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Federal Government Launches National Laureate Committee, Introduces Yearly Student Research Award

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The Federal Government on Monday inaugurated the Tertiary Institutions National Laureate Committee in what education stakeholders described as one of Nigeria’s most ambitious efforts to reposition scholarship, innovation and research as national priorities.

“The Committee will introduce a new annual awards programme to reward outstanding undergraduate, master’s and PhD research with prizes worth about N365 million.

The Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, inaugurated the Committee at the Digital Resource Centre, Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC).

The committee is charged with the oversight of the implementation of the National Laureate Programme, a flagship initiative to bring academic excellence to the highest level of national recognition.

It will also foster research commercialisation and innovation in Nigerian accredited post-secondary and tertiary institutions.

Speaking on the inauguration exercise, Dr Alausa said the programme was a conscious effort by the Federal Government to re-jig the country’s reward system.

It will put scholarly achievement, scientific discovery and innovation alongside other nationally celebrated accomplishments, he says.

The Minister add that the initiative is expected to inspire a new generation of young Nigerians to pursue researches that can solve real world problems, create new industries and enhance the nation’s global competitiveness.
He said: “The ability to turn knowledge into economic value will be increasingly important in determining the future prosperity of nations.

He said Nigeria must consciously celebrate intellectual achievement if it wants to build a globally competitive knowledge economy.

The Federal Government found it necessary to establish a national platform in an era dominated by the social media-driven “attention economy,” Alausa said. The platform will reward creativity, scholarship, invention and commercially valuable research, especially among young people.

The newly inaugurated Committee is headed by the President, Nigerian Academy of Science, Professor Abubakar Sambo.

Other names are Professor Solomon Nwhator, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife; Professor (Mrs) Tolulope Ariyomo, Federal University, Oye-Ekiti; Professor Francis F. Uba, Federal University of Health Sciences, Otukpo; Dr Babangida Abubakar Albaba, representing National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) and Dr Salihu Bakari Girei representing Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund).

Others are Professor (Mrs) Carol Arinze-Umobi of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka; Dr (Mrs) Obianuju Anigbogu, Federal Ministry of Education; Mr Francis Egbokare, Nigerian Academy of Letters; Dr Ezinne Orisakwe, National Universities Commission (NUC) and Dr Pius O. Ekireghwo, National Commission for Colleges of Education (NCCE).

Also, the Secretary of the Nigeria Education Repository and Databank (NERD), Mr Richard Falaye, is to act as Secretary to the Committee.

The first National Laureate Awards will be held in November 2026. The awards will honour the country’s top Undergraduate Dissertations, Master’s Theses and Doctoral (PhD) Theses, in addition to six thematic Excellence Awards.

The thematic categories are Medicine and Health Sciences, Engineering and Technology, Agriculture, Law, Arts and Social Sciences and Teaching Innovation.
The approved prize structure sees the winner of the Undergraduate Dissertation category taking home N35 million, while the best Master’s Thesis will attract N50 million. The overall winner in the Doctoral (PhD) category goes home with N100 million.

Also, six National Laureate Excellence Awards to the tune of N30 million each shall be given annually.

That will bring the programme’s total prize pool to an estimated N365 million annually.

The Minister also announced the setting up of the Dr Stella Adadevoh Excellence Award in Medicine and Medical Innovation. The late physician, whose leadership during the 2014 Ebola outbreak averted a national public health catastrophe, is the recipient of one of the programme’s special awards.

He also asked the Committee to complete its work on eligibility criteria, evaluation procedures and institutional engagement in good time to ensure successful hosting of the inaugural awards in November.

Dr Alausa also seized the opportunity to commend Engr Olatunji Ariyomo, Chairman of NERD, for his innovative contributions to transformative interventions in Nigeria’s education sector.

The Chairman of the Committee, Emeritus Professor Abubakar Sambo, speaking for the Committee, said the initiative was a historic turning point in the country’s education policy. He commended the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for putting academic excellence and research at the heart of national development.

“The Committee will ensure the highest standards of transparency, fairness and merit in the selection process,” Professor Sambo assured.

He commended Dr Alausa for spearheading a national revolution to reward and promote innovation and its commercialisation, assuring that every eligible student irrespective of institution and geographical location would have equal opportunity to attain National Laureate status.

He said the process would be protected from institutional preference and other outside influences.
He also said he believed the National Laureate Programme could be one of the most consequential reforms in Nigeria’s tertiary education landscape if it is successfully implemented.

The committee argues the initiative signals a shift away from national priorities of social media celebrity culture towards a deliberate recognition of ideas, discoveries and innovations capable of driving economic transformation, over and above its substantial prize fund.

The programme is expected to foster deeper collaboration between universities, polytechnics, colleges of education, industry and government as well as create stronger incentives for commercially viable research and position Nigeria to compete more effectively within the global knowledge economy.

PDP Calls For Forensic Investigation Into Gbajagate, Raises Presidential Oversight Concerns

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The Tanimu Turaki led faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has demanded for an independent forensic investigation into the controversy surrounding the alleged activities of the Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (PFIPC).

It described the development as evidence of institutional failure, negligence and poor oversight within the federal government.

The opposition party, in a statement issued on Sunday by its National Publicity Secretary, Ini Ememobong, said the allegations involving the Chief of Staff to the President, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila and the Presidency’s response, had raised serious questions about accountability, transparency and presidential oversight.

The controversy arose from claims by Prince Adeniyi Adeyemi Matthew, who identified himself as Director-General of the PFIPC), that financial inducements were demanded and received in connection with his appointment and the operations of the council.

But the Presidency, through presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga, debunked the allegations and described both the PFIPC and the Presidential Economic Advisory Council (PEAC) as fictitious bodies, claiming that Adeyemi forged official documents and unlawfully paraded himself as a government appointee.

Reacting to the development, the PDP said the Presidency’s explanation only deepened concerns about the integrity and effectiveness of government institutions.

If Adeyemi indeed operated as an impostor, the party said, it would be a monumental failure of state institutions, raising questions as to how an unauthorised individual could allegedly secure office accommodation, have personnel attached to his office, obtain budgetary provisions, operate accounts linked to official institutions and engage with agencies like the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and other security bodies.

The opposition party argued that such a scenario would reveal glaring weaknesses in internal controls, background checks and oversight mechanisms within the nation’s highest offices.

It also argued that if the alternative account is correct, that financial considerations were behind appointments into the PFIPC, then the matter would represent another major corruption scandal that needs urgent investigation and accountability.

The PDP said either result was damaging to public confidence and indicative of what it called a persistent pattern of administrative failures on the part of the current administration.

The party referenced past controversies over government appointments and other governance-related incidents, insisting that they reveal deeper institutional deficiencies within the federal system.

It said any responsible administration faced with allegations of such magnitude should immediately order an independent forensic investigation, suspend officials directly involved with the matter pending the outcome of investigations, and institute systemic reforms to prevent the recurrence of such and give Nigerians a full and complete explanation.

The opposition party specifically called on President Bola Tinubu to order a forensic investigation by a reputable international firm, announce the suspension of key officials linked to the controversy, embark on a comprehensive reorganisation of structures within the Presidency and issue an unreserved apology to Nigerians over what it described as a deeply embarrassing development.

The controversy has heightened concerns about presidential oversight and the effectiveness of mechanisms designed to safeguard public institutions from abuse, infiltration and administrative failures, according to the PDP.

The party insisted that Nigerians deserve a government built on transparency, competence and accountability, asserting that only a credible and open investigation would restore public confidence in state institutions.

It said until the government shows willingness to hold public officials accountable, recurring controversies would deepen citizens’ distrust and empower calls for a more responsible and effective system of governance ahead of the 2027 general elections.

INEC Portal Update: APC Submits Uzodimma, Buni, Others’ Details, Sets Date For Tinubu And Running Mate

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The All Progressives Congress (APC) has said it is on course to meet the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) deadline of July 11 for the submission of its presidential and National Assembly candidates for the 2027 general elections.

According to a senior member of the party’s National Working Committee, who pleaded anonymity, the uploading of candidates’ details had gotten to an advanced stage.

The source disclosed that details of President Bola Tinubu and his running mate were expected to be uploaded to the INEC portal by the middle of the week.

“We are uploading the details of our National Assembly candidates smoothly,” the source told The Nation.

“We expect that on or before next Wednesday, we shall upload the particulars of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his running mate. We are fully confident of meeting the July 11 deadline for uploading all our candidates on the INEC portal.”

Checks at the APC’s Information and Communications Technology department at the Muhammadu Buhari House national secretariat in Abuja on Sunday indicated that the party’s technical team had been interacting with the INEC portal without interruption.

The details of most principal officers of the 10th National Assembly and some serving lawmakers have already been uploaded, sources in the department said.

They added that the details of four serving governors – AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, Kwara State; Mai Mala Buni, Yobe State; Hope Uzodimma, Imo State and Dapo Abiodun, Ogun State – had also been uploaded to the electoral commission’s portal.

The governors are among the prominent members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) that selected the party’s senatorial tickets ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The race to beat the INEC deadline followed a review of the APC’s primary elections after hundreds of petitions were filed by aggrieved aspirants.

The party recently submitted a revised list of candidates to the INEC after its NWC had dropped six senatorial and 19 House of Representatives candidates who had earlier emerged from the May primaries.

The changes touched constituencies in Abia, Kogi, Taraba, Benue, Ebonyi, Ondo, Kaduna, Niger and Kwara states.

The substitutions came on the back of recommendations by the party’s Primary Election Appeal Committee.

A letter conveying the revised list was sent to INEC and signed by the APC National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, and the National Secretary, Ajibola Basiru.

The APC National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, said the ruling party received more than 700 petitions from aggrieved members after the conclusion of its primaries.

After their shadow elections, the party got over 700 petitions from aggrieved members, Morka said.

The party’s leadership then studied the recommendations that had come from the petitions, leading to some constituency changes while candidates who successfully defended their victories through the appeal process kept their tickets.

Morka refused to say when the APC’s final list of candidates would be published.

“The party’s immediate priority is to ensure that all approved candidates complete and return their INEC Form EC9 nomination documents before the deadline,” he said.

“Our immediate absolute priority now is to ensure that our designated candidates properly complete and return their Form EC9 nomination documents for uploading before the INEC deadline rather than releasing the list to the public,” he said.

While there were some changes that resulted from the appeal process, many of the major APC figures kept their tickets, including sitting governors, who want to go to the Senate in 2027.

NiDCOM Chairman Calls For Better Representation Of Nigeria Overseas

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Chairman, Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Abike Dabiri-Erewa, has reiterated the need for Nigerians to always celebrate the country’s achievements and showcase its positive image, instead of dwelling on negative narratives.

Dabiri-Erewa made the charge while visiting two prominent Nigerians in the United Kingdom (UK), Christopher Adegoke, Chairman of Nottinghamshire County Council and Rosaline Oguro, recently sworn-in Mayor of Islington.

She called the election of Adegoke another testimony to the excellence, resilience and leadership qualities of Nigerians in the Diaspora.

Ogunro who received the NiDCOM boss in her office thanked her for the visit and urged Nigerians to continue to project the good image of the country wherever they found themselves.

Also, Dabiri-Erewa hailed the excellent academic performance of Dorcas Akanbi, a Nigerian medical graduate of Rostov State Medical University, Russia, who graduated with a stunning 4.90 out of 5.00 Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) and Dr Monilola Adeshina, the Valedictorian and best graduating student of the Medical Class of 2026 of the Medical University of Silesia, Katowice, Poland.

Dabiri-Erewa said the feat was a demonstration of the brilliance, determination and global competitiveness of the Nigerian youths, adding that such accomplishments would continue to enhance the image of Nigeria on the international stage.

She commended all the four Nigerians for putting the nation on the world stage and urged other Nigerians abroad to continue to strive for excellence while being worthy ambassadors of the country.
Although no country is without its challenges, Dabiri-Erewa stressed the need for Nigerians to deliberately celebrate the country’s success stories and the positive impact its citizens continue to make globally.

She said the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had taken far-reaching reforms and critical infrastructural development steps towards repositioning the country for sustainable growth and national prosperity.

She therefore called on Nigerians in the Diaspora to sustain their support for national development by contributing their expertise, investments, skills and global networks towards the country’s progress.

Dabiri-Erewa reiterated NiDCOM’s commitment to engage and celebrate outstanding Nigerians abroad whose achievements continue to project the country’s image on the world’s stage.

Ten Killed, Six Hurt in Fatal Crash on Ibadan-Lagos Expressway

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At least 10 people lost their lives while six others were injured in a fatal road accident that occurred on Sunday night at Saapade Bridge along the Ibadan-Lagos Expressway in Ogun State.

The crash involved a Sinotruk truck and a Toyota Hiace passenger bus, according to the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC).

The Ogun State Command of the FRSC said 18 people were involved in the accident, including 15 adult males, two adult females and one male child.

The agency confirmed that 10 victims—nine adult males and one male child—died in the collision, while six others sustained injuries. Two passengers escaped without injuries.

According to the FRSC, preliminary findings indicate that speeding, dangerous driving and wrongful overtaking contributed to the crash.

The agency explained that the truck driver allegedly attempted to reverse on the expressway after missing his route. The approaching bus, which was reportedly travelling at high speed, was unable to avoid a collision with the truck.

Emergency responders arrived at the scene shortly after the incident and evacuated the injured victims to Victory Hospital in Ogere for medical treatment. The bodies of those who died were taken to the FOS Mortuary in Ipara.

Police officers took custody of the damaged vehicles, while the accident scene was cleared to restore normal traffic along the highway.

Reacting to the tragedy, the Ogun State Sector Commander of the FRSC, Corps Commander Oludare Ogunjobi, extended condolences to the families of the deceased and urged motorists to comply with traffic regulations.

He cautioned drivers against reversing on highways, speeding and engaging in dangerous driving, stressing that adherence to road safety rules is essential to reducing accidents on Nigerian roads.

Agbese Supporter Urges Constituents to Back Lawmaker’s 2027 Re-election Bid

A supporter of the member representing Ado, Okpokwu and Ogbadibo Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Philip Agbese, has called on constituents to support the lawmaker’s re-election in the 2027 general elections.

In a statement, Lawrence Austine Otene said Agbese, popularly known as Okanga, has made notable contributions to constituency development since assuming office.

According to him, the lawmaker has facilitated projects in healthcare, education, rural infrastructure and youth empowerment across the constituency.

Otene also credited Agbese with supporting scholarship programmes, distributing educational materials, installing solar-powered streetlights in rural communities, rehabilitating primary healthcare facilities and improving access roads.

He further claimed that the lawmaker has facilitated employment opportunities for constituents through engagements with relevant government agencies, while also supporting micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs).

The supporter argued that Agbese’s performance has earned him another opportunity to represent the constituency, saying continuity would help sustain ongoing development initiatives.

He maintained that returning the lawmaker for a second term would enable him to consolidate on existing projects and pursue additional programmes aimed at improving the welfare of residents.

The statement concluded with an appeal to voters in Ado, Okpokwu and Ogbadibo Federal Constituency to support Agbese’s re-election bid in 2027.

Agbese, a first-term member of the House of Representatives, represents the Ado, Okpokwu and Ogbadibo Federal Constituency of Benue State.

Delta Police Uncover Alleged Self-Kidnap Plot, Suspect Confesses to N25m Extortion Scheme

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The Delta State Police Command says it has uncovered an alleged self-kidnapping plot after a man identified as Michael James reportedly confessed to faking his abduction in an attempt to obtain N25 million from his family.

The confession was contained in a video shared by the command’s spokesperson, SP Bright Edafe, who said investigators uncovered the scheme after launching an operation to rescue the reported kidnap victim.

According to James, financial difficulties prompted him to stage the incident after he was unable to repay money owed to his brother and sister.

He claimed that on July 1, he left home to dispose of refuse but abandoned his wheelbarrow and hid in a nearby bush instead of returning.

The suspect said he later contacted his mother by telephone, informing her that he had been kidnapped and that his abductors were demanding N25 million for his release.

He also claimed during subsequent conversations that he was being beaten by the kidnappers and requested that N700,000 be paid to them.

James said he later became frightened after learning that the police and local vigilante groups had begun searching for him.

According to his account, he eventually left his hiding place, travelled to another location on a motorcycle and later informed his family that he had escaped from his captors.

Commenting on the case, SP Bright Edafe said the police immediately activated intelligence-gathering measures after receiving the distress report.

He said officers traced the suspect to the location where he was supposedly being held, but he emerged claiming he had escaped before allegedly admitting that the kidnapping had been fabricated.

The police spokesperson said investigations into the matter are ongoing.

The incident is one of several reported cases in recent years involving alleged fake kidnappings staged to extort money from relatives amid Nigeria’s ongoing security challenges.

Benue Polytechnic Rector Joins Idoma Community for Annual Cultural Celebration in Abuja

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The Rector of Benue State Polytechnic, Ugbokolo, Arc. Dr. Henry Ojobo, was among dignitaries who attended this year’s Idoma Day Celebration in Abuja.

The event attracted prominent sons and daughters of Idoma land, traditional rulers, government officials and other invited guests, who gathered to celebrate the culture, history and unity of the Idoma people.

Dr. Ojobo’s attendance highlighted the institution’s support for programmes that promote cultural heritage, strengthen community engagement and encourage peaceful coexistence.

The annual celebration provided an opportunity for participants to reflect on the values, traditions and identity of the Idoma nation while exploring ways to promote development within the community.

Benue State Polytechnic said it remains committed to collaborating with relevant stakeholders in advancing education, preserving cultural heritage and contributing to sustainable development across Benue State and Nigeria.

OKANGA’S QUIET REVOLUTION IN JOB FACILITATION AND CONSTITUENCY SERVICE

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There is a growing but mistaken belief in some quarters that Hon. Chief Dr. Bishop Philip Agbese, popularly known as Okanga, is only distinguished for attracting constituency projects, implementing empowerment programmes, sponsoring quality legislation, and effectively carrying out oversight functions, while paying little attention to job creation and employment opportunities for his constituents. This perception is far from reality.
The truth is that Okanga has also recorded remarkable achievements in facilitating employment opportunities for the people of Ado, Okpokwu, and Ogbadibo Federal Constituency. His accomplishments are even more commendable considering that he is serving his first term in the House of Representatives. Conventionally, first-time legislators do not occupy the most influential positions in the National Assembly, as principal offices are usually reserved for ranking lawmakers. Yet, despite these institutional limitations, Okanga has refused to allow his position to become an excuse for inaction.
Instead, he has relied on one of his greatest strengths: his ability to build relationships and lobby effectively. Through determination, humility, and persistence, he has consistently engaged colleagues who occupy strategic positions, committee chairmen, ministers, heads of ministries, departments and agencies, as well as leaders of various military and paramilitary institutions, all in pursuit of employment opportunities for his constituents.
Those familiar with his style of leadership know that he is never too proud to ask for assistance when it concerns the welfare of his people. He has repeatedly appealed to influential office holders to allocate employment slots to deserving sons and daughters of Enone. His commitment to this cause demonstrates that true leadership is measured not by pride but by the willingness to make sacrifices for the people one represents.
Many beneficiaries of these employment opportunities remain unknown to the general public because Okanga deliberately chooses not to publicize every appointment he facilitates. This has unfortunately created the false impression that little or nothing is being done in the area of job facilitation.
His decision is both thoughtful and compassionate. Rather than displaying appointment letters or turning beneficiaries into media headlines, he believes that securing employment is a life-changing opportunity that should restore dignity to individuals, not become a tool for political celebration. He also understands that many qualified constituents are still searching for jobs, and excessive publicity surrounding a few beneficiaries could unintentionally discourage others who are yet to receive similar opportunities.
Beyond this, Okanga has consistently rejected the culture where employment opportunities are commercialized or reserved only for the wealthy and politically connected. His vision is for qualified young men and women, regardless of their financial background or family status, to have a fair chance at securing federal employment based on merit and opportunity rather than influence or financial power.
It is important to appreciate the difficult circumstances he inherited upon assuming office. Nigeria’s employment landscape has long been challenged by favouritism, nepotism, and a system where personal connections often outweigh competence. These structural problems cannot be eliminated overnight. Nevertheless, within the limits of his office, Okanga has continued to push for fairness, inclusiveness, and equal opportunities for his constituents.
Like every public servant, he is not beyond criticism. Constructive criticism remains essential in any democracy because it encourages accountability and better performance. However, criticism should be fair, respectful, and motivated by the genuine desire to improve governance rather than diminish sincere efforts.
As preparations begin for the next general election, many supporters believe that Okanga deserves another opportunity to consolidate on the progress already made. They argue that continuity would enable him to expand his developmental projects, strengthen his legislative impact, and facilitate even more employment opportunities for the people of Enone.
Ultimately, leadership should be judged not only by what receives media attention but also by the countless lives quietly transformed behind the scenes. In projects, empowerment, legislative representation, oversight responsibilities, and job facilitation, Okanga has demonstrated a commitment to improving the lives of his constituents. His record reflects a leader who believes that public service is about creating opportunities, restoring hope, and delivering meaningful dividends of democracy to the people.

Cristiano Ronaldo Confirms 2026 World Cup Will Mark His Final Appearance

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Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo has announced that the ongoing 2026 FIFA World Cup will be the last World Cup tournament of his remarkable international career.

The veteran forward made the disclosure while addressing journalists ahead of Portugal’s Round of 16 encounter with Spain, saying he is determined to enjoy every moment of the competition.

“I’m enjoying every minute of it. This will be my final World Cup, but hopefully it won’t be my last match in the tournament,” Ronaldo said.

The 41-year-old stated that he would eventually step away from international football with no regrets, maintaining that he has given his all to the sport throughout his career.

“When the time comes to retire from international football, I’ll do so with a clear conscience because I’ve given everything I had,” he said.

Ronaldo noted that his continued presence on the pitch is motivated by passion for football rather than a desire to silence critics or prove his worth.

“I play because I love football. Every day on the field is something to appreciate. I’ve scored three goals at this World Cup, so things have gone well,” he added.

The Portuguese icon has continued to break records at the tournament, becoming the first player to score in six different FIFA World Cups. He found the net twice against Uzbekistan in the group stage before converting a penalty against Croatia in the Round of 32.

Looking back on the competition, Ronaldo described the 2026 edition as the most emotionally fulfilling World Cup he has experienced.

“This is the World Cup that has touched me the most because of the passion of the fans and the atmosphere around the tournament. I’ve truly enjoyed every moment,” he said.

Despite never lifting football’s biggest prize, Ronaldo insisted that winning the FIFA World Cup would not define his career or legacy.

“My achievements and happiness in life don’t depend on winning the World Cup. Of course we believe we can win it, but only one nation will become champions,” he said.

The Al-Nassr forward also thanked those who have criticised him during his career, saying their opinions helped him develop both as a footballer and as a person.

Ronaldo is contracted to Saudi Pro League side Al-Nassr until 2027 and remains one of the most decorated players in football history.