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Former President Jonathan Raises Concern Over One-Party Rule in Nigeria

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Ex-President Goodluck Jonathan warns that Nigeria risks becoming a one-party state.

Jonathan gave the warning on Wednesday in Abuja while honoring the late elder statesman, Edwin Clark, at a memorial lecture and day of tribute.

Clark, an Ijaw chieftain and politician, was believed to have died in February at the age of 97.

According to Jonathan, any attempt to create a one-party state by political maneuvers to satisfy merely personal desires would be harmful to the country.

The former Nigerian leader, however, noted that “If we must, as a nation, accept a one-party system, it must be developed and prepared by experts—and we must know what we are getting into.

“But if we arrive at it through the back door by political manipulations, then we are heading for crisis.”

The ex-president’s warning comes after some Nigerians expressed concern that the country was on the verge of becoming a one-party state due to a surge in defections from opposition parties to the ruling All Progressives Congress, or APC.

Read Also: Labour Party Under Nenadi Usman Appoints Four-Man Committee to Investigate Abure

The defections were seen to have damaged the opposition, particularly the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Aside from the defections, certain PDP governors, like Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State and Nurudeen Ademola Adeleke of Osun State, are said to support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s second term campaign.

Jonathan agreed that other countries had successfully implemented one-party systems under unique historical and socioeconomic conditions, but warned that Nigeria’s diverse ethnic, religious, and political terrain necessitated a more inclusive and properly crafted political framework.

“Yes, one-party states are administered by countries. Yes, a one-party state may not be evil after all, as Tanzanian President Julius Nyerere used one-party rule to stabilize his country during its early years of independence. He believed that the country, like Nigeria, had too many tribes and tongues, as well as two main religions: Christianity and Islam.

“If we allow many parties, some may follow religious or tribal lines, making unification harder. But it was well-planned; it was not an accident,” he explained.

Labour Party Under Nenadi Usman Appoints Four-Man Committee to Investigate Abure

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A four-member disciplinary committee was established on Wednesday by the Labour Party’s (LP) Nenadi Usman’s interim committee to look into the actions of Julius Abure, the party’s embattled national chairman, and impose appropriate sanctions.

According to the committee, the action came after Abure insisted on presenting himself as the party’s chairman following a Supreme Court ruling that removed him from office.

Senator Ireti Kingibe serves as the committee’s chairman, and Chief Peter Ameh serves as its secretary.

The apex court ruled in a lead judgment written by Justice John Okoro and read by Justice Mohammed Baba Idris that the Court of Appeal, Abuja, lacked the authority to declare Abure the national chairman of the LP. This was because the court had previously determined that the case’s main focus was on the party’s leadership.

It concluded that the matter of leadership was a matter within a party’s internal affairs and that courts had no authority over it.

As a result, the court decided that the appeal filed by Nenadi Usman and another was meritorious and granted it.

Senator Usman charged Abure with using the Labour Party as a personal business to further his own agenda during Wednesday’s press conference in Abuja.

She claimed that Abure allegedly took advantage of his position for personal gain rather than promoting unity.

The disciplinary panel’s job is to look into the accusations made against Abure and suggest suitable disciplinary actions in order to resolve these claims.

Abure has been summoned by the committee to appear before the disciplinary panel in order to address the charges and petitions that have been filed against him.

In addition, the caretaker committee criticized Abure for allegedly taking over party structures without following the proper procedures, such as holding zonal, state, ward, and local government congresses before a national convention.

A schedule for appropriate congresses and the election of national executives will be made public shortly, the team led by Nenadi Usman promised to restore internal democracy.

A few days ago, the Labour Party group led by Julius Abure established a disciplinary committee to look into claims of anti-party activity against Alex Otti, the governor of Abia State, and other party members.

The statement read, “NEC established a disciplinary committee after reviewing the anti-party activities of Abia State Governor Alex Otti” and other dissident members. The committee, led by Ayo Olorunfemi, had two weeks to turn in its findings.

Following the results of Nenadi Usman’s NEC meeting on Wednesday, the Abure faction of the party criticized the Abia State governor, Alex Otti, Senator Darlington Nwokocha, Senator Ireti Kingibe, Sowumi, and Ogah for being placed on indefinite suspension.

According to a statement from the National Secretary, Alhaji Umar Farouk Ibrahim, “The National Executive of the party met today, May 7, 2025, and after extensive deliberation in line with powers donated to it by the party constitution, has ratified the recommendation as submitted by the disciplinary committee.”

According to him, this came after the disciplinary committee’s duty was completed and their report was delivered to the party leadership.

Remember how the Labour Party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) established a five-member disciplinary committee last Friday, May 2, 2025, with Dr. Ayo Olorunfemi as the Deputy National Chairman, Alhaji Umar Farouk Ibrahim as the National Secretary, and three other members to look into claims of anti-party activities made by Abia State Governor Dr. Alex Otti and any other party members?

As a result, the following party members have been suspended from the party and all of its activities, permanently and immediately: Dr. Alex Otti, Senator Ireti Kingibe, Senator Darlington Nwokocha, Hon. Victor Afam Ogene, Hon. Amobi Ogah, and Hon. Seyi Sowunmi, according to the statement.

By the suspension, the former party members will no longer act on behalf of the party, according to the National Secretary.

“It is important for all relevant institutions to pay attention, including the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, the National Assembly, INEC, and security services.

The fact that Nenadi Usman’s name was suspiciously left off of the list of party members suspended will shock Nigerians and party supporters.

First off, we have stated time and time again that the aforementioned Nenadi Usman was and is not a member of the Labour Party because he does not possess a party card.

Read Also: Financial Mathematics Expert, Prof Agwuegbo Blames Nigeria’s Woes On Non-Use Of Statistical Reasoning

We are aware that she is a part of the Obedient Support Group, which has worked and continues to work for the party’s presidential candidate for 2023. Since she is not a party member, we will not honor her in any way.

“Once more, we are aware that Ms. Usman recently joined another political party and swore allegiance to it in a widely reported event alongside a former governor of Kaduna State. Where Usman Nenadi’s loyalty lies is obviously unclear to us.

The party leadership is likewise taken aback by Nenadi Usman’s discussion on corruption, given that she is the headmistress of corruption. We anticipate that Ms. Usman will come out and tell Nigerians the story of her plea deal with the EFCC and all the properties she purportedly surrendered, as they are already aware of all the EFCC charges against her.

She should also explain to Nige­rians how she got her radio station in Kaduna, all of her assets in Nigeria and outside, and her businesses in Cameroon, including her plantations. Nenadi Usman is not morally capable of starting an investigation or even discussing corruption.

Regardless, the party’s financial records are accurate, and the public will be interested in learning that the party’s audited account has been made public. The regulatory agency, INEC, dispatched external auditors to examine the party’s financial records. The auditors provided a clean report and applauded the party for its financial transparency. It is known that the Labour Party’s financial records were ranked among the best among Nigeria’s political parties.

Ultimately, the party has since adopted a stance on the coalition issue, and we would want to reiterate that the party is not open to any proposals from individuals or organizations to form a coalition or merge. As we previously mentioned, the coalition’s leaders are incapable of facilitating such a political agreement due to their inability, incapacity, and incompetence.

How can these individuals manage a coalition of political parties and their disparate interests when they have failed to govern a single party? No further discussion will be allowed regarding the Labour Party’s intention to run as a stand-alone party in the general election of 2027.

Financial Mathematics Expert, Prof Agwuegbo Blames Nigeria’s Woes On Non-Use Of Statistical Reasoning

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Financial mathematics expert Prof. Obi-Nnamdi Agwuegbo has suggested that Nigeria’s current economic situation can be linked to the failure of previous governments to use statistical reasoning to inform national development policies.

According to Prof. Agwuegbo, a University Don, expecting Nigeria’s full potential to be realized without the use of statistical methods would be unrealistic given the government’s analogue approach to development difficulties.

He made these remarks during his 102nd inaugural lecture on “Statistical Reasoning: A Panacea for National Development” at the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB) on Wednesday.

At the campus’ Prof. Oluwafemi Balogun Ceremonial Hall, the inaugural event was held.

According to the esteemed professor of stochastic modeling from the College of Physical Sciences’ (COLPHYS) Department of Statistics, statistical reasoning is essential to advancing national development and achieving Nigeria’s full potential.

In order to translate raw data into actionable insights that can influence policy, spur innovation, and promote advancement across sectors, Prof. Agwuegbo explained that statistical reasoning is essential to effective decision-making.

No field of study can achieve scientific credibility without the use of statistical methods, according to the learned professor.

From providing quality control in manufacturing to identifying illnesses in healthcare, statistical reasoning, in his opinion, is essential to attaining dependability and efficiency.

Without statistical interpretation, data is just a collection of incomprehensible numbers, he said. Data only becomes useful when statistical reasoning is applied, resulting in evidence-based conclusions and well-informed judgments.

In order to increase the influence of statistical reasoning, the first lecturer suggested that statistical reasoning be incorporated into all postgraduate courses offered by the university.

He also advocated for the creation of strong national data platforms that can offer trustworthy, easily accessible datasets to aid in research, development, and innovation.

Read Also: Enzo Maresca Highlights Strategic Need for Chelsea to Win 2025 Conference League

In addition, Agwuegbo advised academic institutions to incorporate statistical literacy into their curricula, emphasizing that doing so would foster critical thinking and enable students to interact with data in ways that are both transformative and meaningful.

Prof. Babatunde Kehinde, Vice-Chancellor of FUNAAB, praised Prof. Agwuegbo for his thought-provoking and perceptive lecture.

In the presence of Prof. Olukayode Akinyemi, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), the University’s helmsman expressed gratitude for the Lecturer’s outstanding academic accomplishments, which included his work as an external examiner at the Universities of Ibadan and Lagos.

As a member of the Nigerian Statistical Association (NSA), International Biometric Society (IBS), American Statistical Association (ASA), and Professional Statisticians Society of Nigeria (PSSN), among other professional associations, he pointed out that Prof. Agwuegbo has authored more than 40 academic papers in respectable national and international journals.

Enzo Maresca Highlights Strategic Need for Chelsea to Win 2025 Conference League

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The Conference League victory, in the opinion of Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca, might be a major turning point in proving that the team is “back” to its competitive peak.
Chelsea feels certain they will advance to the final following a great showing against Swedish club Djurgarden in the first leg of the semi-final, where they took a commanding 4-1 lead.
On May 28, the championship match will be held in Wroclaw, Poland. Real Betis or Fiorentina might be Chelsea’s rivals.

Maresca said, “Yes, for me, winning a trophy like the Conference League is a clear indicator that Chelsea is back,” in response to a question about whether winning a title in UEFA’s third-tier tournament would be a turning point for Chelsea.

He underlined how crucial it is to win a trophy and pointed out that the Conference League is a new beginning for the team.
“If elite teams like Real Madrid aren’t playing in the Conference League, it’s because they have a different level of experience,” he continued. Our involvement shows where we stand right now, and it’s time to expand on that.

Maresca added that Chelsea’s legacy would be further enhanced if they won the Conference League, making them the first team in Europe to win in every major European competition.

Read Also: Atiku Criticizes Tinubu Over ‘Nigeria First’ Policy, Suggests Using Innoson Motors

He said he was sure the club would have a winners’ attitude going into the semifinals and championship game.

The focus is still on the task at hand even though Chelsea’s team is valued 44 times higher than Djurgarden’s.

According to goalie Filip Jorgensen, the team wants to take the forthcoming match seriously, saying, “We will treat this with the importance it deserves.” We are keen to go to the final of this European tournament, which is now in its semi-final. We are dedicated to give it our all, even if we are aware that there is still work to be done during the following ninety minutes.

Keep in mind that the second leg is scheduled for Thursday, May 8 at 8 p.m. at Stamford Bridge.

Atiku Criticizes Tinubu Over ‘Nigeria First’ Policy, Suggests Using Innoson Motors

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The Federal Government’s Nigeria First Policy is not sincere, according to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, who urged President Bola Tinubu to exchange his Escalade for Innoson Motors in order to win over Nigerians.

“The Tinubu administration’s latest “Nigeria First” mantra, paraded through the Federal Executive Council, is nothing more than another stale PR gimmick — intended to deceive, not deliver,” according to a press statement issued on Wednesday and signed by Phrank Shaibu, Atiku’s Special Assistant on Public Communication. Hollow speeches have become boring to Nigerians. Starting from the top is necessary if this government is sincere about promoting local content and economic patriotism.

“President Tinubu is challenged to put an end to the commotion and exchange his prized Escalade for an Innoson, Nord, or any other vehicle manufactured in Nigeria.” More local industry will be boosted by that one deed than by a thousand policy memos. We should watch the ministers, who are blatant Rolls-Royce enthusiasts, drive cars built in Nigeria. Or is “Nigeria First” just a campaign for the media?

Read Also: Breaking: Internal Crisis: Labour Party Suspends Gov Otti, Top Lawmakers

It’s time for Mr. President to put aside his obsession with Paris and London, in keeping with the topic of double standards. If he truly believes in patriotism, he ought to take a holiday in Yankari Game Reserve, Erin Ijesha Waterfalls, or Obudu Cattle Ranch. Nigeria is a wonderful country, unless the president has a different opinion.

“More importantly, we need to stop preaching self-reliance while taking trips for medical tourism. As a champion of “Nigeria First,” we urge that President Tinubu perform all future medical examinations at LUTH, National Hospital Abuja, UCH Ibadan, or even the N41 billion Naira Akwa Ibom world-class hospital in Uyo, which was constructed by an exceptional transformer. They should be adequate for their Commander-in-Chief if these hospitals are adequate for regular Nigerians. To do less would be blatant hypocrisy.

“This government is the epitome of insincerity because it demands sacrifice from suffering Nigerians while becoming addicted to foreign luxuries.” True leadership is about setting an example, not about picture ops or soundbites.

“This constant charade is not enough for Nigeria; it deserves genuine commitment.”

Breaking: Internal Crisis: Labour Party Suspends Gov Otti, Top Lawmakers

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In a bold move, the Labour Party suspended six important individuals indefinitely, including Senators Darlington Nwokocha and Ireti Kingibe and Abia State Governor Alex Otti.
The action reportedly follows allegations of anti-party behavior.

Seyi Sowumi, Amobi Ogah, and Victor Afam Ogene are also impacted by the suspension. After a disciplinary panel that was established earlier this month made recommendations, the party’s National Executive Council (NEC) approved the measure.
The declaration was made in an official statement released by Umar Farouk Ibrahim, the National Secretary of the party, on Wednesday.

The suspension, according to the document, is effective immediately and forbids the parties implicated from engaging in any activities connected to the Labour Party.

“Remember that last Friday, May 2, 2025, the Labour Party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) established a five-member disciplinary committee led by the National Secretary, Dr. Alex Otti, the governor of Abia State, and the deputy national chairman, Dr. Ayo Olorunfemi, along with three other members to look into claims of anti-party activities against the party,” the statement reads.

“The Disciplinary Committee has completed its work and sent the party leadership their report. In accordance with the authority granted to it by the Party Constitution, the National Executive of the party met today, May 7, 2025, and ratified the recommendation made by the Disciplinary Committee following a thorough discussion.

With immediate effect, the following party members have been permanently barred from the party and all of its activities. Senators Ireti Kingibe, Darlington Nwokocha, Victor Afam Ogene, Amobi Ogah, and Seyi Sowunmi are the first, second, and third, respectively.

By stating that Nenadi Usman is associated with the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential campaign but does not have official membership, the party also explained why she was not one of those sanctioned.
She is a member of the Obidient Support group, which has worked and continues to work for the party’s presidential candidate for 2023, as far as we know. Due to her non-party membership, we will not honor her with any sanctions,” the statement continued.

With reference to his alleged interactions with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and his ownership of multiple assets, the party further criticized Usman for lacking the credibility to speak on corruption-related issues.

Read Also: No Visible Progress in Nigeria Under Tinubu – Ologbondiyan

“She should also explain to Nigerians how she got her radio station in Kaduna, all of her properties inside and outside of Nigeria, and her businesses in Cameroon, including her plantations.” According to the statement, Nenadi Usman is morally incapable of initiating any investigation or even discussing corruption.

Prior to the 2027 elections, the Labour Party underlined its independence and reaffirmed its political stance, separating itself from alliances and merger negotiations.

“The Labour Party will pursue the 2027 general election as a stand-alone party, and any additional discussion on this topic will not be entertained,” the statement said.

No Visible Progress in Nigeria Under Tinubu – Ologbondiyan

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Kola Ologbondiyan, a former National Publicity Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has said that claims of progress under the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) are absurd.
He said this on Wednesday during an appearance on Channels Television, in response to recent APC defections.
Ologbondiyan further said that the APC has produced a politically contentious climate, particularly under the current administration.

He stated, “It is regrettable that anyone would look at Nigeria today and claim progressive administration; it is absurd. What’s going on in Edo is comical.

“The Tinubu administration has demonstrated disturbing levels of political fluidity and division. The current political system is profoundly divided, with parties claiming full ownership of political space. This raises concerns about the potential for resistance.

The former spokesperson emphasized the growing national unhappiness, claiming that many Nigerians are merely suffering the current state of affairs while looking forward to the next election.

Read Also: Mass Failure in UTME Proves System Is Working as Intended – Minister

“If you test the mood of the nation, Nigerians are simply waiting for 2027. Some have even referred to the President as an OTP (One-Term President). In 2027, we must ensure that elections are free of errors that do not determine who will be president,” he said.

Speaking further, he voiced significant concern over the internal state of his party, claiming that the PDP cannot move forward under the current acting chairman, Ambassador Umar Damagum.

“I will not deny that there is turbulence in the PDP. “As long as Ambassador Umar Damagum is acting chairman, the party will fail,” he asserted.

National Assembly Steps In to Reinstate Democratic Norms in Rivers

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Speaking before the House of Representatives on Tuesday after its Easter and Sallah holiday, Speaker Tajudeen Abbas said that the National Assembly would form a committee to help restore democratic order in Rivers State.

Along with laying out a comprehensive legislative roadmap, Abbas called on members to recommit to national service and revolutionary reforms that would restore democracy, unity, and economic stability.

Abbas set the tone for the 10th Assembly’s crucial time by calling for targeted action on important national issues in his welcoming speech to MPs.

“We will collaborate with the Senate in the upcoming weeks to establish a high-level Committee on Reconciliation, which will include esteemed national leaders, in order to foster communication, advance peace, and aid in the restoration of democratic order in Rivers State and other areas afflicted by conflict.

He said, “Now is the time for purpose-driven legislation, for reaffirming our relationship with the people, and for strengthening democracy.”

A comprehensive legislative program that addressed issues such as electoral reform, constitutional revision, economic resilience, and climate adaptation was at the center of the speaker’s address.

Abbas emphasized how urgent it is to pass important legislation, especially those pertaining to jobs, education, healthcare, and security.

Recent achievements, such as the enactment of tax reform legislation intended to increase compliance and encourage investment, were highlighted by him.

These show the House’s commitment to promoting responsible economic governance, he said.

He cited recent Nigerian negotiations with the IMF as additional proof that strategic legislative supervision must be combined with fiscal restraint, saying, “We are shaping a future where policy reforms support national development and inclusivity.”

His comments focused largely on bringing stability to the nation’s problematic regions, particularly Rivers State.

Abbas revealed that a 21-member Ad-Hoc Committee, headed by the House Leader, is actively involving interested parties in order to oversee the interim administration and avoid a political void.

To modernize parliamentary interaction, Speaker Abbas launched the New Media Exchange program.

Digital channels are being adopted by the House, he said, in order to reach younger Nigerians and transform legislative transparency.

According to him, “online leaders and digital influencers have emerged as important opinion shapers—we must meet the people where they are.”

Although he was hopeful about reforms, Abbas acknowledged violent attacks over the recess, which struck a gloomy note. The tragic events, he said, from the catastrophic bombing in Gamboru to the communal violence in Benue and Plateau, highlight the necessity of strong security legislation.

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He offered sympathies to the families of those affected by the attacks and stated, “The House stands united in condemning these attacks and calls on security agencies to intensify efforts to restore peace.”

As severe flooding is predicted to occur in more than 30 states, the speaker called for a proactive response.

On climate resilience and disaster preparedness frameworks, he instructed pertinent committees to engage with the executive.

A number of public activities to commemorate the second anniversary of the 10th Assembly were also preview by Abbas. From a House Open Week in July to a Public Policy Dialogue in Abuja, the events aim to close the divide between the public and legislators.

He emphasized that these ceremonies serve as forums to reaffirm our legislative objectives and accountability to the public, not merely to celebrate.

Read Also: Mass Failure in UTME Proves System Is Working as Intended – Minister

In his closing remarks, Abbas urged his colleagues to work together and be united as the House moves into a crucial stage of its four-year mandate.

This coming week is crucial. He implored, “Let us pledge to uphold the principles that make us the People’s House.”

A committee consisting of eighteen members was established by the Senate on Tuesday to supervise the actions of Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas, the sole administrator of Rivers State (rtd.).

Godswill Akpabio, the Senate President, revealed this when plenary reconvened on Tuesday.

The committee was established to improve accountability and openness in the state’s governance, according to Akpabio.

The Senate Lead Opeyemi Bamidele was appointed as the committee’s chairperson by Akpabio.

He emphasized how crucial the committee’s job was in guaranteeing efficient legislative supervision in Rivers State, underscoring the significance of its mandate.

Additionally, Akpabio made a suggestion that after more consultations, the committee’s makeup might be modified.

Senators Adamu Aliero, Osita Izunaso, Osita Ngwu, Kaka Shehu, Aminu Abass, Tokunbo Abiru, Adeniyi Adebire, Sani Musa, Simon Lalong, Asuquo Ekpeyong, Adams Oshiomhole, Ireti Kin­gibe, Onyekachi, Idiat Adebule, Ide Dafinone, and Mohammed—as well as the Senate Clerk—are among the other members of the committee.

Emphasizing the gravity of their mission, the Senate President instructed the committee to begin its oversight responsibilities immediately.

He also restated the Senate’s resolve to protect Rivers State’s democratic procedures.

Mass Failure in UTME Proves System Is Working as Intended – Minister

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Tunji Alausa, the minister of education, has claimed that the high number of failed students in the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) is a result of the government’s anti-malpractice initiatives, which are having an impact, particularly in the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board system.
More than 1.5 million applicants received scores below the 200-mark cutoff point, which is frequently used by Nigerian universities for admission consideration, according to a thorough statistical report of the 2025 UTME results that was formally released by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) on Monday.

A breakdown of the 1,955,069 results that were processed and made public on Monday shows that just 420,415 candidates received scores higher than 200.
Speaking Tuesday on Channels Television’s Morning Brief, Alausa said that the performance dip was a direct result of JAMB’s stricter security measures, which have led to a notable decrease in exam misconduct.

That’s a serious worry, because it reflects how well exams are administered, he said. A computer-based testing system is used by JAMB to administer its exams. Since they have put in place robust security measures, fraud and cheating have been totally eradicated. Regretfully, we are unable to say the same about NECO and WAEC.

Alausa also declared that by November 2025, the National Examinations Council and the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) will start using computer-based exams, beginning with objective examinations.

He asserts that exam fraud discourages hardworking students and that the ministry is still dedicated to restoring the legitimacy of Nigeria’s admissions and assessment procedures through the use of technology-driven solutions.

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“By the May/June 2026 exam cycle, the entire CBT model—including essay sections—will be implemented,” he continued.

“To combat this scam, we must deploy technology. The sheer number of “miracle centers” is intolerable. After cheating on the WAEC and NECO exams, some attempt to cheat on the JAMB, which is almost impossible to do. That is the discrepancy that we are currently witnessing. It is disheartening.

“The worst thing about cheating is that it discourages those who put in the most effort.” Do you think I’ll put in the necessary study time if I’m getting ready for WAEC or NECO and I know some of my classmates already have access to the questions? No, I could be tempted to go with them. Good students become corrupted in this way, and we need to stop it.