Category: Refined Living

The University of Calabar (UNICAL) has suspended nine students over alleged examination malpractice and forgery of academic results. The decision was disclosed in a statement issued by the institution’s Registrar, Dr. Chukwuka Icha, according to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN). Icha explained that the disciplinary action was approved during the university’s 252nd Senate meeting after the consideration of reports submitted by the Ad-Hoc Senate Committee on Examination Malpractice and the Senate Students’ Disciplinary Committee. He stated that five of the affected students were found guilty of examination malpractice, while four others were discovered to have submitted forged results to the university. “After reviewing the reports and recommendations of the committees, the management resolved that the affected students should be suspended for two academic sessions, and the suspension will take effect from the 2024/2025 academic year,” Icha said. Those suspended for examination malpractice are Akwuba Enestina (300 Level, Pharmacy), Udom Iboro (300 Level, Pharmacy), Nwankwo Daniel (200 Level, Pharmacy), Ore Israel (500 Level, Pharmacy), and Chisom Ejafa (500 Level, Pharmacy). The other students sanctioned include Lazarus Ebogo (Home Economics), Ele Godwin (Zoology), Ofem Patrick (Science Laboratory Technology), and Makailu Pamilo (Linguistics and Communication Studies). The university directed heads of departments, deans of the affected faculties, and the Acting Chief Security Officer to ensure strict compliance with the suspension order. Meanwhile, University of Abuja recently approved the expulsion of 28 students over various offences. In a statement issued on February 22, the institution said the students were found guilty of serious misconduct, including assault, conspiracy, burglary, theft, falsification of O’Level results uploaded on the university portal for admission, as well as possession and use of hard drugs. (NAN)

Dangote Industries Limited (DIL) has raised alarm over a surge in impersonation and fraudulent schemes involving individuals falsely posing as representatives of the company, its executives, and members of the Dangote family. In a statement posted on its official X (formerly Twitter) account on Tuesday, the company said it had observed a growing number of cases where scammers claim to act on behalf of the organisation, its leadership, and the Dangote family. According to the statement, the impostors are using fake investment opportunities, business proposals, charity requests, employment offers, and other deceptive tactics to defraud unsuspecting members of the public. “For the avoidance of doubt, neither Dangote Industries Limited nor its Group President, Aliko Dangote, nor any executive including the Group Executive Director, Commercial Operations (Oil & Gas), nor members of the Dangote family Fatima Aliko Dangote, Mariya Aliko Dangote, and Halima Aliko Dangote solicit funds, investments, contracts, or personal information via WhatsApp, X, TikTok, LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, or any other social media platform,” the statement read. The company further clarified that its executives do not maintain Facebook or TikTok accounts and never initiate direct contact with private individuals on social media for financial transactions, business dealings, or personal requests. DIL urged members of the public to ignore unsolicited messages, calls, or social media accounts claiming to be affiliated with the company or its executives. It stressed that all official communications are issued strictly through verified corporate channels and recognised media platforms. The conglomerate also assured Nigerians that it is collaborating with security and law enforcement agencies to investigate and prosecute those behind the fraudulent activities. “Dangote Industries Limited remains committed to protecting its brand integrity and the safety of Nigerians,” the statement added. The company advised anyone who receives suspicious communications to promptly report the matter to the appropriate authorities.

Loud explosions shook Tehran on Tuesday as Iran targeted industrial and diplomatic sites across the Middle East, vowing to unleash “the gates of hell” on the United States and Israel amid intensifying hostilities. The conflict erupted following joint US and Israeli strikes on Iran over the weekend, reportedly killing Iran’s supreme leader. Fighting has continued unabated into its fourth day. Here are the latest developments: Fresh Blasts in TehranPowerful explosions were heard in central Tehran on Tuesday, according to AFP journalists. The exact targets were not immediately confirmed. Iran Appeals to UN Security CouncilIran called on the United Nations Security Council to intervene and halt the conflict.“The Security Council has a duty… if it wishes, it can certainly act,” foreign ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei said, adding that only political will stood in the way of action. Oil Surges Above $85 per BarrelOil prices spiked as the war disrupted supplies, with the Strait of Hormuz effectively closed and energy infrastructure affected.The Brent North Sea crude contract climbed more than eight percent to $85.12 a barrel — its highest level since July 2024. Meanwhile, precious metals declined sharply. Gold fell more than four percent to about $5,075 per ounce, while silver dropped over 12 percent to just under $78 per ounce. Iran Threatens US, IsraelIran’s Revolutionary Guards warned of intensified attacks on US forces and Israel.“The enemy must await continuous punitive attacks; the gates of hell will open more and more… upon the United States and Israel,” spokesman Ali Mohammad Naini said on state television. Israel Advances in South LebanonIsraeli forces reportedly entered areas near the Lebanon-Israel border, including Kfar Kila and the Khiam plains, according to a Lebanese army source.Israeli military spokesman Effie Defrin said the move aimed to establish a buffer zone between Israeli communities and potential threats. Natanz Nuclear Site DamagedThe International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) confirmed “recent damage” to entrance buildings at Iran’s underground Natanz Fuel Enrichment Plant.The agency said no radiological consequences were expected. Explosions in Gulf CapitalsAFP journalists reported blasts in Manama and Doha, marking a fourth day of Iranian strikes across Gulf states. 30,000 Displaced in LebanonThe UN refugee agency said at least 30,000 people have been displaced in Lebanon due to escalating hostilities. Blasts Heard in JerusalemExplosions were reported over Jerusalem after the Israeli military detected new missiles launched from Iran and said it was intercepting the threat. Over 780 Reported Dead in IranThe Iranian Red Crescent stated that 787 people have been killed nationwide since the conflict began, though AFP could not independently verify the figure. Drones Strike UAE and Bahrain FacilitiesAmazon confirmed that two of its data centres in the United Arab Emirates were directly hit by drones, disrupting cloud services. A facility in Bahrain also sustained damage from a nearby drone strike. US-UK Relations StrainedUS President Donald Trump said ties with the UK had deteriorated after Prime Minister Keir Starmer declined initial requests to allow US forces to use British bases.“It’s very sad to see that the relationship is obviously not what it was,” Trump said in an interview with The Sun. France Deploys Jets Over UAEFrance has deployed Rafale fighter jets over the UAE to protect its military bases from potential Iranian attacks, Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot said. China Calls for Hormuz SafetyChina urged all parties to safeguard navigation in the Strait of Hormuz and immediately halt military operations. Drones Target UAE, Oman, IraqDrone debris sparked a fire in Fujairah, UAE, while drones struck an Omani port fuel tank. Authorities said damage was contained without casualties. US Embassy in Riyadh HitTwo drones struck the US embassy in Saudi Arabia’s capital, causing a fire. Saudi authorities condemned the attack as “cowardly and unjustified.” AFP

Nigeria’s Value Added Tax (VAT) revenue rose to N2.28 trillion in the third quarter of 2025, representing a 10.66 per cent increase from the N2.06 trillion recorded in Q2 2025, according to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS). The figures were contained in the Sectorial Distribution of VAT Q3 2025 report published on the bureau’s website on Tuesday. On a year-on-year basis, VAT collections grew by 28.10 per cent compared to Q3 2024, reflecting improved revenue performance across key sectors of the economy. A breakdown of the report shows that local VAT payments accounted for the largest share at N1.12 trillion. Foreign VAT payments contributed N680.23 billion, while import VAT added N479.79 billion during the period. “Value Added Tax (VAT) in Q3 2025 was N2.28 trillion, showing an increase of 10.66% on a quarter-on-quarter basis from N2.06 trillion in Q2 2025. Local payments stood at N1.12 trillion, foreign VAT payments were N680.23 billion, while import VAT contributed N479.79 billion in Q3 2025,” the report stated. In terms of growth performance, administrative and support service activities recorded the highest quarter-on-quarter increase at 89.28 per cent. This was followed by arts, entertainment and recreation at 82.49 per cent, and human health and social work activities at 32.40 per cent. Conversely, real estate activities posted the sharpest decline at -51.33 per cent. Activities of households as employers, as well as undifferentiated goods and services-producing activities of households for own use, fell by -36.22 per cent, while other service activities declined by –20.30 per cent. By sectoral contribution, manufacturing led with 25.89 per cent of total VAT in Q3 2025. Information and communication followed with 18.77 per cent, while mining and quarrying accounted for 14.85 per cent. At the lower end, activities of households as employers and undifferentiated goods- and services-producing activities of households for own use recorded the smallest share at 0.003 per cent. Activities of extraterritorial organisations and bodies, as well as water supply, sewerage and waste management, contributed 0.03 per cent each.

The Federal Government has approved N4 billion each for 12 selected universities of engineering and technology to rehabilitate workshops and acquire modern equipment aimed at strengthening practical training. The Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, announced the approval on Monday during the inauguration of the Implementation Committee on Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) Special High-Impact Intervention Projects in Abuja. Institutions to Benefit The intervention targets engineering and technology faculties in Federal Universities of Technology and other conventional universities nationwide. Beneficiary institutions include: Federal University of Technology Minna Federal University of Technology Akure Federal University of Technology Babura Federal University of Technology Ikot-Abasi Federal University of Technology Owerri Nigerian Army University Biu African Aviation and Aerospace University Shehu Shagari University of Education Sokoto Enugu State University of Science and Technology University of Ilesha The funding will be used to upgrade existing facilities or construct new engineering workshops where necessary. Strengthening Practical Skills Alausa said the initiative, to be implemented through TETFund, is designed to bridge the gap between theoretical learning and industry demands by providing modern workshops, advanced laboratories, and industry-relevant equipment. He noted that the intervention aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritises skills development and economic diversification. The minister stressed that beyond funding, strict monitoring, transparency, and accountability would be key to the success of the programme. The implementation committee has been mandated to supervise project execution, ensure compliance with approved standards, and provide periodic performance reports. Additional N20bn Allocation Alausa further disclosed that an additional N20 billion has been earmarked in the 2026 TETFund guidelines to upgrade engineering facilities in other selected institutions. The Executive Secretary of TETFund, Sonny Echono, commended the President for approving reforms aimed at repositioning tertiary education institutions. Also speaking, Ali Rabiu, President of the Nigerian Society of Engineers and chairman of the implementation committee, pledged the committee’s commitment to ensuring the successful delivery of the projects. The government expressed confidence that the intervention will significantly improve engineering education, boost innovation, and enhance graduate employability nationwide.

The Lagos State Ministry of Transportation has issued traffic advisories ahead of planned road reconstruction along the Super-Ilepo axis of the Lagos-Abeokuta Expressway and Oba Ogunji Road in the Berger area. The statements, signed by the Commissioner for Transportation, Oluwaseun Osiyemi, were released on Sunday. Reconstruction on the Lagos-Abeokuta Expressway will affect the main carriageway from Super Bus Stop to Ilepo Bus Stop between March 7 and May 30, 2026, and the section will be closed to traffic during this period. Motorists are advised to use alternative routes: From Abeokuta/Sango Tollgate heading to Lagos/Oshodi, traffic will be diverted into the BRT corridor at Super Bus Stop, exiting at Pleasure Bus Stop (Ilepo). Another option is via Ekoro Road to Old Ota Road through Alira Street, connecting to Abeokuta Street and rejoining the main corridor at Pleasure Bus Stop. Alternatively, drivers may use the Abule Egba Underbridge to reach Agege and onward destinations. In a separate advisory, Osiyemi said the government has finalised plans to upgrade the nine-kilometre dual-carriage corridor between Ojodu Berger Bus Stop and Mobil Filling Station Junction. The road will be closed from March 6, 2026, to January 6, 2028, for reconstruction. Alternative routes include: Motorists from Ijaye/Agege via Ogunnusi Road (Ojodu-Berger) will move on a contraflow along the Ojodu-Berger-bound carriageway for about one kilometre before regaining the main road. Drivers can also use Dr. Nurudeen Olowopopo Way to Otunba Jobifele Way, then Obafemi Awolowo Way, linking to Lateef Jakande Road to reach their destinations. Articulated vehicles and trucks from the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway heading to Agege are advised to go through Ojota/Maryland to access Mobolaji Bank Anthony Way, Kodesoh Street, Oba Akran Avenue to Guinness Roundabout, Ogba Road to Pen Cinema, and continue onward. Motorists travelling from Ijaye/Agege towards Ojodu-Berger will experience through traffic but will be diverted into a contraflow for approximately one kilometre near the construction zone before regaining full access to the main road. The commissioner assured that measures will be in place to manage vehicle breakdowns and urged road users to cooperate with traffic management officials during the reconstruction period.

China on Monday urged a ceasefire and diplomatic negotiations to bring an end to the Middle East conflict, which has now entered its third day. “The most urgent task is to halt military operations and prevent the conflict from spreading,” said Mao Ning at a news briefing, emphasizing the need for a “resolution through dialogue and negotiation.” She also confirmed that one Chinese citizen was killed in Tehran, where Israeli and U.S. strikes targeted the country in an operation that resulted in the death of the Islamic Republic’s supreme leader.

Oil and gas prices surged while stock markets declined across Asia on Monday after U.S.-Israeli military action against Iran heightened fears of a prolonged conflict in the energy-rich Middle East. Benchmark crude prices jumped sharply at the start of trading, with Brent crude briefly rising nearly 14 per cent and West Texas Intermediate gaining close to 12 per cent. The surge followed strikes on Iran that reportedly killed Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and several senior officials. Market anxiety was further fuelled by disruptions around the Strait of Hormuz, a critical waterway that carries about 20 per cent of the world’s seaborne oil. The strait was effectively rendered inaccessible, with reports of multiple vessels coming under attack, intensifying concerns over global energy supply. Asian equity markets fell broadly, with sharp losses recorded in Tokyo, Hong Kong, Singapore, Mumbai, Bangkok, Wellington and Taipei. U.S. futures dropped more than one per cent, while Shanghai bucked the trend with modest gains and Sydney traded flat. European markets also opened lower, with London down one per cent and Frankfurt and Paris shedding more than two per cent each. Airline stocks were among the hardest hit as carriers cancelled flights to the region. Shares in Cathay Pacific, Qantas and Singapore Airlines fell sharply, while Japan’s ANA and JAL declined by more than five per cent. In contrast, energy stocks rallied strongly. Shares of Australia’s Woodside Energy and Santos climbed more than six per cent, while PetroChina advanced in Hong Kong and Japan’s Inpex posted solid gains. Safe-haven assets benefited from the turmoil, with gold rising about two per cent and the U.S. dollar strengthening. Although crude prices later eased from their intraday highs, they remained more than nine per cent higher, while European gas prices surged by over 20 per cent. Oil markets had already been on edge in recent days amid speculation that Donald Trump might authorize military action after talks aimed at curbing Iran’s nuclear programme stalled. Analysts warned that sustained high oil prices could complicate global inflation dynamics. Saxo Markets strategist Charu Chanana said persistently elevated energy costs could slow progress on inflation and make central banks, including the U.S. Federal Reserve, more cautious about cutting interest rates. Trump later urged Iranians to oppose their government and said the conflict could last several weeks. Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, however, said the country would not enter negotiations with the United States and denied reports that talks had been sought. Meanwhile, Iran continued missile and drone operations in the Gulf, raising fears of a wider regional escalation. Israeli strikes were reported in Lebanon after Iran-backed Hezbollah fired rockets into Israel in response to Khamenei’s death. Although Tehran has not formally closed the Strait of Hormuz, Iran’s Revolutionary Guards warned vessels against transiting the route. British maritime authorities said at least two ships were hit near the coasts of Oman and the UAE, while Iranian state television reported that an oil tanker had been struck and was sinking after attempting to pass through the strait. Energy analysts cautioned that shipping disruptions could push crude prices significantly higher. Amena Bakr of Kpler said insurance costs would likely become prohibitive, potentially driving oil prices toward $90 per barrel, with prices above $100 not ruled out if disruptions persist. Major shipping companies have already begun suspending transit through the strait. While oil-importing nations hold strategic reserves, analysts warned that prolonged disruption would overwhelm available. Gas prices also spiked, adding to economic pressure, as Qatar plays a key role in global liquefied natural gas supply. Economists warned that rising energy and transport costs could weigh heavily on global growth if the crisis drags on.

The founder of Dunamis International Gospel Centre, Paul Enenche, and his wife, Becky Enenche, on Sunday donated a brand-new patrol vehicle to the Federal Road Safety Corps to support its operations. In a statement released on Monday, Enenche said the donation was aimed at strengthening road safety enforcement, particularly along the busy Abuja Airport Road corridor. The presentation took place at the church’s Abuja premises shortly after the service. The event also featured the decoration of the couple as Honorary Special Corps Marshals of the FRSC. Speaking during the handover, Enenche said the gesture reflected the ministry’s commitment to service. He explained that the goal was to support efforts that would help save lives and ease the operational burden on road safety personnel. He expressed concern over the recent rise in road traffic accidents, noting that the church decided to collaborate with the FRSC, the agency responsible for road safety, to help reduce preventable tragedies. “We believe that while prayer is important, action is also necessary. When there is a burden to serve God, it naturally extends to caring for humanity,” he said. In her remarks, Becky Enenche assured that the ministry would continue to support initiatives that promote public welfare, adding that the church has a long-standing tradition of outreach across various sectors within and outside Nigeria. Receiving the vehicle on behalf of the Corps Marshal, Assistant Corps Marshal Godwin Omiko, who represented Shehu Mohammed, described the donation as commendable and called on other Nigerians to support road safety efforts. He stressed that road safety is a collective responsibility and welcomed the partnership, while cautioning that the donation would not exempt anyone from compliance with traffic regulations. Also speaking, the Federal Capital Territory Sector Commander of the FRSC, Felix Theman, revealed that hundreds of lives were lost to road crashes nationwide between mid-December and mid-January, with significant fatalities recorded along the Airport Road. He said the patrol vehicle would enhance enforcement efforts and reaffirmed that the donation would not weaken but rather strengthen strict adherence to traffic laws. The National Coordinator of Special Marshals, Adaji Usman, noted that Enenche’s support for the corps spans more than three decades, dating back to the church’s early days in Area 1, Abuja. Similarly, the Lugbe Unit Commander, Muktar Garga, expressed appreciation, stating that the cleric fulfilled the promise of the vehicle within two weeks of a formal request.

An Iranian drone struck the runway of a UK military base in Cyprus early Monday, as tensions linked to the widening U.S.–Israeli confrontation with Iran continued to spread across the region. The incident prompted the European Union to reaffirm its support for member states. Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides said the incident occurred shortly after midnight, when a Shahed unmanned aerial vehicle crashed within the British military facilities at Akrotiri, resulting in minor material damage. The UK’s foreign secretary confirmed that the drone impacted a runway at the base. “This was an unmanned drone strike on the airport runway,” Yvette Cooper told Sky News. “At this stage, we are unable to provide further operational details, but all necessary precautionary measures are being taken around the base.” The European Union responded swiftly to the development. EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said after discussions with Christodoulides that the bloc stood firmly with its member states in the face of any threat. Although Cyprus was not directly targeted, Christodoulides stressed that the country remains outside any military engagement. He described the region as facing an unprecedented geopolitical crisis while reaffirming that Cyprus does not intend to participate in military operations. On Sunday, the United Kingdom agreed to allow the United States to use British military bases to conduct defensive actions aimed at countering Iranian missile capabilities. The Royal Air Force Akrotiri base is located near the southern coastal city of Limassol and is a British overseas territory. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer said Britain was not involved in the initial actions against Iran and would not take part in offensive operations. However, he noted that the UK was supporting collective self-defence efforts to protect allies and regional stability.