News
Deputy Speaker Kalu, 3 Others Bag PhD in Policy and Strategic Studies
Jeph Bisi
Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Benjamin Kalu, along with three other individuals, has been awarded a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Policy and Strategic Studies. The degrees were conferred at the Abuja Leadership Centre (ALC) of Yakubu Gowon University, formerly the University of Abuja.
According to Prof. Philip Dahida, the Director of the Center, the academic achievements were granted after the candidates successfully completed all requirements, including the defense of their theses on August 7, 2025.
In addition to Deputy Speaker Kalu, the other recipients are Ugonna Obi Emeruwa, Abubakar Saddiq Musa, and Ahmed Umar Bolori, all of whom received doctoral degrees in the same field.
Speaking after the event, Prof. Patricia Manko Lar, the Acting Vice Chancellor of the university, praised Kalu for his commitment and determination to pursue education despite his busy schedule as a public official. She underscored the importance of Kalu’s research work and doctoral thesis titled “Government Capacity to Integrate International Climate Adaptation Strategies and Policies in Nigeria,” which aims to address significant gaps in that area.
Prof. Lar encouraged political elites to recognize the university’s capacity to deliver high-quality academic knowledge and contribute to national development.
In his remarks, Kalu expressed his gratitude to Prof. Dahida and the university community. He stated that the education he received has better equipped him to contribute to Nigeria’s growth and development. He emphasized that he was treated no differently than other students and that at no point was he asked for bribes or favors in exchange for assistance. Kalu, however vowed to apply the knowledge he gained and to strengthen legislation on climate change in Nigeria.
“I did not come to the University of Abuja to acquire a title. I came to gather tools that would aid in nation-building efforts. I focused on climate change because I know Nigeria is losing significantly due to our inability to integrate international policies and strategies into our national framework. I am declaring this university a solution hub for the multifaceted problems facing Nigeria,” he stated.
“As a lawmaker, I intends to use legislative measures to address identified gaps in the system, proposing the establishment of a Climate Adaptation Council to integrate existing bodies relevant to this issue.
“We will review current laws, possibly amending the Climate Change Act or creating new legislation that provides a stronger framework for capacity building for those addressing climate change,” he assured.
Kalu also urged Nigerians to consider local institutions for further education, emphasizing their potential to foster national growth.
“While studying abroad is an option, we must not overlook the institutions we fund as a government. Supporting local universities increases their credibility and integrity.
“I aim to inspire those who think they cannot study because they cannot obtain visas to go overseas. What they seek is available here. I have studied at institutions around the world and can attest to the quality of education provided.
“I did not attend classes as Deputy Speaker. Many students were unaware of my position until the end of my studies because I chose to blend in—wearing a cap and T-shirt, sitting at the back of the classroom to be treated like everyone else,” the lawmaker concluded.
Foreign news
Algeria’s Glorious Revolution: Embassy Marks 72nd Anniversary in Abuja
Joel Ajayi
The Embassy of Algeria in Nigeria has commemorated the 72nd anniversary of the country’s Glorious Revolution of November 1, 1954, with a reception in Abuja, highlighting Algeria’s liberation struggle and strengthening diplomatic relations with Nigeria.
The event, held on November 9, 2026, at Continental Suites Hotel, attracted prominent personalities, including the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Dr Tajudeen Abbas, members of the Federal Government, senior government officials, heads of diplomatic missions and other friends of Algeria.
Speaking at the reception, Algeria’s Ambassador to Nigeria, Hocine Mezoued, welcomed guests and paid tribute to the country’s freedom fighters who sacrificed their lives during the struggle for independence.
He described the November 1, 1954 revolution as the foundation of modern Algeria, noting that the sacrifices of the nation’s martyrs made it possible for the country to reclaim its sovereignty.
On Algeria’s development agenda, Mezoued said President Abdelmadjid Tebboune’s administration had continued to pursue economic reforms, diversification and national development under its New Algeria vision.
He noted that the country was recording progress in non-hydrocarbon exports, while improvements in the business environment had boosted investor confidence and attracted significant foreign investments.
On foreign policy, the ambassador reaffirmed Algeria’s commitment to non-interference, respect for national sovereignty, peaceful conflict resolution and the right of peoples to self-determination.
Addressing security challenges in the Sahel, he stressed that lasting peace could not be achieved through military measures alone, insisting that economic development, inclusive dialogue and peaceful resolution of disputes remained essential.
Turning to Nigeria-Algeria relations, Mezoued described the partnership as one founded on shared values and the commitment of both countries’ leaders to advancing African development.
He identified the Trans-Saharan Highway, Trans-Saharan Gas Pipeline and Trans-Saharan Fibre Optic Backbone as major strategic projects receiving attention from both countries.
The ambassador also disclosed that Algeria had continued to provide scholarships to Nigerian students to strengthen human capital development and capacity building.
He further announced that Air Algérie expanded its Nigerian operations on October 26, 2026, with the introduction of two weekly flights to Lagos, expressing confidence that the service would boost trade and tourism.
Looking ahead, Mezoued said 2027 would offer fresh opportunities to deepen bilateral cooperation, particularly through the fifth Joint High Bi-National Commission scheduled to hold in Abuja.
He expressed optimism that the meeting would provide an opportunity to assess existing partnerships, identify new areas of cooperation and move Nigeria-Algeria relations towards a more practical and results-driven phase.
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