programmes and refrain from unauthorised withdrawal or absenteeism.
He noted that such actions could result in visa cancellation and the loss of future eligibility for U.S. travel, NIS.
The NIS warned that the U.S. consular officers reserve the right to deny tourist visas to applicants suspected of intending to travel for the purpose of giving birth, in a bid to secure U.S. citizenship for their children.
“The NIS will continue to collaborate with the U.S. Mission in Abuja to ensure Nigeria is not included in any expanded visa restrictions.
“We are calling on all Nigerian citizens to comply with U.S. visa rules as such conduct is essential to safeguarding legitimate travel opportunities,” he said.
Insured, But Still Uncovered: The Frustrating Reality of Nigerian Health Insurance
Insured, But Still Uncovered: The Frustrating Reality of Nigerian Health Insurance
Imagine this: you have a health insurance card, you’ve paid your dues, and you think you’re covered. Then, you get sick, go to the hospital, and are told you still have to pay out-of-pocket for your treatment. This is the frustrating reality for thousands of Nigerians, from federal civil servants to market traders.
Insured, But Still Uncovered: The Frustrating Reality of Nigerian Health Insurance
This growing problem is a sign that Nigeria’s health insurance system is quietly breaking down. The gap between what insurance plans promise and what hospitals can actually provide is widening, leaving patients like Fatima Suleiman, a civil servant in Abuja, in a difficult spot.
Unrealistic Prices: For years, the health insurance system focused on getting more people enrolled, but it didn’t keep up with the rising cost of healthcare. Inflation has skyrocketed, making medical equipment, tests, and drugs far more expensive than what insurance companies are willing to pay.
Slow Payments: Hospitals are struggling financially. Many complain about long delays in receiving payments from Health Maintenance Organizations (HMOs), the companies that manage health insurance plans. As a result, hospitals are forced to make a tough choice: either absorb the financial loss or stop accepting certain insurance plans.
The Numbers Game: Health experts say the system was built for numbers, not for quality. The goal was to get a large number of people enrolled, but the funding model has a major flaw. It relies on a “capitation” system where hospitals get a fixed, upfront payment for each patient they are assigned.
However, according to Dr. Lekan Ewenla of Ultimate Health HMO, this only works if a hospital has enough patients—at least 2,500. When a hospital is assigned fewer people, the money quickly becomes insufficient to cover costs if even a few patients need extensive care.
Insured, But Still Uncovered: The Frustrating Reality of Nigerian Health Insurance
The Impact on Patients and Care
This broken system creates a two-tiered healthcare experience. Patients who pay with cash often receive full and immediate care, while insured patients are sometimes treated as “leftovers.” Many clinics are blacklisting HMOs, offering only minimal services to insured patients, or even restricting them to specific days of the week.
This means insured patients may get a basic consultation but have to go elsewhere and pay for the essential drugs, tests, or specialist referrals they need.
Even with recent efforts by the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) to increase payment rates to providers, many hospitals say the money is still not enough to keep up with economic realities.
This crisis threatens to reverse years of progress and could push more Nigerians back into relying solely on out-of-pocket payments—a risky system that already accounts for over 70% of health spending in the country.
Insured, But Still Uncovered: The Frustrating Reality of Nigerian Health Insurance
Ultimately, this is a wake-up call. The solution isn’t just about throwing more money at the problem. It’s about fixing the system’s core flaws, from making sure payment rates are fair and realistic to ensuring hospitals have enough patients to make the model financially sustainable.
The alert comes in response to a forecast by the Federal Ministry of Environment’s Department of Erosion, Flood, and Coastal Zone Management, which predicts heavy rainfall between July 31 and August 4, 2025.
During a press briefing on Friday, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Emergency Management, Emiola Fakeye, expressed the Government’s concerns and urged residents in vulnerable areas to evacuate temporarily or take strict safety measures to protect themselves.
“The safety of our people remains a top priority for Governor Adeleke. He is deeply concerned about the risk of flooding and is committed to ensuring that no lives are lost,” Fakeye said.
She noted that the Osun State Government had commenced desilting and clearing operations along major waterways and rivers in the affected regions.
According to her, “these preventive actions aim to ease water flow and mitigate potential flood damage. We urge residents to heed the warnings and stay alert. Prevention is better than cure.”
The government also called for heightened community vigilance and the prompt reporting of emergency cases.
“Residents should stay informed, follow safety instructions, and contact emergency services when necessary,” Fakeye reiterated.
Also, addressing the media at the briefing, Abiola Oni, the General Manager of the Osun State Emergency Management Agency, OSEMA, cautioned against improper waste disposal practices and stressed that public cooperation was essential in keeping drainage systems effective.
“We must all play our part. If we block the drainages, the water will have no place to go,” Oni warned.
The OSEMA boss explained that flooding has been a recurring problem in the area during the rainy season and could worsen if necessary action is not taken by both government agencies and residents.
He highlighted that emergency response teams had been placed on standby to respond swiftly in the event of flooding.
He said for further information or assistance, the public is advised to contact the Office of the General Manager, Osun State Emergency Management, located on Elizabeth Road, Abere.
This advisory was made public in a statement released by the Abia State Commandant, Akinsola Aderemi, at the state command headquarters on Friday. The statement was signed by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, Doreen Udugwu.
Commandant Aderemi issued a public alert, warning residents in vulnerable areas to take necessary safety measures and relocate in anticipation of a possible flood, which has been forecasted to affect parts of the state.
He referred to reports from the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency, NIHSA, and the Nigeria Meteorological Agency, NiMET, which predict significant flooding starting in August.
In line with the NSCDC’s core mandate to respond to natural disasters, the commandant said his command had proactively mobilised its Disaster Management Unit to liaise with area commanders and divisional officers to conduct sensitisation campaigns across the 17 local government areas.
He noted that the sensitisation campaigns were aimed at educating communities on flood risks and preparedness measures.
NSCDC Commandant, General Dr Ahmed Abubakar, ofr
“We are committed to ensuring the safety and security of all Abia residents, and I assure the public of our dedication to duty and the unrelenting effort of my officers to protect lives and properties during this period,” said Commandant Akinsola Aderemi.
NIHSA and NiMET, in their Annual Flood Outlook, AFO, listed nine local government areas in Abia State as high‑risk areas for flooding.
According to the forecast, the LGAs are Aba North, Isiala Ngwa North, Isuikwuato, Ukwa East, Ukwa West, Umuahia North, Umuahia South and Arochukwu.
NSCDC boss, Commandant General Dr. Ahmed Abubakar Audi
Melaye made this remark on Friday during an interview on Politics Today, a programme aired on Channels Television.
He emphasized that hunger in the country has reached alarming levels, pointing out that many Nigerians are struggling to feed themselves.
“We are in a precarious situation in this country, like we have never been. It has never been this disastrous, it has never been this terrible.
“The hunger in this country is chartered; people are dying of malnutrition in the rural communities of this country. People are beginning to visit garbage centres to look for crumbs and food,” he said.
According to him, Nigerians had never experienced what they were going through under the current administration of President Bola Tinubu.
He further lamented that the All Progressives Congress, APC-led Federal Government was not leading Nigerians on the right path.
In a landmark moment for education on the African continent, the African Union Development Agency–NEPAD (AUDA‑NEPAD) has released the draft EdTech 2030 African plan for education technologyUnveiled, a bold framework designed to revolutionise learning by 2030. Officially presented at the recent STEMtastic Adventures! The Africa symposium in Nairobi, this strategic blueprint lays out a clear roadmap for building a digitally‑inclusive education ecosystem across Africa.
Table of Contents
A Vision Rooted in Continental Priorities
The EdTech 2030 African plan for education technology unveiled aligns closely with flagship continental initiatives such as Agenda 2063, STISA‑2034, CESA 2026‑2035, and the AU Digital Transformation Strategy. By integrating these pillars, AUDA‑NEPAD ensures that the framework supports broader ambitions for socio‑economic growth, innovation, and inclusive development.
Speaking at the unveiling, Dr. Barbara Glover, a key program officer at AUDA‑NEPAD, explained the intent behind the draft: “We are leveraging local innovation and leadership in EdTech to make Africa’s education systems more inclusive, resilient and future‑ready.” Her comments echo the belief that Africa today has the opportunity to leapfrog outdated educational systems through mobile‑first and offline‑capable digital learning solutions.
Africa’s Leapfrogging Moment: EdTech as Equaliser
Just as mobile money bypassed traditional banking infrastructure in Africa, the EdTech 2030 African plan for education technology unveiled positions digital learning as the continent’s leapfrogging opportunity in education. With unreliable legacy systems, many African countries can skip the traditional path and directly embrace scalable, technology‑driven education models ⎯ especially offline-first tools that work over low bandwidth or intermittent power.
Smartphone penetration provides a solid starting point: teacher smartphone ownership exceeds 90% in South Africa and ranges from 30–65% in Ghana, Nigeria, and Kenya. This existing infrastructure boosts feasibility for mobile‑based EdTech interventions that reach marginalized learners quickly and affordably.
Six Strategic Pillars of the EdTech Vision
At the core of the EdTech 2030 African plan for education technology unveiled are six strategic priorities, each crafted to ensure inclusive, scalable, and interoperable educational transformation:
Access & Infrastructure Expand connectivity with affordable devices, solar-powered solutions, and offline-first learning tools tailored for rural and underserved regions.
Curriculum-Aligned, Localised Content Promote homegrown, multilingual courseware that aligns with national curricula. Senegal’s XamXam app—delivering lessons in Wolof to over 1.2 million users—is highlighted as a success model.
Teacher Upskilling Equip educators with digital pedagogical skills, tools for content curation, and data literacy to integrate EdTech effectively into classrooms and remote learning environments.
Interoperability & Standards Implement vendor-neutral interoperable systems and open standards that enable seamless cross-border content sharing and platform integration.
Policy & Governance Harmonise policies across countries to support equitable funding, data privacy, inclusive regulation, and coordinated oversight.
Data & Research Establish evidence-based systems for monitoring learning outcomes, shaping responsive policy, and continuously improving EdTech interventions across the continent.
Phased Roll‑Out: Roadmap 2024–2030
The implementation of the EdTech 2030 African plan for education technology unveiledis structured into three mutually reinforcing phases:
Phase I (2024–2026): Foundation Building Establish the technical, legal, and policy infrastructure. This includes setting interoperability standards, boosting cross-country collaboration, and clarifying governance frameworks.
Phase II (2026–2028): System Integration Scale interoperable Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI), enable single‑sign‑on systems, and roll out regional courseware platforms and teacher support tools.
Phase III (2029–2030): Consolidation & Global Leadership Position Africa as a global exporter of EdTech innovations. Establish a Pan‑African EdTech Innovation and Research Hub to support ongoing innovation, research, and export strategy.
Critical Imperatives: Context & Challenges
The plan responds to urgent education challenges. Sub-Saharan Africa has over 30 million children out of school, and by 2030, the continent will need 17 million new teachers to sustain universal access to quality education.
Only around 40% of African primary schools have internet access, while reports indicate up to 75% of youth lack critical digital skills needed for participation in the modern workforce. The youth cohort already accounts for over 60% of the continent’s population and is expected to reach 2.5 billion people by 2050.
By leveraging mobile-first EdTech and targeted infrastructure strategies, the plan seeks to level the playing field for learners in both urban and remote communities.
Stakeholder Roles & Collaborative Action
Sustainable success under the EdTech 2030 African plan for education technology, requires coordinated support across multiple actors:
Governments: Align national education policies, curricula, and budgets with digital education ambitions.
Regional Bodies: Oversee interoperability standards, research coordination, and shared platforms.
Private Sector & Entrepreneurs: Provide low-cost devices, localised content, apps, and infrastructure solutions.
NGOs & Development Partners (UNESCO, UNICEF, GPE): Contribute expertise, research capacity-building, and financial support.
Local Communities: Champion awareness, inclusivity, and grassroots ownership of EdTech initiatives
Financial sustainability is envisioned through blended models: combining donor funding, private investment, licensing, and public‑private partnerships. This hybrid approach aims to fuel growth, scale promising solutions, and ensure affordability and access across diverse contexts.
Why This Matters: EdTech as the Engine of Transformation
For many African countries, traditional educational structures are struggling to meet demand. Digital solutions offer a potent alternative—compacting costs, delivering tailored content, and reaching learners outside formal school walls.
The EdTech 2030 African plan for education technology unveiled, aims to unlock that potential. Through standardised infrastructure, teacher development, and value-aligned policy, nations can build EdTech-powered education systems that are inclusive, scalable, and home‑grown.
Successful examples across the continent—like XamXam in Senegal or uLesson in Nigeria—demonstrate locally driven innovation at scale. Aligning those successes under a continental strategy could amplify impact, drive intra-Africa collaboration, and set Africa on a path to become a global EdTech exporter.
What Comes Next: Public Consultation and Inputs
AUDA‑NEPAD has invited stakeholders—governments, educators, tech creators, civil society, development agencies, and students—to review the draft. Written submissions are open until August 29, 2025, allowing feedback on how the plan could better reflect local realities and accelerate EdTech adoption continent-wide.
This consultation phase is pivotal. It will shape the final policy architecture, ensure inclusive participation, and set realistic commitments for implementation across nations.
Final Thoughts
The EdTech 2030 African plan for education technology unveiled represents a transformative moment in African education. Combining local innovation with continental scale, this strategy could pave the way for universal access to quality education, powered by digital tools, built on local content, and driven by inclusive governance.
If executed effectively, by 2030 Africa will not just close education gaps—it will lead a new era of globally competitive, locally relevant EdTech innovation. The future of education in Africa is digital, and this draft framework lays the groundwork for learning systems that are equitable, resilient, and visionary.
The decision on the suspension of Ogiri was reached during Friday’s plenary session, which was presided over by Speaker Hyacinth Aondona Dajoh.
The resolution came after the House received a report from the Committee on Local Government, Security, and Chieftaincy Affairs. The report accused Ogiri of diverting public funds into his personal account and unlawfully shutting down the legislative chambers of the local government.
Lawmakers condemned the alleged misappropriation of funds, harassment of councilors, and closure of the legislative chamber, recommending that the deputy chairman be immediately sworn in to lead the council.
The House also set up a five-man panel chaired by Bemdoo Ipusu to investigate the activities of the local government and report back within one week.
Other members of the panel include Michael Audu, Cyril Ekong, Solomon Gyila, and Berger Alfred, with Mr. Bem Abunde as secretary.
The Assembly condemned the harassment of the Deputy Speaker by alleged supporters of the Ado Local Government Chairman, calling on the Nigeria Police and the Department of State Services (DSS) to intervene to prevent escalation.
Four tax reform bills will be signed into law by President Tinubu on Thursday.
Prophet Austin Ariole, a Christian cleric and leader of the Goshen Freedom Tabernacle (GFT) in Delta State, has criticized the All Progressives Congress (APC) administration led by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, describing it as being fraught with numerous challenges.
In a statement personally signed by him while evaluating the President’s performance over the past two years, Prophet Ariole stated that the “Renewed Hope” agenda has brought widespread pain and hardship to ordinary Nigerians, sparing only the elites and political class.
Prophet Ariole noted that it is on record that he took very audacious steps in removing the subsidy in Petrol,”the pain is beyond managing” he said.
According to him,”One of the most worrisome things this administration is doing is appropriating projects in all the geopolitical zones that they put on paper but execution is a problem.
“Benin to Warri is just how many kilometers, Benin to Abuja is how many kilometers, yet there’s no road.
“Why is the train terminating in Itakpe or Ajakuta. Isn’t it possible to build the railroad down to Abuja. Every project looks like a mirage.”
Prophet Ariole added that, “The coastal road is an amazing initiative, but I believe nothing is happening there now. It can’t be completed by Tinubu and that’s a huge challenge.
“I read of the contract for the rehabilitation of the wing of Murtala Mohammed international airport in Lagos. Isn’t that money too much? We have so many people dying of frustration and hunger, these projects are far from impacting on the common man.
“I hear the student loan is on now, my question is, how will these students pay when there are no jobs for graduates in Nigeria. After youth service, majority begin micro business like POS and riding of Keke, is that the dividend or the fruit from graduation.
“Can you blame the Youths who go into yahoo today. While in the university in the 90s, there was so much excitement believing we would get employment from within the oil and gas sector for those of us from Niger Delta and others also came and got Jobs directly or indirectly from that sector.
“Just like the machines bought during President IBB for the purpose of training young Nigerian in JSS but where covered until they disappeared.”
He lamented that so many destinies end in such a manner because the government is not taking responsibility for our security. “Forget propaganda, Nigeria is in a state of emergency. The statistics of poverty index is alarming.
“Just as you see mega churches, the truth is only five percent of most of these church members pull the string. Exactly as the percentage of the general populace making things happen. Government should be for the people and not for the privileged.”
Ahead of the forthcoming 2027 general elections, Prophet Ariole said former Presidential Aspirant of the Labour Party, LP, Peter Obi who challenged this government in the last election unfortunately couldn’t put his party together.
He said,’Now he is again jumping into an unholy alliance that won’t favor him.”
For a government to succeed, Prophet Ariole opined that,”There is need for a strong opposition, that we never saw in this administration.”
The nominees were announced in a statement issued by the Secretary to the State Government, Umar Musa Ikhilor.
Those nominated by Monday include Nosa Adams, Yakubu Oshiorenua Musa, Felix Akhabue, and Professor Omorodion Ignatius Ikponmwosa.
Nosa Adams, a member of the PDP legal team in Edo State, previously served as State Publicity Secretary of the PDP, Chairman of Egor Local Government Council, Special Adviser to the Edo State Governor, and General Manager of the Edo State Rubber Estates. A legal practitioner and member of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Adams is currently the Principal Partner at Nosa Adams & Co.
Yakubu Oshiorenua Musa, a former Chairman of Etsako West Local Government Area, holds academic qualifications in Agriculture and Business Administration.
Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo
Felix Akhabue is a former Chairman of Esan West Local Government Area during the administrations of Prof. Oserhiemen Osunbor and Comrade Adams Oshiomhole. He also served as a commissioner under Governor Godwin Obaseki. Akhabue is a former National President of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), a chartered accountant, businessman, political figure, and community advocate. He holds degrees in Accounting and Business Administration.
Prof. Omorodion Ignatius Ikponmwosa holds a B.Eng. in Mechanical/Production Engineering, an M.Eng. in Manufacturing Engineering, and a PhD in Automation and Control, earned from Nnamdi Azikiwe University, the University of Benin, and Ambrose Alli University, respectively. A renowned academic in Industrial and Production Engineering, he is recognized for his contributions to education and research in automation and control systems.
Artificial intelligence is swiftly transforming education worldwide—but amid this evolution, Africa stands at a critical crossroads. The continent cannot afford to be left behind. Moyo Orekoya, co‑founder of the AI‑powered teaching platform Shepherd, is sounding the alarm: Africa must seize this revolution, particularly within classrooms, or risk a widening educational and technological divide arXiv+5Punch+5Punch+5.
Table of Contents
Shepherd: AI Tailored for African Classrooms
Shepherd is designed with African educators and learners in mind. Orekoya emphasises its ability to deliver personalised learning, adaptively guiding students based on their strengths and challenges. In environments where teacher quality and resources vary greatly, such tools offer vital support.
Personalisation is critical. Shepherd uses AI to assess student performance in real time, offering targeted feedback and scaffolding lessons to match individual pace. This significantly lightens the burden on overstretched teachers and enhances learning outcomes, in line with global research underscoring AI’s promise for individualised instruction in low-resource settings.
Tackling Real Classroom Challenges
Africa faces a persistent educational deficit: overcrowded classrooms, outdated curriculum delivery methods, and large student-to-teacher ratios. AI-driven tools like Shepherd can help address these systemic issues.
By automating routine assessment, Shepherd offers immediate insights into student progress. Teachers can then devote their limited time to designing richer lessons or offering one-on-one guidance. Shepherd also supports first‑language learning, inclusive education for learners with disabilities, and curriculum localisation—all key considerations in Africa’s diverse linguistic landscape.
Empowering Educators, Not Replacing Them
Orekoya is clear that AI isn’t a replacement for teachers—it’s a complement. Shepherd is built to empower educators, providing tools that make lesson planning more efficient and diagnostics more accurate.
This aligns with expert consensus that maximum learning gains occur when teachers are partners in the AI loop, not bypassed. When teachers are central to AI initiatives—from design to deployment—classroom adoption improves dramatically.
Evidence in Action: Early Wins
While Shepherd itself is early stage, similar AI‑based programs have delivered measurable results across Africa:
In Ghana, the Rori chatbot tutor—accessible via WhatsApp—helped grade 3–9 students improve math performance (effect size ~0.37) over eight months, using low‑bandwidth devices.
Kwame for Science, deployed across West Africa, served 750 users asking over 1,500 science questions. It showed top‑3 answer accuracy of 87.2%, demonstrating its ability to support students at scale.
Broader projects supported by IDRC, AI4D, GPE‑KIX and national Ministries have applied AI to create textbooks in local languages, assist learners with disabilities, and train policymakers on AI competencies—highlighting systematic alignment with Africa’s Continental AI Strategy.
Together, these initiatives affirm that context-aware, ethically guided AI tools can be both effective and equitable in African educational contexts.
Toward a Responsible AI Agenda in African Education
Realising AI’s full potential in Africa requires infrastructure, policy, and human capacity. IDRC’s recent work emphasises:
building AI competency frameworks for teachers and students,
formulating national EdTech and AI policies,
integrating AI literacy into teacher training,
and promoting local, culturally-grounded innovations.
Orekoya and other innovators urge that Shepherd and similar platforms be developed responsibly, embedding ethics, data privacy, linguistic diversity, and accessibility from the ground up.
What Needs to Happen Now
To make AI in classrooms a widespread reality in Africa, several priorities must align:
1. Investment and Infrastructure
Reliable electricity, affordable devices, and stable internet access remain uneven across the continent. AI platforms like Shepherd must support offline or low-data modes. Public-private impact funding should accelerate infrastructure deployment across rural and underserved schools.
2. Teacher Training and Ownership
Teachers need training on AI tools—not just how to click buttons, but how to interpret data-driven insights and adapt teaching accordingly. Ongoing professional development and co-design processes improve trust and pedagogical integration.
3. Policy and Governance
National education authorities must create AI-friendly policies: clear standards for data protection, equity frameworks for classroom AI use, and guidelines ensuring alignment with national curricula and languages.
4. Localised, Scalable Innovation
Solutions like Shepherd must be grounded in African realities. Tools built for Ghana may not automatically work in Nigeria, Kenya, or Mali. Localisation—linguistic, cultural, curricular—is essential for legitimacy and impact.
5. Long-Term Impact Research
Sustained evaluation is key. Ghana’s Rori study showed promising short-term gains; Shepherd and other platforms should aim for longitudinal studies measuring retention, progression, and student resilience.
Why It Matters: Equity, Economy, and Future Readiness
Africa has missed previous industrial revolutions—web, broadband, smartphones —but AI presents a new inflection point. Access to AI-powered education can help:
Close equity gaps between urban and rural, high- and low-income schools.
Build digital literacy and problem-solving skills necessary for future jobs.
Empower learners in local languages, helping preserve heritage while advancing education.
Fuel economic development, with a more skilled workforce ready for data-intensive roles.
Orekoya believes Shepherd is part of this transformative generation of tools that can accelerate Africa’s leapfrogging into an AI-empowered future.
Classroom Voices: Teacher-Centred AI
While Shepherd is teacher-empowering by design, frontline educators report similar tools reduce admin load, help them identify struggling students earlier, and integrate interactive content more easily. Teachers appreciate having AI as an ally rather than overshadow.
This resonates with global findings: educators are more likely to adopt AI platforms when they retain pedagogical agency and can provide feedback to developers—a virtuous circle of improvement and teacher agency.
A Vision for Africa’s Classroom Future
Imagine a classroom in Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, or Uganda where:
A student logs into Shepherd on a basic tablet.
Shepherd adapts the lesson to her current level—perhaps in math or science—providing dynamic exercises.
The teacher receives an AI-generated report highlighting topic areas needing attention.
Educators adjust group activities accordingly; brighter learners are challenged, and struggling learners get targeted support.
The software works offline when electricity or the internet fails.
Instructions, assessments, and feedback appear in local languages or dialects, increasing learner comfort and comprehension.
This isn’t a futuristic dream—it’s achievable today through tools like Shepherd, Rori, Kwame and companion innovations.
The Path Forward: Act Now
Africa’s educational systems are navigating heavy challenges: teacher shortages, outdated learning materials, motivation gaps, pandemic-related learning loss, and resource inequality.
AI-powered platforms offer a compelling, scalable solution—but only if implementation is intentional, inclusive, and collaborative. Shepherd co‑founder Orekoya urges urgency—not just in tech adoption, but with a vision: anchored in teacher empowerment, localised design, data privacy, and sustained investment.
Failing to act means putting an entire generation of young learners at risk of being left behind as the world embraces AI-augmented education.
Conclusion
Africa stands at the threshold of a transformative moment in education. Platforms like Shepherd, developed by local innovators, offer a hopeful blueprint for decades of opportunity to come. By aligning policy, investment, teacher training, infrastructure, and cultural localisation, African countries can—and must—ensure that their students are at the centre of the AI revolution in classrooms.
This is more than a technological shift—it’s a chance to write a new chapter in African education, one where learners everywhere have access to personalised, inclusive, and empowering instruction powered by AI.
Abia State Governor Alex Otti has announced plans to begin paying monthly stipends to National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members assigned to government-owned institutions in the state.
He revealed this on Friday at the NYSC Permanent Orientation Camp in Umunna, Bende Local Government Area, during the official opening of the 2025 Batch “B” Stream 1 Orientation Course.
Otti, who commended the NYSC’s vital role in promoting national unity and development, emphasized his administration’s commitment to supporting and fostering patriotic values among young graduates.
The governor stated, “We are planning to introduce a monthly state stipend that will reflect current economic realities, especially for those of you posted to state-owned institutions.”
He urged NYSC members to build bridges of love, harmony, and productive integration throughout the state, encouraging them to actively contribute to its development.
Abia state governor, Alex Otti
Additionally, he advised the corps members to manage their finances carefully by prioritizing savings and to take advantage of the business funding opportunities available through the NYSC during their service year.
Governor Otti also reminded NYSC members to take the security guidelines they received seriously and to maintain dedication and discipline in their conduct.
President Tinubu issues strong urge to Governors to Prioritise Citizens’ Welfare
State governors have been tasked by President Bola Tinubu to put Nigerians’ wellbeing first by making more investments in their future, with a particular emphasis on rural electrification, agricultural mechanisation, poverty alleviation, and better infrastructure spending.
At the 150th meeting of the National Economic Council (NEC), which was held in the State House Council Chambers in Abuja, Minister of Budget and Economic Planning Atiku Bagudu gave a presentation on the Renewed Hope Ward Development Program, which was followed by President Tinubu’s appeal to the governors.
APC governors meeting in Benin
By directly assisting Nigeria’s 8,809 administrative wards in all 36 states, the new Renewed Hope Ward Development Programme (RHWDP) seeks to achieve double-digit economic growth.
President Tinubu implored the governors to do more to positively impact the lives of Nigerians in the grassroots, saying, “I want to appeal to you; let us change the story of our people in the rural areas.
President Tinubu
“The economy is working. We are on the path of recovery, but we need to stimulate growth in the rural areas. We know the situation in the rural areas; let us collaborate and do what will benefit the people.”
“We have to embrace mechanisation in agriculture, fight insecurity and improve school enrolment through school feeding,” the president said.
Following this, Tinubu instructed NEC to form a committee to improve the implementation of legacy projects, particularly the Sokoto-Badagry Super Highway and the Lagos-Calabar Super Highway.
He also directed the Office of the Surveyor-General of the Federation to be moved to the presidency in order to facilitate the smooth implementation of the legacy projects of his administration throughout the nation.
The initiative is based on President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which aims to build an economy worth $1 trillion by 2030, which calls for a 15% growth rate—the present rate is less than 4%.
The National Orientation Agency, Akwa Ibom Directorate, has raised alarm warning the general public to the wide circulation of fake N1000 notes within the state.
According to reports, NOA identified the coastal communities of Udung Uko, Mbo, Oron, Okobo, and Ibeno Local Government places as among the places most severely affected by the illicit activities.
Mr. Mkpoutom Mkpoutom, the State Director of NOA, revealed this in a statement on Friday in Uyo.
According to Mkpoutom, there have been verified intelligence reports of syndicates saturating the coastal regions with fake N1000 notes.
“There have been confirmed intelligence reports of syndicates flooding the coastal areas of Udung Uko, Mbo, Oron, Okobo and Ibeno with fake N1000 notes with batch numbers 364232 and 898248 with blurred portraits, watermarks and irregular security features.
“The syndicates exploit the peak commercial hours of major local markets in the state to carry out transactions with the counterfeit notes and defraud unsuspecting POS operators and other merchants,” Mkpoutom said.
Mint N1000 notes
This horrible crime, according to the state director, is unpatriotic and has the potential to skew the Nigerian economy.
No xenophobia in Ghana, Nigerians completely safe, president Mahama clarifies
President, John Mahama, has reassured Nigeria that its citizens living in Ghana are safe and that xenophobia has no place there.
Additionally, Mahama reiterated the country’s adherence to the rules of the Economic Community of West African States, particularly those pertaining to the unrestricted flow of people and products throughout the region.
Magnus Eze, the Special Assistant on Communication and New Media to the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, said in a statement on Friday that the president made the promise on Thursday at the Presidential Palace in Accra when he received President Bola Tinubu’s special envoy, who was accompanied by Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs.
President Mahama x Bianca Ojukwu
“Tell President Tinubu not to lose sleep over the recent protests. Nigeria and Ghana are brothers with a shared history, and we won’t allow anything to come between us,” the statement titled, “Mahama to Tinubu: No room for xenophobia in Ghana,” quoted Mahama as saying
He said the situation was handled quickly and blamed the tension on the resurgence of a clip that was recorded more than 10 years ago by a Nigerian living in the country.
The president further pledged to safeguard Nigerians’ lives, assets, and companies while they are in the country.
“The recirculation of an old video made by a Nigerian residing in Ghana over 10 years ago actually generated tension, but gladly, the situation was swiftly managed.
“The protesters were not more than 50. I assure the envoy of the safety and protection of the lives, properties and businesses of Nigeria and Nigerians in Ghana, ” he stated.
“Every Nigerian back home is apprehensive about the safety of Nigerian nationals in Ghana. We are here to reaffirm the safety of our citizens and to seek ways to strengthen bilateral ties,” she said.
In addition, the minister revealed plans to assist create a permanent Nigeria-Ghana Joint Commission, which she claimed would aid in addressing youth migration brought on by high unemployment rates.
She also mentioned that she will be visiting with the Nigerian community in Ghana to urge them to follow local laws and act as good representatives of their nation.
Groq, a fast‑rising artificial intelligence chip startup aiming to rival industry heavyweight Nvidia, has sharply reduced its projected revenue for fiscal 2025. Once forecasting more than $2 billion in revenue, Groq now estimates barely $500 million, revealing a dramatic scale‑back amidst ongoing $300–500 million funding talks aimed at securing a $6 billion post‑money valuation.
This recalibration underscores both the execution risk at play and the fine line Groq is navigating between ambitious growth and overpromising. Below, we unpack the details, context, drivers, risks, and implications of this sudden pivot in guidance.
Table of Contents
From $2 Billion to $500 Million: What Changed?
Earlier in 2025, Groq shared with investors a 2025 revenue forecast exceeding $2 billion. This ambitious number coincided with a $1.5 billion commitment from Saudi Arabia to expand Groq’s AI inference infrastructure, particularly in Dammam. That deal was the cornerstone of the higher projection.
However, internal documents viewed by The Information indicate that within a matter of months, projections were revised downward by more than $1.5 billion, setting the new estimate just above $500 million. The company attributed the revisions to delays in data center deployment capacity, which they said pushed portions of the projected revenue into 2026.
In response to industry scrutiny, Groq COO Sundeep Madra reportedly contested both numbers, suggesting initial estimates did not reflect “latest business developments” including a new deal with Bell Canada, and added AI models coming online via GroqCloud™.
The Funding Round: $6 Billion Valuation Target
At the same time as the projection cut, Groq is in advanced stages of negotiating a Series E funding round of $300–500 million, targeting a $6 billion post‑investment valuation. This would nearly double its $2.8 billion valuation established in its August 2024 Series D round led by Cisco Investments, Samsung Catalyst Fund, and BlackRock Private Equity.
Groq has told investors that the Saudi Arabia contracts alone will contribute approximately $500 million in revenue during 2025—effectively anchoring the revised guidance largely on that single agreement.
Strategic Context: Groq’s Technology and Market Position
Specialised Inference Chips
Groq’s core value proposition centres on its Language Processing Unit (LPU)—a highly optimised AI chip architecture tailored exclusively for inference workloads. Unlike Nvidia GPUs that handle both training and inference, Groq’s devices aim for near-instantaneous real‑time response, lower latency, and higher throughput per watt, making them attractive for large language models and real-time applications.
The company has indicated plans to deploy over 100,000 LPUs by early 2025 and ramp up to 1.5 million by year‑end. CEO Jonathan Ross has suggested Groq could handle up to 50% of global inference compute capacity if execution proceeds smoothly.
Key Partnerships and Expansion
Saudi Arabia: $1.5 billion AI infrastructure deal announced at LEAP 2025, focused on the Dammam inference hub.
Bell Canada.
European Data Centre: Groq is opening its first European compute centre in partnership with Equinix, targeted at sustainability-conscious and NATO‑aligned clients.
These initiatives illustrate Groq’s ambition to scale globally and position its cloud‑based inference as an alternative to legacy GPU stacks.
Why the Forecast Shift Matters
Capital Markets Precision
Sharply reducing revenue forecasts amid capital‑raising raises red flags for investors. The shift signals the company is still grappling with execution uncertainties, including infrastructure readiness and supply chain logistics.
A revenue drop from $2 billion to $500 million underscores that even marquee contracts—like the Saudi partnership—may not immediately translate into revenue. It also amplifies scrutiny into Groq’s ability to meet future projections and justifies the revised assumption that a substantial portion of earlier 2025 revenue may be deferred to 2026.
Valuation Multiple Stretch
Assuming $500 million revenue in 2025 and a $6 billion valuation implies a 12× multiple, which may seem steep given that Groq reported just $3.2–3.4 million in 2023 revenue and a net loss of ~$88 million. Investors buying into this multiple are banking on astonishing growth, hingeing on flawless execution, rapid infrastructure deployment, and minimal competition disruption.
Execution and Geopolitical Risks
Key risks include:
Saudi Infrastructure Delays: If the Dammam hub or chip deliveries lag, the $500 million won’t materialise as expected.
Geopolitical Uncertainty: Regional tensions or a changing investment climate could hinder Groq’s rollout plans.
Competitive Pressure: Giants like Nvidia and AMD continue evolving capabilities. Groq remains a niche in the inference space with execution risk if market adoption slows or stalls.
What It Means for Stakeholders
For Investors
Aggressive upside: If Groq hits even a fraction of its deployment and revenue goals, the valuation leap may be justified, particularly amid rising demand for inference-optimised chips.
High risk: The revenue revision highlights how easily assumptions can shift—investors should watch for hard data in 2026 and beyond before committing further capital.
For Enterprise Customers
Enterprises seeking cost‑effective, low‑latency inference may view GroqCloud™ and LPU deployments as compelling, particularly in regulated or sovereign contexts like defence or national AI infrastructure.
That said, trial deployments may start cautiously until Groq’s hardware and cloud services prove reliably scalable.
For Competitors
Groq’s traction may accelerate rival efforts to solidify their own inference roadmaps. Nvidia could enhance its inference‑only offerings; AMD and others may aggressively push chip diversification.
If Groq struggles with scale or execution, competitors may reclaim lost ground quickly.
Looking Ahead: Key Milestones to Watch
2026 revenue realisation: How much of the $1 billion deferred revenue is actually delivered, and when.
Funding Round Closure: Does Groq secure $300–500 million at a $6 billion valuation? How are terms structured?
Hardware Deployment: Will Groq meet its goal of 1.5 million LPUs deployed by end‑of‑2025?
Customer Activations: Commercialisation of the Saudi hub, Bell Canada network, and European data centres.
Competitive response: New announcements from Nvidia, AMD, and others on inference-optimised products.
Conclusion
Groq’s dramatic revision of its 2025 revenue outlook — cutting from over $2 billion to about $500 million — is a significant course correction. While grounded in real challenges around infrastructure capacity and timing, the rollback comes at a sensitive moment: as the company courts fresh capital at a lofty $6 billion valuation.
The key phrase here—Groq Cuts 2025 Revenue Projections Amid Funding Talks—reflects both the headline risk and opportunity. For aggressive investors, Groq may still deliver lifetime-scale returns if it executes. But for more conservative stakeholders, waiting for proof—especially how the revenue deferral plays out in 2026—might be wise.
Ultimately, Groq’s LPU-centric strategy positions it as a bold, disruptive contender in the AI inference arena. But until capital pours in and infrastructure delivers, the gap between ambition and actual revenue remains wide. The coming quarters will reveal whether Groq can bridge that gap—and whether scepticism or success prevails.
