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Ekiti’s New Federal University Secures NUC Accreditation for 34 Courses

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At the recently founded Federal University of Technology and Environmental Sciences (FUTES), Iyin Ekiti, 34 academic programs spread across four colleges have received full accreditation from the National Universities Commission (NUC).

The following departments and faculties have been accredited by the university, according to a statement made by Mr. Oluwole Dada, registrar: Faculty of Engineering and Technology; Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering; Biomedical Engineering; and Mining Engineering.

Following a week-long facility evaluation exercise, four NUC teams visited the recently founded university.

Among the facilities assessed were the university’s labs, lecture halls, offices, dormitories, library, clinic, restrooms, staff transportation, and instructional supplies, including Hitachi boards.

Finding out how prepared the school was to provide top-notch instruction in science, engineering, technology, computing and information technology, and environmental sciences was the goal of the exercise.

The following courses are accredited: computer engineering, electrical and electronics engineering, mechanical engineering, mechatronics engineering, and civil and environmental engineering.

The Faculty of Science has recognized courses in biology, mathematics, and biochemistry. For Microbiology, Chemistry, Geology, and Forensic Science
The Science of Physics

Professor Gbenga Aribisala, the institution’s vice chancellor, was thrilled to see the verification go well and called it a significant achievement that validates the university’s preparedness to offer education in the twenty-first century.

FUTES is dedicated to producing students who can compete successfully with their peers around the world, he emphasized.

Assuring that admission will be determined solely on merit, Professor Aribisala urged applicants to switch their preferred school to FUTES on the JAMB platform.

We want to set the bar high right away since academic achievement is why we are here. Without fear or favor, he stated, students who score highly on the JAMB, WAEC, NECO, or NABTEB will be admitted solely on the basis of their merit.

By emphasizing that FUTES does not function through third parties, the vice chancellor further advised parents and guardians against using admission agents.

He also counseled potential students to seek advice from the Registrar’s office or to rely solely on accurate information found on the university’s official website, www.futes.edu.ng.

The public should be aware that the institution has no agency for admissions or payments of any type. He continued, “Anyone can access accurate information on our website.”

Asserting that he would not oversee a system that encourages corruption but excellence, the VC advised parents and candidates to exercise caution and avoid becoming victims of scammers.

No Nigerian Leader Has Made an Inspiring Speech Since 1960 – Kukah

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No Nigerian president has ever been able to give a speech as memorable and impactful as the one she gave upon gaining independence in 1960, according to Matthew Hassan Kukah, the Catholic bishop of the Sokoto Diocese.

In response to inquiries on Thursday’s Prime Time show on Arise Television, Kukah stated that Nigeria has not succeeded in establishing a cohesive national dream.

The ferocious priest used the “American Dream” as an example to point out that nation-building depends on mythology and visions that pique people’s interest.

“By stifling intellectual engagement in governance, Nigeria’s military leaders prevented the growth of ideas that could have shaped a stronger nation,” Kukah continued.

“Mythology is the foundation of nation building,” he stated. It’s not about the real world. The American Dream is a myth that describes modern-day America.

But you know, Nigeria hasn’t had the capability or talent to dream.

“For instance, I’ve always told people to close their eyes and ask themselves, after the 1960 speech, if there was ever a Nigerian president’s speech that truly left them feeling amazed, or if there was ever a speech that was so memorable—like JF Kennedy’s 1963 speech—that they had to ask themselves, what was I doing at the time?

This raises another question: what is the intellectual basis of governance?

Because they are scaffolding once the warriors realize they cannot win the logical debate.

They prevented intelligence from being a determining factor. People were so teaching things for which they were not compensated, as they stated.

Pastor in Kwara Murdered by Bandits After Ransom Payment of N5 Million

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Reverend James Audu Issa, a pastor of the Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA), was brutally assassinated by robbers in Kwara State, even though he had gathered a ₦5 million ransom from his distraught family and community.
According to information obtained, the cleric was kidnapped from Ekati village in the Patigi Local Government Area on August 28, 2025.

His community, church members, and family banded together for weeks to raise the ransom in the hopes of getting him released.

According to Nupeko TV, an indigenous media outlet, the gunmen first sought ₦100 million in exchange for Issa’s release. The ransom was eventually lowered to ₦5 million after protracted discussions, which the community reluctantly collected and turned over.

The bandits allegedly sought an extra ₦45m after they had already collected the ₦5m. The preacher was murdered before new talks could start.

“This vicious act, also referred to as a ransom-for-murder scenario, highlights the viciousness of the bandit groups that are terrorizing Kwara North.” Ekati and the Patigi Emirate as a whole have suffered a great loss with the pastor’s passing, especially in light of the community’s tremendous sacrifice, the media outlet said in its broadcast.

The cleric’s death was said to coincide with a wave of violent attacks in Kwara North.

Along the Patigi-Lade road on Thursday morning, a police officer named Ezra was kidnapped by bandits.

A motorcycle was ambushed while Ezra, a native of the Ndanakun community, was returning from night duty. As his colleague managed to flee, Ezra was overcome and taken away.

SaharaReporters cited a source who said, “They were shooting guns sporadically,” adding that the kidnapping shows the boldness of armed groups operating in the Patigi and Edu LGAs.

On their cassava farm in Bokungi Zambufu, under Lafiagi Emirate, two brothers were abducted barely twenty-four hours prior.

A well-known community figure and former president of the National Association of Nupe Students (NANUS), Mohammed Mohammed, was named as one of the victims.

Witnesses reported that the two brothers were taken into custody when the gunmen invaded the farms, opened fire, and drove the residents away.

In Kwara North, where several kidnappings and murders are devastating agriculture and livelihoods, the attacks have increased anxieties among farmers and locals.

Local leaders blame the authorities for not living up to their rhetoric. “Our people can’t visit their farms anymore. We live in constant fear,” one homeowner bemoaned.

Regarding the pastor’s murder and the most recent kidnappings, security services have not yet released an official comment as of the time of publication.

Tinubu’s Economic Reforms: Presidency Details 12 Major Accomplishments

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The Presidency has detailed what it claims are notable economic advancements in Nigeria as a result of reforms implemented under President Bola Tinubu.

Sunday Dare, the President’s Special Advisor on Media and Public Communication, wrote on his official X handle on Thursday that the nation’s economy, which was at a “breaking point” prior to Tinubu taking office, is now making quantifiable progress.

According to him, the changes have had an impact on important areas such as commerce, foreign reserves, taxes, debt service, the elimination of fuel subsidies, the budget deficit, and public financial management.

Nigeria had a negative balance of payments that was draining the country’s economy prior to May 2023, he said, and it was regularly running a trade deficit, importing considerably more than it exported. Nigeria now records a trade surplus, which relieves pressure on external accounts. In the past, Nigeria ran numerous exchange rate windows, which led to distortions and a large disparity between official and unofficial markets. However, the tide has now turned. Reforms have harmonized the exchange rate, minimizing uncertainty and closing the gap.

Additionally, the presidential adviser cited “improvements” in the country’s foreign reserves, government revenue, and debt service.

By early 2023, Nigeria was in a precarious position due to unmet foreign exchange demand of $7 billion and net reserves that had dropped below $4 billion. Since then, reforms have cleared foreign exchange forwards, increased reserves to nearly $23 billion, and boosted confidence by permitting foreign exchange access, even on naira cards.

“Nigeria was on the verge of bankruptcy, with its tax-to-GDP ratio stuck below 10% and 97% of government revenue going toward debt payments. Today, debt service has dropped below 50% of revenue, while reforms have raised the tax-to-GDP ratio above 15%.

The elimination of fuel subsidies, he added, was a watershed moment, stating that “fuel subsidies were not only wasteful but unsustainable, draining resources while still leaving Nigerians with fuel scarcity and negative FAAC inflows.” After changes, the subsidy was removed, freeing up money for important expenditures. Additionally, states now get positive FAAC allocations and the fuel supply is guaranteed.
Dare made the following observation regarding the budget: “High deficits and low capital expenditures used to dominate Nigeria’s budget.” This tendency has been reversible because to reforms; infrastructure investment is currently rising while the deficit is falling.

Additionally, he emphasized better budgetary restraint: “By May 2023, Ways and Means’ borrowing from the Central Bank had surpassed ₦30 trillion, compromising fiscal stability and stability.” Due to stricter fiscal restraint and a steady draw-down, the reform process has reduced this practice.

Regarding the oil and gas industry, Dare said, “Theft, sabotage, and poor management were the main causes of Nigeria’s oil and gas industry’s steady decline in output. Production has now increased due to reforms and improved security, reestablishing Nigeria’s most significant source of income.

Speaking about the investment climate, he stated, “Investors were put off by the inconsistent, opaque, and unfavorable to markets pre-reform policy environment. Since then, changes have made the environment more predictable, which has attracted capital and even resulted in increases to sovereign ratings.

The presidential assistant clarified that prior to changes, inflation was rapidly increasing, and as a result, loan rates were rising, which choked enterprises. Interest rates are stabilizing and inflation has begun to decline, despite the fact that it is still high today.

“Nigeria’s reality before reforms was defined by rising poverty and shrinking job opportunities,” he added in reference to poverty and job creation. Although poverty rates are still high today, changes are consciously reversing this trend through policies that provide access to decent work and infrastructural improvements.

Before Tinubu took office, Dare claimed that Nigeria’s budgetary administration was ineffective, disorganized, and rife with inefficiencies.

He said that the “economic reforms have made public financial management more disciplined, enhanced transparency, and strengthened coordination.”

Nigeria would have had to deal with growing deficits, depleting reserves, hyperinflation, soaring debt, and potential economic collapse in the absence of the changes, according to Dare.

Atiku Reveals Reasons for Not Addressing PDP Issues Prior to ADC Move

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Former vice president Atiku Abubakar has explained why he was unable to make any decisive choices to “fix” the crises plaguing the PDP.

As neither the National Chairman nor the National Secretary of the PDP, Atiku claimed he was unable to make decisive decisions to improve the party.

The former vice president claimed that he was unable to fix the party because the PDP’s national chairman and secretary don’t listen to him in an interview with BBC Hausa Service on Wednesday.

As the 2023 presidential election approached, the PDP’s crisis began in 2022.

The National Chairman of the former ruling party was from the same area, and the party had zoned its presidential ticket to the North.

As a result, Atiku was declared the PDP’s emergency presidential candidate for the 2023 election.

Atiku’s urgency irked some party chieftains, as the party had originally zoned its presidential ticket to the North.

As a result of the ongoing turmoil, Atiku and other party members joined the African Democratic Congress, or ADC, an opposition coalition.

But Atiku said the government, led by the All Progressives Congress (APC), was funding some individuals to dismantle the PDP.

“If I had been the party’s chairman or secretary, or if someone had listened to me, I could have made some firm decisions to fix the party.”

He stated that the individuals holding those positions regrettably have a variety of interests that are primarily personal to them.

Woman in Kaduna Reports Assault, Intimidation by Market Rival and Police Officer to DIG

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In a petition to the Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) at the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID), Abuja, Khadija Abdulsalam, a resident of Kaduna, has accused a market woman named Hajiya Basira and her daughter, a police officer named DSP Madina Mustapha, of engaging in criminal intimidation, assault, and abuse of authority.

Khadija Abdulsalam and her mother own stores in Kaduna Central Market, and in the appeal dated September 30, 2025, Khadija claimed that Hajiya Basira, whose store is close to theirs, has been harassing and insulting them constantly.

The altercation apparently turned violent on September 6, 2025, when Basira allegedly attacked her verbally and physically without cause, according to her.

A neighbor informed the market police station officers, and one officer, Bashir, stepped in and requested that both parties come the next day to sign a peace undertaking, according to Abdulsalam.

Abdulsalam, however, claimed that on September 7, DSP Madina Mustapha—who is reportedly Basira’s daughter and a serving officer—intervened and used her power to move the case from the market police post to the Magajin Gari Police Division.

Abdulsalam added in the appeal, “I was compelled to kneel and plead with the same individual who attacked me after I wrote my statement at the division.”

She further claimed that she was unjustly and illegally jailed.

Requesting an impartial probe into the event and warning DSP Mustapha against meddling in police procedures, the petitioner made an appeal to the DIG.

Abdulsalam claims that the incident was seen by multiple witnesses, including one Abba, and it has raised questions regarding police impartiality and power abuse in legal disputes.

As of the time of writing, DSP Mustapha and Hajiya Basira had not officially addressed the accusations.

2027 Elections: INEC Confirms Implementation of 8 Out of 23 EU Recommendations from 2023 Polls

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After the general election in 2023, the Independent National Electoral Commission, or INEC, promised the European Union (EU) that although some of its recommendations had been put into practice, others were being addressed by the different parties involved.

Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, the chairman of INEC, addressed the European Union’s Election Observation Follow-up Mission to Nigeria in Abuja on Thursday.

The head of the EU Election Observation Follow-up Mission, Mr. Barry Andrews, a member of the European Parliament, was in Abuja on Thursday.

Mr. Gautier Mignot, the EU Ambassador to Nigeria, the Team Lead, and other Follow-up Mission experts were also present.

The purpose of the conference, which took place halfway between the previous general election and the one that is coming up, was essentially to monitor the execution of the EU suggestions.

Yakubu pointed out that eleven of the EU EOM’s thirty proposals from 2019 were expressly directed at INEC.

Eight of the proposals, he added, were classified as general, while three were designated as priority.

Only one of the 23 recommendations provided by the EU/EOM in 2023—of which 8 (34.8%) call for the Commission to take action—was designated as a priority, according to the head of INEC.

“Other branches of the executive, legislative, and judicial branches, as well as political parties and various stakeholders like civil society organizations, the media, and professional associations, must take action on the remaining 15 (65.2%) recommendations, five of which were designated as priority,” he said.

“The eight recommendations in your report that were specifically addressed to us have all been carefully considered by the Commission,” he stated.

Aspects of the proposals that just need administrative action to accomplish have already been addressed.

In a similar vein, while awaiting the outcome of the National Assembly’s continuing legal analysis of the proposals that call for legislative intervention, action is being taken on cross-cutting suggestions that call for cooperation between INEC and other organizationsand stakeholders.

“To this purpose, we shared with you at this meeting a comprehensive answer that the Commission has prepared to each of your direct observations. If we have time, we can review each of the suggestions.

“I must also add that during our own study of the 2023 General Election, extensive consultations with key institutions and stakeholders were held regarding your recommendations and comparable findings from other national and international election observers.

142 proposals for electoral reform are included in the evaluation report. Furthermore, more than a year ago, the Commission released our primary report on the 2023 General Election. Both reports are accessible via our website.

Elections are subject to legal regulations, as you are aware. Reviewing our electoral laws is necessary for several of your ideas. A retreat with the Joint Committee on Electoral Matters (Senate and House of Representatives) was one of the ways the Commission interacted with our National Assembly for this purpose. We request that the proposal for electoral reform be given prompt consideration by the National Assembly.

“An early bill passing is essential to our electoral preparations. As the election approaches, uncertainty regarding the legal framework may cause the Commission’s work to become uneasy.

“We eagerly await the next EU EOM for the General Election in 2027. As you are aware, the Commission has the authority to send out international Election Observation Missions. We will keep communicating with you, I want to reassure you. The Commission will shortly invite the Commonwealth, the African Union, ECOWAS, and the EU to the 2027 General Election.

“We think the suggestions you made after observing our election and electoral process will help to raise the standard of our elections and electoral activities.”

Chelsea Compete With Arsenal and Liverpool to Secure Eduardo Camavinga

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There is still uncertainty regarding the Frenchman’s long-term future with the team. The dynamic midfielder has gradually made his way back into contention after recovering from the injury that hindered his early weeks of play. He has even scored a goal as a substitute in Tuesday’s Champions League matchup with Kairat and has appeared off the bench against Espanyol, Levante, and Atletico Madrid.

However, his job is still far from safe. There are currently no indications of a clear path back into Xabi Alonso’s preferred starting lineup, despite summertime rumors that suggested a possible exit.

Due to a lack of playing time, a departure is even more possible because Jude Bellingham, Arda Guler, Federico Valverde, and Aurelien Tchouameni are all well ahead in the middle of the park.

A number of elite clubs throughout Europe, especially in the Premier League, are likely to respect Camavinga for his skills.

Chelsea has expressed interest in the France international, and Fichajes claims that they think his skills would infuse their midfield with much-needed inventiveness.

But according to the article, Arsenal and Liverpool, who have also identified the 22-year-old for a potential transfer, will be fierce rivals.

Camavinga is a combative midfielder with attacking ability that Mikel Arteta uses in his team, according to the source, and Liverpool is interested in acquiring him as part of their plan to increase their level of competition.

Since the Frenchman still has five years left on his Santiago Bernabéu deal, the Spanish powerhouses have the leverage to demand a price far more than his Transfermarkt valuation of £52 million.

Chelsea needs a trustworthy midfield backup to strengthen their team even further and relieve Moises Caicedo of a lot of defensive responsibilities after he made his 100th Chelsea start against Benfica.

Enzo Fernandez would be free to move freely in attack as Camavinga and Caicedo provided much-needed stability to Enzo Maresca’s midfield.

To beat their competitors to the midfielder’s signature, the Blues will need to be at their best when it comes to free-spending, though, since Madrid would probably demand a hefty amount to approve his exit. Liverpool and Arsenal are also keen.

Train Resumes: NRC Managing Director Travels With Passengers on Abuja-Kaduna Route

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Officially, the Abuja–Kaduna Train Service (AKTS) reopened on Wednesday, October 1, 2025, after weeks of rigorous safety checks, inspections, and employee training conducted by the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC).

After leaving Idu Station in Abuja and making a stop at Kubwa to collect passengers, the first train made it to Rigasa Station in Kaduna. On the same day, a return trip was planned, signifying that passenger train operations on the line had fully resumed.

The NRC’s Chief Public Relations Officer, Callistus Unyimadu, issued a statement on behalf of the management confirming this.

NRC’s Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director, Dr. Kayode Opeifa, accompanied workers and passengers on the first journey.

His purpose in being there was to observe the resume ride firsthand and contribute to the restoration of public trust in the service.

When Dr. Opeifa spoke to reporters after arriving in Rigasa, he was pleased and praised God Almighty for His favor during the company’s recuperation.

He emphasized the vital role that a contemporary railway network plays in promoting national growth and unity, pointing out that the government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, has made significant investments in rail infrastructure throughout the nation.

The NRC chief reaffirmed his resolve to turn the Corporation around by giving priority to finishing up ongoing projects, optimizing the nation’s rail assets, restoring all serviceable rolling stock, growing services, enhancing customer satisfaction, and modernizing operations and efficiency, especially along the AKTS corridor.

He revealed that a specialized Customer Service Department has been set up to enhance service delivery and quickly handle passenger problems.

Regarding safety, Dr. Opeifa gave passengers and employees the company’s steadfast dedication to safety and well-being.

To protect all parties involved, he said, covert but efficient security measures have been implemented in addition to the obvious presence of police and military personnel in stations and along the route.

Dr. Opeifa made it clear that he is committed to making the NRC a premier, passenger-friendly service provider that can propel socioeconomic development by establishing safe, effective, and modern rail transportation networks across the country.

Tinubu Taken to Court Over Rivers Local Government Elections

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The Federal High Court in Port Harcourt has brought President Bola Tinubu before it in relation to the contentious August 30, 2025, local government elections in Rivers State.

Attorney Clifford Nnanta Chuku is requesting that the court, in an action filed on September 11, 2025 (No. FHC/PH/CS/173/2025), declare the Emergency Powers Regulation, which Tinubu enacted to govern the elections, unconstitutional and annul the votes.

Chuku claimed that the rule compromised democracy and violated the constitution by suspending portions of the Rivers State electoral legislation and the Electoral Act 2022.

Chuku claimed the President had overreached himself by suspending certain provisions of the statute in preparation for the Rivers elections, which was illegal.

Tinubu is named as a defendant in the lawsuit together with the Federal Government, the Attorney General of the Federation, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), and the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC).

The court is primarily concerned with whether the regulation unlawfully curtailed the Rivers people’s democratic rights and if RSIEC’s election notice complied with the necessary legal deadlines.

Chuku wants the rule to be overturned, the August 30 elections nullified, and RSIEC forced to hold new elections in complete accordance with the Electoral Act.

The hearing has been scheduled for October 21, 2025 by the Federal High Court.

Legal experts think the case may influence the president’s future authority in election-related affairs.