Ondo Police Commissioner, Army Chief Visit Community, Monarch Over Kidnappings

By

-

January 26, 2026

By Ayodele Oni

Ondo State Commissioner of Police, Adebowale Lawal, and Commander, 32 Brigade Artillery of the Nigerian Army, Brig. Gen. Justin Ifeanyi, have visited Iluabo, in Akure North area of Ondo state, following protest by the people over incessant kidnappings.

The people trooped to the ever busy Akure-Owo highway on Monday to protest Sunday’s abduction by some Gunmen of a woman, while two others were shot during the operation.

Confirming the incident in a statement, the Ondo State Police Command stated that it regrets to report that on Sunday, 25th January, 2026, at about 8:00pm, a violent incident occurred at Liberty Avenue, Iluabo area, Ondo State.

The statement signed by the command’s spokesman, Abayomi Jimoh, stated that “preliminary information revealed that about six armed men, whose identities are yet unknown, ambushed and opened fire on one John Ofuduwa, male, while he was driving into his residence in a Toyota Camry saloon car with Abuja registration number GWA 674 CM, during which he sustained a gunshot injury.

“In the same incident, a neighbour, Oladeinde Tomilola, female, who was also about to enter her compound, was abducted by the attackers.

“Furthermore, two other persons, Victoria, female, and her daughter, Victoria Olorunfemi, female, aged 11 years, who were passing through the area, sustained varying degrees of injuries as a result of the gunfire.

“However, all injured victims were promptly rushed to hospital for medical attention.

“In response to the incident, and as part of ongoing operational oversight, the Commissioner of Police, CP Adebowale Lawal Psc(+), mnips, visited the scene today to assess the situation and engage with community members.

“He condemned the attack in strong terms and reassured residents that existing security frameworks have been reinforced with additional tactical and intelligence-driven measures to ensure the swift arrest of the perpetrators and to forestall any future occurrence.

“Following his on-the-spot assessment, CP Lawal also proceeded to the palace of His Royal Majesty, Oba (Dr.) Samuel Oluyemi Falae, CFR, GCON, the Oluabo of Iluabo.

“During the visit, the Kabiyesi strongly condemned the criminal act and pledged his full support to the Police in ensuring that the perpetrators are identified and brought to justice.

“He assured the Commissioner that the palace would mobilize and make available community vigilante groups to complement ongoing police efforts, while also encouraging residents to remain vigilant and cooperate fully with security agencies to rid the area of criminal elements.

“As a testament to the existing robust inter-agency collaboration and cooperation, the Commander, 32 Brigade Artillery of the Nigerian Army, Brig. Gen. Justin Ifeanyi, joined the Commissioner of Police during the assessment.

“He assured that all necessary support would be provided to ensure the apprehension of the attackers and the rescue of the victim.

“The CP further emphasized that effective policing is best achieved through synergy, vigilance, and active collaboration between the police and the public, urging residents to promptly volunteer credible & actionable information that can aid investigations and enhance community safety.”

The Command promised to collaboration with the Nigerian Army, the Department of State Services (DSS), and other security agencies, as well as relevant non-state actors, to ensure the safe rescue of the abducted victim and the arrest and prosecution of all those responsible for the attack.

AGF Stalls Arraignment Of Ozekhome, Takes Over Case From ICPC, 16 SANs Lead Defence

By

Ayodele Oni

-

January 26, 2026

0

By Ayodele Oni

The arraignment of senior lawyer, Mike Ozekhome, SAN, before a High Court in Abuja on Monday did not hold as expected.

Instead, the Court gave the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice (AGF), Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, the go- ahead to review the case file of the fraud charges brought against Ozekhome by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Offences Related Commission (ICPC).

The arraignment has now been shifted to February 24.

A former AGF and Minister of Justice, Kanu Agabi SAN led 15 other SANs to announce their appearance for Ozekhome.

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) had dragged the Human Rights Lawyer, Ozekhome, to Court over alleged forgery in the United Kingdom, (UK) Property Case.

The three-count charge, marked FCT/HC/CR/010/2026, was filed before a High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, by Osuobeni Akponimisingha, head of the prosecution department of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).

Lateef Fagbemi - AGF — **Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice (AGF), Lateef Fagbemi**

However, the AGF, who took over prosecution of the charges on Monday said that he needed time to go through thoroughly the case file and take a well informed decision.

At the Monday’s proceedings, the Head, High Profile Prosecution Department of ICPC, Dr Osuebeni Akpomesingha Akpos, had announced appearance for the prosecution.

At this point, the Director, Public Prosecution of the Federation (DPPF), Mr Rotimi Oyedepo SAN, announced his appearance on behalf of the AGF and informed Justice Peter Kekemeke of the decision of the AGF to take over the case from ICPC.

He said that the decision was pursuant to Section 174 of the 1999 Constitution and to collaborate with the ICPC to ensure that the prosecution meets the highest standard of effectiveness, efficiency, diligence and compliance with due process of law.

The DPPF further told the court that the decision was also guided by public interest and to instil confidence, fairness and competence in the criminal justice.

He assured the court that the right of the defendant will be protected and that no party will be made to suffer any adverse, adding that inter-agency cooperation to fight corruption was also considered by the OAGF.

He therefore asked the court to take judicial notice of the take over of the trial by the AGF Office.

The AGF therefore sought adjournment to enable his office retrieve the case file from the ICPC to thoroughly review it and take the next line of action.

The ICPC lawyer, in reaction, did not object to the takeover and promised that the commission will cooperate fully with the AGF office, being the agency that investigated the matter.

By consensus of lawyers, Justice Peter Kekemeke fixed February 24 for arraignment.

A coalition of Human Rights Groups had pleaded with President Bola Tinubu to stop the arraignment of the Activist, while the Nigeria Bar Association said the action would give Ozekhome opportunity to clear his name.

Catholic Knights Expel Colleague Over Senator Ifeanyi Ubah

By

Adesina Soyooye

-

January 26, 2026

1

By Adesina Soyooye

The Knights of St John’s International, Assumption Commandery 511 in Nnewi Diocese, has officially expelled one of their colleagues, Sir James Louis Okoye, popular as ‘Ebube Anaedo’ for an incident which happened in Church on January 14, 2026.

At the commissioning of Our Lady of Assumption Cathedral on that date, Sir Okoye had protested what he saw as the humiliation of late Senator Ifeanyi Ubah.

Trouble started when the Bishop, His Lordship,Hillary Odili Okeke, was telling the history of how the multi-million Naira Cathedral was built. However, Sir Okoye revolted after the ceremony and protested what he saw as the humiliation of Ubah, even in death.

He made a video right on the premises of the Church where he said that the role Ubah played was not appreciated. He said Ubah funded the building of the Cathedral to about 85 per cent completion, but was forced to withdraw when Bishop Okeke, newly posted to the Diocese, asked him, for some inexplicable reasons, to stop.

Okoye said at the event, Ubah’s contributions were not recognised; that no invitation was even extended to the Ubah family; that Ubah’s name was not mentioned; that he was anonymous.

For that, he denounced his faith. He denounced Christianity. He said that day was his last day in any Church; that he has ceased being a Christian. To confirm, he pulled off his – shoe and cap – both instruments of Knighthood.

Since then, nothing has been heard of the issue. Until this expulsion.

In a letter dated January 21, 2026, and signed by the Worthy President of the Commandery, Noble Cyprian Egbosi, the Order told Okoye that he has been stripped of every right, privilege, and membership in the Knights of St. John International (KSJI). This, the letter said, followed an investigation into the embarrassing incident at the Cathedral.

The expulsion letter reads in part:

“This decision follows a thorough probe into reports of your public denunciation of the Holy Roman Catholic Church and your subsequent embrace of apostasy. Such actions represent a grave violation of the fundamental requirements of our Noble Order.

“CONSTITUTIONAL AND CANONICAL GROUNDS

“The Order based its action on four constitutional and canonical grounds:

Requirement to Remain a Practicing Catholic:

According to Chapter VI, Section 23 of the KSJI Constitution, every member “shall be and remain a practicing Roman Catholic… Upon conviction of failure to comply with this requirement, such persons shall forfeit their membership in the Knights of St. John International.”

Conduct Unbecoming of a Knight:

Okoye’s public actions, said the letter, constitute “conduct unbecoming a Knight,” which under Chapter II, Section 33, is a recognized offense within the Order. Furthermore, Chapter VI, Section 2 prohibits the retention of any member who violates the provisions of the Catholic Church or is a member of a society condemned by the Church.

Ecclesiastical Discipline:

In accordance with Canon 1311 §1 of the Code of Canon Law, the Church “has its own inherent right to constrain with penal sanctions Christ’s faithful who commit offences.” The letter noted that Okoye’s act of apostasy—the total repudiation of the Christian faith—places him in direct violation of the Church’s spiritual authority, which the Order is sworn to protect.

Misconduct and Penalties:

Chapter VI, Section 49 empowers a Subordinate Commandery to impose “expulsion for violation by any member of any by-law of said Commandery, or of any lawful order made by any superior officer.”

CEASE AND DESIST ORDER

The expulsion came with an immediate cease and desist order stripping Okoye of all claims, rights and privileges of membership in the Knights of St. John International.

The Order commanded Okoye to immediately:

Stop Wearing Uniforms:

“You are no longer authorized to wear the KSJI Full Dress Uniform, Marching Uniform, or any attire associated with the Uniformed Rank.”

Cease Use of Insignia and Titles:

“You must immediately stop using the title of ‘Sir’ or ‘Brother’ in relation to this Order, and you are prohibited from displaying the Knights of St. John Cross, Jewels of Honor, or any other insignia of rank.”

Surrender Order Property:

“You are required to surrender any property belonging to the Commandery, including your ritual books and sword, as these are reserved strictly for members in good standing.”

Under the Canon 1336 §3 n. 5, the Church recognizes the prohibition against “exercising any right or privilege or using insignia or titles” as a valid expiatory penalty for those who have broken communion with the faith.”

Ondo Community Protests Invasion By Kidnappers

By

Ayodele Oni

-

January 26, 2026

0

Protest in Onod over kidnapping — Ondo Community Protests Invasion By Kidnappers

By Ayodele Oni

Residents of Ilu-Abo community in Akure North Local Government Area of Ondo State on Monday staged a peaceful protest over the recent spate of kidnappings in the area, barricading the Airport–Owo Expressway and bringing vehicular movement to a standstill.

The protest followed the abduction of a woman, Tomiola Oladehinde, in the community on Sunday night, an incident that has heightened fear and tension among residents.

According to eyewitness accounts, the victim was kidnapped at the entrance of her residence by armed assailants who reportedly shot at her vehicle, damaging its fuel tank and tires before whisking her away.

In the process, two neighbors that raised alarm and attempted to intervene were also shot — one in the head and another in the stomach — and were rushed to a nearby hospital for emergency treatment.

Angered by what they described as persistent insecurity and the absence of adequate security presence, youths, women, and community leaders trooped out early Monday morning, blocking the major highway with logs, stones, and other objects while chanting solidarity songs and demanding urgent government intervention.

The protesters called on the Ondo State Government and security agencies to establish a permanent military checkpoint in the community, insisting that only a strong and visible security presence could deter kidnappers and restore confidence among residents

“We can no longer sleep with our two eyes closed. Kidnappers are now operating freely in our community. We want the government to act immediately before more lives are lost,” one of the protesters said.

Commercial drivers, commuters, and motorists were stranded for hours as the protest disrupted movement along the busy expressway linking Akure, the state capital, to Owo and other parts of the state.

Security operatives have been deployed to the area to restore order, while efforts were ongoing to engage community leaders and address the protesters’ demands.

Residents, however, vowed to sustain the protest until concrete measures are taking to curb kidnapping and ensure the safety of lives and property in Ilu-Abo and its environs.

Shaibu, NIS Boss, Says Stadia Now Venue For Religious Activities

By

Ayodele Oni

-

January 26, 2026

0

By Ayodele Oni

The Director General and Chief Executive Officer of the National Institute for Sports, Philip Shaibu, has observed that each time he goes to office, he is confronted by various religious programmes taking place at the national stadium, Abuja.

He decried the use of the nation’s stadia for religious activities, such as crusades.

He expressed his grievance when he took a tour of the NIS facilities at Etete, GRA, Benin City.

Shaibu pointed out that the nation’s stadia should be strictly meant for sports, adding that, when they have been converted to where religious activities and marriage ceremonies are held, the purpose of building them is defeated.

“The National Stadium, Surulere, is dead. National Stadium, Abuja is semi-dead. It’s only crusade programmes that we now do there. Church activities are what we now have in National Stadium in Abuja.

“Each time I move into my office, I’m not so happy because I’m moving and I’m seeing that from one crusade to the other in National Stadiums around the country.

“The National Stadium is not meant for church programmes or Islamic programmes. It’s meant for sporting activities”, Shaibu said.

The DG, while reacting to the question of investing in the nation’s sporting infrastructure by the government, admitted that though he is in support of it but the government should also take cognizance of its maintenance.

“I am for infrastructure development like I saw in Morocco, but I will not support money being thrown at building infrastructure without first having a plan of maintenance, because the major problem we have in this country is just maintenance.

“So, I am supporting governors and I’m also asking the federal government to invest in infrastructure development, but they should not throw money without a plan for maintenance because that has become a major problem.”

Shaibu, while speaking on the NIS facilities in Edo State, said the commission needs the support of the state government with a view of making more facilities available for the promotion of sports in the country.

“So I’m happy that the facility is still strong. Though the doors and some other facilities are already spoilt, which is normal, the Education Sport Commission, we are working in collaboration with them.

“We have all gone around to check. We are also seeking the state government’s collaboration. The offices we have seen here are not going to be enough for NIS.

“We’re already in talking terms with the Sport Commission and the state government to be able to provide other facilities that will make NIS work very fruitfully in Edo because Edo has been known to host South South in all tournaments”, he said.

Falana Urges LASG To Halt Demolition Of Waterfront, Says It Is Illegal

By

Akinwale Kasali

-

January 26, 2026

0

By Akinwale Kasali

A Senior Advocate of Nigeria, SAN, Femi Falana, has described the ongoing demolition of Waterfront Properties in Lagos as a brazen display of executive impunity.

The Human Rights Activist urged the Lagos State Government to, with immediate effect, halt the ongoing demolition.

A statement by Falana asserted that the State Government’s continued evictions and destruction of schools and medical centers are “illegal, unconstitutional, and contemptuous” of standing judicial orders.

Falana noted that the government’s actions have led to the loss of lives and the displacement of thousands of citizens, including those in the Makoko, Oko-Agbon, Sogunro, and Iwaya communities.

Highlighting series of legal setbacks, Falana spoke about the June 2017 High School Judgment, in which Justice Adeniyi Onigbanjo declared the eviction of over 30,000 residents unconstitutional and ordered a stop to future evictions without resettlement plans.

The recent verdict of Justice F.N. Ogazi of the Federal High Court on August 25, 2025, restrained the state and the Nigeria Police Force from carrying out further unlawful demolitions in the affected waterfront settlements.

Falana further argued that the State ’s actions directly contravene a January 7, 2024, Supreme Court decision. The apex court ruled that the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) holds exclusive control over all activities on navigable waters and their rights of way.

According to Falana, this ruling strips the Lagos State Government of the legal authority to manage or demolish structures within these specific areas.

He urged Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to comply with these subsisting judgments, Falana cited the historical precedent of The Military Governor of Lagos State v. Chief Emeka Ojukwu.

He reminded the current administration that even the former military junta respected the Supreme Court’s order to restore disputed property to its rightful occupant.

Falana concluded by describing the state’s persistent disregard for court orders as a “glaring sabotage of the judicial arm of government.”

He also maintained that the urban renewal policy of the state must prioritize the constitutional rights and resettlement of vulnerable residents over forceful acquisition for private development.

President Tinubu’s Govt. Does Not Yield To Truth – Gov. Makinde …Says He Misses Osinbajo

By

Akinwale Kasali

-

January 26, 2026

0

By Akinwale Kasali

Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has lashed the President Bola Tinubu administration for beign increasingly difficult in yielding to the truth.

The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, chieftain said it has been extremely difficult to speak the truth to power under the current government.

He made this remark at the 60th birthday celebration of the Oyo State President of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria, PFN, Rev. Samson Anetomobi.

Contrasting the present administration to that of the late President Muhammadu Buhari, he described Tinubu’s style of governance as a consultative style.

The 60th Birthday Celebration of the Clergyman had in attendance several dignitaries, including the immediate past Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo, whose leadership style Makinde said he deeply misses.

“You cannot speak truth to power in this dispensation,” Makinde said, as he criticised the Tinubu administration’s handling of the tax reform bills.

“We had the same situation in this dispensation; it was the tax bill, and we said, ‘Look, bring the tax bill; bring it back; let us all have an opportunity to look dispassionately at it.’

“They said the tax bill will go ahead. It is an affront for even the governors to be saying that what the presidency has done to send the tax bill to the National Assembly.”

Makinde further lamented the lack of clarity surrounding the legislation, adding that: “The tax bill, we don’t know what was passed at the National Assembly, we don’t also know what was signed up. When I say I miss you, I miss you so much, Sir,” he said, referring to Osinbajo.

He expressed personal regret over Osinbajo’s exit from office and reflected on the current state of governance.

“Sir, I personally miss you in that position (presidency). A lot of people may not know why things are not really the same. It’s not a political talk because I’m not on that podium,” Makinde stated.

“President Tinubu’s Rejection Has Turned Seyi Makinde To Emergency Opposition Mouthpiece” – Fayose

By

Ayodele Oni

-

January 26, 2026

0

Fayose and Makinde — LR, Ayodele Fayose and Governor Seyi Makinde

By Ayodele Oni

Former Governor of Ekiti State, Ayodele Fayose, has again engaged Oyo state Governor Seyi Makinde, who he said has become an emergency opposition mouthpiece after his rejection by President Bola Tinubu.

“That Seyi Makinde’s derogatory comment against President Tinubu at Osinbajo’s birthday further confirmed that he got a cold shoulder from the President during his last visit to the Villa, Fayose claimed in a Facebook post on Sunday.

Governor Makinde had said that the current situation cannot be compared to the more consultative approach during the tenure of late President Muhammadu Buhari.

Makinde stated this on Saturday in Ibadan, the Oyo state capital, during the 60th birthday celebration of Samson Ajetomobi, president of The Men of Issachar Vision Incorporated (MIV) and overseer of the Redemption Faith Churches.

Former Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo also attended the event. Addressing Osinbajo directly, the Oyo State Governor said he missed his leadership as vice-president.

“Sir, I personally miss you in that position. A lot of people may not know why things are not really the same. This is not a political talk because I’m not on that podium,” he said.

Makinde’, had recalled his early months in office during the COVID-19 pandemic, saying Osinbajo’s leadership as chairman of the National Economic Council (NEC) influenced his decision not to impose a total lockdown in Oyo state.

He said he had been barely seven months into office when the pandemic struck in February 2020, describing the NEC meeting at the time as tense.

“We were told to go back and lock down our states. But for Oyo State people, why I did not lock down during COVID was because of his decision,” he said.

Makinde contrasted that experience with the current administration’s handling of the controversial tax reform bill, accusing the Federal Government of shutting out dissenting views.

“We had the same situation in this dispensation; it was the tax bill. We said, ‘Bring the tax bill back; let us all have an opportunity to look dispassionately at it,’ but you cannot speak truth to power in this dispensation. The tax bill will go ahead,” Makinde’ stated.

Fayose, while reacting to Makinde’s remarks said “Like I made public, in his attempt to do a damage control on his public speech against the President, Makinde met the shock of his political life when he visited Asiwaju last week.

“It is now obvious that after getting that cold shoulder from the President, Makinde must have realized that end of road has come in terms of reconciliation between him and the President.

“This is moreso that the Asiwaju made it clear that as far as Oyo State is concerned, he will support his party’s candidates in 2027.

“The emergency opposition mouthpiece Makinde is trying albeit unsuccessfully to turn himself to is an aftermath the response he got from the President last week, which I made public.

“Furthermore, it has vindicated me because if Makinde had gotten a soft-landing that he expected from the President, he (Makinde) wouldn’t have gone to make that statement, condemning the Government of President Tinubu, by calling the President a dictator while praising the Buhari’s administration.

“With this assurances too, the APC in Oyo State should now wake up and slug it out with Makinde’s candidate, which he will field under the ADC, knowing full well that PDP won’t be open for him to use.”

Oyo: Who Will Makinde Pick As Successor?

By

James Orji

-

January 26, 2026

0

There’s a high expectations among the good people of Oyo state as to who the state governor, Seyi Makinde will announce as successor from his party, the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP.

Makinde is a second term governor and his tenure is expected to end by May 29, 2027, even as some politicians in the PDP and other political parties have declared their interests in the job to become the chief executive of the Agodi Government House.

One of the aspirants on the platform of the PDP, Hazeem Gbolarunmi, a former Deputy Governor of the state declared last week that he has enough grassroots support in all the 33 Local Government Areas, LGAs in the state, to win the PDP governorship ticket and emerge the state governor in 2027.
“I have my structures across the 33 local governments. I have been in politics since 1979, working from the ward level to the state level. I am prepared and primed to win the next governorship election,” Gbolarunmi told journalists in Ibadan, the state capital last week.
It’s unclear whether he has enlisted the support of Governor Makinde for his ambition to rule the state, even as the governor is billed, according to sources close to him, to name his preferred candidate for the state’s top job.
Governor Makinde, the magazine recalls, had in March last year disclosed that he would announce his would-be successor before the end of January 2026.
“In January 2026, we know that political activities will start. I will tell you the picture of the person that will be installed there,” Makinde said during the 11th Omituntun Ramadan lecture held at the Government House arcade in Ibadan, the state’s capital. .
The question that’s currently on the lips of the people of the state, is who the governor will support as PDP candidate, and ultimately as his preferred successor.
Apart from Gbolarunmi, one of the leading PDP governorship aspirants in the state is Ambassador Olufemi Ajadi Oguntoyinbo, who declared his intention to rule the state last November.

Oguntoyinbo is said to be very popular in the state, but It’s not clear whether the aspirant has the backing of the governor despite the fact that he promised to carry on with the incumbent’s legacy if he becomes governor in 2027.
Whiel declaring his intension to contest three months ago, Oguntoyinbo said he has decided to answer his peoples’ call to contest the governorship election under the PDP, saying h’es very popular, promising to bring his experince to bear as a humanitarian administrator.
He said: “I am rooted in both Ogun and Oyo States, but my father’s land has called me to Oyo.
“The political stalwarts and ancestral families said it is time to bring my humanitarian services home. I am simply honouring the call of my father’s land.”
According to him, part of his plan if he becomes governor is to carry on with the legacies of the Makinde’s government. “Part of my manifesto is to continue where he stops because continuity is sacrosanct. Governance must be consistent if we want positive legacies to endure.”

Also on the lists of aspiranst gearing up to contest the next governorship election in the state, is a popular Radio personality and an estranged ally of Governor Makinde, Oriyomi Hamzat who, a forthnignht ago declared, in Ibadan, declared that the people of the state are calling on him to throw his hat in the ring to contest the state’s top job.

Declaring his intention under the ‘Oyo N Pe O’ mantra, the radio anchor and promoter of Agidigbo FM said it’s time for the people to take their destiny in their own hands by voting a non -establishment person into the Agodi Government House.
Hamzat, who is believed to have clashed with Governor Makinde, a former ally said he’s unstoppable in his ambition, with or without Governor Makinde’s support.
“I have accepted the call of the people to serve Oyo State. This is not a step I have taken lightly. My vision is to implement programmes that will improve the lives of ordinary citizens, create opportunities for youths and women, and ensure that governance in Oyo State moves beyond rhetoric to real, measurable impact,” Hamzat declared during a political rally at the Liberty Stadium in Ibadan. He’s runing under the Accord party.

Tinubu @UNILAG Convocation: No More ASUU Strike

By

James Orji

-

January 26, 2026

0

The frequent strikes by the Academic Staff Union, ASUU in the country has come to an end, President Bola Tinubu has declared.

Tinubu gave the assurance at the weekend during the 56th Convocation ceremony of the University of Lagos, UNILAG, Akoka, Lagos. He was represented at the event by the Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa.

The magazine reports that close to 17,000 students for the 2024/2025 academic session, graduated in diploma, undergraduate, and postgraduate programs from the institution.

According to him, the federal government has put everything in place to ensure that strike actions by academic unions in Nigeria’s tertiary institutions, including ASUU becomes a thing of the past.

Tinubu stated that the federal government has embarked on key reforms to ensure a strike-free academic sessions in the nation’s tertiary education sector, such reforms include the Nigerian Education Loans Fund, NELFUND, which provide loans to students in public owned universities and Polytechnics, the Institutional Staff Support Fund for tertiary school workers, and several other initiatives.

He also cited a recently signed agreement between ASUU and the federal government to resolve the long drawn crisis over the emolument and salary of university lecturers workers which started in 2009, saying the agreement is a turning point in the history of the tertiary education in the country, which he said will now guarantee stability in the nation’s university system.

“Since the inception of my administration, we have witnessed two uninterrupted academic sessions across our tertiary institutions, and this is no accident. It is the result of firm political will, sustained dialogue, and responsible leadership.

“For example, acting under my direct mandate, we have been able to sign a new agreement with ASUU that decisively resolves a crisis that has persisted for years and undermined confidence in our university system,” Tinubu said.

“This landmark achievement marks a turning point in the history of our tertiary education, guaranteeing industrial harmony and a predictable academic calendar. It will restore the dignity of learning and clearly end the era of perennial strikes in our universities.

“My administration will continue to pursue far-reaching reforms across the education sector for a technology-driven future, including curriculum restructuring, quality assurance, promotion of skill-based learning and literacy, and fostering data-competence-based, innovation-led problem-solving.”