Nation
THE STATES

L-R: Senate Majority Leader, Senator Mohammed Ali-Ndume, Governor Kashim Shettima of Borno State, Chief Executive Officer, Ayoade Olatunbosun-Alakija Global (AOA), Dr Ayoade Olatunbosun-Alakija and Senate Committee on Health, Senator Lanre Tejuoso, during the 1st annual dialogue on Rebuilding Borno in Abuja, on Tuesday.
Borno
University of Maiduguri has presented first class
degree certificates to 172 students of the institution during its 22nd combined convocation.
The Vice-Chancellor of the institution, Prof. Ibrahim Njodi, who announced this at the ceremony said 37, 259 students, comprising five sets of students from 2009 to 2015 graduated at the convocation.
“It is gratifying to inform you that the university graduated five sets of students from 2009/2010, 2010/2011, 2012/2013, 2013/2014, and 2014/2015 academic sessions from 12 colleges, faculties, distance learning centre and 23 affiliated colleges.
“A total of 37, 259 students were graduated, out of this 32, 869 were regular students, 841 students were from affiliated colleges and 3,549 students were from the Distant Learning Programme,’’ Njodi said.
FCT
A 38-year-old auto mechanic, Kolawole Murtala, who
allegedly defrauded one Kunle Dosunmu of N200,000, has appeared before a Wuse Zone 2 Senior Magistrate’s Court, Abuja.
Murtala, a resident of Sector ‘F’ Lugbe, Abuja was docked for allegedly collecting N200,000 from Dosunmu to replace his car engine but failed to do so.
He is standing trial on a two-count charge bordering on fraud and breach of trust.
The prosecutor, Mr Okere Chimaeze, told the court that the accused committed the offences in December 2015.
He alleged that the defendant collected money from Dosunmu to repair his Peugeot 406, but opted to convert the money to his personal use.
Jigawa
The Kiyawa local government council of Jigawa has
banned fishing activities in all rivers and streams in the area.
The council’s Information Officer, Malam Balarabe Abdullahi, said this in an interview with newsmen in Dutse.
Abdullahi said that the council’s Caretaker Committee Chairman, Alhaji Abdullahi Sulaiman, announced the decision after the council’s security meeting recently.
He explained that the action was taken following disputes among fishermen in the area.
The spokesperson quoted the chairman as saying that no fisherman should fish in any of the waters in the area without obtaining permission from the authorities.
Kaduna
Examination Ethics Committee of Kaduna State Ministry
of Education, Science and Technology has paid an unscheduled visit to schools in Kaduna to check examination malpractice in the ongoing WAEC examination.
The committee made of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Jama’atu Nasir Islam (JNI), National Association of Private Schools, Quality Assurance Board, and Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), paid the visit.
The state Commissioner for Education, Dr Shehu Adamu, told newsmen shortly after the visit that the exercise was to ensure compliance to examination procedure, rules and regulations in all schools in the state.
Adamu said that members of the committee were going round the schools to serve as invigilators in both public and private schools suspected to be operating as ‘miracle or deliverance centres’.
Kwara
Prof. Adetayo Talabi of the Department of Human Ki
netics, Faculty of Education, University of Ilorin, has advised Nigerians not to over-dress in humid weather to avoid dehydration.
Talabi gave the advice in an interview with newsmen in Ilorin.
He said that hot and humid environment being currently experienced in the country could cause more loss of water from the body system.
Talabi said that over-clothing in hot and humid environment would disturb the cooling effect of the body which could lead to dehydration.
Lagos
The Acting Director-General, Standards Organisation
(SON), Mr Paul Angya, said the agency would need additional 10,000 staff to fight substandard products in the country.
Angya stated this in an interview with newsmen in Lagos.
He said that if more staff were employed, they would be able to go far places in the country to check substandard products.
“We have just 1,500 staff at hand and there is no how they can cover the market places in the country.
“It was recommended in 1993 by government officials that SON needed 10, 000 staff for its operations,’’ he said.
Angya said that many lives had been lost due to substandard products coming into the country, adding that the integrity of SON concerning the laboratory tests results had not been compromised.
Nasarawa
The Nasarawa State Urban Development Board (NUDP)
has arraigned 2 filling stations owners at Chief Magistrates’ Court in Lafia for operating in residential areas.
The defendants were MM Nigeria Ltd. and Chibo Oil Investment Limited.
Representatives of the two stations, Adamu Usman and Mamman Maji, applied for out of court settlement.
The Acting General Manager Development Control of NUDP, Juliana Haruna, told newsmen that the board instituted a legal action against them because they had not complied with set down rules.
“Everyone knows the degree of hazards posed by siting filling stations close to people’s houses. So, we are out to ensure that things are done properly.
“If anything occurs today, which we do not pray for that to happen, only God knows the level of damage it would cause.
Niger
The Speaker of the Niger House of Assembly, Mr Ahmed
Marafa, has solicited for media support for the state government to deliver on its electoral pledges.
Marafa made the call while addressing newsmen at the state Assembly complex in Minna.
He noted that the developmental progress has been made in the state without adequate publicity.
According to him, the poor media coverage given to such improvement in the lives of the people makes them insignificant.
He said adequate coverage of state government activities was critical to the success of the administration.
“The three arms of government in the state are working very hard to improve the state and its economy since the inception of this administration.
“The media is central to the success of any government, so I want to enjoin you all to help play your part in the development of our state by constantly keeping the people informed of the policies and programmes of government.
Ogun
A 50-year old woman, Omolabake Adeshina, who alleg
edly assaulted one Taibat Akinlabi with electrical wire, has been charged before an Ota Chief Magistrates’ Court in Ogun.
Adeshina, who lives at No. 21 Olayemi St., Iyana-Iyesi, Ota, is facing a charge of assault.
The Prosecutor, Cpl. Abdulkareem Mustapha, told the court that the accused committed the offence on March 28 at about 2:30pm at Oyewole Street, Iyana-Iyesi, Ota.
Mustapha said that the accused assaulted Akinlabi by using electrical wire to inflict injury on her.
He said that the offence contravened Section 355 of the Criminal Code, Vol.11, Laws of Ogun, 2006.
The accused, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge.
The Chief Magistrate, Mrs A.I. Adelaja, granted the accused N200, 000 bail with two sureties in like sum.
Adelaja said that the sureties must reside within the court’s jurisdiction and should swear to affidavit of means as well as produce evidence of one year tax payment to Ogun State.
Osun
The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi Ojaja II, has
described late Governor Adekunle Fajuyi as an embodiment of patriotism, victim of absolute loyalty and symbol of national unity.
Ooni Ogunwusi said this while playing host to a delegation of “Adekunle Fajuyi Education Trust“ led by its Executive Secretary, Mrs Desola Olajuyigbe at his palace, in Ile-Ife.
“Fajuyi, a governor of the defunct Western region, was killed alongside the former Head of State of Nigeria, Maj.–Gen. Aguiyi Ironsi, during the coup d’état of July 29, 1966.
“A patriotic Nigerian, victim of absolute loyalty and symbol of national unity that should not be forgotten in the history of Nigeria, “ he said.
The royal father pledged to give his full support to the trust in its noble quest to uphold and promote the Yoruba race.
Sokoto
Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC),
Sokoto State Command, has beefed up security at Nigeria’s border with Niger Republic to curtail illegal diversion of petroleum products.
The state Commandant of the corps, Mr Adamu Soja, told newsmen in Sokoto, that its officers on surveillance patrols at Gudu, Tangaza, Sabon-Birni and Illela border communities had been adequately briefed.
He warned petroleum marketers against diversion of the products to black market, saying that sensitive security measures had been adopted to monitor the sale of the commodity in and outside the metropolis.
He solicited the assistance of traditional and religious leaders in border communities by providing useful information that could assist in the arrest and prosecution of these ‘saboteurs.’
Nation
UNIZIK Honours Business Mogul, Ezekwe, For Philanthropism
Nation
Don Calls For National Forensic Data Bank To Combat Rising Crime
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.
Nation
UPWA Hosts Colourful Inter-House Sports Fiesta
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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