News

The United States government has announced plans to release a limited number of special passports that will carry the image of President Donald Trump. The initiative is intended to mark the country’s 250th Independence anniversary.

The State Department said the passports will be produced as a special edition and will only be available for a short period.

Officials noted that the move departs from established norms in democratic nations, where it is uncommon for a sitting president’s image to appear in official travel documents.

The department’s spokesperson, Tommy Pigott, said the release is scheduled to coincide with the July 4 celebrations.

Reports indicate that the passports will be obtainable at designated locations in Washington and will not attract any additional cost.

However, lawmakers from the Democratic Party have criticised the decision, accusing the government of misusing taxpayers’ money.

By Maryam Ahmad

A former head of Israel’s intelligence agency has sharply condemned rising settler violence in the West Bank, saying it has left him “ashamed to be a Jew.”

Tamir Pardo, who led Mossad from 2011 to 2016, made the remarks in a recent interview, warning that attacks by Israeli settlers on Palestinian communities are eroding Israel’s moral standing and threatening its long-term security. His comments come amid an uptick in reported incidents involving arson, assaults, and property damage in the territory.

Human rights organisations have documented a rise in settler-related violence in recent months, often carried out with limited accountability. Israeli authorities say they are working to curb such incidents, but critics argue enforcement remains inconsistent.

Pardo’s intervention adds to a growing chorus of current and former security officials voicing concern over developments in the West Bank. He urged the government to uphold the rule of law and take decisive action against perpetrators, warning that failure to do so risks further escalation and international isolation.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Olanipekun Olukoyede, has expressed serious concern over the growing involvement of Nigerian university students in cybercrime. He stated that nearly six out of every 10 undergraduates are linked to such activities.

Olukoyede made this known during the 8th Biennial Conference of the Committee of Pro-Chancellors of State-Owned Universities in Nigeria, which took place in Kano. The event focused on the theme, “Unlocking the Potentials of Artificial Intelligence: University Governance, Internationalization and Rankings”.

He described the situation as “a sad development,” and explained that findings from the commission’s investigations and field operations point to widespread participation of students in internet fraud and similar offences.

“My research in the last one year has shown that about six out of 10 students in our universities are into cybercrime. It is a very disturbing situation,” he said.

The EFCC chairman revealed that many suspects arrested during recent operations were students. He added that some of them had gone as far as undermining academic standards by allegedly placing lecturers on their payroll.

He linked the development to deeper structural issues, including weak supervision and lapses within university administration.

Olukoyede also referred to a major crackdown in Lagos where 792 individuals connected to an international cybercrime network were apprehended. He noted that a considerable number of those arrested were students. According to him, the operation relied on artificial intelligence tools, which helped expose the scale and complexity of the criminal network.

He further warned about the rise of “Yahoo Plus,” a trend where internet fraud is combined with fetish practices.

The EFCC boss urged university authorities and governing councils to act quickly to address the problem. He advised them to strengthen internal systems and work closely with law enforcement agencies.

Olukoyede also called on pro-chancellors to adopt artificial intelligence-driven governance structures. He said such systems would improve transparency, detect fraud and promote financial accountability.

He pointed out that many tertiary institutions still depend on manual processes. He said this makes them open to abuses such as ghost workers, inflated contracts and mismanagement of funds.

“A university that lacks financial accountability cannot credibly train future professionals. The integrity of our universities is a matter of national security,” he said.

He recommended the use of artificial intelligence in areas such as fraud detection, payroll administration, procurement tracking and academic monitoring. He explained that these tools can identify suspicious transactions, flag unusual salary payments and strengthen auditing systems.

Olukoyede also noted that the EFCC has applied artificial intelligence in its own operations, including digital forensics and financial tracking.

He, however, emphasised that technology should support human supervision and must comply with existing laws, including those on data protection and procurement.

The EFCC chairman stressed the need for training in cybersecurity, machine learning and digital governance within universities. He also called for investment in digital infrastructure such as broadband and cloud systems to support the effective use of artificial intelligence.

He encouraged stronger cooperation between universities, regulatory authorities and anti-corruption agencies to tackle emerging threats.

By Muhammad Abubakar

Kenyan President William Ruto has clarified that his recent remarks suggesting Kenyans speak better English than Nigerians were made during a private conversation that was leaked and taken out of context.

The comments had sparked light-hearted banter on social media between Kenyans and Nigerians, drawing widespread reactions from both countries.

Speaking on Tuesday at the Kenya Mining Investment Conference 2026 in Nairobi, Ruto struck a conciliatory tone, emphasising that Nigerians speak “excellent” English, just as Kenyans do.

The event was attended by a Nigerian delegation, including the Minister of Solid Minerals, Henry Dele Alake.

Ruto’s remarks appeared aimed at easing tensions and reinforcing cordial ties between the two nations following the online exchanges triggered by the earlier statement.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

The Federal Government has announced that approximately 10 million Nigerians are set to benefit from its newly unveiled Renewed Hope Ward Development Programme, a poverty-reduction initiative targeting all 8,809 wards across the country.

Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Abubakar Bagudu, disclosed this while accepting his appointment as the Grand Patron of the National Councillors’ Forum of Nigeria.

Speaking after the honour, Bagudu said the recognition would inspire him to intensify efforts aimed at revitalising grassroots economies for the benefit of the majority. He reaffirmed President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to improving living standards through extensive local governance reforms embedded in the programme.

The initiative, he explained, will map dominant commercial activities in each ward to identify beneficiaries eligible for government support. This strategy, according to the minister, is expected to give a significant boost to the Tinubu administration’s poverty-reduction objectives.

Bagudu thanked the Forum for their continued support, noting that the councillors’ endorsement of the President’s second term reflects a broad appreciation of ongoing reforms that are steadily improving the nation’s economy.

The Forum, which comprises all 8,809 serving councillors, stated that the appointment recognises Bagudu’s remarkable contributions to national development. “Your dedication to public service and to the development of our country makes you a perfect fit for this prestigious position,” the appointment letter dated April 23, 2026 read.

During a weekend visit, Forum President Hon. AbdulRazak Sama’ila presented the letter to Bagudu, expressing hope that the minister would play a crucial role in promoting good governance, transparency, and accountability at the grassroots level. “We hope to work with him and benefit from his insights and expertise,” Sama’ila added.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Nigeria and Malaysia have taken fresh steps to reinforce cooperation between their customs authorities, with a focus on improving trade processes and tightening border control systems.

This followed a series of high-level meetings in Malaysia involving the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) and the Royal Malaysian Customs Department (RMCD).

The engagements took place during an official visit by the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, to the RMCD headquarters. The visit coincided with his attendance at the Defence Services Asia (DSA) Malaysia 2026 event.

Adeniyi was hosted by his Malaysian counterpart, Director-General Dato’ Haji Amran bin Haji Ahmad. Both officials held discussions that centred on strengthening institutional ties, advancing customs modernisation, and improving coordination in border management.

Trade relations between the two countries have continued to expand in recent years. Nigeria’s imports from Malaysia rose from ₦159.9 billion in 2020 to ₦716.0 billion in 2024. Total trade between both nations has reached about ₦1.82 trillion within five years.

During the talks, Adeniyi emphasised the importance of establishing a more structured partnership between the two customs services. He described Malaysia as a major trading partner, noting that Nigeria imports products such as crude palm oil, refined palm olein, aviation fuel, machinery, and other industrial materials.

He also pointed out that customs agencies play a key role in supporting legitimate trade while protecting national economic and security interests.

Despite the long-standing trade relationship, both sides observed that there is no formal legal framework guiding their customs cooperation. They agreed to begin the process of developing a Mutual Recognition Agreement under the World Customs Organisation (WCO), which will be pursued through diplomatic channels.

As part of the engagement, Malaysian officials presented their border management structure, including the Malaysian Border Control and Protection Agency (AKPS), which operates as an integrated frontline system.

In response, the Nigerian delegation highlighted ongoing reforms within the NCS, including the Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) programme and other initiatives designed to speed up cargo clearance, cut costs, and improve compliance.

Both parties stressed the need for closer collaboration in intelligence sharing, enforcement efforts, and the use of technology to tackle illicit trade and cross-border crimes.

The NCS reaffirmed its commitment to building stronger bilateral and multilateral partnerships as part of its modernisation drive. It expressed optimism that the outcomes of the visit will enhance operational efficiency, promote smoother trade, and strengthen border security in line with Nigeria’s economic goals.

While in Malaysia, Adeniyi also met with officials at the Nigerian diplomatic mission and the Defence Office, where he commended their role in promoting Nigeria’s interests and assisting citizens abroad.

By Uzair Adam

The Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council (NERDC) has announced plans to commence its 2026 book ranking and selection exercise as part of efforts to improve the quality of learning materials used in schools across the country.

In a statement signed on Monday, the Executive Secretary of NERDC, Prof. Salisu Shehu, said the initiative is aimed at ensuring that only relevant, accurate, affordable and accessible textbooks are approved for use by learners nationwide.

The statement explained that the exercise is being coordinated by the Federal Ministry of Education under the leadership of the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Maruf Alausa, and the Minister of State for Education, Professor Suwaiba Said Ahmad.

According to the statement, the ministry has constituted a standing committee to streamline the book approval process, standardise selection procedures and regulate the textbook market. The move, it noted, is expected to enhance learning outcomes by ensuring that only the best instructional materials are adopted in schools.

The council emphasised that the ranking and selection of books would play a critical role in shaping the quality of education, noting that the additional layer in the assessment process would guarantee that approved books meet required standards.

“The ranking and selection of books will play a pivotal role in shaping the quality of education in Nigeria,” the statement said, adding that the process would ensure that only the most suitable materials are made available to students.

NERDC clarified that while the committee would handle the ranking and selection of textbooks, its responsibilities would not override the council’s statutory mandate of regulating the book industry. It added that the committee would operate under a structured framework designed to ensure transparency, consistency and objectivity.

The statement further disclosed that the committee would receive already assessed and approved books from NERDC before conducting its ranking exercise at a designated venue to avoid external interference.

It added that the process would follow a strict template to ensure fairness and credibility.

After completing the exercise, the committee is expected to submit a comprehensive report, including clear recommendations and justifications for each ranking decision, to the Minister of Education for approval.

NERDC also stated that the final list of ranked books would be formally communicated to state governments, while textbook selection and ranking exercises would be conducted at least every three years or whenever a new curriculum is introduced.

The council noted that a detailed workflow plan has been developed for the 2026 exercise, outlining activities, timelines and responsibilities, with further information on submission procedures to be communicated to stakeholders in due course.

By Uzair Adam

The Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council (NERDC) has announced plans to commence its 2026 book ranking and selection exercise as part of efforts to improve the quality of learning materials used in schools across the country.

In a statement signed on Monday, the Executive Secretary of NERDC, Prof. Salisu Shehu, said the initiative is aimed at ensuring that only relevant, accurate, affordable and accessible textbooks are approved for use by learners nationwide.

The statement explained that the exercise is being coordinated by the Federal Ministry of Education under the leadership of the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Maruf Alausa, and the Minister of State for Education, Professor Suwaiba Said Ahmad.

According to the statement, the ministry has constituted a standing committee to streamline the book approval process, standardise selection procedures and regulate the textbook market. The move, it noted, is expected to enhance learning outcomes by ensuring that only the best instructional materials are adopted in schools.

The council emphasised that the ranking and selection of books would play a critical role in shaping the quality of education, noting that the additional layer in the assessment process would guarantee that approved books meet required standards.

“The ranking and selection of books will play a pivotal role in shaping the quality of education in Nigeria,” the statement said, adding that the process would ensure that only the most suitable materials are made available to students.

NERDC clarified that while the committee would handle the ranking and selection of textbooks, its responsibilities would not override the council’s statutory mandate of regulating the book industry. It added that the committee would operate under a structured framework designed to ensure transparency, consistency and objectivity.

The statement further disclosed that the committee would receive already assessed and approved books from NERDC before conducting its ranking exercise at a designated venue to avoid external interference.

It added that the process would follow a strict template to ensure fairness and credibility.

After completing the exercise, the committee is expected to submit a comprehensive report, including clear recommendations and justifications for each ranking decision, to the Minister of Education for approval.

NERDC also stated that the final list of ranked books would be formally communicated to state governments, while textbook selection and ranking exercises would be conducted at least every three years or whenever a new curriculum is introduced.

The council noted that a detailed workflow plan has been developed for the 2026 exercise, outlining activities, timelines and responsibilities, with further information on submission procedures to be communicated to stakeholders in due course.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has unveiled its revised schedule of activities for the 2027 general elections, with presidential aspirants required to pay N100 million for nomination and expression of interest forms.

The timetable, released by the party’s National Secretariat at Buhari House in Abuja, outlines key dates for primaries and other critical activities leading up to the elections.

According to the schedule, the sale of forms will take place from April 25 to May 2, 2026, at the APC National Secretariat. Aspirants have until May 4, 2026, to submit completed forms and accompanying documents.

Screening of aspirants for various positions is slated for May 6–8, 2026, with results published on May 11, 2026. Appeals on screening outcomes will be heard between May 12 and May 13, 2026.

The party’s primary elections are scheduled as follows:

a· House of Representatives: May 15, 2026

b· Senate: May 18, 2026

c· State House of Assembly: May 20, 2026

d· Governorship: May 21, 2026

e· Presidential: May 23, 2026

Election appeals will follow immediately after each primary, with the last appeal for the presidential primary scheduled for May 25, 2026.

The APC also released the cost of forms for various positions, with a 50% discount for female aspirants, youth, and physically challenged persons. However, this discount applies only to the nomination fees, not the expression of interest.

1· House of Assembly: N6 million (Expression of Interest: N1m, Nomination: N5m)

2· House of Representatives: N10 million (Expression of Interest: N1m, Nomination: N9m)

3· Senate: N20 million (Expression of Interest: N3m, Nomination: N17m)

4· Governorship: N50 million (Expression of Interest: N10m, Nomination: N40m)

5· Presidential: N100 million (Expression of Interest: N30m, Nomination: N70m)

All payments are to be made directly into designated accounts with Union Bank, UBA, or Zenith Bank.

The timetable was signed by the National Organizing Secretary, His Excellency, Sulaiman Muhammad Argunu, OFR. The party has directed all inquiries to its Directorate of Organisation.

By Uzair Adam

The Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council (NERDC) has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s education sector, even as it continues to grapple with persistent funding challenges affecting key programmes and initiatives.

This position was expressed during the Council’s sixth inaugural Governing Board meeting held at its headquarters in Sheda, Abuja, from April 22 to 23, 2026, where members deliberated on its activities, achievements, and future direction.

According to a statement issued by the Council on Monday, the meeting brought together Board members, management staff, and other stakeholders to review NERDC’s operations and chart a path forward.

In his welcome address, the Executive Secretary, Professor Salisu Shehu, was quoted in the statement as expressing optimism that the Board’s collective efforts would “usher in meaningful change, growth and sustainable development” for the Council and its staff.

The statement noted that a documentary titled NERDC at a Glance was presented during the meeting, providing an in-depth overview of the Council’s operations, including the activities of its six academic centres, service departments, and field offices.

According to the statement, Professor Shehu also highlighted the Council’s achievements, particularly its collaborations with agencies within Nigeria, across Africa, and globally.

However, he drew attention to the challenge of inadequate funding, which has slowed the implementation of several key projects and initiatives.

Despite this, the Executive Secretary as reaffirming his commitment to driving reforms and repositioning the Council on the global stage.

In his opening remarks, the Chairman of the Governing Board, Jamilu Wada Aliyu, assured the management team of the Board’s support.

The statement quoted him as saying the Board remains committed to “strengthening NERDC as a critical pillar of Nigeria’s education sector,” while commending the Executive Secretary for his efforts.

Furthermore, the statement noted that the Executive Secretary and members of the management team led the Chairman and other Board members on a tour of the Council’s facilities, including the Administrative Block, Library and Informatics Centre, Conference Centre, Academic Centres, Warehouse, and the National Model School.

It added that the tour provided firsthand insight into the Council’s current state and highlighted areas requiring urgent attention.

The statement also listed members of the Governing Board as including Gideon Sunday Omachonu, Aliyu Muhammad Madaki, Mahmoud Muhammad Lawan, Obianuju Anigbogu of the Federal Ministry of Education, Amos Josiah Dangut, Nura Sani Usman, and Abdulmumili Umar Kwami.

Other members are Raula Said Ahmad, Peter Maktu, Omoduwa Francis Folorunso, Dean Robert Okorie, Abdulkadir Yunusa, Denja Abdullahi, and the Executive Secretary, who serves as Secretary to the Board.