Welcome

Category: Breaking News

  • FG Moves Closer to Fresh $1.25bn World Bank Loan for Reforms, Job Creation

    The Federal Government has intensified discussions with the World Bank over a fresh $1.25 billion loan facility targeted at supporting economic reforms, job creation, and business competitiveness in Nigeria.

    According to a World Bank document titled Nigeria Actions for Investment and Jobs Acceleration, the proposed loan has reached an advanced stage and is expected to be presented for approval on June 26, 2026.

    The facility has reportedly moved beyond the concept and appraisal phases within the World Bank’s project cycle.

    Loan targets reforms, digital access, competitiveness

    If approved, the proposed facility will become one of Nigeria’s largest recent World Bank loans, second only to the $1.5 billion Reforms for Economic Stabilisation to Enable Transformation Development Policy Financing approved in June 2024.

    The Federal Republic of Nigeria is listed as the borrower, while the Federal Ministry of Finance will serve as the implementing agency.

    According to the World Bank, the funding is expected to support Nigeria’s reform efforts in key sectors.

    “The loan is designed to support the government’s efforts to expand access to finance, digital, and electricity services, and strengthen competitiveness through tax, trade, and agriculture reforms,” the document stated.

    Nigeria’s debt profile under focus

    Nigeria’s external debt stood at $51.86 billion as of December 31, 2025, while the country’s total public debt is currently estimated at $110.97 billion.

    The proposed loan is presently at the “decision meeting” stage within the World Bank approval process.

    This stage comes after appraisal and negotiations have been concluded, with financing terms, policy commitments, and reform conditions reportedly agreed in principle.

    The World Bank explained that the project had already passed important internal reviews and is moving toward final consideration by the Board of Executive Directors.

    “The review did authorise the team to appraise and negotiate,” the document noted.

    World Bank approved over $9bn for Nigeria since 2023

    Between June 2023 and May 2026, the World Bank approved about $9.35 billion in loans and credits for Nigeria across different sectors.

    The approvals covered power, healthcare, agriculture, education, renewable energy, MSME financing, social protection, and economic reform programmes.

    Among the major approvals were the $2.25 billion RESET and ARMOR reform financing package approved in June 2024, alongside $1.57 billion for HOPE and SPIN programmes in September 2024.

    Another $1.08 billion was approved in March 2025 for education and resilience projects.

    FG warns against delays in loan approvals

    The development comes shortly after the Accountant-General of the Federation, Dr Shamseldeen Ogunjimi, warned that Nigeria could reject World Bank loan arrangements if approval and disbursement delays continue.

    Speaking during a recent meeting with a World Bank delegation in Abuja, Ogunjimi stressed that Nigeria expects faster processing timelines because the facilities are loans and not grants.

    “If approvals take more than six months, the Nigerian Government may no longer honour such arrangements,” he stated.

    He added that prolonged delays could affect project implementation and broader development goals.

    The Accountant-General also urged the World Bank to speed up approval and disbursement processes to support Nigeria’s economic priorities and reform programmes.

  • Adeleke Deposes Osun Monarch Jailed in US Over Fraud Conviction

    Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke has officially deposed the Apetu of Ipetumodu, Oba Joseph Oloyede, following his conviction and imprisonment in the United States over fraud-related offences.

    The monarch was convicted by a US District Court in the Northern District of Ohio on August 26, 2025, after pleading guilty to tax fraud charges and was subsequently sentenced to 56 months in prison.

    Adeleke acts after receiving court judgement

    The Osun State Government confirmed the monarch’s removal in a statement issued on Monday by the governor’s spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed.

    According to the statement, the decision followed the receipt of the Certified True Copy of the judgement delivered by the Ohio court.

    “The governor’s decision followed the receipt of the Certified True Copy of the Ohio court judgement which convicted the monarch,” the statement read.

    The government explained that the Osun State Executive Council had earlier directed the Ministry of Local Government to obtain the certified judgement before taking official action.

    Royal stool declared vacant

    Governor Adeleke stated that the deposition became necessary to protect the integrity and honour of the traditional institution.

    “In the Deposition Order signed by His Excellency on 7th May, 2026, the action was predicated on the need to maintain peace, order and good government as well as preserve the honour and integrity of the royal stool,” the statement added.

    The government also said the monarch’s conviction and public trial had brought the traditional stool into disrepute.

    “The fraudulent conduct of Oba Joseph Oloyede as found by the US court and which he pleaded guilty to and his public trial and conviction have brought the institution of Obaship and the stool of Apetumodu of Ipetumodu to disrepute and public odium,” the statement noted.

    Authorities confirmed that the stool of the Apetu of Ipetumodu has now been declared vacant pending the selection of a new monarch.

    Residents had earlier protested

    The development follows earlier protests in Ipetumodu, where residents reportedly demanded the monarch’s removal after news of his conviction surfaced online.

    Governor Adeleke appealed to indigenes of the community to remain peaceful and law-abiding as the process of selecting a new traditional ruler begins.

  • Turkish Airlines Plane Catches Fire After Landing, Nearly 300 Passengers Evacuated

    A Turkish Airlines passenger plane triggered panic after catching fire shortly after landing at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, Nepal, forcing the emergency evacuation of nearly 300 people on board.

    The aircraft, which arrived from Istanbul on Monday morning, reportedly developed a fire after sparks emerged from its landing gear during touchdown.

    Passengers evacuated through emergency slides

    Authorities confirmed that all 277 passengers and 11 crew members onboard were safely evacuated after emergency slides were deployed around the aircraft.

    Images and videos from the scene showed thick smoke billowing from the plane’s rear tyre area as emergency responders rushed to contain the fire.

    A spokesperson for Nepal’s civil aviation agency confirmed that rescue operations were completed successfully.

    “All aboard are safe, the rescue part is over. We are now investigating the accident,” the official said.

    Airport runway temporarily shut

    The incident forced the temporary closure of the airport’s only runway for almost two hours as safety officials inspected the affected area.

    Several incoming flights were delayed or suspended during the emergency response before operations later resumed.

    Authorities eventually towed the aircraft away from the runway after the fire was extinguished.

    Turkish Airlines speaks on incident

    Turkish Airlines confirmed that technical investigations had commenced to determine the exact cause of the incident.

    According to a spokesperson for the airline, preliminary findings pointed to a possible hydraulic system malfunction.

    “Technical inspections of the aircraft have been initiated by our teams,” the airline said.

    “Initial assessments indicate that the smoke was caused by a technical malfunction in a hydraulic pipe.”

    Fresh concerns over aviation safety

    The incident has since sparked fresh conversations online about airline safety and emergency preparedness during international flights.

    Many social media users praised the swift response of emergency officials and crew members for ensuring that no lives were lost despite the frightening situation.

  • INEC to Deploy Over 1.4 Million Corps Members for 2027 Elections

    The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced plans to deploy more than 1.4 million corps members as ad hoc staff for the 2027 general elections across Nigeria.

    The disclosure was made on Monday during a strategic courtesy visit by INEC officials to the headquarters of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) in Abuja.

    INEC Chairman Reveals 2027 Election Plans

    INEC Chairman, Professor Joash Amupitan, led a delegation of national commissioners, directors, and senior officials to the NYSC headquarters at Yakubu Gowon House.

    The delegation was received by NYSC Director-General, Brigadier General Olakunle Oluseye Nafiu, alongside members of the scheme’s management team.

    According to Amupitan, corps members remain central to Nigeria’s electoral process and have consistently served as the backbone of INEC’s election operations since 1999.

    The INEC corps members deployment plan has already drawn attention in latest Nigerian politics news ahead of the 2027 elections.

    Over 700,000 Corps Members Needed Per Election Phase

    The INEC chairman disclosed that the commission would require 707,384 corps members for the Presidential and National Assembly elections scheduled for January 16, 2027.

    Another 707,384 ad hoc personnel would also be needed for the Governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections fixed for February 6, 2027.

    He added that additional personnel would be deployed for off-cycle governorship elections in Ekiti and Osun states, as well as bye-elections in several states including Rivers, Kano, Ondo, Enugu, Nasarawa, and Kebbi.

    Corps Members Praised for Election Duties

    Amupitan commended corps members for their discipline, neutrality, patriotism, and digital skills, particularly in operating the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS).

    “In many states, corps members accounted for nearly 90 per cent of Registration Area Officers and Presiding Officers. They protected the sanctity of the ballot across 176,846 polling units nationwide,” he said.

    The 2027 general elections Nigeria preparations have continued trending in breaking news Nigeria today as political activities intensify nationwide.

    INEC Promises Better Welfare, Security

    The INEC chairman also acknowledged the risks faced by corps members during election assignments and assured the NYSC leadership that efforts were ongoing to improve welfare, insurance, and security arrangements.

    The issue of election safety has remained a major concern after some corps members reportedly lost their lives during previous election exercises across the country.

    NYSC Reacts to Election Mobilisation Plans

    Responding, NYSC Director-General Brigadier General Olakunle Nafiu praised the partnership between the NYSC and INEC.

    He described corps members as reliable, trainable, and patriotic manpower capable of supporting credible elections nationwide.

    Nafiu also noted that the scheme is transitioning into a generation dominated by digitally skilled Gen Z corps members whose ICT knowledge would support modern electoral operations.

    He appealed for better welfare packages and compensation for corps members deployed during elections, stressing that proper support would encourage commitment and national service.

  • FG Introduces Compulsory Drug Tests for Secondary School Students

    The Federal Government has announced compulsory drug tests for newly admitted and returning students in secondary schools across Nigeria.

    The policy was contained in the newly released National Implementation Guidelines Against Drug and Substance Use in Schools in Nigeria for secondary schools.

    FG Targets Rising Drug Abuse Among Students

    According to the government, the policy is aimed at reducing the growing cases of drug and substance abuse among adolescents in the country.

    Officials said the initiative would help create a safer and healthier learning environment while improving students’ academic performance and mental health.

    The compulsory drug test policy Nigeria has already sparked conversations in latest Nigerian education news and public health discussions.

    New Students to Undergo Mandatory Drug Screening

    Under the new guidelines, all newly admitted secondary school students will be required to undergo drug tests before gaining full admission into schools.

    “All new students/learners shall be subjected to drug tests and other measures approved by the schools/learning centres at the point of entry,” the document stated.

    The policy also directed schools to conduct periodic drug screenings for returning students at least once every academic session.

    Students Barred From Possessing Illegal Substances

    The government further warned students against possession or use of narcotic drugs and other controlled substances without approval from school authorities.

    “All students/learners are prohibited from using or being in possession of narcotic drugs, controlled drugs or substances of abuse without approval from the school authority,” the guideline added.

    The Nigeria school drug test policy has continued trending in breaking news Nigeria today amid growing concerns over youth substance abuse.

    FG Introduces Three-Stage Intervention Process

    The policy established a three-stage testing, counselling, and rehabilitation process for students who test positive to drug use.

    According to the guidelines, students who test positive during the first screening will undergo counselling and treatment approved by school authorities.

    If a student tests positive again, the school will refer the individual to professionals for further treatment and support.

    After a third positive result, the student may be temporarily suspended from school to undergo rehabilitation and professional care.

    Counselling Now Mandatory Before, After Tests

    The Federal Government also introduced compulsory pre-test and post-test counselling for students undergoing drug screening.

    The guidelines explained that pre-test counselling is meant to reduce anxiety, clarify expectations, and encourage cooperation among students.

    Meanwhile, post-test counselling is expected to help students understand their results and access appropriate support where necessary.

    Schools Directed to Set Up Disciplinary Committees

    The policy mandates every secondary school to establish disciplinary committees to enforce compliance with the guidelines.

    It also directed schools to report violent incidents linked to substance abuse to law enforcement agencies where necessary.

    Students who refuse treatment or rehabilitation procedures may also face temporary suspension until they are considered stable enough to return to school.

  • FG Retains 16 Years as Minimum Admission Age for Tertiary Institutions

    The Federal Government has maintained 16 years as the minimum age requirement for admission into tertiary institutions across Nigeria.

    Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, announced the decision on Monday during the 2026 policy meeting on admissions held in Abuja.

    FG Explains Why 16 Remains Admission Age

    According to the minister, the decision followed extensive consultations and policy reviews involving education stakeholders and government officials.

    Alausa stated that the policy was designed to balance inclusivity with academic readiness among students seeking tertiary education admission.

    “Following extensive consultations and policy reviews, government has maintained sixteen years as the minimum age for admission into tertiary institutions,” he said.

    The minimum admission age Nigeria decision has continued generating reactions in latest Nigerian education news.

    Exceptionally Gifted Children to Follow Strict Guidelines

    The minister acknowledged that exceptionally gifted children exist but insisted that such cases must be handled carefully under strict guidelines.

    He explained that the government intends to protect the credibility and integrity of Nigeria’s admission system.

    “While we recognise the existence of exceptionally gifted individuals, such cases must be treated within clearly defined and rigorously enforced guidelines,” Alausa added.

    FG Warns Institutions Against Illegal Admissions

    The minister also warned tertiary institutions against conducting admissions outside the Central Admissions Processing System (CAPS) managed by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB).

    According to him, admissions conducted outside the approved JAMB platform would be considered illegal and would not be recognised by the Federal Government.

    The JAMB CAPS admission warning has become one of the major talking points in breaking news Nigeria today as institutions prepare for the new admission cycle.

    Institutions Risk Sanctions, Licence Withdrawal

    Alausa stressed that institutions violating admission procedures could face severe sanctions, including suspension or withdrawal of operating licences.

    “I have resisted many attempts at condoning illegality in the admissions process. I will not be a party to such actions,” the minister stated.

    He added that the Federal Government would continue enforcing compliance to restore credibility and order within Nigeria’s tertiary education system.

    FG Pushes Digitalisation of National Examinations

    The minister further disclosed that the government is intensifying efforts toward digitalisation in the education sector.

    According to him, computer-based testing and digital competency systems are now unavoidable realities in national examinations.

    He also revealed that the Federal Government had strengthened efforts to tackle examination malpractice through improved verification systems and stricter supervision.

  • JAMB Fixes 150 Cut-Off Mark for University Admissions in 2026/27 Session

    The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has approved 150 as the minimum cut-off mark for admission into Nigerian universities for the 2026/27 academic session.

    The decision was announced on Monday during JAMB’s annual policy meeting held in Abuja.

    Vice-Chancellors Approve New UTME Benchmark

    According to JAMB, the cut-off mark was agreed upon after vice-chancellors and stakeholders voted during the meeting.

    The gathering was attended by the Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, alongside heads of tertiary institutions and other education stakeholders.

    Under the new arrangement, universities across Nigeria are expected to admit candidates who score a minimum of 150 in the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).

    The JAMB cut-off mark 2026 announcement has already generated widespread reactions in latest Nigerian education news.

    Polytechnics, Nursing Colleges Get Different Benchmarks

    JAMB also approved 150 as the minimum admissible score for Colleges of Nursing across the country.

    Meanwhile, polytechnics were cleared to admit candidates with a minimum UTME score of 100.

    The examination body explained that the approved benchmarks represent only the minimum national requirement for admissions.

    However, institutions are still permitted to set higher cut-off marks depending on the competitiveness of their courses and programmes.

    Competitive Courses Expected to Demand Higher Scores

    Over the years, universities offering highly competitive courses such as Medicine, Law, Pharmacy, and Engineering have maintained admission requirements significantly above JAMB’s minimum benchmark.

    Education stakeholders expect the same trend to continue for the 2026/27 admission cycle.

    The latest JAMB admission policy has continued trending in breaking news Nigeria today as students and parents react to the new benchmarks.

    JAMB Speaks on Admission Reforms

    The board stated that the cut-off marks were approved after extensive deliberations aimed at balancing access to tertiary education with the need to maintain academic standards.

    The announcement also comes amid ongoing reforms in Nigeria’s education sector, including recent decisions affecting admission processes for candidates applying to education and agriculture-related programmes.

    Candidates seeking admission into tertiary institutions for the 2026/27 academic session are expected to begin processing their applications based on the newly approved guidelines.

  • Tinubu Appoints Ex-Army General Adeyinka Fadewa as Homeland Security Adviser

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the appointment of retired Major General Adeyinka Fadewa as Special Adviser on Homeland Security as part of efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s internal security framework.

    The appointment was confirmed in a statement released on Monday by the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (OSGF).

    FG Explains Reason for Fadewa’s Appointment

    According to the statement, the appointment was approved based on Fadewa’s “exceptional record of service, strategic expertise, and outstanding contributions to Nigeria’s national security architecture.”

    The Federal Government noted that the retired army officer brings decades of military intelligence and security experience to the role amid growing security concerns across the country.

    The Tinubu homeland security appointment has already attracted attention in latest Nigerian politics news and national security discussions.

    Who Is Major General Adeyinka Fadewa?

    Major General Adeyinka Fadewa is a retired senior officer of the Nigerian Army with more than 30 years of military service experience.

    He is widely known for his background in military intelligence, counter-terrorism operations, and national security strategy.

    Fadewa previously served as Principal General Staff Officer to the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) between 2015 and 2021.

    During his time at ONSA, he reportedly played a major role in establishing the Intelligence Fusion Centre (IFC).

    Role in Intelligence Coordination

    The Intelligence Fusion Centre was created to improve intelligence sharing among major security agencies in Nigeria.

    The agencies involved include the Department of State Services (DSS), National Intelligence Agency (NIA), Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA), Nigeria Police Force, and the Armed Forces.

    Security analysts believe the Tinubu security appointment could further strengthen inter-agency coordination in Nigeria’s fight against terrorism and insecurity.

    Academic, Research Contributions

    After retiring from military service, Fadewa worked as a Senior Research Fellow at the Nigerian Army Resource Centre in Abuja.

    His research areas reportedly focused on policing, civil-security cooperation, and reforms within Nigeria’s security sector.

    He also authored a monograph titled “Policing and National Security in Nigeria,” which focused on improving collaboration among security agencies.

    The latest presidential appointment in Nigeria has continued trending in breaking news Nigeria today amid ongoing conversations about national security reforms.

  • KWASU Discontinues HND Top-Up Conversion Programme From 2025/2026 Session

    Kwara State University (KWASU), Malete, has announced the discontinuation of its Top-Up/HND Conversion programme, effective from the 2025/2026 academic session.

    The decision marks a significant shift in the university’s academic structure and affects both current and prospective applicants of the programme.

    KWASU Announces Policy Shift in Line With NUC Directive

    In a statement released on Monday, the university said the move was taken in full compliance with regulations issued by the National Universities Commission (NUC).

    “The university will discontinue its Top Up/HND Conversion programme from the 2025/2026 academic session,” the statement read.

    The KWASU HND conversion programme has been widely used by Higher National Diploma holders seeking to upgrade to Bachelor’s degree qualifications.

    NUC Expected to Issue Further Guidelines on Existing Students

    The university further disclosed that the NUC would provide additional directives on the status of students already enrolled in the programme.

    According to KWASU, the regulatory body is expected to clarify how ongoing students will be treated following the discontinuation.

    The development has continued to draw attention in latest Nigerian education news as reforms in tertiary institutions intensify across the country.

    KWASU Reaffirms Commitment to NUC Regulations

    KWASU reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining academic standards and complying fully with policies set by the NUC.

    The statement was signed by the institution’s Registrar, Dr. Kikelomo W. Sallee.

    The university also advised affected students and prospective candidates to await further communication regarding alternative academic pathways.

    Background to HND Top-Up Programme

    The Top-Up and HND conversion programme was introduced to bridge the gap between HND and university degrees, allowing graduates of polytechnics to upgrade their qualifications.

    However, regulatory adjustments by the NUC have led to a review of several academic programmes across Nigerian universities in recent years.

    The KWASU HND conversion discontinuation has now joined ongoing discussions in breaking news Nigeria today surrounding higher education reforms.

  • FG Removes UTME Requirement for NCE Admissions in Colleges of Education

    The Federal Government has scrapped the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) requirement for candidates seeking admission into Nigeria Certificate in Education (NCE) programmes across colleges of education.

    The announcement was made on Monday during the 2026 JAMB policy meeting held in Abuja.

    Alausa Announces New Admission Guidelines

    Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, disclosed that under the new policy, prospective NCE candidates will no longer be required to sit for UTME before gaining admission.

    Instead, applicants will now only need a minimum of four O-level credit passes in relevant subjects to qualify for entry into colleges of education.

    The education reform move has already begun generating reactions in latest Nigerian education news over its potential impact on access to teacher training institutions.

    Government Explains Reason for Policy Change

    According to the minister, the decision is aimed at reducing the administrative workload on the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) and simplifying the admission process.

    He noted that the reform is part of broader efforts to improve access to tertiary education and encourage more students to pursue teaching careers in Nigeria.

    The Federal Government education policy shift is expected to affect admission processes in colleges of education nationwide.

    What the New Admission Policy Means for Candidates

    Under the revised guidelines, candidates applying for NCE programmes will no longer go through the UTME screening process handled by JAMB.

    Education stakeholders say the change could increase enrolment into colleges of education, especially among students who previously struggled with UTME requirements.

    The development has continued to trend in breaking news Nigeria today as reforms in the education sector gain national attention.

    Education Sector Reform Gains Momentum

    The Ministry of Education has in recent months introduced several reforms aimed at restructuring admission pathways across tertiary institutions.

    Officials say the latest policy is expected to ease pressure on examination bodies while expanding opportunities for students interested in teaching professions.