Adeleke Approves New Salary Package for UNILESA Lecturers

OSOGBO, OSUN STATE – Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke has approved the immediate implementation of a reviewed remuneration package for academic staff of the University of Ilesa (UNILESA) . The new pay structure mirrors the package earlier approved for Osun State University, Osogbo (UNIOSUN) , representing a significant step in standardising compensation across state-owned universities in Osun and bringing UNILESA academics to par with their counterparts at the more established institution.

The approval was conveyed to the UNILESA Vice-Chancellor in a letter dated May 29, 2026, with reference number NEBS/UNILESA/VOL.2/033, signed by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Education, Mr M.A.K. Jimoh . The letter formally communicated the governor’s directive for immediate implementation of the reviewed pay structure. According to the state government, the review is aimed at improving staff welfare and motivation, reducing brain drain, and positioning the university to attract top-tier, world-class academics . The government’s proactive approach to staff welfare is seen as a strategic move to retain experienced lecturers and recruit new talent in an increasingly competitive academic environment.

Reacting to the development in a statement issued by the Senior Assistant Registrar of the Corporate Services and Information Unit, Babatunde Fanawopo, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Taiwo Olufemi Asaolu, a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (FCA), commended the governor for his continued commitment to education and staff welfare . Professor Asaolu assured that the gesture would further enhance dedication to teaching, research and community service as the university pursues its vision of becoming a centre of academic excellence . He noted that improved remuneration directly correlates with staff productivity and institutional output, particularly in research publications and student mentorship.

READ ALSO:

• Security Operatives Recover Ransom Bag from Seriki Fulani’s Residence in Ogun
• Wike-Backed PDP Tells Jonathan to Reject 2027 Convention Amid Party Crisis
• ‘Fix Oyo First’ – Presidency Tackles Makinde Over Attack on Tinubu

This latest salary approval follows a series of significant interventions by the Adeleke administration at the University of Ilesa, which was established in April 2023 following the upgrade of the former Osun State College of Education, Ilesa . In April 2026, the Osun State Government approved the payment of over N3 billion in outstanding allowances and related entitlements owed to staff . Professor Asaolu disclosed during the institution’s third anniversary celebration in Ilesa that the government also approved the conversion of no fewer than 300 temporary staff to permanent appointments . According to the Vice-Chancellor, the intervention helped address earlier labour-related concerns within the institution, particularly those inherited from the former college . Retired staff and next-of-kin of deceased workers also benefited from the payments, bringing closure to long-standing financial obligations.

Professor Asaolu noted that the university had recorded remarkable transformation across its academic, infrastructural, and administrative sectors within three years of its establishment . He described the condition inherited at inception as challenging, marked by dilapidated infrastructure, obsolete facilities, and demoralised staff, with a student population of fewer than 1,000 . “The situation posed serious challenges to our take-off, but today, we have a good story to tell,” the Vice-Chancellor stated during a press briefing . Student enrolment has since grown from fewer than 1,000 at inception to over 15,000 across degree, JUPEB, and pre-degree programmes , which Professor Asaolu described as a reflection of public confidence in the university’s academic offerings.

The university currently runs 97 academic programmes, all approved by the National Universities Commission (NUC) , covering disciplines such as Law, Nursing Science, Medical Laboratory Science, Physiotherapy, Optometry, Chinese Studies, and Special Education . Forty of these programmes have already secured full accreditation status, which the Vice-Chancellor described as remarkable for a relatively young institution . The university has also received approval to commence the Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) programme, pending final clearance from the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN) . “This positions us strategically in medical education and healthcare delivery,” Professor Asaolu said .

As part of its expansion efforts, the university has established a Faculty of Technology with programmes in Civil, Computer, Electrical, and Mechatronics Engineering . The institution also reclaimed 15 acres of land previously occupied by housing units built by the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development and acquired 24 units on the site to serve as the faculty’s base . The Vice-Chancellor also announced the establishment of the University of Ilesa Teaching Hospital following the upgrade of the State General Hospital, Ilesa, which is being upgraded to support clinical training and improve healthcare delivery in Ijesaland and surrounding areas .

In a bid to address manpower gaps, the university has introduced tuition-free education for students in the Faculties of Education and Agriculture . Additionally, children and wards of staff enjoy a 50 per cent tuition discount as part of the institution’s commitment to staff welfare . The institution has also strengthened entrepreneurship training, equipping students with practical skills in areas such as fashion design, solar installation, agribusiness, and digital content creation . “These initiatives ensure our graduates are job creators, not just job seekers,” Professor Asaolu said . The state government also reconstructed the university’s road network, improving accessibility and campus aesthetics .

Despite progress made, the Vice-Chancellor identified key challenges, including inadequate hostel accommodation, unstable power supply, and the need for more lecture halls and laboratories, while assuring that the university was addressing these issues as part of its long-term development plan . Professor Asaolu reaffirmed the university’s commitment to academic excellence, infrastructure development, staff welfare, and community engagement, expressing appreciation to the Governing Council, staff, students, donors, and the Ijesa community for their support . “As we consolidate these gains, we remain committed to building a world-class institution that will stand the test of time,” he said .

Adeleke Approves New Salary Package for UNILESA Lecturers

How to Check WAEC GCE Result Using Your Phone Fast (Step-by-Step Guide)

Thousands of candidates who sat for the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) for Private Candidates, commonly called WAEC GCE, are expected to access their results online immediately after release—many now using smartphones for faster and easier access.

The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has made it possible for candidates in Nigeria and other participating countries to check their results directly via mobile phones using either the official result portal or SMS service, without visiting cybercafés or WAEC offices.

Requirements Before Checking Your WAEC GCE Result

Before starting, ensure you have the following ready:

• Your WAEC GCE Examination Number
• Correct Examination Year (First or Second Series)
• A valid WAEC Result Checker PIN (e-PIN)
• Serial Number on your scratch card or e-PIN slip
• Stable internet connection (for online method) or airtime (for SMS method)

These details are essential because incorrect entries often lead to error messages or failed result retrieval.

How to Check WAEC GCE Result Online Using Your Phone

The fastest and most reliable method is through the official WAEC portal.

Step 1: Visit WAEC Result Portal

Open your mobile browser (Chrome, Opera Mini, Safari) and go to:
https://www.waecdirect.org

Step 2: Enter Examination Number

Input your correct WAEC GCE examination number as used during registration.

Step 3: Select Exam Year and Type

Choose:

• Examination Year (e.g. 2026)
• Examination Type: WAEC GCE (Private Candidate – First or Second Series)

Step 4: Enter PIN and Serial Number

Input your Result Checker PIN and Serial Number carefully.

Step 5: Submit and View Result

Click Submit to display your WAEC GCE result instantly.

Step 6: Save Your Result

Take a screenshot or download the result slip for future use.

📌 During peak hours, the portal may be slow due to heavy traffic. If this happens, wait and try again later.

READ ALSO:

• Xenophobia: 105 Nigerians Killed in South Africa in 7 Years
• Mother of 6-Month-Old on the Run After Stabbing Baby Daddy at Work Over Money
• Airlines Tighten Power Bank Rules Worldwide After Surge in Flight Fire Incidents

How to Check WAEC GCE Result via SMS (No Internet Required)

Candidates without internet access can use SMS:

Step 1: Open Messaging App

Go to your phone’s SMS application.

Step 2: Type Correct Format

Send in this format:

WAECExamNoPIN*ExamYear

Example:
WAEC4250101001123456789012*2026

Step 3: Send to WAEC Shortcode

Send to: 32327

Step 4: Receive Result

Your WAEC GCE result will be delivered via SMS shortly.

📌 SMS service typically costs about ₦30 per request depending on network.

Why You Should Save or Print Your Result

After checking your result:

• Save a screenshot or PDF copy
• Print a hard copy for admission or job applications
• Avoid repeated PIN purchases
• Use it for JAMB, university admissions, scholarships, or employment screening

Note that institutions may still request the official WAEC certificate later.

Important Safety Tips

• Use only the official WAEC portal: waecdirect.org
• Avoid fake websites claiming “free result checking”
• Never share your PIN or serial number publicly
• Only use accredited WAEC e-PIN vendors

Fraudulent platforms may steal personal data or charge illegal fees.

Key Facts About WAEC GCE Result Checking

• You can check results up to 5 times per e-PIN
• After exhausting attempts, you must buy another PIN
• Both smartphone and basic phones can access results
• Results are released simultaneously online across countries

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I check WAEC GCE result without a scratch card?

No. A valid e-PIN or scratch card is required.

Can I check WAEC GCE result on my phone without internet?

Yes, via the SMS method (32327).

How many times can I use one PIN?

Up to five (5) result checks per PIN.

How to Check WAEC GCE Result Using Your Phone Fast (Step-by-Step Guide)

Certificate Forgery: NYSC Rolls Out Mandatory NERD Compliance for All Prospective Corps Members

The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has intensified efforts to tackle certificate forgery and ensure that only qualified graduates are mobilised for national service, with the enforcement of the Federal Government’s directive requiring all Prospective Corps Members (PCMs) to present a compliance certificate from the Nigeria Education Repository and Databank (NERD) . The Director of Information and Public Relations of the NYSC, Caroline Embu, confirmed in an official statement that the directive is aimed at curbing certificate fraud and sanitising the mobilisation process, adding that prospective corps members without a compliance certificate from NERD will not be mobilised for national service .

The Director-General of the NYSC, Brigadier General Olakunle Nafiu, disclosed this during his keynote address at the 2026 Batch ‘B’ Pre-Mobilisation Workshop held in Abuja . The workshop, themed “Strengthening Institutional Accountability and Compliance in the NYSC Mobilization Process for Effective Service Delivery,” brought together key stakeholders in the education and mobilisation sectors, including representatives of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), National Universities Commission (NUC), National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), Federal Ministry of Education (FME), the Nigeria Education Repository and Databank, SIDMACH Technologies, as well as 266 Student Affairs Officers from various corps producing institutions nationwide .

According to the NYSC boss, the enforcement of the NERD compliance certificate will take effect starting from the 2026 Batch B orientation camp and is aimed at sanitising the mobilisation process and preventing fake graduates from participating in the national service scheme . He appealed to Corps Producing Institutions (CPIs) across the country to adequately sensitise their students and ensure full compliance with the directive. Nafiu stressed that the responsibility of ensuring credible mobilisation should not rest solely on the NYSC, urging regulatory agencies, security institutions, and relevant government ministries to strengthen collaboration through policy support, capacity building, and strict enforcement mechanisms .

“When we work in synergy, we ease the path for our prospective corps members, ensuring that their transition from student to national service is smooth, transparent, and credible,” Nafiu said. “Let us be bold in confronting the obstacles before us and creative in fashioning solutions that will stand the test of time. Let us build a more accountable, transparent, and efficient mobilisation process for the benefit of all”.

READ ALSO:

• ADC’s Atiku Victory a Testament to Internal Democracy – David Mark
• Several Fighters Killed As NAF Air Strikes Destroy Terrorist Hideouts in Sambisa
• Hajj 2026: Sanwo-Olu, Hamzat Join 1,600 Lagos Pilgrims in Arafah Prayer

The NERD platform is a comprehensive national digital infrastructure designed to secure, digitise and authenticate academic records across tertiary institutions in Nigeria, serving as a strategic national infrastructure aimed at protecting the integrity of Nigerian academic qualifications while positioning the education sector for the digital age . According to the Minister of Education, Dr Maruf Tunji Alausa, CON, graduates whose academic records are not captured in the NERD platform will not be eligible for the NYSC . Speaking during a national capacity-building programme for school representatives organised to support the implementation of NERD, Alausa said linking access to verified academic records will serve as a strong deterrent against certificate forgery and other forms of academic fraud .

The Minister revealed that within just four months of enforcement, the system had already preserved nearly 100,000 digital student submissions and onboarded more than 250 universities, polytechnics, monotechnics and colleges of education for real-time credential verification . He added that over 133,000 students and 6,800 lecturers are currently registered on the platform, supported by more than 655 institutional focal persons nationwide . Through collaboration with Nigerian technology entrepreneurs, the programme has also facilitated the establishment of more than 1,000 digital service centres across the country, generating over 3,000 jobs .

Key components of the NERD system include the National Credential Number, National Credential Revocation Service, National Student Clearing House, Federated Repository of Academic Theses and Abstracts, and the National Academic Publication and Indexing Database . The Chief Executive Officer of NERD, Tunji Ariyomo, emphasised the importance of preserving academic knowledge and research outputs, noting that nations that lead globally are those that effectively document and build upon their knowledge systems . He explained that the platform documents academic projects, theses, and dissertations along with supervisors, co-supervisors, and departmental heads, strengthening accountability and improving the quality of academic supervision .

Alausa further announced the establishment of the NERD Annual National Laureate Prize and Awards Programme, aimed at promoting academic excellence by recognising outstanding undergraduate, master’s and doctoral research works with prizes ranging from ₦5 million to ₦20 million, with the maiden edition scheduled for November this year . Beyond NYSC participation, Alausa said compliance with NERD would become mandatory for institutions seeking access to services from agencies such as TETFund, the National Universities Commission, the National Board for Technical Education, the National Commission for Colleges of Education and the Industrial Training Fund, making institutional participation a requirement for accessing services from these agencies . The minister added that the government had already acted against fraudulent qualifications obtained abroad, particularly from unaccredited institutions in neighbouring countries, noting that individuals found with such certificates had been removed from public service.

READ ALSO:

• Eid-ul-Adha: ‘Dark Days Are Over, Light Is Here,’ Tinubu Assures Nigerians
• Gov Yusuf Approves N20,000 Eid-ul-Adha Goodwill Package for Civil Servants
• Lagos-Ibadan Trains to Run Six Trips on Tuesday as FG Cuts Sallah Fares by Half

Meanwhile, the Federal Ministry of Education has revealed that 119 out of the 124 Federal Government-owned tertiary institutions have been integrated into the Federal Tertiary Institutions Governance Transparency Portal (FTIGTP) . The data, obtained through the Nigerian Education Data Infrastructure (NEDI) , showed that 32 million students across 221,229 schools in 21 states have so far been captured on the platform . A breakdown indicated that 57 out of 60 federal universities, 35 out of 36 polytechnics, and 27 out of 28 colleges of education have successfully uploaded and submitted their data to the transparency portal .

The FTIGTP, established to promote accountability and evidence-based decision-making in tertiary education governance, provides access to institutional data, including student enrolment, budgets, research grants, and intervention funding records . The portal, launched in 2025, was introduced as a unified platform for tracking and analysing key performance and funding metrics across federal tertiary institutions using data from the past three years, designed to promote transparency and provide interactive reports and visualisations to support evidence-based decision-making in the tertiary education system . The Federal Government had, in 2025, mandated all federal tertiary institutions to publish key institutional data on their websites as part of broader reforms in the education sector .

As part of reforms aimed at improving accountability and efficiency, the government in May 2025 fixed a minimum student enrolment benchmark of 2,000 for tertiary institutions . However, findings revealed that the benchmark was later reduced by 50 per cent following pressure from heads of institutions. Speaking at the 2025 Policy Meeting in Abuja, the Minister of State for Education, Prof. Suwaiba Ahmad, said tertiary institutions with student populations below 1,000 would no longer benefit from intervention funding from the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) . Executive Secretary of TETFund, Arc. Sonny Echono, confirmed that the policy was already being implemented using a “carrot-and-stick” approach to encourage compliance among institutions, explaining that allocations are now competitive, with interventions given to institutions that can demonstrate their ability to use funds effectively .

The NYSC has also announced a partnership with the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) to simplify biometric verification for prospective corps members nationwide. The partnership aims to enable seamless registration through technology-driven reforms designed to improve service delivery and reduce bottlenecks in the mobilisation process . Nafiu explained that the partnership is part of efforts to deepen digital reforms within the scheme, noting that registration, mobilisation, payments, and record-keeping processes have largely been digitized to enhance operational efficiency across Nigeria, with the goal of allowing corps members to register from home using NIMC biometrics .

Earlier in her remarks, the NYSC Director of Corps Mobilisation, Rachel Ideawor, described the pre-mobilisation workshop as an important platform for strengthening collaboration among the NYSC, Corps Producing Institutions, and other stakeholders . She noted that despite improvements in the mobilisation process, there was still a need to optimise service delivery across the mobilisation value chain. “I urge our Student Affairs Officers to approach their responsibilities with diligence and integrity, ensuring that the information provided accurately reflects the true profiles of Prospective Corps Members,” she said . The NYSC has emphasised that effective mobilisation requires collective responsibility from all stakeholders and is not solely the responsibility of the scheme, but depends on cooperation from all relevant agencies .

With the new enforcement taking effect from the 2026 Batch B orientation camp, all Prospective Corps Members are advised to ensure their academic records are properly uploaded and verified on the NERD platform before applying for mobilisation . Officials have clarified that the rule applies to all higher institutions, including universities, polytechnics and colleges of education, while graduates already serving in the NYSC before the policy’s enforcement are not affected. The government maintains that the move is part of broader reforms aimed at improving the credibility and transparency of Nigeria’s education system as part of the Nigerian Education Sector Renewed Initiative (NESRI) , a six-point agenda designed to transition the country from a resource-based to a knowledge-based economy .

Certificate Forgery: NYSC Rolls Out Mandatory NERD Compliance for All Prospective Corps Members