National

By Anas Abbas

The Federal Government has withdrawn its recent increase in registration fees for the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) and the National Examinations Council’s (NECO) Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE), following widespread criticism from Nigerians.

The Director of Press and Public Relations at the Federal Ministry of Education, Boriowo Folasade, announced the suspension in a statement on Monday, confirming that the letter dated June 18, 2026, which had communicated the new fees, has been withdrawn pending further review.

According to the ministry, the initial proposal was driven by rising operational costs, covering logistics, security, printing, technology deployment and quality assurance, needed to maintain credible national examinations, noting that registration fees had stayed largely the same for years despite these growing expenses. 

However, Minister of Education Dr Maruf Tunji Alausa has now directed that the plan be put on hold in the interest of a more inclusive and transparent policy process.

The ministry said it would consult more broadly with examination bodies, state education ministries, school administrators, parents’ groups, labour representatives and other stakeholders before any new fee structure is considered. 

It added that the review would not proceed until this consultation process concludes, and reaffirmed its commitment to protecting students’ welfare and equitable access to education.

The fee increase had drawn sharp criticism from prominent Nigerians, including African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, who had described the hike as insensitive to the realities facing Nigerian families.

By Hadiza Abdulkadir

Bayero University, Kano (BUK), has emerged as the overall winner of the Nigeria Higher Education Foundation (NHEF) Faculty Capstone Project Competition, defeating six other federal universities in a keenly contested event held in Victoria Island, Lagos.

The competition, which brought together faculty teams from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria; the University of Ibadan; the University of Lagos; the University of Nigeria, Nsukka; and the University of Port Harcourt, saw BUK’s delegation distinguish itself through exceptional innovation, collaborative synergy, and academic rigour.

The victorious BUK team was represented by Dr. Shukrah Bello, Dr. Adamu Abubakar Rasheed, Dr. Halima Abdulkadir Idris, Dr. Ibrahim Shehu Dauda, and Dr. Adenekan Lanre Qasim. Their outstanding performance not only secured the top prize but also brought national acclaim to the Kano-based institution.

In a statement following the victory, the team expressed deep gratitude to the university’s management, led by Vice-Chancellor Professor Haruna Musa, FSI, praising his administration’s unwavering commitment to staff development and institutional support, which they credited as instrumental to their success.

The latest feat adds to BUK’s growing stature as a beacon of academic excellence and leadership within Nigeria’s higher education landscape, reaffirming its position among the country’s foremost centres of learning and innovation.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

The Nigerian Army has officially commenced the training of 5,300 newly recruited soldiers at the Depot Nigerian Army in Osogbo, Osun State, marking a significant boost to the nation’s military manpower.

Major General IM Abdullahi, Chief of Administration (Army), formally handed over the recruits to Brigadier General BM Madaki, Commandant of the Depot, signalling the start of their basic military instruction. The recruits, part of the 91 Regular Recruit Intake, will undergo an intensive six-month training programme aimed at instilling discipline, physical fitness, leadership skills, and combat readiness.

“This intake represents our commitment to strengthening the Nigerian Army’s capacity to meet the nation’s evolving security challenges,” Major General Abdullahi stated during the handover ceremony.

Receiving the recruits, Brigadier General Madaki assured that the training would produce highly disciplined, mission-ready soldiers capable of supporting the Army’s operational responsibilities. “Through rigorous military instruction and character development, we will transform these recruits into professional soldiers,” he said.

The exercise underscores the Nigerian Army’s ongoing efforts to enhance its operational effectiveness as the country continues to confront diverse security threats across various regions. Upon completion of their training, the new soldiers are expected to be deployed in support of ongoing security operations nationwide.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu and security agencies following the rescue of schoolchildren and teachers who were abducted in Oriire Local Government Area of the state.

The victims regained their freedom on Friday after spending 56 days in captivity. Security operatives from the military, the Department of State Services (DSS), and the Nigeria Police carried out the rescue operation.

Speaking during a telephone interview with Channels Television shortly after the victims were freed, Makinde described the development as a great relief for the state.

He said, “It is such a big relief for all of us. Just right now, I am overjoyed and can hardly say much.

“I use this opportunity to say a big thank you to all the service commands, the police, DSS, military and, of course, the president for pushing for their release.”

The abduction occurred on May 15 when armed men attacked Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota, Community Grammar School, Esiele, and LA Primary School in Ogbomoso, all located in Oriire Local Government Area.

The incident forced the Oyo State Government to close schools in four local government areas as security agencies intensified efforts to secure the victims’ release. The kidnapping also sparked protests in different parts of the country, where citizens demanded the safe return of the pupils and teachers.

Three days after the attack, Makinde disclosed that one of the abducted teachers had been killed while in captivity.

President Tinubu also welcomed the successful rescue and praised the military, the DSS, and the police for their efforts. He said the operation brought an end to more than 50 days of uncertainty for the victims and their families. He also commended the security agencies for rescuing the victims without collateral damage.

The president further praised the Oyo State Government for its cooperation with the Federal Government throughout the operation. He directed emergency response agencies to work with the state government to provide medical treatment and other forms of assistance to the rescued pupils and teachers.

Tinubu also pledged that his administration would ensure justice for the victims and for the family of the teacher, Oyedokun, who lost his life during the abduction.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu and security agencies following the rescue of schoolchildren and teachers who were abducted in Oriire Local Government Area of the state.

The victims regained their freedom on Friday after spending 56 days in captivity. Security operatives from the military, the Department of State Services (DSS), and the Nigeria Police carried out the rescue operation.

Speaking during a telephone interview with Channels Television shortly after the victims were freed, Makinde described the development as a great relief for the state.

He said, “It is such a big relief for all of us. Just right now, I am overjoyed and can hardly say much.

“I use this opportunity to say a big thank you to all the service commands, the police, DSS, military and, of course, the president for pushing for their release.”

The abduction occurred on May 15 when armed men attacked Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota, Community Grammar School, Esiele, and LA Primary School in Ogbomoso, all located in Oriire Local Government Area.

The incident forced the Oyo State Government to close schools in four local government areas as security agencies intensified efforts to secure the victims’ release. The kidnapping also sparked protests in different parts of the country, where citizens demanded the safe return of the pupils and teachers.

Three days after the attack, Makinde disclosed that one of the abducted teachers had been killed while in captivity.

President Tinubu also welcomed the successful rescue and praised the military, the DSS, and the police for their efforts. He said the operation brought an end to more than 50 days of uncertainty for the victims and their families. He also commended the security agencies for rescuing the victims without collateral damage.

The president further praised the Oyo State Government for its cooperation with the Federal Government throughout the operation. He directed emergency response agencies to work with the state government to provide medical treatment and other forms of assistance to the rescued pupils and teachers.

Tinubu also pledged that his administration would ensure justice for the victims and for the family of the teacher, Oyedokun, who lost his life during the abduction.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Human rights activist Aisha Yesufu has called on Nigerian authorities to release CCTV footage that could identify those responsible for the recent abduction of schoolchildren and teachers in Oyo State.

Yesufu made the demand in a post on her verified X account on Saturday. Her comments came after the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, criticised the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, over an alleged violation of parking regulations at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja.

Keyamo had asked Obi to apologise to airport authorities and pay a ₦25,000 fine for the alleged breach.

The exchange followed recent remarks by Obi, who claimed in an interview that the Federal Government, led by the All Progressives Congress (APC), was targeting him. He also alleged that he has continued to face intimidation and harassment.

Reacting to the development, Yesufu questioned the government’s priorities and urged security agencies to focus on more pressing security concerns.

She wrote, “Pathetic cowards! Let them bring out the CCTV of the kidnappers that took away children in Oyo or of the ones that have been terrorising citizens.

“Majoring in the minor is all they are freaking good at.”

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Presidency has confirmed that all the pupils and teachers abducted in Orire, Ogbomoso area of Oyo State have regained their freedom.

The announcement came on Friday through the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, who disclosed that security agencies rescued the victims.

However, the Presidency did not provide details of the operation that led to their release.

“Finally, all the kidnapped pupils and teachers in Orire, Oyo have been rescued by our security agencies,” Onanuga wrote in a post on X.

The abduction had raised concerns among residents and attracted national attention. Authorities are yet to release additional information on the rescue operation or the condition of the victims.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have arrested a 48-year-old Chadian woman who was allegedly transporting illicit drugs, alcoholic drinks and other prohibited items to terrorist groups operating in the Lake Chad Islands.

The arrest took place on Thursday during a search operation along the Maiduguri–Monguno road in Borno State, according to a statement issued on Friday by the Acting Military Information Officer of Operation Hadin Kai, Lieutenant Colonel Mohammed Goni.

Goni said soldiers stopped a suspicious vehicle heading towards Kwatan Doron Baga in Kukawa Local Government Area, where they apprehended the suspect.

“The suspect, identified as Mrs Rachael Samuel (48), a Chadian national from Kelo in Chari-Baguirmi Province, Republic of Chad, was arrested while conveying the prohibited items,” the statement said.

He added that preliminary investigations suggested the items were meant for locations within the Lake Chad Islands, an area where terrorist groups are known to operate.

Security operatives recovered seven compressed bundles of suspected Cannabis sativa weighing about 30 kilogrammes, two 10-litre containers of hydromercuric chloride, popularly called “Suck and Die”, one carton containing 48 bottles of dry gin and 61 bottles of herbal alcoholic beverages. The military said the seized items have an estimated street value running into millions of naira.

Other items recovered include a mobile phone, two Automated Teller Machine (ATM) cards, personal belongings and cash.

The military said the suspect remains in custody, while the recovered exhibits have been secured ahead of their transfer to the appropriate law enforcement agency for further investigation and possible prosecution.

Goni said the operation reflects the determination of Operation Hadin Kai to block supply routes that sustain terrorist activities. He explained that intelligence reports have consistently indicated that terrorist groups depend on illicit drugs and intoxicants to stimulate fighters, reduce fear and support violent attacks.

“By intercepting the consignment before it reached its destination, the troops have disrupted another critical aspect of the terrorists’ support network,” the statement added.

“The Theatre Command commends the vigilance and professionalism of the troops and assures the public that operations against terrorists and their collaborators will continue relentlessly.

“The public is encouraged to continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies in support of ongoing efforts to restore lasting peace and security across the North East.”

By Uzair Adam 

The Senate has called on the Federal Government to discontinue the rehabilitation and reintegration of repentant Boko Haram members and other violent criminals, arguing that the policy has failed to curb insecurity across the country.

The resolution followed a motion on the rising cases of attacks, abductions and killings involving serving and retired military personnel, including the late former Director of Defence Information, retired Major General Rabe Abubakar.

The motion, sponsored by the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Army, Senator Abdulaziz Yar’Adua (APC, Katsina), received unanimous support during Tuesday’s plenary.

Lawmakers condemned the continued rehabilitation of former Boko Haram fighters, bandits, kidnappers and other criminal elements under the Federal Government’s deradicalisation programme. Several senators linked the persistent security crisis, particularly in northern Nigeria, to the release of individuals described as repentant criminals back into society.

The Senate expressed concern over what it described as the deteriorating security situation, warning that the growing attacks on serving and retired military officers represent a dangerous dimension to the country’s security challenges.

It cited the killing of retired Major General Richard Duru in Owerri after a reported ransom payment of $50,000, the murder of retired Brigadier General O.M. Harlord Udokwere in Abuja, the 56-day captivity of former NYSC Director-General, retired Brigadier General Maharazu Tsiga, and the death of retired Major Aja while in captivity in Kogi State.

According to the lawmakers, the attacks pose a significant threat to national security because many of the victims previously held sensitive operational, intelligence and command positions.

The Senate observed a minute of silence in honour of Major General Rabe Abubakar and other Nigerians killed by terrorism, insurgency, banditry, kidnapping and other violent crimes. 

It also urged the Federal Government to ensure that perpetrators are arrested and prosecuted.

The Red Chamber further called on security and intelligence agencies to strengthen intelligence gathering, surveillance, threat assessment and early warning mechanisms, while urging the government to accelerate the deployment of modern security technology to combat terrorism, banditry and kidnapping.

The resolution comes despite the existence of Operation Safe Corridor, a Federal Government initiative launched in 2016 to deradicalise, rehabilitate and reintegrate former Boko Haram combatants who voluntarily surrendered. 

While officials have credited the programme with encouraging thousands of insurgents to abandon violence, concerns have persisted over reports of some beneficiaries allegedly returning to criminal activities.

Reacting to the Senate’s position, security analyst and Associate Professor at the University of Namibia, Dr. Babayo Sule, described the resolution as unfortunate and potentially counterproductive.

He argued that the deradicalisation programme was introduced only after military operations failed to bring lasting peace, stressing that rehabilitation and reconciliation remain recognised components of counter-insurgency strategies worldwide.

Rather than scrapping the initiative, Sule urged lawmakers to investigate its shortcomings and strengthen its implementation. He also called for greater oversight of Operation Safe Corridor and similar reconciliation programmes in states affected by insurgency.

According to him, abandoning the programme without addressing the underlying challenges could further worsen insecurity, as the country currently lacks sufficient capacity to defeat insurgents solely through military means.

By Zayyad I. Muhammad

What makes other countries continue to develop and achieve sustainable success is their ability to pursue collective and common goals across all socioeconomic sectors. When the people and their leaders share a clear national vision and work towards common objectives, the country naturally excels in development, whether in education, human capital, infrastructure, technology, innovation, or national pride.

Many countries are made up of people from different cultures, races, religions, and ethnic backgrounds. Yet, when it comes to national goals and objectives, they stand united as one nation, driven by a shared sense of purpose and commitment to progress. Their diversity becomes a source of strength rather than division because the national interest comes first.

One of Nigeria’s greatest challenges is the absence of strong national goals and objectives that are genuinely shared by all citizens. As a nation, we often struggle to build consensus around long-term priorities that transcend politics, ethnicity, religion, and regional interests.

Ironically, one of the few areas where Nigerians consistently demonstrate unity is sports, especially football. If Nigeria could cultivate the same level of collective commitment, patriotism, and shared purpose in education, human capital development, innovation, infrastructure, and economic growth as it does in football, the country would make remarkable progress and achieve far greater national development.

Another irony of Nigeria’s politics is that many leaders champion national unity while they occupy positions at the centre of government. They speak the language of inclusion, national cohesion, and collective progress because they represent the entire federation. However, the moment many of them leave office or slip out of public view, they often retreat into ethnic or regional politics, becoming champions of sectional interests rather than national ones. This inconsistency weakens nation-building, deepens divisions, and makes it difficult to sustain a truly national agenda.

Nigeria’s progress depends not only on good leadership but also on a shared national consciousness. The country needs leaders and followers who will remain committed to national unity and development regardless of whether they hold public office. Likewise, citizens must place the Nigerian project above ethnic, religious, and regional considerations. Only when our collective interest consistently outweighs our individual or sectional interests can Nigeria unlock its immense potential and achieve the level of sustainable development seen in many successful nations.

 Zayyad I. Muhammad writes from Abuja via zaymohd@yahoo.com.