Aeesha's Blog

Category: Breaking News

  • FG to End HND Discrimination, Elevates Polytechnics to Degree-Awarding Institutions

    The Federal Government has announced a decisive policy shift to end the long-standing dichotomy between Higher National Diploma (HND) holders and university degree graduates by granting degree-awarding status to Nigerian polytechnics.

    The Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, disclosed this in Abuja on Wednesday while addressing stakeholders in the technical and vocational education sector, describing the move as a major reform aimed at repositioning polytechnics for national development.

    According to the minister, the decision is part of broader efforts by the Federal Government to strengthen technical education, promote skills acquisition and eliminate systemic discrimination that has limited the career progression of polytechnic graduates over the years.

    He said the reform would ensure that polytechnics are fully integrated into Nigeria’s higher education framework, while still retaining their core mandate of providing practical, industry-driven training.

    “This policy will finally address the unfair treatment of HND holders in employment, promotion and further academic pursuits. It is a bold step towards equity, productivity and economic growth,” Alausa said.
    Education Reform and National Development

    The minister explained that the initiative aligns with the Federal Government’s commitment to human capital development under the Renewed Hope Agenda, noting that countries that prioritise technical education often experience faster industrial growth.

    He added that granting degree status to polytechnics would improve their global competitiveness, attract better funding and strengthen collaboration with industries requiring skilled manpower.

    Alausa stressed that the transition would be guided by strict quality assurance measures to ensure academic standards are maintained, with regulatory agencies playing key oversight roles.

    Stakeholders Welcome Decision

    Education stakeholders and experts have welcomed the announcement, describing it as a long-awaited breakthrough that could restore confidence in the polytechnic education system.

    They noted that the HND-degree dichotomy has discouraged many talented students from enrolling in polytechnics, despite the institutions’ strong focus on hands-on training and employable skills.

    Some stakeholders also expressed optimism that the reform would help address Nigeria’s growing skills gap in sectors such as engineering, manufacturing, technology and agriculture.

    Implications for Students and Employment

    Analysts believe the policy could significantly improve employment prospects for polytechnic graduates by placing them on equal academic footing with university degree holders in both the public and private sectors.

    They also noted that the reform could expand opportunities for polytechnic graduates to pursue postgraduate studies without facing institutional barriers linked to their qualifications.

    Looking Ahead

    The Federal Government said further details on implementation guidelines, timelines and institutional readiness would be communicated in due course.

    Observers say effective implementation will be critical to ensuring the reform delivers its intended benefits and strengthens Nigeria’s technical and vocational education system.

  • Army Nabs Three ISWAP Recruitment Agents in Borno Operation

    The Nigerian Army has arrested three suspected recruitment agents linked to the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) during an intelligence-driven operation in Borno State, as part of sustained efforts to dismantle terrorist networks in the North-East.

    Army sources confirmed on Tuesday that the suspects were apprehended by troops of Operation Hadin Kai in Banki, Bama Local Government Area, following actionable intelligence provided by members of the local community.

    The suspects, whose identities were not immediately disclosed, were allegedly involved in recruiting young men for ISWAP, persuading and mobilising them to join insurgent camps operating within and outside Borno State.

    Intelligence-Led Operation

    According to security sources, the arrest followed weeks of surveillance after reports emerged that some individuals were secretly targeting vulnerable youths with promises of financial rewards and protection.

    Troops were said to have moved swiftly to intercept the suspects during a covert operation, leading to their arrest without resistance.

    Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects allegedly served as middle-level recruitment agents, responsible for identifying, indoctrinating and facilitating the movement of recruits to ISWAP enclaves.

    Counter-Terrorism Efforts

    Military authorities described the development as a significant breakthrough in the ongoing campaign to cut off ISWAP’s recruitment and logistics channels, which remain critical to the group’s survival.

    Security experts note that while sustained military offensives have weakened insurgent strongholds, recruitment remains a key strategy used by terror groups to replenish their ranks.

    The arrest, they said, underscores the importance of intelligence gathering and community collaboration in tackling terrorism.

    Community Cooperation

    The Army commended residents of the area for providing timely and credible information, stressing that civilian cooperation remains vital in the fight against insurgency.

    “The role of communities in exposing criminal elements cannot be overstated. This arrest would not have been possible without local support,” a military source said.

    Next Steps

    The suspects have been handed over to relevant military intelligence units for further investigation and prosecution in line with extant laws.
    Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have continued clearance operations across Borno and neighbouring states, targeting insurgent hideouts, logistics routes and recruitment cells.

    The Nigerian Army reassured citizens of its commitment to restoring lasting peace in the North-East and urged the public to continue reporting suspicious activities to security agencies.

  • 300-Level Niger Varsity Student Found Dead Inside Apartment

    A 300-level student of Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University (IBBU), Lapai, has been found dead inside his off-campus apartment in Lapai, Niger State.

    The Niger State Police Command confirmed the incident on Tuesday, saying the student was discovered hanging in his room under circumstances suspected to be suicide.

    Police Account

    The Police Public Relations Officer in the state, SP Wasiu Abiodun, said the incident was reported at about 10:30 a.m. on Monday by residents of the area.

    According to him, neighbours raised an alarm after noticing that the student had not been seen for some time, prompting them to force open his room.

    “Upon entry, the victim was found hanging from the ceiling fan with a piece of cloth tied round his neck,” Abiodun said.

    He added that the body was immediately evacuated to the General Hospital, Lapai, where a medical doctor confirmed the student dead.

    The police spokesperson said investigation had commenced to ascertain the circumstances that led to the incident.

    University’s Position

    Reacting to the development, the management of Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University described the incident as tragic and expressed sympathy to the bereaved family.

    In a statement issued by the Deputy Registrar, Information, Baba Akote, the university clarified that the deceased lived off-campus and that the institution was not involved in any tenancy or financial arrangement between the student and his landlord.

    The management urged students and members of the public to avoid speculation and the spread of unverified information, noting that the matter was under police investigation.

    Possible Circumstances

    Although the police have yet to establish a motive, sources within the university community suggested that the student may have been under financial pressure prior to his death.

    Authorities, however, cautioned against drawing conclusions until investigations are concluded.

    Campus and Public Reaction

    The incident has thrown the university community into mourning, with students expressing shock and grief over the sudden loss.

    Some students called for improved student welfare and counselling services, stressing the need for stronger mental health support structures on campuses.

    Investigation Ongoing

    The police said findings from the investigation would be made public after due process, while the body of the deceased has been deposited at the hospital morgue pending further action by the family.

  • 6 security personnel killed in Zamfara ambush

    At least five soldiers and one police officer were killed in a deadly ambush along the Bingi–Kekun Waje–Gusau Road in Zamfara State, security sources confirmed on Tuesday.

    The troops, part of Operation FANSAN YAMMA, were returning from coordinated raids in Birnin Magaji and Anka Local Government Areas when they were attacked by heavily armed gunmen.

    Captain David Adewusi, Media Officer of Operation FANSAN YAMMA, said the troops had recovered weapons, including machine guns and AK‑47 rifles, from previous raids, but were ambushed during a response to a distress call.

    “Despite the surprise attack, our troops responded gallantly, preventing further harm to nearby communities,” Adewusi said.

    Immediate Response and Pursuit

    Reinforcements from Forward Operating Bases in Kanoma and Kekun Waje were deployed, forcing the attackers to retreat. Local vigilantes also assisted in the pursuit of fleeing gunmen.

    Military sources said that key suspects, including a bandit leader known as Janwuya, were reportedly injured during the clash.

    Impact and Public Reaction

    Authorities offered condolences to the families of the slain soldiers and police officer, praising their bravery and dedication. Residents of affected communities remain anxious as armed attacks persist in north-west Nigeria.

    The military has assured the public that security in the area is under control and urged citizens to provide credible intelligence to aid operations.

    Security Analysis

    Analysts warn that the ambush highlights the evolving tactics of armed groups in the North-West, emphasizing the need for intelligence-led patrols and community cooperation to reduce threats to both civilians and security forces.

  • Education Crisis: Northern Governors Call for Immediate Intervention

    Governors of the 19 Northern states have raised the alarm over what they described as a deepening education crisis in the region, calling for urgent, coordinated action by federal, state and development partners to reverse decades of poor learning outcomes and high numbers of out-of-school children.

    The governors, under the auspices of the Northern States Governors’ Forum (NSGF), made the call at the end of a high-level meeting in Abuja, where education was identified as a major threat to human capital development, security and long-term economic growth in the region.

    In a communiqué issued after the meeting, the forum expressed concern that Northern Nigeria accounts for a disproportionately high percentage of the country’s out-of-school children, many of whom are affected by poverty, insecurity, cultural barriers and weak education infrastructure.

    According to the governors, the situation has been worsened by persistent insecurity in some states, displacement of communities, shortage of qualified teachers, poor funding, and dilapidated school facilities, particularly in rural areas.

    “The forum notes with grave concern the alarming state of education in Northern Nigeria and resolves that urgent, decisive and sustained interventions are required to avert further decline,” the communiqué read.

    Call for Federal and State Collaboration

    The governors urged the Federal Government to scale up investments in basic and secondary education, particularly in teacher recruitment and training, school rehabilitation and learning materials, while also strengthening coordination with states to ensure effective implementation of education policies.

    They also pledged to increase budgetary allocations to education at the state level, in line with national and international benchmarks, and to prioritise programmes aimed at reducing the number of out-of-school children.

    The forum emphasised the need to integrate formal education with skills acquisition and vocational training, especially for adolescents who have dropped out of school, to improve employability and reduce youth vulnerability.

    Security and Social Dimensions

    From a security perspective, the governors warned that neglecting education could fuel crime, extremism and social instability, noting that illiteracy and unemployment create fertile ground for recruitment by criminal and insurgent groups.

    They called for stronger collaboration between education authorities, security agencies and traditional institutions to protect schools, encourage enrolment and sustain attendance, particularly for girls.

    Role of Traditional and Religious Leaders

    The NSGF also appealed to traditional rulers, religious leaders and community stakeholders to intensify advocacy for education, stressing that social norms and misconceptions continue to hinder school enrolment and retention in some areas.

    Development partners and the private sector were encouraged to expand support for education through funding, innovation, digital learning and public-private partnerships.

    Way Forward

    The governors resolved to set up a joint implementation framework to track progress on agreed education reforms and to regularly review outcomes at subsequent forum meetings.

    They reaffirmed their commitment to working collectively to ensure that every child in Northern Nigeria has access to quality, safe and inclusive education.

    Observers say the renewed focus by Northern governors could mark a turning point if backed by sustained political will, adequate funding and effective monitoring, as education remains central to addressing poverty, insecurity and inequality in the region.

  • Lagos Boosts Emergency Services with Recruitment of 150 Firefighters

    The Lagos State Government has recruited 150 additional firefighters as part of efforts to enhance emergency response, improve public safety and strengthen the operational capacity of the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service (LSFRS).

    The recruitment, approved by the administration of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, is aimed at addressing the growing emergency challenges associated with rapid urbanisation and population expansion in the state.

    This was disclosed in a statement issued by the Controller of the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, Mrs Margaret Adeseye, through the agency’s Public Affairs Officer.

    Government’s Safety and Emergency Strategy

    According to Adeseye, the recruitment underscores the state government’s commitment to building a responsive, resilient and professionally trained fire service capable of protecting lives and property across Lagos.

    She noted that the move aligns with the administration’s broader agenda of strengthening emergency preparedness and disaster management mechanisms in Africa’s most populous city.

    Adeseye added that continuous investment in manpower and training remained critical to improving response time and operational efficiency during emergencies.

    Training and Capacity Building
    The newly recruited firefighters, employed in November 2025, are currently undergoing intensive training at the Lagos State Fire Academy in Ikeja.

    They are being trained under the Professional Basic Firefighting Competency and Short Service Course, a programme designed to equip personnel with modern firefighting skills, discipline, and safety procedures in line with international best practices.

    Officials said the training would prepare the recruits to handle diverse emergency situations, including fires, rescue operations and disaster response.

    Sustained Recruitment Drive
    The latest recruitment is part of a sustained effort by the Sanwo-Olu administration to strengthen the state’s fire service.

    In 2020, the state recruited 100 firefighters to reinforce emergency response during the COVID-19 pandemic, while 435 firefighters were inducted in 2022, marking the largest recruitment exercise in the history of the service.

    The 2022 intake coincided with activities marking the Golden Jubilee of the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service.

    Infrastructure and Equipment Expansion

    Beyond manpower development, the state government has also invested heavily in fire-fighting infrastructure and equipment.

    Recent upgrades include the procurement of 62 modern fire trucks, the establishment of new fire stations in areas such as Ajegunle, Ebute Elefun and Oba Oniru–Lekki, and the commissioning of a new headquarters at Alausa, Ikeja.

    These interventions are expected to enhance coverage, reduce response time and improve service delivery across the state.

    Public Safety Outlook

    With Lagos recording frequent fire outbreaks due to dense settlements, industrial activities and traffic congestion, experts say strengthening the fire service remains critical to safeguarding lives, property and economic assets.

    The recruitment of additional firefighters is therefore expected to significantly boost emergency response efficiency and reinforce public confidence in the state’s safety architecture.

  • Drug Abuse Driving Murder Cases in Delta — Police Commissioner

    The Commissioner of Police in Delta State, CP Aina Adesola, has attributed the recent increase in murder cases across the state to the abuse of illicit drugs, warning that substance abuse is fast becoming a major driver of violent crime.

    Adesola made this known on Tuesday while briefing journalists in Asaba, saying intelligence reports and investigations by the command had revealed a strong link between drug abuse and incidents of murder, cultism and other violent crimes in the state.

    According to him, the police command has intensified operations aimed at dismantling drug networks and arresting individuals involved in the sale and abuse of hard drugs across Delta’s 25 local government areas.

    “The command will not relent in its efforts to clamp down on those involved in the abuse and distribution of illicit drugs, as these substances are largely responsible for the senseless killings we are witnessing,” the commissioner said.

    Recent Murder Incident

    The police commissioner cited a recent murder case in Ogwashi-Uku as a clear example of the dangers posed by drug abuse.

    He explained that on Jan. 8, at about 3:20 a.m., a 20-year-old man was stabbed to death while asleep along Poly Road near Adaigbo Filling Station.

    Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspect, identified as the victim’s younger brother, was allegedly under the influence of illicit drugs at the time of the attack.

    The suspect was arrested, while the knife used in committing the crime was recovered, Adesola disclosed.

    He described the incident as tragic and avoidable, stressing that drug abuse often impairs judgment and fuels uncontrollable violence.

    Police Operational Gains

    The commissioner also highlighted the command’s operational achievements between Jan. 8 and date, noting that sustained raids and intelligence-led operations had yielded significant results.

    According to him, the command recorded the following:

    • 11 firearms recovered

    • 80 rounds of ammunition and cartridges seized

    • 11 suspects arrested for murder

    • 13 suspected cultists apprehended

    • One suspect arrested for rape and defilement

    Call for Collaboration

    Adesola commended the Delta State Government for its support and collaboration with security agencies, while urging residents to assist the police by providing timely and credible information.

    He stressed that tackling drug abuse required a collective effort involving parents, community leaders, religious institutions and relevant government agencies.
    “Security is a shared responsibility.

    We urge members of the public to partner with the police in ridding our communities of drugs and criminal elements,” he said.

  • NEPC: Nigeria Earns $6.1bn from Non-Oil Exports in 2025

    Nigeria’s non-oil export sector recorded a historic performance in 2025, generating $6.1 billion, the highest value ever achieved, the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) has said.

    The figure represents an 11.5 per cent increase over the $5.46 billion recorded in 2024, signalling steady progress in the Federal Government’s economic diversification drive.

    The NEPC Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer, Mrs Nonye Ayeni, disclosed this at a press briefing in Abuja, attributing the growth to improved export diversification, wider market access and sustained policy support for exporters.

    Export Volume, Product Range Expand

    According to data from pre-shipment inspection agencies, Nigeria’s non-oil export volume rose to 8.02 million metric tonnes in 2025, up from 7.29 million metric tonnes in the previous year.

    Mrs Ayeni said Nigeria exported 281 different non-oil products during the period, covering agricultural commodities, manufactured and semi-processed goods, industrial products and solid minerals.

    She added that Nigerian non-oil products were shipped to 120 countries, reflecting growing acceptance of local goods in international markets.

    Top Export Destinations

    The Netherlands emerged as Nigeria’s leading non-oil export destination, accounting for 17.53 per cent of total export value.

    It was followed by Brazil with 10.35 per cent and India with 7.63 per cent, with major export items including cocoa beans, sesame seeds, cocoa butter and other agro-processed products.

    Within Africa, Nigeria exported goods worth about $271.26 million to 11 ECOWAS countries, although performance was affected by the withdrawal of some Sahel states from the regional bloc.

    Economic Impact and Policy Perspective

    Economic analysts say the record performance is significant for foreign exchange inflows, reserve accretion and reduced dependence on crude oil revenues.

    A senior official of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) said sustained non-oil export growth would strengthen the external sector and improve macroeconomic stability.

    Challenges and 2026 Outlook
    Despite the milestone, the NEPC noted that official figures do not fully capture Nigeria’s export potential due to informal cross-border trade.

    Mrs Ayeni said the council is working with the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) and other stakeholders to integrate informal trade into official data and expand support for exporters.

    She added that in 2026, the council would prioritise value-added exports, market expansion and opportunities under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) to sustain growth.

  • Vandalism: NSCDC Arrests 112 Suspects, Secures Convictions in FCT

    The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Command, says it arrested 112 suspects for alleged vandalism of critical national assets across Abuja in 2025.

    The FCT Commandant of the corps, Mr Olusola Odumosu, disclosed this in an interview with the source on Tuesday in Abuja.

    Odumosu said the arrests followed intensified patrols, intelligence-led operations and surveillance aimed at curbing the destruction and theft of public infrastructure in the nation’s capital.

    Nature of Offences

    He explained that the suspects were arrested for offences including the vandalism and theft of:

    • Telecommunications cables and fibre-optic lines

    • Streetlight installations

    • Road crash barriers

    • Armoured electrical cables

    • Public billboards and other utilities

    According to him, such criminal activities have continued to undermine government investments and disrupt essential services in the FCT.

    Monthly Arrest Pattern

    Odumosu noted that arrest figures varied across the year, with a surge recorded in the third quarter. He said September recorded the highest number of arrests, while fewer cases were reported in the early months of the year.

    He added that several suspects were also linked to organised vandalism rings operating at night and during adverse weather conditions.

    Prosecution and Convictions

    The commandant said legal processes were ongoing, with 15 cases currently in court, four under investigation, and five convictions already secured.

    He stressed that the NSCDC would continue to pursue diligent prosecution to serve as a deterrent to others.

    Security and Government Perspective

    Odumosu lamented that vandalism remained a major setback to infrastructure development, despite heavy government spending on public utilities.

    He reaffirmed the corps’ mandate to protect critical national assets and warned that offenders would face the full weight of the law.

    Call for Public Support

    The commandant called on residents of the FCT to support security agencies by providing timely and credible information, stressing that security was a collective responsibility.

    “Protecting public infrastructure requires the cooperation of everyone. We urge residents to report suspicious activities in their communities,” he said.

    Background

    Vandalism of public infrastructure has remained a recurring challenge in the FCT, leading to service disruptions and increased repair costs for government and service providers.

    Security agencies have repeatedly warned that the destruction of public assets poses risks to public safety and economic stability.

  • Power Sector Warns of Crisis as 2026 Budget Skips Electricity Subsidies

    Generation companies (GenCos) in Nigeria have criticised the Federal Government’s proposed ₦1.1 trillion 2026 budget for the power ministry, saying it fails to include funds for electricity subsidies, a gap that could worsen the sector’s liquidity crisis.

    The budget allocates the bulk of the ₦1.1 trillion to capital projects, including transmission upgrades, distribution recovery, mini-grid initiatives, and rural electrification. However, there is no specific vote for tariff support or subsidy payments, which GenCos say are essential to cover the gap between actual electricity costs and consumer tariffs.

    According to the Association of Power Generation Companies (APGC), the federal government spent nearly ₦1.98 trillion on electricity subsidies between October 2024 and September 2025, while legacy debts owed to GenCos exceed ₦4 trillion.

    APGC Managing Director, Joy Ogaji, warned that the omission of subsidies transfers financial risk to GenCos and gas suppliers, many of whom are already owed substantial payments. She noted that this could discourage private sector investment and threaten the sector’s stability.

    While the Power Minister, Adebayo Adelabu, has argued that broad electricity subsidies are unsustainable, he has proposed targeted support for vulnerable households, reflecting ongoing reform efforts to reduce fiscal burdens.

    Experts caution that without a clear subsidy framework, GenCos will struggle to maintain operations, secure gas supplies, and invest in infrastructure, potentially leading to higher electricity costs and unreliable supply for businesses and households.

    Boxed Highlights:

    • Budget Size: ₦1.1 trillion allocated to the Ministry of Power in 2026, up from ₦900 billion in 2025.

    • Subsidy Gap: No specific vote for electricity subsidies included.

    • Industry Debt: Legacy debts to GenCos exceed ₦4 trillion.

    • Government Position: Shift toward targeted support for low-income households.

    • Impact: Risk of rising electricity tariffs, unreliable supply, and reduced private investment.

Verified by MonsterInsights