Category: Daily Trust

In 2003, on the watch of former President Olusegun Obasanjo, the World Values Survey declared Nigeria as home to the world’s happiest people. By 2024, however, Nigeria had plummeted from this endearing and shimmering position to 104 in the happiness index.

In spite of this precipitous plunge to the nadir of happiness – and for obvious reasons – tribute must be paid to the forbearance and fortitude of Nigerians. For in spite of difficulties, equating, if not surpassing those of such basket cases as Nepal and Bangladesh, Nigerians have carried on with uncommon perseverance and long-suffering.

By the same token, homage must be paid to the can-do and never-say-die spirit of the Nigerian. This spirit is epitomised and exemplified by the tendency of the Nigerian, against the odds, to fend for himself/herself in nearly all facets of life. Where governments – federal, state and local – are hopelessly derelict in providing such basic infrastructure and amenities as roads, water, electricity, schools, hospitals, etc. – Nigerians, especially better-heeled ones, are forthcoming. They have weighed in, thereby filling these lacunae.

Most Nigerians provide access roads to their estates, streets and households. They drill their boreholes. They invest in private schools (Crèche, Primary and Tertiary). They invest in solar panels to make up for the shortcomings of our electricity and distributing companies (GENCOs and DISCOs), whose acronyms do not suggest or convey any seriousness or sense of purpose.

If homage is paid to Nigerians for providing for themselves, where their governments have failed, woefully and spectacularly, tribute must be paid to their sense of enterprise and industry. Drawing from a proud work ethic that celebrates and lionizes persons who fend for themselves and others rather than relying on handouts, most Nigerians have found recourse in one enterprise or the other. This has led to a proliferation of small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) across the country.

Referred to in economic parlance as the informal sector, small businesses employ more Nigerians than any other, apart from the agricultural one, which hitherto led the way until the advent of oil.

In spite of the behemoth known as the Organised Private Sector (OPS), the informal sector of the economy has co-opted many of our youths, who ordinarily would have been idling away or constituting a menace, from our streets. This has kept millions of our youths gainfully employed. It has also imbued them with genuine hope.

Yet, even this sector, arising from the vagaries of government policies and predilections, is receiving one of its severest buffetings. This writer’s survey of a number of small businesses in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and four states adjoining it, suggests that they are facing a number of existential and life-threatening headwinds.

Power or electricity is one of the major challenges. Sometimes, for nearly one week, electricity will not be supplied by the DISCOs covering these states and the FCT to the chagrin of businesses. A week ago, nearly all districts of the FCT went without electricity for five days. It was the same in neighbouring Niger State. Kaduna was worse: It went without electricity for seven days, reducing that state to the Stone Age.

In the absence of electricity, most businesses in these states and the FCT have had to rely on generators, thus incurring additional costs. And since they are located in what are referred to as civil service states, their being bereft of industries, they run on losses. They can hardly pass off these costs on their customers who are smarting under cost of living crises and whose disposable incomes have shrunk to near zero.

Transportation is another challenge. Following the withdrawal of fuel subsidy, the cost of transportation has quadrupled. In most cases, workers do not reside close to their places of employment. In Abuja, this state of affairs is worse: Not less than ninety percent of workers reside in suburbs and outskirts outside the City Centre. This has compelled employers to increase salaries marginally, to downsize or to devise a curious roaster in which staffers come to work thrice in a week and in rotation. These, of course, have consequences for morale and joblessness.

In one hotel at Wuse II, investigations show that most of the staffers have been laid off due to the hard times. Staffers are invited to work only on a need basis and when the hotel records a high volume of room bookings. Meanwhile, whether there are guests or not, the hotel must run its generators on a daily basis to secure the premises, present a semblance of activity and preserve the foodstuffs it has stocked in its refrigerators.

Compounding the contrivance of an intriguing working roaster for staff or finding recourse in casuals, which offends Labour practices, are multiple taxations imposed, roughshod by federal, state and local governments. In nearly all these states and the FCT, demand notices for ground rents are issued by the state and Local Governments simultaneously. All manner of taxes are also demanded. Worse of all, they are usually issued cavalierly and with sadistic relish. It is as if the business person has committed an offence for daring to venture out or to invest.

These obnoxious multiple taxations and other vexatious charges have reared their heads in recent times. These have arisen out of a frenzied quest for Internally Generated Revenues (IGRs). It is healthy for states to generate revenue and to rely less on statutory monthly federal allocations. But the haughty manner in which taxes are imposed and the sadistic manner in which they are exacted goes beyond the pale. It hardly encourages the small business person to venture out or to invest, thereby creating jobs in the process. Neither have we seen, apart from white elephant flyovers being constructed in state capitals, any concerted efforts by state governments to address our infrastructure deficit or the provision of amenities.

This writeup is intended to call attention to the havoc governments, especially state and local, are wrecking on businesses and the urgent need for our tax reform to streamline and harmonise taxes in the three tiers of government.

The fears of the small business person must not only be assuaged, an environment must be created for him/her to thrive. Otherwise, rather than grow, the economy will remain in its doldrums with negative consequences.

The continuously lower contribution of the manufacturing sector to Nominal Gross Domestic Product (GDP) should instruct us. By the recent accounting of the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), the contribution of the Manufacturing sector to Nominal GDP in the second quarter of 2025 was 6.87%, lower than the figure recorded in the corresponding period of 2024 at 7.84% and for good measure, lower than the first quarter of 2025 which was 10.78%. We don’t have any figures relating to the growth rate of the informal sector. But your guess is as good as mine!

Wives of soldiers detained for committing various offences in Borno State have pleaded with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and military authorities to pardon their husbands.

Appealing for mercy, the leader of the group, Rose Emmanuel David, who spoke on behalf of 30 other women, said, ‘If Boko Haram terrorists can be pardoned, why not our husbands?’

She noted that the detention of their husbands at the 7 Division Military Police Facility has put them under emotional stress and financial hardships.

‘Some of our husbands were detained for one year and eight months; the children born after them have grown up without knowing their fathers.

‘Many of us are faced with serious financial hardships. I’m personally surviving the situation by frying bean cake (Akara) for sale.

It’s very difficult for us to adapt to the new situation,’ she said.

She pleaded with the president to find a place in his heart to forgive their husband in the spirit of Nigeria at 65 celebrations.

‘We acknowledge their mistakes, they have deeply reflected, and now seek a second chance to serve their country with renewed loyalty.

‘We respectfully call on His Excellency, President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to grant them a presidential pardon.’

‘We also appeal to the National Assembly, the Executive Governor of Borno State, and all Nigerians of goodwill to support this plea.

‘It is important to remember that amnesty has been extended to repentant insurgents and bandits who once raised arms against the state.

‘These soldiers are Nigerians too, men who once risked their lives to defend our people and preserve our nation. They deserve the same mercy, so they can once again fight for peace, unity, and security,’ she said.

Last week, Special Court Martial (SCM) convened by the Acting General Officer Commanding 7 Division Nigerian Army and Sector 1 Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), Brigadier General Ugochukwu Unachukwu, has slammed 2 Senior Non-commissioned Officers and 2 Non-Commissioned Officers for Arms/Ammunition racketeering as well as Aiding and Abetting the Enemy.

Ima Niboro, former presidential spokesman, has responded to comments made by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser on Information and Strategy to President Bola Tinubu, about ex-President Goodluck Jonathan.

Responding to Onanuga’s claim of Jonathan’s ‘dismal’ record in office, the former aide said while he respects Onanuga as a senior colleague, he disagrees with the assessment of Jonathan’s tenure.

‘Goodluck Ebele Jonathan’s presidency was not perfect. No presidency is. None will ever be. But Jonathan’s was far from the caricature of ‘ruin’ and ‘cluelessness’ that Onanuga now paints,’ he said in a piece.

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He highlighted several achievements of the Jonathan administration, including the growth of Nigeria’s foreign reserves to $42 billion in 2015, the establishment of a Sovereign Wealth Fund, the rebasing of Nigeria’s economy which made it Africa’s largest, reforms in agriculture, and the creation of new universities.

He also pointed to infrastructure projects such as the Abuja-Kaduna railway, the commencement of the Second Niger Bridge, and the modernisation of airports.

‘Whether Jonathan runs in 2027 or not, his record remains what it is: the economy’s expansion, agricultural reform, revived rail, modernized airports, new universities, governance innovation, health gains, and deepened democracy. These cannot be erased by the flourish of anyone’s pen. Nigerians lived them. Nigerians remember,’ the former spokesman said.

He added that Jonathan’s peaceful concession in 2015 strengthened Nigeria’s democracy and should not be overlooked.

‘I respect Bayo Onanuga as a senior colleague and compatriot. But to this statement of his. this premature assault on a man who has not declared for 2027. I respond firmly, respectfully, and unequivocally: No, Sir,’ he stated.

Opposition and civil society leaders on Wednesday voiced strong doubts about Nigeria’s electoral future, warning that reforms are unlikely under President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

Speaking at a virtual national electoral reform summit, they resolved to mobilise strategies to prevent what they described as attempts by the ruling party to ‘rig’ its way back to power in 2027.

A former governor of Rivers State, Rotimi Amaechi, said bluntly that no meaningful electoral reform could take place under President Bola Tinubu’s government. He argued that politicians in power were never committed to reform, as it threatened their grip on office.

Amaechi, who served as minister of transportation in the last administration, spoke at the meeting with the theme ‘Critical constitutional amendments for credible elections in 2027.’ He declared, ‘There is absolutely nothing anybody can do about electoral reform in Nigeria in the present government.’

The former governor, drawing from his experience, said politicians consistently resist reform once they win power. ‘Everybody ensures that once he wins, he will not do electoral reform so that he can bring himself back for a second tenure. Then, when he is out of government, he will start shouting for electoral reform. It takes commitment and patriotism to know that votes should count. Politicians will not do that because politics has become a source of revenue, a source of income. Electoral reform would mean you are taking power back to the people, so they can hire and fire.’

Reflecting on the Muhammadu Buhari years, Amaechi said little progress was made despite opportunities. ‘Did we achieve anything when President Buhari was there? There was nothing we did in terms of electoral reform. If those in power at that time had acted, we would not be here today.’

Amaechi also accused some past government officials, now clamouring for reform, of previously working against such measures. ‘The people who served in Buhari’s government and are now crying for electoral reform are the same ones who went to him to convince him not to sign the reform that came from the National Assembly,’ he said.

According to him, some invited guests avoided the virtual summit out of fear of government backlash. ‘There are those who can’t answer the question of what they did when they were in government,’ he added.

Former President Goodluck Jonathan and former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, listed as chairman and keynote speaker for the event, were absent.

Turning to the opposition, Amaechi accused many of pursuing personal gain rather than systemic reform. ‘What we have currently in the opposition are people who want to win primaries in their different parties, look for public money, then lose elections and keep the money. That’s my suspicion. I may be wrong, but in APC we knew Buhari would win. So, all of us worked for him. Now, if we want anything to happen, it will be after I emerge as a candidate. Then I would know the type of election I want to run,’ he said.

Amaechi dismissed suggestions that reforms could come through the National Assembly under Senate President Godswill Akpabio. ‘If it’s what people are saying about going to the National Assembly led by Akpabio, I know him too well. He was my colleague. I was his chairman in the Governors’ Forum,’ he said.

‘From Abacha’s writing of results till today, the South-South and South-East are yet to come out of writing results. So, if something has to be done for me, I will wait until I have my primaries,’ he remarked.

The 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, stressed the need for having a proper electoral system that can guarantee free and fair election for the engendering of democracy in the country.

Also speaking, Dr Usman Bugaje, a former presidential aide and public affairs analyst, said reform efforts had failed repeatedly because those in power had no interest in genuine change.

Bugaje described the current administration as unwilling to open the door for credible amendments. ‘This is one regime that has shown they are not even prepared to conduct an election,’ he added.

On her part, former education minister Oby Ezekwesili criticised the judiciary, accusing it of worsening Nigeria’s political crisis. ‘We have to take the war to the gate of the judiciary. It’s like elections are now an industry for the judiciary,’ she said.

She urged reforms in how electoral cases are handled. ‘We need to implement an automated system for assigning electoral cases to judges. It will reduce manipulation and strengthen the process. We must also prevail on the NJC to investigate and discipline judges where necessary and restore public confidence,’ she added.

Nigeria’s former ambassador to Ethiopia, Nkoyo Toyo, noted that while technological innovations had raised hopes in past elections, the 2023 polls reversed much of that progress.

‘What we thought was significant progress hit the rocks, and confidence has fallen. Many people today have very little faith in the process,’ she said.

Toyo called for urgent action before 2027, warning against neglect of critical issues. ‘The appointment of the next INEC chairman is another critical process we cannot ignore. We must not sit back and watch,’ she stressed.

Former presidential candidate Prof Pat Utomi added that no government perceived to lack legitimacy could effectively govern.

The summit ended with a consensus among opposition leaders and civic voices that without urgent reforms, Nigeria risked repeating the failures of the past. Yet, as Amaechi and others warned, the chances of meaningful change under the present administration remain slim.

The battle for control of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) ahead of its November 15-16 national convention in Ibadan, Oyo State, has deepened, with a fresh rift emerging in the National Working Committee (NWC).

Daily Trust gathered that the committee has again split between PDP governors and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, who has openly vowed to support the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2027.

While acting National Chairman Umar Damagum is aligned with most governors, National Secretary Samuel Anyanwu is leading the Wike camp within the NWC. Sources said Wike’s loyalists have boycotted recent NWC meetings called by Damagum, as tensions over the convention escalate.

A party insider said Wike, having pledged to work for President Bola Tinubu and frustrate the convention, has continued to issue conditions. ‘If they meet those conditions, he will come up with new ones. The governors have decided to move on and are daring him to do his worst,’ the source said.

The crisis worsened on September 30 when PDP spokesman Debo Ologunagba announced the dissolution of the Akwa Ibom State executive committee and the appointment of a caretaker committee.

He added that the caretaker committee will run the chapter for three months or until a new executive is elected. Members include Igwat Umoren as chairman, Harrison Ekpo as deputy chairman, and Borono Bassey as secretary, among others.

But in a counter-letter dated October 1, Anyanwu dismissed the move as invalid, insisting no formal NWC meeting approved the dissolution. He described the statement as ‘null and void and of no effect,’ stressing that the Akwa Ibom executive ‘stands undissolved.’

He further directed the state executive to continue in office in line with the PDP constitution. When contacted, Anyanwu confirmed he authored the letter but offered no further details.

As the convention draws nearer, leaders and stakeholders remain divided. Wike has continued to issue conditions for a hitch-free exercise, but many governors are no longer willing to concede.

Earlier in the week, Ologunagba admitted that some members were working with the APC to sabotage the PDP but vowed they would soon face sanctions. He insisted preparations for the convention were already concluded, declaring that ‘enough is enough.’

The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) on Wednesday raised alarm over the country’s poor doctor-to-patient ratio of 1:19,083, describing it as far from global best practice.

The association, in a statement marking Nigeria’s 65th Independence anniversary, said the situation reflects the dire state of the nation’s healthcare system.

NARD further announced that, effective October 1, 2025, resident doctors nationwide will no longer take continuous calls exceeding 24 hours.

The statement was jointly signed by NARD President, Dr. Mohammad Suleiman; Secretary-General, Dr. Shuaibu Ibrahim; and Publicity and Social Secretary, Dr. Abdulmajid Ibrahim.

The country continues to grapple with a severe shortage of doctors, a crisis deepened by the steady migration of health professionals in search of better pay and working conditions abroad.

The federal government had said that over 16,000 Nigerian doctors have left the country in the last five to seven years, leaving hospitals and training institutions under immense pressure.

The exodus has placed an overwhelming burden on those who remain, particularly resident doctors.

NARD said, ‘With an estimated population of over 240 million people and only about 11,000 resident doctors, Nigeria records a ratio of 1:9,083. This is far from global best practice.

‘Furthermore, Nigerian resident doctors work an average of 106.5 hours per week, with surgical residents enduring over 122.7 hours weekly. This translates to an average of four to five days of 24-hour call duty per week.’

This workload, it said, has dire consequences not only for patient care but also for the well-being of doctors themselves.

It said, ‘This situation is deeply troubling. It inevitably leads to increased medical errors due to burnout, endangering patients’ safety, with a severe toll on the mental, physical, and psychological well-being of doctors. Too often, resident doctors sacrifice their health, and sometimes their lives, in service to their patients.

‘The consequences are tragically evident with early-career doctors paying the ultimate price. But the painful question remains: Who cares for their families and dependents after their passing? The bigger question is: How many more lives must we lose before decisive action is taken?’

The association called on the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare to implement a one-to-one replacement policy to reduce the crushing workload on doctors and to establish safeguarding regulations to curb excessive call hours, ensuring the safety of both doctors and patients.

NARD also said the few doctors who have remained in Nigeria despite mass emigration are patriots and heroes.

It said, ‘They deserve not only protection but also fair and equitable remuneration commensurate with their inputs. If we do not safeguard ourselves, who will? On this day when Nigeria celebrates its independence and national progress, let us also reflect on the sacrifices resident doctors continue to make and the grave challenges they face. Chief among these are the burden of more than 24-hour uninterrupted calls and poor remuneration, a practice that demands urgent reform.

‘We cannot continue to lose our members to preventable and avoidable deaths – not now, and not in the future.’

Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah, has urged Nigerians to hold fast to optimism and unity in the face of present challenges, assuring that the economic policies of the President Bola Tinubu Administration and citizens’ huge sacrifices would ultimately pay off if the nation stayed the course.

Mbah said that while the anniversary may understandably be low-key, it did not obviate Nigeria’s giant strides as an independent nation.

These were contained in his message to Nigerians in the early hours of Wednesday to mark the nation’s 65th independence anniversary. In the message, which he personally signed, the governor congratulated the citizens on ‘the proud milestone.’

‘At 65, our independence is a reminder of what we can achieve as a people when we are united. It is also a reminder that progress demands sacrifice, and that tomorrow is shaped by the choices we make today.

‘The commemoration of our 65th independence anniversary may understandably be low-key, but the significance of the strides we have made as a nation is by no means underwhelming.

‘Those strides are manifest in the remarkable achievements we have recorded across key sectors. They reflect as well in the bold reforms of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu that have brought stability to the Nigerian economy. The sacrifices may be huge today, but there is no doubt that the end will vindicate the decisions if we stay the course.

‘As we raise our flags today, let us renew our covenant to Nigeria; let us embrace the spirit of unity, and let us uphold the optimism that has carried us this far,’ he said.

Mbah, while also recommitting to his administration’s inclusive development model that leaves no one behind, maintained that Enugu State, under his watch, was on the path of turnaround and exponential economic growth.

‘In Enugu State, this Independence Day is a fitting occasion to recommit to our pledge to make inclusion the cornerstone of government policy; to create wealth and deploy it for the benefit of everyone in Enugu State. We are staying the course. And no one will be left behind.

‘From moribund assets roaring back to life, to Ndi Enugu enjoying a resounding sense of security of lives and property, our children transitioning to 260 Smart Green Schools, our rural communities accessing modern healthcare courtesy of our completed or ongoing 260 Type 2 Primary Healthcare Centres, Ndi Enugu commuting conveniently and affordably via our modern transport system and infrastructure, Enugu State is no doubt on the pathway to assured turnaround and exponential economic growth,’ he added.

The once active Government Science College, Kagara, Niger State, has become a shadow of itself.

The school that has raised numerous champions came under spotlight following a Boko Haram attack in 2021.

At least 27 students and staff were abducted in the 2021 attack.

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Subsequently, the town recorded more attacks, which discouraged students from returning to school.

Presently, it has been converted to a military camp. Daily Trust’s Abubakar Akote recently visited the school and took the pictures below:

President Bola Tinubu says cancellation of the 65th Independence Day military parade afforded him the opportunity to sleep well and enjoy ‘nice breakfast’ on Wednesday.

Daily Trust reports that the Federal Government had cancelled the parade earlier scheduled to mark Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary on Wednesday, October 1.

The announcement was contained in a statement issued on Monday by the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation.

‘The Federal Government wishes to announce the cancellation of the Independence Anniversary parade, previously scheduled to mark the 65th Independence on Wednesday, 1st October. The cancellation is in no way a diminishment of the significance of this milestone anniversary,’ the statement, signed by the Director of Information and Public Relations, Segun Imohiosen, read.

Speaking on Wednesday at the unveiling of the renovated Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and Creative Arts, formerly known as the National Arts Theatre in Lagos, Tinubu said he slept well after the parade’s cancellation.

The president said he had a pleasant evening at the inauguration of the renovated Centre funded and overseen by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) in collaboration with the Bankers’ Committee.

The event, he said, broke what he called the monotony of the usual military parade on the independence day anniversary.

‘I’m more than grateful for tonight. I enjoyed the evening.

‘Happy 65th Independence Anniversary. This has broken the monotony of military march-past, parade and everything. By cancelling this programme, I was able to have a good sleep, have a nice breakfast and wait for this evening. And the evening is well spent,’ he told the gathering.

Tinubu arrived at the venue at about 6:24 p.m for the reopening ceremony of the monument.

The President had in July 2024 renamed the edifice the Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and Creative Arts in honour of the Nobel Laureate.

At the unveiling, Tinubu was joined by the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin, H.E. Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, Emir of Kano, Emir Muhammadu Sanusi II, and the host of the occasion, Professor Wole Soyinka.

Tinubu expressed his satisfaction to have renamed the centre after Soyinka who he described as one of the greatest assets of the world, Africa and Nigeria.

He said the literary icon has contributed greatly to nation building and freedom.

‘So, it couldn’t have been anything else and I know definitely you (referring to Soyinka) will not disobey this president. I said it has to be Wole Soyinka Centre,’ Tinubu said.

Violence erupted at Ilugun High School, Elega, in Abeokuta, Ogun State, following students’ protests over the alleged collection of illegal fees by teachers, resulting in the death of one person and the destruction of school property.

Daily Trust learned that trouble began last Friday when the school’s management invited operatives of the Amotekun Corps to disperse students who were protesting the unauthorized fees.

Witnesses told our correspondent that upon the arrival of the local security operatives, students ran in different directions to avoid being caught.

In the process, some reportedly jumped into a river near the school, leading to the death of one individual, according to the witnesses.

Miffed by the development, aggrieved students on Monday returned to school and reportedly went berserk.

They allegedly beat a teacher and vandalized school property.

A viral video surfaced on Monday showing groups of students vandalizing school property in broad daylight.

The clip captured students throwing stones at classroom windows until the glass shattered.

In some instances, they pulled out entire aluminum window slides from their frames, leaving the classrooms badly damaged.

Government confirms incident, suspends principals

The state government on Tuesday confirmed the incident, but said only one person died.

The Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Prof. Abayomi Arigbabu, confirmed that teachers of the school engaged in the collection of illegal fees, which led to the protest.

Addressing the media, Arigbabu announced the indefinite suspension of the school’s principals: Mrs. Olukoga Adeyemi Alaba (Junior) and Mrs. Ladipo Olabisi Temitope (Senior).

He stated that the suspension was necessary following the principals’ roles in the incident.

‘In addition, we also discovered that the Principal of Ilugun High School (Junior) had been involved in the collection of illegal fees. In light of these findings, the government has decided to place both the Junior and Senior Principals of Ilugun High School on suspension while we conduct a thorough investigation into the immediate and remote causes of this unfortunate incident,’ he said.

Regarding the casualty, Arigbabu said the young man who lost his life could not be confirmed as a student of the school.

He explained: ‘However, our preliminary investigations have revealed a very disturbing twist. The young man who lost his life could not be confirmed as a bona fide student of the school.

‘He was identified by three different names – Babalola Ayornide, Salako Jimoh, and Afolabi Babalola. Yet, none of these names appear in our official state education database, the OGSERA platform, which authenticates all school enrollments. This points to the likelihood of an illegal enrollment.’