The Guild of Interfaith Media Practitioners (GIMP) in Nigeria has celebrated late Pope Francis for being a lover and promoter of interfaith tolerance and global peace. The Secretary of Trustees/Governing Board of the Guild, Mr. Samuel Egburonu, in a statement described late Pope Francis as an acknowledged promoter of religious harmony and love among diverse people of the world. “Pope Francis’s messages on interfaith tolerance were anchored on his firm belief in ‘Fratelli Tutti’ (Fraternity and Social Friendship). “His passionate initiatives aimed at promoting interfaith coexistence and tolerance will for long remain credible compass to navigate the route of true global peace. “For our world to live together in peace and harmony, Pope Francis recommended dialogue and collaboration amongst leaders and adherents of various religion and faith. “He was one global religious leader of our time, who openly preached that true religion should unite instead of divide. “As the world bids Pope Francis goodbye, we at Guild of Interfaith Media Practitioners (Nigeria) recall with pride, that glorious day in 2019 when he left his Papal office in Rome to visit Abu Dhabi, where he met and dialogued with Sheik Ahmed el-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar. It was that historic visit that led to the signing of the ‘Document on Human Fraternity for World Peace and Living Together’. “We recall with nostalgia that he did more. He also signed the Joint Declaration of Istiqlal, bold steps that show where he stood.” The statement said that Pope Francis had done his part and had left the scene, adding: “for a safe, peaceful world, the Guild of Interfaith Media Practitioners (Nigeria) call on our leaders, including religious ones and others to embrace the message of tolerance, dialogue and peace anchored on mutual respect.”
Members of the Association of Resident Doctors in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, have embarked on a three-day warning strike, beginning today, May 6 across the capital city. The strike was declared during an emergency congress meeting yesterday over the sudden sack and stoppage of the salaries of its members by the FCT civil service commission for no reason. About 230 civil servants in various departments woke up yesterday to find a list making the rounds in Whatsapp platform, containing their names. They were tagged “Abscondment” on the list even as their April salaries were withheld. The President of the FCT Abuja Resident Doctors, Dr. George Ebong, said that the strike had become necessary as 127 health workers were affected by action of the FCT Civil Service Commission. He described the sacking and stoppage of salaries as inhumane and unlawful, demanding their immediate reinstatement alongside the prompt payment of their April salaries. He called for the immediate resignation of the chairman of the FCT Civil Service Commission, Mr Emeka Ezeh. Dr. Ebong, speaking on behalf of the doctors, warned that if their demands were not met by the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, and the FCT Administration before Friday, May 9, they would embark on an indefinite strike and shut down hospitals across the nation’s capital. “We are embarking on a three-day warning strike because most of the members were disengaged from service on Friday without due diligence. They were labelled as ghost workers, ex-employees, and absconders when, in fact, these colleagues of ours are still in the system working even until now. We are livid that the FCTA service commission will carry out such an inhuman decision without talking to the health management board, permanent secretary of health, association of resident doctors, or Medical and Dental Consultant Association of Nigeria, MDCAN. It is not just doctors that are affected—nurses, pharmacists, and lab scientists, including non- clinical workers are affected too. “The Medical Directors of these hospitals are not aware. In fact, three MDs are affected; 127 health workers are affected. If these numbers are ghost workers, so how do these hospitals operate? The hospitals would have collapsed. What is the staff strength of FCT hospitals? “The affected health workers’ salaries were stopped without any prior notice. The salaries for last month. This is a clear act of insensitivity and injustice to health workers. “We demand immediate salary payment for all the affected health workers; apologies letter to the affected health workers; and the immediate resignation of the chairman of the service commission, Mr. Emeka Ezeh. “It is a three-day warning starting from tomorrow, Tuesday, May 6, 2025, at 8 am, and if within the space of three days (which is Friday, May 9, 2025), our demands are not met, we will go on an indefinite strike after an appraisal.” The emergency congress meeting was attended by over 120 doctors, both physically and virtually.
Former Nigeria’s President, Muhammadu Buhari has expressed sadness over the death of Charity Mustapha, sister to his Secretary to the Government (SGF) while in office. The former president, who spoke on phone to Boss Mustapha from the United Kingdom, where he is on vacation, said that he received the news of the passing of Charity after a prolonged illness with great sadness. He praised her strength and resilience in the period of her sickness, saying: “such a loss leaves a void that can never be filled.” Buhari said that the warmth and kindness for which she was known and with which she treated everyone would always remain in the hearts of her family and all those who encountered her in one way or the other. “She would forever be remembered with respect and affection by all who knew her. “May you and your family find the strength and fortitude to endure this grievous loss.”
Only 4,756 candidates who candidates who sat for the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) scored above 320 while over 1.5 million scored less than 200 in the exam. According to the statistical analysis of the 2025 UTME result released by the Joint Admission and Matriculation Board (JAMB) today, May 5, a total of 1,955,069 candidates sat for the exam, which ended today. It said that 7,658 candidates scored between 300 and 319. In a statement accompanying the data, JAMB said: “40,247 underage candidates were permitted to demonstrate their exceptional abilities. “However, only 467 of these candidates (1.16%) achieved scores that meet the threshold for exceptional ability as defined for the UTME, with their performance in the subsequent three stages still pending.” Details later.
Information reaching us at Greenbarge Reporters online newspaper has shown that the Federal Capital Territory Civil Service Commission has abruptly disengaged 230 civil servants in the service of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) for alleged abscondment. Sources said that over 85 percent of those that have been disengaged are senior medical personnel in the Health Management Board, serving in various hospitals and health facilities across the capital city. It was learnt that the disengaged civil servants have not received letters showing their new status and that their April salaries were abruptly stopped even before they got the news of their disengagement, only from social media platforms, where their names were listed. Some of those affected told our reporter that they could not believe that the civil service commission, with highly educated people would dabble into such a joke of the year. They said that the issue of abscondment by 230 civil servants is a coinage that would not fly, adding that they have been regularly attending their duties at work and have never received even a single letter of query or verbal query from either their immediate bosses or the civil service commission itself. “I don’t believe the civil service commission would play such a serious ignorant game against the known civil service rules in Nigeria,” one of them said. “I still believe that this is one of the fake news items coming from some lazy young people who just woke up from sleep this morning,” another civil servant who was affected quipped. Meanwhile, the leadership of some unions had asked their members who have been affected to remain calm. One of them sent an urgent message to members with the following words: “Good morning my Dear comrades. “It has come to our notice that the civil service commission just decided to disengage the following staff (list attached) from service without any reason. “We call on all affected members to remain calm. We will follow up the matter and get back to you before the end of the day .Thank you.”
Governors of Yobe, Borno, Adamawa, Taraba, Gombe and Bauchi States, under the auspices of North East Governors’ Forum (NEGF) have risen to find urgent solution to the return of Boko Haram Insurgency and other criminal activities to the region in full force. At its 11th meeting today, May 1, in Damaturu, the capital of Yobe State, the governors expressed concerns over renewed security challenges in the region. Addressing the Forum, the host, Governor Mai Mala Buni stressed the need for enhanced collaboration among member states, the Federal Government and security agencies to address the resurgence of Boko Haram activities effectively. “We must act swiftly to consolidate the gains we have achieved over the years. “It is essential for us to share our resolutions with security chiefs and relevant federal agencies to deepen our synergy and ensure a timely response to emerging threats.”
Governor Mai Mala Buni expressed confidence in the Forum’s ability to review past resolutions, assess progress and devise workable alternatives to achieve set objectives. The Governor acknowledged the bravery and sacrifice of security personnel and local vigilante groups. The Governor stressed the importance of maintaining the progress achieved in peace, security, and socio-economic development across the region. He emphasized the need for the states in the region to reduce dependence on federal allocations by unlocking the region’s economic potential. “With our rich arable lands and vast population, we must prioritize agriculture to ensure food security and create employment opportunities for our youth. Making agriculture attractive and profitable through mechanization and adequate inputs is our moral obligation as leaders.” Governor Mai Mala Buni commend President Bola Tinubu for his dedication and unwavering commitment to leading the nation through these difficult times. “His policies and programs are crucial for building a strong, united, peaceful, and economically prosperous Nigeria.” The chairman of the Forum and Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, assured that the Forum would continue to support security agencies in addressing the security threats. He called on the citizens to embrace agriculture while adhering to NIMET’s warnings against flooding. The Forum reiterated its commitment to fostering regional cooperation and finding sustainable solutions to the challenges facing the North East region.
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has launched what it called “comprehensive investigation” into N100 billion released by the Federal Government for disbursement as student loans under the Nigeria Education Loan Fund (NELFUND). In a statement today, May 1, the anti corruption agency said that the investigation is prompted by recent media report alleging that no fewer than 51 tertiary institutions were implicated in illegal deductions and exploitation related to the NELFUND scheme. It said that the institutions were alleged to have made unauthorized deductions ranging from N3,500 to N30,000 from each student’s institutional fees received through the loan fund. The statement by the ICPC spokesman, Demola Bakare said that preliminary findings revealed a significant gap in the financial records of the disbursement process.
“While the Federal Government reportedly released N100 billion for the scheme, only N28.8 billion was disbursed to students, leaving an unaccounted sum of N71.2 billion. “The Commission confirmed that its Chairman’s Special Task Force immediately swung into action upon receiving the report. “Letters of investigation and invitations were dispatched to key stakeholders, including the Director General of the Budget Office, the Accountant General of the Federation, and senior officials from the Central Bank of Nigeria.” The statement said that the Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director of NELFUND were invited to provide documentation and explanations relevant to the case. According to the Commission, the responses received were critically analyzed, and interviews were conducted with the concerned individuals. According to the ICPC, its strength of investigation revealed that the total money received by NELFUND as of March 19, 2024, was N203.8 billion. “The breakdown showed that N10 Billion was an allocation from the Federation Allocation Account Committee, N50 billion was from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, N71.9B was from the Tertiary Education Trust Fund, while another N71.9 billion was also from the same Tertiary Education Trust Fund.” ICPC, however, found that the total amount disbursed to institutions from inception to date is about N44,200,933,649.00, while a total of 299 institutions have benefited from the funds released. To date, the total amount disbursed to 299 beneficiary institutions stands at approximately N44.2 billion, with 293,178 students having benefited from the fund. The ICPC confirmed that a clear case of discrepancies has been established in the administration of the student loan scheme and announced that its investigation will now extend to beneficiary institutions and individual student recipients.
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), Professor Abdullahi Saleh Usman has given assurance of the efforts being made by his commission to develop resilient and sustainable financial models as a way of addressing the rising cost of performing annual Hajj in Saudi Arabia. He said: “The Hajj industry faces increasing pressures, from fluctuating foreign exchange rates and rising service costs to evolving regulatory landscapes. These challenges have made the pilgrimage increasingly expensive for our Nigerian brothers and sisters. “Therefore, developing resilient and sustainable financial models is no longer an option but a necessity to guarantee affordability, efficiency and integrity in Hajj operations.” Professor Abdullahi Saleh Usman, who spoke today, April 30, at the second national stakeholders Summit of Nigeria’s Hajj and Umrah industry in Abuja, said that the Commission had embraced all the responsibilities and challenges with courage and commitment. “I am pleased to report a significant milestone in our sustainability drive: the successful on-boarding of three additional partner banks into the Hajj Savings Scheme – Alternative Bank, TAJ Bank, and Lotus Bank. “This expansion is not just symbolic—it is strategic. These institutions bring with them innovative, ethical, and non-interest financial solutions tailored to the needs of intending pilgrims. “Their inclusion reinforce our Hajj Savings Scheme, giving more Nigerians the opportunity to plan their pilgrimage with convenience, foresight, and financial discipline. “With these banks now on board, we are widening the reach of the Hajj Savings Scheme, promoting financial inclusion, and laying a strong foundation for a sustainable Hajj financing model.” NAHCON boss expressed confidence that the stakeholders summit would provide practical administrative and operational frameworks for Hajj financing in Nigeria. “Looking ahead, NAHCON, in its role as the regulator of Hajj affairs in Nigeria and the Hajj mission for our pilgrims in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, is fully prepared for the 2025 Hajj operations. “The Federal Government of Nigeria has licensed four airlines for the airlift of over 40,000 pilgrims, excluding more than 14,000 traveling with tour operators. “The inaugural flight is scheduled for May 9th, 2025, and with the grace of Allah (in sha Allah), we anticipate seamless operations. “We are united in our commitment to provide effective and efficient services to the respected guests of Allah (DUYUFUR-Rahman), thereby reinforcing the renewed hope for Nigerian pilgrims. “I assure all major stakeholders that NAHCON, under my leadership, is dedicated to fostering strong partnerships, collaborations and teamwork to ensure the success of the 2025 Hajj operations.”
Additional eleven new private universities have been approved with the nation’s education minister, Dr. Maruf Alausa presenting provisional licences to them today, April 30. These bring to 159, the number of private universities in the country. The new universities are City University, Ayetoro, Ogun State; University of Fortune, Igbotako, Ondo State; Eranova University, Mabushi, FCT, Abuja; Minaret University, Ikirun, Osun Annex and Abubakar Toyin University, Oke-Agba, Kwara State. Others are Southern Atlantic University, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State; Lens University, Ilemona, Kwara State; Monarch University, Iyesi-Ota, Ogun State; Tonnie Iredia University of Communication, Benin City, Edo State; Isaac Balami University of Aeronautics and Management, Lagos State and Kevin Eze University, Mgbowo, Enugu State. Dr. Maruf Alausa, while presentating the licenses to representatives of the new universities, said that a true university should be a hub for education, talent development and innovation. He said that such University needs to be supported by competent staff and modern facilities, and prioritizing research and extending beyond local boundaries to global relevance. He advised private universities to lead in academic excellence and align with national goals in STEM and technical education to address the shortage of skilled professionals in key sectors like healthcare and engineering. He also called for collaboration among universities, both locally and internationally, to enhance resources, credibility and programme diversity. He encouraged them to be bold, visionary, and proactive in transforming Nigeria’s higher education. “We are therefore charging all private universities, especially the new entrants here today, to align with our national priorities of expansive STEM education. “In addition to STEM, we do have science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and education sciences, as well as our technical and vocational education and training agenda. “These are the pillars upon which Nigeria will build its future workforce and industrial competitiveness. And the issue is the urgency of skilled professions in areas such as nursing, pharmacy, doctors, physical therapists, and competent engineers. We are more than enough social science graduates, with due respect, but we have to be realistic here. “What Nigeria needs now are programme solvers, graduates with life skills that can power industries, build infrastructures, and improve the lives of engineers. Furthermore, the future of higher education is collaborative. “I challenge private universities to form strategic alliances among themselves, share best practices, and even consider majors where feasible. “These partnerships can help pool resources, expand programme offerings, and enhance academic credibility. Beyond local collaboration, we also encourage you to forge affiliations with reputable foreign universities. “I have travelled widely across the globe and know that Nigeria is an attractive destination for transnational education.” This was even as the Minister of State for Education, Professor Suwaiba Said Ahmad described the event as a significant progress in improving access to tertiary education. He called on them to uphold academic integrity. “These represent a significant extension of our universities’ carrying capacities and promote healthy competition and the development of Nigeria.” Earlier, the Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission (NUC), Professor Abdullahi Yusuf Ribadu, congratulated the promoters of the new universities for the establishment of the institutions. He said that private universities play a vital role in complementing the existing ones, and that the process of establishment has evolved, with 159 private universities now in existence, including the newly approved ones. He said that the Commission recognizes the significance of private universities in enhancing access to tertiary education, noting that the provisional license is granted for three years, after which a substantive license will be issued. He advised the universities to deploy the necessary resources for their commencement and encouraged them to find effective ways of implementing the CCMASS. Ribadu charged them to adhere to NUC regulations, adding that each of the new universities has been attached to an already established institution for mentorship. Also speaking, JAMB Registrar, Professor Is-haq Oloyede, advised the institutions to exercise integrity and sincerity, not imposing religious beliefs on candidates.
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has officially confirmed that the results for the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) will begin to be released from today, Wednesday, April 30, 2025. The examination, which was held from April 18 to April 28, 2025, saw thousands of candidates across Nigeria participating in the computer-based tests, seeking admission into various higher institutions in the country. In a statement issued by JAMB, candidates are advised to check their results via SMS and later on the board’s official result-checking portal. The examination body advised all candidates to remain calm and await official communication through their registered phone numbers. How to Check Your 2025 UTME Result: Via SMS: Send “RESULT” to 55019 or 66019 using the phone number used for registration. Ensure you have at least ₦50 airtime on your phone. JAMB also reminded candidates that result checking is free via the official channels and warned against using third-party websites to avoid falling victim to scams. As the result date approaches, candidates are encouraged to stay informed through JAMB’s official channels to avoid misinformation.
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Governor Mai Mala Buni expressed confidence in the Forum’s ability to review past resolutions, assess progress and devise workable alternatives to achieve set objectives.
