NEWS

WhatsApp is rolling out a major privacy upgrade that will allow users to create and use usernames instead of sharing their phone numbers to connect with others.

This major privacy upgrade comes as tech companies continue to integrate more AI features, similar to how Meta is building the Hatch AI agent for Instagram.

The Meta-owned messaging app announced on Monday that the new feature will soon be available globally.

This means you will be able to chat, call, or join groups by simply sharing your username. keeping your personal phone number private.

This update is expected to be particularly helpful for business owners, content creators, influencers, and anyone who wants to interact with a larger audience without exposing their contact details.

It adds another layer of privacy and convenience to one of the world’s most popular messaging platforms.

Why This Change Matters

For years, WhatsApp has required users to share their phone numbers to start conversations.

While the app has introduced several privacy features like disappearing messages and end-to-end encryption, the username system takes privacy a step further by reducing the need to reveal personal information.

The feature is part of Meta’s broader effort to make its platforms more user-friendly and secure. Users will be able to set a unique username in their account settings, which others can then use to find and message them.

Nigerian users, who form one of the largest WhatsApp communities globally, stand to benefit significantly.

Many people use the app for both personal and business purposes, and this update will make it easier and safer to connect without compromising privacy.

What to Expect

According to reports, the username feature will begin rolling out gradually in the coming weeks. Users will receive notifications when it becomes available on their accounts.

WhatsApp has assured that the change will not affect existing chats or contacts.

This development comes at a time when privacy concerns are at an all-time high. Many users have welcomed the news, seeing it as a long-awaited improvement that puts more control back in their hands.

As WhatsApp continues to evolve, features like usernames show the company’s commitment to balancing functionality with user privacy.

For millions of Nigerians who rely on the app daily, this is a welcome step toward a safer and more convenient messaging experience.

Iran has fired back at US President Donald Trump after he threatened further military action against the country. Iran’s chief negotiator,

Mohammad Ghalibaf warned that the Islamic Republic’s armed forces are fully prepared to respond to any American aggression.

In a strong statement, Ghalibaf said Iran does not take US threats seriously and urged America to be careful with its words. “Our armed forces are ready to respond to them in a different manner,” he declared.

Trump had earlier posted on his Truth Social platform, warning Iran to stop its support for Hezbollah in Lebanon or face even stronger strikes than before.

This latest exchange comes just days after both countries signed a preliminary agreement aimed at ending their conflict.

Background of the Rising Tension

The current standoff is linked to the wider Middle East crisis, particularly the fighting between Israel and Hezbollah. Iran has repeatedly accused the US and Israel of provoking the situation, while Trump has maintained a hardline position against Tehran.

The recent memorandum of understanding between Iran and the US specifically stated that both countries would refrain from the threat or use of force. However, Trump’s fresh comments have reportedly caused a temporary suspension of further talks.

Implications for the Region and Beyond

This war of words highlights how fragile peace remains in the Middle East. Any escalation could have serious consequences, including higher global oil prices that would directly affect countries like Nigeria.

For now, the situation remains tense, but no new military action has been reported. Both sides appear to be engaged in a high-stakes game of threats and diplomacy.

Many international observers are calling for calm and urging both countries to return to the negotiating table. The coming days will be critical in determining whether the conflict de-escalates or spirals further.

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has announced a significant policy change that will reshape admission into colleges of education across Nigeria.

Starting from the 2026/2027 academic session, JAMB will no longer conduct admissions into affiliated degree programs offered by colleges of education.

This major policy change will affect thousands of students, similar to recent reforms such as JAMB urging parents to protest admission bias.

This means the National Certificate in Education (NCE) will now be the only recognized entry route into these institutions.

What the New Policy Means

Under the new rule, candidates who want to pursue degree programs will have to first obtain their NCE before applying for direct entry into universities.

This effectively ends the dual system where colleges of education ran both NCE certificates and full degree programs simultaneously.

JAMB’s decision is aimed at restoring focus to the core mandate of colleges of education producing well-trained teachers through the NCE program.

Many education stakeholders have welcomed the move, arguing that the previous arrangement had created confusion and weakened the quality of teacher training in the country.

Impact on Students and Institutions

For prospective students, this change brings more clarity. Those interested in teaching can now follow a straightforward path:

complete the NCE program, gain practical experience if needed, and then proceed to university for a degree through direct entry.

Colleges of Education will now concentrate on strengthening their NCE programs. Institutions currently running affiliated degree programs will need to adjust their structures and focus more on their traditional role as teacher-training colleges.

This policy is part of ongoing efforts to improve standards in Nigeria’s education system. By streamlining admissions, JAMB hopes to reduce irregularities and ensure that only qualified candidates enter the teaching profession.

As the new academic session approaches, candidates and parents are advised to take note of this important change and plan their educational journey accordingly.

JAMB has promised to provide more guidance and updates on the implementation of the new policy.

Iran has launched missiles towards Israel, marking the first direct attack of its kind since the April ceasefire between the two nations.

The escalation comes amid heightened tensions in the Middle East, with Iran citing Israel’s recent actions in Lebanon as the trigger.

According to reports, the Israeli military confirmed detecting missiles launched from Iranian territory. This development has raised fears of a wider regional conflict, as both sides have been engaged in shadow wars and proxy battles for years.

The Iranian move appears to be a direct response to what Tehran describes as “evil genocidal attacks” on Lebanon. Iranian officials have warned of further strikes if Israel continues its operations in the region.

Israel, on the other hand, has not yet issued a full response but is expected to retaliate strongly, as it has done in previous exchanges.

The renewed missile attack is significant because it breaks a fragile ceasefire that had been holding since April.

The Middle East has been on edge for months, with multiple flashpoints including the Israel-Gaza conflict, Hezbollah activities in Lebanon, and rising tensions between Iran and the United States.

For Nigeria and many other countries, any major escalation in the Middle East usually leads to higher oil prices and increased economic pressure.

Nigerians are already feeling the impact of previous tensions through rising fuel costs, and further instability could worsen the situation.

Global leaders have called for restraint from both sides to prevent the conflict from spiraling out of control. The United Nations and other international bodies are closely monitoring the situation.

This latest exchange highlights how quickly things can escalate in the region. While the full impact is still unfolding, one thing is clear: the fragile peace in the Middle East remains under serious threat.

The World Bank has cancelled $717.7 million meant for electricity sector reforms in Nigeria due to economic challenges and implementation difficulties.

This decision, coming at a time when many Nigerians are struggling with poor power supply and rising electricity tariffs, has sparked widespread concern and disappointment.

The funds were originally allocated to support key power sector projects aimed at improving generation, transmission, and distribution of electricity across the country.

However, both the Nigerian government and the World Bank agreed to cancel the facility after reviewing the current economic realities and slow progress in project execution.

Many Nigerians took to social media, particularly Instagram, to express their frustrations in the World Bank’s comment sections. The outcry highlighted the daily suffering caused by unstable electricity supply, with businesses closing down, students studying under candlelight, and households spending heavily on generators and fuel.

Why the Funding Was Cancelled

According to reports, the cancellation was influenced by Nigeria’s difficult macroeconomic environment, including high inflation, foreign exchange volatility, and challenges in meeting project milestones.

The power sector has long been plagued by issues such as inadequate infrastructure, policy inconsistencies, and funding gaps, making it difficult to achieve meaningful reforms.

This development raises serious questions about the future of power sector improvement in Nigeria.

While the government has made some efforts through initiatives like the Siemens power deal and distribution company privatization, the reality on the ground remains harsh for most citizens.

The cancellation of such a large sum of money is a significant setback. It means delayed projects, slower progress in expanding electricity access, and continued reliance on expensive alternative power sources for millions of Nigerians.

Stakeholders are calling on both the federal government and the World Bank to explore alternative ways to revive much-needed investments in the power sector.

Many believe that without genuine reforms, strong political will, and better project execution, attracting and retaining international funding will remain a major challenge.

For now, Nigerians continue to hope for a more stable and affordable electricity supply, even as this latest development adds to the growing list of hurdles facing the nation’s power sector.