NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA
Ex-govs Aliero, Mu’azu donate N40m to revamp dilapidated ABU infrastructure
General News

Ex-govs Aliero, Mu’azu donate N40m to revamp dilapidated ABU infrastructure

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By Angela Atabo

 

Former Kebbi State Governor, Sen. Adamu Aliero (Kebbi Central) and former Bauchi State Governor, Alh. Ahmadu Mu’azu, have donated 40 million naira to rehabilitate some facilities in their old school.

 

The duo announced the donation at the maiden reunion of their Alma Mater, the School of Basic Studies, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria (SBS ABU Zaria 1976/1977 set in Abuja.

 

Aliero, who made the donation, acknowledged that times had changed, noting that government was now facing numerous challenges, including educational funding constraints.

 

“The contribution I made is towards the rehabilitation of some of the educational structures we have at ABU, our alma mater.

 

“This is because the chairman said he went round and saw a lot of dilapidated buildings.

 

“For that reason, I suggest that, before we leave here, we should contribute something, no matter how small, towards the rehabilitation of such structures, he said.”

 

The former governor explained that his own personal donation was N20 million, while Mu’azu would match it up with N20 million.

 

He called on other classmates to also generously contribute toward the project.

 

Aliero recalled that in the old good days when they were students, government support for their education, was quite extensive, and covered free tuition, transportation allowances, and even laundry services.

 

He, however, said there was hope for reviving education with President Bola Tinubu’s current student loan scheme.

 

According to him, indigent students will be able to access loans from it to fund their education.

 

“Over 500 billion Naira has been set aside for that purpose.

 

“Even the Tax Reforms Bill that the National Assembly passed, have incorporated that request and it’s going to continue.

 

“So, I am very optimistic that government will be able to continue funding education, though not like it was before,” the senator said.

 

Aliero further said that the SBS ABU Zaria 76/77 set had contributed a lot to national development by bequeathing indelible legacies, which they were very proud of.

 

Also speaking, Mu’azu said the set had produced governors, ministers and senators, among others, and challenged youths to take up leadership positions.

 

“This is your ball. This is your generation. A lot of you refuse to offer yourselves for public service.

 

“At the end of the day, we end up getting half-cooked, uneducated people to lead us.

 

“That is not good. “I want to still pass the ball to all of you. You must take up the banner,” he said.

 

The traditional ruler of Karshi, the Sarkin Karshi, Abuja, Alh. Mohammed Ismaila, also an alumnus, called for a more structured alumni network and to leverage them to support schools.

 

“These public institutions will continue to decay unless and until they do two things, one of which is to engage the alumni.

 

“If you see all the great universities in the world, they engage the alumni. But here, most of the time, the university authorities don’t reach out to us.

 

“They should also have a large alumni office and have a database, especially at this age of internet to reach for support for projects,” he said.

 

The President of the association, Rabiu Dagari, while delivering a keynote address, expressed gratitude to God for the opportunity to reconnect.

 

“It is with immense joy and profound gratitude that I stand before you today as the President of our Alumni Association, on this truly historic occasion, our very first reunion party after 48 remarkable years,” he said.

 

Dagari said the reunion was more than a nostalgic gathering, and was a celebration of unity, which was forged at their old school.

 

“Tonight is not just a celebration of nostalgia but a testament to the enduring spirit and unity which the School of Basic Studies, ABU, Zaria has made possible,” he noted.

 

According to the alumni president, the set has accomplished great feats, having produced governors, ministers, professors, military generals, and a reigning Emir among them.

 

He particularly referenced the renowned Prof. Iya Abubakar as a source of inspiration for younger generations.

 

Dagari urged the President Tinubu to tap into the wealth of experience and expertise within the class of 76/77 by appointing some of their distinguished alumni to key government positions.

 

He said the EXCO was working on a proposal to identify areas that the members of the class of SBS 76/77 would address as their contribution to their alma mater.

 

The president also called on members to contribute both financially and intellectually to ongoing restoration efforts.

 

He also called for a minute of silence to honour the 114 deceased members of the set, and extended condolences to their families.

 

The alumni association president further urged his classmates to reconnect while time still permitted.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Mark Longyen

Adedoyin commends Tinubu’s reward system, hails appointment of Sanni, Olusona
General News

Adedoyin commends Tinubu’s reward system, hails appointment of Sanni, Olusona

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By Mufutau Ojo

Alhaji Raheem Adedoyin, a veteran journalist and chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has commended President Bola Tinubu for putting in place a reward system for party stalwarts.

He gave the commendation in a statement made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Saturday.

Adedoyin was reacting to the appointment of Hajia Bilikisu Sanni and Bishop Bunmi Olusona as Executive Director and non executive Director of the board of the newly created North Central Development Commission.

The former Information Commissioner in Kwara described both appointments as well deserved.

He expressed gratitude to the president for always honouring Kwara in federal appointments and distribution of infrastructure projects.

” I don’t think we are celebrating these appointments enough.

” We should; it is not just that two Kwarans were appointed to federal positions of political significance, the appointees belong to the genre of politicians often overlooked in national appointments.

” They are homegrown, active at home and well-grounded in community development,” he said.

Their appointments, he said, came in the wake of similar federal recognition of prominent stakeholders such as former Kwara Executive Council member, Abdullateef Alakawa, and Chairman of APC in Kwara, Sunday Fagbemi.

Adedoyin said he was excited by the appointments given to home-based politicians as it was in tandem with the case he made to Tinubu as then APC presidential candidate when he visited Kwara in 2023.

He recalled that he had canvassed at his parley with APC stakeholders in Ilorin that recognition and patronage be given to stakeholders and politicians who toil at home for the party’s electoral success.

He thanked the president for responding positively to his request.

Adedoyin also thanked Gov. Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq and the home leadership of the party for its unrelenting quest for a good deal for Kwara at the federal level.

” There are just so many interests at stake and fierce power play at work. This is a lesson for all of us in party politics.

” We all cannot get political appointments at the same time; yours will come in different ways,” he said.(NAN)

Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz

CSCS shareholders laud N1.76 dividend payment, 2024 financial report 
Economy/Business

CSCS shareholders laud N1.76 dividend payment, 2024 financial report 

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CSCS shareholders laud N1.76 dividend payment, 2024 financial report

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

By Taiye Olayemi

 

 

 

Shareholders of the Central Securities Clearing System (CSCS) have expressed satisfaction with the company’s impressive financial performance and the declaration of a N1.76 dividend payment for the 2024 financial year.

 

The shareholders expressed their satisfaction during the company’s 31st Annual General Meeting in Lagos, where the 2024 financial report was presented.

 

The shareholders commended the company’s management team for their dedication to driving growth and increasing returns on investment.

 

Mr Boniface Okezie, Chairman of the Independent Shareholders Association of Nigeria, described the company’s financial result as excellent despite the economic headwinds.

 

Okezie tasked the CSCS on extending its operations to other African countries, considering its status as the biggest security depository registrar in West Africa.

 

He also commended the CSCS for being able to improve on curtailing fraud and forgery within the Nigerian Exchange Ltd.

 

He advised on reducing costs, particularly those related to expenses incurred by the board.

 

Also, Mrs Adetutu Shiyanbola, President of the Highly Favoured Shareholders Association of Nigeria, lauded the company’s 2024 financial performance.

 

She noted that CSCS’s impressive performance, marked by a 44 per cent growth in the company’s operating income, a 24 per cent rise in its profit before tax, a 37 per cent increase in gross earnings, and a 22 per cent growth in total assets, showcased the company’s significant responsibility and stewardship.

 

She encouraged the company to further enhance its gender balance policy, promoting greater diversity and inclusion within the organisation.

 

A member of the Independent Shareholders Association of Nigeria, Mrs Juliet Mbaka, commended the CSCS for the dividend paid and urged the company to look toward improving it in the current year.

 

Mbaka also urged the management of the company to consider giving some bonus to its shareholders.

 

Responding, Mr Temi Popoola, Chairman of the Board of Directors for CSCS, said the board would look critically into increasing dividends in the coming years.

 

He said one of the biggest projects the board was working on had to do with expanding the reach of the CSCS.

 

He explained that the CSCS is also working on embracing the African Exchange Linkage Programme as a way to extend its operations.

 

He said, “We are also taking intentional steps toward gender balance, embracing women with the right character and expertise on the board.”

 

Also, Alhaji Haruna Jalo-Waziri, Managing Director of CSCS, attributed the high cost of operation of the company to inflation, adding that the company continues to work on optimising costs.

 

He said the CSCS had achieved remarkable growth in combating cybercrime as it continues to invest hugely in cybersecurity infrastructure.

 

“We are scaling up our cybersecurity infrastructure, and this is one of the reasons we are incurring more costs. We are building KPIs and engaging Artificial Intelligence.

 

“Also, for our Corporate Social Responsibility, we are being strategic to embrace initiatives that, in turn, build our business,” he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

 

Edited by Olawunmi Ashafa

Tea industry processes 28 products, creates 8,000 jobs in 2 years
Foreign

Tea industry processes 28 products, creates 8,000 jobs in 2 years

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By Busayo Onijala

 

With a tea plantation history spanning over 400 years, Malipo County in Yunnan Province is showcasing the success of China’s poverty alleviation and rural revitalisation efforts.

 

Located in the southeastern part of Wenshan Prefecture, Malipo is home to eight indigenous ethnic groups – Han, Zhuang, Miao, Yao, Yi, Dai, Gelao, and Mongolian.

 

It is also home to over 133 hectares of tea plantation that have provided sustainable livelihoods for locals, while enhancing regional infrastructure and international trade.

 

On Friday, the China Public Diplomacy Association (CPDA) and Malipo County’s Communist Party Committee hosted the opening of the Third Laoshan International Tea Festival.

 

The festival is a testament to how tea cultivation helped to turn a once impoverished region into a vibrant, globally-recognised centre of tea culture.

 

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN ) reports that Malipo’s tea will make a historic appearance at the United Nations in May, underscoring its role in the global story of China’s poverty alleviation.

 

 

In her keynote address, China’s Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ms Hua Chunying, highlighted how Malipo’s tea industry reflected China’s broader poverty reduction strategies.

 

“This tea is more than just a source of income. It tells the story of China’s efforts to transform rural areas through targeted aid and diplomacy.”

 

The tea, once a humble local crop, has become a symbol of China’s international engagement, often presented as a ‘national gift’ at global events.

 

It has been featured in 16 countries, showcasing China’s commitment to cultural exchange and mutual learning.

 

Malipo’s transformation is also a result of strong diplomatic support facilitated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, China.

 

Earlier, during a news conference, Xiao Changju, Mayor of Malipo County People’s Government, said that the tea festival was an opportunity for Malipo to expand its international cooperation and elevate its global presence.

 

“To achieve the goals of enriching border residents, beautifying border areas, stabilising border communities, and fortifying border defences, Malipo must open its doors wider and reach new heights through external collaboration.”

 

Under the guidance of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Malipo’s tea industry has played a central role in its economic and social revitalisation, helping to lift the region out of poverty.

 

In 2020, Malipo shed its label as an “impoverished town” through efforts that included the revitalisation of its ancient tea trees.

 

Also, upon the invitation of the foreign affairs ministry, Sunwah Group, in 2023 signed a cooperation agreement with Malipo County, and its investment of 10 million yuan has helped to develop the tea industry.

 

Since 2023, the industry has developed 28 tea products, processed over 60 tonnes of tea leaves and created over 8,000 job opportunities.

 

Jason Choi, Director, Jason KS Choi Foundation and Sunwah Group, said it was the group’s mission and social responsibility to help local citizens to earn better.

 

“Tea factories were previously without standardisation and modernisation but it is a different situation at the moment.

 

“Malipo boasts of a unique natural environment and abundant resources with over 6,000 tea trees; therefore, sustainability for the environment is a driving force for us,” he said.

 

Ambassador Wang Donghua of the CPDA praised the global impact of Malipo’s tea.

 

He said the essence of Chinese tea culture, harmony, equality and mutual respect, was embodied in Malipo’s success, and it reflected China’s vision of a shared future for humanity.

 

“Malipo’s rise from poverty to prosperity is a testament to the power of strategic diplomacy and the potential of agricultural industries such as tea to drive economic transformation.”

 

In the future, Malipo plans to expand its tea industry further, with goals to enrich border communities, beautify local areas, and stabilise border defences through increased global collaboration. (NAN)

Edited by Ijeoma Popoola

Nigerian DJs take center stage with ‘DJAN Mix Master Championship’
Entertainment

Nigerian DJs take center stage with ‘DJAN Mix Master Championship’

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By Babajide Awoyinfa

 

Lagos, May 8, 2025 (NAN) The DeeJay’s Association of Nigeria (DJAN) has launched its groundbreaking mix master championship, a nationwide competition designed to discover, celebrate, and elevate the country’s most talented disc jockeys.

 

Speaking at a news conference on Thursday in Lagos, DJAN President, Christian Edeh, popularly known as DJ perfect intl, emphasised the significance of the initiative.

 

According to Edeh, the competition is open to all DJs who are fully registered and compliant members of the association.

 

He stated: “This is not just a competition – it’s a legacy moment for Nigerian DJs.

 

“The competition, will run over a three to four month period, and will feature multiple tiers, including state-level showdowns and zonal/regional finals.

 

“Culminating in a grand national finale scheduled for September 2025 in Lagos.

 

“For years, we’ve celebrated artistes and performers, but the DJs who drive the sound have remained behind the scenes.

 

“The DJAN MIX MASTER CHAMPIONSHIP is about putting the spotlight where it belongs – on the deck,” he said.

 

He said the competition promises life-changing rewards, with the top DJ set to walk away with a ₦5 million cash prize, and a one-year brand contract with sponsors.

 

He added that there would be opportunities to play on global platforms.

 

“Runners-up will also receive endorsement deals, stage opportunities, and other major prizes,” he said.

 

Also, DJ Vickylee, Head of the Organising Committee, said the competition had been carefully designed to ensure fairness, credibility, and wide representation across all 36 states and the FCT.

 

“We’ve spent months carefully building a championship that not only excites but delivers on merit.

 

“DJAN sees the competition as a moment for society to acknowledge the evolving role of DJs in culture, events, and youth development,” he said

 

Similarly, DJ Teazer, National Public Relations Officer of DJAN, expressed this broader vision,stating, “The DJAN mix master championship isn’t just about who’s got the best mix – it’s about raising the bar for Nigeria’s entertainment scene.”

 

In a goodwill message, the Director-General of the Nigerian Copyright Commission, Dr John Asein, congratulated DJAN on this initiative, emphasising the importance of respecting intellectual property rights.

 

“DJs are cultural curators – reviving classics, showcasing new sounds, and bringing music to life in ways that connect deeply with audiences.

 

“Copyright protection is not a barrier – it is the foundation that sustains creativity, rewards originality, and ensures that both DJs and music creators can thrive in a fair and vibrant ecosystem,” he said.

 

Asein assured that the Nigerian Copyright Commission was ready to support creative professionals, including DJs, through education, enforcement, and the promotion of lawful use of copyrighted works.

 

He commended DJAN for this initiative and urged all participants to combine talent with responsibility, creativity with compliance, and entertainment with ethics. (NAN)

 

 

Edited by Folasade Adeniran

North-East wins APWEN engineering competition to empower girls in STEM
Science & Tech

North-East wins APWEN engineering competition to empower girls in STEM

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By Angela Atabo

The North-East Zone has emerged winner of the “Who Wants to Be an Engineer” competition, organised by the Association of Professional Women Engineers of Nigeria (APWEN).

The North-East defeated other geo-political zones to claim first place, with the North-Central and South-South Zones taking second and third positions, respectively.

The event was part of activities marking the 2025 International Day of Girls in ICT, on Friday in Abuja.

Speaking at the event, APWEN President Dr Adebisi Osim, said the ICT Day, themed “Girls in ICT for Inclusive Digital”, was dedicated to the memory of former APWEN President, Funmilola Ojelade.

Osim described Ojelade as a leader whose contributions to engineering and girl-child empowerment continued to inspire the association.

“Today is not only a celebration; it is a call to action. It is a reminder that girls belong in tech.

“We must intentionally bridge the digital gender divide and equip girls with the skills to lead in this era of rapid technological advancement,” Osim said.

She noted that the digital revolution was transforming education, work, communication, and problem-solving, stressing that real transformation must be inclusive, involving every girl regardless of background or economic status.

“As engineers, we know that innovation thrives on diversity.

“When girls are given equal opportunities to engage with digital technologies, the solutions they create are more comprehensive, creative, and impactful,” she added.

Osim highlighted APWEN’s initiatives, including mentorship programmes, school outreaches, competitions, and capacity-building efforts aimed at promoting ICT education among girls.

She encouraged the participants to aspire to be innovators capable of building robots, designing apps, or creating groundbreaking tech solutions.

She also urged the government and stakeholders to support inclusive ICT policies, invest in digital infrastructure, and make digital literacy accessible to all Nigerian girls.

Also speaking at the event, Mrs Margaret Oguntala, President of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), represented by former APWEN President Dr Ini Usoro, emphasised the need to support schoolgirls in becoming globally competitive in STEM education.

“This move is crucial for enabling our schoolgirls to build a solid foundation and become the best they can be.

“By equipping them with strong ICT skills, we are opening doors to future careers and empowering them as innovators and leaders,” she said.

Oguntala lauded the late Funmilola Ojelade as a passionate advocate for engineering and girl-child education, calling on stakeholders to support APWEN’s efforts.

In her keynote address titled “Empowering Girls in ICT: Unlocking Nigeria’s Digital Future”, Valerie Agberagba noted the underrepresentation of women in the ICT workforce, describing it as a limitation to national development.

She called for quality education, training, mentorship, and strong parental and institutional support to encourage more girls to pursue careers in ICT.

“Empowering girls and women in ICT is crucial for Nigeria’s digital future.

“By working together, we can break down barriers and create opportunities for girls and women to thrive in ICT,” Agberagba said. (NAN)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

 

Bauchi stakeholders push for special needs in AGILE project
Health

Bauchi stakeholders push for special needs in AGILE project

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By Ahmed Kaigama

Stakeholders in Bauchi State have called for the inclusion of persons with special needs in the Adolescent Girls Initiative for Learning and Empowerment (AGILE) project.

They emphasised that true educational reform must be inclusive and equitable.

The call was made at the conclusion of a two-day town hall meeting on Friday in Bauchi, organised by Info-Media Consultants in collaboration with the Bauchi State AGILE Project.

Hajiya Asmau Yahaya, one of the key speakers, stressed the importance of involving persons with special needs in policy development.

She noted that inclusive education recognised diverse learning styles, strengths, and challenges, and that educational policies must accommodate these differences rather than adopt a one-size-fits-all approach.

“Involving people with special needs ensures they are not left behind and that their voices shape the policies that impact their lives,” she said.

Prof. Mainasara Kurfi of the Department of Mass Communication, Bayero University Kano, identified several factors contributing to school dropouts among girls, including child labour, gender bias favouring boys, lack of support for orphans, and peer pressure.

He urged parents, traditional leaders, and policymakers to prioritise girls’ education more strongly.

Also speaking, Prof. Munnir Kamba, a consultant, highlighted the wider benefits of educating girls, noting that it drove economic development, encouraged continued education among peers, and enhanced overall family well-being.

In his remarks, Dr Lawal Mohammed, Bauchi State Commissioner for Education, reaffirmed the government’s dedication to inclusive education.

He emphasised that the state was giving special attention to both girls’ education and the inclusion of persons with special needs in all educational policies.

“The government remains committed to ensuring that no child is left behind, especially those with special needs,” Mohammed stated. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

ActionAid urges media support for inclusive food systems
Agriculture

ActionAid urges media support for inclusive food systems

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By Felicia Imohimi

ActionAid Nigeria (AAN) has called on the media to step up advocacy for increased investment in inclusive and sustainable food systems to ensure food and nutrition security for all Nigerians.

Mr Andrew Mamedu, Country Director of AAN, made the call during a media workshop on Inclusive and Sustainable Food Systems Reporting, in Abuja.

Represented by Mrs Suwaiba Dankabo, Deputy Country Director, Mamedu stated that Nigeria’s food system stands at a pivotal crossroads.

He outlined a truly inclusive food system as one that “empowers inclusive nutrition, livelihoods, and the future of millions, especially those engaged in food production”.

Mamedu stressed the media’s role in shifting the narrative, identifying climate change, economic shocks, conflict, and rising inequality as key stressors on the food system.

“Within these challenges lies a powerful opportunity to build a more just, inclusive, and resilient agricultural system. But this can only happen if we act boldly, collaboratively, and with intention,” he said.

Mamedu underscored the role of media professionals as agents of accountability and storytellers who amplify the voices of farmers, highlight their struggles and successes, and influence public discourse.

“Journalists play a crucial role in shaping public dialogue and influencing policy, yet there is a gap in specialised reporting on inclusive food systems”.

He emphasised that strengthening media engagement in this area is vital for driving awareness and advocacy, and for ensuring that the voices of smallholder farmers are heard.

“Your work shapes policy, mobilises communities, and brings visibility to critical issues. Yet agricultural and climate reporting in Nigeria remains under-resourced and underrepresented in mainstream media.

“This workshop is designed to address those gaps,” he added.

Mamedu reiterated that an inclusive food system not only guarantees better nutrition and livelihoods, but also secures the future of millions especially women farmers, young people, persons with disabilities, and the most vulnerable.

“It’s about who grows our food, who benefits from the system, and ensuring no one is left out whether in policymaking or in implementation,” he said.

He described ActionAid as an organisation committed to working with vulnerable communities, ensuring that all engagement is respectful, rights-based, and carried out with dignity.

Mamedu said the workshop aims to equip journalists to report effectively on agriculture, climate change, and food systems to inform, educate, and influence policy.

“The Inclusive Food Systems Project is part of our broader commitment to ensuring that Nigeria’s agricultural transformation is not only sustainable but also inclusive especially for women, youth, and marginalised communities, including persons with disabilities.

“Through this initiative, we aim to empower smallholder farmers, enabling them to actively participate in decision-making and policy processes that affect their lives and livelihoods.

“However, this goal cannot be achieved without strong, informed, and supportive communication.

“Together, let us imagine a food system that works for everyone, not just the poor, but rural women and the youth. Let us transform not only how we eat, but how we grow our food,” he added.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the workshop was organised under the Inclusive Food Systems Project, funded by the German Corporation for International Cooperation (GIZ) and implemented by AAN. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Tosin Kolade

2025 UTME: JAMB withholds results of 96 candidates over infractions
Education

2025 UTME: JAMB withholds results of 96 candidates over infractions

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By Funmilayo Adeyemi

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) says it withheld 96 results on account of examination infractions, a decrease from 123 in the previous year.

The Registrar of JAMB, Ishaq Oloyede, made the disclosure during a news conference on the official release of the results in Bwari on Friday.

Oloyede explained that while further results remained under investigation, he said the Board remained resolute in its commitment to eliminating any form of examination malpractice.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the 2025 UTME saw 2,030,862 candidates registered across 882 Computer-Based Test (CBT) centres nationwide.

Oloyede said that of these number, 1,957,000 candidates were verified to sit the exam, while 71,705 were absent.

Statistically, he said, of the 2,030,862 registered UTME candidates, results for 1,911,551 were released.

The registrar added that approximately, 39,834 results remained pending due to ongoing scrutiny, with 1,426 under active investigation.

According to him, 2,157 candidates experienced fingerprint rejections due to suspected registration infractions, a figure far above acceptable margins and currently under investigation.

“The 2025 UTME showed the prevalence of some particular types of infractions, which suggests systemic vulnerabilities or gaps in registration and examination administration or/and monitoring.

“The new trends observed were in the Registration and Examination processes and they were mainly in the following categories: Identity Fraud, and Biometric Fraud of Combined Thumbprint of Candidate,” he said.

Other infractions, he said, were impersonator at the point of registration with the active involvement of few CBT Centres, double registration, and attempted substitution of self by candidates.

Oloyede added that 244 candidates were caught engaging in “WhatsApp runs,” subscribing to rogue groups promising leaked questions.

He said their results had also been withheld to set a stern example.

In some cases, he said, the entire syndicates colluded with CBT centres to register using multiple fingerprints.

According to him, as a result of this, 3,656 candidates with “extraneous fingerprints” have had their results withheld, and some CBT centres implicated will face sanctions.

He identified the centres as Tigh Technologies Limited, Sascon International School, Maitama, Abuja, Wudil Computer Information Technology, Wudil, Kano State and Penta M &Amp; Centre 2, Tambuwal LGA, Sokoto, Sokoto State.

Oloyede added that 80 suspects were being interrogated by the police for their involvement in the examination malpractices and most of them would be prosecuted.

“The Board has identified the presence of extraneous fingers in the registration details of some of these candidates. This raises concerns regarding potential strategies for impersonation.

“A total of 3,656 candidates fall within this category. Consequently, the results of the candidates have been withheld.”

Speaking on underage candidates, he explained that following the Ministry of Education’s decision to enforce a minimum age of 16, an exception was granted for “exceptionally gifted” underage students.

The registrar said that of the 41,027 underage candidates who registered, only 467 met the high-performance criteria, with one disqualified due to examination malpractice.

He said that the board remained committed to providing the necessary support for persons with disabilities aspiring to pursue tertiary education.

He said that for the 2025 UTME, a total of 501 candidates were successfully examined by JAMB Equal Opportunity Group (JEOG) across 11 centres nationwide.

According to Oloyede, the results are also being released but sadly, one of them was also involved in impersonation.

The registrar also said that due to substandard performance, four centres had been delisted and blacklisted for technical deficiencies.

He listed the centres as: Adventure Associate, Behind Sheshe Supermarket, Kano, Saadatu Rimi College of Education, Zaria.

Others are Soronara Ventures Nigeria Limited Foundation Road, Umudagu Mbieri, Mbaitoli, Imo State and HSS Amazing, Holy Saviour School 30/32, Old Ota Road, Adeleye, Aparadija, Isunba, Lafenwa, Itele, Ogun State.

He, therefore, said that a list of those blacklisted for fraudulent practices would soon be made public with details of their nefarious activities.

Oloyede maintained that in spite of challenges, the 2025 UTME had been hailed as one of the most successful in recent years.

He reaffirmed the board’s commitment to zero-tolerance stance on malpractice and pledged continued innovation to protect the credibility of public examinations. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Maureen Atuonwu

Sanwo-Olu inaugurates Custodian Accident and Emergency Centre, Epe
Metro

Sanwo-Olu inaugurates Custodian Accident and Emergency Centre, Epe

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By Aderonke Ojediran/ Kemi Akintokun

Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos on Friday inaugurated the state’s newly-constructed Custodian Accident and Emergency Centre at Epe, describing it as a vital step toward expanding access to quality emergency healthcare.

Sanwo-Olu inaugurated the centre at the Federal Medical Centre, Epe.

The governor applauded Custodian Investments Ltd. for sponsoring establishment of the centre through its Custodian Social Responsibility Foundation.

He also praised Lagos State Ministry of Health and the project team for delivering what he called a ‘world-class facility’.

“This centre stands as a symbol of what is possible when vision, planning and execution align; this is a world class facility.

“We are not just handing over a project, we are empowering the Epe Community with a vital facility that can make the difference between life and death,” he said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the facility is equipped with triage units, emergency wards, diagnostic centres, staff lounges and waiting areas.

It is designed to offer swift and efficient care in critical situations.

The governor emphasised that the facility would not only improve patients’ healthcare outcomes but will also boost staff efficiency and strengthen public trust in the state’s healthcare system.

“This project is a clear manifestation of our vision for a progressive Lagos, where health is treated as a priority,” Sanwo-Olu said.

The governor said that the emergency centre would serve not only Epe but also nearby communities.

He added that it would ensure quicker interventions during medical emergencies and reduce preventable deaths.

Sanwo-Olu pledged continued investment in health infrastructure across the state, especially in emergency response, maternal care and disease prevention.

Sanwo-Olu acknowledged the essential role of healthcare professionals assigned to the new facility and said that the state government would support their welfare, training and professional growth.

He urged Epe residents to take ownership of the centre, support its staff and safeguard the facility as a community asset.

“As we hand over this facility today, I urge all stakeholders to work together in ensuring that this centre fulfils its purpose and enhances the well-being of our people,” Sanwo-Olu said.

The state Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, and the Special Adviser to Lagos State Governor on Health, Dr Kemi Ogunyemi, lauded Custodian Investments Ltd. for its partnership with the state. (NAN)(www.nannews.com)

Edited by Edith Bolokor/Ijeoma Popoola

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