News Agency of Nigeria
WAEC, NECO to adopt CBT for exams 2026
Education

WAEC, NECO to adopt CBT for exams 2026

By Funmilayo Adeyemi/Vera Dariya

The Federal Government has directed the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) and the National Examinations Council (NECO) to adopt full Computer-Based Testing (CBT) for all their examinations by 2026.

The Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, disclosed this during the monitoring of the ongoing exams alongside JAMB officials, in Bwari on Monday.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that more than 2 million candidates registered for the ongoing examination in more than 800 centres across the country.

Alausa revealed that both the WAEC and NECO would start administering their objective papers via CBT effective this November.

According to him, subsequently adopting the CBT for the essay and objective components will commence fully by May/June 2026.

“If JAMB can successfully conduct CBT exams for more than 2.2 million candidates, WAEC and NECO can do the same.

“We are going to get WAEC and NECO to also start their objective exam on CBT.

“By 2026 exams which will come up in May/June, both the objectives and the essay will be fully on CBT. That is how we can eliminate exam malpractices.”

Alausa also disclosed that a committee is currently reviewing examination standards nationwide, with recommendations expected next month.

Earlier, the JAMB Registrar, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, while speaking on the early schedule of the exams, clarified that the board’s UTME exams had always begun at 8:00 a.m.

Oloyede said that candidates were only expected to be on ground by 6:30 a.m., to enable them get accredited before the exams.

He dismissed complaints about early arrival times, noting that it was necessary to screen candidates before exams begin.

“We have always started our exams at 8 o’clock. The first session is 8 o’clock, second session 10:30, third session, 1 p.m, and fourth session 3:30p.m.

Oloyede also debunked claims of candidates being posted to centres they did not choose, stating that investigations showed no such cases happened.

He confirmed that more than 1.6 million out of 2.03 million registered candidates had completed their exams, with about 50,000 remaining.

The registrar further revealed that more than 40 candidates had been arrested for malpractice, including impersonation and attempting to smuggle out exam questions with hidden cameras.

He added that of the registered candidates, more than 41,000 were underage. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Deborah Coker

Late gospel singer Osinachi’s husband sentenced to death by hanging
Judiciary

Late gospel singer Osinachi’s husband sentenced to death by hanging

By Edith Nwapi

Justice Nwosu-Iheme of an FCT High Court Wuse Zone 2 in Abuja on Monday sentenced the husband of late gospel singer, Osinachi, Peter Nwachukwu, to death by hanging.

Nwachukwu was found guilty of culpable homicide resulting in the death of the deceased (his wife) on April 8, 2022.

The judge held that the prosecution had proven the burden of proof placed on it by the law and subsequently found the defendant guilty.

Nwachukwu was arraigned on June 3, 2022 by the Office of Attorney-General of the Federation (OAGF), on behalf of the Federal Government, on a 23-count charge.

The charge was on culpable homicide punishable with death, criminal intimidation, cruelty to children, criminal intimidation of children, spousal battery, among others.

In the course of trial, the prosecution called 17 witnesses, including two children of the late Osinachi, who testified as fourth prosecution and fifth prosecution witnesses, PW4 and PW5 respectively.

The prosecution also tendered 25 documents as exhibits before the court.

The defendant testified for the defence and further called four other witnesses and tendered four exhibits in his defence.

Shortly before sentencing, the defendant’s counsel, Reginald Nwali, in his allocutus, pleaded with the court to be lenient in its judgment.

Similarly, the prosecution counsel, Mrs Aderonke Imala, urged the court to give force to the law as stipulated.

Justice Nwosu-Iheme subsequently sentenced Nwachukwu to death by hanging on Count 1, while he was sentenced to two years imprisonment each on Counts 2, 3, 8,9, 12, 13, and 18.

The court sentenced the defendant to six months imprisonment on Count 10, three years imprisonment on Count 11, while he was fined the sum of N500,000 and N200,000 respectively on Counts 6 and 7 respectively. (NAN)(www.nanews.ng)

Edited by Sadiya Hamza

Expert advises veterinarians on judicious use of antimicrobial resistance
Agriculture

Expert advises veterinarians on judicious use of antimicrobial resistance

By Dorathy Aninge

Veterinarians have been advised to team up with researchers and ensure judicious use of Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) in livestock production.

The Managing Director of Blueblood Veterinary Limited, Mr Abubakar Muhammad, gave the advice in Makurdi at the 2025 World Veterinary Day celebration and N20 million appeal fund organised by the Nigerian Veterinary Medical Association (NVMA), Benue Chapter.

Muhammad, who was the guest speaker, said the most pressing challenge being faced in animal health is antimicrobial resistance (AMR), which also threatens human health and food security, and veterinarians have a pivotal role in ensuring that antimicrobials are used judiciously.

He stated that no single individual could address the multifaceted challenge of animal health alone except through teamwork.

“By working together as a team, we can educate farmers on the use of antimicrobials.

“We can implement best practices by collaborating with researchers and policymakers and also monitor and report by establishing a robust surveillance system for tracking antimicrobial use.

“To also enhance food security, we need to work closely with agricultural extension workers and public health officials, promote best practices and engage communities, as this will give a comprehensive approach to food safety.

“Livestock development is vital for the prosperity of the economy, which is why veterinarians need to invest in research and development, support capacity building and advocate for policy changes.

“These issues can be addressed by utilising available technology, engaging community health workers to enhance proper outreach and building partnerships with non-governmental organisations, government agencies and the private sector to improve the capacity of quality delivery,” he said.

Benue NVMA Chairman, Benue Dr Andrew Amine, said that there was a need for collaboration rather than competition among professionals so that they would not be left behind.

Amine described the World Veterinary Day celebration as one of the biggest events for veterinarians across the world.

“The livestock subsector is laden with untapped potential which needs to be explored, as it is consistently dynamic with some newer methods of farming as well as new equipment and facilities.

“The Benue NVMA under me took time to unite and revamp the association so as to give it a deserved place in the society as we liaised with legends and all members of the profession.

“We have also done investiture for executive committee members, board of advisers and patrons/patronesses of the association, which is the first of any state chapter in Nigeria.

“We also urge veterinarians to register for the NVMA cooperative, which was set up to support the start-up and expansion of business by giving our soft loans to younger veterinarians in the state,” he said.

Amine also called on para-veterinarians that the association has different levels of training and should resist the temptation to do everything and must know their limit and invite veterinarians to step in when their skills end.

“We should ensure that farmers, pet owners and caregivers must put up their best practice, as the era of self-medication is over; we must roll up our sleeves and get to work while collaborating with professionals and sister organisations in the fight against climate change.

“The challenge the association is having at the moment is the issue of mobility, which has hindered operation, which is why we solicit the support of veterinarians and paraprofessionals to purchase a bus for the association,” he said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the highlight of the programme was the presentation of honorary awards to the President of the Veterinary Council of Nigeria (VCN), Prof. Mathew Adamu.

NAN reports that awards were also presented to the Zonal Commander of the Nigerian Agricultural Quarantine Service, Mr David Shehu, and some outstanding members of the association. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Peter Amine

FG warns against threats of cyber-slavery in W/Africa
Science & Tech

FG warns against threats of cyber-slavery in W/Africa

By Fortune Abang
The Federal Government has raised alarm over the growing threat of cyber-slavery in West Africa.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs Spokesperson, Kimiebi Ebienfa, said Foreign Affairs Minister Amb. Yusuf Tuggar, expressed concern over the alarming rise in cases of cyber-slavery across parts of West Africa, which he said “primarily targets Nigerian citizens, especially vulnerable youths.”

According to him, many young Nigerians, including underage teenagers, are being lured out of the country with false promises of lucrative employment opportunities abroad, particularly in crypto-related operations.

“In reality, these individuals are trafficked into sophisticated scam operations and forced to work in criminal call centres, often referred to as ‘419 cyber-scam factories,’” Tuggar said.

“There, under coercive and inhumane conditions, they are compelled to send thousands of fraudulent emails, text messages, and calls aimed at defrauding victims worldwide.”

He cited a recent incident where the Economic and Organised Crime Office in Accra, Ghana, rescued and detained a group of Nigerians who were forced into cybercrime activities under inhumane conditions.

“This incident highlights the severe exploitation and abuse associated with cybercrime operations.

It also underscored the urgent need for enhanced efforts to dismantle these multibillion-dollar criminal networks and reduce the vulnerability of potential victims,” he said.

Tuggar warned Nigerians, especially youths and parents, to exercise utmost caution when presented with job offers, particularly those that promise easy money, overseas travel, or remote work involving cryptocurrencies.

He advised Nigerians to verify all employment offers through official channels and to report any suspicious cases to the relevant authorities for prompt investigation and action.

“As a precautionary measure, the government is working closely with regional partners, law enforcement agencies, and international organisations to tackle this heinous crime, rescue victims, and bring perpetrators to justice,” he added.

Tuggar reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to protecting Nigerian citizens both at home and abroad and raising awareness about emerging threats to their welfare and dignity. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Kevin Okunzuwa
Polio: UNICEF, Bauchi govt. mobilise traditional rulers for massive vaccine uptake
Health

Polio: UNICEF, Bauchi govt. mobilise traditional rulers for massive vaccine uptake

By Olaide Ayinde

The UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF) in partnership with the Bauchi State Government has mobilised traditional rulers to ensure massive 2025 polio vaccine uptake and compliance in the state.

Speaking during the monitoring of the vaccination exercise in Ningi Local Government Area of the state, Dr Nuzhat Rafique, Chief of UNICEF’s Field Office, Bauchi, lauded the Emir for actively participating in the advocacy of the polio vaccine uptake in the state.

Represented by Mr Eki George, UNICEF’s Social Behaviour Change Specialist, Rafique acknowledged that the role the traditional rulers would play to ensure massive vaccine compliance and uptake could not be overemphasised.

“It is a welcome development to see our royal fathers taking up the leadership role in leading our communities to do the right thing.

“We are indeed very grateful as we have sought for their roles in this campaign and here they are with us to ensure that our children are all vaccinated.

“We appreciate the presence of the traditional rulers during these monitoring exercises and this will definitely encourage and boost the uptake of the polio vaccine, especially by the non-compliant people in the state.

“This is a campaign where we want to ensure that all the zero dose children in the state receive the life-saving vaccine as well as ensure that the parents especially fathers continuously give consent for their children to be vaccinated,” she said.

Rafique expressed UNICEF’s readiness to support all the LGAs, the communities and the state at large in ensuring that all the qualified children are vaccinated and kick out polio from the state and Nigeria in general.

Also speaking, Alhaji Othman Usman, Emir of Dass, said that the traditional institutions in the state were very committed to ensuring that polio was completely eradicated in Bauchi State this time around.

The First Class Emir, who is the Chairman, Bauchi State Emirate Councils Committee on Health (BASECCOH), said the traditional rulers would be fully involved in the mobilisation of communities, especially the non-compliance for the vaccine uptake.

“There are many communities here that are very known for non-compliance of the polio vaccine and that is why I and the Emir of Ningi have decided to visit the communities by ourselves.

“We are here to sensitise the people of these communities to ensure that the health workers can be able to access each and every household to be able to vaccinate all the eligible children in these communities,” he said.

The Emir also explained that they had been working closely with some Malams and Imams who had been resisting the vaccine in the past, adding that they have all accepted it.

“It’s a very good effort and In-Sha-Allah, we are going to see successes because the issue of resistance is now being taken care of.

“Even the Imams that were resisting to some extent before are now with us and one of them just did a symbolic vaccination of some children,” he said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Emir of Dass was accompanied by the Emir of Ningi, Alhaji Haruna Danyaya and some religious and community leaders. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Vivian Ihechu

IMF/World Bank Meetings: FG seeks global investments in health manufacturing
Health

IMF/World Bank Meetings: FG seeks global investments in health manufacturing

By Folasade Akpan

The Federal Government is actively seeking global investments to boost local health manufacturing in Nigeria.

Mr Alaba Balogun, the Deputy Director of Information and Public Relations, said the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Pate, recently met with top global philanthropies and donors on the sidelines of the IMF/World Bank Spring Meetings in Washington, D.C.

The meeting aimed to provide the stakeholders with insights on how future investments and cooperative financing could be directed for the maximum benefit of Nigeria’s population.

Additionally, Pate’s bilateral meeting with the incoming President of the World Health Assembly led to the establishment of a mission to the Asia-Pacific region to attract investments in Nigeria’s localised health services manufacturing.

The minister emphasised that President Bola Tinubu’s comprehensive reform of the nation’s health sector and his significant investments in the sector had garnered global attention, resulting in increased willingness among the international community to collaborate.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the meeting, which held from April 21 to April 26 in Washington, D.C., was attended by delegations from 190 countries.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

Borno governor calls for boost in irrigated farming
Agriculture

Borno governor calls for boost in irrigated farming

By: Hamza Suleiman

Gov. Babagana Zulum of Borno has urged the Chad Basin Development Authority (CBDA) to invest heavily in groundwater irrigated farming to boost food security and economic activities.

Zulum made the appeal while receiving the newly constituted CBDA Board, led by its Chairman, Prof. Abdu Dauda Biu, on a courtesy visit to Maiduguri.

Highlighting the agricultural potential along Lake Chad’s shores, the governor named Kirenowa, Marte, Gamborun Ngala, and Baga as areas blessed with groundwater and arable land.

“I wish to draw your kind attention to the presence of considerable groundwater along the shores of Lake Chad. We must not rely solely on surface water,” Zulum said.

He revealed that a fact-finding team he dispatched to Gamborun Ngala confirmed the availability of substantial groundwater, ideal for irrigation farming in the region.

Zulum added that the state government had committed about ₦2 billion to cultivating 1,000 hectares of farmland using a solar-powered irrigation system in Baga.

He noted that an additional ₦1.5 billion was allocated for similar solar-powered irrigation projects in Gamborun Ngala and Marte, which are now nearing completion.

“In our efforts to revitalise the South Chad Irrigation Scheme, we are currently cultivating 1,000 hectares of land under the Baga Polder Irrigation Project.

“We are also developing 200,000 hectares at the Gamboru Pump House and another 200,000 hectares at the Gamboru Ladari solar-powered irrigation system,” he said.

Zulum further revealed that about 3,000 tube wells had been drilled in Damasak, Mobbar Local Government Area, enabling farming along a 16-kilometre stretch.

He pledged continued collaboration with the CBDA to expand agricultural activities in Ngala, Damasak, and New Marte, supporting returnees and sustainable food production.

Zulum reaffirmed his commitment to reviving the Chad Basin’s Kirenowa pumping station and disclosed efforts to establish a military battalion in the area.

“We are consulting with the President and military hierarchy on establishing a battalion in Kirenowa to safeguard the pumping station,” the governor said.

Earlier, CBDA Board Chairman, Biu, and Managing Director, Alh. Tijjani Tumsa, recalled that the board was constituted on Dec. 13, 2024.

They said the board had inspected key facilities under its jurisdiction, including the Alau Dam, and commended Zulum for his interventions in the authority’s management.

The CBDA leadership pledged collaboration with the state government on irrigation, livestock rearing, and fishing, and sought Zulum’s support for completing the Alau Dam rehabilitation. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Kamal Tayo Oropo

Barrow lauds FG’s efforts in advancing Gambian educational standard
Foreign

Barrow lauds FG’s efforts in advancing Gambian educational standard

By Maureen Okon

Adama Barrow, the President, Republic of Gambia, has lauded the Nigerian Government’s efforts in advancing his country’s educational standard.

He said the impact was evident through the scholarship and the Technical Aid Corps (TAC) volunteers competence who were sent by the Nigerian Technical Aid Corps (NTAC) to his country.

Nkem Anyata-Lafia, the Special Assistant to the NTAC Director-General on Media and Publicity, quoted Barrow as saying this at the 17th Convocation Ceremony, University of the Gambia in Banjul.

The Gambian President lauded the giant strides being made by Nigerian professors deployed to serve in his country as volunteers.

He disclosed that the volunteers had completely changed the narrative in the entire education sector of the country.

The President, who is also the Chancellor of the University of the Gambia, noted that the support by NTAC’s continuous deployment of highly qualified professors in diverse fields has shown that Nigeria is truly a blessing to the African continent and beyond.

Responding, Dr Yusuf Yakub, the Director-General, NTAC, expressed delight that the great mandate of the Corps was being appreciated from far and wide.

He also noted the selfless sacrifice the Federal Government of Nigeria was making to sustain the flagship foreign policy tool.

The NTAC boss conveyed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for his 4-D Foreign Policy Initiative, which ensures that Nigeria would continue to remain visible in the comity of the nations of the world through its diverse laudable commitments to global advancement and progress.

“Thanks to our dear President for his broad-minded vision for global progress, our nation has shown the world that we can selflessly apply ourselves to making our world better.

“From Africa to the Caribbean and Pacific countries, our footprints continue to tell the story that Nigeria is always prepared to give a shoulder to our black brothers and sisters to lean upon no matter where they may be on the face of the earth.

“I am happy today about the progress we are making in the Gambia. You all may recall that a TAC volunteer was the first Vice Chancellor here at this University and, as I speak to you, another set of volunteers are heading the University of Applied Science, Engineering and Technology (USET).

“So, our partnership with the Gambia did not start today. For many years running, this partnership has continued to be a progressive one and we will be glad to continue to engage further.

“I thank the President, my friend, the Honourable Minister of Higher Education as well as the authorities of this University for inviting me here as a Special Guest of Honour.

“We, at the Corps as an institution, will always be there for their collaboration and progressive partnership,” the NTAC D-G emphasised.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Nigeria and the Republic of the Gambia have maintained bilateral relations since the country got her independence In 1965. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Deji Abdulwahab

Governors’ spouses donate relief materials to IDPs in Bokkos, Bassa
General News

Governors’ spouses donate relief materials to IDPs in Bokkos, Bassa

By Zainab Oyekan

The Nigeria Governors Spouses’ Forum, on Sunday visited internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Bokkos and Bassa Local Government Areas (LGAs) and presented them with relief materials.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the items were presented by the forum to alleviate the sufferings of the IDPs who were victims of recent attacks on the two LGAs.

The forum was represented by the wife of Plateau governor, Mrs Helen Mutfwang, who was accompanied by top female government officials and wives of other government officials in the state.

Mrs Mutfwang said that the forum was aware of the people’s plight and had come to identify with them, offer encouragement, and pray with them.

Speaking at the event, the Chairman of Bokkos LGA, Mr Samuel Amalau, said there were initially five different camps for the IDPs that were later collapsed into three housing 2800 persons each.

Amalau thanked the forum and the state government for their proactive response and steadfast support.

Mrs Terfena David, a 51-year-old woman, who said her son was killed during the attack, his motorcycle taken, and her house completely destroyed, however, thanked the forum for its kind gesture.

Another woman, Laraba Yohana, who expressed gratitude to the governors’ wives, said her two children were killed, and her house completely razed down.

Similarly, at Bassa LGA, food items were distributed, and the IDPs received words of encouragement.

Mr Joshua Riti, the Chairman of Bassa LGA, thanked the forum and the governor’s wife for coming to visit them.

Mrs Kende Akpa, an 80- year-old woman, said she lost five of her children and her home also destroyed in the attack, but noted that the forum’s visit would help ease the pain a bit.

On her part, Lami Moses, 25, who lost her brother, and her mother severely injured, said the forum’s visit was a testament to the fact that the victims of these heinous attacks were not alone in their pain.

NAN reports that each of the LGAs received 200 bags of rice, 15 bags of beans, 20 bags of maize, 500 tubers of yams, 10 bags of garri, 5 gallons of palm oil and 5 gallons of vegetable oil which were distributed. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Nyisom Fiyigon Dore

FG: Reducing malaria in Nigeria will boost economic growth
Health

FG: Reducing malaria in Nigeria will boost economic growth

By Folasade Akpan

The Federal Government says significantly reducing or completely eradicating malaria in Nigeria can lead to a major boost in economic growth.

Dr Aminu Umar, Special Assistant to the National Coordinator of the National Malaria Elimination Programme (NMEP), said this during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday in Abuja.

NAN quotes the World Malaria Report 2024, as saying that Nigeria bears the highest burden of malaria globally, accounting for 27 per cent of global cases and 31 per cent of global deaths.

In addition, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Pate, disclosed in 2024 that Nigeria’s economy loses over 1.1 billion dollars annually from the effects of malaria.

Umar, however, emphasised that reducing malaria cases could reverse this trend.

He explained that a healthier population would mean more people actively contributing to the workforce, leading to increased productivity and economic growth.

“Additionally, the government would save significantly on healthcare expenditures, allowing funds to be redirected towards other areas of national development,” he said.

According to Umar, malaria places a major strain on Nigeria’s healthcare system, with a substantial portion of the healthcare budget and resources dedicated to its treatment and prevention.

This, he noted, limits the resources available for other critical medical needs, leading to an overstretched healthcare infrastructure.

“The persistent presence of malaria leads to a high demand for hospital beds and medical personnel, further straining the already limited healthcare resources,” he said.

He added that malaria adversely affected the well-being of Nigerian citizens, reducing school attendance among children and workforce participation among adults.

“The constant burden of malaria has led to decreased productivity and economic stagnation.

“It has contributed to high mortality rates, particularly among vulnerable populations such as children and pregnant women,” Umar stated.

He further noted that the continuous financial burden of malaria treatment worsened poverty among families and communities.

In spite of these challenges, Umar reaffirmed that eliminating malaria remained a top priority for the Federal Government.

He pointed to the government’s Rethinking Malaria Initiative, under which key recommendations were being implemented to drive more effective malaria elimination efforts.

“Among these actions are the execution of a pragmatic, costed plan tailored at sub-national levels, and the establishment of the Advisory on Malaria Elimination in Nigeria,” Umar explained.

He added that, with support from partners, evidence-based interventions had been introduced to achieve significant progress, including, increased access to and usage of insecticide-treated mosquito nets.

“Initiating a pilot programme for Larval Source Management in six states for the first time, improving the availability of malaria treatment and diagnostic services across all states, including those impacted by the recent pause in U.S. aid.”

He also mentioned ongoing efforts to strengthen health systems and improve malaria surveillance and data collection across the country.

“Nonetheless, despite these efforts, there is still a long way to go before malaria is completely eliminated in Nigeria,” Umar said.

He stressed that continuous government commitment and strong partnerships with international organisations were crucial to achieving this goal. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Kevin Okunzuwa

X
Welcome to NAN
Need help? Choose an option below and let me be your assistant.
Email SubscriptionSite SearchSend Us Email