Aeesha's Blog

Author: Aeesha Zannah

  • FG Expands TVET Initiative, Targets Training Of One Million Nigerians

    The Federal Ministry of Education has announced a major expansion of the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Initiative, with plans to train over one million young Nigerians with industry-relevant skills within the next two years.

    A statement from the ministry on Tuesday said that the initiative, aimed at addressing skills deficits in Nigeria and across Africa, is already underway, with about 100,000 students currently enrolled in various technical and vocational programmes nationwide.

    According to the ministry, more than 1,600 technical and vocational training programmes are presently being implemented across the country, cutting across diverse sectors critical to national development and industrial growth.

    The ministry disclosed that the first major expansion phase would see the enrolment of 250,000 additional trainees within the next two to three months, marking a significant scale-up of the programme.

    It explained that the TVET Initiative is designed to equip participants with practical, industry-aligned competencies in areas such as industrial mechanics, electrical installation, welding and fabrication, mechatronics, solar installation, compressed natural gas (CNG) conversion, refrigeration and air conditioning (HVAC), information and communication technology (ICT), among others.

    The statement noted that the programme is being implemented in close collaboration with relevant industries to enhance employability and ensure that skills acquired by trainees meet current labour market demands.

    It added that the first tranche of payments for the expanded programme has already been released, while modern training equipment and robust quality assurance systems have been put in place to ensure effective delivery.

    The ministry further revealed that international partnerships are being leveraged to strengthen capacity building, improve training standards and align the initiative with global best practices.

    According to the ministry, the expanded TVET Initiative underscores the Federal Government’s commitment to tackling youth unemployment, boosting technical capacity and fostering sustainable economic growth through skills development.

  • MTEF: Senator Akpoti-uduaghan Queries Fg’s Plan To Support Private Sector

    Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (Kogi Central) has queried the Federal Government over what she described as vague and unclear policies on private-sector funding contained in the 2026–2028 Medium-Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) and Fiscal Strategy Paper.

    The senator raised the concerns on Monday during an interactive session organised by the Senate Committee on Finance at the National Assembly, where the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr Wale Edun, presented the Federal Government’s fiscal outlook.

    Akpoti-Uduaghan reacted to the minister’s statement that the government plans to “mop up funds” to support the private sector, saying the explanation lacked clarity, particularly against the backdrop of rising taxes and prevailing economic hardship faced by Nigerians.

    She asked the minister to clearly explain the source of the proposed funds, querying whether they would be derived from taxes, duties, levies, dormant accounts or other channels.

    “Speaking to the closing part of your presentation, where you mentioned that the government is trying to mop up funds to support the private sector, I find that quite generic and bland.

    “Kindly explain where these monies will be mopped from to support the private sector. Is it from taxes, duties, levies, dormant accounts and so on, because we have seen an outcry from the public regarding heavy taxation?” the senator said.

    Akpoti-Uduaghan also sought clarification on how businesses would access the funds and the criteria that would be used to determine beneficiaries.

    “How exactly will the private sector access these funds? Will it be through banks with heavy interest rates, or will they be grants? How will beneficiaries be selected from the private sector, and what are the criteria, terms or conditions for these loans or grants?” she asked.

    The lawmaker further questioned whether the funds would be deployed to address critical infrastructure gaps affecting businesses across the country.

    “Will these funds be used to provide the enabling environment and infrastructure necessary to support entrepreneurs — such as electricity, free internet access in public spaces, roads and others? Exactly what will these funds be used for, and how will the private sector access them?” she queried.

    Responding, Edun said the Federal Government was considering the mobilisation of domestic savings as a strategy to support private-sector development, citing examples from countries such as South Korea, Singapore and China.

    “The Koreas of this world, the Singapores of this world, the Chinas — they did it by mobilising their own savings. When they produce, they don’t consume everything; they put some back into productive savings,” the minister said.

    He added that discussions were ongoing on the introduction of a national savings scheme, stressing that participation would be voluntary and not compulsory.

    “It will be voluntary; it’s not taxation, it’s not compulsory. It’s giving people a chance to have unearned income at all levels. By that, we mobilise funds, even at the grassroots level, to complement development programmes that push resources down,” Edun said.

    However, the minister did not provide specific details on the exact source of the funds, the modalities for accessing them or how they would be deployed to support the private sector.

    Akpoti-Uduaghan’s questions, observers say, reflect growing concerns within the Senate over the lack of clarity in key fiscal policy proposals as lawmakers intensify scrutiny of the MTEF ahead of consideration of the 2026 Federal Government budget.

  • Mob Lynches Two Suspects After Deadly Mosque Attacks in Kano, Abuja

    Two separate incidents of mob violence were recorded on Monday in Kano State and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, following deadly attacks on worshippers at mosques, resulting in multiple deaths.

    In Kano State, an unidentified man was lynched by an angry mob after he was accused of killing a cleric, Mallam Ladan Zubairu, at the Yusuf Garko Mosque, located in the Maraba Quarters area of the state.
    An eyewitness told newsmen that the suspect reportedly went to the cleric’s residence in the early hours of Monday and slaughtered him, allegedly severing his throat.
    The source said the suspect was immediately pursued by youths in the area, beaten to death and later set ablaze by the mob.

    The Kano State Police Command confirmed the incident, adding that the mob also set the suspect’s house on fire, leading to the destruction of property.

    It was further reported that hundreds of youths later marched through the area, warning that anyone found committing a similar act would be dealt with instantly.
    However, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) in the state, CSP Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa, said calm had since returned to the area following the deployment of security operatives.

    Kiyawa disclosed that the police investigation team recovered the severed throat of the victim from the suspect’s pocket.

    He said the bodies of both the cleric and the suspect were deposited at the Mohammed Abdullahi Wase Teaching Hospital, Kano, where they were certified dead and are awaiting autopsy.

    According to him, the Commissioner of Police, CP Ibrahim Adamu Bakori, has ordered a thorough and comprehensive investigation into the incident to ensure that all those involved in the mob action are brought to justice.

    “The police command appeals to members of the public to remain calm and cooperate with law enforcement agencies as the investigation continues.

    “We urge citizens to provide any useful information that can assist the investigation, assuring them that such information will be treated with strict confidentiality,” Kiyawa said.

    Meanwhile, a similar incident was reported in Abuja, where a man was beaten to death by a mob after allegedly stabbing three worshippers to death during early morning prayers at a mosque.
    The incident occurred at a mosque in Kado Bimko, along 1st Avenue in the Gwarinpa District of Abuja.
    A witness, Muhammad Auwal, said the suspect, identified as Laminde Boka, attacked the worshippers in the early hours of Monday before he was overpowered and lynched by sympathisers.

    Auwal, who operates a kiosk near the mosque, said the first victim was an elderly man popularly known as Alhaji Wanzam, a local barber who usually arrived at the mosque around 4 a.m. to clean the premises.

    “Alhaji Wanzam was cleaning the mosque when the suspect suddenly approached him and stabbed him with a knife,” he said.

    He added that the suspect, believed to be under the influence of drugs, went on to attack others who tried to intervene.

    “The second victim, who operated a grinding machine in a nearby market, was stabbed while attempting to stop the suspect. He later died on the way to the hospital,” Auwal said.
    According to him, the suspect chased other worshippers and eventually caught up with a third man who fell while trying to escape.

    “He stabbed him to death on the spot,” the witness added.
    Following the attacks, residents reportedly resorted to using stones and sticks on the suspect, inflicting injuries that led to his death.
    Auwal said the remains of Alhaji Wanzam were taken to his hometown in Gezawa, Kano State, while the second victim was buried in Katsina State.

    He added that the third victim, who hailed from Gombe State, was taken to Kubwa General Hospital in Abuja, as his relatives had not been located at the time of reporting.
    The Village Head of Kado Bimko, Malam Ibrahim Isiaku, said the incident caused panic in the community, forcing worshippers and people who usually slept around the mosque to flee.

    Isiaku said the mosque was subsequently closed and that, following a meeting involving mosque officials, market leaders and the manager of a nearby filling station, it was resolved that no one would be allowed to sleep within the mosque premises henceforth.

  • Tinubu Unveils Book Honouring Late Buhari In Abuja

    President Bola Tinubu on Monday unveiled a commemorative book titled From Soldier to Statesman: The Legacy of Muhammadu Buhari, written in honour of the late former President, Muhammadu Buhari.

    The unveiling ceremony took place at the State House Banquet Hall, Presidential Villa, Abuja.

    The event was chaired by a former Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, and was attended by several dignitaries, including state governors, government officials, associates of the late president, and members of his family.

    The book, produced as a multi-volume publication, documents Buhari’s public life, tracing his journey from a military officer to Nigeria’s Head of State between 1983 and 1985, and later as a democratically elected President from 2015 to 2023.

    Edited by Dr Udu Yakubu, the publication features contributions from several individuals who worked closely with Buhari, including a personal memoir written by his former Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr Femi Adesina.

    The volumes highlight key themes associated with Buhari’s leadership, such as national unity, anti-corruption initiatives, infrastructure development, and governance reforms.

    The book also examines debates surrounding Buhari’s economic policies and the security challenges faced during his tenure in office.

    Video footage of the unveiling ceremony, shared by the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) on the social media platform X, showed President Tinubu, dressed in traditional attire, unveiling the book by removing a white drape from a large portrait of the late former president, revealing the title.

    Buhari died on July 13, 2025, at the age of 82, in a London clinic after a prolonged illness.

    His remains were subsequently returned to Nigeria, where he was buried in his hometown of Daura, Katsina State, during a state funeral attended by national and regional leaders.

  • NFF Slams Referees, Seeks Sponsors For VAR After AFCON Omission

    The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has expressed deep dissatisfaction with the performance of referees officiating domestic football leagues, following the exclusion of Nigerian match officials from the list of referees selected for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

    The federation’s position was contained in a communiqué issued after its Executive Committee meeting held in Abuja, where critical issues affecting Nigerian football were reviewed.

    The 2025 AFCON is scheduled to take place in Morocco from Dec. 21, 2025, to Jan. 18, 2026.

    According to the NFF, a comprehensive assessment of referees handling matches across all domestic leagues — the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL), Nigeria National League (NNL), Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL) and Nationwide League One (NLO) — revealed widespread shortcomings.

    “Following an assessment of the performance of referees handling matches in all the leagues, the Executive Committee expressed deep-seated disappointment with the scorecard of a great number of the officials.

    “The committee warned that even sterner measures are on the way to curb the incidence of poor officiating, incompetence, collusion with club officials and bare-faced manipulation of matches to favour certain teams and interests,” the federation stated.

    As part of disciplinary measures, the NFF Refereeing Development Committee suspended eight referees indefinitely from the NPFL, NNL and NWFL, barring them from officiating in all competitions to safeguard the integrity of the game.

    NAN reports that the Confederation of African Football (CAF) had, in October, selected 94 officials, instructors and assessors for the AFCON preparatory course, with no Nigerian included. The number was later reduced to 73 officials for the final tournament.

    Investigations revealed that CAF’s selection was largely based on performance in fitness and theoretical examinations, while limited practical exposure to the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) system also played a major role in Nigeria’s exclusion.

    Speaking on the development, NFF General Secretary, Dr Mohammed Sanusi, said the federation had advised relevant government authorities to equip stadiums across the country with VAR infrastructure.

    “We don’t own the stadiums. The stadiums are owned by either the state governments or the Federal Government. So, we can only appeal to the owners of the stadiums to install them.

    “We are also going to do our own and work hand-in-hand with them,” Sanusi said.

    Reacting to the omission, President of the Nigeria Referees Association, Sanni Zubair, admitted that Nigerian referees failed to meet CAF’s requirements for the tournament.

    He disclosed that Nigeria currently has only one elite referee eligible for consideration, who, however, did not pass the required tests.

    “Being a FIFA referee does not automatically mean you are qualified. The only elite referee we have did not pass the test when they went for it,” Zubair said.

    He explained that refereeing operates in different levels, with continuous assessments, courses and examinations conducted annually to enable progression.

    “We have many FIFA referees. Once they pass the elite course tests, we will be back on track. That is what we are waiting for,” he added.

    Meanwhile, a FIFA-badged referee, who spoke on condition of anonymity, maintained that Nigerian referees are capable of handling continental assignments and urged the NFF to intensify support for their development.

    “Some countries have two or three elite referees; it is not that they are better. Apart from AFCON, our referees still get some CAF assignments.

    “The NFF is trying by organising courses with CAF and FIFA instructors. What they need to do more is provide regular VAR practice and also play the necessary politics at the continental level,” he said.

    The referee further stressed that while Nigerian officials undergo VAR training, the absence of the technology in domestic leagues limits practical experience.

    “We go for training, but we don’t practise. We need to start using VAR,” he said.

  • Supreme Court Affirms President’s Power To Declare State Of Emergency

    The Supreme Court on Monday affirmed the constitutional power of the President to declare a state of emergency in any part of the country, including the authority to suspend elected state officials for a limited period.

    The apex court struck out a suit instituted by the governments of Adamawa and 10 other Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)-controlled states challenging the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State by President Bola Tinubu.

    The suit was filed by the Attorneys-General of Adamawa, Enugu, Osun, Oyo, Bauchi, Akwa Ibom, Plateau, Delta, Taraba, Zamfara and Bayelsa states.

    In a split decision of six to one, the court held that the plaintiffs failed to establish any cause of action capable of invoking the original jurisdiction of the Supreme Court.

    Delivering the lead judgment, Justice Mohammed Idris ruled that the plaintiffs did not demonstrate the existence of any actionable dispute between them and the Federation that would warrant the court’s intervention under its original jurisdiction.

    Justice Idris held that Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) empowers the President to declare a state of emergency in any state of the federation where there is a threat of a breakdown of law and order or a descent into chaos or anarchy.

    According to him, the Constitution does not expressly define the specific “extraordinary measures” a President may adopt during a state of emergency, thereby granting the President discretion to take necessary steps to restore normalcy.

    The court further held that, during the subsistence of a state of emergency, the President may suspend elected state officials, provided such suspension is for a limited duration.

    Although Justice Idris struck out the suit for want of jurisdiction, he nevertheless proceeded to consider the substantive issues raised and dismissed the case on its merits.

    However, Justice Obande Ogbuinya delivered a dissenting judgment, holding that while the President has the constitutional power to declare a state of emergency, such power does not extend to suspending democratically elected state officials, including governors, deputy governors and members of state Houses of Assembly.

    The suit, marked SC/CV/329/2025, was predicated on eight grounds. The plaintiffs asked the court to determine whether the President has the constitutional authority to suspend an elected state government and whether the procedure adopted in declaring a state of emergency in Rivers State was in compliance with the 1999 Constitution.

    It would be recalled that on March 18, President Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State following prolonged political tension in the oil-producing South-South state.

    The President subsequently suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, Mrs Ngozi Odu, and all elected members of the Rivers State House of Assembly for six months.

    Tinubu said the decision was taken to restore stability in the state amid escalating political disagreements between the executive and the legislature.

    Following the declaration, the President appointed a retired Vice Admiral, Ibok-Ette Ibas, who was later appointed an ambassador, as the sole administrator to oversee the affairs of the state during the emergency period.

    At the expiration of the six-month emergency rule, Governor Fubara resumed office and pledged to work towards peace, reconciliation and stability in the state.

  • NAF Bombs ISWAP Logistics Hub In Fresh Offensive

    The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has carried out a successful air interdiction operation against Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists in the Southern Tumbuns area of the North-East, destroying key logistics assets and neutralising fighters.

    The operation was conducted on Dec. 14 at Dabar Masara, a location identified as a terrorist stronghold, as part of sustained efforts to disrupt terrorist activities and supply networks.

    This is contained in a statement issued by the Director of Public Relations and Information, NAF, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, on Monday.

    Ejodame said the air strike followed credible intelligence reports indicating the presence of a terrorist workshop and sustained movement of armed elements within the area.

    According to him, the Air Component of Joint Task Force, Operation Hadin Kai, deployed an integrated force package to carry out coordinated Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) missions alongside strike operations.

    “Prior ISR missions revealed repeated terrorist movements within the area, as well as a significant concentration of vehicles concealed under vegetation, confirming the location as an active terrorist logistics hub,” he said.

    Ejodame explained that further surveillance on the day of the operation validated the intelligence, with terrorists observed manoeuvring around the identified vehicles.

    “Following positive identification and in strict adherence to the Rules of Engagement, the targets were engaged,” he added.

    He said post-operation Battle Damage Assessment confirmed that the targeted vehicles were destroyed and terrorist elements neutralised.

    The NAF spokesperson said the successful operation underscored the Air Force’s commitment to intelligence-driven and precision air operations in support of national efforts to degrade terrorist networks and enhance security in affected regions.

    He reaffirmed the resolve of the Nigerian Air Force to continue supporting ongoing counterterrorism operations in collaboration with other arms of the Armed Forces.

  • FG Bans Admission, Transfer Of SS3 Students Nationwide

    The Federal Government has announced a nationwide ban on the admission and transfer of students into Senior Secondary School Three (SS3) in all public and private secondary schools across the country, effective from the 2026/2027 academic session.

    This is contained in a statement issued on Sunday in Abuja by the Director of Press and Public Relations, Federal Ministry of Education, Mrs. Boriowo Folasade.

    According to the statement, the directive is part of measures aimed at curbing examination malpractice and restoring credibility to Nigeria’s education system.

    “The Federal Government, through the Federal Ministry of Education, has announced a nationwide prohibition on the admission and transfer of students into Senior Secondary School Three (SS3) in all public and private secondary schools,” the statement read.

    The ministry explained that the policy followed growing concerns over the increasing incidence of examination malpractice, including the use of so-called special centres during external examinations.

    It noted that the practice of admitting or transferring students into SS3, often shortly before major examinations, had contributed significantly to academic fraud and undermined effective monitoring of students’ academic progress.

    The statement further clarified that admission and transfer of students would henceforth be restricted strictly to Senior Secondary School One (SS1) and Senior Secondary School Two (SS2).

    “Admission or transfer into SS3 will no longer be permitted under any circumstance,” the ministry stressed.

    Officials said the measure was designed to discourage last-minute movement of students for examination-related advantages, ensure proper academic supervision, and promote continuity in teaching and learning across secondary schools.

    The ministry directed all school proprietors, principals and administrators nationwide to comply fully with the new policy.

    It warned that any violation of the directive would attract appropriate sanctions in line with existing education regulations and guidelines.

    “The Federal Ministry of Education reaffirms the Federal Government’s commitment to maintaining academic standards, promoting fairness, and restoring credibility to public examinations across the country,” the statement added.

    Meanwhile, the ministry recalled that the Federal Government recently scrapped the national policy mandating the use of indigenous languages as the medium of instruction in Nigerian schools.

    The Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, announced the cancellation at the 2025 Language in Education International Conference organised by the British Council in Abuja.

  • Fire Outbreak Destroys 48 Shops At Lagos Market

    An early morning fire outbreak has destroyed no fewer than 48 shops at the Elegushi Model Market complex in the Lekki area of Lagos State.

    The Permanent Secretary of the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), Mr Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu, confirmed the incident in a statement issued on Sunday.

    According to him, LASEMA received a distress alert at about 2:00 a.m., prompting the immediate deployment of emergency response teams to the scene.

    Oke-Osanyintolu said that upon arrival, responders met the market already engulfed in flames, but swift and coordinated efforts by emergency personnel helped to contain the fire and prevent it from spreading to nearby structures.

    He explained that preliminary findings by LASEMA’s Shark Response Team revealed that the fire originated from one of the makeshift stalls within the market complex before escalating to the main building.

    “The fire started from one of the makeshift stalls within the market compound and rapidly spread to the main structure. The exact cause of the incident is yet to be determined,” he said.

    The LASEMA boss added that no casualties or injuries were recorded in the incident, attributing this to the early hour of the outbreak and the prompt response of emergency agencies.

    He noted that a post-disaster assessment conducted by the agency confirmed that a total of 48 shops were affected by the inferno.

    Oke-Osanyintolu also used the opportunity to stress the need for improved fire safety consciousness among market traders.

    “Traders were sensitised on basic fire safety measures, while the market union was advised to strategically position fire extinguishers to enable quick response to minor incidents before they escalate,” he said.

    He further urged shop owners to install smoke detectors and fire alarm systems and to remain vigilant at all times to prevent future occurrences.

    Fire outbreaks are common in many parts of Nigeria, particularly during the dry season, with concerns often raised over the limited capacity of firefighting agencies in several states to effectively combat major infernos.

  • Dangote Calls for Probe of Alleged $5m School Fees Paid by NMDPRA Boss

    President of the Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, has accused the Chief Executive of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), Mr Farouk Ahmed, of allegedly spending about $5 million on secondary school education for his four children in Switzerland.

    Dangote made the allegation on Sunday during a press briefing at the Dangote Petroleum Refinery in Lekki, Lagos, where he called for a full investigation and public explanation over the source of the funds.

    He urged relevant authorities, including the Code of Conduct Bureau and Tribunal, to probe the matter, describing the alleged expenditure as economic sabotage if left unexplained.

    According to Dangote, the cost of educating four children in secondary schools abroad for six years could not be easily reconciled with earnings from public service.

    > “I’ve actually had people making complaints about a regulator who has put his children in secondary school. That secondary school education, which is six years, four of them cost Nigeria $5m. You cannot imagine somebody paying $5m for educating four children,” he said.

    Dangote stressed that the allegation, if not addressed, would continue to undermine public trust and investor confidence in Nigeria’s regulatory institutions.

    He said the alleged spending would ordinarily attract scrutiny from tax authorities, noting that public servants are expected to justify their income and lifestyle.

    > “When you look at his income, his income does not match paying this kind of fee. And even if it’s me paying $5m for six years for my four children, the taxman has to look at my taxes and how much I pay,” Dangote stated.

    The billionaire industrialist expressed concern over the contrast between the alleged expenditure and the hardship faced by ordinary Nigerians, especially in the area of education.

    > “From Sokoto, where he comes from, people are struggling to pay ₦100,000 for school fees. A lot of children are at home because of ₦100,000. I cannot understand why somebody who has worked all his life in government has four children whose school fees he has paid $5m for,” he added.

    Dangote also disclosed that his own children did not attend secondary schools abroad.

    > “Even my own children did not go to those schools. My children went to a Nigerian secondary school. They didn’t go outside Nigeria to attend secondary school,” he said.

    He clarified that he was not calling for Ahmed’s removal but insisted on accountability and transparency.

    > “I am not calling for his removal, but for a proper investigation. He should be required to account for his actions and demonstrate that he has not compromised his position to the detriment of Nigerians,” Dangote said.

    He warned that if the allegation was denied, he would take further steps to substantiate his claims.

    > “If he denies it, I will not only publish what he paid as tuition in those secondary schools, but I will also take legal steps to compel the schools to disclose the payments made by Farouk,” he said.

    Dangote further lamented the state of the downstream petroleum sector, alleging that entrenched interests continued to benefit from fuel imports at the expense of national development.

    He described the continued importation of refined petroleum products into African countries as unethical, stressing that it undermines value addition and domestic refining.

    > “There are powerful interests in the oil sector. It is troubling that African countries continue to import refined products despite long-standing calls for domestic refining. The volume of imports being allowed into the country is unethical and does a disservice to Nigeria,” he added.

Verified by MonsterInsights