Tag: Nigeria Students

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    It further revealed that some examination results had earlier been withdrawn due to examination malpractice and infractions recorded during the UTME process.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

  • Wike Accuses Fubara of Breaching Impeachment Deal Over Second-Term Move

    Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike has accused Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara of violating a political agreement by pursuing a second-term ambition ahead of the 2027 governorship election.

    Wike made the remarks on Monday while inspecting ongoing and completed infrastructure projects across the Federal Capital Territory, including the Renewed Hope City project in Kassara and the City Gate development being handled by Julius Berger.

    Wike Speaks On Impeachment Agreement

    According to the former Rivers governor, an understanding had earlier been reached that impeachment proceedings against Fubara would be halted on the condition that the governor would not pursue another term in office.

    Wike claimed Fubara breached the agreement by obtaining governorship nomination forms.

    “In the first place, he ought not to have collected the form because the agreement was reached that the impeachment should be dropped, while he should also not talk about a second tenure,” Wike said.

    “With collecting form first, he didn’t show sign of gentlemanship.”

    He further stated that repeated interventions by Bola Ahmed Tinubu had helped calm the political crisis in Rivers State.

    Backs Kingsley Chinda

    Wike also endorsed Kingsley Chinda as a strong candidate, praising his political experience and legislative record.

    “A good product markets itself. Everybody knows that Kingsley Chinda is the material,” he stated.

    The minister added that Chinda’s profile and influence made him a respected political figure across party lines.

    Projects Ready For Commissioning

    During the inspection tour, Wike commended contractors handling several FCT projects and said many of the developments were nearing completion and ready for inauguration.

    He specifically praised First Lady Oluremi Tinubu for conceptualising the City Gate project, describing it as one of her signature initiatives.

    According to him, Julius Berger assured the administration that the project would be delivered by the end of May or early June.

  • Outrage as Nursing Student Allegedly Raped, Killed in Imo Apartment

    A nursing student identified as Chinwendu “Wendy” Achumba has reportedly been raped and murdered in her off-campus apartment in Obowo Local Government Area of Imo State.

    The tragic incident, which has sparked outrage across social media and within the nursing community, reportedly occurred on Thursday evening.

    Body Discovered Inside Apartment

    According to reports, neighbours became worried after repeated attempts to reach the student failed.

    Residents were said to have forced open her apartment door, where they allegedly discovered her lifeless body with severe injuries.

    Wendy, who was reportedly a student of a nursing institution in the state, was said to have been living alone temporarily after her roommates travelled for practical training.

    The incident immediately triggered panic and emotional reactions within the community.

    Suspects Arrested

    Reports indicate that two suspects were later apprehended by local youths and vigilante members before being handed over to the police.

    One of the suspects was identified as a vulcaniser in the area.

    According to viral reports circulating online, the suspects allegedly confessed that the attack happened after one of them reportedly made advances towards the victim which she rejected.

    The claims have, however, not been fully verified independently by authorities.

    Police Launch Investigation

    The Imo State Police Command confirmed the incident and said investigations were ongoing.

    Police spokesperson DSP Henry Okoye reportedly assured residents that efforts were being intensified to ensure everyone connected to the crime faces justice.

    The victim’s body has since been deposited at a morgue.

    Outrage Spreads Online

    The killing has generated widespread anger online, with many Nigerians demanding justice for the deceased student.

    Several social media users also raised concerns over increasing cases of violence against women and insecurity affecting students living off-campus.

    Others called on authorities to improve security around schools and residential areas occupied by students.

  • Police Arrest Lagos Man Over Alleged Fake Ushering Job Scam Targeting BUK Students

    The Zone One Police Headquarters in Kano has arrested a 32-year-old suspect, identified as Richard Peter, over an alleged fake ushering job scam involving students of Bayero University Kano.

    Police authorities also confirmed the recovery of 29 mobile phones and other valuables allegedly stolen from the victims.

    Students Lured With Fake Job Offer

    The development was disclosed in a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer of the zone, DSP Abdullahi Hussaini.

    According to the statement, the suspect, who is said to be from Lagos State, was arrested following a petition submitted to the office of the Assistant Inspector-General of Police by a group of students led by Clementina Paul.

    The students accused the suspect of deceiving them with promises of ushering jobs.

    Police said preliminary investigations revealed that the suspect, through an associate identified as Faith Dauda, allegedly invited 38 female students to Mairabo Hotel located in the Sabon Gari area of Kano on May 10, 2026.

    Phones Allegedly Stolen Inside Hotel

    Upon arriving at the hotel, the students were reportedly instructed to change into work outfits and leave their phones and personal belongings behind because phones were allegedly not allowed at the event venue.

    The statement added that the suspect later took the students to the hotel restaurant and ordered food worth ₦6,000 for each person before disappearing without paying the bill.

    “After eating and waiting for several hours, the victims returned to the room and discovered that their phones and other items had been stolen,” the police statement said.

    Suspect Arrested In Kaduna

    According to the police, one of the stolen phones was later traced to Kano Line Motor Park through intelligence gathering and technical tracking.

    Operatives reportedly moved to the location but discovered the suspect had already boarded a vehicle travelling to Lagos.

    He was eventually intercepted and arrested in Zaria, Kaduna State.

    “Twenty-nine phones and other items belonging to the victims were recovered. The suspect is currently in custody at the Zonal Criminal Investigation Department and will be charged in court upon completion of the investigation,” the statement added.

    Police Issue Public Warning

    The Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of Zone One, Garba Ahmed, commended officers involved in the operation and reaffirmed the command’s commitment to tackling fraud and related crimes.

    The police also advised Nigerians, especially students and job seekers, to verify employment opportunities properly and avoid handing over personal belongings to strangers.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • JAMB Fixes May 11 Policy Meeting to Decide 2026 Admission Cut-Off Marks

    The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has fixed May 11, 2026, for its annual policy meeting to determine admission guidelines for tertiary institutions.

    Meeting to set cut-off marks

    JAMB said the meeting will decide the minimum Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) cut-off marks for universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education for the 2026/2027 academic session.

    The announcement was made in a statement issued on Sunday by the board’s spokesperson, Fabian Benjamin.

    Key stakeholders to attend

    According to JAMB, the meeting will hold in Abuja and bring together major players in the education sector.

    Participants are expected to include vice-chancellors, rectors, provosts, registrars, and admission officers from institutions across the country.

    Representatives of regulatory bodies such as the National Universities Commission, National Commission for Colleges of Education, and the National Board for Technical Education will also be present.

    Minister to unveil policy direction

    The board disclosed that the Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, will outline key policy directions for the upcoming admission cycle.

    JAMB said the meeting will formally set the tone for the admission process and ensure institutions comply with approved guidelines.

    Focus on transparency and coordination

    Benjamin noted that the gathering will allow stakeholders to review challenges affecting admissions and agree on a framework for the new academic session.

    He added that goodwill messages will be delivered by key institutions, including the Nigerian Education Loan Fund and the National Youth Service Corps.

    According to him, this reflects the need for coordinated planning in managing admissions and national manpower development.

    Awards to recognise compliance

    The statement added that the sixth edition of the National Tertiary Admissions Performance-Merit Awards will be held during the event.

    JAMB said the initiative has improved transparency and strengthened adherence to admission guidelines across institutions.

    The outcome of the meeting is expected to guide admission processes for the 2026/2027 academic session.