Featured

Tinubu Promises End to ASUU Strikes in Nigeria As UNILAG Holds 56th Convocation Ceremony

Published

5 months ago

January 26, 2026

Eric

President Bola Tinubu has reassured Nigerians that there will be no more industrial action by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) or any other workers’ unions in the nation’s public tertiary institutions.

He stated that his administration is fully committed to this goal and will ensure it becomes a permanent feature of Nigeria’s education landscape.

Tinubu gave the assurance in Lagos while addressing the gathering at the recently concluded 56th Convocation ceremony of the University of Lagos (UNILAG) in Akoka.

A total of 16,506 students for the 2024/2025 academic session, spanning diploma, undergraduate, and postgraduate programs, were graduated at the event.

Speaking further through the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, the president highlighted some of the reforms and interventions his administration has introduced to drive meaningful development in tertiary education. These include the Nigerian Education Loans Fund (NELFUND) for students, the Institutional Staff Support Fund for tertiary school workers, and several other initiatives.

On ASUU, he said: “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.

“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.”

Tinubu underscored the importance of universities producing well-rounded graduates who will not only be job-ready but also become job creators and innovators.

Speaking earlier, the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of the university, Chief Wole Olanipekun, commended President Tinubu for addressing some of the challenges that have long plagued Nigeria’s public education system, including at the university level.

He, however, expressed strong concern over the rampant abuse of cyberspace in Nigeria, urging the Federal Government and relevant stakeholders to take measures to change this narrative.

He said, “The idea that someone can wake up, insult or abuse another person over the phone, record it, and share it on cyberspace with impunity can only happen in a lawless country.

“Cyberbullying or assault is a serious and punishable offense in countries like the United States and the United Kingdom. Nothing should stop Nigeria from enacting laws and enforcing them to discourage this practice.

“We cannot continue to live without laws guiding our conduct and behavior, both as citizens and as a government.”

Olanipekun congratulated the graduating students, urging them to contribute meaningfully to society.

On her part, the Vice-Chancellor of UNILAG, Prof. Folasade Ogunsola, commended members of the university Senate, staff, and other stakeholders for their commitment to advancing the university.

She congratulated the graduating students and their sponsors on their achievement, noting that all the graduates had been thoroughly trained. She urged them to turn challenges into opportunities to make a positive impact in their chosen fields and society at large.

The highlight of the ceremony was the presentation of academic and honorary awards to deserving individuals.

Notable honorees included Distinguished Professors James Olowokudejo and Duro Oni, both retired from UNILAG, who were awarded Emeritus Professorships. Prof. Akinsanya Osibogun, a renowned scholar of medicine, was elevated to Distinguished Professorship.

Other recipients included Professor Ayoka Mopelola Olusakin, former Director of Academic Planning at UNILAG, and Dr. (Mrs.) Taiwo Ipaye, former Registrar, both of whom received the Gold Medal award for their exceptional contributions to UNILAG and humanity.

Mr. Jubril Adewale Tinubu, founder and CEO of Oando Plc, and Mr. Kanu Agabi, former Minister of Justice, were conferred with honorary doctoral degrees.

Additionally, top-performing graduates were recognized, including Chukwuzubelu Benedict Umeozo, who graduated with a perfect 5.0 Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) as the overall best at the undergraduate level; Haruna Abubakar, who emerged as the overall best in the doctoral degree class; and Oyeyemi Adebamowo from the University’s Business School.

Featured

Fake Agency Scandal: NDC Demands Gbajabiamila’s Sack

Published

1 day ago

July 3, 2026

Eric

The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has called on President Bola Tinubu to immediately remove his Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, over allegations linking him to an alleged multi-billion-naira corruption scandal involving a purported non-existent government agency, the Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (PFIPC).

In a statement issued on Friday by its National Publicity Secretary, Osa Director, the opposition party described the allegations as grave and said Gbajabiamila’s continued stay in office could compromise any credible investigation into the matter.

The NDC’s demand follows allegations made by Prince Mathew Adeniyi Adeyemi, who claims to be the Director-General of the PFIPC, an agency the Presidency has publicly denied exists.

According to the party, the allegations raise serious concerns about transparency, accountability and integrity within the Tinubu administration.

The NDC alleged that despite the Presidency’s denial of the agency’s existence, the PFIPC purportedly secured budgetary allocations in the 2026 Appropriation Act and opened a domiciliary account, a Pound Sterling account and a Treasury Single Account (TSA) domiciled with the Central Bank of Nigeria.

The party questioned how an agency described as non-existent could allegedly establish multiple high-level government financial accounts without official approval or the required documentation.

It also called on the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation to explain whether forged documents were used in processing the accounts.

The statement further alleged that the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation approved 314 staff positions for the purported agency, describing the development as another issue requiring urgent explanation.

According to the NDC, the allegations also include claims that Gbajabiamila demanded 48 per cent of the agency’s take-off grant, reportedly valued at N27.39 billion, a request Adeyemi allegedly rejected.

The party also cited Adeyemi’s claim that he secured his appointment through the Chief of Staff after allegedly paying N600 million, of which N400 million was allegedly paid through proxies, while N200 million remained outstanding.

It said the alleged unpaid balance reportedly contributed to the Presidency’s subsequent denial of the agency’s existence.

The NDC further alleged that the claims point to a wider pattern of institutional corruption, including the alleged sale of public appointments.

The party also linked the controversy to the death of Babatunde Tanimola, whom it described as an intermediary between Adeyemi and the Chief of Staff.

According to the statement, Tanimola reportedly died in a fire incident at a hotel in Utako, Abuja, on October 22, 2025, a day after the police reportedly received a petition from the Chief of Staff.

The NDC also referenced Adeyemi’s claims that he survived multiple assassination attempts, including an attack along the Abuja-Kaduna Expressway on September 7, 2025, and alleged that certain individuals within government are plotting to eliminate him.

Against the backdrop of the allegations, the party demanded the immediate removal of Gbajabiamila to allow what it described as a full and impartial investigation.

It also called on President Tinubu to establish an independent investigative panel to examine the alleged operations of the PFIPC, including its budgetary allocations, financial transactions, account openings and staff recruitment.

The NDC further urged investigators to probe the circumstances surrounding Tanimola’s death and the alleged assassination attempts on Adeyemi, while recommending that Adeyemi be granted witness protection.

The party also demanded that the Chief of Staff produce all official documents signed since assuming office for forensic examination.

In addition, it called for the questioning of officials of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation, and the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation over their alleged roles in the matter.

The opposition party also urged the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) and the Nigeria Police Force to commence what it described as a thorough investigation without fear or favour.

“The NDC will not accept the usual tactic of issuing a mere defensive press release from the Presidency as a deflective ploy. Nigerians deserve to know the truth through a transparent process that promotes fairness and justice,” the statement said.

The Presidency has previously maintained that the PFIPC is not a recognised government agency.

As of the time of filing this report, neither the Presidency nor Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila had responded to the fresh allegations contained in the NDC statement.

Featured

Glo-sponsored African Voices Features Former CNN Anchor, Isha Sesay

Published

1 day ago

July 3, 2026

Eric

Accomplished journalist and former Cable News Network (CNN) International anchor, Isha Sesay, will this week return to the studios of the global news network, not as an interviewer, but as the subject of its celebrated 30-minute magazine programme, African Voices, sponsored by telecommunications giant, Globacom.

The episode will shine a spotlight on the remarkable journey of the distinguished broadcaster whose career has traversed some of the most influential corridors of international journalism.

The 50-year-old British-Sierra Leonean media personality, born on January 6, 1976, rose to prominence through an illustrious career at CNN, which she joined as a news anchor in 2005 after distinguished stints with the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) and Sky News. Over the years, Sesay became one of the most recognisable and respected faces in global television news, bringing clarity and composure to some of the world’s most consequential stories.

An alumna of Trinity College, Cambridge, United Kingdom, Sesay steadily carved a distinctive niche for herself in broadcast journalism. In 2009, she became the host of the inaugural edition of International Desk, CNN’s weekly news programme, further cementing her reputation as a journalist of substance and international standing.

Her career afforded her the opportunity to engage with numerous eminent personalities, including former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo and his successor, the late President Umaru Yar’Adua, among other notable global figures.

Sesay also contributed to Anderson Cooper 360° as presenter of the 360 Bulletin, a role she assumed on January 17, 2011. Subsequently, she was reassigned as anchor of another flagship news programme, CNN NewsCenter, continuing a professional trajectory that reflected both versatility and excellence.

Beyond the newsroom, Sesay has demonstrated a deep commitment to social impact. In 2014, she launched her educational and humanitarian non-profit advocacy initiative for the African girl-child. The organisation, aptly named Women Everywhere Can Lead, has since provided educational support and empowerment opportunities aimed at nurturing a new generation of female leaders across the continent.

More recently, Sesay captured public attention with her personal journey into motherhood, welcoming her first child through In-Vitro Fertilisation (IVF) as a single mother. Her experience has resonated with many women around the world, adding another compelling chapter to a life story already rich in courage, resilience and inspiration.

On this edition of African Voices, Sesay will share insights into her distinguished career, her enduring advocacy for girls’ education and empowerment, as well as her new and deeply personal adventure into motherhood. The programme will air on Saturday at 7.30am.

Repeat broadcasts will follow at 11.00am on the same day, while additional screenings are scheduled for Sunday at 3.30am and 6.00pm. Further rebroadcasts will air on Monday at 3.00am and 5.45pm, and on Tuesday at 5.45 pm, with the same time belt continuing into the following week until Monday at 3.00am

Featured

President Tinubu Addresses Wife, Remi, As ‘Iya Alakara’

Published

1 day ago

July 3, 2026

Eric

President Bola Tinubu drew laughter at the Presidential Press Corps Dinner on Thursday, after playfully referring to First Lady Oluremi Tinubu as “Iya Alakara”, a Yoruba phrase meaning “the woman who sells bean cakes”

The light-hearted moment happened during the inaugural dinner at the State House Banquet Hall in Abuja as the President welcomed guests.

Addressing the audience, Tinubu said: “Good evening, gentlemen of the press, ladies and gentlemen, my dear wife, the First Lady, Iya Alakara.”

The audience laughed as the First Lady smiled.

The remark referred to recent online reactions to comments made by Oluremi Tinubu about small businesses.

At a recent event under the Renewed Hope Initiative, she encouraged women to consider small businesses such as selling akara, roasted corn and kuli-kuli, saying they need little start-up capital.

Her comments sparked debate on social media, with some Nigerians saying the advice did not reflect the country’s current economic situation.

Responding to the criticism days later, the First Lady said her remarks were misunderstood and explained that the programme supports different types of small traders and provides grants to help them grow.

The President’s remark was widely seen as a light joke about the online debate over the First Lady’s comments and public concerns about the country’s economic situation.