Nigeria

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has expressed frustration over the federal government’s handling of the renegotiated agreement on Earned Academic Allowances (EAA), warning that lecturers may soon embark on industrial action.

ASUU President, Chris Piwuna, made the remarks during an interview on Thursday. He accused the federal ministry of education of failing to properly implement parts of the agreement reached with the union.

The federal government had signed a renegotiated agreement with ASUU on January 14 after years of disputes and strike actions across public universities. The negotiations were concluded in December 2025.

Despite the agreement, several federal universities have recorded delays in salary payments since February. The development has sparked complaints from ASUU branches across the country.

Piwuna said university lecturers are no longer comfortable with the situation, especially the non-payment of Earned Academic Allowances, which he said has lasted for 18 months.

“Our members across the branches feel the pinch, so their responses are expected,” he said.

“The federal ministry of education has gone to sleep. We intend to wake them up. When the drums start beating, be sure of what will follow.”

The ASUU president also faulted the government for allegedly shifting responsibility for the allowances to vice-chancellors.

“We agreed that EAA should be mainstreamed to address the problem of accumulated arrears. They are back to the mess of EAA arrears again,” he said.

He added that although the government announced professional allowances for lecturers, some university authorities still struggle to pay them.

“Our promotion arrears have been waiting for the approval of the minister of finance. Now they say the new minister has to settle down. We are tired of your tactics. We are fed up,” the ASUU president maintained.

Piwuna further stated that the agreement reached with the government required the EAA to be incorporated into lecturers’ salaries from January, but this has not happened.

“We are literally back to the Ngige era of never-ending EAA renegotiation,” he said.

“The truth is that we have not received it (EAA) for 18 months.

“It was mainstreamed in the 2025 budget. They did not implement it. This current minister said it would start in January this year. Nothing.”

He explained that the December 2025 agreement included additional allowances for lecturers.

“After signing the December 2025 agreement, we had three allowances added to our salary — 40 percent covering things like journal allowance, conference allowance, book allowance, et cetera,” he said.

“Then we have the professorial allowance. Then a percentage of EAA into our monthly salary.

“All these have been implemented in the most haphazard manner you could ever imagine.”

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Nigeria Police Force has started disciplinary proceedings against a police officer, Newton Isokpehi, after a video surfaced online in which he threatened members of the public who record officers on duty.

In the viral clip, the officer also warned that he could shoot passengers inside a vehicle if anyone attempted to film him while carrying out his duties.

Isokpehi, who claimed to have spent twenty-six years in the police force, complained about the welfare and working conditions of officers during the video.

“Any day I’m on duty as an officer while holding my rifle, let someone video me,” he warned.

“That oga who gave the order that police officers should be filmed, he will do your burial. I will kill anyone who films me on duty.”

Reacting to the incident, the Anambra State Police Command confirmed that the officer had been invited for questioning and disciplinary action.

In a statement released on Thursday, police spokesperson Anthony Placid said the command does not support threats, intimidation or abuse of office by any personnel.

Placid stated that citizens have the right to record police officers while carrying out lawful duties, provided such actions do not obstruct operations or compromise security.

“The force wishes to state unequivocally that the conduct and utterances exhibited in the video are unacceptable, unprofessional, and inconsistent with the ethics, standards, and code of conduct of the Nigeria Police Force,” the statement reads.

“Such actions run contrary to the ongoing reform initiatives of the Force aimed at promoting transparency, accountability, professionalism, and citizen-focused policing.

“The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, psc(+), NPM, has consistently maintained that members of the public have the right to lawfully record police officers carrying out their duties, provided such recording does not obstruct operations, compromise safety, or interfere with lawful police activities.

“In line with this position, the officer involved has since been identified and summoned to the Anambra State Command Headquarters where immediate disciplinary procedures have commenced.

“A formal statement detailing the outcome of the disciplinary measures taken against the officer will be communicated in due course.”

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

The Presidency has dismissed a viral social media report claiming that President Bola Tinubu is planning to push through constitutional amendments to rename Nigeria as the “United States of Nigeria” and abolish Sharia law in the northern region.

In a statement issued on Thursday, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, described the story as entirely false and part of a “dubious plot” by desperate politicians to create disaffection and stir political tension ahead of the general elections scheduled for January 2026.

The fake story, which cited anonymous sources, alleged that President Tinubu intended to send a bill code-named “Project True Federation” to the National Assembly by December 15, just weeks before the elections. It also claimed the bill would include other far-reaching constitutional changes.

Onanuga urged Nigerians to completely ignore the report, calling its purveyors “agents of destabilisation and merchants of disorder.”

“President Tinubu has no plan whatsoever to send any bill code-named Project True Federation to the National Assembly by December 15,” the statement read in part.

The presidential aide explained that constitutional amendments under Nigerian law are a serious legislative process requiring scrutiny, oversight, and robust debate. Any change to the constitution is not at the whim of the President or the National Assembly but requires a two-thirds majority in both chambers of the National Assembly and the concurrence of at least 24 state Houses of Assembly.

Onanuga stressed that President Tinubu remains focused on entrenching and deepening the economic reforms his administration has embarked upon, as well as delivering tangible dividends to Nigerians.

He warned citizens to be wary of fake and divisive reports, especially as political campaigns gather momentum ahead of the January 2026 general elections.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the appointment of Professor Segun Aina as the new Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB).

Aina, who lectures Computer Engineering at Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, will take over from Professor Ishaq Oloyede, whose second tenure will end on July 31, 2026.

Oloyede first assumed office as JAMB registrar on August 9, 2016, under former President Muhammadu Buhari. He later secured another five-year term in August 2021.

At 39 years old, Aina is expected to become the youngest person ever appointed to head the examination body. He will turn 40 in July.

The appointment was disclosed in a statement issued by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, who described the new registrar as “a distinguished academic and systems expert with extensive experience in national examination systems, digital infrastructure, and public-sector institutional reform”.

According to the statement, Aina studied Computer Systems Engineering at the University of Kent, United Kingdom, where he obtained a Bachelor of Engineering degree. He also earned an MSc in Internet Computing and Network Security as well as a PhD in Digital Signal Processing from Loughborough University.

“He has also completed the Senior Management Programme at Lagos Business School,” Onanuga said.

The presidential aide explained that Aina’s relationship with JAMB started during his National Youth Service year.

“Aina began his career with JAMB during his National Youth Service, gaining foundational experience in national admissions and data-driven institutional processes,” the statement read.

“These insights have shaped his ongoing contributions to examination reform and systems optimisation.”

Onanuga added that the professor has spent more than 15 years working in areas connected to technology, governance and institutional development.

“With over 15 years of post-graduation experience, Professor Aina operates at the intersection of technology, policy, and institutional transformation, advising federal and state governments on system design, digital transition, and operational reform,” he said.

“At 39, he became one of Nigeria’s youngest Computer Engineering professors and will now make history as JAMB’s youngest registrar.”

The statement also noted that Aina had previously worked with examination agencies such as NECO and NABTEB, alongside several state ministries of education, especially on ICT systems and examination processes.

“He has served as a consultant to major examination bodies, including NECO, NABTEB, and various State Ministries of Education, providing expertise on ICT systems, examination integrity, and digital process optimisation.”

Aina belongs to several professional associations, including the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN), the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), and the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET).

The presidency expressed confidence that the new registrar would deploy his experience and technical knowledge to strengthen JAMB’s operations.

By Uzair Adam

Women and persons with disabilities (PWDs) in Kano were on Wednesday trained on plastic waste recycling and empowered with tools and cash support as part of efforts to promote environmental sustainability and improve livelihoods among vulnerable groups.

The training, organised by SFC Training Academy in partnership with the Dr. Dahiru Muhammad Hashim Foundation, Vulnerable People Support and Development Initiative, and Dube Charity Foundation, focused on turning plastic waste into economic opportunities for women, widows and persons living with disabilities.

Speaking during the event, the Coordinator of SFC Training Academy, Dr. Sani Hussaini, said the initiative was designed to integrate persons with disabilities into the circular economy through practical recycling skills.

According to him, many people living with disabilities are often excluded from empowerment programmes despite their potential to contribute meaningfully to society.

“We are here today to train participants on waste-to-wealth initiatives. These participants are largely drawn from persons with disabilities because they have often been left behind in many programmes,” he said.

Dr. Hussaini explained that the organisers secured support from partners and sponsors, including the Commissioner for Environment and Climate Change, Dr. Dahiru Muhammad Hashim, who sponsored participants with working tools and financial support.

“He provided weighing scales, hand gloves, face masks, reflective vests and also donated N20,000 cash support to each participant. This gesture is highly commendable and the participants are very happy,” he added.

He noted that although the organisers initially planned for about 70 beneficiaries, over 135 people turned up for the training, describing the response as encouraging.

The coordinator further revealed that the academy plans to establish a database of participants and support the best-performing beneficiaries by enrolling their children back in school.

He added that the organisers also intend to connect participants with companies such as Coca-Cola to enable them combine recycling with small-scale beverage businesses for sustainable income generation.

Dr. Hussaini said the initiative was also aimed at addressing economic hardship by providing vulnerable persons with alternative means of livelihood.

“If someone can sell just a few packs of water daily and retain the plastic bottles for recycling, they can earn a sustainable income monthly. This can significantly improve their standard of living,” he said.

He added that the academy was established to equip youths and vulnerable persons with practical skills in cleaning, recycling, pest control and waste management.

“We want to take youths off the streets by providing this kind of training. We are calling on meaningful individuals and organisations to partner with us so that we can scale up these interventions,” he said.

Speaking on behalf of the founder of the Dr. Dahiru Muhammad Hashim Foundation, the Commissioner for Environment and Climate Change, Muhammad Nazir Zakari described the initiative as timely and impactful.

He said the training was particularly important because it targeted persons with special needs drawn from different communities and equipped them with skills and empowerment support to start small businesses and sustain themselves.

“The training and empowerment will help them to start businesses and become self-reliant. This is not the first time the foundation has supported initiatives like this,” he said.

Zakari expressed excitement over the turnout of participants, noting that the gathering reflected growing awareness among persons with disabilities about opportunities for self-development and economic empowerment.

He commended Dr. Dahiru Muhammad Hashim for his commitment to environmental sustainability, social inclusion and improving the lives of vulnerable people through consistent support for empowerment programmes.

Also speaking, the Director of Persons with Special Needs at the Kano State Ministry of Women Affairs, Children and Persons with Disabilities, Dr. Binta Bala, described the programme as a laudable initiative capable of reducing hardship and promoting inclusion.

“To be sincere, this is a very good initiative. If properly utilised, it will reduce hardship, create jobs and strengthen inclusion of persons with disabilities in society,” she said.

Dr. Bala stated that economic empowerment helps reduce discrimination against persons with disabilities by enabling them to participate actively in community life.

“When your economy is balanced, you can freely mingle with anyone. Nobody will stigmatise or discriminate against you,” she added.

She noted that the Kano State Government had introduced several laws and policies to support the welfare and inclusion of persons with disabilities, including empowerment and advocacy programmes.

The director recalled that the ministry recently collaborated with a development partner to train 169 women on recycling and waste-to-wealth initiatives, including 26 women with disabilities who were supported with starter packs and financial inclusion services.

In his remarks, Mustapha Usman, a coordinator with the Vulnerable People Support and Development Initiative and member of the National Association of Persons with Physical Disabilities, expressed appreciation to the organisers.

“This is something very tangible that we have rarely seen in our community. It is an empowerment that can make people with special needs self-reliant and successful,” he said.

He prayed for continued support for organisations and individuals working to uplift vulnerable persons in society.

By Uzair Adam

The United Nations has expressed concern over the recurring attacks on schools by terrorist groups in Nigeria.

UN Spokesperson, Stéphane Dujarric, stated this while responding to questions from the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) regarding the recent coordinated assaults on schools across the country.

According to NAN, armed groups attacked schools in Oyo State over the weekend, with dozens of students and teachers reportedly abducted during the incident.

Two teachers were also said to have been killed by the attackers.

“We are, of course, very concerned. We have continued to witness attacks on children and educational institutions in Nigeria by extremist groups,” Dujarric said.

He noted that the attacks continue to have devastating effects on affected communities.

Dujarric further disclosed that the UN Secretary-General, António Guterres, is also worried about the growing activities of terrorist groups in parts of Nigeria, especially following recent joint U.S.-Nigerian military strikes targeting ISIS hideouts.

The UN spokesperson added that the organisation, through its country team in Nigeria, has been supporting efforts aimed at improving the safety of schools and protecting students from repeated attacks.

“The UN country team in Nigeria, across its various agencies, has been working closely with the government in affected areas to strengthen school safety and ensure better protection for students,” he said.

He added that the UN would continue collaborating with authorities to address the security challenges facing schools in the country.

By Inusa Rabiu Isah

As tensions continue to rise around the Strait of Hormuz, global oil prices are climbing again, shipping risks are increasing, and analysts are warning that any prolonged disruption in the Gulf region could trigger another major energy shock. For many Nigerians, the immediate reaction is predictable: “Nigeria will benefit because we are an oil-producing country.” Yet every major oil shock continues to expose the same uncomfortable reality: despite its enormous crude oil reserves, Nigeria remains dangerously vulnerable to global energy instability.

The Strait of Hormuz, located between Iran and Oman, is one of the world’s most strategic energy transit routes. According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), about 20 million barrels per day of crude oil and petroleum products passed through the Strait in 2025, representing roughly one-fifth of global oil consumption and nearly 25% of global seaborne oil trade. In addition, the United States Energy Information Administration (EIA) reports that around 20% of global LNG trade moves through the same corridor.

This explains why instability around Hormuz immediately affects global energy markets. The concern extends beyond crude supply to tanker movements, shipping insurance, freight costs, refinery feedstock availability, refined product pricing, and market speculation.

Similarly, past disruptions such as the 1973 oil embargo, the Gulf Wars, and the 2022 Russia–Ukraine conflict demonstrated how geopolitical instability can rapidly trigger inflation across import-dependent economies through higher fuel, transport, and food costs.

Nigeria is no exception.

Although Nigeria is one of Africa’s largest crude oil producers, the country still operates an economy heavily dependent on imported energy-linked systems. Millions of households and businesses rely on petrol and diesel generators due to an unstable electricity supply, while transport and logistics remain overwhelmingly road-dependent. Consequently, rising diesel and petrol prices quickly spread across the economy.

The first major mistake in many public discussions is the assumption that higher crude prices automatically benefit Nigeria. Oil revenue depends not only on price, but also on production volume.

According to Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) data released in April 2026, Nigeria’s combined crude oil and condensate production rose to about 1.546 million barrels per day in March 2026. However, crude oil production excluding condensates stood around 1.382 million barrels per day, still below Nigeria’s OPEC quota of approximately 1.5 million barrels per day.

Therefore, higher crude prices alone cannot guarantee stronger economic benefits unless production remains stable, oil theft is reduced, and export infrastructure functions efficiently.

The second mistake is confusing crude oil price with petrol price. Nigerians do not buy crude oil at filling stations; they buy refined petroleum products. Petrol and diesel prices are influenced not only by crude benchmarks but also by refining margins, freight charges, foreign exchange rates, logistics, taxes, insurance, and marketer margins.

This is where Nigeria’s foreign exchange challenge becomes critical. A weaker naira significantly increases the cost of refined products and energy-related imports. Since the removal of fuel subsidies, domestic fuel prices now respond more directly to global market volatility. Consequently, international oil shocks now transmit faster into local petrol and diesel prices.

Although the Dangote Refinery represents a major improvement in Nigeria’s downstream petroleum sector, local refining alone cannot completely shield the country from global oil-price volatility. Crude feedstock pricing remains internationally linked, and refined product prices still respond to international market conditions. Nonetheless, the refinery remains a critical step toward improving Nigeria’s long-term energy security and reducing import dependence.

Recent domestic fuel data already show how exposed Nigeria’s economy remains. National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) data indicated that the average retail petrol price rose to about ₦1,288.54 per litre in March 2026, while diesel prices recorded an estimated 16.05% month-on-month increase during the same period.

These are not just economic statistics. They affect transport fares, food prices, manufacturers, small businesses powering generators, and millions of Nigerians already struggling with inflation.

Meanwhile, Nigeria’s deeper challenge remains structural energy vulnerability. Electricity supply is weak, gas infrastructure is underdeveloped, rail freight systems are limited, and strategic fuel reserves are inadequate. Under these conditions, every major disruption in global energy markets quickly evolves into domestic inflation and economic hardship.

The policy lesson is therefore clear: Nigeria must stop celebrating rising oil prices without asking whether the country is structurally prepared to benefit from them. Nigeria must raise and sustain crude oil production, strengthen domestic refining, expand gas infrastructure, develop strategic fuel reserves, and treat energy security as an economic-security issue rather than merely a petroleum-sector issue.

Conclusively, the Strait of Hormuz may be geographically distant from Nigeria, but its economic consequences can reach Nigerian households within days. That is the reality of today’s interconnected global oil market. Until Nigeria builds real energy resilience, global oil shocks will continue producing the same painful irony: a country rich in crude oil, yet perpetually vulnerable to energy insecurity and affordability.

Engr. Inusa Rabiu Isah, GMNSE, MIAENG, is a petroleum engineer and energy analyst with interests in petroleum economics, energy security, and sustainable industrial development. He writes from Abuja and can be reached via inusarabiuisah@gmail.com.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Kebbi State Hisbah Board has arrested a man who was allegedly discovered hiding inside a “Ghana Must-Go” bag at the home of a married woman in the Badariya area of Birnin Kebbi.

The board, which operates under the Kebbi State Ministry of Religious Affairs, said residents alerted officials after they reportedly noticed the man entering the woman’s residence late at night.

The Director of Sharia at the board, Sirajo Kamba, confirmed the incident in a statement issued on Tuesday in Birnin Kebbi.

Kamba said the report reached the agency around 12:15 a.m. on Monday, May 18.

“The residents suspected an illicit affair contrary to Islamic teachings, hence their decision to formally notify the authority.

“Upon receiving the report, the Kebbi Hisbah Board swiftly deployed officers to investigate.

“When officers arrived, they requested permission to search the house, but the woman initially denied that anyone was inside,” he said.

According to him, the woman later permitted officials to conduct a search of the house. Officers subsequently found the suspect concealed inside a “Ghana Must-Go” bag.

Kamba stated that preliminary findings pointed to an alleged romantic relationship between the suspect and the married woman.

He added that the two individuals allegedly admitted to the accusation during questioning.

The Hisbah official also disclosed that the suspects would face legal proceedings in line with Islamic law.

In a related development, the Kano State Hisbah Board recently arrested two women and a fish seller over allegations of immoral conduct.

The Director of Public Enlightenment of the Kano Hisbah Board, Auwalu Sheshe, had said, “The personnel found a 35-year-old fish seller identified as Ali Abubakar, from the Kano Cooperative area, together with his female companion, Fatima Abubakar, a 28-year-old woman from Niger Republic, inside one of the rooms, allegedly preparing to engage in immoral conduct.”

By Uzair Adam

The chairman of Ungogo Local Government Area in Kano State, Tijjani Amiru Bilyaminu, has directed the closure of Al-Hadeed Private School following allegations involving one of the school’s teachers.

The action followed the arraignment of a teacher, popularly known as Uncle Kamal, before a magistrate’s court over allegations of sexually abusing four pupils.

Speaking on the development, the council chairman said the closure would remain in effect pending further investigations and legal proceedings.

He stated that the measure was aimed at ensuring justice and protecting the rights of children.

He also reaffirmed the commitment of the local government to safeguarding children against all forms of abuse, warning that anyone found violating such rights would face legal consequences.

During the court session on Monday, the prosecution counsel, Badamasi Gandu, told the court that medical examinations conducted on the children confirmed evidence of assault.

The court subsequently ordered that the suspect be remanded in a correctional facility and adjourned the matter until June 6 for further hearing.

By Uzair Adam

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has criticised President Bola Tinubu over the rising wave of killings and abductions across the country, describing the administration’s response as inadequate and repetitive.

Reacting to the recent abduction of schoolchildren and teachers in Ogbomoso, Oyo State, as well as the killing of several residents in Katsina State, including a pregnant woman, Atiku said the incidents reflected a serious collapse of leadership and security.

In a statement issued by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, the former vice president expressed sadness over the reported killing of one of the abducted teachers in Ogbomoso, saying Nigerians were living in fear while the government continued to issue what he described as routine condemnations after tragic incidents.

According to him, the Federal Government has failed to take proactive measures against insecurity, noting that presidential statements condemning attacks and promising that perpetrators would face the “full wrath of the law” had become predictable and ineffective.

Atiku stated that Nigerians deserved more than public condolences and reactions after lives had already been lost, insisting that a responsible government should be able to protect citizens and prevent attacks before they occur.

He further argued that the increasing boldness of criminal groups showed that many no longer feared the Nigerian state, adding that communities were being attacked, schools invaded and innocent citizens killed without consequences for the perpetrators.

The former presidential candidate also condemned alleged attempts to suppress images and reports of violent attacks, warning that any government more concerned about controlling public perception than ending insecurity had failed morally and politically.

Describing the situation as a national disgrace, Atiku called for the immediate rescue of all abducted victims in Oyo State and urged authorities to strengthen security operations in vulnerable communities across the country.

He also demanded a comprehensive overhaul of Nigeria’s security architecture, saying the current system was no longer effective in addressing the worsening insecurity.