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Politicians defecting to APC driven by stomach infrastructure – Tambuwal

Nurudeen AKEWUSHOLA
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Politicians defecting to APC driven by stomach infrastructure – Tambuwal

FORMER Sokoto State governor, Aminu Tambuwal, has described recent defections of some members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), to the ruling All Progressive Congress (APC), as driven by ‘stomach infrastructure’ 

Tambuwal argued that no politician with a conscience would join the APC, given the country’s current economic challenges.

Speaking with journalists after the North-West Zonal PDP meeting in Kaduna on Saturday, February 15, he attributed the defections to personal gains rather than public interest.

“People leave parties for different reasons, but what I have observed recently are defections motivated not by the people’s interest, but by personal benefits,” he said.

Tambuwal, who represents Sokoto South Senatorial District in the Senate, questioned the justification for these moves, insisting that aligning with the APC amid its policies and the economic hardship Nigerians face lacked moral grounding.

“I believe no one with a conscience will join the APC. With the current policies being driven by the APC government, the economic doldrums it has plunged Nigerians into, the hardship across the country, and the dismal performance of Tinubu’s administration, there is nothing attractive beyond stomach infrastructure.

“Defections based on stomach infrastructure are not worrisome. But all of us who believe in this country and in serving the people must unite and work towards ensuring that by 2027, we vote out this administration that lacks focus, compassion, and direction,” he added.

The senator called on PDP members and Nigerians to unite in efforts to defeat the APC in 2027.

Meanwhile, the North-West PDP has pledged to sack the APC from power in the next election.

According to a communiqué read by the North-West Zonal chairman, Bello Gwarzo, the party said it’s committed to promptly resolving all conflicts at the national level.

Recall that three House of Assembly members elected on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party in Kaduna State defected along with their supporters, to the All Progressives Congress.

The three lawmakers are Henry Mara ( Jaba Constituency), Emmanuel Kantiok (Zonkwa Constituency), and Samuel Kambai (Zango constituency).

They announced their defection on Thursday, February 13, at their various wards.

Similarly, several PDP and other party members defected to the APC in the state on Saturday, February 15.

[EXPLAINER] What are the requirements, procedures for creating new states in Nigeria?

Bankole ABE
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[EXPLAINER] What are the requirements, procedures for creating new states in Nigeria?

THE House of Representatives Committee on Constitution Review on Thursday, February 6, proposed the creation of 31 additional states across Nigeria.

If approved, it would increase the number of states in Nigeria to 67.

During the plenary session, deputy speaker Benjamin Kalu, who presided in the absence of the speaker, Tajudeen Abbas, read a letter outlining the recommendations of the committee.

Kalu detailed the proposed distribution of the new states, with six allocated to the North Central, four to the North-East, five to the North-West, five to the South-East, four to the South-South, and seven to the South-West.

The proposed new states are New Kaduna and Gujarat from Kaduna State, FCT State, Tiga and Ari from Kano, Kainji from Kebbi State, and Etiti, Orashi, Adada, and Orlu from the South-East.

Others are Okun, Okura, and Confluence states from Kogi; Benue Ala and Apa states from Benue; Amana state from Adamawa; Katagum from Bauchi state; Savannah state from Borno; and Muri State from Taraba.

Also included are Lagoon from Lagos, Ogun, Ijebu from Ogun State as well as Oke Ogun/Ijesha from Oyo/Ogun/Osun States, Ogoja from Cross River State, Warri from Delta, Ori and Obolo from Rivers, Torumbe from Ondo, and Ibadan from Oyo State.

History of state creation in Nigeria

Nigeria currently has 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). All the states were created by military heads of state.

It must be noted that no civilian president has ever succeeded in creating any state in Nigeria.

In 1967, former Military Head of State, Yakubu Gowon created 12 states through a military decree. The states he created are the North-Western State, the North-Eastern State, Kano State, Kaduna (North Central), Benue-Plateau State and Kwara State.

Others are the Western State and Lagos State the former western region was split into two States: The former Mid-Western region became the Mid-Western State, while the former eastern region had three new States carved out from it. These were Rivers State, South-Eastern and the East Central State.

In 1976, Murtala Mohammed’s military government created another seven new states, making it 19. The states are Anambra, Bauchi, Benue, Imo, Niger, Ogun and Ondo.

This was followed by two new states in 1987 and another nine new states in 1991, by the Ibrahim Babangida military regime to make it 30 states.

The states created by Babangida are Akwa Ibom, Katsina, Abia, Enugu, Delta, Jigawa, Kebbi, Osun, Kogi, Taraba and Yobe.

The last time Nigeria created new states was in 1996, by the late Sani Abacha, a general.

Abacha created six new states namely Bayelsa, Ebonyi, Ekiti, Gombe, Nasarawa and Zamfara.

Rigorous process of state creation

The House during its session outlined a rigorous process that must be followed to meet the constitutional requirements for the creation of new states in Nigeria.

The process involves securing the approval of at least a two-thirds majority in the National Assembly, as well as endorsements from the House of Representatives, State Houses of Assembly, and Local Government Councils.

In accordance with Section 8 of the Nigerian Constitution, any new state creation must be preceded by a referendum conducted by the State Houses of Assembly.

The proposal also called for the resubmission of proposals in line with the prescribed guidelines, which includes submitting hard copies and electronic copies of memoranda to the committee’s secretariat.

Constitutional requirement

The process of creating new states in Nigeria is a complex and multi-layered one, governed by Section 8 of the Nigerian Constitution.

To understand the requirements and procedures involved, it is essential to carefully examine the provisions of this section.

According to an Ilorin, Kwara state-based lawyer, Moshood Ibrahim, the issue of state creation is a very complex procedure.

“The procedure is so complex that it will be so difficult for any democratically elected government to achieve the creation of a new state. No wonder most of our states were created by the military dictators,” Ibrahim stated.

According to the lawyer, the journey to creating a new state begins with the submission of a bill or request to the National Assembly by the interested parties.

This bill must then be voted on by members representing the areas in question at the national assembly, house of representatives and states house of assembly, with a two-third majority required in both the House of Representatives and the Senate.

Once this hurdle is cleared, the bill is sent to the State House of Assembly and Local Government Council of the area in question, where it must again receive a two-third majority vote. If the bill is successful at this stage, it is then forwarded to the President for assent.

However, the process does not end there. The proposal for the creation of a new state must also be approved by the citizens of the area in question through a referendum conducted by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). For the referendum to be successful, a two-third majority of the people in question must consent to the creation of the new state.

The result of the referendum must then be approved by all states of the Federation through their respective Houses of Assembly, with a simple majority required.

Finally, the President must give his assent to the referendum, marking the final step in the process of creating a new state.

In a nutshell, the creation of additional states involves the following procedures:
  1. Submission of a bill to the National Assembly
  2. Voting by members representing the areas in question, with a two-thirds majority required
  3. Approval by the State House of Assembly and Local Government Council, with a two-thirds majority required
  4. Approval by citizens of the area in question through a referendum, with a two-thirds majority required
  5. Approval by all states of the Federation through their respective Houses of Assembly, with a simple majority required
  6. Final assent by the President
  7. By following these steps, a new state can be created in Nigeria, in accordance with the provisions of the Nigerian Constitution.

Outrage as another lady allegedly killed for ritual in Kwara

Mustapha USMAN
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Outrage as another lady allegedly killed for ritual in Kwara

NIGERIANS on social media have expressed outrage over the murder of one Lawal Yetunde, a young lady and private school teacher, allegedly by a cleric Abdulrahman Ballo, in Kwara State. 

Social media users, particularly on X, voiced their anger after details emerged that the cleric had lured the young lady from Facebook, killed and dismembered her body at a rented apartment in the Olunlade area of Ilorin South Local Government Area.

Already, the state residents and netizens have called for accountability while also demanding that authorities act decisively to end growing ritualistic crimes in Nigeria.

The incident

According to reports, Yetunde, who had just secured a teaching job at a local nursery and primary school, was last seen on Monday, February 10, when she returned from work at about 12.30 pm and attended a naming ceremony.

However, at the ceremony, she abruptly left her food to answer a call and was not seen afterwards.

The suspect was said to have lured Yetunde after connecting with her on Facebook and obtaining her phone number.

Her disappearance immediately sparked concerns as family members and friends searched for her before later reporting her disappearance to the police at the Oja Oba station in Ilorin on Tuesday, February 10.

The deceased’s father, Ibrahim Lawal, while speaking with journalists, shortly after the funeral prayers, said that the police used her phone line to track her call records. 

Tracing her final call led the police to Ballo, who lives in the Offa Garage area of Ilorin, although his family home is in Isalekoto.

“We didn’t see her return on that day and she didn’t sleep at home. We reported at Oja-Oba Police Station on Tuesday that she was missing from home after 24 hours.The tracking of her phone revealed that she was called on the phone by the suspect who later confessed that he murdered her,” Lawal said.

Although he initially denied any involvement, Bello later confessed that the lady died of an asthma attack after police discovered dismembered remains hidden in a bowl, along with the tools used in the dastardly act.

“Some of the items which included horn, black soap, and charms recovered by the police from the room apartment of the suspect clearly showed that Hafsat, who is my second daughter, was murdered for ritual purposes”, the father added.

The ICIR reports that the incident adds to a growing list of such crimes in Nigeria.

Earlier in January this year, The ICIR reported how Eliojo Salomey, a 24-year-old serving National Youth Service Corp (NYSC) member based in Mararaba, a fast-growing community near Abuja, was allegedly butchered by her boyfriend, a gospel singer, Timileyin Ajayi.

Ballo arrested 

Confirming Ballo’s incident, the spokesperson of the Kwara State Police Command, Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, said investigations were ongoing into the case.

According to her, “The police detectives swung into action, tracked her number and arrested a suspect, and exhibits recovered. 

She added that the case was transferred yesterday to the state Criminal Investigation Department (CID), for discreet investigations.

Nigerians react

Meanwhile, the incident has ignited reactions from Nigerians as they decried the prevalence of ritual killings while also demanding that authorities take decisive actions against the practice.

A social media user and resident of the state with the handle Mufti of Ilorin online, while bemoaning the killing of Hafsat, urged “respected figures in Ilorin and Kwara State to ensure that justice is served and to support the victim’s family in its pursuit of justice.

“These heinous ritual killings must be addressed. Our sisters continue to fall victim, and our parents are left to mourn. This cycle of violence will persist until perpetrators face the ultimate consequence – death penalty – for their crimes. It’s utterly disheartening that we’re compelled to clarify that women are not romantically involved with their murderers. The reality of what’s happening to women is truly disturbing,” he wrote.

Another user, @teabisz, wrote: “You see, prayer alone is not enough at this point. If she must get justice, we must collectively stand up and not even for her nor the family, but because we do not know who their next target is if eventually the table turns.”

Also, another X user @iamthepreence said the suspect must be investigated thoroughly as he might be working for ‘Yahoo Boy’ (ritualists) or selling the human parts.

“This guy is either selling human parts or working for those G-boys. They need to drill him well and get many more working together (with him). Wicked soul,” he wrote.

A yet another X user, @Oladapomikky1, advised people to exercise caution in meeting people they do not know.

“It is not safe to go and meet a stranger in a private place. Anyone you are meeting for the first time should be in a public place and the location should be your choice.”

Mob kills two suspected one-chance robbers in Abuja

Nurudeen AKEWUSHOLA  and  Jonathan Shekwonuzhibo
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Mob kills two suspected one-chance robbers in Abuja

AN angry mob has killed two suspected “one-chance” robbers along the Umaru Musa Yar’Adua Expressway in Abuja after they allegedly robbed and pushed a female victim out of their moving vehicle.

The incident, which occurred around 3 p.m. on Saturday, February 15, started when the suspects, operating in a commercial vehicle, allegedly robbed a woman traveling from the Gosa area toward the city.

After dispossessing her of her belongings, they forcefully pushed her out of the moving car, eyewitnesses told The ICIR.

An eyewitness, who requested anonymity, told The ICIR that the woman narrowly escaped being crushed by another vehicle that was trailing the robbers.

“The vehicle behind them almost ran over the woman, but thank God, the driver managed to stop just in time,” the eyewitness said. “That same driver then started chasing the robbers while honking to alert other road users.”

As the pursuit continued, more motorists and bystanders joined in. Their escape attempt ended at ACO Estate Junction when another motorist blocked their path as they tried to make a U-turn back toward Gosa.

The suspects immediately abandoned their vehicle and attempted to flee on foot, but the growing mob quickly overpowered them.

According to the eyewitness, one of the suspects was intercepted first and beaten severely before being set ablaze. Meanwhile, the second suspect was thrown into a roadside gutter, where he remained motionless, leading many to assume he was dead.

However, upon closer inspection, the eyewitness, who had been videoing the events, realised the suspect was still alive.

“I went closer and saw that he was just sitting in the gutter. I started recording again, and people were asking him questions,” the eyewitness recounted. “They asked for his name, but he refused to say. When they asked where he was from, he said Ogun State. They also asked if he was Yoruba, and he confirmed it.”

While the interrogation continued, members of the mob who had initially assumed he was dead began gathering again. Within moments, the aggression resumed.

“They started coming back, one by one,” the eyewitness said. “Then they poured fuel on him, intending to set him on fire like they did with the other one.”

Sensing imminent death, the suspect attempted to escape. He staggered out of the gutter and ran toward a nearby church, Foundation of Truth Assembly (FOTA), possibly seeking refuge. However, his frail condition made it easy for the mob to recapture him.

“He was very weak because they had already beaten him badly before,” the eyewitness added. “As he approached the church, someone shouted that they shouldn’t kill him there. So, they dragged him away from the church premises to another property nearby.”

There, the mob continued their assault, pelting him with stones until he succumbed to his injuries.

Police, and military reportedly looked away

A military convoy and a police patrol vehicle reportedly passed by the scene while at least one of the suspects was still alive, but they did not intervene.

“I saw an Air Force convoy passing while both men were still alive,” the eyewitness revealed. “Later, after the first one had died, I saw a police patrol vehicle heading toward City Gate. It was on the same lane where the car had burned, but the officers did nothing.”

Many bystanders, including the eyewitness, expressed frustration at the police’s failure to act. “I wasn’t even asking them to rescue him,” the eyewitness said. “At least they could have arrested him to get more information about their gang. These one-chance robbers are a serious menace. I’ve been a victim myself.”

Before the second suspect was killed, he reportedly admitted to being part of a gang of about ten people who had been operating in the area for two years. When asked how many victims he had killed, he allegedly confessed to killing two people.

The ICIR reported that one-chance robberies remain a persistent menace in Abuja, with criminals posing as commercial drivers to lure, rob, and sometimes kill unsuspecting passengers.

Nigeria to absorb 28,000 US-funded health workers – Pate

Mustapha USMAN
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Nigeria to absorb 28,000 US-funded health workers – Pate

THE Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare,  Ali Pate, has announced Nigeria’s plan to integrate 28,000 health workers formerly supported by US funding into its national healthcare system.

Pate, said this, on Channels Television’s Hard Copy programme, late Friday, February 14, monitored by our correspondent, where he outlined the government’s plan to ensure that the gains made in combating HIV, tuberculosis, and malaria, are preserved as the US government repositions its funding priorities.

The minister stressed that while the Nigerian government, including the state government, is keying to invest more money in healthcare, the private sector actors, the hospitals, and the pharmaceutical industry need to also rise. 

This, according to him, will make Nigeria’s healthcare system serve Nigerians and potentially even serve other parts of our continent.

“Our total health spend in Nigeria, the total health exposure: 30 per cent is public, 70 per cent is private. So, the component of overseas development assistance for health is not the largest chunk of our health expenditure.

“It has been significant. We’re a very large country and while we talk about the total health expenditure overall 70 per cent is domestic private and the 30 per cent that comprises the public as well as the overseas development assistance, I will say about $67 per capita is what the external development assistance is about. Now, that is about $67 per capita if you multiply by 200 million Nigerians, that’s about the figure,” the minister said.

Pate further stressed that the US government had contributed significantly to Nigeria’s healthcare, citing support for HIV, TB, and malaria.

He, however, noted that much of those resources are not channeled through government systems, adding that they’re channeled through implementing partners outside government.

Notably, the policy shift, which has led to a significant reduction in US support for health initiatives, has been a growing concern for many Nigerians, including public health stakeholders. 

Recall that following the controversies surrounding the HIV and other diseases funding by the U.S. the Federal Executive Council (FEC) on Monday, February 3, approved N4.8 billion for the procurement of 150,000 HIV treatment packs to support Nigerians living with the virus.

The ICIR reports that the HIV fund came days after global concerns over the temporary suspension of United States foreign aid funding, which threatened access to lifesaving antiretroviral therapy (ART) among others, for millions of people, including Nigerians.

The freeze, introduced by  President Donald Trump’s administration, had raised fears of treatment disruptions in Nigeria, one of the countries heavily reliant on the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR).

Meanwhile, following advocacy from global health organisations, the US granted a waiver for HIV treatment programs, ensuring continued medication supply for affected patients.

Speaking of the support, expressed gratitude for the contributions made by the American people, who, he said, have supported over 1.3 million Nigerians with essential therapies.

However, he stressed that Nigeria must now take ownership of its healthcare destiny.

Minister Pate emphasised that with the current US policy transition, Nigeria is accelerating efforts to build a resilient, self-reliant healthcare system. 

“The Federal government is going to do its part. For states, we expect that they will also step in because many things happen at the state level on HIV, TB, or malaria. There are health workers, 28,000 of them who were been paid through US government support. While it has been appreciated, those health workers are Nigerians. We have to find ways to transmit them.

“Our approach, long before the change in US policy has been towards increasing national ownership, increasing domestic resources, improving our healthcare value chain and producing what we use, strengthening our resilience through surveillance, laboratory systems so that we deal with infectious diseases,” he added.

Over 11,500 underage candidates register for 2025 UTME, says Registrar

Mustapha USMAN
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Over 11,500 underage candidates register for 2025 UTME, says Registrar

THE Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), Ishaq Oloyede, has disclosed that more than 11,553 underage candidates registered for the ongoing 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME). 

The announcement came during an inspection of approved computer-based test centres in Lagos on Friday, where Oloyede detailed a registration surge that has already seen 782,027 candidates sign up in the past 10 days.

Oloyede said: “Now, we have registered 782,027, and 11,553 of them are underage. So, you can see that as we are registering, the system is reporting from all over the country. Out of the expected two million candidates, we’re not yet at the 14th day.

“Monday will mark our 14th day. So, in two weeks, we would have completed about half of our registration process, and by that time, we expect to have over one million candidates registered. So far, everything has been smooth.”

He noted that on Friday alone, 443 underage candidates were recorded among 18,813 registered that morning. 

According to him, some parents register their children due to peer pressure.

“Today alone, we have 443 underage candidates, and out of the 18,813 registered this morning, 443 are underage. This year, we’ve introduced a system that allows us to identify and track underage candidates.

“This will help us understand their issues and even identify those who might be genuinely gifted but still underage,” he added.

The surge in underage registrations coincided with broader debates on admission age in Nigeria’s tertiary institutions.

In 2024, the Minister of Education, Tahir Mamman, faced criticism for his initial directive to bar candidates below 18 from admission—a policy later revised to admit candidates aged 16 and above following appeals from stakeholders.

Mamman, at the 2024 admission policy meeting organised by JAMB, in Abuja on Thursday, July 18, directed JAMB and tertiary institutions to stop admitting under-18-year-old candidates into higher education programmes.

Mamman gave the order, decrying the activities of some parents, whom he said pressured their underage wards to get admission into tertiary institutions.

“JAMB is hereby instructed this year to admit only eligible students. That is those who have attained 18 years by our laws,” the minister said.

The minister emphasised that his stance is supported by Nigeria’s law governing admissions into tertiary institutions, noting that admission bodies should recognise this requirement without being directed to obey it.

His announcement sparked mixed reactions among vice-chancellors, rectors, and registrars present at the meeting, with some stakeholders present at the meeting protesting the new minimum admission age.

However, during the review of the memorandum for the same 2024 policy meeting on this year’s admissions, Mamman later called for the adoption of 16 years.

The minister agreed that candidates aged 16 and above would be admitted, acknowledging that many of these underage candidates had already taken the UTME without prior knowledge of the directive.

NNPCL dismisses video on fuel quality, threatens legal action

Nurudeen AKEWUSHOLA
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NNPCL dismisses video on fuel quality, threatens legal action

THE Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has refuted claims in a viral video alleging that fuel gotten directly from the Dangote refinery lasts longer in engines than the ones sold at its retail stations.

A social media influencer, Ayo Bankole posted a video showing him purchasing the same quantity of fuel from MRS and NNPCL. He then poured the fuels on two different generators, put them on, and set a timer.

According to him, the generator filled with NNPCL fuel lasted for only 17:51 while the one filled with MRS fuel lasted for 30:51.

Reacting to the video in a statement on Saturday, February 15, signed by the chief corporate communications officer of NNPCL, Olufemi Soneye, the national oil company described the experiment as “unverified and amateur research” lacking scientific credibility.

The NNPCL assured Nigerians that its petrol is formulated to meet global standards, ensuring efficiency and durability for consumers.

“A significant percentage of the fuel sold at NNPC retail stations in Lagos—where the viral video originated—is sourced from the Dangote Refinery, which adheres to strict industry standards,” the statement read in part.

The company accused unnamed “economic saboteurs” of attempting to mislead the public and tarnish its reputation, warning that it would take legal action against individuals or groups found spreading false information about its products and operations.

“The company will not tolerate deliberate misinformation designed to undermine its operations and mislead Nigerians,” it said.

It further urged consumers to disregard the viral claims and rely on verified sources for accurate information, reiterating its commitment to ensuring the availability and quality of petroleum products across the country.

 

Obasa drags Lagos Assembly, Meranda to court

Nurudeen AKEWUSHOLA
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Obasa drags Lagos Assembly, Meranda to court

EMBATTLED Lagos lawmaker, Mudashiru Obasa, has challenged his suspension as Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly in court.

Obasa filed a suit against the Assembly and the new Speaker, Mojisola Meranda, at the Lagos State High Court in Ikeja, arguing that his suspension was improper since the Assembly was in recess at the time.

In a motion dated February 12, 2025, his legal team, led by Afolabi Fashanu-a Senior Advocate of Nigeria(SAN), requested an accelerated hearing of the case. Obasa, who was out of the country when 36 lawmakers voted him out on January 13, 2025, insisted upon his return that he would remain the legitimate Speaker.

Among the reliefs sought, Obasa is asking the court to fix an expedited hearing date and to shorten the time for the defendants to file their response to seven days. He also requested that his reply on points of law be filed within three days.

His application is based on nine legal grounds, including the interpretation of key constitutional provisions such as Sections 36, 90, 92(2)(c), 101, and 311 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), alongside relevant rules and standing orders of the Lagos State House of Assembly.

Part of the motion reads, “This action challenges the constitutionality of the sitting and proceedings of the Lagos State House of Assembly to sit during recess without the Speaker reconvening the House or giving any other person powers to reconvene the House.

“Public interest requires the case to be heard and determined speedily and expeditiously so that legislative activities in the state are not stalled.

“The legality of the continued sitting of the 1st defendant under the present leadership in violation of the aforementioned laws and rules calls for an urgent determination.”

“This Honourable Court is imbued with inherent powers to grant accelerated hearing and abridgment of time,” the motion stated.

However, a date has not been fixed for the suit as of the time of filing this report.

On January 13, Obasa who had served for nearly 10 years as the state speaker from June 2015 to January 2025, was suspended by more than two-thirds of the 40-member legislative house over alleged misconduct and sundry offenses, The ICIR reported.

However, during a welcome rally at his residence in GRA, Ikeja held on Saturday, January 25, Obasa declared that he remained the speaker despite his replacement by his deputy, Mojisola Meranda.

Canadian visa denial serious affront to Nigeria’s dignity – Matawalle

Mustapha USMAN
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Canadian visa denial serious affront to Nigeria’s dignity – Matawalle

MINISTER of State for Defence Bello Matawalle, on Saturday, February 15, said that the recent Canadian visa denial to senior Nigerian military officials constituted a “serious affront” to the nation’s dignity. 

The decision, which prevented the Chief of Defence Staff Christopher Musa and other top military leaders from attending a veterans’ event in Canada, has continued to generate national backlash.

The officers were due to attend an event in Canada to honour war veterans but only a portion of the delegates were granted visas. The development angered senior  Nigerian officials.

The ICIR had reported how the National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, slammed the Canadian Embassy in Nigeria for denying visas to Nigeria’s chief of Defence Staff, Christopher Musa, a general, and other top military officers.

Ribadu expressed frustration at the Canadian embassy’s action on Thursday, February 13, while speaking at the inaugural annual lecture of the Alumni Association of the National Institute for Security Studies (AANISS) in Abuja.

The event, attended by security experts and government officials, focused on national security challenges and international cooperation.

Commenting on the visa denial earlier at the event, the CDS had said his team was invited to the veterans’ event but faced an unexpected setback when some members of the delegation were denied visas.

He described the situation as disappointing but saw it as a reminder for Nigeria to strengthen its independence and resilience.

“We were invited with our team. Half of us have gone, and half have been denied. It’s very disappointing.,” the CDS stated.

According to him, it is a clear reminder that Nigeria must stand on its own as a nation and should no longer be taken for granted, as he described the visa denial as disrespectful.

Canadian Commission declines to comment for ‘privacy reasons’

Meanwhile, on Friday, February 14, the Canadian high commission in Nigeria, via its X handle, stated that it was aware of the media reports on the incident but would not comment on the status of the visa applications.

“The High Commission of Canada in Nigeria is aware of media reports related to planned travel to Canada by senior officials.

“However, for privacy reasons, we are unable to provide any comment on the status of visa applications of specific individuals,” the commission wrote.

Defence Minister vows ‘assertive’ response 

In a follow-up statement issued on Saturday, February 15, by Sunday Iyogun, spokesperson for the Ministry of Defence, who quoted  Matawale said the government ‘must be prepared to respond appropriately and assertively.’

Matawalle noted there is a need to probe the reasons for the visa denial as it’s a serious affront to Nigeria’s integrity.

“This incident is not merely a bureaucratic oversight; it is a serious affront to our national dignity and integrity.

“If no satisfactory explanation is provided, we must be prepared to respond appropriately and assertively,” the minister said.

Poly students reject proposed conversion of Yabatech to university

Mustapha USMAN
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Poly students reject proposed conversion of Yabatech to university

THE National Association of Polytechnic Students (NAPS) has opposed the plan to convert Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH) into a university.

The association argued that the move will dilute the institution’s unique, hands-on approach to technical education. 

The NAPS, in a statement issued on Saturday, February 15, argued that such a conversion would erode the core strengths that make polytechnic training indispensable to Nigeria’s industrial growth.

Background

During a working visit to the institution on Friday, February 14, Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa confirmed that President Bola Tinubu has approved the conversion of Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH) into a university.

“The Rector mentioned earlier that they have been eagerly awaiting this conversion. While I wasn’t fully prepared for this announcement today, I can confirm that when I discussed the matter with President Tinubu, he quickly gave his approval. I am now just awaiting the official memo and necessary procedures from the relevant authorities,” he said.

On his part, the Rector of the College, Abdul Ibraheem, while expressing excitement over the minister’s visit, said that with over 200 PhD holders in its services, YABATECH was more than qualified to become a university.

“While we are praying that we become a university, we don’t want to become just one of those universities. We want to be a university of Technical and Vocational Education ( TVE) that would bring innovation and also solve societal problems and challenges and contribute greatly to the advancement of our dear country. We have the manpower and we just need the support of the government in this regard,” he stated.

NAPS condemns move

The Association President, Eshiofune Oghayan, in a statement, said it has rejected the move, noting that polytechnics like Yabatech play a crucial role in bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and industrial application. 

Oghayan insisted that Nigeria should fully implement the HND to B.Tech transition rather than convert polytechnics into universities. 

According to him, this pathway would award polytechnic graduates internationally recognised degrees while preserving the technical, practical focus that sets polytechnics apart. 

He stressed that countries like Germany, China, Canada, and the United Kingdom, have bolstered their technical and vocational education systems instead of dismantling them.

“We reject the proposed conversion of YABATECH into a university. Polytechnic institutions like YABATECH play a crucial role in bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and industrial application. They emphasise hands-on experience, problem-solving, and innovation, which are essential for Nigeria’s industrialisation and economic diversification.

“This move contradicts global best practices, where developed nations continue to strengthen and expand polytechnic education rather than eliminate it. Countries like Germany, China, Canada, and the United Kingdom have thriving technical and vocational education sectors that fuel their industrial economies.

“The HND to B.Tech transition is the most viable path to improving the status of polytechnic education while preserving its technical essence. This would ensure that polytechnic graduates receive the recognition they deserve without compromising the practical and industry-focused training that makes them valuable to the economy,” the president said in a statement.

NAPS also called for transforming the National Board for Technical Education into a Polytechnic Education Commission.

The association argued that this reform will boost the status of polytechnic education in national planning, secure better funding, and create clearer career paths for graduates.

“We will not fold our arms and watch as the government undermines the future of polytechnic education in Nigeria. We will mobilize our members to resist this move and ensure that the government prioritizes the development of polytechnic education,” Oghayan added.

 

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