Category: PM News

The Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, JAMB, Professor Segun Aina, has explained why the board plans to establish a Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination, UTME, centre in Canada.

Aina said the decision was mainly to make it easier for Nigerians living in Canada and other parts of North America to take the examination.

He explained that the proposed centre in Ottawa would serve Nigerians who want to write the UTME and gain admission into Nigerian universities and other tertiary institutions.

The JAMB registrar made this known in a post on X on Tuesday.

His explanation followed public questions over the decision to establish the centre, which is expected to begin operations from the 2027 UTME.

Aina said the move was not primarily about making money or the number of candidates expected to register for the examination.

According to him, JAMB currently conducts the UTME in about 10 countries as part of efforts to improve access to education.

He also noted that the board conducts examinations in correctional service centres for the same reason.

‘UTME is currently being written in about 10 countries as a service to enhance access to education. We also conduct the exams in correctional service centres for the same reason. So the number of candidates is not the main driving force,’ Aina said.

JAMB had on Monday announced plans to establish a UTME centre in Ottawa, Canada, from 2027.

The board said the centre would provide an opportunity for Nigerians in Canada and other parts of North America to sit for the examination without having to travel to Nigeria.

Osun State University (UNIOSUN) has digitised its registry operations, enabling alumni and other stakeholders to request academic transcripts, English proficiency letters, reference letters and other services online without travelling to the University.

The University’s Public Relations Officer, Ademola Adesoji, disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday, saying the initiative was part of the institution’s efforts to simplify administrative processes, reduce delays and make its services more accessible to stakeholders, irrespective of their location.

Under the new system, alumni can initiate requests for academic transcripts and other Registry services from anywhere in the world through the university’s dedicated online platform.

The initiative is expected to save alumni the time and cost of travelling to the university, while reducing paperwork and improving the efficiency of registry operations.

Reacting to the development, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Odunayo Clement Adebooye, said the initiative was consistent with his administration’s commitment to keeping the university connected to its stakeholders and responding promptly to their needs.

Professor Adebooye said, ‘This is in line with our mission of connecting the University with its stakeholders and responding promptly to their needs. Our alumni remain an important part of the UNIOSUN community, and we must make it possible for them to access legitimate University services conveniently, regardless of where they are.’

The vice-chancellor said the digitisation of the registry was another demonstration of the university’s commitment to leveraging technology to improve service delivery and institutional efficiency.

He added that alumni seeking transcripts and other official documents would no longer need to travel to the university or rely on personal contacts to initiate their requests.

Professor Adebooye said the digital platform would make the registry more responsive and provide alumni with a convenient channel to access essential university services.

He noted that the initiative would particularly benefit alumni living outside Osun State and Nigeria, who could now submit their requests remotely without making a physical trip to the university.

The vice-chancellor urged alumni and other stakeholders to take advantage of the platform and follow the instructions provided for each service.

Requests can be submitted through the university’s online Registry portal: https://transcript.uniosun.edu.ng/

‘The University would continue to expand its digital services as part of its commitment to improving stakeholder experience and strengthening its relationship with its growing alumni community,’ the statement added.

The Global Executive Committee of Ohanaeze Ndigbo has called on the Federal Government to begin a structured political dialogue with the people of the South-East ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The group said there was a need for an open and honest discussion between the Federal Government and Ndigbo on political and developmental issues affecting the region.

The call was made in a statement issued on Tuesday by the factional Deputy President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, and the Acting Secretary-General, Professor Chibuikeya Achoakawa.

Ohanaeze said Ndigbo had the right to know what the Federal Government was offering the South-East before the 2027 elections.

The organisation said the people of the region should not be expected to enter another election based on assumptions, political statements or promises that had not been clearly defined.

It said Ndigbo had important political, economic, infrastructure and constitutional interests that required clear answers from the Federal Government.

Ohanaeze said its demand was not for political favour but for clarity, accountability and meaningful discussions.

The group said the issues that should be discussed include fair political representation, the creation of additional states, rail connectivity, maritime development, economic integration, national reconciliation and the future of the South-East in Nigeria.

It also asked the Federal Government to clearly state its position on the creation of an additional state in the South-East.

According to Ohanaeze, political engagement can only be meaningful when both sides understand what is being offered, what is being requested and what can realistically be achieved.

The organisation maintained that the issue of fair political and administrative representation remained a legitimate national matter that required continued constitutional discussions.

Ohanaeze urged the Federal Government to engage the South-East openly and address the region’s concerns before the 2027 general elections.

Presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga has taken fresh shots at former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi while defending President Bola Tinubu’s economic record, declaring that ‘facts are stubborn.’

Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, made the remarks in separate posts on X while reacting to figures on Nigeria’s public debt and investments in gas infrastructure.

In the first post, he responded to a ranking of African countries by public debt as a percentage of Gross Domestic Product, which placed Nigeria well below several heavily indebted economies.

‘Another stubborn fact for those whose stock in trade is to denigrate Nigeria and the Tinubu presidency and raise baseless alarms about our sovereign debt,’ Onanuga wrote.

‘Our country is not among Africa’s most indebted countries. Unlike the countries listed here, our debt burden is about 35 per cent of our GDP.

‘Kudos to PBAT and the economic team for responsible leadership.’

The IMF’s April 2026 Fiscal Monitor puts Nigeria’s gross public debt at about 35.5 per cent of GDP for 2026.

Onanuga later returned to X after Nairametrics highlighted investments being driven through the Midstream and Downstream Gas Infrastructure Fund.

The report said the MDGIF had attracted about ?1.6 trillion in investment across 31 projects involving 205 infrastructure assets.

It also highlighted the expansion of compressed natural gas infrastructure as part of efforts to deepen domestic gas utilisation.

Nairametrics separately reported that the fund had supported 31 projects and more than 200 infrastructure assets, with further CNG facilities expected to come on stream before the end of 2026.

Reacting, Onanuga turned the development into a direct attack on Tinubu’s leading political opponents.

‘Facts are stubborn, resilient like the old VW Beetle,’ he wrote.

‘President Tinubu has achieved much, contrary to the jaundiced view of Atiku Abubakar and the underachieving former governor, Peter Obi!’

The remarks come as exchanges between the Presidency and opposition figures intensify ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Atiku and Obi have repeatedly criticised aspects of the Tinubu administration’s economic record, while presidential aides have pushed back by pointing to government reforms and investment figures.

A woman identified as Sumaiya Abubakar, on Tuesday admitted before Federal High Court, to rendering support to members of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) in Nasarawa State.

Sumaiya, who was arraigned pleaded guilty to count two of the charge preferred against her by the Federal Government.

The Federal Government filed the charge against Sumaiya, the sole defendant in the case.

Rotimi Oyedepo, SAN, the Director of Public Prosecutions of the Federation, in the charge marked: FHC/ABJ/CR/418/2026, accused the defendant of terrorism-related offences.

In count two where she pleaded guilty, Sumaiya who hails from Shuwari village, Kukawa Local Government Area (LGA) of Borno, was alleged to have committed the offence, sometime in 2024, at Shinge area, Lafiya LGA of Nasarawa State.

She was alleged to have knowingly rendered support to members of the ISWAP by helping to keep arms and ammunition.

The offence, the prosecution said, is contrary to and punishable under Section 13 of Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.

When the case was called, M.A. Oladunjoye, who appeared for the Federal Government, informed the court presided over by Justice Salim Ibrahim that the matter was scheduled for Sumaiya’s arraignment.

E.G. Itodo, the defence lawyer, did not object.

When the counts were read to Sumaiya, she pleaded not guilty to count one but pleaded guilty to count two.

Oladunjoye then prayed the court to convict the defendant in the count she had pleaded guilty.

The lawyer then applied to withdraw count one where the defendant pleaded not guilty to.

Itodo did not oppose the application for withdrawal and Justice Ibrahim struck out count one from the charge.

But the judge observed that there was need for the prosecuting counsel to review the facts before the defendant is convicted.

Justice Ibrahim therefore adjourned the matter until Oct. 14 for review of facts on count two which Sumaiya pleaded guilty to.

He equally ordered that the defendant should be remanded in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS) pending the next adjourned date.

The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has said it will mobilise at least 10 million students across the country to vote in the 2027 General Election.

NANS President, Akinteye Afeez said this while announcing the constitution of the association’s National Election Mobilisation Committee on Sunday in Kaduna.

Afeez said the aim of the Committee was to sensitise and mobilise Nigerian students for active participation in the 2027 General Elections.

According to him, the setting up of the committee was agreed upon at the 91st sitting of the NANS National Senate held on Sunday at the Kaduna State University (KASU).

The sitting, hosted by Gov. Uba Sani, was held under the theme: ‘Sustaining a 7-Point Policy Framework; 3 Years of Promise to Shared Prosperity.’

Afeez said NANS, as the apex student representative body, represents more than 40.1 million Nigerian students, making students a significant voting bloc in the country.

He said students were major stakeholders in nation-building and were directly affected by government policies and decisions at all levels.

According to him, informed and active participation in elections remains an important way through which citizens can contribute to strengthening democracy.

He said the newly constituted committee would coordinate the sensitisation, mobilisation and monitoring of students’ participation in election-related activities across the six geopolitical zones.

Afeez said the committee would work toward facilitating the participation of at least 10 million Nigerian students in the 2027 General Elections.

He appointed himself as Director-General of the committee, while the NANS Senate President, Igbabuchi Onya, would serve as Deputy Director.

Olusola Oladoja as National Coordinator, Gambo Abubakar as National Deputy Coordinator and Charles Obina Ebube as National Publicity Relations Officer.

The NANS president also appointed Agbabiaka Ahmed and Ibrahim Ibrahim Babalolo as Chairmen of the South and North Advisory Committees respectively.

He said the committee had representatives across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, with responsibilities covering the six geopolitical zones.

In the Northwest Zone, representatives were appointed in Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Sokoto, Kebbi, Zamfara and Jigawa states.

Afeez directed the committee to commence immediate sensitisation, mobilisation and monitoring of Nigerian students across campuses and tertiary institutions.

He urged members to work with NANS structures, student unions and relevant stakeholders to ensure effective coordination of election-related activities.

He further directed political support groups and election-related organisations seeking to organise political activities, sensitisation, mobilisation or engagements involving Nigerian students to liaise with the committee for proper coordination, notification and monitoring.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) prays that the soul of Dame Ezinne Mary Oduah Amaechi continues to rest in perfect peace. Amen.

We also pray for excellent health of mind and body for her son, Rotimi Chibuike Amaechi, a former two-term Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, two-term Governor, two-term Minister of Transportation, former presidential aspirant, and currently the vice-presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), who could not afford medications for his mother’s treatment.

It is our sincere wish that employers of labour in his hometown of Ubima in Ikwere Local Government Area of Rivers State may find him suitable for a job that pays wages sufficient for him to feed and buy medications for himself and his beloved family for the rest of his retirement. Amen.

Rotimi Amaechi’s uncanny confessions must not be missed. First, he howled that he had become so broke and hungry that his wife was now feeding him. Now, he has stated that his inability to afford medications killed his mother at 89.

For four decades, Rotimi Amaechi freeloaded at the highest levels of public office. He was never hungry and could afford medications for himself and his family. Just three years out of office, he has become destitute, unable to fend for himself and his loved ones. If Amaechi is not struggling with some kind of Peter Pan syndrome, then he must be a loafer, aimless and irresponsible for his inability to be productive and earn a living outside the patronage of public office.

The same Rotimi Amaechi now asks Nigerians to make him vice president come 2027 so he can continue leeching on the public treasury and keep the predatory lifestyle he has grown accustomed to.

The presidency is not a soup kitchen and will not be a soup kitchen for Rotimi Amaechi.

No one can speak more to Rotimi Amaechi’s unfitness for the office of Vice President than Rotimi Amaechi himself.

Signed:

*Felix Morka, CON*

National Publicity Secretary

All Progressives Congress (APC)

ABUJA, FCT, OCTOBER 4, 2026

The Lagos State Government and the Federal Government have strengthened their collaboration to address persistent challenges in electricity supply and build a more reliable power market in the state.

The partnership was reinforced on Monday during a four-hour Ministerial Implementation Retreat on the Clean Lagos Electricity Market (CLEM) held at Lagos House, Marina.

The retreat was co-chaired by Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and the Minister of Power, Joseph Tegbe, with senior officials from key federal and state institutions participating in the discussions.

Stakeholders at the meeting examined regulatory, technical, operational and market-related challenges affecting electricity supply in Lagos, while considering practical measures to improve reliability and expand access.

Speaking after the retreat, Sanwo-Olu described the discussions as open and productive, saying the meeting provided an opportunity for stakeholders to confront challenges in the power sector and develop workable solutions.

He stressed that the success of the initiative would ultimately be measured by its impact on electricity consumers and residents, rather than by the resolutions reached at the meeting.

According to him, the collaboration is consistent with President Bola Tinubu’s efforts to promote a more reliable and sustainable electricity supply across the country, with Lagos playing a significant role because of its economic importance and high electricity demand.

The governor also welcomed the participation of major institutions, including the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) and Rural Electrification Agency (REA).

Earlier, Tegbe underscored Lagos’ strategic position in Nigeria’s electricity market, noting that stronger cooperation between federal and state authorities was essential to expanding reliable power supply.

He said the retreat was designed to move beyond discussions and establish concrete interventions capable of producing measurable improvements in the state’s electricity market.

Tegbe announced that a steering committee comprising relevant stakeholders would oversee the implementation of the retreat’s resolutions and track progress on agreed measures.

The committee is expected to coordinate efforts around the electricity market, regulatory framework and technical and operational challenges requiring both immediate interventions and longer-term solutions.

The renewed collaboration comes amid growing efforts to reform Nigeria’s electricity sector and improve power supply to households, businesses and industries.

The Lagos authorities said the focus would now shift from deliberations to implementation, with stakeholders expected to translate the agreed measures into tangible improvements for electricity consumers across the state.

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board has announced plans to establish a Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination centre in Ottawa, Canada, from 2027.

The proposed centre will allow Nigerians living in Canada and other parts of North America to sit for the UTME without travelling to Nigeria for the examination.

JAMB disclosed this in a statement on its official social media platforms after its Registrar, Prof. Segun Aina, visited the Nigerian High Commission in Ottawa.

The board said the centre would make it easier for eligible Nigerians in Canada and other parts of North America to take the UTME, especially those planning to gain admission into Nigerian universities and other tertiary institutions.

According to JAMB, the initiative is part of its efforts to make Nigerian tertiary education more accessible to Nigerians living abroad.

‘The proposed centre will make it easier for Nigerians in the diaspora to sit for the UTME without travelling to Nigeria solely for the examination,’ the board said.

JAMB said the centre would also help strengthen the relationship between Nigerians abroad and the Nigerian education system.

The board added that the initiative would create more opportunities to promote Nigerian tertiary education internationally.

‘For Nigerians in Canada, the UTME is coming closer to home,’ JAMB said.

The board said it was working to establish the Ottawa centre, which is expected to begin operations in 2027.

JAMB explained that the centre would reduce the difficulties faced by Nigerians abroad who want to study in Nigeria.

It said the initiative would provide greater access to the UTME and help more Nigerians in the diaspora pursue tertiary education in Nigeria.

The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has explained why it cannot directly investigate the crash involving a Nigerian Air Force ATR-42 aircraft in Igbokoda, Ondo State.

The bureau said the aircraft involved in Monday’s incident is a military aircraft and therefore falls outside its statutory mandate.

According to the NSIB, military aviation accidents are investigated by the appropriate military authority under the NSIB Establishment Act, 2022, and established international practice.

‘This occurrence involves a military aircraft,’ the bureau said.

‘The NSIB does not investigate military accidents unless formally invited to do so by that authority.’

The aircraft was involved in an accident while reportedly on a routine flight from Benin to Lagos.

The Nigerian Air Force has confirmed the incident and activated search and rescue operations in collaboration with relevant authorities and emergency response agencies.

The NSIB stressed that its position should not be interpreted as a refusal to assist with the investigation.

It said it was ready to provide technical support if formally requested by the Nigerian Air Force.

Such assistance, according to the bureau, could include deploying investigators and using its Flight Safety Laboratory to recover and analyse flight data and cockpit voice recordings.

The NSIB also expressed sympathy to those affected by the crash, including the Nigerian Air Force and families and colleagues of those on board.

‘Our thoughts are with them and with the search and rescue teams working at the site,’ the bureau said.

It also commended emergency responders and other agencies involved in operations at Igbokoda.

The bureau urged members of the public to rely on official information from the Nigerian Air Force concerning the rescue operation and any subsequent investigation.

It added that any further information from the NSIB would only be released when appropriate and in consultation with the Nigerian Air Force.