Author: Lifestyle & Wellness Desk

The Academic Staff Union of Universities has appealed to the National Assembly, religious leaders, traditional rulers, students, and other stakeholders to prevail on the Federal Government to avoid a nationwide shutdown of public universities. The warning follows protests by ASUU chapters across the country, particularly in federal universities. The union also dismissed the government’s offer of staff loans as a Greek gift, insisting that prompt payment of entitlements would make such loans unnecessary. The Federal Ministry of Education said it is working to prevent a full blown industrial action. Its Director of Public Affairs, Folasade Boriowo, confirmed that the Minister, Dr Tunji Alausa, will meet ASUU leaders on Thursday August 28 2025, expressing confidence that issues will be resolved. At the University of Lagos, branch chair Idowu Kehinde argued that university governing councils can provide loans under existing conditions of service, making a federal loan scheme redundant. In the Akure Zone, Zonal Coordinator Adeola Egbedokun said the government’s failure to address ASUU’s long standing demands since the start of the current administration has stretched lecturers’ patience to breaking point. Protests also held at the University of Uyo, where the chapter halted Computer Based Test exams and warned that the union could embark on an indefinite strike without urgent action. At the University of Jos, the branch urged President Tinubu to restore confidence by concluding a renegotiation process that has dragged for over eight years. In Umudike, the Michael Okpara University of Agriculture chapter described the 2009 renegotiated salary figures as obsolete given current economic realities, noting that they fall far below the African average. ASUU further called for the release of 150 billion naira in revalidation funds to universities as reflected in the 2025 budget. The University of Abuja chapter cited three and a half months of unpaid salaries, a full year of outstanding 25 and 35 percent wage awards, and more than five years of promotion arrears. Alex Ekwueme Federal University in Ebonyi State also saw academic activities disrupted as members decried an outdated salary structure. At the University of Ibadan and Emmanuel Alayande University of Education, lecturers marched with leaders of the Nigeria Labour Congress and set an August 28 deadline for the government to sign the renegotiated agreement or face a nationwide strike. In Ilorin, the chapter demanded higher education funding and an end to what it described as delay tactics on staff welfare. In Maiduguri, union leaders said the country cannot progress while treating its intellectuals with disregard, citing meagre pension outcomes for professors despite decades of service. ASUU says it remains ready to engage but warns that the window for dialogue is closing fast without concrete government action.

The Apetu of Ipetumodu in Osun State, Oba Joseph Oloyede, has been sentenced to four years and eight months in a United States federal prison for defrauding COVID 19 relief programs of more than 4.2 million dollars. Oloyede, 62, who holds Nigerian and US citizenship and lives in Medina, Ohio, received a 56 month sentence on August 26 from US District Judge Christopher A Boyko. He will also serve three years of supervised release and must pay 4,408,543.38 dollars in restitution, according to the US Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Ohio. Prosecutors said he forfeited his Medina home on Foote Road, purchased with fraud proceeds, along with an additional 96,006.89 dollars seized by investigators. Authorities stated that from April 2020 to February 2022, Oloyede and a co conspirator, Edward Oluwasanmi, led a scheme to exploit emergency loan programs created for struggling businesses during the pandemic. They submitted false applications for loans offered by the US Small Business Administration under the CARES Act, including the Paycheck Protection Program and the Economic Injury Disaster Loan program. Investigators said applicants were required to provide tax records, wage statements, and other documents to prove eligibility, but Oloyede falsified records and diverted funds for personal use, contrary to federal law. Court documents show that in June 2020 alone, Oloyede obtained more than 100,000 dollars in loans for four of his six companies, including Available Tax Services, Available Tutors, Available Financial, and Available Transportation. On October 7, 2021, he secured a 500,000 dollar loan for JO and A, and two days later another 500,000 dollars for Available Transportation. The FBI also alleged that Oloyede, an accountant by profession, helped others carry out similar fraud, taking a percentage of the disbursed loans as his fee. The indictment states he assisted confederate borrowers in submitting PPP and EIDL applications containing false information. Oloyede was arrested on May 4, 2024, following the issuance of a warrant, and faced a 13 count fraud indictment in the Northern District of Ohio.

The Academic Staff Union of Universities has dismissed a federal government loan proposal for lecturers, describing it as a Greek gift that members are not eager to accept. At a special Congress on Tuesday, the University of Lagos chapter backed all actions proposed by the national leadership to press home the union’s demands. Branch Chairman Prof Idowu Kehinde told members who marched from the Main Gate through campus that if the federal government paid lecturers their dues there would be no need for loans. He said the plan for loans guaranteed by the union was unnecessary, noting that university governing councils can provide staff loans under existing conditions of service. He added that a living wage and full payment of allowances would remove any reason for members to borrow, urging the government to do the needful.  

The Nigerian Railway Corporation has confirmed a derailment involving a Kaduna bound passenger train on the Abuja Kaduna corridor. In a statement on Tuesday, NRC Managing Director Kayode Opeifa said the incident occurred at about 11:09 am around km 49 between Kubwa Station and Asham Station. He said emergency rescue operations are underway, with medical teams and nearby hospitals mobilised, and a full complement of security on ground as efforts continue to move all passengers back to Abuja safely. Earlier, passengers reported scenes of panic as several coaches toppled along the busy route. The cause of the derailment and the number of casualties were not immediately known. The corridor has faced repeated disruptions in recent years, including the March 2022 attack by armed men. Just last week, the corporation reported a hot axle fault on an Abuja Kaduna Train Service coach a few kilometres from Rigasa Station in Kaduna, according to NRC spokesperson Callistus Unyimadu.

Uyo, August 26 2025 — Academic staff at the University of Uyo joined a nationwide action on Tuesday, urging the Federal Government to implement the renegotiated 2009 agreement and approve a sustainable living wage for lecturers. Professors and senior lecturers marched through the town campus, the university annex, and Ikpa Road with placards reading, among others, Treat lecturers with some dignity and Pay us sustainable living salaries. Academic and social activities were halted across the three campuses, and all examinations slated for today were suspended. Branch chairperson Prof Opeyemi Olajide said federal university lecturers have been on the same salary for about 16 years despite rising costs, and accused the government of failing to implement the renegotiated 2009 agreement or review salaries that fell due in 2012. He also decried unpaid third party deductions and promotion arrears, saying the union will not tolerate continued neglect of members welfare. Olajide directed students who arrived for Computer Based Test exams to return home, warning that ASUU may consider an indefinite strike if issues remain unresolved. The Federal Government has refused to fund infrastructure in public universities. Look at where you are taking your exams. Is it befitting he told students. Former branch chair Dr Nwachukwu Anyim criticized talk of revising pay for political office holders while lecturers remain on long stagnant wages, calling it hypocritical and unacceptable. We do not like going on strike but there is little option when salaries are withheld and deductions disappear while we keep teaching, he said.

The Rivers State Police Command has confirmed that a serving officer was assaulted and robbed by a group of youths in Nkpolu community, Obio Akpor Local Government Area. Spokesperson SP Grace Iringe Koko said the incident happened on August 24 at about 10:20 a.m., when Insp. Joshua Nyian of Woji Division was returning from duty and stopped to visit a female acquaintance who is reportedly pregnant. He was allegedly accosted by the Nkpolu youth president, the community chairman, and about 20 other youths. According to Iringe Koko, the mob beat the officer, dragged him to the main road, seized his police identity card and mobile phone, filmed the encounter, and forcibly took N78,000 from him. In his statement, Nyian alleged the attack may have been driven by personal grievances, claiming the youth president had previously made advances toward his girlfriend. The command has documented the officer’s account, issued a medical form for treatment, and launched efforts to identify and question those involved. “The command urges community leaders to caution their youths against taking the law into their own hands. We remain committed to ensuring justice and maintaining public order,” Iringe Koko said, assuring that the matter will be thoroughly investigated and prosecuted.

South African opposition leader Julius Malema says Africa must work together to industrialise and grow its economy instead of relying on foreign loans. Speaking on Sunday at the Nigeria Bar Association Annual General Conference in Enugu, the Economic Freedom Fighters president argued that Nigeria and South Africa have the capacity to lead the continents industrialisation, starting with joint investments in power and value addition to African resources. “Combined, we have the minerals that power modern technology, the energy resources that fuel global industry, and the human capital to build a self-sufficient continent,” he said, urging both countries to build factories together and process resources on African soil. He added that Africas progress will not come from Washington London Brussels or Beijing, but from Lagos Johannesburg Abuja and Pretoria. Warning that unchecked foreign borrowing is a debt trap, Malema urged tighter controls on external loans. He cited the Public Finance Management Amendment Bill introduced by the EFF in South Africa, which would require National Treasury to obtain parliamentary approval before sourcing foreign loans and to disclose the terms and conditions. Malema also praised Nigerias historic support for South Africas freedom struggle, calling the country a giant of justice in Africa. Malema in brief Known for his outspoken style, Malema has drawn controversy for chants associated with the anti apartheid struggle. He has rejected criticism from United States President Donald Trump, denied claims of white genocide in South Africa, and insisted that foreign leaders cannot dictate to his country. A former leader of the ANC Youth League, he was expelled in 2012 and founded the EFF in 2013. He remains a vocal advocate of land expropriation to address historic land ownership imbalances and continues to call for deeper African unity to match the economic weight of the United States and the European Union.

The Independent National Electoral Commission has begun the physical in person phase of the 2025 Continuous Voter Registration across Nigeria today Monday August 25 2025. This follows online pre registration which opened on August 18 2025. In an update on its X handle, the commission shared the schedule, locations and eligibility details. In person registration holds Monday to Friday from 9 00 am to 3 00 pm. Eligible Nigerians should complete their registration at INEC state offices or local government area offices. Who can register or update records New voters aged 18 and above who have not registered before Holders who need to replace lost or damaged Permanent Voter Cards PVCs Voters who want to transfer their registration to a new location People who need to update or correct details such as name or address Registrants who completed online pre registration should proceed to their INEC state head office or LGA office to finalize the process. INEC has also published a full list of registration centres on its official portal.

Troops of the Joint Task Force North East Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK) have killed scores of Boko Haram and Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP) fighters in a series of coordinated operations across Borno and Yobe States, a military source has confirmed. Repelled Night Attack in Borno On August 22, terrorists launched a large-scale nighttime assault on a Forward Operating Base at Kumshe, Borno State, manned by the 21 Special Armoured Brigade. According to the source, the insurgents came in large numbers with assorted weapons but were overwhelmed by fierce ground resistance and precision airstrikes from the Nigerian Air Force. “Exploitation after the encounter revealed more than 20 bodies of neutralised terrorists, including dismembered remains hastily buried in shallow graves. Weapons were also recovered,” the source said. Firefight in Bama Axis Also on August 22, Sector 1 troops conducted offensive operations at Dipchari near Banki Junction, Bama Local Government Area, where they engaged terrorists in a heavy firefight. Recovered items included: One Rocket Propelled Grenade (RPG) tube Two AK-47 rifles Two magazines 16 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition Two motorcycles Long-Range Raid in Yobe On August 23, Sector 2 troops, working with the Civilian Joint Task Force, carried out a long-range operation around Ndoksa near Buni Gari, Yobe State. Several terrorists were neutralised, while troops recovered one AK-47 rifle and two motorcycles. Impact of Operations The source noted that the coordinated offensives have significantly degraded the terrorists’ firepower, disrupted their logistics chains, and strengthened military dominance across the region. “These operations are part of sustained efforts to deny Boko Haram and ISWAP freedom of action in the North East,” he added.

The by-elections conducted by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) across 12 states on August 16, 2025, have stirred controversy following reports of violence, vote-buying, and technical glitches, raising fresh concerns over the credibility of Nigeria’s electoral process. Violence, Arrests, and Voter Apathy The elections were marred by low voter turnout and security breaches. In Kano, nearly 288 suspected thugs were arrested during clashes in two constituencies. Election observers also documented vote-buying, with payments ranging from ₦4,000 to food and snacks, and even the arrest of a vote-trader in Kaduna with over ₦25 million in cash. Violence was reported in Enugu, Kogi, and Anambra, including an attack on an APC agent in Enugu South and incidents of voter suppression in Kaduna. IReV Upload Delays Raise Transparency Concerns While the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) functioned in most polling units, the INEC Result Viewing Portal (IReV) did not achieve full uploads in at least six states, even 72 hours after voting ended. Observers from Kimpact Development Initiative (KDI) contrasted this with the Ondo 2024 governorship election, where INEC achieved 97% uploads on Election Day. They warned that delayed uploads and missing data on canceled polling units could compromise election integrity. Yiaga Africa, another civic group, argued that IReV’s inconsistent role is undermining its purpose. “It is almost like the IReV is playing little or less significant role in Nigeria’s election results process,” the group said, stressing that selective transparency weakens public trust. Results and Political Fallout INEC declared the APC victorious in 10 of the 12 states, while the PDP won in Oyo and APGA in Anambra. The election in Zamfara, controlled by the PDP, was declared inconclusive. Critics argue that ruling parties dominated their states, raising questions about the quality of competition. “It was almost a given that in a state where a party is in power, that party was most likely winning,” Yiaga’s Cynthia Mbamalu observed. Agitation Over New INEC Chairman The controversies have reignited debate over the appointment of the next INEC Chairman, as Prof. Mahmood Yakubu’s tenure ends before the close of 2025. Yiaga Africa has called for a transparent and merit-based process, setting criteria that include: Appointment of a non-partisan individual who has never belonged to a political party. Expertise in election administration or related fields. An open nomination and screening process that allows citizens to submit petitions and objections. “We do not want a shoddy screening process,” Mbamalu warned. “The next appointment must restore public confidence in elections.” The Bigger Picture For observers, the by-elections were a litmus test of Nigeria’s democratic health. While BVAS has improved voter accreditation, widespread vote-trading, logistical lapses, and partial IReV uploads highlight the fragility of reforms. “The bye-election served as another test of INEC’s capacity,” said KDI’s Bukola Idowu, calling on INEC to document its lapses and implement lessons from the 2023 elections. As Nigeria heads toward off-cycle governorship elections in Anambra (2025), Ekiti and Osun (2026), and the general elections in 2027, the credibility of the next INEC Chair may determine whether public faith in the ballot can be restored.