Category: Daily Trust

About six months to the deadline for the conclusion of the recapitalisation programme of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) for all deposit money banks to raise minimum capital, banks are intensifying their capital raising drive to meet the target.

One of the expected fall-outs of the ongoing capital raising programme of the CBN is what industry analysts call MandA known in full as merger and acquisition. While some banks may be acquired outright, others would merge to become an entity strong enough to meet the recapitalisation.

The Providus-Unity Bank followed the latter in an effort to form a strong synergy not only to meet the recapitalisation but to strengthen the financial system, boost investors’ confidence and give value to the shareholders.

Recently shareholders and boards of Providus Bank and Unity Bank overwhelmingly approved a business combination of the two institutions at a court-ordered Extraordinary General Meeting, marking a significant moment for Nigeria’s banking sector.

In a joint statement, both banks expressed deep appreciation to the apex bank for its foresight, determination and steadfast support of a stronger financial system.

According to them, the regulator’s backing of the transaction underscores its commitment to resilience, stability, and customer confidence.

‘This regulatory support is not only shaping healthier banks, but also inspiring the confidence of businesses, investors, and everyday Nigerians that our financial system is ready to serve as a cornerstone for sustainable growth,’ the statement noted.

The vote was also a signal to the markets, to regulators, and to the wider public that Nigeria’s banking sector remains robust and forward-looking.

In affirming the merger, the statement said shareholders have helped to reinforce the confidence that underpins economic stability.

‘It is a statement that Nigerian banks are prepared to adapt, consolidate, and grow in line with the Central Bank of Nigeria’s vision of a stronger and more resilient financial system-and ultimately, its aspiration to support Nigeria’s transition into a trillion-dollar economy.’

The merged institution will launch with a solid capital base, a nationwide footprint of approximately 230 branches, and the capacity to serve businesses, households, and government agencies across the country.

Unity Bank brings to the table an age-long legacy of seamless service to customers while Providus adds a reputation for innovation and excellent digital banking platforms, creating a combined bank capable of competing at the highest level.

‘The enlarged bank will provide the backbone for businesses to thrive and communities to prosper’, the statement assured.

The statement added that the merger of the two institutions, when completed, would secure jobs, protect livelihoods, and create new opportunities within a bigger, stronger, and future-oriented institution. ‘The success of this merger rests not only on systems and balance sheets but on people-and their contribution will be safeguarded and celebrated.’

‘This historic transaction is not simply about numbers; it is about confidence in the Nigeria financial system. By combining Providus Bank and Unity Bank, we are creating an institution of scale and substance- that will give confidence to customers, strength to the financial system and create opportunity for our people,’ the statement added.

Following the deal, Providus climbed into the top tier of Nigeria’s lenders, emerging as the ninth-largest bank by assets after its merger with Unity Bank, bringing stronger capital adequacy, broader reach, and more enhanced digital footprints.

Analysts say the merger represents not just the unification of assets but also a strategic step towards creating a stronger, healthier and more competitive financial institution ready to take on bigger exploits in no distant future.

‘This merger represents stability, confidence, assurance and sends a strong message to the investing public that the new entity is ready for business.

At a time when the Unity Bank brand struggles to maintain a strong balance sheet, the merger with Providus provides an opportunity to scale up and boost customers’ confidence.

The Providus-Unity deal also represents a test of the industry’s ability to inspire confidence. By prioritising transparency, safeguarding shareholder interests, and building a culture of accountability, analysts say the new entity is expected to play a central role in deepening financial inclusion and restoring public confidence in Nigeria’s banking system.

The success of this merger could well determine how future business combinations are perceived-not merely as survival strategies, but as platforms for lasting value creation.

In addition, the merger ushers in a new chapter – a bank that is bigger in ambition, broader in reach, and stronger in capacity.

With enhanced technology platforms, deeper capital strength, and a commitment to customer service, the enlarged bank will stand as both a guardian of stability and a catalyst for growth in Nigeria’s journey toward a trillion-dollar economy.

Providus Bank began operations in June 2017. It is licensed by the Central Bank of Nigeria to provide banking services to individuals and businesses. The bank has a strong IT infrastructure and digital channels which it deploys to provide exceptional service to our customers so they can achieve their objectives.

Providus Bank is an innovative ?nancial institution that provides personal, private, corporate, commercial and digital banking products and solutions.

Its tailored ?nancial services delivery includes: Business Advisory, Portfolio Management, Personalised Relationship Management, Fast-tracked Service delivery and Self-service solutions. Providus Bank competitive advantage in Private, Institutional, Business and Personal Banking is driven by the philosophy to create support and value for Institutions, Agencies, SMEs and HNIs.

Its business development strategy also focuses on developing expertise and collaborating to improve the non-oil (emerging) sector of the Nigerian Economy, which includes but not limited to Agriculture, Mining, Hospitality, E-commerce, and Art and Entertainment.

Providus Bank believes that the New World of Fast, Smart, Personal, and Borderless banking relationship is here. We are therefore inspired by our Future Forward Banking ethos to make life (at work and leisure) more exciting for our partners with the use of cutting-edge technology that delivers best-in-class customer satisfaction.

In less than 10 years, Providus Bank has emerged as one of the fastest-growing financial institutions in the country.

Through this merger, Providus aims to transform from a niche player into a national bank, leveraging Unity Bank’s over 211-branch network spread across all 36 states and the FCT.

Speaking recently following the bank’s recognition as one of the best workplaces in banking in 2025 by the Great Place to Work (GPTW), the Managing Director/CEO, Providus Bank, Walter Akpani, attributed it to the quality of staff at the financial institution.

‘Our people are at the very heart of what we do. This recognition is a tribute to their hard work, creativity and dedication,’ he noted.

Also, the Group Head of Human Resources at ProvidusBank, Kingsley Ogirri, said the recognition reflected the experiences of employees themselves.

‘It is proof that the policies and programmes we have put in place are making a difference, from opportunities for growth, to wellness initiatives, to creating a space where everyone feels valued,’ he added.

Confidence building, stability

Proshare analysts say the Unity-Providus Bank business combination ‘will undoubtedly strengthen Nigeria’s banking sector by supporting further stability and building confidence in the industry; however, fixing a crack by plastering over a house wall does not resolve the underlying foundational defect.’

In a report titled, ‘Unity-Providus Business Combination Maths: Between Expediency and Technical Financial Logic,’ the analysts stressed that ‘regulatory discretions need to be structured to eliminate the unintended signalling of bias and fiscal indiscretion.’

Operatives of the Jigawa State Police Command have arrested nine suspected cattle rustlers and recovered four cows, two goats, and two vehicles during coordinated operations across Hadejia and Auyo local government areas.

The suspects, aged between 20 and 45, were apprehended on September 30, 2025, following intelligence-led raids carried out by personnel of the Hadejia ‘A’ Division and Auyo Division.

Police spokesperson, SP Shiisu Lawan Adam, said the suspects were intercepted at an uncompleted building in Kantin Waje Quarters, Hadejia, and at Kogin Dole near Wailari Village in Auyo.

Recovered from the suspects were a tinted-glass Golf wagon and a Volkswagen bus with registration number UBJ 835 XX, along with the stolen livestock.

One of the cows was identified by its rightful owner, Muhammad Sani of Harbo Sabuwa Village in Miga Local Government Area, who had earlier reported the theft to the police.

Commending the officers for their swift response, the Commissioner of Police reiterated the command’s commitment to eradicating cattle rustling and other criminal activities across the state.

He assured that the suspects would be charged to court after investigations are concluded and urged residents, especially livestock owners, to continue providing credible information to support security efforts in Jigawa State.

Chris Ojo, one of the organisers of 10km Owan Marathon has announced that the 5th Edition of the annual race will hold on Jan.3, with the aim to promote tourism.

Ojo made the remark in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Calabar on Sunday and said that the event would feature athletes from Edo, Nigeria and beyond.

He said that the annual marathon race had been put together in collaboration with the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) to ensure world-class standard.

He also disclosed plans by the organisers to increase the prize money for the race in response to the current economic realities.

Ojo noted that making the announcement of the date for the race ahead of time was to ensure better planning and coordination.

He said that the 10km annual Owan marathon race was seeking to promote three main pillars – tourism, economic growth, and international recognition.

According to him, this is the 5th edition of the race, and you must know that as the year gets by, we try to improve on every aspect of the event.

‘As for the coming edition, we seek to improve on every level of organisation because we have plans to welcoming international stars to compete with our own (Nigerians) like every other organised marathon in the country.

‘You will recall that we started this annual event modestly, and we have gotten to a point where we are looking to effect changes as part of effort to go international.

‘Of course, we already have the backing of the state and the AFN, all we are doing now is to improve on the level of organisation to get to that level we are aiming at,’ Ojo stated.

Before acquiring a property in Abuja, there are basic things to keep in mind concerning the rules regulating the real estate sector in the Federal Capital Territory.

Daily Trust reports that over the years, the real estate sector has grown to become one of the fastest growing sectors in the country with high Return on Investments (RoI).

This is because Abuja is a cosmopolitan city with individuals coming from different states and even outside the country in search of greener pastures

Subsequently, as th? population continu?s to grow, th?r? is higher demand for housing across different areas.

However acquiring a property in Abuja comes with a series of procedures as provided by the guidelines regulating the sector.

Daily Trust examines some of these provisions as provided by the Law governing the federal capital territory administration.

The process of acquiring property in Abuja involves several steps, including land ownership verification, documentation, and obtaining the necessary permits.

Land ownership verification

Before acquiring a property, it is pertinent to ensure that the seller possesses legal rights to the property.

As a buyer it is important to verify land ownership documents, such as the Certificate of Occupancy (C of O) or Right of Occupancy, to prevent future legal disputes.

Subsequently, proper documentation is essential. This encompasses preparing a sales agreement, survey plan, and relevant documents. This section, requires a reputable real estate lawyer or agent.

Obtaining building permits/approvals

Depending on the property’s type and intended use, specific permits and approvals may be required. These could involve building permits, development approvals, or environmental impact assessments. Adhering to these requirements prevents complications during and post-transaction.

Engaging property lawyers

In order to ensure a seamless and secure transaction entails collaborating with experienced real estate agents and lawyers. Their expertise can guide you through the legal intricacies of property acquisition in Abuja.

These professionals offer insights, contract reviews, due diligence, and protection of your interests throughout the process.

Asides this, there are other legal and regulatory laws by agencies of government to ensure that Real Estate Business is conducted smoothly.

The real estate landscape in Abuja operates under a set of laws and regulations that shape property transactions and ownership. These laws include the Land Use Act and other agencies responsible for governing Real estate.

The land use Act governs land ownership and vests the government with control over all lands in Nigeria snd understanding its provisions is crucial as they significantly impact land transactions and ownership rights.

In Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Land Administration: The FCT Land Administration Department oversees the management of land, its allocation, and the issuance of Certificates of Occupancy (C of O) within Abuja and complying with their regulations is vital when acquiring and developing land.

Secondly, the Abuja Geographic Information Systems (AGIS): AGIS, a department of the Federal Capital Development Agency, manages computerized land information. The AGIS Resource Centre acts as a repository for spatially connected data and services in the FCT. It also computerizes the Cadastral and Land Registry for FCC, Area Councils, and Satellite Towns.

Reputable real estate agents aid in property selection, negotiations, and market insights. Meanwhile, seasoned real estate lawyers assist with land ownership verification, contract drafting, and compliance with legal requisites.

It is vital to understand the relevant laws, grasping the acquisition process, and partnering with reputable professionals can guarantee a seamless and secure transaction. By adhering to legal requirements and seeking guidance from experts, you safeguard your investment interests in Abuja’s real estate market.

Other essentials to know as a prospective property owner is to know who owns land, what happens when an R ot O expires and whether one can own a land forever.

Who owns th? land?

Th? F?d?ral Gov?rnm?nt of Nig?ria is th? sol? own?r of all land within th? F?d?ral Capital T?rritory (FCT), including Abuja. Unlik? many countri?s, absolut? land own?rship in Abuja by individuals, and indeed the entire Federal Capital Territory (FCT), is not possibl?.

Th? F?d?ral Gov?rnm?nt, acts as trust?? for all Nig?rians, holding all land. Individuals and ?ntiti?s can, how?v?r, acquir? a ‘Right of Occupancy’ for a sp?cific p?riod, typically 99 y?ars. This serves as a long-t?rm l?as? with sp?cific rights and obligations.

Also, one cannot own a land forever. Whil? you can’t own th? land its?lf, you can acquir? a ‘Right of Occupancy ‘ for a sp?cific p?riod, typically 99 y?ars. This Right of Occupancy grants you ?xclusiv? us? and d?v?lopm?nt rights ov?r th? land for the designated duration.

What happ?ns wh?n the right of occupancy expir?s?

Once the Right of Occupancy expires, you los? th? right to us? th? land as you desire. Th? land therefore goes back into the possession of the government. How?v?r, you can r?apply to hav? your right of occupancy r?n?w?d. Onc? th? gov?rnm?nt grants you that r?n?wal, the land is yours to use all over again for another 99 years

St?ps to Obtaining th? Right of Occupancy

S?curing your Right of Occupancy involv?s a multi-st?p proc?ss which include a formal application at the land Bureau in this case the Federal Capital Territory Administration through thr department of land administration. Secondly, one is expected to complete a survey plan, verify land status, pay applicable fees for approval, and finally, receive the Certificate of Occupancy or Right of Occupancy.

The Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Uche Nnaji, has admitted that the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), never issued him a degree certificate.

This statement is in line with the report of a two-year investigation by PREMIUM TIMES which revealed that the UNN did not issue him the credentials he submitted to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Senate during his ministerial confirmation.

Allegations of certificate forgery have dogged Mr Nnaji since July 2023 when President Tinubu named him among the first batch of 28 ministerial nominees from 25 states forwarded to the Senate as part of the president’s initial cabinet list, two months after taking office on May 29, 2023.

Critics had alleged that Mr Nnaji did not complete his university education and that both the bachelor’s degree and National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) certificate he presented to President Tinubu as well as to the offices of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), the State Security Service (SSS) and the Senate were forged.

Mr Nnaji has now addressed the allegations for the first time, and, in doing so, confirmed that UNN never issued him any certificate.

Admission in court filings

The minister’s admission is contained in court filings in a case he instituted against the Minister of Education, the National Universities Commission (NUC), the University of Nigeria, its Vice-Chancellor, Simon Ortuanya, a professor, its Registrar, a former Acting Vice-Chancellor, Oguenjiofor Ujam, a professor and the Senate of the University.

In the suit before Justice Hauwa Yilwa of the Federal High Court, Abuja, Mr Nnaji sought, through a motion ex parte, an order granting him leave to issue prerogative writs prohibiting UNN and its officials from ‘tampering with’ or continuing to ‘tamper with’ his academic records.

He also sought leave to issue a prerogative writ of mandamus compelling the university and its officials to release his academic transcript to him, and asked the Minister of Education and the NUC to exercise their supervisory powers to compel UNN to do so.

Additionally, Mr Nnaji requested an interim injunction restraining UNN and its officials from ‘tampering’ with his academic records pending the determination of the substantive suit.

In her ruling of 22 September, Justice Yilwa granted three of the prayers sought but declined to issue any injunctive order against the defendants. The case was then adjourned to 6 October (Monday) for further hearing.

University of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN)

Those familiar with the matter said Mr Nnaji initiated the case to block the university from releasing details of his academic sojourn in the institution to anyone, including PREMIUM TIMES. He is also said to desire a transcript to refresh his memory regarding where he dropped out of university.

However, in paragraphs 12 and 13 of his 34-paragraph verifying affidavit supporting the motion, Mr Nnaji made a stunning revelation, accusing UNN officials of refusing to issue him a certificate and, in the process, confirming that he never collected one.

In paragraph 12, he stated that the university admitted him in 1981 to study Microbiology/Biochemistry, and that he completed the programme and ‘graduated’ in 1985.

But paragraph 13 contained the explosive admission:

‘That even though I am yet to collect my certificate from the 3rd Defendant (UNN), due largely to the non-cooperative attitude of the 3rd-5th Defendants (UNN, its Vice-Chancellor, and Registrar), the 3rd Defendant issued a letter dated 21st December 2023 to People’s Gazette (attention: Samuel Ogundipe) which stated amongst other things as follows:

‘This is to confirm that Geoffrey Uchechukwu Nnaji, with registration number 1981/30725, was admitted in 1981 to study Microbiology/Biochemistry at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka. Mr Geoffrey Uchechukwu Nnaji graduated from the University of Nigeria in July 1985 with a Bachelor of Science in Microbiology/Biochemistry, Second Class (Hons.) Lower Division.”

The letter, signed by UNN Registrar Celine Nnebedum, was sent to the People’s Gazette in response to an enquiry. But its contents have since been invalidated.

Mrs Nnebedum later recanted in a letter to the Public Complaints Commission (PCC) in May 2025, stating that the university searched its 1985 graduation records but could not find Mr Nnaji’s name.

Similarly, UNN Vice-Chancellor Ortuanya confirmed in a letter dated 3 October 2025 and addressed to PREMIUM TIMES that Mr Nnaji did not complete his studies and was never awarded a degree by the university.

A senior university official told PREMIUM TIMES that the institution investigated Mrs Nnebedum’s letter and concluded that: ‘It is either some people in the records office were influenced or manipulated to cover up for Nnaji, or it was a sincere mistake by the registry.’

The official added: ‘The truth of the matter is that he (Mr Nnaji) never graduated from here. His file is intact. It contains details up to the point where he dropped out.’

Minister keeps silent

Despite multiple efforts to obtain his comments, Mr Nnaji declined to speak directly to PREMIUM TIMES on the matter.

He ignored a detailed written enquiry sent by this newspaper on 8 January 2024, which his office formally acknowledged and stamped as ‘received’ on 18 January 2024 at 1 p.m.

He also refused to answer or return repeated follow-up calls, messages, and emails seeking his response to our findings.

Nnaji’s confession

His admission that the UNN never issued him a degree certificate raises crucial questions: If the UNN did not issue him a certificate, where and how did he obtain the degree document he submitted to Nigerian authorities? And if he never earned a degree, how did he qualify for the NYSC programme?

Ahead of his ministerial screening on August 1, 2023, Mr Nnaji submitted at least 109 copies of a 10-page profile document to the Senate Clerk’s office for distribution to all senators.

The first page featured his smiling photograph, describing him as ‘a visionary industrialist, oil and gas expert, construction giant, healthcare practitioner, pro-democracy activist, trade and investment strategist, and environmental protection expert.’

The next three pages detailed his personal data, including contact information, birth, origin, marital status, religion, education, work and business experience and political achievements.

On page three, he claimed to have earned a combined degree in Biochemistry and Microbiology from UNN, though he failed to provide a graduation year.

For his NYSC service, he claimed he worked as a laboratory supervisor at the University of Jos Teaching Hospital in 1985 and later as an assistant quality control manager at Jos International Breweries Limited in 1986.

The remaining six pages – stapled to the main document – contained copies of his West African Examination Council (WAEC) certificate, statutory declaration of age, Code of Conduct Bureau asset declaration slip, tax clearance certificate for 2022, his supposed UNN Bachelor of Science degree, and his purported NYSC Certificate of National Service.

These last two documents have been the core of PREMIUM TIMES’ long-running investigation.

Now that Mr Nnaji has admitted that UNN never issued him any degree, the inevitable question remains: how did he come into possession of the certificate he submitted to Nigerian authorities?

The Committee for the Creation of new Emirates, Chiefdoms and Districts set up by the Bauchi State Government has proposed 13 new emirates, two chiefdoms and 113 districts.

The proposal was contained in the report of the committee submitted to Governor Bala Mohammed at the Governor’s Office Bauchi by the chairman of the committee, Hamza Koshe Akuyam.

While submitting the committee’s report to the governor, he explained that the proposed 13 new emirates and two chiefdoms represent the most desirable of all the over 100 memoranda received from across the state.

Akuyam recalled that the body was inaugurated on 4th July 2025 with the mandate to review requests from communities across the state, assess their historical, cultural and administrative justifications, and make recommendations to promote justice, inclusiveness and peaceful coexistence.

The chairman disclosed that the committee received a total of 196 memoranda, 17 for the creation of emirates, 166 for districts, and others for chiefdoms.

According to him, ‘At the end of the work, the committee is hereby recommending the creation of 13 additional emirates, 2 chiefdoms, and 111 districts across Bauchi State.’

Responding, Governor Bala Mohammed commended the committee for what he described as a transparent and painstaking exercise, especially the methodology, models, and templates used, noting that the process reflected community ownership and affinity.

The governor said the reform was in line with his administration’s commitment to unbundle Bauchi for easier governance, eliminate ungoverned spaces, and give communities a sense of self-actualisation.

Mohammed assured traditional rulers and communities that the government would implement the recommendations fairly, balancing the aspirations of new communities with the dignity of existing institutions, while expanding opportunities for leadership and representation.

President/Chief Executive, Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, has led the groundbreaking of a $2.5 billion fertiliser plant in Gode, Ethiopia.

The project, a partnership between Dangote Group and Ethiopian Investment Holdings (EIH), with a production capacity of three million metric tonnes of urea annually, is expected to become one of the world’s largest fertiliser complexes.

Strategically located in Ethiopia’s South-East region, it will leverage the country’s abundant natural gas resources from the Hilal and Calub reserves to boost agricultural productivity, create jobs, and enhance food security across the Horn of Africa. It would be recalled that Ethiopian Investment Holdings (EIH), the strategic investment arm of the Government of Ethiopia, and Dangote Group had in August signed a comprehensive shareholders’ agreement to develop, construct, and operate a world-class urea fertilizer production complex in Gode, Ethiopia.

Under the partnership structure, EIH will hold a 40% equity stake while Dangote Group will maintain 60% ownership of the project that represents one of the largest industrial investments in Ethiopian history.

Speaking at the ceremony, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed described the fertiliser project as more than just industrial progress, stressing that it symbolises shared responsibility, cooperation, and peace.

PM Abiy said the project reflects Ethiopia’s commitment to harnessing opportunities and elevating its presence on the global stage.

‘They embody our shared responsibility to harness opportunities, strengthen cooperation, and promote peace. Hence, I call upon all Ethiopians to continue mobilizing in unity for progress,’ Abiy said.

Dangote commended Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali and his cabinet for reforms and economic liberalisation that have opened key sectors to private investments and positioned Ethiopia as one of Africa’s most attractive destinations for global investors. He lauded the government’s investment in infrastructure, including transport, energy, and the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam, which he described as a foundation for the country’s industrialisation.

‘This partnership with Ethiopian Investment Holdings represents a pivotal moment in our shared vision to industrialise Africa and achieve food security across the continent,’ Dangote said.

Dangote added that the Gode project marks just the beginning, with plans to expand into the production of other fertilisers such as ammonium nitrate, ammonium sulphate, NPK, and calcium ammonium nitrate, positioning Ethiopia as a regional hub for fertiliser production. He predicted that within five years, Ethiopia could become Africa’s leading agricultural nation.

This investment is Dangote Group’s second major project in Ethiopia. Its cement subsidiary has operated a 2.5Mta plant in Mugher for more than a decade, with an additional $400 million committed to doubling its capacity.

Across Africa, Dangote said the Group’s strategy is guided by the belief that ‘only Africans can develop Africa,’ with a focus on manufacturing to reduce dependence on imports. He highlighted the Group’s role in transforming Nigeria into a net exporter of petroleum products cement and fertiliser, through its refinery, cement plants, and fertiliser expansion, which is set to become the largest in the world at nine million metric tonnes per annum.

‘These investments have already changed Nigeria’s story,’ Dangote noted. ‘We’ve moved from being import-dependent to becoming self-sufficient and even exporters of cement, fertiliser, and petroleum products. Our mission is to help other African nations achieve the same transformation. We strive to make African countries become self sufficient in the production of those goods whose necessary raw materials are readily available. We have demonstrated that feat in the cement sector where many African countries are now net exporters of cement through our investments. We are ready and happy to work with more African countries to drive their industrialization plans and aspirations.’

World Habitat Day reminds us that housing is a basic human right, yet in many Nigerian cities, that right remains out of reach.

From people sleeping outside shops to drivers spending nights in their cars, the struggle for shelter has become part of daily life.

In this episode of Nigeria Daily, we explore the realities of homelessness in Abuja’s outskirts and hear what experts say can be done to change the story.

Barely one week to commence its planned nationwide strike, the leadership of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has commenced mobilisation of its members across all the universities in the country.

The union premised the latest development upon the government’s silence after a notice had been served to all relevant authorities including the minister of Labour and Employment, Maigari Dingyadi.

Daily Trust reports that ASUU had last week Monday announced that it would shut down all the public universities in the country in order to press home its demands.

The union specifically explained that the notice, starting from Sunday, September 28, 2025, would first herald a two-week warning strike before embarking on a total and indefinite strike over the federal government’s attitude.

However, in a fresh letter signed by President of the union, Prof. Chris Piwuna and sent to all branches of the union, ASUU said it had no choice but to shut down universities through strike action in response to the government’s conduct.

In the letter dated October 5, 2025, and obtained by Daily Trust on Monday, Piwuna expressed regret that there had been no meaningful progress toward resolving the issue.

He said, ‘The National Executive Council (NEC) of our Union, at its emergency meeting of 29th September, 2025, having evaluated the results of the referendum held across our branches, resolved to give government a fourteen-day ultimatum to resolve the issues contained in the negotiated document which has been transmitted to government since February, 2025.

‘It was further resolved that the union will proceed on a two-week warning strike at the expiration of the ultimatum if government fails to take acceptable and satisfactory steps to address the lingering issues.

‘The resolutions were immediately communicated to the Honourable Minister of Labour, the Honourable Minister of Education and the Nigeria Labour Congress.

‘It is now one week since those resolutions were reached and communicated to the appropriate authorities. I regret to inform you that there is no meaningful development deserving of any consideration to be reported.

‘As we enter the second and final week of the ultimatum, | thank you on behalf of NEC for the patience and understanding which you demonstrated since the commencement of this tortuous negotiation that has unjustifiably last over eight years.

‘The goal of our current action remains principally to compel Government to sign and implement the renegotiated agreement document, amongst other demands.

‘The days ahead call for mobilization of every member of our union to ensure unity of purpose. No one should be left out of the struggle to our welfare, stem the Jupa syndrome and reposition the Nigeria University System (NUS) for global competitiveness.

‘We are strong when we organise, but weakened when we agonise! Our Union has always acted in solidarity as a collective; this action will not be different.

‘Members are to take instructions only from their Chairpersons. When in doubt, members should consult their Chairpersons, Zonal Coordinators and attend Congress meetings regularly for updates on further developments.’

Journalist, columnist and author Azu Ishiekwene has released a new book entitled ‘A Midlifer’s Guide to Content Creation and Profit’.

The ten-chapter book focuses on how older adults can profitably interact with and expand their frontiers in the evolving new media landscape, particularly in light of the complex and promising developments of generative artificial intelligence (AI).

In a statement, Ishiekwene, fondly called Azu, said, ‘It shares insights with midlifers on the possibilities for rewarding their mental exertions handsomely, whether literary, artistic or acoustic talent, or the sheer capacity to curate and tell a good story from their experiences using new technologies.’

The book, published by Premium Times Books, is a sequel to ‘Writing for Media and Monetising It,’ published in 2024, and is considered a practical and valuable text for young adults in the media and literary fields.

In the Foreword, historian of African Studies and distinguished teaching professor in Humanities Toyin Falola, said, ‘The book is a groundbreaking book that challenges the widespread belief, especially among the older generation (Gen X), that aspirations should diminish after the age of 50.’

The publisher of Premium Times, Dapo Olorunyomi, said, ‘It’s another masterpiece from Azu, who is gaining new heights not only in the mastery of new media forms, but also in his capacity to share his insights in meaningful ways.’

As part of his interest in new media, Azu has also published a workbook on content monetisation, given several lectures, and co-authored a scholarly article with Professor Farooq Kperogi, entitled ‘Light in a Digital Black Hole: Exploration of Emergent Artificial Intelligence Journalism in Nigeria,’ published in the Journal of Applied Journalism and Media Studies.

His new book, A Midlifer’s Guide to Content Creation and Profit, can be accessed on www.azu.media and other global distribution platforms.