Abuja—President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has invoked provisions in Sections 2(4)(4) and 16(1)(C) of the NYSC Act, and approved a far-reaching reform which makes compliance with the National Policy for the Nigeria Education Repository and Databank, NERD, a mandatory requirement for mobilisation into or exemption from the National Youth Service Corps, NYSC.
The compliance directive was contained in Item 2(ix) in an enforcement circular recently issued by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, who conveyed the approval for the adjustment of “NYSC mobilisation criteria in accordance with the President’s regulation requiring proof of NERD Policy compliance for all prospective Corps members, regardless of where they were educated.”
Apart from provisions in the policy meant to check certificate racketeering and the abuse of honours conferred on individuals by academic institutions, one of the new mandatory requirements of Nigerian students contained in the federal government’s policy is the deposit of academic outputs, which include thesis or project reports.
In Section 6.1.23 of the policy, the requirement is designed: “as a quality assurance check and as a yearly independent proof of continuous academic enrolment and affiliation” as it is expected to inviolably time-stamp scholarship, academic activities, and footprint regardless of location.
Recall that in March 2025, while issuing the declaration of effectiveness for NERD, the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, stated that “the approved stipulations for mandatory submission of academic outputs as provided in Sections 2.3, 4.3(1), and 7.6.11(c), among others, of the approved National Policy for the NERD Programme shall become obligatory requirements in Nigeria.
“The NERD Policy applies in equal measures to all education delivery institutions regardless of ownership type (public, private, military or civilian) whether within or outside the direct supervision of the federal ministry of education, such as colleges or schools of nursing, agriculture, specialised research institutions and institutes, etc.”
The circular issued by the office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, SGF, has now clarified that, effective from October 6, no Nigerian graduate – whether from a Nigerian university, polytechnic, college of education, or an overseas institution will henceforth be mobilised for or exempted from NYSC without proof of NERD compliance.
This step aims to safeguard the nation’s intellectual assets while restoring credibility to academic processes and qualifications.
The directive does not, however, affect serving Corps members or those enrolled before the October 6th enforcement date.
A copy of the approved NERD policy obtained by our correspondent revealed that President Tinubu also approved an academic output monetisation and reward mechanism for students and their lecturers, which Alausa proposed to the Federal Executive Council (FEC) to ensure students and lecturers can earn lifetime revenues from their academic deposits.
Specifically, the policy created an illuminated pathway with a well-structured collaborative framework where the various autonomous institutions had hitherto operated as silos.
The federal government’s circular to Ministries, Departments, Agencies (MDAs), and higher institutions of learning (public and private, civilian and military alike) directs full enforcement of the NERD Policy.
In addition, critical data bodies, including the National Identity Management Commission, NIMC, are required to provide inter-organisation data exchange support via Application Programming Interfaces, APIs, to facilitate onboarding and data validation.
While underscoring the significance of the directive, spokesperson for NERD, Haula Galadima, explained that each item deposited by a student shall feature the full name of the student, and those of his supervisor, co-supervisor, if any, and that of the Head of Department, as well as the sponsoring institution and department.
She further stated that, “apart from the mandate to verify for authenticity as a national flagship, the NERD digitisation programme has a clear objective – to raise the bar in the quality of academic content, output and presentation nationwide.
“One way NERD intends to accomplish this task, based on its mandate, is to strengthen the supervision processes in the nation’s higher institutions without getting involved in the processes.
If our eminent scholars are aware that their names will appear next to those of the students they supervise on a globally available digital platform, there is the likelihood that each lecturer would up his or her standard.
“Very few lecturers would want their names associated with poorly produced academic works. NERD is therefore poised to help each lecturer earn his ‘earned allowances’ by providing thorough supervision.”
Nigerians may face tougher days ahead as the nationwide strike declared by the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria, beginning from today (Monday), threatens to unleash a twin blow of soaring petrol prices and widespread electricity blackouts.
The union’s directive to halt crude oil and gas supplies to the Dangote Petroleum Refinery has sent shockwaves through the energy sector, with oil marketers warning of severe disruptions in fuel distribution. This move is expected to choke the domestic market, driving up demand and prices.
Compounding the crisis, power generation companies have announced a complete shutdown of all thermal plants, a direct fallout of the strike. With thermal stations producing more than 70 per cent of Nigeria’s power supply, the development threatens to plunge the nation into darkness, crippling economic activities and plunging millions of households and businesses into deeper strain—unless the Federal Government intervenes.
On Sunday, PENGASSAN announced a nationwide strike, instructing all its members in various offices, companies, institutions, and agencies to cease all services starting at 12:01 am on Monday, September 29, 2025.
The union also directed members stationed in various field locations to down tools from 6:00 am on Sunday, September 28, and commence a round-the-clock prayer vigil. The emergency decision followed the sack of over 800 Nigerian workers at the Dangote Petroleum Refinery.
In a strongly worded resolution signed by PENGASSAN General Secretary, Lumumba Okugbawa, the union accused the refinery of violating Nigerian labour laws and International Labour Organisation conventions by sacking workers for joining the union. It alleged the dismissed workers had been replaced by foreigners.
“All processes involving gas and crude supply to Dangote Refinery should be halted immediately,” the resolution declared. “All IOC (International Oil Companies) branches must ramp down gas production and supply to Dangote Refinery and petrochemicals.”
The union also accused military personnel of blocking its members from cutting gas supplies to the facility. Speaking on Channels Television on Sunday, PENGASSAN President Festus Osifo confirmed that the Minister of Labour and Employment, Muhammadu Dingyadi, had summoned a meeting between both parties for Monday.
Osifo disclosed that the strike directive had already forced a total shutdown of the refinery and fertiliser plant, though the diesel plant was still operating as of Sunday evening. He warned that there would be no retreat unless the dismissed workers were reinstated. “We will not surrender unless the affected workers are re-employed by Dangote,” Osifo declared.
Marketers, GenCos warn
Reacting to the directive, the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria warned that the disruption could destabilise fuel prices, erode investment confidence, and worsen Nigeria’s fragile electricity supply.
“There is no market stability and no return on investment,” IPMAN National Publicity Officer Chinedu Ukadike said. “Disruption of crude and gas supply will trigger fuel price hikes and worsen power shortages.”
He added, “The directive by PENGASSAN to stop the supply of crude and gas to the refinery would definitely affect the market. Marketers may now be forced to consider importing products, which means the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority will have to issue import licences to DAPPMAN members to augment the shortfall.”
He warned that unless the Federal Government acts swiftly, the crisis could spiral into higher pump prices and “unnecessary galloping inflation” that would further squeeze Nigerians. “I believe a proactive Federal Government, through the Minister of Petroleum, will quickly intervene to ensure these lapses do not destabilise the economy,” he added.
Ukadike further urged the Minister of Petroleum to immediately cut short his foreign trip and return home to broker peace. “The last time there was an issue with NUPENG, the minister was also out of the country, but he aborted the trip and came back to resolve it. I expect him to do the same with this issue,” he stressed.
Similarly, the Executive Secretary of the Association of Power Generation Companies, Joy Ogaji, raised the alarm that gas suppliers had instructed GenCos to halt production.
“Thermal GenCos have received notification from our gas suppliers to shut down our thermal power plants following directives from PENGASSAN. The Nigerian Gas Infrastructure Company has specifically requested GenCos to comply. Please all be notified of imminent darkness, as hydros alone cannot sustain the system,” she wrote in a message.
With thermal stations accounting for more than 70 per cent of Nigeria’s electricity supply, it is expected that the shutdown will trigger widespread outages, stretch hydro plants beyond capacity, and heighten the risk of a nationwide system collapse.
She added that the Escravos-Lagos Pipeline System II, which supplies natural gas to the Dangote Petrochemical Plant under the Willing Price Producers Path, has been shut down. “We heard ELPS is already shut, only gas left in it is the Line Packed, no incoming since morning.”
Meanwhile, stakeholders concerned with the dispute have called for a peaceful resolution to avert further escalation. The Forum of Concerned Nigerian Consumers urged the Federal Government and the Department of State Services to wade into what it described as “desperate attempts” by the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria to undermine the multi-billion-dollar facility.
At a press conference in Abuja, the forum accused the oil workers’ union of playing politics with Nigeria’s fragile energy sector following its threat to picket the $20 billion refinery over alleged mass sackings.
Forum President, Olabisi Taiwo, said Nigerians must see through the plot, warning that the action could plunge the country back into fuel scarcity and economic instability.
The Nigerian Independent System Operator also expressed concern, warning that sustained disruption could undermine grid stability and cause collapse. “The national grid relies heavily on gas-fired generation, and any sustained disruption in gas supply would constrain generation capacity, affect system operations, and undermine the stability and reliability of electricity supply across the country,” it stated.
TUC backs PENGASSAN
The Trade Union Congress threw its weight behind PENGASSAN, condemning the refinery’s management for violating workers’ rights. TUC Secretary-General Nuhu Toro demanded reinstatement of all sacked workers, a public apology, and an independent probe. The TUC also placed all affiliates on red alert for possible nationwide action.
Meanwhile, the Minister of Labour and Employment, Muhammad Dingyadi, appealed to the union to withdraw its strike declaration to allow for peaceful conciliation. “A strike will not only lead to revenue losses but also hardship for Nigerians,” he warned.
The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission also urged dialogue, while consumer groups accused PENGASSAN of politicising the energy sector and warned of dire consequences for ordinary Nigerians.
Dangote fires back
In its response, Dangote refinery accused PENGASSAN of sabotage and selfish interests, citing its past opposition to reforms and privatisation efforts. The company described the strike order as “reckless, lawless and dangerous,” stressing that it was designed to weaponise hardship against Nigerians.
It insisted the dismissals were based on safety and efficiency concerns, not anti-union victimisation, adding that more than 3,000 Nigerians remain employed at the facility.
“The Dangote Group is the highest employer of labour in Nigeria and the highest contributor to tax revenues,” the company said. “PENGASSAN should publish its own audited accounts and show what it has contributed to national development.”
With the Dangote refinery and fertiliser plant shut down, and thermal power stations halting operations, the strike poses a severe test for Nigeria’s economy and government. Analysts warn that prolonged industrial action could destabilise fuel supplies, trigger blackouts, and stoke inflationary pressures.
All eyes are now on Monday’s emergency meeting convened by the Minister of Labour. Whether dialogue can restore calm or whether Nigeria plunges deeper into crisis may depend on the willingness of both sides to compromise.
FUOYE Scholars Named Among World’s Top 2% Scientists for 2025
The Federal University Oye-Ekiti has recorded another milestone in academic excellence as four of its researchers have been listed among the world’s top 2 percent scientists for 2025, according to the latest global ranking released by Top Scientists Network (TopSciNet).
The annual ranking identifies scientists whose research impact, citations, and productivity place them in the top 2% globally within their respective fields. This year’s list highlights the growing influence of Nigerian scholars on the international research stage.
The FUOYE honorees and their 2025 global ranks are
The Ag. VC of the Federal University Oye-Ekiti, Prof. Olubunmi Shittu commended the scholars, noting that their recognition underscores the university’s commitment to impactful research and innovation. “Their achievements not only bring global visibility to our institution but also inspire young academics across Nigeria,” he said.
The TopSciNet list, updated annually, evaluates millions of researchers worldwide across all disciplines, factoring in citations, h-index, and other standardized metrics. FUOYE’s inclusion affirms the university’s rising profile as a hub for cutting-edge research in West Africa.
This recognition adds to FUOYE’s growing reputation for academic excellence and its mission to produce research that addresses national and global challenges.
An Ibom Air flight from Abuja to Lagos was forced to return to base on Monday after a female passenger suffered a medical emergency shortly after take-off.
The incident occurred aboard Flight 561, which had departed the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja. According to the airline, the Senior Cabin Crew Member (SCCM) had earlier been informed of a Passenger with Reduced Mobility (PRM) travelling with her family.
Shortly after departure, the passenger’s condition deteriorated, prompting the crew to initiate emergency procedures. A public call for medical personnel onboard yielded no response, leaving the cabin crew to administer oxygen, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), and other first-aid measures.
Eyewitnesses said the crew applied the DRABCDE protocol — Danger, Response, Airway, Breathing, Circulation, Disability, and Exposure — in line with global aviation safety standards. The passenger, who initially had no detectable pulse or breathing, was moved to the galley area where CPR and oxygen administration were carried out.
With the situation worsening, the captain made the decision to return to Abuja. Crew members took turns performing CPR until the aircraft landed safely. On arrival, the passenger — who had been successfully resuscitated — was handed over to the airport’s emergency medical response team. She was reported to be stable at the time of transfer, with both pulse and breathing restored.
Ibom Air confirmed that once the passenger was evacuated for further care, the flight was later turned around and continued its journey to Lagos. The airline commended the professionalism of its crew and the prompt intervention of the airport’s medical team.
The Senator representing Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, on Tuesday resumed legislative duties at the National Assembly after months of suspension, describing Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, as a “dictator.”
Her return followed the unsealing of her office, located in Suite 2.05 of the Senate Wing, by the Deputy Director of the National Assembly Sergeant-at-Arms, Alabi Adedeji.
Upon resumption, Senator Natasha, who has been on suspension, remained resolute, insisting that she has “no apology to tender.”
She said, “In retrospect, it is actually amazing how much we have had to pay in the past six months, from the unjust suspension to the recall. But we survived the recall, blackmail and that crazy lady on Facebook.
“It is amazing what we had to pass through, and I give God Almighty the glory and my deepest appreciation to the people of Kogi Central and Nigerians at large. To my husband, I love you dearly. I pray all men support their wives in the same manner you have supported me.
“In everything, sometimes it is good to push the institution to the test. We can’t cower in the face of injustice. No one is more Nigerian than us. Senator Akpabio is not more of a senator than I am. He is not the governor of this place, yet he treated me as if I were a servant or domestic staff in his house.
“It is so unfortunate that we will have a National Assembly being run by such a dictator. It is totally unacceptable.”
The office had been locked since March 6, 2025, when the lawmaker was suspended from the Red Chamber.
In a video shared on Tuesday, Adedeji was seen removing the seal.
“I, Alabi Adedeji, Deputy Director, Sergeant-at-Arms, hereby unseal the office. The office is hereby unsealed. Thank you,” he declared.
Upon resumption, Akpoti-Uduaghan, who has been at the centre of a protracted standoff with the Senate leadership, maintained her defiance, stressing that she had “no apology to tender.”
The embattled lawmaker was handed a six-month suspension in March, barring her from all activities of the 10th Senate over alleged misconduct during her protest against the reassignment of her seat by Senate President Godswill Akpabio on February 20.
Although her suspension formally lapsed in September, she was unable to return due to legal tussles and resistance from Senate leadership. On July 4, however, the Federal High Court in Abuja ruled that the suspension was excessive and unconstitutional.
Following the judgment, Akpoti-Uduaghan wrote to the Senate notifying it of her intention to resume duties, but the request was rebuffed by the National Assembly.
It, however, remains unclear whether Tuesday’s development restores her full privileges as a senator and if the senator will be allowed to sit with her colleagues when plenary resumes on October 7.
Meanwhile, the Senate leadership has again altered its legislative calendar, shifting the resumption of plenary sittings from September 23 to October 7, 2025.
The postponement was conveyed in an internal memo signed by the Chief of Staff to the Senate President, Chinedu Akubueze.
The shift in date has raised eyebrows within the National Assembly as it extends the chamber’s annual recess by another two weeks.
While no official reason was given, sources told our correspondent that the delay was intended to allow lawmakers to fully observe the Independence Day celebrations on October 1.
In the memo titled “Notice of Shift in Plenary Resumption Date,” Akubueze also apologised to the senators for the belated information.
It read, “This is to respectfully inform distinguished senators that the resumption of plenary sitting of the Senate, earlier scheduled for Tuesday, 23rd September, 2025, has been shifted to Tuesday, 7th October, 2025.
“Any inconvenience this short notice may cause is deeply regretted. Distinguished senators are kindly invited to note the postponement and adjust their schedules accordingly.
“Thank you for your kind understanding, and God bless.”
The Senate had adjourned plenary on July 24 for its annual recess.
At the time, the Senate President justified the move as an act of “chamber reciprocity,” since members of the House of Representatives had also embarked on a break in line with the legislative calendar.
With the latest adjustment, critical debates and pending motions—including oversight inquiries into government spending and executive appointments—will remain on hold.
Following heavy downpour in Lagos on Tuesday, some parts of the state have been flooded.
Our reporter captures the Lekki-Epe expressway and other parts of Lekki, flooded, with cars and commuters wading through the waters.
Following heavy downpour in Lagos on Tuesday, some parts of the state have been flooded.
Our reporter captures the Lekki-Epe expressway and other parts of Lekki, flooded, with cars and commuters wading through the waters. pic.twitter.com/Thpmi9CGzS
My life has just begun,’ says 63-yr-old Nigerian after winning appeal to remain in UK
A disabled Nigerian man who has lived in the UK for almost 40 years has won an appeal to stay in the country despite the Home Office wanting to deport him.
Anthony Olubunmi George, 63, came to the UK at the age of 24 in 1986. He has not left the UK since and has no criminal convictions. He had two strokes in 2019 that left him with speech and mobility issues.
George has endured periods of homelessness and says he has lost count of the number of friends who have given him shelter over the years. He says he no longer has any close family in Nigeria.
“I don’t know how many different sofas I’ve slept on, too many to count,” he said.
George had made various applications for leave to remain in the UK, which the Home Office rejected. He said he was overjoyed to finally have the fear of deportation lifted after the judge’s ruling.
“I’m so happy I don’t know what to say,” he said. “My life has just begun again. Before I didn’t have hope, but now by God’s grace I can move forward with my life.”
His previous solicitors submitted a forged entry stamp in his passport in 2005, and have subsequently been reported to the police and legal regulatory bodies.
George said he knew nothing about the passport stamp until many years later. His current lawyer, Naga Kandiah of MTC Solicitors, cited his poor previous legal representation as the reason for George’s problems resolving his immigration status.
A Home Office rejection of his case before his successful appeal states: “It’s open to your family and friends to visit you in Nigeria.”
The immigration tribunal judge who granted George the right to remain in the UK referred in his ruling to the fact that the solicitor who submitted the fake passport stamp had been struck off. He said George had stopped going to see his GP because of fears about his immigration status.
“It is unfortunate that the appellant went on to suffer two cardiovascular attacks having refrained from going for health checks,” the judge said, adding that George has been destitute while in the UK.
Kandiah said: “My client has been living in limbo for almost 40 years, has suffered two strokes and has no family left in Nigeria. His situation is not just because of Home Office policies, but also because of poor representation by previous solicitors who failed to uphold professional integrity and ethical standards.
“Despite our several applications to the Home Office to review the matter rather than proceeding to an oral hearing, our attempts were refused again and again by the Home Office and the case went to a full court hearing.
“I am overjoyed with the decision. He has waited for it for almost four decades.”
Influencer’s ‘I’m from Lagos’ claim prompts heated discussion on Nigerian Identity
A resurfaced video of social media influencer Sisi. Oyibo has stirred heated debate online over identity, migration, and what it means to “belong” in Nigeria.
The clip, recently reshared by X user Sir Dickson (@Wizarab10) on Sunday, shows the influencer addressing critics who questioned her Nigerian identity despite her foreign background.
In the video, she lashed out at those doubting her roots, saying they must be out of their minds. She explained, “I said I’m white, I’m French, Lebanese, but they raised me in Ajah since I be pikin. I cannot be from somewhere again.”
She also compared her situation to that of Nigerians abroad.
According to her, “If they raise you somewhere… every time you ask somebody for this America, even Nigerians, you ask them, where are you from? They will tell you, Houston, Texas, because they raised them in Houston. So me, that was raised in Lagos, I cannot say I’m from Nigeria again…”
Sir Dickson, while sharing the video, condemned what he called double standards.
He wrote: “This thing Nigerians do irritates me. A Nigerian would be raised in London or Atlanta and start claiming to be British or American. But when a foreigner raised in Nigeria does the same, you find a way to talk down on them. Migration happens both ways. You need to wake up.”
On Instagram, many applauded Sisi.Oyibo’s fluency in pidgin and Lagos upbringing.
One user, smartalliolayinka, declared: “You are a Lagosian. Period.”
Another, paolofrancis07, praised her speech, writing: “I’m loving it for the way u speak, girl. It’s awesome.”
Others responded humorously, with phrases like “You stone Texis” going viral.
On X, however, the discussion expanded into deeper issues of identity and migration.
Commenting on the matter, @Amaafrikaa argued that if Nigerians abroad can boldly claim British or American, then a foreigner raised here has every right to claim Nigerian too.
He said, “Belonging isn’t about blood alone, it’s also about where you grow, live, and build.”
Others pointed out that the real issue was not just identity but its geographical context.
Another user, @UC_Emeliem, suggested that the outrage was more about geography than identity itself, saying: “Most of these people are not angry that she identifies as a Nigerian; the problem is the Lagos that is involved. If she had mentioned any other part of Nigeria, they would have celebrated her online.”
Some defended her outright. To @PontiffVoice, who wrote, “If you are born and brought up in Lagos, you are rightfully a Lagosian. Period.”
Former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi's First Son Weds
Dr. Chikamkpa Amaechi, the eldest son of former Rivers State governor Rotimi Amaechi, got married to his fiancée Anita in Abuja on Saturday, 20 September 2025. The wedding was attended by many VIPs.
She Delivered Like Hebrew Women: Man bursts into worship after his wife welcomed a baby boy after years of waiting on God for a child
The man had just witnessed the birth of their baby in the hospital. In his ecstatic state, the new dad ran outside the hospital ward where his wife was, burst into shouts of praise and worship to God. He rolled himself in a murky water within the hospital premises, thanking God for helping his wife deliver like the Hebrew woman and also for keeping her and their baby.
galantjoe: I don't think that the man is being humiliated. It was a joyous for him to be served with jolof rice that won a Guinness Book of Record of being biggest pot
Foreign Affairs › Re: "Tinubu Intelligent, Strategic As Trump" Ex - NIIA DG by nlfpmod(mod): 11:36am On Sep 30, 2025
