The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has released the official guidelines for the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME). Key points from the guidelines: All prospective candidates must declare their current admission status — indicating whether they are already enrolled in a tertiary institution. The 2026 UTME is strictly for fresh admissions; those already admitted into any tertiary institution are not eligible under the new directive. JAMB emphasizes that failure to declare accurately, or falsifying admission status, will lead to cancelled registration, revoked admission, and possible prosecution under relevant laws.
The Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway under construction will include relief stations, solar-powered lighting, and CCTV cameras to boost safety and ensure rapid emergency responses (within 10 minutes). The announcement was made by David Umahi, Minister of Works, during an inspection of the Calabar–Itu Road and Sections 3A and 3B — a 71.4-kilometre part of the total 750-kilometre highway being built through HITECH Africa Construction Company Limited. The road uses continuously reinforced concrete pavement. Minister Umahi praised the contractor for adhering to high standards, using modern equipment and skilled personnel, calling the firm a key development partner for Nigeria’s infrastructure progress. According to him, strategic placement of the relief facilities will support travel safety and security agencies. He also credited Bola Tinubu, President of Nigeria, for championing the project — a vision he began pursuing more than 27 years ago as Governor of Lagos State. The Managing Director of HITECH, Dany Aboud, said more manpower and resources would be deployed to ensure delivery of the segments within the 36-month contract period. Other officials — among them the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Works, the Federal Controller of Works in Cross River, and a representative of the Abi/Yakurr Federal Constituency — commended the quality of work and pledged support. Compensation amounting to N1 billion has already been paid to between 700 and 1,000 people from 12 communities affected by the project in Akamkpa and Odukpani Local Government Areas, and payments are ongoing.
France has pledged increased support to Nigeria in the fight against terrorism, particularly in the northern region. French President Emmanuel Macron gave the assurance in a message posted on X on Sunday after a conversation with President Bola Tinubu. Macron said France stood in solidarity with Nigeria over its security challenges and would deepen cooperation with Nigerian authorities. “I conveyed France’s solidarity in the face of various security challenges, particularly the terrorist threat in the North. At his request, we will strengthen our partnership with the authorities and our support for the affected populations,” he wrote. He urged Nigeria’s international partners to increase their engagement, saying “no one can remain a spectator”. Macron’s message comes amid recent attacks and kidnappings in parts of northern Nigeria, which have attracted global concern. The statement also follows renewed diplomatic consultations between Nigeria and foreign partners on counter-terrorism, including a meeting between Nigeria’s National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, and U.S. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth in Washington on Nov. 20. The Federal Government has maintained that insecurity in the country affects all groups, rejecting claims of targeted religious persecutions. Macron’s statement follows a wave of gunmen attacks and kidnappings, particularly in the northern region, that have drawn international condemnation. Recall that President Donald Trump recently redesignated Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern for religious freedom violations and threatened U.S. military intervention. The Federal Government has consistently rejected claims of Christian persecution, insisting that insecurity in Nigeria cuts across all religions. The situation has prompted the federal government to seek diplomatic aid from the international community. On November 20, Secretary of War Pete Hegseth hosted Nigeria’s National Security Advisor, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, at the Pentagon to discuss strategies to solve the problem.
The National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, on Sunday said he hosted a United States Congressional delegation in Abuja as part of ongoing security consultations between both countries. Ribadu, in a message shared on his X handle, said the visit followed earlier talks held in Washington, DC, centred on mutual security interests. “This morning, I received a US Congressional delegation on a fact-finding mission to Nigeria, following our earlier engagements in Washington, DC, on shared security priorities,” he wrote. He added that the US Ambassador to Nigeria, Richard Mills, was also present at the meeting — a development he said “reflected the importance both nations attach to this engagement.”
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) on Sunday condemned an alleged attempt by soldiers in Benin Republic to remove President Patrice Talon from office. The condemnation followed reports of confusion and gunfire in parts of Cotonou after a group of soldiers claiming to be the “Military Committee for Refoundation” announced on state television that they had removed the president. In a statement issued in Abuja, ECOWAS said it received “with consternation” reports of an attempted military takeover, describing it as an unconstitutional act that undermines the will of the people. It called for full respect of Benin’s Constitution and commended national security forces for efforts to restore calm. The bloc warned that those behind the plot would be held individually and collectively responsible for any loss of life or property. ECOWAS also signalled readiness to intervene if necessary, saying it would support the government and people of Benin “in all forms necessary, including the deployment of the regional standby force” to defend constitutional order and the country’s territorial integrity. Earlier, Talon’s office dismissed the soldiers’ announcement, insisting the president was safe and that loyalist forces were regaining control. The French embassy also reported disturbances near Camp Guezo in Cotonou and advised its nationals to remain indoors. The incident adds to tensions in a region that has recorded several coups in recent years, including in Niger, Burkina Faso, Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau. Benin, once regarded as one of West Africa’s most stable democracies, has experienced previous coups. Talon, 67, has governed since 2016 and is expected to leave office in April at the end of his second constitutionally allowed term.
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has commended two of its pilots for what it described as exceptional bravery and professionalism after they safely ejected from an Alpha Jet aircraft that developed an in-flight emergency in Niger State. NAF, in a statement posted on its official X handle on Sunday, said the officers ejected moments before the aircraft crashed near Karabonde village in Borgu Local Government Area during a routine post-maintenance test flight from Kainji Air Base on Saturday. The Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, said the pilots ensured the jet was manoeuvred away from populated areas before ejecting. He confirmed that both officers were receiving routine medical evaluation. Ejodame added that the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, had directed the immediate constitution of a Board of Inquiry to investigate the cause of the incident. According to him, NAF remains committed to strict safety standards and operational excellence while ensuring the protection of its personnel and the civilian population. Alpha Jets are used primarily for training and air-to-ground operations and have been deployed extensively in internal security missions across the country.
The Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) has announced a nationwide enforcement exercise to ensure that all Point of Sale (POS) operators register their businesses before Jan. 1, 2026. The Commission, in a public notice issued on Saturday, said the growing number of unregistered POS agents violates the Companies and Allied Matters Act (CAMA) 2020 and the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Agent Banking Regulations. It warned that the trend, allegedly aided by some fintech companies, poses risks to the country’s financial system and endangers citizens’ funds. “The CAC has observed the rising number of PoS operators running without registration, violating CAMA 2020 and CBN Agent Banking Regulations. This reckless practice, often enabled by some fintech companies, puts Nigeria’s financial system and citizens’ investments at risk. This must stop,” the notice said. The Commission said enforcement would begin on Jan. 1 and outlined measures that include:disallowing any POS operator from functioning without CAC Registration;deployment of security agencies nationwide to ensure compliance; Seizure or shutdown of unregistered POS terminals; andwatchlisting fintech firms aiding unregistered operators, with reports forwarded to the CBN. The CAC urged operators to commence immediate registration, stressing that compliance is mandatory. The enforcement move comes amid increased dependence on POS agents for cash withdrawals and other financial services, especially in communities with limited access to banking halls.
The mixture consists of two teaspoons of avocado, a little honey, and a small quantity of lemon juice. The ingredients are blended and applied to the face for 10 to 15 minutes. The mask helps to soften the skin, provide moisture, enhance glow, and protect the face from dryness caused by harsh weather.
2. Benefits During the Harmattan Season:
The treatments help restore the moisture the skin loses during cold or harmattan conditions. They reduces dryness of the hair and scalp. They also promote softness, shine, and protection against cracked skin.
The Nigerian Army has suspended statutory and voluntary retirements for specific categories of officers following the nationwide security emergency declared by President Bola Tinubu. The suspension, contained in an internal memo dated Dec. 3 and signed by Maj.-Gen. E. I. Okoro on behalf of the Chief of Army Staff, is aimed at retaining experienced manpower as the Armed Forces expand operations in response to rising insecurity. Official records show that more than 600 mass abduction cases were reported nationwide in November, including the kidnapping of over 300 students in Niger, 38 worshippers in Kwara and 25 students in Kebbi. Tinubu had, on Nov. 26, declared a national security emergency and directed the military, police and intelligence agencies to expand recruitment and deploy additional personnel to affected areas. The memo referenced the Harmonised Terms and Conditions of Service Officers (HTACOS) 2024, noting that while officers are ordinarily required to retire upon attaining age ceilings, completing 35 years in service, or failing promotion or conversion examinations, the regulations allow extensions when necessary. “Notwithstanding these provisions, Chapter 3.10(e) of HTACOS Officers 2024 allows for extension of service to officers in the interest of the service,” the memo stated. The temporary suspension covers officers who have reached age limits, failed promotion or conversion examinations three times, been passed over at promotion boards, or have completed 35 years of service. The Army said officers willing to continue service may apply for extension but noted that extended service would not attract promotion, career courses, sponsorship or extra-regimental appointments. Formations and units were directed to circulate the directive, manage morale and ensure compliance. The Army added that the policy would be reviewed as the security situation improves. Several retired senior officers have endorsed the move. Dr Awwal Abdullahi, Secretary-General of the Military Veterans Federation of Nigeria, described the suspension as a “welcome development,” saying trained officers should not be retired prematurely amid heightened insecurity. A retired Brig.-Gen., Peter Aro, said the measure was a “reasonable short-term emergency response,” but called for improved welfare and special incentives for officers who choose to remain in service without prospects of further career progression. Another retired officer, Brig.-Gen. Bashir Adewinbi (rtd.), said the suspension was a practical step given current challenges, while retired Brig.-Gen. George Emdin urged the military to end the practice of retiring officers once their coursemates become service chiefs. He, however, disagreed with extending service for officers who repeatedly fail promotion examinations. The suspension forms part of government measures to address manpower shortages and strengthen operational capacity across the Armed Forces.
The Benue State Police Command has arrested a suspected notorious bandit allegedly responsible for multiple attacks on security personnel in Benue and Nasarawa states. Security expert, Zagazola Makama, confirmed that the suspect, identified as Yongu Justine Makwagh of Kadarko in Nasarawa State, was apprehended at about 8:00 p.m. on Friday at Balcony Park, Makurdi, after months of sustained surveillance. Makama said the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Daudu led the operation based on credible intelligence, with support from operatives of the Inspector-General of Police Intelligence Response Team (IRT) on special duty. A security source told that Makwagh had been on the command’s wanted list over his alleged involvement in violent attacks within the Sankera axis. “The suspect was earlier linked to the killing of two Safer Highway Police personnel at Yelwata and two operatives of the Department of Operations (DOPS) in Daudu, during which firearms were carted away,” the source said. Police authorities described the arrest as a major breakthrough in ongoing operations to dismantle bandit networks across Benue and neighbouring states. They confirmed that the suspect is in custody and undergoing interrogation, adding that efforts are ongoing to recover additional weapons and track down his accomplices. Bandit attacks on schools and places of worship have intensified in recent weeks, prompting President Bola Tinubu to declare a national emergency to address the worsening security situations.
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