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Members of the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) at the state-owned Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko (AAUA), have threatened to embark on an indefinite strike over alleged unpaid salaries, arrears, and other unmet demands.

The association vowed to join their counterpart, the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), which has already withdrawn services since August over similar grievances.

ASUU had earlier warned that the planned resumption of students and the forthcoming convocation ceremony could be disrupted if outstanding payments were not made.

Speaking on Thursday, Chairman of the Joint Action Committee (JAC) in AAUA, Comrade Olutayo Ogungbeni, accused the Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa-led administration of reneging on promises made in June 2025 to settle arrears and increase subventions to tertiary institutions.

According to him, SSANU members are owed more than two months’ salaries, with the last payment received in July.

He explained that the current subvention accruable to the institution is insufficient, making it difficult to implement the 2024 National Minimum Wage for university workers.

‘The Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU), AAUA, may commence industrial action if all outstanding salaries are not paid. The last salary collected was in July, and now we are in October,’ Ogungbeni said.

He lamented that staff had exercised patience for too long, stressing that they are now poised for a showdown.

Ogungbeni further accused the state government of neglecting the university by failing to provide adequate funding over the years.

While noting that the ASUU strike has already halted academic activities, Ogungbeni warned that the looming SSANU strike would paralyze all administrative and support services at the institution if the government fails to intervene.

He listed some of SSANU’s demands to include, ‘Payment of 54 months’ arrears of 2019, payment of 18 months’ arrears of the 25%/35% salary increment, payment of two months’ arrears of the 2024 minimum wage, payment of promotion arrears for 2022, 2023, and 2024, and immediate payment of August and September 2025 salaries.

The Commissioner for Education in the state, Prof Igbekele Ajibefun, was not available for comments when contacted on Thursday by our reporter.

Prof. Ajibefun neither picked up calls nor replied to his messages as of the time of publishing this report.

Recall that the state government had said it was making frantic efforts at forestalling an industrial action in the state-owned institution as the organised unions threatened to disrupt the resumption and planned convocation ceremony.

The Big Brother Naija reality show has a long history of disqualifying housemates who breached the rules, often due to physical violence, aggressive behaviour, or other forms of misconduct.

1. Faith (Season 10, 2025): The most recent disqualification was Faith in Season 10, who was asked to leave the house immediately after a physical altercation with housemate Sultana during a skincare task rehearsal, leaving Sultana with a twisted ankle.

2. Kemen (Season 2, 2017): Another notable case was Kemen in Season 2, who was disqualified for sexually inappropriately touching fellow housemate TBoss while she was asleep.

3. Khloe and K-Brule (Season 3, 2018): In subsequent seasons, other housemates have faced similar consequences. Khloe and K-Brule were disqualified in Season 3 for accumulating three strikes due to aggressive behavior and physical confrontations.

4. Tacha (Season 4, 2019): Tacha followed suit in Season 4 after a physical fight with Mercy Eke, which involved pushing and hair-pulling.

5. Erica (Season 5, 2020): Erica was disqualified in Season 5 for multiple rule breaches, including abusive language and disrespecting house rules.

6. Beauty Tukura (Season 7, 2022): Beauty Tukura was disqualified in Season 7 for aggressive behavior, including throwing her wig and glasses at a fellow housemate during an argument.

This incident set a precedent for the show’s zero-tolerance policy on physical misconduct.

Veteran actress Bimbo Akintola has called for Nigerians to embrace polygamy as a part of the country’s tradition.

In a recent interview with Biola Bayo, Akintola argued that polygamy was a common practice in Yoruba families, where men often have multiple wives.

She stated that the current perceived shortage of men in society makes it practical for two women to share one husband.

She said, ‘With the way the world is going, people should embrace polygamy. You say marriage is everything, so if we don’t have enough men according to statistics, does that not mean two women to one man?

‘I also believe it is part of our tradition. Most of Generation X, Yorubas, and even our parents had two to three wives. It was something we saw while growing up. Maybe we also noticed the disadvantages, but some people say there are advantages too.

Akintola shared a personal anecdote about a woman who brought a second wife into her home to alleviate pressure from her husband’s higher sexual needs.

According to Akintola, some women may even welcome sharing a husband as a way to maintain peace in the household.

‘I know some women who would rather have a second wife. I even know someone who married a second wife for her husband so that she could have peace. They didn’t have the same libido. His was higher than hers, so she thought, ‘this man will kill me, let me find support,’ and she married a wife for him’, she added.

She also advised parents who prefer monogamy to focus on raising boys with strong values, teaching them discipline and respect from a young age to prevent infidelity and promiscuity.

‘All these men we are talking about, who are polygamous and cheat, were raised by someone. Raise your son to be that kind of man so that future women, your daughters, will have men like that to marry’, she added.

Popular Ondo cleric, Prophet Samson Oluwamodede of the Prayer Centre Church of God (PCCG), and the Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa-led administration have clashed over the ‘poor condition’ of roads, particularly in Akure South Local Government Area of the state.

In a viral video by his church on Thursday, Prophet Oluwamodede lamented the worsening state of the Akure/Idanre (Oke Aro) road, describing it as a death trap for motorists.

He alleged that several lives and vehicles had been lost due to the deplorable condition of the road, which he said had become nearly impassable.

‘Mr Governor (Aiyedatiwa), you remember there was a time I called your attention to how bad the road is, and you promised to contact your S.A. on Infrastructure.

‘But the road is now worse. If you see how people are dying on that road, particularly at Owe Akala, Idanre garage, and Abiodun junction to the new town area, it is terrible. Many commercial motorcyclists (Okada riders) are dying, lorries continue to fall, injuring people and destroying goods,’ the cleric lamented.

Oluwamodede, who said he had made several failed attempts to reach the Governor, added that if nothing was done by Sunday, he would mobilsee resources to carry out ‘surface repairs’ on the road himself to avoid further embarrassment.

‘I’m calling your attention to the road, Mr Governor, because we still have the confidence in you. Do something now because the road is very bad. Painfully, this is happening within the street of Akure. I wish the governor could try and drive down to see what we are facing here. Please, Mr. Governor, I am calling your attention to the bad road.

‘I have witnessed the administrations of Governors Olusegun Agagu, Olusegun Mimiko, late Rotimi Akeredolu, and now you (Aiyedatiwa) is the fourth. I want you to make a difference. This is not about politics but the suffering of people. If I don’t see action, I will bring in a grader for surface dressing,’ he stressed.

The Nation report that the Akure/Idanre road leads directly to Prophet Oluwamodede’s expansive church.

However, in a swift response, the Commissioner for Infrastructure, Lands and Housing, Mr Ayorinde Abiola Olawoye, attributed the delay in the project to incessant rainfall, noting that construction is a gradual process with defined stages.

‘At Oke Aro, the contractor, who began work less than six months ago, has already achieved over 8,000 meters of lined drains – about 4km out of the 10km stretch. This is an impressive milestone in such a short time,’ he said.

Olawoye explained that road construction begins with hydraulic works like drains and culverts, followed by earthworks and then pavement structure, stressing that skipping stages would compromise quality.

‘While the concerns raised by the prophet are valid, incessant rainfall has made grading or palliative works impossible. Such measures in the rainy season would worsen the situation. Now that rains are subsiding, the contractor has commenced palliative works to ease movement pending the completion of the full project,’ he added.

Aiyedatiwa in April flagged off the dualisation of the 10-kilometre Akure-Idanre road.

The project, designed to ease heavy traffic and boost economic activities, will feature a 28-metre-wide carriageway, modern traffic systems, and solar-powered streetlights.

Eight traditional rulers in Ife North Local Government Area of Osun State on Thursday threatened legal action against Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrasheed Akanbi.

They also ssued 21-day ultimatum to the monarch to withdraw the alleged false accusation against Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi.

The monarchs, including the Alasipa of Asipa, Oba Mufutau Oyekanmi; Olulamokun of Yakoyo, Oba Mesharch Oyediran, Alakinlaalu of Akinlaalu, Oba Oluwabusola Oloyede, among others, under the aegis of Origbo Meje Obas, led by the Salu of Edunabon, Oba Kehinde Adesoji, flayed the allegation by Oluwo that Oba Ogunwusi attempted to poison him in a viral video on social media.

Oba Adesoji held that Oluwo’s conduct amounted to insult and gross disrespect to the sacred throne of Oduduwa, describing his allegations against Ooni as criminal defamation and unbecoming of a traditional ruler.

He recalled the activities of Oluwo in the past, which led to his suspension from the meetings of the Osun State Council of Obas after assaulting the Agbowu of Ogbaagba during a peace meeting.

He insisted that the recent outbursts of the Oluwo were aimed at ridiculing the institution of traditional leadership in Yorubaland, warning that such behaviour would no longer be tolerated.

His words: ‘Oluwo has 21 days to write to the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, to substantiate his allegations or retract them publicly. Failure to do so will leave us with no choice but to take legal action against him at the expiration of this ultimatum.’

The monarchs noted that the Ooni of Ife remains the head of all traditional rulers in Yorubaland, describing the Oluwo’s continued outbursts as attempts to gain undue attention.

They stressed that no amount of unruly conduct from the Oluwo of Iwo would diminish the supremacy of the sacred stool of Oduduwa.

Lille goalkeeper Berke Ozer delivered a stunning performance in the closing stages of their Europa League clash against Roma, saving three consecutive penalties to secure a dramatic 1-0 victory for the French side.

The match began with an early goal from Hakon Arnar Haraldsson, who capitalized on a defensive error to score in the 6th minute. Despite Roma pressing for an equaliser, they were continually frustrated by Lille’s defense.

Their best chance came in the 80th minute when Aissa Mandi was penalised for a handball inside the box. Substitute Artem Dovbyk stepped up for the home side but his penalty was saved by Ozer. However, the referee, Erik Lambrechts, ruled the save out as Ozer was judged to have moved off his line, prompting a retake.

Dovbyk tried again, and once more, Ozer denied him. But for the second time, the Lille keeper was penalised for moving too early, giving Roma yet another chance from the spot.

Matias Soule took the third penalty, but Ozer stood tall yet again, producing a third stunning save – this time, a legal one – to preserve Lille’s lead and seal a memorable win.

Roma boss Gian Piero Gasperini said afterwards: ‘I’ve never seen three missed penalties in one match. It was an almost unique, random situation, which ultimately compromised the result.’

Members of the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) have threatened to withdraw their services if the federal government failed to meet their demands.

The union has extended its ultimatum by seven days to ‘allow the government room to respond.’

The Joint Action Committee (JAC) of SSANU and the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU) had issued a seven day ultimatum beginning from 15th September 2025, to the federal government to meet its outstanding demands.

The demands include: renegotiation of the 2009 FG/SSANU agreement, non-payment of withheld salaries and unjust disbursement of warned allowances.

In a communique signed by its National President, Comrade Mohammed Ibrahim at the end of its 52nd National Executive (NEC) meeting at Alvan Ikoku Federal University of Education, Owerri Imo state, the university workers expressed displeasure over government’s continued silence, as the ultimatum draws closer.

The communique reads, ‘NEC expresses deep disappointment over the continued silence and inaction of the Federal Government’s Renegotiation Committee regarding the 2009 FG/SSANU Agreement. NEC strongly calls on the government to honour the two weeks extension given by JAC of SSANU/NASU in order to avert the impending industrial crisis in the university system.

‘NEC strongly condemns the continued withholding of salaries of SSANU members who participated in the 2022 industrial action.

‘NEC therefore, urges the Federal Government to immediately release the outstanding two (2) months withheld salaries as a demonstration of good faith and commitment to restoring industrial harmony within the University system.

‘NEC also notes that third-party deductions from the already paid two months of withheld salaries have yet to be remitted and therefore calls for the immediate release of these funds.

‘NEC expresses deep concern over the Federal Government’s persistent disregard for Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs), Memoranda of Action (MoAs), and other duly negotiated collective bargaining agreements entered into with SSANU.’

The union reiterated that such agreements, reached through structured dialogue and mutual consent, are binding and must be honoured in full.

The SSANU warned that if this pattern of neglect continued, it will have no choice but to ‘explore all lawful and appropriate avenues to compel compliance.’

The union also condemned the formula adopted for the disbursements of earned allowances (EA) that was released by the government.

It alleged that the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) had a larger share of the released EA.

The union further said, ‘SSANU frowns at the inequitable and negligible allocation of the N50 billion Earned Allowance, wherein only 20% which amounts to N10 billion was allotted to the three (3) non-teaching unions (SSANU, NASU and NAAT) as against the N50 billion agreed in the signed MoU/MoA before the suspension of the 2022 industrial action.

‘This allocation is unjust, discriminatory, and fails to acknowledge the indispensable role SSANU members play in the effective functioning of Nigerian Universities.

‘It is also in breach of the MoU/MoA signed with the Joint Action Committee (JAC) of NASU and SSANU in August 2022. NEC calls for an immediate release of the balance of ?40 billion Earned Allowance to reflect principles of fairness, equity, and inclusiveness across all non-teaching staff unions of universities and Inter-University Centres in line with the Memorandum of Understanding and Memorandum of Action signed with the unions.’

The union also deliberated on the state of the health sector and other sectors in the country.

It expressed deep concerns over the poor funding of the sector and deteriorating condition of critical sectors, the rising spate of insecurity including kidnappings, banditry, and communal clashes which have continued to disrupt daily life, displace families, and cripple economic activity.

SSANU also expressed concerns that, ‘Agriculture and food security are under severe threat, with an estimated 33.1 million Nigerians facing acute food shortages due to conflict, climate shocks, and economic instability.

Key recommendations made to federal and state governments include: granting full autonomy to university governing councils to reduce political interference and enable decisions that best serve the staff and students of the universities; strengthen existing research and innovation funds and make them accessible to all disciplines to ensure consistent support for groundbreaking studies and technological development; and provide a living wage with guaranteed, timely salary payments to attract, motivate, and retain top talents among both teaching and non-teaching staff.

Others are: increase budgetary allocations to health and education, and to ensure that all funds are fully and transparently disbursed; strengthen primary healthcare systems while improving working conditions to curb the brain drain of professionals; declare targeted security emergencies in high-risk states with the deployment of modern technology, intelligence gathering, and community policing, while addressing root causes such as poverty, youth unemployment, and land-use conflicts.

It also recommended support for farmers through provision of inputs, access to credits, storage facilities, and irrigation systems to safeguard food security and stabilise prices; prioritise infrastructure development by maintaining roads, ensuring reliable electricity, providing safe water, and implementing effective flood-control measures.

The union’s NEC called on all tiers of government to act with urgency and sincerity, noting that Nigerians deserved concrete action, not promises.

The Nigerian Export-Import Bank (NEXIM) has announced an operating profit of N30.47 billion for the financial year ended 2023, more than double the N13.75 billion recorded in the previous year.

A statement from the bank described the performance as a testament to its financial resilience and operational efficiency.

Managing Director of NEXIM, Mr. Abba Bello, said the bank had stepped up its support for the non-oil export sector, with disbursements exceeding N495 billion.

He noted that these interventions have created and sustained more than 36,000 direct and indirect jobs across different sectors of the economy.

According to him, ‘NEXIM has continued to expand its role in stimulating non-oil exports, providing financing that not only boosts trade but also supports value addition in agriculture, manufacturing, solid minerals, and services.’

Reflecting its improved financial condition, NEXIM Bank was recently assigned a ‘BBB+’ rating by the leading credit rating agency, Agusto and Co. Limited. The agency cited the bank’s strong capacity to meet obligations and its solid position among development finance institutions (DFIs) in Nigeria.

Owned equally by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Ministry of Finance Incorporated (MOFI), NEXIM was established to promote Nigeria’s non-oil exports and support import-substituting businesses. In recent years, the bank has maintained strong liquidity and capital adequacy ratios while growing its loan book and equity instruments.

The bank is currently driving several initiatives to expand Nigeria’s trade footprint. These include: the Regional Sealink Project, a public-private partnership aimed at improving maritime logistics across West and Central Africa; promotion of factoring services by providing alternative financing for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) engaged in export; and the Joint Project Preparation Fund (JPPF), developed in partnership with Afreximbank to enhance the bankability of export-oriented projects.

In addition, NEXIM said it is designing tailored financing schemes for the mining industry, such as contract mining, equipment leasing, and buyers’ credit/export credit agency (ECA) financing. ‘These schemes are intended to unlock export potential in solid minerals and improve Nigeria’s foreign exchange earnings,’ the statement said.

NEXIM Bank reiterated its commitment to supporting local processing capacity and ensuring that Nigeria moves up the commodity value chain. ‘Our focus remains on driving value addition, increasing non-oil export revenues, and strengthening Nigeria’s participation in global trade,’ NEXIM said.

The newly inaugurated leadership of the Lagos Secretariat Community Central Mosque (LSCCM), Alausa, has pledged to deepen stakeholder engagement, enhance religious facilities, and expand community-driven programmes to foster harmony and development.

Speaking after his swearing-in for a second term, LSCCM Chairman, Abdulhafis Toriola, who is also the Permanent Secretary of the Lagos State Ministry of Housing, assured worshippers of the leadership’s commitment to sustaining the mosque’s legacy.

He noted that the mosque leadership will continue to assess areas for improvement, while emphasizing regular training for Imams to enhance the quality of sermons.

‘Our message to the Muslim community is to continue to believe in Allah, obey His rules, and be good ambassadors of Islam,’ he said.

LSCCM vice chairman and chairman of Shamsideen Adisa Mosque, Dr. Ismail AbdusSalam, stated the need for unity and financial support from the Muslim community.

‘This is a call to serve Allah, and we cannot do it alone. We need cooperation in the form of prayers, financial support, and active participation in our projects. With this, we can harmonise the community and achieve the objectives of the mosque,’ he stated.

He urged Muslims to remain steadfast, contribute to the mosque’s programmes, and continue to pray for the leadership so that ‘Allah accepts our efforts as an act of worship.’

LSCCM Women Affairs Secretary, Hajia Jelilat Abdulhamid, said the mosque runs a weekly women’s forum that provides spiritual guidance, vocational training, and counselling services.

Hajia Abdulhamid, who is the Deputy Director at the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA), added that the forum addresses the needs of single sisters by providing platforms for marital connections, educational sponsorship programmes, and supporting young women, some of whom are currently in universities.

‘We need upright women to nurture children and strengthen families. Our society can only thrive if women return to their primary roles of building the home and raising responsible children,’ she said.

Yiaga Africa and the International Press Centre (IPC) have urged the National Assembly to include provisions for early voting in the ongoing electoral reform process.

Director of Programmes at Yiaga Africa, Cynthia Mbamalu, said that about two million eligible voters, including journalists, election observers, security personnel, and INEC staff, were unable to vote during the 2023 general elections due to the nature of their work.

Speaking at a Consultative Roundtable with media stakeholders on the Citizens’ Memorandum on Electoral Reform, convened by IPC in partnership with Yiaga Africa and the European Union under the EU-SDGNII programme, Mbamalu stressed the need to amend the Electoral Act to allow early voting.

She noted that many Nigerians on essential duties have been disenfranchised for years, a trend also observed in other parts of the world, and urged stakeholders to ensure their voting rights are protected in future elections.

She said, ‘We have never had early voting in Nigeria. This is essential for those who work during elections. It would enhance transparency, inclusivity, and rebuild citizens’ trust in the process.’

Executive Director of the IPC, Lanre Arogundade, called on the media to play a vital role in the ongoing constitution and Electoral Reforms at the National Assembly.

Arogundade said that it had become pertinent to review the proposals for electoral reforms to determine their feasibility ahead of the 2027 general elections.

He said, ‘Distinguished colleagues, notwithstanding the considerable efforts invested in advancing the citizens’ memo, we have now reached a pivotal juncture where media support is both essential and highly valued.

‘As the National Assembly reconvenes, it will be reviewing several proposals for electoral reforms to determine their feasibility for enactment within the statutory period required for amendments to take effect before the 2027 general elections.

‘Historical precedent, such as the 12-year campaign for Nigeria’s Freedom of Information Act, demonstrates that meaningful reform is often achieved when the media actively champions the cause.

‘Throughout this advocacy effort, the media played a significant role by serialising the bill’s content, publishing editorials, columns, news reports, features, analytical pieces, vox pops, and conducting interviews.

‘Additionally, media organisations and professional bodies contributed to public hearings through formal presentations.

‘The significant influence exerted by the media contributed to the passage and enactment of the FOI bill under the administration of Goodluck Jonathan in 2011.

‘Additionally, it should be noted that the electoral reforms previously mentioned were also achieved with media support, reflecting a pattern observed in other countries such as Canada, New Zealand, Mexico, South Korea, and several Eastern European nations, where the media serve as key catalysts for legislative and policy advancements.

On his part, a senior lecturer at Paul University, Akwa, Anambra State, Dr Tony Oyima, added that diaspora voting must also be prioritised.

Onyima, a former managing director of The SUN newspaper, said, ‘Nigerians abroad remit millions of dollars to the economy, yet they cannot vote. Early voting would address this injustice.’