Month: April 2025

By Ishaka Mohammed

Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) Zaria, Nigeria, in collaboration with the University of Rostock, Germany, has announced four fully funded PhD positions in Bioenergy, Green Hydrogen, Waste Management, and Circular Economy.

The positions are under a joint research program between the Bioresources Engineering Research Group at ABU and the Professorship for Material and Energy Valorization at the University of Rostock.

As shared by a lecturer at ABU, Zaria, Dr Muhammad Hashim Suleiman, the positions will involve advanced research in the aforementioned bio-resource fields, aiming to develop sustainable solutions for global environmental and energy challenges. 

Successful applicants will be offered provisional admission to the University of Rostock, Germany, where they will spend six months. However, the main research will be conducted at ABU.

The scholarship will cover tuition fees, stipends for living costs during the research period, and costs of research and laboratory logistics.

Each successful applicant will be required to conduct independent and high-quality research but will submit regular progress reports to their supervisors. 

They are also expected to publish at least two articles per year in reputable and indexed journals, in addition to performing any other tasks assigned by their supervisors, if deemed necessary, from both universities.

An applicant for each position should have a minimum of upper second class in their first degree and a good master’s degree in any field of engineering with a research focus on bioenergy, waste-to-energy, circular economy, or green hydrogen.

Each applicant must also be proficient in both spoken and written English, 35 years old or younger, and not be under any other scholarship at the time of application.

Interested and eligible applicants are required to send the under-listed documents to daie@abu.edu.ng and copy saniabbaaliyu2015@gmail.com before Wednesday, May 7, 2025. 

The documents include a detailed curriculum vitae (CV) showing a publication profile, copies of academic certificates and transcripts, proof of research in bioenergy, waste-to-energy, circular economy or green hydrogen, two reference letters from academic or professional referees, a personal statement detailing motivation and research interests related to the PhD program, a concept note of within five pages on any of the aforementioned research areas, and proof of study leave (if employed).

Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, is the fourth oldest university in Nigeria, while the University of Rostock, founded over 600 years ago, is the third oldest in Germany.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

The Concerned Northern Forum (CNF) has threatened reprisal attacks in Northern states, including Abuja, following the killing of 16 Northern hunters in Uromi, Edo State.

The group has also called on Northerners living in Southern Nigeria to return home for their safety.

In a statement on Wednesday, CNF Chairman Alhaji Ali Muhammad accused authorities of failing to protect Northerners outside their region and warned that further inaction could trigger violent retaliation.

“No group has a monopoly on lawlessness,” the statement read. “If the government fails to act, reprisals will be inevitable.”

The CNF condemned the recurring attacks on Northerners, citing losses worth billions of naira in destroyed properties. It demanded the arrest and prosecution of the perpetrators and compensation for victims’ families.

While acknowledging Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo’s visit to Kano, the group dismissed it as insufficient, insisting on concrete justice to prevent further violence.

“The brutal murder of our people is unacceptable. We will no longer remain silent while our people are slaughtered,” the statement added

By Anwar Usman

The Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau I. Jibrin, visited the Bunkure Local Government Area of Kano State on Wednesday to offer his condolences and financial support to the families of the 16 travelers who were lynched in Uromi, Esan North East LGA of Edo State.

The DSP met with the grieving families, hailing from Bunkure, Kibiya, Rano, and Garko LGAs, at the At-Taqwa Mosque in Sabon Fegi, Bunkure LGA.

Together with the Senate Deputy President were the Minister of State for Housing and Urban Development, Yusuf Abdullahi Ata, the Managing Director of the North West Development Commission, Professor Abdullahi Shehu Ma’aji, and other dignitaries.

This was disclosed in a statement released by the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the Deputy President of the Senate, Ismail Mudashir, and made available to journalists.

Barau assured the families of the victims that justice would be served and reiterated that the perpetrators would face the full wrath of the law.

He further stated that, in addition to the previously apprehended 14 suspects, two more individuals had been arrested in connection with the killings.

To ease the families’ hardships, Senator Barau announced a donation of N1 million to each of the 16 bereaved families, totaling N16 million.

The statement in part reads, “I am here to express my deepest sympathies for the tragic incident that claimed the lives of 16 of our brothers last Thursday. May Allah grant them Jannatul Firdaus and provide swift recovery to those injured,” Senator Barau stated.

“The incident deeply troubled me. I immediately contacted the state governor, security agencies, and all relevant stakeholders. They acted promptly, leading to the arrest of 14 suspects initially and, subsequently, two more. The state governor, who visited me in Abuja, has assured me of the state government’s support,” he added.

Earlier, the Chief Imam of the area, Sheik Zainul Abidina Auwal, while speaking on behalf of the families, expressed gratitude to Senator Barau for his efforts in pursuing justice and lauded him as a leader vital for the nation’s progress

By Ibrahyim A. El-Caleel

Nigeria is home to a handful of geographical confusions here and there. Two of these confusions are the “South-South” and “North-Central” regions. 

We have four cardinal points— North, South, East, and West. Based on their intersection, we also have four intercardinal points— North East, North West, South East, and South West. There is no such thing as “South-South” or “North Central.” Nigeria created these two regions purely out of political correctness to appeal to the identity sensibilities of the people in those areas. 

Therefore, instead of having four geopolitical zones, we ended up with six. The significance is mainly for resource allocation, political and electoral considerations, and other factors. However, I don’t see how this has helped the country. For example, despite the “South South” region receiving higher resource allocation as our host community,which earns us foreign exchange, it still lacks significantly compared to other parts of Nigeria in terms of infrastructure and educational facilities.

For the love of fragmentation, there are people who also call themselves the “Middle Belt” region, which is carved out of the “North Central, “ parts of the “North West,” and sections of the “North East. ” All this is done for political reasons, capitalizing on ethnicity and religion to achieve political gains that primarily benefit the leaders of that region. The ordinary Nigerian caught in these confusions only develops more hatred towards Nigerians from “other regions. ” Nevertheless, he will still face the same harsh economy as his brothers from other parts of Nigeria. 

Nigeria’s geopolitical zones serve little practical purpose beyond politics. Take the North West, for example. Despite its supposed uniformity in sociocultural values, it has failed to tackle a basic social issue like the Almajiri child begging program. If geopolitical zoning were significant, North West states would have collaborated on a decisive plan to end this menace and secure the future of the next generation by putting them in school— whether formal or Islamic. But that never happens. 

The only time the North West is relevant is during elections when discussions are dominated by talk of bloc votes from Kano, Kaduna, and Katsina. Beyond that, the geopolitical divisions serve merely as political tools, activated once every four years and quickly forgotten. Let me not forget that when it’s time to share resources, the NW leaders will suddenly emerge with their large population numbers to claim a significant share of the available freebies.

By Anwar Usman

The Nigerian Army has commenced the recruitment of tradesmen, non-tradesmen, and women for its 89th regular recruits intake.

The Nigerian Army made revealed this on its X handle on Tuesday.

The statement read, “The Nigerian Army wishes to inform the general public that the online application for 89 Regular Recruits Intake for Non-Tradesmen and Women will commence for all interested candidates.

According to the statement, “Application is free for interested candidates. Applicants are advised to apply once, as multiple applications will lead to disqualification. Interested applicants can log on to http://recruitment.army.mil.ng to complete online registration from March 31 to May 17, 2025.

“Shortlisted candidates are expected to report to their respective states of origin for the screening exercise, which will take place from 2– 16 June 2025.”

The statement further revealed that, the application website offers additional instructions for eligible candidates on the application process, detailing the required criteria.

“Applicants must be single and Nigerian citizens by birth, and must possess a National Identity Card/NIN and BVN printout, and must be medically, physically, and psychologically fit by Nigerian Army Standards.

“Applicants must be free of any criminal conviction by the court of law. They must possess a valid birth certificate endorsed by the National Population Commission, Hospital, or Local Government Council, or an age declaration.

“Applicants must possess a valid certificate of state of origin and must not be less than 1.68 metres and 1.65 metres tall for male and female candidates respectively,” the post read.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

President Bola Tinubu has approved a restructuring of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) leadership, which saw the removal of the board chairman, Chief Pius Akinyelure, and the Group Chief Executive Officer, Mele Kyari.

In a statement, presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga confirmed that President Tinubu also dismissed all other board members appointed alongside Akinyelure and Kyari in November 2023.

“The new 11-member board will have Engineer Bashir Bayo Ojulari as the Group CEO and Ahmadu Musa Kida as the non-executive chairman,” Onanuga stated.

Additionally, President Tinubu has appointed Adedapo Segun to the new board. Segun previously replaced Umaru Isa Ajiya as the Chief Financial Officer of NNPCL in November.

The newly constituted board includes six non-executive directors representing different geopolitical zones of Nigeria.

Bello Rabiu will represent the North West, Yusuf Usman the North East, and Babs Omotowa, a former Managing Director of Nigeria LNG, the North Central region.

Other appointees include Austin Avuru as a non-executive director from the South-South, David Ige from the South-West, and Henry Obih from the South-East.“Mrs.

Lydia Shehu Jafiya, the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Finance, will represent the ministry on the new board, while Aminu Said Ahmed will represent the Ministry of Petroleum Resources,” Onanuga added.

He further stated that “all appointments take effect from today, April 2.”President Tinubu, exercising his powers under Section 59, Subsection 2 of the Petroleum Industry Act, 2021, noted that the board’s restructuring is aimed at enhancing operational efficiency, restoring investor confidence, increasing local content, boosting economic growth, and strengthening gas commercialization and expansion.

According to the statement, the President has directed the new board to conduct an immediate strategic review of NNPC-operated and Joint Venture assets to ensure they align with revenue optimization objectives.

Since assuming office in 2023, the Tinubu administration has implemented oil sector reforms to attract investment. Last year, NNPCL secured $17 billion in new investments, with projections to increase the figure to $30 billion by 2027 and $60 billion by 2030.

By Anas Abbas

Abbas Sunusi, the Galadiman Kano and father of the Kano State APC chairman, has passed away at 92.

Abbas Sanusi,was born in 1933 in Bichi, Kano State, Abbas Sunusi served as Wamban Kano before being turbaned as Galadiman Kano by Sanusi Lamido Sanusi in 2014.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

The Kogi State Police Command has called on Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduagan to shelve her planned Sallah rally in the Central Senatorial District, citing security threats and a state government ban on political gatherings.

Commissioner of Police Miller Dantawaye, in a statement by Police Spokesman ASP William Aya on Tuesday, warned that intelligence reports indicated possible hijacking of the event by hoodlums, risking public peace.

“The Command advises the organizers to cancel the rally to avoid a breakdown of law and order,” the statement read, emphasizing that violators would face legal consequences.

Despite the ban, Akpoti-Uduagan maintains her “homecoming” is a non-political visit to celebrate Eid-el-Fitr with constituents.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has pledged to compensate the families of 16 hunters who were allegedly killed by a vigilante group in Uromi, Edo State.

The victims were reportedly traveling to Kano when the incident occurred.

Governor Okpebholo made this commitment while visiting the bereaved families in Torankawa, Kano State, alongside his Kano counterpart, Abba Yusuf.

“We are making arrangements to provide compensation to all the victims affected by this incident,” Okpebholo stated.

He commended the people of Kano for maintaining peace despite the tragedy.

“I also commend the good people of Kano State and the entire north for not taking the law into their own hands and carrying out reprisal attacks,” he said.

The governor prayed for the departed souls and reassured the families that justice would be served.

“We are here to commiserate with the families of the dead. We assure you that the perpetrators will be brought to justice.

“May Almighty God forgive the souls of the victims and reward them with paradise,” he added.

Okpebholo disclosed that several arrests had been made in connection with the killings.

“About 14 suspects have been arrested already; we will pursue the case until its logical conclusion.

“We are making arrangements to provide compensation to all the families affected by this incident,” he reaffirmed.

Governor Yusuf also expressed his commitment to ensuring justice and offering support to the victims’ families.

“We are working closely with my counterpart, Governor Okpebholo, to ensure that all those arrested are prosecuted.

“We will also ensure full compensation for all the affected victims,” he said.

Additionally, Yusuf announced financial and material assistance for the grieving families.”I pledged cash and food items to the families of victims,” he stated.

He noted that the government would not relent in seeking justice and providing relief for those affected by the tragedy.

By Ishaka Mohammed

The management of Bayero University, Kano (BUK) has announced that students can now access and print their end-of-session results from the school’s registration portal.  

According to a special bulletin dated March 31, 2025, this initiative is part of the university’s ongoing efforts to automate its operations.

An undergraduate at the institution confirmed to The Daily Reality that previously, BUK students from different states could only check their results while on holiday with the assistance of close friends residing in Kano, who would share photos from the noticeboard.

Consequently, the new development comes with more convenience and privacy. However, the bulletin states that “final-year students will not have access to their final results until after Senate Approval.”