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Heartrending Stories of NOUN Law Students as Varsity Cancels Programme

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Heartrending Stories of NOUN Law Students as Varsity Cancels Programme

The recent cancellation of the Law programme at the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) has left many final-year students grappling with despair and frustration. The abrupt termination has significant implications for students who had invested years of their lives, substantial financial resources, and personal sacrifices into their legal studies.

The Impact on Students

Ade Oludokun‘s journey to becoming a lawyer is marked by significant personal and financial struggles. After losing his job in 2017 and subsequently his business, Ade enrolled in NOUN to pursue his law degree, believing it would provide a path to a better future. Despite financial hardships, he invested over N2 million into his studies, only to face heartbreak when the university announced the cancellation of the LLB Law Programme. “I am in deep emotional pain,” Ade shared. “I invested so much, and now, just as I am nearing graduation, the programme has been terminated.”

Bertram faced life-threatening challenges during his studies, including a harrowing kidnapping in 2018. Despite enduring such traumatic experiences and disruptions, Bertram’s commitment to completing his studies was unwavering. The news of the programme’s cancellation added to his anguish. “We sought extensions and interventions from various authorities, but our appeals were disregarded. Now, we face the abrupt closure of our programme without any formal notification.”

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Sadiku, who had invested in his education with support from his wife after losing his job, was nearing the end of his studies. He had completed his final project and had only six courses left. The sudden cancellation, he says, “is incredibly painful, especially knowing that the decision was made to pave the way for a new programme.”

Systemic Issues and Regulatory Challenges

The issues facing NOUN’s Law programme are rooted in systemic and regulatory challenges. Established in 2002, NOUN’s Law programme has struggled with accreditation and infrastructural issues, including lost academic records and system crashes. Despite efforts to address these challenges, students faced frequent setbacks, including retaking courses and navigating a complex accreditation landscape.

Prof. Sam Erugo (SAN) explains that the NOUN Law degree programme has long been viewed as conflicting with Nigerian regulations for legal training. Historically, graduates faced exclusion from the Nigerian Law School until a remedial year was introduced to level the playing field. This compromise was a partial solution, but it did not resolve the fundamental regulatory conflicts.

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Legal Perspectives and Responses

Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Isiaka Olagunju, argues that NOUN should have provided alternative options for students, especially those in their final year, such as affiliations with other universities to complete their degrees. He asserts, “The management of NOUN should be held accountable for the students’ predicament, having been aware that the part-time Law degree was not recognized.”

Prof. Sam Erugo adds that discussions about the cessation of the NOUN Law degree programme have been ongoing. He emphasizes the need for a structured approach to ensure that all legitimately enrolled students can complete their studies. “The cessation was not sudden; it was a result of long-standing discussions. Stakeholders should have ensured that steps were taken to allow affected students to graduate.”

Appeals and Next Steps

In response to the cancellation, students have formed the Concerned Law Students of the National Open University of Nigeria, advocating for intervention and reconsideration. They appeal to the government and NOUN management to grant an additional academic year or other solutions to allow students to complete their studies.

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The students’ plight highlights broader issues within the Nigerian education system, including the need for clear regulations and support structures for distance learning programmes. As the situation unfolds, the focus will be on finding equitable solutions for those affected and addressing the systemic issues that led to the programme’s termination.

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Trump threatens Canada with 100% tariffs over China trade deal

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Trump threatens Canada with 100% tariffs over China trade deal

US President Donald Trump has warned that Canada could face sweeping trade penalties if it deepens its commercial ties with China, signalling a fresh phase in North American trade tensions even as global economic relationships continue to evolve.

In a message posted on his Truth Social platform on Saturday, Trump said the United States would impose a 100% tariff on all Canadian goods entering the country should Ottawa proceed with a trade agreement with Beijing. “If Canada makes a deal with China, it will immediately be hit with a 100% Tariff against all Canadian goods and products coming into the U.S.A.,” he wrote.

The warning comes amid increasingly strained relations between Trump and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney. Tensions have intensified following Carney’s recent speech at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, where he called for smaller and mid-sized nations to assert themselves amid shifting global power structures. His remarks were widely interpreted as a pushback against the dominance of major powers in shaping the world economic order.

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Carney has also held high-level talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping, after which Canada announced it had reached a trade agreement with China. The deal reportedly includes cooperation on electric vehicles, a sector seen as central to the future of global manufacturing and the green energy transition.

Responding to those developments, Trump again referred to the Canadian leader as “Governor Carney” and accused Canada of attempting to serve as a conduit for Chinese exports into the US market. He wrote that if Carney “thinks he is going to make Canada a ‘Drop Off Port’ for China to send goods and products into the United States, he is sorely mistaken.”

While Trump did not outline a specific timeline or provide further details on how the proposed tariffs would be implemented, his remarks echoed earlier rhetoric. Last year, during a previous dispute, Trump repeatedly described Canada as America’s “51st state,” labelled its leader a “governor,” and even suggested the US might seek to acquire the country outright — comments that drew strong reactions north of the border.

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Despite these sharp exchanges, relations between Washington and Ottawa had shown signs of stabilising in recent months. However, Trump’s renewed focus on territorial ambitions regarding Greenland and his critical comments about Nato have again placed him at odds with both Canadian and European leaders.

In Davos this week, Carney stopped short of naming Trump directly but cautioned that the US-led global order was at risk of a “rupture,” language that appeared to provoke a forceful response from the US president. Speaking after Carney, Trump asserted the depth of economic ties between the two neighbours, saying, “Canada lives because of the United States.”

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Why Businesses in Cypress, TX Are Turning to Abii & Associates for Legal Guidance

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As the commercial landscape in Cypress, Texas continues to expand, more local businesses are recognizing the importance of having legal protection built into their operations. From startup founders to seasoned entrepreneurs, one law firm is quickly becoming the go-to resource for business legal services: Abii & Associates.

With a growing number of small and mid-sized businesses calling Cypress home, the need for reliable, strategic legal counsel has never been greater. Abii & Associates has stepped in to fill that gap, offering tailored legal solutions for companies navigating formation, contracts, compliance, and growth challenges.

Legal Clarity for Local Business Owners

Running a successful business in Cypress, TX requires more than just a good idea. Business owners must consider how to structure their companies, protect their intellectual property, negotiate contracts, and comply with state and federal laws.

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Abii & Associates provides a full range of business and corporate legal services, including:

  • LLC and corporation formation
  • Contract drafting and review
  • Employment policies and advisory
  • Commercial lease and vendor agreements
  • Partnership and shareholder disputes
  • Business purchases and sales
  • Regulatory compliance and liability protection

“Businesses in Cypress, TX deserve legal support that’s both strategic and personal,” said a spokesperson for the firm. “We help clients make smart decisions today to avoid expensive problems tomorrow.”

Trusted by the Cypress Business Community

What sets Abii & Associates apart is their hands-on, responsive approach. Business owners report that the firm offers legal advice that’s easy to understand—and even easier to implement.

One local entrepreneur shared,

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“They took the time to understand my business, not just my legal question. The advice was spot-on, and it gave me confidence moving forward.”

Abii & Associates doesn’t rely on cookie-cutter templates or generic solutions. Instead, they craft legal strategies that align with the unique structure, size, and goals of each business they serve.

Supporting Growth in Cypress, TX

Cypress continues to attract new residents and businesses, making it a key hub for economic development in the Houston metro area. Abii & Associates’ decision to expand services in the area is already making a difference for local companies looking to protect and grow their enterprises.

“We’re committed to helping businesses in Cypress, TX build on a strong legal foundation,” the firm adds. “When your legal framework is solid, your business is freer to thrive.”

To learn more about Abii & Associates’ services for Cypress business owners, visit:
👉 https://www.abiilegal.com/practice-area/business-and-corporate-lawyer-serving-cypress-texas

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Pearland Law Firm Abii & Associates Helps Residents Navigate the Complexities of Bankruptcy

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Pearland Law Firm Abii & Associates Helps Residents Navigate the Complexities of Bankruptcy

As rising debt and financial strain affect households and small businesses across Texas, one Pearland-based law firm is stepping up to offer clarity and legal relief. Abii & Associates, a multi-practice legal firm located in Pearland, has become a trusted resource for residents considering bankruptcy as a path toward financial recovery.

With a steady increase in inquiries related to debt relief, attorneys at Abii & Associates report that many Texans remain unsure about their rights, protections, and legal options when facing overwhelming financial pressure. According to the firm, bankruptcy is often misunderstood—but in the right situations, it can offer powerful protection and a fresh start.

“People often delay seeking help because of fear or stigma,” one of the attorneys at Abii & Associates shared. “But the reality is that bankruptcy, when handled properly, is a legal tool designed to help—not punish—those who are financially distressed.”

The firm regularly handles both Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 filings, providing clients with tailored guidance based on their unique financial picture. Under Chapter 7, qualified individuals may be able to discharge unsecured debts entirely, while Chapter 13 allows those with regular income to reorganize their payments and keep important assets like homes and vehicles.

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Pearland Law Firm Abii & Associates Helps Residents Navigate the Complexities of Bankruptcy

One of the key advantages for local clients is that Texas law provides some of the most generous bankruptcy exemptions in the country, allowing individuals to retain more of their property than they might expect. Attorneys at Abii & Associates say many clients are surprised to learn they can file for bankruptcy and still protect their home, car, and retirement accounts.

“Every case is different, and that’s why personalized counsel is so important,” the firm explains. “We don’t offer one-size-fits-all advice. We sit down with our clients, evaluate their assets and goals, and walk them through every step of the process.”

In addition to consumer bankruptcy, the firm also advises small business owners dealing with insolvency, commercial debt, or pending lawsuits. Their goal, they say, is not only to offer legal solutions—but to preserve dignity and protect futures.

The bankruptcy team at Abii & Associates is currently accepting consultations for individuals, families, and businesses in Pearland and throughout the Houston metro area. The firm encourages anyone facing creditor harassment, foreclosure, or overwhelming debt to explore their legal options early—before the situation becomes harder to manage.

To learn more about bankruptcy services at Abii & Associates or to schedule a consultation, visit:
👉 https://www.abiilegal.com/law-firm-in-pearland-texas/bankruptcy

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