Category: News

The Federal University of Health Sciences, Otukpo (FUHSO) has responded to recent student demonstrations by clarifying its efforts regarding the accreditation of its Medicine and Surgery (MBBS) program. In a statement released on Tuesday, the university’s Head of Information, Public Relations and Protocol Unit, Sunday A. Igah, addressed what it termed as misunderstandings about the accreditation process.

The administration, under Vice-Chancellor Prof. Francis Uba since May 13, 2025, inherited significant challenges. According to the university, the MBBS program had not undergone any Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN) Resource Verification or Advisory Visit for four years prior to the current leadership. Additionally, statutory accreditation fees were unpaid, and communication with the regulatory body had stalled.

Infrastructure deficits further hampered accreditation readiness. The university cited an abandoned Multi-User Laboratory, a missing Autopsy Centre, a dilapidated morgue, and laboratories that failed to meet MDCN standards. The current administration prioritized accreditation by clearing outstanding fees, initiating formal dialogue with the MDCN, and upgrading facilities.

Ongoing improvements include expanding the Anatomy Laboratory, modernizing the Human Physiology Lab, reconstructing the morgue, building an Autopsy Centre, and completing the Multi-User Laboratory. A bus for Community Medicine has been purchased, accommodation secured for pioneer medical students, and staffing gaps filled through targeted recruitment.

Students previously sent home have been recalled, and academic activities are ongoing. The MDCN accreditation visit is scheduled for May 21, 2026, marking the culmination of a year-long effort. FUHSO remains committed to achieving accreditation and safeguarding students’ academic futures.

In a significant blow to extremist activities in the Northeast, coordinated military efforts between Nigeria and the United States have resulted in the deaths of 175 militants affiliated with the Islamic State. The operations, which involved both aerial bombardments and ground maneuvers, were launched several days ago with the aim of dismantling the infrastructure that supports terrorist networks in the region.

According to a statement from the Nigerian military, the joint actions specifically targeted hideouts, checkpoints, armories, supply routes, and financial assets that fuel insurgency. The campaign also led to the elimination of key figures within the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP). Among those killed was Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, a globally recognized ISIS operative responsible for orchestrating funding, recruitment, logistics, and attack strategies against Nigeria and other nations.

Other senior commanders neutralized include Abd-al Wahhab, an ISWAP leader involved in coordinating assaults and propaganda; Abu Musa al-Mangawi, another high-ranking member; and Abu al-Muthanna al-Muhajir, a senior media production manager and close ally of al-Minuki. The military high command emphasized that the loss of these commanders has severely disrupted ISIS’s operational coordination and external attack networks.

The update, highlighted by security expert Zagazola Makama, underscores the ongoing collaboration between Nigerian forces and the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM) to curb terrorism in the region. The operations continue as part of a broader strategy to restore peace and security in the Northeast.

Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno State has given a strong assurance to the people of Mussa community in Askira Uba Local Government Area that all necessary measures are being taken to bring back the 48 kidnapped schoolchildren safely. During a condolence visit to Uba town on Tuesday, the governor addressed residents and expressed his deep sympathy to the Emir of Uba, the parents of the victims, and the entire community following the tragic incident.

Zulum emphasized that the federal government, alongside security agencies and the Borno State government, is fully committed to securing the freedom of the abducted children. He also revealed that additional military and police personnel have been deployed to reinforce security in the area and support ongoing rescue operations. The governor further promised to boost security across Askira, Uba, and neighboring communities to avert future attacks.

In a heartfelt appeal, Zulum urged the abductors to release the children, describing them as innocent minors who need the care and protection of their families. The Emir of Uba, Alhaji Ali Ibn Isma’ila Mamza II, provided details of the abduction, which occurred on Friday, May 15, in Mussa community. According to the monarch, the victims include 37 primary school pupils, six secondary school students, and five other residents.

Former Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi has firmly dismissed speculation that his purchase of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential nomination form is a stepping stone to the vice presidency. Speaking in an interview with Trust TV on Monday, the former Rivers State governor addressed ongoing debates within the party regarding the selection of its flagbearer for the 2027 elections.

Amaechi underscored that his ambition is strictly for the top job, not a secondary position. “Please stop that. I didn’t buy the ADC presidential ticket to become Vice President,” he stated emphatically.

The conversation comes amid heightened activities within the ADC as aspirants jostle for the party’s presidential ticket. Amaechi clarified his stance on the consensus approach being mooted by some party stakeholders. He argued that if the party seeks a consensus candidate, a meeting should be convened where all aspirants can deliberate. Should they fail to reach an agreement, the matter would be resolved through primaries.

This development follows earlier exchanges between Amaechi and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, where Amaechi challenged Atiku to embrace primaries given Atiku’s stated opposition to zoning. The former minister remains a key contender in the ADC presidential race, rejecting any notion of dropping his bid for a lesser role.

A prominent political figure in Zamfara State, Dr. Sani Abdullahi Shinkafi, has voiced strong objections regarding the conduct of the All Progressives Congress (APC) primary elections within the state. Shinkafi, a former candidate for the governorship position, specifically accused the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, of undermining democratic processes and jeopardizing the party’s prospects in the upcoming general election.

Shinkafi noted that President Bola Tinubu previously emphasized the APC’s commitment to democratic principles and adherence to the Electoral Act 2026, which outlines proper procedures for candidate nomination. He also referenced statements from the APC National Chairman, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, advocating for direct primaries in cases where consensus cannot be reached, to avoid candidate imposition that could harm the party’s electoral success.

The political aspirant expressed dismay over Matawalle’s arrival in Zamfara, accompanied by current and former governors, claiming a presidential directive requiring all Senate aspirants to step down for incumbents. According to Shinkafi, this directive was issued without any prior consultation or meeting, contradicting earlier assurances from party leaders. He argued that such an order, if genuine, violates the provisions of the Electoral Act 2026.

Shinkafi warned that the current economic difficulties, ongoing insecurity in Zamfara, and what he described as the undemocratic conduct of Bello Matawalle could negatively impact the APC in the general election. He called for strict compliance with the 1999 Constitution, the Electoral Act, and the APC’s own constitution, emphasizing that Nigeria should be governed by the rule of law rather than the rule of might.

Drawing parallels to the 2019 elections, Shinkafi recalled that the APC lost all its seats in Zamfara after the Supreme Court invalidated the party’s primaries due to internal disputes and candidate imposition. He labeled the current situation as political banditry, with Matawalle as the ringleader. Consequently, he instructed his supporters in the Zamfara North Senatorial District to boycott the primary process, accusing Matawalle of mobilizing thugs to disrupt the election.

Shinkafi reiterated that he was never consulted about any consensus arrangement, did not withdraw from the race, and will challenge his exclusion through the courts. He declared that this injustice must not prevail.

Dr. Tom FredFish, a young activist, has appealed to the All Progressives Congress governors united under the Progressive Governors Forum to break their silence and actively champion fairness, justice, and democracy. His call comes in response to the challenges faced by Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his supporters, who were reportedly excluded from APC primary elections.

FredFish expressed concern over what he described as a calculated effort to politically sideline Governor Fubara. He noted that loyalists were allegedly screened out while individuals with recent ties to the party—those loyal to FCT Minister Nyesom Wike—were given preferential treatment. Such actions, he argued, undermine internal democracy and foster a culture where loyalty to powerful figures overshadows commitment, consistency, and democratic engagement.

The activist stressed that Governor Fubara deserves the same rights, recognition, and protection as any other APC governor in the country. This includes the ability to seek a second term without facing intimidation or political hindrance. FredFish urged the Progressive Governors Forum to take a firm stand alongside one of their own and uphold fairness within the party.

He further called on the forum to organize a collective visit to President Bola Tinubu to demand that Governor Fubara be cleared for a second term and granted all the privileges of a sitting APC governor. According to FredFish, the governors have enough influence, moral authority, and political power to defend democratic values and prevent the normalization of selective treatment and internal intimidation.

“What is happening to Sim Fubara today could happen to any governor tomorrow if leaders remain silent in the face of injustice. It is time for the governors to unite and protect the integrity of democratic leadership within their party,” he added. He warned that the continued marginalization of loyal party members in favor of newcomers sends a discouraging message to young Nigerians and grassroots supporters who believe in loyalty, service, and democratic participation.

In a decisive victory, Governor Ahmadu Fintiri has secured the All Progressives Congress (APC) senatorial ticket for Adamawa North. The returning officer, Mr. Wilfred William, announced the results after collation in Mubi-North Local Government Area on Tuesday. The primary election took place across five local government areas: Madagali, Maiha, Michika, Mubi North, and Mubi South.

Mr. William reported that out of 292,070 registered voters, 174,514 were accredited, and the same number cast their ballots. The vote tally was as follows: Abdulrahaman Kwacham received 6,958 votes; Governor Fintiri garnered 160,579 votes; and Hamisu Medugu secured 6,977 votes. With the highest count, Fintiri was declared the winner and elected as the APC candidate for the Adamawa Northern Senatorial District.

Earlier that day, Dr. Felix Tangwami, the immediate past Commissioner of Health under Fintiri, was announced as the winner for the Adamawa South senatorial zone. Meanwhile, the primary for Adamawa Central was postponed and did not occur on Monday as scheduled.

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar is actively seeking the backing of African Democratic Congress (ADC) leaders and members as he prepares for a potential 2027 presidential bid, according to his media aide, Paul Ibeh. In a social media exchange, Ibeh responded to a query from human rights lawyer Inibehe Effiong regarding Atiku’s seriousness about another presidential contest.

Ibeh confirmed on X that Atiku is indeed committed to running and is currently consulting with ADC stakeholders to gauge support for his candidacy. He noted that once Atiku secures the ADC presidential ticket, he would need broad support from Nigerians to unseat President Bola Tinubu and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

In his post, Ibeh emphasized that Atiku’s engagement with ADC leaders is part of a strategic effort to build a strong coalition. He drew an analogy, stating that even the mighty iroko tree cannot stand alone and requires other trees and shrubs to form a forest. He called on Nigerians to unite to end what he described as Tinubu’s administration of suffering and slavery.

The aide’s remarks came after Effiong publicly questioned whether Atiku was genuinely preparing for the 2027 election. Ibeh’s response underscores the former VP’s determination to present himself as a credible alternative to the current government.

The Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, has firmly dismissed allegations that he forced certain individuals on the All Progressives Congress (APC) during the party’s senatorial primary elections. His Director of Press and Public Affairs, Gyang Bere, labeled the accusations as false and inflammatory, characterizing them as fabrications from malicious sources.

Bere emphasized that Mutfwang has never engaged in the practice of imposing aspirants or candidates, a stance he maintained even during his tenure in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). The governor’s commitment to democratic principles and fair play remains unchanged, and he continues to advocate for transparent and credible electoral processes.

In a statement released on Tuesday, the governor’s office urged the public and party members to ignore the unfounded rumors. According to Bere, Mutfwang has consistently called for peaceful conduct throughout the electoral process, prioritizing the peace, unity, and stability of Plateau State.

Bere further noted that the governor described the reports as baseless and misleading, reiterating his long-standing commitment to free and fair elections. The statement concluded by urging all stakeholders to disregard the claims completely, as they do not align with Mutfwang’s record of promoting democratic values and ensuring a level playing field for all candidates.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has officially announced Senator Ahmad Ibrahim Lawan as its consensus candidate for the Yobe North Senatorial District ahead of the 2027 general elections. The decision was reached during a gathering in Gashu’a, the administrative center of Bade Local Government Area in Yobe State.

Following his confirmation, Lawan took to his verified Facebook page to celebrate what he termed a triumph for democratic values, unity, and a shared dedication to advancing Yobe North. He expressed profound gratitude to Allah and thanked party leaders at all levels, including the national and state APC hierarchy, Governor Mai Mala Buni, and the Minister of Police Affairs, Senator Ibrahim Gaidam, for their roles in the consultative process that led to his nomination after a successful screening.

Lawan urged stakeholders to embrace a peaceful, issue-oriented political season and assured constituents that the APC would continue delivering developmental benefits under his representation.

In a parallel development, APC stakeholders in Yobe South have similarly affirmed Senator Ibrahim Mohammed Bomai as the party’s consensus candidate for the senatorial seat in the upcoming election. This endorsement followed extensive consultations among party leaders, elders, and political figures aimed at fostering unity within the party.

The affirmation event took place at the Federal College of Education Multipurpose Hall in Potiskum Local Government Area on Monday. It was presided over by the Speaker of the Yobe State House of Assembly, Hon. Buba Mashio, and attended by APC chieftains, youth groups, and supporters from across the district.

Bomai expressed his heartfelt thanks to party leaders and supporters for their trust and pledged unwavering commitment to serving the people of Yobe South. He emphasized his dedication to ensuring that the district’s interests continue to receive appropriate attention.

This development completes the lineup of APC senatorial candidates for Yobe State, which also includes Governor Mai Mala Buni as the candidate for Yobe East. The senatorial primaries, conducted on Monday, resulted in the following slate: Governor Mai Mala Buni for Yobe East, Senator Ahmad Ibrahim Lawan for Yobe North, and Senator Ibrahim Mohammed Bomai for Yobe South.