Economy
I’ll Change Recruitment Criteria at RUDN University—Rector
By Kester Kenn Klomegah
In an insightful long-ranging conversation, the newly appointed Rector of the RUDN University (Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia), Oleg Yastrebov, discusses the latest developments, educational reforms, and students’ enrollment as well as cultural diversity in his multinational university.
During his meeting with our Media Executive Kester Kenn Klomegah, Rector Oleg Yastrebov, particularly stressed the importance of effective monitoring and evaluation of students’ performances by the hard-working academic staff. He unreservedly argues that the university staff and academic teams provide the necessary knowledge and cutting-edge skills for young aspiring leaders and that makes the university first-class among many others in the Russian Federation.
RUDN University is an educational institution located in Moscow. Established in 1960, it primarily provides higher education to Third World students during the Soviet days. Many students, especially from developing countries, still come to this popular university from Latin America, Asia and Africa. It is Russia’s most multidisciplinary university, which boasts the largest number of foreign students and offers various academic disciplines. Here are the interview excerpts:
What are your remarks on the popular saying – a new leader, new management approach?
The previous rector of the RUDN University, who is now its president, Professor Vladimir Filippov, gathered a unique scientific and expert team. I am not a new person to them, as a graduate of the Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia – that is the full name for the RUDN University. I was the head of the Law Institute, so I am familiar with most of the teaching staff. All the administration of the university are all obliged to preserve and strengthen the achievements. We are the most international, the most multidisciplinary and the friendliest university in Russia. I am sure that with the arrival of new people in the team, the university will become even more ambitious, international, digital, and with a new approach to the quality of education. We are a modern university and we are ready to remain a dream university for many bright students.
Quite recently, you assumed the position of rector. What would you count as the marked achievements and success stories during these few years?
Over the past year, RUDN University has strengthened its position among the best universities in the world. We are the greenest university in Russia. More and more talented students are coming to us. Bright international students continue to enrol in RUDN – last year we had new students, for example, from Portugal and Lesotho. We have signed agreements with strong partners – Sistema (the largest Russian investing organization), Kaspersky Lab, and the European Medical Center. I would like to note separately that RUDN was the first in Russia to receive the right to validate and verify greenhouse gas emissions.
What are the current challenges and tasks as you take up the position of rector of the RUDN University?
The first priority is a new approach to recruitment criteria for teachers. These should be people with real professional practical achievements. A teacher who retells books is a transmitter of information, but not a source of new knowledge. We understand that it is important to move on to motivate students and to initiate startups in collaboration with employers. This direction, it creates a competitive environment among students and employers will be able to notice talented students even before their graduation.
We will continue to strengthen science at the university. We integrate successful educational technologies into the education process. We expand the network of partner universities. There is serious progress in a multilingual environment — all our graduates of bachelor’s programs speak at least one foreign language at a serious proficient level. The pan is to make two languages.
I would like to mention here that we updated the whole university environment. The campus is transformed – this is also an important factor for students. Co-working areas, sports and recreation spaces, and dormitory rooms are becoming more stylish and fashionable. It is interesting to say that 300 students have already moved into the rooms in the new design. In fact, 450 rooms are being transformed for the new semester. RUDN was the first university in Russia to open the first multifunctional student centre, where you can get all the basic documents about studying. The process will take just 5-15 minutes.
On the other hand, what do you suggest as significant steps to raise the cultural profile among students who have come from different countries?
RUDN worthily preserves long-standing traditions: weeks of national cultures for instance, and we signed the Declaration of Tolerance. We have more than 100 community organizations and international study groups. We have active students who help freshmen to adapt to the new study and living conditions. There is a volunteer centre of more than 200 volunteers — this is a kind of international student office, which helps foreign students adapt to living in Russia. Their work is based on the principle “Buddy For Each Foreigner”. Each foreign student is assigned a Russian curator friend. The curator is in touch and ready to help out a foreign ward in any situation — from “I am lost” to “help me with this home task”. In addition, students arrange informal meetings, where they get acquainted with fellow countrymen, make friends, and help each other with their academic studies.
What are the peculiarities of running an educational institution such as the RUDN University, especially in a liberal market economy?
Approximately 70% of the budget the University earns itself. This is not only educational activity but also additional professional education, and income from science. Mainly, the income is generated by physical and mathematical sciences, chemistry, mathematics, and the Institute of Innovative Engineering Technologies. Humanities mainly work on a grant basis, it provides all kinds of scientific advisory services.
What is the competitive edge of RUDN University? What advantages does it have over other similar educational institutions in the Russian Federation?
RUDN is the most multidisciplinary university in Russia. A student can choose from 446 directions. Here you can get technical, scientific, medical, economic, and humanitarian education. Engineers, lawyers, doctors, diplomats, financiers, agrarians, physicists, mathematicians, linguists, and journalists are educated at the RUDN.
RUDN has the strongest language school. By studying languages, students receive an extra diploma of a translator. A student can choose from 12 foreign languages to study: European, Oriental or Russian as a foreign language.
RUDN has all the conditions to do science. We have more than 200 laboratories, more than 40 scientific and scientific-educational centres with modern equipment, annual scientific conferences, grants, scholarships, and joint research projects with leading foreign universities.
What can you say about the system of education and training, particularly for foreigners, as well as regular educational exchanges as a means of forging closer relations with the university?
RUDN is an international university. Representatives from 160 countries study here. We have an established system for recruiting foreign students. We interact with applicants from Asia, Africa, and Latin America directly through Olympiads, our pre-university classes and training centres.
Last year, 4,395 foreigners enrolled at RUDN University. This is almost 500 people more than was previously planned. Most of all – on “Medicine”, “Dentistry”, “International Relations”. Egypt, Zambia and Nigeria were among the top three (3) African countries in terms of the numerical strength of international students.
We have exchange and internship programs, double degree programs in cooperation with foreign universities, international conferences, and summer schools. The geography of educational and scientific cooperation of the RUDN is extensive: more than 250 agreements have been signed with educational institutions of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) and Europe, Asia and the Middle East, Africa and Latin America. Since 2007, graduates have received a European Diploma Supplement, which is recognized worldwide.
What keeps you motivated as a rector in this educational environment? Who are some of the most notable people, besides Russians, that you have interacted with during your work at the RUDN University?
Students motivate me a lot especially when I see their success in scientific, educational, sports and creative fields. Besides students, I am also highly motivated by my colleagues who sacrifice a lot, devote their energy and considerable time to perform their work effectively, efficiently and conscientiously.
By all appearances – education and professional skills training – are aspects of diplomacy. Do you think that the youth should be involved in this public diplomacy?
Without mincing words, the youth is our future. The whole development and technological progress depend on them – the present young generation. Therefore, at RUDN we teach them to become professional leaders in various fields, equip them with the necessary skills, and help them to acquire the knowledge of communication internationally.
Economy
Trump Earned over $1 billion Through Cryptocurrency; How Can an Ordinary Investor Earn $17,700?
Trump publicly criticized Bitcoin in 2021 but rapidly shifted his stance during the campaign, proposing to make the United States the “global cryptocurrency capital.”
After returning to the White House, he signed an executive order supporting the development of the digital asset industry. Meanwhile, reports indicate that Trump and his associated businesses have generated over $1 billion in gains through cryptocurrency.
As we enter 2026, cloud mining is emerging as a new area of interest amidst the continued development of computing infrastructure and digital asset markets. For the average investor, the question arises: how can one generate $17,700 in passive income—or even more—despite constant market volatility?
Cloud mining： represented by platforms like SHRMiner, is rapidly gaining market attention. By providing rentable computing power services and earning mining rewards, it allows users to access the complete cloud mining process and earn passive BTC income without purchasing expensive equipment or specialized skills.
Recently, SHRMiner, a UK-based cloud mining platform, officially launched a new “free cloud mining service.” This service is designed for holders of mainstream cryptocurrencies such as BTC, XRP, DOGE, LTC, and EHT, providing users with a new opportunity to participate in cryptocurrency mining without any entry barriers.
How to earn passive income from BTC through SHEMiner cloud mining
Start earning returns in just three simple steps:
- Register an account
By visiting the official SHRMiner website, users can register for a free account in less than two minutes and receive a $15 sign-up bonus; this bonus allows them to quickly experience the platform’s services and earn a daily return of $0.60 from a complimentary trial contract.
- Select a cloud mining plan
Choose a cloud mining plan that suits your needs and budget. The platform offers flexible plans ranging from $100 to $200,000 to meet the investment goals of different users.
- Start earning returns
After purchasing a contract, earnings are automatically settled within 24 hours without requiring additional management or action; users can withdraw their earnings to their cryptocurrency wallet addresses at any time or reinvest the profits to benefit from the compounding effect.
The primary advantage of this model is that it significantly lowers the barrier to entry. Users do not need to research specific mining hardware models or hashrate configurations, nor do they need to set up their own system environments; simply by registering an account, depositing assets, and selecting a mining plan, they can start earning returns.
SHRMiner Platform Advantages:
- Supports daily automatic settlement
- No additional electricity or maintenance costs required
- Utilizes advanced ASIC mining hardware, powered by renewable energy sources including hydropower, wind power, and solar power
- Supports mining for multiple currencies: earn mainstream cryptocurrencies such as BTC, XRP, ETH, DOGE, USDC, USDT, SOL, LTC, and BCH.
- Equipped with SSL encryption and DDoS protection, a real-time earnings dashboard for easy monitoring of mining performance
- 100% remote access, fully accessible via the SHRMiner application or browser without hardware requirements, and 24/7 online technical support.
⦁Affiliate Program: The Affiliate Program allows you to earn up to 4.5% commission by referring friends, with the opportunity to earn an additional bonus of up to 30,000.
Examples of common contracts:
| Contract Name | Price | Profit | Days | Principal + Total Return |
| New User Experience Agreement | $100 | $4 | 2 | $100+$8 |
| Bitdeer Sealminer A2 Pro | $500 | $6.25 | 5 | $500.00 + $31.25 |
| Litecoin Miner L9 | $1000.00 | $13.00 | 10 | $1000.00 + $130 |
| Bitcoin Miner S21 XP Imm | $5000.00 | $70.00 | 25 | $5000.00 + $1750 |
| Bitcoin Miner S21e XP Hyd | $10000.00 | $150.00 | 35 | $10000.00 + $5250 |
| ANTSPACE HW5 | $50000.00 | $900.00 | 45 | $50000.00 + $40500 |
After purchasing a contract, earnings will be automatically credited to your account within 24 hours. Upon contract expiration, your principal will be returned in full. You may withdraw the principal or reinvest it to benefit from compound returns; please click here for more details regarding the mining contract.
Unimaginable money-making opportunities
What sets SHRMiner apart is its extraordinary daily passive income; users have the opportunity to earn $10,700 or even more each day, turning the dream of online wealth into reality. Imagine generating substantial income without the need for ongoing investment or complex setups—that is exactly what SHRMiner offers.
Safety and Sustainability
In the mining sector, trust and security are paramount; SHRMiner fully recognizes this and prioritizes user safety above all else. Committed to transparency and legitimacy, SHRMiner ensures your investment is protected, allowing you to focus on profitability. All mining facilities utilize clean energy, making this a carbon-conscious cloud mining operation. Renewable energy protects the environment from pollution while providing a powerful energy source.
In short
If you are looking for ways to generate passive income, cloud mining is an excellent choice. When approached correctly, these opportunities allow you to effortlessly build cryptocurrency wealth on “autopilot” with minimal time investment. At the very least, they are far less time-consuming than any form of active trading. Passive income is the ultimate goal for every investor and trader, and with SHRMiner, maximizing your passive income potential is easier than ever.
To learn more about SHRMiner, please visit the official website: https://shrminer.com
Complete List Of The Top Crypto Platforms in Nigeria: Where to Trade Safely
As a Nigerian just getting started in crypto trading, or someone trying to rebuild their confidence after a bad trading experience, the fear of losing your hard-earned money is valid. This is why choosing a reliable crypto platform to carry out your trading is very important.
The good news here is that there are several trusted crypto platforms built to serve Nigerian traders, offering secure trading, fast withdrawals, and competitive fees.
In this guide, you will discover the top crypto platforms in Nigeria, what makes each one stand out, and how to choose the best option based on your trading goals.
Top 4 crypto platforms in Nigeria
NOSH
Nosh is one of the top platforms in Nigeria and Ghana with the best crypto trading services, offering the best rates for crypto trading, allowing you to get good value for your digital assets. With its user-friendly interface and 24/7 customer support, it is a very good option whether you are a new or experienced crypto trader.
With Nosh, you get:
- Instant payouts on every transaction, no unnecessary waiting.
- Advanced fraud protection with two-factor authentication to keep your account and transactions secure.
- Easy and direct conversion of crypto to Naira or Cedis within a few minutes; no need for third-party apps whenever you are ready to cash out.
- High exchange rates.
- Transparent rates with a rate calculator to know how much you will be getting.
Nosh supports a variety of cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin, Dogecoin, USDC, USDT, Ethereum, Tron, Litecoin, and Binance Coin.
KUCOIN
KuCoin is another popular crypto platform known for its P2P (peer-to-peer) marketplace. With KuCoin, you can trade your crypto directly with a buyer or sell your crypto directly with a seller. KuCoin holds the crypto in escrow until the seller accepts that they have received the payment; this is done to avoid fraud from the buyer or seller of the crypto.
With KuCoin, you get:
- To carry out P2P trading with escrow protection.
- To use multiple payment method options like bank transfer, USSD, and mobile-money-linked options.
- Offers competitive and relatively low trading fees, especially if you’re holding KCS (KuCoin’s native token).
- Gives you access to spot trading, futures/derivatives, staking, and other earn products
KuCoin supports stablecoins such as USDT, USDC, and TUSD.
COINCOLA
Coincola is also a top platform ranked as one of the best P2P trading platforms for Nigerians. With Coincola, you get to buy and sell your Bitcoin and USDT with real-time price tracking. Coincola is your go-to platform if you need one that offers flexible funding options like cash deposit and bank transfers. However, there have been reports of withdrawal delays.
With Coincola, you get;
- A P2P marketplace to buy/sell Bitcoin and other coins directly from vendors, with their completed-trade counts shown upfront so u can trade with caution.
- Instant BTC conversion with real-time price tracking
- To use multiple local funding options like bank transfer, cash deposit, and gift cards
- An escrow system that holds your money until a trade is confirmed.
Coincola supports cryptocurrencies like USDT and TRON.
YELLOWCARD
Yellowcard is another popular crypto platform that offers not only P2P trading but also allows you to buy and sell assets like USDT, USDC, PYUSD, BTC, and ETH with regional payment options like mobile money, bank transfers, and cash deposit. However, in 2025 they announced they no longer offer crypto-to-cash retail services.
With Yellowcard, you get:
- Direct access to buy and sell crypto rather than waiting to match with individual P2P counterparties.
- To use multiple funding methods like bank transfer, mobile money, and cash deposits.
- Free local and cross-border transfers via “Yellow Pay” to 20 different countries in Africa.
Factors to consider when choosing a crypto platform
- Don’t just look at the advertised trading fee. Some platforms hide the extra cost, so your actual rate ends up higher than expected. Do a small test trade first and see what you actually receive.
- The best platform in the world is useless to you if it doesn’t support how you actually move money, whether it’s bank transfer or mobile money. Check that before you even sign up, not after.
- Some platforms convert instantly; others, especially P2P ones, need you to wait for a counterparty to show up. If you need your money fast, that difference matters a lot.
- If you specifically need USDC or another less-common stablecoin, don’t assume it’s there on the platform. Double-check the coin list before you commit to one.
- Support should not be silent when something goes wrong. Look for evidence people actually got helped, not just a “24/7 support” badge.
- If a platform can’t tell you clearly how they protect your money, that’s a red flag on its own. Always go for one that prioritizes security.
FAQs
- Which crypto platform is best in Nigeria?
The best crypto platform in Nigeria is Nosh. Nosh offers the best rates for selling crypto with direct crypto-to-naira conversion to easily change your crypto to cash when needed.
- Can I teach myself crypto trading?
Yes, you can. There are many platforms and tutors with tutorial videos and lessons on how to start crypto trading on your own.
- What is the most popular crypto in Nigeria?
The most traded cryptocurrency in Nigeria is Bitcoin, making it the most popular.
Conclusion
When you trust the right platform, your journey in crypto trading is safe and secure. Always look out for crypto trading platforms that meet your needs alongside keeping things like payment options, a good list of coins they support, and other factors mentioned in this article before committing to one.
Always start with a small test trade first to see what you are getting; it will help you get a better idea of how the platform works so you don’t fall victim to hidden charges not included in price tags by some platforms.
By Adedapo Adesanya
Okitipupa Plc was the sole price gainer at the NASD Over-the-Counter (OTC) Securities Exchange on Friday, August 7, lifting the trading platform by 0.44 per cent at the close of transactions.
The share price of the palm oil producer appreciated during the trading session by N25.00 or 9.0 per cent to N277.00 per unit compared with the previous day’s N252.00 per unit.
As a result, the market capitalisation gained N12.29 billion to close at N2,807 trillion, in contrast to the previous session’s N2.795 trillion, while the NASD Security Index (NSI) added 93.63 points to finish at 4,678.08 points compared with Thursday’s 4,657.59 points.
The bourse recorded a price loser yesterday, and this was Mass Telecoms Innovation Plc, which crashed by 3 Kobo or 9.4 per cent to settle at 32 Kobo per share versus the previous day’s 35 Kobo per share.
The volume of securities traded by investors plunged by 81.5 per cent to 535,7560 units from 2.9 million units, the value of securities slumped by 93.9 per cent to N6.0 million from N99.2 million, and the number of deals decreased by 41.9 per cent to 36 deals from 62 deals.
Great Nigeria Insurance (GNI) Plc remained the most active stock by value on a year-to-date basis, with 3.4 billion units valued at N8.4 billion, followed by Infrastructure Credit Guarantee (Infracredit) Plc with 2.3 billion units transacted for N6.5 billion, and Central Securities Clearing System (CSCS) Plc with 77.0 million units exchanged for N5.5 billion.
GNI Plc also ended the day as the most traded stock by volume on a year-to-date basis, with 3.4 billion units worth N8.4 billion, trailed by Infracredit Plc with 2.3 billion units valued at N6.5 billion, and Resourcery Plc with 1.1 billion units sold for N415.7 million.
