Category: Nigerian Tribune

The Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security and Supervising Minister for Cooperatives Affairs, Senator. Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi, has identified cooperative education as a critical pillar for building a knowledge-driven, technology-enabled and professionally managed cooperative sector under the Renewed Hope Cooperative Reform and Revamp Programme (RH-CRRP) 2025-2030.

Speaking at the Cooperative Education for Sustainable Economic Development Summit (CESDeS 2026) in Kaduna, the minister said the summit’s theme: ‘Cooperative Education as a Tool for Inclusive and Sustainable Economic Development,’ aligns with the objectives of the reform programme, which seeks to strengthen cooperatives through knowledge, innovation and sound governance.

Abdullahi explained that cooperative education is one of the seven strategic pillars of the RH-CRRP, forming Pillar Four on Capacity Building, Cooperative Education and Human Capital Development.

He said, the pillar is designed to equip cooperative leaders and members with the skills required to effectively manage enterprises, embrace innovation, promote accountability and compete in an increasingly digital economy.

He urged the Federal Cooperative College, Kaduna, alongside other federal and state cooperative colleges, to review and strengthen their curricula by placing greater emphasis on cooperative governance, financial management, digital literacy, enterprise development, climate-smart agriculture and technology adoption.

The minister noted that the remaining strategic pillars of the reform programme focus on governance and legal reforms, access to affordable finance, digitalisation and data management, value chain development and market access, inclusion of women, youth and persons with disabilities, as well as strategic partnerships to improve global competitiveness.

Abdullahi also unveiled three flagship initiatives aimed at modernising Nigeria’s cooperative sector. The first is the National Cooperative Digital Architecture Platform (NCDAP), which will introduce the National Cooperative Smart Registry, Cooperative Verification Number and Cooperative Member Identification Number to enhance transparency and curb fraud.

The second initiative is the proposed Cooperative Bank of Nigeria, which he said would be owned by cooperatives and provide affordable credit, mobilise cooperative capital, finance agriculture and micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), while expanding financial inclusion across the country.

The third initiative involves reviewing the Nigerian Cooperative Societies Act, Cap N98, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004, to establish a modern legal framework that reflects digital transformation, financial innovation, data protection and evolving governance standards.

The minister recalled the Ministerial Advocacy Tour and Stakeholders’ Engagement held in Kaduna on June 18, 2026, saying discussions with stakeholders from the North-West reaffirmed confidence in cooperatives as effective vehicles for economic empowerment, food security, financial inclusion and sustainable development.

He called on participants at the summit to leverage the platform to exchange ideas, forge partnerships and develop practical solutions that would accelerate implementation of the RH-CRRP.

Abdullahi commended the Provost of the Federal Cooperative College, Kaduna, Dr. Awwal Ibrahim Mohammed, the college management and the organising committee for convening the summit, which attracted cooperative leaders, regulators, development partners and state directors of cooperatives from across Nigeria.

Earlier in his welcome address, the Provost, Dr. Mohammed, said the summit was organised in response to growing national challenges, including unemployment, poverty, inequality, food insecurity and financial exclusion.

He described cooperatives as member-owned enterprises founded on the principles of self-help, democracy, equality, equity and solidarity, stressing that education, training and information remain fundamental to their success.

According to him, cooperative education equips members with leadership, entrepreneurial, financial management and governance skills needed to drive wealth creation, job creation, food security and rural transformation.

Mohammed added that the Federal Cooperative College, Kaduna, has strengthened its academic and professional programmes in cooperative studies, entrepreneurship, digital skills, financial inclusion and capacity building to position the institution as a leading centre for cooperative education in Nigeria.

He further advocated greater adoption of digital transformation, innovation and strategic partnerships to improve the performance of cooperative institutions, expressing optimism that CESDeS 2026 would produce actionable policy recommendations to advance the sector.

The summit was organised by the Federal Cooperative College, Kaduna, in collaboration with Impact Multipurpose Cooperative Society Limited (IMCOOPS) and the Zaria Local Government Affiliated Cooperative Society Limited.

The National President of the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU), Comrade Mohammed Haruna Ibrahim, in this interview with CHRISTIAN APPOLOS, spoke about lessons Nigeria can draw from global university systems, need to prioritise education, security on campuses, and why sustainable national development begins with investing in education. Excerpts:

YOU participated in the sessions of the International Labour Conference in Geneva alongside university workers from across the world. What lessons does global engagement offer Nigeria’s university system?

Let me begin by putting everything into its proper perspective. The International Labour Conference of the International Labour Organization (ILO) is one of the largest global gatherings of workers, employers and governments. For those of us in the university sector, gatherings like this are particularly significant because universities are universal institutions. Whether you work in a university in Nigeria, South Africa, Tanzania, the United States or Europe, there are internationally accepted standards that define quality education, institutional governance, research excellence and service delivery. Universities may operate in different countries, but the principles that drive excellence are largely the same. One of the greatest benefits of participating in conferences such as this is the opportunity to learn from colleagues who operate under different systems. We have interacted with university workers from various countries and discussed how their institutions are managed, how research is funded, how administrative structures function and how continuous staff development is used to improve efficiency and service delivery.

No university worker should be disadvantaged simply because of the country in which he or she works. Unfortunately, when you compare Nigeria with many of the countries represented here, one challenge stands out above every other challenge, poor funding of education. No university system can consistently deliver quality teaching, cutting-edge research, innovation or efficient service delivery without adequate and sustained investment. Universities cannot fulfil their mandate when they are expected to operate with insufficient resources. Funding remains the lifeblood of every successful higher education system. People often assume that universities revolve only around lecturers and professors. That perception is inaccurate because a university is a complete ecosystem comprising several interdependent units working together to achieve one objective:quality education.

Our members, who constitute the non-teaching workforce, provide the administrative, technical and professional services that keep universities functioning every day. We support academic staff in delivering their responsibilities. We serve students, who remain the primary beneficiaries of the university system, while also providing essential services to researchers, visitors, development partners and every other stakeholder within the university community. Take the administrative arm, for instance. From the Vice-Chancellor to the Deputy Vice-Chancellors, the Registrar and other principal officers, effective administration is indispensable to the smooth running of any university. There are internationally recognised standards for governance, record management, institutional planning and service delivery.

The same applies to the bursary department, where prudent financial management, budgeting, revenue generation, payroll administration and accountability are critical to institutional stability. Likewise, the works and maintenance departments are responsible for ensuring reliable electricity, water supply, infrastructure maintenance, environmental sanitation and the overall physical condition of the campus.

Apart from inadequate funding, insecurity has become a growing concern across Nigerian universities. How serious is the situation?

The security situation has become one of the greatest threats confronting not only Nigeria’s university system but the country’s overall development. As affiliates of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), we have consistently drawn the government’s attention to the worsening insecurity across the country because education cannot thrive in an atmosphere of fear and uncertainty. Educational institutions have now become soft targets for criminal elements. Many federal and state universities still lack basic security infrastructure. In several institutions, you may find perimeter fencing only around the main entrance while vast portions of the campuses remain completely exposed. Yet these universities often occupy thousands of hectares of land, sharing boundaries with surrounding communities, villages and forests. Such vulnerabilities make them easy targets for kidnappers, bandits and other criminal groups. Over the years, we have witnessed disturbing incidents where armed criminals invaded university campuses, abducted students and members of staff and subjected entire academic communities to fear and uncertainty.

The consequences go beyond the immediate victims. Students who should ordinarily spend long hours in lecture theatres, laboratories, studios or libraries are now reluctant to remain on campus after dark because they are unsure of their safety. This undermines academic excellence, weakens research activities and negatively affects the quality of learning. No nation can build a globally competitive university system under such conditions.

The renegotiation of agreements between government and university unions appears to be nearing completion. How far has the process gone?

We are now approaching what I believe is the final stage of a process that has lasted for almost seventeen years. I must particularly acknowledge the current negotiating team. From our engagements, they have demonstrated a good understanding of the issues before them. They have shown commitment, experience and, most importantly, a willingness to engage constructively with the unions. That has made a significant difference. For us in the non-teaching unions, we are also very close to concluding the process. We have held numerous meetings, both at the technical level and during plenary sessions, where every issue has been carefully examined. However, one concern we have consistently raised is the need for the government to demonstrate greater respect for the collective bargaining process.

Take the 25 per cent and 35 per cent salary adjustments, for example. Although they were approved, arrears have remained outstanding for well over a year. The wage award is yet to be fully settled, while several earned allowances legitimately due to university workers also remain unpaid. These are not new demands being introduced at the negotiating table. They are obligations that have already been acknowledged by the government but are still awaiting full implementation. Despite these challenges, we remain optimistic. Our expectation is that this process, which has taken almost two decades, will finally produce an agreement that not only addresses the welfare of university workers but also strengthens the capacity of our universities to deliver quality education.

One recurring challenge with government agreements has always been implementation. What assurances do university workers have that this agreement will not suffer the same fate?

That is perhaps the most important question because, ultimately, an agreement is only as meaningful as its implementation. Over the years, we have seen situations where agreements were painstakingly negotiated and signed, only for implementation to become slow, selective or, in some cases, completely stalled. This time, however, we deliberately approached the issue differently. While I may not be able to disclose every detail of the negotiations until the agreement is formally concluded, I can say that one of our major priorities was to build implementation and accountability mechanisms directly into the agreement itself. We recognised that signing a document is only the beginning. To achieve that objective, we proposed the establishment of an implementation and monitoring committee that will bring together all the critical institutions responsible for translating agreements into action. The committee is expected to include representatives of the Budget Office of the Federation, the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation, the Federal Ministry of Education, the National Universities Commission and representatives of the university unions. The idea is simple but very important. Once all the relevant institutions are represented on the implementation committee, there will be a coordinated mechanism for monitoring progress, resolving emerging issues and ensuring that every aspect of the agreement is implemented as intended. Encouragingly, the government did not reject that proposal. That gives us reason to believe that there is a genuine appreciation of the need to avoid the implementation failures that have characterised previous agreements. Another factor that gives us cautious optimism is the timing. Nigeria already has an approved national budget. We therefore expect that once the agreement is signed, there should be no unnecessary delays in commencing implementation, particularly in areas that have direct budgetary implications.

The Founder of Maryam Abacha American University of Nigeria (MAAUN), Prof. Adamu Abubakar Gwarzo, has fulfilled his pledge to donate an official vehicle to the office of the Vice-Chancellor of Northwest University Kano (NWU), reinforcing collaboration between the two institutions.

A delegation from MAAUN formally handed over a Toyota Hilux vehicle to the Vice-Chancellor of Northwest University Kano, Prof. Amina Salihi Bayero, during a ceremony attended by the university’s management.

The delegation was led by the President of MAAUN, Prof. (Dr.) Mohammad Israr, and included the Vice-President (Administration), Dr Habib Awais Abubakar, Senate member Dr Nura Yaro, and Hayatuddeen M. Abdallah of the university’s Corporate Communications Unit.

The donation fulfilled a commitment made by Prof. Gwarzo during a recent courtesy visit by the NWU management to him in Abuja, where he promised to provide an official vehicle for the Vice-Chancellor’s office.

Presenting the vehicle on behalf of the founder, Prof. Israr said the donation was intended to strengthen collaboration between MAAUN and Northwest University while improving administrative efficiency.

He reaffirmed Prof. Gwarzo’s commitment to advancing higher education through strategic partnerships and institutional support.

Receiving the vehicle, Prof. Bayero expressed appreciation to Prof. Gwarzo for honouring his promise, describing the donation as another demonstration of his generosity and commitment to educational development.

She recalled that Prof. Gwarzo had previously donated a luxury bus to the university and provided other forms of support.

The Vice-Chancellor also disclosed that Prof. Gwarzo had pledged to assist Northwest University in accessing international grants and other opportunities aimed at promoting research, teaching and institutional development.

The Registrar of NWU described the visit as a milestone that had opened new avenues for collaboration between the two universities, including the possible establishment of a joint academic and research centre.

He offered prayers for Allah’s continued blessings on Prof. Gwarzo and the MAAUN community, while the university’s Bursar said the vehicle would enhance the institution’s administrative operations.

Nigerian Afrobeats singer, David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, has announced the title and release date of his sixth studio album.

The singer made the announcement through his X account, revealing that his new project, titled ORIADE, will be released on July 31, 2026.

Davido shared the news alongside a cinematic video that introduced the album and featured royal-themed visuals centred on the project’s title.

‘ORIADÉ 31st July. The kingdom expands. Chosen long before the throne. Pre-order my new album now,’ he wrote.

Tribune Online reports that Davido recently released his highly anticipated soundtrack, ‘I know who I be’.

The song is his first release of 2026 and features cross boarder collaboration with Sourh African artist Jazzwrld and GL_Ceejay.

Chief of Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, has commended the personnel of the Air Component of Operation Hadin Kai and their land counterparts for the successful rescue of abducted students and teachers when terrorists attacked Government Day Secondary School, Lassa in Askira/Uba Local Government Area of Borno.

This was contained in a statement made available to Defence Correspondents in Abuja on Tuesday by the Spokesperson of the Service, Air Commodore. Ehimen Ejodame

According to the statement, the terrorists attacked the school on Monday, June 29, 2026, as the students were writing their NECO exams.

Ten of them and teachers were rescued as the air and ground troops mobilised to the area for a coordinated search and rescue operation. Search for others continues.

The Air Chief described the operation as a testament to the effectiveness of intelligence-driven joint military operations in protecting innocent Nigerians and sustaining pressure on terrorist elements.

It added that the CAS particularly lauded the swift deployment of Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) assets, alongside timely air support, which disrupted the terrorists’ movement and enabled ground troops to engage the fleeing insurgents and rescue the victims.

According to it, one of the rescued victims, Mr Paul Namaske, Vice Principal of Government Day Secondary School, Lassa, said that the arrival of the military aircraft forced the terrorists to scatter, allowing the abducted teachers and students to escape as troops advanced on the terrorists’ position.

It added that the CAS noted that the victim’s account further validates the critical role of air power in modern counter-terrorism operations, particularly when effectively integrated with ground manoeuvre forces.

While commending the courage, professionalism, and sacrifice of the troops involved in the operation, the CAS paid tribute to the gallant soldier of Operation Hadin Kai and the member of the Civilian Joint Task Force who paid the supreme sacrifice during the rescue mission.

He extended heartfelt condolences to their families and affirmed that their sacrifice will continue to inspire the Armed Forces of Nigeria in defending the nation.

The CAS further reaffirmed the Nigerian Air Force’s unwavering commitment to working closely with sister Services and other security agencies to sustain ongoing operations to restore lasting peace and security across the country.

Oyo State Governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde, has approved the reappointment of the Chairman and members of the Governing Council of Adeseun Ogundoyin Polytechnic, Eruwa, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to strengthening governance and promoting excellence in the state’s tertiary education sector.

Professor Kazeem Adekunle Adebiyi was reappointed as Chairman of the Governing Council alongside Hon. Johnson Oladele, Alhaji Azeem Badmus, Engr. Oyetayo Ige, Mrs. Alice Adedokun and Mr. Waziri Adekunle as members.

Adebiyi was first appointed on March 24, 2025, to complete the tenure of the late Professor Abiodun Adebowale Ojo, the former chairman of the council, who died in 2024.

The reappointments were conveyed in a letter signed by the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Otunba Segun Ogunwuyi, PhD.

According to the letter, the appointments will take effect from July 1, 2026.

Governor Makinde congratulated the chairman and members on their reappointment, expressing confidence in their capacity to continue providing effective leadership for the institution.

He also charged them to justify the confidence reposed in them by remaining focused on the growth and advancement of the polytechnic.

According to the letter, the governor urged the council members to ‘work diligently for the uplift of the institution,’ emphasizing the importance of dedication, accountability and service in advancing the government’s vision for quality tertiary education in Oyo State.

The governor’s decision to retain the council is seen as a vote of confidence in its leadership and its efforts at providing strategic direction for Adeseun Ogundoyin Polytechnic.

The renewed Governing Council are expected to continue overseeing policy formulation, institutional development and other strategic responsibilities aimed at enhancing academic standards, improving infrastructure and sustaining the polytechnic’s contribution to manpower development in Oyo State.

The reappointments take effect on July 1, 2026.

The people of rural communities in Kogi State have reaffirmed their commitment to safeguarding the road infrastructure provided under the Kogi Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project (KG-RAAMP), as the process of establishing community-based Road Maintenance Groups (RMGs) gathers momentum across the project’s intervention areas.

The development marks a significant step in RAAMP’s sustainability strategy, which seeks to ensure that rehabilitated and newly constructed rural roads continue to serve farming communities, traders and other road users long after the project’s completion.

At various sensitisation meetings held in the state’s intervention communities, stakeholders, including traditional rulers, community leaders, market women, youth groups and farmers, unanimously pledged their support for the initiative.

They assured the project of their readiness to protect the roads from misuse and actively participate in maintenance efforts.

Many stakeholders described the roads as life-changing investments that have improved access to markets, reduced transportation challenges, enhanced economic activities and generally improved the quality of life in their communities.

They stressed that preserving the infrastructure has become a collective responsibility and promised to work closely with the State Project Implementation Unit (SPIU) to ensure the roads remain functional for future generations.

Speaking during the sensitisation exercise, the Project Coordinator of KG-RAAMP, Sheidu Obansa Adamu, explained that the formation of the RMGs is designed to strengthen community ownership of the road assets and guarantee their long-term sustainability.

Represented by team leaders deployed to the state’s three senatorial districts, the coordinator noted that the composition of the maintenance groups aligns with the guidelines of the International Labour Organisation (ILO), which promote inclusiveness and equal opportunity.

According to him, special consideration is being given to women, persons living with disabilities (PLWDs), vulnerable groups and other able-bodied members of the communities.

He emphasised that the benefits of RAAMP extend beyond road construction, describing the project as a comprehensive rural development intervention that is transforming livelihoods and creating economic opportunities across the state.

Obansa commended Governor Usman Ododo for his commitment to rural development and infrastructural transformation, while acknowledging the leadership and support of the Commissioner for Rural and Energy Development, Abdulmutalib Mohammed, in advancing the project’s objectives.

The ongoing formation of the maintenance groups follows a recent visit by officials of the International Labour Organisation (ILO), who engaged the SPIU on community-based road maintenance mechanisms and the modalities for implementing the programme.

Proton Security Service Limited has celebrated one of its operatives, Adebanjo Adeboye Samuel, for exceptional honesty and professionalism after returning a customer’s misplaced sum of $9,100 while on duty at the First City Monument Bank (FCMB), Marina, Lagos branch.

While reflecting on the exemplary conduct of the operative, the management of the firm described the development as a strong affirmation of the values that underpin its operations.

The incident, which occurred May 25, at a strategic branch of the bank, has reinforced the company’s confidence in the quality, discipline, and integrity of personnel deployed across various client locations.

In recognition of this outstanding conduct, Proton Security has announced plans to host a special civic reception at its corporate headquarters during which Adebanjo will be formally honoured and rewarded for his exemplary display of integrity.

Commenting on the recognition, the Managing Director of Proton Security Service Limited, Mr Odebunmi Adekunmi, described Adebanjo’s action as a proud moment for the organisation and a validation of its unwavering commitment to ethical service delivery.

On his part, Adebanjo expressed humility and gratitude for the recognition. ‘It is not about the amount; it is about the principle. I was raised to be truthful and to do what is right irrespective of the circumstances. Even if the money had been much more, I would still have returned it. Integrity is something I believe should never be compromised,’ he said.

The Kano State Consumer Protection Council (KSCPC) has warned ZAINAB S. Yoghurt to strictly comply with production standards and regulatory guidelines to ensure the safety and quality of its products.

The warning followed a routine inspection of the company’s production facility located in the Challawa Industrial Area of Kumbotso Local Government Area.

In a statement issued by the Council’s Director of Education and Public Enlightenment, Jamilu Mustapha Yakasai, the KSCPC said its inspection team identified violations of production standards and subsequently issued recommendations for improvement.

According to the statement, the Council observed the need for the company to improve the quality of its yoghurt products and enhance sanitation within its production environment.

Yakasai said the Council’s Director of Quality Assurance, who led the inspection team, explained that the warning was in line with the agency’s responsibility to protect consumers from unsafe and substandard products.

He added that the inspection was aimed at assessing the operations of manufacturing companies and retail outlets dealing in everyday consumer goods across Kano State.

‘The exercise forms part of the Council’s commitment to ensuring that only products that meet the required quality and safety standards are made available to consumers,’ the statement said.

Yakasai further stated that the Council has qualified professionals capable of determining whether products meet the necessary standards before they are released into the market.

He noted that the KSCPC would continue routine inspections of factories and markets across the state to ensure strict compliance with laws and regulations governing consumer products.

The statement also commended the Executive Secretary of the Council, Dr Ibrahim Garba Muhammad, for his commitment to ensuring that the agency effectively discharges its mandate, noting that his leadership has contributed to reducing the circulation of substandard consumer goods in Kano State.

Responding, the management of ZAINAB S. Yoghurt thanked the Council for the inspection and pledged to fully comply with all production requirements.

The company also assured the Council that it would use all necessary ingredients required for quality yoghurt production and refrain from selling expired products.

The Federal High Court in Abuja has adjourned the alleged N3.1billion money laundering charge filed by the federal government against former Benue State Governor, Gabriel Suswam and his co-defendant till July 16 for adoption of final written addresses.

The matter was earlier adjourned till today, June 30, for adoption, but the failure of the parties in the matter to be in court made the trial judge, Justice Peter Lifu, reschedule the matter for July 16 for parties to adopt their final written addressees in the N3.1 billion fraud case for adoption after Suswam and his co-defendant, his then Commissioner for Finance, Omodachi Okolobia, had closed their defence.

The defendants closed their defence after Suswam finished testifying as the sole defence witness.

Messrs Suswam and Okolobia face 11 counts of money laundering involving N3.1 billion, proceeds from the sale of shares owned by the Benue State Government through the Benue Investment and Property Company Limited.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, prosecuting the matter, alleged that, between 8 August and 30 October 2014, in Abuja, the two men used a company, Elixir Securities Ltd and Elixir Investment Partners Limited to divert N3.1 billion allegedly stolen from the proceeds of the sale of shares.

The anti-graft agency had called nine witnesses before the defendants opted for a no-case submission, arguing they had no case to answer.

However, on 23 July, Justice Lifu dismissed the no-case submission, ruling that the prosecution had established a prima facie case warranting the defendants to present their defence.

‘Consequently, upon my conclusion, the defendants’ no-case submission is hereby refused and dismissed. The defendants are hereby called upon to enter their various defences,’ Justice Lifu ruled.

Suswam, who governed Benue State from 2007 to 2015, and his co-defendant were first arraigned in November 2015 by the EFCC over allegations of diverting N3.1 billion, part of the proceeds from the sale of Benue State government shares.

The defendants were subsequently re-arraigned before the court on 2nd November 2020 on an amended charge wherein the EFCC alleged that Okolobia transacted a total of N578 million in four tranches, exceeding the cash transaction limit under the money laundering law, between December 2014 and January 2015.

The case has faced multiple delays over the years. Initially handled by Justices Ahmed Mohammed and Okon Abang at various times, it was reassigned to Justice Lifu following Court of Appeal directives after Justice Mohammed’s elevation to the appellate bench in 2023.

The case has now lingered for almost 11 years, with repeated adjournments and re-arraignments.

In March 2024, the defendants were re-arraigned before Justice Lifu and pleaded not guilty and upon EFCC’s case presentation, the defendants filed a no-case submission, which was dismissed by the court.