Nation
THE STATES
Adamawa
The Adamawa State Government said last Tuesday it had
employed more than 13,000 teachers to boost secondary school education in the state.
The state Commissioner for Education, Mr Gabriel Hamman-Adama, said in Yola that the measure was to address the problem of inadequate teachers and to enhance the quality of education at the schools.
On the issue of non payment of some of the teachers salaries for months, the commissioner blamed the delay on non compliance with due process.
“The affected teachers were employed and posted to schools without following the necessary due process of their data being captured in computer due to some unforeseen circumstances, he said.
Benue
The Benue State Commissioner for Education, Dr Elizabeth
Ugo, announced last Monday that the State Government had closed down three colleges of education for poor staffing and infrastructure.
Ugo, who made the announcement in Makurdi at a news conference on the activities of the ministry, named the colleges as Emmanuel Ebije Ikwe College of Education, Otukpa, Ityiav-Gar College of Education, Mkar and Malamin College of Education, Gboko.
The commissioner regretted that the schools were being managed solely for commercial gain noting that the standard of the colleges had fallen below the expectations of the National Commission for Colleges of Education (NCCE).
She said the closure of the schools was to ensure that tertiary institutions in the state complied with the minimum requirements of the NCCE.
Borno
The Public Complaints Commission (PCC) last Tuesday
said restriction of movement in some areas in Borno had hindered effective resolution of cases filed by the public.
PCC Director of Investigation in Borno, Malam Muhammad Kyauta, said in an interview in Maiduguri, that only 24 out of the 128 cases recorded in the state had been resolved so far this year, due to the situation, while 104 cases were still pending.
The director said some of the cases were on delay in payment of gratuities and wrongful termination of appointments.
Others include seizure of lands by traditional rulers and non refund of contributions to retiring civil servants by national funds such as the National Housing Funds (NHF).
FCT
The Federal Government said last Monday that it reduced
debts owed marketers on oil subsidy from N2.2 trillion in 2011 to N971 billion in 2012.
A statement issued from the office of the Coordinating Minister for the Economy, Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, in Abuja signed by the minister’s spokesman, Mr Paul Nwabuikwu, said the amount represented a reduction of over N1.2 trillion or 56 per cent of the total sum.
It said the Federal Ministry of Finance had released N46. 76 billion as latest payment to oil marketers whose claims had been verified.
The statement said that the latest payment brought the total verified claims paid to marketers so far in 2013 to N287. 35 billion.
Jigawa
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in
Jigawa State said last Monday it arrested two men for allegedly stealing building materials.
Commandant of the corps in the state, Mr Muhammad Gidado, said that the suspects were arrested in Dutse Local Government Area.
He said the suspects were arrested after the owner of the house lodged a complaint with the command that they stole the building materials in his house at Fagoji quarters.
Gidado said the materials included 20 pieces of roofing zinc, 17 bags of cement, shovel, digger and hammer.
He said the suspects confessed to committing the offence and would soon be charged to court.
Kano
The Federal Road Maintenance Agency (FERMA) in Kano State last
Tuesday called for the termination of the contract for the rehabilitation of Kano-Gwarzo road.
The rehabilitation work is being carried out by an indigenous construction firm, Muslac Techno Company limited.
FERMA Engineer in the state, Mr Michael Akuyo, who made the call in an interview in Kano said the agency found it necessary to seek for the immediate revocation of the contract because the contractor had failed to execute the work as expected.
According to him, the agency has written to the contractor early this year, threatening to terminate the contract before he moved back to site after abandoning the work.
He said the contract, which should have been completed in December 2012, had to be extended.
Kogi
Chairman, Ofu Local Government Council in Kogi State, Mr Isah
Ameh, has called on traditional rulers and faith-based organisations (FBOs) in the area, to be involved in the campaign against the spread of HIV and AIDS.
He made call lastMonday in Ugwolawo at a one-day sensitisation workshop on the control of HIV/AIDs, organised by the Local Government Action Committee for the Control of AIDS (LACA), for traditional rulers, faith based organisations and officials of the council.
Ameh, represented by the Vice Chairman of the Council , Dr Friday Alih, described HIV and AIDS as a “national problem which must be tackled with all seriousness in view of its devastating effect.’’
He assured that the council would support Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) with human and material resources and urged traditional and religious leaders, to sensitise their followers on how to curtail the spread of the disease.
Kwara
Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed of Kwara State last Monday in Ilorin
flagged off disbursement of N3 billion car loans to civil servants and teachers in the state.
Speaking at the presentation of cheques to some civil servants, the governor said that about 5, 000 government workers were expected to benefit from the loan scheme.
He said the number included staff members of the Teaching Service Commission, State Universal Basic Education Board and local government areas.
The governor said artisans and transport workers in the state would receive N100 million each for their members, adding that the loans would be managed by First Bank Plc.
Lagos
Governor Babatunde Fashola of Lagos State last Monday backed
the concept of plea bargain in the nation’s justice system, saying it has helped in the speedy conclusion of cases.
At a special service marking the commencement of the 2013/2014 Legal Year of the state’s judiciary, the governor, who was represented by Mr Ade Ipaye, the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, said plea bargain which should be sustained had helped to decongest the prisons.
Delivering a lecture Prof. Tajudeen Gbadamosi National Education Secretary, Ansar-Ud-Deen Society of Nigeria, advised them not to allow selfish interests to interfere in the dispensation of justice.
Earlier at a church service, the Most Revd Adedayo Akinde, the Archbishop of Lagos Province, Anglican Communion, urged judges to shun corruption.
Plateau
The Plateau State Government said it had earmarked
about N600 million, in conjunction with its local councils, for two immunisation programmes in the state.
The Commissioner for Health, Dr Fom Dakwak, announced this while addressing newsmen in Jos after the State Executive Council meeting, last Monday.
Dakwak said: “ The immunisations, which are national exercises, are very important to the people of the state. The state and local governments have put together more than N600 million for the two exercises.’’
According to him, the immunisation against measles will take place between Oct. 5 and Oct. 9 and will be for children of between the ages of one month and five years.
“We also have a very important immunisation against meningitis now that the dry season is setting in and the weather is getting hot. “It will come up from November 2 to November 11 and would be for the children of ages of one to 29 years,’’ he said.
Sokoto
The Sokoto State Government said it would spend N120
million on the renovation of structures at Army Day Secondary School, Sokoto.
The Commissioner for Education, Malam Danladi Bako, said in an interview last Monday in Sokoto that the government was embarking on the project as part of its efforts to provide environment conducive to teaching and learning in all schools across the state.
He listed the structures to be renovated in the school to include: classrooms, offices and perimeter fencing, among others.
“The renovation is in line with our efforts to provide environment conducive to working for both the teachers and students in the school,” he said.
Bako pledged that government would accord priority to education.
“The only legacy any responsible government can leave behind for the future generation is sound education,’’ he said.
Zamfara
Governor Abdulazez Yari of Zamfara State last Mon
day said gunmen had killed 160 people and abducted 10 married women in different villages of the state in the last three months.
Yari who made the disclosure when he addressed members of the House Assembly on security situation in the state in Gusau, said the situation had caused disaffection between residents of the affected villages and the state government.
The governor said the hoodlums, who continued to terrorise villages in parts of the state, stole no fewer than 6,000 cows and 4,000 sheep within the period.
The Speaker of the house, Alhaji Sanusi Rikijin, assured the governor of the assembly’s support.
The Head of the Department of Anatomy at the University of Port Harcourt’s College of Health Sciences, Prof Gabriel Sunday Oladipo, has underscored the urgent need for Nigeria to develop a comprehensive forensic science infrastructure, warning that the nation’s ability to investigate and solve crime is being hampered by lack of scientific data and systems.
In his inaugural lecture titled, “Man: Fearfully Different, Wonderfully Made,” delivered as part of the 207th Inaugural Lecture Series of the university, Prof Oladipo highlighted that while no two individuals are exactly the same, the country currently lacks the robust systems needed to collect and manage biological and anthropometric data that could support criminal investigations.
He explained that the natural variations among humans — from fingerprints to physical measurements — form the foundation of personal identification in forensic work. These biological differences, he said, are essential for distinguishing one person from another, especially in the context of criminal investigations where clarity of identity can mean the difference between justice and impunity. Without this scientific foundation, he argued, law enforcement agencies lack a critical tool in the fight against crime.
Experts have noted that Nigeria’s forensic science capacity has historically lagged behind needs, with only a few forensic facilities available and many law enforcement agencies struggling to access or use scientific evidence effectively. One review of the state of forensic investigation in Nigeria found that outdated facilities and limited adoption of modern forensic methods have left many cases unsolved or poorly investigated, even as crime rates rise across the country.
In Lagos, efforts to improve forensic capabilities have focused on DNA analysis, with the Lagos State DNA Forensic Centre — the first of its kind in West Africa — providing critical support for criminal investigations and helping to identify human remains, link related cases, and assist with paternity testing. However, such initiatives are yet to be replicated at a national scale, leaving many regions without access to these vital scientific tools.
Prof Oladipo’s lecture went beyond academic theory to propose concrete actions. He called for the establishment of a National Institute of Forensic Science responsible for creating and managing a nationwide anthropometric and forensic data bank. This repository, he stressed, would significantly enhance Nigeria’s capacity to track crime, assist law enforcement agencies, and improve the administration of justice by providing reliable scientific evidence for investigative and legal processes.
He also highlighted the importance of strengthening research and training in forensic science. Many Nigerian universities currently lack the funding and infrastructure to offer complete undergraduate or postgraduate programs in areas such as forensic anthropology, DNA analysis, and crime scene investigation, a gap that forces aspiring experts to rely on collaborations with institutions abroad. By fostering a research-friendly environment and securing greater support from both government and private sectors, Nigerian institutions could produce homegrown experts capable of advancing forensic science in the country.
Awareness of forensic science’s role in criminal justice remains low among the general public and even among some security professionals. Studies have shown that a significant portion of Nigerians are unfamiliar with basic forensic concepts or the existence of tools such as DNA profiling and national forensic databases — tools that are common features of criminal justice systems in countries like South Africa and the United Kingdom.
Prof Oladipo also urged regular training and retraining programs to keep forensic practitioners updated with evolving scientific methods. According to him, continuous professional development is critical in a field where technological advances — from biometric databases to digital forensic tools — are transforming how crimes are investigated and solved.
The lecture was attended by academics, students, and professionals drawn to the intersection of science, identity, and justice, all of whom heard the professor make a compelling case for scientific innovation and institutional reform as central to Nigeria’s effort to contain crime and strengthen its justice system.
The event not only showcased Prof Oladipo’s expertise in human anatomy and forensic psychology but also positioned forensic science as a strategic national priority — one that could bring clarity to investigations, support victims and their families, and ultimately enhance public safety across Nigeria.
The University of Port Harcourt Women Association (UPWA) on Thursday staged a vibrant and memorable edition of its Annual Inter-House Sports Competition at the University of Port Harcourt Sports Village, drawing an impressive turnout of pupils, parents, staff and invited guests.
The event, organised by the UPWA International Group of Schools, brought together children from the pre-nursery, nursery and secondary sections in a colourful celebration of youth athleticism, discipline and teamwork. The arena came alive with cheers and excitement as pupils, clad in their various house colours, marched in a ceremonial parade before proceeding to compete in a wide range of track and field events, relays, novelty races and other team-based activities designed to promote physical fitness and healthy competition.
Declaring the competition open, the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Port Harcourt, Professor Owunari Georgewill, commended UPWA for sustaining a tradition that continues to nurture young talents beyond the classroom. He noted that sports remain a critical component of holistic education, helping to build resilience, confidence, leadership skills and social interaction among children.
In her remarks, the President of UPWA, Professor Udeme Georgewill, expressed appreciation to parents, teachers and members of the organising committee for their dedication and sacrifice in ensuring the success of the programme despite prevailing economic challenges. She described the event as a reflection of unity and collective effort within the school community.
“This is the first time White House is emerging overall winner, and that shows remarkable improvement and great sportsmanship,” she said. “We all had fun. It is not easy putting an event like this together considering the economic situation, but we are grateful to the parents for being part of this journey. The excitement everywhere is truly heartwarming.”
The competition featured spirited participation from the various houses, including Purple House, San Chicago Red House and White House, with pupils demonstrating strength, speed, coordination and teamwork. Parents and supporters filled the stands, cheering enthusiastically and adding colour to the spectacle, while teachers ensured orderliness and safety throughout the proceedings.
Professor Georgewill emphasized that the true essence of sports lies not merely in winning trophies but in participation and personal growth. “Sports is not just about winning. It is an avenue for growth, discipline and opportunity. The fact that a child is able to participate is already a win. Losing this year does not mean you cannot win next year. Keep trying,” she encouraged, urging pupils to see both victory and defeat as stepping stones to greater achievements.
She further observed that while there are many competing interests in the Nigerian sports sector, consistent grassroots investment remains essential for discovering and nurturing future champions.
The colourful ceremony culminated in medal presentations, trophy awards and group photographs, with UPWA executives, including Vice President I, Professor Adedamola Onyeaso, joining the participating teams to celebrate the day’s achievements.
The annual inter-house sports competition continues to stand as one of UPWA’s flagship events, reinforcing its commitment to balanced education, character formation and the promotion of healthy lifestyles among its pupils.
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