Author: The North Journals

By Mahmud Mohammed-Nurudeen Judges of Nigeria’s Federal High Court and National Industrial Court have officially endorsed the Ikot Ekpene Declaration, a landmark commitment to align the country’s judicial practices with global standards on digital rights protection. The declaration, supported by officials from the National Human Rights Commission and the National Judicial Institute, sets forth guiding principles to uphold justice in the digital age, focusing on protecting rights such as privacy, freedom of expression, and access to information. The move follows a high-level judicial capacity-building workshop titled “Upholding Justice in the Digital Age: Strengthening Judicial Capacity on Digital Rights and Cyber…

Awka, Nigeria  In a significant move to boost research and human capacity development in Nigeria, the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), in collaboration with Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, has officially launched the Institute of Social Policy. The launch ceremony, held on 13 May 2025 in Awka, marked the culmination of years of strategic partnership between UNICEF and the university, dating back to 2018. The newly established institute aims to enhance research output, inform evidence-based policymaking, and support the development of responsive social policies across all levels of government in Nigeria. With both technical and financial backing from UNICEF, the Institute…

Bari, Italy  Plant health isn’t just about crops—it’s about securing our food, preserving biodiversity, and protecting the fundamental human right to eat. That was the powerful message from FAO Director-General QU Dongyu today, as he addressed top government ministers from the Near East and North Africa (NENA) region at a landmark conference in Bari, Italy. At the heart of the gathering — hosted by the International Centre for Advanced Mediterranean Agronomic Studies (CIHEAM) alongside FAO and the Near East Plant Protection Organization (NEPPO) — was a stark warning: up to 40% of the world’s crops are lost every year to…

By Sani Danaudi Mohammed In some countries, a one-party system has been adopted, where a single party dominates the political landscape. Examples include China, where the Communist Party of China holds significant power, and North Korea, where the Workers’ Party of Korea is the dominant force. These countries have experienced varying degrees of economic development, with China being a notable example of rapid economic growth. However, the relationship between a one-party system and economic development is complex, and other factors such as economic policies, institutional frameworks, and global market trends also play a significant role. In contrast, Nigeria operates a…

By Aminu Adamu NAIROBI, In a landmark interim ruling that could reshape digital rights protections in Kenya, the High Court on Wednesday issued a conservatory order barring any government or private entity from orchestrating internet or communications shutdowns across the country—at least for now. The order follows a petition filed jointly by the Kenya Union of Journalists and the International Commission of Jurists (Kenya Section), along with two other petitioners, targeting Bharti Airtel Kenya, the Cabinet Secretary for ICT, and six other respondents. The petition challenges alleged past and potential future attempts to disrupt access to internet, telephony, and electronic…

By Mahmud Mohammed-Nurudeen Seven organizations have filed a major public interest case at the High Court in Kenya to challenge the illegal shutdown of the internet in the country. The case is meant to protect the rights of Kenyans to freely access the internet without unfair interference. The groups behind the case are; the International Commission of Jurists (ICJ Kenya), Bloggers Association of Kenya (BAKE), Paradigm Initiative (PIN), Kenya Union of Journalists (KUJ), Katiba Institute, Law Society of Kenya (LSK), and the Collaboration on International ICT Policy for East and Southern Africa (CIPESA) They are suing the Communications Authority of…

By Ibrahim Babangida Lawal Selective Justice Undermines Equity in 2025 UTME Re-Examination When the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) announced a re-examination for UTME candidates in Lagos and the South East due to technical glitches and irregularities, it was rightly applauded. This move signaled that the board was willing to take responsibility for administrative failures and give students a fair second chance. But as commendable as this step is, it raises a serious question: What about the rest of the country? “If fairness is the goal, then it must cut across every region. Anything less is selective justice.” —…

By Trésor Daniel Mefire As the world grapples with the intensifying climate crisis, one truth is becoming increasingly evident: empowering women is not just a matter of justice—it’s a climate solution. A compelling new research paper by Trésor Daniel Mefire sheds light on the transformative role of women in climate action, revealing that when women lead, the planet benefits. But deep-rooted barriers continue to block their path. “Women’s leadership in climate action yields disproportionately positive outcomes,” Mefire writes. “Yet structural barriers continue to limit their full participation.” According to the report, women make up a staggering 80% of those displaced…

By Nike Atoyebi The FIFA Council has approved the expansion of the FIFA Women’s World Cup to 48 teams starting from the 2031 edition. This monumental decision mirrors the men’s tournament expansion set for 2026 and represents a major step in promoting gender parity and broader participation in the sport. Under the new format, the 2031 tournament will feature 12 groups and 104 matches—up from the current 64—extending the competition by one week. The goal, according to FIFA, is to provide more opportunities for nations to participate, while encouraging investment in women’s football infrastructure and development programs across the globe.…

By Moses Amos The Nigeria U-20 Flying Eagles secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory over their Tunisian counterparts in an intense match on Wednesday. The decisive moment came in the 38th minute when Auwal Ibrahim found the back of the net, giving Nigeria the crucial lead they would hold onto for the remainder of the game. The win boosts the Flying Eagles’ momentum as they prepare to face Morocco in their next fixture. That match is scheduled for Sunday, May 4th, and is expected to be another key test for the Nigerian side as they continue their campaign. Fans and analysts…