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THE STATES
Bauchi
The Dass Local Government in Bauchi State has released N1.9 million as scholarship for students undergoing studies in various institutions of higher learning within and outside the country.
The chairman of the council, Malam Ado Maigoro, told newsmen in Dass that the money would assist indigent final year students of the council to complete their studies.
He said students studying degree programmes would be paid N10, 000 each as allowances for their thesis while those undergoing HND and NCE programmes would be given N5, 000 each.
Maigoro added that some of the final year students studying Engineering, Medicines and Law would be paid N50, 000 each.
The chairman also said that the council had purchased JAMB forms for students in the area that sat recently for the examination.
FCT
A PDP presidential aspirant in the April elections, Mrs Sarah Jibril, recently urged President Goodluck Jonathan to appoint more women in his cabinet.
Jibril, who made the call in an interview with newsmen in Abuja, said the legislature at the state level had set the pace with the election of speakers and deputy speakers.
According to her, the challenge was now with the executive arm of government to ensure that women were given the chance to contribute to the development of the nation.
The former aspirant noted that Nigeria as a signatory to several international conventions on good governance had no excuse not to carry its womenfolk along.
She said that she contested for the position of president because she believed in actualising the cause of Nigerian women.
The politician maintained that Nigerian women had contributed considerably to the development of the country, adding that more than 50 per cent of the votes that brought politicians into the various positions came from women.
Kano
Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso of Kano State, has pledged to improve library services to enhance the educational development of the people.
Kwankwaso made the pledge when he paid an unscheduled visit to the state-owned Murtala Muhammed Library.
“Libraries are veritable sources of knowledge for our students in particular and for our people generally; we will do our best to develop them,” he said.
He specifically promised to complete the projects which had been abandoned at the complex in order to avail them to the general public.
The governor directed the director of the state’s library board to liaise with the vice-chancellor of the state-owned university of science and technology in Wudil to examine how the institution could benefit from the library.
Kwara
Kwara State Muslims’ Pilgrim Welfare Board has warned its co-ordinators at the Local Government Councils against airlift of pregnant women, under-aged and over-aged pilgrims.
The Executive Secretary of the Kwara State Muslims’ Pilgrims Welfare Board, Hajia Fatimah Jimoh, gave the warning at a parley with the State’s Local Government Hajj Co-ordinators on Saturday in Ilorin.
According to her, the Saudi Arabian authority has vowed to severely sanction any state that violates its rules or airlifts pregnant women and under-aged or over-aged pilgrims.
The Executive Secretary explained that the Saudi Arabian authority had ruled that for every absconder in any state, 10 seats would be deducted from the allotted slots of the state.
She pointed out that the state was ready to ensure a successful Hajj operation this year by eliminating every hitch and unethical practices.
Jimoh further said that preparation for this year’s Hajj and Umrah were in top gear, noting that the welfare of the Pilgrims would be improved upon to ensure a hitch-free exercise.
Kebbi
The Bright Capacity Initiative for Rural Community Enhancement, an NGO, has donated 20 computers to the Gwandu Local Government Development Centre in Kebbi State for training.
Presenting the computers and accessories in Gwandu recently, the NGO Board Chairperson, Dr. Aisha Adamu, said it was aimed at training people who lacked access to credit facilities.
She said that the group had trained 2,000 family members since its inception in 2006.
“To create for them the enabling environment for economic independence, reduce poverty and support assets creation management”.
Adamu said the group was in partnership with SMEDAN for building the capacity of rural dwellers, stressing that an endowment fund would be raised to support operational cost of the centre.
Kogi
The new chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Lokoja branch, Mr Mohammed Musa, has called for the establishment of a Court of Appeal Division in Kogi.
In his post-inaugural speech after his election on Friday in Lokoja, Musa said absence of the court in the state was working against the interest of litigants.
Musa, who promised to be diligent, transparent and honest in his new assignment, also pledged that his team would complete the on-going NBA secretariat project .
The new NBA leadership, he said, would liaise with the Judiciary to build a warehouse for safe-keeping of goods seized from litigants.
In the election which took place at Lokoja Chief Magistrate Court 1, Musa polled 72 votes while his opponent, Chief Moses Enwere got 16.
Mr Osas Erhabor, the 2nd Vice President of the NBA who monitored the election, urged the two contestants to the chairmanship position to exhibit maturity over the outcome of the election.
Lagos
Mr Sijibomi Olusanya, the Acting Provost of Federal College of Education (Technical), Akoka, on Saturday said that the World Bank’s 250,000-dollar-grant to the institution would be used to facilitate ICT-based learning.
He said this in Lagos, while speaking at a forum organised to sensitise the staff and students of the college of the need to embrace the Science and Technology Education Post Basic (STEP B) project
He said that the project targeted only science and technology-related educational institutions, senior secondary schools, polytechnics, colleges of education and universities, as well as research institutes.
Olusanya said that the primary objective of the project was to improve the quality and relevance of science and technology education, while enhancing the development of positive attitudes and values in ICT practitioners.
He said that with the grant, the college would now join the league of educational institutions and research organisations that had benefited from the immense opportunities provided by the project.
Olusanya said that modern teaching and learning could only be meaningful and purposeful, if they were ICT-based.
He said that the STEB B project was a planned effort of the Federal Government, in partnership with the World Bank, to adopt modern approaches to educational processes.
Niger
The Governor of Niger State, Dr Muazu Babangida-Aliyu, has identified disunity among the Nupes as bane of development of Nupe land.
Babangida-Aliyu made the observation on Saturday as a quest speaker at a lecture entitled: “Democracy and the Development of Nupe Land,’’ as part of activities to mark the 3rd Nupe Day festival.
He noted that the Nupes as an ethnic nationality had produced prominent Nigerians who had contributed numerously to the development of the country.
The governor, who was represented at the ceremony by his Deputy, Alhaji Ahmed Musa-Ibeto, said that lack of unity among the Nupes had retarded the progress and development of the people and the land as a political entity.
Babangida-Aliyu also commended the effort of the Etsu Nupe for bringing together all the people of Nupe extraction for the purpose of assisting one another.
Plateau
Ten years after it was established, the Plateau State Emergency Management Agency is still fighting for the enabling law to function effectively, according to its Executive Secretary, Alhassan Barde.
Barde told newsmen in Jos on Sunday that the absence of such statutory recognition was hindering the efficiency of the body hurriedly put together to coordinate emergency activities during the 2001 Plateau crisis.
“We should also be able to link up with other stakeholders and reach out to sister agencies to work out ways to coordinate the proactive measures. But we just cannot do these without legal backing. We cannot move if we are not recognised by law,’’ Barde said.
According to him, a bill for the establishment of SEMA passed the first reading in the Plateau House of Assembly last year, but was abandoned during the second reading when it was pointed out that it should actually originate from the executive arm of government.
Sokoto
The Sokoto State wing of the NLC has condemned the demand by state governors that petroleum subsidy be removed to enable them to implement the new N18,000 minimum wage.
The Nigerian Governors’ Forum had recently set the removal of the petroleum subsidy by the Federal Government as one of the pre-conditions for the implementation of the minimum wage.
Ahaji Abubakar Tambuwal, the Auditor of the congress in the state, told our correspondent that the call for removal of subsidy would visit untold hardships on the people.
Tambuwal, who is also the state’s Chairman of the Agriculture and Allied Employees Union of Nigeria, said the withdrawal of the subsidy would pitch civil servants against others who are not.
Rather, he said, the governors should look for other means of improving on their internally general revenue to be able to implement the new minimum wage.
Zamfara
Governor Abdulaziz Yari of Zamfara on Saturday in Gusau inaugurated a committee to review the dethronement of the Emir of Bakura, Alhaji Muhammad Sani.
The committee, which was given one week to complete its assignment, is headed by a former Assistant Controller General of Prisons, Alhaji Muhammad Jekada.
Sani, who is the elder brother of the former governor of Zamfara, Sen. Ahmad Yarima, was removed last year in the heat of the political rivalry between Yarima and the then governor, Mahmuda Shinkafi.
Shinkafi’s second term bid was, however, truncated by an ANPP opposition led by Yarima which won the April 26 gubernatorial election.
Inaugurating the committee, Yari said the review of the emir’s removal was a fulfillment of his administration’s promise to correct all wrongs irrespective of political leanings.
Yari, who was represented by his deputy, Alhaji Ibrahim Muhammad, said the committee had the mandate to verify the insinuation that the removal was politically motivated.
He advised the committee to make wide consultations and listen to variety of opinions so as to be guided by the truth in handling its assignment.
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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