News

By Uzair Adam

The Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council (NERDC) has dismissed claims circulating on social media that the newly revised Basic and Senior Secondary Education Curriculum excludes religious subjects, describing the information as false and misleading.

In a statement signed by its Executive Secretary, Professor Salisu Shehu, the Council said it was responding to allegations by “some people” who claimed that the new curriculum made provision for Christian Religious Studies (CRS) alone, with no space for Islamic Studies (IS), while others alleged the reverse.

According to NERDC, both claims amount to disinformation and do not reflect the approved curriculum.

The Council clarified that the revised curriculum, developed under the Federal Ministry of Education’s National Education Sector Initiatives (NESRI), clearly provides for both CRS and Islamic Studies at all relevant levels of basic and senior secondary education.

It explained that the subjects are offered on the basis of pupils’ religious affiliation, with CRS designated for Christian pupils and Islamic Studies for Muslim pupils.

Contrary to previous practice where religious studies were largely optional, NERDC said the revised curriculum accords greater importance to religious education by making it a consistent component of learning from Primary One through Senior Secondary School Three.

“The claim that either CRS or Islamic Studies has been removed from the curriculum is completely false,” the Council said, noting that the approved subject offerings comprehensively accommodate both religions in line with Nigeria’s plural society.

According to the Council, the curriculum review was designed to streamline content, reduce overload and improve learning outcomes, while still ensuring balance across sciences, humanities, vocational studies and religious education.

It added that the Federal Ministry of Education has officially released the list of approved subjects for all levels, and that any other versions in circulation are unauthentic.

NERDC explained that at the basic education level, pupils are required to study a broad mix of core subjects alongside either CRS or Islamic Studies, while at the senior secondary level, both subjects are clearly listed among the humanities offerings.

However, science, technology and commercial students that are interested in offering CRS and IRS can pick them as elective.

This, it said, demonstrates that the curriculum council adopted an inclusive and comprehensive approach rather than favouring one religious subject over another.

Professor Shehu urged parents, teachers and other stakeholders to ignore “fake and unauthorised” subject lists circulating online, warning that such misinformation could cause unnecessary confusion and tension.

He said the Council is already planning nationwide sensitisation and teacher capacity-building programmes to support smooth implementation of the revised curriculum.

He further explained that implementation will begin at the start of each three-year education cycle—Primary One, Primary Four, JSS One and SS One—whenever the revised curriculum is introduced.

NERDC assured the public that the revised curriculum reflects national values, respects religious diversity and remains focused on improving the quality and relevance of education across the country.

By Uzair Adam

The Federal Government has announced plans to abolish the long-standing dichotomy between Higher National Diploma (HND) and university degrees by empowering polytechnics to award degrees, a reform aimed at repositioning technical and vocational education as a key driver of national development.

The Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, disclosed this on Wednesday in Abuja while addressing a high-level retreat of council chairmen, commissioners of education, rectors, registrars and bursars of polytechnics across the country.

Describing the move as a landmark policy shift, the minister said the reform would end decades of discrimination against polytechnic graduates and reposition the institutions as centres of excellence within Nigeria’s higher education system.

He explained that the initiative would strengthen polytechnic education while preserving its core advantage of hands-on, industry-oriented training.

According to Dr. Alausa, Nigeria’s future competitiveness depends largely on a workforce capable of creating, building and solving real-world problems.

He added that the policy was in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritises job creation, industrial growth and human capital development.

With the new degree-awarding status, polytechnics are expected to attract stronger industry partnerships, improved funding opportunities and increased public confidence.

The minister assured stakeholders that the transition would be guided by clear standards, strong regulation and robust quality assurance mechanisms to ensure global competitiveness.

Speaking on the theme, “Transforming Polytechnic Education in Nigeria: Innovation, Good Governance and Sustainability for National Development,” Dr. Alausa noted that polytechnics remain critical to building a skills-driven economy.

He said the ministry had placed priority on Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) to ensure graduates are industry-ready, innovative and capable of driving economic growth.

He urged polytechnic leaders to promote innovation through entrepreneurship centres, research hubs and strong industry linkages, identifying renewable energy, agri-technology, digital manufacturing and climate-resilient solutions as key priority areas.

On governance, the minister warned that transparency, accountability and ethical leadership must define the new era of polytechnic administration.

He called for fiscal discipline, timely audits, prudent management of resources and zero tolerance for corruption.

Dr. Alausa also emphasised sustainability, encouraging institutions to boost internally generated revenue through production and services, develop eco-friendly campuses and build resilient infrastructure.

Polytechnics, he said, should aim to produce what they consume and contribute to reducing Nigeria’s dependence on imports.While acknowledging challenges such as funding gaps, outdated facilities and societal bias in favour of university degrees, the minister maintained that the opportunities ahead were far greater.

He reaffirmed the federal government’s commitment to supporting polytechnics through policy reforms, infrastructure upgrades and strategic partnerships.

He further announced a special TETFund intervention this year to upgrade engineering schools in polytechnics with modern equipment, following a similar intervention for 12 medical colleges last year.

Charging participants to return to their institutions as agents of change, Dr. Alausa said, “The future of our youth, our economy and our nation depends on the transformation we ignite here today.”

Education experts at the retreat described the announcement as a turning point, noting that it would boost enrolment, motivate students and staff, and enhance the contribution of polytechnics to sectors such as manufacturing, technology, agriculture and renewable energy.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

The Kano State Police Command has finally identified and exposed individuals from the local community who failed to assist Fatima Abubakar and her six children while they were alive, but later took to social media to spread fabricated stories after the family was tragically murdered.

The police spokesperson, Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa, revealed this development in a short video posted on his official Facebook page.

The video featured the implicated individuals, alongside a stark caption that translates to: “It’s easy to be brave after the deed! You refused to help the woman and her children, only to come and weave lies.”

This statement directly contradicts earlier sensational claims made by these residents, who had given conflicting accounts to the police before presenting a different narrative on social media.

The police action aims to set the record straight and condemn the exploitation of the tragedy for attention.

The case of Fatima Abubakar and her six children, who were all killed, has shocked the state.

The police have reiterated their commitment to the investigation and warned against the circulation of unverified information that can hinder justice and cause further pain to the bereaved.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

A fatal road crash claimed two lives and left six others seriously injured on Tuesday night along the Gombe–Yola Road.

The incident occurred around 10:20 pm at New Mile 3, near the entrance to the main dual carriageway. Preliminary investigation by authorities points to negligence by the driver of a heavy-duty truck loaded with rice.

Ambassador Yusuf Danbayo, Senior Special Assistant on Security Matters, confirmed that the truck was improperly parked with its handbrake not fully engaged. It subsequently rolled uncontrollably, colliding with a Toyota Hilux and striking several individuals at the scene.

The two deceased victims were pronounced dead on arrival and deposited at the Specialist Hospital, Gombe. Six injured persons received emergency care at the Federal Teaching Hospital.

Police have arrested the truck driver, who is currently held at the Tumfure Police Division pending transfer for further investigation and prosecution.

Authorities have advised motorists, especially drivers of heavy vehicles, to exercise utmost caution when parking on major highways to avoid similar tragedies.

The Mindbrood Initiative has sought a strategic partnership with the Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council (NERDC) to introduce an Artificial Intelligence (AI)–powered educational technology platform, aimed at enhancing learning through innovation and technology.

The proposal was presented during a courtesy visit of Mindbrood Initiative to the Council on Tuesday, 20th January, 2025.

Speaking at the meeting, the Founder of the Mindbrood Initiative – Mr. Godspower Omolere, explained that the organisation is currently developing the Sociometrics Framework and other educational tools designed to help young people understand societal fundamentals and grow into responsible, empowered citizens.

Mr. Omolere stated that the platform, which has been in development for over 10 years, leverages AI to assess students’ skills, generate personalised profiles, and provide insights through student assessment, data analysis and performance tracking.

He added that the initiative is keen on partnering with NERDC to benefit from its expertise in curriculum development.

According to him, “Given NERDC’s national mandate in curriculum development and educational standards, we believe this collaboration will ensure strong alignment with Nigeria’s educational goals, while providing students with modern framework for civic and socio-economic understanding.”

He further noted that the Mindbrood Initiative, which began 13 years ago as a book-focused project, has evolved into a technology-driven organisation developing innovative software solutions for individual profiling and educational development.

Responding, the Executive Secretary – Prof. Salisu Shehu, expressed appreciation to the Mindbrood team for the visit, noting that the initiative aligns with the Council’s research-focus in education.

While welcoming the proposal, he stated that the Council would study the project in detail, deliberate with management and determine possible pathways for integrating the platform into Nigeria’s education sector.

In his vote of thanks, the Head of Finance and Accounts – Mr. Charles Itodo commended the Mindbrood team for sharing their innovation and for enlightening the Council on the proposed educational application.

Members of the Mindbrood Initiative present at the meeting included the Chairman, Board of Trustees, Otumba James Udoma; Legal Adviser, Barr. Onyebuchi Ndiokwere; Adviser, Mr. Yemi Opesade; and a member, Mrs. Simar Linus.

NERDC officials in attendance were the Assistant Director of Finance and Head of the Consultancy Unit – Sir Justin Nwokedi; Head of the Policy and Programmes Unit (PPU) – Dr. Famade Oladiran; and the Legal Officer, Barr. Segun Daniels.

By Muhammad Sulaiman

President Bassirou Diomaye Faye has awarded Senegal’s AFCON 2025–winning squad a total of $6.2 million in cashand 68,000 square meters of land, marking one of the most generous state rewards in African football history.

Each player will receive $135,000 and a 1,500-square-meter plot on the Petite Côte, while members of the technical and backroom staff will be awarded $90,000 and 1,000-square-meter plots, according to the presidency.

Senegal clinched the continental title with a disciplined 1–0 victory over the Morocco national football team in the final, a tightly contested match that underscored the Lions’ defensive organisation and tactical maturity.

Led by head coach Pape Thiaw, the Lions’ triumph has been celebrated as a symbol of national pride and sporting excellence, with officials saying the rewards reflect the country’s gratitude for a team that once again placed Senegal at the summit of African football.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

Nigerian Islamic scholar Sheikh Ahmed Gumi has challenged the consistency of international human rights criticism, amplifying a debate initiated by a U.S. senator about selective outrage in global politics.

The cleric took to Facebook to respond to remarks from U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), who recently questioned whether Washington applies its principles uniformly.

Van Hollen noted the U.S. frequently censures rivals like China and Russia but is less vocal about allies, citing India’s religious freedoms, Turkey’s political rights, and Israel’s treatment of Palestinians.

Gumi highlighted what he called “selective outrage,” suggesting some criticisms are matters of convenience, not principle. “People don’t marvel at the hypocrisy, but those who rely on their ‘friendship’,” he wrote.

The senator argued that this inconsistency erodes America’s credibility, allowing rivals like China to challenge its moral authority, especially in the Global South.

He referenced declining global perceptions of the U.S. and warned that without consistent standards, American values risk being seen as merely “a political cudgel.”

Gumi’s intervention underscores a growing view that geopolitical alliances, not universal principles, often shape global human rights debates.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

Troops in Zamfara State demonstrated “exceptional bravery” but suffered significant losses during a terrorist ambush over the weekend, military authorities confirmed.

The incident occurred on January 19, 2026, along the Bingi–Kekun Waje–Gusau Road. Soldiers from Operation FANSAN YAMMA (OPFY) were returning from a series of successful offensives and responding to a distress call when they were attacked at Gidan Wagni.

Despite the surprise assault, the troops fought back, preventing the attackers from reaching nearby communities. The engagement, however, came at a high cost, with five soldiers and one police officer killed.

Reinforcements, including a Mobile Strike Team and a Quick Reaction Force personally led by a Brigade Commander, swiftly mobilized to the scene. A counter-ambush forced the terrorists to withdraw.

Credible intelligence suggests the fleeing terrorists suffered heavy casualties, with notorious kingpins JANWUYA and ALHAJI BELLO—a top lieutenant to bandit leader KACHALLA SOJA—seriously injured.

The ambush followed a major three-day operation from January 17-19, where troops raided terrorist enclaves in Birnin Magaji and Anka. Those earlier operations led to three arrests, four terrorists killed, and the recovery of a cache of weapons, including a PKT machine gun, five AK-47 rifles, and communication radios.

The Theatre Commander has condoled with the forces and commended their courage. Operation FANSAN YAMMA assures the public that the situation is under control and has urged citizens to continue supporting security efforts with timely information.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar AlgasgainiA major political realignment may be imminent as President Bola Tinubu is set to meet with the leader of the Kwankwasiyya movement, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso.The highly anticipated meeting, scheduled for later today, follows closely on the heels of President Tinubu’s closed-door session with Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, a key Kwankwaso protégé, at the Presidential Villa on Wednesday.Reliable sources indicate Governor Yusuf facilitated the engagement after President Tinubu expressed a desire to harmonize political interests across party lines. This is seen as part of broader consultations ahead of the 2027 general elections.Senator Kwankwaso, the 2023 presidential candidate of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), had previously opposed joining the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). However, he recently hinted at a potential shift, stating he would consider a move if presented with a “satisfactory offer” from the ruling party.A senior APC North-West leader confirmed the planned meeting, stating, “The President is keen on broadening his political base. Discussions will likely focus on national stability, political cooperation, and the future alignment of forces ahead of 2027.”This rapid political maneuvering has intensified speculation about the future of the NNPP and the influential Kwankwasiyya structure. It remains unclear whether Kwankwaso and Governor Yusuf are planning a coordinated move or separate strategies.Political analysts suggest that aligning the Kwankwasiyya movement with the APC would significantly reshape northern politics. Such a move could also undermine efforts by opposition figures like Peter Obi and Atiku Abubakar to form a formidable “Third Force” coalition, with Kwankwaso previously considered a central pillar.Securing the cooperation of both Kano’s sitting governor and its most influential political movement would dramatically bolster the APC’s strength in the vote-rich state, a critical battleground in any national election.All parties involved have yet to make official statements as the political landscape awaits the outcome of this crucial meeting.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

President Bola Tinubu is currently holding a closed-door meeting with Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, at the State House in Abuja.

Governor Yusuf arrived at the Presidential Villa shortly after 4:00 PM West Africa Time on Monday. He was received and escorted to the President’s office by the Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila.

The high-level meeting is taking place against a backdrop of sustained political speculation. There have been persistent reports suggesting Governor Yusuf may soon defect from the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) to join the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

Neither party has officially commented on the agenda of the private discussion. The outcome is being closely watched by political observers, given Kano State’s significant influence in national politics.