Aeesha's Blog

Author: Aeesha Zannah

  • 2026 UTME/DE: Create Your Profiles Now Ahead Registration, JAMB Urges Candidates

    The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has urged prospective candidates for the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) and Direct Entry (DE) to begin the creation of their profiles ahead of the commencement of registration.

    The Registrar of JAMB, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, made the call in a statement issued by the Board’s spokesperson in Abuja on Tuesday, stressing that early profile creation would help to ensure a seamless registration process and reduce last-minute challenges.

    According to Oloyede, the profile creation exercise is a compulsory preliminary step for all candidates intending to sit for the 2026 UTME or apply through the Direct Entry mode, noting that no candidate would be able to register without a valid JAMB profile.

    He explained that candidates are required to generate their profiles by sending their National Identification Number (NIN) via SMS to the designated JAMB shortcode or by using approved online platforms, in line with existing guidelines.

    “The Board advises all prospective candidates to commence their profile creation early to avoid congestion and unnecessary pressure as the registration deadline approaches,” Oloyede said.

    He reiterated that the integration of NIN into the registration process remained a critical requirement aimed at enhancing data integrity, eliminating multiple registrations and curbing examination malpractice.

    The registrar also cautioned candidates to ensure that their personal details, including names and dates of birth, were correctly captured in their NIN records before initiating the profile creation process, as discrepancies could affect their registration and admission chances.

    Oloyede warned candidates against patronising cybercafés and individuals not accredited by the Board, noting that JAMB would not be held responsible for errors arising from the use of unauthorised centres.

    He further disclosed the details of the 2026 UTME and DE registration timetable, approved centres, examination dates and modalities would be officially announced by the Board in due course.

    The Board assured candidates and other stakeholders of its commitment to conducting a transparent, credible and hitch-free examination, urging parents and guardians to guide their wards appropriately throughout the registration process.

    Sources report that the UTME is a prerequisite for admission into Nigerian universities, polytechnics and colleges of education, while the Direct Entry pathway allows candidates with advanced qualifications to gain admission directly into higher levels of tertiary institutions.

  • JAMB Directs Tertiary Institutions To Reverse Irregular Admissions

    The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has directed all tertiary institutions involved in irregular admissions to reverse such admissions with immediate effect, stressing that the move is aimed at preserving fairness, transparency and merit in Nigeria’s admission process.

    The directive was contained in JAMB’s latest weekly bulletin, signed by its Public Communication Adviser, Dr Fabian Benjamin, and made available to the sources in Abuja on Monday.

    According to the board, its attention was drawn to reports indicating that some institutions allegedly bypassed higher-ranked candidates in favour of lower-ranked ones during the 2024/2025 admission exercise, contrary to established admission guidelines.

    JAMB said the development was unacceptable and constituted a clear violation of the rules governing admissions into universities, polytechnics and colleges of education across the country.

    “The Board has observed with concern instances where higher-ranked candidates are reportedly being skipped in favour of lower-ranked candidates during admissions by some tertiary institutions,” the bulletin stated.

    The board, therefore, ordered the affected institutions to immediately reverse such admissions and ensure strict compliance with approved procedures.

    JAMB reiterated that admissions into tertiary institutions in Nigeria are guided by a three-tier framework comprising Merit, Catchment Area and Educationally Less Developed States (ELDS), adding that candidates must be admitted strictly in line with their rankings within each category.

    It warned that no institution is permitted to sidestep a better-qualified or higher-ranked candidate under any of the categories in favour of a lower-ranked applicant.

    “Any deviation from the approved admission order will not be tolerated by the Board,” JAMB cautioned.

    The board also clarified issues surrounding a recent complaint by a candidate who alleged that she was unjustly denied admission to the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) despite scoring high in the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).

    JAMB explained that its investigation revealed that several candidates with higher rankings were ahead of the complainant, and that the admission process in that particular case did not breach any guideline.

    The board urged candidates and parents to verify admission-related complaints through official JAMB platforms rather than relying on unverified claims circulating on social media.

    JAMB reaffirmed its commitment to upholding merit, equity and transparency in the nation’s admission system and pledged to continue monitoring institutions to ensure full compliance with its regulations.

  • U.S. Revokes Over 100,000 Visas In Major Immigration Crackdown

    The United States government has revoked more than 100,000 visas in what officials describe as a record-high enforcement action, the U.S. States Department has said.

    A State Department spokesperson confirmed that the revocations were carried out over the past year as part of intensified immigration enforcement measures under the administration of President Donald Trump.

    According to the department, the affected visas cut across several categories, including student, work and visitor visas, with officials noting that approximately 8,000 student visas were among those withdrawn.

    The spokesperson said the revocations were largely based on violations of visa conditions, including overstaying permitted periods, involvement in criminal activities such as driving under the influence, theft and assault, as well as other breaches of U.S. immigration and security regulations.

    “This is a necessary step to protect public safety and maintain the integrity of the U.S. immigration system,” the spokesperson said, adding that visa privileges could be withdrawn at any time if holders were found to have violated the terms under which they were granted.

    The State Department disclosed that the number of visas revoked in the period under review was more than double the figure recorded in the previous year, underscoring what it described as a tougher stance on immigration compliance.

    Immigration analysts say the development reflects a broader policy direction by the U.S. government to strengthen screening, monitoring and enforcement mechanisms, particularly among non-citizens already residing in the country.

    Some civil rights groups, however, have raised concerns over the scale of the revocations, warning that stricter enforcement could affect international students, skilled workers and families with valid ties to the United States.

    The State Department maintained that all revocations followed due process and existing laws, stressing that each case was reviewed individually.

    The U.S. government said it would continue to enforce immigration laws strictly while urging visa holders to comply fully with the conditions of their stay to avoid sanctions.

  • Trump Posts Himself As ‘Acting President Of Venezuela’

    In a development that has sent shockwaves through global capitals, United States President Donald J. Trump has proclaimed himself “Acting President of Venezuela,” in a controversial social-media posting that comes on the heels of a dramatic U.S. military operation in Caracas.

    In a post on his Truth Social platform on Monday, President Trump shared a digitally altered image styled to resemble a Wikipedia entry that lists him as the “Acting President of Venezuela, Incumbent — January 2026,” alongside U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance labelled as Venezuela’s vice president. The provocative graphic swiftly went viral, drawing both criticism and bewilderment worldwide.

    The posting came days after a coordinated U.S. military operation on January 3 that resulted in the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores. U.S. officials have transported Maduro and his spouse to New York to face federal narcotics and weapons-related charges. Maduro has pleaded not guilty, calling his detention unlawful and asserting he remains Venezuela’s legitimate head of state.

    In the absence of Maduro, Venezuela’s Supreme Tribunal of Justice moved swiftly to appoint Executive Vice President Delcy Rodríguez as interim president under the country’s constitution — a succession that Venezuelan authorities and legal experts say remains the sole legitimate mechanism of leadership continuity in Caracas. Rodríguez has rejected Washington’s claims and demanded the release of Maduro and Flores.

    Trump’s Social Media Declaration
    President Trump’s post does not reflect recognition by the Venezuelan state, the United Nations, or any foreign government, and there is no official record of Trump holding any Venezuelan constitutional office. Independent databases and global political institutions have dismissed the social-media graphic as satirical or symbolic rather than legally binding.

    White House aides say the image was intended to underscore Trump’s assertion that the United States will temporarily oversee Venezuelan administration pending what he describes as a “safe, proper and judicious transition.” Trump’s own comments since the January 3 intervention have reiterated that U.S. forces would manage Venezuelan affairs — particularly control of the country’s vast oil resources — until a political transition can be arranged.

    International Backlash and Legal Questions

    The dramatic U.S. action in Venezuela, one of the most significant direct interventions in Latin America in decades, has drawn widespread international scrutiny. United Nations legal experts and several nation states have labelled the operation a breach of international law and a violation of Venezuelan sovereignty.

    Caracas has claimed the U.S. assault amounted to aggression, while foreign governments — including China, Russia and members of the European Union — have demanded respect for Venezuela’s constitutional order.

    Within the United States, Trump’s unilateral military decision has sparked political debate. Lawmakers in Washington from both major parties have questioned the administration’s authority to engage in large-scale foreign operations without explicit Congressional approval, leading to the advancement of war powers measures aimed at reining in executive military action.

    Humanitarian and Regional Impact
    On the ground in Venezuela, turmoil has deepened. U.S. citizens and other foreigners have been advised to leave the country amid reports of armed groups targeting foreigners and heightened insecurity in Caracas and other major cities.
    Venezuelan state media has rejected those claims, insisting the nation remains calm despite the extraordinary events.

    As Venezuelan politics enter uncharted territory, the Trump declaration — though lacking legal effect — has intensified global debate over U.S. foreign policy, national sovereignty, and the future of a nation sitting on some of the world’s largest oil reserves.

    The coming days are expected to be pivotal, with international diplomatic activity likely increasing as leaders around the world weigh in on the legitimacy and repercussions of the unfolding crisis.

  • JUST IN: Akwa Ibom Lawmakers Propose 10 Years Imprisonment For Women Sleeping With Married Men

    The Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly is poised to introduce a controversial bill that seeks to criminalise sexual relations between unmarried women and married men, proposing a 10-year imprisonment term for women found guilty of the offence.

    The legislative move, which is scheduled for final consideration on Tuesday, January 13, 2026, is aimed at stemming what lawmakers describe as the rising incidence of extramarital sexual relationships in the state.

    According to the draft bill sponsored by the Deputy Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Senator Akon Etim, any young woman, lady or adult female caught engaging in sexual intercourse with a married man shall, upon conviction, serve a custodial sentence of 10 years without the option of fine.

    The legislation also proposes a monetary penalty of N2 million against the married man involved, underlining a perceived need by the lawmakers to deter both parties from engaging in extra-marital sexual conduct.

    In a statement made available to newsmen on Monday, the Speaker of the House said the bill was borne out of widespread concerns over societal values and family stability.

    Lawmakers, he said, believe that the move would reinforce marital fidelity and protect the sanctity of marriage in the state.

    The proposed law has, however, generated intense debate on social and political platforms across the country, with critics questioning its enforceability and implications for civil liberties.

    Legal experts have pointed out that criminalising consensual sexual conduct may raise constitutional and human rights issues, explaining that personal relationships are generally protected by privacy rights under Nigerian law.

    Human rights groups have also described the proposal as regressive and discriminatory, warning that it could further marginalise women and entangle the judiciary in private matters that are difficult to prove beyond reasonable doubt.

    Supporters, however, contend that the bill is necessary to uphold cultural norms and curb behaviour they say is inimical to societal values.

    The Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly will convene plenary on Tuesday to debate the final reading of the bill before it is put forward for assent by the Governor.

  • Price War: Retailers Sell Petrol Below Dangote’s N739 Per Litre Amid Market Competition

    Petrol retailers across major Nigerian cities have started selling fuel below the N739 per litre benchmark set by Dangote Petroleum, signaling a fresh price war in the downstream sector of the oil industry.

    Industry observers say the aggressive pricing is aimed at attracting more customers and increasing market share amid an increasingly competitive landscape.

    Motorists in Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, and other commercial hubs have reportedly been able to purchase petrol for as low as N725 per litre at selected filling stations.

    Speaking to the source, a fuel marketer who requested anonymity, said: “We have to adjust our prices to stay competitive. Dangote’s price is high for many consumers, and if we don’t offer a lower rate, we risk losing business to rivals.”

    The price adjustment comes amid rising concerns over fuel scarcity in some regions, with traders saying that lowering prices could help stimulate demand and reduce hoarding by middlemen. Market analysts, however, warn that sustained undercutting could affect profitability for smaller retailers and may lead to operational challenges.

    In response to the price drop, Dangote Petroleum has yet to release an official statement, though sources within the company indicate that a review of distribution and pricing strategies may be underway. Industry experts note that such price competition could ultimately benefit consumers but might also trigger volatility in the sector.

    Economists argue that the current pricing battle reflects a broader trend in Nigeria’s oil market, where private players are increasingly asserting influence over retail prices, challenging traditional benchmarks and government-regulated rates.

    Meanwhile, motorists have welcomed the relief, with some describing the price reduction as “a much-needed break for everyday Nigerians”. Lagos-based driver, Ibrahim Musa, said: “Petrol prices have been high for months. Even a small reduction like this makes a difference for my daily commute.”

    The Petroleum Products Retailers Association of Nigeria (PPRAN) has called for moderation, urging retailers to maintain sustainable pricing to avoid market disruptions while continuing to ensure fuel availability nationwide.

    As the price war unfolds, stakeholders in the petroleum sector are watching closely to see if Dangote Petroleum will respond with new pricing strategies or maintain the current benchmark.

    The situation underscores the dynamic nature of Nigeria’s downstream oil market and the growing influence of competition in shaping consumer costs.

  • Geopolitical Tensions Lift Oil Prices Above $63

    Global crude oil prices rose above 63 dollars per barrel on Monday as escalating geopolitical tensions and supply concerns unsettled the international energy market.

    Market data showed that Brent crude, the global benchmark, climbed past 63 dollars per barrel during early trading, while the U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) also recorded gains, reflecting heightened investor anxiety over potential supply disruptions.

    Analysts attributed the price increase to renewed tensions in key oil-producing regions, particularly in parts of the Middle East and Eastern Europe, where ongoing conflicts and diplomatic uncertainties have raised fears of interruptions to crude supply and export routes.

    According to energy market experts, traders are increasingly factoring geopolitical risk into oil prices, as any disruption in major producing or transit regions could tighten global supply at a time when demand remains relatively firm.

    “Geopolitical risks are back in focus, and the oil market is reacting swiftly,” an energy analyst said.

    “Even the possibility of supply constraints is enough to push prices higher, especially with inventories not significantly above average levels.”

    In addition to geopolitical developments, production discipline by the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and its allies, known as OPEC+, has continued to support prices. The group has maintained output management measures aimed at stabilising the market amid global economic uncertainties.

    Meanwhile, concerns over shipping routes and insurance costs for oil cargoes in conflict-prone areas have also added to upward pressure on prices, as refiners and traders anticipate higher operational risks.

    Economists warned that sustained increases in oil prices could have broader implications for inflation, particularly for oil-importing countries, as higher energy costs often translate into increased transportation and production expenses.

    However, some analysts cautioned that price gains may be moderated in the coming weeks if global economic growth slows or if major producers increase output to calm the market.

    Oil prices have remained volatile in recent months, fluctuating in response to geopolitical events, monetary policy signals from major economies and changing expectations about global demand.

  • 2026 Budget Twist: MDAs Inject N3.5tn New Projects Despite FG Freeze

    Despite a Federal Government directive freezing the introduction of new projects in the 2026 budget, Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) have reportedly inserted **about ₦3.50 trillion ($3.5tn) in new capital and programme items into the proposed national spending plan, an analysis of the Appropriation Bill has revealed.

    The analysis, published on January 12, 2026, shows that new project lines amounting to at least ₦844.49 billion were included at the MDA level, while a further ₦2.66 trillion emerged through Service-Wide Votes, bringing the total value of unplanned expenditures to roughly ₦3.50tn.

    This figure represents about 15.09 per cent of the total proposed capital budget of ₦23.21tn for the fiscal year.

    Budget Freeze Directive and Context

    In December 2025, the Federal Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning issued an Abridged Budget Call Circular ordering all MDAs to roll over 70 per cent of their existing capital allocations from the 2025 fiscal year into 2026 and to avoid introducing fresh capital projects, as part of efforts to tame fiscal pressures amid weak revenue performance.

    The circular emphasised that only ongoing priority projects aligned with the government’s development focus — including security, infrastructure, agriculture and social services — should be continued.

    Despite this directive, no fewer than 82 MDAs appear to have introduced at least one new capital or programme item in their budget submissions, totalling over 400 fresh project lines ranging from large infrastructure investments to smaller, constituency-level interventions.

    Service-Wide Votes Dominate New Allocations
    A significant portion of the new project portfolio resides in Service-Wide Votes — budget lines that cover centrally managed expenditures outside typical ministry capital allocations. Among these:

    ₦1.70tn was earmarked for outstanding contractors’ liabilities from 2024 (nearly half of all new projects).

    ₦300bn was allocated across three major lines for development finance initiatives, including the Nigeria Development Finance Corporation and the Economic Transformation Finance Programme.

    Capital injections also included ₦20bn for INFRACO, ₦30bn for a special operations fund for the Department of State Services, and ₦110.31bn for the Nigerian Air Force to settle helicopter procurement liabilities.

    A further ₦283.85bn was earmarked for presidential air fleet logistics and the National Forest Guard, among other provisions.

    Top MDAs with New Project Entries
    At the ministry level, the Budget Office of the Federation recorded the largest new project allocation — about ₦375bn — for a tied loan line to support the Power Sector Recovery Operation.

    This single item alone accounted for roughly 44.41 per cent of the total new projects introduced directly by MDAs.

    Other notable allocations included:

    • Federal Ministry of Transport – ₦210.53bn for consultancy services on major rail corridors and construction of six national bus terminals across geopolitical zones.

    • National Library of Nigeria – ₦24bn for renovation across its zonal facilities.

    • National Blood Service Commission – ₦15bn for a national blood centre and office rehabilitation.

    • Sokoto Rima River Basin Development Authority – ₦9.14bn for solar mini-grids, rural road construction and water supply systems.

    Reactions and Analysis
    Economists and budget experts told sources that the development raises concerns about fiscal discipline and adherence to executive directives.

    Professor Adeola Adenikinju, National President of the Nigerian Economic Society, argued that late presentation of the budget to the National Assembly undermines effective scrutiny, making it easier for new provisions to slip in without adequate justification.

    Similarly, Dr. Aliyu Ilias, Chief Executive of CSA Advisory, warned that persistent inclusion of unplanned project lines “reflects poor fiscal discipline” and pointed to a weak oversight role for the National Assembly.

    Implications for Fiscal Policy
    The emergence of these new project items — against a backdrop of a deliberate effort to prioritise ongoing over new spending — may complicate the government’s objectives of tightening fiscal space, improving budget credibility, and completing existing infrastructure programmes.

    Analysts say greater transparency, stronger oversight, and strict enforcement of budget call guidelines will be key to reforming Nigeria’s fiscal process moving forward.

  • Security Forces Dismantle Bandit Networks In Kogi, Kill Scores

    Security forces have dismantled several bandit networks operating across parts of Kogi State, killing scores of suspected bandits during coordinated clearance operations, security sources have confirmed.

    The operations, which involved a combined team of the Nigerian Army, police, Department of State Services (DSS) and local vigilante groups, were carried out in identified bandit hideouts across forested areas of Kogi East and Kogi West senatorial districts.

    A security source told on Sunday that the raids followed weeks of intelligence gathering on the movements and camps of armed groups responsible for kidnapping, armed robbery and attacks on communities along major highways in the state.

    “Several bandit camps were overrun during the operations. Many of the criminals were neutralised, while others fled with gunshot injuries into the forests,” the source said.

    According to the source, the joint task force also recovered a cache of weapons, including AK-47 rifles, locally made firearms, ammunition, motorcycles and communication gadgets believed to have been used by the bandits to coordinate attacks.

    Communities affected by the operations include parts of Bassa, Dekina, Ankpa, Kabba-Bunu and Yagba East Local Government Areas, which have witnessed a surge in banditry and kidnapping in recent months.

    The Commissioner of Police in Kogi, Mr Miller Dantawaye, confirmed the development in a statement, describing the operation as a major breakthrough in the state’s ongoing fight against criminal elements.

    Dantawaye said the police, in collaboration with other security agencies, would sustain pressure on criminal gangs until they were completely flushed out of the state.

    “The command remains committed to ensuring the safety of lives and property of residents. We urge members of the public to continue to provide timely and credible information to security agencies,” he said.

    Similarly, the Kogi State Government commended the security forces for what it described as a decisive action against banditry.

    The Commissioner for Information, Mr Kingsley Fanwo, said the success of the operation reflected the state government’s resolve to support security agencies with logistics and intelligence.

    Fanwo assured residents that the government would not relent in its efforts to restore lasting peace, especially in rural communities and border areas prone to criminal infiltration.

    Residents of some of the affected communities told sources that the operations had brought a measure of relief, as sporadic gunfire and movement of armed men had reduced significantly.

    Kogi has in recent years faced security challenges linked to its strategic location, sharing boundaries with several states, a factor security experts say has been exploited by criminal groups to evade arrest.

  • Bandits Kill Soldier, NSCDC Officer On Way To Refill Cooking Gas In Benue

    Suspected bandits have killed a soldier and an officer of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) while they were on their way to refill a cooking gas cylinder in Benue State.

    The incident, which occurred on Sunday evening, reportedly took place along a deserted section of a road on the outskirts of Makurdi, the state capital.

    Eyewitnesses told the sources that the victims, who were said to be off duty, were attacked by armed men believed to be bandits operating in the area.

    According to the sources, the attackers ambushed the officers, shot them at close range and fled with their personal belongings, including their mobile phones.

    A resident of the area, who preferred anonymity, said the attack caused panic among locals, adding that passersby later discovered the lifeless bodies of the officers by the roadside.

    “It was shocking because they were not on any official assignment. They were just going to refill cooking gas when they were attacked and killed,” the source said.

    Confirming the incident, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) in Benue, DSP Udeme Edet, said the command had received a report of the attack and had commenced investigation.

    Edet said operatives had been deployed to the area to track down the perpetrators and prevent further attacks.

    “The command is aware of the unfortunate incident and has launched a manhunt for the suspects. We are working with other security agencies to ensure the criminals are brought to justice,” she said.

    Also reacting, the Benue State Command of the NSCDC expressed sadness over the killing of its officer, describing the incident as a painful loss.

    A statement by the command’s spokesperson said the deceased officer was dedicated and committed to duty, urging security agencies to intensify efforts to rid the state of criminal elements.

    The Nigerian Army was yet to issue an official statement as at the time of filing this report.

    Benue State has witnessed recurring attacks by armed bandits and other criminal groups in recent months, raising concerns over the safety of residents and security personnel.

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