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The management of Delta State University (DELSU), Abraka, has suspended a 200-level Biotechnology student, Ezi Ugoma, for sharing a disturbing TikTok video showing a dying student at the institution’s health centre.

Ugoma was accused of filming a fellow student who was, allegedly, suffering from abortion complications and uploading the footage to TikTok, sparking outrage among students and the public.

In a letter dated 21 October 2025, signed by the Principal Assistant Registrar (Students), Ughwumiakpor A., on behalf of the Deputy Registrar (Students), the university described Ugoma’s action as ‘gross misconduct’ and a violation of her matriculation oath.

According to the letter, the case was first presented before the Students’ Disciplinary Committee (SDC), which sat on 21, 22, and 25 August 2025. The committee, after deliberating on the evidence and hearing Ugoma’s defence, recommended her rustication for four semesters.

The Vice-Chancellor, Professor Samuel Asagba, subsequently approved the recommendation, with the suspension taking effect from the 2025/2026 academic session. This means Ugoma will not be eligible to resume her studies until the 2027/2028 session.

The disciplinary letter partly read:

‘After due consideration of the Committee’s report, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Samuel O. Asagba, has approved the recommendation that you be rusticated for four (4) semesters with effect from the 2025/2026 academic session.’

The management emphasised that Ugoma’s conduct not only violated the ethical standards expected of DELSU students but also brought the university’s image into disrepute.

‘Your action constitutes gross misconduct and a breach of your matriculation oath,’ the letter stated.

Copies of the disciplinary decision have been sent to Ugoma’s sponsors and other relevant university authorities, underscoring DELSU’s commitment to upholding discipline and ethical responsibility within its community.

A fuller excerpt of the letter read:

‘You will recall that you appeared before the Students’ Disciplinary Committee (SDC) held on Thursday 21st, Friday 22nd, and Monday 25th August 2025, to defend yourself against the allegation of gross misconduct – a breach of your matriculation oath – arising from the inappropriate filming of a dying student at the University Health Centre and posting the footage on TikTok.

‘After due consideration of the Committee’s report, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Samuel Asagba, has approved the recommendation that you be rusticated for four (4) semesters with effect from the 2025/2026 academic session. You are to resume your studies in the 2027/2028 session.’

The Commandant General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Prof. Ahmed Abubakar Audi, has ordered the deployment of over 10,000 operatives to strengthen security during the Anambra State Governorship Election scheduled for Saturday, November 8, 2025.

While addressing State Commandants and Heads of Tactical Squads, Audi said the deployment was aimed at ensuring effective collaboration with the Nigeria Police, which is the lead agency for election duties. He noted that with proper coordination and cooperation among security agencies, the state would experience a violence-free election.

The National Public Relations Officer of the NSCDC, Babawale Afolabi, disclosed this in a statement on Thursday in Abuja.

The NSCDC boss further revealed that the 10,250 operatives deployed for the election were drawn from the National Headquarters Tactical Squad, Zone 13 in Awka, and commands in Anambra, Edo, Kogi, Imo, Abia, Delta, Rivers, Enugu, Ebonyi, and Bayelsa States. He assured the public of a peaceful and hitch-free election.

In his address, Audi warned desperate politicians against making inciting statements or engaging in actions that could lead to violence before, during, or after the governorship election.

‘The Anambra election is slated for Saturday, November 8. All intelligence and undercover personnel are to proceed immediately to man identified flashpoints. Tactical forces are to commence round-the-clock patrols, while operatives deployed to polling units and collation centres must adhere strictly to the posting order,’ he said.

‘Based on the resolution of the Inter-agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES), the NSCDC, alongside other security agencies on election duty, will monitor the election process and provide adequate security for election materials and electoral officials. You are hereby directed to be professional in discharging your duties and to respect the fundamental human rights of citizens.’

United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has called for an urgent acceleration in the global rollout of early warning systems, describing them as essential to saving lives and protecting economies from the growing impacts of extreme weather and climate change.

Speaking at the World Meteorological Organisation’s (WMO) Extraordinary Congress in Geneva, Switzerland, marking the agency’s 75th anniversary, Guterres urged governments, development banks and the private sector to increase investment in meteorological infrastructure, data systems and forecasting capacity.

‘Without your rigorous modelling and forecasting, we would not know what lies ahead – or how to prepare for it,’ Guteres said.

‘Without your long-term monitoring, we wouldn’t benefit from the warnings and guidance that protect communities and save millions of lives and billions of dollars each year.’

The event marked the midpoint of the Early Warnings for All initiative, launched by Guterres in 2022 to ensure that everyone on Earth is protected by life-saving early warnings by 2027. WMO secretary-general Celeste Saulo issued a call to action, urging countries to scale up multi-hazard early warning systems, expand observing networks and strengthen impact-based forecasting.

‘It is a moment of profound opportunity to harness climate intelligence and technological advances to build a more resilient future for all,’ said Saulo. ‘We must leave nobody behind.’

According to the WMO, every dollar invested in early warning systems can yield up to 15 dollars saved in reduced disaster impacts, provided countries commit to open data exchange, sustainable financing and international standards.

Guterres outlined three priorities for accelerating progress: embedding early-warning systems into government policies and budgets; boosting financing and easing debt burdens for developing countries; and delivering new climate action plans aligned with limiting global warming to 1.5°C.

Progress has been made. As of 2024, the WMO says 108 countries report having some capacity for multi-hazard early warning systems, more than double the 52 countries in 2015, and this has increased further in 2025.

Praising the WMO as ‘a barometer of truth’, Guterres said global cooperation, backed by modern forecasting technologies and robust data networks, will be critical to ensuring universal life-saving early warning coverage by 2027.

President Bola Tinubu has approved the constitution of the National Steering

Committee for the Renewed Hope Ward Development Programme (RHWDP), a flagship initiative designed to accelerate economic activity, enhance livelihoods, and strengthen social protection at the grassroots.

The Committee was inaugurated on Tuesday, 28th October, 2025.

Pursuant to the above Mr. President appointed Governor AbdulRahman

AbdulRazaq of Kwara State as the Chairman of the National Steering Committee, while Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, shall serve as Vice Chairman.

Other members of the committee appointed by Mr. President to represent the six geopolitical zones on the National Steering Committee.

They are: Governor Mai Mala Buni of Yobe State (North-East); Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa State (South-South); Ogun, Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State (South-West); Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State (South-East); Governor Dikko Umar Radda of Katsina State (North-West); and Governor Hyacinth Alia of Plateau State (North-Central).

In view of the urgency of the Committee’s mandate, the inaugural meeting of the Committee was held on Wednesday, 29th October 2025, at the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) Secretariat, Abuja.

The meeting, chaired by the NGF Chairman, Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara State, marked a major step toward operationalizing Mr. President’s ward-based development strategy across Nigeria’s 8,809 wards.

With this inaugural meeting, progress has begun toward achieving the

objectives of the RHWDP, which include the rollout of implementation

frameworks, coordination structures, and resource-mobilization mechanisms across all tiers of government.

Governor AbdulRahman reaffirmed NGF’s commitment to working closely with the Federal Government to ensure that the Renewed Hope Ward Development Programme delivers measurable impact at the grassroots and strengthens Nigeria’s pathway to inclusive growth.

Bowen University, Iwo, Osun State, will on Saturday graduate 1,064 students from its various colleges, marking the institution’s 20th convocation ceremony.

The Vice-Chancellor, Professor Jonathan Babalola, announced this on Wednesday during a press conference to herald the event.

He said the graduands had been developed intellectually, socially, and morally in line with the university’s vision of raising godly leaders. According to him, ‘the graduands have been nurtured intellectually, socially, and morally in line with the university vision of raising godly leaders who combine character with competence, adding that their journey through the university reflects resilience, hard work, and the pursuit of excellence, the values that define the Bowen brand.’

Professor Babalola noted that 143 students earned First Class Honours, 394 students obtained Second Class Honours (Upper Division), 221 graduates finished with Second Class Honours (Lower Division), 69 students made Third Class, and 5 students graduated with a Pass.

He added that 18 candidates are completing Postgraduate Diplomas, 26 will receive Master’s degrees, and 9 scholars will earn Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degrees.

The Vice Chancellor described the convocation as more than a ceremony, saying, ‘Bowen University convocation is not merely a ceremony of certificates. It is a celebration of dreams realized, futures ignited, and excellence sustained.’

He also emphasized the institution’s commitment to research and capacity building among its staff.

‘The graduation of 1,064 students at this 20th Convocation Ceremony brings the total number of Bowen University alumni to an impressive 18,734 since the inaugural convocation in 2006, which produced 383 pioneering graduands. This remarkable growth reflects Bowen’s steady pursuit of academic excellence and character formation. We remain unwavering in our commitment to this legacy of raising men and women of integrity, competence, and purpose, who continue to distinguish themselves across diverse fields and bring enduring honour to Bowen.’

Other highlights of the 20th convocation include the conferment of honorary degrees on three distinguished Nigerians who have contributed significantly to national development.

They are Deacon ‘Wole Abegunde, former Group Managing Director of Meristem Securities Limited and immediate past Pro-Chancellor of Bowen University, who will receive a Doctor of

Business Administration (Honoris Causa).

Dr. Adebukola Omotoso Abiola, Founder and CEO of Preston Healthcare, USA, will receive a Doctor of Science (Honoris Causa), while Captain Edward Boyo, founder and CEO of Overland Airways and Landover Company Limited, will be honoured with a Doctor of Business Administration (Honoris Causa).

Professor Babalola urged the government to strengthen the role of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) in maintaining order in tertiary admissions. He also called for support for private universities through government intervention funds such as TetFund and NELFUND.

As part of activities marking the convocation, Professor Emerita Ekanem Ikpi Braide, OFR, a renowned scientist, will deliver the convocation lecture on Friday, October 31, 2025.

Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, on Thursday flagged off an investigation into allegations bordering on illegal tax deductions and various charges affecting the earnings of civil and public servants, as well as excessive bank fees imposed on Nigerians.

Hon. Tajudeen, who spoke in Abuja during the inauguration of the ad hoc committee chaired by Hon. Kelechi Nwogu, reiterated the House’s resolve to strengthen the principles of justice and equity in the country.

Represented by the Minority Whip, Hon. Usman Kumo, Speaker Tajudeen said: ‘As representatives of the people, we are entrusted with the duty to uphold transparency, accountability, and fairness in our financial systems.

‘The deductions faced by our public servants raise serious concerns. These dedicated individuals, who work tirelessly for our nation, should not bear the burden of unjust financial practices that diminish their earnings.

‘Moreover, the issue of multiple bank charges erodes public trust and places an undue strain on citizens’ finances. The demands for transparency and fairness in banking cannot be ignored; they require our immediate attention.’

He assured that the committee would work diligently and with integrity, engaging stakeholders across various sectors to uncover the truth and provide actionable recommendations for reform that protect the rights of citizens.

‘I encourage each member to approach this task with collaboration and an open mind. Together, we have the opportunity to enact meaningful change and restore confidence in our financial institutions.

‘Let us remember that our efforts aim to ensure that every Nigerian has a voice and that our actions will shape a just financial landscape for future generations.’

On his part, the chairman of the ad hoc committee investigating the deduction of taxes and sundry charges from the earnings of civil and public servants, as well as the multiple bank charges on customers’ accounts in Nigeria, disclosed that the investigation aimed to identify irregularities, recommend essential reforms, and advocate for the rights of all Nigerians.

He said: ‘This committee has been established in response to concerns expressed by public servants and citizens regarding the complexities surrounding tax deductions and the various bank charges impacting Nigerians.

‘We acknowledge that these issues have contributed to confusion and a lack of trust among our populace. As their representatives, it is our responsibility to address these concerns directly and ensure that financial practices promote justice and equity.

‘Today marks a pivotal moment in our commitment to transparency and fairness. This committee is tasked with investigating the nature and application of taxes, levies, and salary deductions affecting civil and public servants, including any instances of non-remittance of these funds.

‘Additionally, we will scrutinise the range of bank charges imposed on customer accounts, including Value Added Tax (VAT) applicable to existing charges.

‘We aim to identify any irregularities, recommend essential reforms, and advocate for the rights of all Nigerians. We will evaluate the impact of these deductions and charges to ensure they are just and transparent.

‘As we progress, we are prepared to make far-reaching and decisive recommendations, not minding whose ox is gored, and will not hesitate to utilise the full authority of the Legislature when necessary.

‘I encourage each of you-Honourable Members, industry experts, and stakeholders-to engage in this investigation with open minds and a collaborative spirit. Your contributions are essential as we seek effective solutions.

‘We encourage participation from a diverse range of stakeholders throughout this process. Together, we can facilitate the establishment of a more equitable financial environment for all Nigerians.’

Benue State Ministry of Health and Human Services have begun surveillance on those who had contact with a 54 year old woman who recently died of confirmed lassa fever in the state.

Consequently, some residents of Ogbadibo and neighbouring Okpokwu Local Government Areas in the state were said to be in panic.

The Nigerian Tribune learnt that the deceased woman from Ogbadibo LGA had died on Sunday at the Benue State University Teaching Hospital, Makurdi, where laboratory analysis confirmed Lassa fever.

Her remains were reported to have been taken to a private morgue in Ugbokolo, Okpokwu LGA and during the burial, youths in her community in Ogbadibo were reported to have forcefully taken the bodies away.

The State Commissioner of Health and Human Services, Dr Paul Ogwuche who confirmed this to newsmen on Thursday, said that he had led a high-powered delegation of health officials and security operatives to the two LGAs.

According to Dr. Ogwuche, the team moved to ensure public safety, containment, and restoration of order after reports indicated that the corpse of a Lassa fever victim was forcefully taken away by community youths.

He said, ‘During initial response efforts, the Ministry’s Rapid Response Team was confronted by some agitated youths while trying to conduct a safe burial.

‘Through intensive dialogue with the family, traditional rulers, and youth leaders, the body was successfully retrieved and safely buried in Orokam (Ogbadibo LGA) by the State Safe Burial Team, in line with WHO and NCDC protocols,’ the commissioner said.

Dr Ogwuche added that he had directed the closure of the private hospital and mortuary where the corpse had been kept, pending full decontamination, disinfection, and epidemiological investigation.

He further directed that all hospital staff and close contacts be placed under surveillance to ensure no secondary infection occurs.

The commissioner said, ‘all community and facility contacts have been identified, and health education sessions have been carried out across Ogbadibo and Okpokwu LGAs to enhance awareness, promote hygiene, and prevent panic’, adding, ‘public health safety is our top priority.’

While commending the cooperation of the local government chairmen, traditional rulers and security operatives, Dr Ogwuche said that government would not allow any act that endangers the lives of its citizens.

The commissioner however appealed to residents of the state to avoid handling corpses of persons who die from suspected infectious diseases, and to report any prolonged fever or bleeding symptoms to the nearest health facility without delay.

Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has described his Ekiti State counterpart, Governor Biodun Oyebanji, as a beacon of progress, prudence, and performance in the Southwest.

He added that the development strides in Ekiti are a testament to transformative leadership that has turned electioneering promises into tangible and visible progress.

Aiyedatiwa stated this while commissioning the Itawure-Okemesi Road, electricity power project, and the newly renovated General Hospital, Okemesi, in the Ekiti West Local Government Area of Ekiti State.

He noted that in just three years of Governor Oyebanji’s administration, the state has witnessed unprecedented infrastructural revitalisation, improved social and economic development, and governance anchored on integrity, accountability, and compassion – one that continually puts the people at the centre of government policies and programmes.

According to him, ‘As I join you to commission the Itawure to Okemesi Road, the General Hospital, and the electricity project, I see modern structures of stones, steel, and cables; I see symbols of vision, commitment, and humanity. These projects represent the lifeblood of progress – roads that connect opportunities, a hospital that preserves lives, and electricity that brings light to the people. They are enduring legacies of a leader who listens, plans, and delivers.

‘When you build a road, you create access and increase economic activity in the area. The hospital we unveil embodies the sanctity of life and the compassion of a government that truly cares. Indeed, these are landmarks of legacy, and your name, Your Excellency, is indelibly inscribed in the chronicles of Ekiti’s development history.’

Aiyedatiwa noted that the bond between Ondo and Ekiti states transcends boundaries, describing it as one of shared heritage, shared destiny, and shared aspirations for the renaissance of the Yoruba nation within the Nigerian federation.

He described the Southwest as a region defined by excellence, inspired by visionary leaders like Governor Oyebanji, who perceive governance not as an entitlement but as a sacred trust and divine stewardship.

‘Your Excellency, permit me, with every sense of sincerity, to acknowledge the testimonies of the good people of Ekiti State. Some have just been mentioned by those who gave their goodwill messages – that your sterling performance in the past three years has been wonderful. Your strides in education, healthcare, agriculture, infrastructure, and youth empowerment reflect the qualities of progressive development, which have been the hallmark of the Southwestern region, of which we are part.

‘The entire Southwest is proud of your record, and we, your brothers in Ondo State, rejoice with you today in faith and in fellowship,’ Governor Aiyedatiwa added.

Earlier, Governor Oyebanji explained that the commissioning of the three projects in the community was aimed at connecting it to civilisation, adding that the facilities would help transform the local economy and bring about significant development to the people.

While affirming that no fewer than ten roads would be commissioned during the third anniversary of his administration, Governor Oyebanji urged critics of his government on social media to visit their communities and see the level of development his administration has achieved in just three years.

Oyebanji said, ‘Your Excellency, this is the fourth road project we are commissioning, and we have six more to go. So, when I hear some people on social media saying that we have not done anything, I always say, yes, but come home – because most people don’t leave their comfort zones, they are not connected to their communities, and they don’t know what is happening at home. But I hope they are watching and seeing their people appreciating what government is doing.’

The Commissioner for Works, Sola Adebayo, said the road project demonstrates the Governor’s unwavering determination to entrench the dividends of democracy across every stratum of the state.

Speaking on the commissioning of the General Hospital, the Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Dr. Oyebanji Filani, commended Governor Oyebanji for providing all the necessary support to upgrade the infrastructure of all General Hospitals in the state, noting that the Governor firmly believes that productivity is hinged on good health.

Filani also emphasised the importance of not only renovating hospital facilities but equipping them with the necessary tools for effective service delivery, noting that each centre now has a laboratory, theatre services, beds in the wards, a delivery room, and other essential equipment.

The President of the Federation of Okemesi Improvement Unions, Nath Olaoye; the Owa Ooye of Okemesi, HRM Oba Gbadebo Adedeji; and former Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Wale Fapohunda, SAN, who spoke on behalf of the community, appreciated Governor Oyebanji for the unprecedented development strides recorded in the town.

No fewer than five persons lost their lives in a fatal auto crash that occurred at Oyin junction in Ilu Abo in Akure North local government area of Ondo state.

The accident which involves a Nissan Sunny car and a DAF tipper truck occurred when a they had a head-on collision, leaving five of the passengers dead while two other sustained injuries.

An eyewitness stated that the victims were on their way to the popular Ogbese Market, at the outskirts of Akure, for the weekly trading when the incident happened.

Some of the victims of the accident were rushed to the hospital for treatment while the remains of the dead victims were deposited at Federal Medical Center, Owo.

While confirming the incident, the Ondo State Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Dr. Samuel Ibitoye, attributed the cause of the crash to over speeding on the part of the drivers

‘Seven people were involved, five were killed – comprising one male adult, three female adults, and one female child – while two others were injured,’ Ibitoye said.

He added that the remains of the deceased had been deposited at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Owo, by personnel from the FRSC Owo Unit Command.

Ibitoye lamented the rising cases of avoidable accidents on major routes across the state, saying the command had intensified engagements with tipper drivers and other motorists along the Akure-Ogbese axis to promote safer driving practices.

He said, ‘It is becoming too frequent. We have been engaging tipper drivers and will continue to do so. They must ensure proper vehicle maintenance to prevent crashes caused by mechanical faults,’ he said.

The sector commander urged motorists to adopt defensive driving techniques, especially during the ember months, stressing the need for road users to drive responsibly to safeguard lives and support national development.

A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress in Delta state, Chief Ayiri Emami has decried approval for the implementation of a 15 per cent ad-valorem import duty on petrol and diesel brought into Nigeria.

The move, according to the Federal Inland Revenue Service which secured the approval of President Bola Tinubu was to protect domestic refineries and promote stability in the downstream oil sector.

According to the FIRS Chairman, Zacch Adedeji, the core objective of this initiative is to operationalise crude transactions in local currency, strengthen local refining capacity, and ensure a stable, affordable supply of petroleum products across Nigeria.

He maintained that the new tariff system will prevent duty-free fuel imports from undermining local refineries and promote a fair, competitive downstream sector.

President Tinubu had since ordered the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) and the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) to immediately begin enforcing the tariff.

Speaking with journalists in Abuja, the APC chieftain, who is the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of A and E group, a company with investments in oil and gas, construction and haulage said ordinary Nigerians would ultimately be at the receiving end of the new tariff.

He said: ‘No, anybody advising Mr. President to impose a 15 percent tax on petroleum right now is not doing him any good.

‘This kind of policy will not hurt marketers – it will hurt ordinary Nigerians. Whatever tax you put on petroleum goes straight back to the people on the streets. Nigerians are already hungry and struggling.

‘If I were to meet Mr. President, I would tell him plainly – and I’ve told people in my community the same thing. You see, in my area, especially among those of us who live by the river and depend on fishing, the cost of fuel affects everything. When you buy fuel, it determines whether you can even go out to fish. It’s not that the fish are gone – it’s that we can’t afford to reach them anymore.

‘So anybody bringing up this idea of 15 percent tax, I will not support it. This is my government, and I know we need money, but there are other areas to look into. Whatever you do in petroleum pricing always goes back to the masses.

‘For me, that 15 percent should be kept aside until the government provides more relief to Nigerians. Even after removing fuel subsidy, we haven’t seen much positive reflection. Things are still hard. So why add another burden?

‘Some people don’t care about Mr. President or what he’s going through – they just want to create more problems. Those are my honest opinions on the matter.’