By Fatima Badawi

The Academic Staff Union of Universities, popularly known as ASUU, has organized a massive peaceful protest to express its strong disapproval of the government’s insincere promises and failure to fulfill agreements made to university lecturers.

Members of the union from Bayero University branch came out early this morning, marching around sections of the school while holding placards with inscriptions calling the government’s attention to do the needful.

While a TDRHausa correspondent was speaking with a senior official of the union, the official explained that there are numerous issues the government has failed to address for university lecturers, and the lecturers have been patient, but it seems their patience has run out.

Among the issues highlighted by the official include;

1) Lack of attention to the plight of lecturers.
2) Withholding the salaries of university lecturers because they went on strike, even though the law allows university lecturers to do so.
3) Failure to fulfill hundreds of promises the government made to improve the condition of universities and carry out reforms.
4) Withholding earmarked funds (Earned Academic Allowances) that university lecturers have been demanding from the government for years, and the government made several promises but broke them.
5) There is also the major problem of university lecturers’ salaries, where some of the lecturers have become pitiable, because even a professor’s salary is not enough to solve basic life problems, not to talk about medical expenses and school fees for their children, let alone their worry about academic pursuits.

Hundreds of union members came out for this massive peaceful protest, men and women, and it was done calmly but with concerns on how the government has neglected the welfare of lecturers across the country and broke all promises made.

This kind of protest is being held across all Nigerian universities to express strong displeasure against this injustice from the government.

TDR

TDRHausa

By Anwar Usman

The All Progressive Congress Forum North-Central has advised President Bola Tinubu to retain Vice President Kashim Shettima as his running mate for the 2027 presidential election.

The statement was made by the forum’s Chairman, Alhaji Saleh Zazzaga, in Abuja on Saturday.

In a recent appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today, the Northern Ethnic Nationality Forum, led by Dominic Alancha, warned Tinubu against a repeat of the Muslim-Muslim ticket, noting that it cost the APC several northern states like Nasarawa, Plateau and the Federal Capital Territory in the 2023 presidential poll.

Alancha further warned that the APC would lose more ground in the North, particularly in the Middle Belt, if the party repeats the Muslim-Muslim ticket in the next presidential election.

However, according to the group, calls for the President to drop the Muslim-Muslim ticket in the next election are unnecessary, insisting that the combination worked for the APC in 2023.

Zazzaga explained that the choice of running mate was a political strategy aimed at ensuring victory for the party and should not be seen as an attempt to sideline any religious group.

He further argued that with key positions in government already occupied by prominent Christians from the Middle Belt, including the APC National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, and the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, the region remains well represented.

 The statement in part read, “The Muslim-Muslim ticket will not affect President Bola Tinubu’s chances in the Middle Belt, which is part of the North-Central, and this is because of the key positions held by Middle Belt Christians in the APC government.

“We can guarantee that Tinubu will get 90 per cent of the votes from the North-Central. Tinubu’s achievements in office will guarantee his reelection, and as a result, there is no need to take the needless risk of changing a winning team.

“Those who are calling on President Bola Tinubu to change Vice President Kashim Shettima, basing their agitation on the Muslim-Muslim ticket, if you check, you will notice that in 2023, most of their communities voted for Peter Obi of the Labour Party.

“Now, if Peter Obi is to come out again in 2027, as expected, what is the guarantee that they will vote for Tinubu even if he drops Shettima and replaces him with a Christian? Does it mean that these people will now leave Peter Obi and vote for Tinubu?”

The Forum maintained that Tinubu’s performance in office would play a decisive role in determining his chances of re-election, adding that the President should focus on consolidating his achievements rather than altering the political structure that brought him victory in 2023.

 The statement concluded, “We advise Mr President not to change what worked in the last election. Maintaining the same team will further strengthen the chances of the APC in 2027″.

By Bagwai LGA Concerned Forum

Dear Hon. Comrade Aminu Sulaiman Goro,

We write to you with great respect and admiration for your outstanding service to the good people of Fagge Federal Constituency over the past 12 years. Your tenure as a member of the House of Representatives has been nothing short of transformative, marked by unparalleled achievements in job creation, infrastructure development, education, and empowerment for women and youth. Your accessibility, humility, and dedication to grassroots politics have set a benchmark for leadership in Kano State and beyond.

While we celebrate your remarkable legacy in Fagge, we, the Concerned Forum of Bagwai Local Government, humbly call upon you to return to your roots—Rimin Dako, your ancestral town and one of the 10 wards that constitute Bagwai Local Government—to extend your transformative leadership to your place of origin. Bagwai has long suffered from poor governance, inadequate representation, and the mismanagement of its abundant human and natural resources by selfish and incapacitated leaders. Our people yearn for a leader of your calibre—one who is proven to be compassionate, and capable of turning challenges into opportunities.

Your return to Bagwai would not only bridge the gap of quality representation but also allow you to replicate and expand upon the successes you achieved in Fagge. Imagine the impact of your empowerment programs, educational initiatives, and infrastructure projects in a community that has been neglected for far too long. Bagwai is ripe for development, and your wealth of experience, influence, and unwavering commitment to service can ignite the change we desperately need.

Honourable Sir, we urge you to share your leadership with Bagwai, where your journey began in Rimin Dako. By answering this call, you will not only uplift your homeland but also cement your legacy as a true statesman who served his people at every level.

The time is now. Bagwai awaits you with open arms and high hopes. Come home, Hon. Goro, and let us build a brighter future together.

Signed:

Habibu Dan’ana
For: Bagwai LGA Concerned Forum
Kano State

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

Nigeria’s national women’s basketball team, D’Tigress, made history by securing their fifth consecutive FIBA Women’s AfroBasket championship after defeating Mali 78-64 in a thrilling final on Sunday night in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu praised the team for their exceptional skill, resilience, and teamwork, which led to their seventh continental title.

Despite a slow start in the match, the Coach Rena Wakama-led squad fought back to dominate and claim victory.

In a statement, President Tinubu commended the players for inspiring the nation and upholding Nigeria’s sporting excellence.

“Your superb performance has made Nigeria proud. Like the Super Falcons, you have shown the world the strength and talent of Nigerian women,” he said.

The President also applauded Coach Wakama and the Nigeria Basketball Federation for their dedication, assuring continued support as the team prepares for the FIBA Women’s World Cup qualifiers next year.

Tinubu expressed his eagerness to receive the team and the trophy in Abuja, wishing them a safe return.

The victory cements D’Tigress’ dominance in African basketball and reinforces Nigeria’s reputation as a powerhouse in women’s sports.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has promised to hold a direct meeting with retired police personnel who took to the streets in Abuja to protest their poor pension arrangements.

This assurance was conveyed through the Federal Capital Territory Commissioner of Police, who addressed the protesters on behalf of the IGP.

According to a post shared Monday on the official X handle of the Nigeria Police Force, the FCT Commissioner met with the retirees to hear their concerns.

The statement also revealed that plans have been finalized for the IGP to meet with them at the Peacekeeping Hall, Force Headquarters, Abuja.

The demonstration, which was led by human rights activist and 2023 presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), Omoyele Sowore, focused on advocating for improved welfare for both serving and retired officers of the Nigeria Police Force.

The police, in their statement, also pointed out that “some individuals with ulterior motive attempted to hijack the protest.”

However, no further details were given about those allegedly involved.

The protest brought renewed attention to long-standing grievances by retired officers who have repeatedly called for better treatment after years of service.

By Hadiza Abdulkadir

The Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) has unveiled plans to launch a national job portal by 2026, designed to connect student loan beneficiaries with employment opportunities both within and outside Nigeria.

Speaking at a press briefing, NELFUND Managing Director Akintunde Sawyerr stated that the platform will serve as a bridge between graduates and employers, featuring job listings from both the public and private sectors, as well as international recruiters. “Though we cannot guarantee employment, we aim to ease the job search process for our beneficiaries,” Sawyerr said.

He clarified that student loan repayment will commence only after a beneficiary secures a job and completes their National Youth Service Corps (NYSC). Repayments will be deducted at a flat rate of 10% from monthly salaries. In the event of unemployment, deductions will be suspended, and in the event of death, the loan will be written off entirely.

In response to recent complaints from students who paid tuition before receiving their loans, NELFUND has directed institutions to refund the affected students or return the funds to the agency. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC) are currently investigating defaulting institutions.

NELFUND, which manages over 3.2 million student records, expects an additional one million loan applications by the end of 2025. The agency also announced the rollout of a new vocational loan programme, with a pilot phase launching in Enugu. The initiative will finance training, transport, stipends, and tools — all interest-free.

By Uzair Adam

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has announced the renaming of the University of Maiduguri in honour of former President Muhammadu Buhari, who passed away at the age of 82.

The Daily Reality reports that the institution will now be called Muhammadu Buhari University, Maiduguri.While presiding over a special session, President Tinubu delivered an emotional tribute, describing the late leader as a man of discipline, moral strength, and patriotism.

He acknowledged that Buhari was not without flaws but maintained that his legacy of integrity, restraint, and honourable leadership would endure.

Speaking before cabinet ministers and other top government officials, Tinubu praised Buhari’s austere style and his resistance to the temptations of power.

He noted that the former president “stood always ramrod—unmoved by the temptation of power, unseduced by applause, and unafraid of the loneliness that sometimes comes to those who do what is right rather than popular.”

Reflecting on their political partnership, Tinubu recalled how their alliance helped achieve Nigeria’s first peaceful democratic transition of power in 2015.

He described Buhari’s leadership during that period as dignified, adding that he carried the burdens of office with grace and humility.

While recognising that every legacy will face scrutiny, Tinubu emphasized that Buhari’s incorruptibility and patriotic service must serve as a benchmark for future leaders.

“The incorruptible standard he represented will not be forgotten,” he reaffirmed.The Federal Executive Council session concluded with prayers and a moment of silence.

Across the nation, tributes from political figures, civil society groups, and ordinary citizens continued to pour in, honouring Buhari’s life of service.

According to President Tinubu, renaming the university in Borno State is both symbolic and strategic, as the region was central to Buhari’s counter-insurgency and rebuilding efforts during his presidency.

By Muhammad Abubakar

At least 1,111 Nigerians were killed and 276 abducted by gunmen and other non-state actors across the country in June 2025, according to a new report by Beacon Security and Intelligence Limited.

The chilling figures are contained in the company’s monthly security dossier, which tracks violence and criminal activity nationwide. Despite the high numbers, the report notes that June witnessed a “notable de-escalation” in security breaches compared to May, suggesting a slight dip in the frequency or intensity of attacks.

While the report did not provide a full regional breakdown, sources familiar with the data say many of the killings occurred in the North West and North Central zones, where banditry and communal violence remain rampant. Parts of the South East also continue to grapple with targeted killings and kidnappings by separatist-linked armed groups.

The 276 abductions show the persistent threat of kidnapping-for-ransom, which has plagued Nigeria for years, affecting schoolchildren, commuters, and rural dwellers alike.

Security analysts say the figures, though slightly improved from previous months, still reflect a deepening crisis. They have called for more coordinated action by federal and state authorities to strengthen local intelligence, improve response times, and hold perpetrators accountable.

The government has yet to respond to the latest statistics, but critics argue that repeated assurances of improved security have not translated into meaningful safety for the average Nigerian.

By Hadiza Abdulkadir

The death of Nigeria’s former President Muhammadu Buhari in a London hospital has once again spotlighted the country’s long-standing crisis in healthcare delivery, especially among its elite. 

Buhari, 82, died on Saturday, July 13, after a prolonged illness reportedly linked to leukaemia. Despite leading Africa’s most populous nation and the continent’s largest economy, he died not on Nigerian soil, but under foreign care.

His passing mirrors a now-familiar pattern among Nigeria’s political class: fleeing abroad for treatment, even for routine ailments, only to eventually die in foreign hospitals. Buhari, who frequently sought medical attention in the United Kingdom during his presidency, had once campaigned on the promise of reducing medical tourism. Instead, he became one of its most prominent symbols.

Public reaction has been swift and critical. Muhammad Shakir Balogun, a resident advisor with the Nigeria Field Epidemiology and Laboratory Training Program (NFELTP), condemned the trend in a widely shared Facebook post. Drawing comparisons with African icons like Nelson Mandela and Jerry Rawlings—both of whom received treatment and died in their home countries—Balogun wrote:

“They were not flown to London, Paris, or Amsterdam. They were attended to in their own countries by their own doctors… What of Nigeria, the giant of Africa? Even those who campaigned on the moral pedestal of not going abroad for treatment turned out to be the worst offenders ever.”

He called on current President Bola Tinubu to “break the despicable and shameless tradition” by ensuring at least one world-class hospital exists within Nigeria—“even if it’s a military hospital.”

Yet, President Tinubu himself has also faced criticism for continuing the same tradition. Since assuming office in May 2023, he has reportedly travelled to Paris multiple times for medical checkups, reinforcing the perception that Nigerian leaders lack confidence in the very healthcare system they oversee.

Critics argue that the reliance on foreign healthcare is not just a failure of policy but a profound betrayal of public trust. Nigeria’s public hospitals suffer from underfunding, dilapidated infrastructure, and a mass exodus of medical professionals, many of whom now work in the very countries to which Nigerian leaders turn in times of illness.

With Buhari’s burial scheduled for today in his hometown of Daura, Katsina State, attention is turning not just to the legacy of his leadership, but to the urgent need for healthcare reform at home, so that future presidents may live, heal, and if necessary, die on Nigerian soil.

By Muhammad Abubakar

Former Nigerian Vice President and presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar has criticised the Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration over unpaid wage awards and the detention of labour activist Comrade Andrew Uche Emelieze.

In a statement shared on his social media accounts, Atiku accused President Tinubu of worsening economic hardship through the “hasty and thoughtless” removal of fuel subsidy on his inauguration day, which he said plunged Nigerians into inflation, hunger, and despair.

Atiku said the government promised a ₦35,000 monthly wage award to federal civil servants pending the conclusion of a new minimum wage deal. Ten months later, only six months have been paid, leaving ₦140,000 owed per worker.

He condemned the arrest of Comrade Emelieze, who was detained for attempting to organise a peaceful protest over the unpaid wages, calling it “an affront to democracy.”

“We demand the immediate and unconditional release of Comrade Emelieze,” Atiku said. “Nigerian workers will not be silenced, intimidated, or forgotten.”

The Federal Government has yet to respond to the statement.