New data from the World Health Organisation (WHO), yesterday, showed that weekly COVID-19 deaths in Africa reached a record peak in the week that ended on August 1, marking the highest seven-day toll since the onset of the pandemic in the continent.The data released during a virtual press conference facilitated by APO Group, showed over 6,400 deaths were recorded, a two per cent rise compared with the previous week, with South Africa and Tunisia accounting for over 55 per cent of the fatalities.

Death trends are on the rise in 15 countries, and 12 have reported higher case fatality rates than the African average of 2.5 per cent over the last month.

With more than 172,000 deaths, Africa accounts for over four per cent of the 4.2 million COVID-19-related deaths recorded globally to date.The data released during a virtual press conference facilitated by APO Group, showed over 6,400 deaths were recorded, a two per cent rise compared with the previous week, with South Africa and Tunisia accounting for over 55 per cent of the fatalities.

Death trends are on the rise in 15 countries, and 12 have reported higher case fatality rates than the African average of 2.5 per cent over the last month.

With more than 172,000 deaths, Africa accounts for over four per cent of the 4.2 million COVID-19-related deaths recorded globally to date.In Nigeria, the third wave of the coronavirus pandemic has continued to ravage as the country on Wednesday night recorded four new deaths and 747 cases, ranking the highest daily infection figure in nearly six months. The last time the country confirmed cases above 747 was on February 18 when 877 cases were recorded.

Basirat Rufai is, at the moment, in a class of her own. The young lady's academic pursuit at the University of Ibadan ended on a very high note as she finished in a majestic fashion.

Basirat, who read pharmacy, emerged the overall best graduating student in the 2018/2019 academic year that were recently graduated by the institution.

Basirat Rufai aced all her courses to emerge the best graduating pharmacy student from the University of Ibadan Photo Credit: Linkedln/Basirat Rufai

The brainy lady also bagged distinctions in all her pharmacy courses and topped her amazing academic feats with an almost-perfect CGPA of 6.9 in a 7.0 grading system - a first-class honour.

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In a post made on Monday, February 8, 2021, on Linkedln, Basirat said she is proud of herself and went on to appreciate God for his unending support to her quest for academic excellence.

She also praised her family, loved ones and lecturers for being with her in each step of the journey.

She wrote:

"It is only by God's grace.

"Allow me to re-introduce myself...

"Meet Pharmacist Basirat Rufai (B. Pharm. First Class Honours) with a CGPA of 6.9/7.0

"Also, the Overall Best Graduating Student of the 2018/2019 set.

"Bagged Distinctions in all pharmacy courses.

"Special appreciation goes to Almighty God for His unending support. Also, my parents, family, lecturers, classmates and friends who assisted me in this journey.

"I must say I am proud of myself baby girl."