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By:Tajudeen Aminat
The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has confirmed the release of the immediate past Students’ Union Government (SUG) President of the Federal University Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE), James Adio, days after he was remanded by a Magistrate Court in Ekiti State.
NANS President, Akinteye Babatunde, announced the development in a post on his X handle on Friday, describing Adio’s release as a triumph for justice.
“I am pleased to announce that Comrade Adio, the immediate past FUOYE SUG President, who was remanded in prison, has regained his freedom.
“I just spoke with him personally, and I am delighted to confirm that he is in high spirits,” Akinteye wrote.
He commended the Chairman of the NANS Joint Campus Committee (JCC) in Ekiti State for his dedication and leadership throughout the period of Adio’s detention.
“I sincerely commend the NANS JCC Chairman, Ekiti State, for his unwavering commitment and exceptional leadership throughout this period. He has once again demonstrated that he is a thoroughly bred comrade, always ready to stand for justice and the welfare of students,” he said.
The NANS president also praised the association’s National Head of Administration for his commitment and efforts toward securing Adio’s release.
“I also appreciate the NANS National Head of Administration for his proactiveness, dedication and relentless efforts in ensuring this positive outcome.
“This victory is a reminder that when we stand together in solidarity, justice can prevail,” he added.
PUNCH Online had earlier reported that NANS directed its members in Ekiti State to begin mobilising for peaceful protests following Adio’s remand by the Magistrate Court.
The association described the remand as a miscarriage of justice, alleging that Adio was imprisoned over a case he had personally instituted before the court.
According to NANS, Adio was the complainant in the matter and was not facing any criminal charges. The association accused the Directorate of Public Prosecutions and the presiding magistrate of turning the case against him.
It also threatened to stage peaceful protests at the Ekiti State High Court, the Magistrate Court and the office of the Directorate of Public Prosecutions while demanding his immediate release.
As of the time of filing this report, neither the court nor the Ekiti State Ministry of Justice had officially disclosed the circumstances surrounding Adio’s release.
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By:Tajudeen Aminat
The University of Lagos (UNILAG) has come under fire on social media following the appearance of Afrobeats singer Fola, born Folarin Odunlami, at his final-year project defence in an outfit many online users described as inappropriate for an academic exercise.
Photos and videos circulating online showed the singer, who reportedly defended his project in the Department of Economics Education, Faculty of Education, dressed in baggy trousers, a shirt, a scarf and multiple accessories. He was also seen arriving on campus in a Cadillac Escalade.
The images quickly sparked debate on X, with several users questioning whether the university had relaxed its standards because of Fola’s celebrity status.
Some social media users claimed that ordinary students had previously been barred from defending their projects over dress code violations, while the singer was allegedly allowed to proceed without objection. However, UNILAG has not confirmed that Fola violated any dress code or received preferential treatment.
One X user, @Nurse__lyon, said although he admired the singer, dressing appropriately for a project defence was a sign of respect for the institution.
“Don’t get me wrong, I love Fola, but there’s a saying, ‘Give unto Caesar what belongs to Caesar.’ It wouldn’t have taken anything from him to dress appropriately for an occasion such as his project defence. It also speaks to the indiscipline in our institutions,” the user wrote.
Another user, @ithought_iwas2, recounted a personal experience, claiming he was initially denied access to his own project defence despite wearing formal attire until he borrowed a blazer.
Reacting to the controversy, @Inspector_khay1 argued that wealth and fame should not exempt students from observing institutional standards.
“It wouldn’t have cost him anything to dress corporate, or at least wear something decent for his project defence. Being rich isn’t an excuse. There’s a time and place for everything,” the user wrote.
Similarly, @iamnotfredrick criticised both the singer and the university, questioning why such an outfit was allegedly permitted.
Another user, @Inviiin, argued that no student should receive preferential treatment, while @IbimBoyle questioned whether Fola was being treated differently from other students who had reportedly been sanctioned for dress code violations.
Also weighing in, @Thepentane_ claimed such an appearance would not have been tolerated at some other Nigerian universities.
However, not everyone agreed with the criticism.
Defending both the singer and the institution, @Damilaredeicon argued that corporate dressing is not a compulsory requirement for project defences in many tertiary institutions, particularly for non-professional courses, adding that UNILAG may not strictly enforce such a policy.
Some of Fola’s coursemates also shared photos and videos with the singer after the exercise, suggesting he completed his project defence without any disruption. One user, @Hbee_tech, wrote that Fola travelled from Canada to defend his final-year project, while @muyiwaCD posted a photo taken with the singer after the defence.
Despite the widespread online reactions, neither Fola nor the University of Lagos had issued an official statement as of the time of filing this report.
PUNCH Online could not independently verify claims that the singer breached any official dress code or received special treatment during the project defence.
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By; Sunmola Ganiyat
Applications have opened for the Zacch Adedeji Taxation and Fiscal Policy Fellowship, a programme aimed at equipping young professionals with practical knowledge and hands-on experience in taxation, fiscal policy and public finance. Zacch Adedeji (Premium Times Nigeria)
According to information shared on the Federal Character Commission’s X account, interested applicants are required to complete and submit their applications through the fellowship’s official application portal before the August 15, 2026 deadline.
The fellowship is open to young professionals between the ages of 18 and 40 who are interested in building careers in tax administration, fiscal policy and public finance.
Applicants are advised to ensure that all information submitted is accurate, current and verifiable. They are also encouraged to clearly outline their vision, relevant experience and innovative ideas in the short-answer sections of the application.
Organisers noted that applicants can edit their submissions before the closing date, but incomplete applications or those submitted after the deadline will not be considered.
Prospective candidates must also provide a valid email address that can receive updates and notifications throughout the selection process.
Successful applicants will benefit from expert-led training, professional mentorship, field exposure and practical policy experience designed to strengthen their expertise in taxation and fiscal policy.
Applicants are encouraged to complete and submit their entries well ahead of the August 15, 2026 deadline to avoid last-minute technical or submission challenges.
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By Aishat Momoh. O.
The Lagos State University (LASU) has commenced preparations for the 2026/2027 academic session admissions, with the inauguration of its Central Admissions Committee and a renewed commitment to ensuring a transparent, seamless and merit-based admission process.
The university disclosed this on Tuesday during its Central Admissions Committee Policy Meeting held at the Council Chamber of the Babatunde Raji Fashola Senate Building, Main Campus, Ojo.
The meeting was convened under the leadership of the Vice-Chancellor, Distinguished Professor Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello, mni, NPOM, and chaired by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), Professor Oluwatoyin Enikuomehin, who represented the Vice-Chancellor.
Addressing committee members, Professor Enikuomehin said the policy meeting was organised to acquaint members with the latest developments, guidelines and data relating to the 2026/2027 admissions exercise while outlining their individual responsibilities in ensuring a credible and efficient process.
He emphasised the importance of transparency, diligence and strict adherence to admission regulations, noting that the committee plays a critical role in safeguarding the integrity of the university’s admission system.
According to him, the meeting also provided an opportunity to review the university’s admission procedures and align members with institutional and regulatory requirements before the commencement of admissions.
The meeting was attended by principal officers and key stakeholders involved in the admissions process, including the Registrar, Mr. Emmanuel Fanu, represented by the Senior Deputy Registrar, Mr. Samuel Otesanya; the Bursar, Mr. Olabisi Yusuf, FCA; the Technical Consultant on Admissions, Dr. Ashiribo Wusu; the Admissions Officer, Mr. Agboola Bamgboye; the Provost of the Lagos State University College of Medicine (LASUCOM), as well as Deans of Faculties and Directors of relevant academic programmes.
The university announced that with the successful conclusion of its indigeneship verification and screening exercises, full admission processing for the 2026/2027 academic session has officially commenced.
LASU also highlighted its continued popularity among prospective students, recalling that it emerged as the most sought-after university in Nigeria during the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) admission cycle.
According to the institution, it received more than 70,000 applications through the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), reaffirming its position as the first-choice university for many admission seekers across the country.
The university expressed optimism that the admissions exercise would be conducted smoothly and in line with established guidelines, ensuring that qualified candidates are offered admission through a fair and transparent process.
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By; Aina Daniel
The North East Development Commission has said its decision to establish mega schools across the three senatorial districts of Adamawa State is aimed at improving access to quality education, particularly for children in rural communities.
Speaking in an exclusive interview with Arewa PUNCH on Wednesday, the NEDC Coordinator in Adamawa State, Alhaji Khalifa Lawan, said the initiative is part of the commission’s broader strategy to bridge the educational gap between rural and urban areas.
Lawan explained that education is one of the commission’s core development priorities, ranking as the fourth pillar among its 11 strategic focus areas.
“Our 11 pillars for the development of the North-East have education as the fourth pillar. The goal is recovery and renewal through rebuilding educational facilities destroyed or damaged by years of conflict in the region,” he said.
According to him, the commission is constructing modern schools in Guyuk, Song and Mubi South to ensure that quality education is accessible across the state’s three senatorial districts.
He added that the schools are equipped with modern classrooms, administrative buildings, staff quarters, hostels, clinics, boreholes and independent power supply through solar energy.
Lawan said the comprehensive design of the schools is intended to address challenges such as poor teacher attendance and student absenteeism by providing a comfortable learning and working environment.
“The mega schools built by the NEDC are designed like private universities. The students’ hostels are excellent, while both students and staff have access to essential facilities that support learning and productivity,” he said.
He stressed that quality education remains critical to sustainable development, noting that an educated population is better equipped to appreciate and protect public infrastructure.
“Most of the youths vandalising public property do so out of ignorance. If not, how can someone cut down poles for solar-powered streetlights that are meant to improve security and support businesses in the community?” he asked.
Lawan said the commission deliberately located the schools in communities far from the state capital to ensure children from underserved areas have access to the same educational opportunities as those in urban centres.
“The location of the mega schools in the three senatorial districts of Adamawa sends a clear message that quality education is for every citizen. Guyuk, Song and Mubi South were selected because they are far from Yola, making quality education more accessible to rural communities,” he said.
He also appealed to residents of the host communities to safeguard the facilities, describing them as investments in the future of their children and the development of the region.
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By; Aina Daniel
A member of the House of Representatives representing Ibadan North-West/Ibadan South-West Federal Constituency, Adedeji Olajide, has pledged ₦50 million to support the University of Ibadan Students’ Legislative Summit, reaffirming his commitment to youth empowerment and leadership development.
Olajide made the announcement during his induction into the University of Ibadan Students’ Union at an event held in Adeoyo, Ring Road, Ibadan, on Wednesday.
The lawmaker, who is also the Allied Peoples Movement’s candidate for the Oyo South Senatorial District in the 2027 election, praised the unity and progress within the students’ body, saying sustained mentorship would help unlock greater achievements.
Describing his induction as both an honour and a responsibility, Olajide said he was prepared to invest more resources in equipping young people in Oyo State and the University of Ibadan with the skills needed to thrive in an increasingly competitive world.
“My new role will be to help you restore values and discipline. I also want to advise you all to remain focused and avoid distractions on campus. On the Students’ Legislative Summit, I will support you with the sum of ₦50 million,” he said.
Popularly known as Odidiomo, Olajide noted that the induction would strengthen students’ social networks and encourage broader engagement among young leaders.
He also highlighted his recent donation of 20 laptops to the Oyo State Youth Parliament through the Oyo State Agency for Youth Development, describing it as part of efforts to bridge the digital divide among young people.
“The digital gap in our society is too wide, and we need to begin closing it aggressively. I will soon launch a digital centre, and I want students to be part of it. Participants will also benefit from a training programme that I will personally facilitate,” he said.
Olajide urged the newly inaugurated members of the Oyo State Youth Parliament to remain focused, united and committed to public service as they prepare for future leadership roles.
Speaking at the event, Speaker of the University of Ibadan Students’ Legislative Council, John Oludele, said the induction recognised Olajide’s longstanding contributions to youth and student development in Oyo State and beyond.
He described the honour as a reflection of the lawmaker’s dedication to empowering young people and expressed confidence that it would inspire others to support educational and youth-focused initiatives.
Chairperson of the University Students’ Union Representative Council Legislative Summit, Oluwagbemileke Ajayi, called on the government to address infrastructure challenges in tertiary institutions by improving hostels, libraries, classrooms, ICT facilities and mentorship programmes to create a more conducive learning environment.
Also speaking, Chairman of the Oyo State Agency for Youth Development, Prince Adebowale Falana, commended Olajide for his continued investment in youth development and educational advancement across the state.
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By:Tajudeen Aminat
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board is set to begin a new chapter in its leadership on Friday as its outgoing Registrar, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, formally hands over to his successor, Prof. Segun Aina.
In a statement released on Wednesday, JAMB announced that the handover ceremony would take place at 10 a.m. on Friday, July 31, 2026, and would be streamed live on the board’s official social media platforms.
The board invited members of the public to witness what it described as a landmark event in its leadership transition.
“Join us for the live broadcast of the official handover ceremony as Prof. Is-haq Oloyede, the outgoing Registrar of JAMB, formally hands over to Prof. Segun Aina,” the statement read.
The event marks the conclusion of Oloyede’s tenure, which officially ends on July 31, and the commencement of Aina’s leadership of the examination body.
President Bola Tinubu had earlier appointed Aina as the new Registrar of JAMB to succeed Oloyede. The appointment was announced in a statement by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.
According to the Presidency, Aina is a Professor of Computer Engineering at Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, with extensive expertise in digital infrastructure, national examination systems and institutional reforms.
He holds a Bachelor of Engineering degree in Computer Systems Engineering from the University of Kent, a Master’s degree in Internet Computing and Network Security, and a PhD in Digital Signal Processing from Loughborough University, United Kingdom. He also completed the Senior Management Programme at Lagos Business School.
The Presidency noted that Aina has over 15 years of experience advising federal and state governments on digital transformation, systems design and institutional reforms.
He has also worked as a consultant to examination bodies, including the National Examinations Council and the National Business and Technical Examinations Board, providing expertise on ICT systems and examination integrity.
Describing him as one of Nigeria’s youngest professors of Computer Engineering, the Presidency said Aina would become the youngest Registrar in JAMB’s history.
President Tinubu expressed confidence that the incoming registrar would build on the reforms and achievements recorded during Oloyede’s tenure while further strengthening the operations of the examination body.
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By; Sunmola Ganiyat
Troops of Sector 2, Joint Task Force North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have foiled multiple kidnap attempts and rescued the Rector of the Federal Polytechnic, Kaura Namoda, Dr Aminu Yusuf, along with several other victims in separate operations across Zamfara State.
The military disclosed this in a statement issued on Tuesday by the Media Information Officer of Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Danja.
According to the statement, the first incident occurred in the early hours of July 28 when troops responded to a distress call about terrorist activities around Tsohon-Tasha Street in Kaura Namoda Local Government Area.
Danja said the attackers had invaded the rector’s residence, killed his private security guard and injured another resident before attempting to abduct Yusuf and members of his family.
He said troops arrived at the scene and engaged the attackers with superior firepower, forcing them to flee and abandon their victims.
The rector and his family were subsequently rescued unharmed.
In a separate operation the same day, troops conducting night patrols responded to a distress call from the Tungan Dorawa community in Barkeji Village, where terrorists were reportedly attempting to abduct residents.
Despite the difficult terrain, which initially slowed their movement, the troops pursued the fleeing suspects, engaged them and successfully foiled the abduction attempt.
Danja also disclosed that troops simultaneously confronted another group of terrorists in the same community who were attempting to abduct a prominent businessman identified as Alhaji Azaria.
He said the troops’ prompt intervention forced the attackers to flee and abandon their mission.
Azaria and 21 other civilians who had been abducted from neighbouring houses were rescued during the operation.
The military also announced the arrest of a 45-year-old suspected terrorist informant, Falalu Yusuf, who was allegedly collaborating with the attackers.
Danja said the suspect had been handed over to the relevant authorities for investigation and further action.
He commended the troops for their courage, vigilance and professionalism, assuring residents that Operation FANSAN YAMMA remained committed to restoring peace and security in Zamfara State and the wider North-West region.
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By; Sunmola Ganiyat
The Plateau State Police Command has arrested four suspects over the alleged mob killing of a University of Jos graduate, Ibrahim Pilasar Mbaya, popularly known as Ibee, who was reportedly accused of stealing an iPhone 12.
The suspects, who recounted their alleged roles during police interrogation, spoke in a video shared by Manari TV on Tuesday.
Mbaya, a Political Science graduate who was awaiting mobilisation for the National Youth Service Corps, allegedly died after he was attacked over the missing phone.
The prime suspect, 30-year-old Emmanuel Newyear, admitted hitting Mbaya three times with a wooden plank.
Newyear, who had earlier been identified by the police as the principal suspect seen in a viral video assaulting Mbaya, said he first slapped the deceased before striking him with the plank.
He claimed he attacked Mbaya because he believed the victim was withholding information about the missing phone.
According to Newyear, Mbaya mentioned three different locations where the phone was allegedly hidden, prompting the suspects to search the areas, but the device was not found.
Newyear said he later instructed others not to assault Mbaya before leaving to rest.
However, he claimed that when he returned about one or two hours later, he found a crowd gathered around the deceased, who had allegedly been severely assaulted and had his hair tied with barbed wire.
The owner of the missing phone, 25-year-old Rinji Daniel Fwanji, also narrated how Mbaya came to spend the night at his residence after they returned from an event in the early hours of July 26.
Daniel said he woke up around 4 a.m. and discovered that both Mbaya and his iPhone 12 were missing.
He said repeated calls to Mbaya initially went unanswered until another person used a different phone to contact him, after which Mbaya agreed to return.
Daniel alleged that Mbaya had previously taken some of his belongings and said he initially intended to pursue the matter through legal means.
When asked who first assaulted Mbaya, Daniel identified Emmanuel Newyear.
He also confirmed that the missing iPhone had not been recovered.
Another suspect, Joshua Tell, admitted helping to restrain Mbaya while he was being tied, saying he held the deceased’s legs during the assault.
Nensemka Fwanji, Daniel’s brother, said he witnessed the assault and later rushed Mbaya to the hospital after seeing the extent of his injuries.
He said he found Mbaya severely beaten when he returned to the room and was the person who took him to the hospital.
Asked whether the missing phone had been recovered, Nensemka said it had not.
Meanwhile, Mbaya’s younger sister has called for justice, demanding that everyone involved in her brother’s death be prosecuted.
She described Mbaya as a peaceful and hardworking person and said she had never known him to be involved in stealing.
The Plateau State Police Command had earlier announced the arrest of Emmanuel Newyear, Rinji Daniel Fwanji and Nensemka Fwanji before confirming Joshua Tell as the fourth suspect in custody.
Police spokesperson, SP Alfred Alabo, said preliminary investigations indicated that Mbaya was accused of stealing an iPhone 12 but was allegedly assaulted instead of being handed over to the authorities.
According to the police, the suspects allegedly beat Mbaya until he became unconscious before taking him to the Jos University Teaching Hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival.
The command said two other suspects linked to the incident remained at large, adding that efforts were ongoing to arrest them.
The police also said the suspects already in custody would be charged to court after the conclusion of investigations.
The killing has generated widespread condemnation, with students, civil society groups, the National Association of Nigerian Students and other members of the public demanding justice and calling for the prosecution of all those responsible.
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By: Balogun Ibrahim
President Bola Tinubu has described the absence of strikes by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) since he assumed office as an answer to his prayers.
The President made the remark on Tuesday while receiving members of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
Acknowledging the economic challenges faced by Nigerians, Tinubu said his administration had stabilised the country and was beginning to see the positive effects of its reforms.
According to him, the quality of life is gradually improving, with signs of prosperity beginning to emerge despite inheriting significant economic challenges from the previous administration.
Tinubu cited the uninterrupted academic calendar in public universities as one of the major achievements of his administration, noting that students can now complete their courses within the stipulated timeframe because ASUU has not embarked on prolonged industrial action.
The President said the absence of strikes had spared Nigerian families the hardship and uncertainty that previously accompanied disruptions in the university system.
ASUU has a long history of industrial actions in Nigeria’s public universities, with strikes between 1999 and 2022 accounting for more than five years of lost academic time. Its most recent action, a nine-month strike in 2022, remains the longest in the union’s history.
Tinubu noted that no prolonged ASUU strike has occurred since he took office in May 2023, a period that also coincided with the introduction of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund.
Speaking on national security, the President urged Nigerians to remain united, stressing that despite the country’s challenges, citizens must work together to build a peaceful and prosperous nation.
The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria, established in 1956, is one of the country’s leading religious organisations with a strong presence in education, healthcare and social services.