Akwa Ibom: Take advantage of FG’s autonomy on admissions – Varsity Chair to Institutions

Chairman of Topfaith University in Akwa Ibom, Dr Emmanuel Abraham has urged higher institutions in the State to embrace the autonomy on admissions granted by the Federal Ministry of Education.

His call follows the order by the Minister of Education Dr Tunji Alausa to universities to determine their admission processes without using the Joint Admission Matriculation Board, JAMB examination as the main criterion for admissions of candidates.

Speaking in an interview with journalists on Thursday, Chairman of the University, Dr Emmanuel Abraham explained that if the federal government has considered the need to allow universities take initiative of deciding who should be admitted for programmes, such step should be accepted by stakeholders.

According to him, ” When you talk of university autonomy, it is something that is universal. It implies the capacity of the institution to take crucial decisions and one of such decisions is who to admit and what forms the basis of such admission.

“The basis for admission could be from many dimensions such as available facilities, human resources, the needs of the moment, the needs of society, the vision and mission of the university as well as the focal points of the instructions concerned among others.”

Speaking on alleged admission racket in Universities in the state, Abraham described it as baseless and unfounded as no case has been established against any university on admission irregularities.

He added, “sometimes, I refuse to join in the speculation. The issue of corruption in admission processes depends on the integrity of universities.”

Akwa Ibom: Take advantage of FG’s autonomy on admissions – Varsity Chair to Institutions

Electoral Act 2026: Yoruba Ronu Forum slams NASS over omission of certificate forgery

The Yoruba Ronu Leadership Forum has criticised the National Assembly over provisions in the Electoral Act 2026 (as amended), particularly the exclusion of certificate forgery and qualification-related issues as valid grounds for election petitions.

The group also called on the Federal Government to release the full details of the amended legislation, instead of making the content available in fragments following its assent.

Speaking on behalf of the forum, its President, Akin Malaolu, expressed concern over Section 138(1) of the amended law, which limits election disputes to only two grounds: claims of invalidity due to corrupt practices or non-compliance with electoral provisions, and allegations that a candidate was not duly elected by majority lawful votes.

He further referenced Section 138(3), which introduces penalties of not less than N5 million for legal practitioners and N10 million for petitioners who initiate cases outside the permitted grounds.

According to the forum, the removal of “qualification” issues, such as allegations of certificate forgery, from the list of admissible petition grounds represents a major shift from previous electoral laws that allowed such challenges.

Malaolu said members of the group had urged its leadership to take a position on the development, prompting a detailed review of the new provisions and their implications for governance.

“We have reflected deeply on these provisions and undertaken a critical introspection of the quality of leadership in the present National Assembly, particularly its apparent failure to consider the implications of clauses that appear sympathetic to forgery,” he said.

He warned that any legal framework perceived to tolerate or shield forgery could encourage dishonesty, falsification, and misrepresentation within society, especially in the education sector.

“Fraud and forgery are not taught in schools, but they thrive when society fails to uphold standards that discourage them,” he added.

Malaolu stressed the need to preserve legal and moral standards, insisting that weakening such safeguards could have far-reaching consequences for national integrity.

The forum cautioned that Nigeria’s democratic institutions could be undermined if identified gaps in the legislation are not urgently addressed.

Electoral Act 2026: Yoruba Ronu Forum slams NASS over omission of certificate forgery

Full text: King Charles’ address at State Banquet for Tinubu

A SPEECH BY HIS MAJESTY THE KING

Your Excellency, Mr President, and Distinguished First Lady,

Ekabo. Se Daaa Daa Ni. (Greetings! I hope you are well.)

My wife and I are delighted to welcome you to Windsor Castle here on this occasion. We are most grateful to you for travelling during this holy month which, I acknowledge, is no small sacrifice, and so it is my particular pleasure to wish you, Mr President, peace, blessings, and an abundance of joy.

Ramadan Mubarak!

During my most recent visit to Nigeria in 2018, when I was fortunate enough to be able to spend some time with your highly respected traditional leaders, the Sultan of Sokoto, the Ooni of Ife, Onitsha, Warri, and The Emir of Kano, it was self-evident that while the warmth of the Nigerian welcome remains constant, the country itself is transforming at a remarkable pace. Nigeria hasn’t merely changed. It has arrived. Yours is now a nation of over two hundred and thirty million people, half of whom are under eighteen, with the energy, ingenuity, ambition and resolve to address the great challenges of our age.

We in the United Kingdom are blessed that so many people of Nigerian heritage, having chosen Britain as their home, are now at the heart of British life through excelling at the highest levels of business, technology, academia, law, science, sport, literature and the arts, and public service.

I have met so many of these quiet heroes in our schools, businesses, National Health Service and universities, including countless young people who have flourished through the work of my King’s Trust over the last fifty years. Only last week, I was delighted to host a rather lively group of them for a ‘Jollof and Tea’ Party, at St. James’s Palace. I was firmly assured that the Jollof was only the best: Nigerian, of course… or perhaps Ghanaian or Senegalese. Diplomatically I cannot remember!

But who could have imagined that, when I first visited Nigeria thirty-six years ago today, so many of those I might have met would have gone on to have such an impact in the United Kingdom. From Afrobeats filling our concert halls and Nollywood captivating our screens, to stars competing in our Premier League and adjudicating our highest courts, so much of Britain’s culture is, in truth, profoundly enriched by Nigeria. Whether they are Nigerians who have chosen Britain as their adopted place to invest, trade or study, or Britons who cherish their personal connection to Nigeria, they all represent a living bridge of over half a million people who connect our nations, Mr President, and help make our cultures richer, our shared security stronger and our economies more prosperous.

We are proud that so many great examples of this living bridge join us this evening.

As the connections between our nations deepen every day, so too do the economic ties. Your visit has provided the opportunity to celebrate the fact that Nigeria is investing in Britain’s future as much as Britain is investing in Nigeria’s – leading Nigerian banks have chosen the City of London as a global base, examples of the best Nigerian companies have listed on London’s Stock Exchange, and U.K. Export Finance is supporting investment in Nigeria’s ports. In education, British schools and universities are opening their doors in Nigeria, and British and Nigerian technology companies are forming ever closer partnerships. I was pleased to see that visitors from Nigeria spent £178 million in Britain in 2024, and 251,000 people from Britain travelled to Nigeria and spent just as much, in return. In January of this year, Nigeria became the United Kingdom’s biggest export market in Africa and whilst I hear that in Nigeria the phrase ‘Made in U.K.’ has always symbolised the highest quality, it evidently now has a distinctively Nigerian flavour…

The friendship between our two countries, Mr President, is a partnership of equals that has brought us both enormous benefits. It has been described to me as a deeply spiritual connection – beyond churches and mosques – a deep bond through which we have strengthened our shared security, ensured our economies are more prosperous, and empowered each other to believe in a more hopeful future.

The many dynamic connections between our two nations have deep roots and yet I do not pretend that those roots are without a shadow. There are chapters in our shared history that I know have left some painful marks. I do not seek to offer words that dissolve the past, for no words can. But I do believe, as I know you believe, Mr President, that history is not merely a record of what was done to us – it is a lesson in how we go forward together to continue building a future rooted in hope and growth for all, and worthy of those who bore the pains of the past.

This afternoon, in another part of the Castle, Mr President, you and I witnessed one such example of how we are learning from one another when we met leaders of the British Christian and Muslim communities. The gathering was a deeply meaningful symbol of what Nigeria has long shown: that people of different faiths can, do, and must live alongside one another, in peace, in harmony and in shared purpose. It was also a timely reminder of the importance of standing with you – and in us strengthening your Quick Reaction Forces, or in providing food, nutrition and protection services in Northern Nigeria when challenges disturb the age-old balance between these communities.

Your nation, Mr President, is an economic powerhouse, a cultural force and an influential diplomatic voice from a continent that is playing an increasingly important role in the world. In a vastly interconnected global environment, one that is changing at unimaginable speed, that leadership brings responsibility – and opportunity. I heed the Yoruba wisdom – and forgive me if I say it in English… that “rain does not fall on one roof alone”. As you observed so astutely before the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Samoa in 2024, “if we didn’t have this global alliance… of fifty-six member states, 2.7 billion people and a combined G.D.P. forecast soon to surpass twenty trillion U.S. dollars… there would be a need to create one”. I believe firmly that, when rain clouds gather, we can tighten the grip of friendship between us and, in so doing, reinforce the central role of the Commonwealth in our shared future.

As the world changes, these are lessons we must heed now more than ever. As the Hausa saying goes, “when the music changes, so does the dance”. We can learn from Nigeria, and the best of the U.K. and Nigeria’s partnership, and harness the advantage that comes from our common languages, our similar legal systems, and the web of cultural ties and spiritual connections that provide such deep trust between us, and look to the future and learn new dance steps, together.

Mr President, you have spoken, in particular, of the importance of expanding intra- Commonwealth trade by creating shared standards, regulatory and digital alignment, and removing barriers that deter investment – as the U.K. and Nigeria’s Enhanced Trade and Investment Partnership is just such an example – so that our economies can grow, in harmony with Nature, and create the millions of jobs our citizens need. So as we look towards C.H.O.G.M this year, I hope far from being past its time we can demonstrate that the Commonwealth’s time has come, as you so rightly said. In achieving that, my wife and I will gain strength from seeing Nigeria take her rightful place at the heart of the Commonwealth and to standing alongside you as a friend, who believes the future is best when built together. As the Igbo say, “Knowledge is never complete two heads are better than one”.

So as I close, Mr President, in anticipation of Eid El-Fitr in Nigeria and across the world, I can only wish you and the millions of Muslims in our countries, Eid Mubarak.

And, in doing so, let me propose a toast,

To the President and people of Nigeria –

“Naija No Dey Carry Last!” (Nigerians Never Come Last)

Full text: King Charles’ address at State Banquet for Tinubu

We’re ready to implement full zero tariff on Nigeria, others – China

China has said it is willing to work with Nigeria to ensure the full implementation of zero tariff with the 53 African countries sharing diplomatic relations with the Asian giants as announced by President Xi Jinping last month.

The Cultural Counsellor of the Chinese Embassy and Director of the China Cultural Centre in Nigeria, Yang Jianxing, made this known at the“China-Nigeria Good Partners-Celebration of International Taijiquan Day” in Abuja on Wednesday.

DAILY POST reports that 2026 marks the 55th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Nigeria, and is also the “China-Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges.”

Jianzing noted that during this period, the political mutual trust between the two countries has deepened as economic and trade cooperation has yielded fruitful results, while people-to-people exchanges have become increasingly close.

According to him, the two nations have supported each other in international affairs, making the friendship ever stronger.

“Last month, in his congratulatory message to the 39th African Union Summit, President Xi Jinping announced that China would fully implement zero-tariff measures on 53 African countries with which it has diplomatic relations,” he said.

“China is willing to work with Nigeria to ensure that this major initiative is implemented and takes effect as soon as possible, using tariff reductions to boost trade, multiply people’s livelihoods, and contribute to Nigeria’s economic and social development, working together on the path to modernization.

“In 2026, we are willing to work with Our Nigerian friends to continue to earnestly implement the outcomes of the 2024 Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation, solidly implement the important consensus reached by the two heads of state during the summit, build more exchange platforms, promote cultural exchanges between China and Nigeria,” he stated.

Also speaking, Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Shehu Dikko, said the event underscored the intersection of sport, culture and diplomacy.

“It’s a convergence of culture, history, education, health and lifestyle, all in one particular event, and it is also a sport,” Dikko said, adding that the commission fully supports the initiative.

“We will continue to collaborate to advance the mutual relationship between Nigeria and China,” he said.

Also speaking, Permanent Secretary, Social Development Secretariat of the Federal Capital Territory Administration, FCTA, Olubunmi Olowokere said, “in our fast-paced world, where stress and lifestyle-related illnesses are on the rise, the principles of Tai Chi offer a powerful antidote.

“Our core responsibility is the welfare, empowerment, and well-being of the Residents of the Federal Capital Territory. We are constantly seeking innovative and accessible ways to improve the quality of life for our people, from youth development to the care of the elderly, and from gender inclusion to public health awareness.”

We’re ready to implement full zero tariff on Nigeria, others – China

2026 World Oral Health Day: Pepsodent Launches “Do The 2, Brush Day and Night” Campaign

Pepsodent, a leading global toothpaste brand, has officially launched its 2026 World Oral Health Day (WOHD) campaign, themed “Do The 2,” as part of efforts to promote oral hygiene habits among Nigerians.

The “Do The 2” campaign was launched at a press conference held on Monday, March 16, 2026, at Unilever’s head office in Lagos, and organised in collaboration with the Nigerian Dental Association (NDA).

The campaign kicked off Monday, March 16, through Saturday, March 21, 2026, featuring school engagement programs, public activations in high-traffic areas, and dental camps. The campaign will run in 17 key states across the country, with a strategic focus on Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, and Enugu, and the aim of reaching 50 million Nigerians.

Speaking at the press briefing, the Brand Manager, Pepsodent, Lauretta Amie, noted that the brand aims to instill lifelong oral health habits in children and adults alike by combining awareness, education, and engagement activities in schools and communities.

“The ‘Do The 2’ campaign is a call to action for Nigerians to brush twice daily and maintain regular dental visits. Through our collaboration with the Nigerian Dental Association, we aim to reach 500,000 people, driving awareness on prevention, detection, and treatment of oral health diseases,” Amie said.

Speaking during the press conference, Head of the Dentistry Division, Federal Ministry of Health, Dr. Gloria Uzoigwe, stressed that the partnership with Unilever clearly demonstrates the power of public-private collaboration in advancing national health priorities, adding that thousands of school children have been reached in many states in Nigeria through the School Oral Health Programs.

L-R: Head of Dentistry, Federal Ministry of Health, Dr. Gloria Uzoigwe; Brand Manager, Pepsodent, Lauretta Amie; President, Nigerian Dental Association, Dr. Emedom Elias, and Head of Supply Chain, Unilever Nigeria Plc, Abayomi Alli during a Press Conference to announce the celebration of the 2026 World Oral Health Day by Pepsodent in Lagos

She acknowledged the critical role of the private sector and professional associations in advancing public health, stating that Unilever’s investment in oral care initiatives and the Nigerian Dental Association’s dedication to professional excellence remain invaluable in driving progress.

In his remarks, President, Nigerian Dental Association, Dr. Emedom Elias, described the celebration of the 2026 World Oral Health Day as an important milestone to highlight the importance of oral health.

Elias stated that this year’s campaign theme, “A Happy Mouth is a Happy Life,” underscores the importance of oral health to overall well-being.

According to him, oral health should not be seen as healthy clean teeth and gums alone, but also its role in influencing one’s ability to perform tasks such as eating, speaking, learning, working, and relating with others.

He called on the government and other relevant stakeholders to prioritize oral healthcare as an important component of general health. He emphasized the need for both partners to work together to increase access to quality oral healthcare, promote oral health education and awareness, and integrate oral health into the primary healthcare system.

In his keynote speech, the Head of Supply Chain, Unilever Nigeria Plc, Abayomi Alli, said that the campaign reaffirms the company’s commitment to extending its impact beyond high-quality products, using partnerships, technology, and community outreach to ensure every Nigerian has access to education, resources, and care to eradicate oral disease and promote healthier lives.

Alli noted that good dental hygiene is essential not only to avoid cavities and gum disease but also to prevent systemic health issues such as diabetes and heart disease.

He noted that the campaign was embarked upon with the intention of reinforcing the core message of protecting the family from cavities and bad breath.

“World Oral Health Day is a moment to recommit to transforming oral health awareness and access to care in Nigeria. With the ‘Do The 2’ campaign, Pepsodent is proud to play a role in building healthier smiles across the nation,” he added.

2026 World Oral Health Day: Pepsodent Launches “Do The 2, Brush Day and Night” Campaign

Benue: Students sit exams in damaged classrooms after storm hits Otukpo school

Students of Jesus College in Otukpo, Benue State, returned for their terminal examinations on Monday to meet their classrooms and school facilities badly damaged by a windstorm.

The school’s principal, Simon Omala, said the storm, which struck on Friday night, destroyed key parts of the school, including classrooms, laboratories, and staff quarters.

“The windstorm blew down almost everything in the school. Staff quarters, classrooms, the staff room, and the exam hall. Virtually everything was affected,” Mr Omala said.

He explained that students were not on campus when the incident occurred but came back to a severely damaged environment.

“This morning, the students came to continue their terminal examinations. They were shocked by the level of destruction,” he said.

The school, founded in 1954 and now run by the Benue State Government, has over 400 students. At least 12 classrooms lost their roofs, while other buildings also suffered damage.

Laboratory facilities were also affected, with rainwater damaging equipment in the ICT lab.

“Our ICT laboratory was affected. Rainwater soaked some of the equipment. Electronics do not survive such exposure, so some of the facilities have already been damaged,” he said.

Despite the situation, examinations are ongoing under temporary arrangements, with students using alternative spaces like the chapel.

“We are managing temporary arrangements for them to finish their exams. Some will write in the chapel and other spaces that were not completely destroyed,” he explained.

Mr Omala added that the school will shut temporarily after the exams to allow for assessment and repairs. He noted that the damage could disrupt preparations for the upcoming WASSCE in April.

“Students are supposed to read in their classrooms and prepare well. With the structures destroyed, it will bring a lot of inconvenience to them,” he said.

The Area Education Officer for Otukpo, Bernard Oga, described the destruction as extensive after visiting the school.

“It is really devastating. Almost the whole school is down,” Mr Oga said.

He confirmed that the situation has been reported to the state Ministry of Education.

“I have sent pictures of the destruction to the Commissioner for Education. We have also been asked to print and submit a detailed report,” he said.

He added that other schools in the area were also affected and would be inspected.

The storm also damaged homes and businesses across Otukpo, prompting the Och’Idoma, Elaigwu Odogbo, to call for urgent intervention.

In a statement issued through the Mayor of Otukpo, Ignatius Ogbogo, the traditional ruler appealed for support from the federal and state governments, as well as emergency agencies.

“What we welcomed as the first rain of the year has unfortunately brought unexpected hardship to many households,” the statement said.

Several homes were reportedly damaged, leaving some families displaced, with calls for relief materials and infrastructure repairs.

In a similar development, residents of Ejuku community in Kogi State said a recent storm destroyed about 40 houses, leaving many without shelter.

Community leaders appealed for urgent assistance, noting that no relief had reached them days after the incident.

Back in Otukpo, school authorities say their priority is ensuring students complete their examinations safely while awaiting support to rebuild the damaged facilities.

Benue: Students sit exams in damaged classrooms after storm hits Otukpo school

Benue records 383 suspected Lassa fever cases, 47 confirmed

Benue State Government says no deaths from Lassa fever have been recorded in the last 11 days, despite a rise in suspected infections.

The Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Dr. Paul Ogwuche, disclosed this while briefing journalists, noting that suspected cases have increased to 383, with 47 confirmed infections so far.

He added that the total number of deaths since the outbreak remains 14.

Providing further details, the commissioner said only six new cases were confirmed within the last 11 days, indicating a slowdown in infections.

He also noted that 20 patients are currently in isolation 14 at Benue State University Teaching Hospital and six at the Federal Medical Centre, Makurdi.

According to him, “We have not recorded any mortality in the last 11 days. So far, the cumulative figure of suspected cases has moved from 251 to 382, while 47 cases have been confirmed cumulatively.”

Dr. Ogwuche attributed the improvement to intensified awareness campaigns, early detection, and support from health partners, including the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), and the World Health Organization (WHO).

He said surveillance has been strengthened across all 23 local government areas, with health workers trained on infection prevention and control measures.

“The rates have dropped drastically because we are out combing for suspected cases. Those that are positive are few compared to before. We have engaged in regular meetings with WHO, NCDC, and the Emergency Operations Centre.

“Surveillance is ongoing in all 23 LGAs. We provide regular updates and carry out training of health workers on basic prevention and infection control in isolation centres, which accounts for why they are not infected. There are 14 cases in BSUTH and six at FMC, Makurdi, in isolation.

“The pillars we put in place — sensitisation and health education — have accounted for this development. People now know what to do and what they should not do.

“The message has reached all 23 LGAs. We are also tracking our cases very early now because the surveillance officers are in the field. Any reported positive case is monitored along all contact lines; once there are symptoms, we test and take them to the isolation centre.

“The earlier you present, the better the outcome. The low mortality shows that people are being tracked in their communities and brought in for early treatment.

“There is also a lot of intervention from our partners. Many of them are on the ground, the NCDC, MSF and WHO are all working together to see how we can curtail it.

“The pillars of the response, including infection prevention and control, are in place, and all our laboratories are functional, capable of detecting early infection and initiating treatment. A lot has been done by the Ministry and its partners.

“The state government has supported the response with substantial funds, which have enabled us to work effectively.

“Everybody is on their toes doing the needful. We have not recorded any outbreak in the IDP camps.

“We are on the verge of distributing IAC materials (flyers) to the 15 IDP camps in the state,” he said.

Benue records 383 suspected Lassa fever cases, 47 confirmed

Again, Fulani group alleges poisoning of cows in Plateau community

The Gan Allah Fulani Development Association of Nigeria, GAFDAN, has again alleged that three cows belonging to a Fulani herdsman were poisoned to death by youths they described as “Irigwe militias” in Ansha community of Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State.

The media arm of GAFDAN which made the allegation in a statement on Tuesday, said the cows that belonged to one Umar Idris who resides in the community, were poisoned by the youths in what it said was a consistent attack of herders with the aim of provoking reprisal attacks that would be blamed on the Fulani people.

“On Sunday, 15th March 2026, a Fulani herder, Umar Idris, tragically lost three cows to suspected poisoning by Irigwe youths in the Ansha area of Plateau State’s Bassa LGA,” the statement reads.

“This trend has consistently signaled impending conflict, usually emerging without any evident provocation or rationale.”

The group further brought up similar incidents of alleged attacks and killings of Fulani herdsmen and their cattle in different parts of the state which it said have been swept under the carpet as both the state government and security agencies have done nothing to apprehend the perpetrators and bring them to book.

“Attacks and poisoning of Fulani cows are taking a new dimension and these are aimed at provoking reprisal attacks so that our people will be blamed and tagged the aggressors.

“We recall that in February, eight (8) cows were poisoned to death around Kwi village in Riyom LGA, belonging to Ya’u Yusuf and Yahaya Sadari from Fass community while three (3) cows were shot dead around Kuru Gadabiyu in Barkin Ladi LGA near Bicichi, belonging to Shuaibu Ibrahim of Bicichi.

“These acts are cruel, criminal, and provocative. The killing of cattle is not just the destruction of property; it is a direct attack on the survival, dignity, and livelihood of Fulani families who depend on these animals for food, the education of their children, and basic living.

“We have always reported these attacks to security operatives but every time, they are swept under the carpet as the perpetrators are neither arrested nor prosecuted, thereby emboldening others to carry out similar acts,” the statement added.

Again, Fulani group alleges poisoning of cows in Plateau community

Bala Mohammed orders early payment of March salaries in Bauchi

Bauchi State Governor, Sen. Bala Mohammed, has approved the immediate payment of March 2026 salaries for civil servants across the state ahead of the Eid-el-Fitr celebrations.

The State Head of Service, Barr. Sani Mohammed, disclosed this during a press briefing in Bauchi, noting that the directive is aimed at enabling workers to celebrate the festive period with ease.

According to him, the gesture underscores the governor’s consistent commitment to the welfare of workers, particularly during festive periods.

Mohammed expressed appreciation on behalf of the civil service, describing the move as timely and impactful, adding that it would ease financial pressure on families and stimulate economic activities in the state.

He also provided an update on the ongoing recruitment exercise, stating that the process had reached its final stage, with interviews already underway in most Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs).

The Head of Service revealed that nearly all the 18 MDAs involved had commenced interviews, with only a few yet to begin.

He added that he had monitored the exercise in several institutions, including the Civil Service Commission, Teachers Service Commission, Ministry of Works, Ministry of Housing and Environment, Sharia Commission, and Aminu Saleh College of Education, Azare.

He commended the level of professionalism displayed by interview panels and the orderly conduct of candidates, noting that minor shortcomings observed could be addressed through training.

Mohammed further disclosed that successful candidates would soon receive their appointment letters through a digital platform, allowing them to access and print the documents directly from their dashboards.

He explained that the digital approach was designed to minimise human interference, with physical interaction limited to the interview stage for proper assessment of candidates.

The Head of Service warned against recruitment fraud, revealing that several suspects had already been arrested, while investigations were ongoing.

He stressed that both those demanding and those offering bribes for employment would face sanctions, including disqualification and prosecution.

Mohammed reaffirmed the administration’s zero tolerance for corruption, noting that public service must be based on merit and integrity.

He also commended the media for their role in sensitising the public and enhancing transparency throughout the recruitment process.

Bala Mohammed orders early payment of March salaries in Bauchi

Adamawa Poly graduates protest accreditation delays

Graduates of the Adamawa State Polytechnic, Yola whose programs have not been accredited have protested the delay, demanding intervention of the state government.

The graduates, joined by current students who face the same fate, took their peaceful protest to the Rector’s Office and the Government House Yola, passing the message to the school management and the state government that their future is being delayed.

The protesters who comprised graduates from the 2023, 2024, and 2025 sets, expressed frustration over the failure of the institution to upload their accreditation details on the portal of the National Youth Service Corps, NYSC, thereby leaving many qualified graduates unable to participate in the mandatory national service.

Students currently in HND I and those who just completed their programmes this year are particularly apprehensive that they may suffer the same fate.

The protest was driven largely by students from the Science Laboratory Technology (SLT) and Biochemistry departments who are worse hit.

Multiple sources reveal that the HND SLT programme has been running since 2021 without full accreditation from the National Board for Technical Education, NBTE; after the institution graduated two sets of students.

This accreditation gap has rendered many graduates ineligible for NYSC mobilisation, as the NBTE requires that only graduates from fully accredited programmes are cleared for national service.

One of the protesting graduates who spoke on condition of anonymity, said, “We have written letters, asked questions several times, and sought answers from the school management. The only response we keep getting is, ‘We will do it soon.’ Nothing changes and our hard work is being wasted.”

The protesters, who had initially gathered within the school premises, later marched to the Government House, hoping to see Governor Ahmadu Fintiri, but they were turned away.

However, in a turn of events, the Rector of the Adamawa State Polytechnic, Professor Mohammed Toungos who was not on campus when the protest began, turned up and received the demonstrators.

Professor Toungos commended the protesters for their peaceful conduct and assured them that the management had heard their grievances and would expedite action to resolve the lingering issues of certificate issuance and accreditation.

The rector promised to engage with the NBTE and other relevant authorities to fast-track the accreditation of the affected programmes.

Adamawa Poly graduates protest accreditation delays

Kingship tussle: Ayuele Clan alerts Edo govt, security agencies of looming conflict over Agbede Oba stool

The Ayuele Clan in Edo State has called the attention of the State Government, security agencies, the media, and the general public to what it describes as a rapidly escalating situation in Agbede community.

The Clan, on the aegis of the Ayuele Solidarity Front, accused some individuals in the community of being involved in unlawful activities.

Following the passing of the late Oba M. S. Momodu, the Agbede chieftaincy stool became the subject of a prolonged succession dispute.

On January 12, 2026, the Federal High Court delivered a judgment affirming the lawful order of succession based strictly on seniority among the sons of the late Oba.

However, despite the court’s ruling, and before the Certified True Copy could be obtained for proper implementation, a group of individuals, acting without authority, were said to have hurriedly and secretly purported to install Mr. Shayawu Momodu as Oba of Agbede.

Following his installation, which the Ayuele described as unlawful, Shayawu and his supporters were said to have forcibly occupied the Agbede Palace, which had been locked pending lawful installation procedures.

This is, according to them in a press briefing on Monday, despite a formal suspension order issued by the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, and a High Court injunction restraining him from parading himself as Oba.

Ayuele people said these actions constitute “criminal trespass, contempt of court, disobedience to lawful authority, and a direct threat to public peace and security.”

“The Ayuele Solidarity Front has worked tirelessly to calm the youth and prevent any resort to self-help. However, the continued provocation, open defiance of court orders, and illegal occupation of the palace have created a highly volatile atmosphere,” the Clan said in a statement signed by:

Hon. Zak A. Momoh, former Member, Edo State House of Assembly

Dr. Ibrahim M. Zikirullahi, Executive Director, Centre for Human Rights & Civic Education

Barr. Faruk Mahmud, former Vice Chairman, Etsako West LGA

Mr. Sanni Zuberu, Retired Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP)

Alh. Audu Mohammed Jamiu, President, AMCOSA

Hajia Fati Yesufu, Women Leader

Mallam Nurudeen Ibrahim, ASF Diaspora Representative

Mallam Mawi Mahmud, and many others

“The patience of the community is wearing thin, and there is now a clear and imminent risk of violent confrontation if urgent steps are not taken.

“We therefore call on His Excellency, the Governor of Edo State, to order the immediate eviction of Mr. Shayawu and his supporters from the Agbede Palace and enforce compliance with all lawful directives and court orders.

“The Commissioner of Police, Edo State, should deploy officers to maintain peace, prevent further provocation, and prosecute all individuals involved in criminal trespass and contempt of court.

“The Department of State Services (DSS) should investigate the activities of those involved for actions capable of destabilizing the community and threatening internal security.

“All security agencies should act swiftly to prevent an avoidable crisis and restore public confidence in the rule of law.

“[We] remain firmly committed to peace, justice, and the lawful resolution of the chieftaincy matter. We urge all sons and daughters of the Ayuele Clan to remain calm, vigilant, and law-abiding as we await decisive government action.”

Kingship tussle: Ayuele Clan alerts Edo govt, security agencies of looming conflict over Agbede Oba stool

Correctional officers’ wives urges FG to revive abandoned Ngwo Borstal Institute

The President of the Nigerian Correctional Officers’ Wives Association, Mrs Ebelechukwu Obiano, has urged the Federal Government to rehabilitate and revive the abandoned Ngwo Borstal Institute in Enugu State.

Ebelechukwu made the call during a visit to the facility in Ngwo, Udi Local Government Area of the state, where she expressed concern over the deteriorating condition of the institute meant for the rehabilitation of juvenile offenders.

She said “the continued abandonment of the facility undermines efforts to reform young offenders and provide them with the necessary education, counseling and vocational training required for their reintegration into society”.

According to her, “borstal institutions play a critical role in addressing youth indiscipline by reforming young offenders and equipping them with skills that would enable them become productive members of society”.

She therefore called on the Federal Government through the Federal Ministry of Interior and the Nigerian Correctional Service to urgently rehabilitate the institute and restore it to full operation.

Ebelechukwu added that reviving the facility would strengthen Nigeria’s juvenile justice system and help reduce crime among young people.

Correctional officers’ wives urges FG to revive abandoned Ngwo Borstal Institute

Kano government scraps higher education ministry, sacks deputy as commissioner

The Kano State Government has officially abolished the Ministry of Higher Education and merged its functions with the Ministry of Education.

The decision, announced on Monday by Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, comes as part of a broader restructuring of the state’s education sector.

Under the new arrangement, all responsibilities for universities, colleges, scholarships, and other tertiary education matters will now be handled by the Ministry of Education.

A Directorate of Higher Education will be set up within the ministry to oversee these functions.

The move also removes Deputy Governor Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo from his role as Commissioner for Higher Education.

Note that the change comes amid rumoured tension between the governor and the deputy governor, including discussions of impeachment against the deputy

The Kano government stated “that the restructuring aims to improve coordination in the education sector, reduce duplication of functions, and cut governance costs, while strengthening oversight and the quality of tertiary education in the state.

Kano government scraps higher education ministry, sacks deputy as commissioner

Scrapping Higher Education Ministry shows declining focus on governance – Kwankwasiyya tells Kano govt

The Kwankwasiyya Movement has criticised the decision of the Kano State Government to dissolve the Ministry of Higher Education and merge it with the Ministry of Education, describing the move as politically motivated and a sign of declining attention to governance.

In a statement issued on Monday in Kano, the spokesperson of the movement, Habibu Sale Mohammed, said the government’s explanation that the decision was part of an administrative reform does not reflect the real reasons behind the action.

“The dissolution of the Ministry of Higher Education under the pretext of administrative restructuring raises serious concerns about the government’s priorities and commitment to responsible governance,” Mohammed said.

According to him, the decision appears to be connected to the ongoing political situation involving the state’s deputy governor, Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo, who had been overseeing the ministry.

“It is difficult to ignore the growing perception that this action is aimed at punishing the deputy governor for refusing to abandon the Kwankwasiyya Movement and the aspirations of the supporters who brought this administration to power,” he stated.

Mohammed said the ministry had already been weakened over the past year through a series of administrative decisions that moved several agencies and responsibilities away from it.

“For more than a year, agencies and sub-units that ordinarily fall under the Ministry of Higher Education were instructed to report elsewhere, while key responsibilities were reassigned to advisers and special committees,” he said.

He added that the eventual dissolution of the ministry confirms concerns that political considerations are increasingly shaping governance in the state rather than the public interest.

“If there were concerns about who should supervise the ministry, the governor could simply have reassigned that responsibility and appointed another commissioner. Scrapping a strategic ministry is not the solution,” he said.

The movement also expressed concern that the decision was taken at a time when several important commissioner positions in the state government remain vacant.

“A government that leaves critical portfolios vacant while dismantling an important ministry cannot convincingly argue that it is prioritising development,” Mohammed said.

He emphasised that higher education plays a crucial role in the development of Kano State and warned that reforms in the sector should be guided by clear policies and long-term planning rather than political interests.

“Universities, polytechnics, colleges of education and scholarship programmes require coordinated leadership and long-term planning. Decisions affecting them must be guided by vision and consultation,” he said.

The Kwankwasiyya Movement, therefore, called on the state government to reconsider actions that may appear vindictive and instead focus on policies that promote stability and development.

“Kano deserves leadership that places the long-term interests of the people above temporary political manoeuvres,” Mohammed added.

Scrapping Higher Education Ministry shows declining focus on governance – Kwankwasiyya tells Kano govt

Sunday Dare – UK-Nigeria: A reset-building on the Past and leaping into the future.

This week, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will travel to the United Kingdom for what may prove to be one of the most consequential diplomatic engagements of his Presidency. It will be the first time a Nigerian leader will be berthing on the banks of the Thames on a State Visit in nearly four decades. Only very few such State visits in the past, by an African leader, have carried more symbolic and strategic weight.

In November 1977, Egyptian President Anwar Sadat made a historic journey to Jerusalem, becoming the first Arab leader to set foot on Jewish soil since the biblical Exodus—when Moses led the Israelites out of Egypt. That moment was more than a diplomatic gesture; it signaled a strategic rethinking of a relationship defined for decades by history, suspicion, and conflict.

President Tinubu’s visit to London may not carry the drama of Sadat’s visit to Begin, but its implications for the future of UK–Africa relations could prove just as significant. At first glance, Nigeria–UK relations may appear familiar- two countries bound by history, language, legal traditions, and dense people-to-people ties. Yet the significance of this visit lies not in nostalgia but in strategic renewal.

The agenda is forward-looking: investment, financial cooperation, technology partnerships, security coordination, education linkages, and diaspora engagement. But beyond the formal programme, the visit carries a deeper message: Nigeria and the United Kingdom are repositioning one of Africa’s most important bilateral relationships for a new global reality.

A Relationship Built on History

Few international partnerships between Africa and Europe carry the institutional depth of Nigeria–United Kingdom relations. From colonial administration to Nigeria’s independence in 1960 and through more than six decades of diplomatic engagement, the two nations have maintained enduring links across:
• governance and legal systems
• finance and banking
• security cooperation
• education and research
• trade and migration
.Security

Today, more than ever, the human connection alone is immense. More than 300,000 Nigerians live in the United Kingdom, forming one of the largest African diaspora communities in Europe. Nigerian students also rank among the largest foreign student populations in British universities, strengthening the intellectual bridge between both societies.

The economic relationship is equally significant- Total bilateral trade in goods and services reached approximately £8 billion in the four quarters ending mid-2025, with UK exports to Nigeria valued at £5.6 billion and imports from Nigeria at £2.3 billion.

Nigeria’s exports to the UK are dominated by oil and gas products, while British exports to Nigeria include industrial machinery, refined petroleum products, pharmaceuticals, consumer goods, and financial services. Despite these flows, the relationship still operates below its full potential.

Investment, Remittances and the Diaspora Economy

The financial ties between both countries extend far beyond trade. Nigeria remains one of the largest recipients of diaspora remittances globally, with inflows reaching about $21 billion in 2024, according to central bank estimates.

A significant share of these remittances originates from Nigerians resident in the United Kingdom, making the diaspora corridor one of the most important economic bridges between both countries. British investment has also played a long-standing role in Nigeria’s economy.

Major British-linked companies operate in Nigeria and recent data shows that the stock of UK foreign direct investment in Nigeria stood at about £385 million in 2023, highlighting the need to revitalize and scale investment flows between both economies.

This visit is therefore expected to focus heavily on unlocking new capital flows into Nigeria’s infrastructure, technology, energy and financial sectors.

Security Cooperation: Quiet but Significant

Security cooperation between Nigeria and the United Kingdom is one of the most substantive, though often understated, pillars of the bilateral relationship. For over three decades, British and Nigerian armed forces have collaborated on training, intelligence sharing, counter-terrorism strategy, and military professionalization. Sandhust for Nigeria Military is the Harvard of elite Military training.

British military advisory teams have trained hundreds of Nigerian military personnel, including specialized counterterrorism and civil-military relations units within the Armed Forces of Nigeria. In recent years, this cooperation has deepened through the UK–Nigeria Security and Defence

Partnership, which focuses on:
• counter-terrorism operations
• counter-terrorist financing investigations
• intelligence coordination
• cyber-security cooperation
• kidnapping response frameworks

Under this framework, the United Kingdom has also supported the strengthening of Nigeria’s National Counter-Terrorism Centre (NCTC) and assisted in developing the Multi-Agency Kidnap Fusion Cell, improving Nigeria’s ability to coordinate responses to security threats.

On the operational side, British military assistance has included:
• training of 150 Nigerian Special Forces personnel (“Panther” units) for counter-terrorism deployment
• donation of counter-insurgency training facilities for the Nigerian Armed Forces
• provision of counter-IED equipment and non-lethal military hardware to support operations against insurgent groups.

These efforts reflect a shared recognition that West African stability is inseparable from Nigeria’s internal security, and that both nations benefit from strengthening Nigeria’s capacity to confront terrorism, organized crime, and regional instability.

As insecurity in the Sahel increasingly spills southward, security cooperation is likely to feature prominently in President Tinubu’s discussions in London.

The First Major Visit in Nearly Four Decades

Diplomatic engagements between Nigeria and the United Kingdom have remained active over the years, but a formal state-level engagement of this scale by a Nigerian leader in London has not occurred in nearly four decades.

The last comparable high-profile engagement dates back to the late 1980s during the era of military leadership, making President Tinubu’s visit the first opportunity in almost 37 years to redefine the relationship at the highest strategic level.

That passage of time itself explains why a reset is necessary.The world has changed. Britain has redefined its global posture following Brexit, seeking deeper economic partnerships beyond Europe.

Nigeria, meanwhile, is undergoing its own transformation under President Tinubu’s structural reform programme, aimed at stabilizing the macroeconomy and restoring investor confidence.

President Tinubu’s Reform Narrative

President Tinubu arrives in London at a time when Nigeria is implementing its most significant economic reforms in decades. Exchange-rate unification, fiscal restructuring, tax reforms, and subsidy removal are gradually repositioning Nigeria’s economic fundamentals.

These reforms are designed to restore credibility, attract investment, and strengthen macroeconomic stability. For partners such as the United Kingdom, the message is clear:
Nigeria is not simply seeking aid. Nigeria is seeking investment, technology transfer, and mutually beneficial economic partnerships.

The Bigger Picture

The deeper significance of this visit lies in what it signals about the future of Nigeria’s diplomacy. Nigeria is no longer content to maintain relationships defined only by history. It is seeking partnerships defined by strategy, investment, and shared responsibility in shaping global narratives.

The United Kingdom, for its part, must also decide the nature of its engagement with Africa’s largest democracy. And to booth, one of Africa’s largest economy. For too long, London has sometimes appeared a detached observer when contentious narratives about Nigeria surface in global discourse—despite possessing perhaps the deepest institutional understanding of the country among Western partners.

Moments such as the recent international debate around allegations of religious persecution in Nigeria illustrate how a measured and informed voice from the United Kingdom could have helped calm tensions at the time, rather than allow speculation to shape perception.

A renewed partnership should therefore mean something more than trade statistics and diplomatic visits. It should mean engagement, candor, and strategic alignment.

When President Tinubu arrives in London on Tuesday , he is not simply visiting a former colonial capital. He is engaging a nation whose financial markets, diaspora networks, universities, and security institutions remain deeply intertwined with Nigeria’s own trajectory.

During Mr President’s last outing to Türkiye, the metaphor was clear: Nigeria was choosing a corridor to global markets. In London, the metaphor is different. If Türkiye represents a corridor between continents, the United Kingdom represents a gateway into the world’s financial, technological, and diplomatic ecosystems.

Right now. This moment in history. President Tinubu embodies the Nigerian dream. He carries the weight of the sum total of the hopes and aspirations of a 230 million population. And that this historic visit is taking place now during his time as President speaks to his transformational leadership. The moment has found it’s man and history is made.

And the task before both countries now is simple- to ensure that the bridge built by history becomes a highway to the future.

– Sunday Dare is the Special Adviser on Media and Communication to Nigeria’s President, Bola Tinubu. GCFR.

Sunday Dare – UK-Nigeria: A reset-building on the Past and leaping into the future.

Kano merges education ministries to drive reforms

Abba Kabir Yusuf, Governor of Kano State, has merged the Ministry of Higher Education with the Ministry of Education to improve coordination and accelerate reforms in the state’s education system.

The governor’s spokesperson, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, said the new ministry will include a Directorate of Higher Education to oversee universities and other tertiary institutions.

In a statement issued on Sunday, Dawakin Tofa said the directorate will be led by a Permanent Secretary and supported by staff to manage higher education effectively.

“All agencies under the former Higher Education Ministry, like the Scholarship Board, will now report to the Ministry of Education,” the statement said.

Governor Yusuf said the move is part of efforts to cut costs, improve efficiency and ensure better management across all levels of education in Kano.

He added that his government is committed to reforms that will revive the sector and provide a brighter future for young people.

The Office of the Secretary to the State Government and the Head of Service have been directed to ensure a smooth and immediate transition.

Kano merges education ministries to drive reforms

Teacher in viral Ramadan palliative video mentally ill — Kebbi Govt claims

The Kebbi State Government has responded to a viral video showing a school teacher, Abduljalal Usman, complaining about the quantity of Ramadan palliatives distributed in Dandi Local Government Area

In the video circulating on social media, Usman claimed he received only one mudu (a local measurement bowl) of rice and one mudu of maize as part of palliatives distributed to staff of the Dandi Local Government Education Authority.

However, the state government said the claim was misleading.

In a statement on Sunday, the Special Adviser on Communication and Strategy to the Nasir Idris, Abdullahi Idris, said the grains distributed under the programme were rice and millet, not maize as stated in the video.

He also said the palliative allocation meant for Dandi Local Government Area had not yet arrived at the council headquarters when the video was recorded.

The adviser further alleged that the individual in the video had been manipulated for political purposes, claiming he is a psychiatric patient.

The viral clip had earlier sparked debate on social media over the distribution of Ramadan palliatives in the state.

Meanwhile, the Dandi Local Government Education Authority has lifted Usman’s suspension pending the outcome of an investigation.

Teacher in viral Ramadan palliative video mentally ill — Kebbi Govt claims