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The Federal Government has directed all tertiary institutions to fully utilise unaccessed and unspent education intervention funds within 30 days, warning that the era of idle allocations ‘is over.’

Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, issued the directive during a strategic meeting with Vice Chancellors, Rectors, Provosts, Bursars, and Procurement Officers in Abuja.

He described the failure to use allocated funds as a ‘setback to national progress,’ stressing that institutions must submit reconciled reports of unutilised funds within the stipulated timeframe.

‘This meeting is not for blame games but to move forward collectively,’ the Minister said, ding, ‘Resources that could have been used to transform our classrooms, laboratories, and libraries have remained idle for years due to bureaucratic bottlenecks. That must change now.’

The Minister warned that any unspent funds would be redirected to priority projects, ding that ‘carrying them over without strong justification will no longer be allowed.’

Expressing concern over large sums of money lying dormant in the Central Bank of Nigeria, Dr. Alausa stated that ‘such negligence denies students access to improved learning facilities and limits institutional growth.’

To ensure accountability, the Ministry will launch a public transparency dashboard to display TETFund disbursement and utilisation data. ‘Every TETFund naira represents public trust,’ he said. ‘We owe it to Nigerians to ensure these resources are spent efficiently and visibly.’

Reaffirming government’s stance, Permanent Secretary Abel Enitan, represented by Hajiya Rakiya G. Iliyasu, described the issue of unutilised funds as national emergency requiring collective responsibility.

‘The continued non-utilisation of funds undermines the quality of education and hinders national development.

‘Institutions must remove ministrative bottlenecks and deliver tangible outcomes within defined timelines.’ she said.

Under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, the Ministry reiterated its resolve to ensure that every education naira delivers tangible impact-through improved infrastructure, enhanced learning environments, and sustainable development across Nigeria’s tertiary institutions.

The Council of State has approved the appointment of Dr Aminu Yusuf as the chairman of the National Population Commission (NPC).

The decision, announced on Thursday, was made during a meeting chaired by President Bola Tinubu.

If confirmed by the Senate, Yusuf will to take over from Nasir Isa Kwarra, who was appointed in 2020.

The council also approved an increase in the revenue deduction from the Federation Account to the Police Trust Fund (PTF) from 0.5 per cent to 1 per cent.

Additionally, the council cleared 959 individuals for national awards and approved 175 convicts for consideration under the presidential prerogative of mercy.

The Kaduna State governor, Uba Sani, briefing journalists after the meeting, said the appointment of Dr Yusuf was made unanimously, alongside the federal commissioner representing Yobe State, Alhaji Tonga Betara Bularafa.

On the prerogative of mercy, Governor Sani noted that the council approved clemency for 175 inmates recommended by the advisory committee.

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Council of Ministers has held a meeting in Abuja to deliberate on how to replace members of staff from the Alliance of Sahel States countries of Mali, Burkina-Faso and Niger Republic.

The three Sahelian countries officially exited ECOWAS earlier in the year and all efforts to get them back into the fold failed.

Speaking at the opening ceremony of the meeting on Thursday, the president of the ECOWAS Commission, Omar Alieu Touray, said the exit of the staff from the AES countries had created a huge vacuum and was affecting the smooth operation of the body, calling for the immediate replacement of the staff.

‘With the sudden departure of a large number of our workforce who are nationals of the countries that exited from the organisation, namely Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso, we are faced with the challenge of replacing them.

‘We need the council to guide us in the equitable distribution of the vacant positions among all the member states without sacrificing competence.

‘As our staff regulations did not provide any guidance on how to allocate vacant positions to specific member states for the purpose of achieving equity, it has become necessary for the council to provide its guidance on the way forward.

‘We are, therefore, pleased to present to you a memorandum with proposals on how to achieve this equitable distribution of the positions and fast-track the recruitment process,’ he said.

In her remark, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to providing all the necessary support to ensure the continued success of the organisation in all its endeavours.

‘We fully recognise the importance of this exercise as an essential undertaking aimed at ensuring that all the existing vacancies are duly filled, thereby enabling the organisation to operate at its optimal capacity,’ she said.

In a significant political shift in Zamfara State, Hon. Muhammad Lawal Kuryar Madaro, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate who woefully lost the Kaura Namoda South State House of Assembly election, has defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

The move was announced today at a high-profile gathering organised by Hon. Yazeed Shehu Danfulani Projects at the Taula Arena in Gusau.

The defection comes just months after the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) declared APC’s Kamilu Sa’idu the victor in the August supplementary election for the Kaura Namoda South constituency.

Returning Officer Lawal Sa’adu from the Federal University Gusau confirmed Sa’idu’s triumph, with the APC candidate securing 1,181 votes against Kurya’s 194 in the runoff.

Overall, across the constituency, the APC amassed 8,182 votes to the PDP’s 5,544, highlighting the APC’s strong grip despite the high-stakes contest

Having switched to the APC, he expressed disillusionment with his former party’s direction and the government .

However, he urged his followers to unite behind APC leader Dr. Bello Matawalle, the Minister of State for Defence, in efforts to restore peace and progress.

The timing of Kurya’s switch could signal further defections in Zamfara’s polarised political landscape.

‘I come here to make money. I don’t go to school or learn any skill. I have been mining for over a year. I use the money to buy food, cloths and shoes for myself. I also support my father with the money I make from tin mining,’ Umar Faruk, a 12-year-old boy from Mista Ali in Bassa Local Government Area, who abandoned school to make money at the mining site said. He is one of the underage miners in Plateau State.

Not giving up on education, Faruk also said, ‘I hope to go back to school in the future and one day become a medical doctor and help my parents and others, especially my community.’

Under the scorching sun, children gather at the sandpits of mining sites with determined looks on their faces, digging and scooping sand to extract precious mineral resources. Despite the biting sun, children who are supposed to be in classrooms were seen scooping loads of sand in an attempt to reach the hidden treasures beneath the earth.

After excavation, other children gather the sand and load it into small containers and sacks, then carry it on their heads to the waterside, where they separate the valuable treasure from ordinary sand.

It is a routine that starts as early as 7am. Children, including boys and girls between the ages of 10 and 16, were seen walking to mining sites, equipped with diggers, containers, shovels, hoes and sacks in search of tin, iron and tantalite in various villages of Bassa, Jos North, Jos South and Barkin Ladi local government areas of the state.

Just like their male counterparts, underage girls are also actively involved in mining, starting their day as early as 7am and heading to the mining sites in search of financial gain.

The reasons given by the girls for engaging in mining are similar to those of the boys. They attributed their involvement in dangerous mining activities to poverty, loss of parents or the need to raise money for their education.

According to the International Labour Organisation, at least one million children aged between 5 and 17 work in goldmines around the world. In Nigeria, thousands of adults and children engage in such activities, working for long hours in various mines as a way of making a livelihood out of a dangerous situation.

These children risk their health for little amounts of money they are paid at the open market for the tin they source from the mines. With most of them trading education for mining, it only shows that the labour law in Nigeria still has a long way to go.

Nigeria has laws requiring basic education and prohibiting child labour, but enforcement is a challenge. Many miners use children they usually pay stipends, just to enable them put a meal on the table for a day.

In Anguwan Gurum community in Bassa Local Government Area, the children, who mostly walk one or two kilometres from their homes to the Alibras mining site to work long hours, said they preferred to work directly and make money rather than being hired by other people. Some of the children accompany their parents to work in mining pits.

‘Why we are into mining’

Some of the children who spoke with Weekend Trust said that in addition to the harsh economic realities in the country, which their families currently face, the absence of parental guidance and support due to loss of one or both parents left them with little or no option than to fend for themselves; hence they engage in mining activities and abandon education, explaining that they lacked financial support. However, some others said they purposely abandoned schools to make money.

Israel Bulus, a 13-year-old boy, said he had finished primary school but yet to enroll in secondary school due to financial constraint, a situation that forced him into mining as he needed to make money to buy uniform and other school materials.

‘I came to the mining site to earn money for my school fees and support my education. I want to continue with education because it is very important for a sustainable future, which I strive to have,’ Bulus, who dreams to become a lawyer said.

The story of Faruk Musa, an 11-year-old orphan and primary four pupil, is not different from that of his colleague at the Sabon Feggi mining site. He goes to school but not always because he raises money from mining to buy school materials and support his education and that of his younger sister.

‘I have been promoted to primary five now but I don’t have money at the moment to buy my uniform because my father is late. That is why I engage in mining. There is nobody to support me and my younger sibling. I want to continue with my education up to the university level to become a naval officer in the future, ‘he said, enthusiastically.

A 9-year-old boy, Isma’il Haruna, who lost his father some years back, wishes to go to school but does not have anyone to support him; hence he saw the need to participate in mining.

Isma’il, who has never attended school said, ‘I come to mine to get money for my education. I have been gathering the money. I use part of whatever I earn here to buy food and keep the remaining for my school expenses because I want to go to school, no matter what.’

Some parents also spoke to Weekend Trust on why they allowed their underage children to go into mining despite the dangers involved in it.

Hamza Usman, the father of Umar Faruk, a 12-year-old boy and one of the underage children who engage in mining, said he enrolled his son in school and a garage to learn a skill, but he refused to attend classes or learn.

Usman said, ‘The truth is that I tried my best to ensure that my son got education, but he refused. He would wear his school uniform from home, but instead of going to school, he would go for mining.’

He said he later decided to let him continue since he didn’t want to attend school, explaining, ‘If I forced him to stop, he might fall into something worse. So, since he can mine and buy his own food and cloths, I just let him be. That’s the situation.’

Usman noted that the rest of the family members disapproved of his decision to allow Umar engage in mining, but he felt he had no choice, saying he did not want him to steal or engage other illegitimate activities.

Asked how much they make, he said they earned between N10,000 and N26,000 per sale, depending on the quantity of tin they gathered, with one kilogram selling at N26,000.

Our correspondent learnt that these children can collect a kilogram within a day or two, depending on their luck. On good days, they spend about N1,000 to N2000 on food.

Weekend Trust also reports that even the rains at its peak across the country have not deterred the zeal and determination of these children from searching for tin from the mines. According to them, when it rains, especially when the rain is heavy, they cover themselves with raincoats or take shelter in local tents.

A 14-year-old Jonathan Musa said, ‘When it rains, we do not run home. We have places where we can take shelter, especially in local tents. Sometimes we spend the night at the site if the situation permits or the rain continues into the night.’

Speaking on the dangers involved at mining sites, the children said they hardly went into deep sandpits because only adults enter such spots.

‘If I am lucky, in a day I can collect tin of N10,00 to N30,000. But sometimes, I have to gather what I have for one or more days before I sell. I am going to JS1 now and I don’t know the fees. I will be able to know the amount when I resume,’ he said.

Maryam Isa, a 13-year-old girl and primary six pupil who mines with her mother, said, ‘We mine together with my mother. But we don’t stay here until night. I go around to collect sand, which I often wash to separate the tin. I can get 1kg or less in a day. I give the money to my mother to keep or buy cloths for me. If the weight is up to 1kg, I can sell it at N26,000. ‘

According to Maryam, despite visiting the mining sites, she goes to school, adding that what she earns supports her education.

For Maryam’s mother, Aisha Isa, she works with her daughter to earn a living and support their family through mining. She said, ‘Whatever my daughter and I collect, we sell and use the money for her school fees and household responsibilities. Our earnings vary, depending on luck. Sometimes we sell tin worth N30,000 or N40,000. Her school fees is N20,000, apart from of other expenses.

Hajara Mustafa, the mother of a 12-year-old Isma’il Mustafa, who dropped out of school when he was promoted to JS2 in 2024 said, ‘Initially, he was enrolled in a mechanic workshop, but his friends drew him into mining. I don’t know his earnings, but he buys cloths and occasionally gives us N1,000 or N2,000 for food since his father passed away. He doesn’t sleep at home and I don’t like the fact that he spends nights outside.

‘For nearly two years, I have not seen any significant achievement from the mining, which is why I always advise him to return to school. Apart from the expenses he does for himself, I haven’t seen any notable gain, so it is better for him to focus on education. However, based on his response, I am not sure he is willing to return. It is a significant challenge for me. I don’t support the mining business due to its unreliability.’

Tin traders

One of the black market tin buyers at Barkin Ladi Abubakar Gambo, who spoke to Weekend Trust said, ‘These children sell their Tin to me almost every day, except they return late. They bring it more often than the adults because they sell in small quantities, like 1kg, 2kg or even half kg, depending on what they were able to collect that day. Adults bring theirs in large quantities. I buy a kilogram at the rate of N26,000.

Gambo said the children had been in the business for years, and as they grow up, younger ones are coming behind them. ‘A 20-year-old miner might have been selling tin for the past eight years or thereabouts. A 15-year-old might have been selling for five years or less. It has been going on for more than two decades. The only difference is that nowadays, there are too many children in the business, unlike before when only few engaged in it,’ he said.

Another tin buyer at Mista Ali in Bassa Local Government Area, Bulus Kefas, who disapproves of children’s involvement in the business, said, ‘I buy tin from the children but I am not happy to see them engaging in this business when they are supposed to be in school. I buy from them because I understand that even their parents need them to help with food at home. I will not allow my children to participate in this business because it will make them lose focus in life and expose them to money and illicit behaviours.’

Many underage miners are orphans – Supervisors

Mining supervisors who spoke to our correspondent said although they usually discouraged underage children from engaging in mining, many of them were orphans who lack proper family guidance.

Sharing her experience, Pauline Ali, a mining survivor and crime consultant noted, ‘Whenever I visit mining areas, I try to send them back home. However, I realised that many of them won’t be able to afford school fees, especially orphaned students in private schools. They often tell me that they were sent away from school due to unpaid fees. I have even paid for some of them. Others can’t afford books.’

Sunday Bitrus, a youth leader at Gurum, a mining site in Bassa Local Government Area, condemned parents’ involvement in mining, describing it as unfortunate. He said, ‘Minors shouldn’t be here; the implications are severe. Some parents allow their children to mine due to economic struggles. When children return from mining, some parents demand money for food from them, thereby putting the burden of providing for the family on them.’

Bitrus added that while some parents disapproved of their children mining, peer pressure played a major role. ‘Children see their friends making money and feel compelled to join them, believing that they can also make the same money. That’s what is drawing many to mining,’ he explained.

Gov’t working to curtail menace – SUBEB

Sunday Samuel Amuna, the executive chairman of the Plateau State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), confirmed the impact of mining on school enrollment, but said, ‘As a government, we have commenced sensitisation efforts, engaging community and traditional leaders who are custodians of the pupils to draw attention to the importance of education. Students of school age are required by law to attend school, and failure to comply can result in prosecution of parents.

‘We are focusing on advocacy rather than enforcement, appealing to people to see the value in educating their children instead of engaging in mining or other activities detrimental to their progress. We believe that advocacy would lead to breakthrough.’

He added that the state government was developing a new curriculum that would incorporate vocational skills, including mining-related activities. ‘With the new curriculum we will create opportunities for vocational skills and economic activities. We will fashion out a win-win situation for both the government and the children,’ he said.

He added that better enrollment was expected in the new academic session, especially with new infrastructure in place, saying, ‘Parents have assured us of better enrollment and we are optimistic.’

Recently, Governor Caleb Mutfwang expressed concern over the situation, describing it as alarming, and called on community and religious leaders to join hands with the government to address the menace of underage mining.

According to the National Mass Education Programme Initiative (NMPI) 2022, Plateau State had a significant percentage of out-of-school children, with approximately 23.2 per cent of them aged between 6 and 15 affected.

School authorities in the state confirmed that despite providing free education to pupils, enrollment has declined due to mining activities and other factors, adding that many primary school children are either skipping classes or dropping out of school.

Mrs Rose Bitti, the headmistress of Baptist Primary School, Dorowa Babuje, Barkin Ladi Local Government Area lamented, ‘Mining has brought lots of problems in the schools. Since the discovery of tin around Dorowa community in the last few years – 2020 till date – we have been experiencing low enrollment and absenteeism despite free education.’

Saying that the situation has continued to worsen, she noted that parents were partly to blame as some guardians even take their children to sites where they all engage in mining activities.

She said, ‘Even primary one pupils who don’t know much about life skip classes; some stop coming because of the money they make from tin mining.’

Similarly, Abubakar Musa Muhammad, the headmaster of Islamic Orientation School, Barkin Ladi, confirmed poor enrollment and absenteeism in schools, attributing the situation to mining activities in the area.

‘Mining activities have affected school enrollment. Some students stop coming to school while some would be absent for weeks. When you ask, a lot of them would tell you that they go to mining sites,’ she revealed.

Muhammad, who is the secretary-general of Izalatil Bid’a Wa’ikamatis Sunnah in the area, noted that mining activities had affected most of the schools under their organisation, adding that only few now attend classes. He said that before mining activities began between 2021 and 2022, they had over 2,000 students, but the number dropped drastically to 1,000 or less presently.’

Another headmaster, Elisha Haruna of ECWA Primary School, Farin Lamba in Bassa Local Government Area, also lamented poor enrollment and absenteeism.

It is a dangerous situation – Expert

Emmanuel Dang, a lecturer in the Faculty of Education, University of Jos, described the situation as alarming and dangerous for the society. He said, ‘When mining activities commence, these children flock to the sites. Some parents even celebrate when their children earn money from these activities, which is not a positive development. The danger lies in exposing children to handling money at a young age. Once the mining activities cease, they may struggle to concentrate on meaningful pursuits because they have become accustomed to having money.

‘The impact is that we will end up raising a generation of people who don’t value education and are likely to engage in other social vices, such as sexual assault, drug abuse, stealing and other criminal activities, leading to insecurity. This will ultimately make the society a problem unto itself.’

He said both parents and the government were to blame for the menace, adding that both parties have roles to play in addressing the problem.

‘The issue is multifaceted. The government has all the machinery to enforce law. If the government says that a child between a certain age must be in school, that is possible. If underage children are seen in mining sites, the parents must be prosecuted. If law enforcement agencies take it upon themselves and one or two persons are prosecuted as a result of that, parents will wake up.

‘Government should also provide incentives that will encourage parents. For instance, let the schools be free and well equipped. Because of the poverty in the land, many parents will feel there is no need to take their children to school. But if everything if free, it would go longer way.

‘As a responsible parent, you don’t give birth to a child and run away from responsibilities. If you give birth to a child, you need to give that child good health, shelter and food. Parents should be responsible for their children. Both parents and the government need to be blamed for this,’ he said.

The Presidency has released details of all those pardoned and granted clemency, on Thursday.

Daily Trust h reported how President Bola Ahmed Tinubu h mercy on illegal miners, white-collar convicts, remorseful drug offenders, among others.

On the list were Major General Mamman Vatsa, Major Akubo, Professor Magaji Garba, capital offenders such as Maryam Sanda, Ken Saro Wiwa, and the other Ogoni 8.

In the statement which announced the pardon, the Presidency h said Tinubu granted clemency to most of them based on the reports that they h shown remorse and were good conduct.

But criticisms trailed the president’s action, as some persons, especially on social media, tackled the president, wondering why full details of the beneficiaries was not me public.

In a statement on Saturday, Bayo Onanuga, Special viser to the President on Information and Strategy, justified his principal’s action, saying Tinubu corrected the historic injustice committed by British colonialists against Sir Herbert Macaulay, one of Nigeria’s foremost nationalists.

In all, the Presidential visory Committee on the Prerogative of Mercy, chaired by the Attorney-General and Justice Minister, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, recommended pardon for two inmates, 15 former convicts, 11 of whom have died.

The committee recommended clemency for 82 inmates and commutation of sentences for 65 inmates. Seven inmates on death row also benefited from the Presidential reprieve. The committee recommended that the President should commute their death sentences to life imprisonment.

FULL LIST OF BENEFICIARIES OF PRESIDENT TINUBU’S PARDONED

1. Nweke Francis Chibueze, aged 44, serving a life sentence at Kirikiri for cocaine.

2. Dr Nwogu Peters, aged 67; Serving a 17-year jail term for fraud. Sentenced in 2013.

3. Mrs Anastasia Daniel Nwaoba, aged 63. Alrey served a sentence for fraud

4. Barr. Hussaini Alhaji Umar, aged 58. Sentenced in 2023 to pay a fine of N150M in the ICPC case

5. Ayinla Sau Alanamu, age 63, was sentenced to seven years for bribery in 2019 and has served the sentence.

6. Hon. Farouk M. Lawan, aged 62. Sentenced to five years in 2021 for Corrupt Practices and h served the sentence.

POSTHUMOUS PARDON

7. Sir Herbert Macaulay was banned from public office for misappropriation of funds and sentenced in 1913 by the British colonialists.

8. Major-General Mamman Jiya Vatsa, age 46, Sentenced in 1986 for treason: related to an alleged coup plot

POSTHUMOUS PARDON: THE OGONI NINE

9. Ken Saro Wiwa. Sentenced for murder

10. Saturday Dobee. Sentenced for murder

11. Nordu Eawa. Sentenced for murder

12. Daniel Gbooko. Sentenced for murder

13. Paul Levera. Sentenced for murder

14. Felix Nuate. Sentenced for murder

15. Baribor Bera. Sentenced for murder

16. Barinem Kiobel. Sentenced for murder

17. John Kpuine. Sentenced for murder

VICTIMS OF OGONI NINE HONOURED:

Chief Albert Bey

Chief Edward Kobaru

Chief Samuel Orage

Chief Theophilus Orage

PRESIDENTIAL CLEMENCY

Most of the beneficiaries showed either remorse or learned vocational skills in jail

1. Aluagwu Lawrence, aged 47, sentenced for Indian hemp (selling), 2015

2. Ben Friday, aged 60, was sentenced to 3 years or N1.3 million fine for marijuana in 2023.

3. Oroke Micheal Chibueze, aged 21, sentenced to 5 years (cannabis sativa) in 2023

4. Kelvin Christopher Smith, aged 42, was sentenced to 4 years for importing cocaine in 2023

5. Azubuike Jeremiah Emeka, aged 31, sentenced in 2021 to 5 years or N3 million fine for importing cocaine.

6. Akinrinne Akinwande ebiyi, aged 47, sentenced in 2023 to 3 years for dealing in Tramol.

7. Ahmed eyemo, aged 38, sentenced to 15 years for cannabis. Alrey served nine years, 5 months at Kirikiri

8. eniyi Jimoh, aged 31years, sentenced to 15 years for Drugs in 2015 and served nine years at Kirikiri.

9. Seun Omirinde, aged 39, sentenced to 15 years for Drugs in 2015. Served nine years at Kirikiri

10. esanya Olufemi Paul, aged 61, sentenced to 14 years for theft. H served eight years.

11. Ife Yusuf, aged 37, was sentenced for human trafficking in 2019. H served six years at Kirikiri.

12. Daniel Bodunwa, aged 43, was sentenced in 2018 to 10 years for fraudulent intent to forge a land receipt. H served six years in jail

13. Fidelis Michael, aged 40, sentenced to 5 years for cannabis sativa

14. Suru Akande, aged 52, sentenced to 5 years for cannabis sativa

15. Safiyanu Umar, aged 56, sentenced to 5 years without the option of a fine for possessing 5kg of Cannabis sativa, 2023

16. Dahiru Abdullahi, aged 46, was sentenced in 2016 to 21 years for possession of 3 pistols and h spent 10 years in jail.

17. Hamza Abubakar, aged 37, sentenced to 5 years for Indian hemp (selling), 2022

18. Rabiu Alhassan Dawaki, aged 52, sentenced in 2020 to 7 years for criminal breach of trust.

19. Mujibu Muhamm, aged 30, sentenced in 2022 to 5 years, no option for a fine for cannabis.

20. Emmanuel Eze, aged 49, sentenced in 2022 to 5 years for Heroine.

21. Bala Azika Yahaya, aged 70, sentenced in 2017 to 15 years for cannabis.

22. Lina Kusum Wilson, aged 34, sentenced to death in 2017 for culpable homicide, h spent eight years in jail.

23. Buhari Sani, aged 33, sentenced in 2022 to 5 years for possession of 558 grams of cannabis.

24. Mohammed Musa, aged 27, was sentenced in 2022 to 5 years for possession of 16 grams of cannabis.

25. Muharazu Abubakar, aged 37, sentenced in 2022 to 5 years for selling Indian hemp. Alrey spent 3 years in Katsina Prison

26. Ibrahim Yusuf, aged 34; jailed 5 years in 2022 for possession of 5.7 grams of Indian hemp.

27. Sa Ahmed Maki, aged 72; sentenced in 2020 for a 419 offence. H served 4 years in Kuna prison

28. Ex-Corporal Michael Bawa, aged 72: sentenced to life imprisonment for murder in 2005. H spent 20 years in Kuna prison

29. Richard Ayuba, aged 38. Sentenced to 5 years in 2022 for Indian hemp

30. am Abubakar, aged 30 and sentenced in 2022 to five years for possession of 2kg of tramol.

31. Emmanuel Yusuf, aged 34; sentenced in 2022 to 4 years for possession of 2kg of tramol

32. Edwin Nnazor, aged 60; sentenced in 2018 to 15 years for cannabis. H spent 6 years, nine months at Zamfara prison

33. Chinedu Stanley, aged 34. Sentenced in 2023 to three years for fake lubricant oil.

34. Joseph Nwanoka, aged 42: sentenced in 2022 to five years for drugs

35. Johnny Ntheru, Aged 63, sentenced in 1989 to life imprisonment for robbery. H spent 36 years in Umuahia Prison

36. John Omotiye, Aged 28, sentenced to six years for Pipeline vandalism

37. Nsikat Edet Harry, Aged 37, sentenced in 2023 to 5 years for Illegal possession of Indian hemp, Cocaine, and Heroin.

38. Jonathan Asuquo, Aged 28, sentenced in 2022 to 5 years for possession of Indian hemp and other drugs

39. Prince Samuel Peters, aged 54, sentenced in 2020 to 7 years for obtaining money by false pretence. H spent 4 years, 3 months in Ikot Ekpene Prison

40. Babangida Saliu, Aged 35, sentenced in 2024 to 3 years for unlawful mining.

41. amu Sanni, aged 39, sentenced in 2024 to 3 years for unlawful mining.

42. Abdulkarem Salisu, aged 30, sentenced to 3 years for unlawful mining.

43. Abdulaziz Lawal, aged 18, sentenced to 3 years for unlawful mining.

44. Abdulrahman Babangida, aged 20, sentenced to 3 years for unlawful mining

45. Maharazu Alidu, aged 22, sentenced to 3 years for unlawful mining.

46. Zahareen Baliue, aged 38, sentenced to 3 years for unlawful mining.

47. Babangida Usman, aged 30, sentenced to 3 years for unlawful mining.

48. Zayyanu Abdullahi, Aged 28, sentenced to 3 years for unlawful mining, 2024

49. Bashir Garuba, Aged 20, sentenced in 2024 to 3 years for unlawful mining

50. Imam Suleman, aged 25, sentenced to 3 years for unlawful mining, 2024

51. Abbeh Amisu, Aged 28, sentenced to 3 years for unlawful mining, 2024

52. Lawani Lurwanu, Aged 20, sentenced to 3 years for unlawful mining, 2024

53. Yusuf Alhassan, aged 33, was sentenced to 3 years for unlawful mining in 2024.

54. Abdulahi Isah, aged 25, sentenced to 3 years for unlawful mining, 2024

55. Zayanu Bello, aged 35, sentenced to 3 years for unlawful mining

56. Habeeb Suleman, aged 22, sentenced in 2024 to 3 years for unlawful mining.

57. Jubrin Sahabi, aged 23, was sentenced to 3 years in 2024 for unlawful mining.

58. Shefiu Umar, aged 28, was sentenced to 3 years in 2024 for unlawful mining.

59. Seidu Abubakar, age 29, sentenced in 2024 to 3 years for unlawful mining.

60. Haruna Abubakar, Aged 24, was sentenced to 3 years in 2024 for unlawful mining

61. Rabiu Seidu, aged 26, sentenced in 2024 to 3 years for unlawful mining.

62. Macha Kuru, Aged 25, sentenced in 2024 to 3 years for unlawful mining

63. Zahreen Aminu, Aged 25 years, sentenced to 3 years for unlawful mining.

64. Nazipi Musa, aged 25. Sentenced to 3 years for unlawful mining in 2024

65. Abdullahi Musa, aged 30 and sentenced to 3 years in 2024 for unlawful mining.

66. Habibu Safiu, aged 20 and sentenced to 3 years in 2024 for unlawful mining

67. Husseni Sani, aged 21 and sentenced to 3 years in 2024 for unlawful mining

68. Musa Lawali, aged 25 and sentenced to 3 years in 2024 for unlawful mining

69. Suleiman Lawal, aged 23 and sentenced to 3 years in 2024 for unlawful mining

70. Yusuf Iliyasu, aged 21 and sentenced to 3 years in 2024 for unlawful mining

71. Sebiyu Aliyu, aged 20 and sentenced to 3 years in 2024 for unlawful mining

72. Halliru Sani, aged 18 and sentenced to 3 years in 2024 for unlawful mining

73. Shittu Aliyu, aged 30 and sentenced to 3 years in 2024 for unlawful mining

74. Sanusi Aminu, aged 27 and sentenced to 3 years in 2024 for unlawful mining

75. Isiaka amu, aged 40 and sentenced to 3 years in 2024 for unlawful mining

76. Mamman Ibrahim, aged 50 and sentenced to 3 years in 2024 for unlawful mining

77. Shuaibu Abdullahi, aged 35 and sentenced to 3 years in 2024 for unlawful mining

78. Sanusi amu, aged 28 and sentenced to 3 years in 2024 for unlawful mining

79. Si Musa, aged 20 and sentenced to 3 years in 2024 for unlawful mining

80. Haruna Isah, aged 35 and sentenced to 3 years in 2024 for unlawful mining

NB: Senator Ikra Aliyu Bilbis signed an undertaking to be responsible for the rehabilitation and empowerment of all the convicted illegal miners granted presidential clemency.

81. Abiodun Elemero, aged 43. Sentenced to life imprisonment for cocaine hawking in 2014. H spent 10 years plus in Kirikiri,

82. Maryam Sanda, aged 37, was sentenced to death in 2020 for culpable homicide and h spent six years, eight months at Suleja Medium Security Custodial Centre. Her family pleed for her release, arguing that it was in the best interest of her two children. The plea was also anchored on her good conduct in jail, her remorse, and her embracement of a new lifestyle, demonstrating her commitment to being a model prisoner.

LIST OF INMATES RECOMMENDED FOR REDUCED TERM OF IMPRISONMENT

1. Yusuf Owolabi, aged 36. Sentenced to life in 2015 for Manslaughter. H spent 10 years at Kirikiri.Prison term reduced to 12 years for showing remorse and learning vocational skills.

2. Ifeanyi Eze, aged 33. Sentenced to life in 2021 for Manslaughter and h spent four years at Kirikiri. Prison term reduced to 12 years for showing remorse and learning vocational skills.

3. Malam Ibrahim Sulaiman, aged 59. Sentenced to life in 2022 for Armed robbery and possession of illegal firearms. Sentence cut to 10 years based on good conduct

4. Shettima Maaji Arfo, aged 54. Sentenced in 2021 to seven years for Corrupt Practices. Sentence reduced to four years, because of good conduct and ill-health

5. Ajasper Benzeger, aged 69 and sentenced in 2015 to 20 years for Culpable homicide. Sentence reduced to 12 years, based on old age and ill-health.

6. Ifenna Kennechukwu, aged 42. Sentenced in 2015 to 20 years for drugs (cocaine import) and h spent close to 10 years in Kirikiri. Prison term reduced to 12 years based on remorse and the acquisition of vocational skills.

7. Mgbeike Matthew, aged 45. Sentenced to 20 years in 2013 for the import of 3.10kg. Following remorsefulness and the acquisition of vocational skills at Kirikiri. Sentence reduced to 12 years.

8. Patrick Mensah, aged 40. Sentenced in 2015 to 17 years for drugs. Sentence reduced to 11 years

9. Obi Edwin Chukwu, aged 43 and sentenced in 2017 to 15 years for drugs. Sentence reduced to 10 years.

10. Tunde Balogun, aged 32 and sentenced in 2015 to 15 years for drugs. Sentence reduced to 10 years.

11. Lima Pereira Erick Diego, aged 27 and sentenced in 2017 to 15 years or a fine of N20million for drugs. Sentence reduced to 10 years.

12. Uchegbu Emeka Michael, aged 37. Sentenced in 2017 to 15 years or a fine of N20million for drugs. Sentence reduced to 10 years

13. Salawu ebayo Samsudeen, aged 46 and sentenced in 2016 to 15 years for drugs. Sentence reduced to 10 years.

14. Napolo Osariemen, aged 61 and sentenced in 2022 to 15 years for 2 kilos of Indian hemp. The sentence was reduced to seven years.

15. Patricia Echoe Igninovia, aged 61 and sentenced in 2023 to seven years for trafficking in persons. Sentence reduced to five years.

16. Odeyemi Omolaram, aged 65 and sentenced in 2017 to 25 years in prison for drug. The sentence was reduced to 12 years based on the defendant’s remorsefulness and vanced age.

17. Vera Daniel Ifork, aged 29 and sentenced in 2020 to 10 years for trafficking in persons. Sentence reduced to eight years.

18. Gabriel Juliet Chidimma, aged 32 and sentenced in 2022 to six years for drug (cocaine). Sentence reduced to four years.

19. Dias Santos Marcia Christiana, aged 44 and sentenced in 2017 to 15 years for import of cocaine. Sentence reduced to 10 years.

20. Alh. Ibrahim Hameed. Aged 71 and sentenced in 2023 to seven years for illegal property (obtaining property under false pretence). Sentence reduced to five years.

21. Alh. Nasiru Ogara inoyi, 65, was sentenced in 2023 to 14 years for obtaining property by false pretence. The sentence was reduced to seven years.

22. Chief Emeka Agbodike, aged 69, was sentenced in 2023 to seven years for obtaining property by false pretence. Sentence reduced to 3 years.

23. Isaac Justina, aged 40. Sentenced in 2022 to 10 years for cannabis sativa and h spent 3 years in the Abeokuta Custodial Centre. Sentence reduced to four years.

24. Aishat Kehinde, aged 38 and sentenced in 2022 to five years for unlawful possession of cannabis. The prison term being served in Abeokuta has been reduced to four years.

25. Helen Solomon, age 68. Sentenced in 2024 to five years for cannabis sativa. Sentence reduced to three years.

26. Okoye Tochukwu, aged 43 and sentenced in 2024 to six years for cannabis sativa. Sentence reduced to 3 years.

27. Ugwueze Paul, aged 38 and sentenced in 2024 to six years for cannabis sativa. Sentence reduced to three years.

28. Mutsapha Ahmed, aged 46 and sentenced in 2022 to seven years without a fine option for criminal breach of trust. The sentence was reduced to five years.

29. Abubakar Mamman, aged 38 and sentenced in 2020 to 10 years in Kebbi Custodial Centre for Possession of firearms. Sentence reduced to seven years.

30. Muhammed Bello Musa, aged 35. Sentenced in 2020 to 10 years in Kebbi Custodial Centre for illegal possession of firearms. Sentence reduced to seven years

31. Nnamdi Anene, aged 67 and sentenced in 2010 to life imprisonment at Katsina Custodial Centre for illegal dealing of arms. Sentence reduced to 20 years.

32. Alh. Abubakar Tanko, aged 61, was sentenced in 2018 to 30 years at the Gusau Custodial Centre for Culpable Homicide. Sentence reduced to 20 years.

33. Chisom Francis Wisdom, aged 30; sentenced in 2018 to 20 years in Umuahia Custodial Centre for kidnapping. Sentence reduced to 12 years.

34. Innocent Brown Idiong, aged 60, sentenced in 2020 to 10 years for possession of 700 grams of Indian Hemp. Has alrey spent 4 years and 3 months at Ikot Abasi Custodial centre. Jail term reduced to six years.

35. Iniobong Imaeyen Ntukidem, aged 46, was sentenced 2021 to seven years in jail at the Uyo Custodial Centre. Prison term reduced to five years.

36. a Audu, aged 72, was sentenced in 2022 to seven years in Kuje Custodial Centre and h spent 2 years and 7 months in prison. Prison term reduced to 4 years because of old age.

37. Bukar amu, aged 40 and sentenced to 20 years in 2019 for vance fee fraud. Prison term reduced to nine years.

38. Kelvin Oniarah Ezigbe, 44, was sentenced in October 2023 to 20 years for kidnapping, which took effect in 2013. The sentence was reduced to 13 years for showing remorsefulness and attending the National Open University.

39. Frank Azuekor, aged 42. Sentenced in 2023 for kidnapping and jailed in Kuje Custodial Centre for 20 years, and h spent 12 years behind bars from 2013. The sentence was reduced to 13 years, based on good conduct and attendance at the National Open University.

40. Chukwukelu Sunday Calisthus, aged 47 and sentenced in 2014 to life at Kuje Custodial Centre for drugs. He h spent 11 years at Kuje. Sentence reduced to 13 years.

41. Professor Magaji Garba, aged 67. Sentenced in 2021 to seven years for obtaining money by false pretence and h spent 3 years at Kuje Custodial Centre. The prison term was reduced to four years due to good conduct and vanced age.

42. Markus Yusuf, aged 41. Sentenced in 2023 to 13 years for culpable homicide. Sentence reduced to 5 years based on ill-health

43. Samson Ajayi, aged 31 and sentenced in 2022 to 15 years for drugs. He h spent five years at Suleja Custodial Centre. The sentence was reduced to seven years.

44. Iyabo Binyoyo, aged 49. Sentenced in 2017 to 10 years for drugs and sentenced to nine years at Suleja Custodial Centre, due to good conduct.

45. Olele Felix, 49, was sentenced in 2022 to five years without a fine option for conspiracy and exploitation. Based on good conduct and remorsefulness, the sentence was reduced to four years. Felix is spending the term at Suleja.

46. Rakiya Beida, aged 33 and sentenced in 2021to seven years, without a fine option, for theft and cheating. The sentence, being served at Suleja, was reduced to three years based on good conduct

47. Nriagu Augustine Ifeanyi, aged 44 and sentenced in 2018 to 10 years in Ikoyi Custodial Centre, for exporting cocaine. The sentence was reduced to eight years.

48. Chukwudi Destiny, aged 36 and sentenced in 2022 to six years in Ikoyi Custodial Centre for heroin import. The sentence was cut to four years.

49. Felix Rotimi Esemokhai, aged 47 and sentenced in 2022 to five years for heroin. The sentence was reduced to four years.

50. Major S.A. Akubo, aged 62, was sentenced in 2009 to life at Katsina Custodial Centre for illegally removing 7,000 assorted weapons. Following good conduct and remorsefulness, the sentence was commuted to 20 years.

51. John Ibiam, aged 39, was sentenced in 2016 to 15 years for manslaughter and served 9 years and one month in the Afikpo Custodial Centre. The sentence was reduced to 10 years after the individual showed remorse and acquired vocational skills.

52. Omoka Aja, aged 40 and sentenced in 2016 to 15 years for manslaughter, served 9 years and 1 month in Afikpo Custodial Centre. The sentence was commuted to 10 years.

53. Chief Jonathan Alatoru, aged 66, was sentenced in 2021 to seven years for conspiracy to cheat. The sentence served in Port Harcourt Custodial Centre has been reduced to five years.

54. Umanah Ekaette Umanah, aged 70 and sentenced in 2022 to 10 years in Port Harcourt Custodial Centre for forgery. Sentence reduced to five years due to old age and remorsefulness.

55. Utom Obong Thomson Udoaka, 60, was sentenced in 2020 to seven years in Ikot Ekpene Custodial Centre for obtaining money by false pretence. He h served four years and two months at Ikot Ekpene. Due to his old age and good conduct, the Initial Sentence has been reduced to five years.

56. Jude Saka Ebaragha, aged 44. Sentenced in 2020 to 12 years at Ikoyi Prison and a fine of N1million for conspiracy to hijack a fishing vessel. The sentence was commuted to six years, and the N1m fine was waived.

57. Frank Insort Abaka, 46, was sentenced in 2020 to 12 years and a N1M fine at Ikoyi Custodial Centre for conspiracy to hijack a Fishing vessel. The sentence was reduced to six years, and the fine was waived.

58. Shina Alolo, 42, was sentenced in 2020 to 12 years and a N1M fine at Ikoyi Custodial Centre for conspiracy to hijack a fishing vessel. Like others, the N1m fine was waived, and the sentence was reduced to 6 years.

59. Joshua Iwiki, aged 50: Sentenced in 2020 to 12 years at Ikoyi Prison and a fine of N1M for conspiracy to hijack a fishing vessel. A N1m fine was waived, and the sentence was commuted to six years in prison.

60. David Akinseye, aged 44: Sentenced in 2020 to 12 years and N1M fine for conspiracy to hijack a fishing vessel. His sentence was commuted to 6 years, and the fine was waived.

61. Ahmed Toyin, aged 46: Sentenced in 2020 to 12 years and N1M fine for conspiracy to hijack a fishing vessel. Sentence also commuted and fine waived.

62. Shobajo Saheed, age 57: Sentenced in 2020 to 12 years and a fine of N1M for conspiracy to hijack a fishing vessel. He got a similar reprieve like the others.

63. amole Philip, aged 52 years: Sentenced to 12 years and a N1M fine for conspiracy to hijack a fishing vessel, 2020. Philip also got his term reduced to seven years and the fine waived.

64. Mathew Masi, aged 39: Also sentenced to 12 years and a fine of N1million for conspiracy to hijack a fishing vessel. The sentence was reduced to six years, and the fine was waived.

65. Bright Agbedeyi, 46, was also sentenced in 2020 for conspiracy to hijack a fishing vessel. Like the others in his category, he got a reprieve from President Tinubu.

List of Inmates on Death Row Reduced to Life Imprisonment

1. Emmanuel Baba, aged 38: sentenced to death in 2017 for culpable homicide. On death row in Kuje Custodial Centre for the past 8 years. The sentence was commuted to life imprisonment based on good conduct and remorsefulness.

2. Emmanuel Glstone, aged 45, was sentenced in 2020 to death for murder and h spent five years at Katsina Custodial Centre. Death sentence commuted to life imprisonment due to good conduct and remorse.

3. Moses Ayodele Olurunfemi, aged 51: sentenced to death in 2012 for culpable homicide and h spent 13 years on death row in Katsina. President Tinubu commuted the death sentence to life imprisonment, citing the individual’s good conduct and remorse.

4. Abubakar Usman, aged 59: Sentenced to Death in 2014 and h spent 14 years on death row in Katsina. His sentence was commuted to life because of his remorse and good conduct.

5. Khalifa Umar, aged 37: Sentenced to death in 2014 and h spent 11 years on death row in Kano Custodial Centre. His sentence has been commuted to life imprisonment.

6. Benjamin Ekeze, age 40. Sentenced to death in 2017 for armed robbery and conspiracy, and h spent 12 years on death row at Kirikiri, Lagos. The sentence was also commuted to life.

7. Mohammed Umar, 43: Sentenced to death in 2018 for culpable homicide and h spent seven years on death row in Onitsha Custodial Centre. He got the Presidential reprieve, commuting the death sentence to life imprisonment.

Brigadier-General John Sura (rtd), served for decades in the Nigerian Army. In this interview with Weekend Trust he shares his perspective on whether a state of emergency can eeffectively address the growing insecurity challenges in affected states across the country.

There are calls for a state of emergency in areas affected by insecurity in the country. Can this help end insurgency and other crisis-related issues in the country?

It depends on the angle they are speaking from. But having being in the service for years, I would say the political structures remain while the military assists the political class succeed in tackling insecurity in their respective areas or states. This is ok, but to remove political structure is not a good idea.

Under former president Goodluck Jonathan’s administration some mercenaries were brought in to work with the military that were a bit neutral and were ready to go headon against terrorists and we succeeded. And so, if given the opportunity, I would suggest that we do that in terms of maintaining neutrality. Because, it’s like we are gradually infiltrating the armed forces. Therefore, I would suggest we get some mercenaries to work with the military to eject these terrorists.

I am against a state of emergency, and if it must be done, the political structure must be there, and extra powers given beyond what we are doing now.

Did the states of emergency in Plateau and Rivers states yield positive results, or merely provided temporary solutions?

When Major General Chris Ali was sent to Plateau State, he was able to stabilise whatever was going on around communities affected by the violence. When the emergency was imposed in Ekiti state, everything was okay.

But let’s consider what the constitution says. If it aligns with the constitution, that’s fine. However, I would rather look at it from a neutral perspective and allow the political structure remain in the affected states. Let us look for mercenaries to help eject the terrorists, and it will also help train our armed forces in what they are doing to get it done better.

Are governors in the affected states doing what needs to be done to end the problem?

The governors need to step up and do their jobs. They must stay at home to do their jobs. Maintaining security and stability in their respective states is their primary responsibility. If there is insecurity, it’s partly because they’re not doing enough to address the root cause and ensuring the safety of their citizens’. The buck stops with them, and they should be held accountable for the situation in their states.

On inquiry; most of these governors are on their own as they always look at things from the political lens. The constitution says you must guarantee the rights of human beings and also guarantee the security for lives and property. Whatever economic empowerment you are trying to bring are for human beings not animals.

So, they should first of all secure human beings, and then the economy. I feel that the governors must synergise with the armed forces, police and community policing that will get early warnings to the military.

Also, every governor must begin to look at putting the first line of defense in the hands of the villagers. The second line of defence must also come from the security outfits that the governor has while the core defense comes from the armed forces or the security agencies.

Each time the governors say they don’t have power to instruct security personnel during crisis or they are just mere chief security officers of their state, I feel they have more to do. They have structures they can put in place to be able to take charge of the situation, while the rest is that of the federal government.

Do you think the proposed state police will end insecurity in the country?

I have read many submissions by my senior colleagues on state policing. I have read right from the colonial masters, how we got the military government and how we got to the disbandment of local to the federal police. I stand by them. By the time we begin to talk about state policing, it will be used as a tool by the government.

If we agree to have a federal or a state police, the recruitment, the personnel must not be done by the state governors. It must be all inclusive because if we leave a governors to recruit the state police, they will recruit people from his party and by the next election, if another party comes in, they will dissolve and return it back to themselves.

And so there must be constitutional ways to get the recruitment process done. And it should either be done by a consultant or by the federal police so that it can cut across the party lines. But like I said, we are literally getting into those issues. Most state governors have different security outfits that run within their state governments.

Are you looking at the South-East? The ECN is there. Are you also looking at the South-West? Amotekun is there. Plateau State has the one that was given by the federal government, Operation Rainbow, certified with even some level of equipment. So, Plateau state has no business crying out for anything called state police. When the former governor was on the seat, he had a personal carrier, APC that was purchased for Operation Rainbow. So where is that equipment? You have to work in conjunction with the civil defence, the police and even the military, to move up for the security services. That was why during governor David Jang, the Operation Rainbow was very effective.

Education in northern Nigeria is dying in silence. A recent investigation by this newspaper revealed a heart-wrenching reality. At least 188 public schools have been shut down due to worsening insecurity. The situation is beyond tragic; it is a full-blown collapse of authority and governance.

From Zamfara to Niger, Katsina to Benue, Sokoto to Kaduna, schools have been forced to shut their gates. In Zamfara alone, 39 schools-20 primary and 19 secondary-are closed. Niger State has lost 30 schools, including 18 primary, one secondary, and 11 nomadic institutions. Katsina follows with 52; Benue, 55; Sokoto and Kaduna, six each. Some have become IDP camps, others shelters for security operatives, a few others stand in ruins, overgrown by weeds and silence but the majority are now safe haven for bandits. They use them as their homes, and at the same time, spaces for violating the sanctity of their victims, including women and children that are being raped on a daily basis.

The figures are horrifying, yet incomplete. Many affected areas remain inaccessible, meaning that the actual number of schools forcefully shut by bandits is higher.

The loss is not only of structures but of children’s futures. UNICEF’s 2024 report already puts Nigeria’s number of out-of-school children between 10 and 20 million, among the highest in the world. With these new closures, the figure will climb even higher, specifically in the North.

What we face is not just insecurity but the erosion of civil authority. When a state can no longer protect classrooms, it has failed in its primary duty. Closing schools may appear to be a safety measure, but it is actually a surrender to fear. By locking those gates, we have effectively handed the schools to the bandits. The communities have become ungoverned territories outside Nigeria’s control.

Every ungoverned space is a ceded territory. This sad reality mirrors the protectorate system of the colonial era when weaker territories were ‘protected’ by stronger powers. The difference today is that the owners of those ceded communities are bandits and outlaws who dictate who farms, who travels and who learns. They have become de facto rulers in parts of the North, collecting taxes from farmers and enforcing their own version of law and order.

This descent into chaos did not happen overnight. Banditry began as an uprising of ragtag criminals, fuelled by poverty, injustice and the collapse of local security. Over time, it metastasized into a monster, feeding on political negligence and corruption. The farmer-herder conflict, once an economic issue, was politicised and left to fester. It has since created fertile ground for bandits who now hold entire communities hostage.

The political class, meanwhile, has been caught napping. Leaders who swore to protect their people now watch helplessly as children’s futures are destroyed. Instead of coordinated action, we get empty speeches, photo ops, and security meetings without outcomes. This inertia is unforgivable.

Closing schools is not a solution, it is capitulation. It mortgages the future of an entire generation to armed criminals. In some areas, both primary and secondary schools have been closed for years. What was meant as a temporary measure has become the new normal. In other places, children now study under trees in IDP camps. This is not safety, it is abandonment.

The consequences of this collective inaction will be catastrophic. An uneducated generation is a ticking time bomb. Without education, these children will grow up trapped in poverty, anger and ignorance. They would become easy prey for extremists and criminal gangs.

Northern Nigeria already suffers from low literacy rates; allowing more children to drop out is to deepen the region’s underdevelopment and insecurity.

It is time to reclaim our schools, and with them, our future. The federal government must restore security and civil authority in all the affected areas.

The 1999 Constitution is clear: the protection of lives and property is the primary duty of the state. Anything short of this is a breach of the social contract. States and local governments must also take ownership of the crisis; they cannot hide behind the federal structure.

Governors must work with local councils, traditional institutions and vigilante networks to recover and protect every community. Security operations should be intelligence-driven, sustained and localised. Bandits must not be allowed to regroup, once dislodged.

However, securing the schools is only one side of the coin. The other is educational recovery. Government must launch a northern education recovery plan to rebuild and reopen all affected schools. This should include establishing education recovery funds with contributions from the federal and state governments, private sector and international partners; rebuilding and fortifying schools with perimeter fencing, watchtowers and security personnel; deploying mobile teachers and classrooms in IDP camps to prevent learning loss; using radio and digital learning tools to reach displaced children; reviving and properly funding the Safe Schools Initiative.

Beyond infrastructure, we must invest in hope. Communities must see that government is present and willing to fight for them. The presence of police posts, local councils, functioning hospitals and active schools are the true symbols of governance. Any part of Nigeria where citizens live under the dictates of bandits is effectively outside Nigeria. That cannot continue.

Leaders must act with urgency and courage. They must speak less and do more. It is not enough to mourn each attack; there must be results.

The North has produced leaders who once built industries and universities from scratch. The same determination is now needed to defend the most basic foundation of progress, which is education.

We cannot talk about development, peace or democracy when millions of our children are growing up without education. Bandits may have chased them out of the classrooms, but they must not be allowed to steal their future. No nation abandons its children to criminals and survives.

The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) has stated that crude oil and condensates production for the month of September 2025 fell to an average of 1.581 million barrels per day.

A statement by the commission’s He, Media and Strategic Communication, Eniola Akinkuotu, on Saturday, said 1.39 million barrels per (day bpd) of crude oil and 191,373 bopd of condensate were produced.

The NUPRC attributed the development to the three-day industrial action by the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN), which resulted in the shutdown of some production and export facilities.

The Commission also noted that two strategic facilities h a scheduled turn-around maintenance which led to a reduction in overall production.

‘In September, the industry recorded total crude oil and condensate production of 47.43 million barrels which reflects a modest 1.61% year-on-year increase in average daily crude oil and condensate production year on year. This is a slight improvement over the 1.55 million bpd recorded in the same month of 2024, an uptick that suggests incremental progress.’

It, however, said when measured on a month-on-month basis, crude oil and condensate production slightly dropped by 3.09% in September 2025, compared to the 1.63 million bopd recorded in August 2025.

‘Despite the glitches experienced during the period, average crude oil production in September stood at 93% of the OPEC quota of 1.5 million bpd. During the review month, peak combined crude oil and condensate production hit 1.81 million bpd, while the lowest was 1.35 million bopd.’

‘Analysis of production by the top eight streams shows Forcos Blend accounted for 15.86% of total production, while Bonny Light accounted for 13.31% of September production. QUA IBOE was third accounting for 9.88%; ESCRAVOS Light contributed 8.96%, while BONGA Crude delivered 6.83% of production in the review month. AGBAMI Condensate accounted for 4.94%; ERHA Crude accounted for 4.55%, while Amenam Blend accounted for 4 2% of production.’