National

By Maryam Ahmad

The Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, has officially handed over a confiscated 750-unit luxury housing estate—previously linked to former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, Godwin Emefiele—to the Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Ahmed Musa Dangiwa.

The handover ceremony took place in Abuja on Monday, marking a significant milestone in the federal government’s efforts to repurpose assets recovered from corruption cases for public benefit.

Speaking at the event, Olukoyede reaffirmed the EFCC’s commitment to transparency and accountability, emphasising that the recovered property will now serve the interests of ordinary Nigerians, particularly in addressing the country’s housing deficit.

In his response, Minister Dangiwa commended the EFCC for its efforts and assured that the housing units would be integrated into the Renewed Hope Cities initiative to provide affordable homes for low and middle-income earners.

The estate was seized as part of ongoing investigations into alleged financial misconduct involving Emefiele, who is currently facing multiple corruption-related charges.

By Abdulgaffar Tukur

The ongoing internal wrangling within our great party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), is deeply disheartening—especially at a time when Nigeria desperately needs a united and visionary opposition. As a committed member and believer in our shared democratic values, I speak not out of sentiment, but out of a sense of duty: this is not a time for blames, ego, division or personal ambition.

Nigeria is bleeding. Under the reckless and dictatorial leadership of the APC-led government, headed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the nation is suffering from severe economic hardship, rampant insecurity, deepening poverty, and increasing political intimidation. Our democracy is under siege—and the people are losing hope.

The PDP must rise above these petty divisions. We must remember who we are and what we once offered this nation—16 years of stability, progress and pride. That legacy is worth defending. It is worth reviving. But to do so, we must become a united and formidable force, focused not on personal ambition, but on national salvation.

It is time we start thinking strategically, patriotically, and selflessly.

Why can’t our leaders rally behind a powerful, unifying ticket—such as His Excellency Dr. Goodluck Jonathan and His Excellency Senator Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed? This is a ticket that could inspire confidence, promote healing and unite Nigerians across board. It is realistic, respectable and widely acceptable.

And to our elder statesman, His Excellency Alhaji Atiku Abubakar—sir, your legacy and lifelong contributions to this party are undeniable. But now is the moment to write your name in gold by becoming the father of a new movement. Step in not as a contender, but as a peacemaker and unifier who helps to rescue Nigeria when it matters most. That act alone could define your legacy more than any presidency ever could.

Let us make no mistake in 2027: this is not just about winning an election—it’s about saving the country. It’s about restoring dignity, good governance and democratic values. It’s about telling the Nigerian people that PDP is still their party—and that we are ready to fight for them once again.

Let us rethink. Let us regroup. And together, let us reclaim the soul of our beloved Nigeria.

Abdulgaffar Tukur is a PDP member; he writes from Kebbi State, Nigeria. He can be reached via:
abdulgaffarkalgo@gmail.com

By Uzair Adam 

The House of Representatives has resolved to investigate the technical error that resulted in the mass failure recorded during the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).

This decision was made following the adoption of a motion of urgent public importance moved by a lawmaker from Osun State, Adewale Adebayo, during Thursday’s plenary session.

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) released the results of the 2025 UTME on May 9, revealing that over 78 per cent of candidates scored below 200 out of a possible 400 marks. 

An early review by the board indicated a significant technical error had occurred.

At a press briefing in Abuja, JAMB Registrar Prof. Ishaq Oloyede disclosed that server-related issues affected the results of 379,997 candidates. 

He explained that updates to servers in Lagos and South-East zones disrupted the upload of responses during the first three days of the examination. 

The issue, caused by one of JAMB’s two technical service providers, went undetected before the results were initially released.

To remedy the situation, the board announced that affected candidates would be allowed to retake the examination between May 16 and 19, 2025.

While presenting the motion, Adebayo emphasised the hardship many candidates and their families endured, travelling long distances only to face disappointing outcomes. 

He called for a thorough investigation to ensure such lapses do not recur.

In his contribution, Sada Soli from Katsina praised the JAMB Registrar for admitting the error and publicly apologising. 

He also commended Oloyede’s efforts in boosting the board’s revenue since taking office.

However, House Speaker Tajudeen Abbas said it would be up to the investigating committee to determine whether the Registrar deserves an official commendation.

The motion was unanimously adopted through a voice vote.

The House further called on the Federal Government to establish Computer-Based Test (CBT) centres in all Local Government Areas across the country to make exam centres more accessible. 

It also urged JAMB to release the withheld results of candidates below the age of 16.

By Uzair Adam 

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has acknowledged making errors that negatively affected candidates’ performance in the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).

This admission was made by the Board’s Registrar, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, during a press briefing held on Wednesday in Abuja.

Oloyede stated that, “What should have been a moment of joy has changed due to one or two errors.”

The Daily Reality reports that this comes amid growing concern over the mass failure recorded in the 2025 UTME. 

It was gathered that out of the 1.9 million candidates who took the examination, more than 1.5 million reportedly scored below 200 out of a possible 400 marks—representing over 75 per cent of all candidates.

Some affected candidates have expressed intentions to take legal action against the Board.

More details to follow…

By Muhammad Abubakar

Operatives of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), RS12.31 Potiskum Unit Command, on Sunday morning intercepted an overloaded Volkswagen Golf along the Potiskum–Gombe (PKM-GME) highway.

The vehicle, with registration number TRN 59 SB, was stopped during a routine patrol as part of the Corps’ nationwide enforcement operation targeting overloading and other critical traffic offences.

According to the patrol team, the vehicle was found to be carrying passengers and cargo in excess of the permitted limit, a violation that significantly increases the risk of road accidents.

“This action is in line with the Corps’ commitment to reducing road crashes caused by reckless practices such as overloading,” a spokesperson for the unit said.

No injuries were reported during the interception. The vehicle has been impounded, and further investigations are underway.

The FRSC continues to urge motorists to comply with traffic regulations and prioritise safety for all road users.

By Maryam Ahmad

Former First Lady Dame Patience Jonathan has ruled out any intention of returning to Aso Rock Villa. She affirms her support for the incumbent First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Speaking at a public event over the weekend, Dame Patience expressed her commitment to working closely with Senator Tinubu to promote unity and women’s political participation. 

Mrs Jonathan noted that her focus is on national development and supporting the current administration’s efforts, rather than seeking a return to political power.

“I have no interest in returning to Aso Rock,” she said. “I am fully behind our First Lady, Senator Remi Tinubu, and I will campaign alongside her come 2027.”

Analysts see this move as a significant show of solidarity between two of Nigeria’s most prominent political women and a potential boost for the ruling party’s female outreach ahead of the polls.

By Uzair Adam

Bayero University, Kano (BUK), has announced a major academic milestone as all 53 academic programmes presented for the National Universities Commission (NUC) accreditation in October/November 2024 received full or accredited status.

The Daily Reality reports that the development was disclosed in a statement signed by Haruna Aliyu, Registrar of the University, on May 8, 2025.

According to the statement, the successful accreditation covers both undergraduate and postgraduate programmes across multiple faculties, including Administration, Agriculture, Allied Health Sciences, Arts, Computing, Education, Engineering, Medicine, Pharmacy, Science, and Social Sciences.

Describing the outcome as a “resounding testimony of quality,” the university said the results affirm its commitment to academic excellence, faculty development, curriculum advancement, and infrastructure improvement.

Among the notable programmes that secured full or accredited status are Medicine and Surgery, Pharmacy, Civil Engineering, Arabic Studies, Environmental Health Science, Accounting, Taxation, and various postgraduate degrees in Business and Public Administration.

The accreditation, valid for five years, ensures that enrolled students are receiving education aligned with NUC-approved standards.

It also validates the acceptability of their certificates for employment, further studies, and participation in the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC).

BUK’s management expressed gratitude to the NUC for its thorough evaluation and acknowledged the efforts of Deans, Heads of Departments, staff, and students for their collective role in achieving the feat.

The statement concluded by inviting stakeholders, prospective students, and the wider academic community to join in celebrating the success and to support the university’s ongoing mission of excellence in teaching, research, and community service.

By Anwar Usman

The North West Development Commission (NWDC) has reversed its decision and announced cancelling its foreign scholarship application scheme. This is in compliance with the Federal Government’s recent directive to prioritise local education and promote indigenous capacity development.

This development follows a policy announcement made by the Federal Ministry of Education on May 7, 2025, reiterating a shift in focus towards reinvigorating Nigeria’s local educational institutions.

The statement, signed by the Ministry’s Director of Press and Public Relations, Mrs. Boriowo Folasade, highlighted the need to invest in homegrown talent and infrastructure rather than sending students abroad.

In a statement issued on Thursday, the NWDC reiterated its commitment to aligning its programs and initiatives with the Federal Government’s policies and priorities.

The statement reads, “This decision is in line with the new directive by the Federal Government, aimed at building local capacity and enhancing the quality of education within Nigeria,” the Commission stated.

The NWDC added that it would provide further updates on new opportunities and educational programs designed to support the development of the North West region in line with the new national educational outlook.

The cancellation marks a significant policy shift in the region’s educational strategy. It is expected to redirect resources towards improving local institutions, providing scholarships for domestic education, and creating skill development initiatives tailored to regional needs.

By Muhammad Abubakar

Nigeria has officially cleared its outstanding debt to the International Monetary Fund (IMF), marking a significant milestone in the country’s economic recovery efforts. This development follows a series of substantial repayments totalling $1.22 billion between the fourth quarter of 2023 and the second quarter of 2024, reducing Nigeria’s IMF debt from $3.26 billion in June 2023 to $1.16 billion by June 2024.

The IMF has acknowledged Nigeria’s commitment to meeting its financial obligations, noting that the country has no overdue payments as of April 30, 2024. This achievement reflects the government’s dedication to fiscal responsibility and economic reform.

In a statement, IMF First Deputy Managing Director Gita Gopinath commended Nigeria’s efforts, stating that the country’s debt level is “moderate and not high risk,” provided that sound economic policies are maintained. She emphasised the importance of continued domestic revenue mobilisation and targeted social interventions to sustain this progress.

Nigeria’s Finance Minister, Wale Edun, highlighted the government’s initiatives to enhance social investment programmes and strengthen domestic resource mobilisation through tax reforms and digitalisation. He also noted increased crude oil production, significantly boosting national revenue.

This financial turnaround positions Nigeria to engage more robustly with international financial institutions and investors, potentially attracting increased foreign investment and fostering economic growth.

The successful clearance of IMF debt underscores Nigeria’s commitment to economic stability and sets a positive precedent for other nations facing similar challenges.

By Hadiza Abdulkadir

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has revealed that more than 75% of candidates who sat for the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) scored below 200 out of the total 400 marks.

The Registrar of JAMB, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, made this known while presenting the 2025 UTME analysis during a briefing in Abuja. According to him, the performance trend highlights the urgent need for improved learning outcomes and a reassessment of educational standards across the country.

“The results indicate a worrying decline in overall performance, with only a quarter of candidates scoring 200 and above,” Oloyede stated. He attributed the low scores to poor preparation, over-reliance on malpractice, and inadequate teaching methods in some schools.

Education stakeholders have been urged to address the root causes of the poor results, with JAMB reiterating its commitment to upholding examination integrity and improving access to higher education based on merit.