Education Ministry Denies Snubbing 15-Year-Old Nigerian Math Whiz Chosen For China Olympiad

The Federal Ministry of Education has dismissed reports that it failed to sponsor a 15-year-old Nigerian student who allegedly qualified to represent the country at the International Mathematics Olympiad in China. The clarification followed public outrage sparked by a post from Educare’s Chief Executive Officer, Alex Onyia, who accused the ministry of denying financial support to the student, identified as Agbo Adoga from Graceland International School, Port Harcourt. Onyia claimed the refusal prevented the teenager from attending the global mathematics competition. In his post on X, Onyia wrote, “Graceland International School, Port Harcourt, just informed me that Agbo Adoga qualified to represent Nigeria in the International Maths Olympiad in China. Nigerian Ministry of Education said they don’t have money to sponsor anybody. So he will not attend. Nigeria lost again!” However, in a press statement released on Sunday, the ministry’s Director of Press and Public Relations, Feo Folasade, denied receiving any official correspondence requesting sponsorship for the student. “The Federal Ministry of Education wishes to state clearly that it is not aware of the report circulating online regarding a supposed sponsorship request for a 15-year-old student said to have qualified to represent Nigeria at the International Mathematics Olympiad in China,” the statement said. It further explained that no document or communication from any recognised institution or body was found in the ministry’s records regarding the alleged sponsorship. The ministry also urged members of the public to disregard unverified information and ensure that all education-related matters are confirmed through its official channels. Reaffirming its dedication to promoting excellence, the ministry stated that it remains committed to encouraging and supporting outstanding students through proper and transparent procedures.

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Liverpool Suffer 2-1 Defeat To Manchester United At Anfield

Liverpool endured a disappointing 2-1 loss to Manchester United at Anfield on Sunday, marking their fourth consecutive defeat in the Premier League. Manchester United stunned the home crowd with an early strike from Bryan Mbeumo in the first minute, giving the visitors an immediate advantage. Liverpool struggled to respond in the first half, creating few clear chances despite dominating possession. The Reds finally drew level in the 77th minute through Cody Gakpo, who finished a well-worked move to bring hope of a comeback. However, Liverpool’s resurgence was short-lived. Just seven minutes later, Harry Maguire headed in a Bruno Fernandes cross to restore United’s lead and secure the win. Manager Arne Slot faced criticism for his tactical choices, including benching key players, as Liverpool’s struggles continue to raise questions about their consistency and title ambitions this season. The defeat leaves Liverpool searching for answers as they aim to halt their run of poor results and regain momentum in the league.

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Aston Villa Defeat Tottenham 2-1 In Stunning Comeback Victory

Tottenham Hotspur’s bright start ended in disappointment on Sunday as Aston Villa fought back to claim a 2–1 victory at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Spurs opened the scoring just five minutes into the match through Rodrigo Bentancur, who finished off a slick move from close range. The hosts looked dominant early on, pressing high and controlling possession, but their momentum began to fade midway through the first half. Villa grew into the game and were rewarded in the 37th minute when Morgan Rogers produced a brilliant curling effort from the edge of the box to draw his side level. In the second half, Tottenham struggled to regain control, and their defensive organization suffered following the late withdrawal of captain Cristian Romero, who pulled out before kickoff due to injury. Aston Villa’s persistence paid off in the 77th minute when substitute Emiliano Buendía fired a low, precise shot into the bottom corner to seal the comeback win. Despite Tottenham’s late pressure, Villa held firm to secure all three points. The victory marks Villa’s fifth straight win in all competitions, showcasing their growing confidence and resilience under pressure. Tottenham, on the other hand, were left to rue missed chances and lapses in concentration that cost them valuable points at home. With the result, Villa climb into the top half of the Premier League table, while Spurs slip to sixth — raising questions about their ability to maintain consistency in crucial matches. The game’s outcome has once again highlighted Tottenham’s struggles with defensive stability and game management, while Villa continue to impress as one of the league’s most tactically disciplined sides.

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Hairstylist Dies By Suicide After Discovering Boyfriend’s Infidelity

A 22-year-old hairstylist, Odama Mary Agado, has reportedly taken her own life in Enugu after discovering that her boyfriend was unfaithful. Mary, who hailed from Woleche-Ipuole, Yahe Ward in Yala Local Government Area of Cross River State, allegedly ingested a poisonous substance, believed to be sniper, following the emotional shock. She had been living and working in Enugu, where she was reportedly doing well in her hairstyling business. According to sources, Mary had even bought a car and rented an apartment for her boyfriend, highlighting the depth of her care and commitment. A family member, Daniel, said Mary visited her boyfriend last Friday and found him with another woman in the apartment she had secured for him. Heartbroken, she returned to her own apartment and called her mother, reportedly saying she could not continue living. Her mother, unable to return the call due to lack of airtime, later received word that Mary had ingested poison and was rushed to a nearby hospital. Despite doctors’ efforts, she was pronounced dead later that day. Mary’s body was taken back to her hometown in Yala, where she was buried immediately on Saturday. “We buried her right away. She was too young for a prolonged burial process. Some believe spiritual forces were involved, but nothing can bring her back now,” the family source said. The family decided not to involve the police, considering the death a suicide. The tragic event has left residents of Enugu and Yala in shock and has reignited discussions about mental health awareness and the importance of emotional support for young people.

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Federal Government Confirms Mathematics Still Mandatory For All O-Level Students

Federal Government Confirms Mathematics Still Mandatory For All O-Level Students

The Federal Government has clarified that Mathematics remains a compulsory subject for all students sitting for O-Level examinations in Nigeria. The clarification came in a statement on Sunday by Boriowo Folashade, spokesperson for the Federal Ministry of Education, following public confusion over earlier remarks suggesting that students in the arts and humanities might not need a credit in Mathematics for tertiary admissions. Earlier in the week, Boriowo had announced that some tertiary programmes could admit students without a credit in English or Mathematics. The announcement sparked debate, with critics arguing it could lower academic standards and encourage students to take the subjects less seriously. In the latest statement, Boriowo emphasized that all students are still required to register and sit for both Mathematics and English Language in their O-Level exams. “All students must continue to register and sit for English Language and Mathematics in their O-Level examinations,” the statement said. She clarified that the adjustment only affects admission requirements, allowing some institutions to admit candidates into specific programmes where a credit in one of the subjects is not mandatory. The Ministry said the reform is part of the Federal Government’s effort to promote equitable access, inclusivity, and human capital development, while noting that Mathematics and English remain crucial for communication, reasoning, and lifelong learning. Students, parents, and stakeholders were urged to rely on official government channels for accurate updates on education policies. When asked if this represented a reversal of the earlier position, Boriowo said, “No, it’s not a U-turn — it’s a clarification of the admission requirements aimed at expanding access to tertiary education.”

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UK-based Public Health Assistant Arrested for Drug Trafficking

Consignments of illicit drugs concealed in frozen snails, electrical bulbs and female clothes heading to the United States, United Kingdom and Democratic Republic of Congo have been intercepted by operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) and a courier company in Lagos. At least, two suspects linked to attempts to export the illicit substances have already been taken into custody. One of them, a cargo agent Boladale Riliwan was arrested on 7th October 2025 following the discovery of 15 parcels of skunk, a strain of cannabis, concealed in 10 pieces of giant rechargeable electrical bulbs he presented in a carton for airfreight to Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) at the export shed of the Lagos airport. Another suspect in custody is 48-year-old Olawale Oyebola Hakeemot who is a UK-based Public Health Assistant. She was arrested on Sunday 12th October at the departure hall of terminal 2 of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja following the discovery of frozen snails used to conceal 2,300 pills of tramadol 225mg in her luggage while heading to Manchester, United Kingdom, on a Qatar Airways flight. Attempt by another syndicate to export 810 pills of bromazepam hidden in female clothes going to the United States was also thwarted by NDLEA officers at a courier company in Lagos on Thursday 16th October.

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Ned Nwoko Speaks Out, Claims Regina Daniels’ Drug And Alcohol Abuse Caused Marital Breakdown

Nigerian lawmaker and businessman, Ned Nwoko, has reacted to the ongoing marital drama with his wife, actress Regina Daniels, following her viral outcry alleging domestic violence. In a lengthy post on Instagram accompanied by a chaotic video from their home, Nwoko described the incident as “Regina’s unprovoked carnage and rampage in my house and in my absence,” accusing the actress of substance abuse and violent behaviour. According to him, “Regina was not always like this. Her current battle with drugs and alcohol abuse is the root of our problem. She must continue her rehabilitation program, or I fear for her life and safety. Now she has moved to a place where she will have unrestricted access to drugs.” Nwoko denied ever being violent towards his wife, stressing that he has other wives who have never accused him of such. He alleged that Regina turned violent, attacking three staff members in two days and destroying property, including vehicles and windows. He continued, “A clear-headed Regina would have taken Moon to the hospital, but instead she even threatened to kill our resident nurse for exposing her drug abuse. While I took Moon to the hospital, chaos erupted at home, orchestrated by Sammy, Regina’s main drug supplier. Another supplier is the tiny evil devil called Ann.” The senator revealed that he had suggested that Regina undergo rehabilitation either in Asokoro or in Jordan, where she would be kept away from drug access, but she refused. Nwoko’s statement comes shortly after a video of Regina crying and claiming she could no longer endure violence in her marriage went viral. Her brother, Sammy West, also accused Nwoko of physically assaulting her — allegations the senator has strongly denied. As of the time of this report, Regina Daniels has yet to respond to her husband’s explosive claims.

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Peter Obi Dismisses Fears Of Atiku Hijacking ADC Ticket Ahead Of 2027 Election

Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has broken his silence on mounting fears that former Vice President Atiku Abubakar could hijack the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential ticket ahead of the 2027 elections. Speaking in an interview with Sunday PUNCH during his visit to LEA Primary School in Kapwa, Abuja, Obi said he had no fear of Atiku’s political influence, describing him instead as “a dear elder brother and respected leader.” “I have great respect for Atiku. He’s a dear elder brother and a leader. I’m a member of the Labour Party and part of the coalition forming the ADC for 2027. Other parties and individuals will also join because this is about rescuing Nigeria, not fighting one another,” Obi said. His response comes amid reports that several of Atiku’s loyalists from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have been defecting to the ADC coalition — a move that sparked tension among Obi’s supporters and fueled talk of a possible takeover. The unease grew after Atiku, in a BBC Hausa interview, stated that he would not step aside for any aspirant unless defeated at the ADC primaries. The comment reignited speculation about his 2027 presidential ambitions. Former Kaduna Central senator, Shehu Sani, also stirred the debate, warning on X that “it would be difficult for any aspirant to defeat Atiku if he makes it to any party primaries.” Obi, however, maintained that he was not bothered by Atiku’s moves, stressing that the coalition was built on unity and national interest. “I’m contesting, and I’m sure I will be. What matters is competence and capacity. I believe I’m qualified and have the ability to deliver. In four years, I can change Nigeria’s direction for the better,” he declared. He also urged Nigerians to move beyond political power struggles and focus on the real issues affecting citizens. “We’ve talked too much about politics in this country. I’ve visited villages in Anambra and seen poverty everywhere. Instead of debating party primaries and chairmen, we should be talking about what truly benefits the people,” Obi added. Both Obi and Atiku were defeated by President Bola Tinubu in the 2023 presidential election, one of the most fiercely contested polls in Nigeria’s democratic history.

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