Osun State University (UNIOSUN) has made its debut in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2027, emerging as Nigeria’s highest-ranked state-owned university and securing a joint eighth position nationally.
According to a statement by the University’s Public Relations Officer, Ademola Adesoji, released on Wednesday, the 2027 ranking, published on September 30, placed UNIOSUN in the 1,201–1,400 global band, alongside Babcock University and the University of Nigeria, Nsukka.
The latest ranking assessed 2,297 universities across 118 countries and territories. Nigeria had 29 universities ranked, making it the most represented country in sub-Saharan Africa.
UNIOSUN recorded notable performances across several of the ranking indicators. The university scored 25.6 in Research Environment, the second-highest score among the 29 ranked Nigerian universities, behind Covenant University’s 32.5.
It also scored 23.6 in Teaching, placing fifth nationally. Its other scores were 43.8 in Research Quality, 17.6 in Industry and 40.3 in International Outlook.
The report described UNIOSUN as a new entrant and highlighted its performance in Research Environment and Teaching as notable strengths, while identifying Research Quality as an area with room for further improvement.
The Times Higher Education ranking is based on five broad pillars: Teaching, Research Environment, Research Quality, International Outlook and Industry. The 2027 methodology comprises 18 performance indicators covering areas including teaching reputation, research productivity and quality, citations, international collaboration, industry income and patents.
The report also described UNIOSUN’s debut in the 1,201–1,400 band as noteworthy, noting that the university ranked ahead of 19 older and larger Nigerian universities.
Only seven state-owned universities were among the 29 Nigerian universities ranked in the 2027 edition, compared with 19 federal and three private universities. UNIOSUN consequently emerged as the highest-ranked state university in the country.
The university’s strong performance in Research Environment is particularly significant, given that the pillar had a national mean score of 13.9. UNIOSUN’s score of 25.6 was substantially above that average.
Similarly, its Teaching score of 23.6 was above the national mean of 20.6, placing the university among the five highest-scoring institutions nationally in the category.
The latest ranking comes amid the university’s sustained emphasis on research, innovation, postgraduate development, international collaboration and quality assurance as key components of its institutional development agenda.
Reacting to the development, the Vice-Chancellor of the university, Prof. Odunayo Clement Adebooye, commended the Osun State Government and other stakeholders for their support and commitment to the institution’s growth.
Adebooye said the university would continue to build on the achievement and pursue initiatives aimed at strengthening its academic and research profile and positioning it for greater global recognition.
The 2027 THE ranking represents a significant milestone in UNIOSUN’s development and provides an external benchmark of its performance in teaching, research, international outlook and industry engagement.
With its debut in the 1,201–1,400 global band, joint eighth position nationally and emergence as Nigeria’s highest-ranked state university, UNIOSUN has further strengthened its position within Nigeria’s competitive higher education landscape.
A 20-year-old driver, Olumide Olusola, has allegedly killed a police Sergeant, Johnson Okediji, during a stop-and-search duty along Olugbede Street, Egbeda, Lagos.
The Lagos State Commissioner of Police, CP Tijani Fatai, disclosed that the sad incident occurred on Saturday, 26th September 2026.
While briefing journalists about the activities of the Command in the month of September, CP Fatai said police officers had signalled a Lexus ES 350,with number plate FKJ 223 KX, driven by Olumide Olusolato stop.
He explained that the driver initially stopped but suddenly sped off as Sergeant Okediji approached the driver’s side.
The police boss added that the suspect knocked down Sergeant Okediji and dragged him underneath the vehicle for several metres despite repeated attempts by police officers and passers-by to stop him.
He said the driver was eventually chased and arrested. However in the process,the officer sustained multiple fractures and serious injuries to the head.
CP Fatai said he was taken to a nearby hospital and subsequently referred to LASUTH, where he was unfortunately pronounced de@d on arrival.
“His remains have been deposited at Mainland Hospital Mortuary for preservation and autopsy, while the vehicle has been recovered to the station.”
In a brief interview with journalists during his parade, the driver said the brake of the vehicle failed and all attempts to stop it also failed.
“I did not k!ll the policeman intentionally, it was due the vehicle’s brake failure,” he said
President Tinubu also stressed that Nigeria’s national security does not depend on nuclear weapons, noting that the country is not among the states possessing the 12,187 nuclear warheads held globally.
President Bola Tinubu has urged the United Nations Security Council to provide leadership in enforcing the principles of the UN Charter by imposing sanctions against the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and advancing the total elimination of nuclear weapons.
President Tinubu also stressed that Nigeria’s national security does not depend on nuclear weapons, noting that the country is not among the states possessing the 12,187 nuclear warheads held globally.
The President’s position was conveyed by Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Jimoh Ibrahim, at a high-level plenary meeting of the UN General Assembly at the UN Headquarters in New York to commemorate the International Day for the Total Elimination of Nuclear Weapons.
Ibrahim said the total elimination of nuclear weapons remains the United Nations’ highest disarmament priority. He said Nigeria does not support the production or proliferation of nuclear weapons, describing those who engage in or support the development of weapons of mass destruction as enemies of democracy.
The Nigerian envoy stressed the need for countries to respect Article 6 of the UN Charter on disarmament, as well as Article 2(4), which prohibits the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any state.
He said strict adherence to the provisions of the Charter would strengthen international peace and reduce the need for the production and proliferation of weapons of mass destruction.
Ibrahim also conveyed President Tinubu’s commendation to African leaders for their efforts to ensure that the continent remains free from nuclear weapons testing and the production of weapons of mass destruction.
He expressed concern over the devastating human cost of nuclear attacks, recalling the massive loss of lives from the two atomic bombings during the Second World War.
The ambassador said the international community could no longer afford actions that fuel geopolitical tensions, stressing the need for greater commitment to peace and stability.
The UN meeting provided an opportunity to raise global awareness about the threat posed by nuclear weapons and mobilise international efforts towards achieving a nuclear-weapon-free world.
•We don’t have to become identical to become one nation — Hashim
•President recalls three decades relationship, longstanding support
The National President of Omo Ibile Igbomina, Sir Bisi Fakayode, has received Accord Party presidential candidate, Dr. Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim, on a courtesy visit to the Omo Ibile Igbomina House in Ganmo, Kwara State, where both personalities reflected on their longstanding relationship, the development of the Igbomina institution and the wider question of national unity.
The visit also provided an opportunity for Hashim to draw from his personal connection with Igbomina and reflect on what he described as the region’s longstanding tradition of cultural accommodation and peaceful coexistence, which he said offers lessons for Nigeria’s nation-building project.
During the visit, Fakayode conducted Hashim around the Igbomina House, showcasing renovation, rehabilitation and other improvement projects undertaken under his leadership. He also took him on an inspection of the adjoining hospitality facility and other areas where development works are ongoing.
Fakayode expressed appreciation for Hashim’s longstanding support and encouragement, recalling that he was among the first three prominent supporters of the present Omo Ibile Igbomina leadership from its formative stage.
The group’s national president described Hashim as a friend, supporter and valued stakeholder of Igbomina, noting that although his ancestral origin is outside present-day Kwara State, his upbringing and longstanding relationship with Igbomina have created a strong bond between him and the people.
“What we are witnessing today did not start today. You supported and encouraged this journey from the beginning. From my days as a local government chairman to where God has brought me today as the national president of Omo Ibile Igbomina, your support and encouragement have been part of this journey,” Fakayode said.
Responding, Hashim commended Fakayode for the transformation taking place at Igbomina House and expressed appreciation for the opportunity to see the projects firsthand.
He acknowledged the progress recorded under Fakayode’s leadership and encouraged the Omo Ibile Igbomina leadership to remain committed to strengthening the institution and advancing the collective interests of the Igbomina people.
Hashim also reflected on Fakayode’s journey from public service and local government leadership to his present position as national president of Omo Ibile Igbomina, acknowledging the longstanding relationships, encouragement and support that accompanied the journey.
Beyond the immediate purpose of the visit, however, Hashim said his connection with Igbomina was deeply personal.
He explained that although his ancestral roots lie in Yauri, he has long regarded Igbominaland as home, having been raised within an Igbomina family that lived in New Bussa, Niger State.
According to him, that upbringing shaped his understanding of community, identity and belonging and exposed him to what he described as Igbomina’s remarkable tradition of accommodation and peaceful coexistence.
Hashim noted that Igbomina communities have historically existed alongside settlements and communities of people from different ethnic backgrounds, including Fulani, Hausa, Tiv, Zuru, Birom and Igala communities, among others.
He said these communities were not merely tolerated as outsiders but became part of the wider social, economic and political life of the communities around them while retaining their distinct identities.
For Hashim, that experience demonstrates that cultural diversity does not necessarily have to produce social fragmentation.
He described the social environment in which he was raised as an example of the “workability, resilience and strength of cultural pluralism,” arguing that people of different ethnic and cultural backgrounds can live, trade, farm, build relationships and participate in shared social and political spaces without abandoning their identities.
“We don’t have to become identical to become one nation. We can be different and yet belong together,” Hashim said.
Hashim argued that Nigeria’s diversity can become a source of strength when supported by mutual respect, appropriate institutions and a shared sense of belonging.
The Accord presidential candidate further said his visit to Omo Ibile Igbomina House was more than a social engagement.
He described it as “a reminiscence of where I came from, a celebration of what I have experienced, and an inspiration for what Nigeria can still become.”
Hashim concluded that Nigeria’s diversity need not be a weakness, arguing that “properly organised, mutually respected and institutionally protected,” it can become one of the country’s greatest sources of strength.
Staff unions in three Ondo State-owned universities have suspended their month-long industrial action following intervention by Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa.
The unions, comprising SSANU, NASU and the National Association of Academic Technologists, directed members at Adekunle Ajasin University, Olusegun Agagu University of Science and Technology and the University of Medical Sciences to resume duties on Tuesday, September 29.
The strike, which began on September 2, was triggered by issues including unpaid allowances, implementation of agreed wage structures and staff welfare concerns.
The unions, however, urged the institutions to address outstanding non-financial aspects of the Federal Government-unions agreement.
The Oyo State House of Assembly on Tuesday, September 29, 2026, passed the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (Sixth Alteration) Bill, 2026, seeking to provide a constitutional framework for the establishment and operation of State Police Services across the country.
The Bill was passed at plenary after clause-by-clause consideration by the lawmakers, with the sitting presided over by the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Adebo Edward Ogundoyin.
The consideration followed the reading of a letter from the Clerk to the National Assembly, Kamoru Ogunlana, Esq., transmitting the Bill to the Oyo Assembly for consideration and approval.
The National Assembly stated that the Bill was passed by the Senate on June 24, 2026, and the House of Representatives on July 23, 2026, and urged state legislatures to give it expeditious consideration to facilitate the conclusion of the constitutional alteration process under Section 9 of the 1999 Constitution.
Rt. Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin said the passage of the Bill would have significant legislative implications for the Oyo Assembly, particularly the need to develop a comprehensive State Police Law capable of translating the constitutional framework into an effective operational institution.
Explaining the Bill to members, the Speaker said the proposed amendment would fundamentally restructure Nigeria’s policing architecture by providing for a Federal Police Service alongside State Police Services.
He said the Bill would empower each state to establish its own Police Service through legislation by the State House of Assembly, while defining the respective responsibilities of federal and state police authorities.
According to him, State Police would be responsible for the enforcement of state laws, public safety and order, prevention and detection of offences, protection of life and property, and other local policing functions prescribed by state law.
Rt. Hon. Ogundoyin explained that the proposed framework would also establish State Police Service Commissions with responsibilities covering the appointment, promotion, transfer, discipline, oversight, complaints and accountability of state police personnel.
He noted that the Bill provides for a State Commander of Police to head each State Police Service, with the Commander to be appointed by the Governor on the recommendation of the National Police Council and subject to confirmation by the State House of Assembly.
The Speaker also highlighted provisions empowering the National Assembly to prescribe minimum policing standards for both federal and state police services, while allowing states to prescribe higher or additional standards.
•Says local refineries’ll buy crude at local price
•Plans one million barrels/day refining capacity through direct, JV investment
•Insists petrol can sell at N605/litre
Accord Party Presidential candidate, Dr Gbenga Hashim, has declared that under an Accord Party administration, Nigerian refineries will have access to Nigerian crude at a strategic domestic price, giving them the cost advantage to compete aggressively in the sub-regional markets and transform Nigeria into a global energy power.
Hashim has also promised to deliver cheaper petrol to Nigerians.
The Accord Party presidential candidate made the declaration at the weekend, in Ilorin, Kwara State, during the Diaspora Dialogue, when he spoke on Fuel Subsidy and the Politics of 2027; anchored by Prof. Farooq Kperogi, Prof. Moses Ochonu and Dr. Osmund Agbo.
Hashim spoke against the backdrop of rising petrol prices and growing pressure on global energy markets.
He said Nigeria’s greatest economic mistake has been to treat crude oil primarily as an export commodity instead of using it as the foundation of National Industrial Power.
“Nigeria has spent decades giving the world our crude and buying back the value created from it. Our Energy First policy will reverse that equation.
“Our crude is our strategic advantage. We will put that advantage behind Nigerian industry. Refining and petrochemical industries are a core part of our immediate industrialisation strategy as we aim to be the world most reliable energy source.”
Hashim also added that Dangote Refinery and other qualifying Nigerian refineries would be able to access Nigerian crude under a strategic domestic pricing framework rather than being treated simply as foreign buyers competing for an internationally-traded commodity.
“If the crude is Nigerian and the refinery is Nigerian, the Nigerian economy must capture the advantage.
“Our refineries will buy Nigerian crude at a strategic local price, not international crude economics so they can produce competitively, expand aggressively and conquer international markets starting first with the African region.”
Hashim stressed that the policy would not be designed to favour any single company.
“This is not a Dangote subsidy. It is a Nigerian industrial strategy. “Dangote will benefit because it has invested at extraordinary scale. Other existing refineries will benefit. New refineries will benefit. Any Nigerian refinery that meets the required efficiency, transparency and performance standards will have access to the same framework.
“We are not creating one protected champion. We are going to create an army of Nigerian energy champions.”
Hashim said an Accord Party government would also use direct government investment and strategic joint ventures to expand Nigeria’s domestic refining capacity by an additional one million barrels per day within three years.
He said the objective is not simply to produce more petrol, but to establish Nigeria as Africa’s leading refining and petrochemical hub.
“We want to be Africa’s refining and petrochemical hub, not just a huge crude exporter.
“We will use government investment strategically and deploy joint ventures where necessary to expand refining capacity, deepen petrochemical production and ensure that Nigerian crude creates value in Nigeria before it is exported,” he said.
According to Hashim, Nigeria must move beyond the ambition of becoming merely self sufficient in refined petroleum products to becoming a country whose energy companies compete and win globally.
“We don’t want Dangote merely to dominate the Nigerian refining market. We want Dangote to compete with the world’s biggest energy companies. It started doing this by being the largest supplier of aviation fuel to Europe in the last few months.
“We want Nigerian refineries supplying Africa. We want Nigerian petrochemicals companies competing globally. We want Nigerian energy traders operating internationally”
“We want Nigerian companies to shape the global energy market.”
Hashim said the local crude strategy must be matched by a dramatic increase in Nigeria’s crude production.
He has proposed recovering approximately 3,000 shut-in and non-producing wells and raising National crude production towards 4 million barrels per day within 24 months of an Accord Party administration.
“It makes no economic sense for a country, with thousands of oil wells sitting idle to behave as though crude is scarce.
“We will recover commercially viable shut-in wells, restore production infrastructure, improve evacuation and security, and bring Nigeria’s lost barrels back into the economy.”
But Hashim said the additional barrels must not simply become additional exports.
“The real question is not whether Nigeria can produce four million barrels. The real question is; what will Nigeria do with four million barrels? Under our Energy First policy, we will use those barrels to power Nigerian industry.”
Hashim also doubled down on his proposed ₦605 per litre petrol price within the broader Energy First philosophy, adding that Nigeria should reduce energy costs by reducing the underlying cost of production and expanding productive capacity rather than permanently subsidising consumption.
“₦605 is not our destination. It is a starting point in a transition from subsidising consumption to building productive capacity.
“We want to make energy cheaper because Nigeria produces more, refines more and captures more value, not because government endlessly pays the difference.”
He said the long term objective is to bring petrol prices down towards ₦200–₦300 per litre as crude production rises, domestic refining expands, efficiency improves and logistics costs fall.
“The cheaper energy we are promising Nigerians will not be based on accounting magic.
“It will come from producing more, refining more, wasting less and capturing more value within Nigeria.”
Hashim said refining should only be the beginning of Nigeria’s energy transformation.
“We must stop thinking of petroleum as petrol. “The crude beneath our soil can become petrol, diesel, aviation fuel, lubricants, plastics, fertiliser feedstock, petrochemicals and thousands of industrial products.
“That is where the real economic transformation lies.”
He said an Energy First government would, therefore, build an integrated energy industrial ecosystem around Nigerian crude and gas, supported by pipelines, ports, storage, electricity, transportation, security and predictable regulation.
“Government will build the ecosystem. Nigerian entrepreneurs will build the companies. Nigerian companies will conquer the markets.”
“Our job is to make Nigerian energy companies less dependent on Nigeria’s limitations.”
Hashim said the emergence of the Dangote Refinery has demonstrated that Nigerian capital can operate at global scale.
“Dangote has shown the world what Nigerian capital can build. Now Nigeria needs a government with the ambition to match that investment.
“Our job is not to make Dangote dependent on government. Our job is to make Dangote less dependent on Nigeria’s limitations.
“We want to give Nigerian energy companies the crude advantage, infrastructure, policy certainty and strategic support required to compete anywhere in the world.”
Hashim said the ultimate objective of Energy First is to change Nigeria’s position in the global energy economy.
“For decades, the world bought Nigerian crude and created wealth from it elsewhere.
“Energy First will ensure that Nigerian crude creates Nigerian industries, Nigerian companies, Nigerian jobs and Nigerian global champions.
“Local crude. Local refining. Global products. Global markets. Nigerian companies. Global energy power.”
The Oyo State Police Command has arrested two suspects in connection with the abduction of a 38-year-old man, Nathaniel Peter, at Layeri Village, near Ikoyi-Ile, in Oriire Local Government Area of the state.
The incident occurred on September 24, 2026, when three armed men reportedly invaded a family compound at about 4:20 a.m., forced their way into Peter’s room and abducted him. The assailants allegedly escaped through the National Reserve Forest with the victim’s Hajue motorcycle and mobile phone.
According to the Oyo State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Olayinka Ayanlade, the suspects arrested are Muhammadu Abubakar, an adult, and Jayun Danali, aged 17. The two are assisting the police with information as investigations continue.
The police said the arrests have provided useful leads towards identifying and apprehending other persons allegedly connected with the kidnapping. Meanwhile, security agencies have intensified coordinated operations aimed at rescuing Peter and arresting the fleeing members of the gang.
The command urged residents of the affected communities to remain vigilant and provide credible information that could assist ongoing investigations and security operations.
The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi Ojaja II, has entered a period of traditional seclusion as the ancient Olojo Festival gets underway in Ile-Ife, Osun State.
The 2026 edition of the festival, which runs from September 24 to 28, 2026, is a major annual cultural and spiritual celebration that brings together traditional institutions, indigenes, tourists and visitors from within and outside Nigeria.
The Olojo Festival is regarded as one of the oldest cultural celebrations in Ile-Ife and is deeply connected to Yoruba history, spirituality and heritage. The festival symbolically re-enacts aspects of the Yoruba creation narrative and commemorates a day believed to have been specially blessed by Olodumare, the Supreme God.
During the sacred period, the Ooni withdraws into seclusion as part of the traditional rites preceding the public appearance and procession associated with the festival. The observance is intended to provide a period of spiritual reflection, prayers and communion with the ancestral heritage of Ile-Ife.
The 2026 celebration is expected to feature traditional rites, cultural displays, prayers, music and other activities highlighting the historical significance of Ile-Ife as a major centre of Yoruba civilisation and indigenous culture.
EFCC Arrests City Boy Woman Leader, Halimat Adenike Tejuosho The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested Halimat Adenike Tejuosho, the suspended South-West zonal coordinator of the women’s wing of the City Boy Movement.
Tejuosho was arrested on September 8 over an alleged case of obtaining money by false pretence.
EFCC spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, confirmed the development on Saturday, saying the woman was in the custody of the anti-graft agency.
