Author: meridianspy

Trump limits foreign students to four-year US stay The administration of United States President Donald Trump has finalised a new rule limiting most foreign students and exchange visitors to a maximum stay of four years in the country unless they obtain an extension from the Federal Government, The Washington Post reports on Thursday. The new rule, announced by the Department of Homeland Security, ends the long-standing “duration of status” policy under which international students were generally allowed to remain in the US for the length of their academic programmes, provided they complied with visa requirements. The restriction…

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The Independent National Electoral Commission is considering conducting a comprehensive audit of its electoral technology systems and a mock presidential election ahead of the 2027 general election to test the reliability of its processes and technology. INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, disclosed this on Thursday while receiving the British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Dr Richard Montgomery, on a courtesy visit to the commission’s headquarters in Abuja. According to a statement posted on INEC’s official X page, the proposals were under consideration by the commission and were informed by concerns arising from the 2023 general election, particularly regarding…

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Fear has gripped communities in Tombo, Mbagber and Ukemberegya/Tswarev council wards of Logo Local Government Area of Benue State over a reported influx of armed herdsmen. Residents have expressed serious concern over alleged incidents of violence, including attacks on farmers, the rape of women and the destruction of farmlands as cattle are grazed in rural communities. Reports further indicate that another group of armed herders has reportedly crossed the River Benue through Shaoo, Basham and Akor (west of Anyibe settlement). According to local sources, the group is believed to be positioning itself in the area, raising…

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