Author: Vreporters

A student of the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), Michael Coker, has died after he suddenly collapsed while sitting for an examination at the institution’s Victoria Island study centre in Lagos last Tuesday.

According to PUNCH Newspaper, eyewitnesses and students at the centre alleged that Coker lay on the floor for several minutes, gasping for breath, while attempts by fellow students to assist him were allegedly discouraged by an invigilator.

A student identified as Bukola told PUNCH that the incident occurred around 11am, shortly after candidates entered the examination hall.

She said Coker was standing with another student behind him when he suddenly slumped and was lowered to the floor by his colleague.

Bukola alleged that a female senior lecturer, who was invigilating in a nearby hall, entered the venue and ordered students to return to their seats despite being informed that a candidate had collapsed.

“She chased everyone away and told us to continue writing the exam. She even said in Yoruba, ‘E fi sílè, ó máa dìde’ (Leave him; he will get up),” Bukola claimed.

She added that Coker remained on the floor, jerking and struggling to breathe, while students pleaded for help.

According to her, it took several minutes before a nurse was contacted, and even placing Coker on a chair was delayed.

“The nurse later came and administered first aid before he was taken downstairs through the elevator. We were asked to continue with the examination. It was only after we finished that we were told he had died,” she said.

A member of staff who spoke anonymously told PUNCH that medical emergencies during examinations were not uncommon, noting that some students have underlying health conditions or collapse suddenly due to seizures or substance use.

However, a class representative of the deceased, Prince Preskit, gave a different account, stating that there was no deliberate attempt to deny Coker help.

He said the invigilator was initially trying to give the student space and that Coker was rushed to hospital once it became clear that the situation was serious.

Preskit disclosed that Coker was taken to Bonny Camp Hospital, where he was reportedly referred to another medical facility due to the unavailability of oxygen.

When PUNCH visited Bonny Camp Hospital, the management denied rejecting the patient, explaining that he was referred to another hospital better equipped to handle his condition.

Efforts to obtain an official response from NOUN were unsuccessful, as the director of the Victoria Island study centre declined to comment on the incident.

An official who was not authorised to speak on behalf of the university told PUNCH that a response would likely be provided in January.

The United States will partially suspend the issuance of certain visas to Nigerian nationals beginning January 1, 2026, following a new presidential proclamation on border and national security.

The US Mission in Nigeria confirmed that the restriction takes effect at 12:01 a.m. Eastern Standard Time, in line with Presidential Proclamation 10998, titled “Restricting and Limiting the Entry of Foreign Nationals to Protect the Security of the United States.”

Countries Affected

Nigeria is among 19 countries affected. Others include: Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Benin, Burundi, Côte d’Ivoire, Cuba, Dominica, Gabon, The Gambia, Malawi, Mauritania, Senegal, Tanzania, Togo, Tonga, Venezuela, Zambia and Zimbabwe.

Visas Affected

The partial suspension covers:

Non-immigrant visas:

B-1/B-2 (business and tourism)

F, M and J (student and exchange visitor visas)

Immigrant visas, with limited exceptions

Who Is Exempted?

The suspension does not apply to everyone. Exemptions include:

Lawful permanent residents (green card holders)

Foreign nationals who already hold valid US visas issued before January 1, 2026

Dual nationals applying with passports from non-affected countries

Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) holders eligible due to US government employment

Participants in certain major international sporting events

Certain humanitarian cases, including persecuted ethnic or religious minorities

Importantly, no visas issued before January 1, 2026, will be revoked under the proclamation.

Who the Rule Applies To

The measure applies only to foreign nationals who:

Are outside the United States on January 1, 2026, and

Do not have a valid US visa as of that date

Applicants from affected countries may still submit applications and attend interviews, but they may be found ineligible for visa issuance or entry under the new rules.

Broader Context

This move follows a series of recent US actions affecting Nigerians, including:

Nigeria’s re-listing in October as a country of concern for religious freedom

Inclusion on a revised US travel restriction list

Reduction of most Nigerian non-immigrant visas to single-entry, three-month validity

Reports of tighter scrutiny and possible suspension of some immigrant visa categories

US authorities have repeatedly stressed that lawful residents and holders of valid visas issued before January 1, 2026, remain protected and will not lose their status.

The United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has announced a limited-time incentive aimed at encouraging undocumented migrants to voluntarily leave the country during the Christmas season.

In a statement released on Monday, DHS said undocumented migrants who register to self-deport through the CBP Home app by December 31 will receive a $3,000 stipend and a free flight to their home country.

The department added that participants would also qualify for the forgiveness of any civil fines or penalties related to failure to depart the United States.

According to DHS, about 1.9 million undocumented migrants have voluntarily left the country since January 2025, with tens of thousands doing so through the CBP Home programme.

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said the incentive was temporarily increased for the Christmas season.

“Since January 2025, 1.9 million illegal aliens have voluntarily self-deported, and tens of thousands have used the CBP Home program,” Noem said.

“During the Christmas season, the US taxpayer is generously tripling the incentive to leave voluntarily for those in this country illegally—offering a $3,000 exit bonus, but just until the end of the year,” she added.

Noem warned that undocumented migrants who fail to take advantage of the offer would face arrest and deportation, with permanent restrictions on re-entry into the United States.

Guided by a presidential proclamation issued by Donald Trump, DHS launched Project Homecoming in May 2025 to promote voluntary departures.

Initially, the programme offered $1,000 and a free flight to undocumented migrants willing to self-deport. To fund the flights and incentives, the US State Department repurposed $250 million previously allocated for refugee resettlement.

DHS described the self-deportation process via the CBP Home app as fast and free, requiring individuals to download the app and submit their information, after which the department arranges and covers travel costs.

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has announced the deployment of robust, proactive measures to prevent attacks during the Christmas festivities across Nigeria.

In a statement on Sunday, the Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj. Gen. Michael Onoja, said the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN), in collaboration with other security agencies, had intensified operations in identified vulnerable areas nationwide.

According to him, additional troops have been deployed to strategic locations and major routes, while special forces units and air support elements have been placed on high alert to ensure rapid response.

Onoja said surveillance activities, including aerial monitoring and intelligence gathering, had been heightened to track the movement and communication patterns of suspected criminal groups. He added that unit commanders had been directed to strengthen patrols, establish fortified checkpoints, and sustain close collaboration with community leaders, local vigilante groups, and state security formations.

The DHQ reaffirmed the Armed Forces’ commitment to protecting lives and property, stressing that national security and stability remain top priorities as Nigerians prepare to celebrate Christmas.

Onoja also urged citizens to remain vigilant and cooperate with security agencies by promptly reporting suspicious activities, assuring that all reports would be treated with urgency and confidentiality. He conveyed Christmas and New Year greetings from the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. O.O. Oluyede, and encouraged wide dissemination of the advisory.

Similarly, the Rivers State Police Command announced enhanced security measures for the Yuletide season, with tactical units deployed to waterways, recreational centres, and other identified hotspots across the state.

The command’s spokesperson, Grace Iringe-Koko, said the initiative forms part of a comprehensive security framework aimed at providing visible policing, strengthening surveillance, and enabling rapid response to potential threats.

She said the Commissioner of Police, Olugbenga Adepoju, had directed area commanders and divisional police officers to ensure strategic deployments at entry and exit points, motor parks, hotels, churches, mosques, and other public places, in collaboration with relevant stakeholders.

The police command also emphasized community engagement, working closely with traditional rulers, youth organisations, and religious leaders to promote early intelligence sharing and prevent incidents during the festive period.

Residents were advised to take personal safety precautions, secure their homes, supervise children, and promptly report suspicious behaviour.

Iringe-Koko reaffirmed the command’s commitment to safeguarding lives and property before, during, and after the celebrations, while extending Christmas and New Year greetings to residents of the state.