CBN Caps Foreign Tuition Payment @$25,000

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June 5, 2026

The Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, has increased the maximum tuition fee remittance limit for Nigerian undergraduate and postgraduate students schooling abroad from $15,000 to $25,000 per semester.

According to the revised Foreign Exchange Manual, issued by the Yemi-Cardoso-led CBN the initiative is part of ongoing reforms to improve transparency, efficiency and confidence in the nation’s forex market.

The apex bank said in the guidelines that tuition fee payments must be processed through Authorised Dealer Banks, ADBs on behalf of eligible Nigerian students pursuing education in foreign higher institutions.

The new initiative is contrary to the previous framework, where tuition fee remittances were pegged at $15,000 per semester and restricted to a maximum of two semesters per academic session. The new policy raises the allowable remittance amount to $25,000 per semester, providing greater flexibility for students and their sponsors in meeting international education expenses.

The CBN stressed that educational expense payments for Nigerian students studying abroad must continue to comply with established procedures and documentation requirements outlined in the revised Foreign Exchange Manual.

Under the current framework, tuition fees, maintenance expenses are combined in a single invoice, and must be paid directly to the institutions where the learning is taking place.

Zenith Bank Reinforces ESG Commitment With World Environmental Day Initiatives

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Tosin Olatokunbo

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June 5, 2026

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In line with its commitment to environmental sustainability and responsible business practices, Zenith Bank Plc has commemorated the 2026 World Environment Day with a two-phase environmental clean-up initiative in Lagos State, held under the global theme “Inspired by Nature For Climate For Our Future.”

The first phase was a morning clean-up conducted by staff of the Bank on Wednesday, 3 June 2026, along Ajose Adeogun Street, Victoria Island, Lagos. The exercise mobilised employees to clear waste, sensitise residents on proper disposal practices, and reinforce the Bank’s culture of community service and environmental stewardship.

The second phase, on Thursday, 4 June 2026, featured a waterways clean-up at the Falomo Waterways, Ikoyi, Lagos, executed in collaboration with the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) and the Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA). The joint effort focused on removing marine debris, promoting cleaner waterways, and supporting the State’s broader climate-resilience agenda.

Speaking on the initiative, Dame Dr. Adaora Umeoji, OON, Group Managing Director/CEO of Zenith Bank Plc, said: “At Zenith Bank, sustainability is integral to how we operate. Clearing our streets and our waterways is a practical reminder that protecting the environment is a shared responsibility – and one we are proud to take up alongside LAWMA and LASWA. Through these exercises, we are taking deliberate action to preserve our communities, support climate action, and inspire others to act. Our operations will continue to align with global environmental standards as we build a more sustainable future for Nigeria and Africa.”

Zenith Bank remains committed to embedding Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) principles across its operations, investing in green initiatives, energy efficiency, and community-focused programmes. These efforts advance the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals – particularly SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) and SDG 13 (Climate Action). Sustainability remains an operational imperative across the Bank’s Nigerian base and its broader African, UK and European footprints.

Demolition Of Cenotaph: Ondo Governor Shifts Blame To Owo Monarch

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Ayodele Oni

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June 4, 2026

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By Ayodele Oni

Controversy over the demolition of the cenotaph erected in memory of victims of the June 5, 2022, St. Francis Catholic Church massacre in Owo, Ondo still rages as Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, put the blame on the Olowo of Owo, Oba Ogunleye.

The governor, who distanced himself from the demolition, insisted that the action was initiated by the Olowo of Owo over a land ownership dispute.

The memorial park was built by late Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu to honour worshippers and families affected by the terrorist attack on St. Francis Catholic Church, Owo, which claimed over 40 lives and left many others injured.

Four suspects linked with the demolition were on Wednesday sentenced to death by a Federal High Court in Abuja.

Speaking during an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today with Seun Okinbaloye, Aiyedatiwa pointed out that the cenotaph was constructed without the approval of the state government at the time and was sited on land belonging to the Olowo of Owo.

According to the governor, some actors in government then ignored objections raised by the traditional ruler and proceeded with the project, erecting the monument directly opposite the palace, a location considered taboo in Owo tradition.

He maintained that he neither approved nor directed the demolition, stressing that the monarch exercised his rights as the owner of the land.

“I wasn’t the one who instructed that it should be demolished. The owner of the land felt that this is my land and I need to take over my land,” the governor said.

The demolition of the memorial sparked widespread reactions from residents and religious groups, who viewed the structure as a symbol of remembrance for the victims of one of Nigeria’s deadliest terrorist attacks in recent years.

Panic In Ijebu Ode, As Several Students Are Hospitalised Over Gas Leakage

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Akinwale Kasali

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June 4, 2026

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By Akinwale Kasali

For the third time in less than two months, reoccuring Gas leakage has led to the hospitalization of Students and residents of Ijebu-Ode in Ogun State.

This is as scores of Students and Staff of Our Lady of Apostles Secondary School, Epe Garage, and Anglican Girls Grammar School, Obalende, are receiving medical attention at the General Hospital, Ijebu-Ode.

This present incident marks the third time of the mysterious gas leak within two months, heightening concerns among residents over its potential health implications and environmental impact.

Recall that the first incident happened in April during which 40 Students were hospitalised, while another gas leak happened I’m May affecting nearly 100 Students who were subsequently treated for exposure-related symptoms.

Following the reoccuring gas leakages, the Ogun State Government had earlier disclosed that monitoring equipment deployed to the area detected the presence of methane gas, which officials identified as the substance responsible for the recurring incidents.

However, residents stated that the latest incident occurred during school hours when students and teachers suddenly perceived an offensive odour that triggered panic across the school premises.

“The gas leakage incident occurred again during school hours when students and teachers suddenly perceived an offensive smell, causing discomfort, breathing difficulties and panic within the school premises,” one of the residents stated.

In the same vein, another resident said, “Some of the affected students and staff members were subsequently taken to the General Hospital, Ijebu-Ode, where they received medical attention. Some of the students are still on admission. The general complaints were discomfort and weakness, while some of them even fainted.”

The resident urged the government to urgently investigate the recurring phenomenon and provide a lasting solution.

“The government has to get to the root of this terrible incident. This is the third time in two months that we are experiencing this hazardous gas leakage. The government should please do something before it is too late,” the source added.

Ola Oresanya, the State Commissioner for Environment, confirmed the latest incident and assured residents that the Government was actively addressing the situation.

According to him, authorities have identified the source of the gas emission through monitoring devices installed in the area.

“I am aware of this gas leak incident, and we have detected the source through our installed monitoring devices. The gas leakage is coming from behind Our Lady of Apostles Secondary School, Ijebu-Ode,” Oresanya said.

This development has prompted Civil Rights Activist and National Coordinator of the Food and Farmers Rights Campaign, FFRC, John Eko, sending a Save-Our-Soul to Governor Dapo Abiodun to urgently intervene and ensure a permanent resolution to the recurring gas leak.

Eko expressed concern over the possible long-term health consequences of repeated exposure to the unidentified emissions.

“It was shocking to hear that the mysterious gas leak occurred again on Wednesday for the third time in two months. Nobody really knows the damage inhaling this obnoxious gas may be doing to the health of residents.

“We appeal to the government to deploy every available resource to find a permanent solution to this unfortunate incident. That is the least the government can do for the people who entrusted them with leadership.”

Disturbed by the reoccuring Gas leak, residents have continued to call for a comprehensive environmental investigation into the source of the methane emissions, amid growing fears over public safety and the wellbeing of students and communities living around the affected area.

Senate Reviews Tax On SSBs, Replaces It With Percentage Based Levy

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Akinwale Kasali

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June 4, 2026

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By Akinwale Kasali

The Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa, CAPPA, has lauded the Senate for passing a landmark bill seeking to overhaul Nigeria’s tax regime on Sugar-Sweetened Beverages, SSBs.

CAPPA had described the move as a major breakthrough in the fight against rising non-communicable diseases in the country, as Bill proposes replacing the current flat N10-per-litre excise duty on Sugary Drinks with a percentage-based levy tied to retail price, while also setting aside part of the revenue for health promotion and disease prevention programmes.

Following this development, CAPPA showered encomium on the Senate for what it called a “bold and timely” intervention aimed at protecting Nigerians from the growing burden of diet-related illnesses.

Akinbode Oluwafemi, CAPPA’s Executive Director stated that the move by the Senate was commendable and courageous.

“By passing this bill, the Senate has demonstrated responsiveness to the growing public health crisis facing the country.

“We now urge the National Assembly to expedite the remaining legislative processes to ensure that the reviewed bill becomes law without delay.”

The organisation particularly applauded the sponsor of the bill, Senator Ipalibo Banigo, for championing policies focused on public health and social welfare.

CAPPA noted that Banigo had earlier sponsored the National Health Act Amendment Bill, which was passed in April 2026 to increase funding for the Basic Health Care Provision Fund from one per cent to two per cent of the Consolidated Revenue Fund.

The group said the planned earmarking of part of the SSB tax revenue for health interventions would provide much-needed support for Nigeria’s struggling healthcare system.

According to CAPPA, Nigeria is witnessing a sharp rise in non-communicable diseases such as Type 2 diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular diseases, obesity and dental conditions, with sugary drinks identified as a major contributor.

It cited public health statistics indicating that nearly one in three deaths in Nigeria is linked to non-communicable diseases, while more than 11 million Nigerians are currently living with diabetes.

CAPPA argued that the existing N10-per-litre tax introduced under the Finance Act has failed to reduce consumption because manufacturers easily absorb the cost without significantly increasing retail prices.

“Fixed-rate taxes like Nigeria’s current system are easily absorbed by manufacturers and rendered ineffective by inflation.

“A percentage-based levy ensures that the tax remains impactful over time, discourages excessive sugar intake, and better protects public health.”

The advocacy group added that the proposed ad valorem tax system aligns with recommendations by the World Health Organisation, which advocates stronger health taxes to reduce consumption of harmful products.

CAPPA also welcomed provisions in the bill that would dedicate part of the proceeds to health promotion, preventive care and improved access to essential health services.

However, the organisation stressed that transparency and accountability must guide the management of the funds to ensure effective utilisation.

While hailing the Senate’s action, CAPPA called on the House of Representatives to urgently concur with the bill and transmit it to the President for assent.

“Nigeria cannot afford to delay, we are in the midst of a preventable public health crisis driven by unhealthy diets and weak regulatory frameworks.

“Strengthening the SSB tax is not just a fiscal measure, it is a life-saving intervention.”

CAPPA maintained that a stronger tax regime on sugary drinks would help reduce disease burden, save lives and secure healthier outcomes for future generations.

“Lawmakers have taken an important step. Now they must finish the job”, Oluwafemi stated.

Minority Leader: Reps In Heated Session As Allegations of Forgery, Bribery, Rock Ikenga’s Endorsement

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Suleiman Anyalewechi

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June 4, 2026

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By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The House of Representatives plenary on Thursday was marked by serious disagreement and tension which arose from the planned selection of a Minority Leader to replace Hon Kingsley Chinda who resigned from the.position on Tuesday following his defection from the Peoples Democratic party, PDP, to the ruling All Progressive Congress, APC.

The session which could have led to the emergence of Hon Ikenga Ugochinyere after his endorsement on Wednesday by about 61 of the 81 opposition Lawmakers was, however, thrown into heated disagreement following allegation by Hon Philip Agbese ,the House Deputy spokesperson, that his signature was forged.

The Source reports that a document in circulation on Wednesday night had indicated that Ugochinyere, who represents Ideato Federal Constituency of Imo state had been endorsed by his colleagues for the Minority Leadership of the green chamber of the National Assembly.

But while raising a matter of privilege on Tuesday, Agbese, representing Ado/Okpokwu/Ogbadibo Federal Constituency of Benue state, denied appending his signature to the Ugochinyere project.

According to him, he only became aware of the document claiming the endorsement of the Imo state-born legislator when it surfaced on online and the social media space.

He noted that he was surprised and embarrassed to be listed as one of the signatories to the endorsement of Hon Ugochinyere as the new Minority Leader of the House of Representatives.

While acknowledging engaging in discussions with some colleagues including Ugochinyere on some issues bordering on Minority members of the House and constituency projects, he however denied endorsing any candidate for the vacant position.

He maintained that he has not met with Ugochinyere since December 2025, and, therefore, never appended his signature to an endorsement document.

“Yesterday (Wednesday), at about 6 pm, my attention was drawn to a document on the internet with my name, purportedly nominating a member of this House for the position of Minority Leader.

“I feel that my legislative privilege has been breached because this amounts to forgery for my signature to be used for purposes which were not intended”, Agbese cried out.

While imploring the House to carry out an inquest into the circumstances surrounding his signature appearing in the endorsement document, Agbese also vehemently distanced himself from the claim suggesting that opposition law makers were feted with about $50,000 each for the purpose of endorsing Ugochinyere

According to him, the social media space has been awash with reports that each of the 61 Lawmakers whose signatures appeared in the document, received the mouth-watering sum as a reward.

“I have not received any amount of money from anybody, and I will not do so . This is my integrity”, he added.

Responding to the development which expectedly triggered heavy uproar and confusion, Hon Ugochinyere vehemently debunked the allegations, insisting that Agbese personally visited his office and signed the endorsement register.

” My colleague, Agbese, has made some weighty allegations before every member here and today on live transmission.

” My brother arrived from Benue, met me in the office in the presence of some of my colleagues, and voluntarily pledged and signed my nomination.for the post of Minority Leader.

“I understand that at the moment, an overwhelming majority of 61 members out of 81 opposition members selected me.

” It may not go down well with some people, but I never expected that their desperation would get to this level”, Ugochinyere stated .

He regretted that his colleague and brother could make such weighty allegations which are not only false ,but defamatory .

He emphasized that some colleagues who were present when Agbese personally signed the nomination form,are ready to testify at the appropriate time.

However, in an attempt to douse tension, the Speaker of the House, Rt Honourable Tajudeen Abbas, announced a closed-door meeting with all minority members for the purpose of resolving any issues involved.

How Port Harcourt-Based Tricycle Operator Killed, Abandoned Lifeless Body Of Lover, Two Children

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Suleiman Anyalewechi

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June 4, 2026

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By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Rivers State Police Command has said that they are on the trail of a fleeing tricycle operator who allegedly abandoned the corpse of his female partner together with her two children inside his tricycle after, allegedly, beating her to death.

The suspect, simply identified as IK, was alleged to have, on Tuesday night, June 2, 2026, assaulted the deceased with an object during an outing, and abandoned the dead woman, and her two children inside his tricycle, after a failed medical rescue in Ogbogoro area of Obio/Akpor Local Council of Rivers state.

A witness, Mr Senibo, in an interactive session with the media informed that the gory scene attracted neighbours ,and passersby who subsequently alerted the police.

According him, the older child, about six years old, told operatives from the Ozuoba police formation, that her father had on the night attacked their mother with an object at a Guest House where he had taken them to.

“The child told the police that her father used an object to beat her mother. She said that when her mother could no longer stand or speak, he drove them out of the guest house, and abandoned them inside the tricycle.”

Spokesperson for the Rivers State Police Command, Agabe Blessing Kaborlo, informed that the Ozuoba police Division swiftly moved in after receiving information from neighbours and passersby who noticed a woman ,and two children inside a blue and stationary tricycle by the roadside.

“The Ozuoba police Division patrol team swiftly moved to the scene where officers found the lifeless body of a woman and two children aged about five years and six months respectively”.

Agabe explained that the older child informed operatives that her father had the previous night assaulted her mother, inflicting on her serious injuries.

The suspect was said to have rushed his partner to an undisclosed medical facility, after noticing her precarious situation.

However, she was pronounced dead on arrival, a development the police said forced the suspect to abandon the deceased love ,and two children inside his tricycle.

“The suspect subsequently abandoned the children ,and the corpse inside the tricycle before fleeing”, Agabe added.

While the remains have been deposited in the mortuary, the police informed that the two children have been handed over to an identified sister of the deceased for custody.

This was as she assured that concerted efforts are ongoing to track down the suspect as well as unravel the actual circumstances surrounding the unfortunate incident.

Afenifere Scribe, Ebiseni, Canvasses Urgent Action On State Police

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Ayodele Oni

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June 4, 2026

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By Ayodele Oni

Factional secretary of the Pan Yoruba group, Afenifere, Sola Ebiseni has called for urgent action on state police, saying fire-brigade deployment of federal security forces after each strike of terror is infeasible, ineffective in protection of citizens.

In a statement in Akure, Ondo state, Ebiseni pointed out that If there is any issue on which there is consensus currently in Nigeria, it is that the time for State Police is now.

He added: “Contrary to the published content of the IG’s Memo, the State Police cannot tarry for a 60- month gestation period.

“Its structure and recruitment will not be determined by the Federal Police or constituted by as many as 60% of federal police officers from the State concerned. The fire power should be no less than possessed by the Federal Police or the terrorists they are recruited to tackle.

“In Yoruba land, the Amotekun Regional Security Network only requires immediate upgrading as State Police with appropriate and commensurate fire power and continuous training. They are prepared physically and mentally for the task ahead.

“The unnecessary vacuum being created by the intolerable delay in ensuring State Police may soon be filled by intractable ethnic wars in response to the natural instincts for self and kindred protection if no urgent and immediate action be not taken.

“Political actors are advised that the issue of current insecurity should be of national concern to all, the same way Nigerians teamed together to fight Covid 19 and not to be used as a possible object of political gain.

“The fire-brigade deployment of federal security forces after each strike of terror is infeasible, ineffective in the protection of citizens, including particularly the farmers scattered in the huge ungoverned spaces all over the country, while such permanent engagements strip the military of the awesomeness of its invincibility.

“The current Inspector General of Police, Olatunji Disu, soon as he shook hands with Mr. President after his appointment, declared support for State Police and subsequently submitted a Memorandum to the National Assembly for consequential alteration of the Constitution.

“The same declaration of commitment to State Police was made last week by the Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele in the same spirit with which the House of Representatives started some debate over it yesterday.

“While the military and other armed forces are highly commended and appreciated in their patriotic combative assaults against insurgency and terrorism, their members are however admonished to shun any temptation or ill-advised encouragement and recruitment for intervention in civil and democratic governance.”

Four Political Parties Set For Bye Election In Ondo

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Ayodele Oni

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June 4, 2026

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By Ayodele Oni

Only four political parties will be participating in the bye election at Ondo senatorial district to elect a new senator on June 20.

The former senator, representing the district, Jimoh Ibrahim, has been appointed as the Nigeria’s Representative at the United Nations,(UN) by President Bola Tinubu.

The participating parties are the All Progressives Congress (APC), All Peoples Party, (APP) and Allied People’s Movement, (APM) and Boot Party.

‎The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) disclosed this on Thursday during a stakeholders’ meeting held in Okitipupa, the headquarters of the senatorial district.

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‎The Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in Ondo State, Dr. Mutiu Agboke, said the commission had concluded arrangements for the conduct of the bye-election.

He revealed that no fewer than 673,446 registered voters will vote during the poll.

According to him, the Senate declared the seat vacant on April 28, 2026, and directed INEC to conduct a bye-election in line with constitutional provisions.

‎Agboke pointed out that the eligible voters would cast their ballots across 1,354 polling units and 66 registration areas spread across the six local government areas in the district.

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‎The local government areas are Ile-Oluji/Oke-Igbo, Odigbo, Irele, Ilaje, Ese-Odo and Okitipupa.

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‎He noted that the voters’ register had been verified and cleaned, adding that the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration exercise would not affect the register to be used for the election.

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‎The REC disclosed that non-sensitive election materials had already been distributed, while sensitive materials would be received and deployed in the presence of political parties and security agencies.

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‎He further revealed that 1,359 BVAS machines had been tested and certified for the exercise, with 264 backup devices set aside for contingencies.

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‎”We want to assure all stakeholders that INEC is fully prepared for the Ondo South Senatorial District bye-election.

“The voters’ register has been verified, election materials are being deployed according to schedule, and only the votes cast by the electorate will determine the winner,” he said.

‎Agboke urged political actors and voters to maintain peace before, during and after the election, adding that candidates of the APC, APM, APP and Boot Party would contest the senatorial seat.

Oyo Abductors Reportedly List Demands, As Igboho Claims Politicians Behind Them

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Ayodele Oni

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June 4, 2026

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By Ayodele Oni

Abductors of school children and teachers in Oyo state have reportedly demanded for an exchange of some detainees in Agodi and Abolongo prisons in exchange for the victims.

This is just as government denied the social media report that the victims have reunited with their families.

Also, Yoruba Nation activist and self-determination campaigner, Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho, has alleged that politicians are sponsoring kidnappers responsible for recent school abductions in Oyo State and has threatened to publicly identify those involved if the attacks continue

It was gathered that the abductors of Oyo school children and teachers among others, demanded for payment of N1billion into an account in Benin Republic, two hilux buses and concession of some Oyo State laws on land acquisition.

Igboho made the claims while receiving newly elected executives of the National Association of Nigerian Students, led by Akinteye Babatunde, at his residence in the Soka area of Ibadan.

In a video that has since gained widespread attention online, the activist accused certain political figures of providing financial support and weapons to criminal groups operating in the state.

He warned that he would expose the individuals allegedly behind the kidnappings unless they ceased their activities.

According to him, he had volunteered to participate in efforts to rescue pupils abducted during recent attacks in Oriire Local Government Area, but was prevented from doing so by the Oyo State Government.

He claimed state officials later informed him that the kidnappers had threatened to kill the victims if he attempted any intervention.

Igboho insisted that security operatives under his influence could flush the kidnappers out of forest hideouts if granted approval, arguing that the criminals were not beyond the reach of coordinated security operations.

The activist also said he had established the Iru Ekun security network with federal approval, but was discouraged from deploying the outfit in the ongoing rescue mission.

He expressed frustration over what he described as restrictions placed on local security efforts despite growing concerns over insecurity in the region.

Beyond the kidnappings, Igboho linked the security situation to broader political developments, alleging that some individuals were deliberately working to undermine the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

He argued that certain actors were attempting to create instability and weaken public confidence in the government through insecurity and misinformation campaigns.

He further stated that he had no reason to oppose the President, whom he credited with supporting him during his period of exile.