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WHO announces end of COVID-19 as a global health emergency
The WHO states that globally, 13.3 billion doses of COVID-19 vaccines have been administered
After more than three years of declaring the COVID-19 outbreak as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC), the World Health Organization (WHO) has declared an end to it. WHO’s Director-General, Dr Tedros Ghebreyesus, announced on Friday that COVID-19 no longer constitutes a PHEIC.
The decision was made by the WHO’s International Health Regulations Emergency Committee during its 15th meeting on COVID-19. While acknowledging the uncertainties posed by the potential evolution of the virus, the committee advised that it is time to transition to long-term management of the pandemic. The Director-General concurred with the advice and determined that COVID-19 is now an established and ongoing health issue which no longer constitutes a PHEIC.
The global health body noted that the global risk assessment for COVID-19 remains high, but there is evidence of reducing risks to human health driven mainly by high population-level immunity from infection, vaccination, or both. Improved clinical case management and consistent virulence of currently circulating SARS-CoV-2 Omicron sub-lineages compared to previously circulating Omicron sub-lineages have also contributed to a significant global decline in the weekly number of COVID-19-related deaths, hospitalizations, and admissions to intensive care units since the beginning of the pandemic.
The WHO also provided updates on the status of global vaccination, stating that globally, 13.3 billion doses of COVID-19 vaccines have been administered, with 89% of health workers and 82% of adults over 60 years having completed the primary series.
The Director-General will convene an IHR Review Committee to advise on Standing Recommendations for the long-term management of the pandemic, taking into account the 2023-2025 COVID-19 Strategic Preparedness and Response Plan. During this transition, States Parties are advised to continue following the issued Temporary Recommendations. The WHO expressed its gratitude to the Committee for their engagement and advice during the last three years.
COVAX will continue to provide funded doses and delivery support throughout 2023 in line with demand. Although the PHEIC declaration has ended, the Director-General will continue to authorize the use of Emergency Use Listing (EUL) procedure. The termination of the PHEIC should not affect access to vaccines and diagnostics that have already received an EUL, and States Parties will still be able to access these vaccines and diagnostics (provided the manufacturers continue production).
The Michael & Cecilia Ibru University (MCIU) has announced the appointment of Professor Anthony Kila as its new Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council. This move marks a significant step in the university’s mission to enhance quality education and leadership development in Nigeria.
The appointment, made official in August, was conveyed in a letter signed by the university’s Visitor and Registrar, Dr. (Mrs.) Cecilia Ibru, and Dr. T. Kolo. It confirms the selection of Kila—an esteemed international jurist, political economist, and Jean Monnet Professor—for the university’s top strategic role.
Professor Kila, known for his extensive contributions to education, governance, and international development, brings decades of academic and professional experience to the role. As Pro-Chancellor, he will lead the university’s strategic planning, policy development, and global engagement efforts.
In a statement acknowledging his appointment, Professor Kila expressed appreciation to the university’s Governing Council and pledged to collaborate closely with the Vice-Chancellor, academic staff, and stakeholders to strengthen MCIU’s academic standing and societal impact.
“Education is the most enduring and sustainable investment one can make for the future,” Kila said. “At MCIU, we have the honour and responsibility of shaping the next generation of leaders who will drive positive transformation in Nigeria and beyond.”
In addition to his new role, Professor Kila serves as Director of the Commonwealth Institute of Advanced and Professional Studies (CIAPS) and remains a vocal advocate for educational reform and institutional capacity building.
Founded in 2015 by the Michael & Cecilia Foundation, MCIU is dedicated to academic excellence and community service. The university has previously been guided by notable figures such as Professor Ayo Banjo, Chief Joop Berkhout, and Professor Peter Gbewa Hugbo.
Kila’s appointment is expected to inject renewed energy, strategic direction, and international visibility into the university’s operations. His official inauguration will be held later this year at MCIU’s campus in Delta State.
An Ikeja Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday discharged Miss Comfort Emmason of charges bordering on unruly behaviour and assaulting the flight crew aboard an Ibom Air aircraft from Uyo to Lagos on Monday.
Magistrate Olanrewaju Salami struck out the five-count charge against Emmason after the police prosecution team withdrew the case.
At the resumed hearing, prosecutor Oluwabunmi Adeitan informed the court of new developments that necessitated the withdrawal.
She tendered an application to the court for the withdrawal of the case, which was admitted by the court.
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FG Gives KWAM 1 airport job as ambassador security protocol
Meanwhile, the Federal Government has reduced the flight ban imposed on KWAM1 , to one month instead of six months.
In a statement on Wednesday, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, directed the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) to withdraw its criminal complaint against Fuji musician Wasiu Ayinde, popularly known as KWAM1.
Keyamo also mandated the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) to engage the singer as an ambassador for proper airport security protocol.
Meanwhile, the Federal Government has reduced the flight ban imposed on KWAM1 , to one month instead of six months.
Ibru University Names Prof Kila as New Pro-Chancellor
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