Education

You are more likely to believe fake news as elections come closer – here is why

Published

4 years ago

September 24, 2022

vicky

When was the last time you saw a piece of news and you later saw an apology or rejoinder from the same or a different media house labeling the same piece as fake? The number is probably more than once. Fake news is a thing, more so during the electioneering process. It is often said that war is a game of deception, no doubt, some politicians see elections and the electioneering process as war too. This is why they use all means possible to get the results that they seek.

It is even more complicated that the electioneering process in a lot of countries is far from standardized. There are a lot of name-callings, with the entire campaign often hinged on negativity and bad blood rather than facing the issues squarely. While ethics and morality might be the reason why some actors steer clear of such drastic acts, there is another that transcends all the aforementioned and it is fake news.

Fake news is not just untruths and falsehoods, it also carries the full weight of the intent with which it is deployed – to misconstrue the public and to call falsehood facts. The impact of fake news, disinformation, and other forms of untruths on elections around the world continue to be studied and deliberated on.

What we do not consider is what if the elections are not that close and fake news just helps the perceived frontrunner to run all the way ahead? That is why it is essential to look at the root causes of why fake news campaigns flourish during electioneering season:

The political atmosphere is charged with emotions during political seasons

During political season, the atmosphere is charged and some political thugs and minions are looking for reasons to unleash violence on members of the opposition party and those who do not agree with their point of view or bias. Fake news just helps to turn these aspirations into reality. The effect of fake news is further heightened within the political atmosphere.

In the absence of verified records, fake news flourishes

One of the many reasons why fake news keeps thriving is the stark fact that in a lot of developing nations, it is quite a thankless job to keep records. When these records are kept, efforts are being made to keep these records away from the public. In the absence of these records, fake news flourishes. From deep fakes and articles put together by ghost social media users and troll accounts with large followings, fake news can become catastrophic fast.

Ease of spinning and disseminating fake news

One of the favorite means of getting information today is social media. The visibility of the candidate alone on the different social media platforms and the perception they carry on the platform can play a critical role in deciding the election result. Simple name recognition can drive the entire election result. In a way, even exaggerated truths can get on social media and can be misconstrued into fake news by ardent followers and an unsuspecting fan base of political parties.

Low level of literacy amidst the populace

It is not just about formal education, there is also the literacy level of double checking and filtering information. In any culture where fact-checking and double-checking is not the norm, it is easy for fake news to be taken wholesale. When next you come across news, before retweeting, check. Before sharing, read. If something doesn’t add up, then, there is likely something hidden. Learn how to reverse search images, these are simple skills that can help you nip fake news in its bud.

Fake news is not just a one-off thing that affects everyone, it is dividing information that is sown by some elements and continues to widen the gap of an already divided issue. If not handled in time, it can rip people apart and tear nations into shreds. It must be watched, it must be curtailed.

This article was written and prepared by the Community Initiatives to Promote Peace project, CIPP.

CIPP is a USAID-funded project that aims to promote peaceful coexistence and collaboration in Nigeria by mitigating violent conflict in at-risk communities in Nigeria.

The social media campaign component of the project is all about enlightening Nigerians on the dangers of spreading fake news, rumors, and hate speech on social media, as it contributes to the violent conflict and insecurity that affects us all.

The social media campaign is currently in its second season, and this year, we are solely focused on promoting positive election behaviors ahead of the 2023 general elections.

Education

Tinubu Urges Inclusive Policies, Active Child Participation at 2026 Children’s Day Celebration

Published

1 week ago

May 26, 2026

Preport

Bola Ahmed Tinubu has called on governments at all levels, families and communities to move beyond symbolic gestures and build a society where children are genuinely listened to and actively involved in decisions affecting their lives.

The President made the call during the 2026 National Children’s Day celebration held at Eagle Square in Abuja.

Represented by the Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, Tinubu told pupils and students from primary and secondary schools that their voices, ideas and well-being are central to Nigeria’s future.

According to the President, the assurance that “your opinion matters, your ideas matter, your well-being matters” should not be treated as mere rhetoric but as a guiding principle for democratic renewal and national development.

The event, themed “Future Now: Promoting Inclusion for Every Nigerian Child,” focused on the need to ensure that no child is excluded from opportunities because of social status, physical condition or geographical location.

Tinubu stressed that every Nigerian child, whether from rural or urban communities, deserves equal access to quality education, healthcare, nutrition, protection, digital opportunities and a sense of belonging.

The President highlighted several programmes under the Renewed Hope Agenda aimed at improving child welfare and development, including the Renewed Hope Social Impact Intervention–774, Nutrition 774, ANRiN 2.0 and the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND).

He also pointed to investments in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education as well as the Ministry of Education’s NEDI platform as part of efforts to equip children with digital and technological skills for the future.

On child protection, Tinubu noted that although the Child Rights Act has been domesticated across the country, the federal government is currently reviewing both the Act and the National Child Policy to strengthen their effectiveness.

He added that through the 2025 Costed Action Plan, the government is providing financial backing to tackle violence against children, child marriage and female genital mutilation.

The President further encouraged state governments to strengthen the Nigerian Children’s Parliament, describing it as an important platform for nurturing leadership, civic responsibility and democratic participation among children.

Tinubu also advised children to avoid violence, cultism, substance abuse, cybercrime and bullying, warning that such vices destroy destinies and undermine national development.

He urged them to embrace discipline, honesty, patriotism and responsible use of technology.

In her welcome address, the Minister of State for the Federal Capital Territory, Mariya Mahmoud, represented by the Acting Mandate Secretary of the Women Affairs Secretariat, Hajiya Mukhtar, said the FCT Administration, with support from UNICEF, is strengthening community-based child protection systems, training social workers and improving oversight of orphanages and care homes.

One of the highlights of the event was an address delivered by Jessica Nufi, a student of Government Secondary School, Garki, Abuja, who spoke on behalf of children across the country.

Jessica appealed to the government to make quality education free and accessible, strengthen protection against insecurity and violence, and address early marriage, cultism, drug abuse and environmental hazards.

She lamented that poverty, insecurity and harmful social practices continue to deny many Nigerian children, especially girls, access to education and a safe future.

The student also called for improved healthcare services for children with special needs and safer school and community environments.

She urged leaders to build a Nigeria free from drugs, cultism and environmental dangers — a country the younger generation could proudly inherit.

Ending her speech with a pledge on behalf of Nigerian children, Jessica promised that children would continue to obey their parents and teachers, study hard, reject harmful behaviours and grow into responsible leaders if adults fulfilled their responsibilities toward them.

Her remarks received applause from children, parents and dignitaries at the event.

Education

FG Partners with Coursera to Fund 36,000 Youth Tech Licences

Published

2 weeks ago

May 23, 2026

Lama Godoz

The Federal Government of Nigeria has launched a massive digital empowerment drive by securing and fully funding 36,000 learning licences across Coursera and Pluralsight.

Unveiled as part of the newly established Digital Training Academy (DTA), this landmark initiative aims to eliminate financial barriers and equip young Nigerians with globally competitive tech skills.

The Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, formalised and signed the strategic partnership on the sidelines of the Education World Forum (EWF) in London. Operating under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, the DTA is being hailed as one of the largest government-funded investments in digital education in Nigeria’s history.

Addressing the High-Demand Tech Gap

The first year of the programme targets core fields shaping the future global workforce. Beneficiaries will undergo rigorous training to earn certifications highly valued by local and international employers in; Artificial Intelligence (AI), Cybersecurity, Data Science, Cloud Computing, and Software Engineering.

“Digital competency is no longer optional. It is foundational,” Dr. Alausa stated via an official release. He added that the administration is focused on building a generation of young Nigerians capable of leading and thriving within a rapidly evolving digital economy.

The Hybrid Implementation Strategy

Recognising that access to online tools is only half the battle, the Federal Ministry of Education has structured a hybrid model to ensure high completion rates:

1. Geographical Inclusion: The National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) will leverage its vast nationwide network of study centres to ensure equitable slot distribution across all geopolitical zones.

2. On-the-Ground Mentorship: Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH) will provide technical facilitators, industry-focused expertise, and accountability structures to guide learners through their courses.

Why This Matters: The Economic Stakes

Nigeria’s youth demographic is expanding rapidly, yet a substantial digital skills gap persists. Economic analysts estimate that the lack of formal digital education among local graduates costs the national economy billions of dollars in lost potential productivity annually.

By partnering directly with elite, multinational platforms like Coursera and Pluralsight, the government is bypassing traditional infrastructure constraints. This model gives Nigerian youth direct access to the exact same training resources utilized by top tech professionals across the US, Europe, and Asia.