RYNI News

RYNI News | Blessing Isiuwa
4 August 2025

History was made under the floodlights of the Palais des Sports de Treichville on Sunday night as Nigeria’s women’s basketball juggernaut, D’Tigress, roared past Mali with a commanding 78–64 victory to clinch their fifth consecutive FIBA Women’s AfroBasket title—and seventh overall, solidifying their reign as the undisputed queens of African basketball.

With this win, D’Tigress not only defended their crown, but carved their name in golden ink—becoming the first team in tournament history to win five back-to-back championships. Their dominance was further underscored by their staggering 29-game winning streak, a run that has remained unbroken since 2017.

A Battle of Fire and Focus

The final was no cakewalk. Mali arrived with vengeance in their eyes and fire in their stride, seizing an early lead to end the first quarter 26–21. Sika Koné and Amina Dembele spearheaded Mali’s offensive charge, threatening to derail Nigeria’s march to history.

But champions are never rattled—they recalibrate. D’Tigress responded with poise, anchored by Murjanatu Musa’s physical presence and Victoria Macaulay’s reliable bench performance. By halftime, the game had evened out at 41–41, setting the stage for a second-half showdown.

Then came the Nigerian surge.

The Queens Strike Back

Amy Okonkwo lit up the scoreboard with 19 points, while floor general Ezinne Kalu delivered a clinic in composure, racking up 20 points and orchestrating the offense with surgical precision. Promise Amukamara and Macaulay provided crucial support, and Musa added timely rebounds and grit in the paint.

A game-defining third quarter saw Nigeria wrestle control with a 20–15 run, capped by a clutch three-point play from Okonkwo. By the fourth, D’Tigress had not only taken the lead but seized the moment—closing out the game with a decisive 17–8 burst that left Mali chasing shadows.

Coach Wakama’s Rising Legacy

At the helm of this relentless squad is Coach Rena Wakama, the trailblazing tactician who, in 2023, became the first woman to lead D’Tigress to a title. Now with back-to-back championships, her legacy is growing just as fast as her team’s legend.

A Nation Applauds

President Bola Tinubu, in a congratulatory message, hailed the team’s discipline, unity, and excellence, stating: “Once again, our daughters have brought glory to Nigeria. They are an inspiration to the continent and a beacon of what is possible through resilience and teamwork.”

As the curtain falls on the 2025 AfroBasket tournament, one thing is undeniable: D’Tigress are not just champions—they are a dynasty in motion.

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RYNI News | Blessing Isiuwa
3 August 2025

Buckingham Palace saw an explosion of rhythm and royalty this week as Nigeria’s own Burna Boy ignited the stage during the England Lionesses’ Euro 2025 championship celebration, blending football glory with Afrobeat fire in a historic cultural crescendo.

Fresh from their thrilling 3-1 penalty shootout victory over Spain — after a tense 1-1 draw in extra time — the Lionesses were honoured in a glittering parade held at the Palace grounds, where pomp and pageantry met the pulse of African sound.

In a moment that stunned fans and dignitaries alike, the Grammy-winning sensation emerged to perform his global hit “For My Hand”, originally featuring Ed Sheeran. As the first notes rang out, the 100,000-strong crowd erupted in cheers, with mobile phones raised and feet moving in rhythm. But it wasn’t just fans who were swept up — England’s head coach, Sarina Wiegman, herself couldn’t resist the magnetic pull of the music.

Wiegman, beaming from ear to ear, was spotted singing along and dancing with the players. She later joined Burna Boy on stage, wrapping the artist in a warm embrace that sent waves across social media and sealed the night as one of the most unexpected and iconic in English football celebration history.

Sources close to the team confirmed what many fans suspected — the Dutch-born coach is an avid Burna Boy fan. “She plays his music in the locker room before matches. It’s her way of bringing the team together,” one insider revealed. Former Lioness and BBC pundit Alex Scott confirmed, “Burna Boy is actually Sarina’s favourite artist — this was her dream moment.”

The celebration, though rooted in sport, quickly transformed into a multicultural showcase. Burna Boy’s powerful presence represented not only a musical performance, but a symbol of unity between cultures — and a nod to the growing global influence of African music. Social media buzzed with praise, with hashtags like #BurnaAtThePalace and #LionessesMeetAfrobeat trending across platforms.

For Burna Boy, the performance marked another crowning moment in a stellar year, as he continues to bridge continents and bring Afrobeat to iconic stages. But for the Lionesses, it was a night of gratitude, laughter, dancing — and a reminder that football, at its best, brings the world together in celebration.

With this unforgettable fusion of sport and sound, Euro 2025’s legacy won’t just be remembered for the goals scored, but for the beat that brought Buckingham Palace to life.

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RYNI News | Omotayo Stephen . O
3 August 2025

A thunderous celebration over Nigeria’s footballing triumph has given way to a thunderstorm of outrage, as President Bola Tinubu’s jaw-dropping gift of $100,000 (₦150 million) to each member of the victorious Super Falcons has opened old wounds among Nigeria’s forgotten heroes—retired police officers and military veterans.

On Monday, the triumphant Super Falcons, having staged a sensational comeback to clinch their 10th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) title, were hosted at the Presidential Villa. But the real kicker wasn’t the photo ops or the national honour of Officer of the Order of the Niger—it was the President’s staggering gift: $100,000 (N150m) to each player and $50,000 to technical crew members, plus a three-bedroom flat in the FCT’s Renewed Hope Estate.

While the glittering reward drew cheers from some quarters, it ignited a storm of criticism elsewhere—most notably from retired military and police personnel who feel abandoned by the country they bled for.

Human rights activist and politician Omoyele Sowore captured the national mood with a blistering reaction:

“Life is brutally unfair to Nigerian police officers. After 35 years of service, they receive just ₦2 million as gratuity. But athletes get ₦150 million for a single tournament? That’s beyond inequality—it’s state-sanctioned insult.”

His words have found resonance across barracks and retired officers’ associations, where bitterness now simmers beneath weary uniforms and hospital bills.

“A Game of Misplaced Priorities”

Punch gathered that among the loudest critics are ex-servicemen under the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS), who view the President’s gesture as a glaring indictment of government priorities.

Lukmon Aderibigbe, a retired army corporal who served in active combat against insurgents, struggled to conceal his grief:

“How do you reward a 90-minute football game with N150m, yet soldiers who risk their lives daily for 35 years retire into suffering?” he asked, his voice breaking. “My friend died from injuries the army refused to treat because NHIS said gunshot wounds weren’t covered.”

The bitterness runs deep. Aderibigbe claims his own gratuity was a mere N2m after 15 years of active duty, and that attempts to have his pension recalculated following the new minimum wage fell on deaf ears.

“I Took the Bullets, Got Peanuts”

Olumayowa Akogun-Abudu, a former Lance Corporal wounded by a suicide bomber in 2017, paints an equally bleak picture.

“N150m can’t replace what I lost,” he told PUNCH. “I paid for my treatment myself. Thirteen years of service, and all I got was a little over N2m. That’s the value of my sacrifice?”

He isn’t alone. In Yobe, ex-Corporal Abdullahi Idris, now walking with a limp from a service injury, said his N72,900 monthly pension barely keeps him alive. “The government has made us third-class citizens,” he said. “We sacrificed our youth. Now we are forgotten.”

Retired Police Officers: ‘Why Not Us?’

It’s not just the military. Retired police officers under the CPS are furious too. Mannir Lawal, a leader among them, lamented:

“We were told there’s no money. Then suddenly, N150m appears for footballers. That insult cuts deep.”

Another, Buba Danjuma, accused the government of favouring spectacle over service. “The girls played for 90 minutes. We served for decades, many of us dying in the line of duty. Yet we are rewarded with suffering and silence.”

Presidency Stands Firm

However, the Presidency is unmoved. Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, dismissed the criticisms as unrelated:

“You cannot link their reward to other sectors. Nigerians are proud of the Falcons’ achievement. The gesture is deserved,” he stated.

But for the thousands of retired soldiers and police officers facing unpaid entitlements, neglected injuries, and rising costs of living, the message is clear: their battles are long over—and so, it seems, is the nation’s gratitude.

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RYNI News | Omotayo Stephen . O
1 August 2025

In a bold and thunderous political maneuver, former Senator and fiery political crusader, Dino Melaye, has officially severed ties with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)—a party that once hoisted him to national prominence. The former Kogi West lawmaker has now pitched his tent with the African Democratic Congress (ADC), in what many analysts see as a defiant protest against Nigeria’s floundering political establishment.

The dramatic declaration came via Melaye’s verified X account (formerly Twitter), where he posted a signed resignation letter addressed to the PDP Ward Chairman in Aiyetoro Gbede, Ijumu Local Government Area of Kogi State. Just hours later, a video surfaced showing him jubilantly receiving his ADC membership card—a symbolic handshake into a party he now sees as more aligned with his vision for a reimagined Nigeria.

“This is not just about leaving a party,” Melaye asserted in a follow-up statement. “It’s about reclaiming integrity, principle, and purpose in Nigerian politics.”

Melaye’s parting words, laced with frustration and moral reckoning, left no ambiguity. “I can no longer operate under a structure that has lost touch with the people’s pain and Nigeria’s pulse,” he wrote, calling out the PDP’s alleged inertia in addressing the “political termites eating away at the soul of the nation.”

The resignation letter, dated July 4, 2025, did more than announce an exit—it signaled a political rebirth. Melaye, known for his flamboyant persona and firebrand oratory, lamented that after years of political labor within the PDP, the party had failed to evolve into a credible alternative capable of confronting Nigeria’s deepening crises.

Political watchers see Melaye’s move as both strategic and symbolic. Having contested the Kogi State governorship under the PDP in 2023, his departure is already sending tremors through the state’s political terrain. The ADC, a party long hovering on the fringes, may now find itself thrust into the spotlight, armed with Melaye’s name recognition and loyal base.

While he expressed gratitude for his past with the PDP, Melaye made it clear that his decision was final. “I leave with no bitterness, but with a burning passion for national transformation,” he said.

As Nigeria inches closer to another electoral cycle, Dino Melaye’s political pivot may just be the first in a series of high-stakes realignments shaking the foundations of conventional party politics. One thing is certain—the man is not done yet.

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RYNI News | Blessing Isiuwa
31 July 2025

In an unprecedented policy shift aimed at tackling Nigeria’s deepening substance abuse crisis among youth, the Federal Government has announced mandatory drug integrity testing for students in tertiary institutions nationwide.

Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, made this declaration on Wednesday following a strategic meeting in Abuja with the Chairman of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brigadier General Buba Marwa (retd). The move, he said, is both urgent and non-negotiable.

“We do not have a choice,” Alausa asserted. “We’re starting with drug tests for all new and returning students in our tertiary institutions—and we will follow through with random testing as well.”

The measure is part of a wider three-pronged strategy proposed by the NDLEA to combat the alarming rise in youth drug use: a complete overhaul of drug education in school curricula, the introduction of dedicated anti-drug programmes in secondary schools, and the rollout of nationwide drug testing policies for campuses.

Marwa, a relentless voice in Nigeria’s war on narcotics, warned that substance abuse has become a national emergency, directly fueling terrorism, kidnapping, and other violent crimes. “We are fighting for the souls of our children,” he said. “Without drugs, many criminal activities simply wouldn’t happen.”

Citing the NDLEA’s arrest of over 40,000 drug offenders and seizure of more than 5,500 metric tonnes of narcotics in just two years, Marwa emphasized the gravity of the threat. “This is not just about discipline—this is about national survival,” he declared.

Dr. Alausa echoed the concern, painting a bleak picture of how drug use is derailing Nigeria’s youth. “When our students are ensnared by drugs, their education suffers,” he said. “It blunts their critical thinking, erodes their judgment, and renders them unemployable. That’s the beginning of a dangerous cycle.”

In a bold structural response, the minister announced the creation of a Substance Use Prevention Unit within the Ministry of Education. He also committed to revising the secondary school curriculum to include updated drug education content, starting immediately.

Alausa further revealed plans to partner with the Universal Basic Education Commission and TETFund to strengthen the NDLEA’s academy in Jos, Plateau State, and to cascade preventive education down to the primary level.

“This is a national duty,” he concluded. “We must protect our youth from the slow poison of drugs. Education must lead the charge.”

If implemented effectively, the initiative could mark a turning point in Nigeria’s decades-long battle against youth substance abuse, placing schools at the forefront of prevention and early intervention.

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RYNI News | Blessing Isiuwa
31 July 2025

Hospitals across Nigeria have descended into eerie silence, their once-bustling wards now hauntingly still on Wednesday as thousands of nurses under the National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives (NANNM-FHI) laid down their tools, plunging the nation’s fragile healthcare system into chaos. The seven-day warning strike—described as total and uncompromising—has forced widespread shutdowns, discharged patients prematurely, and exposed the overstretched limits of a system long held together by nursing staff.

From Abuja to Bayelsa, Benue to Borno, scenes of despair unfolded. Parents cradled sick children on benches, patients leaned helplessly against cold walls, and doctors struggled under crushing workloads in near-deserted wards. At Federal Medical Centre, Abuja, the usually packed General Outpatient and Surgical Units were shadows of themselves, with long queues and minimal staff trying to sustain skeletal services.

At Wuse General Hospital, the situation was more dire—wards were shuttered entirely, and emergency patients were turned away. “We’re overwhelmed,” said a doctor at the facility. “Without nurses, we can’t provide meaningful care. They are the soul of the system.”

NANNM-FHI’s demands are far-reaching but not new. The union seeks an upward review of shift and uniform allowances, creation of a dedicated nursing salary structure, employment of more nurses, and the establishment of a Nursing Directorate within the Federal Ministry of Health. Other key demands include inclusion of nurses in top policy-making roles and a gazetted scheme of service that recognises their professional worth.

At Federal Medical Centre, Yenagoa, NANNM officials ensured complete compliance. Liberia Progress, the hospital’s NANNM Chairman, reaffirmed that “no skeletal services” would be rendered. “We’ve done our best, endured poor working conditions for too long. Now, we are demanding what’s due,” she said.

In an interview with The PUNCH, Dame Okafor, Director of the Nursing Division at the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, confirmed that the government has finally responded by scheduling a high-level stakeholder meeting for Friday. “We are in a meeting now with the Honourable Minister and union leaders in an effort to resolve the situation,” she stated.

She further disclosed that the Coordinating Minister of Health, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, had cut short a scheduled visit to Maiduguri to address the crisis. “Though it may seem late—because this ought to have been handled before the strike—it’s better now than never,” she admitted.

The upcoming meeting is expected to bring together key government bodies including the Office of the Head of Service, the Ministry of Labour and Employment, the Office of the Accountant General, the National Salaries and Wages Commission, and NANNM leadership.

But union leaders are clear: this is just the beginning.

“If our nine-point demands are not met after these seven days, we will issue a 21-day ultimatum, after which a nationwide indefinite strike will follow,” warned Joe Akpi, NANNM Chairman at one facility.

As negotiations inch forward, millions of patients remain in limbo—caught in the crossfire between an overstretched workforce and a government struggling to keep its promises.

As patients grow restless and wards remain silent, the strike underscores a deeper crisis: the systemic undervaluing of nurses—an important stakeholder of Nigeria’s fragile healthcare system.

Until the stethoscopes of nurses are returned to the wards, millions of Nigerians remain in medical limbo, caught between policy delay and collapsing care.

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RYNI News : By Omotayo Stephen . O
29 July 2025

In a symphony of joy, pride, and tradition, Mother of the Redeemer Catholic Secondary School (MORCASS) celebrated the graduation of its Class of 2025 with a vibrant ceremony that beautifully blended spiritual grace, academic excellence, and youthful talent. Held amidst cheers from parents, teachers, and alumni, the event was a radiant showcase of the school’s unyielding commitment to nurturing students who embody knowledge, faith, and morals.

The Principal’s Benediction: A Farewell with Faith

Rev. Fr. Harrison Egwunu, the esteemed Principal of MORCASS, opened the ceremony with warm and heartfelt words:

“You are not merely leaving this school; you are entering a world that desperately needs your values. Go forth with courage, integrity, and faith. The world awaits the light you’ve been trained to shine.” His prayerful message set the tone for an occasion steeped in gratitude and hope.

Chairperson of the Parent-Student Association (PSA), Mrs. Ochei, offered her heartfelt congratulations to both students and parents, applauding their resilience and commitment to excellence.

“The future is in good hands because you, our children, have been equipped for greatness. Stay grounded and keep aiming higher,” she encouraged.

Adding a powerful alumni voice, Mr. Uzum Emmanuel, President of the Mother of the Redeemer Catholic Old Students Association (MORCOSA), welcomed the graduates into the alumni community.

“You’re no longer just students — you’re stewards of the MORCASS legacy. Wear it with pride, carry it with honour,” he declared, as he officially inducted the Class of 2025 into MORCOSA.

Celebrating Excellence: A Salute to Academic Giants

The highlight of the event was the presentation of prestigious academic awards by the Resourceful Youth Network Initiative (RYNI). Represented by Mr. Uzum Emmanuel on behalf of RYNI’s founder and CEO, Dr. Lawson Obazenu, the awards were presented to celebrate academic distinction and inspire continued excellence beyond the school walls.

The Best Graduating Student Award went to the brilliant Sakpaide Akpevweoghene, a shining star who captivated the school community with both her intellect and integrity.

Other awards were given to top-performing students in Science and Arts, across SS1 to SS3. The overall best science student prize was won by Sakpaide Akpevweoghene , while the overall best Art student prize was won by Ughe Esther Oseluesmhen. Seven remarkable scholars who scored 300+ in their UTME received ₦70,000 cash prizes, a testament to the school’s culture of academic distinction.
The awards were a symbolic passing of the torch — urging the students to carry the spirit of academic discipline and hard work into their future endeavors.

Dr. Obazenu, through his message, encouraged the graduates to hold fast to the values and drive for excellence that MORCASS instilled in them.

“These awards are not the end of your journey, but a challenge to rise even higher,” he said.

A Joyous Celebration of Talent and Transition

As the cake was cut, certificates handed out, and cultural dances graced the stage, the celebration transformed into a moment of unforgettable memories. Talented students showcased skills in music, dance, tailoring, makeup, and other vocations — a testament to the holistic education MORCASS provides.

And So They Rise…

With applause, and joy in their hearts, the MORCASS Class of 2025 stepped into the world — not just as graduates, but as changemakers. Rev. Fr. Egwunu offered a prayer of protection and guidance, sending forth the Class of 2025 with wings strengthened by wisdom.

From this sacred ground of learning, they soar… ready to conquer, to create, and to shine.

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RYNI News : By Omotayo Stephen . O
28 July 2025

In an unprecedented celebration of sporting excellence, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has catapulted Nigeria’s Super Falcons into the annals of national pride—bestowing upon each member of the championship-winning squad the coveted Order of the Niger (OON) and a jaw-dropping $100,000 in cash, alongside ₦10 million from the Nigerian Governors Forum.

The honors come in the wake of the Falcons’ historic comeback victory over Morocco at the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) final—a nail-biting 3–2 triumph that not only sealed Nigeria’s 10th continental title but reignited a nation’s belief in the unyielding power of perseverance.

In a symbolic move that blends valor with reward, Tinubu described the Falcons as “ambassadors of the Nigerian spirit,” lauding their determination and drive as “nothing short of heroic.” The President’s commendation, delivered through spokesperson Bayo Onanuga, celebrated the team’s “unbreakable resolve,” singling them out as “living proof that when Nigerians unite in purpose, victory is inevitable.”

Esther Okoronkwo dazzled as the game’s standout performer—breaking the Moroccan wall with a blistering strike and an assist that paved the way for Jennifer Echegini’s thunderous winner, a half-volley that silenced the Rabat crowd and echoed across Africa.

The nation’s top brass took note.

In a rare show of cross-government solidarity, the Nigerian Governors Forum followed the President’s lead by awarding an additional ₦10 million per player, solidifying the moment as not just a sports victory, but a national movement of gratitude.

Sources at the State House confirm that the team will soon be hosted in Abuja, where President Tinubu will formally confer the OON medals in what promises to be a rousing ceremony of honor, joy, and nationwide celebration.

This moment of glory also brings a strategic pivot: Tinubu reiterated his administration’s commitment to investing in sports as a vehicle for national unity, youth empowerment, and economic growth. With renewed pledges to reform local leagues and attract private sector investment, the Falcons’ triumph may serve as the spark that ignites a golden era for Nigerian sports.

In a country often beleaguered by headlines of hardship, the Super Falcons have handed Nigeria something rare—a victory that’s not just on the pitch, but in the soul of a nation.

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RYNI News : By Blessing Isiuwa
27 July 2025

In a final that had drama, passion, and the raw essence of footballing grit, the Super Falcons of Nigeria delivered one of the most iconic comebacks in African football history, stunning hosts Morocco 3–2 to clinch a record-extending 10th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) title at the electric Stade Olympique on Saturday night.

Trailing by two goals at the break, surrounded by a sea of red and roars from a fervent Moroccan crowd, Nigeria stared down the barrel of defeat. But what unfolded in the second half was nothing short of poetic — a performance that combined resilience, tactical bravery, and clinical execution, reaffirming Nigeria’s undisputed status as the continent’s queens of the beautiful game.

The Atlas Lionesses, buoyed by a raucous home crowd and the dream of continental glory, came out firing. Skipper Ghizlane Chebbak ignited the stadium in the 12th minute with a stunning strike from distance, leaving goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie rooted. Just over ten minutes later, Sanaâ Mssoudy doubled the lead, calmly slotting home after a precise through ball from Ibtissam Jraidi. At 2–0, it felt like Morocco’s night was destined.

But football, in its unpredictable glory, had other plans.

Enter Esther Okoronkwo, the spark Nigeria desperately needed. A VAR-reviewed handball by Moroccan defender Nouhaila Benzina handed Nigeria a lifeline in the 62nd minute. Okoronkwo stepped up and converted with icy composure. Game on.

Momentum shifted like a tidal wave. The Falcons began to fly.

In the 71st minute, Okoronkwo turned architect, threading a delicate pass to Folashade Ijamilusi, who rifled home the equalizer, silencing the stadium and reigniting Nigerian belief.

Then came the climax — the crowning moment. With just two minutes of regulation time left, a well-rehearsed set piece saw Okoronkwo once again at the heart of it, delivering a measured assist to Joe Echegini, who swept home the winner with surgical precision. Bedlam on the Nigerian bench. Tears in the stands. A nation roared, while another wept.

Morocco, gallant in defeat, had hoped to etch their name into African football’s golden book. But their dreams were deferred by a side that refuses to be eclipsed — a side whose DNA is dominance.

This victory was more than just a title. It was a legacy reaffirmed, a statement made: that even amidst a rising tide of challengers, Nigeria still reigns supreme. Ten titles from thirteen tournaments is not just dominance — it’s dynasty.

As the green-and-white confetti rained down and the Super Falcons lifted the trophy once more, one truth rang out from Rabat to Lagos: Legends don’t fade — they rise, they rally, and they reign.

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RYNI News : By Omotayo Stephen . O
26 July 2025

A quiet storm is sweeping through the United Kingdom’s immigrant workforce — and for thousands of Nigerians, it may soon mean an abrupt and painful return home.

Following a sweeping overhaul of the UK’s immigration policy, the British government has axed over 100 job roles from its Skilled Worker visa eligibility list, triggering widespread anxiety among Nigerian professionals who relied on these positions for legal residency and employment.

The new regulations, which officially came into effect on July 22, 2025, sharply redefine the landscape for foreign workers. The minimum salary threshold for most skilled roles has now surged to £41,700, up from previous figures hovering around £25,000. Only a limited set of roles on the newly minted Temporary Shortage Occupation List remain exempt from the hike — a list that leaves out many roles historically held by migrant workers.

For Nigerians, the implications are dire. Over the past three years, Nigerians have emerged as one of the largest groups securing employment through the Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) system — particularly in health, social care, IT, customer service, logistics, and creative industries. But under the new framework, many of these roles — from pharmaceutical technicians to community support workers, interior designers to logistics supervisors — have been stripped of sponsorship eligibility.

What this means, in practical terms as gathered by Saturday PUNCH, is that current CoS holders may not be able to renew their visas when their current contracts expire. Without a valid visa, they could face deportation or be forced to leave voluntarily.

Speaking to The Global Sentinel, Kayode Alabi, a UK-based immigration consultant and CEO of Phika Travels, warned that “many affected Nigerians are already in panic mode.” He added, “If your job has been delisted, you won’t qualify for a new visa or sponsorship. That means your time in the UK is ticking.”

For those in health and care roles, the situation is slightly more nuanced. While the salary threshold remains at £25,600, employers must now prove this is the net amount employees will receive after deductions like accommodation and transport — a hurdle many small care homes may struggle to meet.

Expressing her concerns, one affected Nigerian caregiver, whose visa expires in August, confirmed to Saturday PUNCH , “My role has been delisted. I’ve applied to several companies, but none can meet the salary threshold. I may have to return home.”

Across online forums and diaspora networks, similar stories abound. Some employers have openly stated they cannot adjust salaries in line with the new regulations. Others have frozen recruitment altogether, awaiting clarity.

Sulaimon Okewole, CEO of Cardinal E-School and Edu Services, predicts that over 10,000 Nigerians may be impacted. “The emotional and economic toll is real. People sold properties, left families, and made long-term plans based on the previous system. Now, everything is up in the air.”

Data from the UK Home Office supports this sobering projection: after a spike to over 26,000 Nigerian Skilled Worker visa approvals in 2023, approvals have already begun to decline sharply in 2024.

As Britain tightens its borders in pursuit of lower net migration, thousands of Nigerian families now face a chilling question: Where do we go from here?

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