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Humanitarian, Kano, News

UNICEF, KASPA Forge Stronger Ties to Improve Social Protection Outcomes in Kano

Umar Idris Shuaibu, Kano The Kano State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to piloting all packages of social protection programmes aimed at improving the livelihoods of poor and vulnerable children across the state. The Director General of the Kano State Social Protection Agency (KASPA), Dr. Fatima Abdul Abubakar, made this known during a Social Protection Technical Working Group (TWG) Review Meeting held today in Kano. Dr. Fatima expressed the agency’s readiness to work in collaboration with key stakeholders including the UNICEF Kano Field Office, Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), and the media to effectively implement projects that address poverty, child malnutrition, and other pressing issues affecting children. Read Also: VaxSocial Launches Digital Immunization Campaign in Kano She highlighted the importance of the universal child grant initiative and emphasized the need for direct cash transfers to parents or caregivers, particularly those whose children are not attending school, to ease the burden of multi-dimensional poverty. “Children between the ages of 1 and 8 need targeted support. Providing cash transfers through the social register can reduce their suffering,” she said. “We also propose setting up a task force to monitor the delivery of social services and ensure proper implementation and utilization.” In his remarks, the Acting Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Planning and Budget, Abdulmumin Ladan Ajumawa, stated that the session aimed to enhance coordination among various Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) implementing social protection initiatives in Kano. He explained that the review is crucial, as the Kano Social Protection Policy, established in 2021, is now five years old. “There is a need to reassess the document, identify existing gaps, and integrate new ideas that will enhance implementation and coordination,” he said. Ajumawa commended Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf for prioritizing social protection efforts. “This administration is determined to improve coordination and synergy among all MDAs to avoid duplication and ensure that every allocated fund is fully utilized for the benefit of the intended beneficiaries,” he added. He noted that billions of naira have been invested in the past without commensurate outcomes due to poor coordination. “Now, we are focused on measurable outputs, outcomes, and eventually the impact,” he said. Also speaking, the Co-Chair of the Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), Salisu Yusuf, urged members of the TWG to assess implementation based on budgetary allocations across MDAs and familiarize themselves with ongoing interventions to contribute meaningfully to their progress. The two-day engagement, supported by UNICEF Kano Field Office, brings together civil servants from relevant MDAs and CSOs involved in social protection efforts to strategize, evaluate progress, and contribute to policy refinement for the benefit of the state. Photo news:

Abuja, National, News

Ganduje Resurfaces in Public Role as Chairman of FAAN Board After APC Resignation

A former Governor of Kano State, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, has resumed public attention in his capacity as Chairman of the Board of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), just days after resigning as National Chairman of the All-Progressives Congress (APC). Ganduje, who was appointed to the FAAN position earlier this year, made an appearance during the formal inauguration of newly constituted FAAN board members in Abuja. Read Also: Ganduje Bows Out with Legacy of Political Impact, Party Growth, and National Reach His resignation from the leadership of the ruling party last week had stirred reactions across the country, with many viewing his reemergence in an official capacity as a signal of his continued relevance in national affairs. Ganduje had stepped down as APC Chairman citing urgent and personal matters. His role at FAAN is expected to keep him within the orbit of public service and federal infrastructure oversight.

Education, National, News

NECO Releases 2025 BECE Results, Announces Re-sit Exam for Maths and English

The National Examinations Council (NECO) has officially released the results of the 2025 Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE), marking a key academic milestone for students transitioning from Junior Secondary School (JSS3) to Senior Secondary School (SS1) across Nigeria. In a statement issued on Wednesday, the Acting Director of Information and Public Relations, Azeez Sani, confirmed the release and shared critical updates on the examination process. Read Also: Underage Admissions Banned as FG Fixes Entry Age at 16 A total of 179,201 candidates registered for the examination, which assessed students in 12 core subjects. The BECE was conducted nationwide from May 12 to May 23, 2025, with the council reporting a smooth and hitch-free exercise across all centers. Sani noted that the release of results followed the successful conclusion of the 2025 BECE Award Committee Meeting, held at NECO headquarters in Minna, Niger State. The meeting was attended by key stakeholders, including school principals from various states and senior NECO officials. The Chairperson of the Award Committee and Director of Basic Education at the Federal Ministry of Education, Dr. Folake Olatunji-David, expressed satisfaction with the conduct of the examination and commended NECO for upholding integrity and transparency throughout the process. Meanwhile, NECO also announced that arrangements have been finalized for the re-sit examination for candidates who did not pass Mathematics or English Studies. “The re-sit examination is scheduled to hold on 23rd and 24th July, 2025, for Mathematics and English Studies,” the council stated. However, NECO did not provide a performance breakdown or general analysis of student outcomes in the released statement.

National, News

Most Kidnappers in Anambra Are Not Fulani Herdsmen – Soludo

Governor Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra State says that nearly all suspected kidnappers and criminals arrested in the state over the past three years have been of Igbo origin.Speaking during a town hall meeting with Anambra indigenes in the diaspora, held at Metro Points Hotel in New Carrollton, Maryland, United States, the governor debunked the widely circulated belief that Fulani herders are responsible for the spate of violence and kidnapping in the South-East. Read Also: Fixing the Forgotten Crisis: Solutions to Nigeria’s Herders-Farmers Conflict “I have been in office for three years and three months. If we have arrested 100 criminals and kidnappers, 99.99% of them are Igbo youths,” Soludo stated. He described the previous assumptions as propaganda, adding that such misinformation had misled some Igbo youths into criminal activities, particularly kidnapping, which he said had become a “lucrative job” following the rise of internet fraud and drug trafficking. “Those behind these crimes are our own people. Igbos are the ones kidnapping Igbos. Most of the camps we’ve dismantled were operated by individuals from within the region,” he said. Soludo urged Anambra indigenes in the diaspora to return home, invest, and contribute their knowledge and resources to the development of the state. “Even people from other states now call it the ‘Anambra job’. They go to their villages, buy motorcycles, and come here to join the business. They get trained in the bush and operate kidnapping rings. But when they are caught, they blame the Fulani herdsmen,” he said. He admitted that he also once believed the false narrative that Fulani herders were the cause of insecurity in the state, saying: “I came in with that same belief that Fulani herdsmen were invading our land and that they were just waiting for the right signal to take over. So, we thought we were the liberators and chased them into the bush. “But no one asked how those claiming to be liberators survive in the forest for months. How are they feeding? How are they armed? “I want to be quoted clearly that 99.99% of all the criminals we have arrested in Anambra are Igbos. All the camps we’ve dismantled are operated by Igbos.” (The Cable)

Kaduna, News

Kaduna State Hosts NWDC Leadership, Pledges Support for Regional Development

The North-West Development Commission (NWDC) Board, led by its Chairman, Alhaji Lawal Sama’ila Abdullahi, and Managing Director/CEO, Prof. Shehu Abdullahi Ma’aji, has concluded its strategic engagement tour across the North-West with a high-level courtesy visit to Kaduna State Governor, Senator Uba Sani. The visit, which marked the final leg of the Commission’s regional engagement, aimed at strengthening collaboration with state governments to fast-track inclusive development across the zone. During the meeting, the NWDC leadership reiterated its commitment to addressing developmental gaps and fostering sustainable growth in the region. Key priority areas outlined by the Commission include agriculture, education, healthcare, youth empowerment, and infrastructure development. The NWDC assured it would work hand-in-hand with state governments to design and implement targeted interventions that will transform lives. Read Also: Fixing the Forgotten Crisis: Solutions to Nigeria’s Herders-Farmers Conflict Governor Uba Sani warmly welcomed the NWDC team and expressed confidence in the Commission’s vision, structure, and capacity to deliver meaningful results. He commended the leadership for initiating the engagement tour and for prioritizing cooperation with sub-national actors. In further demonstration of Kaduna State’s readiness to support the Commission’s mission, the Governor provided the NWDC with office accommodation and a utility vehicle to facilitate smooth operations within the state. Governor Sani also advised the Commission to ensure thorough needs assessments across communities through direct consultations, town hall meetings, and close coordination with state institutions. This, he noted, would ensure that projects and policies reflect the real priorities of the people. With the Kaduna visit, the NWDC has now successfully completed its inaugural tour of all seven North-West states, setting the stage for the rollout of its strategic action plan to unlock the region’s potential and deliver lasting impact.

Education, National, News

JAMB Sets 2025 Admission Cut-Off Mark at 150 for Universities

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has officially announced 150 as the minimum cut-off mark for admission into Nigerian universities for the 2025 academic session. The announcement was made on Tuesday during the 2025 Policy Meeting on Admissions, held at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre in Abuja. In addition to the university benchmark, JAMB also approved cut-off marks for other tertiary institutions. Colleges offering nursing programmes now have a minimum cut-off mark of 140, while polytechnics, colleges of agriculture, and colleges of education are set at 100. Read Also: Underage Admissions Banned as FG Fixes Entry Age at 16 “The minimum admissible scores for admissions for the next academic session have been fixed at 150 for universities, 100 for polytechnics, 100 for colleges of education, and 140 for colleges of nursing sciences by the stakeholders (Heads of Tertiary Institutions),” JAMB posted on its official X handle. Details later… (Platinum Post)

Education, National, News

Underage Admissions Banned as FG Fixes Entry Age at 16

The Federal Government has officially set the minimum entry age into Nigeria’s tertiary institutions at 16 years. Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, announced this on Tuesday while declaring open the ongoing Policy Meeting of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) in Abuja. He emphasized that the new directive is non-negotiable. Dr. Alausa also warned that any admission conducted outside the Central Admission Processing System (CAPS) would be considered illegal, with perpetrators both individuals and institutions to face prosecution. Read Also: Emir of Lafia, Justice Sidi Bage Appointed Chancellor of Northwest University, Kano He noted that institutional heads found engaging in admission fraud would not be spared, as the Ministry is committed to enforcing strict compliance with all admission guidelines. The issue of age eligibility for tertiary education in Nigeria has been the subject of prolonged public debate, particularly regarding the readiness and suitability of students under 18 for university education. The Minister’s announcement is expected to put an end to the controversy and streamline the admission process nationwide.

Kano, News

Kano Government Trains 132 Reporters to Strengthen Public Communication

The Kano State Government has commenced a four-day capacity-building workshop for 132 Senior Special Reporters (SSRs) and Special Reporters (SRs) to improve the quality of information dissemination across the state. Declaring the workshop open, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, represented by the Head of Service, Alhaji Abdullahi Musa, described the initiative as a “call to service” and reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to transparent and impactful communication. He emphasized the role of informed citizens and well-trained reporters in a vibrant democracy. The Governor commended the Ministry of Information and the International Institute of Journalism (IIJ) for organizing the training and urged participants to upgrade their storytelling skills, ethical standards, and technical competence to build public trust. Read Also: VaxSocial Launches Digital Immunization Campaign in Kano Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Comrade Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya, explained that the training is part of a broader state strategy to professionalize communication and improve government narratives. He noted that while SSRs and SRs are not official spokespersons, their widespread presence across MDAs and digital platforms positions them to effectively project government activities. Waiya revealed that this marks the sixth such training since January 2025, with a total investment of N116,205,800. The 132 participants 71 SSRs and 61 SRs, were carefully selected for their key roles in the state’s communication structure. He also praised Governor Yusuf for his continued support and commitment to strategic communication. Read Also: Emir of Lafia, Justice Sidi Bage Appointed Chancellor of Northwest University, Kano In his welcome remarks, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Alhaji Adamu Bala Muhammad, highlighted the training’s importance in equipping reporters to deliver accurate, people-centered content reflecting both government achievements and challenges. He praised the Commissioner’s visionary leadership in repositioning the state’s information structure. The workshop, themed “Updating Basic Mass Communication Skills for Enhanced Government Communication,” is facilitated by experts from the Faculty of Communication, Bayero University Kano, and organized in collaboration with the IIJ. It is expected to significantly boost the effectiveness of government-affiliated reporters in engaging the public.

Education, National, News

ASUU Directs Nationwide Strike Over Delayed June Salaries

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has directed its branches nationwide to suspend services following the delay in the payment of June 2025 salaries. The action is in line with the union’s “No Pay, No Work” resolution, which mandates members to withdraw services if salaries are delayed beyond the third day of a new month. ASUU President, Prof. Chris Piwuna, confirmed the development on Monday in Abuja, stating that branches such as the University of Jos and the University of Abuja have already commenced strike actions in compliance with the directive. He criticized the Federal Government’s indifference to the plight of university lecturers, who he said are already struggling with meager pay. Piwuna noted that salary delays became frequent after the migration from the Integrated Personnel Payroll and Information System (IPPIS) to the Government Integrated Financial Management Information System (GIFMIS). Despite several engagements with the Minister of Education and the Accountant General of the Federation, the union said the issue remains unresolved. Read Also: FG, Kano State, Rebuild and Launch Kano Digital Park “The platform is working; the delay is simply a deliberate act by the Office of the Accountant General,” Piwuna said. In addition to the salary delays, the union is also demanding the immediate release of the outstanding N10 billion out of the N50 billion Earned Academic Allowance (EAA) owed to its members. So far, only N40 billion has been paid. At the University of Jos, ASUU branch chairman Jurbe Molwus confirmed that lecturers have withdrawn from lectures and meetings in compliance with NEC’s resolution. He added that the strike monitoring team has been activated to ensure full compliance. ASUU insists that unless salaries are paid promptly, affected branches will remain on strike.

National, News, Politics

APC Begins Sale of Forms for National Assembly Bye-Elections

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has commenced the sale of nomination and expression of interest forms for aspirants contesting in the forthcoming National Assembly bye-elections scheduled for August 16 across 12 states. The sale of forms began on Monday at the party’s national secretariat in Abuja, marking the start of the party’s internal preparations to fill vacant legislative seats left by lawmakers who resigned or passed away. Among the early aspirants is Mr. Oscar Aghedo, contesting for the House of Representatives seat for Ovia South-West/North-East Federal Constituency in Edo State. Speaking after collecting his nomination and expression of interest forms, Aghedo pledged to provide effective representation with a strong focus on infrastructural development. Read Also: Ganduje Lauded by Former Kano Cabinet for Party-Building Efforts “Today is a great day for me. My intention is to make good laws and ensure proper representation for my people, especially in infrastructure,” Aghedo said. He also expressed appreciation to constituents who accompanied him and assured them of impactful representation if elected. He urged the APC National Working Committee (NWC) to ensure a transparent and credible primary election scheduled for July 19. Aghedo commended the immediate past representative—now Edo State Deputy Governor—for notable infrastructural projects, promising to build upon that legacy while placing greater emphasis on human capacity development and empowerment programs for youth and women. “I have the blessings of God, the governor’s support, and the mandate of my people,” he added, emphasizing that meaningful youth engagement would reduce crime and enhance productivity in the constituency. Also at the party secretariat was Yakubu Waziri, an aspirant for Chikun/Kajuru Federal Constituency in Kaduna State. Waziri noted the area had suffered years of insecurity but credited recent improvements to interventions by President Bola Tinubu and the Kaduna State Government. “We are now experiencing not just relative peace, but what feels like permanent peace,” Waziri said. He pledged to prioritize security and youth empowerment if elected, stating he remains confident due to divine support, popular backing, and alignment with the state governor’s developmental agenda.

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