The University of Maiduguri Chapter of the Academic Staff Union of Universities has promised to make its decision on the renaming of the institution after late President Muhammadu Buhari by President Bola Tinubu known soon.
In a telephone interview on Sunday with PUNCH Online, the chairman of the university ASUU, Dr. Abubakar MShelia, said their position will be disclosed to the public after the next congress meeting.
He said, “Our members will be meeting, and we shall make our position known to the public.
“We will make our position very clear by the time the congress meets. The excos have met, and the veterans have met.
“We have collectively decided that soon, we will make our position public and convey the message to whom it may concern.”
He, however, declined to comment on what the public should expect.
On his part, the President of the Student Union Government of the university, Yahaya Maigari, said a significant percentage of the students are against the renaming.
“We cannot say all of our students, or 100 per cent of the students, have accepted the change of the university name, but a certain percentage rejected the renaming because of its long reputation.
“As a matter of fact, we will be celebrating UNIMAID at 50 soon, that’s five decades, so you know it’s not easy for some of the students to accept that sudden change,” he said.
He, however, commended Tinubu for renaming the institution, saying Buhari has contributed significantly to education in Nigeria.
“For me as the SUG President, I truly support the decision to rename the university after the late President, particularly in recognition of his lifelong contribution to Borno and Nigeria at large,” he added.
Also, the immediate past SUG President of the institution, Muhammad Bello, hailed the name change, while stating that the former President has made a remarkable impact in the country that is worth recognition
“The renaming of the UNIMAID is a tribute to the late President’s contribution to Nigeria. Though, some may debate the renaming, but for me, it is a gesture that reflects his impact on the nation, not only the nation but the world in general,” Bello said.
PUNCH Online had reported that Buhari died in a London hospital last Sunday after a brief illness.
The digital age has brought incredible opportunities and new forms of danger.
One such threat is sextortion, a form of blackmail where someone threatens to release another person’s nude or explicit photos unless their demands are met, often involving money or more images.
In Nigeria, where laws on privacy and cybercrime continue to evolve, victims often face not only fear and shame but also a lack of clear recourse.
Experts, however, are unanimous: never give in to the blackmail. Here are five expert-backed steps to take immediately if someone threatens to leak your nude photos:
Do not panic or pay the blackmailer
The instinct to panic or comply is common, but counterproductive. Experts warn that giving in rarely stops the cycle.
“Once a blackmailer knows you’re willing to give in, they keep coming back,” says Selena Onuoha, human rights lawyer. “Paying won’t protect your dignity; it often makes things worse.”
She urged victims to stay calm, gather their thoughts, and focus on documenting the threat instead of reacting impulsively.
Secure all evidence immediately
Take screenshots of all communication, from chats, emails, DMs, and back them up, advised Onuoha.
She also advised the victim to note the time, date, platform, and, if possible, the username or contact information of the blackmailer.
“Digital evidence is key,” explains Mr Olumide Akpata, a former President of the Nigerian Bar Association. “Without it, law enforcement will have difficulty tracing the source and establishing a case.”
Also, save links, file metadata, or anything that shows the blackmail attempt.
Report to law enforcement or cybercrime authorities.
In Nigeria, THE Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act of 2015 criminalises threats, extortion, and invasion of privacy. Victims can report to the Nigeria Police Force Cybercrime Unit, the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons and the Cybercrime Reporting Portal on https://report.ncc.gov.ng.
“We’ve seen a rise in digital blackmail, especially among young people,” says ASP Olufemi Ajisafe (retd.). “Victims should not keep silent. The earlier we are informed, the easier it is to intervene.”
Get legal, mental health support
Onuoha advised victims to involve a lawyer to help draft a cease-and-desist letter or advise them on court options if necessary.
She said, “Many legal aid groups also offer free support. Equally important is mental well-being.”
“Victims of sextortion suffer intense shame, depression, and suicidal thoughts,” warns Dr Usen Essien, renowned psychologist and researcher based in Akwa Ibom.
He added, “Talking to a therapist can help restore control and reduce emotional harm.”
Local NGOs, such as Stand to End Rape and Mirabel Centre, provide counselling and victim support services.
Educate yourself and take preventive steps
While victims are never to blame, awareness is critical. Never send nudes under pressure. Use platforms that allow content to vanish or encrypt messages, but even then, be cautious.
Also, check if your photos have been leaked using tools like Google Reverse Image Search, PhotoDNA (used by platforms like Facebook to block explicit content). Also, enable two-factor authentication on all social media accounts and report impersonators or suspicious activity immediately.
Essien noted that shame and silence are what predators count on. But he stressed that victims were not alone, and help was available.
“The most powerful thing a victim can do is speak up,” he added. “Let the law and the system work for you.”
If you or someone you know is a victim of sextortion, call the National Human Rights Commission Hotline or visit your nearest police station’s cybercrime desk.
The Director-General of the Asue/Ogie Campaign Council, Matthew Iduoriyekemwen, on Thursday, resigned his membership of the Peoples Democratic Party.
His resignation was contained in a letter dated July 17, 2025, and addressed to the Chairman of the PDP, Ward 5, Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Area, Edo State, Andrew Esemuede.
Iduoriyekemwen cited recent developments within the party at both the state and national levels as the reason for his decision.
The letter read, “I am writing to formally resign my membership of the Peoples Democratic Party, Ward 5, Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Area, Edo State.
“This is a painstaking decision for me, as the PDP has played a vital role in my political journey and personal development. For this, I remain deeply grateful and will always cherish the platform the party provided me.
“However, recent developments within the party—both at the state and national levels—have made it difficult for me to remain a member.
“The values and principles that once defined the PDP, as laid down by our founding fathers, appear to have been eroded. What we see today no longer aligns with the vision they had for a truly democratic, inclusive, and people-centred political party.”
He added that his decision was not driven by anger or haste, but by reflection and a commitment to his personal values.
“In view of this, I have decided to resign my membership of the party to enable me to concentrate fully on my family and business engagements.
“This is not a decision made out of anger or haste, but one rooted in deep reflection and a sincere desire to preserve my personal values and integrity.
“I sincerely thank the party leadership and all members of Ward 5, Ikpoba-Okha LGA, for their love and support over the years. I wish the PDP well in its future endeavours.”
Zamfara State Governor, Dauda Lawal, has launched a conditional cash transfer programme benefiting 8,225 secondary school girls across the state’s 14 local government areas.
The official rollout ceremony held on Wednesday in Gusau, the state capital was held under the state’s partnership with the ACReSAL and AGILE projects.
This was disclosed in a Wednesday statement by the governor’s spokesperson, Sulaiman Idris, who said the beneficiaries were drawn from the most vulnerable and economically disadvantaged households.
According to him, each girl is to receive ₦40,000 to support her education, with additional tranches of ₦10,000 each for the second and third terms, bringing the total to ₦60,000 per academic session.
“A total sum of ₦322 million has been approved for the first batch,” the statement noted, adding that arrangements were in progress for the disbursement to the second batch of beneficiaries.
Speaking at the event, Lawal said the initiative aligns with his administration’s broader agenda focused on education, social protection, and inclusive development.
“We are committed to tackling and overcoming all barriers, whether economic, infrastructural or social, that prevent our daughters from accessing and completing their education.
“When you educate a girl, you educate a village because these educated girls grow into empowered women who uplift their families, strengthen communities and drive progress in our state,” the governor said.
Beyond the education-focused grants, the governor also flagged off the disbursement of the Community Revolving Fund under the ACReSAL project to 500 beneficiaries in Gusau, Bungudu, and Kaura Namoda.
He said, “Under the ACReSAL project, we disburse the Community Revolving Fund to 500 beneficiaries in Gusau, Bungudu, and Kaura Namoda.
“The fund aims to support grassroots environmental and economic initiatives, reflecting our commitment to combating land degradation, promoting sustainable agriculture and enhancing livelihoods in the face of climate challenge.
“Our communities face hardships like women building small businesses, youths seeking opportunities and rural households accessing basic services.
“The Community Revolving Fund offers sustainable funding to support development, marking a shift towards resilience and accountability.
“I urge beneficiaries to use resources wisely and transparently, ensuring trust results in visible, measurable outcomes.
“The disbursement will keep circulating within communities, benefiting more people over time.
“Through proper use and repayment, this initiative will exemplify financial inclusion, local resilience, and sustainability accountability.”
Lawal also commended the Ministries of Environment and Natural Resources, and Education, Science and Technology, as well as technical partners, for their role in implementing the initiatives.
“Let me reassure the good people of Zamfara State that this administration will continue to pursue policies and programmes that deliver meaningful impact, especially at the grassroots.
“We remain committed to accountability, transparency, and service to our people.
“To the beneficiaries of these initiatives, remember that what you receive today is a seed.
“I urge you to nurture it, grow it and let it blossom into a tree of change for your families and your communities,” the governor added.
A young boy named after former President Muhammadu Buhari, who impressed the audience at the book launch of a former media aide to the ex-president, Garba Shehu, has been awarded a scholarship covering his education from primary school to university.
According to a statement by Shehu on Sunday, the young Buhari was granted a scholarship valid for any school chosen by his family by the Chairman and CEO of Trobell Nigeria, Lawal Garba.
At the launch of Shehu’s book, ‘According to the President: Lessons from a Presidential Spokesman’s Experience,’ on July 9, in Abuja, a young boy named after former President Muhammadu Buhari captured hearts with his moving presentation titled “Buhari in Us.”
Dressed in a white agbada and a red cap, he stood confidently before the audience, radiating hope and sincerity.
In his speech, the young Buhari praised the former president’s virtues, trustworthiness, courage, and simplicity urging Nigerian leaders to embrace these values in their service to the nation.
His message drew warm applause and served as a reminder that even the youngest voices can inspire a call to integrity and nation-building.
The former presidential spokesperson described the scholarship a symbol of hope, talent, and a bright future for a child whose brilliance inspired a room full of leaders and citizens.
Shehu stated, “It was a moment that touched the soul and inspired many.
“At the public presentation of my book, ‘According to the President: Lessons from a Presidential Spokesman’s Experience,’ a young lad, aptly named Muhammadu Buhari, captured the hearts of all in attendance.
“Through his striking resemblance in mannerisms and diction to the former President whose name he bears, and with a poetic recital that echoed both depth and promise, he became the cynosure of all eyes.
“In what can only be described as a heartwarming aftermath to that moving moment, Alhaji Lawal Garba, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Trobell Nigeria, has graciously offered a full scholarship to this gifted child.
“Under the generous package offered by Alhaji Lawal Garba: the scholarship will cover the remainder of Muhammadu Buhari’s primary education.
“Trobell Nigeria will pre-pay in full the cost of six years of secondary education, to any school of the family’s choice.
“His parents have been advised to calculate and present the total fees required.
“And, God willing, a university sponsorship package will follow upon the successful completion of his West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WAEC).”
Shehu urged more well-meaning Nigerians to follow this noble example and support the aspirations of children.
The statement read in part, “This is more than a scholarship. It is a seed of hope, a recognition of talent, and an investment in the future of a child whose brilliance lit up a room of statesmen, diplomats, journalists, and citizens alike.
“We deeply commend Alhaji Lawal Garba for his noble gesture, one that reaffirms our shared belief that when you inspire, you must also support.
“As we reflect on the narratives shared in my book, it is profoundly rewarding to witness new chapters being written like that of young Muhammadu Buhari’s tales of promise, perseverance, and the limitless horizons that await.”
In a move to combat child hunger, boost school enrollment, and reduce the number of out-of-school children, the Governor of Zamfara state, Dauda Lawal has officially launched the Zamfara State Pilot School Feeding Programme.
According to a statement by the Office of the Senior Special Adviser to the President on School Feeding on Friday, the milestone was made possible through the coordination of Dr. Yetunde Adeniji, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on School Feeding.
“This program is not only about feeding children—it’s about restoring dignity, improving access to education, and fighting poverty.
“We are proud to be working with visionary leaders like Dr. Yetunde Adeniji to deliver on our shared promise,” Lawal declared.
The programme is supported by key development partners including the World Bank, UNICEF, International Center for Economic Development, FINPACT Development Foundation
Yetunde who identified out-of-school children in 14 local councils of the state, she assured that through sustainable pilot interventions, the collaboration will mark a turning point in Zamfara’s education sector.
“Together, we are ensuring that no child is left behind — nourishing minds and bodies one plate at a time. This is what impact looks like. This is Renewed Hope in Action,” she stressed.
The Nigerian Education Loan Fund on Friday announced the commencement of upkeep disbursements to student beneficiaries who have updated their bank account details from digital wallet platforms to commercial bank accounts.
A statement by the Director of Corporate Communications of the Fund, Oseyemi Oluwatuyi, said the development marks a significant breakthrough in resolving earlier disbursement delays.
“Over 3,600 students who previously registered with digital-only banking platforms have now successfully received their backlog of upkeep payments after updating their details to conventional commercial bank accounts on the NELFUND portal.
“We appreciate the patience and understanding of all affected students during this period. Your resilience and cooperation have made this progress possible.
“Next Steps for Students Still Awaiting Payment Students who are yet to receive their upkeep payments and are still using digital wallet accounts are advised to raise a support ticket via the official NELFUND portal to request access for updating their bank details.
Alternatively, students may report through the IT office of their institution, which will compile and forward all related cases to NELFUND for resolution”, Oluwatuyi stated.
NELFUND said it remains committed to ensuring that no eligible student is left behind. This resolution process is part of our broader effort to enhance the efficiency, transparency, and student-centred delivery of our support services.
“We urge all students to continue engaging only through official NELFUND channels, and to assist peers who may require help navigating the update process.
“Once again, we thank you for your patience and support as we continue working to deliver a more inclusive and reliable student loan”, the statement concluded.
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board has recommended tough penalties for 11 Computer‑Based Test centres and registrants involved in fingerprint irregularities during the registration for the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination.
The Registrar/Chief Executive, Prof Ishaq Oloyede, made this known after a brainstorming session with some critical stakeholders, following a meeting with the affected CBT centres and registrants in Abuja, on Tuesday.
His address was read by the JAMB’s Public Communication Adviser, Dr Fabian Benjamin.
He said the measures, which still required the approval of the Minister of Education, Dr Maruf Alausa, were intended to protect the integrity of the examination process.
A serious glitch affected nearly 380,000 candidates in Lagos and five Southeast states as mis‑captures or system errors during fingerprint capture led to inaccurate or missing biometric data, prompting Prof Oloyede to publicly apologise in May after reviewing the affected centres.
Speaking on Tuesday, the JAMB Registrar said, “The leadership of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board with some critical stakeholders here recommends as follows:
“That any registrant who has registered more than 50 candidates (with infractions) should be dismissed from participating in any activities of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board.
“And what that means is that such a person will not participate in any UTME exercise, will not be registered for the UTME, even as a student, and will not be allowed to participate in any of the sister examinations, be it WAEC, NECO, or NABTEB, and this is to be for three years.
“After three years, the board will revisit it and look at the issue. If the registrant has shown any remorse, such a suspension could be lifted.
“And others who have registered less than 50 will be warned and they will be required to write a letter of apology to the board after issuing a bond, indicating that they will not be involved in such a thing again,” Oloyede said.
He warned CBT centres, adding that those involved in fraud would be asked to sign a bond, including the evidence of training of their registrants.
Throwing more light on the recommendations, Oloyede said the board would not entertain any infraction from the affected centres in the future, despite their claim of ignorance.
He asked that the centres should undergo necessary training in federal universities closest to them before they could be re-engaged by JAMB.
“We will not allow any of these centres to do anything with us until they bring a certificate, a letter from a federal institution closest to that centre that their staff had been trained on ethical standards.
“But for the centres, those that the Federal Government owns, the reports will be made to the authorities that this is what your agency did,” Oloyede said.
Earlier, most of the affected registrants and some CBT operators who confessed to engaging in a candidate’s finger contribution during the registration process attributed the act of ignorance or the need to get more people registered in their centres.
They pleaded for leniency during the meeting.
One of the stakeholders at the meeting and former Lagos Commissioner of Police, Fatai Owoseni, said the actions of the affected registrants warranted prosecution and a possible jail term.
He, however, appealed to JAMB to forgive and make them sign an undertaking not to engage in such infractions in the future.
Earlier, an official of Jicoras CBT Centre, Bashir Gumel, said the centre had already commenced an internal probe on the involvement of its registrants, saying the outcome would be forwarded to JAMB.
“We have summoned all of them to come here, and we have heard what they have done. And they have confessed. To retain the integrity of our institution, this will not go like that. They have to be punished.
“And we promise that the action that will be taken will be shared with the JAMB office. And in that regard, again, our centre is not an established centre. We are in the catchment area where there are very few CBT centres.
“Because this is our first time, and we were not aware of such an occurrence, we promised that this will never occur again,” Gumel said.
The affected CBT centres that were invited for the meeting are Misau Emirate ICT Centre, Misau, Bauchi State, Ijaw National Academy, Kiama, Bayelsa State, Directorate of ICT Nigerian Army University, Biu, Gombe State, Emerald IT Academy Limited, Benin City, Edo State, Tigh Technologies, Sascon International School, Maitama, Abuja, Jicoras CBT Centre, Babura, Jigawa State and Huntsville Technology Limited, Anthony, Lagos State.
Others are Jolas College CBT Centre, Obalende, Lagos, Abdul Ocean Weath CBT Centre, Ibadan, Oyo State, National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), Wase, Plateau State and the Consulate Salle D’Examen CBT Centre, By Jonny Lane/Navy Barrack Agip Estate, Rivers State.
No fewer than 64,000 candidates from Nigeria, Benin Republic and Togo on Saturday participated in the National Common Entrance Examination for admission into Federal Government Colleges.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the examination is conducted by the National Examinations Council.
Speaking after monitoring the exercise at Model Secondary School, Maitama, and Government Secondary School, Tudun Wada, Abuja, the Minister of State for Education, Prof. Suwaiba Ahmad, expressed satisfaction with the exercise.
Ahmad emphasised that the turnout of candidates reflected the continued public trust in the Unity School system.
“I am very happy with the way the exams have been conducted.
”They started on time, students were orderly, and invigilators were present and active.
“We had 64,000 candidates, 30,000 male and 34,000 female, which shows a strong interest in our Unity Colleges.
“Nigerians are still eager to have their children in Federal Government Colleges.
”This turnout shows that parents still value the role of Unity Schools in national cohesion,” she said.
On his part, the NECO Registrar, Prof. Ibrahim Wushishi, said Lagos State recorded the highest number of registered candidates with more than 15,000 while Togo had the lowest with 17.
Wushishi said that 109 candidates from Benin Republic and Togo combined took part in the examination with Nigerian citizens residing there.
“This is a truly regional exercise that affirms the reach and reputation of our Unity Colleges,” he said.
He noted that no challenges were reported during the conduct of the examination.
“Materials arrived on time, the exam started as scheduled, and so far, we’ve seen no issues.
“This smooth process gives us hope that upcoming senior secondary exams, both WAEC and NECO will follow suit,” he said.
The NECO boss also acknowledged the inclusion of children with special needs, saying braille materials and support personnel were provided for them during the examination.
Also speaking, the Director of Senior Secondary Education at the Federal Ministry of Education, Binta Abdulkadir, said admissions into Unity Schools would be based on merit, state quota and exigency, the latter catering largely for children of civil servants.
Abdulkadri added that final admissions would depend on the released results, promising to remain committed to a fair and inclusive process.
NAN reports that the examination, which is yearly, enables pupils access Federal Government colleges, popularly called Unity Colleges.
Admissions into the first term academic session will begin after the release of the results.
The Nigeria Union of Teachers has said that a shift to computer-based examinations by West African Examinations Council and the National Examinations Council will not eliminate malpractices.
The NUT National President, Audu Amba, stated this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria on Sunday in Abuja.
Amba was reacting to the recent directive by the Federal Government that WAEC and NECO should fully transit to Computer-Based Testing for their examinations by 2026.
NAN reports that by the directive, both multiple-choice and essay papers by the two bodies would be administered via computer, starting with the May/June 2026 examination cycle.
Specifically, WAEC is expected to begin conducting objective exams via CBT starting in November 2025.
The Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, who announced the federal government’s decision, had said that switching to CBT for WAEC and NECO examinations would enhance efficiency and reduce malpractices.
Amba, however, said that the major challenge with the nation’s education system, which is encouraging malpractices, is the priority placed on paper qualifications.
According to him, because the society only recognises certificates and grades, the students will go the extra miles, some times, with the support of their parents to acquire them, even when they cannot be defended.
“We have placed more emphasis on certificate. What is your grade? What is your scores?
“Not minding the intellectual intelligence of that student.
“The students will go out of their ways to make sure that they get the marks that will give them the certificate,” he said
Amba also underscored the need to address the digital literacy gap among students and teachers before implementing such policy, adding that this may require additional training programmes and resources.
“We are talking about CBT exams. Where is the light, manpower and network? You see, we have a long way to go.
“How many of our teachers in our localities are even computer literate? We don’t sit down within the city and give a directive that cannot be implemented.
“In my village, for instance, network ceases. You can’t get it until you get to a particular place, and so it is in many of our villages.
‘There are also some of our students that have not seen a computer before not to talk of operating it,” he said
The NUT president reiterated that many things needed to be addressed first and and in time, before it could get to a level of CBT introduction.
According to him, there is need for relevant stakeholders to work together to improve the education sector for the betterment of the students and the nation.
