Welcome to NowNowNaija! Extreme heat is more than uncomfortable—it's affecting children's learning. Here's how rising temperatures are linked to lower literacy and numeracy skills in young learners.

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A recent study shows that children regularly exposed to high temperatures above 32°C tend to have lower literacy and numeracy skills. Researchers analyzed data from over 19,000 children aged 3 to 4 across several countries, finding development delays tied to extreme heat exposure. Experts emphasize hydration as key to supporting children's brain function during hot weather.

This means if your child spends time outdoors in extreme heat without enough hydration, their focus and learning abilities could suffer. Dehydration can cause confusion, irritability, and illness, all of which hinder school performance. Ensuring kids drink six to eight glasses of water daily, especially in hot seasons, supports their alertness and cognitive development. For Nigerian families, staying mindful of hydration is crucial as rising temperatures threaten children’s academic success and health.

Source: Tribune
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Rates shown are as of 6:00 AM Lagos time.

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The Supreme Court overturned President Tinubu’s pardon for Maryam Sanda, who was convicted of killing her husband in 2020. The court upheld the death sentence by hanging, ruling the pardon improper as her appeal was still pending.

This ruling highlights a strict judiciary stance on serious crimes like culpable homicide, signaling limits on executive pardons during ongoing appeals. For Nigerians, it underscores the importance of clear legal processes and may affect future cases involving presidential clemency. It also emphasizes the judiciary's role in upholding rule of law over political intervention.

Source: The Guardian
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What else is happening:

At the 8th Annual Conference of the Association of Nigeria Software Testers in Lagos, experts sounded the alarm over growing cybercrime losses reaching N53.4bn in 2024. They emphasized that stronger software testing, quality assurance, and digital trust are critical as Nigeria expands its tech-driven sectors.

This means your online services, from banking to healthcare apps, are at greater risk of disruption and theft due to weak cybersecurity. For Nigerian businesses and consumers alike, neglecting quality assurance could lead to service outages, data breaches, and growing financial losses expected to surpass N2tn by 2026. The conference pushed for urgent investment in advanced testing, AI-powered tools, and skilled professionals to protect your data and build trust in Nigerian technology.

Source: Punch
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Dangote Refinery has reduced its petrol gantry price from N828 to N699 per litre, marking a 16% decrease. This is the 20th price adjustment this year and aims to compete with imported fuel. The price cut took effect on December 11, 2025.

This price reduction could lower fuel costs at the pump, making it cheaper for Nigerians to travel during the busy Christmas and New Year seasons. As domestic fuel prices fall, you might see relief on transport expenses and goods pricing. It also signals efforts to stabilize Nigeria’s fuel supply amid smuggling challenges and global market fluctuations. If reflected broadly, this could ease everyday budgets and encourage more local economic activity.

Source: This Day Live
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What else is happening:

The National Theatre in Iganmu recently hosted the sixth Festival of Unity, celebrating Nigeria’s culture through a two-day event. The festival explored the theme ‘Back to our roots, forward to the future,’ featuring both contemporary performances by young artists and traditional cultural displays.

This event connects you to Nigeria’s diverse heritage while spotlighting emerging creative talents shaping the country’s cultural future. It encourages pride in Nigerian identity and calls for active preservation of cultural traditions. For artists and audiences alike, it opens doors to new opportunities and celebrates the role of culture in uniting communities across Nigeria.

Source: The Guardian
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The Social Feed:

Fulham manager Marco Silva is preparing for a tough period as Nigerian internationals Samuel Chukwueze, Alex Iwobi, and Calvin Bassey join the Super Eagles for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. These three key players have been vital to Fulham's progress this season, making their upcoming absence a significant challenge for the club during a congested schedule.

You might see Fulham dropping some form during key January matches as they cope without Chukwueze, Iwobi, and Bassey, who could miss up to seven games including tough Premier League fixtures against Liverpool, Chelsea, and Leeds. For Nigerian football fans, their participation boosts the national team's strength and raises Nigeria's profile in top European leagues. This dual impact affects local communities rallying behind both club and country, highlighting the balance players and clubs must manage around AFCON commitments.

Source: This Day Live
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Quote of the Day

“When society ignores the conditions shaping a child’s mind, it pays the price later in lost potential.”

— Aisha Yesufu