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NECO Launches London Exam Centre To Expand Access For Nigerians Abroad

NECO Launches London Exam Centre To Expand Access For Nigerians Abroad

The National Examinations Council (NECO) has officially launched a new examination centre in London, United Kingdom, marking a major step in its global expansion strategy to offer credible assessment opportunities for Nigerians living abroad. The new centre, unveiled during the Education Matters Conference UK 2025, was established in partnership with Barnfield Education Ltd. NECO’s Registrar and Chief Executive, Prof. Dantani Ibrahim Wushishi, said the initiative was created to assist Nigerian students and adult learners in the UK who, for various reasons, were unable to complete their secondary education or obtain equivalent qualifications. “Our aim is to provide credible and accessible examination opportunities for Nigerians in the diaspora, in line with the Federal Government’s policy on inclusivity and global engagement,” Wushishi stated in a release signed by NECO’s Acting Director of Information and Public Relations, Azeez Sani. He described the establishment of the London Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE) centre as a significant milestone in NECO’s effort to extend its global reach. Wushishi added that the council now conducts examinations in seven countries, including Saudi Arabia, with new centres awaiting approval in Egypt and Burkina Faso. According to him, the London centre will empower Nigerians abroad, promote national pride, and enhance international recognition of NECO certificates, which are already accepted by several universities across the UK — including Birmingham City University and Leeds Trinity University — as well as institutions in the United States, Canada, India, China, and Russia. In his goodwill message, the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, applauded NECO for the move, describing it as a vital step toward ensuring that “no Nigerian child, at home or abroad, is left behind.” He noted that the initiative aligns with the Ministry’s mission to strengthen educational collaboration with the Nigerian diaspora community. The Director of BEP Education and NECO’s UK partner, Dr. John Ibanga, said the new centre would serve as an alternative route for Nigerian students in the UK who face barriers within the British education system, particularly those unable to earn the General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE). “Many Nigerian children encounter limitations in the UK education system that hinder their academic progress. This new NECO SSCE centre offers a recognised and credible alternative for both young learners and adults pursuing academic or vocational advancement,” Ibanga explained. During a visit to the Nigerian High Commission in London, Prof. Wushishi briefed the Mission on the establishment and accreditation of the centre, reaffirming that the UK remains a strategic base for expanding educational opportunities for Nigerians abroad. The Head of Political Affairs at the Mission, Ambassador Eche Abu-Obe, commended NECO’s move as “a timely and commendable initiative” consistent with Nigeria’s commitment to educational inclusivity and diaspora engagement. “The Mission will continue to work closely with NECO to advance Nigeria’s educational and developmental goals in the United Kingdom,” Abu-Obe assured.

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Matty Cash Strike Seals 1–0 Win For Aston Villa Over Manchester City At Villa Park

Aston Villa stunned Manchester City 1–0 at Villa Park on Sunday, thanks to a brilliant first-half strike from Matty Cash that sealed a memorable Premier League victory for Unai Emery’s men. The decisive goal came in the 19th minute when Cash fired home from the edge of the box after a clever corner routine from Emiliano Buendía. The full-back’s precise finish proved enough to hand Villa all three points in a tense and fiercely contested match. Manchester City, who had not suffered a defeat since their 2–1 loss to Brighton in August, struggled to find their rhythm throughout the game. Erling Haaland missed a golden chance to equalize moments after Cash’s opener and later had a late goal disallowed for offside. Aston Villa defended superbly, with centre-backs Pau Torres and Ezri Konsa standing firm to repel City’s attacks. Emiliano Martínez made a crucial save to deny Haaland in a one-on-one situation, while John McGinn came close to doubling Villa’s lead with a deflected effort on his 200th Premier League appearance. City showed more urgency after the break, but their attacking moves lacked precision. Tijjani Reijnders dragged a shot wide after a mazy run, and Savinho twice tested Villa’s defence, only for Torres to clear one effort off the line. Villa nearly added another goal when McGinn’s close-range volley was blocked from a low corner, but the hosts ultimately held firm to secure a fourth consecutive league victory and bounce back from their Europa League loss to Go Ahead Eagles. The win also extended Villa’s impressive home record — they are now unbeaten in 31 Premier League home games when scoring first since February 2023. It marked their third straight home victory over City in the competition. Matty Cash, who has now scored twice against City — his joint-best return against any opponent — was once again the hero. The only downside for Villa came when Buendía limped off injured in the first half, despite having provided the assist for the match-winning goal. The result keeps Villa firmly in the top-four conversation, while City’s title defense takes a dent after a frustrating day in front of goal.

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NDLEA Arrests Pretty Mike, Ex-BBNaija Star Tuoyo And Over 100 Others In Lagos Nightclub Raid

NDLEA Arrests Pretty Mike, Ex-BBNaija Star Tuoyo And Over 100 Others In Lagos Nightclub Raid

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arrested Lagos socialite and nightclub owner, Mike Eze Nwalie Nwogu, popularly known as Pretty Mike, alongside former Big Brother Naija housemate Tuoyo Ideh, and more than 100 other guests during a midnight raid on Proxy Nightclub in Victoria Island, Lagos. In a statement released on Sunday by NDLEA’s Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, the agency said cartons of banned substances, including Loud and laughing gas, were recovered during the operation, which took place in the early hours of Sunday, October 26, 2025. According to the NDLEA, its operatives acted on credible intelligence and infiltrated the club around 11 p.m. on Saturday. The raid was launched at about 3 a.m. on Sunday in line with standard operating procedures. The statement read, “In Lagos, NDLEA operatives in the early hours of Sunday, October 26, raided Proxy Nightclub at 7 Akin Adesola Street, Victoria Island, where a drug party was ongoing. Over 100 suspects, including the owner of the club, Mike Eze Nwalie Nwogu, alias Pretty Mike, were arrested and taken into custody for screening. Cartons of illicit substances, including Loud and laughing gas, were recovered from suspects and the club’s store.” Confirming his arrest, Tuoyo Ideh took to Instagram on Sunday to express frustration over the incident. He wrote, “I have been arrested by the NDLEA from a nightclub in Lagos for basically doing nothing at all. Since around 4 a.m., they made us sit down like criminals. We are over 150 people here at NDLEA headquarters, Ikoyi. We didn’t commit any crime. They came into the club with guns and told everyone to lie down.” Efforts to reach Pretty Mike for comment were unsuccessful, as he did not respond to calls or messages as of the time of filing this report. Meanwhile, the NDLEA announced several other major drug busts across the country. At the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos, officers intercepted 70 parcels of cocaine weighing 3.6 kilograms concealed inside cocoa butter containers destined for London, United Kingdom. The cocaine was discovered on October 14 during the inspection of cargo declared as personal effects. The cargo agent, Lawal Mustapha Olakunle, who presented the consignment for airfreight, was arrested. Further investigations led to the arrest of two more suspects: a healthcare worker, Ogunmuyide Taiwo Deborah, and a travel agency CEO, Mutiu Adebayo Adebiyi. In a separate operation at the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu, NDLEA officers foiled an attempt by a 35-year-old Lesotho national, Lemena Mark, to smuggle 103.59 grams of methamphetamine concealed in Diabeta herbal coffee sachets to the Philippines. Similar raids across the country led to multiple arrests and drug seizures. In Kwara State, 21,950 tramadol capsules were found hidden inside a 100-litre water heater. In Taraba, two men were caught transporting 450,000 pills of tramadol and Exol-5. Along the Okene–Lokoja highway, officers seized 162.2 kilograms of cannabis, while another 128 kilograms was recovered in Nasarawa. In Lagos, NDLEA operatives arrested a mother of two, Oyonumoh Glory Effiong, identified as a major distributor of high-grade cannabis known as Loud across Lekki, Ikoyi, and Ajah. Another suspect, Ogunyabo Adenigbigbe, was arrested in Ikorodu, where 275 litres of a drug cocktail called “skuchies” were recovered. Elsewhere, a 75-year-old man, Echendu Onuoka, and a 60-year-old woman, Aukana John, were apprehended in Abia State for possessing large quantities of skunk. In Ondo and Kaduna, operatives recovered hundreds of kilograms of cannabis and thousands of tramadol pills. At the Seme border in Badagry, two suspects were arrested with 55 kilograms of skunk and 121 litres of skuchies. In Zamfara, a suspect identified as Abubakar Ibrahim was arrested while transporting an AK-47 rifle and over 1,700 rounds of ammunition, allegedly destined for criminal elements in Anka Local Government Area. NDLEA Chairman, Brigadier General Mohamed Buba Marwa (Retd), commended the officers involved in the operations for their diligence and urged them to maintain the momentum in the agency’s ongoing War Against Drug Abuse (WADA). He said, “While commending the officers and men of MMIA, AIIA, Lagos, Kwara, Abia, Nasarawa, Kogi, Ondo, Anambra, Taraba, Kaduna, Seme, and Zamfara Commands for the arrests and seizures, I urge them and their colleagues across the country to sustain the ongoing offensive against drug traffickers and the balanced approach to the agency’s drug control efforts.”

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Eze Fires Arsenal To 1–0 Victory Over Crystal Palace As Gunners Go Four Points Clear

Eze Fires Arsenal To 1–0 Victory Over Crystal Palace As Gunners Go Four Points Clear

Arsenal edged Crystal Palace 1–0 at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday, October 26, 2025, in a hard-fought Premier League encounter that tested their patience and composure. The decisive moment came in the 39th minute when Eberechi Eze, facing his former club, struck a composed volley into the bottom-right corner after a well-delivered free-kick routine. Declan Rice’s curling cross was nodded down by Gabriel Magalhães, allowing Eze to pounce and give Arsenal the breakthrough they had been pushing for all half. Before the goal, Arsenal had dominated possession but struggled to find a cutting edge against Palace’s deep defensive setup. The Emirates crowd erupted when Eze’s finish found the net, giving the hosts the momentum heading into halftime. The second half saw Crystal Palace attempt to claw their way back into the game, but Arsenal’s backline — marshaled by William Saliba and Gabriel — stood firm. Palace’s best chance came from a swift counterattack, but goalkeeper David Raya reacted sharply to keep his clean sheet intact. Bukayo Saka nearly doubled Arsenal’s lead late on, only for Marc Guehi to clear his effort off the line in one of the game’s most dramatic moments. Despite pressing for a second goal, Arsenal had to settle for the lone strike that proved enough to seal the win. The victory extended Arsenal’s unbeaten run in the Premier League to six matches and ten in all competitions, moving them four points clear at the top of the table. For Eze, the night carried special significance as he scored against the club where he made his name. His goal — his first in Arsenal colors — underscored the growing influence he’s beginning to have under Mikel Arteta. While the Gunners’ attacking fluency still lacked its usual sharpness, their defensive solidity and control once again showed why they’re serious title contenders this season.

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Madagascar’s New Regime Revokes Citizenship Of Ousted President Andry Rajoelina

Madagascar’s New Regime Revokes Citizenship Of Ousted President Andry Rajoelina

Madagascar’s new government has revoked the citizenship of former president Andry Rajoelina, a move announced in a decree published Friday, ten days after he was ousted in a military coup. The decree bars Rajoelina from running in future elections. It cites his acquisition of French nationality in 2014, which under Malagasy law automatically nullifies Malagasy citizenship. The order was signed by Prime Minister Herintsalama Rajaonarivelo, and images of the decree have circulated widely in local media. Rajoelina, 51, had faced previous controversy over his dual nationality, which came to light ahead of the November 2023 elections. Despite opposition calls to disqualify him, he won the polls that were boycotted by rival parties. Earlier this month, Rajoelina fled Madagascar after Colonel Michael Randrianirina, head of the army’s CAPSAT unit, refused to carry out orders to suppress ongoing youth-led protests. Rajoelina later said he went into hiding for his safety. Colonel Randrianirina was sworn in as transitional president on October 14, promising new elections within two years as the country navigates a renewed political crisis.

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Mbeumo Scores Twice As Manchester United Defeat Brighton 4–2 At Old Trafford

Mbeumo Scores Twice As Manchester United Defeat Brighton 4–2 At Old Trafford

Bryan Mbeumo scored twice as Manchester United battled past Brighton 4–2 at Old Trafford, securing their third straight Premier League victory and climbing to fourth in the table — their best run since February 2024. United looked comfortable for most of the match, storming to a three-goal lead through Matheus Cunha, Casemiro, and Mbeumo before surviving a nervy finish. Cunha opened the scoring with a sharp low strike from the edge of the box, ending his 16-game goal drought and marking his first goal for the club. Casemiro soon doubled the lead in fortunate fashion when his effort deflected off Yasin Ayari, wrong-footing Brighton goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen. Mbeumo made it 3–0 on the hour mark, finishing coolly from close range after neat buildup play involving Bruno Fernandes and Benjamin Šeško. But the visitors came roaring back late on. Former United striker Danny Welbeck curled in a stunning free-kick with 16 minutes remaining, before Charalampos Kostoulas headed home in stoppage time to set up a tense finale. Just when it seemed Brighton might complete an unlikely comeback, Mbeumo struck again in the dying moments — rifling the ball into the roof of the net to seal the points and ease the home fans’ nerves. The win continued Manchester United’s resurgence under Ruben Amorim, who has guided his team from a rocky spell into top-four contention. With confidence returning and key players finding form, United appear to have rediscovered their spark ahead of a demanding run of fixtures.

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FIFA Under Fire For Displaying Incomplete Nigerian Stadium Built With Its Development Funds

FIFA Under Fire For Displaying Incomplete Nigerian Stadium Built With Its Development Funds

FIFA has drawn widespread criticism after updating its official X (Twitter) header image to display a poorly constructed stadium in Nigeria — one allegedly built with its development funds but missing key features such as stands and seating areas. The image, which quickly went viral, shows a bare field with little to no infrastructure, sparking outrage among Nigerians who described it as a symbol of mismanagement in the nation’s football administration. The stadium, inaugurated in 2023, was financed through FIFA’s Forward Programme, a global initiative that provides funding for football infrastructure and youth development. Nigeria reportedly received $10 million under the program in 2020 to support such projects. However, the facility’s poor state has raised serious questions about how the funds were used. Many critics accused the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) of corruption and negligence, while others questioned FIFA’s oversight of its own funded projects. Online users debated whether FIFA’s use of the image was a mistake or a subtle statement highlighting accountability issues within Nigerian football. The NFF has repeatedly denied allegations of fund mismanagement, insisting that all money received from FIFA and CAF is dedicated to approved, transparent projects. Meanwhile, former Super Eagles captain Jay-Jay Okocha has announced his candidacy for NFF president, promising reforms and integrity in football governance. NFF President Ibrahim Gusau also addressed public concern over the declining standard of Nigeria’s youth teams, assuring that new initiatives are being designed to revive grassroots football and restore the country’s footballing pride. FIFA’s controversial choice of image has since ignited intense online debate, renewing calls for transparency and accountability in Nigeria’s football sector.

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Regina Daniels Appears Cheerful In New Video After Days Of Marital Crisis Reports

Regina Daniels Appears Cheerful In New Video After Days Of Marital Crisis Reports

Actress and entrepreneur Regina Daniels has resurfaced on social media, days after rumors of a serious marital fallout with her husband, Senator Ned Nwoko, dominated headlines. On Saturday, the 25-year-old shared clips of herself aboard a private jet, appearing cheerful and relaxed as she enjoyed a drink while surrounded by friends and family. In one of the videos, a man playfully referred to her as a “gold digger,” prompting laughter from Regina — a moment that quickly went viral and reignited public discussion about her marriage. Another clip captured her smiling and chanting “Morale high,” which many fans interpreted as her subtle way of showing confidence despite the ongoing controversy. Her online return follows days of speculation sparked by a viral video where she was seen in tears, saying, “In Ned’s house, I am nothing. But in my house, I am a queen.” In response to the circulating video, Senator Nwoko accused Regina of alcohol and drug abuse, alleging that her substance use was the cause of their marital problems. “Her current battle with drugs and alcohol abuse is the root of our problem. Regina is the violent one here, slapping staff and destroying property for no just cause,” he stated. The lawmaker said he had offered her rehabilitation both within and outside Nigeria and cautioned those spreading misinformation about his family to desist or face legal consequences. Coincidentally, Nwoko also issued a clarification on Saturday regarding another viral video showing him with a young woman. He dismissed claims that she was a new wife, explaining that she was part of a Peace Ambassadors delegation that visited him and his colleagues in Abuja.

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