Mon. May 25th, 2026
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The AWARD Reviewer Pool offers experienced professionals the opportunity to contribute to the selection of Africa’s next generation of leaders in agrifood systems while gaining insight into emerging innovations in climate resilience and gender equality. Applications are open until 30 April 2026 for experts interested in supporting high-impact fellowship programs across the continent.

African Women in Agricultural Research and Development (AWARD) is inviting qualified professionals to join its reviewer pool for flagship fellowship initiatives. This opportunity is designed for individuals with strong expertise in agriculture, policy, climate change, and leadership development who are committed to advancing inclusive and sustainable development across Africa.

About the Program

The AWARD Reviewer Pool plays a critical role in maintaining the quality and integrity of fellowship selection processes. Reviewers are responsible for evaluating applications submitted by candidates across AWARD’s programs, which aim to build leadership capacity and strengthen agrifood systems throughout Africa.

Rather than being a full-time role, this opportunity is a flexible, short-term engagement that allows professionals to contribute alongside their existing responsibilities. Selected reviewers will assess a small number of applications using structured evaluation criteria and provide objective, constructive feedback to support fair decision-making.

The reviewer role also includes participation in virtual briefing sessions and adherence to clear guidelines on confidentiality, ethics, and conflict of interest. Through this process, AWARD ensures that its fellowship cohorts are composed of high-potential individuals capable of driving meaningful change.

Why This Opportunity Matters

Africa faces complex challenges related to climate change, food security, and sustainable agriculture. Addressing these challenges requires strong leadership, innovation, and inclusive approaches that prioritize gender equality and community resilience.

By joining the AWARD Reviewer Pool, professionals play a direct role in identifying and supporting individuals who are working to transform agrifood systems across the continent. This contribution helps ensure that fellowship programs select candidates with the potential to drive impactful solutions in research, policy, and practice.

Additionally, the reviewer pool strengthens the credibility and transparency of selection processes. By involving diverse experts with regional and thematic knowledge, AWARD enhances the quality of its programs and promotes equity in access to opportunities.

What Participants Will Gain

Serving as a reviewer offers both professional and intellectual benefits. Participants gain exposure to innovative ideas, research proposals, and emerging leaders working in agrifood systems and climate adaptation.

Reviewers also deepen their analytical and evaluation skills by engaging with structured assessment frameworks and providing detailed feedback. This experience can strengthen their expertise in selection processes, grant evaluation, and program design.

In addition, reviewers become part of a broader community of professionals committed to advancing sustainable development in Africa. This engagement can lead to new collaborations, knowledge exchange, and long-term involvement in AWARD’s initiatives.

A modest honorarium is provided in recognition of the time and expertise contributed by reviewers.

Who Can Apply

This opportunity is open to professionals with strong experience in areas such as agricultural research, agrifood systems, climate change, policy, gender, and leadership development.

Applicants should hold a Master’s degree, PhD, or equivalent experience, along with demonstrated expertise in research, academia, policy, or program leadership. Strong analytical and critical thinking skills are essential, as well as the ability to provide objective and high-quality assessments.

Experience reviewing proposals, fellowships, or grants is considered an advantage, as is proficiency in English and/or French.

Application Dealine:30 April 2026

METHOD OF APPLICATION

Interested candidates must submit their application through the official Reviewer Expression of Interest form available online. Applications submitted through other means will not be considered.

CLICK HERE TO APPLY 

The post AWARD Reviewer Pool and Shape Africa’s Future Leaders in Agrifood Systems appeared first on Advert By Dotifi .Com Domains for almajiri.com.ng | Opportunities Careers | Recruitment Jobs | Research , Fellowship ,and Opportunities Consultant| Grant, Empowering World Scholars .

By 9jabook

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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.