The National Youth Service Corps has advised members of the 2024 Batch B Stream I, who have just concluded their service year, to focus on wealth creation.
NYSC Coordinator in Rivers State, Mr Moses Oleghe, gave the charge on Tuesday during the passing-out ceremony of corps members held in Port Harcourt, the state capital.
He reminded the corps members of the core values instilled in them throughout their service year and encouraged them to become agents of positive change in society.
Oleghe discouraged the pursuit of white-collar jobs as the sole path to success, urging the corps members to embrace entrepreneurship and self-reliance.
“Creativity, hard work, discipline, focus, determination, and dedication are the ingredients needed to achieve your aspirations.
“Rather than wait for white-collar jobs, outgoing corps members should channel their energy into establishing businesses and creating wealth with their own hands,” he advised.
Presenting service statistics, Oleghe disclosed that a total of 2,302 corps members had successfully completed their service year in Rivers.
He noted that regrettably, two corps members died during active service, while 17, comprising seven males and 10 females, had their service extended.
Additionally, the NYSC coordinator reported that two corps members were granted pardon, while 23 others – 13 males and 10 females – absconded from service.
Delta State Government has announced a new date for commencement of the 2025 Basic Education Certificate Examination, earlier scheduled to begin from June 9 to June 13 for both public and private secondary schools in the state.
A Tuesday statement from the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, Mr. Daniel Akiri, on behalf of the state Commissioner for Secondary Education, Mrs. Rose Ezewu said, “that the examination would now commence from June 16 to June 20.”
The statement explained that the “shifting of the examination to a new date was occasioned by the Federal Government declaration of public holidays on June 6 and June 9 respectively to mark Eid-ul-Adha and Democracy Day celebration on June 12.”
“We regret the inconveniences the development, especially the change of the earlier date might have caused,” it concluded.
PUNCH Online reports that BECE in Nigeria is an important national exam taken by students at the end of Junior Secondary School (JSS 3), marking the completion of the country’s nine-year Basic Education phase.
It is organised by NECO at the federal level and by individual State Ministries of Education at the state level.
The exam assesses students’ academic readiness to advance to Senior Secondary School (SSS 1) or to pursue vocational education.
It typically covers core subjects such as English, Mathematics, and Basic Science, and serves as a critical gateway in Nigeria’s 9-3-4 education system.
The Kano State Government has expressed readiness to deepen its partnership with the European Union in the areas of education, renewable energy, and other sectors critical to human development.
Governor Abba Yusuf stated this on Tuesday when he received the EU Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Mr Gautier Mignot, at the Government House in Kano.
A statement on Tuesday b the governor’s spokesperson, Sanusi Tofa, quoted Yusuf as appreciating the EU for selecting Kano as the host of the first-ever Study in Europe Fair on the African continent. He described the gesture as a sign of the union’s confidence in the state’s potential.
The governor said, “We are optimistic that with stronger collaboration, we can improve our educational sector and also tackle the challenge of power supply to boost industrial growth and economic development.”
He noted that his administration had recorded significant achievements in various sectors over the last two years, and called for EU support in the implementation of the state’s development blueprint.
In his remarks, Mignot said the visit was aimed at exploring areas of collaboration with the state government, especially in education, the digital economy, and youth development.
He added that his delegation would visit some completed and ongoing EU-funded digital economy projects in the state and engage with relevant stakeholders on youth-focused initiatives.
The National Association of Polytechnic Students has called for the legislative upgrade of polytechnics to degree-awarding institutions.
In a statement on Monday signed by its President, Comrade Eshiofune Oghayan, the association said the upgrade will resolve the lingering dichotomy between Higher National Diploma and Bachelor of Science holders.
“We urge Mr. President and the National Assembly to empower polytechnics to award Bachelor of Technology and Bachelor of Science in Technology degrees. This reform will resolve the lingering dichotomy between HND and BSc holders,” the statement said.
The students further proposed a Student Insurance Scheme, mental health awareness campaigns, and improved campus security measures as part of their policy advocacy.
NAPS also outlined its commitment to supporting the administration while also holding government officials accountable for any actions that may undermine the President’s vision for education.
The association proposed several initiatives, including a Student Insurance Scheme, mental health campaigns, and campus security advocacy.
It also declared June 12 as “Adupe Day” to honour President Bola Tinubu’s record investment in education, with a mass march planned across the country.
The students have declared the day “Adupe Day” — a Yoruba word meaning “thank you” — to celebrate what they described as the administration’s unprecedented financial commitment to education.
The association also commended the Tinubu-led administration for allocating N2.52 trillion to the education sector in the 2025 national budget — a 133% increase compared to 2023.
NAPS also highlighted other key achievements, including the approval of N683.4 billion for tertiary education interventions, the disbursement of over N104 billion through the Nigerian Education Loan Fund, and the launch of the 3 Million Technical Talent initiative aimed at bridging digital skill gaps.
“In clear contrast to past administrations, which often approached education as a footnote in national development, President Tinubu has demonstrated that education is the foundation, not the filler.
“As the National Association of Polytechnic Students, we say clearly that we will continue to support this administration because it has supported us. We are your allies, not your accomplices.
“We hereby proclaim June 12, 2025, as a day of historic appreciation Nigerian students across all campuses, polytechnics, colleges, and technical institutions will embark on a One Million Student March,” the statement stated.
NAPS stated that the proposed “One Million Student March” is expected to draw participants from polytechnics, technical institutions, and colleges across the country, adding that the event will be a peaceful demonstration of gratitude.
Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, has approved the recruitment of over 2,000 teachers across public schools in the state.
This was disclosed by the Executive Chairman of the Bauchi State Basic Education Board, Adamu Duguri.
According to a press release issued on Friday by SUBEB’s Public Relations Officer, Isah Jungudo, the chairman disclosed this after inspecting and receiving the newly constructed model schools from the consultant.
Represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Board, Duguri described the construction of the model schools as a step towards improving basic education at the grassroots level.
He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to providing adequate teachers and infrastructure to enhance the learning process across the state.
The Chairman noted that “The administration of the governor has not only significantly reduced the number of out-of-school children but also improved the overall educational standard in Bauchi State.
“The Mohammed-led administration has provided a conducive environment for the learning process in the state.”
He gave the breakdown of the enrollment figures for the newly completed model schools of Sheikh Dahiru Usman Bauchi Model School to accommodate 700 pupils, while Kobi and Ibrahim Bako Model Schools will enroll over 300 pupils each.
He attributed the challenge of out-of-school children to the influx of people into the state, underscoring the need for the continued construction of more schools.
“The SUBEB Chairman also lauded the governor for approving the recruitment of over 2,000 teachers to address manpower shortages across public schools.
“He expressed satisfaction with the quality and standard of the completed projects and commended the efforts of the contractors involved,” the statement added.
Duguri urged community leaders to take ownership of school infrastructure and promote enrollment and retention of pupils for the broader development of the state.
Earlier speaking, the Consultant of Multiple Prime Limited, Yahaya Garba, who presented a brief overview and handover update on the construction of the Model Primary School at Bauchi, Azare and Missau, Local Government Areas said, “The project, sponsored by BESDA and supervised by Multiple Prime Consultants has been a collaborative effort aimed at providing a modern educational facility for the benefit of community and the future of our children.
“The project has been completed successfully, which consists of fencing, classroom blocks, administrative buildings, and essential services.”
He emphasised that the company has maintained the standards of quality and safety, with no recorded incidents of injuries on site from clearance to finishing the works.
The consultant acknowledged the commitment of all stakeholders, sponsors, consultants, contractors, and workers for their dedication.
Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, has promised scholarship for the children of eight Civilian Joint Task Force members who lost their lives when an improvised explosive device exploded along Dikwa-Marte Road in the state
Zulum announced this on Thursday, during a condolence visit to the families of the fallen heroes in Fezzan ward of the metropolis.
The eight members of the force were killed in an Improvised Explosive Device attack along the road on Tuesday.
While on the visit, the governor also announced an immediate assistance of N5 million to each of the bereaved families to cater to their basic needs.
“I want to announce an initial assistance of N5 million to be given to each of the family to take care of their immediate needs.
“Government of Borno State will also provide full scholarship to children of the deceased members of the CJTF.
“For those without children, we will extend support to other family members,” he said.
He described them as martyrs who made ultimate sacrifices in defence of their communities, assuring all that their bravery would never be forgotten.
Zulum prayed for the repose of their souls and urged their families to bear the loss with strength and fortitude.
The governor was accompanied on the sympathy visit by the deputy speaker of Borno State House of Assembly, Abdullahi Askira; the APC state chairman, Bello Ayuba; Permanent Secretary, Government House, Mustapha Ali Busuguma, among other government officials.
A Nigerian pilgrim, Hajiya Zainab, from Plateau State, has returned $5,000 (about ₦8.2 million) she found at Masjidul Haram in Makkah to its rightful owner, a Russian pilgrim.
The Plateau State Pilgrims Board, led by Daiyabu Dauda, and the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria, praised her honesty and integrity.
“She demonstrated exceptional integrity and honesty by returning $5,000 she found in Masjidul Haram to its rightful owner. That’s a remarkable act of kindness,” Dauda said in a statement.
Meanwhile, NAHCON says it is in talks with Saudi authorities to reopen visa processing for intending pilgrims.
This was disclosed in a statement released on Wednesday, by NAHCON’s Assistant Director of Information, Fatima Usara.
Usara said the commission said it remains hopeful.
“There is optimism for a positive outcome, and when that is realised, the commission will immediately transport the registered pilgrims for the Hajj in another special arrangement,” Usara said.
She added that some staff have been placed on standby in case the visa window is reopened.
The West African Examinations Council has blamed the delay in the conduct of the 2025 English Language paper on Wednesday on heightened efforts to curb examination malpractice, particularly the leakage of question papers.
In a statement issued on Thursday, WAEC acknowledged the disruption experienced by candidates during the English Language Paper 2, which was scheduled for May 28 but held several hours behind schedule in many centres nationwide.
Videos and photos circulated on social media showed students sitting for the examination as late as 10pm, relying on torchlights and lanterns due to power outages, a situation that sparked outrage and renewed concerns about examination planning and student welfare.
WAEC’s Acting Head of Public Affairs, Moyosola Adesina, said the examination body’s commitment to protecting the integrity of the examination contributed significantly to the delay.
“While maintaining the integrity and security of our examination, we faced considerable challenges primarily due to our major aim of preventing leakage of any paper.
“While we successfully achieved our objective, it inadvertently impacted the timeliness and seamless conduct of the examination.,” Adesina said.
The examination body also pointed to other compounding factors such as logistical challenges, security concerns, and sociocultural dynamics, which disrupted operations in some areas.
To prevent a recurrence, WAEC said it is working with security agencies to streamline the process and improve operational efficiency in subsequent exams.
“Despite our best efforts, we encountered logistical hurdles, security concerns and sociocultural factors that negatively influenced our operations.
“In order to forestall future occurrences of this nature, the council is currently collaborating with security agencies,” the statement added.
WAEC apologised to students, schools, and parents for the inconvenience caused by the disruption and thanked all stakeholders for their understanding during what it described as a “challenging period”.
The examination body reaffirmed its commitment to upholding the integrity of its exams and promoting academic excellence across the region.
“We recognise the importance of timely conduct of examinations and the impact of this decision on the candidates, their schools and parents, and we sincerely apologise for any inconveniences caused,” Adesina added.
PUNCH Online had earlier reported on the troubling scenes from several WAEC centres across the country, including videos showing students sitting forexams in dark classrooms using flashlights and kerosene lanterns.
One such incidents was recorded in Delta State, where candidates reportedly began their exam late in the evening due to delayed arrival of papers.
The 2025 WASSCE for school candidates commenced on April 24 and is scheduled to end on June 20.
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has revealed that his administration is considering an increase in ground rent payments, while describing the refusal to pay ground rent and other taxes as his greatest challenge in office.
The PUNCH reports that the FCT administration began sealing properties belonging to ground rent defaulters on Monday. These included the National Secretariat of the Peoples Democratic Party, the National Agency for Trafficking in Persons, the Federal Inland Revenue Service, a branch of Access Bank, and a TotalEnergies filling station.
The leadership of the PDP and the FIRS criticised the actions of the Wike-led FCTA, describing them as unprofessional and an affront to the country’s democracy.
President Bola Tinubu intervened, granting a 14-day ultimatum for the payment of the owed sums, as well as penalties ranging between N2 million and N3 million, depending on locations within the FCT.
Addressing journalists on Wednesday after inspecting ongoing projects in Abuja, Wike lamented that while residents demand infrastructure in the FCT, they fail to support the government by paying their taxes.
He noted that many debtors owe as much as 20 years’ worth of ground rent, despite the fact that the ground rent has remained unchanged for many years.
“My greatest challenge is the refusal of people to pay what they owe. I will elaborate on this in the next media chat. People want facilities, they want infrastructure, but nobody asks where the funds come from. Abuja is not an oil-producing city; we rely solely on taxes. These are not new taxes; they have been in place for years.
“It is unfortunate that many elites own houses overseas. They understand the consequences of not paying taxes abroad — such properties can be forfeited. Yet, when it comes to their own country, they refuse to comply simply because they believe there are no sanctions.
“Look at the arrears — 20, 30 years. And how much is it? We have not increased the ground rent, but we are working towards that, and I can assure you we will do so. The President has granted a two-week waiver. Let no one think that blackmail or intimidation will deter us; we will do what is necessary,” he stated.
The minister also disclosed that he had recently signed over 1,500 Certificates of Occupancy and Deeds of Assignment, while again urging residents to pay their taxes and ground rents to support development in the FCT.
“If you pay your taxes, you will see the difference it makes. That is what we are striving to achieve,” he added.
Suspended Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara has extended warm greetings and heartfelt wishes to children across the state in celebration of the 2025 Children’s Day.
In his message to mark the occasion, Fubara described this year’s national theme, “tapping the untapped natural treasure,” as a powerful reminder of the immense and often overlooked potential that lies within every child.
This was contained in a statement issued in Port Harcourt by his media aide, Nelson Chukwudi, and sent to newsmen.
The governor stated, “You, our children, are the most precious treasure we have. Your talents, dreams, energy, and creativity are limitless gifts waiting to be nurtured and unlocked for the good of our state and our nation.”
Reaffirming his administration’s unwavering commitment to the well-being and development of children, Fubara highlighted ongoing investments in education, healthcare, and child protection.
He further said these efforts are aimed at building a future where every child in Rivers State can thrive.
Fubara said, “We are creating platforms where your gifts can shine because we believe that every child in Rivers State has something unique to offer. Let this day remind you that you matter, your voice counts, and your dreams are valid.”
The governor also commended the vital role played by parents, teachers, and caregivers in raising the younger generation and called on all stakeholders to continue working collaboratively to help every child discover and fulfil their potential.
While encouraging the children, Fubara added, “Happy Children’s Day, our beloved children. God bless you all, God bless Rivers State, God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”
