“A university degree, or tertiary qualification of some other kind, can be the catalyst that changes the trajectory of an entire family. Evidence abounds of the transformations that can happen when ambition and diligence are amplified by access to quality education and training.”
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20m out-of-school children ticking time bomb – Obasanjo
Former president, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, has likened the almost 20 million out-of -school children in the country to a time bomb.
Obasanjo, who spoke at a National Tertiary Education Summit organised by the House of Representatives, as part of efforts towards addressing challenges in the educational sector, expressed dismay that the country was unable to key into the global education for all initiative, warning that if the children remain out of school, Nigeria would be building an army for insurgents in the near future.
The retired army general stated that the country must be mindful of its growing population, noting that there must be conscious efforts to address issues associated with the growing population.
“The issues to me are that we are cutting more than we can chew. Who is looking at our population ahead of time, five years from now and ten years from now? And what can we do about it? Apart from food which is very important, who are the people thinking about that and working forward on that.
“After food and after health, the next important aspect of our life is education. Now, if this is the position and these are rights that we must have, what do we do? We know that if we continue the way we are going, by the year 2030, 2040, 2050 what our population would be.
“We have to think about it and how we would sort it. And I believe that you asked where did we miss the road? We missed the road when the whole world was talking of education for all and we did not follow that. It was bad news. We today we have 20 million out-of-school children. Almost 10 percent of the population. We continue to miss and we are still missing. That is a very bad one. Can we do anything about it? I believe we can.
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“Those 20 million children that are out of school, we can get them back to school. If we do not get them back to school, we are preparing them for Boko Haram of tomorrow. It will happen as sure as daylight. What can we do? Where are these 20 million children? Where are they located?
“Can we have schools in the morning and afternoon to get them in at least for six years? In the period of six years where this is happening, we would prepare for the transition from primary school to secondary school. And if we are able to do that, we have started the process of lifting education, an instrument of nation building.”
Speaker of the House, Femi Gbajabiamila, said the summit with the theme: “Re-imagining tertiary education in Nigeria: Issues, challenges and solutions” was in line with the resolve of the ninth Assembly to reform public tertiary education.
He noted that for the country to attain its potentials, it must invest in human capital development.
“The nation’s greatest resource is not the oil that flows through our deltas nor the abundant minerals that lie underground in every corner of our country. Our most incredible resource has always been the Nigerian people. This immense collection of tongues and tribes bound together under one flag, striving through adversity and achieving despite every obstacle. As we are gathered here this morning, our cause is more than to seek solutions to the challenges of tertiary education in Nigeria. In fact, we are here today on a mission to save Nigeria.
“ We must provide the resources to modernise and improve our education infrastructure and provide the right training for young people from primary through tertiary education. This goes to the heart of our survival as a nation and as a people. I say that because I believe our country will not survive long if our children cease to believe their best dreams are possible here.
“Education is the silver bullet that eliminates poverty and lack; it presents hope and confidence and reduces violence and strife. Education offers us the promise that by the application of our minds and the works of our hands, we can make this world better and improve the life of man on this earth. Education is the gift that keeps on giving through generations.
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Saraki Denies Offa Robbery Link, Accuses AbdulRazaq of Witch-Hunt
Saraki Denies Offa Robbery Link, Accuses AbdulRazaq of Witch-Hunt
Former Senate President, Bukola Saraki, has strongly denied any involvement in the 2018 Offa armed robbery, accusing Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, of reviving “baseless allegations” to pursue a political witch-hunt.
In a statement issued on Friday, Saraki described attempts to initiate criminal proceedings against him as “insidious,” insisting he has no direct or indirect link to the crime or any form of criminal activity. He said he was compelled to respond due to growing public concern and what he described as deliberate efforts to mislead Nigerians.
Saraki further alleged that the Offa robbery case was politicised from the outset, claiming it was used during the administration of Muhammadu Buhari as a tool to weaken his political influence ahead of the 2019 general elections. According to him, the renewed claims are part of a broader attempt to tarnish his image following his recent comments on insecurity in Kwara State.
The former Senate President also cited legal advice from the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation, noting that the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) had twice found no evidence linking him to the Offa robbery. He explained that the reports concluded there was no nexus between him and the suspects and that no prima facie case could be established for offences including armed robbery, criminal conspiracy, and culpable homicide.
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He added that suspects arrested in connection with the robbery were prosecuted and convicted, with their convictions upheld on appeal, while the matter is currently pending before the Supreme Court. Saraki argued that revisiting the case despite these outcomes amounts to an abuse of judicial process.
Saraki also vowed to challenge any fresh move against him in court, stating that his legal team is prepared to defend his innocence. He further alleged that attempts were made to involve families of victims in civil actions against him, but claimed those efforts failed.
The Offa robbery incident, which occurred in April 2018 in Offa, involved coordinated attacks on banks and police facilities, resulting in the deaths of several people, including security personnel. The case drew nationwide attention and led to multiple arrests by the Nigeria Police Force.
The renewed controversy highlights ongoing political tensions in Kwara State between Saraki and Governor AbdulRazaq, with analysts suggesting the dispute may be linked to evolving political alignments and early positioning ahead of future elections.
As of the time of filing this report, the Kwara State Government has not issued a detailed response to Saraki’s latest claims.
Saraki Denies Offa Robbery Link, Accuses AbdulRazaq of Witch-Hunt
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Troops Arrest Bandit Kingpin’s Deputy, Wife in Gombe
Troops Arrest Bandit Kingpin’s Deputy, Wife in Gombe
Nigerian troops have arrested the deputy to a notorious bandit kingpin, Kachalla Auta, alongside his wife in Gombe State following an intelligence-driven operation that tracked the suspects across multiple locations in northern Nigeria.
Security sources confirmed that the suspects, identified as Bala—popularly known as “Pakapaka”—and his wife were intercepted after fleeing from the Dajin Madam Forest in Plateau State, where the criminal group was previously believed to have maintained a hideout.
The arrest followed sustained intelligence surveillance and coordinated ground tracking by security operatives targeting fleeing members of the armed network.
The suspects are currently in military custody and are undergoing interrogation to determine their level of involvement in the group’s activities, logistics operations, and possible links to other cells operating across state boundaries in the North-Central region.
According to counter-terrorism analyst Zagozola Makama, the operation was part of ongoing efforts to dismantle bandit networks that frequently relocate across forest corridors linking Plateau, Bauchi, Taraba, and Gombe states to evade security pressure.
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Follow-Up Operations in Duguri Axis
In a related development, troops reportedly conducted follow-up patrols around Bayar village in the Duguri axis after intelligence suggested that the main bandit kingpin, Kachalla Auta, may have fled into the area.
However, security sources confirmed that no contact was made during the search operation.
Despite the absence of direct engagement, troops have maintained heavy presence in the area, carrying out sustained patrols aimed at restricting the movement of armed groups and preventing regrouping.
Sustained Pressure on Bandit Networks
Security officials say ongoing operations are part of a wider strategy to disrupt criminal networks operating in forested areas across Plateau, Taraba, and neighbouring states.
The Nigerian military has intensified surveillance, reconnaissance missions, and joint patrols in recent months as part of efforts to degrade bandit command structures and cut off escape routes used by fleeing fighters.
Authorities say investigations into the arrested suspects are ongoing, while efforts continue to locate other members of the group still at large.
Troops Arrest Bandit Kingpin’s Deputy, Wife in Gombe
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Power Supply Drops in Lagos as Transmission Faults Trigger Load Shedding
Power Supply Drops in Lagos as Transmission Faults Trigger Load Shedding
Electricity supply across parts of Lagos has been significantly disrupted following a reduction in power allocation from the national grid, the Eko Electricity Distribution Company (EKEDC) has said.
In a public notice issued on Friday, the distribution company attributed the development to forced outages on two major transmission خطوط—Benin–Egbin and Oshogbo–Ikeja West 330kV lines—which have constrained the volume of electricity available for distribution.
According to EKEDC, the outages have resulted in a sharp drop in power supply, making it necessary to implement extensive load shedding across its network to manage the limited electricity.
“These constraints have led to a reduction in power allocation, resulting in widespread load shedding across our network,” the company stated.
The affected transmission lines are operated by the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), which is responsible for the bulk transfer of electricity from generation companies to distribution firms nationwide.
Industry analysts note that the Benin–Egbin and Oshogbo–Ikeja West lines are critical infrastructure for power supply into Lagos and surrounding areas. Any disruption along these routes often has immediate and far-reaching consequences for consumers.
Residents and businesses in EKEDC coverage areas have already begun experiencing prolonged outages and erratic supply, raising concerns about economic losses and disruptions to daily activities.
EKEDC, however, appealed for patience, assuring customers that efforts are ongoing to restore normal supply once the transmission faults are resolved.
The company did not provide a specific timeline for restoration but reiterated its commitment to keeping customers informed as the situation evolves.
Power Supply Drops in Lagos as Transmission Faults Trigger Load Shedding
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