News
Paternity Uncertainty Remains High – DNA Testing Report
Smart DNA, a prominent DNA testing center in Lagos, has released its comprehensive 2024 report on DNA testing trends in Nigeria, covering the period from July 2023 to June 2024.
The report reveals several surprising insights into Nigeria’s societal dynamics, economic factors, and evolving family structures.
According to the report, which was shared with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday, paternity uncertainty remains notably high. A staggering 27% of paternity tests conducted returned negative results, indicating that more than one in four men tested were not the biological fathers of the children in question.
Another significant finding is the surge in DNA tests for immigration purposes, reflecting the ongoing “Japa” trend. The report notes that immigration-related DNA tests have seen the most considerable growth, as more Nigerians seek opportunities abroad.
This trend also suggests an increasing number of parents with dual citizenship are preparing to emigrate with their children.
Lagos emerged as the dominant region for DNA testing, with a remarkable 73.1% of all tests conducted in the state. Within Lagos, the Mainland accounted for 67.5% of tests, while the Island saw 32.5%, underscoring the economic disparities within the city and highlighting potential access issues to such services in other parts of Nigeria.
The report also highlights that the Yoruba ethnic group made up 53% of the tests, followed by the Igbo at 31.3%, with the Hausa ethnic group accounting for only 1.20%.
Elizabeth Digia, Operations Manager at Smart DNA, commented on the findings, stating, “These results provide a unique perspective on the evolving dynamics of Nigerian families and society.
The high rate of negative paternity tests and the rise in immigration-related testing are particularly significant, reflecting broader societal trends that deserve further discussion and research.
The concentration of testing in Lagos also raises important questions about accessibility and awareness of DNA testing services across Nigeria.
As a company, we are committed to expanding access to our services nationwide while maintaining the highest standards of accuracy and confidentiality.”
The report also provides interesting demographic insights, revealing that most of the children tested were aged 0-5 years (54%), indicating a preference for early paternity confirmation.
Men aged 41 and above (45.6%) and those between 31-40 years (37%) were the most likely to request tests, possibly reflecting economic capabilities or heightened paternity concerns among older men.
Additionally, the report indicates a slight gender bias in child testing, with more tests conducted on male children (52.8%) than female children (47.2%), suggesting a possible cultural preference for confirming the paternity of male offspring.
Finally, the report underscores that the majority of DNA tests (85.9%) were conducted for ‘Peace of Mind,’ rather than for legal reasons, highlighting the primary motivation behind these tests.
(NAN)
Federal Government Refutes Age Restrictions for NECO and WAEC Exams
The Federal Government has dismissed rumors suggesting that age restrictions apply to the National Examination Council (NECO) and West African Examination Council (WAEC) exams.
Dr. Tanko Sununu, the Minister of State for Education, clarified this in Abuja on Friday, affirming that there are no age limits for taking these exams. He explained that the age restriction applies only to the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) and university entry, which will start at 18 years beginning in 2025.
Sununu pointed out that the National Policy on Education specifies that children should start primary school at age six, spend six years there, and then proceed to three years each in junior and senior secondary schools, totaling 18 years.
His remarks came during a briefing for the 2024 World Literacy Day, themed “Promoting Multilingual Education: Literacy for Mutual Understanding and Peace.”
Sununu addressed the confusion, stating, “We have clarified this issue in various forums, but the misinformation persists. Neither the Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman, nor I have announced any age limit for WAEC, NECO, or NABTEB exams.”
He added, “Some individuals have misinterpreted our comments regarding UTME age restrictions and mistakenly applied them to WAEC and NECO. Our previous statements only pertained to university entry age, as outlined in the National Policy on Education.”
Sununu also highlighted that the policy supports teaching children in their local language or mother tongue until primary three, after which English is introduced. This approach, he noted, facilitates better communication and learning.
President Tinubu Pledges Bold Decisions for Nigeria’s Progress
President Bola Tinubu has affirmed his commitment to making the tough decisions needed for Nigeria’s progress. He acknowledged the challenge of achieving national consensus on various issues but underscored that such decisions are crucial for the country’s advancement.
Wrapping up his official visit to China, President Tinubu met with the Nigerian community and members of the Nigerians in Diaspora Organization (NIDO China) at the China World Hotel. He described the trip as highly successful and beneficial.
During his visit, President Tinubu engaged in discussions with Chinese leaders, including President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang, and participated in the 2024 Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC). The focus was on boosting collaboration in areas such as infrastructure, trade, finance, energy, the green economy, and mining.
Addressing Nigerians in China, President Tinubu emphasized the importance of representing Nigeria positively and being exemplary citizens. He highlighted the need for discipline and dedication, drawing inspiration from China’s disciplined society.
The President encouraged Nigerians abroad to embrace their diversity, follow local laws, and project a positive image of their country. He stated:
“Nigeria is undergoing significant reforms, and we are making bold and unprecedented decisions. You might have heard recent news about fuel prices at home. But can we avoid these tough choices if we want to improve our infrastructure, like roads, electricity, and water supply? We aim to hand over a better future to our children, and that requires us to make hard decisions now.”
President Tinubu Wraps Up China Visit and Heads to London via Dubai
On Friday, September 6th, President Bola Tinubu concluded his official visit to China and is now en route to London, United Kingdom, with a stopover in Dubai.
Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, confirmed that the President will travel to the UK via Dubai.
During his visit, President Tinubu assured Nigerians in China that his administration is committed to good governance and aims to replicate China’s successes for the benefit of Nigeria. He made these remarks during a meeting with the Nigerians in Diaspora Organization in China (NIDO China) and the Nigerian community at the China World Hotel in Beijing.
The meeting marked President Tinubu’s final official engagement in China before his departure for London.
President Tinubu described his visit to China as “very good and successful.”
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