NEWS

Education Minister Queries FUTO VC Over Appointment of 24 Aides

Published

2 months ago

June 26, 2026

Tunji Alausa, minister of education, has queried Ikechukwu Dozie, vice-chancellor of the Federal University of Technology Owerri (FUTO) in Imo state, over the alleged irregular appointment of 24 aides in his office.

In a memo dated June 25, 2026, and signed by Kareem O.L, acting director of university education at the federal ministry of education on behalf of the minister, Alausa faulted the appointments and directed the
vice-chancellor to reverse them “forthwith” and provide evidence of compliance without delay.

According to the correspondence seen by TheCable on Thursday, the minister described the appointments as irregular and inconsistent with regulations governing federal universities in Nigeria.

“The attention of the Honourable Minister of Education has been drawn to your Memorandum Ref. No. FUT/REG/CR/CIR/4 dated 22 June 2026
(copy attached) concerning the appointment of twenty-four (24) aides in various capacities within the Office of the Vice-Chancellor,” the memo reads.

Alausa said the directive followed the ministry’s review of an internal university memorandum dated June 22, 2026, through which the appointments were reportedly made.

The minister observed that the appointments were “at variance with the extant regulations, established procedures, and the principles of due process governing appointments within the Federal University System.”

A copy of the communication was also forwarded to the National Universities Commission (NUC).

“Furthermore, I am directed to invite you to the Ministry on Monday, 29 June 2026, for further engagement on this matter and other related issues touching on institutional governance, administrative accountability, due process, and strict adherence to the regulatory framework governing the administration of Federal Universities in Nigeria,” the document added.

“The Ministry remains committed to promoting transparency, prudence, and best practices in the management of our tertiary institutions and trusts that this matter will receive your prompt attention and cooperation.”

Dozie, a professor of medical microbiology and parasitology,
assumed office on June 19 as the ninth VC of FUTO, taking over from Nnenna Oti, ⁰who concluded her five-year tenure.

He is the immediate past vice-chancellor of Kingsley Ozumba
Mbadiwe University (KOMU) Ideato north, Imo state.

Aprokorepublic

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Godwin Chi

Ojogwu Godwin Chukwudi hailed from Delta State. A young talented personality, Alumnus of Delta State university,Abraka Studied Library and information science. He is an intellectual cyber communicator expert and a prolific blogger professional.

NEWS

Adeleke Wins Osun Governorship In A Massive Victory

Published

13 hours ago

August 16, 2026

Godwin Chi

The Governor of Osun State, Ademola Adeleke, of the Accord Party, has won 19 Local Government Areas out of the 30 in the state, while his close rival, Bola Oyebamiji of the All Progressives Congress, clinched 11 LGs in the Saturday governorship election.

Adeleke is awaiting the official declaration from the Independent National Electoral Commission following the collation and announcement of results on Sunday.

Here is the breakdown and how Osun indigenes voted:

1. Boluwaduro LG
Returning Officer: Prof Sola Omotola
A: 7,118
APC: 7,050
ADC: 179
Accredited voters: 14, 662
Total valid votes: 14,478
Total votes cast: 14,655

2 Ede South LG
Returning Officer: Raji Oluwakemi
A: 26,188
ADC: 390
APC: 6,219
Accredited voters: 34,011
Total votes cast: 33,950
Total valid votes: 33,210

3. Ife North
Returning Officer: Prof Tajudeen Opoola
A: 13,879
ADC: 333
APC: 9,613
Accreditation: 24,772
Total votes cast: 24,704
Total valid votes: 24,216

4. LGA: Ilesa West LGA
Returning Officer: Prof Babatunde Omotoso
A: 16196
ADC: 673
APC: 12756
Accredited voters: 31333
Total votes cast: 31234
Total valid votes: 30244

5. LGA: Ifedayo LGA
Returning Officer: Prof Babatope
A: 7427
APC: 6836
ADC: 115
Accredited voters: 14703
Total votes cast: 14703
Total valid votes: 1449

6. LGA: Ilesa East LG
Returning Officer: Prof. Chika Asogba
A: 12280
ADC: 504
APC: 16208
Accredited voters: 30371
Total votes cast: 30209
Total valid votes: 29460

7. LGA: Ife Central LGA
Returning Officer: Prof. Adekoya Iromini
A: 21171
ADC: 747
APC: 15913
Accredited voters: 39990
Total votes cast: 39330
Total valid votes: 38380

8. Boripe LGA
Returning Officer: Prof. Ahmed Sakiru
A: 12448
ADC: 379
APC: 19963
Accredited voters: 33943
Total votes cast: 33713
Total valid votes: 33116

9. LGA: Irepodun LGA
Returning Officer: Babafunso Awe
A: 14504
ADC: 249
APC: 15713
Accredited voters: 31291
Total votes cast: 31282
Total valid votes: 30717
10. LGA: Obokun
Returning Officer: Dr Stephen Ojo

10
A: 12023
ADC: 205
APC: 16120
Accredited voters: 29183
Total votes cast: 29147
Total valid votes: 28687

11. LGA: Orolu
Returning Officer: Dr Akinkunmi Sunday
A: 12352
ADC: 236
APC: 10622
Accredited voters: 25424
Total votes cast: 23890
Total valid votes:23438

12. LGA: Osogbo
Returning Officer: Udueke Maximilian
A: 36480
ADC: 1503
APC: 30474
Accredited voters: 70840
Total votes cast: 70785
Total valid votes: 69307

13. LGA: Oriade
Returning Officer: Dr Olabode Olajide
A: 21343
ADC: 423
APC: 14863
Accredited voters: 37962
Total vote cast:37933
Total valid votes: 37073

14. LGA: Odo Otin
Returning Officer: Prof. Adebola Aderibigbe
A: 18003
ADC: 377
APC: 15435
Accredited voters: 34482
Total votes cast: 34456
Total valid votes: 34026

15. LGA: Ife East
Returning Officer: Prof. Benjamin Omolayo
A: 27201
ADC: 935
APC: 18600
Accredited voters: 49065
Total votes cast: 49017
Total valid votes: 47519

16. LGA: Ifelodun
Returning Officer: Prof Olayiwola Fasonranti
A: 21107
ADC: 509
APC: 18396
Accredited voters: 41156
Total vote cast:41143
Total valid votes: 40466

17. LGA: Atakumosa West
Returning Officer: Prof Adesiji Taiwo
A: 7479
ADC: 213
APC: 10037
Accredited voters: 18707
Total votes cast: 18399
Total valid votes:17985

18. LGA: Iwo
Returning Officer: Mrs Koyejo Fasakin
A: 27085
ADC: 588
APC: 19660
Accredited voters: 48985
Total votes cast:48953
Total valid votes: 48027

19. Ede North
Returning Officer: Associate Prof. Jacob Opele
A: 35427
ADC: 307
APC: 10283
Accredited voters: 47262
Total votes cast:47205
Total valid votes: 46474

20. Ila LG
Returning Officer: Prof Oludolapo Amu
A: 16211
ADC: 259
APC: 12934
Accredited voters: 30028
Total votes cast: 30021
Total valid votes: 29605

21. Irewole LG
Returning Officer: Mr Wahudi
A: 10934
ADC: 275
APC: 29972
Accredited voters: 42858
Total votes cast: 42824
Total valid votes: 41575

22. Ayedire LGA
Returning Officer: Dr Samuel Sunday
A: 11073
ADC: 148
APC: 9910
Accredited voters: 21419
Total votes cast: 21414
Total valid votes: 21228

23. Atakumosa East LGA
Returning Officer: Prof Bukola Bolaji
A: 7872
ADC: 333
APC: 9936
Accredited voters: 19253
Total votes cast: 18823
Total valid votes:18442

24. Egbedore LGA
Returning Officer: Mrs Omolara
A: 19278
ADC: 363
APC: 11194
Accredited voters: 31867
Total vote cast: 31830
Total valid votes: 31155

25. Ayedaade LGA
Returning Officer: Prof Fakayode
A: 16681
ADC: 331
APC: 15719
Accredited voters: 34232
Total vote cast: 33801
Total valid votes: 33180

26. Isokan LGA
Returning Officer: Prof Anthony Fajinmi
A: 13765
ADC: 384
APC: 14063
Accredited voters: 29421
Total votes cast: 29405
Total valid votes: 28715

27. Olaoluwa LGA
Returning Officer: Prof Temitope Babalola
A: 10063
ADC: 213
APC: 10782
Accredited voters: 21599
Total votes cast: 21595
Total valid votes: 21228

28. Ife South LGA
Returning Officer: Prof Shittu Olugoke
A: 13507
ADC: 290
APC: 14678
Accredited voters: 29521
Total votes cast: 29461
Total valid votes: 28906

29. Ejigbo LGA
Returning Officer: Prof Cicilia Akintayo
A: 18458
ADC: 5053
APC: 16195
Accredited voters: 41173
Total votes cast: 41125
Total valid votes: 40314

30: Olorunda LGA
Returning Officer: Prof Hilary Okoh
A: 23514
ADC: 666
APC: 24671
Accredited voters: 51172
Total votes cast: 50793
Total valid votes: 49458

NEWS

Just In: Police Arrest 27-Year-Old Over Deadly Hotel Stabbing In Adamawa

Published

1 day ago

August 15, 2026

Godwin Chi

The Adamawa State Police Command has arrested a 27-year-old man in connection with the alleged murder of a woman at a hotel in Girei Local Government Area of the state.

In a statement issued on Saturday, the command’s spokesman, SP Suleiman Nguroje, said the incident occurred at No Vex Hotel, Girei, on Friday.

“Following a report of an altercation at No Vex Hotel, Girei LGA, on 14th August 2026, operatives from Girei Divisional Police Headquarters swiftly responded to the scene.

“The victim was found with severe injuries and in a pool of blood. She was immediately rushed to a medical facility where she was confirmed dead by the doctor on duty,” the statement said.

According to the police, the suspect, identified as Ali Haruna, of Bolori Ward, Maiduguri, Borno State, had been arrested in connection with the incident.

“Preliminary investigation revealed that the suspect allegedly made statements claiming responsibility for the act. The police are, however, treating this as part of the ongoing investigation and are working to establish the circumstances and motive behind the incident,” the statement added.

The command said the knife allegedly used in the commission of the offence was recovered from the suspect and would be treated as an exhibit.

The statement added that the Commissioner of Police, Kabir Hassan, had directed the State Criminal Investigation Department to take over the case and ensure a discreet, thorough and professional investigation.

The command assured members of the public that anyone found culpable would face the full weight of the law.

It further urged the public to remain calm, avoid spreading unverified information and refrain from jungle justice while allowing the police to conclude their investigation.

However, when Weekend Punch visited the scene on Saturday, an eyewitness said the suspect lodged at the hotel, which is owned by a retired police officer, on Friday afternoon and allegedly committed the murder by 5pm the same day.

The eyewitness further claimed that the suspect confessed that the deceased was the third person he had killed this year.

NEWS

OsunDecides2026: INEC Uploads 402 Results And Nigerians Are Asking Questions

Published

1 day ago

August 15, 2026

Godwin Chi

The Independent National Electoral Commission has begun uploading results from Saturday’s Osun State governorship election to its Result Viewing portal.

Checks by our correspondent on the INEC Results Viewing Portal as of 4:03 pm show that 402 polling unit results have been uploaded out of an expected 3,763, representing 10.68 per cent of the total.

Data from the IReV portal showed the last upload was recorded at 4:03:10pm on Saturday, from polling unit 29/02/04/006, as collation continued across the state’s 30 local government areas.

The election, in which Governor Ademola Adeleke of the Accord Party is seeking re-election against Bola Oyebamiji of the All Progressives Congress, Najeem Salaam of the African Democratic Congress and other candidates, is being closely monitored by voters and election observers on the IReV platform, which INEC introduced to enhance transparency in result collation by allowing polling unit-level results to be viewed in real time.

The commission’s Result Stats window on the portal showed the figures updating as fresh uploads arrived from polling units, with the platform allowing users to refresh the page for the latest numbers.

As of press time, uploads from the Osun poll remained at an early stage, with the commission expected to ramp up the pace of uploads as collation at ward and local government levels progresses.

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EDUCATION

Senator Ekwunife Appreciates FCE (Technical), Umunze for Distinguished College Fellowship Award (See Pictures)

Published

1 day ago

August 15, 2026

Vincent Okoye

Distinguished Senator Uche Ekwunife, CON, has expressed appreciation to the management and entire community of the Federal College of Education (Technical), Umunze, following her conferment with the institution’s Distinguished College Fellowship Award.

The award, described as the highest honour of the institution, was conferred on Senator Ekwunife in recognition of her contributions to the development of the college and education generally.

In a statement shared on her Facebook page, @Senator Uche Ekwunife, the former lawmaker thanked the Provost, Dr. Ejezie Virginia Nonye, the management, staff, heads of departments and the entire college community for the prestigious recognition.

Ekwunife said she was deeply humbled to join the distinguished list of Fellows of the institution alongside eminent personalities who have made remarkable contributions to Nigeria.

She also acknowledged her previous interventions at the college, particularly the provision of laptops and digital devices to support teaching and learning. According to her, the intervention was driven by her conviction that education remains the foundation of sustainable development and an important investment in the future.

The Senator further expressed pride in being a product of FCE (Technical), Umunze, noting the institution’s significant contribution to human capital development and its record of producing outstanding Nigerians across different fields.

She reaffirmed her commitment to supporting the growth and development of the institution within her capacity.

Ekwunife also expressed her readiness to work with the college management and relevant stakeholders to explore further opportunities for strengthening the institution and advancing its aspiration to become a Federal University of Education (Technical), Umunze.

“Thank you for this prestigious recognition. I do not take it for granted,” she said.

This report was culled from the official Facebook page of Distinguished Senator Uche Ekwunife, CON, @Senator Uche Ekwunife.

See pictures below

NEWS

PENGASSAN Ensured Oil Stability. Here’s What They Did

Published

3 days ago

August 14, 2026

Godwin Chi

The outgoing President of Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN), Comrade Festus Osifo, has said his administration’s major achievements over the past six years included protecting workers’ jobs, improving welfare packages, and contributing to stability in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector.

Speaking at a media parley in Abuja on Wednesday, Osifo said effective union leadership must be visible and its impact felt by the people it represents.

He said, “The people must see you as their leader, and they must feel your impact. So, one of the things we did in the last three years, in the last six years, is that we were on the shop floor.”

Osifo said PENGASSAN remained committed to protecting members’ welfare and incomes despite significant economic shocks, particularly the sharp devaluation of the naira in 2023, which substantially eroded workers’ purchasing power.

He said the union negotiated with employers to restore a substantial portion of the purchasing power lost by workers, stating that the adjustments in many cases have to exceed the prevailing inflation rate.

He said, “We did everything possible to restore back, not 100 per cent of the branches, but a substantial majority of the branches.

“We were able to push and restore back what they lost.”

According to him, “If you are restoring back devaluation, that means you are going much above inflation. That was one of the strategies.”

Osifo described his leadership style as hands-on, saying union members need to see their leaders during negotiations and periods of industrial challenges, rather than only during elections.

He said the approach helped the union manage disputes over job cuts, contract reviews, collective bargaining agreements, and workers’ welfare without allowing disagreements to escalate into prolonged industrial crises.

Osifo stated, “That closeness is what helped us stabilise the sector. When there were issues of job cuts, contract reviews, or welfare disputes, we didn’t abandon any branch.

“We went there, we sat with management, we sat with workers, and we found solutions.”

Osifo, whose second tenure ends this month, said PENGASSAN’s proactive engagement contributed to maintaining relative industrial peace in the oil and gas sector at a time when other sectors were experiencing strikes, job losses, and other labour-related challenges.

He said his leadership had deliberately sought to remain close to members at the branch level, particularly during negotiations over collective bargaining agreements.

Osifo stated, “Because of each of their Collective Bargaining Agreements, if the people don’t see me there with them, they will see the zonal chairman there with them. So, they saw that leadership where we worked with them closely.

“We never abandoned any of our branches. We worked with them closely to bring about the level of remuneration that we have in the oil and gas industry.”

He added that the trust built between the leadership and members enabled the Central Working Committee to take technical and strategic decisions that enjoyed broad acceptance within the union.

As he prepared to hand over to a new leadership, Osifo said he was leaving behind a stronger PENGASSAN, with improved welfare structures and a union constitution updated to reflect contemporary realities in the energy sector.

He urged the incoming leadership to sustain the culture of engagement and continue to prioritise members’ welfare amid volatility in global oil prices, changing industry dynamics and the ongoing transition in the global energy landscape.

Osifo said, “The oil and gas sector is strategic to Nigeria. If there is stability there, the entire economy feels it. Our responsibility as PENGASSAN is to ensure that those who work in the sector are protected, motivated, and their rights are not trampled upon.”

NEWS

How Ghana Police Stopped A Bank Robbery Before It Started

Published

3 days ago

August 14, 2026

Godwin Chi

The Ghana Police Service has arrested a suspected member of a robbery syndicate and killed two others in a foiled attempt to rob three banks in Labone, Accra.

The arrested suspect was identified as Augustine Maazi.

The police disclosed this in a statement posted on its X handle on Thursday.

According to the statement, the police received intelligence at about 10:45am on August 13, 2026, that a gang was preparing to attack GCB Bank, Ecobank and Zenith Bank, all located in Labone.

“A police team was immediately deployed to Labone where the gang members were spotted in their vehicles parked close to the banks.

“Upon sighting the police, one of the vehicle sped of in an attempt to escape.

“The police gave them a chase and arrested suspect Augustine Okechuku Maazi. The other occupant however managed to escape.

Suspect Augustine Okechuku Maazi. CREDIT: Ghana Police | X

“The robbers in the second vehicle also tried to escape amidst firing.

“The police engaged them in a shoot out resulting in the death of two suspects,” the statement said.

The police said they recovered two vehicles — a Toyota Highlander with registration number GS-1434-18 and a Hyundai Tucson with registration number GS 7915-17 — as well as a blow pistol.

Pistol recovered. CREDIT: Ghana Police | X

“Suspect Augustine Okechuku Maazi is in custody assisting the investigation while the bodies of the deceased suspects have been deposited at the morgue for preservation, identification and autopsy,” the statement added.

The Ghana Police Service commended the response team for foiling the planned robbery attempt.

It urged members of the public to continue to share credible information on criminal activities.

Saheed OyelakinSaheed is a journalist at Punch Newspapers with over two years of experience covering metro, technology, sports, politics, and human-interest stories. He focuses on producing clear, engaging reports across diverse beats. Saheed’s work reflects hands-on newsroom experience and a commitment to accurate and balanced journalism.

NEWS

US Calls Nigeria A “Country Of Particular Concern”. Here’s Nigeria’s Response

Published

3 days ago

August 14, 2026

Godwin Chi

Nigeria and the United States have begun fresh moves to address the West African nation’s designation as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC), with both countries reviewing progress on religious freedom, accountability for perpetrators of violence and security cooperation.

The development followed the second session of the US-Nigeria Joint Working Group, hosted in Washington on Wednesday by US Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs, Allison Hooker, and attended by a Nigerian delegation led by the National Security Adviser (NSA) Mallam Nuhu Ribadu.

The meeting built on the outcome of the first session of the Joint Working Group held in Abuja on January 22, 2026, as both countries intensified efforts to address concerns that led to the CPC designation.

According to a media note issued yesterday by the US Department of State, the discussions focused on three priority areas: Protecting Christian communities in Nigeria’s Middle Belt, holding perpetrators of violence accountable by strengthening judicial and security institutions, and military-to-military cooperation.

The US and Nigerian officials also reviewed progress on the resettlement of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) to their ancestral homes, counterterrorism prosecutions and efforts to combat the financing of terrorism.

However, the United States pointed to continuing challenges, including reports of civilian fatalities and gaps in humanitarian expenditure transparency, underscoring the need for further action by the Nigerian government.

The US government said it had taken note of Nigeria’s efforts so far, particularly the prosecution of hundreds of Boko Haram and Islamic State-West Africa (ISIS-WA) suspects, expansion of judicial capacity and the recruitment and training of 50,000 additional police officers.

“Both sides acknowledged that more work lies ahead, particularly with supporting IDPs,” the State Department said.

The discussions also covered continued cooperation in countering terrorism financing, biometric information sharing to strengthen accountability measures and law enforcement capacity building.

The State Department said such capacity building would be undertaken through its Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs and Bureau of Counterterrorism.

The two countries also continued discussions on military-to-military cooperation at the Pentagon yesterday, as Washington and Abuja seek to deepen their security partnership.

Separately, Hooker met with Ribadu to further advance bilateral priorities and “reaffirm the United States’ commitment to working with Nigeria to protect Christian communities and to deepen joint security cooperation.”

The latest engagement is part of efforts by both countries to address US concerns over religious freedom and insecurity in Nigeria, particularly the protection of Christian communities in the Middle Belt.

The CPC designation has remained a sensitive issue in Nigeria-US relations, with Abuja seeking to demonstrate that it is taking concrete steps to protect citizens, prosecute perpetrators of violence and strengthen institutions responsible for security and justice.

NEWS

RATTAWU Honors DSS DG: The Reason Will Surprise You

Published

3 days ago

August 14, 2026

Godwin Chi

The Radio, Television, Theatre and Arts Workers Union has honoured the Director-General of the Department of State Services, Mr Oluwatosin Ajayi, with the ‘Golden Era Pillar of Critical and Strategic Intelligence for National Development Award’, as part of activities marking its 50th anniversary

RATTAWU conferred the award on Ajayi on Thursday at his office, when the National President of the group, Emeka Kalu, led members to a media/security-critical engagement and strategic partnership meeting for national development in Abuja.

Kalu praised the appointment of Ajayi in 2024 by President Bola Tinubu, describing it as putting “a round peg in a round hole.”

He added that the award was an initiative of the union designed to recognise individuals and institutions that had made outstanding contributions to national development, security, democracy, culture and the growth of Nigeria.

He said, “Your appointment by Mr President demonstrates the importance of placing capable Nigerians with integrity and professional competence in strategic positions of national responsibility.

“The role of the DSS in protecting Nigeria’s national interests, gathering critical intelligence and supporting national security cannot be overemphasised.

“Particularly now that this country is confronted with complex security and emerging technological challenges, appointments like yours are the best ever done by Mr President.

“That is why this union decided to honour you with the Golden Era Pillar of Critical and Strategic Intelligence for National Development Award.”

Responding, the DSS Director-General, Oluwatosin Ajayi, expressed appreciation to the leadership of RATTAWU for the honour.

Ajayi described the recognition as a significant gesture that would further encourage him and the service to remain committed to their responsibilities to the nation.

NEWS

Hours Trapped: How 19 Workers Were Rescued From India Tunnel

Published

3 days ago

August 14, 2026

Godwin Chi

At least seven workers were killed and 13 injured following a landslide that sent water and debris gushing into a tunnel under construction in north India, officials said Friday.

The incident occurred late Thursday in the Himalayan state of Uttarakhand, where workers were constructing a tunnel for a state-run hydropower project.

At least three workers are still missing, while 19 were rescued from the Tehri Hydro Development Corporation site, the State Disaster Management Authority said in a statement.

Videos shared by local authorities showed rescue workers equipped with head-mounted torches using makeshift rafts to reach the flooded section of the tunnel.

Uttarakhand has been battered by heavy monsoon rains in recent days.

Accidents on large construction sites are common in India, but ecologists say excessive development projects have led to more disasters in the fragile Himalayan areas.

Last month, 20 people working in a tunnel for another state-run hydroelectric project were killed in the remote northeastern state of Sikkim.

In 2023, 41 workers were rescued after being trapped for 17 days inside a tunnel that collapsed in Uttarakhand.

Hundreds of people have been killed in floods and landslides across the country since the start of the annual monsoon season in June.

Experts say climate change, coupled with poorly planned development, is increasing the frequency, severity, and impact of the disasters.

AFP