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EDUCATION: Japa, agbero, 419, eba, yahoo boy, 15 other Nigerian words added to Oxford English Dictionary •FULL LIST
The Oxford English Dictionary has expanded its lexicon with 20 Nigerian words and expressions in its latest update.
The newly added entries include popular terms like “japa,” “agbero,” “eba,” “419,” and “abi,” among others.
These words, deeply rooted in the everyday lives of Nigerians, highlight the influence of Pidgin English, street slang, and cultural expressions that are increasingly gaining global recognition.
Notably, some of the words, such as “japa” and “jand,” appear as both nouns and verbs in the dictionary.
Pronunciation guides have also been provided to assist non-Nigerians in accurately articulating the words.
A Nigerian English consultant to the Oxford English Dictionary, Kingsley Ugwuanyi, announced the update on LinkedIn yesterday.
He expressed excitement over his role in drafting the words and recording their pronunciations.
Ugwuanyi wrote, “I’m thrilled to announce that the Oxford English Dictionary (OED) Oxford Languages | OUP has officially published its latest updates, featuring an amazing collection of Nigerian English words that beautifully reflect Nigeria’s culture, creativity, and the unique ways we express ourselves as Nigerians.
“This time, I not only drafted most of the words but also had the incredible opportunity to provide their hashtag#pronunciations! So, when you explore the OED online and click on the pronunciations, you’ll hear my hashtag#voice bringing these words to life.
”Among the entries, “japa” is defined as “the emigration of Nigerians to other countries (esp. those in Europe or North America) in search of further education, employment, or economic opportunity.”
“Agbero” is described as “a person (usually a boy or young man) who works as a tout, typically at car parks and bus stops, collecting money from passengers and drivers, and ushering passengers onto vehicles.
”The term “419,” widely known in Nigeria, is defined as, “Fraud (now usually perpetrated on the internet) involving requests for advance payment in return for a substantial share of a large amount of money, which ultimately is never given.
Frequently as a modifier, as in 419 email,
419 scam, etc. C. yahoo.
”Here is the complete list of Nigerian words added to the OED:
419
abi
adire
agbero
area boy
cross-carpet
cross-carpeting
eba
Edo
gele
jand (noun, verb)
janded (adjective)
Japa (noun, verb)
Kanuri
Kobo
Naija
suya
Yahoo
yahoo boy
Yarn Dust
News
BUK expels 171 students for admission frauds
The affected students cut across different departments and levels, describing the action as part of efforts to sanitise its academic records
The Senate of Bayero University Kano has approved the expulsion of 171 students over falsification of admission entry qualifications.
In a statement published in the university’s weekly bulletin on Friday, said that the decision was taken during the Senate’s 433rd meeting held on March 4, 2026.
It said that following an investigation by the Senate’s Committee on Entry Qualification Irregularities, the affected students were found to have presented falsified credentials during their admission processes.
The university noted that the offence constitutes a violation of Section 20.7, Category A (vii) of its General Examinations and Academic Regulations, which prescribes expulsion for such misconduct.
It added that the affected students cut across different departments and levels, describing the action as part of efforts to sanitise its academic records.
News
Tinubu renews determination to conquer insecurity nationwide
Tinubu revealed that security cooperation formed a major part of his recent engagements abroad, particularly during his visit to the United Kingdom, adding that his government was prepared to leverage Nigeria’s goodwill and existing credit lines to acquire the needed support.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu said on Sunday that his administration is intensifying diplomatic engagements with world leaders to secure critical equipment and training support for Nigeria’s security and intelligence agencies as part of a renewed push to end insecurity across the country.
He disclosed this while receiving state governors who paid him a courtesy visit his Ikoyi residence in Lagos, where he observed the Eid-el-Fitr holidays after returning from his two-day state visit to the United Kingdom.
President Tinubu said that the discussions with international partners, including recent talks with French President Emmanuel Macron, were already yielding prospects for collaboration in strengthening Nigeria’s security architecture.
Tinubu revealed that security cooperation formed a major part of his recent engagements abroad, particularly during his visit to the United Kingdom, adding that his government was prepared to leverage Nigeria’s goodwill and existing credit lines to acquire the needed support.
“One of the major discussions in the UK is equipment and support. I can report to you that yesterday again, I had a lengthy discussion with Emmanuel Macron on their collaboration with us for equipment and support,” the President said.
He added that efforts were ongoing to reach out to other countries willing to assist Nigeria in combating insecurity through provision of modern tools and capacity building for security personnel.
“If we have to spend our goodwill and line of credit, we have those who are willing to support us with equipment and training,” Tinubu stated.
Describing insecurity as a direct threat to national development, the President stressed that tackling the menace remained a top priority for his administration, calling for collective action by all levels of government.
“Insecurity is an enemy of development, progress and prosperity. The next phase of our struggle is staring us in the face, and it is the challenge of insecurity in this country,” he said.
News
Why I returned to school – Emir Sanusi
“A king who acquires education attains greater dignity, but a king without education—his entire kingship is worthless.”
The 16th Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, has explained that his decision for returning to school to pursue an LL.B in Common Law and Shariah at Northwest University is aimed at inspiring others, rather than practicing law.
Emir Sanusi spoke during the traditional Sallah homage, Hawan Nassarawa, at the Kano Government House, emphasising that education should precede kingship.
“A king who acquires education attains greater dignity, but a king without education—his entire kingship is worthless,” he said.
The monarch praised the Kano State Government for prioritizing education, noting that 30 percent of the state budget has been allocated to the sector.
He also encouraged citizens to pursue further studies and support educational ambitions within their families, including those of their spouses.
” We appreciate the Governor for giving top priority to education. We have seen the impact through students’ performance in NECO, JAMB, and tertiary institutions. Whoever has not completed tertiary education should go back and do so,” he said.
Kano State Governor, Abba Yusuf, represented by Speaker Rt. Hon. Jibrin Falgore, commended Emir Sanusi for his support, describing him as a pillar of strength for the administration.
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