States hold N264bn UBEC funds as schools struggle

State governments across Nigeria have left N264.12bn in Universal Basic Education Commission matching grants unspent, even as public schools grapple with dilapidated classrooms, overcrowding and shortages of learning materials, raising concerns about the utilisation of funds meant to improve basic education. The 2025 UBEC Annual Report, exclusively obtained by The PUNCH, showed that the funds […]

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FG’s $21.7 billion loan request sparks borrowing, debt servicing concerns

Only N374.6b saved for maturing debt liquidation in five years Public debt rose by N79.41tr between June 2023 and June 2026 Atiku urges N’Assembly to suspend approval pending full project disclosures Power, transport, security, healthcare top proposed loan-tied projects Nigeria’s mounting debt burden has come under heightened scrutiny as President Bola Tinubu seeks legislative approval […]

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Family petitions IGP over engineer’s missing corpse in Anambra hospital

Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu File Photo: Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu. The family of Chukwunweike Okammelu, an engineer whose corpse allegedly disappeared from the mortuary of Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu Teaching Hospital, Amaku, Awka, Anambra State, has petitioned the Inspector-General of Police, seeking further investigation into the incident. The family’s lawyer, Joseph Offor, requested in […]

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APC releases supplementary list for Tinubu’s 2027 campaign council

The All Progressives Congress on Wednesday released a supplementary list expanding the leadership and membership of the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu/APC 2027 Presidential Campaign Council (PCC). In a statement signed by National Publicity Secretary Felix Morka, the party said the additional appointments cut across various directorates, sectoral groups, mobilisation structures and operational units of the […]

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PeacePro raises alarm over disease outbreaks, humanitarian crisis in North-West IDP camps

By John Dike Osogbo lists over 30 camps in Sokoto seeks urgent relief for displaced families in Zamfara, Katsina The Foundation for Peace Professionals (PeacePro) has raised the alarm over the risk of preventable disease outbreaks and a worsening humanitarian crisis in internally displaced persons (IDP) camps across Nigeria’s North-West, urging the Federal Government, state […]

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Osun NUJ to honour head of service, NLC Chair, Elerinmo, Accord chairman others at 35thanniversary, 2026 press week

By John Dike Osogbo The Osun State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) will on Thursday, October 29, honour the Head of Service, Mr Samuel Ayanleye Aina; Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) in the state, Comrade Christopher Arapasopo; and other distinguished personalities for their contributions to public service, leadership, labour relations, […]

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Afenifere raises committee for Fasoranti’s burial

The pan-Yoruba sociocultural organisation, Afenifere, has constituted a 32-member burial committee to oversee arrangements for the funeral of its late leader, Pa Reuben Famuyide Fasoranti. The decision was announced at a meeting held at Fasoranti’s residence in Akure on Tuesday by the Chairman of Afenifere’s National Executive Committee, Oba Olu Falae, who presided over the […]

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2027: Adelami lists key factors to ensure credible elections

Ondo State Deputy Governor, Dr Olayide Adelami has identified holistic alignment and unbiased participation by all stakeholders as crucial to having credible elections. Speaking on Wednesday at a virtual public discourse on Strengthening Democratic Institutions for Credible Elections in Nigeria: 2027 and Beyond, organized by the Alumni Association of the National Institute (AANI) Ondo/Ekiti States […]

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NELFUND launches token system to prevent double payment of school fees

The Nigerian Education Loan Fund has commenced a pilot scheme for a new token-based payment system designed to prevent students from paying their school fees twice and reduce complications associated with refunds. NELFUND Managing Director, Akintunde Sawyerr, disclosed this on Wednesday during a press briefing, explaining that the system would enable beneficiaries to authorise payments […]

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Osun ADC defends Aregbesola’s legacy, accuses APC of propaganda

By John Dike Osogbo TOsun State chapter of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has defended the legacy of former Governor Rauf Aregbesola, accusing the All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Campaign Council (PCC) of using propaganda to discredit his eight-year administration. The party maintained that attempts to portray Aregbesola’s tenure negatively would not erase what it […]

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