Welcome to NowNowNaija! Discover how President Tinubu’s new education reforms are opening doors for young Nigerians and transforming our universities.

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President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s reforms in the education sector are bringing real chances for young Nigerians by improving access, stability, and quality across universities. The Minister of Information highlighted programs like the Nigeria Education Loan Fund and student innovation grants as key to this progress. The Federal Government is also focusing on better collaboration with universities to improve media education and fight misinformation.

These reforms mean more students across Nigeria can access quality university education and get financial support to innovate and thrive. If you or someone you know is in school, programs like NELFUND could ease tuition challenges, while strengthened university-government ties encourage curriculum improvements and job-ready skills. The emphasis on media literacy also helps protect all Nigerians from misinformation, making education more relevant to today’s digital world.

Source: The Nation Newspaper
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Rates shown are as of 6:00 AM Lagos time.

On January 22, 2026, Nigeria and the US held their first Joint Working Group meeting in Abuja to address security and religious freedom issues. This followed Nigeria's designation as a Country of Particular Concern by the US, focusing on protecting vulnerable communities and enhancing counterterrorism efforts.

This renewed cooperation means stronger security efforts especially in Nigeria’s North Central states, which may lead to safer communities for you and your family. The focus on protecting religious freedom aims to ensure everyone can practise their faith without fear. Enhanced counterterrorism collaboration could help reduce violence, improving daily safety and confidence in law enforcement. These efforts show a commitment to tackling deeply rooted insecurity and fostering respect for rights across Nigeria.

Source: Legit Nigeria
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What else is happening:

JAMB has announced that registration for the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination will begin on January 26 and run through February 28 at approved CBT centres nationwide. The application ePINs will be available starting January 19. Mock exam selections close February 16, while Direct Entry applications will open March 2 and close April 25.

This means students planning to take the UTME should prepare to register early within the January 26 to February 28 window to secure preferred test locations. JAMB will monitor registration live to ensure fair processes, so candidates must complete registration correctly without service charges beyond the official fee. Underage candidates will face stricter evaluation before results release, emphasizing accuracy and compliance. Starting early can help prevent late posting or missed deadlines, ensuring smooth access to tertiary admission.

Source: Punch
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Bismarck Rewane, CEO of Financial Derivatives Company, predicts that when Dangote Refinery lists on the Nigerian Exchange in 2026, the stock market capitalisation could soar from around N105 trillion to over N200 trillion. He also warns the naira might weaken to about N1,590 per dollar by year-end 2026. This forecast was shared at the 2026 Economic Outlook Summit in Lagos.

This potential listing means Nigeria’s stock market will become one of the largest among emerging markets, improving liquidity and investment opportunities. For everyday investors, this could open new avenues to participate in a landmark corporate milestone. At the same time, a gradually weakening naira may impact your cost of imports and foreign travel, so it's wise to plan finances accordingly. Businesses should watch how currency shifts and market changes reshape economic prospects through 2026.

Source: Business News Nigeria
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What else is happening:

Burna Boy has openly declared that Fela Anikulapo Kuti remains the only singer greater than himself. This statement comes amid a heated social media clash sparked by a comparison between Wizkid and Fela's son, Seun Kuti. The exchange reignited debates about Fela’s legendary influence on Afrobeat and Nigerian music culture.

For fans and followers of Nigerian music, Burna Boy’s acknowledgment highlights Fela's towering legacy as an untouchable figure in Afrobeat. It also adds fuel to ongoing disputes between current stars, showing how deeply Fela’s influence still shapes the industry and public perception. This conversation reflects how artists balance respect for past legends while carving their own space in music history.

Source: Daily Post
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The Social Feed:

Wilfred Ndidi, who captained Nigeria’s Super Eagles at the recent AFCON in Morocco, is in transfer discussions with Manchester United. The 29-year-old defensive midfielder, now at Beşiktaş after leaving Leicester City, is reportedly open to a Premier League return.

If you follow Nigerian football, Ndidi’s potential return to the Premier League means more visibility and pride for our national players on the global stage. His experience and leadership could inspire young Nigerians aiming for top leagues. It also highlights how Nigerian talent continues to impact major football clubs, possibly opening doors for others. For local fans, this could mean more exciting matches to watch and a boost to the national team’s reputation.

Source: The Nation Newspaper
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Quote of the Day

“The trouble with Nigeria is simply and squarely a failure of leadership.”
— Chinua Achebe