Nigerian physicist, Cynthia Osuala, pioneers graphene-based quantum technologies for sensing and computing

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By Staff

A Nigerian researcher based in the United States, Cynthia Osuala, is spearheading groundbreaking research in graphene-based quantum technologies that could transform national security, advanced communications, and next-generation computing.

Osuala, a physicist and research scientist, is investigating how the unique quantum properties of graphene — one-atom-thick material celebrated as the “wonder material” of the 21st century can be harnessed to build quantum sensors and computing components with unprecedented precision and efficiency.

Her work revolves around solving one of the most pressing challenges in modern physics and engineering: how to model devices capable of detecting extremely weak signals and processing massive amounts of data at speeds far beyond the limits of traditional electronics.

In one of her notable projects, Osuala developed advanced models to simulate quantum transport in graphene devices, revealing how electron pathways can be tuned to minimize noise and improve sensitivity. This modeling work provides a blueprint for constructing highly quantum sensors capable of detecting even the faintest changes in magnetic or electric fields — an ability critical for applications in defense, environmental monitoring, and secure communication systems.

“Graphene’s extraordinary mobility and low resistivity make it ideal for pushing the boundaries of sensing and computing technologies,” Osuala explained. “By leveraging these properties, we can design devices that are smaller, faster, and more sensitive than anything currently available.”

Her research builds on a series of significant milestones, including the first demonstration of the Aharonov-Bohm effect in chemical vapor deposition (CVD)-grown graphene rings at cryogenic temperatures. This breakthrough revealed how quantum interference effects in graphene can be harnessed for real-world applications, laying the foundation for highly sensitive quantum technologies. The work earned her the Best Paper Award at the IEEE Conference on Nanoelectronics and Nanotechnology. She has also been featured in a Stevens Institute of Technology Research & Innovation article titled “Traveling Light,” where she discussed the broader implications of her research in making quantum technologies more practical and scalable.

Beyond the lab, Osuala is a strong advocate for STEM education and diversity in science. She has served as a mentor and judge in science competitions, inspiring young scientists and helping address the underrepresentation of women and minorities in physics.

“This research is more than an academic pursuit,” Osuala emphasized. “It’s about building the technologies that will define the future technologies that ensure resilience, security, and innovation.”

Her contributions exemplify international leadership that advances materials science and quantum technology while strengthening U.S. innovation in emerging quantum systems.

Marco Rubio called it in 2016

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10 Most expensive passports in the world

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By Staff

Passports are essential documents that grant access to international travel, but their costs vary widely across countries, with some being among the most expensive in the world.

Some countries charge modest fees, while others leave citizens paying steep sums for the privilege of holding one.

Here’s a look at the countries where passports are the most expensive in 2025.

Australia

The Australian passport is the costliest in the world, priced at $412 for a 10-year validity, which averages $41.20 per year. Despite its high cost, its strength has slipped slightly, ranking only equal-seventh globally with visa-free access to 185 destinations. Australians are effectively paying $2.23 per country, the highest rate worldwide.

Mexico

In Mexico, citizens pay $335.95 for a 10-year passport, or about $33.59 per year. Although it secures access to over 160 destinations, the cost is among the steepest globally, making it one of the least efficient passports in terms of cost-to-power ratio.

United States

The United States passport comes in at $251.21, breaking down to $25.12 per year. While expensive, it remains highly powerful, giving Americans visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 185 countries. On a cost-per-destination basis, it is considerably better value compared to Australia or Mexico.

New Zealand

New Zealand charges $225.62 for its passport, with a yearly equivalent of $22.56. The Kiwi passport is not only cheaper than Australia’s but also more powerful, offering entry to 186 countries — one more than Australia, despite costing significantly less.

Italy

In Italy, a passport costs $206.10 for 10 years, or $20.61 annually. Italians enjoy one of the strongest passports globally, with access to nearly 190 destinations, making it one of the best value-for-money passports among the expensive options.

Austria

Austria follows closely with a passport priced at $198.99, or $19.90 per year. It gives citizens excellent global mobility, aligning with the strong standing of most EU passports.

United Kingdom

The United Kingdom charges $193.78 for a passport valid for 10 years, translating to $19.38 per year. Despite being cheaper than Australia’s by almost half, it grants entry to more than 190 destinations, making it far more cost-effective.

Canada

For Canada, the price is $177.61 for 10 years, averaging $17.76 annually. Like the U.S., it ranks among the world’s strongest passports, providing entry to over 185 countries without a visa.

France

France, citizens pay $152.67 for a passport, or $15.27 per year. The French passport is among the cheapest in the top 10 yet among the most powerful, with nearly 190 destinations open visa-free to its holders.

Fiji

Rounding out the list is Fiji, where a passport costs $142.94 for 10 years. While not as powerful as European or North American passports, its relatively high price compared to its global strength places it in the world’s top 10 most expensive.

BBG: BEN BORN GREAT!

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By Yahaya Balogun

Celebrating the remarkable young mathematical Heritage Ben, the heritage of becoming, awakens my sense of hope for our kids in Nigeria! I am filled with immense joy and admiration as I witness a young prodigy like Mathematical Heritage Ben taking the reins of social media and steering it toward a more positive and responsible direction.

Meanwhile, in a world that often seems cluttered with distractions and unwholesome content, it is genuinely refreshing to see someone so young and talented using her platform to inspire and educate young children like herself. My hat is off to her parents for fostering such a brilliant mind and instilling values, prioritizing integrity, decency, and knowledge!

As I delve deeper into Heritage Ben’s mathematical contributions, I cannot help but feel a swell of encouragement and pride. The way she articulates complex concepts in mathematics is nothing short of impressive, and it opens up a world of possibilities for her peers—and beyond. I eagerly look forward to witnessing the unfolding of a bright future for this exceptional young lady. Heritage Ben's talent and passion are commendable and serve as a beacon of hope for what social media can truly represent and provide.

Furthermore, it’s a delight to always share, like, and comment on the enlightening content that our dear Heritage Ben produces. It fills me with unrestricted joy and appreciation for her intelligence and creativity in mathematics, inspirational essays, and quotes. Heritage Ben's dedication to mathematics is a powerful counterpoint in a digital landscape often dominated by superficial content. I wholeheartedly encourage her to continue educating and empowering her responsibly-minded peers on these platforms. The Nigerian government must discover more Heritage Bens with full local and international scholarships to pursue their educational careers.

Heritage Ben is not just sharing numbers and equations; she is creating a movement that elevates the discourse and fosters a community of critical thinkers among her peers. Keep shining bright, Mathematical Heritage Ben. Your journey has just begun, and the responsible world eagerly awaits all you will achieve.

Yahaya Balogun writes from Arizona, United States of America.

The Zong Massacre - The truth can never be silenced

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I’m in hurry to see Nigeria rise, getting close to my departure lounge — Says the droll who essentially killed Nigeria’s ascent in 1979

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By Staff

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has said that he was in a hurry to see Nigeria attain its potential for greatness, stressing that he is now “getting close” to his departure lounge.

Obasanjo made the remark while reflecting on his years in public service and his new book, ‘Nigeria: Past and Future,’ where he assessed Nigeria’s leadership trajectory and criticized both past and present administrations.

According to him, his writings and interventions over the years have not been borne out of animosity but out of a desire to see that Nigeria progress.

“All my writings have been aimed at making Nigeria better because I strongly believe that Nigeria can be made better and I also believe in documentation,” he said.

The former president explained that he had written works such as ‘My Command’, ‘Nzeogwu’, ‘Not My Will’, and his three-volume autobiography, ‘My Watch’, to shed light on his experiences in leadership, policy decisions, imprisonment, and the challenges Nigeria has faced.

“I have written Letters to my superiors and my successors in moments of our nation’s troubles and challenges. I have done these not out of malice but to help leaders to learn lessons and to draw the attention of Nigerians to the nature of the various crises,” he noted.

Obasanjo, who ruled Nigeria as both military Head of State (1976–1979) and civilian President (1999–2007), said he was aware of criticisms that he often sounded sanctimonious, but insisted his conscience remained clear. “Some have accused me of being equally guilty of the things I have written about or accused others of. I rely on my conscience and my records and have no need to defend myself,” he stated.

On his years as a military leader, Obasanjo said he and his contemporaries may have been inexperienced but were patriotic. “We were young, maybe somewhat naïve at times but we were patriotic and committed and sincerely so. We sought to feed our people, we sought to provide infrastructure, we sought to prioritize education, we sought to bring Nigeria to modernity and raise our profile in the international arena,” he explained.

In his latest book, Obasanjo described the administration of the late President Muhammadu Buhari (2015–2023) as “the worst civil administration regime so far in Nigeria’s history.”

He recalled how Buhari, in justifying the 1983 coup against the then President Shehu Shagari, condemned corruption, mismanagement, and electoral malpractice, but failed to address those same issues when he later became a democratically elected president. “Good points and good words which Buhari failed to follow when he became the President years later. Words are cheap and what needed to be done was left undone during Buhari’s civil administration,” Obasanjo wrote.

However, Mallam Garba Shehu, spokesman to the late Buhari, said Obasanjo’s criticisms were rooted in personal animosity. “There are many around Buhari who hold that the spectacular falling out between him and his superior in the military…was on account of the demand, reportedly put to him by Obasanjo, that the contract for the Mambilla Power Project be given to a contractor he preferred. On this, Buhari politely told the former president to allow him to handle it his own way,” Shehu alleged in his book According to the President: Lessons from a Presidential Spokesman’s Experience.

Obasanjo also reserved harsh words for the current administration of President Bola Tinubu, accusing it of inefficiency. “Only Bola Tinubu’s administration seems to be competing with Buhari’s (in the area of inefficiency) for now,” he declared.

Efforts to obtain a response from the presidency were unsuccessful as calls and messages to the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, and the Minister of Information, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, were not responded to as of press time.

Obasanjo reiterated that his legacy would speak for him, noting that he had served Nigeria in different capacities, endured imprisonment, and witnessed both the best and worst of the nation. “Yes, I am both angry and sad because I have seen the best and the worst of our country. With hindsight, we know we made some mistakes, but again we did some great things in our country, for our country and for Africa,” he said.

“I have had the great honour of serving this country as a military Head of State and a President. So, it might be said that I have sat on both sides of the fence. I have gone through the crucible of rural life, meagre resources, military peacekeeping in Africa, war in my own country, humiliation and imprisonment. I have learned a lot from what I have gone through, pleasant and not-so-pleasant,” Obasanjo added.

Taribo West and the class of entitled footballers who think Nigeria owes them from cradle to grave

CC™ News

By Staff

Following the recent criticism former Super Eagles defender Taribo West leveled at the Federal Government over the neglect of retired footballers, his 1999 salary has resurfaced online, sparking buzz.

Taribo West, who played for AC Milan and Inter Milan, condemned authorities for abandoning ex-players during times of struggle, citing the recent deaths of Peter Rufai, Rasheed Yekini and Christian Chukwu as examples of the system’s failures.

Peter Rufai, a former national team goalkeeper, passed away in Lagos last month after battling a long-term illness, while Chukwu, another ex-Super Eagles captain and coach, had died shortly before.

The outspoken defender called out the lack of government support for football icons such as Stephen Keshi, Chukwu, and Rufai following their retirements.

Fellow former players, Augustine Eguavoen and Samson Siasia, also backed Taribo West’s claims, criticizing authorities for failing to assist with funeral arrangements and expenses.

Amid the debate, attention turned to Taribo West’s past earnings. Reports from All Africa and PM News revealed that he earned £1.24 million (?193 million) during his 1999 season at AC Milan, making him one of the world’s highest-paid players at the time.

Adjusted to today’s exchange rate, this amounts to about ?2.7 billion, sparking mixed reactions from the public.

Controversies surrounding Rufai’s funeral, held on August 22, 2025, further fueled the debate.

The outspoken defender called out the lack of government support for football icons such as Stephen Keshi, Chukwu, and Rufai following their retirements.

Fellow former players, Augustine Eguavoen and Samson Siasia, also backed Taribo West’s claims, criticizing authorities for failing to assist with funeral arrangements and expenses.

Amid the debate, attention turned to Taribo West’s past earnings. Reports from All Africa and PM News revealed that he earned £1.24 million (?193 million) during his 1999 season at AC Milan, making him one of the world’s highest-paid players at the time.

Adjusted to today’s exchange rate, this amounts to about ?2.7 billion, sparking mixed reactions among Nigerians. 

These athletes, football players especially, gained fame and wealth as a result of their exploits with the national team, which allowed them to secure lucrative contracts with European and other foreign clubs. 

While the nation is grateful for their exploits in the nation’s colors and has often rewarded them for such, the sense of entitlement has seemingly gone too far for most Nigerians, who feel that better money management, as well as smarter lifestyle choices, would have ensured a more stable and secure future for these athletes. 

GOD...Please Buy Me A Jet: Today’s Church.... Years Later

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2027: ADC, a grand deception, says Obi’s 2023 running mate, Datti Ahmed

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By Staff

Senator Datti Baba-Ahmed, the 2023 vice-presidential candidate of the Labour Party and running mate to Peter Obi, has dismissed the coalition-backed African Democratic Congress ADC as a grand deception, alleging that many of those who ruined Nigeria under the President Muhammadu Buhari administration are now seeking refuge in the party ahead of the 2027 elections.

Speaking during a late Friday interview on Channels TV monitored in Abuja, Baba-Ahmed said Nigeria’s fundamental problems are rooted in flawed leadership recruitment processes that have consistently produced corrupt and self-serving politicians.

According to him, electoral fraud has been the breeding ground for insecurity, corruption and the collapse of national institutions.

“Insecurity is derived from electoral fraud. Corruption is aggravated by the kind of elections we conduct. The destruction of our youth and our judiciary is guaranteed by the fraudulent electoral system we run,” he declared.

The former Senator also criticised the Buhari years. When reminded that some of those who served in the Buhari administration are now in the ADC masquerading as Nigeria’s potential messiahs, he said the late former president himself served in the corruption-soaked General Sani Abacha regime.

According to him, Nigeria is still recovering money traced to the Abacha administration. Baba-Ahmed said Nigerians were grossly disappointed after investing enormous expectations in the former president. He described Buhari’s government as one of the most corrupt in Nigeria’s history.

Speaking about the Abacha regime in which Buhari served as Chairman of the now-defunct Petroleum Trust Fund PTF, Baba-Ahmed said Nigerians were disappointed in the former president.

“Nigerians were absolutely disappointed. He (Buhari) was a gentleman who had no trade to his name. So the first thing to do after coming out of detention and everything was politics. During the Abacha time, the archenemy of Abacha became friends with this one, got an appointment, and when he got that appointment, it was a different story from the leadership of 1984/’85. There was no longer truth. There was no longer justice. It was corruption and corruption and corruption.

“Everybody knows how corrupt that (Abacha) government was. Up till now, money is still being claimed by the federal government as stolen during that period. Those who came to power in 2015 were like wolves. Corruption started afresh, and the whole system was about party and campaign contributions”.

Baba-Ahmed alleged that the political “ecosystem” around Buhari had always been motivated by self-interest rather than service.

“From 2003 to 2015, it was all about campaign contributions. Without party money, the ecosystem around him would starve. The ecosystem was about party contributions. It happened again in 2007, 2011 and then 2015. So when they got power, they were like wolves, “ he said.

On the defection of some former Buhari allies to the ADC, Baba-Ahmed was unequivocal: “They are deceiving us. The ADC is a deception. Those who ruined Nigeria between 2015 and 2023 cannot now come under a new platform and claim they want to fix the country.”

He insisted that he remains firmly in the Labour Party and loyal to Peter Obi. “I am in Labour Party, for God’s sake. I am a Peter Obi man, and I want him to contest again in 2027,” he stressed.

Judge blocks Texas law requiring Ten Commandments in classrooms

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A US federal judge on Wednesday blocked a Texas law that would require public schools to display the Ten Commandments in every classroom.

District Judge Fred Biery issued a preliminary injunction barring implementation of the law, which was to take effect on September 1 and was challenged by families of diverse faiths with children in public schools.

The Texas state law, known as Senate Bill 10, is unconstitutional and “impermissibly takes sides on theological questions and officially favors Christian denominations over others,” Biery wrote in his 55-page ruling.

“The displays are likely to send an exclusionary and spiritually burdensome message to the child-Plaintiffs — who do not subscribe to the approved version of the Ten Commandments –that they ‘are outsiders who do not belong in their own school community,'” he said.

Rabbi Mara Nathan, one of the plaintiffs in the case, welcomed the ruling.

“Children’s religious beliefs should be instilled by parents and faith communities, not politicians and public schools,” Nathan said in a statement.

Rachel Laser, president of Americans United for Separation of Church and State, also welcomed the decision, saying it sends a “strong and resounding message across the country that the government respects the religious freedom of every student in our public schools.”

Another federal judge blocked a Louisiana law in November that would require the display of the Ten Commandments in every public school classroom in the conservative southern state.

District Judge John deGravelles said the law is unconstitutional and a violation of the First Amendment of the US Constitution.

The separation of church and state is a founding US principle and the First Amendment forbids the establishment of a national religion or the preference of one religion over another.

In a similar case in 1980, the US Supreme Court ruled that the display of the Ten Commandments in schools in Kentucky was unconstitutional.

In Oklahoma, the highest education official in the conservative state recently ordered public schools to teach the Bible, a move that is also facing legal challenges.