News

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 Hadiza Abdulkadir

The Kano State Government has approved the sum of ₦3 billion for the payment of National Examinations Council (NECO) examination fees for students in public secondary schools across the state.

This initiative, under the leadership of His Excellency Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, aims to support thousands of students by removing financial barriers to completing their secondary education. 

Stakeholders and social media commentators have praised the decision, describing it as a significant step towards promoting educational equity and youth development in the state.

More details later…

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

Six soldiers and two civilians have been taken into custody by the Nigerian Police over the alleged torture and death of a 65-year-old man named Surajo, affectionately known as “Alhaji M.”

This tragic event unfolded in Millennium City, Kaduna State.On May 3, 2025, two residents from Unguwan Rimi—Alhaji Adamu Jinjiri and Ibrahim Yakubu—accused Surajo of being involved in the theft of a cow and an electrical distribution box.

They alleged that he was assisting a suspect, Yahaya Aleiru, who is still on the run.Surajo was reportedly handed over to the Millennium City Strike Force, a local military security unit.

Sources indicate that he endured severe torture at a military checkpoint, allegedly at the hands of Lieutenant Alhassan Musa and five other soldiers, which ultimately led to his collapse.

He was rushed to Barau Dikko Teaching Hospital but was sadly pronounced dead upon arrival.

The Kaduna State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of all eight individuals involved, including the two civilians who initiated the complaint.

A police source mentioned that the case has now been handed over to the State Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department (SCIID) for a thorough investigation.

Authorities are committed to ensuring that justice is served as the investigation unfolds.

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 Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu was conferred with the chieftaincy title “Dikesimba of Anambra State” during his visit to Awka on Thursday.

The honor, bestowed by the state’s traditional rulers, recognized his contributions to national development and unity.

Igwe Chidubem Iweka, the traditional ruler of Obosi and Chairman of the Anambra State Traditional Rulers Council, presented the title.

The President also commissioned projects and enjoyed a warm reception from the people.

Governor Chukwuma Soludo pledged support for Tinubu’s 2027 reelection bid, making the visit a memorable one for the President.

By Muhammad Abubakar

In a historic development, the Catholic Church has elected Robert Francis Prevost as the new pope, marking the first time an American has ascended to the papacy. The decision was announced from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica following the traditional white smoke signal from the Sistine Chapel on Thursday.

Pope Robert I, as he will now be known, hails from Chicago, Illinois, and previously served as the Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops. Known for his pastoral sensitivity and administrative skill, the 69-year-old cleric has long been regarded as a bridge between tradition and reform within the Church.

Thousands of pilgrims gathered in St. Peter’s Square to witness the historic moment, many expressing surprise and hope over the unprecedented choice.

The new pontiff addressed the faithful in multiple languages, asking for prayers and unity in a world “deeply in need of peace, compassion, and truth.”

Analysts see his election as a signal of the Church’s growing global inclusivity and a recognition of the American Church’s rising influence.

More details about his vision and forthcoming priorities are expected in the coming days as he officially begins his pontificate.

By Uzair Adam 

Amid speculations of discontent within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), key loyalists of former President Muhammadu Buhari have reaffirmed their support for President Bola Tinubu and pledged to remain in the party.

The group, operating under the Forum of the defunct Congress for Progressive Change (CPC), made the declaration in Abuja on Thursday, countering reports that some Buhari allies were planning to exit the APC.

Those present at the meeting included Katsina State Governor Dikko Radda, Niger State Governor Umar Bago’s representative, former Nasarawa State Governor Senator Tanko Al-Makura, former Katsina State Governor Aminu Bello Masari, and Chairman of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Gen. Buba Marwa (retd).

Other notable figures in attendance were former Voice of Nigeria Director General Osita Okechukwu, former presidential aide Okoi Obono Obla, former APC National Secretary Waziri Bulama, ex-lawmaker Farouk Adamu, a representative of Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, and Foreign Affairs Minister Maitama Tuggar.

The forum emphasised that although individuals are free to pursue personal political interests, they should not do so under the guise of representing former CPC members.

Responding to whether the bloc would support Tinubu beyond the current administration, Hon. Farouk Adamu expressed confidence, saying, “We are with Tinubu just like our leader (Buhari), and it is our hope that Tinubu continues to remain our leader.”

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 Kano State Government has imposed an immediate ban on all live political programmes aired by media organisations in the state.

As Kano Times online news media reported, the decision was announced during a quarterly stakeholders’ meeting organised by the Ministry of Information and Internal Affairs. The meeting, chaired by the Commissioner for Information, Comrade Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya, brought together government officials and media executives.

In a statement signed by Sani Abba Yola, Director of Special Duties at the ministry, the ban aims to prevent the spread of inflammatory content that could jeopardise the state’s cultural and religious harmony.

“We are not trying to stifle political dissent,” Comrade Waiya told the gathering. “Our objective is to protect the sanctity of our cultural and religious values.”

Further measures were introduced during the meeting. All individuals invited for interviews on media platforms must now sign an undertaking committing to avoid abusive, defamatory, or culturally insensitive remarks.

Presenters have also been directed to avoid provocative questions or gestures that might provoke defamatory or damaging statements against individuals or the state.

Waiya acknowledged a recent decline in the use of inflammatory language on air, crediting the ongoing collaboration between the ministry and media houses for the improvement.

He also disclosed that the government has rolled out sensitisation campaigns targeting political presenters, media commentators, and members of the Council of Friday Imams to promote responsible public discourse.

“We want to ensure that all public communication is done with integrity—free of defamation and in a way that protects the reputation of Kano State,” Waiya said.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has announced the closure of registration for the 2025 Hajj pilgrimage, with no further applications being accepted after May 2, 2025.

The decision was made to allow the commission to focus on the smooth airlift and welfare of pilgrims.

NAHCON Chairman, Professor Abdullahi Saleh Usman, secured an extension for registration beyond the initial March 25 deadline, but the process has now officially ended.

Any payments made after May 2 will be refunded.

The first batch of pilgrims is set to depart Nigeria on May 9, with the inaugural flight taking off from Owerri, Imo State.

Air Peace will transport 315 pilgrims from Imo, Abia, and Bayelsa states. Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma, will host the event, with Vice President Senator Kashim Shettima attending as Special Guest of Honor.

NAHCON’s advance team arrived in Owerri on May 7 to oversee final preparations. A total of 40,671 pilgrims registered under the government quota for this year’s Hajj.

On the first day of airlift, four flights will depart simultaneously: Max Air from Bauchi, two FlyNas flights from Kebbi and Osun (via Lagos), and another from Niger State.

These flights will carry 2,528 pilgrims to Madina.

Further updates will be provided as the pilgrimage progresses.