Aeesha's Blog

Author: Aeesha Zannah

  • Army Disowns Fake Recruitment Advertisement

    The Nigerian Army has disowned a recruitment advertisement circulating on social media and other online platforms, describing it as fake, false and misleading.

    The fraudulent notice claims that the application form for the Direct Short Service Course (DSSC) 29, 2026 is currently available.

    In a statement issued on Friday via the Nigerian Army’s verified X (formerly Twitter) handle, the Acting Director, Directorate of Army Public Relations, Lt.-Col. Anele Appolonia, said the Army had neither authorised nor announced any such recruitment exercise.

    She clarified that the Nigerian Army had not commenced any recruitment or commissioning process for either the Direct Short Service Commission (DSSC) or the Short Service Commission (SSC).

    According to her, members of the public should completely disregard the advertisement as it did not originate from the Army or any of its recognised and authorised channels.

    “The Nigerian Army wishes to inform the general public that no recruitment exercise has been approved or announced at this time. Any information suggesting otherwise is false and should be ignored,” the statement said.

    The Army further assured Nigerians that whenever recruitment exercises are officially approved, the public would be adequately informed through its official communication platforms.

    These platforms, it noted, include the Nigerian Army’s official website, verified social media accounts, national newspapers and other recognised media outlets.

    The Army also warned Nigerians to remain vigilant against fraudsters who take advantage of fake recruitment notices to deceive and extort unsuspecting individuals.

    It reiterated that recruitment into the Nigerian Army is entirely free of charge, stressing that no individual or group had been authorised to collect money or process recruitment on behalf of the institution.

    “Members of the public with information about such fraudulent activities or individuals involved are encouraged to report immediately to the nearest security agency or appropriate authorities for necessary action,” the statement added.

    The Nigerian Army reaffirmed its commitment to transparency and accountability and urged Nigerians to rely solely on official sources for information regarding recruitment and other Army-related activities.

  • ASUU, FG End 16-Year Renegotiation Crisis

    The Federal Government and the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) have reached a landmark agreement, bringing to an end a 16-year renegotiation crisis over the 2009 agreement.

    The breakthrough followed intensive engagements between both parties and was concluded on Wednesday, with the agreement scheduled to take effect from Jan. 1, 2026. A comprehensive review of the agreement is expected after three years.

    Confirming the development, Prof. Sunday Oloruntola, Dean of the Faculty of Communication and Media Studies, University of Lagos, said the agreement marked a major turning point for Nigeria’s university system.

    Oloruntola, however, expressed cautious optimism, stressing the need for peace to reign while raising concerns about effective implementation.

    He disclosed that key provisions of the agreement include a 40 per cent salary increase for academic staff and significantly improved pension benefits.

    According to him, under the new pension structure, professors will retire at the age of 70 and receive pensions equivalent to their full annual salaries, a long-standing demand of the union.

    The agreement also introduces a revamped university funding framework, with dedicated allocations for research, libraries, laboratories, equipment and staff development.

    In addition, it provides for the establishment of a National Research Council to drive research initiatives nationwide, with funding pegged at a minimum of one per cent of Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

    The deal further reinforces university autonomy and academic freedom, while guaranteeing elected academic leadership at the level of deans and provosts, positions reserved strictly for professors.

    It also includes provisions ensuring that no ASUU member will be victimised for participating in the prolonged industrial struggle.

    Oloruntola said the agreement, already circulated on ASUU platforms, represents a major breakthrough after years of stalemate that had hampered the growth and stability of public universities.

    “For the sake of peace, the union had to make some sacrifices. The agreement addresses critical issues of salary, pension, funding, autonomy and governance that have clogged the wheels of development in Nigerian universities,” he said.

    He urged the Federal Government to demonstrate sincerity and commitment by ensuring prompt and full implementation of the agreement to avoid a recurrence of past failures.

    “We expect full and prompt implementation. The Federal Government should be sincere and timely,” he emphasised.

    ASUU and the Federal Government have frequently been at loggerheads over the years, a situation that has often disrupted academic activities and negatively affected students across the country.

  • HBKU Offers Fully Funded Scholarships For 2026 Academic Session

    Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU) has announced the opening of applications for its 2026 fully funded scholarship programme for international students and residents of Qatar.

    The scholarship, which covers undergraduate, master’s and doctoral programmes, is open to applicants of all nationalities and is tenable in Qatar for the 2026–2027 academic session.

    According to the university, the scholarship covers tuition fees, monthly stipends, accommodation and annual return air tickets, subject to admission into any eligible academic programme.

    HBKU stated that master’s students will receive a monthly stipend of QAR 5,000, while PhD students will receive QAR 7,500 monthly. Married students may also benefit from family accommodation, while undergraduate applicants may access merit-based scholarships or financial loans.

    The institution noted that IELTS is not compulsory for applicants whose previous education was conducted in English, provided an English proficiency certificate is submitted.

    HBKU, established in 2010 and located in Doha, is a member of the Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development, and offers programmes across several colleges.

    Available study areas include Islamic Studies, Humanities and Social Sciences, Science and Engineering, Law, Health and Life Sciences, and Public Policy, with programmes ranging from computer engineering and cybersecurity to international law, public policy and genomics.

    The university said eligibility requirements vary by college and programme, urging applicants to review the criteria for their chosen course before applying.

    The application deadline for international students is Feb. 1, 2026, while Qatari nationals and residents have until March 15, 2026 to submit applications.

    Apply link; https://brightscholarship.com/hamad-bin-khalifa-university-scholarship-2026/

    Applications are to be completed online through the official HBKU portal, with separate application links provided for each college.

  • Opay Debunks Viral Cash Giveaway Claim, Warns Users Against Scammers

    OPay, a financial technology service provider, has debunked a viral message circulating on social media claiming that it is giving out cash to users as part of a Christmas celebration.

    The company described the message, which gained traction on X (formerly Twitter) on Thursday, as false and misleading.

    The viral post claimed that OPay had sent N5,000 to every user to mark the festive season and asked recipients to confirm if they had received the money.

    In a statement issued on Friday, OPay urged members of the public to disregard the message, warning that it was a ploy by fraudsters to deceive unsuspecting users.

    “OPay is not giving money to anyone during this festive season,” the company said. “Beware of scammers. Do not transfer money to strangers and never share your Bank Verification Number (BVN) or other sensitive personal information with anyone.”

    The fintech firm stressed that it was not running any cash giveaway or money distribution programme during the Yuletide period, adding that all official promotions or announcements would only be communicated through its verified channels.

    OPay further advised users to remain vigilant, especially during the holiday season, when fraud-related activities tend to increase, and to report any suspicious messages or requests to the appropriate authorities or the company’s customer service platforms.

    The company reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding customers’ funds and data, while encouraging users to adopt safe digital banking practices to avoid falling victim to online scams.

  • Tinubu Orders Security Clampdown As Army Links Maiduguri Mosque Bombing To Boko Haram

    The Nigerian Army has confirmed that the deadly bomb explosion at the Al-Adum Jummat Mosque, located within the Gamboru Market area of Maiduguri, Borno State, was carried out by a Boko Haram suicide bomber.

    The blast, which occurred during the Maghrib prayer on Wednesday evening, claimed at least five lives, while dozens of worshippers sustained varying degrees of injuries.

    Theatre Command of Operation Hadin Kai Spokesman, Lt.-Col. Sani Uba, disclosed this in an update on Thursday, following preliminary investigations into the incident.

    According to him, findings revealed that a suspected Boko Haram Terrorist (BHT) infiltrated the mosque and detonated an Improvised Explosive Device (IED).

    “Preliminary findings indicate the incident was caused by a suspected Boko Haram terrorist suicide bomber, who detonated an improvised explosive device, killing himself and two civilians on the spot,” Uba said.

    He added that troops of Operation Hadin Kai, working in collaboration with the Nigeria Police Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) unit, other sister security agencies, the Borno State Government and the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), swiftly mobilised to the scene.

    “The affected area was immediately secured and cordoned off to prevent further harm and ensure public safety,” he said.

    Lt.-Col. Uba further confirmed that casualties were promptly evacuated to the General Hospital Maiduguri and the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital for urgent medical attention.

    He stated that a total of 32 civilians sustained injuries from the explosion.

    “Two of the injured civilians were later confirmed dead at the hospital, while two others are currently in critical condition,” he said.

    “The remaining injured persons are stable and are receiving appropriate medical care,” Uba added.

    Meanwhile, Vice-President Kashim Shettima has disclosed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has ordered the immediate intensification of security operations across Borno State following the attack.

    Shettima made this known in a statement on Thursday, noting that additional tactical security teams had been deployed to track down and apprehend the perpetrators of the attack.

    Condemning the bombing, the Vice-President described it as “a despicable assault on innocent citizens and the peace of the nation.”

    He said the Federal Government was working closely with the Borno State Government and local security agencies to strengthen the protection of vulnerable communities and critical infrastructure across the North-East and other parts of the country.

    “The Federal Government will not tolerate any attempt to undermine the peace and security of our nation,” Shettima said, adding that security agencies were operating round the clock to ensure that those responsible were brought to justice.

    The Vice-President expressed condolences to the Borno State Government, residents of Maiduguri and families of the victims, assuring them that the perpetrators would face the full weight of the law.

    He reaffirmed the commitment of the Tinubu administration to national security, stressing that the Federal Government would continue to provide the armed forces and other security agencies with the necessary support and resources to combat terrorism in all its forms.

    The attack is the latest in a series of violent incidents in Nigeria’s conflict-hit northern region, where security forces have been battling insurgent groups such as Boko Haram and its splinter faction, the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP).

    Since the insurgency began in 2009, several thousand people have been killed, while millions have been displaced from their homes across the North-East, according to United Nations reports.

  • U.S. Confirms Deadly Airstrikes On ISIS Targets In Northwest Nigeria

    United States President Donald Trump has confirmed that U.S. forces carried out what he described as “numerous” and “deadly” airstrikes against Islamic State (ISIS) terrorists operating in Northwest Nigeria, vowing further military action if attacks against Christians persist.

    Trump disclosed this in a series of posts on his Truth Social platform on Thursday, saying the strikes were authorised by him in his capacity as Commander-in-Chief and executed by the U.S. Department of War.

    According to the president, the strikes targeted ISIS militants whom he accused of viciously killing innocent civilians, particularly Christians, in parts of Nigeria.

    “Tonight, at my direction as Commander in Chief, the United States launched a powerful and deadly strike against ISIS terrorist scum in Northwest Nigeria, who have been targeting and viciously killing, primarily, innocent Christians, at levels not seen for many years, and even centuries,” Trump wrote.

    He said he had previously warned the militants to halt the killings or face severe consequences.

    “I have previously warned these terrorists that if they did not stop the slaughtering of Christians, there would be hell to pay, and tonight, there was,” he added.

    Trump further stated that the Department of War executed the operation with precision.

    “The Department of War executed numerous perfect strikes, as only the United States is capable of doing. Under my leadership, our country will not allow radical Islamic terrorism to prosper,” he said.

    The U.S. president also praised American military personnel for the operation, while adding a seasonal message.

    “May God bless our military, and Merry Christmas to all, including the dead terrorists, of which there will be many more if their slaughter of Christians continues,” he said.
    In a related development, U.S. Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth, in a post on X (formerly Twitter), confirmed the operation and expressed appreciation for Nigeria’s cooperation.

    “The President was clear last month: the killing of innocent Christians in Nigeria (and elsewhere) must end. The Department of War is always ready, so ISIS found out tonight — on Christmas,” Hegseth wrote.

    He added, “Grateful for Nigerian government support and cooperation. Merry Christmas!”
    Also confirming the operation, the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM) said the strikes were conducted in coordination with Nigerian authorities.

    “At the direction of the President of the United States and the Secretary of War, and in coordination with Nigerian authorities, U.S. Africa Command conducted strikes against ISIS terrorists in Nigeria on Dec. 25, 2025, in Sokoto State,” AFRICOM said in a statement posted on X.

    The command said the strikes resulted in the killing of multiple ISIS terrorists but did not immediately provide casualty figures.

    The development comes amid heightened security concerns in Nigeria following a deadly attack in the North-East. On Wednesday, a bomb exploded inside a mosque in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital, killing five people and injuring dozens in what authorities suspect was a suicide bombing.

    Reports by international media, including The New York Post, note that Nigeria has for years been plagued by violence from armed extremist groups such as Boko Haram and the Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP).

    Trump had, in November, threatened to cut off U.S. aid to Nigeria and take direct military action if the Nigerian government failed to do more to protect Christians from extremist attacks.

    In a Truth Social post dated Nov. 1, the president said he had instructed the Department of War to “prepare for possible action” against what he described as “terrorist thugs” operating in Nigeria.

    Meanwhile, diplomatic relations have also witnessed changes under the current U.S. administration. Last week, the Trump administration recalled more than two dozen ambassadors appointed by former President Joe Biden, including those posted to Nigeria and several other African countries.

    Since assuming office in January, Trump has ordered or overseen U.S. military strikes in several regions, including Yemen, Somalia, Iraq, Iran, Syria, the Caribbean Sea and the Eastern Pacific Ocean.

  • Corruption Masking God’s Blessings On Nigeria – EFCC Chairman

    The Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mr Ola Olukoyede, has said that corruption continues to mask God’s abundant blessings on Nigeria and impede the country from realising its full potential.

    Olukoyede made the remark in Abuja on Wednesday in his Christmas message to Nigerians, where he called for collective action against corruption to unlock national prosperity and strength.

    He said corruption remained one of the greatest challenges confronting the country, noting that it had slowed development and hindered the manifestation of the abundant life God intended for the nation.

    According to him, Nigeria possesses enormous human and natural resources capable of making it one of the strongest and most prosperous nations in the world, but these potentials have been undermined by corrupt practices.

    “Let us join hands together to make our nation greater, stronger and richer. Corruption is a serious drawback, and we must confront it more fiercely to allow the abundant life of God to manifest in our nation,” the EFCC chairman said.

    Olukoyede urged Nigerians to resist corruption in all its forms and work together to build a country that is prosperous, peaceful and respected among the comity of nations.

    He also called on citizens to embrace the values exemplified by Jesus Christ, such as love, hope and light, describing them as essential virtues needed to move the nation forward.

    “Nigeria needs the refreshing hope, love and light which Christ brought to the entire world. These values are critical to our national rebirth and collective progress,” he said.

    The EFCC boss further encouraged Nigerians to support President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, saying it should rekindle confidence in the country’s future and inspire belief in Nigeria’s ability to overcome its present challenges.

    “Let the Renewed Hope Agenda of Mr President ignite fresh hopes of revival in us and reassure us that Nigeria will rise again,” Olukoyede added.

    He made the call against the backdrop of prevailing economic challenges, declining public trust in governance, and sustained efforts by law enforcement agencies to curb corruption and financial crimes across the country.

  • Islamic Development Bank Opens Applications For Fully Funded 2026/2027 Scholarship Programme

    The Islamic Development Bank (ISDB) has announced the opening of applications for its 2026/2027 Fully Funded Scholarship Programme, offering educational opportunities to students from member countries and Muslim communities in non-member countries across the world.

    The ISDB scholarship scheme is open to undergraduate, master’s and doctoral candidates, as well as applicants seeking postdoctoral research and vocational education and training (VET), with no application fee required.

    According to information released by the Bank, the scholarship is designed to attract highly talented male and female students and support the development of critical skills required to empower communities and advance national and global development goals, including the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

    The Bank stated that beneficiaries of the programme would be enrolled in leading universities across several countries, including institutions in the United Kingdom, Turkey and other partner nations, depending on the field of study and programme category.

    Under the scheme, the ISDB will provide full financial coverage, including tuition fees (subject to approval), a monthly stipend commensurate with the cost of living in the host country, medical care at approved university or government hospitals, and economy-class return air tickets at the beginning and end of the programme.

    Other benefits include installation and equipment allowances for students studying abroad, thesis preparation grants, and additional allowances where applicable.

    The duration of the scholarship varies by programme, with four years for undergraduate studies, two years for master’s programmes, and three years for PhD research, while the ISDB–Islamic Solidarity Fund for Development (ISDB-ISFD) supports vocational education and bachelor’s studies in 21 least-developed member countries.

    The scholarship covers a wide range of academic fields, including Medicine and Health Sciences, Engineering, Agriculture, Information and Communication Technology (ICT), Natural Resources, Education, Climate Change, Energy, Sustainable Cities, Islamic Economics, Finance and Banking, and Development-related Social Sciences, among others.

    Eligibility criteria require applicants to be citizens of ISDB member countries or Muslim communities in non-member countries.

    Undergraduate applicants must have completed senior secondary education with good grades, while master’s candidates must possess a bachelor’s degree with at least a “Good” grade. PhD applicants are required to hold a relevant master’s degree.

    Applicants must also not be beneficiaries of any other scholarship, be medically fit, and be willing to undergo medical examinations upon selection.

    The ISDB noted that the deadline for submission of applications is Jan. 31, 2026, and interested candidates are required to apply through the official online application portal of the Bank.

    The Islamic Development Bank currently has a membership of 57 countries and continues to support human capital development through education, research and capacity-building initiatives across its member states and beyond.

  • Two Kano Assembly Lawmakers Die Within Hours

    The Kano State House of Assembly has been thrown into deep mourning following the sudden deaths of two of its members, Hon. Aminu Ungogo and Hon. Sarki Daneji, who reportedly died within hours of each other on Wednesday.

    Hon. Ungogo, who represented Ungogo Constituency and served as Chairman of the House Committee on Appropriation, was the first to pass away. He reportedly died after a brief illness while on active duty at the Kano State House of Assembly complex.

    The death was confirmed in a statement issued on Wednesday by the Speaker’s Spokesperson, Mr Kamaluddeen Sani Shawai.

    According to the statement, the late lawmaker collapsed at the Assembly premises and was later pronounced dead.

    “The late Hon. Ungogo died while in active duty at the Kano State House of Assembly. He is survived by his wife and children,” the statement said.

    The Speaker of the Assembly, Rt. Hon. Jibril Falgore, expressed deep sorrow over the loss, describing the late Ungogo as a committed legislator whose contributions to the Assembly and Kano State were invaluable.

    Falgore condoled with the immediate family of the deceased, his constituents, and members of the Assembly, noting that Ungogo’s death came at a critical time when his experience and leadership were needed most.

    “Hon. Ungogo’s death comes at a critical time when the people of Kano needed his service and dedication the most. His loss is irreplaceable,” the Speaker said.

    Barely hours after the death of Ungogo, the Assembly was again plunged into grief following reports of the death of Hon. Sarki Daneji, another serving lawmaker in the House.

    Daneji, who was also an active member of the Assembly, was said to have died the same day, though details surrounding his death were still sketchy as of press time.

    Both lawmakers were serving their respective constituencies at the Kano State House of Assembly until their sudden demise, sending shockwaves across the legislative arm and the state at large.

    At the time of filing this report, official statements detailing the circumstances of Daneji’s death, as well as funeral arrangements for both lawmakers, were yet to be announced by the Assembly leadership.

    The deaths have continued to attract condolences from colleagues, political associates, and members of the public, who described the incident as a significant loss to Kano State’s legislative process.

  • UN Launches 2025 Online Volunteers Programme For Global Remote Participation

    The United Nations has announced the commencement of the 2025 UN Online Volunteers Programme, offering individuals across the world the opportunity to volunteer remotely in support of global development initiatives.

    The programme, coordinated by the United Nations Volunteers (UNV) programme, allows participants to contribute their skills and expertise to UN agencies, civil society organisations and development partners without physical relocation.

    According to information made available on the programme’s application portal, the UN Online Volunteers Programme is a fully remote and cost-free initiative designed to promote inclusive participation in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

    The programme is open to students, graduates and working professionals who are interested in gaining practical experience while contributing to humanitarian, development and peace-building projects worldwide.

    Participants are expected to engage in a wide range of tasks, including research, data analysis, content development, translation, graphic design, community engagement, project support and advocacy, depending on organisational needs.

    The UNV programme noted that online volunteers would gain hands-on experience by working with international teams and organisations, while also building professional networks across different cultures and regions.

    Key benefits of the programme include flexible volunteering schedules, access to global professional communities, development of in-demand digital and professional skills, and the issuance of a UN-verified certificate upon successful completion of assignments.

    The programme also offers participants the opportunity to enhance their resumes and career prospects, particularly for those seeking future roles in international development, diplomacy and humanitarian services.

    A UNV spokesperson said the initiative aligns with the UN’s commitment to inclusivity and digital innovation, enabling people from diverse backgrounds to contribute meaningfully to global challenges regardless of geographical limitations.

    Interested applicants are advised to apply through the official application link provided on the programme’s information page, where available volunteering assignments are regularly updated.

    The UN Online Volunteers Programme has, over the years, engaged thousands of volunteers globally, supporting projects focused on education, health, climate action, gender equality and social development.

    The 2025 edition is expected to further strengthen global citizen participation in advancing sustainable development through digital collaboration.

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