Highly placed individual behind plot to scuttle take off of University of Ilesa - Investigation - Newstrends
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Highly placed individual behind plot to scuttle take off of University of Ilesa – Investigation

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3 years ago

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The move to scuttle the take-off of academic and administrative activities of the newly approved University of Ilesa, Osun State has been uncovered, following investigation which revealed the alleged involvement of some suspected highly placed individual behind the plot.

The Osun State Government chose to transform Osun State College of Education, (OSCOED), Ilesa into University of Ilesa, as part of its serious effort to provide a secure future for Education in Osun State.

The physical manpower development of the university showed that the majority of the University’s launch programs will originate from Osun State College of Education, (OSCOED), a reputable institution with schools offering National Certificate of Education (NCE) certificate programs in a variety of fields, which is predicted that the University will launch with nearly adequate facilities.

In additional investigation conducted by the correspondent, the facilities include laboratory workshops, classrooms, lecture theaters, a central administrative block, sporting facilities, among others as the college, is a full-fledge tertiary school with such infrastructure.

The findings also showed that area surrounding the campus has adequate power supply and other basic infrastructure, while the roads and other facilities are found to be excellent.

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The investigation confirmed that both the Obafemi Awolowo University in Ile-Ife and the Osun State University within the same state with the proposed University of Ilesa are already well-established postsecondary institutions that will be of great assistance to the University.

The findings by our correspondent noted that the College of Education, Ilesa throughout its history has earned acclaim as a world-class college that stands shoulder to shoulder with the most prestigious colleges of Education across the globe.

The physical manpower development of the university as contained in a committee report showed that the country’s educational strategy has shifted to prioritize higher education, leading to skyrocketing demand for higher education and a diminishing reputation, hence, the importance  to transform the College of Education into a University to better serve the needs of the state and the country as a whole as they grow and develop.

The planned University is envisioned as a way to broaden participation in higher education by opening doors to students both now and in the future who are interested in enrolling in a university in Nigeria or studying abroad, which will be a traditional institution focused on the advancement of scientific knowledge and technological innovation with the goal of producing highly skilled graduates with solid business acumen who are in a prime position to propel human progress in every sphere of endeavour.

The committee submitted that the University will also support innovative research that is tailored to meet the requirements of Osun State and the country as a whole, with an emphasis on how academic findings may be put into practice to address pressing societal issues.

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The committee emphasised that the masterplan is to facilitate the campus’s evolution into University of Ilesa and further the institution’s growth and development over the next fifteen years, considered as comprehensive, and dynamic development plan.

The master plan is a living document that can serve as a solid foundation for preventing chaotic and disorderly construction. It also serves as a long-term roadmap for coordinating University Development’s land-use and activity decisions.

The latest findings on the take-off of the university is now being threatened following a recent worrisome letter ordered by Governor Ademola Adeleke, asking the university council and other organs to put on hold any action towards the implementation of the commencement of both academic and administrative activities.

The letter was addressed to the Chairman/Pro Chancellor of the University, which emanated from the office of the Secretary to the Osun State Government, dated January 25, 2023 and signed by Hon. Teslim Igbalaye.

“I present to you the very warm compliment of the Government and people of Osun State. As you are kindly aware, the Executive Governor of Osun State, His Excellency, Senator Ademola Jackson Nurudeen Adeleke had already inaugurated an Adhoc Committee on the University,” the letter reads

It added: “Consequently, all activities of the Council and other organs of the new university are to be put on hold pending further directives by the State Government. While the State Government appreciates the Governing Council of the University, please accept the assurance of my warmest regards and best wishes.”

Further investigation revealed that since the issuance of the controversial letter, the government has remained mute on positive development on the need for timely take off of the university.

The National Universities Commission, it is recalled, had issued a letter of recognition for the take-off of the University of Ilesa, following its upgrade from Osun State College of Education, Ilesa, a provisional licence presented by Executive Secretary of the Commission, Professor Abubakar Abdulrasheed, to the then Governor of Osun State Gboyega Oyetola, in Abuja

Oyetola in response noted that the new University of Ilesa would focus on Agriculture and Agri-business to address food insecurity, mining technology building on the abundant gold deposit in Ijesaland, and Medical Sciences to enhance the human resource need in the health sector.

“We are very deliberate in our approach as we seek to contribute to the diversification of our economy and wean it away from over-reliance on oil. In anticipation of the license issuance, we have identified credible candidates for the Governing Council and Principal Officers, ready to be appointed and hit the ground running,” he noted.

“I formerly conveyed the decision of the Government of Osun to upgrade the institution, acknowledged to be the oldest remaining College of Education, to a full-fledged University on 31 March 2022,” Oyetola was quoted saying.

“The establishment of the University of Ilesa is necessitated by the massive gap between qualified candidates and available space in existing higher institutions within the state, as education remains the primary industry in Osun. The yearning is considerably insatiable, and as responsible leaders, we cannot ignore these needs,” he added.

The ugly development has been identified as a stumbling block, with a negative effect on  the commencement of the university operations, while as at the time of this investigation it was uncovered that expectedly the admission of students and other relevant activities ought to have started, but all these are on standstill as time runs out

Meanwhile, all frantic efforts to get the Chairman/ Pro Vice-Chancellor or other committee members of the university for reactions proved abortive, but sources disclosed that they cannot and are not authorised to speak to the media as at the time of filing this report.

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Trackers, Profiling as FG Unveils Special Guards to Secure Coastal Highway

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10 minutes ago

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July 24, 2026

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Trackers, Profiling as FG Unveils Special Guards to Secure Coastal Highway

By Dada Jackson

The Federal Government has stepped up efforts to safeguard the multi-billion-naira Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway from vandalism by profiling all 40 newly inaugurated Coastal Road Guards, documenting their guarantors and installing tracking devices on their patrol motorcycles to ensure they are used strictly for official duties.

The Federal Controller of Works in Lagos State, Mr. Olufemi Dare, disclosed this on Thursday during the inauguration of the specially trained guards, saying the initiative was designed to provide round-the-clock surveillance and protect the strategic highway from criminal activities and infrastructure vandalism.

According to Dare, the decision followed repeated cases of vandalism along the highway, where newly installed manhole covers, directional signs and other road facilities were stolen or damaged shortly after installation, even after being replaced.

He said the persistent destruction of public infrastructure made it imperative for the Ministry of Works to establish a dedicated security outfit focused solely on protecting the highway and preserving the huge investment committed to the project.

Dare explained that the 40 guards underwent specialised training conducted by the Nigeria Police Force and were equipped with motorcycles, helmets, walkie-talkies, flashlights and other operational tools to enhance their efficiency on patrol.

He stressed that every member of the team had been properly profiled, with guarantors documented, while trackers had been fitted to their motorcycles to ensure accountability and prevent misuse of government property.

The controller urged the guards to discharge their responsibilities with discipline, professionalism and integrity, warning that any misconduct would attract appropriate sanctions.

He outlined their responsibilities to include preventing the use of motorcycles and tricycles on the highway, stopping indiscriminate parking of trailers and trucks, checking illegal U-turns, curbing vandalism of road facilities, preventing illegal grazing, street trading, unlawful occupation of the highway corridor and indiscriminate dumping of refuse.

“The guards are expected to monitor the highway day and night, arrest offenders where necessary and hand them over to the appropriate security agencies,” Dare said.

He also commended the supervisors, administrative officers and guards for their dedication throughout the training programme and urged them to justify the confidence reposed in them.

Speaking on behalf of the team, the Deputy Team Lead of the Coastal Road Guards, Mr. Kelvin Okereke, expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu and the Minister of Works, David Omahi, for creating the initiative, describing it as a valuable source of employment and empowerment for many Nigerians.

Okereke noted that beyond opening up economic opportunities through the construction of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, the project had also reinforced the need for Nigerians to protect critical national infrastructure.

He appealed to members of the public to regard the protection of government assets as a shared civic responsibility.

Also speaking, the Chief Security Officer of the Coastal Road Guards, Mr. Paul Mbam, said the initiative had not only provided him with gainful employment but also equipped him with valuable security training and operational skills that would enhance his effectiveness on the job.

The Administrative Officer of the Coastal Road Guards, Mr. Augustine Usumero, assured that the team would maintain proper operational records, ensure prudent management of government assets entrusted to it and work closely with relevant authorities to achieve the programme’s objectives.

He expressed confidence that the initiative would deliver the desired results, noting that the guards had already demonstrated a high level of commitment during their training and preliminary assessments.

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68 Lawyers Elevated to Senior Advocate of Nigeria Rank in 2026 Exercise (Full List)

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10 hours ago

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July 23, 2026

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68 Lawyers Elevated to Senior Advocate of Nigeria Rank in 2026 Exercise (Full List)

68 Lawyers Elevated to Senior Advocate of Nigeria Rank in 2026 Exercise (Full List)

The Legal Practitioners’ Privileges Committee approves 67 advocates and one academic for Nigeria’s highest professional honour following its 174th plenary session in Abuja.

The Legal Practitioners’ Privileges Committee (LPPC) has approved the conferment of the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) on 68 legal practitioners following the conclusion of its 2026 selection exercise. The approvals were granted at the LPPC’s 174th plenary session held on Thursday, July 23, 2026, in Abuja under the leadership of the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun. According to the list released by the committee, the successful candidates comprise 67 advocates and one academic, Prof. Nnamdi Onyeka Obiaraeri. The swearing-in ceremony for the new SANs is scheduled to take place on Monday, October 12, 2026.

In a statement signed by the Chief Registrar of the Supreme Court and Secretary of the LPPC, Kabir Akanbi, the committee described the SAN rank as the highest professional distinction available to legal practitioners in Nigeria. The honour is reserved for lawyers who have demonstrated exceptional excellence in courtroom advocacy or made outstanding contributions to legal scholarship. The LPPC said all successful applicants must participate in and successfully complete the mandatory Pre-Swearing-In Induction Programme. The committee said the programme will be organised in line with directives of the Body of Senior Advocates of Nigeria (BOSAN), adding that attendance and successful completion are mandatory conditions for the formal conferment of the rank. The date for the induction programme will be communicated in due course.

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The committee reminded the successful candidates that they are prohibited from publishing or encouraging the publication of congratulatory advertisements, goodwill messages or notices in connection with their nomination or conferment. The restriction is in line with Paragraph 25(1) of the Legal Practitioners’ Privileges Guidelines and Rule 39(3) of the Rules of Professional Conduct, 2023. The LPPC warned that any breach of the provisions could attract sanctions under the relevant professional and ethical rules. “Any breach of these provisions may attract sanctions for violations of statutory or ethical rules, as expressly stated,” the committee said.

The following legal practitioners were elevated to the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria:

  1. Ibrahim Gamdeh Adamu

  2. Jude Chukwuemeka Okafor

  3. Godwill Achibong Umoh

  4. Sunday Samuel Obende

  5. Adebayo Olugbenga Adaralegbe

  6. Jimson Ejovi Okodaso

  7. Olalekan Lawrence Bade-John

  8. Olaotan Thomas Olusegun

  9. Philemon Audu Daffi

  10. Adenrele David Adegborioye

  11. James Eromosele Agbonhese

  12. Alexander Nduka Muoka

  13. Onome Okodiya

  14. Emmanuel Akunke Akomaye

  15. Ikhide Ehighelua

  16. Mas’ud Mobolaji Alabelewe

  17. Ogunmuyiwa Olayinka Balogun

  18. Anthony Auditz Iroagalachi

  19. Mohammed Tajudeen Mohammed

  20. Odion Peter Odia

  21. Gbemiga Adaramola

  22. Moses Okoh Onyilokwu

  23. Charles Azubuike Obodozie

  24. Hakeem Obafemi Agaba

  25. Bimbo Felix Atilola

  26. Okechukwu Steve Emelieze

  27. Joshua Demilade Olaniyan

  28. Igonikon Abiola Adekunle

  29. Christian Nnadozie Nwokorie

  30. Sadiku Momoh Ilegieuno

  31. Sarafa Kolawole Idowu

  32. Olujoke Enitan Alwus

  33. Oliver Onyenucheya Amuzie

  34. Adebisi Emmanuel Adeniyi

  35. Faruk Abdullah

  36. Sagir Gezawa Suleiman

  37. Ifeanyi Godwin Ezeuko

  38. Adebayo Folorunsho Ologe

  39. Sabiu Gumba Adamu

  40. Eric Keme Egolukumor Omare

  41. Soibi Ideriah Ovia

  42. Somina Peter Johnbull

  43. Chinedum Ikenna Umeche

  44. Emmanuel Eghiegba Ekhasemomhe

  45. Mohammed El Hassan Sheriff

  46. Junaidu Bello Marshall

  47. Olawale Sunday Fapohunda

  48. Adebiyi Alaba Adetosoye

  49. Senior Sulyman Ibrahim

  50. Agba Eimunjeze

  51. Ayobamidele Oyekunle Akande

  52. Adetunji Taiwo Adedoyin Adeniyi

  53. Olamide Mojigbotoluwa Adekunle

  54. Umaru Yunusa

  55. Akorede Habeeb Lawal

  56. Darlington Nnabuike Ozurumba

  57. Nnaemeka Francis Patrick Egonu

  58. Kayode Orire Omosehin

  59. Mitchel Akinrinsola Aribisala

  60. Bolu Agbaje Akadri

  61. Oluwaseun Asimiyu Alao

  62. Olugbenga Olusanya Ajala

  63. Mustapha Olayinka Ajenifuja

  64. Afees Hassan Adebayo

  65. Mohammed Abiodun Adelodun

  66. Jonathan Akintola Makinde

  67. Olajide Salami

  68. Prof. Nnamdi Onyeka Obiaraeri (Academic)

68 Lawyers Elevated to Senior Advocate of Nigeria Rank in 2026 Exercise (Full List)

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BREAKING: 68 Passengers Escape Death as Enugu Air Crash-Lands at Benin Airport

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10 hours ago

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July 23, 2026

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68 Passengers Escape Death as Enugu Air Crash-Lands at Benin Airport

BREAKING: 68 Passengers Escape Death as Enugu Air Crash-Lands at Benin Airport

Aircraft overshoots runway and enters nearby bush; all passengers and crew evacuated without casualties as aviation authorities launch investigation.

No fewer than 68 passengers narrowly escaped death on Thursday, July 23, 2026, after an Enugu Air aircraft crash-landed at the Benin Airport in Edo State. The aircraft, with registration number 5N-ENR, was operating on the Enugu–Benin–Lagos commercial route when the incident occurred around midday on Thursday. According to a source at the Benin Airport who spoke on condition of anonymity, the aircraft overshot the runway after landing and veered into a nearby bush. Visuals from the scene circulating on social media showed the aircraft resting on a grassy area beside the runway, with its tail and one wing visibly detached from the fuselage. Passengers and airport personnel were seen walking around the wreckage, with no visible signs of casualties in the footage reviewed.

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Officials of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) responded promptly to the incident and safely evacuated all passengers from the aircraft. No casualties were recorded. The exact number of crew members on board at the time of the incident could not be immediately confirmed.

Enugu Air is a commercial airline owned by the Enugu State Government and was launched in July 2025. It is the second state-owned commercial airline in Nigeria after Ibom Air, which is wholly owned by the Akwa Ibom State Government. This latest incident comes after a previous mishap in November 2025, when an Enugu Air aircraft suffered a nose-landing gear failure while arriving at the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu. In that incident, all passengers and crew were also safely evacuated without injuries.

Aviation authorities, including FAAN and the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB), have yet to issue official statements on the cause of the incident. Investigations are expected to commence to determine what caused the aircraft to veer off the runway.

BREAKING: 68 Passengers Escape Death as Enugu Air Crash-Lands at Benin Airport

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