Nigeria

By Uzair Adam

Bayero University, Kano (BUK), has called on Nigerian universities to move beyond conducting research solely for academic publication and focus on transforming research findings into commercially viable products capable of addressing national development challenges.

The Vice-Chancellor of BUK, Professor Haruna Musa, made the call on Tuesday during the university’s First National Conference and Exhibition on Research and Development, which concluded after two days of deliberations involving researchers, industry experts, policymakers and development partners.

Speaking on the significance of the conference, Professor Musa said Nigerian universities must adopt deliberate strategies to showcase and commercialise research outputs rather than limiting them to academic journals.

According to him, many researchers across Nigerian universities concentrate on publishing their findings without sufficient efforts to translate them into products and services that can benefit society.

“Our research efforts should not end on the pages of journals. We need deliberate initiatives to convert research findings into commercially viable products that can contribute to national development,” he said.

The vice-chancellor explained that the university, through its Directorate of Research, Innovation and Partnership (DRIP), organised the maiden conference and exhibition to create a platform where government agencies, industry players and academics could collaborate on commercialising research outcomes.

He expressed satisfaction with the innovations and inventions displayed at the exhibition, describing them as evidence of the immense talent available within Nigerian universities and research institutes.

“What I have seen here shows that Nigerians are talented and that our universities and research institutes are producing research capable of addressing our developmental challenges,” he added.

Also speaking at the event, the Director-General and Chief Executive Officer of the National Office for Technology Acquisition and Promotion (NOTAP), Dr. (Barr.) Obiageli Edith Amadiobi, emphasised the need to strengthen linkages between academia and industry to ensure that research addresses real-world problems.

She said the gap between universities and industries could be bridged through deliberate partnerships and programmes that encourage industry-driven research.

According to her, NOTAP’s Industry Technology Transfer Fellowship Programme was designed to support PhD candidates working on research topics identified by industries, thereby ensuring that research outcomes respond directly to market needs.

She noted that research should be problem-oriented and capable of providing practical solutions.

“If there is no problem, there can’t be any solution. The challenges facing industries are better handled by researchers in universities, and that is why we are working to strengthen the linkage between industry and academia,” she said.

The NOTAP boss further stressed the importance of moving from what she described as “research for the shelf” to “research for the market.”

She observed that research loses much of its value when its findings remain unused, adding that universities across the world increasingly support research that can be translated into products and commercial ventures.

Amadiobi also highlighted the importance of intellectual property protection and patent registration for researchers.

She explained that original innovations should be patented to ensure inventors retain ownership rights and benefit from their discoveries.

“Whatever you research into and it is original, you have to own it. By patenting it, you secure your rights and can continue to benefit from the intellectual property,” she said.

She urged universities to establish comprehensive intellectual property policies that clearly define ownership rights, revenue-sharing arrangements and responsibilities relating to research outputs and innovations.

Earlier, Chairman of the Local Organising Committee, Professor Muhammad Maina, described the conference as a successful first attempt at creating a national platform for discussions on research commercialisation and innovation.

He said the event exceeded expectations and provided valuable lessons that would help improve future editions.

“This is the first national conference and exhibition on research and development in Bayero University. We have tested the waters and can now improve on what we have done, widen participation and attract more exhibitors in the future,” he said.

Maina noted that organisers intend to expand future editions to accommodate more students, researchers and institutions from across the country.

He added that recommendations and observations made during panel discussions would be carefully reviewed and incorporated into the university’s future research and innovation strategies.

According to him, issues relating to intellectual property, research partnerships and commercialisation featured prominently during discussions and would help shape the activities of the Directorate of Research, Innovation and Partnership.

“We have taken note of all the important contributions made during the conference. They will help us recalibrate our standards, improve our operations and strengthen research and development activities within the university,” he said.

The conference, themed “Bridging Knowledge and Enterprise: Intellectual Property, Partnership and Research Commercialisation,” brought together academics, innovators, government officials and industry stakeholders to explore ways of transforming research outputs into products and services that contribute to economic growth and national development.

By Uzair Adam

Kano State Government has shut down two privately owned health training institutions in Nasarawa Local Government Area for operating without the required approvals and failing to meet regulatory standards.

The development was disclosed in a statement issued on Tuesday by the Public Relations Officer of the Kano State Ministry of Health, Nabilusi Abubakar K/Na’isa.

According to the statement, the affected institutions are IBN SINA College of Health Science and Technology, located at Dakata Kawaji adjacent to a Juma’at Mosque, and Life Line College of Health Science and Technology, situated in the Dakata Industrial Area along Bela Road, Tsamiyar Gare, Mai Sikeli Street.

The ministry said the decision followed a comprehensive assessment which found that both institutions fell short of the minimum requirements for the establishment and operation of health training schools in Kano State.

It stated that the institutions were operating without verification and approval from the Kano State Ministry of Health and had not secured accreditation from the relevant professional and regulatory bodies responsible for health education and training in Nigeria.

The assessment further revealed serious shortcomings, including a shortage of qualified teaching personnel, inadequate learning facilities, poor infrastructure and non-compliance with educational and operational standards required for effective health manpower development.

The ministry also observed poor adherence to professional ethics, regulatory guidelines and other mandatory requirements aimed at ensuring quality healthcare education and producing competent healthcare professionals.

Speaking on the closure, K/Na’isa said the ministry remained committed to protecting students, parents and the wider public from institutions that undermine educational quality and professional standards.

“The training of healthcare workers must be conducted only in institutions that meet approved standards and regulatory requirements,” he said.

He added that the government would continue to enforce compliance among health training institutions across the state to safeguard the quality and credibility of healthcare education.

The state government also warned proprietors of health training institutions to strictly comply with all legal and regulatory provisions guiding their operations.

According to the ministry, shutting down non-compliant institutions is necessary to protect students, promote quality healthcare education and maintain excellence in healthcare service delivery across Kano State.

By Uzair Adam

No fewer than 18 farmers were killed and several others injured following a fresh attack by gunmen on Kawel village in Mushere District of Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau State.

The attack, which occurred around 11:30 p.m. on Sunday, was confirmed by the Bokkos Youth Leader, Christopher Luka, on Monday.

Luka said he received a distress call from a youth leader in the area shortly after midnight, informing him that armed attackers had invaded the community and opened fire on residents.

“A youth leader called around 12 a.m. and reported that gunmen had attacked the community and shot more than 20 people. So far, 18 deaths have been confirmed,” he said.

According to him, security personnel stationed in Bokkos were immediately alerted after he received the report.

“I contacted the security agencies, and they confirmed that they had already been informed and were heading to the affected community,” Luka added.

He described the attack as unprovoked and urged security agencies to take decisive measures to prevent further violence in the area.

The latest incident comes less than a week after the District Head of Gwande in Bokkos LGA, Saf Samuel Alaket, was killed in an ambush along the Sha District axis bordering Daffo community.

Alaket was reportedly returning home from a traditional council meeting when he encountered the attackers.

As of the time of filing this report, security authorities had yet to issue an official statement on the latest attack.

Efforts to reach the spokespersons of the Plateau State Police Command and Operation Enduring Peace, SP Alfred Alabo and Captain Polycarp Auta, were unsuccessful.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

A human rights activist has called on the Inspector-General of Police to launch an immediate investigation into allegations that police officers in Maraban Jos, Kaduna State, handed over a female suspect to an angry mob that subsequently lynched and burnt her to death.

In a petition addressed to the Inspector-General of Police, Human Rights Activist Hamza N Dantani, Esq, demanded a thorough probe into the circumstances surrounding the death of Ummulkhair, an Islamic school teacher accused of child theft.

According to the petition, the deceased was apprehended by members of the public and taken to the Maraban Jos Police Division for her protection and to facilitate proper investigation. However, reports indicate that a large crowd later stormed the police station, demanding that the woman be handed over to them.

The situation has been further complicated by allegations from the deceased’s husband and another woman who publicly testified that Ummulkhair was alive while in police custody. They further alleged that the Divisional Police Officer personally took custody of the woman before she was allegedly handed over to the mob.

If these allegations prove true, the activist argues, they constitute a “shocking violation” of constitutional and statutory responsibilities imposed upon members of the Nigeria Police Force.

The petition cited Section 33 of the 1999 Constitution, which guarantees the right to life, and Section 34, which guarantees the right to dignity of the human person. It also referenced the Police Act, 2020, which places a clear obligation upon police officers to protect lives and property.

“Every person accused of a crime remains entitled to the protection of the law and is presumed innocent until proven guilty by a competent court of law,” the petition states.

The activist cited several Supreme Court decisions, including Nasiru Bello v. Attorney-General of Oyo State (1986) and Fawehinmi v. Abacha (2000), which reaffirmed the sanctity of human life and the supremacy of fundamental rights.

The petition also referenced Nigeria’s obligations under the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, particularly Articles 4, 5, and 7, which guarantee the right to life, respect for human dignity, and the right to a fair hearing.

“The deceased, irrespective of the allegations against her, was entitled to these protections. No allegation of criminal conduct can justify mob justice or extra-judicial execution,” the activist stated.

The petition called for the preservation of all station records, detention registers, occurrence books, communication records, and any available CCTV footage. It also requested that all officers on duty, including the DPO, be invited to make statements and account for their actions.

The activist further demanded that witnesses, including the husband of the deceased and other persons with material information, be provided adequate protection to ensure they can assist investigators without fear of intimidation.

“This matter goes beyond the death of one individual. It touches on the integrity of the criminal justice system, the constitutional obligation of the Police to protect lives and the fundamental principle that no citizen should be condemned or executed without due process of law,” the petition concluded.

The activist has urged that the outcome of the investigation be made public and that any officer or individual found culpable be prosecuted in accordance with the law.

By Uzair Adam

Notorious bandit leader Bello Turji has claimed responsibility for an attack that left soldiers dead and others injured in Sokoto State.

The attack occurred on Saturday when an improvised explosive device (IED) detonated on a military vehicle carrying troops to Bargaja community in Isa Local Government Area.

The soldiers were reportedly responding to a distress call after bandits attacked the village in the early hours of the day.

Residents said the assailants stormed the community between 12:30 a.m. and 3:00 a.m., firing sporadically and forcing villagers to seek military assistance.

A resident, who requested anonymity, alleged that the attackers planted the explosive device along the Isa–Bargaja road before the arrival of the troops.

In a video released after the incident, Turji expressed satisfaction over the attack, claiming that members of his group had successfully targeted those conducting operations against them.

He said his fighters had recovered livestock allegedly seized during security operations and described the development as a victory.

Turji further claimed that some of those involved in operations against his group in Isa, Sabon Birni and surrounding areas had been killed.

However, the claims contained in the video could not be independently verified.

Meanwhile, fresh security concerns have emerged following allegations that Turji is expanding his fighting force and acquiring new weapons along the Sokoto–Zamfara border.

The allegations were made by Basharu Altine Guyawa Isa, Sokoto State Coordinator of the Movement for Social Justice and Good Governance, in a Facebook post on Saturday.

He claimed that Turji’s fighters were holding gatherings and conducting weapons training exercises in communities stretching from Bingabale Kudu through Bafarawa East to Bargaja.

According to him, the group has acquired new weapons, some of which were allegedly used during recent clashes with security forces.

He also alleged that newly arrived fighters with suspected links to Boko Haram had joined the group to provide combat and weapons training.

Basharu further claimed that intelligence reports indicated that a night-vision device recently purchased by Turji was among the equipment delivered to his camp.

He also linked the movement of the weapons to two alleged bandit commanders, Kachalla Haru Dole and Kachalla Ibrahim Chimo.

The activist expressed concern over what he described as a growing alliance between Turji and Chimo, warning that it could strengthen bandit operations across eastern Sokoto and potentially lead to coordinated attacks on local government headquarters in the region.

Hours after making the allegations, Basharu shared another video on Facebook which he claimed showed some of the newly acquired weapons in Turji’s possession.

He alleged that the footage was released by Turji on June 20 and was intended to showcase successes recorded against security forces operating along the Isa–Bargaja axis.

Efforts to obtain comments from the Sokoto State Police Command were unsuccessful, as calls and messages sent to the command’s spokesperson, DSP Ahmad Rufai, were not answered as of the time of filing this report.

By Muhammad Abubakar

A renowned mathematician and infectious disease modeller, Professor Abba B. Gumel, has been elected President-Elect of the Society for Mathematical Biology (SMB), becoming the first African to attain the prestigious position.

The announcement was celebrated by academics and researchers across the world, including Dr Salihu Sabiu Musa, who described the achievement as a major milestone for mathematical biology and African scholarship.

The Society for Mathematical Biology is one of the world’s leading professional organisations dedicated to advancing research and education at the intersection of mathematics and the life sciences.

Professor Gumel is internationally recognised for his pioneering contributions to infectious disease modelling, particularly in the study of epidemics and public health challenges. His work has influenced scientific understanding of disease transmission and informed public health responses globally.

According to Dr Musa, Professor Gumel’s election reflects his outstanding scholarship, leadership, and commitment to mentoring students and early-career researchers. He noted that the professor has inspired and supported countless scientists worldwide through his research and academic guidance.

Scholars have described the development as a significant achievement for Africa, highlighting the growing global impact of African researchers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

Professor Gumel is expected to help shape the future direction of mathematical biology as the field continues to play an increasingly important role in addressing global health and environmental challenges.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Federal Government says it has released about N13 billion in interest-free loans to no fewer than 7,450 academic and non-academic staff members in 153 public tertiary institutions across the country.

The disbursement was carried out under the 2025/2026 cycle of the Tertiary Institutions Staff Support Fund (TISSF).

Boriowo Folashade, Director of Press and Publications at the Federal Ministry of Education, disclosed this in a statement issued on Friday.

According to the ministry, the initiative reflects President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to improving the welfare, financial stability and productivity of workers in the education sector under the Renewed Hope Agenda.

The ministry explained that the scheme was established by the Federal Ministry of Education and is being managed by the Bank of Industry (BOI).

It added that the programme offers interest-free loans of up to N10 million to qualified staff members in public universities, polytechnics and colleges of education.

The statement noted that the facility was introduced to assist beneficiaries in meeting personal and professional needs while improving their wellbeing.

The ministry also stated that Tinubu reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to supporting personnel responsible for teaching, learning, research and innovation in higher institutions.

It added that the intervention is helping workers cope with financial challenges, improve their living conditions and strengthen the workforce in the education sector.

Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, described the initiative as an important aspect of the ministry’s education reform programme. He encouraged eligible workers to participate in the next application phase.

According to him, “no education system can outperform the people who sustain it”.

Alausa said efforts to improve infrastructure, technology, skills acquisition, research and institutional reforms must also include practical policies that support workers’ welfare and living standards.

He further stated that the successful completion of the 2025/2026 phase highlights the growing demand for the programme and its positive impact on beneficiaries.

The minister added that the intervention aligns with ongoing efforts to improve teaching and learning, encourage research and innovation, strengthen institutional governance and build a more competitive education system.

“Since disbursements commenced on 28 October 2025, the programme has processed over 42,000 applications through its digital platform, providing support to beneficiaries across all six geopolitical zones of the country,” the statement reads.

“Universities accounted for 52 per cent of disbursements, while colleges of education and polytechnics represented 25 per cent and 23 per cent, respectively.”

The ministry said the programme has improved access to financial support nationwide, although more work is needed to increase participation among female staff members and some regions.

According to the statement, female beneficiaries made up 19 per cent of recipients during the 2025/2026 cycle.

It added that the next phase of implementation would include targeted awareness campaigns and sensitisation programmes.

The ministry also said steps are being taken to simplify the application process and improve communication with participating institutions to ensure a faster and more convenient experience for applicants.

It further announced that applications for the 2026/2027 phase of the TISSF will open at the end of June 2026.

Eligible staff members were advised to liaise with their institutions’ bursary departments and follow official communication channels of the ministry for further information.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Hundreds of Nigerians in South Africa who registered for evacuation following recent xenophobic attacks are reportedly facing hardship due to delays in the Federal Government’s repatriation programme.

The Nigerian Citizens Association South Africa (NICASA) disclosed this in a statement issued on Friday by its National President, Frank Onyekwelu.

The Federal Government had earlier announced plans on June 7, 2026, to deploy five chartered Air Peace flights to evacuate affected Nigerians from South Africa. Despite the announcement, only one flight has so far arrived in Nigeria. The aircraft landed in Lagos last Thursday with 258 evacuees, although more than 1,000 Nigerians were said to have shown interest in returning home.

NICASA said many Nigerians travelled from different provinces in South Africa after authorities directed them to appear for registration and screening. According to the association, many of them are now stranded without accommodation, food, transport fare or financial support.

The statement read, “Hundreds of Nigerians who responded to the Federal Government’s evacuation programme have endured untold hardship following delays in the scheduled repatriation flights.

“Many of these citizens travelled from distant provinces across South Africa after being instructed to report for registration and screening. Today, numerous families, including women and children, are stranded without shelter, food, transportation, or financial means to sustain themselves.

“The situation has become increasingly distressing as some of our nationals have been left sleeping in difficult conditions, uncertain of when they will return home.

“Several have exhausted their limited resources after travelling long distances in good faith, believing that arrangements had been adequately concluded for their departure.”

The association appealed to the Federal Government and relevant agencies to urgently address the situation.

NICASA stated that it “makes an urgent and passionate appeal to the Federal Government of Nigeria, the Honourable Minister of Foreign Affairs, the National Assembly, particularly the Senate and House of Representatives Committees on Foreign Affairs and Diaspora Matters, to immediately intervene in the worsening humanitarian situation facing stranded Nigerian nationals awaiting voluntary repatriation from South Africa.”

The group also requested the immediate release of emergency assistance for stranded Nigerians while they await evacuation.

It further called on “Relevant government agencies to urgently facilitate the remaining four evacuation flights so that all registered citizens can be safely returned home without further delay.

“The Nigerian High Commission in South Africa to improve communication, provide temporary welfare support, and engage constructively with community leadership structures to address the immediate needs of affected citizens.”

Reacting to the development, spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, said there was no fresh update yet on the evacuation exercise. He, however, promised to provide information once there is a new development.

Also speaking, the Head of Media, Public Relations and Protocol at the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Abdur-Rahman Balogun, assured affected Nigerians that everyone who registered for evacuation would eventually return home.

He appealed for patience, stating that the government was working to ensure the smooth completion of the repatriation process.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Apapa Area Command, has intercepted expired pharmaceutical products valued at more than ₦12.7 billion alongside about 1.8 tonnes of Cannabis Sativa during separate operations in Lagos.

The seizures followed intelligence-driven operations carried out in collaboration with other security and regulatory agencies, including the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).

The development was disclosed in a statement issued by the Public Relations Officer of the Command, Chief Superintendent of Customs, Isah Sulaiman.

According to the statement, the operations were successful due to credible intelligence gathering and improved risk assessment measures adopted by the Command.

Customs said one of the operations led to the interception of a 40-foot container identified as CAAU7569127, which contained a large quantity of Cannabis Sativa, popularly called “Canadian Loud.”

Officials recovered 3,639 sachets of the substance from the container. Each sachet weighed 500 grams. Authorities estimated the total weight at about 1,819 kilograms, equivalent to roughly 1.81 tonnes.

Field examinations later confirmed the substance as Cannabis Sativa.

The illicit drugs were reportedly concealed inside a black Toyota Nissan vehicle, a Toyota Sienna, as well as bags and drums loaded in the container.

In another operation, Customs officers intercepted two separate 40-foot containers loaded with expired pharmaceutical products allegedly intended for illegal relabelling before resale in the Nigerian market.

The Command stated that the combined Duty Paid Value (DPV) of the seized expired drugs stood at ₦12,784,479,341.72.

Customs described the attempted importation as a major threat to public health and an act capable of undermining the economy.

Reacting to the seizures, Comptroller Emmanuel Oshoba warned smugglers and other criminal elements to stay away from illegal activities.

“Unpatriotic importers and their collaborators who deliberately engage in smuggling, drug trafficking and the importation of expired pharmaceuticals are enemies of Nigeria’s progress.

“We have the intelligence, the technology and the resolve to identify and apprehend them. Anyone still contemplating these criminal acts should desist immediately, because the consequences will be swift, decisive and uncompromising,” he said.

Oshoba also stated that Apapa Port and other Customs-controlled locations remain under close surveillance.

He added that enforcement activities would continue to rely on intelligence while ensuring that lawful business activities are not disrupted.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Federal High Court in Abuja has sentenced two women linked to terrorism activities to 40 years imprisonment after they pleaded guilty to charges filed against them by the Federal Government.

The convicts, Safiya Salihu and Halima Abdullahi, are the mother and sister of late terrorist commander Kachallah Ibrahim Battujo, who was killed by security operatives on June 10, 2026, near Iluke in Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area of Kogi State.

Justice Hauwa Joseph Yilwa delivered the judgment on Friday after the two women admitted guilt to Counts 2, 4 and 5 in a five-count terrorism-related case instituted by the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation.

The court, however, discharged them on Counts 1 and 3, which involved allegations that they received ₦490,300 from Battujo despite knowing the money came from terrorism proceeds, as well as sponsorship for a religious pilgrimage financed with terrorism funds.

During proceedings, the Director of Public Prosecutions, Oyedepo Rotimi, SAN, asked the court to strike out the two counts and proceed with conviction on the remaining charges.

Part of Count 2 stated that the women “aided and abetted the activities of Battujo, a known bandit kingpin, and passed information through telephone conversations to the said Battujo, thereby committing an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 26 of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.”

The court heard that Battujo’s mother pleaded guilty to Count 5, which accused her of concealing information concerning her son’s terrorism activities.

Halima Abdullahi also admitted guilt to Count 4, which alleged that she failed to report her brother’s illegal possession of firearms after seeing the weapons during a visit to his camp in the forest.

Justice Yilwa sentenced each of the women to 20 years imprisonment on the counts for which they were convicted.

The judge directed that the jail terms run concurrently. The court also ordered that both convicts should undergo rehabilitation after serving their sentences.