Category: PM News

The Federal Government has reversed its earlier decision to make Mathematics optional for students seeking admission into higher institutions.

The new announcement means Mathematics remains compulsory for all students.

The reversal came after strong reactions from parents and teachers, who said the initial waiver was a bad idea.

Last week, the government had said Mathematics would no longer be mandatory for students applying for Arts and Humanities courses in universities, polytechnics, colleges of education, and other institutions.

However, in a statement released yesterday by the Director of Press and Public Relations at the Federal Ministry of Education, Boriowo Folasade, the government clarified that both English and Mathematics are still compulsory for all students at the O’level.

The statement, titled ‘English and Mathematics Remain Compulsory for All O’level Students – FG Clarifies Streamlined Admission Requirements’, explained that these two subjects are essential for communication, reasoning, and lifelong learning.

It further stated that while the government is making admission policies more flexible and inclusive, it does not mean students can skip these core subjects.

The reforms are meant to expand learning opportunities and recognise different student strengths, not remove core educational standards.

The ministry urged students, parents, and stakeholders to depend only on official sources for accurate information about education policies.

Reacting to the reversal, the National Parents Teachers Association of Nigeria (NAPTAN) supported the move. The Chairman of NAPTAN’s Board of Trustees, Alhaji Haruna Ogunbanjo, described the earlier policy as ‘misguided and risky.’

He explained that Mathematics is important in all areas, including arts and humanities, because every profession and business requires basic numeracy skills in today’s world.

Ogunbanjo said that while Arts students may not need advanced Mathematics, a pass in the subject should still be required for admission into higher institutions.

He urged education officials to carefully assess the impact of removing Mathematics from admission requirements.

United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc has reaffirmed its dedication to youth empowerment and leadership development with the induction of 700 young professionals into its Graduate Management Accelerated Programme (GMAP), an initiative designed to nurture Africa’s next generation of business and financial leaders.

The graduation ceremony, held on Sunday, October 19, 2025, at the Landmark Events Centre in Lagos, brought together graduates from Nigeria and other African countries where UBA operates.

The event was graced by the bank’s Group Chairman, Tony Elumelu; Deputy Group Managing Director, Chukwuma Nweke; other board members, and senior executives who welcomed the new recruits into what they described as ‘the UBA Tribe.’

Since its launch three years ago, the GMAP has trained and graduated more than 4,000 professionals across the continent, providing participants with mentorship, technical training, and real-world exposure to banking operations.

Speaking at the event, Elumelu described the new graduates as ‘lions and lionesses,’ underscoring UBA’s faith in young talent as the engine of Africa’s progress.

‘We are happy to have you as part of this tribe. At UBA, we believe in the transformative power of young people. This programme was designed to pass the baton of knowledge and experience to the next generation,’ Elumelu said.

‘A few decades ago, I started just like you, fresh out of university. I am pleased that UBA continues to create such opportunities, and I look forward to seeing you prove your worth.’

He emphasised that UBA’s mission extends beyond banking, noting that the institution plays a pivotal role in driving Africa’s economic prosperity and social relevance.

Deputy Managing Director, Chukwuma Nweke, who represented the Group Managing Director, Oliver Alawuba, commended the graduates for their resilience and drive throughout the six-month programme.

‘This ceremony celebrates potential, perseverance, and purpose. You are not just graduates; you are the next generation of innovators and leaders who will define Africa’s future,’ Nweke said.

‘The GMAP reflects our belief that the continent’s destiny will be shaped not by chance, but by capable and courageous leaders like you.’

He explained that the intensive GMAP curriculum combines classroom learning, digital simulations, field assignments, and mentorship by senior executives, preparing participants to take on leadership roles within the bank.

The newly inducted professionals now join UBA’s workforce of over 25,000 employees, with a mandate to drive innovation in technology, customer experience, and sustainability across the organisation.

United Bank for Africa is one of Africa’s largest financial institutions, serving more than 45 million customers across 20 African countries as well as in the United Kingdom, the United States, France, and the United Arab Emirates.

The bank continues to lead in financial inclusion and digital banking while strengthening its position as a global force in African finance.

Omoyele Sowore has demanded the immediate release of Barrister Aloy Ejimakor, activist Fineboy Kanu and others he says were ‘illegally arrested, tortured and are being forced into detention’ over the #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protests.

In a post on X early Monday, Sowore addressed the official handle of the Federal Capital Territory Police Command, @FCT_PoliceNG, and warned that failure to free the detainees would prompt an immediate show of force by his supporters.

‘@FCT_PoliceNG is instructed to release Barrister @AloyEjimakor, Fineboy Kanu, and others illegally arrested, tortured, and currently being forced into detention over #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protest immediately, or we will mobilize the entire crew now on the street to the FCT command and occupy their office!’ he wrote.

The tweet comes amid heightened tensions following nationwide demonstrations calling for the release of IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu, who is facing treason-related charges. Security agencies have in recent days rounded up several protesters in Abuja and other cities, citing concerns over public order.

Sowore’s post signals a possible escalation, with the activist threatening to move protesters to the FCT Police headquarters should the detained individuals not be freed. The message also underscores mounting friction between protest organisers and security authorities that has played out on the streets and online.

The Ogun State Government has issued a fresh flood alert, warning residents of low-lying and riverbank communities to brace for a likely overflow of the Ogun River between October 20 and November 3.

This marks the third flood alert of the year and affects areas including Akute, Alagbole, Isheri, Magboro, Makogi, Orimerunmu, Iro, Kajola, and parts of Abeokuta such as Lafenwa, Enugada, Adedotun, Iberekodo, Akin-Olugbade, and Ago-Odo.

In a statement issued on Sunday, the Commissioner for Environment, Ola Oresanya, said the anticipated flooding would result from a controlled release of water from the Oyan Dam, triggered by heavy rainfall from the northern part of the country and rising tidal levels.

Oresanya explained that the increased water inflow into the dam has made the release unavoidable, warning residents to stay vigilant and take proactive steps to safeguard their lives and property.

‘Residents in flood-prone communities must avoid riverbanks and, where possible, relocate to higher grounds or elevate their living spaces. The overflow is inevitable, but precautions can prevent tragedy,’ he said.

The Commissioner noted that the state government, in collaboration with the Ogun-Osun River Basin Development Authority, continues to dredge tributaries and clear channels to reduce the impact of flooding.

He added that the current discharge from the dam, about 12,000 million litres per day, is lower than last year’s 17,000 million litres, a result of tighter control measures.

Despite the preparations, Oresanya urged residents not to panic, assuring that the water level would recede within about ten days.

‘The government cannot stop the forces of nature, but we are working to minimise their impact. Ogun’s location as a coastal state and a gateway for northern water flows into the lagoon makes it more vulnerable to climate change,’ he said.

He also advised fish farmers in the affected communities to harvest their stock immediately to avoid devastating losses from the expected overflow.

The Commissioner reaffirmed the government’s commitment to protecting lives and property, stressing that collective caution remains key in confronting the realities of climate-induced flooding.

Legendary Afro-Juju musician, Sir Shina Peters, has opened up about his extraordinary life journey and music career, revealing surprising details about his childhood and the demographics of his fanbase.

Speaking during a recent interview on the popular podcast The Honest Bunch, the 37-year-old music icon (age as popularly reported in some tabloids) disclosed that he began his music career at the tender age of 10.

By age 13, he had already bought his first car, and at 14, he welcomed his first child.

The veteran singer, who has been in the entertainment industry for decades, said that despite facing several legal challenges in his teenage years, his unwavering passion for music and strong faith in God helped him to overcome trials and emerge successful.

Sir Shina Peters also expressed gratitude to the Igbo community, revealing that a significant portion of his fanbase comes from the South-East region of Nigeria.

‘About 65% of my fans are Igbos, not Yoruba. They kept asking me, ‘Give us another music, give us this,” he said.

The Super Eagles of Nigeria will arrive in Morocco on November 9 to begin preparations for the 2026 World Cup African playoff, according to the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF).

Nigeria will face Gabon in their first playoff match on November 13. If they win, they will meet the winner of the Cameroon versus DR Congo game in the final on November 16.

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) will soon announce the stadiums for the matches, which will decide Africa’s representative in the intercontinental playoff next March.

An NFF official told The Guardian that the list of invited players will be released before the end of October. All players are expected to arrive in Rabat by November 9 to get used to the environment and plan their strategy.

Coach Eric Chelle has already submitted his training program for the playoffs, and the NFF will soon send invitation letters to the selected players.

NFF President Ibrahim Gusau said he is confident that the Super Eagles will qualify for the World Cup. He explained that preparations have already started and that the team is getting full support from the Federal Government and other relevant bodies.

Gusau also praised the players’ strong commitment and determination to qualify, saying they fully understand how important the World Cup is to their careers and to Nigeria.

The Super Falcons have begun assembling in Lome, Togo, ahead of their crucial 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) final qualifier against the Benin Republic.

Six-time African Player of the Year, Asisat Oshoala, was among the first to hit camp on Sunday, joined by new invitee Joy Omewa and Turkey-based defender Tosin Demehin.

Others already in camp include China-based forward Folashade Ijamilusi and the home-based quintet – goalkeeper Anderline Mgbechi, defenders Blessing Ilivieda and Miracle Usani, midfielder Taiwo Afolabi, and forward Kafayat Mafisere.

Head Coach Justine Madugu confirmed that training sessions would kick off Monday afternoon in Lomé as preparations intensify for Friday’s showdown against the Beninese women’s team.

The match, billed for the 25,000-capacity Stade de Kegue, will start at 3 p.m. local time (4 p.m. Nigeria time). Benin will play their home tie in Togo due to the non-approval of their stadium by the Confederation of African Football (CAF).

The reverse fixture will take place on October 28 at the MKO Abiola Sports Complex, Abeokuta.

CAF has appointed Gambian referee Ngum Fatou to officiate Friday’s tie, assisted by Mariem Chedad and Hamedine Houleye from Mauritania, with Isatou Touray of Gambia serving as fourth official.

Halimatou Hamidou from Niger Republic will act as match commissioner, while Martha Nyekanyeka of Malawi will serve as referee assessor.

The 2026 WAFCON in Morocco doubles as Africa’s qualifying tournament for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.

A renowned traditional musician, John Zuya, popularly known as John Mai Molo, has reportedly died after allegedly consuming poisoned food in Tafawa Balewa Local Government Area of Bauchi State.

According to sources, Zuya had just returned from Lagos on October 16, 2025, where he recently performed at several cultural events.

Shortly after his return, he reportedly began experiencing severe discomfort and collapsed after eating food suspected to have been poisoned.

Confirming his death in a Facebook post, fellow singer and close associate, Emma Wakili, announced that Zuya passed away in the early hours of Saturday, October 18, 2025.

‘It is confirmed that John Zuya passed on this morning at 7:00 a.m. His body has been placed in the mortuary as we move forward with the investigation,’ Wakili wrote.

The late musician was rushed to the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital (ATBUTH) in Bauchi, where doctors pronounced him dead.

His body has since been deposited in the morgue for an autopsy to determine the exact cause of death.

Businesses and households in Nigeria have listed high interest rates, multiple taxes, and poor infrastructure as the biggest challenges they faced in September 2025, according to a new report by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

In its Business Expectations Survey, the CBN said that the Confidence Index stood at 31.5 points in September, showing that many business owners are optimistic about the economy. This confidence is expected to grow in the next six months, possibly reaching 51.8 points.

According to the report, business owners ranked the top challenges as:

High bank charges – 70.8%

Multiple taxes – 70.8%

Poor infrastructure – 70.7%

At the lower end of the list were insufficient power supply (37.8%) and competition (40.4%).

This suggests that businesses were more worried about financial challenges than political issues during the period.

Meanwhile, households said they expect prices to keep rising in the coming months.

The Households Expectations Survey Report showed that the consumer sentiment index improved slightly to -6.4 points in September, up from -7.2 points in August. This means people are still pessimistic, but a bit less so than before.

The CBN added that:

The Economic Condition Index improved from -4.3 in August to -2.9 in September.

The Family Financial Situation Index rose slightly from -17.0 to -16.5, showing less pessimism about personal finances.

The Family Income Sentiment Index reached 0.1 points, showing optimism for the first time since April 2025.

In a related report, the CBN noted that rural residents are feeling the effects of inflation more strongly than urban residents. About 73.9% of people in rural areas said prices were high, compared to 72.4% of those in cities.

Nobel Laureate, Prof Wole Soyinka has described the Door of Return Ceremony in Badagry, Lagos as an historic beginning of a stupendous event.

Soyinka, who was the special guest of honour, stated this at the fifth Badagry Door of Return Festival in Lagos.

He commended Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman/CEO, Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) and other collaborators , including the three chairmen of Badagry local government and the Honourable member representing the Lagos State Assembly, Hon. Solomon Bonu ,for putting the event together.

The elder statesman noted that the 5th edition will herald the planned historic Heritage Voyage of Return which will begin in Brazil next year and terminate in Badagry, Lagos.

The literary giant stated that ‘No voyage is complete without the other.

According to him, ‘what we are celebrating is a formal beginning of a stupendous event that would bring not just the thousands we see here but millions.’

Soyinka noted that the diasporas are willing to come back and that they are eager and obsessed with the notion of coming back.

He prayed that the sadness that encompassed the Point of No Return will turn to Joy.

Earlier, Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, welcomed the 57 participants from Brazil, America, United Kingdom, Cuba, Haiti, and Benin Republic, who were being received as Kings and Queens through the Door of Return as against the ancestors being taken away as slaves through the point of no return.

She thanked Professor Soyinka for gracing the occasion , describing him as a legend and inspiration to all.

She added that the Badagry Door of Return Festival signifies a historic, emotional , spiritual and economic connection to the motherland.

She commended Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State for building the permanent Door of Return in Badagry which will be a lasting tourism legacy.

Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who was represented by both the Special Adviser on Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mr Idris Aregbe as well as the SA Environment, commended Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, for all she has been doing and for using the Badagry Door of Return Festival as a platform to attract the Historic African Diaspora home into Lagos State.

He assured participants that Lagos State will continue to make the state attractive to all.

The Governor assured that the permanent site will be completed and opened during the next edition of Badagry Door of Return Festival.

The Cuban Ambassador to Nigeria, Amb. Miriam Morales Palmero said the festival serves as a motivation to learn , preserve and defend the history of slavery.

Quoting Cuban historian Fernando Ortiz of 1939, who said ‘Cuba without the blacks, will not be Cuba’, as the contributions of the blacks to the Cuban identity has been monumental.

The Badagry Door of Return, according to her, serves as a motivation for fraternity between the people’s of Cuba and Nigeria with common origins in the first ancestors who were taken away from their fatherland as slaves.

Mr. Bonu Solomon, Chairman, House Committee on Tourism, Lagos State House of Assembly, lauded the festival’s symbolic value, saying it was ‘a heritage bridge between Africa and her children abroad.’

Bonu assured the people of Badagry of legislative backing for initiatives that promote tourism, culture and the preservation of Lagos’ historical identity.

The Chairman of Badagry Local Government, Hon. Babatunde Hunpe , speaking on behalf of other two Chairmen of Badagry , Hon. Ibrahim Rauf Kayode, and Hon. Ajose Peter Kumayon, expressed gratitude to Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, for the initiative which he noted would put Badagry in the world map.

Hunpe equally thanked Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, whom he described as ‘Mr Sellable and also expressed gratitude to Professor Wole Soyinka for his love for the people of Badagry and diaspora.

Some of the participants included Jeffrey Daniels of the popular hit band Shalamar, Dr David Anderson , author of ‘ Gracism ‘and the Consul- General of Brazil to Nigeria, Celso França.

They took turns to share their remarkable experiences at the event which they agreed symbolised their joy of return to the motherland.