The House of Representatives has urged the Federal Government to halt the plan by the West African Examinations Council, WAEC, to implement Computer-Based Testing, CBT, for the 2026 West African Senior School Certificate Examination, WASSCE, warning that the initiative could trigger widespread academic failure, psychological distress, and even fatalities among students. The decision followed the adoption of a motion of urgent public importance presented by Hon. Kelechi Nworgu on Thursday, who called for immediate intervention to prevent what he described as an impending crisis in education. Speaking on the motion, Nworgu acknowledged that while CBT has been successfully utilised by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, JAMB, the current state of most secondary schools in Nigeria renders such a shift premature for WAEC exams in 2026. He stressed that the Federal Ministry of Education’s plan to conduct the 2026 WASSCE via CBT, despite objections from the Nigeria Union of Teachers, NUT, and school principals, would place millions of students at a significant disadvantage, particularly those in rural communities who lack computers, stable electricity, and internet connectivity. “Most of the over 25,500 schools across the country, especially in rural areas, do not have functional computers or qualified computer teachers. “Many students have never used a computer before, yet they are being compelled to take up to nine subjects, including theory and practical exams, through CBT,” he said. Nworgu warned that the initiative is being rushed without sufficient groundwork and cautioned that its fallout could be severe, potentially resulting in mass failure, frustration, drug abuse, and other social ills among young people. He recommended that WAEC and the Ministry of Education postpone the CBT rollout for at least three years, suggesting a more feasible implementation period around the 2029–2030 academic session, after necessary infrastructure and training have been established. In response, the House directed WAEC and the Ministry of Education to immediately suspend the planned CBT initiative. It urged the government to allocate funds from the 2026 budget for hiring computer teachers, constructing computer labs with internet access, and installing standby generators in schools nationwide. The House also tasked its Committees on Basic Examination Bodies, Digital and Information Technology, Basic Education and Services, and Labour, Employment and Productivity to engage stakeholders in the education and technology sectors and submit a report within four weeks to guide further legislative measures.

The House of Representatives has urged the Federal Government to halt the plan by the West African Examinations Council, WAEC, to implement Computer-Based Testing, CBT, for the 2026 West African Senior School Certificate Examination, WASSCE, warning that the initiative could trigger widespread academic failure, psychological distress, and even fatalities among students. The decision followed the adoption of a motion of urgent public importance presented by Hon. Kelechi Nworgu on Thursday, who called for immediate intervention to prevent what he described as an impending crisis in education. Speaking on the motion, Nworgu acknowledged that while CBT has been successfully utilised by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, JAMB, the current state of most secondary schools in Nigeria renders such a shift premature for WAEC exams in 2026.

The Nigerian Government has suspended the implementation of a 15 per cent import duty on premium motor spirit and automotive gas oil. The spokesperson of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority, NMDPRA, George Ene-Ita, disclosed this in a statement on Thursday. The country’s downstream oil sector regulator urged Nigerians to avoid panic buying of petrol and diesel, assuring the public of adequate supply nationwide. “It should also be noted that the implementation of the 15 percent ad valorem import duty on imported premium motor spirit and diesel is no longer in view,” NMDPRA stated. The statement added, “The Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority assures the general public that there is an adequate supply of petroleum products in the country, within the acceptable national sufficiency threshold during this peak demand period. “There is a robust domestic supply of petroleum products (AGO, PMS, LPG, etc.) sourced from both local refineries and importation to ensure timely replenishment of stocks at storage depots and retail stations during this period. “The Authority wishes to use this opportunity to advise against any hoarding, panic buying or non-market reflective escalation of prices of petroleum products. “The Authority will continue to closely monitor the supply situation and take appropriate regulatory measures to prevent disruption of supply and distribution of petroleum products across the country, especially during this peak demand period. “While appreciating the continued efforts of all stakeholders in the midstream and downstream value chain in ensuring a smooth and uninterrupted supply and distribution, the public is hereby assured of NMDPRA’s commitment to guarantee energy security.” Recall that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, late last month, approved the implementation of a 15 per cent import duty on petrol and diesel to encourage Dangote Refinery. However, the decision has drawn mixed reactions from economists, stakeholders, and Nigerians. While some believe it is a good move to encourage Dangote Refinery, others argue that it would further worsen hardship for Nigerians as petrol and diesel prices would rise.

The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has reiterated President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to press freedom, describing it as critical to his vision of a prosperous Nigeria. Idris made this statement at the All Nigeria Editors’ Conference, adding that no media organisation has been gagged or shut down under Tinubu’s administration. “Central to this vision of prosperous Nigeria is an environment where free speech and a dynamic media can thrive. “I stand before you today to affirm that under President Tinubu’s leadership, we have nurtured an unprecedentedly egalitarian media ecosystem,” he said. According to the minister, the President’s commitment to press freedom is being recognised globally, resulting in the country being granted the hosting rights for the International Media and Information Literacy Institute. He further stated that the prestigious event would connect Nigeria to media-literate dynamics from across the world, with his ministry poised to leverage this platform to showcase the nation’s progress.

Activist lawyer Deji Adeyanju and social media commentator, Joe Igbokwe have clashed following the heated exchange between the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT Nyesom Wike and a Naval officer. The social media was awash on Tuesday following a viral video clip that captured Wike confronting a soldier for denying him access to a disputed land. The incident divided Nigerians as some backed the military officer while others rooted for the FCT Minister, condemning the action of the solder. Joe Igbokwe in a post on his official Facebook page called for the dismissal of the officer, questioning those behind his authority. But Deji in a counter post on Facebook, urged Igbokwe to stop hustling for an appointment. He wrote, “Dear Joe Igbokwe, appointment is finished already. Stop the hustling except you want to replace this cameraman. Doing media aide in old age is actually crazy. Old data boys”. However, Igbokwe stormed the comment section to warn Deji, stating that they are not mates and he is not looking for any appointment. He wrote, “Deji you do not know me and I do not know you. The only thing I know about you is that you are an emergency activist. I have been a well-made man for over 30 years. “I started activism in the University of Nigeria Nsukka in the 80s. It is more than 40 years, Deji. Young man I am not looking for anything anymore from anybody. I am not your mate. “Please go and verify. Ignorance is a terrible disease. Check my background, ask questions, seek information, go and read my 5 books and you will know me. A good product sells itself”.

Tension is mounting between Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa and members of the State House of Assembly following the submission of a N531 billion supplementary budget for legislative approval. The lawmakers have reportedly rejected the governor’s proposal, questioning the rationale for such a large additional request barely two months before the end of the fiscal year. According to Assembly sources, the budget request—read on the floor of the House by the Clerk, Barrister Benjamin Jayeola, on November 4, 2025—seeks approval to fund ongoing capital projects and cover recurrent expenditures, including salaries, pensions, and newly initiated infrastructural works across the state. A copy of the document shows that the governor is requesting a total of N531,767,261,000 (five hundred and thirty-one billion, seven hundred and sixty-seven million, two hundred and sixty-one thousand naira). Of this sum, N254,448,081,000 is earmarked for recurrent expenditure, while N277,319,130,000 is allocated for capital projects for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2025. The move has sparked discontent among members of the Assembly, who accused the executive of poor budget performance and alleged fiscal indiscipline in implementing the 2025 Appropriation Law. Governor Aiyedatiwa had earlier signed the 2025 Appropriation Bill, tagged the “Budget of Recovery”, totalling N698.659 billion, with N433.622 billion (62.06%) allocated for capital expenditure and N265.037 billion (37.94%) for recurrent expenditure. The initial proposal of N655.230 billion was subsequently increased by over N43 billion before passage into law. At the time, the governor said the budget reflected the collective aspirations of Ondo residents and aimed to rebuild the state’s economy and address socio-economic challenges. However, several lawmakers, during a parliamentary session on November 4, 2025, reportedly expressed frustration over what they described as the administration’s “reckless spending pattern”, warning that approving another massive budget could further strain the state’s finances. A lawmaker, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said most projects in the 2025 budget have recorded less than 35 per cent completion, questioning the logic of presenting a fresh N531 billion proposal amid such poor fiscal execution. He disclosed that lawmakers had to “walk out” of the House, led by Speaker Olamide Oladiji, after repeated arguments among members over the governor’s intentions. “We did not even finish the sitting at the House on November 4. Many lawmakers had to walk out of the sitting. It became a rowdy session because many of us questioned what the executive had done with the funds already approved. “We had to walk out. The Speaker, Rt Hon. Olamide Oladiji, who has turned himself into a rubber stamp in the hands of the executive, is aligning with the governor because of his political ambition to contest for the House of Representatives, but we are saying enough is enough,” he added. Accusing the government of a lack of transparency, another aggrieved lawmaker opposed the governor’s request for additional funds through the supplementary budget. He explained that many lawmakers have been threatened or blackmailed for refusing to support a few colleagues planning to carry out the governor’s bidding. “The governor is threatening us. You know we don’t have autonomy yet. He controls our salaries through the executive. He and his aides have threatened us that we won’t receive a second return if we don’t pass the supplementary budget into law. They have even used our constituents to blackmail some of us. “This government has not been transparent in its financial dealings. The budget performance is abysmal, yet they want another N531 billion. It’s simply unacceptable. You can imagine nothing is happening in the state, and you’re requesting more funds,” the lawmaker stated. Amid the deepening rift, sources revealed that lawmakers are divided over the governor’s attempt to push the supplementary budget through the Assembly. The proposal has been referred to the House Committee on Finance and Appropriation, chaired by Hon. Oluwole Ogunmolasuyi, a former majority leader. “Now, 11 members have manoeuvred to commit the budget to the Committee on Finance and Appropriation. They plan to reconvene by 9 am on Wednesday for a kangaroo sitting to pass the budget,” another source said. “The problem is they cannot muster the two-thirds majority required, and many lawmakers have vowed to boycott the session. The people of Ondo State should be aware of this carnage that is about to happen in the Assembly.” As of press time, the state government had not responded to enquiries regarding the lawmakers’ resistance or the justification for the supplementary budget proposal. Efforts to obtain the reaction of Assembly Speaker Oladiji were repeatedly unsuccessful.

A Coalition Of Nigerian Military Veterans Has Condemned The Minister Of The Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, Over A Recent Confrontation With A Naval Officer During An Enforcement Visit To A Disputed Land In Abuja. A Video Obtained By Our Correspondent Earlier Showed Wike In A Heated Exchange With Some Naval Personnel At A Site In The Gaduwa Area Of The FCT. The Minister Had Visited The Location As Part Of An Enforcement Operation And Questioned The Presence Of Military Personnel Allegedly Guarding The Land. In The Footage, Wike Accused The Officers Of Supporting An Illegal Development, While One Of The Naval Personnel Insisted They Were Acting On Orders And That The Land Belonged To A Former Chief Of Naval The Altercation Escalated, With Wike Reportedly Using Harsh Language Against The Officer. The Incident Drew Mixed Reactions Online. While Some Commentators Criticised The Officer For Challenging A Serving Cabinet Minister, Others Defended The Officer’s Conduct. In A Statement By Its Spokesperson, Abiodun Durowaiye-Herberts, The Coalition Of Military Veterans Criticised Wike For Verbally Insulting The Officer During The Encounter. The Group Said A Public Office Holder Should Not Use Abusive Language Against Security Personnel Carrying Out Official Duties. “How Can A Public Office Holder Call An Officer ‘a Fool’ On Camera? If He Was Responsible, He Should Have Engaged The Chief Of Naval Staff Privately Rather Than Attempting To Disgrace A Retired Senior Officer,” Durowaiye-Herberts Said. He Added That A Uniformed Officer Represents The Authority Of The Nigerian State And That Disrespecting Such An Officer Undermines Public Institutions. The Veterans Also Faulted Calls For Disciplinary Action Against The Officer, Saying Any Such Move Would Be Resisted. “If For Any Reason The Officer Is Punished, Military Veterans Will Occupy The Office And Residence Of The FCT Minister,” He Warned. He Noted That Military Officers Swear Loyalty To The Country And Not To Individual Public Officials And Insisted That Wike Should Apologise To The Officer. “Wike’s Action Demeans The Dignity Of The Office Of A Minister. He Should Apologise For Using Abusive Language. It Is Not Acceptable Behaviour,” Durowaiye-Herberts Added.

Fresh Controversy Over The Stalled Confirmation Of President Bola Tinubu’s Nominee For Chairman Of The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission, Abdullahi Ramat, Escalated On Tuesday As Scores Of Protesters Stormed The National Assembly, Urging The Senate To Conclude The Process Without Further Delay. The Demonstrators, Comprising Ramat’s Supporters, Civil Society Groups, And Rights Activists, Marched Around The Parliamentary Complex, Chanting Solidarity Songs And Waving Placards Such As “President Tinubu Did Not Send Nominees To Be Harassed” And “Ramat Represents Reform In Power Sector.” Their Protest Followed Last Month’s Decision By The Senate To Step Down Ramat’s Confirmation Despite His Successful Screening By The Senate Committee On Power, Chaired By Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe. Leader Of The Protesters And Spokesperson Of The Grassroots Initiative Concept, Ahmed Suleiman, Told Journalists That They Had Formally Petitioned Both Tinubu And Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Insisting That “certain Vested Interests” Were Working To Derail A Credible “We Write As Proud Indigenes Of Kano State, Just Like The Deputy Senate President, Distinguished Senator Barau Jibril, To Express Our Firm Commitment To The Peace, Progress, And Good Governance Of Our Great Nation. “It Is In This Regard That We Respectfully Bring To Your Attention A Matter Of Significant Concern: The Yet-to-be-concluded Confirmation Of Our Son, Engr. Abdullahi Ramat, As NERC Executive Chairman And Chief Executive Officer,” Suleiman Said. He Argued That Ramat “possesses The Requisite Academic And Professional Qualifications, As Well As Valuable Experience,” Adding That It Was “surprising And Deeply Unsettling” That His Name Was Stepped Down On The Senate Order Paper On October 22 Despite Being Recommended By The Screening Panel. “We Have Since Been Informed That Certain Vested Interests Have Mounted Pressure To Block His Confirmation By Advancing False Narratives And Politically-motivated Petitions,” He Alleged, Warning That “a Dangerous Precedent Is Being Set; One Where Nigeria’s Most Capable Hands Are Subjected To The Vindictive Whims Of Politics.” The Protesters Appealed To The Senate Leadership “not To Yield To The Machinations Of Those Who Do Not Wish Nigeria Well,” Urging That Ramat Be Confirmed “in The National Interest, The Unity Of Nigeria, And The Success Of The Tinubu Administration.” The Renewed Agitation Comes Four Days After The Senate Threatened Legal Action Against Former Presidential Aide Alwan Hassan For Alleging That Lawmakers Collected A $10 Million Bribe To Block Ramat’s Confirmation. Senate Spokesperson, Yemi Adaramodu, Dismissed The Bribery Claims As “baseless,” Saying The Nominee’s Confirmation Was Stepped Down Due To “public And Private Complaints” Over His Suitability. “The Attention Of The Senate Has Been Drawn To The Uncoordinated Cacophony Of One Innocuous Alwan Hassan, Who Is A Hand-tool To One Mr Abdullah Garba Ramat. “Many Nominees Have Been Stepped Down Due To Such Public Outcry. The Case Of Mr Ramat Is Not An Exception,” Adaramodu Said. The Senate Has Vowed To Compel Hassan To Provide Evidence In Court, Maintaining That It Would Not Be Pressured Into Confirming Any Nominee “under A Cloud Of Public Concern.” Ramat’s Nomination Remains Suspended Pending Further Legislative And Public Review, Amid Heightened National Frustration Over Electricity Tariffs And Poor Power Supply Across The Country.

Former Kaduna Senator, Shehu Sani, Has Advised Nigerians And Other Africans Living In The United States To Start Returning To Their Home Countries Following The Mass Visa Cancellations By President Donald Trump’s Administration. In A Post On X (formerly Twitter) On Monday, Sani Said No Matter How Comfortable Life Abroad May Seem, It Can Never Replace One’s Homeland. “Nigerians And Other Thousands Of Africans Whose Visas Were Recently Revoked By President Trump Should Hasten And Leave The Country And Return Home Before They Get Arrested By ICE,” He Wrote. “No Matter How Long You Live In The Comfort Of Your Adopted Home, You Will Someday Be Reminded That It’s Not Your Father’s House.” His Remarks Follow Reports That The Trump Administration Has Revoked More Than 80,000 Visas Since January 2025 — More Than Double The Total From The Previous Year. A US State Department Report Released Last Week Said The Affected Visas Include About 16,000 Linked To Drunk Driving Offences, 12,000 For Assault, And 8,000 Student Visas. Other Reasons Cited Include Connections To Terrorism, Criminal Activity, Visa Overstays, And Public Safety Concerns. While The Report Did Not Specify The Nationalities Of Those Affected, An Earlier Statement In August Confirmed That Over 6,000 Student Visas Were Revoked For Overstays And Legal Violations, With A Few Cases Tied To Alleged “support For Terrorism.”