Education
Abducted Katsina students: Buhari’s aide says significant number rescued
Personal Assistant to President Muhammadu Buhari on New Media, Bashir Ahmad, has said a good number of the abducted students of Government Science School, Kankara, in Katsina State, have been rescued.
He gave this indication on Twitter Sunday night but failed to release the specific figure of the freed students.
“A significant number of the students have been rescued. Praying for the immediate safe return of the rest,” @BashirAhmaad wrote.
The President’s aide also said, “I am sure the Katsina State Government will issue a statement in that regard.”
Governor Aminu Masari of Katsina had told a Federal Government delegation on a visit on Sunday that the whereabouts of 333 schoolboys could not be determined.
“The school has a population of 839 and so far, we are yet to account for 333 students. We are still counting because more are still coming out of the forest,” the governor said.
“Up till this moment, no one can give a precise figure of the children abducted,” he stated, adding that students who escaped confirmed some of their peers were taken.
Bandits had invaded the school on Friday night and abducted the students after a gun duel with the police.
Global rights group, Amnesty International, has also condemned the abduction of the schoolboys while calling on the Buhari regime to ensure their speedy release.
Education
JAMB delists four centres, arrests 27 impersonators in ongoing UTME
JAMB delists four centres, arrests 27 impersonators in ongoing UTME
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has delisted four Computer-Based Testing (CBT) Centres and arrested 27 impersonators during the ongoing Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).
This is contained in a statement issued to newsmen in Abuja yesterday by the Board’s Spokesperson, Dr Fabian Benjamin.
He explained that the CBT centres were delisted for failing to meet the stringent technical standards required for the ongoing UTME.
Benjamin said the delisted centres include Adventure Associate, located behind Sheshe Supermarket off Hadejia Road, Kano, Kano State, and Saadatu Rimi College of Education, Zaria Road, Naibawa, Kano, Kano State.
Also delisted are Penta M & F Technical Services Ltd., Centre 2, 96km Sokoto-Jega Road, Tambuwal, and Penta M & F Technical Services Ltd., Centre 1, 96km Sokoto-Jega Road, Tambuwal.
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“While JAMB commends the 883 centres that have demonstrated exceptional performance, it unequivocally warns that any centre failing to meet ethical or technical standards, regardless of ownership, will be blacklisted,” he stated.
Benjamin urged candidates who were previously scheduled to take their exams at the delisted centres to urgently reprint their examination notification slips to access their new centres and rescheduled dates.
“We regret any inconvenience this may cause, but we will not tolerate excuses from candidates who fail to reprint their slips.
“As of Friday, April 25, 2025, more than 900,000 candidates had successfully completed the UTME, out of the 2,083,600 registered for the 2025 examination,” he added.
In a related development, Benjamin reported the arrest of 27 impersonators who were handed over to the Nigeria Police for immediate prosecution.
JAMB delists four centres, arrests 27 impersonators in ongoing UTME
Education
NELFUND gets 500,000 applications for student loans in 11 months
NELFUND gets 500,000 applications for student loans in 11 months
Over 500, 000 students applied for loans in 11 months, the Nigeria Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) has said.
The agency said that the figure indicates the critical need for accessible student financing in Nigeria.
The Director of Strategic Communications of the Agency, Mrs Oseyemi Oluwatuyi in a statement yesterday stated that the number of applicants highlights the widespread trust in NELFUND to democratise access to tertiary education.
The statement reads: “The Nigeria Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) has reached a remarkable milestone in its first year of operation: over 500,000 Nigerian students have now applied for student loans through the NELFUND portal.
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“This milestone, achieved within just 11 months of operations, underscores the critical need for accessible student financing in Nigeria and highlights the widespread trust in NELFUND’s mission to democratize access to tertiary education.”
The agency also revealed that since the launch of the portal, students across the country have actively engaged with the application process for both institutional and upkeep loans, which demonstrate the relevance and urgency of the Fund’s efforts.
NELFUND, while stating its commitment to ensure transparency, accessibility, and efficiency as the process continues, called on all stakeholders to join in supporting the vision of equitable education for all.
NELFUND gets 500,000 applications for student loans in 11 months
Education
JAMB officials seize candidates’ hijab at Caleb varsity, Muslim students kick
JAMB officials seize candidates’ hijab at Caleb varsity, Muslim students kick
Muslim students have vowed to take legal action against any harassment, threats, or unjust treatment directed at female candidates wearing hijabs at centres for the ongoing Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).
This comes in the wake of reports of hijab harassment and hijab seizures that have sparked widespread concern among Muslim students and religious organizations, following incidents that took place on Thursday.
Under the umbrella of the Muslim Students’ Society of Nigeria, Lagos State Area Unit (MSSNLagos), the students issued a statement on Friday, signed by their Amir (President), Kamoldeen Abiona, expressing deep dissatisfaction with reports of harassment at several UTME centres across Lagos, particularly Caleb University in Ikorodu, a Christian-owned institution, where hijabs were forcibly removed from candidates.
Abiona criticized the ongoing incidents, emphasizing that despite established guidelines allowing the wearing of hijabs, female Muslim candidates continue to face harassment and coercion at examination centres.
“It is distressing to report that incidents of discrimination against female candidates wearing hijabs during the UTME persist,” said Abiona.
“Despite clear guidelines that allow hijabs, some female candidates are still subjected to undue harassment. These ongoing actions are a blatant violation of their rights and religious freedoms.”
He highlighted a particularly troubling incident that occurred on Thursday, April 24, at Caleb University in Ikorodu, where female Muslim candidates were forced to remove their hijabs to continue with their exams.
“This flagrant violation not only disrespects their religious beliefs but also goes against legal protections for religious freedom and equality.”
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Abiona called on the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) to take immediate action against the erring UTME centres, urging the board to demonstrate that it does not support the harassment of hijab-wearing candidates.
He demanded justice for the affected candidates, insisting they be given the chance to retake their exams without religious interference. “JAMB must act swiftly,” Abiona stated.
“We call for a thorough investigation into these allegations and for appropriate sanctions to be imposed on any institution found guilty. The safety and dignity of all candidates must be safeguarded at all examination centres in Nigeria.”
“Moreover, we demand justice for the affected candidates, ensuring they have the opportunity to retake their exams without any obstacles, ensuring fairness and equity in the educational system,” he added.
The Muslim Students’ Society of Nigeria (MSSN), Lagos State Area Unit, reiterated its unwavering commitment to opposing discrimination and upholding the rights and dignity of students. The group called for an atmosphere of peaceful coexistence and respect for diversity within educational environments.
The students also issued a stern warning that any institution found in violation would face legal action.
“We will not hesitate to pursue legal proceedings against JAMB or any centre found harassing female Muslim candidates for wearing the hijab. This must end immediately, as wearing the hijab is both a legal right and a religious obligation.”
JAMB officials seize candidates’ hijab at Caleb Varsity, Muslim students kick
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