Author: Gabby

The Federal Government has started releasing the long-awaited 2025 allowances for Nigerian students studying overseas under the Bilateral Education Agreement (BEA) program. This development was announced by the Ministry of Education in a communiqué issued on May 19, 2026.

According to the statement, the Central Bank of Nigeria has completed the transfer of approved funds to Nigerian diplomatic missions and embassies in various partner countries. These missions will now facilitate the distribution of payments to the beneficiaries.

Minister of Education, Maruf Tunji Alausa, confirmed that the released amount covers 50% of the total outstanding obligations for the 2025 academic year. He further assured that plans are already underway to disburse the remaining balance in due course.

The ministry emphasized that the funds have been deposited into the respective embassy accounts, and students can expect to receive their allowances through these channels shortly. The statement also reiterated the government’s commitment, declaring that no Nigerian student pursuing excellence under government scholarship schemes will be left unsupported.

A prominent public affairs analyst and businessman, Godfrey Ohuabunwa, has expressed grave concerns over the National Broadcasting Commission’s (NBC) planned transition from analogue to digital broadcasting, set for 2027. He warns that this move, if mishandled, could lead to a national crisis, especially as the country prepares for a crucial general election.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, Ohuabunwa highlighted that the current approach adopted by the NBC appears hurried, lacking clarity and inconsistent with the 2012 Digital Switchover (DSO) White Paper that had been approved by the Federal Executive Council. He stressed that the so-called transition is merely an aggregation of channels on NigComSat platforms, not a comprehensive Digital Terrestrial Television (DTT) migration as originally envisioned under Nigeria’s DSO framework.

Ohuabunwa, who also serves as chairman of the Association of Licensed Set-Top Box Manufacturers of Nigeria, called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to step in and prevent the confusion being generated by the NBC. He urged, “Mr President, Nigeria cannot afford chaos in its broadcasting system at a time the nation is gearing up for another critical democratic transition. The moment to act is now.”

It will be recalled that the NBC had previously announced 2027 as the deadline for the full migration from analog to digital broadcasting.

An All Progressives Congress (APC) stalwart, Ayekooto Akindele, has refuted the assertion made by Nollywood star-turned-politician Desmond Elliot, who represents Surulere I in the Lagos State House of Assembly, that he stepped down from the party’s primary election.

Earlier, DAILY POST reported that Elliot had announced his withdrawal from the ongoing primary, citing intimidation. However, Akindele countered this narrative on X, asserting that the actor actually participated in the election and suffered a decisive loss.

Calling Elliot’s claim preposterous, Akindele noted that the lawmaker hastily arranged a press conference after realizing he had no chance of winning. He stated: ‘Following the tally and announcement of results, and after enduring a crushing defeat in his own presence, Nollywood actor Desmond Elliot immediately convened a press conference, declaring he had withdrawn from the race and alleging that his ‘supporters’ were barred from voting. This is utterly ridiculous and typical of a sore loser and a desperate, overly ambitious politician who never intended to retire.’

In response to the recent abduction of students and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area, Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has enacted Executive Order No. 1 of 2026. This order aims to bring all associations, groups, and organizations providing security and related services under a unified regulatory framework approved by the state government.

The governor’s office released a statement confirming the new directive, emphasizing that it is designed to enhance peace, public order, and adherence to the rule of law throughout Oyo State. The order requires all security-affiliated entities to operate within clearly defined guidelines set by the government.

Makinde also addressed the kidnapping incident, assuring the public that security forces are working tirelessly to secure the safe return of the abducted children and teachers. The statement underscored the commitment of the administration to combating insecurity and ensuring the safety of all residents.

This move comes amid growing concerns over security in the region and follows calls from various stakeholders for stronger measures to protect schools and communities. The executive order is seen as a proactive step to curb the activities of unregulated security groups and prevent future incidents.

The Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) has strongly condemned the recent wave of violent attacks on educational institutions across the country, describing them as brutal and inhumane. In a statement jointly signed by its National President, Audu Amba, and Secretary-General, Clinton Ikpitibo, the union expressed deep concern that schools, once considered safe havens for learning, have become targets for bandits and terrorists.

NUT highlighted that these assaults have instilled widespread fear and emotional distress among educators, students, parents, and local communities. The warning comes on the heels of attacks on three schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State on May 15, 2026. The affected institutions include Local Authority Primary School in Ahoro-Esinele, Community High School in Ahoro-Esinele, and Baptist Nursery and Primary School in Yawota.

According to the union, the incidents led to the abduction of a school principal, seven teachers, and more than 30 pupils and students. Tragically, one teacher was fatally shot during the assault. NUT noted that the slain educator was wearing his union attire at the time, emphasizing his dedication to both the teaching profession and the union. The union also expressed alarm over reports that one of the kidnapped teachers was later beheaded by the assailants.

Additionally, over 40 pupils and students were reportedly abducted on the same day from Mussa Primary and Junior Secondary Schools in Askira-Uba Local Government Area of Borno State. NUT extended its solidarity to the affected schools and the families of the victims, while urging security agencies to intensify rescue operations and ensure the safe return of all those taken.

The union called on both the Federal Government and state authorities to enhance security measures around schools and implement stronger preventive strategies to avert future attacks. “Teachers cannot effectively perform their duties in an environment of fear and insecurity, where they are subjected to the horrors of kidnapping, maiming, and murder,” the statement read.

NUT warned that if such attacks persist, educators may be forced to withdraw their services as a last resort to protect their lives and well-being.

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has issued a direct call to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the nation’s security leadership, demanding immediate action on the country’s escalating insecurity. This follows the recent abduction of dozens of students and teachers in Oyo State, an incident that has sparked widespread outrage.

NLC President Joe Ajaero delivered the union’s stance during a press statement on Wednesday, criticizing the government’s repeated reliance on condolences and verbal responses instead of concrete measures. Ajaero emphasized that the time for empty gestures is over, insisting on decisive steps to protect citizens.

The kidnapping occurred when armed bandits attacked several schools in Oriire Local Government Area, including Community High School, L.A. Basic School in Ahoro Esinele, and First Baptist School in Yawota. At least 30 pupils and seven teachers were taken captive. Reports later confirmed that one of the abducted teachers was decapitated by the captors, heightening public anger and fear.

The union stressed that federal and state authorities must wake up to their fundamental responsibility of safeguarding lives and property. Ajaero called for a thorough self-assessment by security agencies, urging them to find the will to overcome the crisis before it worsens. He stated, “We demand action now. We have had enough of sermons and condolence messages. How long shall we continue to bleed like this?”

The NLC’s intervention adds to growing pressure on the Tinubu administration to prioritize national security and rescue the remaining hostages.

In a startling revelation at the Federal High Court in Abuja, a witness in the trial of six accused coup plotters has disclosed that Colonel Mohammed Ma’aji allegedly intended to forcibly enter the Presidential Villa. Zekeri Umoru, the fourth defendant, testified before a Special Investigative Panel that Ma’aji expressed a determination to gain access, even if it meant using violence, regardless of the cooperation of insiders.

Umoru, who was employed by Julius Berger on the Presidential Villa clinic project, stated that Inspector Ahmed Ibrahim, the third defendant, acted as an intermediary. Ibrahim allegedly offered Umoru money and instructed him to recruit 18 to 19 individuals working within the Villa, including soldiers, DSS operatives, and Julius Berger staff, for the operation.

The witness further claimed that discussions included a plan to shut down the Villa’s electricity supply to facilitate the coup attempt. However, Umoru cautioned that such a move would trigger immediate investigations and detain personnel on duty. He also noted that Inspector Ibrahim later demanded N100 million from Ma’aji to secure entry via an ambulance route, a request Ma’aji dismissed as excessive, insisting he could breach the Villa by force, albeit with bloodshed.

Becoming uneasy with the scheme, Umoru attempted to return the money he received, emphasizing that the Presidential Villa was not a trivial matter. He denied having access to the solar power plant or sabotaging electricity, as alleged. The witness also admitted failing to promptly report the plot to authorities, explaining that Inspector Ibrahim discouraged him, asking him to delete messages and avoid contacting Ma’aji due to an ongoing audit.

After the video evidence was screened, Justice Joyce Abdulmalik adjourned the case to May 21 for continuation of the trial-within-trial.

Desmond Elliot, representing Surulere I in the Lagos State House of Assembly, has made public a video showing his supporters being barred from the accreditation process during the All Progressives Congress (APC) state assembly primary election held on Wednesday. The former actor turned lawmaker had earlier declared his withdrawal from the contest, citing acts of intimidation against his followers.

In a post on his Facebook page, Elliot stated that throughout various polling units, there were obvious instances of harassment, with his supporters prevented from even getting accredited, let alone casting their votes. He described the conduct during the APC primary as antithetical to true democracy.

The video captures the crowd of Elliot’s supporters chanting, “All we want is Desmond, give us Desmond,” as they express their frustration over being denied participation in the electoral process.

A powerful windstorm has wreaked havoc on electricity infrastructure in northwestern Nigeria, causing widespread blackouts. The Kano Electricity Distribution Company (KEDCO) confirmed that the storm toppled 13 transmission poles, cutting power to numerous communities in Kano, Katsina, and Kaduna states.

In an official statement released on Wednesday, KEDCO detailed that the damaged poles were part of feeder lines serving several localities. The affected areas include Dandume in Katsina, as well as Rogo, Sundu, Falgore, Tudun Wada, Saya Saya, Kadawa, and Hago in Kano. Additionally, the outage extended to Ikara in Kaduna State.

“The windstorm caused significant damage, bringing down 13 electricity poles along key feeder lines. This has led to power supply interruptions in the mentioned regions,” the statement explained.

The utility company expressed regret over the inconvenience and assured affected residents that teams are already working to repair the damaged infrastructure. KEDCO emphasized that efforts are underway to restore electricity as swiftly as possible.