Category: News

A 15-year-old student from Icon Comprehensive College, Akure, Ondo State, Afolabi Olumide Ayodeji, has captured national attention for his outstanding performance in the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), conducted by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB). Olumide scored a total of 370, a remarkable feat that has prompted widespread praise and sparked conversations about academic excellence among Nigerian youths. Breakdown of Afolabi Olumide’s Scores: The exceptional result was first shared on social media by youth advocate and public commentator Olúyẹmí Fásípè, who highlighted Olumide’s age and his remarkable academic achievement. “Allow me to introduce Afolabi Olumide Ayodeji, a 15-year-old student at Icons Comprehensive College in Ijapo Estate, Akure, Ondo State. He has achieved a remarkable feat by breaking a long-standing record in the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) with an unprecedented score of 370,” Fásípè wrote. He further noted that no candidate has scored up to 370 in the UTME since JAMB transitioned to Computer-Based Testing (CBT) in 2013. Is 370 the Highest UTME Score in Recent History? According to an analysis by Legit.ng, which reviewed data from TheCable and previous years’ results: As of now, JAMB has not officially released the list of top scorers for 2025, but if confirmed, Afolabi Olumide’s score of 370 could make him the highest UTME scorer in more than a decade. His achievement is already being hailed by educators, commentators, and the general public as a symbol of academic brilliance and a hopeful sign for the future of Nigeria’s education sector.

An Israeli air strike has killed at least six people and injured dozens at the European Gaza hospital in Khan Younis, local officials have said. Israeli warplanes dropped six bombs simultaneously on the hospital, hitting both its inner courtyard and surrounding area, according to local sources. The Israeli military said it had conducted a “precise strike” on a Hamas base, which it claimed is beneath the hospital. A freelance journalist working for the BBC in Gaza was also injured in the air strike and is now in a stable condition after receiving medical attention. According to the medical sources and eyewitnesses, the dead and wounded have been transferred to Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis. The emergency department of this hospital was hit by another strike earlier on Tuesday, they said.The strike resulted in several deep craters inside the hospital compound, which buried several vehicles including a large bus. Israeli media is reporting the target of the strike was senior Hamas figure Mohammed Sinwar – the younger brother of the former Hamas leader in Gaza, Yahya Sinwar.

The National Union of Textile, Garment and Tailoring Workers of Nigeria (NUTGTWN), an affiliate of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), has shut down operations at MDV Sacks Ltd—a subsidiary of the Bhojsons Group—over allegations of exploitation, inhumane treatment, and racial discrimination against more than 300 Nigerian workers. Located within the Lafarge Cement premises in Ewekoro, Ogun State, the company stands accused of forcing factory workers to pay ₦18,000 for protective boots, while denying them fundamental employment rights such as allowances, annual leave, and formal letters of appointment. The union also alleged that MDV Sacks Ltd has been suppressing workers’ right to unionize, in direct violation of Nigeria’s labour laws. On Monday, members of the textile union, supported by other NLC-affiliated unions, staged a protest at the factory, effectively halting all operations. Chanting solidarity songs and holding placards with messages like “Injury to one is injury to all” and “MDV Lafarge management, stop harassment and intimidation of workers,” the protesters demanded that all staff leave the premises until their demands are met. While the majority of workers complied and exited the facility in support, a few reportedly stayed behind. Speaking at the demonstration, Deputy General Secretary of NUTGTWN, Comrade Emeka Nkwoala, criticized the company for reneging on commitments made during a mediation meeting held on May 7, 2025. “At that meeting, the company agreed to allow union activities and issue formal employment letters to staff,” Nkwoala stated. “Yet, management has backtracked. Some members have since been unjustly terminated, while others continue to endure exploitative and degrading conditions. Nigerian labour laws are clear—this form of modern-day slavery cannot continue.” Nkwoala further alleged that MDV Sacks Ltd promotes racial discrimination by subjecting Nigerian workers to inferior treatment compared to their expatriate counterparts. Describing the protest as peaceful and orderly, he confirmed that the Ogun State Ministry of Labour has intervened. The Ministry reportedly ordered a return to the status quo, including reinstating sacked workers and paying all outstanding entitlements. The union vowed to sustain pressure until justice is served and MDV Sacks Ltd is held accountable for its actions.

In 2023, I told them clearly: it’s in our Constitution, and it’s part of our tradition—when one zone takes the Chairmanship, the other should take the Presidential ticket. But because of selfish interests, they manipulated the process. They said, “Let’s hold off on zoning; we’ll handle it later.” Next thing, people were already buying nomination forms. We laughed. It was clear—they had no intention of zoning. One zone took the Chairmanship, and that same zone also took the Presidential ticket. We said, “Okay, let peace reign, let’s maintain unity and have a voice.” But they kept going back and forth, dragging their feet. We warned them: this back and forth will cost you. They brushed it off, saying, “Forget it, we’ve won the election. Who are they?” Arrogance set in. And look at where we are as a party today. Now I’m asking—where are you zoning the presidency for 2027? Where will you go next? Some of the smart ones who have interests are already saying, “Nooo, it’s not time yet.” But how many times will you play this same game and still think you’re outsmarting everyone? You’re heading into a National Convention and want the South to produce the Chairman, so you can deny the South the Presidential ticket again. You say, “The South already has the national presidency, so let’s take the candidate from the North.” But if that’s your thinking, why not just come out now and declare that your 2027 presidential candidate will come from the South? You won’t do that. You want to play the same game you played in 2023. It will backfire. And when it does, you’ll start pointing fingers: “Wike did this, they did that.” I’ve said it before—this so-called smartness won’t help you. Be open, be honest. Let Nigerians and party members know the direction we’re heading. But if you continue with these old games, it won’t work. And don’t say tomorrow, “Wike, Wike…” I’m telling you now—stop this smartness. I will not agree.

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has elected Prof. Chris Piwuna, a consultant psychiatrist and Dean of Student Affairs at the University of Jos, as its new national president. Piwuna succeeds Prof. Victor Osodeke, a soil science expert from the Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike. The leadership transition was formalized during ASUU’s 23rd National Delegates Congress held on Sunday in Benin City. Sources confirm the presidency was contested between Piwuna and Prof. Adamu Babayo of Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi. Prof. Piwuna takes over at a critical time, as tensions continue to mount over unresolved issues including the sharing formula for the recently disbursed Earned Academic Allowances, growing concerns over brain drain, and the looming threat of industrial action within Nigeria’s university system.

In a dramatic turn in the ongoing controversy involving Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, Nigerian journalist Francess Olisa Ogbonnaya has accused UK-based Nigerian businesswoman Sandra Duru—popularly known as Prof Mgbeke—of attempting to recruit her to smear the Kogi Central Senator. In a now-viral video, Ogbonnaya claimed that Duru approached her with a script and audio materials allegedly designed to tarnish Senator Natasha’s image, requesting she produce a defamatory voiceover for broadcast. “She wanted me to disrupt and destroy Natasha on live TV and pretend to be neutral,” Ogbonnaya said, adding that she declined the offer due to her professional ethics and political ambitions. “I’m a journalist and plan to run for office. I couldn’t do it.” Ogbonnaya further revealed that Sandra offered her ₦300,000 for the recording, a discounted rate from her usual ₦500,000 charge for political voiceovers. However, Duru allegedly rejected her version after she edited out false claims. “She got angry that I removed the lies from the script. She refused to use my voice and went to someone else,” Ogbonnaya stated. The journalist also refuted recent claims made by Duru, including allegations that Senator Natasha attempted to bribe her with ₦200 million to frame Akpabio for organ harvesting. Natasha has denied the accusation. Ogbonnaya challenged Duru’s narrative, stating the audio recordings Sandra sent her included no such confession or denial regarding sexual harassment. Rather, she said the content alluded to inappropriate remarks that amounted to harassment. “She never denied sexual harassment in those recordings. She even talked about experiences that suggest it,” Ogbonnaya clarified. The journalist also dismissed claims that Natasha had insulted or attempted to “buy” former minister Dr. Oby Ezekwesili, saying the audio instead showed gratitude toward Ezekwesili for her support. Beyond the Natasha controversy, Ogbonnaya alleged that Duru had a pattern of political manipulation, claiming involvement in blackmailing prominent figures like Imo State Governor Hope Uzodinma and former governor Rochas Okorocha. “Sandra even told me she made Rochas governor. She was blackmailing him,” Ogbonnaya alleged, urging law enforcement to investigate the matter thoroughly. As the controversy continues to unfold, Ogbonnaya warned Senate President Akpabio to be cautious in his dealings with Duru. “I don’t know if she’s working for Natasha or Akpabio, but Sandra is the common link here. The police need to do their job,” she added. She concluded by hinting at further revelations. “What I’ve released so far is just the tip of the iceberg. If Sandra wants to go further, I’m ready to release more.”

The Dangote Petroleum Refinery has further reduced the gantry price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly known as petrol, to ₦825 per litre—down from ₦835—as competition heats up in Nigeria’s domestic fuel market. This marks the second price cut in just over a month. In April, the 650,000 barrels-per-day refinery reduced the price from ₦865 to ₦835 per litre. According to checks by Vanguard, the latest adjustment is part of a strategic move to offer greater value to customers and strengthen the refinery’s growing dominance in the local petroleum market.