October 24, 2026

Abuja

Abuja blackout: AEDC announces 3-day power outage as FCDA relocates 33kV towers, over 40 communities affected Abuja blackout: AEDC announces 3-day power outage as FCDA relocates 33kV towers, over 40 communities affected

Abuja blackout: AEDC announces 3-day power outage as FCDA relocates 33kV towers, over 40 communities affected

By EZEKIEL OBI, Abuja October 23, 2026
Residents of more than 40 communities and estates across the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) will experience a three-day disruption in electricity supply following a planned outage announced by the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC). The electricity distribution company said the temporary blackout is necessary to allow the Federal Capital...
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Ebola alert: WAHO tightens regional surveillance after Nigeria confirms imported case in Abuja Waho West African Health Organization

Ebola alert: WAHO tightens regional surveillance after Nigeria confirms imported case in Abuja

By JOY ADARA, Abuja October 22, 2026
The West African Health Organisation (WAHO) has stepped up regional disease surveillance following the confirmation of an imported case of Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) in Nigeria, assuring that efforts are underway to prevent the virus from spreading across West Africa. The regional health body said it is working closely...
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Daily Trust Foundation launches DTF Journalism Academy Daily Trust Foundation launches DTF Journalism Academy

Daily Trust Foundation launches DTF Journalism Academy

By OFFOR CALLISTUS, Abuja October 22, 2026
Daily Trust Foundation, the non-profit arm of the Media Trust Group, has announced the official launch of the DTF Journalism Academy, a new initiative dedicated to advancing journalism training and professional development across Nigeria. Since its establishment in 2017, the Foundation has trained over 2,000 journalists nationwide in diverse...
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Former Obi campaign chiefs dump Peter Obi, back Tinubu for 2027 Leaders of Batified Obidients addressing journalists during the group's official launch and press conference in Abuja

Former Obi campaign chiefs dump Peter Obi, back Tinubu for 2027

By OFFOR CALLISTUS, Abuja October 22, 2026
Former members of the 2023 Presidential Campaign Council of Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, on Wednesday formally declared support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027, unveiling a new political movement known as Batified Obidients and pledging to mobilise support for the All Progressives Congress (APC),...
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JAMB considers critical thinking, life skills in UTME JAMB UTME

JAMB considers critical thinking, life skills in UTME

By JOHN ONAH, Abuja October 21, 2026
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) is considering the inclusion of critical thinking and life skills in the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) to assess candidates’ reasoning, decision-making and problem-solving abilities. JAMB Registrar, Prof. Segun Aina, disclosed this on Wednesday during an interaction with UTME candidates at the...
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Alausa reaffirms FG’s commitment to TVET as about 250,000 Nigerians undergo skills training nationwide Alausa reaffirms FG’s commitment to TVET as about 250,000 Nigerians undergo skills training nationwide Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, has reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to strengthening Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), disclosing that nearly 250,000 Nigerians are undergoing skills training across more than 1,200 accredited training centres nationwide. Dr Alausa made this known during an engagement with the House of Representatives Committee on Polytechnic and Higher Technical Education, chaired by Hon. Fuad Kayode Laguda, where he presented updates on the programme’s implementation, achievements, funding, enrolment and accountability mechanisms. The minister disclosed that the latest TVET application portal recorded nearly 1.4 million applications within two weeks, surpassing the 1.3 million applications received during the first cohort within ten days. He said the figures reflected growing public interest in technical and vocational education as a pathway to employment, entrepreneurship and economic advancement. Alausa commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his support for the education sector, noting that the administration had renewed national attention to technical and vocational education as a strategic investment in human capital development and economic growth. He explained that the Federal Government was rebuilding the TVET ecosystem to equip young Nigerians with practical, industry-relevant skills that would enable them to secure employment, establish businesses and compete in an increasingly skills-driven global economy. Addressing concerns about access to training opportunities, the Minister said the admission process was designed to be transparent, accessible and merit-based, with eligible applicants applying through a centralised online portal. Applicants provide relevant information, including their National Identification Number (NIN) and biometric details, to support verification. He added that the allocation of available training opportunities took account of geographical representation across states and local government areas, given the programme’s limited capacity relative to the number of applicants. On funding, Dr Alausa stated that each trainee receives a monthly stipend of ₦30,000, while accredited training centres receive ₦50,000 per student monthly to support training delivery. He explained that biometric attendance verification had been introduced to strengthen accountability and ensure that public funds were tied to actual participation. According to him, initial payment delays arose from the implementation of the system, as the Ministry prioritised verifiable attendance records over manual documentation. He confirmed that the issue had been resolved and payments to trainees and training centres were up to date as of September. The Minister further stated that the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) was responsible for verifying the capacity of centres seeking accreditation. He said only centres that met the prescribed requirements were approved, adding that the process was intended to safeguard training standards, ensure quality delivery and expand access through capable private-sector providers. Dr Alausa said the programme was designed to translate skills acquisition into tangible economic opportunities, with beneficiaries expected to receive starter packs and relevant equipment upon completing their training. He cited tailoring and electrical installation as examples of trades in which graduates would receive the tools needed to begin providing services within their communities. The initiative, he explained, would help beneficiaries apply their skills, establish businesses, earn a livelihood and contribute to local economic development. Beyond conventional vocational trades, the Minister disclosed that the Federal Government was supporting a Digital Technology Academy currently training 36,000 Nigerians in areas including software development, cybersecurity, natural language processing, information technology automation, artificial intelligence, machine learning and quantum computing. He said participants had access to international learning platforms and professional certification opportunities associated with Coursera, Google and IBM. The initiative, according to him, was intended to equip young Nigerians with globally relevant digital competencies, enabling them to access opportunities in the digital economy and provide services to clients in Nigeria and abroad. The Minister added that the Ministry was supporting improvements in training infrastructure, instructor capacity and modern equipment, while introducing a TVET job portal to connect graduates with prospective employers and strengthen the link between skills training and employment. He also stated that education in federal technical colleges, as well as in one designated state technical college in each state, was free, with the Federal Government bearing the associated training costs. He said the policy was intended to reduce financial barriers and widen access to technical and vocational education. Providing details of the programme’s geographical reach, Dr Alausa cited enrolment figures from several states. In Bauchi State, 4,888 trainees were enrolled across 50 accredited centres, including 520 in Katagum. Akwa Ibom State had 5,885 trainees across 57 accredited centres, while Kogi State had 5,144 trainees across 42 centres. In Katsina State, approximately 1,800 trainees were undergoing training in eight newly established technical centres adopted into the programme. The Minister in a statement bybhis media aide, Ikharo Attah, further highlighted ongoing efforts to rehabilitate and develop technical education infrastructure, including facilities in the Federal Capital Territory, and strengthen the capacity of instructors through specialised training. He disclosed that some lecturers were participating in a train-the-trainer programme in Lagos with experts from the Singapore Institute of Technical Education, an initiative aimed at improving instructional capacity and the quality of technical training. Dr Alausa acknowledged the need for more regular engagement with members of the National Assembly, noting that sustained communication would enable lawmakers to better understand the programme’s implementation and communicate its benefits to their constituents. He assured the Committee that the Ministry would provide detailed statistics on enrolment, accredited training centres and ongoing training across states and local government areas. He also encouraged lawmakers to visit accredited centres in their constituencies to assess implementation and engage directly with trainees and training providers. The Minister emphasised that the TVET programme was intended to serve as a sustainable human capital development strategy rather than a temporary social intervention, equipping beneficiaries with practical skills and resources to pursue employment and entrepreneurship. In his remarks, the Chairman of the House Committee on Polytechnic and Higher Technical Education, Hon. Fuad Kayode Laguda, described the engagement as fruitful and purposeful, noting that it provided an opportunity for constructive discussions on developments in the education sector and progress in technical and vocational education. Hon. Laguda reaffirmed the Committee’s commitment to strengthening collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Education, deepening legislative understanding of the programme and sustaining effective oversight to improve performance in the sector. He expressed optimism that continued engagement and cooperation would enable the Committee to make meaningful progress within the remaining period of the 10th National Assembly. Dr Alausa called on lawmakers to support the programme by raising public awareness, engaging their constituents and visiting accredited training centres to monitor implementation. He reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to expanding access to quality technical and vocational education, strengthening accountability and equipping Nigerian youths with practical, industry-relevant and globally competitive skills to support employment, entrepreneurship and national development.

Alausa reaffirms FG’s commitment to TVET as about 250,000 Nigerians undergo skills training nationwide

By JOHN ONAH, Abuja October 21, 2026
Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, has reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to strengthening Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), disclosing that nearly 250,000 Nigerians are undergoing skills training across more than 1,200 accredited training centres nationwide. Dr Alausa made this known during an engagement with the House...
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Atiku breaks silence on Abuja Ebola case, sends strong message to Nigerians ADC Presidential candidate for the 2027 general election in Nigeria, Atiku Abubakar

Atiku breaks silence on Abuja Ebola case, sends strong message to Nigerians

By OFFOR CALLISTUS, Abuja October 21, 2026
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has reacted to the confirmed Ebola case in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), calling for calm and urging Nigerians to follow verified health advice as authorities work to contain the virus. In a post shared on his X account on Tuesday, Atiku expressed concern...
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FG sets up committee to expedite agricultural interventions, boost food security FG sets up committee to expedite agricultural interventions, boost food security

FG sets up committee to expedite agricultural interventions, boost food security

By DAVID IORJA, Abuja October 21, 2026
In a major push for food security, the Federal Government has set up a technical committee to immediately accelerate livestock development and staple crop production nationwide. Specifically, the committee is to expedite action on strategic interventions in the agricultural sector, targeting wheat and other staple crops production as well...
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FG raises Ebola alarm after confirming Abuja case, 44 contacts under watch Ebola virus

FG raises Ebola alarm after confirming Abuja case, 44 contacts under watch

By EZEKIEL OBI, Abuja October 20, 2026
Federal Government has confirmed an Ebola case in Abuja, prompting an emergency response to stop the deadly virus from spreading. The patient, a woman who recently arrived in Nigeria from Uganda on an international flight, is receiving treatment in isolation. Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad...
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TETFund urges academics to turn research into marketable innovations TETFund urges academics to turn research into marketable innovations

TETFund urges academics to turn research into marketable innovations

By JOHN ONAH, Abuja October 20, 2026
Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) has urged Nigerian academics and researchers to move beyond publishing scholarly papers and focus on developing practical innovations that address societal challenges, create jobs and generate economic opportunities. The Executive Secretary of TETFund, Dr Sonny Echono, made the call in Abuja on Friday through...
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Nigeria’s Judiciary Ahead of 2027 – Between Power and the People, By CHIDI ANSELM ODINKALU Prof Odinkalu Chief Justice of the Federation Justice Kekere Ekun 1

Nigeria’s Judiciary Ahead of 2027 – Between Power and the People, By CHIDI ANSELM ODINKALU

Chidi Anselm Odinkalu October 18, 2026
The annual ritual of the opening of the judicial year at Nigeria’s Supreme Court is an occasion for pomp, ceremony, and celebration. It usually marks the admission of a new set of lawyers into the sequined ranks of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SANs). This year, 68 made the cut....
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Bola Tinubu Barracks Phase 11 takes shapes as COAS inspects project Bola Tinubu Barracks Phase 11 takes shapes as COAS inspects project

Bola Tinubu Barracks Phase 11 takes shapes as COAS inspects project

By VICTOR CHIAHEMEN, Abuja October 17, 2026
The ongoing construction of Bola Ahmed Tinubu Barracks Phase II has recorded appreciable progress as the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, on Friday, 16 October 2026, undertook an unscheduled inspection of the project to assess the pace of work, construction standards and compliance with approved...
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EFCC arraigns 3 for alleged impersonation of Tunde Ednut, N18.2m fraud in Abuja   EFCC

EFCC arraigns 3 for alleged impersonation of Tunde Ednut, N18.2m fraud in Abuja  

By JOY ADARA, Abuja October 16, 2026
Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), on Thursday, October 15, 2026, arraigned the trio of Raymond Charles Yafetus, Auwal Ibrahim and Babangida Yahaya Ibrahim before Justice S. O. Ibrahim of the Federal High Court, Abuja for allegedly impersonating Nigerian blogger and influencer,  Tunde Ednut. They were arraigned on a three...
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Obi raises alarm over FCT school children staying home amid teachers’ strike, says education must come first Obi raises alarm over FCT school children staying home amid teachers’ strike, says education must come first

Obi raises alarm over FCT school children staying home amid teachers’ strike, says education must come first

By OFFOR CALLISTUS, Abuja October 16, 2026
Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has called for urgent action to address Nigeria’s education challenges, warning that the future of the country depends on prioritising schools, healthcare and poverty reduction. Obi raised the concern on Friday after visiting Sheda and Sheda Galadima communities in Kwali Area...
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Tertiary education: FG proposes 80% practical, 20% theory Cleared EFCC recoveries, unclaimed dividends and dormant funds will strengthen NELFUND, says Alausa

Tertiary education: FG proposes 80% practical, 20% theory

By JOHN ONAH, Abuja October 15, 2026
Federal Government is planning to introduce an 80 per cent practical and 20 per cent theoretical curriculum in tertiary institutions to equip students with relevant skills and improve their employability. The Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, represented by the Minister of State for Education, Suwaiba Ahmad, disclosed this at...
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“Publish the invoices” — Atiku’s aide questions cost of Wike’s monthly media broadcasts “Publish the invoices” — Atiku’s aide questions cost of Wike’s monthly media broadcasts

“Publish the invoices” — Atiku’s aide questions cost of Wike’s monthly media broadcasts

By OFFOR CALLISTUS, Abuja October 15, 2026
Spokesman to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Paul Ibe, has questioned the cost of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike’s live media chats, demanding transparency over the funds used for the broadcasts. Ibe raised the concerns in a statement following Wike’s latest live television appearance involving several...
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Tinubu to judiciary: Probe prosecution strategies, seal procedural gaps exploited by criminals Tinubu to judiciary: Probe prosecution strategies, seal procedural gaps exploited by criminals

Tinubu to judiciary: Probe prosecution strategies, seal procedural gaps exploited by criminals

By DAVID IORJA, Abuja October 14, 2026
In the bid to strengthen legal processes and expedite criminal prosecutions, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has asked the Judiciary to dismantle the procedural loopholes and flawed prosecution tactics that allow for the escape justice. He demanded an aggressive overhaul of the justice system to ensure that no well-connected individual...
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Wike urges Germany to invest in Abuja’s ICT, agric programmes Wike urges Germany to invest in Abuja’s ICT, agric programmes

Wike urges Germany to invest in Abuja’s ICT, agric programmes

By EZEKIEL OBI, Abuja October 14, 2026
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Nyesom Wike, has sought strategic development partnerships with German cities, specifically targeting agriculture, Information and Communications Technology (ICT), and youth skill acquisition Wike made the remarks when the German Ambassador to Nigeria Mr Stefan Rössel, visited him in Abuja on Tuesday....
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