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Digest Press, UDUS., Sokoto (2026)

10/06/2026

Visa Chaos, Security Scrutiny Cast Shadow Over 2026 World Cup Preparations

By Safwan Abubakar

Preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup have been overshadowed in recent days by growing concerns over visa delays, strict border checks, and disrupted travel plans affecting players, officials, team staff, and fans heading to the United States.

For many involved, the incidents have turned into days of uncertainty and waiting. Several players and team members have reportedly faced extra questioning or delays upon arrival. Swiss forward Breel Embolo was said to have had his visa placed under review, forcing him to arrive later than planned, while Iraqi striker Aymen Hussein was reportedly held for questioning for several hours after entering the United States, an experience that left questions about how smoothly players are being processed.

The Iranian national team also faced a difficult build-up, with reports of long visa procedures in the U.S. Consulate in Türkiye. Some members of their delegation were allegedly denied entry, meaning the team had to adjust plans at the last minute just to ensure they could take part in matches.

Attention has also turned to CAF’s 2025 Best African Referee, Omar Abdulkadir Artan, who was reportedly denied entry despite holding a diplomatic passport. FIFA later confirmed he would not officiate at the tournament, a development that has sparked debate about how officials are being treated in the accreditation process.

Elsewhere, the South African squad is said to have arrived later than expected due to incomplete visa approvals, while Senegalese team staff reportedly underwent lengthy security checks, including shoe removals, which some observers have criticized as excessive. Footage of Uzbekistan players being searched with security dogs has also gone viral, adding to growing discussion around the intensity of security procedures.

Fans have not been spared either. Some Scottish supporters reportedly had their ESTA travel permissions revoked just days before departure, despite being eligible for visa-free entry, while others who had already bought tickets and booked accommodation were reportedly left facing unexpected visa rejections and financial losses.

These incidents have raised broader concerns about the experience of travelling to the tournament. While security checks are a normal part of hosting a global event, the volume of reported delays and denials has created unease among teams and supporters alike.

10/06/2026

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10/06/2026

Historic World Cup Dream Shattered at Miami Border as Somali Referee Omar Artan Barred from US

By Muhammad Shuaibu

Somali referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan’s historic milestone has turned into disappointment after he was denied entry into the United States, preventing him from officiating at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The 34-year-old, who was set to become the first Somali referee to take charge of a match at the tournament, was turned away by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officials at Miami International Airport on Saturday, 7th of June, 2026, despite holding a valid single-entry visa and diplomatic passport.

Artan arrived from Istanbul but underwent an extended 11-hour immigration interview before being deemed “inadmissible due to vetting concerns.” FIFA confirmed on Monday that he has been removed from the list of match officials and will not train or officiate at the tournament, which begins on the 11th of June, 2026.

The development marks a significant personal and professional setback for Artan, who was named the 2025 CAF Men’s Referee of the Year and was among a select group of African officials appointed for the expanded 48-team competition.

Questions Over Policy and Access

The incident has sparked wider debate about the balance between national security measures and the inclusive spirit of global sporting events.

Analysts and neutral observers have raised concerns over how immigration policies may affect participation in international tournaments, particularly the 2026 World Cup, which is being hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

Reports indicate that Artan’s case is not isolated, with officials and participants from several countries reportedly facing visa delays and entry challenges ahead of the competition.

Mixed Reactions Trail Decision

Reacting to the development, Artan described the experience as devastating, saying his lifelong dream of officiating at the World Cup had been cut short despite fulfilling all entry requirements.

The Somali government also expressed deep regret over the situation, revealing that diplomatic engagements with U.S. authorities and FIFA failed to overturn the decision. Nevertheless, Artan was welcomed back to Mogadishu as a national hero.

FIFA, in a brief statement, maintained a neutral stance:

“FIFA can confirm that match official Omar Abdulkadir Artan will be unable to train and officiate at the FIFA World Cup 2026 after he was denied entry into the United States.”

Former UK Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn condemned the decision, describing it as “an absolute disgrace,” and argued that a FIFA-certified referee should not be denied entry based solely on nationality.

Silence from U.S. Authorities

As of the time of filing this report, U.S. officials have not publicly disclosed the specific reasons behind Artan’s denial of entry, beyond citing general “vetting concerns.”

10/06/2026

How UDUS NACJ President Secures International Journalism Internship in New York

By Mukaila Habeebulah

For many campus journalists, international media opportunities often seem rare, reserved for seasoned journalists working in the Nigerian major newsrooms. But for Muheeb Mashood, the President of the National Association of Campus Journalists (NACJ), and Former Digest Press Editor, at Usmanu Danfodiyo University Sokoto (UDUS), years of dedication to campus journalism have paved way for him a place on the global stage.

The final year law student recently secured a three-month international internship with Amsterdam News, a renowned newspaper based in New York, United States.

The internship, which commenced in June and runs through August 2026, offers its intern practical exposure to international journalism, newsroom operations, digital media management, and professional reporting. For Muheeb, however, the opportunity did not emerge overnight.

A Journey Rooted in Campus Journalism

Muheeb’s journey began from Digest Press, UDUS, where he developed his reporting skills and built a reputation for telling and producing stories that matter.

According to him, he received an email from the Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development (CJID), disclosing that he has been selected for the opportunity. As a beneficiary of Campus Reporter, an initiative of the CJID, promoting young talents and one of the finalists of the Alfred Opubor Next-Gen Campus Reporter Award, he was already within a network of young journalists being closely monitored for growth and excellence.

The application process opened in February and closed in April. While his CJID affiliation contributed to his shortlisting, Muheeb believes his years of work as a campus journalist ultimately distinguished him from other applicants.

"I was already recognised among the top campus journalists in Nigeria before becoming NACJ President," he said. "The quality of stories I produced, the impact they created, and the experiences I gathered over the years were major factors in my selection."

Hours of Preparation for One Opportunity

Despite his achievements, securing the internship was not without effort. Muheeb recalled spending between four and five hours carefully completing his application, knowing that candidates from different parts of the world would also compete for the same limited slots.

"In an opportunity like this, where people across the world are applying, I needed to position my responses," he explained.

That attention to detail eventually paid off, as among the finalists nominated through CJID's network, only a few candidates were selected, and Muheeb emerged as one of them.

Learning Journalism Beyond Borders

Muheeb joined the platform as a remote social media intern. The programme focuses on digital journalism and social media management, equipping participants with skills needed to navigate the evolving media landscape.

Beyond the training sessions, he will also have opportunities to report stories from Nigeria and across Africa while contributing articles to the platform.

Describing the experience as a "double-edged opportunity," Muheeb said it offers him the chance to grow both as a media professional and as a writer. "It allows me to develop professionally as a social media intern while simultaneously growing as a writer," he said.

More Than a Leadership Title

While some may attribute his success to his position as NACJ President, Muheeb remained objective. According to him, his accomplishments in journalism came long before he assumed the association's leadership.

"My recognition in journalism started from the stories I produced and the impact they created," he explained.

While he admitted that leadership may have increased his visibility, it was his portfolio, consistency, and commitment to journalism that opened the door to the international opportunity, because “CJID might have looked elsewhere without preparing and positioning myself as a brilliant reporter.”

Advice for Aspiring Campus Journalists

For campus journalists looking forward to similar opportunities, Muheeb believes patience and commitment are more important than practicing journalism for a particular purpose.

He argued that journalism should not be pursued solely for recognition or financial rewards but as a profession that requires continuous learning and dedication.

He stressed on the importance of being active at various press boards, noting that editorial meetings serve as training grounds where aspiring journalists learn critical reporting and storytelling skills.

"Commitment is not only about writing stories," he said. "It is also about attending editorial meetings, learning from others, and consistently improving yourself.

"Success in journalism does not come overnight. It comes through continuous effort, impactful reporting, professionalism, and patience. If you remain committed to the craft, opportunities will eventually find you,” he said.

What excites him most, he added, is the fact that journalism has provided him with opportunities beyond the classroom despite studying law. From reporting stories on campus to learning from media professionals across the world, the internship represents another milestone in a journey built on persistence and strategic positioning.

A Young Journalist Making Impact

Muheeb Mashood is an award-winning investigative journalist and fact-checker based in Northern Nigeria. As a final year student of Law, studying at Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, he is currently the President of the National Association of Campus Journalists, UDUS Chapter.

He once served as the News and Sports Editor of Digest Press, the leading campus based press outfit in the school. He covers the intersection of investigative reporting, fact-checking, sports, among other niches. His works have been seen on different reputable media platforms in Nigeria, such as Premium Times Nigeria, Foundation for Investigative Journalism (FIJ) Nigeria, Ripples Nigeria, Tribune Nigeria, The Informant247, and elsewhere. He currently reports for PulseinNews, an online media platform based in Nigeria. Muheeb has benefited from numerous fact-checking training; Fundamentals of Verification and Fact-checking Mis/Disinformation by Code for Africa, ICIR’s Misinformation and Media Literacy Project, CJID's Campus Journalism Clinic, etc. He has published several fact-check reports, tracking disinformation online.

Muheeb has published several fact-check reports, tracking disinformation online, and its implications on the lives of people offline. In February 2026, he joined FactCheckAfrica on an internship placement where he produced an investigative research focused on how Nigerian terror groups dominate online, shopping on public opinion, driving incitement, and raising ransom.

Muheeb is also one of the five fellows selected across Nigeria for the 2026 Ominira Initiative's Free Trade Fellowship.

10/06/2026

Extending Gratitude to the UDUS Management Over Restoration of Electricity on Campus

By Shehu Uthman

Following the prolonged power outage that plunged the entire Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto (UDUS) main campus into horrible darkness, students found themselves in a difficult and frustrating situation. They've endured unbearable challenges stemming from the persistent blackout, which of course, has made every chance to study increasingly discouraging.

Despite raising concerns through a series of press reports alongside pleading with other authorities in charge, no action or timely intervention has been pledged to that effect. This further costs students to spend hundreds of naira daily just to keep their phones, laptops, and other essential gadgets functioning. It also added too many difficulties to their academic struggle, especially given the fact that most students find it convenient to read at night.

Until recently, light has been restored across the campus which renewed the lost hope of students reawakening their spirit to get focused again. The restoration of the light has brought relief, comfort, and renewed hope to thousands of students who had long awaited this development. It is therefore only fitting to appreciate the university management for the efforts made in bringing these unbearable challenges to an end.

Meanwhile, the insinuation among some people that the school press, particularly campus journalists, are always quick to criticize shortcomings while remaining blind to achievements and positive developments. Such a view suggests that students and journalists are often uncontented, focusing only on what authorities fail to provide while ignoring what they accomplish.

However, I do strongly dispute that insinuation owing to the fact it only has the tendency to downplay the role of the press.

While, of course, as campus journalists, we are expected to see both sides of every issue, we commend where commendation is due and criticize where criticism becomes necessary. And for the record, our responsibility is not merely to point out faults but to serve as the watchdogs of society and the voice of those whose concerns might otherwise go unheard. Speaking the truth, whether pleasant or unpleasant, remains part of that duty.

In this respect, I am using this opportunity to sincerely commend the University management for making the restoration of electricity possible. I also acknowledge everyone who, in one way or another, contributed to this achievement—particularly the Students' Union executives, campus journalists, and other concerned individuals who continuously engaged with the authorities and drew attention to the challenges students were experiencing.

There are undoubtedly many others whose efforts may not be publicly known, yet whose contributions played a significant role in achieving this result. May Allah reward all of them abundantly.

The joy that has accompanied the restoration of electricity is visible across the campus. Students who once spent considerable amounts of money charging phones, powering laptops, and taking clothes to commercial ironing centres can now channel those resources into meeting other pressing needs. What was once a daily burden has become a thing of the past.

The excitement among students is difficult to miss. Walk through the hostels and you will see students charging their devices, ironing their clothes, and carrying out activities that had become unnecessarily stressful during the blackout period. The return of electricity has restored a sense of normalcy, comfort, and peace to student life.

Beyond convenience, this development has improved the welfare of ordinary students. It has reduced financial pressure, eased academic challenges, and created a more conducive environment for learning and personal development. Indeed, the restoration of electricity has brought a renewed sense of tranquility to the campus community.

It is against this backdrop that I extend my heartfelt appreciation to the University management. This gesture has not gone unnoticed, and it has positively impacted the lives of countless students.

To the school authorities, we say: thank you.
May Allah continue to guide your affairs, bless your efforts, and grant you the wisdom and resources to continue making decisions that improve the welfare of students. Your intervention has brought smiles to many faces, and for that, we remain genuinely grateful.

09/06/2026

Fear, Stigma Discourage HIV Testing Among Nigerian Students

By Shonde Mustapha

Despite many years of public awareness, Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) has remained a major concern across Nigeria. According to the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), Nigeria has the world’s second highest burden of HIV/AIDS, with an estimated three million people living with HIV (PLHIV) and 190,950 new infections recorded in 2015. With the level of treatment that has improved globally, many Nigerians still associate HIV with death, social rejection, and discrimination, making even free testing a difficult decision for some individuals.

HIV is a virus that attacks cells that help the body fight infection, making a person more vulnerable to other infections and diseases. It is spread by contact with certain bodily fluids of a person with HIV, most commonly during unprotected s*x (s*x without a condom or HIV medicine to prevent or treat HIV), or through sharing injection drug equipment.

At Usmanu Danfodiyo University Sokoto (UDUS), some efforts to raise awareness and encourage testing are being led by the Anti-AIDS Club, a student organisation established in 2006. The club conducts awareness campaigns, counselling sessions, health talks, educational seminars, and HIV testing drives in collaboration with health professionals and relevant agencies.

One of such efforts was a free HIV testing and awareness programme sponsored by the Sokoto State Agency for the Control of HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis and Leprosy (SOSACAT). The two-day programme, held on the university's main campus between 31st of August and 1st of September, 2025, offered students an opportunity to know their HIV status for free. However, despite the availability of the free testing, many students declined to participate.

Fear, Misconceptions Keep Students Away

"I can never feel comfortable sitting with someone I know is positive," said Janet Ogundiya, a 200-level Chemistry student at UDUS, who has never taken an HIV test and had never heard of the university's Anti-AIDS Club before this interview.

“I didn't hear students talking about it," she said, adding that she had no reason to take an HIV test because she felt no symptoms.

Chisom Diala, a 100-level Radiography student, said she would not attend a free HIV test organised by the school or any random organisation. "If school or organization is an open free test I won't go," she said, explaining that she would only participate where there is proper institutional backing and less crowd.

Fighting Stigma Through Awareness Campaigns

Hafiz Abubakar Gidi, a 500-level Fisheries and Aquaculture student and president of the Anti-AIDS Club, said stigma and fear remain major obstacles to testing among students.

"We organize several activities including HIV awareness campaigns, sensitization programs, counseling sessions, testing drives in collaboration with health professionals, outreach activities, health talks, and educational seminars," he said.

According to Gidi, the club's major challenges are inadequate funding and low student participation. While he noted that students' attitudes toward HIV testing have improved over the years, stigma and fear of positive results still discourage many from coming forward.

He added that the university administration has supported the club by approving programmes and creating an enabling environment for awareness activities. He expressed hope that every UDUS student would understand that HIV is not a death sentence and that prevention, awareness, and early testing are important.

Ololade Edun, a 500-level medical student, also attributed students' reluctance to fear and stigma.

"The biggest myth I hear among students is that HIV mostly affects women," he said. Although he was aware of the Anti-AIDS Club, he noted that students at UDUTH rarely hear about its activities.

Confidential Testing and Support Service

Dr. Okpan-omo Elizabeth of the M.K.A. Mustapha Health Centre said HIV testing is available at the facility and that students who require treatment are referred to the UDUTH Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy (HAART) Centre.

She explained that all patient records are handled confidentially under medical policy. According to her, the health centre previously held weekly counselling sessions on retroviral diseases but discontinued them because no recent cases had been detected.

Dr. Okpan-omo also noted that the university's medical registration form contains a section for HIV status, although no student has ever declared a positive status on the form. She added that the university commemorates World AIDS Day every December 1 through awareness campaigns aimed at educating students about prevention, testing, and treatment.

09/06/2026

UDUS LAWSAN Judiciary Opens Registration for 2026 Caliphate Mooting Competition, Urges Students to Participate

Sulaiman Saheed reports,

The Law Students' Association of Nigeria (LAWSAN) Judiciary at Usmanu Danfodiyo University Sokoto (UDUS), has announced the commencement of registration for the 2026 Caliphate Mooting Competition.

According to information released by the association, the registration for the competition will run from 8th of July to the 19th of July, 2026. Interested participants are required to pay a registration fee of N3,000.

The competition, themed "Where Advocacy Meets Excellence," will run from 22nd of June to 22 July, 2026, and aims to provide law students with an opportunity to develop and showcase their advocacy, legal reasoning, and public speaking skills.

Several awards have been earmarked for the outstanding participants. They include the Best Team of the Competition, Best Male Advocate of the Competition, Best Female Advocate of the Competition, Best Oralist of the Competition, and Best Dressed of the Competition.

In addition to the awards, the organizers disclosed that cash prizes will be presented to deserving winners at the end of the contest.

Speaking with Digest Press, the Deputy Chief Registrar of the LAWSAN Judiciary, Abubakar Gambari, said that participating in the upcoming mooting competition is more than just an academic an activity; it is an opportunity for every law student to sharpen legal skills and experience the true spirit of advocacy.

"It will also enhance the ability to think under pressure, respond to judicial interruptions, and defend legal positions with authority and professionalism," he said.

He further advised students not to be discouraged from participating because they are beginners.

"Mooting is a learning platform designed to help you improve your advocacy, legal research, confidence, and reasoning skills. The experience itself is what builds competence. Step forward, register, and give yourself the opportunity to grow into the advocate you aspire to become," he added.

09/06/2026

SHALSA Organises Poetry Challenge, Shaima’u Abubakar Emerges Winner

Bilal Shuaibu reports,

The Shagari Local Government Students Association (SHALSA), under its 2026 national leadership, has successfully organised a poetry challenge competition aimed at promoting literary creativity among students.

The competition, which ran from Wednesday, 20th of May to Saturday, 23rd of June 2026, featured participation from tertiary institution students of Shagari Local Government Area.

At the end of the keenly contested event, Shaima’u Abubakar emerged victorious after outperforming other participants in a highly competitive and intellectually engaging contest.

“Where You Start Doesn’t Define You” —Sahaima’u Abubakar

During an Interview with DIGEST PRESS, Shaima’u expressed surprise and gratitude, describing the moment as both emotional and rewarding.

“I felt shocked at first, then so much joy and gratitude. It was like all my prayers, late nights, and my parents’ sacrifices finally made sense,” she said. “I felt proud, not just for myself, but for my school and Shagari LGA. It proved that where you start doesn’t decide where you finish.”

She also highlighted the challenges she faced while preparing for the competition, including unstable electricity supply and balancing academic and domestic responsibilities.

“I faced power cuts that made night reading difficult, so I had to study with candlelight. I also struggled to balance schoolwork, house chores, and preparation for the competition. Mentally, there was pressure and self-doubt, but my parents kept encouraging me,” she added.

Offering words of encouragement to other students, Shaima’u emphasised resilience and determination.

“I want to thank God first, then my parents and teachers for believing in me. To students watching me: don’t let lack stop you, use what you have,” she said.

08/06/2026

EXCLUSSIVE: UDUS SU-CTC Announces Colour Fest for 2025/26 FYB Week After Students Reject Owanbe Proposal

Hawa’u Malami reports,

The Students Union-Caretaker Committee (SU-CTC) of Usmanu Danfodiyo University Sokoto has officially approved a Colour Fest for the 2025/2026 Final Year Brethren (FYB) Week, effectively ending weeks of controversy surrounding the proposed Owanbe-themed celebration.

The decision followed a student poll organised by the Students’ Union Caretaker Committee (SU-CTC), after widespread reactions trailed an earlier announcement introducing an Owanbe event concept with a fixed dress code.

Recall that the controversy began on the 4th of May, 2026, when a flyer shared on the official UDUS Students’ Union Government (SUG) page proposed that male finalists appear in black senator outfits with maroon caps, while female finalists were to wear maroon lace paired with black gele for Owanbe event in the 2025/26 FYB week.

As previously reported by Digest Press, the proposal generated mixed reactions among finalists. While some students welcomed it as a creative expression of Nigerian party culture, others criticised it as culturally restrictive and inconsistent with the inclusive spirit traditionally associated with FYB celebrations.

In response, the S.U. Social and Welfare Director, Fatima Muhammad (popularly known as Zarah), stated that the initiative was intended to boost participation and assured students that a democratic process would determine the final outcome.

Subsequently, a poll was conducted on the official finalists’ WhatsApp platform, presenting three options for the sixth day of the celebration: Owanbe event, Colour Fest, and Denim-on-Denim Day.

Results from the poll showed a clear preference for Colour Fest, which secured 260 votes out of the 353 total votes cast. The Owanbe proposal trailed behind, while Denim-on-Denim recorded the least support.

Confirming the outcome, Fatima Muhammad announced that Colour Fest had been officially approved as the Day Six event for FYB 2026.

“This is to officially inform all finalists that, following the conclusion of the voting process for the sixth day of FYB 2026, Colour Fest emerged as the winning option with the highest number of votes,” the statement reads in part.

A revised and more flexible dress code has also been introduced, replacing the earlier Owanbe-themed attire. Finalists are now expected to appear in white tops, jean trousers, and sneakers.

When our reporter reached out to the SU-CTC Social/Welfare Director, Fatima Muhammad, she explained that the organising team would provide essential materials for the event, while students would only need to dress accordingly.

“We will do our best to provide the colours and other materials needed for the event. Students are only required to show up in white shirts, jeans, and sneakers,” she said.

She further noted that while the Owanbe theme emphasised style and appearance, the newly adopted Colour Fest is designed to encourage broader participation and a more relaxed atmosphere.

“Owanbe is all about steeze, it brings out elegance and composure,” she said. “But the Colour Fest will bring out energy, fun, and a sense of freedom that allows everyone to participate fully.”

Digest Press, UDUS.

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