President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has called on Nigerian doctors and other healthcare professionals living abroad to return home and contribute their expertise to the transformation of the country’s health sector.

The President made the call in Abuja while receiving a delegation of Nigerian medical and healthcare professionals in the diaspora as part of activities marking the 2026 National Diaspora Day.

Tinubu appealed to the professionals to consider returning to Nigeria and joining efforts to strengthen the country’s healthcare system, stressing that their knowledge, experience and expertise acquired abroad could play a significant role in improving healthcare delivery in the country.

Addressing the delegation, the President emphasised the importance of contributing to national development and encouraged Nigerians living abroad to see the country as a place where they could make meaningful contributions.

“I can tell you there’s nowhere like home. Some people built the society where you are… their focus was to develop their nation,” Tinubu told the medical professionals.

The President noted that the development of any nation requires the commitment and contributions of its citizens, urging Nigerian professionals in the diaspora to consider bringing their skills and experience back home.

He said the Federal Government is committed to creating an environment that would encourage professionals to return and contribute to national development.

The President’s appeal comes amid ongoing concerns over the migration of Nigerian doctors and other healthcare professionals abroad, a trend commonly referred to as the “Japa” phenomenon, which has raised concerns about the availability of skilled medical personnel in the country.

The Federal Government has continued to emphasise the need to strengthen Nigeria’s healthcare infrastructure, improve working conditions for medical professionals and expand access to quality healthcare services.

Tinubu urged the diaspora community to see themselves as important partners in Nigeria’s development, stressing that their contributions could help accelerate progress across critical sectors, including healthcare.

The President’s call to Nigerian doctors abroad is expected to further stimulate discussions on strategies to reverse the brain drain in the health sector and encourage the return of highly skilled professionals to support the country’s healthcare transformation agenda.

The 2026 National Diaspora Day provides an opportunity for the Federal Government and Nigerians in the diaspora to deepen engagement, strengthen collaboration and explore ways of harnessing the expertise and resources of citizens living outside the country for national development.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has challenged Nigerian universities to move beyond conventional classroom teaching and research by developing practical, evidence-based solutions to the country’s pressing challenges, particularly food insecurity, insecurity, climate change and technological backwardness.

The President made the call in a message delivered at the 56th Convocation Ceremony of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), where he urged the nation’s academic institutions to play a more active role in addressing challenges affecting the lives and livelihoods of Nigerians.

Tinubu stressed the need for universities to strengthen research and innovation that can translate into tangible solutions, particularly in the agricultural sector, as part of efforts to improve food production and achieve greater food security.

According to the President, Nigerian universities possess the intellectual capacity and human resources required to help the country overcome its developmental challenges. He therefore called on academics to focus more on research that responds directly to national needs and produces measurable impact.

He emphasised that universities should contribute to the development of innovative approaches capable of increasing agricultural productivity, improving food systems and supporting sustainable development.

The President also identified insecurity, climate change and the country’s technological gap among the critical areas requiring stronger collaboration between government, universities and other stakeholders.

Tinubu’s call comes amid the Federal Government’s broader efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s food security through increased agricultural production, research, technology and investment in the agricultural value chain.

He urged the academic community to embrace a more solution-oriented approach, saying the nation’s universities must become important drivers of national development rather than institutions focused solely on teaching and theoretical research.

The President further encouraged universities to deepen partnerships with government and industry, commercialise relevant research findings and ensure that innovations developed within academic institutions are translated into practical applications that can improve the economy and the well-being of citizens.

He noted that addressing Nigeria’s challenges would require collective action, with universities playing a central role in generating knowledge, nurturing innovation and providing evidence-based policy recommendations.

The President’s charge reinforces the growing emphasis on using research, science and technology to transform Nigeria’s agricultural sector and strengthen national food security.

Tinubu said the Federal Government remains committed to creating an environment where knowledge and innovation can contribute meaningfully to solving the country’s most urgent challenges.

He called on Nigerian universities to rise to the occasion by producing research and innovations that can help Nigeria achieve sustainable food production, improve security, address climate-related challenges and close the technological gap.

Members of the House of Representatives have called for urgent intervention to address the devastating effects of flooding and erosion affecting several communities across Ondo State.

The lawmakers raised the concerns during plenary, urging relevant federal agencies to take immediate steps to mitigate the worsening environmental challenges and prevent further destruction of lives and property.

They expressed concern that persistent rainfall and inadequate drainage infrastructure have worsened flooding in affected areas, while erosion has continued to threaten roads, homes, farmlands and other critical infrastructure.

The lawmakers stressed the need for the Federal Government to deploy emergency measures, including the construction and rehabilitation of drainage channels, erosion control structures and other flood management infrastructure.

They also called for closer collaboration among the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), the Ecological Project Office and other relevant authorities to assess the extent of the damage and provide relief materials to affected residents.

According to the lawmakers, the situation requires immediate attention, particularly as continued rainfall could worsen the flooding and erosion and expose more communities to danger.

They urged the government to go beyond temporary interventions by implementing sustainable measures that would address the root causes of flooding and erosion in the affected communities.

The House further emphasised the importance of early warning systems, proper town planning, environmental monitoring and public awareness campaigns to reduce the impact of future flooding and erosion disasters.

The lawmakers appealed to the Federal Government to consider the affected communities for emergency ecological intervention, noting that urgent action would help protect residents and safeguard valuable infrastructure and economic activities across Ondo State.

Mammoth Crowd as Aregbesola Storms Ile-Ife For ADC The African Democratic Congress (ADC) National Secretary, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, has on Tuesday stormed the ancient town of Ile-Ife to spearhead the mega rally for the party’s candidate for the August Gubernatorial Election, Najeem Salam.

Aregbesola was received by excited party faithfuls who awaited the arrival of the former Osun state governor.

In reaction to the warm reception, Aregbesola thrilled the crowd with his dance steps as a group of traditional chiefs serenaded him with tunes from locally fabricated bells.

The former Minister of Interior further geared the party members with solidarity songs.

Aregbesola had gone to the palace of the Ooni of Ife Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi where he met other traditional rulers from neighbouring towns and prominent chiefs of Ile Ife.

The monarch could however not receive Aregbesola and his supporters due to the death of his elder brother Prince Tunji Ogunwusi, who died at the weekend.

Meanwhile, a huge crowd of supporters had massed outside the palace located in the More area of the ancient city.

Despite the fact that the city was mourning the death of Prince Ogunwusi, the mammoth crowd trooped out to welcome Aregbesola who donned his usual traditional aso oke, with which he was known in the years past to have attended mega rallies in the state.

The All Progressives Congress APC in Oyo state has expressed dismay over Governor Seyi Makinde’s alleged spirited efforts to prevent the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission EFCC from examining the records of financial transactions involving his administration in the last seven years stating that the development was appealing and shameful.

A Federal High Court sitting in Ibadan had, on Wednesday, granted a prayer sought by the Oyo state government to prevent the EFCC from obtaining the financial details of all contracts awarded by the Makinde administration from 2021 to date while this was reported by the governor’s media office as an indication that the anti-graft agency had been barred from carrying out investigations on any allegations or suspicion of corruption involving state officials and others.

In a statement issued on Thursday and made available to journalists in Ibadan by its Publicity Secretary, Olawale Sadare, Oyo APC berated Gov. Makinde over attempts to prevent the anti graft agency from carrying out its statutory duty as it concerned investigating how the funds accrued to the state were spent within a specific time “even when it is an undeniable fact that accountability matters in public administration.

“Apparently, Gov. Makinde thought the mandate to govern conferred on him the rights to turn the entire state into his personal estates as he did not realize there would be need for accountability along the line. He began on the path of autocrat who would never be questioned for his actions and inactions in office. The latest episode of his war against anti graft agencies leaves much to be desired as Oyo state prides itself as the Pacesetters.

“The question on the lips of many patriots now is; “why would a governor be afraid to render account of resources given to him on trust to benefit the citizenry? What size of skeleton does Gov. Makinde have in the cupboard that he is keeping away from us? The truth is that he can only run but he cannot hide. EFCC and other anti graft agencies will do their work at the appropriate time and all the lid will be blown open.

“The sleaze which revolves around fraudulent award of contracts namely; Exercise Book printing, Stadium rehabilitation, Circulated Road project, Agodi Government House renovation, Bus Terminal construction, Alakia Airport upgrade, illegal sales of government properties among others as well as unremitted deductions from workers’ salaries will be investigated thoroughly and no culprit will be spared. Very soon, Gov. Makinde will be made to account for every kobo of Oyo state money which he has received in the last seven years.” Sadare said.

The Ondo State House of Assembly has been thrown into fresh crisis following reports that 21 out of the 26 lawmakers have signed an impeachment notice against the Speaker, Olamide Oladiji, over alleged financial misconduct involving N44 million reportedly released by the Ondo State Oil-Producing Areas Development Commission (OSOPADEC).

The lawmakers are reportedly accusing the Speaker of mishandling funds said to have been released in connection with the reordering of the OSOPADEC 2026 budget.

According to reports, some members of the Assembly are unhappy with the alleged manner in which the funds were handled, claiming that the Speaker failed to adequately carry other lawmakers along in the disbursement process.

A member of the Assembly, who spoke on condition of anonymity, reportedly confirmed that an impeachment process had been initiated, adding that 21 lawmakers had already signed the notice.

The lawmaker further alleged that the lawmakers had given the Speaker an opportunity to resign honourably, but that failure to do so could lead to his removal through an impeachment process on the floor of the House.

The development has reportedly heightened tension within the Assembly, with the controversy also raising questions about the future of other principal officers.

However, Speaker Olamide Oladiji has strongly denied the allegations, describing reports of an impending impeachment, resignation plan and financial misconduct as false, malicious and politically motivated.

The Speaker reportedly said he was not aware of any impeachment notice and maintained that there was no leadership crisis within the 10th Ondo State House of Assembly.

His office also rejected allegations that he diverted or mismanaged the N44 million OSOPADEC funds, insisting that the claims were fabricated to create disaffection within the legislature.

Meanwhile, the controversy has also seen allegations and counter-allegations among members of the Assembly. Hon. Olawumi Fayemi-Obayelu, representing Ilaje Constituency II, has alleged that she faced threats in connection with her investigation into the matter and called for accountability over the handling of the funds.

The Speaker has, however, denied any wrongdoing and challenged those making allegations against him to provide evidence.

As of the latest reports, the political crisis within the Ondo State House of Assembly remains unresolved, with the reported impeachment move and the Speaker’s denial setting the stage for further developments in the coming days.

The allegations have not been independently established, and the Speaker remains in office as the matter continues to unfold.

The Oyo State House of Assembly has approved the request of Governor Seyi Makinde to proceed on his annual leave, paving the way for the Deputy Governor, Barr. Bayo Lawal, to oversee the affairs of the state during the governor’s absence.

The governor’s leave takes effect from August 10 and ends on September 11. According to the governor’s letter, he will officially resume office on September 14, 2026.

The approval followed the consideration of a formal correspondence from Governor Makinde during plenary, in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, which requires a governor to notify the legislature whenever he intends to be away from office.

The Deputy Speaker of the House, Hon. Muhammed Fadeyi, who presided over the plenary in the absence of the Speaker, Rt Honorable Adebo Ogundoyin, on Thursday, read the governor’s letter before members.

The lawmakers unanimously granted the request while expressing confidence in the seamless continuity of governance in the state under the deputy governor.

Westernmirror.com.ng reports that the deputy governor becomes the Acting Governor overseeing governance for the entire period of the governor’s annual leave.

Governor Makinde, in the letter, informed the Assembly that he would be embarking on his annual leave and requested the approval of the House to enable the Deputy Governor to act on his behalf throughout the period of his absence.

Following the approval, the House affirmed that Deputy Governor Bayo Lawal would oversee the day-to-day administration of the state, ensuring that government activities continue uninterrupted until Governor Makinde resumes duty.

Speaking after the approval, the Deputy Speaker wished the governor a peaceful and refreshing leave, noting that the legislature remained committed to sustaining cordial relations with the executive arm in the interest of the people of Oyo State.

The Deputy Speaker also expressed confidence in the capacity of the Deputy Governor to provide effective leadership during the period as evident in the past, describing the state’s governance structure as stable and capable of guaranteeing continuity in policy implementation.

Lawmakers, in separate remarks, commended Governor Makinde for complying with constitutional provisions by formally notifying the House, describing the action as another demonstration of respect for the rule of law and democratic governance.

The Assembly subsequently directed that its resolution approving the governor’s annual leave be communicated to the executive arm for necessary action.

The Governing Council of the University of Ibadan (UI) has appointed Professor Peter Olamakinde Olapegba as the institution’s 14th substantive Vice-Chancellor.

The appointment followed a competitive selection process involving eight candidates and was announced on Wednesday by the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, Adebisi Akande, shortly after the council approved the recommendation of the Joint Council-Senate Selection Board.

According to Akande, the process began in line with the provisions of the University Act, ahead of the expiration of the tenure of the incumbent Vice-Chancellor on November 1, 2026.

He disclosed that advertisements inviting applications for the position were published in three national newspapers in April 2026, resulting in six applications from qualified candidates.

He said the Governing Council subsequently constituted a Search Team, as required by law, to identify other suitably qualified academics who had not applied directly. The exercise produced two additional candidates, bringing the total number of applicants to eight.

Akande explained that the council interacted with all eight candidates on Tuesday, July 21, during a rigorous assessment exercise in which members independently evaluated and scored the candidates based on approved guidelines.

The exercise resulted in the shortlisting of five candidates, ranked in order of merit, for the final stage of the selection process.

He added that the Governing Council nominated two of its members to serve on the Joint Council-Senate Selection Board, while the University Senate had earlier elected two representatives to participate in the process.

The Selection Board subsequently interviewed the five shortlisted candidates on Wednesday and recommended Professor Olapegba as the most suitable candidate for the position.

Describing the selection process as “thorough, transparent and highly competitive,” Akande said the Governing Council unanimously approved the recommendation of the Selection Board.

“It is, therefore, my pleasure to present to you the 14th Vice-Chancellor of this great university, the University of Ibadan, Professor Peter Olamakinde Olapegba. We wish him success in his tenure,” Akande said.

Professor Olapegba is currently the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration) of the University of Ibadan and a Professor in the Department of Psychology.

He is expected to succeed the incumbent Vice-Chancellor, whose tenure ends on November 1, 2026.

His appointment ushers in a new leadership era at Nigeria’s premier university, with expectations that his administration will sustain and further advance the institution’s longstanding reputation for academic excellence, cutting-edge research, innovation and institutional development.

Resident doctors at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), Idi-Araba, Lagos State, have commenced an indefinite strike over concerns surrounding poor residential accommodation, delayed payment of salaries for newly employed doctors, and the withdrawal of meals provided for doctors on call duty.

The industrial action, according to reports, followed unresolved grievances between the resident doctors and the hospital management over welfare and working conditions.

The doctors are reportedly demanding urgent intervention to address what they described as unacceptable accommodation conditions, which they say have continued to affect their welfare and ability to effectively carry out their professional responsibilities.

The delayed payment of salaries to newly employed resident doctors is also said to have heightened tensions, with affected doctors reportedly awaiting payment despite having commenced their duties at the tertiary health institution.

Another major point of contention is the reported withdrawal of call duty meals, which resident doctors say has further worsened their working conditions, particularly for those who work extended hours and remain on duty overnight.

The strike is expected to affect the delivery of healthcare services at the teaching hospital, one of the major referral centres serving Lagos State and neighbouring communities.

The development has raised concerns among patients and their relatives, who may face delays or disruptions in accessing medical services during the industrial action.

The resident doctors are expected to continue the strike until their demands are addressed and a resolution is reached with the hospital management.

Efforts by relevant stakeholders to resolve the dispute and prevent further disruption to healthcare services are expected to intensify as the strike continues.

A resident was reportedly killed while two others sustained gunshot injuries following an alleged shooting involving operatives of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) and soldiers during a pursuit of suspected rice smugglers in the Oko-Afo area of Badagry, Lagos State.

The incident reportedly occurred on Monday evening, between 7:30 p.m. and 8:00 p.m., around Oko-Afo Bus Stop, near Oyobo Filling Station.

According to eyewitness accounts cited in reports, the security operatives were pursuing a commercial bus allegedly conveying three bags of smuggled rice when the situation escalated.

The Customs officers and soldiers were said to have followed the vehicle into a nearby street after the occupants allegedly attempted to evade arrest. Eyewitnesses further alleged that shots were fired during the pursuit, causing residents and commuters to flee the area in panic.

A resident reportedly sustained a gunshot injury to the chest and later died. Two other people, including a trader who was allegedly hit by a stray bullet, were also reportedly injured and taken to hospital for treatment.

The incident reportedly caused confusion in the community, with traders, residents and motorists said to have scampered for safety following the gunfire.

The family of the deceased reportedly confirmed that the matter had been reported at the Morogbo Police Station. The family was said to have declined an alleged police request to deposit the deceased’s remains at a morgue, insisting that the body be buried in accordance with Islamic rites.

Reacting to the incident, the Nigeria Customs Service said it was saddened by reports of the death and confirmed that it was compiling a full operational report to establish what transpired.

The NCS Public Relations Officer, Deputy Comptroller Abdullahi Maiwada, reportedly said an investigation had commenced to determine the circumstances surrounding the shooting and assess whether operational rules of engagement were followed.

He reportedly stressed that the Customs Service has a zero-tolerance policy for the unprofessional or reckless use of firearms, adding that any officer found to have acted outside the law or established operational procedures would face appropriate disciplinary and legal action.

The agency appealed to residents of Oko-Afo, Badagry, and the general public to remain calm while investigations continue.

The identities of the deceased and injured victims had not been officially released at the time of reporting.