News

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

The Niger State Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education has issued a stern directive to all private schools that have resumed academic activities prematurely, ordering them to close their doors immediately.

In a circular dated August 10th, 2025, and signed by the Permanent Secretary, Hajiya Akhatu Nuhu Yarwa, the Ministry reaffirmed that the official resumption date for the 2025/2026 academic session for all public and private schools remains September 22, 2025.

This date is stated to be in strict compliance with a directive from the Federal Ministry of Education.

The government explicitly acknowledged it is aware that some private institutions have already begun the new session ahead of the approved calendar.

The circular contained a clear warning, stating that any school failing to comply with the order to halt operations until the official date will face “appropriate sanctions,” though the specific penalties were not detailed.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

The National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) has issued a strict new directive that will compel academic staff in Nigeria’s Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions to further their education or be reassigned.

In a circular dated September 10, 2025, and addressed to all Rectors and Provosts, the NBTE expressed dismay that many staff with Bachelor’s degrees and Higher National Diplomas (HND) have failed to pursue higher qualifications.

The Board has now approved a five-year moratorium for all academic staff, starting from their date of employment, to acquire a Master’s degree.

The policy states that any lecturer or instructor who fails to meet this requirement within the five-year window will be automatically converted from an academic to a non-teaching staff role.

The directive is effective immediately, meaning current staff with over five years of service may be affected.

The move is seen as part of a broader effort by the regulatory body to enhance the quality of teaching and academic standards in polytechnics, monotechnics, and other technical colleges across the country.

Prof. Idris M. Bugaje, the Executive Secretary of the NBTE, signed the circular, urging all heads of institutions to ensure strict compliance with the new rule.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has announced that 286,697 candidates have been shortlisted to proceed to the next stage of its ongoing recruitment exercise.

The service received a total of 573,523 applications for the 3,927 vacant positions.

The next phase, an online Computer-Based Test (CBT), is scheduled to hold from September 14th to 21st, 2025.

Shortlisted candidates are to take the test at any location of their choice with a reliable internet connection, using a laptop or desktop computer equipped with a webcam.

The service has warned that the test application is not mobile phone-enabled.

Candidates have been advised that the CBT system is sensitive to noise and body movement. Excessive movement, whispering, or switching between browser windows could lead to an automatic logout or disqualification on grounds of malpractice.

To help applicants prepare, a mandatory pre-test exercise will be conducted two days before the actual CBT.

All shortlisted candidates will receive two separate links for the pre-test and the main examination.

The NCS, through its National Public Relations Officer, Abdullahi Maiwada, reassured the public that the process is “strictly merit-driven and transparent.”

Applicants are strongly advised to rely only on official NCS communication channels for updates and to be wary of any requests for payment.

By Anas Abbas

The former Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Mele Kyari, on Wednesday appeared at the headquarters of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in Abuja.

Kyari, who had previously been placed on the agency’s watchlist, arrived at the commission around 2:30 p.m. for questioning.

Daily Trust reported from sources within the EFCC that the former NNPCL boss is being interrogated over the management of funds allocated for the maintenance of Nigeria’s refineries during his tenure.

“Yes, he is in our office. He will face interrogation by our team of crack investigators,” a senior official of the commission confirmed.

It will be recalled that a Federal High Court in Abuja recently ordered the freezing of all bank accounts linked to Kyari at the request of the EFCC.

By Muhsin Ibrahim

Kano State Governor, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, congratulates Sheikh Aminu Ibrahim Daurawa, the State Commander-General of Hisbah, on receiving an honorary doctoral degree from Usmanu Danfodio University, Sokoto. The award was conferred during the university’s 42nd convocation on September 6, 2025.

Governor Yusuf praised Sheikh Daurawa for his contributions to Islamic scholarship and his efforts in promoting morality and societal values in Kano. He emphasised that the recognition reflects the recipient’s dedication to eradicating immorality and fostering justice, bringing pride to Kano State.

The governor also assured ongoing support for Daurawa’s endeavours in serving humanity and Islam. He prayed for divine guidance and blessings to continue serving the community.

The congratulatory message was conveyed during a meeting at the Kano Government House, as announced by the governor’s spokesperson, Sanusi Bature Dawakin Tofa.

By Anwar Usman

Former presidential candidate of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), Engr. Rabiu Kwankwaso, on Tuesday met with party stakeholders in Cross River State to map out strategies ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Speaking in Calabar, Kwankwaso urged party members to prioritise unity and strengthen the party’s presence across the state.

He said, “I thank all the leaders and members of NNPP in Cross River State. I want to use this opportunity to thank you for receiving us. We are so happy with the leadership of the party in the state. I want to encourage you to work hard to ensure unity within the party.”

He stated that the party must work with “one mind” if it hopes to win both the state and national elections in 2027.

“Let me thank you for what you did during the last election in 2023. I urge you to work harder so that by the grace of God our party, the NNPP will win election in Cross River and Nigeria.”

He further stated that, “ensure unity within the party especially now that we have a new big office in Calabar and many local government areas across Cross River state. On behalf of members of my entourage, I want to say thank you and God bless you”.

The party chairman of the state, Barr. Tony Odey, described Kwankwaso’s visit as a morale booster.

Odey said, “We have assembled stakeholders from different walks of life to engage in meaningful discussion, share ideas and chart a new course for our collective progress. Your insight and guidance will undoubtedly enrich our capacity.”

Furthermore, he acknowledged the efforts and contributions of the Contact Committee led by Alhaji Ahmed Bichi, for providing office accommodation and donation of an official vehicle, which he described as “sources of envy to other Political Parties in the State”.

Earlier, the publicity secretary Odey Nyambi, while delivering vote of thanks, thanked the national leader for engaging stakeholders and supporters in the state, assuring that NNPP will win Cross River in the 2027 general elections.

By Uzair Adam 

The national grid has collapsed once again, plunging most parts of the country into darkness.

Power generation, which stood at 2,917.83 megawatts (MW), dropped drastically to 1.5 MW between 11:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m. on Wednesday.

Confirming the development, the Nigeria National Grid, via its X handle, announced that “System restoration is in progress.”

In another update, the account disclosed that all electricity distribution companies (DisCos) across the country, except Ibadan DisCo, recorded zero allocation of power.

“Disco load” refers to the amount of power (in megawatts) allocated from the national grid to each distribution company.

Meanwhile, the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) in a statement appealed to its customers for patience, assuring them that efforts were ongoing to stabilise the grid.

The statement read, “Dear Valued Customers, please be informed that the power outage currently being experienced is due to a loss of supply from the national grid at 11:23 hrs today, affecting electricity supply across our franchise areas.

“Rest assured, we are working closely with the relevant stakeholders to ensure power is restored once the grid is stabilised. Thank you for your patience and understanding.”

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Israeli airstrike in Doha, Qatar, has triggered heated reactions on Facebook, where users expressed anger and criticism over the relationship between Arab leaders and Western powers.

In a post by Facebook user Aisar Fagge, he reminded followers that, “Don’t forget, Qatar gave Trump a $400 million Boeing jet in May, this year. And now Trump has returned the favour. Keep collecting 🔥🔥.”

The comment sparked a flood of responses.Several users showed no sympathy for Qatar. Hussaini M Maccido wrote, “I have no sympathy for them. I can’t waste it on useless people.” Similarly, Bin Muhammad Tofu commented, “I’ve No Sympathy For The Useless Folks.”

Others expressed disappointment in Hausa. Abdulrahman Yunusa stated: “Ya Shiek ka mana da Hausa ‘Sun maida biki’ kenan. An musu alheri sun rama da tsiya,” meaning Qatar responded with hostility despite receiving goodwill.

Saeid Naser Ado argued that the Gulf state betrayed Muslims, saying, “Ba’a murnar shiga wani cikin masifa, amma da sai na ce Allah ya kara. Sbd sun ci amanar Musulunci da Musulmi thou daman ba addinin ne a gaban su ba.”

Musa Babanta criticized the country’s leadership, describing them as, “Shameless people, they should donate their land to Israel to please their western masters.”

Adding to the debate, Abubakar Jamo accused Arab rulers of idolizing former U.S. President Donald Trump. He wrote: “The Arab leaders view Trump as a God. He can save them from being overthrown. During his last visit to the Gulf, his hosts were bowing as they shook hands with him. This is the effect of being extremely rich without being Godly. They are slaves despite being rich.”

The discussions reflect how some Nigerians interpret the ties between Gulf leaders and Western powers, blaming such alliances for the Israeli strike on Doha.

Many commenters suggested that Arab rulers prioritize wealth and Western approval over protecting Islam and Muslims.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) has suspended its nationwide strike following a deal reached with the management of Dangote Refinery and Petrochemicals.

The industrial action, which lasted two days, had forced several fuel stations across the country to shut down, creating concern over possible shortages.

The dispute centered on allegations that Dangote Group denied its staff the right to join recognised labour unions.A conciliation meeting brokered in Abuja by the Minister of Labour, Muhammad Maigari Dingyadi, led to extensive deliberations between both parties.

The talks resulted in the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).The document stated: “That since workers’ unionisation is a right in line with the provisions of the extant laws, the management of Dangote Refinery and Petrochemicals agreed to the unionisation of employees of Dangote Refinery and unionization of employees of Petrochemicals, who are willing to unionize.

“That the process of unionization shall commence immediately and be completed within two weeks (9th–22nd September, 2025), and it was agreed that the employer will not set up any other union.

“Arising from the strike notice, no worker or employee of Dangote Refinery and Petrochemicals will be victimized.”

With the resolution in place, NUPENG officially called off the strike and pledged to ensure that the terms of the agreement are implemented.

By Uzair Adam

The Kano Government Committee probing the Nigerian Meat and Allied Products (NIMAP) abattoir says its inspection of the Chalawa facility has uncovered widespread destruction and missing equipment worth billions of naira.

The panel, chaired by Barrister Muhuyi Magaji Rimingado, visited the site on Tuesday as part of its mandate to examine the fate of the multi-billion-naira project.Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf had last week set up the 11-member committee to probe allegations that the abattoir, established more than 35 years ago, was sold and stripped under the previous administration of Abdullahi Umar Ganduje.

Addressing journalists during the inspection, Muhuyi said only fragments of the original structures remain, noting that equipment valued at over N20 billion had either disappeared or been disposed of.

“This was once a facility designed to process halal meat and support fish farming, with the potential to supply both domestic and foreign markets,” he said.

“Today, what we see is monumental destruction of unimaginable magnitude.”

He also disclosed that the land allocated to the abattoir had been divided and transferred to private hands, in some cases through alleged auctions and in others by outright allocation.

Muhuyi assured that the committee would submit a thorough and impartial report to guide the state government on the next steps.

“This assignment is about safeguarding public assets. While some states are just beginning to consider such facilities, Kano had one for decades, and it has been wasted. Our duty is to establish what happened and recommend the way forward,” he added.

The committee’s report is expected to determine those responsible for the destruction and chart a path for possible recovery of the assets.