News

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

The Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Olatunji Alausa, has called for the extension of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) program from one year to two years.

The proposal aims to expand the Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) training to better equip corps members for self-employment.

Dr. Alausa made the suggestion on Friday during a courtesy visit by the newly appointed NYSC Director-General, Brigadier General Olakunle Nafiu, in Abuja.

He commended the NYSC for its digital reforms, which have helped reduce certificate fraud among foreign-trained graduates, particularly from West Africa.

The minister also addressed concerns over OND part-time graduates with full-time HND degrees who were previously exempted from national service, urging a review of the policy.

In response, the NYSC DG praised Dr. Alausa’s leadership in the education sector and proposed the creation of a database for Nigerian students pursuing degrees abroad to enhance monitoring and policy planning.

The call for an extended service period aligns with the government’s push to tackle unemployment by fostering entrepreneurship among Nigerian youths.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has condemned President Bola Tinubu’s security strategy, labeling it a failure as violent killings continue unchecked across Nigeria.

In a statement on Friday, Atiku expressed dismay over the frequent attacks, including the latest killings in Plateau State, which he said have become so common they no longer dominate headlines.

“The failure of Tinubu’s security architecture has turned into a nationwide crisis, with repeated massacres going unnoticed,” he said.

Atiku urged the president to urgently restructure the country’s security framework to better protect citizens, warning that Nigerians are becoming numb to the bloodshed.

“My condolences to the victims in Bokkos, Plateau State. The government must act now,” he added.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

The Kaduna State Police Command has clarified a social media post that has stirred controversy, which was allegedly made by one Hadaina Hussaini (Dan-taki).

The post, which has circulated widely on Facebook, carried the alarming message: “Kaduna Police Officer Threatens Retaliation Against Southerners in Uromi Killings.”

In response to the post, the police have stated that Hussaini is neither an active member of the Nigeria Police Force nor a current staff of the Kaduna State Police Command.

They further clarified that the individual in question was previously part of the Police Special Constabulary (PSC), a voluntary policing unit, but was dismissed two years ago due to concerns regarding his character.

The police noted that the uniform depicted in the images circulating on social media, which showed Hussaini in police attire, is a Police Special Constabulary uniform, as indicated by the “PSC/KD” label on the identity card.

These photos were taken prior to his dismissal.

Hussaini has been arrested, and investigations are underway.

Upon completion of preliminary investigations, he will face charges in court for his actions. The police stressed that the Nigeria Police Force is committed to maintaining law and order and will not tolerate any form of incitement or hate speech.

The Commissioner of Police, CP Rabi’u Muhammad, has called on the public to remain calm and to report any similar incidents to the authorities.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has paid tribute to renowned Islamic scholar, Dr Idris Abdulaziz Dutsen Tanshi, who died in the early hours of Friday at the age of 68.

In his condolence message, President Tinubu described the late cleric as a dedicated teacher of Islamic principles who shaped the lives of millions of young people and devout Muslims.

He acknowledged Dr Abdulaziz’s role in resisting the growth of violent extremism, particularly during the early stages of the Boko Haram crisis.

“The cleric contributed to moulding millions of youths and other Muslim faithful on the tenets of Islam,” he noted.

The President also praised the late scholar’s strong voice in calling for discipline and honesty within the society.

“The Muslim faithful would greatly miss the cleric’s trenchant voice, calling for moral rectitude and probity,” he added.

President Tinubu prayed for Dr Abdulaziz’s soul and urged his family and followers to take comfort in the scholar’s enduring legacy.

By Muhammad Ibrahim

U.S. President Donald Trump has unveiled a new immigration initiative dubbed the “Gold Card” — a $5 million visa program designed to grant wealthy foreign investors permanent residency in the United States.

The gold-coloured card, which Trump called the “Trump Card,” offers a fast-tracked route to U.S. citizenship in exchange for a $5 million investment. 

The new program is set to replace the existing EB-5 visa, streamlining the process and reducing the waiting period to less than two weeks.

Announcing the launch, Trump declared himself the first official buyer of the Gold Card and expressed optimism that the initiative would attract “wonderful, world-class global citizens” to the United States.

Details regarding eligibility criteria, investment channels, and oversight mechanisms are expected to be released in the coming weeks.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Renowned Islamic scholar and preacher, Dr. Idris Abdulaziz Dutsen Tanshi, has passed away.

The respected cleric, known for his vast knowledge and strong influence in Islamic teachings, died on Friday, April 4, 2025, after battling an undisclosed illness.

The news of his death was confirmed by Sheikh Muhammad Kabir Haruna.

Dr. Abdulaziz was widely regarded for his contributions to Islamic scholarship, as well as his active engagement in business and agriculture.

Dr. Abdulaziz gained widespread recognition across Africa for his sermons and teachings, which resonated with millions of followers.

However, in recent years, he found himself entangled in legal challenges.

In February 2024, the Bauchi State Police Command declared him wanted for alleged contempt of court after he failed to appear for a trial involving charges of incitement and alleged blasphemy.

Following this, he went into exile but later returned to Bauchi in April 2024 after mediation efforts led by National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, resulted in reconciliation with the state government.

By Hadiza Abdulkadir

Tragedy struck at a construction site in Delta State when a site engineer was brutally murdered by his own employees after they discovered he had a large sum of money in his bank account.

According to local reports, the victim, Chigozie Udalor, was overseeing a project when some workers allegedly gained access to his financial details. Upon realising he had substantial funds, they plotted to kill him in an attempt to steal his money.

The suspects reportedly attacked Mr Udalor at the site, buried him and fled the scene. Authorities were alerted, and security operatives have launched an investigation to track the perpetrators.

In a statement released, the spokesperson for the command, SP Bright Edafe, stated that on December 12, 2024, Hyacinth Nnalue reported to the Akwu-kwu Igbo division that his cousin Chigozie Udalor had been missing since December 10, 2024. He also mentioned that Chigozie was his site manager at his fish pond in the Bod camp of the Akwukwu Igbo community. 

Edafe stated that after receiving the information, the DPO began an investigation, later transferring the case to the State Criminal Investigation Department. The state Commissioner of Police, CP Olufemi Abaniwonda, instructed DPO Ekpan CSP Aliyu Shaba to conduct a technical investigation. On March 31, 2025, operatives arrested David Tacho for attempting to withdraw money from the victim’s account and also arrested Daniel Orshio for involvement in the murder.

‘’Investigation also revealed that David Tacho is a brother to one Victor Tacho, who conspired with Pius Daniel (both presently at large) and Daniel Orshio and murdered the victim. The two suspects are presently in custody. Preliminary investigation revealed that all four suspects were employed by the deceased, who is the site engineer, but they discovered he had some money in his Moniepoint account, and they conspired, used a hammer to hit him on his head, tied him and buried him in a shallow grave at the site.

“Two of the suspects, David Tacho and Daniel Orshio, are presently in custody, while two other suspects, Pius Daniel and Victor Tacho, are still on the run. The body of the deceased has been exhumed and awaiting autopsy while efforts to arrest the other two suspects are ongoing.’’ Edafe said

By Anas Abbas

Bayero University, Kano (BUK) has officially launched an on-campus tricycle service at its New Campus. 

The initiative, inaugurated by Vice-Chancellor Professor Sagir Adamu Abbas, aims to provide a safer and more convenient mode of transportation for students and staff navigating the university’s expansive grounds.

During the launch event, which was attended by key university officials, including the Registrar Haruna Aliyu, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academics) Professor Haruna Musa, University Librarian Dr. Kabiru Dahiru Abbas, Head of Public Affairs Lamara Garba, and Professor Yakubu Magaji Azare, Professor Abbas highlighted the university’s commitment to prioritizing student welfare.

“This initiative is part of our broader effort to enhance security and convenience for our students,” Professor Abbas stated.

“We are committed to making our campuses not only academically stimulating but also comfortable and safe for everyone.” He added

He assured the university community that the tricycle service would be operated under strict monitoring and evaluation, with trained drivers adhering to best practices from 7 AM to 9 PM daily.

The introduction of the tricycle service follows a February 2025 ban on motorcycles on campus due to rising security concerns. 

The new tricycles are expected to offer a structured and secure alternative for students, facilitating seamless movement across the campus while upholding BUK’s reputation for safety and order.

By Dahiru Kasimu

Usmanu Danfodiyo University Sokoto will hold its 2024/2025 matriculation ceremony on 9 April 2025.

This was contained in a press release signed by the University’s Director of the Information and Public Relations Unit,Ismail Muhammad  Yauri, and issued to the journalists.

He stated that the event, which will take place at the Convention Square Arena on the main campus, is meant for newly admitted UG I and UG II (Direct Entry) students and postgraduate students who are not alumni of the university.

During the matriculation ceremony, Prof. Bashir Garba, the Vice Chancellor of the University, along with the Dean of Student Affairs, scholars, and the Students’ Union, is expected to attend and address students.

Newly admitted students will undergo an orientation program, and eminent academicians will address them on theinformation they need to know about the university, the rules and regulations, in addition to the mode of operations.

The orientation program could also help the students understand how to accomplish their academic pursuits.

Usmanu Danfodiyo University Sokoto, known as the most peaceful university in Sub-Saharan Africa, is one of the second-generation universities established in 1975. It offers eighty-two academic programs across 18 schools, colleges,and faculties located at the permanent site and the University Teaching Hospital.

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.