Category: PM News

The Federal Government has denied claims that it refused to sponsor a 15-year-old Nigerian student who reportedly qualified to represent the country at the International Mathematics Olympiad in China.

The Ministry of Education, in a statement signed on Sunday by its Director of Press and Public Relations, Feo Folasade, said it had no record of any sponsorship request for the student in question, identified as Agbo Adoga.

The clarification follows public criticism by the Chief Executive Officer of Educare, Alex Onyia, who alleged on X that the Ministry turned down the student’s sponsorship due to lack of funds.

Onyia had claimed:

‘Graceland International School, Port Harcourt, just informed me that Agbo Adoga qualified to represent Nigeria in the International Maths Olympiad in China.

The Ministry of Education said they don’t have money to sponsor anybody. So he will not attend. Nigeria lost again!’

But the Ministry dismissed the claim as false and unsubstantiated, insisting that no correspondence or sponsorship request had been received from any recognised institution or body regarding the competition.

It urged anyone with verifiable information about the alleged request to submit it formally for proper investigation.

‘The Ministry affirms that there is no record or correspondence in its files indicating any such request for sponsorship from any recognised body,’ the statement said.

The government also appealed to the public to disregard unverified reports, assuring that the Ministry remains committed to promoting academic excellence through due process and transparency.

‘The Federal Ministry of Education remains committed to encouraging and supporting outstanding students through due process and transparent procedures,’ the statement added.

Dwight Uma, the third son and fifth child of the late Rev (Dr.) Uma Ukpai, has revealed the secret behind his father’s impactful ministry, describing him as a man wholly consumed by his love for God and devotion to the gospel.

In an interview with The Punch, Dwight reflected on the life and legacy of the revered evangelist, who passed away recently, saying his father’s secret was his unwavering passion for God and obedience to divine instruction.

‘My father had a passionate love for God and His work. He wasn’t in the ministry to get rich or famous. Whatever God asked him to do, he obeyed without hesitation,’ Dwight said. ‘His zeal was evident in everything, from preaching to leading songs of worship.’

Dwight also spoke about his father’s cordial relationship with other church leaders across denominations, describing him as a bridge-builder in Nigeria’s Christian community.

He named Pastor E.A. Adeboye, Papa Ayo Oritsejafor, Rev Felix Omobude, Bishop Mike Okonkwo, and the late Archbishop Benson Idahosa among his father’s close friends. He added that Pastor Kumuyi was also a friend, though they rarely met in person.

‘God called my father to be a uniting force among different denominations. He avoided making enemies and preferred to make friends and build bridges in the faith,’ he said.

Dwight revealed that Rev Ukpai also mentored several spiritual leaders, including Apostle Zilly Aggrey, Archbishop Emma Isong, and Rev Ntia I. Ntia, who have continued his legacy of evangelism.

When asked what message the late cleric would have for Nigeria in the current climate, Dwight said his father would remind Nigerians to return to God in prayer and humility.

‘He would urge Nigerians to be a praying nation. He always said that people who know how to pray face no impossibilities. Whatever challenges Nigeria faces, God has the answers,’ he said.

Reflecting on life as a pastor’s child, Dwight admitted that the family made many sacrifices for the ministry.

‘For most of our upbringing, we didn’t always have him around. Sometimes we wanted him at school events, but he was away travelling for crusades. Our lives were intertwined with the ministry,’ he recalled.

‘It wasn’t always easy, but we understood that God had called him. As we grew older, we embraced that calling and supported him wholeheartedly.’

Dwight also recounted his father’s final days, revealing that the revered evangelist seemed aware that his time was near.

‘He tried not to make it obvious that he was leaving us,’ Dwight said. ‘During our last youth conference in Uyo, despite his fatigue, he insisted on coming to encourage us. He wasn’t there to preach-he just wanted to be present.’

He added that Rev Ukpai shared a final, touching instruction with the family before his passing.

‘To one of my siblings, he said, ‘Take care of your mother.’ Barely two weeks later, he was gone,’ Dwight said softly.

Although the family continues to grieve, Dwight said they take solace in the fulfillment of their father’s divine purpose.

‘We wished he could have stayed longer, but we know he belonged to God first. Even years ago, he had predicted he would leave at a certain time. God’s wisdom is greater than ours,’ he concluded.

Rev Uma Ukpai, founder of the Uma Ukpai Evangelistic Association, was widely regarded as one of Nigeria’s foremost preachers and crusade revivalists, whose ministry spanned continents and touched millions.

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has dismissed reports alleging that it suspended the profile of a candidate, Monsuru Aduragbemi, describing the claims as ‘deliberate misinformation’ pushed by ‘conflict entrepreneurs.’

In a statement on Sunday, the Board’s Public Communication Advisor, Fabian Benjamin, said the report falsely accused JAMB of disobeying a court order that directed all parties to maintain the status quo in an ongoing case involving the candidate and two institutions, Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) and the University of Lagos (UNILAG).

Benjamin clarified that contrary to the circulating claims, the candidate had already withdrawn from both universities ‘on her own volition’ as of September 25, 2025, when the suit was filed, and September 30, when the court order was issued.

He further explained that the so-called ‘suspension message’ being circulated was a routine system-generated alert, which automatically appears whenever a candidate’s profile is locked to prevent any form of alteration.

‘The suspension message being mischievously misrepresented is a usual programmed default message that pops up on any profile on which any alteration by the Board officials, institutions, or candidate had been restricted,’ the statement read.

Benjamin added that the restriction applies equally to OAU and UNILAG, as neither institution is permitted to finalise its admission list until the court order is lifted.

‘It was when the fraudulent effort to tamper with the status quo became unsuccessful that those sponsoring her apparently became frustrated and resorted to media blackmail in a bid to pressurise the Board into violating the court order,’ he added.

Reaffirming its commitment to due process, JAMB stressed that it would not be drawn into any form of media controversy or blackmail.

‘As a law-abiding government agency, JAMB remains fully committed to upholding the rule of law and complying strictly with judicial directives,’ the statement concluded.

Houston Rockets forward Kevin Durant has officially become the highest-earning player in NBA history after signing a blockbuster two-year deal worth $90 million with the franchise.

The new contract pushes Durant’s total career earnings including current and future salaries to $598.2 million, surpassing Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James, who has earned $583.9 million to date.

Durant, 37, joined the Rockets in July as part of what has been described as the largest trade in NBA history, which saw Jalen Green, Dillon Brooks, and three other players move to the Phoenix Suns in exchange for the veteran forward.

The move immediately strengthened Houston’s bid for a championship, as the team looks to reclaim the glory of its back-to-back titles in 1994 and 1995. The Rockets finished last season with the second-best record in the Western Conference, returning to the playoffs for the first time since 2020, but were eliminated in the first round by the Golden State Warriors.

Durant remains one of the league’s most consistent scorers. Last season with the Suns, he averaged 26.6 points, six rebounds, and 4.2 assists per game, showing no signs of decline despite his age.

With two NBA titles and multiple scoring crowns to his name, the 13-time All-Star is now eyeing his third championship and first since leaving the Warriors in 2019.

As the Rockets prepare for the new season, all eyes will be on Durant to see if his arrival can finally push Houston back into championship contention.

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has clarified that the recent decision to remove Mathematics as a compulsory subject for admission into Arts and Humanities programmes in Nigerian tertiary institutions was aimed at curbing document forgery and easing the admission process for genuine candidates.

According to the Board, the adjustment became necessary after discovering that several candidates had resorted to falsifying Mathematics results to meet admission requirements for courses where the subject is not directly relevant.

A JAMB spokesperson explained that the decision followed wide consultations with key stakeholders in the education sector, including universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education.

The new policy, he said, aligns with the Board’s mandate to ensure fairness, transparency, and academic relevance in its admission procedures.

He emphasized that while Mathematics remains compulsory for Science, Technology, Engineering, and certain Social Science disciplines, candidates pursuing Arts and Humanities courses will now be assessed primarily based on English Language and other relevant subjects.

Education experts have commended JAMB’s move, describing it as a pragmatic step that reflects the realities of different academic disciplines. However, they urged the Board to ensure that the reform does not lower educational standards.

The new policy is expected to take effect from the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) cycle.

The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has announced the opening of its online portal for the 2025 Batch ‘B’ remobilization exercise.

According to a statement released on Sunday via the NYSC’s official X handle, the portal will be accessible from October 25 to November 3, 2025.

The exercise is intended for corps members who absconded during their service year and wish to be remobilized.

The management emphasized that any corps member required to refund monthly allowances received during their initial service must do so only through their online dashboard.

Additionally, the NYSC noted that corps members who registered for the 2025 Batch ‘A’ remobilization but were unable to complete documentation in their assigned state are expected to re-register for the 2025 Batch ‘B’ exercise.

The NYSC urged all affected individuals to take advantage of the window and complete the remobilization process within the stipulated period.

Mr Nse Ntuen, a former member of the Akwa Ibom House of Assembly (Essien Udim), says the murder allegation levelled against Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, is false.

Ntuen, in a statement issued in Uyo on Sunday, described the allegation as baseless.

He characterised the claims circulated by Akpabio’s sister-in-law, Mrs Patience Akpabio, as malicious and inconsistent with both the character and public record of Akpabio, having known him for more than 50 years.

Ntuen, also a former Chairman of Essien Udim Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom-Akpabio’s council of origin-said the allegation, which had no foundation, was steeped in personal bitterness and deliberate mischief rather than in any verifiable fact or credible grievance.

‘We must never allow a culture of reckless falsehood to replace dialogue and truth. These claims are not merely offensive; they represent a conscious attempt to erode the dignity of honest leadership and to sow unnecessary discord among a people united by shared history and respect,’ Ntuen said.

Ntuen aligned himself with the recent resolution of the Greater Akpabio Family, which unanimously expressed confidence in the Senate President and reaffirmed the family’s unbroken unity.

He added that the statement by the family, being the most authoritative voice on domestic matters of this nature, had settled the issue firmly and should be respected as such.

‘These spurious attacks are not only affronts to Akpabio’s person but also to the collective reputation of Essien Udim and, by extension, Akwa Ibom and Nigeria,’ he said.

He described the allegation as a distraction, especially now that the Senate President is leading the National Assembly in charting legislative frameworks for economic recovery and national renewal.

‘It is disappointing that anyone would choose to distract public attention with malicious fiction and self-aggrandisement.

‘The public is, therefore, advised to disregard such falsehoods, which serve no purpose other than to inflame passions and divert focus from meaningful governance,’ he said.

He commended Akpabio for remaining calm and showing self-restraint in the face of provocation, describing it as evidence of both personal strength and political maturity.

He reaffirmed his loyalty to Governor Umo Eno’s vision of peace and inclusive governance and expressed his continued support for Akpabio as a son of Akwa Ibom.

‘We stand with our leader, our brother, and our pride. Those who traffic in falsehood will find that truth is patient but enduring.

‘The focus now must remain on the great task of nation-building, to which Akpabio continues to dedicate himself with calmness, clarity, and conviction,’ he said.

Nigeria’s U-17 women’s national team, the Flamingos, suffered a heavy 4-1 defeat against Canada in their opening fixture of the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup on Sunday.

It only took a little time for Canada to assertdominance, as Gabriella Istocki opened the scoring in the 2nd minute. However, Nigeria fought back, with Queen Joseph equalising in the 30th minute to level the score at 1-1 going into halftime.

The second half was controlled by Canada. Milisa Kekic restored the Canadian lead in the 73rd minute, before Julia Amireh sealed the victory with two late goals in the 80th and 86th minutes. The match ended 4-1 in favour of Canada.

The Flamingos, now turn their attention to their next group game against France on Wednesday, aiming to keep alive their hopes of advancing to the knockout stages.

Meanwhile, Canada will face Samoa, with a win guaranteeing their progression to the next round.

The Coalition for Good Governance (CGG), a consortium of over 80 civil society and public interest groups, has accused the National Assembly of embarking on what it described as a ‘voyage of legislative rascality, recklessness and lawlessness’ over its move to consider a Central Gaming Bill in defiance of a subsisting Supreme Court judgment.

Speaking at a press conference in Lagos on Sunday, the group’s convener, Comrade Nelson Ekujumi, said the National Assembly’s attempt to reintroduce legislation on lottery and gaming directly contradicts the 2024 Supreme Court ruling which nullified the National Lottery Act 2005 and restricted federal jurisdiction to the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

‘The Supreme Court, being the apex court of the country, has the exclusive final authority to interpret the Constitution,’ Ekujumi declared.

‘Once the Supreme Court has made a decision on a subject, it becomes final and binding on all persons and authorities – including the Executive and the Legislature,’ he added.

According to him, the National Assembly’s move to pass the Central Gaming Bill is unconstitutional and amounts to ‘an assault on legislative integrity, national security, and democracy itself.’

‘We are at a loss to rationalise why the National Assembly, made up of the Senate and the House of Representatives, is attempting to illegally and unconstitutionally rewrite the law,’ Ekujumi said, saying that ‘This is nothing short of legislative provocation and lawlessness which stands condemned in all ramifications.’

He cited the Supreme Court’s judgment of November 22, 2024, which held that the National Assembly lacked powers to legislate on lottery and gaming for the entire federation, except for the Federal Capital Territory.

The ruling, he explained, followed a suit filed by Lagos State and 21 other states challenging the Federal Government’s powers to regulate lotteries nationwide.

Quoting directly from the judgment, Ekujumi said: ‘The legislative authority of each State House of Assembly encompasses the power to regulate activities such as lotteries and other forms of gaming. The National Assembly lacks the competence to enact the National Lottery Act 2005, as lottery is not included in either the Exclusive or Concurrent Legislative Lists in the Second Schedule of the Nigerian Constitution.’

He warned that proceeding with the Central Gaming Bill would ‘undermine the authority of the Supreme Court, destabilise the federal system, and embolden further acts of constitutional violation.’

‘If the Senate proceeds with this illegal bill, it would amount to a brazen defiance of judicial authority and a direct attack on the rule of law,’ he said.

‘Our lawmakers must not forget that their legitimacy is derived from the Constitution – not from political expediency,’ he added.

The coalition demanded an immediate halt to what it termed the ‘illegal and unconstitutional voyage of legislative rascality’ and called on the Senate to decline concurrence with the bill.

‘The Senate now has a golden opportunity to retrace its steps by refusing to be railroaded into this reckless voyage,’ Ekujumi urged, saying that ‘It must reject the Central Gaming Bill in the interest of democracy, national peace, and legislative honour.’

The CGG also called on the House of Representatives to tender an unreserved apology to Nigerians for what it described as ‘an assault on legislative integrity and the Constitution’ through the passage of the bill in the lower chamber.

Ekujumi added that the coalition would continue to mobilise public opinion and civic action to resist any move that undermines constitutional order.

‘We will not stand idly by while a few lawmakers attempt to erode the authority of the judiciary and subvert our federal structure,’ he vowed.

‘Our democracy must be governed by law, not legislative arrogance.’

The press conference statement was jointly signed by Razaq Olokoba, Razaq Oladosu, Gbenga Soloki, Ajayi Popoola, Peter Oparah, Shola Justice Omolola, and Gbenga Omage, all co-conveners of the coalition.

Troops of the Nigerian Army’s 6 Division have arrested at least 28 suspected oil thieves and destroyed four illegal refineries during a series of coordinated operations in the Niger Delta region.

Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations, Lieutenant Colonel Jonah Danjuma, disclosed this in a statement released on Sunday night in Port Harcourt.

According to the statement, the operations were carried out between 6 and 19 October 2025, targeting known criminal hideouts and illegal refining camps across several states.

‘Troops of 6 Division, Nigerian Army, in conjunction with other security agencies, have been consolidating efforts in the ongoing anti-crude oil theft operations in the Niger Delta region,’ the statement read.

Over 290,000 litres of stolen petroleum products were recovered during the raids, including Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), Dual Purpose Kerosene (DPK), and condensates.

Key Seizures and Arrests:

In Okrika LGA, Rivers State, two wooden boats were intercepted – one loaded with over 33,000 litres of PMS, another with 5,000 litres.

In Emohua LGA, troops intercepted a tanker allegedly carrying 90,000 litres of stolen petroleum. Two suspects were arrested.

At Okolomade in Abua/Odual LGA, 2,600 litres of illegally refined AGO were recovered.

In Abia State, two illegal refineries along the Imo River axis were dismantled, with three drum pots, three receivers, and 2,500 litres of stolen crude recovered.

Six suspects were arrested in Orashi River waterside, where over 700 litres of DPK were seized from two wooden boats.

In Delta State, troops disrupted oil theft along the PAN Ocean Pipeline in Ethiope East LGA. A Peugeot 406, a Toyota Jeep, and a lorry loaded with 1,650 litres of stolen products were recovered.

In Ndokwa West LGA, a Mercedes-Benz truck loaded with 14-inch pipes and three gas cylinders was intercepted; two suspects were arrested.

Near Ughelli North LGA, a Toyota Hiace bus carrying 2,500 litres of condensates was seized and the driver arrested.

Lt. Col. Danjuma also noted increased efforts in Bayelsa and Akwa Ibom States, combining both kinetic and non-kinetic operations to restrict the activities of criminal networks.

The General Officer Commanding 6 Division, Major General Emmanuel Emekah, commended the troops for their commitment and urged them to sustain the momentum in combating oil theft and economic sabotage in the region.