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FUE Zaria Unveils Five-Year Strategic Plan to Drive Institutional Reforms

The Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University of Education (FUE), Zaria, Professor Yahaya Isa Bunkure, has unveiled the institution’s Five-Year Strategic Plan (2025-2029),to drive and boost institutional reforms.

He said the plan was aimed at achieving academic excellence, digital transformation and sustainable development.

The document which was formally presented at a ceremony held at the TeCETEL Centre of the university was led by the Chairman of the Strategic Planning Committee, Professor Yakubu Magaji Azare of Bayero University, Kano.

Speaking at the unveiling ceremony, Prof. Bunkure said the plan was developed through broad consultations with the university management, staff, students and other stakeholders to provide a clear direction for the institution’s growth over the next five years.

Recall that Federal University of Education Zaria was recently converted to university from its earlier status of Federal College of Education.

The Vice Chancellor noted that the document emerged from a comprehensive assessment of the university’s strengths, challenges, opportunities and future aspirations.

He added that it contains clearly defined objectives, implementation strategies, key performance indicators (KPIs) and timelines for measuring progress.

According to the Vice-Chancellor, the plan also incorporates a robust monitoring and evaluation framework designed to promote transparency, accountability and prudent management of resources.

He expressed optimism that the blueprint would enhance the university’s ability to respond to emerging trends in higher education while advancing its vision of becoming a globally recognised institution distinguished by excellence in teaching, research, innovation, entrepreneurship, character development and community service.

Presenting highlights of the document, Prof. Azare said the strategic plan is anchored on nine priority areas that will shape the university’s development between 2025 and 2029.

He explained that a major component of the plan is the transformation of FUE Zaria into a Smart University through the deployment of modern digital technologies, including smart campus facilities and Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems.

It will also transform cloud-based services, smart classrooms, Learning Management Systems (LMS), integrated digital governance platforms and strengthened cyber security infrastructure.

Prof. Azare added that the plan places emphasis on improving academic quality through curriculum review, enhanced accreditation processes, innovative teaching methods, quality assurance and continuous staff development.

He said it also seeks to strengthen research and innovation by expanding research funding, improving research infrastructure, promoting industry collaborations and commercialising research outputs.

Other priorities, he said, include rehabilitation and expansion of physical infrastructure, improved healthcare and student support services, stronger community engagement and enhanced institutional governance.

The committee chairman further disclosed that the implementation framework provides measurable annual targets to ensure effective monitoring, periodic evaluation and continuous improvement throughout the lifespan of the plan.

Heartland Queens deny loaning player to AS Bolonta

Heartland Football Club has distanced its Technical Manager, Emmanuel Amuneke, from a purported letter approving the temporary loan of a Heartland Queens player to Guinea’s Association Sportive de Bolonta (AS Bolonta) for the CAF Women’s Champions League qualifiers.

In an official disclaimer issued yesterday, the Owerri club described the document as unauthorized, stressing that Amuneke had no connection whatsoever with it.

The club clarified that Amuneke’s appointment and authority are ‘strictly limited to the technical management of Heartland Football Club (Men’s Team)’ and that he has ‘no administrative, executive, or statutory authority over the affairs of Heartland Queens Football Club.’

Heartland further stated that the signature on the circulated document was not Amuneke’s and that the letter was neither issued, approved nor authorized by him or the club’s management.

The club also disclosed that Heartland Queens head coach, Obi Ogbala, confirmed he had no knowledge of the purported correspondence.

According to the statement, Heartland FC has completely dissociated Amuneke from the document and urged the public, football authorities, the media and other stakeholders to disregard any attempt to link either the former Super Eagles star or the club to the unauthorized letter.

The club reaffirmed its commitment to professionalism, accountability and institutional integrity, adding that it would investigate the origin of the document and pursue appropriate administrative and legal action against those responsible for the unauthorized use of the club’s name and the misrepresentation of its officials.

POS operator arrested for allegedly raping minor in Kwara

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has arrested a 36-year-old Point of Sale (POS) operator in Ilorin, Kwara State, over allegations of repeated sexual assaults on a 14 year old girl.

The Corps alleged that the suspect lured the teenager to his business premises and later to an uncompleted building, where the assaults reportedly occurred on different occasions.

The suspect, identified as AbdulGaniyu AbdulRahman, was apprehended by operatives of the NSCDC Kwara State Command following a complaint filed by the girl’s father at the Command’s Gender Unit.

According to the Command, the father alleged that his teenage daughter had been subjected to repeated sexual abuse by the suspect, prompting an investigation that led to his arrest.

Preliminary findings by investigators indicated that the suspect, who operates a POS business at Alfa Yahaya in the Adeta area of Ilorin, allegedly became acquainted with the victim through his business outlet.

Investigators said the suspect allegedly exploited the relationship by repeatedly inviting the teenager to his shop and later to an uncompleted building where he allegedly sexually assaulted her on different occasions.

The Command further disclosed that the suspect threatened to kill the victim if she revealed the incidents to anyone, causing the teenager to remain silent out of fear for some time.

During the investigation, the victim also said on one occasion the suspect gave her a locally prepared herbal mixture and instructed her to drink it, after which she reportedly became weak and disoriented.

The Command said the victim was subjected to medical examination as part of the investigation, with the report indicating evidence of a previous hymenal injury associated with sexual activity.

NSCDC said the suspect would be arraigned before a competent court upon the conclusion of investigations.

State Commandant of the Corps, Abbas Nda Mohammed, condemned the incident and all forms of violence, abuse and exploitation involving children.

He described offences against minors as unacceptable and a serious violation of their rights, dignity and wellbeing.

The Commandant reiterated the Corps’ commitment to protecting children and other vulnerable members of society, warning that anyone found culpable of offences involving minors would face the full weight of the law.

He also urged parents and guardians to maintain close communication with their children, remain attentive to behavioural changes that could signal abuse, and promptly report suspected cases to security agencies to enable swift intervention.

Kogi: Catholic priest found dead with machete wound

A Catholic priest, Rev. Fr. Samuel Opeyemi of St. Paul Parish, Ayetoro Gbede, was found dead along Church Road in Ajaokuta, Kogi State, with multiple machete wounds.

Residents discovered the cleric’s body on Friday morning, while the circumstances surrounding his death remain unclear.

‘His assailants must have attacked him several times with machetes. We noticed multiple cuts on his body. The circumstances surrounding his killing, including the identity of his attackers, are yet to be established,’ a source in the Catholic Church in Ajaokuta said.

The slain cleric was born in Egbe, Yagba land, and was a native of Ayetoro in Ijumu Local Government Area of Kogi State.

His death has thrown the Catholic community and residents of the area into mourning.

Confirming the incident, the Kogi State Police Command’s spokesperson, ASP Saliu Oyiza Afusat, said the police received a report on Thursday, July 30, 2026, at about 9:30 p.m. that the lifeless body of an unidentified man had been found by the roadside along Church Road in Ajaokuta.

‘Operatives promptly mobilised to the scene, where it was observed that the deceased had sustained severe machete cuts to the head.

‘The body was evacuated to the ASCL Hospital, where he was confirmed dead by a medical doctor, and was thereafter deposited at the mortuary for autopsy.

‘The deceased was later identified as Rev. Fr. Samuel Opeyemi of St. Paul Parish, Ayetoro Gbede, Ijumu LGA, Kogi State.

‘The case is currently under investigation, and efforts are ongoing to apprehend those responsible for the killing,’ she said.

The police spokesperson added that the command would provide further updates as the investigation progresses.

DOE: Incentives to areas hosting nuclear facility

The Department of Energy (DOE) is drafting a circular that will provide incentives to communities hosting the country’s first nuclear power project.

The measure is said to be part of the Marcos administration’s push to diversify the country’s energy sources and lower electricity costs.

In a virtual press briefing earlie this week, DOE Secretary Sharon Garin said the proposed policy would grant benefits to the ‘pioneer’ nuclear project, including discounted electricity for communities located near the facility.

Under the proposal, a 1,000-megawatt nuclear power plant would allocate 50 megawatts of electricity to its host community.

‘If you are within the designated radius, your electricity could be free,’ Garin said, adding that the policy aims to encourage greater interest and acceptance of nuclear energy projects.

She added that nuclear power is a reliable baseload energy source that can provide a stable electricity supply while supporting the country’s long-term energy security goals.

Garin also reported continued progress in the government’s Energy Projects of National Significance program, saying nearly 10,000 megawatts of additional generating capacity is moving toward completion during the present administration.

She said 45 energy projects have already been completed, while 31 more are expected to be finished this year. Another 124 projects are scheduled for completion by 2028.

The DOE chief added that more than 1,700 megawatts of battery energy storage systems are also being developed to improve the reliability and flexibility of the country’s power grid.

According to Garin, these projects are expected to provide a more dependable electricity supply for households, hospitals, schools, and businesses while helping create jobs and attract investments.

She said the President’s fifth State of the Nation Address (SONA) has set the direction for the department’s work in the coming year, with priorities focused on strengthening energy security, facilitating investments, and making electricity more affordable for Filipino families.

No legal basis for LGU traffic enforcers to confiscate driver’s licenses – LTO

There are no existing laws that allow traffic enforcers from local government units to confiscate drivers’ licenses, according to the Land Transportation Office (LTO).

The agency said local enforcers are only authorized to issue citation tickets to traffic violators.

The clarification came after the LGU of Bacoor, Cavite, posted on social media on Wednesday, July 29, that its traffic enforcers are authorized to confiscate drivers’ licenses from violators within the city under a local ordinance.

‘The recent Supreme Court ruling applies only to Metro Manila LGUs under the MMDA. Bacoor, being outside Metro Manila, continues to exercise its authority under the Local Government Code and its duly enacted ordinances,’ the LGU’s statement read.

The LTO countered this, saying that existing Supreme Court jurisprudence does not grant traffic enforcement officers the general authority to confiscate motorists’ licenses.

It also clarified that it is currently implementing Department of Transportation Memorandum Circular No. 001-2026, which provides for a “no-confiscation” policy on drivers’ licenses during apprehensions.

‘Bilang pagsunod sa kautusan, pansamantalang hindi kinukumpiska ng mga law enforcement officers na may deputasyon mula sa LTO ang driver’s license ng mga motoristang lumalabag sa batas-trapiko,’ LTO’s statement read.

(In compliance with the order, LTO-deputized law enforcement officers are temporarily refraining from confiscating the driver’s licenses of motorists violating traffic laws.)

Under the guidelines, instead of confiscation, traffic violations are digitally recorded, and motorists are given 15 days to settle fines before facing license suspension.

The LTO urged LGUs, traffic enforcement agencies, and motorists to comply with existing laws and regulations to ensure the fair implementation of traffic laws across the country.

Dennis Padilla still hoping to reconcile with Julia, Claudia after surname change petition

Veteran actor Dennis Padilla said he no longer harbors bitterness toward his children, particularly daughters Julia and Claudia Barretto, despite their decision to legally use their mother’s surname.

His remarks came after Julia and Claudia filed a petition to change their surname from Baldivia-Dennis’ real surname-to Barretto, the surname of their mother, actress Marjorie Barretto.

Speaking to entertainment reporters during the Maddox Iconic Runway Diamond Jewelry Fashion Show 2026 at the Shangri-La Hotel in Mandaluyong City on July 30, Dennis admitted that the decision was painful but said he has chosen to respond with understanding.

‘Well, ganu’n naman talaga. Habang tumatawid ka sa mga pagsubok, kailangan tawiran mo lang siya with dignity, tawiran mo lang siya ng buong tapang. Sigurado akong nababasa naman ng Panginoon kung ano ang laman ng puso mo,’ he said.

The actor said he respects his children’s decisions now that they are adults and remains hopeful that they can mend their relationship.

‘All of them are adults. They can decide. Sabi ko nga, sa magulang, kung ano man ang desisyon na iyon, kapag masaya ang anak, automatic, masaya ang magulang. I’m still hoping na sana before September magkausap man lang kami,’ he added.

Asked about critics who accuse him of using his children to stay in the public eye, Dennis said he respects both positive and negative opinions.

‘Respeto na lang din natin iyong mga negative or positive opinions. Respect their opinions. Pilipino tayo, nagbibigayan tayo ng respeto sa opinyon ng bawat isa.’

He also denied making indirect posts about his family on social media.

‘Never naman ako nagpaparinig sa social media. Nagpo-post ako, ano ba ang mga posts ko? Happy birthday. Merry Christmas. Happy Valentine’s.’

Dennis and Marjorie Barretto also have a son, Leon. Marjorie’s eldest daughter, Dani Barretto, is from her previous relationship with actor Kier Legaspi.

Dennis and Marjorie were married for 12 years before separating in 2007. Their marriage was annulled two years later. Since then, the actor has had a strained relationship with his children, although he has repeatedly expressed his desire to reconcile with them.

Philex sees sustained Padcal mining operations this year

Pangilinan-led Philex Mining Corp. expects to sustain operations for its Padcal mine in Benguet through the rest of the year, following the completion of rehabilitation works.

Philex, one of the largest gold producers and oldest miner in the country, said rehabilitation works on the secondary and tertiary crushing plant at its Padcal mine have been completed.

The company expressed confidence the upgrade would help sustain mining operations for the rest of 2026.

It added that continued strength in gold and copper prices is expected to further support profitability.

For its Silangan project, Philex said its general contractor for the process plant, EEI Corp., has been making progress in various stages of turning over completed areas to its unit Silangan Mindanao Mining Co., Inc. (SMMCI).

SMMCI and its lead consultant, Ausenco Pty. Ltd, will conduct progressive commissioning of the process plant, on track to meet its completion target by the fourth quarter of 2026.

Once operational, the Silangan project is expected to broaden Philex’s mineral portfolio and lessen its dependence on the nearly 68-year-old Padcal mine in Benguet.

Meanwhile, Philex reported a net income of P392 million recorded in the second quarter, more than double the P171 million recorded in the same period last year.

The company’s revenues likewise rose by 30 percent to P2.423 billion during the three-month period from P1.86 billion the previous year.

Padcal mine produced 1.56 million tons during the period, with gold output reaching 4,011 ounces and copper production at 3.39 million pounds.

The company’s average copper price stood at $6.23 per pound, higher than the $4.09 per pound in last year.

Realized gold prices averaged at $4,136 per ounce in the April to June period, up 65 percent from the $2,504 per ounce the same period last year.

EDITORIAL – Still waiting for solutions

Even as the nation grapples with persistent problems of inflation, corruption and political turbulence, it must not be forgotten that schools continue to face a growing threat of violence.

In New Washington, Aklan, a 52-year-old teacher died on July 28, two days after being punched several times by a 19-year-old following an argument at a gathering.

The Alliance of Concerned Teachers expressed alarm, pointing out that the incident is not an isolated case. ACT had only recently lamented the case of another teacher who was shown on video being beaten by two students at the gymnasium of the Elizalde National High School in Maco, Davao de Oro.

ACT lamented the lack of protection for teachers, and the weakness of their authority to enforce discipline in schools. The injured teacher filed a complaint against the two siblings, who were turned over to the local social welfare office.

While acknowledging the rights of juvenile offenders, ACT also lamented ‘the deepening culture of impunity and lack of accountability that continues to permeate society.’

‘When abuses of power, violations of human rights, and criminal acts are routinely tolerated, excused or left unpunished, they shape the values and behavior of the youth,’ ACT declared in a statement.

In Biliran, Leyte, police on a routine visit last Wednesday at the Pulang Bato Elementary School found a Grade 6 student in possession of a .38-caliber revolver.

On the same day in Isabela, Basilan, the city police also took into custody a 12-year-old boy who smuggled a gun into the Geras Integrated School. The boy’s 15-year-old brother later went to the school and threatened the principal and teachers for reporting the incident to the police.

In Tacloban City, two students aged 14 and 15 went on a shooting rampage on June 22, killing schoolmates Chris Lorenz Fabian, Alyessa Nicole Dazo and Joyancee Separa. The killers, who have reportedly shown no remorse, are in a social welfare reform facility.

Since the killing in Tacloban, wherein parents of the slain students lamented that the 14-year-old who fired nearly all the shots would go unpunished, classes in several schools across the country have been disrupted by bombing and shooting threats.

While there are many factors that drive youths to commit horrific acts of violence, the idea that youth offenders in this country go unpunished is contributing to the problem. The nation is still waiting for solutions.

Nigeria’s budgeting system needs shake up

Nigeria’s budgeting system has, over the years, come under intense scrutiny due to its inability to deliver the desired level of development and public service. As Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) of government continue to grapple with little or no release of budgeted and approved funds, there is an urgent need to reform the nation’s budgeting process. A budget should serve as a practical roadmap for national development, not merely an annual ritual that raises expectations only to leave them unmet.

The current situation is particularly troubling, with Nigeria said to be implementing the 2024, 2025 and 2026 budgets simultaneously. Such an abnormal situation creates confusion, delays project execution and weakens public confidence in government planning. It also makes it difficult to accurately assess performance, monitor expenditure and hold public officials accountable for the implementation of approved projects.

At the centre of this challenge are numerous projects captured in the budgets of various MDAs that are yet to be executed because of funding constraints.

Equally disturbing are the recurring allegations and counter allegations of budget padding and the insertion of strange projects into the national budget. Year after year, controversies emerge over provisions that were allegedly smuggled into appropriation bills without due scrutiny. Such practices undermine the credibility of the budgeting process and fuel public distrust in government institutions.

Indeed, many items contained in the national budget remain nothing more than a mirage. Some government agencies are reportedly allocated funds for projects that have little or nothing to do with their statutory mandates. This misalignment not only wastes scarce public resources but also diverts attention from the core responsibilities for which such agencies were established. Every budget item should directly contribute to the mandate of the implementing institution.

Nigeria’s budgets have also become unnecessarily bloated and should be made more realistic by expunging non-essential items. A leaner and more focused budget would improve implementation, reduce waste and ensure that available resources are channelled towards projects with measurable impact on the lives of citizens. Government must resist the temptation to include politically motivated expenditures that offer little value to the economy.

The recent statement credited to a principal member of the House of Representatives that about one billion naira inserted into the budget was meant for youth engagement, community outreach and church instruments within his constituency is, to say the least, unfortunate. Such revelations reinforce concerns about misplaced priorities in the appropriation process. At a time when millions of Nigerians are grappling with economic hardship, every naira in the national budget should be devoted to projects that promote national development and improve the welfare of the people.

The Budget Office has a significant responsibility to ensure that unnecessary items inserted into the budget are identified and removed before final approval. Likewise, the National Assembly must discharge its oversight functions with transparency and integrity, ensuring that oversight does not appear to be a witch hunt or a tool for political bargaining. Lawmakers should also make their own budget realistic and resist the inclusion of unnecessary projects. On its part, the Executive, through the MDAs, must ensure that only essential, well-conceived and implementable projects are proposed for funding. Furthermore, the Ministry of Finance should guarantee the prompt release of funds, especially for time bound projects, while the EFCC and the ICPC must diligently monitor disbursements to ensure that public funds do not end up in private hands.

As 2027 beckons, Nigerians deserve a budgeting system that genuinely reflects the aspirations and priorities of the people rather than one distorted by selfish interests and unnecessary insertions. Budget reform is no longer optional but imperative if the nation is to achieve sustainable development, fiscal discipline and improved governance. A transparent, realistic and efficiently implemented budget will restore public confidence, accelerate national development and ensure that every appropriated naira delivers meaningful value to the citizens.