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U.S. updates skills list to boost career opportunities for visitors
The U.S. Department of State has made updates to the Exchange Visitor Skills List, which will affect skilled workers participating in the J-1 Exchange Visitor Program.
The changes, effective December 9th, 2024, are expected to provide new opportunities for skilled professionals who want to advance their careers while also contributing to their home countries.
These updates change how certain countries and fields are evaluated, potentially making it easier for some workers to meet the requirements for future U.S. visa applications.
According to the DAAD Scholarship, two key updates have been made to the Exchange Visitor Skills List. These changes introduce new economic criteria for determining which countries are prioritized, and they also offer more flexibility for workers hoping to achieve their career goals in the U.S.
Updated criteria for country designations
The U.S. has revised the criteria for determining which countries are included in the Exchange Visitor Skills List. The new evaluation process now considers three factors: economic development, availability of resources, and migration trends.
Countries with a per capita GDP below $7,500 are now given priority. These countries are seen as needing skilled workers to help improve their economies.
Smaller countries with a GDP between $7,500 and $15,000, but which still face development challenges, are also included. These nations need specialized skills to continue growing.
Additionally, countries that experience high levels of migration of skilled workers are now given more attention. This is intended to help these countries retain their talent and avoid “brain drain,” encouraging skilled workers to return home and contribute to their country’s development.
These changes mean that if a country’s economy or migration trends improve, its workers may no longer be required to return home for two years after completing a J-1 program. This removes the previous restriction, making it easier for skilled workers to pursue other U.S. visa opportunities without being required to leave the country for two years.
No changes in required skills
While the criteria for country designation have changed, the skills in demand on the Exchange Visitor Skills List remain the same. The list continues to prioritize fields such as:
Healthcare: Areas like medicine, nursing, public health, and clinical sciences remain important for addressing global health challenges.
Engineering: Fields such as civil, mechanical, environmental, and software engineering are crucial for infrastructure and technology development.
IT and Technology: Specializations in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, robotics, and database management are still in high demand.
Education: Roles in STEM education, curriculum design, and early childhood development continue to play a vital role in preparing future skilled professionals.
Creative Fields: Careers in graphic design, animation, visual arts, and performing arts contribute to cultural and economic growth.
These skills remain crucial, and workers specializing in these areas will continue to find opportunities to make a global impact. Professionals are encouraged to align their careers with these fields to maximize their potential and contribute to their home countries’ development.
What to know
If the economic conditions or migration trends in your country have improved, you may benefit from these updates. If your country no longer faces significant development challenges, you might not have to return home for two years after completing a J-1 program.
This opens up more possibilities for you to pursue additional U.S. opportunities, such as applying for an H-1B visa or permanent residency.
For those whose countries are still facing challenges, focusing on in-demand skills like healthcare, engineering, or IT can help you stand out in the global job market. Specializing in these fields will allow you to make the most of the J-1 program and contribute to your home country’s development.
The updates to the Exchange Visitor Skills List provide new opportunities for skilled workers, especially for those from countries with improving economic conditions or high migration rates.
Although the required skills remain the same, the changes could make it easier for skilled workers to continue their careers in the U.S. and contribute to global development goals.
For those in high-demand fields, these updates offer exciting possibilities for both career growth and international impact.
Since assuming office, Tinubu rolled out various policies, including the removal of fuel and electricity subsidies, unification of the forex policy, and naira devaluation, all of which were blamed for the food inflation and high cost of living in the country.
The criticisms come as Nigerians reflect on Tinubu’s performance in office. While the government maintains that its reforms are necessary for long-term recovery. …Click link for 10 miracles listed
“We must pray for Wike now,” he said.
The conversation surrounding the health of Nyesom Wike, the Federal Capital Territory Minister, has taken a intriguing turn as a prominent prophet recently shared a prophecy regarding his condition.
The adage “health is wealth” rings especially true in the world of politics, highlighting the necessity for leaders to prioritize their well-being amidst the pressures of public life.
Recent reports from an online news platform suggested that Wike had traveled to the United Kingdom for medical treatment, with allegations indicating a diagnosis of congestive heart failure.
This revelation has stirred concern among his supporters and the general public alike.
In response to these unsettling rumors, Prophet Julius Okonkwo, a well-known cleric and the presiding pastor of Kingdom Seeker Ministries based in the United States, offered reassurance about Wike’s health.
During a recent address, Okonkwo asserted that there is no need for alarm. “Wike is in good health, and he has many more years to live—mark my words,” he declared.
He cautioned that the troubling news circulating about the minister was politically motivated, aimed at instilling fear among Nigerians.
Further emphasizing Wike’s importance to the current administration, the prophet labeled him as “the best minister” in the government and warned that there are adversaries both within and outside his circle.
He urged the public to join in prayer for Wike, underscoring the need for vigilance in the face of potential threats. “We must pray for Wike now,” he said.
The Federal University of Petroleum Resources, Effurun (FUPRE), in partnership with the African Child Foundation (ACF), has fixed Thursday, November 6, 2025, for the much-anticipated FUPRE Oil and Gas Awards.
The ceremony, which has become one of the most prestigious gatherings on Nigeria’s oil and gas calendar, will take place at the University Arena in Effurun, Delta State.
Announcing the date, the Vice-Chancellor of FUPRE, Professor Ezekiel O. Agbalagba, highlighted the institution’s role as Africa’s first petroleum-focused university and one of only six of its kind globally.
Established in 2007, he said the university has consistently driven innovation, research, and manpower development in the petroleum industry, making it a hub of excellence in energy education.
On his part, the Country Director of the African Child Foundation, Olorogun Dr. Donaldson Onosakponome, described the Awards as a platform to raise industry role models by celebrating innovation, efficiency, safety, sustainability, and operational excellence.
“This year’s Awards will not only spotlight outstanding organizations and individuals,” Dr. Onosakponome said, “but also celebrate the resilience of industry players who made possible the recent increase in Nigeria’s oil production.”
Since inception, the FUPRE Awards have recognized excellence across the oil and gas value chain, upstream, midstream, and downstream, while also rewarding corporate social responsibility and environmentally friendly practices.
The 2025 edition, organizers disclosed, will broaden its scope to honor breakthroughs in renewable energy and data-driven innovation, in line with global energy trends.
Nominations and sponsorship opportunities for the event are now open through FUPRE’s media office and the African Child Foundation.
Africa’s richest man Aliko Dangote has addressed the press and confirmed that the price of his petrol has dropped market rate by N259
The refinery hopes to have more impact in the future as it finally begins its direct petrol distribution
Dangote Refinery is celebrating is one year anniversary and it has been confirmed that the capacity will be increased.
Speaking to journalists on Monday, September 15 to mark the refinery’s first anniversary he also said that Nigeria’s decades-long fuel supply crisis has been stopped.
Dangote who was also reacting to intense criticism from National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) and the Depot and Petroleum Products Marketers Association of Nigeria (DAPPMAN) revealed the impacts of his refinery
According to him, the pump price, which stood at about N1,100 per litre last year, has dropped to N841 in the South West, Abuja, Delta, Rivers, Edo and Kwara states.
He said: “Despite opposition and economic headwinds, the refinery has successfully reduced the price of petrol from nearly N1,100 before production began to N841. With the rollout of CNG-powered trucks, this price reduction will soon be felt nationwide.”
African richest man also said that its 650,000 barrels-per-day refinery, Africa’s largest has deployed 1,000 Compressed Natural Gas (CNG)-powered trucks as part of its direct fuel distribution programme.
The initiative, according to Dangote, will create 24,000 jobs in the first phase, the Nation reports.
He added that the refining capacity would rise to 700,000 bpd next year, adding that the plant has the ability to meet Nigeria’s domestic demand while generating foreign exchange through exports. Between June and early September, the refinery exported more than 1.1 billion litres of petrol, he said
Dangote, who backed the federal government’s target of growing Nigeria into a $1 trillion economy by 2031, urged more Nigerians to invest locally.
He acknowledged resistance from some vested interests in the downstream sector, but maintained the project was designed to support growth across Nigeria and Africa.
He said. “We have been battling fuel queues since 1975, but today Nigerians are witnessing a new era. “What we have done is to make our country and continent proud.”
…As Oborevwori Donates Buses To Institute
The Petroleum Training Institute (PTI), Effurun, Delta State, has expressed readiness to collaborate with the State Government on international oil and gas training programmes designed to equip youths with employable skills and drive economic growth in the state.
Speaking during a courtesy call on Governor Sheriff Oborevwori at Government House, Asaba, on Tuesday, the Principal and Chief Executive Officer of PTI, Dr. Samuel Onoji, said the Institute was committed to offering discounted and subsidised international trainings in oil and gas to enhance the employability of Delta youths.
Onoji commended Governor Oborevwori’s infrastructural drive, describing developments under his administration as unprecedented in the history of the state.
He also appreciated the Governor for reconnecting electricity to the Institute and invited the Governor to the Institute’s International Hydrocarbons and Scientific Conference scheduled for October at the PTDF Hall, Abuja.
In his remarks, Governor Oborevwori commended PTI and the Minister of Petroleum, Senator Heineken Lokpobri, for releasing 25 hectares of land to the state government, stressing that the gesture reflected their commitment to Delta’s growth and development.
“PTI is very dear to us in Delta because it opened the door for other federal government establishments to come into our state.
“We don’t take anything concerning PTI lightly. Your visit today is a demonstration of your commitment, and I assure you that this government will continue to support the Institute in all its endeavours,” the Governor said.
As part of his support, Governor Oborevwori approved the donation of a Coaster Bus and an 18-seater Hiace Bus to meet the mobility needs of staff and students of PTI.
Established in 1972, PTI is regarded as the foremost petroleum training institute in Africa, mandated to train and retrain skilled manpower for the oil and gas industry.
News
‘No More N865/Ltr’ – Dangote Releases List of Filling Stations Selling Petrol At Cheaper Rate (New Petrol Prices by States)
The Dangote Petroleum Refinery has announced a fresh reduction in petrol pump prices, offering Nigerians a much-needed relief at a time of rising living costs.
Starting from Monday, September 15, petrol will now be sold below N865 per litre at select partner filling stations across the country.
This announcement comes alongside the refinery’s new distribution model, which involves the use of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) trucks to deliver fuel directly to stations. The approach is expected to cut down logistics costs and improve fuel availability nationwide.
New Petrol Prices by States
According to Dangote Refinery, the price adjustments will immediately take effect in several states, with plans to expand nationwide.
Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Ondo, Osun, and Ekiti: N841 per litre (previously between N865 and N880)
Abuja, Delta, Rivers, Edo, and Kwara: N851 per litre (previously between N890 and N910)
Dangote emphasized that this is just the beginning, promising that more states will benefit from similar reductions in the coming weeks.
Partner Filling Stations Selling at New Prices
The refinery has partnered with both long-standing and newly added marketers to make cheaper petrol available to Nigerians.
Existing Partners
MRS
Heyden
Ardova (AP)
Hyde Energy
Optima
Techno Oil
TotalEnergies
New Partners
Garima Petroleum
Sunbeth Energies
Sobaz Nigeria Ltd.
Virgin Forest Energy
Sixxco Oil Ltd.
N.U. Synergy Ltd.
Soroman Nigeria Ltd.
Jezco Oil Nigeria Ltd.
Jengre
Cocean
Kifayat
Triumph
Golden Sifem Global
Riquest
Mamu Oil
Why the price drop matters
The price cut, which averages N24 lower per litre, is directly linked to Dangote’s new direct distribution strategy. By rolling out thousands of CNG-powered trucks and establishing CNG “daughter booster” stations across the country, the refinery aims to reduce dependence on middlemen, thereby slashing transportation costs that usually drive fuel prices higher.
At the moment, Dangote has taken delivery of 1,000 out of the 4,000 trucks it ordered. This investment in logistics is expected to ensure steady nationwide distribution in the months ahead.
Benefits for petrol dealers and marketers
Beyond reducing retail prices, Dangote Refinery has also extended an invitation to filling station owners across Nigeria to join its distribution network. The company is offering:
Free delivery logistics through its CNG-powered truck fleet
Access to credit facilities: Dealers who purchase 500,000 litres can obtain an additional 500,000 litres on credit for two weeks, under bank guarantee
This system is designed to support petrol dealers, manufacturers, transport operators, and other large-scale users while ensuring Nigerians pay less at the pump.
NNPC price comparison
Interestingly, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited has also recently adjusted its pump price to N865 per litre, which remains slightly higher than Dangote’s new rates in most states.
The competition between the state-owned NNPC and the privately owned Dangote refinery may continue to shape petrol pricing in Nigeria in the coming months.
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