Category: The Nation – Nigeria

Universal Basic Education Commission has said it will continue to promote transparency and accountability in basic education through partnership with Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).

At a strategic meeting in Abuja, they stressed the need for stronger collaboration to ensure funds allocated for basic education are used in line with their intended purposes. The renewed partnership is part of efforts to promote integrity in education, improve service delivery, and enhance trust in government agencies in line with Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu.

UBEC, responsible for coordinating implementation of Universal Basic Education in the 36 states and Federal Capital Territory, said it would ensure that every child of school age access free, quality basic education. Executive Secretary, Aisha Garba, has always stressed that corruption and mismanagement of funds are challenges affecting achievement of this goal.

Garba noted this will build on reforms in UBEC, particularly through the new Anti-Corruption and Transparency Units, which will ensure compliance with financial and procurement laws, ethical conduct and preventing misuse of funds meant for education.

Garba said: ‘The partnership will strengthen delivery of free, quality basic education from pre-primary to junior secondary, ensuring funds are used for intended purposes.”

‘Through the establishment of Anti-Corruption and Transparency Units (ACTUs), strict compliance with the Procurement and Finance Acts, and continuous capacity-building, UBEC continues to champion integrity in public service.’

UBEC, under the leadership of Garba has emphasized the importance of accountability mechanisms as a critical part of the Universal Basic Education programme, which covers pre-primary, primary, and junior secondary education. By ensuring that resources are used judiciously, the Commission hopes to bridge gaps in infrastructure, improve learning outcomes, and guarantee that millions of Nigerian children benefit from the education policy.

The meeting with ICPC aligns with the Federal Government’s broader anti-corruption drive and the push for transparency across public institutions. The ICPC, established in 2000, has continued to play a leading role in enforcing anti-corruption laws and promoting ethical practices within Ministries, Departments, and Agencies. In recent years, the Commission has partnered with several government institutions to strengthen internal control systems, encourage whistleblowing, and build the capacity of public servants in ethical compliance.

Education analysts have often noted that while Nigeria has made progress in expanding access to basic education, the challenge of corruption, especially in project implementation and fund disbursement, has slowed down the pace of improvement. Cases of uncompleted school projects, abandoned classrooms, and misappropriation of intervention funds have continued to raise concerns about accountability in the system. The renewed UBEC-ICPC partnership is therefore seen as a strategic response to these recurring issues.

According to data from UBEC, the Commission disburses billions of naira annually to state governments through matching grants for infrastructural development, teacher training, instructional materials, and other basic education needs. However, the effectiveness of these interventions largely depends on how transparent and efficient the fund management process is at the state and local government levels.

UBEC has also taken steps to digitize some of its processes, including monitoring and evaluation frameworks, to ensure real-time reporting and reduce human interference. The Commission continues to engage with stakeholders such as civil society organizations, community-based groups, and development partners to foster transparency and community ownership of education projects.

Both UBEC and ICPC reiterated that the ultimate goal of their partnership is to ensure that no child is left behind in the pursuit of education and national development. By promoting transparency and integrity, the agencies aim to create a more sustainable and credible foundation for Nigeria’s educational future.

The meeting ended with a joint resolution to sustain the collaboration through regular audits, awareness campaigns, and continuous training for staff members on ethical standards and financial compliance.

Gov. Mohammed Bago, of Niger has declared that he will neither negotiate with bandits nor pay ransom for kidnapped victims in the state.

This is contained in a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Print Media, Aisha Wakaso, in Minna.

The governor made this known during a condolence visit to the people of Rijau and Magama Local Government Areas, whose communities were recently attacked by bandits in Kontagora.

Bago said the state has reached a point where the people must stand up and defend themselves, warning that ransom payments would only turn kidnapping into a thriving business.

‘I will not negotiate or pay ransom to bandits. The moment we start paying, they will open shop on our heads and keep kidnapping people,’he said.

He described the situation as a state of war that requires collective resistance, noting that it was a constitutional duty for the lives and property of the people to be protected.

Bago added that he would prioritise that as the constitution does not state how far he should go in protecting the people.

‘We are surrounded by enemies, but we will not give up. The constitution gives us the right to defend our lives and property, and we will do just that. There is no going back.’

He described as embarrassing and unacceptable that communities could be invaded and their residents turned into internally displaced persons.

He reeled out plans to recruit and train 10,000 members into the Joint Task Force (JTF) to help restore security, with recruitment beginning immediately.

Bago also declared a total ban on mining activities across the entire Zone C of the state, which covered eight Local Government Areas, comprising Magama, Kontagora, Rijau, Wushishi, Mariga, Borgu, Mashegu, and Agwara.

He noted that illegal mining had become one of the major drivers of insecurity in the area, with miners often accessing forest zones unharmed while residents suffered repeated attacks.

‘It is suspicious that miners can enter the forests freely, yet the bandits don’t touch them.

‘I hereby, ordered the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), to arrest anyone caught engaging in mining activities,’he added.

The governor assured victims of recent attacks of his administration’s support.

Bago promised to compensate the families of those who lost their lives, medical treatment for the injured as well as assistance for those who lost their sources of livelihood.

The Senate yesterday passed a Bill amending the National Health Act, 2014, to raise the Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF) from one per cent to two per cent of the Consolidated Revenue Fund (CRF).

The amendment represents a decisive move to improve healthcare delivery and strengthen Nigeria’s health financing framework.

The Chairman of the Senate Committee on Health, Ipalibo Harry-Banigo, said the Bill seeks to guarantee sustainable funding for basic health services, expand access to affordable care, and reduce the burden of out-of-pocket spending on Nigerian households.

‘This Bill gives practical meaning to that provision by ensuring sustainable funding for basic health services,’ she said.

The senator representing Rivers West warned that with the withdrawal of the United States Government’s support for key programmes and Nigeria’s gradual exit from Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, the nation faced the risk of bearing the full cost of immunisation, maternal health and disease control.

‘Without increased domestic financing, we risk reversing years of progress in child survival, epidemic preparedness, and access to essential care,’ she warned.

The Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) has honoured notable journalist Mr. Morakinyo Abodunrin with the SWAN @60 Veteran Sports Journalist Award, in recognition of his exceptional contributions to the growth and integrity of sports journalism in Nigeria.

In a letter signed by Ikenna Okonkwo, Secretary-General of SWAN, and dated October 13th , 2025, the association described Abodunrin, a Member of the Order of the Niger (MON) ,as a ‘valued pioneer and pillar of the profession whose passion, mentorship and commitment have inspired generations of journalists and enriched the nation’s sporting narrative.’

The award, which forms part of activities marking the SWAN Diamond Jubilee Celebration (SWAN @60), is scheduled to hold between October 29 and 31 at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja.

The Awards and Appeal Fund Ceremony will take place on October 31 at the VIP Lounge, Package A, of the Moshood Abiola Stadium.

The SWAN’s letter of commendation highlighted Abodunrin’s professionalism and enduring service to sports journalism in Nigeria, noting that his years of dedication have promoted excellence, fairness and credibility in sports reporting across the country.

‘This honour is in recognition of your outstanding contributions, professionalism, and enduring service to the growth and integrity of sports journalism in Nigeria,’ the statement read in part.

Abodunrin, The Nation’s Sports Editor, has built a reputation for excellence in sports journalism. Known for his attention to details and editorial precision, he has consistently demonstrated a commitment to turning ideas into impactful stories and ensuring professional standards across publications he has worked with.

With years of experience across mainstream platforms, Abodunrin has mentored upcoming journalists, contributing to the sustainability and credibility of the Nigerian sports media industry. His positive attitude and drive for excellence have made him a respected hand and a valuable asset to the media landscape.

As SWAN celebrates 60 years of advancing sports journalism, the recognition of Abodunrin underscores the association’s appreciation for credible sports writers who have shaped and sustained the integrity of the profession through their craft and dedication.

Presidential candidates for 2027 election should make devolution a priority for them to command voter acceptability, legal luminary Dr. Olisa Agbakoba (SAN) said yesterday.

Apart from restructuring, he said the electorate should elicit cogent promise from them on the need for a new constitution, state police with operational independence, resource control with minimum 50 per cent derivation, implementation of the Oronsanye report on the merger or scrapping of 541 agencies, and divestment from all commercial enterprises by government.

Agbakoba also said the candidates should demonstrate commitment towards maritime and aviation sector legislative reforms, justice sector transformation for contract enforcement, critical minerals and space industry development, and agricultural transformation unlocking N15 trillion exports.

He told reporters in Lagos that the anticipatory elements of devolution and restructuring should be closely associated with regionalism.

Noting that the Federal Government is overwhelmed, Agbakoba wondered why a single person – the minister of works – should be the one to build all roads in Nigeria.

He said: ‘We should make devolution an issue on the ballot in 2027. We should ask the candidates what is your agenda for devolution.’

The eminent lawyer recalled that during the 2014 National Conference in Abuja, the delegates agreed that the country was a 20-storey building with a shaky foundation, adding that it was discovered that 26 states could not economically survive.

Emphasising that regionalism is the answer, Agbakoba said Premier Obafemi Awolowo ran the defunct Western Region better than what the six governors are currently doing.

He said the electioneering is on without the big elephant in the room being confronted, insisting that the big elephant is restructuring or devolution.

Agbakoba said the macro-economic stability being projected by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Federal Ministry of Finance has not led to a big relief for the masses in terms of real price reduction.

A day after receiving the hosting rights for the 2025 Nigeria Basketball Premier League (NBPL) Playoffs and Final Four, Rivers Hoopers Head Coach Ogoh Odaudu has warned that his charges must be prepared to work hard to retain their title despite playing on home court.

In a circular released on Monday, 20th October, 2025, the League Management Committee of the Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF) announced Port Harcourt, Rivers State, as host for the third (playoffs) and final phases (final four) of the 2025 NBPL season.

This means the Garden City will serve as host for the final phase of the league for the third year running, having also hosted the 2023 and 2024 finals, much to the delight of the award-winning gaffer who said, ‘Everybody wants to play in front of their home crowd. You can see the atmosphere in the gym anytime we play here; it’s electric. Even though we wanted to go out to have a taste of what it is outside, there was no other bid from elsewhere. Well, [we’ll do] anything to bring basketball to the doorstep of our fans right here. So we went for it and were granted [the hosting right], and we are happy about that.’

With the latest development, expectations remain high among basketball enthusiasts for the defending champions to clinch the NBPL title at the end of the 2025 season, just as they did in 2023 and 2024 on home soil.

But the seasoned tactician, Odaudu, has warned that with the increased level of competition within the league, only hard work will deliver a third straight crown to the KingsMen.

‘Like I’ve said earlier, teams are not smiling; they are recruiting massively. So it’s not going to be a walk in the park for us [despite playing at home]. It [retaining the title] is something that we have to actually work for in order to win, and that’s what we’re planning to do,’ he stated.

The Playoffs (Final Eight) is scheduled for 26th October to 3rd November during which period all eight teams will play once against the other seven teams in a round robin format, with the top four teams qualifying for the Final Four, which will run from 20th to 24th November.

All matches will be played at the Indoor Basketball Stadium, #59 Niger Street, Port Harcourt Township.

The Federal High Court in Abuja has fixed Oct. 29 for hearing of the suit filed by the police against Omoyele Sowore and other conveners of #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protest held on Monday.

The suit, which was earlier scheduled for Monday for the respondents in the ex-parte motion to show cause why the interim order made by the court should be vacated, could not go on.

The hearing was stalled as a result of the protest which held same day, crippling the court activities at the Federal High Court in Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Justice Mohammed Umar had made an interim order, restraining Sowore and others from protesting for the release of Nnamdi Kanu in some sensitive areas in Abuja.

Justice Umar barred the protesters from demonstrating around the Aso Rock Villa, National Assembly, Force Headquarters, Court of Appeal, Eagle Square and Shehu Shagari Way, pending the hearing of the motion on notice.

The judge also made an order of abridgement of time ‘within which the respondents will respond to the application on notice to cause the ex-parte order be set aside on Monday, the 20th of October, 2025 at 9.00am,’ before adjourning until Oct. 20 for hearing of the motion on notice.

The order followed the ex-parte motion moved by the police lawyer, Wisdom Madaki, on behalf of Federal Republic of Nigeria (FRN), on Friday.

The Police Force, in the ex-parte motion, marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/2202/2025, had sued Sowore, Sahara Reporters Ltd, and Sahara Reporters’ Media Foundation as 1st to 3rd respondents.

The force also joined Take It Back Movement (TIB), for the Transformation of Nigeria Or Any Form of Organisation or Any Other Person(s) Acting Either Express or Implied Instruction or Any Other Organisation or Group With the Like Intention; and Unknown Persons as 4th to 5th respondents respectively.

In the affidavit in support of the ex-parte motion deposed to by Bassey Ibithan, a police officer attached to Directorate of Legal Services, Force Headquarters, Abuja, the officer averred that if not granted, the protest might threaten the national security.

NAN reports that Sowore, publisher of Sahara Reporters, had planned to organised the protest for the release of Kanu, the detained leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).

Sowore, the 2019 and 2023 presidential candidate of African Action Congress (ACC), had mobilised for what he called a planned peaceful protest against Kanu’s detention on Oct. 20.

A number of persons were reported to have been arrested during the protest, including Kanu’s special counsel, Aloy Ejimakor, who are billed for arraignment on Oct. 24 at a Kuje Magistrate Court in Abua.

Meanwhile, Sowore was, earlier on Thursday, whisked away from the precincts of the Federal High Court in Abuja by armed policemen, shortly after he made appearance for Kanu, whose case was heard in court.

Sowore was accosted by the security operatives who insisted he must move with them to the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command.

When he asked what his offence was, one of the officers explained that they were executing an order from the commissioner of police.

‘The commissioner of police said we should bring you to the office,’ the officer added.

Even though he queried the absence of a letter of invitation to him, Sowore, who maintained that his lawyer must accompany him, was taken away in a police van.

Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State has emphasised the need for unity and cooperation among Africans in spite of their cultural and linguistic differences.

Sanwo-Olu said this during a courtesy visit by the Deputy Minister of International Relations of the Republic of South Africa, Thandi Moraka, on Thursday, in Ikoyi, Lagos.

The governor was represented by his Deputy, Dr Obafemi Hamzat.

He said Africans would be doing disservice to their people if they failed to work together.

we are tied together and would be doing a total disservice to our people if we don’t work together as one.

The governor noted that the world was witnessing a trend of regional integration, with Europe and Asia uniting to advance their interests.

‘We can see what is happening around the world. Europe is united, Asia is united, therefore, Africa must also unite.

‘Therefore, as Africans we really have no choice than to work together because this is the place where everything happens,’ he said.

Sanwo-Olu also stressed that Africans must take charge of their development and not rely on others to do it for them.

He noted that African businesses were already working together, citing examples of South African companies such as ShopRite, MTN, and Multi-Choice that had invested in Nigeria.

‘Our people are already working together. So, it’s for us as governments to make sure that we help our people to work seamlessly,’ he said.

Sanwo-Olu acknowledged that there would be challenges, but emphasised that Africans must come together and work towards a common goal.

‘We cannot continue to see ourselves as different people, we should be united as one people irrespective of our different cultures and beliefs,’ he said.

The governor expressed optimism that the visit would lead to meaningful collaboration between Lagos State and South Africa, with both parties working together to build their economies and uplift their people.

He called for a relationship built on mutual respect and openness, with both parties working together to promote trade and investment between Lagos State and South Africa.

‘Let us have a relationship that is actually very solid, and built on mutual respect for each other, and that we can uplift our people as Africans,’ he said.

The Deputy Minister of International Relations of the Republic of South Africa, Moraka, said the aim of the visit was to strengthen the historic ties between South Africa and Nigeria and explore opportunities for economic cooperation.

According to her, the visit was a follow-up to the successful South Africa-Nigeria Binational Commission held in South Africa in 2024, which resulted in the finalisation of an Endorsement Warning Mechanism.

‘This framework will enhance areas of collaboration and protect businesses in both countries,’ she said.

Moraka expressed her excitement about the potential for economic cooperation between the two countries, particularly in the creative industry space.

‘We do have a new genre called Amapiano, which is taking the world by the storm. And we are also looking forward to collaborating with yourselves as you are the half of the Afrobeats,’ she said.

The Deputy Minister said her engagements in Lagos would focus on exploring opportunities for collaboration and investment in the telecommunication, financial, and creative industry spaces.

She also acknowledged the efforts of the various business chambers in both countries in promoting mutual investment and job creation opportunities.

Moraka emphasised the importance of strengthening bilateral relations between South Africa and Nigeria, citing their shared vision for a peaceful and prosperous integrated Africa.

‘We have a common vision and we want to work together towards peaceful and prosperous integrated Africa that we all want.

‘We look forward to continued cooperation between the Lagos State Government and the Government of the Republic of South Africa,’ she said.

Rapper Blaqbonez has revealed the relationship with his father has significantly improved following their reunion in January 2025.

The rapper, whose real name is Emeka Akumefule, recently met his German step-siblings for the first time, marking a new chapter in his family life.

In a recent episode of The Perspective podcast, Blaqbonez disclosed that his bond with his dad is stronger than ever, stating, ‘My relationship with my dad is getting stronger and stronger. We are talking more than ever before. It is better than it has ever been’.

When questioned about his father’s motivations for reconnecting, Blaqbonez emphasised that his dad’s actions were genuine and not driven by his fame, adding that his father is not based in Nigeria and largely unaware of his celebrity status.

The first lady, Senator (Mrs) Oluremi Tinubu, on Thursday in Asaba, said the federal government is committed to the nation’s rapid development through digital technology innovations.

The first lady made the disclosure in her address at the official commissioning and handing over ceremony of a digital learning centre to Model Technical College, Asaba, the Delta capital.

Represented by the wife of the Delta governor, Mrs Tobore Oborovwori, Tinubu noted that a technology-driven system of learning is the bedrock of educational development of any nation.

‘In today’s changing world, digital knowledge is no longer optional, but a very essential and necessary tool to learning in advancing all round development of our nation.

‘The Renewed Hope Initiative, working in collaboration with the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA ) is committed to advancing national development by providing our people access to modern technology,’ Tinubu said.

In a welcome address, the Director-General of the NITDA, Mr Kashifu Abdullahi said the inauguration of the IT learning centre in Asaba is a testament to the fact that the federal government was truly determined to make technology available to the citizens.

Abdullahi, who was represented by Dr Dimie Wariowei, enjoined the beneficiary, Model Technical College, Asaba to make good use of the IT centre for the educational needs of its students.

‘The NITDA is undertaking this project in collaboration with the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) of the first lady, this centre we are inaugurating today in Asaba is one among the ten that is being inaugurated today across the country.

‘Out of this ten IT centres being inaugurated today, the South-South region happens to get two, one here in Asaba and the other, in Irrua, Edo State,’ Abdullahi said.

Also in an address, the Delta Commissioner for Technical Education, Mr Smart Ufoh lauded the federal government for the inauguration of the IT centre in Asaba.

He said the centre, when fully utilized, would help improve learning and enhance the student educational skills and knowledge in the face of challenges in the nation’s education system.

‘This facility will undoubtedly serve as a hub for innovation, creativity and skills acquisition, thereby empowering our students with the digital literacy and technical competence necessary to excel in today’s technology-driven world.

‘It also stands as a clear testament of the federal government’s dedication to bridging the digital divide and fostering a culture of technological progress in our nation,’ Ufoh said.

The Principal of the College, Mrs Violet Uwajare, in her appreciation, expressed gratitude to NITDA and the RHI, saying the IT centre would go a long way in rewriting the learning system in the school.

‘This IT centre is no doubt a remarkable gesture, one that speaks volume to the federal government’s commitment to education in Nigeria.

‘This centre is not just an ordinary learning tool, but a broad-based initiative that provides opportunity where our students can dream big and achieve those dreams.

‘There is no doubt that this IT centre will leave a lasting legacy in the system of learning in this college,’ Uwajare said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Mrs Tobore Oborovwori, who stood in for the first lady, was equally represented at the ceremony by the wife of the Secretary to the Delta Government (SSG), Dr (Mrs) Josephine Emu.

Highlights of the ceremony was the official cutting of tape/unveiling of the IT centre by the representative of the first lady.

There was also a cultural dance by students of the Model Technical College, Asaba who entertained guests with a colourful display of Anioma people’s culture.