The Akwa Ibom State Polytechnic community in Ikot Osurua is in mourning following a fatal accident that claimed the lives of two female students and a motorcyclist.
The victims, Abasifreke Okon and Irene Edwin, both National Diploma (ND 2) students of Science Laboratory Technology (SLT), were reportedly on their way to gather materials for practical examinations when the tragic incident occurred.
The State Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Mr. Mathew Olonisaye, confirmed the accident, stating that it happened around 3:30 pm on Monday at a junction near Ikot Inyang village along the Ikot Ekpene-Aba road. The motorcyclist, who was conveying the students, also lost his life in the accident.
Olonisaye attributed the cause of the accident to wrongful overtaking and expressed condolences to the school authorities, parents, and families of the deceased.
The school has reportedly suspended ongoing examinations to allow the campus community to mourn the loss of the students.
The incident serves as a reminder for road users to adhere to road safety rules and regulations.
The Police Command in Kaduna State has refuted misleading media reports regarding the alleged abduction of commuters along the Kaduna-Abuja expressway on January 6.
In a statement issued by the command’s Public Relations Officer, ASP Mansir Hassan, it was clarified that there was a heavy gun duel between security operatives and armed bandits along the expressway.
The incident occurred when a large number of armed bandits attempted to cross the expressway at Dogon Fili area, heading towards Jere axis.
Security agents engaged the bandits in a fierce shootout, dislodging them and causing many to escape with gunshot wounds.
The statement emphasized that commuters caught in the crossfire sustained varying degrees of bullet injuries, and six individuals were rushed to the hospital for medical attention.
The Police Command urged the public to be vigilant and report any person or persons with suspected bullet injuries to the nearest police station or security outfit.
The incident was described as unfortunate and isolated, emphasizing that the Kaduna-Abuja expressway has been fortified for the safety of commuters.
The Commissioner of Police, Mr. Ali Dabigi, encouraged journalists to verify stories with concerned security agencies before publication to ensure accurate information reaches the public.
The statement concluded by urging the general public to disregard the misleading and fear-inducing story.
The presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar, has commended President Bola Tinubu for the suspension of the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Betta Edu. Atiku, in a statement, expressed approval of the move but emphasized that it was not sufficient.
Tinubu had directed the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to investigate financial transactions involving the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation after Edu faced criticism for directing the transfer of N585 million to a private account. Atiku acknowledged the commendable decision but raised concerns about the appointment of Edu in the first place, questioning her qualifications and experience in the development sector.
The former Vice President called for a broader reform of the ministry and other interventionist programs, describing them as an “ATM and POS for those in power.” He urged the government to fish out and prosecute others who might have benefited from funds meant for the poor, emphasizing the need for immediate and urgent actions to address systemic corruption.
Atiku also referenced the ongoing probe of the previous Humanitarian Affairs Minister, Sadiya Umar Farouq, for alleged N37 billion fraud, emphasizing that reform is crucial to rectify the issues within the ministry. He criticized the alleged diversion of funds during the COVID-19 lockdown, pointing out discrepancies in claims about the distribution of relief funds.
The statement concluded with Atiku accusing the All Progressives Congress (APC) of weaponizing poverty and hunger to control the minds of vulnerable masses, labeling it an instrument of official corruption. The call for accountability and reform aligns with growing concerns about financial mismanagement within government agencies responsible for poverty alleviation and humanitarian efforts.
Nigerians have expressed appreciation for President Bola Tinubu’s decision to reduce the size of his entourage for domestic and international travels by 60%, lauding the move as a decisive step to curb excessive travel spending.
The austerity measures apply not only to the President but also to federal ministries, departments, agencies, the Office of the Vice President, and the wives of both the President and Vice President.
Ajuri Ngelale, the President’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, announced the cost-cutting exercise, revealing specific limits on the number of individuals allowed to accompany officials on trips. On international travels, the President and Vice President are limited to 20 individuals, while the First Lady and the Vice President’s wife are restricted to five. Domestic trips will have corresponding limits of 25, 10, 15, and 10 for the President, First Lady, Vice President, and Vice President’s wife, respectively.
The directive also emphasizes that security outfits within states will handle the protective detail for these officials during their travels within those states.
Nigerians took to social media to commend President Tinubu for leading by example and promoting prudence in government spending. The move comes five weeks after the administration faced criticism for sponsoring a large delegation to the United Nations’ COP28 Climate Change Summit in Dubai.
The directive has been hailed for its potential impact on reducing recurrent expenditure and fostering fiscal responsibility. Some users urged governors and other officials to emulate President Tinubu’s example, advocating for similar measures at the state level. Overall, the response indicates public support for efforts to curb wasteful spending and promote accountability in government affairs.
The Lagos State Police Command has acknowledged receiving a petition from Nigerian singer Tiwa Savage, who has accused Grammy nominee Davido of alleged bullying and threats to her life. Benjamin Hundeyin, the Police Public Relations Officer, confirmed the receipt of the petition and stated that an investigation has commenced.
In the petition, Savage detailed the events that transpired after she made a post, including herself and Sophia Momodu, on Instagram. The singer claimed that Davido responded with disrespectful and malicious words, prompting her to express disappointment and remind him of her support during difficult times, such as the loss of his son, Ifeanyi.
Savage further alleged receiving calls from mutual connections questioning her relationship with Sophia and seeking to know what upset Davido. The petition mentioned that Davido told these connections to warn her to be careful in Lagos as he intended to confront her.
The unfolding dispute between the two artists gained attention when they unfollowed each other on Instagram, sparking speculation and discussions on social media. The reason for the rift remains unclear, with some suggesting it may be linked to Savage’s friendship with Sophia.
Before Savage’s petition, music executive Tee Billz had publicly criticized Davido for allegedly disrespecting Tiwa Savage and threatening to teach her a lesson. Tee Billz accused Davido of bullying his ex-lover and called attention to what he perceived as inappropriate behavior.
Efforts to reach Davido’s manager, Asa Asika, for comments on the matter were unsuccessful at the time of reporting.
The investigation by the Lagos Police reflects the increasing intersection of celebrity disputes with legal scrutiny, bringing to light issues of online and offline harassment in the entertainment industry.
In a significant development, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has seized the passports of the suspended Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Betta Edu, and her predecessor, Sadiya Umar-Farouq. This move is a precautionary measure to prevent them from leaving the country while investigations into the scandals within the ministry are ongoing.
Edu, who faced questioning at the EFCC headquarters in Abuja, is under investigation for her alleged involvement in a N44 billion fraud within the ministry. The commission’s investigators are delving into the intricacies of the scandal, including the transfer of N585 million to a private account, as revealed in a leaked memo.
Umar-Farouq, who was interrogated for 12 hours on Monday, is also connected to the probe into the alleged laundering of N37.1 billion during her tenure through a contractor, James Okwete. Her passport was seized as part of her bail conditions.
Additionally, Ms Halima Shehu, the National Coordinator and CEO of the National Social Investment Programme, another agency under the humanitarian ministry, has been suspended indefinitely over alleged financial misappropriation. Shehu, who had been arrested and questioned by the EFCC, faces accusations related to the movement of N44 billion from the NSIPA account to suspicious private and corporate accounts.
Furthermore, managing directors of three commercial banks were questioned on Tuesday in connection with the fraud investigations. The EFCC sources confirmed that these banks were deeply involved in the financial improprieties under scrutiny.
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, reacting to the unfolding scandals, accused the All Progressives Congress (APC) of using the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation as a financial resource for successive governments. Atiku commended the suspension of Minister Edu but called for broader reforms within the ministry to address systemic corruption and ensure accountability in interventionist programs.
In a significant development, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has seized the passports of the suspended Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Betta Edu, and her predecessor, Sadiya Umar-Farouq. This move comes in the wake of the ongoing investigations into scandals within the ministry.
Edu, who appeared at the EFCC headquarters in Abuja on Tuesday, has been under intense scrutiny regarding the uncovered N44 billion fraud within the ministry. The commission’s investigators, working to unravel the intricacies of the alleged fraud, continued questioning Edu throughout the day.
As part of the broader investigation, managing directors of three commercial banks were also reportedly questioned on Tuesday concerning their involvement in the scandal.
The controversy surrounding Edu intensified after a leaked memo disclosed her directive to transfer N585 million to a private account belonging to Oniyelu Bridget, purportedly the Project Accountant for Grants for Vulnerable Groups. Edu defended the transaction, asserting that the funds were intended for vulnerable groups in specific states.
In response to mounting public pressure, President Tinubu suspended Edu on Monday and instructed her to hand over to the permanent secretary in the ministry. Edu, complying with an EFCC invitation, underwent an extended interrogation session on Tuesday, during which both her personal and official passports were seized, restricting her travel abroad during the investigation. The EFCC continues to delve into the alleged financial improprieties within the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation.
The All Progressives Congress (APC) has responded to Atiku Abubakar’s remarks regarding the corruption allegations against the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management, and Social Development, Sadiya Umar Farouq. Bala Ibrahim, the APC Director of Publicity, cautioned Atiku against premature conclusions, emphasizing that Edu is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
Ibrahim criticized both Atiku and the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), asserting that they have faced more corruption allegations than Edu and the APC. He highlighted the presumption of innocence in law and commended President Tinubu’s response to the allegations, portraying him as a leader who listens to the concerns of the nation and acts within the confines of the law.
Emphasizing the ongoing investigation, Ibrahim stated, “It will be wrong for anyone to jump to the conclusion that there is theft or that the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs is a conduit that is made to siphon public funds for APC governments.” He defended the APC, acknowledging that no political party is without individuals facing allegations but stressed the importance of a party’s willingness to address wrongdoings.
In a related development, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has called for the suspension and investigation of the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, over his alleged involvement in a N438 million contract awarded by Edu. The PDP urged the President to take immediate action to protect public resources and hand Tunji-Ojo over to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for investigation.
***Full List: 107 Private Varsities To Be Investigated By FG’s Panel
The Federal Ministry of Education inaugurated an inter-ministerial committee on Tuesday to investigate the operations of private and foreign universities in Nigeria. Led by the Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, the committee includes the Minister of Youths, Jamila Bio-Ibrahim, and the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, among others.
One key term of reference for the committee is to scrutinize private universities established within the last 15 years. The committee will assess whether these institutions possess prescribed facilities, maintain an appropriate management structure, have adequate funding for programs, and employ the necessary staff, including full-time, contract, adjunct, visiting, and other staff types.
The National Universities Commission (NUC) periodically accredits universities, but this investigation seeks to ensure that recently established private universities align with the stipulated standards. The NUC’s website currently lists a total of 147 private universities in Nigeria, with 107 of them established within the last 15 years.
The government’s move to scrutinize these institutions underscores the commitment to maintaining quality standards in the nation’s higher education sector. The investigative panel will shed light on the adherence of recently established private universities to regulatory requirements and ensure the delivery of quality education to students across the country.
They are;
Adeleke University, Ede, Osun State
Baze University, FCT Abuja
Landmark University, Omu-Aran, Kwara State
Glorious Vision University (formerly Samuel Adegboyega University), Ogwa, Edo State
McPherson University, Seriki Sotayo, Ajebo, Ogun State
Elizade University, Ilara-Mokin, Ondo State
Southwestern University, Oku Owa, Ogun State
Evangel University, Ebonyi State
Gregory University, Uturu, Abia State
Augustine University, Ilara, Lagos State
Chrisland University, Owode, Ogun State
Christopher University, Mowe, Ogun State
Hallmark University, Ijebu-Itele, Ogun State
Kings University Ode-Omu, Osun State
Michael & Cecilia Ibru University, Owhode, Delta State
Mountain Top University, Makogi/Oba, Ogun State
Ritman University, Ikot Ekpene, Akwalbom State
Summit University, Offa, Kwara State
Edwin Clark University, Kiagbodo, Delta State
Hezekiah University, Umudi, Imo State
Anchor University, Ayobo, Lagos State
Arthur Jarvis University, Akpabuyo, Cross River State
Clifford University, Abia State
Coal City University, Enugu state
Ojaja University, Ilorin, Kwara state
Dominican University, Ibadan, Oyo State
Kola Daisi University., Ibadan, Oyo State
Legacy University, Okija, Anambra State
Spiritan University, Neochi, Abia State
Precious Cornerstone, Ibadan, Oyo State
PAMO University of Medical Sciences, Port-Harcourt, Rivers State
Atiba University, Oyo, Oyo State
Eko University of Medical Sciences, Ijanikin, Lagos
Skyline University, Nigeria, Kano, Kano State
Greenfield University, Kasarami-Kaduna, Kaduna State
Dominion University, Ibadan, Oyo State
Trinity University, Laloko, Ogun State
Westland University, Iwo, Osun State
Topfaith University, Mkpatak, Akwa-Ibom State
Thomas Adewumi University, Oko-Irese, Kwara State
Maranatha University, Lekki, Lagos State
Ave-Maria University, Piyanko, Nasarawa State
43.AL-Istigama University, Sumaila, Kano State
Mudiame University, Irrua, Edo State
Havilla University, Nde-Ikom, Cross River State
Claretian University of Nigeria, Nekede, Imo State
Karl-Kumm University, Vom, Plateau State
Nok University, Kachia, Kaduna State
James Hope University, Lekki, Lagos state
Maryam Abacha American University of Nigeria, Kano, Kano State
Capital City University, Kano, Kano State
Ahman Pategi University, Patigi, Kwara State
University of Offa, Offa, Kwara State
Mewar University, Masaka, Nasarawa State
Edusoko University, Bida, Niger State
Philomath University, Kuje, Abuja
Khadija University, Majia, Jigawa State
ANAN University, Kwall, Plateau State
Pen Resource University, Gombe, Gombe State
60.Al-Ansar University, Maiduguri, Borno
Margaret Lawrence University, Galilee, Delta State
Khalifa Isiyaku Rabiu University, Kano, Kano State
Sports University, Idumuje, Ugboko, Delta State
Baba-Ahmed University, Kano, Kano State
Salsa University Of Medical Sciences and Technology, Sokoto, Sokoto State
Nigerian British University, Asa, Abia State
Peter University, Achina-Onneh, Anambra State
Newgate University, Minna, Niger State
European University of Nigeria, Abuja, FCT
Northwest University, Sokoto, Sokoto State
Rayhaan University, Kebbi State
Muhammad Kamalud-Deen University, Ilorin, Kwara State
Sam Maris University, Supare, Ondo State
Aletheia University, Ago-Iwoye, Ogun State
Lux Mundi University, Umuahia, Abia State
Maduka University, Ekwegbe, Enugu State
Peaceland University, Enugu, Enugu State
Amadeus University, Amizi, Abia State
Vision University, Ikogbo, Ogun State
Azman University, Kano, Kano State
Huda University, Gusau, Zamfara State
Franco British International University, Kaduna, Kaduna State
Canadian University of Nigeria, Abuja, FCT
Miva Open University, Abuja, FCT
Gerar University of Medical Sciences, Imope-ljebu, Ogun State
British Canadian University, Obudu, Cross River State
Hensard University, Toru-Orua, Bayelsa State
88.Phoenix University, Agwada, Nasarawa State
Wigwe University, Isiokpo, Rivers State
Hillside University of Science and Technology, Okemesi Ekiti, Ekiti State
University on the Niger, Umunya, Anambra State
Elrazi University of Medical Sciences, Kano Kano State
Venite University, Iloro-Ekiti, Ekiti State
94 Shanahan University, Onitsha, Anambra State
Duke Medical University, Calabar, Cross River State
Mercy Medical University, Iwara, Iwo, Osun State
97.Cosmopolitan University, Abuja, FCT
Iconic Open University, Sokoto, Sokoto State
West Midland Open University, Ibadan, Oyo State
Amaj University, Abuja, FCT
Prime University, Abuja, FCT
El-Amin University, Niger State
College of Petroleum and Energy Studies, Kaduna, Kaduna State
Jewel University, Gombe, Gombe State
Nigerian University of Technology and Management, Apapa, Lagos State
In a bid to streamline government expenditures, President Bola Tinubu has approved significant reductions in official entourages for both domestic and international travels. The decision, aimed at cost-cutting, will see a 60% reduction in the number of officials accompanying the President, Vice President, First Lady, and other government offices.
The Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, disclosed the directive during a briefing at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Tuesday. Ngelale emphasized that the cost-cutting measures apply uniformly to the Offices of the President, Vice President, First Lady, Wife of the Vice President, as well as all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies.
“For domestic trips, the President will now travel with a maximum of 25 officials, a notable reduction from previous practice,” Ngelale stated. He further explained that the same limit applies to the Office of the First Lady and the Wife of the Vice President, with their entourage capped at 10 members for official trips within the country.
On international trips, President Tinubu has directed that the entourage be restricted to a maximum of 20 individuals. The First Lady’s entourage will be limited to five members, mirroring the President’s directive. Similarly, the Vice President and his wife will be accompanied by a maximum of five officials on international visits.
Ngelale clarified that ministers will now be constrained to four accompanying staff members on foreign trips, while heads of agencies are limited to two. The move comes in response to recent criticism of the Tinubu administration’s entourage size during the COP28 Climate Change Summit in Dubai, where a sizable delegation attracted public scrutiny.
These austerity measures mark a deliberate effort by the President to address concerns over excessive spending and ensure a more efficient use of public resources in official travels.
