By Sabiu Abdullahi

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the appointment of Professor Segun Aina as the new Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB).

Aina, who lectures Computer Engineering at Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, will take over from Professor Ishaq Oloyede, whose second tenure will end on July 31, 2026.

Oloyede first assumed office as JAMB registrar on August 9, 2016, under former President Muhammadu Buhari. He later secured another five-year term in August 2021.

At 39 years old, Aina is expected to become the youngest person ever appointed to head the examination body. He will turn 40 in July.

The appointment was disclosed in a statement issued by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, who described the new registrar as “a distinguished academic and systems expert with extensive experience in national examination systems, digital infrastructure, and public-sector institutional reform”.

According to the statement, Aina studied Computer Systems Engineering at the University of Kent, United Kingdom, where he obtained a Bachelor of Engineering degree. He also earned an MSc in Internet Computing and Network Security as well as a PhD in Digital Signal Processing from Loughborough University.

“He has also completed the Senior Management Programme at Lagos Business School,” Onanuga said.

The presidential aide explained that Aina’s relationship with JAMB started during his National Youth Service year.

“Aina began his career with JAMB during his National Youth Service, gaining foundational experience in national admissions and data-driven institutional processes,” the statement read.

“These insights have shaped his ongoing contributions to examination reform and systems optimisation.”

Onanuga added that the professor has spent more than 15 years working in areas connected to technology, governance and institutional development.

“With over 15 years of post-graduation experience, Professor Aina operates at the intersection of technology, policy, and institutional transformation, advising federal and state governments on system design, digital transition, and operational reform,” he said.

“At 39, he became one of Nigeria’s youngest Computer Engineering professors and will now make history as JAMB’s youngest registrar.”

The statement also noted that Aina had previously worked with examination agencies such as NECO and NABTEB, alongside several state ministries of education, especially on ICT systems and examination processes.

“He has served as a consultant to major examination bodies, including NECO, NABTEB, and various State Ministries of Education, providing expertise on ICT systems, examination integrity, and digital process optimisation.”

Aina belongs to several professional associations, including the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN), the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), and the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET).

The presidency expressed confidence that the new registrar would deploy his experience and technical knowledge to strengthen JAMB’s operations.

By Uzair Adam

Women and persons with disabilities (PWDs) in Kano were on Wednesday trained on plastic waste recycling and empowered with tools and cash support as part of efforts to promote environmental sustainability and improve livelihoods among vulnerable groups.

The training, organised by SFC Training Academy in partnership with the Dr. Dahiru Muhammad Hashim Foundation, Vulnerable People Support and Development Initiative, and Dube Charity Foundation, focused on turning plastic waste into economic opportunities for women, widows and persons living with disabilities.

Speaking during the event, the Coordinator of SFC Training Academy, Dr. Sani Hussaini, said the initiative was designed to integrate persons with disabilities into the circular economy through practical recycling skills.

According to him, many people living with disabilities are often excluded from empowerment programmes despite their potential to contribute meaningfully to society.

“We are here today to train participants on waste-to-wealth initiatives. These participants are largely drawn from persons with disabilities because they have often been left behind in many programmes,” he said.

Dr. Hussaini explained that the organisers secured support from partners and sponsors, including the Commissioner for Environment and Climate Change, Dr. Dahiru Muhammad Hashim, who sponsored participants with working tools and financial support.

“He provided weighing scales, hand gloves, face masks, reflective vests and also donated N20,000 cash support to each participant. This gesture is highly commendable and the participants are very happy,” he added.

He noted that although the organisers initially planned for about 70 beneficiaries, over 135 people turned up for the training, describing the response as encouraging.

The coordinator further revealed that the academy plans to establish a database of participants and support the best-performing beneficiaries by enrolling their children back in school.

He added that the organisers also intend to connect participants with companies such as Coca-Cola to enable them combine recycling with small-scale beverage businesses for sustainable income generation.

Dr. Hussaini said the initiative was also aimed at addressing economic hardship by providing vulnerable persons with alternative means of livelihood.

“If someone can sell just a few packs of water daily and retain the plastic bottles for recycling, they can earn a sustainable income monthly. This can significantly improve their standard of living,” he said.

He added that the academy was established to equip youths and vulnerable persons with practical skills in cleaning, recycling, pest control and waste management.

“We want to take youths off the streets by providing this kind of training. We are calling on meaningful individuals and organisations to partner with us so that we can scale up these interventions,” he said.

Speaking on behalf of the founder of the Dr. Dahiru Muhammad Hashim Foundation, the Commissioner for Environment and Climate Change, Muhammad Nazir Zakari described the initiative as timely and impactful.

He said the training was particularly important because it targeted persons with special needs drawn from different communities and equipped them with skills and empowerment support to start small businesses and sustain themselves.

“The training and empowerment will help them to start businesses and become self-reliant. This is not the first time the foundation has supported initiatives like this,” he said.

Zakari expressed excitement over the turnout of participants, noting that the gathering reflected growing awareness among persons with disabilities about opportunities for self-development and economic empowerment.

He commended Dr. Dahiru Muhammad Hashim for his commitment to environmental sustainability, social inclusion and improving the lives of vulnerable people through consistent support for empowerment programmes.

Also speaking, the Director of Persons with Special Needs at the Kano State Ministry of Women Affairs, Children and Persons with Disabilities, Dr. Binta Bala, described the programme as a laudable initiative capable of reducing hardship and promoting inclusion.

“To be sincere, this is a very good initiative. If properly utilised, it will reduce hardship, create jobs and strengthen inclusion of persons with disabilities in society,” she said.

Dr. Bala stated that economic empowerment helps reduce discrimination against persons with disabilities by enabling them to participate actively in community life.

“When your economy is balanced, you can freely mingle with anyone. Nobody will stigmatise or discriminate against you,” she added.

She noted that the Kano State Government had introduced several laws and policies to support the welfare and inclusion of persons with disabilities, including empowerment and advocacy programmes.

The director recalled that the ministry recently collaborated with a development partner to train 169 women on recycling and waste-to-wealth initiatives, including 26 women with disabilities who were supported with starter packs and financial inclusion services.

In his remarks, Mustapha Usman, a coordinator with the Vulnerable People Support and Development Initiative and member of the National Association of Persons with Physical Disabilities, expressed appreciation to the organisers.

“This is something very tangible that we have rarely seen in our community. It is an empowerment that can make people with special needs self-reliant and successful,” he said.

He prayed for continued support for organisations and individuals working to uplift vulnerable persons in society.

By Salmanu Isah Darazo

The decision by the Central Bank of Nigeria to retain the Monetary Policy Rate (MPR) at 26.5 per cent reflects a carefully calibrated policy direction aimed at balancing inflation control, exchange rate stability and economic growth amid mounting global uncertainties.

At the end of its 305th Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meeting held on May 19 and 20, 2026, the apex bank chose to maintain all key monetary parameters, signaling a continuation of its tight monetary policy stance despite moderating inflation indicators and improving macroeconomic fundamentals.

The decision comes at a time when Nigeria’s economy is navigating both domestic recovery and external shocks arising from geopolitical tensions, particularly the ongoing Middle East crisis, which has triggered increases in global energy prices and logistics costs.

For policymakers at the Central Bank of Nigeria, the challenge is not merely reducing inflation, but ensuring that the gains achieved through recent economic reforms are not reversed by premature policy loosening.

Inflation Still the Primary Concern

Although headline inflation rose marginally from 15.38 per cent in March to 15.69 per cent in April 2026, the MPC viewed the increase as temporary and largely imported. Food inflation climbed to 16.06 per cent due to rising transportation and logistics costs, while core inflation moderated to 15.86 per cent.

More significantly, month-on-month inflation slowed sharply to 2.13 per cent from 4.18 per cent, while the 12-month average inflation rate declined for the sixth consecutive month.

These indicators suggest that the aggressive monetary tightening pursued by the Central Bank of Nigeria over the past two years is gradually yielding results.

However, the MPC’s decision to hold rates rather than begin easing indicates that the apex bank remains cautious about declaring victory over inflation too early. Monetary authorities appear concerned that loosening rates prematurely could reignite inflationary pressures, weaken investor confidence and place renewed strain on the foreign exchange market.

By retaining the benchmark rate, the Central Bank of Nigeria is attempting to anchor inflation expectations while preserving confidence in the broader macroeconomic framework.

Reform Gains Influencing Monetary Confidence

A key message from the MPC meeting is that Nigeria’s recent policy reforms are beginning to strengthen economic resilience.

The committee repeatedly referenced exchange rate stability, stronger external reserves, improved monetary policy transmission and fiscal consolidation as evidence that the economy is better positioned to withstand external shocks than in previous years.

Gross external reserves increased to $49.49 billion as of mid-May 2026, enough to cover more than nine months of imports. This represents a major buffer against exchange rate volatility and external market pressures.

The committee also highlighted the successful completion of the banking recapitalisation exercise, which produced 33 stronger and better-capitalised banks capable of supporting economic growth and financial stability.

Taken together, these developments appear to have reinforced the confidence of the Central Bank of Nigeria in maintaining a steady policy stance rather than resorting to emergency tightening measures.

Growth Versus Tight Monetary Policy

One of the recurring criticisms of high interest rates is their impact on private sector borrowing, investment and overall economic growth.

At 26.5 per cent, Nigeria’s benchmark interest rate remains one of the highest in Africa, raising concerns among manufacturers and businesses about the cost of credit.

Nevertheless, recent economic data suggest that growth has remained relatively resilient despite the tight monetary environment. Nigeria’s economy expanded by 4.07 per cent in the fourth quarter of 2025, supported by growth in agriculture, industry and services sectors.

The oil sector also recorded stronger performance due to improved refining activities.

For the MPC, these growth figures may have strengthened the argument that the economy can still withstand elevated interest rates while inflation is being brought under control.

This reflects the classic central banking dilemma: tightening monetary policy may slow borrowing and spending in the short term, but policymakers believe such measures are necessary to restore long-term macroeconomic stability.

Global Uncertainty Shaping Domestic Decisions

Another important factor behind the MPC’s cautious approach is the uncertain global economic outlook.

The committee warned that geopolitical tensions, energy market disruptions and tighter financial conditions could slow global growth and sustain inflationary pressures across many economies.

Around the world, major central banks are increasingly adopting a cautious and data-driven approach, slowing or pausing monetary easing despite signs of moderating inflation.

The Central Bank of Nigeria appears to be aligning with this global trend by prioritising stability over rapid policy adjustments.

This approach is particularly important for emerging economies like Nigeria, where investor sentiment, exchange rate movements and external financing conditions are highly sensitive to monetary policy signals.

Implications for Nigerians

For ordinary Nigerians, the decision means borrowing costs are likely to remain high in the near term. Commercial bank lending rates may continue to constrain access to affordable credit for businesses and households.

However, the MPC believes maintaining policy discipline is necessary to prevent a return to severe inflationary pressures that could further erode purchasing power and destabilise the economy.

If inflation continues to moderate and exchange rate stability persists over the coming months, the Central Bank of Nigeria may eventually consider gradual monetary easing.

For now, however, the central bank appears determined to consolidate recent macroeconomic gains before making any major policy shift.

The overall message from the MPC meeting is clear: stability remains the priority, and the Central Bank of Nigeria is unwilling to risk reversing the fragile progress achieved through recent reforms.

Salmanu Isah Darazo is a publisher and policy analyst. He can be reached via Salmanudrz@gmail.com

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has introduced a new digital declaration platform aimed at speeding up passenger clearance, improving transparency in duty collection and modernising operations at international airports across the country.

The platform, known as the Simplified Customs Advanced Declaration System (SCADS), was unveiled on Monday at the International Wing of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja.

The Service said the initiative forms part of its broader digital reform programme under the leadership of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi.

Deputy Comptroller-General of Customs in charge of ICT and Modernisation, Oluyomi Adebakin, said the development followed challenges encountered with the previous passenger declaration system earlier in the year.

“When the earlier platform experienced operational challenges, we chose not to see it as a setback. We saw it as an opportunity to build something better, stronger and more efficient,” Adebakin said.

According to her, the SCADS platform will enable inbound international passengers to declare baggage and dutiable goods before arriving in Nigeria. She said the process is expected to reduce delays and ease congestion at airport terminals.

Adebakin explained that the platform would automate revenue assessment by relying on the quantity, category and actual value of goods declared by passengers.

“For passengers, this system creates the opportunity for advance declaration before arrival. It means faster clearance, easier compliance and smoother movement through our airports,” she stated.

She also said the system would improve accountability in Customs revenue generation through data-based assessments.

“When we talk about revenue collection, it is not about collecting more or less. It is about collecting the right revenue. With this system, assessment will now be more objective, accurate and driven by data,” she added.

Customs Area Controller of the FCT Area Command, Comptroller Victoria Alibo, said the choice of Abuja for the pilot phase reflected confidence in the command’s operational capacity.

She explained that the new system integrates passenger baggage and e-commerce declarations into a single digital structure designed to meet international operational standards.

“SCADS is designed to simplify declarations, reduce clearance time, eliminate manual bottlenecks and align our operations with international standards,” Alibo noted.

Alibo disclosed that the pilot phase of the initiative would run from May 18 to May 22, 2026. She said the period would allow Customs officers and technical teams to test the system before its deployment across the country.

Senior Customs officers, representatives of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), government agencies and stakeholders in the aviation sector attended the launch ceremony in Abuja.

By Ibrahim Aliyu

Over the past few decades, Kannywood has grown into one of the most influential cultural industries in Northern Nigeria. Rooted in the Hausa language, Islamic values, and local traditions, it has shaped entertainment, storytelling, and public discourse across millions of homes. For many families, Kannywood was never merely cinema; it became a reflection of identity, morality, family structure, and social values.

Yet despite its cultural importance, Kannywood continues to attract criticism from various sections of society. Some believe the industry has drifted from the moral and religious principles it once claimed to uphold. Others argue that society itself has become increasingly harsh, suspicious, and contradictory in its judgments of public morality.

Perhaps the deeper issue is not merely “bad behaviour” in the industry, but the growing tension among public morality, private intentions, and shifting social perceptions.

In Islam, unnecessary physical intimacy between non-Mahram men and women is generally discouraged, and Hausa society has historically taken such boundaries seriously and with respect. However, there was also a period in Northern Nigeria when families could sit together and watch classic Kannywood comedy scenes featuring actors such as Ibro and Tsigai without automatically interpreting every interaction through a sexual lens.

Parents watched alongside their children. Grandparents watched with their grandchildren. Communities laughed together. At the time, many viewers saw those scenes primarily as comedy, storytelling, and harmless entertainment within a familiar cultural context.

This raises an important question: What changed?

Part of the answer may lie in how modern society increasingly interprets many human interactions through suspicion and moral anxiety. The rapid expansion of social media, unrestricted internet access, celebrity culture, and exposure to explicit online content have reshaped how people perceive entertainment, gender interactions, and morality itself.

As a result, public discussions about morality sometimes become less about intentions, discipline, and character, and more about appearances and public performance. In such an environment, accusations of immorality can spread quickly, even when the cultural context or the intention is more complex.

Hausa society contains longstanding cultural traditions that show how social interaction has historically been understood within context and boundaries. Practices such as “wasan kanin miji” and “wasan kaka da jika” reflect playful social interactions that coexisted with strong family values and respect for marriage institutions. These interactions were not automatically deemed immoral because society recognised the importance of trust, intention, and communal understanding.

This does not mean boundaries should disappear, nor does it suggest that moral principles are unimportant. Rather, it highlights the need for balance, sincerity, and self-awareness when discussing morality in public life.

The danger arises when society becomes more concerned with appearing morally superior than with cultivating genuine ethical discipline. Excessive suspicion, constant public outrage, and the tendency to sexualise ordinary human behaviour can deepen social tension rather than achieve genuine moral reform.

In this sense, Kannywood is more than a film industry. It has become a mirror reflecting the wider struggles within Northern society — the struggle between tradition and modernity, religious values and entertainment culture, public expectations and private realities.

The debate surrounding Kannywood is therefore not only about actors, actresses, or films. It is also about how society defines morality, how communities respond to cultural change, and whether public conversations about ethics are guided by wisdom, balance, and sincerity rather than by fear, projection, or moral performance.

As Northern Nigeria continues to evolve socially and culturally, perhaps the challenge is not to destroy cultural institutions out of anxiety, but to engage them thoughtfully, critically, and honestly — while preserving the values that truly strengthen society.

Ibrahim Aliyu wrote via khalilnuradeen@gmail.com.

By Uzair Adam

A 46-year-old man, identified as Olaniyi Fakeye, has been arraigned before a Mapo Grade ‘A’ Customary Court in Ibadan over the alleged stabbing of his former wife.

Fakeye was brought before the court on Tuesday on a two-count charge bordering on assault and breach of peace. He, however, pleaded not guilty to the allegations.

According to the prosecutor, Insp. Ayodele Ayeni, the incident occurred on March 25 at about 9:30 p.m. at the staff quarters of the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan.

Ayeni told the court that the defendant allegedly attacked his ex-wife, Bosede, with a broken bottle, inflicting injuries on her shoulder.

The prosecutor added that the alleged offences contravene Sections 249 and 355 of the Criminal Code Cap. 38 Vol. II, Laws of Oyo State, 2000.

Presiding over the matter, Mrs. S. M. Akintayo granted the defendant bail in the sum of N200,000 with two sureties in like amount.

She further directed that the sureties must provide valid means of identification before the bail conditions can be fulfilled.

The case was adjourned until June 11 for hearing.

By Uzair Adam

Iran’s Revolutionary Guards on Wednesday warned that any renewed attacks by the United States and Israel on the Islamic Republic could trigger a wider conflict extending beyond the Middle East.

In a statement published on the Guards’ official website, Sepah News, the force said, “If aggression against Iran is repeated, the promised regional war will spread far beyond the region, and our devastating blows will crush you.”

The warning followed remarks by US President Donald Trump, who said Washington could launch fresh strikes on Iran if both sides fail to reach a long-term settlement within the next few days.

Tensions have continued to rise as both sides exchange threats alongside diplomatic proposals aimed at ending the conflict, which erupted on February 28. A ceasefire has been in effect since April 8.

“The American-Zionist enemy must understand that despite the offensive carried out against us with the full capabilities of the world’s two most expensive armies, we have not yet deployed the full strength of the Islamic revolution,” the Revolutionary Guards added.

The nearly 40-day conflict claimed the lives of several top Iranian officials, including Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, and prompted retaliatory missile and drone attacks by Tehran across the region.

On Tuesday, Trump suggested a deadline of only a few days before possible military action could resume if negotiations fail.

“I’m saying two or three days, maybe Friday, Saturday, Sunday, maybe early next week — a limited period of time,” he said.

Trump had earlier revealed that Gulf Arab leaders urged him at the last minute to avoid launching another attack on Iran.

Meanwhile, Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi wrote on X that any “return to war will feature many more surprises.”

By Uzair Adam

The United Nations has expressed concern over the recurring attacks on schools by terrorist groups in Nigeria.

UN Spokesperson, Stéphane Dujarric, stated this while responding to questions from the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) regarding the recent coordinated assaults on schools across the country.

According to NAN, armed groups attacked schools in Oyo State over the weekend, with dozens of students and teachers reportedly abducted during the incident.

Two teachers were also said to have been killed by the attackers.

“We are, of course, very concerned. We have continued to witness attacks on children and educational institutions in Nigeria by extremist groups,” Dujarric said.

He noted that the attacks continue to have devastating effects on affected communities.

Dujarric further disclosed that the UN Secretary-General, António Guterres, is also worried about the growing activities of terrorist groups in parts of Nigeria, especially following recent joint U.S.-Nigerian military strikes targeting ISIS hideouts.

The UN spokesperson added that the organisation, through its country team in Nigeria, has been supporting efforts aimed at improving the safety of schools and protecting students from repeated attacks.

“The UN country team in Nigeria, across its various agencies, has been working closely with the government in affected areas to strengthen school safety and ensure better protection for students,” he said.

He added that the UN would continue collaborating with authorities to address the security challenges facing schools in the country.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Arsenal have emerged as champions of the 2025/2026 Premier League season after Manchester City dropped points in a draw against Bournemouth, a result that handed the North London club an unassailable lead at the top of the table.

Mikel Arteta’s side secured the title with one match left to play after opening a four-point gap over City, who now sit on 78 points. Arsenal moved to 82 points following a narrow victory over Burnley in their previous fixture.

The triumph marks Arsenal’s first English top-flight league title in 22 years. The club last won the Premier League during the 2003/2004 campaign under Arsene Wenger, when the famous “Invincibles” completed the season without a defeat.

Arsenal’s title-winning campaign has drawn praise for its discipline and effectiveness, especially from set pieces. The Gunners set a new mark this season after scoring their 18th league goal from a corner situation.

One of those decisive moments came in their recent 1-0 win over Burnley at the Emirates Stadium. Bukayo Saka delivered a precise corner kick that found Kai Havertz, who headed home the winning goal.

The latest success also ends several painful seasons for Arsenal, who came close to lifting the title in recent years but fell short against Manchester City and Liverpool.

By sealing the title before the final round of fixtures, Arsenal avoided the pressure that often comes with a last-day decider. Their final league game against Crystal Palace will now serve as a celebration for the newly crowned champions.

Attention has also shifted to Arsenal’s European campaign. Arteta’s men are preparing for the UEFA Champions League final against Paris Saint-Germain on May 30 at the Puskas Arena in Budapest.

Victory in that match would see Arsenal complete a historic league and Champions League double.

By Muhammad Abubakar

Germany’s new multi-billion-euro electric-vehicle subsidy program officially launched today, with the Federal Office for Economic Affairs and Export Control (BAFA) opening its digital application portal.

The initiative aims to revive domestic EV sales by offering private buyers between €1,500 and €6,000 in direct state funding. Under the new guidelines, fully electric vehicles are eligible for the maximum tier of support, while select plug-in hybrids can receive up to €4,500. Buyers can claim the subsidies retroactively for any qualifying vehicle registered on or after January 1, 2026.

Unlike previous incentive schemes, this program introduces strict social scaling based on household income. Individual buyers must have a taxable annual income under €80,000 to qualify, while the cap increases to €90,000 for families with two children.

The federal government has allocated a total of three billion euros to fund the initiative, which is projected to run through 2029 or until the budget is fully exhausted.