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Category: Breaking News

  • ASUU Threatens Fresh Strike Over Delayed Implementation of 2025 FG Agreement

    The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has threatened fresh industrial action over the Federal Government’s alleged delay in fully implementing key provisions of the 2025 FGN-ASUU agreement.

    The warning comes amid growing tension between the union and government over salary arrears, allowances, and funding concerns affecting public universities across Nigeria.

    ASUU Raises Alarm Over Implementation

    According to the union, several aspects of the agreement signed in December 2025 and unveiled in January 2026 have not been fully implemented.

    These include salary adjustments, earned academic allowances, responsibility allowances, and improved funding for universities.

    ASUU also faulted the non-inauguration of the full Implementation Monitoring Committee (IMC), which was meant to oversee compliance with the agreement.

    Key Grievances

    The union highlighted delays in payment of salary components in some institutions, with reports of outstanding arrears running into months in certain zones.

    It also expressed concern over disparities in implementation between federal and state universities, describing the situation as inconsistent and unfair.

    Zonal coordinators across regions including Abuja, Akure, Kano, Sokoto, Benin, Lagos, and Jos have reportedly voiced frustration over what they described as slow government response.

    Government Response

    The Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, has reportedly dismissed some of ASUU’s claims, insisting that progress is being made and that efforts are ongoing to prevent another prolonged strike in the university system.

    However, ASUU maintains that the situation on the ground does not reflect government assurances, insisting that commitments made in the agreement are yet to be fully honoured.

    Students and Public Reaction

    The development has triggered mixed reactions online, with many students expressing concern over possible disruptions to the academic calendar.

    Some Nigerians have criticised both parties, citing the recurring nature of ASUU disputes and the long history of strikes affecting university education.

    Possible Strike Looms

    While no strike has been declared yet, ASUU warned that continued delays could force it into nationwide industrial action if urgent steps are not taken.

    The situation adds to ongoing concerns about funding, welfare, and stability in Nigeria’s public university system.

  • Peter Obi Urges Nigerians to Demand Better Governance, Cites Power Gap With South Africa

    Former Anambra State Governor, Peter Obi, has urged Nigerians to take a more active role in demanding accountability and improved governance, especially in tackling the country’s persistent electricity crisis.

    Obi made the call on Monday night while speaking at the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) aspirants dinner held in Abuja.

    Obi Highlights Power Generation Gap

    During his remarks, the former Anambra State governor drew a comparison between Nigeria’s electricity output and that of South Africa, describing the gap as a reflection of long-standing governance failures.

    “Nigeria produces just about 4,000 megawatts while South Africa generates over 40,000 megawatts,” Obi reportedly said at the event.

    He stressed that despite Nigeria’s population size and resource base, successive administrations have failed to deliver stable electricity supply.

    Call for Long-Term National Thinking

    Obi also urged Nigerians to adopt a long-term perspective in national development, insisting that leaders must prioritise the future of younger generations.

    He said the country must focus on building systems that will benefit “our children,” rather than short-term political gains.

    The event reportedly had in attendance notable figures including singer 2Baba Idibia and Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who interacted with guests at the dinner.

    Reactions and Political Undertones

    Supporters at the event praised Obi’s consistent advocacy for good governance since the 2023 general elections, describing him as a strong voice for transparency and reform.

    However, some critics dismissed the gathering and questioned its political relevance, arguing that it lacked clear structure and substance.

    Despite differing opinions, Obi’s message continued to resonate with Nigerians concerned about infrastructure challenges and economic hardship.

    Obi has remained active in public discourse since the last election, frequently speaking on governance, economic reforms, and national development priorities.

  • JAMB Fixes June 13 for 2026 UTME Mop-Up Exam for Affected Candidates

    The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has announced Saturday, June 13, 2026, as the date for the conduct of the mop-up Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) for candidates who were unable to sit for the 2026 examination despite being successfully biometrically verified.

    The examination body disclosed this in a statement issued on Monday by its spokesperson, Fabian Benjamin.

    According to JAMB, the mop-up exercise is specifically for candidates who presented themselves for the 2026 UTME but could not take the examination due to technical glitches and related challenges recorded during the nationwide exercise conducted between April 23 and April 29, 2026.

    JAMB Explains Reason for Mop-Up Exam

    The board said several centres experienced technical difficulties during the examination period, preventing some candidates from writing the UTME despite completing the required verification process.

    “The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board has fixed Saturday, 13th June, 2026, for the conduct of the UTME mop-up examination for all candidates who presented themselves and were biometrically verified for the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination but were unable to sit the examination for one reason or another,” the statement read.

    JAMB added that all affected candidates already identified by the board would be accommodated during the mop-up exercise.

    Candidates With Verification Issues Included

    The board also disclosed that some candidates who appeared for the examination but could not be successfully biometrically verified had equally been captured among those to be considered in the final mop-up arrangement.

    It further revealed that some examination results had earlier been withdrawn due to examination malpractice and infractions recorded during the UTME process.

    JAMB described the mop-up examination as the concluding phase of the annual UTME process aimed at resolving every pending issue involving candidates affected during the examination exercise.

    Candidates Asked to Print Notification Slips

    The board advised affected candidates to begin printing their examination notification slips from Saturday, June 6, 2026.

    Candidates were also urged to familiarise themselves with their examination centres and make adequate preparations ahead of the examination date.

    “Affected candidates are hereby urged to print their Examination Notification Slips, familiarise themselves with their examination centres, and make all necessary arrangements ahead of the examination date, as there will be no further opportunity for any candidate to sit the 2026 UTME after this mop-up exercise,” JAMB stated.

    2026 UTME Admission Process Continues

    Over two million candidates participated in the 2026 UTME conducted nationwide in April.

    JAMB has since released the results and retained the minimum admission cut-off marks at 150 for universities and 100 for polytechnics.

    The board has also opened its portal for candidates seeking change of course or institution for the 2026 admission cycle.

  • INEC Appeals Court Judgment Nullifying 2027 Election Guidelines

    The Independent National Electoral Commission has approached the Abuja Division of the Court of Appeal to challenge a Federal High Court judgment that nullified part of its guidelines for the 2027 general election.

    INEC is specifically seeking to overturn the ruling which voided its directive requiring political parties to submit membership registers and databases by May 10, 2026.

    Court Ruled Against INEC Guidelines

    Justice Muhammed Umar of the Federal High Court in Abuja had last week ruled that INEC lacked the legal authority to impose deadlines outside what is already provided under the Electoral Act 2026.

    The judgment followed a suit filed by the Youth Party challenging the legality of the commission’s directive.

    According to the court, Section 29(1) of the Electoral Act gives political parties up to 120 days before an election to submit candidate particulars, adding that INEC could not shorten the timeline through administrative guidelines.

    INEC Heads To Appeal Court

    In a notice of appeal dated May 25, 2026, INEC, through its lawyer, Alex Izinyon, asked the appellate court to set aside the judgment.

    The electoral commission also requested an order staying the execution of the Federal High Court ruling pending the determination of the appeal.

    The legal dispute is expected to shape preparations and timelines ahead of the 2027 general election as political parties and electoral stakeholders monitor the outcome closely.

  • FG Declares May 27, 28 Public Holidays For Eid-ul-Adha Celebration

    The Federal Government has declared Wednesday, May 27, and Thursday, May 28, 2026, as public holidays to celebrate this year’s Eid-ul-Adha festival.

    The announcement was made by the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, through a statement signed by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior, Magdalene Ajani, on Monday in Abuja.

    FG Felicitates Muslims

    According to the statement, the declaration reflects the Federal Government’s recognition of the spiritual significance of the Islamic celebration observed by millions of Muslims in Nigeria and around the world.

    Tunji-Ojo extended warm greetings to Muslim faithful both within Nigeria and in the diaspora, describing Eid-ul-Adha as a period that symbolises sacrifice, obedience to God, compassion, and faith.

    Call For Prayers, Unity

    The Federal Government also urged Nigerians to use the holiday period to pray for the country and reflect on the need for peace, unity, and national progress.

    “It is in the spirit of brotherhood, shared humanity, and national unity that the Federal Government wishes all Muslims a peaceful, blessed, and joyous celebration,” the statement read.

    The government further expressed hope that the values associated with Eid-ul-Adha would strengthen harmony and peaceful coexistence across the country.

  • Sunday Igboho Awaits FG Approval To Launch Iru Ekun Security Network In South-West

    Yoruba nation activist Sunday Adeyemo has revealed that he is still awaiting approval from the Federal Government to formally begin operations of the Iru Ekun Security Network across the South-West.

    The activist stated that the security outfit was created to support efforts aimed at flushing out kidnappers, terrorists, bandits, and other criminal elements from forests and rural communities in the region.

    Igboho Speaks On Security Outfit

    In a statement made available to journalists on Monday, Igboho disclosed that all necessary documentation and procedural requirements had already been submitted to the Federal Government.

    “We have submitted all the required documents for our registered security firm, Iru Ekun Security Network, and are only waiting for the Federal Government approval which will be granted soon,” he stated.

    He added that the outfit is prepared to collaborate with security agencies, including the police, Department of State Services (DSS), Nigerian Army, and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).

    Backs Makinde’s Executive Order

    The activist also declared his readiness to comply with Executive Order 001 of 2026 recently signed by Seyi Makinde regulating the activities of private security organisations in Oyo State.

    Makinde signed the order on May 20, saying it became necessary due to rising security challenges and the increasing activities of unregulated security groups across communities.

    According to the governor, the directive is aimed at ensuring that vigilante groups and private security outfits operate within a legal and coordinated framework.

    Commends Tinubu’s Security Efforts

    Igboho further praised Bola Ahmed Tinubu for what he described as the administration’s commitment to tackling insecurity across the country.

    “It is obvious that President Bola Tinubu’s administration is resolutely committed to tackle criminalities not only in the South-West but also in all other regions plagued by insecurity,” he said.

    Focus On Rural Security

    The activist stressed that peace and security are necessary for economic development, especially in rural communities where farming activities remain critical to food production and livelihoods.

    He maintained that Iru Ekun Security Network is ready to support all lawful efforts aimed at restoring peace across Yorubaland.

  • MASSOB Declares Sit-At-Home, Orders Churches To Hold Memorial Services For Biafra Anniversary

    The leadership of the Movement for the Actualisation of the Sovereign State of Biafra has directed churches across the South-East and parts of the South-South to hold special memorial and thanksgiving services on Sunday, May 31, 2026.

    The directive was contained in a statement issued by the group’s National Director of Information, Edeson Samuel, ahead of the 59th anniversary of the declaration of Biafra by former leader Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu on May 30, 1967.

    MASSOB Declares Sit-At-Home

    The group, led by Uchenna Madu, also reaffirmed its earlier declaration of a sit-at-home exercise on May 30, 2026.

    According to MASSOB, markets, schools, banks, motor parks, and both public and private businesses are expected to remain closed from 6am to 4pm across the affected regions.

    The organisation said the shutdown was intended to honour those who died during the Nigerian civil war.

    “The closure of public places and services on May 30, 2026 are marks of honour, respect and patriotism to our fatherland,” the statement read.

    Churches Asked To Hold Thanksgiving Services

    MASSOB explained that Sunday, May 31, would serve as a day of remembrance and thanksgiving for Biafrans.

    The group, however, stated that there would be no street protests, marches, or public processions during the anniversary activities.

    Calls For Nnamdi Kanu’s Release

    The separatist group also demanded the release of detained Nnamdi Kanu, claiming he was being persecuted over his support for Biafra agitation.

    “We demand his immediate release and call for justice for all Biafrans who have been unjustly detained or persecuted,” the statement added.

    Security Deployment Expected

    MASSOB further claimed that heavy deployment of security operatives was expected across major South-East cities during the anniversary period.

    The group insisted that arrests, intimidation, and security operations would not stop the agitation for self-determination in the region.

  • Borno Indigene Alleges ₦3m Payments, Monthly Salaries for “Repentant Boko Haram” After Rehabilitation

    A Borno State indigene, Enoch Yohanna, has sparked fresh controversy after alleging that repentant Boko Haram members are being paid up to ₦3 million after rehabilitation and placed on monthly stipends by the Federal Government.

    Yohanna made the claims during a public event, expressing anger over what he described as the use of taxpayers’ money to compensate individuals linked to violent insurgency in the North-East.

    Allegations Against Rehabilitation Programme

    According to him, individuals who pass through rehabilitation under the government’s deradicalisation framework are reportedly given financial support and monthly allowances after completion of the programme.

    He linked his claims to the Operation Safe Corridor initiative introduced in 2016 under the Muhammadu Buhari administration, which focuses on deradicalisation, rehabilitation, and reintegration of former insurgents.

    Yohanna also alleged that different categories of ex-combatants are processed based on their level of involvement in the insurgency.

    Claims On Payments And Reintegration

    In a viral video, he further claimed that rehabilitated individuals receive about ₦50,000 monthly and are integrated into civilian structures, including security-support roles in some communities.

    He also alleged that some of them are deployed to various locations across the country under government supervision after rehabilitation.

    However, these claims remain unverified, and there has been no official confirmation from the Federal Government or security agencies regarding the specific figures mentioned.

    Operation Safe Corridor Background

    Operation Safe Corridor is a federal deradicalisation programme aimed at reintegrating low-risk ex-combatants back into society through education, counselling, and vocational training.

    Authorities have previously maintained that the programme is designed to support peace-building efforts and reduce the cycle of insurgency in the North-East.

    Growing Debate Over Rehabilitation Policy

    The allegations have reignited public debate around Nigeria’s approach to insurgency rehabilitation, with many citizens questioning transparency, accountability, and the long-term impact of reintegration programmes.

    The video of Yohanna’s comments has continued to circulate online, drawing mixed reactions from Nigerians.

  • Military Raises Terror Alert Ahead Of Eid-El-Kabir, Warns Of Possible Boko Haram, ISWAP Attacks

    The Nigerian military has raised fresh security concerns over possible terrorist attacks ahead of the upcoming Eid-El-Kabir celebrations, warning that Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) remnants may attempt isolated strikes.

    The alert was contained in a statement issued by the Media Information Officer of Headquarters Joint Task Force North-East, Operation Hadin Kai, Lt. Col. Sani Uba.

    Intelligence Warns Of Possible Attacks

    According to the statement, credible intelligence suggests that terrorist groups may target civilian locations during the festive period using suicide bombers and improvised explosive devices (IEDs), particularly in crowded public spaces.

    The military said the threats are being closely monitored, with security forces already activating countermeasures.

    Troops Deployed Across Vulnerable Areas

    Lt. Col. Uba said the Theatre Command has deployed troops to strategic and vulnerable locations across all operational sectors in the North-East.

    He added that surveillance systems, including Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) assets, have been activated, while patrols have been intensified across key areas.

    Security agencies are also working in coordination with sister services, the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), and local vigilance groups to prevent any breakdown of security during the celebrations.

    Call For Public Cooperation

    The military urged traditional rulers, religious leaders, media organisations, and community stakeholders to support ongoing operations by providing timely and credible intelligence.

    It reaffirmed its commitment to denying terrorist groups freedom of action and ensuring a peaceful festive period for residents across the North-East.

  • Cooking Gas Prices Jump Nationwide as LPG Hits ₦1,700 Per Kg, Marketers Warn of Crisis

    Nigeria’s cooking gas market is facing fresh pressure as prices of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) surge sharply across the country, with marketers warning of worsening supply conditions and growing economic strain on households.

    The Nigerian Association of Liquefied Petroleum Gas Marketers (NALPGAM) says prices have climbed to between ₦1,500 and ₦1,700 per kilogram, up from about ₦1,300 in recent weeks, describing the development as “sad and very pathetic.”

    Gas Prices Hit New Highs

    According to the association, the rising cost has pushed a 12.5kg cylinder of cooking gas to over ₦21,000 in many parts of the country, making it increasingly unaffordable for average households.

    NALPGAM President, Edu Inyang, said marketers are now paying between ₦25.2 million and ₦26.2 million for a 20-metric-tonne truck at depots, a cost structure that is driving retail prices higher nationwide.

    Supply Shortages Driving Crisis

    The association blamed the price surge on supply shortages, reduced local production, high depot charges, and rising logistics costs.

    It also noted that Nigeria’s heavy reliance on imported LPG, despite its vast gas reserves, continues to worsen price instability in the domestic market.

    Households and Businesses Under Pressure

    The rising cost of cooking gas is already forcing many families to consider alternative cooking methods, including firewood and charcoal, raising concerns about health risks and environmental damage.

    Small businesses such as restaurants and food vendors are also feeling the impact, with fears that some may be forced to scale down operations or shut down completely if prices continue to rise.

    Calls for Urgent Government Intervention

    NALPGAM has called on the Federal Government, regulators, and the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) to urgently address supply bottlenecks and boost domestic production.

    Marketers warned that without immediate intervention, the situation could worsen and trigger further hardship for millions of Nigerians dependent on LPG for daily cooking.