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  • 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.

  • 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.

  • FG Unveils ₦250bn Hostel Expansion Plan Across 50 Tertiary Institutions

    The Federal Government has unveiled a major intervention plan worth over ₦250 billion to address the growing accommodation crisis in Nigeria’s tertiary institutions.

    Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, disclosed the development in Abuja on Wednesday during the inauguration of governing boards, rectors and principal officers of several federal education agencies and institutions.

    FG targets hostel shortages nationwide

    Alausa said the intervention, approved under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, would support the construction and expansion of hostel facilities across federal tertiary institutions.

    According to him, at least 50 institutions will receive ₦2 billion each to build student hostels with a minimum capacity of 500 bed spaces per project.

    “We are spending ₦2 billion each to build hostel accommodation in at least 50 tertiary institutions,” the minister said.

    “The ₦2 billion will deliver 500 bed spaces to each of these institutions. These funds have been mobilised via TETFund.”

    He described the initiative as the largest single-year investment in student accommodation infrastructure in Nigeria’s history.

    Additional ₦80bn planned through PPP

    The minister further disclosed that another ₦80 billion would be invested through Public Private Partnerships across 24 federal tertiary institutions.

    According to him, the arrangement will provide between 1,200 and 1,500 bed spaces per institution.

    “TETFund will come up with one billion in counterpart funding and the rest will come up with three billion. So, total four billion per institution,” he explained.

    The projects are expected to ease pressure on existing hostel facilities and improve student welfare nationwide.

    Alausa charges education leaders

    Speaking during the inauguration ceremony, Alausa urged the newly appointed board members and institutional heads to prioritise transparency, accountability and innovation.

    He said the government’s education reforms are focused on expanding access, improving quality, integrating technology and aligning education with national development goals.

    “I urge you to lead with vision, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to excellence,” he said.

    “Your mandate is clear, build strong academic programmes, invest in faculty development, promote impactful and solution-oriented research, ensure student welfare, and foster strategic partnerships.”

    New appointments announced

    Among those inaugurated were Professor Babatunde Salako as Chairman of the Governing Board of the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), Professor Modupe Adelabu as Chairman of the Governing Board of the National Examinations Council (NECO), and Shofoyeke David as Executive Secretary of the National Institute for Educational Planning and Administration.

    Others include Dr Bongfa Bonfa as Rector of Federal Polytechnic Nyak-Shendam, Plateau State, and Professor Tijani Kalli as Vice Chancellor of the Federal University of Agriculture and Entrepreneurship, Bama.

  • FG Warns Lagos, Rivers, 17 Other States Over Imminent Flash Flooding

    The Federal Government, through the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), has warned that 19 states across Nigeria may experience flash flooding following heavy early rains.

    NiMet issued the advisory on Thursday, stating that dry and hardened soil surfaces could increase runoff and prevent rainwater from properly soaking into the ground.

    19 states listed in NiMet advisory

    The agency listed the affected states as Zamfara, Nasarawa, Kwara, Oyo, Lagos, Ogun, Ekiti, Delta, Imo, Anambra, Enugu, Ebonyi, Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Rivers, Edo, Ondo and Bayelsa.

    According to NiMet, the weather condition may trigger flooded roads, traffic disruptions, destruction of homes and farmlands, as well as damage to public infrastructure.

    The agency also warned of possible blocked drainage systems, power outages, telecommunication disruptions and increased risks of injuries and water-borne diseases.

    Residents advised to stay alert

    NiMet urged residents in vulnerable areas to clear blocked drainages and remain updated with weather and flood alerts.

    Motorists and pedestrians were also warned against driving or walking through flooded roads and waterways.

    “An informed community is a prepared community. Know the risks and act early,” the agency stated.

    FG had earlier raised nationwide flood concerns

    The latest advisory comes weeks after the Federal Government warned that over 14,000 communities across 33 states and the Federal Capital Territory could face severe flooding in 2026.

    The earlier flood-risk alert included states such as Lagos, Rivers, Kogi, Benue, Bayelsa, Delta, Ogun, Ondo, Oyo and several others across the country.

    Authorities have now called on emergency agencies, state governments and relevant stakeholders to strengthen preparedness and response measures ahead of peak rainfall periods.

  • FG Bans Honorary Degree Holders from Using ‘Dr’ Title Nationwide

    The Federal Government has prohibited recipients of honorary degrees from using the title “Dr” in any official, academic or professional setting across Nigeria.

    Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, announced the directive on Wednesday after the Federal Executive Council meeting at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.

    Crackdown on ‘Dr’ title misuse

    Alausa said the move follows a growing pattern of abuse linked to honorary degrees, which he described as increasingly politicised.

    “The recent trend… has revealed a growing abuse and politicisation of this academic privilege,” he stated.

    Concerns over patronage and ethics

    According to the minister, honorary awards have in some cases been used for political patronage and financial gain.

    He also raised concerns about the practice of conferring such honours on serving public officials, noting that it goes against established academic ethics.

    New rule takes effect

    Under the directive, recipients of honorary doctorates can no longer prefix their names with “Dr”.

    Instead, they are expected to clearly state the honorary nature of the award after their names.

    Push to restore academic integrity

    The government said the decision is aimed at protecting the credibility of academic titles and ensuring that earned qualifications are not undermined.

    The development is expected to trigger reactions across academic and public circles, where honorary titles have become increasingly common.

  • Rufai Oseni Questions Fuel Price Hike After Sudden Jump in 24 Hours

    Arise TV journalist Rufai Oseni has raised concerns over the sudden increase in petrol prices, questioning the government’s response to the impact of subsidy removal on Nigerians.

    Concerns over sudden price jump

    Oseni, in a viral video, recounted his experience at a filling station where he noticed a sharp price increase within a day.

    “So this morning I just went to the filling station… from 1,225 it’s now about 1,335. The price went up in the space of one day,” he said.

    He described the development as alarming, especially given the current economic pressures on citizens.

    Questions for the government

    The journalist questioned what measures have been put in place to cushion the effects of subsidy removal.

    “With all the subsidy being pulled out, what have you done to cushion the effect on the people?” he asked.

    He noted that while there appears to be some relief in aviation fuel pricing, petrol continues to place a heavy burden on consumers.

    Mixed reactions trail remarks

    His comments sparked debate online, with Nigerians divided over both the fuel price hike and his criticism.

    Some users blamed the government for failing to provide relief, while others dismissed his remarks as politically motivated.

    “A whole country held hostage by unpredictable fuel prices,” one user wrote, while another said, “They removed the subsidy… and the palliative is still a PowerPoint somewhere in Abuja.”

    Rising pressure over fuel costs

    The development adds to growing concerns over the cost of living, as fluctuating petrol prices continue to affect transportation, goods, and daily expenses across the country.

  • FG Declares May 1 Public Holiday for Workers’ Day

    The Federal Government has declared Friday, May 1, 2026, a public holiday to mark this year’s International Workers’ Day celebration across the country.

    Interior Ministry announces holiday

    The Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, made the announcement on behalf of the Federal Government, congratulating Nigerian workers for their contributions to national development.

    The disclosure was contained in a statement issued on Wednesday night by the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Dr. Magdalene Ajani.

    Workers praised for national contribution

    Tunji-Ojo commended workers for their dedication and resilience, noting that their efforts remain critical to Nigeria’s growth and long-term prosperity.

    He acknowledged the role of the workforce in sustaining key sectors of the economy and driving national productivity.

    The minister also emphasised the importance of recognising workers’ contributions through continued support and policy attention.

    Call for patriotism and productivity

    According to the statement, workers were encouraged to remain patriotic, committed, and productive in their respective roles.

    The minister noted that discipline and dedication are essential for achieving sustainable development and economic stability.

    He further urged workers to continue upholding values that promote national unity and progress.

    Government reiterates commitment to welfare

    The Federal Government reaffirmed its commitment to improving the welfare and security of workers while creating an enabling environment for economic growth.

    The minister said ongoing efforts are focused on strengthening systems that support workers across sectors.

    He added that policies will continue to be geared towards enhancing productivity and national development.

    Appeal for peace during celebration

    While wishing Nigerians a peaceful Workers’ Day celebration, the government urged citizens to remain law-abiding and responsible.

    The minister encouraged reflection on the importance of unity, hard work, and collective responsibility in nation-building.

    The public holiday provides an opportunity for workers to rest and recognise their role in shaping the country’s future.

     

  • Aso Rock Solar Shift Sparks Debate as Viral Video Shows Massive Panels After Grid Disconnection

    A video circulating online has shown extensive solar panel installations at the Aso Rock Presidential Villa following its disconnection from the national electricity grid. The footage has triggered renewed public debate over Nigeria’s worsening power situation and the government’s energy priorities.

    The development comes after the Federal Government announced in 2025 that the Presidential Villa would be taken off the national grid due to rising electricity costs. The decision has continued to generate mixed reactions from Nigerians online and offline.

    Solar Installation Follows Move to Cut Power Costs at Villa

    According to earlier explanations from government officials, the decision was driven by the unsustainable cost of powering the seat of government. Reports indicated that electricity bills for Aso Rock Villa had reached about ₦47 billion annually.

    Following the disconnection, the Federal Government approved a ₦10 billion solar power project aimed at supplying energy to the Presidential Villa. The installation seen in the viral video is believed to be part of that transition to renewable energy.

    Government Defends Decision, Cites Cost and Efficiency

    Reacting to public criticism, the Director General of the Energy Commission of Nigeria, Mustapha Abdulahi, defended the move, describing it as necessary for reducing government spending on power. He said it was no longer viable for the Villa to continue bearing such high electricity costs.

    Abdulahi explained that the project aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s broader energy diversification agenda, which focuses on reducing dependence on the national grid while promoting alternative energy sources.

    He also noted that the solar initiative is expected to deliver uninterrupted and cleaner energy supply to the Villa while easing pressure on the country’s overstretched power infrastructure.

    Job Creation and Energy Investment Claims

    The Energy Commission boss added that the solar project would not only improve efficiency but also support job creation and technical innovation within Nigeria’s energy sector. According to him, local engineers and energy experts are expected to benefit from increased involvement in renewable energy deployment.

    He further disclosed that federal initiatives in the energy space have attracted significant investor interest, with about $5.3 billion reportedly earmarked for grid expansion-related projects through various partnerships.

    Public Reactions Over Power Contrast in Nigeria

    Despite government explanations, the development has sparked criticism online, with many Nigerians pointing to the contrast between the Presidential Villa’s uninterrupted solar power and the country’s broader electricity challenges.

    The debate has once again highlighted concerns about unequal access to stable electricity, especially as millions of households continue to face frequent blackouts and unreliable grid supply across the country.

    Energy Shift Sparks Policy Debate

    While the Federal Government maintains that the solar installation is a cost-saving and efficiency-driven reform, the optics have fueled public discussion around fairness, governance priorities, and Nigeria’s long-standing power crisis. The development is expected to remain a talking point as energy reforms continue to unfold under the current administration.

  • FG Backs Down as Resident Doctors Suspend Planned Strike Over Allowances

    The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has suspended its planned indefinite strike after the Federal Government reversed its position on allowances and pledged to meet key financial demands.

    Allowance Reversal Calms Tension

    The decision followed a major shift by the government on the reviewed Professional Allowance Table (PAT), which had earlier triggered outrage among doctors.

    NARD confirmed that the reversal would take effect immediately, with implementation expected to reflect in April salaries and continue in subsequent payments.

    “The NEC observed that the earlier decision to halt the implementation of the reviewed Professional Allowance Table (PAT) has been reversed, with implementation expected to reflect in the April salary and beyond,” the association stated.

    High-Level Talks Break Deadlock

    The breakthrough came after a series of engagements between the doctors’ body and top government officials.

    NARD said discussions involved President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, and other key stakeholders in the health sector.

    The meetings helped ease tensions that had been building over unpaid allowances and welfare concerns.

    Arrears and Training Fund in Focus

    Beyond the allowance reversal, the government also committed to settling outstanding salary arrears owed to resident doctors.

    According to NARD, the Budget Office has already indicated readiness to begin payment of the nineteen months’ arrears tied to the Professional Allowance.

    The association added that steps are also underway to commence the disbursement of the 2026 Medical Residency Training Fund, a critical support scheme for doctors in training.

    Strike Suspended, Monitoring Continues

    While the strike has been suspended, NARD signalled that it will continue to monitor the government’s compliance with the agreements reached.

    The association maintained that full implementation of the promises will determine its next line of action.

     

  • FG Raises Civil Servants’ Allowances, Approves New Retirement Benefits

    The Federal Government has approved an upward review of allowances and welfare packages for civil servants, alongside a new retirement benefit structure aimed at improving earnings and post-service support.

    Approval announced in Abuja

    The decision was disclosed on Friday in Abuja by the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Didi Walson-Jack, during a briefing following approvals by the Federal Executive Council.

    She said the changes apply to workers under both the Consolidated Public Service Salary Structure and the Consolidated Research and Allied Institutions Salary Structure, affecting a wide range of federal employees.

    According to her, the revised peculiar allowances now cut across all grade levels, leading to improved pay for both junior and senior officers.

    Tour and operational allowances reviewed

    The Federal Government also approved increases in several allowances, including duty tour allowance, estacode, and book allowance.

    Walson-Jack explained that a number of provisions in the Public Service Rules had been updated to reflect current economic realities and improve staff welfare.

    She added that civil servants attending approved training programmes will now receive full duty tour allowance, even when such programmes are held within their duty location.

    New retirement benefit introduced

    A key part of the reform is the introduction of a new exit package for workers under the Contributory Pension Scheme.

    From January 1, 2026, retiring civil servants will receive a lump sum equivalent to their full annual earnings, in addition to their pension entitlements.

    Walson-Jack said the measure is designed to ensure stronger financial security for workers after retirement.

    Employee compensation scheme activated

    The government also announced the full implementation of the Employee Compensation Scheme, which provides support for workers who suffer injuries or die in active service.

    The development is expected to reshape conversations around public sector welfare as it gains attention.