No More PTA Fees: Kwara abolishes levies in primary schools.

Kwara Government has scrapped the Parents Teachers Association (PTA) levy in public primary schools, approving annual school grants instead.

Chairman State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Prof. Shehu Adaramaja announced this at the opening of bid for the 2024 (3rd and 4th quarters) UBEC/SUBEB intervention projects.

Prof. Adaramaja said the state government will provide running costs for the 1,717 public schools.

ýýThe Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has approved the stoppage of the payment of PTA in all public primary schools in the state, from primary 1 to 6, no more payment of PTA in Kwara State,’ he said.

ýThe SUBEB boss also announced the approval of procurement of English and Maths textbooks by the governor for free to the pupils in primary schools in the state.

ýýSpeaking on the bid opening, the Chairman said the intervention would cover projects, including the construction of a block of two classrooms with an office and construction of toilets.

‘The intervention also covers the remodeling and renovation of classrooms, drilling of solar powered borehole with tank stand and rehabilitation of digital literacy across the state.

‘It also covers the procurement of foundation literacy teaching and learning materials for primary one, fabrication and distribution of 2-seater pupils/students’ furniture and safe schools initiative in some selected local governments, among others,’ he said.

Adaramaja said that the governor had equally approved the payment of 2025 counterpart funds for the UBEC/SUBEB intervention projects.

ýHe urged contractors, who would get the jobs, to execute them in line with the specifications, warning that shoddy jobs would not be condoned.

Adaramaja lauded the Executive Secretary of UBEC, Hajiya Aisha Garba and other key stakeholders for contributing to the success of the programme.

’I’m tired of clubbing,’ BBNaija’s Tolanibaj cries out

Media personality and reality TV star, Tolanibaj, has expressed her frustration over her present lifestyle, revealing that she would like to settle down.

While lamenting on her Snapchat story, Tolanibaj stated that she no longer enjoys clubbing and that she needs some excitement in her life.

The TV star also revealed that she has been pretending to have fun while at clubs, while in reality, she does not find it fun anymore.

‘I need to start being honest with myself. I no longer enjoys clubbing. I keep forcing it but. I want to see if I can experience some kind of excitement. I need excitement in my life. I’m tired of clubbing. I don’t want to be outside. What am I looking for outside if I have a partner? We can be outside together, maybe travelling.’I’m done clubbing. I don’t feel like pretending to be having fun in the club anymore. I think it’s time to get married,’ she expressed.

Breaking: Imisi crowned winner of Big Brother Naija Season 10

The curtains have finally fallen on Big Brother Naija Season 10, and Imisi has walked away as the winner of the 10/10 edition, sealing her place in BBNaija history.

In a finale packed with tension and excitement, Imisi outlasted Koyin and Dede to take home the ?80 million grand prize. Her name was announced by host Ebuka Obi-Uchendu on Sunday, to thunderous cheers from the live audience and millions watching across Africa.

Imisi’s time in Biggie’s house was anything but ordinary. Loved for her warmth, wit, and emotional honesty, she managed to turn quiet moments into lasting memories and tense weeks into lessons in grace. Week after week, fans rallied behind her, keeping her in the game and ultimately lifting her to victory.

Before her win was announced, Kola and Sultana were evicted, leaving the trio of Imisi, Koyin, and Dede as the final contenders. What followed was a night filled with nostalgia, laughter, and tears as highlights of the season rolled on screen – a reminder of the friendships, fights, and unforgettable drama that defined the 10/10 season.

Why frustration over promotion exams led to arrest of 16 Army officers

The Nigerian Armed Forces have confirmed the arrest of 16 officers for alleged acts of indiscipline and violations of service regulations.

In a statement issued by the Director of Defence Information, Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, the military explained that investigations revealed most of the detained officers were frustrated by repeated failures in promotion examinations, which they blamed for their perceived career stagnation.

Gusau said the affected officers’ behaviour was found to be inconsistent with military standards, noting that some of them were already facing disciplinary proceedings for other offences.

‘The Armed Forces of Nigeria wishes to inform the public that a routine military operation led to the arrest of 16 officers for various acts of indiscipline and breaches of service rules,’ the statement read.

‘Investigations have shown that their grievances arose mainly from perceived stagnation due to repeated failure in promotion exams. Some of them were already under investigation or trial for other offences.’

He emphasized that any officer found guilty after the ongoing investigations would face appropriate disciplinary measures as stipulated by military law.

‘Upon completion of investigations, indicted officers will face the full military disciplinary process to ensure accountability and uphold professionalism within the ranks,’ Gusau added.

‘The Armed Forces will not condone any conduct that undermines its integrity or threatens its constitutional responsibilities.’

The statement further noted that disciplinary actions are routine within the military structure, stressing that similar measures have previously been taken against personnel involved in mutiny, desertion, and other serious misconducts.

The Armed Forces reassured the public that the arrests were purely disciplinary and aimed at maintaining order, loyalty, and discipline within the system.

Kemi Badenoch unveils tough deportation plan to remove 150,000 migrants annually

UK Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch has unveiled an ambitious immigration plan that aims to deport up to 150,000 illegal migrants every year, in what she described as a decisive move to ‘restore control of Britain’s borders.’

Speaking at the 2025 Conservative Party Conference in Manchester, Badenoch announced that her government would create a new ‘Removals Force’, a dedicated immigration enforcement agency modelled after the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

The agency will be tasked with dramatically expanding deportations from the current annual average of around 34,000 to 150,000.

According to the proposal, the new force will receive £1.6 billion in funding, giving it greater operational capacity, surveillance tools, and police support.

Officers will reportedly be empowered to conduct immigration checks during routine arrests and use technologies such as facial recognition to identify illegal entrants.

Badenoch said the reforms were necessary to end what she called ‘years of weak enforcement and legal loopholes’ that have allowed people to ‘remain unlawfully in the country.’

‘Britain will no longer be a soft touch for illegal migration,’ she told delegates. ‘We will find, detain, and remove those who have no right to be here.’

Badenoch’s plan also proposes withdrawing the UK from the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) and repealing the Human Rights Act, both of which she argues have been exploited to block deportations through lengthy appeals.

Under the proposed legislation, asylum claims from people entering illegally would be automatically rejected, and legal aid for immigration cases would be curtailed.

Critics, however, have questioned both the feasibility and legality of the 150,000 deportation target.

Immigration lawyers and human rights groups warn that such mass removals could breach international law and strain relations with destination countries.

The Labour Party described the plan as ‘headline politics without substance,’ arguing that the UK currently lacks the infrastructure, detention capacity, and diplomatic agreements to achieve deportations at that scale.

Legal experts have also pointed out that withdrawing from the ECHR would require renegotiating multiple international treaties and could have far-reaching implications for citizens’ rights.

Kogi in mourning as death toll rises in Ibaji boat mishap

Eight more bodies have been found after the boat accident that happened last Tuesday in Ibaji, Kogi State.

The Executive Secretary of the Kogi State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), Alhaji Muktar Atima, confirmed the recovery and said the search operation was still ongoing.

Earlier, the state government had said that at least 26 people died in the tragedy. The accident happened around 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday when a boat carrying mostly traders from Ibaji Local Government Area of Kogi State to Ilushi Market in Edo State capsized.

The Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Fanwo, released a statement on behalf of Governor Ahmed Ododo, expressing deep sadness over the incident.

The statement read:

‘The Government and people of Kogi State are deeply saddened by the boat accident that claimed the lives of several passengers travelling from Ibaji to Ilushi Market in Edo State.

‘This is a heartbreaking loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with the affected families and the people of Ibaji Local Government Area.

‘The Governor has directed relevant agencies, including SEMA, to support and provide relief to the victims’ families. He also assured that the government will work with federal authorities to improve safety on our waterways and prevent such tragedies in the future.

‘We urge people in riverine areas to avoid overloading boats and always wear life jackets when travelling by water.’

The state has been mourning since the tragedy, which reportedly claimed about 32 lives. Some residents said the accident occurred on the River Niger, between Onugwa Village in Kogi and Ilushi in Edo State.

According to SEMA, 80 passengers were on board, and 68 were rescued. Search and rescue operations were still ongoing as of press time.

Reports also revealed that one family in Onugwa lost eight members in the accident.

The incident has again raised concerns about safety on Nigeria’s inland waterways.

In August, the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) began strict enforcement of life jacket use for all water travellers.

The agency launched its ‘No Life Jacket, No Boarding’ campaign to promote safety on the waterways.

NIWA has also recruited officers to patrol major rivers and ensure that boats do not operate at night.

Last year, two boat operators, Alhaji Musa Dangana and Yakubu Dangana, were charged in court after a boat accident that killed 19 people on the Niger River. They faced charges of negligence and failure to follow safety rules.

The authority continues to warn boat operators against overloading, drug use, and using poorly maintained boats.

Governor Ahmed Ododo has promised that his administration will support all federal efforts to make waterways safer.

Former Kogi State Deputy Governor, Simon Achuba, also expressed sadness over the tragedy.

He urged boat operators to always follow safety guidelines and called on the government to fix roads in Ibaji to make transportation safer and easier.

The incident serves as a reminder that while government agencies are improving safety, passengers must also take responsibility by following all safety rules when travelling on water.

NBA orders members to boycott courts amid rising kidnappings in Kebbi

The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Kebbi Branch, has directed its members to refrain from travelling to nine local government areas identified as kidnapping hotspots in the state.

The Chairman of the branch, Alhaji Aminu Hassan, issued the directive in a statement released in Birnin Kebbi on Sunday.

Hassan said the affected areas include Bagudo, Suru, Kamba in Dandi, Bunza, Kangiwa in Arewa, Dirin Daji in Sakaba, Ribah, Kanya, and Augie Local Government Areas.

He explained that the decision followed an emergency meeting of the association held on Saturday to deliberate on the abduction of one of its members, Mr Isyaku Muhammad-Danjuma, on Wednesday.

The association said he was abducted along the Ibeto-Birnin Kebbi route in Magama Local Government Area of Niger State.

According to Hassan, the association condemned the abduction and expressed deep concern over the rising wave of insecurity across the country.

He said the branch resolved that all its members should boycott court proceedings from 7 to 10 October in protest against the kidnapping of their colleague and to draw attention to the worsening security situation.

‘Upon the expiration of the boycott period, members are also urged to suspend handling terrorism-related cases, including those involving kidnapping, abduction, armed robbery, or unlawful possession of firearms, until further notice,’ Hassan said.

The chairman added that the association would engage relevant authorities to ensure the safe release of the abducted lawyer.

He called on the government and security agencies to take urgent steps to restore peace and public confidence.

Hassan added that the branch would work with the judiciary to provide alternative venues for court cases to minimise travel to unsafe locations.

He commended the members of the Bar, the judiciary, the media, and other Nigerians for their solidarity and urged them to remain united in the pursuit of justice and peace.

Troops storm kidnap hideout in Taraba, free 6 including baby

Troops of the 6 Brigade Nigerian Army/Sector 3, Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS), in a joint operation with the Nigeria Police, have rescued six kidnapped victims, including a baby, during a daring early morning mission in Taraba State.

The rescue, carried out under the ongoing Operation Lafiya Nakowa, took place on October 2, 2025, following the abduction of passengers traveling from Katsina-Ala in Benue State.

According to military sources, suspected kidnappers had intercepted a Toyota Carina II vehicle and forced it to a halt near an abandoned checkpoint before whisking the passengers into the bush.

Acting on a swift intelligence tip-off, troops and police personnel immediately launched a search-and-rescue operation, combing the surrounding area. Their coordinated effort led to the safe recovery of all six victims – the driver and five passengers.

Those rescued include:

Mr. Terna Gbaya (43), Mr. Musa Adamu (55), Mrs. Rose Sor (35), Mrs. Lydia Vyiashima (40), Mrs. Comfort Iyofar (60), and a baby.

The victims have since been reunited with their families, while efforts are ongoing to track down the kidnappers and free any other possible captives.

Commander of the 6 Brigade, Brigadier General Kingsley Chidiebere Uwa, praised the professionalism and quick response of the troops and police officers involved in the operation.

‘Their synergy and timely intervention ensured the safe rescue of the victims without casualties,’ he said.

General Uwa reaffirmed the Brigade’s commitment to maintaining security and public safety across Taraba State, urging residents to continue sharing credible information with security agencies to aid ongoing operations.

‘The public’s cooperation remains crucial to our success,’ he added.

The latest rescue marks another significant win for Operation Lafiya Nakowa, which has intensified clearance missions to root out criminal elements and restore peace in Taraba and its surrounding areas.

Clamor continues for P50,000 entry-level pay for teachers

Public school teachers are now considered more empowered in expressing their demands to the government, especially with regards to their decades-old call for higher compensation.

‘We are tied to the P50 pay per day from 2024 to 2027 under the law,’ said Vladimer Quetua, chairperson of the Alliance of Concerned Teachers (ACT). ‘If we will follow this law, while prices of goods and services are skyrocketing, we were hoping for some sort of an upgrade.’

Inadequate wages

On Oct. 3, as part of the observance of World Teachers’ Day, teachers across Metro Manila staged a mass walkout again to underscore the longtime challenges of their profession-inadequate wages, shortage of learning facilities and materials, and an education budget yet to meet the standards set by the United Nations.

The mass action also doubled as an expression of outrage over the systemic corruption being uncovered lately in public works projects.

Quetua said the clamor continues for teachers to be granted an entry-level salary of P50,000, much more than current P30,000.

Pending bills

He said there is a pending bill at the House of Representatives-House Bill No. 203-which pushes for the P50,000 minimum.

Another pending bill, House Bill No. 2903, seeks an across-the-board pay increase of P15,000, he added. In response to the calls made by the teachers who took part in Friday’s mass walkout, the Department of Education (DepEd) on Saturday said it continues to acknowledge their right to peaceful assembly and the significance of the issues being raised.

‘We likewise acknowledge that under the leadership of President Marcos, the government continues to champion the welfare of public servants-including our teachers-through reforms like Executive Order No. 64, which, last year, delivered a significant and much-needed boost to educators’ wages,’ said Dennis Legaspi, chief media relations officer of DepEd.

Legaspi was referring to the updated salary schedule that was applied to all civilian government personnel in all branches of the government.

The DepEd has been holding dialogues with all teacher representatives to address the concerns in a collaborative manner. ‘Rest assured, the DepEd leadership is not only listening but is committed to taking meaningful action,’ Legaspi said.

Go past ‘lip service’

For Quetua, however, the agency should now match its reassuring statements with concrete steps. ‘We welcome their cknowledgment, but this would just be another lip service from the government. What we want are actions from the Department of Education,’ he said.

‘Piles of cash are being wasted in the hands of corrupt officials while teachers are being burdened by the low wages (and) struggle with the rising prices of commodities,’ Quetua said. ‘From the mass walkout, we saw how the teachers are now more motivated and empowered to express the longtime demand,’ he noted.

Teachers set for upskilling under DepEd-Tesda agreement

The Department of Education (DepEd) and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (Tesda) signed a memorandum of agreement to formalize and strengthen their collaboration in delivering high-quality, technical-vocational education in senior high school (SHS).

The primary objective of the agreement is to ensure that the SHS Technical Professional (TechPro) track complies with Tesda training regulations, and that DepEd teachers possess the requisite competencies and certifications to effectively deliver the technical-vocational courses.

By aligning institutional processes, resources, and standards, the collaboration seeks to ensure the consistent delivery of quality-assured curricula by qualified educators, ultimately supporting the development of students’ foundational and technical skills. This will enhance their employability and facilitate a seamless transition to further education, training, or employment.

Flexible options

Under the agreement, DepEd is responsible for identifying and endorsing SHS TechPro teachers for enrollment in Tesda’s Trainers Methodology I (TM1) programs, as well as those that need updating in their qualifications. The department will also develop learning resources in consultation with Tesda, monitor the implementation of the curricula, and ensure that SHS learners undergo assessment for national certification.

For its part, Tesda will offer flexible access to training courses for teachers, including online and in-person options for DepEd teachers. Tesda will provide crucial technical assistance to align DepEd’s curricula with its official Training Regulations, ensuring that learners acquire industry-aligned skills.

The agreement, signed by Education Secretary Sonny Angara and Tesda Director General Kiko Benitez aims to ensure the work readiness and global competitiveness of Filipino graduates.

‘Our goal has always been to ensure that every Senior High School graduate is equipped not just with knowledge, but with real-world skills. This partnership with Tesda is a critical step in fulfilling that promise,’ Angara said. Benitez recognized Tesda role in the partnership ‘to ensure that the skills being taught are the skills that industries actually need. By embedding our Training Regulations and certification processes directly into the Senior High School system, we are creating a seamless pathway for students from education to employment. This collaboration carves the path for industries to have a pipeline of skilled talent ready to contribute from Day One.’

Long-standing mismatch

The partnership addresses the longstanding need to resolve the mismatch between DepEd’s SHS programs and Tesda’s guidelines. Recommendations by the Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM 2) have consistently emphasized the need for alignment between DepEd’s and Tesda’s programs, including its push to increase funding for the assessment of SHS-TVL graduates.

Findings in the EDCOM 2 Year Two Report showed that, while about 53.9 percent of SHS graduates pursue higher education, a significant number enter the workforce in private establishments or informal employment.

This is further supported by a 2023 report of the Philippine Institute of Development Studies which found that children induced to attend SHS tend to earn higher wages and are more likely to be employed in middle-skill jobs compared with junior high school graduates.

DepEd and Tesda agree to undertake joint monitoring of SHS-TechPro programs offered in DepEd schools, as well as to map public and private technical vocational institutions, with the aim of strategically expanding the Joint Delivery Voucher Program (JDVP) to enable students to pursue a wider range of technical-vocational electives.

The two agencies also commit to engaging with industry stakeholders to ensure curriculum relevance and provide valuable work immersion opportunities for students. The agreement will be effective for a period of three years upon signing, with DepEd and Tesda working towards enhancing technical-vocational offerings under the SHS pilot come June 2026.