A Professor of Industrial and Technology Education at the Federal University of Technology (FUT), Minna, Emmanuel Raymond, has warned that Nigeria’s obsession with paper certificates over practical skills is fueling the nation`s unemployment crisis and worsening insecurity. Delivering the university’s 131st Inaugural Lecture, titled “The Marriage Between TVET and Job Creation: Let No One Put Asunder,” at the Gidan-Kwano campus, Professor Raymond declared Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) as the country`s most potent weapon against poverty. He lamented that the current educational system has become overly theoretical, pumping out millions of graduates who possess high academic qualifications but lack the technical competencies required by modern industries. According to the university don, the national fixation on white-collar jobs has led to a dangerous neglect of blue-collar, wealth-creating vocational careers. "Today, Nigeria has over 10 million unemployed youths, while more than 700,000 university graduates remain jobless," Raymond revealed. "At the same time, about 80 per cent of the nation’s workforce operates in the informal sector without formal certification." He argued that theory alone cannot feed citizens or grow an economy, stressing that meaningful youth engagement through skills acquisition will naturally cause insecurity to decline. The professor criticized the current trend where higher institution graduates rely heavily on the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) scheme to learn basic vocational skills. He argued that universities and polytechnics should have fully equipped students with employable skills long before graduation. To fix the structural decay, the academic called on all tiers of government to establish a National Skills Development Fund, upgrade training facilities, implement curriculum reforms, and make vocational education compulsory in secondary schools. He also urged the private sector to expand apprenticeship slots and collaborate on curriculum design to match emerging technologies. Endorsing the presentation, the Vice-Chancellor of FUT Minna, Professor Faruk Adamu Kuta, described the lecture as a timely intervention for one of Nigeria`s most pressing socio-economic challenges. Professor Kuta reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to driving entrepreneurship, adding that the university will continue fostering academic frameworks that transform graduates into employers of labour rather than job seekers.

President Bola Tinubu has linked the rising wave of insecurity in Nigeria to the ongoing political and social instability in the Sahel region, specifically naming Burkina Faso, Niger, and Mali as major contributors to the country`s security challenges. Speaking at the Presidential Villa in Abuja during a courtesy visit by the Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, the President disclosed that many of the terrorists operating within Nigeria’s borders are non-Nigerians exploiting the porous regional boundaries. . Reflecting on the recent abduction of the Oriire schoolchildren and teachers, President Tinubu revealed that the kidnappers attempted to blackmail the Federal Government. Aside from demanding a ransom, the terrorists sought the release of their detained colleagues. "We said no deal, and we won’t negotiate with criminals," Tinubu declared, affirming his administration’s hardline stance against banditry. He added that because the criminals murdered a teacher during the standoff, the government was prepared to take the toughest possible measures against them and their collaborators. The President emphasized that the structural collapse and active conflicts in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger are "adding more fuel" to Nigeria`s internal security struggles. To counter this cross-border infiltration, Tinubu announced immediate plans to overhaul local security architectures. The Federal Government will focus heavily on enhancing the operational capacity of forest guards to secure vast, unpoliced terrains. Furthermore, the President re-emphasized his commitment to establishing state police forces across the federation to ensure a more localized and swift response to criminal elements.

The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, has barred lawyers and court officials from using the title “Barrister” as a prefix to their names during official engagements at the apex court. The directive, aimed at upholding professional standards, was conveyed in a memorandum dated July 13, 2026. Signed by the Chief Registrar of the Supreme Court, Kabir Akanbi, the circular explicitly states that the restriction takes immediate effect. THENEWSCREDIT reports that the memo, addressed to legal practitioners, litigation staff, and court registrars, describes the prefix as inappropriate and inconsistent with the professional standards of the nation`s highest court. “I am directed by the Honourable the Chief Justice of Nigeria to notify all Litigation Staff, Legal Practitioners, Court Registrars, and Lawyers that the use of the title ‘Barrister’ as a prefix to names is inappropriate and inconsistent with the standards of professionalism expected within the Supreme Court of Nigeria,” the document read. THENEWSCREDIT further gathered the apex court ordered all affected individuals to strip the title from official records, identity materials, and correspondence. To ensure total adherence, the CJN instructed all Heads of Departments and Unit Heads to strictly enforce compliance among their subordinates. This regulatory tightening follows a recent warning from the Council of Legal Education. The council previously cautioned prospective lawyers against wearing legal regalia or presenting themselves as fully qualified advocates before their formal Call to the Bar, noting that premature use of wigs and gowns undermines the profession`s dignity.

Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has officially inaugurated an eight-member Judicial Commission of Inquiry to investigate the horrific kidnapping of students and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area, declaring that the assault was an affront to the collective safety of the entire nation. Speaking on Friday during the panel’s inauguration at the Executive Council Chamber in Ibadan, Makinde fiercely condemned the incident. He noted that targeting vulnerable classrooms strikes at the heart of the right of every Nigerian child to learn in a safe environment. The high-powered panel is chaired by a retired Justice of the Court of Appeal, Professor Mojeed Owoade. It features prominent figures including the former General Officer Commanding 2 Division of the Nigerian Army, retired Major General Sanusi Nasir Muazu, and retired Assistant Inspector-General of Police, Ngozi Onadeko. Human rights advocate Mrs. Ayo Obe, along with Professor Jibril Ibrahim, Dr. Abimbola Orogade, and Mr. Folorunsho Osunrayi, will also serve on the panel, while Mrs. Olamide Sandra Tella will act as the secretary. The inauguration comes on the heels of intense political friction, as Governor Makinde used the platform to vehemently deny malicious rumors suggesting his administration orchestrated the security breach. Skepticism has shadowed the saga since Makinde noted that the mass abduction occurred hours after he announced his 2027 presidential ambitions. By setting up this independent judicial body, the governor stated he aims to completely dispel political conspiracies, unearth raw facts, and establish definitive accountability. The roots of the inquiry trace back to May 15, 2026, when heavily armed bandits riding motorcycles stormed three academic institutions within the Ahoro-Esiele and Yawota communities of Oriire. The invaders breached Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Community Grammar School, and L.A. Primary School, opening fire indiscriminately on defenseless pupils and educators. The broad-daylight raid resulted in the mass abduction of 46 victims, including a fragile two-year-old toddler and school principal Folawe Alamu. Tragedy heavily marred the 56-day captivity period, sending shockwaves of grief across the country. One school teacher, Mr. Joel Adesian, was brutally killed on-site during the initial raid, while Deacon John Ola tragically perished while being held in the forest. Public outrage reached a boiling point following the circulation of a horrifying video depicting the execution of Michael Oyedokun, a respected mathematics teacher, which triggered heavy protests and a temporary school strike by the Nigerian Union of Teachers. A coordinated, technology-driven rescue operation involving the military, Department of State Services, police, and local Amotekun Corps eventually secured the release of all surviving captives on July 10. The breakthrough required fierce gun battles inside the dense Old Oyo National Park, during which security forces neutralized several bandits and arrested eight key suspects. Regrettably, the mission also claimed the lives of multiple heroes, including Lieutenant F.A. Isaac and several local vigilantes. Despite the successful rescue, deep institutional doubts prompted Governor Makinde to initially demand an independent international probe by the United Nations. While the Nigerian Senate subsequently rejected that foreign intervention proposal, this domestic Judicial Commission represents the state`s definitive mechanism to evaluate the crisis. The panel is legally mandated to trace the operational timeline, expose institutional negligence or collusion, and dissect the precise systemic lapses that allowed such an audacious security breach. Moving forward, the commission is expected to deliver swift, actionable recommendations to fortify educational facilities statewide. Governor Makinde reaffirmed his absolute commitment to building an ironclad security network around all public and private schools in Oyo State. He charged the newly sworn-in panel to execute an uncompromising, evidence-based investigation to restore parental confidence and permanently shield Nigerian children from the horrors of banditry.

The Osun State Police Command has arrested the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Teslim Igbalaye, and five other suspects following a raid linked to alleged vote-buying and the concealment of a wanted criminal. The state police spokesperson, DSP Abiodun Ojelabi, confirmed the development on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, CP Ibrahim Gotan, noting that the operation yielded significant financial and electoral exhibits. The raid was executed after the command received credible and actionable intelligence regarding a criminal gang operating around the Oroki Estate area of Osogbo. Security operatives targeted a residential property linked to the SSG, where they were tracking a suspect identified as Abiodun Arowomole, popularly known as ‘Ashipa’. Arowomole remains on the police watch list for serious criminal offences, including murder. During the operation, police officers recovered a cash sum of N4,810,500, alongside one Dynabook laptop, one photocopy machine, and one printer. More critically, operatives seized two Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) and a comprehensive voter register covering Wards 1 to 15. All recovered items have been secured for forensic examination and further investigation. Alongside the 57-year-old SSG, five other individuals found within the premises were taken into lawful custody. The police identified the other suspects as Akande Taiwo, 60; Oladele Abiodun, 38; Adeyemo Lukman, 45; Olaoye Muftau, 50; and Aderemi Musliu, 40. The simultaneous recovery of millions in cash and a detailed voter register has raised serious concerns regarding possible electoral offences. Investigators have consequently broadened the scope of their enquiries to determine the source and intended use of the recovered funds. The command disclosed that it is currently examining potential offences under the Electoral Act 2022. This includes the alleged bribery of voters through the distribution of money or inducements intended to influence voting decisions. Additionally, investigators are reviewing allegations of criminal conspiracy and the illegal harboring or concealment of a wanted suspect. Police authorities emphasized that these are severe allegations with far-reaching implications for public security, the administration of justice, and the credibility of the democratic process. They noted that additional charges could still emerge as forensic examinations and evidence-gathering progress. Reassuring residents, CP Ibrahim Gotan asserted that the Nigeria Police Force will enforce the law without fear or favor, regardless of political affiliation. "No individual, irrespective of social status or public office, is above the law," Gotan stated, confirming that any person found culpable will face full prosecution under the law.

The Nigeria Police Force has barred the Western Nigeria Security Network, codenamed Amotekun, local vigilantes, and other unauthorized security outfits from participating in the upcoming 2026 Osun State governorship election. The decisive move aims to streamline security operations and ensure a seamless, violence-free electoral process across the state. The directive was officially announced by the Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG) in charge of Zone XI. The order was conveyed to journalists on Wednesday through a statement signed by the zonal Public Relations Officer, SP Ojedele Olanrewaju, underscoring the federal government`s stance on election security. According to the statement, the Nigeria Police Force will work exclusively with constitutionally recognized statutory security agencies to maintain law and order. The command emphasized that no parallel security structures would be permitted to operate near polling units or collation centers before, during, and after the governorship polls. The police high command explicitly stated that the provision of security remains the sole responsibility of conventional federal forces. This collaborative network will oversee crowd control, border surveillance, and the general protection of sensitive and non-sensitive electoral materials throughout the state. To prevent impersonation and maintain accountability, the AIG ordered that all personnel deployed for election duties must be properly documented. Every authorized officer must wear their approved official uniforms with visible identification tags at all times during the deployment. The statement strictly warned quasi-security bodies, neighborhood watch organizations, and political security guards to stay away from the electoral process. The police reiterated that these groups have no legal backing to perform security functions, manage crowds, or interfere with voters. The zonal command issued a stern warning to individuals or groups intending to violate the directive or intimidate voters and electoral officials. The police declared that anyone found carrying out unauthorized security duties would face immediate arrest and severe legal consequences. Finally, the police appealed to political parties, candidates, and residents of Osun State to remain law-abiding and report suspicious movements to authorized forces. The command reaffirmed its total commitment to safeguarding the democratic process and ensuring a secure environment for eligible voters to exercise their franchise without fear.

In a rare move that challenges the conventional lifestyle of Nigerian politicians, the former Chairman of Kumbotso Local Government Area in Kano State, Abdullahi Gali Shitu, has returned to his fashion design shop just months after being removed from office by a court. Shitu, widely known as Comrade Abdullahi Gali Basaf, lost his seat in March 2026 after a Kano State High Court nullified his election victory. Rather than chasing another political appointment, he went straight back to his workshop in Sheka Ward, where he currently supervises 20 apprentices. Holding both Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Political Science, Basaf insists that public office should be viewed as a temporary call to service rather than a full-time career or sole source of income. "Politics can change overnight. You can be in office today and out tomorrow. But tailoring remains," Basaf told reporters. "Value your trade more than politics, because it sustains you and enables you to support your political activities." He revealed that his sewing business actually financed his political campaigns, proving that vocational skills can empower citizens to participate in politics without relying on godfathers or public funds. Far from viewing his return to manual labor as a downgrade, the former council boss plans to scale up his enterprise into a modern garment manufacturing company aimed at employing at least 50 people. He urged Nigerian youths to look beyond dwindling white-collar jobs and political thuggery, advising them to embrace and modernize vocational trades. While Basaf has ruled out quitting politics entirely, he maintains that his tailoring business will always take precedence over public office.

In a major push to revolutionize Nigeria`s healthcare sector and achieve pharmaceutical self-sufficiency, the Federal Government has officially unveiled seven breakthrough herbal medicines. Developed by the Nigeria Natural Medicine Development Agency (NNMDA), these indigenous remedies are scientifically formulated to treat and manage chronic, life-threatening conditions, including prostate cancer, colorectal cancer, hepatitis B, peptic ulcer disease, and hypertension. The high-profile unveiling took place during an official working visit by the Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Dr. Kingsley Udeh, to the NNMDA headquarters in Lagos. Addressing journalists and pharmaceutical stakeholders, the minister emphasized that Nigeria is heavily endowed with thousands of potent medicinal plants. He noted that if properly harnessed, this rich biodiversity could provide definitive and affordable solutions to the diverse health challenges plaguing millions of Nigerians. Historically, traditional African medicine has faced widespread skepticism due to concerns over safety, hygiene, and imprecise measurements. However, the Director-General of NNMDA, Prof. Martins Emeje, declared that the era of guesswork is over, as the agency has successfully institutionalized rigorous standardisation. The seven newly launched remedies have been processed using advanced pharmaceutical technology into familiar, precise clinical dosage forms, including capsules, tablets, and syrups. Among the newly launched products is Namdavir, a natural drug showing high activity against the Hepatitis B virus, and Turmegol, a formulation backed by scientific evidence capable of stopping cancer progression or eliminating early-stage cancer cells. The agency also introduced Namdacid for peptic ulcer management, Namdorol for lowering high cholesterol, Namgor as a natural aphrodisiac, and a clinically optimized Zobo Tea specifically engineered for blood pressure control and hypertension management. Beyond the immediate medical benefits, the Federal Government is eyeing massive economic windfalls from the commercialisation of these indigenous research outputs. Minister Udeh revealed that meeting with captains of the pharmaceutical industry confirmed that Nigeria has the latent capacity to produce and export natural medicines worth billions of dollars. This domestic production model is expected to save the country billions of naira currently spent on foreign drug importation. The economic impact is also expected to trigger massive relief for the country`s labor market. According to Prof. Emeje, who is a Fellow of the Nigerian Academy of Pharmacy, just one of the seven products launched has the capacity to generate 3.5 million jobs across its agricultural and production value chain. The agency intends to aggressively scale up cultivation, processing, and distribution networks to engage local farmers and youth nationwide. To sustain this momentum and validate future discoveries, the minister pledged immediate action to establish a world-class Clinical Observational Research Centre in Victoria Island, Lagos. Recognizing the bureaucratic delays of public financing, Udeh announced that the government would bypass the 2027 budget cycle entirely. Instead, the ministry is actively sourcing innovative, alternative funding streams to build the research facility immediately to fast-track clinical trials. The breakthrough has also caught international attention, positioning Nigeria as an emerging leader in global complementary medicine. The Consul General of India in Lagos, Shri Kannan, who attended the event, proposed a deep bilateral partnership between Nigeria and India. Kannan noted that both ancient civilizations possess rich biodiversity and centuries-old healing traditions that can collaborate on quality assurance, biodiversity conservation, and academic exchanges. This landmark initiative marks a decisive turning point in Nigeria`s medical narrative, shifting the country from a consumer of foreign pharmaceuticals to a potential global exporter of natural drugs. With strong federal backing and strategic corporate alliances, the NNMDA is set to prove that local solutions are fully capable of tackling global health crises while driving national economic prosperity.

The Timi of Ede, Oba Munirudeen Adesola Lawal, has broken his silence over his absence during a recent campaign visit to his palace by the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate, Bola Oyebamiji. In a sharp reaction that has intensified political tensions ahead of the August 15 governorship election, the monarch declared that he had no blessings for the opposition party, stating he would have instead invoked a royal curse on its members. The monarch’s absence during the APC delegation`s visit last Tuesday triggered a fierce social media debate. APC supporters accused the traditional ruler of deliberately boycotting the opposition because the incumbent Governor, Ademola Adeleke—who is seeking re-election under the Accord party platform—is an indigene of Ede. However, speaking on Tuesday during an Accord campaign rally in Ede, Oba Lawal dismissed claims that he fled the palace. The first-class monarch revealed he was actually waiting to confront the APC team over a controversial campaign slogan used by its supporters. According to a video circulated by Arise TV, the monarch, speaking in Yoruba, directly linked his anger to the slogan "E Pana Ede, E Tan Ti Ikire" (meaning "Turn off Ede’s light, turn on Ikire’s light"). The phrase targets Governor Adeleke’s hometown of Ede in favor of Oyebamiji’s native home, Ikire. "There is a rumour that I left the palace on the day the APC people came to visit me," Oba Lawal said. "I was actually waiting for the day they would come so I could ask them why they said `Off Ede Light.` What do they expect from me? It would have been a curse." Before the monarch`s public outburst, attempts had been made to downplay the incident. Alhaji Gbedebo Ajao, a member of the Osun State APC Elders Caucus, had previously stated that the traditional ruler’s absence was strictly non-political. Ajao explained that Oba Lawal and other members of the Ede/Egbedore Traditional Council had traveled to Ile-Ife to commiserate with the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, over the demise of his elder brother. Ajao noted that the APC had fact-checked the trip and was even looking to secure a new date for the palace visit. Despite the official excuse, APC loyalists have continued to criticize the monarch for failing to maintain a neutral, fatherly role. Social media commentator Awwal Tunde Alawo pointed out that this was the second time opposition groups faced a cold reception in Ede, alleging that the palace gates were similarly shut against the African Democratic Congress (ADC) candidate, Rt. Hon. Najeem Salaam, two weeks ago. Critics argue that while Governor Adeleke enjoys warm receptions from traditional rulers across Osun State, Oba Lawal has failed to extend the same courtesy to rival candidates. With the governorship election less than three weeks away, the royal standoff has further polarized voters in what is shaping up to be a highly combustible electoral contest.

Governor Seyi Makinde has issued a heartfelt message of gratitude to the citizens of Oyo State, praising their resilience and unwavering support for his administration. The Governor reassured the public that his team remains completely focused on delivering impactful governance that directly improves the lives of everyday residents. "To the good people of Oyo State, thank you for your patience and support," Governor Makinde stated. "As I have always said, we are here to serve you and we will always act in your best interests." The administration is currently accelerating several key developmental projects across the state`s geopolitical zones. These initiatives span critical sectors, including infrastructural expansion, healthcare upgrades, and agricultural incentives designed to boost local food production. Government house sources indicate that new social welfare packages are being finalized to cushion current economic pressures. The upcoming programs will focus on small business grants and enhanced support for vulnerable groups across the 33 local government areas. State officials emphasize that public feedback remains central to shaping government policies. Citizens are encouraged to maintain an open, constructive dialogue with leadership to ensure community needs are met accurately and efficiently.