The Minister of Education, Dr Maruf Alausa, on Wednesday, announced the release of N50 billion by the Federal Government to the academic and non-academic staff unions of federal universities for the settlement of earned allowances, as promised by President Bola Tinubu.

This development was disclosed in a statement titled “FG Releases N50bn Earned Allowances to Varsity Unions, Tinubu Reaffirms Education Priority”, issued by Folasade Boriowo, Director of Press at the Federal Ministry of Education.

Boriowo stated that the move “stands as yet another testament to Tinubu’s unwavering commitment to fundamentally transform Nigeria’s education sector. It reflects the administration’s bold resolve to transition
the nation from a resource-based to a knowledge-based economy through strategic investments in education, infrastructure, and human capital.”

According to the Minister, “This intervention is not just a financial transaction—it is a reaffirmation of our President’s belief in the capacity of Nigerian youth and the invaluable role that academic and non-academic staff play in nurturing them.

“By prioritising their welfare, we are laying the foundation for a future where every Nigerian child receives highly qualitative and globally competitive education.”

The Minister expressed President Tinubu’s heartfelt appreciation to both academic and non-academic unions for their sustained trust in his administration and for fostering an atmosphere of peace and cooperation across Nigeria’s federal institutions.

“Notably, the country is currently experiencing one of the longest uninterrupted academic sessions in recent history—a feat attributed to the mutual understanding and shared commitment between the government and the university community,” the statement added.

The President reiterated: “The youth are the heartbeat of our country. Their future is extremely important to me and my administration. Keeping our children in school is not negotiable. It is my commitment that strikes
in our institutions will soon become a thing of the past.”

Recall that university-based academic unions have been at loggerheads with past governments over the failure to release earned allowances, among other demands.

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Ayobami Adedeji Politics 2025-04-23

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar led a delegation of prominent politicians on a courtesy visit to former President Muhammadu Buhari at his residence in Kaduna on Friday.

However, Atiku clarified that the visit was primarily for Sallah celebrations and not for any discussions on the planned coalition of political parties aimed at forming a stronger opposition.

The visit was seen as significant, particularly in the context of the 2027 general elections.

The delegation included former governors of Kaduna and Sokoto states, Nasir El-Rufai and Aminu Tambuwal, among other notable politicians.

Atiku explained that he had been unable to pay visits during the Sallah celebrations due to his commitments in Adamawa State, where he stood in for the Lamido Fombina (Adamawa), HRH Dr. Muhammadu Musdafa.

Speaking with journalists, Atiku described the visit as a courtesy call to greet former President Buhari during the Sallah festivities.

“We came here on a courtesy and Sallah greetings visit to President Muhammadu Buhari,” he said.

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Ayobami Adedeji Politics 2025-04-12

Mark Carney has been sworn in as the new prime minister of Canada, ending Justin Trudeau’s nearly 10-year tenure in the role.

The 59-year-old ex-central banker took the oath of office on Friday, naming a streamlined cabinet and pledging to uphold Canada’s interests in the face of tariff threats from United States President Donald Trump.

Governor General Mary Simon — the personal representative of King Charles, who is Canada’s head of state — presided over the ceremony at Rideau Hall in the capital, Ottawa.

“We’re building a government that meets the moment. Canadians expect action — and that’s what this team will deliver,” Carney said in a social media post.

“A smaller, experienced cabinet that moves faster, secures our economy, and protects Canada’s future.”

A new cabinet

While Trudeau’s cabinet comprised more than 30 members, Carney cut the number of seats to 24, with jobs like deputy prime minister going by the wayside.

The incoming cabinet, which was sworn in on Friday as well, included some Trudeau holdovers — as well as some newcomers. But some returning cabinet members found themselves reshuffled into new roles. aljazeera.com

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Ayobami Adedeji Politics 2025-03-14

Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, the immediate past governor, Ifeanyi Okowa, and all members of the Peoples Democratic Party in Delta State have defected to the All Progressives Congress.

The announcement was made on Wednesday in Asaba, the Delta State capital, by Senator James Manager, shortly after a meeting that lasted over six hours at Government House, Asaba.

Manager stated, “All PDP members in the state, including the governor, former Governor Okowa, the Speaker, the state party chairman, all the local government chairmen and others, have agreed to move to the APC.

“We cannot continue to be in a sinking boat,” he said.

The Delta State Commissioner for Information, Mr Aniagwu Charles, officially confirmed the governor’s defection and the collective decision of Delta PDP leaders and stakeholders to join the APC.

“There is a need for us to adjust our drinking patterns. And in adjusting that drinking pattern, we needed to make a decision that would further help to cement the development in our state, to build the court of law that has existed in our state, to further advance the cause of security and the welfare of our people, and, to a large extent, ensure that development in Delta is not truncated,” Aniagwu stated.

He continued, “In taking that decision, we concluded that leaving the PDP was very necessary for us to be able to collaborate and build a state that every Deltan will be proud of. We believe that what is happening, and the state of the PDP, is akin to that palm wine whose taste has changed — and there was a need for us to change the drinking party.”

Charles added that the decision was unanimously made by party leaders and stakeholders, hinting at a formal public declaration soon.

“By the grace of God, on Monday next week, we will be able to make a very big statement confirming that we are moving into the APC,” he said.

The move marks a significant turning point in Delta State politics, signalling a broader political recalibration that could reshape party dominance in the South-South region.

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Ayobami Adedeji Politics 2025-04-23

The ancient city of Ibadan,has once again been thrown into mourning,one of its prominent sons,Alhaji Yekini Adeojo, is dead.

The  former  Deputy National Chairman (South) and governorship candidate of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP in Oyo State,reporttedly  died in Ibadan on Friday after a brief illness.

Reacting to the passage of the Ibadan born politician, Oyo State governor, Seyi Makinde described it as the end of a glorious political era.

Makinde stated this in a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Dr Sulaimon Olanrewaju, on Friday in Ibadan.

The governor, who described the late elder statesman as one of the last men standing, expressed his condolences to his family and PDP.

While commiserating with the PDP family in the state, Makinde prayed God to grant the family of the deceased the fortitude to bear the loss.

“Baba will be greatly missed by the PDP family where he has been our leader and icon for over two decades.

“His death will also leave a vacuum in our great state and Nigeria because Baba gave his best to serving our state and the nation. 

Adeojo contested the 1999 Oyo State governorship election under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) but lost to the late Alhaji Lamidi Adesina of the Alliance for Democracy (AD).

One of his sons, Sherif Adeojo, currently serves as the chairman of Ido Local Government.

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Ayobami Adedeji Politics 2025-04-04

The Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions has recommended a six-month suspension for Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central.

This decision follows her allegations of sexual harassment against Senate President Godswill Akpabio.

During an ongoing plenary session on Thursday, the committee advises that her salary and security details be withdrawn.

The Committee’s chairman, Senator Neda Imasuen, who presented the panel’s report at plenary, said Natasha was guilty of all allegations against her as she failed to submit herself to the legislative Committee for the review of her conduct.

Additionally, Akpoti-Uduaghan is expected to issue a formal apology to the Senate for actions deemed disrespectful.

The controversy ignited earlier this year when Akpoti-Uduaghan accused Akpabio of sexual harassment and abuse of office.

She claimed that her motions, particularly concerning the Ajaokuta Steel Company, were deliberately obstructed.

In response, Akpabio has consistently denied all allegations, emphasizing his respect for women and refuting claims of any misconduct.

He expressed disappointment over the committee’s recommendation, labelling the accusations as unfounded.

The Senate is scheduled to debate the committee’s report, with discussions focusing on potential amendments before a final decision is reached.

Akpoti-Uduaghan’s absence during the committee’s probe has raised further concerns, as she failed to appear despite prior notifications.

As the situation unfolds, all eyes are on the Senate’s forthcoming deliberations, which will determine the final outcome of the committee’s recommendations.

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Ayobami Adedeji Politics 2025-03-06

President Bola Tinubu has returned to Abuja after a working visit and retreat in France and London lasting 18 days.

The presidential 001 aircraft conveying the President landed at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja at 9:50 p.m on Monday, the State House media office disclosed.

Tinubu was received by his Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila; the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike; the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu and the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, among others.

Tinubu departed Nigeria on Wednesday, April 2, spending some time in Paris, the French capital, before he reportedly proceeded to London two weekends ago.

The Presidency said while away, Tinubu maintained contact with key government officials, overseeing critical national matters, including directives to security chiefs to address emerging threats in some states.

In Paris, the President held talks with the United States Department of State’s Senior Advisor for Africa, Mr. Massad Boulos.

Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, revealed that the discussions included deepening bilateral collaboration aimed at enhancing regional security and promoting sustainable economic development across Africa.

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Ayobami Adedeji Politics 2025-04-21

The sole administrator of Rivers State, Ibok-Ete Ibas, has suspended all political office holders in the south-southern state.

Mr Ibas, a retired vice admiral and former chief of naval staff, announced this in a statement issued by his chief of staff on Wednesday evening.

The statement said the suspension takes immediate effect.

The suspension affected all the political appointees of the now suspended Governor of the state, Siminalayi Fubara.

The affected appointees included the secretary to the state government, chief of staff, commissioners, chairpersons and members of all boards, councils of agencies, commissions, institutions, and parastatals; and special advisers, special assistants and senior special assistants.

The suspended officials were asked to hand over to the permanent secretary or the most senior director where there is no permanent secretary.

“This is pursuant to the powers conferred on the administrator of Rivers state, His Excellency, Vice-Admiral (RTD) Ibok Ete Ekwe Ibas CFR, by the President, His Excellency, Ashiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu (GCFR),” the statement reads.

Background
PREMIUM TIMES earlier reported that Mr Tinubu, on 18 March, declared a state of emergency in Rivers State.

The president also suspended Governor Fubara, Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu, and all the House of Assembly members for an initial six months.

The president consequently appointed Mr Ibas as the sole administrator of the state.

He cited the recent “disturbing” incidents in the state, including explosions and vandalisation of petroleum pipelines linked to the political crises in the state, as the basis for his action.

The disturbing incidents also included the political crises in the South-southern state triggered by a rift between Mr Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, who is the minister of the FCT.

Nigeria’s House of Representatives, on Thursday, approved the declaration of a state of emergency in the south-southern state.

The Senate would later follow suit, approving the emergency rule with minor changes.

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Ayobami Adedeji Politics 2025-03-26

An Osun State High Court in Osogbo has directed the Osun State Independent Electoral Commission (OSIEC) and security agencies to proceed with the local government elections scheduled for Saturday.

The ruling was delivered on Friday by Justice A. Aderigbigbe in response to an enrollment order brought before the court by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) against OSIEC and its Chairman, Hashim Abioye.

The court reaffirmed that there are vacancies in all 30 local government areas of the state, as previously determined by a Federal High Court ruling.

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Ayobami Adedeji Politics 2025-02-21

Amidst speculations about the health of President Bola Tinubu,and concerns about the spate of insecurity,in Nigeria,the Presidency has said the President,continues to direct the affairs of state from Europe, despite being outside the country for nearly two weeks.

It also said the President will return on Monday, April 21, after the Easter holidays.

In a statement signed Thursday, Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, explained that the President, who travelled from Paris to London at the weekend, “remains fully engaged in Nigeria’s governance” and is in “constant communication with key government officials.”

Onanuga added that the President had given “directives to security chiefs to address emerging threats in some parts of the country.”

The statement was titled ‘Statement On President Tinubu’s Return To Nigeria.’

Tinubu’s absence, the Presidency noted, “is temporary and in line with the communicated time frame of approximately two weeks.”

He is expected back in Abuja after the Easter holidays, which end on Monday, 21 April.

“The President’s commitment to his duties remains unwavering, and his administration continues to function effectively under his leadership,” Onanuga said, urging the public to remain calm and assuring citizens that “governance proceeds without interruption.”

“The President left Paris for London at the weekend and has maintained constant communication with key government officials, overseeing critical national matters, including directives to security chiefs to address emerging threats in some parts of the country.

“His return to Abuja and the resumption of duties at Aso Villa will follow the conclusion of the Easter holiday.

“We appreciate the public’s concern and assure all Nigerians that governance proceeds without interruption,” the statement read.

Although the Presidency did not specify the purpose of Tinubu’s stay in Paris and London, it follows a pattern of working visits the President has undertaken since assuming office nearly two years ago.

Thursday’s statement was ostensibly in response to criticisms by the opposition, who questioned Tinubu’s stay abroad while the country was bleeding from killings, particularly in Plateau and Benue states.

The concerns were raised by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, who questioned Tinubu’s absence while the country grapples with heightening insecurity.

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Ayobami Adedeji Politics 2025-04-18

The Senate has given its total backing to the emergency rule declared in Rivers State by President Bola Tinubu.

On Thursday, senators unanimously invoked Section 305 (2) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) to pass the emergency rule at a session presided over by the President of the Senate, Sen. Godswill Akpabio.

The Senate acted on the proclamation after meeting for over two hours behind closed doors. 

Announcing the decisions taken at the closed session, Akpabio said the Senate approved the emergency rule, reviewable for a period not later than six months.

A Joint Committee of the Senate and the House of Representatives was set up to oversee the administration of Rivers State for the period of the emergency rule.

The Senate also recommended setting up a body of “eminent Nigerians” to intervene in the political crisis in Rivers State with a view to settling the warring factions within the period of the emergency rule.

Akpabio, after announcing the decisions, asked senators to confirm whether they represented the views of the Senate, and he received a thunderous “ayes” response.

The Senate President went ahead to put the resolution to vote and all senators endorsed it without a dissenting voice.

However, before senators went to the closed-door session, a mild drama ensued between Akpabio and the former governor of Bayelsa State, Sen. Seriake Dickson.

Dickson, who represents Bayelsa-West Senatorial District, interjected by shouting, “Point of order,” as soon as Akpabio read the proclamation letter from President Tinubu to senators.

Akpabio made to ignore him, but Dickson shouted again, “Point of order, Mr President!”

Akpabio then told Dickson how he watched him on television boasting that whatever decision the Senate took he would not support it.

“Let us not argue. We are all Distinguished senators. If we argue it won’t be good for any of us.

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Ayobami Adedeji Politics 2025-03-21

Elder Statesman and Afenifere Chieftain Pa Ayo Adebanjo is dead.  He died on Friday morning at his Lekki residence in Lagos.He was 96. 

A statement by the family said he died peacefully. 

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Ayobami Adedeji Politics 2025-02-14