Author: Gabby

The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has firmly announced that it will enforce the federal government’s policy requiring all prospective corps members to present a compliance certificate from the Nigeria Education Repository and Databank (NERD). This directive was reiterated by the NYSC Director-General, Brigadier General Olakunle Nafiu, during his keynote address at the 2026 Batch ‘B’ Pre-Mobilization Workshop in Abuja, themed ‘Strengthening Institutional Accountability and Compliance in the NYSC Mobilization Process for Effective Service Delivery.’

General Nafiu called on Corps Producing Institutions to adequately educate their students and ensure strict adherence to this requirement. He stressed that mobilization is not solely the NYSC’s responsibility and urged regulatory bodies, security agencies, and relevant ministries to provide support through policy guidance, capacity building, and enforcement of compliance standards.

The director-general stated, ‘When we work together, we make the transition from student to national service smoother, transparent, and credible for our prospective corps members. We must boldly confront obstacles and creatively devise lasting solutions to build a more accountable and efficient mobilization process.’

Earlier, NYSC Director of Corps Mobilization, Mrs. Rachel Ideawor, described the workshop as a crucial platform for collaboration between the scheme, producing institutions, and stakeholders. She acknowledged progress made in enhancing mobilization but stressed the need for further optimization across the entire value chain. Ideawor urged Student Affairs Officers to handle their duties with diligence and integrity, ensuring accurate information about prospective corps members.

Attendees included representatives from the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), National Universities Commission (NUC), National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), Federal Ministry of Education, NERD, SIDMACH Technologies, and 266 Student Affairs Officers from various institutions nationwide.

The Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD) recently conducted a workshop for 31 academic staff at the Federal College of Education (Technical), Bichi, Kano State. The program focused on equipping lecturers with practical skills in artificial intelligence, blockchain technology, and digital research tools.

This one-day capacity-building event took place at the college campus and was designed to enhance academic research, transparency, and the verification of knowledge through modern technological approaches. Participants gained hands-on experience in using AI for scholarly work, managing data with digital tools, and understanding blockchain applications in higher education settings.

During the opening session, CITAD’s Executive Director, Y. Z. Ya’u, who was represented by Communication Officer Ali Sabo, emphasized that the initiative aims to close the widening knowledge gap in emerging technologies within tertiary institutions across Northern Nigeria. He noted that the Federal College of Education (Technical), Bichi, is the fourth institution to host the program, following Bayero University Kano, KHAIRUN University, and Baba Ahmed University.

According to CITAD’s research, fewer than ten percent of universities in the region currently offer courses related to blockchain or financial technology. Ya’u remarked, “Lagos is already gaining recognition as Africa’s innovation hub, while Northern Nigeria is still catching up. Through this program, we are bringing innovation directly to universities, helping them integrate these technologies into their curricula and strengthen the region’s innovation ecosystem.”

Ali Sabo further explained that blockchain goes beyond financial transactions; institutions can use it to manage student records, monitor academic progress, and improve examination integrity. A facilitator and data analyst, Yusuf Babagana, pointed out that misconceptions about cryptocurrency have hindered awareness of blockchain among academics. “Some lecturers still view cryptocurrency as a scam, which stifles innovation. This workshop aims to dispel those myths and demonstrate how blockchain and fintech can drive societal development,” he said.

The college provost, Bashir Sabo Abubakar, declared the workshop open and lauded its importance in preparing lecturers for a technology-driven future. He described the event as more than just a training session—it is a strategic effort to build staff capacity and show how technology can transform teaching, research, and institutional administration.

Speaking on behalf of participants, Ali Abubakar Ali, president of the College of Education Academic Staff Union (COEASU) FCE (T) Bichi chapter, commended CITAD for organizing the program, calling it timely and impactful. Several participants urged higher institutions across Northern Nigeria to prioritize digital innovation training to ensure that lecturers and students remain globally competitive in the evolving knowledge economy.

The Lagos State Government has officially announced the appointment of Dr. Saliu Olugbenga Oseni as the new Medical Director of General Hospital, Gbagada. This move is part of the government’s ongoing strategy to enhance healthcare services in its public health facilities.

Dr. Oseni takes over from Dr. Babafemi Olusegun, who recently retired. The transition was marked by a formal welcome from the hospital’s management and staff, who expressed optimism about the new leadership.

Before this role, Dr. Oseni served at General Hospital, Isolo, where he was praised for his professionalism, administrative skills, and commitment to high-quality patient care. His track record in Isolo positioned him as a strong candidate to lead Gbagada General Hospital.

The hospital management described Dr. Oseni as well-equipped to continue the progress made by his predecessor. They highlighted his capability to drive the hospital’s mission of providing efficient, accessible, and patient-centered care to the community.

Staff and stakeholders have pledged their full support, assuring the public that the institution remains dedicated to delivering excellent healthcare under the new medical director.

Kano State Governor Abba Yusuf has expressed outrage over remarks made by his former political mentor, Rabiu Kwankwaso, who referred to him as a ‘small boy.’ During a public address in Kano, Yusuf warned that he would start making statements Kwankwaso may not appreciate unless the former governor checks his tongue.

The dispute stems from an interview where Kwankwaso, a former presidential candidate and ex-governor, accused Yusuf of betraying him and threatened to unseat him in the 2027 gubernatorial election. Yusuf, visibly annoyed, questioned the logic of a 69-year-old man calling a 63-year-old a boy. He noted that he had remained quiet out of respect but would not hesitate to speak up if provoked further.

Governor Yusuf emphasized the importance of peace in Kano State but warned that continuous provocation would force him to respond. It is worth recalling that Yusuf initially won the 2023 election under the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) before defecting to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The Lagos State Government has issued a stern advisory urging residents to steer clear of purchasing or consuming decaying tomatoes, often referred to locally as ‘Ata Esha’, due to the significant health risks linked to mold-infested produce.

In a statement released by the Lagos State Consumer Protection Agency (LASCOPA), the agency’s General Manager, Afolabi Solebo, emphasized that tomatoes exhibiting white, green, or black fungal growth should be avoided entirely. These fungi can generate harmful substances like aflatoxins, which are known to cause severe liver damage and other critical health conditions.

Solebo clarified that the toxins present in spoiled tomatoes remain hazardous even after the fruit has been cooked, boiled, or fried, as heat does not necessarily neutralize them. ‘A person’s health is largely shaped by their dietary choices,’ Solebo remarked, urging consumers not to sacrifice their well-being for the sake of lower prices on compromised goods.

The agency further advised shoppers to thoroughly inspect food items before making purchases and to discard any visibly contaminated produce. Residents are also encouraged to report vendors selling unsafe, expired, or tainted products to the appropriate regulatory bodies responsible for public health, environmental safety, and consumer protection.

Solebo highlighted that consumers have both rights and duties, including the right to accurate product information, the responsibility to oppose unfair commercial practices, and the obligation to make environmentally conscious decisions. He disclosed that LASCOPA has deployed monitoring and enforcement teams across markets in Lagos State to apprehend traders involved in the sale of hazardous food items.

The Federal Government has once again confirmed the Chartered Institute of Personnel Management of Nigeria (CIPM) as the only chartered regulator for Human Resource practice across the country. This comes after the release of a new circular aimed at professionalising HR roles within the Federal Public Service.

The directive, issued by the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (OHCSF) under reference number HCSF/3065/Vol.1/230, dated May 14, 2026, sets mandatory certification requirements for staff serving in HR positions within Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs).

According to the circular, which was signed by the Head of the Civil Service, Mrs. Didi Esther Walson-Jack, OON, mni, MCIPM, this policy is part of broader reforms designed to boost professionalism, competence, ethical standards, and service delivery in the Federal Civil Service.

The circular specifically highlights certifications from CIPM and a select group of internationally recognised HR bodies, thus reinforcing CIPM’s unique role as Nigeria’s chartered and legally backed institution for regulating and advancing Human Resource Management.

Under these new rules, any officer deployed to HR functions in the Federal Public Service must hold an approved HR certification. A twelve-month grace period has been provided for current officers to obtain the necessary certification, after which only certified professionals can be assigned to HR roles within the Service.

Reacting to the announcement, the President and Chairman of the Governing Council of CIPM, Mallam Ahmed Ladan Gobir, FCIPM, fnli, praised the government for this bold step toward institutionalising professionalism in the public sector. He said, “This circular marks a landmark policy that aligns Nigeria’s public service with global HR best practices. As the chartered institute legally empowered to regulate HR practice in Nigeria, CIPM fully supports this reform and insists that professional certification and ethical conduct are essential for effective people management in any organisation.”

Mallam Gobir also stressed that CIPM’s enabling law positions it as the authoritative body for setting standards, certifying practitioners, and maintaining discipline within the HR profession in Nigeria. “Although the circular recognises some international certifications, it is crucial to note that within Nigeria, CIPM alone holds the legal mandate to regulate HR practice. All practitioners working in Nigeria must align with CIPM’s regulatory framework.”

This policy is expected to significantly improve service delivery, promote merit-based appointments, and ensure that HR roles are filled by competent professionals with the right knowledge and ethical grounding to manage the country’s public workforce. The Institute encourages all HR practitioners, especially those in the public sector, to use the transition period to regularise their status and obtain CIPM certification. As Nigeria advances its public sector reforms, professionalising HR practice stands as a vital pillar for building a more efficient, accountable, and results-driven civil service, one that is grounded in global standards and strengthened by local regulatory oversight under CIPM.

In a surprising turn of events, U.S. President Donald Trump has paused a planned military strike on Iran following urgent appeals from key Arab leaders on Monday. The decision, announced via Trump’s Truth Social platform, came just a day before the attack was set to occur.

According to Trump, the offensive was initially slated for Tuesday, but he agreed to delay it after receiving requests from Qatar’s Emir Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, and UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. These leaders argued that meaningful negotiations are currently underway between Washington and Middle Eastern nations, as well as other parties.

The U.S. president emphasized that any eventual deal must prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons, stating, “This Deal will include, importantly, NO NUCLEAR WEAPONS FOR IRAN!” He confirmed that Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Joint Chiefs Chairman Gen. Dan Caine were instructed to stand down, but remain ready to launch a full-scale assault at a moment’s notice if negotiations fail.

This development comes less than 24 hours after Trump warned that time was running out for a diplomatic solution. Negotiations have stalled for weeks since a ceasefire was put in place.