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  • FG dismisses ‘Japa’ education crisis claims, says fewer Nigerians now study abroad

    The Federal Government has dismissed claims that Nigeria currently ranks among countries with the highest number of students studying abroad, insisting that reforms in the education sector are beginning to reverse the trend.

    Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, stated this during an interview on Channels Television on Tuesday while reacting to reports about Nigeria’s outbound student migration.

    Minister rejects 2023 data

    The programme presenter had referenced 2023 data showing that Nigeria ranked third globally in outbound student mobility, accounting for about five per cent of students studying outside their home countries.

    However, Alausa dismissed the figures as outdated and no longer reflective of the current reality in Nigeria’s education sector.

    “That’s not Japa. And please, qualify your data. Thank God you told me it was 2023 figure,” he said.

    According to the minister, 2023 represented a difficult period for Nigerian universities due to prolonged academic disruptions and underinvestment in tertiary education.

    ‘Things have changed’

    Alausa said conditions in Nigerian universities have improved significantly under the current administration.

    “2023 was when we came in. There was no academic continuity. They had the kind of extensive investment you’ve made in a tertiary education that wasn’t there,” he stated.

    The minister revealed that the Ministry of Education had been monitoring outbound student movement through its educational support services department.

    According to him, the government has observed what he described as a “precipitous drop” in the number of Nigerian students leaving the country for studies abroad.

    “We’ve seen precipitous drop in those number of student going out. Our tertiary institutions are better now. We have academic continuity, academic session continuity,” he said.

    FG cites rising confidence in local institutions

    Alausa pointed to programmes like the Joint Universities Preliminary Examinations Board (JUPEB), Nigeria’s equivalent of British A-levels, as evidence of growing confidence in local education.

    He explained that many students who previously travelled abroad for similar programmes are now enrolling within Nigeria instead.

    The minister also referenced institutions like the University of Lagos law programme, claiming that some schools now receive more applications than available admission slots.

    “Kids are staying there. The quality of education is significantly better. If you now compare the 2023 data with 2024 and 2025 and see the precipitous drop of Nigeria going out,” he added.

  • “They sent me transport fare” — Abducted UNIJOS graduate recounts 11-day ordeal in kidnappers’ den

    A graduate of the University of Jos, John Arum Azi, has recounted how suspected kidnappers allegedly lured him into captivity through a fake welding job offer after repeatedly contacting him and sending transport fare to convince him the opportunity was genuine.

    The victim narrated his experience after regaining freedom following 11 days in captivity.

    Azi shared the testimony during a church service in the Tudun Wada area of Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State on Sunday.

    How the job offer began

    According to him, the suspected kidnappers persistently contacted him with promises of welding work before eventually sending him transport money.

    “They kept calling me, asking me to come and work for them. They even sent transport money, so I believed it was a real job,” he said.

    Azi explained that he travelled from Jos to Zaria, Kaduna State, on April 11, 2026, believing he was heading for a genuine employment opportunity.

    However, shortly after arriving in Zaria and contacting the supposed employers, he was directed to board a motorcycle heading to a village.

    Journey into the forest

    The graduate admitted he became suspicious during the journey but ignored the warning signs because he desperately needed work.

    “I started having doubts, but I told myself maybe it was a connection that could help me. I did not know they were kidnappers,” he said.

    According to him, a man later approached him claiming to be the same individual who arranged the welding job.

    Azi said he was subsequently taken deep into a remote forest on a motorcycle, where another heavily armed man was already waiting.

    “I saw a gun I had never seen before in my life,” he recounted.

    The victim alleged that the kidnappers searched him thoroughly, seized his phone, work tools and belongings before forcing him to wear strange clothes and a face mask.

    Kidnappers demanded ₦30m ransom

    Azi further disclosed that he was moved through Giwa Local Government Area into forests in Zamfara State after several hours of travelling on motorcycles.

    “We spent almost six hours moving through the bush on motorcycles. There was no security anywhere,” he said.

    Upon arriving at the camp, he said his hands and legs were tied while the abductors contacted his family and demanded ₦30 million ransom.

    “I gave them my elder brother’s number. They called him and demanded ₦30 million,” he added.

    ‘They called me Pastor’

    The graduate also narrated how he was allegedly tortured and interrogated repeatedly about his religion.

    According to him, the kidnappers fired gunshots around the camp while questioning him, forcing him to initially deny being a Christian out of fear.

    “They were shooting guns everywhere and asking questions. Out of fear, I initially denied being a Christian because I thought they would kill me,” he said.

    However, he said severe beatings later forced him to cry out “Jesus,” exposing his faith to the abductors.

    “While they were beating me, I suddenly shouted ‘Jesus.’ That was when they discovered I was a Christian,” he said.

    Azi revealed that the kidnappers subsequently nicknamed him “Pastor” throughout his stay in captivity.

    Release after negotiations

    According to him, the abductors later reduced the ransom demand from ₦30 million to ₦6 million after negotiations with his family.

    However, he alleged that the kidnappers still delayed his release after receiving the money and demanded an additional ₦4 million.

    “They started beating me again and said my family should add another ₦4 million. At that point, I thought I would not survive,” he said.

    Azi said support from relatives, friends and sympathisers eventually secured his release after the traumatic ordeal.

  • IGP Disu bans POS operators near police stations nationwide over bribery concerns

    The Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, has ordered an immediate nationwide restriction barring Point-of-Sale (POS) operators from operating within 200 metres of police stations and formations across Nigeria.

    The directive was contained in an internal police wireless message circulated to commands and formations nationwide, with the police leadership warning that violations would attract disciplinary consequences for senior officers in affected jurisdictions.

    Police cite corruption concerns

    According to the internal communication, the Nigeria Police Force expressed concern over what it described as the “alarming proliferation” of POS operators around police facilities across the country.

    The police authorities stated that the increasing presence of POS agents near stations had become linked to complaints of bribery, illegal transactions and unofficial financial dealings involving officers and civilians.

    The message noted that the development was undermining ongoing reform efforts targeted at improving transparency, accountability and public confidence in policing.

    “The Force leadership observed with utmost dismay the growing trend of POS operators clustering around police formations,” part of the signal reportedly stated.

    200-metre restriction takes effect

    Following the development, the Force Headquarters directed that no POS operator should be allowed to function within a 200-metre radius of any police station, divisional headquarters or police formation nationwide.

    The directive also placed responsibility for compliance on senior officers, warning that Assistant Inspectors-General of Police, Commissioners of Police and heads of formations would be held “vicariously liable” for any breach recorded within their areas of supervision.

    The police authorities stressed that the order should be enforced immediately across all commands.

    Move linked to extortion allegations

    Security analysts have linked the new directive to longstanding allegations of extortion and unofficial cash collection involving some police personnel.

    Human rights groups and civil society organisations have repeatedly raised concerns over the close proximity of POS operators to police stations, arguing that some officers allegedly force suspects or civilians to make instant transfers or withdrawals through nearby agents during arrests or interrogations.

    The development is seen as part of broader efforts by the current police leadership to curb corruption allegations and restore public trust in the Nigeria Police Force.

  • Ejimakor Sparks Debate Over ‘Sharia Mentions’ In Nigerian Constitution, Questions Secular Status

    Human rights lawyer Aloy Ejimakor has sparked fresh debate over religion and constitutional structure in Nigeria after questioning the country’s claim of being a secular state.

    Ejimakor, who serves as counsel to convicted Nnamdi Kanu leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, made the remarks in a statement shared on X on Tuesday.

    ‘Constitution Is Not Secular’

    According to the lawyer, Nigeria’s constitution contains several references to Sharia and Islam while making no mention of Christianity.

    “Do you know that you’ve been lied to that the Nigerian Constitution is a secular Constitution,” he wrote.

    “Well, it’s not, because it contains 73 mentions of SHARIA, 28 mentions of Islam & 10 mentions of Muslim but ZERO mention of CHRISTIAN. Is this not enough to want a separate State? Let’s talk about it, without fear or favor,” he added.

    The comments immediately triggered reactions online, especially amid ongoing conversations around religion, governance and constitutional balance in Nigeria.

    Constitutional Debate Resurfaces

    Nigeria operates under the 1999 Constitution, which prohibits the adoption of any religion as a state religion.

    Section 10 of the Constitution states that “The Government of the Federation or of a State shall not adopt any religion as State Religion.”

    However, the same constitution also provides for the establishment of Sharia Courts of Appeal in states where Islamic personal law is applicable, a provision that has generated legal and political debates for years.

    Ejimakor argued that the repeated references to Sharia institutions contradict the description of Nigeria as a secular nation.

    Religious Tensions Draw Global Attention

    The comments come amid renewed international attention on religious violence and insecurity in Nigeria.

    Earlier in April, United States Congressman Mark Harris called on U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio to impose sanctions on Nigeria over alleged attacks on Christians.

    Former U.S. President Donald Trump had also stirred controversy earlier this year after warning of possible intensified military action against militant groups in Nigeria if attacks on Christians continued.

    Despite the concerns, the Nigerian government has repeatedly denied allegations of religious bias, insisting that terrorism and banditry affect both Muslims and Christians across the country.

    Officials maintain that insecurity in Nigeria is driven largely by criminality and extremist violence rather than state-backed religious persecution.

  • Gunmen Kidnap Oyo Businessman, 10-Year-Old Girl Hit By Stray Bullet During Attack

    Unknown gunmen on Monday night abducted a businessman, Wasiu Aleshinloye, from his residence in Irawo community, Atisbo Local Government Area of Oyo State after allegedly trailing him from a market in Ago-Are.

    The incident was confirmed by the Oyo State Police Command through its spokesperson, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka, who said the kidnappers stormed the victim’s residence and whisked him away at gunpoint.

    Gunshots Trigger Panic In Community

    Residents were thrown into panic after the attackers reportedly fired several gunshots into the air to disperse people in the area during the operation.

    During the attack, a 10-year-old girl identified as Modinat Aleshinloye was hit by a stray bullet and sustained injuries.

    She was immediately rushed to hospital for treatment and extraction of pellets, while the whereabouts of the abducted businessman remain unknown.

    Police Recover Evidence At Scene

    According to DSP Olayinka, the incident was reported at Tede Division around 10:20 p.m. on May 11, 2026.

    “Preliminary investigation revealed that one Alhaji Wasiu Aleshinloye was allegedly trailed from Kraal Market, Ago-Are, to his filling station in Irawo and subsequently to his residence, where he was abducted at gunpoint by three armed men to an unknown destination,” he stated.

    The police spokesperson added that detectives recovered three expended ammunition shells from the scene, which are currently undergoing ballistic examination.

    He also disclosed that three face caps suspected to belong to the kidnappers were recovered during investigations.

    No Ransom Demand Yet

    Sources disclosed that the kidnappers had yet to contact the victim’s family or make any ransom demand as of the time of filing this report.

    The police assured residents that tactical and intelligence-led operations had commenced to rescue the businessman and arrest those behind the attack.

    The incident has further heightened concerns over rising insecurity in several parts of Nigeria, despite ongoing security operations across the country.

  • Ruto Meets Tinubu in Nairobi Days After Apologising Over Nigerians’ English Accent

    Kenyan President William Ruto on Tuesday exchanged warm pleasantries with Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in Nairobi, days after apologising over controversial comments about Nigerians’ English accents that sparked backlash across Africa.

    The two leaders were seen greeting each other during activities surrounding the Africa-France Summit in Kenya, where Tinubu is participating in discussions focused on economic reforms, climate action, energy transition and investment partnerships.

    Tinubu Arrives Kenya For Summit

    President Tinubu arrived Nairobi on Monday to participate in the summit, which the Presidency described as an important platform for promoting Nigeria’s economic reform agenda and investment opportunities.

    The summit is expected to focus on green industrialisation, digital transformation, global financing reforms and Africa-wide economic partnerships.

    Presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga shared a video showing both presidents exchanging friendly greetings during the event.

    Ruto Addresses English Accent Controversy

    The meeting comes shortly after Ruto faced criticism over remarks many Nigerians considered insulting.

    Speaking at an event in Nairobi earlier, the Kenyan president attempted to clarify the comments, insisting they were taken out of context and not intended to mock Nigerians.

    “I was captured speaking to my fellow citizens somewhere; it was supposed to be a private conversation, but somebody decided to make it public,” Ruto said.

    “The fact I was talking about how we Africans speak good English. In countries like Nigeria, if you don’t speak excellent English like the one we speak in Kenya, you may need a translator for you to understand.”

    Ruto also jokingly asked Nigeria’s Minister of Solid Minerals, Henry Dele Alake, to pass his regards to Tinubu and Nigerians “in good English.”

    Nigerians Reacted Strongly

    The remarks triggered widespread reactions online, with many Nigerians accusing the Kenyan leader of mocking Nigerian accents and reinforcing stereotypes about West Africans.

    Former senator Shehu Sani reacted by pointing to Nigeria’s literary achievements and globally recognised writers.

    “Ruto is mocking the English of the country with a Nobel Prize for literature winner. The Nation of Achebe and Chimamanda,” he wrote.

    Zimbabwean journalist Hopewell Chin’ono also criticised the comments, arguing that fluency in English should never be used as a measure of intelligence or competence.

    Diplomatic Ties Remain Intact

    Despite the online controversy, Tuesday’s interaction between Tinubu and Ruto appeared cordial, suggesting both countries are moving beyond the dispute and maintaining diplomatic cooperation.

    The meeting also comes amid recent online tensions between Nigerians and Kenyans following comments reportedly credited to Tinubu comparing Nigeria’s economy with that of Kenya and other African countries.

  • Mob Assaults Lecturer Over Alleged Sexual Encounter With Student at Tansian University

    A lecturer suspected to be a Catholic priest was reportedly assaulted by angry students after he was allegedly caught engaging in a sexual act with a female student inside a classroom at Tansian University.

    The incident, which reportedly happened on the university campus in Oba, Anambra State, has triggered widespread reactions online after videos from the scene surfaced on social media.

    Students storm classroom amid allegations

    In one of the trending videos, the man was seen surrounded by a crowd of students who allegedly beat him and tore his clothes during the confrontation.

    Witnesses at the scene could be heard shouting accusations linked to the clergy, although the identity and official status of the lecturer have not been independently confirmed.

    Sources within the institution claimed the confrontation may have followed what students described as a planned effort to expose the lecturer over alleged misconduct.

    “It seems they finally decided to catch him in the act,” a student reportedly told SaharaReporters anonymously.

    Claims of previous complaints emerge

    According to student sources, there had allegedly been previous complaints from female students concerning inappropriate behaviour and advances linked to the lecturer.

    However, neither the university management nor Catholic Church authorities have officially confirmed the allegations or identified the man involved.

    As of the time of filing this report, no official statement had been issued regarding possible disciplinary action or the status of the female student involved in the incident.

    Police yet to react

    The Anambra State Police Command has also not confirmed whether any arrests were made following the mob action.

    The incident has since sparked mixed reactions online, with some Nigerians condemning the alleged misconduct, while others criticised the violent assault carried out by the students.

  • Ekiti-Born Candidate Tops 2026 UTME With 372, Targets Medicine at UNILAG

    An Ekiti-born candidate, Owoeye Jesudunsin, has emerged as the highest scorer in the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) after scoring 372 out of 400.

    The announcement was made by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board during its 2026 Policy Meeting on Admissions to Tertiary Institutions held in Abuja on Monday.

    UNILAG medicine applicant leads 2026 ranking

    According to JAMB Registrar, Ishaq Oloyede, Jesudunsin, who sat for the examination in Ogun State, applied to study Medicine and Surgery at University of Lagos.

    Her score of 372 places her at the top of the national ranking for the 2026 UTME exercise.

    The result is slightly below the highest score recorded in 2025, when Anambra-born Chinedu Okeke scored 375.

    Computer science and software engineering dominate top choices

    Ikenna Enwere from Imo State emerged second on the list after scoring 370.

    He selected Nile University as his first-choice institution and intends to study Computer Science.

    Closely behind him was Ayomide Bamisile from Ondo State, who scored 369.

    Bamisile applied to study Software Engineering at Federal University of Technology Akure.

    JAMB releases top scorers list

    The examination body released the list of the highest-performing candidates during the policy meeting attended by education stakeholders and tertiary institution heads.

    The development comes amid wider reforms in Nigeria’s admission process, including new policies announced by JAMB and the Federal Ministry of Education for the 2026/2027 academic session.

  • Abin Al’ajabin Zazzau Breaks Silence on Humiliation, Vows Reform Bid for Kaduna Constituency Seat

    A 30-year-old House of Representatives aspirant from Kaduna State, Abin Al’ajabin Zazzau, has spoken out about what he described as years of public humiliation and personal attacks linked to his appearance and political ambition ahead of the 2027 elections.

    The aspirant, who is contesting for the Sabon Gari/Fada Federal Constituency seat, made the remarks in an interview with RFI Hausa, where he detailed emotional and social challenges he says he has endured over time.

    “Humiliated because of how I was created”

    Zazzau said he has faced repeated insults directed at him and his family, insisting that much of the criticism was rooted in prejudice over his physical appearance.

    “For political reasons, my dignity has been violated. I have been humiliated and deprived because of the creation Allah made for me,” he said.

    “There is nothing people have not done to me. I have been insulted, humiliated, disgraced, and even my parents have been insulted.”

    He added that the attacks have followed him across political and social spaces, making participation in public life difficult.

    Push for political reform in Sabon Gari

    Despite the backlash, Zazzau said he remains committed to his ambition, stressing that his motivation is to reform Sabon Gari and expand opportunities for young people.

    “I decided to contest because I want to bring youths out of the groups and gangs they are involved in,” he said.

    He argued that the constituency needs empowerment-driven leadership rather than dependency-based politics.

    “Our people are not asking for handouts. They want to be shown how to earn a living, not just given fish but taught how to fish,” he said.

    Concerns over representation and development

    Zazzau also raised concerns about what he described as long-standing underdevelopment in Sabon Gari Federal Constituency despite its economic importance to Kaduna State.

    He noted that the area hosts major institutions and industries, yet still struggles with basic infrastructure and effective political representation.

    “Sabon Gari is a very important commercial and industrial area in Nigeria, yet development has not reached many places,” he said.

    “So why shouldn’t we be given proper representation?”

    Political background and 2023 attempt

    The aspirant revealed that he had previously contested for the same seat in 2023 but stepped down after political consultations and appeals from stakeholders.

    He said he later supported the eventual winner at the time due to political considerations and circumstances surrounding the election cycle.

    The development adds another layer to early political realignments ahead of the 2027 general elections, as aspirants begin to re-engage constituencies across the country.

  • NERC Considers Electricity Tariff Hike as Nigerians Face Rising Cost of Power

    The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has indicated that it is considering a further upward review of electricity tariffs, a move aimed at improving service delivery across the country’s power sector.

    The commission made the disclosure in a post shared on its official X account on Monday, noting that the review is part of ongoing efforts to enhance electricity supply and customer experience.

    NERC defends possible tariff adjustment

    According to the statement, the proposed adjustment is intended to improve quality of service while ensuring consumers receive more reliable electricity supply.

    “You deserve satisfaction and accurate information on the increase. There is no issue of hidden pricing or cutting off your power arbitrarily,” NERC stated.

    The regulator added that the objective is to bring electricity tariffs closer to actual cost-reflective levels while maintaining consumer protection mechanisms.

    “We are bringing the electricity tariff closer to you to improve your quality of life, and we assure you of continued protection of your rights every day,” the commission said.

    Push for cost-reflective tariffs amid system challenges

    NERC explained that the broader goal is to ensure access to affordable and reliable electricity while addressing long-standing inefficiencies in the sector.

    It also highlighted concerns around the current payment structure, describing it as a “one-size-fits-all system” that does not fully reflect consumption patterns or service realities.

    The commission further stated its commitment to resolving customer complaints and safeguarding consumer rights as reforms continue.

    Background of previous tariff hikes

    The latest development comes after a major electricity tariff increase in April 2024, when Band A customers saw rates rise from about ₦68 per kWh to ₦225 per kWh.

    This affected consumers receiving at least 20 hours of electricity supply daily, representing roughly 15 per cent of users.

    The rate was later adjusted to ₦206.80 per kWh in May 2024, before some Distribution Companies (DisCos) increased it again to ₦209.50 per kWh in July 2024.

    Despite these adjustments, many consumers have continued to complain that they are not receiving power supply that matches the tariff charged.

    Labour raises concerns over cost of living

    The proposed tariff review comes at a time of growing economic pressure on households, with rising inflation affecting food, transport, and housing costs.

    The President of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Joe Ajaero, recently warned that even high-income earners could struggle under current economic conditions if the naira continues to lose value.

    He stressed that workers are more concerned about purchasing power than nominal salary figures.

    “Even if Nigerian workers earn ₦1 million, it will not be meaningful if the naira has no value,” Ajaero said.

    As discussions around electricity pricing continue, stakeholders say the outcome could further shape the cost of living landscape in Nigeria in the coming months.