Ramadan, the ninth month in the Islamic lunar calendar, holds profound significance for Muslims worldwide. It begins and ends with the sighting of the crescent moon. Due to the Islamic calendar’s shorter duration compared to the Gregorian calendar, Ramadan shifts earlier by 10–12 days annually, allowing it to encompass all seasons within a 33-year cycle.

During Ramadan, Muslims fast from dawn until sunset, dedicating themselves to increased prayers, self-reflection, and acts of charity.

Ensuring health during fasting in Ramadan is crucial. In this article, PUNCH Online underscores the importance of maintaining health while fasting with the following guidelines:

1. Maintain Hydration: Drink ample water during non-fasting hours, particularly during Suhoor and Iftar, to prevent dehydration.
2. Opt for Nutrient-rich Foods: Consume a balanced diet comprising complex carbohydrates, proteins, healthy fats, fruits, and vegetables to sustain energy throughout the fasting period.
3. Avoid Overindulgence: When breaking the fast at Iftar, steer clear of overeating or indulging in excessive sugary or fatty foods. Opt for moderate portions and balanced meals.
4. Incorporate Suhoor: Have a nutritious pre-dawn meal (Suhoor) consisting of complex carbohydrates, protein, and healthy fats to provide energy and satiety throughout the day.
5. Limit Caffeine and Sugary Drinks: Reduce the intake of caffeinated and sugary beverages to prevent dehydration and energy crashes.
6. Take Brief Rests: If possible, take short naps during the day to alleviate fatigue and maintain energy levels.
7. Exercise Moderately: Engage in light to moderate physical activities such as walking or gentle stretching during non-fasting hours to uphold fitness and energy levels, avoiding strenuous exercise during fasting.
8. Monitor Health: Be attentive to your body and any signs of dehydration, fatigue, or health concerns. Seek medical assistance if necessary.
9. Prioritize Sleep: Aim for sufficient sleep during the night to support overall well-being and energy levels during fasting hours.
10. Ease into Breaking Fast: Commence Iftar with dates and water, followed by a light meal, gradually transitioning to more substantial foods to prevent digestive discomfort.

By adhering to these recommendations, Muslims can safeguard their health and well-being during fasting. However, for individuals with underlying health conditions or concerns, consulting a healthcare professional is advisable.

The Nigerian government has publicized a roster containing no less than 37 unauthorized universities currently in operation within the country. Chris Maiyaki, the Acting Secretary of the National Universities Commission (NUC), made this revelation in an interview on Channels Television on Wednesday. He noted that arrests had been carried out in collaboration with security forces.

Maiyaki emphasized the involvement of the Department of State Services in cracking down on these illicit institutions. Urging parents to consult the commission’s website for a list of legitimate and illegitimate universities in Nigeria, he cautioned against the potential victimization of students by fraudulent schemes.

This disclosure from the NUC follows the suspension of degree certificates from two francophone West African nations. An investigative journalist exposed how he obtained a degree from a university in Benin Republic within two months and subsequently participated in the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC). As a response, the federal government blacklisted 18 universities from Benin Republic and Togo. Furthermore, there are indications that the government plans to expand sanctions to universities in Uganda, Kenya, Niger Republic, and other African countries. The complete list of illegal universities is provided below:

The National Examination Council (NECO) has published the results of the June/July 2023 Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE), in which 61.60% of students achieved five credits and above in both English Language and Mathematics.

The Registrar and Chief Executive Officer, Professor Dantani Ibrahim Wushishi, announced these results at the NECO headquarters during a press briefing in Minna, Niger State.

Prof. Wushishi revealed that a total of 1,205,888 students registered for the examination, with 1,196,985 candidates actually taking the exams. This figure comprises 616,398 male students and 580,587 female students.

In comparison to the 2022 SSCE results, which recorded a pass rate of 60.74%, the 2023 SSCE results showed a slight decrease of 0.86% in the number of candidates who achieved five credits and above in both subjects.

It is worth noting that in 2021, 71.64% of students managed to obtain five credits in these key subjects.

Further details will be provided later.