Nigeria

By Uzair Adam

The Kano State Police Command has seized illicit drugs valued at more than N82 million and arrested a teenage suspect during an operation in the state capital.

Police spokesperson, SP Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa, confirmed the development in a statement issued on Saturday.

He said the operation was carried out on September 20, 2025, after intelligence reports indicated that a suspicious vehicle was conveying cartons of intoxicants to Rimin Auzinawa Quarters in Kano.

“Acting on the directive of the Commissioner of Police, our operatives cordoned off the premises where the vehicle was parked and arrested a 19-year-old suspect, Usman Umar,” Kiyawa explained.

He said a search of the house led to the recovery of 603 packets of suspected Tramadol tablets containing 60,300 pieces, estimated at N60.3 million, and 299 packets of suspected Pregabalin capsules with 44,850 pieces, valued at N22.4 million.

The total worth of the seized drugs, he noted, stood at N82.7 million.

Kiyawa added that the suspect is in custody and is assisting detectives with information to track down other members of the drug trafficking network.

The Commissioner of Police in Kano, CP Ibrahim Adamu Bakori, while reacting to the breakthrough, commended residents for their cooperation.

“This success would not have been possible without the vigilance and timely information from the good people of Kano,” he said.

Bakori assured that the Command will sustain the fight against drug abuse and trafficking, urging the public to continue sharing credible information.

He stressed that such intelligence would always be treated with confidentiality and prompt action.

By Anas Abbas

Bayero University, Kano (BUK), has expelled 57 students for their involvement in various forms of examination misconduct.

The decision was taken at the 427th meeting of the University Senate held on Wednesday, September 10, 2025.

In a statement signed by the Director of Examination, Admission and Records (DEAR), Aminu Wada Kurawa, the Senate also approved the rustication of eight students and the exoneration of two others after investigations.

Those expelled include Isaya Joseph Kazachan (AGR/23/AGR/02240), Adejoh Musa (AHS/19/MDL/00363), Amusan Tawakalit Omo Wunmi (AHS/23/PHY/00712), Rabi’u Muhammadu Shuaibu (BMS/19/PYS/00468), Agnes Onyebuchi (DBS/23/MBA/00045), Hadiza Wuye (DBS/23/MBA/00575), Musa Maniru (EDU/20/BSC/01579), Safiya Labaran (SCE/17/ADE/00011), Sunday Alhassan (FSS/19/MCR/00924), and Bello Adam Dajuma (FSS/22/POL/00961), among others, bringing 57.

The Senate also rusticated eight students: Zulaihat Ibrahim Oyiza (SPS/23/GPA/00002), Hamisu Abdullahi Jamilu (EDU/22/BSC/00138), Animu Umar Yakubu (ENG/22/CHE/00529), Aleam Barakat M. (ENG/20/COM/00356), Auwal Umar Ilyasu (ENG/19/ELE/00334), Asiya Ridwan Yusuf (ENG/22/TEL/00476), Etim Ebi Stanley (SPS/23/MAB/00014) and Auwal Abdullahi (SCE/21/PAD/00246).

Two students were cleared and exonerated: Sani Sani Aliyu (LSC/19/MCB/00622) and Saratu Bala Hussain (LSC/19/MCB/00564).

Meanwhile, the case of Yusuf Muhammad Sani (ENG/18/CIV/00065) was deferred pending further investigation by a committee set up by the School Board of Studies.

The university stressed that the disciplinary actions were taken in line with the General Examination and Academic Regulations (GEAR) to protect the integrity of its academic processes.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

The Federal Government has announced that work will soon begin on an ambitious project to construct what it describes as Africa’s first underground tunnel, connecting Victoria Island to Badagry in Lagos State.

The announcement was made by the Surveyor General of the Federation (SGOF), Surv. Abuduganiyu Adebomehin, during a visit from the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) chapter of the Nigerian Institution of Surveyors (NIS) in Abuja.

Adebomehin revealed that the project was discussed during a recent coastal tour with the Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi.

He stated that the tunnel would represent a major milestone for infrastructure development in Nigeria and across the continent.

In a related development, the Surveyor General defended the recent move to place the Office of the Surveyor General of the Federation (OSGOF) under the direct supervision of the Presidency.

He advised those considering legal action against the decision to “perish the thought,” stating that challenging the move equates to “fighting presidential orders.”

He explained that President Bola Tinubu had shown keen interest in a national mapping project, noting that the last comprehensive survey of Nigeria was done in the 1970s.

Adebomehin believes the new administrative structure will improve funding and efficiency for the office.

The visiting surveyors from the NIS expressed support for the move, stating it would bring positive development to the surveying profession in Nigeria.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

The Dangote Petroleum Refinery has suspended the sale of petrol in the local currency, effective Sunday, September 28, 2025.

The move has raised immediate concerns about potential fuel price increases and added pressure on the foreign exchange market.

In a Friday evening email to customers, the refinery attributed the decision to having exceeded its “Naira-Crude allocations,” making it unsustainable to continue domestic currency sales.

The notice, signed by the Group Commercial Operations, instructed customers with ongoing naira transactions to formally request refunds.

This is the second such suspension in six months, following a similar move in March 2025 that led to a significant spike in pump prices. Analysts warn of a repeat scenario.

“The latest move could again trigger volatility in the downstream sector, with fears of a potential hike in petrol prices if transactions are shifted predominantly to dollars,” warned Jeremiah Olatide, CEO of Petroleumprice.ng, suggesting prices could soar above N900 per litre.

The announcement coincides with a major labour dispute at the refinery.

The Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) has accused the company of anti-labour practices after it terminated the employment of over 800 Nigerian workers.

The dual crises of naira sales suspension and industrial unrest threaten to undermine the stability of Nigeria’s fuel market, casting a shadow over the government’s reform agenda.

By Uzair Adam

The Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council (NERDC) has clarified details of the newly revised Basic Education Curriculum (BEC) and Senior Secondary Education Curriculum (SSEC), dismissing claims circulating on social media as “false, distorted, and misleading.”

In a statement signed by its Executive Secretary, Prof. Salisu Shehu, and made available to The Daily Reality, the Council explained that the reforms were approved by the Federal Ministry of Education (FME) and provide a clear framework for subject offerings and strategies for effective implementation.

Prof. Shehu noted that the revision was part of the National Education Sector Renewal Initiatives (NESRI) and in line with global best practices.

He stressed that the reforms were designed to meet Nigeria’s peculiar educational needs while reflecting evidence-based approaches.

“Curriculum is fundamental to the delivery of learning, acquisition of knowledge and competencies, and the attainment of national development,” he said.

He added that the new curricula were the outcome of extensive consultations with critical stakeholders and underwent rigorous technical processes.

According to him, the revised content incorporates 21st-century skills such as digital literacy, robotics, and artificial intelligence, alongside citizenship and sports education.

He explained that these additions were aimed at preparing students for future challenges while ensuring the production of a competent and productive workforce.

On concerns raised about religion and civic education, NERDC clarified that there was no derogatory or divisive content in the new curricula.

Prof. Shehu explained that learners at the senior secondary level would continue to study either Christian Religious Studies (CRS) or Islamic Studies (IS) in line with their faith.

He stated, “There is no composite subject called Religion and National Values (RNV). That curriculum was disarticulated over a decade ago.”

He further pointed out that subject offerings at all levels had been streamlined to avoid curriculum overload and to ensure learner-centred teaching.

For instance, pupils in Primary 1–3 will take between nine and ten subjects, while senior secondary students will be required to study five compulsory core subjects along with electives in science, humanities, or business.

The Council also introduced trade subjects such as solar photovoltaic installation, livestock farming, fashion design, and computer hardware repairs to improve employability and strengthen the link between education and industry.

In addition, Prof. Shehu revealed that provisions were made for inclusivity, particularly for learners with special needs.

He said subjects such as Braille reading and writing, independent living skills, and orientation and mobility had been developed for visually impaired learners to complement adapted mainstream subjects.

The Executive Secretary confirmed that implementation of the new curricula had already commenced at the beginning of each three-year learning cycle, including Primary 1, Primary 4, JSS 1 and SSS 1.

He added that the full curriculum could be accessed on the Council’s website, http://www.nerdc.gov.ng, while further nationwide sensitisation, teacher training, and engagements with publishers were underway.

Prof. Shehu concluded by appealing to Nigerians to disregard unverified lists of subjects or purported schemes of work being circulated online.

“We profoundly appreciate stakeholders for their responsiveness and positive disposition toward correct information,” he said.

He also urged Nigerians to “ignore any sensational or unauthentic claims regarding the revised curricula” and instead rely on official sources for accurate details.

By Anwar Usman

Former presidential candidate and the national leader of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso, has firmly denied claims that he submitted a letter of intent to join the ruling All Progressives Congress.

He made this statement in response to reports of his imminent defection to the APC.

This comes amidst rising political chatter early Friday morning, suggesting that the former Defence Minister had made formal overtures to the APC and had already begun talks with the party’s National Chairman behind closed doors.

In a statement personally signed and released through his media team on Friday, Kwankwaso refuted the claims, describing them as “online statements” lacking credibility or foundation.

The statement in part reads “we have been alerted to some online statements suggesting that we have submitted a letter of intent to join a political party in the country”.

“We would like to clarify that we have not made any such submission to any party. The public is therefore advised to stay informed of any further information regarding our matter through the established official channels”.

The speculation has triggered fresh speculation within political circles, especially as the 2027 general elections begin to cast long shadows across the country’s volatile political landscape.

Earlier on Friday, reports from political sources within the APC said that Senator Kwankwaso had allegedly sent a “discreet” letter to the party’s national secretariat indicating interest in joining the party.

The reports also hinted at ongoing discussions between Kwankwaso and the APC National Chairman, sparking a flurry of reactions across social media platforms and party caucuses.

With 2027 elections coming closer and the APC reportedly eyeing a broader northern consolidation, insiders believe both sides may be keeping lines of communication open — even if no formal letter has yet changed hands.

For now, Kwankwaso maintains that no move has been made — but in Nigerian politics, silence and denial are often the calm before a calculated storm.

By Umar Sani Adamu

The Almajiri system, once a noble pursuit of Islamic knowledge, has degenerated into a humanitarian disaster spread across Northern Nigeria. From the streets of Kano to the slums of Sokoto, thousands of children wander barefoot, hungry, and hopeless victims of a tradition that has outlived its purpose.

The idea behind Almajiranci was simple: young boys, mostly from rural or poor families, would be sent to Islamic scholars for religious education. But over time, what began as a pathway to learning became a pipeline to poverty, abuse, and neglect. Today, these children beg for survival, live in unhygienic conditions, and face constant exposure to criminality and exploitation.

Every year, thousands more are pushed into this cycle. With no formal curriculum, no sanitation, no feeding structure, and no monitoring, the system violates every principle of child welfare and human dignity. Many of these almajiris live in overcrowded, unventilated rooms, sometimes as many as 18 children in a single space, with no access to health care, no protection, and no future.

While governments talk reform, very little action meets the urgency. Integration programs are underfunded, religious institutions are left unchecked, and families often forced by poverty continue to submit their children to this outdated system. Meanwhile, the streets of Northern Nigeria grow more unsafe as vulnerable children are manipulated by extremist groups and criminal syndicates.

Let’s be clear: the Almajiri system, in its current form, is not education. It is abandonment. It is state-sanctioned child endangerment masquerading as religion. Any society that claims moral or spiritual uprightness cannot continue to tolerate this level of systemic neglect.

What Northern Nigeria needs is not a patchwork of reforms, but a complete overhaul. Islamic education should be formalised, monitored, and integrated into the broader national curriculum. Children should learn in safe environments where Qur’anic knowledge is integrated with literacy, numeracy, hygiene, and vocational training. Religious scholars must be trained, certified, and held accountable.

Above all, we must shift the responsibility from children back to adults. Governments, communities, parents, and religious leaders must admit the system has failed and work together to end it. The Almajiri child deserves more than survival. He deserves dignity, opportunity, and a future.

This is not just a social concern. It is a national emergency.

Umar Sani Adamu can be reached via umarhashidu1994@gmail.com

By Uzair Adam

The Katsina State Government has terminated the employment of 3,488 staff from 34 Local Government Councils and Local Education Authorities following a biometric screening exercise that uncovered extensive fraud.

Governor Dikko Radda, who received the screening report on Wednesday, said the exercise covered 50,172 staff members, verifying 46,380, while the remainder were found with fake credentials, ghost postings, absenteeism, or refusal to participate.

The report was formally presented at a State Executive Council meeting attended by top government officials and members of the Biometric Screening Committee.

The initiative has produced the state’s first-ever unified digital database of all Local Government Council (LGC) and Local Education Authority (LEA) staff, with projected monthly savings of N453.3 million if recommendations are fully implemented.

The 10-member committee identified falsified birth certificates, underage employment, illegal promotions, and instances where staff positions were sublet to others.

Additionally, N4.6 million was recovered from officers drawing double salaries or collecting pay while on leave.

Committee chairman Abdullahi A. Gagare revealed that the exercise also exposed the Education Secretary of Zango LEA for allegedly colluding with others to insert 24 ghost workers, describing the case as a “serious breach of trust.”

Governor Radda said, “We have been in the system for a long time, and we know these issues exist. Many warned me that the Committee’s work could damage my political standing, but I was determined to reform the system and do what is right for Katsina.”

He directed that the committee’s findings be converted into a White Paper for full implementation. Radda noted that local governments currently have about half a billion naira in savings, which could increase to N5.7 billion if the recommendations are applied.

“Despite high revenue allocations, many local governments in Katsina still struggle to pay salaries. Councils such as Kafur, Malumfashi, and Daura carry heavy wage bills, mostly due to staff who are not genuine,” he explained.

The governor emphasised that reducing this burden would free up resources to support grassroots development.

“This reform is aimed at saving the state from the grip of a few, ensuring more funds reach the people in our local governments,” Radda added.

The screening exercise was carried out by a 10-member committee, including four retired Permanent Secretaries and six Directors, supported by 16 co-opted members and security personnel.

By Uzair Adam

The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has filed charges against five retired senior officers of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) for allegedly falsifying their ages to unlawfully extend their years of service.

The case, brought before the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court, has been assigned to Justice Yusuf Halilu, who has fixed September 25 for the arraignment of the defendants.

The 14-count charge names Idowu Owohunwa, a retired assistant inspector-general of police; Benneth Igwe and Ukachi Opara, both retired commissioners of police; Obo Ukam Obo, a retired deputy commissioner of police; and Simon Lough, a retired assistant commissioner of police, while also referencing “others at large.”

According to the police, Owohunwa allegedly falsified his date of birth in Abuja in December 2024, claiming July 20, 1970, instead of his actual birth date. Igwe is accused of altering his records to reflect October 7, 1968, when investigators found he was born four years earlier, with his enlistment record showing contradictory entry dates of 1988 and 1996.

Lough allegedly changed his birth date from May 14, 1967, to May 14, 1969, in July 2022 to remain in service.Police say these acts violate public service rules and are punishable under sections 97, 161, 366, and 158 of the Penal Code.

The accused officers, however, denied any wrongdoing, calling the allegations malicious and politically motivated.

They said the case arose from a petition by the Integrity Youth Alliance, a civil society group led by Kelvin Adegbenga, which accused them of manipulating service records.

Following the petition, the IGP issued them queries for serious misconduct on January 7, 2025.

In response, Owohunwa admitted a clerical error in his APER form listed 1970 instead of 1967 as his birth year, insisting his official appointment date remained August 15, 1996.

Igwe and Lough also denied the allegations, claiming the petitioners had confused their career records with the Administrative Staff College of Nigeria (ASCON) scheme, which allows certain officers’ records to be updated.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) on Monday, September 22, 2025, officially flagged off its 2025 Public Relations Officers Workshop in Kano, charging officers to demonstrate professionalism, resilience, and innovation in sustaining the Service’s image and public trust.

The Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, was represented by Acting Deputy Comptroller-General in charge of Enforcement, Inspection, and Investigation, Timi Bomodi, at the opening ceremony held at the Centre of Excellence, Twin Theatres, Bayero University, Kano.

Delivering the CGC’s keynote address, Ag. DCG Bomodi highlighted the Service’s critical role at the “confluence of revenue generation, trade facilitation, and national security,” noting that every decision made by Customs affects citizens, the business community, and international partners.

He stressed that communication in such a sensitive environment must be more than ceremonial.

According to him, public relations officers serve as policy interpreters, dispute mediators, crisis managers, and custodians of the Service’s corporate image.

“Our actions may speak, but it is the voice of public relations that interprets, contextualises, and gives meaning to these actions. That is why this workshop is not just a routine exercise, but a strategic investment in the future of the Service,” he said.

Speaking on the workshop’s theme, “Beyond Masters of Ceremony: The Strategic Role of Public Relations Officers for Institutional Growth and Stakeholder Trust,” the CGC described it as timely and transformative, as it redefines the role of PROs from mere event announcers to key players in policy and stakeholder engagement.

He called on participants to embrace new technologies and crisis response tools, explaining that the rise of artificial intelligence and the risks of misinformation demand higher communication standards.

According to him, “The work of a PRO is not without its challenges. You will face crises that test your judgment, criticism that questions your integrity, and moments where silence may seem safer than speaking. But it is in these moments that your professionalism is most needed.”

Bomodi further assured that the leadership of the Service regards public relations as a vital component of its reform agenda, adding that its partnership with Bayero University represents “a bridge between scholarship and practice.”

He also welcomed BUK students present at the session, noting that their interaction with officers would enrich their academic exposure.

Declaring the workshop open, he urged participants to recommit to integrity and innovation, remarking: “The legacy you leave will not be measured by the number of events you anchored, but by the trust you built, the narratives you shaped, and the credibility you sustained for the Service.”

Governor Abba Yusuf of Kano State, represented by his Director-General of Media, Sanusi Bature, commended the Customs Service for its role in national security, trade facilitation, and revenue generation. He described integrity and fairness as the backbone of effective public relations, stressing that the Service’s National PRO had set a standard for building public confidence.

He added that artificial intelligence, digital analytics, and social media engagement have become new frontiers for PR professionals.

However, he cautioned that “no technology can replace human values of honesty, empathy, and responsibility in communication.”

The Vice Chancellor of Bayero University, Professor Haruna Musa, also welcomed participants and reaffirmed the institution’s readiness to support the Service through training and research.

He described the workshop as a platform that “blends theory with practice in preparing officers for the demands of modern communication.”

In his presentation, President of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), Ike Neliaku, emphasised that strategic communication is central to nation-building, urging officers to evolve from “managing perception to actively shaping the credibility and trust upon which governance thrives.”

Also speaking, Professor Abdalla Uba Adamu, former Vice Chancellor of the National Open University of Nigeria, underlined the importance of social media as a tool for transparency and accountability.

He advised officers to deploy digital platforms effectively while guarding against disinformation.

Other experts at the event expressed optimism that the four-day workshop would enhance officers’ communication capacity, strengthen their stakeholder engagement, and further solidify the Service’s reputation as a forward-looking institution.