August 2025 | Page 3 of 31

FG Clarifies Position on ASUU Agreement, Says 2009 Accord Remains Last Signed Deal

FG Clarifies Stance on ASUU Agreement, Affirms 2009 Accord as Last Signed Deal

Fola Badmus3 weeks ago3 weeks ago03 mins

The Federal Ministry of Education has issued a clarification regarding recent remarks made by the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, on the status of agreements between the Federal Government of Nigeria and the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU). In a statement released by the Ministry’s Director of Press and Public Relations, Dr. Alausa addressed concerns that his comments from August 28, 2025, were misinterpreted. The Minister reaffirmed that the last officially signed agreement between the Federal Government and ASUU remains the 2009 FGN-ASUU Agreement. The Ministry further noted that in 2017, the then Minister of Education, Mallam Adamu Adamu, initiated a renegotiation process that led to the creation of the Nimi Briggs Agreement draft in May 2021. However, the draft was never formally signed by the Federal Government, and as such, it does not constitute an official agreement. “When the Honourable Minister mentioned that there had been ‘no new signed agreement’ with ASUU, he was specifically referring to the 2021 draft Nimi Briggs document, which has not been executed by the government,” the statement clarified. While the 2009 agreement remains binding, the Ministry emphasized that the 2021 draft serves only as a framework for ongoing negotiations. The Federal Government has reiterated its commitment to resolving the longstanding issues with ASUU through a sustainable, constitutionally supported process, in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda. The Ministry urged the public to disregard any misinterpretations of the Minister’s comments and reassured stakeholders that the government’s primary focus remains on ensuring that Nigerian universities continue to operate for teaching and research, while working towards lasting industrial peace in the education sector.

Plans unveiled for 2025 peace achievers international conference

2025 Peace Achievers International Awards Set for November 8 at Transcorp Hilton Abuja, with Honorary Doctorate and Peace Icon Awards

Fola Badmus3 weeks ago3 weeks ago03 mins

Plans are underway for the highly anticipated 2025 edition of the Peace Achievers International Conference and Awards, scheduled for November 8, 2025, at the prestigious Transcorp Hilton Hotel in Abuja. The event, organized by the Davdan Peace and Advocacy Foundation and Peace Ambassador Agency, marks the 15th edition of the annual celebration of peace and social development. This year’s theme, “Peace Building Through Sectoral Partnerships: Public and Private Sector Collaboration”, reflects the ongoing importance of fostering unity and cooperation between both sectors to drive peace-building efforts. The event will also feature the conferment of the Honorary Doctorate Degree from the American Management University, California, USA, and the coveted Peace Icon Award. The Peace Icon Award categories include Brand Company of the Year, Most Influential Personality of the Year, Peace Advocate of the Year, and several other prestigious accolades. In addition, Peace Builders, Emerging Leaders, Community Developers, and Humanitarians will be recognized for their significant contributions to societal change. Ambassador Kingsley Amafibe, Project Director of the Davdan Peace and Advocacy Foundation/Peace Ambassador Agency, addressed journalists in Abuja on Wednesday, emphasizing that the 2025 edition is not only a celebration of peace but also a reflection on the past 15 years of promoting national unity and fostering positive change in Nigeria. “This event offers us the opportunity to honor those who have made lasting impacts in Nigeria, irrespective of their ethnic or religious affiliations. We are committed to ensuring that the recipients have made tangible contributions to peace and development in the country,” said Ambassador Amafibe. He further highlighted that the Peace Achievers Awards operate as a non-profit initiative, with a focus on channeling support received from partners into projects that benefit the less privileged. These include initiatives such as the Peace Education Campaign, Health Outreach Schemes, Back to School Campaign, and various capacity enhancement programs designed to aid underserved communities and complement government efforts at all levels. The event will also feature music, comedy, fashion exhibitions, and other exciting attractions, making it an occasion for celebration and reflection. Nominations for the 2025 Peace Achievers International Awards are now open.

Tragedy Strikes as Over 69 Migrants Die After Boat Capsizes off Mauritanian Coast

Fola Badmus3 weeks ago3 weeks ago01 mins

At least 69 migrants have lost their lives, with dozens more still missing, after an overcrowded boat capsized off the coast of Mauritania. The vessel, carrying roughly 160 people, overturned near Mheijrat when passengers panicked and rushed to one side after spotting coastal lights. The majority of the victims were from Gambia and Senegal. Only 17 survivors were rescued, with reports indicating that the boat had departed from Gambia over a week ago. Search and rescue operations are currently underway, but authorities have warned that the chances of locating additional survivors are rapidly fading. Mauritania, with over 700 kilometers of Atlantic coastline, has become a significant transit point for African migrants attempting to reach Europe, further highlighting the dangers they face in their perilous journeys.

2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifying Matches: Chelle picks Ekong, Osimhen, 21 others in final 23

Fola Badmus3 weeks ago3 weeks ago03 mins

Captain William Ekong, midfielders Alex Iwobi and Raphael Onyedika, and forwards Ademola Lookman and Victor Osimhen have been included in Nigeria’s final list of 23 players for next month’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying matches against Rwanda and South Africa. Goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali also makes the final cut, just as defenders Calvin Bassey, Olaoluwa Aina and Bright Osayi-Samuel, midfielders Wilfred Ndidi, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru and Frank Onyeka, and forwards Simon Moses, Samuel Chukwueze and Cyriel Dessers. Greece-based goalie Adeleye Adebayo returns to the group, alongside Unity Cup sensations Felix Agu and Benjamin Fredericks, and forwards Christantus Uche and Tolu Arokodare, who both impressed in the friendly with Russia in Moscow on 6th June this year. The Super Eagles confront the Amavubi of Rwanda in a Matchday 7 encounter at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium, Uyo on Saturday, 6th September before flying to Bloemfontein to take on South Africa’s Bafana Bafana in a Matchday 8 fixture on Tuesday, 9th September. FINAL LIST OF 23 SUPER EAGLES FOR RWANDA & SOUTH AFRICA Goalkeepers: Stanley Nwabali (Chippa United, South Africa); Amas Obasogie (Singida Blackstars, Tanzania); Adeleye Adebayo (Volos FC, Greece) Defenders: William Ekong (Al-Kholood, Saudi Arabia); Calvin Bassey (Fulham FC, England); Olaoluwa Aina (Nottingham Forest, England); Bright Osayi-Samuel (Birmingham City, England); Bruno Onyemaechi (Olympiakos, Greece); Chidozie Awaziem (Nantes FC, France); Felix Agu (Werder Bremen, Germany); Benjamin Fredericks (Dender FC, Belgium) Midfielders: Alex Iwobi (Fulham FC, England); Frank Onyeka (Brentford FC, England); Wilfred Ndidi (Besiktas FC, Turkey); Fisayo Dele-Bashiru (SS Lazio, Italy); Raphael Onyedika (Club Brugge, Belgium); Christantus Uche (Getafe CF, Spain) Forwards: Ademola Lookman (Atalanta BC, Italy); Samuel Chukwueze (AC Milan, Italy); Victor Osimhen (Galatasaray FC, Turkey); Simon Moses (Paris FC, France); Cyriel Dessers (Glasgow Rangers, Scotland); Tolu Arokodare (KRC Genk, Belgium)

Besiktas part ways with Ole Gunnar Solskjær

Fola Badmus3 weeks ago3 weeks ago02 mins

Besiktas have parted ways with Ole Gunnar Solskjær following their defeat by Swiss side Lausanne in the Conference League play-offs on Thursday night. The former Manchester United player and manager took charge of the Turkish club in January and steered them to a fourth place finished last season. In a shock statement following the game, the club said “Our contract with manager Ole Gunnar Solskjær has been terminated following a decision made at a board meeting. “Following the meeting, our chairman, Serdal Adalı, thanked Solskjaer for his services to date.” Besiktas were knocked out of the Europa League qualifiers by Shakhtar Donetsk. Besiktas played St Patrick’s Athletic in their third round tie and were whilst they took a 4-1 lead in the first leg Stephen Kenny’s side gave them a scare in the second leg going 2-0 up before Besiktas found their feet and claimed the win 7-3 on aggregate. Former Borussia Dortmund player and manager Nuri Sahin has been linked with the role.

NPFL Matchday 2 Preview: Big Tests Await Old Guards & Newcomers

Fola Badmus3 weeks ago3 weeks ago015 mins

By George Akpayen After mixed outings in the opening matchweek of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL), not much separates all of the 20 clubs so far in the standings and they will go again this Saturday, Sunday and Monday in mouthwatering fixtures that pits the old guards against the newbies. Last weekend, there was a lean spell of goals in the 10 matches that opened the campaign. Only nine goals were scored which represented less than a goal per game and turned to be a good day for the defenders and goalkeepers who shut out the strikers. The fixtures for Matchday 2 looks finely balanced and a number of the matches have the trappings to produce goals aplenty considering previous head-to-head meetings. OLD FOES START MATCHWEEK AS BOTTOM-TWO When Alfa Sadiq signals for the start of this matchweek’s first fixture in Benin City, two traditional rivals, Bendel Insurance and Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC), will be battling as 20th and 19th placed teams. Both sides began the season on losing note – 3SC fell 0-1 at home to Bayelsa United while Bendel Insurance lost 0-2 at El-Kanemi Warriors. Last season in this corresponding fixture, Insurance edged past 3SC 1-0 through Michael Enaruna’s late goal. Enaruna, like a number of Insurance players from last season, has moved on to newcomers, Barau FC, but this does not take away the advantage that Insurance have posted over their rivals especially when they play hosts in this fixture. Head coach of 3SC, Nurudeen Aweroro, will have to work on the psyche of his players to banish the club’s poor recent trips to the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium. In their last five trips to Benin City, 3SC have avoided defeat just once (D1 L4) since the turn of the millennium. The other times, 3SC avoided defeat in Benin City was in February 1998 and July 1999 when they played out 2-2 and 1-1 draws respectively. Bendel Insurance head coach, Greg Ikhenoba and Aweroro, will hope their teams can put points on the board and score goals as well after watching their sides fire blanks on the opening day. CHAMPIONS IN TRICKY TRIP TO ABA WITHOUT MBAOMA The champions, Remo Stars, will also be looking to claim their first win of the season after the 1-1 draw at home to Rivers United in the first game of the season. The titleholders will have to face newcomers, Kun Khalifat FC at the Enyimba Stadium in Aba, which they have adopted as home ground owing to renovation at the Dan Anyiam Stadium, Owerri without Victor Mbaoma. The striker returned to Remo Stars in the off-season transfer window and immediately got off the mark in the opening game before leaving the pitch early with a rib injury which his head coach, Daniel Ogunmodede told npfl.ng has ruled him out of the trip for Monday’s match. Ogunmodede’s explanation borders on taking precautionary measures on the striker since they have subsequent league games and CAF Champions League coming up in September. “Victor will not be available for the match (against Kun Khalifat FC),” Ogunmodede also known as Ijaball revealed to npfl.ng. “The extent of the (rib) injury has not be fully ascertained and we are still monitoring his situation which rules him out of the game entirely.” Mbaoma’s absence could pave way for Remo Stars’ Malian striker, Adama Goita, to earn his first start of the season. It is the first time both teams will meet in the topflight and the odds are in favour of the champions though Obinna Uzoho and his men will hope they can hold off another big team like they did in the opening matchday at Rangers where they got a point off a 0-0 draw. SUNDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL IN LAGOS Talk of holding off for a point, Ikorodu City started their season with a 0-0 draw at Kwara United despite featuring nine NPFL debutants and a new head coach in Ali Kandil after the departure of Aweroro to Shooting Stars. Ikorodu City will now shape up for their first home game against El-Kanemi Warriors in this season’s first Sunday night fixture at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Onikan in Lagos. El-Kanemi, on the other hand, started with a 2-0 win over Insurance at home. Last season, which was City’s debut campaign in the NPFL, they scored 48 goals at home, 15 more than champions Remo Stars who netted the second highest number of goals at home. So, NPFL followers will expect this game to flow with goals considering Kandil was part of City’s coaching setup under Aweroro’s management and will want to continue with the same team ethos. Both teams have met just twice in the NPFL and City are unbeaten on both occasions (W1 D1). The Oga Boys saw off El-Kanemi 2-0 in this same fixture with Ayomide Cole and Shola Adelani scoring second half goals. Both players were missing in City’s game at Kwara United but it is likely Adelani should be back in the team for El-Kanemi’s visit. Kabiru Dogo should have a full El-Kanemi squad including his opening matchweek goalscorers, Al’amin Umar and Daddy Abdulrahman, for the trip to Lagos except for suspended midfielder Zayyad Musa who got a straight red card against Bendel Insurance. This first night game could be turn out to be a test for Kandil’s side, now full of newcomers in the top division. BIG GUNS AIM TO FIND COMFORT AT HOME On the opening round of the season, the big boys found it difficult to eke out results and this time will have to do so in front of their supporters or else the pressure begins to pile up from here on. Enyimba, Kano Pillars, Plateau United and Rivers United all play on Sunday against Niger Tornadoes, Wikki Tourists, Katsina United and Cup holders, Kwara United, respectively. All four clubs will hope to make playing at home count in order to get their first wins of the season. Enyimba under Stanley Eguma will be keen to…

Villarreal Confirms Swoop for Nigerian-Born Minnesota striker

Fola Badmus3 weeks ago3 weeks ago01 mins

Villarreal coach Marcelino has confirmed they’re signing Minnesota United striker Tani Oluwaseyi. The Nigerian-born Canada international is moving to Villarreal for €8m. He has settled on personal terms over a five-year contract to 2030. The Minnesota forward arrives after scoring 10 goals in his last 24 matches. Key to the deal has been Taj Buchanan, who has talked up Villarreal to his Canada teammate Oluwaseyi. “We lost a key player like (Everton striker Thierno) Barry, and we were looking for a player with similar abilities,” said Marcelino. “They’re different players, but he can give us depth, speed, and finishing. He comes from a smaller but competitive league. Knowing Tajon will help him adapt.”

I’ll Vote For Tinubu If Opposition Presents Peter Obi in 2027 – Deji Adeyanju

Fola Badmus3 weeks ago3 weeks ago03 mins

Human rights activist, Deji Adeyanju, has declared that he would cast his vote for President Bola Tinubu if the opposition coalition led by the African Democratic Congress (ADC) chooses Peter Obi as its presidential candidate in 2027. “God forbid that I support APC. If the opposition presents Peter Obi, I will vote for Tinubu,” Adeyanju said on Friday during an appearance on Channels Television’s Morning Brief, when asked if he was deliberately seeking to discredit Obi. The rift between Adeyanju and Obi has, in recent times, escalated into a legal confrontation after the 64-year-old politician, through his lawyers, threatened to sue the activist for alleged defamatory remarks on social media and in media interviews. Adeyanju shrugged off the legal notice, saying he was ready to face Obi in court. He accused the former Anambra governor of fostering a hostile political climate, citing the conduct of some “Obidient” supporters online. He said, “We cannot have a man who leads a mob that terrorises people online and cannot tolerate criticism, who calls people all sorts of names. Anybody who cannot support their candidate is seen as an enemy of Nigeria or has been paid to do so. That is not democracy.” The activist also questioned Obi’s democratic track record, contrasting it with his own history of activism. “What sacrifices has he made for democracy? Many of us have put our lives on the line at great personal cost. We must sanitise our polity. We cannot have a country where people who terrorise others online dictate the tone of political discourse,” he argued. Speaking on his past choices at the polls, Adeyanju said he had always supported credible candidates. “In my opinion, I have never voted for a bad candidate. In 1999, I voted for Olusegun Obasanjo. In 2011, I voted for Goodluck Jonathan. In 2015, I voted for Jonathan again, against the so-called lovers of democracy who wanted Muhammadu Buhari,” he said.