Mon. May 25th, 2026
Spread the love
Are you a passionate and innovative NYSC (National Youth Service Corps) member with skills in design, development, or research?
Do you want to gain more hands-on experience, work on impactful projects, and contribute to technological advancement?
 
Aid for Rural Education Access Initiative (AREAi) in collaboration with The Centre for Digital Development and Innovation Research (CDDIR) invites applications for its Program and Impact Fellowship (PIF) for the 2024/2025 service year.
About the Fellowship:
The Program and Impact Fellowship (PIF) is a structured initiative designed to provide NYSC members with practical experience, mentorship, and the opportunity to work on real-world projects in digital development and innovation. Fellows will collaborate with industry experts, researchers, and technology professionals to create solutions that drive digital transformation.
Available Positions:
We are seeking NYSC members with experience in the following technical fields:

1. Design (UI/UX Design)
  • User Interface (UI) and User Experience (UX) Design
  • Prototyping and Wireframing (Figma, Adobe XD, Sketch, etc.)
  • Usability Testing and Human-Centered Design Principles
2. Development
  • Mobile Development (Android, iOS, Flutter, React Native)
  • Web Development (Front-end: React, Vue, Angular; Back-end: Node.js, Django, Laravel)
  • Artificial Intelligence (AI) (Machine Learning, Deep Learning, NLP, Computer Vision)
  • Desktop Applications (C++, Java, Electron, .NET)
3. Research & Innovation
  • Digital Development Research
  • Data Analysis and Visualization
  • Policy Research in Tech and Innovation
  • Impact Measurement and Reporting
Why Join the PIF?
  • Professional Growth: Work on cutting-edge projects and gain hands-on experience.
  • Mentorship: Receive guidance from experienced professionals and industry leaders.
  • Networking: Connect with like-minded individuals and expand your career opportunities.
  • Real-World Impact: Contribute to projects that address societal challenges through technology and innovation.
Eligibility Criteria:
  • Must be a current NYSC member or about to begin NYSC service.
  • Background in Computer Science, Engineering, Design, Data Science, Social Sciences, or related fields.
  • Proficiency in at least one of the technical areas listed.
  • Strong problem-solving skills and a passion for digital development.
  • Ability to work collaboratively in a team and meet deadlines.
  • Must be resident in Abuja.
Application Process:
Interested applicants should submit:
  1. A cover letter explaining why you are interested in the fellowship and how your skills align with the position.
  2. An updated CV/resume highlighting relevant experience.
  3. A portfolio (for design and development applicants) showcasing previous projects (GitHub, Dribbble, Behance or Portfolio document with highlights and relevant links etc.).
  4. A written sample (for research applicants) related to digital development or technology policy.

Method of Apply

Kindly fill the form below as accurately as possible, attaching all relevant documents as highlighted above.

The post NYSC Program and Impact Fellowship (PIF), Batch A and B atAid for Rural Education Access Initiative (AREAi) appeared first on Advert By Dotifi .Com Domains for Advert By Dotifi .Com Domains for almajiri.com.ng Hausa Music Blog, Entertainment ,News and Gossips .

By 9jabook

You missed

From Tramadol to Canadian to Exol-5 The New Drug Destroying Nigerian Youths An Investigative Article .From Tramadol to Canadian to Exol-5: The New Drug Destroying Nigerian Youths An Investigative Report on the Shifting Landscape of Substance Abuse in Nigeria Nigeria faces a severe and evolving drug crisis, particularly among its youth. What began with the widespread abuse of Tramadol has progressed through mixtures like “Canadian” to newer pharmaceutical diversions such as Exol-5. This shift reflects deeper issues: easy access to prescription drugs, weak regulation, socioeconomic pressures, and aggressive street-level marketing. NDLEA operations and health studies reveal a public health emergency that threatens an entire generation. Phase 1: The Tramadol Epidemic (2010s–Early 2020s) Tramadol, a synthetic opioid prescribed for moderate to severe pain, became Nigeria’s most notorious street drug. Cheap, potent, and widely smuggled (often from India and other Asian countries), it offered users energy, euphoria, and pain relief — appealing to commercial drivers, laborers, students, and young men seeking confidence or stamina. Scale of the Problem: Millions of tablets seized annually by NDLEA. High prevalence among young males aged 15–35. Linked to increased crime, sexual violence, organ damage (kidney failure, seizures), and mental health breakdowns. Contributed to broader opioid misuse alongside codeine cough syrups. Government responses included tighter import controls and public awareness campaigns, but these only displaced demand to other substances rather than eliminating it. Phase 2: The Rise of “Canadian” (Mid-2020s) “Canadian” or “Canadian Loud” emerged as a popular code for high-grade cannabis (often indica-dominant strains) or cannabis mixed with other synthetics. It gained traction as users sought alternatives or combinations to Tramadol’s effects. This phase marked a move toward imported or locally cultivated premium weed, sometimes laced with stronger chemicals. Youths in urban centers like Lagos, Kano, Jos, and Onitsha embraced it for its perceived “cleaner” high compared to opioids. However, it fueled polydrug use — combining cannabis with opioids, sedatives, or alcohol — amplifying health risks. Phase 3: Exol-5 – The Current Threat (2024–2026) Exol-5 (Benzhexol Hydrochloride / Trihexyphenidyl 5mg), originally a prescription medication for Parkinson’s disease and drug-induced movement disorders, has become the latest pharmaceutical being heavily abused. Why Exol-5? Euphoric Effects: Users report intense euphoria, hallucinations, and a sense of detachment — making it attractive as a cheap “upper” or escape. Accessibility: Sold over-the-counter or on the black market despite being a controlled prescription drug. NDLEA has seized millions of pills in single operations (e.g., 3.1 million pills in Kano in late 2024, and over 5.6 million combined with Tramadol in other busts). Street Names: Exol, Artane, Benzhexol, “Farin Mallam” (in Northern Nigeria). Demographics: Prevalent among youths, laborers, and even psychiatric patients who divert prescriptions. Studies show abuse rates as high as 25% among certain outpatient groups. Health Consequences: Anticholinergic toxicity: Confusion, dry mouth, blurred vision, urinary retention, constipation, and in high doses — delirium, psychosis, seizures, and heart issues. Long-term: Cognitive impairment, addiction, exacerbated mental health disorders. Often mixed with Tramadol, codeine, or cannabis, creating dangerous synergies. In cities like Jos, Exol-5 sits alongside diazepam, Rohypnol, and Tramadol on street markets, easily available to teenagers and young adults. Why This Evolution Continues Supply-Side Failures: Porous borders, corrupt officials, and overproduction of pharmaceuticals enable diversion. Demand Drivers: Unemployment, poverty, peer pressure, trauma, and the pursuit of performance enhancement (e.g., for “hustle” culture). Weak Regulation: Many pharmacies sell restricted drugs without prescriptions. Online and street vendors fill gaps. Displacement Effect: Cracking down on one substance (Tramadol/codeine) pushes users and dealers toward the next available option. NDLEA reports ongoing large seizures, but the problem persists due to high profitability and low risk for mid-level distributors. Broader Impacts on Nigerian Youths Education: Increased dropout rates and poor academic performance. Mental Health: Rising cases of psychosis and depression. Economy: Lost productivity among the working-age population. Crime and Violence: Drug-fueled robberies, cultism, and family breakdowns. Public Health System Strain: Overburdened hospitals treating overdoses and chronic complications. Young people aged 15–39 remain the hardest hit, with national surveys showing drug use prevalence significantly above global averages. What Must Be Done Stronger Enforcement: Consistent prosecution of corrupt enablers and large-scale traffickers. Regulation: Crackdown on rogue pharmacies and better tracking of prescription drugs. Prevention & Rehabilitation: School programs, community outreach, and expanded treatment centers (currently woefully inadequate). Economic Alternatives: Address root causes like youth unemployment. Public Awareness: Honest campaigns highlighting real dangers of “Exol-5” and similar drugs. Conclusion From Tramadol’s opioid grip to “Canadian” cannabis culture and now Exol-5’s anticholinergic highs, Nigeria’s drug crisis is mutating faster than responses can contain it. Exol-5 represents the dangerous new frontier — a legitimate medicine turned youth destroyer due to misuse and greed. Without urgent, multi-layered intervention — combining supply disruption, demand reduction, and socioeconomic support — an entire generation risks being lost to addiction. The time for half-measures is over. Nigeria’s future depends on winning this fight.