Category: The Nation – Nigeria

As we celebrate the enthronement of Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, aged 81, as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland and absorb his call for an Ibadan State, let us appreciate his personal journey through life from being poor to becoming a brilliant mathematics student to becoming senator and Oyo State governor in 2003. His dream as governor was to have 30 students a class; he himself had 26 students in his own class in school. He took his dream, as governor of Oyo State to Abuja.

Sadly he did not serve as governor long enough to carry out his plan and Oyo State is the worse for it, all these years later even today. The then Governor Ladoja had his tenure truncated and he was removed due to the then reigning political evil of the day which placed presidential whims and caprices over and above the will of the people. The public domain is unaware if there was any presidential regret for the removal, but Oba Ladoja is certainly having the last laugh due hopefully to his God-given longevity, the righteousness of his case, and the unjustified quantum of political evil dealt him just for being naturally kind-natured. We wish Kabiyesi Rashidi Ladoja a long, exponentially progressive and peaceful reign. Amen.

One thing government must take up is that we must teach that not everyone who wants to set up a stall or trade or even run a keke or an okada in every market can have that privilege or be accommodated in 2025. There is no longer space for everyone. Nowhere in the world can 50 tri-cycles (keke), 100 commercial motor-cycles (okada) and 500 traders be squeezed into existing spaces. They should be enumerated, given numbers and allocated spaces. Move the excess elsewhere, like in other areas. The encroachment of the unlimited traders with their baskets and wheelbarrows on the road lanes and keke lines strangles Ibadan at various points like the entire Mokola, Bodija, Agodi and Mapo areas making movement a nightmare in daylight and endangering even our children. Perhaps methods of numbering and allocation of spaces need to be revisited and updated to make better use of the amazing new roads in Ibadan to help speed up traffic and stop the unnecessary traffic jams. The inability of the authority to maintain two functioning lanes through the above markets, and the ease with which the police on duty ignore the need to open such roads daily makes things worse.

Happy 65th Birthday Nigeria. It is difficult to be happy when so many Fellow Nigerians have been senselessly killed by terrorists and herders, also terrorists actually, and other individuals and groups who use murder of innocent unarmed citizens and sometimes armed and uniformed service personnel for no just cause. At this time of celebration, we are reminded, if we have forgotten, by our government at the Africa Union, that we still have 10+million children out of school in a country which started free education 60 years ago.

Let us re-ask ourselves why a country like ours has over 10 million out of school children in spite of its God-given wealth. Let every thief in Nigeria, rich or poor, political or contractor or civil servant or ‘uniform’ or Bank and CBN beneficiary, accept responsibility for being the direct cause of those 10m+ out of school children. They must accept full responsibility for the consequence of their collective past and perhaps ongoing nefarious activities of depriving those 10m of schooling. Ten million is a big army of youth to grow to adulthood without education. This is a recipe for state destruction in 10 years or more.

Surely, we can all see the simplest, easiest and cheapest solution is to have a ‘MASSIVE 10 MILLION IN SCHOOL PROGRAMME WITH AFTERNOON CLASSES THE EXISTING CLASSROOMS RUNNING TWICE DAILY WITH EXTRA SETS OF TEACHERS OR EXTRA PAY FOR EXISTING TEACHERS’.

Citizens are disgusted that the accused Ondo Church terrorists’ lawyers put forward a plea for bail. Do our lawyers not know that murder and any accusation which attracts the death penalty do not qualify for bail? Do they not get taught that in Law School? An appeal for bail in this horrendous circumstance appears like a strategy at time-wasting, a popular legal exercise in legal futility and a marked disrespect for the dead. It is also a rude slap in the face of the Fellow Nigerian citizens and relations who survived the deadly vicious attack which was calculated to mutate a simple Sunday church service into a terrorist funeral fire and a national tragedy.

Are we to suffer at the hands of yet another cabal in our long search for fuel self-sufficiency? We all get stopped abruptly and without any road safety concerns every day by union workers taking toll money from all passing commercial vehicles. One would have thought they would move to cashless payments but that would expose their true wealth. The face-off in the petroleum industry is really an eye opening event as it exposes the players for what they stand for and what they stand against. Please examine the case and ask who is really on the side the Fellow Nigerians as we celebrate Nigeria @ 65. The answer will make you think twice or thrice.

As Nigeria marks its 65th Independence anniversary, the Arewa Defence League (ADL) has released the Kaduna October Declaration on the Rights of the People of Northern Nigeria, warning that the region is caught in a dangerous ‘polycrisis’ – an intersection of security, economic, and social challenges threatening its stability.

The declaration, unveiled at a strategy seminar in Arewa House, Kaduna, was described as a unified, evidence-driven assessment of the North’s realities and its place in the Nigerian federation. It followed extensive consultations with state coordinators, experts, and stakeholders across all 19 Northern states.

ADL stressed that the North’s polycrisis is not a set of isolated issues but interconnected emergencies feeding into each other. It identified rising insecurity, entrenched poverty, broken infrastructure, and elite impunity as key drivers of hardship and disillusionment.

In its State of the States analysis, the group highlighted insecurity as the most urgent threat, citing insurgency, banditry, kidnappings, and communal clashes as factors eroding state authority and exposing communities. ‘This collapse of safety is a profound failure of the state’s most essential responsibility,’ it noted.

The group also decried economic mismanagement, pointing out that despite the region’s abundant human and natural resources, corruption and poor policies had crippled agriculture, stifled businesses, and left millions of youths unemployed.

On the social front, ADL lamented that the North continues to rank as home to the world’s highest number of out-of-school children, coupled with worsening healthcare shortages and collapsing public services. ‘An entire generation risks being left behind,’ the group warned.

The declaration also faulted a culture of elite impunity and political marginalisation, accusing leaders of enacting policies that serve the few at the expense of the majority. It added that basic human rights, including food, security, and dignity, had been eroded across the region.

While insisting it does not advocate separation from Nigeria, the group said the failures of the Nigerian state in the North had weakened trust in the social contract. It called for a transformative renewal of governance through decentralisation of powers, restructuring of priorities, and restoration of the people’s sovereignty.

Grounded in the principles of liberty, equality, and popular sovereignty, the Kaduna October Declaration affirmed that ‘ultimate authority resides with the people of Northern Nigeria, who remain an inseparable part of the Nigerian nation. No authority is valid unless it derives directly from the people’s consent.’

ADL listed the next steps to actualise the declaration, including the formation of a planning committee to convene a Northern Stakeholders’ Conference, drafting of detailed policy documents, and creation of a comprehensive voter education and mobilisation plan ahead of the 2027 elections.

‘The era of empty words is over. The time to act is now,’ said Murtala Abubakar, President of ADL, who signed the declaration on behalf of the movement. He added that the document was both a binding commitment to the people of the North and a constructive contribution to Nigeria’s broader national conversation.

A Federal High Court in Abuja has postponed the arraignment of a politician and online publisher, Omoyele Sowore, till October 27 for making a false claim against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Sowore, the publisher of Saraha Reporters and serial presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), was to be arraigned yesterday on a five-count charge the Department of State Services (DSS) filed against him and two others.

The two other defendants listed in the charge are: X Incorp (formerly Twitter) and Meta (Facebook) Incorp.

At the mention of the case yesterday, lawyer to the prosecution, Mohammed Abubakar, averred that the matter was scheduled for arraignment and applied that the defendants’ plea be taken.

But Sowore’s lawyer, Marshall Abubakar, objected, stating one of the defendants – X Incorp – was not represented by either a lawyer or an official.

Abubakar claimed that his client had not been served with the charge and that X was not represented.

The defence lawyer contended that in a criminal case, it is mandatory that all the defendants are present in court for a proper arraignment to take place.

At that point, the judge, Justice Mohammed Umar, looked through the case file and confirmed that X and Meta were served with the charge electronically through their email addresses.

On noting that Sowore was yet to be served personally (as required), the prosecuting lawyer sought the court’s permission to serve Sowore (who was in court) during the proceedings, a request the judge granted.

But Sowore’s lawyer prayed for an adjournment to allow his client adequate time and opportunity to prepare for his defence, as provided for under Section 282(6) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) 2015.

Justice Umar adjourned till October 27 for Sowore’s arraignment.

The House of Representatives Committee on Safety Standards and Regulations has inspected the 565MW Calabar, Power Plant in Odukpani, Cross River State, where it commended the Nigerian Holding Power Holding Company (NDPHC) for upholding safety standards.

The Committee gave the commendation after an on-the-spot assessment of the 565MW facility, noting significant improvements since its last visit in 2018.

This was contained in the statement, NDPHC Head, Corporate Communications and External Relations, Mr. Emmanuel Ojor issued from Abuja yesterday.

Chairman of the Committee, Hon. David Idris Zacharias, said the inspection was aimed at ensuring that Nigerians work in safe environments and enjoy long, healthy lives.

He praised the staff for maintaining the plant, stressing that the health and safety of workers in the power sector are critical to both government and the economy.

The statement quoted the chairman as saying, ‘We, the Safety Standards and Regulations Committee members, always appreciate when we step into any organisation and see that they have done very well. My impression here is positive, and you also heard the same from my honourable colleagues.’

He, however, noted that the visit was not only to commend but also to highlight areas requiring improvement.

‘When we come to a place like this, we must observe areas that need attention. What we are saying here is to encourage them to deepen their commitment to safety issues. We went round and saw their challenges, which we will take back to the government.

‘We are hopeful that by the time we return, some of the issues we observed would have been addressed,’ he added.

Specifically, the committee called for improvement in the work environment for staff, including better lighting, rest areas for shift workers, and adequate seating in offices.

Other members of the committee were Hon Harrison Anozie Nwadike, Hon Suleiman Abubakar Gumi, Hon. Kalejaiye Paul Adeboye, Hon El-Rasheed Abdullahi and Hon. Emmanuel Effiong Udo.

The lawmakers, who were conducted around the plant by the Chief Operating Officer of the Calabar Power Plant, Engr. Ayoade Olanrewaju Bex, described the facility as one of the best they had visited in terms of safety standards and compliance.

Welcoming the delegation on behalf of the Executive Director, Generation, Engr. Abdullahi Kassim, the General Manager, Generation Projects at NDPHC, Engr. Valerie Agberagba, said safety and standards remain top priorities for the company.

She stressed that the company’s workforce is central to its operations, adding that NDPHC would continue to improve the work environment for staff, particularly those at its power plants.

‘The visit of the House Committee on Safety Standards and Regulations was very important to us. It gave us the opportunity to assess where we are in terms of health, safety, and compliance with regulations and standards at our power plants.

‘For me, it was an eye-opener. You could see that when they compared the 2018 report to what they have now, there has been a great improvement in compliance. This shows that NDPHC is not taking issues of safety, regulations, and environmental standards for granted. We are working towards an environment that is safe for both our workers and the operation of the power plant,’ Agberagba said.

She stated that the company has taken note of the areas that need improvements, adding that ‘this management is very concerned about the welfare of the staff, because if they are not in a good position to work, we are not going to get the best out of them.

‘So those little observations have to do with good conditions of work for the staff, we will make sure that these things are taken into consideration in the shortest possible time.’

Also speaking, Ag. Head, Health, Safety and Environment, NDPHC, Austin Ijagem disclosed that the plant has not recorded any work related accident that has led to fatality since it began operations.

‘The safety at the power plant has been top notch. Their consultant mentioned that in 2018, when they visited, there were a lot of pending issues, safety concerns that they raised. And they have also acknowledged that when they came in today, the difference was clear. A lot of the safety concerns raised in 2018 have been closed out. That means we are getting nearer to almost zero pending issues as far as the safety at the power plant is concerned,’ he stated.

The Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Dr. Zacch Adedeji, has disclosed that nearly 70 per cent of funds shared at monthly Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) meetings now come from taxes collected by the agency.

Adedeji disclosed this in an interview marking his two years in office, where he said the surge in tax revenue has strengthened fiscal stability across the country.

According to him, improved collections have enabled 30 states to repay N1.85 trillion in debts within the past 18 months.

‘Debt servicing costs that once consumed 90 per cent of government revenue have now dropped to about 50 per cent. External reserves have also grown on the back of stronger fiscal stability,’ he said.

The FIRS boss praised President Bola Tinubu’s administration for creating a tax environment that eases compliance. ‘The president has fulfilled his campaign promise to simplify tax compliance and remove hurdles faced by taxpayers,’ Adedeji noted.

Adedeji explained that the government’s tax reforms-the most far-reaching since independence-are designed to reduce the burden on citizens while improving government revenue. He pointed out that food, education, shared transportation, and agriculture have been exempted from value-added tax (VAT).

‘The reforms are already yielding results. Nigeria’s tax-to-GDP ratio has risen from 10 per cent to 13.5 per cent in just two years, with a target of 18 per cent by 2027. In August alone, the federation account disbursed a record N2 trillion,’ he stated.

The FIRS chairman admitted that the transition has not been without difficulties. ‘It is like the pain of a woman in labour,’ he said, while stressing that government interventions are already helping to cushion the effects. These include the rollout of compressed natural gas (CNG) buses and crude-for-naira support for local refiners, which he said are already reflecting in fuel prices.

Adedeji outlined how the new consolidated tax law strengthens compliance by restructuring FIRS operations. Taxpayers are now segmented into small, medium, and large categories, with one-stop shops created to ease filing and payments.

‘We are service providers to taxpayers rather than just an enforcement agency. When companies are doing well, expanding, and making profits, we will benefit from their growth. Our task is to remove hurdles in their way, and that is what the president has done with these new laws,’ he explained.

He also clarified the decision to rename the FIRS as the Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS). ‘The word ‘federal’ gave the wrong impression that we only collect for the Federal Government. In reality, we collect VAT, of which 90 per cent belongs to the states,’ he said.

On the controversial petrol surcharge included in the new law, Adedeji assured that it would not apply automatically. ‘It will only take effect if activated by a ministerial order and published in the official gazette,’ he noted.

Adedeji said the consolidation of multiple tax laws into a single code-set to take effect in January-will simplify Nigeria’s tax system. The new framework reduces the number of tax types to single digits, eliminates tax for businesses with annual turnover below N50 million, and adjusts personal income tax thresholds to shield low-income earners.

On June 26, 2025, President Tinubu signed into law four major bills: the Nigeria Tax Act, Nigeria Tax Administration Act, Nigeria Revenue Service Establishment Act, and the Joint Revenue Board Establishment Act. The laws aim to broaden the tax base, improve compliance, and enhance transparency across all tiers of government.

Adedeji further linked Nigeria’s fiscal improvement to Tinubu’s wider economic reforms. ‘The health of the federation account has blossomed greatly, as there are no bogus subsidy claims to deplete the pool,’ he said, referring to the removal of fuel subsidy and the unification of exchange rates.

The Chairman of Yaba Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Dr. Bayo Adefuye, has kicked off the distribution of food items under the ‘Ounje Tuntun’ programme, an initiative in alignment with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

The exercise, he said, was a direct response to the economic realities and a demonstration of government’s responsibility to cushion the effects of these challenges. Through this programme, staple food items are being distributed to households across Yaba LCDA, ensuring that families, particularly the vulnerable and less privileged, have access to essential nutrition.

Adefuye applauded President Tinubu for his visionary leadership and bold reforms aimed at repositioning the economy.

He highlighted the president’s achievements, including the removal of fuel subsidy with palliative measures to support citizens, the unification of the foreign exchange market to stabilize the economy, increased investments in agriculture to enhance food security, and massive infrastructural development projects across the nation. ”Today, we are not only distributing food; we are rekindling hope. This initiative is a testimony that our government listens, cares, and acts in the best interest of its people. President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda is already yielding results, and here in Yaba LCDA, we are complementing his efforts by ensuring that the dividends of democracy reach every household,’ he said.

He assured residents that beyond the immediate relief, the council will continue to prioritize programmes and projects that promote sustainable development, empower youths, support women, and improve the quality of life of all residents.

A beneficiary in the community, Tope Adeoye, commended the council, stating that ‘It’s a laudable programme.’

Prestige Assurance Plc has recorded a 51 percent growth in its gross written premium for the 2024 financial year, reflecting resilience in a challenging operating environment.

The underwriting firm generated a gross written premium of N22.47 billion in 2024, compared to N14.87 billion in 2023.

Profit after tax also rose significantly to N3.236 billion, up from N1.310 billion in the previous year.

On the company’s financial position, shareholders’ funds rose by 21 per cent to N19.37 billion in 2024, up from N15.93 billion in 2023.

Total assets also grew by 36 percent, closing the year at N38 billion compared to N27.9 billion a year earlier.

Prestige Chairman, Mrs. Funmi Oyetunji made this known while presenting the 2024 financial report at the 55th Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the firm in Lagos.

She attributed the strong performance to improved underwriting discipline, prudent investment management, and the dedication of management and staff. She also said the results reflect the resilience of their people’s unwavering commitment to meeting the evolving needs of policyholders.

Despite the improved topline numbers, she noted that underwriting performance was affected by the difficult operating environment, recording a figure of N128 million from N619 million in 2023.

To address this, Oyetunji explained that the company had introduced several initiatives, including revising policy terms especially on Goods-in-Transit cover to keep risk exposure within manageable limits. Pre-loss survey exercises are also being prioritized for Fire and Engineering risks, where claims are more prevalent. Additionally, marine cargo superintending has been strengthened to ensure safe handling of shipments and minimize losses.

However, Oyetunji announced that the company would not be recommending dividend payments for the 2024 financial year.

She explained that the decision was driven by the need to consolidate funds in preparation for the insurance industry recapitalization exercise.

She said: ‘The Board remains committed to a policy of regular dividend payments to our shareholders in appreciation of their continued faith in the company. We are optimistic that dividends will resume after the recapitalization,’ she assured.

‘Looking ahead, we will focus on sustainable long-term growth by strengthening underwriting operations, enhancing product innovation, and maintaining robust claims-paying capacity’, she added.

Sir: The Trade Disputes Act (TDA) sets out exactly what must happen before workers in essential services may lawfully cease work. In particular, Section 18 demands that parties must seek to resolve disputes through negotiation, mediation, and arbitration before any strike or stoppage. Strikes – or the shutting of valves – in essential sectors must follow that strict path. Then, Section 41 of the TDA mandates that any worker in essential service who stops work must give fifteen days’ notice to employer and government, unless they can prove they were unaware that closing operations would substantially deprive the community of an essential service. (TDA Section 41(1)).

These rules exist for good reason: a refinery is not like a picket line in hospitality. Its operations connect to national supply chains, foreign exchange balances, fuel distribution, and ultimately, the stability of the naira. When PENGASSAN ordered the halt of crude and gas supply to Dangote – without any public record that the 15-day notice was given or that all mediation/arbitration steps were exhausted – it risked acting as a rogue actor above the law.

Indeed, recent court injunctions restraining union leaders from blocking supplies suggest that the judiciary already finds merit in the claim that PENGASSAN’s actions skirt legal boundaries. Yet in public statements, union leaders justify the shutdowns as necessary pushback against alleged mass dismissals of unionised workers and what they see as a betrayal of promise. On their side, Dangote management insists it must preserve operational integrity, guard against sabotage, and protect shareholder capital in the midst of global margins and foreign exchange volatility.

Both sides carry legitimate concerns. Workers deserve fair treatment and enforcement of union rights; investors demand certainty and rule of law. But in this conflict, PENGASSAN’s approach is legally untenable. The law does not permit unilateral shutdowns in essential services while alternative dispute resolution is ongoing, and while notice obligations remain unmet.

More than that, this refinery is not just a factory: it is Nigeria’s industrial reputation on the line. We must force ourselves to see it as a shared national asset. For years, the country has imported refined petroleum despite exporting crude – bleeding forex for lack of domestic refining capacity. Dangote built one of the most ambitious refineries on the continent precisely to reverse that paradox. If this refinery fails now, the message will be chilling: even when we build, we cannot protect.

Yes, the union is powerful. Yes, the grievances may be real. But rule of law is higher. If the law means nothing, then industrial peace means nothing. If unions may break the rules when pressured, management might act with impunity when threatened, and governance systems unravel.

We cannot accept a system where a union, by decree, shuts down oil production without due process. That is tantamount to running a nation hostage. The president, as commander-in-chief and guardian of stability, must intervene decisively. He must compel all parties to resume fair process and stop any action that threatens national supply or economic order. He must declare that no actor, whether corporate or union, is above legal obligation.

Nigeria owes itself (and Africa) a demonstration that we can build and manage projects of scale in a lawful, disciplined way. Dangote Refinery represents one of our clearest chances. It is too valuable to collapse under dispute tactics. The refinery must not die because we treat laws as optional.

We must demand: follow the protocol. Respect workers. Protect infrastructure. Build trust and enforce accountability. Only then will Nigeria prove that its industrial dreams are not built on fumes and fantasies, but on integrity, process, and shared resolve.

Since gaining independence in 1960, Nigeria has recognised education as a pillar of national development. It equips citizens with the skills needed for economic growth, social cohesion, and innovation. Post-independence, efforts shifted from colonial models to building inclusive, locally relevant systems. Unity schools, polytechnics, and universities were rapidly established, alongside agencies like WAEC, JAMB (1978), NERDC (1988), and the NUC (1962) to guide and regulate education.

Policies such as the National Policy on Education (NPE) and programmes like Universal Primary Education (UPE) and Universal Basic Education (UBE) aimed to make education free, compulsory, and standardised. The 1969 National Curriculum Conference sought to modernize learning content to reflect national values and development needs. Mass literacy campaigns were also launched across regions.

However, many of these reforms were undermined by inconsistent implementation, political interference, and poor infrastructure. Overcrowded classrooms, lack of electricity and internet, and shortages of trained teachers-especially in technical and vocational fields-continue to hinder progress. Regional disparities also persist, leaving rural and northern areas at a disadvantage.

Today, under President Bola Tinubu’s administration, fresh reforms are underway. These include increased education funding, the introduction of a student loan scheme, curriculum revisions, and nationwide digital skills training. The administration is pushing to integrate digital literacy across schools and boost technical and vocational education to meet modern demands. With over 170 universities now operating across the country, the focus is gradually shifting from expansion to improving quality and equity.

Student loan, curriculum review and reduced strikes

The landmark Student Loans (Access to Higher Education) (Repeal and Re-enactment) Act, 2024, marked a major shift in Nigeria’s approach to higher education funding. Through the establishment of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), the Act provides interest-free loans to students enrolled in both tertiary and vocational institutions, covering not only tuition but also living expenses. Since disbursements began in February 2025-following the launch of the application portal in May 2024-NELFUND has disbursed over N107.6 billion to 581,878 students. Of this amount, N61.3 billion was paid directly to 231 approved tertiary institutions for tuition and fees, while N46.3 billion was distributed as monthly upkeep stipends of N20,000 per student, credited directly to their bank accounts.

In parallel with its funding reforms, the government has intensified dialogue with the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) and other tertiary education unions. These engagements have yielded agreements aimed at resolving longstanding disputes and preventing strike actions. By settling part of the earned academic allowances and reopening negotiations, the administration has so far averted nationwide university strikes. However, this effort now faces a critical test. ASUU, during its recent National Executive Council (NEC) meeting at the University of Abuja, issued a 14-day ultimatum over lingering demands, signaling renewed tensions in the sector.

Meanwhile, the Federal Ministry of Education has completed a far-reaching curriculum review designed to align education with contemporary skills and economic demands. Rolled out in the current academic year, the revised curriculum places stronger emphasis on entrepreneurship, digital literacy, civic education, and practical skills acquisition. It reduces content overload and promotes hands-on learning across all levels. Key subjects like English and Mathematics remain central, while trade subjects for senior secondary students have been strengthened. History has also been reintroduced.

New focus areas now include programming, artificial intelligence, and other digital competencies, shifting towards a student-centered, competency-based approach. According to policy experts, the curriculum now better reflects labour market realities. In addition, plans are underway to upgrade medical schools and technical colleges. These reforms are reinforced by the government’s DOTS policy-covering Data Repository, Out-of-School Children Education, Teacher Development, and Skill Acquisition-to revitalise the broader education sector.

On the curriculum review, the Vice Chancellor African School of Economics, Prof. Mahfouz Adedimeji, said: ‘I deem the reform one of the best to happen to the education sector. I consider it a smart curriculum for smart students. I believe efforts are on to train teachers, who will in turn train their colleagues in the TTT format. Everything doesn’t have to be ready immediately.

‘I remember that when the Computer-Based Test first started as an approach of screening undergraduate students, people were concerned about students from rural areas and infrastructure. Today, everyone is used to it. What is important is to start from somewhere. I have a positive mental attitude that objectives will be met. Whatever can be conceived and believed can as well be achieved.’

Budget and infrastructure spending

The 2025 federal budget reflects a significant increase in funding for the education sector, with N3.52 trillion allocated-up from the previous year. Of this, N826.90 billion is earmarked for infrastructure, representing 23.5% of total sectoral spending, a slight rise from the 23% allocated to capital projects in 2024. This boost underscores the Tinubu administration’s commitment to improving learning environments by reconstructing dilapidated classrooms and building new schools nationwide.

Beyond physical infrastructure, the budget also supports university research and the creation of innovation hubs. While these initiatives mark progress, critics argue that overall education spending still falls short of the UNESCO-recommended benchmark and point to persistent challenges, including delayed implementation of some projects. Through the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), the government has approved major research grants over the past two years. In August 2025 alone, N4.2 billion was allocated for 158 university research projects. Additionally, 18 innovation and entrepreneurship hubs are being established across the six geopolitical zones. These hubs will feature facilities for technology, robotics, and design. Select institutions have received substantial funding, with some universities getting N1 billion each, while polytechnics and colleges of education were awarded N750 million each.

Despite these investments, the administration’s education agenda has faced criticism. Many educators argue that the increased budget remains insufficient to resolve deeply rooted systemic problems. Notably, severe teacher shortages and training gaps persist, particularly in basic education. Although some state governments have announced teacher recruitment drives, progress has been slow.Meanwhile, Nigeria continues to grapple with a staggering out-of-school population. Over 18.3 million children remain out of school, the highest number globally. This crisis, driven by poverty, insecurity, and poor infrastructure, presents a serious threat to national development and underscores the urgent need for more comprehensive and sustained reforms.

Stakeholders weigh in

The Northern Progressives Coalition hailed the Tinubu administration for initiating policies that have positively transformed the region’s education system, including 101 Almajiri centres. NPC’s Convener, Usman Abdullahi, described the administration as ‘the most dependable leadership’ in Nigeria’s 65-year post-independence history. Among other things, Abdullahi outlined sweeping education reforms as a major achievement of the current administration.

He said, ‘The National Student Loan Scheme, financing over 396,000 students, has seen Northern students account for 55 per cent of beneficiaries, receiving over N45 billion of the N77 billion disbursed by NELFUND. Education reforms have been a cornerstone, with over 120 learning centres established across Northern senatorial districts, equipped with solar power and safe water systems.

‘The partnership with the Universal Basic Education Commission has revitalised 101 Almajiri and Tsangaya education centres in states like Bauchi, Niger, Kaduna, and Kano.’

In an interview with The Nation, Congress of University Academics (CONUA) National President, Dr ‘Niyi Sunmonu, said at 65, Nigeria must recognise that education remains the bedrock of sustainable national development. He said to secure the future, three urgent priorities stand out.

‘First, sustainable funding of the education sector, from the foundational to the tertiary level, must be guaranteed. This requires not only increased government investment but also the exploration of credible alternative funding sources. Such funding must prioritise adequate remuneration of personnel. The current reality, where Nigerian university academics are among the lowest paid globally, is both shameful and dispiriting. It undermines morale, weakens research, and poses a grave risk to the nation’s development agenda.

‘Second, a national stakeholders’ convocation on university education is imperative. This forum should revisit critical questions: What kind of university system does Nigeria need? To what end should our education be directed? What should be the national research policy and its alignment with developmental priorities? Strengthening governance and policy direction in education will help reorient the sector toward national needs.

‘Third, Nigeria must embrace technology and innovation as catalysts for growth. Artificial Intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT) and other emerging technologies should be strategically integrated into teaching, research, and national development frameworks. These tools hold immense potential to accelerate progress, boost competitiveness, and place Nigeria on a forward-looking trajectory.

‘At 65, education must move from rhetoric to structured action. A well-funded, well-governed, and technologically-driven education system is not optional; it is the indispensable foundation for Nigeria’s renewal and advancement,’ he asserted.

Also, the National President, National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools (NAPPS) Nigeria, Chief Yomi Otubela, lauded Nigeria’s educational trajectory in the last 65 years. He said from a handful of universities and colleges at independence, Nigeria today has hundreds of tertiary institutions, tens of thousands of primary and secondary schools, and millions of children enrolled across the federation.

‘There has also been gradual inclusion of vocational and technical education in curricula, alongside the recent introduction of trade subjects and a comprehensive review of the national curriculum to reflect the needs of a changing society.

‘Growing recognition of private schools as indispensable partners in national development has also helped to widen access, absorbing the demand government schools alone cannot meet.

‘On higher education, the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) is a welcome initiative.’

Despite the progress, Otubela noted that the challenges remain glaring.

‘For the future, we must place education at the heart of governance and national planning,’ he asserted.

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) will embark on special patrols to manage the traffic and ensure that motorists conform to traffic rules and regulations during the Independence Day celebration.

The Corps Marshal of the FRSC announced this in his Independence Day message on Wednesday.

The FRSC boss noted that this period is an opportunity for citizens to rededicate themselves to nation-building, patriotism, and peaceful coexistence, and urged them to celebrate with prayers and caution.

Mohammed said, ‘Independence anniversary celebration is one of the events in the FRSC’s operational calendar when we anticipate increased human and vehicular movements to mark the joyous event. Consequently, the Corps normally organizes special patrols to manage the traffic and ensure that motorists conform to traffic rules and regulations.

ý’This year is not an exception, even though there are no major national programs to mark the event. Everyone must, therefore, adhere strictly to the laid down rules of the road and avoid acts capable of compromising safety.’

ýHe warned that any traffic violator whose vehicle is apprehended due to identified traffic offences would have his/her vehicle impounded to serve as a deterrent for others.

He urged Nigerians to remain vigilant and celebrate with care.