The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has announced the registration date for the 2022 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) and the Direct Entry examination. The examination body in its weekly bulletin signed by its Director of Public Relations, Dr. Fabian Benjamin and made available on Monday disclosed that the registration will commence by February 12, 2022. In the timeline of events attached to the bulletin, the board announced that the UTME/DE registration will commence on 12th of February, 2022 and end on the 19th of March, 2022 while mock examination is scheduled to hold on 20th April 2022.  The statement further added that the UTME examination will hold from 20th to 30th of April, 2022.  JAMB had in a statement earlier this year attributed the delay in the commencement of the registration to forces beyond its control.

Governor Adegboyega Oyetola As Nigeria marks the 2022 Armed Forces Remembrance Day celebrations, the Osun State Governor, Adegboyega Oyetola has charged citizens to see the occasion as an opportunity to reflect on the sacrifices of the fallen heroes and who paid the supreme price for the nation. Governor Oyetola in his special remembrance day message on Saturday, appreciated the gallant officers for sacrificing their lives for the peace and unity of the nation which he described as a demonstration of an example of the highest level of patriotism to their country. "Today's occasion of the annual Armed Forces Remembrance Day, presents another opportunity for us to celebrate all our gallant military men - fallen and living and reflect on their sacrifices. In the quest for sustaining our unity and collective sovereignty, our fallen heroes paid the supreme sacrifice to keep us one, united and indivisible people. "On behalf of the Government and the good people of our dear Stat

Sunday Adeyemo (Igboho) The detained Yoruba nation agitator, Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho, has alleged a plot by the Nigerian government to eliminate him in Benin Republic. Igboho's spokesperson, Olayomi Koiki in a live podcast on Tuesday evening, faulted the Benin Republic Judicial System which has failed to secure his release since over 161 days in detention. “So many people have heard rumours in the past 24/48 hours. We know that God almighty is watching. “If they are trying, they cannot be successful. If they are planning evil against Prof. Banji Akintoye and others, they are only trying but God’s power is superior. “The enemies are trying to eliminate him (Igboho). Their plan is to eliminate him so that the Yoruba Nation agenda will be silenced, but God has shown that he is above them. “If you think the legal route is what will set Igboho free, then we are wasting our time. “Benin Republic judicial system is not working. Look at the way his case has been pr

Justice Minister, Abubakar Malami (SAN) The Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, has given reasons why President Muhammadu Buhari will not sign the newly proposed electoral bill into law. Responding to questions during an audience participatory program on Radio Kano on Sunday, Malami insisted that the new electoral law leaves the interest of some portions of the Nigerian citizenry behind. According to him, the new electoral law does not only possesses excessive cost and legal implications but its composition has the capacity to fuel insecurity in the country. He said, “What you should understand about the leadership of the country most especially as it regards President Muhammadu Buhari on any law presented to him for signing, the President is entitled to certain rights. “When you talk about politics he has rights, if you talk about the economy, the business community also have rights on him, if you are talking about 60% of Nigerians that are not

Agency Report Malam Muazu Sambo, Minister of State For Works/Housing President Muhammadu Buhari has sworn in the newly appointed Minister, representing Taraba, Malam Muazu Sambo. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event was held shortly before the opening of the meeting of the National Security Council in the Presidential Villa, Abuja, on Friday. NAN reports that Sambo, who replaced former Minister of Power, Mamman Sale, from Taraba, was posted to Ministry of Works and Housing as Minister of State, Works and Housing. Those in attendance of the security meeting include Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha, Ministers of Police Affairs, Justice, Defence, Interior and Foreign Affairs. Others are service chiefs, the National Security Adviser to the President retired Maj. Gen. Babagana Monguno; Inspector-General of Police, Usman Baba; Director-General of the Department of State Services, Yusuf Bichi as well as the Director-

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo says Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are being integrated into national plans and policies in order to make the goals truly sustainable. Osinbajo stated this at the inauguration of the Review of Baseline Report and Realignment of the National Statistical System with SDGs 2020 on Tuesday in Abuja. According to him, the inauguration completes and officially initiates the process of realigning the National Statistical System with the requirements of the SDGs. “It is as we have heard a product of the data mapping exercise, and the design and execution of the SDGs Data Bond. “The Federal Government is committed to guaranteeing the sustained production of relevant statistical information needed for effective tracking and monitoring of SDGs in Nigeria and so fully supports the partners in this important enterprise. “Namely, the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on SDGs, the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) and the entire National Stat

The Federal Government has urged citizens to see benefits in patronizing the online Passports application and payment portals and avoid applying directly through touts and unscrupulous officials. The Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola disclosed this during the rollout of the Enhanced e-Passport with Polycarbonate Data Page in Ibadan, Oyo State on Monday. According to the minister, the best way citizens can protect themselves against fraud and disappointment is to follow the approved procedure and process of the application and not by cutting corners in the name of securing expedited services.  “Part of the reforms is the migration of passport application and payments to digital platforms. But we regret to observe that applicants still patronise touts and unscrupulous officials in the hope to beat the system and get expedited services.  "When they were disappointed, they come to report to us. Of course, we have zero tolerance for corruption and subversion of due process. We, th

Social media giant, Facebook said on Friday that it would begin to apply a Value Added Tax on Nigerians Advertising on its platform, beginning from 1st January, 2022. Facebook in a statement sent to its subscribers from the country informing them of the development said all advertisers are henceforth required to pay VAT irrespective of whether buying Ads for personal use or for business. It further added that all advertisers with a business country of Nigeria will be made to pay an additional 7.5% VAT on advertising services with effect from the said date. This development according to the Tech Company is in compliance with the newly introduced tax policy by the Nigerian Government. "Due to implementation of a value-added tax (VAT) in Nigeria, Facebook is required to charge VAT on the sale of ads to advertisers, regardless of whether you're buying ads for business or personal purposes. All advertisers with a business country of Nigeria will be charged an additional 7.5% VAT o

The National Executive Council of the Academic Staff Union of Universities will on Saturday December 18th, meet with the zonal leaders of the union to decide on whether or not to embark on its planned industrial action. This was disclosed by the ASUU's coordinator in charge of the Sokoto Zone, Jamilu Sheu at a press conference in Katsina on Wednesday, citing Federal Government’s failure to  implement agreements it reached with the union in December, 2020 ad reason for the proposed strike. The Union Chairman at the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Dr Gbenga Adeleye and his Tai Solarin University of Education counterpart, Dr. Kazeem Rufai, confirmed the proposed meeting to THE PUNCH, noting that it is imperative for the Federal Government to urgently implement the December 23, 2020 Memorandum of Action, MoA it signed with the union to avert the strike. Sheu said that the Union will at the meeting determine its next line of action and called on all concerned parties to add

Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Lucky Irabor The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Lucky Irabor, has urged celebrities and influencers in the Nigerian entertainment industry to play active roles in stimulating public support towards promoting national security. Irabor made the call at a parley with some selected artists from the industry at the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) on Tuesday, in Abuja. He said the security of a nation remained the responsibility of every citizen, adding that media personalities were critical stakeholders and vital components in security issues. Such entertainers, he said, had the capacity to positively influence public perceptions on contemporary security challenges. This, according to him, will further complement the efforts of the military and other security agencies, tasked with the responsibility of ensuring security of lives and property of all citizens. “We want to win you over to be on the same page with better understanding on issues of insecurity generall

The Arole Oduduwa and Ooni of Ife, Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi Ojaja II on Friday hosted the United States mission In Nigeria led by the country's ambassador Ms. Bart Beth Leonard at his Ile Oodua, the palace. Ooni in a post via his verified Facebook handle @ooniadimulaife on Saturday shared moments with the mission's officials. According Ooni, the meeting focussed extensively on acknowledging the invaluable contributions of women and youth entrepreneurs to national development. "Yesterday, I played host to the United States (US) mission in Nigeria which was ably led by its Ambassador, Ms. Mary Beth Leonard.  "We touched on strategic, heroic and watershed national contributions of women and youth entrepreneurs into various fabrics of our nation. They are our trail blazers, lights of our nation, drivers of our national prosperity and embodiment of our precious assets that abounds in our various communities" Ooni said The foremost traditional ruler who dou

President Muhamadu Buhari has promised to release the detained leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra(IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu. The President stated this on Friday at the State House, Abuja while meeting with some South-East leaders under the auspices of the Highly Respected Igbo Greats led by the former Minister of Aviation, Mbazulike Amaechi to discuss matters affecting the region particularly the security situation. The President said that although, the unconditional release of Kanu may be a difficult task as it will record an inteference with the function of the Judiciary, he however expressed readiness to honour the request of the Igbo elders.

The International Monetary Fund(IMF) has warned the Nigerian Apex Bank, the Central Bank of Nigeria on the inherent financial dangers associated with the Country's recently launched digital currency, the eNaira.  The IMF in a release on Tuesday titled ‘Country Focus; Five Observations on Nigeria’s Central Bank Digital Currency', the international financial organization warned that the eNaira wallet may function as a deposit at the Central Bank of Nigeria thereby reducing the demand for deposits in commercial banks. The Fund in the statement pointed out some risks associated with the currency which includes but not limited to the threats it poses to monetary policy implementation, cyber security and financial integrity. “Like digital currencies elsewhere, the eNaira carries risks for monetary policy implementation, cyber security, operational resilience, and financial integrity and stability. “For example, eNaira wallets may be perceived, or even effectively function, as a depos

The Federal Government under the National Housing Programme yesterday launched an online application portal for nigerians to access affordable homes. The Minister of Works and Housing, Mr. Babatunde Fashola during the official inauguration of the portal in Abuja disclosed that the housing initiative is designed to ease the challenges faced by citizens in securing decent and affordable accommodation. According to the minister, more than 5,000 housing units of different types and sizes are currently under construction, urging every nigerian to apply via the ministry's official website . "We currently have over 5,000 units at different stages of completion. The houses range from one, two and three semi-detached bungalows and one to three-bedroom flats. “The least selling price for each of these houses will be N7.2m and the highest will be N16.19m. The highest is a three-bedroom bungalow, it is not just the house but it also has land along with it. The bungalows are a little more

The Federal Government through the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has increased the cost of both single-phase and three-phase electricity meters effective from November 15, 2021. The commission announced this in a circular with reference number NERC/REG/MAP/GEN/751/2, dated November 11, 2021 and addressed to managing directors, all electricity distribution companies and all meter asset providers. According to the release titled ‘Review of the unit price of end-use meters under the Meter Asset Provider and National Mass Metering Regulations’, the new approved prices of a single-phase and a three-face metres are now N58,661.69 and N109,684.36 as against the old N44,896.17 and N82,855.19 respectively. It will be recalled that the Federal Government had in October 2020 initiated the National Mass Metering Programme in response to the increasing level of complaints received from electricity consumers in the country over the estimated billing practices.

The Minister of Defence, Major General Bashir Magashi on Friday explained that due process consideration is the reason for not yet declaring bandits as terrorists. Magashi stated this in Maiduguri while responding to questions from newsmen during a visit to assess the level of success in the fight again insurgency in the North East. According to the minister, the procedure necessary for making such declaration is yet to be completed, adding that the ministry would not hesitate to do the needful as soon as it reaches a conclusion on the process. “We are not declaring them terrorists because there is a procedure for doing that. When the procedure is followed, they will be classified as terrorists. We are waiting for the procedure to be completed,” Magashi said. The minister who, according to the News Agency of Nigera (NAN) was accompanied by the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Lucky Irabor and Service Chiefs expressed satisfaction with the security successes so far recorded in the area. The

The Arole Oduduwa and Ooni of Ife, His Imperial Majesty, Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi Ojaja II has urged the Nigerian political elites to consider the country's young population for genuine dialogues. Ooni Ogunwusi made this call in a post via his official Facebook handle @ooniadimulaife while reflecting on the nationwide protests against police brutality and other injustices in the country staged by the Nigerian youths one year ago. According to Ooni who is also the Co-Chairman of the National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria (NCTRN), the endsars experience will remain a huge point of reference in the nation's history. The prominent traditional ruler while maintaining that the country's younger generation holds the key to a better Nigeria given the great skills they possess however urged them to demonstrate this by leveraging the democratic process to take active participation in governance. "Endsars will continue to have a significant space in the anna

President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR (Photo Credit: Channels Television) INDEPENDENCE DAY ADDRESS BY HIS EXCELLENCY, MUHAMMADU BUHARI, PRESIDENT OF THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA ON THE OCCASION OF NIGERIA’S SIXTY FIRST INDEPENDENCE ANNIVERSARY, FRIDAY 1ST OCTOBER, 2021. Citizens of Nigeria. It is with full gratitude to God that today, we celebrate Nigeria’s sixty first Independence Anniversary. 2. For 1st of October 1960 to happen, all hands were on deck. East, West, North all came together to celebrate freedom. Today should not only serve as a reminder of the day the British handed over the reins of power to Nigerians, but also unified Nigerians from all ethnic groups, religions and regions. 3. Today, despite the challenges we face, most Nigerians still maintain the spirit of 1st October. That positive outlook and determination to make Nigeria a peaceful and prosperous nation. It is due to this collective attitude that Nigeria doggedly continues to remain a united and indivisible nation

Arole Oduduwa Olofin Adimula, Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, the Ooni of Ife has been appointed by the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) as the 'Royal Father of The Largest Black Nation'.  The honour was bestowed on the Ooni who doubles as Co-chairman, National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria(NCTRN) on Tuesday during the Extra-Elective Congress of the NYCN, which held at the Calabar Municipal Government Headquarters, Calabar, Cross River State. At the congress with the theme; Harmonization for Unity and Progress, Ooni Ogunwusi reiterated his commitment to youth development and nation building. Represented by two notable Yoruba traditional rulers; the Oore of Otun-Ekiti, Oba Adekunle Adeagbo and the Alapomu of Apomu Kingdom, Oba Kayode Adenekan Afolabi , Ooni Ogunwusi explained that his decision to dedicate the ancient throne of Oduduwa to youth emancipation, is to give the needed mentorship to the youth towards prosperity. "When he (The Ooni) hos

The Federal Scholarship Board under the Federal Ministry of Education, Abuja has released application guidelines for the 2021 United Kingdom Chevening Scholarship. The Board management in a release on Monday stated that the application for the scholarship which offers financial scholarship for Master's Degree studies in any UK University as well as gaining access to a wide range of exclusive academic, professional and cultural experiences is open to all eligible Nigerians.  Interested applicants, according to the release are to visit the the application page at www.chevening.org/scholarship for detailed information and then apply. The statement further noted that the application opened to candidates on 3rd of August and will close on 2nd November 12:00 GMT, 2021 and that the Board can be contacted via 09082454557 or 08075247831 or visit www.chevening.org for more information.