The Federal Government has announced plans to scrap the Junior Secondary School Common Entrance Examination and introduce a Learner Identification Number to track pupils from primary school through their academic journey. The Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, disclosed this during an interactive session with journalists in Lagos on Saturday. According to Tribune, the Minister explained that the proposed reforms are aimed at improving access to education and ensuring better tracking of pupils across the country. He noted that the common entrance examination would be phased out and replaced with a more comprehensive evaluation system. He said, “It will be replaced by Continuous Assessment, CA. The CA will reflect the performance of the pupil from primary one and even if a pupil is transferring from one school to another, he will take it along to his new school.” The minister added that the new system would help address gaps in the transition from primary to secondary education, particularly the large number of pupils who fail to progress to the next level. Providing data to support the reform, Alausa said millions of pupils enrolled in public primary schools do not continue their education at the secondary level. “We have over 50,000 public primary schools in the country with over 23 million pupils. However, from statistics available to us, only a little over 3 million among those pupils move to the junior secondary school level in our public schools, then the question is, where are the about 20 million not enrolled in our public secondary schools?” he queried. He noted that the situation points to a major access problem, stressing the need for state governments to build more schools. “It is obvious that we cannot say our private schools accommodate all of them. The issue is simply lack of access and we are working on that. There is need to build more schools and I have met the Nigerian Governors’ Forum over that. State governments need to build more schools to accommodate more pupils and students,” he said. To address tracking challenges, the minister said the government would introduce the Learner Identification Number for pupils from the primary school level. “To also follow up on our pupils and students, we are introducing the Learner Identification Number right from primary school level for our children. It will be unique to each child and they will have the number no matter where they started schooling or later transferred to,” he explained. He added that the system would enable authorities to monitor students’ progress and identify those who drop out of school. “If somebody is expected to be in JSS class one and he is not there, we will be able to know the reason why he is not continuing his education,” Alausa said. The minister further disclosed that efforts are ongoing to revive the school feeding programme to boost enrolment in public schools, adding that the initiative may be moved to the Federal Ministry of Education for improved monitoring. The proposed reforms form part of broader efforts by the government to strengthen the education sector, improve retention rates, and ensure that more Nigerian children complete basic education.

Operatives of the Ondo State Police Command have arrested a 21-year-old boy for allegedly raping and killing an elderly woman, identified as Veronica Anthony, in Iboropa-Akoko in Akoko North-East Local Government Area. The suspect, identified as Anthony Alabi, was apprehended following the tracking of the phone of the deceased by police operatives. With the incident heightening tension within the community, security operatives were said to have prevented jungle justice as youths in the community had gathered to descend on the young man. According to the spokesperson of the Ondo State Police Command, Jimoh Abayomi, the suspect, who is currently in custody, confessed to the crime. He said, “Following credible intelligence, detectives promptly launched an investigation, which led to the tracking of the deceased’s missing phone and the subsequent arrest of the suspect “The case has been transferred to Headquarters, Akure, for further discreet investigation and prosecution.”

Bandits on Sunday morning abducted eight worshippers an ECWA church in Omugo, Oro-Ago community in Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State. THENEWSCREDIT however gathered that three of the abductees have been rescued by joint security forces. The attack occurred hours after the Coordinator, Joint Security Watch, Kwara South Senatorial District, Zubair Olaitan, issued an alert warning of imminent attack on some communities in Ifelodun, Irepodun and Isin LGAs. Reacting to the development, the Kwara State Government has tasked the security forces and local vigilantes to ensure that the bandits who attacked the ECWA Church Omugo, are apprehended. The government equally commended the security forces, forest guards and local vigilantes for the rescue of three of the abductees. The government also condemned the “cowardly” targeting of religious places under any guise. In a statement by Commissioner for Communications, Bolanle Olukoju, on Sunday, the Kwara State Government urged the security forces, forest guards, local vigilantes, and community members to continue to work together to end the menace. “While commending the immediate response of the security forces and other stakeholders, we task them to ensure that the ongoing manhunt leads to the rescue of the remaining victims and arrest of the perpetrators,” the statement added. It further commended the security forces, forest guards, and vigilantes for the appreciable progress made in combing of the forests, which has largely curtailed the activities of the criminals in the areas. The government assured the people of its continuous commitment to work with security forces and community stakeholders to protect lives and property.

An Oyo state High Court sitting in Ibadan has restrained the wife of the former governor, Kemi Alao Akala, from selling, disposing of or entering into any form of transaction on the contested properties of the deceased, Chief Adebayo Alao Akala, pending the determination of the substantive suit. The claimant, Oluwatoyin Alao Aderinto, had in a suit No 1/443/2024 sought judicial intervention over the administration of the estate of the deceased. Joined as defendants/respondents in the suit are Oluwakemi Alao-Akala and Olamide Alabi, listed in the court processes as executors and administrators of the estate of the late former governor. Ruling on the motion on notice for an interlocutory injunction, the court granted the relief sought by the claimant, thereby restraining the defendants, their agents, servants, assigns, privies or any person acting through them from selling or continuing to sell, disposing of, or entering into joint venture agreements in respect of properties belonging to the late Christopher Adebayo Alao-Akala pending the determination of the substantive suit before the court. The application was brought pursuant to Order 48 Rules 4 and 6 and Order 49 of the High Court of Oyo State (Civil Procedure) Rules, 2022, as well as under the inherent jurisdiction of the court. In granting the application, the court also ordered an accelerated hearing of the case in order to ensure speedy dispensation of the matter. The claimant had told the court that she has a legal and equitable interest in the estate and properties of the late politician, being his first daughter. She further alleged that some assets belonging to the estate had been sold without her consent, agreement or knowledge, while steps were allegedly being taken to dispose of other properties or enter into joint venture arrangements involving assets of the deceased. According to the application, the claimant argued that there was an urgent need for the court to halt further transactions relating to the properties in order to protect her rights, interests and entitlements in the estate. The claimant also contended that failure to grant the injunction could result in continued sale or disposal of the assets, which she said might cause irreversible damage to her interest in the estate of the late former governor. With the interlocutory injunction now in force and accelerated hearing ordered by the court, further proceedings in the case are expected to focus on the substantive issues surrounding the administration and ownership of properties forming part of the late politician’s estate. Meanwhile, during proceedings in the matter, an additional application seeking that DNA tests be conducted among the siblings connected to the dispute was also moved before the court. Following arguments on the application, the court adjourned the matter to April 16, 2026, for ruling on the request for DNA testing. The dispute has drawn public attention given the stature of the late Christopher Adebayo Alao-Akala, who served as governor of Oyo state between 2007 and 2011 and remained a prominent political figure in the state until his death.

Two out of the three laboratories authorized by the Magistrate Court sitting in the Ikorodu area of Lagos State, have declined paternity tests on late singer Mohbad’s alleged son, Liam. This comes amid the ongoing dispute between Mohbad’s father, Joseph Aloba and his widow, Wunmi. THENEWSCREDIT recalls that the Magistrate Court had three weeks ago approved three laboratories in the United States and United Kingdom for the DNA tests on Liam. The court had independently picked Advanced Histopathology Laboratory Limited, London, United Kingdom while Wunmi submitted Alpha Bio Labs in Warrington, United Kingdom. Mohbad’s father picked DNA Diagnostics Centre, Fairfield, Ohio, US. However, in a statement on Thursday, the counsel to the singer’s father, Oladayo Ogungbe, disclosed that the two laboratories picked by Wunmi and the court have indicated that “they do not conduct post-mortem DNA testing involving embalmed bodies”. Ogungbe explained that Advanced Histopathology Laboratory Limited, London, United Kingdom, and Alpha Bio Labs, Warrington, United Kingdom, made this known after preliminary inquiries by Joseph Aloba’s representative to ascertain whether the listed laboratories possessed the technical capacity to conduct such test. THENEWSCREDIT reports that singer Mohbad mysteriously died in September 2023, and buried the next day. His body was exhumed after seven days following public outcry. Following the circumstances surrounding his death, his father demanded a DNA test on his son.

The wife of renowned Nigerian cleric, Enoch Adeboye, Pastor Foluke Adeboye, has opened up about the drastic personal sacrifice she made after giving her life to Christ. In a resurfaced throwback video currently circulating online, Folu Adeboye shared how her lifestyle changed dramatically in the early days of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, RCCG. She revealed that before becoming born again, she had a strong passion for fashion and owned several gold items, including jewellery that she had already set aside for her young child, who was under two years old at the time. However, after joining the church where wearing such items was discouraged, she made a bold decision to part with them entirely. “Every woman loves fashion,” she said. “By the time we became born again, it was a taboo for you to have them.” Rather than keep or sell the valuables, Folu said she threw all her gold possessions into the lagoon. She recalled that a family friend had questioned her choice, suggesting she could have given the items to her mother to sell. But she declined. “Whatever is not good for me is not good for my mother,” she explained. Folu also revealed that she briefly turned to copper accessories as an alternative, admitting she spent significantly on them at the time. Despite the scale of her sacrifice, she maintains she has no regrets. “What would I say I miss? Not much, I have already sold myself,” she added.

Rev. Niyi Adebayo has issued a passionate "open letter" to the elites and influential indigenes of Ogbomoso, calling for a shift from symbolic presence to active economic investment in their home city. Drawing a biblical parallel to the "Nobles of Tekoa" from the Book of Nehemiah—who famously refused to assist in rebuilding their city walls—Rev. Adebayo lamented that many of the city’s wealthiest sons and daughters build magnificent residential villas in Ogbomoso while establishing their commercial empires elsewhere. In the report, Adebayo noted that while Ogbomoso is Nigeria’s second-largest city by landmass and the second most populous in Oyo State, it remains underserved by state and federal infrastructure. He attributed this stagnation to a lack of local investment, noting that less than 35% of the city’s elites currently identify with its commercial needs. "The commerce of a city is supposed to be built by her sons and daughters," Adebayo stated. "Some cities are called commercial towns today because their people built facilities of economic value." The cleric expressed concern over the disparity in educational and economic opportunities compared to neighboring cities. He pointed out that Oyo town hosts approximately five higher institutions, providing massive employment and stimulating local trade—a level of patronage Ogbomoso is yet to match despite its potential. The letter outlined a three-pronged approach for the city`s "emancipation": * Encouraging elites to float businesses locally rather than just building non-commercial residential houses. * Urging the political class to attract government agencies, NGOs, and structured grants to support struggling local entrepreneurs who currently rely on high-interest loans. * Calling on those without direct capital to use their influence to "woo" foreign and local investors to the city. Adebayo did not spare those living at home, warning against a "parasitic attitude" and a "sense of entitlement" that often ruins businesses owned by family members. He emphasized that for Ogbomoso to prosper, the local community must create a conducive and supportive atmosphere for these investments to thrive. "You will print your names in gold and keep your love in our hearts," the letter concluded, praying for a new era of all-round development for the ancient city.

Dangote Refinery has notified customers of a price adjustment for Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), raising the gantry price from ₦1,175 to ₦1,245 per litre an increase of ₦70 per litre. The revised rate will take effect from 12:00 a.m. on March 21, 2026, and will apply to all outstanding and unloaded volumes. Additionally, the refinery increased its coastal supply price from ₦1,512,648 to ₦1,606,518 per metric tonne. The adjustment was attributed to the persisting global geopolitical tensions. The refinery clarified that customers holding valid Bank Guarantees may continue loading under their current arrangements, provided they settle the price difference. All such differential payments must be completed by March 23, 2026.

Dreaded bandit leaders were captured celebrating Eid Mubarak in Faskari, Katsina State on Friday. A counter-terrorism expert, mobilisingniger idisclosed this n a post on X, saying the leaders including one Musa Goje organized the celebration. According to the security expert, the video was uploaded a few hours ago after the bandit leaders converged to celebrate the end of Ramadan. The video captured children admiring the assailants and showing keen interest in the celebration. Bandits have been wrecking havoc in parts of Katsina State, with several people have been kidnapped and others killed in the rampage.

The Arewa Consultative Forum, ACF, has noted with concern that Nigeria, and especially the Northern region retains the unenviable status of “poverty capital of the world”, where living challenges have become entrenched. While congratulating the Nigerian and worldwide Muslim Ummah as they celebrate the 1447AH Eid-il-Fitr, the forum noted that generalised dire economic hardships have belied official claims about conditions getting better, adding that multidimensional poverty and associated forms of socioeconomic and political deprivations have remained the lot of an overwhelming proportion of citizens. The forum said the year’s Holy Month, an otherwise a period of fervent worship, spiritual reflections, sacrifice and benevolent gestures to fellow humans, has been observed amid existential challenges and downward spiral in living conditions. A statement issued by the forum’s National Publicity Secretary, Prof. Muhammad-Baba said, “All three geo-political regions in the North face daunting, as if to signal an inexorable slide into dystopia. The Northcentral zone has been under siege as armed non-state actors continue to disturb the peace of the people in Benue, Niger, Plateau, Kogi and Kwara states. States in the Northwest, the epicentre of banditry, have remained under the vice grip of bloodthirsty criminals euphemistically labelled “bandits” as if to perversely rationalise their dark criminal enterprise.” In the Northeast, the forum noted that religious extremists appear poised to resurface with their quixotic search for a putative utopia and further illustrating Nigeria’s downward spiral, are the unprovoked heinous attacks by ragtag non-state actors on military outposts as recently recorded in Borno and Plateau states. It explained that the existential cauldron of challenges is deep, wide, cascading and spiralling out of control and adding to the challenges are outcries, from the so-called opposition parties and individuals, against extra-judicial arrests and prolonged, unconstitutional detention and other strongarm tactics, by the political authorities and their agencies, against widely accepted universal principles and practices of democracy. According to Muhammad-Baba, “In short, the general situation of the people is of despair, hopelessness and despondency, such that the Ramadan fast as well as, coincidently, Lent, was observed attests to the peoples’ resilience and never-say-die spirits. “Still, the political authorities must not take this situation for granted. Should conditions continue to deteriorate, the political authorities risk the peoples’ wrath and protests.” He stated that ACF believed that the Nigerian condition is not insurmountable as much could be achieved through the entrenchment of the principles of good governance in public policy formulation and implementation, in place of the current surreal obsession with political campaigns for re-election against in 2027. ACF urged the people to remain patient and steadfast in prayers for a better Nigeria, saying that nothing in existential conditions lasts forever and called on politicians aspiring to run for political offices in the 2027 elections to imbibe edifying values and principles of prudence, restrain and introspection as these values relate to their responsibilities to the electorate. It then called for continuing unalloyed support for the security agents to decimate criminals and criminality in Nigeria.