National

By Anwar Usman

The Nigerian Education Loan Fund has announced the official opening of its student loan application portal for the 2025/2026 academic session, providing access to financial support for students across tertiary institutions in the country.

The agency said the application will run for three months from Thursday, 23rd October 2025, to Saturday, January 31, 2026.

This was revealed in a statement issued on Tuesday by NELFUND’s Director of Strategic Communications, Oseyemi Oluwatuyi.

NELFUND urged fresh students to apply using their Admission Number or JAMB Registration Number in place of a matriculation number.

It called on tertiary institutions to show understanding regarding registration and fee payment deadlines for applicants awaiting loan disbursement.

Institutions are encouraged to show understanding in enforcing registration and fee Flexibility payment deadlines for students awaiting loan disbursement

“Institutions that have not yet commenced their 2025/2026 academic session should formally write to NELFUND with their approved academic calendar for scheduling flexibility

The statement further revealed that, “NELFUND appeals to all institutions to consider temporary registration measures for students whose loan applications are being processed to ensure that no student loses access to education due to financial constraints.”

By Sabiu Abdulahi

Governor of Anambra State, Professor Charles Soludo, has restated that he does not believe in the separatist agitation for Biafra, stressing that the Igbo people and Nigeria are interdependent.

Speaking during an interview with Channels Television on Sunday, Soludo made it clear that while he is proud of his Igbo identity, he does not support the idea of dividing the country.

“For me, I believe very strongly that, of course, the agitation and separatist view in Igboland – for me, as a full-blooded Igbo man, I don’t believe that. But I want us to have a discussion. I am of the view that the Igbo man needs Nigeria; Nigeria needs the Igbo man,” he said.

The governor, who is seeking reelection in the forthcoming Anambra governorship election, said he plans to meet with the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, to discuss a new direction for the South-East after his release.

“When Nnamdi Kanu comes out, we are all going to sit down at a round table and interrogate our alternative vision for Igbo land,” Soludo stated.

He also refrained from condemning the nationwide protest scheduled for October 20, 2025, which is aimed at demanding Kanu’s freedom.

Meanwhile, activist and former presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore has continued to lead the protests across several states, insisting on the immediate release of the IPOB leader.

Nnamdi Kanu was rearrested in Kenya and has remained in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS) since his return to Nigeria.

Soludo’s latest comments come amid growing political discussions and demonstrations calling for Kanu’s release and a reevaluation of the federal government’s handling of separatist-related issues in the South-East.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Federal Government has expressed confidence in the Nigerian military amid reports of an alleged failed coup against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.

Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, made the government’s position known in an interview with newsmen on Sunday. He stated that the administration had “no reason to doubt the military” following the Defence Headquarters’ denial of the alleged coup report.

On Saturday, the Director of Defence Information, Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, had dismissed a report by Sahara Reporters that linked the detention of 16 military officers to a failed coup.Gusau, in his statement, described the publication as “intended to cause unnecessary tension and distrust among the populace.”

He explained that the cancellation of the 65th Independence Day celebration was “purely administrative,” allowing the president to attend a bilateral engagement abroad while troops continued operations against insecurity.

He added, “The ongoing investigation involving the 16 officers is a routine internal process aimed at ensuring discipline and professionalism is maintained within the ranks. An investigative panel has been duly constituted, and its findings would be made public.”

Reaffirming the government’s trust in the military, Idris said, “The Federal Government has no reason to doubt the military on what it has said. The Federal Government believes that the Armed Forces of Nigeria is committed to ensuring the territorial integrity of the country and also strengthening its fight against insecurity. The Federal Government commends the military, and it will continue to support them in their task of ensuring the security of Nigeria.”

Opposition Calls For Transparency

Opposition parties, however, have urged the Federal Government and the military to ensure transparency regarding the matter.The National Publicity Secretary of the New Nigeria People’s Party, Ladipo Johnson, said Nigerians deserved to know the truth about the alleged plot.

“They should let us know what actually happened. We have to know the charges and whether they are facing court-martial or not,” he stated.

Similarly, the Labour Party’s Interim National Publicity Secretary, Tony Akeni, expressed concern that the military appeared to be “speaking with two mouths.”

He said, “They said those in detention are there because of some disciplinary measures. Yet, we have sources within the rank and file saying there indeed was an issue of that nature.”

Akeni appealed to the military to “be courageous, according to the oath of their service, to bring the actual facts to the public so that innocent lives do not suffer.”

The National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement Worldwide, Dr Yunusa Tanko, also cautioned against drawing hasty conclusions.

“First of all, you need to establish the truth of the matter before you can suggest punitive measures,” he said.

He added that public frustration over the government’s performance might have contributed to the rumour, saying, “People are hungry and tired of being manipulated. So, we are not surprised the anger has gone to that particular level even in the military.”

Afenifere Warns Against Military TakeoverMeanwhile, the pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere, has cautioned against any attempt to disrupt Nigeria’s democracy, warning that a coup would have disastrous consequences.

Afenifere’s National Publicity Secretary, Jare Ajayi, said in Ibadan that such an act “would set the country back by decades.”

He noted, “The constitution clearly stated that government cannot be changed except through constitutional means.”

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has strongly denied an online report linking the cancellation of Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary parade to an alleged coup attempt.

In a press release signed by Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, the DHQ described the publication as “false, malicious, and intended to cause unnecessary tension.” 

The military high command stated that the parade was cancelled to allow President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to attend a strategic bilateral meeting abroad and to enable the Armed Forces to sustain their operations against terrorism, insurgency, and banditry.

The statement also addressed the recent arrest of sixteen officers, clarifying that they are part of a routine investigation for professional misconduct. The DHQ assured that an investigative panel has been constituted and its findings will be made public.

Reaffirming its loyalty, the Armed Forces declared its unwavering commitment to the Constitution and the Federal Government, urging the public to disregard the falsehood being circulated by “purveyors of misinformation and enemies of our nation.” 

The statement concluded with the firm declaration, “Democracy is forever.”

By Sabiu Abdulahi

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has cautioned the public against a fake appointment letter currently circulating on social media, describing it as a scam.

In a statement titled “SCAM ALERT!!!”, the Service clarified that it is “not issuing appointment letters at this stage of its recruitment exercise.” It further emphasized that the letters in circulation are “FAKE and should be disregarded.”

The NCS explained that the recruitment process is still ongoing and has not reached the stage of issuing appointment letters.

It stated that “the ongoing recruitment process is still at the examination stage; the Superintendent Cadre recently completed their CBT across the six geopolitical zones, while the Inspector and Customs Assistant Cadres also just concluded their online CBT.”

According to the Service, the fake letters are “another attempt by fraudsters to mislead unsuspecting applicants.”

The NCS urged applicants and the general public to remain calm, avoid sharing unverified information, and rely only on official updates from its verified communication channels.

It advised the public to follow the Nigeria Customs Service on its authentic social media platforms and website.

By Uzair Adam 

The Senate has confirmed Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan, SAN, as the new Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

The confirmation followed a three-hour screening session at the Senate Chamber on Thursday, during which lawmakers grilled the nominee of President Bola Tinubu on several issues regarding electoral integrity and independence.

After the session, Senate President Godswill Akpabio put the confirmation to a voice vote, and the “ayes” carried the day without any objection. Akpabio, thereafter, urged Amupitan to ensure that votes count under his leadership.

During the screening, Amupitan dismissed claims that he served as Legal Counsel to the All Progressives Congress (APC) during the 2023 Presidential Election Petition Tribunal or at the Supreme Court. 

He noted that the law reports of those proceedings were publicly available for anyone to verify.

The new INEC Chairman pledged to ensure credible elections where losers would freely congratulate winners, stressing that such outcomes would strengthen democracy and national development. 

He also vowed to prioritise logistics, safeguard election materials through technological innovations, and intensify voter education.

Amupitan entered the chamber at 12:50 p.m. after a motion by Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele (APC, Ekiti Central) was seconded by Minority Leader Abba Moro (PDP, Benue South) to suspend Order 12 and admit him into the chamber.

Before the questioning session began, Akpabio informed his colleagues that Amupitan had been cleared by the Office of the National Security Adviser (NSA), the Department of State Services (DSS), and the Inspector-General of Police, confirming he had no criminal record.

President Bola Tinubu had earlier written to the Senate seeking Amupitan’s screening and confirmation as INEC Chairman in accordance with Section 154 (1) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).

In his letter, Tinubu urged the Senate to expedite action on the confirmation process, attaching Amupitan’s curriculum vitae for consideration.

Akpabio subsequently referred the President’s request to the Committee of the Whole, which concluded the legislative process with the confirmation on Thursday.

By Muhammad Abubakar

The Federal Government has announced a major review of admission requirements into Nigeria’s tertiary institutions, declaring that Mathematics will no longer be a compulsory subject for candidates seeking admission into Arts and Humanities programmes.

The new policy, unveiled by the Federal Ministry of Education, forms part of a broader revision of the National Guidelines for Entry Requirements into Tertiary Institutions in Nigeria. According to the guidelines, Mathematics remains mandatory only for Science, Technology, and Social Science courses, while English Language continues to be compulsory for all programmes.

Under the revised rules, candidates seeking university admission must still obtain a minimum of five credit passes in relevant subjects, including English. For polytechnic admission at the National Diploma (ND) level, four credits are required, while five credits, including Mathematics and English, remain mandatory for the Higher National Diploma (HND).

Similarly, in Colleges of Education, English Language is compulsory for Arts and Social Science students, while Mathematics is required for Science, Technical, and Vocational programmes.

The government explained that the reform aims to make tertiary education more inclusive and accessible, reducing unnecessary barriers that have prevented thousands of qualified candidates from securing admission. Officials project that the new policy could enable an additional 250,000 to 300,000 students to gain admission annually.

Education stakeholders have welcomed the move as a progressive step towards aligning Nigeria’s education system with global best practices, though some have called for careful implementation to maintain academic standards.

By Muhammad Sulaiman

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has dismissed as false a viral social media post claiming to reveal the number of shortlisted candidates per state for the final stage of its 2025 recruitment exercise.

In a public disclaimer, the Service clarified that the publication did not originate from any of its official communication channels and urged the public, especially applicants, to disregard the information entirely.

According to the NCS, the ongoing recruitment process began with an official advertisement on December 27, 2024, attracting a total of 573,523 applications across the Superintendent, Inspectorate, and Customs Assistant cadres. After an initial documentary screening, 286,697 candidates were shortlisted for the first phase of the Computer-Based Test (CBT).

The Service further explained that while all cadres took part in the CBT, only successful applicants under the Superintendent Cadre were invited for the second phase, which will be conducted across the six geopolitical zones in line with candidates’ states of origin.

The NCS reaffirmed its commitment to a transparent, fair, and merit-driven recruitment process, in accordance with the Federal Character principle. It also advised applicants to rely solely on official updates via the NCS Recruitment Update Portal at https://updates.customs.gov.ng for verified information.

By Hadiza Abdulkadir

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has granted a presidential pardon to several inmates across the country, including Maryam Sanda, who was sentenced to death in 2020 for killing her husband, Bilyamin Bello, in 2017. Sanda, aged 37, had spent six years and eight months at the Suleja Medium Security Custodial Centre before her release.

Her family had earlier appealed for clemency, citing her exemplary conduct in prison, genuine remorse, and commitment to a reformed lifestyle. They also argued that her release would serve the best interests of her two young children.

The presidential pardon, announced by the Ministry of Interior, also included other notable inmates such as former lawmaker Farouk Lawan and businessman Herbert Merculay, among others.

Officials stated that the decision was part of President Tinubu’s broader initiative to decongest correctional facilities and promote restorative justice, focusing on rehabilitation and reintegration of reformed inmates into society.

By Fatima Badawi

Scholars, educators and policymakers converged at Bayero University, Kano this week for the 5th International Conference of the Nigeria Centre for Reading Research and Development (NCRRD). Held under the theme “Reading Research and Practice: The Implication of Artificial Intelligence,” the conference examined how AI-driven technologies are reshaping reading instruction, literacy assessment, publishing and access to texts across Nigeria and the larger Global South.

The opening session featured a keynote address delivered in absentia by Dr. Aminu Maida, who was represented on the platform by Dr. Isma’il Adegbite. Dr. Maida, who currently serves as a leading figure in Nigeria’s technology and telecommunications space, set the tone by urging researchers and practitioners to treat AI as both an opportunity and a responsibility: a tool that can expand access to reading materials and personalized learning, but one that must be governed by inclusive policy and literacy-centred design.

The conference’s intellectual programme was anchored by lead papers from eminent figures in Nigerian education and development. Professor Sadiya Daura, Director General of the National Teachers’ Institute (NTI), presented her lead paper on teacher preparation for AI-enhanced classrooms, arguing that pre-service and in-service teacher education must integrate digital literacies and critical appraisal of algorithmic tools. Professor Mohammed Laminu Mele, the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Maiduguri, addressed infrastructure and equity, highlighting that without targeted investment in connectivity and localized content, AI risks widening existing literacy gaps in underserved communities.

Furthermore, in her remarks, Professor Amina Adamu, Director of the Nigeria Centre for Reading Research and Development, framed the conference’s aims around actionable outcomes: stronger university–school partnerships, pilot programmes that deploy AI tools for mother-tongue reading instruction, and an ethics working group to develop guidelines for the use of automated assessment and adaptive reading platforms. In her remarks Professor Adamu emphasised the Centre’s commitment to research that is directly useful to classrooms and communities in Northern Nigeria. She also commended and thanked all the partners who are always there for the Centre right from its inception to date. Some of the International and Local partners who participate in the conference include; QEDA, Ubongo, NERDC, UBEC, Plain, USAID among many others.

Some of the panel discussions explored concrete applications: on how AI-assisted text-to-speech and speech-to-text for low-resource languages; automated item generation for formative reading assessments; and data-driven reading interventions that preserve local genres and oral traditions rather than replacing them. Most of the papers presented during the event stressed that technology pilots must be accompanied by teacher coaching, community engagement and open-access content.

Participants included university academics, representatives from teacher education institutions, ministry officials, civil society literacy advocates and publishing professionals. The conference closed with a call for a multi-stakeholder roadmap: investment in localized datasets and annotated corpora for Nigerian languages, professional development pathways for teachers, and research ethics protocols to ensure that AI systems amplify, rather than marginalize, local knowledge and reading practices.

Organisers said the 5th NCRRD conference will feed into pilot projects and policy briefs to be shared with educational authorities and development partners. Delegates left with a clear message: AI’s promise for reading and literacy is real, but realising it will require literate design, purposeful investment and a sustained partnership between researchers, teachers and communities.