Author: Edupreneur Editorial Team

United Bank for Africa (UBA) has announced the appointment of Loknath Mishra as Chief Executive Officer of its United Kingdom subsidiary, effective 2 February 2026. The appointment underscores UBA Group’s commitment to expanding its international presence and reinforcing its role as a key financial bridge between Africa and global markets. UBA UK plays a pivotal role within the group’s international network, supporting African corporates, financial institutions, sovereigns, and global partners through correspondent banking, trade finance, transaction banking, and treasury services. As CEO, Mishra will focus on positioning UBA UK as a centre of excellence for regulatory compliance and customer service, strengthening financial resilience through diversified income and liquidity sources, and enhancing UBA’s leadership in trade, transaction, and correspondent banking to support business flows to and from Africa. Mishra brings decades of international banking experience across retail, corporate, investment, and transaction banking, with a distinguished track record of building and leading regulated banking platforms in the UK and Europe. Commenting on the appointment, UBA Group Managing Director/CEO Oliver Alawuba said, “Loknath brings exceptional global banking experience, regulatory credibility, and deep expertise in wholesale and transaction banking. His leadership will be instrumental in advancing UBA UK as a flagship subsidiary and strengthening our capacity to support trade and investment flows between Africa and international markets.” Alawuba added that the appointment reflects UBA’s continued investment in building a world-class international banking franchise to drive Africa’s economic integration into the global economy. Mishra, on his part, expressed delight at the appointment, saying, “I am honoured to join UBA at a time of significant opportunity for the group. UBA’s unique role in connecting Africa to global markets is compelling and strategically important. I look forward to strengthening UBA UK’s platform and supporting clients in unlocking growth across Africa and beyond.” Before joining UBA UK, Mishra was Managing Director and CEO of ICICI Bank UK, where he enhanced the bank’s presence in the UK and European markets while strengthening governance, regulatory engagement, and operational resilience. He also held senior roles at ICICI Bank Limited, including Group Head of Wholesale Banking and Global Head of Transaction Banking, contributing to the expansion of the bank’s global wholesale franchise and leading customer-focused transformation initiatives. Mishra is recognised for his leadership in complex regulatory environments, driving digital innovation in trade finance, cash management, and retail banking, and was honoured with the Freedom of the City of London for his contributions to financial services.

Leading financial services company, OPay, has been crowned Fintech/Digital Bank of the Year 2025 at the prestigious Sun Awards hosted by The Sun Publishing Limited, one of Nigeria’s foremost media organisations. The ceremony took place on January 31, 2026, at Eko Hotels and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos. The recognition is particularly significant as it marks the debut of the Fintech/Digital Bank category since the awards were established. In a statement released on Tuesday, OPay said the honour acknowledges its contribution to building a dependable, inclusive, and user-friendly digital financial ecosystem that serves millions of Nigerians daily. The award highlights OPay’s all-in-one platform, which combines mobile banking, digital wallets, instant payments, merchant solutions, and lifestyle services. By integrating these offerings, OPay continues to narrow the divide between traditional banking systems and the digital economy, improving access to convenient financial services for individuals and businesses nationwide. For many customers, OPay has grown beyond being just a mobile application, becoming a trusted everyday financial partner. From instant money transfers to empowering small businesses with efficient payment tools, the platform is designed to address real-life financial needs and stimulate economic activity at all levels. Commenting on the achievement, OPay’s COO/CTO, Adekunle Adedotun, described the recognition as encouraging. He noted that the award serves as motivation to further improve innovation and accessibility, adding that OPay remains committed to ensuring financial services reach every corner of the country, regardless of device type, to promote broad financial inclusion. Also speaking, Chief Commercial Officer of OPay, Elizabeth Wang, said the award validates the company’s long-term dedication to Nigeria. She described the recognition as a reflection of the trust placed in OPay by millions of users and reaffirmed the company’s focus on delivering secure, reliable, and inclusive financial solutions that simplify daily life and support business growth. OPay further stated that the award reflects years of sustained investment in secure infrastructure, customer-focused services, and strong local partnerships. The company stressed that trust, reliability, and scalability remain at the heart of its mission to support Nigeria’s expanding digital economy. As the first recipient of The Sun’s Fintech/Digital Bank of the Year award, OPay described the honour as a collective success shared with its users, merchants, and partners across the country. The company reiterated its commitment to advancing financial inclusion and contributing to Nigeria’s long-term digital and economic development. Founded in 2018, OPay aims to expand access to financial services through technology. Its offerings include money transfers, bill payments, card services, airtime and data purchases, and merchant payment solutions. Known for its fast, reliable network and robust security framework, OPay is licensed by the Central Bank of Nigeria and insured by the Nigerian Deposit Insurance Corporation, with coverage equivalent to that of commercial banks.

A federal judge has temporarily blocked the Trump administration’s attempt to end deportation protections for over 350,000 Haitian immigrants living and working in the US under Temporary Protected Status (TPS). The ruling came just a day before the TPS designation was set to expire. U.S. District Judge Ana Reyes said the Department of Homeland Security’s decision lacked sufficient legal support. She also suggested the move may have been influenced by hostility toward nonwhite immigrants. The administration argued that TPS programs encourage illegal immigration and have been repeatedly extended, but TPS is intended to protect migrants from deportation to countries considered unsafe due to natural disasters, conflict, or other crises. In an 83-page decision, Reyes denied the government’s request to dismiss the lawsuit and allowed the plaintiffs’ request to maintain their deportation protections while the case proceeds in court. The plaintiffs are five Haitian TPS holders. Reyes also cited offensive remarks by Secretary Noem, noting the individuals involved “are not… ‘killers, leeches, or entitlement junkies.’” Haiti was first designated for TPS following the devastating 2010 earthquake, and the status has been extended multiple times, most recently in 2021. The Trump administration has argued that TPS for Haitians has effectively become permanent residency, straying from Congress’ original purpose for the program. The administration has also sought to end most TPS programs, which could affect hundreds of thousands of migrants from countries including Afghanistan, Ethiopia, Honduras, Myanmar, Nepal, South Sudan, Syria, and Venezuela. In addition, deportation protections for roughly 2,500 Somali nationals are set to end on March 17, meaning they will lose their work authorisations and legal status, making them eligible for removal.

US President Donald Trump on Tuesday announced a trade agreement that lowers tariffs on Indian goods, sparking a surge in Mumbai stocks, as he said Prime Minister Narendra Modi had pledged to stop importing Russian oil amid the Ukraine war. Trump said tariffs on Indian products would be reduced to 18 per cent, down from the earlier 25 per cent “reciprocal” duties. An extra 25 per cent levy imposed over India’s purchase of Russian oil would also be removed. The agreement appears to ease months of strain between Washington and New Delhi over India’s energy ties with Moscow, which the US says help finance the conflict in Ukraine. Trump said the deal also renewed the close relationship between him and Modi, whom he has described as one of his closest friends. While Modi welcomed the tariff reduction and described his phone conversation with Trump as “wonderful,” he did not refer to Trump’s claim that India would halt Russian oil imports. Trump said the new arrangement followed Modi’s request and would take effect immediately, adding that India had agreed to buy significantly more goods from the United States, including energy, technology, agricultural products and coal. He said total purchases could exceed $500 billion, though he did not provide details. According to Trump, Modi also agreed to stop buying Russian oil and instead increase purchases from the United States and possibly Venezuela, which he said would help bring an end to the Ukraine war. Indian markets reacted positively, with Mumbai’s Nifty index jumping nearly five per cent at the opening of trading. Modi was among the earliest world leaders to visit the White House after Trump returned to office, but negotiations on a trade deal had stalled largely due to India’s continued imports of Russian oil. Russia remains a major supplier, accounting for about 36 per cent of India’s crude oil imports in 2024, roughly 1.8 million barrels per day. Trump has previously claimed that Modi made similar promises last year, though no agreement followed at the time. In contrast, Modi said on social media that he was pleased Indian-made products would now face an 18 per cent tariff, without mentioning oil. Analysts say a recent trade agreement between India and the European Union may have helped prompt Washington’s move. However, experts caution that the impact of the deal will depend on the final details and how India balances its longstanding relationship with Russia. Modi added that Trump’s leadership was important for global peace, stability and prosperity. Trump has also repeatedly said he played a key role in ending a brief military clash between India and Pakistan earlier this year.

Singapore is currently in talks with the United States to secure concessions on pharmaceutical exports while working to maintain its access to advanced AI chips, according to Trade and Deputy Prime Minister Gan Kim Yong. The negotiations come as U.S. protectionist policies tighten, including the imposition of a 10% tariff on Singaporean goods, despite the two countries’ existing free trade agreement. Pharmaceuticals, which make up over 10% of Singapore’s exports to the U.S., are a key focus in the discussions. In addition to protecting its pharmaceutical trade, Singapore is aiming to ensure ongoing access to high-end AI chips, critical for the country’s tech industry growth. The discussions are taking place amid heightened scrutiny from Washington following an incident involving the unauthorized export of servers containing Nvidia chips from Singapore to Malaysia. Singapore has reiterated its commitment to upholding strict export controls and has assured the U.S. that it will not undermine American trade restrictions. Meanwhile, Singapore’s Monetary Authority has warned that new U.S. tariffs could trigger a severe economic shock, with officials lowering the nation’s 2025 GDP growth forecast to between 0% and 2%. These negotiations are taking place just days ahead of Singapore’s general election on May 3, where economic challenges and rising living costs are expected to be key issues for voters.

German pharmaceutical giant Merck KGaA has announced a major move to strengthen its oncology portfolio by agreeing to acquire U.S.-based biotech company SpringWorks Therapeutics in an all-cash deal valued at approximately $3.9 billion. According to the agreement, Merck will pay $47 per share for SpringWorks, a 26% premium over the company’s 20-day average stock price prior to the announcement. The acquisition is expected to enhance Merck’s position in the treatment of rare tumors, an area of growing importance in its healthcare strategy. SpringWorks adds significant value with two FDA-approved therapies: Ogsiveo (nirogacestat) for the treatment of desmoid tumors, and Gomekli (mirdametinib) for managing plexiform neurofibromas associated with neurofibromatosis type 1. Merck stated that the acquisition is expected to immediately contribute to its revenue streams and become accretive to its earnings per share by 2027. The deal is projected to close in the second half of 2025, subject to regulatory and shareholder approvals. This latest move highlights Merck’s ongoing commitment to expanding its innovation-driven portfolio and strengthening its footprint in the U.S. rare tumor treatment market.

A 15-year-old boy has pleaded guilty to the manslaughter of Harvey Willgoose, a fellow 15-year-old student who was fatally stabbed earlier this year at All Saints Catholic High School in Sheffield, United Kingdom. The tragic incident occurred on February 3, 2025, during the school’s lunch break, when Harvey was attacked with a hunting knife and suffered a fatal stab wound to the heart. The school immediately went into lockdown as armed police secured the premises, and students sheltered inside classrooms. The accused, who remains unnamed due to legal reasons, admitted to unlawfully killing Harvey and carrying a knife but denied the charge of murder. A trial to determine the murder charge is scheduled to begin on June 30, 2025, at Sheffield Crown Court. Meanwhile, he remains in youth detention and is undergoing medical evaluations ahead of the trial. Harvey’s parents, Caroline and Mark Willgoose, have since become outspoken advocates against knife crime, calling for greater action to prevent similar tragedies. Harvey was fondly remembered by friends and family as a kind-hearted boy who loved fishing and was a devoted supporter of Sheffield United Football Club.

Spotify has revealed that it paid out more than $100 million to audio and video podcast creators in the first quarter of 2025, the first time the streaming giant has disclosed such numbers. This milestone reflects Spotify’s deepening investment in the podcasting space and its drive to support content creators financially. The impressive payout stems from the success of Spotify’s Partner Program, which launched in January 2025 across the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia. Through this program, creators can earn revenue from Spotify Premium video viewership as well as advertising on Spotify Free and other podcast platforms. Since the rollout, video podcast consumption on Spotify has surged by over 20%, and creator earnings in January alone grew by 300% compared to the same time last year. Hundreds of podcasters are now earning more than $10,000 monthly, with top performers hitting six-figure incomes within just a month. In addition to boosting payouts, Spotify has introduced the Creator Milestone Award to honor shows that reach major streaming achievements (100 million, 250 million, and 500 million streams). Early recipients include fan favorites like Crime Junkie, The Joe Rogan Experience, and Rotten Mango. Spotify’s latest moves show a clear commitment to building a thriving ecosystem for podcasters, offering more opportunities than ever for creators to grow and monetize their audiences.

Namibia’s President, Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, has dismissed the country’s Agriculture Minister, Mac-Albert Hengari, following reports that he is under police investigation for alleged rape. Hengari, who was appointed to the cabinet in March 2025, was serving as the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water, and Land Reform. His dismissal comes as President Nandi-Ndaitwah moves to reinforce ethical leadership and maintain public trust in her government. According to Namibian police, Hengari is among several individuals being investigated over multiple allegations, including rape. While the presidency has not released detailed reasons for his removal, the action reflects a firm stance against misconduct within the administration. Before his ministerial role, Hengari had a distinguished career, serving as Director of the Namibia Business School and Chief Economist at the Namibia Investment Centre. He holds academic qualifications from the University of Bristol and the University of Surrey in the United Kingdom. President Nandi-Ndaitwah, who made history as Namibia’s first female president following her inauguration in March 2025, has consistently pledged to promote transparency and integrity throughout her leadership.

The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has condemned the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) for the abrupt rescheduling of the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME). Originally slated to begin on Friday, April 25, JAMB announced a new start date of Thursday, April 24. This sudden adjustment, according to NANS, has caused significant disruptions, especially for candidates who had already made travel arrangements and preparations based on the initial schedule. In a statement, NANS described the decision as inconsiderate, criticizing JAMB for failing to consider the logistical and emotional strain placed on students, many of whom are traveling from distant locations to write their exams. JAMB, through its spokesperson Dr. Fabian Benjamin, defended the move, explaining that the rescheduling was necessary to accommodate vital commitments involving the Board and its partners. He also assured that no candidate would be posted outside their state of registration and that examination centers would be within candidates’ chosen towns. Despite these reassurances, NANS insists that better planning and communication are needed to avoid such last-minute changes in the future. Meanwhile, the UTME exercise is reportedly progressing smoothly across most centers, with only minimal technical issues recorded. However, stakeholders have called on JAMB to deploy medical personnel to examination venues to handle any emergencies that may arise. In a related development, JAMB has delisted four Computer-Based Test (CBT) centers for various infractions and handed over 27 individuals suspected of impersonation to law enforcement authorities for prosecution. Candidates are advised to stay updated via official JAMB channels and strictly adhere to all examination guidelines.