Stakeholders raise alarm over poor WASH facilities in 6,279 Kano public schools

Stakeholders have expressed serious concern over the absence of water and basic hygiene facilities in 6,279 public schools in Kano State, describing the situation as a major threat to the safety and wellbeing of children.

The concern was raised on Wednesday during a media and stallholders dialogue on water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) services in Schools and Primary Health Cares  organized by Child Rights Information Bureau (CRIB) of the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation in collaboration with UNICEF, held in Kano.

This comes after a one day field trip to some schools to observe the availability of the WASH services in Kano State.

According to the available data, out of the total number of public primary and junior secondary schools only 2503 have WASH facilities in Kano State, leaving over 6279 in danger.

They noted that, lack of WASH services in schools leads to increased spread of diseases such as diarrhea and cholera, resulting in frequent illness and absenteeism among children. They observed that  it reduces learning outcomes, forces pupils especially girls to miss classes, and exposes them to safety and dignity risks.

They however called for urgent action to address the lingering problem for the brighter future of children and Nigeria.

While reacting, Chairman Kano State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB ), who was represented by the Secretary of the Board, Hajiya Amina Umar lamented the huge gaps of WASH services in schools.

She said the State Government has budget on WASH activities in its annual budget  to attain 100% WASH services coverage in schools and is aligning with SDG 2030 Agenda but  budget releases sometimes is affecting the process.

She said, the Board will continue collaborating with communities, UNICEF and other development partners as well as NGOs to enhance the provision and maintenance of WASH facilities at School level.

Hajiya Amina assured that the present administration will maintain the provision of funds in its annual budget to SUBEB for WASH facilities.

Earlier, The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) raised serious concerns over the poor state of Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) services in primary healthcare facilities and schools in Nigeria.

Chief of UNICEF Field Office Kano, Mr. Rahama Rihood Mohammed said findings from the 2021 WASHNORM II survey, Nigeria’s most comprehensive national assessment of WASH services shows that only 11% of schools nationwide have access to basic water supply.

He warned that the situation poses grave risks to children’s health, education and dignity.

According to the survey, only 11 per cent of schools nationwide have access to basic water supply, sanitation and hygiene services, while a disturbing six per cent of health facilities meet the same minimum standards.

The situation, Mr. Farah noted, is even more severe in rural areas of Northwest Nigeria.

Farah stressed that schools and healthcare facilities, which serve large numbers of people daily, can quickly become centres for disease transmission if adequate WASH services are not provided.

He urged all stakeholders to intensify advocacy and investment, noting that Nigeria’s children deserve safe and healthy environments where they will learn and grow.

Stakeholders raise alarm over poor WASH facilities in 6,279 Kano public schools

Kebbi Gov, Idris appoints Murtala as pioneer Provost College of Midwifery Science

Kebbi State Governor, Dr. Nasir Idris, has appointed Muhammad Murtala Musa as the pioneer Provost of Kauran Gwandu College of Midwifery Science, Ambursa.

In a statement signed by Ahmed Idris, Chief Press Secretary to Kebbi State Governor, the appointment was conveyed in a letter by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Higher Education, Dr. Suwaiba Salihu.

According to the letter, “I am pleased to inform you that His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Kebbi State, Comrade Dr Nasir Idris has approved your appointment as the provost of Kauran Gwandu College of Midwifery Science Ambursa”.

Salihu further urged the newly appointed provost to be dedicated to his duties and discharge his responsibilities with diligence and commitment toward the growth and development of the Institution.

She then congratulated the new provost on his well deserved appointment.

Kebbi Gov, Idris appoints Murtala as pioneer Provost College of Midwifery Science 

Lagos Assembly seeks urgent rescue of abducted corps member in Kogi

Lawmakers in the Lagos State House of Assembly have urged relevant authorities to take immediate action to secure the release of a prospective corps member, Miss Lateefah Binuyo, who was abducted in Kogi State on January 22.

Binuyo, a graduate of Mass Communication from Kwara State Polytechnic, was reportedly travelling to Taraba State for the National Youth Service Corps, NYSC, orientation programme when she was kidnapped. She is said to be the only child of her mother.

The call for urgent intervention followed a motion of urgent public importance raised during Thursday’s plenary by the Chairman of the House Committee on Women Affairs, Mrs Omolara Olumegbon.

Presenting the motion, Olumegbon disclosed that the abductors had demanded a ransom of N30 million for Binuyo’s release. She urged the Assembly to formally write to the Federal Government, calling for enhanced security arrangements for prospective corps members travelling to their states of deployment.

She further appealed to the House to engage Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, to intervene by liaising with the Kogi State Government to ensure the safe and speedy rescue of the victim.

Contributing to the debate, the Majority Leader of the House, Mr Noheem Adams, commended President Bola Tinubu for what he described as sustained efforts to improve security across the country. He noted that the current security framework had shown noticeable improvement when compared with previous administrations.

Also speaking, Mr Stephen Ogundipe praised the Nigerian military for its continued role in safeguarding national security and echoed calls for the Lagos State Government to engage its Kogi counterpart to facilitate urgent action.

In his contribution, Mr Abiodun Tobun suggested that the Assembly, through the National Assembly, should write to the Director-General of the NYSC to review existing deployment procedures. He stressed the need to reconsider the posting of prospective corps members to distant or high-risk areas in order to reduce exposure to unnecessary dangers.

Addressing the House, Speaker Mudashiru Obasa described the incident as deeply troubling, noting that at a time when some individuals were reluctant to pursue education, it was painful that young Nigerians who had completed their studies and were ready to serve the nation were being exposed to threats such as kidnapping.

Obasa emphasised the responsibility of the NYSC leadership to ensure the safety and security of corps members, from the point of departure to their places of deployment and eventual return to their families.

The Speaker added that while he was confident that the Sanwo-Olu-led administration had already taken steps to address the situation, efforts should be intensified through direct engagement with the Kogi State Government, as suggested by members of the House.

He also disclosed that the Assembly would write to the Inspector-General of Police, urging immediate intervention in the case and the implementation of measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.

Lagos Assembly seeks urgent rescue of abducted corps member in Kogi

We won’t abandon victims of abuse – Taraba First Lady announces support for assaulted girl

The Wife of the governor of Taraba State, Mrs. Agyin Kefas, has intervened in the case of a 17-year-old girl, Miss Iwasen Terhemba, who was reportedly assaulted and mutilated in Donga local government council of the state, pledging educational and welfare support for the victim.

Mrs. Kefas paid a compassionate visit to the teenager on Wednesday as part of the state government’s efforts to show solidarity with victims of violence and ensure the recovery and reintegration of vulnerable persons.

Miss Terhemba was allegedly attacked two weeks ago by a woman identified as Ramatu Abbas, an incident that has sparked public outrage and renewed calls for stronger protection of girls and minors across Taraba State.

Speaking during the visit, the First Lady described the incident as disturbing and unacceptable, expressing deep sympathy for the victim and her family.

She reaffirmed the commitment of the state government to stand by victims of abuse, particularly young girls, and to ensure that justice is served.

Mrs. Kefas disclosed that governor Agbu Kefas has approved the enrolment of Miss Terhemba into the Taraba State Scholarship Scheme to guarantee her continued access to education despite the trauma she has endured.

“His Excellency, governor Agbu Kefas, has approved the enrolment of Miss Iwasen Terhemba into the Taraba State Scholarship Scheme, alongside other support benefits designed to safeguard her education, wellbeing and future,” she said.

She added that the state government is also considering additional welfare interventions, including medical assistance and psychosocial support, to aid the teenager’s physical and emotional recovery.

The First Lady urged parents, guardians and community leaders to remain vigilant in protecting children from abuse, while calling on relevant authorities to ensure that all cases of violence are thoroughly investigated and appropriately addressed.

The intervention has been welcomed by residents and advocacy groups, who view it as a strong demonstration of the administration’s commitment to child protection, human dignity and social justice in Taraba State.

We won’t abandon victims of abuse – Taraba First Lady announces support for assaulted girl 

50 years after: Idoma renew battle to produce first Benue governor

By February 2026, Benue State will mark 50 years since its creation, a milestone expected to be celebrated across the state.

However, for the Idoma people of Benue South Senatorial District (Zone C), however, the anniversary is as much a moment of reflection as it is of celebration.

Fifty years after the state was carved out of the old Benue-Plateau State by the military administration of the late Gen Murtala Mohammed, no Idoma person has ever been elected governor of Benue State.

This reality has continued to fuel deep‑seated feelings of political exclusion, marginalisation and injustice among the Idoma, the state’s second‑largest ethnic group.

With the 2027 governorship election approaching, the long‑standing agitation has re‑emerged with renewed urgency, forcing political actors and stakeholders to confront a question many say Benue has avoided for decades: can an Idoma person finally become the state’s number one citizen?

Since the creation of Benue State in 1976, political power at the highest level has remained firmly in the hands of Tiv‑speaking areas.

In the civilian era, Aper Aku (1979–1983), a Tiv man from Ikyobo, in Ushongo Local Government Area served as the first elected governor.

Very Rev. Fr. Moses Orshio Adasu, another Tiv, from Shangev-Tiev district, in Konshisha LGA, became governor of Benue State, on 2 January 1992, elected on the Social Democratic Party platform.

He left office after the military coup in November 1993 in which General Sani Abacha came to power.

Since the return to democracy in 1999, the pattern has remained unbroken, with George Akume serving from 1999 to 2007, Gabriel Suswam from 2007 to 2015, Samuel Ortom from 2015 to 2023, and Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia from 2023 to the present, all hailing from Tiv‑dominated Zones A and B.

For many Idoma leaders, this uninterrupted chain of leadership has become the central grievance behind calls for power rotation and political inclusion.

A retired military officer and elder statesman from Idoma land, Gen. Geoffrey Ejiga (rtd), once captured the sentiment this way, saying that since Benue State’s creation nearly 50 years ago, the Idoma people have never been given the opportunity to produce a governor and that this persistent exclusion cannot continue indefinitely.

According to Ejiga, “Benue in my opinion needs to try an ldoma governor to see if it will improve the fortunes of the State as the Tiv governors from 1999 till date have not improved developmental fortunes of the state.”

He lamented that Benue with all its potentials remained the least developed state in Nigeria.

“The unjust deprivation of the ldoma people from leadership is bound to create insecurity in the state as very soon the ldoma youths will revolt creating a massive problem for the Tiv governors and the federal government will be called to help,” General Ejiga warned in the build up to the 2023 elections.

Even the Tiv people are not unaware of this marginalization.

Before his demise, elder-statesman, Wantaregh Paul Unongo, stressed the need for the emergence of an Idoma governor in Benue State.

He said this would foster unity and stronger ties among the three senatorial districts in the state.

“I like to see Benue people continue as one united people, so I would say to Governor Samuel Ortom to consider selecting the next governor from Idoma land at the completion of his tenure: that will give credence to our unity as a state,” Unongo said during a stakeholders’ emergency meeting held in Makurdi in June 2018.

A political analyst and administrator, Gurgur Japheth from Tiv speaking area, attributed the Idoma people’s long-standing inability to produce a governor in Benue State to internal disunity rather than external factors.

“Yes, in 2006, going by the arrangement that was on ground from 1999, the governorship was supposed to go to Zone C by 2007. I was among those insisting that this should happen,” Japheth told DAILY POST.

“The issue of power is never given, it is taken. And the taking must not be by force, but through collaboration, consultation, and arithmetic that can lead to success.”

Japheth explained that the main obstacle had always been internal.

“The enemy of Zone C is Zone C itself. Some people argued it should be a two-person show, which I always called a kindergarten statement. Everybody knew it was Zone C’s turn, but some aspirants refused to step down or streamline support, dividing votes and weakening our chances,” he said.

Politics of numbers and structural disadvantage

Benue politics has long been shaped by demography.

The Tiv ethnic group accounts for the majority of the state’s population and controls 14 local government areas across Zones A and B.

The Idoma people, concentrated in nine local government areas in Zone C, lack the numerical strength to win statewide elections without broad alliances.

A political strategist in Makurdi, Thomas Ker, explained that Benue politics has never really been about zoning but has always been about numbers and party structure, a reality that has consistently worked against the Idoma.

“This demographic reality has often been used by opponents of zoning to argue that governorship should remain open to any zone that can mobilise votes statewide,” he said.

Idoma aspirants who tried and failed

Despite the structural disadvantage, Idoma politicians have repeatedly attempted to break the governorship ceiling.

In 2006, notable Idoma aspirants including Chief Mike Onoja, Steve Lawani, Jerry Agada, Abba Moro, Ralph Igbago, among others showed interest, but none secured the ticket of a major party.

In fact, Onoja nearly clinched the PDP ticket but was betrayed by his kinsmen who donated their votes to Suswam when the election became tied.

That remains the closest the Idoma people have come to winning the governorship ticket.

The PDP ticket went to Gabriel Suswam, who won the election and was re-elected in 2011.

In 2015, Steve Lawani, then deputy governor, sought the PDP ticket, but the ticket eventually went to Terhemen Tarzor, who was eventually defeated by Samuel Ortom of the APC.

Ortom was re-elected in 2019 for a second term.

In 2023, Benson Abounu, an Idoma and sitting deputy governor at the time, contested but failed to clinch the party ticket as Titus Uba won the primary.

Abounu only got votes from Ogbadibo and Otukpo LGA, other delegates from other LGAs in Benue South voted against him.

In 2023, agitation for zoning to Benue South intensified, but major parties declined and several Idoma aspirants contested under smaller parties, leading to vote splitting, while Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia of the APC emerged the winner.

Fresh anger under the current administration

While the Idoma agitation predates the present government, many stakeholders have argued that their sense of marginalisation has deepened under the current administration, citing what they described as lopsided governance patterns.

Across Otukpo, Ogbadibo, Apa, Agatu, Ado, Ohimini, Okpokwu, Obi and Oju local government areas, complaints of exclusion have grown louder.

One of the most consistent grievances is the perceived imbalance in political appointments and employment.

Lack of unity among the Idoma people

Over the years, the Idoma people have struggled to come together under a single platform to produce a consensus candidate.

During party primaries, multiple aspirants from Idoma-speaking areas often refuse to step down or agree on a unified candidate. This division leads to a splitting of votes, giving the Tiv people a political advantage.

Noah Mc’Dickson, a member of the Benue South Elders Forum, blamed political disunity among the Idoma people for their recurring electoral setbacks.

Speaking with DAILY POST, Mc’Dickson noted, “As I have always said, we are largely the cause of our own problems.

“Electoral success depends on three factors: the personality of the individual, unity of purpose among the people, and the strength of the party platform.”

Recounting past failures, he said, “What happened in 2006 remains a painful memory…about six Idoma aspirants emerged. Some of us advised them to adopt a consensus arrangement, but they could not agree. Eventually, the other two zones presented one candidate each, while we divided our strength.”

Mc’Dickson noted that the same pattern of internal divisions repeated in 2015 and even in the last election, despite endorsements.

He stressed that political fragmentation along party lines has worked against the Idoma:

“People now see politics strictly through party lines. If we come together and support a candidate from our zone, the advantage will be ours,” he advised.

He suggested, “We need to organise political summits to promote political enlightenment and education. Once we achieve that unity, Benue South can produce the governor in 2027. We must not give up. Unity remains the key.”

Voices from pro‑inclusion groups have added to the narrative of exclusion.

At a recent political gathering in Abuja, Air Vice Marshal (AVM) Monday Morgan (rtd), a former Chief of Defence Intelligence and a National Coordinator of the Benue Rebirth Movement (BRM), said that Idoma people are not part of the political equation in the Benue APC and described what he called persistent sidelining as unacceptable.

He explained that the Benue Rebirth Movement (BRM) has for years engaged in dialogue with leaders of the Tiv nation, advocating for an opportunity for the Idoma to govern Benue State, though this has yet to yield the desired political outcomes.

Kennedy Angbo’s stance and controversy

The debate has also involved elected officials from Zone C.

Hon. Kennedy Angbo, the member representing Otukpo/Akpa State Constituency at the Benue State House of Assembly, has articulated a position that has drawn significant attention.

Angbo stated publicly that he does not see the possibility of an Idoma governor in 2027, arguing that the incumbent governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, should be allowed to complete a second term before considering a power shift to Zone C, and that the agitation should be deferred until 2031.

His stance has drawn criticism from many who see it as a betrayal of Zone C interests.

Government’s position

Officials close to the administration have rejected claims of ethnic bias, insisting that governance decisions are driven by policy priorities, security considerations and limited resources, not tribal sentiment.

A government source said that the governor is governing Benue State as one and that projects are ongoing across zones with appointments based on competence and trust.

2027: Can history change?

Now, a new crop of prominent Idoma figures is emerging, offering both hope and a test of unity.

So far, about five persons from Benue South have indicated interest in the number one seat.

Among them are Madaki Ameh, a lawyer and grassroots political activist who is gunning for the seat on the platform of the PDP.

Tony Obekpa, from Owukpa, is eyeing the APC ticket, Andrew Abah, a respected technocrat is also in the race, as well as Oyeije Ocheakiti Ogbenjuwa.

Speaking on the prospects of the Idoma producing a governor in 2027, an aspirant, Arc Tony Obekpa emphasised the need for unity within the community.

Obekpa told our reporter that his ambition is not for personal gain: “I am not entering the race to look for a position. I am contesting to get the ticket to contest for the governorship.

“I am not running for deputy governor. If they don’t give me the ticket, I will go back to my construction site. I am an architect. I will mix concrete, build my houses, and feed my family.”

He added that his candidacy is grounded in service and commitment: “I am not blackmailing anyone. But if we are called earlier to rescue the party, it is because I know the role I played. If you want two people in the APC, I should be among the first two. I know the money I spent. I know my contribution.”

Analysts agreed that for an Idoma governor to emerge in 2027, several factors must align, including unity among Idoma elites, securing the ticket of a major party, strategic alliances across Tiv areas, and negotiation rather than emotional agitation. Without these, history may repeat itself.

At the moment,

Fifty years on…

As Benue marks 50 years of existence, the Idoma quest for the governorship has become more than a political ambition. It is a question of belonging, equity and trust in the Benue project.

Whether 2027 will finally end the long wait remains uncertain. What is clear, however, is that the agitation is no longer fading, it is growing louder.

50 years after: Idoma renew battle to produce first Benue governor

Why I was sacked by ex-president Jonathan – Bolaji Abdullahi

Former Minister of Sports and Youth Development, Bolaji Abdullahi, has explained why he was dismissed from office in March 2014 by former President Goodluck Jonathan.

According to him, the dismissal was due to his refusal to publicly criticise former Senate President Bukola Saraki during a heated political campaign in Kwara State.

Abdullahi, who represented Kwara State in the Federal Executive Council under the Jonathan administration, said the decision to remove him followed rising political tension after Saraki defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the then newly formed All Progressives Congress (APC).

Speaking on Politics Today on Channels Television, Abdullahi, now the National Publicity Secretary of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), said he was caught in a difficult position, torn between loyalty to his political mentor and expectations from the Presidency.

“There is always a price to pay because you find yourself caught in between. You are not being asked to take sides in a battle that you hardly understand most of the time,” he said.

He disclosed that ahead of President Jonathan’s campaign visit to Kwara State, he was expected, as the most senior political appointee from the state, to assume control of the PDP structure, fund party activities and lead the campaign against Saraki.

“Why was I sacked? President Jonathan was going to Kwara to campaign and that was the time Saraki left the PDP to join the APC.”

“I was expected as the most senior political appointee from Kwara to take over the PDP structure, fund it and lead the President’s campaign,” Abdullahi said.

According to him, the political atmosphere in Kwara was largely defined by sustained attacks on Saraki, with intense pressure on him to participate.

“When we got to Kwara, everybody was attacking Saraki. I was expected as the most senior political office holder to also join and attack Saraki and I said no. So it was a matter of principle,” he added.

Despite losing his position, Abdullahi said he had no regrets about serving in the Jonathan administration, noting that he had anticipated the consequences of his decision to remain loyal to Saraki while still working under the President.

He also recalled that he previously served Saraki as Special Assistant on Communications, Special Adviser on Policy, and later as Commissioner for Education in Kwara State during Saraki’s tenure as governor.

Why I was sacked by ex-president Jonathan – Bolaji Abdullahi

You can’t be in university, still write UTME – JAMB

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, JAMB, has said that university undergraduates cannot be writing Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination, UTME.

Spokesman for JAMB, Fabian Benjamin, said this in a statement on Tuesday in Abuja.

Benjamin was reacting to what he described as a misleading and unfortunate distortion of a portion of the Board’s clear directives to candidates registering for the 2026 UTME/DE, as contained in the 2026 UTME/DE advertisement.

According to him, the deliberate misrepresentation is being propagated by some unscrupulous self-styled education advocates for parochial interests.

The Board’s mouthpiece added that the development is hardly surprising, stressing that such individuals routinely surface at the commencement of every registration cycle.

He maintained that many of them do not take the time to read or properly understand the guidelines, yet hastily rush to the public space with false narratives aimed solely at attracting traffic to their social media platforms.

“For the avoidance of doubt and for record purposes, and in line with its statutory mandate to prevent multiple matriculations, the Board directed that all candidates registering for the 2026 UTME/DE must disclose their matriculation status, where applicable.

“It is not an offence for a candidate to register for the UTME/DE while still enrolled in an institution. However, failure to disclose such status constitutes an offence. Disclosure simply means that once a candidate secures admission through the latest registration, the former admission automatically ceases to subsist. The law is explicit that no candidate is permitted to hold two admissions concurrently.

“Furthermore, recent findings indicate that many matriculated students are engaged as professional examination takers. Mandatory disclosure therefore expedites appropriate action whenever such candidates are apprehended.

“Although the Board’s system has the capacity to detect prior matriculation, any candidate discovered to have failed to disclose such status stands the risk of forfeiting both opportunities,” he said.

JAMB, therefore, called on the public to be cautious of ‘education advocates’, who it said were perpetually eager to mislead candidates and parents for selfish gain.

You can’t be in university, still write UTME – JAMB

Presidency reveals details of Tinubu meeting in Türkiye

Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Policy Communication, Daniel Bwala, has said that the Nigeria-Türkiye bilateral relations are about deliverables.

Bwala made this known on Tuesday in an interview with Arise Television in Ankara, capital of Türkiye.

The Presidential spokesman said, “Tinubu asked how we can create economic opportunities and deal with terrorism in a timely manner? The president is all about deliverables, so it doesn’t just end in signing papers.

“The good point you you made is what has been the concern of the President, that it is not just about discussion and agreement and areas of opportunity, but on timelines, timelines and deliverables.

“In fact, that dominated the focus of the bilateral talks today, not just in the areas that we looked at like defense. We talked about defense cooperation, security, higher education, science and technology exchange in intelligence.

“If there is anything I can say about the deliberation today, that it is very easy for us to make to have understanding with countries who are interested in investing. Because if you look at Nigeria and Turkey over the years, they have been massive investment from the people and governments of Turkey and Nigeria, and they have been very proactive in that.

“So as we seek to deepen that collaboration, the emphasis has been the timelines and deliverables so that it will not end in just signing paper, but will end in the deliverables that people can see and know that there has indeed been an agreement that was scheduled to take place almost immediately.”

Presidency reveals details of Tinubu meeting in Türkiye

Senate deliberately delaying passage of Electoral Act – Osaze-Uzzi

Former Director of Voter and Publicity Education of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, Oluwole Osaze-Uzzi, says there is evidence that the Senate is delaying the passage of the Electoral Act.

Osaze-Uzzi made this allegation on Tuesday while fielding questions in an interview on Arise Television.

He said that the consequence of the delay would me make Nigeria to fall back on the Electoral Act of 2022,  which he said has flaws.

“Evidence shows the Senate is deliberately delaying the passage of the Electoral Act. I think the circumstantial evidence seems to be that it’s a deliberate ploy.

“When you see all these things happening, how they unfold, what was their reason? For the same reason that yesterday made reference to it, that will be part of the legislative agenda, and the top was priority.

“But what is disturbing to people like us who observe these matters is that, look, there are two or three major things. I think the agricultural thing is there. It was talking of the budget, still as we considered.

“But don’t forget that a lot of commentators, a lot of lawyers, a lot of civil society people, media have said that Nigerians saw the flaws in Electoral Act of 2022. We saw the issues.

“Even the National Assembly recalled that when it passed the Act, then they now found that they expected certain statutory delegates who ought to be delegates at national conventions, and they try to send him back to then President, late Muhammadu Buhari for an amendment. We are so close to elections. We shouldn’t be doing this,” he said.

Senate deliberately delaying passage of Electoral Act – Osaze-Uzzi

Modibbo Adama University produces 116 first-class graduands

A total of 116 first-degree graduands of Modibbo Adama University (MAU), Yola, have attained first-class honours as they formally exit the university through its 29th and 30th combined convocation.

In a pre-convocation press briefing on Tuesday, the Vice-Chancellor of the University, Professor Ibrahim Umar, said the 116 first-class graduands belong to the 2023/2024 and 2024/2025 academic sessions.

“For the 2023/2024 academic session, a total of 2,034 first-degree graduands will be presented for the award of degrees,” he said, explaining that 55 are in the first-class category, 599 in the second-class upper, and 1,047 in the second-class lower; while 330 and three will earn third-class and pass degrees respectively.

According to him, for the 2024/2025 academic session, another batch of 3,673 first-degree graduands will be presented, comprising 61 in first class, 1,199 in second-class upper, 1,931 in second-class lower, 479 in third class, and three in the pass category.

“The combined total number of graduands for the two sessions, including first and postgraduate degrees, diplomas and certificates is 7,094,” the VC explained, adding that the grand total comprises 5,707 undergraduate degrees, 454 certificates and diplomas, and 933 postgraduate degrees.

The graduands will receive their degrees, diplomas, and certificates on Saturday, January 31, when the 29th and 30th combined convocation ceremony is scheduled to take place.

Modibbo Adama University produces 116 first-class graduands

JAMB approves 15 centres in Jigawa

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has approved 15 CBT centers in Jigawa state.
This was contained in a statement issued by the board’s Public Relations officer Jigawa state office, Mukarram Bello Adamu on Tuesday.

He said the approved CBT centers include state headquarters mechanic village, Federal University Dutse, E-Learning Centre 1, Federal University Dutse, E-Learning Centre 2, Federal University Dutse CBT ICT, Bunyamin Usman Polytechnic, Hadejia, Future Map Foundation Hadejia and College of Education, Gumel Centre 1.

Also approved are Jigawa state College of Education, Gumel Centre 2, State College of Advanced and Remedial Studies, Babura, Institute of Information Technology, Kazaure, Hussaini Adamu Federal Polytechnic, Kazaure, Sule Lamido University, Kafin Hausa, BHT Inter systems Dutse, Al Hikmah CBT Center Birnin Kudu and G- City Collage of Nursing Sciences Gwaram.

He said the UTME Registration will begin from 26th January, 2026 to 28th February 2026, while DE Registration will commence from 2nd March 2026 to 25th April 2026 at JAMB Office only.

The statement however urged the candidates to use the opportunity and register within the time frame.

DAILY POST, however, observed that the available centres are inadequate considering the large number of applicants in the state.

Reports indicate that the shortage of centres has exposed many applicants to serious risks.

Several candidates are forced to travel long distances to reach their designated JAMB centres, often facing safety concerns and a lack of accommodation, with some reportedly sleeping on the streets.

JAMB approves 15 centres in Jigawa

Tersoo Kula: ‎Benue Media Tour – Beyond the lamentations of naysayers (II)

The recently concluded media tour of senior media executives in Benue state was neither choreographed nor designed as an alternative for data-driven governance.

‎Rather, the exercise portrays Governor Hyacinth Alia’s administration as carving a niche for openness and transparency. The exercise provided opportunity for independent media professionals to see, firsthand, projects and interventions undertaken by the administration across key sectors.

‎The observations expressed by the visiting media team were their independent professional impressions, not government-issued verdicts or statistical reports.

‎It is an established yardstick for establishing genuineness that firsthand observation remains a legitimate and long-established journalistic tool, complementing, but not substituting empirical data.

‎The Benue state People’s Democratic Party’s (PDP) public posturing in defiance of facts concerning the unprecedented transformation recorded by Governor Hyacinth Alia is the saddest commentary ever.

‎Contrary to suggestions of vagueness, the administration of Governor Hyacinth Alia has consistently made information on projects, budgets, and sectoral interventions available through official channels, including budget documents, procurement processes, and public briefings.

‎Infrastructure projects, healthcare upgrades which have, educational interventions, and agricultural support programmes are visible across the state and open to verification by citizens, civil society groups, and the media alike.

‎Are Benue people not enjoying the properly lit up streets, especially in the Makurdi metropolis courtesy of “operation lit up Makurdi”?

‎In the Education sector, has Governor Alia not rejuvenated the primary school system with upgraded infrastructure and injection of over 9000 man power? Are we not seeing storey buildings for the first time in our primary schools?

‎Has the Benue State University Teaching Hospital not turned into a medical tourist centre? Are there no upgrades in the hospital including a VIP clinic which is even digitalized? How about the attention given to the primary health care centres with the renovation of over a hundred across the state?

‎In the area of commerce, is it not true that Benue state has built and established a brewery and a fruit juice company amongst others?

‎Governor Alia flagged off the first phase of construction of 16 inner city roads in Makurdi and has completed them with clear cut drainages. The second phase was 25 roads and he has also completed all of them. These are verifiable and were witnessed by the visiting media team.

‎It is not a miracle that the people of Idye in Makurdi for the first time were not displaced by flooding in 2025. The massive intervention of ecological management by the Governor made it possible. The same thing applies to the Wurukum market. Were the traders not happy that their shops survived flooding last year?

‎It is rather very clear now that the immediate past People’s Democratic Party (PDP) led administration that performed abysmally in the state and was outrightly rejected at the polls to a point that they are presently in acute distress, sustained by emergency measures rather than structural strength lacks the faintest knowledge of what development is all about. They see, touch and feel but cannot understand how it is done. This is a very sad reality.

 

‎Development, indeed, must be demonstrated, and that demonstration as far as Alia’s administration is concerned, is ongoing, physical, and accessible.

‎It is also necessary to put records straight that the presence of national media figures and senior government communicators at such engagements does not invalidate the process.

‎Governor Alia is fully equipped intellectually and administratively. He is not oblivious of the fact that governance thrives on engagement, openness, and dialogue. Development communication is not diminished by interaction; rather, it is strengthened when facts are tested through public exposure.

‎As Alia leads, Benue State government remains firmly committed to accountability, fiscal responsibility, and continuous improvement.

‎Rankings, indices, and performance metrics are tools for reflection, not definitive judgments divorced from context.

‎The administration is focused on correcting inherited structural challenges, strengthening institutions, and ensuring that public resources deliver measurable impact over time. The government welcomes constructive criticisms and a data-driven discourse.

‎However, it rejects the notion that acknowledging visible progress or facilitating independent assessment amounts to propaganda. The people of Benue State deserve both facts and fair representation, but abhor selective skepticism.

‎Let it be on record that, progress and development in Benue State is not proclaimed by press statements alone; it is reflected in ongoing innovations and projects, improved service delivery, and the daily experiences of the masses.

‎These and many more realities remain open to scrutiny, verification, and public accountability which this administration does not fear, but has embraced and is ever ready to be taken on, at any time.

‎Sir Tersoo Kula, mnipr

‎Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Benue State.

Tersoo Kula: ‎Benue Media Tour – Beyond the lamentations of naysayers (II)

Kano Government projects up to 700,000 births in 2026

The Kano State Government has projected that between 600,000 and 700,000 babies will be born in the state in 2026, raising fresh concerns over pressure on the healthcare system.

Executive Secretary of the Kano State Hospitals Management Board Dr. Mansur Mudi Nagoda made the disclosure during the maiden convocation of Sardauna College of Health Sciences and Technology held in Kano over the weekend.

He said the projection, based on the 2006 population growth rate of 3.5 per cent, highlights the increasing demands on the state’s health sector.

Dr. Nagoda cautioned that the rising population poses a major challenge, noting that existing manpower and facilities are already overstretched.

According to him, Kano currently faces a shortfall of about 4,000 professional health workers.

He stressed the need for health training institutions to prioritise practical, hands-on education to ensure graduates are adequately equipped to meet community health needs.

The executive secretary also revealed that the state government plans to recruit additional health personnel and deploy them to underserved areas, including Doguwa, Rogo and Sumaila local government areas.

Kano Government projects up to 700,000 births in 2026

Kano Govt rebukes Buba Galadima over Yusuf’s second-term prospects

The Kano State Government has dismissed claims by elder statesman Buba Galadima that Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf cannot secure a second term in office without the backing of Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, describing the assertion as misleading and a poor reading of Kano’s political history.

In a strongly worded statement issued on Sunday, the Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya, said Kano politics has never been permanently controlled by godfathers, insisting that electoral outcomes in the state are ultimately shaped by performance and popular legitimacy.

“There is no dispute that Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso is a political heavyweight,” the statement read. “However, to suggest that Kano’s political destiny is permanently tied to one individual is to misread both history and the democratic behaviour of the people.”

The commissioner expressed surprise that the remarks came from Galadima, noting that Governor Yusuf had previously appointed him as Chairman of the Governing Council of Kano State Polytechnic despite his non-indigene status.

According to the statement, the appointment was made in good faith but yielded “little or no measurable impact” during Galadima’s tenure.

Drawing on historical precedents, the government cited the emergence of former Governor Ibrahim Shekarau in 2003 and Kwankwaso’s own political comeback in 2011 as evidence that Kano voters reward credibility and performance rather than political anointment.

“Kano voters have consistently demonstrated an independent streak that resists permanent political ownership,” Waiya said, adding that Governor Yusuf was elected by the people and defended his mandate through institutional processes, not political charity.

The statement maintained that since assuming office, Yusuf has begun consolidating his authority through governance, with emphasis on education, institutional reforms and social equity, arguing that leadership in Kano matures through delivery over time.

While reiterating respect for Kwankwaso, the government stressed that influence does not translate into ownership, and mentorship does not imply permanent dependence.

The commissioner also justified Yusuf’s decision to defect from the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), citing leadership disagreements and protracted legal battles that have deepened divisions within the party.

According to the statement, the decision was taken in good faith and in the interest of peace, unity and the progress of Kano State.

Waiya concluded by invoking Islamic teachings on destiny and reliance on Allah, describing them as “the enduring grammar of Kano politics.”

Kano Govt rebukes Buba Galadima over Yusuf’s second-term prospects

‘We’ve returned history to curriculum, banned graduation for nursery, extortion’ – Nigerian govt

The Nigerian government, through the Ministry of Education, has announced the return of history to the curriculum.

The minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, made this known during an interview on Arise News, adding that he lacked the explanation to how people with their right minds would ban history from being taught in schools.

DAILY POST reports that history was officially removed from primary and junior secondary schools’ curricula in 2007, with the government citing various reasons for this decision.

Alausa said that the government of President Bola Tinubu thought this was wrong and the President instructed that the subject be reintegrated to the curricula.

“Nigerian history is back in the curriculum. We did not ban it, but we felt it was wrong, and we moved swiftly to bring Nigerian history back,” he said.

“History wasn’t banned by this government. It was banned about 12 to 13 years ago, and you look at it now, our kids are so delinked with the history of the country. I don’t know who in their right mind banned history, and that’s why this President mandated us to do a pure curriculum review.

“Nigerian history is back as part of our curriculum. We instituted it. We started it so Nigerian history is back. We did not ban it, but we felt it was wrong, and we moved swiftly to bring Nigerian history back,” he said.

The Minister went on to say that the activities of some schools whereby they extort from parents through the sale of textbooks and graduation ceremonies for nursery school have also been banned.

“And now let me talk about the nursery school graduation. It might be fun for you, but sheer extortion of parents, it’s not acceptable.

“Why would you do graduation for one or two children? It’s just sheer extortion. We want to encourage these kids, but let’s give them proper milestones.

“When you finish primary school, do your graduation, when you finish GSS do your graduation, SSS, do your graduation. We give them something that leads to milestones, something that is more cogent, more tangible, not the way everything is being turned into extorting the parent.

“And part of all this extortion of the parents that we’ve stopped is that when I was growing up, I used my sister’s textbook. Our parents will tell us, please keep that book very well, your younger brother will use it. So it’s a way to save costs.

“Now they manipulated the entire process, you put the workbook as part of the textbook, so the student will now write on those books and they become useless. And next year, you tell the parents to buy another book.

“And also what publishers were doing was that they would not even change anything in the book. There won’t be any major content change. It might just be pagination or just a print of the new cover.

“They say, ‘Come and buy a new textbook’. We will not allow Nigerian parents to be extorted and that’s why we moved to stop that. And now we said the workbook must be completely separated from the core textbook itself.”

‘We’ve returned history to curriculum, banned graduation for nursery, extortion’ – Nigerian govt

Tinubu departs Nigeria for state visit to Türkiye

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is set to depart Abuja on Monday, January 26, for a state visit to the Republic of Türkiye, the Presidency has announced.

This was disclosed by Bayo Onanuga, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy.

The visit aims to strengthen the longstanding cordial relations between Nigeria and Türkiye while exploring new areas of cooperation in security, education, social development, innovation, and aviation.

The trip follows Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s official visit to Nigeria in October 2021. During President Tinubu’s visit, both nations are expected to engage in strategic political and diplomatic discussions, focusing on shared interests in finance, communication, trade, and investment.

The agenda will include high-level meetings between officials of both countries, as well as the signing of memoranda of understanding (MoUs) covering scientific research, energy, technical cooperation, media and communications, military collaboration, and protocol matters.

A business forum will also bring together investors from Nigeria and Türkiye to explore opportunities for bilateral trade and investment.

Members of President Tinubu’s entourage for the visit include Minister of Foreign Affairs Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, Attorney General and Minister of Justice Prince Lateef Fagbemi SAN, Minister of Defence General Christopher Musa (rtd), and Chairman of the House Committee on Defence Hon. Jimi Benson.

Other key officials include Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development Hajiya Imaan Suleiman-Ibrahim, Minister of Interior Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, Minister of Culture and Creative Economy Hannatu Musawa, National Security Adviser Malam Nuhu Ribadu, and Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency Ambassador Mohammed Mohammed.

President Tinubu is expected to return to Nigeria at the conclusion of the visit.

Tinubu departs Nigeria for state visit to Türkiye

NABTEB extends timeline for 2026 NCEE registration

The National Business and Technical Examination Board, NABTEB, has extended the timeline for the registration of 2026 National Common Entrance Examination, NCEE, into technical colleges, assuring stakeholders of a seamless process.

The Registrar and Chief Executive Officer of NABTEB, Dr Aminu Mohammed, made this known in a statement issued on Sunday in Benin through the board’s Deputy Director, Media and Protocol, Uchechukwu Olisah.

Mohammed said the board had approved a four-month registration window for the examination, adding that the move was aimed at easing pressures on candidates and families.

He said the registration would start on January 26, and close on May 24, while the examination would be conducted nationwide on June 6.

The registrar explained that this followed the approval of the 2026 examination and registration framework by the Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa.

“This extended timeline is a deliberate policy decision to allow adequate preparation, reduce congestion on the registration platform and minimise financial and logistical burdens on parents and guardians,” he said.

The registrar added that the board had strengthened its administrative and technological systems to ensure that the registration process was user-friendly, accessible and free of disruptions.

“NABTEB has put in place comprehensive measures to guarantee a smooth and stress-free registration experience for candidates, parents, guardians and schools, while maintaining the highest standards of examination integrity,” Mohammed said.

The NABTEB chief executive in the same vein urged prospective candidates to register only through the official NABTEB online portal.

He warned prospective candidates against the use of unauthorised agents or third-party platforms.

“All applications must be processed exclusively through NABTEB’s official portal.

“Candidates and guardians are advised to complete their registration well ahead of the deadline to avoid last-minute challenges,” he said.

The registrar reaffirmed NABTEB’s commitment to professionalism and transparency.

He said the board remained focused on expanding access to technical education while safeguarding the credibility of its examinations.

Mohammed also encouraged Nigerians to take advantage of opportunities offered by Technical and Vocational Education and Training, describing it as a pathway to employable skills, entrepreneurship and economic self-reliance.

“Technical and Vocational Education and Training equips young people with practical competencies required for national development.

“Nigerians are encouraged to choose skills, choose opportunity and choose a secure future,” he said.

NABTEB, he added, would continue to work closely with the federal ministry of education and other stakeholders to strengthen skills-based education and support Nigeria’s human capital development goals.

NABTEB extends timeline for 2026 NCEE registration