National

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has appointed former Governor of Nasarawa State, Senator Tanko Umaru Al-Makura, as Chairman of the Governing Board of the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC). The appointment was announced on Tuesday by the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, during the official launch of the AFD-supported ICT Development Project in 10 selected Nigerian universities. Read Also: Ganduje Bows Out with Legacy of Political Impact, Party Growth, and National Reach Al-Makura, a seasoned politician and businessman, is widely recognized for championing key developmental initiatives during his tenure as governor of Nasarawa State. His appointment is expected to bring renewed focus and leadership to UBEC. UBEC, which operates under the Federal Ministry of Education, plays a critical role in facilitating access to basic education in Nigeria. The commission is primarily responsible for the disbursement of counterpart funding and implementation of programs aimed at improving the country’s basic education system.

The remains of elder statesman and renowned business mogul, Alhaji Aminu Alhassan Dantata, have been laid to rest in the holy city of Madinah, Saudi Arabia. The Janazah was observed on Tuesday at the Prophet’s Mosque, one of Islam’s holiest sites, and was attended by family members, friends, and a high-powered Nigerian delegation. Following the prayer, his body was taken to Jannatul Baqi’ (Al-Baqi’ Cemetery), the historic burial ground near the Prophet’s Mosque, where many of the Prophet Muhammad’s (SAW) companions are buried. Ganduje, Barau, Others Arrive Madina for Burial of Aminu Dantata Among the dignitaries present for the funeral rites were the immediate past National Chairman of the All-Progressives Congress (APC) and Chairperson of the board of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje; Deputy Senate President, Senator Barau I. Jibrin; and the Minister of Defence, Muhammad Badaru Abubakar. Also in attendance were the 15th Emir of Kano, Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero, along with some senior members of the Kano Emirate Council; the Executive Governor of Kano State, Abba Kabir Yusuf; and other top government officials, lawmakers, and members of the Dantata family. The late Alhaji Aminu Dantata, who died at the age of 94, was revered for his enduring legacy in business, philanthropy, and community development. His wish to be buried in Madinah, close to the Prophet’s Mosque, was fulfilled in accordance with his will, a reflection of his deep faith and humility.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has unveiled a comprehensive timetable for the 2025 and 2026 election cycles, marking a critical period of political activity across Nigeria. The announcement also includes plans for the nationwide resumption of the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise. INEC Chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, made the disclosure on Tuesday during the second quarterly consultative meeting with Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) in Abuja. He reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to delivering transparent, credible, and inclusive elections across all designated areas. According to a statement shared on INEC’s official X (formerly Twitter) handle, the electoral calendar features a series of major elections. These include bye-elections in 12 states scheduled for August 16, 2025, followed by the Anambra State Governorship election set for November 8, 2025. The 2026 electoral schedule will feature Area Council elections in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) on February 21, the Ekiti State Governorship election on June 20, and the Osun State Governorship election on August 8. Professor Yakubu also announced the resumption of the Continuous Voter Registration exercise nationwide. Online pre-registration will commence on August 18, 2025, while in-person registration will begin across the country on August 25, 2025. In preparation for the Anambra election, CVR in the state will start earlier—next week—and will be conducted in all 326 wards to ensure compliance with the legal requirement of compiling the register at least 90 days before the election. Read Also: Ganduje Bows Out with Legacy of Political Impact, Party Growth, and National Reach During the meeting, Professor Yakubu welcomed two newly appointed National Commissioners, Professor Sunday Aja and Abdulrazak Yusuf, as well as six newly sworn-in Resident Electoral Commissioners who were attending the consultative session for the first time. The INEC Chairman emphasized the important role of RECs in the electoral process, urging them to demonstrate proactive leadership in implementing policies and procedures without waiting for direction from the Headquarters. He reminded them that their responsibilities extend beyond general election periods and require constant engagement. Addressing lingering concerns regarding Section 65 of the Electoral Act 2022—which permits the review of election results—Yakubu disclosed that the Commission was finalizing a supplementary regulation and guidelines to provide clarity on the matter. He assured that the document would be published on INEC’s official platforms later this week for public awareness. He stressed the importance of professionalism and dedication among the Commission’s leadership. “You are full-time Commissioners. Your work does not begin only when general elections are near. You can only discharge your responsibilities effectively when you are knowledgeable and committed,” he said. The meeting followed broad consultations with political parties, civil society organizations, the media, and security agencies, all aimed at strengthening electoral service delivery and addressing recurring challenges ahead of the upcoming electoral seasons.

The immediate past National Chairman of the All-Progressives Congress (APC) and Chairperson of the board of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, and the Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau I. Jibrin, have arrived in the holy city of Madina, Saudi Arabia, for the funeral rites of elder statesman and renowned philanthropist, Alhaji Aminu Alhassan Dantata. According to a statement by Ismail Mudashir, Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the Deputy Senate President, the Nigerian delegation landed at the Prince Mohammad Bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Madina at exactly 5:15 a.m local time. Alhaji Aminu Dantata, a towering figure in Nigerian business and philanthropy, passed away recently in Abu Dhabi. In line with his wishes, he will be laid to rest in the holy city of Madina today. Read Also: Ganduje Pays Tribute to Aminu Dantata, Hails Legacy of Service and Generosity Among the dignitaries on the trip are the Kano State APC Chairman, Prince Abdullahi Abbas; Senator Muntari Dandutse, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Tertiary Institutions and TETFund; the Deputy Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Ali Madaki; and Engr. Umar Abdullahi Ganduje, Executive Director of Engineering at the Rural Electrification Agency (REA). Others include Engr. Hamisu Ibrahim Chidari, member representing Makoda/Dambatta Federal Constituency; Ahmad Munzali Dantata, son of the late Alhaji Aminu Dantata; Usman Yahaya Kansila; and Hon. Sani Bala, among others. The delegation is expected to participate in the Janazah (funeral prayer) and other burial rites in accordance with Islamic tradition.

Nigeria’s total public debt rose to N149.39 trillion as of March 31, 2025, an increase of N27.72 trillion (22.8%) from N121.67 trillion recorded a year earlier, according to the Debt Management Office (DMO). Compared to N144.67 trillion in December 2024, the debt stock grew by N4.72 trillion in just three months, driven by fresh borrowing and naira depreciation. External debt stood at N70.63 trillion ($45.98 billion), up from N56.02 trillion ($42.12 billion) in Q1 2024, reflecting a 26.1% rise in naira terms. The naira’s continued fall against the dollar worsened the cost of foreign debt servicing. Read Also: Nigeria Pushes Blue Economy Agenda with Seabed Mapping, Hydrography Initiatives Domestic debt reached N78.76 trillion, increasing by 20% year-on-year. The Federal Government accounted for N74.89 trillion, while states and the FCT owed N3.87 trillion, slightly lower than the previous quarter. As of Q1 2025, domestic debt makes up 52.7% of total public debt, with external debt at 47.3%. Analysts warn that rising debt and currency pressure may worsen Nigeria’s fiscal outlook unless urgent revenue reforms are implemented.