It is not just Celtic fans who will be willing them on in Sunday's Scottish Cup semi-final with St Johnstone. Those who support Hibernian, Dundee United, St Mirren - and maybe even the more pessimistic Aberdeen fans - will also be hoping Brendan Rodgers holders win for one simple reason... A final between Celtic and Aberdeen - regardless of the outcome - will mean the top five finishers in the Scottish Premiership will be guaranteed Europe next season. The Scottish Cup winners earn a spot in the Europa League play-off round, with the team that finishes third in the Premiership going into the second qualifying round. Whoever is fourth, will be in the equivalent stage of the Conference League. However, if Celtic win the cup, everything shuffles down because they have already clinched a place in the Champions League qualifiers. Rangers will too. That means the Europa play-off place - and the guaranteed six-game Conference League campaign that comes with it - goes to whoever finishes third in the league. Currently, that's Hibs. But United and Aberdeen and St Mirren - albeit the arithmetic is hugely against them - are still in the mix. But even the clubs who miss out on third could still be rewarded. Fourth place would be upgraded from Conference League to Europa League, with that Conference spot going to whoever finishes fifth. St Johnstone, of course, could scupper all this with a second victory over Celtic inside a month. Should they do so, then either they or Aberdeen could look forward to at least six lucrative games in the Conference League come the autumn.

The emergence of Prof Nentawe Yilwatda as National Chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress on Tuesday is already generating ripples across Nigeria’s political space — and with good reason, ADEBAYO FOLORUNSHO-FRANCIS reports With the choice of a young professor as the national chairman of the biggest political party in Africa, many political observers have posited that President Bola Tinubu deserves his flowers. It was like a thunderbolt. Not many people saw it coming. However, beneath the routine nature of Thursday’s confirmation of the National Executive Committee lies a complex matrix of power balancing, ethnic and religious realignments and 2027 succession politics. With former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and Labour Party’s Peter Obi still casting long shadows across the political horizon, the APC leadership knows it cannot afford internal fractures. Nentawe’s selection appears to be a deliberate countermeasure — not just a response to former party chairman Umar Ganduje’s exit, but a strategic move to reposition the party for broader acceptability and cohesion, particularly ahead of the next presidential election. De-escalation of political tension One of the unspoken tensions in APC’s zoning arrangement had been the precarious situation of Vice President Kashim Shettima, who hails from Borno State in the North-East. Before Nentawe’s emergence, the acting APC National Chairman, Ali Dalori, was also from the same geopolitical zone — a configuration many insiders believed could complicate Shettima’s political viability in 2027, should he seek to remain as running mate or emerge as a presidential contender. The appointment of Nentawe, who hails from the North-Central zone (Plateau State), neutralises this zoning conflict. It effectively removes the threat of regional redundancy at the top party echelon, a concern that could have tilted the balance against Shettima when high-level succession plans come under scrutiny. By reassigning the powerful office of national chairman away from the North-East, the APC appears to have restored a delicate regional equilibrium — one that could keep Shettima’s 2027 prospects alive, or even strengthened. However, there are growing concerns within political and insider circles that another influential stalwart of the APC from the North-East, and the current National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, is being quietly positioned as a potential replacement for Vice President Shettima ahead of the 2027 presidential race.
Ribadu, a former chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, is reportedly enjoying strong backing from a shadowy network of power brokers and inner-circle figures close to the Presidency.
These individuals are believed to be plotting a dramatic reshuffle that could upend the existing power structure within the APC.
Despite the increasing speculation and whispers in Abuja corridors of power, Ribadu has consistently avoided addressing the matter directly. He has tactfully deflected or declined to respond to such insinuations at public functions and in private discussions, fuelling further speculation about whether his silence is strategic or coincidental. The Christian factor More subtly — but just as significantly — Nentawe’s Christian faith provides a much-needed religious counterbalance within the APC, especially following the Tinubu-Shettima Muslim-Muslim ticket that drew strong criticism in 2023. For a party that needs to regain the trust of Christian voters across the Middle Belt and Southern Nigeria, this is more than symbolic. Nentawe’s emergence may help pacify concerns about marginalization, particularly in the North-Central region where religious plurality often shapes political loyalty. As the son of a reverend and a respected technocrat with wide appeal among Christian communities, Nentawe brings a moral and cultural nuance the party desperately needs. His Christian identity, coupled with Shettima’s Islamic background, subtly rebuilds a narrative of inclusion — and could become a selling point for the APC in regions previously alienated by its ticket choices. The North-Central zone had previously held the APC chairmanship through Senator Abdullahi Adamu before he was replaced by Kano-born Abdullahi Ganduje in a move that attracted internal criticism. The return of the chairmanship to the zone can be interpreted as a strategic peace offering — and a bid to re-secure the allegiance of a region that has oscillated in its loyalty since 2015. Governor Hope Uzodimma, who moved the motion for zoning the chairmanship back to the North-Central and nominated Nentawe, perhaps articulated the party’s intent: to reengage and reenergize its base in the Middle Belt. Nentawe’s close relationship with former Plateau Governor Simon Lalong further reinforces this political realignment. Technocrat turned politician Nentawe brings more than zoning comfort to the table. His pedigree as a university professor, digital governance expert, and former INEC commissioner gives him a unique technocratic edge. His extensive work with international partners like the UN, World Bank, and EU adds global credibility to his portfolio. Moreover, his previous role as Director of ICT at the Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi, and as Plateau’s 2023 APC governorship candidate, underscores a dual identity as both scholar and strategist. While some may see his loss to the PDP in the Plateau gubernatorial election as a blemish, others view his court challenge and ultimate respect for the Supreme Court’s ruling as evidence of democratic maturity — a trait increasingly scarce in Nigeria’s high-stakes political landscape. Win for Shettima’s camp? As one of the state coordinators of the Tinubu/Shettima campaign in 2023, Nentawe is no stranger to the current ruling bloc. His loyalty to the Tinubu-Shettima ticket and his grassroots influence in the North-Central make him a valuable ally for the vice president. Some analysts believe that should Tinubu decide not to seek re-election in 2027 — either for personal or political reasons — Shettima’s path to the ticket would be heavily influenced by internal party dynamics. Having an ally at the helm of the party’s national structure could prove decisive. Even if Tinubu runs for a second term, having a Christian national chairman from the North-Central may shield the party from some of the polarization that plagued its 2023 campaign, especially if Shettima is retained as VP. In Nigerian politics, every major party appointment is rarely what it seems on the surface. In Nentawe’s case, the APC appears to have killed multiple birds with one stone: regional balance, religious inclusivity, internal realignment, and technocratic competence. Whether this move will eventually translate into electoral gains remains to be seen. But for now, it’s fair to say that with Nentawe as chairman, the APC is rearming itself structurally and ideologically. And for Kashim Shettima, it might just be the clearest signal yet that his political future within the ruling party is not only secure — but looking increasingly promising. APC chieftains react Former Minister of Communications, Adebayo Shittu, praised Nentawe’s emergence, describing him as a brilliant academic. On whether he believes the new chairman can hold his own against governors and heavyweights in the party, Shittu said he doesn’t see Nentawe as a pushover. “There is no doubt that the governors are gods. There’s no doubt about that. But not being in politics for too long does mean he can’t operate with common sense. “But I pray that he will be able to impress now that he has an opportunity. For as long as he administers the party well and listens to concerns raised by members with a view to addressing them, he will get it right.” Shittu also issued a caution against any attempt to drop Shettima ahead of 2027. “I think the president ought to stabilise the government hierarchy. If he attempts to remove Shettima, the likelihood is that our people and party supporters in North-East are likely to rebel. “It is still in the realm of speculation though. I don’t see him doing that. You know that Shettima is a brilliant man and also very loyal. He has always represented the President admirably.” Another party chieftain from the North-Central, Dominic Alancha also weighed in. He warned against underestimating Nentawe. He said, “Obviously, people don’t know Nentawe. He has been a grassroots person. Otherwise, he wouldn’t have emerged as a governorship candidate and our flag bearer in the 2023 election for our party.” Alancha dismissed age-related criticisms, noting that many past Nigerian leaders took power in their youth. “Those saying he is too young to become APC national chairman should tell us what age was Yakubu Gowon when he became the President… Again, what age was the likes of Obafemi Awolowo when he became a force to reckon with? We can name a whole lot of them.” He added: “What we have been advocating for is to mainstream young people into the leadership position of the party. So Nentawe’s emergence is a plus for APC. He is going to galvanize Nigerian youth into the party. Many people are of the view that if you must be a political party chairman in Nigeria, you must be a former governor.” On whether Nentawe’s emergence can end talks of replacing Shettima, Alancha deferred to the president’s prerogative but emphasized that the North’s ethnic minorities should no longer be overlooked. “The truth of the matter is that in a short while, we are going to demystify the idea that if you are not a Muslim, you cannot deputize a southerner or the belief that the vote that makes Asiwaju the president is the Muslim vote. No, that is not true. Northern ethnic nationalities play a very vital role.” “What I am saying is that whether his running mate is from North East, North Central or anywhere, it is the prerogative of the president to decide.” “Some people from the North West are even saying that they have not even seen the impact of the Muslim-Muslim ticket. It is all about governance. That is where our attention should be,” he argued. With Nentawe now steering the APC, a new chapter may be unfolding — one that could reshape internal dynamics, reframe the party’s national outlook, and potentially brighten the path for Kashim Shettima in 2027.

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, on Monday, said Nigeria has recorded 152 deaths from Lassa fever so far in 2025. The Case Fatality Rate now stands at 18.7 per cent, higher than the 17.3 per cent recorded during the same period in 2024. As of epidemiological Week 28, Nigeria has reported a total of 6,520 suspected cases and 811 confirmed cases across 21 states and 105 Local Government Areas. The NCDC also noted that the number of new confirmed cases in week 28 remained the same as in week 27, with fresh infections reported in Ondo, Edo, and Benue states. A significant majority of 89 per cent of confirmed Lassa fever cases were recorded in five states -Ondo (32 per cent), Bauchi (23 per cent), Edo (17 per cent), Taraba (14 per cent), and Ebonyi (three per cent). The remaining 11 per cent of confirmed cases were reported from 16 other states. The most affected age group is between 21 and 30 years, with a median age of 30 years. The report stated, “In week 28, the number of new confirmed cases is the same as epi week 27 of 2025. These were reported in Ondo, Edo, and Benue States. “Cumulatively, as at week 28, 2025, 152 deaths have been reported with a Case Fatality Rate (CFR) of 18.7 per cent, which is higher than the CFR for the same period in 2024 (17.3 per cent). In total for 2025, 21 States have recorded at least one confirmed case across 105 Local Government Areas. “Eighty-nine percent (89 per cent) of all confirmed Lassa fever cases were reported from five states (Ondo, Bauchi, Edo, Taraba, and Ebonyi), while 11 per cent were reported from 16 states with confirmed Lassa fever cases. Of the 89 per cent confirmed cases, Ondo reported 32 per cent, Bauchi 23 per cent, Edo 17 per cent, Taraba 14 per cent, and Ebonyi three per cent.” It added that there is no new healthcare worker affected in the reporting week 28, and the national Lassa fever multi-partner, multi-sectoral Technical Working Group is coordinating the response activities at all levels.

Moyo Orekoya, who is co-founder of an AI-powered teaching platform known as Shepherd, makes a case for the adoption of the recently launched platform in Nigeria’s teaching and learning environment, in this interview with WALE AKINSELURE What informed your decision to launch Shepherd? Every student deserves personalised support. Unfortunately, most classrooms, especially in countries like Nigeria, are overcrowded, under-resourced, and overstretched. Growing up, I was lucky to have extra lessons, and it changed the trajectory of my life. But that kind of one-on-one support isn’t scalable. Hence, Shepherd exists to fix that. My cofounder, Kehinde Williams and I developed Shepherd to make personalised learning available to every child. This, through the teachers they already have, and using tools that feel like magic but work with real pedagogy. How is Shepherd helping to solve real challenges faced by teachers and students today? Teachers have two big concerns today. First, they’re drowning in admin: spending hours on grading, lesson prep, and exam creation. Second, they struggle to personalise learning in overcrowded classrooms with 30 to 50 students. Educators are overwhelmed. Students, on the other hand, are anxious and unsupported. Many are afraid to ask questions in class. Some turn to AI tools that give quick answers without teaching them how to think. Shepherd steps in to solve both problems. For teachers, it acts as a co-pilot. Shepherd automatically generates lesson materials, grades essays, and handles repetitive tasks. But more importantly, it empowers them to design and assign personalised AI tutors to students, auto-generate quizzes with instant feedback, build flashcards and study plans, and track student progress in no more than 5 minutes. This also translates to personalised 24/7 academic support for students to stay on track, and teachers get time back to do what only they can: teach, coach, and care. How do you address the AI potential for overreliance and dependence, and the reduction of critical thinking and human interaction in the learning environment? We built Shepherd to prevent mindless AI use. Instead of handing students answers, it asks questions, nudges thinking, and scaffolds learning. It’s built on the Socratic method, so students must try, explain, and reflect. But more importantly, teachers stay in control. They can monitor learning, spot gaps, and intervene. For every user, we have gone to great lengths to make AI the co-pilot, not the driver. Can you explain how Shepherd uses AI to support teachers without replacing them? Shepherd isn’t a replacement. It’s an amplifier. Think of it as a 24/7 teaching assistant that helps plan lessons, assess students, and generate learning resources instantly. But the teacher is always in charge. Shepherd is designed to free the teacher to focus on higher-impact teaching, mentoring, and motivation. A World Bank Study done in Nigeria showed that Teacher and AI collaboration drove more impact in driving learning gains than either one alone. We believe that is the future of AI in education, not self-serve bots, but teacher-guided journeys grounded in pedagogy. Many Edtech tools promise improved learning outcomes, but what makes Shepherd’s approach different? Our approach is evidence-backed. There is this paper – From Chalkboards to Chatbots – by the World Bank, where they did a Randomised Control Trial and showed that a Teacher and AI approach drove learning outcomes more than any other learning intervention. By centring the educator and enabling them to quickly design the AI experience and then monitor it, we drive unprecedented impact. Unlike other ed-tech tools, which are content-first. Shepherd is pedagogy-first. Instead of just delivering static material, we take the best of learning science. For example, spaced repetition for recall, quick feedback, scaffolding, then layer it with the best reasoning AI model, and put teachers in the loop to monitor and provide the right guardrails. What are the measurable impacts of Shepherd in classrooms where it’s currently being used? In classrooms, teachers tell us that Shepherd saves about 75 per cent of the time they spend grading essays. So, they can assign three times more writing assignments because Shepherd helps them grade in minutes. Imagine a student being coached daily, and a teacher doing more than half the admin. That’s the real impact. On the student side, over 150,000 students have used Shepherd personally, and we have received phenomenal feedback on how it improved their study habits and grades.  Shepherd is backed by Y Combinator. What does that support mean for your growth plans? Being backed by Y Combinator means we are building at global standards, with the mentorship, network, and credibility to scale fast. But it also means something deeper: the world’s top investors believe that African schools can leapfrog the classroom bottlenecks using AI, and Shepherd is their bet to make that happen. What markets are you currently active in, and how are you scaling the platform? We’re active across the globe with students using our student-only platform (shepherd.study). But our teacher-in-the-loop product (teacher.shepherd.study) is now being piloted in the US and Nigeria, with partnerships expanding rapidly. We’re scaling through direct school partnerships, teacher ambassador programs, and collaboration with ministries and governmental organisations. The goal is to make Shepherd the default AI co-teacher in every school. Are there plans to introduce Shepherd to African schools? Absolutely, and this is personal. For too long, African education systems have been playing catch-up. We missed the industrial age revolution. We missed the internet revolution in our classrooms. But we do not have to miss the AI revolution. We can leapfrog. Shepherd is already working with a growing number of forward-thinking Nigerian schools that are not just adopting AI, they’re using it to empower their teachers, personalise learning, and better prepare students for the world ahead. We’re aligning Shepherd with local curricula like WAEC and JAMB, and we’re training teachers to use it, not as a replacement, but as an extension of their ability to teach and care. Parents and government leaders should pay close attention to what’s happening globally. In China, AI education is now mandatory in schools, with students as young as six getting familiar with the tools that will shape their future. It’s not just about coding. It’s about thinking, reasoning, and working alongside intelligent systems. That’s what Shepherd enables. Even if a student doesn’t go on to build AI, they’ll grow up knowing how to work with it, and that familiarity will be a key advantage in the global labour market. So yes, we’re coming to Nigerian and African schools, but it’s not just up to us. This is a conversation every parent should be having with their school today. Ask them: “What are you doing to prepare my child for a world shaped by AI?” If the answer isn’t clear, Shepherd is here to help. Do you plan to organise training and sensitisation programmes for educators on the effective use of Shepherd? Absolutely. We’re rolling out “train-the-trainer” models, on-site workshops, and mobile onboarding flows in local languages. We’re not just giving teachers a tool; we’re helping them build 21st-century teaching capacity. It’s part of the product, part professional development. And the feedback so far has been electric. What specific challenges do you see in applying AI tools like Shepherd in the Nigerian education system? We are tackling three challenges head-on: Digital literacy caps, low device access, and scepticism and awareness. To address digital literacy gaps, we offer mobile-ready, language-inclusive training. On low-end device access, we want to ensure Shepherd works great on low-end Android phones. To address scepticism and awareness, our focus is to lead with the teacher, not the tech. When they see Shepherd save hours and improve engagement and confidence in the students, the scepticism melts away. Teachers and schools are already burdened by economic realities. What is the cost of adopting Shepherd? We are sensitive to the economic realities in the country. So we try to ensure pricing structure flexibility. We can offer school-wide licenses, parent-funded bundles, and even NGO/government-sponsored access for public schools. We are, however, confident in the Return on Investment we deliver – more learning, less stress, better results. Would you consider partnering with state or federal education agencies in Nigeria for the sake of accessibility? Yes, we’re excited to have those conversations. To reach every student, we need the public sector. We’re gearing up to speak with ministries, governors’ forums, and donor-backed agencies to bring Shepherd into public schools, from primary to university, and even teacher colleges. How will Shepherd improve UTME/SSCE results? Shepherd is built to help students excel at exams. Upload a WAEC or JAMB syllabus, and Shepherd creates a full plan, notes, flashcards, quizzes, past questions, and reminders. It’s like a personalised prep coach that never sleeps. And teachers can track readiness, spot weak points, and give targeted support. We’ve seen students jump two to three grade levels in a matter of weeks. But also, we are working on building a vast library of UTME/SSCE and international exams – IB, AP, SAT, etc, resources that are AI-enabled, with 24/7 interactive explanations on questions, and ready to help students excel.