Education
Niger LG shuts schools as bandits threaten attacks
All schools in the Wushishi Local Government Area of Niger State have been ordered to shut down operations with immediate effect.
Chairman of the local government, Danjuma Suleiman Nalango, ordered the closure of public and private primary, secondary and tertiary schools in the area over a planned bandit attack on schools to abduct school children in Zungeru and neighbouring communities.
The council chairman said there was an intelligence report by the security agencies that armed bandits were planning to strike in the day at Niger State Polytechnic and Government Girls Day Secondary School, both located on the outskirt of Zungeru town.
He said the measure was to avoid a repeat of what happened in Tegina where Islamiyyah pupils were abducted.
“The decision to close the schools was as a result of banditry activities in the local government.
“The security agencies brought to my notice and even that of the governor that they have intercepted communication on a plan to abduct school children in my local government.
“And the communication they intercepted particularly pointed to Zungeru as the area of the planned attack.
“Although yesterday (Saturday), I was told that the kingpin had been arrested, the communication was highly classified. But they intercepted that communication and even the time that they were going to strike.
“So, it was duty-bound for us as representative of the people, we sat down myself in my capacity as the council chairman, the security agencies and we resolved that proactive measure should be taken before any damage is done.
“We wouldn’t want what happened in Tegina to repeat itself. So, we closed down even private schools,” the council chairman said.
He, however, stated, “We know the inconveniences considering the importance of education, especially now that schools were about to write their promotion examinations. But having analysed that particular threat, we believed it was better for us to close the schools temporarily to allow security operatives to continue to conduct their operations because we don’t know when they will strike because they even said they will strike in the afternoon, about 300 of them will strike precisely at 4pm.
“For bandits to tell you that they will strike in broad daylight, that tells you the magnitude and the number at which they will enter Zungeru and overwhelm everybody. So, we are trying to avoid what happened in Tegina.”
Nalango said Zungeru in particular had been threatened by bandits in recent times.
One of the incidents was the abduction of the Permanent Secretary, Niger State Ministry of Transport.
While pointing out that “no school is safe in Zungeru, they can enter anywhere,” he said, adding they would be reopened if the security situation in the area improves, and appeal to parents and school proprietors for understanding.
Education
Germany Opens Fully Funded Scholarships for Nigerians, Africans
Germany Opens Fully Funded Scholarships for Nigerians, Africans
The government of Germany has announced the commencement of applications for the DAAD scholarship 2026 for Nigerians and Sub-Saharan Africans, offering fully funded opportunities for postgraduate study and research.
The programme, administered by the German Academic Exchange Service, is open to qualified graduates and postgraduates seeking to further their education in Germany’s top universities.
In an official announcement, authorities confirmed that the application deadline is April 29, 2026, urging interested candidates to submit their entries early due to the competitive nature of the scheme.
Opportunities for Nigerians and Africans
The Germany DAAD scholarship covers a wide range of disciplines, including engineering, public health, environmental sciences, economics, governance, and social sciences.
Germany remains a top destination for international students due to its tuition-free or low-cost education system, strong research infrastructure, and globally recognised academic standards.
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Scholarship Benefits
Successful applicants will receive a comprehensive funding package, including:
- Monthly stipends (approximately €900–€1,200 depending on level)
- Travel allowance
- Health insurance
- Accommodation support
- Pre-study German language training (where applicable)
The funding typically lasts 12–24 months for Master’s programmes and up to three years or more for PhD studies.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the DAAD scholarship for Nigerians, applicants must:
- Possess a relevant Bachelor’s or Master’s degree
- Demonstrate strong academic performance
- Provide proof of English or German language proficiency (IELTS, TOEFL, or equivalent)
- Have relevant professional experience (for many courses)
Candidates must also submit a compelling motivation letter explaining how their studies will contribute to development in their home countries.
Application Process and Deadline
Prospective applicants are advised to carefully review the official DAAD guidelines and ensure that all required documents—including academic transcripts, CV, and recommendation letters—are submitted correctly.
Authorities stressed that late applications will not be accepted, urging candidates to apply well ahead of the April 29, 2026 deadline.
Rising Demand for German Scholarships
The DAAD scholarship 2026 is highly competitive, attracting thousands of applicants across Sub-Saharan Africa each year.
The initiative forms part of Germany’s broader commitment to strengthening global academic partnerships, supporting education, and developing future leaders across Africa.
With applications now open, qualified Nigerians are encouraged to take advantage of the opportunity to study in Germany and enhance their academic and professional careers.
Germany Opens Fully Funded Scholarships for Nigerians, Africans
Education
JAMB Urges Candidates, Parents to Protest Admission Bias as CAPS Ensures Transparency
JAMB Urges Candidates, Parents to Protest Admission Bias as CAPS Ensures Transparency
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has urged candidates and parents to speak up against admission bias if they are confident in their UTME scores but are denied admission into their preferred institutions.
JAMB Registrar, Ishaq Oloyede, made this known during an interview on Good Morning Nigeria, a programme aired by the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA).
He stressed that the current admission system, powered by the Central Admission Processing System (CAPS), is designed to ensure transparency, fairness, and accountability across Nigeria’s tertiary institutions.
According to Oloyede, many parents still resort to illegal means because they believe admission cannot be secured without influence. He described this mindset as having “climbed the ladder to illegality,” warning that such actions are no longer necessary under the present system.
He explained that candidates who meet the required cut-off marks and admission criteria but are unfairly denied admission should formally protest through JAMB, as CAPS allows full visibility into the admission process.
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The registrar highlighted that CAPS enables candidates to track their admission status in real time, accept or reject offers, and ensures institutions follow approved guidelines. He added that the platform prevents schools from secretly manipulating admission lists or replacing qualified candidates.
Oloyede further revealed that since the introduction of CAPS in 2017, cases of admission irregularities have significantly declined, with no major systemic failure recorded.
Addressing concerns about Direct Entry admissions, he noted that JAMB has strengthened its verification process to curb fraud. This includes stricter checks on qualifications such as JUPEB and IJMB certificates, making it increasingly difficult to forge results.
He disclosed that the board now verifies academic credentials directly with awarding institutions, including foreign universities. According to him, recent checks uncovered several fake degrees, with some foreign institutions confirming that such certificates were not issued by them.
The registrar added that JAMB has intensified collaboration with universities and other regulatory bodies to ensure proper screening of A-level results and early detection of fraudulent applications.
He emphasized that with improved digital tracking and verification systems, any attempt to bypass the admission process will be detected, urging candidates to rely on merit rather than shortcuts.
Ultimately, JAMB reiterated that qualified candidates must defend their rights through official channels, as the system now supports fairness and equal opportunity for all.
JAMB Urges Candidates, Parents to Protest Admission Bias as CAPS Ensures Transparency
Education
Jigawa Arrests Seven Teachers for Cheating During Competency Test
Jigawa Arrests Seven Teachers for Cheating During Competency Test
The Jigawa State Government has arrested seven teachers for allegedly engaging in examination malpractice during a large-scale teacher competency assessment involving over 8,400 educators. The arrests are part of the state’s ongoing efforts to improve accountability, professionalism, and learning outcomes in public schools.
The assessment, conducted by the Jigawa State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), is described as a Teacher Training Needs Assessment, aimed at identifying gaps in teachers’ knowledge and skills to inform targeted training programs.
Chairman of SUBEB, Haruna Musa, confirmed that the affected teachers have been handed over to the police for investigation, emphasizing that the exercise is more than a routine test. “This assessment is not just about testing knowledge; it is about restoring integrity and professionalism in our schools,” he said.
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Musa noted that examination malpractice, whether by teachers or students, undermines the credibility of the education sector and would not be tolerated. He also warned against absenteeism and involvement in partisan politics during school hours.
According to officials, the arrests are intended to serve as a deterrent to others and reinforce the government’s commitment to enforcing discipline and ethical conduct in schools. The arrested teachers are currently in police custody, and investigations are ongoing to determine whether additional personnel were involved.
Education experts have described the crackdown as a critical step toward safeguarding learning standards, emphasizing that teacher integrity directly impacts student achievement and the overall quality of education.
The Jigawa competency test reflects the state government’s determination to ensure that only qualified and competent personnel remain in the public education system, highlighting broader efforts to improve educational outcomes and accountability across Nigeria.
Jigawa Arrests Seven Teachers for Cheating During Competency Test
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