Trendbrio.com

News and Entertainment Update

Live
News
House Orders Immediate Halt To WAEC 2026 Computer-Based Exams Over Student Safety Concerns 01
02
News
Senate Approves Bill to Ban Recruitment of Under-18s into Nigerian Military
03
Entertainment
Nollywood Mourns As Veteran Actor Baba Gebu Passes Away After Brief Illness
04
Entertainment
Annie Macaulay Clears Air After Liking Laila Charani’s Post Against Regina Daniels
05
Entertainment
Sowore Disputes Ned Nwoko’s Claim, Says Regina Daniels Was Minor When They Married

Presidency Rejects World Bank Claim That 139 Million Nigerians Are Poor

Wale busari01 mins

The Presidency has refuted the World Bank’s latest report claiming that 139 million Nigerians are currently living in poverty. Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, described the report as misleading and inconsistent with Nigeria’s official data. Onanuga explained that the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) remains the only credible source for poverty figures in the country, emphasizing that the World Bank’s estimate does not reflect Nigeria’s current economic realities. He said the NBS last conducted a verified national survey in 2018–2019, which put the poverty figure at about 82.9 million Nigerians — far lower than the number cited by the World Bank. Onanuga added that the government is implementing several social intervention and economic reform programs aimed at reducing poverty and improving citizens’ welfare, insisting that progress is being made despite the challenges.  

Read More

University Of Ibadan Reclaims Top Spot As Best University In Nigeria

Wale busari03 mins

The University of Ibadan (UI) has reclaimed its position as the best university in Nigeria, according to the 2026 Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings released on Thursday, October 9. UI emerged top among 51 Nigerian universities assessed, climbing back to first place after falling to fourth in 2025. The institution, which last held the top spot in 2023, is now placed within the 801–1000 range globally — marking a major improvement in its international standing. The 2026 rankings evaluated 2,191 universities from 115 countries, using 18 indicators across five key categories: teaching, research environment, research quality, industry connections, and international outlook. UI’s resurgence ended Covenant University’s two-year reign as Nigeria’s number one university. Following UI are the University of Lagos (UNILAG), Bayero University, Kano (BUK), and Covenant University, ranked second, third, and fourth respectively. According to THE’s data, UNILAG achieved the highest research quality score among Nigerian institutions with 66.7 points, BUK topped in international outlook, while Covenant University led in industry engagement, reflecting strong collaboration with the private sector. Out of the 51 Nigerian universities ranked, only UI and UNILAG made the 801–1000 global category. BUK, Covenant University, and Landmark University fell within 1001–1200, while Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Federal University of Technology, Minna (FUTMinna), University of Ilorin (UNILORIN), University of Jos (UNIJOS), and University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) ranked between 1201–1500. Fourteen others, including Obafemi Awolowo University, Lagos State University, University of Benin, and University of Port Harcourt, were placed above 1501, while 27 universities were listed but not ranked. The report also noted that to qualify for inclusion, universities must teach undergraduates, conduct multidisciplinary research, and publish at least 1,000 scholarly papers between 2020 and 2024 — an average of 100 publications per year. The 2026 rankings drew data from 174.9 million citations across 18.7 million research papers, as well as survey responses from over 108,000 academics worldwide, highlighting global shifts in higher education performance.  

Read More

Oshodi Predicts Fierce Competition at ITTF-Africa Championships in Tunis

Wale busari04 mins

President of the African Table Tennis Federation (ITTF Africa), Wahid Enitan Oshodi, has expressed high expectations for this year’s ITTF-Africa Championships, citing the impressive form and quality of players set to compete. Oshodi commended the Tunisian Table Tennis Federation (FTTT) for stepping in to host the tournament following Rwanda’s late withdrawal, praising their dedication to the sport and their experience in organizing top-tier events. He also expressed excitement over the strong presence of young talent at the tournament, which will take place in Tunis from October 12 to 19. The event serves as a qualifying competition for the 2026 ITTF World Team Table Tennis Championships in London. “There’s no doubt this year’s tournament will be fiercely contested, especially given the current form of our players and the emergence of talented youth athletes,” Oshodi said. “We’re particularly thrilled that many junior players who featured at the recent Youth Tournaments in Lagos have earned spots on their national teams for Tunis. This shows they’re maturing and ready to challenge the veterans. This will give us a chance to see the levels of improvement in their play over the last year. I expect upsets in Tunis and look forward to seeing some of these young stars rise to the top.” He added, “We must also acknowledge the experience of our established players, which will make the tournament even more exciting. The atmosphere in Tunis will rival any global event. Tunisia is a seasoned host with a strong track record, and we’re eager for the tournament to kick off on October 12. The highlight for many teams will be the team event, which doubles as a qualifier for the 2026 ITTF World Team Championships in London.” The 2026 edition will celebrate the centenary of the sport, returning to the city where both the International Table Tennis Federation and the first World Championships were founded in 1926. This year’s continental showcase promises high-stakes action as Africa’s finest athletes compete across seven categories: men’s team, women’s team, men’s singles, women’s singles, men’s doubles, women’s doubles, and mixed doubles. The Rades Multisports Hall will host eight thrilling days of elite competition.

Read More

House Of Reps Advances Bill To Create Ibadan State From Oyo

Wale busari03 mins

A bill seeking to carve out Ibadan State from the present Oyo State has advanced to the second reading stage in the House of Representatives. Sponsored by Abass Adigun, representing Ibadan North-East/Ibadan South-East Federal Constituency, the proposed legislation scaled through on Thursday after a heated plenary debate. Adigun argued that Ibadan’s population size, land area, and long-standing historical relevance justify its recognition as a state. He pointed out that former regional capitals like Enugu and Kaduna had already attained state status and that Ibadan deserved the same treatment. “This bill represents a monumental step toward equitable development through federalism and the realisation of the long-held aspiration of the people of Ibadan,” Adigun said. The session briefly turned tense when Adigun claimed that a single local government area in Ibadan was larger than three in Bayelsa State combined. His comment drew a sharp response from Obuku Ofurji (Yenagoa/Opokuma, Bayelsa), who described the comparison as “irrelevant and disrespectful.” Adigun later apologised but maintained that his figures were accurate. Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, who presided over the session, referred the bill to the House Committee on Constitutional Review, which he chairs. He also reiterated that the ongoing amendment to the 1999 Constitution would be concluded by December 2025. The creation of a new state in Nigeria remains a complex process. Section 8(1) of the 1999 Constitution requires such a proposal to obtain two-thirds support from federal lawmakers representing the affected area, approval by the state assembly and local councils, endorsement by two-thirds of the residents in a referendum, majority consent from state assemblies nationwide, and final passage by two-thirds of both chambers of the National Assembly. Despite numerous similar efforts in the past, Nigeria has not created a new state since its return to democratic rule in 1999.  

Read More
Council Of State Confirms Professor Joash Amupitan As New INEC Chairman

Council Of State Confirms Professor Joash Amupitan As New INEC Chairman

Wale busari02 mins

The National Council of State has approved the appointment of Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan (SAN) as the new Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). President Bola Ahmed Tinubu presented Amupitan’s nomination during the Council’s meeting at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, to succeed Professor Mahmood Yakubu, whose tenure ended in October 2025 after a decade of service. In a statement released on Thursday, October 9, by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu described Amupitan as “apolitical and eminently qualified” to lead the commission. He also noted that the Professor of Law from Kogi State is the first person from the state to be nominated for the role. The Council unanimously endorsed the nomination, with Kogi State Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo praising Amupitan as “a man of integrity whose wealth of experience will strengthen Nigeria’s electoral process.” In line with the Constitution, President Tinubu will forward Amupitan’s name to the Senate for confirmation. Professor Amupitan, 58, hails from Ayetoro Gbede in Ijumu Local Government Area of Kogi State. He currently serves as the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration) at the University of Jos and is also the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of Joseph Ayo Babalola University in Osun State.  

Read More

I’ve No Interest in Chelle’s Job – Eguavoen

Wale busari02 mins

Technical Director of the Nigeria Football Federation, Coach Augustine Eguavoen has expressed deep distaste over reports in sections of the media on Wednesday that he was being tipped, alongside Coach Ladan Bosso, to take over the job of coaching the Super Eagles for the forthcoming Africa Cup of Nations, should Coach Eric Chelle fail to qualify the team for next year’s FIFA World Cup finals. “I feel very hurt by these baseless rumours because I really have no idea where they are coming from. I have a very good working relationship with Coach Eric Chelle, and I have absolutely no interest in taking over the squad. I am praying for him to succeed. “This was how the same speculators created schism and disaffection between myself and Gernot Rohr and José Peseiro, when these gentlemen coached the Super Eagles, at different periods. It is uncalled-for. We all need to work together to see the Super Eagles qualify for the World Cup and win the forthcoming Africa Cup of Nations championship in Morocco.”

Read More

Dr Christopher Kolade, Renowned Nigerian Diplomat And Statesman, Dies At 93

Wale busari01 mins

Veteran Nigerian diplomat and elder statesman Dr. Christopher Kolade has died at the age of 93, his family has confirmed. In a statement on Thursday, the family expressed gratitude for his long life of service and faith, saying, “We are thankful for his incredible life of faith and service, and are grateful for God’s abundant blessings.” Dr. Kolade passed away peacefully on Wednesday, October 8, 2025. Born on December 28, 1932, in Erin-Oke, Osun State, he enjoyed a distinguished career as a broadcaster, diplomat, academic, and advocate for integrity in public and corporate life. Widely respected for his principles and leadership, Dr. Kolade served as Nigeria’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom and held several key positions in both public and private sectors, leaving behind a legacy defined by discipline, humility, and ethical excellence.  

Read More

Frank Donga Takes Up New Role With Canadian Ministry Of Agriculture

Wale busari01 mins

Nigerian comedian and actor Frank Donga has taken a major career leap as he joins the Government of Saskatchewan in Canada as a Multimedia Communications Specialist. Known for his humor and creative storytelling, Donga will now be working with the province’s Ministry of Agriculture, where he plans to merge his passion for filmmaking with his growing interest in agriculture. Sharing the news on social media, he wrote, “My people! I’ve been cooking something! Combining my love for filmmaking with my passion for agriculture.” He continued, “Thank you all for reaching out! I’ve been working on cinematic agriculture stories. Watch this space for some inspiring content.” The announcement has drawn positive reactions from fans and colleagues, who praised him for his innovation, adaptability, and career evolution beyond entertainment.  

Read More
Share
Copy Link
×