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‎FG Reintroduces Uniform Calendar For Schools, Reusable Of Quality Textbooks Among Siblings

By
Ayodele Oni
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Folasade Boriowo

By Ayodele Oni

To reduce burden of education on parents, the Federal Government has adopted reusable of high quality textbooks among siblings.

Also as part of the education reform being focused on public schools, a uniform academic calendar has been introduced to promote consistency in teaching, learning, and school planning across the country.

These are part of Federal Government comprehensive policy framework aimed at reducing the cost of education for parents, improving learning outcomes, and promoting sustainability in schools.

‎A statement by the Director, Press and Public Relations at the Federal Ministry of Education, Mrs. Boriowo Folasade,  this is part of ongoing reforms to reposition the education sector and ease the financial burden on families.

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‎The statement  explained that the policy prioritises the use of standardised, durable textbooks designed to last between four and six years, while expressly prohibiting the bundling of disposable workbooks with textbooks in schools.

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‎According to the statement, the initiative allows siblings to share textbooks, lowering recurring education costs for parents, and reducing waste within the school system, thereby supporting environmental sustainability.

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‎It highlighted that the policy introduces limits on the number of approved textbooks per subject and grade level, in line with international best practices.

‎ This measure is expected to improve quality, reduce market saturation, and simplify textbook selection processes for schools and education authorities.

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‎A key provision of the framework is a structured and meaningful revision cycle, where textbook revisions must reflect substantive improvements in content rather than minor changes in layout or pagination, thereby extending the lifespan of approved textbooks and ensuring better value for money.

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‎It added that under the new guidelines, only pupils and students completing Primary 6, Junior Secondary School 3 (JSS3), and Senior Secondary School 3 (SSS3) are permitted to hold graduation ceremonies.

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‎The statement emphasised that the policy strengthens the assessment, quality assurance, selection, and use of textbooks and instructional materials nationwide.

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‎It pointed out that the reform responds to longstanding concerns over frequent but cosmetic textbook revisions, weak ranking standards, and practices that compel parents to purchase new textbooks annually without corresponding improvements in content or learning outcomes.

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‎The statement further explained that the Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council (NERDC) will continue to play a central role in the assessment and quality assurance of instructional materials, working closely with relevant education agencies to ensure that only high-quality, curriculum-aligned textbooks are approved for use in schools nationwide.

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‎”The Federal Ministry of Education reaffirms the Government’s resolve to safeguard educational standards, promote equity, reduce costs for parents, and ensure that learners across Nigeria have access to high-quality instructional materials that support effective teaching and learning

2027: INEC Ready To Rewrite Nigeria’s Electoral History

By
Akinwale Kasali
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INEC Strategic Retreat
INEC Strategic Retreat

By Akinwale Kasali

Prof. Joash Amupitan, National Chairman, Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has stated the Commission’s readiness to organize an election that is free from any form of interference, fair to all contestants  and political parties; credible in the eyes of the global community and transparent in every process come 2027.

Amupitan made this remark at the Induction and Strategic Retreat held by the Commission for Honourable National Commissioners, Secretary to the Commission, Resident Electoral Commissioners, Administrative Secretaries and Directors of the Commission in Lagos.

The INEC Boss stated that the Retreat serves as a bridge between institutional experience and the innovative demands of a rapidly evolving landscape.

He added that it was a rare and vital opportunity to share knowledge, synchronize strategies and fortify the leadership echelon of the Commission as it prepares for the 2027 General Election.

Following complains of logistic and personnel issues during election that has been  perennial challenges of ad-hoc Staff and transportation, the INEC Chair stated that this will become history as an Election Management Body will be constituted to address all this.

Amupitan further stated that the aim of the electoral body is to rewrite the history of elections in Nigeria.

“The 2027 General Election must be a free amd fair and be a watershed  moment in Nigeria’s history. But we must even aim higher.

“I want us to build an institution that is globally  recognized, let it be that under our watch, INEC became the best election management body in Africa- a beacon of integrity, a model of technologically efficiency  and a fortress of democratic values”.

The Kogi born Chairman of the electoral umpire charged the Commission’s Staff that INEC can, indeed, conduct a world class, technologically driven and transparent election that is beyond reproach.

As regards the Welfare of INEC Staffs, Amupitan reiterated his administration’s commitment to make the environment conducive, with modern tools made available, stressing that any compromise on the Commission’s values or processes will have consequences.

He stressed that there will be no room for misconduct, whether by omission or Commission.

Senator Abdullahi Adamu Still A Loyal  Member – APC Debunks His Rumoured Defection

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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Senator Abdullahi Adamu Joins ADC, Collects Membership Card
Senator Abdullahi Adamu

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The All Progressive Congress, APC, has rejected claims suggesting that former Governor of Nasarawa state Senator Abdullahi Adamu has defected to the African Democratic Congress, ADC.

It described as false and totally misleading reports on the social media space that claiming that  Adamu, a former National Chairman of the APC, is now a member of the coalition platform ADC.

A statement  Thursday evening January 8, 2025, issued by the Nasarawa State APC Organizing Secretary, Hassan Abubakar, also described the purported defection of Adamu as a deliberate propaganda  designed to mislead the public and cause confusion within the party.

Abubakar, who is the State Coordinator of the APC’s e-membership registration exercise, informed that the images being circulated on the social media were taken during the former Governor’s e-membership and revalidation exercise, an ongoing programme aimed at strengthening the party’s database, and internal democracy.

The APC emphasized that Adamu remains a card-carrying and loyal member of the APC.

“For the avoidance of doubt , Senator Abdullahi Adamu at no time ,defected, contemplated defection, or associated himself with any other political party”, the APC noted.

The APC expressed serious surprise and shock over deliberate attempts by some political desperados to misrepresent a legitimate party activity as a defection.

The party, therefore, urged APC members and the general public to disregard the claims of the defection of Adamu,and rely only on verified APC sources for information.

The Source further reports that Senator Adamu in 2023 resigned his appointment as the APC National Chairman after an alleged disagreement with the presidency.

He was elected as the National Chairman at the party’s National Convention in 2022 ,but was forced to make way for Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje , immediately after the 2023 general elections owing to perceived irreconcilable differences with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu .

Fubara Addressed As ‘Madam’ In Rivers Assembly Impeachment Notice

By
Ayodele Oni
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Fubara and Impeachment Notice

By Ayodele Oni

Designation of Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara as ‘Madam’ in the impeachment notice served on him on Thursday may turn to be one of the technicalities which can stall the action.

The Rivers State House Assembly had addressed Governor Siminalayi Fubara as “Madam” in the notice of impeachment to the Governor.

The Assembly, on Thursday, initiated impeachment proceedings against Fubara.

The Lawmakers launched the process after Major Jack, leader of the Assembly, read gross misconduct charges against Fubara, signed by 26 members of the House.

Martin Amaewhule, the speaker, said the notice of gross misconduct would be served on the governor within the next seven days, as required by law.

The Assembly later served Fubara with the notice of gross misconduct but addressed him as “Madam”.

The notice dated January 8, 2026, was signed by Amaewhule.

The Governor and his deputy, Prof Ngozi Odu were addressed as ‘Madam’ in the two letters by the Assembly.

The state chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has advised the assembly against the action warning members not to be teleguided by outsiders.

Amaewhule has threatened to resign as Speaker if the present impeachment move fails.

Insecurity: Edo NMA To Withdraw Services Over Abduction Of Two Members Within 48 Hours

By
Ayodele Oni
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Medical Doctors in Nigeria

By Ayodele Oni

Following the abduction of two medical doctors in Edo state within 48 hours, the Nigeria Medical Association (NMA), Edo State Branch, has announced its decision to withdraw medical services across the state, effective Saturday, January 10th, 2026.

The measure comes in response to the recent abduction of two medical doctors, which occurred on January 1st and 2nd, 2026.

Dr. Eustace Oseghale, Chairman of the NMA Edo State Branch, conveyed the association’s decision in a statement released to newsmen in Benin on Friday.

He stated that the withdrawal of services is a direct consequence of the abduction of their colleagues and a reflection of the heightened sense of vulnerability among medical practitioners in the state.

According to Oseghale, the NMA is calling for immediate intervention to secure the release of the abducted doctors and implement measures to prevent future incidents.

The statement reads, “This incident raises concerns about healthcare professionals’ safety in Edo State, threatening their lives and undermining healthcare delivery.

“We demand the immediate release of our abducted colleagues as well as enhanced security protocols for Edo State residents and regular engagement between NMA Edo and the Edo State Government on security concerns.”

The NMA leadership insisted on withdrawal of services state wide if their demands are not met, stressing that a safe working environment is crucial for healthcare providers.

“We’ll continue to withhold services until our demands are met and colleagues are safe.

“We urge a swift resolution and the safe return of our colleagues. Security operatives should take this seriously, as they’ll be held responsible for the consequences of our action.”Oseghale said.

Maureen Chigbo, Veteran Journalist, Loses Lawyer-Sister To Kidnappers In Abuja

By
The Source
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Princess Nwamaka Mediarrix Chigbo
Princess Nwamaka Mediarrix Chigbo

Dr Maureen Chigbo, an award winning Veteran Journalist and Publisher of Realnews Magazine, has lost her sister, Princess Nwamaka Mediarrix Chigbo, a Barrister-at-Law, to kidnappers in Abuja.

In a statement dated January 8, 2026, signed on behalf of the family, Dr. Chigbo narrated the harrowing circumstances under which her sister was kidnapped on January 5, 2026, while she was on the phone with another of their sisters. She also narrated the frantic efforts made to secure her release  by both family and the Police. They were fruitless.

The family was, finally, invited to send the photograph when the Police told them a critically injured Lady had been seen in the streets of Abuja and taken to a Specialist Hospital.

Dr. Chigbo said she immediately boarded a flight from Lagos to Abuja only to be confronted by her sister’s badly tortured and broken body in the mortuary.

Following, the family’s statement.

“THE family of Princess Nwamaka Mediatrix Chigbo, an Abuja-based lawyer, is saddened to announce her brutal death at the hands of still-to-be-identified kidnappers in the Nigerian Federal Capital Territory on Monday, 5th January 2026.

Before her abduction, Barrister Nwamaka was on the phone with her sister Anthonia, who briefly interrupted the call to attend to a client. When she reverted, the Barrister’s phone was still live, and Anthonia could hear her sister’s distress cry before the phone suddenly went dead and unreachable.

Anthonia alerted her elder sister, Maureen Chigbo, and other family members, who called the lawyer’s number repeatedly to reach her or her abductors to no avail.

When a call finally went through, a male voice rained curses in English and Hausa language, saying: ‘Thunder fire you there, send three million Naira or else we will kill her.’

“The captors gave no further details and abruptly terminated subsequent calls.

“Barrister Nwamaka’s family later tried to contact the Police Force Public Relations Officer and left a text message on her phone.

“They were referred to two police complaint numbers.

The family equally sent a distress text and WhatsApp message to the Inspector General of Police (IGP), and also contacted the FCT Police Commissioner, who immediately linked them up to the Commander of the Scorpion Squad, in charge of kidnapping in Abuja.

“The Commander later called to inform the family that the police were tracking the kidnappers, who were said to be ‘in motion and would likely drop the lawyer off once they might have collected the ransom.’

“The kidnappers never initiated any calls, and when Nwamaka’s family members reached them through her phone for clarification on how the ransom would be paid, they only heard the lawyer screaming in pain, ‘I am dying. …save me, please send the money, I am dying,’ before the phone finally went dead again.

“The family maintained contact with the Police Commander throughout Monday night to follow up on the rescue operation.

At 4 am on Tuesday, 6th January, when Maureen called the Commander, he expressed surprise that the lawyer had not called or returned home. He then promised to escalate the rescue operation.

“The Commander later called to inform the family that ‘a lady had been found in a critical condition’ and taken to an Abuja specialist hospital. He requested that Nwamaka’s picture be sent for identification purposes.

“Maureen immediately took a flight from Lagos to Abuja and on reaching the hospital, saw her sister’s lifeless body in the mortuary with bruises, swollen eyes and a cracked skull, all signs of a tortured death.

“The Chigbo family has met with the Police authorities, who assured them that the case was under investigation and that the culprits would be apprehended.

“Nwamaka was an active member and former treasurer of the Nigerian Bar Association, Abuja, member of the International Federation of Women Lawyers, IFWL,

FIDA and Global Association of Female Lawyers, GAFA. She was a former President of Catholic Lawyers Association, Abuja.

An ardent Catholic, Nwamaka authored a book on Infant Jesus, and until death was the Vice President of the Infant Jesus Association, member of the Mother of Perpetual Help Catholic Group among other religious groups.

“The family expresses its gratitude to the Police for their efforts and cooperation so far, and urges the Force to ensure that justice is served in Nwamaka’s case.

“The family also wishes to thank Nwamaka’s friends, colleagues and well-wishers for their support and prayers. Her funeral arrangements will be announced as soon as possible.

“Maureen Chigbo

For and on behalf of the Family

A.I

Jan. 8, 2025”

NYSC Warns Institutions Against Mobilizing Corps Members With Irregular Academic Records

By
Ayodele Oni
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NYSC - Corps Members

By Ayodele Oni

Director General, (DG) of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Brig-General Olakunle Oluseye Nafiu, has accused some Corps Producing Institutions (CPIs) of mobilising Prospective Corps members with inconsistent academic records for personal or illegal gain.

Brig-General Nafiu in his keynote address at the 2026 Batch ‘A’ Pre-Mobilisation Workshop in Abuja, warned that the NYSC NDHQ will not hesitate to impose appropriate sanctions on any CPI found to violate established standards.

“The NYSC mobilisation process is a complex ecosystem of interconnected actors and systems.

“As we start the 2026 Batch ‘A’ mobilisation at the very beginning of a new year, it is both timely and necessary to address these issues with honesty, clarity, and determination. I have identified a number of such issues.

“First are the challenges with CPIs, which hold a crucial role in the mobilisation value chain. As the primary source of mobilisation data and the producers of graduates for national service, they are essential to the credibility of the entire process.

“Unfortunately, several issues continue to weaken effective service delivery at this level. These include violations of established NYSC mobilisation guidelines, uploading unqualified graduates, inconsistent academic records, data discrepancies, intentional record manipulation for personal or illegal gain, and weak internal verification systems.

“Together, these practices undermine the integrity of the mobilisation process and cause unnecessary operational and reputational challenges for the Scheme.

“To reverse this trend, CPIs must strengthen their internal data validation processes before uploads. Heads of institutions need to exercise greater oversight over mobilisation activities within their domains, while Desk Officers must undergo ongoing training and retraining to stay updated with evolving standards and technologies.

“CPIs should be aware that the NYSC NDHQ will not hesitate to impose appropriate sanctions on any CPI found to violate established standards,” NYSC DG said.

While listing other challenges, the NYSC DG said: “Next is the Internal Operational Gaps within NYSC, which involves improving service delivery requiring not only external compliance but also internal reflection.

The NYSC must be willing to look inward to identify internal challenges include inconsistent application of mobilisation guidelines, weak cross-departmental coordination, delays in resolving and escalating issues, and unnecessary human interference in automated processes.

“Such gaps diminish institutional efficiency and gradually undermine public trust. Moving forward, the NYSC is fully dedicated to strictly following Standard Operating Procedures, strengthening collaboration across departments, area offices, and State Secretariats, improving monitoring and performance evaluation, and reinforcing discipline, professionalism, and ethical behaviour at all levels.

“Another important issue is Technology and Data Management Challenges. While the Scheme has made significant progress in digital mobilisation, notable challenges remain.

“These include poor data quality at the source, limited technical skills among some system operators, resistance to full automation, and inadequate feedback mechanisms.

“Technology should serve as an enabler of service delivery, not a source of frustration.

“To achieve this, we need to institutionalise ongoing capacity building on NYSC digital platforms, establish clear escalation channels for technical issues, conduct regular system audits and upgrades, and greatly minimize human intervention in automated processes,” he said.

Earlier, the Director Corps Mobilisation Department, Mrs. Rachel Idaewor, had explained that: “The NYSC Pre-Mobilization Workshop serves as a vital platform for fostering collaboration among the NYSC, CPIs, and other critical stakeholders.

“While we have made significant strides in enhancing our mobilization processes, it is clear that we need to focus on optimizing our service delivery across the mobilization value chain.

“This workshop’s theme, ‘Enhancing Service Delivery Across the NYSC Mobilisation Value Chain’, highlights our commitment to improving the processes that underpin our mobilisation strategy.

“We aim to explore innovative approaches that enhance service delivery and address the challenges that we currently face. Maintaining high standards in service delivery is not solely an operational challenge; it impacts the trust and confidence of all stakeholders involved,” Idaewor said.

APC Looses Fmr National Chairman, Adamu To ADC

By
Ayodele Oni
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Senator Abdullahi Adamu Joins ADC, Collects Membership Card
Senator Abdullahi Adamu

By Ayodele Oni

Nasarawa State went agog as a former National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Abdullahi Adamu,  defected to the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

The  move has sent ripples through Nigeria’s political space as the country gears up for the 2027 general elections.

The defection ceremony took place in Keffi Local Government Area of Nasarawa State, where Adamu was officially received by top ADC leaders, party faithful, youth groups and other political stakeholders.

Adamu’s decision to leave the APC reportedly followed prolonged dissatisfaction with the party’s internal affairs at both the state and national levels.

A founding member of the APC and a prominent power broker since the party’s formation in 2015, his exit is considered a major blow to the ruling party.

A former two-term governor of Nasarawa State and an experienced lawmaker, Adamu is widely regarded as one of the most influential political figures in the North-Central region.

Addressing supporters at the event, Adamu said his defection was driven by principle and conscience.

He accused the APC of straying from its founding values, alleging the marginalization of seasoned members, suppression of opposing views and erosion of internal democracy.

The Keffi event was marked by a strong show of support for the ADC, with party flags, solidarity songs and chants highlighting the significance of the moment for the opposition party.

ADC leaders described Adamu’s entry as a major boost to the party, noting that his political experience, grassroots network and national stature would strengthen its growing influence.

They also pointed out that the development reflects increasing public interest in alternatives beyond the APC and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Full List Of Allegations Leveled Against Fubara, Deputy By Rivers Assembly Emerge

By
Adesina Soyooye
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Simi Fubara and Professor Ngozi Odu
Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his Deputy, Professor Ngozi Odu,

By Adesina Soyooye

The Members of the Rivers State House of Assembly on Thursday, January 8, 2026, began impeachment proceedings against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his Deputy, Professor Ngozi Odu, allegedly for gross misconduct and constitutional violations.

Following are some of the allegations against Governor Fubara and Deputy Governor Odu by the Speaker Martins Amaewhule-led House of Assembly.

For Fubara:

■The alleged demolition of the Rivers State House of Assembly complex

■Authorising expenditures not captured in the approved budget

■Withholding statutory funds meant for the Assembly Service Commission.

■Ignoring and refusing to implement Supreme Court judgments affirming the financial autonomy of the House of Assembly

Thereafter, the Assembly shifted focus to Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu.

The allegations against  Odu include:

■Engaged in reckless and unconstitutional use of public funds

■Actively obstructed the Rivers State House of Assembly from carrying out its legislative responsibilities

■Colluded to allow unauthorized individuals to occupy government offices without due screening

■Sought budget approval from an alternative group rather than the legally constituted Rivers Assembly

■Withheld salaries and allowances due to lawmakers and the Assembly Service Commission.

The impeachment notice will be served on both the Governor and his Deputy within seven days.

Impeachment: Rivers APC Warns Assembly Members Against External Influence

By
Ayodele Oni
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Rivers State House of Assembly
Rivers State House of Assembly

By Ayodele Oni

The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State has rejected the latest move by the state House of Assembly to impeach Governor Fuminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Ngizi Odun.

The Party advised all members of the Rivers State House of Assembly especially APC members, to resist pressures from outside the Assembly chambers to destabilize the Government of Rivers state ably led by His Excellency Sir Sir Siminalayi Fubara.

Reacting to an impeachment notice initiated on Thursday by the APC dominated assembly, the party stated that “The attention of the leadership of the All Progressives Congress in Rivers State has been drawn the latest unfortunate developments coming out from the chambers of the Rivers State House of Assembly.”

The statement, signed by Darlington Nwauju the State APC Spokesperson, noted that “We concede that the legislature is an independent arm in the tripod of governance, and the constitutional responsibilities of checks and balances are within their democratic purview.

“Our position as at today on this matter is that, we solemnly reject the resort to an impeachment process against our Governor and his deputy.

“It will be totally untenable for our party to keep quiet when an obvious hangover from strifes that occurred within the PDP are allowed to resurface in our great party.

“It is important to say to Rivers people and Nigerians that since the latest threat of impeachment centers on the budget, may we remind ourselves that under the period of emergency rule, a budget was transmitted to the National Assembly by the President and Commander-in-Chief in May 2025 which was approved by the Senate on 25 June 2025 and subsequently by the House of Representatives on July 22 2025 for a total sum of #1.485 trillion.

“Interestingly, this budget is for one year and should run up till August 2026 and if the Governor is comfortable with the composition of the said budget, he may elect not to present any supplementary budget.

“Besides, the constitution allows for a six-months spending window into the new fiscal year by a state governor.

“We therefore strongly advise all members of the Rivers State House of Assembly especially APC members, to resist pressures from outside the Assembly chambers to destabilize the Government of Rivers state ably led by His Excellency Sir Sir Siminalayi Fubara.

“Let it be known that our party will do everything possible to ensure that the Government of Rivers State, which is an APC government, is not destabilized through fratricidal disagreements.

“We therefore call on members of the State Assembly especially APC members, to immediately discontinue the impeachment process inorder not to drag the image of our great party to the mud and stifle the continuous progress and development of Rivers State.

“Let our state remain a democracy and not a politicocracy!!!”

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