Aeesha's Blog

Author: Aeesha Zannah

  • Abia Announces CBT Dates For Second Batch Of Teachers’ Recruitment

    The Abia State Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education has announced the dates for the Computer-Based Test (CBT) for candidates shortlisted in the second batch of its ongoing teachers’ recruitment exercise aimed at strengthening manpower in public schools across the state.

    The ministry disclosed that the CBT for the shortlisted applicants will hold between March 17 and March 21, 2026, as part of the selection process for qualified teachers to be employed into the state’s public primary and secondary schools.

    According to the ministry, candidates who successfully applied for the recruitment and were shortlisted in the second batch are expected to participate in the CBT as the next stage of the screening process.

    The exercise forms part of the Abia State Government’s broader plan to address the shortage of teachers and improve the quality of education across the state.

    Officials of the ministry explained that the recruitment programme is designed to attract qualified professionals who will contribute to improving learning outcomes in public schools, particularly in rural and underserved communities.

    The government noted that the recruitment process involves multiple stages, including screening of applications, Computer-Based Test, oral interviews, and verification of academic credentials, before the final selection of successful candidates.

    It was gathered that thousands of applicants had earlier submitted applications during the recruitment exercise, with over 24,000 candidates reportedly shortlisted to participate in the CBT stage.

    The state government said the recruitment exercise was approved as part of ongoing reforms in the education sector under the administration of Gov. Alex Otti, which prioritises improved teaching standards and better learning environments in public schools.

    Government officials further explained that the recruitment of new teachers would help fill existing vacancies, reduce teacher shortages, and improve the teacher-to-student ratio across schools in the state.

    They added that the initiative would also enhance the delivery of quality education and strengthen the overall capacity of the state’s basic and secondary education system.

    The ministry advised all shortlisted candidates to check their examination details, including CBT schedules, venues, and other instructions, through the official recruitment portal.

    Candidates are also expected to appear for the examination with valid identification and other required documents as specified by the ministry.

    Education authorities emphasised that only candidates who successfully pass the CBT would proceed to the next stage of the recruitment process, which includes oral interviews and documentation verification.

    The government also warned applicants to beware of fraudulent individuals or platforms claiming to influence the recruitment process, stressing that the exercise remains transparent and merit-based.

    Officials reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening the education sector through the recruitment of competent and qualified teachers capable of driving academic excellence in the state’s public schools.

    Applicants and interested individuals can access updates and information regarding the recruitment process through the official portal:

    Application Portal:
    https://jobs.mobse-abiastategov.ng/⁠

    The Abia State Government reiterated that the teachers’ recruitment programme is part of broader efforts to reposition the education sector and ensure that students across the state have access to quality teaching and learning.

  • FG moves to review social media age policy for Nigerian minors

    The Federal Government has commenced consultations with stakeholders on the possibility of introducing an age limit for children’s access to social media platforms in Nigeria.

    The initiative is aimed at strengthening online safety measures and protecting children from potential risks associated with the increasing use of digital platforms.

    The consultation, spearheaded by the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, seeks the views of parents, educators, child-rights advocates, technology experts and young people on how best to regulate minors’ use of social media in the country.

    The Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr Bosun Tijani, said the consultation process would enable the government to develop policies that balance children’s digital participation with the need to ensure their safety online.

    Tijani explained that the rapid growth of internet access and smartphone use among young people had made it necessary for government to review existing safeguards to protect minors in the digital space.

    According to him, while social media platforms provide opportunities for education, creativity and communication, they also expose young users to risks such as cyberbullying, harmful content, online exploitation and privacy violations.

    “The objective of the consultation is to gather broad perspectives that will help the government determine whether Nigeria should introduce a minimum age requirement for social media use or adopt other protective measures,” the minister said.

    He added that the government was committed to ensuring that policies developed from the consultation would protect children without limiting their access to the benefits of the digital economy.

    The minister encouraged Nigerians to participate actively in the consultation process through surveys and stakeholder engagements organised by the ministry.

    He noted that contributions from the public would guide the formulation of a policy framework that reflects national realities and promotes responsible digital use among children.

    Experts have long expressed concern about the impact of excessive social media exposure on minors, particularly issues relating to cyberbullying, misinformation, online harassment and digital addiction.

    Child-rights advocates have also called for stronger regulatory measures and improved parental awareness to safeguard children in the evolving digital environment.

    The development comes as several countries across the world consider or implement age restrictions and stricter regulations on social media platforms as part of broader child online protection policies.

    Industry observers say Nigeria’s consultation could lead to new guidelines on age verification, parental control mechanisms and greater accountability for digital platforms operating in the country.

    The Federal Government said the consultation would provide the basis for a comprehensive policy aimed at ensuring that Nigerian children can safely benefit from opportunities offered by the internet while minimising potential risks.

  • Frequent petrol price hikes raise concerns among transport operators

    Transport operators across Nigeria have expressed concern following the latest increase in petrol price by the Dangote Petroleum Refinery to N1,175 per litre, the third adjustment recorded within one week.

    The new ex-depot price, raised from N995 per litre, is expected to have immediate implications for the transport sector, which relies heavily on Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) for daily operations.

    Commercial drivers and transport union members say the development may compel them to review transport fares in order to cope with rising fuel costs.

    According to several operators, petrol accounts for a significant portion of operational expenses in the road transport industry.

    A commercial driver operating within the Abuja metropolis said frequent fuel price changes make it difficult for transporters to maintain stable fares for passengers.

    “With the new price, many drivers may not sustain current fares because fuel costs continue to rise,” he said.

    Industry observers say depot price increases usually lead to higher pump prices at retail filling stations after marketers add transportation, storage and operational costs.

    Energy analysts noted that pump prices could exceed N1,200 per litre in some parts of the country if marketers reflect the new ex-depot rate.

    They added that any increase in transport fares could trigger a chain reaction across the economy, affecting the cost of goods distribution and food prices.

    The price adjustment comes as the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited and other stakeholders continue efforts to stabilise fuel supply in the country following the removal of petrol subsidy.

    Experts believe domestic refining operations at the Dangote Petroleum Refinery will eventually help improve fuel availability and reduce Nigeria’s reliance on imported petroleum products.

    The refinery, owned by the Dangote Group and founded by industrialist Aliko Dangote, has a refining capacity of 650,000 barrels per day and is regarded as one of the largest refineries globally.

    However, analysts say fuel prices may continue to fluctuate depending on global crude oil prices, exchange rate movements and other market forces.

  • AGF: Resolution of OPL 245 Dispute Repositions Nigeria’s Economy

    The Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, says the resolution of the long-standing dispute surrounding Oil Prospecting Licence (OPL) 245 will significantly reposition Nigeria’s economy and strengthen investor confidence in the country’s oil and gas sector.

    Fagbemi also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for demonstrating decisive leadership in ensuring the amicable settlement of the dispute, which had lingered for years and attracted international attention.

    The AGF stated this in Abuja while addressing journalists on the outcome of negotiations that led to the settlement involving key stakeholders in the controversial oil block.

    He explained that the resolution marked a turning point in Nigeria’s efforts to address legacy disputes in the petroleum industry and restore credibility in the management of the nation’s natural resources.

    According to him, the successful settlement underscores the administration’s commitment to strengthening the rule of law, promoting transparency, and creating a stable investment climate in the oil and gas sector.

    “The resolution of the OPL 245 dispute represents a major milestone for Nigeria. It signals the government’s readiness to resolve long-standing disputes through lawful and constructive engagement,” Fagbemi said.

    He noted that the dispute over the oil block, which had spanned several administrations and triggered multiple legal battles across jurisdictions, had previously posed reputational and financial risks to Nigeria.

    The minister said the settlement would enable the country to refocus on economic growth, attract fresh investment into the petroleum sector, and improve revenue generation.

    Fagbemi also stressed that the Federal Government remained committed to protecting Nigeria’s national interest while ensuring fairness and adherence to due process in the management of strategic assets.

    He further noted that resolving such disputes was critical to unlocking the full potential of Nigeria’s oil and gas resources and advancing the broader economic reform agenda of the Tinubu administration.

    The attorney-general urged stakeholders in the energy sector to support government efforts aimed at improving governance, accountability and investment inflow in the industry.

    The OPL 245 oil block, one of Nigeria’s most valuable offshore assets, has been the subject of prolonged legal and diplomatic disputes involving international oil companies and Nigerian authorities.

    Analysts say the resolution of the dispute could open new opportunities for exploration and production activities, thereby boosting Nigeria’s crude oil output and government revenue.

    Observers also note that the development aligns with ongoing reforms in the petroleum sector aimed at improving regulatory certainty and attracting foreign direct investment.

    The Federal Government expressed optimism that the settlement would contribute to long-term stability in the sector and reinforce Nigeria’s position as a key player in the global energy market.

  • Middle East Tensions Rise as Israel Vows to Sustain Offensive Against Iran

    Escalating tensions in the Middle East have continued to draw global concern as Israel’s Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, declared that Israel would pursue its military campaign against Iran with full force, amid fears that the conflict could widen across the region.

    Netanyahu made the declaration during a televised address, emphasising that Israel remained determined to continue its military operations until its strategic security objectives are achieved.

    The Israeli leader stated that the country’s armed forces had made significant operational gains during recent air operations targeting Iranian military infrastructure and strategic facilities.

    According to him, Israel’s military campaign is aimed at neutralising threats it believes emanate from Iran, particularly those linked to missile development and regional military networks.

    “Our forces are acting with determination and strength, and we will continue the campaign with all our force,” Netanyahu said, praising the efforts of Israeli pilots and ground personnel involved in the operations.

    Regional Implications

    Security analysts say the escalation has heightened concerns about the possibility of a broader regional conflict involving other Middle Eastern actors.

    The confrontation between Israel and Iran has already triggered heightened security alerts across several countries in the Gulf region, where governments are closely monitoring the developments.

    The conflict followed a series of coordinated strikes reportedly carried out against Iranian strategic locations, which were said to have targeted key military facilities and senior figures linked to Iran’s security establishment.

    The development has intensified geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, a region already grappling with multiple security challenges.

    Global Reactions

    International stakeholders, including major global powers and diplomatic organisations, have expressed concern over the potential consequences of a prolonged confrontation between the two countries.

    Observers warn that the situation could disrupt global energy markets and affect international shipping routes if hostilities expand further in the Gulf region.

    There have also been renewed calls for restraint and diplomatic engagement to prevent the conflict from escalating into a wider regional war.

    Despite the concerns, Netanyahu maintained that Israel would remain resolute in defending its national security interests.
    The crisis continues to dominate international diplomatic discussions as governments and global institutions monitor the situation closely.

  • Gunmen Abduct 16 Persons in Abuja Community

    Gunmen suspected to be kidnappers have abducted no fewer than 16 persons, including four children of a pastor and the wife of a vigilante member, during an overnight attack in a community within the Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory.

    Residents said the incident occurred late Thursday night when the armed men stormed the area, firing sporadically to scare residents before whisking away their victims.

    Eyewitnesses told reporters that the attackers targeted several houses in the community and forcefully took away the victims after breaking into the buildings.

    According to a resident who spoke on condition of anonymity, the gunmen abducted the four children belonging to a local pastor, as well as the wife of a member of the community vigilante group.

    “The attackers came in large numbers and started shooting into the air. People ran in different directions to save their lives. They went straight to some houses and took away many people,” the resident said.

    Another resident said the victims included men, women and children, bringing the total number of abducted persons to about 16.
    Community members said the attack caused panic across the area as residents fled their homes for safety.

    Local sources added that the vigilante member whose wife was abducted had earlier been involved in community security efforts aimed at protecting residents from criminal activities.

    As of the time of filing this report, security operatives had reportedly been alerted to the incident, while efforts were ongoing to track the attackers and rescue the victims.

    Kidnapping for ransom has become a major security concern in several parts of the Nigeria, including communities around the Abuja, where criminal groups often target residents in night raids.

    Security agencies have repeatedly assured the public of intensified operations to tackle banditry and kidnapping across the country.

    However, residents continue to call for stronger security presence and improved surveillance in vulnerable communities within the Federal Capital Territory.

    Efforts to obtain official confirmation from the Nigeria Police Force were ongoing at the time of this report.

  • FG Introduces ‘No NERD, No NYSC’ Policy to Tackle Certificate Fraud

    The Federal Government has launched a digital platform designed to verify and preserve academic records across tertiary institutions in Nigeria, declaring that graduates whose records are not captured on the platform will not be eligible for the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC).

    The platform, known as the Nigeria Education Repository and Databank (NERD), was unveiled by the Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, as part of ongoing reforms to strengthen the integrity of Nigeria’s education system and curb certificate fraud.

    Alausa said compliance with the NERD system had become a mandatory requirement for participation in, or exemption from, the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), stressing that the initiative would ensure that all academic qualifications obtained from accredited institutions are digitally verified.

    According to him, the repository serves as a national digital infrastructure that standardises, authenticates and preserves academic records for universities, polytechnics, monotechnics and colleges of education across the country.

    He explained that the platform would issue a National Credential Number for each academic award and maintain a centralised system for verifying certificates and academic records nationwide.

    The minister said the policy was introduced to address the growing problem of fake academic certificates and questionable degrees obtained from unaccredited institutions, both within and outside Nigeria.

    Alausa noted that the initiative would also help government agencies and employers confirm the authenticity of academic credentials quickly and accurately.

    “Education is a covenant between the state and its citizens. When a certificate is issued, it is a national guarantee that due process was followed and standards were upheld,” he said.

    The minister disclosed that within four months of implementation, the platform had already recorded significant progress, with nearly 100,000 digital student submissions preserved and more than 250 tertiary institutions onboarded for real-time credential verification.

    He added that over 133,000 students and 6,800 lecturers had been registered on the system, supported by hundreds of institutional focal persons across the country.

    The NERD system also includes components such as a National Credential Verification Service, a National Student Clearinghouse, and a digital repository for academic theses and research publications.

    Alausa further revealed that more than 1,000 digital service centres had been established in collaboration with Nigerian digital entrepreneurs to support the implementation of the platform, generating over 3,000 jobs nationwide.

    The minister urged tertiary institutions to fully comply with the policy, warning that the government would strictly enforce the rule.

    He emphasised that agencies such as the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), National Universities Commission (NUC), National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) and National Commission for Colleges of Education (NCCE) would integrate the system into their institutional oversight processes.

    The initiative, he said, would improve transparency, ensure reliable academic data, and restore confidence in Nigerian academic qualifications.

    Alausa also announced plans to introduce the NERD Annual National Laureate Prize, which will reward outstanding undergraduate, master’s and doctoral research with prizes ranging from ₦5 million to ₦20 million.

    He stressed that the digital repository would preserve Nigeria’s academic knowledge base for future generations while strengthening global recognition of Nigerian educational credentials.

  • Female Leaders to Head Nursing Colleges’ Governing Councils in Borno

    The Governor of Borno State, Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum, has approved the appointment of women as chairpersons of the governing councils of the state’s three Colleges of Nursing Sciences located in Maiduguri, Gwoza and Monguno.

    The approval was contained in a statement issued on Thursday by the governor’s spokesman, Malam Dauda Iliya, in Maiduguri.

    According to the statement, the appointments are part of efforts by the state government to strengthen institutional governance and improve the administration of health training institutions in the state.

    The newly appointed chairpersons include Dr. Mairo Mandara for the College of Nursing Sciences, Gwoza; Hajiya Hauwa Mustapha for the College of Nursing Sciences, Maiduguri; and Rukaiya Shettima Kamfut for the College of Nursing Sciences, Monguno.

    With the appointments, women will now lead the governing councils of all three nursing colleges established by the Borno State Government to enhance the training of nurses and other healthcare professionals.

    The statement explained that the governing councils were constituted in line with the laws establishing the institutions, which mandate oversight bodies to guide policy direction and administrative operations.

    It added that each council would comprise a chairman and seven other members drawn from statutory offices and community representatives.

    The statutory members include the Permanent Secretary of the State Ministry of Health and Human Services, the Director of Nursing Services, the Provost of the respective college and the Registrar, who will serve as secretary to the council.

    Other members are expected to represent community interests from the three senatorial districts of the state.

    Zulum expressed confidence that the newly appointed council members would contribute significantly to strengthening academic standards, governance and professional training within the nursing institutions.

    The governor reiterated his administration’s commitment to expanding healthcare education and addressing the shortage of skilled health personnel in the state.

    Observers say the move also underscores the government’s effort to promote women’s participation in leadership and decision-making positions across key sectors in the state.

  • Harvard University Launches Free Online Cybersecurity Course for 2026

    Harvard University has opened applications for a free online cybersecurity course scheduled for 2026, offering learners around the world an opportunity to gain essential digital security skills without paying any enrolment fees.

    The course is designed to cater to beginners and aspiring cybersecurity professionals, providing foundational and practical knowledge needed to understand and respond to modern digital threats. It is delivered entirely online, allowing participants to learn at their own pace and from any location.

    According to details released by the organisers, the programme requires no prior experience in cybersecurity or information technology.

    Participants will be guided through key cybersecurity topics by Harvard professors, ensuring exposure to globally recognised academic standards and expert instruction.

    The course structure emphasises flexibility, enabling learners to balance their studies with work or other commitments while acquiring in-demand skills relevant to today’s technology-driven economy.

    Harvard University stated that the initiative reflects its commitment to expanding access to quality education and supporting global efforts to build digital capacity in a rapidly evolving technological landscape.

    Enrollment for the programme is 100 per cent free, and interested applicants can register through the official application platform at:

    https://harvard-university-cybersecurity-free-online-course-2025/

    The course is expected to benefit students, young graduates, and professionals seeking to transition into or advance within the technology and cybersecurity sector.

  • NELFUND Extends Student Loan Application Portal Amid High Demand

    The Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) has announced an extension of its Student Loan Application Portal, citing increased awareness and nationwide demand from eligible students.

    The extension aims to provide another opportunity for students to complete applications for tuition and upkeep support, which remains a critical source of financial assistance for higher education across Nigeria.

    Eligibility and Application Process
    The loan scheme targets students enrolled in accredited tertiary institutions, enabling them to access financial support for tuition, accommodation, and other educational needs.

    Students can apply through the official NELFUND portal via the following link:
    https://portal.nelf.gov.ng/auth/register

    Applicants are advised to complete their submissions promptly to ensure eligibility, as the deadline for the extended application period has been set by NELFUND management.

    Information and Support

    To assist prospective applicants, NELFUND has provided additional guidance through an official information channel on WhatsApp:
    🔗 https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb6v0fr7DAX4HAKLhe3E

    Officials noted that the extension reflects the agency’s commitment to increasing access to education financing, particularly for students from underrepresented and underserved communities.

    Impact on Students

    Education experts say the extension will help reduce financial barriers to higher education, ensuring that more students can continue their studies without interruption.

    NELFUND emphasized that students should take advantage of this opportunity immediately, as delays in submission may affect eligibility for funding.

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