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Gospel singer Tim Godfrey has defended gospel artists who charge fees for their performances, insisting that ministry and professionalism are not mutually exclusive.

In a recent social media post, Godfrey stressed that fair compensation is vital for sustaining a ministry, adding that charging for performances does not make an artist less spiritual.

Recalling his early experiences, the singer said there were times he was paid with food items such as tubers of yam and a live chicken after performances.

He noted, however, that times have changed and artists deserve fair financial recognition for their work and contributions to the ministry.

He said, ‘I don’t like coming. Okay, Coming to Nigeria became difficult because of how artists are being treated so badly.

‘And I want to say it’s all of those stories of why they’re charging? Why are they collecting money? Why are they doing this? It got me so, so mad. I said why are people wicked?

‘What sense does it make that people work so hard, and you are saying they should take. I have collected tubers of yams as honorarium. I have collected a full, alive, living, working, breathing chicken as honorarium.

‘And that is what I’m going to use to pay school fees, pay house rent, and buy property? No. That is so unfair. That is absolutely unfair.’

The Super Eagles face arguably their most defining moment in recent football history when they square off against Lesotho in a crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier today in Polokwane, South Africa. For a nation that has long prided itself as one of Africa’s footballing giants, the stakes could not be higher – this is a must-win fixture if Nigeria hopes to keep its faint World Cup dream alive.

Nigeria’s road to the 2026 World Cup – to be jointly hosted by Canada, Mexico, and the United States – has been anything but smooth. The Super Eagles have stumbled through the qualifiers, failing to stamp their authority in a group they were widely expected to dominate. Draws at home, wastefulness in front of goal, tactical inconsistencies, and poor decision-making both on and off the pitch have combined to put the three-time African champions in a precarious position.

After six matches, the Group C table paints a sobering picture: Benin Republic and South Africa lead the pack with 14 points each, while Nigeria and Rwanda follow closely on 11 points apiece. Lesotho sit on 9, and Zimbabwe, already out of the race, trail with 4.

Simply put, anything short of a victory in Polokwane will almost certainly confirm Nigeria’s absence from the World Cup for a second consecutive edition – a scenario that would send shockwaves through African football.

For the Super Eagles, there is no margin for error. Lesotho may not be continental heavyweights, but they have proven stubborn opponents throughout the qualifiers – drawing with Nigeria in Uyo last year and beating Zimbabwe earlier in the campaign. Playing in South Africa, which they consider a second home ground, adds another layer of difficulty.

A win against Lesotho would move Nigeria to 14 points, potentially level with Benin and South Africa (depending on other results). Anything less – a draw or defeat – would destroy their mathematical chance of finishing top.

Beyond the arithmetic, this fixture represents a psychological turning point. The Super Eagles have been accused of lacking urgency, leadership, and collective purpose in recent years. Today’s clash is not just about three points; it’s about restoring belief in a team that once commanded fear across Africa.

Nigeria’s predicament is not the product of one bad day at the office – it’s the accumulation of structural, technical, and managerial failings.

Firstly, the team’s inconsistency can be traced to unclear tactical identity and managerial instability. Frequent changes in approach and personnel have disrupted rhythm and chemistry. The Super Eagles have struggled to balance flair with discipline, often looking disjointed against supposedly weaker sides.

Off the pitch, Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has also not escaped scrutiny. Late preparations, delayed player call-ups, and inadequate scouting have undermined cohesion. The team’s struggles reflect not just a football issue but a systemic failure in planning and execution.

On the pitch, several players have looked complacent – failing to show the hunger and urgency befitting their status. Missed chances, lapses in concentration, and lack of aggression in critical moments have cost Nigeria dearly.

Indeed, dropping points in home matches against Lesotho and Zimbabwe earlier in the qualifiers set the tone for this crisis. Nigeria’s inability to convert home advantage into victories remains the biggest self-inflicted wound.

Permutations and calculations

With two matches left to play, Nigeria’s journey to the World Cup hangs delicately between hope and heartbreak. Based on the current standings, four possible qualification scenarios – Option A, B, C, and D – define the fate of Group C.

If South Africa win both their games (vs Zimbabwe and Rwanda), they’ll reach 20 points. Nigeria, if they also win against Lesotho and Benin, will climb to 17 points, while Benin remain on 15.

This would leave Nigeria in second place, not enough for automatic qualification and also not adequate to earn a playoff berth – with Gabon (19 points), Madagascar (19 points), Burkina Faso (18 points) and Cameroon (18 points) positioned to finish ahead of the Super Eagles, even if they win their two games though these teams still have a game more to play.

Option A does not give Nigeria any lifeline, as the team’s chances of qualifying through the playoffs have been shut by the performances of teams in the other groups.

But Option B is the dream scenario for Nigeria since it offers a direct automatic route to the 2026 Mundial.

Should the Bafana Bafana drop points in either of their two games and Nigeria win both with healthy margins, the Super Eagles could top the group on goal difference – both finishing on 17 points.

For instance, Nigeria winning 3-0 against Lesotho and 4-0 against Benin would likely push them ahead on goal differential.

‘Option B opens the World Cup door for Nigeria because it keeps destiny within their grasp,’ says former international Ifeanyi Udeze. ‘Two wins and one South African slip – that’s all it takes.’

Even at that , the Super Eagles can also profit from an unlikely scenario with Option C whereby South Africa suffer monumental collapse.

Should South Africa collect just one point (a draw and a loss), and Nigeria win both remaining matches, the Super Eagles will automatically qualify with 17 points, two clear of their nearest rivals.

This scenario, while mathematically possible, depends on a near-total implosion from South Africa – a long shot considering their strong home record.

Nevertheless, If Nigeria fail to win either of their remaining games, it’s over.

A draw or loss in Polokwane would leave the Eagles with 12 or 11 points respectively, far off the qualification pace. Even winning one and drawing one would take them to 15 points – insufficient to overtake South Africa or Benin.

Unlikely upsets with Rwanda, Benin in focus

Rwanda’s visit to South Africa on Tuesday could yet flip the script in Nigeria’s favour. A Rwandan win or even a draw in Johannesburg would offer the Super Eagles a lifeline. Zimbabwe, though already eliminated, could also play the spoiler role when they face South Africa today.

Benin Republic, coached by former Nigeria boss Gernot Rohr, remain unpredictable – capable of stunning South Africa one week and losing to Rwanda the next. Nigeria must not bank on others; their destiny still depends on their own results at least as of now.

The Super Eagles facing the Cheetahs of Benin Republic at home on Tuesday in Uyo with the prospect of qualification after today’s game with Lesotho still intact won’t allow that golden chance to slip through their hands based on how chaotic the qualifiers have been.

Should Nigeria miss the 2026 World Cup, it will mark the second consecutive absence after Qatar 2022 – a national tragedy by footballing standards.

But it could also be a wake-up call hence Nigerian football must rethink its technical direction – prioritizing youth development, coaching continuity and long-term planning over short-term fixes.

The NFF must embrace transparency and competence. A clear blueprint for player scouting, camp organization, and tactical development is essential.

On the pitch, the team needs leaders who can inspire and enforce standards. The current crop of players must show the pride and responsibility that comes with wearing the green and white.

Countries like Morocco and Senegal have thrived due to stability, planning, and player commitment. Nigeria can no longer rely on talent alone – structure and discipline win tournaments.

Today’s clash is more than a qualifier – it’s a referendum on the state of Nigerian football. Victory could spark a late resurrection; anything less will plunge the nation into another four years of soul-searching.

The Super Eagles have run out of excuses. Now, they must find results.

In a major stride toward agricultural industrialisation, the Lower Benue River Basin Development Authority (LBRBDA) and Amisec Industrial Company Limited have signed a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) agreement to develop AgroCity Doma, a ?5 billion Phase One project that will transform the Doma Dam Irrigation Area in Nasarawa State into a climate-smart agro-industrial hub dedicated to organic sesame production, processing, and export.

Under the terms of the partnership, LBRBDA will provide 1,000 hectares of irrigable land along with access to water from the Doma Dam, while Amisec will lead the investment, infrastructure development, cultivation, and project management.

The initiative is positioned as a flagship model for sustainable land utilisation and value-added agriculture under Nigeria’s River Basin Development framework.

The AgroCity Doma project will comprise a mechanised nucleus farm over 1,000 hectares; Solar-powered irrigation systems for sustainable water use; a 10 MT/hour sesame processing plant for value addition; Agroforestry buffers and essential rural infrastructure, and an outgrower programme engaging over 1,000 local farmers.

Once operational, the project is projected to generate annual revenues of up to $7 million (˜ ?10.8 billion) from organic sesame sales, creating over 500 direct and 2,000 indirect jobs across the value chain.

The Hybrid Implementation Plan allows farming activities to commence in the next rainy season, even as construction of infrastructure and processing facilities continues. Full processing and export operations are expected to begin by Q1 2027.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, Managing Director of LBRBDA, Engr. Tersee Ninga emphasised that the collaboration reflects the Federal Government’s commitment to the productive use of irrigation assets in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

‘This partnership demonstrates the Federal Government’s commitment to productive use of our irrigation assets. AgroCity Doma reflects how strategic PPPs can expand food production, create jobs, and boost agro-industrial growth’.

On his part, Chief Executive Officer of Amisec Industrial Company Ltd, Abdulmuttalib Mohammad, said the company is investing ?5 billion in the project’s first phase, aiming to build a fully integrated organic sesame value chain capable of producing traceable, export-grade products.

‘Our goal is to create a sustainable sesame ecosystem that benefits local farmers and communities while positioning Nigeria as a key player in the global organic sesame market, which is valued at over $4 billion’.

Indigenous singer Abolore Adegbola Akande popularly known as 9ice has announced plans to get a tribal mark at 50, inspired by his father who bears the same mark.

In a video shared on TikTok page, the Ogbomosho-born singer revealed that he wants to honor his heritage and family tradition.

‘By the time I’m 50, I will get the same mark as my dad. That’s what I want to do for my birthday. A lot of my boys said I won’t do that, but, you will see,’ he stated.

9ice is known for incorporating Yoruba language and proverbs into his music and his decision comes as part of his journey to reconnect with his traditional beliefs.

Tribal marks are a symbol of identity, beauty, and cultural affiliation.

In an interview with Nancy Isime in August 2025, 9ice shared that he is a traditional worshipper, having turned to Ifa priesthood after a life-threatening illness.

He expressed regret for not embracing traditional practices earlier, referencing the significance of cultural heritage in his life.

Former Minister of Power and Steel, Elder Wole Oyelese, has appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to ensure the full and practical execution of the Supreme Court judgment on Local Government Autonomy.

He said implementation of the judgement is the only way the Renewed Hope Agenda can be genuinely felt by Nigerians at the grassroots.

Speaking as a veteran local government administrator and respected elder statesman, Oyelese described local government autonomy as the lifeblood of rural development and the surest way to restore citizens’ confidence in governance.

According to him, the July 2024 Supreme Court judgment that ordered direct disbursement of allocations from the Federation Account to the 774 Local Government Councils and prohibited the use of caretaker committees was a long-awaited victory for the people.

He said: ‘Section 7(1) of the 1999 Constitution guarantees a system of local government by democratically elected councils. That provision was designed to make government accessible and accountable to the people.

‘Therefore, the full implementation of the Supreme Court judgment will not only deepen democracy but will also ignite development at the level where it is most visible – the grassroots.’

Drawing from his experience as a former local government chairman, Elder Oyelese lamented how the system has been reduced to a shadow of itself.

‘It is disheartening that a chairman elected by the people must apply for approval before repairing a culvert or building a classroom. That defeats the essence of democracy,’ he said.

He noted that most projects attributed to the local governments are executed by contractors unfamiliar with the communities, creating capital flight and denying local artisans and youths the economic benefits that should accompany development.

EOyelese recalled that between 1991 and 1993, when local government administrators were given full control of their councils, the impact was immediately visible.

‘Those were the years when local government autonomy truly worked. Councils constructed roads, built markets, and provided boreholes and health centres. Rural economies thrived, and the people could see where their taxes and federal allocations went,’ he reminisced.

He lamented that today, many local government chairmen have become spectators in the affairs of their councils – unable to voice the concerns of their communities or implement projects that reflect local priorities.

Without singling out any state or administration, Elder Oyelese noted that while some states such as Jigawa and Lagos have already begun releasing allocations directly to the local councils in line with the Court’s judgment, others are still lagging behind.

‘This is not about confrontation; it is about restoration. If we must renew hope, we must start from where people feel it most, their villages, their communities, their markets, and their schools. Mr President has demonstrated enough of political Will to convince Nigerians that if he really wants this done, he knows what to do and how to do it.’ he said.

He emphasised that unless local government funds are allowed to flow directly to the communities, the economy at the grassroots will remain stunted, and no meaningful government impact can be felt.

‘When money meant for local communities is trapped in state bureaucracy, it kills small businesses, slows rural development, and weakens citizens’ faith in democracy. The poorest of our people pay the price,’ he added.

Elder Oyelese reiterated his resolve to remain a mouthpiece for the grassroots, saying his advocacy is driven not by politics but by compassion for the people he once governed closely.

‘I have lived among the people, shared their burdens, and understood their aspirations. I know how much difference a functioning local government can make in their daily lives. That is why I speak, not against any person or administration, but for the people whose voices are being drowned by bureaucracy.’

He appealed to President Tinubu to lead by example in ensuring the immediate and total enforcement of the Supreme Court judgment across the federation.

More than 700 residents of Ibusa (Igbuzo) in Oshimili North Local Government Area of Delta State and neighbouring communities benefited from a free medical outreach organised by the Association of Ibusa Professional Women (AIPROW) last weekend.

The two-day programme, held in collaboration with the Ibusa Association USA, Inc. and the Foundation Educational Support Programme, Enugu, provided consultations, diagnoses, drugs, and various screenings to hundreds of men, women, and children who had long lacked access to affordable healthcare.

AIPROW President, Mrs Elizabeth Idigbe, said the massive turnout underscored the growing health needs of the community.

She reaffirmed the association’s 14-year commitment to improving healthcare and education in Ibusa and beyond.

According to her, this year’s edition was expanded to include breast, cervical and prostate cancer screenings, mental health checks, eye screening, and the distribution of 200 eyeglasses, while 300 people underwent eye tests in collaboration with VisionSpring.

Beneficiaries were also tested for diabetes and hypertension, while wheelchairs and walkers were distributed to those with mobility challenges.

Career talks and self-esteem workshops were held for young girls to encourage ambition and confidence.

Mrs. Idigbe said over 18 doctors participated, stressing that the event helped bridge critical healthcare gaps caused by rising medical costs.

She appealed to government agencies to support such initiatives through better infrastructure and collaboration.

‘Our motivation is simple-we believe charity begins at home,’ she said.

‘Many of our people can’t afford healthcare, and every year this outreach reminds us why health is wealth. Seeing people relieved of pain gives us fulfilment.’

She advised beneficiaries to adopt healthy lifestyles, eat balanced diets, and engage in regular exercise. ‘Government can’t do it all. But if they support groups like ours with facilities, we can do even more,’ she added.

AIPROW founder and former president, Prof. Ifeoma Utomi, explained that the association was born out of a vision to unite Ibusa women professionals to contribute meaningfully to their community.

‘It wasn’t easy at first, but teamwork and shared purpose made it possible,’ she said.

Prof. Utomi noted that the group initially focused on women and the girl-child, but later included men following community demand.

‘In recent years, prostate cancer screening has become a key part of our outreach.

‘We now also collaborate with the Ibusa Association USA, which sponsors breast and prostate cancer tests,’ she said.

This year’s programme featured the participation of Dr. Iheanacho Emereuwa, a U.S.-based consultant gynaecologist and founder of the African Primary Healthcare Foundation, who flew in to volunteer.

He described the outreach as ‘a much-needed lifeline’ and urged the government to invest more in rural healthcare facilities.

A beneficiary, Mrs. Veronica, expressed gratitude after receiving free eye treatment and a pair of glasses.

‘I couldn’t afford them for years. What AIPROW did for me is beyond words,’ she said.

The Ibusa women’s annual outreach continues to stand out as a model of community-driven healthcare, blending professional expertise, diaspora support, and compassion to uplift their hometown.

The First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, has urged Nigerians to rally behind the nation’s girls, empowering them to achieve their full potential and contribute meaningfully to society.

In a message marking the 2025 International Day of the Girl Child, celebrated globally on October 11, Mrs. Tinubu called for collective action to uplift girls and remove the barriers that hinder their progress.

‘Let us come together to support our girls to reach their maximum potential,’ she said, emphasizing that inclusive opportunities for girls were essential for national growth and sustainable development.

Reflecting on this year’s theme, ‘The Girl I Am, The Change I Lead: Girls on the Frontlines of Crisis,’ the First Lady said the day serves as a reminder of the daily struggles faced by many girls across Nigeria and the world.

She acknowledged the courage of those who, despite daunting challenges, continue to pursue education, fetch water for their families, and endure displacement with dignity and hope.

‘To every brave girl, striving to reach the classroom, walking miles for water, or carrying the quiet strength of displacement, you are seen, you are heard, and valued. Your courage lights the way to a brighter future,’ Mrs. Tinubu stated.

She reaffirmed her commitment to championing initiatives that protect and empower girls, noting that every investment in their education, health, and safety translates into stronger families and a better society.

‘Today, on International Day of the Girl Child, let us remember the daily struggle of our girls,’ she said, calling on communities, families, and institutions to create safe spaces for girls to dream, learn, and lead.

Sir: Since Nigeria’s return to democratic rule in 1999, the nation has been tainted by a persistent and shameful trend of ministers, legislators, and other public officials occupying high offices with fake or forged academic certificates and National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) documents. This disturbing phenomenon has systematically eroded public trust in governance and exposed significant institutional weaknesses within Nigeria’s security agencies, legislative screening committees, and other bodies charged with vetting public servants.

The recent high-profile resignation of the Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Barth Nnaji, who was forced to step down following credible revelations that he submitted forged certificates, has once again brought this ugly issue to the forefront of national discourse. His case is far from unique but rather a continuation of a long saga of fraudulent practices among public officials that have for decades undermined the integrity of Nigeria’s democratic institutions.

Central to this ongoing crisis is the inability or unwillingness of the Department of State Security Services (DSS), the National Assembly’s screening committees, and other vetting authorities to perform thorough and impartial background checks. The case of Barth Nnaji painfully demonstrates institutional gaps that allow individuals with forged credentials to slip through official scrutiny. Despite the availability of digital academic records and warning letters questioning his credentials, Nnaji’s documents passed the screening stages, and he served in government before journalists exposed the inconsistencies. This failure reflects systemic weaknesses ranging from incompetence, possible complicity, to political shielding, severely compromising the effectiveness of checks designed to safeguard public trust.

Moreover, the response to the exposure of such cases has been characterized by a disturbing norm often referred to as the ‘bow and go’ culture. Instead of mounting legal challenges, prosecuting offenders, or imposing lifetime bans, the typical approach has been a quiet resignation followed by an eventual political comeback or continued impunity. This practice not only diminishes public confidence but also reinforces the idea that evidence of forgery does not constitute grounds for serious or lasting consequences in Nigerian public life. Such impunity emboldens future aspirants to use forged credentials as an expedient means to power, confident that they will ultimately escape stringent punishment.

In looking outward for potential solutions, Nigeria can and must learn from other nations that have confronted similar challenges decisively. In South Africa, a centralized, technologically driven verification system ensures that all government nominees are thoroughly vetted for academic credentials before approval. Legal provisions in India harshly punish those who submit fake certificates for public office, with expedited prosecution measures that act as a strong deterrent. Even some Western democracies employ background checks backed by transparency and public accountability frameworks that expose fraud swiftly and impose lasting sanctions.

For Nigeria, the imperative now is to institutionalize such mechanisms. The DSS and relevant screening committees must be provided with access to real-time verification databases from academic institutions and the NYSC headquarters. Legislative hearings need to prioritize transparency, with findings made public and offenders prosecuted regardless of their political stature or connections. Whistle-blower protections must be enhanced to encourage insiders to expose fraudsters without fear of reprisal. Additionally, a dedicated ethics commission or anti-corruption body should be established to oversee and monitor public office holders for any breaches of integrity, producing regular reports and sanctions.

Nigeria’s democracy demands more than scandal-ridden resignations; it requires robust verification processes, uncompromising accountability, and transparent governance to restore public faith and ensure that holders of public office earn their positions through merit and honesty, not deception. The time for complacency and ‘bow and go’ is over. For Nigeria to truly progress, the government must act with resolve to purge its ranks of fraudsters and affirm that integrity is non-negotiable in public service.

Director-General of the Citizenship and Leadership Training Centre (CLTC), Hon. Rinsola Abiola, has been honoured for exemplary leadership at the 2025 Nigeria’s Pride Awards held on September 30 at Barcelona Hotel, Abuja.

The daughter of MKO Abiola, who received the Exemplary Young Corporate CEO of the Year Award, was celebrated for her outstanding leadership, reforms at the CLTC, and her consistent advocacy for youth and women’s inclusion in governance.

The organisers, First Green White Resources (FGWR), publishers of African Leadership Scorecard Magazine and Nationwide Reports, said the recognition was a tribute to her ‘innovative leadership style, passion for human development, and commitment to rebuilding the culture of citizenship and national service among Nigerian youths.’

They added that under her watch, the CLTC has regained national relevance through training, empowerment, and civic education initiatives that align with its founding vision of producing responsible citizens and effective community leaders.

A citation read at the event described Hon. Rinsola Abiola as ‘a young and visionary public servant whose rise in leadership is defined by merit, professionalism, and genuine commitment to national development.’

It noted that while her late father, Chief MKO Abiola, remains an icon of democracy, Rinsola’s growing leadership record stands firmly on her own achievements.

‘Before her current role, she worked at the intersection of politics and civil society to promote civic education, political literacy, and the inclusion of marginalised groups in governance. She also served as Senior Special Assistant to the President on Citizenship and Leadership,’ the citation read.

A certified public relations professional, Rinsola holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Statistics and a Diploma in Public Relations, with global exposure through the U.S. Department of State’s International Visitor Leadership Program, as well as study tours sponsored by the Swedish Embassy and the Westminster Foundation.

Abiola is also the Founder of the Progressive Sisters’ Network (PSN) – a grassroots women’s organisation active across all 36 states and the FCT – which she established to promote women’s participation in politics and governance.

Through her Derinsola Abiola Foundation, she provides scholarships and empowerment opportunities for young people, particularly in Ogun State.

These initiatives, according to the organisers, reflect her ‘deep commitment to leadership development and her belief that empowering women and youths is key to Nigeria’s progress.’

The Citizenship and Leadership Training Centre, founded in 1951, is Nigeria’s foremost institution for developing responsible citizens and effective leaders. With the motto Build the Man, Build the Community, the Centre has trained thousands of Nigerians who have gone on to become presidents, ministers, governors, lawmakers, and professionals in various fields.

Under Rinsola Abiola’s leadership, the Centre also received the Meritorious Long-Service Award on Human Development at the same event, in recognition of its continued relevance in national reorientation, empowerment, and leadership training.

The Nigeria’s Pride Awards, chaired by Gen. Paul Boroh (Rtd), former Special Adviser to the President on Niger Delta and Coordinator of the Amnesty Programme, also honoured several distinguished Nigerians and organisations including Governor Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi State, Dangote Group, Chief of Defence Staff General Christopher Musa, Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development Festus Keyamo, and Nollywood stars Tonto Dikeh and Empress Njamah.

In his address, Gen. Boroh commended Rinsola Abiola and other awardees for their contributions to national growth, describing the initiative as ‘a platform to reward service, patriotism, and positive impact.’

Speaking on behalf of the organisers, FGWR’s Founder and CEO, Bonaventure Phillips Melah, said the awards were created to identify and celebrate Nigerians who inspire excellence and contribute to unity and national development.

He said: ‘Hon. Rinsola Abiola represents a generation of young leaders proving that integrity, service, and vision are still possible in public office. Nigeria needs to celebrate such examples.’

Association of Nigerian Universities Alumni (ANUA) has urged the Federal Government to prioritise negotiations with university-based unions and ensure lasting peace in the sector.

The association warned of an impending crisis across the nation’s universities, calling for immediate government intervention to avert another disruptive industrial action.

ANUA National President, Professor Yakubu Ochefu, who spoke at the association’s first major national conference in Bauchi since its historic 2024 merger, stressed the gravity of the situation.

‘Nigeria’s academic calendar cannot afford another disruption,’ he stated.

‘We call on the Federal Government to prioritise negotiations with university-based unions and ensure lasting peace in the sector,’ Ochefu added.

The event, held from October 1-4 at Sa’adu Zungur University, brought together delegates from 36 member associations representing all six geopolitical zones.

The conference signaled a fundamental shift in the role of alumni, resolving that members must move from being ‘passive observers to active partners’ in revitalising Nigeria’s university system.

During the conference, the association demanded an urgent amendment of university laws to grant statutory representation to Alumni Association Presidents on University Governing Councils.

‘This is to ensure alumni experience is formally integrated into university decision-making,’ the association said.

The association noted with ‘grave concern the systemic challenges’ of chronic underfunding, decaying infrastructure, and inadequate carrying capacity that are jeopardising the nation’s human capital development.

It also resolved to convene a National Education Summit in 2026 to bring together all stakeholders, including policymakers, administrators, the private sector, and civil society, to create a roadmap for 21st-century university education in Nigeria.

While commending the Federal Government for the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFund) , ANUA recommended a continuous review of its framework for wider accessibility.

It also called on State and Local Governments to institute robust scholarship and bursary schemes.