Category: PM News

The Federal Government has ordered the immediate closure of 41 Federal Unity Colleges across Nigeria following escalating security threats to students and staff.

The directive, issued on Friday through a circular from the Federal Ministry of Education, affects schools in the North-West, North-East, North-Central, and parts of the South.

Principals of the affected institutions were instructed to suspend academic activities immediately.

“Sequel to the recent security challenges in some parts of the country and the need to prevent any security breaches, the Honourable Minister of Education has approved the immediate closure of the listed Federal Unity Colleges (FUCs) with immediate effect.Principals of affected Colleges are to ensure strict compliance,” the circular read.

The move comes amid a spate of recent abductions in Nigerian schools, highlighting persistent vulnerabilities in the country’s education sector.

The shutdown of 41 Federal Unity Colleges marks one of the most sweeping responses yet to Nigeria’s deepening security crisis, coming amid an alarming resurgence of school attacks and mass abductions across several states.

The decision follows similar measures in Katsina, where the state government ordered all public schools to close immediately after intelligence reports warned of imminent threats to students and teachers.

The urgency of the situation was underscored on Friday in Niger State, where armed men stormed St. Mary’s Primary and Secondary School in Papiri. The attackers, travelling on more than 60 motorcycles, overpowered security personnel and shot the school’s gatekeeper before abducting an unknown number of pupils and staff.

Residents described the assault as one of the most coordinated witnessed in the area in recent months.

The Papiri incident is the latest in a string of violent attacks that have rattled northern communities. Earlier in the week in Kwara State, bandits invaded a Christ Apostolic Church parish in Eruku, killing three worshippers and abducting at least 30 others. The kidnappers have reportedly demanded 100 million ransom for each hostage.

In Kebbi State, 25 schoolgirls were seized on Monday during a pre-dawn raid on Government Girls’ Comprehensive Secondary School in Maga–an attack that has drawn national outrage and intensified scrutiny on the country’s security architecture.

Panic spread further on Friday when reports circulated about the alleged abduction of two pupils in Nasarawa. However, the Nasarawa State Police Command swiftly dismissed the claims as false, urging the public to avoid spreading unverified information.

Miss Mexico, Fatima Bosch, has won the 2025 Miss Universe crown in Thailand after a week filled with drama, public accusations and setbacks behind the scenes.

Bosch was announced winner on Friday in Nonthaburi, Thailand, beating contestants from the Ivory Coast, the Philippines, Thailand and Venezuela. More than 120 women competed in this year’s pageant, one of the world’s biggest beauty contests.

However, the road to the crown was far from smooth.

Earlier this month, Bosch walked out of a meeting after the pageant organiser, Nawat Itsaragrisil, publicly scolded her for allegedly failing to post promotional content. In a livestream of the meeting, Nawat appeared to single her out, leading to a tense confrontation.

“What your director did is not respectful: he called me dumb,” Bosch later told reporters. “The world needs to see this because we are empowered women and this is a platform for our voice.”

Her walkout, done in an evening gown and heels, was supported by Miss Iraq, while other contestants briefly attempted to join before Nawat warned them to remain seated. Nawat later issued an apology.

The incident even caught the attention of Mexico’s President, Claudia Sheinbaum, who praised Bosch as “an example of how we women should speak out” when confronted with aggression.

More controversy followed in the days leading up to the final. Two judges resigned this week, with French composer Omar Harfouch claiming the contest was manipulated through a “secret and illegitimate vote.” The Miss Universe Organisation denied the allegation, saying no extra jury was created. Former footballer Claude Makelele also withdrew, citing personal reasons.

There were also safety scares. During Wednesday’s costume round, Miss Britain Danielle Latimer tripped and fell on stage. Miss Jamaica Gabrielle Henry was taken to hospital after falling off the main stage during the evening gown segment. She was later reported to be “resting under medical observation” with no serious injuries.

The Catholic Diocese of Kontagora has denied claims by the Niger State Government that it ignored a security warning before the abduction of pupils and staff of St. Mary’s Catholic School, Papiri, Agwara Local Government Area.

The Diocese said Friday’s government statement — which blamed the school for reopening despite a security advisory — was the first time it heard of any directive suspending activities in the area.

Bulus Yohanna, who spoke for the Diocese, said he immediately contacted Governor Mohammed Umar Bago after seeing the government’s announcement and made it clear that the Church received no message, memo, or notice asking the school to shut down.

“I was on a call with the governor when I saw the message,” he said. “We didn’t get any message. We don’t know how the SSA tried to send it. We didn’t receive anything.”

Yohanna added that the Diocese was still trying to compile accurate details of the attack, including the exact number of pupils and staff taken.

“For now, we have no fresh details. Attendance checks are ongoing,” he said.

The Niger State Government had earlier issued a statement blaming the school for reopening despite what it described as “credible intelligence reports” warning of heightened threats across parts of Niger North.

ccording to the statement signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Abubakar Usman, all boarding schools and construction sites in the affected zone were expected to shut down pending further notice.

The government insisted that St. Mary’s failed to comply and thereby exposed its pupils and staff “to avoidable risk”.

Security agencies have since launched a coordinated search-and-rescue operation and are still working to determine the full number of abducted persons.

unmen attacked the school in the early hours of Friday and took away an unconfirmed number of students and staff. Families and local authorities are still checking hostels and attendance lists to determine those missing.

By Lydia Chigozie-Ngwakwe

Lagos State Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu is set to inaugurate 233 new housing units on Abraham Adesanya Housing Estate, Ajah on the Lekki-Epe Expressway.

The state Commissioner for Housing, Mr Moruf Akinderu-Fatai, gave the assurance in a statement on Thursday.

The statement was signed by the Deputy Director of Public Affairs, Lagos State Ministry of Housing, Mr Ganiu Lawal.

The commissioner said that the housing units, to be inaugurated on Friday, would be expected to boost housing stock for the growing number of Lagos residents seeking decent accommodation.

According to the official, the project consists of 34 blocks containing a total of 233 housing units.

He noted that the estate was a joint venture between Lagos State Government and Urban Shelter Ltd., a private real estate company.

Akinderu-Fatai said that the ministry remained committed to providing affordable and quality homes in line with Sanwo-Olu’s promise to complete all ongoing housing projects across the state.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the project sits on 3.7 hectares of land within the fully-developed Abraham Adesanya Housing Estate on the LekkiEpe Expressway.

The Abraham Adesanya Housing Estate was inaugurated on Jan. 15, 2001, by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu during his tenure as Governor of Lagos State.

Sanwo-Olu had, in October 2025, inaugurated 420 housing units on the Akinsanya Sunny Ajose Housing Estate at Ajara.

(NAN)

Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Salako, has praised Nigeria’s tobacco control efforts since 2012, saying the country has made “remarkable progress” in the fight against the deadly product.

Dr, Salako, who spoke at the ongoing 11th Session of the Conference of Parties (COP11) to the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO FCTC) in Geneva, said it had resulted in a continued decline in the number of adults using tobacco in the country.

The opening session featured over 1400 delegates from across the world participating in a high-level dialogue that reviewed two decades of progress under the WHO FCTC and deliberated on accelerated action on tobacco control.

The delegates from government, international organizations and civil society including Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA) representing 162 Parties to the WHO FCTC began discussions on a wide range of measures to stem tobacco use, which kills more than 7 million people annually, and to protect the environment from the harms caused by tobacco production, use and waste.

Delivering Nigeria’s high-level statement at the global meeting on Monday, Dr. Salako highlighted new national data, strengthened enforcement, and bold regulatory actions that he said reinforce Nigeria’s commitment to public health and the WHO FCTC.

He said at the centre of the country’s progress was the successful completion of the second round of the Global Adult Tobacco Survey (GATS 2025), which shows a continued decline in daily tobacco use among adults compared to earlier surveys.

According to the Minister, the latest findings also reveal the powerful impact of graphic health warnings, with the percentage of smokers who considered quitting after seeing the warnings rising from 26.7 percent in 2012 to 43.3 percent in 2025, a major step forward for cessation efforts.

“Overall, from 2012 to 2025, exposure to secondhand smoke significantly declined inside homes, government buildings, restaurants, public transportation, tertiary institutions and schools,” Dr. Salako added.

Nevertheless, he emphasised that although the gains were encouraging, sustaining them would require continued vigilance and stronger enforcement at all levels of government.

The minister explained that to reinforce implementation of the National Tobacco Control Act, 2015 and Regulations, 2019, the Federal Government had rolled out multiple strategic policy documents, including the National Tobacco Control Strategic Plan of Action, 2024 2028, National Tobacco Control Communication Strategy, 2024 2028 and the National Tobacco Control Enforcement Plan, 2024 2028.

These frameworks, he noted, ensure a coordinated, multisectoral approach to regulation and public education.

The Minister highlighted Nigeria’s advancement of the WHO FCTC Article 19, which encourages Parties to hold the tobacco industry legally and financially accountable for actions that undermine public health, as one of the country’s most notable achievements.

“In this regard, our Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) recently imposed a fine of 110 million US dollars on the British American Tobacco Nigeria (BATN) for multiple infringements of the National Tobacco Control Act, 2015, the National Tobacco Control Regulations, 2019, and other consumer protection laws”, Dr. Salako said.

“This represents one of the most significant applications of Article 19 globally and sends a strong message that the tobacco industry must bear responsibility for its actions.”

In addition, he spotlighted new regulations from the National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB) to prohibit tobacco advertising, promotion, and sponsorship (TAPS) across films, TV, music videos, and digital media, saying it was an important step in protecting young people.

“This bold step gives practical effect to Article 13 of the WHO FCTC, helping to prevent indirect advertising and the normalisation of tobacco use,” Dr. Salako added.

Despite this progress, he acknowledged ongoing challenges, including tobacco industry interference and the rise of new nicotine products. He called for stronger global collaboration, technical support, and knowledge exchange to help countries, especially developing nations, stay ahead of industry tactics.

“In conclusion, while significant progress has been made, we acknowledge that key challenges persist, including the need to strengthen enforcement especially at subnational levels; addressing the growing spread and false narrative of new and emerging tobacco and nicotine products and ensuring their strict regulation; as well as countering persistent tobacco industry interference,” Dr. Salako said.

The Minister concluded by expressing Nigeria’s gratitude to the WHO FCTC Secretariat, COP11 leadership, and participating Parties, wishing all delegates productive deliberations.

In addition to the strategic dialogue that reviewed progress on tobacco control in the 20 years since the WHO FCTC entered into force, a ministerial round table organised by the Government of Belgium addressed the pressing issue of nicotine addiction among young people and how to prevent it amid the wide availability and marketing of e-cigarettes and other novel tobacco and nicotine products.

Discussions at the round table focused on national approaches and lessons learned and the potential role of the WHO FCTC in tackling the issue.

“COP11 provides an opportunity for Parties to consider important issues including forward-looking tobacco control measures, environmental protection, liability and measures to prevent and reduce tobacco consumption, nicotine addiction and exposure to tobacco smoke,” said Andrew Black, Acting Head of the Secretariat of the WHO FCTC.

“The Secretariat of the WHO FCTC welcomes all Parties and observers to COP11 to promote international cooperation and move ahead with global action to address the global tobacco epidemic,” he added.

COP11, organized around the theme of “20 years of change uniting generations for a tobacco-free future”, will be followed by the Fourth Meeting of the Parties to the Protocol to Eliminate Illicit Trade in Tobacco Products on 2426 November.

The Lagos State Government has issued a caution to health facilities, including the General Hospital in Badagry, following reports that patients under the state health insurance scheme are being denied access to essential medications.

The warning was issued by the Health Facilities Monitoring and Accreditation Agency (HEFAMAA) during a Sensitisation Campaign and Town Hall Meeting held at the Badagry Local Government Secretariat on Tuesday, which focused on the agency’s roles and responsibilities.

Permanent Secretary of HEFAMAA, Dr. Abiola Idowu, represented by the Director of Research and Statistics, Dr. Olorunfemi Olonire, acknowledged concerns from residents about the insurance system, noting complaints that insured patients were often told certain prescribed drugs were unavailable after treatment.

Idowu said HEFAMAA had documented these complaints and would escalate them to the Lagos State Health Management Authority (LASHMA) and its Permanent Secretary to ensure urgent attention.

“When you enter the hospital as an insured patient and are told at the pharmacy that drugs above 5% or 10% are unavailable, that undermines the insurance system and patient safety,” he said.

She said to strengthen accountability, the agency has deployed a newly introduced QR code system across public health facilities.

Idowu added that patients who are denied covered medications can scan the code to report the incident in real time, saying that complaints submitted via the QR system will be collated and forwarded to relevant authorities for prompt action.

Idowu also cautioned against unlicensed practitioners, including traditional healers and auxiliary nurses, who perform medical procedures such as intravenous drug administration at home.

He warned that such unsafe practices often endanger patients, with complications later wrongly attributed to legitimate hospitals.

The Director of the Nursing Unit, Mrs. Oluwole Titilope, highlighted the QR code system’s role in maintaining standards.

She explained that health facilities must meet specific requirements and undergo on-site inspections before registration. Facilities that pass inspections receive a certificate and official logo, signaling that they are authorized to provide safe, high-quality care.

Titilope emphasized that registration is only the first step, as HEFAMAA continuously monitors facilities to ensure ongoing compliance and patient safety.

Residents were urged to seek care only from registered facilities and to report any irregularities promptly.

The government reiterated its commitment to ensuring insured patients receive their entitled medications and that public health standards are strictly enforced across Lagos State.

Tensions ran high at the Federal High Court on Thursday as Emmanuel Kanu, brother of detained IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu, lashed out over his sibling’s prolonged detention.

Speaking outside the courtroom, Emmanuel expressed frustration at what he described as unfair treatment of his brother and the Igbo community.

“It looks as if there’s a war between Igbos and Yorubas. This is injustice, how can you jail a man who has done nothing? Nnamdi Kanu is not a terror!st, we’ve been on this case for 9 years,” he said, drawing the attention of lawyers, journalists, and security personnel stationed around the court.

He also added: “For how long will this continue? Go around the country, there are attacks everywhere. This is injustice to the Igbo people. How can you jail a man who has done nothing?”

The outburst came shortly after the court adjourned proceedings in the long-running trial, which involves charges of terrorism and unlawful possession of firearms, allegations Kanu has consistently denied.

Security operatives quickly intervened to calm the scene as supporters murmured their frustrations over yet another adjournment. Emmanuel’s comments reflect the heightened tensions surrounding one of Nigeria’s most politically sensitive cases.

Nnamdi Kanu has been in detention since his controversial re-arrest in 2021,

By Paul Dada

The Director and Senior Fellow for the Africa Program at CSIS (Center for Strategic and International Studies), Oge Onubogu, has warned the US about acting on a single narrative about insecurity in Nigeria.

Onubogu, who was speaking at the ongoing US congressional hearing on Nigeria, said while not denying that there are killings of Christians, it would be wrong to simplify the problem as an aggression against Christians.

She saidmany communities face violence because government systems have failed to provide basic services, justiceThe Director and Senior Fellow for the Africa Program at CSIS (Center for Strategic and International Studies), Oge Onubogu, has warned the US about acting on a single narrative about insecuirity in Nigeria., and protection. She warned that reducing the conflict to a religious frame risks obscuring the structural issues that fuel insecurity.

Onubogu urged the United States to adopt a more nuanced approach in its Nigeria policy.

She said Nigeria wields strong influence in the West Africa while saying that Nigeria’s internal stability has wide implications for the sub-region.

Onubogu also urged President Bola Tinubu to appoint an Ambassador to the U.S.

By Ayorinde Oluokun/Abuja

Justice James Omotosho has proceeded to deliver judgment in terrorism trial of Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of proscribed Indigenous Peoples of Biafra, IPOB after the secessionist organisation leader was removed from court.

The Judge had gone into his chambers for short adjournment after unruly behavior by Nnamdi Kanu resulted in commotion in court.

The IPOB leader had tried to halt the proceedings of the court after the three applications he filed to arrest the delivery of the judgment were thrown out by the court.

The Judge ordered the removal of the IPOB leader from court when he became unruly and refused to obey directives to sit down and stop talking.

Kanu had rained expletives on the Judge before leaving the court.

However, the Judge returned to the court later to deliver the judgment.

Before he proceeded to begin delivery of the judgment, Justice Omotosho noted that Kanu has history of unruly behaviors in the court with attacks and verbal abuses of security operatives, his lawyers and court.

He noted that nobody should be allowed to trample with the sanctity of the court.

He added that as a judicial officer he is bound to protect the sanctity of temple of justice as he noted that while the right to be present throughout the trial is a constitutional and fundamental rights, it is not absolute.

“Once you have been given the opportunity and you fail to use that opportunity, such person cannot claim a breach of that right. This morning, the defendant was given that opportunity.

“He has misconducted himself in this manner several times. And I think this is the time to put a stop to it. It is trite law that if a defendant misbehaves or acts unruly in the courtroom, his trial can be done absence.

“As stated by the defendant this morning, he said he has put in his defense. He is not calling any witness. And I will get to the issue of issuing address in the judgments. We are not taking evidence this morning. It is to take judgment and sentence if possible.

“It is based on that, that I hereby make an order that because of the unruly behavior of defendants, his aggressiveness and violent nature, I hereby make an order that the judgment and other proceedings proceed in his absence,” the Judge said as he proceeded to deliver his judgment.

Nollywood actress Oluwabukola Awoyemi, known as Bukola Arugba, has raised alarm that three of her close relatives were kidnapped during the attack on Christ Apostolic Church (CAC), Oke Isegun, in Eruku, Ekiti Local Government Area of Kwara State.

In a video posted on Instagram, Arugba reacted to what she called misleading information about the incident. She particularly challenged a statement credited to the Kwara State First Lady, Prof. Olufolake AbdulRazaq, which suggested the attack was only “attempted.”

A viral video had shown armed men invading the church during a programme on Tuesday night. Reports also indicated that several worshippers were kidnapped and three people were killed.

Arugba, who is from Eruku, insisted that the attack was real, deadly, and not merely an attempt.

“I read a press release on the First Lady’s page that totally contradicts the truth,” she said. “The information given to you by the police is false.”

She said eyewitnesses from the community, including her own family members, saw everything happen.

“It was a successful attack, not an attempted one,” she stressed. “People died, and many were taken away.”

She identified some of her abducted relatives as Evangelist Titi Balogun, her mother’s younger sister, and Ebenezer Aina, her cousin’s son.

“I’ve spoken with many people back home. Three to four of my cousins are currently with the bandits. Everyone in my town is crying because we don’t know if they will return alive,” she added.

Arugba accused authorities of downplaying the severity of the attack and giving the public the opposite of what truly happened.

Addressing the First Lady directly, she said: “The reports on your page are false. They completely contradict the real situation.”