Do not allow your children be recruited as terrorists, bandits – Islamic scholar warns parents

The Chief Imam of Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago- Iwoye in Ogun State, Professor Akeem Akanni, has advised parents across the country not to allow their children to be recruited as terrorists or bandits.

The professor of Islamic Studies made this declaration while delivering the 33rd Ramadan lecture organised by University of Ibadan Muslim Community (UIMC) on Saturday. Akanni while speaking on the topic “Between ‘scapegoatism’ and responsibility: Muslims’ roles in and Islam’s response to security concerns in Nigeria” noted that Quran recongnises sanctity of life and condemns all forms of violence.

He said that any group such as Boko Haram, ISWAP or any other terrorist groups taking lives of people and burning houses or destroying properties unjustly has no basis in Islam.

He then used the opportunity to warn parents not to allow their children or relatives be recruited as members of Boko Haram, ISWAP or any other violent groups.

Akanni tasked the governments at all levels to engage youths in meaningful endeavours to address the problem of insecurity in the country.

He advised that the government and other stakeholders engage in moral education, youth empowerment, community vigilance and responsible leadership.

He said, “Do not allow your children to be recruited as terrorists by Boko Haram, ISWAP. The Quran recongnises sanctity of life. Whichever group taking people’s lives, Islam does not recognise it. So, it is very wrong to say that Islam encourages people to kill people. Islam does not encourage shielding in whatever forms.

“So, Boko Haram, ISWAP or any other groups taking lives and destroying properties unjustly are condemned in Islam. Islam condemns public disturbance. Those who kill and burn properties unjustly are spreading public disturbance. Islam encourages peace building. So as long as it is peace building, Islam encourages it. Therefore, acts that encourage terrorism, banditry are condemned in Islam.

“Parents should give their children tools, skills that will make them economically independent. The government should engage the youths through provision of empowerment tools and job opportunities.

“Thus, any Muslim involvement in insecurity constitutes a betrayal of Islamic identity, not its fulfilment. Thus, acts that destabilise society, like terrorism, banditry, kidnapping or communal violence are therefore categorically prohibited (haram) in Islam.

“To address these, therefore those in positions of authority in Nigeria would be required to engage in moral education, youth empowerment, community vigilance, and responsible leadership. It is a collective responsibility for all as parents, leaders.”

The event was attended by Secretary to Oyo State Government, Professor Musibau Babatunde, UIMC President, Professor Musiliu Onilude, Chairman of UIMC, Professor Sirajudeen Bankole, Chairman of the occasion, Engineer Ishaq Folorunso, and Chief Imam of the institution, Professor Ibrahim Uthman.

Do not allow your children be recruited as terrorists, bandits – Islamic scholar warns parents

I will not be bullied – Seyi Tinubu breaks silence on VDM’s allegations

President Bola Tinubu’s son, Seyi Tinubu, has denied allegations linking him to an ongoing online dispute between controversial activist VeryDarkMan and content creator, King Mitchy.

DAILY POST reports that King Mitchy recently renovated a public school within six days with financial backing from Seyi Tinubu. She later became embroiled in an online exchange with VeryDarkMan over allegations of failure to account for public donations received since 2025.

In response, VeryDarkMan accused Seyi Tinubu of sponsoring Mitchy’s charity work and further escalated the controversy.

It was also reported that in a new video posted on his Instagram page, the activist called on the public to hold both Seyi Tinubu and Mitchy accountable should anything happen to him.

Reacting, Seyi Tinubu in a series of posts shared on his Instagram page, described the claims and insinuations made about him as “false,” clarifying that his only interaction with King Mitchy was in a public setting where he offered financial support for her non-governmental organisation, NGO.

“Over the past few days, my name has been deliberately drawn into an online dispute between VeryDarkMan (VDM) and King_Mitchy (‘Mitchy’),” he wrote.

“Let me be clear: the allegations and insinuations made about me are false.”

Seyi Tinubu explained that he met Mitchy once, alongside others, and provided financial assistance towards her NGO activities as part of his broader support for youth empowerment initiatives across Nigeria.

According to him, a follow-up meeting was scheduled to receive updates on the impact of the donation, but it did not hold due to ill health.

“There has never been a private encounter, no secret arrangement, and no impropriety of any kind,” he stated.

The President’s son expressed concern that a feud he neither initiated nor participated in was being used to tarnish his reputation.

He further alleged that VeryDarkMan “appears to have been looking for a trigger” to attack him and seized the situation as an opportunity.

“If my name generates attention, let us at least deal in facts. Supporting charitable causes is not a crime. Meeting someone publicly to support their NGO is not a scandal. Repeating falsehoods loudly does not transform them into truth,” he added.

Seyi Tinubu further condemned what he described as online bullying and harassment, warning that escalating attacks could have serious mental health consequences.

“I will not be bullied, and I will not dignify fiction with panic,” he wrote. “No disagreement should descend into harassment that risks someone’s wellbeing or safety.”

He reaffirmed his commitment to philanthropy, noting that for over a decade, through his foundation and personal donations, he has supported initiatives in education, enterprise, healthcare, and youth empowerment.

“Philanthropy and outreach must never be politicised or weaponised,” he said. “Nigeria needs builders, not bullies. We need responsible discourse, not sensationalism driven by speculation.”

He rejected the accusations and called for de-escalation, restraint, and a return to “truth and responsibility”.

“Noise will fade. Character and work endure. I remain committed to serving Nigerians, especially our youth, with integrity and transparency,” he concluded.

I will not be bullied – Seyi Tinubu breaks silence on VDM’s allegations

Organ harvesting: Concerns mount as child traffickers turn Plateau into epicentre

In the last three to five years, Plateau State has gradually become the epicenter of child trafficking in the country.

The development has heightened concern within the government circle, child rights advocates, religious bodies, concerned parents and guardians, and the larger society.

Available records show that in the last few years, more than one thousand vulnerable children have been intercepted and rescued by security agencies as they were being trafficked to other parts of the country and even neighbouring countries like Ghana, the Ivory Coast, Mali, Togo, and Benin Republic, for the sole purpose of cheap child labour and sex slavery.

A worrying pattern has revealed that over 85% of these trafficked children have come from the Langtang axis (Langtang North/South LGAs). No one has been able to explain this phenomenal preference for children from that axis.

Some rescued children are as young as 2 years old.

Last year, after a set of kids were rescued in an Abuja suburb as they were being surreptitiously trafficked to Lagos, a local government chairman, where most of the kids came from, cried out that Plateau State has now become the number one spot for child and human trafficking.

“Is Plateau State now the home of child trafficking and why? Almost all the incidences of child trafficking are domiciled on the Plateau,” the council chairman had lamented.

Security agencies have discovered that there are powerful syndicates behind the depraved act, including those who pose as religious leaders, concerned NGO, education providers and even close relatives who go to rural communities that are ravaged with poverty, locate these minors and with the exchange of a few naira notes, convince their parents to release them for a better future, only to deploy them for menial jobs such as house girls or house boys, labourers, and in some cases prostitution, in other parts of the country.

It has also been reported that some of the victims have been killed and their organs harvested by the traffickers.

The syndicates often capitalize on the parents’ gullibility and financial difficulty to persuade them to release their children with the promise of a better life with paid jobs in cities around the country, especially in state capitals like Abuja, Lagos, Port Harcourt, and other major cities.

DAILY POST reports that the agents often pretend to be clergymen acting on instructions from God and using that as a ruse to persuade parents to release their children.

Last year, a prominent clergyman in Jos, who had been involved in the act of child trafficking for several years, was apprehended by the police with over 15 children he had ‘sourced’ and was all set to transport them out of the state at the time he was arrested.

During investigations, it was discovered that the ‘respected’ clergyman who is the founder of a popular prayer ministry in Jos South Local Government Area, was behind a major child-trafficking syndicate in the state and had syndicates and recruiters in almost all the local areas, especially those ravaged by communal violence and abject poverty.

When another set of underage children was intercepted and rescued by the Plateau State Task Force on Child Trafficking in an unmarked vehicle heading to Lagos State, the state Commissioner for Women Affairs, Mrs Caroline Panglang Dafur, had practically broken down in tears, lamenting that the traffickers were deliberately targeting young children from Plateau State and Langtang in particular.

Another concerned stakeholder, Apostle Jack Mamven Light, founder of the Itarok Development Foundation, an organization which has now become a frontline voice against child trafficking, also expressed his concerns over the prevalence of the perilous act, especially involving the Tarok-speaking people of Langtang.

Apostle Light, who spoke to DAILY POST on the child trafficking menace in the state, revealed that since he set up the foundation two years ago, the IDF had successfully rescued and repatriated over 100 Tarok victims of child trafficking, carried out school outreaches in Langtang North and South to sensitize pupils and students against child trafficking, and secured partnerships with reputable agencies, including NAPTIP, Nigeria Immigration Service, NACTAL, Nigeria Police Force, Plateau State Gender & Equal Opportunity Commission, Plateau State Ministry of Women Affairs, and the Nigeria Security & Civil Defence Corps.

While speaking on the menace, he threw more light on his findings since he began his advocacy against child trafficking, especially as it affects the Tarok ethnic group where he belongs.

“The first thing we have noticed since we began this fight against child trafficking is that most of the traffickers end up harvesting the organs of these vulnerable children.

“They will go to the rural communities and promise the parents that they will take good care of the children by sending them to school and taking care of them.

“But most times, these children are killed and their organs are harvested. We have had so many such cases.

“Then we have that of child labour where these children are taken to different states and are put in plantations where they are turned into modern-day slaves, especially in cocoa farms in the Southwest.

“We have been able to repatriate many of these children and the majority of them are from Langtang North and South LGAs of Plateau State.

“We have had to travel to Kwara, Ogun, Oyo, Lagos, Delta, Rivers, Edo, and even Cross River States to repatriate these children.

“Especially in the southwest, we found out that children as young as 7 years are dumped in cocoa plantations, rubber plantations, and oil palm plantations where they are forced to work from morning till night with little or no food.

“Some are so malnourished that by the time they are rescued, you would wonder the mindset of these traffickers,” Apostle Light lamented.

Also speaking on the main causes of child trafficking, a child rights activist in the state, Grace Jonah identified a combination of causes, including poverty, insecurity, and socio-cultural factors that often make these children vulnerable to exploitation.

“The traffickers exploit these vulnerabilities, operating as organized cartels that sometimes disguise their activities behind religious, educational, or humanitarian missions,” she said.

“Endemic poverty and economic hardship on the part of parents and guardians of these children are major drivers and fuel for the unholy act of child trafficking.

“Due to poverty, most parents succumb to the temptation of giving out their children to strangers who promise them a better life.

“Another major cause of child trafficking is the lingering insecurity and displacement of the people in rural communities.

“Due to the incessant conflicts, intercommunal clashes, Fulani militia invasions, farmer-herder crises, and banditry in the state which have led to a significant displacement of the people, women and children who make up a large percentage of these displaced persons have become vulnerable and the traffickers often mark them as their potential targets, increasing their chances of being hoodwinked into being given a chance for a new life outside their enclave.

“Another worrisome aspect that we have noticed over time is parental neglect. Some parents are so irresponsible that they do not care about the well-being of the children they give birth to.

“Some parents are so irresponsible that they even go out of their way to beg the traffickers to take their children whom they see as a burden to them,” she stated.

Organ harvesting: Concerns mount as child traffickers turn Plateau into epicentre

UTME: JAMB debunks registration fee hike

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board has dismissed claims that it has increased its Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination and Direct Entry registration fees.

JAMB made this clarification in a statement by its spokesperson, Dr. Fabian Benjamin, on Friday.

According to JAMB, its registration fees remained unchanged at N7,200 (without mock examinations), N8,700 (with mock exams), and N5,700 for DE, respectively.

The Board insisted that claims of registration fees hike are false, misleading, and entirely unfounded.

“These fees have remained unchanged since 2019. It is pertinent to recall that in 2018, the Federal Executive Council approved a reduction in the UTME application fee from N5,000 to N3,500, with effect from the 2019 registration exercise.

“Since the government-approved reduction, the Board has maintained the same fee structure without any increase, despite rising operational costs,” the statement reads.

UTME: JAMB debunks registration fee hike

NYCN Director seeks unified national youth policy framework

The Director of Youth Advocacy and Policy at the National Youth Council of Nigeria, NYCN, Ajayi Taiwo, has called for comprehensive structural reforms to address persistent fragmentation within Nigeria’s youth development architecture.

Taiwo made the appeal on Friday while speaking on the state of youth policy implementation across the country.

He noted that despite the existence of a National Youth Policy and multiple youth-focused programmes, coordination remains weak and largely unaligned.

According to him, “youth-related interventions are currently spread across several ministries, departments and agencies, including those responsible for labour and employment, education, digital economy, agriculture, industry and humanitarian affairs.”

He explained that these institutions often operate without harmonised budgeting systems, shared performance indicators or a unified monitoring and evaluation framework.

“Nigeria does not lack youth initiatives. What is missing is a coherent governance architecture that aligns targets, funding streams, and accountability mechanisms across sectors,” Taiwo said.

He observed that Nigeria remains one of the world’s youngest countries, with more than half of its population under the age of 30, stressing that this demographic reality makes policy coherence an economic and national stability priority.

Taiwo also warned that without effective coordination, government programmes risk duplication, inefficient allocation of resources and limited long-term impact, particularly in areas such as job creation, entrepreneurship development, digital skills acquisition, civic engagement and agricultural participation.

While acknowledging ongoing efforts under the National Youth Policy framework, he pointed out that the absence of a consolidated reporting system makes it difficult to measure national progress accurately on youth development outcomes.

He stated that youth development must transition from fragmented interventions to a systems-driven model capable of delivering measurable, transparent and sustainable results.

The NYCN Director proposed the creation of a Unified National Youth Framework to integrate youth-focused policies under a central coordination mechanism reporting at the highest levels of government.

He clarified that the proposed framework would not replace existing initiatives but would ensure strategic alignment, reduce duplication and strengthen accountability across federal and state levels.

He also recommended transparent tracking of youth-related expenditure and annual impact assessments to guarantee value for money.

“Youth development must move from isolated interventions to an integrated national strategy.

“If properly coordinated, Nigeria’s youth population can drive economic growth, deepen democratic participation, and strengthen social cohesion. Without structural reform, however, we risk underutilising our greatest national asset,” he said.

NYCN Director seeks unified national youth policy framework

Why I left PDP for APC – Fintiri

Governor Ahmadu Fintiri has explained his decision to leave the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, for the All Progressives Congress, APC, describing the move as a calculated step taken in the overall interest of Adamawa State and its people.

DAILY POST reports that the governor announced his defection in a statewide broadcast on Friday morning, saying the decision followed extensive consultations and a careful assessment of the state’s long-term stability, growth and development.

Reflecting on the mandates he received in the 2019 and 2023 governorship elections, Fintiri said his administration remained mindful of the responsibility placed on it by the electorate and committed to delivering on its promises.

He outlined key accomplishments of his government, including improvements in security, the construction and rehabilitation of roads, schools, hospitals, markets and housing projects, as well as investments in education, water supply and electricity infrastructure.

The governor also highlighted initiatives aimed at empowering youths and women, alongside the creation of new chiefdoms, emirates and districts to promote inclusion and balanced development across the state.

According to him, “My administration has consistently been guided by consultation, legality and impact in its decision-making process. Recent political developments at the national level, however, made a decisive and strategic realignment necessary.”

Fintiri said joining the APC would better position Adamawa State to align with and benefit from the federal government’s Renewed Hope Agenda, particularly in areas such as social welfare, infrastructure development, housing and inclusive economic growth.

He stressed that his decision was neither driven by personal ambition nor political expediency, but by the need to reposition the state within the mainstream of national politics to attract greater opportunities and dividends of governance.

The governor disclosed that the defection extends to the entire political structure of his administration across the state’s 226 wards and 21 local government areas, including both elected and appointed officials.

He urged his supporters to register en masse with the APC and assured residents that his government would remain focused on delivering development projects, regardless of party affiliation.

Fintiri called on the people of Adamawa to sustain their confidence in his leadership, describing the move as a bold step toward securing a more prosperous future for the state.

Why I left PDP for APC – Fintiri

Nigerian Newspapers: 10 things you need to know Friday morning ‎

Good morning! Here is today’s summary from Nigerian Newspapers:

1. The Supreme Council for Shariah in Nigeria (SCSN) has said no power or authority can make Muslims relinquish the practice of Shariah. The Secretary General of SCSN, Nafiu Baba Ahmad, said this in response to a recent report that a United States Congress committee submitted to President Donald Trump.

2. The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has fixed January 16, 2027, for the Presidential and National Assembly elections. National Commissioner, Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Haruna, announced this in a statement issued on Thursday in Abuja.

3. Leaders of the opposition political parties in Nigeria have rejected the amended Electoral Act 2026 signed into law by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. The leaders led by major opposition parties and former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar faulted the manner the act was passed by the National Assembly.

4. Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State has warned the newly appointed Secretary to the State Government and the Chief of Staff that any involvement in unauthorised or secret meetings would lead to their immediate dismissal. The governor issued the warning on Thursday shortly after the swearing-in of the SSG, Dr. Dagogo Wokoma, and the Chief of Staff, Sunny Ewule, at Government House in Port Harcourt.

5. Kano State Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission has recovered official vehicles from commissioners who voluntarily resigned from the state executive council. The recovery exercise, carried out by operatives of the commission on Thursday, followed the alleged continued refusal of the affected commissioners to return the government property.

6. Tragedy struck Ibelebiri in Ogbia Local Government Area of Bayelsa State on Wednesday afternoon when a fuel tanker collided with a tricycle, popularly known as Keke Napep, killing the driver and four children. The crash, which occurred along the Ibelebiri stretch of the Yenegwe–Okarki–Otuasega road, plunged the predominantly farming and fishing community into mourning.

7. Following a failed ambush on an Army General Officer Commanding, GOC, in Kebbi State, suspected Lakurawa terrorists have attacked a mosque in Dadinkowa community, Maiyama Local Government Area, killing six worshippers and injuring three others in the latest assault on fasting Muslims. According to local sources, the terrorists stormed the mosque while worshippers were observing prayers and opened fire indiscriminately.

8. The Naira on Thursday appreciated to N1,382 per dollar in the parallel market from N1,391 per dollar on Wednesday. However, the naira depreciated to N1,361 per dollar in the Nigerian Foreign Exchange Market, NFEM.

9. A prosecution witness on Thursday told the Federal High Court in Abuja that some disgruntled Fulani chiefs sponsored over 200 armed men wielding AK-47 rifles to carry out the June 13, 2025, attack on Yelwata in Guma Local Government Area of Benue State. The witness, Moses Paul, a team leader with the Intelligence Response Team of the Nigeria Police Force, testified in the trial of nine suspects charged in connection with the attack in Benue State.

10. Ondo State Police Command on Thursday announced the arrest of six men who allegedly posed as pastors and defrauded unsuspecting residents of Idanre community in Idanre Local Government Area of the state through staged “miracles.” In a statement issued by the command’s Police Public Relations Officer, Jimoh Kazeem, the suspects were identified simply as Fadahunsi, Kolade, Tijani, Iyanuoluwa, Arijesulola and Ademola.

Nigerian Newspapers: 10 things you need to know Friday morning ‎

Channel attention to pillars of development – Peter Obi tells Nigerian govt

Former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has called on governments at all levels and wealthy Nigerians to channel great attention to the pillars of development in the country.

In a post on his verified X handle on Thursday, Obi listed the pillars to be security, healthcare, education and poverty reduction.

He described them as the foundations upon which a just and prosperous society must stand.

“On Tuesday, 24 February, in continuation of my commitment to supporting critical sectors of development – healthcare, education, and poverty reduction. I visited Benin City. While there, I stopped at the Philomena School of Nursing Sciences, one of the largest nursing institutions in the region.

“This was not my first visit. Over the years, I have made it a duty to encourage both staff and students of schools across the country as they pursue excellence in healthcare training. In further demonstration of this commitment to Philomena School of Nursing Sciences, and to support the school’s facilities as I have done previously, I donated the sum of fifteen million naira.

“I call on the government at all levels, as well as wealthy Nigerians, to channel greater attention and resources toward the critical pillars of development – security, healthcare, education and poverty reduction,” he wrote.

Channel attention to pillars of development – Peter Obi tells Nigerian govt

Certificate Forgery: Hearing in ex-minister Nnaji’s suit against UNN, others stalled

Hearing in a suit instituted by the former Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Uche Nnaji, against the University of Nigeria, Nsuka, UNN, and others was, on Thursday, stalled at the Federal High Court in Abuja.

The case, which was fixed for hearing before Justice Hauwa Yilwa, was adjourned until April 20 for lawyers in the case to regularise their processes.

The development followed an oral application for adjournment by Chiamaka Anagwu, who appeared for UNN and four others, to enable them keep their house in order.

Nnaji’s lawyer, Sebastian and N.H. Oba, who represented the National Universities Commission, NUC did not oppose the application and Justice Yilwa adjourned the matter until April 20 for hearing.

The judge also ordered that a hearing notice be issued and served on the Education Minister, who was not represented in court

DAILY POST reports that Nnaji had filed the suit following allegations of certificate forgery leveled against him.

The former minister, in an ex parte motion, sought an order granting him leave to issue prerogative writs prohibiting the university and its officials from “tampering with” or continuing to “tamper with” his academic records, among others.

Nnaji, in the suitmarked FHC/ABJ/CS/1909/2025, sued the Minister of Education, the NUC, UNN and Ortuanya as the1st to 4th respondents.

He also joined the Registrar of UNN; Prof Ujam and the Senate of the university as the 5th to 7th respondents respectively.

He sought leave to issue a prerogative writ of mandamus compelling the university and its officials to release his academic transcript to him, and asked the Minister of Education and the NUC to exercise their supervisory powers to compel UNN to do so.

He equally sought an interim injunction restraining UNN and its officials from “tampering” with his academic records pending the determination of the substantive suit, among others.

But in their preliminary objection, the 3rd to 7th defendants prayed the court to strike out the suit for want of jurisdiction.

They also sought an order awarding substantial costs in favour of the 3rd, 4th and 6th defendants.

In a nine-ground of argument, they said the motion ex parte for leave was not filed within three months of the occurrence of the subject matter.

They argued that this was contrary to Order 34 Rule 4(1) of the Federal High Court (Civil Procedure) Rules 2019.

They also argued that it was contrary to the provisions of Section 2 (a) of the Public Officers Protection Act 2004, which rendered the entire proceedings incompetent and robbed this court of jurisdiction.

“The substantive motion for prerogative orders was wrongly brought by motion on notice instead of an originating motion as required under Order 34Rule 5 (1) of the Federal High Court (Civil Procedure) Rules, 2019.

“The application is incompetent, premature, speculative with there being no prior request or denial of release of academic records or any evidence of interference with the applicant’s academic records prior to the commencement of this action,” they said.

They equally argued that the court lacked jurisdiction to entertain “matters concerning student academic records, examinations, results and transcripts.

They argue that the matter is not proceedings arising from the administration or management of any agency within the exclusive jurisdiction in Section 251(1) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended).

They also argued that the internal remedy has not been exhausted and the applicants’ fundamental rights have not been breached.

They also noted that no reasonable cause of action was disclosed against the 3rd to 7th respondents, particularly the 4th respondent, Prof. Ortuanya, who acted solely in his official capacity as VC of UNN, among others.

Certificate Forgery: Hearing in ex-minister Nnaji’s suit against UNN, others stalled

NUC warns against abuse of honorary doctorates in Nigerian universities, issues guidelines

The National Universities Commission, NUC, has issued a strong warning over the increasing cases of what it described as indiscriminate conferment and misuse of honorary doctorate degrees in Nigerian universities.

This is as NUC stressed that sanctions will be imposed on both institutions and individuals who violate its rules.

The Commission, in a statement on Thursday unveiled 16-point guidelines for the award and proper use of honorary doctorates, in line with the Education Act (National Minimum Standards and Establishment of Institutions), CAP E3, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria (2004), and its statutory mandate.

“The commission is deeply concerned about the increasing misuse and indiscriminate conferment of honorary doctorate degrees in the Nigerian University,” the statement read.

According to the statement, the new guidelines aim to regulate the conferment process, protect academic integrity, and preserve the credibility of Nigerian universities. All universities and degree-awarding institutions are directed to adhere strictly to the provisions, which are aligned with the Keffi Declaration of 2012, signed by all vice-chancellors.

The Commission noted that honorary doctorates, whether awarded locally or abroad, are purely ceremonial and must not be treated as equivalent to earned academic doctorates.

“These guidelines are issued to protect the integrity, reputation, and global standing of the Nigerian university system. All stakeholders must comply fully with the procedures for conferment and use of honorary doctorates. Regulatory sanctions will be applied against any institution or individual found in breach of these rules,” NUC added.

Below is the full list of the NUC-approved guidelines, as stipulated by the NUC:

Institutional eligibility: Only approved universities (either public or private) are eligible to award honorary doctorate degrees in Nigeria.

Maturity requirement: Only universities that have graduated the first set of PhD students are eligible to award honorary doctorate degrees in Nigeria.

Purpose of the award: The purpose of the award shall be to recognize exceptional and sustained contribution, reflect institutional values, and ensure diversity.

Criteria for the award: The criteria for the award shall be clear and transparent with balanced representation across gender, race, nationality, and discipline to avoid conflicts of interest. All procedures for selecting and awarding honorary doctorate degrees shall be clearly stated on the official website of the awarding institution and made accessible.

Recipient eligibility: Self-nominated candidates and elected or appointed serving public officials are excluded.

Confidentiality: All aspects of the honorary doctorate degrees shall be treated with the highest level of confidentiality, and nominees shall only be contacted after their nominations have been approved by the Senate and Governing Council.

Award nomination: All nominations shall be processed by the statutory committee.

Approval: All nominations require University Senate and Governing Council approval.

Number of awards: The number of awards at each convocation shall not exceed three (3).

Nomenclature and title: All honorary doctorate degrees shall contain the nomenclature or title Honoris Causa. For example: Doctor of Science (Honoris Causa), D.Sc. (h.c.)

Conferment: Shall be in-person at the ceremony. In exceptional cases, the conferment may be done virtually or in absentia; it may be awarded posthumously.

No fee: Honorary doctorate degrees shall be conferred without any fee or expectation of payment from the recipient.

Usage: The recipients are at liberty to use the approved nomenclature or title of the honorary doctorate degree such as Doctor of Law (Honoris Causa) or LL.D. (h.c.); or letters (Honoris Causa) or D.Sc. (h.c.) after their names. However, they are not permitted to use “Dr.”, which is reserved for holders of earned degrees and medical professionals. Additionally, they are not permitted to use the honorary doctorate degree to practice as scholars or professionals, oversee administrative units, or supervise research work.

Orientation: All awarding universities shall provide both written and verbal orientation to recipients on how to use the award.

Publication of records: All universities shall regularly publish names of honorary doctorate degree recipients on their official website and make it accessible to the public, in order to uphold transparency.

Revocation policy: All awarding universities shall provide a formal mechanism to rescind awards if a recipient is convicted of fraud, or has engaged in any unethical conduct that is inconsistent with the values of the awarding institution.

NUC warns against abuse of honorary doctorates in Nigerian universities, issues guidelines

FCT election: Low turnout signals loss of public confidence in democracy – CHRICED

The Resource Centre for Human Rights and Civic Education (CHRICED) has raised serious concerns over what it described as a democratic crisis following the just-concluded Area Council elections in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja.

In a statement signed by its Executive Director, Comrade Dr. Ibrahim M. Zikirullahi, the group said the low voter turnout recorded during the elections shows a growing loss of public trust in Nigeria’s electoral process.

According to figures released by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), out of 1,682,315 registered voters in the FCT, only 239,210 people cast their ballots. This represents just 14.24 per cent participation.

CHRICED described the development as alarming.

“This means that a very small number of voters determined the leadership for millions of residents,” it said.

“Such a situation represents a serious democratic deficit and a dangerous erosion of public confidence.”

It noted that voters turnout in the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) was even lower.

“Out of 837,338 registered voters, only 65,676 votes were recorded about 7.8 per cent.

While INEC declared candidates of the All Progressives Congress (APC) winners in Kuje, Bwari, Kwali, Abaji and AMAC, and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) winner in Gwagwalada, CHRICED said the outcome goes beyond party victories.

According to the group, the low participation reflects voter apathy and frustration.

“People are fed up with unpopular policies of this government,” CHRICED stated.

CHRICED added that many citizens believe elections are skewed in favour of those in power and do not truly reflect the will of the people.

The organisation warned that such perceptions, if not addressed, could further weaken Nigeria’s democracy.

CHRICED also alleged that the elections were affected by several irregularities, including vote buying, late arrival of materials, poor logistics, weak voter education, and intimidation at polling units.

Although the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) reportedly made arrests related to vote trading, the group said the efforts were not enough to stop the widespread practice.

“Vote buying is becoming normalised, turning elections into transactional exercises instead of civic responsibilities,” the statement said.

CHRICED called for immediate electoral reforms.

It recommended the introduction of a minimum voter turnout requirement before election results can be declared valid.

Recall that on Saturday, the Federal Capital Territory Area Council elections were held, with residents across the six councils casting their votes to elect local government chairpersons.

FCT election: Low turnout signals loss of public confidence in democracy – CHRICED

Things to know about new Bayelsa Deputy Governor, Peter Akpe

The Chief of Staff at the Bayelsa Government House, Peter Akpe, has emerged as the new Deputy Governor of the state.

This follows the death of the former Deputy Governor, Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, who slumped and died late last year.

DAILY POST had reported that the Bayelsa State House of Assembly on Tuesday approved Akpe’s appointment.

DAILY POST x-rays the things to know about Akpe:

Peter Akpe hails from Sagbama Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.

Akpe attended the Rivers State College of Education, where he acquired a bachelor’s degree in education.

He then proceeded to Rivers State University, where he earned a master’s degree and later a doctorate in educational management and planning.

Until his appointment, he was Chief of Staff to Governor Douye Diri and had previously served as Acting Chief of Staff and Deputy Chief of Staff.

Dr. Akpe started his professional journey in academia as a lecturer at the Niger Delta University, where he contributed to teaching and research in education policy and management.

He also worked as a legislative aide, political adviser, and consultant on education and development policy.

He is a former two-term member of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly, where he served as majority leader.

Things to know about new Bayelsa Deputy Governor, Peter Akpe

Kano Assembly seeks action over US move against Kwankwaso

The Kano State House of Assembly has urged the Kano State Government, as a matter of urgency, to intervene in response to moves by the United States of America to sanction the leader of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Dr Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, over allegations of anti-Christian positions.

Legislators in the United States of America reportedly described Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso as anti-Christian, including allegations of terrorism financing, and proposed freezing his assets and bank accounts.

The Assembly’s resolution followed a motion presented during plenary by the member representing Kiru Constituency, Usman Tasiu, at a session presided over by the Speaker, Jibril Ismail Falgore.

In the motion, Senator Kwankwaso was described as a dedicated public servant whose administration had significantly impacted the lives of Kano residents.

Tasiu highlighted Kwankwaso’s record in promoting peace, supporting education and driving infrastructural development for both Christians and Muslims.

He emphasised that Kwankwaso had consistently acted as a unifying figure, mediating conflicts between the northern and southern regions of Nigeria, and had maintained a firm stance against terrorism throughout his tenure.

After deliberation, the House unanimously adopted the motion, urging the Kano State Government to take appropriate steps in response to the US allegations.

Similarly, the Assembly approved motions calling on the state government to construct roads in several local government areas, including Tarauni, Madobi, Garun Malam and Madobi Rijin Gishiri.

The motions were presented by Kabiru Dahiru (Tarauni), Sulaiman Ishaq (Madobi), Deputy Speaker Muhammad Bello, and Zakariyya Alhassan (Kura/Garun Malam).

Kano Assembly seeks action over US move against Kwankwaso

ADC kicks against mandatory N150m political campaign advertising permit in Enugu

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) Enugu State has kicked against the mandatory N150 million political campaign advertising permit fee imposed by Enugu State Structures for Signage and Advertising Agency (ENSSAA) on political parties and candidates participating in the 2026 local government election and 2027 general election.

Describing the campaign advertising permit fee as unlawful, unconstitutional and undemocratic, the opposition party accused the ruling All Progressive Congress (APC) in Enugu State of inventing the fee to shut out the opposition parties from contesting the coming elections in the state.

According to Enugu ADC, the imposition of the humongous campaign permit fee on political parties and candidates is an indication that Governor Peter Mba and the APC are afraid of a free and fair contest and hence, have resorted to all kinds of “undemocratic” tactics to frustrate their potential opponents.

The imposition of the N150 million political campaign advertising permit fee was announced by the General Manager (GM) of ENSSAA, Mr. Francis Aninwike, through a statement released by Governor Peter Mba’s media office.

According to Aninwike, the directive is in line with the agency’s statutory mandate to regulate outdoor advertising and ensure environmental aesthetics across the 17 local government areas of the state.

The ENSSAA GM further explained that the fee would grant parties the right to deploy campaign materials, including banners, branded vehicles, T-shirts and handbills, as well as conduct street campaigns and rallies.

Reacting in a press release on Tuesday, Enugu ADC Media Team rejected the campaign advertising permit fee in its entirety, describing it as not only unlawful and unconstitutional, but also undemocratic.

According to the press release signed by Paul Anigbogu on behalf of Enugu ADC Media Team, the opposition party, while making reference to a statement by the Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria (ARCON), pointed out that advertising falls within the Second Schedule of the Exclusive List in the 1999 Constitution (as amended), and hence, only the National Assembly can enact laws in this regard.

The party further accused Enugu State Government of trying to usurp the powers of the federal government by imposing advertising the “illegal” advertising permit fee, in total contravention of the Constitution of Nigeria.

Enugu ADC threatened to head to court to challenge the imposition of the humongous fee on political parties and candidates, if the APC led Government in Enugu State fails to rescind the decision.

The press release read in part: “In a statement dated February 13, 2026, ARCON made it clear that state signage and advertising agencies are alien to the Nigerian Constitution, and such powers do not fall within the legislative remit of a state. The statement particularly flagged Ondo and Enugu states.

“The council also maintained that it is not within state signage and/or advertising agency’s jurisdiction, to request for, receive or approve any advertisement (political or otherwise), before exposure.

“The council enjoined and cautioned state signage agencies to tread with caution and desist from such directives that could usurp the oversight responsibility of the federal government, as well as create bottlenecks, as we approach the 2027 general elections campaign and voter education.

“Unfortunately, not up to two weeks after ARCON, the body regulating advertising in Nigeria issued this statement, Enugu State Government through the signage agency is imposing N150 million campaign permit fee on political parties and candidates. Therefore, we totally reject this fee and will not hesitate to challenge it in court if the state government fails to rescind the illegal and unconstitutional financial obstruction placed on the way of political parties and candidates vying for local government election and general elections in Enugu State.”

Speaking further, Enugu ADC accused Governor Mba and the the ruling APC government in Enugu State of adopting all kinds of undemocratic practices to intimidate and harass the opposition parties ahead of the forthcoming council election and general election.

It warned that placing financial encumbrances on the way of the opposition parties would skew elections in favour of the ruling party, which has state funds at its disposal and thus, remove the vital element of competition in the elections, foisting a fait accompli on the electorate.

Enugu ADC maintained that the Enugu State Independent Electoral Commission (ENSIEC) and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) are the bodies statutory empowered to regulate campaigns and all other activities involved in the conduct of local government election and general elections, respectively, in the state, and ENSSAA or any other agency.

The party vowed to adopt all lawful means, including legal action where and when necessary, to stop the impunity of the state government and ensure that the people of Enugu are allowed to choose their leaders in a free and fair atmosphere, devoid of any form of intimidation or harassment.

ADC kicks against mandatory N150m political campaign advertising permit in Enugu

Why we embarked on transformative reforms in Ogun TESCOM – Commission’s Chairman

The Ogun State Teaching Service Commission, TESCOM, says it has embarked on deliberate and bold transformative reforms to strengthen the Commission and improve quality education, aligning with the Abiodun-led administration’s agenda.

Chairman of the Commission, Biodun Sanyaolu, disclosed this on Monday at a two-day workshop in Abeokuta with the theme, “One Vision, One Team: Driving Excellence Through Unified Leadership and Management.”

The event, organised by the Commission, had 500 participants comprising principals, vice principals, and teachers selected from public secondary schools across the state.

Sanyaolu explained that the agency had undergone one of the most comprehensive transformative phases in its history, noting that it has commenced a structured redistribution policy to ensure equitable deployment of teachers.

The TESCOM boss said that over the years, many teachers had remained in a single school for extended periods, and in some cases for decades, noting that their prolonged stay had posed a significant imbalance, with some schools being overstaffed while others face serious shortages.

“The development has affected fairness, performance, and equity in the state educational system,” he added.

He announced plans to realign and strengthen the Zonal Secretary’s Office to enhance supervision, monitoring, and coordination between TESCOM headquarters and principals, noting that prospective Principals-General would be selected from existing Zonal Secretaries, thereby improving accountability, communication, and oversight at the zonal level.

Speaking on the theme of the workshop, the lead facilitator, a former Vice Chancellor of Tai Solarin University of Education, Professor Olukayode Oyesiku, represented by Professor Bayo Akinsanya, said it resonated deeply with the challenges and opportunities in the education sector.

Oyesiku, who commended TESCOM for its thoughtful initiative, opined that when leaders are unified, it would impact students, communities, and the state, assuring of the facilitators’ commitment to supporting educators.

Why we embarked on transformative reforms in Ogun TESCOM – Commission’s Chairman

Sir Tersoo Kula: ‎Gov Alia’s steady oars in troubled waters

Politics in Benue state could be described as a venture that is not for the faint-hearted. This is because, the waters are ever-restless, with very strong currents and tides, unpredictable with the sharks never far away. Literary!

‎However, in the midst of it all these, the incumbent Governor of the state, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia has continued to steer the ship of the state with unprecedented calm and an unequalled determination.

‎Since assuming the office, the Governor has chosen a path that departs significantly from the status quo. What was obtainable in Benue was simply a retrogressive political culture where loyalty to entrenched interests perpetually outweighed loyalty to the people. But he has tactically reversed the equation with governance under his watch, gradually shifting from patronage to performance.

‎Already, in less than three years in office, his tangible footprints are emerging across the state.

‎For instance, a new University project at Ihugh in Vandeikya Local Government Area, signals a commitment to expanding access to higher education, preparing Benue’s youth for a competitive future. In the basic education sector, the construction of storey buildings in primary schools, once thought improbable in many rural communities, loudly speaks to a new ambition.

‎Rural roads are being opened up, reconnecting communities long cut off from opportunity.

‎Alia’s administration’s ingenuity in human capacity development initiatives are also steadily giving young people and professionals alike a renewed sense of inclusion in the state’s growth story.

‎It is worthy to note however, that these efforts have not come without resistance. But it is a statement of fact that change rarely does.

‎Some persons within the political elite, many of whom once held sway at the state level, federal level and even both, have reportedly bristled at a style of leadership that does not bow easily to old hierarchies and acclaimed empires.

‎Watchers of political development in the state may agree that there are noticeable murmurs, glaring moves of subtle alliances, and calculated attempts to frustrate reforms or cast doubt on progress. The battle for a possible second term has, in some quarters, already begun.

‎Lest we forget so easily, history has a way of asking simple questions: Who had the opportunity to serve? What did they do with it? For years, some of today’s loudest critics occupied commanding heights of influence. Yet, the dividends many now promise, were not delivered when the reins were firmly in their hands.

‎But the Benue people are politically enlightened and their conscience alive. They understand hardship; they also recognize effort. The task before them is obvious; to separate genuine concern from recycled ambition.

‎The enemies of progress should not be carried away by whatever that is giving them boosts. They should know that it is easy to recruit the unsuspecting with grand rhetoric, but it is harder to erase visible projects on ground.

‎Ours is not a call for blind loyalty to any individual or group. Rather, it is an earnest call for discernment. Democracy thrives when citizens judge leaders by measurable impact rather than orchestrated vicious noise.

‎As we are headed towards another electioneering period with the political drums growing louder by day, the people of Benue must remain focused on substance over cruel sabotage.

‎We must avoid going back to Egypt. The future of the state must no longer be entrusted in the hands of those who had their moments and left little behind.

‎Although, the waters are calculatedly made murky, it should be a deliberate effort to ensure that clarity must come from the shore; from the people themselves, who must decide whether steady oars or familiar storms best serve their future.

‎Sir Tersoo Kula, mnipr,

‎Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Benue State.

‎

Sir Tersoo Kula: ‎Gov Alia’s steady oars in troubled waters

City Boys Movement: Tinubu harvests socialites, entertainers ahead of 2027

Ahead of the 2027 general elections, several celebrities and socialites are publicly aligning with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s second term.

President Tinubu already has most of the governors in his party, the All Progressives Congress, APC.

DAILY POST recalls that prior to the 2023 presidential election, the former Governor of Lagos State received similar overwhelming support from people in the entertainment and sport industries.

Many celebrities, the likes of Seyi Law, Eniola Badmus, Toyin Abraham, Olaiye Igwe and Lege Miami all threw their weights behind him.

As countdown to the 2027 presidential election begins, socialites and celebrities, including Obinna Iyiegbu, aka Obi Cubana, Pascal Okechukwu, popularly known as Cubana Chief Priest, Cletus Oragwa, also known as Zenco, Yul Edochie, Emmanuel Philip, Bolanle Ninilowo, Zack Orji, Adeniyi Johnson and of course, Seyi Law, have publicly declared their supports for Tinubu.

They have all united under the City Boys Movement, rallying support for Tinubu.

DAILY POST reports that City Boys Movement is a political association championed by Seyi Tinubu, son of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Already, Obi Cubana has been made the South-East Zonal Coordinator of the City Boys Movement, with others emerging in different zones, states, local governments and wards, with a clear political responsibility- to mobilise young Igbo entrepreneurs who believe in the Tinubu project, galvanise their support, and encourage them to align strategically behind President Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027.

Some people feel that the socialites, especially those from the Igbo speaking areas of South East are betraying their own in the person of Peter Obi, who has indicated interest in the 2027 presidential election.

Speaking to DAILY POST on how the President has succeeded in drawing big men to himself, Comrade Engr Dr Eragbe Anslem Aphimia, National Youth Leader of the Labour Party, LP, said that Tinubu understands something about people and their needs and is “good at cultivating people in line with his own aspirations, desires and want.”

“2027 general elections are here already and President Tinubu has gone ahead to infiltrate almost all sectors of our human endeavors: security, INEC, political parties, government across states, legislatures, judiciary, entertainment etc, bringing people from different sectors into believing in his 2027 presidential realization and mobilizing them to that effect.

“Nigeria is tilting towards near one-party-state because President Tinubu understands something that most politicians do not understand.

“PBAT was the most formidable opposition leader in Nigeria from 1999 – 2023 before he became President of Nigeria.

“He led the most formidable opposition against incumbent presidents and also saw to it that a sitting president was defeated at the polls. He came to power by that same scheme which many people did not understand and may not understand till after the 2027 general elections.

“Certainly, influencers have also been mobilized for action ahead of time. And that alone is a major pointer to shaping narratives for the general elections ahead of 2027. Discussions, however negative, will dominate the airwaves to keep PBAT on the front burner of mobilization of human and material resources,” he stated.

Also speaking to DAILY POST, a chieftain of the APC, Eze Chukwuemeka Eze, said the main question should be what is the motive of the formation of the City Boys Movement before discussing how impactful it would be in the next election.

The APC chieftain believes the movement is against the Nigerian masses who have been punished by the Tinubu administration with poverty, hunger and insecurity.

Eze said, “To answer the question on how far this movement can go, the most I can say is that this is a movement against the masses of Nigeria who are being punished with poverty, insecurity and hunger by the evil policies of President Tinubu.

“With the coming of the Village Boy Movement, I am convinced that whatever agenda that the City Boys Movement will come up with will surely be checked and curtailed.”

He went on to explain the motive behind the formation of the City Boys Movement:

“From my findings this was a movement founded by some young men, suited, confident, well-funded by Seyi, the son of President Tinubu, to promote the re-election of his father.

“This movement has emerged as grassroots engagement vehicles designed to recruit, sensitize and retain political loyalists nationwide.

“These structures are not merely symbolic; they are built to onboard citizens, digitally and physically, into the president’s development vision, effectively converting governance messaging into political capital.

“From my observation, what makes this machinery potent is its multi-layered funding and influence on architecture. State-aligned politicians defend federal policies locally.

“However, if Renewed Hope is the ideological umbrella, the foot soldiers of that umbrella are movements like the City Boy structure, arguably one of the most organized youth-driven political mobilization in contemporary Nigerian politics.

“The City Boy Movement did not begin as an afterthought. It was formed in 2022 as a youth advocacy and mobilization platform supporting Tinubu’s presidential ambition, deploying national executives, state leaders, local coordinators, and ward canvassers across the country.

“I have watched its expansion since the elections, and what stands out is its refusal to dissolve after victory. Instead, it institutionalized itself.

“Today, the movement operates across all 774 local governments, focusing on political education, grassroots engagement, and policy advocacy tied to the Renewed Hope agenda. That kind of structure is not built for celebration; it is built for continuity, and ultimately, for 2027.

“Even more revealing is its patronage and elite backing, which exposes deeper political financing layers. The grand patron of the movement is Seyi Tinubu, the president’s son and a businessman with strong corporate and youth engagement networks.

“His involvement symbolizes how political succession, youth mobilization and elite financing intersect within the same movement.

“Beyond symbolism, financial empowerment programmes, grants, and youth interventions tied to the movement and its allies have been deployed in several states, blending political loyalty with socio-economic incentives.

“When empowerment meets political branding, what you get is not just supporters; you get beneficiaries with electoral memory.”

Also speaking to DAILY POST, Dr. Adetokunbo Pearse, a public affairs analyst, Convener Reset Lagos PDP, member PDP National Presidential Campaign Council, 2023, and member, Board of Governors, Peoples Democratic Institute, PDI, noted that President Tinubu has never hidden the fact that his government is one which caters to the interest of the privileged class.

“If Cubana and the City Boy Movement want to entrench themselves in the Privileged class it only makes sense for them to associate themselves with Tinubu’s campaign.

“Unfortunately for them however, they represent a very small percentage of the voting public- probably 2% of the electorate of the South East geopolitical zone,” Pearse told DAILY POST.

“It is difficult to see how their celebrity status will convince the hungry and unemployed citizens of Nigeria to vote for the reelection of Tinubu, who in his first term as President has made life worse for them than ever before.

“Tinubu has deepened their poverty, increased the rate of unemployment, increased the cost of living beyond affordability, and made their life unsafe.

“The general public in Igboland would rather listen to Nnamdi Kanu than to Cubana and his City Boys Movement, knowing that Kanu has always stood for the common man, while Cubana and co are only interested in what they can benefit and how they can protect their wealth.

“Entertainers are paid to entertain, not to lecture on life’s choices.

“Cubana and members of the City Boy Movement will draw a crowd when they come out to campaign for Tinubu, especially if they accompany their presentation with bags of rice and such palliatives.

“Remember the actress whom Lagos State PDP fielded as Deputy Governorship candidate in the 2023 election. She boasted of 15 million followers on Facebook. At the election, she didn’t have 15 thousand votes,” he added.

DAILY POST reports that President Tinubu has gone beyond harvesting the socialites, influencers and entertainers. Almost all the governors have lined up in support of his re-election.

The APC has strengthened its foothold with the defection of state governors elected on the platform of the main opposition, Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, thereby reshaping the political landscape as the country heads towards the 2027 general elections.

DAILY POST recalls that Umo Eno, Akwa Ibom State governor, and Sheriff Oborevwori, Delta State governor, moved from the PDP to the APC earlier in the year.

Duoye Diri, Bayelsa State governor, and Peter Mbah, Enugu State governor, as well as many other former PDP members, have all moved to the APC.

Rumours also have it that Taraba State governor, Agbu Kefas, is planning his defection to the ruling party, bringing the tally to 30 state governors backing President Tinubu.

City Boys Movement: Tinubu harvests socialites, entertainers ahead of 2027