Category: Featured

The Federal Government has warned the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) that it will enforce the “no work, no pay” policy after lecturers began a two-week warning strike to protest unpaid arrears and poor implementation of past agreements.

The Ministry of Education said the rule is backed by labour law and will apply if the strike continues.

ASUU, however, insists that the policy is unfair and that government has not fully met its commitments under the 2009 agreement.

Stakeholders are urging both sides to resume dialogue to prevent disruption of the academic calendar.

Uncertainty now surrounds the implementation of the proposed 2026 Computer-Based Testing (CBT) format for the National Examinations Council (NECO) examinations following a virtual meeting between the Council and CBT centre owners that ended in a deadlock on Wednesday.

The meeting, held via Zoom on October 9, 2025, had over 450 CBT centre owners and managers in attendance.

What began as a seemingly smooth and interactive engagement soon degenerated into a heated exchange after the NECO consultant, identified as Mr. Temi of MG, announced that ₦1,000 per session had been earmarked as payment for each centre during the exams.

The announcement reportedly angered many participants, who described the amount as “unrealistic” and “unsustainable” given the high cost of running and maintaining CBT facilities.

Several centre managers questioned whether the ₦1,000 fee would cover diesel expenses and other operational costs incurred during both the preparation and conduct of the exams, which typically span several weeks.

In his response, the NECO chairperson, who also attended the session, compared the proposed rate with what other examination bodies currently offer. He, however, insisted that since NECO’s examinations usually last longer, the amount was “reasonable.”

The explanation did little to calm the participants, who continued to express strong reservations about the proposal.

One of the centre owners, who spoke on behalf of others, demanded to know whether NECO had developed a formal working document that would outline the operational guidelines and expectations for the exercise.

In response, the consultant affirmed that such a document would be made available only to centres that successfully complete an “Autobot Test” a prerequisite evaluation exercise scheduled to end on October 16, 2026.

However, multiple CBT operators who spoke to our correspondent after the meeting expressed disappointment and scepticism about the proposed arrangement.

According to one of them, many centres are reluctant to participate because of the low payment and the relatively low turnout of candidates for NECO’s November/December examinations.

“There is little incentive for us to invest time and resources in preparing for a process that may not even be profitable. NECO needs to review its proposal and engage stakeholders meaningfully if it wants to succeed,” one operator said.

The Tribune gathered that several CBT centre owners have begun reconsidering their participation in the exercise, citing poor consultation, cost implications, and the absence of a clearly defined operational framework.

As of press time, NECO had yet to issue an official statement on whether adjustments would be made to the proposed payment structure or timeline for implementation of the computer-based testing model.

Compatriots of the Press, it is evident that nothing concrete has been done to halt the implementation of the resolution reached by ASUU-NEC to embark on a two-week warning strike following the expiration of the 14-day notice issued on 28th September 2025.

Accordingly, all ASUU branches are hereby directed to withdraw their services effective from midnight on Monday, 13th October 2025.

This warning strike, as resolved at the last NEC meeting, shall be total and comprehensive.

Former presidential candidate and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftain, Dr. Gbenga Hashim, has berated the Federal Government over what he described as its “shamefully political and dangerously unserious” response to Nigeria’s deepening insecurity crisis.

Hashim said the government’s reaction to growing terrorist and bandit attacks has been driven more by propaganda and partisan considerations than by a genuine commitment to protect citizens.

“This government treats the blood of innocent Nigerians like a campaign statistic,” Hashim lamented in a statement at the weekend. “Instead of confronting terrorists and bandits, they are busy issuing statements and blaming imaginary enemies. Governance is not propaganda. The APC is more interested in securing PDP governors ahead of 2027 than securing Nigeria. Rather than uniting the country, the APC is pitching the South against the North.”

The Global Energy entrepreneur said the recent move by the United States to consider placing Nigeria on a watchlist of countries of concern over religious and security issues was a direct consequence of the government’s “failure to protect its citizens and confront terrorism with sincerity.”

“While Nigeria does not have a state policy of genocide or persecution against Christians or any particular group, the levity with which the government has handled terrorist activities should worry every decent human being , not only Americans,” he said.

Hashim warned that if the current trend continues, terrorist networks could establish parallel governments in parts of northern Nigeria before 2027, with the North Central zone becoming their main battlefield.

He accused the political elite of being consumed by the race for 2027 elections instead of working to stabilize the country.

“Too many politicians are dancing around 2027, ignoring the fire already consuming the nation. If this continues, the context for elections may not even exist when the time comes,” he cautioned.

Turning to the economy, Hashim faulted the Tinubu administration’s fiscal direction, especially what he called “the endless imposition of taxes and levies on already suffering citizens,” warning that such policies were worsening poverty and insecurity.

“When people can’t eat or live in dignity, social violence becomes inevitable,” he said. “You can’t tax hunger out of poverty, you only create more chaos.”

Hashim urged the Federal Government to urgently reform the national security architecture, tackle the economic roots of violence, and unite Nigerians around a genuine plan for peace and development.

“We must save Nigeria now. Delay is dangerous. This is not about politics anymore, it is about the survival of our nation.” He concluded.

The Minister of Works, Engineer David Umahi, has reacted to comments made by Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde over the ongoing controversy about the cost of road projects under the current administration.
 
Governor Makinde on Thursday berated Umahi for failing to reveal details in the costing of the project when he appeared on Arise TV.

Responding, Umahi expressed his disappointment while inspecting the Keffi section of the Abuja- Mararaba-Keffi road, along side the Nasarawa State Governor, Abdullahi Sule, on Saturday, October 11.

 “I have a lot of respect for governors and the Governors Forum but if a governor that is far my junior in engineering and governance insults me I will talk back.

One thing I’m very good at is mathematics. I’m an A student in mathematics. This controversy about cost per kilometer, I have told you that this project is about 43 kilometres but we have increased it to utilize the money given for the project by the last administration which was N73 billion, we have increased it to about 45 kilometers.

If we are doing surface tracing on the shoulder, the cost will be different, it we are using asphalt on the shoulder, the cost will be different, if we are using concrete as we are using, the cost will be different. It is being mischievous when you ask for the cost of a length of road but by the professorial information, you can ask for cost per kilometer could be estimated, could be divided to sections.

First, estimated cost, and estimated cost of this project, you can divide N73 billion over 45 kilometers, that is the estimated cost. This cost has the element of contingency and element of vop, they may not likely be used. When you have finished this project and of course, you can see that in this project, there are places you are using the existing median and there are places you will construct new median, will the cost be the same?

It is not possible.when you have finished, you removed the vop, you removed contingency, you have not used,at be it is N40 or N70 billion and probably you have done 50 kilometers, then that is when you divide and have an average cost.

Nigeria’s total public debt stock has risen to ₦152.40 trillion as of June 30, 2025, according to new figures released by the Debt Management Office (DMO) on Saturday.

The figure represents an increase of ₦3.01 trillion, or 2.01%, from the ₦149.39 trillion recorded in March 2025. In dollar terms, the debt rose from $97.24 billion to $99.66 billion, marking a 2.49% rise within three months.

The DMO attributed the increase to fresh borrowing both domestically and externally to fund fiscal gaps, despite ongoing efforts to boost revenue and stabilise the exchange rate.

A breakdown of the report shows that external debt grew from $45.98 billion in March to $46.98 billion (₦71.85 trillion) by June. The World Bank remains Nigeria’s largest external creditor with $18.04 billion, representing 38% of total external obligations, largely through the International Development Association (IDA).

Multilateral lenders collectively hold $23.19 billion (49.4%), including the African Development Bank (AfDB), International Monetary Fund (IMF), and Islamic Development Bank (IsDB). Bilateral loans stood at $6.20 billion, led by China’s Exim Bank at $4.91 billion, followed by France, Japan, India, and Germany.

Commercial loans, primarily Eurobonds, amounted to $17.32 billion, representing 36.9% of total external debt, while $268.9 million came from syndicated facilities and commercial bank loans. Analysts warn that Nigeria’s heavy Eurobond exposure makes it more vulnerable to global market shocks.

On the domestic front, total debt climbed from ₦78.76 trillion in March to ₦80.55 trillion in June; an increase of ₦1.79 trillion or 2.27%. Federal Government bonds dominated with ₦60.65 trillion (79.2%), including ₦36.52 trillion in naira bonds, ₦22.72 trillion in securitised Ways and Means advances from the CBN, and ₦1.40 trillion in dollar bonds. Other instruments comprised Treasury Bills (₦12.76tn), Sukuk Bonds (₦1.29tn), Savings Bonds (₦91.53bn), Green Bonds (₦62.36bn), and Promissory Notes (₦1.73tn).

Former Deputy Chief Whip of the Senate, Senator Hosea Agboola, popularly known as Halleluyah, has formally resigned from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

In a resignation letter addressed to the PDP Chairman in Itesiwaju Local Government, Otu, Oyo State, Agboola expressed gratitude to the party for the opportunity to serve both at the state and national levels. He, however, noted that his decision was driven by “future political pursuits” which require his full attention at this time.

Agboola, regarded as a key political figure and one of Governor Seyi Makinde’s early allies, stated that he had deliberately stayed away from recent party activities and congresses to prepare for his next political direction.

His exit is seen as a major shake-up in Oyo State politics, given his influence and long-standing role within the PDP.

Nigeria’s Super Eagles on Thursday kept their hopes of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup alive with a 2–1 victory over Lesotho in their Group C qualifier. The match was played on the African continent, with both sides seeking crucial points toward qualification for the North American tournament.

Head coach Eric Chelle fielded a strong starting lineup that featured the return of Galatasaray forward Victor Osimhen and Al-Kholood defender William Troost-Ekong, both key figures for the national team.

Nigeria started brightly, with Moses Simon setting the early tone in the sixth minute, cutting in from the right flank but finding Lesotho’s defence too organised to break down. Despite dominating possession, the Eagles struggled with sloppy passes as the Crocodiles’ compact back line limited attacking opportunities.

Osimhen came close to opening the scoring in the 38th minute after outpacing his marker to connect with a cross from the right, but his powerful strike was kept out by Lesotho goalkeeper Sekhoane Moerane. The first half ended goalless despite Nigeria’s sustained pressure.

The breakthrough came eight minutes into the second half when Motlomelo Mkwanazi was penalised for a handball inside the box after blocking a shot from Moses Simon. Captain William Troost-Ekong converted the resulting penalty, calmly placing the ball into the bottom right corner to put Nigeria ahead.

Nigeria doubled their lead in the 80th minute following a swift attacking move. Osimhen set up Akor Adams, who drilled home a composed finish past Sekhoane to make it 2–0.

Lesotho, however, capitalised on a defensive lapse from Nigeria late in the game. A poorly cleared corner kick fell to Hlompho Kalake, who fired a looping shot over goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali to reduce the deficit.

Despite the late scare, the Super Eagles held firm to secure all three points, boosting their qualification chances as they continue their campaign toward the 2026 World Cup, to be hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has questioned the cost of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, saying the Minister of Works, David Umahi, should not “dance around” providing details about the project’s expenses.

In a viral video released on Friday, Makinde commented on the controversy surrounding the project, which was approved by President Bola Tinubu.

His remarks came days after a heated on-air exchange between Umahi and Arise TV anchor, Rufai Oseni, over the cost breakdown of the highway.

During the interview, Oseni had asked Umahi to state the cost of the project per kilometre, a question that appeared to irritate the minister.

Umahi dismissed the query, insisting that the cost per kilometre varied and could not be easily simplified. He also told the presenter to “keep quiet,” describing himself as a “professor in engineering.”

Reacting, Makinde defended Oseni’s question, stating that the minister owed Nigerians transparency on how public funds were being spent. He illustrated his point by citing examples from Oyo State road projects, where costs were clearly stated and justified.

“When we did the Oyo to Iseyin road, it was about ₦9.99 billion for roughly 35 kilometres; an average of ₦238 million per kilometre,” Makinde said. “For Iseyin to Ogbomoso, 76 kilometres cost about ₦43 billion, averaging ₦500 million per kilometre. That’s how to be accountable.”

The Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, a 700-kilometre project spanning nine states with two northern spurs, was flagged off last year.

The first phase, covering 47.47 kilometres, is being constructed by Hitech Construction Company Limited using concrete pavement.

Says smear campaign can’t stop me ahead of 2027

Former presidential candidate, Dr. Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim, has accused elements within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of sponsoring renewed allegations against him through his estranged wife, describing it as part of a smear campaign to discredit him ahead of the 2027 general elections.

In a detailed statement, Olawepo-Hashim alleged that his ex-wife’s recent claims in the media were orchestrated by remnants of the same political handlers who, he said, plotted to stop his 2019 presidential bid.

According to him, “She had been recruited by elements around Buhari in the UK High Commission and the Nigerian Intelligence Agency (NIA). Apart from other sinister things they did, they tried to frame me up for funding terrorism. I was questioned in the UK and released when no evidence was found. She was the one who gave the information to the UK authorities.”

The politician alleged that the same group seized two of his oil assets during the period, forcing him into a prolonged legal battle. He recalled that in November 2020, the Federal High Court, Abuja, presided over by Justice Taiwo Taiwo, restored the Hely Creek and Abigborodo marginal oil fields to his company, Transnational Energy Limited (TEL), after ruling that the government’s revocation of the fields was illegal. The court also awarded $20 million in damages against the federal institutions involved.

Olawepo-Hashim claimed that his ex-wife’s legal battle in the UK was part of that broader scheme, adding that she was “recruited by the then Deputy Director-General of the NIA, Air Force General Bello, who is her in-law.”

He explained that she obtained an undefended divorce judgment in England in which she was awarded £18 million (about ₦36 billion), but the judgment was later annulled by a Nigerian court since their marriage was conducted under Nigerian law.

“APC handlers funded her with millions of dollars, nominating her for several foreign grants for female entrepreneurs and start-up businesses. My lawyers have written to her several times to provide account details for the children’s upkeep, but she refused because she wants £18 million, not money for their welfare,” he said.

The former presidential candidate added that his ex-wife had denied his family access to their children, describing her as “a professional blackmailer and social climber who has made plenty of money from that trade.”

He maintained that the revival of her story was politically motivated, asserting that “now that the 2027 campaign has started, the same APC team has picked her up again, pushing her story in the media.”

Olawepo-Hashim dismissed reports of a new court order directing one of his companies to pay ₦300 million, calling it “an invention of an APC night court,” as he claimed no such process was ever served on his legal team.

“This is an act of desperation on their part, and it shows our message is biting them. Picking up stories from bitter women against opposition figures will not save the APC from imminent defeat in 2027,” he stated.

Concluding, he said, “Tales like this did not stop President Trump in America; they won’t stop us here either, by the grace of God.”