It is hard to find any politician—whether campaigning for office or already in power—who does not use young people as “digital foot soldiers”, more popularly known as "Data Boys".While some of these young people benefit from the relatio...

In recent years, more communities across Northern Nigeria have embraced mandatory medical screening before marriage. This includes tests for genotype compatibility, HIV/AIDS, and hepatitis.Interestingly, this shift is often supported by...

In Nigeria, schools go on long breaks from July to September. For some parents, it is the perfect time to "keep the child’s brain active” because, “if they stay at home, they’ll forget everything!”But experts seem to suggest ot...

The late former President Muhammadu Buhari symbolised a rare personification of austere nationalism.He was one of the very few Nigerians who commanded a cult-like following, especially among the masses in the North, and also influenced ...

Hope is not denial. It’s not pretending things are perfect. Hope is a decision — to believe in the possibility of change, even when the present looks dim.So, what does hope look like in Nigeria today? and how do Nigerians keep hope aliv...

Work is important—it gives us purpose, income, and identity. But it’s not everything. Without time to rest, connect, and just be, even the best job can turn into a source of burnout and resentment.But, how do you separate your work and ...

From the rhythms of ancient talking drums in Yoruba land, to enchanting Igbo highlife and the vibrant Hausa folk songs of the North, music in Nigeria is more than entertainment. It’s a living archive, a way Nigerians tell their stor...

In classrooms across Nigeria, students are increasingly relying on AI tools to complete assignments, raising concerns among teachers about a decline in critical thinking skills.While some view AI as a helpful learning aid, oth...

Every year during Eid al-Adha, also known as Sallah, many Nigerian families are faced with the challenge of preserving large quantities of meat.While some rely on traditional methods or modern techniques to store the meat for ...

Historically, Niger Republic has been a major source of rams and cattle for Nigeria during the Sallah season. But with the ban in cross-border movement of animals by the military government there, traders are facing supply chain di...

In the heart of Abuja, a silent trade thrives; illicit drugs change hands in broad daylight. From Marijuana to Tramadol, Ice and Crack cocaine. Even with crackdown by operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), ...

Every year, students at various levels and varying institutions sit for examinations. For those at the final stage of their level of education, these exams often determine whether they can progress to the next stage.O...

AI is evolving rapidly, although some of its most powerful tools are still very new. We are still trying to figure out how AI will change communication, education, politics or even our sense of what is real.

Hausa folk tales (tatsuniyoyi; sing: tatsuniya) wasn't just a form of entertainment – it was a tool for education.The tales taught moral lessons and cultural values, warning against greed, pride, and other vices and exhorting kin...

In the past, marriages seemed to last longer, even though if contract was usually entered into without prolonged courtship.On the contrary, the wedding nowadays is preceded by a lot of expressions of love and prolonged courtship.

Traditionally, a typical Hausa woman does not look her husband in the eyes, let alone call him by his given name. In many cases, even a young woman in a relationship avoids mentioning her fiancé’s name. However, in t...

Living debt-free in Nigeria may appear like an elusive goal for many due to the country’s economic challenges. Rising inflation, unemployment, fluctuating exchange rates, and the increasing cost of living have pushed many Ni...

Whenever festive seasons approach in Nigeria, changes are observed in all aspects of people's lives.One of these changes is in the price of consumer goods.At times, the prices of such goods rise, while at other times the opposit...

Handicrafts play an important role in boosting the economy of society. Many people, especially in this era, have increasingly realized the benefits of learning a trade for self-reliance, rather than relying on government or company jobs....

In Hausa communities, there are age-old traditions associated with the month of Ramadan, one of which is called “tashe”.It is a form of dramatic entertainment that involves storytelling, singing, dancing, and acting, which beg...

In many parts of the world, women are still fighting for equal opportunity – but Nigerian women are fighting on a different level.Whether in bustling cities or remote villages, Nigerian women have learned to carve out a niche for...

In Nigeria, ritual killings and practices involving human sacrifice are not new. These acts, commonly linked to witchcraft, black magic, and greed, have been happening for years. But over time, there seems to be a consistent pattern in which...

There’s no denying the appeal of cupping therapy’s mainstream success. It’s accessible, often marketed as a way to treat multiple ailments at once. But the practice of Hausa Kaho is unique. It’s embedded in a deep understanding of the local ...

Facial mark is a long-standing history in Northern Nigeria, particularly in Hausaland.However, this ancient tradition is disappearing, as it is now rare to find people practicing it.In this episode of The Bearing, we will ...