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Executive Chairman of Geregu Power PLC, Mr Femi Otedola, has urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to release the full report of the Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede panel that looked into the issue of fuel subsidy fraud. The panel was set up by the Goodluck Jonathan administration.

Otedola made the appeal in a statement reacting to the allegation by Umar Sani, a former Special Adviser (Media) to ex-Vice President, Namadi Sambo. Sani had claimed that Otedola’s (then) Zenon Petroleum and Gas Ltd. benefitted from the scam he is now criticising.

‘I implore President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to release the full Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede report on subsidy fraud as Nigerians deserve to know the truth’, Otedola said. Apparently having set up the panel, the government lost the courage to see it through.

‘It is on record that the Presidency at the time called on the late Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) Chairman, Ibrahim Lamorde, to halt the investigation. Let the report be made public so the real subsidy thieves can be unmasked,’ Otedola pleaded.

Although it was what Otedola saw as a malicious claim by Sani that brought the issue of the subsidy fraudsters to the fore this time around, that is not our concern here. Otedola said he has instructed his lawyers to slam a N1 billion defamation suit against Sani, since his company then, Zenon Petroleum and Gas Ltd. never benefitted from the subsidy scam for the simple fact that the company only imported diesel which enjoyed no subsidy as the diesel market had long been deregulated before then.

We leave how that pans out to the courts.

What interests us, as indeed millions of Nigerians, is the issue of subsidy fraud and the need to unmask the thieves, retrieve our stolen patrimony from them and also serve them their due desert.

Nigerians have come a long way about this matter and there is the need to bring closure to it. As Otedola himself noted, the Aig-Imoukhuede panel was not the first to be set up to unravel what actually happened during the subsidy regime. Before it was the Farouk Lawan committee.

Unfortunately, the committee could not conclude its assignment because the chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on the probe, headed by Farouk Lawan, was compromised in a sting operation organised by the Department of State Security (DSS) and Otedola. Otedola said he became a subject of victimisation by subsidy fraudsters when they discovered he was the one behind the probe.

Lawan fell for the marked money used for the sting operation and was arrested and prosecuted. He was subsequently convicted and sentenced to five years imprisonment for bribery.

It was after this that the Aig-Imoukhuede panel was set up.

Whilst the Lawan committee uncovered fraudulent payments over three years of about N1.7 trillion, Aig-imoukhuede ‘s committee indicted 21 companies for allegedly collecting N382 billion in one year (2011), in subsidy payments for fuel that was allegedly never delivered.

What is clear from both reports is that a lot of underhand dealings took place during the subsidy regime.

It is instructive that successive Nigerian governments, including even military regimes, shied away from subsidy removal in spite of its criticism in some quarters, like the World Bank that described the subsidy regime as ‘opaque, costly, unsustainable, harmful, and unfair.’

Nobody wanted to dare the civil society groups that always staged protests whenever any attempt was made either to remove or reduce fuel subsidy.

It took the Bola Tinubu administration the courage to do the rightful even though it has come with some pains to Nigerians.

This is why we agree with Mr Otedola that the government should open the book of rememberable as it concerns the fuel subsidy, as documented by the Aig-Imoukhuede panel.

The government should at least name and shame those who brought Nigerians to this sorry pass. It is the least it can do to assuage the pains of Nigerians.

League of Anambra Professionals (LAP) has launched its Future Forward Scholarship Programme, an educational support initiative, to assist brilliant but financially disadvantaged students of Anambra origin in pursuing higher education.

The group said the scheme is for candidates who passed their JAMB examinations but are unable to proceed to the university due to a lack of funds. The programme, one of the group’s flagship Social Responsibility projects, gives hope to young NdiAnambra and strengthen the state’s human capital through education.

Eligibility requirements include proof of indigent status, strong WAEC/JAMB results, testimonial of good behaviour from school or evidence of extra-curricular engagement, confirmation of indigene status from the applicant’s m,onarch or town union president-general, a one-page statement by the candidate and a supporting letter from a parent or guardian.

Applicants are to complete online application at www.league ofanambra professionals.org. Deadline is end of October.

President, Sir Nnamdi Obi, noted: ‘Future Forward Scholarship Scheme is part of our efforts to empower youths who are denied higher education. By investing in these young people, we are investing in the future of Anambra State.

General Olusegun Obasanjo came back to power in 1999 when General Abubakar Abdul Salami after a rapid transition and transfer of power to what looked like a civilian regime. Obasanjo appeared to be divinely chosen to impose some form of disciplined stability on the country having suffered and survived Abacha’s humiliation and possible plot to get rid of him permanently, but the problem however strong he might have been, seemed to defy solution. He assembled a team of experienced people some of them with global financial experience and expertise and also local experience. He succeeded to get rid of the debt overhang that made reforms difficult. He also brought into being special anti-corruption organizations like the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC) and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). There were other fighting instruments in the police and other bodies but the two new committees were established to give teeth to the president’s fight against corruption. The president also got a reduction of Nigeria’s external debt by substantial reduction while paying off what was left so that Nigeria could begin all over again. In the eight years of the regime, all seemed well even though the internal infrastructure of the country appeared to have been neglected and in the euphoria of not having been bogged down by the debt overhang, the president seemed to have been obsessed with getting the whole of Africa along with his development scheme with his South African colleague Thabo Mbeki forming institutions to pull Africa toward development.

Ironically the scheme was tied substantially to western financial development grants and foreign direct investment if Africa cleaned up its administrations, purged of corruption and policed by African governments calling corrupt regimes to order. This was to be called New Partnership for African Development (NEPAD) which was to ensure the flow into Africa of billions of dollars. Some $60 billion was estimated as what Africa needed in investment and grants to develop its primitive infrastructure.

It was premised on Africa attracting this huge amount for ten years. At the end of one year, little came in since the capitalist western world must have laughed at this ambitious program running into billions of dollars yearly for say about 10 years to develop African infrastructure while African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM ) was designed to monitor each country’s performance and call to orders the guilty or laggard.

Much time was needed for the maturation of this grandiose new scheme. Not much investment came in the first year and soon the program ceased being a serious scheme as soon as Obasanjo and Mbeki left the stage followed by a sick but well-meaning Umaru Yar’Adua in Nigeria.

He was succeeded in office following a national movement led by Pastor Tunde Bakare that Yar’Adua’s vice president Goodluck Jonathan should be made to succeed the deceased President Umaru Yar’Adua. The Jonathan regime’s unsure hold on power made it dependent on pressure groups mostly from the East and the North without solid national support until edged out in 2015 by General Muhammadu Buhari whose eight years of its stay in power was remarkable for its corruption, effeteness and additional burden for the future by borrowing foreign loans with little to show for them. The president was not in control of his government because he was hobbled down by illness and constant traveling to London sometimes for months.

It is too early to pass judgement on the Bola Ahmed Tinubu government except to say if it succeeds on its infrastructure drive of building trans-Nigerian roads from Lagos to Calabar and Badagry to Sokoto, it would have made serious impact on the economic development where its current record of stabilizing the national economy and the Naira marks a great departure from the free fall of the economy during the Muhammadu Buhari era. There is however the challenge of making this macro-economic success translate into micro-economic success and money in the pockets of Nigerians.

Unfortunately the two recurring decimals of corruption and tribalism are as high as in previous years. There is also an attempt to create regional bodies to diffuse more power from the centre to the periphery but it is on top of the 36 states and the 774 local governments administration areas creating another layer of administrative organs in already over bureaucratized country all dependent on federal funding and whose staffing demonstrate all the signs of political jobbery. What this shows is that there is a need for wholesale review of the present constitution to move away from the concentration of power into the hands of a pooh-bah in a plural country. There is so much emphasis on politics in this country and little or no emphasis on the economy.

There is ever a thriving discussion on sharing of the national cake and very little discussion on baking the cake and yet it is clear to all intelligent observers that if we expand the economy and there is work for those who want to work, it would not matter who occupies what office because people will be too tired after work that what they need is rest after a hard day’s work. What we have in today’s Nigeria is that we abdicate the demands for work and pray for breakthrough in our churches and mosques and we talk about making heaven when we have not made a much easier success on earth!

The founder of the CITADEL Church publicly presented a plan for economic development for this country in which he emphasized the role of Biblical Joseph in saving ancient Egypt at the time of global famine. It was based on dividing the country into economic zones and each zone producing on the basis of economic advantages. It made so much impression on me that I hope the managers of our economy would factor it into their plan for economic revival of our country. There is much to be done in this country and little time left for us to do it. We should learn from countries like India, Russia and Canada whose vast territories and complex linguistic diversity did not hinder their development and countries like Germany and Japan which were destroyed by the Western allies during the Second World War and having no natural resources but depending on the grey matter of their people and their grit and determination, pulled out of economic ruin because they paid more attention to merit than any other consideration.

Nigeria is not devoid of this and we owe it to our people and those coming after us that there is nothing wrong with our stars but only with us. We can do it only if we plan to succeed. We may be an artificial country yet most countries are like us, there are very few countries that were created naturally. Think about this.

Finally I have decided to leave the issue of our country’s relevance in the comity of nations till the last on the basis of the fact that a country’s foreign policy, power or influence is linked with how the country is doing at home; in other words, there is a link between the domestic power of a country and its influence abroad. When Nigeria fought the civil war, substantial portions of the international community were appalled at the suffering of children, women and the elderly. The French under General Charles de Gaulle was so touched that but for the British pressure, France would have recognized Biafra. The British were on Nigeria’s side because of the economic ties between Britain and Nigeria and the influence Nigeria’s presence in the Commonwealth of nations. But for British influence on our side, President Richard Nixon of America would have swung to the side of Biafra because of the powerful influence of Biafran propaganda in the west. The Egyptian pilots who flew the MIG29 jets sold to us by the Russians were probably driven by Islamic motive. Whatever were the motives of each nations involved in the Nigerian-Biafran civil war, the underlying work of diplomats was very important. It is true that global communication advances are eroding the traditional influence of diplomatic representations but we must not completely cut off ourselves from showing the flag where it truly matters. The current economic situation in our country may not make full diplomatic representation at the highest level wise but we can rationalize our representation to our traditional trading partners and to the capitals of the greatest powers in the world starting from the capitals of all members of the Security Council of the United Nations and to the UN itself. We can reduce the crowd of representatives in African countries and have double representation – accreditation in most of them on regional basis.

I do not believe that we should leave all our embassies manned by charge d’affaires ad interim. It sends the wrong signals that our country is bankrupt and cannot be taken serious by economic actors where it really matters. At our level of development, we cannot afford to be taken as a basket case.

The reasons why the Tinubu administration does not have principal representatives of the country is understandable but not overwhelming. Our African brothers are beginning to lose interest in us and we cannot afford this at the same time we are batting for influence in the world and claiming that a reformed UN must have African representation on the UN Security Council. We have put our country forward as the natural African leader. We have to work to earn the leadership of Africa and the Black world.

In today’s global digital market, affiliate partners must carefully navigate different rules and expectations. Working with an international platform like 1win.run opens up opportunities but also calls for a clear understanding of responsible practices. Knowing how to present offers, target the right audiences, and respect local laws is essential to keeping your campaigns safe and compliant. This introduction explores how to approach the 1 win Affiliate Program with confidence and awareness.

The 1 win affiliate program is designed to give partners powerful tools and attractive revenue models. However, as with any online venture, there are regulations that vary by country. Affiliates need to be proactive about understanding advertising standards, avoiding restricted territories, and ensuring their campaigns do not breach regional rules. By taking a strategic, informed approach, it’s possible to grow your traffic while minimizing risks.

Building a transparent partnership also means communicating openly with the affiliate managers provided by 1win.run. They can offer guidance on which markets are recommended, how to structure promotions, and which compliance standards apply. This support helps affiliates maintain a strong reputation and avoid potential penalties or restrictions, making the program more sustainable over time.

Finally, adopting ethical marketing practices sets affiliates apart from competitors and strengthens the relationship with the platform. By focusing on legitimate channels, accurate information, and respecting local regulations, you can maximize the benefits of working with 1win.run while steering clear of sanctions. This approach creates a foundation for long-term success and a trustworthy reputation in the global affiliate space.

When working with a global affiliate platform, understanding what not to do is just as important as learning how to promote effectively. Many partners underestimate how easily small missteps can escalate into major issues. On 1win.run, strict compliance standards exist to protect the platform, players, and affiliates alike. By recognizing the most common mistakes early, you can safeguard your account and maintain a steady stream of revenue without disruption.

Affiliate marketers sometimes overlook the fine print or assume that all traffic sources are acceptable. This assumption can result in serious penalties or even a permanent ban. The following list highlights the most frequent errors that trigger sanctions, offering a clear picture of what to avoid before launching any campaign on the 1win Affiliate Program.

Misleading advertising: using fake bonuses, exaggerated claims, or deceptive landing pages can violate compliance rules and lead to immediate suspension

Promoting in restricted regions: sending traffic from countries where 1win.run does not operate legally can trigger automated account reviews and potential bans

Using unauthorized creatives: publishing banners, logos, or promotional materials that have not been approved by 1win Affiliate may breach brand guidelines and result in warnings or penalties

Incentivizing risky behavior: encouraging players to gamble irresponsibly or using cash incentives to sign up violates ethical standards and can shut down your affiliate access

Fraudulent or fake leads: generating sign-ups with bots, stolen data, or manipulated tracking links undermines the integrity of the program and leads to instant termination

Spamming and aggressive outreach: blasting unsolicited emails, SMS, or social messages without consent can harm the brand reputation and force account suspension

Ignoring reporting discrepancies: failing to address suspicious spikes or irregular activity in your stats may appear as complicity in fraud and result in a freeze on commissions

By familiarizing yourself with these pitfalls, you create a proactive defense against accidental non-compliance. Each point in the list represents a real-world trigger that can flag your account for closer inspection. The fewer red flags you raise, the smoother your experience with 1win.run will be.

Furthermore, making compliance a routine practice-double-checking your traffic sources, updating creatives, and maintaining transparent communication with your affiliate manager-helps establish trust. In the long run, this disciplined approach not only prevents account blocks but also positions you as a reliable partner who benefits from higher payouts, better support, and exclusive offers.

Staying compliant with 1win.run’s rules and policies is the cornerstone of a stable and profitable affiliate business. The platform offers clear guidelines, but it’s up to each partner to integrate them into daily operations. Understanding these principles not only protects your account from sanctions but also builds a stronger reputation with your affiliate manager and the wider industry.

Because the 1win Affiliate Program operates globally, each region may have its own advertising, data protection, and consumer protection standards. Affiliates who plan ahead, study the rules carefully, and implement reliable monitoring systems dramatically reduce their risk exposure. The table below summarizes actionable advice that can help you stay aligned with the platform’s expectations and avoid compliance issues.

Tip Explanation

Use only approved creatives rely on official banners, logos, and landing pages provided by 1win Affiliate to maintain brand consistency and avoid copyright problems

Verify traffic sources regularly audit your channels to ensure no unauthorized regions or prohibited methods are used, protecting your account from accidental breaches

Be transparent with players present offers, bonuses, and terms clearly without hidden conditions to build trust and prevent complaints

Stay updated on policies monitor the affiliate dashboard and newsletters for policy changes so you can adjust your campaigns quickly

Maintain secure data practices handle user information according to privacy laws and avoid sharing credentials with third parties

Communicate with affiliate managers ask for clarification or pre-approval before launching new campaigns or testing new traffic methods

Track and resolve anomalies promptly investigate sudden spikes or drops in stats to prevent false positives or fraud suspicions

Each of these recommendations targets a critical aspect of affiliate compliance. Following them creates a clear operational framework where risks are minimized, and all marketing efforts are aligned with the platform’s expectations. This approach also gives you leverage when negotiating for better commissions or exclusive deals.

Furthermore, integrating compliance checks into your regular workflow ensures long-term sustainability. By combining these best practices with ongoing education about emerging regulations, you secure a competitive advantage. As the online gaming market evolves, the affiliates who treat compliance as a strategic asset-rather than a burden-will be the ones enjoying consistent growth and stable earnings with 1win.run.

Building a sustainable future with 1win affiliate

The journey through our article has shown that success with 1win.run depends on more than just traffic. It requires a proactive mindset, strong compliance habits, and an appreciation of the platform’s global reach. By understanding the rules and identifying common mistakes, affiliates can protect their accounts and build a steady income stream over time.

Staying compliant is not simply a box to check; it is a strategy for long-term growth. Whether you are avoiding misleading advertising, respecting territorial restrictions, or using only approved materials, each good practice adds resilience to your business model. This discipline turns your campaigns into reliable assets rather than risky experiments.

Another key takeaway is the importance of communication and transparency. Affiliates who engage with their managers, ask for pre-approvals, and act on feedback tend to enjoy smoother operations and better support. This trust-based approach can also open the door to higher commission rates and exclusive promotions within the 1win Affiliate Program.

Ultimately, a sustainable partnership with 1win.run is built on clarity, ethics, and continuous improvement. By treating compliance as an ongoing process rather than a one-time task, affiliates can achieve lasting success. This conclusion marks not an end but a starting point for a smarter, safer, and more profitable affiliate journey.

Telecommunications giant, Globacom, has thrown its weight behind Nigeria’s digital development efforts at the ongoing Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC’s) business roundtable on Broadband Investment and Protection of Critical Information Infrastructure.

The roundtable began on Wednesday at the NCC Headquarters in Abuja with the theme ‘Right of Way and Protection of Broadband Infrastructure – The Road to Success in Broadband Investment and Connectivity’ featuring stakeholders from federal and state governments, the private sector, telecom operators, and regulatory bodies.

Industry pundits said the roundtable is a veritable forum for synchronising public and private sector interests in the bid to achieve Nigeria’s broadband targets, improving policy coordination, and closing existing digital gaps – especially in underserved and rural communities. In the same vein, the gathering will advance practical strategies for expanding Nigeria’s broadband footprint and strengthening infrastructure security across the country.

In a press release issued about the event, Globacom explained that its sponsorship and active participation were in tandem with its continued commitment to fostering a viable digital future for Nigeria.

Globacom is providing logistical and technical backing for the success of the two-day event in demonstration of its commitment to undertaking a connected, inclusive, and secure digital ecosystem.

Telecommunications giant, Globacom, has thrown its weight behind Nigeria’s digital development efforts at the ongoing Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC’s) business roundtable on Broadband Investment and Protection of Critical Information Infrastructure.

The roundtable began on Wednesday at the NCC Headquarters in Abuja with the theme ‘Right of Way and Protection of Broadband Infrastructure – The Road to Success in Broadband Investment and Connectivity’ featuring stakeholders from federal and state governments, the private sector, telecom operators, and regulatory bodies.

Industry pundits said the roundtable is a veritable forum for synchronising public and private sector interests in the bid to achieve Nigeria’s broadband targets, improving policy coordination, and closing existing digital gaps – especially in underserved and rural communities. In the same vein, the gathering will advance practical strategies for expanding Nigeria’s broadband footprint and strengthening infrastructure security across the country.

In a press release issued about the event, Globacom explained that its sponsorship and active participation were in tandem with its continued commitment to fostering a viable digital future for Nigeria.

Globacom is providing logistical and technical backing for the success of the two-day event in demonstration of its commitment to undertaking a connected, inclusive, and secure digital ecosystem.

The roundtable, said Globacom, is equally an opportunity to strengthen public-private partnerships, explore innovative funding models, and advocate for equitable digital access. This aligns with Globacom’s long-standing commitment to digital inclusion, empowering millions of Nigerians through affordable and reliable connectivity solutions.

‘We believe that digital transformation must be inclusive and secure. Our participation in this roundtable is a continuation of our mission to support national development through technology. A resilient broadband infrastructure is critical to Nigeria’s economic growth and global competitiveness’, Globacom stated’, the network further added.

The digital solutions provider noted that its role at the ongoing roundtable was not only as a telecoms provider but largely, as a trusted partner in the country’s drive towards a fully digitised, economically empowered, and secure future.

Similarly, Globacom’s contributions to the Critical National Information Infrastructure Protection Plan (CNIIPP) will help forge a coordinated national framework for telecom security in order to safeguard Nigeria’s defences against cyber threats and infrastructure sabotage.

1. Nigeria’s Only Single-Mode Open and Distance Learning University: NOUN is the only university in Nigeria dedicated exclusively to Open and Distance Learning (ODL), allowing students to learn flexibly without attending regular on-campus lectures.

2. No Academic Strike Ever: Thanks to its flexible and non-residential structure, NOUN has never gone on strike meaning classes, exams, and graduations continue smoothly even when other universities are shut down.

3. Study Anytime, Anywhere: Students can study from anywhere in Nigeria or even abroad using NOUN’s online platforms, printed modules, and multimedia resources. It’s education that fits your lifestyle!

4. 100% Digitally Driven: NOUN is one of Nigeria’s first fully digitized universities registration, course materials, assignments, and even examinations are conducted online through the NOUN e-Learning portal.

5. No Hostel or Campus Accommodation: Unlike conventional universities, NOUN students don’t live on campus. This significantly reduces living costs and promotes independence and self-discipline.

6. Self-Paced Learning: Students progress at their own pace meaning you can finish your program faster or slower, depending on your personal schedule and level of commitment.

7. Over 100 Study Centres Nationwide: NOUN has study centres in every state of Nigeria, ensuring university education reaches even the most remote and underserved communities.

8. Designed for Working Adults: It’s the ideal university for professionals, parents, and entrepreneurs who wish to further their education without leaving their jobs, businesses, or families.

9. First in Africa to Join the OER Movement: NOUN is among the first African universities to adopt Open Educational Resources (OER) providing free and accessible learning materials for students and the general public.

10. Flexible Admission and Learning Structure: Admission into NOUN is open all year round. You can apply at any time and begin studies at your convenience no strict academic calendar or UTME restriction.

11. Multimedia Learning Experience: NOUN offers a diverse learning mix from radio and television broadcasts to online lectures and printed study guides catering to different learning styles and preferences.

12. Produces Leaders from All Walks of Life: From military officers and civil servants to clergy, artists, and entrepreneurs, NOUN graduates are shining examples of how education can fit around one’s career and lifestyle.

13. Easy and Transparent Payment System: All payments including admission, registration, and course fees are made safely online through the NOUN Remita payment platform, ensuring accountability and convenience. Students can pay in instalments and confirm payments immediately on the university portal.

14. Instant Admission Status Confirmation: After applying online, candidates can check their admission status instantly via the NOUN portal. Once admitted, they can immediately proceed with fee payment and course registration without waiting for lengthy admission lists

State governments’ involvement in paying for examinations being organised by the National Examinations Council (NECO), West African Examinations Council (WAEC) and Qur’anic bodies, especially in the North, was informed by the initiatives of the second tier of government on inclusive education. This was aimed at providing equal learning opportunities for all students, valuing their unique backgrounds, and fostering a sense of community and collaboration. Its significance also lies in developing essential life skills, reducing stigma, promoting academic growth for diverse learners, and building more resilient, prosperous, and equitable societies. The plan of states to tackle out-of-school children’s menace affecting about 20 million of school age children also informed the need to pay their school and examinations fees.

It is also meant to create equal opportunities and access to all pupils, regardless of their abilities, gender, ethnicity, or socioeconomic background, to get the same chance to learn and develop the skills needed to thrive.

This is in line with United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organisation’s (UNESCO) policy, which considers education a fundamental human right, a public good, and a key driver of peace and sustainable development. UNESCO is the only United Nations agency with a mandate to cover all aspects of education, from early childhood to higher education and beyond. Its global efforts are anchored in the Education 2030 Agenda, specifically Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG 4), which seeks to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning for all.

It is also in line with United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund’s (UNICEF’s) work on education, which focuses on ensuring every child has access to quality learning, with an emphasis on addressing the needs of the most marginalised and vulnerable children. This includes working on access to equitable and inclusive education, improving learning quality, and providing support during emergencies, especially on the need to address gender disparities and improve access for girls in schools.

States recurring default in paying exam fees of registered candidates

But, such educational initiative of paying fees for examinations for pupils becomes a problem for the candidates as such state governments defaulted by owing the examination bodies billions for many years thereby truncating the future of the candidates to embark on acquisition of more knowledge, skills, and values to build a more sustainable future.

In a media report on February 17, 2023, the NECO Registrar, Prof. Dantani Ibrahim Wushishi, stated that seven northern states collectively owed NECO over N2 billion in unpaid examination fees. The debt was reportedly reduced from over N3 billion through the efforts of some state governors. This debt, which is used to pay examiners and acquire materials, affects the council’s ability to conduct examinations smoothly.

The registrar made this known while announcing the 2022 External Senior School Certificate Examination at the council’s headquarters in Minna, Niger State. He said the debt was affecting the council in the conduct of examination as it relied on what it generated from the payment of examination fees to pay its examiners.

Also, WAEC had in the past raised concerns about state governments defaulting on payments for candidates in public schools. In 2023, eight states reportedly owed the examination council. Zamfara and Niger were identified as the biggest debtors.

Zamfara State, under former Governor Bello Matawalle, reportedly owed WAEC about N1.6 billion, a figure later confirmed by the current administration. In an interview, Governor Dauda Lawal’s spokesperson, Mustapha Kaura, said the debt was inherited from two previous administrations.

Kaura said the state intended to pay the debt either in full or in installments once the governor secured approval from the state executive council. In May 2025, the Zamfara government announced it had paid N1.4 billion to clear the debts it owed to WAEC from 2018 to 2022.

‘The swift payment of the outstanding debt to WAEC and NECO has relieved the stranded Zamfara students, who completed their final exams, but could not proceed in their education due to the examination bodies withholding their results,’ a statement published on the state government’s website said.

‘For the West African Examination Council (WAEC), Governor Dauda Lawal has paid the outstanding bill of one billion, four hundred million naira that the previous administrations owed from 2018 to 2022.’

In 2021, a report identified six states as owing NECO N1.8 billion. They were Adamawa, Borno, Gombe, Kano, Niger, and Zamfara.

As expected, WAEC and NECO usually withhold results for state-sponsored students when the respective state governments fail to pay the registration fees. This is a recurring issue that affects thousands of students across the country.

Zamfara pays N3.7b exams debt, students’ withheld results released

Few days ago, the Zamfara State Government announced that it had settled accumulated debts owed examination bodies leading to the release of withheld students’ results. Briefing journalists on this development, the state Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Malam Wadato Madawaki, said this had ended nearly a decade of non-release of student’s results.

He said the milestone was one of the gains of Governor Lawal’s declaration of a state of emergency on education in November 2023. Madawaki explained that, when they assumed office, they met a chaotic situation where public school pupils, who sat for WAEC and NECO examinations between 2015 and 2023, could not access their results.

He alleged that previous administrations of Zamfara State failed to pay their examination fees. According to him, Zamfara owed WAEC N1.4 billion for the period 2019 to 2023, while NECO was owed N1.3 billion for examinations conducted between 2019 and 2022.

Madawaki said a backlog of N1.022 billion covering 2015 to 2018 NECO exams was also settled by the present administration. He noted that due to the debts, Zamfara public schools were initially barred from writing NECO examinations in 2022 and 2023, but following Governor Lawal’s intervention, NECO shifted the 2023 exams by two weeks to allow pupils from the state to participate.

‘With the governor’s approval, all outstanding payments have now been made. WAEC has released all withheld results up to 2024, while NECO has cleared results from 2015 to 2022,” he said.

Stakeholders urge timely payment of exams fees

While the move by the governor was aimed at securing the future of many pupils, many of whom could not collect their higher institution certificates because their secondary school results were withheld, stakeholders have called on concerned state governments still defaulting to pay the examination bodies.

Reacting on the issue in an interview with The Nation, Chairman of the Board of Trustees for National Parent Teacher Association of Nigeria (NAPTAN) Chief Adeolu Ogunbanjo said it was unfortunate that state governments are not paying for the NECO and WAEC examinations of their students after they must have sat for the examinations. According to him, it means that any state government that has not paid the examination fees is only paying lip service to education.

Ogunbanjo said: ‘WAEC and NECO have honoured you. They have agreed that the pupils should write the exams on credit. You didn’t pay in advance; whereas individuals will pay in advance.

‘But these organisations will trust the state governments and they allow the students to write the exams. I’m sorry to say that any state government that has refused to pay the examination fees of their students is only paying lip service to education. The states should not be taken seriously as having anything to do with the upbringing and education of their students.

‘They are saying that they want to encourage education for all. But, their attitude is absurd, condemnable and really very bad.

‘The implication is that for the case of Zamfara State that owed to the tune of five to 10 years, we don’t know what the students will be doing. That means the time they would have graduated, they would be waiting for examination results.

‘So, that is why I said they are only paying lip service to education of their states’ students. They should stop that and then be serious with education for once. And that is why these people have been encouraged to join Boko Haram to become bandits. It’s rather unfortunate. And they should stop it.’

The Founder/CEO IA-Foundation, Ibironke Adeagbo, in an interview with Nation, said education is not a privilege. It is a fundamental right guaranteed to every child, regardless of gender, background, or circumstances, Adeagbo said.

‘When states fail to pay examination bodies, they punish the children they are meant to support. The consequences of such actions by some states have shattered many dreams, interrupted learning, caused emotional distress, and increased the dropout rate among young people.

‘As an organisation committed to addressing the out-of-school children crisis in Nigeria, we urge all indebted states to take urgent action by clearing their debts to WAEC and NECO without further delays.

Zamfara’s recent efforts to settle its debts, which have spanned five to 10 years, are highly commendable. This should motivate and encourage all other indebted states to do the same, in order to fulfill their constitutional obligations and moral responsibilities to ensure that no child is denied access to education.

Ronke Oyelakin Odukoya, a child rights activist and the current Executive Director of the Bimbo Odukoya Foundation (BOF) in Lagos, Nigeria, submitted that it was sad that this was happening in the nation’s education system.

Odukoya, who also serves as the Executive Coordinator for BOF and a Public Relations Officer for the Association of Orphanage and Home Operators in Nigeria (ASOHON), said: ‘So as a child protection network, an initiative of UNICEF, my message is to encourage states to clear these debts for the benefit of students’ future prospects and uphold their right to education as enshrined in the constitution – ‘the right to development’. The implication of unpaid debts is that students’ results remain withheld, hindering their academic and career progression, as seen in the case of Zamfara, which recently settled its debt to resolve withheld results.

‘If we should analyse the impact of these debts on children and young people, re-emphasising their right to education, it is imperative and a wakeup call for ‘timely payment’. CPN urges the governments through the states to fulfill their financial obligations to examination bodies to ensure students can access their full results and continue their education.

‘Importance of education cannot be over-emphasised knowing that education is a crucial pathway for personal development and societal progress, and withheld results act as a significant barrier to this.

‘The ripple effect of this unpaid debt can mar the futures of these children and impact on future opportunities as it can also prevent students from sitting for future examinations, thus creating a long-term negative impact on their ability to pursue further education or employment.

‘The children could also loose trust in the state government and the examination bodies.

‘Lastly, the delay in paying the examination fees may make students to lose interest in education and could lead many to engaging in some social vices; and an idle mind is indeed the devils workshop.

‘Some of the affected students may be compelled to abandon schools and engage in menial jobs, especially in any financial earnings pending the release of their results.

‘As a child advocate, knowing the importance of education to any child’s development, I want to implore the government and other actors to ensure that these unpaid fees are cleared and our children can further their education and in return, be an impactful members of the society and the country at large.’

Sir: It was only a matter of time. Everyone paying close attention knew that Uche Nnaji, the former Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, could not survive the certificate forgery storm. The handwriting was on the wall, and yesterday, it finally happened. Nnaji bowed out.

The truth is simple and damning: Nnaji himself admitted that the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) never issued him a degree certificate. So the million-naira question is, where did the one he brandished come from?

UNN has washed its hands off the matter. The institution categorically stated that Nnaji never completed his studies and was never awarded a degree. In short, the certificate he paraded is fake.

And that’s not all. The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has also distanced itself from Nnaji’s so-called NYSC certificate, describing it as ‘strange.’ A Premium Times investigation revealed yet another oddity, Nnaji’s NYSC record shows that he supposedly served for 13 months. Thirteen months! Even the NYSC found that hard to explain.

Of course, Nnaji claims that political enemies are behind his ordeal. But even he knows the truth; no opponent can forge a certificate on your behalf. He laid the trap himself and walked right into it.

Let’s remember the facts. Nnaji was admitted into UNN in 1981 to study Microbiology/Biochemistry and was expected to graduate in 1985. But he reportedly failed some courses and never graduated. That means for over 40 years, Uche Nnaji neither regularized his academic records nor obtained a valid certificate , yet he rose through political ranks, occupying sensitive positions and waving fake credentials. Nnaji was careless, so to speak

Forty years of deception finally caught up with him. And this time, not even political connections could save him.

But beyond Nnaji’s personal fall lies a bigger question, how many more ‘Nnajis’ are out there, quietly occupying sensitive positions in government, hiding behind forged papers and political influence? Some commentators are beginning to say that Nnaji’s case might just be the tip of a very large iceberg.

Ferscoat School has again established its place as a leading institution of learning with the emergence of one of its learners, Miss Idowu Oluwadarasimi Elizabeth as winner of the 2025 National Mathematics Competition.

The event was held at Usman Dan Fodio University, Sokoto State, from August 31 to September 5, 2025. It featured representatives from the 36 states of the federation in the final.

Two of Ferscoat School students qualified for the national competition as representatives of Lagos State having won the state edition of the competition.

Idowu Oluwadarasimi Elizabeth competed in the Senior Category and won first position out of 22 participants. She defeated representatives of Benue State who came second while Oyo State placed third

Sunday Dominion also from the school competed in Junior Category but placed 9th at the Olympiad out of 23 participants – Ogun State claimed first and second position while Oyo State came third.

According to the coordinator of the Olympiad, Mr. N. T. A. Abdul ‘all the students that represented Lagos State gave a good account of themselves and gave the state a wonderful representation that saw the state winning highest number of awards in the competition, third position in the primary category, quiz; second position in the primary category, Olympiad; first position in the senior category, Olympiad; best female in the primary category; and best female in the senior category.

He said: ‘I salute the confidence and composure of Elizabeth, she is a First class material if managed and motivated properly.

‘Ferscoat has been consistent in performance in the state Olympiad. The teachers needed to be specially congratulated and appreciated for the passion to which they put in to ensure that the school was placed on the map.

‘For better performance in the future, I’ll suggest that the teachers encourage the students to do more critical thinking by giving them tasks that involve applications and thinking out of the box to solve problems with little or no guidance from the teachers, where possible.

‘Competitions do not have a syllabus nor a scheme of work that can be used as a guide for preparation.’ ””’This means that there’ll be a need for the teachers to prepare the students beyond their level.

While celebrating the school’s impressive performance at the national level, the principal, Mr. Fred Opata said: ‘It is to the glory of God and only shows the hard work put in place by the entire school community at ensuring excellence at all levels.

He explained that the school developed a strategy for competitions, we have a committee in place for all competitions. Last year we came third in the Awokoya Chemistry competition, 3rd in MAN Olympiad competition and this year it’s been much better. It falls back to the strategy put in place even though one cannot overrule the place of personal development of the learner.

On her feat, the 16-year-old Elizabeth said: ‘Honestly, my motivation was a mix of my own drive and the support I got from people around me. I wanted to prove to myself that with hard work and consistency, I could really achieve something big. At the same time, I thought about my parents’ sacrifices, my teachers who kept believing in me, and even my friends who challenged me to do better. I didn’t want to disappoint them, and that kept me going.’

National advocacy group, Polivox, has hailed the transformation in Niger Delta under Dr. Dennis Otuaro, saying his approach is a strategic reintegration model reshaping the regionand reinforcing security.

In a statement: ‘From Arms to Algorithms: How Otuaro’s Stewardship Is Scripting a New Future for Niger Delta,’ the group said Otuaro, who heads Presidential Amnesty Programme, has moved the region from pacification to prosperity in line with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope.

Otuaro inherited a programme at a crossroads, but he introduced ‘Otuaro Doctrine’ a shift from stipends to investment in education and sustainable entrepreneurship.

‘This is not just about giving a man a fish, or even teaching him how to fish,’ a senior official explained.

‘It is about training him to master marine engineering, aquaculture technology, and global export logistics.

Dr. Otuaro sees these former agitators and youths not as beneficiaries, but as future architects of Niger Delta’s economic diversification.’

The statement said Amnesty has deployed more than 160 international scholars in 2025 to study Cybersecurity, Data Science, Marine Engineering, Artificial Intelligence, and Renewable Energy, with hundreds of onshore students in Nigerian universities.

Polivox said these investments are strategic measures, arguing that turning former agitators into engineers and data scientists helps dismantle the foundations of unrest and build a lasting culture of peace.

It noted peace and stability under Otuaro have raised oil output and national revenue.