Category: PM News

Covenant University, the University of Ibadan (UI) and the University of Lagos (UNILAG) have emerged as Nigeria’s highest-ranked universities in the 2027 Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings.

The three institutions were jointly placed in the 801-1,000 global band in the ranking released by Times Higher Education on Wednesday, marking a change from the previous edition in which UI and UNILAG shared the highest Nigerian position while Covenant University ranked third nationally.

The latest ranking also showed a broader Nigerian presence in the global table, with 29 Nigerian universities included, compared with 24 in the 2026 edition.

Five institutions-Osun State University, University of Maiduguri, Olabisi Onabanjo University, Kwara State University and Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, were newly ranked.

The increase means Nigeria had the largest number of ranked universities in sub-Saharan Africa in the 2027 edition, as the number of ranked institutions across the region rose from 55 to 69.

Although Covenant, UI and UNILAG share the same global band, their performance varied across the indicators used by THE.

The ranking assesses research-intensive universities across five broad areas: teaching, research environment, research quality, international outlook and industry. For the 2027 edition, THE assessed 2,297 institutions across 118 countries and territories, using 17 performance indicators distributed across the five pillars.

Among the three leading Nigerian universities, UNILAG recorded the highest research-quality score, with 67.8 points. UI recorded 64.9, while Covenant scored 49.8 in the same category.

In teaching, UI recorded 31.2 points, compared with 21.4 for Covenant and 21.2 for UNILAG. Covenant recorded 32.5 points for research environment, while UI scored 19.9 and UNILAG 20.8.

The ranking also identified different areas of strength among Nigerian institutions. Bayero University recorded the highest international-outlook score among Nigerian universities, while Covenant University had the country’s highest industry score.

Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) and Bayero University, Kano (BUK), followed the three leading institutions, with both placed in the 1,001-1,200 global band.

Landmark University and the University of Ilorin were also placed in the same 1,001-1,200 band.

Babcock University, Osun State University and the University of Nigeria, Nsukka were placed in the 1,201-1,400 band.

The Federal University of Technology, Minna and Nnamdi Azikiwe University were among institutions placed in the 1,401-1,600 band, alongside Obafemi Awolowo University, the University of Benin, the University of Jos and the University of Maiduguri.

Other Nigerian institutions appearing in the ranking include the Federal University of Technology, Akure; Federal University of Technology, Owerri; Ladoke Akintola University of Technology; Lagos State University; Olabisi Onabanjo University; University of Calabar; Delta State University, Abraka; Ekiti State University; Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta; Federal University Oye-Ekiti; Kwara State University and Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike.

At the global level, the University of Oxford retained the number-one position for the 11th consecutive year.

The University of Cape Town was the highest-ranked institution in sub-Saharan Africa, rising to joint 147th globally, from joint 164th in the previous edition.

The results come as Nigeria also moves to develop its own national tertiary-education ranking system. The Federal Government, through the Nigerian Tertiary Education Ranking Advisory Committee, is working on a national ranking covering universities, polytechnics and colleges of education, with completion targeted for December 2026.

The General Court Martial handling the alleged coup plot case involving some military officers accused of attempting to overthrow President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration has again postponed its ruling.

The ruling, which was earlier scheduled for Wednesday, September 30, 2026, has now been moved to Monday, October 5, 2026.

A notice issued to members of the court and other concerned parties said the sitting had been shifted, with the new proceedings scheduled to begin at 10am at the Scorpion Officers’ Mess, Asokoro, Abuja.

‘The GCM sitting earlier adjourned to Wednesday, 30 September, 2026, has now been postponed to Monday, 5 October, 2026,’ the notice stated.

The notice, signed by Major M.U. Ardo, the Liaison Officer, did not provide reasons for the latest postponement but expressed regret over any inconvenience caused.

The latest delay marks the fourth time the court has deferred the ruling in the case.

The pending decision is expected to determine whether statements allegedly obtained from some of the accused officers will be admitted as evidence in the ongoing trial.

The defence lawyers had challenged the admissibility of the statements, alleging that some of the accused officers were coerced by officials of the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA) into making or reproducing statements they said contained false information.

During the trial-within-a-trial conducted by the court, the defence argued that the statements failed to meet legal requirements for admissibility.

They alleged that some officers were not allowed to have lawyers or witnesses of their choice present when the statements were obtained.

The defence also questioned the absence of video recordings showing the officers making the statements in the presence of their chosen witnesses, as required under relevant provisions of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act.

The lawyers further argued that some of the accused officers were not properly cautioned or adequately informed of their rights before making the statements.

However, the prosecution maintained that the statements were made voluntarily and without coercion, presenting evidence aimed at establishing that the accused officers were not subjected to improper pressure.

Some of the officers, while giving evidence during the trial-within-a-trial, alleged that they were subjected to intimidation, inducement and physical abuse during detention.

They claimed they were made to believe that reproducing certain statements would lead to their release.

Some also alleged that documents had already been prepared by intelligence officials and that they were compelled to copy or sign statements containing claims they said they did not originate.

The officers further told the court that some of the contents of the statements did not reflect their personal knowledge of events.

The General Court Martial is headed by Air Vice Marshal H.I. Alhaji of the Nigerian Air Force.

The court’s eventual ruling on the disputed statements is expected to determine whether the prosecution can rely on the evidence in the ongoing proceedings.

The Kaduna State Government has unveiled plans to deploy 120 Compressed Natural Gas (CNG)-powered articulated buses on a 24-kilometre Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) corridor to improve urban transportation and create thousands of jobs.

The project, which would be the first BRT system in the State, had reached the implementation stage after the completion of its planning and design, Acting Director-General of the Kaduna State Transport Regulatory Authority (KADSTRA), Inuwa Ibrahim, disclosed on Tuesday.

He also revealed that the scheme is expected to generate between 10,000 and 20,000 direct and indirect employment opportunities along the corridor.

‘We are expecting to have about 20,000 jobs just for this BRT corridor of just 24 kilometres,’ Ibrahim said.

According to him, the jobs would include opportunities for drivers, mechanics and other personnel involved in the operation and maintenance of the system.

He said the deployment of CNG-powered buses would also provide commuters with a more affordable and environmentally friendly transportation option.

Ibrahim described CNG as cheaper and cleaner than conventional fuel, saying its use would contribute to reducing emissions and improving the urban environment.

The proposed BRT system will include dedicated bus lanes, modern bus stops, shelters and terminals to facilitate faster and more efficient movement of commuters.

Also speaking, an advanced engineering consultant on the project, Idris Akinremi, said the BRT was designed to address traffic congestion by providing an efficient alternative to private transportation.

Akinremi said the availability of an efficient mass transit system would encourage motorists to reduce their dependence on private vehicles, thereby easing pressure on existing roads.

‘The project will discourage putting cars on the roads. This will reduce traffic on the road; once people see this, they will abandon their cars,’ he said.

He explained that the project was not primarily based on widening existing roads, noting that about 80 per cent of the proposed corridor would retain the existing carriageways.

According to him, BRT infrastructure will instead be incorporated into the existing road network to improve its efficiency.

Akinremi said technical and social assessments conducted during the planning process showed that extensive demolition of properties to create additional lanes in restricted areas would not be economically justified.

He said the project was being designed in accordance with international standards and best practices.

The consultant further explained that continuous expansion of roads alone could not provide a lasting solution to traffic congestion, as increased road capacity could eventually be filled by more private vehicles.

‘As I said, you don’t gain efficiency by just expanding roads because your roads will be filled to capacity,’ he said, citing Abuja as an example of a city where some wide roads still experience significant traffic congestion.

He said an effective mass transit system could transport large numbers of people without requiring a corresponding expansion of road space.

‘If you put a BRT there, 80 per cent of those people putting their vehicles on the road will park it without expanding the road. What do you have? Efficiency,’ he said.

Akinremi said the initial section of the Kaduna BRT corridor was projected to cover about 17 kilometres, subject to completion of the final design.

The officials said the overall project was expected to combine mass transportation, cleaner energy and employment opportunities as part of efforts to improve mobility and reduce congestion in Kaduna metropolis.

The Chairman of Mariga Local Government Area of Niger Aliyu Bagga Muhamadu and the state police command have confirmed mass abduction of farmers were who were harvesting groundnuts from their farms at Tungan Rimi in Ma’undu-Beri Ward of the council.

Muhamadu said the gunmen who abducted farmers from a nearby farm were demanding ?2 million ransom for each of the abducted victim.

The LG boss claimed that a total of 47 farmers were abducted by the gunmen.

According to him, the gunmen have been in contact with some relatives of their victims to demand ransom payment.

The local government chairman said the farmers were abducted last Saturday afternoon.

Muhamadu said reports also indicated that one of the abducted women had given birth while in captivity.

The LG Chairman also revealed that security operatives and operatives of local vigilantes, had been mobilised to rescue the victims.

Channels Television quoted some unidentified sources as confirming that the gunmen were seen moving into the Bariki Forest, also known as Ma’undu, where the abducted people are suspected to be held.

The Niger State Police Command has also confirmed the incident.

However, the Command said not more than 20 people were abducted at Mukura village in the Kasuwan-Garba District of Mariga Local Government Area in a statement by its spokesperson, SP Wasiu Abiodun.

Abiodun the incident was reported on September 28, adding that the victims were abducted at about 3 p.m. on September 27.

The Niger Police Command spokesperson added that joint security rescue efforts are ongoing to bring the abductees back home.

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has declared that he will step down from his cabinet position if President Bola Ahmed Tinubu fails to secure victory in both the FCT and Rivers State in the upcoming 2027 presidential election.

Speaking during an engagement with leadership and members of the Apo Mechanics and Traders Association in Abuja, Wike stated that his continued tenure as a cabinet minister is directly tied to his ability to deliver political results for the president in his primary areas of influence.

In a statement issued on Wednesday by the Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication and Social Media to the minister, Lere Olayinka, the Minister announced that should the ruling party lose in the FCT and Rivers State at the presidential poll scheduled for January 16, 2027, he will formally tender his resignation the next day.

‘If I cannot deliver where I work, then I’m not worthy to be here,’ Wike said, emphasizing that his political mandate requires concrete electoral success.

‘If I lose FCT, I’m not supposed to be FCT Minister. By January 17, 2027, I will announce my resignation as FCT Minister should the President lose in Rivers State and the FCT,’ he added.

Outlining his political strategy for the territory, Wike revealed that the administration is building a multi-party coalition to secure victory across various elective offices in the FCT.

He explicitly endorsed candidates across legislative tiers while reiterating total support for the president’s re-election bid.

‘Let us be clear on direction: for the Presidency, it is Bola Ahmed Tinubu! For the Senate, Philip Aduda is a man of the people, unlike those who only appear on television. The two House of Representatives candidates we are supporting are also here. They are former Area Council chairmen.

‘In the FCT, we are running a unified coalition across parties to deliver results.

‘If I cannot deliver FCT as Minister, then I am not qualified to hold this office. We have a firm agreement, and today is the final affirmation,’ Wike said.

The Anambra State Police Command has issued a flood alert to residents, advising parents, guardians and caregivers to exercise heightened vigilance and take necessary precautions to protect schoolchildren following persistent rainfall and flooding in parts of the state.

In a statement on Wednesday, the command’s spokesman, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, said the alert followed recent heavy rainfall and flooding in parts of the state, which tragically resulted in the death of a school pupil.

Recall that a pupil of Nnamdi Azikiwe University Primary School, Success Ezenwafor, was swept away by floodwaters in Isiagu, Awka South Local Government Area of the state.

Success was on his way to school last Tuesday when the school bus conveying him and other occupants was trapped and overturned by floodwaters.

Nine other occupants of the vehicle-seven schoolchildren and two adults-were rescued alive by operatives of the Anambra State Police Command, in collaboration with concerned residents, and taken to Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital, Amaku, Awka.

Success, however, was swept away by the flood and remained missing until his remains were recovered the following morning.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has released new guidance to help governments and event organisers prevent and manage heat-related illnesses at major sporting, religious and cultural gatherings.

The ?????????organisation said on Wednesday in a statement that the guidance followed evidence showing that most heat-related illnesses at mass gatherings could be prevented or treated on site when timely risk assessment, preparedness and response measures are in place.

‘A WHO evidence review covering studies published between 1980 and 2025 documented nearly 500,000 medical encounters at mass gatherings, including more than 22,000 heat-related illnesses. The review found that more than 90 per cent of patients can be treated at event venues when on-site medical systems are well organised, reducing pressure on local hospitals and ambulance services,’ it said.

Dr Chikwe Ihekweazu, Executive Director, WHO Health Emergencies Programme said that extreme heat was an increasing threat to health, safety and operational continuity in mass gatherings.

Ihekweazu said heat should be addressed not only as an environmental hazard but also as a core operational and governance challenge requiring consistent risk assessment, preparedness and response.

He said that heat-related deaths have increased by an estimated 63 per cent since the 1990s, with an average of 546,000 deaths recorded annually between 2012 and 2021.

‘Mass gatherings can increase heat risks through prolonged outdoor exposure, dense crowds, limited access to safe water, travel-related stress and unfamiliarity with local climatic conditions. Increasing demands on health services during major events can further compound the risks associated with extreme heat and delay access to appropriate medical care,’ he said.

He said that according to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, hot extremes, including heatwaves, have become more frequent and intense across most land regions since the 1950s, largely due to climate change.

According to him, further increases in the frequency and intensity of extreme heat are projected with every additional increment of global warming.

‘The new resources, titled Prevention and management of heat-related illness at mass gatherings, are based on systematic reviews and lessons learned from mass gathering events worldwide. The guidance recommends accessible safe drinking water and toilets, cooling infrastructure, schedule adjustments and effective crowd-flow management to reduce heat-related health risks,’ Ihekweazu said

He called for workforce protection, public communication, real-time health surveillance and well-prepared on-site medical services as part of comprehensive event preparedness.

He said the guidance adopts a whole-of-event approach, recognising that venue design, transport, security, communications, water and sanitation can influence people’s access to cooling and medical care.

‘The guidance covers the full event cycle and is designed to complement national heat-health action plans, occupational health and safety requirements, emergency preparedness arrangements and clinical guidance,’ he said.

He urged governments, event organisers and partners to integrate heat-risk management into health planning, preparedness and operations for mass gatherings worldwide.

Lagos State governor Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu and his deputy Dr. Obafemi Hamzat are amongst the dignitaries expected to attend the installation of Prince Tajudeen Olusi as Baba Adinni of Yoruba Land.

In a statement signed by the Secretary, Planning Committee Dr. Seyi Bamigbade, the Council of Islamic Preachers has concluded plans for the historic installation of Prince Tajudeen Oluyole Olusi (OON) as the Baba Adinni of Yoruba Land.

According to him, the landmark event scheduled to take place on Saturday, 3rd October 2026, at the Onikan Stadium, Lagos will bring together prominent Nigerians.

He said the ceremony will celebrate Islamic leadership, heritage, and unity across the Yoruba-speaking states, honoring Prince Olusi for his lifelong dedication to community development, political stability, and religious harmony.

”The occasion will feature an array of prominent leaders, top government officials, and traditional rulers. The Chief Host is the executive Governor of Lagos State Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu . The Special guest of honour is the Deputy Governor of Lagos State Dr. Kadiri Obafemi Hamzat.

Other prominent Lagosians expected to grace the occasion are Senator Wasiu Sanni Eshinlokun, Alhaji Mutiu Are, Hon. Abdullahi Sesan Olowa who is the Chairman, Conference 57.

Retiring Supreme Court Justice Ibrahim Saulawa on Tuesday warned judicial officers that while gifts especially from politicians can be tempting and irresistible, they must be firm in rejecting them.

Saulawa gave the warning in Abuja during a special court session at the Supreme Court to mark his retirement from the apex court’s Bench upon attaining the mandatory retirement age of 70 years.

He warned judicial officers to refrain from accepting such gifts from politicians and litigants to protect the Judiciary’s neutrality and impartiality.

According to Justice Saulawa, judicial officers must imbibe a culture of contentment, integrity, morality, and honesty to discharge their responsibilities without fear or favour.

‘Gifts , especially from politicians can be tempting and irresistible but that judges must be firm in rejecting such offers because they are associated with dangers that can make one to fall into traps in the dispensation of justice,’ he said.

He recalled his days on the Magistrate’s Court Bench in Katsina when a prominent fuel and motor dealer, Alhaji Ali Bagobiri donated a Peugeot 504 Car to him which he said, was bluntly rejected.

Justice Saulawa said that the motor dealer went to the extent of seeking the intervention of the Emir, Alhaji Muhammadu Kabir Usman and prominent indigenes with a view to persuading and influencing him to accept the car gift but which he flatly refused.

He added that in the later days, the same fuel and motor dealer and his accomplice ran foul of the law and were arraigned before him in the Magistrate Court.

Saulawa said that he later found the culprits guilty and they were sentenced to N7,000 fine each as punishment.

He, therefore, charged judicial officers not to succumb to accepting any form of gift in the course of performing their duties so as not to compromise or derail in the course of adjudication.

He praised his brother Justices on the Supreme Court bench for the love, affection and experience shared together in the discharge of their duties and encouraged them to continue to protect the integrity of the judiciary.

Earlier, the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun commended Saulawa for his contributions to the development of the judiciary from the High Court in Katsina to the Supreme Court.

She also added that the firmness of the retiring justice would be greatly missed on the apex court bench.

‘Today, we gather in this hallowed court to mark the retirement of a distinguished judicial officer, a respected jurist and, above all, a man whose life has been defined by service.

‘It invites us to pause, reflect upon a career that has run its course and acknowledge the contribution of one who has shared in the demanding but noble responsibility of administering justice’.

The CJN reiterated that the judiciary will continue to celebrate the values that have characterised the journey and example which Saulawa’s years of service have provided to generations of judicial officers and members of the legal profession.

‘It’s a celebration of a judicial career that has spanned more than four decades and has traversed virtually every level of the Nigerian judiciary,’ the CJN added.

Justice Ibrahim Mohammed Musa Saulawa was born on September 29, 1956, in Katsina, Katsina State, Nigeria.

He began his educational journey in Katsina, attending both primary and secondary schools between 1965 and 1976.

He graduated in 1981 with a Bachelor of Laws (LL.B) degree from the Bayero University, Kano and was called to the Nigerian Bar on July 2, 1982.

He was elevated to the Court of Appeal on June 10, 2006, his services culminated in his elevation to the Supreme Court on November 10, 2020.

The session was attended by two former Chief Justices of Nigeria, Justice Mahmoud Mohammed and Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, Deputy Governor of Katsina state and eminent stakeholders in the judiciary sector.

A Federal Capital Territory High Court sitting in Maitama on Tuesday ordered Jordan Wike, son of FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, to produce his international passport in court over a disputed $2.1 million land transaction.

Justice Sylvanus Oriji issued the order after counsel to the claimants, Safwan Garba GY and GY Global Oil and Gas Nigeria Limited, applied for the travel document to be produced during proceedings.

The suit, marked CV/008/2026, followed allegations by the claimants that Jordan had agreed to facilitate the acquisition of 60 hectares of land in Abuja, comprising 30 hectares in Katampe and another 30 hectares in Guzape.

According to their counsel, Hamza Dantani, the parties initially met in London before subsequently meeting in Abuja, where discussions on the proposed land deal allegedly took place.

The claimants alleged that Jordan demanded $2.1 million for the transaction, with $2 million allegedly intended for his father and $100,000 for himself.

They further alleged that the money was handed over on September 26, 2025, in the presence of Adamu Sani, Aliyu Sarki and Sai Wani, while Jordan was accompanied by Onor Sandy.

The claimants alleged that after collecting the money, Jordan failed to deliver the land or refund the funds and subsequently became unreachable.

Jordan has denied the allegations.

At the resumed hearing, he adopted his statement on oath and rejected the claims against him. He was represented by Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Ogwu Onoja.

During cross-examination, Dantani questioned Jordan about his movements and travel documents.

When asked where he was on September 26, 2026, Jordan told the court that he was outside Nigeria.

Asked which passport he used to travel, he said he travelled with his American international passport, adding that he could produce it if required.

Dantani subsequently applied for the passport to be produced before the court.

Justice Oriji granted the application and ordered Jordan to produce the document.

Earlier, the claimant’s counsel had also asked Jordan to write his full name and signature five times each on a plain sheet of paper. The application was granted without objection from the defence.

The court adjourned the matter until Wednesday for continuation of proceedings.